Today's Story
A Day of Firsts and Continued Excellence in London
Today, November 8th, 2025, is a significant day etched in London's long history. The famous Lord Mayorâs Show is underway, a tradition steeped in pageantry that stretches back centuries. The main event is the inauguration of Dame Susan Langley DBE as the new Lord Mayor. This is monumental, as she is the first woman to hold the esteemed office in over eight centuries. The three-mile procession will escort her from the City of London to Westminster to reaffirm her allegiance to the Crown, showcasing thousands of participants in what promises to be a magnificent spectacle.
Beyond civic pride, London continues to sweep international accolades. The city has once again secured the title of the âWorld's Best Cityâ for the eleventh consecutive year in global rankings. Judges cited the city's robust cultural diversity, its top-tier infrastructure, and an undeniably vibrant arts scene as key reasons why London remains the premier destination for both tourists and global business.
Adding a dash of glamour to the dayâs news, the fashion world is celebrating Londonâs influence. Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai has been honoured with the prestigious Model of the Year title by the British Fashion Council, cementing London's standing as a critical global fashion capital, especially as we look forward to the upcoming Fashion Awards.
Festive Cheer Arrives Early
The chill in the air signals the start of the jolly season, and London is already lighting up. If you are heading out this weekend, make sure to visit the Spirit of Christmas Fair at Olympia London, which wraps up its run tomorrow, November 9th. Itâs a treasure trove of gifts, food, and artisan crafts from over 600 vendors. If you miss that, mark your calendars for next Wednesday, November 12th, when Covent Garden will officially switch on its dazzling Christmas lights, including that famously gigantic 55ft British-grown tree.
For those looking for a festive tipple, Miracle at Henrietta Experimental opens its doors in Covent Garden on Monday, November 10th, offering wonderfully themed Christmas cocktails in a setting twice the size of last yearâs setup. Talk about getting into the holiday spirit!
A Culinary Tour of the City
Londonâs dining scene is always evolving, and this week brings exciting additions, particularly for lovers of Asian cuisine. Poon's at Somerset House opened recently, bringing Amy Poon's family home-style Chinese dishes to a permanent setting. Nearby, Wonton Charlie's has launched in London Fields, offering authentic Cantonese wonton noodle soup from the popular Bao team.
Looking ahead, Fitzrovia awaits the arrival of Khao-SĆ-i on November 11th, bringing signature Northern Thai khao soi to the capital. Also reopening on the 11th is the acclaimed som saa in Spitalfields, promising its signature bold Thai flavours.
If you fancy a truly luxurious treat that remains relatively accessible, the much-anticipated Corenucopia bistro, from the team behind the three-Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth, opens in Chelsea later this month. For guaranteed quality right now, however, you can never go wrong with a superb steak at Hawksmoor or experimental brilliance at Kiln in Soho.
Theatre and Transport Notes
Theatre lovers should note the Voila! Theatre Festival is ongoing, showcasing diverse, multilingual performances across the city until November 23rd. Plus, LOVEtheatre Week is offering fantastic savings on West End hits like SIX and Harry Potter tickets this week.
On the transport front, good news: there are no major Tube strikes planned today following a recent pay deal acceptance. However, commuters should note that the Waterloo & City line is closed (as usual on Saturdays), and there is a track fault on the Metropolitan line causing a closure between Baker Street and Aldgate; consider the Circle or Hammersmith & City lines as alternatives.