What To Do This Weekend 28.11.24

It’s hard to grasp the sheer size of a bluefin tuna until you see one up close. At Los Mochis’s exclusive ten-course experience, you can do just that. With just 12 guests per sitting, the experience centres on a sustainably sourced whole tuna from Balfegó in Spain. Guided by exec chef Leonard Tanyag, guests will be shown the prep technique of each cut before they’re served a Japanese feast. Dishes include akami yuzu soy and avocado tostadito, akami carpaccio with wasabi truffle and crispy onion, and spicy tuna tempura maki. Equal parts dining and performance art, this unique event costs £195 a head, and runs every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

100 Liverpool Street, Moorgate, EC2M 2AT

Visit LOSMOCHIS.CO.UK

Hera, a new Greek eatery in Stratford, isn’t just about souvlaki and chips – it’s a celebration of fresh vegetables, meat and seafood crafted into a range of shareable dishes. Start with mezze like anchovies, Kalamata olives, tzatziki and smoked aubergine dip. Then there’s vegetable moussaka, gemista (stuffed courgettes) and feta saganaki. For meat, try grilled baby chicken, beef meatballs or lamb chops. Its wine list is a greatest hits of Greece, and you can finish with Helen of Spice (a spicy margarita) or Dates in Crete (a take on an old fashioned) in the Cocktail Lounge. 

4 Arber Way, Stratford, E20 1JS

Visit HERARESTAURANT.CO.UK

The Drop and Two Drops – neighbourhood bars from Harts Group (Barrafina, Quo Vadis) – have teamed up with social media sensation Seema Pankhania to create a guest toastie. Seema’s caramelised honey and za’atar cheese sandwich will be available at Two Drops (Battersea Power Station) and The Drop (Coal Drops Yard) until the end of December. Seema, known for her vibrant dishes and million-plus TikTok followers, also includes the toastie recipe in her debut book Craveable, which is available to buy in-bar or online.

The Drop, Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, N1C 4DH; Two Drops, Circus Road West, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8EZ; until 31st December

Visit THEDROPBAR.CO.UK 

Found in one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, The May Fair Hotel offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s festive frenzy. The newly renovated May Fair Bar now caters to both daytime and after-dark crowds. Overseen by Restoration Hardware – a design firm that counts Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle among its clients – the space is sleek and minimalist in style. It also features a rotating contemporary art display from local spots such as The Maddox Gallery, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Berkeley Street’s parade of luxury cars. Meanwhile, the more refined Lower Bar offers semi-private seating beneath elegant Lasvit chandeliers. The menu’s also had a makeover: the 'By Day' list serves hearty, globally inspired à la carte dishes, while the 'By Night' version offers light bites and sharing plates, perfect for pairing with cocktails.

Stratton Street, Mayfair, W1J 8LT

Visit THEMAYFAIRHOTEL.CO.UK

Pre-loved shopping platform The Cirkel is taking over the One Aldwych hotel for a festive pop-up. The hotel’s Library will be stocked with designer womenswear from winter-ready basics to pieces perfect for party season. Shoppers can expect to browse labels such as Anine Bing and Rixo, as well as the coveted Cirkel Luxe collection, which counts the likes of Chanel and Bottega Veneta among its offering.

1 Aldwych, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BZ; 28th November-1st December

Visit THECIRKEL.COM & ONEALDWYCH.COM

For a more traditional Christmas vibe, reminiscent of the Vienna Philharmonic’s famed ball, The Delaunay will be hosting a six-piece band playing Austrian waltzes as guests dine. As part of its Fifth Season celebrations, festive dishes this year include duck liver parfait with sauterne jelly and toasted brioche; lobster thermidor with chips; beef Wellington with French beans and port jus; and sherry trifle. The event runs over the next three Fridays (29th November, 6th December, 13th December), culminating in a New Year’s Eve Ball where the Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing until midnight.
 
55 Aldwych, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BB

Visit THEDELAUNAY.COM

The Cirkel are certainly busy this season – so forgive us for including the pre-loved platform again, but it’s also teaming up with rental service Hurr to host a sample sale. Book ahead to secure a slot to shop clothing and accessories at discounts of up to 80% – plus, there’s an early bird slot on Friday morning if you’re extra keen. Expect to browse a selection of designer and high-end items from brands like Cult Gaia, Ganni, Asceno, Reformation, Rixo, Frankie Shop and TOTEME. 

