It’s September already? Where did the time go?! But rest assured, it’s not officially autumn until late September, so there’s no need to head inside or start making buckets of hot chocolate just yet. And the temperatures may be dropping, but given how erratic the weather has been, we’d wager there are still a few summer-y days left. Regardless of the weather, with everything going on, there’ll be no pleas to ‘wake me up when September ends’ – otherwise you’ll miss out on some great activities and events! Here’s our rundown of simply smashing things to do in London this September.
1. Ring out summer in style at these last few festivals
September means it doesn’t quite feel like summer anymore, but it’s not yet autumn either. But if you want to keep the summer feeling going for a bit longer, head to these last few festivals in and around London.
🎶 Creekside (September 7): Deptford – a community-oriented multi-venue electronic music festival with hush-hush headliners and an array of brilliant sound systems.
🎵 Boogietown (September 7-8): Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames – a celebration of disco, soul, and funk, with the likes of KC & the Sunshine Band, Soul II Soul, and Boney M getting you down and boogie-ing.
🎶 Waterworks Festival (September 14): Gunnersbury Park – one of the last events on the festival calendar features acts that span bass, house, techno, and experimental music.
🎵 One Out Festival (September 14): Apps Court Farm, Walton-on-Thames – wave farewell to the festival season at “Surrey’s leading electronic dance music festival”.
2. Chow down at this annual festival of meat (Ends September 1)
In September there’s still one final day to enjoy all the meat-y delights of Meatopia before it’s gone for the year. Meatopia returns to London for its festival of fire-cooked food from August 29 – September 1, and they’ve got everything from Texas BBQ to Turkish food, Vietnamese-influenced BBQ, and more. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
Find out more and plan your visit here.
3. Peek behind the mask of a superhero (opens September 6)
Batman Unmasked is an awe-inspiring never-before-seen collection of original props, vehicles, and costumes that range widely across the many on-screen iterations of Batman. Fans can venture into the Batcave to explore an exhibition that stretches from the 80’s Batmans to the modern-day examples. You can even see the impressive Batmobile and Batpod from Pattinson’s “The Batman” and Bale’s “The Dark Knight”. As if the stunning sights weren’t enough, there are photo ops, a comic book and gaming area, and a store with classic Batman memorabilia and exclusive merch.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
4. Try a lager made out of naan (September 2-6)
For Zero Waste Week, the South London Indian restaurant Babur has partnered up with sustainable brewery, Crumbs Brewing, for a special meal with a special drink. The kitchen team at Babur have whipped up a meal highlighting oft-overlooked and wasted ingredients, each designed to pair perfectly with Crumbs Brewing’s Naan Laager – a beer made from surplus and wonky naan. That’s right, you can have your naan and drink it too!
Find out more here.
5. Celebrate disabled artists and art (September 4-8)
Southbank Centre is back in September of 2024 with its biennial celebration and showcase of disabled artists and art, Unlimited. The festival features a range of performances, events, and exhibitions that include everything from dance to comedy, music, raves, visual arts, and more.
Highlights include:
- ‘Mark Of A Woman’ explores the relationships between women and tattooing cultures. The performances use Woojer technology, which turns sound into a haptic experience.
- UK premiere of ‘Precarious Moves’, which explores ideas of mobility and mobilisation.
- The neurodiverse-designed rave Disco Neurotico
- Work-in-progress ‘Midgitte Bardot: Shooting from Below’, which combines “musical theatre, movement, live art and drag to confront the complex history of performance and dwarfism.”
Find out more about Unlimited, and get tickets to the events, here.
6. Wrap your mouth around a cult NYC burger (September 4-8)
NYC Smash Burger gurus 7th Street are bringing their hugely acclaimed smash burgers to London for their first London pop-up this month. You’ll find them slinging their wares from Truffle Burger’s Soho site, and they’ll even be giving away free burgers to the first 50 people in the queue each day.
Find out more here.
7. Be inspired by Camden (September 7)
A free community street festival is set to return to Camden this September with a celebration of Camden’s creative souls. Camden Inspire will take over Camden Town’s Buck Street and Stucley Place with live music, art, workshops, and street food. Head on down to try your hand at Brazillian drumming, listen to some poetry or live music, sip on locally brewed beer, marvel at art, and more.
Find out more here.
8. Immerse yourself in breath-taking art
London may be full to the brim with immersive art experiences, but few surround you with such captivating visuals as Pulse: Beyond Delight. The exhibition takes visitors “on an immersive journey into the heart of Seoul” with artworks inspired by the modern-day city, and its history and culture. Across 13 different zones, guests will discover art that explores myth, reality, and tradition, with each piece surrounding visitors in a tapestry of creativity. Bu act fast, because it’s leaving London on October 8!
Grab your tickets here before it closes.
