Yahoo Lifestyle Here's our pick of everything to add to your calendar in November
There are two things that are inevitable the moment it’s November – the nights are significantly darker, and the countdown to Christmas is well underway.
Festivities start to pick up in the capital and beyond this month; beginning with Diwali and Bonfire Night in the earlier half of November, prepare for numerous festive activities slowly unwrapping as the weeks passe by, including Christmas lights being switched on and the unveiling of some of the London's most iconic Christmas trees.
But if you’re still feeling a bit ‘bah, humbug!’ about getting into the festive spirit so early (some of the more Scrooge-esque amongst us may be holding out until December before we really start preparing for the 25th) there’s still plenty going on away from the Christmas countdown – some of the year’s most hotly anticipated art exhibitions and cinematic blockbusters are opening this month.
Here's a taste of exciting offerings this November to book into your diaries.
Discover vintage gems at a unique new pop-up
Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge has partnered with Luxury Promise, the pre-loved luxury clothes and accessories specialists, on a new in-store pop-up. Far from your average second-hand offering, the space will feature a carefully curated selection of ‘90s and ‘00s pieces sourced from collectors’ wardrobes – featuring everything from a heritage Hermes Kelly and a rare Chanel vanity case to much sought-after Cartier jewellery and Rolex watches – from all over the world. The unique pop-upwill be housed on the ground floor of the famed department store until January 2025.
Amex Platinum cardmembers receive £100 Harvey Nichols credit (£50 credit to spend every six months).
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Sample some of the capital’s best Indian food for Diwali
As to be expected, Chelsea has some of the finest dining in the country – but it’s Kutir, slightly off the beaten track, that may have escaped your notice. Its homely exterior may make you think it’s a property belonging to one of the borough’s wealthy residents, but it’s home to what is arguably London’s best Indian food (Kutir was named Restaurant of the Year in 2022). Hoping to give guests a taste of the Indian subcontinent’s various regions, chef Rohit Ghai has meticulously curated a series of menus to suit any and all palettes. The restaurant’s ‘expeditions’ (which include a wine pairing for an additional price) are four hearty courses. The Signature Expedition is ideal for milder tastes, with the Lamb Tandoori a particular highlight – full of flavour, the meat falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. Try and book a table for early this month, as the restaurant is also offering an exclusive Diwali menu, which features sea bass, chicken or venison, if you so choose.
Kutir, 10 Lincoln St, London SW3 2TS
See some of the very best of Picasso’s prints
You can never have too much of Picasso, and while the National Gallery hosted the ever-excellent Poets and Lovers exhibition earlier this year, it’s now the turn of the British Museum to share some of the Spanish artist’s work – only, they may be pieces you’re less familiar with. Considered one of the most influential artists of his time, with many paintings, sculptures and drawings to his name, Picasso was also known as an influential printmaker, with numerous pieces made spanning his entire career. This exhibition offers insights into Picasso's life through his art, including his complex relationships with women and his partnerships with printers, publishers and other artists. Spanning his entire career, the exhibition follows Picasso's engagement with different printmaking techniques and his changing approaches to making art.
Picasso: Printmaker is at the British Museum from 7 November, Prices start at £11 for adults. Under 16s go free. More information is available here.
Have a night in Argentina – without ever leaving London
With Christmas right round the corner, restaurants will be dishing out their fancy roast dinner options. However, if you want a good quality cut of meat but forgo the often heavy and bloating trimmings, look no further than Zoilo which is currently offering a new seasonal menu. The dimly lit Argentinian restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from Selfridge’s and the ideal spot to have dinner after a hard day shopping, or perhaps to enjoy a date night with someone special. As to be expected with an Argentinian venue, the steaks are the star of the show, with T-Bone, Sirloin and Rump options all to choose from depending on your budget – but the seafood is also exceptional, with the grilled octopus served on squid ink black rice being a standout. However, it’s the puddings you’ll be raving about as you head home – you must try the crème brulee with dulce de leche; it’s incredibly rich, but truly in a league of its own when it comes to an after-dinner sweet.
Zoilo, 9 Duke Street, W1U 3EG
Head to Kew to see Christmas decorations done right
London has always lit up at Christmas, but as to be expected, it’s Kew Gardens that is the real jewel in the capital’s crown when it comes to Christmas lights. The light trail at the UNESCO World Heritage Site features two exclusive new additions this year – including the bespoke artwork by TILT. Titled ‘Ombre’, the piece takes the form of a series of giant plants in bloom, springing up from the landscape in a spectrum of vibrant shades. Threshold by Studio Vertigo is an illuminated helix-like shape, bathed in golden yellow light to evoke the warmth and joy of the festive season.
Of course, there’s more than just the lightworks bringing Kew Garden’s natural architecture to life – guests can also enjoy a festive funfair and the Christmas Cathedral.
