A London panto and hotel with a twist

Two of Mayfair’s most illustrious gems have come together to offer a real yuletide treat for those looking to satiate a cultural hunger this festive season… Althoff St James Hotel & Club is offering a sparkling festive package in association with Jermyn Street Theatre’s production of Odyssey: A Heroic Pantomime  that will set the tone for your best Christmas yet! 

Starting with a Christmas afternoon tea in the hotel’s Seven Park Place Bar & Lounge, followed by Aphrodite Odyssey cocktails for two (rose liquor, rosemary syrup, Assyrtiko white wine and vodka infused with cinnamon) to celebrate the partnership to package is a full cultural experience. 

Guests will also receive VIP tickets to the show –  a slightly bonkers Charles Court boutique pantomime, full of mythical, musical characters that will have you belly laughing throughout – a signed programme and some of the best seats in the house, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel. 

With sumptuous suites, many with large terraces, cloud-like beds and exceptional hospitality it could just be the perfect way to start the festive season off with a resounding ‘He’s behind you!’.

The Theatrical Christmas Package costs £838 for two adults staying in a Junior Suite plus breakfast, with afternoon tea for two, a cocktail each and VIP tickets to Odyssey: A Heroic Pantomime; stjameshotelandclub.com

Odyssey: A Heroic Pantomime at Jermyn Street Theatre runs from 23rd November until 31st December 2023. 

A photo finish at Moncalm East  

Put your phone away and get the professionals to capture your big festive night out instead at Montcalm East Hotel’s festive photo booth. Not only do you have a choice of delicious eateries and elegant bars but the hotel has its own on-site Photo Studio, which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland until 23 December. 

Montcalm East hotel’s Christmas Grotto is adorned with on-season fir trees and twinkling fairy lights, alongside a box of season-appropriate props to make the perfect backdrop for a festive photoshoot with colleagues, loved ones and even furry friends. 

For the £35 ticket price, you – and up to three others – can be the subject of a 20-minute photoshoot with the photographer in residence and take away five professionally edited photos of the experience. It’s the ideal memento from your festive night-out and would make a fab gift. 

Montcalm East, 151-157 City Rd, London EC1V 1JH; £35 at allocated dates and times book here.

Get Crafty at Burlington Arcade 

Not only has Burlington Arcade got some of the finest boutiques in London peppered along its beautifully decorated walkway but it has added a sparkling festive grotto to its roster of impressive residents – where guests can book to take part in an array of crafty festive activities, including sustainable gift wrapping with Colford.  

Since November, the arcade has been decked out with a glorious pine and fairy light display created by Mayfair’s go-to floral designer Jane Wadham, making it the most Christmassy place in London to make all your festive purchases. And if you head down on Thursday, you’ll find Neoclassical pianist Camden Bonsu-Stewart serenading shoppers on a baby grand piano. If you fancy the chance to tinker out a Christmas tune of your own on the keys, you can head down on Friday – just don’t whistle; the musical habit is banned in the arcade with only Sir Paul McCartney and a boy who made a deal with the arcade’s Beadles exempt from the rule.  

Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ

Shopping indulgence at The Lanesborough 

Enjoy your very own Home Alone 2 experience with a five-star hotel stay at The Lanesborough and an exemplary gift concierge service in association with Harvey Nichols. The luxury hotel, conveniently situated opposite Hyde Park and next to one of London’s hottest shopping and dining destinations: Knightsbridge, is offering its festive shopping and stay package that includes all of its usual in-room perks including access to the spa, and 24-hour butler service. 

Benefit from Harvey Nichols personal shoppers catering to the needs of everyone on your list from its exclusive edit of the most prestigious brands across womenswear, menswear, accessories, beauty, food and wine. Once your presents have all been selected, they will be artfully wrapped by the team and delivered to your hotel room so you can enjoy in-room dinign, a festive afternoon tea or a delicious dinner at The Lanesborough Grill courtesy of head chef Shay Cooper. 

The Lanesborough Festive Shop & Stay Package, price upon booking, until 22 December. The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA

Winter Martini Garden at the Ham Yard Hotel

With the chilly winter weather well and truly upon us, Ham Yard Hotel has unveiled a hidden haven tucked away on its fourth-floor terrace, to escape the cold. The Winter Martini Garden, in collaboration with Sipsmith, promises to be the cosiest destination on London’s cocktail scene this festive season.

The rooftop, normally a well-guarded secret for hotel guests, is transformed into an intimate al fresco living room with candlelight, snuggly blankets, hot water bottles and glowing heaters, while the hot cocktail menu is designed to warm you from the inside out. 

When you arrive, you will be welcomed with the Paloma-tini – a hot riff on a Paloma, made with Sipsmith London Dry Gin, Suze grapefruit and thyme syrup. A hint of mystery also awaits, as a copper key unlocks an interactive personality quiz, in turn revealing a world of 15 new martini creations crafted by the skilled mixologists at Ham Yard and Sipsmith’s master distiller, Jared Brown.

Accompanying this liquid symphony is a delectable array of sharing dishes. From venison tartare with bitter chocolate, to game and smoked bacon skewers, the menu offers a myriad of gastronomic delights. 

So, don your stylish winter attire, grab your tickets and make a beeline for Soho to ensure you don’t miss out. 

Tickets cost £22 and include a welcome Paloma-tini and a personalised martini; open now until 24 February, Wednesday to Sunday; book here