9. Recognise Black culture and creativity (September 7)
Black on the Square is a FREE annual event in London’s Trafalgar Square that celebrates and highlights Black culture and creativity. By celebrating “the people and communities who contribute to the capital’s creativity”, the event is a wonderful acknowledgement of London’s beautiful diversity. All are welcome to enjoy the event’s food, entertainment, workshops, activities, stalls, and more.
10. Enjoy some nostalgia and cocktails (September 5-7)
Cocktails In The City returns this September for its final celebration of the summer. Landing in Bedford Square Gardens for three days, this edition’s theme is ‘Newstalgia’ with drinks nodding to throwback trends while utilising modern techniques. With over 15 bars represented at the event, there’s plenty to sample. But there’s also plenty to do! Guests can also get hands-on with bourbon blending, caviar tasting, and ice carving, as well as enjoy live entertainment and masterclasses.
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
11. See the city get transformed by paint
The London Mural Festival returns to our city from September 5-29, to give the walls a new lick of paint. Over 100 murals will be created during the festival, united by the theme of ‘Connection’. Produced by Global Street Art, the festival will see artists transforming London into an open-air gallery with all new works of art everywhere you look. There will also be a range of live events, ranging from “parties and gigs to artist talks, tours, and workshops, bringing together a range of artists, communities, visitors, brands, and partners to celebrate the power of street art and its connections to the worlds of fashion, music, and design.”
Experiences include drop-in workshops, life-painting classes with a twist, the chance to “pick up a can and try your hand at spray painting”, and more.
Find out more here.
12. Grab a drink with some Wild West outlaws
If you’ve ever watched an old Western flick and wanted to step through the swinging saloon doors to sip liquor and play cards with a pack of ne’er do wells, here’s your chance! Moonshine Saloon transports guests to the lawless Wild West for a unique cocktail experience. You’ll have to smuggle in some liquor (with which the on-site bartender will make your drinks) and then get kitted up to enjoy the completely immersive experience. Yee-haw!
Find out more and grab your ticket here.
13. Get to learning at the British Science Festival (September 11-15)
What happens when you mash up science, sport, and TikTok? You get the British Science Festival – which this year features science content creator and social media sensation, Big Manny, as well as former Olympic athletes Dame Katherine Grainger, Diane Modahl, and Kelly Sotherton. And plenty of science… of course! Attendees can check out panel talks, take part in activities and workshops, watch live shows, and more. Other topics explored at the festival ran the gamut from drag to music, body odour, time travel, vampires, gardening, and more. Oh – and all events are completely FREE!
Find out more here.
14. Watch the World No1’s take on the World Champions (September 14)
In what’s sure to be a match-up for the ages, England’s Red Roses (the Women’s Six Nations holders and current No1 ranked team in the world) are set to face off against New Zealand’s Black Ferns (the reigning world champions). The clash of epic proportions will play out right here in London, at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, and tickets are available for just £25 for adults, and £5 for juniors.
15. Enjoy dinner and a show aboard a train
Someone has been murdered! (And you were just about to tuck into dinner – oh no!). But fret not, it’s all part of the show in The Murdér Express, a 1920s-style immersive experience that treats guests to a three-course meal and murder mystery entertainment. And to cap it all off, you’re in the unique environs of a retro train for a truly unique, and enthralling, evening. Jump onboard for an unforgettable dining adventure.
Grab your ticket here.
16. All aboard at the Classic Boat Festival (September 7-8)
The Classic Boat Festival is sailing its way back into London’s St Katharine Docks this September. Set to be the biggest event so far, visitors can expect to see over 50 impressive sea-faring vessels ranging from ships used in war to the Dunkirk Little Ships, the Thames Sailing Barges, and more. There will also be plenty of fun activities for kids to enjoy as well as food, drink, and shopping to make the event perfect for the whole family.
The event is free. Find out more here.
17. Watch the London City Ballet return home (September 11-14)
Once upon a time (30 years ago!), the London City Ballet was the resident company of London’s iconic Sadler’s Wells. But it’s been a long time since they’ve graced the stage – until now. Following a 30-year hiatus, the London City Ballet will perform a handful of nights at Sadler’s Wells with a special performance, Resurgence, that “[pays] homage to the company’s early beginnings, [and shines] a bright light on a new legacy.” The performances will also feature internationally celebrated ballerina, Alina Cojocaru, joining the London City Ballet as a guest artist.
Head here to find out more, and grab your tickets.