Christmas at Kew stars from 13 November and runs until 5 January. Prices start at £25.50 for adults and £16 for children aged four to 16. Under four’s go free. More information can be found here.
Head to Cut for an unmissable Thanksgiving Dinner
Yes, Thanksgiving may be an American holiday – but who needs an excuse to gather all your loved ones for a roast dinner with all the trimmings? If you are hoping to host family or friends for the holiday season, save yourself the effort (and stress) of putting a meal together and head to Cut at 45 Park Lane, the sister hotel of The Dorchester. Head chef Elliot Grover will be cooking a three-course meal that is mostly faithful to that of our Atlantic cousins – however, if you don’t fancy a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, opt for the Australian Wagyu instead; we defy anyone to find a steak more succulent served in the capital.
Cut is taking Thanksgiving bookings for Thursday 28 November. Prices start at £195 per person. Amex Platinum cardmembers receive £300 global dining credit to be used at a specially curated selection of more than 2000 restaurants, including Cut.
45 Park Ln, W1K 1PN
Help raise money – and buy fabulous art – for a good cause
Leading voices from the world of contemporary art have joined forces in organizing a major exhibition and online auction on behalf of Médecins Sans Frontières to help fund their ongoing work in Palestine.
Over 200 artworks have been donated, spanning the disciplines of art, architecture, engineering, and literature, and can be viewed at 14 Wharf Road from 22 November, where the exhibition will be launched with a reception event. With pieces from artists including Eva Rothschild, Brigitte Lacombe and David Nash OBE (as well as numerous others) it will be a unique opportunity to acquire significant artworks by leading contemporary artists -as well as directly providing essential help for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Online bidding opens on 18th November and closes on the 1st December.
More information on the event can be found here.
See mind-bending modern art at the Tate Modern
Digital art does not have a particularly good reputation at the moment – nowadays, it may make you think of slop churned out by AI. However, there was a time where technology was an artist’s friend, not foe, as seen in this new exhibition at the Tate Modern. Electric Dreams celebrates the early innovators of digital art in the days before the internet was commonplace, looking at the artists that pioneered a new era of immersive sensory installations and automatically-generated works. The exhibition also offers a rare chance for guests to try out pre-internet tech in each room – expect younger visitors to be wowed.
Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet’ is at Tate Modern from 28 November to 1 June 2025. Tickets are available for £22. More info can be found here.
Book in a cosy getaway at the Feathers Hotel
If the grey hustle and bustle of the city is getting you down, an escape to the Cotswolds may be on the cards - and there's nowhere better to retreat to than the Feathers Hotel in Woodstock. Having recently undergone a multimillion pound refurbishment, this cosy Grade II hotel has retained all its small-village charm but has been revitalised with a contemporary twist, with each room warm, fresh and welcoming. The perfect retreat when exploring the vast, open countryside (the world-heritage site, Blenheim Palace, is nearby), Feathers is ideally situated near Woodstock's finest restaurants, boutiques and artisan bakeries. However, if you're keen to remain cosied up in the warm, the hotel also boasts the The Nest brasserie, which relies on local produce for its hearty, modern dishes, as well as the Aviary bar, if you want to enjoy a glass of wine (or two) by the fireplace. Just an hour's drive away from central London, The Feathers hotel is a must-try for those looking for a warm, wintry escape.
The Feathers Hotel, 6-20 Market St, Woodstock OX20 1SX
View London in all its festive glory from ABar Rooftop
The luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel chain has opened a new offering in Mayfair – just a stone’s throw away from Bond Street station – and the slick little sister of its stately Hyde Park location boasts an impressive rooftop destination, ABar. Enjoy a number of curated cocktails by the expert mixologist Paolo Silvestri and take in stunning panoramic views ofLondon spanning as far as Hampstead Heath and the London Eye. It’s the perfect place to survey the glorious Christmas lights of Oxford Circus – without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of Soho.
ABar Rooftop is open from 11 November.
Amex Platinum cardmembers receive free room upgrades and early check in where available, a guaranteed 4pm late checkout, and $100 hotel credit to use at a carefully curated selection of properties as part of the Fine Hotel & Resorts collection, including the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP
Watch Paul Mescal make movie magic with Ridley Scott
Since his breakout role in BBC’s excellent Normal People, Paul Mescal has been very much in demand, having starred in widely praised films such as Aftersun and All of Us Strangers, and an award-winning turn in theatre as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire. Now, Mescal is arguably taking on his biggest role yet – he’s the leading man in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, opposite other big-name stars Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington. In the sequel to the original Gladiator, Lucius (Mescal) is taken prisoner by the Roman army after they invade his home and is forced to fight as a gladiator.
Gladiator 2 will be heading to cinemas in the UK on 15th November 2024
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