34 unmissable things to do in London in October 2023

Experience a slice of La Dolce Vita at this Soho trattoria

Just when I thought 'does London really need another Italian restaurant?' Mayfair's renowned and ever-popular Bocconcino opened a glittering new trattoria in Great Marlborough Street - and I couldn't resist heading down to see if the restaurant's glowing reviews and social media buzz were worth the hype. 

Set across two floors, Bocconcino embodies the authenticity of a traditional Italian trattoria, infused with a healthy dose of timeless Soho glamour. With an open kitchen and marble-top tables, guests are offered a front row seat into the culinary theatrics of Head Chef Simone Serafini's team working behind-the-scenes to create a myriad of soulful Italian dishes. The atmosphere at Bocconcino is both elegant and electric, with tables filling up from 7pm and DJs spinning upbeat tracks until close.

I took great joy in diving into a giant burratta and aubergine parmigana to start, which boasted all the warmth and flavour of a hearty homemade dish. For mains, the Tagliatelle with black truffle and Tagliolini with pistachio pesto and red Sicilian prawns were delicious. If you have room for Secondi, the Pan fried Dover sole with capers was seared to perfection, with every mouthful melting in the mouth. The staff were equally wonderful; charming and welcoming to match the warm and heady aesthetic. 

While the prices are everything you would expect from a Central London restaurant (from £15 for pizza, from £28 for pasta), there's no going hungry here. Portions are incredibly generous and every moreish mouthful is worth the price. Bocconcino also offers a pre-theatre menu, as well as a Saturday brunch and an affordable lunchtime set menu. 

Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Lifestyle Writer

Discover the beautiful Bloomsbury Club Bar

The Bloomsbury hotel is a gem of a destination - from twinkly lights in the courtyard, to the opulence of the coral bar, it was already a favourite of mine. But an evening spent sipping mezcal cocktails in the warm, sumptuous environment of the Bloomsbury Club Bar was a whole other level of luxury. 

This autumn, the hotel has teamed up with The Lost Explorer Mezcal to create an evening event called The Lost Sound Sessions - and it's one not to miss. I loved the cocktails - there are three to try and unlike how sometimes tequila can taste a little overpowering, these mezcal creations are so delicate and easy to drink (all tequila is mezcal but not all mezcal is tequila, I'm told. Mezcal is any liquor distilled from agave, while tequila is made from the blue Weber agave species in particular). 

My favourite was the Templo Mayor (a pineapple and rosemary mix, slightly sparkling and not oversweet at all), but the Teocalli (a tomato and strawberry mix) came a close second. And don't miss the El Pastor Aubergine bar snack - the most delicious soft taco I've ever tasted. 

Along with the drinks and food, you are treated to a curated series of live music aiming to bring "a touch of Mexico's rich vibrancy to the heart of London". As the evening draw in it's the perfect, cosy spot for a special evening.

Reviewed by Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Chief Content Officer

Sample pizza perfection at Rudy's Pizza Napoletana 

I can safely say that I might be pizza’s number one fan. Whether it’s a lazy takeaway on my sofa, or my mission to sample every sourdough pizza place in SE London, there are few pizza restaurants that I haven’t tried and, as such, my standards are pretty high. Enter Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana. The Soho based eatery was dimly-lit and packed to the rafters (with a queue forming outside along Wardour Street), so things looked promising. 

I loved the blood orange infused drink options and made quick work of the Mandarino spritz, crafted from blood orangello and tangerine syrup topped with prosecco and soda. I tried a burrata to start (nice and creamy, definitely hit the spot). Now onto the main event – the pizzas. Following the Neapolitan tradition, the dough was the perfect consistency – soft, fresh from the oven with a hint of crispiness. The menu options are extensive – we tried the Calabrese (with a couple of extras) and the Tonno. The toppings were some of the best I have had; I tried flavourful nduja with a kick and added spicy salami, which was melt in your mouth perfection. When I praised the quality of the toppings, the waiter assured me that the ingredients were flown over from Naples every few days so were as fresh as could be. I actually typically leave my crusts (I know, I’m a monster) but I devoured every last morsel on my plate. 

If you’re an East London kind of person, Rudy’s is opening a new Shoreditch High Street pizzeria, which I don’t doubt will prove very popular. There are 5,000 free pizzas available for Londoners to claim before the launch, all you need to do is sign up here. Get yours before they all go! My name’s already on the list.

Reviewed by: Kate Thomas, Lifestyle Managing Editor

Try out Angel's new bar: The 411

The 411 is the latest bar to land in Angel and is handily located just a two minute walk from the closest tube station. Inspired by New York bars, you'll be hit by this as soon as you walk in and mixes of soul, funk, R&B, and jazz give a classy feel to the establishment.

The food is just as nice, and the bar proves to be one of the places to visit for a brunch with a delicious full English really hitting the spot. As a new opening, there might be the occasional technical glitch with ordering, but we're sure this will be ironed out as time goes on.

The 411 is certainly worth a visit, and we'd recommend a Wednesday evening visit when the venue transforms into a stock market where the prices of drinks depend on how popular they currently are at the bar. What a neat concept!

Reviewed by: Matthew Moore, Online News Writer 

Farmer J

If you're in your healthy eating era, then Farmer J has you covered. I was lucky enough to discover it for the very first time this month and I still can't stop talking about it. I visited their new place in the heart of London, Piccadilly Circus, at both breakfast and lunch time and can confirm they have incredible offerings at amazing prices. I was surprised to learn that if you are purchasing a coffee, you can also treat yourself to a small breakfast option for the same price, or add a bigger option, like avocado on toast, for a few more pounds, keeping the total at less than £6 – in London!

Lunch didn't disappoint either with amazing options. Mine was a fieldtray featuring a base, a main and two sides – talk about a full hearty lunch. Depending on the ingredients chosen, the fieldtray goes from £8.50 to £12.75. If you want a fieldbowl, however, you can get amazing ones for just £7.50.

 Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor.

Believe in the brunch hype at The Table

There's a reason The Table has won awards. After visiting on a Sunday morning at the restaurant's new Battersea outpost, I can officially say I'm a Table brunch convert. When we arrived, there was a queue going out the door, which is testament to its cult status and an impressive result considering it's only been open three months. 

Whether you're the avocado on toast kind of healthy bruncher, or the hearty stack of pancakes sweet-toothed foodie, there is something for everyone. Classic dishes on the menu include The Table's take on a full English, and scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toast, with all ingredients sourced locally and sustainably. 

I went a bit American with my order though and opted for the fried chicken, egg, and blue cheese dressing on waffles, with a dose of maple syrup on the side. The chicken and waffles combo was mouthwatering and the perfect weekend cheat treat. I would also highly recommended going all in on the indulgence factor and ordering an Oreo milkshake.

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Silken pasta and Sicilian street food at Noci

If wholesome, hearty bowls of pasta and cocktails on tap are your love language, dining at Noci is a must. With two popular sites already open in Islington Green and Battersea Power Station, Noci has recently landed in Shoreditch - and it's a dreamy spot for Italian cuisine.

Sharing is caring at this hotspot for London foodies, with Sicilian street food-inspired sharing plates like ‘Nduja arancini with parmesan foam and burrata, endive, wild puff rice and balsamic vinegar providing a comforting warm up to the showstopping pasta dishes. My personal favourite was the brown shrimp and ricotta raviolo, swimming in a pool of lemony butter and topped with fiery cayenne pepper. 

Where a bowl of pasta can set you back over £20 in most London jaunts, it was a refreshing surprise to see that not a single item on the vibrant menu was over £15. Most small plates can be enjoyed for under £10, setting up Noci as an unrivalled gem in the heart of the city. 

Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Lifestyle Writer

Enjoy a paella and tapas bottomless brunch

When I hear bottomless brunch, my mind immediately goes to free-flowing Prosecco, pizza and breakfast-style dishes like avocado on toast. Which is why Cavo's new offering is such a refreshing take on everyone's favourite weekend activity. 

The Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop bar, which has amazing views over the hustle and bustle of central London, does bottomless brunch Spanish style. It fuses the much-loved paella of Valencia with the pintxos of the Basque Country and tops it off with jars of sangria. What's not to love?

When I visited at the end of September (the brunch takes place on the last Saturday of every month), I had the pleasure of digging into courses of pintxos – essentially another word for tapas – from wild truffle croquettes to crispy lamb shoulder bites. I would recommend sampling all of the pintxos, which are unlimited, before moving onto the main course, paella. You can choose from vegetarian, seafood, chicken or steak and while not a traditional option, I went for the steak paella which I can confirm was delicious – and hearty, in flavour and size. 

Your meal is topped off with a generous slab of gooey Basque cheesecake, which was also divine. At £65 per person, it's a little pricey for a 90-minute brunch, but if you really go for it with the unlimited tapas and sangria, and soak in the beautiful views, you can definitely get your money's worth at Cavo.

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Devour authentic Indian cuisine

I've always had BKC (Biryani Kebab Chai) on my list, so when they opened the doors to their second location this month, I had to pop in. The place is known for its authentic Awadhi cuisine, originating from Awadh (modern-day Lucknow) in Northern India. The new BKC site in Soho is said to offer a more expansive menu, serving guests a "royal, soul satisfying feast that appeals to all the senses with delectable and aromatic flavours in every mouthful" - and it certainly did just that.  

I tried several Indian classics alongside a carefully curated selection of delicous dishes includingBhatti Ka Khargosh (Chargrilled grilled rabbit legs infused with allspice and yoghurt), Lamb Seekh Kebab (minced lamb with aromatic spices cooked in a Tandoor), and Kathal Ki Shami (Pan-seared jackfruit and walnut patties served with coriander chutney).

As well as all this, biryani was on the menu next - and the chicken option was splendid. We teamed this with a rich Bhuna Ghost (slow cooked lamb with onions and spices in a tomato gravy) and a traditional Saag Paneer (spinach and Indian cottage cheese). 

This second branch marks the commencement of a major expansion plan for BKC, with additional sites lined up over the coming years. While the Soho site will retain the spirited culinary excellence that BKC is known for, led by Executive Chef Arsh Thakur, it is also poised to represent an edgier, more modern evolution of the restaurant befitting of its Soho location.

Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor

Sushi is in full flow at Chino Latino

Stepping inside the gorgeous riverside location and ascending the escalator to be greeted by the charming view of the houses of parliament, Chino Latino was full of flavour before the first bite. What better start to a super Saturday than an unlimited sushi brunch? Taking a walk past the buffet which was bursting with colour, I piled my plate with classic sushi pieces (salmon sashimi anyone?).

The buzz was bumped up by the DJ in the corner spinning a healthy selection of background beats, and I thought I might treat myself to a little cocktail from the menu. The pink fizz was jaw-dropping in both colour and flavour, and made for an excellent palette cleanser before the next plate.

Side by side with the Japanese dishes are some Peruvian classics - Not a common pairing, but very welcome. A dim sum here and beef taquito there, why not? This is true fusion and the flavours go together great. Gazing out over the water contemplating yet another plate, I felt that the city was mine.

Reviewed by Elliot Newlands, Creative Video Lead

New experiences at Korean Kensington Grill

I love to eat but must admit I usually stay within my favourite cuisines: Spanish, Italian and the odd Sunday roast here and there. This weekend, however, I wanted to be more adventurous and decided to try out Kensington’s new Korean restaurant Korean Kensington Grill.

I opted for two of their lunch menus, which are incredibly reasonably priced at £25 and I was taken away by not just the quantity, but the taste and quality of the dishes.

 I enjoyed a Korean Namul Braised Bulgogi served with a soft bap, and a Bibimbap topped with bulgogi and a jeon, both served with kimchi and soup. Now, for those a bit clueless on Korean dishes, let me just tell you it was delicious beef, an incredibly tasty rice dish with a long list of vegetables and a bit of spice and the most comforting soup perfect for an autumn day.

Best of all? The dessert: salted caramel ice cream with crispy popcorn. 

