Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver’s legendary St. John empire has expanded again – this time to Bloomsbury, taking up residence inside the London Review Bookshop. The new café replaces the much-loved Cake Shop, but fans of quality baked goods won’t miss a beat. Expect butter-heavy Eccles cakes, doughnuts, and madeleines hot from the oven, alongside sandwiches, tarts, and a tight edit of wines and cocktails. Open from 8am, it’s a smart pitstop for a coffee and pastry, or an early evening glass of something crisp before the bookshop closes (which is later if there’s a reading or event on).

14–16 Bury Place, Bloomsbury, WC1A 2JL

Visit LondonReviewBookshop.co.uk

London’s art calendar peaks this week with two major draws: PAD and Frieze. As the latter brings its signature blend of design, art and luxury craftsmanship to Berkeley Square, look for mid-century icons and cutting-edge collectibles. Meanwhile, Frieze takes over Regent’s Park, bringing together the best of the global contemporary scene in one vast tent. Whether you’re a serious collector or just on the hunt for inspiration, these two fairs set the tone for the year ahead – and both finish on Sunday.

PAD London, Berkeley Square, W1J 6EN; Frieze London, Regent’s Park, NW1 4LL

Visit PADesignArt.com & Frieze.com

Public House Group – the crew behind the Pelican, the Fat Badger and the Hero – has landed in Marylebone with another polished take on the British boozer. The Hart sits proudly on the corner of Chiltern Street and Blandford Street, reviving a name that dates back to the 1840s. Inside, it’s all warm wood, proper beer and honest food. Menus run from refined pub classics like crab cakes and steak & potatoes to snackable bar bites – think chicken liver toast and pork pies – all sourced from the group’s own Bruern Farms.

56 Blandford Street, Marylebone, W1U 7JA

Visit TheHartW1.com

For more than 50 years, Gilbert & George have been British art’s most provocative double act. Now the Hayward Gallery is hosting 21st Century Pictures – a riotous survey of the last quarter-century of their work. Expect more than 60 towering installations, from The Beard Pictures to their latest Screw Pictures series, which splices digital chaos with old-school satire. It’s loud, brash and brilliant – and it proves that the East End’s sharpest chroniclers still have plenty to say about modern Britain.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX; until 4th January

Visit SouthbankCentre.co.uk
 

Tate Britain’s blockbuster autumn show is a deep dive into the extraordinary life and lens of Lee Miller – model, muse and war photographer. Spanning surrealism, fashion and frontline reportage, this is the most comprehensive UK retrospective of her work yet, featuring 250 prints including several never before seen. From her collaborations with Man Ray in 1930s Paris to her haunting wartime images of Dachau, it’s an unflinching look at a woman who redefined what it meant to see – and be seen.

Millbank, Westminster, SW1P 4PN; until 11th January 

Visit Tate.org.uk

One of Paris’s most inventive bars is in residence at The Ned this week. Little Red Door brings its ‘Agri/Culture’ menu to the City venue’s Vault Bar & Lounge. Blurring the line between mixology and gastronomy, there are 11 imaginative serves on offer – expect beetroot and black garlic in the ‘Carbone’ and an earthy mix of shiitake, roasted coffee and whisky in the ‘Urbaine’.

The Ned, 27 Poultry, City, EC2R 8AJ; until Saturday 18th October

Visit TheNed.com

After Frieze and PAD, head south for something more accessible. The Affordable Art Fair is on in Battersea Park until Sunday, showcasing works from around 100 international galleries – with prices starting from just £100. Expect everything from original prints and abstract paintings to standout sculptures. Highlights include a large-scale installation by Glasgow artist Beth Shapeero and a Graduate Exhibition spotlighting 30 rising talents.

Evolution London, Battersea Park, Chelsea Gate, Battersea, SW11 4NJ 

Visit AffordableArtFair.com

Here’s where we spotlight some of London’s tried-and-tested hangouts. From elegant wine bars to cosy pubs, these are the classic spots worth having on your radar this weekend…

Tucked beneath the original Lina Stores in Soho, this subterranean spot is a moody, softly lit setting for aperitivo hour or late-night drinks. Expect Italian small plates like mortadella sliders and artichoke hearts, alongside negronis, spritzes and a sharp edit of Italian wines.

Visit BarLina.co.uk

A cult favourite reborn in a larger Shoreditch warehouse, Oranj remains one of the capital’s most effortlessly cool wine bars. Natural bottles, rotating guest chefs and a breezy terrace make it an ideal weekend anchor.

Visit Oranj.co.uk

This neighbourhood gem combines bottle shop, deli and wine bar in one cosy Crouch End space. Expect shelves of natural and organic wines, sharing boards of cheese and charcuterie, and an easygoing crowd that makes it perfect for a relaxed weekend drink.

Visit TheCrouchEndCellars.com

Bethlehem-born chef Fadi Kattan brings modern Palestinian cuisine to Notting Hill. Akub is the place to try dishes like mansaf balls or za’atar bread with labneh, and decadent desserts in a serene, olive tree-filled space.

Visit Akub-Restaurant.com

A benchmark for modern London dining, the Camberwell Arms’ comforting roasts, clever cocktails and warm service make it a staple worth the cross-river trip.

Visit TheCamberwellArms.co.uk