January can be the hardest month to get through, the month after Christmas, so you’re likely to be broke, everyone you know is doing dry January and it’s pretty dark and miserable outside! And yes celebrating your birthday in January can sometimes be a challenge too! But not this year… The Yards are offering free gifts to people who have birthdays in January! Show some ID with your birthday on it and nab some of the goodies listed below. Townhouse The luxury nail salon is giving out a complimentary Townhouse Cream #1 30ml*, for those booked in for a treatment. The Conduit The members club is gifting a complimentary Royal Flush mocktail a Darjeeling-based sparkling non-alcoholic tea (Crossip Rich Berry 0%) to **Londoners when they dine at the Rooftop Restaurant for Friday dinners and Saturday lunches and dinners. Le Bab Middle Eastern restaurant Le Bab is offering a free kebab for January birthday celebrators when they make a reservation and dine in at the Covent Garden restaurant. Temper Temper, the steakhouse & barbeque restaurant, is offering a complimentary Momma’s Margarita. Luci Italian restaurant bakery Luci is offering a complimentary freshly brewed coffee paired with a delectable pastry. Gura Gura The Pan Asian restaurant will be offering free desserts. For more information visit https://theyardscoventgarden.co.uk/news-offers

Humble Grape is going all out with their New Year offer including three sustainable sharing plates for £30 and a wine flight – yes you read that right! They are intent on us beating away the January blues with a stunning small plates menu conjuring up a Venetian style small plates menu with wine flight to accompany the feast. Imagine you’re by the Grand Canal instead of freezing in the UK. The manager explained they work directly with suppliers to source the best wines from around the world, hence the reasonable prices, always helpful after Christmas. Humble Grape has six London branches across the city and a very successful wine subscription. We visited their Fleet Street branch and had a fantastic experience, their staff were so lovely and welcoming. There is even a beautifully stocked wine shop on site featuring grapes from every region which we spent more than we needed to perusing the shelves! We tried the Tiger Prawns with Cous Cous which were plump and juicy, we could have eaten more. Next was a generous portion of Crispy Cauliflower with Aioli which reminded us of Bang Bang Chicken – Bang Bang Cauli? The crunch was quite something. The highlights were the Braised Short Rib with Pumpkin Puree which was the best thing we’ve had since our Christmas Dinner and the Roasted Pumpkin with a delicious spiced Hummus, both filling plates considering the price, and fresh and simple flavours we enjoyed. The menu deserves a repeat visit with the Padron Peppers, Baked Camembert with bespoke herbs and the Flat Iron steak catching our eye for next time. The wine flight perfectly matched the dishes with a stunning Pinot Grigio, Gargenega, Cantina Rinca and a Valpolicella, and we loved the accompanying tasting notes. For Dry January we were also served a spritz with ginger and soda which was refreshing and not too sweet – which also went well with the food. Customers need to quote ‘Humble January” when booking to claim. You can book your table at one of their six locations. Website   www.humblegrape.co.uk Written by Claire Selby Photos courtesy of Humble Grape

Looking for ways to reset and recharge at a fraction of the price of London salons? From 18th January, the Slow Motion Sauna at King’s Cross will launch in collaboration with DJ and wellness guru, Rob da Bank and his wife Josie, as part of the area’s “Mind Your Brain” campaign. King’s Cross will house a Lithuanian wood fired sauna and an electric sauna, along with three cold plunge pools. Take an hour out of your day and treat yourself to the use of the sauna and cold plunge pool, followed by an exfoliating salt scrub and shower, leaving you relaxed and recharged for the rest of the day! The best part… It only costs £6 per person! Book online by visiting https://slowmotionsauna.as.me/kingscross and don’t forget your swimwear… Dates: 18th January – 11th February Photography by Laura Vuoma

Following the success of their immersive ‘Space’ experience last year, St Martin-In-The-Fields has announced the launch of a stunning new immersive sound and light experience. Running from 30th January – 3rd February, ‘Life’ will celebrate the beauty of the natural world around us. The spirit-lifting experience has been purposefully planned to take place during the darkest months of the year. Described as a walking journey through earth, sea and sky, Life will invite attendees to reflect upon life on today’s planet during a single 24-hour period. Artfully incorporating the iconic architecture of St Martin-in-the-Fields, it will follow a days journey, from sunrise to sunset, highlighting the beauty of planet earth; the sun, the oceans, and the clouds, in a dazzling show suitable for all ages. Lasting for 40 minutes, visitors may stay as long as they wish after Life ends. With the trail ending in the Courtyard Café & Bar, attendees can enjoy moment to reflect with friends and family before moving on with their evening. Times: Timed ticket slots available every 15 minutes from 5.30pm – 9.45pm Tickets prices are based on the time of visit, starting at just £8 with premium slots at £12. Tickets for under 16s are just £5, and children under two do not need a ticket. To book tickets visit www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/calendar/life Address: St Martin-In-The-Fields Trafalgar Sq, London, WC2N 4JJ Written by Jordan Crowley Photo by Paul Marc Mitchell

