London’s Must-Go Pop-Ups this Winter
With Christmas just around the corner, everyone seems to be searching for the newest, coolest place for their festive fun and frolics. Well, call off the hunt because Belle has road tested them all to bring you news of the best bars in town. Don’t say we don’t do anything for you.
CEDAR & SPRUCE @ WINTER WONDERLAND
Set across a trio of impressive tepees, temporarily escape the rides, ice skating, Christmas markets and shows and immerse yourself in rustic décor, cosy fire pits and large communal tables. Cedar & Spruce Bar + Kitchen is snug, stylish and oh-so-welcoming (when they finally manage to get you a table after losing your reservation details…). Mulled wine is a must-have, as is the Christmas cocktail. There’s a bookable restaurant, but we prefer the relaxed bar side with small plate snacks such as creamy cheese jalapenos, crispy prawns with wasabi drizzle & tomato salsa and venison & fig samosa served with apple chutney. Take a look at the full menu here. Word of warning though – Winter Wonderland itself seems rife with pickpockets and petty thieves, so keep belongings secure at all times when heading to and from the pop-up.
ABIGAIL’S BAR
This funky 1970’s style hangout is based around the excruciatingly funny classic British movie Abigail’s Party. The whole film was set in Abigail’s chintzy sitting room where warring couples attempted to play nicely for an evening; and this warm and cosy venue nestled above the main warehouse of Vinegar Yard in London Bridge is designed to look just the same. There are umbrella plants and lava lamps everywhere you look, an excellent Seventies soundtrack and while the decor might make you smile the signature cocktails are taken very seriously indeed.
From spicy mulled cider to warm even the coldest cockles, to an excellent salty margarita, you are guaranteed a fun night without any of the awkward bickering that inspired Abigail’s. The bar is open every Wednesday to Saturday evening until 10.30. Find it upstairs at Vinegar Yard, 72-82 St Thomas St, London SSE1 3QU.
BAR ELBA
Over in Waterloo one of the coolest bars around, Bar Elba, has launched a skating rink on the roof! This cute little winter wonderland, where they are serving up mugs of mulled wine and hot gin, is totally free and once you’ve had enough of doing your best Torvill and Dean impression, there are plenty of snuggly blankets to wrap up in. It will be the perfect place to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks, so get your skates on.
109-117 Waterloo Road, SE1 8UL www.bar-elba.co.uk
VOODOO LOUNGE
If south London is your hood and spooky is your thing, get your freak on and head down to Voodoo Lounge, Balham’s latest arrival. The funky gang of expert mixologists here are second to none, and put on a great show in the quirky little space they have recently revamped. And with ridiculously irresistible deals like Prosecco at £3 a glass all night every Monday night, and two for one cocktails every day between 5pm and 7pm and on the last Sunday of every month it turns into a pop up fashion boutique so you can even get a bit of shopping done at the same time. Win-win!
9 Hildreth Street, SW12 9RQ.
JIMMY’S POPUP
On the banks of the River Thames, right by Waterloo Bridge and opposite the BFI and Royal Festival Hall, Jimmy’s popup features rows of private dining igloos that are beautifully decorated in Icelandic textures. Expect flasks of hot cocktails, fondues, raclette burgers and cooking steaks on hot stones. The Martin Miller’s Gin hot gin toddy is a must! Book the pods in advance or rock up to the popup bar for a hot apple Mojito. There’s also a takeaway Lodge Grill, serving Alpine Delights including the outrageous Raclette Burger and wild boar hot dogs. For more info, click here.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
