London’s best pop-ups

Dreaming of a kitsch Christmas? New York’s famous Miracle on Ninth Street bar is popping up in London for its seventh year, ‘50s Christmas decorations, nostalgic accessories and creative new spins on beloved cocktail favourites in tow. Past years have seen the bar slinging the likes of a Snowball Old Fashioned or a Christmapoliton, which includes cranberry sauce and absinthe mist – a take on Christmas trimmings that’s not for the faint-hearted. If you’re failing to get into the Christmas spirit, this is one great place to find it.

Unless you’re some kind of monster, it’s impossible to appreciate the unbridled joy of chomping down on your favourite filling cosily encased between two slices of bread. No matter what you’re flavour of choice, the humble sandwich is a gastronomic delight, which is why Sarnie Party are back for a Christmas edition. For one day only, 15 of the country’s top chefs and sandwich specialists, including The Black Pig, Rogue Sarnies, Dom’s Subs, The Bodega, Imma The Bakery and Picnic Deli, will be taking over the beautiful Somerset House and creating festive takes on the lunchtime treat for you to try. Expect upgraded turkey-and-stuffing subs, inventive new twists and even toasted ice cream sandwiches from Happy Endings. To accompany all theyt sandwich snafling there’ll be live DJs, mulled drinks, party games and sing-alongs. 

The regenerated King’s Cross area will once again be transformed into a Christmas paradise from November, with ten different markets popping up over the course of five weeks. The Lower Stable Street Market offers up everything from food and drinks to homeware, art, books and clothing while Christmas under the Canopy will be showcasing some of London’s best artisan traders and food stalls. The Illustrators Fair will highlight local independent artists, the Crafty Fox Markets will showcase more than 100 designers and makers and the three-day Christmas Charity Supermarket will offer a curated of second-hand fashion and accessories.  Elsewhere, the Mexican Christmas Market will provide a spicy twist on the festive season, with piñatas and a roaming cumbia band playing while you browse artisanal crafts and ornaments from the country and the Shōtengai Christmas Market will bring a taste of Japan to London. Talk about shopping til you drop!

Coq d’Argent’s New Year’s Eve bash is a refined affair full of Francophone luxury. Come for a five-course tasting menu that typically includes delights like champignon sauvage, fletan and petits fours, stay for the private fireworks display on their terrace with views over the City, accompanied by live music and dancing. If you want to join the party but can’t justify £200 for a big dinner, the restaurant offers a an early bird option for £150, or £50 bar tickets so you can still be part of the fun without breaking the bank.