Stephanie Phillips

Forget summer weekends when the traffic is jammed and the beaches are thronged with daytrippers. The best time for a day out has got to be autumn, when the scenery turns beautiful hues of gold and red, there's a pleasant chill in the air, and country pubs becoming cosy havens for thirsty travellers.  London offers plenty of ways to get out and soak up the autumn vibes. Take a walk through one of London's handsome royal parks, pick pumpkins, or wrap up warm for a walk along the South Bank. But to truly soak up those ochre autumn hues (and get a well deserved break from the city) we recommend embarking on one of these awesome autumn days out. From spooky villages to deer spotting in the glorious countryside, there's plenty of reasons not to hibernate this autumn.  RECOMMENDED: Here are some wonderful autumnal things to try in London This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

With everything that’s been going on this week, we think the recommendation ‘treat yourself’ has never been more relevant. For the perfect pick-me-up, take advantage of the ever-so-slightly warmer spring temperatures (while they last) and take yourself out to a new dining hot spot. If you’re looking for foodie inspiration, hit up our recommended new restaurants and bars to have some memorable grub and enjoy a bit of escapism – you know, via your taste buds. Vardo Photograph: Issy Croker What is it? A new small-plates restaurant from the Caravan team.   Why go?Jerusalem artichokes, retractable glass walls, people-watching. Perfect forA special date night or celebratory occasion.  Where is it? 9 Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY. Closest transportSloane Square tube. We say‘Nearly everything we ate was terrific: bright, thrilling plates, their bold ingredients plucked from every shelf of the world’s larder.’ Tania Ballantine Read the full Vardo review.   Berto Photograph: Haydon Perrior What is it? A pasta place from the people behind Zia Lucia.   Why go?For cacio e pepe that’s as good as Padella’s. Seriously. Perfect forThose days when you want to eat your body weight in pasta. Where is it? 155 Holloway Road, N7 8LX. Closest transportHolloway Road tube. We say‘The cacio e pepe tonnarelli (chunky-looking spaghetti) was silky and wonderfully tangy, delivering a warm smack of pepper with each forkful.’Liz Darke Read the full Berto review.   Angelina Photograph: Angelina What i

Relaxing on the clock feels ever-so-slightly contradictory, but one London café has been trying to make time-keeping a positive part of your day for a few years now. Sadly, Ziferblat, the first pay-per-minute café in London, closed its doors in Shoreditch back in 2018. But now, the ‘living room’ café where punters are on the meter has made a return to the neighbourhood at a brand new address. If you’ve never considered how much every precious second is worth and how best to spend it, Ziferblat – which also has branches in Russia and Ukraine – attempts to break it down for you. Guests are charged by time (7p per minute in the first hour), with the price decreasing each hour you spend there. Everything in the café is free except the time you’re there – and you better believe that includes unlimited tea and coffee, biscuits, and bread and onions from the cupboards, when in supply. In return for your minute-by-minute fee, you’re encouraged to treat the café as a home away from home (maybe reconsider roaming around in your pants, though). Supposedly, along with the copious beverages, your cash will make you a part of a thriving community where you can do all the things you always wanted to do, whether that's making art, learning to play the piano, cooking up a feast or just finding a new co-working space. Try it – the clock’s ticking… Ziferblat, 1 Vince St, EC1V 9HB (entrance from Staff St). Old St tube. Open now. Looking for more spots to enjoy a good brew? Take a peek our list

Soothe away your city woes with a trip to this strange and surreal art installation in the wilds of Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire. Artists Heather Peak and Ivan Morison have unveiled a new work inspired by the restorative qualities of the fen landscape. Photograph: Charles Emerson, courtesy of Wysing Arts Centre and National Trust for New Geographies ‘Mother…’ is a timber-framed pavilion that reflects the region’s building traditions, materials and architecture. It’s inspired by Richard Mabey’s book ‘Nature’s Cure’, which documents how walking through and writing about the unexplored landscapes in the east of England helped during his recovery from severe depression. The sculpture is meant to be a place of solace and refuge for anyone who wants to reflect on troubling thoughts, contemplate nature or still their mind. Photograph: Charles Emerson, courtesy of Wysing Arts Centre and National Trust for New Geographies The ellipsis in ‘Mother…’ suggests a missing word which can be supplied by the viewer: ‘earth’, ‘land’, ‘ship’ or anything else that comes to mind. A series of events inspired by the structure kicks off on February 29 with ‘Mother-Ship’, a performance by the artists. Photograph: Charles Emerson, courtesy of Wysing Arts Centre and National Trust for New Geographies The piece was commissioned as part of New Geographies, a programme that aims to bring modern art to unexpected places in this part of the UK.  Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire. www.newgeog

There’s a big anniversary happening later this year (so big that it’s affecting the way our May bank holidays fall) – and the Imperial War Museum (IWM) are planning to mark the occasion in a suitably large-scale way.  To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum will bring city life to a standstill by broadcasting voices from the war in public spaces.  IWM plans to bring their sound archive to various locations across London and the UK, including schools, universities, supermarkets, historic landmarks and transport hubs.  The project, named Voices of War, consists of three separate compilations and includes unique testimonies and first-hand memories of Winston Churchill, prisoners of war, civilian accounts and the events that led to the end of WWII.  ‘Voices of War takes inspiration from the huge crowds who stopped and listened together 75 years ago, in public spaces across the world, to the declaration of victory in Europe and then the Far East,’ said the Director General of IWM, Diane Lees. ‘We want to recreate that moment, using our fascinating sound archive, to share the stories and memories of those who lived through the conflicting jubilation, hope, sadness and fear that was felt during the summer of 1945.’ Voices of War will go out three times: on Friday May 8 (a bank holiday and the anniversary of VE Day) at 3pm, the exact time Churchill announced the war was over; at 11am on Thursday August 6, to mark the atomic bomb being launched

What a difference a year makes in London. Whole areas are rearranged in the blink of an eye and the streets you used to be able to wander down without a guide are rendered unrecognisable.  If so much can alter in a year, looking back on how the city used to be a decade ago is sure to shock some faithful Londoners. To celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of Google Maps, here’s a selection of before-and-after pictures of different areas of the capital that show how much our usual haunts have changed over the years… Blackfriars  Prior to its facelift, Blackfriars didn’t carry the same wow factor as other more polished areas of the city. Now, the bustling station has been redesigned and is encased in a sleek all-glass exterior.  King’s Cross  For decades King’s Cross represented the grittier side of London. It was synonymous with grey concrete, urban decay, railway infrastructure and empty warehouses. A vested effort to regenerate the area began around 2008, and now it’s unrecognisable from its previous image, with new buildings, public spaces, parks and shops. Borough  The Shard was just a twinkle in an architect’s eye in 2008 when Borough was known for its quaint Georgian terraces and famous market. Now, the glass building is officially the tallest structure in London, dominating the skyline from every possible vantage point in the city. The City  The Leadenhall building has been a key feature of the London skyline since construction began in 2011. Its angular design and di

Hey, mice sometimes have to take it outside too before things get a bit lairy.  In a fascinating urban wildlife discovery, Bristol-based photographer Sam Rowley captured two mice fighting on a London underground platform. Now, the amusing photograph, titled ‘Station Squabble’, has been announced as the winner of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Lumix People’s Choice award. The image was selected from a shortlist of 25 images that were chosen by the Natural History Museum, but the photo of the cutest miniature scrap in history emerged as a clear favourite. Rowley visited multiple platforms every night for a week to capture mice in their urban environment. The mice were fighting over leftover crumbs and the dust-up lasted for a split second before they scurried away. ‘I'm so pleased to win this award. It’s been a lifetime dream to succeed in this competition in this way, with such a relatable photo taken in such an everyday environment in my hometown,’ said Rowley, adding: ‘I hope it shows people the unexpected drama found in the most familiar of urban environments.’ The image will be displayed in the Wildlife Photography of the Year exhibit at the Natural History Museum until it closes on May 31. Why London’s tube mice are the toughest critters around. Check out where to see wildlife in London all year round.  

Batten down the hatches, it looks like it’s going to be a wet one. Again. The Met Office has issued new yellow weather warnings ahead of the arrival of Storm Dennis (yes! another one!) which is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds our way this weekend.  Dennis is not expected to be as severe as Storm Ciara, which less than a week ago wreaked havoc across the country bringing flooding, power outages and severe delays. London and the south-east will experience windy weather that could be as strong as 50mph inland and reach up to 60mph in coastal areas. Heavy rain is also forecast, which could bring a risk of further flooding where the ground is already saturated. Naturally, delays and cancellations on public transport are also to be expected over the weekend. Joy of joys.  What better excuse to hunker down inside and wait this storm out.  Hide away inside one of London’s cosiest pubs. Or lovely-looking cinemas.  Stay indoors in one of these super-cosy London locations.  Going out? Go you! Here are the best events happening in London this weekend. 

Rory Stewart’s bid to become the next Mayor of London has taken an unusual turn. The former Tory minister has offered to stay on Londoners’ sofas in a bid to learn more about the city. The campaign #ComeKipWithMe will see Stewart lug his travel bag from flat to flat, bedding down on second-hand settees, crumb-ridden floors and shoebox-sized spare bedrooms across the capital to listen to the concerns of the city. ‘Fixing London’s issues – whether on crime, housing, or our air quality – will not come from issuing press releases or edicts from a distant office building,’ Stewart said. ‘It comes from getting out into communities across the capital, staying with people – listening to their concerns, as well as their ideas for the best solutions.’ His campaign has already taken him to Lorraine Tabone’s abode. Tabone, who runs the charity Lola’s Homeless in east London, hosted Stewart in her one-bedroom Canning Town flat. The pair spent the night on a tour of Newham and Canning Town to speak to the local homeless community and then went to a Chinese restaurant where, apparently, Stewart ate only boiled rice and paid for the meal. He then bedded down for the night on Tabone’s floor and woke her up at 7am with a coffee in hand ready to talk about issues such as homelessness and knife crime. He was the ‘perfect guest’, Tabone told PA.  Stewart has said that, if elected, he plans to continue to ‘kip’ in Londoners’ homes. We know rental prices are through the roof but surely there must

