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Valentine’s Day Competition

Valentine’s Day Competition

To celebrate Valentine’s Day we have partnered up with Gino D’Acampo in Camden to give away a Meal for Two paired with two glasses of Ferghettina Rosé to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style!

To enter, the participants have to follow @thestayclub and @ginomyrestaurant on Instagram and tag their loved one they would bring along to enjoy the experience in the comments section under the competition post.

The Prize

The prize consists of a Meal For Two (3 course meal) at Gino D’Acampo, 2 glasses of Ferghettina Rosé. The prize will expire on 14 February, 2019.

Terms & Conditions

The competition will launch on 13 February, 2019 and close at 3 pm on 14 February, 2019.

The winner will be picked from the entries submitted before the closing date. The winner will be announced on @thestayclub’s Instagram Stories and informed by direct message. The winner must RSVP by 5 pm on 14 February,2019.

Winners must be over 18 and bring proof of ID when attending the venue.

Gino D’Acampo reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The prize does not include travel or accommodation. The prize must be accepted as offered. No cash or other alternatives will be offered.

The prize is not transferable. The prize is subject to availability and Gino D’Acampo reserves the right to substitute the prize with another of equivalent value without notice.

2018 Highlights

2018 Highlights
by Nina Christopoulou

2018 has been a whirlwind in so many ways for our amazing Stay Club team, with countless beautiful moments, a lot of hard work and innumerable changes to make the experience and vibe of The Stay Club even better! Our team couldn’t be more excited to see what 2019 has in store for us, but for the time being, we would like to reflect on the highlights of the past year…

Martyn Duguid

Director of Operations

The biggest highlight of 2018 is that we’re a market leader not just in student accommodation, but in English as a foreign language as well. During 2018 we had a sum of 8,000 student weeks, which is a record breaker for us. Cultural courses, language courses and more all offered in one campus, in a city that is the ideal place to learn English. We are unique in what we are, and we have a range of people wanting to work with us and we want to accommodate them across the portfolio. There’s not much of what we do in London, and I think this has been cemented in 2018.

Additionally, we are incredibly proud to say that we’ve cemented our place in the student accommodation market during 2018. We have a high demand for students that want our services, not only those that are going to independent universities, but also those that opt for semester options. The Stay Club offers the ideal pick for the students heading to London and in search of an honest landlord, as well as a place to live that does not require a guarantor. We believe we have been able to produce that to all of our residents, and that is reflected in our high occupancy rates across all of our residences, including a high influx of re-bookings, meaning that our residents are satisfied with our services and they are looking to return for another year. Our aim is to continue the fantastic work of 2018 throughout the new year!

Florence Tercier

Yield & Sales Manager

Dedication to improvement means hearing your guests when they speak; for us the feedback of our residents is invaluable! We kept our eyes and ears open throughout the past year and introduced online support via live chat among other improvements, to allow for our guests to find a solution to anything that may arise even faster than before!

It is our belief that finding your new home should be an easy and seamless process. The past year we dedicated our time to improving the room selection available online, as well as the booking process and payment system. It was our goal to make our website as smooth and easy going as the real-life at The Stay Club!

We suggest that you stay tuned, as December will see the announcement of our 2019/2020 academic rates, alongside a very special Early Bird offer!

Rhianna Janes

Event Manager

2018 has been a year of highlights regarding events.

A main highlight would have to be the month of World Cup celebrations which, when coupled with residents from all around the world coming together to celebrate with painted faces and flags, created an unparalleled atmosphere!

Following a busy summer, we welcomed our residents and a new academic year with a series of parties including the ‘Stay Club Fresher’s Week’. Although the in-house parties are always a favourite, the Fresher’s events were really special, as they allowed residents to experience our partner clubs around the city with great discounts, whilst breaking the ice!

However, we couldn’t discuss highpoints without Halloween, in which we hosted in-house celebrations with pumpkin carving, DJ’s and buffets for our residents to socialise and celebrate with their neighbours (and dress up of course).

We are really looking forward to another event-filled year in 2019…

Jose Marquez

IT Manager

2018 has been a great year full of hard-earned achievements. The Stay Club opened 5 years ago in Willesden and a year after that in Camden. During this process we kept evolving and adapting to the needs of our clients, but after we opened our third building in Colindale we felt the need to upgrade the services at both Camden and Willesden to match the quality of our latest addition. This has been a tough but rewarding job! The partnership with our new internet provider ASK4 not only massively increased the quality of service, but also provided outstanding customer care. This process gave us an entry into the shortlist for the Student Accommodation Awards 2018:

https://student.propertyweek.com/student18/en/page/home-page.

Our new year’s resolutions regarding IT sector are all about making our online services as user-friendly as possible! This has been a wonderfully diverse undertaking, with a brand new website in the works, a smoother booking process, an even more effective parcel tracking system, and many more incredible changes! We can’t wait to show you what we have up our sleeve!

Danai Davatzis

Marketing Coordinator

2018 has been an abundant year for The Stay Club! We happily saw our list of partners expand greatly within the past year, with plenty of local businesses joining us! In the Camden area, our partnership list includes some of the most incredible cafes, such as Hygge Pygge, and Camden Coffee Co. in the Stables Market! Nando’s and Gino’s added that Mediterranean vibe to The Stay Club, offering their discounts across all of our residences. The Camden Comedy Club is also on board, with a wonderful list of discounts on selected shows for all of our residents!

One of the most exciting partnerships of 2018 was undoubtedly that with Pure Gym in Colindale! We are also happy to confirm we will be expanding this partnership to include Camden and Kentish Town!

It’s a beautiful feeling looking back at 2018 and seeing how many more partners were added to our list, for our residents to enjoy! How could we not be looking forward to seeing how much further the list can expand in 2019?

Renata Spicerova

Creative Marketing Manager

2018 was a fantastic year from a branding perspective! The Stay Club has definitely evolved and opened to new opportunities. We had a chance to expand with a brand new building opening its doors in 2019, and improve our quality of service and your living experience throughout the year.

The launch of the official Stay Club Newspaper was a great way to end 2018, finally shining a light on what The Stay Club community is all about. It highlights our ‘family’ members and their life stories alongside our ‘dream team’, so our residents can get a little sneak peek behind the scenes. Have you had a chance to grab your copy? If not, we suggest you get one asap, to find out more about London life and its beauty. And if you feel like it, let us know your feedback! We are more than excited to know your thoughts: https://www.facebook.com/TheStayClub/!

We are definitely looking forward to developing more amazing new content and giving our residents an opportunity to show their talents through our upcoming projects in 2019.

Top Things to Do in London This February

Top Things to Do in London This February
by Nina Christopoulou

Exciting times are ahead of us this February, as London’s festivities, exhibitions and events hold the promise of effervescence and glee! February is going to be a fun-filled month, with so many things going on around the city, the highlights out of which are listed below:

1. Chinese New Year

The extravagant celebration that is the Chinese New Year will return once more, this time to welcome the Year of the Pig. While the actual New Year is February 5th, the Chinese New Year Parade, the massiveness of which is the talk of the town, will take place on the Sunday after (Feb. 10th). Chinatown, West End and Trafalgar Square become the playground of vibrant floats and imaginative displays, as the largest Chinese New Year’s celebration outside of Asia unravels and mesmerises those that dare to take part! The Stay Club events team is overly excited to welcome the Chinese New Year too; we will be hosting a wonderful celebration filled with decorations, music, food and tons of fortune cookies on the 5th of February, at our Colindale and Camden residences! So save the date, and get ready for the Year of the Pig!

2. Valentine’s Day

Whether you’re a fan of this loved-up fest, or an anti-Valentine-ist in all of its glory, you can bet on London’s versatile events to accommodate you. For those couples that are in the mood of celebrating love, there is an abundance of chocolate shops to search for exquisite V-Day treats, most notable among which is the Charbonnel et Walker vintage shop at the Royal Arcade. The Columbia Road flower market is THE place to look for mesmerising bouquets that reflect your feelings, whereas the romantic dinner nooks are everywhere to be found. RANDE’s Revolt Against Tinder is probably the coolest Anti-Valentine’s event out there for the singles that want a fun night out, or the couples that go against the norm! Keep an eye out for our Valentine’s Day post to find out more about our suggestions for February the 14th, including our awesome Valentine’s Party (complete with a love letter box…)!

