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Folk Co-Living offers a new type of rental. The idea is simple: when you sign up, you get your own private studio to live in, while sharing a range of communal spaces and amenities with others in the building. I stayed at their Florence Dock house in Battersea, just a ten-minute walk from Clapham Junction. The studio The studio I opted for to try out for a one night stay was compact but well-designed, with a kitchenette, a small dining table, and an en-suite bathroom. For a long-term stay, I’d probably make use of the communal kitchens more often, as they are much larger and better equipped (and I’m a messy cook). The bed was comfortable, and there was plenty of storage space. Larger studio options are also available for those who like a bit more room. Gym and wellness There is a gym available for all to use. It was spacious and well-equipped, with free weights, cardio machines, and mats. There's also a separate spinning studio. It’s definitely a perk to have such facilities within the building. You avoid crowded gyms, and no extra membership payment every month. Co-working space The co-working area was large, bright, and in a quieter area of the building. The open space setup included plenty of desks, proper office chairs, and computer monitors, with a lot of space to settle and focus. There are also small booths available for private phone or video calls, making it work-from-home friendly. Ideal for those working from home. Social spaces There are a lot of social spaces dispersed throughout Florence Dock house. There were five open terraces, including a rooftop with an amazing view over Battersea. Two of the terraces were equipped with barbecues and plenty of seats. Watching the sunset from up there was absolutely gorgeous. Inside I was able to play ping-pong in the games room. There were also some video games available to play with. The cinema room was spacious and comfortable, with couches spread across the room and a massive screen. In the evenings, the bar opens with a nice selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which could be enjoyed there or in the nearby lounge spaces. Folk co-living also offers a regular programme of events, from cooking classes and film clubs to arts and crafts, making it easy to socialise and meet new people. Getting cosy There were several lovely spaces to relax. I found the library charming. It was an intimate space with dim lighting, filled with books and beanbags. For a movie night, the nook was a smaller, more private version of the cinema room but still featured a large screen, and a couple of sofas. The living room, just off the terrace, offered a beautiful view and a huge couch perfect for lounging with others or relaxing alone. Overall While the private studio is quite compact, the sheer amount of communal areas to enjoy makes up for it. The building is thoughtfully designed for you to be able to spend the whole day outside of your studio, while keeping the co-living seamless. Finally, the overall setup is convenient, with no extra charges, and contracts that last as long as you like. This makes it a good option for anyone looking for a flexible, community-driven place to live, and it's pretty gorgeous to live in! For more information click here . Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Folk Co-Living

Transform your Halloween bash with Lola's Limited-Edition collection of wickedly delicious cupcakes and cakes. From candlelit dinners to monster bashes, these show-stopping bakes are designed to impress and taste every bit as good as they look. The collection features: The Black Ribbons & Ruffles Cake (£46), a mini tall cake with glossy black icing and matching bows, available in vanilla, double chocolate, red velvet and lemon. Halloween Cupcakes (from £23.70) come as chocolate and vanilla sponges with eerie buttercream swirls, candy eyes, chocolate ghosts, sugar bats and edible spider webs, available in boxes of 6 or 12 mini cupcakes. The Halloween Cake (£30-£80) is the ultimate centrepiece, available in small, medium or large sizes with chocolate or vanilla sponge, buttercream, chocolate witch hats, spider webs, sugar bats and Lola's signature green paint splatter. For those outside London, the Halloween Nationwide Cake (£30-£47.50) delivers the magic anywhere in the UK with layers of sponge, buttercream and raspberry compote, finished with ghosts, bats and seasonal sprinkles. Vegan & Gluten-Free Cupcakes (£23.70) with chocolate and vanilla sponges topped with dark chocolate skulls, gore-red splatter and candy eyes. Go wild with the sugar rush!  Available: 15 October - 2 November. Pre-order now at www.lolascupcakes.co.uk Written by Claire Selby  Photography courtesy of Lola's Cupcakes

