What’s On: September 2025

As summer winds down and autumn begins to creep into the air, London comes alive with a packed calendar of art, fashion, food and culture. From cocktails and couture to Bowie and BBQ, here’s your rakish guide to what not to miss this September.

Natty Can Cook BBQ Takeover at The Standard

Peckham’s own Nathaniel Mortley—aka Natty Can Cook—brings his modern Caribbean fire to The Standard, London, with a two-day BBQ takeover on the Double Standard terrace (27–28 September). Expect jerk chicken buns, lobster tail with coconut rice, Guinness soft serve, and rum-soaked cocktails courtesy of Eminente Rum. With music, culture, and Natty’s signature flair, it’s a one-weekend-only feast worth pencilling in.

Celebrate Negroni Week at Joshua’s Tavern with Edinburgh Gin

Joshua’s Tavern at The Londoner is raising a glass to Negroni Week with a special menu of three limited-edition twists on the classic aperitivo. Running 16 September to 11 October, highlights include a strawberry cloud-topped Strawberry Negroni, a rich Negroni al Caffè with cocoa nib Campari, and the umami-laced Japanese Seaside Sbagliato. Pair with “Tavern Tid-Bits” like goat’s cheese and Parma ham bites for the perfect aperitivo hour.

Pophams x Laurent Dagenais: ‘Pain aux Figues’

The swirl of the season lands at Pophams as the London bakery teams up with Montreal chef and social media star Laurent Dagenais on a limited-edition pastry. Available 15–28 September across all locations, the ‘Pain aux Figues’ reworks a Pain aux Raisins with whiskey-soaked figs, vanilla custard, and a whiskey orange glaze. A buttery ode to autumn that bridges London and Montreal.

Seafood Supper with Dinings SW3 & Disco Scallops

On 18 September, chef Masaki Sugisaki joins forces with Disco Scallops for a one-off supper club at the Rooted Future series (3rd Floor Food & Drink Studio). Expect sustainable, ocean-friendly dishes inspired by zero-waste cooking and a little tech wizardry—yes, they really attract scallops with LED lights. Tickets are £60 and numbers are limited.

London Fashion Week

The capital’s most glamorous week returns 18–22 September. Even without a coveted ticket, the buzz spills onto the streets—Regent Street window displays, pop-up fashion markets, and street-style spotting galore. London becomes a living runway, and the people-watching alone is worth the trip.

London Design Festival

From 13–21 September, the city transforms into a design playground. Across 11 districts (from Chelsea College of Art to the V&A), installations and exhibitions explore the future of design, materials, and sustainability. Don’t miss Paul Cocksedge’s What Nelson Sees, offering Trafalgar Square from a new perspective, and Lee Broom’s Beacon, a glowing sculpture on the Southbank.

Somerset House Turns 25

Celebrate 25 years of Somerset House as a cultural institution with a free weekend of performances, film screenings, workshops, and rare behind-the-scenes tours (13–14 September). Explore hidden spaces like the Deadhouse and Maker Street, while soaking up the creative energy that has made this neoclassical landmark a modern arts hub.

Open House Festival

For architecture lovers, September means one thing: Open House Festival. Get inside some of London’s most fascinating buildings that are usually closed to the public—from historic churches to sleek offices. Expect exhibitions, tours, and plenty of architectural gems. Tickets are hot, so book early.

The David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse

From 13 September, the V&A East unveils The David Bowie Centre, a permanent home for his extraordinary archive of 90,000 items. More than an exhibition, it’s an interactive treasure trove—from Ziggy Stardust costumes to hand-scribbled notes—where visitors can even request to view Bowie’s personal belongings. A must-visit for music, fashion, and cultural history fans alike.

Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A

Launching 20 September and running through March 2026, Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A examines the French queen’s fashion legacy and its countless revivals. Alongside 18th-century portraits, expect couture tributes from Dior, McQueen, Moschino, and Vivienne Westwood—all proving that, centuries later, Antoinette is still dictating style.