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With Halloween over and Bonfire Night soon to close with a bang, you're probably in need of some November inspiration. Good news – this month sees the opening of loads of hot new venues, offering everything from Scandinavian cider to a chicken kiev-pinball fusion, meaning there’s plenty to do between now and Christmas. We asked the venue experts at Hire Space to recommend the coolest new hangouts.
1. Flight Club
Fancy a game of darts but aren't really into the idea of launching the mini-javelins at a wall of a dark, dingy pub? Flight Club rejuvenates the darts experience, giving it a fun, social spin à la bowling or crazy golf. Groups of up to 12 can hire a cosy and colourful 'oche' and play games such as Shanghai and Demolition Darts, with real-time computerised scoring. Helping sharpshooters perfect the triple-20 are an array of creative cocktails and sharing plates featuring the likes of crab mac croquettes and popcorn mussels.
2. Coin Laundry
Washing-based names seem to be the current trend for restaurants: last month, we introduced Chinese Laundry, and now there’s Coin Laundry in Exmouth Market, which channels the spirit of the ‘70s and ‘80s with its retro theming. This nostalgic vibe will be manifested in the form of a pinball machine and a SodaStream for the creation of carbonated cocktails. But the true highlight is the signature chicken kiev, made with bone-in bird, wild garlic and a secret coating. A dedicated Kiev Counter will track the number of remaining kievs in the kitchen.
3. Rekorderlig Cider Lodge
In the summer, the Kopparberg Urban Forest in Hackney was a hit, and now Rekorderlig is recreating a similarly Scandinavian pop-up for the colder months. Lined with glistening blue spruces, the two-storey structure will mimic a Nordic lodge and be filled with Swedish fare, fire pits, live music and, of course, cider. Join the festivities outside the Southbank Centre between November 5 and January 4.
4. Rudies
The people behind Rudies have scoured the island of Jamaica in order to concoct the ultimate jerk recipe – which is apparently produced through a range of complex factors from wood chips to a massive jerk drum. Guests at the Dalston restaurant can expect to share tapas-style, tasting authentic dishes like the papaya jerk chicken, spicy curry goat and corn pon-de-cob, paired with cocktails proudly crafted with Jamaican rum. Drinks include the Katch a Fire, described as a ‘flaming rum punch’. And if that doesn't warm you up, best check your pulse.
5. Oriole
This one’s still surreptitiously under wraps, but that’s hardly a surprise given it’s from the team behind Nightjar (pictured here), the highly popular and not-so-secret-anymore Shoreditch speakeasy. Nevertheless, we couldn’t wait to expose what we know so far. Named after the state bird of Maryland, the new Smithfield Market bar has promised décor inspired by tiki and colonial styles, along with a live music space and, as you'd expect, an array of delicately designed cocktails.
For more awesome London venues, head to hirespace.com.