More things to do in London this week

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October 16, 2026   |    Weekly 16 October Dear Reader, First it was Amol Rajan, then Marina Hyde – and soon, apparently, Emma Barnett. Although of course, originally it was Piers Morgan. I’m conflicted about journalists I love (Piers excluded) setting up media brands of their own. Is it about money, power, a louder voice? All of which feeds into so much of what’s going wrong in the world. Were the institutions they left so bad, so rotten to the core? And what becomes of the BBC, The Guardian and the rest if they lose their top talent? As a magazine editor, I rely on a brilliant ecosystem of people who believe in and trust what we’re doing. It’s not about having one name above the door (says the woman with her face on the editor's letter) – it’s a total team effort. We all bang on about community, yet more and more people are making themselves into brands, measuring themselves by clicks, views, virality and dwell time. I’d rather be part of something than the whole of it. C&TH’s Top Reads Of The Week FOOD & DRINK 7 Food Trends To Know In 2027 From bean-centric recipes to Japanese comfort food, here’s what’s hot in food right now STYLE We Tracked Down All Of Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors Outfits Now the poster girl for fresh country fashion, her wardrobe has catapulted her into icon status HEALTH & BEAUTY Do Medicinal Mushrooms Really Work? A nutritionist’s take on functional mushrooms, from lion’s mane to cordyceps CULTURE Meet Time Series 3 Star Ollie McNulty The rising star on the BBC’s gut-wrenching prison drama STYLE I Had A Sleepover At Claridge’s Here’s what it’s really like to stay at London’s most storied hotel WATCHES & JEWELLERY Meet The Indie Jewellers Spearheading Creative Collaborations Celebrity partnerships aren’t just for big jewellery houses, says Kim Parker CULTURE Anthony Scaramucci Talks America, Wargames & Extravagant Tastes ‘Trump's going to be even crazier – he'll be exponentially nuttier’, says The Mooch CULTURE Everything We Know About Daddy Issues Season 3 The beloved BBC comedy will return for one final series Spotlight: How Can We Reduce Plastic Exposure? Dr Federica Amati shares some simple swaps The invention of plastic transformed society – but this extraordinary success comes at a cost. Since large-scale production began in the 1950s, plastic manufacturing has grown exponentially. Once you’ve manufactured it, there is no getting rid of it and its impact on human health is only growing clearer. Much of today’s research focuses on micro- and nanoplastics, tiny fragments produced as plastic breaks down. Scientists have detected these particles throughout the human body. That’s certainly unsettling, but the long-term health effects of microplastic accumulation remain uncertain. Emerging studies suggest they may interfere with the gut microbiome by disrupting the protective mucin layer lining the intestine.  The most meaningful change will come from reducing plastic production at source and strengthening regulation. That said, there are practical steps we can take too. Firstly, avoid heating food or drinks in plastic containers, as heat increases the chance chemicals will migrate into the product. Choose fresh, frozen and dried goods where possible, and reduce consumption of products packaged or stored in plastic. Whenever possible, opt for glass, stainless steel or ceramic food storage containers and reusable water bottles. It can feel overwhelming so start small and replace one thing at a time. The good news is that studies show reduced microplastic and EDC levels in the blood of people who eat mostly whole plant foods.  Find more tips here C&TH Partnership Banham Showcases Gyles Brandreth’s Jumper Collection Banham’s latest campaign highlights the real-life stories of the wonderfully British, eccentric collections we keep under lock and key. Broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth, for instance, has a longtime love for jumpers – which began as a personalised gift he wore on TV, and went on to become his trademark look. He even designed his own jumper brand in the 1980s, which garnered a cult following and was worn by the likes of Princess Diana and Elton John. ‘I've got a jumper ready for every day of the year,’ he says. ‘At home, they have a room all to themselves, the most important room in the house in many ways to me.’ Read his full story here. Staying In Forever… Property of the Week The former home of Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, this 17th century Kent country estate is something of a rural idyll. Set within 18 acres of private grounds, the Grade II listed property boasts three self-contained cottages, a 35-ft greenhouse, a tennis court, pavilion and hot tub.  Available off-market for £3,000,000, app.rexsoftware.com Competitions Win a one-night stay at Lime Wood hotel in the New Forest Win two pairs of luxury trainers from Sans Matin Win a two-night bed and breakfast stay at W Algarve, Portugal Good News Some good news for millennials: HBO’s era-defining comedy Girls is returning for a five-episode run, with filming to begin next year. Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet and Jemima Kirke will all be reprising their roles as Hannah, Marnie, Shoshanna and Jessa respectively, but what can we expect from the hotly anticipated reboot? Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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October 15, 2026   |    Daily 15 October Staying In… Cook This Creamy Squash Pasta Looking for a quick, seasonal dish to whip up tonight? We’ve got just the ticket. Organic vegetable box delivery service Riverford is marking its 40th anniversary with a new recipe book, The Riverford Cookbook: Easy Evenings. The brand’s first book in over a decade, it’s filled with nutritious ideas for weeknight meals which put vegetables centre stage, such as this creamy squash pasta with crispy sage. Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil  4 shallots, finely sliced  3 garlic cloves, finely chopped  600g peeled squash, coarsely grated  600ml vegetable or chicken stock  25g butter  16 sage leaves  500g pasta of your choice   150ml double cream  Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste   60g toasted hazelnuts, chopped  Salt & black pepper  To serve  Parmesan cheese or veggie alternative Method Put a large saucepan of salted water on to boil for the pasta.   Warm the olive oil in a separate large saucepan and add the shallots with a pinch of salt. Try the shallots gently for about 8 minutes until starting to soften.   Add the garlic and grated squash. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, before adding the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the squash is completely tender.   While the squash is cooking, put a small frying pan over a gentle heat. Melt the butter, then add the sage leaves and  fry until they sizzle and start to crisp up. Remove them from the pan and keep to one side. Keep the pan of butter to one side too.   Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it according  to the packet instructions while you finish the sauce.  When the squash is tender, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream. Use a stick blender to blend the squash into a smooth, silky sauce. Add a dash or two of the pasta water to thin it to the desired consistency if it seems too thick. Taste and tweak the seasoning to your taste with salt, pepper and some freshly grated nutmeg.   Drain the pasta and stir it into the sauce. Divide between shallow bowls and garnish with the hazelnuts, crispy sage leaves and a spoonful of the sage-flavoured butter. Serve with some Parmesan for everyone to grate over their pasta.  COOK’S NOTE: Squash purée isn’t dissimilar to a soup. With that in mind, think about turning leftover soup into a pasta sauce, enriched with a bit of dairy, a dash of starchy pasta water and appropriate garnishes. Tomato or mushroom soups are an obvious fit.  Recipe from The Riverford Cookbook: Easy Evenings Going Out… Go To Halloween At Kew Kew Gardens’ annual winter light trail is now a firm fixture on the festive calendar, but the Halloween version is fast becoming a family favourite too. For the third year running, the world-famous botanical garden is being transformed this October with spooky installations, fire performers and eerie illuminated trees – plus beware of figures like Dracula and the Headless Horseman lurking in the darkness. And don’t worry, it’s not all tricks: there are treats along the way too in the form of fries, hot chocolate and marshmallows. There are three slots to choose from, with daylight sessions running up to 6pm (best for younger visitors), twilight between 6 – 7.30pm and moonlight from 7.30pm (the scariest). Discover more London Halloween events here. 16 October – 1 November 2026, kew.org Staying In Forever Property of the Day Although Queen Elizabeth II was once the owner of this Victorian home, she was not the one who lived there. Rather, she gifted the eight-bedroom, six-acre estate to her horse trainer, Major Dick Hern. The estate features a tennis court, swimming pool, stables, and party barn, plus a toilet nicknamed the ‘Queen Mother’s loo’ on account of her visits to the house. On the market for £4,750,000, struttandparker.com Little Luxury C&TH Partnership It’s not too early to start thinking about party season. The dinners are already being booked, the parties added to the calendar – and the question of what to wear to all of it has started to loom. Hobbs sits up there with the best of the British high street when it comes to dressing for an occasion, so that’s where we’ve looked first. Our top pick? This dazzling Farrah Sequin Maxi Dress, a statement dress sure to make you stand out at any party. £349, hobbs.com Competition Fancy a getaway in the heart of historic Cambridge? Enter now for your chance to win a two-night stay at The Varsity Hotel & Spa, including spa treatments, a dinner, and breakfast on both mornings. Pssst… Loved the new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility? From a derelict Dartmoor cottage that almost defeated the production crew to a real-life Dashwood family home with a decidedly scandalous past, the stories behind the camera prove just as intriguing as those unfolding before it. Click here for 10 behind-the-scenes secrets. Whatever You Do, Don’t… Dive in headfirst if you’re trying out some wild swimming this autumn. Ella Foote, author of How to Wild Swim, recommends starting off slow with some short swims, and swimming at places with lifeguards. Plus, consider a wetsuit to keep you warmer and more buoyant in the water – find more top tips here. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

October 14, 2026   |    Daily 14 October Staying In… Watch Love of Your Life If you’re leaning into cosy nights at home this autumn, you’re in luck: there are a whole host of new films dropping on streaming platforms in the coming weeks. This week’s big hitter is Love of Your Life, a romantic drama available to watch on Prime Video from today. It stars Margaret Qualley (Maid, The Substance) as Maya, a nurse living in Boston whose chance encounter with Charlie (Gabriel Basso) leads to a sweeping romance. But when tragedy strikes, Maya embarks on a globe-trotting adventure around Europe to rebuild herself. Alongside Qualley, there’s Aaron Pierre (Lanterns) as Felix, Maya’s new love interest, and Patrick Schwarzenegger (The White Lotus) as her longtime best friend. It’s star-studded behind the scenes too: the film is directed by esteemed cinematographer Rachel Morrison and written by Julia Cox (Nyad), with Ryan Gosling as one of the producers. Expect a beautifully shot film which tackles themes of grief, friendship and self-love. Out now, Prime Video. Going Out… Explore Frieze London & Frieze Masters Every October, London’s Regent’s Park is transformed into a giant exhibition for Frieze London and Frieze Masters: two of the biggest events on the annual art calendar. Frieze London focuses on contemporary art, showcasing works from over 180 international galleries – with ‘Discovery’ a key theme for 2026. Frieze Masters, meanwhile, exhibits works made before the year 2000; as Frieze Masters’ director Emanuela Tarizzo puts it, ‘From ancient civilizations to the 20th century, the fair places rediscovery, rigorous scholarship and the expansion of the canon at the centre of the experience.’ Aside from seeing all the art, visitors can stop for lunch at one of the on-site restaurant pop-ups (favourites include Trullo and Rita’s) and sip champagne from the Ruinart bar. Plus, find some insider tips here. 14 – 18 October 2026, frieze.com Staying In Forever Property of the Day Set in 37 acres of grounds, this Grade II listed Georgian country house is straight out of the pages of a Jane Austen novel. Recently updated by Adam Architecture, the estate features a six-bedroom main house, plus an additional Guest Lodge and Gate House.  On the market for £8,500,000, search.savills.com and knightfrank.co.uk Little Luxury ME+EM’s new Pub Jacket pairs two very British pleasures: good tailoring and a trip to the pub, just in time for cosy autumn pub season. Crafted from a wool-blend Shetland houndstooth fabric with cord beneath the collar, it gives traditional country dressing a modern spin. The fit is smart yet relaxed, with room for layers and deep, oversized pockets that let you leave your bag at home or to pack with dog treats. £495, meandem.com Competition Enter here for the chance to win a memorable escape to the historic city of Chester and stay at The Queen at Hotel Chester – Handwritten Collection, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks that once welcomed notable guests including Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry.  Pssst… Looking for an atmospheric place to get stuck into a good book? Diet Coke has teamed up with author Elizabeth Day TikToker Jack Edwards to launch BookMarks, an interactive map of reading spots across the UK and Ireland – from lakeside escapes to city parks and historic gardens. You can explore locations by genre and mood, as well as share your own favourites. Find Day’s favourite reading spots here. Whatever You Do, Don’t… Underestimate the power of food in boosting your mood during the cooler months, says registered dietician Lola Biggs. Certain vitamins and minerals are known for naturally increasing serotonin levels, while fermented foods benefit the gut microbiome – which affects how we feel emotionally as well as physically. Here are some of the best mood-boosting foods, from berries to eggs to walnuts. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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October 13, 2026   |    Daily 13 October Staying In… Read Bonnie Garmus’ Peck & Peck If you loved the 2022 sensation Lessons In Chemistry – which went on to spark a series for Apple TV starring Brie Larson – we have good news: Bonnie Garmus is releasing her second novel, Peck & Peck. This time, Garmus swaps California for 1980s New York, where crime is on the rise and college graduate Batter Gray – a twin who lost his brother at birth – has recently moved to the city. A longtime poetry lover, he manages to land the job of his dreams for secretive poetry magazine Peck & Peck. Despite being relegated to the mouldy basement mail room, he’s determined to shine… but things don’t always go to plan, and Batter soon discovers the magazine is under threat. Like Lessons In Chemistry, expect a page-turning, uplifting read with characters you won’t forget. Out today (Manilla Press) Going Out… Eat Your Way Around The London Restaurant Festival Hungry? Fill your boots at the 18th edition of the London Restaurant Festival, a celebration of the capital’s incredible food scene running throughout October. The Top Ten Cuisines series spotlights ten different global cuisines across London, from a four-course Indian feast at Notting Hill’s Empire Empire (29 October) to a South African-inspired dinner at Kudu, Marylebone (27 October). Look out for special menus at places like Il Bambini Club in Shoreditch and Bokan in Canary Wharf, take part in masterclasses including chocolate making and cocktail mixing, and spend an evening at Frameless Gallery followed by dinner Marylebone favourite The Italian Greyhound. Find the full line-up of events at londonrestaurantfestival.com Staying In Forever Property of the Day The former owner of this periwinkle Massachusetts home? The late TV chef and author Julia Child. Be warned: the original kitchen is not included, the whole room having been shipped off to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Built in 1889, Child purchased the six-bedroom home in 1956, moved in in 1961, and remained there until 1994.  On the market for $6,475,000, coldwellbankerhomes.com Little Luxury Lean into the autumnal vibes at Morena Marylebone, which has launched a tempting new seasonal menu. To drink there’s a cinnamon roll latte topped with a cream cheese cloud, a pumpkin spice matcha (available hot or iced) or a carrot crush smoothie made with carrot, pineapple, orange and beetroot, while three new cookies have been added to the cafe’s NYC-inspired range: pumpkin spice, cinnamon roll and banana dulce de leche. morenalondon.com Competition Hidden in the heart of Westminster, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, brings together centuries of British history with modern five-star luxury. And now’s your chance to win a stay.   Pssst… Have you been admiring Sienna Miller’s wardrobe in glossy legal drama War? Well, now you can steal her exact outfits from the show thanks to a new collab between rental platform HURR and Sky, which features original pieces worn on screen from brands like Zimmermann and Dior.  Whatever You Do, Don’t… Miss tickets to the brand-new Line of Duty immersive experience, which is coming to London in early 2027. Line of Duty: Operation Echo will see teams of two to eight players stepping into the shoes of anti-corruption officers, embarking on investigations around London featuring escape room-style puzzles, riddles and moral dilemmas. Sign up to the waitlist here. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

October 12, 2026   |    Daily 12 October Staying In… Tune In To These Autumn Wellness Rituals When a new season arrives we often think about switching up our skincare routines, but what about our wellness rituals? As the weather cools and the nights get darker, our bodies and minds need different things to keep us feeling good – and autumn always has that back-to-school feel, making it the perfect time for a health reset. Dr Rubina Aktar, an expert in the gut-brain connection, recommends prioritising good gut health for a strong immune system by getting a wide variety of different plants into your diet each day. ‘Most people do not realise that a large part of the immune system sits in the gut – in fact, the gut is one of the largest endocrine organs,’ she explains. ‘Bacteria (microbes) living there are in constant conversation with your immune cells, and what you feed them shapes how well that system runs.’ JSHealth Vitamins founder Jessica Sepel, meanwhile, suggests finding movement you enjoy (motivation to exercise inevitably dwindles when it gets colder) and leaning into seasonal cooking (better for our health as well as the environment). And if you’re getting the urge to nest and slow down, don’t fight it. ‘I actually love that autumn gives us permission to turn inward a little,’ Jessica adds. ‘The days get shorter, evenings become cosier and there’s this natural invitation to slow down. I think we should lean into that rather than fight it.’ Find more tips here. Going Out… Drive A Ferrari Across Wales What’s it like to drive across Wales in a Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider with the fastest woman in Europe? It’s quite a niche activity, but our digital director Rebecca Cox found out on Ferrari’s two-day, 380-mile media tour through some of Britain’s most spectacular roads – co-piloted by sprinter Amy Hunt, fresh off quadruple gold at the European Games. The route took in the A470 (regularly voted one of Britain’s great driving roads), climbed through the Brecon Beacons, and stopped at Portmeirion – the whimsical Italianate village where Noël Coward wrote Blithe Spirit and The Prisoner was filmed – navigating its impossibly narrow brick roads in a wide-body grand tourer with a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 under the bonnet. Find out what, aside from the Spice Girls blaring across the Welsh hilltops at 830 horsepower, makes the perfect road trip and read Rebecca’s verdict on both the Amalfi and the 12Cilindri Spider by reading the full feature here. Staying In Forever Property of the Day Described by Nikolaus Pevsner as ‘one of the finest, if not the very best, of the small Cotswold Tudor houses’, this 16th century manor sits on 14.5 acre estate that can be traced all the way back to 1086. Grade I listed, today the historic home features an outdoor pool, tennis court, boating lake, a gym with a Pilates and yoga room, plus a treatment room and secret cinema.  Available to rent for £55,650 per week, sothebysrealty.co.uk Little Luxury When it first dropped in the US last year the Skims x Tangle Teaser hairbrush sold out in just two hours. Now it’s back – and available in the UK. The classic Detangler has been reimagined in a signature Skims aesthetic, featuring soft-flex teeth which is perfect for fine, fragile or colour-treated hair. £22, skims.com Competition Looking to update your living space? Enter this competition now for your chance to win a rug from Patricia Rodi and Livabliss’s brand new range, worth up to £3,000. Pssst… Dearest Gentle Reader, the ton is all a-flutter. Why? For there is news of a new Bridgerton spin-off. At last the time has come for us to turn our attention to the Bridgerton matriarch, in a new series chronicling the romance of a young Violet and Viscount Edmund Bridgerton.   Whatever You Do, Don’t… Miss out on this rare opportunity to dine at Langan’s for a low price. The legendary Mayfair restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary by bringing back its 1976 prices for one day only – with starters from just £1 and mains from £4.50. From 11am – late on 20 October 2026, book at langansbrasserie.com Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom