The Coolest London Pop-Ups This Summer
There’s nowhere quite like London in the summertime. From the sprawling parks to the glistening Thames, summer makes our beautiful city even more entrancing. And nobody does nightlife quite like us Londoners. From beaches on rooftops to tropical paradise’s in the heart of the city, the innovative choice of London Pop-Up venues are guaranteed to whisk you away from the smog of the sidewalks and into another world. Here’s my pick of London’s coolest Pop-Ups this summer.
Barsmith Goes Tiki
Grab your grass skirt and head down to Barsmith Goes Tiki this summer for the most exotic of pop-ups. The popular Farringdon bar has gone all hula as it hosts a Tiki Pop-Up from June until the end of August. With decor designed by acclaimed stylist Gemma Evans, there’s nothing tacky about the transformation of this upmarket bar. We particularly love the carved Tiki Gods that watch as you sip specially created cocktails, all made from house-infused spirits. The Tiki menu boast mouthwatering dishes Puhelo short ribs, Huli Huli chicken wings (amaaaazing) and spicy pineapple fritters, as well as Tiki pizzas such as the Pacifico Prawn and Kauai, topped with tangy chicken. The bar’s regular 2-4-1 cocktail offer from 8-10pm on weekdays has been extended from 7-11pm, so you’ve plenty of time to test out all seven of the special Tiki cocktails (rum heaven!). The pop-up has already become a haunt for some famous faces including the cast of Made in Chelsea, so you can do a bit of star-spotting while you’re there. Use the hashtag #DoYouTiki during your visit for the chance to win prizes like £100 bar tabs and a famous Treasure Chest cocktail.
Ladies & Gentlemen Rum Boat – Kings Cross
Wood’s Navy Rum is raising a ‘tot’ to the warm weather with their summer pop-up. Open now until 30th July, Wood’s in conjunction with Kentish Town’s Ladies & Gentlemen bar, have sailed their ship into King’s Cross with their very own working barge and two pop-up sheds offering Wood’s cocktails, accompanied by tastes of the sea from the London Shell Co. Cocktail bar Ladies & Gentlemen will showcase a Wood’s Navy Rum menu with twists on traditional cocktail classics including the Mai Tai, Pina Colada Slushy and Zombie in the Wood’s. These will be offered alongside a range of innovative serves such as the Jungle Bird Twist, a mix of Wood’s Navy Rum, Jamaican rum, pineapple, orgeat, lemon and house aperitif blend, and the perfect concoction of sweet and sour from the Out of the Wood’s cocktail – combining Wood’s Navy Rum, absinthe, lime, sugar, dry curacao and amaro di angostura.
Those looking to explore London’s weaving canal network can book tickets to enjoy an hour-long tour on the Wood’s barge. Tickets are available here and are priced at £15 per person for the tour, (the price includes a Wood’s cocktail).
Montague Beach Bar
Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for flip-flops and island living at Bloomsbury’s very own Beach Bar, returning to The Montague at the Gardens this summer. The luxury hotel is bringing the colourful and lively Beach Bar installation back to its outdoor Wood Deck area after a triumphant introduction to the London Pop-Up bar and dining scene last year. Visitors relax in the Bahamian beach setting, complete with real sand underfoot and a beach-hut style thatched roof, while they ingest the delicious menu of tropical cocktails and barbequed burgers. The Montague Beach Bar runs until 24th September but you’re encouraged to call the hotel and check availability ahead of dropping in. Opening times are midday until 10pm, every day. Individuals or groups of up to 10 should call 020 7637 1001 and for groups of 10 or more people, or for private hire, call 020 7612 8411 or email meetmt@rchmail.com.
Rum Festival at The Jam Tree
It seems this summer is all about rum when it comes to a London Pop-Up! Throughut July, the Jam Tree venues in Clapham and Chelsea will transport Londoners to the sunshine and laid-back feel of the Caribbean and the verve of Latin America with a brand-new rum festival. Rum is the perfect summer tipple, from cocktail-friendly white rums to the beguiling navy spice, the free and month-long festivities will be a summery celebration of the spectrum and versatility of this spirit in an array of fascinating events. Rum will also infuse everything from the barbecue menu and cocktails to the vibrant décor. Music Concierge have devised a summery soundtrack of Reggae, Ska, Salsa and Soukous which will drift through the venues and out into their sunny gardens.
With an extensive rum list featuring new and unusual rums from around the globe, available to try at all price levels, this new festival will give the delicious spirit the attention that it
deserves. Cheers!
City Garden Bar
City Garden Bar has teamed up with Belvedere Vodka to launch their Sunset Sessions – playing out 37 floors above London at the Sky Bar. The sessions will bring some of the UK’s most up and coming musicians for a line-up of evenings not to be missed at this exciting London Pop-Up. Running every Wednesday to Saturday from until September, from 6.30pm on weekdays and 9.30pm on Saturdays; setting the tone will be fresh-out-the-box live music courtesy of ALR Music and exclusive guest performers. The stunning new City Garden Bar is an all-day drinking and dining space, situated amongst the impressive gardens and offering the most incredible City views.
- What’s your favourite London Pop-Up this summer? Let us know and we will check it out for our readers!
