11 New London Pop-Ups You Need To Try

INDULGE YOUR SWEET TOOTH HERE: The Chocolate Cocktail Club

After two sold-out stints in London and Brighton, this chocolate-focused pop-up has returned to Brick Lane. Running until 28th May, the sweet experience is open Wednesday to Sundays each week. As well as date nights and evenings out with the girls, birthday parties and hen-dos can all be hosted in this dark, atmospheric space. Expect a mouth-watering drinks menu filled with coco twists on classic cocktails, including its signature, secretive ‘Chocolate Chocotini’. The bar also serves chocolate beer and chocolate wine, plus bottled beer and prosecco for these without a sweet tooth. Tickets are best bought in advance and include 90 minutes in the bar, plus a cocktail.

202 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6SA; every Wednesday-Sunday until 28th May

Visit TheChocolateCocktailClub.co.uk

SCARE YOURSELF HERE: Temple Cinema
 

Five-star east London hotel Andaz London Liverpool Street has teamed up with East End Film Festival to host Temple Cinema, a series of monthly film screenings held in the hotel’s Masonic Temple from now until the end of 2019. The screenings will focus on the dark art of horror filmmaking, from old-school classics to contemporary productions. The Masonic Temple is one of London’s most eerie, atmospheric and secret spaces, providing the perfect setting for an evening of chills and thrills. After screening Hereditary in March, next up is the original version of The Omen on 25th April, Nicholas Cage gore-fest Mandy on 30th May and The Shining on 27th June.
 
40 Liverpool Street, Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN; 15th April, 30th May and 27th June
 
Visit AndazLondonEvents.com

SOLVE A MYSTERY HERE: The Murdér Express: Jewel of the Empire

 
The Murdér Express invites you to travel back in time to 1937 to the southern French town of Murdér to solve the mysterious disappearance of the world’s largest cut diamond, the ‘Jewel of the Empire’. After a successful second run of The Murdér Express last year, immersive dining experts Funicular has created a whole new adventure set on the capital’s most crime-ridden train – and this time everyone’s a suspect. As passengers embark on their journey they’ll be served a four-course meal from MasterChef: The Professionals 2018 champion Laurence Henry, before being immersed in the mystery. Could you be the thief?
 
Arch 63, Pedley Street, Bethnal Green, E1 5BW; 2nd May-31st August
 
Visit FunicularProductions.com

HAVE DINNER WITH A VIEW HERE: London In The Sky

 
Now in its ninth year, London in the Sky has visited some of London’s most recognisable locations, including the Southbank, Tower Bridge and the prestigious Chelsea College of Arts. This summer, the open-air restaurant concept lands at The O2. Bringing daring diners a unique experience, the team will suspend ‘sky tables’ 100ft above the ground offering unparalleled views of the capital’s skyline. Guests at the 22-seat tables will enjoy a range of menus from the Social Pantry on one of eight flights a day, including breakfast, brunch, prosecco and cake, lunch, cocktails and dinner, alongside a calendar of yet-to-be-announced special events. Every dish will be prepared and served in front of guests, as they take in landmarks including The O2, Canary Wharf and the Thames.
 
The O2, Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX; 1st May-15th July
 
Visit LondonInTheSky.com

LEARN THE ART OF SEDUCTION HERE: The Floating World

 
During Japan's Edo period (1615–1868) the phrase ‘the floating world’ evoked an imagined universe of wit, stylishness, and extravagance – with overtones of naughtiness, hedonism and transgression. This is the basis for this new pop-up from Takayo, who has recreated a mysterious teahouse in the twisting alleys of an ancient red light district. In the 'Floating World’, guests will become one of the characters in a hedonistic story. To immerse guests in their role, they’ll be dressed in full kimono attire before being seated for a traditional Japanese meal. The team will then reveal the beauty, humour and passion of ‘shunga’ – the celebrated erotic art of Japan. Learn its rituals, hear its secrets, and, perhaps, pick up a few tips on the art of seduction.
 
Secret location in N1; 17th-18th May
 
Visit Takayo.co.uk

EAT AMAZING NEPALESE FOOD HERE: KityCow at Hush Mayfair

 
Hush Mayfair is playing host to a Nepalese pop-up until the end of April. KityCow is the brainchild of Joe Allen and Aaron Thomas. The duo appeared on this year’s series of Million Pound Menu as XXVl but failed to gain investment from judges Jamie Barber and Atul Kochar. Persisting with their mission, the pair invited them to try their Indo-Nepalese cuisine for a second time and an impressed Barber offered them the chance to showcase KityCow on the first floor of Hush. The pop-up looks across the cherry blossom-filled courtyard of Lancashire Court and serves modern takes on traditional Nepalese dishes, such as pani puri; nimki crackers and coriander yoghurt; and momo dumplings topped with truffle. Make sure to order a Nepalese negroni to start and the cold rice pudding with pistachio ice-cream to finish.
 
