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Canary Wharf is stepping fully into the Christmas spirit with the launch of “The Wharf Pole”, a magical programme of exclusive gifting experiences, festive dining, and creative workshops designed to make the season sparkle. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s something enchanting waiting around every corner. Discover a world of elevated gifting moments, from Diptyque’s in-store calligraphy pop-up to free Christmas wine tastings at Nicolas Wine Bar, plus beautifully curated pre-loved luxury finds at The Circle Collective. Families will love the chance to celebrate with whimsical experiences like “Breakfast with the Naughty Elves” at The Ivy in the Park or “Tea with Santa” at John Lewis, guaranteed to delight little ones and grown-ups alike. For those looking to dial up the festivities, try your hand at a new winter sport at The Curling Club on Marceline’s Terrace, or embrace après-ski vibes at The Winter Club’s brand-new Bierhaus, Ice Bar, and Alpine Lodge in Wood Wharf. And the magic doesn’t end there. Guests can take part in a series of free creative workshops, perfect for enjoying with friends or family, from wreath-making and bauble painting to designing handmade cards and gift tags. Activity schedule:   Festive Cards and Gift Tags workshop  (Free and ticketed) On 22nd November, 2nd 3rd, 6th, 9th and 10th December Ceramic   Bauble Making  workshop  (Free and ticketed) On 22nd and 25th November, 3rd 6th, 9th and 10th December  Mini-Wreath Making  workshop  (Free and ticketed) 22nd November, 26th November and 6th December  Brass Decoration Making   (Free and ticketed) 25th November, 2nd December, 3rd December and 10th December  Santa’s Tea Party with John Lewis  - 15th & 16th December  (ticketed) Join Santa for story time while the kids sip on cocoa and eat festive snacks. Kids will receive a special LEGO™ set to take home.  Breakfast   with the Naughty Elves at The Ivy in the Park  - 14th, 21st and 23rd December (ticketed) Join The Ivy's mischievous elves for breakfast with letter writing to the North Pole, tricks and treats to entertain the whole family and fabulous photo opportunities to treasure. Children will take home a beautiful Ivy Teddy Bear, and adults will receive a glass bauble as a memento of the morning.   In-Store Shopping Experiences:    Rituals Personalised Shopping Experience  - 17th – 23rd November  Enjoy a tailored consultation with Rituals experts to help you select gifts that truly resonate. As a special thank you, you'll leave with a Rituals goody pack. Penhaligon’s After-Hours   - Friday 21st November 6–8pm - Ticketed An exclusive, after-hours festive gathering at the Penhaligon's boutique. Start ticking off your gift list with new limited-edition sets, scents and stocking fillers whilst you indulge in rich hot chocolate, buttery mince pies, and a sparkling atmosphere, with a little treat to take home, of course.  Christmas Wine Tasting at Nicolas Wine Bar  - 1st December 3-7pm - Drop-ins, free   Pick your wines for the festive season with a tasting and masterclass at Nicolas Wine Bar with their expert sommeliers.    Jo Malone London Festive Neighbourhood Event  - 4th – 6th December, all-day - Drop-in   Join Jo Malone London to discover your signiture scent along with a glass of fizz and a mince pie. Diptyque Bookmark Calligraphy - 11th December, all-day - Drop-in   With any purchase over £120, shoppers are offered the opportunity to have a personalised bookmark stamped or calligraphed live by an artist, with the name of the gift recipient delicately calligraphed in gold ink.   For the full schedule and to book tickets click here . Photography courtesy of Canary Wharf

Forget freezing pub gardens and pretending you're cool with the cold. This winter, Skuna Boats is serving up something warmer. Picture yourself soaking in a wood-fired hot tub boat cruising through Canary Wharf at 38°C, or huddled inside a glowing igloo boat that feels like being inside a snow globe. Add cheese fondue, blankets, and your crew, and you've got the antidote to grey London days. The real showstopper is Skuna's floating sauna at West India Quay. Three Scandi-designed sauna boats with icy plunges and bucket showers offer London's boldest wellness escape on the move. Whether you're after a sunrise steam with friends, a festive social with a difference, or a midweek reset that doesn't involve another yoga class, this is winter warmth with an edge. From 90-minute igloo experiences with Alpine cheese fondue to prosecco-fuelled hot tub nights, Skuna's rewriting the rules on cold-weather socialising. Keep your eyes peeled for December's limited Hot Tub Boat Cinema , perfect for Christmas parties with colleagues or loved ones! Prices from £15- £45 pp To book click here. Location: Skuna  Boats, West India Quay, E14 4AL Written by Claire Selby  ​ Photography courtesy of  Skuna Boats ​

