Nicky Rampley-Clarke

Calling all literary fans: Audible’s newest Original production is here, and it promises a spooky affair. Prepare your ears for a unique retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula – the iconic tale that follows an ancient blood-sucking vampire as he travels from Transylvania to England – with spine-tingling acting from first to last chapter. But that's not all – an original score has been created, too. Trained in classical violin, self-taught on the electric guitar and inspired by punk rock, British composer Illan Eshkeri has written the scores for TV, movies and even video games, from Stardust and Layer Cake to Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story and The Sims 4. And now, he's contributed his talents to Dracula, where his cross-genre stylings help bring the darkness of this iconic horror spectacularly to life. In fact, the whole adaptation comes with full original sound design, sure to fully immerse you in the bone-chilling world that Bram Stoker created all those years ago. To mark the arrival of this exciting new retelling, Audible has partnered with NHS Blood and Transplant, which saves and improves lives (through blood, platelet, and plasma donation) to give you a 30-minute preview of the adaptation. This exclusive preview will be available to hear at blood donation centres across the country. Simply kick back, relax and enjoy the story as you donate blood. Unlike Dracula – a vampire who takes blood without permission – giving blood with NHS Blood and Transplant is quick, easy

Rick Astley is Never Gonna Give You Up. That’s why the ‘80s pop legend is taking to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall this Christmas as part of a seriously star-studded festive season. And he’s not the only one. Other headline acts at the iconic venue in South Kensington include the likes of eight-time Brit Award-winning group Take That, jazz pianist Jamie Cullum, superstar DJ and New Year’s Eve maestro Trevor Nelson, and organist-of-the-moment Anna Lapwood. There will also be festive shows: Carols at the Royal Albert Hall, Heart Christmas Live, A Christmas Story in Concert and London Community Gospel Choir all promise to get you into the spirit of things. Really, it couldn’t get more festive unless a Christmas jumper-wearing Kevin McCallister made a guest appearance on a one-horse open sleigh with Santa Claus himself in tow. Now that we’d pay to see! With over 16 different events and 40 performances in the famous auditorium throughout the month of December, we, for one, will be there with (jingle) bells on. And we doubt we’ll be the only ones. Over 150,000 tickets were sold for last year’s programme, so we expect tickets to its magical mix of classical, gospel, choral, jazz and R’n’B spectaculars to sell out quicker than Christmas picky-bits at M&S. In short: you’ll need to move at the speed of Father Christmas tearing across the skies on Christmas Eve to bag your tickets. Here are the five things we’re counting down the days for.    Andy ParadiseHome Alone in concert 1.

Inviting Londoners to Step into the French Riviera is an immersive installation by Art of London in the West End until October 25. Inspired by Painting the French Riviera, an exhibition running at the Royal Academy of Arts until January 31, this free experience brings the masterpieces out of the gallery and onto the streets for all to enjoy. Transforming the centre of London into a Mediterranean escape – the perfect way to banish the winter blues, if you ask us – a series of installations will serve up a veritable feast for the senses with all the sights, sounds and smells of the Côte d'Azur (a source of great inspiration to many great artists, from Derain to Monet and Braque, don’t you know). Going down right now? A sensory installation in Piccadilly Circus that takes its cues from the bold artwork of French painter Raoul Dufy – and, in particular, his vibrant take of the seaside resort of Golfe Juan. The work gives you the chance to step into the painting and experience his signature heightened hues for yourself.  Tom WebbYves Klein Blue Elsewhere, on Coventry Street, visitors can step into a world inspired by Yves Klein's iconic International Klein Blue – the vivid shade that became one of the defining artistic signatures of the 20th century. Inspired by the seas and skies of Nice, the colour is having a major resurgence, popping up everywhere from fashion runways to stylish interiors. Better still, each installation has a QR code that unlocks a French Riviera-inspired p

Planning your next city break and stuck for inspiration? Well, we at Time Out happen to be known for our prowess on such topics, so let us help you out. Might we humbly suggest Belfast? The home of Titanic – and of Titanic Belfast – is a no-brainer for those looking for quick travel from London and the rest of Great Britain (in order to maximise time for fun, of course), as well as a stunning blend of city and country, incredible history, and warm hospitality. We could talk about the city all day, but you probably don’t have time for that – so we’ll keep it short and sweet with our top five reasons why Belfast could be the perfect break for you. Titanic BelfastA tribute to the ship 1. Step back in time at Titanic Belfast…Whether you’re a history nerd or you just really, really like the film, Titanic Belfast – a genuinely unique look at one of the most famous ships of all time – is a must for anyone visiting the city. Located beside the historic slipways where the boat was built, designed and launched, Titanic Belfast is both a tribute to the ship, and to the people and the city that created it.Better still, admission to Titanic Belfast also includes a ticket to the stunning SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel in the world. Restored to its original glory, the vessel sits proudly on Belfast’s Hamilton Dock. Head onboard, walk the decks and experience one of the iconic White Star Line ships for yourself.2. …and step onto the Titanic Slipways You can also visi

