London's Best Halloween Events: The Coolest Things To Do, Eat, Drink And See
The Coolest Things To Do For Halloween In London
Rosy Cherrington— The Huffington Post UK
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You're way past trick or treating, apple bobbing has lost its appeal and no one's throwing a fancy dress party... but you're still too young not to give a witches' teat about the whole thing.
The question of what the hell to do as a fully functioning adult on Halloween can be a toughie, but it turns out there's a whole load of fun stuff that doesn't involve annoying strangers or egging people's houses (who, us? never).
Check out our pick of the coolest things to do in London this Halloween:
The luxury Victorian hotel has something spooky brewing this autumn with a new twist to their legendary afternoon tea. The revamped menu includes ghoulish delights like mini pumpkin compôtes and woodland forest-inspired mousselines. Who knew Halloween could feel so fancy.
From £50 per person and available from 26 October to 1 November 2015. Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2BD
The East End Film Festival and Andaz London Liverpool Street are teaming up again to host the return of Temple Cinema - a series of screenings in the hotel's eerie, hidden Masonic Temple. This year brings another line up of classic chillers over the Autumn - such as Halloween, The Omen and The Exorcist. Prepare to be scared.
Tickets are bookable via Design My Night from £15 per person. Masonic Temple at Andaz London Liverpool Street, 40 Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 7QN
The Cream Soda Girlz are taking over the hip east London venue to bring you a Halloween-themed evening of hip-hop DJs, free manicures by Imarni Nails and hairstyling by Keash Braids, so you can party whilst being beautified.
29 October 201 9pm – 2am, Guest list only: RSVP to info@creamsodagirlz.com. Queen Of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3JX
Not got your Halloween costume sorted yet? Don't fear! The Robin Collective are on hand with their costume crafting competition. Channel your inner Edward Scissorhands with their DIY session set to a soundtrack of creepy disco tunes. Warning: there may be dance offs involved.
15 October, from 7pm. Tickets are bookable via Design My Night, priced at £8 per person. Drink, Shop & Do, 9 Caledonian Rd, London, N1 9DX
Topshop's Oxford Circus store looks set to become the ultimate Halloween pre-party destination. There'll be Topshop Beauty makeovers, free gifts with purchases over £75, Halloween-themed Lola’s cupcakes, hair stencils by Bleach and temporary tattoo applications by Oreilia. Street teams will also be handing out Topshop trick or treat sweets for the chance to win prizes.
We're not sure Halloween and Japanese food have ever mixed before but Shoryu Ramen are about to launch a massive game changer. Feast on Ghost Buns and Dracula Ramen, decorated with cute ghost faces and completed with a delicious filling of your choice, or try the must-have Dracula Tonkotsu with caramelised black garlic mayu.
Available from Saturday 24 - Saturday 31 of October at all Shoryu Ramen branches.
Escape the bustle of typical All Hallows' Eve events by slipping into one of Mayfair's finest brasseries for a cocktail. This October, Quaglino’s are introducing a spooky selection of classic drinks with a Halloween twist. Start your weekend with a flaming Zombie, a bittersweet Green Monster or a Bloody Alexander. Trust us, these could wake the dead.
Halloween cocktails are priced at £12.50 each and available from 26 - 31 October. Quaglino's, 16 Bury St, London, SW1Y 6AJ
Those off the sauce this Halloween can grab a different kind at Starbucks - a strawberry sauce crème based mocha concoction to be exact. The coffee store is teaming up with The Dungeons to create an eerie in-store experience, including the launch of their special edition Vampire Frappuccino.
Available from 26 October – 1 November at selected Starbucks stores in the UK, including 99 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4AS
Anyone who has an appreciation for design or fashion will recognize you as the eclectic goddess known as Iris Apfel. The fashion icon will require you to put on every single piece of jewellery you own along with the loudest patterned dress or coat you can lay your hands on. Don’t forget Apfel’s signature oversized spectacles. Get the look: Aldo Welivia Necklace, $35; Kenzo Vintage Printed Jacket, $1,425.70. (credit:Vivien Killilea via Getty Images)
Cruella DeVille(02 of38)
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Say what you will about PETA’s worst nightmare, Cruella DeVille, she’s still one of the most stylish Disney’s characters to date. DeVille is the original Lady Gaga with her two-tone hair and bold red lip. To get her look, you’ll need a form fitting little black dress and of course, a big white wooly coat. Or, you can modernize with a cropped version. Get the look:Vince Fuzzy Knit Bouclé Coat, $825; Le Chateau Ponte V-Neck Dress, $99.95. (credit:Disney)
Taylor Swift And Olivia Benson (03 of38)
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It would be an unforgivable oversight if we didn’t suggest dressing up like Taylor Swift for Halloween 2015. The stylish pop star is almost as impossible to avoid as the Kardashian clan. Lucky for you, her signature look is easy to emulate. You’ll need a matching skater skirt and crop top, a coiffed blonde wig and Swift’s perfect red-lipped pucker. To really nail your Taylor Swift costume, a stuffed white cat representing her furry sidekick, Olivia Benson will drive the point right home. Get the look:Pixie Market Wallflower Skirt Match Set, $75; TY White Plush Cat, $11.99. (credit:Raymond Hall via Getty Images)
