Major cities across the UK have hopped on the pop-up bandwagon this winter, bringing an abundance of unique concepts and activities to their localities. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the festivities, we asked DesignMyNight to handpick their top 10 up and down the country.
There’s a magical forest in Leeds that promises themed drinks in a bar made of 100% ice, as well as a Champagne garden on one of London’s best rooftops, so wrap up and get ready for one jam-packed December.
The Curtain - London
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The Curtain are getting into the spirit of Christmas this December by giving non-members exclusive access to their rooftop LIDO. Transformed into a gorgeous winter garden, the outdoor space is now covered with seasonal foliage and twinkling fairy lights. From free card decorating classes to wreath making workshops and a Christmas-inspired afternoon tea, there’s plenty to keep you occupied at the boutique hotel. They’ve even launched a festive pop-up cinema, screening everything from Home Alone to Die Hard, and your £20 ticket includes a hot cocktail.
Part of The Bloomsbury Hotel, Dalloway Terrace is best known for its stunning installations that change in line with the seasons. This winter they have shed their autumn leaves to channel Après ski, bringing the slopes of Gstaad all the way to the Capital.
Snow-coated pines and frosted firs house hundreds of glowing fairy lights, making it the perfect backdrop for a cosy catch-up with some festive cocktails. The menu has been revamped with a forward-thinking Swiss-inspired afternoon tea of Schnapps-marinated cucumber sandwiches and an indulgent cheesecake fondue.
Madison is a prime rooftop if you’re looking for panoramic views of London and this winter there are more than just the postcard scenes to reel in the bustling crowds. They have installed a handful of mini lodges where you can take in the twinkling skyline while hugging hot water bottles, tucked underneath one big luxurious throw. Packages start from £100, and that includes a bottle of Moët & Chandon to share, a chocolate cocktail each and a chalet selection box of buttermilk fried chicken, arancini and sautéed mini chorizo sausages.
Sky Garden are joining forces with Moët & Chandon to bring their gorgeous garden to new heights for the colder months. Their 43rd floor paradise is now home to a winter bar with towering Christmas trees, twinkling lights and some of the best views in the capital so you can soak in iconic landmarks, like Tower Bridge and The Shard, with a festive twist. Tickets are a steal too starting at just £11, which includes a hand-crafted cocktail. Want to go all out? Pay an extra £5 and you can upgrade to a tall flute of Moët instead.
Setting up camp on the banks of the Thames, Winterland is bringing its weather-proof igloos, winter lodges and feasting tables to Fulham for another year of festivities... but this year they have an ace up their sleeves.
This alpine hideaway has installed a riverside hot tub and it will trick you into thinking you’re unwinding at a snowy retreat, not the outskirts of South London. They have plenty of games to keep you active too, from beer pong all the way to shuffleboard, and a street food selection of Aspen cheese burgers and pizzas that come topped with pigs in blankets.
Alpine getaways can be expensive, but not if you stay in London. The Montague on the Garden’s Ski Lodge pop-up is the closest thing you’ll get to a winter wonderland without hopping on a plane, and at £38 for an “individual ski pass”, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper too. This experience includes an alpine platter of deep-fried camembert, turkey schnitzel and mini bratwursts, access to the ski lodge for 90 minutes and three drinks from the menu, including flavoured vodkas, spiced cider and mulled wine.
The brains behind Bestival have dreamed up a darling winter pop-up and they’re billing it as the world’s smallest festival. The Travelling Circus is a hidden treasure within one of London’s popular food markets and it’s decked out with tonnes of unique props and trinkets. Entertainment is applause-worthy, with a roster of performances including a cross-dressing Russian ballerina, a ringmaster host and Circus Raj, who appeared in Tim Burton’s film, Dumbo alongside Indian acrobats, sword swallowers and contortionists.
Once Upon A Time In Birmingham - Birmingham
Once Upon A Time In Birmingham is one of this year’s most unusual Christmas pop-ups and if you want to head down, we suggest you do so soon as it finishes up for the holidays on 23rd December.
Boasting 88,000 fairy lights - which is enough to reach the top of Everest - they have gone to town with the decorations. Entry is completely free but grabbing a ticket means you can jump the queue and snap up a free festive punch on arrival. Afternoon tea is also on the menu if you venture to their festive tea parlour, where they serve a light refracting pudding for all your ‘gramming needs.
The Fondue Kitchen Pop-Up at The Tempest Inn - Brighton
The Tempest is one of Brighton’s quirkiest spots and this year they’re bringing back their much-loved winter pop-up. Head to the seafront this December and settle into one of their lantern-lit caves for a fondue banquet that melts together the finest of Swiss cheeses. Bread, pickles and bread are the main options to dunk into the pot, but you can also opt for the Bourguignonne that will see you cooking and dipping prime beef steak strips instead.
London isn’t the only city bringing their A game when it comes to the world of winter pop-ups. Leeds will be home to an immersive forest called Hinterland for three days this December and at the very centre will be a giant tipi village.
There are wood fired hot tubs and private dining if you want a sit down experience, but general entry is just as great. It includes drag queen entertainment and access to a performance from the Big Brass Band, alongside the chance to knuckle down in the seven tonne ice bar. To close? Each night will finish with an impressive snow drop.
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