18. Brunch it up
Who says that the end of summer means the end of brunch? These London spots are just getting started with their fantastic new brunch offerings. Keep the good vibes (and the drinks) flowing at these wonderful new brunches in London:
🔥 Spice up your mornings with Bombay Bustle’s new brunch menu full of dosa, biryani, curries and Indian-inspired cocktails. (Saturdays – 12-2:30pm; Sundays 12-3pm) – book here
🎉 Camden’s new Lock Inn is getting in on the brunch game with its “ultimate Sunday rooftop parties”. You can even enjoy bottomless drinks for 90 minutes for just £20. (Sundays – 12-5pm) – book here
🎶 Islington’s The Old Queens Head is merging the worlds of bottomless brunch with quizzing as they launch the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz Brunch. This experience is unlike any other music quiz (or brunch) in the city with live DJs, games, and hosts. (Every Saturday from September 7 – starts 12pm) – book here
🎉 Blues Kitchen Brixton is launching their new Gospel Service Brunch this month, with a live Gospel Choir performing classic Hip Hop, R&B & Soul as you tuck into BBQ food and 90 minutes of bottomless booze. (weekly from September 7) – book here
Or check out on of these boozy bottomless brunches in London.
19. Head to a world-renowned museum
The Moco Museum may be a newbie to London’s museum scene, but it’s set to “revolutionise the London art scene”. With Moco Museums in Amsterdam and Barcelona attracting more than 5 million visitors, London’s example will feature an impressive range of can’t-miss iconic art from legends of the art world. Pieces include those from the likes of Warhol, KAWS, Haring, Basquiat, Kusama, and more. It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Grab your ticket to check it out for yourself and find out why it’s so beloved.
20. Take a butchery masterclass
East London BBQ legends, From The Ashes, are opening up the doors for foodies to go behind the scenes and learn all about what goes into BBQ butchery. And since they’re found at Five Points Brewing, you’re also being invited to take a full brewery tour to boot. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll then tuck into a feasting style dinner that utilises the just-butchered cuts of meat – accompanied by a beer tasting.
Each month they’ll host one session, with a different animal in each session. On September 12 they’ll operate a pork butchery masterclass. And on October 24, they’ll operate a lamb butchery masterclass. Each session costs £100, and can be booked here.
21. Marvel at these London exhibitions
In a city as full of culture and creativity as London, you can bet there are TONS of incredible artworks and exhibitions to check out. Heck, you can hardly move without finding yet another museum or gallery in our city. This September, make sure to check out these marvellous London exhibitions:
EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN SEPTEMBER
💚 Lucy Marks: Times of the Day (September 7 – 15): Royal Watercolour Society Gallery – oil and watercolour landscape paintings that explore the interplay between light and nature.
❤️ Target Queen (from September 12): Hayward Gallery – a large-scale outdoor artwork from British-Indian artist Bharti Kher that will take over the Hayward Gallery’s eastern and southern facades with supersized bindis.
💛 Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers (September 14, 2024 – January 19, 2025): National Gallery – Van Gogh’s most well-known and stunning artworks will be flown in from around the world to be shown in one place at this “once-in-a-century exhibition.”
🩵 Michael Craig-Martin (September 21 – December 10): Royal Academy of Arts – the largest exhibition of the colourful works from Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA.
💜 Turner Prize 2024 (September 25, 2024 – February 16, 2025): Tate Britain – the four shortlisted artists for the Turner Prize – Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Jasleen Kaur and Delaine Le Bas – will have their work showcased, with the winner announced in December.
🧡 Silk Roads (September 26, 2024 – February 23, 2025): The British Museum – a new exhibition that “explores the Silk Roads and the epic journeys of the people, objects and ideas which shaped cultures and histories”.
💙 Monet and London: Views of the Thames (September 27, 2024 – January 19, 2025): Courtauld Gallery – an exhibition highlighting Monet’s Impressionist paintings of London and its landmarks.
EXHIBITIONS CLOSING IN SEPTEMBER
🧡 Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London (Closes September 8): Guildhall Art Gallery – a series of digital collages sliced into prints that focus in on the city of London.
🖤 Beyond Fashion (Closes September 8): Saatchi Gallery – a showcase of fashion photography from 48 photographers, split into four sections: Allure, Fantasy, Realism, and Surrealism.
💚Homelessness: Reframed (Closes September 20): Saatchi Gallery – platforming work by those who have been directly affected by homelessness to “reframe the conversation on UK homelessness”.
💙 Art Without Heroes: Mingei (Closes September 22): William Morris Gallery – the largest-ever exhibition in the UK dedicated to the Japanese folk-craft movement of Mingei, spanning its start in the 1920s through its evolution to modern-day examples.
❤️ Planet-Saving Innovations (Closes September 30): The Mills Fabrica – a showcase of the most sustainable innovations in fashion.