3. Orchid Festival at Kew

Kew Gardens is one of our London favourites, as it doesn’t rest despite the amazing offering that it boasts throughout the year! The Christmas at Kew event is one of their most popular, but on February 9th the Orchid Festival will make its appearance for yet another year, and we couldn’t be more excited to check it out! The festival will be dedicated to Columbia’s biodiversity, with a carnival of animals, the replication of the rainbow river Caño Cristales and Columbia’s spectacular forests!

4. London Classic Car Show

This one goes out to all car enthusiasts out there! The massive Excel Centre will host the London Classic Car Show for 3 days, from the 14th of February until the 17th, offering car aficionados the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of car collectors, manufacturers, dealers and clubs while browsing an exclusive selection of merchandise that will excite the crowds!

5. London Fashion Week Festival

Strand will once again transform into a runway filled with intricate styles and edgy-slash-elegant fashionistas gathering up to attend the London Fashion Week Festival. The 16th and the 17th of February mark London’s celebration of fashion, through catwalks, industry talks and immersive experiences that should not be missed!

6. Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams

The Victoria and Albert museum curates excellent exhibitions, and this one is set to be one of the highlights for 2019! Its popularity is made evident by the amount of tickets already sold, despite their steep price, while commentators often reference the exhibition alongside the museum’s 2015 Alexander McQueen expo which was the talk of the town at the time. Learn more about the creatives that have contributed to the Dior house after the designer, while exploring the most iconic of the designs that have been created over the decades, starting February 2nd.

7. Craft Beer Rising

The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane is organising the most relaxing celebration, with an aim to bring together London’s beer lovers and 175 of the world’s best breweries! The thrilling event consists of perfectly upbeat DJ sets, an endless array of street food stalls and, well, what else? More beers than you could ever have imagined all gathered up in a three-day beer festival in one of London’s most quirky neighbourhoods! Save the date: February 21st until the 23rd!

Top Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year

Top Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year
by Nina Christopoulou

The Year of the Pig is just around the corner, and while the actual Chinese New Year will take place on February 5th, London’s festivities will be reserved for the first Sunday that follows. The celebrations span across a big part of central London, and offer an overwhelmingly beautiful spectacle for Londoners and tourists alike. It’s one event that we highly recommend; and in order for you to enjoy it we’ve put together a guide for the things to be on the look-out for!

1. Keep up with the Parade

Charing Cross Road becomes the centre of attention as it shifts its focus from cars and traffic lights to parade floats and dragon dances! The festival of colour and Asian allure will begin at 10 am, and move across West End, leading up to the immense festivities of Trafalgar Square. Prepare to get carried away to a different country, city and culture, through this immersive parade!

2. Head to the Martial Arts & Cultural Zone

The Chinese New Year celebrations will guarantee that you have an immense amount of browsing and learning to do! We strongly suggest you take advantage of the opportunity, and head to the Martial Arts & Cultural Zone for tai chi chuan and other spectacular performances! After you’re done with the Shaftesbury Avenue spectacle, make your way to Charing Cross road and explore the Talent and Community Zone, including a vast array of British-Chinese artists.

3. Place Emphasis on Red

Red is the reigning colour of the CNY celebrations, and it shouldn’t go unnoticed! Chinese tradition dictates that buying something red for yourself or your house will result in good luck throughout the year, but we’d go even further! Dress up with an emphasis on red, and welcome the Year of the Pig with lots of luck!

4. Spend Time at Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square’s main stages start up at noon, and they last a good enough amount of time for any guest to immerse himself into the Chinese celebrations! The music, spectacles and fireworks make for a wondrous event that will amuse you, surprise you and mesmerise you all at once!

5. Have Lunch in Chinatown

It would be a shame not to finish off the Chinese New Year celebrations with a traditional meal! Although China Town has an extensive selection of places to go dim-sum crazy at, our recommendation is Imperial China London. This authentic Cantonese restaurant is not only one of the largest in China Town, but also one of the coolest in terms of interior!

6. Head to the Stay Club’s Chinese New Year Party!

We couldn’t contain our excitement for the Year of the Pig, so we decided to make the most of it! February 5th marks the Chinese New Year, but also the Stay Club’s amazing extravaganza. Head to the Colindale and Camden lobbies at 8 p.m. on February 5th, and be sure to bring your party mood with you. We will take care of the decorations, the music and the food; including tons of fortune cookies!

How to Spend Valentine’s Day in London

How to Spend Valentine’s Day in London
by Nina Christopoulou

Valentine’s Day is closing in on us, and it’s going to be utterly enjoyable! It doesn’t matter if you are all loved-up in your fully stable, absolutely awe-inspiring relationship, or a single soul looking to enjoy the day in the most Anti-Valentine’s mood possible, this city has it all! We’ve put together the most carefully curated list of activities around London, and we suggest you pay close attention, ‘cause it’ll be hard to pick your top choice!

1. Valentine’s Party at The Stay Club

The Stay Club will be immersed in the spirit of romance on February 14th, as is fitting on the day that celebrates love! The Colindale and Camden lobbies will be festively decorated and the food and music will be tailored to the occasion… We also have many surprises in the works, such as a cool love letter box! We will be expecting you at 8 p.m. to get the party started!

2. Murder on the Barts Floor

The Chelsea speakeasy rarely disappoints, with a creative list of events that renews every so often. For Valentine’s Day, the hidden drinkery will transform to a crime scene and you will be the detective for the night of the 13th, trying to unearth clues as to what happened and why. Regardless of whether you manage to solve the case or not, Barts’ Murderous menu will be waiting for you to finish off your night with an interesting cocktail…

3. Rivoli Ballroom

The majestic ambiance of the Ravioli Ballroom is backed up by its over half-a-century existence whereas the elegant black interior screams romance. Cosy up in this beautiful space on their Valentine’s Day pop up cinema, watching the Romeo & Juliet classic, for a night full of heartfelt cinema!

4. Valentine’s Day at the Gherkin

This experience is not what could be dubbed as budget friendly, but it offers one of the most eloquent celebrations of love. Whether you opt for oysters and champagne, or a full blown four course Valentine’s dinner, the Iris Bar by Searcys features a 360-degree view of London from the top of the impressive Gherkin! It’s doubtful that you will come across a more spectacular Valentine’s Day venue than this one…

5. Drunk in Love

The Piano Works Farrington offer the most upbeat Valentine’s Night, with a music selection curated by the guests themselves, taking the crowd’s requests from 5pm until 1am. There is a 3-course meal option, and a champagne and cocktail hour to choose from; so grab your partner or just head there with friends, and enjoy a wonderfully unapologetic Thursday night out!

6. Embargo Event

The most immersive Valentine’s Day extravaganza is arriving this year at The Ivory Vaults, and it’s got a roaring twenties theme! The 1920’s feel of Embargo puts you slam in the midst of the prohibition era, with a Gatsby vibe and jazz music to make you forget the year and place. The three course dinner, Prosecco and immersive performance promise a night of love that will stick with you until the next VDay extravaganza!

7. Dans Le Noir

This Clerkenwell spot offers one of the most intriguing culinary nights you’ve ever imagined. Ditch the whole “staring into your love’s eyes” thing, and opt for a darker dinner, in the most literal sense! Dans Le Noir has absolutely no lights, allowing the guests to indulge in their food with other senses muted completely. If you were on the lookout for an original Valentine’s dinner, then we’ve got a winner!

It’s Time: Check Out PUREGYM Camden!

It’s Time: Check Out PUREGYM Camden!

