Winter is coming.
This weekend, if the evil weather forecast is anything to go by.
Snow, freeeeeeezing cold temperatures and drizzly rain are all threatening to make the foreseeable future miserable – but I’ve come up with a little plan to help you stick 2 fingers up to the weather and turn grey days into GREAT days. So, grab your special people and get cosied up in some of the cutest and most snug spots in London.
Old Tom and English
187B Wardour St, London W1F 8ZB
“Don Draper Style Sophistication”
Opened back in November 2014, this Lee Broom designed restaurant and bar is one of the most stylish places in Soho, nodding back to the “good old days”. Access is by a hidden bell outside, and reservations are required. It’s the perfect hidden place to cosy up with someone special, sip on some exquisite cocktails and indulge in some sharing dishes. Grab yourself a spot by the real fire, and snuggle down. Perfection.
Book here.
The Shaftesbury
121 Kew Rd, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2PN
I’m a huge fan of Richmond, and wish I had the opportunity to spend more time there. It’s such a beautiful place, and there are many lovely places to choose to spend time in. The Shaftesbury is one of the stand out venues for me, with stylish, traditional British decor tinged with vintage touches, heaps of comfy seating and a log fire to snuggle by. They also have quiz night and lush roast dinners every Sunday. Well worth the trip South of the River.
York & Albany (Winter Chalet)
127-129 Parkway, NW1 7PS
I’m a huge fan of the Winter Chalet at Gordon Ramsay’s York and Albany. It’s the cutest little spot to enjoy with either friends or lover(s), feeling a million miles away from London. Decorated like an Alpine retreat, candles, fairy lights and scented candles help create a magical atmosphere. Cuddle under soft blankets and enjoy canapes and cocktails for £30 a head and escape the world for a while.
Private and Group Hire available. Book here.
Paradise by Way of Kensal Green
19 Kilburn Ln, London W10 4AE
This is one of my favourite venues in London for all sorts of reasons – it really does have something for everyone. It’s a warren of rooms, each with their own eclectic feel, and the Reading Room and pub sections are certainly cosy. Paradise is one of the best places I know to read the Sunday papers and get a great quality roast. Kids are welcome during the day and there are plenty of comfy nooks to relax in. I love.
The Chesham Arms
15 Mehetabel Road, Hackney E9 6DU
There are heaps of fine pubs in Hackney, but for me the re-opened Chesham Arms is one of the cosiest, comfiest places to hang out. Saved from redevelopment by the locals, it’s easy to see why they fought so hard for this East London gem. This is a proper Great British pub with some excellent modern design features – including dark red walls that, combined with the roaring fire, make this venue super-warm and inviting. Crack open the scrabble enjoy a good selection of decent beers and stay tucked up for the day. And night. You won’t want to go home.
Image credit : London Clicks (see their full review here)
Do you have any other favourite cosy London pubs, bars or restaurants? Please do share in th comments below, we love hearing from you.