Anya’s Grotto 2026: Snow, tea and bingo

Anya Hindmarch is issuing North Pole expedition logs this Christmas. A sensible precaution, given the snowy adventures and icicle caves in store for little explorers within Anya’s Grotto, which returns to The Village Hall on Pont Street on November 7 2026.

In this truly magical experience, Father Christmas will lead young adventurers through crunchy snow and twinkling baubles before gathering everyone for a festive story by the fire.

The 30-minute experience, which runs until Christmas Eve, is recommended for children aged two to eight, although all ages are welcome. Each child receives a gift, and with just nine guests per session, it’s a wonderfully intimate affair. Tickets are £65 for an adult and child, and £45 for each additional guest. We would strongly encourage you to book sooner rather than later. Father Christmas is a very popular chap, and his diary fills up alarmingly quickly.

Next door, at Anya Café, a charmingly festive afternoon tea offers a deliciously indulgent way to pause from your Christmas shopping, or to conclude your expedition through Anya’s North Pole. 

Available until December 31 2026 (£50 per person, including a glass of mulled wine), it features chubby little snowmen made from lemon curd and meringue, ginger reindeer cakes, and Frosted Berry Caterpillar Tarts, alongside the beloved Chocolate and Raspberry Chubby Hearts and afternoon tea essentials: finger sandwiches filled with cucumber, egg and cress, and smoked salmon, dill and cream cheese, and warm scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserves.

The whole production arrives on a bespoke hand-carved cake stand inspired by traditional German Weihnachtspyramide, wooden pyramid Christmas decorations that have their roots in the folklore and customs of the Ore Mountain region. Book your table here.

The Anya’s Grotto gift shop is also open for Christmas presents and stocking fillers, while the seasonal Post Office outside Anya Life is ready to receive letters to Father Christmas. Just in case anyone has some last-minute requests.

Read our interview with Father Christmas here.