FILL YOUR BOOTS

Autumn has arrived in style at Crockett & Jones, with the heritage British shoemaker unveiling its hardiest collection to date. The autumn/winter 2022 range introduces three new “Rough-Out” suede styles: Indiana, Denver and Molton, as well as new colourways for the classic Chukka boot, Chiltern, a bestseller since 1959. And completely new for the season is Glencoe, a durable boot that will keep you snug and warm on even the coldest winter excursions with its shearling lining. To put the new styles through their paces, Crockett & Jones travelled to Iceland, the land of ice and fire, for their campaign shoot. But even if you don’t plan to travel much outside the Square Mile, you know you’re in safe hands (or should that be feet?) with these winter warmers. Shop the collection at Crockett & Jones at The Royal Exchange 

LITTLE GEMS

Fancy treating yourself this autumn? They may not be as practical as a pair of new hiking boots but the Mini Parade Diamond Studs in 18k white gold from VASHI are pretty as a picture. The perfect starting piece for every fine jewellery collection, these solitaire studs sparkle for all to see. Understated yet eye-catching. £470; shop at VASHI at The Royal Exchange

THIS WOMAN’S WORK

The Royal Exchange is full of hidden artistic and architectural gems, including our stunning murals, which can be seen from the mezzanine area. One of the murals is by painter Lucy Elizabeth Kemp-Welch (1869-1958), a British artist specialising in paintings of horses. Though sadly overlooked nowadays, in her prime she was one of the country’s best-known female artists, even providing illustrations for the 1915 edition of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. Lucy’s work will be the subject of an exhibition in her hometown, Bournemouth, next year, but for now you can see her stunning original mural at The Royal Exchange. Picture courtesy of The Mercers’ Company. ”Women’s Work in the Great War” (1924).

DOLLA EXCHANGE

Speaking of exhibitions, new for October – following the hugely successful Banksy retrospective – is a showcase from footballer-turned-artist Boogie Moli at Red Eight Gallery. Also known as Daniel David, the Manchester-born former Liverpool Academy player has enjoyed success as both a footballer and graffiti artist, while also advising the likes of F1 star Lewis Hamilton and boxer Deontay Wilder on their contemporary art collections. A Dolla and a Dream is David’s first solo exhibition, taking place at the newly unveiled space at Red Eight Gallery at The Royal Exchange. With celeb fans including Raheem Sterling, Boogie Moli is certainly one to watch. A Dolla and a Dream by Boogie Moli, 29 September – 14 October 2022. Red Eight Gallery at The Royal Exchange 

REFLECTED GLORY

Need to buy a birthday present for a City worker and stuck for ideas? TopShine at The Royal Exchange has introduced a fantastic new gift voucher option, offering a discount on its services. Choose from either a £30 voucher, which entitles the recipient to five shoe shines, or a £50 option that gives 10 fine footwear finishes. The vouchers are valid for 12 months, so your friend can have their favourite shoes looking as good as new all-year-round. Visit TopShine Shoe Shine Ltd at The Royal Exchange to purchase your vouchers in-person or online at shoeshineservice.co.uk  

FREE SPIRITS

October sees the much-anticipated launch of The Libertine at The Royal Exchange. This expansive new bar-restaurant from the award-winning Incipio Group will officially open for business in late October. Incipio Group is famous for taking on historic yet forgotten spaces, and this 7,000 sq ft, Grade I-listed setting certainly fits the bill. Seating 450 people, the stylish new establishment – which is accessed via an antiques store-style building on the ground floor – heralds an exciting new era for The Royal Exchange. Visit libertinelondon.co.uk

EAT, DRINK AND BE SCARY

It’s officially spooky season, and The Royal Exchange is getting into the spirit. Fortnum & Mason has unveiled its limited-edition black hamper filled with spook-tacular goodies including milk chocolate-coated, pumpkin-spiced caramel popcorn, Witches Brew hot chocolate and Halloween jelly sweets. A wicked treat for boys and ghouls of all ages. The Wicked Wicker Halloween hamper, limited edition, £75. Shop or order at Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange