November 1st marks the start of silly season and we're more than here for it. If your diaries are looking a little dull for the most wonderful time of the year, sit back and take note of our November roundup to letting lose and having fun across London. There's wholesome Christmas afternoon teas where you can decorate biscuits as you sip bubbles, après ski parties by the water, hot new restaurant openings and most importantly, the return of the festive igloo.
Colonel Saab: Stuff Your Face At London’s Newest Indian Restaurant
Opens: 23rd November
After a successful two years in Holborn, Colonel Saab is opening its second restaurant with the same mission of plating up nostalgic Indian dishes with a British twist. You’ll find this new London restaurant on William IV Street in Trafalgar Square, kitted out with a bar, lounge, mezzanine, a dining area alongside two private dining rooms that are perfect for a private soirée. Highlights from the menu have to be Colonel Saab’s butter chicken and their quirky afternoon tea that comes equipped with samosas, dholka sandwiches and Champagne. They're also rumored to be running a 25% discount on your food bill during the first week of opening.
Indian dishes, gorgeous interiors and snazzy cocktails are the name of the game at Colonel Saab.
Botanica Hall: Book This New Clapham Restaurant With A Vodka Distillery
Opens: 22nd November
Fancy hanging out in a 200-year-old department store in Clapham? No? Fair enough. But what if we told you it’ll have £32 bottomless brunch on weekends and a vodka distillery? The team behind Seratta Hall, Canova Hall and Martello Hall are opening Botanica Hall this November and it’s the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and venture out. The menu is set to dazzle with burrata tagotellie, pistachio pesto-topped pizza and bags of warm Nutella doughnuts for dessert.
If you're a fan of vodka and good food, jot down a visit to Botanica Hall.
Neverland: Party At London’s Coolest Après Ski Pop-Up
Opens: 11th November
London’s winter pop-up by the water is back open for business this November and it’s gone AWOL for the festive season, Grab a £5 ticket and get ready for an immersive alpine makeover boasting plenty of twinkling Christmas trees. An evening at Neverland will keep you busy with curling, trips to the gin bar, feasting on gooey fondue in cosy igloos and general let-your-hair-down-debauchery, all in the name of Christmas. If you’re planning a group night out, keep an eye out for their après ski parties and bottomless brunches.
Festive cheer is never too far away at this winter pop-up.
Skylight: Skate Across Europe’s Only Real Rooftop Ice Rink
Opens: 10th November
Sliding along the ice with ease or plummeting to the ground with grace, ice skating is a right of passage come winter. There are lots of places to lace up your skates this year but Skylight will see you propelling yourself on ice to a backdrop of London’s bright city lights. It’s Europe’s only real rooftop ice rink too and the best bit? When you’re all skated out you can grab a drink and continue marveling at the city’s famous landmarks with a mulled wine in hand.
Lace up and brave the cold for an evening of ice skating underneath the stars.
Biscuiteers: Soak Up Festive Vibes At This Biscuit-Obsessed Afternoon Tea
Opens: 1st November
There are only seven weekends until Christmas which means the window for checking out London’s festive afternoon tea scene is small, so you really need to know what you’re doing (and where you’re going). Que Biscuiteers. This chocolate-box-cute cafe and restaurant in Notting Hill is adding all the jingle bells and whistles this November with the launch of their afternoon tea where you can ice your own biscuits while scoffing down delicious winter finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones. If you want to start silly season with something a little more wholesome, this is the ticket.
Revel in biscuit bliss at this adorable Christmas afternoon tea.
Churchill Arms: Grab A Pint & Watch 'Em Turn On Their Christmas Lights
Opens: 16th November
Sitting in a pub with your bobble hat and your puffiest jacket is synonymous with Christmas in London. Gather your mates this November and make your way down to The Churchill Arms, (AKA the capital’s most Christmassy pub). They’re going to be switching on their infamous Christmas lights on 16th November where you can see over 80 Christmas trees lit up and twinkling with over 22,000 lights on display. When you’re done snapping the switch on, head inside for pints of the good stuff and some banging Thai food for as little as £12 a pop.
Christmas isn't Christmas until The Churchill Arms turns on its lights.
Fire & Fromage: Scoff Unlimited Cheesy Raclette By South Bank
Opens: 3rd November
If you don’t know who Jimmy is, you’re doing London all wrong. He’s known as the king of pop-ups and he’s back again, taking up a winter residency along the South Bank. Fire & Fromage has stunning views of the Thames that you can soak up your very own snow globes (these sell out rapidly so book now or forever hold your peace) or the waterside raclette bar. This is where you can get unlimited raclette and sides for 90 minutes alongside a glass of mulled wine when you arrive, and all for just £35 per person.
Obsess over all things raclette at this Instagrammable pop-up by the Thames.
Elf The Musical: Watch Your Favourite Christmas Film On The Big Stage
Opens: 15th November
Even if the theatre isn’t necessarily your thing, a trip to The Dominion Theatre is sure to give you a healthy dose of Christmas cheer. Join Buddy the Elf on the big stage as he makes for New York City where he finds his birth father after spending his entire life in the North Pole. We’re not going to give away any spoilers (nice list behavior right there) but trust us when we say this is a great alternative to staying at home on the couch. Push the sleigh out even further and make a day of it with a reservation for some pre-theatre dinner.
Ditch the couch for watching Elf in real life this November.
Sky Garden: Visit London’s Highest Gardens For Christmas Champagne
Opens: 20th November
London’s highest and most well-known garden is revealing its Moët Christmas makeover on 20th November and tickets are already selling like hot cakes (or should we say puddings). All tickets to Sky Garden come with a glass of Champagne and guarantee you two hours of roaming around the various levels and out onto the terrace where you can eye-spy London’s famous landmarks and the ever-twinkling city skyline. There’s no place quite like it so make sure you bookmark for some silly season fun.
When it comes to showing off views of London, Sky Garden takes first place.
Broadwick Soho: Check Out Soho’s Newest Hotel Opening
Opens: 15th November
Broadwick Soho - one of London’s most anticipated hotel openings of 2023 - has announced its three onsite venues and we’re giddy with excitement. This luxury hotel in the heart of town will have 57 rooms with courtyard and city views but its the drinking and dining that’s really piqued our interest. The signature restaurant, Dear Jackie, will be dishing out Italian dishes in opulent settings while Bar Jackie - that has its own terrace - shakes and stirs up negronis on street level. Last but not least, Flute is where you’ll be able to find rooftop dining amongst Soho’s energetic skyline.
Check out Soho's newest luxury hotel that's hot on everyone's lips.
Seabird: Visit London's Prettiest Rooftop For A Retro Christmas Experience
Opens: 9th November
London's got more rooftops than you could shake a Christmas cracker at but Seabird is an experience in itself. It has NYC vibes, the largest oyster list in the city and vast views of the capital and its high-rise buildings. This Christmas they're going one step further and transforming into Snowbird where snowy retro interiors inspired by the 70s reign supreme. The menu's getting a revamp too with mini espresso martini shots served in gigantic shells, snowball cocktails and hot seafood platters.
Check out one of London's coolest rooftops for wintry cocktails and dazzling views.
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