It’s October, and you know what that means: the one night of the year when adults can dress up and let loose is approaching. Whether you’re planning on hamming it up or paring it back on 31 October, prepare yourself for a thrilling time at some of the most ghoulish events happening on Halloween in London.

The West Street Murders at The Ivy West Street, Covent Garden

This Halloween, Londoners are invited to step back in time as The Ivy West Street hosts an immersive murder mystery experience on 31 October. The one-night-only event will be filled with drama and intrigue as guests are tasked with unravelling a nefarious plot and solving the mystery of the West Street Murders. Featuring theatrical performances and live jazz, the city’s most notorious figures will gather under one roof: a celebrity chef desperate to protect her reputation, a washed-up jazz musician trying to revive his career, a bartender who hears it all, a ruthless paparazzi with eyes on everyone, and a dazzling starlet hiding potential deadly secrets. Priced at £120pp, tickets include a welcome glass of champagne, followed by canapés, a seasonal cocktail, and a three-course dinner, ranging from decadent quails devilled eggs and oscietra caviar potato blini canapés to a classic crème brûlée. Dressing the part is encouraged.

1-5 West Street, WC2H 9NQ, visit opentable.com

Halloween party at Home House, Marylebone

Renowned for its annual Halloween bash, Home House is the place to see and be seen on 25 October. The Marylebone-based private members’ club will transport guests into a dark and twisted circus world, where art and nightmares converge across the club’s three stunning Georgian townhouses, promising an unforgettable night of eerie enchantment for £125pp. Step inside House 19, where performers push their bodies to the brink before moving into House 20 where acrobats defy gravity and contortionists twist reality. Finally, dare to venture into House 21, a once-glorious circus now deserted and haunted by cursed performers, for a late-night disco. Pair with plenty of champagne and you’re in for an unforgettable night. 

20 Portman Square, W1H 6LW, visit homehouse.co.uk

Night brunch at Oblix at The Shard, London Bridge

Hosting a Day of the Dead night brunch on 31 October, The Shard’s Oblix bar will be filled with vibrant live music and entertainment from 8pm until midnight in a Mexican-style takeover. Featuring a bespoke cocktail menu courtesy of Mexico City's Licoreria Limantour – a firm feature on the World's 50 Best Bars list – and a Latin-American-style three-course tasting menu, enjoy panoramic evening views of the London cityscape at witching hour. 

The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY, visit oblixrestaurant.com

The Mandrake's Halloween Masquerade Party, Fitzrovia

On 26 October, The Mandrake’s opulent interiors will transform into an extraordinary clandestine realm, beckoning guests to join the hotel’s own lavish society. This immersive evening invites guests to peer behind the Veil of Shadows into a mysterious world open only to those who have followed the strict dress code theme: Nocturnal Masquerade. Arrive and remain masked, while an enigmatic musical lineup, featuring soul-stirring DJs and a haunting choir, promises to awaken the senses. For those wanting to make a meal of their Halloween experience at The Mandrake, an enticing dinner will be available at Yopo restaurant from 7pm before the party commences at 8.30pm.

20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG, visit themandrake-halloween.com

Venetian Shadows and The Spirits of Soho at Boccocino

This Halloween, Boccocino will be adding a touch of Italian glamour to the spooky season with a roster of witchy events. On 31 October, Bocconcino Mayfair will host Venetian Shadows, a lavish evening of food, live music and entertainment. Kick off proceedings with an array of Italian dishes, ranging from delicate beef carpaccio to the indulgent truffle and parmesan fettuccine, alongside free-flowing champagne (£95pp) or bottomless spooky cocktails (£85pp). Guests will also be encouraged to don a Venetian mask to make the most of this unforgettable night of glamour and mystery.  

Over at the Soho outpost, the Great Marlborough Street address will host the Spirits of Soho, blending delectable Italian fare – think wood-fired pizzas, luxurious pastas and Josper-grilled meats – with entertainment by a master illusionist and a live DJ playing an intoxicating mix of Halloween-inspired beats paired with classic party anthems. On 2 November, the spooky fun will continue in Soho with a Haunted Bottomless Brunch featuring seasonal dishes, bottomless cocktails and live music – as well as an opportunity for the best dressed to win a dinner for two. 

