So you’ve read The Little Book of Hygge and you’re wondering what’s next? Whether you’re all about being cosy à la hygge, you’re mastering niksen – the art of doing nothing – or just fancy taking a break with coffee and cake in true fika style, we’ve got you covered. From snug pubs touting homey fireplaces to rooftops worthy of Santa himself, here’s our Scandi guide to winter in London.
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Wine and dine in an igloo
When the temperature drops and the evenings get darker, a regular restaurant just won't cut it. The cosiest setting of them all? These glorious igloos. From slick shelters touting riverside views to glittering domes perched on the city's highest rooftops, this lot will have you transported to Scandinavia.
If it ain't surrounded in glass and filled with blankets, we don't wanna know.
Dip through these fondue favourites
The best kinda cheese? The bubbling, dippable kind. Whether you enjoy your molten mess loaded with veg, slathered over meaty cuts or paired with carb-loaded toasties, there's something for every palate. If you're after a gouda time, look no further.
These fondue faves are an un-brie-lievable lot.
Match your booze with views at a gorgeous rooftop bar
If there's anything better than a rooftop bar, it's a seasonal rooftop bar - and boy - have these babies gone all out. There's an alpine takeover in the West End, a Wizard of Oz-inspired spot in Shoreditch and a Brixton favourite that's swapped sun and slushies for toasty heaters and winter warmers... but that's not all.
London's rooftops just got cooler.
Sip gin hot toddies at a frost fair
From Canary Wharf and Tooting to Notting Hill and Brixton, Sipsmith Frost Fairs are taking over. This winter, the London gin brand is heading around the city with a series of pop-ups that bring hot cocktails to the forefront. Get your boozy fix with G&Ts, sloe concoctions and mini tipples laced with gingerbread gin.
Things are heating up with this spirited line-up.
Feel the après vibes with mulled wine and hot tubs
Live your best the stress-free life with a visit to Winterland; the Fulham favourite that pairs mulled wine and cheesy treats with fire pits and hot tubs under the stars. If this sounds like the ideal place to unwind in the Dutch style of niksen, that's because it is.
Turn up the heat with the ultimate chill-out.
Munch through smörgåsbords at a top Scandi restaurant
Swedish meatballs accompanied by lingonberries and pickled cucumber? Oysters layered with elderflower, shallots and dill? It can only be the Michelin-starred Aquavit. Oozing all the hygge vibes, this spacious St James's restaurant is the place for impressive plates and aquavit-based cocktails like the Apple Gimlet and a cinnamon bun-infused Fika It Out.
Inspired by the Scandinavian 'water of life,' Aquavit should be top of your foodie agenda.
Snuggle up in a pub with a fireplace
A little slice of niksen, hygge and fika all in one, these charming pubs are always a good shout. Whether you came for traditional pub grub washed down with real ales and craft beers or you fancy a little coffee and cake action, make sure you do it by the roar of an open fire.
These are the watering holes to add to your list.
Make your own Christmas wreath
Is it ever too early to think about Christmas? Nope. Get into the seasonal spirit with a visit to one of these wreath-making workshops that'll have you loading seasonal foliage and dried flowers with classic decorations as you piece together your very own creation. There might even be pizza and mulled drinks in the mix...
Feel that jingle? It's the best time of the year approaching.
In need of a little more frosty fun? Hit up our extensive guide to winter in London.