With Halloween creeping up, The Lucky Pig Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia  is throwing a spooky party that’s free to attend and guaranteed to be a scream and a half. Friday 31 st of October from 5pm to 2am, you are invited  to step into the shadow , and descend into an underground lair where vampires, skeletons, ghouls mingle and sip sprits. Headline DJ,  Jay Francois a celebrated multi-instrumentalist will be mixing dance floor bangers accompanied by live trumpet magic until the early hours. Kick things off with a free shot on arrival, then dive into their menu of gruesomely good cocktails from the Mar-ghoul-Rita to the Zombie. The Lucky Pig mixologists will be on hand all night shaking up creepy takes on the classics, and they’re 25% off all night, including non-alcoholic options! Come dressed to kill. The most terrifyingly stylish guest will win a bottle of bubbly or Glencadam American Oak Scotch Reserve Whiskey. So unleash your inner ghoul, villain, or vixen, the more gruesome the better. Roaming photographers will be on point capturing all the ghoulish glamour and devilish dance moves so get your ‘Thriller’ moves on.   Grab your free ticket early, as this is sure to fill up quickly.   Address: The Lucky Pig Cocktail Ba r, 5 Clipstone Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 6BB For more information and to book your free ticket click here . Written by Lorna Bryn Photo courtesy of The Lucky Pig

This month, Westfield introduces The Future Studio; an immersive beauty playground where cutting-edge innovation meets boundless imagination. Free for all visitors, the experience takes centre stage at Westfield Days 2025, running at Westfield Stratford City (17th–19th October) and Westfield London (24th–26th October). Guests can explore the future of beauty through advanced technology, personalised wellness, and interactive AR experience, all brought together in one ground-breaking space. What to Expect Inside ‘The Future Studio’      The Entry Moment   Begin your journey through a futuristic walkway of vibrant colours, sleek finishes and playful textures, setting the stage for a photogenic, memorable experience.     The Beauty Forecast with Clinique   Clinique will be offering free skin analysis using its Clinical Reality technology. In a private pod, visitors can receive a full-face scan with devices that provide an in-depth look at the skin, guided by consultants educated in partnership with dermatologists. The Futurebooth    Futuristic AR beauty filters will give visitors the opportunity to try out the beauty trends of future.   The Lab with Nourished  Personalised wellness brand Nourished invites guests to discover the future of beauty and nutrition.   For further updates and announcements on The Future Studio, visit the Westfield London  and Westfield Stratford City  websites.  Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesy of Westfield

Art of the Espresso will be hosting a caffeine-themed free immersive experience on the 8 th of October, where guests can discover how coffee impacts your brain. The pop up will enable participants to make art out of their brainwaves, thanks to an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset tracking cerebral activity as coffee is being consumed. The brainwaves will be transformed into personalised live art, displayed across the gallery wall, thus breaching the divide between creativity and science. Participants will also be provided with a rendition of their personalized piece of art to take home, and of course, free coffee. Guests must pre-book a half-hour slot for the multi-sensory experience, anytime between 7:30 and 18:30 on October 8 th .   To book your ticket click here . Address: Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1DR Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of Art of the Espresso

London artist Oliwia Bober unveils 'Threads in Common'  a three-storey mural celebrating Fitzrovia's creative communities, past and present. The vibrant artwork pays tribute to the women who powered the local garment industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, while capturing the neighbourhood's contemporary energy. Enjoy three days of art from local galleries and cultural partners to celebrate the unveiling,  including more works by Oliwia Bober. Expect special promotions and art-themed events across Fitzrovia Quarter throughout the weekend and discover why Fitzrovia remains one of London's most dynamic destinations for art, culture, and hidden gems. Selected through open competition, Bober's design reflects the intersecting communities of the area, with colours inspired by the changing light on local architecture - from the turquoise tiles of Grade II-listed Radiant House to the deep red brick of Ames House, London's first purpose-built women's hostel (1904). The Artists Corner mural is at  Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia 67 Mortimer St, W1W 7PA Pop-Up Exhibition from 23rd-25th October - 55 Eastcastle Street, W1W 7SE - Free entry! For more information on Fitzrovia Quarter click here .  Written by Claire Selby  Photography courtesy of Fitzrovia Quarter

