What To Book In London This November

Christmas is so close we can almost feel it. And it seems as though London’s venues and restaurants are feeling the same: this month sees the launch of Somerset House’s ice rink, a winter cinema at Bluebird Chelsea and pop-up shops – perfect for early Christmas shopping. Read on for our favourite things to do this November…

GET YOUR BINGO ON HERE: Bunga Bingo

This autumn, Bunga Bunga Battersea launches a brand new monthly night of bingo, prizes and plenty of pizza. Hosted by Silvio Berlusconi’s ‘fabulous wife’ Mamma Bunga, Bunga Bingo bills itself as the ultimate immersive bingo experience, bringing a touch of Berlusconi’s games nights to south London. The evening kicks off with a cocktail on arrival, before everyone gets those dabber pens ready and set to win a full house. Bunga Bunga’s renowned pizza boards will fuel the bingo rounds, with guests able to tuck into a feast of ‘Fun-Guy’ (fresh wild mushrooms, truffle oil and semi-dried tomatoes) or try a ‘Julius Cheeser’ (gorgonzola, taleggio, mozzarella and goat’s cheese).

37 Battersea Bridge Road, Battersea, SW11 3BA; 14th November

Visit Battersea.BungaBunga-London.com

CURE YOUR GBBO WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS HERE: Donna Hay book launch

Join Donna Hay, Australia’s best-selling cookbook author, as she introduces her new book Modern Baking at the Soho Hotel. In conversation with journalist and long-time friend Fiona McCarthy, Donna will share the secrets of all the sweet things she’s currently baking in her kitchen. Guests will get the chance to discover her favourite recipes for indulging and impressing guests, as well as shortcuts for when life gets busy. Afterwards, there’ll be Q&A, afternoon tea made using recipes from her book, plus a book signing.

The Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, Soho, W1D 3DH; 3rd November

Visit FirmdaleHotels.com

GET IMMERSED IN FASHION HERE: ELLE Weekender

At the end of the month, ELLE will host its inaugural ELLE Weekender at the Saatchi Gallery. Combining immersive fashion, beauty, culture and wellness experiences with talks by renowned industry figures, the show offers a whole weekend bringing the esteemed magazine to life. Expect everything from complimentary beauty bars, exclusive pop-ups from brands including Harvey Nichols, Benefit and Nanushka, plus palm readings, dance workouts to Beyoncé, crystal sessions, the chance to become an ELLE cover star and more.

Saatchi Gallery; King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY; 30th November-2nd December

Visit HearstLive.co.uk

HEAD TO THE CINEMA HERE: Foodflix

Bluebird Chelsea is launching a weekly movie night with films, food and cocktails throughout the winter months. Created in collaboration with Cointreau, Bluebird’s cinema room will be transformed into a cosy winter orangery every Tuesday. This week, there’ll be a screening of Dreamgirls, followed weekly by Moulin Rouge, Whiplash, Love Actually and The Holiday. Guests will receive a ‘Cointreau Fizz’ on arrival and can choose from the Bluebird hot dog (spiced pork, pickled cabbage and chilli mayo) or the vegan burger (mushroom and edamame with sriracha mayo and baby gem). Naturally, there’ll be plenty of popcorn on hand for the film itself.

350 King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU; every Tuesday in November

Visit Bluebird-Restaurant.co.uk

FIND YOUR NEW FAVOURITE ALBUM HERE: The Laslett

The Laslett, the beautifully designed boutique design hotel tucked away in Notting Hill, has launched its ‘Turntable Tuesday’ sessions. Each week, guests will learn to spin their own choice of record either brought from home or selected from The Laslett's covetable in-house vinyl library. As well as being serenaded by some of the best beats around, guests can sample cocktails and light bites in The Laslett's cosy library and lounge area. We’re dusting off our Cyndi Lauper records as we type.

