5 Exciting Things To Eat & Do In October

October got the memo: there’s just about time for one big bang before winter forces us all indoors and into the arms of Deliveroo. But before that sad time of plastic Tupperwares and regrets, there’s a packed month to enjoy. And it has so much more to offer than pumpkin spiced lattes. Beer-heads, art-heads, culture-heads, sports-heads, and fans of great food gather round—these 5 exciting things are worth doing before you hibernate.

Celebrate Or Commiserate The Rugby World Cup With A Legendary Burger

photo credit: Giulia Verdinelli

There’s only one place to watch the Rugby World Cup final, and that’s The Faltering Fullback. A Finsbury Park pub where people who’ve made Guinness and rugby their personality prop up the bar. Whether your team wins or loses, the move is to get a table at The Plimsoll afterwards and cry or cheer into their lacy-edged dexter cheeseburger. It’s beefy, buttery, and might require you to take part in your own scrum to get a table.

Support Black-Owned Businesses & Eat Doughnuts

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

After visiting The Treats Club, a dessert spot in Shoreditch and one of our favourite Black-owned restaurants, a klaxon was sounded in our WhatsApp groups with the words: HOT DOUGHNUTS. This small, pink-accented space will appeal to anyone still clinging onto Barbie-core and the fried-to-order, glazed ring doughnuts will appeal to, well, everyone. If it’s on, the pistachio and white chocolate is a standout, balancing savoury nuttiness and sweet chocolate. For more ways to celebrate Black History Month check out our guide.

Show The World How Cultured You Are By Going To Frieze

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

If expensive, painterly overalls and Tracy Emin are your favourite things, Frieze London is your spiritual home. The boujie art fair is taking place in Regent’s Park this year, and from 11th to 15th October you can catch exciting, emerging artists. There’s also a pop-up from Rita’s—a cool, American-influenced spot and one of our favourite restaurants in Soho—where you can discuss what the tiny red dot in that painting meant.

A Book Signing & Some Post-Event Jerk Chicken

It’s getting to that time of year where curling up with a good book and a platter of jerk chicken, under a weighted blanket, just makes sense. The book you should be reading is East Winds: Recipes, History and Tales from the Hidden Caribbean. The launch event for author and Infatuation contributor Riaz Phillips’ new book will be taking place at Boxpark Shoreditch on 10th October. After getting your book signed and listening to the panel talk about all things Caribbean culture, head to nearby Troy Bar. There are snacks provided at the event but you’re going to want this jerk chicken with rice and peas, plantain, and coleslaw. If you’re lucky, it’ll be jazz night at this little Caribbean bar.

Get Involved In Oktoberfest (A.K.A. A Three-Day Hangover)

photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch

It’s time to crack out the lederhosen and dust off your stein. London’s annual slew of Oktoberfest events will kick off from early October and keep going until the end of the month. Electric Brixton will celebrate every Saturday with music from German Jukebox, Bavarian street food, and copious amounts of Löwenbräu beer. Happily, you’re just a stumble away from Fish, Wings & Tings—a one-stop serotonin hit with casual service, reggae tunes, and solid Caribbean food.