Winter is Coming GE T F E S T I V E !


Arguably the best alpine experience in London, the Montague Hotel is opening its Ski Lodge for another winter. Its wood deck converts into a Christmas scene like no other, with pine trees, snowmen, rein- deer and falling snow. With a choice of 12 beverages including Schnapps and different flavoured vodkas from the centrepiece bar, candied pecans, hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot spiced cider, the only thing missing is a ski slope. Te Montague also offers a more low-key space in the form of its Log Cabin, where you can sip a drink in the comfort of an armchair in front of the fire, where we fully anticipate Nat King Cole’s rendition of Te Christmas Song to be playing. Tough it’s been said, many times, many ways…15 Montague Street, WC1B 5BJ. Packages start from £30. Dalloway Terrace at Te Bloomsbury


Bars and restaurants:


Hotel gives Narnia a run for its money during the festive months. Te terrace, named after Virginia Woolf ’s character Mrs Dalloway, is festooned with snow- dusted branches, lanterns and fairy lights. To further add to the wintery vibe, tables come with blankets and sheepskin rugs to make sure you remain toasty for the dura- tion of your stay. 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN. For some post-shopping respite,


Selfridges’ rooftop is joining the yuletide www.focus-info.org


ranks again this year. Te cabin-themed spot takes inspiration from England’s forests, so expect bare branch-lined walls and a moody atmosphere, with delicate strings of lights thrown in for good Christmastide measure. Pop-up restaurant connoisseur Des McDonald has taken on this seasonal venue, which flaunts an excel- lent menu and cocktails to match. Forest Restaurant and Cabin Bar, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB. Christmas at trendy restaurant, Coq


d’Argent, means opening its Lodge d’Argent, its winter terrace. Decked out like a French ski chalet, it is not short of kitsch touches. Vintage ski props allow you to escape to the slopes without the need for a ski lift. It has its very own cocktail menu and contemporary French après-ski food options. If that wasn’t enough, the lodge runs winter yoga sessions on the last Sunday of every month, so you can have as many mince pies as you like and still be working on that summer body. After all, they are made in the winter. Apparently. No. 1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ.


Theatre Lovers


Christmas in London wouldn’t be the same without the enthralling world of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Te Nutcracker’ at the Royal Opera House. Performed by Te Royal Ballet, it tells the tale of a young girl named Clara who, late on Christmas Eve, makes her way downstairs looking for her


favourite present, a nutcracker doll. She encounters Drosselmeyer, a magician, who takes Clara on a journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets where she meets various characters along the way. Tis magical production, featuring a Christmas tree that grows in front of your eyes and iconic melodies, is sure to make any Scrooge find even the smallest bit of Christmas spirit. 5 December 2017-10 January 2018. Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD. Tickets from £5. Now in its 20th hit year, the stage show


adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ timeless book ‘Te Snowman’ is as enchanting as ever. Follow the story of a boy and his snowman friend on their adventure to the North Pole, but give the interval ice cream a miss; it’s cold enough walking through the air as it is. 23 November-31 December 2017. Te Peacock, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT. Tickets from £15. Nativity! Te Musical, based on the


much-loved British film series, is coming to the Eventim Apollo for a short run. Te show follows the teachers and children of St. Bernadette’s School as they try to put on a nativity play, and features many of the film's popular songs, including Nazareth and Sparkle and Shine. Tis one is for all the family. 13-17 December 2017. Eventim Apollo, Queen Caroline St, Hammersmith, W6 9QH. Tickets from £31.50. Are you partial to a bit of Silent Night?


FOCUS The Magazine 7


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