The Best Winter Pop-Up Restaurants In London
Becoming widespread in Britain’s capital since the millennium, pop-up restaurants have taken the city by storm and are springing up across London. So whether you are looking to embrace the festive mood, or simply enjoy a unique dining experience, indulge in our pick of London’s top pop-up restaurants. The only catch is the bittersweet knowledge that they won’t always be there!
Jimmy’s Pop-Up
THAI POP UP!
A fusion of music, fashion and food makes for an unforgettable party at the THAI POP UP! on the edgy and vibrant streets of Dalston. Priding itself on being an unassuming venue, the ethos of this exotic pop-up is a simple emphasis on the main article – authentic Thai cooking. Offering distinctive dishes with a focus on accessibility for all, it is a haven for discerning foodies, where they can enjoy favorites such as tantalizing deep fried prawns. Make sure to book ahead for this popular hidden gem, so as to avoid disappointment.
5 Balls Pond Road, Dalston, London UK
Yulefest
Upon entering the Yulefest, nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, you step into a true winter wonderland, boasting divine sheepskin-clothed upholstery and Scandinavian cuisine in an imaginative festive setting. Brunch and dinner dates can be booked online for this niche yet warming fairyland. The menu, crafted with care, showcases twists on traditional Christmas dishes; try the elk and beef meatballs for an exciting and rare dish. The menu also features an array of festive cocktails such as a gingerbread mule (cinnamon infused Absolut with lime juice and ginger beer), and of course an abundance of glögg, a Swedish take on mulled wine drunk from traditional boot shaped glasses.
1 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London, UK
Featherblade
The Star of Bethnal Green in East London plays host to Featherblade, a ‘chop’ restaurant offering good old-fashioned British meat. Open since September, they serve delicious, quality meat at reasonable prices, in a relaxed environment. A feasting menu is on offer for larger parties, and it will certainly be easy to get into the festive spirit with the pub’s DJs playing late into the night to bolster the atmosphere. Although only scheduled to be open until January, watch this space – after all, ten pounds for a steak is hard to argue with!
359 Bethnal Green Road, London, UK
The Full English Kitchen
At this time of year it’s hard to shed the turkey-centric mindset, but who has ever been known to turn down a full English? The Full English Kitchen was once hailed as the best breakfast in Soho, but has now moved to a location in Islington, where a welcoming friendly vibe radiates from the inviting warmth of the traditional dark red brick pub The Joker of Penton Street. Everything is made fresh daily, down to their ketchup and jams, but breakfast isn’t all that is on offer. This passion-filled restaurant serves up all kinds of traditional British favorites whilst supporting small, family farms and reflecting seasonal produce; the shredded lamb shepherd’s pie is particularly sumptuous, using eight-hour slow braised lamb shoulder.
58 Penton Street, Islington, London, UK
Caiger & Co. at 6 Southwark Street, Borough Market
Inspired by its market surroundings, bespoke caterer Caiger & Co. has taken up a spot at Borough Market this Christmas. Their unique bar, made from reclaimed materials, radiates an industrial yet cosy vibe that reflects a modesty that is as honest as their simple belief in using the very best possible produce, brought to them daily by their neighboring market suppliers. Despite being able to boast regularly cooking for Mick Jagger, this friendly pop-up serves a delicious variety of party season feasts at market prices; book a table so that you can devour delectable dishes such as London gin cured gravlax at their supper club.
6 Southwark Street on the edge of Borough Market, London, UK.
The Tasting Room Bar and Smokehouse
Bar, Restaurant, British
Woodlandia WigWamBam
Bar, Cocktail Bar, BBQ