The Laslett, 8 Pembridge Gardens, Notting Hill, W2 4DU

Visit Living-Rooms.co.uk

DO SOME EARLY XMAS SHOPPING HERE: Matilda Goad pop-up

Following the sellout success of her debut pop-up shop last year, homeware designer Matilda Goad is back with another bricks-and-mortar offering in Notting Hill. Filled with vibrant pieces to enhance the home, the space will play host to Matilda’s covetable homeware collection – including her scallop lampshades, glazed jugs, ribbed beeswax candles and tole planters – among an eclectic mix of antiques and other treasures sourced by Matilda. The perfect place to do some early Christmas shopping or just to treat yourself to something special, the pop-up will also feature a new range of rattan pendant lighting in collaboration with Edit58.com, plus a selection of Christmas crackers in partnership with TART London.

297 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2QA; 7th-18th November

Visit MatildaGoad.com

GET YOUR HANDS ON TICKETS FOR THIS: Sherlock: The Game

There’s a new immersive experience in town – and tickets are on sale now. The official Sherlock live experience is a 90-minute escape game for teams of four-six people and it opens in December. Located in a secret venue, this cinematic adventure combines the life of the world’s most famous detective with the very best of escape games. Explore some of Sherlock’s most iconic sets as you solve puzzles and clues with help from original cast members, including Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, in brand new, specially-recorded video and audio sequences. The game’s afoot…

W12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8PP; tickets on sale now

Visit TheGameIsNow.com

SOAK UP FASHION, BEAUTY & FOOD TIPS HERE: Stylist Live

This month Stylist Live returns to Olympia London, bringing to life everything Stylist magazine is best-loved for: from exclusive interviews to food demonstrations, insider beauty knowledge and, of course, plenty of fashion across the three-day event. Kicking off the itinerary on Friday 9th is Wanna be in my Gang? The Rise and Rise of Sisterhood on Social, a talk between girls-of-the moment, founder of Fly Girl Collective, Matilda Egere-Cooper and Dior Bediako of Pepper Your Talk. Fashion fans will be pleased to hear the Stylist Catwalk is back, showcasing the top high street A/W items we’ll all be wearing. Ahead of the show, SheerLuxe and Stylist Live have teamed up to offer SheerLuxe readers the chance to win the ultimate Stylist Live VIP experience. There are two prizes up for grabs: the first prize is a pair of Stylist Live VIP Lounge and Beauty Rooms tickets for Saturday 10th November, worth £190, plus a night’s stay for two at the Hilton Olympia on Saturday 10th November, worth £120. For the second prize, ten runners-up will win a pair of General Admission tickets, worth £30 per pair.

Enter here for a chance to win.

Olympia London, Olympia Way, Hammersmith, W14 8UK; 9th-11th November

Visit SheerLuxe.com

FIND A NEW STREET-FOOD FAVE HERE: Market Halls Victoria

Following the huge success of its Fulham debut, Market Halls will soon be transforming the arcaded bays of Victoria’s Terminus Place into a sustainable new destination for local residents, workers, commuters and visitors to the city. Within, the team will bring some of the most-loved restaurants from across the capital including BaoziInn, Monty’s Deli, Flank, Squirrel and Kerbisher & Malt, while introducing exciting new offerings from some of London's biggest hitters – think Koya Ko by Koya, Gopal’s Corner by Roti King, Super Tacos from Breddos, Nonna Tonda from Fat Tony’s and Bunshop from The Marksman. To celebrate the launch, the team is offering SL VIPs 2-for-1 drinks at both Market Halls Victoria and Market Halls Fulham. Sign up to become a SL VIP here.

191 Victoria Street, Victoria, SW1E 5NE; opens later this month

Visit MarketHalls.co.uk

CRAFT YOUR OWN LEATHER BAG HERE: Maverick Encounters

The latest in Charles Heidsieck’s Champagne event series, Maverick Encounters, will take place on 15th November. The immersive workshop will kick off with a Charles Heidsieck Champagne tasting and pairing masterclass where guests will have the opportunity to taste the brand’s Brut Réserve and Rosé Réserve champagnes. Then, with the help of leather craftsman Otis Ingrams, guests will learn a range of leatherworking techniques to create their own customised leather bag – perfect for transporting a bottle of Charles Heidsieck’s bubbly home with them.

