Sherlock Holmes

Christmas Jumpers, Christmas Hats or Christmas Bells, bring whatever you feel will amp up the festive cheer at this special event! There will be crackers to pull, pies to eat and of course great games to play! See you there 😉❤️👏 New and Experienced Players Welcome! 🤗 Ever played Werewolf, Mafia or Secret Hitler? Well this game is like that but on steroids! 😈😇 Ever watched The Traitors and wished you could have a turn? Well now you can! Suitable for complete beginners, experienced veterans and everyone in between, we Play **'Blood on the Clocktower'** a game where you never know who you can trust... A great way to meet new people in a fun interactive way, at a bar serving food and drinks Continue reading for a general description of the game: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by an experienced Storyteller. During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. At 'night' time, players close their eyes and some are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill. Use all your powers of deduction and deception to survive this game of murder and mystery. The game will be fully explained at the event. However if you'd like to learn more now watch: https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?feature=shared

Join us for some focused writing time on Saturday mornings at 5th View cafe/bar at Waterstones Piccadilly. All writers and all experience levels are welcome; be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. This is not a critique or workshop session so there will be no sharing your work and no one will see what you've written or give unsolicited advice. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers. SCHEDULE: 11:30 - Quick introductions 11:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 12:30 - Break for 15 minutes 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 - The End! Don't worry about being late or leaving early - just get settled and check in with the host whenever you can during the session. Please RSVP if you can so that we have an idea of numbers as we have to reserve tables for the event. Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Try to make sure laptops are charged in case there aren't enough plug sockets or bring a notebook and pen. Venue Guidelines: Please thank our host venue by purchasing something to eat/drink, if you are able to do so. Please do not bring outside food or drink to the venue.

**Celebrate the festive season in style at Solaya London — the brand-new 24th-floor sky bar at the chic art’otel Hoxton, just minutes from Old Street Station.** With *incredible panoramic views across London*, sleek interiors and an elevated, festive atmosphere, this is the perfect setting for our **final Cocktails & Conversation social before Christmas**. **Tickets Available here:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-skyline-cocktails-party-tickets-1976514618430?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-skyline-cocktails-party-tickets-1976514618430?aff=oddtdtcreator) **The Experience:** Arrive from **8:00 PM** and enjoy a **complimentary welcome drink between 8:00–9:00 PM** as you step into our semi-private spaces reserved exclusively for our guests. The early part of the evening is all about warm introductions in a relaxed, stylish environment, with our hosts on hand to guide conversations and help you settle in. We’re bringing together **100 chic London single professionals** for this glittering Christmas edition — expect sparkling energy, great conversations and the perfect chance to meet new people before the holidays. As the night unfolds, the mood shifts from mellow mingling to festive celebration. From **10:00 PM**, our **DJ** brings the room to life with uplifting beats and late-night rhythms, inviting you to dance, sip cocktails and soak up those breathtaking skyline views. **Dress Code:** ✨ **Dress Dazzling — festive, chic and ready for the city lights.** Think Christmas sparkle, elevated glamour and outfits that shine against the panoramic backdrop. **Event Schedule:** 🕗 **8:00 PM – Arrival & Check-In** 🥂 **8:00–9:00 PM – Complimentary Welcome Drink** 💬 **8:00–10:00 PM – Hosted Introductions & Socialising** 🎶 **10:00 PM – DJ, Dancing & Late-Night Festive Vibes** Join us for a glamorous Christmas celebration at London’s newest sky bar — the perfect final C&C night out before the holidays. **Tickets Available here:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-skyline-cocktails-party-tickets-1976514618430?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-skyline-cocktails-party-tickets-1976514618430?aff=oddtdtcreator)

***Please purchase tickets on [eventbrite](https://eventbrite.co.uk/o/studio-108-34126014551), starting at 10 pounds!*** Join **[STUDIO 108](https://www.meetup.com/studio-108/)** at their [centre](https://goo.gl/maps/ELtMVaRoZb5mRsDv7) 5 minutes walk from Holborn tube: * **5pm *SoulFest*** *please arrive 10 mins early* [Mantra meditation](https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/9781/mantra-meditation) and [kirtan](https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5452/kirtan), feel your spirits soar and your body move with the rhythm. Followed by a wisdom and spirituality talk, then into another kirtan. * **6pm *Vegan dinner*** Crafted by STUDIO 108's team, served in their ground floor [cafe](https://www.studio108.uk/eats) * Dinner made with [AHIMSA Dairy](https://ahimsamilk.org) from the Ahimsa Eco Village in Leicester! * **7pm *Dance kirtan*** As the kirtan increases in intensity, the dance floor opens. *Beginners welcome, photos/videos of previous events on* ***[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/studio108_ldn/)****.*

**Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie** *Locked room mystery about a family reunited for Christmas, written by the "Queen of Crime"* In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, the holidays are anything but merry when a family reunion is marred by murder — and the notoriously fastidious investigator is quickly on the case. The wealthy Simeon Lee has demanded that all four of his sons — one faithful, one prodigal, one impecunious, one sensitive — and their wives return home for Christmas. But a heartwarming family holiday is not exactly what he has in mind. He bedevils each of his sons with barbed insults and finally announces that he is cutting off their allowances and changing his will. Poirot is called in the aftermath of Simeon Lee's announcement. \*\*\* Chapters & Conversations is a space for fiction lovers to connect over great stories and lively chats! Whether you’re into literary fiction, contemporary novels, or fantasy worlds, we’re here to explore it all together. We’re hoping to meet fellow bookworms who enjoy getting lost in a good story and are open to sharing thoughts, laughs, and recommendations. At each event, we’ll dive into a chosen book, chat about characters, themes, and twists - above all, it’s about community, curiosity, and a shared love of reading! Stasia and Yana:)

