Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
Autumn is upon us, and while the weather may be cooling down, the capital's cultural highlights sure aren't. From theatre to exclusive dining experiences and everything in between, these are the best ways to spend October in London.
Pavilion Club Fulham
This October sees Pavilion Club, the eclectic hybrid of luxury workspace, private offices and exclusive private members facilities, open its fourth location in Fulham. Situated next to Putney Bridge tube station and a stone's throw from the Thames, the club features member’s lounges, co-working spaces, Zoom booths, meeting rooms, serviced offices, garden, private event spaces and a terrace with impressive river views. Members will also have access to special events, from wine tastings to wellness mornings.
When? From 3 October
Where? Fulham
How much? £350 per month for membership
Behind The Pass at JOIA
Renowned Portuguese two Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa is joining forces with highly acclaimed British chef Tom Booton for the second in JOIA's Behind the Pass collaboration series. Diners can expect classic British dishes with a Portuguese twist – from squid bolognese with grated chourico to Tom's signature ‘All the Chicken’ with Iberian flavours, and a Madeira-inspired fig leaf trifle for dessert. It will all take place on the 15th floor, against the scenic backdrop of Battersea Power Station and the London skyline.
When? 9 October
Where? JOIA, Battersea
How much? £120 per person, with wine pairings an additional £45
BFI London Film Festival
Kicking off with Steve McQueen’s World War II drama Blitz at the Royal Festival Hall, the 68th edition of the UK’s biggest festival will feature plenty of movies, archive works, short films, VR and XR experiences, talks, panels and parties. Screenings will take place across London, at Royal Festival Hall, BFI IMAX, BFI Southbank, and Bargehouse for the LFF Expanded XR strand, as well as at five London partner cinemas: Curzon Mayfair, Curzon Soho, the ICA, Prince Charles Cinema and Vue West End.
When? 9-20 October
Where? Cinemas across London
How much? Tickets from £10
Ruinart Art Bar, Frieze London
October marks the return of Frieze, London’s annual art fair. Each year, Ruinart, the fair’s official Champagne partner, welcomes contemporary artists to pay tribute to the Maison’s legacy. This year’s commission is titled ‘Conversations with Nature’ and sees six artists explore the relationship between mankind and nature using different mediums. Two artists from the collective – Marcus Coates and Henrique Oliveira will showcase their work, which guests are invited to view in the Ruinart Art Bar
When? 10-13 October
Where? Frieze London, Regent’s Park
How much? Ticket prices vary
The Grill at the Hero Maida Vale
The Hero Maida Vale, which opened earlier this year, has entered its next phase with the introduction of The Grill. Located on the first floor of the pub in a gorgeous wood panelled room, it offers specialty cuts of meat and fish cooked over an open fire. Menu highlights include the jerusalem artichoke pie and pork tenderloin with mustard sauce.
When? Now open
Where? Maida Vale
How much? Menu prices vary
Macbeth
Max Webster’s idiosyncratic take on Shakespeare’s murderous tale of Macbeth sees David Tennant and Cush Jumbo take to the stage of the Harold Pinter Theatre. Their brilliant performances are expertly complemented by groundbreaking sound design by Gareth Fry and live Celtic folk music (all played through lightweight headphones provided) that fully immerse the audience in the drama.
When? 1 October – 14 December
Where? Harold Pinter Theatre, Leicester Square
How much? Tickets from £100
The Emory X Tato
Legendary Argentinian bartender Renato 'Tato' Giovannoni, founder of Florería Atlántico bar in Buenos Aires, and winner of the World’s 50 Best Bar’s Industry Icon Award, is coming to London for a very special takeover at Knightsbridge's Emory Rooftop Bar – which is usually only accessible by hotel guests, but open for outside reservations during Tato’s residency. Sip on Tato's signature cocktails, like the Negroni Balestrini or the ‘Bloody Mary of the Week’, as you soak in the spectacular 360-degree views of London.
When? Until 5 November
Where? The Emory, Knightsbridge
How much? Cocktails from £20
London Cocktail Week
Celebrate London’s world-renowned bar scene with a cocktail (or three) at London Cocktail Week. A schedule of over 100 events will include everything from curated cocktail tours to tastings and masterclasses. A highlight of the week-long celebration is the Connoisseur’s Collection, a programme of exclusive experiences held at London’s most prestigious bars. Expect a ‘Vintage Hanky Panky experience’ at American Bar at The Savoy, which will include a version of the cocktail first invented at the bar made with 1970s Bombay Sapphire gin, and and a ‘Vintage Martini’ flight at The Spy Bar at Raffles London, channelling James Bond with three distinct takes on the Vesper martini.
When? 3-13 October
Where? Bars across London
How much? £20 for a wristband that grants access to various events
Quaglino’s turns 95
This year marks 95 years since iconic Mayfair restaurant Quaglino’s first threw open its doors. To celebrate, guests are invited for a night of glamour and decadence as they feast on dishes inspired by the original 1930s menu and sample Quaglino’s new cocktail menu which revives favourites from the past 95 years.
When? 2 October
Where? Quaglino’s, St James’s
How much? Tickets from £60
The Barbary, Notting Hill
A second iteration of beloved Neal's Yard restaurant The Barbary is opening this September in Notting Hill, much to the delight of West Londoners. Guided by head chef Daniel Alt, the new restaurant – in keeping with the original location – will take its culinary cues from the cuisines and countries of the Barbary Coast, from Southern Europe to Northern Africa. Expect highlights to include house-made merguez, seasonal flatbreads, crispy pork belly skewers, aubergine ajo blanco and The Barbary’s famed hash cake.
When? Open now
Where? Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill
How much? Prices vary
Serpentine Pavilion
Each year, an internationally renowned architect is invited to design and create their first built structure in England, the Serpentine Pavilion. This year, the 23rd Serpentine Pavilion is by Minsuk Cho of Mass Studies. Titled Archipelagic Void, it envisions a unique void surrounded by a constellation of smaller, adaptable structures strategically positioned at the periphery of the lawn.
When? Until 27 October
Where? Serpentine, Kensington Gardens
How much? Free
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