Here are the best bars, pubs and markets serving up mulled wine in London right now
It’s cold out, very cold; time to crack out the mulled wine. ‘Tis the season for Christmas seasoning, and there’s a lot of it about, whether you’re into your gingerbread lattes or are an eggnog evangelist (if the latter, have you heard of Oatnog?!). But surely the spiced drink to end all spiced drinks is mulled wine, a boozy, warming, mug of festive flavours. There’s truly nothing better to get you in the Christmas spirit.
If you’ve been to any of London’s festive markets, you’ll know they’re synonymous with the smell of mulled wine, so you’re bound to find some there, and there are some truly excellent ones in town this year. Of course, pubs are partial to a barrel of good ol’ glögg too, so your local may just be cracking out the mulling spices this winter. And some wine bars are getting in on the action too, serving up their own twists on the traditional tipple where the cuvée used is just as important as the cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon zest and sugar. Plus, if you fancy trying something entirely new, there are some bars making mulled wine an ingredient in Christmassy cocktails.
We’ve scoured the city for the best cups of mulled wine to be found, whether you’re an east, west, south, north or central Londoner. Here’s where to treat yourself to a serving of the famous spiced wine – and get that festive buzz going.
Mulled Wine Trail, Central London – Fables & Company is hosting a mulled wine trail this winter, where you can take your mulled wine tankard and stamp card and enjoy a hot vino at Quill in Borough Yards, Plume in Covent Garden and The Mulled Wine Tavern, a stall at the Southbank Centre.
ScandiKitchen, Fitzrovia – Given that mulled wine (or glögg) is popular in Scandinavian countries, getting a cup from ScandiKitchen is a no-brainer. Plus, you can grab some ginger biscuits or a bottle of mulled wine to take away while you’re there too.
Winter Market, South Bank – The Southbank Centre’s Winter Market is back and just as festive and well-stocked as ever. Expect barrels of mulled wine as well as loads of street food stalls and independent craft traders.
The Chalet, Somerset House – Jimmy Garcia is back with another Alpine-inspired pop-up at Somerset House’s Skate, where you can stop off for winter warmers, including mulled wine and mulled rosé, before getting back out on the ice.
Queen of Hoxton, Hoxton – The Queen of Hoxton’s annual winter terrace is officially open, with this year’s theme being Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘A Starry Night’ so you can expect a lot of twinkly lights up on the roof. The bar is serving mulled wine, which you can make extra boozy by adding a shot of whisky.
Columbia Road, Shoreditch – The independent shops on the street will be opening late four Wednesdays leading up to Christmas for all your gifting needs, with mulled wine available to enjoy while you browse.
Christmas at Kew, Richmond – Christmas at Kew has returned for its annual takeover of the gardens and, as always, the West London park will be filled with stunning light installations. Take in the sights and keep warm on the trail with a steaming cup of mulled wine from one of the pop-up bars.
Big Penny Social, Walthamstow – The beer hall is debuting a curling experience this winter where you can slide you way to winter sports glory and stay warm in between games by hitting the bar for spiced mulled wine.
Peckham Arches, Peckham – One of SE London’s largest terraces, Peckham Arches is officially decked out for the festive season. The all-weather, heated space has been made more cosy, and has a new Indian food concept in the kitchen, meaning you’ll feel extra toasty as you enjoy your mug of mulled wine.
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