January’s Hot List

/

From the opening of Tom Aikens’ restaurant in Belgravia to the launch of the latest Land Rover Defender, this is a roundup of the best new things to do, see, read and buy in January

INFLUENCER: Giampiero Tagliaferri

The Creative Director of Oliver Peoples and Alain Mikli is a connoisseur of all things design. His Instagram is a mosaic of stunning scenery, striking architecture, vintage cars and stylish men of yesteryear. Based in California, Giampiero – or JP as he is commonly known – lives and breathes a lifestyle of sun and speedboats. If you like to fill your Instagram with ambitious holiday destinations and abundant style inspiration, JP is the guy to go to.
 
Follow @MrTagliaferri

BAR: Bar Douro City

Having met with success in Flat Iron Square, wine-focused Bar Douro is opening in the City. It showcases the renowned wines of Portugal’s Douro Valley alongside a range of small plates. Decorated in traditional style, it offers counter seating and an open kitchen, where you might see chefs preparing the next batch of delicious pasteis de nata.
 
1 Finsbury Avenue, Moorgate, EC2M 2PF
 
Visit BarDouro.co.uk

BOOK: Deep State by Chris Hauty

This supposedly fictional story focuses on a polarising president at the centre of a suspicious and divided Washington DC. Chris Hauty delivers a tense novel full of political intrigue and a feeling of conspiracy in the air. This is an old-school page-turner with something to say about the current state of politics.

 
Available from 7th January
 
Visit Waterstones.com

FILM: 1917

Sam Mendes’s gruelling World War One film is a thrilling and bloodcurdling spectacle that tracks the horrors faced by soldiers in the trenches on the Western Front. Starring Colin Firth, Dean-Charles Chapman and Richard Madden, it follows two young British privates as they embark on a mission to cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will save a battalion of men. Presented as though it was shot in a single take, it has been warmly welcomed by critics and looks set to score Oscar nominations for 2021.
 
Various locations; from 10th January

Visit CineWorld.co.uk
 

CAR: Land Rover Defender

The much-loved Land Rover Defender is back and better than ever. The new model takes the best qualities from previous iterations and adds modern technology. Built from a combination of aluminium and high-strength steel, it is super strong and can climb at up to 45º. Make it your own from an array of 170 extras.
 
Visit LandRover.co.uk

TV: The New Pope

This follow-up to The Young Pope by director Paolo Sorrentino is an enigmatic drama about underhand machinations at the Vatican. Starring Jude Law and John Malkovich, it plays out against a decadent backdrop of lavishly decorated religious buildings – and a wintry Venice. Law is a comatose Pope Pius XIII, but also an ethereal figure stalking many scenes. A good excuse for staying in this January.
 
Sky Atlantic; from 10th January
 
Visit Sky.com

RESTAURANT: Muse By Tom Aikens

The chef-patron of Tom’s Kitchen in Chelsea returns to fine dining with Muse in Belgravia. The name comes from the location: an old mews house, with space for 25 diners over two floors. Three tasting menus play tribute to Tom’s childhood and the places he’s travelled to. From the cocktail menu, look out for the Whisky Sour, with sun-dried tomato and tarragon.
 
38 Groom Place, Belgravia, SW1X 7BA
 
Visit MuseByTomAikens.co.uk

CLOTHING: Mytheresa

High-end online retailer Mytheresa launches into menswear this month. Starting with around 120 brands, it is moving away from the streetwear styles that have reigned supreme over the last few years towards a ‘European tone of voice’ with a more refined approach to tailoring and design.
 
Visit MyTheresa.com
 

HOTEL: Page 8

Close to Trafalgar Square, Page 8 is aimed at the curious traveller who goes from city to city in pursuit of new discoveries. The second property in the Page Hotels portfolio – it already has one in Hong Kong – offers tranquil, minimalistic accommodation. It also houses a rooftop restaurant and coffee bar.
 
8 St. Martin’s Place, Charing Cross, WC2N 4JH
 
Visit PageHotels.com

FRAGRANCE: Givenchy Gentleman Eau De Parfum Boiseé

Described as a blend of strength and softness, this heady scent will awaken your senses and draw you in. Givenchy has updated its classic Givenchy Gentleman eau de toilette into something floral, woody and spicy that develops over time. Created by master perfumers Natalie Lorson and Olivier Cresp, this is a complex mix of raw ingredients including black pepper, burning wood accord and iris, structured around warming cedar and cocoa. A sophisticated and laidback modern scent.
 
Available from the end of January
 
Visit GivenchyBeauty.com

EXHIBITION: Picasso & Paper

This Royal Academy exhibition spans Pablo Picasso’s 80-year career, zeroing in on his obsessive collecting of rare forms of paper from across the globe. Comprising 300 pieces of his work, it explores his use of paper and other materials in his expressive sculptures. An important celebration of a significant artist.
 
Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 0BD
 
Visit RoyalAcademy.org.uk
 

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected].