Top 5: Wintery Things to Do This Weekend in LondonBy Rishma Dosani
1. Get into the Christmas Spirit: Grace Bar
What: If you’re already fed up with all things Christmas, and have just realised it’s still November, we have the perfect pick-me-up for you. Grace Bar are serving magical, festive cocktails that will get you in the spirit, and trust us when we say – they’re AMAZING. Their cocktail creators have made the sweetest snowflakes, and tasty espresso martinis, complete with a floating Gingerbread man! Escape the cold, and get into the Christmas spirit!
Where: The stunning Grace Bar is home to all things Christmas, and surrounded by beautiful decorations, chandeliers and secret rooms, it’s our new favourite place to drink. Head to 44 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7NB for drinks with a difference. And take a look at their Butterfly room!
When: Whenever! The cocktails are around for the foreseeable future, so get down there and take in the great afterwork atmosphere. They also have a Late Night London postbox that will grant all your Christmas wishes, perfect for those expensive gifts, for friends, family, or just yourself!
2. Get Boozy After Dark: London Dungeons
What: So it’s cold outside, it’s getting dark earlier and the days are getting shorter. But that doesn’t mean that late nights have to stop. The folks at the London Dungeons have prepared an amazing menu for after-dark fun! With booze thrown in, and kids thrown out, and shed-loads of shocks, surprises and GIN, there’s nowhere else to spend your Friday night! Did we mention the gin?
Where: The London Dungeon! If you’ve not been before, it’s unbelievably fun and a great evening to drag your closest friends, or partner to! Get yourself to the Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB, for the best after dark experience!
When: For a scarily good time, visit the Dungeon on Friday, 21st November. Doors open at 6:15, and there are tours every 15 minutes until 8:45. Tickets are £40, including the tour, a gin cocktail on arrival, three more drinks on the way, food and more. For more info and to book – visit here
What: We don’t know about you but textiles was always our favourite class at school, because we got to pretend we were basically Vera Wang for a couple of hours. The Crafts Council, with V&A London, have opened their doors for Make:Shift:Do, and are hosting free crafty workshops, events and activities. Why not head down and learn how to make some jewellery, or 3D print something really cool? You could even make someone an extra-special Christmas present!
Where: There are events going on all over London, including at the V&A Museum and the London Sculpture Workshop in Bermondsey. Take a look at the schedule and do something different! You won’t regret it.
When: The UK-wide festival of making comes to London for two days, and two days only so don’t miss out! It’s taking place fromFriday 21st – Saturday 22nd November, so visit here for events, and Make. Shift. Do.
What: Travel back in time for a 1920’s night of indulgence. The world famous Kettner’s will house three floors of entertainment, Champagne, cocktails and jazz. You can learn to dance Charleston, flirt with cabaret singers, and sip from an absinthe fountain. If that’s not enough, there will be burlesque performances, hula-hoopers and so, so much more that we can’t even fit it all in, and some surprises even we don’t know about!
Where: Kettner’s Kabaret will transport you back to a simpler time full of decadence. The dress code is 1920’s Berlin with dizzy flappers and lots of jazz. Head on down to 29 Romilly Street, London, W1D 5HP for more fizz and fun you can imagine.
When: Forget throwback Thursday, it’s all about Flashback Friday, and there really is no better place to spend it! The party starts at 7pm on Friday, November 21st. Tickets start from £20, and can be bought here
What: Feel like some Apres Ski without the skiing? The Montague on the Garden’s ‘Ski Lodge’ will be offering Londoners a taste of the mountains without the need to board a plane! Complete with falling snow, pine trees, reindeers and twinkling lights, squint and you’re in Switzerland! The lodge offers traditional tipples, and winter warmers including mulled wine and spiced cider. And if that’s not enough to wet your appetite, there is the most amazing menu full of festive treats.
Where: The rooftop of the Montague on the Gardens is London’s answer to the alps, and with the beautiful decorations, you’ll believe you’re really there! Get yourself to 15 Montague Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BJ.
When: The ski lounge is open until 30th January, 2015, and trust us, you’re never going to want to leave! It’s the perfect winter wonderland retreat and open until 10pm every night. Tickets, or ‘ski passes’ are £25 and include food and three drinks. Visit here for more info.