8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1S 1EY; until 30th April
 
Visit KityCow.co.uk

CELEBRATE GoT’S RETURN HERE: Dinner Is Coming

 
‘Dinner Is Coming’ is a new immersive spoof dining experience inspired by hit fantasy drama Game of Thrones. Coinciding with the return of the series, the evening will blend a feast of indulgent food with theatre, comedy and an unhealthy dose of murder. Hosted in the underground tunnels of The Vaults, guests will be treated to a feast fit for the Seven Kingdoms as well as specially designed drinks menu as the night celebrates the marriage between the heir to the Several Kingdoms, Jaffrey Bearathon, and Margarine, the beautiful daughter of the noble Trywell Family. A truly immersive event, guests are encouraged to dress in accordance to their chosen house, whether a richly decorated lord or lady, an armoured warrior or a rag-wearing peasant. A must for GoT fans.
 
The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN; 9th April-2nd June
 
Visit DinnerIsComing.com

SING ALONG HERE: Backyard Cinema: LA Nights

 
Backyard Cinema is bringing the spirit of LA to Camden’s Roundhouse this summer. Prepare to be transported to the sun-kissed beaches of Venice Beach for a season of retro summer beach parties. Complete with giant palm trees, a beach bar and a sea of giant bean bags on the sand, the venue is set to be the ultimate summer cinema. The team’s sing-a-long beach parties will see customers let loose to sing their hearts out to some of the best movie soundtracks, including The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, Grease and Bohemian Rhapsody. In keeping with the sun-soaked backdrop, the venue will be covered, ensuring no British rain dampens the mood.
 
Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8EH; 18th July-25th August
 
Visit BackyardCinema.co.uk

SEE A SCREENING IN STYLE HERE: Bombay Talkies

 
Bombay Bustle is taking guests to the movies with ‘Bombay Talkies’. Inspired by the original Bombay Talkies, the film studio which revolutionised cinema in Mumbai in the 1930s, the subterranean bar of the Maddox Street restaurant will be transformed into a pop-up cinema for a series of film screenings throughout the first half of April. Instead of tucking into popcorn, the films can be enjoyed alongside a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne, canapés and a three-course dinner created by executive chef Surender Mohan. The finale takes place on 15th April, with a screening of Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 romantic drama Call Me By Your Name.
 
29 Maddox Street, Mayfair, W1S 2PA; 15th April
 
Visit BombayBustle.com

TRY A NEW CHALLENGE HERE: Roof East

 
This month Roof East opens for the summer season, complete with a new look, fresh games and different street-food vendors. Opening the earliest it ever has, this adult playground invites guests to grab a drink, friend and scorecard. Featuring six action-packed gaming lanes, players can curl, bowl or shuffle to victory. Five free games include cornhole, Jenga, table tennis, foosball and table-top curling, while more extreme events include Sluggers, London’s only batting cages, Birdies crazy golf and newcomer House of Foos, a VR mix of traditional football and table foosball. Not feeling competitive? Flow East Yoga will be saluting the sun at Roof East every week, offering vinyasa flow classes suitable for all levels.
 
7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Road, Stratford, E15 1BB; 17th April-late September
 
Visit SFGClub.com

GET IMMERSIVE HERE: The Banquet Of Hoshena
 

Dinner Time Story, the producer behind successful pop-up Le Petit Chef, is launching a new projector-led dining concept this April which promises to be an illusionary feast for the senses. Running in a temporary venue at Westfield in Shepherd’s Bush, ‘Banquet of Hoshena’ will transport guests to an imaginary land where flavours and emotions are intrinsically linked and kings, queens, fairies and volcanoes come alive on the table. Using cutting-edge 3D visual technology, image mapping, experiential props and effective storytelling through flavours, ingredients, sights, sounds and tastes, the five-course dining experience will take guests on an immersive journey to restore the Kingdom of Hoshena to its former glory.
 
Westfield, Ariel Way, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 7GF; 12th April-7th August
 
To book, by email info@dinnertimestory.com