Politics in 2016 has been emotional turmoil. First there was the ballache of Brexit, and now we’re on the cusp of having a toupéed fuck trumpet (not our words, but we wish they were) as the leader of the free world. We suggest heading to one of these places to watch the election unfold, because, even if it all goes to shit, at least they’ll be cocktails and copious amounts of food to consolidate you.
1. K Bar at The Kensington, Queen’s Gate
Celebrate (hmm?) the election with an all-American evening of drinks and snacks. Tickets cost £20 and include a welcome cocktail, aptly called a Hell Toupée (we wonder who inspired that). Themed cocktails will be joined by American foods, including Grilled Cheeses, Cheesesteaks and Cheddar Chilli Dogs. Basically just a shit load of cheese. Scoff your face and hope for the best as you watch the historical event unfold from 6pm until 6am.
113 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, SW7
2. Dinerama, Shoreditch
Join us for 10 HOURS of presidential partying at #Dinerama on Tue 08 Nov for our @popbitch Election Party. Details ? https://t.co/ViPo8vmeWV pic.twitter.com/htmjFf5x5C
— Street Feast (@StreetFeastLDN) October 28, 2016
Dinerama, one of many Shoreditch street food markets, is hosting a huge US election party with Popbitch. They’ll have everything from presidential party games to an all-you-can-eat American street food buffet. The games will include pin the toupée on the Trump, a swing state prediction competition and presidential top trumps (coincidence or?). The usual resident street food vendors will be getting involved with the bottomless gluttony, so expect chicken wings from BBQ Lab, ribs from Smokestak, pizza from Fundi, tacos from Breddos, etc etc. They’ll even be a survivor’s breakfast with unlimited coffee for those who last until 5am. You’ll probably (definitely) need the caffeine! Get your tickets here.
19 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3EJ
3. The Blues Kitchen, Shoreditch
The Blues Kitchen is throwing an all-American election bash on Tuesday night. They’re not yet sure whether it’ll end up being a celebration or consolation party, but they’ve prepared for both scenarios. They’ll be giving out free victory/end-of-the-world shots and free freedom/end-of-the-world nachos and wings, and everyone will be dancing or weeping to the sound of a big brass band. You can also release your Trump-fuelled anger by pinning insults to the Trump voodoo doll that will sit in the corner. Whichever way it swings, The Blues Kitchen is a pretty good place to be. Seriously, who can argue with free chicken wings?
134-146 Curtain Rd, EC2A 3AR
4. Belushi’s, London Bridge
Imagine an American frat party with an extra hint of impending doom. They’ll be jugs and buckets of American beer, beer pong tournaments, and a late night menu of burgers, ribs, wings, and hot dogs. Entry is £5 and includes a beer on arrival (can’t argue with that). You’ll get a great view of the action, and table service all night. Belushi’s will be open from 9pm until the results are released at about 6am. Hold tight, it’s gonna be a looooong night! Book your spot here.
161-165a, Borough High St, SE1 1HR
5. Or celebrate/eat your sorrows at an American restaurant
We could send you somewhere obvious like Bubba Gump Shrimp, but we’re all about secrets here at Secret London (albeit some badly kept ones, but we try). Why not head to Ma Plucker in Soho for chicken one of three ways (rotisserie chipotle, crispy coated buttermilk dipped or hickory-spiced pulled)? Or Counter in Vauxhall for some mac and cheese balls, steak and cocktails? There’s literally hundreds of options here in the big city… here’s a few we recommended earlier in the year.
Feature image: Flickr/Ted Eytan