Enjoy bright lights and big flavours this November
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is a festival that symbolises the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The name comes from the Sanskrit word “deepavali”, meaning a “row of lighted lamps”. Lanterns and diyas are lit to brighten the darker autumn evenings, while friends and family gather around warming feasts to share food and reconnect.
This year, the five-day festival runs from 6 to 10 November, with the main day of celebration falling on Sunday 8 November. From limited-edition menus and tasting menus to candle making, house parties and intimate supper clubs, there’s plenty going on across the city to mark the occasion.
The Cinnamon Collection
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with one of the UK’s leading chefs Vivek Singh. From The Cinnamon Club set inside the Grade II-listed former Old Westminster Library, to colourful eight-course feasts at Cinnamon Kitchen Bazaar in Covent Garden, the tandoori chicken thighs, Bengali spiced fish cakes and chargrilled partridge with spiced pear chutney are not to be missed.
Mon 19th October – Sat 14th November 2026
Various locations
thecinnamoncollection.com
Kricket
Kricket is inviting you to make your own candles in partnership with Ohros, a Hackney candle studio. Guests can choose from 30+ scents and blend their own bespoke soy wax candle to take home. Later on in the day, they are hosting Mela, a vibrant community fair that will bring art, music, games and food for all ages. The main event of the day is a screen printing station with artist Natasha Kumar, whose artwork is displayed in Kricket restaurants – there will also be henna, face painting and Karrom.
Sat 7th November 2026
Various locations
www.kricketrestaurants.com
Jamavar
Jamavar continues its tenth anniversary celebrations with A Royal Diwali Darbar, a feasting menu created by executive chef Surender Mohan and inspired by the grand celebrations of India’s princely courts. Drawing on a tradition where festive occasions were marked by abundant tables and generous hospitality, chef Surender’s Diwali feasting menu brings this spirit to London. Each course offers a distinct expression of festive dining, coming together in a feast designed for sharing and celebration.
Wed 28th October – Sun 8th November 2026
8 Mount Street, London W1K 3NF
jamavarrestaurants.com
Dishoom
For Diwali, Dishoom are pulling out all the stops. Celebrations will span a house party at Dishoom Borough and two intimate supper clubs with chef Vikas Khanna, alongside a special Diwali menu, creative workshops and neon light installations by contemporary artist Chila Kumari Burman MBE. The events will be hosted across their Borough Market, Shoreditch and Canary Wharf locations.
Various dates
Various locations
dishoom.com
Haldiram
Haldiram’s Leicester Square is bringing the Diwali flavours to central London with their Diwali sweet counter, offering a selection of Indian mithai to enjoy in the restaurant or take home to share with loved ones. Alongside traditional mithai favourites will be some more unique flavours, such as fragrant Rose Ladoo, saffron and almond-infused Badam Kesar Launj and Mango and Strawberry Kaju Katl.
Throughout the festive period
19-20 Irving Street, London WC2H 7AU
myhaldirams.uk
KOKUM
KOKUM is celebrating Diwali this year with a limited-edition feasting menu, designed to be shared with family and friends. The menu brings together some of KOKUM’s favourites alongside more creative dishes including Crispy Spinach & Kale Chaat and Paneer Tikka Angara to start. Mains include KOKUM’s signature Butter Chicken and the Dal Makhani, served with a selection of rice and breads, followed by Mango & Cardamom Shrikhand for dessert.
Tue 3rd November – Sun 8th November 2026
58-60 East Dulwich Road, London, SE22 9AX
kokumlondon.com
Fatt Pundit
Covent Garden neighbours Fatt Pundit and Floozie Cookies are teaming up for the festive season with The Double Date special: a rich and chewy date cookie, served warm alongside a mountain of date and pomegranate molasses soft serve. The cookie combines fresh dates, soft brown sugar and a touch of strong black coffee to enhance the natural caramel date notes. The addition of pomegranate molasses lifts the creamy vanilla soft serve, tying the dessert together beautifully.
Until Sun 8th November 2026
6 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E7NA
fattpundit.co.uk
Babur
Babur is celebrating the Festival of Lights with a five-course tasting menu created by head chef Jiwan Lal. The menu provides modern interpretations of Indian classics, from Delhi-style Ram Laddu Chaat and Malvani Fish Tikka to Chicken Anarkali, with optional wine pairings throughout. The celebrations finish with a candlelit Diwali Party on the Sunday, featuring the full tasting menu alongside live performances.
Fri 6th November – Sun 8th November 2026
119 Brockley Rise, London, SE23 1JP
babur.info
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