Welcome to our monthly need-to-know dispatch of the latest and greatest releases that should be on your radar for the month ahead.
With a full-time job, busy social life, and social media accounts to update, it’s challenging to keep up with all the shiny newness out there.
But you don’t have to. Here at ES Best, we’ve got our ears to the ground and our noses up pressed against digital shop fronts, always looking for the newest fashion, events, and food and drink - so you don’t have to. From sell-out collections to limited edition collaborations, with exclusive events, fresh launches and new store unveilings in between, we’ve got you covered so you don’t miss out on a thing.
December is here and the city is sparkling with the bulbs of a million festive lights. From the West End to Walthamstow, Stratford to Southall, all Londoners are preparing for the bash of the year. Naturally, the festive schedule is brimming with Christmas markets, workshops, gifting pop-ups and more to help you nail your present-buying list and feel the spirit of the season.
And, of course, there’s the usual smorgasbord of glittering new launches, exciting collabs and epic shopping drops to make this December shine.
If you’re ever at a loss for something to do at the weekend or want to scratch the retail therapy itch, we’ll keep this page updated all month long; it’s best to bookmark it so you’ve got the insider’s guide right at your fingertips.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter version of this Shortlist for a weekly digest covering everything from fashion and furniture to tech and travel.
Ready, set, shop
Farm Rio Ski Collection launches
If you're looking for new kit to look and feel Alpine fresh on an upcoming ski, don't miss Farm Rio's ski collection, launching on December 12. With bright colours, bold patterns and the odd ruffle or two, it's certainly one to help you stand out in the snow.
Buy now, Farm Rio
Sustainable designer Raeburn holds archive sale
If you’re looking for a unique gift with plenty of green credentials, luxury designer Raeburn’s archive sale is the place to strike gold. The label is taking up to 80 per cent off some of its best-loved collections and collaborations with footwear and accessories all in the mix too.
Eagle-eyed shoppers will also spot rare one-offs on the rails, plus a range of fascinating items with military leanings: think parachute canopies, storage boxes, survival gear, tools, books, fabrics and more.
Running from December 6 to 8, the event is free but ticketed through Eventbrite.
Buy now, Raeburn
Lindt partners with the NSPCC
As if you needed any extra reason to slip a Lindt chocolate teddy into stocking fillers, the chocolatier has announced its continuing partnership with the NSPCC this Christmas. It will see £1 from sales of the sweet donated to Childline so it can continue its good work.
The adorable 100g confection can be found nationwide at good supermarkets and Amazon as well as Lindt itself.
Buy now £3.15, Lindt
Starbucks offers free drinks for the NHS
In the spirit of goodwill, Starbucks is handing out free drinks for NHS workers. Staff can claim a Tall beverage but if they're not available to get to a coffee branch because they're on shift, Starbucks will send additional drinks to 12 hospitals and 10 ambulance services across the country. The giveaway will take place on December 5.
Buy now, Deliveroo
The Perfume Shop announces charity fundraising total
It's well known that scent is linked to memory, which may be one of the reasons why The Perfume Shop has chosen to support Alzheimer’s Research UK for the last decade. The store has just announced it's raised over £1.6m for the dementia research charity, helping to fund research and the care of victims.
Help them continue their good work and pick up Christmas pressies along the way - its Christmas Shop has options for everyone, with many gift sets reduced too.
Buy now, The Perfume Shop
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair holds festive workshops
Keen on crafting something homemade for Christmas gifting? The Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair has laid on a schedule of classes to give gifts that personal touch.
Events run every Thursday from December 12 at 10:30am, and include breakfast too.
Buy now, Mandarin Oriental
CHOOSE LOVE holds a charity beauty sale
It's time to snap up beauty bargains in the name of love and peace thanks to a charity fundraiser that will see the likes of Armani, Chanel, Glossier, Byredo and more on the table. Organised by Foundation 4 Change, this is the seventh fundraiser for Choose Love, a global charity supporting displaced people everywhere. Guilt-free shopping, here you come.
Entry will cost £4 and all payments must be made by card only.
