The essays are in, the exams are done and now there’s a whole summer stretching out in front of you. But how do you even begin to fill all that downtime? To give you a break from all that uni prep you’re no doubt throwing yourself into already, the DesignMyNight gang have put together some of the season’s hottest pop-ups, from rooftop fiestas and open-air cinemas, to canal cruises and urban escapes.
Skylight - London
Perched on top of Tobacco Dock, this sprawling pop-up makes for one of the best chill out spots in London this summer. Offering a range of activities to get involved with, including croquet and pétanque, and table bookings from as little as a tenner, it’s time to grab that gang and get your sip on, Skylight-style.
The Rum Shack - London
York & Albany are bringing you a slice of paradise with their unique rum shack experience. Teaming up with Bacardi, there’s a menu of innovative cocktails, and their selection of eats runs from Cuban sandwich bites to Mojito-style prawns. While £29 per person may seem like a splash, you’ll be getting your money’s worth with a full two-hour session in the luxury lodge.
Fulham Beach Club - London
A place to see and be seen, Fulham Beach Club is all about sun, sand and sipping. Taking up a stunning riverside location in West London it’s got all your seasonal pursuits wrapped up too with a mix of mini golf, bottomless brunches, shuffleboard, beer pong and even an outdoor cinema. And the best part? Entry is completely free on select weekdays, and only £5 on Fridays.
Queen of Hoxton - London
There’s a fiesta going down at Queen of Hoxton this season as East London’s ever-changing rooftop spot gives its latest makeover a Mexican twist. Taking inspiration from the country’s female Luchadores, this summer is going to be all about tequila-laced cocktails, blue corn tacos and some kick-ass party antics.
Alfred Le Roy - London
Head down to Hackney Wick where, for just ten humble pounds, you can bag yourself a spot on the ultimate Friday night booze cruise. Enjoy a two-hour journey through London’s waterways aboard the Alfred Le Roy, which of course boasts a very well-stocked bar and some very snazzy cocktails, so on-deck drinks are always on the menu.
Love Island Screening - Liverpool
It’s time to put all those eggs in one basket and get yourself down to Chavasse Park this July where you’ll find immersive Love Island screening that looks as good in real life as it does on paper. With tickets for less than £15, you’ll be able to catch outdoor screenings, sip on themed cocktails and even chill around the iconic firepit before the after parties kick off with appearances from some of your favourite former Islanders.
The Luna Cinema - Cardiff
Taking over the grounds of Cardiff Castle, The Luna Cinema are bringing some of your favourite movies back to the big screen. Enjoy some cool, open-air screenings of Bohemian Rhapsody, Mamma Mia and Monty Python’s Life of Brian; the perfect way to do a summer date night, or get your mates together for a chilled one.
Wing Fest - London
Did someone say, ‘£1 wings’? Get your chicken-loving butts over to the Queen Elizabeth Park and celebrate the end of summer with some of the best bites in London. Bringing together 35 of the country’s finest wing traders, Wing Fest will see them battling it out to win the title of Best Buffalo Wing and Best Wild Wing in all the land.
Espresso Martini Society - London
With two sold-out series already under their belts, the Espresso Martini Society are back in Soho with some very summery takes on your favourite cocktail. From frozen versions of the classic, to boozy frappes and a negroni espresso martini, grab yourself entry from just £10 and explore the delights on offer at this Poland Street pop up.
The Lawn Club - Manchester
For the quintessential British summertime experience Hardman Square’s Lawn Club offers an oasis of alfresco drinking and street eats seven days a week. Bag yourself a deck chair on the green and get stuck into craft beers, cocktails and live acoustic sets from local musicians. And for an extra little perk, sign up to their mailing list and you could snag yourself a complimentary drink on your first visit.
For more info on what’s on summer pop-ups in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
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