One of London’s most poignant sights has returned for its fifth year. Grosvenor Square once again has been transformed into an enchanting rose garden with over 30,000 illuminating white roses dedicated to loved ones we’ve lost.
🌹[BLOG POST IN BIO] One of London’s most poignant sights has returned for its fifth year @Ever After Garden @Royal Marsden Cancer Charity @Mayfair – London 🤍 Grosvenor Square once again has been transformed into an enchanting rose garden with over 30,000 illuminating white roses. Each rose is dedicated in memory of a loved one who has lost their heroic battle against cancer 🌹Anyone is welcome to dedicate a rose on the spot or online with a suggested donation of £10 (more info in my blog post) 📍Grosvenor Sq, London W1K 6LD Opening Times: 14th Nov – 18th Dec 2024 Open daily from 3pm- 9pm #everaftergarden#royalmarsdencancercharity#rosegarden#roses#charity#CapCut
Opened on the 14th November 2024, Ever After Garden is a beautiful sea of illuminating white roses that help raising fund for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Each rose is dedicated in memory of a loved one who has lost their heroic battle against cancer.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Everyone is welcome to dedicate a rose on the site at the chalet or online with a suggested minimum donation of £10. You can write a personal message that will be placed next to your rose in the garden. The rose will be planted by a member of staff.
Founded by Anya Hindmarch
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Ever After Garden was founded by well-known fashion designer, Anya Hindmarch in memory of a beloved friend, Production Designer Michael Howells.
Michael Howells worked on such blockbusters like, ‘Nanny McPhee’ with Emma Thompson, ‘Orlando’ with Tilda Swinton and a Cinderella remake, titled, ‘Ever After’, starring Drew Barrymore. This is where Ever After Garden received its name from.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Fashion designer and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity Trustee, Dame Anya Hindmarch and Camilla Morton created the garden with the aim to find an inspiring way to remember those we’ve lost. They wanted to create something people can find beauty within rather than sadness and loss.
This is how the concept of Ever After Garden came into being and launched in 2019 for the first time.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Since then, Ever After Garden is a much loved destination during the festive period and a beautiful and powerful way to remember while helping raise vital fund which help groundbreaking research at The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity to help people with cancer around the world.
Ever After Garden was installed in every Winter from 2019 – except in 2020, due to Covid_19 pandemic – and so far, raised over £870,000 for The Royal Marsden.
Ready for your next adventure? Selfridges Christmas Market is bigger and more beautiful than ever in 2024. Why not visit whilst you’re around? It’s just a 6-min walk from Grosvenor Square.
Luxury department store, Harvey Nichols partnered with the @the Design Museum to bring gothic Tim Burton-themed Christmas window displays to life 🖤🤍❤️ In the centre stage of the display, there are five exclusive sculptures borrowed from Tim Burton’s private collection #timburton#harveynichols#timburtoncharacter#timburtonstyle#designmuseum#CapCut
Harvey Nichols’ cutting edge Christmas window displays are always in the centre of Knightsbridge and much anticipated by visitors.
This year, the famous luxury retailer is celebrating director Tim Burton’s darkly-enchanting world by partnering with ‘The World of Tim Burton’exhibition currently running at the Design Museum.
Exclusive Sculptures from Burton’s Private Collection
Photo: Urban Adventurer
In the centre stage of the display, there are five exclusive sculptures borrowed from Tim Burton’s private collection.
The characters are from ‘The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories’ and the sculptures are eerie yet playful additions to the whimsical festive display.
The remaining windows transport you into a surreal universe with twisted shadowy trees, mannequins with branch-like headpieces, and Burton’s signature black-and-white motifs, all lit by red light.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Each window display tells a unique story while creating an eerie atmosphere reminiscent of Burton’s well-known movies, such as ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ and ‘Corpse Bride’.
The display is more than just a Christmas decoration. It’s an artistic collaboration that merges retail and animation artistry.
The unique display invites visitors – kids and adults alike – to loose themselves in a fantasy world where fashion meets art and fantasy.
Harvey Nichols reimagines Tim Burton’s iconic style through the lens of luxury while showcasing the season’s top-tier partywear.
Tim Burton-Themed Afternoon Tea
Harvey Nichols x The World of Tim Burton collaboration doesn’t stop here.
The luxury retailer have created a Tim Burton-themed afternoon tea the on the 5th floor of the store (the afternoon tea is also available at the OXO Tower Restaurant and in Bristol)
The afternoon tea costs £40 pp or £50 pp with a glass of Champagne and is running from 4th November until 28th December.
Learn more about the Tim Burton afternoon tea here. (coming soon)
Ready for your next adventure? James Bond fans, this one is for you! The world’s first James Bond-themed pop-up bar has opened at Burlington Arcade earlier this year. The bar serves walk-ins only and offers 007-themed cocktails – and, of course Martini, shaken, not stirred. There are original movie props on display along with an original Oscar!
Tis the season when most of the Christmas lights are switched on in London. If you’re planning a festive wander around the city, here are the essential spots you don’t want to miss.
Covent Garden’s 60ft (18-metre) Christmas tree is back and is lighting up the West Piazza and adorned with 30,000 LED lights.
Due to popular demand, Santa’s sleigh has returned to the West Piazza South Hall too. The sleigh is a reconditioned carriage, hand-painted by British artist James Gemmill and traditionally decorated for visitors to enjoy as free photo opportunity during the festive season.
NOTE: Please, note that the sleigh is roped off from 9pm – 9am every day.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The 40 gigantic bells and the 12 giant baubles provide the perfect background to take a picture on Santa’s sleigh while 8 spinning mirror balls turn the piazza into a truly magical scene.
Discover Wonder Wood on James Street and enjoy the 260,000 lights across the entire square during the festive season.
The lights were switched on the 12 November with Hollywood star, Luke Evans (Dracula Untold, The Hobbit, The Girl on the Train, Fast & Furious)
St. Pancras International
Photo: Urban Adventurer
St. Pancras International unveiledtheir ‘Wicked’ Christmas tree on the 5th November. St. Pancras is famous for partnering with the most famous brands every year to bring London’s most extraordinary Christmas Tree to life.
This year they partnered with Universal Pictures UK to bring us an 11-metre (36 ft) tall installation which is meticulously detailed, and hand painted to look exactly like the castle in the film.
It took 4,000 hours for 20 craftsmen to bring the monstrous Christmas ‘tree’ to life that contains a diorama with illuminated yellow brick road, and iconic landmarks from the film, including Shiz University and The Governor’s Mansion.
The castle has 100 illuminated towers and if you take a closer look to the windows, some of them carries hidden references to the story of the film.
Battersea Power Station
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Battersea Power Station has transformed into one of London’s most magical destinations for the festive period.
London’s only riverside ice rink, Gilde ice rink is back with a spectacular 30ft (9-metre) Christmas tree in the centre to spin around.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There are vintage-style fairground rides, including a Helter Skelter and a merry-go-round, oversized Christmas decorations, igloos to dine in, photo ops to capture your best moments and so much more!
There are workshops for kids and adults, over 150 shops and 55 different eateries with mouth-watering Christmas specials to refill your energy.
Don’t forget to book your ticket for the Battersea Power Station Chimney Experience which gives you a breath-taking 360 degrees view of London’s skyline from 109 metre and an amazing immersive experience in the elevator.
Oxford Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Oxford Street’s sustainable Christmas lights are back. Thousands of illuminating stars brighten up the night every day through the festive season. The twinkling star decorations are stretching over 1.5 miles from Marble Arch to Soho.
The display is made of over 300,000 LED light bulbs and recycled materials. The installation is switched on from 3pm to 11pm every day to help cutting energy consumption.
This year the Oxford Street’s Christmas lights are in official partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH Charity).
Liberty
Photo: Urban Adventurer
St. Pancras International is not the only one to celebrate the highly anticipated film, Wicked.
Luxury designer department store, Liberty unveiled a thrillifying collaboration with this year’s cinematic event.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Liberty’s enchanting window displays feature iconic scenes from the film, as well as oversized accessories, such as Glinda’s crown and wand and Elphaba’s pointy hat.
Inside the store a monumental sculpture of the wizard of Oz is floating above the main hall.
Shop Wicked-inspired jewellery, makeup sets, accessories and more, designed by Liberty’s in-house teams and a collective of brands in celebration of the release of the film.
Regent’s Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘The Spirit of Christmas’ scheme has returned to the sky above Regent’s Street.
The giant angles are glistening gracefully all the way from Oxford Street to Cavendish Street.
Over 300,000 low-energy lights are used in the giant display that – similarly to Oxford Street’s Christmas lights – operate on a timer, meaning they’re on for a certain period of time each day.
Carnaby Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Carnaby Street is known for its creative Christmas lights that change every year.
This year, Carnaby Street is bathing in glittering gold. ‘Into the Light’ illuminations scheme includes geometrical illuminated light forms above your head cascading golden light onto the street.
Harrods
Photo: Urban Adventurer
For the first time in Harrods’ history, its Christmas lights have dramatically changed.
This year Harrods partnered with Christian Dior to bring us a larger than life gingerbread house display to celebrate 70 years of Dior at the department store.
The festive display has taken over 44 of the luxury department store’s windows to transform the building into a giant 17-by-17 metre (55.7-by-55.7 ft) gingerbread house.
Harvey Nichols x The World of Tim Burton
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Luxury department store, Harvey Nichols’ spooky Christmas display is celebrating their partnership with ‘The World of Tim Burton’ exhibition at the Design Museum.
The display creates a gothic fantasy forest and features five sculptures from Burton’s private collection.
Each window presents a surreal landscape of twisted and eerie silhouettes of trees and tells a unique story while uniquely showcasing Harvey Nichols’ season’s partywear.
Learn more about Harvey Nichols’ Tim Burton window display here.
Old Spitalfields Market
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The magical Christmas lights are back to Old Spitalfields Market.
Each year, London’s famous market is dressed in gold for the festive period. Thousands of Christmas lights are twinkling gold above the market and huge Christmas wreaths and Christmas trees provide the perfect background for your mulled wine or festive treat.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There is also a red telephone box full of gift boxes for visitors to take selfie with.
St. Katharine Docks
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The magical season has approached St Katharine Docks with Christmas trees at the dock and in front of The Dickens Inn.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The barriers and the big anchor next to The Dickens Inn are all adorned with twinkling Christmas lights.
Even some of the boats are dressed up for the season.
Tower Bridge
Photo: Urban Adventurer
London Bridge Christmas market is now open with mouth-watering festive treats. The Christmas tree, and all the displays are now illuminating too.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Whilst you’re there, don’t miss Hay’s Market with its magical giant Christmas tree and food vendors.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
If you’re looking for a less crowded place near Tower Bridge, there is an illuminating sail boat display on the other side of the bridge.
The Shard
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Shard switched on its sky-high Christmas lights on the 14th November, and this year the display is inspired by the nations’ favourite Christmas songs.
On the 14th November, they celebrated the Christmas lights with uplifting Christmas carol performances 867 feet (264 metres) above sea level. This is believed to have been the highest Christmas carol ever performed on a building.
Burlington Arcade
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Luxury shopping arcade, Burlington Arcade hosted a festive celebration in mid-November. The star-studded party treated guests with sparkling champagne, fine foods and exquisite musical performances.
Burlington Arcade is now dressed in twinkling lights, red velvet bows and glamorous Christmas trees under the arches.
Fortnum & Mason
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Each year, the building of Fortnum & Mason transforms into a giant advent calendar.
Take a photo of the beautiful, illuminated windows with a double decker passing by or admire the festive window displays featuring majestic animals and birds.
Cartier and New Bond Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The royal-inspired Christmas lights are replaced by illuminated perfume bottles in collaboration with Chanel No. 5 on New Bond Street.
If we asked, probably many agree that Cartier’s festive display is one of the main reasons for people to visit New Bond Street each November and December.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Cartier’s new cosmos-inspired display is not only stunning, but the historic boutique invites everyone for a music and light show every half hour from 4pm until 10pm every day.
Where is your favourite spot in London to see Christmas lights?
Ready for your next adventure? St. Pancras International is celebrating Wicked movie with an 11-metre tall Wicked-themed Christmas tree that has a diorama within.
St Pancras International has officially unveiled its Christmas tree for 2024 and this time they partnered with Universal Pictures UK. The Christmas tree is an 11-metre tall sculpture and it’s a meticulously detailed replica of Oz’s castle in the film.
We were lucky enough to get invited for the official preview of the tree and a VIP private event held at St Pancras Searcys Bar & Brasserie.
[BLOG POST IN BIO] You certainly gonna be popular if you take a selfie at the magnificent 11-metre tall ‘Wicked’ Christmas Tree at @St. Pancras International 🎄💚 St Pancras International has officially unveiled its Christmas tree for 2024 and this time they partnered with @universalpicturesuk to create the most amazing tree to stand in the main Arcade of the station for everyone to enjoy 🎄 The castle is an exact replica of the one in the film and it has 100 illuminated towers and took 4,000 hours for 20 carftsmen to complete 🔨 We were lucky enough to be invited for the official preview of the tree on the 5th November 👀 📆 The tree is there to enjoy until 31st January 2025 @Wicked Movie #wickedmovie#wickedstpancrastree#stpancrasinternational#wicked#CapCut
St Pancras International ‘Wicked’ Christmas Tree Preview
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The preview of the Wicked-themed Christmas tree was taken place at Searcys Bar & Brassiere on the first floor of the station from where there was a stunning view of the ‘tree’.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
During the event guests had the opportunity to try three creatively crafted Wicked-inspired cocktails: The Green Elixir, Pink Perfection and The Flying Monkey.
The Green Elixir cocktail
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Green Elixir was a blend of Midori Melon liquor, gin and Miraculous foam, garnished with a letter ‘W’ standing for Wicked.
Pink Perfection was a pretty-in-pink cocktail made of Veuve Cliquot Ruosé, Brut and NV
The Flying Monkey mocktail
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Flying Monkey was a refreshing alcohol free mixture of Tanqueray 0%, raspberry syrup, cranberry and lemon juice and soda.
Live music helped us fully immerse into the magical world of Oz. We had the chance to listen to music from the film as well as Christmas tunes.
‘Emerald City Avocado and Salmon Cone’ and ‘The Flying Monkey’ mocktail
Photo: Urban Adventurer
We tasted the most amazing Wicked-inspired canape bites, such as ‘Emerald City Avocado and Salmon Cone’, ‘Outstandingful black onion seed sausage rolls’ and ‘Bewitching charcoal tart with matcha and raspberry’
The ‘Wicked’ Christmas Tree
Photo: Urban Adventurer
At the event we learnt mind-blowing facts about St Pancras’s Wicked Christmas tree:
It took 4,000 hours for 20 crafts people to build and hand-paint the ‘tree’
The castle is the exact replica of the one in the film
It has 100 illuminated towers with over 200 lights carefully woven into the display
If you take a closer look to the windows, you’ll spot hidden references to the film’s story
There is a diorama inside the ‘tree’ featuring illuminated brick road, iconic landmarks from Shiz University, The Emerald City, the castle of Kiamo Ko and The Governor’s Mansion
The diorama includes over 1,000 miniature flowers
Wicked diorama
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Make sure you take a moment and sit in the immersive sitting area within the Wicked Christmas tree to listen to music from the film.
There is a separate section with a screen where you can watch the official trailer of the film and amazing behind-the-scenes footages from the making of Wicked.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a selfie with Oz’s gilded wizard head that looks exactly like in the film.
Wendy Spinks, Chief Commercial Officer at St. Pancras International and HS1 Ltd., says:
“The St. Pancras International Christmas Tree has become a fixture in London’s festive calendar, and we understand the importance of bringing something spectacular and unique to the station for visitors to enjoy. This year, the opportunity to partner with Universal Pictures on their only Wicked Christmas Tree in the UK was an easy choice, and we look forward to welcoming guests from across the country, as well as our international travellers, to experience it.”
