Welcome to London! Your Guide to London.
The All About London Team has lived and worked in London for many years. We have detailed knowledge of London, feel free to ask us about Places to visit, places to stay and things to do. London Tours, Attractions, Hotels, Accommodation, Events, Theatre, Shows and Places to eat.
V&A INDIA FESTIVAL This autumn a series of exhibitions, displays, events and digital initiatives explore the rich and varied culture of South Asia, both past and present. The V&A India Festival marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Museum’s Nehru Gallery, which displays some of the most important objects from the South Asian art collection produced between the 16th and 19th centuries.Read more
*OPENING THIS MONTH* FABRIC OF INDIA 3 October 2015 – 10 January 2016 The first major exhibition to explore the dynamic and multifaceted world of Indian handmade textiles from the 3rd to the 21st century. From stunning historic costume and highly prized textiles for international trade to cutting-edge fashion. Discover the astonishing skills and variety evident in India’s incomparably rich textile tradition and its new relevance in the modern world. Read more and book Supported by Good Earth India; with thanks to Experion and NIRAV MODI #FabricofIndia
SHOES: PLEASURE AND PAIN Until 31 January 2016
Sponsored by Clarks
Step inside our major fashion exhibition and explore over 200 pairs of the most extreme shoes, from a dazzling range of historic designs to the latest exceptional innovations. Discover a history of shoe design spanning more than 3,000 years with our interactive timeline online before your visit. Read more and book
Supported by Agent Provocateur; With additional thanks to the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers #vamShoes
NADIA SWAROVSKI Tuesday 13 October, 18.30 – 20.00 Join Nadja Swarovski, a Member of the Executive Board of Swarovski and the great-great granddaughter of Daniel Swarovski, who founded the crystal business in 1895. To mark the publication of the first book about her family business, Nadja will discuss her passion for crystal and her collaborations with some of the foremost artists and designers working today. Read more
EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THEATRE Saturday 3 October – Sunday 4 October, 11.00 – 16.00
Explore 4000 years of theatre history from Greek Tragedy to medieval drama through to Shakespeare, Ibsen, Wilde, Pinter and Stoppard. Read more
I LOVE MUSEUMSMuseums are facing challenging times. To show how much museums matter, the National Museum Directors’ Council has launched a campaign celebrating the support offered by the public to cultural institutions. Find out more and share your love
SHOP PRODUCTS INSPIRED BY FABRIC OF INDIA To celebrate the V&A India Festival, the V&A Shop presents a collection of beautiful scarves showcasing a rich and diverse range of distinct styles, specialist techniques and authentic materials sourced from artisans across India.Read more
WHEN SOAK BECOMES SPILL by SUBODH GUPTA 23 October 2015 – 31 January 2016 As part of the V&A India Festival, Subodh Gupta, one of India's most prominent contemporary artists, has created the thought provoking installation 'When Soak Becomes Spill'. Read more
RICHARD LEAROYD: DARK MIRROR 24 October 2015 – 14 February 2016 Photography, Room 38a
See eighteen unique and large-scale portrait and still-life photographs made between 2008 and 2014 by British photographer Richard Learoyd. His works captivate viewers with their quiet power and mesmerising detail, which is achieved through an innovative process. The subjects and themes of the images act as a contemporary complement to the ‘Julia Margaret Cameron’ exhibition opening 28 November. Read more
Admission free
V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD
ON THEIR OWN: BRITAIN’S CHILD MIGRANTS
24 October 2015 - 12 June 2016An exhibition telling the heart-breaking true stories of Britain’s child migrants who were sent to Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries between 1869 and 1970. Featuring photography and personal items which belonged to child migrants, as well as video and audio which recount this period of history.Read more
ALSO IN LONDON... WELLCOME COLLECTIONANN VERONICA JANSSENS 15 October 2015 – 3 January 2016
This installation explores light and colour as Janssens invades the gallery with coloured mist, launching ‘States of Mind’, a year-long investigation into the experience of human consciousness. Read more
BFI SOUTHBANK
MIRRORING TARKOVSKY 19 October - 19 November 2015 Don’t miss the BFI’s screenings of Tarkovsky’ s magnificent seven feature films -all shown in gorgeous new digital prints. Highlights include Mirror –Tarkovsky’ s greatest film is as close to poetry as cinema gets.Read more
Opening this month, Wildlife Photographer of the Year will display breathtaking nature photography from this year's winners. With photographs from nearly 100 countries, the exhibition showcases the diversity, beauty and fragility of life on our planet.
An international team of researchers identified the new species of ancient human, Homo naledi, from more than 1,500 fossils discovered in a remote cave location in South Africa's Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. 'Based on its features, H. naledi could be one of the earliest species of human yet discovered,' says Museum Prof Chris Stringer.
From glow bugs to glow sticks, and superheroes to spiders, discover the elements that make up your world with expert guides from the Natural History Museum and Time Out in this unique exploration of nature and contemporary culture.
9 October, 20.00 – 23.00 Last few tickets remaining for the Fashion Tour
The nights are drawing in, which can only mean the return of the Museum's spectacular Ice Rink. Get into the festive feeling with a spin around the ice, and warm up with a delicious glass of mulled wine in our stylish Café Bar. Opens 29 October.
Win one of three pairs of tickets to explore the Museum by night at an exclusive evening of talks, hands-on workshops, activities and food. Nature in the Dark 26 October, 19.00 – 22.30 Enter the competition – entry closes 19 October
Meet Museum scientists at free Saturday daytime talks to learn more about specimens featured in Natural Histories, the BBC Radio 4 series exploring nature’s influence on culture and society. Join us this month for talks on anemones, beetles, hornbills and oak. Free talks until 21 November
With new and exclusive ranges from Worn By and Jay Jay Burridge, as well classic Tatty Devine pieces, the online shop is the perfect place for dino-loving fashionistas.
Trace what it means to be Celtic in this major exhibition, organised in partnership with National Museums Scotland. Explore the development of a distinctive abstract art style over 2,500 years. Celts: art and identity Until 31 January
Weekly travel update to help you get around London this weekend, 3/4 October. Most of the network will be open with services running as normal, but please check if any of the following affect you.
London Underground
We are undertaking a comprehensive improvement programme across London’s transport network, including the modernisation of the Tube.
There will be no service between Edgware Road and Hammersmith. This is to enable track replacement work at Latimer Road and line improvement work at Hammersmith.
Hammersmith & City line
Trains will not run between Edgware Road and Hammersmith. This is to enable track replacement work at Latimer Road and line improvement work at Hammersmith.
London Overground
There will be no service between Liverpool Street and Seven Sisters/Chingford, due to Network Rail track work.
On Sunday, trains will not run between Sydenham and West Croydon, due to Network Rail track work.
For the latest status update on London Underground, London Overground and TfL Rail this weekend, please click here
For an overview of planned track closures for the next six months, please click here
London Trams
Trams will not run between Wimbledon and Dundonald Road until the end of this month, while we construct an additional platform at Wimbledon.
Buses
Clapton - Until 18:00 on Wednesday, the A107 Lower Clapton Road at the junction of Atherden Road will have lane closures in all directions, from 09:00 until 18:00. This is due to borough works. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be diverted or stop short of their normal destination.
South Lambeth - Until 18:00 on Saturday 19 December, the A306 Wandsworth Road at the junction of Pascal Street will have northbound road closures. This is due to utility works. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be diverted or stop short of their normal destination.
Twickenham - From 17:00 on Saturday, certain roads will be closed, including the A316 Chertsey Road between London Road and Hospital Bridge Road. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of the match. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be diverted or stop short of their normal destination. For more information, please click here
Wembley - From 12:00 on Sunday, the A406, Harrow Road, Wembley High Road and roads surrounding the stadium are expected to be busy. This is due to an event. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be diverted or stop short of their normal destination.
