Shakespeare enthusiasts, head to the Stage in Shoreditch to see their newest art installation, Winter’s Ethereal Glow. You’ll be able to enjoy a series of window displays inspired by scenes of The Winter’s Tale, created with Global Street Art. The first window will make use of an intricate silhouette technique, with cutouts layered on top of each other and illuminated such that they cast dynamic shadows, adding depth and movement to the scene. In the central window, delicate die-cut wooden panels will be paired with vibrant coloured Perspex, using lighting and reflective materials to form a dazzling display of colour, thus creating a modern stained-glass effect to visually tell the story of key moments from the play. It is worth noting that the Stage is intrinsically linked to Shakespeare: the remains of the Curtain Playhouse have been excavated within its very grounds! Shakespeare’s acting troupe used the theater as their base for 2 years, before moving on to the Globe. The exact location of the theater was lost, and unknown until 2011, when the archeological discovery was made. As such, the Museum of Shakespeare will open in 2025, within the remains of the Curtain Playhouse at the Stage. Artistically, Winter’s Ethereal Glow is therefore at an interesting junction between tradition and modernity. The innovative techniques used to design the window displays enable a new approach to the timeless, universal themes of The Winter’s Tale: time, change, and renewal, power of redemption and healing. Perfect topics to reflect on during the festive season, especially in such a historically meaningful location. From Wednesday 4th December, visitors are invited to watch the installations as they are being set up. The ‘Winter’s Ethereal Glow’ windows will be completed and open for full public viewing from Monday 9th December, and the display will be in place until January 2025. Address: 22 Hewett Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3NL Website: https://www.thestageshoreditch.com/news/community-and-events/winters-ethereal-glow Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of The Stage

There’s no doubt that people here in London love meeting up with friends to chew the fat over good food, good drinks and good vibes all round. Here in Blighty we might call this “hanging out”, but to our Trinidadian friends, this is LIMIN, to “hang out” is to “lime” Trinidadian-born Sham Mahabir first introduced Limin to the eager tastebuds of visitors to Spitalfields market, an instant hit, it wasn’t too long before Sham found a more permanent location in Gabriels Wharf, Southbank. The perfect location to include indoor and outdoor beach club vibes. The menu features flavours drawn from various Caribbean islands including the multiculturally influenced flavours of Trinidad & Tobago.  A Caribbean restaurant in the depths of the British winter has a certain yin and yang dynamic, and Limin is leaning into this with an apres-ski style lodge, serving up Caribbean twists on old classics. There's a croque-monsieur with scotch bonnet spiced ham, and fish and chips with a coconut curry twist. Inside expect a warm and cosy dining experience, the restaurant is decked out with twinkling fairy lights, fir trees and cosy blankets and don't forget to look out for the photobooth to create a few cherished memories. First up: the doubles—a beloved Trinidadian street food classic. This dish features curried chana (chickpeas) served on soft, pillowy bara (a type of flatbread) and topped with tangy, spicy sauces. Having savored doubles roadside in Trinidad, with sauce dripping onto my shoes, enjoying it in a restaurant setting felt almost refined. Yet, it was every bit as joyous. We gleefully cleaned the plate, savoring the carnival spirit of the island. Bursting with flavor and utterly delicious, it’s undoubtedly a must-try on the menu! Auntie’s chicken curry is wonderfully authentic. On the bone, tender and cooked in Limin’s own secret spice mix, and mopping it up with the layered and buttery Sham’s Roti is a real treat. We sampled the Shamburger, a kind of pulled jerk chicken burger with melted cheese, gherkins and a jerk gravy, and I swear to St. Nick himself that it absolutely works. It was so good I could have ordered another! There is a lack of really good vegan desserts in restaurants, but LIMIN really came through with their Choco-Nut Dream vegan dessert, which is an absolute triumph with a rich Belgian chocolate and coconut filling inside a crisp date and nut crust. It’s quite spectacular. We would wholeheartedly recommend calling your friends, getting a date in the diary and organising a “lime” at LIMIN. If you can do that over the festive period, we would also recommend the rum punch. It’s a cockle-warming winner. Book a table now at www.limin.co.uk Address: 56 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP Written by Rick Hartley Photography by Nyla Sammons

