We might be making it a bit obvious with all our talk of autumn fashion, coats and boots – but we really do love this season at The Handbook. This October, London has lots of foodie, fashion and just fun pop-ups to look forward to, especially for Diwali, Halloween and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Here’s our list of the best pop-ups to know in London this month:

DCYPHER Beauty’s Complexion Concierge

DCYPHER Beauty, the world’s first 100% custom-made-up brand, is bringing their lab to Manchester, Birmingham and London. At The Complexion Concierge, you can experience their incredible bespoke, inclusive and sustainable foundation for yourself and see how their 100% custom-blended cosmetics work – with over 50,000 unique shades created to date, you’re bound to find your perfect match here. You’ll be able to see a beauty tech in action, from the initial scan to picking up your foundation sample in just 60 seconds – it will be made in front of you as you wait, then expertly applied by MUAs.

If you can’t make the roadshow, we are offering an exclusive 20% off code so you can try DCYPHER Beauty’s multi-award-winning foundation at home. Use the code: HB20

When: Thursday 9th October, 11am to 8pm 
where: Covent Garden Piazza, london
website: www.dcypher.com

Mount Street Neighbourhood Arts Festival

Mount Street Neighbourhood Arts Festival returns this October for its second edition with a week-long celebration of art and literature. Highlights include⁠ a limited-edition bookshop with special editions and merchandise at Fitzcarraldo Editions, daily breakfasts with leading cultural voices and an exhibition of exquisite works crafted from historic textiles – if you’re looking for a fun way to spend this weekend, this is a great spot to be.

when: 13th to 18th october
where: Mount Street Neighbourhood⁠,
website: www.rsmsj.com

Mount Street Neighbourhood Arts Festival returns this October for its second edition.

Laithwaites Wine Festival

Wine lovers, assemble. Head to Lawrence Hall, Westminster, for the Laithwaites Wine Festival, where you can taste over 350 wines, chat to producers from around the world, explore artisan food stands and join expert-led tastings. It’s the ideal place to be if you’re getting a head start on selecting your festive wine, or you just want to learn more about wines from around the world.

When: 31st October to 2nd November
where: Lawrence Hall, Westminster,
website: www.laithwaites.co.uk

Frieze at Quaglino’s

As Frieze London takes over Regent’s Park from 15th to 19th October, Quaglino’s is partnering with luxury Single Malt Whisky The Dalmore and Grove Gallery to transform the restaurant into a living gallery featuring work from four contemporary artists, Zara Muse, Steve Lazarides, Robi Walters and Amanza Smith. Highlights include Creation Night on Wednesday, 15th October, where guests can watch the installations come to life with curated live music and the chance to meet the artists or book the Art Brunch on Saturday, 18th October.

when: 15th to 19th october
where: 16 Bury St, London SW1Y 6AJ
website: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

Exclusive dinner at CORD

For one night only, the world-renowned Buddhist nun and star of Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Venerable Jeong Kwan, is hosting an exclusive dinner at CORD. Taking place on Friday, 31st October, she will present a multi-course menu of spiritual Korean temple cuisine, featuring dishes like jochung-glazed shiitake mushrooms, house-fermented kimchi, and a fermented tea ceremony.

where: 85 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AE
website: www.cordrestaurant.co.uK

Ink & Tonic

Step inside the lobby of The Mandrake, and you’ll find Ink & Tonic, where every Thursday night, Wanda Tattoo sets up shop. There will be a free flash ink live throughout the night – “no appointments, just fate”. You can sip Papa Salt Gin cocktails, and there will be a weekly DJ set by DARKWAH. If you’re looking to get your next (or your first) tattoo, you know where to be.

when: every thursday
where: 20-21 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PG
website: www.themandrake.com

Go East Vintage at BSK Stratford

Grab some gorgeous vintage finds at BSK Stratford this month, with the pop-up taking place on 16th October. Whether you’re looking for your next favourite t-shirt or you’re shopping for prints to put on your wall or colourful home decor items, this will have you covered for your new autumn shopping haul.

when: 16th october
where: 9 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN
website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com

TING Restaurant

Located on Level 35 of the Shangri-La The Shard, London, enjoy a limited-edition Asian sharing menu for £89pp that includes hand-dived scallop with moilee curry, Dover sole fillets with miso and yuzu butter and A5 Kagoshima Wagyu skewers that are available throughout October.

where: Level 35, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
website: www.opentable.co.uk

Vatavaran’s Diwali dinner

If you’re looking for a great spot to enjoy a Diwali dinner, head to Vatavaran for their tasting menu. Start with salmon-beetroot with kokum, yoghurt and chutney, move on to classic butter chicken made with Kashmiri chillies and end with a raspberry phirni. This one sounds like an explosion of flavour on your plate.

when: 17th to 19th october
where: 14-15 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NQ
website: www.vatavaran.uk

Taste over 350 wines and chat to producers from around the world at the Laithwaites Wine Festival.

Oktoberfest on the Pier

Step into a slice of Munich at Fulham Pier, which promises to be London’s coolest Oktoberfest celebration. Look forward to great German beer from the Löwenbräu Brewery, traditional food, live entertainment and plenty of Bavarian fun. Taking place on 4th October at the Orange Box, the band Brass Rascals will be performing, after which a DJ will take over till late.

when: 4th october
where: fulham pier
website: www.fulhampier.com

Mid-Autumn Festival at Yú Gé, Park Hyatt London River Thames

Head to Yú Gé, the hotel’s authentic Cantonese restaurant, to celebrate the mid-autumn festival with traditional Cantonese dishes and Chinese wine. The highlight is the lovely handcrafted mooncakes by Chef Xiaoling that come in two unique flavours: lotus paste with custard-salted egg yolk and chestnut and taro with mixed nuts. A traditional delicacy, it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

where: 7 Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW8 5PH
website: www.hyattrestaurants.com

Grown Alchemist beauty pop-up

Grown Alchemist is hosting their first-ever UK pop-up to celebrate their new range. Taking place from 4th to 5th October at Spitalfields Market, it’s a great chance to take a look at the new HERO Regenerating Night Cream, enjoy a complimentary skincare consultation and even take home free samples. Plus, you can also sign up for the chance to win £1,000+ worth of Grown Alchemist products at the pop-up.

Grown Alchemist is hosting their first-ever UK pop-up.

when: 4th to 5th october
where: Spitalfields Market, 65 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA
website: www.grownalchemist.com

Between The Covers

For the first time ever, the TV book club, Between The Covers, is popping up at Pennyhill Park and stepping off screen into the real world for a special literary retreat. This live, immersive book club experience will be hosted by Amanda Ross, the executive producer of the show and features authors Ruth Jones and Stephen Mangan, as well as the One Day author, David Nicholls.  

when: 3rd and 4th october
where: Pennyhill Park, London Rd, Bagshot GU19 5EU
website: www.exclusive.co.uk

AMANU belt pop-up at Selfridges

AMANU has launched at Selfridges with an exclusive belt pop-up that’s running until 9th November. You can pop over to have custom belt fittings and meet the artisans at the helm of AMANU’s gorgeous craftsmanship. Alongside the made-to-measure belt fittings, the pop-up will also showcase the brand’s new season handbag and belt collection.

when: 29th September to 9th November 2025
where: Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
website: www.selfridges.coM

Hexmoor’s Halloween show

If you’re serious about your Halloween celebrations, head over to the newly opened Hexmoor for some very witchy celebrations. The immersive cocktail bar from the same team as Alcotraz, Moonshine Saloon and Avora, this one’s designed to be a wizarding prison, where you can don your jumpsuit and rub shoulders with dark arts wizards. Expect some great immersive theatre, with magical special effects and delicous cocktails.

where: Unit 11, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY
website: www.hexmoor.co.uk

If you’re serious about your Halloween celebrations, head over to the newly opened Hexmoor.

Sip & Paint with Searcys

This World Champagne Day, Searcys is hosting a Sip & Paint experience, taking place at two iconic locations – St Pancras International and Battersea Power Station. You will be guided through a creative painting class where you can paint a full bottle, while enjoying a glass of Searcys Champagne and a selection of light bites – it’s also the perfect gift for someone special.

when: 22nd october (battersea) & 24th october (st pancras)
where: battersea power station & st pancras international
website: www.searcysatbattersea.co.uk

Sushi masterclasses at TOKii

TOKii restaurant at The Prince Akatoki London offers a range of great experiences for sushi lovers – head for the sushi masterclasses, an interactive experience led by their head sushi chef, where guests learn the artistry of sushi-making. Or if you just want to settle down and enjoy a good meal, go for the Omakase Experience – a chef’s choice tasting menu showcasing seasonal Japanese ingredients or try an East-Meets-West afternoon tea – a Japanese-inspired twist on the British classic, featuring handcrafted sweets, savouries and premium teas.

where: Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London, W1H 7FD
website: www.tokii.co.uk

Fortitude Bakehouse’s limited-edition buns

Enjoy limited-edition artisanal morning buns created exclusively for Kimpton Fitzroy London by cult bakery Fortitude Bakehouse. The Kimpton Bun is a cherry cheong and custard morning bun inspired by Kimpton Fitzroy London and Bloomsbury’s Victorian heritage, and only 60 will be available each day – so get them before they’re gone.

when: till 2nd November
where: 1-8 Russell Sq, London WC1B 5BE
website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com

Only 60 buns will be available each day – so get them before they’re gone.

The Lost Forest Halloween party

When it comes to Halloween, Home House knows how to throw a party. For the legendary annual party, Home House transforms into an immersive world with this year’s theme, The Lost Forest, inviting guests into a realm of ancient magic and twisted folklore. Come in your most spectacular costume, and you can look forward to theatrical performances and lavish sets. While the party is for members only, non-members can join in by booking a stay at one of the House’s 23 bedrooms.

where: 20 Portman Square, London, W1H 6LW
website: www.homehouse.co.uk

Culture, Pop Ups

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