22 Hen Party Ideas In London To Help You Hatch A Plan
Georgie Hoole - EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Just been handed the illustrious title of Maid of Honour, but feel like you’re totally winging it?
Don’t worry your honourable little head, though! We’ve got the ultimate list of ideas for a hen do that will have the bride-to-be clucking with eggcitement. (Apologies for all the fowl puns).
Brunch like there’s no tomorrow
A great day always starts with eggs. London is full of great brunch options, including plenty of the bottomless variety. Take a look at these brunch spots with great views of London, or these proper boozy brunches to kick off your weekend.
Get pampered at the spa
A spa day is the perfect way to celebrate your mate’s imminent marriage. Nice and relaxing, and plenty of time for soppy and nostalgic girly chats. Take a look at booking a hen package, like Cowshed’s Pretty Parties, which include full access to the spa facilities, two treatments per person, canapés, Champers, hot drinks, and a Cowshed gift bag. Or, similarly, Boutique Spa Fitzrovia’s Spa Parties, which have all the same things included.
Become a cocktail-making mastermind
Mix it up a little and become a master mixologist before the Big Day. Add a bit of, erm, je ne sais quoi to the evening and head to the Tale Bar for a cocktail masterclass with the Playboy bunnies. Or, head to an old Victorian police station on Kingsland Road, drink cocktails in converted jail cells, and become mixology masterminds. Find out more about TT Liquor’s cocktail classes and tasting experiences here.
Get down and glittery at a London music festival
Music festivals are the perfect opportunity to get messy, dress ridiculously and, probably least importantly at this point, watch some great music. Luckily London has a few to offer, like the fabulously flamboyant Elrow Town, which is described as “a town governed by fun, where everywhere you step is a dancefloor”. Get your tickets for the 2018 edition here. This May will also see the debut of All Points East (see line-up here) in Victoria Park,featuring the XX, Lorde, LCD Soundsystem, and 80 other acts.
Make some chocolate
Because a girl’s best friend is… chocolate, naturally. Go and explore Brixton’s Chocolate Museum, and complete the trip with a chocolate truffle making workshop, or a chocolate and wine tasting. Take a look at what’s on here.
Take a trip to (and a few sips at) a gin distillery
It’s London’s favourite spirit, and there are plenty of places to drink it. But what if you could go right to where it’s made, have a little tour, and finish up with a cheeky tasting session? Oh wait, you can. Here’s a list of 10 gin distilleries that you can visit.
Drink champagne on the London Eye
It’s the classic tourist experience, with a bit of a bubbly-induced boost. Skip the line, sip on Pommery Brut Royal Champagne, and soak up the sweeping vistas of London. The epitome of class. Book tickets here.
Have a giggle at a Comedy Club
For a real laugh, head to 99 Club in Leicester Square (yes, we suggested going there). It’s been voted the “Best Comedy Club in London” year after year, so chances are you’re in for a knee-slapping treat. They often have comedians who have cracked jokes on the likes of 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, etc… so, at just £9 a ticket, you’re laughing (hopefully). Alternatively, head to the Tattershall Castle on the riverside and enjoy some cracking views of the Thames as well as a good ole’ chuckle. Get your tickets here.
Look forward to a little afternoon delight
The ultimate sophistication, and an absolute London staple. Join the Mad Hatter for tea at the Sanderson, or head to the genie’s cave for an Aladdin-themed afternoon delight. Here’s a list of the best teas to jam into your diaries, pre-wedding. (You can even pair your afternoon tea with a bit of gin and a ride on a red double decker bus. Because you know, it’s London).
Get pissed and sightsee… on a big bike
You may have seen those silly pedal bikes holding up the traffic and pissing everyone off? Well, that could be you! Bring your own booze on board, play your own tunes and, erm, get so drunk that you forget to pedal and get beeped at a lot. It’s the perfect afternoon activity! Check out the routes, rules and availability here.
Taste Champagne, darling
The best way to toast an upcoming wedding! Taste five different Champagnes, including Cristal. Air hair lair. Get your tickets here. If you’d prefer to guide your own tasting session (i.e. drink whatever and as much as you like), check out these cosy London wine bars.
Get saucy at a Cabaret Club
Hooray, Cabaret! Get the girls together and head on over to the oldest and most iconic cabaret venue in London, Cafe de Paris. The show promises to be a glittering, feather-filled extravaganza, with plenty of raucous comedy and booty shaking. Ooh la la! Get your tickets here. Or, instead, head to Proud City for a performance like no other – you can expect high-flying aerial, jaw-dropping contortion and lots of mind-blowing magic. Get tickets for that here.
Imagine you’re in a girl band and try out some karaoke
It’s last on the list, but we’re willing to bet that it’s not your last choice. You love a bit of karaoke, and you know it. Combine an hour of sing-song with two hours of bottomless cocktails if you head to Lucky Voice in Islington (get your tickets here), or cause some treble at any of these London venues.
Have the ride of your life
Channel your Fast and Furious alter-ego with a raging session of ice karting. You’d certainly go down in the books for planning a hen do with a difference. Get your tickets here.
That’s all yolks!
(Sorry, I just had to get another pun in there).