Has anyone noticed the ongoing trend for ski-themed bars? Not to mention ice-skating rinks, Christmas markets, winter wonderlands and ice festivals. Here are a few of the ski lodges and cabins that pop up in London during the winter months. Some of which have Alpine-style wooden beams, thick furry rugs and outdoor glass igloos to get you in the mood of your ski holiday…
Lodge d’Argent, EC2
There’s a rooftop winter wonderland at the Coq d’Argent from November 21 to February 28; but this one is more Arctic Circle than Alps. Two igloo tents sit on the heated terrace, along with festive lighting, furry rugs and snowy decorations. In addition to this is an Aurora Borealis Cube in the restaurant’s lift entrance, giving a simulated visual experience of the Northern Lights. Hearty food is accompanied by cocktails and warming drinks at the top of this skyscraper.
Slider’s Curling Club, Stratford
There are six rooftop curling lanes and glass igloos for private dining – on a Stratford rooftop from where, eight storeys up, you can gaze down onto the Olympic park and London’s skyline. Chalet-style staff bring you hot cocktails and icy potions. Igloos can be hired for up to eight people at £40 for 90 minutes, including vin chaud on arrival (there’s a minimum of £40 spend on food and drink – including a mini croque monsieur and Aspen fries. There’s also the Ski Lodge Bar where you’re whisked back to the ski chalets of the ’80s.
Coppa Club, Tower Bridge
Built around a central brass bar that’s open on all sides, Coppa Club has a raised lounge for both working and relaxing, a 250-person restaurant, and a café with booths and a fireplace. Outside, there’s a large, south-facing terrace. Not very alpine, I hear you say…but outside on the terrace are glass igloos that you can book.
Montague Ski Lodge, Bloomsbury
From November 16 to January 20 the bar transforms into a ski lodge complete with pine trees, falling snow, reindeers, snowmen, and piste maps decking the walls. The centrepiece is a bar serving Schnapps. You can buy a Ski Pass, which costs £35pp and offers an hour in the Ski Lodge, an Alpine platter, and a choice of drinks including mulled wine, hot spiced cider, and mugs of steaming hot chocolate. Then there’s the Log Cabin where you can enjoy a drink in front of the fire beside the Christmas tree, with cosy armchairs and sofas complete with warm woollen rugs.
Jimmy’s Lodge, Southbank Centre
From November 10 to December 31, you can come here for everything from a quick drink and snack to a complete alpine evening. Jimmy’s Lodge is split in to three main areas, including The Refuge Restaurant (with communal dining for 30), which has a set menu of winter favourites followed by a cheese fondue. Then there’s The Hot Cocktail Bar & Street Food that has alpine-themed food ranging from The King of the Croque to The Lodge Raclette Burger. The private Snow Globes seat six to ten people and offer…fondues.
Piste at Archer Street, Soho
Decked out to look like a ski lodge, Piste is inspired by Scandinavian mountain cabins and Swiss chalets. It has a log fire, sheepskin-decked chairs, reclaimed wooden beams, antler chandeliers, along with old skis and reindeer rugs on the walls. Cocktails have names like Meribel, Aspen, and Chamonix. Open from October to May.
The Sipping Room, West India Quay
The venue has a terrace complete with six igloos, where you can take a whole igloo for 8-10 people or share with others. Two of the igloos are partnered with Copper Dog, offering a bespoke sip and snack menu.
Any More?
It would be good to know about any ski-themed lodges outside London, as well as in other cities and non-ski areas of the world. Do please add any you know of into the comments box below.
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