In need of a mood-booster? Or perhaps some delicious cocktails? Whether you want a quiet way to relax this weekend or a fun activity with friends, we've got it covered. Read on to see our top picks of things to do in London this weekend...
Lift your mood at the Magnum Ruby Room
Everyone needs a pick-me-up at the beginning of the week, especially in January. Beat the Monday blues with a trip to The Magnum Ruby Room, which uses colour psychology and multi-sensory techniques to rejuvenate your mood. As well as listening to a custom soundtrack, the mirrored walls, infinity mirror and pink lights provide the perfect spot for an Instagram snap. Plus, you get to taste delicious Magnum Ruby ice cream, with velvety white chocolate ice cream and a raspberry swirl. Yum!
WHEN: 20 - 21 January
WHERE: Observation Point, Southbank, London
For more information visit magnumicecream.com
Master cocktail-making
Who says cocktails are a summer drink? Learn how to create Punch Room’s delicious cocktails with new masterclasses this winter. Tucked away from the Soho crowds, the bar is a modern take on London’s 19th-century private clubs and boasts 30 speciality punches – including the signature gin-infused EDITION house punch. During the two-hour sitting, taste and learn about the history of five different drinks before getting the chance to putting your knowledge to the test and trying your hand at making your own bespoke punch. Tickets cost £40 and there 20 seats available per class.
WHEN: Saturday 18 January
WHERE: Punch Room, 10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP
For more information visit designmynight.com
See the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race
If you're a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race then this event is sure to excite you. Head to RuPaul's Drag to get the chance to see the stars from the famous TV show at Olympia London. No, we're not joking! Baga Chipz, Divina de Campo and Crystal are scheduled to make an appearance (as well as RuPaul, of course) and it's going to be fabulous! Plus, there will be informative panels on drag tips, art, culture, and political resistance. Tickets cost £40 but they're selling out fast.
WHEN: Sunday 19 January
WHERE: Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, Hammersmith, London W14 8UX
For more information visit olympia.london
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Try pastel-coloured vegan mayo
Whether you've stuck to Veganuary or just want to try being vegan for a day (or even an hour!), you'll want to head down to Hellman's pop-up food truck at BOXPARK Shoreditch. This January, it has given its vegan mayo a bright makeover with four new colours, including beetroot (pink), basil (green), spirulina (blue) and turmeric (yellow). You can try the pretty pastel-coloured sauce at the Hellman's Vegan Rain-Bao Truck in one of four delicious buns, including the Candied Beetroot Bao and the BBQ Jackfruit Bao. Costing just £1, it would be rude not to treat yourself to a delicious Instagram-worthy treat.
WHEN: 17-18 January - 12 - 6 pm
WHERE: BOXPARK Shoreditch, 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6GY
For more information visit boxpark.co.uk
Watch the snowboarding finals
Are your friends and family filling your social media newsfeed with stunning pictures of their winter breaks? If the answer is yes, then we've found the way to curb your envy. While we can't get you to the snow or ski slopes, we can bring them to you. Head to winter pop up bar LAAX Baby! at Mews of Mayfair to see the live stream of the LAAX Open finals, alongside commentary by BBC’s Ski Sunday, Ed Leigh. Immerse yourself in the apres-ski atmosphere by nibbling on fondue and trying alpine-inspired cocktails, wines and beers. Live streaming starts at 4:30 pm, but DJ Lord Anthony will be playing both before and after the finals, so you can spend the whole afternoon relaxing.
WHEN: Saturday 18 January - 3 - 7:30 pm
WHERE: LAAX Baby! at Mews of Mayfair (10-11 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, W1S1EY)
For more information visit mewsofmayfair.com
Freshen up your sports gear
Making the most of healthy January? Why not treat yourself to a new fitness kit from Boux Avenue. The popular high-street brand has teamed up with Love Island's Arabella Chi to launch their new Boux Sport collection - and we LOVE it! Make sure you head down to one of their nationwide stores now to browse the gorgeous range.
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: Portland House, 494-496 Oxford St, London W1C 1LG
Browse the collection here, bouxavenue.com
London Blues Week
Battle the January blues with the music of London Blues Week. There are an array of musicians showcasing their talents throughout the week, but there's no better time to really get into the spirit than at the weekend. Enjoy performances from Kirk Fletcher and Ben Poole at 100 Club in Fitzrovia.