Visit bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Día de los Muertos at The Dorchester, Mayfair

The Dorchester’s Vesper Bar is partnering with Mexico-based Handshake Speakeasy for an exclusive one-night-only Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on 1 November. The evening will see the two talented bar teams come together to create a memorable menu of delicious cocktails in partnership with Tequila Enemigo served alongside a menu of Mexican dishes and soundtracked by a Mariaci band ready to party into the night. Don’t forget your dancing shoes…

53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA, visit dorchestercollection.com

Day of the Dead at The K Bar, Kensington

From the bustling streets of Oaxaca to the cobblestones of Kensington, The K Bar has teamed up with The Lost Explorer for the ultimate Day of the Dead celebration on 1 November. The stylish hideaway nestled within The Kensington Hotel will channel the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos for a night packed with mezcal cocktails and live music. On the menu, expect three standout drinks packed with tequila and mezcal magic including the Vale Madre – a fiery blend of The Lost Explorer Tequila Blanco, fair chipotle, pimento, and lime – to the tart and refreshing Toronja, made with The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadin, grapefruit sherbet, bitters, and a hint of saline.

Dress to impress for the chance to win a free shot of mezcal. No costume? No problem! A complimentary face painter will be on hand to get you in the mood with some stunning skull makeup. The night wouldn’t be complete without some live music, and the incredible Mariachi Loco will be bringing the Mexican vibes with a 90-minute set that will have you celebrating life in true Día de los Muertos style.

109-113 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5LP, visit doylecollection.com

Brasserie of Fright, Oxford Street

This Halloween, Brasserie of Light invites guests to step into the spooky world of Psycho as it transforms into the Brasserie of Fright. From 21-31 October, the Oxford Street address will undergo a frightening transformation, turning into the Bates Motel in a spine-chilling twist on Hitchcock's legendary thriller, complete with blood splatters on the windows, hand prints in the bathrooms, and a shower-scene photo spot for visitors to capture their own movie-inspired moments.  

It’s not all about the decor, however. Guests can also indulge in Psycho-themed cocktails: expect the 78/52 Paloma – inspired by Hitchcock’s famous shower scene, captured with 78 cameras and edited 52 times, and featuring Casamigos Blanco Tequila, nettle, pomegranate and pink grapefruit – and Mama’s Boy Marg, combining Casamigos Blanco Tequila, honey, lime, passion fruit and custard, served with Kandy Korn (Norman Bates’ favourite snack). Satiate your appetite with the new autumn menu – think rosemary smoked burrata and pumpkin tortelloni – before ending on a sweet note with It’s Norman’s Knife: a chilling white chocolate creation served inside a smoking skull. Plus, don’t miss the especially spooky evenings on 26 and 31 October when the Brasserie of Fright’s immersive Psycho experience combines high-end dining with theatrical performances bringing the film to life. 

400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB, visit brasserie-of-light.co.uk

Halloween at Merchant Square, Paddington

From 28-31 October, Paddington’s Merchant Square will become the epicentre of eerie excitement, offering a cauldron of free, family-friendly activities guaranteed to bewitch Londoners throughout the weekend. The festivities kick off with a five-day pumpkin carving competition with local eatery, Lockhouse, from 28 October, while on Halloween, face painting will add an extra layer of spookiness from 3-5pm.

On 30 October at 3pm, Merchant Square will present a free outdoor screening of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie with moviegoers encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters and enjoy the film with complimentary blankets and hot chocolate. Also on the square on 31 October, don’t miss a mesmerising display of more than 300 carved pumpkins illuminating the night sky. 

Visit merchantsquare.co.uk

King’s Cross’ Monster Trail

Enjoy some witching-hour fun as King’s Cross experiences some seriously strange happenings this Halloween. Monsters have mysteriously invaded the neighbourhood and George the cat – one of King’s Cross’ most famous residents – has found himself in the middle of all the madness and now needs help from little monster catchers. From 15 October until 3 November, join George on this free monster trail which starts at the Visitor Centre at 11 Stable Street. With a specially-designed map in hand, monster catchers can navigate through King’s Cross discovering monsters at every turn, from mysterious tentacles creeping out of buildings to eerie glowing holes. On 31 October – the spookiest night of them all – two of the monsters will be waiting at the start of the trail and you can catch them between 3-8pm for one day only. Once the monster catching is complete, a well-deserved treat awaits all successful catchers back at the Visitor Centre. Muahaha…

Visit kingscross.co.uk

Halloween cocktails at Mr Fogg’s, across London

Fancy some spooky serves? Look no further than Mr Fogg’s. Over at his Society of Exploration in Covent Garden, this month’s cocktail menu has taken its cues from Frankenstein, Dracula and Jack The Ripper to create four new concoctions. We recommend the fruity and sweet Dark Alley, combining Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, pomegranate juice, blueberry syrup, fresh lemon juice and a mist of Luxardo Bitter Bianco liqueur, as well as the herbal, spicy Shadows on Fleet Street, featuring Grey Goose vodka, St Germain elderflower liqueur, chipotle chilli-infused hibiscus syrup, egg white and fresh lime juice.

Elsewhere in London, Mr Fogg’s Apothecary, located opposite Claridge’s, and will serve cocktails inspired by The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, The Picture of Dorian Gray and The String of Pearls. Libations include Soul’s Decadence, featuring Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, and vermouth, and the sweet and salty Dr Jekyll's Elusive Cure: a combination of Patròn Silver tequila, chilli liqueur, papaya purée and pumpkin spiced syrup. 

Visit mr-foggs.com

Halloween party at Sky Garden, The City

The Walkie-Talkie’s top-floor restaurant is a favourite among Londoners – Instagrammers vying for the perfect selfie are a staple at this altitudinous institution. Every Halloween, Sky Garden transforms the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch Street into a Day of the Dead extravaganza, hosted this year on 31 October from 8pm until late. Priced at £65pp, the space will undergo a spooky makeover before inviting guests for a night of live entertainment by ALR Music, late-night dancing, skull painting, and devilishly good cocktails. Scary costumes encouraged.

1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF, visit skygarden.london

Jack The Ripper Tour At Discount Suit Company, Aldgate

Mark Halloween in a truly spine-tingling way by retracing the streets stalked by grisly serial killer Jack the Ripper. Expert tour guide Simon Whitehouse has partnered with East London cocktail bar Discount Suit Company to offer special Ripper tours on 31 October. They start outside the bar (with a complimentary cocktail) before winding through the back allies of Whitechapel and Spitalfields and concluding back at Discount Suit Company for post-walk libations. Stick around after the tour to enjoy the bar’s new inventive cocktail list at a 20 per cent discount and indulge in Bad Moon Rising, mixing Cumin Evan Williams bourbon whiskey, Amaro Nonino, Amontillado sherry and maple, and the Ray Gun, made with QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal, Ocho Blanco Tequila, Manzanilla Sherry, bitter aperitif, kiwi and Thai basil cordial, and club soda.

29A Wentworth Street, E1 7TB, visit theumbrellaproject.co.uk

Time to Tarot at the Kimpton Fitzroy London, Bloomsbury

Kimpton Fitzroy London is offering guests the opportunity to look into their futures by booking a one-to-one tarot reading with Bloomsbury’s Treadwell’s Bookshop occult expert, Dr Christina Oakley, this Halloween. Inspired by its 19^th-century heritage and the Victorian fascination with the occult, the luxury hotel in Bloomsbury will launch its bespoke tarot service alongside a uniquely designed tarot deck, available for hotel guests to pre-book during their stay. Kimpton Fitzroy London’s mystical tarot deck has been created in collaboration with artist and tarot illustrator, Ari Wisner, who’s redesigned the cards to reference the hotel’s history. This experience comes as part of a package with an overnight stay including breakfast and one cocktail per person at Fitz’s Bar.  

1-8 Russell Square, WC1B 5BE, visit kimptonfitzroylondon.com

Read more: Brilliant things to do in London in October 2024