Having made the most of spooky season, we have beckoned in November. Now in the thick of winter here in the UK, it's all about cosy vibes, meaning we can shelter from the cold in some of the fabulous eateries and dimly-lit bars the capital has to offer. Kicking off the month, we have been trying out some of the latest offerings at the must-visit spots across London, starting strong with a Greek feast at Bottarga in Notting Hill.
Alongside the best places for a stylish city dinner, we've also been trying and testing afternoon tea offerings – keep reading to see how you could get a chance to dine like a queen at Soho Hotel's tribute to SIX the Musical. If late nights in the big smoke are not your bag, we have also been exploring the best new spa treatments – and we're keeping it seasonal with a facial featuring autumn's go-to vegetable (more on that in a moment). Keep scrolling to see our top picks for the month…
Places to eat
Go Greek with a lavish feasting menu
When the days are short and the nights are long, there’s nothing better than whiling away the hours with some serious feasting. In the summer, Borough’s Pyro restaurant might be popular for its beach club vibes, but this month it’s truly embracing its lavish Greek hospitality with its own take on a Greek village festival - Panigyri - inspired by gournopoula, the Messinian tradition of roasting suckling pig over an open fire. The Pig panigyri, which takes place on Pyro’s terrace, the Baráki Bar, every Wednesday , will centre around a whole suckling pig, slowly roasted over flaming myrtle and served nose to tail, featured in such dishes as handmade sausage, rich stews, and, of course, crisp crackling alongside servings of the meat. (From 7pm. Set menu, £70pp.)
Pig aside, the Pyro menu is filled with clever delights, from potato pita that you can dig into a pile of smoked aubergine and roast garlic, to spanakopita pastel de nata that melt in the mouth. We particularly loved the tasty sea bream, served ceviche-style on a bed of ice, and the smoked cauliflower with sheep’s milk labneh and sunflower seed hummus. Don’t miss the parsnip ice cream served with Greek honey and smoked bay leaf caramel - it might sound different, but I promise it was totally delicious and truly, a feast for the senses.
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Reviewed by Miranda Thompson, Features Editor
Dine like a queen with afternoon tea inspired by a West End show
I have always been a vociferous musical theatre fan, so the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon tea inspired by one of the West End's most popular shows was one I simply couldn't turn down. The Soho Hotel, located on Richmond Mews, has unveiled its exclusive SIX the Musical afternoon tea, which has been designed in collaboration with the hit show to create a menu celebrating the six wives of Henry VIII in a theatrical twist on the classic British tradition.
© Soho HotelI started off my experience with a warming mug of hot chocolate (weird for an afternoon tea that I would shun the main event, I know, but I am not a tea drinker) before being offered a glass of crisp champagne. Next was a gorgeous plate of finger sandwiches, including a Crayfish manchet roll (absolutely divine) and a smoked trout and candied lemon one. Then it was on to the plate of scones (two per person that were warm from the oven and absolutely delicious) served with clotted cream and two types of jam (the passion fruit preserve was perfectly sweet and zingy).
The final instalment was a gorgeous selection of mini cakes and buns. Each was inspired by one of the six wives of the infamous British monarch, and the crown jewel was certainly the Black Forest cake of Cleves, topped with a gold leaf-adorned morello cherry. With a full (and satisfied) stomach, I then took a slow meander over to the Vaudeville Theatre to watch the matinee performance of SIX, which was a joy from start to finish – full of energy, catchy tunes, and glittering costumes fit for any popstar.
The SIX the Musical Afternoon Tea is live now and available daily from 12 pm - 4.45 pm at The Soho Hotel.
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Reviewed by Katie Daly, Lifestyle Writer
Enjoy an indulgent meal in a historic setting at Christopher's
In the heart of London’s vibrant west end, just a stone’s throw away from Waterloo Bridge is Christopher’s - a classy, modern American bar and grill. Housed in a suitably grand Grade II listed building, Christopher’s certainly has plenty of character. With high-ceilings, marble flooring, opulent decor and a dome ceiling, it’s hard not to be impressed. When we arrived at the restaurant, we enjoyed crisp Cucumber collins and delicious Picante cocktails in the Martini bar before ascending the spiral staircase to an elegant dining room, featuring tall windows that offer a stunning view of the bustling city below. What better setting to indulge in a fabulous three course meal?
