Marie Claire's edit of the best things to buy, browse, eat and book
Allow us to introduce: Hot List. Whether it's some much-needed pampering, a quick interiors update, a cool event to book tickets for or a wardrobe refresh, here's Marie Claire's edit of the best ways to indulge.
Here at Marie Claire HQ we're constantly seeking out secret sales, new brands, fun events, exclusive beauty treatments and cool coffee table books. We also love updating our home with a cool new piece of pottery, art or a delicious new candle.
We've rounded up all the coolest things to do, see, eat and buy this week. There are new store openings, new fashion brands, A-list collaborations, grooming updates and generally gorgeous and useful things to know so that your downtime is as stylish as you are.
This is your ultimate shopping list, so check in with us every week so you can hit the shops fully informed on what's new and cool each week. Click through to see our favourite picks...
In the news
Celebrity make up artist Lisa Eldridge recognised in New Year Honours list
Lisa Eldridge has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to the fashion and beauty industries, in King Charles's New Year Honours List.
The celebrity make up artist is among the world's most celebrated, with her star-studded client list including Keira Knightley, Emma Stone, Dua Lipa, Kate Winslet and Taylor Swift. And since launching Lisa Eldridge Beauty in 2018, the founder and CEO has gone from strength to strength.
“I go into 2025 with my heart full, as I am able to share the news that I have been honoured for my services to the fashion and beauty industries by His Majesty King Charles III, in his New Year Honours List," Eldridge explained following the news of her MBE.
"To have my work and contribution to fashion and beauty recognised so significantly, means more to me than I can put into words."
The best places to eat in London
Chinese Cricket Club
There’s nothing I love more than finding somewhere new and delicious to eat: even better, when I actually want to return. Sometimes hotel restaurants get a bad rep—this is not the case. Make sure you head to the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars because there you’ll find the Chinese Cricket Club.
The dim sum menu is where they really shine: the golden fish gow dumplings burst with fresh flavours, while the har gau was nothing short of incredible. I’d happily return just to make my way through the entire dim sum menu. Another stand out was the creamy prawn curry which was full of fresh and zingy flavour (lemongrass, chilli, lime) and super plump king prawns. Delivered to the table in a smoke-filled cloche, the house speciality, smoky Peking duck, certainly lived up to its reputation.
The waiter recommended the wok-fried fillet of beef—apparently every table this evening has ordered one—and im really glad he did so. It’s an absolute must-try: cooked to perfection, tender, and just the right side of spicy.
It’s perfect for a lunchtime treat or an early evening meal. It was just the right side of busy on a weekday evening—I imagine it would be slightly more energetic at the weekend.
19 New Bridge St, London, Greater London EC4V 6DB
This winter, Kings Cross welcomes an exciting new pop-up, The Champagne Chalet by Perrier-Jouët, a magical alpine-inspired retreat. Nestled in the heart of Kings Cross, this cosy Chalet will transport visitors to a winter wonderland, blending rustic charm with twinkling fairy lights, pine garlands and festive decor. Open throughout the colder months from 29th October- 3rd January, The Champagne Chalet is the ultimate destination for gatherings, après-ski vibes and luxurious winter indulgence.
The May Fair Bar, set within the iconic The May Fair Hotel, has reopened its doors after an extensive renovation. The new design offers a relaxed yet refined environment, blending modern elegance and timeless comfort, with interiors provided by Restoration Hardware. A newly curated cocktail and drinks menus can be enjoyed, alongside brunch, lunch and an evening bar food menu.
You can't miss this:
CABARET at the Kit Kat Club
Lose yourself in the pulse of the Kit Kat Club—the new cast makes for a truly unforgettable night
The last time I walked away from the theatre knowing I’d witnessed something spectacular was after seeing Rockets and Blue Lights at the National. It’s that sort of gut-prodding feeling that stays with you. That feeling—for different reasons—is exactly what I experienced after leaving Cabaret.
If you haven’t been to Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club yet then seriously, what are you doing? The Playhouse Theatre on London’s embankment has been transformed into the intimate, pulsating and dark Berlin nightclub and from the moment you step in, you’re part of the show—the whole place comes alive with a sort of anything-can-happen energy. Sitting at a table close to the stage is a must—these seats practically pull you in, making you feel like a Kit Kat Club regular.
