Western Assembly
For the next three weeks you can find beautiful winter menswear from the Western Assembly pop up at 114 Church Street in Brighton. Started by sisters Anee and Kiran in 2012, the brand was founded on the realisation that men in search of unique independent retail were under-serviced on the high street in comparison to their female counterparts. Western Assembly provides premium yet accessible clothing that is often unknown but deserves to be seen, heard and worn. Offering contemporary labels with a rich European heritage – from Kestin Hare coats to La Paz shirts – they are dedicated to curating inspired menswear for those who demand more than mass-produced fast fashion.
When: 3 to 23 December
Where: 114 Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UD
We Built This City
Pop-up favourites We Built This City recently topped the charts with the prize of ‘Best Shop in Soho 2015’ at the Time Out Love London Awards. And well-deservedly too – their revolution of truly creative homegrown London souvenirs first burst onto Carnaby Street in the summer of 2014, only to be back again this year with bricks, pigeons and paintwork from Camille Walala. It was such a success second time around that they extended for another Christmas (which is great news for all you festive shoppers). With over 300 handcrafted items from artists, illustrators, designers and makers, be sure to check out the ‘GINgle Bells’ cards by Of Life & Lemons, witty prints inspired by the city and East London-centric coffee table books from Hoxton Mini Press.
When: Now – New Year and beyond
Where: 56-57 Carnaby Street, London W1F 9QF
Image by Jordan Bunker – see more from his visit here.
Pop Up Coin Op
This winter take it back to the old school with Pop Up Coin Op, a hub of food, alcohol and – best of all – authentic retro arcade games. Get your hands on Time Crisis 2, Sega Rally, House of the Dead, Star Wars Pinball and Streetfighter in unique warehouse The Depot located 5 minutes from Clapton station. The bar opens at 7pm and you can also fill up with curry, jerk chicken, platters and pulled pork. The first of its kind in London, it’s the perfect alternative night out for your mates if you don’t fancy crazy golf and want to release the tensions of the week by killing a few zombies from the 90s.
When: Now – 18 December
Where: 38 Upper Clapton Rd, London E5 8BQ
Skandilicious
If you’re bored of conventional Christmas events then take a trip to Skandilicious for a host of traditional Scandinavian festivities and an all-you can eat Smörgåsbord. Located in the magical setting of Chelsea Physic Garden, you can enjoy a glass of complementary Glögg (Swedish mulled wine) accompanied by Skandi-inspired canapés such as Reindeer Sausage and Castello Creamy White with lingonberry jam. The festive Julbord buffet includes 35 dishes that would traditionally be sampled over 7 visits – here you can select as many as you like (so don’t wear your tight trousers). Finally, finish off the evening with Christmas cocktails made with seasonal Swedish ingredients from co-founder & award winning mixologist Fredrik Olsson.
When: December
Where: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS
The Poundshop
The Poundshop is run by George Wu and Sara Melin. Founded in April 2010 together with Sarah Gottlieb, their aim is to spread design to a wider audience by making it accessible with affordable prices and engagement. In 2013 The Poundshop was picked as one of Selfridges’ ‘Bright Young Things’ and this Christmas they bring their brand of bargain products to Somerset House with The Garage Sale. Over 50 designers will sell stock from past seasons, prototypes, work in progress and samples, so expect pieces that aren’t available anywhere else (a perfect present for that friend who has everything). Prices will range from £1 to £100 and include Arnold Circus stools by Martino Gamper, one-off scarves designed by Malika Favre and prints by HelloVon.
When: 10 – 13 December
Where: The Lancaster Rooms, Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA
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