The best events and things to do this week, September 28-October 2

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Jochan Embley28 September 2020

All the talk right now might be about curfews and circuit-breakers, but London is still very much open for business.

It's a tougher time than ever for many of our most beloved haunts and hang-outs, which means it's more it's especially important to get out there and (safely) enjoy them.

There's plenty of opportunity to do just that this week, with everything from live gigs to blockbuster cinema screenings to keep you busy.

Here's what to get up to in the capital.

Catch a gig at one of London’s best venues

Siobhan Bradshaw

The 10pm curfew has put yet another restriction on the city’s live music venues, and while many of them are staying shut until the situation changes, a handful of places have found a way to make it work. Camden’s Jazz Cafe has a full week of music to enjoy — the UK jazz double-header of James Copus and Joe Downard is a highlight — while Ronnie Scott’s and 606 Club will also host some great artists. Tickets need to be booked in advance, so check the venues’ websites for more information.

See how nature and art combine with Wetlands Unravelled

Julian Abrams

For many of us, especially those cooped up inside tiny London flats, the great outdoors has been something of a saviour during the lockdown. One of the best places to explore nature inside the M25 is at the London Wetland Centre, which bustles with all manner of creatures. Now, there’s even more reason to head down, as it is home to five specially commissioned artworks. We went down to find out more about the fascinating project, and you can do likewise from Thursday.

From October 1, London Wetland Centre, SW13 9WT, wwt.org.uk

Get a sobering insight into life at a refugee camp

Imperial War Museums

The Covid-19 pandemic has put a halt to many things, but it has only exacerbated the refugee crisis in Europe. This new immersive exhibition at the Imperial War Museum brings that into sharp focus, recreating the overcrowded Moria camp in Lesbos, Greece. Created using footage captured within the camp, projected onto large walls, it’s one of the most sobering exhibitions on display in London right now.

Open now, Imperial War Museum, SE1 6HZ, iwm.org.uk

Head to a screening of a brand new film

Many film fanatics in the capital have been rediscovering the joy of a cinema trip (albeit while safely face-masked) since they reopened back in July. This week, there are a number of fresh releases well worth your attention. Gal Gadot returns as the leading lady in Wonder Woman 1984 in what promises to be a feel-good romp, while those after a more nuanced tale should check out Sally Hawkins in Eternal Beauty, which tells the story of a paranoid schizophrenic in search of romance.

From October 2

Support Cask Ale Week at London's boozers

Pubs are facing a difficult time at the moment with the new 10pm curfew, but beer lovers can support their favourite boozers by getting involved in Cask Ale Week. A host of breweries and pubs are running giveaways and promotions until Sunday to celebrate, and others are launching new series on social media. Raise a glass and get involved.

Until October 4, various locations, caskaleweek.co.uk

Indulge at the newly reopened Le Comptoir Robuchon

Le Comptoir Robuchon, one of the capital’s very best French restaurants, is back in business this week, reopening for the first time since March. There’s a new head chef, Dario Avenca, at the helm, with a brand new menu to explore as well. The set lunch menu will also be available from Wednesday to Friday, offering three courses from £39 per person.

From October 1, 6 Clarges Street, W1J 8AE, robuchonlondon.co.uk

Escape into a world of immersive theatre

We could all do with a bit of escapism right now, and luckily enough, there are a number of immersive productions popping up this week to help you disconnect from reality for a while. From Thursday in Mayfair, the long-running immersive version of Great Gatsby will relaunch as a masquerade ball, while from Friday at a secret location in east London, guests will be welcomed aboard The Murdér Express for a night of food and thrills. Down in London Bridge, also launching on Friday, is One Night Records, as visitors journey back in time through various musical eras, from rock ‘n’ roll to ragtime.

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