From the world’s first live ageing cocktail at Zuma, to a summer party in winter at London’s hottest new venue Tropicana Beach Club, London has got its cool on this October. If you’re visiting the capital this month, these are your 6 London Must-Do’s
London Must-Do’s 1: Try the World’s First Live Ageing Cocktail at Zuma, Knightsbridge
Head to Zuma where a custom made cocktail barrel installation – The Zuma Zacapa Live Solera, will age Zacapa rum along with nettle tea, raspberry eaux de vie and rhubarb bitters. The impressive system which now has pride of place in Zuma London, will be installed in each of the nine Zuma’s around the world and each will contain a blend unique to that city. The quintessentially English cocktail (designed to appeal to local palates) will taste different every time you try it, depending on the length of time spent in the barrel. It also perfectly compliments Zuma’sbeautiful Japanese cuisine.
London Must-Do’s 2: Dine, Drink & Dance at the newly re-launched Aquum, Clapham
Now a destination which you can spend you whole evening in, there’s something for everyone at the newly refurbed Aquum– one of South London’s most popular hangouts. You can now indulge in a new Greek inspired menu in the dedicated upstairs restaurant, with Head Chef Anastasios Tologlou having been appointed (formerly of Medlar and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal). With authentic recipes and the finest seasonal produce, expect a mix of sharing plates, light dishes and grilled meats including Cretan Mini Dakos – Cretan barley rusk with tomatoes and sour Mizithra cheese; Pastichada Ravioli – veal ravioli with Corfu style tomato sauce, Greek Gruyere cheese; and Chargrilled octopus – fava beans, olive oil and crunchy capers. Pair with a Greek Negroni or a Metaxa Espresso, before heading downstairs to enjoy a dance.
London Must-Do’s 3: Hang out with Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber at Madame Tussauds
It’s not just for kids! If you’ve been to Madame Tussauds in the past, you’ll be amazed at just how advanced those wax figures are these days! The latest edition to a star studded collection is a bare chested Justin Bieber, or you can grab a selfie with the Queen of Insta herself – Kim Kardashian. Keeping up with current showbiz affairs, you’ll find Brangelina now separated and an uncanny Leonardo DiCaprio, while the sports area will have you rubbing shoulders with the likes of Usain Bolt and Jess Ennis-Hill. Take an immersive Sherlock Holmes journey to solve the case and board a London cab for a rollercoaster ride through its history.
London Must-Do’s 4: Party Like it’s Summer at the Brand New Tropicana Beach Club
Tropicana Beach Club – drinks aren’t free, but the fresh fruit cocktails are definitely worth trying at this party paradise in Central London. With a beach party vibe and a lagoon pool style dance floor, surrounded by VIP cabanas, palm trees and beach bars, you’ll be treated to live bands and DJ’s throughout the night and with the exotic vibrancy oozing from every wall, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re not in Honolulu…
London Must-Do’s 5: Delightful Afternoon ‘Low Tea’ at Luggage Room
You’ll find The Luggage Roomin Mayfair through a hidden side door attached to the Marriott, Grosvenor Square… or you could always use the main entrance if you’re unsure! The Luggage Room’sfancy ‘Low Tea’ is a real treat with Perrier Jouet champagne (additional extra charge), the chance to sample some truly rare teas including the award winning Luggage Room’s own Apricot Tea, South-East Indian Chai and even Lapsang Souchong tea with a smoky, log-fire taste which will really warm you up. Food comes served in an authentic prohibition medicine cabinet where cucumber sandwiches have been replaced with the most lavish of small bites. Expect wild boar scotch eggs, smoked eel topped vol-au-vents and jam with clotted cream scones deconstructed in mini jars.
Available at a starting price of £48 per person, 12-4pm, Wednesdays to Sundays.
London Must-Do’s 6: Celebrating French flair with La Parisienne exhibition at Sofitel London St James
Running until the 17th November, La Parisienne by Sofitel at Sofitel London St Jamesis a unique photo exploring La Parisienne style and culture through the decades, while celebrating iconic women like Sophia Loren, Jane Fonda and Coco Chanel. With 22 iconic photos dating back to the 1950’s, the two part exhibition features the work from the photography collection of Paris Match including some shots by celebrated photographer Emanuele Scorcelletti. As an ambassador of French elegance around the world, Sofitel embodies a key pillar of culture and art de vivre, making it the perfect place to showcase the exhibition. You can also enjoy the La Parisienne cocktail currently available in the Sofitel St James’ Rose Lounge.
