If you’re in need of a reset, Drip is the winter wellness spot worth knowing. Set on Battersea’s Coaling Jetty, its three Scandinavian-style saunas overlook the Thames and the Power Station. The cabins are classic après-ski – clean lines, soft wood, big windows – and there’s room for seven (turn up at the right time and you might score one to yourself). Each has a stash of essential oils for adding a hit of eucalyptus or lavender to the coals. When you’re done sweating it out, brace for the plunge pools – a brisk 4°C – or cool off outside. 

Coaling Jetty, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8AX

Visit DripSauna.co.uk

Ridiculous? Yes. Entertaining? Also yes. The Tortilla Slap Championships return for their second year, pitting 32 competitors against one another in a strictly governed battle of tortilla-based combat. Each challenger must hold water in their mouth as they receive their slap; scoring is based on ‘satisfying smack’, ‘spray distance’, ‘tortilla integrity’ and ‘reaction’. Expect the full spectacle: free tacos and margaritas for spectators, a live mariachi band, and high-flying Lucha Libre wrestlers defying physics for your amusement. There’s even a grand prize – a year’s supply of tacos and margaritas – if you fancy entering the contest yourself.

Market Place Vauxhall, 7 South Lambeth Place, Vauxhall, SW8 1SP; Saturday 29th November

Visit EventBrite.co.uk

Photographer Jorge Monedero is opening his Hackney Wick studio for a three-day sale featuring pieces from his celebrated series Unconditionally, I Love You, plus a new run of photo etchings. Monedero has shot everyone from Claudia Schiffer to Tracey Emin, with his work appearing in Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ – so this is a rare chance to pick up a piece from a serious name at an accessible price (from £80). Book a private viewing if you’ve got your eye on something specific, or simply drop in and browse.

Unit 18, Trafalgar Mews, Hackney Wick, E9 5JG; 28th-30th November

Visit JorgeMonedero.com

After a knockout residency at the Globe Tavern, Brighton’s Lucky Khao team have made their London move permanent with Khao Bird – now open inside a former adult cinema in Soho. The food leans into northern Thai flavours. Expect big, bold dishes: beef larb sharpened with Campari; prawn khanon jeen with cold fermented noodles; brisket khao soi; Burmese tea-leaf salad; Shan-style BBQ meatballs; plus off-menu snacks like house-made beef jerky with fried lime leaves. 

24 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0SS

Visit KhaoBird.com

If your favourite part of Christmas is the sandwiches, this festive special is a can’t-miss. On Saturday 29th November, Setlist at Somerset House will host 15 of the country’s most creative sandwich makers – from Dom’s Subs and Rogues Sarnies to Borough Market favourite The Black Pig and dessert pros Happy Endings. 

Setlist, Somerset House, West End, WC2R 1LA 

Visit SetlistLondon.com

This isn’t Winter Wonderland. Novikov is transforming Mayfair Place into a traffic-free festive market. Take a wander through it to enjoy live music, stop in at the Champagne Ice Bar, and sample everything from oysters to fresh pasta at food stalls. 

Mayfair Place, Mayfair, W1J 8AJ; 27th-29th November

Visit NovikovRestaurant.co.uk

Here’s where we spotlight some of London’s tried-and-tested hangouts. From world-class menswear shops to top-tier pubs, these are the spots worth having on your radar this weekend…

A cornerstone of modern British menswear, Drake’s is a place for impeccable tailoring, soft-shouldered jackets and the kind of accessories that quietly elevate a wardrobe. Right on Savile Row, its London store charms like an old-school gentleman’s outfitter, but its edit feels thoroughly contemporary.

Visit Drakes.com

Camden Watch Company’s flagship showcases understated, mechanical, well-priced timepieces inspired by Victorian engineering. It’s a cool stop-in for anyone into horology or distinctive design.

Visit CamdenWatchCompany.com

Inside a restored Victorian power station, The Light Bar is one of east London’s sharpest drinking spots. High ceilings, exposed brickwork and a great soundtrack set the tone, while the bar team turn out polished classics and inventive seasonal serves. It’s lively but grown-up – ideal for a late-afternoon negroni or pre-dinner drink.

Visit LightBarLondon.com

José Pizarro’s Lolo brings a warm, Mediterranean feel to London Bridge. The focus is on relaxed all-day dining – think booth seating, generous sharing plates and a neighbourhood buzz.

Visit JosePizarro.com

This sleek neighbourhood bar has become one of west London’s coolest late-night spots. Downstairs, the listening bar hosts vinyl DJs playing everything from cosmic funk to experimental jazz. Upstairs is a chic, dimly lit space for low-intervention wines, seasonal drinks and experimental food – notably the battered olives.

Visit Caia.london