Winter hideaway

Transport yourself from central London to a Scandinavian wonderland at the Rosewood London’s Elyx chalet, situated within the hotel’s grand courtyard. There are seven imaginative cocktails to choose from on the menu, designed to showcase Absolut’s handcrafted single-estate Elyx vodka, which is made from winter wheat and manually distilled in Åhus, Sweden, using a copper column that dates back to 1921. Standout cocktails include Tomte’s Nectar – an apricot brandy and ginger ale concoction, served in a rose gold gnome-shaped goblet – and The Nutcracker, which re-imagines the espresso martini with peanut butter and winter spices. There’s a hearty menu to accompany the drinks too, with comforting dishes such as chicken pie, woodland mushroom risotto and potato comté and caramelised onion pie. While heated seats and furry blankets will keep you warm and cosy.

The Elyx Chalet at the Rosewood London is open daily from 4pm, until 29 February; rosewoodhotels.com

In the pink

As stately as a cruise ship slowly gliding down the Thames, Sea Containers London is an architectural icon. Atop the hotel and restaurant sits 12th Knot, the hotel’s rooftop bar and terrace with unparalleled views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the City. This Christmas, the terrace will host ‘Rosé on the Roof’, in collaboration with Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé champagne. Inspired by the colours of the arctic twilight, the warm and welcoming winter terrace will be festooned with sparkling lights, cushions and blankets, while the whole building will be illuminated in pink. As well as the aforementioned champagne available by the glass and bottle, there’s a champagne cocktail menu including the Arctic Spice (Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, coffee, Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée).

Rosé on the Roof Winter Terrace at 12th Knot, Sea Containers London is open until 5 January; seacontainerslondon.com

Party pick-up

As Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, dating back to 1698, Berry Bros & Rudd are experts when it comes to wines, spirits and hospitality. Its wine tastings, masterclass courses and dinners require advance booking – they make a great Christmas present for those who prefer an experience over a gift – but the Berry Bros & Rudd shop, at 63 Pall Mall, will be offering complimentary samples of its delicious King’s Ginger liqueur and mince pies every Monday to Friday, from 12-6pm, throughout December. It’s the perfect place to pick up a bottle of something special to take to a festive gathering, and start off your evening with a warming tipple en route.

Berry Bros. & Rudd shop, 63 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HZ; bbr.com

Spoilt for choice

For large group gatherings, keep everyone happy with an informal get-together at Arcade Food Theatre, located on the ground floor of the Centre Point building on Tottenham Court Road. Offering a taste of some of London’s most popular restaurants at street-food prices, you can try a taste of Oklava’s Turkish-Cypriot fare, experience Chotto’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion or keep it simple with a Flat Iron steak. Open all day and with seven kitchens, three bars and a coffee and bakery counter, everyone can drink or dine according to their own preferences, without the hassle of splitting the bill at the end.

Arcade Food Theatre, 103-105 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DB; arcade-london.com