October called... it's pumpkin spiced latte season.
Autumn is one of the most glorious times to visit the capital. With early sunsets casting an orange oil painting across the skies, London's rooftop bars and skyrise restaurants are the perfect places to catch golden hour, while the Royal Parks provide the most beautiful autumnal walks.
From newly-opened restaurants to vibrant art exhibitions, discover what HELLO! has been loving about London this month.
Best things to do in London in October
Be it self-care, sumptuous dining or sun-soaked roof terraces on London's most lavish hotels, if you're searching for some luxury in the city this month, here's what HELLO!'s Editors have sunk into this October...
Get spiritual at The Mandrake
Afternoon tea meets wellness at The Mandrake's Spiritual Wellbeing and Chakra Dining experience.
We were treated to a blissful combination of infrared light therapy and chakra sound healing in the plush hotel's wow-worthy penthouse suite, before making our way downstairs for a seven-course afternoon tea, with each dish inspired by a different chakra.
The sound healing saw us cosy up under sumptuous blankets, with infrared lights overhead, lulling us into a deep slumber, with the sounds and vibrations from the crystal bowls creating the ultimate in relaxation.
Post sound bowls, following which we were in a dreamy daze, we tucked into the afternoon tea offering, which is ideal for people who don't love the normally sweet-treat-heavy nature of a traditional afternoon tea.
Rather than several rounds of cakes and scones, The Mandrake treated us to beetroot and feta bites, crab delicacies and jamon brioche, each with a divine tea to match. Rather than leaving filled up with sugar, we floated out feeling zen and sated by exquisite food and a slice of wellness in the very centre of London.
Reviewed by Melanie Macleod, Wellness Editor
A magical night out at Lío London
Lío London made its dazzling return to the city this month, debuting its spectacular new show, “The JukeBox,” and I had the pleasure of experiencing it with two of my closest friends.
As a mother of two in my late 30s, nights out are few and far between, so this evening felt like a rare special treat—and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
From the moment we arrived, Lío London offered an immersive cabaret experience like no other. We were greeted with a cocktail and then indulged in a three-course meal, crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Andreu Genestra. The culinary delights were perfectly paired with the stunning performances, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that had us laughing, mesmerized, and completely engaged from start to finish.
The show itself, lasting two-and-a-half hours, was incredible and left us wishing it could have gone on all night. Between the incredible entertainment, dancing, and endless fun, it was truly a night to remember.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable evening, I highly recommend reserving your table or club tickets now—you won’t want to miss it!
Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Online Website Editor
Dive into spooky season with Lush
© gabriel bushSpooky season is upon us, and where better to get into the Halloween spirit than at Lush's Covent Garden spa?
The bath and body wonderland not only sells the most magical bath bombs, but they're also offering a mystical treatment this October, in the form of The Spell.
The spiritual-tinged treatment began with me using an elegant glass quill to offload all of my problems onto a tiny scroll, before dropping it into teapot and setting fire to it. This was the start of me letting my problems go - the next step saw me slip into super-cosy pyjamas before being treated to 60 minutes of reflexology-inspired foot and scalp massage.
The enchanting music played in the background eased me into a dreamy wonderland, while my feet were scrubbed and soothed with lavender and peppermint potions. I walked out tension-free, with my mind feeling clear and my feet feeling fresh and baby-soft.
Reviewed by Melanie Macleod, Wellness Editor
Indulge in luxury at Sea Containers London's Agua spa
© InstagramSea Containers London's spa, Agua, has long been one of my favourite relaxation spots in the capital - and not just because it's mere steps from HELLO!'s office...
The totally zen, blissful space just got even better, with the introduction of the spa's collaboration with science-backed, luxury skincare brand, 111SKIN. The super high-end brand will be offering several treatments designed to rejuvenate the skin and spirit, and I was lucky enough to try the 111SKIN Cryotherapy Body treatment, created to refresh, tone and rejuvenate the whole body with a combination of vigorous massage and cryotherapy globes (ie. glass gloves frozen to -30 degrees, which help to tighten and tone the skin).
Post-treatment, my legs felt light as air - with no sign of the intense workout I did the day before, while my mind felt sharp and ready to tackle the day. Whether you're popping in after work (as I'll be suggesting all my HELLO! team mates do), or you're booking in as part of a stay at Sea Containers London, the treatments are not to be missed.
Reviewed by Melanie Macleod, HELLO! Wellness Editor
Check out a brand new immersive light installation
Make sure to put Squidsoup's 'Lost in Light' exhibition in your diary. The huge, three-storey immersive light and art installation is set to open its doors in the heart of Shoreditch this October. Covering a whopping 30,000 square feet, the event space has been transformed into a family-friendly immersive experience by day, and party by night featuring late shows and special music programming.
The installation is the brainchild of renowned art collective Squidsoup, celebrated for pushing the boundaries of immersive art, and will feature five individual exhibitions plus one secret artwork. The flagship installations from Squidsoup’s tenure – Circular Echoes, Infinite, Three Volumes, Sola, and Submergence – all offer a distinct artistic experience that blur the lines between the physical and the digital.
'Lost In Light' will run from 25 October until 5 January. Adult tickets cost £18-25 and under fives go free. Find out more at lostinlight.uk.
Sip into Autumn with Black Sheep Coffee's Cozy New Range
As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm drink in hand. And here at HELLO!, we can’t resist a good coffee — especially when paired with a tempting snack to brighten our midday break.
So, when Black Sheep Coffee invited us to sample their latest autumn-inspired offerings, we were more than happy to indulge.This season, Black Sheep Coffee is bringing out an exciting new range that embraces fall flavours and also includes one of the trendiest ingredients of the moment: matcha.We had the pleasure of sipping on two delightful, limited-edition matcha creations — the Pumpkin Spice Matcha and the Apple Crumble Matcha. The Pumpkin Spice Matcha offers a warm, spiced twist on the traditional latte, while the Apple Crumble Matcha serves up a subtly sweet and fruity taste that left us feeling oh-so-cozy.Their waffle selection was just as impressive.
We couldn’t resist trying the Norwegian Waffle, and of course, the classics made an appearance too. We devoured the Nutella Waffle, and the Strawberries and Cream Waffle.
Whatever you pick, this menu will have you falling in love with autumn all over again.
Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor
Party at this two-day immersive pop-up experience
To celebrate the launch of the duo's new pre-mixed can, Captain Morgan, the legendary rum brand, and Pepsi MAX ®, the bold and refreshing cola, have launched 'The Mixer', a free-to-attend house party concept (available to consumers over legal purchasing age only). Taking over Kachette in Shoreditch, London on 23 and 24 October, 'The Mixer' will encourage consumers to engage with Captain Morgan and Pepsi MAX in new and exciting ways, whether attending by day or by night.
If you’re lucky enough to get access to the house party that evening, attendees will enter through one of the secret fridge doors located in the convenience store to access the exclusive house party. Once in, attendees can kick back on the living room sofa, snap a selfie in the bathroom or add their pics to the Polaroid photo wall, before hitting the main event—where the best parties always end up: the kitchen. Across both nights, DJ duos will be taking over the 'kitchen table'. DJs include G33 from Girls Don’t Sync and Sheffield’s own Silva Bumpa linking up with speed-garage icon Skeptic. There will also be sets from Fish56Octagon, and the ultimate tag team, Blumitsu (Bluetoof & Jossy Mitsu).
Best bars and restaurants to visit in London in October
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 October…
Enjoy an indulgent lunch at Boxcar Bar & Grill
© Boxcar Bar&GrillTucked away from the bustling streets of Marylebone is this hidden gem. A lovely blend of rustic and modern, this intimate, butcher-to-grill restaurant provides a welcome oasis from the chaos of Marble Arch, all while bringing ethically sourced, quality British produce to the table.
