When the temperature drops across the UK, you don’t have to trade panoramic skyline views and outdoor catch-ups for crowded indoor pubs. From glowing glass igloos perched beside Tower Bridge and snowfall-covered alpine ski lodges to heated rooftop party pods and festive curling rinks, outdoor drinking gets a major upgrade come wintertime.
Whether you’re hunting for the ultimate spot for festive drinks, a cozy date-night haven wrapped in fleece blankets, or a heated street-food courtyard with seasonal cocktails, we’ve rounded up the 20 best outdoor winter bars and festive pop-ups across the UK to keep you warm all season long. Grab your coat, pick your favourite vibe, and let’s dive in.
1. Coppa Club Igloos, Tower Bridge (London)
The undisputed icon of winter outdoor dining in London. Coppa Club sets up fully enclosed, heated glass igloos right along the Thames, featuring plush fleece furnishings, festive lights, and unobstructed views of Tower Bridge and The Shard.
2. The Montague Ski Lodge, Bloomsbury (London)
Every winter, The Montague on the Gardens transforms its outdoor terrace into a full-scale Alpine ski lodge complete with falling snow machines, pine trees, reindeer props, and cozy blankets. Sip hot toddies, schnapps, and mulled wine under heavy heaters.
3. Madison Rooftop, St Paul’s (London)
Perched high above the city, Madison blends high-energy party vibes with dramatic close-up views of St Paul’s Cathedral. Their rooftop transforms each season with heated outdoor chalets, glowing festive lights, and winter cocktail menus.
4. Club Curling at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross (London)
Combine festive drinking with friendly competition. Coal Drops Yard hosts an interactive outdoor curling rink complete with a heated outdoor lounge bar serving spiced rum cocktails, street food, and warm seasonal bites.
5. Miracle at Henrietta, Covent Garden (London)
London’s premier kitsch Christmas cocktail pop-up. Taking over the terrace and mezzanine level of the Henrietta Hotel, expect wall-to-wall retro holiday decorations, twinkling fairy lights, and festive cocktails served in Santa boots and custom holiday glassware.
6. Circe’s Rooftop, Waterloo (London)
Taking over the iconic rooftop space above Waterloo, Circe’s transforms for the winter season with heated party pods, plush blankets, and festive cocktails. Book an igloo pod with your group to take in panoramic views of the skyline while enjoying winter street food and bottomless brunches.
7. Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch (London)
Queen of Hoxton is legendary for its seasonal rooftop revamps. Every winter, the multi-story venue transforms its outdoor space into a themed pop-up complete with fires, hot seasonal cocktails, wrapped seating, and covered areas for cold winter nights.
8. Sabine Rooftop Bar, St Paul’s (London)
Situated right near St Paul’s Cathedral, Sabine’s glass-retractable roof and heated outdoor terraces make it an all-weather destination. Expect lush winter botanical decor, comforting sharing plates, and exceptional winter-tailored cocktails against direct views of the dome.
9. London Bridge Rooftop, London Bridge (London)
Offering unobstructed views of The Shard and the city, London Bridge Rooftop stays open year-round thanks to clear windproof covers, intense outdoor heaters, and warm lighting. It’s the place for DJs, mulled wine, and festive winter vibes.
10. Coq d’Argent, Bank (London)
Known for its chic rooftop gardens in the heart of the City, Coq d’Argent routinely sets up alpine-themed winter chalets. With outdoor heaters, faux-fur blankets, and rich fondue or hot digestifs, it’s a refined outdoor winter escape.
11. The Ship, Wandsworth (London)
Located right on the banks of the Thames, The Ship is a South London favorite. Its massive outdoor pergola and riverfront terrace feature heavy-duty outdoor heaters, covered seating bays, and fire pits to keep pub-goers warm by the water.
12. The Prince, West Brompton (London)
The Prince turns its enormous pub garden into a fully covered, winter-proof garden oasis each cold season. Complete with festoon lighting, multiple street-food traders, and warm seasonal drinks, it feels like a cozy indoor-outdoor festival space.
13. Night Tales, Hackney (London)
East London’s largest outdoor venue comes into its own during winter. Night Tales covers its expansive courtyard with giant canopy roofs and fires, surrounding you with warm booth seating, street food stalls, and world-class DJ sets.
14. Flight Club, Victoria (London)
While famous for social darts indoors, Flight Club Victoria boasts a spacious, covered, and heated outdoor terrace space. Enjoy signature cocktail slushies, festive pizza paddles, and warm outdoor seating right near Victoria Station.
15. Radio Rooftop, Strand (London)
Perched atop ME London, Radio Rooftop is one of the city’s premier high-end rooftop destinations. Featuring protected glass structures and outdoor heaters, you can sip hot drinks and fine spirits with skyline views stretching from the Shard to the London Eye.
16. Vinegar Yard, London Bridge (London)
Located seconds from London Bridge Station, Vinegar Yard covers its sprawling outdoor garden for the cold months. With massive heated tents, street food pop-ups, warm spiced drinks, and views of The Shard, it remains a central hotspot all winter long.
17. Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury (London)
Famous for its dramatic seasonal floral installations, Dalloway Terrace is completely weather-proofed and heated every winter. It provides an elegant outdoor dining and drinking experience complete with hot water bottles, soft throws, and seasonal warm cocktails.
18. Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham (London)
(Seasonal Opening) A South London institution offering 360-degree views across London. While it shuts down for the peak cold period, it reopens every spring to kick off rooftop drinking early in the season.
19. Luna Springs, Digbeth (Birmingham)
Heading outside London, Digbeth’s Luna Springs is a massive outdoor arena that adapts brilliantly to the colder months. Featuring huge heated stretch marquees, ice rinks, festive bottomless brunches, live entertainment, and street food, it’s Birmingham’s premier winter outdoor party.
20. Freight Island, Manchester
One of the UK’s grandest outdoor-indoor venues, Manchester’s Freight Island features an expansive heated garden area, seasonal winter markets, food stalls, and covered bar zones that make outdoor drinking comfortable even in Northern winter weather.