St. Pancras International have previously partnered with such brands, like Tiffany & Co., Lego and Disney.
Read more about St. Pancras International’s past Christmas treeshere.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Where is the Wicked Christmas Tree located?
The tree is located in St. Pancras International’s main retail Arcade
Until when can I visit it?
31st January 2025
Ready for your next adventure? “A Martini. Shaken, not stirred.” Iconic luxury shopping arcade, Burlington Arcade is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Goldfinger movie with a total transformation, and a walk-in 007 bar where they serve themed cocktails and Martini – of course. There are original movie props on display, along with a real Oscar Goldfinger won in 1965.
Iconic luxury shopping gallery, Burlington Arcade, opened a James Bond-themed pop-up bar this September. The bar is the first of its kind in the world and will remain open until the end of this year.
🔫 [BLOG POST IN BIO] 60th anniversary of Goldfinger Iconic James Bond movie, Goldfinger is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and to celebrate the legacy of Ian Fleming’s secret agent, @Burlington Arcade has gone through a total makeover A custom carpet covers the whole length of the Arcade, featuring famous lines from the film Three handcrafted golden sculptures are also on display, inspired by the Aston Martin DB5 made by @Leviathan Workshop The 007 bar is serving speciality cocktails created in partnership with the most prestigious brands, including Macallan, Blackwell Rum, Campagne Bollinger and Belvedere 🍸 🚶🏻♀️➡️Walk-ins only 📆 Until 31st December 2024 #jamesbond#jamesbond007#007#ianfleming#popup#shakennotstirred#goldfinger#astonmartin#CapCut
Burlington Arcade was built in 1818 by Lord George Cavendish in the heart of Mayfair and 007 brands have been in the Arcade since 1936, including retailers, such as The Royal Mint, N. Peal, Crockett and Globe-Trotter.
Iconic James Bond movie, Goldfinger is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and to celebrate the legacy of Ian Fleming’s secret agent, Burlington Arcade has gone through a total makeover.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
A custom carpet covers the whole length of the Arcade, featuring famous lines from the film. Whilst walking on the carpet, make sure you look up to admire the three handcrafted golden sculptures too, inspired by the Aston Martin DB5 made by Leviathan Workshop.
Let’s admit it! Many of us have always wanted to say this line at least once in our lives.
The perfect opportunity is finally here at 007 Bar, and the best part is, the pop-up bar is reserved entirely for walk-ins only.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The bar is serving speciality cocktails created in partnership with the most prestigious brands, including Macallan, Blackwell Rum, Campagne Bollinger and Belvedere.
We ordered ‘The Goldfinger’ cocktail which was a shimmering golden blend made of Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, Coconut & Elderflower Cordial and Elderflower Tonic.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
TIP: Make sure you visit the golden bathroom before you leave.
James Bond Memorabilia
Photo: Urban Adventurer
To help visitors fully immerse into the James Bond universe, original Bond memorabilia and objects from the movie are on display.
The props on display include the spy hole clock from Goldfinger’s private jet, Goldfinger’s golf shoes, Oddjob’s hat and a Fort Knox gold bar.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The bar even borrowed Madame Tussauds’ wax statue of Sean Connery to give visitors the opportunity to take photos with him.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There are original posters of Goldfinger from all over the world and the 37th Academy Award for best sound editing (yes, it’s the real Oscar!) is also on display for visitors to admire.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There is also a playable Goldfinger-themed pinball machine downstairs.
Limited-Edition James Bond Merchandise
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There is an exclusive shop on the first floor of the pop-up where you have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition framed prints, take a sneak peek at the luxury James Bond 2024 advent calendar, shop jewellery and other official merchandise.
If you’re looking for something extra special, why not bid on a limited number of Macallan 60th Anniversary Decades whiskey set or purchase a limited-edition Faberge Egg from Faberge’s Octopussy capsule collection?
Photo: Urban Adventurer
As Mr Bond is also admired for his watch collection, two wristwatches are on display (these are for display only. Not available for purchase): the Seamaster Diver 300M Commander’s Watch (2017) and the Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Limited-Edition (2019) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
These iconic watches are the only James Bond versions to be made in yellow gold.
