Cassandra's Guide to Autumn in London
What to do, what to see and where to eat this autumn in London.
Events
Chelsea Arts Festival
A brand new three-day celebration of modern storytelling for London which will showcase Chelsea’s rich literary heritage and spotlight its place in the capital’s vibrant cultural landscape.
18th – 21st September, 2025.
Exhibitions
National Portrait Gallery
Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World
This is the first exhibition dedicated solely to Beaton’s ground-breaking contributions to fashion and portrait photography.
9th October 2025 – 11th January 2026.
Victoria & Albert Museum
A major exhibition featuring more than 350 objects. These include precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks that chart the evolution of Cartier’s legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.
On until 16th November, 2025.
A complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette’s timeless appeal is defined by her style, youth and notoriety. Explore the lasting influence of the most fashionable and ill-fated queen in history.
20th September, 2025 – 22nd March, 2026.
Natural History Museum
Discover the new ‘mystery’ dinosaur now on display at the Natural History Museum after more than a century in a 'taxonomic tangle'.
From 25th June, 2025.
The Wallace Collection
Called a ‘hidden gem’, this art gallery is located in Marylebone in an inconspicuous 18th century mansion. The collection is comprised of a very impressive array of 18th century French paintings, furniture and other artistic spoils.
It also boasts a wonderful café – a great spot for lunch or tea.
Open daily 10am - 5pm.
Sir John Soane Museum
Discover the extraordinary house and museum of Sir John Soane, one of the greatest English architects who built and lived in it two centuries ago. The museum is kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837 and displays his vast collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and paintings.
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Theatre
Noel Coward Theatre
The Importance of Being Ernest
A classic satire of Victorian social hypocrisy, this is hailed as Oscar Wilde’s greatest dramatic achievement.
18th September 2025 – 10th January 2026.
National Theatre
Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves feature in this touching and funny play which completes David Eldridge’s trilogy exploring love and relationships.
13th November 2025 – 17th January 2026.
Ballet Shoes
In a world that wasn’t built for women with big ambitions, three adopted sisters are learning who they are and what they want to be.
17th November 2025 – 21st February 2026.
Donmar Warehouse
A classic J.B. Priestly about three couples, highly respected pillars of the Yorkshire community, gather to celebrate their joint silver wedding anniversaries. It's champagne toasts all round until their evening of pride and self-satisfaction is upended by an unexpected and deeply embarrassing revelation.
6th December 2025 – 7th February 2026.
JUNIPER BLOOD
Lip and Ruth have left the city behind for a new life on a farm; trying to live differently, live better. But when Ruth’s stepdaughter and her provocative best friend arrive, this quiet rural project is thrown into chaos, as conflicting visions of the future come crashing into the present. Written by Mike Bartlett, this powerful new play explores the true cost of pursuing our ideals in an imperfect world.
16th August – 4th October 2025.
The Theatre Royal Haymarket
Written by Beth Steel this sharply comic and deeply touching drama follows a tight-knit family gathering on a scorching summer’s day to celebrate the wedding of Sylvia and Marek.
On until 27th September 2025.
Apollo Theatre
Punch is a play by award-winning playwright James Graham, based on the true story and memoir of Jacob Dunne, a teenager who was convicted of manslaughter after throwing a single fatal punch.
22nd September 2025 – 29th November, 2025.
BFI
Restaurants
Cassandra's Greek Favourites
Opso, 10 Paddington St. W1U 5QL
Suzi Tros, 18 Hillgate Street, W8 7SR
Oma, Borough Market SE1 9AL (1*)
Agora, 4 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL
Géa Chelsea, 7 Park Walk, SW10 0AJ
Myrtos, 260-262 Brompton Road, SW3 2AS
Brother Marcus, 1-3 Pelham Street, SW7 2ND
Chelsea
No. Fifty Cheyne, Cheyne Walk (££££)
At Sloane, Sloane Gardens (££££)
A new hotel in Sloane Square reimagined by Jean-Louis Costes. A tactile Parisian home and arts and crafts inspired restaurant and basement bar.
Hunan, Pimlico Road (££££)
Villa Mamas, Elystan Street (£££)
Fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Persian cuisines.
The Cadogan Arms, King's Road (£££)
Granger & Co., Pavilion Road (£££)
Colbert, Sloane Square (£££)
Manicomio, Duke of York Square (£££)
Casual dining.
Vardo’s, Duke of York Square (££)
All day dining – perfect for 2 or a crowd.
Mezcalito, Sydney Street (££)
Ottolenghi, Pavilion Road (££)
Perfect casual place for a spot of lunch.
The Chelsea Pig, Old Church Street (££)
The Bluebird, King's Road (££)
Perfect spot for a late lunch or cocktails.
Notting Hill
Dorian, Talbot Road (£££)
Strakers, Golborne Road (££)
The Pelican, All Saints Road (££)
Classic gastro pub.
Mazi, Hillgate Street (££)
Classic Greek food with a contemporary
twist.
Theatreland
San Carlo Chichetti, Covent Garden (£££)
Bocca di Lupo, Soho (£££)
The Haymarket Hotel, Piccadilly (£££)
Café Zedel, Piccadilly (£££)
Barrafini, Covent Garden (££)
Authentic Spanish tapas.
Gymkhana, Albemarle Street (££)
Indian fusion.
Fine Dining
The Five Fields, Elystan Street (£££)
Chiltern Firehouse, Chiltern Street (£££)
Riverside Café, Hammersmith (£££)
KOL, Marylebone (£££)
A Wong, Pimlico (£££)
Superb Chinese.
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Cassandra's Guide to Autumn in London
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