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.
Wineyard, Clapton – After a successful inaugural edition in September, independent wine market Wineyard is returning to Round Chapel in Clapton for one day this December. As well as having plenty of mulled wine, Wineyard will bring some of the best wine importers and producers involved in the London wine scene together in one place, including Modest Merchant, Emile Wines, Bobo Wines, Candour, Uncharted Wines, and Renegade Urban Winery.
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.
Miracle at Henrietta, Covent Garden – The US’s renowned Christmas bar, Miracle, is back in London with a pop-up at Henrietta Hotel for the festive season. The kitschy spot is serving up mulled wine alongside a selection of seasonal cocktails and snacks from the Italian Supper Club at Henrietta.
Nightjar, Shoreditch – Fans of mulled wine who want to switch things up this year, head to Nightjar. Their new ‘Winter Remedy’ tipple combines Woodford Reserve bourbon washed in wild berry butter with mulled wine and ginger bitters, for a very special, warming winter cocktail.
Après Ski, Camden – The Lucky Club Camden has turned its summer rooftop into an Alpine escape, complete with fireplaces, skis, faux furs and a ski gondola. Drop by for mulled wine as well as a range of Alpine classics like cheese fondue, rösti, French onion soup, and raclette burgers. Plus, you can nab 50% off your bill here.
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.
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 is adorned with fairy lights, Christmas trees, candles and rugs, meaning you’ll feel extra Christmassy and toasty as you enjoy your mug of mulled wine.
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.
Queen of Hoxton, Hoxton – The Queen of Hoxton’s annual winter terrace is officially open, with this year’s theme being ‘Queen’s Masquerade’. The space is decked out in feather masks, candelabras, chandeliers, velvet drapes and hand-drawn murals to evoke ‘Gothic Venice’, the perfect setting for sipping on Venetian brambled wine (made with red wine, orange, aniseed, lime and cardamom) all night.
Clissold Park Tavern, Stoke Newington – Clissold Park Tavern, N16’s laid-back, local boozer, is mulling up some of the best spiced wine in town. Plus, they’ve arguably got one of the best heated and covered beer gardens in London, so don’t be afraid to pull up a seat outside while you get in the festive spirit.
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