If September marks the start of London readying itself for life after the lazy summer, then October is where the buzz really gets going.
There’s a lot going on in town this month, from a long-awaited restaurant opening to the finest in concerts and comedy, chef residencies, international art fairs and more intimate, independent offerings too. This is the very best of London this October — we’ll see you out there.
IWM in conversation with Richard Overy
The International War Museum has just opened its latest exhibition, War and the Mind, which explores the deep-rooted and complex psychological consequences of preparing for, and engaging in, war. From the “othering” effects of propaganda to the trauma and trauma responses of war itself, the exhibition is a must-see. Supporting this is a one-off talk from acclaimed author Richard Overy, a WWII expert, who’ll add further context and discussion alongside excerpts from his latest book, Why War?
October 2, IWM London, Lambeth Road, SE1 , iwm.org.uk
Fonda
Kol is widely regarded as a very good restaurant, if eye-wateringly expensive. When it first opened, the menu came in at the £75 mark. Dinner is now more than double that (you’ve got World’s 50 Best and Michelin to thank for that) and so Fonda, chef Santiago Lastra’s new venture, promises to be a better value entry point. Dishes on the à la carte start from about £9, never venturing above £30, making this altogether an easier way to access Lastra’s ethos of fine Mexican fare with British ingredients.
Opening October 3, 12 Heddon Street, W1B, fondalondon.com
Rinse 30th Anniversary Party
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Rinse has been a fixture of the London club scene for three decades, and to mark the celebrations, Drumsheds is hosting a blowout with headline acts including The Streets and Giggs. The 20,000-plus capacity venue will be jumping as the former Ikea (converted last year into one of London’s most prominent nightlife destinations) hosts artists and DJs who have, over the years, been supported and promoted by various Rinse club nights.
October 5, 6 Glover Drive, N18, drumshedslondon.com
Frieze & Frieze Masters
London’s flagship fine arts festival returns to Regent’s Park this month, promising the very best in international art curation, alongside a better-than-ever local London spotlight. The joy of Frieze is the insatiable artistic curiosity the fair invariably provokes, and with plenty of talks and workshops, alongside this expanded platforming of lesser-known artists, it could be the best year for Frieze yet.
From October 9-13, Regent's Park, NW1, frieze.com
Pario
Opening in the restaurant space formerly run by Mark Hix in Damian Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery, Pario is the long-awaited residency from Charles Bryant. His name may be familiar from his regular pop-ups at Cafe Pier in Chelsea, or from one of his many supper clubs, and the menu looks like a celebration of the best produce from the British Isles. Pario, run by Bryant with fellow chef George Browne, is set to serve dishes including otoro (bluefin tuna belly) on an onion hash; fennel tarte tatin; Devon crab with waffle; and lobster tail with tempura claws. It all sounds delicious: don’t miss this one.
From October 8-12, 9 Newport Street, SE11, pariolondon.co.uk
Frankie Boyle at Soho Theatre
Frankie Boyle’s caustic humour is typically riddled with graphic imagery and unapologetic profanity, particularly when skewering the latest failings of those in power and the public eye. The end of his Leap of Shame tour may have left a void for fans, but his new work-in-progress at the Soho Theatre this October — which is set to include extracts from his new book — is sure to be a freestyling remedy for anyone who’s missing the Scot’s signature style.
October 21-November 7, 21 Dean Street, W1D, sohotheatre.com
Laurel at Koko Camden
It’s been six years since Laurel released her widely praised debut Dogviolet, but the follow-up record Palpitations continues an electric indie-pop style, fused with themes of the West Coast, where the born Londoner now calls home. The Koko gig, then, may feel like a homecoming of sorts, but after a summer of Brat and Chappel Roan, it’s refreshing to have a synthy, immersive and more laid-back pop sound in the mainstream.
October 22, Koko, Camden High Street, NW1, koko.co.uk
Giant at the Royal Court
Getting a ticket for a sold-out show is a tall order (just ask an Oasis fan), but the Royal Court have a nifty little trick; they hold back a handful of seats at £15, released on Monday morning for Monday night. And the current show in question? That’ll be Giant, the five-star, “spectacularly good” new show starring the inestimable John Lithgow. The Standard’s own Tim Bano said of the show: “Mark Rosenblatt’s fearless script is one thing, but the play about the author’s vile antisemitism is made extraordinary by the performances”. Clear your diaries and make some time: it’s fastest fingers first for tickets, which are released weekly at 9am.
Each Monday in October, Sloane Square, SW1W, royalcourttheatre.com
Mount Street Neighbourhood Arts Festival
To coincide with Frieze London and PAD — the contemporary furniture and interior design festival, also on in Mayfair this month — locations across Mount Street are hosting this free-to-visit arts festival, comprising works from a line-up of prestigious artists from disciplines in fashion, photography, painting and sculpture. Guests visiting can collect a passport of sorts to check off the various works on public display during the week, before attending any number of daily free talks and panel discussions, then finishing the day with a pint at the Audley.
