Back-to-school season is upon us, but that doesn't have to mean all work and no play. Having kept us entertained through the month of August, London's cultural scene is back with a bang this month and with plenty of fresh offerings to try. If you're a parent and August meant exploring new places with your children, September might be the right time for a little me-time. Or, of course, feel free to indulge in a little R&R if you don't have children but are keen to see what's new in the city.
August had some amazing offerings from cocktails and a taste of Australia at Margot Green in Clapham to having the chance to dine in regal style at The Royal Horseguards Hotel's new garden terrace, so September has a lot to live up to. That said, the chillier weather of the month ahead takes us all out of pub gardens and inside, hunting for the cosiest nooks to enjoy a glass of wine or the best pubs to tuck into a Sunday roast. Keep scrolling to see what the HELLO! team has tried and tested this month and what we're raving about…
Best places to eat and drink
Enjoy a meal diner-style
I headed to Chet's at The Hoxton, Shepherd's Bush, earlier this month to check out their new collab with LA streetwear brand The Hundreds, and it was an evening to remember. The diner-style vibe really set the scene, and the food did not disappoint.
© ChetThe Hundreds Stacked Burger (£18) was incredible, think juicy smash patties, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, onions, and a rich burger sauce with a subtle Johnnie Walker kick. My plus one and I also tucked into the Khao Soi Queso Fries (£8), which were unlike any fries I’ve ever had.
I stuck to a soft drink this time, but the malted shakes (all £10) sounded amazing - banana and pecan, pineapple and coconut, and even a cherry and dark chocolate one coming soon, each with a smooth Johnnie Walker twist.
If you’re after a fun night out with great music, this is the place to be this month!
Book here
Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Digital Content Director
Experience the best of Italian cuisine at Franco's
If you love Italian food – or even if you don't – you must stop by Franco's. Prepare for an outstanding dining experience at one of London's oldest Italian dining institutions, which not only offers classic, elevated pasta dishes, but an extensive range of top-notch plates, from beef tagliata to honey-glazed duck breast and seasonal specialities such as summer truffle.
The restaurant is very well situated in the heart of vibrant Mayfair, surrounded by lifestyle boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly members of staff, who swiftly took our jackets, before seating us in the dining room, an intimate setting with white tablecloths, black and white photography and floral wallpaper, creating a traditional and elegant feel, with a touch of vintage glamour.
As we took our seats, we were very quickly offered a deliciously crisp glass of French Sauvignon Blanc by our attentive waiter. This was followed by our starters, a small plate of linguine with lobster, garlic, chilli & tomato, which was nothing short of exquisite, and the light, zingy and refreshing marinated Loch Duart salmon, perfectly complemented by pickled cucumber, beetroot & apple.
For the main event, we opted for the beef tagliata with grilled vegetables, rocket pesto and truffle mash and the pappardelle with lamb, broad beans and pecorino cheese. Both dishes were genuinely amazing. The tagliata was cooked perfectly to our liking and paired superbly with pesto, while the lamb and broad bean combination was seriously tasty.
We finished the meal with a classic tiramisu, which honestly could be the nicest one I've had, and the pistachio & limoncello crème brulée, which was a creamy delight.
If you ever find yourself on Jermyn St, don't deprive yourself of a visit to Franco's. I will certainly be back.
Book here.
Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Acting TV and Film Editor.
New season, new favourite: KORA brings Mediterranean fire to Chelsea
September is the perfect time to discover a new favourite, and KORA, a stylish Mediterranean restaurant inside Beaufort House, Chelsea, fits the bill. Opened just this summer, the space feels relaxed but polished: olive green tones, soft lighting, and a menu that’s all about bold flavours and generous plates.
© KoraLed by Executive Chef Sasha Ziverts, the menu is rooted in seasonal produce and open-fire cooking. One of my favourites was the stone bass crudo with citrus and jalapeño, fresh, bright, and perfectly balanced. For mains, the dry-aged pork chop was smoky and satisfying, and the tahini and sesame ice cream was a subtle but clever finish. Don't skip the cocktails. The AGIO, made with vodka, lychee, lavender distillate, and citrus, was a standout, floral, refreshing, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Whether you’re easing back into city life after summer or looking for a low-key dinner with friends, KORA nails that “treat without fuss” vibe. A great pick for an early autumn evening in Chelsea.
Book here
Reviewed by Rafael Rubio, Global Director of Audience Development
Sample the city’s most theatrical afternoon tea at the Sofitel St James
In London every season is perfect for an afternoon tea, but if you’re a musical theatre nerd like yours truly, this is one you need to try.
