St. Patrick's Day 2020: What's On In London

By Dom Bewley

St Patrick was a pretty cool guy. Though British-born, he was apparently captured by pirates when he was just 16 years old. Irish pirates. They took him, understandably, to Ireland, where he was their slave for a few years. He eventually escaped, and returned to his family. At which point he thought 'you know what, I need to go and teach those pirates a thing or two about Christianity'. So he went back as to Ireland as a Christian Missionary, and eventually become an Irish Bishop. After this, he was considered worldwide as the 'Enlightener of Ireland', and the founder of Irish Christianity. Puts your life in perspective, doesn't it? But, sadly, as happens with most humans, he died. Supposedly on the 17th of March. So obviously, now people celebrate by wearing green, drinking lots, and doing vaguely Irish things. Welcome to St Patrick's Day! You're probably wondering what to do on that merry night. Well, we've navigated the waters of fun, avoided capture by pirates, and found all the good stuff going on in London. Just for you. Here's what's on in London for St Patrick's Day 2020. Featuring:

  • Trafalgar Square's St Patrick's Day Festival
  • The Big Guinness Weekender
  • Shoreditch St Patrick's Day pub crawls
  • and more!

London St Patrick's Day Festival 2020

Sunday 15th March at Trafalgar Square Who doesn't love a little government-ordained fun? For nearly 20 years, the Mayor of London has personally organised a St Patrick's Day festival right in the heart of Central. OK, maybe not personally, but it's got his name all over it. Well, their names. From midday, you can experience the best of Irish music, culture, food, and other artistic delights. And then, there's the parade. Picture it now, if you can. 75,000 people marching to the beat of one drum. The St Patrick's drum. Sadly, applications to take part in the parade are no longer being accepted. However, you're still free to go and get in the spirit of it all from the sidelines. The atmosphere is likely to be amazing, so if you want to celebrate the day with plenty of others, head down to Trafalgar Square come 15th March. Festivities run from 12 pm to 6 pmEntry is free

Underground Ceilidh

Sunday 15th March at Cahoots, Soho If you've never been to Cahoots, here's a little refresher. Imagine walking into a bar and being whisked away to the 1940s. Except this bar is in an abandoned train station. Yes, Cahoots is quite the hoot. Their cocktails are a homage to black-market boozers of the era, and their food selection is modelled on the rationing system employed during the Second World War. Splendid. And on St Patrick's Day 2020, they're dialling up the Celtic charm. Whiskey cocktails out the wazoo, courtesy of Roe & Co Irish Whiskey. Guinness. Cocktails that look like Guinness. Authentic food, and a medley of Irish music thanks to a piano and fiddle duet. All that and more await any good-time seekers who venture out for St Paddy's Day. Open all day, music from 9 pm - 11 pm Entry is free

The Big Guinness Weekender

Brigadiers, City Do you like throwing an egg-shaped ball around the place, or like watching others throw around said ball? Well, if you answered yes to either, you're likely a fan of rugby. Well, it's the finals of the famous Six Nations the day before St. Patrick's Day, so Brigadiers has put together a weekend of fun and fancy. Partnering with Guinness, this Bloomsberg Arcade hotspot is throwing a mish-mash bash of rugby and Irish goodness. On Saturday, see the last few games in the Six Nations, along with as much Guinness as you can imbibe and a three-course match day meal to boot. Then on Sunday, head down for a special St Paddy's Sunday Roast, yet more Guinness, unsurprisingly, Live Irish folk music and the best Premier League football matches on the big screens. If you want to celebrate St Patrick's Day but can't quite take your eyes off the TV during a fantastic weekend of sport, then Brigadiers should be your destination. Open 11.30 am - 11.30 pm Saturday 14th, and 12 pm - 7 pm Sunday 15th MarchEntry is free. Set meals are £30 per person.

Shamrock Sessions

Wembley Park Wembley Park has truly knocked it out of the...park...for St Patrick's Day 2020. They saw these other St Paddy's celebrations and thought 'that's cool, but how about we put on an entire festival for all you green, good-time seekers'. Shamrock Sessions marks Wembley Park's first-ever Ceilidh, and expect them to make a big entrance. Alongside the epic Celtic dance session, you can expect music from folk-heroes The Shipsters, a host of Irish comics that are sure to leave your belly aching, an Irish dancing troupe that'll show you how a jig is really done, and arts and crafts that a certain to entertain kids big and small. Then, refuel with food from over 20 restaurants, some serving authentic Irish cuisine, and others offering burgers, pizzas and the like. Then, top the whole shebang off with refreshments from a number of bars. Yes, that'll include Guinness, Irish whiskey and everything else you could want. And best of all? Getting in the door is absolutely free. You're going to have to come up with some outlandish excuses to not attend this fantastic St Patrick's Day festival. Open 4 pm - 8 pm Sunday 15th MarchEntry is free

St Patrick's Day Pub Crawl 2020

Shoreditch, multiple venues And finally, if you're not looking for to spend St Patrick's Day revelling in authentic Irish culture and simply want to down a jar or two, throw your inhibitions, and maybe your dignity, to the wind on a St Patrick's Day Pub Crawl. You can do them over the weekend before the big day. Or, if you want to live dangerously, attend the one slap-bang on the Tuesday of St Paddy's Day. We only hope you've booked the Wednesday off work. Festivities kick off at SINK on Paul Street. From there, expect to be taken to some of Shoreditch's best and brightest watering holes to fulfil all your St Patrick's Day dreams. Dress to impress in as much green attire as you can muster. And, best of all, you can enjoy free entry and a free shot at every venue, as well as discounted drinks the whole night. They even provide you with a little Irish party flare to make you look the part. Available on Friday 13th March 8 pm - 1 am, Saturday 14th March 8 pm - 12 am, and Tuesday 17th March 8 pm - 12 amTickets from £15 And those are our picks for London's very best St Patrick's Day shenanigans in 2020. No matter what you're looking for or who you're with, you're bound to find something to please your Paddy pleasures. If you're looking forward to celebrating somewhere else, let us know in the comments below. And if you're looking to pick up a bite to eat before the merriment begins, check out London's best vegan restaurants. Alternatively, check out the HMS Belfast, a Second World War Navy cruiser that was launched on St Patrick's Day back in 1938!

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North London Attractions
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North London Attractions

If you're looking for the best attractions in North London, check out our picks and prepare for a stellar day out! Including: What is North London known for? Is North London a good area? Is North London or South London better? North London Attractions What is North London known for? North London is one of the city's hippest areas, with tonnes of places to eat, drink, and undertake interesting experiences. Some of North London's most well-known neighborhoods include Camden and its world-renowned market, which draws thousands of people every week; Angel, with its gentrified hangouts and canal walks; and Highgate, with its famed cemetery and affluent housing. Is North London a good area? North London is a great place to live in, stay at, or visit for several reasons. Bars, restaurants, and experiences are usually cheaper than in Central while providing an equal amount of fun. Additionally, the area boasts superb public transportation options, with most neighborhoods conveniently connected to the tube and Overground services. So, when you need to head to another side of the city, you can do so with relative ease. Is North London or South London better? The North/South question is one that enrages Londoners on both sides of the Thames. Enrages might be too strong a word, but it's certainly a debate that permeates both ends. Each will insist on their own superiority, but what do we think? Well, both have pros and cons. South has quite a few more green spaces for your strolls, runs, and lounges. North has better travel connections to Central and other parts of the London. Experience-wise, we'd say it's 50:50, so you can't really make a wrong choice! North London Attractions: London Zoo ZSL London Zoo is the city's best - and only - zoo. Home to an impressive array of over 750 animal species, it features the most extensive collection in the UK. Fans of creepy crawlies will love the BUGS exhibit Venture In with the Spiders, where you can walk and talk with spiders - though they may not respond. For the more squeamish among you, instead head to Penguin Beach to see the little marvels up close, or admire the elegance of giraffes in the African habitat. The Gorilla Kingdom offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of western lowland gorillas native to the African rainforest. Even little adventurers are catered to, thanks to the Animal Adventure area - an immersive animal experience designed by children, featuring meerkats, llamas, and aardvarks. North London Attractions: Emirates Stadium Tour Football fans, rejoice! You don't get one, but two stadium tours to enjoy in North London! The first is at the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal. Arguably London's most successful football club, a tour of the Emirates features plenty of silverware. Your tour, typically led by a club legend, will take you through the players' entrance, directors box, diamond club area, home changing room, the Tunnel and pitch-side, home dugout, Flash Interview Rooms, Press Conference Room, and Media Lounge. If you've ever wondered what the weekly life of a footballer feels like, this is a crash course of an experience! Throughout, you'll see never-seen-before footage, player recounts of famous matchdays, and finish the whole affair with a set of Arsenal headphones and a certificate primed for framing. Nice. North London Attractions: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tour The second football tour on this list is at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, home of Tottenham Hotspur. While they may not boast the prestige and trophy cabinet of their North London neighbours, they can boast one of the most state-of-the-art football stadiums on the planet. Having opened its gates back in 2021, this billion-dollar stadium plays host to football matches, NFL games, and even live concerts. But football fans are eating good, thanks to the stadium tour. You'll explore interactive exhibits detailing the club's history, the most famous faces that have put on the shirt, and even get to walk through the players' tunnel onto the retractable pitch. North London Attractions: Warner Bros Studio Tour The books and films may have finished long ago, but Harry Potter fever is still alive and well in North London! So, why not head to Warner Bros Studio in Watford and check out The Making of Harry Potter tour? Inside, you'll explore you'll the movie studios and sets that became the backbone of the 'Harry Potter' film franchise. When the crew wasn't on location, these studios in Leavesden served as the creative hub for most of the iconic scenes. Thanks to the undying ardor of Potter enthusiasts, Warner Bros opted to preserve the sets and expand the studios, ensuring other films could be produced without disruption. For fans, it's a dream come true. You can wander through iconic locations like the Great Hall at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Platform 93⁄4 with the gleaming Hogwarts Express. Cinematic aficionados will relish the opportunity to explore behind-the-scenes wizardry, delving into special effects, animatronics, and the methods that brought magical characters to life. North London Attractions: Hampstead Heath Hampstead Heath offers a refreshing contrast to the manicured landscapes of London. Stretching over 791 acres from Hampstead to Highgate, it encompasses woodlands, playing fields, swimming ponds, and meadows. In keeping with its wilder side, instead of lawnmowers, the local council uses sheep to trim up the grass. And yes, you can go hang out with them. Parliament Hill's soaring heights entice kite-fliers on windy days, and the Hampstead Ponds offer a popular spot for a summer dip. All in all, a grand day out! North London Attractions: Blackhorse Beer Mile Don't worry, sud-lovers, we've got you covered too. The Blackhorse Beer Mile isn't so much an attraction but more of an undertaking. Encompassing eight taprooms along Blackhorse Road, it's the perfect remedy to this unfair game we call life. Along this delightful route, you'll encounter a lineup of exceptional breweries, from the adventurous Wild Card to the unique creations of Signature Brew. Savor delectable roasts at Big Penny Social and indulge in top-notch cuisine at Auld Hag's Exale Brewery pop-up. As for weekend entertainment, the options are as diverse as the brews. Enjoy live music, immersive film screenings, DJ sets, and even speed-dating nights that promise an all-around good time. But those were just some of the attractions in North London. If you want to see everything the city has to offer - and save money while doing it - grab a London Pass!
Dom Bewley
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The Best Summer Music Festivals In London

