Exciting things to do in London in September 2026

What better way to see out the remainder of summer in London than at a vibrant rooftop venue?

Nestled in the very heart of the city is Kitty Hawk, a stylish rooftop restaurant and lounge boasting stunning views over the West End.

With a warm, relaxed yet chic interior, Kitty Hawk is the perfect location for an intimate dinner date.

While you might initially book Kitty Hawk for its prime location, it's the food that will keep you coming back. There's something for every palate on the Eastern Mediterranean and Levantine-inspired menu, which boasts an array of small plates, mezze spreads, and grilled dishes.

We started off with the red pepper muhammara and cumin hummus, with the red pepper muhammara and cumin hummus, both of which went down an absolute treat with warm pitta bread. Both dips were so delicious, I could have easily sat there with a fresh loaf of bread and finished off a full tub.

Up next was a selection of small plates, including a refreshing Greek salad, grilled octopus, chicken souvlaki, and lamb kofta – all of which were excellent. The lamb in particular was a standout, paired perfectly with rich miso aubergine.

The highlight of the evening, however, came recommended by our server: the Saganaki – feta wrapped in delicate filo pastry and drizzled with truffle honey. If you book a table at Kitty Hawk, you simply cannot leave without trying it.

For dessert, we had the chocolate tahini mousse - another excellent recommendation from the attentive waiting staff. It was rich, delightful, and the perfect finish to an exquisite meal.

Paired with an extensive cocktail list and a great wine selection, anyone who loves a good tipple certainly won't be disappointed.

Book here. Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Deputy Entertainment Editor.

With winter fast approaching and Christmas shopping just around the corner, I can’t think of much better than breaking up a busy day in Covent Garden with a cosy lunch at Gaucho.

I visited the Covent Garden restaurant recently and, while I arrived fully expecting to order steak, the menu had other ideas. We started with the Rosemary Focaccia, served with cultured butter and chimichurri, before I surprised myself by opting for the Ricotta & Parmesan Ravioli. Served with cacio e pepe, Parmesan and crisp brioche, it was creamy, comforting and exactly what I wanted on a chilly London day.

Of course, I couldn’t visit Gaucho without trying the classic Gaucho Burger. The beef patty comes with smoked ketchup, melted cheese and chimichurri, alongside chips, and it absolutely did not disappoint. My guest went for the Gaucho Steak Pie, made with slow-braised beef, mushrooms, creamed mash and red wine jus. When it arrived with that golden, crusty pastry lid, I have to admit I was more than a little jealous.

And then came dessert. The Hot Cookie Dough with dulce de leche and vanilla ice cream is made for sharing, although I wouldn’t blame you for keeping the spoon firmly to yourself.

For something quintessentially British, you have to try Gaucho’s Sunday sharing roast for two, which is £40. You can choose chicken or sirloin of beef, served with roast potatoes, unlimited Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables and, perhaps most importantly, limitless red wine gravy. It’s the perfect excuse to settle in for a long, cosy Sunday lunch in the heart of London.

Book here. Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Digital Design Lead

There is nothing quite like a spot of Turkish food, and nestled in Fitzrovia is the gorgeous Lokal, which transports you to a personal paradise. With a dedicated cocktail bar, private dining spot and standard dining area, no matter what occasion you want, you can take yourself to the heart of Türkiye by just stepping through the doors.

Thankfully, I was there for more than just cocktails, and enjoyed a stunning three-course meal, consisting of mezze and spreads, larger dishes and a sweet dessert. While I was informed the Atom wasn't too spicy, I still opted for the Cacik, a tasty little dip with a strong mint flavour that accompanied my octopus. The star of this portion was the restaurant's signature Lokal bread, an inflated loaf that didn't feel nearly as moreish as other breads at restaurants, and perfectly went with any dips.

My main of Beef Saslik was gorgeous and a true highlight of the experience, while the Kadayif, almost like a nest cake, was so tasty and helped to settle the stomach after the meal. Oftentimes, puddings end up making you feel ill, but this light dessert gave you a sweet hit without any of the downsides.

Reviewed by Matthew Moore, Senior Evening Writer

Situated in London's iconic Mayfair, Novikov Restaurant and Bar features both an Asian and an Italian dining experience. I visited the Italian side for the evening. What strikes you when you first walk in is the stunning interior - olive trees, low lighting, and fresh roses on each table - offering a beautiful Mediterranean escape from the busy London streets.

Whilst some venues can be more style than substance, not at Novikov; food is taken very seriously here. You only have to look towards the open kitchen to see a delicious array of fresh seafood, vegetables, and hand-spun pasta on full display. It’s a perfect place for any foodie.

I almost wasn’t sure I needed a starter. The basket of beautiful, warm bread, crackers, and olive tapenade placed on our table was the ideal accompaniment to the wine. However, I chose the Greek-style tomato salad with Feta cheese, which was wonderfully crisp. For the main event, I had spaghetti with clams, bottarga, garlic & chilli. It was full of flavour, offering the kind of decadence that leaves you smiling afterwards. For dessert, I opted for the Amalfi lemon tart with frozen yoghurt.

