Morning, London! 🎃 Happy Halloween! Can you believe it’s October 31 already? We’re 85% through 2024. With the clocks rolled back, British Summer Time has officially checked out, leaving London darker by the minute.

If you haven’t made plans for Halloween yet (my sanity’s barely hanging on after last night’s costume scramble) and you’ve just joined us, have a quick look at last week’s edition and the events section below for some last-minute ideas, plenty of activities are still running until Sunday. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (here) for last-minute updates.

It’s been a wild ride so far, but like any good horror movie, there are still twists and turns before the credits roll. Sure, our phone battery might be running low, but we’ve got just enough juice to power through to the finish line—together 😉.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 🧀 London Bites: Two juicy stories from the city

• 🎆 Blast from the Past: Fireworks explained

• 📅 Readers’ Favourite: Family events this week

• 🧠 Casual Einstein: Two cool facts to impress

But first, the weather—the universal icebreaker that keeps any London chat from getting as awkward as trying not to walk in sync with that other parent after drop-off.

LONDON BITES: 2 FOR 1

Grate Cheese Robbery

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is asking Londoners to be on the lookout for anyone selling high-end cheese after thieves made off with over 22 tonnes of posh cheddar, valued at around £300,000, from Neal’s Yard Dairy.

Posing as a legitimate wholesaler, the thieves managed to snag nearly a thousand truckles of award-winning cheeses. Fascinating.

One of the victims described the con as “sophisticated,” hinting that the cheese could have been whisked away to Russia or the Middle East.

What next? I'm no Sherlock Holmes, but if I were on the case, I'd be staking out the crackers and sourdough factories — surely they are next?
Full story.

Love bombing

Londoners and tourists have always had a love-hate relationship, and rather than resorting to water guns like the residents of Barcelona, Londoners have launched a more insidious operation: a cheeky trend called love bombing.

How does it work? Locals leave over-the-top, positive reviews for an average restaurant to make it seem like a must-visit spot. This way, tourists flock there while the true hidden gems are left for locals and those “in the know” to enjoy in peace. It also tricks all automated rankings curated with AI.

The latest target? Angus Steakhouse, widely seen as one of London’s biggest tourist traps.

Reviewers rave: 
“Easily the best steak sandwich in London.”
“The steak sandwich looks incredible but I don’t want to queue for two hours!”

So, next time you see rave reviews for London’s “must-try” spots, just remember: you might be getting “love bombed.” Full story.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Fireworks unboxed

With Bonfire Night just around the corner, let’s have a crash course on fireworks to help us sound smart on Tuesday: from their explosive history and how they work to the tradition behind Bonfire Night.

So unless you’re secretly a chemist, a Breaking Bad wannabe, or running an 'underground' fireworks stand, listen up—by the end, you’ll be louder than the fireworks.

Now, let’s dive in. I’ll be quick. Thousands of years ago, some Chinese alchemists—an early type of scientist—accidentally created the first form of gunpowder by mixing chemicals, stuffing them in bamboo, and lighting it up. Boom! Fireworks were born.

Each firework is like a mini-rocket:

• Lighting the Fuse: A user ignites the fuse, which heats up and travels to the base of the firework’s shell.

• Lift-Off: When the fuse reaches the lift charge (a little bit of gunpowder), it creates hot gases that shoot the firework high into the sky.

• The Big Boom: At the right height, a second fuse ignites the burst charge, setting off tiny balls called stars inside the shell.

• Colour & Sound Effects: These stars contain metals that make bright colours, some sparkle or flash. Other chemicals create sounds, from big booms to crackles and whistles.

Why do you see the explosion before you hear it? Light travels much faster than sound. While sound ambles along at 761 mph, light zooms past at 671 million mph. So, by the time you hear the noise, light’s already had a cuppa and put its feet up.

The Bonfire Night Tradition: Bonfire Night isn’t just about fireworks—it’s a nod to some explosive British history.

Back in 1605, Guy Fawkes, a soldier, and his fellow conspirators plotted to blow up Parliament to protest the king’s rule and restore Catholic leadership in England. Fawkes was caught red-handed guarding the explosives, and the plot was foiled.

Now, every year, we celebrate by lighting up the sky and setting bonfires ablaze. Some even burn life-sized "Guys" (dummies of Fawkes) to keep the memory alive—a fiery reminder of one dramatic chapter in history!

Here’s a fun 3-min explainer about Bonfire Night for your kids. Watch.

Tips for taking fireworks photos? Got you, here.

WHAT’S ON LONDON?

November: Embrace the Chill and Cheer

Last few days of Half Term. Christmas break, you are next. But until then, let’s have a look at what London has to offer this week, plus a round-up of Halloween events running until Sunday.

