Ah lockdown, hello, old friend. Boris Johnson has put the entire country into its third national lockdown, closing schools, non-essential retail and asking us all to once again stay home to save lives and protect the NHS.
The good news is that your stay at The Harrington remains unaffected. We continue to provide safe stays for our guests, self-isolators, essential workers and look forward to welcoming you very soon.
The bad news is that everyone is couped up and stuck for ways to spend time.
To provide you with as much positivity and entertainment through the next month and beyond, here are our favourite events and ideas to keep you busy.
BHF Virtual MyCycle Challenge
Stay active throughout the winter months with the British Heart Foundation’s 30-day MyCycle, a virtual cycling challenge. You can start at any time, so long as you complete the challenge in 30 days. Pedal for an instant mood booster and help raise funds for life-saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.
Picture credit: BHF website
London Fashion Week
Following lockdown measures in the UK, London Fashion Week will be able to go ahead as a digital-only event. Due to run from Friday 19th to Tuesday 23rd of February, the 2021 shows, presentations and installations will be filmed and photographed without an invited audience.
London Fashion Week will take place on their website. All designers showcasing new content and selling new collections will be accessible to everyone throughout the year.
Valentine’s Cocktail Making Class
Join drinking house, The Last Talisman for their romantic cocktail making class. Hosted over Zoom, the 60-minute class will walk couples through three mixes.
All guests will receive a cocktail kit which will include all the ingredients, premium spirits, garnishes, mixers and a measuring jigger. As well as a box of six handcrafted chocolate truffles paired with the cocktails from their chocolatier partners.
Designed for two people, the cost of the 60-minute class and kit is £90.
The Year Ahead with Thompson’s Gallery London & London Art Fair
With the London Art Fair unable to go ahead this year, Thompson’s Gallery London presents The Year Ahead, an online group exhibition in partnership with London Art Fair 2021. Exhibiting artists include Paul Wright, Peter Wileman, Helen Tabor, Tyrone Deans, Chris Buck, John Clark, Peter King, Tony de Wolf, James Fullarton and Ian Weatherhead. Running from the 18th of January until the 6th of February, it’s not one to miss.
Royal Albert Home
Back in April 2020, The Royal Albert started Royal Albert Home, exclusive sessions straight from artists’ homes to yours whilst the Hall was shut. If like so many of us, you’re itching to see performances again, most shows are now available on-demand worldwide for free.
Interactive virtual murder mystery
Gather up your bubble and spend the evening doing something a little different. In this case, it’s putting your heads together to solve a crime. A murder has taken place on the shiny new ‘Express Line’ and it’s up to you to find the perpetrator, you’ll have to track clues and interview suspects before the clock runs out. With multiple start times, it’s a whodunnit with a twist that’ll have you talking for days.
Each ticket grants access to this interactive virtual murder mystery experience to one person.
Picture credit: THEWHODUNNIT website
Take a virtual painting session with Thirsty Painter
If you’re looking to invest more time in yourself in 2021, then why not give a virtual painting session a whirl. Meet like-minded individuals while learning a new skill and creating your very own masterpiece at one of Thirty Painter’s online events. Whether solo or in groups, this is perfect for beginners and those wishing to try a new hobby. Classes are once a month and are £10 to join. The next one is on 26th January 2021.
Cook at home boxes delivered
The Regent pub has answered your lockdown prayers with their Sunday roast, raclette and Aussie day boxes. Their talented chefs have prepared your box with all the hard work done for you. Whether you are after a Sunday roast or a melt-your-own-cheese experience you just need to pop it in the oven before sitting down to a delicious meal without the hassle! Pre-order by 12 pm Friday for guaranteed Saturday delivery!
Picture credit: Design My Night website
Virtual whisky tasting
Join Forbes whisky writer, Felipe Schrieberg over Zoom as he guides you through a specially curated selection of whiskies sent to you by whisky box subscription service The Dram Team.
Felipe will teach you techniques to train your nose and palate whilst having some fun along the way. Prices start from £35 and you’ll receive five premium scotch whisky drams and one premium world whisky miniature
Picture credit: Design My Night website
COVID-19 update
Stay up to date with Coronavirus updates:
- For health information and advice please follow the NHS
- Learn about the government response to coronavirus on GOV.UK
- Keep up with the latest on BBC News