This year try something a little different from the typical mulled wine and opt for hot gin as a winter warmer. A pop-up from Sipsmith at the National Theatre's Green Room Garden Bar turns the tipple into a number of exciting cocktails. To get into the festive spirit, order the mulled sloe gin paired with apple juice, or try a twist on a classic such as a hot G&T, or hot Negroni, which is made with warm red berry tea. It provides the perfect precursor to the new menu, packed with filling and comforting dishes including hominy hash, and buttermilk turkey burger with sweet potato fries.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Open until 23 December. The Green Room, 101 Upper Ground, Lambeth, London, SE1 9PP; nationaltheatre.org.uk
Brighton Beach Igloos
Spending an evening on the beach in Brighton might not be the most appealing prospect come December, but this pop-up may just change your mind. Comprising of ten fully heated igloos positioned on the seafront, available to hire for free, cosy up and enjoy the unbeatable views. Just to ensure you're extra toasty, the varied drinks list includes a number of hot drinks, from mulled wine, cider and teapots of winter Pimm’s, to boozy hot chocolate, and coffee.
Open until New Year's Day. Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2LN; brightonmusichall.co.uk
Abbey Hotel
This independent hotel in the heart of historic Bath is being transformed into a festive hideaway for the season, with the highlight being its Apres-Ski Bar. Creating a cosy ambiance, snuggle up under blankets on the terrace with a sharing cocktail and a plateful of hearty food. If heading there during the day, take part in the Fondue Lunch parties and enjoy this cheesy Swiss dish served with crudites and crusty bread.
Open until 21 December. North Parade, Bath, BA1 1LF; abbeyhotelbath.co.uk
Queen of Hoxton
If you're dreaming of warmer climes and winter sun, the rooftop at the Queen of Hoxton could be the next best thing. The latest transformation takes inspiration from balmy nights in Marrakesh, not only with the rich, opulent decorations but Moroccan-themed food and drink. Martinis are overhauled with the addition of Lanique Rose liqueur and rose water, hot rum is spiced up with ginger and saffron-infused butter and Bellinis are mixed with apricot brandy and finished with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. Enjoy with a mezze bowl featuring tempting dishes of chicken shawarma, pistachio falafel and vegan spiced kibbe (bulgar wheat croquettes).
1 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX; queenofhoxton.com
Jimmy's Lodge
The Southbank comes alive at Christmas, with twinkling decorations and a bustling seasonal market. Soak in the atmosphere at this pop-up restaurant, where you can dine in giant snow globes while overlooking the Thames. Upstairs is a ticketed dining experience, featuring a wintry menu of rich starters such as game terrine and mulled wine-cured Gravlax salmon and mains of fondue. The more casual space below is a similarly cheesy affair, with street food include 'the King of Croque', a take on the French classic stuffed with Emmental and Gruyere, and 'Proper Cheesy Chips', topped with lashings of raclette.
Open until 31 December. 78 Waterloo Bridge, London, SE1 9PX; jimmyslodge.com
-
Third judge rejects DOJ's Epstein records requestSpeed Read Judge Richard Berman was the third and final federal judge to reject DOJ petitions to unseal Epstein-related grand jury material
-
'It's our financialized economy in miniature'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Texas OKs gerrymander sought by TrumpSpeed Read The House approved a new congressional map aimed at flipping Democratic-held seats to Republican control
-
Ssh! Secret gardens to visit this summerThe Week Recommends These leafy havens are the perfect place to escape the crowds
-
The best UK waterside pubs to enjoy the summer heatThe Week Recommends These are a few pubs with 'waterside charm' to 'soak it all in'
-
The Chelsea Townhouse: London luxury feels right at homeThe Week Recommends This boutique hotel strikes the right note between sophisticated and cosy
-
Floral afternoon teas to enjoy during the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Week Recommends These are the prettiest spots in the city to savour a traditional treat
-
Horse around across the globe with these liberating horse-centric activitiesThe Week Recommends These graceful animals make any experience better
-
6 hotels with amenities that blow the usual gifts out of the waterThe Week Recommends You can have a butler walk your dog and a guitar sent to your room. But you cannot have your guitar walked.
-
Sleep like you are in a gallery at these art-filled hotelsThe Week Recommends Prepare to be inspired
-
Hands-on experiences that let travelers connect with the cultureThe Week Recommends Sharpen your sense of place through these engaging activities