👩‍🎨 The Sound of Paintings @ TNG
Date & Location: Oct 31st, The National Gallery
Have you ever tried listening to a painting? What sounds or noises can you hear? An educator will assist you in drawing different sounds through mark-making and help you create your own listening chart to interpret other paintings in the collection.
Age: Family | Price: Free | More Information

🕷️ Creepy Crawly Activities by Royal Parks
Date & Location: Oct 29th–31st, Hyde Park
Explore spooky feely boxes, discover fun facts on a nature trail, learn about bats, and enjoy a spooky story – perfect for Halloween adventurers!
Age: Suitable for kids | Price: Free | More Information

🌸 Arts in the Garden: Light & Colour
Date & Location: Oct 31st, South Bank
Celebrate Diwali with stories, craft, and rangoli, set in Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden.
Age: 3+ | Price: Free | More Information

🎃 Covent Garden Trick or Treat Trail
Date & Location: Oct 31st, Covent Garden
Explore a trick-or-treat trail with spooky surprises across Covent Garden.
Age: Family | Price: Free | More Information

🎭 Kensington’s All Hallows’ Eve
Date & Location: Oct 31st, High Street Kensington
A Halloween street theatre extravaganza with trick-or-treating and live entertainment.
Age: Family | Price: Free | More Information

🖌️ Arts & Crafts with Anna V.D. Poorten
Date & Location: Oct 31st–Nov 3rd, Brent Cross Town
Join Anna Van Der Poorten in the Claremont Park cabin for arts & crafts sessions.
Age: 5+ | Price: Free | More Information

🌾 Market Explorers @ Borough Market
Date & Location: Oct 30th–31st, Borough Market
Activities designed to get primary-age children thinking about food.
Age: Primary-age children | Price: Free | More Information

🧸 Family Workshop @ Foundling Museum
Date & Location: Oct 31st, Russell Square
Craft your own frightening friend in this puppet-making workshop.
Age: 5-12yo | Price: £10 | More Information

🦆 Half Term @ London Wetland Centre
Date & Location: Oct 31st – Nov 3rd, Barnes
Enjoy potion-making workshops, clay modeling, and a land art station.
Age: Family | Price: £10-£17 | More Information

🎭 The Gruffalo @ Pentland Theatre
Date & Location: Oct 31st, North Finchley
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson's classic picture book.
Age: Family | Price: £12 | More Information

🦖 The Great Big Dinosaur Show
Date & Location: Oct 29th–31st, Highgate
Join poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko for a family show packed with poems, raps, and songs about prehistoric creatures.
Age: Family | Price: £15 | Book

🎭 The Baddies @ Rose Theatre
Date & Location: Oct 29th–Nov 3rd, Kingston upon Thames
Meet the wicked Baddies (Julia Donaldson) in this spooky adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s story.
Age: 3+ | Price: From £15 | Book

📚 The Storm Whale @ Polka Theatre
Date & Location: Oct 25th–Nov 3rd, Wimbledon
Join Noi’s enchanting journey with a stranded whale in this heartwarming play.
Age: 4-8 years | Price: £10 | Book

👻 Spooky Fun Day @ Horniman M&G
Date & Location: Oct 31st, Dulwich
Enjoy free Halloween fun with music and witch-themed museum tours.
Age: Everyone | Price: Free | More Information

🍕 Pizza Pilgrims: Little Slice Pizza Class
Date & Location: Oct 31st, Selfridges & Queens Park
Kids can craft pizzas and decorate Halloween-themed chef hats and boxes.
Age: 6+ | Price: £30 | More Information

👕 Wall Climbing
Date & Location: Oct 31st–Nov 1st, Brent Cross
A 7.5m climbing wall with routes for all levels, led by experienced instructors.
Age: 5+ | Price: Free | More Information

🚗 Young V&A: Play in the City
Date & Location: Oct 31st–Nov 2nd, Bethnal Green
Meet artists, join in zine-making, and reimagine a more playful city.
Age: Family | Price: Free | More Information

🚀 Groove onto the Moon @ Lyric
Date & Location: Oct 31st–Nov 2nd, Hammersmith
Blast off on a musical adventure with the thrilling experience of Groove Onto the Moon!
Age: 3-7 years | Price: £12 | Book

🚡 Cable Car Halloween @ The Royal Docks
Date & Location: Oct 31st–Nov 2nd, Greenwich
Scavenger hunt, mask decorating, face painting, and a Halloween goodie bag with a round-trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.
Age: 3-7 years | Price: £10 | Book

🎃 Pumpkin Light Up Nights!
Date & Location: Nov 1st, Dalston
Light up the garden with carved lanterns from the ‘Community Pumpkin Carving Weekend.’
Age: Family | Price: Free | More Information

