Five things to do in London this week

With thanks to Country and Townhouse:

I fell in love with Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy over 20 years ago when I was freewheeling round Australia footloose and fancy free in my twenties. I read them consecutively and Lyra became my constant companion as I drifted from Sydney up the West Coast. As the final series of the excellent TV adaptation comes to our screens next month, I was therefore chuffed to have its star, Dafne Keen, as our cover girl for our sparkling new issue. It’s on the newsstands from Wednesday – or why not buy a subscription as a Christmas present for a loved-one? A year’s worth of inspiration, entertainment and the odd moment of seriousness awaits… Have a great week. Photo: 'Grandiflora Rose' wallpaper design by Designers Guild             WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK       WE'RE WORKING WITH RIVER ACTION We’ve teamed up with new charity River Action to help them in their mission to clean up Britain’s waterways (all of which are polluted). We’re donating advertising, editorial, volunteer hours picking up litter and fundraising by walking, running, cycling (or some other physical activity!) the length of the world’s five longest rivers, which totals 31,339 km. You can support our efforts here.           THE INTERNET'S SUPEREST SLEUTH Bellingcat has cracked cases like the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17, the poisoning of the Skripals and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny – all through open-source investigation. We chat to its founder Eliot Higgins.         WHERE TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP We may not approve of its host country’s human rights record, but we are going to support our home team. Where will you be watching them play? We’ve got some ideas of where to enjoy it in good company.         FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS THIS WEEK       Head to The Brentford Project this December for a Christmas wreathmaking workshop led by much-loved independent Richmond florist, Bramble & Moss, complete with bubbles and nibbles.               Bookings are now open for Richard Caring’s buzzy new Mayfair restaurant, Bacchanalia, which launches later in November. Returning to Birmingham from 12 – 25 November, DESIblitz Literature Festival is all about celebrating British South Asian talent.         Hit HBO series The White Lotus is back, this time set in Sicily – complete with a new cast, bar Jennifer Coolidge, who reprises her much-loved role.       There’s yet another reason to visit the revamped Battersea Power Station this season: a brand-new ice rink, Glide, complete with bookable igloos, an on-site bar and live music.         WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH       It’s World Vegan Month – here are London’s best plant-based restaurants     Cosy co-ords for lounging around the house in style (Getty Images)           The ultimate guide to Bali, from dreamy hotels to the foodie hotspots     Here’s why you should invest in a luxury mattress                       Win A Luxury Christmas Giveaway Worth Over £5,600 Santa has most certainly come to town! Be in with a chance of winning this tremendous luxury giveaway package, loaded with a host of fabulous prizes to keep you merry throughout the holiday season. This year C&TH has partnered with: Foxhills, Horizon, Harvey Nichols, Hambledon Vineyard, John Smedley, Kings Ginger, London DE Fine Jewellery, Las Olas, No.3 Gin, Steam Dreams, The Ivy Chelsea Garden, and Tusting.                     Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £19               Copyright © 2021 Country & Town House  Our mailing address is:​ Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, London, SW6 4QL, United Kingdom