If like me you're up for an adventurous dinner, look at their menu get booking here: https://koreangrillkensington.com/

Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor

Tuck into mezze platters at The Good Egg

Fans of The Good Egg may be familiar with the restaurant's brunch dishes, which involve, unsurprisingly, a lot of eggs, as well as their signature specials like bagels, hash, and French toast. But when I went to check out the restaurant's new Camden branch, which has only been open a few weeks, I was there to sample some of the perhaps lesser-known mezze offering – the breads, dips and sharing platters. 

For those who haven't come across The Good Egg before, their menu is a mash-up of Middle Eastern cuisine and Jewish deli delights. And if bread is your favourite carb (there was never a carb I didn't like), then you're in for a treat because the fluffy pillowy pitta and the green garlic butter flatbread are incredibly moreish. 

I would have been happy just slathering the chunks of bread with the heavenly selection of dips we tried, like the whipped feta and the creamy labneh, the latter of which was my favourite. And to be honest, this was the best part of the meal for me. But the crispy Za'atar fried chicken with chilli honey sauce was a close second. It's also worth trying the bigger shawarma plates, particularly the silky aubergine. I'm already making plans to come back again for brunch.  

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Tailor made cocktails at the Discount Suit Company

Descending down the stairs into Discount Suit Company, a fog of spirits hangs thick in the air. With plenty of mood, and a gorgeous interior, bartenders expertly shake and stir blends from a lofty menu of creatively named cocktails with combinations I’d not seen before.

Dreamy ingredients from around the world are mixed together into zingy colours before being poured in delicate glasses and being given names to tickle you. 

The Uncle Waldo really stood out for me - Warming, punchy, and more flavour than you can shake a cocktail stick at.

A great feature of the menu here is that there are suggestions to follow each cocktail, so if you found the cocktail for you, there’s a family of others waiting. 

Like the Wigan Casino? Try the London Calling. The menu also rotates every few months, so your taste buds are sure to be kept tingling on each visit. As cosy as a date spot, but plenty lively for a night out with friends, Discount Suit Company is waiting for you.

Reviewed by Elliot Newlands, Creative Video Lead

Experience a taste of the countryside in the middle of West London at The Shed

If you’re looking for a cosy yet chic spot with exceptional food to spend a comforting autumn evening, this hidden gem in the heart of Notting Hill is the place to go. I was immediately drawn in by the rustic decor and warm lighting, made only better by a glass of sparkling wine from Nutbourne - the West Sussex vineyard belonging to the restaurant’s owners, the Gladwin brothers. 

But not only is the alcohol homegrown, The Shed prides itself on its seasonal and sustainable dining experience, featuring locally grown ingredients. 

This countryside-style bolthole is known for its sharing plates, so we started with the Hackney burrata, Cornish scallop and South coast salmon and cod fishcake. All three dishes were delightful and tasted super fresh. The fishcake felt particularly indulgent, and was served with a delicious Montgomery cheddar fondue. 

For my main, I devoured the wild seabass fillet, which was served with pak choi, kale and a Devon crab bisque - it was absolutely delightful. Whilst the dish was filling enough on its own, I couldn’t resist ordering the rosemary salted crispy potatoes - and I didn't regret it. They were perfectly fluffy on the inside with a crisp and salty exterior. 

When browsing the dessert menu, it was the salted caramel chocolate torte that immediately caught my eye. The torte itself was deliciously rich, but the Chantilly cream added a light sweetness, making for a moreish treat and the perfect way to end the meal. 

As someone who was born and bred in the countryside, The Shed was a warm reminder of home right in the middle of West London.

Reviewed by Nicky Morris, TV and Film Writer

Enjoy authentic Brazilian food in the heart of Mayfair

While there's an endless choice of cuisines like Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Korean on offer in the capital city, there aren't that many Brazilian restaurants around which is why I was intrigued to try Bossa, located in the heart of Mayfair.

The upmarket yet accessible spot has Head Chef Nilson Chaves at its helm. Chaves previously worked at two Michelin-starred restaurant Oteque in Rio de Janeiro, so I knew I was in for a treat.

The restaurant has just launched its new set lunch menu, which is a more affordable way of experiencing Bossa. Diners can opt for two courses for £40 or three courses for £45. I started with the fresh octopus vinaigrette with fresh peas and paprika cream, followed by the superb sea bass served atop a delica pumpkin cream. The set menu takes highlights from the a la carte offering, and other signature Brazilian dishes which also sounded tempting included the grilled bavette and the mussel escabeche. 

