What to do in London this Weekend, October 11 – 13
It really feels like winter is upon us here in the UK, and as the waterproof parkas have come out in London and we all dread the approach of the time change, it is time to get out of the house before you’re bunkered in for the season. Some of our tips for a fun weekend:
LONDON HORROR FESTIVAL
Can’t be October without something spooky to do. This is a programme of theatre, gothic musicals and interactive silliness. You can head to the Pleasance Theatre and Old Red Lion Theatre, whichever is more convenient, through the 2nd of November for events and info. Prices vary. www.londonhorrorfestival.co.uk
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
American beasts will think we’ve gotten the month wrong, but nope, it is on. Historian Carter G. Woodson created the original in the US, and after a visit in the 1970’s, our own Akyaaba Addai Sebo, a special projects officer at the Greater London Council, founded the UK’s version of Black History Month in 1987. Traditionally, October is when African chiefs and leaders gather to settle their differences, so Akyaaba chose this time of year to connect the cultural dots. Event listings and ways to learn more at their website. www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
GAUGHIN
from the Musee d’Orsay collection.
Painter, island-lover, asshole, we all knew that, but sculptor? Oh yes, and he was good at it. Heads made from bronze, terracotta and wood are graceful and lifelike, and the wood simply glows. The Credit Suisse Exhibition: Gaughin Portraits is on now through January at the National Gallery, but tickets (£20-24) will go fast. www.nationalgallery.org.uk
LEBANON MEETS CHELSEA
Comptoir Libanais has some of the most bright and lovely restaurants in the UK, and their sparkle, energy and antique harissa tins now come to Chelsea’s Duke of York Square. www.comptoirlibinaise.com
ROB HERON and the TEA PAD ORCHESTRA
Four friends from Newcastle University channelling western swing, ragtime and the blues like they’ve lived it. A great time to be had at The Lexington Stage, on Sunday, October 13 at Camden’s Green note cafe. £12. www.greennote.co.uk
SCHNAUZERFEST
Forget the pugs, it’s all about the schnauzer. Did you know it means “whiskered snout” in German? Go meet loads of people full of knowledge like that. Sunday, at Hampstead Heath, free event. www.schnauzerfest.org
UKELELES AGAINST DEMENTIA
Paradise Lodge’s dysfunctional ukulele musical duo ‘The Doodlebugs’ will come to life this October as they perform at @TabardTheatreUK as well as doing a few special shows for local dementia patients. They smashed it in Edinburgh, so see their website for dates and times and enjoy an unusual night out. www.tabardtheatre.co.uk
LITTLE MERCIES TURNS ONE
Crouch End cocktail bar Little Mercies will be turning one year old at the end of London Cocktail Week – and to celebrate they are throwing a birthday party on Saturday 12th October. Kicking off from 5pm till late, there will be a special £6 cocktail menu and things like deep fried lasagne bites and their house Reubens. We are there. 20 Broadway Parade, N8 www.littlemercies.co.uk
and yes, as mentioned, it is the end of …
LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
But never fear, it is not too late to buy yourself a very worthwhile Cocktail Pass — which gets you special £6 cocktails at tons of participating bars, and access to the Cocktail Village on Brick Lane — and look out for other special events going on around town. Various locations, book your £10 Cocktail Pass in advance, until 13 October www.drinkup.co.uk
