September may have brought about the end of summer for many, but that doesn't mean the end of the sunshine. With the heatwave set to bring balmy evenings and candyfloss sunsets across London's skies this month, what better excuse to hunt down the city's best rooftops?
HELLO! writers have scoured the very best offerings in the capital this month. Scroll on for the ultimate guide to things to do in London in September.
Best restaurants to visit in London in September
London's unrivalled food scene serves up some of the most delicious cuisines, eclectic eateries and noteworthy restaurants to add to your must-visit list. Be it new openings or seasonal menus, here is where HELLO!'s Editors have dined out in September...
Take your date night to new heights at SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA is the perfect destination for a date night. You can find them in two of the most popular London spots: Covent Garden and inside Heron Tower, the second tallest building in London's financial district which offers incredible panoramic views of the city.
The venue was the most beautiful spot to mark my wedding anniversary. My husband and I tried the recently launched a new chef-curated Taste of Samba tasting menu, featuring a multi-course selection of the restaurant's most beloved dishes, perfect when paired with the extensive wine and cocktail menu.
We enjoyed signature dishes such as Crispy Lobster Taquitos and Wagyu Gyoza to begin with, before moving on to the Churrasco Rio Grande ribeye, with chorizo, fillet mignon served with black beans, sautéed greens, farofa and SUSHISAMBA dipping sauces. There is also an entirely vegan Taste of Samba version of the menu for those with a plant-based diet.
If you've chosen to dine at Covent Garden's restaurant, located in the heart of theatre land, be sure to try the pre-theatre dining menu. Highlights from the Pre/Post-Theatre Menu include a tantalising selection of Vegetable Taquitos, Tuna Seviche, a selection of rolls and Robata Salmon.
Reviewed by: Andrea Caamano, Website Editor
Celebrate National Lobster Day in style
Have your fill at National Lobster Day with Burger & Lobster! The beloved chain is as popular as it is for good reason, as I discovered as I went along to sample their seafood delights ahead of the big day for lobsters everywhere, 25th September. As well as the to-die-for signature lobster roll, which comes with perhaps the greatest, most buttery sauce known to man, what did surprise me was the starters – I don't think I've ever tried Burger and Lobster's options and wanted to try them all!
I have to say though, the calamari and prawns were an especially good call, delish! It's also important to mention that the service is friendly but also speedy, and the perfect outing for if you are dashing to a theatre show, or want to take your time catching up with a friend. I can't wait to go back!
Review by Emmy Griffiths, TV and Film Editor
Experience five-star cuisine at Fazenda
Following my nose through Liverpool Street, the smell of cooking meat beckoned me into Fazenda. Set on three floors, Fazenda is a gorgeouly decked out premium South American restaurant and from the attention to interior detail, I knew I was in for a treat.
After ascending to the third floor I was left with a choice between the a la carte menu or the Rodizio menu. I had to opt for the latter as I'd always wanted a chance to try Rodizio. This particular menu boasted a selection of 12 delicious grilled meats from filet mignon to lamb chops, which sounded like quite the challenge. But I was up for it.
Excited for the Rodizio but peckish, I was happy to see Fazenda's offering of appetisers which promise 'a singe-bite explosion of flavours' and were just that. The aceitunas (deconstructed olives) had the familiar green sphere of the humble olive, but after one bite they pop - releasing a whole olive tree of flavour in one hit.
I then floated over to graze at the market table to fill my side plate with small snackish bites to tide me over before the main course. Even these small squares of cheese, or chorizo spheres were beautifully presented, oozing colour, and there were plenty of vibrant salad bowls to select from.
The Rodizio was of course the highlight and delivered hit after hit of hearty meat goodness. Each round offered up another beautifully selected cut, each round outdoing the last. This is a real treat for meat lovers and it was heard to choose a favourite, but the top sirloin and pork belly really stole the show.
Reviewed by: Elliot Newlands, Creative Video Lead
Tuck into pizza and live music with The Hawk's Nest
West London's ultimate neighbourhood hangout The Hawk's Nest has reopened its doors this September with an amazing retractable glass roof - the largest of its kind in the UK!
With live music evenings, this bustling hotspot is perfect for taking in those end of summer nights. I popped by with my friend during the heatwave to try out their epic pizza and refreshing cocktails, the bustling atmosphere was the perfect vibe to catch up over food.
