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 department store, Selfridges opened their biggest ever Christmas Shop in mid-September. They offer over 900 decorations, a personalisation grotto, and the largest selection of Christmas calendars in the UK.
Selfridges’ Christmas Shop opened as early as Spetember 16 on the lower ground of their Oxford Street store.
Visitors of the Christmas Shop are greeted by spinning Christmas trees at the entrance, all decorated in different styles.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
One of the trees is adorned entirely with wool decorations, another one is decorated with Selfridges’ signature yellow baubles and disco balls, while a third is decorated with retro-style glass character decorations.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Christmas Shop maximised the festive aesthetic and promises an over-the-top experience to their customers. There are over 900 decorations available in the shop from quirky to classic, including famous faces, ‘Disco fever’, Christmas classics, Christmas in London and, – of course – Selfridges icons.
60% of the items are available exclusively at Selfridges’ Christmas Shop.
Personalisation Grotto and the UK’s Largest Selection of Advent Calendars
Photos; Urban Adventurer
For those seeking personalised touches, the personalisation grotto allows customers to create bespoke items. Here you can customise baubles, stockings and even wrapping paper from Abigail Warner.
Selfridges is offering the largest selection of advent calendars in the UK in the most different categories, including food, toys and beauty.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There are over 280 hand-picked Christmas cards available, along with 50 different types of Christmas crackers, including reusable crackers from British brand, Colours of Arley.
Colours of Arley’s reusable crackers are easy to recognise from their signature striped patterns. The cracks are basically napkins that come with a small box inside to add your own thoughtful gift (a piece of jewellery, a hand-written note, some sweets or any small item you know the recipient may like). You can tie the cracker with stylish matching ribbons and use them year after year.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
All the trollies and shopping baskets have been given a tinsel makeover helping customers fully immerse into the festive spirit.
Fairground Snowscape
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The centre of Selfridges’ Christmas Shop is the adorable fairground snowscape with moving carousels and giant wheels.
Make sure you don’t miss the lovely window displays within the Christmas Shop featuring idyllic Christmas scenes made out of gingerbread houses and the decorations available to purchase at the shop.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
It’s less than two months till Christmas, and if you want to start your Christmas shopping or just immerse into the festive spirit, Selfridges Christmas Shop is the perfect place to start.
Ready for your next adventure? Whilst on Oxford Street, why not pop in to the most unique café? Poetry Pharmacyis a café and cultural hub on the top floor of Lush, offering poetry for prescription, coffee and cake and a tranquil oasis to relax after shopping.
Showcasing some of the most innovative artists across the globe, Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival has returned for its eighth edition to warm your heart this January.
Let yourself enchanted by 13 spectacular temporary and 6 permanent light installations and breath-taking laser projections across Canary Wharf.
Make sure you download the map, (just scroll down all the way to the bottom of the page) so you won’t miss out on anything. Printed version is available at Winter Lights Info Point at Jubilee Place Mall.
Highlights of the Winter Lights Festival
Sign by Vendel & De Wolf (Netherlands), Westferry Circus
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This monumental installation is definitely the one you don’t want to miss out. Hundreds of illuminated bamboos rising against the dark night sky creating the illusion of flickering flames.
The installation is beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The artwork encourages people to embrace beauty and new beginning.
Submergence by Squidsoup (UK), Montgomery Square
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Following the huge success in 2019, this immersive walk-through experience has returned to Montgomery Square. Submergence is a dreamy installation with thousands of individual lights suspended like curtains.
As you walk through, you can affect both the physical lights and the virtual component of the installation.
Vessels by Limbic Cinema (UK), Crossrail Place Roof Garden, East End
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Vessels is a pyramid structure in which laser create vivid three-dimensional forms that constantly shift and transform within the pyramid as following a melodic music.
Kinetic Perspectives by Juan Fuentes (Spain), Water Street
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Kinetic Perspectives is inspired by the optical illusionary art of the 1960s. 32 illuminated spinning circles continually disappear and reappear to create an abstract geometric shape. Visitors are encouraged to walk around the installation to be able to explore the hidden geometry.
Geist by This is Loop (UK), Union Square
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Geist is based on a complex technology to show how ‘neutrinos’, the smallest elementary particles, move and vibrate. As the audience is interacting with the sculpture, Geist will reflect a visual and audio representation of the detection of neutrinos.
Permanent Installations
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Whilst you’re there, make sure you visit the permanent installations as well.
Bit.fall by Julius Popp (Germany), Chancellor Passage is an ever-changing cascade forming words out of the falling water.
Captivated by Colour by Camilla Walala (France), Adams Plaza Bridge was originally designed for the London Mural Festival, however, remained as a permanent artwork as part of the public art collection.
Shine Your Colours by Tine Bech (Denmark), Riverside was originally designed for Summer Lights in 2021. It has become a permanent installation by the River Themes allowing visitors to see themselves and the surroundings in different colours. The 6 transparent coloured glass panels are illuminated at night.
Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival is open from 17 – 27 January 2024 from 5pm – 10pm. No booking required.
There are food and drink stalls, as well as restaurants and bars along the Winter Lights trail, many of which running special offers and discounts during the festival.
Ready for your next adventure? Following the success of their Hatsune Miku collab last Autumn, London’s iconic retro ramen bar, Ramen Yokocho is currently running a collaboration with SEGA to celebrate the release of Persona 3 Reload game. Expect character-themed set menus, amazing themed decoration, character cut-outs to take selfie with and free surprise character pin.
Now that Christmas is behind us, we finally have time to catch our breath and have some me-time to recharge before hitting the new year. Public art platform and immersive gallery, W1 Curates have launched their final digital art exhibition for 2023 and it’s completely free to visit.
US based artist, Ken Kelleher is famous for his monumental abstract sculptures and digital artworks. He takes the utilitarian use away from everyday objects to create something completely new by altering, re-shaping and merging them.
The artist’s goal is to create something that didn’t exist before…something that makes viewers stop and think. Kelleher’s artworks are open to interpretation which means one may see them as whimsical and playful, while others strange or surprising.
Kelleher seamlessly blends form and purpose, simplicity and intricacy to create something completely new that make people stop and wonder.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Lose yourself in the realm of fantasy, let your imagination flow and find the profound meaning behind the compositions. What do they mean to you?
W1 Curates’ floor-to-ceiling LED screens provide a truly immersive experience, letting you leave behind the buzzing city life and relax.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
The exhibition is located in the basement of FLANNELS clothing shop
PRO TIP: If you love digital art, make sure you subscribe for W1 Curates’ newsletter because they regularly host free launching parties for their new digital art exhibitions! (scroll down to the bottom of the page)
Ready for your next adventure? NOW Gallery is currently collaborating with Irish-born menswear designer, Robyn Lynch. ‘Greetings from Ireland’ guides visitors through a giant inflatable installation letting viewers learn more about the different stages of the creative process and celebrate the designer’s Irish heritage.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of their best-selling, Teddy Coat, Max Mara has embarked on a Global Fashion Adventure. Following the huge success in New York and Milan, Teddy’s Fluffy Residencehas arrived in London.
Max Mara’s ongoing global celebration of their fluffy Teddy Coat has arrived in London and is free to visit.
The Fluffy residence is an immersive walk-through apartment where from the furniture to the walls, everything is covered with fluffy Teddy fabric.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The imaginary character of a woman who lives in the Teddy Residence is outgoing, has built a career, loves experiencing new things and making new friends while never misses an opportunity to host a cosy dinner with old friends. Everyone who steps into The Fluffy Residence will instantly feel this woman’s positive spirit.
So, what are you waiting for? Go and explore this whimsical dream house filled with tenderness. From the kitchen to the bathroom, even the tiniest details are dressed in Max Mara’s famous Teddy fabric: from the glasses on the kitchen table to the bathroom accessories…
Make sure you try the ‘magic mirror’ that transforms you into your own Teddy alter ego.
The interactive windows of the residence give a dreamy view of an imagined city naturally clad in Teddy fabric.
Hug a giant Teddy Bear in the bedroom and ‘make a fuzzy phone call’ with the Teddy version of an iPhone.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
The Fluffy Residence is installed on the Russel Street side of Covent Garden
Opening Times
Open for 10 days from 16 – 26 December 2023 (closed on Christmas Day)
Open between 10am – 8pm
Tickets
FREE | Walk-ins accepted, however, you can book a timeslot on Max Mara’s website for fast entry if you wish
Ready for your next adventure? Another famous luxury brand is running a free pop-up in London this Winter. Glossier is celebrating their favourite scent, ‘Glossier You’ which famously smells different on everyone. The multisensory experience lets you experience the fragrance with all five senses. You can also try and purchase the fragrance on the spot along with limited-edition Glossier merch.
We all have that one friend who gets to be the first to see the new movie releases, knows all the classics movie quotes, and nothing gets them more excited than a movie marathon. And – of course – they have all the collectables, merch, and figures, so it’s very difficult to surprise them with something they don’t have already.
Come with me to the official BFI Shop and ODEONCinema to find something special for your movie-mad loved one.
Cinemas frequently come up with cool cups and popcorn buckets for the most anticipated new movie releases. At ODEON Cinema, one of the hottest releases is definitely the WONKA movie. This cup with candy decoration under its lid and the WONKA hat popcorn bucket are a must-have for a Willy Wonka fan.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
You don’t have to be a mermaid to dive deep for this shiny Aquaman popcorn bucket and cup. They’re covered with gold scales and decorated with Aquaman logo.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
For Disney-enthusiasts, I found an adorable purple cup adorned with stars and the portrait of the main character, Asha.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Any Marvel fans out there? How about these cool The Marvels character cups?
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Gift cards are always a good idea as a stocking filler because it gives the receiver a complete freedom of choice on what they want to buy. ODEON have lots of different designs and you can top up with any amount you wish between £5 – £100.
BFI Southbank’s official shop has a lot to offer when it comes to last-minute gift ideas. They have tons of books, Blue Rays, tote bags, card games and more.
