As the warm weather wanes, you might think your days at London’s best al fresco restaurants are over until spring. Not so. Swapping parasols for patio heaters, plenty of the capital’s top restaurants transform for the colder months, opening heated terraces and covered rooftops where you can eat and drink outdoors in winter, whatever the weather.
We’re happy to brave the elements for a bracing walk, but nobody wants to eat dinner while being battered by wind and rain. The best outdoor restaurants for winter go the extra mile to keep you warm from first drink to last bite. Outdoor heaters are standard now, but many winter terraces also lay on piles of blankets, sheepskin throws, fire pits and even hot water bottles. The real test? Whether you’re comfortable enough to settle in for a long, leisurely meal rather than rushing home to the central heating.
From rooftop bars with skyline views to a canalside pub in King’s Cross, these are the best heated terraces in London for dinner and drinks this winter. The list takes in petite spots with room for a handful of diners alongside outdoor spaces big enough for parties and full venue hire. If rain’s forecast, pick one of the fully covered terraces, which stay dry without losing the open-air feel. Whichever you choose, check how outdoor tables work when you book - some terraces take reservations, others are walk-in only - because London’s winter terraces fill up fast once the temperature drops.
At a glance: the best heated terraces in London this winter
- Cosiest heated terrace in London this winter: The Garden at Corinthia London, a beautiful alpine-themed winter garden with sheepskins, a crackling fire and Swiss cheese fondue
- Best heated rooftop bar in London: Los Mochis London City, a covered ninth-floor terrace with City skyline views
- Best walk-in heated terrace (no booking needed): The Lighterman, King’s Cross, with a sheltered canalside terrace
- Most romantic winter terrace: Florattica, Aldgate, an 11th-floor rooftop with heated igloos for six to ten
- Best dog-friendly heated terrace: The Broadcaster, White City, a covered rooftop with resident DJs
- Best winter terrace for groups: London Bridge Rooftop, with après-ski parties and bottomless brunch
- Best outdoor restaurant by the water: Barge East, Hackney Wick, with heated cabins and hot water bottles
Dalloway Terrace, Fitzrovia
![elegant festive terrace dressed with pinecones]()
What: Thanks to seasonally changing floral installations, a beautiful festive afternoon tea experience, brunch and other delicious things, Dalloway Terrace is a no-brainer when it comes to festive al fresco dining. Every year it’s a dreamy (and very tasteful) winter wonderland. This year, the team has partnered once again with Charles Heidsieck Champagne, which is available by the glass or bottle alongside limited edition Christmas-themed cocktails.
Where: The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Book now: Dalloway Terrace
Jurema Winter Garden at The Mandrake, Fitzrovia
![outdoor restaurant with fur throws and silver sticks]()
What: The stunning, fairy-lit winter garden at Jurema at The Mandrake is one of our favourite festive hangouts, with raw timber chalets strewn with furs and bundles of pine. Expect lots of winter warming cocktails and mulled wine, as well as slick Middle Eastern cooking from the team at YOPO Zaytoun. Bear in mind, there is a smart casual dress code - no ties, no trainers, and no hoodies after 6pm!
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Book now: Jurema at The Mandrake
The Garden at Corinthia London, Westminster
![winter garden at corinthia london]()
What: Corinthia London’s al fresco restaurant transforms each winter into The Alpine Club - named after the world’s first mountaineering club, whose members once gathered in the building back when it was the Metropole Hotel. Soft lights, the glow of a fire and plush sheepskin blankets keep the chill off, while the menu heads for the mountains with Swiss cheese fondue, bubbling tartiflette, Austrian beef goulash and a warm spiced chocolate fondant. Cigar fans can browse the walk-in humidor too.
Where: Corinthia London, Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
Book now: The Garden at Corinthia London
Florattica, Aldgate
![Cocktails on a rooftop terrace with blankets]()
What: Already a stunner, thanks to its striking floral canopy inside, Florattica boasts a heated rooftop terrace sheltered from the elements. After sunset, this high perch over the City of London makes a wonderful, romantic setting. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something extra special, there are ‘Winter Buds’ available for hire, seating six to ten in a heated igloo, with soft lighting, music, and table service at the ring of a bell.
Where: 15 Minories, EC3N 1AX
Book now: Florattica
London Bridge Rooftop, London Bridge
![Ski lodge styled bar with a party atmosphere]()
What: Found just yards from The Shard, London Bridge Rooftop really is an all-year destination. In the winter months, it gets a full festive makeover. This time, that facelift follows an Apres Ski theme, armed with mulled wine teapots, vintage Alpine memorabilia and festive food. On Fridays, expect ‘We Got This Friday!’ parties, while Saturdays offer Apres Brunch, with DJs and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks.
