What to do in London in September 2019

Burlington Arcade

Historic luxury retail destination Burlington Arcade turns 200 this year. To celebrate the occasion it is collaborating with the Four Seasons hotel in Mayfair over a limited-edition Burlington Afternoon Tea. A step above traditional teas, the Burlington Afternoon Tea takes visitors on a taste journey inspired by the arcade’s heritage, architecture and top shopping. Guests sample the Burlington Beadle, a blueberry cheesecake made in tribute to the centuries-old private police force at the arcade; other highlights include the Burlington Battenberg cake, reflecting the arcade’s marble flooring, and the Velvet Hat cake, inspired by Victorian fashion and hat stores in the arcade. With five classic sorts of British sandwich as well as freshly baked warm fruit scones and plain scones, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a quintessential British pastime and indulge in exceptional pastries.

Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, London W1J 7DR, +44 (0)20 7499 0888

Phillips Perpetual

Those thinking of updating their watch for the new season should pay a visit to the new Phillips Perpetual gallery space. Phillips ‒ in association with Bacs & Russo ‒ has designed a new space where discerning watch lovers can look at the finest collector’s timepieces in custom-built surroundings. Phillips Perpetual will offer unique collector experiences year-round, delivering first-class services and events including a selection of private sales, innovative partnerships and private selling exhibitions.

Phillips Perpetual, 30 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6EX

Officina00

Located just a stone’s throw from Old Street, Officina00 is an Italian restaurant serving up plenty of its own unique twists. Swapping a traditional trattoria setting for exposed brick walls, cool hanging lights and an open kitchen, Officina00 is one of the coolest new openings of the month. Focusing on a seasonal menu of artisanal pastas and on-trend small plates of lovingly updated classics, the eatery is proving to be a big hit. While the menu is built around traditional Italian recipes, the dishes have been given their own spin using innovative cooking techniques and interesting ingredients. Highlights of the menu – and there are many – include the cavatelli pasta, made with Padrón pepper and almond pesto, and finished with crispy coppa, and the heavenly corzetti pasta with wild mushrooms, fennel and sausage. The plates are designed for sharing and, with other plates including burrata with fried courgette and crumbled tarallo, you will be truly spoilt for choice.

Officina00, 156 Old Street, London EC1V 9BW, +44 (0)20 8037 7161

Bob’s Lobster

London expands its top brunch scene with the arrival of the new Bob’s Lobster brunch menu. Inspired by indulgent brunch feasts in America, the new brunch menu boasts quality ingredients and casual diner-style vibes. Indulgent stateside showstoppers range from lobster eggs benedict, and buttermilk pancakes, to lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and the Bob’s Lobster Seafood Tower, with an array of oysters, prawns, salmon and more.

Bob’s Lobster, 71 St Thomas Street, London SE1 3QX, +44 (0)20 7407 7099

Gezellig

New restaurant Gezellig brings gastronomic magic to the space it occupies in Holborn’s former town hall. Its Dutch name, which can be translated into English as ‘an atmosphere that allows good times to happen’, sums up this warm, inviting restaurant, which is as strong on style as it is on substance. The menu is comprised of modern European plates that champion the best seasonal ingredients. Gezellig is a fantastic place to indulge in the best the season has to offer, with show-stopping highlights including starters such as raviolo of braised veal shin with crisp sweetbread and pumpkin, and mains that might include roast grouse with salted blackberries, celeriac and black cabbage. The vast wine list is the perfect place to discover new favourites, while the puddings really are in a league of their own. Burnt honey custard with port-roast figs and pistachios is the perfect way to round off your meal. 

Gezellig, Holborn Hall, 193-197 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD, +44 (0)20 3004 0004

1 September: Gap pop-up

Gap celebrates 50 years of denim this month, with the launch of an exclusive London pop-up shop. Running throughout September, the Gap pop-up will be selling limited-edition 1969 Premium Denim and Denim through the Decades collections, ideal for those who want to invest in some new-season buys. Those wishing for personalisation services will be able to take advantage of the unique customisation offerings, including denim tattooing, hemming, distressing and more.

