Time Out commercial editors

The counter-culture convening point for underground artists, South by Southwest (SXSW) London lands in just a few weeks, bringing a massive line-up of music and film along with it.  It’s pretty exciting stuff, given the festival previously launched the careers of superstars like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Chappell Roan at its Texas event, which has been running for 40 years.   For its second London edition (June 1-6), the festival’s music programme will take over various Shoreditch venues including Truman Brewery, Protein Studios and Juju's Bar & Stage. Ranging from Dallas rap and Finnish bunnymetal to K-pop and Asian house, you’ll find sets from the likes of Cactus for Breakfast, Gaia, Honey I'm Home, Imlay, Kimmy Gone, Melt, Orla Rae, Rabbit Cult, Takara and Zitah, amongst many other under-the-radar acts. And did we mention critically-acclaimed US rapper Earl Sweatshirt, Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage, moody electronic producer Sega Bodega, indie-rock outfit Circa Waves, post-punk band Shame, indie-pop singer Rachel Chinouriri, veteran radio DJ Pete Tong and Time Out’s 2024 Londoner of the Year DJ AG?! And, to get Time Out readers into these shows, we’re giving away 10 pairs of wristbands! These will get you access to all of the gigs happening around Shoreditch across six nights of music. For those keen to splurge on the full conference ticket, there are loads of talks and panels spanning everything from AI and advertising to design and music, plus the second trend report that

For all its huge international success, it doesn’t get more Scottish than Johnnie Walker whisky. The world’s leading blended whisky – as in, Johnnie Walker Red has been the most popular blended Scotch since the ’40s – has a must-visit immersive experience slap bang in the centre of Edinburgh. Johnnie Walker Princes Street is home to a lavish whisky experience that has played host to over a million visitors since opening its doors in September 2021.  The Johnnie Walker Experience is far more than just an opportunity to sample top-tier whiskies. It’s a hub for the type of theatrical whisky tasting that nobody should leave Scotland without visiting. Maybe you’re here on a full-on holiday and it’s exactly the sort of Scotch-based tourism you came to the country looking for specifically. Maybe you’re up for the Fringe and weren’t thinking of doing any ‘tourism’ but actually this fits in perfectly. Heck, maybe you’re a local who just hasn’t got around to it yet: it is, after all, a fairly new attraction. Photograph: Talha Imam Immerse yourself on the Journey of FlavourCentral to The Johnnie Walker Experience is the Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavour, an immersive theatrical experience that’s much more than just a tour. Beginning with a quiz to establish your flavour profile, over the course of 90 minutes you’ll receive three cocktails – or neat whisky if you want – that are matched to your tastes. Think you don’t like whisky? Well there’s going to be something here for you, and yo

London Find them all!To make this awesome magazine we needed a little help from these LEGO® Minifigures. Come back and tick off the ones you saw!Answers:Row 1, L-R: 26, 17, 19, 23, 14, 21Row 2, L-R: 27, 5, 8, 13, 24, 15 Count the bricks!Can you count how many LEGO bricks we've used to make these cool buildings?Answers: L-R: 13, 9, 21Word searchFind all eight words! Answers: Image: Jamie Inglis Edinburgh Find them all!To make this awesome magazine we needed a little help from these LEGO® Minifigures. Come back and tick off the ones you saw!Answers:Row 1, L-R: 26, 17, 23, 14, 22Row 2, L-R: 27, 6, 12, 24 Count the bricks!Can you count how many LEGO bricks we've used to make these cool buildings?Answers: L-R: 13, 9, 21Word searchFind all eight words! Answers: Image: Jamie Inglis

