One of the capital’s best Italian restaurants, Luca, has launched The Reading Room in collaboration with Monocle. Inspired by the bars of Italy, where each day starts with a cappuccino and pastry, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays will see The Bar at Luca become a café from 8am to 9.45am, complete with complimentary coffee, Fabbri Amarena cherry bakewell tarts and the latest issues of Monocle as well as The Forecast and Alpino newspaper. The space is first come, first served and will be a screen-free space until the end of the month.

88 St John Street, Clerkenwell, EC1M 4EH; until 31st January

Visit Luca.Restaurant

If The Brutalist’s three-hour runtime – complete with interval – is putting you off, you might be happy to know that London’s Short Film Festival is also on right now. It includes screenings across a multitude of genres, from documentaries about subversive communities of the 90s to intimate modern love stories to snapshots of those who make up the mosaic of the capital but often are overlooked. Full listings are on its website below. 

Various locations; until Sunday 26th January

Visit ShortFilms.org.uk

Bristol restaurant Wilson’s is teaming up with Palestinian chef Jenan Ashi for a special #CookForPalestine fundraiser at Carousel’s Charlotte Street venue. Expect six courses, including Gazan sardine kofta, crab and tahini soup, lamb stew with sumac and sesame tahini, and sticky mastic ice cream with pistachio and rose. There will be wines from independent producers to pair with the meal. Campaigner and chef Nisreen Shehada will open the evening with a talk on her experience of displacement. Tickets are £70, with all proceeds going to #CookForPalestine charities.

19-23 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1RW; Sunday 26th January

Visit Carousel-London.com

Eat Momo is kicking off 2025 with a series of Momo Parties featuring chefs Hector Henderson, Lorcan Spiteri and Ana da Costa. Taking place over three months, founders Dipa and Trishna have invited some of London’s much-loved chefs to put their own take on momos – those handmade Nepali dumplings – with fillings inspired by their favourite dishes and ingredients. Momos will flow throughout the evening, with £25pp tickets getting guests unlimited momo and an arrival drink. A portion of the sales will be donated to the charity FoodCycle. First up, its Rochelle Canteen’s head chef Hector Henderson on Tuesday 28th January, followed by Caravel’s Lorcan Spiteri on 18th February, and finishing with Ana da Costa of FAT TEA supper club on 18th March.

Arch 229, 1 Bank End, South Bank, SE1 9FJ

Visit EatMomo.uk

After opening its doors in Clapham at the end of last year, Tamil has now launched in King’s Cross. Its second place will follow the same formula as the Northcote Road venue, with a menu inspired by head chef Prince Durairaj’s South Indian heritage. Start with a chilli cheese dosa (a savoury Indian crepe), onion bajis and a selection of chutneys. Sharing curries and larger mains like spiced tandoori chicken, paneer butter masala and dhal are best mopped up with garlic naan bread and soft roti. Some classic cocktails have been given an Indian twist, including a gunpowder margarita with a tamarind salt rim and a ginger paloma. And save room for a swirl of mango soft serve to finish.

8 Caledonian Road, King’s Cross, N1 9DU 

Visit Tamila.uk

The Lanesborough is hosting a series of new jazz nights at The Lanesborough Grill on Thursdays, featuring rising star Harry Brunt and his trio. Drawing on tenor sax legends and modern jazz influences, their soulful sounds pair perfectly with the Grill’s seasonal modern British menu, which is served tableside. Highlights include Isle of Wight tomatoes with chilled yellow tomato soup, Dover sole in brown butter and warm chocolate tartlet with coffee ice cream. Sip from an extensive wine list or head to The Library Bar for post-dinner cocktails.

Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA

Visit OetkerCollection.com

Flat Iron Square near London Bridge is a top spot for sports fans. This year it’s teaming up with Camden Town Brewery and the Rugby Pod podcast to show every Six Nations match from opening day on 31st January through to the finale on 15th March. With 16 screens across the venue – including a massive 16-foot screen in the main taproom – you can catch all the action while enjoying an ice-cold lager or stout. Rugby Pod will host live podcast events on 29th January, 19th February and 12th March, featuring surprise guests and very limited tickets. General admission is just £8 and includes a pint, while table packages for eight, including food and drinks, start at £125. 

45 Southwark Street, London Bridge, SE1 9HP

Visit FlatIronSquareRugby.SeeTickets.com