Summer has arrived and for once, it actually feels like it; the sun is the sky, the Pimms is flowing and every man in Clapham has taken his t-shirt off. Summer also means that peak pop-up season is upon us, and those party animals at DesignMyNight have rounded up the best summer servings from rooftop suntraps to riverside chill-out spots.

 

1. Moonshine Saloon

From the team behind prison cocktail experience Alcotraz, this new Fulham pop-up is doing the absolute most to take you from well-swept West London, to the mean streets of the Wild West. Pitch up with your own bottle of ‘moonshine’ for some bespoke cocktail shaking and cowboy looks, but prepare for Sheriff-dodging, card sharks and a fully immersive evening.

 

2. The BBQ Club

The mention of barbecues tends to evoke memories of undercooked sausages and 5pm hangovers, but pop-up king Jimmy Garcia is changing the game with his summer grill shack. With views overlooking the river, The BBQ Club is bringing the DIY charm of a summer barbie with the added bonus of fresh, seasonal ingredients that weren’t pillaged from the Tesco reduced section.

 

3. Nomad Cinema

Check out Nomad Cinema for open-air screenings with some serious heart. Popping up everywhere from Queens Park to the Brompton Cemetery, their selection of movies range from Four Weddings to The Bride Of Frankenstein, with every pound of their profits donated to charity.

 

4. Skylight

They’ve got croquet, they’ve got cocktails and they’ve got some cracking views of the London skyline – Skylight is set to be your summer rooftop destination this year. This dreamy suntrap at Tobacco Dock offers bookable areas perfect for birthday parties, and even courts for a few games of classic French lawn game, pétanque.

 

5. Fulham Beach Club

A one-stop-shop for for drinking, dancing, feasting and even beach yoga, head to this gorgeous summer pop-up on the sunny shores of Fulham. The Neverland gang have outdone themselves this time, opening up a taste of the tropics right next to the Thames so you can treat yourself to a nice little staycation.

 

6. Pitch Stratford

A seasonal pop-up for the party animals among us, Pitch Stratford is the all-singing, all-dancing summer fling you’ve been looking for. From open-air film nights on their 192-inch screen, to all-day Spice Girls-themed parties, it’s a must-visit for those who aren’t afraid to let their hair down.

 

7. Queen of Hoxton

A go-to for the cream of the East London crop, the Queen of Hoxton is back once again with a stellar rooftop offering. This summer they’re offering you a glimpse into the near future with their ‘Lost Vegas’ theme that sees jungle foliage creeping over the Little Vegas Wedding Chapel, Elvis impersonators and a selection of tasty cocktails and vegan-friendly food.

 

8. Summertime: The Pool Party Series

It’s time to dust off that old swimming cozzie as summer has arrived and it’s headed straight for Greenwich’s Studio 338. This series of epic pool parties will feature the best tunes from garage through to reggae, getting you in the mood for cocktails, street food and pool floats in the glorious sunshine.

 

9. The Enchanted Garden

Back for another the year, the Last Days of Shoreditch team have crafted a magical garden kingdom for all your drinking and dancing needs. The pop-up will be hosting all manner of events from top DJ nights to World Cup screenings. And if you’re looking for something a little more low key, then it’s also a fabulous spot for spending a warm summer evening with a few beers and some tasty street food.

 

10. Urban Jungle

This year will be the last chance to catch Old Street favourite The Magic Roundabout in full summer mode, but they’re having one big old blowout to say goodbye. With floral photobooths, a working waterfall and as much palm-print as you can handle, it’ll be more than just quiet chilling that goes on here as DJs from top London venues like the Egg and XOYO make their appearances.

 

By Olivia Cheves

For more info on what’s on in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.

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