From hidden restaurants to obscure rooftop residencies, innovative events to fun foodie adventures, the London pop-up scene has totally erupted over the last couple of years. No longer are we limited to our standard bars, pubs and clubs. Instead, there is a complete mix of great of pop up locations, outdoor cinema options and quirky London attractions to choose from.
But the tough thing can be actually finding out about them in the first place. Especially if you’re not from the capital, you can feel even more out of the loop. Though, have no fear! If you’re coming to London to stay with us at our fabulous Park Grand London Kensington hotel, we’re here to help in more ways than one. As well as being a beautiful, elegant and comfortable base for your trip (just look at the photos!) we’re here to give you lots of great tips to help you make the most out of your time in London.
As a start, here’s a list of some of our favourite upcoming holiday pop-ups that will soon be gracing the city. Let us know which ones you’ll be checking out!
Before we dive in, make sure you also check out our amazing hotel loyalty programs. As a Premier Club Rewards member, you can enjoy exclusive privileges including earning free night and complimentary room upgrade. Premier Club rewards membership will make your stay memorable, luxurious and rewarding.
Jimmy’s Winter Lodge and Igloos
If you’re looking for a really traditional winter pop-up this merry season, look no further than Jimmy’s famous Winter Lodge and Igloos. So whether you feel like curling up in your very own igloo facing the river near Tower Hill, or chowing down a pot of fondue in an Alpine escape, this place has it all, and it’s become a true Christmas venture. Drink cocktails and sample a fun, interesting menu, surrounded by twinkling city lights – after all, what could be better?!
Winterland London
Winterland London is bringing the bubbly pools of festive joy once again to Fulham’s Beach Club this winter season, and one of the biggest selling points of this option is that you can even bring your own alcohol. Book early and you and five of your friends will be waited on hand and foot, so you can stock up on mulled wine or warm gin from the bar without even needing to leave your seat. And don’t worry about the rain spoiling the fun – the Thames-side tubs are totally covered. To change into a festive village this November, The Alpine Club will be adorned with fire pits, log cabins, and last year’s amazing hit, magical igloos. Activities such as beer pong and table tennis will also be on offer, so choose your swimwear carefully!
Rekorderlig Cider Lodge
One of the most iconic Christmas staples along the Thames in recent years, the Rekorderlig Cider Lodge will be back at the Southbank again this year. Expect delicious cider cocktails made to order – hot, cold, and some even made with their new plum cider – as well as cosy fire pits, tasty Swedish food and a photo booth. It gets super crowded thanks to how good it is, as well as where it is, so bear in mind that there are usually long lines at the bar.
Pergola Paddington in Winter
Pergola Paddington is set to be transformed into an urban winter forest in 2019, for all the London locals (and visitors!) who are dying for a bit of greenery in the capital, particularly at this dark time of year. And it really will be magical. Enter through a tunnel of stars, and you’ll soon be sampling on warming cocktails while devouring street food from much-loved vendors including the likes of An Choi, Babek Brothers, Temaki Bros and Smash Patty. They’re all set to create brand spanking new seasonal dishes and putting on Christmas specials just for the month of December.
Winter at Lost in Brixton
Brixton Village hotspot Lost In Brixton is getting a makeover for Christmas this year – the space will even be complete with table service from the in-village eatery idols such as Fish Wings & Tings, Jalisco, Honest Burger, Seven Brixton and Thunderbird. Throughout the festive period, there will also be a host of different drinks offers on the table too, such as two for one drinks on weeknights.
Rivoli Pop-Up Cinema
London has some absolutely exceptional cinemas, and Rivoli is widely regarded as one of the city’s very best. And after all, there are fewer things in the world that bring joy quite like a Christmas film, so what could be better than enjoying your favourite festive tales in an idyllic setting? Expect all the classics and family favourites such as Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone and more.
York and Albany Gingerbread Cabin
Nestled in the bustling Camden courtyard, this delightful Gingerbread Cabin offers the perfect spot to eat, drink and be merry with friends and loved ones at the most wonderful time of the year. Decked out with pine trees, frosting and candy canes, it also has gingerbread-themed decor. Cute! Enjoy a delicious Chambord mulled wine on arrival, before taking a seat in a cosy and comfy armchair to enjoy a canapé-inspired menu of sweet and savoury gingerbread bites. Also, there will be a list of Bacardi festive cocktails, such as a Grey Goose ‘Gingerbread Espresso Martini’ and even a Bombay Sapphire ‘Slim Santa’ all available to purchase on the day.
Bottomless Espresso Martini Pop-Up
After serving up over a whopping 20,000 espresso martinis over their last three pop-ups, the travelling Espresso Martini Society is back this Christmas with a bottomless edition (no less) in London’s Kings Cross. While their past pop-up bars highlighted the most comprehensive list of Espresso Martini varieties anywhere in the world, this interesting alternative takes things up another level, offering up a bottomless menu of five delicious festive variations, all to a soundtrack of the cheesiest, cheeriest music going.
