Winter blues kicking in? Head to these locations for some unadulterated pleasure instead…
- Brixton Rooftop South Pole Saloon, Pope’s Rd
This seasonal pop-up seems to cover multiple rooftops, it’s so vast. We love its festival vibe, spicy cocktails, espresso martinis, street food shacks, live DJs, Bad Santas, candy-cane gals, glitter make-up booth and wooden chalets to cosy up in. What more do you need!? Open until 1st Jan 2018. - Christmess at The Imaginarium
Tucked away in a warehouse in Borough Market, this pop-up promises raucous parties, live jazz, cabaret, a Whiskey Grotto and a glittering bazaar. Don’t say you haven’t been warned. - THATmuse at the V&A
A gluttonous gallivant around the Victoria & Albert Museum, THATmuse offers the chance to compete in search of historic foodie treasures. The challenge is simple: scavengers must find and photograph themselves with as many bacchanalian delights from their clue list as possible, within a given time. Each themed hunt offers an intelligent, lively and fun way to explore the V&A. Teams are formed of up to 4 people, and hunts typically last 1.5-2 hours.
- Alcotraz Penitentiary
Doing time has never been so much fun at this immersive prison pop-up on Brick Lane. On arrival you’re given orange overalls to wear before the warden confiscates your possessions and hands you a book, inside which is a hidden compartment and a bottle of alcohol to secretly swig. Cell-mates can be in for solitary confinement if your booze is sniffed out. - Dominique Ansel Bakery, Elizabeth St
If you liked baked goods, head to this bakery near Victoria coach station and settle in for the night. The seasonal delights include Dominique’s twist on the classic mince pie, a moreish gingerbread croissant, three different flavours of gluten-free Bûche de Noël – including chestnut, double chocolate and pistachio cherry – frozen s’mores, and thick marshmallow hot chocolates. Savoury treats include spicy pumpkin soup, turkey Croque Monsieur and huge Guinness Welsh Rarebit croissants. Dieters need not apply. - Apres With A View
With some of the best views in London, Radio Rooftop Bar at ME London is the ideal place to host a winter gathering. Two ski-style cable cars come with faux-fur blankets, cushions and heating, to ensure optimum cosiness, and can be booked for up to 10 people, including champagne, mulled cider, truffle cheese fondue and charcuterie. Open until 31st March, this place will take away the winter blues like no other! Now, where did a put my skis…? Book here.
