It’s that time of year again – the leaves are falling, Christmas lights are already up on Oxford Street and you men and growing staches for charity, specifically for those supporting men’s health. Mo Bros, if you will.

Movember is a time when Mo Bros embrace pogonotrophy (the growing of facial hair) and compete to win the Movember prize! Er, we mean unite to raise vital funds and awareness for causes such as prostate cancer.

Turns out that it’s also a great time for discounts around London as a thank you for helping the cause.

At Penhaligon’s flagship boutique in Covent Garden, Mo Bros can receive a complimentary Mo Trim throughout the month of Movember. This gentleman’s shaving service was in place when Penhaligon’s first opened on Jermyn Street 140 years ago and is back exclusively for Mo Bros.

Meanwhile, free burgers are sizzlin’ on the grill at Byron’s for any Movember member who raises £25. Alternatively, you can order the Movember special: the Gizz-Mo. Created by chef and TV presenter Gizzi Erskine, the Gizz-Mo is a cheeseburger with Welsh Rarebit topping (made from mature Cheddar, smoked Cheddar, English mustard, Guinness and Worcestershire sauce) priced at £8.25 and will appear on the menu as a special throughout Movember. Byron also donates 50p for every Gizz-Mo served.

Lucky Voice in Islington will host a dating night for Mo Bros on Tuesday 22 November. According to Lucky Voice, women find men with moustaches to be “tough, mature, aggressive, dominant, and masculine—and as the best romantic partners, either for a fling or a long-term relationship”. Fascinating! We wish you the best of luck in your ‘tache-related romantic endeavours.

Over at Herman Ze German you Mo Bros can get 25% off sausages and coffee throughout Movember when you show your moustache and sponsorship page.  How’s that for short, sweet and simple?

Finally, you can look for other lip fluff related events here.

When 40 Qypers gathered after dark for an exclusive Art of Scare tour at The London Dungeon, thanks to Merlin Groups, we expected the evening to be a bit spookier than our average Qype event. What we didn’t expect was a night of screams and heart-thumping scares…

The Art of Scare took us on a tour of London’s gory history through the dungeons. Starting with plague-ridden surgeries, we dropped by torture chambers, Sweeney Todd’s barbershop and the abode of Jack the Ripper’s most unlucky victim amongst others. The skilled actors, fantastic sets and gloomy atmosphere meant that even the most hardened Qypers were a bit jumpy.

After nearly an hour of nerve-shattering spooky tales, scares and rides (we particularly loved the 5D Victorian seance ride, Vengeance), we retired for pizza and a much-needed drink.

Not only did we have the venue to ourselves, we also had the opportunity to chat with The London Dungeon’s Head of Performance afterwards. His name is Richard, and we’re sure that he’s not usually so blood-spattered:

Richard told us about the historical research undertaken for each section of the tour, as well as the rigorous auditioning process that the actors are put through. (Fun fact: Karen Gillan of Doctor Who fame only lasted two days.) Seeing the dungeon with the lights on was also really interesting, and made some of us feel a little silly for being so scared.

After the event many Qypers were pleasantly surprised to find that The London Dungeon isn’t a slightly cheesy tourist destination, but something that all Londoners should try at least once. If they’re brave enough…

Thanks to Merlin Groups and The London Dungeon for having us!

Recently christened “South London’s coolest quarter” by Vogue, Bermondsey has more than its fair share of top-rated venues. Throw in a friendly community plus London’s best public space and it’s no wonder that people are flocking to the SE1 borough.

Bermondsey Square

Hungry? Then Bermondsey Street alone has it covered. One of the top Italian restaurants in Europe, Zucca is renowned for “beautiful food without leaving you bankrupt.” We’ve heard excellent things about the tagliatelle with a veal ragu and panna cotta “that made you want to lick the plate clean and beg for more.” Definitely our kind of restaurant. Or if you fancy something lighter, sample some of London’s best patatas bravas and dry sherry at José just down the road.

The Garrison

Described as the “elegantly batty ballerina of Bermondsey Street”, The Garrison is a little on the pricey side and should really be booked in advance. But what you get is a beautiful gastropub (perfect for impressing dates) that does everything from a full english breakfast to slow-roast lamb shoulder very well indeed.

If you’re in Bermondsey on a Saturday morning then a visit to Maltby Street Market is essential – you’re guaranteed all the foodie delights of Borough Market but none of the touristy crowds. Expect to find Neal’s Yard Dairy, Monmouth Coffee Company and plenty of cheese, pastry and charcuterie stalls in a “secret garden atmosphere.”

Bermondsey Antiques Market

But there’s more to Bermondsey than (albeit excellent) food. Bermondsey Antiques Market is the place to go for Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian finds on a Friday morning. For a dose of culture, the Fashion & Textile Museum is worth a visit. Founded by designer Zandra Rhodes, it’s unsurprising that the bright building explores fashion, textile and jewellery design.

Shortwave Cinema is billed as “a great addition to the ever-trendifying Bermondsey Street area” and screens a selection of films that you might not find at your local Odeon. Plus, you’re allowed to take in your drinks from the bar.

Know of a hidden gem in Bermondsey? Add it to our guide!

Image of Bermondsey Antiques Market from bagelmouse’s flickr photostream