Situated just a stone’s throw from The Wolseley, lie a plethora of uniquely British retailers and cultural institutions – many of which are well worth a visit come festive season.
Nothing is more festive than seeing London’s iconic streets decorated for the season – and in Mayfair, both Regent Street and St James’s and Piccadilly are now lit for the season. But it’s not just light shows, many of the area’s most loved retailers decorate their windows come Christmastime, most famous of all is perhaps Fortnum and Mason which is just a two-minute stroll away from The Wolseley.
Where to shop
Holding the record as the “world’s first shopping arcade”, Burlington Arcade comes into its own at this time of year. Festooned with lights and decorations, the boutique outlets offer everything from the finest cashmere at N. Peal to macarons at Ladurée.
Similarly, both the Royal Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade also offer a range of excellent gifting options – and perhaps a chance to pick up a treat or two for yourself, from handmade chocolates to luxury toiletries.
Also in Mayfair, you can find world-famous booksellers, Hatchards, and an array of unique traders, offering the likes of hats, dressing gowns, ties and more. And if you’re looking for epicurean gifts, then Fortnum and Mason or the likes of Paxton and Whitfield offer plenty of options. This year, on Saturday 10th December, Jermyn Street will be pedestrianised for a day of shopping, festive merriment and food stalls from local institutions.
Where to catch a show
Nearby, there’s still time to catch the Freud retrospective at the National Gallery, featuring works by the late, great painter Lucien Freud. While at the Royal Academy, the Making Modernism exhibition runs until January, featuring trailblazing women who have for many years had their contributions to the movement overlooked.
If carol signing is what you’re after, then the Royal Albert Hall might just be the perfect festive setting. Closer yet is St James’s Church on Piccadilly, which is this year hosting its annual Christmas concert on Saturday 17th December, where you can enjoy a candlelit rendition of Vivaldi’s four seasons and more.
A bite to eat
And once all of that exploring and shopping gets too much, you might find yourself wandering towards The Wolseley on Piccadilly, where our menus offer everything from early morning breakfasts, through to Afternoon Tea and late night snacks.
This year, we’ll be offering our Festive Afternoon Tea for the first time, which features some seasonal twists alongside much-loved menu favourites. Think slices of Chocolate & Orange Truffle Torte, Mulled Wine Poached Pear Tart, and Coffee, Gingerbread and Walnut cake, along with our Wolseley Vanilla Cheesecake, Battenberg, freshly baked Scones, served with clotted cream and jam – and of course, a selection of finger sandwiches.
