London sunsets may be getting earlier, but that doesn't mean you haven't got the whole of September to soak up the last of summer in the city.
From exciting new restaurants to immersive exhibitions, unbeatable free pop-ups, an unexpected London staycation destination and even the best places for afternoon tea in London, there's nothing we love more than exploring the best of the capital and basking in the final weeks of summer.
MORE: Best European city breaks and short stays 2022: Where to go and where to stay
RELATED: Top 10 musicals to see in London 2022: Wicked, The Lion King, Six and more…
If you're looking for ideas to fill your weekends, you've come to the right place. Scroll on to discover the best things to do in London in September, tried and tested by HELLO!'s writers.
Best place to explore in London in September
Discover the fashion district and culinary delights of Marylebone Village
Marylebone may not spring to mind when you think of a London staycation, but the vibrant district is a surprising oasis of calm within of the capital behind the tourist-packed appeal of Oxford Street.
Marylebone Village boasts a diverse and affluent collection of retailers, galleries, bars, pubs and restaurants all set within a grid of picture-perfect Georgian streets. Perfect for a solo shopping trip to a family day out, romantic staycation or girls' weekend away, you'll want to add Marylebone to your London bucketlist if you haven't yet experienced its vibrancy.
Not sure where to start? Scroll on to discover how best to spend a staycation in London's Marylebone Village….
Enjoy a blissful stay at five-star Marylebone Hotel
If you’re looking for a laidback space with an air of luxury to get some shut eye, the Marylebone Hotel is a warm and welcoming boutique hotel ideal for weekend getaways. Slip into relaxation as soon as you enter your minimal yet modish room, slipping into a fluffy bath robe and melting into the cloud-like bed. More of an active staycationer? Kickstart your morning at state-of-the-art gym and spa Third Space using the hotel's complimentary all-acess pass for guests.
Experience the culinary delights of 108 Brasserie
Long weekends are made for alfresco dining, and where better to spend your lazy Sundays than at 108 Brasserie? This chic hotspot boasts glamorous vintage interiors and a charming outdoor dining setup on the cobbles of Marylebone Lane. With a Parisian-esque feel, it's easy to forget you're in London when sipping on ice cold Maison Mirabeu rosé and drizzling your plate of freshly seared sea bass with buttery hollandaise sauce.
Cosy up at Côte and try their delicious new Autumn menu
After the non-stop hustle of summer, Côte's new menu celebrates the changing of the seasons and the slower pace of autumnal living. From a starter that pays homage to the humble fig to a mouthwatering main of Pork Tomahawk served with luxurious truffled potato purée, roasted garlic and crunchy French beans to the most delectable dessert of baked French almond cake with blackberry compote, vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce, you won't want to miss it.
Guests can raise a glass with an Orchard Sidecar – a love letter to the modest apple – and enjoy the seasonal menu for just £14.95 for two courses or £18.95 for three. It's perfect for diners seeking a treat while also keeping an eye on spending and is available until 11 October.
To book, visit www.cote.co.uk
Uplevel your brunch game at Cavita
Newly-opened Mexican haunt Cavita needs to go on your must-visit list. Their eclectic brunch menu exceeds expectations, changing up the breakfast game with Mexican delights including fiery pork belly tacos and zingy huevos rancheros. Washing down your North American-inpsired brunch with a hibiscus margarita is not essential, but recommended, naturally.
If you’re not a brunch person, don’t miss Cavita’s late sessions situated in their secret basement bar Mayahuel Mezcalería. Serving signature cocktails including the Cavita Margarita and a huge range of sipping mezcals, this space is a mezcal lover's playground.
Pasta lovers won't want to miss Lina Stores
Trust us when we say there isn’t an Italian restaurant in London quite like Lina Stores. If the mint green interiors and queue of people lining the block to get their pasta fix isn’t enough to entice you indoors, the truffle pasta, mouthwatering secondi and pistachio choux pastry doused in rippling chocolate will.
Explore Marylebone's shopping district
You'll never be short of things to do in Marylebone. Skip the queues and crowded people jams of Oxford Street and discover the charming independent brands. From celebrity-favourite fashion brand RIXO to the eclectic upscale designs of Nu, Marylebone is home to several stores serving statement fashion and upscale glamour.
Best alternative things to do in London in September
Order Little Moons directly to your office
Who doesn't need a midweek pick-me-up? If you haven't already tried the delight that is ice-cream filled mochi, Little Moons are on hand to deliver the goods. If your office needs a little lift, set your alarms to be in with a chance to get some delicious mochi ice cream for you and your colleagues.
