“Despite freezing temperatures, some of the most majestic places to eat and drink in London, remain outside.”

The Top Deck of The Yacht London offers a unique location where one can enjoy wonderful river views from beneath the warmth of a blanket, and alongside the café on the top floor of Harvey Nichols is a wonderful roof terrace serving drinks and snacks, with views over Knightsbridge. If you are after something a little more wild, you could privately hire the roof garden at Sanctum Soho Hotel which sparkles with its 24 hour bar and al fresco hydro spa. Or the outdoor forecourt at The Bluebird is currently home to their Winter Palace, an elegant place to enjoy a warming vodka. The beautiful courtyard at Hush is the ideal spot for a relaxed lunch, after-work drinks or dinner, and despite the summer months being but a distant memory, The Summerhouse is remaining open throughout the winter months on weekends. Embargo 59’s Roof Top Terrace, boasts the largest alfresco terrace on the King’s Road, and with chic contemporary styling, exposed brickwork, all-white seating and private bar, it promises the height of laid-back, hedonistic, al fresco elegance.

For those wanting to snuggle up or perhaps indulge in a sneaky cigarette or two, Aqua Kyoto offers cashmere blankets, warming Zacapa cocktails and hot, hand-held bowls of seasonal Japanese and Spanish cuisine every Monday evening on their terrace, located above Regent Street. The Cigar Terrace at Boisdale is furnished with sofas, armchairs, cushions, rugs, and Scottish cashmere blankets, making it the perfect place to wile away a romantic evening. And The Garden Room at The Lanesborough is the first and only luxury smoking venue in Knightsbridge, providing the best smoking room in London and housing an extensive collection of Cuban and Pre-Castro cigars.

And if you're suffering from Winter blues and crave a summer setting, members of Shoreditch House can congregate poolside and even take a dip in the heated water, or huddle around the roaring open fire to sit, eat and drink. And The Sanderson's picturesque courtyard garden is an oasis of greenery and tranquil flowing water. With ample seating visitors can sip a cocktail from the bar while enjoying Malay flavours from the kitchen.

The re-opening of The Roof Gardens on 17th January (following refurbishment), and the launch (in March) of the spectacular-sounding smoking terrace at Tramp, are also both spaces that will be worth wrapping up for.