Hello 2026! With 365 (ok now 357) days to fill this year, the CF team are making the most of it. This is everything we’re doing, shopping, eating and trying in January 2026.
Including workouts and supplements (it is January, after all), office-approved bags and shoes, exhibitions and festivals, restaurants and bars, spa days and theatre shows – all of which make January that little bit brighter – these are the best things to do in January 2026.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
TRY I’m really looking forward to working out at The Method in Notting Hill. I’m already a regular at Heartcore so this will be another one I’ll try to fit in! USE On the health bandwagon, ARTAH is my go-to. The essential fibre, metabolic fix, essential omegas and essential iron are on my daily agenda. EAT I’ll be enjoying a rooftop date night at Yasmin Soho, with their new Caviar and Champagne pairing. OBSESSED With these Mary-Jane brogues from Church’s. If I am still thinking about them by the end of the month, they may have to make it out of my wish list and straight into my basket (next-day delivery please). EAT Every year we enjoy a Galette des Rois cake. It’s a centuries-old, cherished French tradition celebrated on 6 January, symbolising the arrival of the Three Kings at the Nativity. Traditionally, the puff pastry is filled with almond frangipane and hides a small fève (charm), which crowns the finder King or Queen for the day. We do it since we spend so much time in the French part of St Maarten and the kids dig around in each of their cakes, looking for the treasure. I’m going to try The Connaught’s version (available through January), particularly with their collaboration with Jessica McCormack. One of their cakes will have a lucky winner find a lemon, resulting in a private tour across the road at Carlos Place, and a pair of Lemon Drop Sapphire & Diamond Gypset Hoop Earrings. SEE I’m taking my parents to see Top Hat at Southbank’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Fans of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, I’m sure it’s going to be a thoroughly entertaining evening.
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Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
BUY A 2026 planner (I wasn’t organised enough to do this before the end of 2025). I’ve spotted a few that I love, including this Mock Croc Diary from The Stamford Notebook Co. and this Smythson Panama Diary. EAT In a supermarket! No, really, later this month I’m booked in for the Robin’s Ramen pop-up at Supermarket of Dreams on Holland Park Avenue. It’s on until 31 March so you still have time. SEE The Cecil Beaton (aka the ‘King of Vogue’) fashion and portrait photography exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery – it’s the last chance, the exhibition ends on 11 January. TRY To rescue my winter-worn, dry skin with the brand-new Barrier Cream from Erborian. It locks moisture in (even when the wind is howling) and keeps redness at bay using ceramides and calming centella asiatica. BOOK Tickets for the London Short Film Festival 2026 (23 January – 1 February) which has screenings across the city including at the BFI, Curzon Soho and the ActOne cinema. London Lives, showcasing the diverse stories of Londoners across its ‘streets, buses, basements, and bars’ has caught my eye.
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Becki Murray, Beauty & Wellness Director
STAY At Hotel La Posta in Tuscany. Wellness seekers have been flocking to this historic, family-owned retreat for generations, and I can’t think of a more relaxing and cosseting way to kickstart my 2026 than enjoying a vitality-boosting dip in the hotel’s renowned thermal baths, which are fed by natural hot springs in the area and offer breathtakingly scenic views of the hotel’s surrounding landscape. TASTE A very British afternoon tea at a very American institution. Until 13 February, the 140-year-old London tea brand Whittard of Chelsea, has partnered with the Empire State Building’s STATE Grill & Bar to launch an exclusive Bridgerton-themed English Afternoon Tea. PAMPER My skin with Kiehl’s new Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream – the latest skin-soothing saviour from the luxury skincare brand’s award-winning range. It is exactly what winter-worn skin that’s dry, dull and dehydrated needs, helping soothe irritation and redness in seconds, alongside lots of glow-boosting hydration. TRY The functional cider trend – aka ‘booze without the alcoholic buzz’ – courtesy of Sentia Spirits. Not only is it perfect for anyone trying Dry January, but it’s actually a delicious drink in its own right with a crisp, sparkling taste that still feels a little indulgent. REFRESH My hair with a cut and colour at Haug London Haus in the heart of Fitzrovia. What I love most is that you don’t just walk away with a fresh new style but the whole experience is enjoyable – however long you stay in the salon. That’s down to the friendly and knowledgeable team who will always have you looking and feeling your best.
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Rachel Story, Style & Commerce Director
STAY January is both mine and my husband’s birthday, so we always try to book a staycation for a couple of nights as our present to each other. There are a few places still on our list that we’ve yet to visit here in the UK, but The Newt and Gleneagles are both hopeful options. As it’s a big birthday for me, it would be the stuff of bucket-list dreams to combine a trip to Scotland which, shockingly, I’ve only visited once as a child (despite having a Scottish grandma!) with a timeless, luxury stay onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. A birthday girl can dream! BUY I’m wanting a new tote bag that’s large enough to carry my laptop and house all the paraphernalia needed when out and about with a little one. Anything from Polène is a great option and their price points are really good too. I’m patiently waiting for this one to come back in stock. PAMPER I’d love to experience a facial with Dior Ambassador Hadda Akrim, renowned for her deep-tissue facial massage techniques – puffiness from December, be gone! As well as booking in with eyebrow expert Anu Khapung, who shapes the brows of many an A-lister, at both The Dorchester and 180 Health Club. EAT As if I haven’t indulged enough already, I’ll be booking into Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei at Corinthia London, which opened in November, for their epic Southern Italian pasta dishes and the viral tiramisu, served generously tableside.