Halloween is almost here and with it a chance to pour yourself a glass of wine, light an autumnal candle and curl up on the sofa for a night in front of the box. And this year, Virgin Media and Netflix are making the build-up a little spookier by summoning the Virgin Medium in the dark depths of Soho, London, from October 30-31. Yes, on the Friday and the Saturday from 10am-7pm, 15 Bateman Street will see the arrival of a very special pop-up living room. Step inside for an appointment with an all-seeing, all-knowing medium who lives inside a Virgin Media TV. What they don't know about Netflix’s impressive collection of films and shows isn’t worth knowing, quite frankly. Years of being trapped behind the screen means they can predict your TV destiny – and they might just surprise you with something you’d never have picked yourself!It’s to celebrate that you can get Netflix at no extra cost with all new Virgin Media TV bundles. Yep, with Virgin Media TV you can get access to all the Netflix content you love, all in one place*. Catch up on the latest episode of The Gentlemen and see Theo James go in all-guns-blazing; or get all dressed up with nowhere to go but your sofa and the latest series of Emily in Paris. From Black Doves and Bridgerton to Enola Homes and Wednesday – plus, so many more – your access to the latest and greatest films and shows couldn’t be better timed as we head into hibernation season. So how does a date with the Virgin Medium work? Simply take your spot on

Us Londoners are proud of where we live. In fact, it's not unusual to hear Londoners arguing passionately for their neck of the woods, joyfully defending their little corner of the capital, and making a stonkingly good case for why their borough is the best in the city. All of which is to say: nobody knows or loves their neighbourhood quite like the locals.That’s certainly true of residents of Southwark. Historic and vibrant, the borough stretches from the south bank of the River Thames through neighbourhoods including Borough, Bermondsey, Camberwell, Peckham, all the way down to Dulwich. It’s easily one of the most diverse boroughs, balancing lush green spaces (hello, Burgess Park) with all the lively cosmopolitan goodness you’d expect from the capital – and is within easy reach of central London. And so, who better to offer up an in-depth guide to the borough than a local? Here, we asked Southwark resident Amelia Greenham for her take on the coolest spots to discover. Be warned: it might just inspire you to move there yourself.   Southern HousingGlengall Rise Where to eat“Where to start? For breakfast, I love TOAD in Camberwell. It's easily the buzziest bakery in the area – people travel from all over the city to visit – but for good reason. They do the classics (flaky, buttery croissants for example) really well, and there’s always a new creative special to try out. Just be prepared to queue on the weekends!“I also like Eric’s in East Dulwich for its white sourdough, whi

You know it, we know it: it’s happening. October marks the time of year when the clocks go back, the days feel shorter, and we trade in shorts and t-shirts for massive coats, scarves the size of blankets, and the flu jab. Obviously time marches on and the seasons must change (plus, it is Christmas soon…), but right now, it can just all feel a bit drab, can’t it? That’s where the Flower Pharmacy comes in: brought to us by the Plants and Flowers Foundation Holland, the Flower Pharmacy pop-up – coming to 15 Bateman Street in Soho from October 21-22 – is offering the ultimate pick-me-up as the grey, wintry days set in. The Dutch are well known as masters of flowers: Holland is the centre of the international flower trade, and has been since the 17th Century when “tulip-mania” struck Europe. Today, the country is responsible for a whopping 50% of the global flower market. And now, they’re bringing their time-honoured expertise to Brits in need of some FLC (Floral Loving Care, that is).   Anyone feeling like they could do with a bit more vim and vibrance in their life this time of year can head to the colourful haven of the pop-up to receive a mood-lifting prescription – of the floral kind. Whether you’d like to feel energised or calm or you just fancy treating yourself, chat with a team member who’ll prescribe you a custom bouquet, based on your conversation, for you to take away there and then. The idea is that the flowers brighten up your home – and hopefully your spirits – whil

Ah, autumn: the time when everyone returns to London and gets back into their daily routines. But without sunshine and Pimm’s on the South Bank, what are Londoners to do? October onwards calls for relaxed weekends and late nights checking out some of the exhibitions you’ve had on your hit-list for a while – and where to browse the best and latest in art and culture than at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square?Opened in 1856 and housing the world’s great collection of portraits – including 11,000 portraits, drawings, miniatures and sculptures, plus 250,000 photographs and negatives – the Gallery is a visual feast for the senses, which also includes current exhibition Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends. Running until February 2027, it’s a creative exploration of queer identity, community and love through the lens of one of Britain’s most important photographers. Membership? That gives you first dibs on all the new stuff happening at the Gallery. And what new stuff they have on the horizon!  © Sam Walton PhotosMembership card, 2025 Yes, sir: the National Portrait Gallery has just revealed its programme of major exhibitions for 2027. These include everything from the first posthumous exhibition dedicated to Frank Auerbach, one of Britain’s most significant artists, to the first UK retrospective in homage to American impressionist Mary Cassatt. There’ll also be an exhibition curated in close collaboration with colourful pop artist Sir Peter Blake – now the rip

