London in early October is a blend of crisp autumnal charm and cultural vibrancy, making it the perfect time to explore the city’s finest offerings. With fashion’s biggest players recently having left the capital post-London Fashion Week, the energy in the air is still palpable. Some of the city's most stylish venues and exclusive experiences continue to buzz, offering everything from sophisticated art exhibitions to culinary indulgences. Whether you’re after an inspiring afternoon at the gallery or a night of chic dining and cocktails, the first weekend of October in London promises the discerning traveller an exceptional experience.
Start your weekend by taking in the latest exhibit at the Royal Academy of Arts, where Impressionists on Paper brings together rarely seen works from private collections. This exquisite display runs from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with late openings on Friday until 10 PM. Tickets can be purchased online via the Royal Academy website for £22.
After your cultural immersion, take a leisurely stroll through Mayfair and explore the independent boutiques, which are still abuzz with new-season collections. Many of these boutiques offer private shopping appointments and curated selections that are quintessentially London. And if you feel peckish, make your way to Annabel’s, the members-only club in Berkeley Square, for an intimate dinner surrounded by glamour. Dinner reservations are available between 6 PM and 10 PM for members only, so if you’re a member, booking through their private system is a must. Alternatively, head to The Connaught Bar in Mayfair, an elegant hotspot with award-winning cocktails. Open daily from 4 PM to 12 AM (1 AM on weekends), it’s the perfect place to relax before heading out for a night on the town. Reservations can be made through the Connaught Bar website.
Barbour Pop-Up in Covent Garden
For a dash of British heritage, stop by the Barbour Pop-Up in Covent Garden, open from 10 AM to 6 PM over the weekend. Barbour’s ‘Icons in Quilting’ exhibition celebrates 30 years of the iconic Liddesdale jacket, with restored and reimagined pieces from notable designers like Paul Smith and David Gandy. Don’t miss the playful contribution from Shaun the Sheep. Proceeds from the auction of these exclusive pieces will go to The Royal Countryside Fund. Visitors can also indulge in a branded coffee from Barbour’s British Land Rover café for a quintessentially British experience. No booking is required, and entry is free.
The Showroom Edit by ELLE
For fashion lovers, The Showroom Edit by ELLE promises a curated shopping experience. From Thursday, October 3 to Saturday, October 5, ELLE takes over 59 Greek Street in Soho, showcasing a mystery brand’s collection of wardrobe staples and statement pieces. Visitors will be treated to a digital subscription to ELLE, a surprise gift from the featured brand, and access to a coffee bar and live DJ sets. The event runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily, and while tickets are free, pre-registration via Eventbrite is required. Secure your spot through ELLE’s website for what’s set to be a highlight of the fashion calendar.
Chelsea Dog Day
Chelsea Dog Day is a must-visit if you’re an animal lover, or simply want to experience one of London’s most charming community events. On Saturday, October 5, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Duke of York Square, Chelsea will transform into a dog-lover’s paradise. A curated dog market will feature brands like Hiro + Wolf and Caboodle, while King’s Dog Daycare offers complimentary dog photography and puppuccinos. Expert advice on dog handling will be provided by Chelsea Canines, and a charity raffle in partnership with Pets As Therapy will be held to raise funds. This day out is fun for the whole family (including four-legged friends) and entry is free, so no need to book—just turn up and enjoy.
Batman Unmasked
For superhero enthusiasts, Batman Unmasked is the event of the season, marking 85 years of Gotham’s dark knight. This immersive exhibition runs through the weekend at 79-85 Old Brompton Road in South Kensington, showcasing iconic costumes, vehicles, and props from Batman films spanning 1989 to 2022. Highlights include Robert Pattinson’s Batmobile and Christian Bale’s Batpod. Visitors can also navigate themed rooms like the Batcave and Rogues’ Gallery, where they’ll encounter legendary super-villains. The exhibition runs from 10 AM to 8 PM daily, and tickets start at £20, available through the Batman Unmasked website.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
For a Bavarian-inspired celebration, head to one of London’s Oktoberfest events. At Sambrook’s Brewery Taproom in Ram Quarter, Wandsworth, you can feast on pretzels, sausages, and steins of German beer while enjoying live music. Sambrook’s Oktoberfest runs from Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6, from 12 PM to 11 PM. Book a table via the Sambrook’s website.
Alternatively, the newly opened Albert’s Schloss in Farringdon is offering a traditional keg-tapping ceremony, sausage-eating contests, oompah brass bands, and generous giveaways (200 free pints each day!). Their Oktoberfest festivities start on October 3, and entry is free, but reservations for larger groups are recommended via Albert’s Schloss website.
For a more authentic Oktoberfest experience, check out Munich Cricket Club’s three London locations—Victoria, Canary Wharf, and Tower Hill—which are hosting weekenders complete with Bavarian games, live music, and giant kegs of German beer. Entry is £15, and booking can be done via the Munich Cricket Club website.
London Cocktail Week
For those indulging in London Cocktail Week during the weekend of October 5th and 6th, some of the most exciting events offer a delightful blend of history, innovation, and flavour. One unmissable highlight is the collaboration between Lyaness on the Southbank and New York’s famed Dead Rabbit bar. On October 6th, this award-winning bar will transport you into a lively Irish-themed evening filled with signature Dead Rabbit cocktails, live music, and traditional food, creating the perfect mix of New York energy and Irish hospitality right in the heart of London. If you’re a fan of sophisticated cocktails with a side of charm, this is the place to be, and with free entry, it's bound to draw a crowd.
For something a bit more intimate and hands-on, Martin Miller’s Gin Masterclass at Opium & Dim Sum Parlour in Chinatown on October 6th is a can’t-miss opportunity. Led by the brand’s ambassador, this immersive session will dive deep into the art of martinis. You’ll learn about everything from perfect temperatures to the intricate flavor profiles of gin, while sipping expertly crafted cocktails. With two sessions running at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., this event is perfect for those looking to elevate their cocktail knowledge in a stylish setting. Tickets range from £40 for wristband holders to £50 for non-holders.
If you're more of a cocktail connoisseur looking to explore the beating heart of London’s bar scene, the Soho Cocktail Tour on October 5th and 6th promises to be a sophisticated adventure. This guided walking tour of Soho will whisk you through the area’s most iconic and trendy bars, giving you an insider’s look into the history of cocktail culture while sampling some of the best concoctions London has to offer. At £130, it’s a pricier option but includes tastings and expert commentary that will leave you with new favorite spots and an enhanced appreciation for mixology.
