by Despite the arrival of Christmas and the very real prospect of seasonally overpriced eggnog, champagne, dry turkey and tat, everything doesn’t have to revolve around Christmas right now (although there are plenty of fun to find). Why focus on one day at the end of the year when there is so much joy to be found elsewhere beforehand?
There are restaurants, wine bars, pop-ups and the best culture to explore, away from shopping. However, it’s hard to get away from it at the moment so there’s a little festive fun to be had. But whether you’re after a weekend of watching the lights go on or ignoring it entirely, here’s what to do.
The hot table: Sune
Opening this weekend is Sune, from hospitality power couple Honey Spencer and Charlie Sims. The full menu has been confirmed and is a hit, with ricotta gnudi, octopus and ‘nduja alongside eggs, chips and anchovies added to the line-up. With Sims running the room, Spencer pouring the glasses and chef Micheal Robbins on the hobs, Sune is sure to be a hit. Book now, before it’s booked out.
From 29 November, 129A Pritchard Road, E2 9AP, a restaurant Sune
Old favorite: Tendril
The food at Tendril is almost entirely plant-based – except for the Brie, because vegan cheese just doesn’t cut it. It’s full of flavor, juicy stuff with dishes like the crispy potato with remoulade and the spicy chipotle mushroom with a couple of must-orders. Tendril should provide a much-needed haven for anyone avoiding the busy shopping crowds this weekend.
5 Princes Street, W1B 2LQ, tendrilkitchen.co.uk
The drinking den: The Devonshire
The Devonshire has become London’s favorite pub. With Oisin Rogers and Charlie Carroll at the helm, this looked inevitable and thanks to Ashley Palmer-Watts (of Heston’s Fat Duck and Dinner), the upstairs restaurant is also booked. But go to the boozer, hunker down in a leather-bound corner and find a comfortable way. The Guinness is some of the best in London. Health.
17 Denman Street, W1D 7HW, devonshiresoho.co.uk
The art fix: Nick Cave at Holtermann Fine Arts
Shown at the Holtermann is the first London solo exhibition by artist Nick Cave (no, not that). Here, the American artist shows a small selection of new sculptures including the powerful Chain Reaction, a four meter high work of interconnected limbs, which shows the solidarity, anxiety and struggle experienced by black Americans after the killing of George Floyd.
Until 20 December, 30 Cork Street, W1S 3NG, holtermannfineart.com
The gig: Sleaford Mods
Post-punk revivalists Sleaford Mods bring their distinctive sound to Ally Pally this weekend. With lyrics often related to the severity and state of British politics, they are almost an anti-music group, with a familiar (see West End Girls) but abrasive (see UK GRIM) identity. The Hot Chip DJ set and a stand by comedian Stewart Lee will open this weekend’s show.
2 December, Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY, alexandrapalaceevents.seetickets.com
Next gig: Unsigned Show
It’s the last chance to get tickets for this promising up-and-coming show – meaning it could be your chance to catch a star before they hit the big time. The Amex Gold Unsigned Showcase is a night of six unsigned artists — Kianja, Harleighblu, Riya Gadher, Simon A, Abz Winter and BABY — all performing at the Dome, the Tufnell Park venue that helped break Blur, The White Stripes, and Florence and The Machine. Mike Skinner from the Streets, who will be DJing, will also be in attendance. Tickets are £10.
30 November, The Dome, NW5 1HL, seetickets.com
The ticket to book now (for later): Ben Lippett wine and snacks
Ben Lippett has been gracing our feeds for years and has recently been rounding up some of London’s most popular supper clubs. On December 8 and 9, Lippett returns to Mother Superior in Nunhead for two nights of delicious food with the latest of his Wine Snacks dinners. Expect dishes such as pork and smoked eel terrine and Jerusalem artichokes with bitter leaves and lemon. This one is likely to sell out, so grab a ticket while you still can.
8 & 9 December, 26 Nunhead Green, SE15 3QF, mothersuperior.co.uk
The Festival ticket to book now (for later): Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas
The eighth annual edition of Guy Barker’s Christmas Big Band returns to the Royal Albert Hall this December with special guests Clare Teal, Vanessa Haynes, Joe Stilgoe and Giacomo Smith. Expect big band jazz standards along with Christmas favorites designed to get even the Grinchiest Scrooge in the Christmas spirit.
20 December, Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, SW7 2AP, royalalberthall.com
Christmas Social: Jack & Boule, South Bank
Gathering the group and beating the cold seems like a sensible way to spend some time this weekend and boules is as good a reason as any to do so. Winter warming cocktails and street food from the likes of Jimmy’s Burger and Rico Burrito are a must. They are also giving free boules sessions to the first 100 people to book. Come on!
Use the code FREECOURT to get a free session, until January, 101 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP, jackandboule.com
