CHRISTMAS COMES TO LONDON BRIDGE
The best holiday offerings from around The Shard.
1. NOEL NIBBLES AT BOROUGH MARKET
Christmas arrives in the world-renowned trading post around mid-December, when stallholders begin to sell traditional treats from across the world: including gingerbread, nutmeg jam and hot mulled English cider. Peddling their wares against a backdrop of seasonal songs and carols performed by local community groups, the lively market is open every day in the ten-day run up to the 24th.
8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL; boroughmarket.org.uk
2. DECK THE HALLS WITH THE CHRISTMAS SHOP
Like an Aladdin’s cave of all things festive, this yuletide store in Hay's Galleria is actually open all year round, offering everything you need to kit out your home in spectacular seasonal style. Of course, it really cranks up a gear in December, when you can find every conceivable decoration there, including baubles, bells, stockings and stuffed-toy Santas.
55a Tooley Street SE1 2QN; thechristmasshop.co.uk
3. SING ALONG AT SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
Bask in this month's unique goodwill glow by joining in a night of carols and traditional songs, in the oldest cathedral building in London, on 18 December. Featuring all the usual classics, everyone from the local community is invited to come along and bellow out their favourites at this uplifting sing-song.
London Bridge, SE1 9DA; cathedral.southwark.anglican.org
4. SCOTTISH CUISINE AT DRAM & SMOKE
Following on from its summer success, pop-up Scottish restaurant Dram & Smoke is back with an exciting menu of Christmas curiosities. Open until 20 December in Black Swan Yard, courses here include haggis bon bons, savoury porridge with bacon and blue cheese, and venison Wellington with bramble and ale sauce. A mischievous take on homely Highland fare.
2-3 Black Swan Yard, SE1 3XW; dramandsmoke.com
5. MAGICAL TALES FOR TOTS AT THE UNICORN THEATRE
Uncovering the original ETA Hoffmann story behind Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, The Nutcracker and The Mouse King is one of three shows being staged by the popular children's playhouse this month. The UK’s leading company for young audiences, the Unicorn Theatre is a great place to entertain little ones over the school holidays.
147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ; unicorntheatre.com
