What You Should Be Doing In London This Weekend

London has officially tipped into its festive stride. The lights are on, the city’s in full sparkle, and even the most reluctant among us are starting to lean in. This weekend is a mix of cosy rituals, new menus, winter exhibitions and a few brilliantly over-the-top happenings that only make sense in December.

Whether you want a lively brunch, a cooking masterclass, a family-friendly outing or just an excuse to sit somewhere warm with something delicious, there’s plenty to line up. Here’s where to go, what to eat, and what’s worth making time for between now and Monday.

Cook with Corrigan

Richard Corrigan is opening the kitchen at Corrigan’s Mayfair on Saturday 13th December for a one-off Christmas Masterclass. Guests begin with a Champagne and caviar breakfast before stepping behind the pass to learn festive techniques, tips and kitchen secrets directly from the Michelin-starred chef. A seasonal cooking demonstration follows, with plenty of time for questions. The morning ends with a long lunch in the dining room, featuring the dishes prepared throughout the session — a luxurious way to sharpen your Christmas cooking skills.

Where: 28 Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH
Website: www.corrigansmayfair.co.uk

A chef in a striped apron talks and smiles with a group of seated people in a professional kitchen—a cosy scene perfect for any London weekend guide December edition, with pots, pans, and cooking equipment adding to the festive atmosphere.

Go dancing at 100 Wardour Street

Over in Soho, 100 Wardour Street is turning weekends into full-scale December parties with its Bottomless Festive Rhythm n Brunch. Expect free-flowing drinks, live music, and a crowd that comes ready to dance long before dessert. If you prefer something a little looser, the Jukebox Brunch brings all-request energy to the room.

Where: 100 Wardour St, London W1F 0TL
Website: www.wardourst.com

A dimly lit stage with red and orange bokeh lights, featuring a drum kit, microphone, and chairs. A neon sign in the background reads The Wardour in cursive script—a perfect spot for your London weekend guide this December.

Cecil Beaton’s
Fashionable World
National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibition, Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World, opens a window into the life and legacy of a man long regarded as “the king of Vogue”. It’s an elegant blend of photography, sketches, fashion illustration and costume, charting Beaton’s influence on style and image-making across decades.

Where: St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE
Website: www.npg.org.uk
The Portrait Restaurant: www.theportraitrestaurant.com

A person poses in front of a red backdrop, wearing a gold and black patterned gown with a large feathered collar and a tall, gold conical hat—an eye-catching look perfect for the London weekend guide December edition. They stand on a black-and-white geometric floor.

Festive French at Amélie

Amélie on Motcomb Street has rolled out its seasonal festive menu — available from 20 November through 4 January — pairing Provençal charm with holiday warmth. Think French comfort plates with a twist and classic seasonal favourites in a golden, art-deco setting that feels like a South-of-France escape in central London. Whether you’re after a celebratory dinner or a quiet brunch, the vibe is relaxed but indulgent, with just enough French glamour to make it feel special.

Where: Ground Floor & First Floor, Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb St
Website: www.amelie-restaurants.com

Have a festive
Thai meal at Rosa’s

Rosa’s Thai is serving up a seasonal twist on its flavour-packed Thai classics with a festive set menu available through the winter — two courses from £25 or three courses from £28. The set includes starters and sharing choices like a veggie platter with Crispy Pad Cha Aubergine, warming mains such as Khao Soi noodle soup, and mini desserts to finish. There’s no pre-order required, and the offer runs from mid-November through early February, making it a relaxed option for group meals. Swap turkey for something spicier and go with friends for Thai food that feels perfectly suited to the season.

Where: Across London
Website: www.rosasthai.com

Brunch at Skylon

At Skylon, brunch comes with some of the best riverside views in London with floor-to-ceiling windows, the South Bank below, and a steady stream of free-flowing fizz. Their Saturday Bottomless Brunch blends classics with signature cocktails, making it a good choice for a long, lazy afternoon that turns into golden-hour drinks. The atmosphere is bright, grown-up, and just celebratory enough to feel like a weekend well spent.

Where: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Website: www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk

A backlit bar shelf displays various bottles of liquor, with golden decorative leaves above and a lit Christmas tree in the blurred background, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for any London weekend guide December edition.

Grab a matcha cocktail at Faros

Faros has launched a brand-new cocktail just in time for winter weekends: the Matchamisu. It’s a sweet, creamy, very on-trend blend of Galliano Vanilla, Malibu, oat milk and matcha — essentially a dessert in a glass, but lighter than it sounds. If you’re stopping by for dinner or a late-night drink, it’s an easy order and a fun way to try something new. A little playful, a little indulgent, and perfectly suited to the season.

Where: Multiple locations
Website: www.farosrestaurant.co.uk

Stroll around
Portman Marylebone

Portman Marylebone is a great stop if you’re after a quieter, more local take on festive London. The area is full of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, all dressed for the season and ideal for a weekend wander. It’s an easy place to pick up gifts, warm up with something sweet, or take a slow stroll under the lights without the crush of Oxford Street. A gentle, very London way to ease into December.

Where: Portman Street
Website: www.portmanmarylebone.com

Get Festive at J. Sheekey

J. Sheekey in Covent Garden marks the festive season with a special set menu — two courses for £45 or three for £55 — running Sunday to Friday at lunch and early afternoon. On offer are seafood-first plates such as salmon tartare or king prawn and avocado cocktail, mains like pan-fried halibut or roasted sea bass, and indulgent desserts such as gingerbread ice-cream coupe or a chocolate Christmas yule log.

