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.
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.
Somerset House – Riverside bar Setlist is pouring winter cocktails for the festive season, including a Cointreau and cognac-spiked mulled wine. Jimmy Garcia is back with another Alpine-inspired pop-up at Somerset House’s Skate, where you can stop off for winter warmers before getting back out on the ice.
De Beauvoir Arms – Go for a picky bits tea – corn, crisps, Perello olives – and pair it with a cracking mulled wine at the De Beauvoir Arms.
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.
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. You can also grab a cup from Jimmy Garcia’s Fire & Fromage pop-up, which you can enjoy with a raclette burger around a fire pit.
The Scolt Head – Give your mulled wine an extra buzz at the Scolt Head by adding a shot of rum – that’ll keep you warm this winter.
The Audley – The Mayfair pub is serving up steaming mugs of mulled wine, the perfect pair for its festive sarnie.
Maltby Street Market – The Bermondsey market is doing festive Fridays this winter, where the streets are decked out, the stalls are serving up Christmas specials and the mulled wine is flowing.
Hemingford Arms – Mulled wine and Thai food? It makes sense at this Islington pub.
Duke of Wellington – Fancy something a bit different to wine but still hot? The Duke of Wellington in Haggerston is doing a great mulled cider.
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 – As well as bringing back its curling experience this winter, the beer hall is also hosting a Christmas tree market, where every tree purchase comes with a complimentary cup of mulled wine.
