Along with ice skating, mulled wine, the Oxford Street lights, an abundance of Christmas markets and fairs, carol singing, and an inevitable shortage of turkeys, Jimmy Garcia’s “Snow Globes” on The Southbank are becoming something of a winter tradition in London. And now these crystalline domes have returned to their riverside location – complemented by a festoon-lit casual Alpine bar & dining terrace.
Jimmy and his team of elves have a tried and tested formula for their Snow Globes – and it’s one that they don’t want to shake up. Ironically. Their recipe consists of filling each custom-made, elegant glass dining pod with a beautiful wintry floral display, festoon bulbs, cosy rugs, furs, blankets… and then applying a minimum spend of £600. Which to be fair has worked pretty well so far, so as it ain’t broke they’re not fixing it.
While relatively pricey to book in, however, it’s worth noting that each pod accommodates up to 10 guests – so if you’re really good at maths you’ve probably already worked out that if you take 9 colleagues, friends or lovers along with you, it’s going to work out at £60 p/head for which ye shall each receive crystal clear views of the river and a unique dining experience consisting of mixed game terrine with crispy sourdough; then either steak to share (cooked on a hot stone at the table) or a traditional alpine fondue with charcuterie imported by Jimmy’s dad himself; and a fresh lemon tart with lime mascarpone to finish.
The centrepiece of the whole operation is this heated and covered Lodge Terrace (pictured above, for the avoidance of doubt). It generously allows you to hang out al fresco and stay warm by virtue of the piping hot drinks served up at the bar which – beyond plain ol’ mulled wine and cider – includes libations such as Jimmy’s signature hot toddy, and a steaming hot Apple Mojito. And to complement all of that, there’s also a street food hatch where you can score raclette burgers, wild boar hot dogs and other Alpine delights.
NOTE: Jimmy’s Lodge and the snow-globes are open on the Southbank throughout November and December. You can book a snow-globe (min spend £600), and find out more, right here.
Jimmy’s Lodge | Outside the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Like winter pop ups? Check out the ice rinks in London this year.
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Carpe Diem!