London thrives during spooky season. Its selection of Halloween events meets the needs of all, from the scaredy cats to the thrill seekers. One can take their pick between ghost trails, pumpkin carvings, and parties that continue 'til the early hours of the morning. And when all the nerves work up an appetite and your tummy starts to groan louder than Moaning Myrtle, the city has that covered too. Halloween in London is also an opportunity to feast, whether that be at a rooftop-restaurant-turned-abandoned-circus, or a pub with tales that date back to the sixteenth century. Read on for Food Network's guide to Halloween in London.
A Surrealist Soirée in the City of London
On Halloween night, Wagtail Rooftop will host The Surrealist Soirée with Casamigos Tequila, transforming its rooftop into a fantastical world of surrealism, inspired by the legendary 1972 Rothschild Surrealist Ball. DJs and a live violinist will provide the soundtrack, as contortionists, roaming magicians and living art statues bring the rooftop to life with a touch of Halloween magic, for one night only. Guests can also enjoy exclusive Casamigos Tequila cocktails throughout the evening, including the cherry-and-cola-infused Velvet Cherry, the mango-flavoured Garden of Delights, or the refreshing apple, ginger and lime of the Frosted Eden. Guests are invited (and encouraged) to go all out with their costumes, with best-dressed prizes!
Where: Wagtail, City of London
When: Saturday 31st October, 7 pm 'til late
A Dinner in Dante's Inferno
This Halloween, The Mandrake is taking guests on a one-way trip to none other than hell itself. On 31 October, the Fitzrovia hotel will transform into Dante's Inferno, with opera, theatrical performances, extraordinary costumes and DJs until the early hours. As of now, the nine-course tasting menu inspired by Dante's Nine Circles of Hell, is all sold out. However, you can still attend one of London's most extravagant Halloween parties with tickets still available starting at £160.
For those wishing to extend the revelry beyond the evening, The Mandrake’s Halloween room packages offer an overnight escape. The Descent includes a one-night stay and Halloween entry for two, and if you really too much of a good time, you can even add an IV Recovery package to the stay, easing the journey back to the mortal realm.
Where: The Mandrake, Fitzrovia
When: Saturday 31st October, 8.30pm-3am
London's Most Haunted Pub
On the edge of Hampstead Heath stands a grand, Grade II listed building, filled with winding staircases and a wealth of history. The Spaniard's Inn won't be serving "devilled eggs" with a wink or dishing out bright green cocktails adorned with googly-eyes. As one of the most haunted pubs in London, they don't need to. The many ghostly tales of this pub secures its spot in our list of must-visit locations in London for Halloween. Brave a seat upstairs amongst the ghost of Dick Turpin, or downstairs where the crockery is said to eerily slide off the tables. While you're at it, feast on the scotch eggs, hearty pies, and spiced crumbles.
A Restaurant with a Sinister History
A mere three minute stroll from Farringdon Station will land you at Bleeding Heart Yard, where you'll find a French bistro, The Bleeding Heart. With its buzzy atmosphere and crisp rosé, you'd never guess the sinister story behind this restaurant and its peculiar name. In fact, it dates back to the 17th century, when Lady Elizabeth Hatton was the toast of London society. The morning after her annual winter ball on January 26, 1626, her body was found in the cobblestone courtyard-torn limb from limb, with her heart still pumping blood onto the cobblestones. And from thenceforth, the yard was to be known as The Bleeding Heart Yard. Similar to the Spaniard's Inn, this bistro needs no spooky gimmicks. Its creepy history is more than enough to secure it a spot in our list of restaurants to visit this Halloween.
A Halloween Festival with Skyline Views
For two nights only, take your celebrations 35 floors above the city for London’s highest Halloween Party. Start the night as you mean to go on, with a spooky cocktail, then dance the night away with live music and DJ sets surrounded by breathtaking views of the city. For those who want to make a evening of it, head to dinner at Sky Garden’s Darwin Brasserie or Fenchurch Restaurant before joining the revelries. Costumes are encouraged, so dress to impress.
