Freezing cold commutes to works, wind-battered faces, red noses and wave after wave of flu; it's an all-too-familiar experience for us Londoners. But it doesn't have to be all Night Nurse and hot water bottles this winter. The city is full of great bars, pop-ups and events that offer the perfect escape from the unrelenting frost. Whether you're grabbing a tropical cocktail at a Tiki bar or drifting away with the waves at a beach party, relief from this gritty weather is only a tube ride away. Here are 5 ways to escape the winter and celebrate the summer in London.
Tropicana Beach Club, Covent Garden
The late-great George Michael bestowed a number of gifts upon us. But perhaps his greatest gift was his prophecy of 1983; a place of 'Fun and Sunshine', where a smile was enough to gain entry and strangers welcomed you from 'beneath their panamas'. Enter Tropicana Beach Club. Though the smile part isn't quite true, guests at this Covent Garden spot are treated to a distinctive tropical theme and an infectious, party atmosphere. Think beach-limbo, palm trees and exotic cocktails.
Despite the rumours, drinks aren't free, but London's icy winds are a distant memory at the Tropicana Beach Club.
Barrio, Brixton
Forget South American spirit, the team at Barrio in Brixton are on a completely different level of energy compared to the rest of London. The restaurant-bar-club is full of surprises and feels a world away from the damp, greyscale weather on display outside. The food menu's traditional recipes and fresh ingredients will transport guests to the sun-baked streets of Peru, while the signature cocktails, colourful decor and ace DJ sets maintain a carefree vibe all night long. Everything clicks into place here and offers the ideal spot to escape London when the weather starts to bite.
From the spice-heavy menu to the colourful walls, the atmosphere at Barrio will leave you with a beaming smile.
Little Nan's Tropical Den, Peckham
Little Nan's Tropical Den is one of those places that's ridiculous and brilliant in the same breath. As soon as you step foot inside the door, the colourful antiques and mismatched furniture are enough to knock you off your feet. Behind the tiny ornaments and Pat Butcher memorabilia sits a tropical theme, ready to engulf everyone that enters. Maybe we're getting carried away with ourselves, maybe the mantra of the den is rubbing off on us; either way, you won't be thinking about the cold weather.
Perfect for any Pat Butcher fan, the bizarre mix of ornaments and antiques will leave you smiling.
Tropical Sunday, The Forge
The Forge in Camden draws in guests from across the city with its promise of delicious Latin American street food, fresh cocktails and great live entertainment. Filled with colourful furniture and a laid-back air about the place, the venue offers an escape from the rain and frost this January, showcasing all the best things about the world of Latin, rumba, salsa and urban music at their Tropical Sunday event. DJ Carlitos Niño and the Son Melao Orquesta will be in charge of proceedings here, mixing together modern musical influences with a number of classic Latin American tracks.
The energy that courses through the veins of Forge will undoubtedly lift you out of any winter slump.
Kanaloa, Holborn
Central London is by no means short of tiki-themed venues, but Kanaloa is unquestionably near the top of the pile. The team behind this venue have gone far beyond the usual bamboo-heavy decorations, filling their site with a canopy of thick palm trees, cosy beach huts and wood-carved features. Unfazed by the usually threatening combination of fire and booze, the bartenders flair together a medley of flamboyant cocktails, created using an arsenal of fresh fruit, spices and international spirits. Forget huddling over a bowl of hot soup; lose yourself at this Polynesian paradise in the heart of London.
Careful not to burn yourself; the bartenders at Kanaloa create a fun-loving holiday vibe with their palate-pleasing cocktails.