DIY Movie Night Popcorn Kit
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Turn popcorn making into a fun family activity! Each family member can make their own tasty popcorn using five different seasonings from salt & vinegar to toffee to sweet chilli.
Popcorn Bucket List
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This is not your ordinary bag of popcorn! Every piece of ‘popcorn’ in the bag is actually a TV show or movie suggestion. Pick a ‘popcorn’ and see what movie or TV show you’ll be watching next. Perfect stocking filler.
Quirky Socks
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Get settled in the Overlook Hotel if you dare. These socks feature the iconic geometric pattern of the Overlook Hotel from Stephen King’s classic novel’s film adaptation. One size fit all.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
These National Film Theatre pattern socks are produced exclusively for the BFI.
The National Film Theatre (NFT) was designed by Norman Engleback and built within just 15 months. The pattern of the socks pictured above, takes inspiration from the black and gold wallpaper adorned the screen shutter in the original NFT 1 auditorium. At the start of the movie, the shutter would be pulled to the sides to reveal the screen. The same shutter provided backdrop to interviews with the greatest actors, actresses and directors, such as Alfred Hitchcock.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The original NFT sign is still there on the Southwest side of Waterloo Bridge. It was lovingly restored to bring back its original glory in 2018. Today, this is the visual of London Film Festival.
Make sure you bring your movie enthusiast to the BFI Bar to sip a delicious cocktail and pose in these socks after Christmas.
Tote Bags
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Does your friend live and breathe with sci-fi? Love comedy? Or has a keen interest in movies from the glorious 1950s? A stylish tote bag is not just a nice accessory, but also very practical in the everyday life.
Card Games
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What could be better than gather the family and play a fun card game around the table at Christmas Night? Test your knowledge of film directors, break the emoji code or come up with funny filthy parodies of film titles while the others try to guess the original title. Guaranteed fun all night long.
Books
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Whether you’re loved one is a huge fan of Tim Burton’s unique dark universe, a lover of the movies from the 1990s or a Disney enthusiast, BFI Shop definitely has something special for them.
From special editions to archives to original story books, you’re guaranteed to find something to put under the Christmas tree.
Water Bottle
Photo: Urban Adventurer
With these vibrant yellow ‘Nitrate’ water bottles you not only can surprise a true film enthusiast for Christmas, but also support the hard work of BFI National Archive to preserve nitrate film for future generations.
Nitrate film was made of highly flammable cellulose nitrate, but in return for its dangerous nature, it had the deepest and richest colours of any film stock.
Cinemas needed special licence to be allowed to screen nitrate films as these films required rigorous system of checks and safeguards.
The graphic you can see on these water bottles are directly adapted from the original nitrate safety signage.
BFI Southbank is one the handful cinemas in the world that are able to screen nitrate.
T-Shirt
Photo: Urban Adventurer
An official BFI Film Festival tee is something a true move enthusiast’s wardrobe cannot miss. These limited-edition T-shirts celebrate the UK’s biggest annual event, BFI London Film Festival 2023.
Available in white and black.
Fair Wear Foundation endorsed and vegan certified by PETA.
The Finishing Touch – National Film Theatre Wrapping Paper
Wrap your gifts up in cinematic style with black and gold National Film Theatre wrapping paper.
There are tons of other items available at BFI official shop, including, Blue Rays, postcards, mugs, and more.
There’s one week till Christmas, so you still have time to visit BFI Shop or pop in one of the ODEON cinemas to grab the perfect gift to put under the tree or add some lovely stocking fillers to the list.
Ready for your next adventure? Knoops – that is famous for their fully customisable chocolate drinks – are celebrating the release of the WONKA movie with a WONKA-inspired hot chocolate. Why not treat your film-lover friend with a WONKA Winter Warmer at Knoops Covent Garden shop which provides prefect background for your Insta pics?
Celebrating the release of the highly anticipated WONKA movie, London’s favourite chocolate drink café, Knoops, created a WONKA-inspired Winter warmer.
WONKA movie was released on 8 December in the UK, telling the wonderous story of the world’s greatest chocolatier, Willy Wonka. Starring Timothée Chalamet, Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Grant, the WONKA movie is on the top of the international box office already and Timothée Chalamet has been nominated for a Golden Globe Award as best actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Knoops, which is famous for their fully customisable chocolate drinks, launched their WONKA-inspired Winter warmer on the 20 November and their Covent Garden shop had a WONKA makeover to provide the perfect backdrop for your drink.
The WONKA Winter Warmer is 34% milk hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream, chocolate-covered popping candy for a fun twist and a Knoops chocolate plaque.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The WONKA Winter Warmer is also available at the Knoopsmobile at Westfield London’s ice rink until 7 January 2024.
Make sure you scan the QR code of the cup and enter the competition for a chance to win a stay in London and a WONKA-inspired afternoon tea experience!
Ready for your next adventure? London’s favourite bubble tea shop, The Alley, is currently running a Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration. They introduced two character-inspired drinks: ‘Gojo’s Limitless Coconut Smoothie’ and ‘Geto’s Powerful Tropical Smoothie’. The drinks come with straw accessories, character cup sleeve and free stickers.
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