Celebrate Lunar New Year in Knightsbridge

Food and drink play a major role in Lunar New Year celebrations. Dumplings are a traditional dish eaten with gusto, as the number of dumplings consumed is said to correspond with one’s wealth the following year. We certainly don’t need an excuse to eat these delicious delicacies, and if you wish to do so with one of the finest vistas in Knightsbridge, then make a booking at the Dim Sum Terrace on the top floor of Harrods. This elegant alfresco dining space is open all year round, with a menu of high-end dim sum – think duck and truffle dumplings topped with crispy duck skin – as well as innovative dishes, sides, cocktails and fragrant teas. Until 24 February, Dim Sum Terrace is serving Dragon’s Beard, a popular Chinese candy, available in a nut and sesame flavour and a dragon fruit version. The terrace is a sister restaurant to Chai Wu, a luxury pan-Asian stalwart also located in Harrods. As well as delicious dumplings aplenty, you’ll find an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, chargrilled specialties, vegetarian and vegan dishes and the signature Beijing duck which is carved at your table. Also at Harrods is a special-edition Spring Festival afternoon tea available until 24 February, with Eastern-inspired flavours ranging from mandarin and mango to black truffle and creamed horseradish.

However, there’s no Chinese restaurant more famous in Knightsbridge – perhaps the whole country – than Mr Chow. An institution since 1968, Mr Chow introduced Londoners to authentic Beijing cuisine with dishes that have become the stuff of legends, such as green prawns, chicken satay and handmade noodles. Simply unmissable.

When in the festive spirit, drinks will flow. Baijiu, a clear distilled spirit, is the national drink of China and popular during Lunar New Year celebrations. Harvey Nichols stocks a wide range of premium baijiu from brands including Fenjiu, Hongxing and Kweichow Moutai, the latter of which specialises in unique expressions rarely found in the UK. Or why not pick up a special-edition spirit, such as the Hennessy X.O. Cognac Lunar New Year Limited Edition 2024 inspired by the digital art of Yang Yongliang. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is also raising the bar with a seasonal new cocktail: Azure Sunrise. This eye-catching tipple is made from Roku gin, ginseng liquor, Akashi-Tai umeshu, blue curaçao and Saicho Darjeeling sparkling tea. Enjoy a serving at Mandarin Bar until 17 February, or check yourself in for a festive staycation with a special Lunar New Year package from 1-25 February, which includes complimentary breakfast, late check-out and a seasonal welcome gift.

Chinese New Year is a time of giving. Traditionally this comes in the form of red envelopes filled with money given to younger family members. But material gifts are also welcome, and many luxury brands release special editions to commemorate the occasion. Swiss watchmaker Swatch has just launched its Year Of The Dragon collection, which includes five vibrant designs at wallet-friendly prices, ranging from £77-£190. Each design incorporates the mighty dragon in a creative and contemporary way and is presented in special-edition packaging. You can discover the range at the newly opened Swatch store at Harvey Nichols. Watches of Switzerland, meanwhile, has curated a Lunar New Year campaign at its Knightsbridge boutique, with luxury timepieces selected by the company’s buyers for their prestige and celestial qualities. These include striking investment pieces from Blancpain, Breguet, Glashutte and Girard-Perregaux.

Chinese New Year means throwing out the old and ushering in the new, and updating your wardrobe is a popular tradition at this time of year to symbolise new beginnings. Red is an auspicious colour in Chinese culture, and wearing the hue throughout the year is said to ward off bad luck – especially if you were born in the Year of the Dragon. Contrary to popular belief, your “Ben Ming Nian” – Chinese Zodiac Birth Year – is actually unlucky, so it’s important to offset any potential bad fortune. But you don’t have to go head-to-toe scarlet. Pick up stylish red accessories from high street favourites Lacoste, Furla, Zara, The Kooples and Ted Baker – which has also released a gorgeous floral dragon motif T-shirt. Burberry has unveiled its Lunar New Year capsule collection, with signature pieces reimagined in bold red. The campaign stars Chinese actors Tang Wei and Chen Kun and was shot in Chengdu – but you can shop the look at Burberry’s UK flagship in Knightsbridge.

One of the best ways to truly celebrate Chinese tradition is to support emerging talent. At Harrods, you can discover exciting fashion designers from all over the world, including contemporary Chinese designers Andrew GN, Huishan Zhang and Lisa Yang. The latter is a cashmere specialist who hails from China but designs her timeless knitwear in Stockholm with an elegant Scandi aesthetic. Andrew GN’s unashamedly feminine dresses take inspiration from Eastern silhouettes, while Chinese-born Central Saint Martins graduate Huishan Zhang’s beautiful pieces are similarly romantic with playful crystal details, embroidery and silk-feather trim detailing. In the wake of its popularity last year, Harrods is also showcasing an immersive pop-up of emerging Chinese designers from 18 January-26 February. Curated in partnership with Chinese fashion and cultural hub Labelhood, the space will also offer photography sessions centred around Spring Festival.