Bored of that girly weekend brunch? Course you’re not. It’s good to mix things up though, so here are five brilliantly sociable weekend suggestions that blend that much-needed catch up with a little pampering. Read on for manicure meccas and cocktail hotspots where three is never a crowd…

For a Summer of Beauty Events: Good Ship Benefit

The Good Ship Benefit (1)

What: When it comes to out-there beauty experiences, Benefit always takes the crown. Following on from previous hits – remember that blow-dry bus and all-pink-everything pub? This year sees the doors of the Good Ship Benefit open on the Victoria Embankment.

The Good Ship Benefit (2)

Why: The ship (previously known as the R.S. Hispaniola) is a sprawling beauty mecca comprising a series of typically kitsch themed rooms. Head to the Brow Lounge on the top deck for a shaping service and a glass of bubbles,  have a gossip over lunch in the Lashitude restaurant, or search out the secret Porefessional Vault for a personalised complexion lesson and custom cocktail. There’s a host of brilliant events lined up for the summer, from charity comedy nights to wine tastings and fitness classes. Head to their website for the full event listing.

Where: Good Ship Benefit, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 5DJ

For a Manicure and Manhattan Party: London Grace

London Grace (1)

What: When it comes to social beauty experiences, London Grace is one of the most welcoming we’ve ever come across. Housing both a nail and cocktail bar, this cosy hideaway is the perfect place for a proper manicure and a lengthy catch-up over a Sipsmith gin ‘n’ tonic. Reflecting the founder’s ‘social beauty’ concept, treatment tables can be booked for one, two, or a whole group, while coffee, cocktails and nibbles will be brought to you until 10pm. The brand uses its own nail lacquers, which boast a supreme shade range and are void of any chemical nasties, while pedicures are performed dry to stay kind to the planet and eliminate water-borne germs.

London Grace (2)

Why: For an extra-special occasion, book the private ‘Grace Space’ in the brand’s Putney location for a decadent afternoon tea or even a bottomless brunch. Don’t need your nails topping up? Just pop in for a slice of red velvet and a natter – these girls are always happy to see you.

Where: 26 Putney High Street, London SW15 1SL and 107 Clapham High St, SW4 7TB

For a Beautiful Afternoon Tea: Balthazar Bobbi Brown Tea

Bobbi Brown at Balthazar (1)

What: Covent Garden’s famously decadent Balthazar has teamed up with beauty queen Bobbi Brown to offer a very special afternoon tea. Accompanying the restaurant’s fabled sandwiches and scones is a collection of beautitiful cakes and desserts inspired by the make-up artist’s most beloved creations: there’s a feather-light mousse inspired by the Vintage Red lipstick, a Foundation Stick of chocolate, praline and passionfruit, and even a redcurrant Pot Rouge macaroon, complete with lemon chantilly.

Bobbi Brown at Balthazar (2)

Why: Team all this with Bobbi’s Tequila Blanco cocktail and you’ve got a pretty perfect afternoon.

Where: Balthazar, 4-6 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ

For a Waxing and Waffles: The Beauty Block Chelsea 

The Beauty Block

What: Chelsea’s shiny-new Beauty Block takes all the pain out of that pre-summer waxing treatment. This revolutionary lifestyle concept houses a Browhaus eyebrow salon, Ministry of Wax treatment rooms, and artisanal café A Wanted Man. There’s a Wild West theme to bring the fun factor, and a zero-awkwardness mantra that will ease those wax-phobics through the door.

Why: Book yourself in for those pre-beach treatments, then settle down in the café for a very length brunch – the sourdough waffle with salted peanut cream is not to be rushed.

Where: The Beauty Block Chelsea, 330 King’s Road, London SW3 5UR

For a Sophisticated Spa Date: The Mondrian Agua Spa

The Mondrian Agua Spa

What: If you don’t know the Mondrian’s stunning Agua spa, get to know now. The treatment list is loaded with innovative, super-fun offerings that shake up the usual massage and facial routine.

Why: Our top recommendation for a girly night is the Mud Party, which involves a deep-cleansing Glamglow mud mask for up to 15 friends, champagne cocktails all round, and even one of the brand’s cult facial products to take home.

Where: Mondrian London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD