In 2026, Londoners are swapping after-work drinks for evenings spent crafting. Here, we reveal the best spots to showcase your skills.
While Londoners are still partial to a post-work tipple, the numbers doing so have dwindled since the pandemic. According to a report by Drinkaware, 49% of young adults now opt for zero- or low-alcohol drinks — nearly double than the amount reported in 2018.
Whether motivated by a desire to be healthier, save money or protect themselves from the ominous nature of a hangover, it seems Brits are swapping the pub for more wholesome options. Enter: crafting.
The concept of having a ‘third space’ — a destination outside of your work and home — is a recent a trend, with many of us looking to gyms, social clubs and wellness hubs to build a sense of community, but the caveat is that these can often come with a hefty price tag.
However, there are a few hidden gems across the city — arts and crafts social clubs that are affordable, wholesome and social; you just need to know where to look. Here, we round up our favourites.
London’s best art and crafts clubs
Read more: Inside London’s coolest social clubs
London Creative Gals
London Creative Gals has been running clubs since September 2024.
“I really wanted to meet like-minded gals while creating and having fun all together,” says founder Martina Vintaloro.
She organises events to suit a variety of budgets, from the coffee-and-stroll events through London’s parks and museums to creative workshops focused around crafts like candle painting and T-shirt embroidery.
Find out more at londoncreativegals.com
Read more: The best free running clubs to join in London in 2026
Knitfaced
Knitfaced, founded is a weekly knitting club launched by Katie-Ann Glen in November 2025.
“I’d been meeting with a small group of friends to knit at the pub for a couple of winters previously and posted a TikTok about it expecting nobody to see it,” says Katie. “That night, we had 10 new people join us and since then it’s continued to grow.”
Now, the club has over 950 members, with an average of 40 people attending each week. Katie insists that you needn’t be a pro at knitting to take part, recommending the monthly beginners classes as a great place to start.
“Most people come on their own, which makes for such a lovely atmosphere,” Katie explains. So, for those looking to perfect their skills or pick up a new hobby and make some friends along the way, Knitfaced presents a perfect way to spend an evening.
Discover future Knitfaced events
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Club Betty
Kelly Bryden, the founder of the Club Betty craft club, moved to London several years ago and wanted to build an accessible social activity priced around the same as a few drinks out.
The club is all about DIY; bag charms, glass artwork and jewellery-making are just a few of the crafts it’s offered so far.
Kelly is also a new mum, and so is expanding the offering with Club Betty & Babies — daytime workshops where parents can bring their babies and connect with other parents over crafts.
Keep up to date with Club Betty
Read more: The best free walking clubs to join
Sonderhaus
Sonderhaus began as a response to London’s social spaces becoming “surface level”, says its founder, Peter Ajuchi.
“I wanted to create something that felt more intentional, where people could connect, not just show up, network and leave. It’s grown into a platform where we bring people together through different creative formats.”
Sonderhaus events range from upcycling and customising clothing to film clubs and a Mario Kart tournament, which has attracted a cult following.
“A big part of what we’ve built is making it feel comfortable to show up solo,” says Peter.
Find out more about upcoming Sonderhaus events here
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3o6 Studios’ Crafty Thursdays
There’s no doubt that while a big city like London has more social opportunities than most places, it can still be a challenge to find real connection. This is a problem 3o6 Studios’ founder, Jen Rojas, wanted to address.
“Our main focus is on creativity, education and building a community around more responsible ways of making and wearing clothes,” Jen explains.
While 3o6’s Crafty Thursdays initiative is only weeks old, Jen says the response has been overwhelming and the event is already fully booked until June.
If you can squeeze into a space, expect to leave with a new skill to use to prolong the life of your wardrobe, from patch making and bedazzling to lino printing.
“Most people have come alone and left with a friend — which is exactly what we’re wanting,” Jen says.
Keep in touch with 3o6 studios
Feature image: Sonderhaus
