What to do this winter in London

Folie

Dine in Riviera style at Folie, Soho’s newest addition. The new restaurant and bar opened just a few weeks ago and is a must-visit for gourmets, with a menu that celebrates the dining culture of Marseille, Portofino, Saint-Tropez and Nice. Inspired by the dishes served along the chic coastlines of southern France and Italy, executive head chef Christophe Marleix offers Mediterranean cuisine, with starters such as scallops with mushrooms and hazelnuts, roasted octopus with butternut squash, and an exquisite tuna tartare. Main courses include veal paillard and a hearty braised porchetta served with salsify and dried fruits. In true Riviera fashion, seafood is a central focus and fish fans will want second helpings of the seared red mullet, while those looking for something a little different should try the squid with celeriac carbonara. The drinks menu is just as enticing. House cocktails offer something special for those wanting a unique concoction, and expert bar staff are on hand to serve up the best negronis and Martinis, along with a range of other classic cocktails.

Folie is located in Golden Square, a mid-way point between Soho and Mayfair, and the restaurant and bar here are decadently decorated to fuse together these two emblems of sophistication and style. Designed by Studio KO, the team that curated the interiors for Chiltern Firehouse and the Yves Saint Laurent museum, it reflects the spirit of the 1960s and 70s with a mirrored bar, dimmed lighting and velvet finishes. We loved the incredible DJ at the weekend, who has a disco playlist that will have you singing along to Sister Sledge.

Folie, 37 Golden Square, London W1F 9LB, +44 (0)20 7600 6969

Coal Drops Yard

Christmas shopping can sometimes seem a daunting task, but browsing the boutiques at Coal Drops Yard is nothing but a pleasure. The eclectic mix of brands features favourites such as Tom Dixon, Wolf & Badger, Aesop, APC and Outsiders. Discover ready-to-wear, accessories, homeware, beauty and so much more. Those who want to give a gift with a more personal touch can attend one of the many workshops held throughout December, which include bauble marbling and making Christmas crackers, piñatas and wrapping paper. Coal Drops Yard is a magnificent space at King’s Cross, not only offering some of the city’s best shopping but also a great destination for foodies looking for lunch or dinner, with popular London restaurants such as Caravane, Barrafina and Casa Pastor serving up some glorious menus from around the world. If stress-free shopping with an ethical approach to sustainability is top of your list this year, Coal Drops Yard is the ideal destination for you.

Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DG

Ice skating at Somerset House

Is there anything more festive than ice skating at Somerset House? We think not. Whether you’re an amateur or at a professional standard, we recommend this beautifully lit rink at one of London’s most famous buildings.

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA, +44 (0)20 7845 4600

Gingerbread chalet at The Gun

If Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane aren’t enough of a reason to head east to the trendy London neighbourhood of Shoreditch, then the Sunday roast at The Gun definitely should be. Featuring pigs in blankets, an extremely cheesy cauliflower cheese and possibly the largest Yorkshire pudding we’ve ever seen, this roast will have you questioning whether your mum’s is even that great. Visit in December to experience The Gun’s transformation into a winter wonderland ahead of the festive period. Expect snow-dusted trees, twinkling fairy lights and even an life-sized edible gingerbread chalet. But it doesn’t stop at the décor – enhancing the mood even more is the launch of the festive drinks menu, which includes mulled wine and speciality cocktails that will put even the biggest grinch in a good mood. If you’re looking for a family-friendly establishment that’s got swag and sophistication when it comes to its food and interiors, The Gun is the place for you.

The Gun, 54 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AG, +44 (0)20 7846 9594

Wun’s Tea Room & Bar

The duo behind the successful trading stall Pleasant Lady and the Bun House restaurant, husband and wife team Alex Peffly and Z He opened their second restaurant, Wun’s Tea Room & Bar, in September 2019. Located on the corner of Soho’s trendy Old Compton and Greek Streets, it offers the best of both worlds: upstairs is a magical, bright Cantonese café while downstairs in the basement is the elegantly lit restaurant, illuminated by green neon signs. With its low seats, newspaper menu and Millennial crowd, it is the epitome of cool, and the food speaks for itself. Pork and chive dumplings and sugar-skin iberico char siu are highlights and musts for all meat-eaters. For vegans, Wun’s signature crispy tofu is just as much of a delight, as is the slow-cooked pumpkin and flower mushroom rice. As well as delicious authentic Cantonese dishes, there is an extensive cocktail menu with everything from sweet to sour, fruity to floral, and straight-up classics including an Old Fashioned and Martini.

Wun’s Tea Room & Bar, 24 Greek Street, London W1D 4DZ, +44 (0)20 8017 9888

Vinegar Yard

Get into the festive mood at Vinegar Yard, which has been given a make-over in time for winter. A canopy now covers the space, where you can cosy up under blankets and sip on mulled wine or hot spiced cider. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, take your pick of the mouth-wateringly good food on offer – food stalls include flame-cooked steaks by Up In My Grill, Italian street food by Sugo or Lebanese dishes by Nik’s Kitchen. Vinegar Yard even has its own sit-down restaurant, Nanny Bill’s, which opened as a 30-seater pop-up in November 2019. Here you can enjoy expertly made burgers and festive specials. As well as its superb food and drink offering, Vinegar Yard is also a perfect place for a spot of Christmas shopping – whether you’re after a Secret Santa gift or a unique piece for a loved one, you can browse the pop-up shops for jewellery, homeware, ethical products, vintage designer clothing and more. We recommend rounding out the Vinegar Yard experience by heading up to Abigail’s Bar – the newly opened 1970s-style cocktail bar in the main building – to enjoy espresso Martinis, negronis and other classics to a background of 70s music.

Vinegar Yard, 80-82 St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QU

The Coal Shed

If you’ve got tickets to watch a performance at the newly renovated Bridge Theatre, or you’re simply taking a stroll along the Thames, be sure to book a table at The Coal Shed for Sunday roast or dinner. About a minute away from spectacular Tower Bridge, the location really doesn’t get any better and the food on offer speaks for itself. Specialising in coal-roasted rare breed meat and south-coast seafood, the menu features an array of fish, from tiger prawns to bream and turbot, as well as a wide selection of steak cuts. Standout starters include burrata, served with caramelized figs and hazelnuts, as well as sticky pork belly, and cheese and chocolate fans will be spoilt for choice with the dessert menu. The team has also unveiled a selection of smoked buns, as well as a speciality Christmas menu for those looking for something festive. The Coal Shed offers great food, a warm atmosphere and superb service. Staff go above and beyond to recommend dishes and drinks to suit your mood and tastes, and the dark wood interiors and open fire make for a perfect setting for a cosy Christmas afternoon.

The Coal Shed, One Tower Bridge, 4 Crown Square, London SE1 2SE, +44 (0)20 3384 7272

Selfridges cinema

Film buffs will rejoice at Selfridges’ incredible new cinema. Possibly the most stylish place in London to see a movie, it offers an eclectic mix of new releases this Christmas, from blockbuster hits to independent and foreign films. There’s a total of three screening rooms, the largest seating 80, as well as state-of-the-art sound and vision technology to guarantee an intimate and immersive experience. The opening is in partnership with one of London’s favourite boutique screening rooms, Olympia Studios, which has cinemas in Barnes and Battersea. An informal restaurant within the cinema space offers a variety of snacks, sharing plates, afternoon tea and a tuck shop corner, alongside old favourites such as popcorn. For drinks, you can expect cocktails, mocktails, wines and champagnes, which you can drink while watching your chosen film.

The Cinema at Selfridges, 40 Duke Street, London W1U 1AT, +44 (0)20 0800 123 400