Some say it isn’t Christmas until the John Lewis advert appears. Others say it isn’t Christmas until December 1. Now, they’re both right, of course, but we think the surest sign of impending Christmas is the grand switch-on of The Churchill Arms‘ iconic Christmas lights. Well, roll us up in wrapping paper and stick some tinsel on us, because they’re finally flipping the flippin’ switch on their Christmas lights tonight! It’s sure starting to feel Christmassy AF in London.
The Churchill Arms Christmas lights
Now, to our eyes, the Kensington boozer always establishes the perfect level of festive-ness. We’ve never really been ones for subtlety here at Secret London. We don’t, however, want to think what the electricity bill is going to be at the end of the year! But given that The Churchill Arms drops £25,000 on flowers every year, they’ve definitely got the cash. It’s worth it, too; just look at this:
The Churchill Arms Christmas display sees some 80 Christmas trees festoon the West London pub, with a whopping 22,000 lights covering the exterior. The warm glow of softly illuminated Christmas trees is sure to just beckon you to escape the cold and prop up the bar with a pint. Go on then, it’s (nearly) Christmas after all. Officially!
If you fancy visiting The Churchill Arms to catch the awe-inspiring lights, you’ll find it at 119 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Notting Hill Gate tube, and you’ll be able to see them shining (bright, pretty and pristine) from November 16. Head inside for wartime memorabilia (look out for a cardboard cutout of the pub’s namesake, Winston Churchill), beer, and delicious Thai food. Which aren’t especially Christmassy, I suppose, but come on, that exterior more than makes up for it.
Also published on Medium.