22. Explore an exclusive menu at Mayfair’s CUT at 45 Park Lane (September 17-21)
This September, CUT at 45 Park Lane will welcome renowned chef Calum Franklin for a five-day exclusive menu collaboration at the famed Mayfair steak restaurant. Calum is a self-proclaimed ‘pastry deviant’, celebrated for his time at Holborn Dining Room, his best-selling book The Pie Room, and now to be found cooking up a storm in Paris at Public House.
The menu is designed collaboratively between Calum and CUT at 45 Park Lane’s executive chef Elliott Grover. It features starters such as The Public House Scotch Egg and Wolfgang’s Trio of Mini Pies including King Prawn Curry Puffs, Curry Leaf, Lime Puree. And for mains, guests can enjoy a show-stopping Australian Wagyu Beef Wellington created collaboratively by the chefs, alongside Calum’s signature Chicken, Chestnut Mushroom & Tarragon Pie and Dauphinoise Potato and Aged Cheddar Pie. To conclude the meal, guests can indulge in a playful, pretty-as-a-picture Jelly and Ice Cream dessert.
Calum Franklin x CUT at 45 Park Lane will run from Tuesday 17 September to Saturday 21 September, dinners only, dishes priced from £14. You can find more information here.
23. Celebrate and explore design in London (September 14-22)
Every year the London Design Festival takes over the city with showcases, exhibitions, workshops, and more to promote the city as “the design capital of the world”. London’s districts each showcase a unique aspect of design, or how their area’s culture has influenced design, turning the city into a walking museum with plenty to discover. Among the unmissable sights are Bankside’s district-spanning exploration of fonts and typefaces and the Shoreditch Design Triangle’s celebration of East London’s creative industries. Also, be sure not to miss Melek Zeynep Bulut’s Duo – this “artwork within an artwork” suspends an installation within Greenwich’s stunning Painted Hall.
Find out more here.
24. Embark on a cultural journey through South East Asia (September 13-15)
A cultural festival celebrating all things South East Asia will take over Battersea Power Station this September. CelebrASIA sees the iconic site collaborating with ASEAN High Commissioners and Ambassadors for the event. Leading the charge to celebrate the culture and cuisine is CelebrASIA ambassador, renowned Malaysian chef, food writer and founder of award-winning Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar, Mandy Yin.
Visitors can expect to enjoy a host of culinary delights ranging from traditional delicacies to contemporary collaborations. We’re particularly excited about the Chicken Satay Burger that Mandy Yin has created in collaboration with Chick’N’Sours. There will also be all manner of live performances, workshops, and games to participate in.
Find out more about the event here.
25. Sip your way through London for Negroni Week (September 16-22)
The Negroni is arguably the greatest cocktail ever made. It’s a simple mix of three spirits that coalesce into a bitter-sweet, floral, warming delight of a drink. And with Negroni Week fast approaching (I can’t wait!), we’ve rounded up some of the best negronis to try in London.
🍹 Clasico Negroni – Bar Termini: rightly considered one of the best Negronis in London, and available in premixed takeaway bottles to enjoy at home.
🍸 The Negronificio – Theo Randall at the InterContinental: here you can completely customise your negroni to your heart’s desire.
🍹 Green Negroni – Manetta’s Bar at Flemings Mayfair: the classic Negroni is given a green hue and new complexity with the addition of Midori and Drambuie.
🍸 Ume Negroni – Bar Antoine at Four Seasons London at Park Lane: a Japanese twist on the drink that utilises Umeshu Plum Wine.
🍹 Pomegroni – Lilienblum: the addition of pomegranate adds a tangy brightness to the drink.
🍸 Ford Vs Ferrari – The Little Violet Door: enjoy a Negroni without the hangover thanks to this non-alcoholic variant that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
🍹 The Last Viceroy – The Octagon Bar: a historic Negroni (named for the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten), with a vermouth blend and spiced sherry thrown into the mix.
26. Discover all things absinthe (Ends September 22)
Now, East London’s The Last Tuesday Society is already far and away one of London’s quirkiest bars. Full of bizarre and inexplicable phenomena, it’s also home to the Viktor Wynd Museum Of Curiosities. But recently it complemented its collection with ‘Let Me Be Mad!’ – London’s first exhibition on the origins and rituals of absinthe. The free-to-visit exhibition takes visitors on a journey through an era of debauchery and decadence, with the chance to also learn about the spirit through tastings and special absinthe-laced cocktails. But it’s all set to finish this September, so be sure to visit before it’s gone!
Read more about the exhibition here.
27. Swing your way to victory
A charming, floral-themed mini golf course popped up in Greenwich this summer courtesy of Lee Baker and Catherine Borowski of Graphic Rewilding. And there’s still plenty of time to challenge your friends to a round. The Wild Swing Mini Golf is open Tuesdays-Sundays until September 29, the 9-hole course costs just £2pp and is a joyous way to enjoy the last of the summer weather.
Find out more and book here.
