恭喜發財，蛇年大吉！ – Wishing You Prosperity and Good Fortune in the Year of the Snake!
For East and Southeast Asians — and the thriving Asian communities across the UK — Lunar New Year is a cherished time of togetherness, celebration, and new beginnings. Spanning nearly a month, this festive season revolves around a few key dates: 年三十 (Lunar New Year’s Eve, 28 January), and 年初一 through 年初三 (the first three days of the New Year, 29 January - 31 January). It’s a time filled with family reunions, sumptuous feasts, and traditions designed to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead.
At its core, Lunar New Year is all about connection — whether it’s gathering for a home-cooked feast or indulging in dim sum, gifting meaningful presents, or trying something new, like learning recipes from a cookbook to inspire your year ahead. Gifting is an art during this time, and thoughtful choices like zodiac-themed products, indulgent teas, or bold wines can elevate the spirit of giving.
Games also take centre stage, with family and friends bonding over lively card games or competitive rounds of 打麻雀 (Mahjong). And of course, the celebration isn’t complete without dressing to impress! Lunar New Year is the perfect occasion to embrace festive style — think bold reds, pinks, yellows, and gold to bring good fortune. Add flair with snake-inspired prints, iconic statement bags, or luxurious garments. Just remember: black and white are traditionally avoided as gifts or attire during this time.
If you choose to dine out this Lunar New Year, there are many restaurant options to choose from. Ring in the Year of the Snake at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, a vibrant Pan-Asian gem tucked away in Mayfair's Grosvenor Square. With its buzzing ambience, striking décor, and a menu brimming with creativity, Lucky Cat offers an unforgettable dining experience perfect for Lunar New Year celebrations featuring Asian-inspired small plates, Robata grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi.
The medium-fat chutoro tuna is a standout — creamy and delicate, a true delight for sashimi lovers. From the raw bar to the mains, the culinary journey continues with dishes like the Bonito Fried Duck Leg Bao. For a playful twist, Lucky Cat's "Lucky Negroni - Roll the Dice" cocktail invites diners to roll a dice to determine their drink ingredients. (We rolled a winning mix of Tanqueray No.10, Martini Bitter, Martini Rubino, and a dash of chilli), making for a fun and interactive experience. Lucky Cat promises to make your Lunar New Year celebrations extraordinary. It's a place where tradition meets innovation, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Renowned dim sum restaurant Yauatcha is launching its 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations in honour of the Year of the Snake in its Soho and City locations from January 14th to February 12th. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a welcome drink on arrival and dishes such as "Blossoms of Fortune" dim sum platter and crispy prawn with wasabi mayo followed by sweet treats like the decadent "Firecracker Petit Gâteau" and the "Chinese New Year" macaron as well as celebratory cocktails like their Lychee Martini. Both locations will boast vibrant window displays incorporating Yauatcha's signature brand pattern into intricate snake designs. In addition, a lion dance performance will add atmosphere to the celebrations, symbolising luck and prosperity.
To keep the spirit vibrant and exciting, we’ve curated a guide to help you celebrate the Year of the Snake with style, joy, and meaning. Whether you’re playing games at home, sipping on a celebratory glass of rosé, painting the town red, or dressing up for a family dinner, these gift ideas will ensure your Lunar New Year is anything but boring.
Header image courtesy of Rene Caovilla.
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Necklace, £12,500; Tory Burch snake earrings, £110; Fabergé Guilloché Enamel Year of the Snake Surprise Locket, £12,000.
Birkenstock Arizona Lined 1774, £330; Jil Sander leather flat loafers with gold-toned hardware, £1040
Hermès Macao Mahjong game, £10,250
Linni Caro red flowers bomber, £325 ; David Koma macrame midi dress, £1,755 ; Red Ahluwalia Scrunchy, £26
Diesel hoodie "Year of the Snake", £385; Louis Vuitton Snake's Jungle watch, £11,300; Dior Medium Lady Dior Bag, £6,700
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