If you’re looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a Sunday lunch, Boxcar Bar & Grill is the perfect place – but it’s got lots more to offer than just a fantastic roast. I
I’m a huge fan of scallops, so when I saw them on offer, pan-roasted with chorizo, butter beans, cavolo nero, I couldn’t resist. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the best scallop starter I’ve had. The scallops were succulent and were complemented perfectly by the salty chorizo and creamy butter beans. If you go, you need to try this dish.
For mains, I opted for the chicken roast, which was cooked to perfection with sage and apricot stuffing, and came with all the trimmings: crispy beef fat roast potatoes and carrots, charred cabbage, baby leek gratin and a red wine jus, topped off with some seriously flavourful gravy and cauliflower cheese. Delicious. My dad opted for the beef, which was also very succulent, pairing the meal with a glass of chenin blanc, followed by a pinot noir from the extensive drinks menu, which has plenty to offer from quality wines to unique cocktails.
To end the meal, I went for the whipped cheesecake, which was deliciously sweet and topped with an oat crumble and strawberries. My dad went for the chocolate marquise, which was paired perfectly with crunchy peanuts and a fresh raspberry coulis. I could have licked both plates clean.
Plus, the service was great. Not only were the waiting staff attentive and quick, they were also very friendly and made the already warm atmosphere even better.
As the weather becomes colder and the days get shorter, Boxcar Bar & Grill really is a lovely way to spend a cosy autumn afternoon. They've also just opened a third restaurant, Bread & Wine, just a stone's throw away from the Boxcar Bar&Grill which I'll definitely be checking out!
Reviewed by Nicky Morris, TV & Film Writer
A Fun Day Out with Captain Messi at the Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock International has teamed up with global brand ambassador Lionel Messi to create an exciting new experience for football fans—so naturally, I brought my football-obsessed, Messi-loving five-year-old to check it out!
The collaboration features a new kid’s menu, personally approved by Messi himself—and now, by my son. The menu offers kid-friendly favourites like cheese and pepperoni pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and more. As a bonus, every Captain Messi Kids Menu comes with a limited-edition, posable Captain Messi toy.
You can enjoy the Captain Messi experience at Hard Rock Cafes in London, including Old Park Lane and Piccadilly Circus. Be sure to also check out the exclusive Captain Messi merchandise at the Rock Shops—don’t miss out!
Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Website Editor
Stumble across Florencio for delicious pizza
Have you ever had a meal that just feels like a hug? This is exactly the experience I had at Florencio, a tiny, friendly pizzeria tucked away on Seymour Place in Marylebone. This cosy candlelit restaurant seats no more than 32 people, though its buzzy atmosphere gave the restaurant an electric feel when I dined on a Friday evening.
The menu is purposefully simple to highlight the restaurant's holy grail 48-hour fermented dough pizzas - and rightly so. Served on an old-school, two tier stand, my friend and I shared the Stracciatella pizza and the Fugazetta pizza, which was doused in sticky hot honey and served with an indulgent white base. With popular chain restaurants serving tourists, and cult East London pasta joints appeasing the locals, I wondered if London really needed another Italian restaurant. My meal at Florencio totally disproved this theory - there's defintiely no chance of this pizzeria being bumped off the roster.
The pizza here is exactly what pizza should be. It's simple but sublime, with traditional Italian toppings ensuring nothing is over complicated. I'd go as far to say this was the best pizza I had eaten outside of Italy - and judging by the full restaurant of empty plates - the rest of London clearly agrees.
Prices are reasonable for central London, starting from £11.90 and going up to £16.90 for the more indulgent pizzas. If you're going full Italian an Aperol spritz will set you back a stinging £10.50, but hey, that's London. Don't miss the freshly-made banana split ice cream, either.
To book, visit www.florenciopizza.com
Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Writer
Have the Italian meal of your life at 64 Old Compton Street
SoHo is probably my favourite haunt whenever I'm out in London, and I've enjoyed myself in many of its offerings, both bars and restaurants.
