The best ski lodge bars in London for apres-ski antics

This Soho gelateria isn't just a summer hotspot, but a winter warmer too. Transforming into an Italian Alps ski lodge, Gelupo will be serving up boozy hot drinks spiked with Frangelico and amaretto, or a Bombardino, made with home-made zabaione mixed with brandy, and topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. All hot drinks come with a homemade fennel
biscotto. There'll also be Italian doughnuts on offer, and, if you don't mind a little seasonal numbness, lovely scoops of their famous ice cream, served ‘chocolate affogato’ style.

Open since 1967, you’ll find Tiroler Hut down a rickety staircase on Westbourne Grove. Here, you'll be met by dinging cowbells and the smell of hot, liquid cheese. A fever dream of an Austrian restaurant, it’s Disneyland as penned by Hunter S Thompson, with a front bar populated by gently swaying local barflies, and beyond it a basement dining room that is best described as an Alpine-set ayahuasca trip. Snow-capped mountains adorn the walls, dirndl-clad waitresses sweep past red gingham curtains, and there’s more pine than the timber aisle of your nearest B&Q. A joy! 

You’re not a true Londoner if you haven’t been to Pergola Paddington, right? And we know, most people think of it as a summery destination, thanks to the walls covered in flowers and the endless cocktails. But this winter, Pergola has had a revamp - and it’s now a fully-fledged alpine bar, with snowy pines as well as Christmas singalongs and gospel choir performances. 

In the North Stables Yard of Camden Market, The Lucky Club is the Camden apres-ski bar that treats crafting the perfect gravy like an art – and they’re Leonardo da Vinci. With an inspired mix of herbs and spices, it’s served fondue-style, with pigs in blankets, yorkshire puddings, cauliflower cheese and stuffing there for dipping purposes. If the fondue centrepiece is the star of the show, then the decked-out, twinkling lights setting is the stage. This bar has had a festive revamp from a tropical, desert-inspired rooftop to the now snowy Alpine fantasy sheltered by a glass roof (it even has a ski gondola!). Don’t forget the vast drinks menu, with standouts such as the Toblerone Martini and Pumpkin Mezcalita.

This Argentinian steakhouse chain's Chelsea outpost is popping on its skis this season and creating an Alpine hideout where the raclette (and cocktails) will flow. There's also a ski lift for pics, perfect if you don't quite fancy (or can't stump the cost) of the real thing. There'll be live music every Wednesday and DJs throughout the weekend. It's a slippery slope to Christmas carnage... 

This whole pub is dedicated to the slopes. Find cuckoo clocks, cable cars you can sit in, bière and beyond across the pub’s three floors, as well as memorabilia from the Ski Club of Great Britain. It’s perhaps not the right theme for summer, but if you’re pining for that Alpine life right now, get down there faster than a pro on a black run.

Taking inspiration from the slopes of Courchevel, this year sees the Coq d’Argent transform again into a wintery spectacular. Along with festive decorative touches, such as a ‘ski lift’ photo spot, chalet style dining and tables for guests wanting to sip on winter warmers and Rémy Martin cocktails. The food menu packs in some real wintery treats, too, including a whole baked cheese. Brrrr-ing it on!

Get an authentic slice of Switzerland slap-bang in the centre of Soho. St Moritz has had fans of après-ski cosying up in its wintry lodge of a restaurant for decades. Its wooden shack frontage, Swiss flags and adorable window boxes set the tone as you enter, and skis are mounted on the walls indoors in case there was any doubting the St Moritz theme. Diners gather round fondue pots like it’s the ’80s, washing it down with warming bottles of Swiss red.

There’s a degree of accomplishment here that’s missing from many otherwise distinguished gastropubs. Well-spaced tables and chairs, a leafy beer garden and some cracking food all add to the charm of this Chiswick institution.