The Southbank Centre’s annual celebration of the written word returns this month with one of its strongest line-ups yet. Expect conversations with cultural heavyweights like Sebastian Faulks and Zadie Smith, as well as an evening with Harlan Coben and Reese Witherspoon. Across ten days, the festival will host readings, live podcasts, debates and workshops exploring how stories shape our world. 

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX; until 2nd November 

Visit SouthbankCentre.co.uk

Doc’n Roll returns for its twelfth year with a line-up that’ll hit all the right notes for music obsessives. Taking over cinemas across London from tomorrow, it’s got brand-new documentaries on everyone from Culture Club and the Butthole Surfers to the pioneers of house and rave. Alongside the films, there’ll be live Q&As, gigs, and panel discussions with the artists and directors behind them. 

Various London venues; until 9th November 

Visit DocNRollFestival.com

Patty & Bun’s Joe Grossmann has turned his attention from burgers to beer with his new project. Once a favourite haunt of Oasis and the Soho media crowd, the Shaston Arms has had a smart refresh – keeping its character while adding a menu built around seasonal produce and cooking over coals. You can still expect a proper pint too.

4-6 Ganton Street, Soho, W1F 7QN

Follow @TheShaston.Arms

For a roast that involves more wasabi than horseradish, head to Lilli by Akira Back at the Montcalm Mayfair. The Michelin-starred chef is putting a global twist on British comfort food – think beef wellington with miso-glazed cabbage or a Korean cauliflower steak with furikake spice and maple glaze. Starters like wasabi-marinated celeriac and cocktails such as the rose-infused negroni confirm this isn’t your average Sunday lunch. 

Montcalm Mayfair, 34-40 Great Cumberland Place, Mayfair, W1H 7TW

Visit MontcalmCollection.com

The UK’s largest celebration of beer, bratwurst and Bavarian revelry returns to Clapham Common this weekend. Count on live bands, lederhosen and, of course, litres upon litres of beer. There’ll also be traditional games like hammering nails into wood, plus a full spread of German snacks to keep the energy going across three days of autumnal chaos. Prost.

Clapham Common, SW4; 23rd-25th October

Follow @OktoberfestOnTheCommon

This Sunday, more than 150 traders will take over the multi-storey car park at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering everything from vintage furniture and collectable curios to quirky handmade pieces. It’s the perfect spot to snag a statement home accessory or just browse for inspiration among some of London’s best independent sellers.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Multi-Storey Car Park, Hackney, E15 2GZ

Visit QueenElizabethOlympicPark.co.uk

There’s a spicy new arrival on the south London culinary scene. In Herne Hill, chef Nathaniel Mortley – aka NattyCanCook – has opened 2210, a pan-Caribbean hotspot where classic French technique meets the flavours of Bajan, Jamaican and Guyanese cuisine. Think ackee and saltfish spring rolls, jerk chicken supreme, and roti with scotch bonnet butter.

75 Norwood Road, Herne Hill, SE24 9AA

Visit 2210ByNattyCanCook.com

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

Spread across four floors of a former department store, Alfies Antique Market is a treasure trove of vintage finds. From mid-century furniture and rare vinyl to Italian glassware and old-school menswear, it’s the sort of place you can lose hours in. When you’ve had your fill, head up to the rooftop café for coffee with skyline views.

Visit AlfiesAntiques.com

Britain’s first purpose-built public art gallery is home to a compact but exceptional collection of Old Masters, from Rembrandt and Rubens to Gainsborough and Poussin. It also lays on temporary exhibitions, talks and workshops, and has some family-friendly trails. 

Visit DulwichPictureGallery.org.uk

A pub that does everything: pints downstairs, proper dining upstairs. Its Sunday roast is always worth the trip, and the full menu – rooted in British ingredients and modern technique – is just as impressive.

Visit MarksmanPublicHouse.com

Just opposite Hampstead Heath, The Bull & Last is a north London gem. Recently refurbished, it’s part gastropub, part boutique inn, serving elevated classics and standout desserts. Ideal for a post-walk lunch with a decent glass of red.

Visit TheBullAndLast.co.uk

This is one of London’s finest menswear boutiques. Think soft tailoring, refined outerwear, and a curated mix of labels from Europe, Japan and beyond. 

Visit TrunkClothiers.com