Unbelievably, we are just a week away from Christmas and the festive spirit is high in the office and outside. Whether you’re looking to do some last-minute shopping this weekend, you need to find a Christmas party dress, or you’re keen to visit a cosy festive restaurant, we’ve got you covered with some great things to do this weekend.

Shop festive party wear at Motcomb Street

Okay, so you’ve suddenly realised you have “nothing to wear” for the Christmas party – head to Motcomb Street, and you’re bound to find something you love. From silky, elegant pieces from Réalisation Par to gorgeous party heels from René Caovilla and stunning lingerie from Coco de Mer, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Plus, for accessories that truly last, Tissa Fontaneda is the place to explore. From chic handbags to giftable leather accessories, it’s a masterclass in quiet craftsmanship, and the perfect place to find something unique this Christmas.

Head to Motcomb Street and you’re bound to find something you love for your Christmas outfit.

where: Belgravia, London SW1
website: www.belgraviavillage.com

Take a cooking class at Gordon Ramsay Academy

Brush up on your cooking skills with Gordon Ramsay Academy’s hands-on cooking classes, and learn to make new dishes, perfect for entertaining friends and family this holiday season. This weekend, there’s a festive special cooking class at the Woking academy, and you can take your kids with you as well. Typical recipes you might try are a Christmas burger with festive trimmings or a seasonal cookie pie – perhaps with white chocolate and cranberry flavours, or chocolate orange, or mince pie filling. Or book a seat at the steak masterclass at Bishopsgate, London.

where: Woking & 22 Bishopsgate
website: www.gordonramsayacademy.com

Visit The Adam Handling Chocolate Shop

For a sweet way to spend the weekend, head to The Adam Handling Chocolate Shop in Covent Garden, where festive flavours have taken over. The shop is filled with handcrafted chocolates inspired by Christmas classics – think apple crumble, spiced pear, toasted cinnamon, sea buckthorn, Christmas pudding, mince pie, mulled wine, gingerbread spice, and candy cane. You can mix and match your favourites in store or choose one of the set Christmas selections available online.

For a sweet way to spend the weekend, head to The Adam Handling Chocolate Shop in Covent Garden, where festive flavours have taken over.

where: 17 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7NL
website: www.adamhandlingchocolate.co.uk

Have a date night at Lilli by Akira Back

Inspired by the natural elegance of Georgian gardens, Lilli by Akira Back is an intimate restaurant at Montcalm Mayfair, which makes a cosy spot to visit on a winter evening. Enjoy signature starters like the Akira Back tuna pizza, a paper-thin tuna layered with umami aioli and truffle oil, or Akira Back mini tacos with wagyu, tuna, or mushrooms. With softly illuminated interiors and botanical, lush green tones, Lilli by Akira Back has the aesthetic of an English garden at twilight, making it a gorgeous spot for a date night.

where:  2 Wallenberg Pl, London W1H 7TN
website: www.montcalmcollection.com

Book a cosy winter igloo

Coppa Club is hosting its most magical winter yet, with its snow-globe igloos at Tower Bridge. With snowfall every 15 minutes, it’s a lovely, festive spot to dine, drink and celebrate the season. Inside the igloos, groups of 4 to 10 can enjoy seasonal dishes and winter cocktails, and the igloos are available to book for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Plus, for the first time ever, Coppa Club Tower Bridge will be open on Christmas Day, followed by New Year’s celebrations to round off the season.

where: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AH
website: www.coppaclub.co.uk

Enjoy festive cocktails at Lucky Cat

London’s restaurants have gone all out to put together festive cocktail menus, and sake brand Akashi-Tai has teamed up with Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay to launch a limited-edition winter drinks menu, available until mid-February across London and Manchester. Available at Lucky Cat Mayfair, Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate and Lucky Cat Manchester, the winter menu highlights include Ginjo Sparkling Sake with caviar and Umeshu with Lucky Cat’s spicy fried chicken.

where: across london
website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Explore this vibrant Brighton spot

If you’re looking for a little weekend away from London, head to Brighton and explore Moda Living. Design-led apartments just moments away from the seafront, there are several resident events to look forward to, from drag brunches to DJ nights, dog-friendly cinema nights, Christmas socials and wellness sessions. With a 24-hour gym, a roof terrace and events planned throughout the year, it’s a gorgeous spot for some coastal living not too far away from London.

where: 11 Boulevard Place, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 7RX
website: www.modaliving.com

Add a touch of indulgence to your weekend with EllaMia After Dark at St Martins Lane.

Pamper yourself at this London hotel

This festive season, The Lanesborough Club & Spa is offering The Yuletide Glow – a restorative treatment designed to revitalise skin and refresh the eyes. The experience begins with a Royal Fern facial, blending expert massage and advanced EMS technology to lift and sculpt, followed by the Glow Infusion Ritual, an indulgent manicure or pedicure featuring a collagen mask and massage. The experience also includes a two-course lunch and full access to the spa’s thermal and hydro facilities.

where: 2 Lanesborough Place, London, SW1X 7TA
website: www.lanesboroughclubandspa.com

Do some last-minute shopping at Portman Marylebone

Renowned for its celebrated independent shops, restaurants, and galleries, there’s plenty to eat, see, shop and do at Portman Marylebone this festive season. Head to The Hart, one of London’s most talked-about food-first pubs, or visit Maset, the new French restaurant on Chiltern Street. To shop, there are great stores like Mouki Mou, TotallySwedish and Perfumer H for all your last-minute Christmas gifts.

where: portman marylebone, w1
website: www.portmanmarylebone.com

There’s plenty to eat, see, shop and do at Portman Marylebone this festive season.

Visit a riverside restaurant

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Sam’s Riverside, Hammersmith, with their luxurious set menus – The Holly for £55pp or The Ivy for £70pp. Perfect for elegant festive gatherings, you can enjoy roasted celeriac and apple soup, truffled beef tartare, bronze turkey roulade, roast halibut, Christmas pudding soufflé and clementine and vanilla bean crème brûlée.

where: 1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN
website: www.samsriverside.co.uk

Enjoy this pre-theatre experience

Add a touch of indulgence to your weekend with EllaMia After Dark at St Martins Lane, where you can enjoy expertly made cocktails and artisanal charcuterie boards – the perfect pre-theatre treat before catching a West End show just moments away. The coffee shop turns into a more adult evening affair, where the curtains come down, and the fizz begins to pour.

where: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
website: www.morgansoriginals.com

Try this tasting menu

Located within Flemings Mayfair, Ormer Mayfair is a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Executive Chef Sofian Msetfi. Visit to try the restaurant’s five-course tasting menu priced at £95 or the seven-course menu at £140 – plus, throughout December, Ormer Mayfair will host exclusive festive lunches on 6th, 10th, 11th and 13th December, priced at £100 per person.

where: 7-12 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BH
website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk

Culture, Weekend Guide

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