CHRISTMAS AT COUPETTE LONDON: A COSY WINTER HAVEN BUILT AROUND FLAVOUR, WARMTH & CONVERSATION
As winter tightens its grip on London and the last of autumn’s colours give way to strings of glowing lights, Coupette London turns into the kind of bar where December moves at its own pace. Rather than chasing the bustle of the season or crowding the room with oversized decorations, the space shifts in quieter, more meaningful ways—candle flames flickering against brass, warm shadows softening the edges of the room, and a sense of ease that greets anyone stepping in from the cold. It’s the sort of setting Londoners gravitate toward when the city feels a little too hurried, a place where the hunt for Christmas cocktails in London naturally leads. Here, the spirit of the season isn’t built on spectacle; it’s shaped by flavour, conversation, and the pleasure of being unhurried. Coupette’s blend of French sensibility and East London character creates an atmosphere that fits December nights effortlessly—cosy enough to feel intimate, refined enough to feel special, and grounded in the belief that winter deserves both comfort and craftsmanship. For those seeking festive drinks in London that feel personal rather than performative, this is where the season comes into its own, offering a kind of quiet indulgence that lingers long after the first sip. WINTER FLAVOURS SHAPED FOR LONDON’S COLDEST NIGHTS As winter tightens around London, Coupette shifts into a quieter, more intimate rhythm. Rather than crowding the room with tinsel, Coupette leans into the kind of warmth that December seems to demand thoughtful craft, good company, and flavours designed to soften the edges of a cold night. This understated approach is why many Londoners instinctively look to Coupette when the hunt for Christmas cocktails in London begins. The bar’s French-leaning sensibility fits seamlessly into Bethnal Green’s quieter charm, creating a space that feels tailor-made for winter evenings—relaxed, stylish, and always anchored by an air of quiet indulgence. Coupette’s holiday serves aren’t built for spectacle; they’re anchored in depth, seasonal character, and ingredients that naturally shine in December. Winter berries, orchard fruits, warming spirits, and soft aromatic notes shape cocktails that feel genuinely connected to the season. The Pomegranate Cosmopolitan captures this perfectly. Its ruby glow signals celebration, but its balance is what keeps guests returning: citrus vodka lending crispness, pomegranate acid adding bright tension, elderflower smoothing the edges, and cranberry pulling everything into festive harmony. It’s refreshing, elegant, and unmistakably December without slipping into cliché. For those drawn to richer winter flavours, the Coffee Negroni offers an entirely different mood. Brown-butter-washed Armagnac gives the drink its velvety backbone, while sweet vermouth and Banyuls weave in subtle fruit tones. Campari brings structure, and a gentle coffee wash rounds each sip with a lingering warmth. It reads like a fireside moment in cocktail form—ideal for anyone seeking festive drinks in London that sidestep the predictable. In a season known for noise and haste, Coupette delivers something rarer: a slower, more thoughtful December where flavour leads, the room invites lingering, and winter feels even more beautiful for its quiet. LIMITED-EDITION WINTER COCKTAILS MADE FOR DECEMBER MOMENTS Coupette’s Christmas season brings out a collection of cocktails that seem purpose-built for the colder months. Gold Rush Fizz combines bourbon, Benedictine, oat cream, and lemon-honey cordial with a finishing sparkle of soda. The result is a light, creamy fizz that captures winter comfort without weighing down the palate. The Frozen White Russian takes a familiar classic and cools it into a dessert-like treat layered with almond-infused Jamaican rum, coffee liqueur, oat crème, and tonka bean. Even in December, London guests rarely resist its charm—proof that a cold cocktail can still warm a winter night. La Vigne brings Cognac, saffron, golden raisin cordial, and Crémant into a refined blend reminiscent of holiday light glistening on damp pavements. Subtle, elegant, and deeply festive, it suits those seeking