Aybrook Street, Marylebone, W1U 4FA; 29th November-1st December

Visit EVENTBRITE.COM

Oblix at The Shard is offering signature snacks and drinks on the 32nd floor from 4pm to 7pm every day. Try crispy buttermilk chicken with a honey, lime and chilli glaze, paired with a glass of chilled champagne, or take it up a notch with caviar. If you’d prefer a cocktail, try the martini and fries, or pick your favourite twist on a classic sip from the menu to enjoy alongside your chosen snack.

Oblix at The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, SE1 9RY

Visit OBLIXRESTAURANT.COM

Throughout December, Jo Malone London will take over The Grove hotel with a range of seasonal delights, from afternoon tea to wreath-making and gingerbread house decorating. The afternoon tea is inspired by signature Jo Malone London scents and features chocolate caraibe mousse and gingerbread tartlet alongside a complimentary travel-size cologne. Elsewhere, the Martini Lounge has become a Jo Malone London gifting suite, offering a selection of fragrances and exclusive designs. Christmas afternoon tea is £65 for adults, £32.50 for kids – with a champagne upgrade for £80. Stay in the West Wing rooms from £420 (including breakfast and spa access) or splurge on luxe Christmas packages from £1,710.

Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG

Visit THEGROVE.CO.UK & JOMALONE.CO.UK

IKEA is spotlighting its famous FRAKTA bag at a pop-up on Oxford Street. Hus of FRAKTA celebrates the legendary bag, which has previously been reimagined via collaborations with designers like Zandra Rhodes and Marimekko. Attendees will be able to get their own original FRAKTA bags personalised, as well as shop a curated selection of products. There will also be an immersive experience which feels as if you’ve stepped inside the famous blue bag, complete with ASMR sound and mirrored walls.

216 Oxford Street, Oxford Circus, W1D 2JH; until March 2025

Visit IKEA.COM

Langan’s always goes all out for Christmas. This year, in partnership with Maison Perrier-Jouët, the venue will offer a selection of its finest champagnes by the glass and bottle – including grand brut NV, Blason Rosé NV, blanc de blancs NV and the iconic Belle Epoque cuvées – to be paired a suitably festive dining menu. The décor is equally spectacular, with Christmas trees adorned with warm lights and gold and green baubles, while garlands decorate the entrance, staircase, terrace and private dining areas. Plus, on 8th December, Langan’s will unveil a magical grotto upstairs, complete with a visit from Father Christmas. This festive offering is open to non-members on 21st, 22nd and Christmas Day (12-5pm) with exclusive member bookings on 8th, 14th and 15th December.

Stratton Street, Mayfair, W1J 8LB

Visit LANGANSBRASSERIE.COM

Swiss Furniture brand Vitra will be hosting a sample sale in Soho this weekend. Get over there between 8:30am and 3pm to snag big discounts on ex-display chairs, accessories and more from classic names like Verner Panton, Charles & Ray Eames and Jean Prouvé.

Phonica Records, 51 Poland Street, Soho, W1F 7ND; Saturday 30th November 

Visit VITRA.COM

London’s rooftop gem Kitty Hawk is inviting seafood lovers to its Shuck & Slurp afternoons, where oysters are paired with wine for just £10. From Monday to Thursday, 4pm to 6pm, guests can enjoy five freshly shucked oysters and a large glass of house wine – the perfect mid-week treat. Come for the shellfish, stay for the panoramic views over the city.

8 St Martin’s Place, Covent Garden, WC2N 4JH

Visit ETMCOLLECTION.CO.UK

Late-night lounge Luum has opened in the historic Pantechnicon building. Led by Stefano Chilia, former head of spirits at Annabel’s, Luum blends Mexican heritage with inventive cocktails and food by renowned chef Coko Becker. With a speakeasy vibe, it’s the perfect place to settle into an enclosed booth with a drink – we recommend the Prickly Fingers, a pear-inspired tequila concoction, to kick off the evening.

9 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, SW1X 8LB

Visit @BAR_LUUM