5 Uplifting Things To Eat & Do In January

Despite its dreadful reputation as a breeding ground for SAD, January isn’t bad. It is actually completely and totally God awful. With that in mind, we’re thinking that you might need a few things to look forward to, edible and otherwise. So when you and a vat of soup aren’t hunkering down, look towards dumplings, Italian feasts, and a variety of non-alcoholic fun.

Enjoy A Specially Curated Italian Feast

When one of Britain's most acclaimed Italian food writers comes together with one of London’s most celebrated Italian restaurants, it’s a must-visit affair. Throughout January you can head to Bocca Di Lupo to try their ‘A to Z of Italy’ menu drawn up with Rome-based writer Rachel Roddy. The menu will include regional specialities from Ancona, like fritti, plus dishes from Alba, Trapani, Ostuni, and Zafferana Etnea (an A to Z, get it?).

photo credit: Claire Menary

Get A Brilliant Set Lunch For Under £30

If you're looking to treat yourself to a meal just once or twice this January, then make it somewhere cost effective and delicious. There are options across London, from the South African-influenced spot Kudu in Peckham (famed for their bread and bacon butter) where you can get three courses £28, to Noble Rot in Soho where you can get a two-course lunch for a very reasonable £18.

Embrace Dry January Glamorously

Abstaining from booze doesn’t mean glumly staying at home alone or nursing a substandard low-alcohol beer. Instead, head to somewhere that treats drinks properly—whether they’re boozy or not. Our guide to Where To Go For A Drink When You’re Not Drinking features 12 brilliant bars and restaurants with sober negronis, kombucha, and more.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Cosy Up On The Sofa With A Restaurant Meal Kit

Remember meal kits? Actually, maybe you don’t want to. Either way the best ones are here to stay and are perfect for a Friday night when, ideally, you want to do absolutely sweet naff all. With Indian feasts from Brigadiers, a Sri Lankan spread from Hoppers, and favourite dishes from Quality Chop House, there are plenty of options to bring the taste of a restaurant to a bowl delicately balanced on your chest.

Celebrate Lunar New Year

On 22nd January, we’ll celebrate the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac and hopefully usher in a year filled with mercy, elegance, and beauty. Will that actually happen? It’s TBC. Regardless, that shouldn’t stop you from ringing in the Year of the Rabbit with specials from the best London restaurants celebrating. There are a few options to choose from as of now: Yauatcha in Soho will have an exclusive menu featuring dim sum, desserts, macarons, and pineapple pastries, while it's worth keeping an eye on Bun House to see what special steamed creation they make this year.