Run, don’t walk, because this screening is available for a short period only. Showing exclusively in IMAX theatres from January 18th – 31st. QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL offers the chance to experience a Queen concert in a setting that is as close to the real experience as can be imagined. An IMAX and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films, the screening is of an exhilarating live concert from 1981, a point at which the group where at the height of their fame. A window into Queen in their most unalloyed form, giving audiences a larger-than-life front-row immersive experience, expertly digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. We were invited to the exclusive press screening of the show, and we can vouch for how incredible it is, magically capturing the unparalleled musicianship and vocal talents of Freddie, Brian, Roger and John performing together at the 18,000 seat forum. I have to say I felt quite tearful throughout, to see such a truly incredible band perform in a way you arguably don’t see in modern performances, It made me understand just how prolific their influence has been on music the industry as a whole. “QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL” will be released in over 450 IMAX locations globally for four days only. Watch Rock & Roll royalty Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon take to the stage in a historic and exhilarating performance of their greatest hits including “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody To Love,” “Under Pressure,” Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Are The Champions,” and additional songs from popular album The Game including “Dragon Attack,” “Play the Game,” and more. 12-channel surround sound, crystal-clear images, and IMAX’s customised theatre geometry make for a show like no other, one not to be missed. Dates: 18th January – 31st January To book your ticket visit www.imax.com/en/gb/movie/queen-rock-montreal Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of The IMAX Experience®

Frameless – The UK’s largest immersive art experience has launched Frameless Art Talks, where visitors can hear from an esteemed art historian who will talk about the fascinating historical context and the significance of art at frameless. The first talk in the series will take place on 30th January 2024, hosted by art lecturer Fania Weatherby who will be exploring the world of Impressionism. The paintings of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot and their contemporaries have been a core influence for artists since the nineteenth century and the Impressionists have been heralded by many as the foundation of modern art. The talk will last 45 minutes, and visitors can then journey through the four permanent immersive galleries, where they will be wowed with hypnotic visuals. 42 masterpieces from iconic artists from Van Gogh to Dalí, it’s quite the experience! Can’t make the 30th Jan? Fear not, you can book in for the February and March talks: 28th Feb – Romanticism 26th March – Surrealism Price: £35.00 – which includes the talk and admission to the permanent galleries. To book your ticket visit experience to a loved one, visit www.universe.com Photo by Montana Lowery

As we step into the new year, Yaatra, the contemporary Indian restaurant, is set to elevate your well-being with a special five-course Ayurvedic dinner on Friday 26th January. Immerse yourself in the wisdom of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine system, as they present a unique dining experience that leaves your senses buzzing. Ayurveda, often hailed as “the science of life.” is a philosophy, rooted in ancient wisdom, which advocates a holistic approach to health. Yaatra’s five-course menu artfully embraces this philosophy, offering a feast that encompasses all six tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Producing this culinary voyage is Executive Chef Amit Bagyal, who spent his early years in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, North India and has a great understanding of Ayurvedic cuisine. He believes in the simplicity of food, centered around the delicate art of balancing the six tastes. Each course of the Ayurvedic dinner has been meticulously crafted to provide not only a gastronomic delight but also a complete sensory experience contributing to overall well-being. The Menu: The Ayurvedic dinner unfolds with a warm welcome featuring “The Essence of Happiness Cocktail,” blending turmeric roots, ginger, and agave sharbat, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. The journey continues with the following 5 courses: AMLA (sour taste): Ayurvedic Spiced Moong Fritter & Shiso Leaf Chaat LAVANA (salty taste): Lotus Root Kebab, Himalayan Salt & Flax Seed Dust TIKTA (bitter taste): Onion & Seed Stuffed Bitter Gourd, Roasted Pepper Sauce, Daikon Salad Cocktail REST COURSE – KATU (pungent taste): Indian Tamarind & Plum Sorbet Served with cumin white pumpkin, masala buttermilk & ragi millet roti DESSERT – MADHURA (sweet): Hibiscus & Wild Rice Khee Hibiscus-flavored rice kheer served with ashwagandha & cinnamon ice cream Indulge in this exquisite Ayurvedic Dinner experience for £65.00 per person, however with limited availability of seats, it’s recommended that you make your reservation promptly! To book, click here . Address: Yaatra, 4 Greycoat Place, Westminster, London, SW1P 1SB Website: www.yaatrarestaurant.com Written by Lorna Byrne Photo courtesy of Yaatra

