Everything the Luxury London team has been loving this month
The inside scoop on where Team LL has been shopping, staying, and indulging this month
All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.
The winter chill may have well and truly kicked in this month, but that hasn’t slowed down the team at Luxury London HQ. Our calendars have been full of swish stays and delectable dining experiences, our wardrobes filling up with winter essentials, and Christmas shopping is officially in full swing. Yes, the long-awaited festivities have certainly begun. Want in? Here’s everything Team LL has been loving in November 2025.
Zoe Gunn, digital editorial director
The day out: Belmond British Pullman Festive Lunch
Image: Pia Riverol
It doesn’t get much more quintessentially British than the Belmond British Pullman train and, if you’ve yet to experience it’s old world glamour, Christmas is the perfect time to go. The day begins with mince pies and mulled wine at the private British Pullman lounge at London Victoria station, soundtracked by live 1930s-inspired performers, before guests are whisked away on a picturesque journey through the Kent countryside.
Along the way you’ll be plied with lashings of Veuve Clicquot champagne and fine wines, served alongside a lavish five-course Christmas dinner, all set in the sumptuous surrounds of a magnificent restored 1920s train once used by the British royal family. It doesn’t get much more memorable than this.
From £585 per person, visit belmond.com
The Tipple: Tart x Bathtub Gin
Cocktails play a big part in my Christmas celebrations and, while I’ll never say no to a spicy marg or a negroni, sometimes you can’t beat the clean crispness of a good gin and tonic. This month, however, I’m banishing the Tanqueray to back of the cupboard in favour of this delightful limited edition collaboration between Bathtub Gin and London-based culinary studio Tart. Wrapped in brown paper decorated with illustrations by Tart founders Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones, the clove, cardamom and coriander forward spirit is perfect for martinis and festive aperitivos.
The hosting essential: Bamford Eucalyptus & Fir Tree diffuser
I love nothing better than hosting a spontaneous get-together or dinner party after a chilly winter walk — but with a small dog who loves to jump in puddles, I’m constantly trying to keep the smell of wet dog at bay. My go-to is usually a scented candle (and a quick spritz of Febreeze) but Bamford’s new Christmas-inspired eucalyptus and fir tree diffuser is proving a winner this winter. Strong enough to fill a room, but without being overpowering, it’s warming fragrance of pine and cedwarwood is wonderfully festive.
Richard Brown, editorial director
The drinking den: Discount Suit Company
It’s been more than a decade since my (now) wife and I had our third date at Discount Suit Company. The subterranean Spitalfields speakeasy nearly never was. The chaps behind the venture had signed leases on several venues, all of which fell through. The basement space that stuck was a damp, awkward-to-operate-in former storeroom of a ’70s suit shop. They stripped it back to its bare bricks, Victorian floorboards and low-hanging ceiling rafters, invested in some comfy sofas and rickety old tables, and installed the best Northern Soul DJ between London and Blackpool.
Like all good date spots, Discount Suit Company is small and softly-lit and gets so busy you can’t help but bump into people. But what made our first visit – the first of several, it would turn out – was the music. Ten years on, we recently returned, happy to find that the former suit stockroom still rattles and rolls like a ’50s sock hop, just with more Carhartt jackets.
The fry-up: Terry's Cafe
Terry's Cafe, no accent on the ‘e’, is a spit-and-sawdust greasy spoon in South East London. It’s not far from our office, so occasionally I treat myself, mostly when I’m hungover (so fairly regularly at this time of year). Terry opened his cafe in 1982, having worked as a butcher at Smithfield meat market just across the river. Today, its checkered red-and-white tablecloths are laid out by his son, Austin, a snappily dressed cockney who sounds like Ray Winston and looks like Heston Blumenthal.
Austin recently posted something on Instagram: ‘We see reviews all the time saying, “Loved the cafe, great food and service – just a bit pricey.” And we totally get where that comes from. But if we want proper, independent places – not chains and microwaves everywhere – then here’s the truth… Quality ingredients cost more… London living wage (and proud to pay it) … Energy & rent in SE1… Inflation across every supplier… 20% VAT before we even start… If we want businesses like ours to keep serving proper British food, looked-after staff, and local produce… then the government needs to back us.’ Amen.
Window shopping: Savile Row
Someone who knows these sorts of things recently told me that a bespoke suit from Savile Row will set you back around £6,000, give or take. That’s a lot of money. Especially when you consider that you can pick up an off-the-peg number for about a third of that price, and have it nipped and tucked to your precise requirements for a couple of hundred quid. As the Christmas merry-go-round gets underway, I frequently find myself detouring down Savile Row in search of sartorial inspiration from the well-turned-out mannequins in the tailors' windows – and to compile a mental wish-list for the January sales (word to the wise, if you’re looking for bargains in the new year, shelve Oxford Street and head for the Row).
Annie Lewis, deputy digital editor
The boots: Mafalda Nina Chelsea Boots
It’s Chelsea boots season – and they don’t get much chicer than Mafalda’s Nina style. The Brazilian-born brand specialises in timeless designs crafted using traditional shoe making methods in Spain and São Paulo. My top pick from the new collection are these coffee-brown numbers, designed with leather-lined side elastic panels to allow for flexible comfort and contrasting black leather soles and black heels. I wear mine with jeans and skirts alike – they’re undoubtedly the most versatile shoe in my winter wardrobe.
The pyjamas: Desmond & Dempsey 402 pyjamas
Channel your inner Cruella with Desmond & Dempsey’s new 402 pyjamas, printed with a timeless polka dot pattern. A cult favourite from the British sleepwear brand, the 402s are crafted from breathable cotton that feels like slipping into fresh sheets. The longline shirt skims the hips, while the straight-leg trousers sit high on the waist with generous side pockets. Whether you’re lounging, layering, or leaning into an idle Sunday morning, these are the PJs you’ll want to be seen (or not seen) in.
The winter sun essential: Triangl Vinca Toco Bikini Set
Those lucky enough to escape the minus-degree weather this winter will still be focused on curating a sun-drenched wardrobe. And if you’re looking for new swimwear, Triangl’s new Twin Palms Collection is inspired by the sunny climes of Palm Springs. My pick is the retro florals of the Vinca Toco set, with a fully adjustable top and bottoms. It also comes with its own leak-proof neoprene swim bag, so is perfect for popping in your bag if you fancy a dip between activities.
Cordelia Aspinall, branded content and shopping writer
The hotel: One Aldwych
I was lucky enough to be at One Aldwych the very night it transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland, and it certainly got me in the festive mood. From its beautiful Jane Austen-inspired decorations to the magnificent food and drink, and ever so effortlessly plush rooms, I was enthralled from the moment I walked in. If you’re looking for a place to stay over the festive period, or even just to pop in for a cocktail or two (or three), I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Read my full review here.
The beauty treats: Fiolas and Chanel
This party season, I’ll be spritzing myself head to toe with Fiolas’ Hena Winter Wonderland set, featuring a trio of perfume, body and hair mist, and hair and body oil in a gorgeous smoky cherry scent. A romantic, sweet fragrance with woody notes, it’s perfect for festive dos and late-night parties. And, of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without some shimmering makeup. Chanel's Les 4 Ombres Nuit Astrale eye shadow palette will keep my eyes popping all night long, with celestial shades of silver-toned dark purple, cosmic blue, satin lavender and a matte starry grey bringing all the glitz and glamour.
The festive activity: Christmas wreath masterclass at Lavender Green Flowers
You can’t beat the sight of a gorgeous Christmas wreath with fresh foliage, dried oranges, pinecones, berries and bows adorning your front door. And, if you made it yourself, even better. Lavender Green Flowers is hosting wreath-making masterclasses, and with experts on hand, seasonal refreshments and general merriment all round, it’s the perfect way to create your very own showstopper (I can vouch for it myself). Alternatively, leave it to the maestros and buy a beautiful, ready-made one from it selection here.
£125 per person, lavendergreen.co.uk
Read more: The best interior design gifts