Living your life like you’re a superhero might result in a few more everyday acts of kindness and some questionable spandex choices, but if you’re not up for that, you’ll soon be able to eat and drink like a superhero instead.  A new ‘gastronomic amusement park’ inspired by the DC Universe is set to open in Soho this summer.   The 330-seat venue, Park Row, named after the area of Gotham City where Batman’s parents were killed, will house five restaurants and three bars in a vast 18,000 square-foot basement space.  Diners at the immersive venue will be able to choose between the British-themed Pennyworth’s (named after Bruce Wayne’s butler); the Iceberg Lounge, which will feature international cuisine and display a huge ice sculpture of a penguin; a Harley Quinn-inspired Japanese omakase bar; a (presumably dark and moody) speakeasy called Old Gotham City; and The Monarch Theatre, which will serve a £120-a-head ‘multi-sensory tasting menu’. Photograph: Stuart Singer The space will use projection mapping technology to ‘explore the psychology of heroism through food’. Whatever that means.  The venture is the first launch from the Wonderland Restaurant Group, which was founded by former Disney executive and CEO of the Fat Duck Group James Bulmer. ‘I am still a child at heart, inspired by the greatest stories and storytellers. For me, great food experiences are about unlocking guests’ emotions and creating edible memories,’ he said.  With the latest Harley Quinn vehicle ‘Birds of

Lewisham residents will be hanging up the bunting and planning a party following this morning’s news that the area has been named Borough of Culture for 2021 by Sadiq Khan. The title comes with £1.35 million in funding to deliver cultural events and activities that celebrate the local community and all things south-east London. Over the years the borough has been home to artists including Kate Bush, grime MC Novelist, and reggae singer Maxi Priest. Lewisham’s winning bid, called Cultural Activism, focuses on the pressing issue of climate change and bringing communities together to take action.  ‘I’m delighted we have been awarded Borough of Culture 2021,’ Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, said. ‘This is an incredible opportunity for Lewisham and I couldn’t be more proud to be Lewisham’s mayor and working alongside so many amazing creatives and artists. ‘Our year will showcase what Lewisham has to offer the rest of London and the UK by harnessing the passion and creativity of our cultural sector and the people of Lewisham and channelling this into a programme which will face up to the most significant challenge facing our planet, the climate emergency.’ The borough has planned hundreds of events and activities to take place across the year including an artist-led tribute to Rock Against Racism, a large-scale dance performance, and a climate change festival. Looks like we’ll be taking the south-east-bound overground a lot next year. Check out our pick of all the best things to

Good news, Croydonians! Sadiq Khan announced that Croydon will be the London Borough of Culture in 2023. The announcement was made at City Hall this morning when the Mayor of London also announced that Lewisham will hold the title in 2021. Croydon will be awarded £1.35 million in funding to deliver a year-long series of events that celebrate the local area. Croydon’s bid – This is Croydon — focused on sustainability, so residents are expected to be treated to events that focus on the themes of progress, nature, inclusion and growth. It’ll include art commissions with local communities, a music festival and a ‘reuse and recycling’ fashion show. The programme should also provide employment opportunities for young people in the area. ‘This is fantastic news – this award is for all of Croydon and everyone who has worked so hard in our bid,’ Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon council, said: 'From Stormzy to our very own Shaniqua Benjamin, Croydon is the home of talent, with a rich music heritage as the birthplace of punk, grime and more, and we have an exciting future ahead. ‘We are going to make 2023 a celebration of our town’s wonderful diversity and repay the Mayor’s belief in us. This is Croydon – and we are incredibly proud.’ Wondering what happened to the Borough of Culture for 2022? A new borough will take the title every two years, rather than every year, going forward.  Brent is currently London’s Borough of Culture for 2020 Here’s a colourful art installation whic

At the weekend, Storm Ciara wreaked havoc across the UK, destroying many homes. Three victims of the storm were Tom, Ben, and Jerry, three alpacas from Vauxhall City Farm who were woken in the night by heavy rain because the roof of their house had blown off.   Photograph: Vauxhall City Farm   Vauxhall City Farm is now raising money to fix the damaged roof and get the alpacas back into their usual digs. At present, the alpacas are living in one of the free horse stables on the farm, but staff say they can’t wait to get back to their own home. The same roof was damaged by weather in January and staff did what they could to patch it up, but sadly, Storm Ciara came and undid all that good work. Following the storm, the unlucky city farm also had to relocate two goats – Abigail and Belle – and suffered damage to equipment stored in another stable. Vauxhall City Farm now needs to raise £4,723 to get Tom, Ben and Jerry back home, warm, dry and fluffy again. You can donate to Vauxhall City Farm’s crowdfunding campaign here. Spot cute animals with our guide to London’s best city farms.  Get more London news delivered straight to your inbox when you sign up to Time Out.