Best Places for Christmas Drinks in London
Back to ItineriesIt’s that magical time of year for gathering with friends, sipping festive cocktails, and soaking up the holiday spirit across London.
From hidden speakeasies to rooftop winter wonderlands, here’s your guide to the city’s finest holiday drinking spots.
St James Bar
Step into the St James Bar at the Sofitel London St James, a chic, speakeasy-inspired spot where every cocktail tells a story. From inventive seasonal twists to classic concoctions, the bar offers an array of delights that pair perfectly with curated bar snacks.
With its warm and intimate ambiance, it’s ideal for gatherings and celebrations. Special hours run through December, and on New Year’s Eve, a live DJ sets the festive mood from 11:30 pm.
Downstairs at The Dilly
Escape the bustle of Piccadilly in the cosy piano-filled bar, Downstairs at The Dilly. Just a staircase away from The Dilly’s main lobby, this intimate bar offers a relaxing atmosphere with live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Perfect for a pre-theatre drink or a romantic date, Downstairs at The Dilly is a gem for those who want to unwind to the sound of live music.
Franco’s
Since 1945, Franco’s has been a beloved spot for Italian food and drinks in St James’s. Take a seat at the bar and indulge in a glass of Devaux ‘Cœur des Bar’ Rosé Brut NV, or for something lighter, try the non-alcoholic Wild Idol 2022 Brut Zero Dosage. With its warm, inviting atmosphere, Franco’s is perfect for unwinding over a drink in an elegant Italian setting.
Larry’s at the National Portrait Gallery
Step into Larry’s in the innovatively restored vaults of the National Portrait Gallery and enjoy cocktails inspired by iconic figures in the gallery’s collection. Using local spirits like Highclere Castle gin and Gattertop vodka, Larry’s serves drinks alongside small plates of charcuterie, cheese, and their famous house-made Scotch eggs. It’s a true taste of London in a historic setting.
Brumus Bar at Haymarket Hotel
Located in the heart of the theatre district, Brumus Bar at Haymarket Hotel is a vibrant British brasserie known for its imaginative cocktails. Enjoy classic dishes like Atlantic prawn and avocado cocktail and unwind on the terrace when the weather allows. Brumus is a favourite for theatregoers, offering a lively British experience in a stylish setting.
Neon 194
Located under the BAFTA building, Neon 194 offers a lively atmosphere with an extensive cocktail menu. From classics to inventive creations, this buzzing bar is perfect for a festive night out, adding a creative flair to each drink that perfectly complements its vibrant ambiance.
The Rivoli Bar
For a truly luxurious experience, The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz London offers a December-exclusive Caviar & Champagne experience. Sip Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle or the rare Alexandra Rosé 2012 with a 30g tin of Oscietra or Beluga Caviar.
Poster Bar by José at the Royal Academy of Arts
Bringing the spirit of Spain to the Royal Academy, Poster Bar by José is a vibrant and informal Spanish café. Enjoy a complimentary pintxo with selected drinks on Friday evenings—perfect for a festive meet-up with friends or a drink after a gallery visit.
Farzi London
Nestled in Haymarket, Farzi London offers a fusion of bold flavours and cutting-edge presentations. Their bar, stocked with unique and inventive drinks, is perfect for a night out with family and friends during the festive season.
The Winter Gin Garden at the Ham Yard Hotel
Explore The Winter Gin Garden on the rooftop at the Ham Yard Hotel. This enchanting winter terrace invites you to explore cocktails spanning four centuries, from the rich 17th-century Hot Chocolata to a fiery 18th-century Toddy. Wrap up with blankets as you enjoy cocktails and fire-cooked dishes with stunning city views—an unforgettable way to toast the season.
Featured Venues
Ham Yard Hotel
Hotel
In the midst of Soho and moments from Mayfair, Ham Yard has an urban village feel. The hotel revolves around a leafy courtyard with a bronze sculpture centrepiece by Tony Cragg. Interiors are designed by Kit Kemp in her award-winning modern British style. Alongside the hotel's 91 individually designed bedrooms and suites are 24 apartments, 13 boutiques and a restaurant and bar, there is a drawing room and library, rooftop terrace, spa and gym, theatre, private event rooms and bowling alley.
Farzi London
Restaurant
During Art After Dark, enjoy a complimentary house cocktail upon arrival when dining.
Poster Bar by José
Restaurant
London’s much-loved Spanish chef José Pizarro – has opened two new vibrant day offerings at the Royal Academy of Arts. On the ground floor of Burlington Gardens, the Poster Bar by José, is a café offering an informal drop-in menu of delicious tapas and drinks.
The Ritz London
Restaurant
Located in the heart of London's cultural district, The Ritz London hotel boasts original, ornate Louis XVI interiors, 136 bedrooms and suites overlooking the Royal Green Park and Piccadilly. Serving afternoon tea in the spectacular Palm Court, cocktails in the Rivoli Bar, luxury hotel stays, The Ritz Casino and a cigar shop and sampling lounge.
Haymarket Hotel
Hotel
In the heart of London’s theatre district, the elegant Haymarket Hotel is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and is just next door to the Theatre Royal. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, gym, and a spa with a range of treatments. Plus, sit back and relax in the Brumus Bar and Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner menus.
National Portrait Gallery
Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery sits seconds away from Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, London. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856 and houses the world's largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
Larry's at the National Portrait Gallery
Restaurant
Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles when you dine at Larry’s during Art After Dark.
Franco's
Restaurant
For over 75 years Franco’s has consistently provided a friendly, warm, welcoming sanctuary for everybody living, working and visiting St. James’s and Jermyn Street. The quality of food, hospitality and service has meant that Franco’s has remained a firm favourite with so many who return time and time again.
The Dilly
Hotel
Set in the heart of London's West End, The Dilly complements the hotel's vibrant cultural and architectural surroundings. Seconds away from St James's, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square, this luxury 5-star hotel boasts a stunning indoor swimming pool and spacious, elegant rooms for hotel guests. Plus, open to both guests and visitors, enjoy a superb meal in The Terrace restaurant overlooking Piccadilly, or a mouth-watering cocktail concoction in the Maskelyn & Cook bar.
Sofitel London St James
Hotel
A Grade II listed building, the five-star hotel, Sofitel London St James lies in the heart of the prestigious district of St James’s. Combining traditional British design and contemporary French elegance, the hotel boasts 183 bedrooms, and an all-day café restaurant, Wild Honey St James; an elegant Rose Lounge, ideal for afternoon tea, and the chic St James Bar complete the experience along with an award-winning spa. With 12 versatile function rooms, the luxury hotel is equally perfect for leisure and business guests.