What to see, eat and do this month
September is back, and with it marks the return of: (1) packing away your shorts (trouser season is here); (2) your scarf collection; (3) PSLs; (4) schools and/or slightly more difficult commutes; and (5) some fantastic events. Don’t be left in the lurch – if you’re wondering what’s going on in London this month, here’s everything to see, eat and do in the capital.
Things to do in London in September
1. Go Antiquing
Wembley Park Antiques Market, 28 September
Probably the absolute opposite to a spring clean (we dub it your ‘autumnal acquisitions’). Root around the mountains of mid-century homewares for the sustainable swinging sixties stuff of dreams. wembleypark.com
How to Decorate using Antiques this Christmas
2. Test Your Team At This Very Fancy Pub Quiz
Joshua’s Tavern, 19 Oct, 16 Nov, 14 Dec
At this pub quiz, your team could be competing for an overnight stay at The Londoner Hotel, a bottle of seriously lush Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine, or more – certainly not your typical pub quiz prizes (although we’d love a free round at Joshua’s Tavern, which knows its gin). Brush up on your general knowledge though, and prep the revision cards, because questions will test your metal with focus on current affairs, pop culture, and Donald Trump’s Pandemic Policy. eventbrite.co.uk
3. Shop the Pop-Ups & Sample Sales
Various
We’re a big fan of finding the next-big-thing brands around London – or shopping the already-very-big brands at a great price in a way that suits the environment. Our favourites at the moment? Check out Vrai, which has its pop-up on Grosvenor Street, and presents opulent diamonds in its zero-emission foundry (uk.vrai.com) And we’re a big fan of the sample sales at The Music Room Mayfair (both for the planet and the price point) – with its upcoming designer sample sale on Saturday 24 September. (themusicroom.co.uk)
4. Day Trip: Blenheim Palace’s Organ Recitals
Blenheim Palace, Sundays from 25 September-13 November
Not an innuendo: check out the largest organ in private ownership in Europe. This is a perfect day trip – an hour and a half from London, and located close to Oxford meaning plenty to do around this area – step into the magical Blenheim palace and wonder at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow by taking in the sights and sounds of this beast of an organ (2300 pipes!) played by brilliant musicians, all from the bookish but beautiful setting of the palace’s Long Library. blenheimpalace.com
5. Try A Sunday Reset
Re Place, every Sunday 4-6pm
Re Space, a wellness studio recently opened in Notting Hill, has launched weekly rest and recovery group sessions, featuring uber-futuristic meditation pods, whole body roller machines, and binaural beats designed to send you to nirvana. End the week on a restful note. replacelondon.com
6. Nosey Around With Open House Festival
Open House Festival, throughout September
If you rejoice at sneaking a peek into places you probably-shouldn’t-go-to, Open House is perfect for you. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this festival gives you the chance to take a gander at some of London’s best bits of architecture and heritage. Expect flung doors to a wide array of spaces normally hidden from the public’s eye, from private houses to places of worship, schools and offices. Guided walks and tours might help you reimagine the city as an all-access place – and it’s all for free. Plus, there are some exciting secret gigs in the works with Sofar Sounds. open-city.org.uk
7 . Check Out The Best Upcoming Contemporary Designers
‘First Impression: Elevating the Everyday’ at the Charles Burnand Gallery, until 30 September
A group show celebrating glass as a material in contemporary design – featuring works from both established and emerging artists – ‘First Impression’ looks at how different mediums can offer collectible design. You will be literally looking at pieces of broken glass, but that’s the point: this exhibition is explicitly interested in exploring how the everyday can be elevated into evocative artworks. Exciting design from the best in glass – sorry, we mean class – to accompany London Design Festival (Focus/22). charlesburnand.com
8. Get Your Knickers In A Royal Twist at The Cabaret Club
London Cabaret Club, from 23 September
Ever wondered what it would be like if Queen Victoria smashed out a pop ballad? Us neither, but now you can settle any slight pique in curiosity with ‘Queen of Roses’. London Cabaret Club’s current residency is an immersive show taking inspiration from iconic Queens of English history and offering stunning acrobatic and aerial choreography, fabulous tunes and (of course) brilliant fine dining. thelondoncabaretclub.com
9. Check Out London’s Best Designers
London Design Festival, 17-25 September
In its 20th year, the London Design Festival (or Focus/22) is the fashion week of the interiors world. Celebrating the best of London’s designers, expect news, launches, parties and thought-provoking panel discussions around equity and architecture. And can’t attend? We’ll keep you in the loop. londondesignfestival.com
London Design Festival 2022: Here’s Our Top 5 Exhibitions
10. Bottomless Negroni
St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, until 25 September
Chocolate fountains eat your hearts out – this is a fountain for grown-ups. Soak up the last of the September sunshine in the surprisingly tranquil St James’ Court with their free-flow negroni fountain and G&T ice lollies. stjamescourthotel.co.uk
11. Black History Month Exhibitions
Leica Gallery, 1 October-1 November
Holly-Marie Cato’s debut solo photography exhibition (Heavy is the Mantle) provides a view into the Caribbean Christian community of her childhood – and explores the heavy responsibility held by church leaders. Coinciding with Black History Month 2022, the Leica gallery will also bring in leading Black photographers for a range of talks about their art. leica-camera.com
12. Enjoy a Jazz Night
Louche Soho, every Wednesday
Louche, buried in the heart of Soho, has a brilliant array of nightlife and live music on offer. Our particular favourite? The Love For Sale night every Wednesday. Enjoy the band playing smooth jazz (and testing new improv) while sipping brilliant cocktails throughout. The place is lit throughout with dim lights and you’ll sit around hushed tables, really calling back to the Soho of the 70s. And if you’re feeling a little bit more daring, though come along for their special events – the burlesque nights provide a wild touch to your month. louchesoho.com
Check out our Black History Month guide from last year
13. Free Gym Session
JOHN REED, Thursday 29 September
JOHN REED gym will be offering free-access classes to celebrate reaching one year in London – expect healthy foodie treats, alongside classes ranging from Hot Pilates through to the ominously named Wipeout, plus its trademark live DJ sets. johnreed.fitness
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