Here at La Gaffe, we have to say that we love September. Yes, it means summer is over but the weather can still be pleasant and that nip in the air as the nights get shorter can be fun if you’re warmly wrapped up. Of course, last year we had an ‘Indian Summer’ and temperatures soared into the 30’s, meaning locals and tourists alike had some wonderful days soaking up the sun.

But whatever the weather, London’s a city where there’s always something to keep you busy, whether you want to stroll in Hyde Park, browse street markets in Camden and Notting Hill, stroll along the Regent’s Canal, catch an exhibition at one of the capital’s fabulous museums or shop till you drop, in the West End, High Street Kensington or King’s Road.

And of course, don’t forget to take a walk on Hampstead Heath, near to us, where you can enjoy the gorgeous colours of the leaves and marvel at the greenery (they don't call it the ‘Green Lung’ of London for nothing!)

Here are some of our ideas for enjoying London at this fine time of the year.

1. CelebrASIA - 13th to 15th September

Taking place at the Battersea Power Station (which is worth a visit in its own right), you don’t need to take a nine-hour flight, just head south across the River Thames, to delve into the food and culture of Asia.

The CelebrASIA festival will be held both inside and outside the power station and full of immersive installations, sculptures and lanterns. As well as the wide array of food stalls serving up traditional Far Eastern grub, you’ll be able to shop at artisan markets, learn how to make a lantern and enjoy live musical performances. It promises to be a fun weekend.

2. Open House - 14th to 22nd September

The Open House Festival is back, giving you an annual opportunity to visit buildings all over the capital who fling their doors open to the curious public. Whether you’re curious about a ‘big hitter’ (the Gherkin, the Foreign Office, the Bank of England) or out-of-the-way attractions such as Dr Johnson’s House, the Mission Building or 1 Goodwins Court, all you need to do is arrive early because queues can be very long.

The entire event is free,which means if you get organised, you can see several different places in one day! So browse their online catalogue, have an early night then get your comfy shoes on…the history of our amazing city awaits you.

3. The Great RIver Race - 21st September

This amazing boat race, which started in 1988, stretches from east to west London along the River Thames - beginning in Millwall and culminating in Richmond - with 37 trophies up for grabs! Run by volunteers, and raising money for many charities, it’s the biggest event of its kind in Europe too.

The Great River Race passes along the water and under 28 of the city’s Bridges - there are junior, senior and disabled crews and if you want to watch the spectacle, there are plenty of locations along the way to watch competitors. The fastest time stands at 2 hours and 2 minutes so let’s see if someone beats it this year.


4. Future of Food Festival - 16th to 22nd September

Foodies, this one's for you. Head to the West End, more precisely to the grandeur of Regent Street and St.James’s, for the chance to try out Michelin dishes, meet incredible chefs and check out the ‘Discovery Zone’ where, by smell, touch and taste, you'll learn more about what you’re eating. The Future of Food Festival will offer plenty of special promotions too,with select venues offering £10 dishes, which by this city’s standards is the ultimate bargain. So for anyone who wants to see just how dynamic the restaurant scene is in the city centre, this is where to head.


5. The Grapes of Wrath - throughout September at the National Theatre

John Steinbeck’s masterpiece, focusing on the human experience of migrant farmworkers who left Oklahoma for California in the Great Depression captured the hearts and minds of many over the years and is now being revisited in a new production at the National Theatre On the South Bank.

The phrase 'Grapes of Wrath’ was taken from the Battle Hymn of the Republic, speaking of God’s wrath towards those who oppress the poor and downtrodden and this is a play that hits hard - the Grapes of Wrath deals with poverty, homelessness, starvation and violence but it’s also a testimony to the human spirit. Amust-see for any theatre lover.



6. Chelsea History Festival - 25th to 29th September

The Royal Hospital Chelsea,the National Army Museum and the Chelsea Physic Garden are just three of the institutions you can visit if you head to this charming,beautiful and bourgeois neighbourhood in west London, for the Chelsea History Festival.

Take a deep dive into the past, with Horrible HIstories’ author Terry Deary, attend a choral music concert,take a ‘Tudor Chelsea’ walking tour or just stroll the area on your own and sigh with delight at the architecture.


7. Taylor Swift Songbook Trail - until 8th September

Taylor Swift may have departed the UK after her sellout tour, but Swifties need not weep because a trip to South Kensington’s V&A Museum will have you smiling.

The Taylor Swift Songbook Trail - which tracks the rise and success of the global icon - lets you visit a series of installations, all spotlighting a different period in her career. Costumes and accessories (from her personal archive) are on display, not to mention a few awards and instruments! Best of all, it’s free.


Finally, if you’re looking for a place to stay whilst in London this September, then why not consider La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead? Located in leafy Hampstead, our comfortable, family-run and family-owned guest accommodation. is just three minutes walk from the tube, a quick stroll both to the lush, green Heath and charming Hampstead Village, and we offer you a warm welcome and a great breakfast cappuccino…

Our rates include a continental breakfast and our (famous) cappuccino and because we’re only three minutes walk from the Hampstead tube, you can be in the centre of the city in just 15 minutes, courtesy of London Underground.

To find out more or to book a room directly, contact us by email or phone. We’ll be glad to hear from you.