How To Spend This Chilly January Weekend
January can be a tricky month. The festive season is over, your wallet might be feeling the pinch, and the days are still short. But the city is still brimming with ways to make the awkward second weekend of the new year a good one. Whether you’re looking for a little detox (how about a getaway to one of the best spas outside London?) or all set to test out some mocktails for Dry January, here’s how to spend this chilly weekend…
Try a new January menu
New year, new menus – some of London’s best restaurants are all set with sparkling new winter menus. We love the look of the new January set menu at Gordan Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen in Battersea. Whether you’re craving a healthy, leafy salad or an indulgent Beef Wellington, there are plenty of options.
Some of London’s best restaurants are all set with sparkling new winter menus.
Where: 319 The Power Station, 1st Floor Battersea Power Station, London, SW11 8DD
Website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com
Catch some winter lights
To chase away those January blues, head to the lovely Southbank Centre to explore a free light exhibition featuring work by artists like Sophia Al-Maria, David Batchelor, Mat Collishaw, Aoife Dunne, Jakob Kvist and Nathaniel Rackowe. Each artist uses light and colour in playful ways while exploring topics like individual and collective identity, the environment and technology.
When: 8th january to 2nd february
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Head to the theatre to watch Babygirl
One of Nicole Kidman‘s most anticipated films of 2024 is finally coming to UK theatres this weekend. If you loved Kidman in The Perfect Couple on Netflix and Expats on Amazon Prime, then book your tickets now for the perfect indulgent watch this weekend. Kidman stars opposite Harris Dickinson (Triangle of Sadness) in a story about the ethics and dynamics of a relationship between a powerful CEO and a young intern, and it looks like quite the watch.
When: out this weekend
Where: across london
Website: www.odeon.co.uk
Try this fresh, seasonal, Italian menu
This January, chefs Jacob Kenedy and Rachel Roddy are joining forces at Jacob’s bustling Soho trattoria Bocca di Lupo for a special menu centred around ‘An Italian Winter Garden’. Featuring a collection of regional specialties, the menu will run for four weeks from the 8th of January. From fried artichokes served with their pickled stalks to a warming “zuppa alla canavesana” (cabbage, bread and parmesan in broth), the menu looks like the perfect nourishing, seasonal meal to try.
when: from 8th january
Where: 12 Archer Street, London W1D 7BB
website: www.boccadilupo.com
Visit the new Charlotte Tilbury store
Start the year with some beauty shopping at the exquisite new Charlotte Tilbury store in Covent Garden, which has just opened its doors. Located on the corner of the Royal Opera House Arcade and James Street, the store will house the first Charlotte Tilbury Skin Spa and Pillow Talk Bar. Plus, you can expect masterclasses, events, treatments and more at Charlotte’s Beauty Boudoir and Pillow Talk Parlour.
Start the year with some beauty shopping at the exquisite new Charlotte Tilbury store.
Partake in (or ignore) this slightly strange London tradition
Depending on your feelings on the subject, take this as a warning or an invitation. If you’re travelling on the tube this weekend, you might just run into groups of people travelling on the underground, sans trousers, in honour of “No Trousers On The Tube Day”. The group will meet in Chinatown at 2:45 pm before splitting off into smaller groups and there are more details on the Facebook page if you’d be at all interested in joining.
When: 12th january
Where: across london
Website: www.facebook.com
Attend RuPaul’s DragCon
This weekend, RuPaul’s DragCon sashays back to London, bringing plenty of glitz, glamour, and fabulousness to the stage. Taking place at ExCeL London, the event promises to be a celebration of all things drag, featuring iconic queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, including UK fan favourites like Cheddar Gorgeous and Danny Beard, alongside international legends. Expect dazzling performances, hilarious panel discussions, meet-and-greets, and plenty of opportunities to grab exclusive merch.
This weekend, RuPaul’s DragCon sashays back to London, bringing plenty of glitz and glamour to the city.
When: 10th to 11th january
Where: excel london, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
Website: www.rupaulsdragcon.com
Try a delicious Dry January menu
If you’re struggling or thriving with Dry January, there are some delicious mocktails on offer at London’s best bars. Head to Mosaic at The Westin London City to indulge in their collaboration with Wild Idol, a naturally alcohol-free sparkling alternative to wine. You can enjoy bespoke mocktails expertly paired with seasonal dishes from Mosaic’s menu.
where: 60 Upper Thames St., City of London, London EC4V 3AD
website: www.marriott.com
Go for a movie night
(plus a disco)
Turns out, party season might not actually be over. This movie night is quite something, where you can watch a film uninterrupted on a massive (25 ft) HD screen, followed by a disco, with plenty of cocktails, confetti and celebrations – because not everyone is doing Dry January.
This movie night is quite something, where you can watch a film uninterrupted on a massive (25 ft) HD screen.
When: 11th january
Where: The Clapham Grand, 21-25 St John’s Hill, London SW111TT
Website: www.dice.fm
Shop at this vintage flea market
This Sunday, the Go East Vintage Flea Market at Hackney Depot is the ultimate destination for vintage lovers looking to add some character to their January wardrobes or homes. Known for its curated selection of pre-loved gems, this vibrant flea market showcases everything from retro fashion and timeless accessories to quirky homewares and rare vinyl records. With a focus on sustainability and unique finds, it’s the perfect place to kick off the new year with some retail therapy.
When: 12th January
Where: Hackney Depot, 5 Sheep Lane London E8 4QS
Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk
One to travel for:
A spa break at Great Fosters
January is the month for a detox – and the perfect place for it is just outside London. at Great Fosters. For those searching for a quick getaway to a spa outside London, this is the spot to bookmark. The Surrey hotel is home to an art-deco heated outdoor pool and several treatment rooms spread across the estate.
From Swedish body massages and body detox treatments to facials, there’s something for everyone here. Finish the day off with a night at one of their restaurants before heading to one of their suites.
Where: Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9UR
Website: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