Hosting Christmas this year but unsure how to serve up show-stopping rum cocktails? Don’t worry, whether you’re a pro at entertaining or stepping into the hosting spotlight for the first time, we’ve got the perfect solution to make your festive gathering truly unforgettable. Imagine this: two exquisitely crafted cocktails, bursting with flavor and holiday spirit, guaranteed to dazzle your guests and bring smiles all around. With Vapoura Rum at your side, your Christmas drinks game is sorted. So, get ready to toast to a celebration brimming with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable magic of the season! Snow Bramble Ingredients: 50ml Vapoura Gold 10ml vanilla syrup 20ml fresh lime 15ml float mulled wine liqueur Garnish orange peel and blackberries   Method: Add all ingredients (minus cordial) to a rocks glass Add crushed ice and churn until ingredients are combined Add more crushed ice, float the cordial on top, and garnish English Frost Egg Nog Ingredients: 50ml Vapoura Spiced 75ml whole milk/Oatly Barista Edition 10ml vanilla syrup 10ml Pedro Ximénez 1 egg yolk 1 cardamom pod 2 dash saline solution Garnish grated nutmeg   Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake hard Double strain into a handled mug and garnish Serve in a large coupette or glass mug For more information visit https://vapourarum.com/ Photography courtesy of Vapoura Rum

Get ready to sparkle and spread cheer as the holiday season draws near—we’re unwrapping our Christmas Gift Guide, crafted especially for the extraordinary women in your life. This Christmas guide is your VIP pass to a world of elegance, heartfelt gestures, and the pure joy of discovering those oh-so-perfect gifts for the queens who light up your world and make life magical. ST~GERMAIN® and ISSY GRANGER Collaboration Searching for the ultimate gift for the woman who has it all? Well, almost all… ST~GERMAIN® and ISSY GRANGER have teamed up to create a limited-edition ST~GERMAIN x Issy Granger gift set. That includes ST~GERMAIN, a bottle of champagne, a handblown cocktail carafe, inspired by the striking ST~GERMAIN bottle, and a cocktail stirrer. Everything needed to take her hosting game to dazzling new heights. Price: £95.00 Available exclusively from www.harveynichols.com Retinol + CoQ10 Serum Treat your loved one to the ultimate skincare indulgence with the No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum—crafted for all skin types and expertly designed to rejuvenate and restore. Formulated using 0.3% encapsulated retinol, 1% coenzyme Q10, and cold-pressed, organic plant oils. This luxurious serum is the perfect ally against signs of aging, blemishes, and dullness. A thoughtful gift for anyone looking to glow brighter and feel their best—because radiant skin is always in style. Price: £40.00 Available from www.houseofserums.co.uk St~GERMAIN St~GERMAIN added with bubbles is a Christmas morning gift to remember! This French elderflower liqueur is made with up to 1000 fresh, hand-picked elderflower in every bottle, which are harvested every Spring throughout Europe. It features a fresh flavour, quality taste and notes of peach, pear and grapefruit. Price: £21.50 Available from www.waitrose.com Nikka Days This light, easy-drinking, and ever so delicately smoked Japanese whisky balances both fruity and malted flavours. Easy enough to be sipped neat or added to create a cocktail. Price: £35.00 Available from https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/ El Rayo Reposado Your Tequila lover, Queen will be delighted with the Reposado expression from Tequila El Rayo, a full bodied and layered tequila made from 100% blue agave. Rested in ex-whisky casks for 7 months, it has a golden caramel colour and a rich, nutty complexity. It comes in a striking bottle, which will look beautiful on her bar cart. Price: £32.00 Available from www.waitrose.com Olay Super Powered Duo Gift set Treat the skincare queen in your life to the Olay Super Powered Duo gift set, because she deserves nothing less than radiant, glowing skin. This powerhouse pair features Olay’s