



The English capital is more than a capable host for those who want to immerse themselves in the seasonal whirlwind. Yuletide proceedings launched by switching the most specially designed lights in Oxford Circus last month will have groups of carol singers filling the air by Thames Embankment. Fight the biting cold with arms flailing the magical ice rink at arts and culture hub Somerset House (somersethouse.org.uk). Overlooking the rink, you’ll also find a new luxury pop-up mall, featuring British boutique brands and feeding your ravenous end-of-year shopping appetite. Fight the biting cold with arms flailing the magical ice rink at arts and culture hub Somerset House (somersethouse.org.uk). Overlooking the rink, you’ll also find a new luxury pop-up mall, featuring British boutique brands and feeding your ravenous end-of-year shopping appetite. We made our Christmas reservation in good time so eating out wasn’t really a hassle. Bistrotheque End, is a jovially glamorous spot: there’s also The Albemarle at Brown’s, London’s oldest hotel (Brownshotel.com), and The Zetter (thezettertownhouse.com) if you don’t want to go too traditional. Homesick travellers should park themselves at Indian reservation The Cinnamon Club (cinnamonclub.com) , manned by celebrity chef Vivek Singh. Fragrant face oils by Aesop and books from Peresphone Books (peresphonebooks.com). Antique jewels are found to be at the family ruin J Mc Cathy and a huge Christmas collection from Fortnum and mason (fornumandmason.com) is always a safe bet-filled with delights like lemon biscuits and strawberry conserve, each basket is sweet perfection.

