Earlier this year Birch introduced its Hertfordshire hotel’s wild sister in Selsdon, South London. True to form, Birch has managed to take a 19th-century mansion and extract all the formalities and stuffyness of a countryside dwelling, turning it into something quite special. The style and ethos mirror the original hotel and members club, built on community, creativity, nature, and playfulness. Leading interior design and architecture firm A-nrd, along with furniture designer and environmentalist, Sebastian Cox have transformed this building into something to behold. From the moment you enter the reception, the awe-inspiring decor is quite something, and you can’t help but marvel and admire the contemporary pastel hues and warm tones, juxtaposed with original gothic features. Only a 15-minute train journey from London Bridge or Victoria to East Croydon station, and then a 10-minute taxi ride. The hotel is surrounded by 200 acres of rolling, unkempt countryside, home to Birch’s long-term rewilding project, which aims to return the land to its natural state. Go for a wander and you might just bump into a roaming deer. The rooms There are 181 rooms at Birch Selsdon, and the type of room depends on the size of your party. The rooms are minimal, encouraging guests to spend time around the hotel rather than sitting inside watching TV. Warm soft palettes, give you a feeling of calm when you do spend time there. The beds are huge and comfy, and the furniture is made out of wood from the 200-acre grounds, connecting the inside to the local environment. There are beautiful oak nightstands by Sebastian Cox and hand-blown recycled glass lights, made in collaboration with London-based Michael Ruh Studio. Checking in with my partner and baby, we opted for a room located in the family wing. The family-sized rooms are super spacious, our room came with a travel cot and bunk beds, which are ideal for older children. In keeping with the wild theme, a door from the room opens out into a garden, which somewhat felt exclusive… it was the perfect spot to sit on the grass, bask in the sunshine, and feed our little one. Food and drink Birch Selsdon’s eateries include the all-day brasserie Vervain, one of two onsite restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Lee Westcott. Upon entering you will no doubt marvel at the decor, marble top tables, terracotta-colored walls, rattan chairs, large leafy statement plants, and beautiful sweeping windows, framing the natural world outside and flooding the restaurant with light. We recommend the Smoked Angus for brunch, a beautifully tender sliced brisket, topped with mustard mayo and fried egg. The second restaurant is Elodie, a more up-market affair offering a five-course tasting menu for £69pp, at the time of visiting Birch, Elodie wasn’t open, so we didn’t have an opportunity to try it out. For coffee in the day and casual drinking into the evening, The sunny orange walls of Meadows Bar connect Vervain to a beautiful conservatory, in turn leading out onto a grand patio where you can drink outside and gaze over the grounds. Meadow Bar stays open as long as the Vervain restaurant in the week (around 10-11pm). Weekend visitors can grab late-night drinks in the more sophisticated adults-only, and pet-free Angelica bar. Guest DJs provide the evening’s soundtrack as you sip on a negroni or your favourite hand-crafted tipple. Note it is only open on Fridays and Saturdays. Gym and wellness activities It’s always worth checking in early to make to most of the activities and facilities that Birch has to offer. Members and hotel guests can access the gym, fitness classes, and free wellness classes for free. During the warmer months, the art-deco-inspired lido is open, towels are provided, so there is no need to carry them to and from your room.You can have a swim or chill out with a drink from the poolside bar, with DJs spinning the decks on the weekends. Co-working space Unlike the Hertfordshire hotel, the co-working space here is only open to the members, a great space to work, take private calls in their booths, and take time away from the stresses of the office. However there are rumours that a new co-working space is currently in the works for hotel guests as well, so watch this space… Get creative Guests and members can try their hands at pottery and screen-printing in the on-site studios, where art is used as a form of meditation and escapism. I enrolled in a beginners two-hour pottery in the morning, learning the art of how to hand build, it was thoroughly enjoyable and perfect to have some time to use my hands to get creative while enjoying my weekend break. To sign up for a class before your trip at Birch, visit their website to see what classes they have. Overall Birch Selsdon is a cool, countryside retreat out on the outskirts of London, where there’s always something to occupy your time, from wandering the natural world to fine dining, wellness, and pottery. Above all, it’s a place to connect with yourself and others. Rooms at Birch (Selsdon) start from £119.00 per night, to book your stay visit www.birchcommunity.com/selsdon Address: 126 Addington Road, London, CR2 8YA Written by Rick Hartley Photos courtesy of Birch

Looking for a special evening in the city? On Tuesday 7th October, something extraordinary is happening high above the city: The View from The Shard is inviting guests to witness the Hunter Supermoon in a way few ever have, from 72 floors above London, with sweeping 360° views of the night sky. Visible only a few times a year, a supermoon is a stunning astronomical event, appearing larger and brighter as it reaches the closest point in its orbit to Earth. October’s Hunter Moon is especially meaningful, it marks a seasonal shift, symbolising preparation, reflection, and change. In a city often obscured by skyscrapers and light pollution, The View from The Shard stands as the ultimate moongazing spot, a rare and breathtaking vantage point to truly soak in this celestial spectacle. To elevate the evening, acclaimed photographer James Burns (@londonfromtherooftops) will be on hand, offering a short talk and expert guidance on how to capture the moon in all its glory, whether you're using a DSLR or just your phone. Adding a cosmic layer of meaning to the night, astrologer Ruth Flanagan (@astro_dejavu) will explore how moon cycles influence our daily lives. Guests can stop by her pop-up station for personalised moon readings, or pick up one of Astro Déjàvu’s ritual kits to take a little lunar magic home. With exclusive celestial cocktails crafted specially for the event, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of sky-gazing, storytelling, and spiritual connection. Where -   The View from The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG When -  7th October 2025, 19:00 - 23:00 Tickets: £50, purchase from here Photo courtesy of The Shard

Whether you're chasing spine-tingling thrills at a haunted Halloween party, ready to plunge into a fully immersive fright-night experience, or daring enough to take on London’s most terrifying escape rooms, we've conjured up a spellbinding list of the coolest Halloween events happening across the city. No Escape From October 24th to November 2nd 2025, No Escape transforms its award-winning escape rooms into nine immersive nightmares, each one crawling with   live actors ready to deliver unforgettable scares.  Dare to f ace deranged dentists, cursed orphanages, haunted toy stores and demonic barbers? Every room tells its own chilling story, blending heart-racing escape room puzzles with full-blown horror theatre. If you’re brave enough to push your limits and experience Halloween in its most immersive form, No Escape  promises a night you won’t soon forget — no matter how hard you try. To book and for more information click here . Meet Dracula at London Dungeon This Halloween, the London Dungeon  dares to go beyond historical horror and plunge headfirst into the dark world of gothic fiction, summoning the undead in a brand-new, spine-chillingly immersive experience. From 18th October to 2nd November, guests will be transported to 1886, immersed in the decaying Kingstead Cemetery, where ivy-strangled statues, moss-covered coffins, and eerie soundscapes set the stage for a spine-tingling face-off with Dracula. With unexpected twists, immersive storytelling, and jump scares designed to jolt even the bravest souls, this unnerving encounter with the Prince of Darkness will have you clutching your cape — and screaming for more. If you're ready to dance with the undead, this chilling chapter of the London Dungeon  experience is not to be missed. To book and for more information click here .   The Traitors: Live Experience  - Halloween special Love The Traitors  and live for Halloween thrills? Then prepare yourself for the ultimate treat — and maybe a few tricks. From 24th October to 2nd November 2025, step into a chilling game of lies, deception, and deadly strategy, inspired by the hit UK and US versions of The Traitors . Immerse yourself in a twisted world where nothing is as it seems. Explore eerily detailed sets featuring haunting singing dolls, cryptic clues hidden in plain sight, and even the infamous sinister clown costume — all designed to keep your heart racing and your mind guessing. Will you uncover the truth, or fall victim to betrayal in the shadows? Visitors are then invited to The Cloak & Dagger bar for limited-edition Halloween cocktails, check out the Killer Clown (a deceptively sweet pink martini topped with candyfloss) and Berried Alive (a jet-black vodka mix with lychee “eyeballs”). To book and for more information click here . Sky Garden Sky Garden’s legendary Halloween celebration returns this year on Friday, 31st October, promising a night of high-altitude thrills and unforgettable views. From 7pm to 1am, the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch Street will be transformed into a hauntingly glamorous setting for the ultimate Halloween soirée — complete with live entertainment, devilishly crafted cocktails, and panoramic vistas of London’s glittering skyline. ALR Music will set the tone with captivating live performances and DJ sets late into the night. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress — or distress — as costumes are not just welcome, they’re part of the experience. Whether you're sipping spooky signature cocktails or dancing beneath the stars and city lights, Sky Garden offers a Halloween night like no other — equal parts elegance, atmosphere, and spine-tingling fun. Entry tickets start from £27.50 and include a Halloween cocktail. To book and for more information click here . The Greatest Showman Circus Spooktacular! This Halloween season, the Empress Museum in Earl’s Court throws open its doors to all creatures of the night — zombies, witches, werewolves, and everything wonderfully wicked in between. Prepare to enter a haunted hall filled with mind-bending illusions, bizarre curiosities, and eerie surprises around every corner. For one thrilling night only, the museum transforms into a darkly enchanted playground, offering ticket holders even more to explore before the main event begins. Once the haunting delights have set the stage, audiences will take their seats for ‘COME ALIVE!’, a jaw-dropping Circus Spectacular inspired by the magic and wonder of The Greatest Showman . Featuring an all-star cast of West End performers and world-class international circus artists, this spellbinding show brings the music and spirit of the beloved film to life like never before. Expect show-stopping renditions of fan favourites including ‘This Is Me,’ ‘Rewrite the Stars,’ ‘A Million Dreams,’ and more — all performed amidst breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling costumes, and theatrical flair that will leave you mesmerised. It’s a Halloween celebration that’s bold, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable. Friday 31 st  October, 14:30 – Halloween Family Matinee  Friday 31 st  October, 19:30 – Halloween Party To book and for more information click here . Halloween party at 12th Knot This Halloween 12th Knot, the iconic rooftop bar and terrace perched high above the Thames at Sea Containers London is transforming into a darkly decadent playground on 31st October. Guests are invited to a bold and bewitching Halloween party that promises music, mischief, and unexpected thrills, prepare to be swept into an immersive night of high-energy DJ sets, captivating live performances, and plenty of spooky surprises. Kicking off at 7pm, the night will be headlined by urban music legend Mak 10  serving up exclusive Afro House beats and Pyra  bringing deep, soulful tunes and rhythm-driven sets that blend Afro House and global sounds. Tickets cost £20 and include a welcome Grey Goose cocktail, to book and for more information click here .

Cycling and spin wear brand LUCA will be hosting a pop-up event this Sunday 5 th  October at SOOO on Regent Street, for a celebration of women in cycling. The brand, who designs cycling wear by women for women, has come up with an exciting lineup, in alignment with its identity. You can expect cycle rides, run clubs, live DJ sets, and a panel discussion with outstanding women in the cycling community. Olympic medallist Neah Evans will attend the event, as well as endurance cyclist Claire Wyatt and journalist Emma Cole. To get your ticket, click here . Written by Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt Photography courtesy of SOOO

