How To Spend This October Weekend, From Art To Food

We’re halfway through the month of October, and Diwali is just around the corner, so restaurants across London are going all out to celebrate. Plus, with Halloween just a few weeks away, we’ve got some great suggestions for events and specials to order. And this weekend, there’s plenty to look forward to with the contemporary art fair Frieze London returning to The Regent’s Park. Here’s what’s on this weekend in London:
Explore this street art festival
The Mount Street Neighbourhood Arts Festival returns this weekend with a programme of visual arts, literature, fashion and food. This year, highlights include an immersive design showcase by Nordic Knots and Henry Holland Studio Residencies, Omari Douglas Book Club: a unique evening inspired by James Baldwin’s Another Country and A Vibe Called Tech Conversation Series featuring daily breakfasts with leading cultural voices, including a private tour at Phillips and talks with Fitzcarraldo Editions’ famed author, Polly Barton.
The Mount Street Neighbourhood Arts Festival returns this weekend with a programme of visual arts, literature, fashion and food.
where: mount street, london
website: www.artsfestival.mountstreetneighbourhood.com
Attend this cocktail masterclass
If you’re keen to elevate your mixology skills before hosting season, this one’s for you – KAY Sake will guide you through three easy-to-make cocktails with Sticks’n’Sushi canapés at this masterclass. Incredibly versatile and refined, KAY Sake is crafted from premium Niigata rice and the purest water from the Kaji river. Look forward to an evening with plenty of flavour and creativity, where you can learn some seriously cool mixology skills.
where: Sticks’n’Sushi Canary Wharf, 1 Crossrail Place, London E14 5AR
Website: www.designmynight.com

Book ahead for a luxe Halloween party
Bacchanalia will transform Apollo’s Muse, its breathtaking cocktail lounge and events space, into The Realm of the Unholy, especially for Halloween. Across two nights, guests will be transported through an immersive party featuring live performances and themed experiential moments inspired by ancient myths. On Friday, DJ and producer Stryv (behind the summer anthem Move) will set the tone, followed by acclaimed DJ Diass on Saturday.
where: 1-3 Mount St, London W1K 3NB
website: www.bacchanalia.co.uk

Attend a foodie + beauty pop-up
For one day only, the dermatological body care brand Joonbyrd will host The Joy Bakehouse pop-up, where you can expect a delicious blend of all things beauty and bakery. Taking place on Saturday, 25th October, you can look forward to free cookies, Joonbyrd giveaways, limited-edition merch and the chance to win some treats.
For one day only, the dermatological body care brand Joonbyrd will host The Joy Bakehouse pop-up.
Plus, The Joy Bakehouse will unveil the latest creations Joonbyrd has cooked up for the holidays: you can feast your eyes on four new science-based holiday kits, Lovebyrds, 3 Little Byrds, Byrds Of A Feather and Byrdsong Trio.
where: Creme, 8 Blenheim Cres, London, W11 1NN
website: www.joonbyrd.com
Sip & Paint at Fulham Pier
Join Pinot & Picasso for a paint and sip session at Fulham Pier’s Water’s Edge, with gorgeous views of the Thames. Try your hand at painting the view of rowers, sailboats and boathouses or go ahead and just have some fun with the paints. All the materials are provided, drinks are flowing from the stacked bar, and there will be some chill beats playing. It’s the perfect way to spend a few hours this weekend.
where: Water’s Edge Bar, fulham pier, SW6 6HH
website: www.fulhampier.coM

Enjoy a Sunday Roast at Lilli by Akira Back
Lilly by Akira Back at the lovely Montcalm Mayfair is a great place to visit for an indulgent Sunday roast. Start with teriyaki beef scotch eggs or wasabi-marinated celeriac, and for mains, choose between a glorious beef wellington, Korean cauliflower steak, or roasted baby chicken. Leave some room for dessert, which includes a chocolate tart, baked Alaska or order a sorbet.
where: Montcalm Mayfair, 2 Wallenberg Pl, London W1H 7TN
website: www.montcalmcollection.com

Try a delicious Diwali menu
Head to Colonel Saab this weekend for a very special Diwali meal. Enjoy classic jazz music while you take in the view of museum-worthy artworks around you, and enjoy an incredible five-course Diwali meal. Start with malai broccoli or paneer tikka, move to creamy chicken curry and end with a baked saffron gulaab jamun – this will be a meal to remember.
where: Holborn Hall & Trafalgar Square
website: www.colonelsaab.co.uk

Attend this free art tour
This October, NYX Hotel Holborn has launched The Free-ze Art Tour. A free, self-guided walking route that spotlights the vibrant art, culture, and character of the area, the tour has been curated by street artist Dan Kitchener, the creative mind behind NYX Holborn’s striking 125 ft mural. The 60-minute route takes guests beyond the hotel’s own art-filled walls to discover a mix of galleries, exhibitions, and street art. The tour will take you from contemporary galleries like MAMOTH to creative hidden gems by emerging street artists and celebrate the artistic spirit of Holborn.
where: 50 – 60 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR
website: www.nyx-hotels.co.uk

Watch Jacob Elordi’s new film
Master of dark fantasy, Guillermo del Toro, returns with his adaptation of the original horror novel, Frankenstein, which releases this weekend. Starring Jacob Elordi as the Creature, and Oscar Isaac as his creator Victor Frankenstein, this is a retelling of the classic story, and follows the brilliant scientist as he seeks to create a living creature- even if it could all go wrong. Elordi fans, this one’s for you.
in theatres this weekend

Head to this spot for riverside views
From film and theatre to music and art, the South Bank is always alive with culture and entertainment.. After a stroll along the Thames, stop in at Skylon to take in the majestic riverside views and enjoy their seasonal British menu – don’t forget to try the shepherd’s pie.
where: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
website: www.skylon-restaurant.co.uk

Book this limited-edition sharing menu
Just for October, Shangri-La The Shard, London, is having a month-long celebration of global flavours across its dining venues. At TING Asian Eatery on Level 35, you can indulge in a limited-edition Asian sharing menu for £89 per person, which features small and large plates, raw dishes, sides, and desserts with highlights like hand-dived scallop with moilee curry, Dover sole fillets with miso and yuzu butter and A5 Kagoshima wagyu skewers.
where: Level 35, Shangri-La The Shard, London, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
website: www.ting-shangri-la.com

Celebrating Frieze at Quaglino’s
As Frieze London takes over Regent’s Park from 15th to 19th October, Quaglino’s has transformed into a living gallery featuring works from contemporary artists like Zara Muse, Steve Lazarides, Robi Walters and Amanza Smith. At the Art Brunch on Saturday, 18 October Amanza Smith will make a special appearance and will be in the bar from 2pm to 5pm to greet guests, and on the menu, expect limited edition Dalmore cocktails and a signature Quaglino’s dessert.
where: 16 Bury Street, London, SW1Y 6AJ
website: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

Try this autumnal drink
Head to Rosa’s Thai this autumn for a delicious Thai tea. Sweet and creamy, it’s the perfect all-day drink and makes a great accompaniment with spicy curries. Brewed with ChaTraMue black tea, spiced with star anise and vanilla, and finished off with milk, Thai Tea is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy. Plus, add a scoop of boba and you’ve got yourself a snack and a drink all in one.
WHERE: across london
WEBSITE: www.rosasthai.com