Newbie, the much-loved sustainable Swedish lifestyle brand will be opening their latest store in Ealing Broadway on 20th November at 12pm. To celebrate the arrival of the new store, the first  100 customers  will receive a goody bag filled with treats. Newbie will also offer customers 15% off across the store from 20th - 23rd November. Known for its timeless aesthetic and soft, nostalgic style, Newbie creates beautifully crafted clothing for babies, children and women. Each piece is designed with a strong focus on sustainability, comfort and enduring quality. The brand-new Newbie store at Ealing Broadway is a spacious and beautifully curated 133 sqm boutique, showcasing a full wardrobe for little ones from newborn up to 8 years old. Every collection is thoughtfully designed with hand-drawn prints, gentle hues inspired by the natural world, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Crafted from premium materials such as organic cotton and RWS-certified wool, Newbie’s latest Christmas collection brings a touch of magic to every moment. Expect adorable gingham checks, snuggly winter knits, and beautifully crafted red dresses and outfits perfect for the holidays. Whether it’s cosy evenings at home, festive celebrations, or those sparkling in-between moments, the collection captures the joy and warmth of the season. Address:  48 The Broadway, London, W5 5JY For more information click here .  Photo courtesy of Newbie

Season’s Eatings made its debut yesterday, with Jack Stein and CheqUp hosting a press preview of their free Christmas dining experience centred on lighter, flavour-forward festive dishes. Held at Icetank in Covent Garden, the preview offered a first taste of the three-course menu ahead of its two-day public run this weekend. Guests were served a beautifully curated meal that showed how Christmas indulgence and mindful eating can sit comfortably together. We were welcomed with a bespoke festive cocktail, the Yule Be Spritzed; a spiced cranberry and ginger spritz that set a celebratory tone while keeping things refreshingly light. The meal began with a delicate cured salmon starter, elevated by a bright yuzu dressing and wasabi crumbs, offering a punch of freshness and subtle heat in every bite. For the main course, Jack served a refined take on Christmas turkey; poached turkey breast paired with a red cabbage purée and charred sprouts.  Dessert arrived in the form of a dark chocolate mousse with burnt orange zest, a rich yet balanced finale that encapsulated the event’s theme, pleasure without excess. Each course demonstrated that festive food could remain indulgent, joyful and full of flavour, even with a modern, mindful approach. Beyond the plates, Season’s Eatings also offered guests expert-led insights from Jack Stein and CheqUp’s team on how Britain’s approach to celebration and wellbeing is evolving. Every attendee left with a festive gift bundle, complete with exclusive recipes and inspiration for creating their own balanced Christmas feast at home. Admission: FREE for all sittings, to book a ticket click here .  Address: Icetank, 5 Grape Street, London, WC2H 8DW Written by Enytha Peer   Photography courtesy of CheqUp

Tucked along the quietly charming Charlotte Street, 74 Charlotte Street delivers a confident and elegant dining experience that’s as thoughtful as it is indulgent. With Chef Ben Murphy (ex- The Berkeley and Launceston Place ) at the helm, this neighbourhood gem balances refined precision with an inviting warmth that feels unmistakably London. Lunch begins on a high note with the chicken liver parfait; luxuriously smooth and beautifully offset by a slice of olive tapenade brioche. It’s a classic combination given a contemporary polish, the richness of the parfait lifted by the brioche’s subtle salt and sweetness. Then comes the BBQ monkfish, a dish cooked with confidence and balance. Served with Vin Jaune, coco beans and mussels, it’s smoky, buttery and deeply layered, a perfect main that naturally takes centre stage. The Iberico Presa is another standout. Perfectly cooked, it comes with carrot and grilled baby gem; a classic combination that’s both earthy and bright, the sort of pairing that lets the quality of the ingredients do all the talking. Yet it’s the smaller details that make the biggest impression. The milk bread with pumpkin seed hummus and noisette butter is so good it threatens to steal the spotlight from everything else, and Chef Ben’s signature chip; a precisely cut potato pavé dusted in peri-peri powder, is pure beauty in its simplicity yet well executed. To drink, the Viognier martini is a revelation. Fragrant, crisp and subtly floral, it’s a clever twist on the classic that pairs beautifully with the meal’s lighter moments. By this point, we’re happily perched and fully satisfied, yet unable to resist dessert. The signature ice cream trolley seals the deal, fig leaf ice cream dusted with fig leaf powder and drizzled with Manuka honey, finished with a crumble of house-made honeycomb. 74 Charlotte Street is the kind of place that draws you in quietly, a restaurant that feels sure of itself without needing to prove a thing. Thoughtful, composed and full of small surprises, it’s a welcome addition to one of London’s best dining streets. Address: 74 Charlotte St, London W1T 4QH For more information and to book click here . Words and food photography by Enytha Peer Interior photo courtesy of 74 Charlotte St

