Finding the perfect winter restaurant is rather like falling in love — it's all about that magical combination of warmth, chemistry, and the inexplicable feeling that you've found somewhere you belong. Let me share my favourite hideaways, each awarded the Winter Fireside Dining accolade, that have captured my heart in their own unique way.
I'll never forget the January evening when I first pushed open that heavy door in Fulham. Drenched from an unexpected downpour, I found myself drawn like a moth to flame towards their Victorian fireplace, and that's when it happened — I fell head over heels for London's only Michelin-starred pub. Now, several years and countless visits later, I still get butterflies when I spot my favourite corner table. The venison Scotch egg (oh, that perfectly runny yolk!) has become my comfort food of choice on gloomy afternoons. Last week, as I watched the rain pattern against the windows, Jake Leach's roast Berkshire muntjac with parsnip and pickled quince brought tears of joy to my eyes — though I blamed it on the smoke from the fire, naturally. There's something gloriously unpretentious about the place; despite its star, you'll still find locals at the bar nursing pints, and the staff remember your name as if you're part of their extended family. I've taken to calling it my 'Sunday best' — not for the dress code, mind you, but for their legendary roasts that have ruined all other Sunday lunches for me.
Average bill: £65-80 per person
I discovered this converted courthouse quite by accident, following a tip from a rather mysterious gentleman at a wine tasting. The moment I stepped inside, I knew I'd stumbled upon something extraordinary. Florence Knight's culinary haven has become my go-to spot for those evenings when I need to feel like a character in a romantic novel. Just last month, I found myself perched on a deep red velvet banquette, watching shadows from the roaring fireplace dance across the artfully distressed walls, while slowly falling in love with the most perfectly executed lamb sweetbreads with lettuce and anchovy. I've developed quite the reputation among my friends for waxing lyrical about their panisse with sage and lemon — but honestly, if you'd tasted it, you'd understand my obsession. The handmade pasta with crab and chilli has become my personal kryptonite; I've tried recreating it at home, but there's something about eating it there, in that magnificent space, that makes it taste like pure magic.
Average bill: £70-90 per person
If I'm entirely honest, Andrew Edmunds feels more like my secret lover than a restaurant. We've been carrying on our affair since the late 1980s, and the passion hasn't dimmed one bit. On particularly challenging days, you'll find me sneaking away to my favourite table by the ground floor fireplace, where the waiters know better than to offer me a menu before bringing a glass of whatever interesting wine they've uncorked that day. The candlelight here has witnessed countless confidences shared, deals struck, and hearts both broken and mended — including my own. Just between us, their twice-baked Roquefort soufflé has talked me out of moving abroad at least twice. The daily-changing menu, still scrawled endearingly on blackboards, never fails to surprise me. Last week's slow-cooked shoulder of lamb with flageolet beans had me closing my eyes in pure bliss, much to the amusement of my dining companion. The wine list remains my favourite secret weapon for impressing out-of-town guests — though perhaps I shouldn't be sharing that particular trick of the trade.
Average bill: £55-70 per person
Often dubbed "London's most romantic restaurant," Clos Maggiore's conservatory dining room truly is the stuff of fairy tales. Real cherry blossom adorns the retractable glass roof, while the central fireplace creates a mesmerising focal point around which the whole room seems to revolve. However, on my recent visit, I discovered that the front dining room, with its own roaring fire and wood-panelled walls, offers an equally enchanting experience. The French-inspired menu under head chef Marcellin Marc is a celebration of precision and creativity. Their signature dishes include a sublime slow-cooked ox cheek with bone marrow, smoky bacon, and red wine sauce that perfectly captures the essence of winter comfort. The wine cellar, housing over 2,500 selections, is simply staggering. I particularly appreciate how the sommeliers manage to make such an extensive list feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
Average bill: £90-120
Tom Dixon's collaboration with Israeli chef Assaf Granit has resulted in something truly special at Coal Office. Occupying a series of Victorian coal buildings, the restaurant's multiple fireplaces and industrial-chic design create an atmosphere that's both dramatic and deeply cosy. The open kitchen adds another layer of warmth to the space, with flames leaping from the josper grill and tandoor oven. During my most recent visit, I was thoroughly impressed by their Josperized aubergine with green tahini and pistachios — a dish that managed to be both comforting and exciting. The Kubalah bread, served with yellow pepper cream and tomato confit, is worth the visit alone. What I particularly love about this place is how it manages to feel both grand and intimate, with different dining spaces each offering their own unique atmosphere while maintaining that essential winter warmth.
Average bill: £60-75 per person
While primarily known as a bar, The Berkeley's fireside dining experience deserves special mention. Bryan O'Sullivan's design is nothing short of masterful, with the snug — a small, cocoon-like space dominated by a magnificent marble fireplace — being my personal favourite spot for a winter's evening. The deep coral pink walls, walnut wood panelling, and custom lighting create an atmosphere that manages to feel both contemporary and timeless. The bar food menu here is far from an afterthought; their native lobster roll with yuzu mayonnaise and truffle fries is arguably one of the best in London, while the Wagyu beef sliders with truffle mayonnaise and caramelised onions are simply irresistible. The cocktail list deserves special mention — their smoked Old Fashioned, prepared tableside, adds another layer to the fireside experience.
Average bill: £85-110 per person
Last but certainly not least, Max Rocha's canal-side restaurant might be a surprising entry in a fireside list, but the newly installed fireplace in their dining room has transformed the space into one of east London's cosiest winter destinations. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the canal, while the fireplace creates a perfect contrast to the industrial-minimalist design. On my last visit, I was completely won over by their Guinea fowl pie — a dish that exemplifies Rocha's ability to elevate humble classics into something extraordinary. The sage and anchovy fritti have become my new obsession, while their chocolate guinea fowl with espresso cream might just be the most clever dessert I've encountered this year. What makes Cafe Cecilia special is how it manages to feel both thoroughly modern and incredibly welcoming — no small feat in the often challenging world of contemporary dining.
Average bill: £45-60 per person