Sobremesa by Campo Viejo encourages diners to embrace staying longer and get up to 75% off their bill at its hot new pop-up, which features a menu by José Pizarro, the chef behind 'it' restaurants including José, Pizarro and Lolo in London. Let's face it: socialising in London can often feel less like hanging out and more like a checklist of engagements to tick off: pub straight after work at 5pm, quick dinner at 7pm, catch a West End show at 8:30pm. Of course, it’s fun to feel like you’re living the city-dweller dream, moving from one place to the next and making the most of everything London has to offer. But sometimes, you’re probably longing for the chance to truly relax, linger and enjoy the moment.If you’ve been nodding your head while reading that first paragraph, might we introduce you to the Spanish concept of sobremesa? Translated literally as ‘upon the table’, sobremesa is the time spent lingering around the table after a meal has finished. It’s about letting the conversation carry on, enjoying another glass of wine, sharing stories, laughing with the people you’re with and simply making the most of the moment.And in a city where there’s always somewhere else to be, London could probably do with a little more sobremesa. Campo ViejoSuperstar chef José Pizarro And that's where Campo Viejo comes in. It's bringing a taste of that relaxed, convivial Spanish spirit to the capital through this new restaurant experience, featuring a menu from chef José Pizarro. In contra

Hola, autumn: time to hunker down in your casa and curl up on the sofa with a robust glass of red in-hand beside a roaring fire. The perfect backdrop for your next big box-set binge. But what’s your usual tipple this time of year? Maybe, like us, you favour something fruity, oaky and devilishly spicy. In which case you probably reach for a glass of Rioja, one of Spain’s most celebrated exports.Rioja – the famous wine region in northern Spain – offers so much more than just Crianza and Reserva, as much as we love them. In fact, it’s one of the most rich and diverse wine regions on earth, meaning there are plenty of different bottles with unique flavour profiles to tickle your tastebuds this season.And this autumn you’ll be able to sample everything the region has to offer – without having to leave London – thanks to a brand new, month-long dining experience arriving in the capital for the month of October. Welcome to The Rioja Route. Think of it as the ultimate celebration of the region’s famous rich, fresh and fruity reds … alongside whites, rosés and even sparkling.. Sound exciting? To get you in the mood for a tipple or two, here, we pore over everything that makes this part of Spain and its wines so lipsmackingly good – and reveal why you need to join the city-wide festivities. Salud!  Rioja Wine UKRioja Alta, Haro, Brinas Rioja is deliciously diverse Located in northern Spain and spanning 100km from east to west, Rioja is a veritable patchwork of diverse climates and la

We can’t all be summer people. While some can’t wait for the sweltering weather, there are plenty who find themselves sweating if they so much as see the sun and can’t stand shaking sand out of their shoes for a month after a seaside trip. If you fall into the latter category, it’s likely that woolly jumpers, hot drinks, and crisp, fresh air are more your speed. If so, might we suggest an autumn escape to the Interlaken holiday region?This Swiss spot is an autumnal paradise, and as the cooler days set in, the landscape around the stunning Lakes Thun and Brienz transform: think colourful forests, clear mountain views, and everything a lover of a chilly breeze and a bracing walk could dream of (including really, really good fondue).This is a new way to discover Switzerland at its best. Interlaken at this time of year shows off some of the country’s most impressive nature and history – though when you’ve finished exploring, luxury also awaits, with Swiss cuisine and lakeside relaxation also on hand. Interest piqued? Here are our favourite Interlaken must dos and experiences, to help you do autumn properly, and make the most of a Swiss adventure.

Calling all footie fans! Football season is finally back, and one of the biggest fixtures of the season is just around the corner. Chelsea F.C. Women go to head-to-head with Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, September 27 in what's set to be one of the most exciting home fixtures of the whole the season.Taking place within the iconic surroundings of Stamford Bridge, the club’s home turf, it’s your chance to soak up a truly electric atmosphere and see amazingly skilled England stars and club legends in action as they tear up the pitch. Better still, you can bag a ticket from just £20, meaning watching them shoot – and score – needn’t break the bank. But the best bit? From Hannah Hampton to Aggie Beever-Jones and Lucy Bronze, you can get even more up-close and personal with a VIP package that takes your matchday experience to the next level. Here, we round-up the latest and greatest packages, whatever your vibe.  Chelsea F.C. WomenEnjoy bottomless drinks Bottomless at the BridgeFrom the group chat to the big game: round up your besties and head to Stamford Bridge for CFCW’s iconic Bottomless at the Bridge package. Arrive two hours before kick-off to the best seats in the house in the Harris Suite and take full advantage of endless food, unlimited drinks* and immaculate vibes all round. When they say bottomless, they really mean it. *Bottomless drinks include house wine, prosecco, beer, soft drinks and hot drinks.Families at the BridgeFor the ultimate family-friendl