28. Drink your way through an Espresso Martini Festival (September 19-29)
The Mr Black Espresso Martini Festival is returning to the UK, with over 75 bars across the nation offering up their own versions of the classic drink. Drinkers can expect some truly unique takes, as the participating bars’ “masterful martini mixologists will clarify, carbonate, smoke, infuse, freeze, and foam to offer up the most innovative Espresso Martini yet.”
The participating venues in London include:
- Archive & Myth
- Balans
- Bantof
- Bodeans
- CTC
- Demon Wise And Partners
- Dram
- Red Hand
- Surbitionan Vine
Keep up to date with the latest news at the Espresso Martini Festival mini-site, which goes live on September 1.
29. Spook yourself with an early taste of Halloween (Opens September 27)
The spectacular immersive experience, Phantom Peak, is transforming this month as it welcomes the cooler weather and the Halloween season. Morphing from Phantom Peak to Hallowed Peak, the attraction’s Lunar Festival will treat guests to a limited-time experience “with ground-breaking games, live actors, cobwebs, pumpkins, and more!” Thanks to an enormous 360° immersive environment that spans “imaginative interiors and an outside area with lakes, waterfalls and canals”, guests can “dive deep into the mysteries of the Lunar Festival and embark on a haunted hunt for an extra spooky challenge.”
Find out more and book your spot here.
30. Drink at five of Britain’s best bars – in one spot (September 24-28)
The Soho Hotel is hosting its second annual celebration of Britain’s Best Bars with a week-long series of pop-ups. Bars from as far afield as the south coast (Ojo Rojo), the Isle of Man (Kiki Lounge), and Glasgow (The Gate) will treat Londoners to some of the country’s best cocktails. Each bar will take over for one night only to serve up their special drinks. Be sure not to miss out!
31. Go bargain-hunting (September 29)
If you’re after a refresh of your bedroom/living room/flat/entire house, but want something with a bit more character than flat-pack furniture, we’ve got just the spot for you. The enormously popular Hackney Flea Market is bringing its roving giant vintage yard of unique finds to Peckham this September with the Peckham Salvage Yard sale. Expect a veritable “treasure trove of vintage furniture, reclaimed industrial fixtures, lighting, and salvaged electricals” to breathe new life into any living space.
The Peckham Salvage Yard event will take place on September 29, from 11am-5pm. Entry is £1.50. Find it at Unit 8, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN.
Find out more here.
32. Tuck into a special limited-time menu
London’s wealth of incredible chefs and cooks, and spirit of collaboration, ensures that there is always a litany of food-based events going on around our city. Some of these result in exclusive one-off meals or special menus. Check out these limited-time dining experiences:
🍷 Tiella head chef Dara Klein is joining forces with her father Richard Klein, all the way from New Zealand, with a one-off wine takeover of special Italian wines and a seasonal paired menu. (September 1) – book here
❤️ Lahpet’s West End restaurant pays homage to Myanmar’s diverse culture and history with the ‘Dishes from my Grandma’ supper club, inspired by co-founder Dan Anton’s grandma. (September 3) – book here
🍕 Tiella’s Dara Klein is also collaborating with Dough Hands, at the Spurstowe Arms, on two pizza specials inspired by rustic Italian cuisine and special ingredients. (September 4-8) – walk-ins only
🥩 Flat Iron’s ‘Carcass Club’ returns this month to treat diners to “remarkable rare breed or lesser-known beef”. (September 4 at Flat Iron Hammersmith and Waterloo) – walk-ins only
🖼️ The National Gallery’s Ochre restaurant is toasting its new partnership with tequila brand El Rayo with an evening of exclusive new cocktails and light bites. (September 4) – book here
🌮 Breddos Tacos is dropping down at Cantina Malibu at The Ned with special Friday night menus of mouth-watering tacos and exclusive Patrón cocktails. (Every Friday, September 6-30) – book here
🍽️ Stockholm’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant AIRA is joining forces with Tom Seller’s two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Story for two exclusive four-hand dinners highlighting each restaurant’s signature dishes. (September 10-11) – book here
🍸 Line Bar from Athens is taking over the bar at Kol Mezcaleria for a one-day collaborative exploration of Mexican spirit and foraged flavours. (September 14 – 5-10:30pm)
⌛ Go back in time and dine on Victoria-era food at the ‘Dining Through The Decades – The Victorians‘ supper club hosted by Food Historian and author Eleanor Barnett. (September 19) – book here
33. Or chow down on these new offerings from London’s favourite restaurants
Seasonality often sees London’s restaurants giving their menus a full revamp. This means that even your favourite restaurant that you’ve been to 20 times will often have something entirely new for you to try as the seasons change. Head to these spots to sample their newest offerings:
