Prior to joining the Harts Group in 2016 (one of London’s favourite hospitality groups), Crispin spent a decade in Mexico doing many things, including opening a restaurant with celebrated Mexican chef Gabriela Camara, and Tikibar, and also searching for the best El Pastor… the name of the group’s Mexican restaurants in the UK. Crispin’s had an interesting, varied career including formerly being a co-founder of a Latin American communications agency, an MTV presenter, a ‘Letters Live’ event producer, and manager of Lily Allen’s label. Currently, he’s Managing Director of three of the group’s much-loved venues/brands including Quo Vadis, El Pastor and The Drop. Crispin, a longtime local resident, tells us about a few of his favourite things.

Founded by Ian ‘Flipper’ Ross in West Hollywood in the 70s, the free-wheeling Flipper was known as Studio 54 on wheels. Fast forward to today, and Ian’s daughter, Liberty Ross, along with Kevin Wall and Usher, have come together to bring Flipper’s to Ariel Way. There’s a roller rink, live music, a pro skate shop, and a diner that showcases California’s latest dining trends. This large space will hold public and private events, and offer a home for the ever-growing street skate community in London. You can bring your own skates or rent them there, and pros are on hand to help with anything you might need.

We don’t need to tell you what a challenging time the holidays can be for some, and nowhere is that more true than for those who are experiencing homelessness. From December to the end of January, Crisis is offering both hotel accommodation and running a day centre where there are activities, meals, and essential services available to those who need it – and volunteers are a key part of making this happen. Help is needed at the hotel, the day centres, and in warehouses in locations across London. If you think you can assist – with time, a positive attitude, warmth and empathy – sign up today.

There’s a new Hoxton in town! Opening this month, The Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush will be the fourth Hoxton in London and the 12th Hoxton globally. Here you’ll find that usual Hoxton design with west London touches, 237 art-led bedrooms, standout F&B, lots of greenery, their Apartment entertaining space for private events, and a retail store. A highlight will be the Thai-American restaurant Chet’s with a menu from Kris Yenbamroong of LA’s NIGHT + MARKET: it’s sure to become a local favourite. 

To enter to win a night’s stay for two with breakfast, apply here.

Cycling went up 60% during lockdown, and there seems to be no sign of its popularity waning. Good news, then, that a state-of-the-art cycling hub is coming to Olympia: the only one to be awarded ‘Platinum’ in the UK by cycling end of trip specialists Five at Heart. The hub will have a concierge to clean and service your bike, showers/lockers with spa-like facilities, and irons and steamers to set you up for your day. It will also have charging points for e-bikes, electric scooters and Brompton bikes. And as Olympia is on the London cycle highway, this hub is very well placed indeed.

If you buy a tree this year, make it a Green Elf Tree. Started in 2020, they offer sustainably sourced British Christmas trees, delivered across the UK, and donate £3 from every sale to a charity of your choice (including a Ukrainian refugee charity in the UK), or should you choose their rentable tree option, they will collect it and replant it for you when the holidays are done. Cut trees can be picked up after Christmas and recycled too. Their commitment to sustainability means they use an all-electric delivery fleet and source trees from the UK only. Other charities they support include Refugees at Home, Mind, Great Ormond St Children’s Hospital, British Red Cross, Crisis and Dogs Trust.

For years, east London has claimed the restaurant title for openings and innovation, but it looks like finally, with a host of new openings and updates, the pendulum is swinging back west. Here are our Top 10 new openings in the Notting Hill and Golborne Road area. Click through to read all about them. 

Three for the little ones. On 10th of December it’s Home Alone in Concert with a live symphony at the Royal Albert Hall, which sounds just as good for adults as kids. Over at Kew, their annual lights, complete with Father Christmas and street food vendors, are on until 8 January. And if you’re up for going a bit further afield, go 20 minutes by train from Victoria station and you’ll arrive at the Warner Brothers Studio with the famed Harry Potter set, this time called Hogwarts in the Snow as it’s dressed for the holidays and on until 15 January.  Follow us on Instagram for further holiday event ideas. 

Olympia London has a history of two wheels. In 1935, at this time of year (30 November-7 December) was the Olympia Cycle and Motor Show. Is there a motor show you’d like to see in Olympia London now? Let us know.

It’s not just Notting HIll and Golborne Road that are having a restaurant boom, but Kensington too – there’s Maria G’s, The Holland, and Flesh and Buns, to name a few – and now for your diary, Jacuzzi, by the Big Mamma Group, is opening this January.  Expect a four-storey ‘pleasure palace’ on High Street Kensington with that usual Big Mamma flair. Everything will be over the top – but this time, they’re saying it’s going to be their most luxe property yet. Hints about what’s to come include a retractable roof and glitter disco ball toilets, and for the Italian menu, you can keep it classic or treat yourself with some of the finest menu items including truffle and the best hams, lobster and caviar. Follow them for opening details @bigmamma.uk. 

Need some winter inspiration? From dancing snowflakes to Gremlins, winter walks and winter warmers, we’ve chosen five events for your radar.