About Time You Tried: London’s Best Events This WeekBy Angelica Malin
There’s some fantastic upcoming London events this week – from skating to wine tasting, here’s the events you simply can’t miss:
1. For Skaters: Tuesday Treats at Somerset House
What: Tuesday Treat nights at Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason. Tuesday Treats bring late night skating and special shopping events and offers on Tuesdays in November and December throughout The Christmas Arcade with Fortnum & Mason and Fortnum’s Lodge in the West Wing.
Why: A highlight will be the weekly food and drink workshops and tasting sessions – Tuesday 24th will be with Tipplesworth. Visitors can test out their bartending tricks by mixing cocktails from Fortnum’s Mini Old Fashioned and Mini Classic Martini kits too. There will also be the opportunity to personalise gifts, taste chocolate from Fortnum’s advent calendars and have gifts personalised with love ones’ names.
Details: Tuesdays from 24 November to 22 December – 17.30 – 21.00
Price: Adult tickets from £16.10
Where: South Building, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
2. For Wine Buffs: Meet the Winemaker at Cafe Murano
What: A very sophisticated way to spend a winter’s evening. Part of a series of wine events at Cafe Murano Covent Garden that have been curated by Sommelier Emily Harman, this wine tasting event will be hosted by winemaker Filippo Rizzo, who produces the Lamoresca wines in Sicily. The evening begins with a 6:30pm arrival with welcome drinks, followed by an hour tasting with Filippo and a selection of his wines.
Why: The wine tasting will take place in Pastificio – Angela Hartnett’s newly opened pasta factory, deli and wine shop located next door to Cafe Murano Covent Garden on Tavistock St. For those wishing to eat in the Cafe Murano following the event all wines purchased in Pastificio can be taken next door with no corkage charge. If you are peckish afterwards the Pastificio does a great offer. The Pastificio for Two – guests can take-away a tray of fresh pasta, a homemade sauce and a bottle of wine for just £15!
Details: Tuesday 24th November, 18.30 – 20.00
Price: £30 per person
Where: Cafe Murano, 36 Tavistock Street, London WC2E 7PB
3. For a Festive Spirit: Christmas Tree Lighting
What: The Royal Exchange and Tiffany & Co. are pleased to announce that this year, TV Presenter and model, Jodie Kidd, will be turning on their spectacular 25ft Christmas tree by their famous steps. The tree is will be elegantly decorated by Tiffany&Co who hold a luxury boutique in the Central Courtyard. Carol singers from the East London Chorus will be performing all your favourite Christmas carols from5:30pm, before the lighting ceremony at 6:30pm.
Why: For all the festive treats. There will be seasonal food and beverages, mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate served throughout, as this celebration that marks the beginning of Christmas 2015. Luxury retailers at The Royal Exchange will be open for late shopping hours with special offers to entice guests at the event.
Details: Wednesday 25th November, 18.00 – 19.30
Price: Free
Where: The Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LR
4. For Fun: Quidditch Training with London Unspeakables
What: Did you know Harry Potter’s wizarding sport has been adapted for real life? No? Well did you know that quidditch is now a national UK sport played by thousands of players? The London Unspeakables are one of two teams based in London, training hard for the British Quidditch Cup next March and hoping to claim the title of UK champions. Come along and play with a friendly bunch of people, as well as join in with their regular socials across London.
Why: The London Unspeakables contain a range of lovely people who play an eccentric sport with their friends, and are welcome to anyone who wishes to join them. After sessions they normally go to the pub to socialise, or go out into London’s nightlife. They also like to do other socials, such as visiting the trampoline park. Ultimately the Unspeakables are bound by two passions: quidditch, and having fun.
Details: Sessions are every Saturday from 12-4pm. Details can be found here.
Price: Free
Where: Hampstead Heath (nearest Tube stations are Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath)
5. For Italian Food Lovers: Novikov Mayfair Christmas Market
What: Novikov’s Mayfair Christmas Market is shaping up to be one of the events of the festive season. On Saturday 28th November, from 10am until 9pm, will see the whole of Mayfair Place closed off to traffic. There is a whole day to enjoy the Louis Roederer Champagne Ice Bar, Birra Moretti’s Lambretta beer font and the crème de la crème of the capital’s finest retailers, from Heywood Hill bookshop and Kitchen Provisions to Boom Jewellery and William Evans.
Why: With an array of delicious food also on offer – not to mention a visit from Santa himself – a visit to the Mayfair Christmas Market is a must for the whole family. Mayfair’s much loved local retailers and friends of Novikov will be offering an array of gorgeous gifts – from dazzling jewellery and stunning accessories to luxury skincare. Visitors will also find everything they need to dress their home, whether gilded baubles, glittering lights, wreaths or garlands, not to mention the very finest Christmas trees, with the bonus of home delivery.
Details: Saturday 28th November – 10-9pm
Price: Free
Where: 50A Berkeley St, London W1J 8HA
And one for luck…
6. For a Pop-Up: Kitchen Table Projects
What: Kitchen Table Projects is a foodie business dedicated to supporting and encouraging new and exciting food and drink producers. They currently have their Christmas Pop Up open on Great Portland Street and will be holding a Christmas Market event, taking place on Friday 4th December.
Why: Discover a feast of delicious artisan food and drink products at a unique festive pop up shop now open in London’s West End. It has taken almost a year to source the gourmet goodies – which you won’t find on the shelves of a supermarket. From bacon making kits and marshmallows, to speciality teas and super food chocolate, find them all at Kitchen Table Projects. is a great opportunity to discover new products and join the artisan food celebration.
Details: Until 27th December – details on Meet the Makers here
Price: Free entry
Where:
