What To Do This Weekend 12.12.20
GO BEHIND THE SCENES ON THIS WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTION: ROH Nutcracker Rehearsals
Every Christmas, Royal Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is one of the hottest tickets in town. Now, with limited numbers and performances, the team behind the production is giving all those unable to attend a live show this year a backstage pass instead. Broadcast on YouTube for free, ballet fans can watch as the company rehearses for one of the most important performances of the year, as it tries to rework the classic ballet to make it Covid-secure – not only for audiences but all of its cast members. Many elements of the cherished classic remain, from the magical growing Christmas tree to the dance of the snowflakes and pas de deux with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince in the Kingdom of Sweets. But look out for the new battle scene between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which has been choreographed by Will Tuckett. After taking that in, you can watch the real thing, which is being streamed live on 22nd December for £16 per household, available until 21st January.
Watch here
BROWSE SOME FASHION HISTORY HERE: 'Bags: Inside Out' At The V&A
From rucksacks to Birkin bags and Louis Vuitton luggage, Bags: Inside Out – a new exhibition which opens at the V&A this weekend – will explore the style, function, design and craftsmanship of the ultimate fashion accessory. Highlights include the famous purple Fendi baguette toted by Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) in Sex & The City, as well as historical heirlooms from the 16th and 17th centuries. There's even something for non-fasion types to enjoy: keep an eye out for Winston Churchill's despatch box, which dates from 1921, which is also included in the exhibition. Tickets cost from £12 (members go free) with advanced booking recommended for everyone. Open 10am-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Book here
ENJOY A SPECIAL MEAL HERE: The Dorchester Winter Garden
London hotspot The Dorchester has launched a new festive al fresco dining experience. The Winter Garden includes two private garden globes, which seat up to five guests each, complete with Johnstons of Elgin blankets. Once you’re in, delve into an exclusive menu, in partnership with Veuve Clicquot, which includes chestnut soup with bacon and sprouts; grilled dry-salt aged cote de boeuf; and traditional flaming Christmas pudding, accompanied by canapés and petit fours. The globes can accommodate up to five guests for a three-course lunch or dinner, and will also be available to book on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, priced at £320 per person with a minimum spend of £1,200.
53 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QA
Visit DorchesterCollection.com
FIND SOME FESTIVE CHEER AT: The Winter Village at Battersea Power Station
The Winter Village at Battersea Power Station is back. The riverside destination at the foot of the London landmark has been transformed into an alpine village once again, with a heated outdoor pergola seating area and wooden huts serving treats from Circus West Village retailers such as Megan’s Battersea and Vagabond Wines, festive festoon lighting, over 100 Christmas trees and a 30ft tree with over 1,000 baubles and 19,000 LED lights. Don’t worry, extra measures are being taken to ensure the safety of visitors, with one-way systems, signage and ground markings installed to help everyone keep a safe distance.
West Circus Village, Battersea, SW8 5BN
Visit BatterseaPowerStation.co.uk
GIVE BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY HERE: Brixton Donation Drive
Given the difficult times faced by so many this year, Brixton Village – home to two famous markets – has launched the Brixton Donation Drive to give back to the local community. Partnering with local charities Compliments of the House (a surplus food distribution hub providing meals to the homeless and vulnerable) and Re:Sole (which provides shoes to the homeless and disadvantaged youth) the drive will be open for donations every Wednesday to Sunday from 3-8pm. Visitors can also donate items outside of these hours, by following drop-off signs to the management office. Keen to showcase some of the area’s wonderful creatives, Brixton Village is also working with talented local artist Mona Wishkahi to deliver a large-scale illustration for the charity-led shop front, while all cash donations will be matched by Hondo Enterprises – the custodians of the markets.
Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8PS; until 18th December
Visit BrixtonVillage.com
TAKE PART IN AN ANNUAL TRADITION AT: Claridge’s
Mayfair institution Claridge's has unveiled its 2020 Christmas tree in the hotel lobby – the eleventh time it has asked a special collaborator to team up on the project. This year, the hotel has drawn on its rich and glamorous art-deco heritage evoking the Roaring 20s, a time when people were looking for a symbol of hope and happiness post WWI. Turning to long-time friend and collaborator Kally Ellis, founder of renowned British floral designers McQueens Flowers, the natural shaped tree is white frosted, with each snowy branch topped with over 10,000 crystal as well as glass garlands and pendants. Guests and day visitors are welcome to visit the hotel lobby to get a glimpse of the tree, as long as they follow Covid-19 protocols currently in place.
Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
Visit Claridges.co.uk
REVEL IN A WES ANDERSON-THEMED CHRISTMAS AT: Brasserie of Light
Brasserie of Light in Selfridges is gearing up for a Wes Anderson-themed Christmas. With a one-off cocktail menu, created in collaboration with Monkey 47 Gin, and four flamboyant, colourful Christmas trees, it’s the place to celebrate the festive season this weekend. On arrival, a doorman will be waiting to welcome you into a world of colour, styled to reflect The Grand Budapest Hotel film. You’ll then invited to try the seasonal menu and selection of cocktails which include a ‘Bell Hop’s Espresso’, a ‘Madame D’, a ‘Serge X’ and ‘Budapest Pine’. For a limited time only, those with a sweet tooth will also be able to enjoy a ‘Run Run Rudolf’ dessert featuring a rich fruit cake with brandy ice-cream and milk foam, topped with an edible ruby red nose and buttery biscuit antlers.
400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1A 1AB
Visit Brasserie-Of-Light.co.uk
ORDER IN SOME FINE DINING WITH: Hosted by Hakkasan
Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan has launched Hosted by Hakkasan, a new delivery service bringing the Michelin-starred restaurant’s menu right to your home. But this is no ordinary takeaway – a fully bespoke experience can be tailored to guests' needs and even includes use of a dedicated event manager, personalised chef consultations and access to Hakkasan’s extensive wine cellars with the options to choose from vintage fine wines and champagnes. There will also be luxe printed menus, table place cards and floral arrangements. Additionally, Hakkasan’s distinctive incense will be provided to heighten the experience, alongside a playlist. As an extra touch, a Hakkasan team member can deliver the dishes before serving guests at the table and clearing away, as is acceptable under revised UK government guidelines. Prices start from £500.
Visit Hakkasan.com
BOOK INTO A FUN BRUNCH AT: Moët & Chandon x James St Collective's Winter Wonderland
The James St Collective – a new collaboration between chef Mark Greenaway, industry professionals Haven, and coffee stalwarts The Gentlemen Baristas – are launching a ‘Winter Wonderland’ brunch pop-up at its James street site, supported by Moët & Chandon. In a secret location in Covent Garden, guests will be able to take in the festive décor and live music while tucking into a brunch menu from 1pm-5pm, alongside a supper club from 6pm-11pm. The menu will be cooked by award-winning chef Mark, who will be treating festive brunch-goers to buckwheat waffles with oatmeal crumble and maple syrup; confit chicken with harissa rub; and fluffy pancake stacks with whipped ricotta and crispy bacon. Tickets are a must, and can be purchased online. All tickets for brunch and supper include three courses and an hour of bottomless Moët & Chandon, and must be sold in household bubble groups only.
Covent Garden; December 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th & 26th
Visit WonderlandBrunch.com
ENJOY THIS MAGICAL COLLABORATION: Scott’s x Bvlgari ‘A Frosted Christmas’
Mayfair restaurant Scott’s has teamed up with globally renowned Roman jewellery house Bvlgari and champagne house Dom Pérignon to create ‘A Frosted Christmas’: a sparkling, diamond-inspired installation created for the restaurant, transforming its Mount Street façade and terrace. Bvlgari’s takeover of Scott’s – created alongside concept designer Tony Marklew – will bring a touch of beauty to the restaurant’s dining experience, with a cascade of faceted crystals embellishing the entrance. Draping the exterior and suspended from the canopies, delicate and illuminated magical crystal trees will also transform the stylish terrace. ‘A Frosted Christmas’ will also offer some of Scott’s best-loved dishes expertly paired with carefully selected pours, available until the New Year.
20 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 2HE
Visit Scotts-Restaurant.com
TAKE A BREAK FROM CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT: Waffle & Bellini Hour at Bob Bob Ricard
The solution to finding enough energy to face the Christmas (or New Year’s sale) shopping in the West End? A restorative break at the ‘Waffle & Bellini Hour’ at Bob Bob Ricard in Soho. From 11am-noon every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the restaurant will present a short waffle menu (classic or truffle, with toppings such as seasonal berries with Normandy crème fraîche, or crispy bacon and fresh truffle maple syrup), accompanied by either a glass of Moët & Chandon Brut or a strawberry and peach bellini royale with champagne foam. Just be quick – we’ve been told reservations are essential.
1 Upper James Street, Soho, W1F 9DF
Visit BobBobRicard.com
CREATE FUN & PERSONAL MESSAGES FOR YOUR LOVED ONES WITH: Kindeo
If there was ever a year to get creative with gifts, 2020 is probably it. Forget the standard presents for the in-laws, and create something more meaningful and lasting with a Kindeo. Pull together the funniest moments from the last year (we promise, there have been some) and let Kindeo do the rest. The best part is that it is not all on you to create it. Simply share the link with friends and family and let them contribute to your Kindeo too, before it gets sent to your intended recipient. A clever and innovative way to wish someone a Merry Christmas and – perhaps more importantly – all the best for 2021.
Visit Kindeo.com
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