The unmissable guide to Frieze London Week 2024: what to do, see, and eat
Discover our curated selection of art fairs, exhibitions, and engaging talks, accompanied by enticing dining spots to enhance your Frieze London week experience.
Image: Frieze London 2022. Photo by Linda Nylind. Courtesy Linda Nylind and Frieze.
October in London marks a key moment in the art calendar, with Frieze London and Frieze Masters—two of the most influential art fairs—returning to the city. Founded in 2003 by Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, Frieze London focuses on contemporary art, featuring works from both emerging and established artists. Frieze Masters, launched in 2012, complements this by showcasing art created before 2000, offering a broader historical perspective. Both fairs run from 9–13 October 2024 in Regent’s Park, alongside other notable events such as PAD London and the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. Beyond the fairs, the excitement of Frieze Week spreads throughout London, with galleries, museums, and cultural venues hosting a range of exhibitions, talks, and events. To help you navigate Frieze Week, we’ve put together a guide to the must-see fairs, exhibitions, and the best places to eat and drink during Frieze Week 2024.
Art Fairs
Running alongside Frieze London and Frieze Masters, several other art fairs will also be held across the city. PAD London, held in Berkeley Square, will showcase an exceptional selection of design, decorative arts, and contemporary works from leading galleries. Meanwhile, 1-54, the UK's only fair dedicated to contemporary African art, will present a rich variety of pieces from across the African continent.
Click here to explore our guide to the must-see art fairs during Frieze Week.
Rita Mawuena Benissan, Enter as One, 2024, Tapestry Embroidering on Velvet, 116.8 x 190.5 cm. Courtesy of Gallery 1957.
Art Exhibitions
During Frieze Week, London is fortunate to host a range of outstanding exhibitions. From major institutional shows like The Imaginary Institution of Inside Art 1975-1998 at the Barbican Art Gallery, to Sonia Boyce in dialogue with works by Lygia Clark at Whitechapel Gallery. Additional highlights include works by Robert Longo at Thaddaeus Ropac and Pace, and Geumhyung Jeong’s pieces at the ICA.
Click here to explore our guide to 50 must-see art exhibitions during Frieze Week.
Leonora Carrington, The Dancer (El Bailarín), 2011, rossogranada. Frieze Sculpture 2024. Photo by Linda Nylind. Courtesy of Linda Nylind/ Frieze.
Frieze Sculpture 2024
Frieze Sculpture 2024 takes place in The Regent’s Park from 18 September to 27 October, alongside Frieze London and Frieze Masters. Curated by Fatoş Üstek, this 12th edition showcases works by 22 international artists, exploring innovative public sculpture, including sound, light, and augmented reality. The exhibition features live events, tours, and a digital guide.
Date: 18 September 2024 – 27 October 2024. Location: The Regent's Park, Chester Rd London England NW1 4NR. Price: Free.
Talks
Haegue Yang in conversation with Yung Ma
Join Haegue Yang and Yung Ma for an engaging conversation exploring Yang's diverse artistic practice and the concepts behind her exhibition Leap Year at the Hayward Gallery.
Date: 10 October 2024. Time: 7pm. Location: Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: £12. Book now.
Haegue Yang, The Randing Intermediates – Underbelly Alienage Duo (Earth Alienage Rising Sporing, Sea Alienage Fanned-Out Bang), 2020. © Haegue Yang. Courtesy of the artist.
Frieze Masters Talks 2024
Below are our top picks of talks happening at Frieze Masters. Curated by Shanay Jhaveri and Sheena Wagstaff, the annual Frieze Masters Talks features conversations titled The Creative Mind, bringing together an intergenerational group of artists, architects, writers, curators, and politicians. These discussions will explore creative connections across history and the evolving nature of artistic diversity today. Admission to the talks is included with your fair entry, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sir Christopher Bryant, Jeremy Deller & Victoria Siddall: Good Governance: Considering what we can truly ‘save for the nation’
Date: 10 October 2024.Time: Noon Location: Frieze Masters, Regent’s Park
Barbara Walker, Ming Smith & Lou Stoppard: The Faces of Community: Inviting new ways to understand portraiture
Date: 10 October 2024. Time: 4pm. Location: Frieze Masters, Regent’s Park
Nairy Baghramian, Glenn Lowry & Julian Rose: Spatial Intelligence: Considering the people and politics of cultural space
Date: 11 October 2024. Time: Noon. Location: Frieze Masters, Regent’s Park
Image: Frieze Masters 2022. Photo by Michael Adair. Courtesy of Frieze and Michael Adair.
