We spoke to our London team to find out how they’re spending their spare time in the city between Christmas and the new year.
Dodge the crowds and make time for slower social moments this season. Visit us for coffee and gift inspiration for Christmas at Charlotte Road in Shoreditch, over in Southwark at Scoresby Street until December 21st when we close for refurbishment, or even over at the British Library. Our opening hours are as follows.
CHARLOTTE ROAD, EC2A EPE
21st-22nd Dec: 8am-4pm
23rd Dec -1st Jan: Closed
2nd-7th Jan: 8am-4pm
8th Jan onwards, normal hours resume (Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm; Sat-Sun: 9am-4pm)
SCORESBY STREET, SE1 0NX
21st Dec: 7am -6pm
22nd Dec till mid-January 2024: closed for refurbishment / opening date to be announced next year.
THE BRITISH LIBRARY, NW1 2DB
Entrance Hall:
21st Dec: 9.30am-5.30pm
22nd-23rd Dec: 9.30am-5pm
24th-28th Dec: Closed
29th-30th Dec: 9.30am-5pm
31st Dec: 11am-5pm
1st Jan: Closed
2nd-4th Jan: 9.30am-5.30pm
5th-6th Jan: 9.30am-5pm
7th Jan: 11am-5pm
8th Jan onwards, normal hours resume (Mon-Sat: 8am-4.30pm; Sun: 10am-4pm)
Euston Road:
21st-22nd Dec: 8am-4.30pm
23rd Dec: 10am-4pm
24th-27th Dec: Closed
28th-29th Dec: 8am-4.30pm
30th-31st Dec: 10am-4pm
1st Jan: Closed
2nd-5th Jan: 8am-4.30pm:
6th-7th Jan: 10am-4pm
8th Jan onwards, normal hours resume (Mon-Sat: 8am-4.30pm; Sun: 10am-4pm)
FIVE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON
We spoke to our London team to find out how they’re spending their spare time in the city between Christmas and the new year—read on for their five top picks, perfect for seasoned locals and visitors alike.
WARM UP WITH DHAL OR DESSERT AT PAVILION, VICTORIA PARK
Pavilion presents an irresistible reason to make multiple trips to London’s oldest public park. Warm yourself up after a stroll at Pavilion’s beautiful flagship café, right on the waterfront. Whether it’s with the intention to stock up on pantry essentials, grab a takeaway coffee or chai (a house speciality), or watch the park life with a warming dhal, this beautiful spot is made for pressing pause and enjoying the moment. This season Pavilion are joined by dessert masterminds, Happy Endings, renowned for their ridiculously good soft serve and ice cream sandwiches, with plenty of vegan-friendly options. Top of the list to order from their Pudding Hatch: sticky toffee pudding.
WANDER AROUND THE WINTER LIGHTS
From jaw-dropping art installations to a touch of seasonal magic, when the cold and darkening days gather, a wander under or through creative visual displays of festive lighting is a great way to inject a little Christmas cheer. From bustling shopping destinations, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street, to exploratory installations across Canary Wharf for their Winter Lights evenings, there’s something for everyone. Kew Gardens offers an immersive family experience, with lights and sound played off against imaginative backdrops and settings. A walk at Hampstead Heath is a year-round pleasure, but the Christmas light trail at Kenwood House provides some seasonal entertainment for all ages. And new for 2023, we’re looking forward to checking out Eltham Palace’s ‘enchanted light trail’.
SHOP AND SUPPORT INDIE AT THE MARKETS
Arguably, there’s no shortage of phenomenal markets in London, pop up or permanent—the biggest challenge is trying to work your way around them all. The likes of the Borough Market, Spitalfields Market, and Covent Garden market are all much-loved staples for exceptional gifting, inspiration, and incredible food, all supporting brilliant independent and local businesses. Between the work-day commute, we’re finding excuses to pop into King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard, with their impressive, engaging line up of festive events, markets, and opportunities to shop unique, indie products and thoughtful gifts; and detouring via Colombia Road on a Wednesday evening for their annual switchover from florals to firs, with late night shopping, entertainment and beautifully fragrant greenery ready to take home. Next up in our diaries are the DIY Christmas Art Market in Peckham on December 9th, followed by the Christmas Indie Ceramics Market on December 10th, offering the opportunity to meet, mingle, and buy from new and established artists for truly unique Christmas gifts.
SOCIALISING ON AND OFF THE ICE AT SOMERSET HOUSE
Perfect for post-work socials and picking up some weekend energy, Somerset House’s iconic ice rink is back with a wintry Swiss vibe. Alongside the season of classic skating sessions and even classes for those wanting to glide away from the railings, this year there are two perfect excuses to layer up and brave the ice, with Skate Dates and Skate Lates. The music nights bring together an incredible line up of DJs, artists, and collectives for entertainment on and off the ice, with the music flowing through into the Skate Lounge so you can warm up, enjoy a drink, and still soak up the atmosphere.
ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA AND A SEASONAL WORKSHOP
Take time out from the crowds and indulge in a little afternoon tea over at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond. Their teahouse offers a tasteful, peaceful oasis where quality, seasonal ingredients form their menus—something that their festive afternoon tea highlights. Stop here for peace amidst the rush of the season, or pair with one of their creative classes for an inspirational few hours, from traditional wreathmaking and tablescaping, to winter wellness workshops.
