23 Pop-Ups You Need To Visit This October

17th October 2023 | By Lottie Woodrow

Wondering what to do this month? From the London Restaurant Festival’s autumn edition to the first Christmas events of the season popping up, we’ve rounded up the very best pop-ups worth visiting this October.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Amber Meadow

This October, The Macallan is transforming Rosewood London’s iconic terrace and courtyard into an immersive Amber Meadow installation. To mark the launch of the new whisky which is inspired by the McCartney sisters’ love of Scotland and the Speyside home of The Macallan Estate, this Highland-inspired destination is a must-visit for autumn.

The scenic escape, complete with a babbling brook, authentic foliage and a sun-like orb celebrates the fusion of the partnership, united by the McCartney’s and The Macallan’s respect and admiration for the natural world.

In addition to soaking up the surreal surroundings, you can also keep yourself busy with the impressive menu along with signing up for special ticketed events available on selected dates, featuring a guided meadow tour to the accompaniment of a guitar player and sketch artist, before a four-course dinner paired with Macallan cocktails.

 
WHEN: 11 OCTOBER – 29 OCTOBER
WHERE: ROSEWOOD LONDON, 252 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON WC1V 7EN
WEBSITETHEMACALLAN.COM

Spirit Of Christmas Fair

Autumn is ticking away and we’re almost ready to start counting down the days until Christmas, but not until we get ahead with some present shopping. Helping Londoners to kickstart the festive season in style is the Spirit of Christmas Fair. 

Returning to Olympia London at the end of October, the Spirit of Christmas Fair will be bringing a curated collection of 700 independent brands and designer-makers. Start ticking off your festive present list, taking home beautiful gifts, from toys and fashion to homeware and stylish seasonal décor. 

Throughout the seven-day event, there’ll be creative workshops and demonstrations to get involved in, as well as live music and a tasty pop-up restaurant from acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro. 

Plus, The Handbook readers can get an exclusive 25% off tickets when using the code HANDBOOK at checkout.

When: 30.10.2023 – 05.11.2023
Where: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX 
Website: www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

Gin & Tea Time at cloudM Tower of London

Enjoy your high tea, quite literally, in the clouds thanks to citizenM’s new partnership with Bombay Sapphire. Available from the hotel’s rooftop bar, cloudM’s Gin & Tea Time experience will be putting a special spin on your traditional afternoon tea. 

Sip into the afternoon on gin-focused cocktails, from the Thames Trader, made with Bombay Sapphire, mango juice, cinnamon and chilli syrup, lime juice and chocolate bitters to the London Eye, a mix of Bombay Premier Cru, sugar syrup, lime juice, blue curacao, ginger, liquor and sparkling wine. Cocktails will be served alongside a selection of tea-time bites featuring Josephine Dessine plateware designs. 

That’s not all, during London Cocktail Week, cloudM Tower of London will be participating with an £8 cocktail deal on their Fleur de Citron. The refreshing serve is made with Bombay Citron Pressé, Prosecco, soda and garnished with a lemon wheel.

When: London Cocktail Week campaign available 12.10.2023 – 22.10.2023 |  Gin & Tea Time is available to book Fri-Sun, 4-7pm
Where: cloudM rooftop bar at CitizenM Tower of London, 40 trinity square, 7th floor, EC3N 4DJ 
Website: www.resy.com

When: 12.10.2023
Where: 139 Ebury Street, Belgravia, SW1W 9QU 
Website: www.ganymedelondon.co.uk

The Franklin Haute Couture Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea doesn’t get fancier than this. The Franklin London has just launched a Haute Couture afternoon tea that’s sure to win over every fashion lover. 

Enjoy miniature savouries, pastries and sweets, from the figs mousse and orange sable Sheath Dress to walking the catwalk with a yogurt and lemon cake Pochette. 

Take the occasion up a notch and book in for the full Haute Couture experience, complete with a ticket for a temporary exhibition at the V&A, including their latest Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto retrospective.