However, 64 Old Compton Street is certainly going straight to the top of my must-go locations after a simply sumptuous meal there. The restaurant boasts 'authentic' Italian food and from the starters alone, I can vouch for this. The bruschetta was magical and instantly transported me to my time in Turin. The pork and beef meatballs also went down a treat without feeling too heavy as a starter.
As for the main, my friends enjoyed their prawn linguine, while I had a lavish chicken Milanese, and it certainly hit the spot on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The rocket dressing suited the meal perfectly, while the tomato and basil sauce helped that Italian feel – even if my mouth sometimes ended up expecting a hit of pasta.
When it came to the drinks, I have to recommend the Italiano Sour. I could easily drink this masterpiece all day even with the sour taste.
Whether for a full-scale meal or just a catch-up with friends, if you're looking for somewhere in SoHo with a quieter atmosphere compared to its boisterous neighbours, I have to highly recommend 64 Old Compton Street.
Reviewed by Matthew Moore, Online News Writer
Indulge in chocolate-themed cocktails under the stars
© Barry ScowenIf you thought rooftop bars were just for summer, think again, as Circe's Rooftop Bar has transformed its terrace into an Aurora-themed wonderland for winter. High above the London skies at Waterloo, some friends and I visited the Rooftop Bar and were treated to our very own 'pod', a heated igloo pod with cosy sofas, ambient lighting, blankets, a heater and a private sound system - I loved playing DJ.
Like a swanky living room, we sipped on the bar's incredible cocktail menu under the stars, including cocktails from their winter-partnership with Hotel Chocolat. We sipped on the delicious Salted Caramel Chocottini, an infusion of Amaretto and Hotel Chocolat's Salted Caramel liquor, and the Midnight Mocha Martini, an indulgent chocolatey take on the traditional espresso martini made with Hotel Chocolat chocolate espresso liquor.
The light bites menu is equally as impressive, with highlights including pigs in blankets, Mozzarella and Truffle Arancini and Charred Hispi Cabbage which complimented our cocktails perfectly. You do have to walk up 75 stairs to reach this rooftop oasis, but it's so worth it for the views, and the comfiest setting for a festive cocktail.
Reviewed by Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor
Enjoy a taste of modern Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan, Mayfair
© HakkasanAs a fan of Chinese cuisine, I had high hopes for Hakkasan – and I wasn't disappointed. I was lucky enough to attend the restaurant's Golden Week celebrations, where I had the chance to taste canapés from its exciting new menu.
As soon as I sat down, I was greeted by a deliciously sweet Golden Bees Cocktail, made with Cointreau, Chinese spice, yuzu, orange blossom honey and Saicho sparkling Darjeeling tea.
I was then offered a range of unique canapés from Hakkasan's new menu, including Smoked beef ribs infused with jasmine tea, Wild mushroom with black truffle and a Golden mala lamb dumpling.
For me, the highlights were the incredibly tasty lobster pumpkin, which featured enoki mushroom and a fermented yellow chilli soup, and the spicy prawn coated in almonds. The flavours complemented each other so well. I could have eaten ten of them!
If you're celebrating an occasion or are looking for a date night spot, then I'd suggest Hakkasan. Not only does the restaurant offer a unique spin on Chinese cuisine, but the low, moody lighting and glamorous decor create the perfect atmosphere for an intimate dining experience.
Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Senior TV and Film writer
Have a glamorous Halloween with Oblix's Night Brunch
Prefer the thrills to the chills on Halloween? Then spend it in style at the Shard restaurant Oblix's Day of the Dead-themed soiree on 31st October. See in the witching hour with amazing live music and entertainment with a bespoke cocktail menu and Night Brunch menu.
