January in Vauxhall isn’t loud. We don’t shout about transformation or demand resolutions. Instead, we invite you to take the month as it comes — one good meal, one live performance, one walk, one class at a time. It’s about supporting local businesses and uncovering the kind of gems you’ll brag to your pals about. Nothing beats a cheeky find to add to your Vauxhall bucket list.
So whether you’re here for affordable lunches, late-night anthems, thoughtful culture, or just a reason to leave the house when the sofa’s calling, consider this your guide to doing January properly — the Vauxhall way.
Embody Wellness
January is the perfect time to reset, and Embody Wellness makes it easy to commit to movement without the pressure. Their Unlimited Class Passes are ideal for regulars and newcomers alike — whether you’re squeezing in off-peak weekday sessions or going all-in with unlimited access. Expect a welcoming studio, expert-led classes, and a little extra incentive with discounts on treatments and retail. A strong start, the Vauxhall way.
Riverside – Winter Set Menu
Cosy seats, comforting plates and proper value — Riverside’s Winter Set Menu is exactly what January ordering requires. From smoked mackerel starters to sausage and mash, ravioli, and a sticky toffee pudding finale, this is seasonal cooking done right. Ideal for weekday lunches or low-effort dinners when the cold really sets in.
Top Affordable Lunch Eats in Vauxhall
January doesn’t have to mean sad lunches. Vauxhall’s local cafés, bakeries and community kitchens are built for everyday eating — generous portions, honest cooking and prices that won’t make you wince. From pasta in Bonnington Square to Portuguese comfort plates and pay-what-you-can meals, this is SE11 at its most reliable.
Cotton’s Vauxhall
When winter calls for bold flavours, Cottons delivers the heat. Expect Caribbean classics, warming spices and laid-back island energy — whether you’re dropping in for a casual lunch or stretching dinner into the evening. A welcome dose of colour, rhythm and rum for grey January days.
Activate London – Vauxhall
New to the neighbourhood, Activate flips the idea of gaming on its head — this is full-body play. Move through interactive rooms where jumping, climbing and problem-solving are all part of the challenge. Perfect for friends, dates or blowing off January steam, it’s high-energy fun with zero treadmill vibes.
Rozalla at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Hands in the air — Rozalla lands at the RVT for a full-throttle night of dancefloor joy. Expect euphoric 90s energy, big hooks and wall-to-wall anthems as Cheer Up kicks off 2026 in proper style. Affordable tickets, iconic venue, zero January gloom.
Jazz in the Cellars – The Black Duke
Slip underground for one of Vauxhall’s most atmospheric music nights. Jazz in the Cellars returns with The Banger Factory delivering live sets in an intimate, candle-lit space beneath Brunswick House. Add £5 Pol Roger at the bar and you’ve got one of the best free midweek nights south of the river.
David Hoyle’s Almanac
Sharp, satirical and gloriously unfiltered — David Hoyle returns to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern with Almanac, a monthly cabaret dissecting the year ahead. Guided by the zodiac, the weather and human folly, expect fearless comedy, political bite and moments of strange beauty. Art survives, even when the forecast looks grim.
Live Music at Tamesis Dock
A Wednesday night gig… on a boat… in Vauxhall. Tamesis Dock hosts This Moment, blending jazz, soul and alternative sounds against the backdrop of the Thames. Intimate, atmospheric and just the right amount of midweek escape.
Lambeth Tour Guides – Work & Play in Vauxhall
See Vauxhall through a different lens on this guided walk exploring how work and leisure shaped the area — from Victorian railways to modern regeneration. Led by Lambeth Tour Guides, it’s a thoughtful, story-rich wander that reveals how industry, pleasure and people have always overlapped here.
