Top 20 Things To Do This Autumn

Everybody knows about Ballie Ballerson, and if you don't? You're about to. The iconic Shoreditch ball pit bar is expanding, heading to Soho for their second spot with even more UV, bottomless brunch and sweety cocktail fun.

They brought London some of the most banging toasties ever, and now The Cheese Bar has created the ultimate experience for dairy fiends. Freshly opened in Seven Dials, Pick & Cheese is putting creamy creations on a conveyor belt, with diners invited to grab their favourite as it whizzes by. Our pick? The cookies and cheese.

Japanese fermented rice wine, aka sake, is hitting London's drink scene in the form of swish cocktails and award-winning bottles. It's not the easiest tipple to find, but luckily for you, we've scoured the city's best bars to bring your sake flights and menus to try this autumn.

You don't need to splash out on flights to Munich; we've got all the best Oktoberfest action right here in London. Put on your lederhosen or dirndl and get ready for a month of stein smashing, with parties that include a vegan fest and dancing on the docks

The changing of the seasons means one thing in this city: hanging out in beer gardens moves indoors to cuddling up in cosy pubs and by open fireplaces. Chuck in a great pint of London beer and a board game or two, and we've got lazy weekends sorted for you.

It created a storm when it landed in London, and now the notorious prison-themed bar has set its sights on Covent Garden. Alcotraz: Cell Block Six Eight is bringing the celebrated concept (think orange jumpsuits, prison guards, smuggling in your own hooch, and a terrifying warden) to central London, and you're going to want to try it before anyone else.

Head over to Shepherd's Bush where this unique cocktail experience is putting you in Sherlock's shoes for the evening. Over the course of the event you'll have three fun cases solves as you find the ingredients to mix up the perfect cocktail creation. 

Shuffle boarding, best known as Henry VII's favourite pastime, has had one hell of a glow-up from the team behind other high-tech experiences, including Flight Club. Opening this November, Electric Shuffle is chucking a load of technology at the puck and sliding game, alongside paddle-board pizzas and sharing cocktails.

If Aperol Spritz be the drink of the summer then it's time to switch to something a bit heartier. Our suggestion? Beer, beer and more beer, and where better to sample plenty of the hoppy stuff than at one of London's breweries. Along with all the craft brews, these spots will get you behind the scenes to show you what goes down in making your favourite drink.

If one thing sums up autumn in London, it's a good old romp across Hampstead Heath, before something hearty in the village. Find sustenance with these brunches in Hampstead, with eggs benny, kitsch cocktails, and prosecco coming as standard.

It's cuffing season and if you've got thumb-swiping fatigue, head along to one of London's quirkier dating events. Whether you fancy partaking in a life-drawing class or chatting up other singletons in four minutes, there's a Tinder-free option for you.

Set in a secret private members club - that looks like an abandoned pub from the outside - Gin-House Burlesque is hot enough to warm even the chilliest of autumnal nights. Join London's sauciest burlesque performers for snake charming, fire breathing and scintillating strip tease in one of East London's coolest locations.

Make the most of those crisp autumn days by getting out of London. Nomadic Presents is a unique concept that plunges you deep into the countryside (though still within commuting distance of London), for a day of picking herbs from gardens, foraging in forests, and cooking over fire.

Bake Off is back on our screens, and as well as Paul Hollywood's piercing stare, it's bringing some serious cake envy. Instead of shouting at the TV, see if you've got what it takes to be crowned master baker with this 90-minute cooking competition.

Cool, sassy and hella funny, drag brunches are London's hottest ticket at the moment. And from fabulously cruel queens through to bottomless prosecco, we've rounded up the city's best spots for a Saturday of shenanigans.

It's the moment rugby fans have been waiting four years for, and now the Rugby World Cup 2019 is finally here. Sure, the games are pretty early in the morning, but that's not stopping these London bars and pubs, who will be screening every try and tackle this autumn.

The days get cooler, so ultimately, you're gagging for a roast. From mounds of fluffy potatoes and epic Yorkshire puddings to new gastro takes on the humble gravy, our guide to London's best Sunday roasts will have you escaping the recent chill and tucking into a hearty British staple.

A hotel might not be the first place you think of when it comes to smart dinner, but then you most probably weren't thinking of The Hoxton. The group's most recent opening in Southwark has been ruffling feathers; Seabird - the top floor restaurant - boasts London's longest oyster list alongside stunning skyline views.

From fitness workshops and cooking with gadgets to yoga events and art fairs, if ever there were a time to get familiar with some of London's best classes, it would be autumn. Try your hand at something new this season, and you may just learn something while you're there.

Calling all ghosts, ghouls and living dead, Halloween is coming to London and we've compiled the most comprehensive guide. Whether you want to dress up and dance til the early hours or go hunting for spirits in a graveyard, there's a little something freaky for everyone.