Factory 45, 44-46 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR; 15th November

Visit MaverickEncounters.com

BE A VIP HERE: Mrs Fogg’s Maritime Club and Distillery

Located in Broadgate Circle and spanning two floors, Mrs Fogg’s Maritime Club and Distillery is the latest cocktail bar from the award-winning hospitality company Inception Group. Inspired by Aouda, Phileas Fogg’s Indian wife in Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, Mrs Fogg’s serves up inventive cocktails and innovative dishes with a nod to her heritage and nautical travels. The carefully themed and decorated bar, complete with its own gin distillery and steamer ship, is set to be the City’s hot new destination this winter. To celebrate the launch, the team is offering SL readers 50% off lunch and 25% off dinner, plus if you're a SL VIP you'll receive a free cocktail too. Sign up to become a SheerLuxe VIP using the link below.

37 Broadgate Circle, City, EC2M 2QS; offer valid 5th-18th November; to redeem, book online.

Visit SheerLuxeVIP.com

HAVE DINNER WITH RUTH ROGERS HERE: Chucs Serpentine

On 20th November, Chucs Serpentine will welcome Ruth Rogers, owner and chef of The River Cafe, and her team to cook in Zaha Hadid's landmark extension to the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, for one night only. Guests will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive menu from one of London's most recognised Michelin-starred Italian restaurants. Serving only the freshest and most seasonal ingredients, Ruth has always taken inspiration from domestic Italian cooking to create simple and elegant dishes, which continue to receive critical acclaim decade after decade. On this special evening, Ruth’s menu will take inspiration from both the well-loved Chucs creations, as well as her famed dishes from The River Cafe.

Chucs Serpentine, Serpentine Sackler Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 2AR; 20th November 

Visit ChucsRestaurants.com

GET YOUR SKATES ON HERE: Somerset House

Somerset House’s Edmond J. Safra Fountain courtyard is the backdrop to one of London’s most beautiful ice rinks, where you can skate day or night with family and friends. This year, Skate Lates features an extra-special series of music nights throughout the season – the perfect start to the weekend. Après-skate, guests can treat themselves at Fortnum’s Lodge with a ‘skate extra’, all designed for two to share – we like the sound of the champagne and chocolate fondue. Fortnum’s Christmas Arcade will also return, transforming the West Wing into a one-stop, essential festive shopping destination.

Somerset House, Strand, Covent Garden, WC2R 1LA; open from 12th November

Visit SomersetHouse.org.uk

FEEL FESTIVE HERE: Taste of London

This November, the festive edition of Taste of London will return to Tobacco Dock, transforming it into a winter foodie haven. The perfect event to kick-start the Christmas season, the four-day event offers visitors the chance to explore distinguished artisan producers, indulge in dishes from London’s best restaurants and engage one-on-one with the capital’s most exciting chefs. New to this year’s festival are seven brand new restaurants, masterclasses in the Urban Kitchen, wine and cheese pairings with Accolade Wine School, a Diner’s Club VIP lounge, cocktail making and even a hotdog party, taking place in front of the Taste fire pit.

Tobacco Dock; Wapping, E1W 2SF; 15th-18th November

Visit London.TasteFestivals.com

GET A TASTE OF MEXICO HERE: Santo Remedio Pop-Up

Leading Mexican chef Pedro Evia is collaborating with Borough restaurant Santo Remedio this month. The award-winning K’u’uk founder has devised a five-course, cocktail-paired tasting menu served throughout the month, showcasing his modern take on traditional Yucatan cuisine. To launch the menu, Pedro is flying from Mexico to host a five-course tasting menu, to celebrate Day of the Dead on 5th November. Traditional Mayan herbs will be used to create cocktails to pair with the dishes. On the menu, expect traditional day of the dead dish Mucbipollo, as well as scallop ceviche negro, made with dried chillies, annatto, allspice, cloves and cinnamon and venison in a Yacatan plum pipian.

Tooley Street, Borough, SE1 2TU; until 30th October

Visit SantoRemedio.co.uk

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