It's unlikely we need to remind you of just how awkward it is watching someone open an ill-thought-out gift. "Oh, a 'personalised mop with phone holder'? How did you, err, how did you know?'" We've all been there. But you can ensure that this year is different - forget slogan socks and inspirational-quote-laden-tat, we've got a sleigh-load of awesome London experiences, just perfect for a Christmas gift with a difference. From brewery tours to gourmet dining experiences and titillating burlesque shows; check out our selection of Christmas gift ideas for 2019 right here.
(Click through on each gift for full terms and availability options).
Last updated on 21st April 2020
The ultimate experience for any avid foodie, The Gastrophysic's Chef Table is a night of flavour exploration. Guests will be treated to 10 courses of immersive multi-sensory dishes, bought to life with lighting displays, surprising textures, audio aids and table-top projections. Expect to see your nearest and dearest clamouring around the Christmas tree for a plus one.
In recent years the nation has been gripped by soggy bottoms, fateful handshakes and a certain blue-eyed boy. Now you can gift the chance to step into the shoes of all those bakers before and have your loved one take their turn in the tent. They will have to whisk, roll and bake their way to be crowned winner, and you may even get to try their masterpiece - win win!
Previous winners of DesignMyNight's Best Bar award, it's fair to say the team at Callooh Callay know a thing or two about cocktails. This low-lit Shoreditch drinking den is known for it's late-night vibes and unique concoctions - the perfect gift for your significant other, especially if they're in the mood for sharing.
@ Meet inside the Marquis of Wellington Pub, 21 Druid St, Bermondsey, London SE1 2HH on Every Saturday
For an experience perfectly suited to those who love all things beer, check out Bermondsey Microbrewery's Craft Beer Tasting Tour which offers the opportunity to peak behind the curtains of the process that goes into making their renowned drinks. Visit four different breweries, gaining a complimentary drink in each, and even getting one to take home at the end.
Let Eleven98 do the legwork this Christmas, and give your loved one a voucher to one of their famed social dining supper clubs. Taking place in gorgeous venues across the city, Eleven98's ethos is all about creating great quality dishes using the finest Hackney-sourced produce, better still, its BYOB.
@ The Candlelight Club on Saturday 18th July 2020
Put a little razzle dazzle into gift giving this year by getting the one you love a gift voucher to one of London's most sought after 1920s experience. From live music to candlelit drinks, they'll have a vintage skip in their step for the rest of the season.
Kansas Smitty's is one of the UK's best-known late-night jazz clubs, attracting some of the world's most talented musicians. With live music six nights a week, this voucher entitles its recipient to two-weekend seats at this intimate venue, as well as four classic cocktails. In other words, you've nailed their next date-night - well done you.
Give you're loved one a pizza your heart this Christmas, with a Radio Alice gift voucher. Known for their mouth-watering stonebaked sourdough, this pizzeria serves up some of the finest Italian fare in London, and handily, this voucher can be used in any one of their London locations.
Whether it's your work secret santa, your grunting brother or an awkward uncle, men can be notoriously tricky to buy for. Take the hard work out of the challenge and stock up on Flight Club vouchers instead. With locations in Bloomsbury, Victoria and Shoreditch, this dart-themed bar offers tonnes of games, a huge cocktail selection and a delicious brunch menu - in other words, it's a certified crowd-pleaser.