And the god of summer said, let there be music. And wristbands. Lo, the humble music festival was born. To this day, millions of people have flocked to huge speaker stacks, food trucks and oxygen tents. Yes, festival season is well and truly upon us. But fear not, Londoners. You don't need to drive two hundred miles and sleep in a tent to get your fix of heavenly grooves. London has some of the best around, no matter your musical desires. Have a little scroll down to check out some that are right on your doorstep. Here are some of the best summer music festivals in London. British Summer Time 5th July – 14th July, Hyde Park If you’re looking for some of pop music’s heaviest hitters all in one place, British Summer Time in Hyde Park needs to be on your radar. Over the years they’ve played host to superstars like Phil Collins and Massive Attack, and this year it’s no different. Over ten days of (hopefully) glorious sun, you’ll be treated to performances from Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Florence and the Machine, Black Eyed Peas, Lionel Ritchie...the list goes on and on. Attendees will also have their pick of fancy food and refreshing drinks from a huge range of bars and pop-up restaurants. South West 4 24th August – 25 August, Clapham Common SW4 is one of the biggest dance festivals right on your doorstep, so if need to throw some shapes over the bank holiday weekend, head on down to Clapham Common. Expect two days’ worth of club bangers from electronic stalwarts like Basement Jaxx, Armand van Helden, Andy C, and Pendulum, as well as the urban stylings of Tinie Tempah and Craig David. Lovebox 12th July – 13th July, Gunnerbury Park If you’re a London resident, you’ve probably already heard of Lovebox. It’s one of the capital’s most renowned music festivals. Even though it’s now moved to Acton, you can still expect the same mix of eclectic music, alongside sponsored tents pumping out relentless beats, and more food and drink than you could reasonably be expected to consume in a lifetime. This year, Beyonce’s sister Solange and Chance the Rapper headline, alongside hip-hop behemoths Cypress Hill, Kaytranada, and London’s own Loyle Carner. Wireless 5th July – 7th July, Finsbury Park Once again, Finsbury Park plays host to the UK’s biggest urban music festival. The usually quiet park will be taken over by trans-Atlantic stars like Cardi B, A$AP Rocky, and Future, and plenty more acts from both sides of the pond. Just make sure you don’t bring a drone to the festival doors, apparently they’re not too keen on them. And as usual, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink dotted about the arena. Citadel 14th July, Gunnerbury Park If you prefer your music a little more chilled out, then head west to Gunnerbury Park for Citadel. It’s on a Sunday, so expect a more laid-back experience with acts like Friendly Fires and Bastille headlining the bill. And if you want to give your ears a rest, there’s lots more to see and do. Take in a comedy show, attend a workshop, or sit down for a lovely bite to eat. It's the perfect way to end the weekend, and definitely one of the best summer music festivals in London. Meltdown 3rd August – 11th August, Southbank Centre Fancy something a little funkier? How does a festival curated by the great Nile Rodgers sound? That’s exactly what you’ll get at this year’s Meltdown festival. This year, the CHIC disco pioneer is pulling the strings of one of London’s more highbrow celebrations, held at the Southbank Centre. Not only will you be treated to a disco-funk masterclass courtesy of Rodger’s and CHIC, but you’ll also experience sets from Johnny Marr of the legendary Smiths, Thundercat, and LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy. All of that is just a stone’s throw from Waterloo, so even out-of-towners will get there in a pinch. And if you fancy making the most of your day, why not try a hop-on, hop-off bus tour? 51st State 3rd August, Trent Park House every weekend? Make it house for the first weekend of August at 51st State, Cockfosters' tribute to all things house music. This year, expect better food, drink, and sound systems to accompany the electronic delights of Kings of House, Soul Clap, Kerri Chandler, and many many more. And there you, just some of the best summer music festivals in London. Let us know if we missed any you’re looking forward to in the comments below!
Dom Bewley
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The Best Rooftop Bars In London

