One-day Christmas itinerary in Belgravia

There’s plenty to see, do, eat and drink in Belgravia this festive season. From exciting new restaurant openings like Amélie, Wildflowers and Cornus, to brand new shops to explore on the fashion and homeware front. Fully embrace the Christmas spirit with fabulously festive afternoon teas at Belgravia’s most glamorous hotels, or sip Christmassy cocktails with a view at The Peninsula’s panoramic Brooklands bar. 

And whether it’s a wreath-making masterclass or sculpting the perfect pot at Studio Pottery London, there’s plenty of hands-on fun for all the family, not to mention plenty of ways to get party-ready with speedy facials and bouncy blow-drys. Not forgetting of course, magical Christmas lights illumining the whole neighbourhood from 4 November.

Breakfast

But first, coffee. Start your day in Belgravia with the most important meal of the day, whether that’s the signature Instagrammable green omelette at neighbourhood favourite Tomtom Coffee House. Alternatively, get up and go with a takeaway coffee and sweet treat from Danish bakery Ole & Steen, new speciality café Koub or the iconic Peggy Porschen parlour.

Early birds should rise and shine in time to squeeze in a class at new pilates studio Sentiré, or for a mindful start to the morning, a sound healing at meditation studio Re:Mind. 

Morning

Stretch your legs and enjoy a leisurely stroll around two of Belgravia’s prettiest shopping precincts, refuelling if needs be with a beetroot matcha or gingerbread latte from The Açaí Girls on Eccleston Street. 

Kickstart a morning of Christmas shopping by browsing new homeware pieces at interiors haven Newson’s Yard, from the iconic Nina Campbell flagship to glossy lacquered trays at Martin Brudnizki’s And Objects. Carry onto Elizabeth Street for fashion finds, from newly opened Cefinn and Penelope Chilvers, to sparkly gems sure not to disappoint at Loquet London, Vicki Sarge and Catherine Best.

Lunch

With so many great restaurants, it’s hard to choose just one. There’s classic French bistro La Poule au Pot, fine dining at new opening Cornus or all-day seasonality at its finest at Newson’s Yard dining concept and deli Wildflowers.

After lunch, head to Studio Pottery London in Eccleston Yards, for a private or group pottery class. Get behind the wheel and learn from experts like ceramic master Gregory Tingay how to throw your very own pot, which can be glazed and fired by the studio team to make a thoughtful, handmade Christmas gift.

The Christmas crafting continues with cookie decorating classes at icing studio Biscuiteers. Creatives can also get busy at Daylesford Organic on Pimlico Road, with everything from festive cooking classes to flower-arranging to be enjoyed.

Afternoon

Get all the Christmassy feels with a traditional afternoon tea at regency five-star hotel The Lanesborough, where this year’s colourful Bridgerton-themed menu can be made extra merry with a glass or two of champagne. 

If wellness is high on the agenda, enjoy a relaxing spa and beauty moment with an express facial at Dr Jack’s medispa on Ebury Street. The Korean glass skin facial has no downtime and leaves skin dewy, lifted and sculpted in just 45 minutes. Complete with a bouncy blow-dry down the road with stylist Adem Oygeur at the Adem London salon, and you’ll be selfie-ready for a photo next to the unmissable Christmas wreath display on Elizabeth Street, created by florist Moyses Stevens.

Dinner

Set the tone for a special night with expertly crafted cocktails at Brooklands, the rooftop bar at The Peninsula hotel, and be wowed by stunning views taking in the bright lights of nearby Winter Wonderland.

Treat yourself with a tasting menu for dinner at Michelin-starred Muse by Tom Aikens or Pétrus by chef Gordon Ramsay. Or for a more informal evening, keep your finger on the pulse by checking out highly anticipated recent openings - Provençal restaurant Amélie and Japanese foodie spot Sachi - both to be found inside Motcomb Street’s historic Pantechnicon building. 

Linger on the short walk to admire all the twinkly Christmas lights, which make the area feel extra magical. And if you’re in town on 17 November, mark your diaries for Father Christmas and his reindeer, who’ll be making an appearance for the big Christmas lights switch-on celebrations.

Evening

Don’t forget that giving back is the true meaning of Christmas, and there are plenty of charity carol concerts in Belgravia’s beautiful churches spreading good cheer. From the sell-out Foundation service at St Paul’s, to the Kids for Kids candlelit service at St Peter’s Eaton Square.

As the day draws to a close, late-night revellers should end their night with a digestif at sexy Latin American Luum bar, dancing the night away with DJs and live music at this cool, new late-night Mexican lounge. 'Tis the season to be jolly, after all.