It can be quite easy to dip into seasonal affective depression as we enter six months of dull skies, cold weather and shortened days. But do we need to pathologise something that is a constant in our lives every year? Or can we embrace it and use it as a time for space? Space to cook or read or host candlelit dinners or learn new skills. To burrow and chip away at the things you love to do or have always wanted to try. That was my intention for writing this monthly edition. I hope it serves you well.
With care, Leo
Punk Royale, Mayfair: Pure TikTok brainrot, in the best and worst way — 3.5/5
What happens when two Michelin-trained Swedish chefs get bored of fine dining? You get Punk Royale: twenty courses, endless drinks and absolute mayhem. At first you’d think even your mum could have a ball here — but by the end, you’ve barely made it into the cab, yourself.
Bonfire night on water
Departs Chiswick Pier | 2 November
There’s something quietly cinematic about watching London’s skyline light up from the Thames — especially when you’re not in a sardine crowd like at Alexandra Palace’s firework event.
The Chiswick Pier Trust’s annual fireworks 3 hour cruise takes you past the Battersea Park firework display with a glass of wine in hand. The perfect kind of thing to take your grandparents to.
It’s Old Fashioned Month at The Ned
The Ned | Until 23 November
The Ned is partnering with Woodford Reserve for Old Fashioned Month — opening its intimate Library Bar to the public for the first time.
Slip past the jacquard curtain into low light, brass, and bourbon. Not a bad way to check out the space for anyone eyeing up membership in the future. Walk-ins only.
Sixteen seats. Two chefs. One conversation.
Blue Mountain School, Shoreditch | 9 November
Taz Sarhane of Michelin-starred Cycene joins Bo Bech of Copenhagen’s Bobe for a one-day collaboration inside Blue Mountain School.
Sarhane’s food carries the warmth of his SE London-Moroccan roots; defined by the respect and stories of the ingredients. Bech draws from a layered history of his 1731 heritage-protected restaurant.
A table for those who listen as much as they taste.
The workshop for all early-stage founders
One Hundred Shoreditch | 22 November
Victoria Prew, a Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreneur, is holding a four-hour, caffeine-fuelled workshop for early-stage founders looking to scale.
You’ll deep-dive into marketing, funding readiness, and growth with people who have walked in your shoes. You might enter feeling stuck, but you’ll leave feeling clarity.
The London Jazz Festival is back
Across London | 14 — 23 November
I often hear this is one of the go-to jazz events of the year because it’s a 10-day festival that spans across than 60 venues in the city. Yes, they do the main culprits like Barbican, Southbank etc. But the intimate spaces really catch my eye — Brilliant Corners in Dalston is part Japanese restaurant, Ladbroke Hall has old European elegance with classic boning and grand ceilings, House of KOKO is draped in red velvet curtains.
Some events are ticketed, some are free to walk-in, which could make for the perfect digestif after a weekday dinner to catch some good talent.
Learn how to build a chic dinner table for the festivities
Petersham Nurseries, Ham | 25 November
Petersham Nurseries always holds amazing events that teach you small, meticulous skills such as tablescaping that leave a big impression for your guests. Expect notes on colour, height, foliage and how to create intention with everyday objects. A perfect chance to follow it up with a walk by the Richmond riverside or park.