🍸 Quaglino’s has teamed up with The House of Suntory on a new Otsumami menu of small, flavourful dishes paired with cocktails using the brand’s spirits. (Available until September 29) – book here
🥮 MiMi Mei Fair has launched a new afternoon tea menu, The Tea of Treasures, for the mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Dishes include MiMi’s signature gilded mooncakes, wagyu puffs, duck bao, pineapple upside-down cake, and more. (August 28 – September 22) – book here
🍔 Burger & Beyond has teamed up with chef and social media superstar Laurent Dagenais for a month-long special menu collaboration across all their sites. New dishes include a 45-day aged steak tartare tostada, pineapple & chilli butter fried chicken burger with salsa verde hot sauce, and more. (September 1-30) – book here
🫖 Shoreditch’s Counter 71 is adding a twist to the drinks pairing menu by offering guests a special set menu paired with Saicho sparkling tea (Available for six weeks from September 6) – book here
😋 Amazónico’s new Weekend Lunch Menu, ‘Amazónico Asado’, aims to bring friends and family together to share a glorious feast of Latin American food and drink. (Saturdays and Sundays from September 14; 12-4pm) – book here
🍂 Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO is ushering in Autumn with a new, limited-edition Forest Menu. Inspired by seasonal ingredients in and amongst the British Isles forests, the six-course menu will include the likes of a Wood sorrel, venison tartare and bilberry ketchup taco, and the Blackberries dish with pigeon, roasted girolles, and textures of blackberry. (September 24-October 12) – book here
34. Head-bang at a London gig
London plays host to some of the most thrilling live music performances. Thanks to our many varied venues, spread around the city, you’ll find great gigs almost every night. Here are some to keep an eye out for:
🎶 girl in red (September 3): OVO Arena
🎸 Black Country, New Road (September 3): The Lexington
🎙️ Maggie Rogers (September 4-5): Hackney Empire
🎹 The Lemon Twigs (September 5): Electric Brixton
🕺 Jungle (September 12): The O2
🎧 Natasha Bedingfield (September 12): KOKO
🎸 The Moonlandingz (September 12): The Garage
🎤 Azealia Banks (September 13-14): O2 Academy Brixton
🎶 American Football (September 14): Roundhouse
🎹 Tommy Lefroy and Katie Gregson-MacLeod (September 18): The Garage
📻 Chappell Roan (September 18-19): O2 Academy Brixton
🎵 Jamie xx (September 25-26): Alexandra Palace
🎤 Janet Jackson (September 28-29): The O2
35. Get the pints in for Oktoberfest
Despite what you might think from the name, Oktoberfest traditionally kicks off in September, not October. Although, the weeks-long celebration does end in October. Regardless of when it starts and ends, though, it’s a spirited celebration of great beer, great food, and great (depending on who you ask) brass bands. Plenty of London venues are honouring the traditional dates with celebrations through September.
🍺 Big Penny Social is the UK’s largest beer hall – where better to celebrate the big beer-y occasion? September 20-21 – tickets here.
🍻 The Bermondsey Bierkeller will be celebrating Oktoberfest across 7 weekends of revelry and they’re promising “the most exhilarating parties in town”. September 21 – October 31 – tickets here.
🍺 Camden Oktoberfest returns to the Electric Ballroom for its 8th year, with five raucous parties full of authentic German beers, food, and plenty of Dirndl and Lederhosen. Every Saturday from September 28 – October 26 – tickets here.
🍻 Oktoberfest will take over Between The Bridges with two pint steins, Bavarian-inspired street food, and “stein-slinging-worthy live music”. September 27 – October 12 – tickets here.
🍻 Over at German Gymnasium, they’re serving up a markedly more sophisticated Oktoberfest celebration – but still with plenty of Bavarian charm. From September 20 – October 31, diners can enjoy the Oktoberfest Spezialitäten menu and limited-time-only German beers. Find out more here.
36. Find out about the man behind the Tube map
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the people behind the iconic Tube map – an omnipresent existence in the lives of all Londoners – a special new play may interest you. The special theatrical production will explore the life of Harry Beck, the man who designed the iconic Tube map (along with his wife Nora), to remember him 50 years after his death. The play, The Truth About Harry Beck will run from September 14 – November 10 at the London Transport Museum’s appropriately-named Cubic Theatre.
Find out more here.
37. Be dazzled by a London theatre show
London’s West End is the stuff of legend – and for good reason. Our city’s theatrical scene hosts everything from ground-breaking genre-bending productions to family-friendly shows, Broadway transplants, and more. Here are the top plays opening this September, and some to see before performances end:
NEW OPENINGS
⛵ Our Country’s Good (September 5 – October 25): Lyric Hammersmith – follows the story of British convicts being sent to Australia’s first penal colony.
