Heating bills, chapped lips, the common cold. We know what you’re thinking, but winter in the UK isn’t all bad. In fact, the many of the city centres transform into mini winter wonderlands this time of year.
From stuffing yourself silly with ridiculous amounts of cheese in a cute snow globe to drinking festive Santa’s Tart cocktails at a South Pole-themed rooftop, we got in touch with DesignMyNight for the best pop-ups across the country that are 100% worth ditching your duvet for.
Best winter pop-ups and rooftops in the UK - stacked
Skylight - London
Come winter, your first instinct might be to run to your nearest basement bar, but you might want to reevaluate your choices this year. There's a new winter rooftop in town and it has its own ice rink. Yup, its own ice rink. Skate under a sky full of stars or hunker down in their heated pad with a massive pot of cheese fondue, but whatever you do, make sure you get to know their apple crumble cocktail on a personal basis before you leave.
Hinterland - Manchester
Hinterland is coming to Manchester for three days this December and it's gonna plonk 10 giant tipis across a massive two-acre plot and cover everything in snow. Each tipi will host an immersive arctic dining experience with a dribble-worthy two-course Christmas dinner, and as if that wasn't enough, it's also gonna have a wood-fired hot tub and a Northern Lights Bar.
Digbeth Après Ski Lodge - Birmingham
There's a Digbeth Après Ski Lodge Party taking place in Birmingham over three weekends in December and you'd be crazy to miss it. Decked out with pine trees, fairy lights, ski racks and falling snow, you'll be tricked into thinking you're half way up a snow-covered mountain in The Alps. Working with some of the best street food vendors in the city, you'll also have a fine selection of food and booze to keep you warm at this winter wonderland.
#AprèsWithAView Cable Car - London
Sure, Radio Rooftop Bar has views of Tower Bridge, The Shard, London Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral - the list goes on - but they've taken things to a whole new level this winter with their December pop-up. They've plonked cable cars on top of their rooftop space to create the ultimate alpine retreat. These cosy cable cars seat up to 10 people, so start a Whatsapp group and get ready for steaming glasses of spiced rum eggnog, off-piste cocktails, tartiflette dumplings and truffled three cheese fondue.
Dalloway Terrace - London
Forget about your other half, Dalloway Terrace is going to take your breath away this winter. Every year, when the colder months come swooping in, their al fresco spot gets a festive makeover with dazzling snow-frosted foliage, twinkling fairy lights, glowing lanterns, and loads of luxe blankets and hot water bottles to keep you from freezing over. Always on the ball with sharing plates and festive drinks, they have a luxurious selection of cocktails, including an indulgent Pierre Marcolini Hot Chocolate, and two types of fondue - a classic Swiss Cheese and a milk chocolate option for those with a sweet tooth.
Home Alone Bar - Liverpool
When you think of Christmas, what springs to mind? For us, it's avoiding Bounty wrappers in the Celebrations box and fighting over the remote to watch Home Alone. Liverpool happens to be hosting one of the first ever Home Alone-themed bars in the world this year, and we reckon it's going to be the pop-up of the year. Promising themed living rooms, a festive cocktail menu, giant fairy-lit Christmas trees and Sinatra remixes, the only thing missing is MaCaulay Culkin himself.
White Forest - London
As far as rooftops go, none quite fit the bill like Madison. This glamorous spot has unrivalled views of St Paul's Cathedral, and they've gone all out this winter with a magical White Forest pop-up. You'll have stunning views of London under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights and you can wrap up with faux fur blankets if what you've decided to wear isn't weather-appropriate. Drink-wise, choose from a hot chocolate that's spiked with booze, warm apple pie hot toddies, and other CÎROC cocktails before tucking into gourmet hot dogs and baked Vacherin Mont d'Or.
Winterland - London
There are winter pop-ups and then there's Winterland. In its previous life, this Fulham plot was home to Neverland - a summer beach with palm trees and lazy day beds - but it's ditched its golden sand for a more festive look this winter, and as far as we're concerned, it's the best thing since M&S mince pies. They have riverside igloos, an enchanted forest with winter lodges, neon-lit curling lanes, mini golf and an area dedicated to prosecco pong. Not convinced? This jolly joint is BYOB every Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Pop-Up Screens - London
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Even if the weatherman doesn't promise you snow this year, there's another place that will: Pop-Up Screens. You'll find this spot hidden behind an old Narnia-like wardrobe, but you'll find something better than Aslan behind its swinging doors. Locate the unassuming entrance and you'll be met with a magical pop-up cinema covered in a blanket of snow, screening everything from Elf to Home Alone.
Jimmy’s Winter Lodge - London
If you have a thing for cheese, you're gonna be more than fondue of Jimmy's Winter Lodge. Sitting pretty along The Thames, this cosy two-storey cabin offers prime views of the river and is reservations-only, so you'll be needing a ticket to experience it. For £30 you'll be presented with a mouth-watering selection of small plates, followed a traditional alpine fondue with artisan charcuterie, new potatoes and crispy bread, with a winter spiced crème brûlée to finish.
Last Days of Shoreditch Winter La La Land - London
Teaming roaring fire pits with Ernest Hemingway inspired cocktails, street food, and a dance floor, all under one big roof, Last Days of Shoreditch welcomes the return of its Winter La La Landpop-up. As well as a star-studded DJ line-up, Smokey Tails, Biff's Jack Shack and Cheeky Burger will be providing the foodie goods. There's also a karaoke room powered by Lucky Voice and private spaces available to hire. What more could you want on a winter's eve, eh?
For more info on pop-ups in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.