With Christmas fast approaching, the streets of London are starting to fill with tourists, shoppers and cold weather. Not only this but the standard of television becomes equally as unbearable. To battle this, here are some places DesignMyNight suggest are ideal for getting into the Christmas spirit and out of the cold.
Buon Natale at Bunga Bunga
Throughout December 2012, Fullham Broadway.
This year at Bunga Bunga is set to be bursting with Berlusconi baubles, complimentary Christmas postcards for guests (say goodbye to last-minute bulk buying of supermarket Christmas cards), zabaglione-stuffed panettone and exclusive bubbling Christmas sharer cocktails – served as faux potted Christmas trees and topped with red berry filled snowy Meringue nests. Italy’s version of the traditional mulled wine, ‘Inverno a Napoli’, will also be available. Not only this but the usual Bunga Bunga features will be available but with a Christmas twist. This means varying degrees of alcohol fuelled karaoke renditions of such classics as Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ with Bunga Bunga’s sexy Santa girls. There will also be a special Bunga Bunga Christmas Pizza that promises to be piled as high as a Christmas tree with Turkey, Cranberry Sauce and homemade stuffing.
Whamtastic Christmas at Maggie’s
Throughout December 2012, Chelsea
For the superstitious looking to have a great night for their ‘Last Christmas’ (pun intended), the Wham themed homage to the 80’s at Maggie’s is the perfect spot. The halls will be decked in honour of the 80’s iconic band and their catchy Christmas number one. Some of the ‘Whamtastic’ features will include limited edition cocktails served in Wham Mugs, aka Christmas in a cup, classic Christmas tunes, as well as many other Christmas delights. For those with romance on their agenda, Maggie’s Wham booth will be adorned with mistletoe as it is transformed into Chelsea’s kitschiest Christmas kissing corner.
Tales Under the tree at Bart's
Lanch night Wednesday 28th November 2012 and throughout December 2012.
‘Size doesn’t matter, it’s what you do with it that counts’ – is a saying that encapsulates Bart’s to a tee. The warm setting, friendly crowd and welcoming regulars make this venue a great haunt any time of the year but with their ‘Tales Under the Tree’ theme, Bart’s is looking more appetising than ever. Expect to enjoy mulled wine, warm cider, Christmas carols and the prefect end to a lengthy day of Christmas shopping fatigue.
The Elk Winterwonderland
Throughout December
The Big Smoke BBQ at the Elk has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Complete with its very own smoke pit, the attraction is ready to bring some festive fun to London. The Elk’s outside area outside area will feature silver Christmas trees, snow icicles as well as illuminated reindeers to help guide Santa on his nightly escapades. Get tipsy on some inspired tipple such as the Christmas inspired cocktails and delicious mulled wine.
Archer Street’s Apres Ski
Throughout December 2012
Piste, Archer Street’s new après-ski themed bar, will be snowed over by Christmas cheer this year. If it’s a quick drink to alleviate the pain of Christmas shopping or to dance the night away, Piste can cater for you. There will be special Christmas themed cocktails such as the delicious Apricot and Cinnamon Bellini; and the all-singing bar team who will deliver an avalanche of Christmas spirit with carols and pop songs throughout the evening.
Shaka Zulu’s South African Christmas
Every Sunday in December, Comedy Lunch Wednesday 12th & 19th December 2012
For a festive Christmas, South African style, Shaka Zulu is the destination like no other in Town. London’s largest South African restaurant is hoping to deliver some heat to the Capital this winter. There will be host a host of stunning cocktails and live music, all in their warm and vibrant environment. If this isn’t enough, Father Christmas himself will be making a weekly appearance on Sundays. On December 12 & 19, TV comedian Rudi Lickwood will also fill the room with laughter to complete the cheerful Christmas environment.
Winter Wunderland at Supperclub
Throughout December 2012
London’s Supperclub invites you to its frozen fantasy for a winter ‘Wunderland’ this Christmas. There are few better places to be in during the winter cold than in a bed; Supperclub provides just this with their signature beds and lounging areas. The club will be transformed in to a gorgeous grotto of delight where guests can dine on a delicious five-course menu whilst listening to world class international DJs.
Santa Baby! Pop-up @ 347 Old Street
Saturday 1st of December to Sunday 23rd of December
Santa Baby! Is a pop-up Christmas Cocktail bar modeled on a suburban living room in 1950s America. ‘Popping up’ at 347 Old Street (Under the bridge on the corner of Kingsland Road and Old Street) the bar will be made up of retro sideboards, comfy sofas, bad jumpers, good friends, and inappropriately large quantities of mulled wine and eggnog. Some of London’s most gifted mixologists will be on site to create the best seasonal tipple available.
The Montague Ski Lodge Winterwonderland
20th November 2012 - 31st January 2013
For those looking to add something special to their festive celebrations this year, The Montague Ski Lodge Experience could be the place for you. The Wood Deck, that is hugely popular in the summer months, will be transformed into a winter wonderland between 20th November and 31st January. Tickets start at £20 per person and include a choice of three flavoured vodkas from the selection of 12 and a food tasting platter.
Santa's Grotto at Bodo's Schloss
December 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th
Bodo’s Schloss will be welcoming a very special guest this Christmas time. Santa Claus, that’s right, the real Santa Claus will be stopping by on December 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th. Come to Bodo’s Schloss with the whole family for lunch and get into the Christmas spirit with the Bodo’s team in your favourite Alpine Lodge. Proceeds from all lunch booking will be supporting local charity St John’s Hospice.