There seems to be an overabundance of Christmas markets this festive season and it really takes something ultra special to make your offerings stand out from the crowd. That isn’t a hard task for Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival considering they have the mammoth starflyer ride which towers over the London skyline with its multi-coloured lights. If you ever needed directions to the winter festival, you just need to stare in the general direction of the London Eye.
Their headline show, NoFit State Circus: BIANCO is one of the most unusual and captivating circus performances you will ever watch. It is a standing promenade performance, so there isn’t a massive rush to arrive early to get the best seats in the house. For seasoned circus-goers, there is little that is groundbreaking here; but it is the stunning choreography and stylistic presentation that makes BIANCO soar above most productions you will see this winter.
The beach sequence post-interval is an energetic ball of delight where you can feel the passion of every single one of the performers. Every set is supported by a fantastic live band led by David Murray and the final magical sequence where the aerial display is matched with falling snow is a simple yet elegant way to celebrate the great work that NoFit State Circus has been doing over the last few years.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Billington
You can make a whole evening out of your visit by dining at their chalet-filled food stalls area. The selection of vendors have been carefully curated so that you don’t get kind 50 different types of schnitzels. Vegetarians are exceptionally well-catered for here, especially at Horn OK Please, which brings a taste of the street food stalls on Mumbai to the Southbank. The Moong Dal Dosa has a very thin and crispy spiced lentil crepe and it is quite filling with well-flavoured masala potatoes.
Photo courtesy of @MattTheList
Hank’s Po’ Boys has opened up a stall selling irresistible mac and cheese. They are cooked to order so as to create that perfect gooey texture. They have some fantastic toppings on offer; we tried the mushroom marmalade; a savoury condiment so good, I am planning a return visit to buy their gift packs as presents for friends.
Meat lovers are not neglected and you can try a very tasty lamb wrap at Ladle and Skillet. As well as using top quality lamb fillet, they make sure it is packed with flavours using tomato chilli, hummus and yoghurt mint.
If you enjoy liquid desserts, then make a beeline for Jaz & Jul’s to sample some vegan-friendly single-origin organic hot chocolates. Apart from keeping you warm over the winter months, you will get a taste of authentic hot chocolate rather than the synthetic inferior varieties offered on the high street.
Photo courtesy of Kirsty Owen
The winter market will be opened until the 8th January. Bianco is on until the 22nd January.
baldwin@townfish.com