Autumn’s really where it’s at: pumpkin spice lattes aside, it’s the prettiest month around, the excitement for Christmas starts without having to actually buy presents yet, and Halloween’s the perfect excuse to vamp up your wardrobe with some sassy outfits. Still need more convincing? Well, Autumn really kicks off in October, so we asked our friends at DesignMyNight to round up the best things going down this month to make sure your social calendar is looking its best…
Visit Queen of Hoxton’s New Winter Pop-Up
Even if you’ve used all your holiday leave this summer, you can visit a little slice of Morocco at the Queen of Hoxton. This October, their famous rooftop will be transformed into a full medina, with patterned cushions, rugs, throws and candlelights to really channel that Marrakech vibe. The cocktails are seriously exotic – think spiced hot buttered rum and sweet cardamom spiced coffee – which can be sipped while you chomp on halloumi fires and vegan mezze sharing boards.
Cocktails are the best thing to happen to alcohol since… well, the invention of alcohol. And nothing proves this better than the super-popular drink-fest, London Cocktail Week, where a wristband grants you £6 drinks for an entire week at some of the best bars in London (goodbye £15 Pornstar Martinis). You can also head over to the exclusive Cocktail Village in Old Spitalfields Market, where you’ll be greeted with even more cocktails and live music.
Alcotraz – Prison Cocktail Bar
Grab your partner in crime: there’s a new pop-up in London and it’ll be the most controversial thing you’ll do all year. This immersive drinking experience will see you don an orange jumpsuit (a la Orange is the New Black, but with a bit less crying) and attempt to smuggle a bottle of your favourite booze past the prison guards. Do everything right and you’ll be drinking bespoke cocktails in your cell, mixed by a particularly talented inmate.
You’ve seen the film a million times, you know the songs off by heart, and now the time has come for you to be a part of the magic. There’s a feast happening in London that’s inspired by Beauty and the Beast and you have to go, so get ready for three courses of delicious food accompanied by fantastic musical entertainment. You’ll have a fairy hostess, and plenty of table dances to look forward to, so start working on your most magical outfit straight away.
Psst, we’ll let you in on this one, but only if you don’t tell a soul. Deal? Cahoots – the coolest underground 1940s bar in Soho – are hosting their own 40s party at The Vaults. You’ll be greeted by a Veuve Clicquot Champagne reception, before being treated to a selection of inclusive Grey Goose, Jack Daniels, Bombay Sapphire and Fentimans cocktails all night long. Meanwhile, a live band will be playing your favourite jazz, swing and lindy hop to get you onto the dance floor. Better make the most of it though – you never know when the Old Bill will come and shut it down.
Say goodbye to run-down cinemas with chewing gum covered seats. The Travelling Film Show is in town, and they’re known for screening classic films in some of London most iconic locations. We’re talking Casablanca on the 69th floor of the Shard, with Grey Goose sponsoring too. With Halloween in tow, they’re gonna be showing Psycho this month – one of the best horror movies of the 60s.
The name’s Royale, Casino Royale; and it’s about to be the fanciest night of your life. You James Bond enthusiasts need to dust off your LBD (or buy a new one) and prepare yourself for a raucous night of martinis, roulette tables and live entertainment. Expect the beautiful Roof Gardens to be awash with fire-eaters, ballet dancers, and burlesque entertainers, all while you exchange those witty, wooing one-liners you’ve been practicing since seeing Goldfinger.
The scariest time of the year is just around the corner and it’s about time you got ready for it. A whole troupe of twisted circuses have rolled into town, with Freak Shows and tormented dancers in tow; Day of the Dead celebrations have arisen, as those that have passed away come back to life (in full skull paint); and the capital’s drag queens have started to get a flare for the undead. Whatever you fancy, there’s plenty to sink your fangs into this Halloween in London.
Tequila might have a bad rep for being the sole source of your hangovers after a night out, but that’s just because you’re not doing it properly. Head to Tequila and Mezcal Fest for two days of learning about and sipping the finest Mexican spirits out there. It’s not just about the booze though: there’s going to be a mariachi band, folklore dancers, an Aztec ceremony performance, Central American food and an art exhibition.
Celebrate Oktoberfest With Steins of Prosecco
Everyone has a soft spot for Oktoberfest, but drinking stein after stein of beer can get a bit much. But to every weirdly specific problem, London has the answer, and so Brixton Rooftop has come up with their own Bavarian celebration complete with steins of prosecco. Don’t you just love this city? But if you’re not a fan of prosecco, you can get steins of cocktails too. Whether you’re playing Bavarian games or trying the German street food – you’re guaranteed a great night at this Brixton hotspot.
For more info on what’s on in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; @DesignMyNight.
By Tom Capon
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