We kicked off our dining experience with blackened shrimps, which were deliciously paired with black bean and tomato salsa and corn cakes, as well as a refreshing tuna tartare, garnished with avocado and a tangy wasabi mayo.For the Main event, we opted for the crab linguine - which was my favourite dish of the night - and the salmon, which was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and complemented by a delicious jambalaya risottoWhile we were full to bursting, having all but licked our plates clean at this point, we shared the brownie and the apple crumble with custard, both of which were delightful and the perfect way to end a stunning meal. If I had to choose between the two desserts, I’d say the brownie was my favourite - a rich and seriously indulgent treat.
Our meal was perfectly paired with a light, crisp Gavi di Gavi wine, expertly chosen by our attentive waiter. I shall definitely be returning, especially as the restaurant is now offering a special Thanksgiving set menu!
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Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Acting TV and Film Editor.
Sample the finest Asian cuisine at HUŎ
HUŎ has been one of the most popular restaurants in Chelsea since it first opened its doors in 2021, and following its runaway success, the brand has opened its latest restaurant in the leafy Belsize Park. Sandwiched between Italian and Greek restaurants, HUŎ isn't facing much competition as its sensational dishes and friendly staff are guaranteeing repeat custom. Despite being relatively new on the scene, I was surprised at how many customers already felt like family to the staff navigating the new opening.
Intimate seating and low lighting made for a nice setting when I visited with a close friend, and with the cocktails flowing, a great night was had. I went for the Rising Sun, which not only looked amazing with its combination of vodka, prosecco, raspberries, and blackberries, but also went down a treat. With berries falling off and sneaking up the straw, it almost felt like drinking an alcoholic Boba tea.
As for the food, I opted to challenge my typical choices whenever I eat Asian cuisine (I am a huge noodles fan), and for my starter, I went for the daikon cakes with bean sprouts. As radish was its key ingredient, I had no idea what I was in for, but I loved the taste and happily devoured most of the bowl. The chicken pad Thai, a favourite dish of mine, surpassed my expectations. For dessert, you can't go wrong with a toffee banana fritter, and likewise, this was one of the best variations of the dessert I've enjoyed. With Asian food being one of my favourite cuisines, I'll certainly be returning in the near future.
Reviewed by Matthew Moore, Senior Evening Writer
Indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at Bottarga
The sister restaurant to the renowned Zephyr, Bottarga arrives with high expectations. Nestled on the corner of King’s Road in Chelsea, the restaurant is adorned with quirky, colourful prints that enliven its neutral-hued walls. Tables are dressed in crisp white cloths, each centred with a candle that sets a romantic tone. Diners can look into the open kitchen, where fresh cuts of meat and fish sizzle over the flames. The atmosphere feels modern with a contemporary edge, while the menu stays true to the traditional flavours of the Aegean islands. The menu revolves around shared plates, making it the perfect spot for dinner with friends when you want to sample a little bit of everything.
© BottargaI started with the warm pita bread – the perfect base for the smoked aubergine dip topped with crispy onions and the spicy feta dip infused with chimichurri. Both deliver bold, rich flavours with just the right touch of heat. For nibbles, don't miss the saganaki tapioca bites that are dressed in sesame and thyme honey – the perfect pairing of sweet and savoury. Trust me, the cheese literally oozes out. The crispy calamari with chilli jam mayo was also a firm favourite.
No Mediterranean restaurant is without its classic Greek salad. Fortunately, Bottarga delivers with barrel-aged feta, caper leaf, and their infamous large croutons. The restaurant's Caesar salad with arseniko cheese and crispy lagana adds a salty punch to your meal. Both salads pair perfectly with the meats available. I opted for the mouth-watering lemon chicken, served with a thyme emulsion that is tender with a touch of zest. When it came to the dry-aged rib eye on the bone, I opted for it to be cooked medium rare, and it was perfect. The bone marrow stifado jus adds a rich depth and juiciness to the meat.
As someone with a serious sweet tooth, dessert is never something I skip. I couldn’t wait to try the Instagrammable chocolate burnt cheesecake, rich with salted caramel chocolate. It looked absolutely divine on camera – and tasted even better. Velvety, creamy, and indulgent, it more than lived up to the hype. I was also pleasantly surprised by the salted caramel tart topped with flakes of Maldon salt – a hidden gem on the menu that deserves far more attention.
