The 23rd edition of the London Short Film Festival takes place over ten days from 23rd January. Screenings across the city will showcase the best of UK and international shorts – just a few hundred films have been selected from thousands of submissions. 

Various venues; 23rd January-1st February

Visit ShortFilms.org.uk

The London Art Fair returns to Islington with over 100 galleries and more than 1,000 artists showing work. Whether you’re after affordable prints or statement pieces, it’s the first big opportunity of the year to discover new talent or snag a one-off artwork. Beyond the browsing, there are talks, panels and late-night events to engage with. 

Islington Business Design Centre, Islington, N1 0QH; 21st-25th January 

Visit LondonArtFair.co.uk

Covent Garden institution Mon Plaisir, London’s oldest family-run French restaurant, is auctioning off some classic interiors pieces ahead of a refurbishment. From clocks and art prints to copper signage and other decorative touches, there’s plenty to grab if you want a slice of the city’s culinary history before time runs out on 11th January.

Visit CatherineSouthon.co.uk

Cult Dutch brand Frites Atelier has landed in Soho, bringing its hand-cut, double-fried “F**ing Perfect” fries to London. Created by Sergio Herman – who has won multiple Michelin stars at multiple establishments – they can be topped with truffle mayo, piccalilli or spicy andalouse, or loaded with spicy royal rendang, old Flemish beef stew or vegan chilli con queso. Beyond the famous fries, there are burgers and croquettes made in-house. 

34 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TR 

Visit FritesAtelier.com

The Oscar-winning film Whiplash comes alive this month with an 18-piece jazz orchestra performing the score live as the movie plays on the big screen. Expect the intensity, precision and occasional chaos that made the film famous – amplified by the live performance.

Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, W6 9HQ; 21st January 

Visit EventimApollo.com

Sky Garden doesn’t care it’s January. Every Monday through Thursday this month, it’s laying on free music nights that see DJs take over the decks, blending house, disco and more while you take in panoramic views of the capital.

1 Sky Garden Walk, City of London, EC3M 8AF; until 29th January

Visit SkyGarden.London

Notting Hill restaurant Straker’s is kicking off 2026 with a series of events in its new Straker’s Dining Room space. This Thursday and Friday, Max Posener’s sell-out Otaku pop-up takes over, offering inventive, flavour-packed menus in an intimate setting. 

91 Golborne Road, Notting Hill, W10 5NL; 8th-9th January

Visit Strakers.London

The Mayfair Chippy is making January a little less bleak with a throwback offer on its classic fish and chips. At its Knightsbridge branch, responsibly-sourced haddock or hake with chunky chips and mushy peas is just £13.50 until 28th January.

14 N Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 6WE; 138 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW3 1HY

Visit MayfairChippy.com

St Martin-in-the-Fields’ is starting up The Conversation again. In the Crypt of the landmark Trafalgar Square church, it will host a series of thought-provoking evenings with celebrated writers, journalists, and thinkers. First up on 27th January is Ian McEwan. The Booker-winning novelist will discuss his latest book, What We Can Know, which imagines a Britain fragmented into island archipelagos after the seas have risen. Tickets are £10.

The Crypt, St Martin-in-the-Fields, West End, WC2N 4JH 

Visit StMartin-In-The-Fields.org

The Cadogan Arms is going all out for Burns Night with a four-course set menu that’s unapologetically indulgent. The evening begins with whisky-cured Scottish salmon, followed by a haggis, neeps and tatties croquette with whisky mustard cream. For mains, expect roast rump of Scotch beef with bone marrow gratin, smoked bacon and red wine sauce, before finishing on a dark chocolate and peated whisky tart with salted caramel. The £85 menu includes a welcome whisky cocktail and a dram of The Singleton 12 Year Old. A vegetarian menu is also available.

298 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UG; 26th January

Visit TheCadoganArms.london

Returning to King’s Cross, this DJ-led pop-up pairs piping-hot saunas with bracing ice baths, all set to a carefully chosen soundtrack. Sessions are social, surprisingly fun and designed to leave you feeling reset rather than ruined. If you’re looking to shake off the post-Christmas fog and do something that feels genuinely good for you, this is an easy win.

Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4DR; 15th January-22nd February 

Visit SlomoSauna.com

The NBA returns to London this January as the Memphis Grizzlies face off against the Orlando Magic in a regular-season game at The O2. This is a rare chance to experience elite-level basketball, big energy and the unmistakable buzz of an American sports spectacle – without the transatlantic flight. Limited tickets remain, but many of them are close to the action.

The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX; 18th January 

Visit AXS.Com

American Psycho returns to the Almeida in a sharp revival of Duncan Sheik’s electro-pop musical, directed by Rupert Goold. First staged here in 2013, the show blends slick synths with Bret Easton Ellis’s satirical take on yuppie excess, ambition and brutality. This time it’s Goold’s final production a before he moves on to run the Old Vic.

Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, Islington, N1 1TA; 22nd January-14th March

Visit Almeida.co.uk

Vivek Singh’s The Cinnamon Club is marking its 25th anniversary by rewinding the clock on both menu and prices. For a limited run this January, the restaurant is serving a retro menu featuring dishes from its early years, all at original 2001 prices. Expect classics like home-smoked lamb kebabs, sandalwood-scented tandoori chicken, pork chop vindaloo with pilau rice, and steamed mango rice cakes for dessert.

The Old Westminster Library, Great Smith Street, Westminster, SW1P 3BU; 12th-31st January

Visit CinnamonClub.com