When: On-going 
Where: The Franklin, 24 Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW3 2DB 
Website: www.collezione.starhotels.com

Eco’s 30th Birthday Celebrations

Pizza lovers, listen up: this month sees Clapham pizzeria, Eco, celebrate its 30th anniversary serving up on Clapham High Street. Throughout the month, the team will be celebrating in style with an exciting revival menu from 1993. 

Meanwhile, on Monday 23rd October, the pizzeria will be bringing back its original prices from 1993, meaning you can get your hands on their beloved pizzas, starting from just £4.50. Dough-licious. 

The team has a competition running in partnership with the oldest and best sourdough pizzeria in Italy, L’Antic Pizzeria Da Michele. One lucky winner will win a trip to Naples! Find out how to enter.

When: 23.10.2023
Where: 162 Clapham High Street, SE4 7UG
Website: www.ecorestaurants.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Afternoon Tea

As the Shard’s spire turns pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023, Shangri-La The Shard, London is launching three activations to help raise money in support of the charity. 

Guests will be greeted with artistic pink installations in the lobby inspired by feathers and neon, with fresh pink flower displays dotted throughout the hotel. 

Throughout October, Londoners can look forward to a special Pink Sky Brunch at Sky Lounge, offering a blush twist on the classic Sunday experience. Or, book in for the pink afternoon tea at TĪNG Restaurant & Lounge, featuring a pretty stand decorated with pink paper flowers and adorable delicate treats.

When: Until the end of october 
Where: Level 35, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU 
Website: www.ting-shangri-la.com

Bodega Roti’s

An entire pop-up celebrating the flaky roti varieties across the Caribbean is making its way to Kings Cross this October. 

To celebrate Black History Month, acclaimed author Riaz Phillips and cult sandwich shop Bodega Rita’s will be teaming up to create Bodega Roti’s for a two-week pop-up. 

Recipes from Phillips’ book, East Winds: Recipes, History and Tales from the Hidden Caribbean, will be available to try, including the dal puri roti and buss-up shot Trinidadian roti. Mop up dishes like the channa aloo, curry shrimp, curry goat or pumpkin talkari. 

When: 18.10.2023 – 28.10.2023 
Where: 91 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6BH
Website: www.ritasdining.com

London Restaurant Festival

London Restaurant Festival returns with its autumn edition this October and is set to feature over 50 exciting culinary experiences. 

From a giant food festival taking over Market Halls Oxford Street to restaurant hopping tours across the city, this is the event that every foodie needs to get involved in.

When: Various dates throughout October 
Where: Various locations 
Website: www.londonrestaurantfestival.com

Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience

A giant Claude Monet-inspired immersive experience has landed in London. The 360-degree exhibition will feature a series of Monet’s most inspiring paintings, projecting them onto the walls alongside sound and light displays. 

Running until 26th November, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Monet’s iconic paintings, from the Haystack at the end of summer 1891 to Poppies 1873.

When: Until 26.11.2023
Where: The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU
Website: www.monetexpo.com

 
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Marfa Stance Notting Hill Pop-Up

If you’re on the hunt for a new staple coat to see you through autumn-winter, look to Marfa Stance’s must-visit Notting Hill pop-up shop. 

The brand’s pieces have been seen on just about every It-girl over the summer and its multi-wear jackets are available to shop at the pop-up. Running until Sunday 22nd October, you can book one-to-one styling appointments to discover the full range.

When: Until 22.10.2023 
Where: 79 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W2 5DB 
Website: www.marfastance.com

 
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The High Fashion High Tea at The Kensington

In celebration of the V&A’s Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto Exhibition, The Kensington will be offering an exciting package inspired by the retrospective. 

Hotel guests can attend the highly anticipated exhibition and continue the experience at the hotel too, with a high-fashion afternoon tea and artfully curated Perrier-Jouët cocktails. Inspired by Chanel, expect to be delighting in light-bites including Coronation chicken sandwiches; dark chocolate and vanilla macarons; opera cake; and plain and fruit scones.

When: On-Going 
Where: The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, SW7 5LP
Website: www.doylecollection.com

One Hundred Shoreditch x Self Space

The latest event from the stylish hotel, One Hundred Shoreditch, and the world’s first on-demand mental health service on the high street, Self Space’s, partnership lands this month. 