Celebrating the launch of the reinvented Renault 5 E-Tech electric, Renault is hosting an exclusive pop-up in London’s Oxford Street from March 22 to March 30 2025 – and you’re invited. In a place where ‘French flair meets London’s cultural capital’ on the streets of Oxford Street, MAISON 5 is taking over Future Stores the innovative immersive retail space with floor to ceiling high-definition screens, and will host vibey DJ sets, a series of talks, and showcase bespoke merchandise.  Aside from the good vibes, the pop-up will, of course, be showcasing the new fully electric Renault 5, highlighting its emotive design and the incredibly advanced technology. This iconic event will offer you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the world of the multi-award-winning Car of the Year and how the Renault 5 range balances being fun and innovative so seamlessly.  Photograph: Renault On selected days, you’ll also get the chance to hear first-hand from the likes of Nicola Hume (Red Bull Racing’s ‘Talking Bull’ podcast) and Jack Scarlett (Fully Charged Show, Electroheads) who, in turn, will engage with the public to answer any burning questions – and (naturally) big up the all-electric Renault 5 and its epic appeal across the board.  And if that isn’t enough to tickle your fancy, the fact that it's the very first time an automotive brand has showcased at Future Stores is pretty cool. And you get to be a part of it. Alongside all the bells and whistles, you’ll also get to shop ‘til yo

Sometimes, you just need to escape the daily routine and go make some memories, whether with your family, among friends or on your own. Life’s short, after all. Luckily, with P&O Cruises, there's a whole world of adventure out there to help tick things off your bucket list. A cruise holiday to the Caribbean is perfect for exploring multiple destinations on one holiday, all while on board the sunshine ship Arvia.  Try Arvia's Altitude Skywalk, a thrilling high-ropes activity course set 54 metres above the ocean; swim beneath the Caribbean sun in its SkyDome; and play a round or two at Altitude Minigolf. And when that's all done, it's time to explore the incredible islands and start your adventures on shore. Here are five of our favourite shore experiences with P&O Cruises to help make your trip a truly memorable one.

Written by Time Out in partnership with Westfield London With London lovingly doused in twinkly light displays and the days slowly counting down to Christmas, our attention finally turns to all things festive. But, where can you find the ultimate Christmas vibes – plus the very best shopping – this festive season? Never fear, you know we've got you covered. From luxury brands to high street faves as well as the perfect blend of leisure (read: festive drinks) and family fun in the mix, Westfield London is the place to be in the weeks ahead. And that’s not all. This year, we've teamed up with our Westie besties to bring you our very own Winter Square. Here, you’ll find glistening light installations, plus an epic line-up of comedy, music and performers gracing our stage throughout the Yuletide season. There’s also the Kitchen Disco Trail, created by artist Amy Isles Freeman, with eight Christmas tree installations inspired by the sights of London for you to discover.   All you need to do is show up – we’ll see you there. Read on for the full line-up of everything going on at Time Out's Winter Square at Westfield:

Karaoke – rightfully so, in our book – has become a cornerstone of any decent London night out in recent years. We’ve always believed it, but it seems that Londoners en masse have caught onto the simple fact that there are, after all, few better ways to bring an evening (or even a lunchtime) to a close than ending up in a soundproof box with a disco ball, microphones, your best mates, and the full Beyoncé back catalogue at your disposal.   Photograph: Transport for London/Alick Cotterill   While karaoke’s popularity can only be a good thing (we should all have as many opportunities to sing along to ‘Angels’ at the top of our voices as possible), sometimes karaoke venues and experiences can become a little same-y. While it’s always excellent fun, nobody wants a karaoke Groundhog Day – so we teamed up with TfL and IFS Cloud Cable Car to bring Londoners an extremely one-of-a-kind musical experience that will stand out from all of the rest. Introducing Cable Car-aoke, and yes, that’s exactly what you’re thinking and hoping it is. This festive season, we partnered with TfL to transformed a couple of the cars into private karaoke booths, in the sky. And just call us Mariah – because this very special experience has already sold out! But fear not: there's plenty more to enjoy on the IFS Cloud Cable Car this Christmas. Read on to find out more. Photograph: Transport for London/Alick Cotterill What else is on this Christmas with IFS Cloud Cable Cars? If you’re not much of a vocali

We all know that it’s better to give than receive and that holidays start at the airport. So, why not combine everything by doing your Christmas shopping before you board your next flight at London Stansted? Because everything’s in one place, Christmas shopping has never been so easy — or so fun. From all the smellies and booze at World Duty Free and every kind of skincare at Rituals, there’s something for everyone – whether partners, parents or picky teens – just beyond check-in. Plus, there are more restaurants and bars than you can shake a red-and-white candy cane at, meaning there’s no excuse not to treat yourself once you’ve ticked everyone off your list! ‘Tis is the season, after all. 

