12 Ways To Fight The January Blues This Weekend
The January blues feel well and truly upon us as the weather seems to only be getting gloomier and evenings as dark as ever. However, London is still brimming with exciting openings, exhibitions and events that are bound to get you out of your wintry slump. Here is our guide on how to make the most out of your weekend:
Explore an acclaimed exhibition
This weekend marks your last opportunity to visit the highly acclaimed Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery.
With an array of five-star reviews, the collection marks the first-ever UK museum show of Thiebaud’s remarkable work. The displayed still-life paintings depicting post-war American subjects cemented the artist’s name in the 1960s. Dubbed a dazzling exhibition, the collection is a must-see ahead of its closure at the end of the week.
Wayne Thiebaud’s work is being displayed for the first time on UK soil and is a must-see.
Where: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
Website: www.courtauld.com
Visit a cheese fondue pop-up
If you are in need of some comfort food this weekend, indulge in a cheese fondue experience in London at The Montague on the Gardens Winter Lodge.
Located a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, this cosy winter pop-up is serving up traditional Swiss fondue, complete, of course, with a surplus of crusty bread and new potatoes.
Over the course of two hours, the Winter Lodge will welcome its guests to try a range of traditional Swiss cheeses.
This delectable pop-up makes for a perfect group activity to add to your weekend itinerary.
Where: 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ
Website: www.WinterLodge.com
Stick or Twist at Rosa’s Thai
This January, Rosa’s is offering a simple choice: stick with the Pad Thai, the dish it’s best known for, and a pint of Singha, or twist and try Khao Mun Gai with Thai tea. Both options come in at £16, available Sunday to Thursday until 29 January. Familiar, filling and good value, it’s an easy midweek win whether you’re craving something classic or trying something new.
Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.rosasthai.com
Brighten up your winter at The Southbank
If you are on the hunt for a free non-ticketed activity to enjoy this weekend, The Southbank Winter Light walk is guaranteed to brighten up your winter night.
For one week only, the centre will be illuminated by a vibrant display of outdoor artworks.
The display showcases an eclectic array of artists, whose work explores themes of collective identity, environment and technology through light and colour.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
Website: www.Southbankcentre.com
Take on dry January in style
The team at Senza Fondo have collaborated with Crodino this January to help Londoners complete dry Jan.
Famed for its bottomless lasagna and £5 Negronis, the American-Italian restaurant is exclusively offering the 0.0 per cent spritz throughout the duration of the month.
Once more, those partaking in dry January will be rewarded further. By purchasing an alcohol-free spritz you”’ receive a drink token to cache in next month.
Where: 1 Rufus St, London N1 6PE
Website: www.Senzafondo.com
Enjoy a sushi-fuelled bottomless brunch
If dry January is out the window, Sticks’n’Sushi is offering an irresistible All You Can Sip Brunch, complete with a resident DJ and 90 minutes of bottomless drinks across two of its London locations. For £70 a head, you can tuck into a selection of classic dishes and popular sharing plates. Head over to either Shoreditch or Victoria to sample the popular Sushi chain’s brunch menu, to be washed down with some sparkling.
Where: 00 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ / 3 Sir Simon Milton Sq, London SW1E 5EB
Website: www.sticksnsushi.com
Take part in a run club
If 2026 is the year you plan on taking up running, there are a number of clubs in London that can help you stay motivated. This Saturday, Acid Running is teaming up with NEER to bring a run club that prioritises connection and meeting new people.
The route ends at Miznon London who will be serving free pittas. As well as this, the first 50 runners will be given a free water bottle courtesy of NEER.
Joining a run club offers a great way to explore the city while meeting like-minded people.
Where: 14 Elgin Crescent, Kensington Park Road, W11 2HX
Website: www.acidrunning.com
Try out a new Turkish breakfast
Modern Turkish restaurant, Nora, has launched its new Serpme feasting breakfast, which makes for the perfect weekend brunch spot. Located in Canary Wharf, brothers Ozgur and Sidar Akyuz have curated a menu designed for slow and social sharing, inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine. Brunch-goers can choose from freshly baked pitas, shakshukas, and frittas among many other delicious breakfast items.
Where: 7 West Ln, Canary Wharf Estate, London E22 3AA
Website: www.Nora.com
Reset at Fulham Pier
Riverside Reset at Fulham Pier is offering a curated wellness programme overlooking the Thames. On offer is a range of fitness, mindfulness, and creative workshops which promise to make for an idyllic January reset.
Visit the website to browse all the classes – from immersive breathwork, to barre, and even puppy wellness days.
Unwind and decompress in a movement class overlooking the River Thames.
Where: Fulham Pier, London SW6 6HH
Website: www.fulhampier.com
Claim a free coffee
If you happen to be born in January, then you are well and truly in luck. Grind is treating all its customers with January birthdays to a free coffee this month.
To claim your free coffee, you simply need to show proof of your date of birth to the barista which can be in the form of a driving licence or passport.
With the purse strings feeling a little tighter after the festive period, a free coffee definitely doesn’t go amiss, making Grind a must-visit spot for all the January babies this weekend.
Website: www.grind.com
Visit a vegan pop-up
This weekend, Pipoca is hosting a vegan pop-up in Brixton. This free event invites you to browse an array of curated stalls, celebrating “plant-based living, conscious brands, and soulful connection.”
Visitors can expect to try new plant-based food and snacks, as well as shop for clothing, wellness brands and lots more.
Celebrate plant based living at this Brixton pop-up
Where: 224 Brixton Rd, London SW9 6AH
Website: www.plantbasedcollective.com
Try out a new set menu
If you are looking to grab a bite to eat in central London, look no further than J.Sheekey and its irresistible set menu. Its winter dinner will set you back £32 for two courses, and £38 for three, and is served with a bonus glass of Crémant.
Among the menu items to choose from is a hearty Woodland Mushroom and tarragon soup, Sheekeys Shrimp Burger, and for dessert, my top pick would be Rhubarb Custard Choux Bun.
Where: 28-32 St Martin’s Ct, London WC2N 4AL
WEbsite: www.jsheekey.com
