Not ones to settle for an EastEnders’ star pushing a button, Oxford Street is shaking up its Christmas lights switch-on by putting on a string of pop-up gigs in various stores down the iconic shopping street – and there are some seriously special acts taking part.
Organisers have just announced that grime MC (and Time Out cover star) Novelist, singer-songwriter Ray BLK, R&B maestro Kara Marni and pianist-singer Isaac Waddington will be headlining in-store gigs as the twinkly Christmas lights start glowing on Tuesday November 6.
In fact, more than 90 Oxford Street shops will be joining the party. Look out for 20 percent off at Warehouse, G-Star RAW, Aldo, Bershka and Stradivarius and head up to John Lewis’s rooftop to see a nine-piece New York Brass Band sound off at 7pm.
Topshop will have an interactive in-store Christmas tree that you can plug bulbs into for the chance to win prizes (including £100 gift cards), there’ll be UV face painting at Asics, complementary beauty treatments at Jurlique and 1,000 giveaway scratchcards at Debenhams with the chance to win gifts from Kat Von D, Dolce & Gabbana and Hermès. Phew!
Catch Kara Marni at Tezenis from 6pm to 7pm, Ray BLK at Nike from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Isaac Waddington at Uniqlo from 7pm to 8pm and Novelist at JD Sports from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. But don’t forget to surface outside to see Oxford Street in all its shiny, Christmassy glory.
It’s not just Oxford Street getting lit up for Christmas, take a look at these other Christmas lights in London.
Bursting into tears wasn’t exactly the reaction I’d hoped for after ushering my friend into her suite at The Grand Hotel & Spa York. Staring in horror as tears slid down her face, I asked her what was wrong. “Nothing is wrong at all”, she said, “this is just overwhelming.” Collapsing onto the plush sofa that filled the Heritage Suite, she grabbed a glass of champagne before adding: “this might be normal for you two nowadays, but for me this is really special.” Leaping to reassure her that this was certainly not how we usually travelled (anyone remember the night we camped in a yurt in Dartmoor – in February?), Laura and I rallied round. Truth be told, we were equally overwhelmed by the bubble of luxury surrounding us. As Laura’s neighbour in university halls over 13 years ago, Jenny is the friend that dragged us (kicking and screaming) into adulthood. Patiently teaching us to cook; helping us to bury the many hamsters we amassed over the student years; reading our essays and being one of our closest companions ever since, we owe Jen a lot. With her wedding fast approaching, we therefore wanted to plan a special weekend away to say ‘thank you’ […]
If food markets are an interest of yours then London needs to be next on your travel list. London’s bustling food market scene is ever growing and the food options for a great price are endless. In this post, we’re sharing ten of our favourites along with their times and locations and why they should be next on your street food hit list.
Of course, when making a list of London’s street food markets, we have to begin with Borough Market. Not only is Borough Market one of the largest food heavens in the city but also, one of the oldest. Borough has grown to be a market that is rich in history and full of variations of food in the last 1000 years its existed.
1. Borough Market
With over 100 stalls under Borough’s open-roof structure, this market not only provides great produce but also the biggest variation of foods. So whatever you’re in the mood for, Borough Market can provide it – from vegan eats to Lebanese choices, the list is endless!
When: Monday-Saturday, Various times
8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL, boroughmarket.org.uk
2. Dinerama
www.streetfeast.com
If you’re in the Shoreditch area and looking for grub and an exciting atmosphere then Dinerama is the place to be. This former bullion trunk yard is the spot for fantastic eating and partying in summer or winter. It had to be at the top of the October Street Food List in London because of their dedication to keeping the party going in the colder months. Dinerama will have a roof over your heads during these cold months so you can continue to enjoy their endless options of top quality street food, cocktails, wine and beer.
When: Wednesday-Saturday, 5pm-Late
19 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3EJ, streetfeast.com
3. Camden Market
Next on our list is Camden Market. Another gem on the street food scene. With over 25 stalls of delicious food, once again you won’t be stuck for choice here. Some of our highlights include Only Jerkin’ for all your ‘Chicken and chips with a Carribean twist’ needs and to finish off for dessert you can’t miss La Churreria. Not only are their churros some of the best we have ever tasted but you can also choose your toppings that include melted Belgian chocolate before deliberating over sprinkles including pistachios, almonds and popping candy – every foodie’s dream.