Stratford - From 13:45 on Sunday, Westfield Avenue will be closed. Montfichet Way and Pool Street will also be closed from 17:15. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of matches. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be diverted or stop short of their normal destination. For more information, please click here
Stockwell - From 10:00 on Monday until summer 2016, major improvement works are starting as part of the Road Modernisation Plan. Roads in the area will be busier than usual, particularly during the peak travel times. While we will try to maintain a good service, buses may be diverted or stop short of their normal destination. For more information, please click here
To check whether your bus is affected this weekend, please click here
Roads
Road users may be affected by the following this weekend:
Clapton - Until 18:00 on Wednesday, the A107 Lower Clapton Road at the junction of Atherden Road will have lane closures in all directions, from 09:00 until 18:00. This is due to borough works.
South Lambeth - Until 18:00 on Saturday 19 December, the A306 Wandsworth Road at the junction of Pascal Street will have northbound road closures. This is due to utility works.
Twickenham - From 17:00 on Saturday, certain roads will be closed, including the A316 Chertsey Road between London Road and Hospital Bridge Road. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of the match. For more information, please click here
Wembley - From 12:00 on Sunday, the A406, Harrow Road, Wembley High Road and roads surrounding the stadium are expected to be busy. This is due to an event.
Stratford - From 13:45 on Sunday, Westfield Avenue will be closed. Montfichet Way and Pool Street will also be closed from 17:15. This is due to Rugby World Cup 2015. Roads will be re-opened when it is safe to do so after the match has finished. Increased traffic in the area is expected for up to three hours following the end of matches. For more information, please click here
Stockwell - From 10:00 on Monday until summer 2016, major improvement works are starting as part of the Road Modernisation Plan. Roads in the area will be busier than usual, particularly during the peak travel times. For more information, please click here
For the latest status update on road travel this weekend, please click here
Santander Cycles
The following docking stations will be out of service this weekend:
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South Quay West, Wansey Street and Breams Buildings, for building work
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Kingsway and Pall Mall East, for repair work
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Charles II Street, for carriageway work
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Webber Street, for station extension
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West Smithfield Rotunda, for telecom work
For the latest update on docking station availability, please click here London
The idea for toucanBox came from watching a certain popular children’s TV show. My 4 year old excitedly watched as the presenters built all manner of things from every day household objects
Our favourite week of the year is back, baby! October 5th – 11th, Old Spitalfields Market is turning the whole 1200 square metre market into a HUGE cocktail village. PLUS bars have special LCW cocktails for just a FIVER!...Winning.
LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK - LCC SAFARI!
Our favourite week of the year is back, baby! October 5th – 11th
, Old Spitalfields Market is turning the whole 1200 square metre market into a HUGE cocktail village. PLUS bars have special LCW cocktails for just a FIVER!...Winning.
LCC have teamed up with Bacardi Brown-Forman to bring you:
THE LONDON COCKTAIL CLUB SAFARI!
Each LCC venue will have a different LCW cocktail available for you thirsty punters for a fiver when you flash your LCW wristband.
Each LCC venue will have a different coloured wristband, which they'll give you with your cocktail.
Your goal? GET THEM ALL.
The FIRST person to complete the #LCCSafari will receive a Cheeky Nandos sharing cocktail worth £100.
Everyone else who finishes it gets a FREE French 75 cocktail to celebrate your awesomeness.
NICE WORK.
SOCIAL LOVIN'
Don't forget to tweet and instagram your safari trail with the hashtag #LCCSafari
This month with the help from our friends over at Bacardi Brown-Forman, we're tapping into their awesome portfolio and giving y'all SIX special cocktails. It's London Cocktail Week, innit? Would be rude not to.
