John le Carré’s Cold War thriller hits the stage this week. Alec Leamas is the burnt-out British agent sent on one last mission, involving deception, double-crosses and moral compromise in Berlin. This is the first time a le Carré novel has been brought to the stage – its directed by Jeremy Herrin (All My Sons) with Rory Keenan playing the cynical, disillusioned spy Leamas. Tickets from £25.

4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, W1D 3BG; until 21st February

Visit SohoPlace.org

Chelsea Grill is the latest fire-and-smoke joint to hit the King’s Road. Head chef Anton Vasilyev (ex-Sugaar in Paris) is ageing cuts in-house, grilling day-boat fish and spinning poussin on a manual rotisserie. Interiors are slick – leather, dark wood, low lighting – with a bar primed for martinis and more inventive cocktails like the Green Apple Gimlet. Its Sunday roast menu will launch soon, though if you’re visiting this weekend, finish strong with a slice of cherry pie.

300 King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UH

Visit ChelseaGrill.co.uk

On Friday 21st November, Design Museum opens the first ever Wes Anderson retrospective. Over 600 objects from the director’s personal archive will be on show, from storyboards and notebooks to costumes, props and miniature sets. Look for the candy-pink model of The Grand Budapest Hotel, vending machines from Asteroid City and stop-motion puppets from Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs. There’s even Anderson’s first short film Bottle Rocket (1993) screening.

224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG; until 26th July

Visit DesignMuseum.org

The Muppets will always have multi-generational appeal – Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence are working on a new film centred on Miss Piggy as we speak. In the meantime, take the kids to this festive classic, where Gonzo, Fozzie the Bear and co will light up the screen in the classic 1992 film. The Muppet Christmas Carol also features Michael Caine as Scrooge, Kermit as Bob Cratchit, and all the songs you remember, elevated by a live symphonic score. 

45 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, W6 9QH

Visit EventimApollo.com

On Sunday 23rd November, England close out their Quilter Nations Series campaign against Argentina at Twickenham. This is the Red Rose’s fourth and final autumn international, following clashes with Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. Steve Borthwick’s side beat the Pumas twice on tour earlier this year, but Argentina arrive in London buoyed by recent form and looking to spoil the party. Kick-off is 4:10pm, but we’d start with a pint in Richmond first. Tickets from £50.

200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7BA

Visit AllianzStadiumTwickenham.com

Shakespeare’s most mischievous comedy is on a candlelit run at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. This isn’t your GCSE version – it’s darker, moodier and more atmospheric, with Oberon, Titania and Puck wreaking havoc under flickering flames. As the story goes, lovers get lost in the woods, spirits meddle and chaos reigns. Tickets from £5.

21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT; until 31st January

Visit ShakespearesGlobe.com

Here’s where we spotlight some of London’s tried-and-tested hangouts. From world-class menswear shops to top-tier pubs, these are the spots worth having on your radar this weekend…

This Hainanese restaurant deserves more attention. For over four decades it’s been serving inventive, ever-evolving tasting menus, with dishes that cover the classics while riffing on other staples.

Visit HunanLondon.com

On a leafy Islington street, The Albion is one of north London’s most handsome pubs. With Sunday roast season in full swing, its dining room and garden fill quickly for loaded plates of beef, lamb or pork, all served with crisp yorkshire puddings and seasonal sides. 

Visit The-Albion.co.uk

This sharp concept store mixes fashion, music and art under one roof. It’s home to a selection of high-end brands like Acne Studios, Bottega Veneta and Rick Owens. 

Visit LN-CC.com

Set in a converted church, this gallery champions emerging and under‑represented artists. It’s also home to a 50‑cover restaurant from the Crispin team, who serve small plates and low‑intervention wines in a low-lit dining room.

Visit StudioVoltaire.org

With its low‑lit corners, mismatched antiques and modern European menu that keeps regulars coming back, Julie’s has been a Notting Hill fixture since the late ’60s. Weekends see the place buzzing, with long lunches stretching into evening drinks.

Visit JuliesRestaurant.com