This October, the English capital overfloweth with exciting activities to help us ease into the shorter days and colder nights of winter. From cinemarvellous showings at this year’s BFI London Festival to the delectable London Restaurant Festival, there is something for everyone to indulge in.
Read on and find out what #TeamCoco’s London residents are looking forward to this month.
Grayson Perry: Super Rich Interior Decoration
If you’re a huge fan of Grayson Perry like I am, you must head to Victoria Miro’s Mayfair gallery where they are showcasing his first solo show since 2012. Exploring the intersections of art, money and power, the show includes a collection of symbols of rebellion and rites of passage – a leather jacket, beard and Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament Banner – presented as a lifestyle catalogue. Free entry. Until 20 December.
Escape the Ordinary: Interactive Japanese Sake Pop Up Launching in London
The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (hereafter JFOODO) has announced an exciting London pop-up celebrating Sake & Seafood in October. World Sake Day on the 1st October announces the start of this exciting month of Sake. Starting from 24th October for an exclusive 3 days, JFOODO is collaborating with London’s iconic seafood restaurant, The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen. Taking place in POPUP restaurant “Restaurant Paired”, in Shoreditch, JFOODO and The Oystermen will celebrate Japanese Sake as the best alcoholic beverage to enhance the taste of seafood by offering a new pairing menu. Throughout the three-day pop up, Japanese Sake Sommelier and Sake Expert will be inviting the public to experience a selection of authentic Japanese sakes alongside an expertly paired seafood tasting menu. This pop-up will also offer the opportunity to learn the etiquette and history behind sake tasting. Visitors will be able to sample Japanese delicacies from the Sake and Seafood a la carte Tasting Menu, including Oysters, Scallops and the delectable Lobster Thermidor. For dessert, indulge in the dark chocolate mousse and peanut brittle or the Tahitian vanilla Pannacotta Plaice. Running from 24 – 26 October. Address: 46 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3EP.
BFI London Film Festival
Hosted by the BFI, the festival returns for a 12-day celebration of British and international cinema. With over 345 films to choose from, film-buffs need to look no further than this! Hotly anticipated cinematic releases for 2019 include The Irishman, directed by Martin Scorsese and The King, inspired by William Shakespeare, along with old classics including Budd Boetticher’s iconic Western movies. Further to the screenings, the festival has rolled out a dynamic programme of panel discussions, including screen talk with Michael B. Jordan, discussing his new role in Just Mercy, alongside Jamie Foxx. Tickets from £10. Until 13 October.
Prada Mode Pop-up, The Strand
Initially launched in Miami to coincide with Art Basel, Prada Mode hopes to emulate the same success it had state-side in London’s ultra-hip 180 The Strand. The travelling platform, billed as a pop-up private members’ club, has been designed with Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates, The Black Image Corporation, which challenges preconceptions regarding black identity and culture. In collaboration with the visionaries at The Vinyl Factory and The Showroom, they have special events planned throughout each day at the club, including live music, film screening and panel discussions. Free entry. Until 27 October.
Pink Oktoberfest
The UK’s largest Pink Oktoberfest, fast becoming an unmissable date on the LGBTQ+ calendar, is back for the third year running with the campest, most colourful Oktoberfest ever. Taking over Dock X in Surrey Quays, you can expect drag queens, rave karaoke, lip sync battles, game shows, DJs and of course, Oktoberfest bands from Munich. If beer isn’t your thing, fear not as there is also a champagne and cocktail bar. Do don your best Bavarian get-up and dance the night away. Tickets £15. 12 October.
Food for thought
The London Restaurant Festival returns to the capital once more this October, bringing together more than 250 of the city’s best loved restaurants for a mouth watering, month-long calendar of tasting menus, special offers and events. Firm favourites participating include Hakkassan, OXO Tower Brasserie, ROKA and Hide, to name just a few. A restaurant-hopping tour is also an option and includes a small plate and a drink at five different restaurants (£47 per person). Price and times vary. Until 31 October.
Legend has it
The legendary story of Orpheus and Eurydice is brought to life in ENO’s powerful production of the 18th century Opera by Gluck. The classic myth of love and loss is mesmerising and ENO’s version has received an extra sprinkling of magic, as it has been directed by the multi-award-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor. Tickets from £20. Until 19 November.
LOOKING AHEAD: It’s only October but Christmas at Kew is already selling out! Tickets for the annual twinkly extravaganza are available now. Running 20 November to 5 January 2020.
Comments are closed.