The next street food oasis we have to mention is KERB. KERB has not one, but eight lunchtime food markets to choose from. This makes them the ultimate food gurus because not only are you spoilt for choice but also they can cater to ALL your street food cravings. They even have their ‘Meatless Market’ which hosts a huge variety of vegan and vegetarian options which is not to be missed.
The Maltby Street Market may be slim but due to its popularity, it definitely earns a spot on our list of 10 best street food markets in London. But be warned! You may feel slightly claustrophobic if you take a visit here during the weekend. Take a trip to Beef Steak for some of the best beef steak dishes you can find in London (and at a reasonable price). If cheese toasties (aka grilled cheese) are more up your alley then stop by The Cheese Truck for the most delicious and Instagram-worthy sandwiches!
For visitors looking for a vegan-friendly street food option, of course, London has what you need. Head to the Broadway Vegan Market on Saturdays to get your fill of delicious vegan food and experience tastes from across the world. Choose from cuisines across the world including Moroccan, Indian, and Vietnamese dishes. Our favourite pick for October has to be Dees Table. Make sure to visit this delicacy for some sunshine in the autumn months.
For lunchtime in Soho, Street Food Union is a must. Come rain or shine, Street Food Union will be serving delicious eats from London’s up and coming street food talent Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm so make sure to stop by for the best lunch choices. On top of this, the location also turns completely animal product free every Saturday for the newly launched Soho Vegan Market.
Right beside the River Thames, the South Bank is a dynamic area at the heart of London’s cultural scene. It is also home to the Southbank Centre Food Market. This market offers a great range of cocktails, wines and beers, artisan coffee, tea, and sweet treats. And don’t forget about their unbelievable street food inspired by Europe, Africa, Asia and American cuisines. They also feature guest traders each week, creating a new delicious surprise for you each week!
Leather Lane Stars Market is next on our list of paradises for food lovers. Leather Lane Stars mixes the best of traditional London with the new. This 400-year-old market is one of the best in the capital and is constantly evolving. There are new vendors appearing all the time, giving you all the choices you need in cuisine, coffee and beers.
Last but not least we have to give a mention to the Brockley Market as it has to be the most exciting car park in London! This weekly food market serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. Apart from serving delicious dishes they also feature local produce and traders so you can bring all the tastes home to your kitchen.
If all of this sounds delicious to you and gets you excited, then why not take part in Eating Europes East End Food Tour in London? Not only will you sample eight delicious tastings in markets, grocers, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants but you will also be led by an expert guide who can answer all your foodie questions.
If you’ve been in London for a while you are sure to have heard of the restaurant legend that is Padella in London Bridge. Situated right next to Borough Market, arguably the most foodie market in town, this gem is potentially my favourite eatery in the city.
This is a place that keeps it simple – the main course menu is limited to pasta, a few regulars and a changing list of specials. But this is not just any ordinary pasta. Freshly made in front of your eyes with eye-watering skill and mouth-watering fresh ingredients, they manage to make the best pasta I’ve eaten outside of Italy.
I would recommend going in a small group and sharing as many dishes as you can eat. Some personal favourites of mine are the nutmeg butter gnocci and the chili tagliarini. Their 8-hour beef shin ragu also attracts fans from far and wide.
Beware, the popularity of this joint usually makes for a guaranteed queue. No bookings are allowed, though in the evenings they take your name and give you a callback when your table is ready, meaning you can relax over a pint in one of the many local boozers while you wait.
Let’s just get the first pun out of the way- the Cheese Afternoon Tea at the Georgian House Hotel in London is… cheesy! There. I said it. Are we gouda now? 😉 Well, actually I wrote it. And Mr Sunny and I ate it when we stayed at the five star boutique bed and breakfast in Central London just a few days ago. You might