Es Devlin and Ekow Eshun in conversation
Join contemporary artist Es Devlin CBE RDI and writer Ekow Eshun for a discussion on Devlin’s new choral installation, Congregation, created in partnership with UK for UNHCR. The project celebrates individuals facing forced displacement and collaborates with King’s College London and The Courtauld. Eshun will also discuss his publication, The Strangers: Five Extraordinary Black Men and the Worlds That Made Them, which explores race and the search for home.
Date: 11 October 2024. Time: 7pm – 8pm. Location: Ondaatje Wing Theatre, National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE. Price: £15 (£12 Members / concessions). Book now.
Es Devlin. © Daniel Devlin
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Talks 2024
Alexis Peskine with Katherine Finerty
Artist Alexis Peskine and curator Katherine Finerty (Tate Project Curator, Writer & Educator) discuss his Forest Figures exhibition at October Gallery, exploring Afro-descendant experiences, nature, and spirituality. The talk takes place at Somerset House on 12 October 2024.
Date: 12 October 2024. Time: 4pm - 5pm. Location: Screening Room, Somerset House. Book now.
Tunji Adeniyi-Jones with Ekow Eshun
Artist Tunji Adeniyi-Jones joins curator Ekow Eshun for a discussion on his work and the newly released monograph Tunji Adeniyi-Jones: Encounters, with a focus on themes of African heritage, religion, and family. Prior to this talk there will be a book signing with Tunji Adeniyi-Jones at 5pm in the 1-54 Bookshop.
Date: 12 October 2024. Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Location: Screening Room, Somerset House. Book now
Pearl Lam photo by William Louey. Manal AlDowayan photo by April Morais.
Women in Art Fair Talks
Bold Innovators: Women pioneers in the Arts
Arts commentator Carrie Scott moderates a panel featuring Basma Al Sulaiman, founder of BASMOCA; Pearl Lam, a leading advocate for Chinese contemporary art; and Manal AlDowayan, who represented Saudi Arabia at this year’s Venice Biennale. The discussion focuses on contemporary art and cultural innovation.
Date: 11 October 2024. Time: 11am. Location: Mall Galleries. Access to events is free when you purchase a ticket to the fair from £10.
India’s economic boom: thought leader and art world entrepreneur Aparajita Jain on India’s contemporary art market
Melanie Gerlis, art market columnist and author, engages in a discussion with Aparajita Jain, Executive Director of Nature Morte, about her vision for the gallery and the challenges faced in establishing it as a leading contemporary art space in India.
Date: 11 October 2024. Time: 2pm. Location: Mall Galleries. Access to events is free when you purchase a ticket to the fair from £10.
Where to eat
Frieze London
Sessions Arts Club
Sessions Arts Club, located in the historic judges’ dining room at Sessions House in Clerkenwell, is known for its elegant atmosphere and modern European cuisine. This year, they will bring their distinctive dining experience to Frieze London.
Location: Frieze London at The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR. Website: sessionsartsclub.com. Instagram: @sessionsartsclub
Rita’s Dining
Rita’s Dining is a Soho favourite and a firm staple at Frieze for the past six years. This year, they introduce “Rita’s Cubano Bar” on the terrace, featuring freshly made Cubano sandwiches, seasonal salads, fresh juices, and vibrant cocktails.
Location: Frieze London at The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR. Website: ritas.dining.com. Instagram: @ritasdining
Session Arts Club, Clerkenwell. Photo by MTotoe.
Jikoni
Returning to Frieze for the third time, Jikoni offers a special vegetarian menu that celebrates flavourful plant-based dishes inspired by their partnership with biodynamic farm Waltham Place.
Location: Frieze London at The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR.Website: jikoni.london Instagram: @jikonilondon
Maison François
Maison François is a brasserie and wine bar in the heart of St James’s, paying homage to the grand brasseries of Paris, Lyon, and Alsace while incorporating broader influences across the menu. Open from early morning to midnight, it features breads and patisserie fresh from the in-house bakery and an open kitchen for guests to watch the chefs at work.
