January gets a rather bad rep, what with the post-Christmas comedown, gloomy weather and all those insufferable partakers of Dry January. But now is the perfect time to make the most of the capital’s cultural and culinary offerings, before crowds descend and reservations prove impossible to secure. From one-off restaurant collaborations to unmissable art exhibitions, here’s how to spend January in London.
La Môme London
Looking to escape the London winter? Step out of the cold and into The Berkeley, where French restaurateurs Ugo and Antoine Lecorché are bringing the glamour of the French Riviera, with their latest iteration of legendary Cannes restaurant La Môme, adored by movie stars, dignitaries, locals and visitors alike. Expect seductive interiors, tableside theatre and quintessential Mediterranean dishes that recall summertime in Provence.
When? From January
Where? The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
Slow Sundays at Oren
To honour the warming comfort of winter cooking, Dalston’s much-loved Mediterranean restaurant Oren has launched a new ‘Slow Sundays’ menu, which draws on the slow-cooked stews and braises of the Middle East, North Africa and Mediterranean. The three-course menu features classic Oren mezze plates like labneh with marinated aubergine, and stone-baked flatbreads with za’atar, tomato and extra virgin olive oil; alongside dishes like braised beef short rib with chard, and fresh herb-flecked hake kebabs.
When? From 12pm - 5pm every Sunday throughout winter
Where? Oren, Dalston
How much? £32 per person for three courses
United Fitness 21 Day Challenge
After an indulgent end to 2024, clear away those cobwebs and get back on track with the United Fitness 21 Day Challenge – 21 fitness classes in 21 days. Choose from a range of classes, whether it's high-impact KOBOX or Boom Cycle classes, dynamic Barrecore and Reformcore, or calming Triyoga.
When? From 13 January
Where? Across London
How much? £160
Letizia Battaglia: Life, Love and Death in Sicily
Life, Love and Death in Sicily is the first major exhibition in the UK following Sicilian photographer Letizia Battaglia’s death in 2022. As the name of the exhibition, held at Soho’s Photographer’s Gallery, suggests, no aspect of Sicilian life is overlooked – Battaglia used her camera to document the good, the bad and the very ugly. It’s all there, from the minutiae of everyday life to the brutal reality of the Mafia and the impact on their victims in Sicily during the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s.
When? Until 23 February
Where? The Photographer’s Gallery, Soho
How much? £8.50
Burns Night at Ham Yard Hotel
Celebrate Scotland’s national poet Rabbie Burns, who turns 264 this year, with a Burns Night dinner at Soho’s Ham Yard Hotel. The evening, hosted in collaboration with The Macallan, kicks off with canapés and a whisky cocktail, setting the stage for a five course feast comprising Loch Fyne smoked salmon; haggis, neeps and tatties; and an almighty venison wellington. Wash it all down with a selection of expertly paired whiskies, presented by The Macallan's Brand Ambassador George Michie.
When? Friday 24th January 2025
Where? Windmill Room, Ham Yard Hotel
How much? £120 per person
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? Until 12 January 2025
Where? Somerset House
How much? From £12
Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar at Harrods
How better to get in the festive spirit than by raising a glass of Moët? Just in time for Christmas, the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar at Harrods has released a new menu, featuring the recently released Grand Vintage 2016 and Grand Vintage 2016 Rosé, as well as five new Champagne cocktails (we're eying up the suitably Christmassy Champagne Crusta with cranberry, grapefruit and honeycomb), and seasonal savoury bites designed to be enjoyed with a glass or two.
When? Now open
Where? Harrods
Mandarin Oriental Winterhaus
Be transported to a whimsical winter wonderland in the form of the Bavarian chalet-inspired ‘Winterhaus’ at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace, guests are invited to indulge in German treats like stollen, pretzels and flammkuchen, while sipping on Krug Champagne and Munich-based NOAM beer.
When? Until 5 January 2025
Where? Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
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 10 January
Where? The Rosewood London
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