The Brits don't have a long Halloween tradition – historically it was celebrated in Ireland, but every year that tide of pumpkins seems to grow and grow. In the darkening daylight hours, how about the Halloween party at Newburgh St. (6–9 PM), with its pronounced NYC influence, bagels, salt-beef, jack-o-lanterns and prizes for best costume. It's only yards from the London residence of Legend of Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving at 8 Argyll St. Worth trying too is the more sedate Halloween slow-food market on Southbank. Buzz isn't much given to ghost tours (the dead don't eat, after all), but how about a three-course meal and a screening of The Exorcist (pea soup not included) at Axis at One Aldwych (two showings, dinner at 6 PM, film at 8:30 PM or dinner at 9 PM, film at 11 PM; £38.50 including VAT and service; additionally, Moët & Chandon Imperial is only £25 a bottle; book by calling 020-7300-0300 or e-mail on axis@onealdwych.com; more here). Also, themed cocktails are everywhere, but the Long Bar at Sanderson caught our eye with its Great Pumpkin chilled martini (El Dorado, amaretto, cinnamon syrup, butternut squash puree for £13).
– Roger Clarke