One Piece has returned to Bandai Namco Cross Store Camdento celebrate the 25th anniversary of the anime series. There are plenty of photo ops, limited-edition merchandise, freebees and opportunity to win.
Celebrate Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew at Bandai Namco Cross Store Camden with and amazing free pop-up!
One Piece is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and there have been series of events throughout London all over the year.
Toei Animation hosted a synchronised eventin 5 European countries with giant inflatables in April while Bandai was running a pop-up at their Camden store to celebrate Luffy’s birthday and the anniversary.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This October, a brand new One Piece pop-up has arrived at Bandai Namco Cross Store with life-size Luffy statue, a message wall, free straw hat headband, tons of merchandise, photo ops, and opportunity to win with every purchase.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Turn the handle and put your hands on some cute One Piece collectables from one of the Gashapon machines downstairs or upstairs. There are tons of different designs and series to collect.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Spend over £30 on One Piece merchandise in-store and receive a special badge. Anyone who spend over £50 in-store, will receive a free tote bag and a special badge.
Buy any One Piece merchandise for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the One Piece Music Symphony at Eventim Apollo in London on 16th November 2024.
Visitors of the pop-up will also have a chance to get a special One Piece 25th Anniversary Sticker.
So, what are you waiting for? Hoist the colours and set sail to Bandai Namco Cross Store Camden, grab your free straw hat headband and join the crew!
Ready for your next adventure? Fan of Japanese culture? Japan House London have recently opened a free exhibition that explores Japan’s food replica culture.The exhibition is showcasing 47 hyper-realistic food replicas, and visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the intricate artistic process that brings these incredibly realistic food into life. A feast for the eye.
Celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in a traditional Mexican way! Between 18 October and 2 November Mexican restaurant, Mestizois serving limited-edition cocktails and Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead bread). They also have traditional Mexican altars, and a message wall.
[BLOG POST IN BIO] Celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in a traditional Mexican way! 💀🌺 Between 18 October and 2 November Mexican restaurant, Mestizo is serving limited-edition cocktail and Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead bread) They also have traditional Mexican altars, and a message wall 📍 103 Hampstead Rd, London NW1 3EL 📍 392 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UZ #diademuertos#dayofthedead#mexicanfood#mexicanrestaurants#lallorona#cocktailtime#CapCut
Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is an important and deeply cherished Mexican holiday.
Celebrated from the 31st October to 2nd November, Día de Muertos honours the memories of the loved ones who have passed away.
As part of the tradition, Mexican people set up altars at home as well as at the graves of their loved ones. They decorate the altars with marigolds, incense, candles and their loved ones’ favourite food and drink to welcome their souls back to the World of the Living for a night.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Mexicans believe that for a brief period of time the border between the real world and the spiritual world dissolves allowing the dead to return to the living world and reunite with their loved ones, and feast, drink, dance and play music with them.
The most prominent symbols of the Day of the Dead are skeletons, and skulls adorned with makeup and fancy clothes.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
During the Day of the Dead festivals are held and people wear skull masks and eat skull-shaped candy and a traditional sweet pastry, called Pan de Muerto. On this day, people traditionally drink corn-based drinks.
Día de Muertos at Mestizo Mexican Restaurant
Photo: Urban Adventurer
To celebrate the Day of the Dead, Mexican restaurant, Mestizo is offering a limited-edition cocktail, called ‘La Llorona’, inspired by a haunting legend.
The legend of La Llorona, the Weeping Woman, is a popular ghost story, best known in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
According to the legend, La Llorona was a beautiful woman, named Maria. In many variations of the story, Maria’s husband was an unfaithful man who left her for another woman. Other retelling say that her husband was abusive who treated his sons better than his wife.
As a result, Maria lured her two sons to the river to drown them. After realising what she had done, she killed herself too. In other versions of the story, Maria’s sons died by accident.
According to the legend, Maria’s ghost, now La Llorona, is banned from going to the other world and forced to wander on Earth constantly searching for her sons, wailing and crying loud.
Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead bread) is a key offering (‘ofrendas’) of the Day of the Dead altar, along with chocolate, tamales and other dishes.
While it is the family members who eat Pan de Muerto physically, it is believed that the essence of the bread can nourish the returning spirit on the Day of the Dead.
Pan de Muerto can be made in many different shapes and flavours depending on the area you are visiting. In some areas, Pan de Muerto is shaped like figures of people, while in other regions, it’s shaped like animals, crescent moon or crossed bones.
The bread is usually covered with white sugar, red sugar, sprinkles, sesame seeds or egg wash.
The Altar Road
During October, visitors can experience ‘The Altar Road’, a traditional Mexican altar within the restaurant and Mestizo Market in Camden.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Mestizo Market, Camden is featuring a separate altar dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II.
Book your table on Mestizo’s official website to either their Camden or Chelsie venue.
Ready for your next adventure? World-famous café, EL&N Café is serving a limited-edition special Halloween dessert and drinks menu, called ‘School of Spells’. The menu is featuring witch’s hat-shaped cake, pumpkin-shaped cake and three enchanting drinks.
EL&N Café has recently introduced theirlimited-edition Halloween menu, called ‘School of Spells’. The menu is available at all EL&N stores around the globe and features three spooky potions and two themed mousse cakes.
Enrol at the ‘School of Spells’ at EL&N Café
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Voted for the world’s most Instagrammable café, EL&N Café is known for its innovative menu and photogenic interior. They have stores around the globe from France to Dubai and lots of cafés around London.
Every year, EL&N Café launch a limited-edition creative Halloween menu that includes spooky drinks and indulgent cake creations. Last year’s themed took inspiration from the beloved series: Wednesday.
This year, the menu is taking you for a journey to the ‘School of Spells’ with bewitching brews and spellbinding desserts.
The magical menu is now available at ALL EL&N stores all over the globe till 31st October 2024.
Take a Sip | Have a Bite
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The menu contains three drinks: a freakshake, a hot chocolate and a mocktail, and two cakes to sink your fangs into.
Blood Orange Mocktail
A spooky blend of blood orange sorbet, pineapple juice, lemonade & rosemary, served in a blood bag.
Pumpkin Spiced Hot Chocolate
Sip on the creamiest hot chocolate that is made of nothing but white chocolate, pumpkin spiced sauce and milk, served with a melting chocolate dome.
Feeling lucky? Win a brunch for two if you order a Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate! Simply scan the QR code on the little card you receive with your hot chocolate and see if you are a winner.
If not, don’t worry! You have a second chance by filling the gaps in a spooky spell. The wittiest wins.
Red Velvet Freakshake
A killer combination of vanilla ice cream and red velvet sponge, served with tempting chocolate rim you’ll definitely want to lick. Garnished with whipped cream, white chocolate and spiders.
No tricks, just teats here! EL&N Café’s spooky mousse cakes are just as indulging as they look.
Witch’s Hat Cake
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Let yourself bewitched by the ‘Witch’s Hat Cake’. It’s an enchanting hazelnut mousse and moist chocolate sponge cake with Nutella feuilletine crispy wafer insert.
Pumpkin Mousse Cake
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Sink your fangs into the sweetest, most delicious pumpkin. It’s a chocolate orange mousse cake with almond crumble short crust and chocolate brownie insert.
Witch will you try first?
Ready for your next adventure? You still have time to try Spongebob’s real Krabby Patty at Wingmans Soho. Wingmans Soho x Krabby Patty Kollab
The spookiest month of the year is finally here and there are so many wickedly delicious treats all around London that it’s difficult to choose. This time we visited Dunkin’ Donuts that introduced their ‘Spooky Six’ donut collection and ‘Cursed Candy Apple Drinks’at the beginning of October.
🎃 🍩 [BLOG POST IN BIO] Spooky donuts and Cursed Candy Apple Drinks at @dunkinuk Their limited-edition treats are called the ‘Spooky Six’, a terrifyingly tasty donut collection to satisfy your Autumn cravings (they didn’t have Drac when I visited, so I got two Franks) #spookytreats#donuts#spookyseason#halloween2024#CapCut
Dunkin’ Donuts launched their Halloween special on the 1st October to bring the flavour this spooky season.