a more delicate seasonal profile. These winter exclusives help define Coupette as one of the best cocktail bars in London for Christmas, a reputation built not on spectacle but on craftsmanship. SIGNATURE SERVES THAT COMPLETE THE FESTIVE EXPERIENCE Several drinks have become part of Coupette’s identity, and once December settles in, they seem to glow differently. The Champagne Piña Colada—rum, agricole rhum, coconut sorbet, pineapple, and a lift of Moët & Chandon Brut—brings a flash of tropical brightness to nights spent wrapped in scarves. It’s a dose of winter escapism that feels almost cheeky in the best way. Then there’s Apples, the Calvados and clarified apple serve that has quietly earned cult status. Its clean sparkle and orchard-fresh character make it a natural companion for the festive season, especially for guests who prefer elegance over extravagance. And for those who want something unapologetically indulgent, the Chocolate & Red Wine cocktail steps forward with its blend of rum, Rubis Chocolate Wine, Mozart Dark Chocolate Cocoa, and De Gras red wine. Velvety, deep, and utterly winter-worthy, it’s the kind of drink that turns a cold evening into a moment of sheer decadence. WINTER COMFORTS FROM THE KITCHEN A festive evening is never complete without food that carries the same warmth as the drinks, and Coupette’s winter plates do exactly that. The Croque Monsieur or Madame—stacked with Gruyère, Jambon, and toasted sourdough—arrives with the kind of comfort that feels made for cold nights. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken, crisped to perfection and paired with honey mustard aioli, adds a playful hit of flavour, while the Steak Ciabatta, filled with Bavette, caramelised onions, mustard aioli, and rocket, remains a reliable favourite for guests wanting something more substantial. When groups gather for Christmas cocktails, the Fromage et Charcuterie boards often become the centrepiece: Truffle Brie, Comté, smoked duck, ham, fig–cranberry compote, and winter fruits laid out for easy sharing. These dishes naturally stretch an evening, turning festive drinks into a celebration that lingers. APERITIF HOUR: LONDON’S QUIET START TO FESTIVE NIGHTS As the evening settles in, Coupette’s Apéritif Hour quietly becomes the first chapter of many December nights out in London. Between 5pm and 7pm, the bar eases guests into the evening with £8
A DECEMBER NIGHT AT COUPETTE LONDON: THE PERFECT END TO WINTER LIGHTS AT KEW AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR
As the final stretch of December drapes London in its cool metallic glow, the city begins to shift into that unmistakable pre–New Year rhythm. The pavements feel sharper, the air carries a quiet buzz, and every evening seems to hum with the sense that something special is about to unfold. Across the river, Kew Gardens lights up its grounds with glowing arches, dancing projections, and glittering pathways, drawing visitors into a winter spectacle that feels worlds away from the everyday. Once the final tunnel of colour is crossed and the last photo taken beneath the illuminated treetops, the search naturally turns to somewhere warm, elegant, and close enough to keep the night flowing. That’s where Coupette London settles seamlessly into the narrative. Positioned among the most-loved bars near Kew Gardens Winter Lights, the bar has become an effortless choice for guests wanting to pair the magic of Kew with a refined nightcap. Its atmosphere shifts into something quietly celebratory at this time of year—brass catching the candlelight, cosy corners softening December’s edge, and a steady flow of cocktails crafted with precision. The bar’s French-inflected charm folds neatly into Bethnal Green’s understated character, creating a setting that feels both distinctly London and unmistakably festive. By the time guests slip in from the cold, Coupette already feels like the next chapter of the evening—a place where flavour, warmth, and anticipation blend into a slow, graceful countdown toward the New Year. THE DECEMBER MOOD: SOFT, REFINED, AND RICH WITH SEASONAL CHARACTER Rather than chasing noise or neon, Coupette embraces winter with a kind of deliberate elegance. As December settles in, the bar slips into a softer register—lamps dim to a warm amber, reflections glint off polished brass, and the room begins to feel like a sanctuary from the city’s bite. Guests shed their coats, settle into their seats, and almost instantly adopt the slower rhythm the space encourages. It’s the sort of atmosphere people seek when looking for cosy bars in London during December: calm, refined, and quietly inviting. This unhurried mood carries straight into Coupette’s seasonal serves. The winter cocktail list is shaped around flavours the colder months naturally call for—orchard fruit with its crisp edges, dark berries that bring a hint of festive sharpness, warming spirits that unfold gradually, and aromatic flourishes that seem to soften the night itself. For anyone drifting from the illuminated wonder of the Kew Gardens Winter Lights toward East London’s more intimate scene, these cocktails become a gentle transition. They bridge the spectacle outside with the comfort found indoors, offering a moment of stillness before the pace of New Year’s festivities begins again. WINTER COCKTAILS BUILT FOR THE LAST NIGHTS OF THE YEAR Several cocktails have grown into quiet signatures of the bar, and as the year edges toward its finale, each one gains a new kind of sparkle. The Champagne Piña Colada turns winter on its head with its blend of rum, agricole rhum, coconut sorbet, pineapple, and a lift of Moët & Chandon Brut—an unexpected burst of brightness that cuts through London’s cold. Apples, a long-trusted staple built on Calvados and clarified apple juice, offers a crisp, clean expression of orchard fruit that feels perfectly aligned with the season’s sharper air. For those who like their drinks richer, the Chocolate & Red Wine serves up a luxurious mix of rum, Rubis Chocolate Wine, Mozart Dark Chocolate Cocoa, and deep red wine tones. It’s smooth, indulgent, and effortlessly festive—one of the few cocktails that can genuinely claim to taste like winter without leaning on theatrics. FOOD TO MATCH THE FESTIVE MOOD Coupette’s winter plates carry the same quiet refinement as its cocktails, turning a December visit into something warm and satisfying. The Croque Monsieur or Madame—with its molten Gruyère, Jambon, and toasted sourdough—offers the kind of familiar comfort that feels especially right after an evening spent wandering through winter lights. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken brings a different sort of pleasure: crisp, golden, and perfectly matched with honey mustard aioli that brightens each bite. For guests who want something more substantial, the Steak Ciabatta remains a steady favourite, layered generously with Bavette, caramelised onions, mustard aioli, and rocket. Groups arriving from Kew Gardens often angle toward the Fromage et Charcuterie boards. With Truffle Brie, Comté, smoked duck, ham, tarragon mustard, winter fruits, and a fig–cranberry compote, these sharers settle effortlessly into the table. Paired with Coupette’s sparkling serves or festive cocktails, they turn a quick stop into a relaxed, lingering celebration—exactly the sort of evening people looks for when choosing winter cocktail bars in London. A DECEMBER EVENING THAT BUILDS TOWARD MIDNIGHT As London moves steadily toward New Year’s Eve and the city’s energy sharpens with excitement, Coupette naturally becomes a meeting point for those who prefer atmosphere over theatrics. The bar’s low gleam, unforced charm, and detail-driven service make it a trusted choice for anyone searching for the best cocktail bar in London for New Year. There’s no need for countdown gimmicks or staged spectacle here—the anticipation forms its own rhythm. Guests lean in closer, glasses meet with a soft chime, and the evening unfolds with a calm confidence that suits late December perfectly. Coupette holds the night gently, letting celebrations grow on their own before guests step into the new year with style, ease, and a drink that truly feels like the season. THE PERFECT END TO KEW GARDENS AND THE PERFECT START TO A NEW YEAR As the nights glow brighter at Kew Gardens, many visitors find the experience incomplete without a final stop somewhere warm, polished, and welcoming—and Coupette answers that need with ease. The bar’s winter charm, from its refined cocktails to its cold-weather plates, creates a December setting that feels both celebratory and soothing. It becomes a natural pause between the spectacle of the lights and the rush of the year’s end. Whether guests slip in for a single slow drink, gather with friends for a relaxed evening, or choose it as the place to toast the last hours
APÉRO HOUR
From 5PM to 7PM, Coupette settles into its softest rhythm – Apéritif Hour, where every drink is £8 and every pour leans toward brightness. The Rose Spagliato brings Calvados and rose liqueur into a sparkling lift; the Blackcurrant Kir folds cassis, crémant, and blackberry leaf tincture into a winter-berry glow. Vermouth & Orange arrives long and refreshing, and Picon Beer mixes French bitter orange with a cold Disco Pils. Simple, elegant, quietly celebratory – the perfect first chapter to your evening. Reserve This Experience
COUPETTE TASTING CABINET
The Coupette Tasting Cabinet is our way of slowing the evening down – four curated flights that taste like chapters from our bar’s storybook. The Calvados Flight walks you through Normandy’s orchards with Christian Drouin, Château du Breuil, and Père Magloire. The Apple World Tour crosses continents in three pours – from refined French cider brandy to bold American Applejack and mellow English Somerset Royal. Our French Whiskey Flight reveals the quiet poetry of grain: Chevalier, Golden Promise, and Maris Otter – three expressions from one distillery that show how barley shapes personality. And the Coupette Classic Flight brings you to our roots with Mini Apples, Chocolate & Red Wine, and the Champagne Piña Colada. A tasting written in flavours, a journey told in sips. Reserve This Experience
SUNDAY MASTERCLASSES – FROM 5PM ONWARDS
After 5PM every Sunday, the bar opens into a cocktail masterclass – an easy, open invitation to learn. No formality, no barrier; just makers and experts sharing their world. Guests have tasted their way through sessions with Xoriguer Gin, Michael’s Supasawa Masterclass, and Matt Birch’s Four Roses Bourbon Masterclass, exploring flavour balance, distillation, terroir, blending, and aromatic structure. It’s education wrapped in hospitality – and one of the most generous things Coupette offers. Reserve This Experience
BRAND & SPIRIT TAKEOVERS
Throughout the year, Coupette opens its bar to distillers, makers, and flavour storytellers whose spirits inspire us. These takeovers invite guests to explore rare bottles, limited releases, new cocktails, and one-night-only creations. Our past collaborators include: Solar Reserve, Rhum Tavern, Below Stairs, Four Roses Bourbon, 1800 Tequila, Tabula Rasa, Bad Boy Pizza Society, and the unforgettable Halloween takeover with Mijenta Tequila & Pensador Mezcal. Every takeover shifts the bar’s energy – new flavours, new stories, new guests.
THURSDAY LIVE MUSIC SESSIONS & ARTIST RESIDENCIES
On Thursdays, Coupette leans deeper into candlelight and sound. Our weekly live music brings jazz trios, R&B vocalists, soul-leaning bands, and experimental musicians into the room, turning the bar into something cinematic. These evenings have become so loved that we now offer artist residencies, giving select bands a recurring stage where their sound can grow with the space. Warm, textural, effortless – the kind of night that makes Bethnal Green feel like a secret. Reserve This Experience
LE STUDIO COUPETTE – SUNDAY DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS
Every Sunday, Coupette becomes a working studio – our bartenders step behind the bar not just to serve, but to create. Le Studio is where new cocktails are born, where orchard extracts, citrus acids, clarified juices, spiced cordials, and spirit blends are tested in real time. Guests taste drinks before they make it to the menu, offering thoughts, preferences, and reactions that shape the final version. Past sessions have spotlighted houses like Père Magloire, Oath Gin, Reposado Tequila, Hennessy, Mezcal makers, Xoriguer Gin, Supasawa, Kay Sake, Four Roses Bourbon, and even collaborations with Bad Boy Pizza Society. It’s our most intimate experience – part workshop, part tasting, part behind-the-scenes magic. Reserve This Experience