A Jane Austen Christmas at One Aldwych
“I sincerely hope your Christmas… may abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings.”
– Caroline Bingley, Pride and Prejudice
Christmas in Covent Garden always sparkles with a sense of theatre, but this year, One Aldwych takes its inspiration from the pages of Jane Austen. As December marks 250 years since the beloved author’s birth, our corner of London becomes a festive celebration of her life, her wit and the timeless charm of her world.
A woman of elegance and observation, Austen knew how to capture the warmth of human connection; and that, after all, is what the festive season is truly about.
Our story begins at the hotel’s grand entrance, where resident florist and designer Mark Siredzuk has created a spectacular ribbon installation that wraps One Aldwych in Regency splendour. A cascade of satin ribbons and gilded accents frame the doorway, a portal to a world of storytelling, festivity and delight.
Inside, garlands of dried oranges and paper decorations, pomanders scented with clove and cinnamon, and wreaths of gilded books transform the Lobby into a literary wonderland. It’s as though the Bennet sisters might walk in at any moment with bonnets tied and cheeks flushed from the West End’s winter air.
Everywhere you turn in the hotel this Christmas, there’s a touch of Austen: moments for conversation, curiosity and charm. Children will find hidden bespectacled bookworms tucked among the decorations, ready to reward their discovery with sweet treats, while the grown-ups can indulge in a little genteel observation over a pot of tea or a cocktail in the Lobby Bar.
Jane Austen’s London was alive with conversation, culture and the thrill of society; much like Covent Garden today. She often stayed with her brother on nearby Henrietta Street, where a blue plaque now commemorates her visits. From there she would stroll through the very streets that surround One Aldwych, visiting milliners, attending the theatre and noting the nuances of fashionable life.
This festive season, those staying with us can follow in her footsteps on Saturday walking tours led by historian and broadcaster Dr. Matthew Green. With mulled wine and mince pies awaiting your return, the experience offers an enchanting glimpse into Austen’s world: one of wit, wonder and winter merriment.
Good taste, of course, was one of Austen’s great virtues. And at One Aldwych, that sensibility comes alive through festive dining and celebration. From whimsical afternoon teas to tasting menus that toast the season, every meal becomes an occasion for conversation and cheer.
The Lobby Bar will once again be the talk of the town, serving a selection of Austen-inspired cocktails with characteristic wit. Try The Gin Austen, laced with apricot brandy and Champagne; Pear-suasion, sweet with cognac and white chocolate; or Dark and Darcy, a bold mix of whisky, gingerbread and mulled wine. Each glass is a playful nod to her sharp sense of humour and her love of life’s small pleasures.
Families staying through Christmas Eve will find the tradition continues: milk, cookies and carrots for Father Christmas, and in the morning, a Champagne gathering in The Library before the festivities unfold. As the year draws to a close, live music, laughter and fizz fill the air on New Year’s Eve; a night Jane herself might have described as “universally acknowledged” for its gaiety.
Austen’s novels remind us that kindness, generosity and good manners never go out of fashion. In her honour, we are dedicating this year’s celebrations to BookTrust, the UK’s leading children’s reading charity. Guests are invited to donate, or to take part in our festive book exchange, leaving behind a story they’ve loved and discovering a new one in return.
As the first B Corp Certified™ 5-star hotel in London, we continue to embrace the principles that Austen valued most: care, conscience and community.
This Christmas, One Aldwych becomes a setting worthy of an Austen novel — a place where elegance meets imagination, where good company gathers, and where every ribbon, garland and glass raised tells a story.
Step into Covent Garden this winter and discover a Christmas “abounding in gaieties”. A celebration of timeless style, literary charm and festive joy, all waiting to be unwrapped at One Aldwych.
