Christmas in London means you get to be a kid all over again!
Christmas in London!
Christmas in London means you get to be a kid all over again. Only this time you get to make all the choices and you don’t have to share any of it with your annoying siblings or cousins!
Lethal breakfast punch
Okay, some people go a bit crazy on the BIG day trying to cook a bird that could easily feed an entire road. And some of you might be lucky enough to miraculously avoid the kitchen altogether, and instead, spend most of the day scoffing chocolates and guzzling your aunts lethal ‘breakfast punch’ that is certainly helping with your Christmas Eve hangover! Or you are far away from home and spending Christmas with some pretty cool flat/hostel mates you only met three weeks previously.
Being with your mates
Whatever your plans may be, London will provide a whole host of goodies for you and your mates to revel in. For us at The Dictionary Hostel, Christmas time in Shoreditch really means a whole month of parties, superb club nights, shopping, imported Christmas trees, bar-crawls, catching up with everyone you know before the big day and being with your favourite people.
Where to go and what to do in Shoreditch?
It really is the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you know where to go and where it is all happening! Luckily we are here to help you navigate Shoreditch and it’s Christmas-jingle-bell-driven-mind-field and have listed below some great bars, clubs, markets that are all within walking distance from us!
Shopping
Shoreditch has some of the best independent shops in London and for some guilt-free shopping, check out some of the ethical markets that are also due to pop-up in December:
Columbia Road this little piece of heaven is truly for those who not only love the famous flower market but adore the unique shops that surround it. Lots of art, jewellery and interesting finds. Go and explore – especially on a Sunday.
Brick Lane love vintage, jewellery, cool clothes and independent shops? Then head to chilled Brick Lane and rummage through the shops and enjoy the cafes, pubs and bars that line this famous street.
Boxpark is pop-up paradise. There is always so much going on from street food and music upstairs to pop-up shops galore downstairs.
Markets
London’s First Zero Waste Christmas Market (Saturday 8th December 2018) will bring together businesses dedicated to the environment. Note that this market is ticketed.
TLC: The London Creatives (Thursday 13th December – Sunday 23rd December 2018) Celebrating the best of London’s independent brands; local makers and curators who are working in a creative and conscientious way.
Blue Patch; The Original Sustainable Department Store (Tuesday 11th- Sunday 16th December 2018)
A curated showroom to discover bespoke furniture, sustainable fashion, gifts, toys and organic beauty products.
Drinking
Where to start! There are loads of excellent places to drink and be merry in Shoreditch, and the list below is far from exhaustive. Time Out, Secret London, Design My Night Out all have some excellent ideas on where to go. As we are locals, here are some of our top pics:
Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen is one of East London’s most vital small music venues. Great crowd, good food and a fab venue.
Queen of Hoxton boasts two floors and a roof terrace. Expect lots of DJ’s and club nights.
The Well and Bucket serves beautiful beer, extraordinary oysters, splendid sliders and a little secret down below.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is a broody basement of vintage furniture and Canadian whisky lodge meets speakeasy
BrewDog Shoreditch is a No-nonsense chain bar specialising in the Scottish brewery’s craft beers, with regular guest brews.
The Glory is one of London’s leading gay venues, known for its wild parties and creative clientele!
Clubbing
Fabric, London’s super club. Fabric was conceived by people that go to clubs, for people that go to clubs. You won’t be disappointed.
Cargo has three huge dance-floors with a newly-installed turbo sound system and a great crowd.
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club (yep that is right, a Working Man’s club!) but expect quirky club nights to be from racy, cultural or refined to mostly wild, unhinged good-times.
The Shelter Club is known for its late opening hours, mixed crowd and hedonistic atmosphere.
Live Music
At Zigfrid von Underbelly, upstairs is more of a diner, DJ bar and cocktail joint, whilst downstairs in the Underbelly, top-notch artists and bands play in the separate gig venue.
The Blues Kitchen a vibrant restaurant and bar offering up delicious Texan BBQ grub, live music and a library of bourbon cocktails seven days a week.
Shacklewell Arms a great pub with an easy going vibe and live music!
The Book Club is a two-floor venue which hosts to workshops, talks and some fab new music.
Eating
The Breakfast Club is a brilliant place throughout the day and night with a huge menu to suit everyone’s taste.
Meat Mission is set in an old Christian Missionary with stained glass and salvaged-wood tables, serving awesome burgers and hotdogs.
Poppies Fish and Chips are renowned for their authentic fish and chips – and it’s little wonder, with born and bred East-end proprietor, Pat ‘Pop’ Newland.
Mooshies Vegan Burger Bar is Plant-based restaurant dishing up vegan burgers with a selection of buns (including gluten-free).
Wahaca TEST Kitchen delivers experimental Mexican recipes are trialled with diners at this vibrant test kitchen for the chain.
Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafes and the food of all Bombay. Delicious food and an easy-going vibe.
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