📚 Make a Mini-Comic @ Cartoon Museum
Date & Location: Nov 1st, Oxford Circus
Learn to create your own characters and bring them to life in a special mini-comic booklet.
Age: 8-14yo | Price: £12 | More Information

🎻 Bach to Baby: Family Concert
Date & Location: Nov 1st, Wimbledon/Raynes Park
Classical concert series for families to enjoy live music together.
Age: 0-5yo | Price: £15 | More Information

🎨 Creative Carnival @ Hackney Museum
Date & Location: Nov 1st, Hackney
A fun day with music and movement featuring Playworker Amber and Gabriel Palmer.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Book

🧘 Riverside Yoga: Kids
Date & Location: Nov 1st, Chelsea
Yoga for kids ages 3-8, featuring playful poses and mindfulness.
Age: 3-8 yo | Price: Donation | More Information

🧤 Gardening Together @ Chiswick House
Date & Location: Nov 1st, Chiswick
Join hands-on family volunteering in the Chiswick House woodlands.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Book

🛍️ Pre-Loved Kids Market
Date & Location: Nov 1st, Swiss Cottage
Find deals on gently used toys, clothing, and more for kids.
Age: Family | Price: Free | More Information

🎄Christmas Lego Make & Take
Date & Location: Nov 2nd, All Smyths Stores
Create a Christmas decoration with Lego to take home.
Age: Family | Price: Free | More Information

🛹 Skateboarding @ Claremont Park
Date & Location: Nov 2nd, Claremont Park
Skateboarding workshops by Keep Rolling Project, including a girls-only session.
Age: 7-15yo | Price: Free | Book

🎃 More Halloween Events 🎃

🎢 Halloween @ Kew Gardens
Date & Location: Oct 18th–Nov 3rd, Kew Gardens
After-dark Halloween trail packed with hidden surprises; a yearly favorite!
Age: All ages | Price: £15-£20 | Tickets

🕍 Halloween @ Tower of London
Date & Location: Oct 26th–Nov 3rd, Tower Hill
Discover the Tower’s haunted history with spooky projections and effects.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £17.5 | More Information

🎃 Yayoi Kusama Giant Pumpkin
Date & Location: Ongoing, Kensington Gardens
Snap a Halloween selfie next to a massive 6-meter-tall bronze pumpkin!
Age: All ages | Price: Free | See More

🎃 Pumpkin Festival @ Crockford Farm
Date & Location: Oct 25th–Nov 1st, Surrey
Immerse yourself in a wonderland with performers, entertainers, and imaginative pumpkin displays.
Age: 5+ | Price: £14.5 | Link

🦇 Howl’o’ween at Chessington
Date & Location: Oct 19th–Nov 3rd, Chessington World of Adventures
Celebrate Halloween with themed entertainment, rides at dusk, and costume contests.
Age: All ages | Price: From £32 | Book

🎃 Halloween Kids Bus Tour
Date & Location: Oct 19th–Nov 3rd, Across London
Discover London’s history through fun facts and spooky tales on this Halloween bus tour.
Age: All ages | Price: £22 | Book

🧙 Wizards & Witches @ Bocketts Farm
Date & Location: Oct 26th–Nov 3rd, Fetcham
Meet unusual creatures, enjoy science shows, and hop on a tractor or pony ride.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £18.50 | More Information

🎃 OMF’s Festival @ Old Macdonald’s Farm
Date & Location: Oct 26th–Nov 3rd, Brentwood
Pumpkin patch, Magic School, Haunted House, ghost trail, and more.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £20 (includes pumpkin) | Book

🎃 New Pumpkin Patch @ Hobbledown Heath
Date & Location: Oct 20th–Nov 3rd, Hounslow
A heartwarming story about friendship and courage with Benji Davies' The Storm Whale.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £6.50 | Book

🧹 Halloween @ Hampton Court Palace
Date & Location: Oct 26th–Nov 3rd, Hampton Court Palace
Experience Henry VIII’s haunted palace with eerie soundscapes and projections.
Age: All ages | Price: From £13.60 | Link

CASUAL EINSTEIN

2 for 1: Outsmart your 3rd grader & out-fact the other parents

Here are two cool facts to help you sound like the smartest parent on the playground:

Fun Fact: Pineapples take two years to grow. So, when your kids refuse to finish those ready-to-eat pineapple chunks from Waitrose, just remind them that those little fruit gems are a two-year investment—and they set you back £3.50.

London fact: London is the world’s largest urban forest. More than a fifth of the capital is trees. That’s according to a United Nations definition that states that a forest is anywhere that’s at least 20 percent trees. London’s a respectable 21 percent.

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