Those who’ve experienced New York’s pizza scene will be pleased to hear of the opening of Alley Cats Pizza in Marylebone. This vibrant new neighbourhood joint promises to bring a taste of authentic Italian pizza, New York style! Experienced Sicilian Head Chef Francesco Macri, a maestro with over a decade of culinary expertise in enhancing typical Southern Italian ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes and creamy Buffalo Mozzarella. Drawing on cherished family recipes, he crafts perfect pizzas featuring aged Mozzarella from Molise, baked in the traditional thin and crispy style, with a tantalising array of bold and favourable toppings. From lunch to dinner, seven days a week, Londoners can savour these 14-inch delights, crafted to perfection. The menu showcases a range of options, from the classic Smoked Pepperoni with habanero and honey to the savoury Fennel Sausage with pancetta and pecorino flakes. Don’t miss the unique ‘Vodka’ pizza, where four-hour slow-cooked vodka infuses a creamy tomato sauce, creating a mouth-watering experience topped with Mozzarella. Alley Cats Pizza’s signature desserts, include a Tiramisu, infused with modern New York flair – think roasted hazelnuts, salted peanuts, and pistachio. Alternatively, satisfy your sweet tooth with Vanilla Soft Serve, adorned with toppings like Amarena cherries, toffee fudge sauce, honey, and salted peanuts. With seating capacity of 50 covers, the venue pays homage to the city’s essence, offering central tables and up-cycled church pew-style seating. Exposed concrete walls, gingham tablecloths, and a glazed tile framing the pizza oven and the bar sets the stage for an authentic dining experience. Whether you’re craving a quick slice or planning a leisurely pizza night, Alley Cats is your ticket to a slice of the Big Apple in the heart of London. Come for the pizza, have a few cocktails, wine or beer, and revel in the ambience of Italian tradition and New York flair! Address: 22 Paddington St, London W1U 5QY Website: www.alleycatspizza.co.uk Written by Lorna Byrne Photography courtesy of Alley Cats

Our recent lunch excursion to Ping Pong Soho, centered around the much-talked-about Bento Box offering, exceeded all expectations. Despite the time constraints of city working life, the efficient service and prompt arrival of our dishes ensured a delightful experience without feeling rushed. Upon entering the restaurant, we were ushered to a semi-circle high table with a captivating view of the bustling surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows adorned with vibrant Chinese upside-down umbrellas. Being midday, the restaurant was expectedly quiet, however, this did not last long, and diners started to quickly fill the restaurant throughout the lunch period. The Bento Box menu, briefly explained to us by our waiter featured a well-thought-out selection process using cards and pencils. The menu structure, starting with fixed servings followed by dumplings and mains, provided a streamlined ordering experience. The addition of barcodes on the cards for allergen and nutritional information was a thoughtful touch. Our Fixed Servings included steamed jasmine rice, edamame with celery salt, and vegetable spring rolls accompanied by an array of flavourful dips. The seafood dumplings, served piping hot in a bamboo pot, were a delightful choice among the enticing options of chicken gyoza and spinach & mushroom dumplings. For our mains, the soy-marinated chicken skewer won over the chicken katsu by a slight margin. The flavours of each dish were exceptional, with a few drops of Ping Pong’s homemade soy sauce, even elevated the jasmine rice to a tasty treat. The act of extracting the edamame beans from skins added a satisfying touch to the overall experience. As someone accustomed to the routine of grabbing a standard ciabatta sandwich meal for lunch, Ping Pong’s Bento Box emerged as a revelation—a quick, incredibly tasty, and reasonably priced alternative. The experience has firmly placed this restaurant on my radar for future lunchtime escapades. I eagerly anticipate returning to explore more of Ping Pong’s offerings, confident that the quality and efficiency of their service will continue to impress. Lunch Bento Box priced at £11.95, available Mon- Fri 12-5pm. Locations: Soho, Southbank, St Christophers Place, St Katherines Docks and St Pauls. For more information visit www.pingpongdimsum.com/lunch-bento-box Written by Lorna Byrne Photo courtesy of Ping Pong

Join sustainable female-owned fitness brand RAIA (Rise Above It ALL) for a revitalising journey at a Yoga & Sound Bath Workshop on Saturday, February 3rd, hosted at Omnon Studio Islington. Guided by the incredible Jenny Haynes, Lead Mind and Body Trainer at Third Space. This two-hour session commences with invigorating yoga and seamlessly transitions into a serene sound bath. In collaboration with Yatlina, we enhance your sensory experience through aromatherapy oil patches, creating an immersive atmosphere. Choose from a variety of blends tailored to your motivations, elevating your yoga and sound bath experience with a personalised touch using Yatlina aroma patches. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect and explore RAIA alongside other female-owned brands, including Prodigy Snacks, Yatlina, Beauty Kitchen, Ethosa, Pep & Lekker, and Knowyourflow. Each ticket ensures a RAIA canvas goody bag filled with exclusive products and discounts. On the day you will immerse yourself in the fusion of yoga and sound healing, experiencing restorative energies that harmonise and balance your mind, body, and soul. The workshop kicks off with an hour of yoga, where each stretch releases tension from ligaments, fascia, and joints, promoting the free flow of life-giving energy to rebalance the nervous system and calm the busy mind. The second hour is dedicated to relaxation, embracing the enchanting sounds of Crystal Bowls, Live Vocals, Tibetan Bowls, and the mysterious, gentle tones of our wind gong. These sound vibrations work on chakra points in the body, intending to restore a sense of harmony, vitality, and balance within you. Your sound experience will be unique, with some finding it energising, while others feel relaxed. Sound may gift you clarity of thought or creative vision! Tickets start at £32.67 and include a 2 hour workshop plus a goody bag for each attendee. Yoga mats will be provided. To book your ticket, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk Written by Claire Selby

The stresses of day-to-day life can be overwhelming and we are all in need of ways to help us cope better with stress and anxiety, and lets be honest that in itself can be tough. Take some time out to focus on your mind and body with a transformational breathwork workshop on 28th January in Angel. Transformational breathwork is a self-empowering and self-healing technique, which can help you to cope with daily stresses and anxiety and integrate suppressed and repressed emotions & traumas. Led by Pei Chan, founder of The Breath Movement. Pei is extremely passionate about getting everyone to be more conscious of their breath patterns and to breathe better. All proceeds for all events under this movement will be donated. To book your ticket visit www.inmi.space/events Address: Breathe Studio 313-314 Upper Street London, N1 2XQ Photo courtesy of The Breath Movement

Thinking of ways to entertain the kids during the half-term holidays? We have rounded up some of the best places to visit in London to keep the whole family happy and entertained. Balloon Museum The Balloon Museum has been the talk of the town, with photos of giant balloons plastered all over social media! Nineteen artists have created an installation in their own room, Each installation has a unique style and each one portrays a different emotion through the medium of balloons, think joy, happiness, fear and anger… There’s even a gigantic ball pit, for both kids and adults to get involved in… But it’s no ordinary ball pit, don’t worry we won’t spoil the surprise… The Balloon Museum is a pop-up and only in London until 18th Feb, so we advise you book your tickets now, to avoid any disappointment. The Balloon Museum runs at Old Billingsgate until 18th February 2024 Tickets from £32 | Children under 15 from £18 | Children Under 4* – free. To purchase a ticket visit www.balloonmuseum.world/lp-london Photo by Matt Chung Discover Children’s Story Centre Discover Children’s Story Centre is a magical place for children aged 0 to 11, where curiosity, imagination and play is high on the agenda! Children can follow a story trail in the indoor exhibitions or embark on an adventure in the story garden. There are different exhibits throughout the year, so you’ll want to come back time and time again. Address: 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London, E15 4QZ To book your tickets visit https://discover.org.uk Photo by Sorcha Bridge Frameless At Frameless, art comes to life as a dramatic sensory experience, taking you through rooms of revolving and evolving art as it springs to life around you, displaying the work of world-renowned artists including Monet, Dali and Klimt. Kids will be wowed by the moving art, and the sound and light in each room is so unique and spectacular, it will certainly keep the kids engaged and entertained. Address: 6 Marble Arch, London, W1H 7AP To book your tickets visit https://frameless.com Photo by Montana Lowery Twist Museum Enter Twist Museum and you will be taken on a mind-bending journey where your perceptions are tested as you walk through the museum participating in all the tasks. Kids can step into mind-altering immersive rooms and can get up close and personal with unexpected interactive illusions. It’s great fun for all the family. Address: 248 Oxford St, London, W1C 1DH To book your tickets visit https://twistmuseum.com Photo by Nyla Sammons Virtual reality arcade DNA VR Families and kids will be entertained with over 50 thrilling virtual reality games offered at virtual reality arcade DNA VR. Games include Angry Birds VR and Skiing VR, with games suitable from ages 7+. Children can get their creative juices flowing with ABC Paint, or playfully experience the fantasy adventure Plush Rush where toys come to life. There is hours of entertainment and lots of fun to be had at DNA VR. To book tickets visit www.dnavr.co.uk Photo courtesy of DNA VR