A Goring Christmas in Belgravia

7 ways to add festive sparkle to the season

London at Christmas must be seen to be believed. Glittering lights. Festive cheer. Temperatures so cold we warm up our wine. From our central location in Belgravia, The Goring has a gimlet eye (and inside ticket) to the best the city has to offer at this glorious time of year. And remember – after every adventure, we will be on hand with a seasonal cocktail and a roaring open fire. It’s time to explore….

1/ Markets! 

Lights, carols, mulled wine and the odd appearance by Father Christmas himself make London’s markets unmissable during the festive season. Head to neighbouring Eccleston Yard’s pop-up for scents and jewellery, Covent Garden for antiques and hand-made trinkets, or Borough Market for seasonal goodies and artisanal cheeses. If you can make it back to The Goring without eating the mouth-watering Christmas cake you so kindly bought for your aunt, you’re stronger than we are.  

2/ Lights!

Christmas, but make it fashion. Sloane Square at the top of the King’s Road in Chelsea is a symphony of glittering Christmas lights, with many of the surrounding shops joining in the festivities by offering mulled wine and seasonal treats. It also happens to be one of the best places to shop in the city. Extremely glamorous; extremely close to The Goring. 

3/ Winter Wonderland!

If you are accompanied by future Goring guests (sometimes known as children) during your stay, prepare to succumb to the siren call of Winter Wonderland. The funfair no one can resist takes up residence in Hyde Park, where rides for small children (cute), teenagers (hilarious) and adults (terrifying) must be fuelled by excited screaming and plenty of Christmas candy floss.

4/ Shows!

The Sugar Plum Fairy insists you see the classic annual production of The Nutcracker performed by the Royal Ballet. You, too, may wish to cover everything in maple syrup at a production of Elf the Musical or perhaps you’ll see Ebeneezer Scrooge learn some vital life-lessons in The Old Vic’s A Christmas Carol. Talk to our Head Concierge Big John about scoring excellent seats for matinees – do tell us all about it at Afternoon Tea or head to an evening production after an early, pre-theatre dinner in the Dining Room. 

5/ Shopping!

Established in 1707, Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s grandest department stores and a veritable Aladdin’s cave of Christmas treasures. Across the street, Burlington Arcade is the spot for anyone dreaming of antique diamond earrings or baby-soft cashmere in their stocking. A snowball’s throw from The Goring and filled with very smart boutiques, cafes and homeware shops, Elizabeth Street is also one of the prettiest streets in London, especially in all its Christmas splendour.

6/ Ice-skating!

We like our ice skating with a large side order of history. Whizz around the rink in the Georgian quadrangle at Somerset House on the Strand or glide serenely on the ice at Hampton Court, the epic Tudor palace of King Henry VIII. Essential Christmas behaviour. 

7/ Christmas at The Goring!

You’re tired after your day’s shopping. Here is a large drink and an open fire. You are ready for a long night of Champagne, partying and general revelry. Get settled in the Dining Room to savour our festive menu or prop up the bar, sampling our winter elixirs. We support every Christmas mood.  

If you’ve never had Christmas in London, now is the time to rectify that. From our superbly central location, to our penchant for strong, festive cocktails and total disregard for The Naughty List, we would be delighted to host you for a rather special Christmas. Get in touch to book your festive stay.