The place itself oozes chic, and the cocktails are well worth a try. My only critique would be that the service was slow, albeit very friendly and welcoming. 

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor

Dine on Mediterranean and Asian dishes at Geode

Knightsbridge's swanky new hotspot, Geode, is just as luxurious as the name suggests. I had the pleasure of sampling some of their delectable dishes - and trust me on this, it's a real gem. The restaurant and bar is located in a three-storey townhouse on Beauchamp Place. 

Its restaurant is led by two ex-Novikov restaurateurs, Salvatore Broccu and Marios Louvaris, and features a sprawling menu teeming with Mediterranean and Asian-influenced dishes. From sushi to Moroccan sea bass and fresh egg raviolo pasta - there's scope to sample a bit of everything. When I visited in early October, I tucked into a delicious array of starters, spanning both the Mediterranean and the Far East. 

The sea bass tartare with cinnamon-topped watermelon was a culinary delight, while the baked aubergine and whipped feta, followed by vegetable tempura were lip-smackingly good. For mains, I devoured a hearty bowl of mushroom fettuccine, steamed tenderstem broccoli, salmon teriyaki and a side of ratatouille, all washed down with an elegant Pecorino. 

My only gripe… Some of these dishes might be slightly tricky to eat in tandem with one another. To give you an idea, some of their other dishes include: lobster risotto, French rack of lamb, grilled seabream, grilled spatchcock chicken and caramelised onion and avocado pizza. 

The evening came to a close with a classic French pudding: Paris Brest. Whilst the choux pastry wasn't quite as crunchy as I would have liked, the pistachio mousseline filling was everything and more. 

As for the interiors, Geode is a vibrant, buzzy restaurant complete with an opulent gem-encrusted bar and a pop-up DJ area. The space upstairs is just as luxurious thanks to the rustic walls, terracotta-hued curtains and plush green velvet sofas. The perfect spot for a celebratory dinner or a more intimate date night!

Reviewed by Phoebe Tatham, Junior Writer

Try out this new brunch menu in Notting Hill

This month, Miznon has launched a new brunch offering at its Notting Hill outpost. The restaurant will now open at 10.30am Saturdays and Sundays with a brunch menu served until 3.00pm. West London Miznon devotees can now kick off the weekend with family and friends by tucking into a selection of old favourites as well as some newly created brunch-specific dishes.

The a la carte brunch will see the return of the Steak and Egg pita; and the Eggs'No'Steak pita; as well as the London-exclusive Full English pita. Alongside these will be brand new pitas including: Avo & Egg pita, with aioli, hard-boiled egg, pickles, and tomato; and the Zaatar Omelette pita with scrambled eggs, sour cream, pickles and tomato salsa. Out-of-the-pita options are also on offer including the famous Sac de Coq and the Old City Mezze and the return of the Mesabaha Lima Beans and the best Hummus you'll ever eat. Miznon has also bolstered its list of buzzy cocktails for the brunch menu offering diners their own take on traditional beverages including: Sage Tea; The Miznon Mary; The Mimoza; and The Bloody Shame.  

To book, visit miznonlondon.com

Indulge in Italian food and drink at Eataly's Wine & Truffle festival

Truffle lovers, listen up. Everyone’s favourite East London Italian market and restaurant, Eataly is hosting a festival dedicated to the stuff. Taking place over this weekend (2-4 November), the three day event will have over 40 premium wines on offer as well as delicious truffle-themed Italian dishes. Think porchetta pork roast buns with truffle cheese cream, and truffle mortadella with truffle pecorino. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the team and discover the secrets behind truffle hunting from the specialists themselves.

To book, visit eventbrite.co.uk

Honour the musical legend Stephen Sondheim with a trip to the West End,

As a die-hard Sondheim fan, stepping into the Gielgud theatre to watch musical theatre royalty belt out an endless slew of his award-winning numbers in Sondheim's Old Friends was second to none. 

The production, which kicked off on 21 September, swept me through the world of the musical legend and in front of my eyes were Broadway icons Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga as well as a host of West End stars performing the soundtrack to my favourite shows.

Trust me when I say you haven't lived until you've seen Lea's vivacious Mrs Lovett alongside Jeremy Secomb's harrowing Sweeney Todd, Bradley Jaden's alluring portrayal of the Wolf (Into The Woods), and Gavin Lee, Damian Humbley and Jason Pennycooke's Everybody Ought to Have a Maid (A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum), to name just three impeccable moments from the sensational production. You do not want to miss this star-studded show.

To book, visit Sondheim's Old Friends

Relive the life of Tina Turner at Tina: The Musical

If you haven't yet taken yourself down to the Aldwych Theatre to see Tina: The Musical, then you are doing yourself a disservice. This show has been running since 2018, with lead actress Karis Anderson marking her 200th show when I attended.

Charting the life of Tina Turner from her humble beginnings to her abusive relationship with Ike Turner, and of course her success as one of the world's most popular recording artists, you'll be treated to her iconic hits like Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary and What's Love Got to Do With It?

And not to give too many spoilers away, but the musical takes on a concert-like feeling at the end, getting you into the spirit with The Best, which is perfectly apt to sum up this show.

Reviewed by Matthew Moore, Online News Writer

Experience the magic at UNBELIEVABLE

A brand new magic show, UNBELIEVABLE, has opened in London’s West End at the Criterion theatre, and I was one of the lucky few to see the thrilling preview night. The show is a beautiful fusion of illusion, sleight of hand and mind-reading. Featuring a live band and a magic company of multi-talented performers with extraordinary gifts, I was amazed to see an evening of trickery be brought to life on stage. T

here are plenty of fun opportunities for those wanting to get involved as the audience becomes an essential element of the show from the moment they set foot in the theatre. However, we have been warned that no two performances will be identical. 

The show has been created, written and directed by UK stage and screen phenomenon Derren Brown, and long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor. After decades of appearing on stage solo, this is the first time that one of Derren's shows will be performed by a cast rather than himself.

Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor 

Get an autumn hair refresh at RUSH

Where: RUSH Hair & Beauty, Wimbledon

If you're in need of a colour refresh, RUSH Hair & Beauty have launched 30% off colour services for autumn when booked with a cut and style. My recent visit to RUSH Wimbledon for a full head balayage was a truly delightful experience. From the moment I entered the salon, I was greeted with exceptional hospitality. I was seated comfortably, offered a selection of magazines to read, and provided with a choice of tea, biscuits, and water to make my visit even more enjoyable.

My stylist, Jayde, was a gem. We engaged in a thorough consultation where she listened attentively to my hair aspirations and offered valuable guidance on choosing the perfect shade to complement my complexion. We decided on a soft blonde tone with brighter face-framing highlights for a fresh, radiant look.

Throughout the appointment, Jayde’s expertise and attention to detail were evident. She skillfully applied the balayage, ensuring a seamless transition from my natural roots to the beautifully blended highlights. What stood out the most was Jayde’s dedication to creating a hair transformation that felt tailored to my unique style.

Thanks to Jayde’s professional touch, I left RUSH feeling incredibly satisfied with my new hair colour. With their ongoing 30% off colour for the autumn season, I couldn't recommend this salon enough. I'm brimming with newfound hair confidence and eagerly anticipate my next visit.

Reviewed by Alice Caruana 

Go crazy for golf at Junkyard Golf

For those of you looking for something a little different over the Halloween period, take yourselves down to the newly opened Junkyard Golf in Camden Town. Featuring ludicrously delectable cocktails to help your evening go with a swing, the recently opened venue has four courses to choose from which will dazzle your eyes and mess with your mind. 

I personally thought "Gary' was as fun as it was ridiculous. Trying to putt my way through a UV disco room was a new and pleasant assault on the senses. A little bit more than your usual crazy golf setup, it's a bit more of a grown-up affair so probably best to leave younger kids at home. Just don't drink too many of the rum punches.

Reviewed by Christian Anderson-Ramshall

Embrace fitness, food and friendship with London's newest run club

With the TCS London Marathon 2024 just six months away, running fever has hit London as athletes of all levels get their miles in across the city. Whatever your ability, training for any fitness goal is always better with friends. Throw excellent food, a pumping atmosphere and a healthy dose of competition into the mix and it becomes a real party. 

Bloomberg Arcade and Midnight Runners have established a regular running club for beginner runners all the way through to experienced, hosted on select Monday evenings. The running route, fully hosted by expert captains at Midnight Runners, will showcase the city's iconic sites, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as Tower Bridge incorporating Bloomberg Arcade’s restaurants. Each bespoke city running trail, led by a friendly team of volunteers, aims to inspire exploration of London and to have fun with friends old and new.

Midnight Runners x Bloomberg Arcade City Runs returns on Monday 23 October, where runners will enjoy an limitless pizza offering at 20” wood fired pizza specialists, Homeslice. Join in a friendly 5km run alongside up to 100 participants, followed by a set-menu dinner pre-booked as part of the ticket cost. 

To book for £20pp, visit Midnight Runners for more details. 

A spooktacular tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Half term is always a tricky week for any parents. Trying to find the perfect day activity is hard but if your kids love football, Halloween and going on an adventure, then a tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a must.

It lasts up to two hours and there are so many spooktacular activities to enjoy that you won’t want to leave. There’s a magician, slime-making, pumpkin colouring in, scoring against a ‘ghoulie’ and many more surprises around the stadium! 

And if like us you get treated to incredible English autumnal weather, you really won’t want to leave. Tours are not packed; they are quite chilled and dare I say peaceful. It was the perfect activity with children who were so in awe, they didn’t want to leave.

Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor

Barbie-themed bottomless brunch at BOXPARK

A plastic-fantastic bottomless brunch paired with a screening of the film of the summer, Barbie? Sign us up! Get ready to dive into a world of pink, glam, and iconic nostalgia as BOXPARK, in collaboration with certified party-starters Club De Fromage and Absolut, presents the ultimate Barbie experience: a Bottomless Barbie Screening Brunch. 

Gather your Barbies and Kens and garner your pinkest attire to fully embrace the Barbie spirit for this not-to-be-missed pink party. Tickets start at £32 and guarantee a welcome drink, a £10 food voucher from BOXPARK’s lineup of 20+ global cuisines, bottomless prosecco and a selection of cocktails hat flow for the entire duration of the movie, games, singalongs, dance-offs, a playlist of party anthems and so much more.

When? 1:00PM - 5:00PM on 21 October 2023. Where? BOXPARK Croydon.

Doors for the Bottomless Barbie Screening Brunch will open from 1:00 pm and you can buy tickets for just £32 per person here. 

Travel back to the noughties

Taking place during London Cocktail Week, Schweppes is hosting a Noughties-inspired party , the Schweppes Lock Party which will take place from 12-14 and 19-21 October in the heart of Soho at Zebrano London's VIP bar. 

Upon arrival, guests can safely surrender any devices, or if they prefer, pledge not to use their phones for the night by using a Schweppes-branded "phone bag" in exchange for an exclusive Schweppes drinks token. Once phones are safely out of reach, guests can embark on an evening free from digital distractions whilst enjoying tasty tipples, including the Signature Y2K serves. Drinks include Schweppes' take on a martini, Schweppes in the City, made using Vodka infused with watermelon liqueur and topped with Schweppes Melon Watermelon soda and the Spicy Margarita created using Reposado tequila, red chilli agave syrup and orange liqueur topped with Schweppes Indian Tonic Water.

The Schweppes Lock Party is bookable via Eventbrite.

Have a spine-chilling night at The London Cabaret Club

Having enjoyed a night out at The London Cabaret Club and having had possibly the best night ever, I can’t wait to discover their spine-chilling Halloween show El Dia of the Dead later this month. The show, which is set in rural Mexico in the style of Romeo and Juliet, promises to “keep you on the edge of your seat all night” – I can’t wait!

During the incredible show, which includes perfectly choreographed dance routines, stunning singers, magic, acrobats and a whole host of other surprises, those guests with a gold and diamond ticket, will enjoy a 3-course fine dining experience alongside Halloween themed cocktails.

Show is on 26-28 October, visit thelondoncabaretclub.com/Halloween for ticket details.

Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor

Sip ghostly cocktails at BlueBird this spooky season

This Halloween, Bluebird Chelsea is joining forces with the iconic Casamigos to infuse the lively spirit of Mexico, and welcome the spooky season into the heart of Chelsea. Get your phone at the ready as the terrace has undergone a ghostly transformation, expect exotic flowers adorning arches and captivating skull decorations throughout.

Don't miss the specially crafted Casamigos cocktails this season, as Bluebird’s team of expert mixologists have carefully curated a new cocktail menu that promises an extraordinary flavour journey during this beloved Mexican holiday.

Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer

Double, double toil and trouble at Camden Market

Join in the festivities of Halloween and Day of the Dead at Camden Market from Monday 23rd October – Thursday 2nd November.

Monday 23rd October will see The Quay transformed with a giant sugar skull and immersive actors through the quarter. From 26-28th October, North Yard will come alive with a carnivalesque line up, alongside children’s entertainment hub will offer complementary face painting, balloon modellers and craft workshops. Sunday 29thOctober will see traditional workshops take over alongside a Dia de los Muertos parade in partnership with Somers Gallery, formerly known as the UK Mexican Arts Society.

For a full list of festivities check out camdenmarket.com

Enjoy a Halloween-themed bottomless brunch

Here at HELLO! we're big fans of bottomless brunch, especially a themed one! For one day only on Saturday 28 October, Piazza Italiana is transforming its baroque grand ballroom into a spooktacular space, ready to welcome diners for a ghoulishly good feast. 

The Italian restaurant based in the City will be serving bottomless fresh pasta, crisp-based pizza, cocktails and fizz. And for those looking to dine after dark, the evening sitting will dial up the tempo with a live DJ bringing Thriller vibes. The bottomless brunch costs £59 per person for a daytime sitting and £69 for evening.

To book a table, visit www.opentable.com

Scare yourself senseless with Treehouse Hotel's Spooktacular Line-up

Celebrations will be kicking off on Friday 27th October, for one night only with their Friday Fright's Party, where The Nest will be transformed into a spooky delight from 7pm onwards with flowing Casamigos cocktails, DJ Pinky Perzelle and live halloween acts, bringing revellers to their feet.

For those who want to celebrate Halloween all weekend long, Madera will be hosting a Trick of Treat Party Brunch on Saturday 28th October from 11am to 3pm with special festive brunch dishes including Black Empanadas with Black Corn Dough filled with Pumpkin, Corn and Poblano Pepper, Salsa, served alongside Casamigos Tequila cocktails, guest DJ's and fire breathers. And to top off the series, from 27th to 5th November, guests will be able to enjoy a series of seasonal sips at Treehouse London's rooftop.

To book a table, visit www.treehousehotels.com

Throw it back to the 90s at this Halloween soirée

London's favourite live music spot, The Piano Works, is hosting a Halloween extravaganza weekend that is perfect for all the nineties and nineties-loving kids out there. On Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October, both branches in Farringdon and the West End will be playing nostalgic hits and music videos from your favourite boy bands and girl groups all night long. 

Party-goers are encouraged to dress nineties too: think Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ghostface from Scream. Tipples will also be spooktacularly themed. Make sure to order a Buffy's Bloodbath and a Spicy Gals Skull Crusher.

Celebrate Halloween in Westminster Abbey's creepy crypt

Now this is a pretty spooktacular way to celebrate Halloween! For one day only, Indian restaurant Yaatra is partnering with Westminster Abbey and inviting daring diners to visit the crypt of the famous London landmark on a 90-minute guided tour, before sitting down for a delicious five-course tasting menu. 

On the tour, participants will explore locations of the Abbey that are typically off-limits to all but the privileged few. Then, they'll head to Yaatra for a well-deserved respite, where they'll be welcomed with a dark and sinister cocktail. As for food, the menu includes the likes of slow-cooked spiced lamb shank or tandoori roasted cauliflower, as well as beetroot cutlet, dal, naan and saffron rice. 

The restaurant is situated in the Old Westminster Fire Station - a venue just as stunning as the Abbey.

To book tickets, visit eventbrite.com