WHEN: Saturday 18 January
WHERE: Century House, 100 Oxford St, Fitzrovia, London W1D 1LL
For more information visit londonbluesweek.com
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Taste alcohol-free drinks
All those participating in dry January may think there are no fun events to go to or at least none that don't involve being in a bar environment. Well, we have good news - The Mindful Drinking Festival is offering over 60 low and no alcohol drinks to try as well as the opportunity to talk to the people who make them. Plus, there are free cocktail masterclasses and inspirational talks and panels discussing healthy lifestyles that you won't want to miss.
WHEN: 18 - 19 January
WHERE: Ely’s Yard, The Truman Brewery, E1 6QL
For more information visit mindfuldrinkingfestival.com
Catch up with the girls at Christopher's
Looking for a place in central London to catch up with the girls over brunch? Christopher's in Covent Garden might just be the ticket. The all-American restaurant is the perfect place to gather your gals and feast on breakfast and lunch classics, while enjoying its sophisticated setting. If you're one of the many people doing Veganuary this month, there's a vegan superfood salad to tuck into, accompanied by a range of their fresh, feel-good smoothies. Other lighter options include granola with honey and berries. But if you're after something more substantial, the French toast, which also comes in a chocolate flavour, is an absolute bestseller. We saw plates and plates of these come out of the kitchen when we visited. If you want to get creative, then build your own pancake and choose from a range of toppings and sauces. And for the meat-eaters, the steak and eggs won't disappoint – 6oz of premium Australian wagyu rump steak, each mouthful as delicious as the last, served alongside two eggs.
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: 18 Wellington St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7DD
To book a table, visit christophersgrill.com
Try a healthier fine dining experience
Do you fancy a meal out, but are trying to be healthier? We have the perfect place for you! Michelin star chef, Mark Kempson, will be hosting a special pop up plant based dinner at the Six Restaurant using produce exclusively sourced from the prestigious gardens at Hampton Court Palace. The creative five course dinner will also feature a bespoke non-alcoholic drink pairing using varieties of Real Kombucha.
WHEN: 17th January
WHERE: 2 Lion Gate, Hampton Court Road, Molesey, KT8 9DD
The plant-based dinner is priced at £39pp. For more information or to book tickets call 020 8016 6630 or emailkate@kingsarmshamptoncourt.com or visit here
Give a free 'Blue Monday' workout a go
DW Fitness First will turn ‘Blue Monday’ red this Sunday 19 and Monday 20 January, lifting the nation’s mood and offering everyone in the UK the chance to hit the gym for free. On what has been dubbed the ‘saddest day of the year’, DW Fitness First welcomes everyone to head into any of DW Fitness First’s 120 clubs nationwide and get endorphins flowing – with complimentary classes, gym trainers and bespoke coaching for all.
WHEN: 19th & 20th January
WHERE: Various locations
For more information, visit dwfitnessfirst.com
Try M Restaurant's latest RAW menu
Doing Veganuary? You HAVE to try the 'Meatless Menu', available at M Victoria Street's second restaurant RAW. M Restaurant’s Culinary Director, Michael Reid, has designed a menu with a collection of small plates and bowls, perfect for sharing and grazing. Our favourites? The carrot tartare (including a creamy vegan goats cheese!) to start, and the greens bowl or poke bowls. Plus, for those on Dry January, they're serving up Juke's cordial with tonic water - which will make you miss your G&Ts that little bit less...
WHEN: Available until mid-February
WHERE: M Victoria, Zig Zag Building, SW1E 6SQ
Book at mrestaurants.co.uk/victoria/
Treat your BFF to a 'Friendship' package at Castle Hotel Windsor
With Valentine's Day less than a month away, some people may be planning a grand gesture for their partner, but why not grab your best friend and enjoy a weekend break, just the two of you? Of course we at HELLO! love anything in Windsor, and we visited checked out Castle Hotel: it's established as one of the finest boutique properties and is perfect for you and your BFF to spend quality time together. The rooms are ultra-comfortable and have TVs with films on demand, plus popcorn, sparkling wine, and sweets for the ultimate movie-marathon. Then why not spend the day checking out the royal sights around Windsor...?
WHEN: Package available now
WHERE: Castle Hotel, 18 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LJ
The Friend-Trip package offers guests a one- or two-night package. castlehotelwindsor.com/special-offers/
