Cool things to do this winter

drink

What... Lyaness, an oh-so glam watering hole by the River Thames.

Where... Ground floor of Sea Containers on London’s South Bank.

Why... The last bar to occupy this space, Dandelyan, was named the best bar in the world, and thena week later shut up shop. But bartender-mixologist superstar Mr Lyan returned, with a Lutyens-blue cocktail spot that serves up some of the best– and most unusual – drinks in town. Purple Pineapple fix anyone?

See our pick of the best cocktail chairs.

discover

What... Bridget Riley’s dazzling career retrospective.

Where... In the Brutalist confines of the Hayward Gallery.

Why... She made her name in the Sixties as the queen of optical art, creating lavishly coloured and intricately designed patternsof intense visual deliciousness.Now, Bridget Riley is exhibiting works from the entirety of her career in an extravagant exhibition that will include drawings, paintings, and wall murals – all in glorious technicolour. Until 26 January.

See how to create a stylishgallery wall.

eat

What... Simon Rogan’s latest restaurant, Henrock.

Where... At Linthwaite House in Bowness-on-Windermere in the beautiful Lake District.

Why... Rogan’s Cumbrian restaurant L’Enclume is considered amongthe best in the world, and when his outpost at Claridge’s closed last year the foodie world mourned. He’s back, with another offering up North. Expect sharing plates of aged beef with elderberries, and a deep fried apple pie to go gaga over.

Fancy getting away further afield?

Check out these design destinations.