Kickoff 2025 with some guaranteed good times…
From free activities to budget day out ideas and ways to banish the January blues, we’ve put together a list of things to do this month in St James’s to help start your year with a smile.
Explore free things to do
As we ease into the new year, many of us are recovering from a well-deserved season of indulgence. To keep things simple, we’ve rounded up a selection of free, no-booking-required activities to enjoy in London this month:
1. At just over 2km, a walk or run around St James’s Park will help clear those new year’s cobwebs. Make the most of crisp winter days with spectacular views of the London Eye and Buckingham Palace.
2. Or why not plan a walk with purpose and take yourself on a self-guided tour of the more than 70 galleries in our neighbourhood. From blockbuster exhibitions at The Royal Academy to ancient art at Tomasso, Old Masters at Trafalgar Galleries and more, there’s plenty to see this month.
3. Bring your latest book or pick up a page-turner at Waterstones or Hatchards before relaxing in one of St James’s hidden cafes.
4. Consider yourself something of a fragrance connoisseur? Browse Floris’ mini in-store museum which showcases some of its famous former customers’ favourite scents and the history of this 18th century family-owned business.
Fight the January Blues
Blue Monday, falling on 20th January in 2025, is said to be the most depressing day of the year. Combat seasonal sadness with our recommendations:
5. The only blues we want in our lives are from the extraordinary singers at Quaglino’s. Join them every Saturday for a delicious brunch, bottomless bubbles and their new roaming band Brigade who take requests at your table
6. Try a change of scenery and work remotely at some of our favourite London hotspots this month.
7. Or if you want to switch off, dive into the tranquil blues of a swimming pool. Now open to non-guests, book a 45-minute swim at The Haymarket Hotel with a two-course brunch or lunch for just £35.
Spend more time on hobbies
Whether you want to learn a new skill or simply focus on an existing passion, supercharge your efforts with our neighbourhood’s experts:
8. Learn the basics or improve your form at an online life drawing class with the Royal Academy’s Saturday Sketch Club for just £10.
9. Create your personalised Earl of East candle with a candle making workshop in the nearby Quadrant Arcade store for £55.
Sample set lunch menus
St James’s has some of the best restaurants in London. An easy and budget-friendly way to get a taste of new cuisines or plan a special meal is to try set menus. Here are a few of our favourites:
10. Tuck into authentic Indonesian fare at Toba in St James’s Market. Choose from two courses for £28 or a leisurely three-course meal for £32 between 12-2:30pm and 17:30-19:00, Tuesday to Friday.
11. As it’s known for its exquisite seafood, it would be a shame not to eat your fill at Milos, with three courses for £29 on weekdays, 11.30am- 3pm. Think grilled octopus with Santorini fava, lobster pasta and more.
12. Foodie-favourite, Fallow, serves up a fantastic three-course set lunch menu on weekdays for £42 per person. From 11.30am to 3.30pm, savour its menu filled with some of its most famous dishes. We recommend the smoked mackerel pâté with grilled focaccia to start, and their delicious Chelsea tart to finish.
Raise a toast to Burns Night in London
Whether you’re a dedicated Scot or just enjoy an excuse for a wee dram, here’s how to celebrate Scotland’s beloved son and poet on 25th January in St James’s:
13. Book your ticket for a four-course feast along with wine and whiskies at Berry Bros and Rudd to celebrate Burns Night.
14. Prefer to celebrate at home? Stock up on Scottish fare with its Burns Night collection.
Discover even more inspiration for things to do on our Instagram, @stjameslondon. Follow for ideas, behind-the-scenes and more.
