Bogans, Sheilas, and even Poms can celebrate Australia Day with any of these events.
All you Waltzing Matildas best be ready for a party, because January 26th is Australia Day. Whilst it may be too cold to don the sunnies and thongs, we’ve found some bonzer places for you to spend the arvo!
1. Crosstown Doughnuts & Doughnut Time
The most delicious way to start Australia Day is obviously with a doughnut. Crosstown Doughnuts are bringing out two Aussie options, one of which is the Lamnut, their Lamington-inspired doughnut made with raspberry jam, dark chocolate, and coconut. The other is based on Australia’s favourite biscuit; the Tim Tam is a sourdough doughnut filled with chocolate custard, ganache, and bits of Tim Tams. You’ll find both at their Camden Market branch on January 26th and 27th, whilst stocks last.
Meanwhile, Australia’s favourite doughnut shop Doughnut Time are continuing their London takeover. They’ll be opening their new Notting Hill store on January 27th, and to celebrate, they’ll be giving away free doughnuts between 12 and 2pm. The range includes a new Julia Roberts-inspired flavour created by Great British Bake Off 2017 finalist Steven Carter-Bailey.
2. Draft House Paddington
If beer is more your kind of thing, Draft House have got you sorted. Their Paddington branch will be undergoing a tap takeover; eight Australian beers will be on tap, including two never before seen on these shores. Throw in DJ sets, games, and chicken parmy on the menu, and your Australia Day is all wrapped up.
3. Clapham Grand
Australians in Clapham? Really? Clapham Grand know their locals pretty well, and they’re calling all green and gold clad Claphamites to their huge Australia Day party. From 5pm until 3am, they’ll offer Australian beers and sweet treats, host a fancy dress contest, and blast out tunes from Triple J’s Hottest 100. With a rousing chorus of the national anthem at midnight, this is the perfect place to show some Aussie pride.
4. Daisy Green Collection
London’s favourite Aussie-inspired brunch chain is getting into the spirit of ‘Straya Day. Timmy Green in Victoria is hosting an eight-course ‘Australian Food & Wine Odyssey’, for the hefty sum of £85. Seems steep, but it does get you eight courses of top notch meats and wines from the land Down Under. However, if you don’t fancy spending that much, simply pick up a coffee from any of their branches on January 26th, and you’ll get a free mini Lamington with it.
5. Tropicana Beach Club
OK, so it may be January, but there is one place in London that will seem like Bondi Beach. You know, if you squint. Tropicana Beach Club is throwing their own Aussie bash on January 26th, complete with drinks deals, tacos, and their usual compliment of swimsuit-clad guys and gals.
6. Bogan Bingo
In the wild outback known as Proud Camden, London’s favourite bogans will host an evening of bingo you won’t forget. With mullets, 80s tunes, and a steady supply of beer, Bogan Bingo is usually a riot of a night. On Australia Day, expect it to be louder, prouder, and altogether more Aussie.
7. Infernos
Sinfernos or Winfernos? Whatever your view of the notorious Clapham nightclub, you can’t deny their love for a party. On January 26th, Infernos are hosting a party in two stages. First up is some cracking Antipodean comedy from the likes of Steen Raskopoulos, Damian Clark, and Pete Jonas. Once the show is over, they’ll revert to their tried and tested formula – including free beer on arrival, music from Australia’s hit radio station Triple J, and the usual questionable dance moves. Tickets to both can be found on their website.
Featured image: @sheri_fink