With September already upon us, we’ve rounded up the best of this month’s special events to take advantage of before it’s too late.
Words James Pidduck
September is the month where we wave goodbye to the summer sun and welcome the browning autumn leaves, but it need not mark the dulling of your social calendar. We suggest breaking away from your local haunts and sparking some spontaneity with a pop-up event, a great way to keep your outings fresh and exciting, and often helpful in giving a sense of urgency to a much-delayed gathering. Here’s our pick of the five best…Abel & Cole
Famed for their organic delivery service, Abel & Cole are now putting on the brakes as they launch a four-week residency in East London. Using only the finest fresh produce, the menu is seasonal and changes weekly, with vegetables and herbs taking centre stage. The restaurant enables your dining experience to be as varied as the colourful ingredients, offering tea and cake, a spot for casual dining or a three-course menu. Walk-ins only.
12pm-10pm (except Thursday evenings); Until 1st October
The Brick House, Brick Lane, E1
abelandcole.co.ukMidnight Apothecary
Before the winter chill invades the city, make the most of the outdoors with an evening of cocktails around the campfire in the secret roof garden of Brunel Museum. With a selection of exquisite botanical cocktails flavoured with herbs and fruits grown on site, enjoy the cosy setting surrounded by hurricane lamps and giant garden flares as you watch the sun set. Entry is £5 and includes complimentary marshmallows to toast and an optional guided descent of Brunel’s giant underground chamber, while delicious hot food is available at the terrace restaurant. Booking is essential and is available here.
5:30-10:30pm; Fridays & Saturdays.
Brunel Museum, Railway Avenue, SE16.
brunel-museum.org.ukTerrazza on the Thames
With its own custom-built pier and gondola-style seating booths, Venice comes to London thanks to Terrazza on the Thames. A terrace bar that oozes class and sophistication, sip on one of their prosecco cocktails and pick from the menu of Italian favourites. Why not commit to the Venice experience and take a boat as your transport of arrival? Booking recommended.
4-10pm; Throughout September.
Columbia Restaurant, Hilton London Docklands, SE16
doubletree3.hilton.comPOPdown
The culinary masters behind high-end London restaurant Cuisson have launched another pop-up, bringing their Michelin-star training to Borough Market. Spread over two floors amongst stunning décor of polished wooden floors and fantastic floor-to-ceiling views, the lower floor requires no booking with small dishes available, and regular masterclasses to learn their art. The main event is upstairs though, where you can treat your tastebuds to an Asian-style five-course interactive tasting menu, priced at £45 and bookable online here. With their previous effort voted the sixth best pop-up in the world, this is not to be missed.
Served at 7pm, Tues-Sat; Throughout September.
1 Cathedral Street, Borough Market, SE1
boroughmarket.org.ukVogue Café
Vogue is where we turn for the latest trends and most stylish looks, and now the British institution won’t just be satisfying our appetite for fashion. In celebration of its 100th birthday, Vogue is parading into Westfield’s The Village and taking over L’Orchidée, the established afternoon tea favourite. Having undergone a makeover and now adorned with the magazine’s most celebrated and recognised covers, ensure you dine in style as you indulge in their famous macaroons served with either of the specially created Vogue 100 Cocktail or Punch – all under the sultry gaze of your favourite supermodel.
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2pm; Until 25 September.
Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, Ariel Way, W12