We couldn’t be prouder to welcome the newest addition to our list of amazing partners, the brand new PUREGYM branch in our Camden neighbourhood! Today marks the opening day of this meticulously designed Fit Site, which will boast a different layout than what you would normally expect. The open floor space means that all the trainers will be there to welcome you with a smile the moment you walk in, and assist you throughout your work out. The advantages of this type of layout are tons, among them the abundance of functional space and a very buzzy and fun environment with a strong community feeling and lots of interaction between trainers and clients!

We recently had a chat with some of the amazing team members of the new Camden PUREGYM branch, and we can definitely say they know what they are doing! From top tips on how to get into running, to the best forms of exercise for students to combat stress, they gave us lots of useful insight that we can’t wait to share with you. So keep your eyes peeled for the second edition of The Stay Club Newspaper to find out more! In the meantime, if you want to explore this fitness house, feel free to pop in and have a chat with one of their expert – and always smiling – team members. If you feel enticed to join for a 9-month membership (which we’re sure you will), don’t forget to ask for a Stay Club discount. Showing your card will get you a 20% off!

Top Things You Discover Only in London

Top Things You Discover Only in London
by Nina Christopoulou

London often seems like a place where crazy ideas come to flourish, and the endless list of wacky or bizarre activities and sights just proves our point! So we figured it would be fun to search in the deep, dark corners of London’s entertainment scene for the most curious suggestions, and present them to you in a list that will make you go “oh” and “what” a little too often when reading it… So here it goes:

1. Saint Dunstan in the East

Tucked away somewhere between Tower of London and London Bridge the church of Saint Dunstan in the East is a unique sight that does not resemble the rest of the city in the least little bit! The 10th century church has survived an impressive array of misfortunes, having been partly destroyed during the Great Fire of London and during the Blitz in 1941. The ruins of Saint Dunstan now serve the purpose of a public garden, that is immensely photogenic and offers an incredible shot of the Shard framed by the ruins’ classical allure.

2. The Ten Bells

The Ten Bells is a seemingly normal pub, which does not look like it has anything more to offer than a good selection of ales and a relaxing drinking setting. The experience becomes a whole lot different when you dig a little deeper into The Ten Bells’ history, aka the Jack the Ripper Pub. Its connection to the terrorising figure of Jack the Ripper is exclusive to this East London drinkery, which was the last place one of his victims was seen, and the regular hang out of another. Chilling, wouldn’t you say?

3. Gods Own Junkyard

Adornments of neon nature grace this Walthmstow stop that will blow you away. The tucked away little warehouse with the huge selection of former film props and home decorations of all sorts was formerly owned by the late Chris Bracey, aka “Neon Man”, whose talent with neon had made him a sensation and his store the go-to for creatives across the artistic scope. It also boasts a cute little café, for that moment when you’ve had enough trying to decide which of all the neon creations you want to take home with you!

4. Chelsea Physic Garden

One of the lesser known corners of London, the Chelsea Physic Garden is the second oldest botanical garden in England, and the oldest in London. It dates as far back as 1673 and was purposefully built to grow medicinal plants, but to date has developed an expanded selection of over 5,000 over four acres. The riverside botanical garden is a sight for sore eyes and an amazing excursion that allows you to discover how the early Apothecaries unearthed the beneficial potential of plants!

5. Aldwych Station Tour

An amazing opportunity for anyone to explore what lies underneath London, the Aldwych Station tour guides you through the now disused station on Strand. The location was opened in 1907, but closed in 1994 as the initial works were never entirely completed. To this day, the façade of the disused tube stop is beautifully nostalgic, but what lies underneath is truly magnificent. The film makers of V for Vendetta, Superman IV and many other features agree with us!

New Year’s Resolutions … and how to stick to them!

New Year’s Resolutions … and how to stick to them!
by Nina Christopoulou

It’s January 10th today, otherwise known as the date by which most New Year’s Resolutions have become a thing of the past, their glory and promise even more short-lived than the food served during New Year’s Eve. However, the caring team of The Stay Club is determined to help those of you still holding on to their resolutions, supplying you with both inspiration, as well as the best digital tools to make the most of 2019!

1. Fight the Stress

Stress feels like one of the most overwhelming negative feelings we encounter throughout the course of our lives, and the hardest to combat. This is especially the case when it comes to student life, which more-often-than-not becomes a little too hectic to handle. Taking a few minutes to yourself per day is the key to combatting stress, as you remember that you need to slow down and unwind on a daily basis. Headspace is the perfect app to help you do precisely that, through meditation! You can rely on this app to get some basic insight as to how to meditate, and tons of information essential to add a touch of calm and a pinch of mindfulness to your daily life.

2. Implement and nurture your good habits

Arguably this one is a little too vague; yet it is not the good habit(s) that you choose to implement that is at stake here, but rather how to stick with it throughout 2019. Picking a positive element to incorporate into your everyday routine is part and parcel with the arrival of the New Year, and the inspiration that we all feel with the new beginning. Habitica is what you need in order to maintain that habit for the entirety of the year; the app has a gamified approach to real life, enabling you to feel like you are playing an interactive game that intertwines with your everyday life. This way you get your dose of fun and exercise or healthy eating or whatever else it is that you are dedicated to doing more of this year!

3. Opt for organisation

New Year, New You and all the rest… How about you start with de-cluttering your life? Twenty-four hours per day are not enough for you to tackle everything that needs to get done and your daily to-do lists! That’s why Wunderlist is the next addition you should be making to your phone’s apps… The To-Do List Heaven as I would rather call it is efficient, easy and best of all: it boasts a sharing option that is ideal for teamworking!

4. Read More

Reading one book per week equals to a jaw-dropping 52 books per year! Yet very few people realise the benefits of a regular reading cycle, let alone how many wonderful new pieces of information they can learn by making the simple change of reading a tad more. The best thing about technology today, is that it allows you to overcome problems that you would otherwise face. For example, if your backpack is always a little too heavy for your taste, instead of burdening it with more weight, it’s best to try Kindle. On the other hand, if your commute to work is always too packed for you to comfortably relax in a seat and take out your book, Audible may be just the thing for you. Amazon’s huge selection of audio books available in your phone, making your access to books easy and hassle-free – probably also very alluring to those that do not enjoy the actual process of reading a book, but still want the knowledge that comes along with them! Last, but most definitely not least, Scribd is your go-to source of inspiration. This app enables your access to magazines, audio books, graphic novels, scientific articles, government reports and anything else that comes to mind. Did we mention it comes with a recommendation system?!

5. Put your health in the forefront

It feels like every new beginning is marked by the aspiration of a healthier lifestyle. This may very well be the case because as healthy as one may be, there are always ways to be even healthier! MyFitnessPal is the trusted companion you need in your life for that purpose. This app allows you to track your calorie intake, therefore opting for a leaner figure if that’s one of your new goals, but you also have the option to scan your supermarket items and get more nutritional information (sourced from a wowing database of over 5 million foods!). This entails that you will not only be able to take better care of your diet, but through instantly solving any questions that pop to mind you will educate yourself on your diet choices!

Top Things To Do in London This January

Top Things To Do in London This January
by Nina Christopoulou

The festive season may be over, but that does not mean we’ve got to stop being merry! As extravagant and beautiful as November and December were, January is ready to continue spreading the joy, with an incredible selection of activities on the schedule for us. So, let’s see what will be going on in the coming weeks…

Friday, the 25th of January marks a very special occasion, which is greatly celebrated across Britain! Burns Night is the celebration of Robert Burns’ birthday, the Scottish poet that penned over 550 poems. It’s also a reason to put on your best attire and go out (as if we actually needed a reason to do that!). The Skylight Winter Closing Party will be one of the most awesome events to check out that night, but if you are looking for the traditional celebration, you can expect live backpipes, haggis and more at Boisdale of Mayfair.

Alcotraz

This exhilarating experience is going to transport you into a booze-infused prison setting. This immersive theatrical cocktail bar is the first to hit London, and we couldn’t be more hyped! Great cocktails, a little bit of play-along and lots of fun are on the menu with Alcotraz. We definitely recommend it!

Brunch it out!

Brunch is always a good idea, but January seems to be packed with so many thrilling brunch events that it’s impossible to say no! Hip Hop Brunch LDN is one of the most anticipated events, with bottomless cocktails, 3 course meals, karaoke, a magician and so many more… But if you are looking for a little something different, there’s also a Shoreditch Ball Pit extravaganza in the form of a bottomless brunch event. The Ballie Ballerson has a fitting name, boasting a ball pit cocktail bar with one million balls!

London Art Fair

The Business Design Centre will host the London Art Fair for yet another year, and it’s a must-see regardless of your relationship with all things artsy. The venue will fill up with contemporary works of art, at an event curated by an astounding number of participating galleries – 100 in total to be precise. London Art Fair is a trip through the evolution of contemporary art, with displayed works ranging from the beginning of the 20th century to today’s leading artists. You will have the opportunity to expand your grasp of contemporary art from the 16th to the 20th of January!

The post-Christmas Sales Extravaganza

In case you have not been immersed in the full-blown shopping experience of the year for Londoners, 2019 is your chance! Boxing Day marks the beginning of the most budget-friendly shopping spree you have ever been on, with a sales extravaganza that lasts until mid-January. So gear up with the most comfortable shoes you own, and get ready for a wardrobe change!

Skylight Roof Top Ice Rink

Ice rinks are always a good idea, and we’ve posted numerous of those over the past months. But when the ice rink offers unparalleled views of London’s stunning skyline, then you know you’re in for a treat. The stunning igloos, cheese bar in the form of Raclette brothers and potential for endless mulled wine simply makes everything all the more magical! You only have until January 18th to get the full blown winter experience!

Winter Lights at Canary Wharf

The light installations that fill up the otherwise quiet Canary Wharf during January are returning for yet another year, and their fifth show is expected to be the best one yet. The event gathers the most dazzling selection of light art, with the contribution of artists that specialise in the field and who are free to create artwork alongside interactive and responsive experiences! Are you ready to have your senses tickled and your imagination boosted? January 15th to the 26th, you know what you need to put on your schedule…

Best Christmas Markets Around Britain

Best Christmas Markets Around Britain
by Nina Christopoulou

The merry and festive spirit may have a stronger presence in London, however, it is the entire UK that is prepping tirelessly to offer beautiful Christmas venues for the enjoyment of its residents. Our new post will walk you through the most intriguing Christmas Markets in the UK, and perhaps give you a little inspo for one-day trips here and there during December!

5. Bath Christmas Market

The beloved Bath Christmas Market has been voted the best one for 2017, and we can’t wait to see what the 2018 edition will have in store for the festive season! It seems that this year, Bath has some exciting things in the works – other than the 180 glistening chalets spread out around the picturesque streets, the main focus of the market is the central square, which is perfectly located among the 16th century abbey and the majestic Roman Baths. This year the market will take a turn for the better, introducing a green section with eco-friendly decorations to purchase among other goodies!

4. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market

As the largest outdoor Christmas Market in the UK, and the biggest German one outside of Germany, it stands to reason that Birmingham’s market is renowned for its uniqueness and strong Christmas vibes. The combination of delicious bratwurst, German beer and indulgent Glühwein screams Christmas and rightly so!

3. Leeds Christmas Market

This market is a stunner primarily because of its location! Christmas shopping and festive walks have never been in a more idyllic setting than that of the Leeds Christmas Market. Spanning all through Cedar Lawn, the market has the 12th Century Leeds castle as a backdrop! The reindeer, birds of prey display and traditional funfair attractions just add to its unquestionable panache!

2. Belfast Christmas Market

The Belfast City Hall makes for the perfect setting of Belfast’s Christmas Market. If trying new things is your preference, then this one is for you. You have the chance to sample exotic meats, such as alligator, kangaroo and wild boar. Enjoy the beautifully decorated grottos with live music accompanying you as you immerse yourself in the Christmas vibes of the market.

1. Southbank Centre Winter Festival

London’s extraordinary Christmas market will be back yet again to offer Londoners and tourists alike a merry experience by the Thames. Gaze at the lit up London Eye and enjoy the traditional choir performances while picking up Christmas crafts from the quirky wooden stalls for an immensely festive experience!