the best christmas terraces in london including a 'luxurious' après-ski spot

There are thick blankets and overhead heaters (Picture: Rusne Draz)

Welcome back to The Slice – our exclusive guide to what’s on in London,where we bring you trusted reviews,sneak previews,and amazing deals and discounts.

It’s officially festive season. And we’re about to dig out our box of Christmas decorations,get our Christmas shopping done,and hit as many Christmas markets as we can. But our first mission is finding a good,actually warm and cosy winter terrace in London,and we’ve got a round up just for you. 

Or,go 52 metres up in the air at The O2,try an Indian festive menu,or indulge in Raclette at The Chalet inside Somerset House.

And if you want to feel good? Sing some joyful songs at The London Ambulance’s Charity’s first-ever carol service.

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Things to do this week in London

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend,here are 13 of the best activities,dining,and drinking spots in the capital.

1. Try Roti Chai’s not-so-festive festive menu

‘If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to avoid boring set menus,you aren’t going to go far wrong here’ (Picture: Supplied)By Ross McCaffertyAs someone who has gone on the record as having a profound dislike of Christmas dinner – eating out in winter can be tough,as seemingly every venue switches to a festive set menu and avoiding turkey and veg becomes an Olympic sport.So I was thrilled to sample Roti Chai on a freezing day. Despite the name,there isn’t a roast potato or sprout in sight as my friend and I share tender lamb roti rolls,a silky smooth butter chicken,and prawns spicy enough to redden even the coldest reindeer’s nose.From the main menu,we try a chicken breast stuffed with keema,as close as we got to traditional Christmas dinner,although the competing flavours on the spinach and chutney Palak Papri Chaat make it a rare miss.Despite feeling more stuffed than the chicken,we find room to split a palate-cleansing mango malai cheesecake,and both agree that the mango Aperol Spritz complements it perfectly. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to avoid boring set menus,you aren’t going to go far wrong here.Festive Feast Menu,£35pp. From 25 November. 3 Portman Mews South,Marylebone,W1H 6AY. Book here.

2. Climb up the O2 for a slice of Christmas

See incredible views of London (Picture: Supplied)By Dylan ManganSpare a thought for the staff at Up At The O2,who had to manually carry up everything needed to transform the 52m-high viewing platform at one of London’s iconic venues into a snowglobe-themed pit stop in the sky.Trees,benches,street lamps and even a snow machine: their hard work was well worth it,as the sight of the snowglobe getting closer and closer as you climb over the arena’s iconic roof is both a surreal and welcome one.

Upon reaching the summit,we step into a little slice of Christmas,grateful for the mulled wine and hot chocolate available to warm our hands – but it’s the staff at The O2 that really make the experience. Full of local knowledge and great stories,they make your 20 minute stay well worth the climb and leave you wanting to come back for more.Tickets from £44,drinks not included. The O2,Peninsula Square,Greenwich,SE10 0DX. Book here.

3. Indulge in creamy Raclette at The Chalet inside Somerset House

‘Don’t skimp on the starters or desserts’ (Picture: Supplied)By Isobel FrodshamIf you’ve ever wanted to experience the Après-ski life without the ski,then you’re in luck. From now until the end of the year,pop-up king Jimmy Garcia has set up The Chalet inside Somerset House – a cosy restaurant for you to warm up while dining on the classic melted cheese French dish,Raclette.You and your friends or family can have potatoes,bread,mixed salad and cornichons while playing ‘who can scrape the cheese first?’ before it dramatically drops off onto a plate. There’s also a dairy-free option for your vegan friends featuring a smoked vegan Applewood cheese. Don’t skimp on the starters or desserts either as they’re offering one of London’s best French onion soups and an incredibly moreish Sticky Toffee Pudding.Best part? It overlooks Somerset House’s ice skating rink,so you really can live your best winter life.Traditional alpine raclette,£22.50pp. Strand,London WC2R 1LA. Book here.

4. Try one of London’s cosiest Christmas terraces

We love to spend a nice winter’s evening on a London terrace… as long as it’s warm! (Picture: Supplied)

The Garden at Corinthia London

Best for: luxurious Après-ski vibesThe Corinthia London’s al fresco restaurant The Garden has transformed into The Alpine Club this winter: a tasteful courtyard hideaway named in honour of the 19th Century mountaineers who once used the hotel (then called the Metropole) as their clubhouse.Festooned with cuckoo clocks,winter greenery and ski poles,the space is warmed by two roaring fireplaces,sheepskin seat covers and a canopy to keep snug even when temperatures turn glacial.The menu is filled with refined takes on hearty mountain food like Swiss cheese fondue,warm potato rostis with lardons or raclette cheese,and German Currywurst. Perfect for refuelling after climbing the Matterhorn – or Christmas shopping on Oxford Street.Mains from £22. Book here.

The Lighterman

Best for: warming up with a cocktailThe Lighterman x Lillet terrace bar in Kings Cross might just make your Christmas wishes come true. There’s nothing worse than arriving at what you expect to be a chic and festive outdoor bar,only to be met with a single heater,lacklustre cushions and a few sprigs of holly.At the Lighterman and Lillet collaboration,switch on one of the many overhead heaters and enjoy a Winterberry cocktail – sweet rosé,bitter cranberry and spiced tequila make a magical,balanced blend. Finish the night right with deeply flavoursome mulled wine infused with orange and star anise,served in an elegant glass tumbler.

