We think London is brilliant all-year round, but autumn – the season of scarves, pub lunches and pumpkin spice – truly has our heart.
If you, like us, have been waiting with bated breath for autumn to kick in (goodbye heatwaves, hello knitwear), then this one’s for you. Feed your autumn-lovin soul at these seriously lovely spots.
Here are the very best recommendations of how to make the most of your autumn days in central London. From comfort food to steaming hot chocolate, from the best spots to frolic in the leaves to the prettiest book shops, we’ve got you covered!
Indulge in a luxurious marshmallow-topped hot chocolate at Chin Chin Ice Cream
Yes, many of you pumpkin spice fiends may be running straight to Starbucks come autumn, but perhaps you want to switch up your drink of choice? If so, head straight to Chin Chin Ice Cream in Soho or Camden. They’re famous for their ice cream, but their glorious molten hot chocolate is crowned with toasted marshmallow fluff and it is the stuff of dreams. One sip of this will transport you straight to a cosy countryside scene where you’re toasting marshmallows over a campfire!
Chin Chin Soho at 54 Greek Street, W1D 3DS
Chin Chin Camden at 49-50 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF
London is full of gorgeous parks where you can admire the vibrant colours of the most beautiful season. But Hyde Park just might snag the top spot! Meander along the Serpentine and see this leafy green expanse in the heart of the city turn to fiery shades of orange, red and gold.
Shop the harvest at the Marylebone Farmers’ Market
It’s the season of pumpkins, parsnips and squash! Find all your autumn soup ingredients (and much more) at a wholesome farmers’ market this season. We recommend Marylebone Farmers’ Market if you need some inspo. It’s open every Sunday, rain or shine, so you can get your hands on the freshest organic produce from fruit and veg to meat, poultry and fish. Just remember to bring your own bags and food containers! Marylebone Farmers Market on Aybrook, St Vincent and the top of Moxon Street.
Cosy up with a glass of vino at the Winemaker’s Club
There’s nothing like finding a warm candlelit bar where you can sit down with a nice glass of wine. And the Winemaker’s Club is the perfect spot for you to do just that this autumn. It sits in the Victorian arches beneath the Holborn Viaduct, and boasts an excellent wine list. They even serve a small amount of old Bordeaux, Burgundy, Port and Madeira from their private cellars. Enjoy a glass or two accompanied by some locally sourced cheese and charcuterie for a delightful evening out.
41a Farringdon Street, EC4A 4AN
Be the main character as you wander through Daunt Books
Getting lost in a beautiful bookshop is a highly aesthetic autumnal activity, it’s comforting, you’ll get a good read out of it, and it will really help you find that main character feeling. The perfect backdrop? Daunt Books in Marylebone of course. This Edwardian bookshop may well be the prettiest in the city, and for a wanderlust-inspiring book-browsing experience they arrange all their books by country!
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always on hand to provide their top London recommendations. Sandy is a culture vulture with a love for the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they can both agree on is the importance of finding a good spot for a meal out with friends! This week they’ve got together to share their favourite spot for an autumnal roast, Fallow.
For a sustainably sourced Sunday roast made with only the finest produce, Fallow is your answer. Tuck into prime cuts of meat (or a veggie option), served with perfect roast potatoes, massive Yorkshire puddings, glazed carrots, red cabbage, cavolo nero and a gorgeous jug of gravy.
2 St. James’s Market, London, SW1Y 4RP
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