Inspired by the show-stopping West End musical, Sofitel London St James has unveiled a limited edition Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea, in collaboration with LW Entertainment. Designed by pastry chef Lerrick Coelho.
Act one kicks off with dainty sandwiches with fillings ranging from egg and black truffle mayonnaise (my personal favourite) to classic cucumber and smoked salmon, as well as Cornish crab tartlets. Act two, which is arguably the most exquisite, is the vanilla and rose mousse with raspberry confit accompanied by a chocolate mask of the titular character. The third and final act is the Masquerade petit fours named after the main characters and served on a staircase stand. Whether you prefer chocolate or more fruity flavours there’s something for everyone, but the green apple cake is chef’s kiss.
However, it’s only around for a limited time until 31st March 2026. Enjoy from £80 per person.
BOOK HERE
Reviewed by: Alex Lilly, Senior Social Producer
Sample the delights at CAFE Linea
Chelsea can always be the place to find the cutest little boutique restaurants and bakeries, and thankfully, CAFE Linea has combined the two for the ultimate dining experience. With the Saatchi Gallery just a stone's throw away, no really, I could see it from the window when I dined, this amazing new open will soon be Chelsea's must-go area.
Although there's plenty of space to dine alfresco, with the weather not in our favour when I visited, my friend and I settled for indoors, which might just be the better option. A stunning set of vaulted ceilings and arched alcoves make you feel like you're dining somewhere really special. And when your food comes out, you really feel like you're in for somewhere special. Bread is always a risky choice when you're at a restaurant, but thankfully the sourdough served here wasn't too filling and left plenty of space for a steak main, which was cooked and seasoned to perfection, I couldn't have made a better choice.
But the real delight came with the desserts. Like a miniature bakery, CAFE Linea has a whole counter of tiny pastries and cakes to gawk at, and they're all as sumptuous as they look. The raspberry spiral cake was without a doubt, a highlight of my time at the establishment. Its sweet flavour profile alongside the small zest of the berry. Raspberry is one of my go-to flavours, and it has fully been cemented thanks to my visit here.
With its gorgeous interiors, central London location and delicious menu, whether I'm in the mood for a small cake to go or a full sit-down meal, CAFE Linea will be a place I keep returning to.
BOOK HERE
Reviewed by: Matthew Moore, Senior Evening Writer
Go orange at Black Sheep
Black Sheep is best known for drinks of a darker hue but earlier this month it injected a dash of colour into its offering: the tantalisingly titled spicy mango range. Intrigued, I headed to the chain’s Southwark branch to sample a spicy mango matcha latte.
A fiery mix of mango, matcha and chilli, the drink guarantees both instant refreshment and a workout for your tastebuds far exceeding that offered by a drab post-lunch flat white. If you too want to spice up your weekdays, then (man)go to your local branch and become the envy of your office. For those seeking even more refreshment, the range is completed by a spicy mango matcha lemonade and, if matcha’s distinct flavour isn’t to your liking, a spicy mango lemonade. Orange really is the new Black Sheep.
Find out more here
Reviewed by Tim Kiek, Head of Engagement and Communities
Spice up your night in Soho
Looking for a new spot to savour in the heart of Soho? Greek Street’s Platapian is a newly opened venture by Thai restaurateur Nam Parama Raiva, who has channelled her culinary heritage into a menu that celebrates ‘forgotten family recipes’ that reflect influences of both Northern and Southern Thailand.
© PlatapianIt’s delicious from the off; I’ll be stopping in again for another of their tongue-tingling TomYum-tinis, which blend Finlandia vodka, Patara Tom Yum, and lime, topped off with a bird’s eye chili. While I’m familiar with some Thai cuisine, dinner at Platapian was an excellent opportunity to try more unfamiliar dishes, and the Platapian tasting menu (£65pp) that was made for sharing (and generous in its sizing!) was a great fit. We began with snack-like crispy chicken skin - an elevated pork scratching? - before diving into a surprisingly spicy crispy duck salad, moreish crispy corn fritters, and picture-perfect, flavourful Miang Kham (‘one bite’) scallop.
Our main courses took over our table, including a signature tiger prawn with ‘pla’ chili sauce and lemongrass and a grilled ribeye steak with Thai chimichurri praew leaf. My companion raved about the chargrilled cabbage in fish sauce, while I couldn’t get enough of the melt-in-the-mouth yellow curry with crab meat.
Save room for pudding: a pandan creme brulee with coconut milk ice-cream and a crispy Thai roll crepe was the thrilling finale to a truly sensational meal.
