W London is set to to become one of the capital’s favourite winter social scenes with their Après Ski experience in the heart of Leicester Square. This innovative collaboration with W Verbier brings an authentic taste of the Swiss Alps to central London, running from 26th November through to late February 2025.
The transformation marks a significant moment for London’s winter hospitality scene, combining the vibrant energy W London is renowned for with the cosy warmth of traditional alpine hospitality. This unique partnership between W London and W Verbier promises to deliver an unprecedented winter experience in the heart of the city.
Veuve Clicquot Après Lodge: A Mountain Haven in the City
The centrepiece of this winter transformation is the meticulously crafted Veuve Clicquot Après Lodge, strategically positioned between the W Lounge and The Perception Bar. This intimate alpine sanctuary recreates the ambiance of a luxury Swiss chalet, complete with a warming fire pit at its core, offering guests a feast of seasonal bites and alpine-inspired cocktails.
The lodge’s attention to detail is remarkable, featuring authentic touches such as carefully arranged fur blankets, vintage ski equipment, and artfully stacked firewood bundles. These elements work in harmony to transport guests from the bustling streets of Soho to the serene slopes of Verbier.
With capacity for up to 16 guests, the space offers an exclusive setting for private gatherings and celebrations, making it the season’s must-visit destination for those seeking an elevated winter experience.
Alpine-Inspired Culinary Journey
The culinary offering at the Après Lodge demonstrates W London’s commitment to creating an immersive mountain experience. The carefully curated menu features winter warming classics with a contemporary twist, including indulgent spiked hot chocolate and authentic Swiss fondue.
The beverage selection showcases creative mixology with ski-themed cocktails, including the signature Black Run cocktail, complemented by premium Veuve Clicquot champagne selections.
The menu has been thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of traditional alpine dining while incorporating contemporary London flair. Each dish and drink offering has been selected to enhance the authentic mountain experience, creating a perfect harmony between the rustic charm of Swiss winter dining and the sophisticated expectations of London’s discerning guests.
Weekend Après Tea: A Modern Take on Tradition
Taking the alpine experience to new heights, W London introduces its innovative Après Tea, available every Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM until 28th February 2025. This reimagined afternoon tea concept skilfully balances traditional British customs with alpine influences, offering a unique perspective on the classic afternoon tea service.
The menu showcases sophisticated savoury selections that transport guests to the heart of the Alps. Diners can savour artisanal potato rosti topped with premium sour cream and carefully selected smoked ham, alongside delicate beetroot and dill smoked salmon accompanied by luxurious keta caviar. The experience continues with their signature “Sloping Scones,” offering a playful twist on the classic afternoon tea staple.
The “Sweet Peaks” pastry selection demonstrates exceptional creativity, with each piece meticulously crafted to represent alpine motifs. These artistic confections take the form of delicate snowballs, majestic mountain-shaped delicacies, and playful ski-themed treats. Each tea service can be elevated with the addition of the signature Black Run cocktail or a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, further enhancing the mountain lodge atmosphere.
Artistic Collaboration: Max Allen’s Festive Installation
The alpine transformation extends to the hotel’s artistic elements through an exclusive collaboration with celebrated London designer Max Allen. Known for his innovative textile work and socially conscious designs, Allen brings his unique perspective to W London’s festive decorations, creating an installation that perfectly complements the winter theme while maintaining the hotel’s contemporary edge.
Speaking about the installation, Allen explains: “Taking inspiration from folk art rosettes, couture silk flowers and metallic Christmas decorations I will decorate an oversized 2 metre wreath in handmade foliage, flowers and textile drapes mixing historical Christmas traditions with the modern fashion and art that is connected with W London. This decoration will flow through to the reception where a tree will be decorated in these elements.”
The centrepiece of Allen’s installation is an impressive Christmas tree in the reception area, complemented by a striking wreath adorning the hotel’s lobby.
These pieces seamlessly blend traditional festive elements with contemporary design, reflecting both W London’s bold aesthetic and Allen’s artistic vision, while enhancing the overall alpine atmosphere of the hotel’s winter transformation.
Practical Information and Booking Details
The Après Ski experience at W London represents a significant evolution in London’s luxury hospitality scene, offering an innovative way to experience alpine culture without leaving the capital.
Located in the heart of Leicester Square, this winter installation runs from 26th November 2023 through 28th February 2025, with the speciality Après Tea service available every Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.
The Veuve Clicquot Après Lodge welcomes private bookings for groups of up to 16 people, with advance reservations recommended for both the Après Tea and Lodge experiences.
The combination of high-end dining, artistic innovation, and immersive design creates a unique destination for both Londoners and visitors seeking a distinctive winter experience, seamlessly blending the sophistication of W London with the charm of alpine hospitality.
