Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
November is upon us, which means that the festive season is in full swing. Make the most of everything the capital has to offer at this extra special time of year with our pick of the best things to do – from one-off collaboration dinners to pop up bars.
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2024 by Sir Paul Smith
Claridge’s has unveiled its annual designer Christmas tree, which this year was created by long-time friend of the hotel, Sir Paul Smith, and will sit in the grand entrance hall of Claridge's for the festive period. The traditional 20ft Christmas tree sits in a Signature Striped barrel and is decorated with Paul Smith baubles, ribbon and over 100 bespoke birdhouses. Sir Paul has collaborated with two friends of his fashion house on the decorations, British artist Nik Ramage, who has made a series of mechanical birdhouses, all with a playful Paul Smith twist, with roofs decorated in playing cards, postage stamps and dice.
"My wife Pauline and I have been staying and dining at Claridge’s for many years," Smith said on the morning of the unveiling. "We have spent so many special moments like Christmas and New Year at the hotel with our grandchildren and so it is often a family affair. It’s a great honour to be asked to create this year’s Christmas tree and it’s something I hope people will enjoy and find fascinating and fun. When designing this year’s tree, I automatically thought of a bird house, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge’s.”
When: From 20 November
Where: Claridge's, Brook St, London W1K 4HR
Hacienda 1942 Winter Terrace
With the festive season upon us, Don Julio 1942 has partnered with Rosewood London to launch an immersive terrace that will offer visitors a taste of Mexican warmth in the harsh London winter. Featuring décor inspired by the agave fields of Jalisco, the space is designed to offer a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy premium tequila cocktails along with a menu of Mexican-inspired dishes.
When? Until 10th January
Where? The Rosewood London
How much? Prices vary
ATAVI at Pasta Evangelists, Harrods
ATAVI, the luxury food brand co-created by legendary Catalan chef Albert Adrià, is celebrating the launch of its new short pasta shape – Vortici – with a special menu at the Pasta Evangelists Restaurant in Harrods. The exclusive menu will feature two new dishes. The first will unveil ATAVI’s Vortici Sourdough pasta, using garlic butter, lemon, anchovies, chicken emulsion and chive oil, while the second uses the Smoked Vortici with a cacio-pepe and diavola sauce, a best-seller at Harrods.
When? From 11 November
Where? Pasta Evangelists, Harrods
How much? Prices vary
Loro Piana's takeover of Harrods
As part of its 100th anniversary celebration this year, Loro Piana has taken over Harrods for the holiday season. With a grand activation entitled ‘The Workshop of Wonders’, the takeover is a spectacle worth visiting, with a façade and 36 windows dedicated to the brand, telling the story and history of the luxury Maison. There will also be an exclusive Harrods collection featuring womenswear, menswear, jewellery, interiors and childrenswear, should you wish to wrap up in the brand's warm and cosy cashmere this winter.
When: From 7 November
Where: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
Krug x Flower Single Ingredient Dinner
Honouring Krug’s philosophy of ‘one plot, one wine, one ingredient’, each year the House pays tribute to a humble single ingredient. This year, it’s Flower, and to celebrate, Krug is hosting a series of dinners across London. The November edition will be held at The Lanesborough, where guests will sample five exquisite Krug expressions as part of a reception followed by a four-course dinner of seasonal, modern British dishes by The Lanesborough hotel's Executive Chef Shay Cooper.
When? 8 November
Where? The Lanesborough Hotel
How much? £550
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Start November off with a bang at the Ally Pally Fireworks Festival, one of the biggest Bonfire Night celebrations in London. Inside, you’ll find a German Bier Festival with oompah bands, Oasis and ABBA tribute acts and German biers, and outside you can enjoy DJ sets from Artful Dodger and The Cuban Brothers, as well as circus acts, a drone show, and of course, one hell of a bonfire.
When? 1-2 November
Where? Alexandra Palace Park
How much? Tickets from £5.50
Winter Gin Garden at Ham Yard
This winter, make your way up to the fourth floor roof terrace of Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel for a cosy alfresco set up where you can sip on inventive cocktails courtesy of Sipsmith (hot negroni anyone?) and sample a selection of fire-cooked bites. With blankets, heaters and hot water bottles, this might just be the snuggest spot in Soho.
When? From 6 November
Where? Ham Yard Hotel
How much? Tickets from £20
Macbeth
Max Webster’s idiosyncratic take on Shakespeare’s murderous tale of Macbeth sees David Tennant and Cush Jumbo take to the stage of the Harold Pinter Theatre. Their brilliant performances are expertly complemented by groundbreaking sound design by Gareth Fry and live Celtic folk music (all played through lightweight headphones provided) that fully immerse the audience in the drama.
When? Until 14 December
Where? Harold Pinter Theatre, Leicester Square
How much? Tickets from £100
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House’s iconic ice rink is a seasonal staple beloved by Londoners and visitors alike. Strap your skates on and glide around as you take in the sights of Somerset House’s grand Georgian architecture and 40-foot Christmas tree. There are also pop-up bars and eateries and DJ takeovers.
When? 13 November – 12 January 2025
Where? Somerset House
How much? From £12
Override at The Tent
Fitzrovia restaurant The Tent (at the End of the Universe), which is renowned for offering an otherworldly culinary experience, has launched a guest chef series called ‘Override’. Each month, a different guest chef will take over the Tent kitchen to create an exclusive tasting menu that showcases their signature style. This month sees The Tent’s Chef John Javier joined in the kitchen by Chef Gabriel Pryce of beloved Soho restaurant Rita’s for an innovative American-inspired menu.
When? 28 November
Where? The Tent (at the End of the Universe)
How much? Tickets from £80
Lavazza Flagship Festivities
Get into the festive spirit at Lavazza’s flagship store on Regent Street, amidst the twinkling Regent Street Christmas. There will be live music, Italian-inspired nibbles and signature cocktails crafted by award-winning coffee and cocktail mixologist, Dan Fellows, and Lavazza’s Coffee Specialist, David Cutler, including the 1895 Espresso Martini and the Ada Spritz.
When? 14 November
Where? Lavazza Regent Street
How much? Complimentary
Wildmoor Whisky Wild Dining Supper Club
So this one's not in London per se. But it's perfect for Londoners looking to escape the daily grind and reconnect with wilderness. The raw beauty of open-fire cooking meets the rich, untamed flavours of Wildmoor whisky at the stunning private Ardkinglas Estate in Loch Fyne. Expect a multi-course food journey featuring the finest local Scottish ingredients.
When? 15 November
Where? Ardkinglas Estate, Loch Fyne
How much? £135 per ticket
The Grill at the Hero Maida Vale
The Hero Maida Vale, which opened earlier this year, has entered its next phase with the introduction of The Grill. Located on the first floor of the pub in a gorgeous wood panelled room, it offers specialty cuts of meat and fish cooked over an open fire. Menu highlights include the jerusalem artichoke pie and pork tenderloin with mustard sauce.
When? Now open
Where? Maida Vale
How much? Menu prices vary
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