Published: 06/12/2016
As the nights draw closer and the air begins to nip at the ears and noses feel numb, it can only be one thing, winter. Despite these chilling signs a whole host of goodies have emerged to help combat the bitter weather. Mulled wine has popped up all over Hammersmith, Kings Street is adorned by festive lights, twinkling in the early sunset and carol singers have replaced the acoustic buskers.
Hammersmith’s market on Lyric Square has burst into a fury of festivities. Battling the low temperatures you will find freshly cooked ingredients from all around the globe, hot spices to warm mash and sausage, a perfect way to boost your morale on a cold blustery December in central Hammersmith. HammersmithLondon Business Improvement District (BID) are promising a virtual Christmas cabin, carol singers and several festive movies to be screened in the Kings mall.
The Hop Poles of Hammersmith, situated on King Street opposite Lyric Square, built in 1857, is a traditionally fitted pub with many listed features giving it a truly authentic feel. This year, Ellie’s mulled wine is paired with a Lillie’s mulled cider. The guest ales are, Winter Star, White City and Rocking Rudolf. If you are feeling hungry and you don’t fancy the usual Christmas meal, you can try the festive burger of beef, turkey, stuffing, chipolatas and cranberry sauce with cheese.
The Swan built in 1901 in the free Jacobean style designed by architect Frederick Miller, sits proudly in the heart of Hammersmith between both tube stations. They are offering a plethora of seasonal options, the drinks package includes champagne, mulled wine, white wine and other beverages, boasting the more you drink the more you save. To eat, a generous buffet, a festive and Christmas menu is on offer. On tap you will find Wild Holly or a warmer option of mulled wine or cider.
The Ram also found on Kings Street in Hammersmith has recently benefitted from a refurbishment and menu overhaul, giving it a contemporary feel with complimentary echoes of its traditional past. Their Christmas menu boast a carnivorous traditional and vegetarian option neither of which pull any punches on depth of ingredients from spiced Bramley apple, chestnuts to Jerusalem artichokes, all washed down with a pint of Winter Warmer. This year you can join the Ram of Hammersmith on December the 15th at St. Pauls Church, Hammersmith, for carols followed by mulled drinks and hearty food.
If you are feeling very traditional and want to test your singing talent, head down to St Pauls Church Hammersmith. This 17th century church is hosting several services in the build up to Christmas. During December from the 11th you will be able to join, Carols by Candlelight, Family Carols on the 18th, a traditional midnight mass on the eve of Christmas followed by a Service on the 25th. The Church is also hosting one of Hammersmith best places to get your Christmas tree. From dainty mini fir trees to grand six foot and over, are all available for your choice to take home and decorate. The smell of fresh pine needles can really make that homely festive feeling come to life.
At the Lyric theatre, a festive treat for under 6s and parents. Enjoy the show as Raymond Briggs, aka Father Christmas, prepares for Christmas Eve. Watch as he gets ready for his Christmas deliveries, fuels up the reindeer before he soars off into the wintery night. Complete with merry touches, live music and songs accompanied by jolly puppetry. The Hammersmith Eventim Apollo is hosting a series of stars this December, not so festive but very entertaining none the less, from the Chemical Brothers to Ocean Colour Scene, full listings can be found via their website.