When it comes to summertime, the weather can be quite unpredictable; but one thing that isn’t unpredictable is the UK’s smashing spread of pop-ups. Come rain or sunshine, we can bank on an abundance of fun things to do... which is why we got in touch with DesignMyNight. We asked them for the top 10 up and down the country, which will see you catching your favourite flicks to the backdrop of Cardiff Castle, playing croquet on a car park turned rooftop bar and attending Europe’s largest chicken wing festival.
The BBQ Club - London
The BBQ Club is a staple in London’s ever-changing pop-up scene and it’s back again this summer with more DIY plates and cooking sessions. Their open-air wooden cabin is situated on the banks of the Thames too, so you can toast to your excellent cooking skills with a wonderful view, all the while grilling maple smoked sea trout, lamb cutlets and spiced ginger and lemongrass chicken kebabs over red hot embers.
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The hottest day on record took place in July and if the end of the summer is going to follow the same suit, you need to take note of Fulham Beach Club. This sandy pop-up is made up of pastel-coloured booths, comfortable day beds, shuffleboard lanes - not to mention an area for crazy golf and prosecco pong. It might not be a real beach but it’s just as good, with tickets starting from as little as £5.
The Luna Cinema - Cardiff
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The Luna Cinema is back with a myriad of movies this summer, and even more beautiful locations. Make your way to Cardiff Castle this September and you’ll get to watch from a choice of not one, but three different movies, all to the backdrop of the Medieval landmark.
As always, you can bring your own picnic (just remember that tinnies are welcome but no glasses) and there will be hot food stands and bars dispensing cold drinks if you feel like arriving empty handed.
Skylight - London
Skylight is a perfect example of recycling at its best. Once an old car park, this sky-high destination in Wapping is now one of London’s most popular pop-ups. Entry is free all year round and there are two lawn games to get stuck into before you decide to study the skyline. Costing as little as £15 for a lane, all you need to decide is pétanque or croquet.
The Rum Shack - London
A slice of the Carribbean has made its way to Camden via York & Albany. Situated in the hotel’s hidden courtyard, find the private entrance and you’ll be welcomed by an intimate beach shack complete with a straw roof and stretches of bamboo sticks. Make yourself at home for the two hour slot as you dine on rum and tamarind wings, mojito-style prawn skewers and Bacardi cocktails.
Midnight Apothecary - London
Sustainability has never been so important, so why not do some good on your next night out by grabbing a ticket to Midnight Apothecary. This gorgeous pop-up was voted one of the most sustainable in the world - their drinks are made using plants grown in the rooftop garden and with ingredients foraged close by, and they have an open campfire where you can toast your own marshmallows. The ideal date night? Most definitely.
Dalloway Terrace - London
Dalloway Terrace is known for revamping its alfresco space in accordance with the seasons, and they’ve just unveiled another stunning installation for 2019. Their summer pop-up channels the English countryside with silk cosmos, daisies and delphiniums winding across rushes of foliage. The menu is just as gorgeous with botanical cocktails and G&Ts that you can DIY with unique garnishes: rosemary, quince, dried apple and lemongrass.
The Glasshouse - London
London isn’t shy of famous landmarks and if you ever wanted to get up close and personal with the Gherkin, now’s the best time to visit. There’s a bar called IRIS that resides on level 40 of the building and they have installed a Glasshouse pop-up in conjunction with Perrier-Jouët. You need to make a booking before visiting, but your forward planning will result in sweeping 360 degree views of the capital in a gorgeous, botanical oasis.
The Lawn Club - Manchester
Manchester welcomed back The Lawn Club this summer and it’s been a massive hit with city dwellers since opening at the start of June. The alfresco space is home to a rotating roster of street food, and a menu of refreshing drinks to tackle any heatwave; think pints of craft beer and zingy cocktails. With hanging seats and live acoustic sets from local talent, you won’t find a better place to chill in the sun.
London Wing Fest - London
Summer is over on 23 September and if there’s one pop-up that will help you see it out with a mighty bang, it’s London Wing Fest. It’s bringing Europe’s biggest chicken wing festival to England and there’s a whopping 35 traders taking part. It’s also up to you to download their app and vote for your favourite bite, in a bid to crown the winner of the foodie extravaganza. With fairground rides, bourbon masterclasses and eating competitions, you’ll leave wishing it were around for more than just one weekend.
For more information on London’s best pop-ups, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
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