It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so of course we’re getting ready to fill our social media feeds with festive photos from London’s most charming locations. From winter terraces with cosy blankets and heaters to stunning haunts that are filled with kitsch decorations, there are plenty of places bringing us yuletide cheer. Get set for some serious swooning as we find London’s most Instagrammable Christmas restaurants.
34 Mayfair
Where in London could you find a restaurant that’s jam-packed with Christmas decorations? It has to be 34 Mayfair. With over 14,000 pieces, ‘Miracle at 34’ is a dazzling installation that lines the walls and ceilings. When you’re not snapping pictures for your Insta, you can tuck into a two or three-course feast of salmon tartare, roast chicken with truffle mash, chicken gravy and tenderstem broccoli, and signature 34 doughnuts with raspberry sauce.
Over 14,000 decorations make up this Insta-worthy restaurant.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
If you’re looking for luxury, there’s nowhere as glitzy as The Ivy Chelsea Garden. One of London’s most Instagram-worthy restaurants at Christmas, this place goes all out with its yuletide decorations. While they’re yet to announce what 2020 will bring, if their Narnia theme is anything to go by, expect plenty of winter foliage, touches of glitter and seasonal menus serving the very best of British Crimbo cuisine.
Soak up the Christmas vibes (and a few cocktails) at The Ivy in Chelsea.
Sketch
Sketch’s art-lined walls and famous toilets make it one unmissable place for an Instagram photo any time of the year. When it comes to Christmas? The artsy West End bar and restaurant has previously constructed a massive spiralling tree, an alleyway filled with snowmen and wreaths and an indoor 'snowstorm in a cup' art piece that rose up to the ceiling. While they’re keeping this year under wraps for now, we’re expecting something special for 2020.
If you fancy filling your feed with artsy decorations, Sketch is your spot.
Miracle on Kingdom Street at Pergola Paddington
Things don’t get as festive as Miracle on Kingdom Street, which has taken over Pergola Paddington this winter in London. Head on over to this unique pop-up for daytime après ski vibes or late night partying when the sun goes down, complete with private igloos, snow-covered pine trees and a Bavarian beer hall. This Instagrammable Christmas restaurant will keep you coming back until February for its themed tipples and tasty fondue.
There's plenty to get you into the festive spirit at Pergola Paddington's pop-up.
Winterland
If your idea of the perfect Christmas restaurant includes steaming bowls of fondue, themed cocktails and prime Instagram opportunities, Winterland is a top spot. This winter pop-up in Fulham takes its inspiration from the Alps with cosy heated spaces, open fires, fur throws and fairy lights. Topping it off? There’s plenty of quirky activities, private igloos available to hire out and even a hot tub if you feel like a quick dip while you’re there.
Winterland is a quirky pop-up that's made for festive snapping.
Jimmy’s Pop-Up
Jimmy's Lodge and Snow Globes are among the most Instagrammable Christmas restaurants for plenty of reasons. Not only is the Refuge hot one swoon-worthy après ski destination, but the private igloos provide an unbelievable backdrop for social media snapping. The menu of Alpine offerings includes a sharer steak served on a hot stone, traditional fondue and a winter feast of baked Mont d’Or, charcuterie, steak, sausages and baguettes.
Whether you fancy curling up indoors or in your own igloo, these places are sure to brighten your feed.
The Montague on the Gardens
Returning on 3rd December, the Ski Lodge at The Montague on the Gardens is London’s original ski lodge and winter party venue that’s just made for sharing on social media. The Wood Deck will be transformed into a haven of pine trees, falling snow, ski racks, piste maps and strings of lanterns, adding to the overall festive charm. Throw in a few glasses of schnapps, mulled wine and hot chocolate cocktails, and you’re all set for the perfect pic.
Offering Alpine chalet vibes, this is easily one of London's best Christmas escapes.
Dalloway Terrace
The ever-enchanting Dalloway Terrace was transformed into a magical winter wonderland last year, so of course they’ll be bringing back more decorations for 2020. Part of The Bloomsbury Hotel, this festive restaurant provides a botanical backdrop for sipping seasonal cocktails. The heated hideaway also treated guests to hot chocolate cocktails, cheese fondue and festive films which will be expected to make a comeback.
Dalloway Terrace is offering alfresco drinking and dining at its finest, with botanical touches and warming cocktails.
Little Nan’s
A treasure trove any time of the year, Little Nan’s is one of London's most photogenic Christmas restaurants for its wonderfully kitsch take on festive decorating. Add some cheer to your social media feed by snapping pics of your teapot cocktails, afternoon teas and wacky outfits from the dedicated dressing up room. You can even hire your own private Pat Butcher-themed dining room for the ultimate retro party experience.
Little Nan's will take you back to Christmas past with its retro trinkets.
Mari Vanna
It seems like it’s Christmas every day at this restaurant, but when it really does get to December? Expect Mari Vanna to be decked out in even more quirky curiosities. We’re talking trees, fairy lights and glittering decorations hanging from the ceiling. Topping it off is a menu of winter warmers that's sure to thaw even the coldest of hearts, including pelmeni, pork fritters and potato dumplings with an impressive vodka collection to match.
Mari Vanna is a charming Russian-inspired restaurant for an Instagram picture this winter.
Annabel's
This Mayfair restaurant is not one to do things by halves, including Christmas decorations. Every year the member's club goes bigger and bigger with its festive interiors, from bauble installations over the bar to elegant wreaths lining the dining room... there was even a rocking horse suspended from the ceiling last year. Oozing an old school glamour throughout the space, Annabel's is sure to impress with elegant menus to match the Insta-worthy surroundings.
Annabel's is serving serious old school glamour from its Mayfair home.
Harry's Dolce Vita
Add a dash of Italian style to your social posting and say buon Natale at Harry's Dolce Vita. Pairing stunning decorations with an equally impressive menu of Christmas goodies, the Knightsbridge restaurant is sure to make jaws drop when you pay them a visit. Expect swish private dining spaces with elegant touches, authentic cooking with a festive twist and (of course) plenty of bubbles to wash everything down.
Harry's Dolce Vita is one pretty Christmas restaurant in London.
Looking for more Instagram inspo? Check out our guide to winter restaurants here.