One week to go for Christmas! If you’re heading home for the holidays, this might be your last weekend in London – so we recommend braving the crowds to see the best Christmas lights in London, singing along at a festive concert or sipping on some festive cocktails at one of London’s best bars. Here’s our guide to a very festive weekend in London:

Book a festive brunch

The House Bulgaria is the ideal spot to head to for one of London’s best brunches this season. On the menu, you’ll find quesadilla boards, fattoush, kibbeh and a warming lentil soup that you can enjoy alongside some delicious cocktails – we love an espresso martini with brunch. A unique venue that makes for a lovely spot for an intimate date night or a fabulous Christmas office party, The House Belgravia is the perfect place to head to this weekend for some pre-Christmas celebrations.

where: 152 Ebury Street, Belgravia, SW1W 9JL
website: www.thehousebelgravia.com

Try a festive cocktail

If you haven’t already, go ahead and try a delicious festive cocktail while you still can. Bocconcino Mayfair and Soho have collaborated with Seven Tails Brandy and Four Roses Bourbon for a festive menu that captures the essence of winter with its rich, warming flavours. Expect a blend of spiced brandy, aromatic mulled wine reductions, and hints of chocolate and amaretto – delish.

If you haven’t already, go ahead and try a delicious festive cocktail.

where: Mayfair and Soho
website: www.bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Head to a cosy bar

At Broadwick Soho, look forward to experiencing the glamour and spirit of Soho with its artistic decor. But the best part is the fabulous winter rooftop bar, Flute, that offers glorious views of the London skyline. Flute offers a landscaped wraparound outdoor terrace, and inside, the bar imbibes maximalist glamour with mirrored ceilings, a palm-frond carpet and an onyx-topped bar. Perfect for a nightcap or to enjoy some winter sun, some of the favourites here include fried chicken and caviar and a Hereford beef tartare that’s lovely with a glass of rosé on a winter afternoon.

Where: 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT
Website: www.broadwicksoho.com

Shop this jewellery brand

The Japanese jewellery brand Tasaki is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a pop-up exhibition titled Floating Shell that’s on at the Wonder Room in Selfridges. The perfect place to shop for gifts for someone special, you can expect to find some stunning A-list-approved pearl and diamond jewellery.

The Japanese jewellery brand Tasaki is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a pop-up exhibition.

when: till 5th january
Where: selfridges, 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
Website: www.tasaki.co.uk

Go ice skating at this iconic rink

Get some ice skating in, and then head on over to the shops to finish your last-minute Christmas shopping at Battersea Power Station. This London spot is home to one of London’s prettiest ice skating rinks, with its gorgeous riverside location and a fantastic tree in the centre. Also, head to the markets where you can discover new brands and pick out unique gifts, ranging from cards and jewellery to prints, soaps and much more.

Where: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD
website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Book a winter spa treatment

This month, Corinthia London has collaborated with the skincare brand, Augustinus Bader to launch a brand-new menu of facial and whole-body wellness treatments developed exclusively by Augustinus Bader for Corinthia London. Available for hotel guests and day spa visitors, it makes the perfect pre or post-Christmas pampering. We love the Let It Snow package, which sounds perfect for a warm and soothing experience after a busy day of festive celebrations.


where: ESPA Life at Corinthia, Corinthia London, Whitehall Place,
London, SW1A 2BD
website: www.espalifeatcorinthia.com

Head to the Royal Albert Hall for a Christmas concert

Celebrate the festive season with the London Community Gospel Choir at the stunning Royal Albert Hall. Expect Christmas tunes and gospel classics, plus a host of special guests, with musical accompaniment from The Heritage Orchestra, conducted by Tom Richards. Plus, the powerhouse London Community Gospel Choir band and performances by Kara Marni, Clinton Jordan, Mo Brandis and Katie Coleman, you won’t want to miss this night of soulful harmonies and festive cheer.

When: 20th December
where: Kensington GoreLondon, SW7 2AP
Website: www.royalalberthall.com

Watch Paul McCartney
at The O2

Paul McCartney is bringing his acclaimed Got Back Tour to The O2 this week and if you’re a Beatles fan, then you absolutely can’t miss it (there are still tickets available!) Look forward to listening to songs from one of the greatest musicians of our time – and who knows, maybe there’ll be a Christmas carol or two thrown in.

Look forward to listening to songs from one of the greatest musicians of our time.

When: 19th december
Where: the o2 arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Website: www.theo2.co.uk

Explore an inventive Christmas party spot

This showstopping immersive experience makes a gorgeous Christmas party spot with friends or colleagues. Avora from Inventive Productions, the immersive experience masters behind Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon, is a quite literally out-of-this-world interactive cocktail experience that takes you on a journey through the mystical land of Avora. At this first-of-its-kind cocktail adventure, expect awe-inspiring theatrical sets, unique cocktails and a cast of talented actors.

Where: 5C, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY
Website: www.avora-experience.co.uk

See London’s iconic
Christmas lights

Okay, we know it’s very, very crowded this time of the year, but London’s shop windows, restaurants and streets have gone above and beyond this year with decorations – so it’s worth a trip even if you have to brave the crowds. From Fortnum & Mason’s gorgeous festive facade and Harrods’ Workshop of Wonders-themed installation to Annabel’s elaborate front door and Cartier and Chanel’s themed street lights in New Bond Street, the Christmas lights this year are seriously stunning.

The Christmas lights this year are
seriously stunning.

Where: across London

Watch a pantomime

What’s Christmas without a pantomime? Head to London Palladium to watch the new production of Robin Hood, starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Julian Clary as Robin Hood.

Expect plenty of laughs, stunning sets and incredible special effects.

When: till 12th January
Where: Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF
Website: www.lwtheatres.co.uk

Culture, Weekend Guide

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