What To Do This Weekend: 21st-23rd October
Wintery festivities are starting to shape our social lives so it’s out with the sun-drenched riverside boozing and in with warming drinks, winter pop-ups and seasonal festivities. Although Diwali isn’t until next week, Dishoom are celebrating a week early with an all-day celebration of food and drink on Sunday, Flat Iron Square, home to 16 venues, is finally flinging open its doors and it’s the last weekend of an interactive seesaw installation in Leicester Square so wrap up warm and get outside, it’s set to be a good one.
Hoxtoberfest
Bratwurst and Bier
Oktoberfest was a few weeks ago but if you didn’t make it to Munich (or you are still revelling in a warm Bratwurst-y glow) then you’re in luck as this weekend sees the inaugural Hoxtoberfest. A celebration of everything Bavarian, a full sized alpine chalet will be constructed at Hoxton Docks to house live music, steins full of beer by Erdinger and Berliner and bratwurst courtesy of Herman Ze German.
Thursday – Saturday
Where: 55 Laburnum Street, Hoxton Docks, E2 8BD
Website: www.hoxtoberfest.com
Light Up Seesaws
Light Up Seesaws
Sometimes all the bills, taxes, mortgages and making our own dentist appointments get a little much, and all you really want to do is be a child again. Bet you didn’t think a patch of grass in Leicester Square could solve your problems? An installation titled ‘Impulse’ has been created as part of the Pause and Play Festival, made up of 15 interactive seesaws that light up and come to life when in action. Oh, and as for the bills? It’s free. Being a big kid has never been so fun.
Until Thursday 27th
Where: Leicester Square Gardens, WC2H 7JY
Website: www.heartoflondonbid.london
Step Out Store Street
A Street Party With a Twist
Bloomsbury, that area in the West End where Fitzrovia meets St Pancras, has it’s own festival. The annual Bloomsbury Festival ends on Sunday and this year focuses on all things language, be it the seemingly impossible language of computer coding to the language we speak pretty fluently; food. Store Street is, this Friday, hosting a street party as part of the festival with over 100 artists and local dancers taking place showcasing everything from Bollywood to Swing. Street food will be courtesy of Holborn Community Cooks whilst a huge fire-ridden sculpture of a head will be alight, marking the entrance of the party from Tottenham Court Road.
Friday
Where: Store Street, Bloomsbury, WC1E 7BS
Website: www.storestreetbloomsbury.co.uk
Dishoom Diwali Party
Dishoom’s Diwali Party
Although Diwali isn’t until Sunday 30th October, Dishoom are celebrating early, with an all-day party this Sunday under the West Handyside Canopy in Kings Cross. The day-to-night party will feature Eastern and Western live music, dishes from some of London’s best street food traders (including Born and Raised pizzas and Simmons Creperie) and entertainment for adults and children alike including henna, face painting, traditional floor art and a Diwali light workshop. In addition, all Dishoom restaurants will be serving a special of jackfruit biryani from 23rd-30th October to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights.
Sunday
Where: West Handyside Canopy, Handyside Street, Kings Cross, N1C
Website: www.dishoom.com/diwali
Vegfest UK
Vegan Festival
If your idea of veg at the weekend is vegging out on the sofa then think again. Kensington Olympia is coming alive with the good stuff this weekend as it hosts the annual VegFest UK. A festival of vegan superfoods, over 250 things to do and see include cookery demonstrations, seminars and (the best bit) food vendors including luxury brand London Falafel and Aussie chocolate makers Pana Chocolate. Fingers crossed for a sample or two…
All weekend
Where: Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX
Website: www.london.vegfest.co.uk
London Brewers' Market
Independent Beer Market
Saturday is all about beer at Clapham’s Venn Street Market. Meet the makers of your favourite London independent breweries, this weekend the 5 taking part include The Five Points Brewing Company, Anspach & Hobday and Gipsy Hill Brewing Company. Grab a pint, wander round the food stalls and stock up on cheese from Borough Cheese Co, gooey goodness from Bad Brownie and a range of hot brunches including The Rotisserie Co’s hot spit roast chicken ciabattas.
Saturday, 10am-4pm
Where: Venn Street Market, Clapham, SW4 0AT
Website: www.londonbrewersmarket.com
Flat Iron Square
Bankside's New Market
Flat Iron Square, the new Bankside space containing 16 venues opens on Thursday. Whilst it’s the perfect weekend destination – Where the Pancakes Are is well worth a visit for the fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever had and sophisticated toppings – this Sunday sees a flea market setting up shop. Open all day, stalls at the weekly Sunday market will sell vinyls, vintage, books, craft and more.
Sunday 10am-5pm
Where: Flat Iron Square, Southwark, SE1 1TD
Website: www.flatironsquare.co.uk
RumFest
Celebration of Rum
National Rum Day was back on the 16th August, appropriately timed around Notting Hill Carnival and a general summer of rum drinking but RumFest is returning this weekend for its 10th anniversary edition so a whole new celebration of rum awaits. Over 400 rums will be there for the taking (and tasting) as well as a Christies Rum Auction, Carnival Hour with live dancers and talks from the rum experts. The legend behind Reggae Reggae Sauce, Levi Roots, will also be in attendance on the Sunday, sharing some of his cooking secrets as he takes to the main stage.
Saturday and Sunday
Where: ILEC, 47 Lillie Road, Earls Court, SW6 1UD
Website: www.rumfest.co.uk
Starting to feel festive? Check out our Christmas page for everything you need to know about Christmas in London.