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Review by Maria Sarabi, Junior Writer
A rooftop tipple in Battersea
The festive season will come and go in a flash, but a rooftop cocktail bar with views of the city will be a hit all year round. That's why I couldn't wait to try out Pérola, a new art deco-inspired cocktail bar on the 14th floor of Art’otel Battersea. After being led through candy pink interiors and down a set of stairs to a quieter bar with moody lighting, I settled into a plush couch with uninterrupted views of Battersea Power Station and the sweeping skyline beyond as I perused the cocktail menu.
© JoiaDrawing inspiration from 12 unique artefacts from all over the world, I tasted the Faberge Egg – a mix of Absolut Elyx vodka, champagne, a hint of mint, and a zingy orange foam – and the Golden Stool – a rich and sumptuous concoction of Rum P@blic Origins Ghana with hints of peanut butter, banana and coconut. As someone with an aversion to creamy cocktails, the latter was a risk for me, but I was delighted to find it was all of my favourite flavours converted into a clear, smooth drink.
For snacks, I thoroughly recommend the squid ink croqueta with aioli and the pork sliders with caramelised onion - perfection! With the exclusive feel of a private members' club combined with the breathtaking views, I can see Pérola quickly becoming my go-to winter bar for date nights, catch-ups with friends and everything in between. After all, any excuse to slowly taste test every cocktail!
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Reviewed by Nichola Murphy, Lifestyle Editor
Indulge in festive cheer with Ole & Steen’s new Christmas menu
Here at HELLO! HQ, we couldn’t wait to kickstart the Christmas spirit - and what better way than with some deliciously heart-warming pastries from Danish bakery Ole & Steen!
With the festive season officially upon us, Ole & Steen have launched their brand-new Christmas menu - featuring the Honey Heart, Christmas Tree Muffin, Turkey Toastie, and a range of cosy festive drinks guaranteed to make you feel merry.
But the runaway favourite with the HELLO! team? The Gingerbread Social. This show-stopping pastry is a braided sweet dough crowned with golden crumble, a mini gingerbread man and a drizzle of icing - stole the spotlight (and our hearts). The moment it arrived, cameras were out (yes, Insta got there first), and the scent of warm ginger and cinnamon filled the office. In one bite, we were officially in Christmas mode.
If you’re ready to get into the spirit of the season, make sure to visit your local Ole & Steen and treat yourself (and your office) to a taste of Danish Christmas magic.
Reviewed by HELLO! Online team
Sample an authentic taste of India at KOKUM
My all-time favourite cuisine is Indian, so when I got the opportunity to take a trip to KOKUM in south Dulwich, I couldn't wait. Founded by Sanjay Gour and Simeron Lily Patel, the co-founders of the Michelin-rated restaurants Dastaan and Black Salt Sheen, expectations were high – but the selection of food on offer certainly did not disappoint.
© Simeron Lily PatelTo start, we had to try the limited-edition Bombay Banger, an Indian twist on the British sausage. A fusion I didn't know I needed, the sausage seekh kebab is grilled in the tandoor and served with cooling mint and coriander chutney – utterly delicious. Next, we had the succulent chicken chop (spiced with cloves and pickle, served with fresh mint and coriander chutney) and Chindian-spiced sticky pork ribs, which were my personal favourite.
No trip to an Indian restaurant is complete without curry, and KOKUM has plenty to choose from. We opted for the paneer makhani, featuring melt-in-the-mouth paneer in a rich fenugreek sauce, as well as the succulent butter chicken. They also offer various fish, lamb and pork curries, which I'll definitely be back to try. Sides range from masala wedges to tandoor-roasted aubergine mash and eight-hour slow-cooked black lentils, as well as the customary rotis, naan and pulao rice topped with crispy fried onions.
If you have room for dessert (and aren't utterly defeated by this point), try the basil-infused crème brûlée or the homemade pistachio ice cream.
Book here.
