Alcohol is often a big part of going out in London, but it really doesn’t have to be. There are so many engaging things to do in London in an evening that don’t involve drinking. Whether you want to splash out on a Michelin-starred tasting menu, go to the city’s finest museums after dark, meet some nocturnal wildlife or quaff some seriously good alcohol-free cocktails, here are 11 things to do in London that don’t involve drinking.
Soft Pairing at The Clove Club
1. Try a tasting menu with a tea pairing
A tasting menu can be a true delight, especially when done with a drinks pairing. And although wine can often enhance the dishes, by the sixth of an epic eight-course meal, it can start to feel less like a good idea. Enter the tea pairing. At the highly-acclaimed two Michelin-starred restaurant Clove Club in Shoreditch, they offer a delightful alcohol-free alternative. The diverse range of teas on their pairing menu are all cold-infused and served at room temperature, poured delicately into wine glasses for each dish and explained in as much detail as the wines would be. Smoky, fruity, herby, sweet and savoury; it’s as much of a culinary journey as the food and truly elevates the meal.
Price: The tea pairing is an additional £55 for the short tasting menu and £75 for the full tasting menu
Website: thecloveclub.com
V&A LatesHydar Dewachi
2. Go to a party in a museum…
There’s no party more cultured than one in a museum. The most exciting institutional soiree in town has to be V&A Lates, a monthly evening at the beautiful South Kensington Museum. Bringing together a heady mix of themed performances, art, music, dance, DJs, talks and workshops on the last Friday of every month (apart from December, January and May), this is an easy booze-free night out with activities to discover all over the building and in the dramatic central courtyard. The event is totally free, and there’s no need to book, but it can get busy, so be sure to arrive early.
Price: Free
Website: vam.ac.uk