Best Alternative Halloween Parties

Here at London After Work we're always looking to do things a bit differently and so I was thrilled to discover that there are quite a few alternatives to the traditional Halloween shenanigans going on.

Everything from a Zombie Beach Party at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes to Sud Electronic's first Halloween Party for 5 years!

It's time to do something a bit different so for more ideas on what to get up to over Halloween then check out the Best Alternative Halloween Parties.

There is an overwhelming amount of choice in the capital this Halloween - but whatever you do, dress up and have fun.

Light Nights

With the recent great weather London has seen, it's clear that summer is well and truly here! Bearing that in mind it's clear that being outside on a balmy summer's evening is one of the best ways to relax after work and I for one can't wait to try out some outdoor theatre.

Watching a play outside in the evening has all my favourite elements for a great evening out. There's food (in the superior picnic form) wine (possibly out of a box) a blanket of stars and buckets of culture to boot!

I'm particularly excited about the programme from the Open Air Theatre and will be making a few trips here over the next few months. My advice is to book early though, this is an unsurprisingly popular activity for urbanites.

Strike!

Last night I soaked up a truly retro American experience, right in the heart of London. Instead of hitting the pub with the usual Monday night rabble I went with a few friends to the fantasticBloomsbury Bowling Lanes. We had some food, drinks and a really good bowling session - the latter activity I haven't done in years. Although we didn't have to wait very long for a lane, I imagine it's worse on a Friday or Saturday night. 

If I was planning on heading there over the weekend I would probably consider booking a private party which they do for a reasonable fee. Top notch service all round - and next time I'm going to hit the karaoke too!

Now that I'm into the retro swing of things I'm looking forward to trying the All Star Bowling Lanes which, although a seemingly garish chain, I've heard some fab stuff about. 

Speed dating in the City

Busy city slickers often don't have time to stop and smell the roses, let alone find their soulmate so it's no wonder that dating services in London are so popular. Once the realm of only the most ugly and desperate individuals it now seems like everyone is at it! A quick look at the site My Single Friend shows you that online dating is now open to all. Bearing that in mind, it would be rude to not get involved!

It seems as though speed-dating events like this one from Speed Dater are pretty cheap and well organised. If nothing else I'd suggest signing up with a few mates and having a laugh with some nice people over a drink and you never know, you might meet the love of your life. So my after work tip for this week is to try your hand at expanding your social circle, and let's face it, the people there can't be any worse than the blokes and girls who frequent my local boozer!

Alternative London Tours

If like me, your busy work schedule leaves you with little time to explore London then you might be interested in a great site which takes your on virtual tours of London like this one about Brick Lane.

It's also an alternative of East London, which you don't get from the major tour guides and don't really have a chance to pick up from just wandering around yourself.

It's not as good as being there, but at least it gives you some good ideas of planning your next day out! I've found quite a few good virtual tours of London like this from LondonByClick, which have inspired me for quite a few post-work activities.

After Work Exercise

A few years ago, I used to join one of my colleauges for a quick gym session after work on Thursdays, but once I moved to my current job I dropped out of the habit and I think I've even gone off the idea of plodding down a treadmill for an hour after a long day at the office.

So tonight I've brought my gym kit but decided to get a good work out and have fun after work at the same time! There is a great community arts centre in Hackney called Chats Palace which has many colourful events going on. This evening they've got a beginner's Belly dancing class which I'm very excited to go to. Not quite as risque as the burlesque dancing I watched last week, but my friends tell me it's lots of fun and gives your stomach a great workout too!