Presented through a series of talks and workshops, the partnership will shed light on mental health and the importance of self-care and self-belief. Head down on Wednesday 25th October for the Cultivating Confidence Workshop, complete with cocktails and a chance to discover more about the topic.

When: 25.10.2023, 20.11.2023
Where: One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Website: www.designmynight.com

Cointreau x South Place Hotel

This October South Place Hotel will be partnering with Cointreau to become East London’s very own Chez Marg to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the margarita. 

Taking over the Secret Garden and 3Bar with a stunning installation, the spaces will become a special oasis where you can sip on five twists on the classic margarita. 

You can expect an autumnal oasis with warm hues of orange and yellow filling the space, injected with all things Cointreau and margaritas.  

When: throughout october 
Where: South place hotel, 3 south place, ec2m 2af 
Website: www.southplacehotel.com

Anya’s Grotto

As if one mention of Anya Hindmarch’s antics wasn’t enough, the designer is back at it again with the return of the infamous Anya’s Grotto. 

Book ahead now and let your little ones embark on a magical journey with Father Christmas this festive season. The space will be complete with candy cane forests, crunchy snow, twinkling baubles and icicle caves, followed by a seasonal story by the fire.

When: 13.11.2023 – 24.12.2023 
Where: 11 Pont Street, Chelsea, SW1X 9EH 
Website: www.anyahindmarch.com

Coast Retreats at THE PIG

From November, THE PIG-at Harlyn Bay will be joining forces with Cabilla Cornwall to offer guests a two or three-night weekend retreat, ‘Ground & Grow’. The retreat has been carefully designed to help you slow down, reconnect with nature and find some time for yourself, all while soaking up the Cornish countryside. 

Plus, you’ll hear from guest speakers Sophie Pavelle, Lucy Jones and Emma Lucy Knowles who’ll share their unique and inspiring take on nature connection, while enjoying a three-course feast with seasonal food from their local suppliers and Kitchen Garden produce. Sign us up!

Credit: Jake Eastham

WHEN: The first retreat takes place Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November (2 nights),
Where: THE PIG-at Harlyn, Harlyn, Padstow, PL28 8SQ 
Website: www.thepighotel.com

Víctor Gutiérrez x Roberto Sihuay at LIMA

Inviting you to journey through Latin America this October is LIMA Fitzrovia and its special takeover. Two of the world’s leading Peruvian chefs, two Michelin-starred chef Victor Gutiérrez and Roberto Sihuay of LIMA restaurants will be joining forces for one night only to create a unique eight-course menu. 

The menu will showcase the best of the two chefs’ expertise, featuring dishes such as hamachi tiradito with avocado and huacatay tiger milk; deer, salsa anticucho; and Wagyu teriyaki with aji amarillo and ginger pak choi.

When: 17.10.2023
Where: 31 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1JH 
Website: www.limalondon.com

House Of Goldi

Running from Friday 6th until Sunday 8th October will be Drunk Elephant’s exciting beauty pop-up celebrating the launch of its new B-Goldi Bright Drops. 

Located on Greek Street, the four-storey space will allow beauty lovers the chance to discover the world of B-goldi, from interactive mixing stations to creating personalised skincare smoothies. There’ll also be workshops hosted throughout the three-day experience, from yoga classes to an influencer meet-and-greet with Sammi Jefcoate. 

Each day, the first 100 visitors will receive a gift bag filled with samples and exclusive Drunk Life goodies.

When: 06.10.2023 – 08.10.2023
Where: 19 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 4DT 
Website: www.drunkelephant.com

Anya Hindmarch x Rosewood London

Queen of pop-ups, Anya Hindmarch returns for yet another iconic installment. This time it sees the brand partner up with Rosewood London for an exciting takeover. 

From 13th – 14th October, Londoners are invited to head down to the pop-up store to shop the Anya Hindmarch Labelled collection. There’ll be a dedicated embossing station that will allow you to personalise your pieces with names and initials – cute. 

While over at The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room, the British designer will be adorning the windows and packaging with her notable eye motif. There’ll be dedicated pies made by head pie maker Nokx Majozi available and even your chance to win a golden ticket with prizes.

When: 09.10.2023 – 14.10.2023
Where: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN
Website: www.rosewoodhotels.com

CURLYTREATS Festival

The annual celebration of Black hair, history and heritage, CURLYTREATS Festival, returns this month. 

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 7th October and features seven exciting events, from the AfroEats Village Block Party to the Black Wellness Advancement. It’s a chance to celebrate Black culture, creativity and community, with various workshops, talks and activities to get involved in.

When: 07.10.2023
Where: Novotel London West & 245 Hammersmith London 
Website: www.curlytreats.co.uk

The Seahorse Dartmouth x Trullo

The Seahorse Dartmouth is heading to London this October for a special collaboration lunch with Highbury favourite, Trullo. Born out of a mutual love of conviviality, the two restaurants have a long history, with the Trullo team regularly travelling down to Dartmouth to cook up a storm at The Seahorse. This month sees them switch places as Trullo welcomes the restaurant to its London site for the very first time. 

Designed with the lazy lunch in mind, the event will begin with an aperitivo at noon followed by a four-course set menu. Enjoy dishes such as cured mackerel with pickled vegetables in agro dolce, grapes and pink peppercorns; seafood orzo; and tender slow-cooked veal shin with potatoes and braised greens. It’ll be followed by a dessert of Armagnac panna cotta with brandy prunes.

When: 08.10.2023
Where: Trullo, 300-302 St Paul’s Road, N1 2LH
Website: www.resy.com

Big Zuu Big Eatery Pop-Up Restaurant

British rapper and all-round foodie, Big Zuu, will be partnering with TV Channel Dave to set up an exclusive two-day pop-up restaurant. 

The idea behind the ‘Big Eatery’ is that the space will feature ingredients that have been recycled and are often overlooked. The three-course menu will use these under-appreciated food products and transform them into gourmet dishes that are packed with flavour. 

With a menu curated by Big Zuu, the pop-up will coincide with the release of series four of his show, Big Zuu’s Big Eats.

When: 06.10.2023 – 07.10.2023
Where: 4 Mercer Walk, WC2H 9FA
Website: www.eventbrite.com

Ganymede x Avi Shashidhara Supper Club

Belgravia favourite, Ganymede, has teamed up with 2023 Great British Menu winner, Avi Shashidhara, to host its first-ever chef kitchen takeover. 

Head chef at Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai, Avi is one of the city’s most exciting chefs on the scene right now. He’ll be taking over Ganymede’s kitchen for one night only on October 12, offering a vibrant six-course menu filled with traditional flavours of India’s regional cuisines. Get your hands on his signature sweet and soft Mangalore buns with Dorset crab sukkah.

Lyan X – a Decade of HMS

For the first time ever, five Lyan bars – and one restaurant – will be united under one roof, marking ten years since the opening of Mr Lyan’s first bar. 

Ryan Chetiyawardana, AKA Mr Lyan, is a legendary cocktail bartender known for his expert mixology and a cool string of stylish bars. This month sees the five locations come together for the first time to celebrate a decade of his expertise. 

Sea Containers London will be recreating Cub, Super Lyan, Silver Lyan and White Lyan in its hotel rooms, giving Londoners the chance to experience all five in one location. Each room will offer a selection of Lyan cocktails, from old favourites to resurrected signatures.

When: 11.10.2023 – 13.10.2023 
Where: Lyaness, Sea containers london, 20 upper ground, south bank, SE1 9PD
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com

Lois O’Hara Afternoon Tea & Installation

In line with October’s Frieze celebrations, W Lounge will be revealing an entire art wall featuring Brighton-based artist Lois O’Hara’s colourful designs. Stretching 5.5 metres high and almost 12 metres long, this impressive installation is eye-catching, bright and sure to bring a smile to your face. 

Alongside the installation, you can delight in a Lois O’Hara-inspired afternoon tea, complete with delicate patisserie, sandwiches and cakes influenced by the artist’s creativity.

When: 10.10.2023 – 16.10.2023
Where: The Perception Bar, 10 Wardour Street, W1D 6QF
Website: www.theperceptionbar.com


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