Come along on Sunday 21st December for a Carol Concert at All Souls Church in central London! **About the church** All Souls Church in Langham Place was designed in by John Nash, built of Bath stone and was consecrated in 1824. It is quite a well known church, sitting just off Upper Regent Street and as the church stands directly opposite the BBC, it often broadcasts from the church. All Souls Langham Place will be spreading Christmas cheer with a live choir and orchestra performing some of the nation’s most loved carols. The concert will last about 1 hour. It includes many well known carols. It starts at 5:30pm. There are also free mince pies at the end. **Cost** The carol concert is free! **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option **Afterwards** After the concert, we will head to 'The Phoenix pub', 37 Cavendish Square from 6:30pm for a drink. Lookout for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the church. We are meeting at 5:00pm and going in at 5:15pm to make sure we get seats. There will be a queue to get in. Look forward to seeing you there. Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@culltureseekers.org](general@culltureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.*** ***Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -* ***[https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Come along on Saturday 20th December for a Blue Badge Guided Walk around Mayfair! Blue Badge Guides know London better than anyone. They have trained intensively for two years and passed the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK. **About the walk** Explore elegant Mayfair like streets of Shepherd Market, hear about the area’s distinguished residents; Fanny Burney, Florence Nightingale and Lord Byron. We will also see London’s most haunted house and discover a small part of America in Central London. Mayfair is an affluent area which remained largely rural until the early 18th century. It gets its name from the annual May Fair that took place in the first 2 weeks of May from 1686 to 1764. The walk is a private walk for the group, we will be guided by Blue Badge guide [Diane Burstein](https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/guides/dianeburstein/). We are now only having one guide - Diane at 2:15pm. **Payment for the walk** Full Members of the group will be £11, everyone else the cost is £13 per person (payable via cash or credit card on the day or in advance via PayPal or Bank Transfer). If you wish to pay in advance: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option **Afterwards** After we will head to the 'Kings Head pub' 10 Stafford Street , for a chat over a drink. We finish close to Green Park Tube Station. If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we will only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time so please be early or on time. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the station. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (text only) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

🎄 **Mayfair from Monarchs to Mistresses — A Festive Edition!** ✨ **Sunday before Christmas** Step into Mayfair as you’ve never seen it before — twinkling with Christmas lights, alive with stories of scandal, splendour, and surprise. This isn’t just another walk through London’s most elegant quarter — it’s a journey through centuries of glamour and gossip, wrapped in festive sparkle. Once home to monarchs, mistresses, and mavericks, Mayfair hides secrets behind its grand façades. Discover where **Queen Elizabeth II was born**, hear tales from **London’s most haunted house**, and uncover the scandal that once shook society — involving a **Duke and a daring fashion designer**. Even locals who know the area best have gasped at what they’ve seen and heard on this walk! So pull on your coat, follow the glow of the fairy lights, and join us for a **magical Christmas wander through Mayfair**— where history shimmers as brightly as the decorations. £10 cash on the day or pay online https://flockless-but-free.square.site/s/shop Begins at Green Park Tube station Stratton Street exit. Ends at Shepherds Market (nearest tube Hyde Park/Green park) Approx 4 miles. An optional drink at the end in a delightful, hidden part of London with plenty of restaurants and a couple of charming pubs to enjoy. Perfect Christmas atmosphere.

Who doesn't enjoy a twisted tale to go along with their holiday cheer!? Join us as we get together for a psychological thriller and quite possibly the biggest book-to-film release this year: THE HOUSEMAID! The twisty-turny tale follows a young woman who takes a job as a housekeeper for a well-to-do family who could harboring dark secrets! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Trying to escape her past, a young woman accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous - a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, power and filled with shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end. The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor) and based on the first in a series of books by Freida McFadden. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48CtX6OgU3s BUZZ: Early buzz is strong with critics calling it an "entertaining,” "twisty" and suspenseful psychological thriller with non-stop twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end! PLAN: Details for this event have already been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 6:45 and 7:00pm! This fun little twisted thriller is shaping up to be the surprise hit of the season so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. The theaters are pausing “Discount Tuesday” pricing for the holidays but we picked some of the lowest price tickets in town! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we get the New Year started with one of the best films of the year: THE SECRET AGENT! This political thriller from Brazil is set in 1977 where a man flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown but soon finds the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1977, a former professor flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. The film stars Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Gabriel Leone and Udo Kier in his final film role. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfrzDKrhEc BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Secret Agent was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Actor for Wagner Moura, Best Director for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award and the FIPRESCI Prize. At this year’s Golden Globes, it became Brazil’s first film ever to be nominated for Best Film (Drama)! It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, a Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura and was selected as Brazil’s entry for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is receiving an incredible 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics say, its “compelling script, impeccable acting, and striking 1970s aesthetic” make it “impossible to look away!” Critics say The Secret Agent is “one of the few standout movies of the year” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “masterpiece of a film” and “the best film of the year!” PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! With this being a limited release film, we’ll tentatively plan to see it at the Gateway, but location may change based on where it is showing and the showtimes available. Once details are confirmed, advance ticket is advised. Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Showtime, location and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!