Cocktails from £12.50. Book here.Review by Isabel Fraser

Acme Fire Cult

Best for: when the weather outside is frightfulWhen you’re feeling the chill,a restaurant with ‘fire’ in the name seems like a good place to be. The Dalston spot’s year-round commitment to BBQ means their outdoor dining area is fully weatherproof,complete with permanent cover,heat lamps and thick blankets.That said,the heat from the flames of the open kitchen’s giant grills the should be more than enough to keep you toasty. Feast on plates of beautifully charred veggies and double cut pork chops,or get stuck into herb-fed chicken or smoked lamb shoulder from their festive feasting menu – just what you need on a wintry December eve.Small plates from £11,large plates and chops from £23. Feasting menus from £45pp. Book here. 

Another winter spot to put on your radar...

By Vanessa Redmond

Boundary Shoreditch, dubbed ‘Raclette on the Rooftop’, has unveiled its signature seasonal transformation,as the iconic summer spot is reimagined into a cosy Alpine retreat high above East London. The vibrant,sun-soaked terrace of the warmer months gives way to a glowing winter hideaway,complete with an enclosed glass Orangery,twinkling lights,soft throws,and an open-pit fireplace.

Boundary’s signature Cheese Fondue Savoyard is the star of the winter menu,rich,generous and unapologetically indulgent,especially when paired with the house charcuterie board. Resident mixologist Costel Toma has created a line-up of warming cocktails,from Vin Chaud to seasonal signatures such as the Snow Queen. Chocolate & Amaretto crème caramel and Mulled wine cheesecake round out the experience. Rooftops aren’t just for summer!

Starters from £10,mains from £16. 2-4 Boundary Street,Shoreditch,E2 7DD. Book here.

5. Get some free Christmas-themed pasta at the brand new Pasta Evangelists

But you’ll have to be quick (Picture: Charlie Bard)

We love a freebie at The Slice,so we just had to let you in on this secret. On 8 December,you can get FREE pasta 12-2pm and 4-6pm. And two of the new festive menu favourites will be up for grabs: Pigs in Blankets Ravioli & Squash & Chestnut Agnolotti (V)!

But it’s on a first come,first served basis so you’ll have to be quick! Only available at the new Pasta Evangelists in Queensway.

6. Sip on a free Aperol Spritz

Another freebie! (Picture: Simon Jacobs/PinPep)

Who says Aperol Spritz are just for summer? When you ring the bell at Aperol’s Festive Spritz Window on 2-4 December,5pm-9pm,you can get a FREE Aperol Spritz! It’s perfect for a mid-shopping treat.

Find it at St Christopher’s Place,just off Oxford Street.

7. Sip on the perfect winter warmer

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The Fitzrovia Quarter is offering three more afternoons of free hot chocolate this December.

Just head down to the Fitzrovia Quarter mobile bar in Market Place 3,10 and 17 December,from 4–7pm.

8. Look forward to legendary pasta spot Padella’sbrand new opening

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Big news! The queue-worthy pasta restaurant Padella is opening its third location,10 years after opening the OG Borough branch.

Expect new recipes that highlight the best of British produce,alongside drinks and desserts. Read more about the juicy news. 

9. Get into the festive mood with Oxford Street’s Big Day of JOY

Not feeling merry yet? Oxford Street’s Big Day of JOY is back nice and early on 7 December,in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

Watch one of London’s most famous streets come alive with a Gospel Choir,Mariachi Band,Brazilian Samba Band and so much more! 12-4pm. Find out more.

10. Get gifts you can’t find anywhere else at Coal Drops Yard

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The UK’s first-ever department store for second-hand style will bring retailers together on 5-7 December at Coals Drop Yard.

Get the one-of-a-kind gifts and sustainable styles you need here. That’s Christmas prezzies sorted. Find out more!

11. Get into the festive mood at a carol service by The London Ambulance Charity

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Feel good this winter by spreading some Christmas joy at a carol service by The London Ambulance Charity,or donating a coat to someone struggling this winter!

Find out all the details and read about more feel-good Christmas schemes here. 

12. Let your hair down and raise money for Jamaica

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Jamie Rodigan,Tiffany Calver and more have been confirmed on the line up for Dance For Jamaica,a special fundraiser event supporting communities in Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

It takes place on 18 December and tickets are FREE,with donations being collected on the night. Grab yours here. 

13. Be part of the fun at Sophie’s Surprise Party

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A post shared by Sophie’s Surprise Party (@sophiessurprise29th)

By Brooke Ivey Johnson

★★★★★

When I get dressed for a West End show,I rarely consider the possibility I might become part of it. Sure,I want to look vaguely put-together,but my main concern is usually finding trousers with a waistband that won’t slowly cut off circulation during two hours of sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers. What I haven’t ever thought about is how my outfit would look when lying on my back in front of a cheering crowd while a woman is catapulted over my head. Yet if you head to Sophie’s Surprise Party at Underbelly Soho,as I can now attest,that might just be your evening.

The simple premise is that it’s Sophie’s birthday and a ragtag group of characters has assembled to celebrate. Each night,Sophie is a different audience member. And on the night I attended – fresh from work in my partner’s oversized sweater,frumpy-but-warm woollen trousers,no make-up and blue-light glasses that scream ‘I have a desk job and am approaching 30’ – I was Sophie.

Within minutes,I’d been lifted,spun,danced around and positioned on my back like a human crash mat while performers sailed above me with mere inches to spare. It’s a liberating reminder that sometimes the best nights are the ones where you stop curating and start participating. 

Underbelly Boulevard Theatre,Soho. Until 10 January 2026. Book here. 

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