It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And the most wonderful place to spend the most wonderful time of the year? That’s easy. Nowhere does it quite like London during the festive season, with the capital transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkly lights, roaring fires and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. West London’s neighbourhoods of Notting Hill and Belgravia are particularly special in December, with their artisan markets, festive light displays and historic pubs attracting tourists and locals alike, who all flock here for a little seasonal shopping and a chance to rest those feet at the pub. Speaking of, our pubs The Princess Royal in Notting Hill and The Alfred Tennyson in Belgravia are particularly enticing, with cosy corners and plenty of spots to get warm by the fire over a mulled wine or two.
Of course, you can’t do Christmas without buying presents. Head to Notting Hill’s famous Portobello Road in December and you’ll find the usual antique and vintage stalls are joined by artisan makers and local businesses selling one-of-a-kind decorations and gifts, with mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you warm as you shop. Meanwhile, Belgravia’s pedestrianised shopping streets Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street and Ecclestone Yards are the perfect place to pick up some truly unique artisan gifts from its host of beautiful independent stores. Don’t miss Father Christmas’s Grotto at Anya Hindmarch’s store either – it’s the chicest place to catch him in London. And the capital’s most famous department stores at Knightsbridge – Harrods and Harvey Nichols – are also worth a pilgrimage for the window displays alone. Just make sure your phone battery is charged for capturing that Instagram gold.
Shopping-aside, there are plenty of holiday-specific events that you can enjoy in Notting Hill and Belgravia too. Join a carol service at one of the local churches (St John’s Church at Notting Hill Gate is a particular favourite of ours), or go ice skating at the Natural History Museum or Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. If you’re unfazed by tourists, then the latter is also worth checking out for its fairground rides and Christmas market stalls – our top tip would be to go during the weekday daytime, especially if you’ve got little ones in tow.
The Electric Cinema (the oldest in the UK) always screens festive films like Elf, Love Actually, The Muppets Christmas Carol and Miracle on 34th Street (even Die Hard – our favourite Christmas film, thank-you-very-much!) – ideal for those who like a glass of wine and a super comfy perch. Meanwhile The Royal Albert Hall stages multiple Christmas concerts including performances by Jamie Cullum and Katherine Jenkins, as well as screening of Home Alone with the accompanying orchestra experience.
After a long day of caroling, gift-buying and movie-watching, there’s nothing better than heading to a traditional British pub for a rest, refuel and debrief. At The Alfred Tennyson you can enjoy a festive drink at the bar or sit down to a festive feast of British classics in the first-floor restaurant, while at The Princess Royal you can go one step further and book a stylish hotel room to make a weekend of it. Beautifully decorated for Christmas, our pubs are cosiness personified, with the comforting traditional grub to compliment it. Make it an official celebration by booking one of our private dining rooms, with an array of different size spaces to cater to your party’s size, or simply drop in and soak up the feeling of good will towards all men.
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