Staying In

Read Half His Age

Anyone who watched Nickelodeon’s iCarly as a child (or had kids who loved it) will recognise Jennette McCurdy, who played Cat in the hit show. But in 2022, she sprung back onto the scene with her boldly titled memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, which became a New York Times bestseller and is being adapted for an Apple TV series starring Jennifer Aniston. While we wait for that, though, we can get stuck into McCurdy’s debut novel, Half His Age, out today. Dubbed a modern day Lolita by critics, it tells the story of a 17-year-old student’s affair with her creative writing teacher. It’s fictional, but McCurdy draws on personal experience too: speaking on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, she revealed that a relationship she had with a much older man while on set for iCarly formed part of the inspiration for the book. Like McCurdy’s memoir, it’s a provocative page-turner: a sad yet funny read which delves into themes of desire, class and power. £16.99, HarperCollins

Going Out

Check Out Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights

It might be January, but London’s winter lights continue to sparkle. Take the trip to East London this weekend to see Canary Wharf’s award-winning Winter Lights festival in action. Marking a decade of dazzling displays, this year’s trail is packed with 16 installations that follow the theme DREAMSCAPE. Some of this year’s highlights include a giant hand by Patrice LaCroix, formed from floating light voxels, a solar system rendered by Artistic and Janis Petersons, and water-screen projection by Limbic Cinema. You can also make pit stops along the trail for a quick bite or drink, thanks to Canary Wharf’s roster of pop-up food stalls and local restaurants. ‘Our tenth edition of Winter Lights marks a milestone moment,’ says Pippa Dale, Associate-Director Arts & Events at Canary Wharf Group. ‘This year’s artists have created an extraordinary world of illusion, reflection and playfulness, transforming the dark nights of January into a celebration of creativity.’ The festival runs throughout the evening, and is free to attend. Until 31 January 2026, canarywharf.com

Property Of The Day

Standing at over 1,000 ft tall, Penthouse 92 at Brooklyn Tower is the highest penthouse in Brooklyn. Located at 85 Fleet Street, this long-legged home offers 12 ft ceilings and sweeping 360-degree views of Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and beyond. On the market for $16.75m. Find out more at brooklyntowercondos.com.

Little Luxury

Pay a visit to Japanese-inspired Knightsbridge hotspot CLAP KA-FE, which has joined forces with skincare brand Pixi on a limited-edition menu designed to nourish skin and spirit. Order a lavender matcha latte or a raspberry matcha cheesecake any time before 15 February and you’ll be treated to a complimentary Pixi + Hello Kitty deluxe-sized beauty product. 12–14 Basil Street, London SW3 1AJ, claprestaurant.com

Competition Time

Experience Dublin at its most elegant with an indulgent two-night stay at The Chancery, the city’s newest luxury urban sanctuary. Enter the competition here.

Psssst…

A juicy treat for our subscribers: we’re giving you early access to our interview with Sarah Jessica Parker, our first cover star of 2026. Click here to read it using the password ‘SneakPeekSJP’.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Assume every workout has to leave you dripping with sweat: zone zero training, AKA ultra low-intensity exercise, is one of this year’s biggest fitness trends. Whether it’s a slow walk or a gentle stretch, these seemingly light activities offer many benefits – from boosting circulation to improving energy and balancing blood sugar levels.