We've been out and about exploring London again in recent weeks. Discover the team's highlights from January and plan your own London adventures this month with our guide to what's on in February.
Georgie: Learning the Devil is in the detail
The Devil Wears Prada has been firmly on my West End hit list since rumours started to whirl that it would be making its London debut in December. This month, I finally secured a seat, and it’s safe to say the show did not disappoint...
Guests enter beneath an illuminated red stiletto before seeing a dazzling collection of dresses. Director Jerry Mitchell has honoured the original script of the iconic 2006 film with some of its famous lines. I also loved the bold, feel-good soundtrack courtesy of Elton John, and Vanessa Williams’ performance as Miranda Priestly.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat before the show, try newly opened Berberè Pizzeria (2 St Giles Square). Here, you’ll find artisan pizzas made with 24-hour proofed sourdough. Be sure to order a couple of dips such as the spicy ‘nduja and honey for crust dipping and mopping up leftovers.
Book tickets for The Devil Wears Prada.
Sigrun: Embracing Veganuary at Mallow
What could be better than spending a Saturday lunchtime during Veganuary in a vegan restaurant? I went to Mallow (1 Cathedral Street) near Southwark Cathedral, which is a sister restaurant of the vegan chain Mildreds. I love their Indian-inspired dishes and had a delicious Thali brunch meal – their menu has something for everyone and their starters and deserts are great too. We then strolled through Borough Market, which was filled with the typical buzz of people exploring its many stalls on a Saturday afternoon.
Uncover more vegan restaurants, or book a Borough Market food tour.
Hannah: Enjoying cats and katsu in Shoreditch
I celebrated my birthday in London with my sister, exploring Shoreditch for the day. We started the day off at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium. This cat cafe is a small, family-run business focused on fostering and rehoming rescue cats, with more than 20 adoptable cats and kittens. We spent the hour drinking cat-puccinos and making a fuss over the cats and kittens with various enrichment toys.
Afterwards, we had a stroll around the unique shops at The Tea Rooms (146 Brick Lane), and then had lunch at Boxpark Shoreditch (special shout out to Rainbo’s £12.50 katsu curry, gyoza and drink lunch deal). We finished the day playing various arcade games at retro gaming bar NQ64 (256, 260 Old Street).
Charlotte: Waxing lyrical about candle making
As part of a goal to fit more wholesome activities into January weekends, I joined the Candle Making Workshop at Art Play (16 Horner Square) in Old Spitalfields Market and created DIY candles from scratch. Being a first-time candle maker, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed the calming process of selecting scents, mixing the wax and decorating our creations – I was quite impressed with how they turned out!
After the workshop, I took a wander around vibrant Old Spitalfields Market, browsing the independent boutiques, picking up a sweet treat and even taking a photobooth strip at one of the market’s retro photobooths.
Find more masterclasses in London.
Carole: Reminiscing with Monster Trucks
Never in a million years did I think I'd see the original Monster Trucks putting on a show of total destruction – engines roaring, flames blazing – at London’s most famous gig venue. But here we were, and I couldn't have been more hyped! Back in my teens, this was my ultimate obsession – rushing back home from school and spending hours playing Monster Trucks on the online game platform Miniclip (yes, that might be showing my age – RIP Miniclip, deep sigh). So, the idea of witnessing these mechanical beasts live, right in the heart of London? Unreal.
As we got to our seats, I couldn’t believe the sheer size of these trucks. Their wheels were at least twice my height – how on earth do the drivers even get in?! The second those engines started roaring, the excitement in the arena shot up a notch. Fan favourites like Mega Wrex™ and Bone Shaker™ stormed onto the track ready to take on fiery stunts – from jumping over lines of cars to pulling off insane doughnuts – while the new Skelesaurus™ unleashed his fossil fury!
Discover more upcoming events in London.
Kirstine: Seeing life in miniature at Dulwich Picture Gallery
After dipping in and out of the local cafes and delis in Dulwich, enjoying more cheese samples than I’d care to admit, I spent a few hours exploring the magnificent Dulwich Picture Gallery with its masterpieces by renowned artists like Rubens, Gainsborough and Rembrandt.
The highlight, however, was the special exhibition dedicated to British artist and designer, Tirzah Garwood (on until 26 May). Her wood engravings were unlike anything I’d encountered before, displayed alongside witty sketches and playful drawings. But it was her intricate collages that truly captivated me. Peering into the chunky wooden frames, I was enchanted by the miniature homes, shops and streets they contained. I particularly loved an image of an old bakery whose windows were lined with tiny loaves of bread, and a bunting-lined shopfront with a cute ice cream cart out the front.
Seek out more London art galleries.
Chantal: Feasting on treats from Asia to the Alps
Blue skies and red lanterns led me to the vibrant streets of Chinatown in London’s West End, as I experienced the lively atmosphere in the lead-up to Chinese New Year. I made a beeline for Chinatown Bakery – perfect if you’re craving freshly baked sweet and savoury buns, cakes, and puffy sweet bread. I couldn’t wait to try the mini cream taiyaki, a delightful fish-shaped custard-filled waffle, ready-made at the counter and served hot. I ordered four little fish – very reasonably priced at £2.50 in total – and they were delicious!
Continuing my culinary journey, I schussed into Albert’s Schloss Soho (20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue), a cosy Bavarian-themed Alpine restaurant and beer hall. I couldn’t resist the hearty options on offer and chose the Schweinshaxe, a mouth-watering crispy roasted pork knuckle, and the flavoursome Humble Kroissant Pie. Next time, I’ll book to dine in the ski lift!
Plan your own London West End itinerary
Learn more about our team and stay tuned for our highlights from February this time next month.