the best ways to celebrate diwali in london including dishoom's supper club

How to celebrate Diwali in the capital (Picture: Supplied)

Welcome back to The Slice!

We’re watching London light up for Diwali this week,the spiritual festival that celebrates light over darkness,celebrated by many Hindus,Sikhs,Jains and Buddhists across the world.

And of course we’re telling you how to join in on the fun too. There’s loads going on,like Dishoom’s cocktail of celebrations including a one-night-only Diwali Supperclub with The Tamil Prince.

And although it’s getting chillier outside,London never stops,with events commemorating Black History Month,pasta specials and 90+ hands-on experiences at New Scientist Live. 

We also indulge in Samosa Chaat with drizzled layers of sweet yoghurt at neighbourhood spot Kokum and multi award-winning writer Toyo Odetunde tells you where to find tasty traditional Senegambian food.

Plus: Find out where to get £5 glasses of Pet Nat!

Welcome to the Slice

The Slice is your weekly guide to what’s happening in London,so if you’re looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital,we’ve got you covered.Click here for this week’s edit of the best things to do in town.The Slice newsletter also a brand new look! We'll still be in your inbox every week,bringing you all the very best things to eat,drink and do in the capital. So if you want get the next edition before anyone else,sign up here!If you want to do it all on the cheap,you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here.

Things to do this week in London

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend,here are 16 of the best activities,dining,and drinking spots in the capital.

1. Try excellently made food at neighbourhood spot Kokum

View this post on InstagramA post shared by KOKUM (@kokumlondon)By Sophie LaughtonI’m lucky enough to live practically within sniffing distance of Kokum,a gleaming neighbourhood gem in East Dulwich. It’s no surprise it’s busy most nights; in the kitchen is Sanjay Gour,who used to be head chef at Gymkhana,the only two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in London. But it’s not stuffy Mayfair fare – it’s laidback,spacious and lowkey,just with really excellent food. Their Samosa Chaat is the perfectly balanced bite – flaky crisps of smashed samosa with drizzled layers of sweet yoghurt,sour tamarind chutney,and bright,aromatic mint and coriander sauce. And that’s just a starter.Their latest venture is a series of supper clubs in collaboration with another local hero: Hop Burns & Black. Serving natural wines long before the ‘natty wine’ movement swept the capital,their focus is on low-intervention,sulphite-free wines that bring a new dimension to each course. Paired with lustrous feasting dishes like Sikandari Raan – an enormous leg of richly-spiced,slip-off-the-bone lamb with fragrant Kashmiri pilau – and an introduction to each ingredient,it’s a masterclass in culinary storytelling.Their next Supper Club is a unique Nepalese dining experience with wine pairing from Hop Burns & Black. £70pp,26 November,tickets here.Starters from £6.50,curries from £13.50. 58-60 E Dulwich Rd,East Dulwich,SE22 9AX. Book here.

2. Dive into Senegambian dishes at Eazy Kitchen

Eazy Kitchen’s motto is ‘safna’,meaning ‘something really delicious’ (Picture: Supplied)By Toyo OdetundeAt Eazy Kitchen,decorative touches around the small restaurant create a sense of place,like the graphic wall paint designs and ‘Smiling Coast’ paraphernalia. Their motto is ‘safna’. ‘It’s a Wolof phrase for something really delicious,’ owner Chef Ebou explains as I peruse the comprehensive menu of Afro-fusion and traditional Gambian dishes. It’s a promise our meal certainly lives up to.We kick off with battered prawns – crispy,savoury and warmingly nostalgic,paired with a moreish onion sauce. Next is nyambe nyebeh,a Jenga-like assemblage of chunky cassava strips,doused in a tangy tomato sauce. It’s topped with black-eyed beans and dried fish,adding texture and umami. The ebbeh,a hearty,pumpkin-orange cassava pottage brims with crab,prawns and mackerel. It’s slightly tart,cutting through its richness.No visit to a Senegambian restaurant is complete without jollof rice,and theirs was pleasantly smoky,piled with succulent pieces of well-seasoned chicken. The generous portion of domoda (peanut stew) is earthy and subtly sweet,draping over pieces of tender lamb. I’ll be back to try more of their rainbow of homemade drinks. From plum-coloured hibiscus juice to velvety baobab smoothies,they’re a perfect artful showcase of Gambian flavours. Appetizers from £5.45,mains from £14. 302 Walworth Road,Walworth,SE17 2TE. Book here.