best-selling Super Serum and the iconic Retinol 24 Night Cream, working together to level up her skincare routine. Think smoother, more hydrated, and firmer-feeling skin—a gift that keeps her glowing all season long. Price: £76.00 Available from www.boots.com Marc Jacobs Perfect Elixir Marc Jacobs Perfect Elixir is a fragrance masterpiece that dazzles the senses. With the bright, juicy zing of purple rhubarb, it starts as a burst of zesty sweetness. Next comes the delicate charm of orange blossom, wrapping you in an irresistible floral embrace. As it settles, the luxurious warmth of amber woods and the earthy sophistication of patchouli add a rich, sultry depth. The perfect gift for your special someone—just one spritz, and she’ll leave a trail of sweet, indulgent magic wherever she goes. Price: 50ml - £98.00 From www.theperfumeshop.com Self Space - Deep and Meaningfuls Give the gift of connection with the Deep and Meaningfuls deck of cards—a truly transformative present in the most beautiful way. This unique set of 50 thought-provoking questions ranges from light and funny to deep and introspective, sparking conversations that bring you closer. Whether you’re on a long walk in nature or cozying up indoors, it’s the perfect way to truly get to know each other on a whole new level. Price: £25.00 Available from https://store.theselfspace.com For the Gin lovers Haymans gin Surprise her this season with the gift of Hayman’s London Dry Gin—crisp, complex, and refreshingly perfect. This timeless classic is made for mixing, whether she’s crafting the ultimate G&T or shaking up her favorite gin cocktails. A gift as smooth and sophisticated as she is. Price: £28.00 Available from www.haymansgin.com Rock Rose Gin Give the gift of Rock Rose Gin, a true flavour masterpiece. This exceptional gin owes its delightful taste to a handpicked blend of local and traditional botanicals, each carefully selected to create a perfectly balanced and unforgettable flavour. A thoughtful and delicious choice for gin lovers who appreciate the art of craftsmanship in every sip. Price: £36.00 Available from www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk Portofino Dry Gin Gift her the Portofino Dry Gin, which uses a medley of botanicals that convey the sensations and fragrance of Portofino. Portofino Dry Gin’s initial notes are from fresh lemon and crisp juniper that will transport her to the hills of Portofino. A gift that brings the spirit of Italy right to her glass—perfect for gin lovers with a taste for adventure. Price: £43.24 Available from https://www.masterofmalt.com Vital Proteins - Collagen Peptides and Marine Collagen Delight the beauty and wellness enthusiasts in your life with the gift of Collagen Peptides or Marine Collagen! Made with high-quality ingredients, these powerhouse supplements support healthy skin, luscious hair, strong nails, and resilient ligaments and tendons for benefits that last. Perfectly versatile, they can be stirred into smoothies or a cozy hot drink. And here’s a festive twist: present this thoughtful gift with a steaming cuppa in hand on Christmas Day—it’s the perfect way to share the love and warmth! Price: From £44.79 www.vitalproteins.co.uk Wagamama Soul Kitchen Spice things up in the kitchen with the sizzling new Wagamama Soul Kitchen cookbook. This culinary adventure celebrates Wagamama's travels across Asia with 70 mouthwatering, authentic recipes, from crispy hot honey-fried chicken to quick and tasty noodles on the go. Perfect for budding chefs and passionate foodies alike, this cookbook is packed with recipes designed to feed the soul and fire up your taste buds. Price: RRP £22.00 Available from www.amazon.co.uk

Enter through the incredible Christmas-themed entrance on Basil Street and step into a different world: a welcoming concierge, a stunning textile-lined arched corridor, water features, a lift up to floor 6 and a window looking out above Knightsbridge with an army of chefs and bartenders welcoming you. This is CLAP London - also present in Dubai, Ibiza, Riyadh and Beirut, and wow were we blown away by their weekend brunch offering, available Saturdays and Sundays from £65 per person. The brunch runs from 12.30pm -3pm giving you plenty of time to quench your thirst with delicious drinks and fill up on the amazing menu, as well as grab some selfies with the stunning views and decor all around you, all the time attended by very attentive staff and hosts. We started with the buffet bar laden with sushi, nigiri and