The nights are drawing in and as we bid farewell to a somewhat dampend to summer, thoughts can turn to cosy nights in and some Halloween fun at the end of this month.
Whether you’re bringing the family to London for a half-term break or just yourself and that someone special, October is the month to enjoy some fabulous food and drink with us here at The Cavendish. With a plethora of cocktails available in the bar, if you’ve not taken in the latest Bond blockbuster yet and fancy the perfect vodka martini to get you in the mood ,there’s no better place to plan your time out and about around London.
When thinking about food and Halloween, pumpkins always spring to mind. Whether you’re eating or carving faces, what’s your favourite thing to do with them?
Did you know, apart from being delicious to eat in rich and tasty soups and pies, you can also make pumpkin puree which is fabulous for your skin! By making and applying a facemask, the fruit enzymes, amino acids and beta carotene in the pumpkin stimulate collagen production and deeply hydrate and plump the skin – who knew! Something worth trying perhaps, although possibly before or after your stay with us!
The seeds of this versatile fruit (yes it is a fruit not a veggie!)also contain manganese and Vitamin K, both of which are important for healing wounds, whilst the zinc contained in them helps the immune system fight bacteria and viruses. So a highly nutritious and healthy snack not just for the birds.
Sticking with a foodie theme, the London Restaurant Festival also taking place all through October so apart from eating here with us at The Cavendish London, there are numerous pop-up places to try around the capital. If your waistline can stretch to it, there’s even ‘London’s longest lunch’ which takes in a six course lunch between two restaurants via a private Thames river cruise!
Spook-tacular activities
London is typically awash with spine-tingling attractions and bloodcurdling things to do during the run up to Halloween. The London Ghost bus is one of many tours around the capital revealing the darkest secrets and gory history of London. Actors and on-board technology on this 1960’s Routemasterbus conjure up tales of murder and haunting in a hilarious show which you can enjoy whilst seeing the sites of London. Alternatively, join a walk to follow in the footsteps of the infamous Jack the Ripper or walk and tour some of the capital’s most famous cemeteries during the London Month of the Dead. This festival runs all through October and aims to inform, entertain and provoke thoughts on the subject of death in the city. With over 48 events, there’s bound to be something to peak your curiosity. Take a look at www.londonmonthofthedead.com for a full list of activities.
ZSL London Zoo also has special spooky activities for children running this half-term where your little horrors can explore the gruesome side of zoo-keeping alongside scary arts and crafts activities. A Halloween trail takes you through the creepy spiders – ugh – but also the far more cute lemurs. And don’t forget to keep an eye out (not literally of course!) for activities taking place at London’s family-friendly museums. From 22nd October, the dazzling Natural History museum provides the backdrop for fabulous open air ice rink where you can skate beneath thousands of twinkling lights in this magical setting.
If you’re up for an adrenaline rush like no other, try your skills at a nerve-jangling high rope adventure with zip lines at Go Ape Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace, but with a twist. Normally only open during the day, both venues are offering after dark experiences. Tackle super high platforms and zip through the eerie darkness at one of these one-off night time opportunities.
Chill out
Of course October isn’t just about Halloween and all things that go bump in the night. Despite its name, the month long London Cocktail Week showcases cocktail themed activities around the capital in bars, restaurants and other venues. Chill out with a cosmopolitan at any number of pop-up bars, enjoy a masterclass in mojitos or simply taste your favourite tipple with exclusive discounts. The Mayfair Lounge at The Cavendish is also the perfect spot to chill and enjoy your favourite cocktail and there’s no need for a taxi home!
So, whatever you chose to do this October, enjoy some of it with us here at The Cavendish. As the temperatures drop and the parks and gardens surrounding the hotel light up with the warm copper, golds and russet reds of autumn, we can guarantee you a cosy welcome to celebrate the season.