The five cosiest pubs & bars in London this winter, according to Tripadvisor: from Scarfes Bar to MAP Maison

Truly, winter has finally arrived in the UK with nights drawing earlier in London along with cold snaps and downpours that have caused weather warnings and flood alerts to be issued in boroughs across the capital. Seems like an apt time of year to stay indoors, pop on a TV series and just relax in the warmth.

Or, you could venture out with family and friends to some of the cosiest pubs in the capital that provide an excellent, welcoming atmosphere for those who venture out during the festive season. Rather than your typical High Street chain pubs, Londonworld has had a look at Tripadvisor’s top five rated pubs and bars for the winter season that give off that cosy, warm feeling.

With this being London though, we’ve argued if cosy is a state of mind; one person’s beloved pub could for someone else be just the equivalent of beers in a garden shed. So rather than look at the small pockets of bars and pubs in the various boroughs, we’ve gone for those locations reviewers have commended for their atmosphere.

Be it the Great Gatsby like interiors of The Bloomsbury Bar and the Beaufort Bar, to the almost apres-ski, fireplace adorned Scarfes Bar, we’ve looked at those places that give customers that warm glow you’d want when venturing for a night out in the capital during the Christmas season.

So wrap up warm, attach your mittens to your jacket pockets, pull down that woollen bobble hat and have a look at the top five cosiest pubs in London, according to Tripadvisor.

The top five cosiest pubs in London this winter, according to Tripadvisor

1: The Bloomsbury Club Bar

• Location: 16-22 Great Russell Street The Bloomsbury Hotel, London WC1B 3NN
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5

What reviewers said: “Me and my wife went on Friday night to celebrate our anniversary, we were greeted by a lovely hostess at the entrance who gave us a table in the most romantic area outside. The place is magical, with great live jazz music. The atmosphere was just perfect. We were served by a very charming waiter, Denis, who gave us a perfect service and suggested just the perfect cocktails, and made us feel very special. I would recommend this place for special romantic evenings and a real good feel night.”

For more information and more reviews, visit The Bloomsbury Club Bar page on Tripadvisor.

2: MAP Maison

• Location: 321 Kingsland Road, London E8 4D
• Tripadvisor Rating: 5/5

What reviewers said: “Fabulous bottomless afternoon tea. Quaint quirky little venue. Map Maison isn’t very big but it certainly has a great atmosphere. The afternoon tea was lovely. So different from your standard British afternoon tea. The cocktails were amazing. Finally, Francis was the perfect host. Nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend it.”

For more information and more reviews, visit the MAP Maison page on Tripadvisor.

3: Beaufort Bar

• Location: 91-92 Strand The Savoy Hotel, London WC2R 0EZ
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5

What reviewers said: “We visited the Beaufort bar after watching Pretty Women at the Theatre. The service was fantastic, the staff were very attentive and the atmosphere was great. We were the last ones in the bar as we were having such a nice time and the staff were very patient with us as I am sure they were eager to go. It was our friend’s birthday and they kindly allowed us to get a picture together behind the bar.”

For more information and more reviews, visit the Beaufort Bar page on Tripadvisor.

4: Scarfes Bar

• Location: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5

What reviewers said: “Love this bar. It has a great atmosphere and attentive staff and the cocktails menu is themed and created around particular people although it’s a little pricey but cocktails are amazing, delicious and definitely worth it. Give it a visit if you’re in London or staying in the area.“

For more information and more reviews, visit the Scarfes Bar page on Tripadvisor.

5: The Rivoli Bar

• Location: 150 Piccadilly The Ritz London, London
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5

What reviewers said: “Popped in for a drink before heading to a restaurant for lunch, was seated promptly the staff were very attentive and polite, glass of champagne was lovely and they bought us some little bar snacks that were devine, would have been easy to polish them off but we didn’t want to spoil our lunch. Lovely surroundings, thoroughly enjoyed the little detour here.”

For more information and more reviews, visit The Rivoli Bar page on Tripadvisor.