UQ alumni live all around the world and they’re always willing to open their doors and share a little local knowledge.

Christmas is around the corner, so Contact asked London resident Nicola Cook (Bachelor of Journalism / Bachelor of Arts ‘19) for her tips on how to get the most out of the city during the festive season.

Cook is a Philanthropy Manager at University College London (UCL). She’s lived in London since 2022, driven by a desire to use her British passport and explore the rich culture this global city has to offer. Even after 3 years of living in London, she says there is still so much to see and do. Here is her attempt at narrowing down the best way to experience the festive season.

Nicola Cook

There’s nothing quite like London’s food scene, with December bringing peak cosy vibes to make you forget it’s freezing outside.

For a classic London spot, head to Noble Rot Soho, followed by a cocktail at Below Stone Nest or Swift Soho.

If you find yourself in East London, home to many of the city’s most talked about restaurants, I’d recommend Bistro Freddie for a candlelit dinner, Campania for some southern Italian cuisine or Tom’s Pasta for their beef shin lasagne. It’s also worth checking out one of Brick Lane’s many BYO curry houses.

For those staying West, The Pelican in Notting Hill is worth visiting for modern pub fare, The Crabtree for a classic riverside pub and Pentolina for old school Italian.

If you’re here on a Sunday, hit up a pub for a roast – something Brits do incredibly well! My personal favourites are Bistro Sable, The Approach Tavern and The Camberwell Arms. Be sure to book though!

December in London can be overwhelming to say the least. Crowds pack central London all in search of festive lights and markets. My biggest tip to anyone visiting during this period would be to explore the boroughs:

• If you’re planning to visit a museum, try going on a weekday as the weekends are busy with families who travel into London for the day. Even better, the Natural History Museum, V&A and Tate all run after-hours events for a small fee if you want to experience a museum at night!

• Many of London’s iconic venues and cinemas will be showing all the Christmas classics, some even with a live orchestra. I’d recommend checking out Hammersmith Apollo, Royal Albert Hall and BFI Southbank to catch one of your favourite festive films.

• Most areas have their own Christmas Markets for any last-minute gift needs. Head to Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays for mulled wine and some of London’s best independent shops. Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross also runs a range of Christmas markets, with an emphasis on handmade local crafts.

One of my favourite rituals this time of year is to visit Petersham Nurseries in Richmond for their Christmas shop, baked goods and tea. Walking from Richmond station, you get a scenic route along the river with expansive fields that make you feel as though you’ve left London. Once you get to Petersham, head to one of the greenhouses for a high tea followed by a wander through the store.

Other staples this time of year include Christmas at Kew for the annual light display or an iconic show like the Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet or English National Ballet.

If you are planning on staying in London for a longer period, try channelling your creativity with a workshop! I’ve done wreath making, candle painting and perfume making in the lead up to Christmas. It’s a great way to spend a cold evening, and you get to take home your creation at the end.

Finally, if a quick trip out of London is on the cards, nothin g beats the small winding streets of Rye, only an hour away by train. Be sure to explore all the homeware stores, have lunch at The Union Rye or head to Tillingham for a glass of wine in the countryside.

Aside from being incredibly well-connected, London is one of the world’s most walkable cities. There is so much you can discover on foot – a new pub, bookstore, green square – that you would have missed on the Tube. While it might seem strange to recommend walking outside at this time of year, it is easily the best way to absorb all that London has to offer.

I’d recommend starting at one of London’s many green spaces, such as Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood or Victoria Park, and ending your day at a nearby pub, sitting by a fire, with a hot drink in hand.

Got some local tips to share with us, or need tips for your next destination? Tell us where we should go next.