London thrives during spooky season. The selection of Halloween events meets the needs of everyone, from the scaredy cats to the thrill seekers. One can take their pick between ghoul trails, pumpkin carvings, and parties that continue 'til the early hours of the morning. And when all the nerves wrack up an appetite and your tummy start 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. These six eateries are the Food Network-approved locations to spend a tasty Halloween in London.
A Murder Mystery Supper Club
On Thursday, October 30th, La Maison Des Moments are hosting a supper club, but not the usual kind. There will be no cheers and camaraderie here. In true Halloween spirit, expect an evening of secrets, sin, and suspicion. The Sinners Dinner is an immersive murder mystery experience taking place beneath the streets of Shoreditch, the Basement at Boundary. We've been promised dark, candlelit corners, exposed brick walls, and an evening where nothing is quite as it seems. Between the whispers and side-eyes, diners will be served a four-course, gluten-free feast with seasonal pumpkin soup and mulled wine-poached pears, as well as a welcome drink upon arrival. This is no ordinary dinner. Every guest becomes part of the story, navigating indulgence and suspicion in equal measure. With a killer in the room, the only question is: who will survive the night?
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 Mob-Style Dinner
This Halloween, a swanky Italian in Knightsbridge is transforming into a scene taken straight from the Godfather. Enjoy a mob family dinner at Alba from Chef Stortelli with live music, sophisticated cocktails, a few card tricks up the sleeve and a DJ set to keep the party going. The atmosphere is set to be equal parts scary and fancy, with a dress code of mob chic. Get out the faux fur and pinstripes, this is one fancy dress request we have no problem accommodating.
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.
Hollywood Horror on a Battersea Rooftop
On Friday the 31st October, a night of glamour, glitz, and gore is promised at JOIA Battersea. JOIA are going down the Hollywood horror film route, with dead showgirls, ballerinas and a Marilyn Monroe burlesque band as well as some chic cocktails to ease the nerves. There will be fine dining, red carpet frights, and live spooky entertainment so you can celebrate in true A-list style, with a sinister twist, of course. Plus, as an incentive to make a real effort with your costume, those best dressed are in with the chance of winning a very special prize. Bring your pearls, your appetite, and your dancing shoes- this event is not one to be missed.
A Cursed Circus in Mayfair
Mayfair's favourite Peruvian restaurant will transform into a creepy, abandoned circus to celebrate "a night of twisted glamour". COYA will become the host to some curious and unsettling encounters, while diners are served exclusive menu items such as the Payaso Oscuro (‘The Dark Clown’) cocktail and a dessert platter alongside the Peruvian-fusion cuisine. If you already have plans for the 31st, fear not. The revelry will continue on Saturday from 12pm with a hauntingly glamorous Bottomless Brunch. Indulge in a three-course meal, enchanting live entertainment, and 90 minutes of endless cocktails and champagne. Costumes and make-up are encouraged!
