12 Cool Things To Do This Month

BOOK AHEAD FOR THIS: An Evening With Stanley Tucci 

To celebrate the release of his memoir, Stanley Tucci is hosting live talks at the London Palladium on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October – tickets are expected to sell out quickly. In conversation with journalist and author Dolly Alderton, the self-proclaimed foodie will share anecdotes about growing up in New York, filming Big Night and Julie & Julia, falling in love over dinner, and teaming up with his wife to create meals for his children. Tucci, known for his roles in The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games, went viral last year after he created that negroni, so expect a few cocktail recipes too. Tickets start from £40 and include a copy of his new book, Taste: My Life Through Food.

Visit Fane.co.uk

TRY NEW BREWS: Brewery Tours & Tastings At Kraft Dalston

If you haven’t been to the seriously slick Kingsland Locke in Dalston yet, head to the hotel’s brewery this month for a tour and tasting session of tank-fresh beer by German Kraft. Running on Thursdays (6-7pm) and Sundays (2-3pm), the tour is led by Kingsland’s beer sommelier Helen Busch. A tour is £25pp, and includes three half pints and a special glass to take home. Afterwards, stop for a kebab at Le Bab’s on-site restaurant.

Visit Eventbrite.co.uk

TREAT YOURSELF TO: An Evening With Jeremy Lee

On Friday 17th September, Jeremy Lee is hosting a dinner party at Roastery Garden in Dalston. The chef- proprietor of Soho’s Quo Vadis will bring some of his signature dishes to east London for one night only. You’ll be welcomed with a Campari dDamson and pomegranate cocktail, before enjoying a tasting menu with paired wines. Dishes include anchovy and crab crostini, pollock crudo, marinated pork legs with grilled and baked vegetables, and Lee’s famous brown sugar meringues served with ice -cream, custard, cream or coffee granita. Tickets cost £60pp.

Visit Eventbrite.co.uk

SOAK UP SOME FEELGOOD TUNES: Giant Steps At Hackney Bridge

Hackney Bridge has had a major refurb over the last few months, opening several new bars and restaurants, including an open-air dining space over the bridge. This month, local sound system Giant Steps is in residence, offering guests a chance to soak up any sunshine while listening to live music. Every weekend from 12pm to 9pm the DJs will spin a range of house, soca, R&B and Afro-Brazilian beats, while guest performers take to the stage for some electric sets – think jazz saxophonist remixes and jazz trumpet sessions. You can always continue the night at nearby Five Points Taproom.

Visit Giant--Steps.com

CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST: Wunderbar At Pergola Paddington

On Saturday 18th September, Pergola Paddington will transform into Wunderbar, a Bavarian style beer hall. For six weeks, the space will be decorated like the iconic Theresienwiese in Munich, with a selection of German beers and Bavarian food on offer. Camden Town Brewery has made a special brew for the event, and there will be DJs and even performances from oompah bands. Tickets start from £10.

Visit DesignMyNight.com 

ESCAPE THE CITY: Dinner Ladies On The Farm Supper Club

Dinner Ladies are hosting a supper club at Newton Manor Farm near Stockbridge on Saturday 18th September. Taking a farm-to-table approach, they use local, seasonal produce to create a four-course menu featuring dishes like trout with watercress, and a selection of regional cheeses, accompanied by local wines and ciders. Each course will be cooked on outdoor flames in front of you. After dinner, warm up by the fire pit with a drink and enjoy the views over the farm. Tickets cost £60pp.

Visit DinnerLadiesltd.com 

GET ON YOUR BIKE: Velio

Cycling enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Velio is the UK’s first cycling festival, taking place from Friday 17th to Monday 20th September in the grounds of Cholmondeley castle in Cheshire. There are five cycling routes to discover in and around the estate, with options for beginners, experienced riders and kids – take it easy on the 3km track or go harder with a 30km, 60km or 100km ride. The highlight is the Velutopia track, stretching across 14km of closed roads, where you can stop off for entertainment, mid-ride games and tasks, and music. Sister Sledge, Everything Everything and Friendly Fires, to name a few, are all performing, and there’s also live comedy every night. Grab street food from the trucks on site, wash it down with craft beer, or sit down for a proper meal in a feasting tent. Tickets start from £60pp. 

Visit Festicket.com

HEAD TO KEW GARDENS: Gin Discovery & Tasting Experience 

On Friday 17th September, Kew Gardens is hosting a gin tasting evening with East London Liquor Company’s head distiller, Tom Hills. You’ll learn about the distilling process and how the team create Kew Gin, before tasting four East London Liquor Company gins and enjoying a classic G&T. Tickets cost £90pp and include access to the gardens for the day – make an afternoon of it and explore the Mediterranean Garden (one of Kew’s best), then head to one of the restaurants on site for dinner. 

Visit Kew.org

TAKE A LONG LUNCH: Ducksoup x Find & Foster x The Exploding Bakery

Soho's Ducksoup restaurant is collaborating with cider experts Find & Foster to celebrate harvest season. On Friday 24th September at 3pm, head to Huxham Barns in Exeter for a special al fresco lunch created with seasonal ingredients and apples from Find & Foster’s farm. Expect charcuterie meats, pickles, pears, cheese and a seasonal farmer’s soup with bread and cider, followed by roast chicken. The lunch will be paired with a variety of ciders by the glass and diners can tuck into apple cake made by Exeter’s The Exploding Bakery to finish. Tickets cost £65pp.

Visit Eventbrite.co.uk

FIND HIDDEN GEMS: The Makers' Market At The Royal Exchange

To celebrate the Royal Exchange’s 450th anniversary, the building is hosting The Makers’ Market where design-led brands and makers will exhibit and sell a range of handcrafted products on the mezzanine level inside the courtyard of the building. Taking place from Monday 20th to Friday 24th September, you’ll be able to scour through rails and stands of antiques, accessories, homeware and other rare finds. Tickets are free.

Visit TheRoyalExchange.co.uk

MEET YOUR MATES: Beavertown Corner Pin

The mighty Beavertown has just opened its first pub. Right outside Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium, Corner Pin promises to be a great hangout for devoted fans of either craft beer or the beautiful game. There’s even a beer garden in which to enjoy new lager Bones or an old favourite like Neck Oil. 

Visit BeavertownBrewery.co.uk