Experience:
London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre (18-29 October 2023)
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Price: From Free
One of the capital’s most exciting literary happenings has returned to the Southbank Centre, and it really seems like the line-up gets more impressive every year. The 16th edition of the event features some seriously major names including Kerry Washington, Jada Pinkett Smith, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Patrick Stewart, Ed Gamble and Nick Frost (joined by Simon Pegg), who will all be discussing their new memoirs. There’ll also be thought-provoking talks from the likes of Stuart Lawrence, brother of Steven Lawrence, and introductions to new publications by well-known authors including Ian Rankin, Jacqueline Wilson, Adam Thirlwell and Sandra Newman.
It’s not just prose that’s celebrated here, but poetry is brought to life too, with events such as George the Poet Presents, which will see some of London’s most exciting talent gather for an evening of music and spoken word. There’ll also be opportunities to get inspired and create your own wordy works, including panel events, talks and workshops hosted by industry professionals.
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Eat At:
Royal National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
This hotspot is the third member of the Forza family to open in South London. The first was a restaurant in Peckham, Forza Win, which recently reopened in Camberwell. Meanwhile, Forza Wine has been enticing people to a trendy rooftop in Peckham for around four years now. The team’s latest venture is a sleek, sultry restaurant and terrace in the National Theatre, which follows in the footsteps of Forza Wine, with a drinks menu that offers a spectrum of wines and tasty house cocktails, as well as a selection of ‘Italian-ish’ small plates, including its signature cauliflower fritti with aioli and the irresistible soft serve that is constantly changing flavour.
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Drink In:
25 Roupell St, London SE1 8TB
Despite its position between two of South London’s busiest hubs, Waterloo and London Bridge, the quiet Roupell Street can make you feel like you’ve stumbled back in time. In a way, you kind of have, because these 19th-century buildings have survived an incredible amount of history, including the Blitz. In fact, the street is so picturesque and well-preserved that it’s been used in a number of films and TV shows including Legend, Mr Selfridge, Call the Midwife and Doctor Who. You’ll find The King’s Arms on a corner where it’s stood since the first half of the 1800s — the cosy surrounds still ooze history, making it well worth a stop off for a pint of real ale, or two…
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