The classic still wears the crown – especially when it comes to London’s effervescent West End. Find your seasonal sparkle with a gallivant round some of our favourite wintry spots

Lead image: Tom Morgan

Revitalise

An oasis amongst the thrum of Oxford Street shoppers, Aqua Kyoto still holds its own as a luxe pitstop for cocktails, sushi brunches, and the pick of Japanese cuisine. The freshly prepared sashimi gets the chef’s kiss, but don’t miss out on other treats, like the black cod gyoza and seared scallops with an umeboshi beurre noisette.

The Hong Kong-founded venue has been transformed into a winter wonderland until 4th January, a collaboration with Grey Goose that draws inspiration from the snowdusted temples and frozen gardens of Kyoto. If you love a martini, you’re in luck – there’s a limited-edition menu of Grey Goose cocktails with a twist.

Relax

We’re always happy to embrace a brand that encourages luxury moments through self-care – and small daily rituals, as the name suggests. A Dutch company influenced by Asian tradition, Rituals’ Sakura collection – celebrating the beauty of cherry blossom season – is a fragrant top seller. The beautifully designed and limited-edition Intuitia collection combines saffron, sandalwood and vanilla. They’ve also just opened their first Mind Oasis spa in the UK, with hydro massage treatments on a heated waterbed, and a ‘brain massage’ for immediate stress-relief.

Shop

This emporium needs no introduction, but it really is a central, one-stop retail experience that always feels like a festive adventure. An indecisive Christmas shopper? Just get yourself to Selfridges’ Christmas shop, and you’ll be golden. You also can’t really go wrong with a Beauty Hall offering over 30 brands and a multitude of gift sets. The 2025 Christmas windows feature scenes from classic Disney films, with a light show on the facade every 15 minutes between 5 – 9pm, until 2nd January.

Dine

Once the residence of Oscar Wilde, The Biltmore Mayfair is an indulgent choice for an evening out: an opulent doorway into the happenings of London’s most illustrious neighbourhood, overlooking Grosvenor Square.

The service at Grill 88 – the hotel’s premium steakhouse – is impeccable, with art deco-inspired decor and a very eye-catching wine list. The focus is on the best produce and provenance. The majority of the dishes are cooked over charcoal, with a new menu featuring highlights such as tiger prawn with mandarin bisque, a mullard duck mousse, and numerous Wagyu steak options. If you’re planning on spending the big day in the capital, the hotel’s all-day buffet will feature fresh shellfish, charcuterie and canapés, a roast station, dim sum, and free-flowing champagne.

Stay

If you’re looking for a hotel close to the heart of the action – but also tucked away peacefully – AMANO Covent Garden is a stylish and very convenient choice. You’re but a short stroll from home when your legs are weary from shopping, and once you’ve put your feet up for a bit, you can head back out into the hubbub of theatreland, or head upstairs to Penelope’s. Definitely vibrant and always delicious, the menu is a fusion of Spanish and Middle Eastern flavours, with DJs in house at the weekends. Head up to the rooftop for a good gaze over London’s skyline – the perfect sundowner spot with a cocktail.

Watch

Photography by ASH

The London Coliseum is one of the city’s mostly ornately grand theatre experiences, with the annual Nutcracker performance – presented by the English National Ballet every year since 1950 – a must-see. It’s a timeless and long-held Christmas tradition for many – much like a Fortnum & Mason Food Hall visit or ice skating at Somerset House. 

One of Tchaikovsky’s greatest works with a simple and enchanting storyline – including the instantly recognisable, beloved Sugar Plum Fairy – the set design and costumes alone are outstanding. You’d challenge anyone not to imagine themselves as a ballerina after the graceful ‘Waltz of the Snowflakes’ scene. At around two hours running time, it’s pure escapism, and always a delight to see complete professionalism from the cast – some as young as eight, and very gracious when receiving their well-deserved standing ovations. Until 11th January

Extra time

Shepherd Market

Once a hub for aristocrats, bohemian artists and the less salubrious, this historic area has a gorgeous mix of independent restaurants, shops and galleries.

Maison Assouline

Inside this Paris-founded bookstore, housed within a former bank, you’ll find Swans Bar – a hideaway for coffee or cocktails with the most elegant ambience.

Burlington Arcade

Classed as Britain’s first real department store, this Regency arcade of luxury boutiques is currently festooned with decorations themed around ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas.’

Esmeralda’s

A little slice of New York’s golden age on Hanover Square, this new opening at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is set to be the late-night, live music haunt of the season.