10-quirky-winter-pop-ups-you-need-to-visit

10 quirky winter pop-ups you need to visit

As the colder months roll in and Christmas starts to creep into our calendars, it seems like the country is overflowing with winter pop-ups to help make the bitter cold a little more bearable. Fuelled with mulled wine, delicious street eats and yuletide joy, these hotspots around the UK are perfect for festive frolicking. And with so many to choose from, we’ve enlisted some help from the experts at DesignMyNight to help narrow down a list of the country’s finest.

Winterland: Alpine Club - London

Winterland became something of an Instagram sensation last year and has made a triumphant return for 2018 with a new Alpine-inspired makeover. Transporting its guests to a retro winter playground, space is complete with a karaoke booth, putting pong, table tennis and curling lanes. Festive food offerings include fondue and schnitzel to be washed down with mulled wine and warm winter cocktails; with entry coming in at just £5, you can choose to spend as little or as much as your bank balance allows. An image

Jimmy’s Winter Lodge and Igloos - London

Returning to London’s Southbank, Jimmy’s Winter Lodge offers a cosy retreat with impressive views of the Thames. If you’re able to dip into the loan a little, or just want to treat yo’ self, the delicious Alpine dining experience starts from £35 per person and includes fondue and hot stone steaks. If you’re in the mood to splash the cash or have a larger party in mind to celebrate something super special, private igloos can be rented from £250. An image

Lady Celeste's Rooftop - London

Taking inspiration from the streets of Montmarte, Lady Celeste’s is a bohemian boudoir. This winter rooftop at the Queen of Hoxton gives you a real taste of the legendary Parisian art scene with plush furnishings, glittering lights and velvet drapes, all while you drink Tarte Tatin Rum at cabaret tables with curious characters. The stylish hotspot will also be serving spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine and cider alongside a sharing fountain of absinthe for those with the brave gene. An image

The Big Freeze - London

Covent Garden’s Tropicana Beach Club has frozen over, giving guests a winter wonderland pop-up without a sub-zero climate. Under the glittering lights of a giant snowball installation, there’s the chance to take part in snowball fights and ice-curling competitions on the frozen lagoon, soundtracked by live performers. There’s also plenty of themed entertainment to keep the night going, including festive screenings from Neighbourhood Cinema. An image

SFGC at Roof East - London

If you’re in the mood for some fun festive activities or simply miss the Winter Olympic action, head to a rooftop curling experience at Roof East. This quirky pop-up in Stratford features an all-new tropical theme, complete with views of the iconic Olympic Park, a cosy atmosphere, delicious street food and boozy hot chocolate. The curling lanes can be booked for up to eight people, so gather your housemates for some healthy competition, losers pick up the bar tab. An image

Pop-Up Screens - London

Pop-Up Screens in Hackney is showcasing all your favourite festive flicks this December; perfect for a budget-friendly date, night out with mates, and a good old reminisce. Guests will enter through a wardrobe into a hideaway coated with snow before settling down with a hot mulled wine for Christmas classics such as Love Actually, Elf or Home Alone. It’s an experience that's guaranteed to fill even the grumpiest grinch with yuletide joy. An image

Skylight - London

Another gorgeous rooftop pop-up, Skylight gives you the chance to skate above London’s iconic cityscape for just £12. Table bookings are £10 for up to 10 people, making it perfect for a group of friends to sip on seasonal cocktails and share fondue after showing off their skills on the ice. If you fancy something a little cosier, huts start at £60 for up to 10 people and include blankets, mulled wine and cheese platters, while Insta-worthy igloos are also available for those with a little wiggle room in their wallets. An image

[Urban Narnia] - Manchester

Manchester’s Hatch on Oxford Road has transformed into an Urban Narnia, with its shipping containers transforming into a hub for delicious food offerings, themed drinks, and pop-up independent shops, such as Betty and Butch who have plenty of Christmas goodies for your furry friends. The events calendar offers a promising array of live shows and DJ sets in the performance area, giving this Christmas market a cool, urban edge. An image

The Refinery Igloos - Manchester

Oh, how we love a pop-up igloo or two, and it’s not just London that boasts these festive hideaways. These cosy pods at The Refinery in Manchester feature faux fur blankets, fairy lights and stylish furnishings, complete with themed cocktails and delicious eats such as pigs in blankets, mini cheeseburgers and wild mushroom Yorkshire puddings. With booking options ranging from 2 people to parties of 10, it's perfect for everything from a first date to a Christmas feast with your friends. An image

The Lodge - Liverpool

Taking inspiration from mountain-top retteras, this cosy haunt in Liverpool ONE gives you a sanctuary from the impending doom of Christmas shopping. Dining options include hearty treats such as rotisserie chicken and warming bowls of Scouse, naturally accompanied by glasses of mulled wine. There’s also a series of live events and film screenings planned, making The Lodge a perfect spot for some winter hibernation. An image

For more info on winter pop-ups in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.

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