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8 Ways to Socialise That Don’t Involve Bars or Restaurants

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants
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Take advantage of the city’s limitless opportunities to socialise with these alternative options for a night out with friends

Words Sabrina Nunez

When planning ways to socialise, the default restaurant or bar options have lost their lustre. They’re fallback options for a reason: either we’re too lazy to look for something else, or we don’t even know where to begin. Luckily, London is a city bursting with strange pop-ups, amazing fitness class and food combos, and every kind of festival imaginable. Here are the cool outings we’re booking in now…

GLAMOUR ROOM SPA DAY

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants

Serenity, minimalism and chic interiors unite at the Mondrian London’s Agua Bathhouse and Spa. While a spa day to yourself is surely a treat, booking one in with friends makes it much more fun. The Glamour Room would be ideal for a birthday, a hen-do, or even just a weekend wind down.

You can enjoy a mani and pedi over champagne, or bump it up to include a facial and an ice cream sundae. If you and your friends are really looking to indulge, the deluxe treatment includes champagne cocktail and canapés, steambath mud pack, mani/pedi, mud mask and eye treatment, brow consultation and shape, make-up session, blow-dry and is topped off with a sundae. Each package also includes a spa treat or two for you to take home.

morganshotelgroup.com

PETER AND BAMBI HEAVEN – UNDERBELLY CABARET

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants

For a night full of tricks and treats, Gypsy Wood and Asher Treleaven will grace the stage as their on-stage alter egos Bambi and Peter Heaven. The duo are bringing a cabaret and variety show full of magic and comedy to London on 18 and 19 July for the Underbelly Festival in Southbank. Expect high energy, utter delusion, sequins and nonstop entertainment as the two put on a magic variety show that will leave you in stitches.

underbellyfestival.com

ESCAPE ROOMS

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants

Popular in the States, these have made their way across the ocean and are quickly gaining traction. The capital is home to several different options, many lasting about an hour with teams ranging from 2-6 people, making it the perfect date night or team building exercise. High-pressure situations, cool themes and tested friendships are what you can expect with the escape rooms. With themes ranging from Harry Potter to Pharaoh’s tomb and casino nights, there are enough to fill your social calendar.

escaperooms.co.uk

WILDERNESS FESTIVAL

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants

Music festivals are undoubtedly popular places to socialise, so they’ve started to incorporate more activities and events to slot in between concerts. Wilderness is one of the biggest and best at finding the perfect balance between music and wellness. Wilderness has archery, fly fishing, swimming, nature walks, horse riding, barre, and every type of yoga you could ever imagine. The programme also hosts talks and debates, workshops and theatrical performances. Running from 3-6 August, it promises to be a weekend full of chances to socialise.

wildernessfestival.com

CITY ACADEMY

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants

If the creative and performing arts are calling your name, City Academy is the place to go. With classes in various styles of dance, music, art, comedy, drama, writing, singing, photography and filmmaking, you could explore your interests and meet new people along the way. City Academy allows you to build on your talents and develop confidence. All levels are welcome, so whether it’s a one-off or something more serious, you have the ability to learn and practise as much as you’d like.

city-academy.com

FRAME RAVE

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants

Sunrise yoga at the park and running clubs with your colleagues are great, but nowhere near as exciting as the workout, you’ll get at Frame Rave. Cardio, beats and moves – Frame Rave promises all the fun of a night out, but with leggings instead of bodycon dresses and a rush of endorphins instead of a hangover. Wrangle up your mates, don your nightclub/athleisure hybrids and get ready to sweat.

moveyourframe.com

BAKING CLASSES

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or RestaurantsPerfect your pastries and frost with finesse after taking a baking course or two. Unleashing your inner baker is the perfect way to relieve stress, plus you get dessert. Classes are themed, letting you decide if you want to become a French patisserie master or chocolate connoisseur. Maria’s courses aren’t just about spending time in her kitchen following her recipes, they’re about teaching you the art of baking so that you can go home to recreate the masterpieces on your own. Stretchy trousers not included.

bakewithmaria.com

PAINT JAM LONDON

8 Ways to Socialise That Don't Involve Bars or Restaurants

If you’ve ever wanted to flex your painting muscle, Paint Jam supports desire with monthly themed events. Set against the pulsating beats of a DJ, art comes to life at this workshop that also has a bar. Pop art, graffiti, abstract and life painting are just a few of the themes available. Paint Jam also does after dinner art complete with a three-course meal, art meditation and an arty tea party.

paintjamlondon.co.uk

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