Fab Things To Do During Dry (ish) January
Ah January, here you are again. The cliched month of resolutions, healthy eating, regular workouts and the dreaded month of… *whispers* Dry January. I personally am not partaking this year - you can’t train for a marathon without running – but I know a lot of people are. To me the days are cold and short enough without not being able to enjoy a glass of champers on a Saturday night. However, jokes aside, I do try to limit my alcohol intake to only a couple of times a week, especially after enjoying a very festive December. And I can’t lie, I do feel better for it. One thing I have noticed, though, is that us Brits tend to organize events where a tipple is at the centre point. I mean, who doesn’t love a bottomless brunch? I do think though, we don’t give London enough credit for all the cool things she has to offer – completely alcohol-free!
So in the spirit of Dry(ish) January, I’ve compiled a list of my top fun things to do in the capital and wake up as fresh as a daisy.
I honestly didn’t understand the hype until I partook in one of these a few years ago. I took some friends to Soho Farmhouse and there was this small little trailer in one of the courtyards. When we were making dinner reservations, the receptionist mentioned it was all part of their Escape Room Experience and highly recommended it. I loved it! It’s part brain-power, part intuition. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, if it wasn’t for my child-genius friend Fran, we’d probably still be stuck in there – two years later. So if you fancy a riddle, try out these spots below:
· The Crystal Maze Live Experience
Who remembers the iconic episode of Sex and The City where Samantha makes sushi for Smith and waits for him to come home, covered in said sushi? Complete Wasabigate! Nevertheless, I have taken a liking to the idea of making your own sushi ever since. What a brilliant way to spend the day with friends or your significant other. You even get to go home with a doggy bag! So if it’s sushi time and you’re feelin’ fine, get rollin’ here:
· Sozai
If you know me, you know I am slightly obsessed with fragrances – scented candles (insert link to the xmas gift guide for candles), my beloved Auction Direct flowers and of course, the kind I get to dab behind my ear. I’ve mentioned before that, after my evening (okay sometimes afternoon, won’t fib) bath I always spritz on some perfume before I get into my PJs. So imagine how much workshops like these excite me. I’d be absolutely delighted if someone gave me this as a gift! If this sounds as good as it smells, check out these places:
· The Experimental Perfume Club
Puppy Yoga
Back in 2020, just before Panny-D hit, I was privileged enough to attend a PR event that involved an hour of… wait for it… PUPPY YOGA. If I say it was probably one of the best days of my life, I’m not joking. In case you are wondering, they are:
1. Getting Snoop for my 30th birthday
2. Puppy yoga in question
3. Finding my Jimmy Choo sparkly boots in the sales for a fraction of the price
Oh, and my wedding day. OBVS. (oops)
It is the absolute perfect feel-good, booze-free way to spend an afternoon. Word of warning: don’t try to leave with a puppy in your gym bag. I can confirm that it’s frowned upon. Here’s where you can get your paws (geddit) on tickets:
There are a few things I can be pretty good at. They include: Throwing a party, shade, and shapes on the dancefloor. Does that last statement show my age? If you nodded, then joke’s on you. It’s actually defined in the (bible of cool) Urban Dictionary as “the act of forming shapes in the air with one’s hands and arms”. So. But I digress. What I am not good at, however, is axe throwing. Never have been, never will. Nevertheless, a lot of my friends love it and it’s one of those activities that has taken the capital by storm. So if this sounds like your jam, here are some places to sink that bullseye:
Pamper Day
I mean, is there anything better? New year, new you etc…so change up your hairstyle with something fresh, go for that pedicure to pamper your feet after hours on the dancefloor over the silly season, get a massage or treat your skin to a facial. I love love love a day of beauty and here are my go-tos:
· Michael at Spa Nails for the most gorge nail designs
· Elemis spa for the deepest, most relaxing massage in the land
· Michaela Bolder at Natali Kelly clinic to make my skin positively glow with her signature facial
· Lucy and Annie at Larry King to get my tresses looking shiny and fresh
And if you prefer an at home experience the Rubby app, Treatwell and Secret Spa are all fab. There’s nothing better than having a massage and then getting straight into bed!
Ohh this spot is divine. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of London. A maze of different swimming pools from salt baths to ice baths. It is the ultimate relaxation spot. And on top of that, you can book in for an array of treatments. I recommend the salt scrub. You lay on a warm marble slab whilst being scrubbed by a therapist with a combination of salt and oils. You’ll never have felt so silky smooth.
Remember that time when my 5 Faves included a pair of glittery rollerblades from Zara? They may or may not be the reason behind my newfound obsession with rollerskating. That, and the fact that it combines fun and fitness, making it the ideal booze-free activity… unless you fancy a broken wrist! Still not convinced? How about this: legendary US rink Flippers have recently partnered with Usher to open their first UK-based rink and rumour has it the man himself pops in frequently. Here’s where to get your skates on:
· Flippers
Think of yourself as a quintessential culture vulture? The capital certainly delivers when it comes to museums and art galleries where you can fully immerse yourself. I particularly love the TATE Modern. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, it is the perfect place to appreciate some of Britain’s best art – all for free! Other fantastic museums and galleries include:
One of the first things I did after the COVID restrictions lifted, was attend a West End Show. They feature some of the very best talent in the world and after many months of not being able to perform, theater lovers rushed back to see their faves back in action. It’s a great night out – or grab some discount matinee tickets if you can – and immerse yourself in the magic of performance. I have seen quite a few but these ones are my *chef’s kiss*:
· Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at Aldwych Theatre
· The Lion King at The Lyceaum Theatre
· Pretty Woman at The Piccadilly Theatre
Christmas may be well and truly over, but that doesn’t mean to stop having a blast. Whether you have decided to go teetotal for the month of January, or are simply being more conscious of how much you drink, I think the key is to never stop living life. I won’t lie, waking up on a Sunday morning without a fuzzy head feels pretty damn good.
Cheers to January!
Love,
Lisa