Whimsical venues to watch out for.

Once upon a time there was a pub called The Eagle Tavern. Nobody would go there, for it was grotty. Then the Fairy God-marketing-mother waved her magic wand and gave it leafy murals and a jaunty swinging sign: ‘The Secret Garden’. A fanciful name; perhaps. A far-fetched attempt at rebranding; no doubt.

But there seems to be something of the woodland whimsy in the air. Fans of Drake & Morgan’s eateries (which include The Anthologist and The Refinery) will want to indulge in The Folly. A ‘botanically inspired haven’, there’ll be a garden lounge, hanging chairs, revolving pop-up store, dining vaults, mixology table and flower shop.

Out Dalston way you can cosy down in The Nest’s intimate industrial cubby holes and caged alcoves. Sitting on what used to be Bardens Boudoir, and pieced together by Fabric founder Steve Ball and Riz Shaikh of the Old Queen’s Head and Paradise, it promises live music, art, cutting edge DJs and an opening weekend line-up featuring The C90’s, Aussie duo Flight Facilities and The Juan Maclean.

But if you’re really looking to push the pea green boat out, go to sea at The Owl & Pussycat on ever-expanding Redchurch Street. Fine ales, dining (presumably more than mince and quince) and a no DJ-policy from the lot behind The Lock Tavern is making us hopeful for a fairytale ending – and not of the Brother Grimm (or Eagle Tavern) kind. Sleep tight subscribers...

Info
The Folly, 41 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0BT. Opening October.

The Nest, 36 Stoke Newington Street, N6 7XJ. Opening 15th October.

Owl & Pussycat, 34 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP. Opening 8th October.

Bag a weekend away with Mr & Mrs Smith

It would be easy to believe that summer was but a distant memory. But if you want to nab the last few rays before Christmas, why not head to the Southern Mediterranean for a quick getaway. The boutique hotel experts at Mr & Mrs Smith have tipped us off, and these stylish places to stay still have spaces until the end of October.

Read the full feature…

SHOP 24-7 – at St Martin's Lane Hotel at Katie Grand's vending machine. The LOVE Machine. 24-7, St Martin's Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX. Free.

REBEL – Against the London Design Festival and find out what the Anti-Design Festival has in store. Various times, various venues, Redchurch Street, EC2 7DP Free.

SEE – the brutal but heart-warming story of a boxer in the play, Beautiful Burnout. 8pm, York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, E2 9PJ. £5-£18.

WIN – A year's worth of Wahaca food by designing their new Wardour Street staff t-shirts. Deadline 30th September.