Clash: Wonderland in the Sky

Winter. The season everyone seems to have a love hate relationship with. While the beginning is welcomed with Christmas lights, Winter markets, festivals and Christmas shopping, we spend the New Year praying for an end to the blistering winds and torrential rain.

Many amazing bars and restaurants around London are providing the antidote to our winter blues this season. The Skylounge at the Double Tree by Hilton  in association with Chairman’s Reserve Rum and Lanson Champagne have launched their new winter pop-up, The Tree House. Transforming a wing of their incredible rooftop terrace into an enchanted woodland, The Tree House offers amazing views of the Shard, Tower Hill and The Gherkin.

Guests can sip a variety of themed cocktails such as the Hot & Cold Spice Toddy, made from Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum, secret spices and hot apple cider topped with whipped cream, or just enjoy some classic bubbly from Landon Champagne while snuggled up with some Truffle Mac & Cheese or Spicy Chicken Nuggets with Bourbon dip.

There is no better place to escape the harsh realities of winter than the mystical woodland realm of the Tree House where you can pretend you are in an exclusive lodge, at least until February 2016. The Queen of Hoxton have also created a cosy, woodland shelter on their rooftop inspired by fairytales from the Brothers Grimm. ‘Once Upon A Wigwam’ is on until the end of March and plays host to a variety of Grimm’s themed activities as well as interesting cocktails and snacks.

London’s largest indoor garden is home to perhaps that most suitable rooftop bar for winter. Skygarden sits atop the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building and boasts not only spectacular views of the city but amazing restaurants and bars. Sky Pod Bar opens from 7am for breakfast and lunch but when the sun goes, the cocktail lists come out to start a great night.

The newly introduced Sky-High Sessions is the best way to kick off your weekend, with live music and DJs Thursday through Saturday nights but make sure you book in advance to secure an area as walk-ins are welcomed but can’t be guaranteed admission.

Since it’s inception in 2012, the Brunel Museum of Garden’s cocktail bar; Midnight Apothecary, has been voted one of London’s best pop-up bars. Guests gather round a fire pit to toast marshmallows and sip herb and floral infused cocktails while listening to local musical talent. Like most rooftop bars, it boasts incredible views, but unlike other rooftops bars there is a guided tour through the underground vaults. And if all those stairs make you peckish, you can cure your hunger pains with a Greek treat from I Should Be Souvlaki.