Cher Horowitz(04 of38)
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It’s amazing how few people I see dressed as the most iconic valley girl of all time. A Cher costume would not only be recognizable, it would be covetable. Plus, 2015 was the year “Clueless” celebrated its 20th anniversary. Recognizing that a matching yellow and black plaid skirt, vest and blazer might be hard to track down, her outfit on the movie’s cover art would be much easier to achieve and equally recognizable. Get the look:Nasty Gal Rebel Bodycon Dress, $75.74; White Feather Boa, $5.15. (credit:Paramount Pictures)
#Dressgate #TheDress (05 of38)
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This inanimate object got so much media attention, it was borderline obnoxious and guess what? You can actually purchase it. The dress that caused far too many bunched panties is an easy costume because you can just buy it and slip it on. Annoy other party-goers by asking them if you’re #whiteandgold or #blackandblue. Get the look: Romans #TheDress Lace Bodycon Dress, $77 (credit:Roman Originals)
Yeezy Season 2 Model(06 of38)
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As I previously demonstrated, you don’t have to have to own expensive clothing to go as a runway model for Halloween. You can be a Yeezy Season 2 model if you can manage to hunt down some shapewear and any military-inspired coat five sizes too big for you. A nude or faded brown hoodie will also do. Get the look:Maidenform Singlet, $63; Forever 21 Drawstring Hoodie, $26.90. (credit:Randy Brooke via Getty Images)
Chanel Oberlin(07 of38)
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“Scream Queens” fans can dress as queen bee of the Kappa Kappa Tau Sorority this year. Fitting, given that Halloween is Oberlin’s “jam”. She wears a lot of powder pink and white. All you have to do is think of the most over the top preppy cotton candy outfit and add a string of pearls to get her look down. Get the look:River Island Light Pink Quilted Mini Skirt, $14; Zara Blouse with Bow, $49.90. (credit:Fox)
Dressing up as Margot Tenenbaum never gets old. The sleek blond bob, dark rimmed eyeliner, brown fur coat and I-don’t-care attitude are perennially chic. Any striped tennis-style dress underneath will do. Get the look: River Island Copper Faux Fur Coat, $220; Lacoste Stripe Pique Polo Dress, $165. (credit:Touchstone Pictures )
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UP NEXT: Halloween Costumes For Fashion People
1. Hillary Clinton(11 of38)
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Two words: Pant. Suit. The Democratic presidential candidate front-runner, and defender of the brightly coloured female two-piece, has become a dominant force in both politics and popular media. Ten bucks says the pantsuit will be a fashion trend in 2016/2017. And if you have any friends who are Republicans, this costume (and the thought of Clinton actually getting elected) will be absolutely hair-raising. Your partner can be: Bill Clinton or Bernie Sanders. (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
Shop: Hillary Clinton(12 of38)
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Cobalt Lightweight Wool Boyfriend Blazer, $240. Available at Banana Republic. (credit:Banana Republic )
Shop: Hillary Clinton(13 of38)
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Blue Lightweight Wool Boy Crop, $94 (sale). Available at Banana Republic. (credit:Banana Republic)
2. Snapchat Update(14 of38)
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It’s been less than the a month since the major Snapchat update that brought rainbow puke and oversized crocodile tears into our lives, and the former is already set to be one of the biggest Halloween costumes of 2015. If you, like most fashion people, have an arsenal of make-up options at the ready (read: high-functioning Sephora addiction), this can make for a easy last-minute option in a pinch.Your partner can be: The scary-faced Snapchat update. (credit:Youtube.com/gettingpretty)
How To Do It(15 of38)
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Check out this handy video guide on how to do the Snapchat Rainbow from Seventeen Magazine. (credit:YouTube)
3. The '70s Trend(16 of38)
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Embrace the '70s trend of 2015… but like, a little too much. We can’t (legally) recommend taking a bunch of acid and hitting the mall for outfit options, so maybe go with a safer alternative like digging through your mom’s closet and putting on everything even vaguely reminiscent of "Saturday Night Fever". Aim for flare pants, suede, leather, denim, turtlenecks and psychedelic prints. Mom wasn’t down with disco and hate second-hand stores? Pretty much every retailer should be stocking '70s-inspired pieces you can buy from.Your partner can be: Also up in the 70s trend. (credit:Gettystock)
Shop: The '70s Trend(17 of38)
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Fancy Knit Striped Trousers, $49.90. Available at Zara. (credit:Zara)
Shop: The '70s Trend(18 of38)
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Wide High Jeans, $39.99. Available at H&M. (credit:H&M)
Shop: The '70s Trend(19 of38)
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Topshop Inverness Checked Wool Pinafore Dress by Unique, $370. Available at Hudson's Bay. (credit:Hudson's Bay)
4. All-Female Ghostbusters(20 of38)
