London’s finest: this is what to do in London this October

If September marks the start of London readying itself for life after the lazy summer, then October is where the buzz really gets going.

There’s a lot going on in town this month, from a long-awaited restaurant opening to the finest in concerts and comedy, chef residencies, international art fairs and more intimate, independent offerings too. This is the very best of London this October — we’ll see you out there.

The International War Museum has just opened its latest exhibition, War and the Mind, which explores the deep-rooted and complex psychological consequences of preparing for, and engaging in, war. From the “othering” effects of propaganda to the trauma and trauma responses of war itself, the exhibition is a must-see. Supporting this is a one-off talk from acclaimed author Richard Overy, a WWII expert, who’ll add further context and discussion alongside excerpts from his latest book, Why War?

October 2, IWM London, Lambeth Road, SE1 , iwm.org.uk

Kol is widely regarded as a very good restaurant, if eye-wateringly expensive. When it first opened, the menu came in at the £75 mark. Dinner is now more than double that (you’ve got World’s 50 Best and Michelin to thank for that) and so Fonda, chef Santiago Lastra’s new venture, promises to be a better value entry point. Dishes on the à la carte start from about £9, never venturing above £30, making this altogether an easier way to access Lastra’s ethos of fine Mexican fare with British ingredients.