The atmosphere remains classic, with its iconic red frontage, wood-panelled dining rooms and a theatrical history that dates back to 1896. If you love fish, shellfish and a touch of old-West End glamour, this festive menu feels like Christmas done right.

where: 28-32 St Martin’s Ct, London WC2N 4AL
website: www.j-sheekey.co.uk

A restaurant exterior decorated for Christmas with red paint, festive garlands, baubles, and small artificial Christmas trees adorned with ornaments and lights—an ideal spot to include in your London weekend guide this December.

Meet the elves at The Ivy

The Ivy Collection is running its nationwide Naughty Elves Breakfast on 14, 21 and 23 December, turning morning service into a festive family event. Children meet The Ivy’s playful elves while tucking into dishes like Santa’s Workshop Pancakes or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, while adults can opt for seasonal plates such as crushed avocado with chestnuts or classic Eggs Benedict.

Each booking comes with take-home gifts — an Ivy Bear, an elf headband and a Santa letter kit for kids, plus a glass Ivy bauble for adults. With menus from £22 for children and £32.50 for adults, it’s one of the more charming family-friendly breakfasts you can book this month.

Where: Across London
Website: www.ivycollection.com

Two children in paper crowns sit at a festive table with Christmas treats and teddy bears, while two people in large elf costumes pose behind them—a perfect scene for your London weekend guide December. A decorated Christmas tree sparkles in the background.

Dig in at 144 On The Hill

144 On The Hill has unveiled a new seasonal menu built around local produce and winter flavours. Starters range from smoked salmon and prawn tartare with mango and shallot salsa to heritage beetroot with labneh and pickled pear, alongside a chicken and duck liver terrine with fig and port chutney.

Mains follow the same comforting thread, with slow-braised beef cheek, confit duck leg and potato gnocchi with squash and sage oil. Desserts are indulgent with dark chocolate mousse, a Knickerbocker Glory and the restaurant’s signature sticky toffee pudding. With solid vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options throughout, it’s a menu that suits most tables.

Where: 149-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RW
Website: www.144onthehill.co.uk

A three-tier afternoon tea stand holds various pastries, scones, macarons, and finger sandwiches—perfect for a festive treat in your London weekend guide December. A chilli-garnished cocktail sits beside jam, cream, plate, serviette, and cutlery on the table.

Christmas Champagne Masterclass at St Pancras Bar & Brasserie

Searcys is hosting an intimate Christmas Champagne Masterclass in the private room of St Pancras Bar & Brasserie, led by Head of Champagne Martin Dibben. The session features five cuvées, each selected to showcase a distinct aspect of Champagne, accompanied by light bites carefully paired to complement them. It runs on 13 December from 5pm to 6:30pm, making it an easy pre-shopping treat or early-evening outing. A thoughtful gift idea or simply a luxurious way to learn a little more about what you’re drinking.

WHere: St. Pancras, St Pancras International Station, London N1C 4QL
Website: www.stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk

A table set with a bottle of Searcys sparkling wine, two glasses of bubbly, fried food, and condiments sits by a railing inside a busy, modern railway station—an ideal spot for your London weekend guide this December.

Live music at Quaglino’s

Quaglino’s in St James’s is made for the sort of brunch where you dress up a little and stay longer than planned. Their weekend Bottomless Brunch comes with unlimited bubbles and live music, all set beneath their iconic sweeping staircase. It strikes a balance between elegant and fun. A very easy win if you’re looking for a polished festive brunch.

Where: 16 Bury St, London SW1Y 6AJ
Website: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

Three musicians in suits play brass instruments, including a saxophone and trombone, on a dimly lit stage with warm, orange lighting—an atmospheric highlight for any London weekend guide December edition.

Bottomless prosecco at
Electric Shuffle

Electric Shuffle is running its Festive Brunch Social every weekend until the end of December, offering two hours of prosecco, bottomless pizza paddles and a full hour on the shuffleboard tables. A resident DJ supplies the Christmas party soundtrack, keeping the room upbeat. Prices start at £45 per person, making it a fun, easy group option for December weekends. Wear your most outrageous Christmas jumper — there are prizes for the boldest efforts.

Where: Across London
Website: www.electricshuffle.com

Three people in festive holiday hats enjoy a lively bowling alley, watching the lane as a large screen glows in the background—a perfect scene for your London weekend guide this December.

Beef Wellington masterclass at Gordon Ramsay Academy

This Friday and Saturday, the Gordon Ramsay Academy in Bishopsgate is running its popular Beef Wellington Masterclass, guiding guests through every stage of Gordon’s signature dish before sitting down to enjoy it together. If Wellington isn’t your thing, the Academy runs a full line-up of classes — from sushi and pasta to knife skills and pastry — all taught in the same polished, hands-on format. It’s a smart pick for anyone looking to learn something new, sharpen up before hosting season or simply trade dinner out for a genuinely fun cooking session.

Where: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ
Website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com

A chef in a modern kitchen slices bread on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh herbs, grains, and cheese—an inviting scene that could inspire any London weekend guide December food adventure. Shelves, ovens, and a sink complete the cosy backdrop.

Adams Antique Fair
Royal Horticultural Halls

The last Adams Antiques Fair of the year returns to the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster, bringing together more than 130 dealers from around the UK. Expect everything from antique jewellery and silver to decorative pieces and unusual collectables. Doors open at 10am, but the early crowd tends to gather ahead of time, so arriving promptly is worth it if you’re hoping to browse before it gets busy.

Where: THE LINDLEY HALL, THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL HALLS, ELVERTON STREET, LONDON SW1P 2PB
Website: www.adamsantiquesfairs.com