The phonelines will open Wednesday 27 - Thursday 29 September from 1:30pm-4:00pm to give snack-loving Londoners the chance to organise a free delivery for that afternoon. The service, which will be available to Londoners for two days only is definitely one not to miss – so spread the word as this will no doubt go down a treat.
To order, call 02038343777.
Get your tickets for Pub in the Park
Celebrate the very best of food, drink and music at Pub in the Park – the biggest food and music festival tour in the UK. The brainchild of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, each festival celebrates everything there is to love about the glorious British pub; delicious food, award-winning chefs, chart-topping music, great drinks but above all else a fantastic time with friends and family. Each of the weekends will be hosted by Tom Kerridge, or one of his mates.
This year some of the nation's favourite chefs will be in attendance at the various locations including James Martin, The Hairy Bikers, Andi Oliver, Simon Rimmer and many more. There will also be live music from the likes of Craig David, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Beverly Knight, McFly, Kaiser Chiefs, and many more.
To book tickets for either Chiswick (2 – 4 September), St. Albans (9 – 11 September), or Brighton (16 – 18 September), and for more information visit pubintheparkuk.com.
Enjoy an immersive cinematic murder mystery
There's a killer on the loose in Everyman Muswell Hill! Everyman and Jaguar UK are pleased to present a unique immersive experience on September 9th 2022 at Everyman's Muswell Hill venue to mark the release of See How They Run, Tom George's widely celebrated comedic murder mystery set in 1950's London. Open to consumers for one night only, guests will be able to fully immerse themselves into the scene of the crime as they arrive in full 50’s black tie (think a night in the West End, circa 1953) to a live jazz band and flowing cocktails before they witness the drama unfold in an exclusive, one of a kind setting.
To book, visit https://www.everymancinema.com/
Sit back and watch a show
The team behind Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution are soon celebrating their fifth anniversary. Since 2017 Witness for the Prosecution has captured the imagination of thousands, gripped by the case of Leonard Vole. Director Lucy Bailey thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action in the historic Chamber Room inside London County Hall on the Southbank as Christie's enthralling tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them in an immersive courtroom setting. Be sure to book a viewing of the popular show!
To book tickets, visit: witnesscountyhall.com
Experience the magic of Harry Potter and afternoon tea for two
Spend the day exploring the world of wizardry, and top it off with a delicious dining experience with this Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and Afternoon Tea at Shendish Manor Hotel. Step into the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office and the wand room on the world-famous Making of Harry Potter Tour.
You’ll see the triple-decker Knight Bus and the Dursleys’ life-size house, taste Butterbeer, and ride a broomstick! Discover some of the latest attractions on display, including the wizarding bank of Gringotts, the Lestrange vault, much more. Just 5 miles from the studios, you can take your seats for afternoon tea at The Shendish Manor Hotel. Doesn't that sound magic?
To book, visit virginexperiencedays.com
Enjoy the best view from the London Eye with dinner
Experience the best of the capital with a Visit to the London Eye, three course meal and cocktail at The Swan Restaurant London for two. Step aboard and feel the exhilaration as you gracefully rotate over the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in the iconic lastminute.com London Eye. Soaring 135 metres in the sky, enjoy breath-taking 360 degree views of the capital and its famous landmarks laid out before you.
After marvelling at the sights of London, make your way over to the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe and find The Swan Restaurant.
To book, visit virginexperiencedays.com
Soak up the last of summer at a hidden garden in the heart of London
If you're looking for a new neighbourhood haunt or just somewhere to sit outside soaking up the last of the summer sun, then make a trip to The Hawk's Nest in Shepherd's Bush a priority. Offering up a delicious deal of mouthwatering margaritas and gourmet sourdough pizzas for the price of £12.50 on weeknights before 7pm, it's the perfect place for an after work nibble or date night. There are also acoustic music nights, special doggy days and a special kids eat free offer on Sundays.
To find out more, go to the-hawks-nest.co.uk
Get your groove on at the Abba Voyage
It’s the experience everyone has been talking about and you can’t miss out! Abba is back for the first time in 40 years, for a revolutionary concert that sees Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid performing digitally with a live 10-piece band, in the purpose-built ABBA Arena in London! With 20 songs, 10 live musicians and costumes by 5 designers, the spectacular performance has to be seen to be believed. Calling all dancing queens - this isn’t one to miss!
To book, visit here
Don't miss the final weeks of Dear Evan Hansen
Visit the Noël Coward Theatre to see the award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen - the modern day tale about a teenager struggling to connect with his peers in a hyperconnected world. From the songwriters who brought us The Greatest Showman and La La Land, this outstanding show has won 3 Olivier awards including Best New Musical and Best Original Score - whilst also winning over the hearts of musical theatre enthusiasts on a global scale.
Catch it before the final performance on 22 October! Book your tickets now at dearevanhansen.com
Enjoy the end of summer with Cocktails ;in the City
Guests can finish the summer in style at The Festival of Drinks Edition which promises 20 of London’s finest bars including the first pop-up of the Baccarat Bar from Harrods through to the renowned party bar The Cocktail Club. Standout cocktails will be on offer featuring Penicillin on Wax by Strongman’s Tipple and The Watermelon Sour by The Libertine just to name a few. The final instalment of Cocktails in the City from 8th - 10th September in Bedford Square Gardens.
To book, visit cocktailsinthecity.com
Try an alternative night out at Sandbox VR
Planning your next team night out, stag do, or birthday party with friends? Look no further than Sandbox VR - a fully immersive virtual reality experience which will truly transport you into a futuristic video game. Players can enter worlds of swashbuckling daring adventures, survive a Zombie Apocalypse, soar into the clouds in a space elevator or compete against one another in a futuristic combat arena - the true future of immersive entertainment. We tried it and couldn't recommend it more!
For more information and booking, visit sandboxvr.com/london
Hop into Hawkins for Stranger Things: The Experience
Co-produced by Netflix and Fever, Stranger Things: The Experience is an immersive adventure which takes you through a new story developed with the series creators, featuring the show’s most memorable settings and favourite characters.
Located at the Troubador Brent Cross Studios, join Eleven, Max, Dustin, Will, Mike and Lucas as you tackle a perilous adventure that requires you to unlock your own secret powers as you a propelled into The Upside Down.
Your valiant efforts do not go unrewarded as once you bravely conquer the dark side of Hawkins you have the freedom to unwind in the Mix-Tape area where you can dine out on a USS Butterscotch sundae at Scoops as well as an array of exquisite Stranger Things themed cocktails, and even get up close and personal with Vecna. You won't want to miss this exciting adventure!
Be put through your paces on a midnight charity run
Join the world's biggest running crew, Midnight Runners, for a special Train Like A Ranger run, in support of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge. This collaboration with African conservation charity, Tusk, is free to attend, with all proceeds directly supporting rangers on the front line of Africa’s protected areas.
Starting from Patch Bar, just by St Pauls, on Tuesday 13 September at 7pm, you'll be greeted by a Tusk rep, before being led on a 7k run by Midnight Runners, with four exercise stops. At each stop, runners will be put through their paces by army veteran and wildlife ranger trainer James Martin, facing training challenges including sit-ups, press-ups, and burpees. In addition, you’ll have the chance to run a section of the distance wearing a 22kg rucksack - the same weight that African rangers carry on their back every day in the field, and what they will also be carrying during the Wildlife Ranger Challenge on September 17, in Africa.
To book, download the Heylo app and join the Midnight Runners Wildlife Ranger Run for free. Donations welcome.
Best luxury things to do in London in September
Enjoy an Asian-inspired lunch with a luxurious blow dry
This is the crossover we never knew we needed. Until 30 September, The Ivy Asia on King's Road is collaborating with one of the borough's most prestigious hair salons, Duck & Dry. Diners will be able to enjoy a luxurious wash and blow dry by one of the salon’s professionally-trained stylists, before enjoying a glass of Prosecco and the restaurant’s Lunch Stack menu, available from 11:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. This flavoursome array of The Ivy's best lunch bites includes Robatayaki Chicken with a Hot & Sour Plum Sauce, Pork & Kimchi steamed dumplings with zingy mango ice cream and chocolate pearls to finish. Dining at The Ivy Asia is truly a delight for the senses, and with a blow dry too? Sign us up.
For further information, or to book the Blow Dry & Lunch package please visit www.theivyasiachelsea.com/blow-dry-and-lunch/
Detoxify and exfoliate at Mondrian Shoreditch
For some rest and unwind, head to Mondrian Shoreditch - London's new luxury hub - for their VOYA Organic Seaweed Leaf Wrap. This treatment aims to detoxify, exfoliate and firm using organic seaweed leaves to exfoliate and wrap your body. Beginning with a bladderwrack (seaweed) body buff, this treatment detoxifies, firms and softens the skin. The full body is then enveloped in Laminaria Seaweed leaves for instant results. Completed with a massage application of VOYA's Softly Does It body moisturiser to nourish and soften the skin. VOYA is the multi award-winning Irish luxury and organic seaweed lifestyle brand which offers the only range of seaweed-based products in the world that is truly organic and independently certified to prove it.
To book, visit sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/shoreditch/spa
Get pamper ready
Neville Hair and Beauty offer a full range of beauty, hair, colour and skin treatments all under one roof. Meaning you can quite literally get a gel manicure whilst having your hair blow dried. Be quick, because appointments are hard to get!
Book here, nevillehairandbeauty.net
Switch up your hairstyle at Chiswick's boutique salon
Set back from the hustle and bustle of Chiswick High Road, MAYFIVE is the wonderful boutique salon on Chiswick's Devonshire Road. Founded by Katie Allan in 2018, the salon reflects a calm, relaxed environment with cutting-edge, tropical chic interiors. The place offers a range of hair services, including cutting & styling for both men and women, blow dries, red carpet styling, conditioning treatments, balayage, baby lights, highlights and more.
To book, visit mayfivehair.co.uk/
Attend a 5-star champagne afternoon tea
Showcasing the best that Moët & Chandon has to offer, indulge in a 5-star afternoon tea at the 1901 Wine Lounge at Hyatt's Andaz London Liverpool Street. Featuring the best of the champagne brand as well as a selection of Jing teas and savoury and sweet treats, the luxury dining experience is perfect for Londoners and tourists alike to take a break and rest their feet when exploring the city this Autumn.
Make a reservation now at hyattrestaurants.com
Best restaurants to visit in London in September
Head to Heddon Street for delicious Italin cuisine at Piccolino
Looking for the perfect place to level up your date night? Look no further than Piccolino, an authentic Italian restaurant tucked away in Mayfair's glamorous Heddon Street. Where comforting Italian classics meet upscale interiors, artisan suppliers and deliciously cooked food, Piccolino is a delight for the senses.
It's easy to get a taste of Italy in London. Yet where Piccolino stands out is their generous portion sizes, rich and creamy classics and elevated, flavoursome dishes that do justice the beauty of simplistic Italian cuisine. It's not just the food that earns Piccolino it's place on our best things to do in London guide. The attentive and friendly service is a pleasant perk of dining at this glamorous haunt, along with the deceptively delicious cocktail blends and charming heated terrace, perfect for dining alfresco.
To book a table, visit piccolinorestaurants.com
Cosy up for Autumn at Rarebit
Elephant and Castle is fast becoming a foodie's dream location, with more new restaurants arriving by the day – but none quite so perfect for the autumn season than Rarebit, a recently opened restaurant that is all about tasty comfort food. From wild mushroom salad to mussels in coconut curry, it is the cosy comfort eatery that we've been waiting for. Make sure you have some house rarebit as an extra special treat!
For more information and to book a table, visit rarebitfood.co.uk
Indulge in an Italian feast at Circolo Popolare
There’s something about the Big Mamma restaurants that makes this Italian Group go beyond its Instagram hype. It’s difficult to tell whether it’s the breathtaking interiors, where trattoria arches are lined with rainbow liquor bottles, or the warming service where waiting staff take pride in going above and beyond to elevate your meal, or if it’s the deliciously tempting menu inspired by timeless Italian classics that makes a trip to Circolo Popolare so special - but we can tell you that it’s exceptional.
If you're a lover of truffle, the Mafaldine al Tartufo 'truffle pasta' is to die for, as is the wholesome Carbonara carved from a wheel of Pecorino. Pizza fans can delight in pillowy dough and Napoli tomato, while cheese enthusiasts will queue for the giant creamy burrata.
And if you go here without ordering a show stopping, towering lemon meringue pie, you’re doing it wrong.
To book a table, visit www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/circolo-popolare
Dine by Richmond Riverside
Award-winning Australian restaurant group, Daisy Green Collection, has just launched the new Peggy Jean. Boasting unparalleled 360˚ views of the Thames, Richmond Bridge and Richmond Riverside, the Collection have lovingly restored the famous Jesus College Boat Race Barge giving her a new lease of life as a stunning water-top dining destination.
The historic barge and sun trap pontoon has been extensively renovated to combine quintessential Oxford College Boatrace charm with relaxed and inspired Aussie beach club vibes. The place brings together intimate indoor dining inside the much loved barge alongside panoramic, fire-based open air dining on the huge pontoon for warmer days. Peggy Jean will deliver long and lazy bottomless brunch catch ups over signature favourites including the very Fancy Bacon Roll, Award Winning Banana Bread Sandwich and the 'Golden Gaytime' Buttermilk Pancakes.
At night, she will transform into a sophisticated evening restaurant and bar, ideal for Summer sundowners alongside fresh calamari cooked over fire, overflowing living herb gardens (for the ultimate G&T), and an array of natural New World wines and local craft beers.
