The team at
Event Academy are passionate people. Passionate about events naturally, but also passionate about where they spend their free time. They love to explore new places, sample exotic foods, find new drinking dens and above all keep ahead of the game when it comes to seasonal events in London.
We pride ourselves on being at the cutting edge of the event industry and have some of the best insights into what is hot and what is not!
So where would our team choose to visit in London over the winter months leading up to the festive Christmas season? Well, we asked a few of them and this is what they came up with in no particular order…
1.
Borough Market
Event Academy’s Course Director
Justine Kane, can’t resist this divine haven for food shopping & eating. Packed with British and international produce you’ll be sure to find something that excites your taste buds. When you’ve done shopping pick one of the fab cafés in which to grab a coffee and watch the world go by. When you leave, look up! There are great views of the Shard from the south side of the river!
2.
The Old Truman Brewery
Home to a bewildering array of pop-up shops, art galleries, markets, bars and restaurants it’s a favourite haunt of
Lorne Armstrong, Marketing Director for Ashdown. Lorne particularly enjoys the vibrant youth culture and off beat vibe. Be sure to check out
Rough Trade East definitely one of the coolest record shops in London.
3.
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
This funky venue opened its doors in 1953 and has more going on than ever before according to Event Academy’s Course Manager
Karin Pointner. It’s been a real East-End Working Men’s Club and now holds regular social events; some racy, others cultural and refined – but mostly wild, unhinged good-times. Wow – check it out for yourself and learn how to party…East End style!
4.
Karin also recommends
Brasserie Zédel
If you don’t go for the food (which is incidentally good and remarkably cheap) or the service (which is remarkably outstanding) then go for the historic Art Deco interior. Located just off Piccadilly Circus this establishment is simply beautiful and to add even more to your visit check out the Crazy Coqs Jazz performances.
5.
Oxo Tower
This restaurant, bar & brasserie is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and boasts one of the finest views of the City of London. Our Managing Director
Rupert FitzMaurice likes nothing better to sit back and enjoy the view with his favourite drink in hand! If you fancy splashing out why not book for dinner and sample some amazing pan-Asian or modern British cuisine.
6.
The Wapping Project
The Wapping Project is a gallery and exhibition space housed in a former Victorian hydraulic power station, with a restaurant and bar located in the old engine and turbine houses. Not your usual place to eat but great on atmosphere says our Digital expert,
Natalie Lloyd.
7.
Evan Evans Tours
If you are looking to pack in a shed load of sightseeing in London then a luxury coach tour could be the answer according to Kelly Kearley, our Event Assistant. You’ll get to see all the usual suspects such as Big Ben, Parliament Square and the West End while enjoying fascinating stories such as how the City’s Square Mile was nearly destroyed. With a tour of St Paul’s Cathedral and a traditional Pub lunch thrown in for good measure, you’ll be a London expert in no time!
8.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday (yes, EVERY Sunday despite the weather) this traditional East End street transforms into one huge haven for lovers of all things floral. You can buy cut flowers, bedding plants and if the mood takes you, a 10ft Banana Tree (apparently!). Cindy Sutherland, Student Services Manager for our event training courses can often be found here and recommends that you go try out the great cake shops that line the street.
9. Cindy also loves the boudoir luxury of
Beach Blanket Babylon
BBB (as it is known to those who frequent either of the two venues in the West End and East London) has the most opulently decorated interior. It really does have the feel of a Private Members Club but without requiring a membership. By day you can experience a cool, hip environment to relax in over traditional or continental breakfast or lunch, and at night you’ll be able to mix with beautiful people as the lights go down and the atmosphere becomes distinctly ‘glamorous’.
Each of the two venues has a variety of private rooms and event spaces, that are ideal for a decadent night, private dinners, parties and all manner of occasions and celebrations.
10.
Rebecca Sears, one of our most senior Lecturers recommends
Friday Late at the V&A Museum
If you are looking for something quirky, contemporary and free then this is the late night event for you. On the last Friday of each month (except December) you’ll be able to engage in Live performances, have access to cutting-edge fashion, take part in debates, and visit a variety of one-off displays and installations. All in one stunning venue.
So what about my favourite place to visit at Christmas? Well, it has to
Somerset House Ice Rink,
Described by the Sunday Times as “the coolest rink of them all” it combines Christmas Tradition with a really great fun experience (and let’s not forget that it is situated in the very heart of London at the most spectacular venue).
You can simply purchase a ticket to skate on the rink to a variety of different music genres, or you can opt for Skate Extras whereby you add on a meal package or Champagne & Chocolate (you can even book in for an overnight stay at the nearby
Savoy Hotel if you’re feeling like a bit of luxury!).
After your session on the rink you may want to wander round the pop-up shopping Mall aptly named
The Christmas Arcade, and purchase a last minute present for friends and family.
Booking early is essential as the rink gets very busy in the lead up to Christmas week.
If you are interested in becoming an event organiser yourself, why not visit our website and check out our courses. You can even try out our free taster course. Simply visit
eventcourse.com 