The staff are also fantastic. A pet peeve can sometimes be searching around to try to find someone to help you with your order; this restaurant takes that all away by having an abundance of attentive staff on hand to ensure your visit is as seamless as possible. We even had a wonderful sommelier available to guide us through their wine list.

Novikov is certainly a restaurant worth adding to your London dining list. With delicious food, beautiful interiors, and fantastic service, I’d highly recommend a visit.

There's a reason Côte Brasserie is a nationwide chain beloved for its French classics up and down the country. Simply put: when you book a table there, you know what you're getting. Friendly service, good quality food, and a warm atmosphere whichever branch you dine in. The restaurant focuses on modern French fare and offers the kind of dishes you'd expect to find in France, from beef Bourguignon and steak frites, to French onion soup and Provençal tarte tatin.

Côte launched its new menu earlier this year – the biggest transformation in its history, I hear – which saw the return of bestsellers such as duck confit, as well as exciting new dishes like the steak haché burger. In ode to its host country, Côte has also created its own take on the Brit classic fish and chips, also known as plaice frites. In addition, the popular Prix Fixe menu returned, available on weekdays and listed at an even lower price.

There is also a new Lighter Mains section of the menu, which is where I ordered my crab and prawn linguine from, the pasta cooked to perfection in a flavourful white wine and lobster butter sauce and topped with wonderfully fresh seafood. My friend ordered the Breton fish stew, a fan-favourite that has also returned and is yet another dish that would please any seafood-lover being packed with mussels, prawns, and sea bream.    

If you're dining at a Côte in the morning, you'll notice a wider choice of dishes, while the chain has also introduced a more indulgent weekend brunch menu, including the option of free-flowing French toast with unlimited refills, which sounds epic. I'll have to come back to try that. In short, there will always be a reason to visit Côte, especially with its new menu.

To book, visit cote.co.uk

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Royal Managing Editor

There’s something rather lovely about discovering a new London restaurant just as summer is drawing to a close. I visited Le Café LPM at The Lanesborough towards the end of September, and, thanks to one of those gloriously warm afternoons, we were able to sit outside and enjoy the last of the summer sunshine, something I’ll never say no to in London.

Le Café LPM is the latest concept from La Petite Maison, bringing the Riviera-inspired spirit of its restaurants into a more relaxed, all-day café setting. It feels elegant without being overly formal, and I particularly loved the attention to detail. Coming from a design background, the interiors were a highlight for me, from the colourful artwork and illustrations to the little touches on the tableware - even the salt and pepper shakers felt thoughtfully considered.

The menu is designed for sharing, which suited a leisurely lunch with my guest perfectly. We tucked into the crispy Le Croque Monsieur, made with sourdough, veal ham, Comté cheese and honey butter, alongside the rigatoni arrabbiata with basil and Parmesan. Both were exactly the sort of dishes I wanted on a sunny afternoon: comforting, unfussy and full of flavour.

We paired lunch with cocktails, and my favourite was the Crème de Café, Amaro Lucano, cold brew, honey, vanilla cream and tonka. Think of it as a seriously delicious twist on an espresso martini, but with a character all of its own.

Naturally, we couldn’t leave without something sweet. The dark chocolate mousse with sea salt was incredibly rich and, for a chocolate lover, pretty heavenly.

I can already imagine returning as the evenings get cooler, too. With outdoor heaters, the terrace should be just as inviting through autumn and winter. 

Book here. Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Digital Design Lead

Given their incredible popularity these days, you can have an afternoon tea with near-enough any theme, and while it can be fun to savour some of the zanier options, sometimes you just want to go back to basics with a quintessential British version. And this is where The Kensington comes in.

The luxury hotel is boasting a beautiful afternoon tea, served inside its Town House restaurant, which makes you feel like it's just you and a guest, no matter how many people are actually dining. This afternoon tea brings all the British classics, with a slight twist, including smoked salmon sandwiches, ham and mustard sandwiches and the traditional scones.

Desserts include an éclair, a chocolate orange and pistachio Battenberg cake and delicious little tartlets. It can almost feel too much, but aren't afternoon teas meant to be deliciously moreish?

As for the teas, I was right at home with the 'Cloud Tea', an Indian mix with hints of apricot. Although I normally prefer to have white tea, a drink like this could certainly convert me to black tea. However, if tea isn't your vibe, the champagne is the perfect accompaniment to the afternoon tea, while a Classic Pimm's Royale is also a worthy option.

Reviewed by: Matthew Moore, Senior Evening Writer

If you're looking for a dazzling restaurant in the heart of London that's central, easy to get to, yet chic, head to Park Corner Brasserie immediately. The stunning Mayfair location is situated within walking distance of Hyde Park, hence the namesake.