This month, Platapian will welcome Chef Wai from Rasik Local Kitchen in Chiang Mai for a week-long celebration of contemporary Thai cusine. Running 23-30 September, the menu will be grounded in Northern Thai tradition and feature such innovative dishes as a mixed-berry fruit salad with nam poo, a fermented crab dip.
Book here
Reviewed by Miranda Thompson, Features Editor (Print)
Enjoy sky high afternoon tea at London's highest restaurant
Lucky Cat Bishopsgate has reimagined the classic British afternoon tea with a bold new Asian twist. Available on weekdays from 2pm - 4:30pm, starting at £50 per person.
Set against London’s most iconic landmarks, the Afternoon Tea is presented in the classic three-tiered plate style. The bottom plate includes a curated nigiri selection with four pieces per person, while the middle plate includes a trio of Japanese sandwiches: fresh shiso cured salmon with wasabi crème fraiche, Kyoto cucumber and short rib glazed in yuzu mustard.
Saving the best till last, is the top trio of dessert; a sharp citrus yuzu meringue tartlet with sweet meringue topping. A delicate Japanese‑dessert‑style sandwich Matcha and Strawberry Sando, combining soft bread, matcha‑flavoured cream, and fresh strawberries which, not being a Matcha fan, I found so indulging. And my absolute standout favourite had to be the rich miso brownie with white chocolate ganache.
There's also a variety of classic teas available to accompany the meal - I would highly recommend the herbal jasmine & peppermint tea for a refreshing palate cleanser. Or to elevate your dining experience you can upgrade to Perrier- Jouet Grand Brut for £22.50.
With panoramic skyline views, this is the perfect tea for a truly unforgettable experience.
Book here
Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
Dinner with a side of David Bowie
Fans of David Bowie are in for a treat this month at London restaurant Ziggy Green, which celebrates the life and legacy of the late, great man. Located in a former cinema in Soho’s Heddon Street – an address made famous when the Ziggy Stardust cover was photographed there – the cosy eatery pays homage to the music legend through food, cocktails, and art.
© Ziggy GreenOn 6 September, it hosted its first ever 'Ziggyfest' – a champagne brunch including live music, DJS and a Bowie lookalike contest, with proceeds donated to the charities Magic Breakfast and Sarabande, while a special photo exhibition continues throughout the month. The lunch and dinner menu features cocktails with names like Major Tom and Ashes to Ashes, as well as David Bowie’s favourite Shepherd’s Pie, made with slow-cooked lamb shank and ox tail. When I visited for dinner with my family, we settled into green leather bench seats, surrounded by photos of Ziggy in his heyday, and started with chorizo and San Simon croquettes, coated in charcoal panko breadcrumbs, filled with creamy potato, and served with a tasty saffron dip, along with crispy fried Australian banana prawns, coated in fermented chili.
Main courses were chicken parmigiana – a bone-in schnitzel with a rich tomato, prosciutto, mozzarella, and cornflake crumb topping – and the Flaming Tomahawk rib steak on the bone to share. Tender, succulent, and tasty, it came sliced and perfectly medium rare, served with seasonal greens and béarnaise sauce and enhanced by delicious Léoville Barton red wine from Bordeaux.
We finished by sharing the Mars Bar cheesecake – a creamy rich ball of sweetness covered in a chocolate shell and topped with berries. Ziggy Green is also open for coffee, breakfast, bottomless brunch, and drinks at the art deco bar.
Book here
Reviewed by Tracy Schaverien, Royal and Features Contributor (Print)
Indulge in a Disney Princess Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane
Afternoon tea fans, listen up: from the 26th September, Park Corner Brasserie at the London Hilton on Park Lane will be home to a magical Disney Princess afternoon tea.
A very special day out for little ones (and adult fans alike!), the whimsical tea offering has been based on some of Disney's most popular fairytale stories through the ages. Think sandwiches creatively shaped to look like Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage, and a magnificent candle-shaped smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich inspired by Lumière from Beauty and the Beast.
Meanwhile for desserts, the menu boasts the likes of a a white chocolate and matcha spiral dessert decked with pink and white flowers inspired by Moana - a real showstopper.
Whilst no dress code is required, children are encouraged to attend the afternoon tea in their favourite princess outfit, where they'll become honorary 'Princess Consultants' and taste testers for the day - cute!
Prebook here
Elevate your birthday brunch at Westminster’s Michelin-Starred Quilon
If you're craving a rich, cultural feast for your next birthday brunch, Quilon might just be the perfect place to celebrate, flavourful, memorable, and far from ordinary.
