Spooky season has well and truly arrived, so how will you be celebrating Halloween? If you don’t fancy spending hours transforming yourself into Wicked’s Elphaba but still want to mark the day, simply use it as an excuse to book a delicious dinner. A whole host of London restaurants are getting involved by introducing themed food offerings – from afternoon teas to bottomless brunches and murder mystery parties, often complete with live entertainment. Here are the Halloween menus worth booking for 2024.
London Restaurants Hosting Halloween Events
Mistress of Mayfair
Chic, speakeasy-style French restaurant Mistress of Mayfair is celebrating Halloween with a week of events, which will see the venue dressed in the theme of the Paris Catacombs. Visitors are advised to ‘channel the spirits of Paris past’ with their outfits, and enjoy an array of French fare, such as a signature Sole Meunière, steak tartare, chicken poussin, and lobster rolls. With live DJs playing until 3am, it’s perfect for those who want a bit of a Halloween party.
Chelsea hotspot Ixchel is throwing a Halloween shindig to remember this October. Diners will be treated to a set menu curated by guest chef Olivia Burt in collaboration with head chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, alongside live music throughout the night. The twist? There’s a black tie masquerade dress code, giving the night an edge of intrigue and glamour. Burt’s menu is yet to be announced, but Ixchel is known for its creative, vibrant Mexican fare.
Looking for some family-friendly Halloween plans that don’t involve trick-or-treating? Pay a visit to Pan Pacific London, the City hotel which has launched an interactive, seasonal afternoon tea in its restaurant Straits Kitchen. Little ones can decorate pumpkin-shaped, orange-flavoured biscuits, while enjoying an array of finger sandwiches (think ham and cheese, and apple slaw) and scones, washed down with some coconut hot chocolate.
Immersive Scream Dinner At The Refinery City Point
Love a horror movie? Head to The Refinery City Point this Halloween, where immersive dining experts Taste Film are bringing classic horror film Scream to life with a cinematic foodie experience. Visitors can watch along while tucking into a six-course menu inspired by key scenes.
How much? From £72.50pp
When? 25 – 27 October 2024, afternoon showing at 1.45pm, evening showing at 6.45pm
Neal’s Yard wine bar La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels is hosting a suitably chic Halloween event, focusing on orange wine and small plates. Guests will have the chance to try four different wines from France, Italy and Slovakia, alongside a selection of nibbles from new head chef Ranieri Raimondi. The menu includes black squid ink tagliolini, pork neck steak with squash, and black pudding stuffed squids with puntarella.
Venetian Shadows Halloween Dinner At Bocconcino Mayfair
On 31 October, glitzy Italian restaurant Bocconcino is hosting an evening of food and live music, with a Venetian theme. The menu will include dishes like beef carpaccio, and truffle and parmesan fettuccine, alongside bottomless cocktails, with the option to add free-flowing champagne for an added price. Granted, there’s nothing particularly scary about the offering, but guests are being asked to don Venetian masks to add a touch of mystique to the festivities – plus live DJs, masquerade dancers, a magician and themed cocktails will set the tone for some Halloween fun.
Halloween afternoon teas aren’t just for the kids: grown-ups will love this offering from five-star hotel The Stafford London. Enjoy an impressive spread of sweet and savoury treats, with special Halloween touches. The signature cake trolley will deliver goodies like the Honey Layer Cake, complete with a spooky edible design, and the White Mousse, which is cleverly transformed into a witch. Pair with a glass of fizz and a cup of tea from the extensive list, supplied by Camellia’s Tea House.
Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve up in the clouds at Oblix East, one of the restaurants housed within London’s tallest skyscraper, the Shard. The venue is hosting an evening of food, drink and entertainment, which includes a three-course Halloween menu featuring Oblix signatures and Mexican additions (a nod to Day of the Dead). Continuing the theme, esteemed Mexico City bartender Licoreria Limantour has created a special cocktail list – with the option to add bottomless drinks to your festivities. All this can be enjoyed while soaking up panoramic views of the city.
COYA is renowned for its decadent brunch parties, so of course the group’s flagship is throwing a big event this Halloween. Kick off the weekend in style at the restaurant’s Halloween brunch, where you’ll enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing champagne and cocktails, alongside Peruvian fusion dishes. Live dancers and DJs will get you in the party spirit – and afterwards, you can continue the Halloween festivities at the Pisco Bar afterparty.
Eran Tibi’s Soho restaurant Kapara is marking Halloween with a Beetlejuice-inspired drag brunch, complete with free-flowing drinks, performances and mezze. Tuck into dishes like braised lamb shoulder, salt-baked celeriac shakshuka, and pita French toast topped with banana tempura and honey labneh, alongside themed cocktails or champagne. While you dine, enjoy drag performances from Envy The Queen and The Madame.
For some real scares this Halloween, join a Jack the Ripper walking tour with East London speakeasy Discount Suit Company. The evening will begin with a hot punch before embarking on a tour of the notorious serial killer’s haunts around the backstreets of Whitechapel and Spitalfields. You’ll end up back at the bar, where you can get stuck into special Halloween cocktails like Bad Moon Rising, a mix of whisky, sherry, maple and bitters; and the Ray Gun, made with tequila, bitter aperitif, kiwi and Thai basil cordial. For an extra incentive: those who participate in the tour will get 20 percent of their drinks bill at the end.
Get your detective hat on at The Ivy’s Covent Garden flagship, which is hosting an immersive murder mystery dinner this Halloween. Guests will be transported back to the 1920s via a theatrical performance centred around the murder of a famed restaurant critic – and tasked with helping uncover the killer. Alongside this, you’ll be treated to a three-course dinner featuring dishes from Ivy menus of the past – from quails devilled eggs and caviar potato blinis to a classic crème brûlée.