London’s long nights are upon us, so of course, you’re going to make the most of it. And what better way to drink in the summer, and your fair share of alcoholic delights, than on a rooftop bar? So if you’re looking for a sweet weekend hangout, or you’re jonesing for a delightful morning-after hangover at work, here are some of the best rooftop bars in London. Bussey Building Rooftop Bar If you're more of a South-of-the-river type, Peckham's iconic Bussey Building hides a delightful, sun-soaked oasis on its roof. Want 360-degree views of the capital? You gots it. And deliciously crafted cocktails and beers to boot? You're 2 for 2. Looking for tasty burgers, hot dogs, or vegan-friendly bites? Thrice is nice. How about a bottomless brunch inspired by the music and - ahem - 'culture' of the 90s? Jackpot. Queen Of Hoxton One of Shoreditch's best rooftops has to make the list, and this summer they're bringing the smackdown (because it's wrestling-themed - spoiler alert). They've transformed their rooftop into 'Las Mexicanas', inspired by luchadoras (that would be female wrestlers). Expect Mexican-themed cocktails with plenty of tequila, spicy treats, and even arm wrestling. Can you smell what the Queen of Hoxton is cooking? I’m sorry, I know very little about wrestling. Frank's You know this one is a top shout because it’s only open during summer. Frank’s is a Peckham staple now and for good reason. Set up in a multi-storey car park, which is probably the most ‘London’ location imaginable, Frank’s has been providing lofty summertime vibes for over a decade now. A wealth of drink choices are on offer, alongside a smattering of small and larger plates if you’re feeling peckish. Kids and dogs are welcome too, so it really caters to all. Bask in the capital’s sticky humidity, this is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in London. Brixton Beach Fancy a beach experience in the heart of South London? Brixton Beach is definitely worth a shot. One very special industrial rooftop is transformed into a seaside oasis. They’ve even put down a healthy layer of sand to truly sell the vibe. Alongside the multitude of bars that can provide any drink under the sun (because it’s a rooftop bar), there’s also lots of food and snacks to choose from, courtesy of pop-ups housed in adorably fake beach huts. Aviary For all the City workers, The Aviary is a beautiful rooftop bar residing right on your doorstep. It’s up on the tenth floor of the Montcalm Royal London House in Moorgate, so expect great views of London’s urban skyline. Drinks are accompanied by a very British bar menu, offering pub classics like burgers for you to munch on if you’re hungry. Step out of the office and go relax at The Aviary. Golden Bee If you’re East and want all of the drinks with none of the food, then Golden Bee is the rooftop bar for you. They’ve got a huge range of cocktails, from firm favourites to original concoctions. And if you want something simpler, there’s more wines and beers than you can shake an alcoholic stick at. To accompany the smooth drinks and sparkling sun, a host of resident DJs are on hand to help you discover the new soundtrack to your summer. You’ll hear round-the-clock House, as well as club classics. Very cool. The Castle If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, The Castle could be just for you. Nestled atop the second floor of a traditional pub, it’s got a decent set of beers and lots of wines and spirits to choose from. If you fancy a bite, they’ve got -pub classics all day round, and even a Sunday roast menu. All of this is just a stone’s throw from Angel Station, so you’ve got no excuse. The Shard If you’re looking for THE best view in London, you can’t do any better than The Shard. Take a trip up to one of London’s most iconic buildings, and you’ll be able to see over 40 miles of London in every direction. Once you’re up there, they have a cocktail menu, as well as wines, beers, and snacks to tuck into. If it’s your first time in the capital, or if you’ve never been before, it’s a must-see. Those are just some of the best rooftop bars in London. Whether you’re planning for evening drinks or lunching out on the weekend, there are lots of places to choose from. Did we miss any of your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Dom Bewley

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