Party Like An A-Lister

Party like an A–Lister this Christmas season

If you’d like to treat yourself to a special festive season (and we all have a bit of catching up to do, after last year) then let MyCanterbury help you to eat, pamper, dress, shop, party and enjoy yourself like an ‘A Lister’.

So where do we start?

➜ Prep

Any self-respecting A Lister will want to ensure that their look is polished and ready to sparkle, head to toe. With 28 hair and beauty businesses in the city centre alone, you will be spoilt for choice.

How about starting your Christmas season with a de-stressing massage at the award-winning Camomile Rooms in St Margaret’s St? Don’t forget the pedicure either – see the specialists next door at Kokobbeautiful for foot pampering treats. They’ll have your toes and feet buffed, pretty and ready to show off in no time.

Then it’s on to tanning, brows and lashes – The Chair in The Borough can help you here, and you’ll leave glowing and groomed, ready to party (voted Kent’s Best Salon in Muddy Stilettos Awards 2021).

➜ Next up

An expert facial and perhaps a few little tweakments to get you through the party season? Head to dermatology specialists Canterbury Skin and Laser on Castle Street for a spot of advice and top of the range treatments. They have everything from LED light treatment, to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate tired, saggy skin, to laser hair removal. Looking good? Great – what’s next?

➜ Hair

Most essential of all – BOOK EARLY to ensure your hairdresser can see you before the party season begins! Canterbury has so many wonderful salons, from one end to the other. How about treating yourself to a deep conditioning treatment or a new colour? A party up-do? Hollywood style extensions?

➜ Nails

An easy one in Canterbury with great salons such as Le Lotus (St Peter’s St), The Chair (Northgate), Kokobbeautiful and The Camomile Rooms (both St Margaret’s St). Go for some added sparkles – it’s Christmas!

➜ Party/Bling

Talk about spoiled for choice! Take a look at great party outfits and jewellery at Angels (St Margaret’s St), party shoes from Office or Jones Shoes (High St), then nip over to Whitefriars for some sparkle and sequins from Zara, Fenwick, River Island, M&S, Phase 8, Copperfield and more. Whether your budget is Ralph Lauren or high street, you’ll find great outfits and accessories in the city at every price point. And gentlemen - don’t forget to venture up the staircase to Slater Menswear (10 Longmarket) where you’ll find casual suits, black tie and dinner suits, to bring real style to your Christmas celebrations. You should also check into County Clothes in St Margaret’s St, for tailoring and great personal service, finding an outfit to get you feeling ready to party.

➜ Cocktails

Canterbury boasts some excellent spots for a cocktail to kick off the festivities in style. Try The Pound, voted Kent’s Best Bar (Muddy Stilettos Awards) with its atmospheric, riverside bar. Or how about an elegant spot in the wood-panelled champagne bar at The Abode? They serve champagnes by the glass, bottle and magnum alongside cocktails old and new.

If you fancy a cocktail evening with an extra twist, head to Houdini’s Magic Bar in St Peter’s St, where their in-house magicians will amaze and baffle you with sleight of hand and incredible illusions. Alternatively visit the amazing mixologists at The Falstaff Cocktail Bar for a designer cocktail, Citi Terrace for their £100 Pornstar Martini Tree, Privy Bar (underground – and so exclusive that booking is essential) or Tokyo Tea Rooms.

➜ Flowers

Any self-respecting A Lister gets some floral expertise in to get their interiors and front door beautiful for Christmas. Talk to local florist Marlowe Flowers (now in Palace St) or Lady Penelope’s in Castle St – they can even offer home visits to ensure your bespoke wreath or decorated fireplace is the envy of the street.

➜ New Year’s Eve

Can we sneak this one in? ‘A’ Listers love a good New Year party and you’ll find some VERY exclusive ones in Canterbury! Get your black tie or little black dress ready and check out Canterbury Cathedral Lodge’s New Year’s Eve Gala with 5-course dinner, DJ and dancing with live band, followed by prosecco and a Scottish Piper at midnight. Or how about a SEVEN course tasting dinner, with champagne at the Abode Hotel, in their exclusive black-tie event to welcome in 2022?

Whether you manage all of these options, or just a few – we hope you enjoy a wonderful time shopping, partying and celebrating like an ‘A Lister’ in Canterbury this Christmas.