February gets a bad wrap. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, the Christmas splurge still has you feeling the pinch. And no, you still won’t see sunlight before 7am for another month. But, every February rain cloud has a silver lining, right? Have you ever wanted to take a trip down the Thames in the belly of an orca whale? Or attend an immersive, underground ball? Maybe all-you-can-eat dim sum or romantic cocktails are more your scene? Whatever your taste, there’s an array of incredible things to do in February thanks to this top selection, courtesy of DesignMyNight.
1. Tuck Into a Gourmet Pizza Menu
Fine dining meets casual munching at this pizza party with a difference. Taste-test six different dough and topping combinations, from the fried ‘Fritta’ with crudo of tuna, turnip tops, chilli and bergamot, to the Dolce dough with sheep’s ricotta, pistachio, lemon and chocolate. If you feel a pizza craving taking over, forgo the greasy takeaway in favour of this altogether more debonair offering.
2. Attend The Bleeding Heart Ball
Lacking in a Valentine? Screw it, lose yourself to wondrous singledom at this immersive anti-Valentine’s ball at The Vaults instead. The twin cannons of Gipsy Disco and Shotgun Carousel invite you to revel alongside the companionless with gipsy folk and brass bands, cabaret acts, tarot readings and even a life-drawing room.
3. Travel Down the Thames in a Giant Killer Whale
Get inside the head of the one of the natural world’s most deadly killers, literally. Find yourself behind the wheel of an 18-foot long killer whale Seabreacher, as you weave your way around the Royal Victoria Dock. Ideal for adrenaline-junkies, this unique, high-octane adventure will let you reach speeds of 60mph, dive six feet underwater and turn donuts across the Thames.
4. Watch Pretty Woman in a 1950’s Ballroom
The perfect Valentine’s Day night out whether you’re on a date, or just hanging out with some pals, this pop-up screening of the Julia Roberts classic, Pretty Woman, will have you coming over all soppy. Held at South East London’s gorgeous Rivoli Ballroom, it’s one of a series of fun pop up cinema events the venue is hosting throughout February.
5. Go to Craft Beer Rising
With 175 breweries flogging their wares this year, Craft Beer Rising 2018 is set to be the biggest yet. From established brewers like Gipsy Hill and Brixton, to the bright young things of the craft beer scene, this three-day festival is also the place to be for mouthwatering food and DJ sets from music industry heroes such as Don Letts, Daddy G and A Guy Called Gerald.
6. Eat Espresso Martini Pancakes
Combine the divine this pancake day as The Queen of Hoxton and sister venue The Book Club, bring you the ultimate espresso martini stack. Available from breakfast until dinner on February 13th, these Shoreditch hotspots will be piling up mountains of fluffy American pancakes, doused in an espresso, vodka and chocolate sauce and sandwiched together with a rich Kahlua cream. Sweet dreams truly are made of these.
7. Drink Cocktails at a Swanky Members’ Bar
Found where the infamous Pinstripe Club once stood, Soho’s Disrepute has a history steeped in scandal. The sordid tales that took place are revealed through the cocktails, each of which comes with its own short story of the characters that frequented the bar in its Sixties heyday. Perfect for an intimate rendezvous, Disrepute is indulgent with just a hint of depravity.
8. Make the Most of Winterland
Embrace the crisp cold of a February evening at this most magical of winter pop ups. Winterland returns for the month to bring you more igloo-dining, hot cocktails and plenty of frosty fun. Alongside curling, mini-golf and beer pong, a bespoke karaoke booth has been added to the site to help take your night out to a ear-shattering high.
9. Scoot to the Skies for GONG Bar
Enjoy cocktails for two at the highest bar in Western Europe. Located on the 52nd floor of The Shard, the views of the London skyline from GŎNG Bar are unparalleled. Sip on tipples from the bar’s ‘Director’s Cut’ cocktail menu, inspired by filmmakers from George Lucas to Sofia Coppola, accompanied by a selection of canapés and the finest panorama in the city.
10. Scoff all you can eat dim sum
We’ve all had fantasies about devouring our body weight in dumplings, and Ping Pong is making those dreams come true. Their All You Can Eat Lazy Sumday offers bottomless dim sum every Sunday, perfect for those hangovers that only prawn balls and honey-glazed ribs can kick. If the feeling takes you, there’s also the option to upgrade your meal to the bottomless prosecco variety, for the ultimate drink, dine and chill day.
For more info on the best things to do in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
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