6 Exciting Things To Eat & Do In December

It is officially Michael Bublé’s favourite time of year. Yes, the festive season is upon us. Which means an uptick in cinnamon-dusted foods, outfits that involve way too much velvet, and blocking your aunt who said you’re too old to get a stocking. But the last month of the year shouldn’t be spent hibernating, it should be spent doing these exciting things. From a Hanukkah celebration with free doughnuts, to a fondue-heavy dinner in Stratford, here are six things worth putting your puffer jacket on for.

Celebrate The First Night Of Hanukkah

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Join the celebrations at Islington Green where you’ll find latkes, music, and the lighting of the menorah. It’s a free event and yes, that includes the doughnuts and hot chocolate. If you’re not full from the snacks, head to one of the excellent places in our guide to The Best Restaurants In Islington.

Partake in Our Favourite Festive Ritual, Eating Sandwiches

Every year we make it our mission to eat any and all Christmas sandwiches we happen upon. So you’ll be glad to know that one of our favourite sandwich spots, Secret Sandwich Shop, has a Christmas special that’s filled with generous layers of sage and onion stuffing and crunchy bacon crumb, plus turkey, red cabbage, cranberry sauce, crispy shallots, and kewpie mayo. 

“Skate” At Somerset House Before Eating Some Top-Tier Sushi 

photo credit: Owen Harvey

You’re never going to be good at ice skating. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can focus on what you’re going to eat after you spend 45 minutes gripping on to the edge of the rink pretending to have fun. So after a stressful sesh at Somerset House, book a table at zen spot, Hannah Japanese Restaurant, for some excellent sushi and much-needed peace and quiet. 

Book A Serious Christmas Feast At St. John

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

Tis the season of overstuffing yourself in the name of celebrating Christmas with everyone you know. And what better place to do that than at St. John. The British restaurant is sacred ground for performative and genuine offal enthusiasts all over, and if you’re after a serious festive feast, you should know that their Smithfield location’s menu around this time of year is ‘structured around one central beast or fish’. The beasts (or as we call them, meats) include game, beef, and goose or, if you’re feeling all Lord of the Flies, there’s a whole suckling pig.

Get Cosy With Fondue At An Alpine-inspired Bar In Stratford 

Haugen, a huge multi-storey restaurant, bar, and rooftop in Stratford, is very committed to the Alpine theme, with shag rug blankets on the chairs and a spectacularly gooey cheese spätzle on the menu. The XXL hot dogs are a real feat of frankfurter engineering and perfect if you happen to be hungover after one too many beers ‘on the slopes’ (read: a terrible bar in Shoreditch). They also host fondue nights every Monday to Wednesday, for £20 a head.

Start The New Year At One Of Our Favourite Wine Bars

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Carousel, a Fitzrovia wine bar with guest chef experiences and excellent small plates, is hosting a fabulous New Year’s Eve experience. You can book tickets for a five-course set menu and DJ entertainment for lunch, with either chef Emme Prieto or Rosio Sanchez for £145 per head. Or opt for the £195, seven-course dinner and after party. P.S. you can also just come for the after party at 10.30pm for £35. Book your tickets here.