If you’ve got plans, cancel them. If you haven’t, you have now. We’ve searched high and low for the three coolest pop-up parties happening in London tonight – good for booze, good for eats and good for beats. We think they’re kind of game-changing but I guess we’ll let you be the judge of that. You can thank us later.
1) Scottish Pop-Up Dram & Smoke @ The Swan Wharf, E3 2NQ
[Design My Night]There’s no denying it – the Scots have had a great year. But forget the SNP and slightly-over-energetic-spinning (yes, ceilidh dancing is officially in), we’ve spotted a trend that is even more exciting. Introducing Dram & Smoke, the hottest foodie pop-up of the moment. Tonight they will be taking over our favourite former sofa factory (I can’t believe that sentence just happened) situated on the Grand Union Canal, and if the last event was anything to go by, its set to be a triumph. A 5 course Scottish tasting meal will be dished up family-style from an open kitchen alongside a pop-up bar serving Monkey Shoulder whisky cocktails and craft beer from BrewDog. The vibe is laid back – think bean bags, table tennis and house-party happiness – but with salt baked lamb shoulder and lemon hot toddy tart on the menu, the food definitely steals the show. Bring your mates, impress a date or go it alone – communal eating and the buzzy vibe pretty much guarantees a few new friends. And because we love them so much, events discovery Fever app are giving a special discount to all Secret Londoners: download the app, go to your profile and type POPSECRET into your reward code – you’ll get £5 off the event and a free cocktail!
Swan Wharf, 60 Dace Road, Hackney Wick, E3 2NQ
Thursday 18 June, 7.30pm
2. Summer Tales @ Red Market, EC1V 9DP
We’d like to introduce you to someone. Our good friend Night Tales has a sister, and she’s called Summer Tales. The NT Crew pretty much single handedly saw us through a bitter cold Shoreditch winter, so you can imagine how excited we are about this jungle-themed summer party. With hammocks, rope swing chairs and terraces – not to mention the fact that Burger & Lobster will be making their pop-up debut – Summer Tales is shaping up to be our favourite summer set-up. And do you know what we love most about it? It ain’t just a weekend thing. #thirstythursday just got stepped up a notch. Pin-Up Collada, anyone?
Red Market, 288-299 Old Street, EC1V 9DP
Thursday 18 June (and every Thursday hereafter), 6pm-11.30pm
3. Dizzy Vs The Phantom Pig @ Stage 3, E8 1EJ
[Time Out]If you’re on a bit more of a budget, we’ve dug up a pop-up party happening at our favourite Hackney hang out, Stage 3, which won’t even break the bank (no but seriously – it is actually cheap). Welcome to Dizzy, a special meeting of legendary Jazz musicians fusing Afro-Latin percussion’s ancient and modern rhythms. They’ve teamed up with The Phantom Pig to provide some top quality munch – we first spotted them last year when they popped up at the Hothouse Rooftop in London Fields, and if that was anything to go by, then get me some of dem chicken wings. The whole event costs £12.50 if you buy it through the app Fever, and that includes admission, free food and a free cocktail. You can’t really argue with that. Especially if you live in London.
Stage 3, 291 Mare Street (hidden in Hackney Empire), E8 1EJ