sashimi with a stunning prawn tower: all served with three incredible salads of seaweed, shitake and the house special Clap Salad. Set in the amazing digital backgrounds it was as if we were on holiday or swimming in a fish tank, with a live DJ mixing chilled-out vibes. On the bar, the particular highlights were the Tarama Salmon Nigiri and the Ceviche which popped with fresh flavours and looked beautiful, all displayed on ice with beautiful fruit garnishes. We were spoiled for choice - this truly was next-level with the finest ingredients and tantalising colourful displays, including Tuna, Salmon and Himachi atop ice sculptures. For our main courses, we opted for Teriyaki Salmon and Spicy Grilled Tofu - lucky we had left the room as these were very generous portions served on stunning crockery. The salmon was delicious with a crisp skin and melt-in-the-mouth fillet, while the Tofu was served with a spicy chilli dip, we were also able to revisit the buffet to top up with those delicious salads and sauces. The brunch is served with two alcohol packages available priced at   £30 and £55 including Prosecco and House Wines as well as freshly made cocktails ranging from Aperol Spritz, Sangria and the classic brunch order Bloody Mary. Book now to avoid disappointment - we will certainly be going back for an evening visit. Address: 12-14 Basil Street, London SW3 1AJ Website:   https://claprestaurant.com/london/ Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of CLAP London

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, and it’s the perfect moment to sprinkle some festive joy. Step into our Christmas Gift Guide for Men – your ultimate companion for finding gifts to make the season brighter for the extraordinary men in your life. Host your own pub quiz Got a pub quiz enthusiast in your life? This Host Your Own Pub Quiz game is the ultimate gift for him. Bring all the excitement of trivia night straight to his living room, it will be his time to shine as the quiz master—or the trivia champion. Price: £25.00 Available from https://cheatwell.com Barbican Residents This gem of a book offers a rare glimpse into the homes and lives of over 30 Barbican residents. While the iconic towers and walkways are familiar to many, the secrets inside remain a mystery—until now. A true treasure for architecture lovers and curious minds alike. Price: £22.95 Available from www.hoxtonminipress.com The Savile Row Celebrate the home of bespoke tailoring this Christmas, with the Mayfair Collection from The Savile Row Company.      Mayfair eau de parfum - This is sophisticated, rich and luxurious, the top notes of mandarin, cardamom and apple are softened with a heart of lavender, nutmeg and orange flower. RRP £85/100ml and £39/50ml.   The Mayfair Beard Oil - Infused with jojoba, argan, sweet almond and avocado essential oils to hydrate and condition unruly beard hair, whilst soothing the skin. The nourishing oil is delicately scented with the brand's new Mayfair EDP; a warming blend of warm amber, leather and tonka bean. RRP £15   Mayfair Body Wash - This invigorating body wash has a blend of mandarin, cardamom, and apple, creating a vibrant aroma to energise the senses. RRP £28/200ml Available from https://savilerowco.com The Deacon and Bumbu Cream Rum Liqueur The Deacon is exceptionally smooth, with charred orange, sweet malty biscuits and woodsmoke on the nose giving way to juicy orange, delicate spice and tangy peat. The Bumbu cream is a perfect balance of Bumbu rum, rich spices and decadent, dairy cream. He is going to want these two bottles on his bar cart to whip up some decadent cocktails this Christmas. The Deacon - £38.00 Bumbu Cream Rum Liqueur - £30.00 Available from www.tesco.com LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW - Winter selection box The WINTER SELECTION BOX is the ultimate gift for the man in your life who loves liquorice. Packed with crowd-favourite classics and exciting limited-edition flavours, it’s perfect for anyone who just can’t pick a favourite. A delicious adventure for the taste buds in every bite. Price: £38.00 Available from https://lakridsbybulow.co.uk Adorn his bar cart with one of these exceptional bottles... Karisimbi Golden Rum A rich and complex golden rum made with a beautiful multi-island blend of unaged and aged rums from Dominican Republic, aged rum from Barbados and unaged pot still rum from Jamaica to give Karisimbi Golden Rum its complexity. Tasting Notes: Rich dried fruits, butterscotch, burnt sugar and caramel with a hint of vanilla and orange. Price: RRP £32.63 From https://www.masterofmalt.com High West Campfire Whiskey High West Campfire Whiskey is a unique blend of straight rye, bourbon, and malt Scotch whiskeys, offering a distinctive flavour profile - butterscotch, sandalwood, jasmine, and gentle campfire smoke. Campfire Whiskey adds a unique twist to classic cocktails or can be savoured neat for a rich, smoky experience. Price: RRP £81.50 From www.thewhiskyexchange.com Never Say die This bourbon is light and approachable with vanilla, caramel, orange and mild oak. With just 2,750 bottles per small-batch, it is an approachable blend of our most interesting barrels, that have been selected to complement one another to create a balanced and versatile Bourbon.  Price: RRP £59.95 Available from www.thewhiskyexchange.com Caravan Coffee Coffee enthusiasts will be delighted with a selection of coffee from expert roasters Caravan, whether it be pods, ground coffee, or both! The Daily – All Day Blend is a go-to for drinking around the clock. This great-tasting coffee also happens to look pretty smart on their pantry shelf. Price: £7.50 Available from Waitrose

Get ready to sleigh this holiday season with our ultimate Christmas gift guide for kids! Packed with joy, wonder, and just the right amount of magic, these delightful picks are guaranteed to light up little faces. Our handpicked treasures will spark their imagination and make this festive season one to remember. Let the giggles and gleeful unwrapping begin. The Photo Creator Instant Pocket Printer This compact, ink-free gadget is perfect for kids who love to personalise, create, and have fun. Whether it’s sprucing up school books, printing cute pics, or designing custom stickers, this little powerhouse does it all—straight from a phone. With its super-simple app, kids can jazz up their prints with funky frames, whip up to-do lists, or even dabble in AI-generated images. Plus, it comes loaded with stickers, pens, and fun paper rolls to fuel their imagination. From school projects to personal touches, this pocket printer is the ultimate tool for creative kids. Price: £26.25 Available from www.argos.co.uk Yoto Player Meet the Yoto Player (3rd Generation) — the coolest screen-free audio player for kids aged 3-12+. Packed with imagination and independence, this little wonder unlocks a world of stories, music, learning, and adventures. Just pop in a Yoto card, press play, and watch their creativity soar wherever they are. You can jazz up the Yoto player and give it extra protection with the adventure jacket, which comes in a variety of colours. You can choose from hundreds of Yoto cards, but if you are unsure of where to start, choose the Yoto starter pack, which includes My First 100 Words, Crackling Fire, Story Shed Podcast, Robin Hood, A Musical Adventure, Hotel Flamingo, Songs from the Playground and Make Your Own. This magical device will entertain the kids for hours, ages: 3 -12 + Yoto Player - £89.99 Adventure Jacket - £24.99 Yoto Starter Pack - £19.99 Available to purchase from https://uk.yotoplay.com/ The Art of Play: The design of the world's greatest playscapes For your little adventurers on the hunt for the coolest play spots, The Art of Play is a must-have travel companion! This visually stunning book explores over 80 groundbreaking playscapes that blend art, architecture, and sculpture to create playgrounds like no other. Kids will be wowed by the vibrant photos of incredible play spaces from around the world. It’s more than just eye candy—it’s a journey into creative thinking, inspiring a new appreciation for play and our connection to the world around us. Price: £30.00 Available from www.hoxtonminipress.com Clementoni Pen Creator Studio The Creative Pen Studio is the ultimate kit for kids to design and customise their very own colourful pens! From picking ink colours and nib styles to choosing cool pen housings. Kids can then jazz up their creations with awesome embellishments, charms, and vibrant decorations. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and self-expression, turning everyday writing tools into unique works of art. 6 + Price: £21.99 Available from www.smythstoys.com Wheel U Dare board game Get ready to bring the laughs and thrills with Wheel U Dare?