Nestled in the chic, village-like enclave of Belsize Lane (NW3), HUŎ has opened a stylish new outpost, offering a refined menu of clean, contemporary Asian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from across China and Southeast Asia — including Thai, Malay, Chinese, and Singaporean traditions — HUŎ offers a vibrant yet balanced take on pan-Asian dining. The atmosphere is calm and effortlessly elegant. Designed in collaboration with award-winning RIBA London architect Jonathan Clark, the space marries spaciousness with intimacy. Think soft driftwood tones, gentle lighting, and booth-style seating that evokes a sense of zen tranquillity — after a busy day, this environment was the perfect setting for our meal. The restaurant is thoughtfully divided into three areas. At the front, there’s a long bar and casual counter-style seating, just the spot for an evening drink or sharing a few light bites. The edamame with rock salt or chilli and crispy seaweed is a delicious accompaniment. Along with a list of luxurious cocktails, the bar boasts an impressive selection of Japanese whiskies, vodkas, and craft beers on tap. We couldn’t resist testing the silky Lychee Martini and tarte Rising Sun, a berry-infused concoction of vodka and prosecco — both refreshing and well-balanced. Toward the rear of the restaurant lies the main dining room, where we were seated. HUŎ’s menu is diverse and dotted with lesser-known gems. A standout starter was the wok-fried daikon cakes with bean sprouts — commonly referred to as “carrot cake” in Singapore, though no carrots are involved. Made from shredded radish and rice flour, the texture was rich and hearty, the spiced bean sprouts adding a satisfying crunch. This dish, was a real standout, and the unexpected highlight of the overall dining experience. The dish may look humble, but it is a riot of warmth and flavour, although probably best shared, as the texture and composition are quite filling, especially if you’re ordering multiple starters. We were very pleasantly surprised at just how delicious this dish turned out to be. We also sampled the peppercorn salted prawns, which were delicately battered and garnished with slivers of fresh chilli, light, crisp, and full of flavour without being overpowering. For mains, we opted for the steamed Thai seabass, infused with lemongrass and chilli, alongside the black bean chicken   (though tofu and beef are also available). The seabass was wonderfully tender, flaking apart at the touch of a fork, and fragrant with the subtle perfume of lemongrass. Though our dishes contained chilli, the spice level was perfectly judged, enough to warm the palate without masking the nuances of the herbs and aromatics. We rounded off the meal with classic sides of sticky rice and wok-fried Chinese vegetables, which complemented the mains beautifully. Dessert was a shared toffee banana fritter — a sticky, indulgent treat. While a touch too sweet for my palate, my partner, who leans towards the sugary side of life, thoroughly enjoyed it. HUŎ manages to strike a balance between elevated dining and a welcoming, neighbourhood vibe. The cocktails are bright and inventive, the food fresh and thoughtfully prepared, and the space warm yet sophisticated. Family-friendly and surprisingly lively for a Monday evening, the restaurant was buzzing with a diverse crowd, from young families to couples and groups of friends. If you’re after stylish, flavour-forward Asian fusion with a calming ambience, HUŎ is well worth visiting. For more information and to book click here . Written by Claire Bloom Photography courtesy of HUŎ

Celebrate Diwali at Greenwich Peninsula with a joyful day of dance, music, food and shared tradition. Join drop-in workshops to decorate Dandiya sticks, participate in Dandiya Raas and Garba dance rehearsals, and create Diwali lanterns to light up the evening. The programme fills Peninsula Square, Design District and Barton Yard with rhythm, colour and connection, welcoming participants of all ages and backgrounds. As night falls, experience a vibrant procession led by an illuminated rickshaw, four Dhol drummers and ten Garba dancers in traditional costume winding through Design District to Barton Yard for a spectacular group dance under a canopy of lights. A curated street food market showcases authentic South Asian cuisine with independent vendors serving regional dishes, sweets and drinks, while Canteen Food Hall & Bar stays open with DJs playing Bollywood beats and South Asian sounds. The free celebration draws inspiration from Gujarati folk traditions, with Dandiya and Garba symbolising joy, unity and the triumph of good over evil. Greenwich Peninsula is easily accessible from North Greenwich tube station (Jubilee Line), the IFS Cloud Cable Car and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (North Greenwich Pier).  Date: Saturday 18 October 2025 Time: 2pm – 7pm Location: Peninsula Square, Design District & Barton Yard, Greenwich Peninsula, London Price: Free! More information  click here . Written by Claire Selby  Photo courtesy of Greenwich Peninsula