Quirky places to hang out, eat and drink this winter

MIKEY WILLIAMS GUIDES US THROUGH SOME OF LONDON’S QUIRKY AND LESSER-KNOWN HANGOUT SPOTS THIS WINTER

The days of sunshine, long days and floral shirts are well and truly over now. No more jugs of river-side Pimms, or sitting in deckchairs on hip rooftops in East London.

That doesn’t mean the fun has to stop, though!

Here is a curated guide to London’s best student-friendly spots where you can hang out with friends, immerse yourselves in festive vibes, eat great food and maybe even partake in a warming, winter’s drink.

QUEEN OF HOXTON’S ROOFTOP

On top of this Hoxton nightclub lies a rooftop wigwam. It’s inspired by Grimm’s fairy tales, so expect the weird and wonderful – they even have a gingerbread house-inspired bar. Cocktails include The Golden Apple – a hot gingerbread & apple toddy that’ll warm your insides no matter how cold the evening is. For those of you who want to rediscover your inner child there will be events on throughout such as gingerbread house making and Christmas wreath making. Another option is to simply head downstairs to the basement club once the rooftop shuts.

Runs until March 2016, Mon. to Sat., 4pm – 10pm

1 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX

@_queenofhoxton_

TOKYO NIGHTS BY NIGHT TALES

Unless your student budget extends to a flight to Tokyo (somehow we doubt it) this new pop-up provides the next best thing, without leaving your overdraft out in the cold. What lies inside? Some of London’s best street food purveyors will be dishing out Japanese-inspired dishes. Patty&Bun will be putting a twist on the burger, whilst Walter & Monty will provide  chicken katsu wraps. There are also four bars – I’d bet a sake cocktail or Japanese 7 spice mulled cider would cure any homesick international UCL student.

Runs until December 19th, entry is free before 7pm, £3 after

Red Market, 288 Old Street, London EC1V 9DP

@NightTalesLDN

WINTERVILLE

In short, this is Winter Wonderland for grown-ups. It’s effectively a far better-priced and quirkier version of a London Christmas theme park. Attractions include an outdoor ice rink, Ferris wheel, Spiegeltent and food halls. Once you’ve necked a few hot buttered rums and eaten from some of London’s finest street food purveyors, you can move onto the party: exclusive gigs by XOYO’s Bugged Out (for only £5 entry!) will be on in the Spiegeltent. There are also events going on such as Musical Bingo, Shakespeare comedy nights and lots more. Check out the online programme – there’s literally something for everyone. Unless you’re a Scrooge, of course.

Runs from November 26 – December 23

Free entry

Victoria Park, E9

https://www.winterville.co.uk

SOLOMAN’S YARD

Close in proximity to campus, this 1920’s-inspired Camden pop-up will have street food, 3 themed cocktails bars and resident DJs performing into the late evening. Chill out to the likes of Grandmaster Flash and Norman Jay with a rum cocktail in one hand, a Duck Confit burger laden with truffle honey cheese in the other.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Runs until 19th December

Free entry on Thursdays, £5 otherwise

Middle Yard, Camden, NW1 8AB

https://www.solomonsyard.co.uk 

UNDERGROUND FILM CLUB AT THE VAULTS

A subterranean movie experience in a Victorian-era cavern sounds slightly more atmospheric than your usual trip to Cineworld. They’ll be screening cult classics as well as new releases such as CasablancaThe Big LebowskiWhiplashMad Max and more – the full programme is listed on their website. They’ve even elevated the normal offering of popcorn and soft drinks to cocktails and a quality food selection to enjoy while sat in your velvet seat. This is date night, with a twist.

Runs from 11- 29 November five nights a week

Waterloo Vaults, Launcelot Street, SE11 7AD

£15 per ticket

https://www.undergroundfilmclub.com/index.html