The Christmas display on Regent Street has done a wonderful job putting a glorious twinkle into our London lives, however, it can’t do all of the heavy work on its own. Whether you’re thirsty for some fizz or need to get your festive film fix, London will certainly give you a dose of sparkle this winter.
1. Get bubbly at Trufflesecco
If you’ve walked near Mornington Crescent station in the past few months, you may have caught the deliciously rich smell wafting along Camden High Street. It would have almost certainly come through the doors of Trufflesecco. This wine bar specialises, quite obviously, in Prosecco and truffles. The menu, which is perfect for nibbling and sharing with friends, is full of truffle-infused goods, including cheese and meat boards, truffle oil and bread for dipping, gnocchi and pasta dishes, as well as home-popped truffle flavoured popcorn. There’s also a selection of truffle-icious desserts. If you’re a fan of the fungus (which is always quite the unfitting word for something so damn tasty), you simply must visit the North London gem. Wash it all down with a bottle of fizz and you’ll be feeling warm and fuzzy in no time.
11 Camden High St, Kings Cross, London NW1 7JE
2. See the Churchill Arms light up for Christmas
119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN
3. London Bridge presents Christmas by the River
The Christmas Market by London Bridge is not your average Christmas market. Oh yes, there will be mulled wine and cheese tasters and lovely fairy lit stalls, but there will also be some wonderful, unique surprises. Not only is its location absolutely ideal for getting your fix of London’s twinkly skyline as it glistens over the Thames, but it this market has possibly the most diverse and wonderful set of stalls you’ll stumble upon this winter. Amongst over 100 independent traders, you’ll find Beanbag Coffee, who use a unique Thai drip method and muslin filter to create their innovative coffee infusions. We’re talking avocado, coconut and peanut butter flavours, which we are extremely intrigued to try. If you’re after gift ideas, then head to the House of Howsen – a bold, bright and fresh jewellery range set up by a Central Saint Martins student Sarah Howsen. The whacky and wonderful Bubblegum Balloons will also be there; famed for their ridiculously fabulous balloons (they’ve even featured in Victoria Secret runway shows, ya know) – it’s certainly a stall worth popping by. (But no popping of the balloons, please).
4. Winter Film Club in Peckham
133 Rye Lane, Peckham SE15 4ST
5. Tower of London Ice Rink
Ice Skating: Single sessions last for 45 minutes and the ticket price includes skate hire. Tickets are £10.50 on Fever.
St Katharine’s & Wapping, EC3N 4AB
6. Dinner and wine for 2 on the Canal
If you’re after something a little more tranquil, head to Number 90, a stunning canal-side bar and restaurant located in Hackney Wick. The views overlooking the waterway, the charming hand-crafted wooden interiors and their famous giant disco ball are certain to add a bit of sparkle – albeit a relaxing one – to your life. And for £40, you and a friend (a lover, your mum, your dog or you on a particularly hungry day) can get 2 mains, 2 sides and a bottle of wine alongside a dazzling view for a very reasonable £40 on Fever.
90 Wallis Rd, E9 5LN
Feature image credit: The Churchill Arms