10 January Pop-Ups To Visit In London
From giant alcohol-free drinks experiences to the return of Canary Wharf Winter Lights, we’ve rounded up the very best pop-ups landing in London this January. Whether you’re looking for date night ideas, foodie experiences or just some respite from the darkness, read on to inspire your month ahead.
BFI Short Film Festival
Every year, 250-500 British and international films, whittled down from some 5000+ open submissions, are presented at the BAFTA-recognised London Short Film Festival. A special emphasis is placed on spotlighting a multiplicity of filmmakers, visual artists and creatives, across intersections and with a commitment to peripheral voices.
In ten years you might be able to point to the new Oscar-winning director and say “I’ve been a fan since their first short film” – think of how cool (and annoying) you could be.
when: January 17th – 26th
website: www.whatson.bfi.com
Bertie’s at The Stafford
Recently launched at The Stafford London, Bertie’s, is a pop-up seasonal food, and drink offering, in the heart of historic St. James’s. Located in the hotel’s secluded cobbled courtyard in Blue Ball Yard, Bertie’s offers a menu of freshly prepared treats perfect for on-the-go indulgence, a quick health kick, or a
leisurely light bite in the Capital.
The menu includes fresh smoothies and juices, hot drinks, crêpes, artisan gelato from The Gelato Kitchen, and seasonal specials.
where: 16-18 St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1NJ
website: www.thestafford.co.uk
Rake at The Compton Arms
From 9th January, Rake will hold a kitchen residency at The Compton Arms serving restorative British fare. The Compton Arms has garnered a reputation for incubating some of London’s brightest chef talent from Four Legs who now have Tollingtons and The Plimsoll to Tiella.
The focus, among other produce, is on whole beast butchery and sustainable Cornish fish. Think dishes like Beer battered cockles & clams, Beef ribeye & onion rings, Steamed crab claw, laverbread & bacon and St Emilion tart.
When: From January 9th
where: Compton Arms, 4 Compton Ave, London N1 2XD
website: www.comptonarms.co.uk
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
No place in London confuses Google Maps quite like Canary Wharf – it has attempted to walk me into the black docklands water on more than one occasion. Mercifully, we can now use the ever-popular Winter Lights Festival to illuminate our way.
Now in its eighth year, the trail will be ablaze with 12 spectacular temporary installations, as well as its permanent light artworks. This year’s line-up aims to shine a light on the intersection of nature and technology.
when: January 21st – February 1st
website: www.canarywharf.com
Dinner with the stars
Experience an evening of curated canapés, unlimited drinks, live music, and signature show dishes by celebrated chef Francesco Mazzei as he joins Chef Carlo Cracco for an unforgettable one-off culinary collaboration. Foodies, you don’t want to miss this.
When: 27th january
Where: Eataly London London EC2M 3YD
Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk
How To Drink Without Drinking
On the 23rd of January, the team at independent hotel The Pilgrim is hosting an evening dedicated to no and low alcohol options and how to pair these, in celebration of Dry January. Writer-in-residence Fiona Beckett will be joined by Laura Willoughby, founder of mindful drinking specialists Club Soda and guests will sample four drinks including a sparkling tea, a gin alternative, a non-alcoholic vermouth and an alcohol-free beer, all paired with delicious vegan and vegetarian small bites.
Tickets are available via The Pilgrim’s website and cost £25 per person with revenue being donated to Talk Club, a charity focused on men’s mental health.
when: January 25th
where: 25 London St, Tyburnia, London W2 1HH
Book tickets
Southbank Centre Jazz Festival
Experience the best of jazz past and present in a new collaboration celebrating Nina Simone’s work.
The new residency at Southbank Centre features established stars and new talents that speak to Simone’s spirit and musical brilliance, as it explores the theme ‘What is jazz today?’
The new residency at Southbank Centre features established stars and new talents that speak to Simone’s spirit
when: January 31st – February 2nd
where: Southbank Centre
website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Battersea Light Festival
What’s that? Another light festival? In January we need all the respite from the darkness we can get.
Battersea Power Stationʼs annual Light Festival is returning brighter and more interactive than ever before to illuminate the winter nights from 23rd January. A free interactive art trail for all to enjoy, explore seven must-see light installations from British and international artists, a number of which are making their UK or London debut.
In January we need all the respite from the darkness we can get.
when: January 23rd – February 23rd
website: www.batterseapowerstation.com
Free Spirited
Taking place on Saturday 18th January at Meraki, Free Spirited is a brand-new boutique and booze-free day party created by DJ duo SUNANA and lifestyle brand Sober & Social.
Guests will enjoy a selection of expertly crafted, alcohol-free beverages from Lyre’s. Starting the party with a free shot on arrival, delicious confectionery-inspired cocktails on offer include Apple Pie, a serving bringing the comforting flavours of apple pie into an aromatic cocktail with depth from Lyre’s American Malt as well as Tiramisu, a luxurious cocktail using Lyre’s Coffee Originale.
where: 30 Foley St, London W1W 7TJ
book here
London Art Fair
One of the biggest dates in the London art world – the Art Fair is back. Featuring over 120 galleries, and over 1,000 artists, this is a rare chance to see some of the best art in the world before they’re shipped off around the world.
The Fair’s extensive gallery lineup showcases a diverse cross-section of art from emerging talent to established art world favourites; alongside an inspiring programme of curated talks, panel discussions and artists’ insights.
Featuring over 120 galleries, and over 1,000 artists, this is a rare chance to see some of the best art in the world
when: January 21st-26th
where: Business Design Centre, Islington, N1 0QH
website: www.londonartfair.com
Westin London
This Dry January, Mosaic at The Westin London City invites you to indulge in a unique collaboration with Wild Idol, a naturally alcohol-free sparkling alternative to wine. Crafted from a superior blend of grapes by expert winemakers, Wild Idol is vibrant, vegan, gluten-free, and bursting with delicate bubbles. Enjoy bespoke mocktails crafted with Wild Idol, expertly paired with seasonal dishes from Mosaic’s menu. Make this January a month of mindful indulgence at Mosaic.
where: 60 Upper Thames St., City of London, London EC4V 3AD
website: www.marriott.com