Although not Halloween-themed, I stopped by to check out the Night Brunch offerings and was wowed by the generosity of the meals - and a pretty reasonable price ticket of £62 per person for the Chef's Signature Tasting Menu, which can be upgraded to unlimited cocktails and wine. My favourite starter dish had to be the gorgeous beef carpaccio, second only to the sumptious steak main course. Be sure not to skip out of the chocolate and pecan cake for dessert too, bliss!
Reviewed by Emmy Griffiths, TV and Film Editor
Try the unique cocktails with an Asian twist
When I decided to dine at Lucky Cat Mayfair, I expected something special, but I was truly blown away by how extraordinary Gordon Ramsay’s take on Asian-inspired cuisine turned out to be. I began with the Salmon Sashimi, a dish that set the tone for the entire meal with its flawless presentation and impeccable freshness.
Next came the Korean-Spiced Black Cod, the dish I was most excited to try. It exceeded all expectations - perfectly cooked with a flaky, moist interior and a beautifully charred, crisp exterior. The Korean spices brought a smoky, sweet heat that lingered on the palate, enhancing the delicate flavor of the cod without overwhelming it.
To accompany the cod, I chose the Egg Fried Rice. Though simple in concept, it was anything but ordinary. The rice was light and fluffy, with silky egg seamlessly blended throughout. A slight nuttiness from sesame oil added depth, and the seasoning was spot-on, perfectly complementing the bold flavors of the cod without overpowering the dish. It was so delicious that I could have happily eaten it on its own, but together with the cod, it was an ideal pairing.
To end the meal, I indulged in the Dulce Chocolate, a light and airy dessert with delightful hints of cocoa and ginger, providing a sweet yet subtle finish.Dining at Lucky Cat Mayfair was an unforgettable experience. Every bite reflected meticulous attention to detail, making it clear that this is a place I'll be returning to again.
Luckily for guests, you can try the new 9 Lives Cocktail Menu, a curated selection of unique cocktails with an Asian twist, available for just £9 each. Drawing from Gordon Ramsay’s extensive travels across Asia, Lucky Cat takes diners on a culinary adventure, featuring diverse techniques and traditions from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and China. Their drinks menu reflects this journey, presenting classic cocktails with an Asian flair.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor
Don't miss this Asian Fusion Steakhouse in Paddington
Declaring something 'the best meal I've ever had' is a bold statement, but when it comes to Meet Bros Asian Fusion Steakhouse, I feel like this is an entirely justified statement.
This hidden gem is just a stone's throw away from Paddington station and when you enter, you'll immediately be swept away. While the upstairs could pass for a bougie coffee house, it's downstairs where the real magic happens transporting you to a place perfect for any date – or even popping the question!
The food inside matches the breathtaking interiors in terms of quality, with Asian spins on plenty of dishes from guacamole to carbonara. And the steak! The chefs selected the finest cut of meat and as someone who has eaten a lot of steaks, this firmly ranks among my favourite.
It is essentially impossible, however, to choose a favourite dish from the menu, with the wagyu-fried rice and carbonara being delectable dishes, with a hint of spice for the carbonara which for someone who doesn't deal too well with hot foods easily went down. A selection of mocktails and wines can be used to accompany your dish, and the Violent Sunset, which contains a mix of grapefruit, pineapple juice and soda was a dream.
Reviewed by Matthew Moore, Online News Writer
Taste some of the best fusion food at Fatt Pundit
What to do when you can't decide whether you fancy an Indian or a Chinese? Book a table at Fatt Pundit – one of, if not the best, fusion restaurant in central London to sample Indo-Chinese cuisine. If you've never tried it before, you really must! Originating from Calcutta, the unique cuisine combines traditional Chinese cooking methods with the spices and full flavours of Indian food. And the result is just brilliant.
The menu at Fatt Pundit, which has a branch in Soho and another in Covent Garden, is designed for sharing, and dishes come out as and when they're ready. Whatever you do, start by ordering a plate of momos – hearty but healthy steamed dumplings that come in a variety of flavours. I would normally order meat dumplings over veggie ones, but the mixed vegetable momos made up of spinach, courgette, and mushroom were delicious.
