V&A Storehouse : A Museum Like No Other

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A treasure-filled warehouse

Opened in May 2025 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East London, V&A Storehouse gives public free access to the V&A’s vast working collection. 
  
Home to more than 250,000 objects, 350,000 library books, and 1,000 archives, it houses the national collection of art, design, fashion, and performance.  Displays are organized around three themes: 
  1. Collecting Stories —V&A’s role as a national collector
  2. Sourcebook for Design — how the collection inspires designers and communities
  3. Working Museum — how the museum operates behind the scenes 
Highlights include:        
  • David Bowie Centre — Dedicated to Bowie’s archive, including costumes, lyrics, photographs, and stage
  • Torrijos Ceiling — A 15th-century Spanish ceiling displayed overhead
  • Frankfurt Kitchen — Modern domestic design by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky
  • Kaufmann Office — A mid-century interior by Frank Lloyd Wright
  • Conservation Overlook — Watch specialists examine and preserve objects
  • Study Centre — Students, researchers and visitors 'Order an Object’ to view and handle — first in the world of its kind
The V&A Storehouse turns museum storage into an engaging public experience. 
www.vam.ac.uk ✆ +44 2079 422000

Fortnum's new striking staircase

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Few department stores are as iconic as Fortnum & Mason and its newly unveiled three-story staircase is a striking addition to the historic Piccadilly flagship. Officially opened in November 2025 by His Majesty King Charles III, it marks the store’s most ambitious architectural project since 1707.



Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s vision of a double helix — one of only a few worldwide.  The unique DNA-style structure allows two-way traffic without paths crossing and provides a dramatic focal point.
Comprising 132 steps and more than 2,600 hand-forged details, including 660 camellia flowers shaped and assembled by master blacksmiths.  It is truly remarkable engineering feat and modern addition to historic 300-year old institution.

Bonus : At the top of the staircase, there is a small display of architectural renderings and photographs, including ones from the unveiling.
 www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040

Jellycat Craze

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A London-based icon

Jellycat was founded in London in 1999 by brothers Thomas and William Gatacre. The name was inspired by one of their sons, who loved jellies and cats. By blending classic plush animals with quirky, imaginative designs, Jellycat quickly stood out. Add ultra-soft, machine-washable fabrics, and it’s easy to see why people were drawn to them.

What began as a children’s toy soon became a favorite for all ages, with many designs turning into collectible keepsakes. Fans frequently share their growing Jellycat collections on social media, helping the brand reach a global audience. Today, Jellycat toys can be found in iconic stores such as Hamleys, Harrods, and Selfridges.
For Jellycat lovers, Selfridges is a must-visit. The dedicated Jellycat section is more of an experience than a shop, featuring playful displays of classic favorites and limited-edition finds.  Its centerpiece is the viral Jellycat Fish & Chips van, launched in 2024, where visitors can order and collect characters wrapped in nostalgic packaging.

London has always been at the heart of Jellycat’s story. From pop-up events to collaborations with institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum, the brand remains part of the city’s creative scene.

Nearly 25 years on, Jellycat continues to charm the world — one irresistibly stuffed toy at a time!
 www.selfridges.com ✆ +44 02030 920557
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

New Year Theatre Sale

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Book tickets starting at £10/seat for over 45 shows until January 31st

There is still time to book discounted tickets for £10, £20. £30, £40, £50 or £60 for top award-winning London shows:

  • Back to the Future (£30, £40, £50, £60) — Olivier Award and Broadway World Award winner for Best New Musical
  • The Devil Wears Prada (£50) — starring Vanessa Williams, WhatsOnStage Award winner for Best New Musical and Best Performer
  • Hamilton (£50, £60) — seven Olivier Awards and rarely included in sales
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (£20, £50) — nine Olivier Awards, the most in the history of the awards
  • Kinky Boots (£20, £40, £50) — winner of three Olivier Awards returns to West End
  • Matilda The Musical (£30, £40, £60) — seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical
  • Oh, Mary! (£50, £60) — two-time Tony Award winner transfer from Broadway to the West End
  • The Play That Goes Wrong (£40, £50, £60) — Olivier Award winner for Best New Comedy
  • Titanique (£20, £30, £40, £50, £60) — winner of two Olivier Awards, including Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play

And if none of these catch your eye, there 35+ other shows to pick from!
www.OfficialLondonTheatre.com

Best of 2025, Part II

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Top 10 posts — Part II

Best of the best of 2025

5. Mitre Hotel — Beautifully refurbished riverside retreat 8-minute walk from Hampton Court
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/06/the-mitre-hotel.html

4. See it Live — Book top theatre tickets for £10, £20, £30, £40, £50 & £60
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/01/see-it-live-in-2025.html
3. Poppies return — One of London's most iconic public artworks returns
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/04/poppies-return.html

2. Chelsea in Bloom — 20th annual event with record-breaking 100+ displays
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/04/chelsea-in-bloom.html
1. Kids Week — Free tickets for kids
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/06/kids-week-free-tickets-for-kids.html

It is not too early to start planning for 2026!

Best of 2025

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Top 10 posts — Part I

Time limited events were particularly popular this past year— one still runs until January 2nd :

10. Vogue : Inventing the Runway — Front row runway seats at some of the best fashion shows in history
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/03/vogue-inventing-runway.html
9. Van Gogh All-Nighter — Night-time tickets for final weekend of Van Gogh : Poets & Lovers exhibition
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/01/van-gogh-all-nighter.html
8. Hampton Court Gardens for free — Just in time for US Mother's Day weekend
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/05/hampton-court-gardens-for-free.html
7. Paddington Bear — Where to find this beloved British icon
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/02/paddington-bear.html
6. Selfridges & Disney : A Most Magical Christmas — Light show and window displays until January 2nd
www.londonviasurrey.com/2025/11/selfridges-disney-most-magical-christmas.html

Best of 2025 — Part II will feature the best of the best from 2025.

Selfridges & Disney : A Most Magical Christmas

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For the first time, Selfridges has partnered with Disney for a Christmas celebration. The store’s façade has been transformed into an iconic Disney castle inspired by Disneyland Paris' Sleeping Beauty Castle complete with Mickey Mouse flags along the roofline.

A Tinker Bell–sparked light show illuminates the façade every 15 minutes from 5–9 p.m. daily until January 2. Over 100 meters of sparkling lights wrap around the building featuring 40 stars, the Jolly Roger ship from Disney's Peter Pan, and Cinderella’s carriage, all choreographed to the Cinderella soundtrack.

Twelve charming hand-painted windows showcase classic Disney stories, including 101 Dalmatians, Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp, and Pinocchio.

A festive, magical experience for all!

www.selfridges.com ✆ +44 02030 920557
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB