THIS IS LONDON NOVEMBER EDITION 2025 - Flipbook - Page 58
FESTIVE EXPERIENCES ABOVE THE
CITY AT SHANGRI-LA THE SHARD
High above London’s winter streets,
Shangri-La The Shard offers a collection
of seasonal experiences designed for
those seeking a refined way to celebrate
the holidays. From imaginative afternoon
teas to skyline views on New Year’s Eve,
the hotel provides a distinctly atmospheric
setting for the festive season.
The Seasons of Wonder Afternoon
Tea, inspired by the hotel’s ‘Enchanted
Wonders’ theme, turns a familiar ritual
into something more whimsical. Guests
can expect delicate savoury bites, warm
scones paired with cranberry jam, and a
trio of intricately crafted pastries.
On Christmas Day, TING Restaurant
offers a shared dining experience that
brings together classic flavours with
contemporary touches. Dishes range
from Loch Duart Salmon and Norfolk
Turkey to Char Siu Pork Belly and
Steamed Seabass, rounded off with
indulgent seasonal desserts.
As the year draws to a close, guests
have several ways to welcome 2026.
TING hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner with
live entertainment and a menu featuring
Lobster Vada, A5 Kagoshima Wagyu,
and Roasted Halibut. For those seeking
a livelier celebration, the Midnight Disco
at Sky Lounge offers panoramic views of
London’s fireworks.
Tabernacle, recreated by artist
Annemarieke Kloosterhof for Ghost
Objects at Leighton House
© RBKC – Jaron James
Photo: The Science Museum
100 YEARS OF LEIGHTON HOUSE
Leighton House, the former home and
studio of Victorian artist and President of
the Royal Academy Frederic, Lord
Leighton, is marking 100 years since its
opening as a public museum with a
special programme of exhibitions, new art
commissions, and public events
The exhibition Leighton House: A
Journey Through 100 Years charts the
museum’s transformation over the course
of the last century, using never-beforeseen archival material and original
photographs. Safeguarded first by Lord
Leighton’s neighbour and biographer,
Emilie Barrington, the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea acquired the
house in 1926 and opened it as a public
museum.
Kim Taylor-Smith, Lead Member for
Employment, Culture and Economy at the
Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea, said: ‘Leighton House is
Kensington’s own National Treasure. I
want to encourage all our local residents
to get involved and participate in shaping
the museum’s centenary archive, sharing
their special moments, memorable
experiences and what Leighton House has
meant to them over the years.’
Tim Peake
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WINTER WONDERS AWAIT AT THE
SCIENCE MUSEUM
This winter, the Science Museum
invites visitors to ignite their curiosity
with a dazzling mix of events, interactive
exhibits, and inspiring galleries.
A highlight of the season is 'Tim
Peake: Celebrating 10 Years Since Blast
Off'. Ten years after his mission to the
International Space Station, astronaut
Tim Peake returns for a series of public
and school events marking the
anniversary. Visitors may even have the
chance to meet Tim himself as he shares
stories from his time in space. Schools
across the UK can take part in a livestreamed lesson featuring a mass paper
rocket launch to commemorate Tim’s
historic lift-off.
The museum also honours Dr Jane
Goodall with a free display inspired by
her Roots & Shoots programme. This
exhibit follows Jane’s journey from
curious child to world-changing
scientist.
Festive fun continues with a
Christmas Late Opening, including afterhours experiments, solar system
explorations, seasonal treats, and
exclusive shopping discounts.
For food lovers, the Future of Food
gallery, extended until 1 September
2026, explores sustainable ways to grow
and produce food, from ancient bread to
cell-grown salmon. Adults can enjoy a
special evening at Future of Food Lates
in February 2026.
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