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Who ya gonna call this Halloween? Your three closest gal pals, that’s who. With the announcement earlier this year of an all-female cast for the upcoming "Ghostbusters" remake, along with the jumpsuit trend in full swing, there’s never been a better time to simplify your Halloween costume a one-piece or boiler suit and an old dust buster.Your partner can be: Another Ghostbuster or a ghost. (credit:Facebook)
Shop: All-Female Ghostbusters(21 of38)
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V-neck Jumpsuit, $34.99. Available at H&M. (credit:H&M)
5. Choupette(22 of38)
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Sexy kitty is never a good look. Like… ever. However, Choupette, fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld’s multi-million dollar feline, is always the purrrrfect option. Break out your best winter whites, strap on a pair of white cat ears and find yourself an ‘Uncle Karl’ to complete to the look. (TIP: You can find a lot furry accessories on Etsy and Cosplay websites.)Your partner can be: Karl Lagerfeld, obv. (credit:Facebook)
Shop: Choupette (23 of38)
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White cat ears, $24.15. Available on Etsy. (credit:Etsy)
6. Joan Holloway/Harris(24 of38)
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With "Mad Men" wrapping production forever earlier this year, it feels fitting that we pay one last tribute to the style icon that was Joan Holloway. Christina Hendrick’s hourglass office manager (read: queen of the sexy secretaries) helped redefine popular standards of beauty as well as propel 1960s fashions back into the zeitgeist. Aim for a pencil skirt, tight top tucked in and belt it around the middle to get your own curves. Either that or the most form-fitting dress you can pour yourself into. Complete the look with some fake eyelashes and red lipstick for days. Flaming ginger beehive wig is a must, of course.Your partner can be: Roger Stirling or Peggy Olsen. (credit:American Movie Classics (AMC))
Shop: Joan Holloway/Harris(25 of38)
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Art Deco Perfect Color Lipstick in Color & Art, $20.50. Available at beautybay.com. (credit:Art Deco)
Shop: Joan Holloway/Harris(26 of38)
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Gia Mini Dress, $72. Available at American Apparel. (credit:American Apparel)
Shop: Joan Holloway/Harris(27 of38)
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Make Up For Ever Eyelashes & Eyelashes Glue, $17. Available at Sephora. (credit:Sephora)
Shop: Zombie Carrie Bradshaw(28 of38)
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Adult Black Tutu Deluxe, $29.99. Available at partycity.ca. (credit:Party City)
Shop: Zombie Carrie Bradshaw(29 of38)
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Adult Hot Pink Organza Tutu, $24.99. Available at Party City. (credit:Party City)
8. Amal Clooney(30 of38)
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The woman who stole George Clooney’s heart also captured our collective fashion affection over the past year. Her black dress and long white gloves at the Golden Globes were as controversial as red carpet outfits come -- which makes it perfect as a Halloween costume. It’s also super easy: long, flowing sleeveless black gown or dress; absurdly long white gloves; and a flowing black wig if your hair is shorter.Your partner can be: George Clooney. (credit:Getty Images)
Shop: Amal Clooney(31 of38)
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Lioness Voltage Maxi Dress, $102.23. Available at Nasty Gal. (credit:Nasty Gal)
Shop: Amal Clooney(32 of38)
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Adult Long White Gloves Deluxe, $16.99. Available at Party City. (credit:Party City)
9. Dick Owens(33 of38)
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Rick Owens made fashion… er… history by sending male models down the runway earlier this year totally bare on the bottom. Paris Fashion Week got a front-row view of some full-frontal male nudity and the Internet exploded with “Dick Owens” puns. Recreate the look with a long, draping black or beige tunic top and nude pantyhose for bottoms. For the appendage in question, use some clear packing tape or beige masking tape to affix it your front. Your partner can be: A shocked fashion photographer or another Dick Owens model. (credit:Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho via Getty Images)
Shop: Dick Owens(34 of38)
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Silks Ultra Sheer To Waist Pantyhose, $11. Available at Hudson's Bay. (credit:Hudson's Bay)
Shop: Dick Owens(35 of38)
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Twik Sleeveless Turtleneck Tunic, $69. Available at Simons. (credit:Simons)
10. Yeezy(36 of38)
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Kanye West: rapper, husband to Kim Kardashian and now, fashion designer. This year, Yeezy put out two (near identical) self-titled collections that were met with much press and generally mixed reviews. Featuring an exclusively neutral palate across full-body leotards, turbans and rags wrapped everywhere, many joked the shows felt a bit like previews for the upcoming "Star Wars" sequel. You can get the look for yourself by using or buying some old pantyhose or ballet leotards, dye them rust or beige, and a grab a pair of Yeezy’s Adidas collab (if you can afford or find them – they’re mostly sold out). Your partner can be: Kanye West, pregnant Kim Kardashian or North West. (credit:Getty Images)
Shop: Yeezy(37 of38)
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Cotton Spandex Jersey Unitard, $40. Available at American Apparel. (credit:American Apparel)
Shop: Yeezy(38 of38)
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Jacket E06, $168. Available at Oak + Fort. (credit:Oak + Fort)