From Wimbledon and the World Cup through to temperatures reaching more than 15 degrees, there's a lot to love about summer in the UK. And along with enjoying the nation's beer gardens, a whole host of enterprising individuals are creating unmissable pop-ups to make sure you get the most of the season. We asked nightlife pros DesignMyNight for ten of the best across the UK.
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Fulham Beach Club - London
It’s hot, it's sunny and you're stuck in London without a beach parasol in sight - or so you thought. Fulham Beach Club has transformed a stretch of Thames-side space into a beachy paradise. There's cocktails, deckchairs – there's even beach huts. Not much of a beach bum? The West London spot also has games and activities such as bottomless brunch, prosecco pong and shuffleboard.
Skylight - London
Summer and rooftops go together like Meghan and Harry, and our pick is Skylight in Tobacco Dock. Along with serving up gorgeous views of the city, the sky-high venue has a choice of games that make for a great group night out. Try your hand at Pétanque (a French version of bowls), or croquet, with sustenance coming from Greek pop-up Yiro and burger pros Flip Side.
The BBQ Club - London
An essential summer activity is given an upgrade at this London pop-up. Located in prime position on the South Bank, The BBQ Club takes over the top floor of a river-side building. Alongside alfresco dining, The DIY supper club has Big Green Egg BBQs built into tables, with guests cooking their own six-course feast. Forget charred burgers and dry sausages, the menu has been devised by TV chef Jimmy Garcia, with dishes such as lamb kebab and griddled apricots with honey mascarpone.
Nomad Cinema - London
From epic movies to stunning locations, Nomad Cinema is ticking all our boxes when it comes to a summer date night in London. The travelling film club pops up in gorgeous and atmospheric locations to add even more drama to movie watching. This year, stand-out screenings include Oscar-winning The Shape of Water at Hyde Park Lido, and 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein amongst the graves of Brompton Cemetery.
Laurent-Perrier Champagne Pop-Up - London
One of Central London’s better kept secrets, Icon Bar & Terrace has views over Leicester Square, a garden theme for the summer, and a steal of a Champagne deal. Part of the Empire Casino, the outdoor terrace has teamed up with Laurent-Perrier to offer three glasses of the renowned Champagne, either straight up or in a cocktail, for £23.
The Independent Festival Birmingham - Birmingham
Taking place over a July weekend, this Birmingham pop-up is bringing a hot mix of street food traders, live music, cocktail bars and independent traders. Held in the historic Aston Hall, the two-day festival celebrates Brum's quirky and talented vendors, with big names including The Meat Shack, award-winning gin bar 40 St Paul’s, and Michelin-Starred Hampton Manor.
Picturehouse Pop-Up - Brighton
Another cinema that's heading out for some fresh air is this pop-up run by Picturehouse. The cinema chain are taking over the picturesque Lewes Castle, about 30 minutes away from Brighton, for three evenings of iconic cinema. Bring your own cushions and blankets, lie back and watch either The Princess Bride, Dirty Dancing, or The Greatest Showman against a backdrop of turrets and castle walls. To add to the summertime atmosphere, picnics are welcomed and there’s a bar on site.
Rum Festival - Liverpool
Move over gin and step aside craft beer, it's time for rum to have its moment in the sun. Taking place at the Great Baltic House, Liverpool's Rum Festival is a fun way to discover more about the spirit. Taking you on a rum journey, experts dubbed 'Rumuns' will help you choose from the 100-strong collection; there will be talks, masterclasses, live music, and street food too.
The Two Anchors - Wales
You might think seafood on the beach is more suited to the likes of south Italy or a Greek island, but two brave Welsh chefs are taking on the Great British weather for this summer pop-up. The Two Anchors is cooking freshly caught fish and locally sourced meat on a fire pit on Ogmore Beach. While the menu will change according to what is available, expect dishes along the lines of cod cheek burgers, Goan fish curry and whole fillets cooked in butter. Keep an eye on their Twitter - and the weather forecast - for opening hours.
Festibowls - London
Bowls is leaving suburban greens behind and taking on the big city with this London summer pop-up. Festibowl is adding a healthy dose of partying to the iconic British game with a run of Friday events in Finsbury Square. Alongside being able to rent out your own lane for groups of up to eight, the event will be stocking icy beers, hosting street food stands and playing an awesome soundtrack to get your weekend started.
For more info on what’s on in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