—the ultimate game for bold kids and the whole family! Packed with 300 fun and wacky challenges, this spinning adventure is perfect for adding some excitement to their Christmas celebrations. It guarantees giggles and unforgettable holiday fun. Suitable for 8 yrs + Price: £18.99 Available from www.smythstoys.com 4 IN A ROW 4 In a Row is the ultimate classic game for kids—a game that’s simple, exciting, and perfect for on-the-go family adventures. Compact, fun, and endlessly entertaining, the little ones will be hooked for hours. Price: £20.99 Available from www.scandiborn.co.uk Janod Racers Magnetic Book The Janod Racers Magnetic Book is packed with 50 vibrant magnets, kids can build and invent all kinds of awesome vehicles—from fire engines and submarines to futuristic rides straight from their imaginations. Using 18 model cards for inspiration or dreaming up their own creations, kids can assemble endless possibilities while honing their creativity and motor skills. Perfect for solo play or teaming up with friends. Price: £15.50 Available from www.littlewhispers.co.uk

Greetings, gift seekers! The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than by discovering the perfect presents for the remarkable men in your life? Welcome to our Christmas Gift Guide for Men – your passport to a world of thoughtful, stylish, and downright awesome gifts that will make this holiday season unforgettable for the gentlemen who light up your world. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Gift Set The Aveeno Daily Moisturing Gift Set is a wonderful gift for someone looking for some skin TCL. Formulated with Prebiotic Colloidal Oatmeal*, its clinically proven, fast-absorbing formula locks-in moisture to help protect and nourish normal to dry skin. Price starts from £5.99 Available from Boots Personalised booked from Wonderbly So his birthday is on Christmas day, well you’re going to need something extra thoughtful… Wonderbly has you covered, offering an entire book about that special man, made in minutes online. The personalised birthday book allows you to edit sections and add special photographs, celebrating all the special moments and cultural milestones of their life so far. This is guaranteed to put a smile on his face, I mean who doesn’t want a book written about them. Price: £24.99 Available from www.wonderbly.com Guardian Collection Tumbler and Food Flask Is he always on the go? camping lover perhaps? A Thermos® tumbler and flask from the Guardian Series range is a great surprise for those active men in your life. The 355ml travel tumbler is perfect for the daily commute and the food flask is ideal for some hot food on a camping trip. Both are stylish and created with the Thermos quality and performance. Tumbler – £25.00 Food Flask – £35.00 Available from www.thermos.co.uk Articulate For the men who just love to talk, and love nothing more than gathering their loved ones for some fun and games, Articulate is the best-selling fast-paced description board game. The aim of the game is to describe as many card entries as possible to your team in 30 seconds. The first team round the board wins in this loud, intense, and brilliantly funny game, making it ideal for parties and families with teenagers. Price: £32.99 Available from Smyths, Amazon , Argos , Asda and Hamleys Aperitivo Hour Gift box One special man will be grinning from ear to ear with this stylish and tasty Aperitivo Hour Gift box. The box contains this Black Lines batch Negroni made in North London accompanied by moreish Perello Olives, a real treat for Christmas day. Price: £35.00 Available from https://onthetableco.com Pentire 70cl Non-alcoholic Mixed Case For those who enjoy a tasty Christmas tipple without paying the boxing day penalty, the Pentire 70cl mixed pack is the perfect gift. A combination of three of their most popular products. The set includes: Pentire Coastal Spritz | Non-alcoholic aperitif – Their best selling product, the Pentire Coastal Spritz blends Pentire’s naturally distilled coastal botanicals with Blood Orange, Sea Rosemary and Oakwood. Pentire Adrift | Non-alcoholic spirit – Made by distilling unique plants native to the Cornish coastline. Notes of citrus are coupled with sage, rock samphire and salt for a rounded herbal finish. Pentire Seaward | Non-alcoholic spirit – Grapefruit citrus notes and green coastal tones are blended with natural berry from harvested sea buckthorn. Price: £75.00 Available from https://pentiredrinks.com More Tasty Tipples  Belgrove Hazelnut Rum Aged in oak barrels in the Carribean, Belgrove Hazelnut Rum is distilled with Demerara sugarcane grown on the mineral-rich banks of Guyana’s Demerara River. Smooth, well-balanced and deliciously complex. Price: £31.00 Available from www.waitrose.com Elijah Craig Small Batch Elijah Craig Small Batch is made exclusively from a blend of 200 or less 8 to 12-Year-Old barrels, aged in open-air rickhouses. It is this extra ageing and expertise in barrel selection that gives Elijah Craig its robust body and rich flavour and owes its distinctive warm spice & subtle smoke flavour to Level 3 charred oak barrels. Price: £42.00 Available from www.waitrosecellar.com Silent Pool Gin Luxury handcrafted gin made from 24 botanicals with the aim of capturing the essence of the Surrey Hills. A contemporary London Dry gin with floral top notes. Perfectly served in a G&T with Indian tonic, garnished with an orange slice. Price: £42.50 Available from https://silentpooldistillers.com

If you're looking for some Christmas holiday activities but fancy getting out of the city and avoiding the crowds on Oxford Street, look no further. Love2Stay offers an array of Christmas activities for all the family. Situated near Shrewsbury, the venue includes five-star stopover options including glamping, cosy lodges and cabins all set within parkland as well as activities ranging from kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, cycling, gym classes, boot camps, archery, raft-building, bushcraft, den building - an outdoor adventure centre, with an army-style assault course, to more restful activities from clay modelling, stone painting, pot painting and planting. This Christmas they have rustled up a packed programme including a Christmas Market, Light Trails and a visit to Mrs Claus. The Twilight Trail is an enchanting Winter Wonderland walk with a Candy Cane Café available to stop-off for hot chocolate. You can gather round the fire in the woods  and enjoy Christmas-themed games. Open from 5pm to 8pm daily, from 29th November to 23rd December. Priced at £10 per person with under 3's free.   Santa’s Grotto – From 29th November to 23rd December, Santa welcomes families to his magical Grotto, along with his elves, who will be on hand to provide some festive enchantment for the evening. Priced at £15 per child, including a gift. Give the dog a festive experience with a visit to Santa Paws. For £8.00, dogs will meet Santa and receive a special treat, with toys tailored for different dog sizes.     Storytime with Mrs Claus - Mrs Claus and her Elf are on hand to help Santa during the festive time.Get the little ones to join her for a story while enjoying a cookie and a baby hot chocolate. At the end of the session, children will get to take their story home with them so they can enjoy it over again. Don't forgot to bring your letter for Santa —Mrs Claus will pass it on! Priced £10 per child.    Over at Love Plants – a five-minute walk from Love2Stay, a Christmas Market will take place from Friday 6th - Sun 8th December full of crafts, holiday gifts, and decorations from unique makers with 30 stalls. There will also be Christmas trees for sale with a 10% discount during the fair, Wreath Making workshops and Mulled Wine from 10am-7pm Friday and Saturday and 10-4pm Sunday. It's the most wonderful time of the year at Love2Stay. For more information visit www.love2stay.co.uk/Shrewsbury Address: Love2Stay Shrewsbury is at Emstrey, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 6QS Written by Claire Selby  Photography courtesy of Love2Stay

On Saturday, November 30th, the LIMIN Winter Lodge is bringing all the winter wonder, Christmas cheer, and carnival energy under one roof for its very first bottomless brunch. There's no better way to kick off the festive season with vibrant entertainment, mouth-watering Caribbean dishes, and endless drinks flowing. In celebration of the holidays, the theme for this inaugural brunch is Caribbean Christmas. Guests are encouraged to embrace the bold colours, lively spirit, and island flair of a tropical Christmas. Think Christmas jumpers, feathers, festive prints, and a splash of island vibes. Upon arrival, they’ll be greeted with LIMIN's signature rum punch, and from there, unlimited prosecco and tap cocktails will flow until the session ends. Forget the usual brunch fare—LIMIN has swapped out tradition for a menu brimming with Caribbean spice. Start with shared platters of creamy corn chowder with coconut milk, sweet potato, and Caribbean herbs; chicken wings marinated in coriander, smoked paprika, and garlic, served with signature scotch bonnet mango jam; or Sham’s twist on Trinidadian street food with his take on Trini doubles. For mains, choose from a Croque Monsieur with Trini ham glazed with scotch bonnet and Christmas spices, mussels cooked in a rich coconut, thyme, garlic, turmeric, and ginger sauce, or jerk or fried chicken with spicy dipping sauce and crispy fries. Fueling you for a long afternoon of fun. Don't forget to indulge in either decadent rum truffles or Trini rum cake ice cream for dessert. Entertainment will keep the party vibe high all afternoon, with DJ Benny spinning funky beats, carnival hosts ensuring the festive energy is on point, and steelpan drummers playing Caribbean Christmas tunes. Tickets are £49 and can be purchased on Design My Night. Ticket Link: :  https://www.designmynight.com/london/clubs/southbank/limin-southbank/limin-winter-lodge-bottomless-brunch Address: LIMIN Southbank, Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP Website: www.limin.co.uk Written by Jordan Crowley Photography by Nyla Sammons

Movie buffs will be excited to know Everyman will be opening in Stratford International on 17th December. Stratford International takes cinema nights to the next level. Picture this: luxurious velvet sofas, state-of-the-art screens, and a vibe that’s all about unwinding in style. With 253 seats across three stunning screens, expect the ultimate viewing experience – whether it’s the latest blockbuster, a classic favourite, or a live theatre screening. Feeling peckish? Dive into Everyman’s irresistible food menu and pair your drink with dishes like tempura prawns, buttermilk chicken, or a gourmet burger. Prefer plant-based? The artichoke and sundried tomato pizza will steal the show. And yes, you can enjoy all of this from the comfort of your very own cinema sofa. Everyman Stratford International also presents an exclusive Founder Membership offer, available for a limited time. Founder Members at Stratford International will receive complimentary popcorn* for their first year, plus a unique Founder Members card that isn’t available at any other venue. As a Founding EVERYWHERE member at Stratford International, every time you purchase two glasses of wine you will instead receive a full bottle of wine throughout the first year of membership. For more information on Everyman Memberships visit: www.everymancinema.com/stratford-international-founder-membership Christmas classics will also be hitting the big screen, paired with a brand-new festive food and drinks menu. Get ready for all the warm, fuzzy vibes—because nothing says holiday magic quite like a cozy cinema night with a festive movie and festive treats in hand. Tickers can be purchased now via www.everymancinema.com/venues-list/g029x-everyman-stratford-international/

If you’re looking to get into the festive mood, head to Pergola Brixton, a 600-capacity venue that has been turned into a Winter Wonderland. Everything, from the decor, the atmosphere and the drinks menu has been designed to make you feel like you’ve walked into Santa’s workshop. You can expect Christmas trees, a snow machine, twinkling lights, candy canes, mistletoe, and, perhaps most importantly, a playlist featuring all the festive classics, courtesy of the Santa Hat DJ Booth.   A diversity of festive cocktails will be available to accompany your night out, including a Cinnabon Daiquiri (Southern Comfort, Apple, Lime, Cinnamon Syrup); a fruity Spiced Cranberry Margarita (Olmeca Altos Plata, Orange Liqueur, Lime, Cranberry, Spiced Red Berries Syrup) and Figgy Pudding Highball (Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Anejo 11 Yr, Crème de Mure, Lemon, Fig & Blood Orange Soda) as well as Deck the Hall’s A Partridge In A Pear Tree (Absolut Pear, Elderflower Liqueur, Pear, Lemon Juice, Honey).  Deck the Halls even has its own Advent calendar, that is, an exclusive drink offer that evolves daily. If you happen to be craving more warmth, you can enjoy Deck the Hall’s mulled wine and hot cocktails, in the form of boozy hot chocolates, that you can taste in Mint, Orange, Hazelnut or Baileys. Food-wise, the whole of Brixton Market’s restaurants is available to you, including festive food specials, which can all be delivered to your table for you to enjoy. Deck the Halls gives you the perfect opportunity to celebrate Christmas in advance, with friends, family or work colleagues. You can already head to Brixton Market to try it out, or book your table by visiting   https://www.pergolabrixton.co.uk/bookings/ Address: Brixton Village Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Pergola Brixton