One 'fusiony' dish was the crackling spinach; the sweet yoghurt, date and plum sauce, and pomegranate drizzled over the veg was a very unique combo, while another best-seller was the tiger prawn curry. While small in portion size, it packed a punch with flavour and went deliciously with the burnt ginger rice and crispy Bing bread. As for dessert, make sure to share the sizzling brownie, which is theatrically served on a hot plate and comes drizzled with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor
Visit newly-opened restaurant Jugad
Jugad is the newly opened modern Indian restaurant bringing healthier dining out options to the heart of Camden.
Derived from the healthy food delivery service Foodhak, Jugad's menu is completely gluten and dairy-free, although you'd truly never know. From the perfectly flaky naans to the creamy butter chicken, the menu features everything you'd want from a hearty Indian restaurant, but you won't walk away feeling heavy and uncomfortable. Authentic and nutritious, the perfectly cooked tandoori prawns are a must-try, along with the vado pao for a shareable starter.
The drinks menu is filled with a mix of traditional and unique cocktails along with an extensive alcohol-free menu, but the classic Margarita was the winner for me.
The stylish interiors feature long sharing tables, exposed brick walls and abstract art pieces, giving a sophisticated yet comfortable feel for day and evening dining. The word Jugad is derived from the Hindi word meaning "innovative or irregular way of repairing," to embody founder Sakshi Chhabra Mittal’s belief that eating out sustainably and without mass production is possible.
Jugad is definitely worth a visit for a guilt-free meal out that tastes just as good as your favourite Indian dishes.
Reviewed by Sophie Bates, Commerce Writer
Feast on authentic tapas at Boqueria
Londoners and tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a decent Spanish or tapas restaurant in the capital. But for a truly memorable experience with top-notch tapas, I couldn't recommend Boqueria more.
The independent neighbourhood bar and restaurant in Battersea has won awards for a reason. It prides itself on serving authentic, traditional dishes, whether that's their flavoursome paella or their specialities like the Galician steak drizzled with chimichurri sauce – a standout, must-order and winner of the night.
The whole menu is designed for sharing and the tapas selection in particular is bountiful. There are the staples and everyone's favourites, like the patatas bravas and Padron peppers (both wonderful), or the bestsellers like the beef meatballs and the chorizo in cider. But apart from the Galician steak, the other memorable order was the croquetas. We opted for the creamy Iberian ham and chicken croquetas, which were a guaranteed winner.
As for dessert, even if you're not that hungry after feasting on tapas, I highly recommend ordering the burnt cheesecake. Truly indulgent and perfect for those with a sweet tooth, it is very much on the naughty side, but well worth the calories.
Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor
Enjoy Parisian luxury at Ladurée Covent Garden
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden Ladurée is the perfect pit stop after shopping or catching up with loved ones. Adorned with fresh flowers and parisian chic you are in for the most elegant experience with exceptionally warm and friendly service.
Serving brunch from 11:30am you can enjoy some delicious options from French Toast to Pâtisseries or for an extra special experience you can opt for afternoon tea for £39.50 which includes a glass of Vintage Ladurée bubbles.
Over a girly catchup me and my mum indulged in the tea where we were treated to a selection of four sandwiches to choose from - I loved the idea of choosing as you may prefer some over others. Followed by warmed scones with sweet Lauder strawberry jam and delectable desserts. Our visit wouldn’t have been complete without the iconic Ladurée macaroons - with a perfectly soft crunch you can choose from a variety of classic flavours. I selected pistachio and chocolate which I would highly recommend.
We opted to sit on the balcony on a sunny day overlooking the huddle and bussle of Covent Garden below us, completely covered and filled with heaters that can also be enjoyed over the colder months approaching. And to continue the experience at home, don't forget to check out Ladurée X Marin Montagut – A celebration of Parisian art to wrap your gourmet delights.
Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
PizzaExpress unveils its mouthwatering autumn menu – and we’re obsessed!
New season, new flavours! The HELLO! team couldn’t resist heading over to PizzaExpress this week to indulge in their brand-new autumn menu, and trust us – it did not disappoint.
We kicked off our foodie adventure with the perfect sharing starter: crispy mozzarella sticks, followed by the delightfully bold anchovy bruschetta. But the star of the show? The Bruno Romana pizza, topped with indulgent parma ham and blue cheese, a combination that quickly became a team favourite.Of course, no meal is complete without something sweet, and PizzaExpress’ decadent sticky toffee pudding was the ultimate treat.
This date-filled dessert, drenched in rich toffee sauce and served with creamy vanilla gelato, had us officially bidding farewell to summer with no regrets!Ready to embrace autumn? We can’t recommend this menu enough!
LEON’s Big Birthday Bash and a Fresh New Menu!
© Tamin Jones
Celebrating a major milestone in the restaurant world is no small feat, and LEON is doing it in style. To mark the occasion, they’re bringing back some of their most-loved dishes—because what's a celebration without a little nostalgia?
At HELLO!, we couldn’t resist diving into their special birthday menu, and we were not disappointed. First up: the fan-favourite Lucky Katsu. Imagine crispy, golden chicken nuggets drenched in creamy katsu sauce, topped with tangy pickled radish, fresh herbs, and served over a bed of brown rice.
Another returning hit? The iconic Sicilian Chicken Meatballs. These juicy meatballs are packed with Italian cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and fennel seeds, all served with LEON’s signature tomato sauce, a dollop of basil pesto, and brown rice on the side.
And of course, no birthday celebration is complete without a surprise! The newest addition to the menu, the Chicken Caesar Burger, got the HELLO! team’s attention too. It’s a fresh twist on a classic, and let’s just say—it was well worth the wait.
Halloween things to do in London in October
Whether you're up for a fright or in for a spooky delight, here's what HELLO! Editors have on their radar for Halloween...
Jump aboard the Hamleys Halloween London Tour Bus
For the sweetest, spooky event with the kids, give the Hamleys Halloween London Tour Bus a try. A great way to introduce your kids to London or a half-term treat, I took my five-year-old for the hour or so tour of London aboard a traditional London bus, complete with afternoon tea served.
The Halloween-themed bus set off from Victoria, and made its way around the top London spots while we ate Halloween-themed cakes and savouries. The onboard entertainer did a great job of keeping the kids happy while stuck in traffic, with magic tricks, trick or treat games and spooky quizzes.
Each child got to take home a special Hamleys gift, as well as a few little treats along the way. My daughter loved it so much she didn't want to leave the bus!
Reviewed by Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor
Brasserie of Fright
This Halloween, Brasserie of Light invites guests to step into the spooky world of ‘Psycho’ with the Brasserie of Fright experience. Running from 21 October - 31 October, the iconic central London restaurant will undergo a frightening transformation, turning into the infamous Bates Motel, offering a fashion-forward and spine-chilling twist to Hitchcock's legendary Psycho thriller.
Guests can indulge in two specially crafted Psycho-themed cocktails: the 78/52 Paloma and Mama’s Boy Marg.
If dessert's your thing, Brasserie of Fright presents It’s Norman’s Knife, a chilling creation served inside a smoking skull with an edible version of Norman Bates’ iconic knife. Featuring dark chocolate foam, vanilla ice cream, grenadine vermicelli, popping candy, and chocolate soil.
The special Halloween cocktails and dessert can be enjoyed alongside the new autumn menu. Be sure to try the white onion soup with caramelised onion, charred onion petals and focaccia croutons
Don't be alarmed when you see blood splatters on the windows, hand prints in the bathrooms, and a shower-scene photo moment for you to capture your own Psycho moment. You'll also receive a Bates Motel room key as a souvenir.
To book, visit brasserie-of-light.co.uk
