Autumn is upon us, and while the weather may be cooling down, the capital's cultural highlights sure aren't. From theatre to exclusive dining experiences and everything in between, these are the best ways to spend September in London.
The Barbary, Notting Hill
A second iteration of beloved Neal's Yard restaurant The Barbary is opening this September in Notting Hill, much to the delight of West Londoners. Guided by head chef Daniel Alt, the new restaurant – in keeping with the original location – will take its culinary cues from the cuisines and countries of the Barbary Coast, from Southern Europe to Northern Africa. Expect highlights to include house-made merguez, seasonal flatbreads, crispy pork belly skewers, aubergine ajo blanco and The Barbary’s famed hash cake.
When? Open from 12 September
Where? Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill
How much? Prices vary
The Marquee Cabaret at 100 Wardour Street
Throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, the Marquee Club was Soho’s centre of rock ‘n’ roll, where the likes of Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and The Who were known to play. This month, journey back in time each Friday night, as the spirit of these early beginnings is revived with a raucous late-night cabaret, brought to life by drag performers, vocalists and musicians at 100 Wardour Street.
When? Every Friday from 27 September 10pm onwards
Where? 100 Wardour Street, Soho
How much? £49 per person
Fiestas de La Mercè at The Campaner
This September, Catalonian restaurant The Campaner will bring the spirit of Barcelona to Chelsea, with its own version of Fiestas de La Mercè. Visitors can expect a jam-packed day of festivities featuring everything from a free face painting workshop for children to live performances to Catalonian feasts and sparkler displays.
When? 22 September
Where? The Campaner, Chelsea
How much? 2-for-1 vermouth throughout the day for £7; specially curated Catalonian menu for £59
London Design Festival
London’s annual celebration of the creative industries is back for its 22nd edition. The citywide event will take place over nine days, with an impressive lineup of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will challenge and inspire audiences – from Melek Zeynup’s suspended installation Duo (pictured) to the American Hardwood Export Council’s sustainable sculpture ‘Vert’, at Chelsea College of Arts.
When? 14-22 September
Where? Across London
How much? Prices vary
Lyle’s Guest Series: Sota Atsumi
Beloved east London restaurant Lyle’s is celebrating its tenth birthday with a special edition of The Guest Series, inviting some of the biggest names from the last decade back into the kitchen once again. First up is Sota Atsumi, the former head chef of Clown Bar who went on to open his own restaurant, Maison by Sota Atsumi in Paris. Expect a pared-back Japanese-inspired take on French cuisine, with dishes such as Mediterranean tuna with rhubarb, nettle sauce and tomato water.
When? 3 September
Where? Lyle’s, Shoreditch
How much? £139 per person
Bar Jackie
There's a new hotspot in town. Situated at The Broadwick in central Soho, Bar Jackie is the little sister of larger restaurant Dear Jackie (the haunt of the likes of Andrew Scott and Taylor Swift), but is open all day. The all-day street level café bar and terrace pays tribute to the legendary and very famous Jackies and photographs of icons hang on the wall. The rest of the decor embodies the very essence of Soho, and is a mixture of bohemian eccentricity and opulence. Foodwise, expect a blend of classic English and Italian, such as Eggs Royale, Florentine or Benedict with Prosciutto Cotto and Full English breakfasts, served up with champagne or aperitivo classics such as Pinsa Romana. The speciality is dish is the Pinsa Romana – a light pizza base with a soft, cloud-like centre and crisp exterior, served with toppings of your choice.
Location: 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HT
How much? Prices vary
Antony and Cleopatra at Shakespeare’s Globe
Deaf actor Nadia Nadarajah, a regular on the Globe’s stage in recent years, is taking on the role of Cleopatra in Blanche McIntyre’s production of Shakespeare’s great Roman tragedy Antony and Cleopatra. Some scenes will be performed in BSL, some in Spoken English, and some will contain both languages, making for an extremely diverse performance
When? 4 August – 15 September
Where? Shakespeare’s Globe, Southwark
How much? Tickets from £5
The Hound, Chiswick
The Hound, a new modern-day coaching inn from the team behind The George and The Cadogan Arms, has officially opened its doors in Chiswick. Housed in the walls of a historic Victorian police station, it features a bustling pub floor, an inviting reception room, two private dining rooms, a covered outdoor courtyard and a south-facing front terrace, with four boutique guest rooms set to open this August. It’s already shaping up to be an essential West London destination, for locals and out-of-towners alike.
When? Now open
Where? Chiswick
How much? Prices vary
Ochre Bicentenary Afternoon Tea at the National Gallery
To mark The National Gallery’s 200th Anniversary, Ochre, the modern British restaurant by Charlotte and Sam Miller inside the gallery, is offering a celebratory Bicentenary Afternoon Tea. The menu, curated by Ochre's Head Pastry Chef Rebecca Morrison, will feature everything from macarons and birthday cake to classic finger sandwiches with elevated fillings. Wash it all down with a pot of Good and Proper loose leaf tea, or take your afternoon tea up a notch with a glass of fizz or a bespoke cocktail – the 'Bicentenary Blush'.
When? Until 14 September
Where? The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
How much? £55 or £65 with a cocktail, Nyetimber sparkling wine or Laurent Perrier champagne
Serpentine Pavilion
Each year, an internationally renowned architect is invited to design and create their first built structure in England, the Serpentine Pavilion. This year, the 23rd Serpentine Pavilion is by Minsuk Cho of Mass Studies. Titled Archipelagic Void, it envisions a unique void surrounded by a constellation of smaller, adaptable structures strategically positioned at the periphery of the lawn.
When? Until 27 October
Where? Serpentine, Kensington Gardens
How much? Free
Bubbledogs at 45 Park Lane
Cult Champagne and hot dogs restaurant Bubbledogs, which closed in 2020 to the chagrin of many, is making a triumphant return this May as an alfresco pop-up at Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane. Highlights of the American-inspired menu will include the Native Dog, featuring crispy native lobster tempura, Marie rose sauce and beluga caviar, as well as the Fourth of July, with spicy BBQ sauce, coleslaw and crispy bacon.
When? Unti 29 September
Where? 45 Park Lane
How much? Classic dogs from £22
About:Blank Archive pop-up
About:Blank, the British label making quiet clothing that is designed to last, is putting on its very first archive sale. Held down in Hackney, the first weekend of September will offer you the opportunity to buy archival products from the brand's seasonal collections, at a much lower price.
Where: 133 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 7DG
When: 31st August - 1st September 2024
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