September may have brought about the end of summer for many, but that doesn't mean the end of the sunshine.
With soaring temperatures set to bring balmy evenings and candyfloss sunsets across London's skies this month, what better excuse to hunt down the city's best rooftops?
HELLO! writers have scoured the very best offerings in the capital this month. Scroll on for the ultimate guide to things to do in London in September...
Treat yourself to the UK’s first and only Emily in Paris Afternoon Tea
Bonswa as Emily would say - if like me and you’ve binged the new series of Emily in Paris, this is the afternoon tea for you!
I’m sure Emily herself would agree this Instagrammable experience leaves you feeling as if you could be in Paris. Set inside the stunning Michelin-starred French restaurant Pavyllon London in Mayfair, you’ll be transported away by the chic persuasion interior. Complete with stunning floral arrangements and a playlist of chic French café music to set the mood, enjoy a ‘petit plaisir’ (little luxury), Emily-style.
On arrival our table was adorned with elegant illustrations from the show, branded menu and even trivia we surprisingly did really well on. Setting the mood we started with fresh Rosebud infused tea which came in beautiful clear teapots. During our visit we enjoyed classic finger sandwiches, sumptuous scones with vanilla cream and orange marmalade, alongside stunning mini pastries to indulge in. From mini chocolate coffee eclair with light whipped ganache to crème brûlée every bite was a taste of paris,
Before leaving we were presented with a red beret shaped dessert we opted to take home. It was such a lovely takeaway from the experience, filled with pistachio praline and fresh raspberries.
If you're looking for a catchup with a friend over fun fact trivia or maybe treating a loved one this tea is not to be missed. Make sure to book before October.
Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
Enjoy High tea and bubbles at Browns Brasserie
Afternoon Tea as us Brits know, is a HUGE deal when going out or having it at home. Simple or regal, we are known around the globe for our various offerings and histories of having a high tea.
The latest offering to join this tradition is Browns Brasserie's new Champagne Afternoon Tea, in collaboration with Moët and Chandon. Providing the perfect catchup I popped to my local branch with my best friend where we were treated to sumptuous sandwiches and delicious cakes, all enjoyed with a crisp cold glass of Champagne. We enjoyed delicious blackcurrant Victoria sponge cake, delightful savouries, warm scones with seasonal jams, alongside irresistible mini cakes and puddings.
My favourite had to be the chocolate pot and carrot cake, the perfectly small portions allow you to indulge without feeling too guilty.I was shocked to find that afternoon tea without bubbles started at £30pp, which is the most reasonable tea I’ve seen in a while, especially with the amount of delicacies beautifully presented.
Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
Discover SEA LIFE London Aquarium's new rainforest
One for the kids! As one of the city's best attractions for children, you won't need much persuading to visit SEA LIFE London Aquarium. But over the summer, the venue introduced a new and exciting zone that provides just another reason to plan a day out there. The Rainforest Adventure area is voiced over by presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle, who encourages kids to get up close and personal to a range of creepy crawlies and critters, as well as tarantulas, ants, and the UK's biggest collection of piranhas!
Of course, the rainforest zone is just one of 14 interactive areas for children to enjoy. The aquarium is also home to a mammoth shark tank, the iconic ocean tunnel where you can see turtles gliding past and pose for photos, plus coral kingdom, which is the UK's largest living coral reef. There's also a colony of Gentoo penguins for children to squeal over, and stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses and more.
Overall, the impressive aquarium is well worth a visit. Just be prepared for how busy it can get on weekends. And while tickets are on the dearer side for a whole family day out, under twos go free, and it is worth the price given how much there is on offer.
Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor
Best restaurants to visit in London in September
London's unrivalled food scene serves up some of the most delicious cuisines, eclectic eateries and noteworthy restaurants to add to your must-visit list. Be it new openings or seasonal menus, here is where HELLO!'s Editors have dined out in September…
Indulge in Big Mamma delights at Gloria
Ever since Gloria popped up on Shoreditch's Great Eastern Street in 2019, it's been one of London's most talked about Italian restaurants. Loved for its vintage Amalfi-inspired interiors, world-famous towering slice of lemon meringue pie, and secret seventies basement bar, it's no wonder this vibey trattoria boasts a reservation list that takes weeks to secure.
This month, a colourful collection of seasonal dishes have been added to their ever-popular menu - and I was lucky enough to dive in when I dined on a buzzy Thursday night. If you're sharing, don't miss the burrata e friggitelli - a giant 250g juicy burrata from Puglia filled with sun-dried tomato and almond pesto, on a bed of pan-fried friggitelli pepper. Hot honey is having a moment right now, and the Honey I truffled the croquetta need to be on your order list. Expect gooey cacio e pepe crocchetta filled with provola, finished with truffle honey and fresh truffle atop.
While the Big Mamma pizzas never disappoint, the real highlights are the fresh pasta dishes. I ordered the Paccheri alla norma - thick cut paccheri with San Marzano tomato and aubergine sauce, served on a bed of fresh ricotta al limone. Divine.
No trip to Gloria is complete without ordering a hearty scoop of their freshly-made tiramisu. It's over indulgent and borderline audacious, but impossible to resist.
Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
Enjoy breakfast Spanish-style at Bar Kroketa
Summer is over, and it certainly felt that way on the grey and drizzly day we rocked up to Bar Kroketa at St Christopher’s Place. However, the gloomy weather was soon forgotten after sampling their new breakfast menu that provided the ultimate Spanish holiday experience.
Whilst the bar, which has locations here and in Soho, is the perfect place to sit at the bar with a beer and a tasty array of their signature croquetas, Bar Kroketa isn’t just a tapas spot for the afternoon and evening. Starting with a coffee with dulcet Spanish guitar songs playing in the background, our eyes were caught by the lazy eggs that can be enjoyed with crispy pancetta, salt cod, manchego cheese or silken red peppers.
Beer may not be the tipple of choice for the AM, but a weekend breakfast definitely calls for a peach Bellini, Paloma or a classic sangria. That said, we stuck to the equally delicious non-alcoholic smoothies in mango and berry flavours that made us forget the rain in an instant.
Be sure to order as much as possible, especially the classic trio of pan con tomate (toast with fresh grated tomato to the non-Spaniards), tortilla and churros with cinnamon sugar and warm melted chocolate. What’s more, nothing will cost you more than £12 so your next brunch date be it with friends, family or that special someone is sorted.
Reviewed by Alex Lily, Snapchat and Social Media Producer
Dine out on delicious Italian food at Daroco
First launched in Paris in 2016, Daroco has became a hot spot in the city thanks to its chic interiors and impeccable Italian food. Now London has followed suit, opening founders Alexandre Giesbert, Julien Ross and Nico de Soto's third restaurant in bustling Soho. I went to try it out on a Friday evening and was lucky enough to sit outside on the 60-seat terrace thanks to the glorious weather. Despite being located just around the corner from Tottenham Court Road tube station you feel far removed from the crowds. Manette Street has had something of an upgrade in recent years, introducing glossy new bars and restaurants, Daroco being one of them.
We were served by a very friendly waiter who recommended we start with negronis and he wasn't wrong. They were smooth and strong and the perfect accompaniment to our starters - creamy burrata with a fresh asparagus salad drizzled with wild garlic oil and roasted scallops with white wine sauce, sundried tomato butter and nduja crumble. The mains were even better. Despite hearing amazing things about the pizza, I couldn't resist going for the ravioli, which was filled with crab and mascarpone, and topped with Amalfi lemon butter. Safe to say I wasn't disappointed.
If you love fun interiors you might want to choose to sit inside as maximalist is an understatement. Think mirrored walls, marble-effect tables and mosaic floors all in a rich colour palette. The velvet seating looks seriously comfortable, too. This is a must-see if you find yourself in Soho, or arguably a reason to head there in itself.
