Voice of London

It is starting to look a lot like Christmas… Not many things say Christmas like a steaming hot, fruity and gorgeously warming cup of mulled wine.

Winter 2020 is going to be different from what we know. Obviously, we are no longer allowed to gather indoors, which leaves us sipping cold drinks outside in the freezing weather. No more of that!

What better way to sneak some fun into your daily exercise than sipping spiced wine on long walks while supporting local businesses during these unprecedented times?

On a day expedition to try all types of mulled wine available around London (not suggested to try them all in one day, but oh well), we gathered top five places serving mulled wine during the Lockdown 2.0.

So, get organised and ready for a warming round of the mulled wine crawl in Christmassy London.

5. Borough Wines, Borough Market, London

This award-winning independent winery has over 15 years of experience in serving people. Interestingly, as “wine on tap” specialists they source wines from around the world, transport it in bulk to minimise environmental impact.

Borough Wines is approved by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, which means that by purchasing you can support not only your local business, but the sustainability as well. What is not to love?

Price: £4.00

Getting there: Jubilee/Northern lines to London Bridge station.

Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL.

4. Renegade Urban Winery, Bethnal Green, London

An innovative urban winery in East London aims to be leading the change on new wine styles, winemaking approaches and using both innovative and ancient techniques since 2017.

Renegade Urban Winery works with small vineyards which allows them to pick the best fruit, grown by the best people. Now opened for takeaway, they serve three types of mulled wine, with “Kyra” Sauvignon Blanc being bartender’s favourite.

Price: £4,00; £6.50

Getting there: Central line to Bethnal Green station.

Address: 12 Gales Gardens, London E2 0EJ.

3. Cartwright Brothers, Borough Market, London

A small, family run wine business Cartwright Brothers have been selling wine and spirits from London’s Borough Market for around 20 years. They are keen on serving a glass of something delightful, which employs all of your senses.

During the lockdown, they offer an expanding selection of wines you can order online as well as invite all wine lovers for a cup (or two) of their “hot & spicy” mulled wine.

Price: £4.00

Getting there: Jubilee/Northern lines to London Bridge station.

Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL.

2. The Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green, London

An award-winning cocktail bar serving mixed drinks and fine ales in Bethnal Green was originally established in 1851. Reborn through renovation and restoration in 2014, the pub is currently operating as a takeaway-only from the Hatch seven days a week.

The Hatch also serves Hot Ginger Punch, Chartreuse Hot Chocolate and pints of your favourite ales for considerably affordable price.

Price: £5.00

Getting there: Central line to Bethnal Green station.

Address: 441 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AN.

1. The Vault 1894, Tower Bridge, London

The Vault is a true hidden gem, a tiny intimate bar surrounded by the Thames, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the City of London and Canary Warf. Initially, the bar has a great range of beer, carefully selected wines and classic cocktails.

The pub is currently operating as a takeaway-only, offering their signature homemade wine as well as liquor coffees and beers for a valuable price.

Price: £6.00

Getting there: Jubilee/Northern lines to London Bridge station.

Address: Tower Bridge, Shad Thames, London SE1 2UP.

Find all these places below:

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1_0dIsXqF20OTsFD5Q5yjEryB_VfApFXj&w=640&h=480]

(payments by card/contactless only; preorder online/via mobile)

More about Christmas events:

• London Christmas lights
• Wembley Park’s Winterfest
• Christmas in Trafalgar Square

Words by: Monika Laimaite | Subbing: Monika Groening