3. Try a fun Jurassic themed Afternoon Tea

The Jurassic Afternoon tea is a journey back in time (Picture: Supplied)By Richard Hartley-ParkinsonAfter a morning of dinosaur hunting at the Natural History Museum,what better way of giving your feet a rest and getting a sugar boost than heading for a Jurassic afternoon tea at the Ampersand in South Kensington? I took my five-year-old dinosaur-obsessed son for a tower of treats. His face was a picture as he marvelled at the theatrics of the dry ice volcano and was excited about making his own hot chocolate. After enjoying edible dinosaur eggs,a T-Rex macaron,and cheesy dinosaur foot,he loved brushing through a tin of chocolate soil to find some sweet treats. I also enjoyed a more adult treat with a cheeky glass of prosecco.Children,£39.50. Adults,£64.50. The Ampersand Hotel,2 Harrington Rd,South Kensington,SW7 3ER. Book here.

4. London’s best… places to celebrate Diwali

From food to dance… (Picture: Supplied)

Dishoom and Permit Room

Best for: indulgent Dishoom feasts

There’s so much happening at Dishoom and its little sister Permit Room for Diwali,we can barely keep up! Delve into a joyful celebration of food,music and culture. There’s a Dishoom’s annual Diwali party,where you can indulge in bold dishes and enjoy intricate mehendi,music and dance,a one-night-only Diwali supper club with neighbourhood favourite The Tamil Prince – and even a Taash night inspired by traditional Diwali card parties.

Look out for The Slice’s full review of Permit Room soon. 

See the full line up here. 

Kricket

Best for: a bargain

You can get a £15 tasting-style Breakfast Thali at Kricket,just in time for Diwali! Breakfast doesn’t have to be mundane when dishes like Thali exist in the world. You get a fluffy pao – a soft Indian bread roll,filled with options like a crispy bacon and tangy tomato chutney,and a spicy Goan sausage with salli potatoes. And what’s even better,is that Kricket will be offering the first 30 Breakfast Thalis ordered each day,from 20-31 October,free of charge.

Available at Kricket Shoreditch. Book here. 

Diwali on the Peninsula

Best for: families

Find more celebrations south of the river at Greenwich Peninsula. It will come alive with dance,music,food and creative workshops,all taking inspiration from South Asian traditions. Expect performances from Garba performers and Dhol drummers,drop-in workshops for lantern making and when you get peckish,make your way down to the street food market serving authentic South Asian dishes and festive snacks.   

Greenwich Peninsula. 18 October,2-7pm. Find out more.

5. Immerse yourself in The Chancery Rosewood‘s Take A Moment exhibition

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A post shared by BREAKFAST (@breakfaststudio)

The Chancery Rosewood’s new exhibition invites you to Take A Moment,literally. Until 31 October,part of the luxury hotel becomes an immersive sanctuary where over 100 portraits of eyes-closed figures,taken by photographer Ray Burmison,can be seen. Celebs featured include Mel C,Tyla and Aurora. Slow down,close your eyes and have a moment of peace amid the chaos of the city.

6. Go to the festival of ideas and discovery,New Scientist Live

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A post shared by Dr Megan Rossi (@theguthealthdoctor)

New Scientist Live returns to Excel London this weekend! Dive into 90+ hands-on experiences,from quantum computing and assistive robotics to futuristic hospitals and VR thrills. Hear bold ideas from stars like Chris Packham and gut-health guru Megan Rossi,plus astronauts,climate champions,and AI innovators across five buzzing stages. Tickets here.

7. Get £5 glasses of Pet Nat to celebrate Godet turning one

Islington bar Godet is celebrating one year next week,and in honour of the occasion,they’re treating you to £5 glasses of Pet Nat all night on 24 Oct.

Fridays at Godet are extra special with a vinyl DJ to get you dancing and delicious modern Chinese plates. 

8. Indulge in a 5-course vegan set menu by Denai Moore and Rishim Sachdeva

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A post shared by Café Petiole | A (mostly) vegan café | At Somerset House (@cafepetiole)

Vegan chef Denai Moore is teaming up with Tendril’s Rishim Sachdeva to bring her FLAKY Jamaican patty brand to Café Petiole at Somerset House.

As part of a 5-course vegan set menu,you can also expect Sticky Jerk-glazed lion’s mane mushrooms and Beetroot tartare with charred Scotch Bonnet mayo. Get your £49pp ticket here. 

9. Try one of Harry’s new limited edition specials

There’s a day for almost everything,but we do think pasta is worthy of having its own day. It’s carby,versatile and it’s pretty damn famous.

So in honour of National Pasta Day,Harry’s will launch two limited edition specials – the Tagliatelle Di Castagne and ‘Spaghetti’ Ice Cream. Available 12-19 Oct. 

10. Feast on tasty Caribbean food at Mama Shelter

Look forward to Spiced Pumpkin and more (Picture: Supplied)

A Caribbean-inspired supper club comes to Mama Shelter this Sunday. You can get a three-course,family-style feast by Eats & Beats – with dishes like Spiced Pumpkin – bringing people together through food,and storytelling.

19 Oct. Book here. 

11. Indulge in pastries and bread at the brand new Nonna’s Bakery

Yum! (Picture: Supplied)

Nonna’s Bakery,an artisanal Italian chain with 15 locations across China,lands in Holborn this week.

Expect Nonna’s signature Italian creations like the tasty cornetti – indulgent golden pastries filled with pistachio cream,chocolate,and seasonal fruit custards. 

12. Head to Wembley for more Diwali celebrations

Looking for more ways to celebrate Diwali? You can find a huge community rangoli installation at London Designer Outlet,where families can come down for a spectacular cultural celebration of light and prosperity.

With Bollywood dancers and more,you won’t want to miss it. See the full line-up of events. 

13. Celebrate Black British literature with talks and more at The Black British Book Festival

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Hear from MP Dawn Butler,June Sarpong OBE,baker Remi Idowu and more at The Black British Book Festival on 19 Oct. Championing emerging talent in Black British literature,you can expect talks,workshops and discussions in its 5th edition at The Barbican. 

14. Experience some Hip Hop history at Somerset House

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Hip Hop history is what you can find at Somerset House’s Rhythm & Roots exhibition,as Black British photographer Jennie Baptiste captures Black British youth culture from the 1990s to today. 17 Oct-4 Jan. Pay what you can.

15. Support Black-owned businesses at Black Guest Market

Discover handmade jewellery,natural skincare,original artwork,and more at Old Spitalfields Market’s Buy Black Guest Market.

The next event is on 28 Oct,taking place on the last Tuesday of every month. 

16. Try your hand through games and puzzles at the immersive Prison Island experience

You’ll need to work fast! (Picture: Supplied)

By Caroline Westbrook

Escape room fans looking for a new challenge shouldn’t miss the recently-opened Prison Island,a fast-paced,multi-room immersive experience a stone’s throw from Holloway Road,which takes the popular concept to a whole new level. Rather than break out of a single room via the medium of cryptic clues and brainteasers,it consists of 31 separate challenges housed in individual ‘cells’ – with teams required to solve as many as possible to win points and soar up the leaderboard.

These range from the mentally taxing – solving baffling mathematical puzzles or identifying countries on an interactive map – through to pinball and football-themed games,as well as one unmissable room where players have to dive headfirst into a huge pile of Swiss balls to crack the code. Personal favourites include Penalty – shooting footballs into boxes complete with England commentary – and Whack-A-Mole,a fast-paced throwback to the old arcade favourite. It’s a whole heap of fun,but with all the challenges set against a clock that’s constantly ticking down,you and your teammates will need to work fast if you want to see those points rack up.

4-7 Hornsey Street,Islington. Adults,£27.90. Youth & student,£24.90. Book here.

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