Tucked into the heart of Parsons Green, Cocotte offers exactly the kind of warm, easy going dining experience you crave on a London evening, relaxed, inviting, and filled with dishes that feel both familiar and elevated. It’s the sort of place where the aromas of slow-roasted herbs and buttery sides drift through the room, setting the tone before your first bite even arrives. We started with two dishes that perfectly summed up Cocotte’s style, The Oeuf Cocotte was beautifully done, a perfectly cooked egg nestled into a bed of leek fondue and mushrooms, topped with burnt garlic cream and served with toasted sourdough. It was creamy and rich. The Popcorn Ch*cken, is completely plant-based, lightly breaded and tender inside, it proved that comfort food doesn’t need to be heavy to be satisfying. For the mains, the Half Rotisserie-Style Chicken lived up to its reputation. Marinated for 24 hours in Cocotte’s secret blend of herbs and spices, the chicken arrived tender, fragrant, and perfectly caramelised. The rotisserie finish gave it a crisp skin and incredible depth of flavour, it was rustic, delicious, and incredibly moreish. Paired with roast potatoes and sautéed mushrooms, and a Kale salad it hit every note of true comfort cooking. Dessert brought a delightful final flourish. The Crème Brulé offered the classic crack of caramelised sugar before giving way to a silky, creamy custard, simple and timeless. For something plant-based, the Vegan Chocolate Cookie was a standout, warm, gooey, gluten-free, and served with vegan vanilla ice cream that melted into every bite. Cocotte Parsons Green feels like a place designed for long, relaxed meals, full of warmth, flavour, and little details that make the experience feel personal. To add the staff are so attentive and caring. Whether you’re there for a quiet dinner, a comforting weekend treat, or simply to indulge in good chicken, it’s a spot that gets the balance just right. Address: 299 New King’s Road, Parsons Green, London, SW6 4RE For more information and to book, click here . Words and photos by Stephanie Sowaha

As Thanksgiving approaches on 27th November, Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith and Sam’s Waterside in Brentford invite guests from 3 rd  November to mark the occasion with a refined three-course celebration of American flavours. This annual event has become something of a London tradition, offering both homesick expats and curious locals the chance to enjoy a taste of the holiday across the Atlantic, complete with Sam’s signature touch of elegance. For those who don’t typically celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause, gather loved ones, and share a beautifully prepared meal before the festive rush begins. Sam’s Riverside, Hammersmith At Sam’s Riverside, Head Chef Karol Mielczarek has designed a menu (£65 per person) that reimagines classic American dishes through a modern British lens. Guests can begin with New England-Style Ham & Sweetcorn Chowder, or the delicate Maple-Glazed Pumpkin with Orange Crème Fraîche, Chestnuts and Scallops Rockefeller, a sophisticated nod to coastal America. Main courses range from Dry-Aged Sirloin with Triple-Cooked Chips to Roasted Cornish Hake with Crayfish Tails and Shellfish Bisque, while vegetarians will find comfort in the Salt-Baked Celeriac & Wild Mushroom Wellington with Baby Beets & Carrots. Desserts offer a fitting finale: Pecan Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream, New York Cheesecake, or a nostalgic Apple Cobbler with Maple & Walnut Ice Cream. Sam’s Waterside, Brentford Over in Brentford, Sam’s Waterside offers its own Thanksgiving set menu (£50 per person), crafted by Head Chef Abbie Hendren. Starters include New England Clam Chowder or Grilled Jalapeño and Honey Butter Cornbread with Andouille Sausage, a playful blend of spice and sweetness. For the main event, diners can opt for a Roast Bronze Turkey with all the trimmings, a Classic Lobster Roll, or a Chargrilled New York Strip Steak. To end on a sweet note, choices range from Warm Pecan Pie and Key Lime Pie to New Orleans-Style Beignets or an indulgent Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake. With their warm atmosphere, polished service, and thoughtfully composed menus, Sam’s restaurants continue to redefine how London celebrates Thanksgiving, bringing together the best of both sides of the Atlantic. Reservations are now open - https://www.samsriverside.co.uk | https://www.samswerside.co.uk Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesey of Sam's

SURFACE, the celebrated exhibition by Danish photographer Søren Solkær, has opened at Sussex Mansions. The exhibition is an exploration of the the global street art movement and reveals the art form’s untold stories. Spanning a decade of work, SURFACE brings together more than 75 portraits of over 150 artists who have shaped urban culture around the world. From Blek le Rat and Shepard Fairey to Lady Aiko, Invader, and British talents like D*Face, Goldie, and Conor Harrington, Solkær captures each artist alongside their work in the cities that defined them, including London, New York, Berlin, and Melbourne. Following acclaimed showings in Sydney, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen, SURFACE now makes its long-awaited London debut. Both a celebration and a chronicle of street art, the exhibition is a tribute to creativity and rebellion. If you want to step into the world of the global street art movement, tickets are available for £14.50, with discounts for seniors, students, youths and groups. Address: 79 - 85 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3LD Website: https://surfaceexhibition.com/london/ Written by Alexandra Herlaut Photography Courtesy of SURFACE London

This festive season, Londoners are invited to step into Season’s Eatings, a free dining experience curated by celebrity chef Jack Stein, that reimagines the traditional Christmas feast for modern living. Taking place at Icetank, 5 Grape Street, on Friday 14 th  and Saturday 15 th  November, the pop-up will host both lunch time (1:00pm–2:30pm) and dinner time (7:00pm - 8:30pm) sittings; all completely free to attend. Created in collaboration with CheqUp, a clinically supervised weight-management service, Season’s Eatings celebrates how Britain’s approach to festive indulgence is evolving. As more people adopt healthier lifestyles, this one-of-a-kind event invites guests to discover how balance and flavour can coexist at the Christmas table. The immersive experience will see Jack Stein serve up a three-course menu that redefines festive favourites for the modern palate. Expect classic dishes reinterpreted with lighter portions and vibrant flavours, designed to reflect how contemporary Britain is embracing mindful, joyful dining without compromise. Each course has been created to deliver satisfaction and warmth, while celebrating ingredients that support wellbeing. Beyond the food, guests will hear insights from Jack on the cultural shift in how we eat and celebrate during the festive season; a moment to reflect on how connection and joy remain at the heart of Christmas, even as traditions evolve. Every attendee will also leave with a festive gift bundle, featuring exclusive Jack Stein recipes, seasonal treats, and inspiration for a healthier holiday at home. Address: Icetank, 5 Grape Street, London WC2H 8DW Admission: FREE  for all sittings, to book a ticket click here . Written by Enytha Peer   Photography courtesy of CheqUp

This week we caught up with Summer Jupp and Zinzi Miller - Co-Founders of ARK to talk about how the idea of ARK came about, community, connection and more. 1. Can you tell us how the idea of ARK came about and why it is so special?  Ark was created from a simple belief: that wellbeing shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be something everyone can access. It began with a genuine desire to support people and noticing a gap. So many incredible holistic practitioners were out there, yet struggling to reach the people who needed them most and so many people wanted to take better care of themselves, but didn’t know where to start, or felt overwhelmed by the options. For practitioners, being self-employed can feel isolating, wearing too many hats, juggling admin and marketing, and trying to stay visible while also doing the deep, heartfelt work of supporting others. There’s often a lack of community and genuine support within the industry. Ark was created to bridge that gap. It’s a place that connects people with trusted, heart-led practitioners across all areas of wellbeing, cognitive, emotional, physical, and energetic. It’s designed to make wellbeing feel approachable and human again. Built by practitioners ourselves, Ark was shaped with empathy, understanding, and care. Behind the tech, there’s always a human touch, people who know what it’s like to do this work and who care deeply about making it easier for others to both offer and receive support. 2. How does ARK differ from other wellbeing apps? Ark isn’t just another wellbeing app, it’s a living, breathing community. It focuses on real connection rather than algorithms, on people rather than profiles. Every detail has been shaped with the belief that wellbeing is deeply personal, what works for one person won’t always work for another. And we care just as much about the practitioners as we do the people they support. Ark is built to empower them, not to take huge cuts, but to give them visibility, space, and community. This is tech with a soul,  AI-powered, but always human-delivered. 3. Where do you see ARK in the next 3-5 years? Over the next few years, Ark Space aims to become the go-to home for holistic wellbeing across the UK and Europe a trusted place for both individuals and practitioners. We’re expanding into workplaces, events, and communities, bringing wellbeing into everyday life rather than keeping it as something we ‘add on’. The goal is to make wellbeing part of the culture, something that feels natural, inclusive, and within reach. Our vision is simple: to make wellbeing a way of life, not a luxury. 4. Are there any dream collaborations? Ark’s growth is built on collaboration, working with others who share our values of care, connection, and accessibility. We dream of partnering with holistic brands We’d love to collaborate with digital platforms such as Insight Timer to weave more human-led support into the online wellbeing space. Our vision also extends to workplace wellbeing, joining forces with organisations like Mind networks to help businesses embed genuine care into their culture. And we imagine creative collaborations, with publications, festivals, and educational spaces that share stories of holistic living, diversity, and healing in a way that feels real and accessible. Every collaboration is about connection, about building an ecosystem where people, practitioners, and communities can thrive together. 5. Best advise you have been given? “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Simple, but true. It’s essential if you want to keep showing up for others with presence and integrity. 6. What would your ideal day in London be like? Movement, nature, connection and good food that’s our recipe for a perfect London day. Some form of movement in the morning, a walk somewhere green, yummy food with open and authentic conversations. For more information click here . Photo courtsey of ARK

Get ready to sleigh this season because Black Sheep Coffee has just unwrapped a banging new festive menu guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. This year, they’re bringing bold flavours, indulgent winter warmers, and a few cheeky surprises that’ll have you feeling merry from your first sip to your last bite. Their festive line-up is anything but ordinary, it’s a rebellious twist on classic Christmas comfort. Think pigs-in-blankets tucked into warm ciabatta rolls, spiced drinks that taste like a hug in a cup, and enough festive magic to keep your spirits lifted through the darkest winter mornings. Festive Bites to tuck into: Pigs in Blanket Ciabatta  – Juicy sausages wrapped in smoky bacon, layered into a perfectly toasted ciabatta and finished with a glossy cranberry glaze.  Brie & Cranberry Toastie (v)  – Creamy brie meets tangy cranberry in a golden sourdough sandwich, topped with a rich cheese béchamel.  New festive drinks include: Mint White Chocolate Chip Matcha,  Iced Mint White Chocolate Chip Matcha Gingerbread Latte  Iced Gingerbread Latte  Gingerbread Matcha Latte  Iced Gingerbread Matcha Latte  Fuji Apple, Ginger & Caramel Red Bull Infusion  So whether you’re fuelling up for a Christmas shopping spree or escaping the cold for a moment of pure indulgence, expect big flavours, caffeine-fuelled joy, and delicious comfort food.  For more information click here . Photography courtesy of Black Sheep Coffee

Last Wednesday, BACARDÍ® teamed up with BRIT-nominated singer-songwriter Joy Crookes to throw a one-of-a-kind party at South London’s iconic Jumbi. It was all about getting Gen Z back on the dancefloor to feel the same freedom their parents and grandparents once did. Supported by Jamz Supernova, Tarzsa Williams, and Clara Amfo lighting up the floor, the night was pure energy, a celebration of rhythm, movement, and connection. The event brought together Gen Z and their “Greats” (those in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s!) in heartwarming scenes that proved one thing loud and clear: self-expression has no age limit. In fact, recent research revealed that 69% of Gen Z say they’ve been inspired to move more freely by someone from another generation, and this night brought that insight to life, one beat at a time. Taking a break from her sell-out Juniper tour, Joy Crookes delivered an electric, soul-stirring performance, performing tracks from Juniper and fan favourites that had every generation moving side by side. Joy was joined by her chosen “Great”, South London legend Natty Bo. Founded by Bradley Zero and Nathaneal Colours, Jumbi, a space that celebrates heritage, rhythm, and community was the perfect setting for this unforgettable evening of music, movement, and shared joy. Photo courtesy of BACARDÍ®