No street encompasses the Christmas spirit quite like Oxford Street; no doubt you’ll be spending many hours there fawning over the pretty decorations and getting those last minute christmas presents. If you want to see that very moment the famous street gets it’s Christmas accessories – keep the 6th November free for a truly festive event! 1778 snowball decorations (and a staggering 750,000 LED lightbulb) will be lighting up for the 57th year when the lights get officially switched on.

Bonfire night, 5th November

It’s that time of year again, the aftermath of Halloween and the gateway to Christmas – it’s Bonfire night and that means fireworks, fireworks, fireworks! Being in London means you have some of the best firework displays in the country. No one does it like the Londoners. I’ve picked out some of the best for you: Battersea park (which is where I will be stood in the freezing cold!), Alexandra Palace, Crystal Palace, Southwark and Blackheath. Wherever you go, may it be accompanied with loved ones, alcohol to keep you warm and a big bonfire!

The Cuban Brothers: Brixton Rooftop Party @ The Big Apple, 5th November 3pm – 11:59pm 

Say goodbye to the Beach Boulevard that has been at home on this rooftop since the summer and say hello to buzzing streets of Harlem – The Big Apple 1977 has arrived in Brixton! Opening on 27th October, this brand new bar is one of a kind in the South. Where else can you party in the City that never sleeps with street food, live music and still be in our beloved London? Here. Get yourself to Brixton. This Saturday The Cuban Brothers, Slothboogie, Larry Luvin’ and Inner City Dave will be there to help you into a Saturday night vibe at the rooftop bar. An amazing cast of DJ’s, themed bars, a nightclub, food for when you’ve drunk a little too much and entertainment… really, what more could we ask for of a Saturday? See you there!

Bank of England Museum, 10am-3pm free entry daily

The museums Banknote Gallery is now open – newly refurbished to coincide with our new five pound note! Not only can get you get your hands on one if you haven’t already but the museum also features the interesting history of our famous banking system, displays a variety of historical material drawn from the Bank’s own collections including books, documents, silver, prints, coins and photographs. There is also a chance to design your own bank note and to even hold a real, and heavy, piece of gold.

Bartholomew Ln, London EC2R 8AH.

Nearest tube stop – Bank.

The post Things Not to Miss This Week in London appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Museums are widely-known for their gothic architecture, hidden passages and creaky floorboards. With a sinister past and rooms filled with ancient tales, it is no surprise that the capital has embraced its historical heritage alongside the holiday spirit; this year numerous museums have joined the celebration and will provide Londoners with a diverse range of unique experiences. Here are our favourite ways to spend All Hallows’ Eve.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge

8 Rangers Road Chingford, London E4 7QH, 020-7332 1911

Event: Tudor and Pyjama Welly Party

Date: 27 October 2016

Time: 18:00 – 21:00

Price: £15

With a Tudor hunt set to take place in Epping Forest, London’s largest open space, Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge has taken hunts to the extreme. The event includes three dark, top secret activities planned during the 1543 hunt and is accompanied with delicious Tudor snacks supplied mid-evening. If you are someone who usually prefers to stay in, the laid back event has an optional dress code of pyjamas and wellington boots, creating an atmospheric night.

Charles Dickens Museum

48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX, 020-7405 2127

Event: Dickens After Dark: A Halloween Special

Date: 28 October 2016

Time: 18:30

Price: £15

For readers with an incurable obsession with literature, Charles Dickens Museum has created an immersive All Hallows’ Eve experience. From dimly lit rooms to strange sounds, spending the evening in Dickens’ townhouse involves a night of storytelling, mystery, and a Victorian candle lit bar open throughout the evening.

Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising

111-117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QT, 020-7243 9611

Event: Black Halloween Banquet

Date: 28 October 2016

Time: 19:30 – 22:30

Price: £59.99

In a perfect blend of horror and extravagant dining, The Museum of Brands and GrubClub have collaborated to celebrate Halloween with a seven course meal, with the spooky theme of “black” coloured food. Award-wining chef Adam Rawson has creatively named his menu items to include foods like burnt aubergine, black quinoa, and aged beef.

Natural History Museum

Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, 020-7942 5000

Event: Pop-up Planetarium: The Wonders of Space

Date: 28 October 2016

Time: 18:30 – 21:45

Price: £15, Members: £13.50

Perhaps you prefer something relaxing for Halloween? The Natural History Museum’s “Museum Lates” let you explore the historic museum after hours. You can have a little wander around, enjoy the food and drinks, or enjoy an exhibition. The Wonders of Space event is part of October’s “Lates” and involves stepping inside an inflatable planetarium to discover the origin and evolution of the universe.

Vestry House Museum

Vestry Road Walthamstow, London E17 9NH, 020-8496 4391

Event: Hitchcock’s Halloween

Date: 27-29 October 2016

Time: 18:00 – 21:00

Price: £2 suggested donation for adults, Children go free.

Inspired by the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, Vestry House Museum invites you to help solve the murder of famous actress Charlotte Inwood, with the aid of music, delicious cocktails and cakes. For the full experience, you are encouraged to dress in fancy dress as you will be able to create your own film still in a photo-booth and immerse yourself in a fictitious world of mystery.

Edited by Ivy Joseph

The post Halloween 2016: Top 5 Museums After Dark appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Here is a list of some of the restaurants where spice lovers will feel at home

1. Nobu, ££

Known as ‘the world’s sexiest restaurant, Nobu provides guests with an experience that goes beyond just the food. This Japanese restaurant has a menu consisting of the best Japanese dishes made with care and overloading with flavours.

Recommended: Yellowtail sashimi with Jalapeño

2. Gilgamesh, £££

Located in the heart of Camden market, this Pan-Asian restaurant provides diners with a high quality experience. It is known not only for the food, but also the amazing setting/space. The main menu provides dishes with amazing flavours, but if you really want that extra kick, their spicy menu has dishes infused with some of the hottest chillies in the world.

Recommended: Anything off the chilli menu

3. Barshu Restaurant, ££

Barshu is a Chinese cuisine, serving authentic dishes from the Sichuan provide in particular. Sichuan chefs are renowned for their ability to create complex flavours and they certainly incorporate it in the Barshu menu. Dishes vary with some being ‘robustly spicy, while others are delicate and teasing’.

Recommended: Fragrant chicken in a pile of chillies

4. Nandos, £

Nandos is a popular casual dining restaurant amongst Londoners. It’s inspired by a Portuguese flame grilled menu, which serves peri peri chicken and a range of sides. You also get the option of choosing how hot you would like your dish to be. There are also extra sauces (including an extra extra hot sauce) provided if you would like to spice it up even more.

Recommended: The extra hot option.

5. Three little birds, £

This is an authentic Jamaican café, boutique and rum bar rum that provides you with a true feel of all things Jamaican. Caribbean food in general is known for its mouth-watering spices and endless flavours, and this eatery certainly co-signs this. They also serve delicious cocktails.

Recommended: Jerk burger

6. Kokeb, £

Kokeb is a family-run restaurant that vowed to keep a very authentic and uncompromising Ethiopian menu. Ethiopian dishes tend to be very generous with their herbs and spices so this restaurant is certainly for those who love the tingling sensation of hot food.

Recommended: Kokeb house special. Allow the chefs to impress you with their own selection.

Edited by Chermaine Sowah

The post For The Spice Lover: Must Visit Restaurants in London appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

1. London Rum Festival, Ocotber 22^th  – 23^rd

So let’s see what I can do to cheer you up a bit. Let’s begin our marvellous tour around the city events with the London Rum Festival. The end of October, the weekend of the 22^nd and 23^rd, is all dedicated and devoted to the culture of rum: founded by Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador, in 2007, it is a festival which celebrates and gives you the chance to know the best qualities of rum, meet the experts of this drink and have the chance to be involved in workshops and seminars. By purchasing the tickets you’ll be part of this amazing event which will unveil the secrets of rum. The venue will be at the ILEC Conference Centre, where the seminars, tastings and show will be held in a fantastic and beautiful location.

2. London Literary Festival, October 5^th – 16^th

Now that your days have been shaken up, let’s slow down the pace a bit and get involved in the London Literary Festival. Taking place at the Southbank Centre from the 5^th to the 16^th, the main focus this year is the present and the future; a topic which involves our everyday life since the beginning of the technological revolution. The festival features a great number of guests including authors, poets, and speakers, such as Margaret Atwood and Michel Faber. You don’t need to be a bookworm, scholar or a man of letters to enjoy the festival. There will be a full range of events and activities from readings, talks, and discussions available to anyone who wants to open their mind.

3. The Hackney Wonderland, October 15^th – 16^th

After drinking and reading, let’s listen to some music! The Hackney Wonderland is waiting for you on Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th of October. Held at five amazing locations; Oval Space, The Laundry, London Fields Brewery, Sebright Arms, and The Pickle Factory, this music festival offers the best of rock and indie music, featuring the likes of Mystery Jets and We Are Scientists. If you’re ready to dance, let yourself go and get lost in the sounds of Hackney Wonderland.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HACKNEY WONDERLAND (@hackney_wonderland)

4. Africa on the Square, October 15^th

If London still looks too grey, take a walk through Trafalgar Square on the 15^th because here colours await! Africa on the Square is a free, day-long event, from 12 to 6pm, which celebrates the cultures, art, food, and fashion of Africa, as part of Black History Month 2016. In its third year, with DJ sets, live performances, and dancing, Africa on the Square is the right place if you want to cherish this incredible continent with all its diversity, beauty, and traditions.

5. Bloomsbury Festival, October 19^th – 23^rd

Even as the month nears closing the fun is far from over. From the 19^th to the 23^rd, the Bloomsbury Festival is held on the streets and in buildings of this beautiful quarter. Over five days, it offers a great mix of events and activities which brings together people involved in the progress of art and science, from academics to musicians, and school children, who have had the opportunity to create new amazing projects. Be inspired by this itinerant festival which invades every corner of Bloomsbury.

Edited by Ivy Joseph

The post London: Five Events You Can’t Miss in October appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.