Located in the heart of Chelsea, Ixchel redefines Mexican cuisine with a creative twist. Anchored by the robata grill and a commitment to quality, this vibrant restaurant sources fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that are as innovative as they are flavourful. From the striking Mayan Goddess at the entrance to the stunning interiors and ever-evolving menus, Ixchel promises a sensory journey that will keep you coming back for more. Our meal began with an array of starters that prepared our pallet for a wonderful meal. The sea bass tiradito was a refreshing burst of flavour, with blood orange and grapefruit segments complementing the delicate fish, while persimmon and guajillo salsa added an unexpected depth. The fresh white crab tostada impressed with its balance of textures and flavours, with the macha sauce, pico de gallo, and chipotle crema tying it together beautifully. A highlight of the starters was the rock shrimp tempura, perfectly crispy and accompanied by a zesty dipping sauce that kept us coming back for more. For the mains, we opted for the grilled sea bass, served with a pistachio mole verde, fennel, and sage butter, it was a harmonious blend of rich and delicate flavours. The free-range grilled achiote chicken was equally stunning, accompanied by rajas, a creamy Mexican hummus, and a bright pico de gallo for a fresh contrast. To cool off between bites, we sipped on a Virgin Spicy Michelada, a fiery twist on a classic mocktail, and found it to be the perfect palate cleanser. No meal would be complete without dessert, and Ixchel delivered a sweet finale. The French toast torreja with cranberry compote and spiced whipped cream was indulgent and comforting, while the mango and lime sorbet provided a refreshing and tangy counterpoint. Ixchel redefines Mexican dining with creativity and finesse, offering a menu that delights at every turn. From the delightful starters to the indulgent desserts, each dish is a masterpiece, making this restaurant a true gem in London’s culinary scene. Address: 33H King's Road London SW3 4LX Reservations: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/ixchel Written by: Stephanie Sowaha Image one courtesy of Ixchel image two and three by Stephanie Sowaha

The Conversation is a series of weekly literary talks, addressing key societal themes such as global conflict, the climate crisis, inequality, power, and other history-enlightened reflections. It is running every Tuesdays at 6:30PM, until the 6th of May at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church. Every topic will be covered by experts in their fields, including talks with bestselling writers including Hanif Kureishi, Ahdaf Soueif, Paul Lynch and Robert Macfarlane; acclaimed historians Tom Holland, Bettany Hughes, Marion Turner and Helen Castor; theatre director Nicholas Hytner, war correspondents Lindsey Hilsum, Fergal Keane and much more. Each evening will feature a different guest, and be centered around a unique subject. The first half of the event is an hour-long interview, after which the host and programmer of The Conversation, Peter Florence, and the guest, will be directly engaging with the audience for another hour, enabling them to deepen the conversation. The Conversation 2025 explores the biggest challenges of our time, accompanied by leading thinkers, while giving the audience the opportunity to actively participate and exchange with the guests in every talk. The next three talks are: 28th January:  Award winning nature and landscape writer, Robert Macfarlane will discuss the plight of Britain’s rivers, the power of protest and advocacy and his new book Is a River Alive.   4th February:  Astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock demystifies stunning images from the universe, explaining what we’re learning from the world’s most powerful space telescope and her latest book Webb’s Universe: The Space Telescope Images That Reveal Our Cosmic History.   11th February:  The Oscar winning playwright, screenwriter and author of The Buddha of Suburbia, Hanif Kureishi discusses his memoir Shattered his wildly inspiring memoir of illness and defiance You can book in-person tickets for £15, or an online ticket for £10. See the full event listings visit https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/the-conversation/ Location: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ. Dates: 14th January – 6th May Time: Tuesdays from 6.30pm – 8.30pm Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of The Conversation 2025

This week we interviewed Anthony 'Murf' Murphy, Co-Founder of The Beefy Boys, to talk about the drunken BBQ, that kicked it all off, where they ranked at the World Food Championships and much more. What inspired you to create The Beefy Boys, and how did the journey begin? 1. The Beefy Boys is a drunken BBQ that's seriously gotten out of hand - so out of hand we now have four restaurants, 200 staff, two food trucks, and a Sunday Times best-selling book about said drunken BBQ. It all started 14 years ago when one of my lifelong friends Dan was having a BBQ for his partner's birthday. He called me and asked if I would help cook for it. None of us had a catering or hospitality background, but we had been watching a lot of Man vs Food and Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. So we did a ton of research and practice and cooked a BBQ for our friends - burgers, pulled pork, ribs etc. They all loved it. From there, we decided to enter a BBQ competition in Bristol called Grillstock. We won Best Burger there and got entered into the World Burger Championships in Las Vegas. We headed over for what we thought would be a drunken trip to Vegas where we would come last in a cookery competition, and somehow we managed to come second in the world. That's pretty much what kicked the whole thing off and led to where we are today. 2. How did it feel to compete on an international stage like the World Food Championships, and what did you take away from that experience? It was completely mad. They shut a big part of the Las Vegas strip off for it. We were lucky enough to return again this year after winning the UK Burger Awards in 2023. This year, it was in Indianapolis, which was an amazing place to visit. We ate so much food we all came back about a stone heavier, and this time we came fourth in the world, which was an amazing result.  3. Was there a pivotal moment when you realised that The Beefy Boys could become a major success? Literally, as we walked off the stage in 2014 after coming second place, I remember thinking at the time, this is it now, we need to take this seriously. When we came back to the UK, our first pop-up had a queue of 300+ people before we even fired the grill up. If it wasn't for the World Food Championships, we 100% wouldn't be here today.  4. Do you have plans to expand further, or are there other food concepts you’d like to explore in the future? Definitely. It's taken us 10 years to get four open. We are very picky about where we go - we don't want to open sites for the sake of it. We want to be considered in our approach to expansion. We've seen so many people get bigger, drop the quality, and collapse in on themselves, and we really don't want that to happen. There are other food concepts we would love to do that connect to our BBQ roots, specifically live fire. We have a lot of ideas in that regard, and it's something we are working on for (hopefully) our second cookbook and maybe some special pop-ups in 2025. But our main focus is expanding The Beefy Boys restaurant brand.  5. What’s the most unexpected or adventurous topping you’ve ever considered for a burger? Oh God, loads. I've never managed to fully nail my concept of a shepherd's pie burger. We have loads in the cookbook, from surf and turf to a Hawaiian burger (yes pineapple on a burger-it can work!) The roast dinner burger is pretty special and one I'm quite proud of in the book. Also, the cowboy burger where we top a burger with a steak, is pretty mad.  6. If you had one day off in London, where would you like to visit / explore?  I am a real sucker for the tourist side of London. I love Soho and the West End, and if I had a day off, I would take the wife to see Hamilton. We've been wanting to go for years. (I'm not massively into musical theatre, by the way - we just both love a bit of Hamilton.) Food-wise, I would definitely head to Kiln. For more information visit https://thebeefyboys.com/ Photography courtesy of The Beefy Boys

Ping Pong restaurants have created a variety of special menu items to welcome the Year of the Snake with style (and taste). You can expect Grilled Eel on crispy rice cake with unagi sauce; Roast Pork Collar glazed with char siu sauce, paired with steamed bok choi; Wagyu Beef & Black Bean Dumpling, with a hint of chili; and wuxiang sauce Enoki & Cauliflower Dumpling. If you fancy a sweet treat, you can also try one of their fluffy Black sesame bun. Finally, you can enhance your experience by ordering the Snake Yuzu Vodka Sherbet, a cocktail curated specially for the occasion, with Tarsier Yuzu marmalade vodka mixed with house sake, and citrus syrup. All of this is available alongside the usual Ping Pong menu. The exclusive dishes are available from 14th January until 14th February, in all Ping Pong locations: Soho, Southbank, Bow Bells House and James Street. Set menus are available for groups of 8 people and more, with vegan, gluten free and halal options. Website: https://www.pingpongdimsum.com/chinesenewyear/ Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Ping Pong Restaurants

