Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice: A Londoner's Guide to Savouring the Remains of Autumn

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Bloomsbury, in my eyes, has become London's very own Stars Hollow. The rain no longer feels dreary; it's a soft soundtrack, perfect for lighting a candle and settling into an evening of study. I'm layering jumpers and scarves like armour against the cold, cocooned in fabrics until I feel like a walking duvet.

As students, we have two choices: Romanticise the chaos of the first term or wallow in deadlines and hide in our rooms until winter passes.

This year, I'm choosing the first. Even if I'm running late for a seminar, I'll grab a warm drink. Even if I'm drowning in coursework, I'll steal a moment to wander Southbank while listening to Cigarettes After Sex.

London, in all its rain-soaked glory, offers endless ways to make autumn feel cinematic if you know where to look. Here are a few of my favourite ways to embrace the season before it slips away:

A Day out in Marylebone

In my opinion, Marylebone might just be one of London's most autumnal neighbourhoods. Its streets are lined with independent boutiques and honey-toned architecture.

Start your morning at Monocle Café, where the scent of espresso mingles with soft jazz, grab a drink, and meander through the nearby boutiques. Then head into Daunt Books, one of London's most beautiful bookshops with oak balconies and tall windows. Grab yourself a copy of The Secret History, Donna Tartt's ode to autumn and academia, and head to Regent's Park. Enjoy the paths covered in the auburn leaves and lose yourself in the pages. 

Cosy Bakeries and Cafés

Can we truly call it savouring autumn without a pastry in hand?

If you’re looking for the best cinnamon buns in London, Roll Boys is the place to go. Here, the scent of butter and spice spills out onto the pavement, wrapping you in warmth before you've stepped inside. Each roll is baked fresh, soft at the centre with caramelised edges, best enjoyed with a steaming coffee. 

If you’d rather stay close to Bloomsbury, head to Miel. Miel feels like a secret worth keeping - the pastries are flaky, golden and delicate; the perfect sweet treat after a long lecture. It's a small sanctuary to keep you sane between classes.

And for those wandering near Covent Garden, slip into Arôme. While they're known for their honey butter toast, I recommend trying their savoury pastries - which most certainly don't disappoint, they're buttery, rich and utterly satisfying. 

Autumn Night Life

If you're craving something livelier to shake off the uni dread and worship the season, head to the Gatsby Room at The Beaumont, where themed game nights make an ordinary evening feel straight out of a film. Gather a few friends and lose track of time while playing classic board games. 

For something a little moodier, make your way to Below Stone Nest in Soho. Tucked away underground, this candlelit jazz bar hums with the warmth of brass and bass from Tuesday to Saturday, the perfect place to let autumn's slow rhythm carry you away.

So, however you decide to spend this season, slow down and let yourself savour it before it slips away.