Location: Frieze London at The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR. Website: maisonfrancois.com Instagram: @maisonfrancois
SAYURI
The Japanese tea bar Sayuri will return to Frieze, serving organic, ceremonial-grade matcha for the ultimate pick-me-up. They present traceably sourced teas from multigenerational Japanese tea artisans.
Location: Frieze London at The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR. Website: sayuri.com Instagram: @sayuri_tea
Ham Yard Restaurant & Bar at Frieze Masters
Frieze Masters
Ham Yard Restaurant & Bar
Ham Yard Restaurant & Bar returns to Frieze Masters with an autumn-inspired à la carte menu featuring dishes like beetroot salad, tart tatin, and rhubarb crumble, with a Sunday roast on the final day. Guests can relax with coffee, desserts, or signature cocktails in a lounge designed by Kit Kemp.
Location: Frieze Masters at The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR. Website: hamyard.com Instagram: @hamyardhotel
Nobu London Portman Square
Nobu Catering by Nobu London Portman Square will bring its signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, including black cod miso and yellowtail jalapeño, to Masters, offering a renowned Nobu dining experience.
Location: Frieze Masters at The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4NR. Website: noburestaurants.com. Instagram: @nobu
L’Escargot, Soho.
Throughout London
L’Escargot
L’Escargot is a classic French restaurant famous for its snails and traditional French cuisine, set in an elegant environment complemented by an interesting art collection.
Location: 48 Greek St, London W1D 4EF. Website: lescargot.co.uk Instagram: @lescargotsoho
Bambi
Relatively new on the scene, Bambi is a European-inspired restaurant that features a contemporary menu in a vibrant atmosphere, capturing the essence of East London with great vibes and even better music.
Location: 68-70 Chatsworth Rd, London E5 0LS. Website: bambi-bar.com. Instagram:@bambi_e8
Flambadou oyster. Niklas Ekstedt’s first restaurant outside of Stockholm. © Ekstedt at The Yard.
Ekstedt at The Yard
Ekstedt at The Yard is a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant featuring wood-fired cooking and hearty dishes made from seasonal ingredients. It has an impressive set menu and attentive service.
Location: Great Scotland Yard Hotel, 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN. Website:ekstedtattheyard.com Instagram: @ekstedtldn
Cafe Cecilia
At Café Cecilia, expect simple yet delicious British dishes served in a minimalist, chic setting. It’s the perfect spot for a casual meal followed by a leisurely stroll along the canal!
Location: 10 Cazenove Rd, London N16 6PA.Website: cafececilia.com Instagram:@cafececilialondon
Goodbye Horses, Islington. Hand mural by Lucy Stein. Image credit Adam Kang.
Goodbye Horses
Goodbye Horses is an excellent neighbour hood wine bar offering a memorable blend of delicious food, great wine, and a lively atmosphere. Click here for our review.
Location: 21 Halliford St, London, N1 3HB. Website: goodbyehorses.london. Instagram: @goodbyehorsesldn.
Paradise
Paradise serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and is widely recognised for its delicious dishes packed with bold and vibrant flavours.
Location: Paradise Soho, 61 Rupert St, London W1D 7PW. Website: paradisesoho.com Instagram: @paradisesoho.
Click here for more restaurants to dine at during Frieze Week.
Gothic Bar at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Where to drink
Gothic Bar at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
A cocktail bar inspired by Gothic Revival architecture, offering a modern twist on classic cocktails. Recently partnered with Camus Cognac for a Jules Verne-themed pop-up.
Location: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd., London NW1 2AR. Website: gothicbar.london
Bar Crispin Soho
A natural wine bar with a retro Eighties design, offering natural wines and seasonal plates, perfect for a laid-back evening.
Location: 19 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5PY. Website: barcrispin.com
Oranj Wine, Shoreditch.
Oranj Wine
Expect exceptional wines, tasty small plates, and curated art in this stylish Shoreditch wine bar, celebrated for its orange wines and focus on low-intervention natural wines.
Location: 14 Bacon St, London E1 6LF. Website: oranj.co.uk
42 Mayfair
A luxurious, intimate bar above Gymkhana, featuring cocktails infused with Indian spices. It’s a hidden gem with opulent décor.
Location: 42 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 4JH. Website: 42.london
Click here for more bars to visit in London during Frieze Week 2024.