London's best igloos and winter pop-ups to dine at this year

Eating in an igloo in London might sound like a foreign idea, but stay with us. Here at SquareMeal, we are big proponents of the belief that it is impossible to be bored in London. That is because in this great diverse city, there is always something happening, somewhere to be and someone to see. Each and every day of the year, London is a land of opportunity - fancy bottomless brunch in an adult ball pit? You can do that. How about a tasting menu in one of the poshest joints in town? London’s got you covered there, too.

One of the most popular London trends of recent years though is dining inside an outdoor igloo (see, we told you we'd get there), an experience first triumphed by the folk over at Coppa Club in London Bridge. In their debut year, the igloos were booked out within minutes of being launched and this has subsequently led to a whole host of other restaurants and bars getting in on the bubble action.

Some London igloos are only available to dine in seasonally, while others stick around all year long. Typically though, igloos are most popular during the winter season. There is much to dislike about winter in London - the days are shorter, it’s dark when you wake up and it's unreasonably cold. Sure, all those things are true, but we shouldn’t let winter get us down, because this is when London gears up to host diners in snug outdoor igloos or at festive winter pop-ups and experiences.

From cosy glass domes overlooking the Thames, to heated rooftop food markets, London's best igloos and winter pop-ups are bound to get you in the festive spirit. Whoever said you can’t enjoy London in the winter has clearly never managed to get a booking at one of these epic winter warmers. Speaking of bookings, igloos in London get snapped up extremely quickly, so alongside our pick of the best igloos London has to offer, we have also included a few alternative winter pop-ups and terraces to try out. Enjoy!

 The best igloos in London

For when only picture-perfect will do, booking one of these fancy igloo bars or restaurants in London is the ideal way to impress. They feel like a properly posh private dining experience that will definitely give you a change from the everyday.

Aviary, The City

Why: Aviary has combined London’s two favourite things, winter igloos and summer rooftops to create rooftop igloos – rather genius we think. This year's Summit Above the Skyline igloos have been set up with plush blankets and heaters to keep you warm whilst you delve into an Alpine-inspired feast. Meanwhile, vodka cocktails are the order of the day courtesy of sponsors Grey Goose, with lots of handcrafted tipples promised, including a signature Espresso Martini.
Where: 22 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
Book now: Aviary

1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, Soho

Why: Get in the festive spirit this Christmas at 1864, a rooftop bar and kitchen found on the 6th floor of the flagship John Lewis store. Festive riverside igloos have space for up to eight guests, offering small plates such as sweetcorn fritters with smoked chilli salsa, or chorizo croquettes with manchego cheese. Drinks here come from partners Grey Goose, who’ve handcrafted some bespoke, seasonal sips to see you through until Christmas, including a delightful sounding Chocolate Orange Martini.
Where: 300 Oxford Street, W1C 1DX

London Secret Garden, Kensington

Why: Favourites in the summer, London Secret Garden boasts igloos all year round, tucked away in this tranquil haven in Kensington. Decked out with twinkling lights, these five domes are a site to behold and will almost certainly get you in the festive spirit. Seating up to 10 guests per dome, here you can tuck into three-tiered stands of cakes and sarnies from the afternoon tea menu, or explore one of the Asian-inspired tasting menus for a festive feast with a twist.
Where: 100 Cromwell Road, SW7 4ER
Book now: London Secret Garden

Igloo-style Chalets, Westfield White City

Why: Last year, guests could book an igloo-style winter chalet for up to six people at Westfield London. Each was kitted out with classic board games and Bluetooth speakers to blast your favourite Christmas tunes, while the food was of the warm and comforting variety - think cheese and chocolate fondue (not at the same time, of course). From the drinks menu, guests could sip on a collection of Slingsby Gin cocktails including a chocolate orange martini, marmalade negroni and winter berry sparkling goblet. 
Where: Ariel Way, W12 7HB

Igloos at the Coppa Club, Tower Bridge

Why: It would be silly to start this list without mentioning the PVC domes London originally went crazy for a few years back at Coppa Club Tower Bridge. Now also available to book at many Coppa Club venues around the UK, each venue offers Winter Wonderland interiors with white furs and hanging, snow-tipped foliage. Unbeatable views and indulgently, festive menus make this one a must, but be quick, because the igloos always book up fast.
Where: Three Quays Walk, EC3R 6AH
Book now: Coppa Club Tower Bridge

The best winter pop-ups in London

If you fancy getting cosy but aren’t fussed on an igloo per se, why not head for one of London’s many winter pop-ups? These guarantee some feel-good vibes and a whole host of cheese and wine. Ideal.

Queen of Hoxton, Hoxton

Why: As one of Shoreditch’s most popular rooftop bars, head to the Queen of Hoxton during the winter months to experience the new winter theme which changes each year. Previous years have seen the construction of a giant wigwam to keep warm in, a super Instagrammable Moulin Rouge loveseat and a giant apres-ski chalet. Expect an evening complete with hot cocktails and cosy fires, with German market-style cuisine, which can be enjoyed in the heated yurt. Once you’re done taking in the moonlit views head down to the basement club to dance the rest of the night away.
Where: 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX
Book now: Queen of Hoxton

Theo's on the Terrace, Mayfair

Why: Get lost in the festivities with the newly transformed terrace at the InterContinental London, where indulgent menus from chef Theo Randall take you on a tour of the Italian Alps. Take a seat on the heated terrace and delve into the likes of baked meatballs with chopped burrata, or fontina cheese with egg yolks and herbed croutons. Signature après ski tipples are available to keep you warm, inluding festive favourites such as Alpine Hot Chocolate made with dark rum, and steaming cups of Glühwein.
Where: Hamilton Place, W1J 7QY
Book now: Theo Randall at the InterContinental Park Lane

The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, Southwark

Why: Residing at Somerset House, Jimmy Garcia has returned for another of his beloved pop-ups, this time in the form of an Alpine-inspired chalet. Wood-panelled walls, festive foliage and an array of snowy portraits are bound to transport you to a Winter Wonderland, with menus packed full of charcuterie platters and fondue pots, all washed down with mulled wine and festive cocktails. For the complete winter experience, be sure to pair your dinner with a visit to Somerset House’s ice skating rink, which is back for 2024.
Where: Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
Book now: The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia

Wick Wonderland at Barge East, Hackney Wick

What: Popular Hackney Wick hotspot Barge East is right at the heart of popular festive market Wick Wonderland, providing an excellent place to stop for food and drink whilst you tour a host of local businesses, artists and traders who pitch up with stalls in the Barge East garden. You'll find everything from a riverside rooftop to cosy winter cabins, a Christmas market and Christmas trees available to buy.
Where: White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East

Tattu, Soho

Why: One of London’s favourite fine-dining establishments, Tattu is beloved for its seasonally changing decor that make it a rather magical dining experience. All set up for winter, the heated outdoor terrace boasts eye-catching city views to bring a bit of festive cheer. You’ll feel as if you’re in the snow capped mountains of China with this festive decor complete with icy cherry blossoms and an Aurora Borealis-style lightshow. Enjoy this fusion of flavours, blending traditional Chinese cuisine to bring you festive food with a twist.
Where: The Now Building Rooftop, WC2H 0LA
Book now: Tattu

Sushisamba, Covent Garden

Why: A staple of Covent Garden, Sushisamba is transforming their Piazza Terrace this Christmas to bring you a winter extravaganza full of dazzling decorations and twinkling lights. Partnering up with Patron Tequila, there’ll be a variety of unique cocktails - such as a Chocolate Old Fashioned or Jimador’s Hot Chocolate - and tasty bites that will immerse you in their classic taste of Samba, whilst still delivering that classic festive spirit.
Where: 35 The Market Building, WC2E 8RF
Book now: Sushisamba Covent Garden

Tipis on the Green, Fulham

Why: Transport yourself to a cosy ski chalet this Christmas season at Tipis on the Green - London's first sustainable pop up. Boasting zero emissions generators, upcycled furniture and a commitment to reducing waste through compostable containers, so you can enjoy that traditional alpine experience without worrying about the environmental impact - it's a win-win. Finish your day around the fires with delicious apres ski dishes, such as tartiflette, and warm up with Bailey's hot chocolates or a steaming cup of mulled wine.
Where: Parsons Green, SW6 4UL
Book now: Tipis on the Green

Peckham Arches, Peckham

Why: This summertime favourite invites you to join them as they transform into a vibrant winter escape! Peckham Arches, located underneath Peckham Rye Station is one of the largest outdoor terraces in South East London - with capacity for up to 600 people - making it the perfect place to celebrate this winter. Cosy up in the heated garden, fully decked out with Christmas trees and fairy lights, grab yourself a steaming cup of mulled wine and enjoy some tandoor specials.
Where: Blenheim Grove, SE15 4QN
Book now: Peckham Arches

Looking to keep celebrating right up to the big day itself? Check out our guide of things to do on Christmas Eve in London.