The Luxe List London – October

The Luxe List is back! Raring to go for October, you’ll find special offers, new openings and what’s going on in London this month all in one handy monthly guide.

Game Season at Officina 00

This October, Officina 00 launches a seasonal game menu at its Old Street and Fitzrovia locations. Chefs Elia Sebregondi and Enzo Mirto blend British game meats with Italian recipes, offering dishes like rabbit lasagne and venison ragu on toast. In November, pheasant features in occhi with pheasant Genovese and aged provolone, while December brings venison haunch and tartare. The dishes are paired with an expertly curated Italian wine list. Inspired by Elia’s travels and Enzo’s family recipes, the menu highlights the connection between British and Italian game traditions. Game season runs from October to December at Officina 00.

Try Something New This Autumn with a Taste of Chilean Pisco

This autumn, savour a taste of Chilean Pisco, a smooth, unaged brandy made from Muscat grapes ripened under the sunny skies of Northern Chile. Grown at the foot of the Atacama Desert, these grapes thrive in the dry climate, yielding a spirit bursting with flavours of jasmine, ripe pears, peaches, and mandarins. While you may have encountered Pisco in a classic ‘Pisco Sour’, its versatility extends to other cocktails like a Negroni (simply swap out the gin for Pisco and garnish with an orange slice and cherries) or the ‘Pichuncho,’ a blend of Pisco, red vermouth, and Cointreau, stirred with a cinnamon stick and topped with a mint sprig.

Chileans cherish their Pisco, consuming over 95% of their production. Fortunately, brands like ABA, El Gobernador, and Waqar are available from The Whisky Exchange in the UK, ready to bring a touch of Latin American warmth to your October evenings.

National Pasta Day at Chucs

Celebrate National Pasta Day on October 17th at Chucs, with locations in Mayfair, Kensington, and Belgravia. Indulge in handcrafted pasta dishes inspired by traditional Italian comfort food. Highlights include baked gnocchi with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and truffle, or the luxurious lobster linguine. For a heartier meal, try pappardelle with duck and Tuscan sausage ragu, or savor the simplicity of bigoli cacio e pepe. Chucs offers an elegant setting inspired by the glamour of 1950s Italy, making it the perfect spot for pasta lovers to celebrate in style.

Global Champagne Day at Berners Tavern

Celebrate Global Champagne Day on October 25th at Berners Tavern with their luxurious Champagne Trolley, offering a range of top-tier options including Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, Krug NV, and Dom Perignon 2013. The trolley provides an array of tasting notes to suit every palate. Complementing the bubbles is Jason Atherton’s Autumn menu, featuring seasonal British dishes like Cumbrian Venison Loin, Line-caught Cornish Cod, and Dingley Dell BBQ Pork Chop. End your meal on a sweet note with a Pumpkin Choux Bun or Pecan Pie.

Halloween Afternoon Tea at The Stafford London

Celebrate Halloween in style with The Stafford London’s special Afternoon Tea, available from 28th October to 3rd November. Set in the elegant surroundings of this gorgeous five-star hotel, guests can enjoy a playful yet sophisticated experience. Halloween-themed treats will be served from their signature cake trolley, including a honey layer cake with spooky edible designs, the cutest white mouse and a white mousse, reimagined as a witch – complete with hat! It’s the perfect blend of luxury and festive fun, making it an ideal treat for the spooky season!

Celebrate a Spooktacular Halloween Week at Lio London

Get ready for a spine-tingling, dance-fueled Halloween at Lío London with six nights of unmatched entertainment in a spooky ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ theme. From October 26th, enjoy a cabaret experience with a disco twist, complete with dazzling performances, eerie decor, and two exclusive cocktails: the Fatal Fizz and Spicy Senorita. Fancy dress is encouraged, honouring your favourite pop stars, dead or alive.

The fun continues from 11pm each night with resident DJs, and on October 26th, Fat Tony returns for a special Halloween Disco alongside The Menendez Brothers and Ralph Bazaar. Cabaret tickets start at £100, with club entry from 11pm.

Celebrate International Gin and Tonic Day with James Gin

Celebrate International Gin and Tonic Day on Saturday 19th October with James Gin, a unique, savoury gin crafted by James May in collaboration with Downtown Distillery in Wiltshire. Known for his culinary flair from his book Oh Cook!, May infuses his love of bold flavours into this distinctive gin range, featuring varieties like Asian Parsnip, American Mustard, and London Drizzle. Originally created for fun at his Wiltshire pub, these gins have grown into a global success, now sold in 41 countries. Enjoy them best over ice with a premium tonic, and explore more at www.jamesgin.com. Raise your G&T game with this one-of-a-kind sip!

Day of the Dead at Bōkan

Head 37 floors up to Bōkan, one of London’s top sky-high restaurants, and celebrate Day of the Dead with a modern Mexican twist. From 31st October to 10th November, indulge in a five-course tasting menu paired with Maestro Dobel tequila. With floor-to-ceiling views of London, enjoy dishes like Baja-style fish, Cornish crab, and maple-smoked pork ribeye, each paired with a custom tequila cocktail. Finish with a tequila sorbet and chili chocolate tacos. Priced at £69 per person, with cocktail pairings for an extra £49. For a night of memorable flavors and stunning views, book at Bōkan London.

New Opening: Claro

Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Claro opens its second location in London’s prestigious St James’s district on 12th October. Known for its fresh, seasonal produce and Mediterranean flavors with Middle Eastern influences, Claro will offer a similar experience to its renowned Tel Aviv location. Led by Chef Shadi Issawy, the restaurant will serve lunch, dinner, and a special weekend brunch. The beautifully designed space features an open kitchen, bar seating, and private event rooms. Formerly a historic banking hall, the interiors have been reimagined by DesignLSM to blend the elegance of St James’s Clubland with modern flair.

Diwali at Kanishka by Atul Kocchar

Celebrate Diwali at Kanishka by Atul Kochhar in Mayfair, offering a special seven-course tasting menu blending British ingredients with Indian flavours. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Atul Kochhar and BBC’s Great British Menu 2024 star, Executive Chef Ashok Kumar, the menu showcases dishes like Cromer Crab Fritter, Chicken Tikka Pie with Berry Chutney, and Pistachio Kulfi with Chocolate Mousse. Priced at £105 per person, with optional wine pairing for £75, this experience promises a masterful fusion of bold flavours and refined techniques. Enjoy a festive feast in the heart of London this Diwali.

New Opening: Zum Barbarossa

Opening on 24th October, Zum Barbarossa is Soho’s newest speakeasy bar, set in a stunning 1730 Georgian townhouse. Hidden in a basement, this intimate Paris-style bar combines expertly mixed cocktails with late-night entertainment and live DJs spinning jazzy deep house. The venue, equipped with an L-Acoustics sound system, promises a party vibe in a space designed by Marie Martin, inspired by Art Nouveau. Highlights include the Spicy Rose Paloma and Zespresso Martini, paired with small plates like caviar and dressed oysters. Following its success in Amsterdam, Zum Barbarossa is set to become a standout nightlife destination in London, from the family behind The Seafood Bar – the critically acclaimed seafood restaurant on Dean Street.