The current cast is incredible: Katherine Langford’s raw and powerful voice brings a fresh sense of vulnerability to Sally Bowles. But, for me, it’s the Emcee who steals the show. Adam Gillen’s devilish character leads the audience through the story with wit, charm and menace. Langford, Gillen, alongside a brilliant cast of performers and tasteful staging, elevates Cabaret into a fully emotionally charged must-see experience.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5DE: Book tickets now
This week we're shopping:
The two iconic labels have collaborated on a limited edition collection combining RIXO’s signature prints with Stripe & Stare's luxurious soft and sustainable fabrics.
The HOKA Run Corner shop, celebrating the launch of the iconic Bondi 9, is a consumer-first immersive space: a convenience store stocking all the running essentials needed for the new year training period.
Located on Bethnal Green Road, it holds a working ATM which produces 'HOKENs' for customers to purchase their essentials, ranging from scratchcards to snacks.
Entitled ‘Love Letters’, this unique campaign champions with model Lauren Wasser celebrates self-love in the purest form. T
Love Letters shares Lauren’s journey from losing both legs to menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) in 2012 to appreciating, and ultimately loving her body. It is an invitation for the Bluebella audience to love themselves.
“This campaign is about owning yourself, something I feel that I really embody. I think that's what makes us all unique and special in our own way. It’s important to embrace who you are, and everything that you've gone through, this is part of life’s journey which helps create and craft the person that you are right now,” Lauren says.
Fans of rose fragrance, rejoice! This one is for you. An exquisite imagining of rose: Rose Exposed is a complex blend of white pepper, leather and of course, rose, but not just any rose. This is a presentation of an exclusive rose-on-rose co-distillation note of rose absolute and rose water extract, which means you get a well rounded scent and the flower in its entirety—from wet bud to freshly picked and highly perfumed petals. Yes, that’s a lot of perfume speak, but essentially, it smells really bloody good and you’ll want to wear it time and time again.
The start of the new year is always a good time to have a bit of a self reflective moment. We were recently introduced to LSW London, a wellbeing company that creates products to help you live—in their own words—your “most calm, balances and fulfilling life”. Founded by Lili Sinclair-Williams, a therapist, LSW London incorporates therapy techniques and tools to help do just that. We’re loving the Wellbeing Bundle, which contains a guided notebook that allows you to capture your thoughts and intentions daily, plus a handy deck of Mind Cards, which encourages a moment of space to with motivation. We love this idea.
We’re toasting the beginning of a new year with this rather divine bottle of bubbly. Apanage, by way of Pommery, is full bodied and absolutely sings on the palette—thanks to the fine and delicate bubbles—with buttery notes of nectarine. A real treat.
Meet Unstoppable, the premium offering from Under Armour. Designed to transition seamlessly between workouts and daily life. Expect sleek and versatile styles in some seriously cool colours. We’ve into it.
Aromaria has taken home fragrance to a new level by creating luxury modern solutions for scenting your home. From candles to room spray and incense to perfume sticks, they have it all. And, it smells great and looks chic too. As an aside, the brand has opened a new store on London’s Regent Street, and I’d implore you to have a stroll through. With lots to choose from, it can be quite daunting, but the Christmas collection containing 9 room sprays, 6 mini incense sticks, a ceramic diffuser and mini candle is a good place to start.
Dear France has just dropped its Pre-Spring 25 collection and, just to warn you, our shopping list is long. But, if we had to pick just one pair, we’re a bit obsessed with the Balla Bootie in black mesh. They would work with pretty much everything in your wardrobe and look super comfy too.
Do yourself a favour immersive yourself into Muihood’s Mugwort bath soak. It’s formulated to boost circulation, support menstrual relief plus is great for relaxting aching bodies and tired minds.
Kylie Jenner recently posed for a snap carrying the MD Kensington bag by way of Kurt Geiger. Naturally, we want it now too. It's a show-stopping piece from the high-street that has the power to instantly elevate any outfit.
What’s that I hear? You’re off skiing in the New Year and haven’t sorted your outfits? Well, luckily for you, we’ve spotted some of the finest skiwear out there, and it’s courtesy of GUESS. To celebrate the launch of the Winter Ski Capsule collection (and the second edition of the GUESS Winter Prooject), the brand hosted a first-of-a-kind, runway at 3,000 meters! But, back to the collection. It’s full of fashion-forward pieces that are practical but look good too.
The perfect way to add a touch of elegance to your morning breakfast.
