You don't have to stay indoors these autumn and winter months as London has plenty of winter-ready terraces and rooftop bars primed with heaters, throws and blankets to snuggle into and bucket loads of cosy ambience. 

With that in mind, here are the best winter terraces and rooftop bars in south East London ready for alfresco dining and drinking. 

1 London Bridge Rooftop Bar

A bar that does what it says on the tin, London Bridge Rooftop Bar is a rooftop bar right near London Bridge. Come the festive season, it serves mulled wine and festive tipples and dresses its space up with heaters and Christmassy lights and its partially covered should the heavens open. 

Address: Colechurch House, Bridge Walk, London Bridge SE1 2SX

Website: londonbridgerooftop.com

2 Bar Elba, Waterloo

An all year round party destination hosting bottomless brunches, DJs, and party nights. For winter, the bar sets up winter pods so gaggles of pals can stay warm, have a good time and take in the views of the city beyond. 

Address: 111 Waterloo Road, Wateroo SE1 8SG

Website: bar-elba.co.uk

3 OXO Tower, South Bank

An all-year round destination overlooking the Thames, OXO Tower dresses its charming terraces up with blankets and glittering fairy lights for winter. And if you aren’t winter hardy, you still get those smashing views of the Thames through the floor to ceiling windows from the warmth of the inside dining room.

Address: Barge House Street, South Bank SE1 9PH

Website: oxotowerrestaurant.com

4 12th Knot at Sea Containers, South Bank

It maybe streamline and compact, but the terrace at 12th Knot at Sea Containers on South Bank is another terraces boasting sublime views across the Thames – you can even see St Paul’s from here. For the winter season, the terrace embraces hygge with sheepskin throws, candles and blankets. Again, if braving the winter air is not for you, you can still see the view from the comfort of inside.

Address: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank SE1 9PD

Website: seacontainerslondon.com

5 Forza Wines, Southbank

Forza Wines' second venue has opened up right on South Bank at the National Theatre and comes with a terrace overlooking the Thames. Similar to its sibling venue in Peckham (which also has a terrace with a view), this wine bar pours natural wines and dish up Italian-ish small plates.

Address: Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX

Website: nationaltheatre.org.uk

6 Skylight, Peckham

The sister venue to the Wapping Skylight, the Peckham outpost pulls a young fun crowd who come for the drag brunches, BBQs, DJs and good times. Come winter, the venue hoists up a few igloos for fun, wintery alfresco hangs.

Address: Theatre Walk, 120 Peckham Hill Street, Peckham SE15 5JT

Website: skylightbars.com

7 Fire and Fromage pop up, South Bank

South Bank’s Alpine-inspired igloos return for the festive season, along with a raclette bar and a winter street food kitchen. Boasting full après-ski vibes, the private dining snow globes fit up to 10 people, come heated and with views looking across the Thames. The menu focuses on dishes such as fondue and raclette, and there’s also sharing steaks, and vegan options are available. Runs November 2 - December 31

Address: Queens Walk, under Waterloo Bridge, Southbank SE1 8XX

Website: jimmyspopup.com

8 Coq d’Argent, City 

Upmarket Coq d’Argent in the City has a poplar rooftop terrace complete with heaters to keep the chill at bay as you enjoy cocktails and bar snacks. Usually you’ll find some sort of Alpine-themed festivities come winter, like the Lodge d’Argent chalets, bookable for just you and your friends. 

Address: No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ 

Website: coqdargent.co.uk 

9 Madison, St Paul’s 

Madison’s famous party party rooftop terrace comes with cracking views of St Pauls’ Cathedral, and is just as lively in winter as it is in summer – it's one for the brave. For winter, find warming cocktail specials, wintery foliage, festive decorations, heated seats, DJs every night and that rockstar view of St. Paul’s.  

Address: Rooftop Terrace, One New Change, St Paul’s EC4M 9AF 

Website: madisonlondon.net 

10 Flat Iron Square, London Bridge 

Flat Iron Square is made up of a series of outdoor spaces, covered and heated for winter. There’s a number of street food traders, multiple bars, DJs, live music and one-off events. 

Address: 45 Southwark Street, London Bridge SE1 1RU 

Website: flatironsquare.co.uk 

11 Sky Garden, City 

As the temperature drops, it’s time to head to the top – 155 metres up, that is – as Sky Garden cosies up for the winter. While covered, Sky Garden is a naturally ventilated space, so you’ll need to dress appropriately for winter. Does that make it an indoor or outdoor venue? Technically, it’s indoors, but it’s also a garden so it has outside vibes. Open Tuesday to Sunday with DJ nights from Wednesday to Sunday. Walk-ins are permitted but you’d be wise to book. 

Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF 

Website: skygarden.london 

12 Sabine, City 

Overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, this botanical rooftop is an ideal escape from London’s concrete jungle. It offers breath-taking views of the cathedral from every angle against a backdrop of vibrant foliage and contemporary design. There’s a light bite menu and herbaceous cocktails to enjoy on one of the two outside terraces, nestled into blankets under heaters. 

Address: 7th Floor, Leonardo Royal Hotel London, St Paul’s, 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ 

Website: sabinelondon.co.uk 

13 Le Pont de la Tour, Shad Thames 

The grand fine-dining French restaurant Le Pont de la Tour gives its terrace a cosy yet glamorous makeover for winter complete with heaters, furs and blankets. With one of the best views of Tower Bridge as a backdrop, soak the sight up with champagne and oysters, or a seafood platter or lobster even.  

Address: 6D Shad Thames, SE1 2YE 

Website: lepontdelatour.co.uk

14 Coppa Club igloos, Tower Bridge

With prime position overlooking the Thames, the riverside igloos at Coppa Club Tower Bridge are hugely popular so get in quick to book. Snug, intimate and serving delicious food, they're a great spot for watching all the river side traffic go by. 

Address: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street EC3R 6AH

Website: coppaclub.co.uk