October might be a bit rainy and sh*t BUT get over it, we've got London Cocktail Week, Halloween and Rockaoke to throw your way... f*ck yeh! Get involved.
LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
• 5-11th October - @ all LCC branches. Show your LCW wristband to redeem the special £5 cocktail.
Imagine the sombre steps of a pair of Shire horses approaching through the darkness. Tis Halloween, and Richmond Park in the dark is both exhilarating… and just a little bit scary!
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At night in Richmond Park, all kinds of creatures emerge. Hear about the Shrew Ash, where to this day witches are murmured to congregate, and tales of highwaymen and ghosts... Marvel at the Park’s majestic stags, who at this time of the year sleep by day and fight their rivals at night.
Tickets for our Halloween rides are now available
28th, 29th, 30th, 31st October at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.
Cost: £48 for a one hour ride including carriage blankets and a glass of sloe gin
An under-stairs cupboard has been put up for rent in London for £500 a month plus bills.
Alex Lomax, 23, went to view the flatshare in Clapham, south-west London, which was described as "furnished" in an online listing.
Alex Lomax, 23, went to view the flatshare in Clapham in south west London
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Ms Lomax, who posted images on Twitter of the "bed under the stairs", said: "I was obviously shocked but was all-too-polite, I think."
The BBC has contacted the landlord for comment.
Ms Lomax, who travelled from Nottingham to view the property, said: "There was a landlord and I was shown the kitchen and the under-stairs cupboard - he seemed deadly serious, which is the worrying part.
"He said, 'You would be sharing with three others people', and I just wanted to get out of there, so I made my excuses and left.
"I wish I'd been more angry because it's clearly ridiculous and I'm annoyed at myself for basically just making my excuses."
The listing on the london2let.com website advertises for a "friendly, open-minded and outgoing person" to join the house share.
Image copyrightAlex Lomax
It adds: "We're a good bunch and like to chill out a lot together - not really looking for somebody that just wants to stay in their room. Room comes with a bed."
Ms Lomax said the man who showed her the room "didn't apologise" for its condition, and told her "it was the last room to rent in the place".
Matt Hutchinson, director of flat and houseshare website SpareRoom.co.uk, said the advert was a sign of the pressure on London's housing market.
"Average room rents in Clapham Junction are now £784 per month, so you can see why someone would be tempted by a £500 bargain, but this ad certainly isn't offering a room," he said.
"We've seen mattresses in kitchens, mattresses in sheds, in living rooms, and now we're seeing mattresses under the stairs. I dread to think what's next."
A second air ambulance for London has been purchased, the charity that runs the service has said.
The aircraft should arrive from Qatar this week and be in use by early next year after modifications, a spokeswoman for London's Air Ambulance said.
About £3m was raised for the purchase and conversion costs.
It means when one helicopter is being maintained, London will still be served by a traffic-beating aircraft.
The used helicopter which is currently green will be made to match the first one, pictured
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The second emergency medical helicopter - a used MD902 Explorer - was paid for by donations to the Your London, Your Helicopter campaign which aims to raise a target of £6m to keep it flying for five years.
The helicopters will alternate taking an advanced trauma team to critically injured people.
The spokeswoman said last year there was an accumulated total of 55 days when the charity's helicopter could not be used because of maintenance work.
London Air Ambulance boss Graham Hodgkin said it was a "truly exciting development for London and the biggest step-change" in the service resilience in the charity's history.
Image copyrightLondon's Air AmbulanceImage captionThe second helicopter has been used for medical purposes in Qatar
London's Air Ambulance facts
Founded in 1989, it has treated more than 30,000 critically injured people
It serves the 10 million people who live, work and holiday within the M25
It operates in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust and London Ambulance Service
In 2014, it treated 1,806 patients: 33% from road traffic incidents, 27% from falls and 24% from penetrating trauma including stabbings and shootings
Alex Lomax
London's Air Ambulance
