London City Newsletter, September 28, 2026

TfL is setting up its own bus operator — Buses for London will start with route 6 between Willesden and Victoria in late 2027, followed by four more routes from 2028. This changes who runs those services, not fares or routes this week; most of the network will still use private operators.

A rare agave sends up a flower spike at Kew — An Agave montana planted roughly twenty years ago has produced a flower spike in the Rock Garden. Kew describes it as the first recorded flowering of this species in its gardens. The plant flowers only once before it dies; Kew will announce the full bloom through its updates.

Have your say on the West London Orbital — TfL's proposed Overground route would link Hendon and Hounslow, mostly using existing freight lines, with up to six trains an hour. It could spare some cross-west-London journeys a detour through the centre. The consultation closes Nov 18; funding and approvals are still needed.

Apple Music Hall opens at Battersea Power Station — The new 600-capacity venue begins its concert programme with Elton John on Sep 28, followed by Baby Keem on Oct 2. Further announced shows include Troye Sivan, Arlo Parks and Charli xcx. Tickets are handled through DICE; check the venue programme for releases and availability.

futuretense x DOTWAVNOTWAVE (Fri Oct 2, 9.30pm, South Bank) — 0RACL3 brings her band and J2 brings jazz-influenced grime to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer. Free, no ticket required.

Chelsea Physic Garden Open Weekend (Sat Oct 3–Sun Oct 4, 10am–5pm, Chelsea) — Explore the garden free, with pond dipping, crafts and storytelling included. Register for an arrival slot; last entry is 4.30pm. Paid festival tours are separate.

The Strength Between Us (Sat Oct 3–Sun Oct 4, noon–6pm, Whitechapel) — Whitechapel Gallery marks the Battle of Cable Street's 90th anniversary with films, talks and poetry. Free; RSVP, and arrive early for limited-capacity workshops.

Games and VR at the Bartlett (Sat Oct 3, 10am–5pm, Bloomsbury) — Try student-made games and virtual worlds, and watch short films at 22 Gordon Street. Free entry, with registration for game and VR experiences on the day.

Ossie Clark + Celia Birtwell (Fri Oct 2–Sat Oct 3, 11am–6pm, Bermondsey) — The Fashion and Textile Museum opens its exhibition of Clark's designs and Birtwell's prints from the 1960s and 70s. Adult tickets £12 including fees. Last entry 5.15pm; closed Sunday.

Rebel Rebel (Fri Oct 2, from 7pm, West Norwood) — Dance to glam, punk, soul and disco at The Great North Wood. Finishes by midnight. £6.60; ages 18+. (Add to 🗓️)

Catherine Bohart: Borrowing Trouble (Mon Sep 28–Sat Oct 3, 7.15pm, Soho) — An hour of stand-up about the worries we inherit, at Soho Theatre. Tickets from £24 on Sep 28–30 or £28 on Oct 1–3, including fees. Recommended for ages 16+.

Ray Gelato & The Giants (Sat Oct 3, doors 7.30pm, Oxford Street) — Singer and saxophonist Ray Gelato brings his band to the 100 Club for swing, jazz and R&B. £20.90 including the booking fee; ages 18+. (Add to 🗓️)

Morden Hall Park Harvest Festival (Sat Oct 3, 11am–3.30pm, Morden) — Watch apple pressing and Morris dancing, then try autumn crafts. Free for all ages, with no booking needed.

Shoreditch Town Hall is a Fun Palace (Sat Oct 3, 11am–4pm, Shoreditch) — Make costumes from 11am–1pm or tour usually closed spaces at noon. Free, with general booking encouraged; the 3pm all-ages object-theatre workshop needs a separate advance booking. Last entry at 3.45pm.

Half Moon's Free Family Fun Day (Sat Oct 3, 10am–4pm, Limehouse) — Drop into storytelling, music and movement workshops or arts and crafts. Free for all ages, with no booking needed.

Wolves Lane Autumn Market (Sun Oct 4, 10.30am–4pm, Wolves Lane, N22) — Shop locally grown plants and produce, join a site tour or try activities for adults and children. Food stalls and entertainment round out the day. Free entry; walk-ins welcome.

Bamboo Mat, Canary Wharf — The Japanese–Peruvian restaurant has 30% off food during its Sep 29–30 soft launch; reserve ahead. The menu includes seabass ceviche with mango and passion fruit, and ox cheek with yuzu gravy. Find it at 1 North Lane. Canary Wharf.

Cloth Cornhill — A new restaurant and pub opens in the former Simpson's Tavern premises at 38½ Cornhill on Oct 1. Go on Thursday or Friday this week; it's closed at weekends. City.

Brook & Green — This new all-day restaurant at 142 Chiswick High Road has a self-service Wine Room downstairs, where you can try wines by the glass. Chiswick.