The modern decor, brimming with calming green and white hues, alongside modern detailing, is a treat to encounter before you've even started on the food.

The menu is touted as a year-round celebration of "seasonality, sustainability and storytelling". Executive Chef Jean-Didier Gouges has devised a plethora of dishes that nod to the seasons. I was lucky enough to enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal, and the dishes were brimming with bold flavors. 

I adored the melt-in-the-mouth Goat's Cheese Mousse, which was glazed with pear and cinnamon purée, black truffle honey, and grilled sourdough. I've always been partial to fish, and the Dover Sole was expertly cooked, enhanced with accompanying mussels, wth a dusting of caviar.

I firmly believe that pudding should always be enjoyed, no matter how full one may be, and I'm glad I took the plunge and ordered a winner - the Chocolate and Salted Caramel dessert, which had a smattering of crunchy popping candy that tickled my taste buds.

 The staff was helpful and attentive, with wide knowledge of all the decadent dishes.

Book here. Reviewed by Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty News Editor

What better way to toast the English wine harvest than with a brimming glass of bubbles in the centre of bustling Bloomsbury? From now until the end of October, Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury Hotel is celebrating the season with a transformation inspired by the vineyards of West Sussex sparkling wine producer Nyetimber. Take a seat among the assorted dahlias, cosmos and stocks, surrounded by autumn leaves, and sample some of the best English wine the country has to offer along with a paired afternoon tea that celebrates seasonal flavours. Don't miss the Blanc de Blancs, a creamy, citrussy bottle made from 100% Chardonnay. Book here. 

Reviewed by Miranda Thompson, features editor

Set in one of the smartest parts of London and almost opposite The Ritz, The Bar at Gaia Mayfair feels like a hidden gem in the heart of tourist London.

Tucked away above the famous restaurant, it’s an elegant yet lively space, with intimate tables nestled into corners and a menu of exquisite cocktails and sharing plates.

We arrived at 7pm, when the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed - perfect for a proper catch-up. By nine, a DJ was pumping out tunes and the energy had noticeably shifted, setting the scene perfectly for the Saturday night ahead.

The cocktails were exceptional. Rather than asking us to choose a spirit, our waiter suggested starting with a flavour – strawberry, perhaps, or lychee. A fun way to get our taste buds ready for the Mediterranean treat ahead.

The Theo was a favourite for me - a tequila cocktail with basil and olive oil making for a beautifully savoury take on a martini. The Pithari was even more intriguing - a completely clear coconut and tequila cocktail, described as a clarified piña colada. All the tropical flavour of the original, but with considerably more class.

The sharing plates deserve equal attention. Don’t miss the sea bass ceviche, beautifully presented within the original fish, and served with three different sauces on ice.

It’s a special night out, with a price tag to match, but it’s a great spot for a celebration or for a few incredible cocktails before an evening out. The bar is sophisticated without feeling stiff, and definitely one to try.

The Bar at Gaia is open daily, 4 pm-midnight.

Reviewed by Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Chief Content Officer

It might be September, but that doesn't mean that the sun has entirely slipped behind the grey clouds, so while you can still enjoy the warmth, make sure you head to the Soho Sky Terrace. Barely a five-minute walk from Oxford Circus, this rooftop bar is located on the top of the Courthouse Hotel. The 80-seat venue boasts epic views of the London skyline and some incredible wine.

Team HELLO! was treated to bottle of Whispering Hills rose wine and Vinho verde white wine, and it was still light outside when we eventually decided to call it a day. Signature cocktails, beers and soft drinks are also available for those who don't fancy the wine options.

And dining is also a possibility when you're several stories in the air with pizzas, burgers and wraps populating the menu. We had a selection of nibbles, which consisted of breaded chicken bruschetta, samosas and chicken tikka, all of which were very quickly demolished by our group. It's a shame we only discovered this venue at the tail-end of the year, as we could've spent the whole summer going.

Reviewed by Team HELLO!

Swap London for the Surrey countryside this autumn with a two-night Bavarian takeover set in the atmospheric 19th-century courtyard and subterranean tunnel of Horsley Towers. Designed for an easy night out from the capital, the event features a curated line-up of over 15 local craft beers alongside a dedicated gin and wine bar, regional street food stalls and live music. Why plan ahead? There's a high-capacity venue with limited two-night availability, making pre-booking essential for September planners.

Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Horsley station in roughly 45 minutes, followed by a short taxi ride to the estate. Pre-booking is required via the De Vere Horsley Estate website.

By Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Website Editor

If you're looking to watch live music this month, you're in luck! 

Sir Elton John is the opening act performing at Apple Music Hall’s brand new venue in London.

The 600-capacity space is located at Battersea Power Station and it will open on Monday 28 September with a performance from Elton John. Tickets go on sale that same day (9am UK time) from the venue’s official website.

Charli xcx, Burna Boy, Troye Sivan, Baby Keem, Skye Newman, Arlo Parks and Chase & Status will also join the line-up before the end of 2026.