Fore!

I've already written about the ups and downs of my after-work exercise routine. I love working out once I get to the gym but a lot of days the thought of going from my office desk to the treadmill gives me a shudder of dread.

So, I love opportunities to get a bit of a work out and have a little fun at the same time. I've recently got into a habit of stopping by Urban Golf in Soho (although they also have another place in Smithfield)

This isn't only about hitting some balls at an indoor driving range, oh no, you can play at 52 of the world's greatest golf courses without even leaving Central London. This is a great after work activity, no matter what level of golfer you are, because even if you don't know your bunker from your bogey you can prop up the 'club-house' bar and try some of their tasty treats.

This is virtual golf at it's very best!

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!

Museum Lates

A new series of events is taking place at London's Science Museum. The scheme called Museum Lates is the exciting adults only event, held once a month, that invites you to experience the Science Museum after hours.

Opening times are 18.45 - 22.00 (free entry)



The first event was last Wednesday night and I was lucky enough to go along and meet some really great people. Each month the event will centre on a different theme and for May's inugral event they offered a range of activities full of female charm to celebrate women and science.

There was a varied mix of entertainment, with live music, top DJ’s and plenty of giggles courtsey of Punk Science.

Here are some of the events they had on at their first late night opening:
Speed dating
Pub quiz
Punk Science
Shellac Sisters
Entry to Wallace & Gromit present A World of Cracking Ideas
Silent disco
Free oysters
Exclusive gallery tours

It was a really fantastic event, so if it sounds like your cup of tea then don't miss out on the rest of the upcoming events.

Here's a list of the future Lates events, all of which will have a different theme!
Wednesday 24 June
Wednesday 29 July
Wednesday 26 August
Wednesday 30 September
Wednesday 28 October
Wednesday 25 November

See you there next time!

For more info, check out the official page on the Science Museum Lates website

In Conversation with John Cale

As I mentioned in a previous post, I love the National Gallery, and particularly the late night events they run. This particularly late, but nonetheless facinating evening featured John Cale of the Velvet Underground as the guest speaker.

Now establishing himself as an artist, Cale will soon be representing Wales at this year’s Venice Biennale. But far from leaving music behind, he entered into a very interesting discussion about the connections that art and music share.

I was very excited to hear about his plans for the festival in Venice and his much-anticipated mixed-media installation.

It was a really enjoyable and eye-opening experience that to top it all off was completely free of charge!

For more information on upcoming Late Nights at The National check out the gallery's website or Museums at Night 2009 programme for more great goings on after work

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.

A brew ha ha!

Even though it's a Friday, today's after work activity is going to be treated like any other work day because I've got to get up shockingly early for a Saturday.

Even though I haven't' packed yet this isn't going to stop me seeing some great live comedy. After work tonight I'm off to The Funny Side Comedy club in Covent Garden.

Before that kicks off I'll probably pop along to Wahaca for some tasty Mexican tapas and if I didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn I would normally finish it off with a few cocktails at Bunker. Oh well, next time eh?!