The best winter terraces in London for outdoor drinking and dining

One of Time Out's fave restaurants whatever the time of year, Dalston's al fresco Acme Fire Cult comes into its own in the winter – what better time to be warmed up by the prospect of some live fire cooking? The veg-focussed BBQ joint brings in sheepskin rugs and blankets to keep you snug, and the menu bristles with seasonal delights, such as delica pumpkin with salsa macha and figs or celeriac with mushroom-kelp XO and coco bean miso. There's also festive St John eccles cake stout to get your mitts on, from next door's 40FT Brewery.

This big, bolshie and proud Indian barbecue restaurant has crept out onto the City pavement for the winter, with covered outdoor seating areas. Ideal for diving into their heroic and indulgent menu while getting a bit of a breeze on your face (inside the restaurant is known for being a little bit shouty, in a good way). Head inside after for a game of pool or to watch all manner of spots (the darts is a good shout come December).  

This winter the Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop space is going big. Drinks will keep you warm up there on one of the funnest terraces in Shoreditch, with a whole winter martini menu to keep you distracted from the drizzle. Food comes from Barbs, with a menu of Bajan fish sliders, wings, fritters and Caribbean souse. 

Get down under the railway arches of Peckham Rye station and you'll discover one of the biggest all-weather terraces in the area. There'll be all manner of kitchen takeovers and supper clubs in Peckham Arches this winter, as well as live music. Seek out Skylarking too, a tucked-away cocktail bar which'll be getting into the seasonal spirit with fairy lights and wood-fired pizzas.

Sky Garden's three storeys of lush landscaping come over all festive at this time of year, with the rather magical Sky Pod Bar. 35 floors up, the bar also boast live music from late November, as well as some real winter wonderland energy. 

Shrouded in rich green foliage, this charming outdoor terrace in the middle of Mayfair is straight out of a Dickens novel. Escape the frosty winter weather in front of a stone fireplace whilst spoilt of choice with a seasonal cocktail menu, with Maker’s Mark in charge of the Knickerbocker Glory Trolley for boozy hot chocolate. Ready to flee the cold London evenings? Dovetale is the snug seasonal sanctuary you’re looking for.

The outlook is frosty with a chance of champers at Dalloway Terrace (yes, named after the Virginia Woolf character). The outdoor dining fixture at the Bloomsbury Hotel changes its look with the seasons – it’s just that chic. This year, it’s partnered with Charles Heidsieck to bring you a festive bout of bubbles.

Like many a cool thing in London, the Hawk’s Nest occupies a converted railway arch and goods yard. The indoor-outdoor space in Shepherd’s Bush has been decorated like a seasonal woodland and allows for 300 seated guests under its winter-ready roof. There are heaters, should you be worried about the chill, plus cocktails to warm the cockles and Gozney oven fired pizzas. For Christmas 2025, the Hawk’s Nest will host a festive market and carols on Sunday December 14.