If you're looking for the place to go for a festive afternoon tea in Central London's theatreland, we've got you covered. Introducing Strand Palace: where afternoon tea may be timeless, but they're bringing a whole new vibe – served up with a delightfully exciting ABBA-inspired twist.  Located just three minutes walking distance from Covent Garden, The Palace's Tea Parlour offers guests a theatrical spin on the classic British pastime – complete with Christmas-themed sweet treats, festive cocktails (and mocktails) and naturally, a glistening flair of ABBA sparkle. And that's not even the best part: Just a three-minute walk from the Novello Theatre (home to the global smash hit MAMMA MIA!), The Palace Tea Parlour is the ideal pre-theatre stopover – with its festive edition available from now until December 31 2025. Photograph: Strand Palace With a star-studded menu hitting all the right notes from the I Do, I Do, I Do dolmades and the oh-so-fragrant Honey Honey loaf to the Knowing Mousse, Knowing You white chocolate mousse and Rosie's Take a Chance on Brie tartlet, your palette is guaranteed to be just as entertained as your ears and eyes are.  So, whether you're looking for pre or post theatre activity, a catch-up with pals or a unique Christmas gift for an ABBA-mad loved one, the MAMMA MIA! Festive Afternoon Tea is the ultimate festive experience in London this year. The MAMMA MIA! Festive Afternoon Tea is served daily across two seatings: 12.30pm and 3pm. Prices start fro

Situated right on the river in west London is Fulham Pier, the capital’s newest destination offering everything from food and drink to shopping and events. This Christmas, the must-visit oasis hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the regular tourist traps has transformed into a magical cabin in the woods, complete with wreath-making, a Christmas market and a live performance from TikTok star James B. Partridge to kickstart the festivities. And that’s just the beginning of the oh-so magical goings-on. Just in time to get in the spirit of things, we’ve rounded up the most holly jolly fun to be had for all the family.

It's no secret that shopping secondhand is both environmentally and financially friendly – especially among the chaos that is London's Christmas season. And that's where our pals at Traid come in. As a London charity retailer, with 12 stores across the city, on a mission of changing fashion for the better, there couldn't be a greater time of year to support their cause – and find some incredible thrifted gifts along the way. Whether you're looking for a sparkly outfit for the office Christmas party, an iconic one-off gift you'd never find in mass production stores (we see you, Black Friday) or simply want to do your bit for the environment and our future, there's no doubt you'll discover something special at Traid. And with Black Friday sales generating over 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in the UK alone this year, there couldn't be a better time to shop secondhand this Christmas. 'Tis the season to be Traid, after all.  The best part? Traid's running a competition for Time Out readers where you could be one of seven lucky winners to receive a gift voucher to spend in store, with the top prize of £100 to be won, along with two £50 vouchers and four £25 vouchers up for grabs.  Photograph: Traid Keen? We thought you might be. Simply fill out the form below* and you'll be in it to win it. That £100 gift voucher could be yours! Vouchers can be used in all 12 of Traid's stores, so if you're feeling thrifty, why not spend the day scouting the best buys across London?  Thrifit

From November 27 2025 to January 4 2026, something rather magical is happening down at London Transport Museum – and you’re invited. This festive season, you and the fam can enjoy a very merry mix of seasonal transport history and an abundance of festive cheer at London Transport Museum – complete with a jam-packed programme. From meet and greets with the big man, Santa, to live musical performances from young musicians and a festive trail through Christmases past, you’re in for a real festive treat here. Whatever kind of family festivities you’re looking for this Christmas, London Transport Museum has something for everyone in their various carriages (read: galleries). Keen to plan your trip? Let’s take a look at what’s on offer* this festive season. LocationLondon Transport MuseumCovent Garden PiazzaLondonWC2E 7BB *Kids go free, and adult tickets offer free return daytime entry for a year. Santa will be at the Museum until 17:00 on 23 December. London Transport Museum will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and reopen on 27 December. The London Transport Museum shop and café will be open until 16:00 on Christmas Eve. Full T&Cs apply.   Photograph: London Transport Museum Meet Santa and his magical elvesDaily from November 27 to December 23 2025 Step into a wonderful winter scene where Santa has set up shop in Covent Garden this Christmas. One for the littlies, hop aboard a Routemaster bus-inspired sleigh with all the bells and whistles you’d expect.