London is glowing !  Christmas trees & festive lights have engulfed the streets, shops & homes across the city & it surely feels like Christmas . Dark gloomy rainy days & sunsets at 4 pm fail to dampen the  festive spirits of Londoners & tourists. High streets & showrooms are flooded with Christmas gift shoppers, Indulgence in Retail therapy works even better during this season & its a sure shot way to beat winter blues.

Shopping has become the modern equivalent of visiting museums  & people from all walks of life gravitate towards Selfridges , the store has the ability to turn a non shopper{ like my husband } into an admirer & shopper of  ‘all things exclusive’. This trip to Selfridges was part retail part food indulgence . It was an afternoon out with my dear friend Gayatri who is glowing & brimming with energy & all set to welcome her little bundle of joy.

The rooftop terrace area at The Selfridges is multi faceted- the restaurant is a Pop up as theme changes every season. Pop up restaurants are quickly becoming an alternative to traditional dining out, it offers something different every time & versatility is the name of the game  !  When I visited Selfridges Rooftop in July this year, the restaurant theme was Beach. This time around it is converted into a magical forest with an ambient archway of fairy lights , silver twigs , pine cones & snowy berries .

The lights guide you to the main restaurant with rustic wooden effect all across  .The scent of cinnamon & figs transport you to an enchanted dreamland.

Think cosy corners,  soft woollen throws, log fires and sumptuous interiors. That’s what Forest Restaurant & Rooftop Bar at The Selfridges offers !

Although the restaurant was packed , the staff at the restaurant found a perfect spot for us : a quiet, round table tucked into a cozy corner . Perfect setting !

The menu is not very extensive although their afternoon tea selection is to die for. We managed to find something for my friend who is a vegetarian. She ordered a portion of seasoned chips & Truffled Mushroom Risotto minus the truffles & the staff happily obliged . I always make an effort to eat healthy whenever I dine out. I ordered a roasted parsnip & cider soup with a forest leaf salad with cheese, walnut & pear dressing.

The sight of chunky sizzling seasoned potatoes got the better of me & I gave into the temptation.The soup was delicious , the salad- well after enjoying a bowl of fried chips, I just could not relish it !

After hours of chirping & chatting we decided to explore the outside deck & we were pleasantly surprised- beautiful wooden huts to snuggle up & an outside seating area with soft cuddly throws for that added warmth & comfort.

Forest restaurant & Bar at the Rooftop- Selfridges is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks over looking the iconic London skyline.

The drinks menu at The Forest is perfect to warm you up with Truffle martinis, Smokey & sours and Gingerbread choctails along with Pumpkin ale, a bespoke winter wine list and London craft beers.

There is a dedicated express lift to get to the Rooftop Forest & its located near the fragrance hall on the ground floor. So head out to the busiest & the most glamorous shopping mecca in central London & enjoy the festivities ..Merry Xmas everyone !

‘Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la. 

Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB

Tel : 020 7318 3287

hello@forest-restaurant.co.uk