Avoid the winter chill by seeking refuge at London’s inviting restaurants that offer secluded corners adorned with candles, open fires, and a glorious selection of deep reds. After all, ‘tis the season for shedding those layers of hats, coats, and scarves in favour of deeply satisfying comfort food in the form of perfect pies, warming curries, and soothing noodle soups that will help you survive the cold snap.
Brutto
The late founder of Trattoria Brutto, Russell Norman, was renowned for his generosity, warmth, and kindness, qualities that resonate in his inviting Clerkenwell Italian restaurant. Here, everyone is welcomed with open arms. Expect low lighting, chill music, red and white checkerboard tablecloths, friendly service and cuddles on the menu. The cuddles aka ‘coccioli’ are hot deep-fried dough balls stuffed to the brim with prosciutto and stracchino. Drawing inspiration from Tuscany’s approach to harsh cold, the menu features brothy white beans, perfectly al dente tagliatelle ragu, luscious tiramisu and copious quantities of £5 Negronis. The ideal recipe for when the outside world is ghastly.
35-37 Greenhill Rents, London EC1M 6BN
Cadogan Arms
The Michelin-starred Cadogan Arms provides all the elements you need to lift yourself from the grasp of seasonal darkness. With impressive dried flower displays, plush velvet upholstery, and abundant polished timber, it’s the ideal setting to hunker down, eat, drink, be merry, and showcase your finest knitwear for the evening. The menu goes beyond ordinary pub fare, offering treats like Scotch eggs, hand-raised game pies, confit duck leg with roast potatoes, and a delightful sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream. A top tip for maximum cosiness: Book a table in the back dining room by the glow of a roaring fire.
298 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UG
Quality Wines
Dimmed lights? Check. Drippy candlesticks in wine bottles? Check, check. Dining in a cosy room surrounded by rows upon rows of wine bottles? Triple check. Quality Wines is a romantic neighborhood wine bar and shop oozing with warmth and a friendly ambiance, reminiscent of dining at an old friend’s house, only fancier and with a lot more wine. Head chef Nick Bramham’s cooking exudes playfulness and confidence that will make you roll your eyes back with glee. The seasonal à la carte blackboard menu changes weekly, featuring dishes such as winter caponata, roast hand-dived scallops with Café de Paris butter, and baked Vacherin with potatoes and cornichons. Although the seriously good must-order snacks, such as gildas, charcuterie, focaccia, and pig-fat cannolos, are mainstays.
88 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3EA
Luca
If you look in the dictionary for the definition of ‘cosy’, you’ll find Luca. The Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in Clerkenwell stands out as one of London’s premier dining spots, featuring inviting warm wood, vintage brick-lined interiors, and an all-important fireside terrace. The romantic winter wonderland atmosphere is further heightened by hanging plants, soft candlelight, and snug banquette corners – an ideal setting to delve into the exquisite Italian menu featuring seasonal local ingredients. Opt for a hassle-free evening for a bit of everything with the chef’s menu priced at £95 per person, or try the seasonal festive conchiglie of ragu bianco, Brussels sprouts, chestnut, and Parmesan. Plenty of dining options on offer, whether you prefer the main restaurant, intimate private dining rooms, the marble counter, or a booth at Luca Bar. Here, you can sip on a Negroni and share salumi, pasta, and the famous Parmesan fries to your heart’s content.
