Hate Art?

Not a fan of art? Get annoyed by pretentious art types? In fact, do you downright hate art?

Well of course not but occasionally you need to vent at the whole art scene which is why after work this week we recommend taking a look at National Art Hate Week at L-13 in Clerkenwell. It's devoted to all types of art hate and there are going to be protests, propaganda and all variety of anti-art going-ons.

So get your claws out, stash the paintbrushes and visit National Art Hate week, 13-20 July until 6pm at L-13.

Antony Gormley's Fourth Plinth project

Summer is a lot of people's favourite time of year. I like it because it's warmer, lighter, and there are lots more things to do which makes finding things to do after work a doddle! Tonight I'm taking what I imagine will be the first of many trips down to Trafalgar Square to sample a bit of open-air art and culture with Antony Gormley's One and Other exhibition! It opened yesterday and has already caught quite a few headlines with protests and the very addictive live stream of the goings on. I can't wait to take a look for myself and judge if all this fuss has been worth it.

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.

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