🛍️ Kim’s Convenience (September 5 – October 26): Riverside Studios – the smash-hit play that spawned the CBC and Netflix hit comedy series of the same name.
❤️ The Real Ones (September 6 – October 26): Bush Theatre – a love letter to platonic soulmates that follows two aspiring playwrights.
📻 A Face in the Crowd (September 10 – November 9): Young Vic (Main House) – a musical adaptation of the 1957 film, from singer-songwriter Elvis Costello and award-winning Broadway playwright Sarah Ruhl, about celebrity, power, and politics.
👑 Princess Essex (September 13 – October 26): Globe Theatre – a comedy about the first woman of colour to enter a beauty pageant in the UK, in 1908.
💉 Pins and Needles (September 19 – October 26): Kiln Theatre – “explores the politics around vaccines, and the human stories behind them”.
❤️ Juno and the Paycock (September 21 – November 23): Gielgud Theatre – a small family trying to survive in Dublin during the Irish Civil War.
💸 The Lehman Trilogy (September 24 – January 5): Gillian Lynne Theatre – the story behind the Lehman brothers, their eponymous bank, and “its doomed fate which led to the biggest global financial collapse in history”.
💔 La bohème (September 26 – October 19): London Coliseum – Puccini’s famed opera is transported to 1930’s Paris.
ENDING SOON
🍻 Sh!t-faced Shakespeare®: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Ends September 7): Leicester Square Theatre – each night a different cast member gets sloshed before the performance, resulting in some zany improvised Shakespearean antics.
🎶 Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World (Ends September 8): The Other Palace – Main Theatre – a musical romp through “some of herstory’s greatest icons”
💀 Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder! (Ends September 14): Ambassadors Theatre – crime podcast hosts are thrust into their very own whodunnit.
🐍 Antony and Cleopatra (Ends September 15): Globe Theatre – a bilingual production of the Shakespearean classic in spoken English and British Sign Language.
🧠 Next To Normal (Ends September 21): Wyndham’s Theatre – a musical exploring mental illness and its effects on relationships and family.
🎭 Slave Play (Ends September 21): Noël Coward Theatre – “Jeremy O. Harris’s 12-time Tony-nominated show… explores themes of race, power dynamics, and sexuality”.
🎶 A Night With Janis Joplin (Ends September 28): Peacock Theatre – a musical paying homage to the incredible career of the rock legend.
🕵️♂️ The 39 Steps (Ends September 28): Trafalgar Theatre – thriller meets slapstick comedy in this award-winning play based on the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock flick.
💀 Death of England (Ends September 28): Soho Place – two separate performances are available to watch, telling the stories of Delroy and Michael in two pieces that converse with each other. See them both.
For even more theatrical productions in London check out our guides to the must-see stage shows and musicals.
38. Kick off oyster season
Common wisdom goes that oysters should only be eaten in months with an ‘r’ – and now that summer’s over, those ‘r’-months are finally upon us. So now that it’s oyster season, head to these spots for super fresh, super delicious oysters to slurp up in London:
🦪 Brixton’s The Laundry restaurant will kick off oyster season with a one-off Rock & Oyster evening in partnership with seafood suppliers Wright Brothers. Get tickets here.
🤤 Oyster Boy pops up every Saturday at London Fields’ Broadway Market, and every Sunday at Columbia Road Flower Market. Expect plump juicy oysters, shucked to order in front of you.
🦪 In case the neon sign in the window didn’t give it away, Randall & Aubin does some smashing oysters – and seafood in general!
🤤 The Guinea Grill takes guests back in time with its unchanged a la carte menu that has always featured delectable oyster specials – from the half dozen oysters to the Beef, Guinness and Oyster pie.
🦪 Ekstedt at The Yard has oyster fanatics sorted with its new Oyster & Wine Pairing. The trio of uniquely-prepared oysters (femented salsify? beef dripping!?) is paired with a glass of sparkling wine.
🤤 The Mayfair Chippy keeps it simple and delicious with their oysters, served with shallot vinegar, lemon, and tabasco. Prices start at £12.50 for 3 oysters.
🦪 Kapara’s Curious Oyster comes topped with tomato and chilly chutney, sumac cured shallots, and raspberry vinegar. It’s highly recommended you slurp them alongside a glass of champagne…
39. Try out a world-class burger from Denmark
Calling all London burger fanatics: you don’t want to miss this! Copenhagen’s famed smash burger join, Gasoline Grill, is revered amongst foodies. Many consider it to be one of the best burger spots, if not the very best burger spot, in the whole world. And they’re coming to London for one month only! To try out their famed food creations, head to Double Standard at The Standard. But act fast because they’ll only be serving them from August 12 – September 15!
Find out more here.