Situated in the heart of the city, nestled in the vaulted space beneath The Royal Exchange, The Libertine provides a stylish and truly atmospheric drinking and dining experience. Ideal for post-work drinks as well as fine dining, the Libertine offers a relaxed environment in which to indulge the senses with hearty food in a rich, darkly luxurious interior. The venue is known for its event space and calendar of special menus, including an exceptional Sunday Roast. To ring in January, The Libertine launches their Supper Club Series with a toast to Robert Burns, the Burns Night Supper Club will take place on Saturday 25th January and is the perfect opportunity to savour the flavours of Scotland, a three-course feast awaits, paired with three contrasting whisky expressions from Scotland’s finest distillery, Glenmorangie.  Along with great food, expect a lively evening, led by an expert Master of Ceremonies who will ensure all traditions are upheld, including the piping in of the Haggis and its subsequent address. Complete with neeps, tatties, cranachan and drams of Glenmorangie aplenty, it will be an evening befitting of the great ‘Rabbie Burns’.    Event Date: Saturday 25th January from 7.45 pm Tickets: £120.00 per person Included: A three-course dinner complete with a welcome cocktail and whisky pairings For more information or to book tickets visit https://libertinelondon.co.uk/ Written by Claire Boom Photography courtesy of Libertine London

Brighten your January blues with Here We Glow, Westfield London's first-ever light art event, running from 23rd January to 2nd March 2025. This free, family-friendly spectacle features eight awe-inspiring installations, including works by acclaimed UK and international artists, many making their UK debut.  Highlights include: The Anooki: Playful, larger-than-life Inuit-inspired figures by French artists David Passegand and Moetu Batlle, spotlighting environmental fragility Evanescent: A mesmerizing 8m bubble installation by Atelier Sisu, complete with an ethereal soundscape Visible Light: A kaleidoscopic masterpiece by British artist Liz West, inspired by Westfield London's architecture Don’t miss this winter lights attraction—an unforgettable mix of art, design, and sustainable creativity, all for free! Westfield is open 10am - 9pm Monday to Saturday and 12-6pm Sundays View all installations at  https://www.westfield.com/united-kingdom/london/here-we-glow Written by Claire Selby  Photography courtesy of Westfield

Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights festival, will once again transform this iconic skyline into a dazzling spectacle this January bringing a kaleidoscope of illuminations to brighten London's darkest days. Set to run from Tuesday 21st January to Saturday 1st February 2025, this free-to-attend event promises to be the largest and most immersive edition to date, bringing 11 brand new light installations to the streets and squares of Canary Wharf. In its ninth year, 2025 brings highlights such as the  monumental light portal  at Wood Wharf where visitors are invited  to step into  different worlds as the lights shift and change with each movement. Several pieces that push the boundaries of immersive art including a  towering stack of bathtubs, pulsing with light and sound. At Cabot square, Atelier Sisu’s Evanescent Droplets will transform the iconic fountain into a shimmering pool of light, an ethereal sight that perfectly captures the magic of the festival.  The 12-night event, running from 5pm to 10pm each day, will allow visitors to explore the art at their own pace. To help navigate the route, attendees can download the Winter Lights map via the Canary Wharf app, which will guide them through the installations scattered across the estate. Don’t miss this incredible chance to immerse yourself in art and light—mark your calendars and prepare to explore the luminous wonderland that is Canary Wharf this winter! For more information, visit https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/winter-lights-2025/ Photography courtesy of Canary Wharf

Save the date – on Saturday, February 1st, Greenwich Peninsula will be hosting celebrations to welcome the Year of the Snake in style. They are collaborating with performers, artists and experts, in order to make the day as special as possible. You can expect a wide range of free and paid for activities, including traditional Dragon and Lion dance performances, making their way across the peninsula. Expect to see vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming and thrilling acrobatics, chasing away bad fortune and ensuring good luck for the new Lunar year. Among the other highlights of the day, you can book a variety of creative workshops, enabling you to engage in traditional East and Southeast Asian handcrafts such as bamboo weaving, Chinese knot-making, woodblock printing and paper cutting. You’ll also be able to learn - or improve your skills- at Mahjong, with workshops and competitive games. Finally, you can tuck into delicious Asian dishes with street food vendors all around the Peninsula, and book an intimate tea-tasting session, making the celebrations an all-around experience. Come celebrate the Year of the Snake at Greenwich Peninsula, on Saturday 1st February, from 12 to 4pm. You can find the list of events and tickets at https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on/lunar-new-year Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Greenwich Peninsula