Where: Sky Garden, The City
When: Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October from 6:30pm
Dinner in the Dark
This Halloween, Bluebird Chelsea will be making a move that will half their electricity bill but double the drama. Dinner in the Dark returns, illuminating the restaurant by flickering candlelight, the kind of lighting that everyone looks good in, by the way. They'll be serving a specially created three-course Halloween menu for £60 per person. Think of it as an immersive evening rather than a costume party, with a menu leaning into the season with bold, autumnal and gently macabre flavours, and the atmosphere is best enjoyed by candlelight.
Dinner opens with a clear aromatic duck and vegetable bone broth, served alongside skewered duck hearts brought to the table on fire. The main course is a fermented wild garlic chicken Kiev with sweet and sour sweetheart red cabbage and a rich blood sausage sauce. To finish, "The Pumpkin Garden" is a spiced pumpkin latte cheesecake with a pumpkin glaze, scattered with gingerbread and chocolate soil and garden berries. It's a playful, seasonal sign-off to the evening.
Where: Bluebird, Chelsea
When: Saturday 31 October
A Cursed Circus in Mayfair
For the second year in a row, Mayfair's favourite Peruvian restaurant will transform into an abandoned circus however this year, it has a more sophisticated edge. Throughout the evening, performances draw guests deep into a world of mystery and intrigue, with a secret, slithery guest... At the table, COYA’s signature à la carte dining is joined by specially created Halloween cocktails and tempting themed desserts, bringing touches of theatre and surprise to the experience.
If you already have plans for the night, fear not. The revelry will start at 12pm with the restaurant's signature brunch experience, made hauntingly glamorous with Halloween cocktails and themed touches throughout, accompanied by the resident singer, percussionist and DJS.
Where: Coya, Mayfair
When: 31st October. Brunch from 12pm, Dinner from 6pm
Day of the Dead Dinner
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a one-day Mexican-inspired celebration in partnership with Desdeya and Pensador tequilas. Expect live mariachi performances throughout the evening, while the kitchen serves three special dishes alongside the usual à la carte menu: King Prawns with Mexican Salsa & Chilli Jam, Tortellini de Los Muertos and Taco de Tentacion. Plus, with a 2-course deal for £55 and 3 courses for £65, this feast won't break the bank.
When: Thursday 29th October from 7pm
Where: Bōkan 37, Canary Wharf
Horror Movie Marathon on a Battersea Rooftop
This year JOIA are going down the horror film route from 29th October to the 31st. The first showing will be of “Edward Scissorhands”, followed by “Ghostbusters” on the 30th, and finishing the marathon with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on the 31st. Before your settle into movie night, pop by the JOIA Restaurant on the 15th floor for dinner and indulge on a delicious selection of signature dishes by Henrique Sá Pessoa.
Where: JOIA Restaurant & Rooftop, 16th floor, art’otel Battersea Power Station
Timings: From 5.30pm-7pm, dinner in JOIA Restaurant & movies start at 7.30pm on the rooftop
A Runway of Horrors at The Brasserie of Fright
Brasserie of Light are tapping into their fashionable setting to host a darkly glamorous event, Brasserie of Fright. On the 31st the restaurant will be transformed into a 'Runway of Horrors' with a Halloween soundtrack setting the scene as models strut through the restaurant, followed by a night of suitably sinister surprises. While taking in the spectacle, enjoy three courses from the special Halloween menu, including dishes such as Bang Bang Chicken Salad and Pumpkin Tortelloni, with a Halloween cocktail included for £45 per person. Expect dramatic dishes, an equally dramatic setting, and a night made for dressing up, dining late and celebrating Halloween in true style.
Where: The Brasserie of Light, Selfridges 1st Floor
When: 31st October
Captain Hook’s Haunted Trail
Last but not least, we have one of London's most glamorous restaurants, Aqua Shard, which will be transforming its Peter Pan Afternoon Tea into Captain Hook’s Haunted Trail, running from 26 October to 8 November. Guests can embark on an interactive adventure through five of London’s eeriest landmarks, including Clink Prison, the Tower of London and Dead Man’s Hole, solving riddles along the way via the PlayTour app. Those who complete the trail will be rewarded with surprise treats during their afternoon tea on Level 31 of The Shard. Expect savoury bites served from a Neverland treasure box, warm scones, Captain Hook-inspired sweets and themed drinks, all accompanied by spectacular views of London. Better still, £2 from every booking goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Where: Aqua Shard, Southwark
When: From 26th October to 8th November
