Top 5: Fantastic Things to Do in London This WeekBy Rishma Dosani
“I don’t know what London’s coming to – the higher the buildings the lower the morals.” – Noël Coward
This week is all about trying new things; whether that’s a cocktail, a scary ride or a martini masterclass. If the weather turns, don’t forget our handy guide to the best places to spend time on a rainy day here. It’s a great week for alcohol in London – this week is London Cocktail Week, with some of London’s best bars offering £4 cocktails, and we’ve written the World’s best guide. There’s also new masterclasses at our favourite Cartizze, which you can read about here. Here’s the 5 best things to do in London this week:
1. Explore the Tate Gallery in Art + Afternoon Tea
What: Passionate about art and not able to function without the right cup of tea? We have the perfect event for you. To celebrate the Tate gallery’s current ‘Late Turner – Painting Set Free’ exhibition, the iconic Rex Whistler restaurant has crafted an afternoon tea to be enjoyed in its unique setting. Take a seat and tuck into an array of sandwiches, savouries, cakes and scones, all served up with fresh tea, that has been exclusively blended for the occasion and designed to transport you back to the tea gardens of the 18th Century.
Where: If you like nothing better than taking in beautiful art while having a cup of tea, head down to Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG.
When: Tea for Turner is £17.95 a head, and is on until November 30th. For tickets, phone 020 7887 8825 or visit www.tate.org.uk.
Read about Brown’s Tea-Tox here Read about Hakkasan’s 6-course Dim Sum Tea here Read about the best places to spend time on a rainy day here2. Discover Great Cocktails during London Cocktail Week
What: It’s the drinking event we’ve all been waiting for – London Cocktail Week! We’ve got your guide to all things yummy and alcoholic, but if you want to banish away your Monday blues, head for Cuervo’s Hacienda, a tequila garden which is popping up at The Hoxton, in Shoreditch. Head up to the Mexican garden with some Tequila in hand, close your eyes and pretend you don’t have work in the morning. What could be better?
Where: Turn Monday into Funday at Cuervo’s Hacienda. Get down to The Hoxton Hotel, 81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HU.
When: The pop-up bar will be open until Saturday, October 11th. It will be open between 9-11pm on Monday and Thursday, 5-11pm on Tuesdayand Wednesday, and 12pm-12am on Saturday.
Read the World’s best guide to London Cocktail Week here Get more bar inspiration in London here3. Get a Fright at Thorpe Park
What: Halloween is nearly upon us, so get yourself ready to be scared silly as Thorpe Park’s annual Fright Night comes back with a bang this week. All new rides, mazes and scarily good treats have been lined up for this year’s event. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out!
Where: Thorpe Park, Staines Road, Surrey, KT16 8PN. It’s half an hour from Waterloo so would be a perfect after work night!
When: Gates open on Friday November 10th, until November 2nd. The park is open until 10pm every night and tickets start from £26 for early bookings. Visit www.thorpepark.com to get involved
4. Become a Martini Master at Cartizze
What: Always wanted to make the perfect martini? Well now you can, and in the heart of Mayfair no less. Learn how to craft a classy cocktail with experts from Cartizze, who will teach you how to shake, stir and sip your drink, in pretty beautiful surroundings. It’s about as sophisticated as an evening gets and without the huge price tag that the city is known for.
Where: Get your gin goggles on and head to 4 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, London, W1S 1EY.
When: Classes start at 6:30 on Tuesday, October 7th. Tickets are £19 and available on the door.
5. Get Tiki-Tastic in Seven Dials
What: In another nod to this week’s London Cocktail Week, the Atomica Gallery, in Seven Dials, has been transformed into a Tiki bar, with famous cocktail shakers behind the bar all week long, making up both unique and signature drinks. The best thing? It’s all rum based! And if that’s not your thing, there will be tons of awesome Hackney-made tiki mugs and book signings all week.
Where: Ready for an after-work cocktail or five? Head to Atomica Gallery, 29 Shorts Gardens, London, WC2H 9AP.
When: The Tiki gang will be popping up between 7-12 October, and drinks will be served until 9pm every day.
Read our guide to London Cocktail Week here Read about 3 London food crazes here