The next level of fitness is upon us with Gymbox launching  ‘202Vibe’, the UK’s first gym class that combines aura readings with mindfulness to help you align your energy and tackle the day-to-day challenges of 2025. Developed in collaboration with aura reading experts and Gymbox’s Holistic Master Trainer Jess Parkinson. By integrating the art of aura reading, ‘202Vibe’ aims to enhance emotional resilience, boost mindfulness, and promote a positive vibrational presence. The class structure – 1 hour Introduction & Aura Explanation Aura Reading & Interpretation Guided Meditation Energetic Breathwork ‘202Vibe’ is available at Gymbox Farringdon on Mondays at 1pm and Gymbox Victoria on Tuesdays at 6pm. To book visit www.gymbox.com Photo courtesy of Gymbox

It may be frosty outside but the art world calendar is hotting up as London Art Fair returns to the Business Design Centre this January. For this year's 37th edition expect new galleries joining the ranks, a new partner and many new artists alongside more established names. 2025 brings together over 130 galleries from across the globe, including newcomers from countries like Japan, Iran, and Sweden. Art lovers can expect a diverse mix of modern and contemporary works, featuring renowned names such as Picasso, Bridget Riley, and Barbara Hepworth, alongside emerging talents. The Prints & Editions section, introduced last year, returns to offer affordable entry points for aspiring collectors, making art ownership more accessible than ever. This year’s fair highlights unique collaborations, including the Sainsbury Centre as the Museum Partner, showcasing their world-class collection and innovative “Living Art” experience, which invites visitors to engage with art in transformative ways. Additionally, a striking multi-sensory installation by Tampa-based artist Ya La’ford, commissioned by Visit Tampa Bay, will explore the interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and travel. Curated sections such as Platform and Encounters will delve into themes of sustainability, interconnectivity, and artistic experimentation, providing fresh perspectives and thought-provoking experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the art scene, the London Art Fair promises something for everyone. From inspiring panel discussions to opportunities to discover the next big names in the art world, this vibrant event is the perfect way to start the year. Tickets are available online now—don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in one of the most dynamic art fairs of the international calendar. London Art Fair starts on 21st January through 26th January Book your tickets now at  https://www.londonartfair.co.uk/tickets-paid-ppc/?gad_source=1 Written by Claire Selby  Photos by Mark Cocksedge and courtesy of London Art Fair

