From cooking masterclasses to learning a new craft, these are the best activities in London for a catch-up with your pals.
With our busy lives and hectic schedules, it can often feel like it takes months to plan some quality time with our best friends, but National Friendship Day on 4 August 2024 is the perfect excuse to prioritise these meaningful relationships. We always feel rejuvenated and uplifted after spending time with our friends, so why not carve out some time to see them?
Whether you’re in need of a fun activity to bond over or a cosy setting to chat in, we’ve rounded up a selection of the finest friend dates so you can pencil in that much needed catch up.
Don your chef’s hat and make fresh pasta
Food brings people together, so what better way to catch up with a friend than learning how to make traditional Italian fresh pasta together? Pasta Evangelists offers workshops covering pasta from regions all over Italy, teaching guests how to create the likes of Tuscan pappardelle or Venetian casunziei (stuffed pasta). Upon arrival at Pasta Academy, you’ll be greeted with a glass of prosecco (with bottomless refills), an apron and a team of upbeat experts. We were particularly grateful for the unbridled optimism of Chef Rosi when our pasta momentarily resembled more of a potato than pappardelle. It’s a great place to drink, chat and even learn a new cooking skill you can actually use. pastaevangelists.com
Discover the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, Kintsugi is an ancient art form that involves fixing broken pottery with gold. At Art4Space’s Kintsugi workshops, an expert will teach you how to use gold mica powder to put pieces of pottery back together. You’ll also learn about the history and philosophy of Kintsugi, making it a meaningful experience to share with your friends. Art4Space provides all the materials you need, as well as snacks and drinks including matcha tea, Japanese beer, sake and wine. Use one of the bowls provided or even bring in your own broken crockery to repair. art4space.co.uk
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Paint your own ceramic keepsake
Our favourite friend hangouts are the ones when we come away from it with something to remember forever. A staple of Kentish Town, Social Pottery is our go-to spot for friend dates or birthday celebrations when we want to do something fun and relaxed. Whether for a weekend chinwag or a boozy post-work craft session, it’s the perfect place to unwind and get creative. Choose from a wide range of ceramic items, from practical mugs, cups and plates to decadent vases and unique decorative pieces. Just pick your piece of pottery and get painting. socialpottery.com
Take a stroll back in time through historical interiors
One for the culture vultures and interiors fanatics, the Museum of the Home’s Real Rooms project has reconfigured its iconic Rooms Through Time wing, bringing to life seven new period rooms that reflect the interconnected histories of multicultural East London. Immerse yourself in the authentic interiors of a Jewish tenement flat from 1913, an Irish couple’s house in the 1950s, LGBTQIA+ renters sharing an ex-council home in 2005, a British-Vietnamese home in 2024 and the Innovo Room of the Future, which explores real homes amid challenges such as the climate crisis and technological advances. Entry is free, so it’s great for get-togethers on a budget. museumofthehome.org.uk
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Design and tuft your own rug
When life gets increasingly manic, it can feel great to sit down with a friend and concentrate on something. Time to get tufting? Cheeky Studio’s rug tufting workshops offer the chance to craft a personalised masterpiece. Guided by patient experts in a calm environment, you’ll transform your own ideas into a rug, ranging from standard to grand sizes or even 90cm x 90cm rugs. Submit your design idea before the session so the team can supply everything you need, and you’ll come away with an incredible creation to remember the day by, as well as a renewed sense of calm and connection. cheekystudio.uk
Upcycle and repair your own clothes
Calling all the sustainable fashion girlies: discover how to give old clothes new life by learning basic sewing skills. Skilled seamstress Rachel will guide you through sewing and upcycling techniques, while sharing her passion for sustainability over a cup of tea or coffee. Bring your own item to repair or choose from a collection of stunning vintage fabrics, which you’ll use to learn basic techniques like sewing, patching and replacing buttons. Not only will you find out how to customise your own clothes and make them last longer, but you might just discover how to step up your Depop and Vinted game, too. Available through craft workshop forum wecandoo.uk
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Throw a one-of-a-kind house party
Everyone loves a house party, but fewer people are eager to host one. At The Little Violet Door, you and your friends can enjoy an authentic house party in a funky and stylish venue. Through the statement purple door, you’ll discover a selection of rooms with interiors inspired by the1960s, 1970s or 1980s. Enjoy cocktails, party food and chatting with house party groups while DJs spin classic tracks in the kitchen — the central hub of all the best house parties. Get competitive in the games room, chill out in the sitting room or spill secrets and snap selfies in the bathroom, complete with a bathtub and robes. It’s got everything you need for the perfect house party — minus the dreaded cleanup. thelittlevioletdoor.co.uk
Dip your toe in the world of professional photography
Montcalm East, an Autograph Collection Hotel, has announced its newest workshop series with photographer-in-residence, Kristina Balevska. Specialising in experimental and ethereal fashion shots, Kristina’s intimate, hands-on workshops offer valuable insight into professional photography and are a great way to spark some creative curiosity. Covering everything from experimental techniques and model direction to equipment and post-production, you’ll have full use of the permanent studio space and facilities in a stunning central London hotel. Book at eventbrite.co.uk
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Master the art of perfect dim sum
If you’re looking for delicious food and fun with friends but fancy something different, try a dim sum masterclass overlooking the Thames. Every Saturday afternoon, award-winning modern pan-Asian restaurant Chino Latino hosts this immersive culinary experience. Using freshly prepared pastry, chef Tom teaches you how to make two different types of dim sum — har gau and siu mai. You’ll begin by rolling out your pastry under Tom’s watchful eye before learning the traditional shapes for each type of dim sum. Then, the part you’ll have no doubt been waiting for, you’ll get to enjoy your creations at the end. chinolatino.co.uk
Create your own personalised silver ring
Run by talented jewellery-making duo Nadia and Luke, co-founders of the brand Stööki, this workshop covers the captivating art of the lost wax technique. Creative director Luke will help you develop your design and turn it into a ring template, while Nadia will guide you through the various techniques, tools and materials involved in the craft. You’ll leave with a handcrafted piece that reflects your unique style and creativity. Available through craft workshop forum wecandoo.uk