We tucked into the tasty and ever-popular spicy Nduja & Chilli pizza, a white based Funghi pizza drizzled in a Balsamic glaze, and the indulgent Four Cheese. All sourdough pizzas are freshly made insight, alongside sharers and desserts.
The fully stocked bar offers a killer line-up of draft and bottled beers, wines, G&Ts and spritzes, but the star of the show for me was the sweet Pink Grapefruit Margarita.
On Monday – Friday, those who head down before 7pm can enjoy the Margarita Deal – a Margherita pizza and Margarita cocktail for £12.50.
Reviewed by: Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
Heavenly roasts at The Parakeet
On a lazy Sunday in Northwest London lies The Parakeet. A fairly traditional pub from the outside, the interior features many hues of stained glass for a truly unique twist on a cosy boozer. The original pub was founded in the 1860s, and it's the menu that truly takes The Parakeet to the 21st century.
With the weather still warm out, it seemed only right to kick things off light and fresh with some oysters topped with a twist of kohlrabi. The wine menu on offer features grapes from all over, so there's a match to be had with each dish. The pinot grigio came recommended, and its distinctive orange flair was a nice surprise, with the glass glittering under the stained glass chandelier lighting the room.
For mains, we shared the whole sea bream. On a typical roast menu there can be the difficult decision of choosing between yorkshire pud and a lovely piece of fish, but here having all the trimmings on the side flagged the fish as the choice to go for. Subtle on the palette yet packing in oceans of flavour, the bream was the highlight of the meal.
For dessert, the Raspberry granita was the ultimate palette cleanser. I'm not sure what the secret ingredient is at The Parakeet but I highly suspect it is a teaspoon of love in every dish. The attentive service, well presented food and lofty flavours are just what you need to relax at the end of a busy week. After such a super Sunday, I'm going to be returning as soon as possible for the dinner service.
Reviewed by: Elliot Newlands, Creative Video Lead
Enjoy a fusion bottomless brunch
I don't tend to venture towards East London, but when I heard Bamboo Mat Stratford have launched their new fusion brunch this month, I knew it was worth the travel. I was delighted to try the mix of Peruvian and Japanese dishes, including the delicious and somewhat refreshing Bamboo Mat's Seabass Ceviche with aji amarillo tiger's milk, sweet potato, red onion, chancha corn; and Artichoke Tostada with salsa criolla and salsa verde.
© rusne drazAlso not to miss is their signature sushi Tuna Nigiri, Salmon Avocado Maki and Yellow Tail Nigiri. Not only do fingers go for food, but the cocktails and mocktails were incredible.
Those having the bottomless option, can choose from the refreshing Hugo Spritz (fresh mint, lime, elderflower syrup, prosecco, and sparkling water!), prosecco or white wine. Not drinking? No problem, try their undisputed Peruvian soft drink Chicha Morada made from base mix of dried purple corn with water, fruit and spices.
Reviewed by: Sharnaz Shahid
Be wined and dined in a secret garden at Stanley’s Chelsea
Whether it’s refuelling after a shopping trip on the King’s Road or a late afternoon cocktail with friends, this hidden gem in the heart of stylish Chelsea is the perfect place for delicious food and drink in chilled-out surroundings. Inspired by the quintessential English country garden, Stanley’s restaurant and courtyard bar is the ultimate place to escape London’s busy streets.
The cosy courtyard is tastefully decorated with cascading blossoms, candlelit lanterns and faux sheepskins, perfectly setting the scene for a relaxed late summer evening. The cocktails aren’t cheap – but are totally worth it if you appreciate a perfectly-blended tipple, like me! There’s something for everyone; Stanley’s puts a twist on the classics – think spicy margaritas and cucumber and basil’tinis. My spicy marg was the perfect blend of zesty citrus and warming chilli heat with a tequila kick and got the meal off to a flying start.
Small plates – which can be shared tapas-style or enjoyed individually as a starter – showcase the finest seasonal produce and champion the best of British suppliers and ingredients.
A cut above your run-of-the-mill appetisers, the creamy burrata was perfectly married up with delicate flavours of Roman courgette and pistachio, and the roasted carrots smothered with nduja on a bed of tangy goat’s curd were uniquely divine.
For main course, I went for the rib-eye steak, which melted in my mouth, followed by a velvety chocolate ‘Nemesis’ dessert.
