If you’re tired of doing the same old thing every night of the week, check out these fresh ideas for a fun evening out.
Gentle Nights Out
Stitch & Bitch
What is it: What started as a few friends getting together to knit and natter has transformed into a nationwide movement to get the needles out in public venues. Experts are often on hand to teach newbies the basic skills.
Who goes? Crafty boys and girls.
» Sign up for the newsletter and locations of meetings at stitchandbitchlondon.co.uk
Tea Dances
What is it: They’re a throwback to the ’20s, when it was ”simply darling” to grab a partner and dance to a live band, then take a break for a proper afternoon tea.
Who goes? Those who can’t let go of the good ol’ days – even if they were born in the ’80s
» Finsbury Old Town Hall, Rosebery Ave, EC1R 4RP, (ragrooftheatre.co.uk). £3-£6.
» Royal Opera House, 7 Bow St, WC2E 7AH. £10.
The Book Club
What is it: Probably not like any book club you’ve been to, this brand new venue is actually a renovated Victorian warehouse in Old Street. It’s open during the day for food and drink, and also offers a nightly programme of storytelling, poetry, discussion and all things cultural.
Who goes? Literature lovers who are sick of keeping quiet in the library.
» 100 Leonard St, ECA 4RH Old Street (wearetbc.com).
Alternative Clubs
Bring Stuff
What is it: The people behind Bring Stuff organise social events with random fancy dress themes with the aim of introducing “people who like dressing up, making costumes, dance badly and have fun”.
Who goes? Spontaneous dress-ups enthusiasts.
» Sign up for the mailing list for future events at bringstuff.com.
Bar Surya
What is it: The UK’s first eco-club gives you a good reason to boogie all night long. The club’s owners claim the dance floor actually harnesses dancers’ movements and converts them into usable electricity. Whether the venue actually does anything significant for the green movement is up for debate, but patrons are asked to sign a pledge to work towards curbing climate change.
Who goes? Greenies tired of sitting in the dark to save energy.
» 146 Pentonville Rd, N1 9JL King’s Cross (020 7713 6262). £10 entry, but if you can prove you cycled, took public transport or walked to the club, the cover charge is waived.
Roller Disco
What is it: Part disco, part roller rink, this is the only place that neon leg warmers, alcohol and wheels legitimately go together.
Who goes? Anyone who’s nostalgic for either the disco movement or their childhood roller skates (main image).
» Renaissance Rooms, Miles St, SW8 1SD. Every Thu-Sat. £10-£15.
Take the stage
Spoken Word
What is it: Whether you fancy yourself as a poet performer or just like to listen and watch others, Spoken Word can be a night out with a difference. There’s often a decidedly political slant to the event, but lots of pieces are also comical.
Who goes? Poets against black berets and snapping fingers.
» See applesandsnakes.org for event listings.
Karaoke
What is it: London’s catching up to East Asia’s lead on the karaoke scene, and now boasts several ‘karaoke box’ venues, which means you can rent a private room for you and your friends to belt out songs without judgement.
Who goes? People who want to exercise their vocal cords but aren’t quite drunk enough to do it in public.
» Lucky Voice, 52 Poland St, W1F 7NH Oxford Circus (bars.luckyvoice.com) £20-£125. » Kbox, 7-9 Cranbourn St, WC2H 7AG Leicester Square (k-box.co.uk) £20-£150