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Ella Alexander, Fashion Features Director
WATCH Awards season is here, which means there’s so many great films out this month. Hamnet, about the relationship between Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway, is at the top of my list. The line-up is incredible; Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star, while Oscar-winning indie filmmaker Chloé Zhao directs. DO January seems like an opportune moment to finally pay a visit to Brixton Saunas, private wooden cabins perched on the roof of an 11-storey building. Warmth with a view. READ I was given some great books for Christmas, so will be digging into Patti Smith’s new memoir, Bread of Angels. EAT Claridge’s is opening its first ever bakery on 21 January, helmed by Richard Hart, founder of cult Copenhagen bakery group Hart Bageri. Expect haute jammie dodger tarts, custard tarts, Belgian buns and iced fingers – I’ll see you there. WATCH I’ve been glued to Waiting for the Out on iPlayer, a moving and thoughtful six-parter about a philosophy teacher who works in a prison.
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Bibiana Obahor, Head of Graphic Design
SPA I’ve been meaning to book a spa treatment for ages, and I’m finally booking in at Away Spa at the W Hotel to celebrate my mum’s birthday. We’re starting the day with bottomless brunch at ROKA in Canary Wharf, then heading to the spa for some much-needed warmth, quiet and recovery from the Christmas chaos. EAT This year, I’m making it a goal to try one new restaurant with my boyfriend every month. We’re starting at Ronnie’s, the new restaurant from American fashion brand Kith, located in Mayfair. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired New York bistro named after Kith’s founder, Ronnie Fieg, and between the interiors and the menu, it’s already being called one of the most stylish new openings in London. WATCH I’m looking forward to Bridgerton Season 4 arriving on 29 January. This time following Benedict Bridgerton as he finally gets his own love story. USE I’m a lip balm girl through and through. I’ve tested dozens and finished almost none, but the Topicals Slick Salve Mint Lip Balm is one of the absolute best. The texture is perfect; it actually treats cracked winter lips instead of just sitting on top, and the applicator feels amazing. WEAR The cold this month has been brutal, and on the days I don’t feel like wearing a full hoodie but still want to keep warm, I’ve been wrapping my scarf around my face. It never stays up properly though, so I think it’s time I invest in an actual hooded scarf. Our Fashion Features Director rounded up her top picks here.
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Ella Mansell, Junior Culture Editor
After two weeks of non-stop socialising over the winter break I find myself in desperate need of another holiday, but when this isn’t possible, I turn to wholesome things to fill up my calendar. As well as catching as many of the incredible films that have just come out in the cinema, I’ll head to London’s BFI to WATCH Women with a Movie Camera summit 2026, which returns on 24 January. Packed with events, talks, and screenings by female and non-binary talents, I’m buying tickets with friends. GO OUT On a Monday… January feels like a month of Mondays so make them as fun as possible with these Monday night events at OM in Dalston by Brawn chef-restaurateur, Ed Wilson. DJs, great plates – you name it. EAT & DRINK New York City soul and jazz is coming to London’s Covent Garden via the new cocktail bar, cato, combining quite possibly all of my favourite things. GET CREATIVE Alongside a whole host of exhibitions and gallery openings, London Art Week is back from 20 to 26 January at the Design Centre in Islington with many great contemporary art talents. BUY TICKETS For Akram Khan’s Giselle showing at London’s Coliseum and RBO’s amazing Woolf Works, a ballet based on the work of my favourite author ever. READ I love reading and talking about books, so am very keen to try Lizzy Hadfield’s Buffy’s Book Club which alternates between events in London and New York. January’s event is in London and I am on the hunt for tickets.
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Sadaf Quyoum, Lifestyle Partnerships
VISIT Dubai, to explore some new and exciting openings; I’m also looking forward to some winter sun. TREAT Myself! I’ve decided to go all in on skin and hair – the ultimate January revival. I’m starting at Spa de La Mer in Harrods with their signature Miracle Broth facial; the kind of treatment that feels like nourishment for skin that’s been running on empty. INVEST In the new Dyson Airwrap – all in the spirit of fully embracing good hair days. If effortless, salon-worthy styling at home is possible, why not make it part of the daily ritual? BUY I’m refreshing my living space, and starting with a new look for the lounge. I’ve fallen for these boutique-style cushions by M&S x Kelly Hoppen; effortlessly elegant and perfectly tailored, they’re high on my list for transforming the room. I’m also searching for a beautiful shearling cream coloured throw to layer in warmth and complete the look. WORKOUT On this newly purchased yoga mat in the most beautiful shade of chocolate brown, it’s so chic there are officially no excuses not to use it. EAT I’m being more mindful at the moment, but I’m also aiming for balance which means finally booking a table at La Trompette, the Michelin-starred gem in West London. WATCH Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre. The ongoing hype has swayed me to finally book tickets.
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Courtney Griffiths, Experiences and Community Director
TREAT MYSELF I’m spending January in the Caribbean to escape the cold, and the first thing I did this year was book a HydraFacial at One Wellness Barbados to rejuvenate my skin after a very indulgent Christmas. STAY Later this month I have a long weekend on one of my favourite islands in the world, Bequia. It has such an unfussy, laid back charm (and I think it’s the Caribbean’s best kept secret!). I’ll be staying at the iconic Bequia Plantation Hotel. CELEBRATE Burns Night at Quo Vadis’ annual supper on 23 January, complete with Address to a Haggis and the sound of bagpipes. Tickets cost £90. BOOK To see Cynthia Erivo star in a one-woman reimagining of Dracula, it opens in February. CATCH UP Emily in Paris has always been one of my favourite shows so I’m very excited to binge watch season 5 soon. READ Reading three books per month is my New Year’s resolution and I’m starting with rereading Wuthering Heights before it hits the cinema next month. It stars Margot Robbie and is soundtracked by Charli XCX.
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