So long spontaneous beach days and beer garden hangouts, it was nice knowing you. As the inevitable grey clouds and rain emojis grace our weather apps, finding ways to fill your weekend might feel a little more challenging now that lounging in a park with an iced coffee isn’t a given Saturday pastime. Thankfully, the city that never sleeps has you covered with a plethora of indoor, no-sun-required activities to get you through your mid-week slump, from inspiring exhibitions to drool-worthy afternoon teas, there’s sure to be something to transform your autumn calendar from dull to dreamy…
Times New Roadman, Browns East Gallery:
Consider a trip to Browns East Gallery an afternoon well spent this autumn for the hilarious art/meme crossover that is Times New Roadman’s work. The Bournemouth-based artist never fails to turn niche cultural moments into artwork you would actually like to hang on your wall, and his latest exhibition Reflection On The Times is as hilarious as ever. Thirty of the artist’s works are on display at Browns East, plus a brand new piece featuring mirrors that allows you to become part of the art- intriguing! Head down to Browns until 31st December and enjoy browsing their incredible selection of clothes before heading to this quirky, laugh-out-loud worthy installation.
Bevs and Brunch at Near and Far, Camden:
Overdue a BFF catch-up in a space sure to feel anything but downbeat? Near and Far Camden is the slice of Cali cool you’re seeking. Spread over 4 floors and featuring a 100% gluten-free menu, N&F Camden is the perfect dose of sunshine in what might feel like an otherwise dreary introduction to sweater weather. If your week has felt seriously long, or you’re in the mood for celebrating, then look no further than their Happy Hour offerings. Visit from Sunday to Friday and enjoy 2 Signature Cocktails for just £10, 5pm-7pm. Sign us up!
In London for the weekend? Head down on Saturdays between 11am to 3:30 pm and Sundays between 12pm till 4:30pm and enjoy a meal, plus 2 hours of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, Margaritas AND Bloody Marys. With a delicious mix of Californian-inspired options such as protein and poke bowls, chicken & waffles and GF French toast, bookmark Near and Far next time your mind draws a foodie blank.
Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear at The V&A:
Trying to fill the void that is time between Love On Tour 2022 and Love On Tour 2023? The V&A heard your cries for help with this one. Their latest mesmerising exhibition- in partnership with Gucci no less- explores how “designers, tailors and artists – and their clients and sitters – have constructed and performed masculinity, and unpicked it at the seams.” And spoiler alert- it includes the Gucci ball gown that was worn by Harry Styles on the cover of Vogue in December 2020. Hell to the yes.
Unpicking and deconstructing the history of menswear from 1500 to present day, the exhibition features pieces from Harris Reed, Vivienne Westwood, Virgil Abloh and more of the industry’s iconic voices, contributors and visionaries who have influenced the way in which menswear continues to evolve. The exhibition is running until 6th November 2022, and at £20 a ticket, it makes for the perfect way to while away a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Otherworld VR, Victoria and Hackney:
An experience so immersive that the state of the BBC weather forecast won’t be crossing your mind for a good few hours, a trip to Otherworld VR will transport you to another destination without the need to head through airport security.
Home to sixteen unique VR experiences, yourself and friends will step into your own immersion pod, aka “a private space that combines an advanced VR headset with dynamic heat, wind and rumble effects to maximise your journey into immersive virtual reality.” Intense!
Explore new worlds, fight zombies or explore the island’s hidden secrets, all whilst earning DreamCoin- the local currency, duh- which you can use for discounts on your drinks when you head back into the real world. It’s a win-win! One for the thrill seekers of the group, you won’t forget this experience in a hurry.
ABBA Voyage:
Dancing queens, what are you waiting for if a night at ABBA Voyage isn’t in your diary this autumn? A night out like no other, this long-awaited production brings Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid to the stage like you’ve never seen before, combining cutting-edge technology to bring their digital avatars to life. Filling the purpose-built arena with their best-loved classics and equal parts joy and disbelief, consider an evening at ABBA Voyage a must this autumn. If that wasn’t enough to sell it to you, tickets start at just £21!
Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station:
The restoration of Battersea Power Station has been ongoing for some time now, but the next part of their plans to breathe life back into the Grade-II listed building and its surrounding areas is particularly wow-worthy. Taking you a mere 109 metres up, Lift 109 combines an immersive exhibition space and glass elevator to take you to the top of one of the iconic chimneys for panoramic views of the city like no other. Starting in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A, constellations of light guide you to the glass elevator, and let’s just say the views are set to be pretty impressive.
Sign up for their pre-sale now, and prepare to be wowed when the experience opens on 14th October.
📍 Learn more and pre-sale sign up here.
Glide To Alexandra Palace Ice Rink:
Fancy recreating that scene from Last Christmas? An indoor activity for those already in the mood for xmas festivities (is it ever too early?), a trip to Alexandra Palace and their iconic ice rink is 90 minutes of escapism from the outside world sure to see you smiling. Whether you’re somewhat of a pro at gliding across the ice (how?) or fancy a guaranteed laugh with friends or family, this North London venue makes for a magical afternoon of childlike fun.
Bottoms Up at Cahoots, Carnaby:
“Welcome to Cahoots, where spirits are high and drinks never run dry – a playground for London’s scoundrels!”. Intrigued? Cahoots in Carnaby is a drinks spot like no other, set inside an abandoned train station, their 3 spaces- The Underground, Ticket Hall & Signal Station- transport you back to 1940s London quicker than you can say “One Old Fashioned, please!”.
Featuring a life-size vintage tube carriage, live music, DJ sets, and an atmosphere like no other, head for a delicious retro inspired cocktail when in central and the heavens open. There’s worse ways to spend an afternoon!
Swiftogedden, The Ultimate Taylor Swift Club Night:
No further information needed, a Swiftogedden club night will provide a month’s worth of serotonin in one fell swoop. Playing non-stop Swift from start to finish, these club nights (created by fans, for fans) are everything that’s great about Taylor rolled into one- the community, the bops (sad and slay-worthy), the opportunity to dance all night and a whole lot of love thrown into the equation too. With events in London, Birmingham, Brighton, Sheffield and just about every other UK city, get your Swiftie sisters together and secure your tickets in advance- these events get booked up fast!
📍 Learn more and secure tickets here.
Afternoon Tea at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane:
Dodge the rain clouds this autumn with an afternoon of delights truly fit for royalty. Afternoon Tea at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is no ordinary afternoon tea, with their seasonally changing menu created by renowned ‘Queen of Cakes’ artisan baker and cake designer Lily Vanilli creating the ultimate in luxe, occasion-worthy dining.
Bridgerton fans will rejoice at the Grand Saloon’s “dazzling chandeliers, ornate ceilings, beautiful furnishings and fine art”, with a menu of madeleines topped with lapsang-souchong glazed salmon and pickled fennel, bitesize cannelés with goats cheese and pickled beetroot, and, of course, Lily’s signature puff pastry sausage roll made with Cornish sausage meat among the many delights you’ll enjoy for just under £50pp.
Board Game Heaven at Draughts, Hackney:
Passing a rainy afternoon with a board game or two is surely the most natural and nostalgic of activities you could opt for, and Draughts in Hackney has you and your gang sorted with hours of fun and a healthy dose of competitiveness. Housed in a historic Grade-II listed building, the venue’s seven interconnecting rooms mean you can easily while away a cosy afternoon with their selection of over 1,000 board games- yes you did read that correctly!
Enjoy a bite to eat alongside (veggie, vegans and gluten-free options available!) and cheers to bankrupting your bestie with your ruthless hotel placements in Monopoly. It’s a dog-eat-dog world.