Reviewed by Hollie Brotherton, Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer
Sublime Argentinian cuisine at Sucre
I recently dined at Sucre to try its new summer menu, and it was a truly memorable experience. For starters, I tried the roasted cauliflower, which was perfectly charred and full of flavour, and the burrata with chargrilled apricot, honey, and hazelnut - a delicious combination of creamy, sweet, and nutty. Both dishes were fresh and beautifully presented.
For the main course, I went with the trout, served with samphire, mussels, and a lemon butter sauce. The flavours were light and delicate, with the fish cooked to perfection. I also tried the rump milanesa, which came with a rocket and parmesan salad. The crispy exterior of the milanesa contrasted wonderfully with the tender meat inside, and the fresh salad was a great complement.
To finish, I indulged in the Basque cheesecake with slow-roasted strawberries, which was rich and creamy with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The Dulce de Leche fondant with mascarpone and hazelnuts was equally divine—a warm, gooey centre paired with the cool, silky mascarpone and a satisfying crunch from the hazelnuts. Both desserts were the perfect ending to an exceptional meal.
If you're looking for a spot to enjoy refined Argentine cuisine in a chic setting, Sucre is definitely worth a visit.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor
Dine out on exceptional food at Dhakaah
As a Bangladeshi, I had to visit Dhakaah, Camden’s newest casual dining hotspot. Despite my high expectations, I was truly impressed and commend the place for showcasing some of the best of Bangladeshi cuisine. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, with a relaxed yet trendy vibe that’s perfect for a casual night out with friends or a laid-back date.
The menu is split into bar snacks, small plates and bigger plates. To start, I tried the fuchka - a popular street food snack - crispy, tangy, and bursting with flavour. Bigger plates include the Beef Kathi Roll, a heavily spiced mezbani beef curry, wrapped in handmade parota; and a real highlight, the Chicken Roast, free range chicken leg, caramelised with onion, mixed nuts and cardamon forward masala spices. The highlight of the meal was the beef bhuna, tender and spiced to perfection, served with rice.
The service was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience enjoyable. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the pistachio kulfi (ice-cream) that was light, creamy, and subtly spiced with cardamom—a perfect way to end the meal. Dhakaah is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Bangladeshi flavours in a cool, laid-back setting.
To find out more, follow them on Instagram.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor
Indulge in Straits Kitchen’s latest Asian Fusion menu
In a city overflowing with dining options, Straits Kitchen has managed to carve out a unique space with its exciting menu that takes fusion dining to new heights.
Just a stone throw away from central Liverpool Street station in Pan Pacific London, this hidden gem was the perfect meet up with my partner for an evening of exceptional dining. We indulged in the Experience Menu curated by the hotel's recently appointed Executive Chef, Adam Bateman. This allowed us to experience a variety of bold and adventurous fusions of Southeast Asia over five plates for £65pp with the extra wine pairing at £35pp. I would highly recommend this add on as the wines were perfectly paired with each dish for an elevated experience - from champagne to dessert wine all were very generously poured!
After previously visiting for their Festive Roast with an Asian twist, I remembered the food being exceptional, and this new menu did not disappoint! We started with Scottish Salmon with sweet miso, wasabi and green peas followed by Chicken Satay Skewers presented on a mini grill with a rich creamy peanut butter dipping sauce which we couldn't get enough of. Next I opted for the Fried Vegetable Gyoza, which is a must-try paired with the Rosé Roseblood wine.
The standout dish for me had to be the rich, melt-in-the-mouth Hereford Beef Short Rib with miso polenta, horseradish and sweet soy. To finish we enjoyed a modern twist on a traditional Crème Brûlée, instead of custard we experienced a burst of mango lime compote with a mango coriander sorbet. This refreshing mix provided a light sweet palette cleanser to perfectly end our evening.
Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