Reviewed by Abby Allen, TV Writer
Things to do
Enjoy a seasonal facial – with a pumpkin twist
After a hectic couple of weeks, I arrived at My Skin Ethics in Chelsea feeling tired and certainly looking it. I had lost my spark, and so had my skin, so I was hoping for a lift that didn’t involve needles. The Pumpkin Enzyme Facial, part of the clinic’s limited-edition autumn offering, had caught my eye in my inbox because I’m a sucker for Halloween – but the promise of a skin refresh, using this seasonal vegetable, which turns out to be full of Vitamin C, was the clincher.
© GettyThe 90-minute treatment began with a hydrating paraffin hand mask (it’s pretty hot when you plunge your hands into what feels like melted candle wax!), which set to work in white fluffy gloves as I lay down on the treatment table. My pumpkin enzyme peel followed, a professional-grade formula packed with AHAs and antioxidants. It had a subtle, almost edible scent and I felt a light tingle as it got to work, resurfacing my exhausted face.
Once removed, the therapist began a long, relaxing facial massage using a cooling wand designed to lift and stimulate circulation. This stage was deeply relaxing, and I found myself drifting in and out of sleep as she literally coaxed my face back to life. The massage was followed by a session under red LED light – its aim is to calm post-peel skin and encourage collagen production. I find light treatments take me a while to settle into; the stimulation of the brightness seems to affect my brain quite strongly, but the results are always worth it.
Then, before I was released back into the world, a moisture-rich sheet mask was applied to seal everything in. Immediately, the results were impressive. My eyes, usually puffy and portraying my recent arrival in my fifth decade, were tight and young again – I could see my eyelids for the first time in years. My skin looked plumped and rejuvenated; even that stubborn forehead wrinkle was much less pronounced. There was no pain, redness or irritation, and I left the clinic feeling fresh-faced and a new person.
My skin looked noticeably smoother and fresher for days, and a makeup artist I encountered two days later remarked on my very good skin! While super effective, the treatment felt restorative rather than clinical, with no need for pain or discomfort. It was a reset for both my complexion and my mood. The Pumpkin Enzyme Facial is available at My Skin Ethics, Chelsea, until 30 November.
Book here
Reviewed by Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Chief Content Officer
Get your pre-Christmas wellness fix
Busy season is almost upon us, with work dos, 'a quick drink before Christmas' and countless family gatherings filling up our diaries, meaning we barely have a second to breathe, let alone make time for ourselves. Which is exactly why central London hotel The Marylebone chose this time of year to team up with wellness studio Rebase to create their reset stay, comprising of a night in one of the hotel's luxury suites, paired with a blissful few hours at Rebase, which sees guests treated to an invigorating sauna and ice bath session plus a 60-minute massage.
Eager to rest and reset after a stressful few weeks, I made my way to my suite to be greeted by not only a bottle of Champagne, but three health juices, with instructions for when to take them – like a wellness themed Alice in Wonderland! One was for pre-workout, one post workout and one to sip on after my session at Rebase. After I enjoyed my pre-workout juice, I hit the onsite gym – guests have access to Third Space, a super swanky gym next door to the hotel.
After a sweat session, I dove into the wellness goodie box in the room, packed with electrolytes, magnesium and undereye patches, all curated to boost your wellbeing and help you feel better. The following morning, well rested after a night in the sumptuous bed, I skipped to Rebase (which is where Sabrina Carpenter indulged in her love of ice baths while on UK shores during the Short 'n' Sweet tour), sinking into their ultra fluffy robes, ready for my massage, which saw my therapist Shell treat me to a lymphatic drainage massage, getting to work on my tired legs (I did a half marathon the week before, and she was quick to note my leg muscles were extremely tight), tense shoulders and puffy face. Lympyhatic massage clears toxins, reduces inflammation, calms stress and restores balance, and I certainly felt lighter when I floated off the massage bed and into the private infrared sauna suite complete with ice baths and differing degrees of chilly. I alternated between dipping in the baths to luxuriating in the infrared sauna, and could feel the dopamine flooding my body. As unpleasant as lowering yourself into the ice bath is, the rush of adrenaline when you come out makes it worth it - and it's all the easier knowing there's a soft robe and an infrared sauna to duck into immediately after.
I left Rebase and The Marylebone feeling more restored than I have in months, ready to take on whatever November and December has to throw at me. Book the stay for yourself here.
Reviewed by Melanie Macleod, HELLO! Deputy Health & Beauty Editor
