Here's our pick of everything to add to your calendar in October
As October arrives and the weather chills, we're very much in the throes of autumn.
It may be tempting to snuggle up indoors as the weather begins to crisp, but there’s still plenty to enjoy outside the comfort of home (so grab your winter coats and some chunky knits to ensure you make the most of outdoor exhibitions).
But, if you insist on staying warm and cosy at all times, there’s plenty to do inside; from observing the inner working of Tim Burton's films (and mind), to seeing the Philharmonic Orchestra at their absolute best, your cultural consumption needn’t be limited by the darker evenings.
Here's a taste of exciting offerings this October to book into your diaries
Visit the George pop-up at Frieze
The esteemed private members' club brings its celebrated blend of art, culture and culinary excellence to Frieze London this year with its inaugural external pop-up. Designed to echo the Mount Street establishment’s unique atmosphere and reflect the Birley Clubs’ commitment to championing creativity, the space features artworks by emerging and established artists. Admire sumptuous surroundings while enjoying a curated menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and signature cocktails.
George at Frieze London
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of Daphne’s
A London institution, the charming Daphne’s is welcoming diners to celebrate six decades of serving up authentic Italian food to South Kensington with a special menu. To mark this momentous occasion, head chef Chris Dargavel has created the exquisite Daphne’s 60th fillet steak, featuring 21-day aged Hereford beef and hand-selected white truffles.
The restaurant will also be serving limited-edition cocktails in partnership with The Singleton. If you fancy a tipple, we’d suggest the Daphne's Americano; comprised of whisky that’s been aged 12 years, vermouth, Campari, bitter and soda, the cocktail is the perfect combination of something both timeless and classic – much like Daphne’s itself.
Daphne's, 112 Draycott Ave, SW3 3AE
Watch the London Philharmonic Orchestra in action
A must-see for classical fans, renowned American conductor Karina Canellakis will be presenting a programme of passion. Expect heart-swooping melodies paired with quieter moments of melancholy, with Canellakis expected to play Bruckner’s Fourth as well as works by Schumann. At a slightly earlier start time of 6.30pm, it’s the perfect pre-dinner treat.
Karina Canellakis plays the Royal Festival Hall on Wednesday 30 October. Tickets start at £14. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website.
See the world of Tim Burton come to life
Perhaps rather appropriately for so-called spooky season, The Design Museum in Kensington is opening an exhibition to celebrate director Tim Burton’s five-decade career. The World of Tim Burton will feature 600 objects from 18 of his films, including some of his early expressionistic sketches as well as props, costumes and set designs. Those who were a fan of Batman Returns may be intrigued to see Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman costume up close. It’s a must-visit for fans of the filmmaker, with many of the objects on display having never been seen by the UK public before.
Tickets are on sale from £19.69 for adults. For more information, visit The Design Museum.
Catch the Reverberation European theatre debut
When the weather outside is dire, there’s no better place to retreat to than the theatre. In her stage debut, Poldark's Eleanor Tomlinson will star in the European debut of Reverberation by Matthew Lopez, the award-winning writer of two-part epic The Inheritance. The play follows a young man who becomes a recluse following an attack, but then develops a close bond with enigmatic free spirit Claire, who moves into his building. It’s a play about love, loneliness and longing, and will leave an imprint on your mind long after you’ve left the theatre.
Reverberation is on at the Bristol Old Vic until 2 November. Tickets start from £10 and can be purchased here.
Admire Felicity Aylieff’s monumental work at Kew Gardens
In a major new exhibition at Kew, the celebrated ceramic artist Felicity Aylieff will be displaying her larger-than-life works for all to enjoy. The show will encompass a selection of works, including five-metre-tall vases painted using a vibrant range of cobalt blue oxides in a technique known as Qing Hua, a signature of Aylieff’s work. Transporting visitors to the workshops of Jingdezhen, China, where Aylieff has worked closely, the exhibition will also incorporate source materials, tools, sketch books and works in progress to tell the story of Aylieff’s work, and the close collaborative relationship she has maintained with the craftspeople of the province for nearly 20 years. An accompanying film will also delve deeper into her techniques, showcasing the artistic traditions with which the destination has become synonymous over many centuries.
Expressions in Blue opens from 26 October to 23 March. Tickets start at £24.50 per adult. For more information, visit Kew Gardens.
Enjoy the best of Oktoberfest outside of Munich
Flying off to Germany to enjoy guzzling beer in lederhosen may be a relic of travelling in our twenties, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still enjoy Oktoberfest on a smaller scale. Albert’s Schloss can give you an authentic taste of Munich in the heart of central London; as well as brass bands playing, plenty of German food and oompah parties, there’s some serious beer drinking to be had – Albert’s Schloss is one of the few places that serves all six of the beers Munich is famous for during Oktoberfest season. We’ll cheers to that.
Albert’s Schloss holds Oktoberfest events from 5.30pm on Wednesdays to Fridays, or from 3pm on Saturdays.
Sip a premium whisky in a uniquely artistic setting
To mark the release of its Grand Château whisky, Glenfiddich has partnered with the progressive Swedish artist André Saraiva in an immersive takeover of the 109 Bar at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge. In a mesmerising fusion of tradition and rebellion, the 109 Bar will feature Saraiva’s whimsical and avant-garde graffiti as the space becomes a living canvas. Each design will also feature symbols of the whisky’s journey from brew to bottle.
The instillation also allows shoppers to sample an extraordinary range of luxury single-malt Scotch whisky drams and cocktails, and includes a bottle shop, where the new Glenfiddich Grand Château and the brand’s wider range are available to buy.
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Binge on Industry as it returns for a third season
Have a Succession-shaped hole in your life? If you’re looking for another slick, stylish drama about the corrupting power of money, look no further than Industry, the critically acclaimed investment banking series back for a third run. This time, Game of Thrones stalwart Kit Harington joins the cast as Sir Henry Muck, a flashy yet entitled CEO of a green energy company – and Pierpoint’s latest client. Expect plenty more sex, drugs and immorality as the team at Pierpoint gamble with billions – and with their own consciences.
Industry season 1 – 3 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Peruse the Frieze and Frieze Masters art fair
The most important date in the art calendar, expect Regent’s Park to be awash with art collectors and fans as some of the best contemporary artists exhibit their work in the Frieze marquee. Among the most exciting names making their debut this year include the Chinese artist Yu Hong, whose work focuses on dramatic landscapes that can either elicit a scene of calm or of forboding, and the Canadian rising star Anna Weyant, who has made a name for herself with her doll-esque still lives that explore the quirks of femininity and human nature.
Frieze takes place from 9 – 13 October. Tickets and further information can be found here.
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