On Sunday, 14th October, The Vineyard at Stockcross is hosting its annual opera night with Die Fledermaus performed by London-based First Act Opera, and there is still space available for those who wish to attend. Opera and a three-course dinner is £140 but if you decide to spend the night the cost is £220 per person, which includes a luxury double room and breakfast (for reservations, call Jemma on 01635 528770 or e-mail events1@the-vineyard.co.uk).
Opera fans will also rejoice in the two new dining options that have popped up near the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Carluccio’s Caffe has opened a fancy new flagship in a listed building, which insures that this branch looks different from the other Caffes in this ever-expanding group. There is a cafe and food shop on the ground floor as well as a more refined restaurant and private dining room on the first floor (Garrick St., WC2; 020-7836 0990). Masala Zone has recently opened a spacious fourth spot with hundreds of Indian puppets from Rajasthan hanging from the ceiling. There's a children’s menu at just £3.75, and this branch is the same as the others in that there is a no-booking policy (48 Floral St., WC2; 020-7379 0101).