Going meat-free this January in London is a breeze, thanks to the city’s amazing array of options. From dedicated vegan restaurants to exciting plant-based menu collaborations, there’s something to delight both vegans and meat lovers. Here are our top picks to explore in London. Babur Babur is spicing things up with a limited-edition vegan menu, available from the 9th to the 30th. Renowned for its innovative take on modern Indian cuisine, Babur’s plant-based creations are bursting with bold flavours and culinary flair, making it the perfect destination for Veganuary lunch or dinner. Menu Highlights Include: Kale Pakora Chaat – Crispy kale fritters with tamarind, Tandoori Swede with comforting vegetable khichdi and mixed pickles and Prunes & Palak Kofta – Prune-stuffed spinach dumplings in a creamy coconut and tomato curry.   To book visit https://www.babur.info/ Delamina in Marylebone Village Enjoy the vibrant flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean at Delamina, nestled in the heart of Marylebone. With dishes bursting with incredible taste and flair, hero vegan dishes include the the smoked aubergine with a tahini & zhoug dip, as well as the crispy oyster mushroom with a truffled artichokes mousse. To book visit https://www.delaminakitchen.co.uk/ Boxcar Bar & Grill Boxcar Bar & Grill is kicking off the new year with a Vegan Sunday Roast Special and a refreshing lineup of creative mocktails. This January, they’re helping you beat the winter blues with a hearty Mushroom & Beetroot Wellington—a flavorful plant-based take on the classic roast. A hearty, flavour-packed vegan twist on the classic roast. Served with a rich portobello jus, perfect for those cosy winter Sundays. To book visit https://boxcar.co.uk/bar-grill Pravass Visit Pravaas to enjoy bold flavours, vibrant presentations, and exceptional service, Pravass are offering an array of outstanding vegan dishes that are sure to impress. Indulge in a baby aubergine masala, where tender aubergine meets nutty sesame seeds and tamarind, resulting in a hearty, flavourful dish. Then, enjoy a bhindi anardana - a unique dish which takes the mild flavour of Okra and the tart, sweetness of pomegranate to create a mouthwateringly tangy delight. For something truly unique, savour the South Indian Poriyal, served with asparagus, curry leaves and rich, buttery pine nuts, and gorgeously tempered Dal Tadka. To book visit https://www.pravaas.com Wahaca This month, Wahaca has unveiled its Mushroom Carnitas Tostada, a plant-based twist on the classic dish. This version swaps meat for a flavorful mix of King Oyster and chestnut mushrooms, slow-cooked, pulled, and served atop a rich, house-made cashew crema on two crispy corn tortillas. Diners can also indulge in other vegan favorites, such as the vibrant Beet Tartare, Black Bean or Mushroom Quesadillas filled with gooey vegan cheese, and the show-stopping Roast Riverford Organic Squash, served with salsa macha and a choice of rice or tortillas—perfect for sharing. To book visit https://www.wahaca.co.uk/ OMNOM at Islington Square Step into OMNOM, the multi-award-winning vegan and vegetarian gem in the heart of Islington Square. Celebrated for its inventive approach to plant-based cuisine, OMNOM takes your taste buds on a journey, blending bold global flavours with a contemporary twist. Vegan dishes include Vegan chick’n butter masala, Jackfruit biryani, Gobi Manchurian and Crispy spinach chaat.   To book visit www.omnom.com/ FIGO FIGO is showcasing their diverse selection of vegan dishes, proving that Italian cuisine can be just as delicious without relying heavily on eggs, cheese, or dairy. From beloved classics like Penne Arrabbiata and Spaghetti Pomodoro to a variety of pizzas with vegan cheese options, FIGO makes it simple to enjoy authentic Italian flavors, vegan-style. Indulge in the Ortolana Vegan (vegan cheese, Italian plum tomato sauce, aubergines, courgettes, peppers, black olives, and oregano), the Vegetariana (tomato sauce, mushrooms, olives, spinach, and peppers), or the Capricciosa (tomato sauce, artichokes, olives, mushrooms, and capers) for a true taste of Italy. To book visit https://figorestaurant.co.uk/   KIN Restaurant KIN Restaurant is a haven for plant-based dining, serving up an exclusively vegan and vegetarian menu that’s as inventive as it is indulgent. Treat yourself to small plates like velvety sweet potato topped with vegan parmesan, dive into the vibrant courgette and pistachio spaghetti, or elevate your weekend with the decadent KIN Weekend Deluxe brunch. To book visit www.kinlondon.com/restaurant Kapara At Kapara, vegetables take center stage in a symphony of flavor. Their bold and imaginative vegan sharing menu, priced at £64 per person, showcases the vibrant essence of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Highlights include pillowy pita paired with a spiced tomato dip, creamy hummus topped with aubergine relish, and smoky blackened aubergine drizzled with tahini and pomegranate molasses. Designed to share, it’s a feast worth savouring together. To book visit www.kapara.co.uk

For the fifth year in a row, Battersea Power Station is bringing back its iconic month-long light festival, from the 23rd Jan - 23rd Feb. With blue Monday —the most depressing day of the year— right around the corner, now is an excellent time to mark your diaries to check out the dazzling light installations, located both inside and outside the building. Each of the 8 art pieces was designed by different artists from all over the world, and some of them are being shown in the UK for the first time. They broach a variety of topics to reflect and lose yourself in, including Northern Lights and their mysteries, tornadoes, human emotions, discovery, and our relationship to technology. Some installations even enable us to interact with them, thus enhancing our experience as we watch them evolve in answer to our actions. If you’ve never been to Battersea Power Station, now is a great time to visit the repurposed, Grade II* listed building. It is a lovely riverside neighbourhood, with many restaurants, bars, and shops to enjoy in addition to the mesmerising artworks you’ll explore. The festival is free for all to enjoy, from the 23rd of January to the 23rd of February 2025. Address: Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD For more information visit https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/light-festival-2025/ Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography Courtesy of Battersea Power Station