Sorry guys, today is officially the most depressing day of the year. Originally dreamed up as a PR stunt, Blue Monday is based on a series of gloomy factors – grim weather, lack of cash, the post-Christmas slump, and a general lack of motivation. While it might be tempting to crawl back into bed, we’re not giving up that easily. Here are ten delicious ways to dine out, spend less, and show Blue Monday who’s boss.
Half-price lunch at Lobos Tapas – Specialising in prime cuts of Spanish and British meat, this Soho newcomer is perfect for a leisurely Monday lunch. Until the end of the month, they’re offering 50% off food at lunchtimes so you can sample dishes like Iberico pork shoulder, pan-fried cod with leek sauce, croquetas, and pan con tomate.
Dine for under £25 at celeb chef restaurants – You’ve seen them on TV, now try their food for yourself. Throughout January, you can dine for under £25 a head at Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen and Maze Grill, Angela Hartnett’s Café Murano, Marcus Wareing’s Tredwell’s, and lots more. Fancy trying somewhere new? You can enjoy two courses and a cocktail for £21.50 at Cinnamon Bazaar, Vivek Singh’s new modern Indian restaurant in Covent Garden.
House of Happiness at Finch’s, Moorgate – Taking their inspiration from the Danish tradition of hygge, Finch’s are creating their very own House of Happiness to chase away the winter blues. Decked out with candles and cosy blankets, the pub will be offering wellbeing talks, yoga, massages, meditation, whiskey sampling and more to stressed out City slickers. (Free entry, noon to 8pm).
Steak for two at The Jones Family Project – Throughout January, this Shoreditch gem is offering two 28-day aged Longhorn rib eye steaks with salad, chips, and a bottle of Rioja for a wallet-friendly £45. Pop in for lunch or go after work and take advantage of their other January deal – a selection of Dry Martinis for just £6.
50% off food at Greenwood, Victoria – The ETM Group have opened a huge new bar, restaurant and sports lounge at the Nova development in Victoria. There’s an American 8-ball pool table and a ping pong table to keep you busy, plus a Blink brow and lashes bar and a barber shop if you need to freshen up after work. From 16-22nd January, they’re offering 50% off food so book a table and sample their stone-baked pizzas, Thai spiced scallop and prawn burger, and Old Spot pork chop for two to share.
YO! Festival sale at YO! Sushi – Until January 27th, YO! Sushi are helping sushi fans save a little cash with their YO! Festival menu. Choose from 48 dishes, all priced at £2.80, including their famous katsu curry, spicy pepper squid, and the salmon-avocado dynamite roll. It’s a detox-friendly option too, with 29 of those dishes coming in at under 150 calories each! If you fancy getting a few mates together for a sushi blow-out, you can now book a table at the YO! Sushi restaurants in Kensington, Bond Street, St Paul’s, Richmond and Finchley Road.
Lunch for a tenner at Big Easy – If you’ve already fallen off the detox wagon, head to Big Easy and try their new Express Lunch menu. For £10, you can choose from dishes like lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, minute steak, or one of their sandwiches stuffed with BBQ brisket, pulled chicken and more. The price includes a side and a drink – boozy or soft, your call. It’s available at their restaurants in Covent Garden, Chelsea and Canary Wharf.
Pick ‘n’ mix offers at Bluebird, Chelsea – Book a table at Bluebird today and you’ll have a bowl of pick ‘n’ mix offers to choose from. You could win yourself a complimentary dessert, a bottle of wine, or even some bubbles to perk up your evening.