Where: Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, SE1 2SX
Book now: London Bridge Rooftop
Stanley's, Chelsea
![winter display arch and outdoor terrace with furs]()
What: Well known already for its secret garden vibe, Stanley’s winter transformation is a thing of wonder. Covered and heated all year round, with a stunning festive arch installation, cosy furs, and Christmas presents dotted around the space, this King’s Road spot is one of our favourites. To eat, expect the likes of grilled hake, butter beans and Porthilly sauce; wild mushroom risotto; and chocolate cremeux with cherries, salted almonds and olive oil.
Where: 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT
Book now: Stanley’s Chelsea
SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
![view of sushisamba festive terrace with winter cocktails]()
What: SUSHISAMBA has handed its Covent Garden terrace to Patrón for the season. The Winter Piazza Terrace looks over the piazza from a nest of fir trees strung with warm white fairy lights, with sheepskins on the seats and heaters galore. Drinks lean on tequila this year - the Tipsy Cocoa is served hot with Patrón XO Café, white chocolate and oat milk, while the Fireside Sip stirs Patrón Reposado with Palo Santo, Pedro Ximénez and cacao liqueur. A great pit stop whilst you're exploring central London over the festive period.
Where: Opera Terrace, The Piazza, WC2E 8RF
Book now: SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
Tattu London, Soho
![rooftop terrace at tattu]()
What: Tattu’s rooftop terrace is all cosy furs and festive foliage these days, with views that stretch out over the city. If you’re after something glamorous, Tattu is certainly the place to go - DJs spin lively deep house as wave after wave of elaborate Chinese cooking emerges from the kitchen.
Where: The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu London
Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair
![Bentleys terrace in mayfair at christmas time]()
What: With a heritage that spans over a hundred years, it’s safe to say Bentley’s is one of the capital’s finest dining institutions. Found on Swallow Street just off Regent Street, Bentley’s provides the ultimate respite from a long day pounding the pavements of central London. The terrace here is completely covered and heated, protecting guests from the elements, and the full unabbreviated menu is on offer so you can expect seafood galore as well as a far-reaching wine and Champagne list.
Where: 11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
Book now: Bentley's Oyster Bar & Grill
The Lighterman, King's Cross
![the lighterman winter terrace]()
What: Granary Square’s three-storey canalside pub makes winter drinking easy. The ground-floor terrace is heated and sheltered, with table service all day and no booking needed, while the first-floor dining room has its own wraparound terrace over the square and Regent’s Canal. The current menu brings plenty of cold-weather heft - eight-hour braised short rib with root veg dauphinoise, or Porthilly mussels in cider and tarragon with a garlic loaf - and the Yellowstone cocktail pairs bourbon with fig and walnut.
Where: 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
Book now: The Lighterman
Los Mochis London City, Liverpool Street
![los mochis rooftop]()
What: Los Mochis’ ninth floor rooftop has quickly become one of the City’s most in-demand outdoor spaces, and the covered, heated space is just as popular in the winter. A splash of colour brings life to festive events, and a huge mix of agave spirits and cocktails, as well as sake and wine, helps to keep you warm too. Don’t miss out on Los Mochis’ unique Japanese-Mexican fusion cooking whilst you’re here.
Where: 9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Book now: Los Mochis London City
Barge East, Hackney Wick
![comfy bench seating at a winter barge restaurant]()
What: When a simple terrace won’t do, why not up the ante with a floating bar and restaurant? Barge East is just that and comes complete with access to London’s largest al fresco terrace – an addition which has been made this year and sits snuggly alongside the boat, giving you waterside views. From here you’ll find heated winter cabins, a whole host of street food stalls, access to mini hot water bottles and faux fur blankets. Basically, if there’s a way to make you feel warm, these guys have thought about it.
Where: River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East
108 Brasserie & Bar, Marylebone
![Christmassy terrace in marylebone with cocktails]()
What: Dressed up in festive florals, reds, greens, and gold, the winter terrace at 108 Brasserie is a true seasonal showstopper. Large heaters will keep things cosy, and guests can expect a range of comforting dishes from cheddar and buttered leek toasties with soup to weekly changing pies and sticky toffee pudding. On the drinks front, look out for limited-edition festive creations such as The Nollaig Royale - a glorious Champagne cocktail of warming mandarin, gingerbread and Belvedere vodka.
Where: 108 Marylebone Lane, W1G 8DN
Book now: 108 Brasserie & Bar
The Broadcaster, White City
![Covered rooftop restaurant with giant baubles]()
What: The Broadcaster’s rooftop is heated and covered, so its two bars, lounging sofas and social tables work as well in November as they do in July. Resident DJs play on Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons into the evening, and dogs are welcome. The modern British menu suits the colder months: 12-hour beef cheeks with horseradish mash and Roscoff onions, or pan-roasted halibut with white bean cassoulet, mussels and chorizo. Rooftop tables can be reserved, but they're popular so book ahead.
Where: 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FX
Book now: The Broadcaster
The Fire Garden at Ham Yard, Soho
![festive terrace at ham yard hotel]()
What: Ham Yard goes all out for Christmas every year, bringing a load of delicious dishes and winter warming cocktails to a hidden terrace on the fourth floor of the hotel. Like the sound of Wildfarmed flatbreads, wood-fired skillets and savoury s’mores? Of course you do. If you just fancy a drink, there are lots of signature mixes going courtesy of winter terrace partner Sapling Spirits, with a menu that includes a Firepit Gimlet, a Clementine Collins, and a trio of winter Martinis.
Where: One Ham Yard, W1D 7DT
Book now: Ham Yard at Ham Yard Hotel
Isla at The Standard, King’s Cross
![Isla winter terrace with wood burner]()
What: Isla, the ground-floor wine bar at The Standard, opens onto a garden terrace built for winter, with a retractable, weatherproofed awning, heating, a fire pit and sheepskin furs on the seats. The organic and biodynamic wine list is worth perusing, and the seasonal Mediterranean sharing plates suit a table of friends - try the grilled Galician half chicken with jus. Groups can book sharing menus or a festive set menu, from £45 a head.
Where: 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Book now: Isla at The Standard
Wild by Tart, Belgravia
![wild by tart terrace with blankets on chairs]()
What: A darling of London’s ‘it’ crowd, Wild by Tart finds its home in the quaint surrounds of Eccleston Yards. The restaurant’s owners Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison built their brand by catering for the who’s who of London’s fashion elite. Here in Pimlico the duo’s bricks and mortar site is home to a pretty, 24-seater terrace which makes the ideal place to sample the kitchen’s signature contemporary European cookery.
Where: 3-4 Eccleston Yards, SW1W 9AZ
Book now: Wild by Tart
Winter terraces and outdoor winter dining in London: FAQs
Are London winter terraces fully covered and weather-proof?
Most seasonal winter terraces in London feature a mix of structural covers and retractable awnings, but their weather protection varies.
Fully enclosed and heated: dedicated winter pop-ups, glass pods and semi-permanent garden marquees (such as covered courtyards and heated glasshouses) are completely weather-proof and protected against rain and severe wind.
Semi-covered terraces: many street-side or rooftop terraces use large umbrellas, electric radiant heaters and side screens. They keep you warm and dry during moderate cold or rain, but might feel breezy in strong storms.
Tip: if bad weather is forecast, check whether the venue guarantees indoor seating as a backup when you book an outdoor table.
How warm are winter terraces - do I still need a winter coat?
While high-end venues install heavy-duty infrared heaters and heat lamps, and offer fleece blankets or hot water bottles, layered clothing is still strongly recommended. Radiant heaters keep your upper body warm, but draughty floor-level air can still feel chilly. Fully enclosed winter pods or heated glass chalets feel closer to indoor temperatures, whereas open-air rooftops with overhead heaters call for a warm coat or jumper.
Do I need to book winter terraces in advance, or do they accept walk-ins?
Heated outdoor tables, festive winter pop-ups and private dining pods (such as glass igloos or alpine cabins) can sell out weeks - and sometimes months - in advance, especially for prime weekend slots in November and December. Venues with larger outdoor spaces often keep some unreserved bar-side tables under heat lamps, or standing areas, open for walk-in drinks and light bites, though waits can be long at peak times in the evening. Either way, we'd recommend booking if at all possible.
Is there a minimum spend or special set menu required for winter pods and chalets?
Booking a dedicated glass igloo or private winter chalet usually comes with a minimum spend, or requires guests to order from a festive set menu or tasting menu.
By comparison, regular heated terrace tables generally offer the standard à la carte menu with no minimum spend, though some venues apply a time limit (typically 90 minutes to two hours per table).
What are the noise restrictions and closing times for outdoor heated spaces?
Opening hours for outdoor terraces depend on each venue's council licence and local residential noise rules. Many outdoor terraces and heated courtyards close or must be cleared by 10pm or 11pm, even if the indoor restaurant or bar stays open later. Check the venue's terrace hours when you book.
If a warm, cosy pub is more your vibe in the winter, check out our exhaustive list of the best gastropubs in London, broken down into different areas of the capital.