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October has arrived, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be champing at the bit to put on that Halloween costume you bought in July. But October also has its downsides. We’re faced with longer nights, sweater weather, and a daily battle to get out of bed each morning – something even the largest cup of coffee struggles to remedy.
With that in mind, we wouldn’t blame you for needing some help to come to terms with the changing of the seasons. Luckily, the venue experts at Hire Space have come to the rescue with their top venue suggestions for this month. With offerings including a taste of Asia, a hidden liquor bar and cosy Victorian pub to get your teeth into, you’ll forget about the dreary weather in no time.
1. Tootoomoo
Pan-Asian tapas is the name of the game at Islington’s newest arrival. The restaurant’s name derives from an ancient Indonesian folk tale about a girl, Tootoomoo, and her friendship with a giant. After the girl shared food with the giant, their relationship blossomed – and it’s this concept which lies at the very heart of the restaurant. On offer you’ll find tapas-style dishes like fresh sushi, exotic tempura dishes and zesty salads; each designed to transport you straight to the vibrancy and buzz of Asian street markets.
This restaurant may be small, but it’s jam-packed full of character. With enough room for up to 20 diners, and six additional bar seats, it’s a great choice for more intimate gatherings. And in case you want the place to yourself, Tootoomoo also offers exclusive evening hire.
2. Farmopolis
If you enjoyed GBBO’s botanical week, then you’re going to LOVE Farmopolis. Having already built up a reputation as one of London’s most intriguing event spaces, Farmopolis’ latest addition sees a new ‘urban farm’ café, which is overseen by chefs Felix Weber Emmanuel Eger (who you may know as the brains behind The Magazine Restaurant at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery). Drawing inspiration from its natural surroundings, the café’s simple yet considered food and drinks menus will feature only the freshest produce. Having opened in September, Farmopolis’ Urban Farm Café has space for up to 80 diners inside, and an additional 40 seats outside. The venue also has a maximum event capacity for up to 400 people.
3. Islington Townhouse
Built in the late eighteenth century, Islington Townhouse (then called The Agricultural Hotel) was originally used for the Smithfield club to exhibit livestock and agricultural improvements. Now a cosy modern pub, this traditional but contemporary venue has everything you’d want for ultimate relaxation – including craft beers, sharing plates, and a chilled out atmosphere. It’s basically like that cosy pair of slippers you want to wear all the time. The pub is separated into three separate floors, all of which retain the pub’s relaxed and intimate feel. Downstairs you’ll find the bright and airy Corner Room and its large bar area. Located on the second floor is the cosy Snug, while the top floor houses the warming Attic – which can be privately hired for up to 40 diners.
4. Below the Cut at Hanger SW6
Carnivores, unite! If you’re a fan of the ethos ‘good liquor, great cocktails – lots of fun’, then you’re probably going to want to get yourself down to Below the Cut ASAP. This boutique drinking den and restaurant is a hidden gem, and well worth the journey into Fulham Broadway. Championing what they call the ‘unsung hero of the meat world’, the hanger steak, Below the Cut is a must for all meat lovers. As well as its rich food menu, this steakhouse-slash-liquor bar also boasts a SERIOUS cocktail offering – serving up its own twists on evergreen classics. For a real carnivorous knees-up, Below the Cut is available for private hire.
5. Caravan Bankside
Having proven itself in King’s Cross and Exmouth Market, Caravan has now decided to pitch up in its next location – Bankside. Taking residence in the chic and industrial surroundings of the Metal Box Factory, Caravan Bankside will offer an all-day menu which includes some of its most famous dishes, including jalapeno corn bread, and some new dishes like chilli crab claw. As well as a standalone cocktail bar, this crowd-pleasing restaurant has space for up to 140 diners, and can be hired out for exclusive functions. And if that wasn’t enough to tempt your taste buds, we should probably tell you that the team behind Caravan will also be brewing their own kombucha (that’s fermented sweetened tea for those not in the know) and making cheese on site.
For more awesome London venues, head to hirespace.com.