Gap, 52 Brewer Street, London W1F 9TQ

2 September: Mama Shelter London

The Mama Shelter Group arrives in the British capital this month, offering its first flamboyant hotel in London. The group brings awareness to lesser-known neighbourhoods in renowned cities and now the hotel chain arrives in east London. With rooms starting at £99, Mama Shelter London brings cool design and top entertainment to Londoners at an affordable rate. Cutting-edge design, complementary films and luxury beauty products are available in every room while a table football and giant Twister game provide further entertainment elsewhere. The retro vibe continues with a Japanese-style karaoke room that has pinball machines, video games and classic 50s microphones. With a vibrant bar and restaurant on site, this is set to be one of the coolest hotel openings of the year.

Mama Shelter London, 437 Hackney Road, London E2 8PP, +44 (0)20 7613 6500

3 September: Kerb Seven Dials

London is famous for its independent food and drink scene and this month its reputation is sure to increase with the arrival of Kerb’s first bricks-and-mortar site in Seven Dials Market. The new space will merge the gap between street food and full-service restaurant with a top selection of cool food traders. Joining the prestigious line-up will be the highly acclaimed Jewish deli Monty’s Deli, British seafood specialist Claw, and Yum Bun. Kerb at Seven Dials is set to be the ultimate place to try some of London’s best street food under one roof ‒ and it’s just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s coolest stores, set in the heart of Covent Garden.

Kerb Seven Dials, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LX

6 September: Luke Selby at Mortimer House

Mortimer House has announced its latest residency this month. Luke Selby, former head chef of Michelin-starred Hide, will be the next guest chef for the chef residencies at the club. The fine dining menu will boast top British ingredients and blend classic techniques with elements of theatre. Highlights of the exclusive menu will include roasted native lobster, fennel and smoked butter sauce with tempura claw and dessert showstoppers such as crème brûlée with spiced early autumn fruit soup.

Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, +44 (0)20 7139 4401

9 September: Sons & Daughters

Coal Drops Yard is London’s latest foodie hotspot, with plenty to excite even the most discerning gourmet. This month, Sons & Daughters launches a shop dedicated to the humble sandwich. Open throughout breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sons & Daughters will serve freshly made sandwiches that feature the highest-quality ingredients. A sophisticated take on standard lunch food, sandwiches here will have a special twist, with highlights including the Prawn S&Dwich, with Cornish prawns, S&D mayo, prawn crackers, crispy shallots and Napa cabbage; and the Egg Salad S&Dwich with eggs, miso mayonnaise, truffle crisps and salad cress. With top sides and cocktails also on offer, this promises to be a sandwich bar like no other.

Sons & Daughters, Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4DQ

10 September: Haya

New restaurant Haya brings a slice of the Mediterranean to Notting Hill this month. Taking influences from Tel Aviv, the restaurant is set to bring seasonally changing sharing plates to west London, with dishes designed to stimulate the palate. Set over two floors, the restaurant will be open all day, catering to early risers as well as those looking for an intimate space for dinner. Highlights of the menu are sure to include zaatar duck breast and freekeh risotto, and seared tuna with homemade labneh. With an open kitchen and a dining space designed to resemble a Tel Aviv household, this is sure to be a lively and inviting hotspot.

Haya, 184A Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES, +44 (0)20 3995 4777

12 September: Bubala

London offers plenty of enticing options for vegetarians and the range is set to increase with the launch of Bubala. The Middle Eastern restaurant’s head chef will be Helen Graham (previously behind the Palomar, the Barbary and the Good Egg) who will oversee a fully vegetarian menu inspired by herbs and spices from the Middle East and Tel Aviv’s modern cafés. Guests can expect bold flavours and exotic dishes such as fried aubergine with zhoug and date syrup, while drinks will include a selection of wines from Lebanon and the Middle East.

Bubala, 65 Commercial Street, London E1 6BD, +44 (0)20 3246 0005