Their limited-edition treats are called the ‘Spooky Six’, a terrifyingly tasty donut collection to satisfy your Autumn cravings.
Spooky Six Five – Sadly they didn’t have Drac when we visited, so we grabbed two Franks instead
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Jack
The classic round one with the spooky ‘Jack-o-lantern’ face. It’s filled with hazelnut crème and finished with vanilla icing and chocolate decor.
Frank
Say hello to Frank, the monster of Victor Frankenstein, feared by many. However, fear not! This green guy is the sweetest monster you’ll have ever met. Filled with caramel, covered with vanilla icing and rainbow sprinkles, finished with chocolate decor.
Drac
The collection would not be completed without Dracula. This square donut comes with purple vanilla frosting, tempting chocolate filling and chocolate decoration.
(He is so popular that he was out of stock when we visited the shop)
Wolfie
Meet the friendly werewolf, Wolfie. His fur is chocolate strands, and his skin is maple icing, and he is as sweet inside as Bavarian crème.
Beatrix
Beatrix the witch is here to fill your day with the sweetest memories. Her blue face, salted caramel filling, orange hair made of sprinkles and her chocolate hat will definitely make you smile today.
Bones
This not-so-spooky donut skull has cookies & crème filling, vanilla icing and a smiling skeleton face made out of chocolate.
Cursed Candy Apple Drinks
Cursed Candy Apple Frappe
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Dunkin’ have turned your favourite Halloween treat into drinks! Which one are sipping first?
Cursed Candy Apple Iced Latte
No tricks, just treats! It’s your favourite caramel latte, but spookier. It comes with strawberry sauce and green apple popping balls.
Cursed Candy Apple Frappe
This creepy, but oh-so-sweet frappe is a tempting Halloween caramel latte, elevated to another level with layered strawberry sauce and green apple popping balls, topped with cream and fudge pieces, and finished with a drizzle of strawberry sauce.
This is the one we tried. It was absolutely delicious! It was creamy and crunchy, and it went surprisingly well with the green apple popping balls.
Practical Info
The ‘Spooky Six’ is available till 31st October 2024 at all Dunkin’ UK stores or through national delivery.
The Cursed Candy drinks are available till 31st October 2024 at all Dunkin’ UK stores. In-store only!
Make sure you grab them before they go!
Ready for your next adventure? Classic cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and to Wingmans Soho is currently running a special Krabby Patty collab.
“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Spongebob Squarepants!”
Spongebob Squarepants is celebrating his 25th birthday this year and how could it be celebrated more than Krabby Patty in one hand and Seaweed Fries in the other?
Soho hotspot, Wingmans has teamed up with Mr. Krabs (…and Paramount and Nickelodeon…) to bring you some childhood nostalgia and give you the opportunity to submerge into the flavours of the famous Krabby Patty.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
If you ever dreamed of trying it as a child, now here’s your chance to sink your teeth into the iconic juicy burger, crafted exactly like its cartoon counterpart: smashed aged beef patty topped with bone marrow braised onion caramel, American & Monterey cheese, zingy yellow mustard and zigzag pickles, finished with Wingmans’ secret sauce.
Shhh! Plankton should never get his hands on the secret recipe!
The burger comes with crispy, salty Seaweed Fries, all served in a special Spongebob square box.
If you’re a fan of Spongebob, this is a burger experience you don’t want to miss. Make sure you paddle your way to Wingmans Soho till 27th October.
Reserve a table on Wingmans’ official website (make sure you choose their Soho venue) or simply walk in.
Now, only one question remained. “Are you ready kids? Aye-aye, Captain!”
Ready for your next adventure? If you’re a foodie and a K-pop fan, you have to visit this restaurant! Located in the very heart of Chinatown, Little Korea is the official caterer of many K-pop groups during their stay in London. There are signatures of Ateez, IVE and other idols and K-drama stars on display on the walls.
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