10 Things To Do This Weekend In London
With Halloween behind us, London has immediately gone straight into Christmas mode, with the city’s iconic ice rinks opening up again, preparations for Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park in full swing and cosy winter terraces opening up across the capital. If you’re already excited about Christmas, here’s our picks of what to do this weekend:
Attend a wine dinner series
The Lanesborough is showcasing some of England’s and Europe’s finest winemakers, at their Krug Champagne Dinner. You can sample five exquisite Krug expressions as part of a reception followed by a four-course dinner of seasonal, modern British dishes by The Lanesborough’s Executive Chef Shay Cooper. On the menu, look forward to shellfish cocktail, cucumber, avocado, kombu and roast quail, duck and cep parcels, roast chicken broth, salt marsh lamb, bell pepper, lamb sweetbread and caramelised celeriac.
when: 8th november
where: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
website: www.oetkercollection.com
Attend the Spirit of Christmas fair
To welcome the start of the festive season, head to this lovely fair that brings together over 600 independent brands that can take you from fashion and jewellery to decorations, toys, food and drink. There will be tapas from José Pizarro’s restaurant to enjoy, and talks and interactive sessions from people like Chef Charlie Bigham, Martin Clunes OBE, Strictly Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, food critic Jay Rayner, and plenty more.
when: 4th to 10th november
where: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX
website: www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk
Shop art and antiques
Whether you’re a beginner in the art world, or quite the expert, the winter art and antiques fair is the place to be. The definitive destination for discovering some of the world’s finest hidden antique treasures, this event is a key date in the calendar. This year, you can explore an array of vetted pieces from exquisite jewellery and paintings to sculptures, bronzes, furniture, mirrors, textiles, and much more – all offered by leading art and antique dealers.
The Winter Art & Antiques Fair is the definitive destination for discovering the world’s finest hidden antique treasures.
when: 4th to 10th november
where: Grand Hall, Gallery Level of Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX
website: www.olympia-art-antiques.com
Visit one of London’s igloos
There’s nothing like dinner and drinks in an igloo on a chilly winter evening, is there? Diners can enjoy table service in their own private pod at Coppa Club, which is decked with foliage and protected from the elements. You can now order from their two or three-course festive menu, from parmesan croquettes and homemade tortellini to the classic Christmas pudding. Blankets will be provided, but do wrap up on particularly chilly days.
Where: 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, The City, EC3R 6AH
Website: www.coppaclub.co.uk
Try this new Greek menu
OPSO, a modern Greek restaurant in Marylebone, will be celebrating its tenth anniversary from 12th-18th November with a one-off menu that includes the signature dishes it has served over the years. Expect dishes including their fava from their 2015 menu, taramas and bottarga and bougatsa with semolina custard.
when: 12th to 18th november
where: OPSO, 10 Paddington Street, Marylebone, London W1U 5QL
website: www.opso.co.uk
Browse some iconic Christmas displays
This holiday season, London’s most iconic store windows like Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, and Selfridges have already got their decorations up and they’re bringing plenty of festive cheer to the city. Harrods is dazzling with its luxurious, storybook-like scene, while Fortnum & Mason is keeping it elegant with windows that feel like stepping into a Christmas postcard.
This holiday season, London’s most iconic store windows—Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, and Selfridges—are pulling out all the stops.
when: till january
where: across London
Check out this immersive Las Vegas experience
Swingers is transforming its global venues into immersive Las Vegas hotspots in honour of its new Vegas opening, located at the start of the Strip at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, which opens to the public on 8th November. Expect dazzling Vegas decor in London with themed cocktails, roaming magicians, branded winner’s podiums, and roulette-themed prize wheels alongside the chance to win a VIP trip to Swingers Las Vegas that are all part of Swingers 10th anniversary celebrations.
when: 8th to 10th november
where: 15 John Prince’s St, London W1G 0AB
website: www.swingers.club
Visit a new London restaurant
November is a great month for new restaurant openings, and we’ve got our eyes on the lovely family restaurant Nipotina, which serves nostalgic Italian dishes with family at the core of its offerings. Turin-born chef Somaia Hammad helms the kitchen, and you can expect simple, seasonal produce along with a dose of Italian soul. Italian wine maestro Luca Dusi, of Shoreditch-based Passione Vino, will also join the team to curate an all-Italian wine list that’s poured by the carafe as well as the glass. On the menu, you’ll see wood-fired seafood and meats, hand-crafted pasta and crisp Nothern Italian pizzas.
where: 49 South Audley Street, London W1K 2QD
website: www.nipotinaristorante.com
Visit Battersea Power Station’s iconic ice rink
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, Boots presents Glide at Battersea Power Station offers unrivalled views of the Thames as you skate around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights. Tickets are on sale now and you might want to book yours soon! The perfect place for a family outing, this one’s great for both beginners and expert skaters. Whilst at Battersea Power station we also recommend you check out the huge lego store, and Bounce Ping Pong which is a fantastic destination for kids, offering a unique blend of fun, activity, and creativity in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. With its vibrant and colourful setting, it combines the excitement of table tennis with interactive games, making it ideal for children of all ages.
when: 8th november to 5th January
where: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms
London, SW8 5BN
website: glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
Photo by Carolina Faruolo
Book your tickets for Pitchfork Music Festival
Held across some of London’s coolest spots, Pitchfork brings an eclectic mix of genres and artists, from indie and electronic to avant-garde pop and experimental sounds. You can expect to hear artists who are either on the cusp of breaking through or who are reimagining what their genres can be. Arooj Aftab, Keeley Forsyth and Vanessa Bedoret will be performing at The Roundhouse this weekend.
Held across some of London’s coolest spots, Pitchfork together brings an eclectic mix of genres and artists.
when: 5th to 10th november
where: across london
website: www.pitchforkmusicfestival.co.uk