Nestled a few steps down from the grand, Lombard Romanesque Westminster Chapel, Quilon is refreshingly authentic and modest. Welcomed in calmness, you’ll walk inside, passing through the beautiful interior rooted in the textures, motifs, and materials of South India, a setting as nuanced and elegant as the dishes served.
Our brunch started with poppadoms alongside flavourful sides of tangy lemon and garlic pickle, an umami-rich ginger and tamarind, and a coconut chutney. We drank two choices of cocktails: Last Sting and Bless, both lingering with floral and citrus tones, but one left a tang of spice.
Next up, we were served a platter of sundal, black chickpea salad, kosambri in a watermelon cup, and blueberry sherbet. Thinking that was the main event, the order was followed by the main meal richly seasoned mains of meen pollichathu and millet shrimp uttappam, served with sambhar, and coconut cream chicken so tender it melted in our mouths. This was followed by Ceylon chicken paratha with mouth-watering gravy and a succulent lamb roast, with sides of tempered asparagus, beans and edamame, vegetable biryani, and tomato cucumber raita.
Quilon did not disappoint, but served their culture in their cuisine, letting us experience the taste of South-West coastal Indian dishes.
Book via: https://quilon.co.uk/
Reviewed by Celine Ponio Bagtas, Video Editor
Celebrate World Lobster Day with Burger & Lobster
If you’re a fan of seafood, especially lobster, Burger & Lobster should be high on your list. With several locations across London, from Soho to Bread Street, it’s easy to find a spot nearby to indulge in their surf-and-turf favourites.
The vibe is casual yet stylish, with a New York-inspired atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu that caters to both meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts. We kicked things off with their crispy wagyu croquettes and crunchy calimaris, both packed with flavour and cooked to perfection.
For the main event, we went all out with the classic combo: a fresh lobster, served with skinny fries, garlic mayo, and their signature lemon-garlic butter sauce, rich, silky, and the perfect match for the lobster. To drink, we were recommended with white wine, Vinho Verde, Quinta da Lixa was a standout, Floral with green apples and white currants.
Dessert didn’t disappoint either. The Crème Brûlée had the ideal balance of a crisp caramelised top and creamy vanilla custard underneath, a perfect way to end the delicious and tasteful meal.
Looking ahead, Burger & Lobster is set to celebrate its biggest World Lobster Day yet on Thursday 25th September. For the first time ever, they’re hosting the Ultimate Lobster Supperclub, a luxurious, one-night-only event featuring an indulgent sharing menu and a hands-on lobster-cracking masterclass. Plus, expect free lobster roll sampling across London and Brighton, and the return of their fan-favourite ‘Bring a Mate, Get a Plate’ offer, giving first-timers the chance to try lobster completely free.
Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just lobster-curious, it’s the perfect time to get involved.
Book via: https://www.burgerandlobster.com/
Reviewed by Celine Ponio Bagtas, Video Editor
Enjoy delicious Cantonese food late into the night at Chop Chop by Four Seasons
I am convinced that no one does starters better than Chop Chop by the Four Seasons, a delightful restaurant serving mouth-watering Cantonese food late into the night.
If you're a fan of Cantonese cuisine and find yourself craving a spring roll or duck pancake late at night in central London, Chop Chop is the place for you. Not only does it serve some of the very best starters I've ever had, the restaurant stays open until 4am, so ideal for those burning the midnight oil in Soho. Getting to the restaurant is an unusual experience in itself, as the restaurant is located underneath the iconic Hippodrome Casino, a stone's throw from Leicester Square station. Wander through card tables and slot machines before heading downstairs to the Hong Kong-inspired eatery.
Menu must-haves are the vegetarian spring rolls, the delightfully fluffy BBQ pork bao buns and any of their dumpling offerings. As for mains, the sweet and sour chicken was so crispy and flavoursome, while the beef in black bean sauce is not to be missed either. I also recommend the garlic broccoli if you need some greenery, and of course all this is best accompanied with a classic egg fried rice.
However, the crowing piece in the Chop Chop crown is undoubtedly their crispy duck pancakes. Made using a secret recipe, the roast duck is dried then marinated with a special mix of spices and herbs. The firing is done in a specially built roasting furnace, making the meat incredibly flavoursome and crispy. I cannot recommend enough!
Don't forget to take your ID when heading to this tucked-away London treasure as the Hippodrome is 18+.
BOOK HERE
Reviewed by Millie Jackson, Content Managing Editor