To book, visit daisygreenfood.com
Share some treats at ESQ Bar
For a sweet date spot, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the ESQ Bar at 100 Queen's Gate Hotel. In the lovely part of South Kensington, the charming establishment has picture-perfect cocktails (we’d absolutely recommend The Dragon) to enjoy, as well as Asian fusion-inspired sharing treats from shiitake mushroom bao buns to tuna and avocado tartare. The bar itself has a calm, laid-back yet upscale atmosphere, where it feels like you can settle in and enjoy an evening of chatter with your plus one with all of the culinary delights that you could ask for.
To book, visit 100queensgate.com
Grab a bubble tea at Rosa's Thai
Rosa's Thai, the renowned modern Thai restaurant founded by Chef Saiphin Moore, have launched a new bubble tea menu - and we love it!
There are plenty to choose from: Passion Fruit & Jasmine with Strawberry Bubbles, Lychee & Jasmine with Mango Bubbles, Thai Lemon Iced Tea with Lychee Bubbles, Home-brewed Thai Tea with Tapioca and Nom Yen (known in Thailand as 'pink milk') with Tapioca. The drinks are perfect to devour alongside their authentic fresh Thai food, which includes their famous stir-fried aubergine, Massaman curry, Rosa's red curry and Pad Thai.
To book, visit rosasthaicafe.com
Experience an exciting new culinary category at Los Mochis
Enjoy the most fabulous dinner and cocktails at Notting Hill's newest haunt, Los Mochis, where you can try a pioneering new culinary category - Baja-Nihon cuisine - whilst sipping on a delicious tequila cocktail.
Located just a stone's throw away from Notting Hill Gate Station, the fabulous restaurant is dedicated to ensuring a zero-waste kitchen, which is just one of the reasons why it is there a perfect location for a lavish evening out. Los Mochis is the ultimate dining experience if you want to treat your tastebuds to the most mouth-watering selection of Mexican-Japanese fusion dishes. Not to mention the menu is gluten and nut free!
Last month, the restaurant launched a new cocktail menu to perfectly encapsulate the vibrancy, passion and heat of Mexico whilst subtly nodding to the subtle Japanese flavours. Home to the second largest collection of fine and rare tequilas in Europe, the new restaurant's 'tequileria,' boasts an extensive and enviable cocktail list that takes guests on a journey from fresh and tropical to deep and smoky, showcasing the complexity and versatility of agave.
The fabulous new cocktails perfectly match the incredible food the restaurant has to offer, including their unbelievable trailer park chicken - which is heavenly! As is their super tasty Bang Bang Kani. To finish your indulgent evening, why not try a large slice of fluffy cheesecake or have a taste of their truly sensational chocolate fondant? You certainly won't want to miss out on this hidden gem!
To book, visit losmochis.co.uk
Get your vegan fix at Bluebird
Pop into Bluebird in Chelsea until the end of September to enjoy plant-based food brand BVRGER's collaboration with one of the most recognised haunts of SW3. The exciting menu includes their top-selling Chicken Burger - coated in a spicy southern style breading, along with fresh lettuce and tomato sourced from local suppliers. Or opt for a classic, meatless burger patty topped with grilled onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. And why not wash down your vegan treat with a fabulous cocktail from Bluebird's extensive list? You don't want to miss it!
To book a table, visit bluebird-restaurant.co.uk
Brace yourself for a Persian feast at Berenjak Borough
Don't miss the chance to visit Berenjak Borough, a Persian restaurant specialising in home-style Iranian cuisine. Think small mazeh style sharing plates and the juiciest grilled kebabs, inspired by the classic hole in the wall eateries lining the streets of Tehran. From the sumptuous interiors and dimly-lit bar seating to the mouthwatering menu, the venue, nestled on the side of Borough Market, certainly feels like a London gem.
Berenjak, which also boasts a Soho branch, was founded by Kian Samyaniwith the aim of reinterpreting authentic, home-cooked Persian dishes using seasonal British produce. It delivers. The 'Feast' set menu at £45pp offers a chance to sample a variety of dishes, from crispy flatbreads and herb-infused side salads to spicy poussin or lamb grills. You don't want to miss out on the starters – we tried Mirza Ghasemi, an aubergine dip made with tomatoes and eggs, and the feta dish, a whole block of salty goodness that we devoured in seconds. It's seriously good.
These went amazingly with the Taftoon (tanoor baked sourdough flatbread) and Barbari (clay baked version), which tasted even better when the grilled meat course was plated up with the juices dripping into the bread. The cocktails are refreshing – we tried the preserved lemon margarita – and the wine list authentic, with bottles sourced from Georgia, Morocco, Turkey and more. They also do a great bottomless food and booze deal – sign us up!
To book your table, visit berenjaklondon.com/borough
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