40. Head to one of London’s newest restaurants and bars
In a city like London, you can bet there are all manner of new venues opening up constantly around the city. If you’re looking for the newest restaurant or bar to try out this September, head to these new spots:
🎶 Undercroft – On September 5 Chef Brad Carter and Martin Priestnall will open a restaurant in the crypt of St George’s Church with an emphasis on food, music, and art.
🍷 Monmouth Street Wines – a new pop-up wine bar from the team behind the critically acclaimed restaurant, The Oystermen, brings laid-back wine-fuelled vibes to Monmouth Street this September.
🔥 The Barbary – following the success of The Barbary in Covent Garden, another site will open in Notting Hill with food inspired by “the cuisines and countries of the Barbary Coast, from Southern Europe to Northern Africa”.
🍸 Good Measure – an intimate 15-seater new subterranean bar from Daddy Bao, serving punchy cocktails with a Taiwanese twist and Taiwanese bar snacks. (Opens September 6)
🍺 Clock House Tavern – independent pub group Parched will open a new community pub in Peckham Rye on September 19. Expect old-school charm with quality food and drink.
🥢 Sticks’n’Sushi – the Danish Japanese fusion restaurant lands in Islington on September 28 with its blend of quality sushi and sticks from the grill.
🍷 Sesta – a wine bar and restaurant will open September 11 on the site of soon-to-close Pidgin, headed up by current Pidgin chef Drew Snaith and one-time General Manager Hannah Kowalski.
🥖 Café François – a French canteen will open in Borough Yards on September 11 inspired by Parisian cafés, Californian delis, and Canadian bistros, from the team behind Maison François.
🍔 Junk – another international burger is winging its way to London, with the French smash-burger concept set to open in Soho this September.
🍻 The Blue Stoops – a new pub from the team behind Allsopp’s Brewery, which first invented the India Pale Ale (IPA), opens in September, aiming to serve the brewery’s traditional beers with recipes that date back to the 1730s.
🍢 Kanpai Classic – legendary in Taiwan and China for its Michelin-Stared yakiniku concept restaurant group with charcoal grilled meat and beer. They’ll open their first site in London this September.
🎺 Soul Mama – a new restaurant and music venue from acclaimed jazz musician Yolanda Brown with Afro-Caribbean cooking from Michelin-trained Executive Head Chef, Aleandro Brown.
🥗 Atis – the salad bar chain launches its eighth location, in Eastcheap, on September 2, with 50% of salad bowls and plates from September 2-6.
For more new openings in London, head here.
41. Challenge yourself at “the best quiz night you’ve ever been to” (September 17)
As well as being a presenter on TV and radio across Channel 5, BBC Radio 5 live, and more,
Gavin Inskip is an in-demand quiz host who turns each quiz night into your very own game show. Following popular quiz nights at some of London’s most exclusive clubs and venues, Gav is now bringing the first-ever Gav Quiz to London’s Hippodrome in Leicester Square. With reviews crowing “It’s the best quiz I’ve ever been to!” – you won’t want to miss out.
Find out more here.
42. Celebrate a wine-fuelled birthday
Wine bar group Humble Grape is celebrating its 15th birthday this September, and they’re going all out for the ocassion. Through September they’re giving away free bottles of wine, wine flights, and dishes of foo. They’re also hosting grape treasure hunts every Tuesday through the month. As if that wasn’t enough, there will also be a special ‘Aged To Perfection’ supper club. Those lucky enough to nab a ticket will enjoy six of their “bestselling and most iconic wines from the last 15 years, perfectly paired with dishes”.
Find out more about the fifteenth birthday celebrations, and how to nab some freebies, here.
43. Keep exploring this jaw-dropping city
Well, we can’t put everything in one article, can we? So here are even more fantastic things we’ve written about recently that you don’t want to miss in London.
🍻 This North London Pub Has Been Named The Best In The Whole City
🌊 This Extraordinary Island Is Just 2 Hours From London – But You Can Only Access It At Low Tide
🍻 The Picture-Perfect Pub Perched On A London Underground Platform
🪴 There’s An Adorable House Of Plants Hidden Inside A South London Railway Arch
⛲ Did You Know There’s A Stunning Secret Garden Hidden In The Heart Of Regent’s Park?
😵💫 This Curiously Crooked Café Bar Has Lived Many Lives – And It’s Only An Hour Away From London
🍨 This Famous Dessert Hotspot From Mumbai Is Opening Their First UK Store In South London
😋 This Boujie Mayfair Restaurant Boasts Delicious Dining And A Dedicated Espresso Martini Menu
👀 These Are The Narrowest Streets In London – And (Spoiler Alert) One Of Them Is Just 5cm Wide
🤤 This Lovely Street Market In Hackney Is A Brilliant Spot For Foodies
More things to do inspiration…
😁 Fab and FREE things to do in London