There are only two sweet options, accompanied by a cheeseboard, on the dessert menu – but that’s all you need as Stanley’s does them so well. With tip-top service, a menu that changes with the seasons, an airy Orangery and an intimate private room for events, Stanley’s is somewhere to be enjoyed all year round.
Reviewed by: Emily Horan, Entertainment Editor
Best activities to do in London in September
London is full of activities to suit every budget, and here is what HELLO's Editors are loving this month...
Watch UNBELIEVABLE at the Criterion theatre
A brand new magic show, UNBELIEVABLE, has opened in London’s West End at the Criterion theatre, and I was one of the lucky few to see the thrilling preview night. The show is a beautiful fusion of illusion, sleight of hand and mind-reading. Featuring a live band and a magic company of multi-talented performers with extraordinary gifts, I was amazed to see an evening of trickery be brought to life on stage.
There are plenty of fun opportunities for those wanting to get involved as the audience becomes an essential element of the show from the moment they set foot in the theatre. However, we have been warned that no two performances will be identical. The show has been created, written and directed by UK stage and screen phenomenon Derren Brown, and long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor. After decades of appearing on stage solo, this is the first time that one of Derren's shows will be performed by a cast rather than himself.
Party the evening away in Mayfair with Noche Tardiva
Escape the daily grind and office hustle and gear up for some incredible headlining DJs at Amazónicos iconic late-night party. The Latin American restaurant in Berkeley Square, has returned its legendary Noche Tardiva parties from 11pm to 3am one Friday night a month.
Hidden beyond Amazónicos kitchen and down a golden-clad staircase you'll enter uncharted waters in this subterranean bar. Get your phone ready as this magical space adorned with seashells, shimmering textures and a golden octopus hanging from the ceiling, is perfect for your next instagram post!
With the next event on Friday 22nd September, get your heels on and enjoy an unforgettable night with back-to-back performances from 3 formidable DJs. Mannequin vs Marcism vs Andy Faisca will be playing into the early hours. If you can't make September don't worry as there's one more evening left this year on Friday 6th October. Where rising Spanish artist Crusy will take to the decks. Prepare to be mesmerised by his chart-topping hit ‘SELECTA’ which catapulted him onto the world stage and enjoy his collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Low Steppa & Dombresky.
With Amazónico being in sought after Mayfair, make sure you're dressed to impress and ready to dance the night away. Table bookings are also recommended, perfect for a catch up with the girls or a fun date night.
Reviewed by: Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
Indulge in Asian delights at 7th Cat
London's Chinatown can be found in the vibrant and bustling heart of London's West End. Yet with so much to see and so many eateries to choose from, navigating the busy neighbourhood can sometimes be challenging. Despite its wholesome, fresh, and delicious food offering, 7th Cat is not to be confused with a restaurant. Think of the colourful eatery, located inside the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, as a delicious pit stop for gamers right on the casino floor.
The firey popcorn chicken is a must-try on the menu, while the pork belly Char Siu and delicious array of Dim Sum boast a tasty array of flavours. The menu's highlight - the Cantonese Aged Roast Duck - is what punters truly flock for, and it's easy to see why. Served with a hearty bowl of egg fried rice or noodles, it was tempting to order another of the succulent dish, but a trio of Mochi called from the dessert menu instead...
Play crazy golf with a twist at Junkyard
© Carl SukonikJunkyard is known for its weird and wonderful twist on crazy golf, with seven venues across the UK including Shoreditch, Oxford, and Manchester. Junkyard's newest venue in Camden Market opened its doors this month, and it's better than ever.
I went to explore the newly opened Camden venue, and with four golf courses, a photo booth and a huge bar area, it truly is a playground for adults. Each course has its own theme and is filled with surprises, so you'll come across everything from scary clowns to mirror walls as you make your way through the mind-bending holes.
The drinks were just as quirky, with boozy ice blasts and cocktails served in disco balls on the menu, although the stand-out for me was definitely the Junkyard Love Club cocktail, which was topped with marshmallows and hundreds of thousands for that added fairground feel.
Whether you're planning the perfect date night, heading out with friends or setting up a team night out that your colleagues would love, Junkyard is the perfect place to go for a fun night out with food, cocktails and a unique game of crazy golf.
Prices for one game of golf range from £11-£13 depending on the time and day you play, and you can score a discounted cocktail or lager if you visit during Junkyard's Happy Hour.
Reviewed by: Sophie Bates, Commerce Writer
