It’s a well known fact: Halloween and Booze go hand in hand. And luckily, we just happen to love booze, as well as Halloween. So it should come as no surprise that here at London Loves Booze, we’ll be celebrating Halloween in a big way. And you should too, if you’re a true fan of the booze..

Firstly, it’s important to consider your costume. Chances are that if there’s booze incorporated into your Halloween weekend, you’ll be out and about (see here for ideas). We’re thinking a ball, a club, a movie fright night. Whatever the event, it’ll be important to consider your outfit, given that is pretty much the one singular thing that brings people, and even nations, together at this ridiculous public holiday. There are two choices here. Number one being hiring an expensive outfit from an over-priced fancy dress shop. Second option being to make your own! Half the price, double the effort, but triple the reward. Really, you can’t go wrong.. We’ve been scouting around for ideas already and Spoonfed have got a pretty good article for all those creative crafty types: Homemade Halloween Costumes. Here’s a few of their ideas:

Guys: The Joker Costume
Nothing’s scarier than a megalomaniacal crazy man who has a tendency to shove pencils through people’s skulls and blow up hospitals. Take advantage of the fact that one this year’s best scary costumes can also be one of the easiest with some liberal application of face paint and makeup.

Hunt down some white face paint, lipstick and liquid eyeliner to recreate the Joker effect – if you’re really feeling daring you can even get some temporary green hair colouring. For the clothes, get a blue collared shirt, a green vest and blue or brown trousers to complete the look.


Girls: The Corpse Bride Costume
The classic corpse bride costume has two advantages in the scary department. One – it’s a corpse so you’ve got fear of death covered. Two – it’s a bride which will send every single male in the room running for the hills.

Start with a layer of white face paint (you might want to add just a touch of blue or gray to give you that half-decayed look) and really go to town with the eyeliner and mascara. Use white or blue lipstick for those cold, dead lips. All that’s left is hunting the charity shops for a wedding gown and adding some rips, tears and dirt stains from when you clawed your way out of the grave.
Lilies should, of course, be the flower bouquet of choice.

There’s plenty more ideas in their article. Second up, you’ll want to consider where to go. But we’ll be covering this in Part 2.. stay tuned.

A red martini

A red martini

Last week Time Out announced the results of their Eating and Drinking Awards 2009! And for the sophisicated folk among us that can only mean that it’s time to dig into our wallets and trapse across to a completely foreign part of town to sample the best that London has to offer.

One place in particular that can expect to see plenty more customers soon is 69 Colebrooke Row which won the magazine’s prestigious Best New Bar Award!

I haven’t managed to sample it yet, but rest assured I will do very soon….

Wherever you live in the UK, it’s important to make sure you pick the best pub around. And if you’re a tourist, here’s some handy tips for knowing where to find the best drinking areas in Britain

more about "How To Choose A Good Pub", posted with vodpod

…Wenlock Arms…and The White Horse! Both of these pubs, on opposite sides of the city, are a beer lover’s haven, and though very different from each other, are fantastic destinations for a night out.

The Wenlock Arms
is a North London staple located between Angel and Old Street tubes. Despite the trendy location, it’s the epitome of a local pub, and is all about the real ale. A rotating roster of quality ale can be found on tap and the regulars are as welcoming as you can find in the capital. There are quiz nights and live jazz as well. A true gem.

The White Horse on the other hand is a different beast completely. It fancies itself as more of an upmarket pub with a dining room and private function room, and as such food is pricey and it can get packed. However, beer is the reason to visit and on tap you’ll find a large selection of real ale, continental lager, Belgian, German and American beers. The bottled selection numbers in the hundreds and they also hold an annual old ale festival, and BBQs during the summer. Nearest tube is Parson’s Green

The Viaduct. Voted Ealing’s Best Food Pub in 2006, The Viaduct is a local favourite for well-kept Fullers ale and affordable food.

More of a restaurant than a boozer, The Viaduct is popular with families and singles alike because of it’s laid back atmosphere and large beer garden. Specials include a drink and two courses for £9.50, and OAP menu for £4.95. Nearest Tube is Boston Manor.

…Uxbridge Arms. Despite a posh address near Notting Hill Gate, Uxbridge Arms is a delightfully unpretentious local with a good range of well kept beer and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s a local through and through and does not pretend to be a flash gastro-pub, nor does it have to. Away from the main streets and out of view from tourists of Portobello Road, it’s full of old regulars, but has managed to capture the attention of some younger crowds as well. the Uxbridge Arms is a hidden gem in these parts and could be found at 13, Uxbridge St, London, W8 7TQ. Nearest Tube is Notting Hill Gate.

Temperance. The Temperance movement reared its ugly head in the early 19th century, and advocated a moderate approach to life, with a focus on (gasp) abstaining from alcohol. The movement established numerous Temperance Halls, which provided a social space for teetotalers to do whatever it is that they do, while avoiding the temptations of alochol.

Tongue firmly in cheek, Temperance in Putney uses not only the name of this evil movement, but a former Temperance Hall itself, and in the process creates a wonderful bar that offers quality food and drink. The bar looks great with high ceilings, a skylight and furniture being a mishmash of old and new styles. The beer selection is varied, with American, British, Belgian and German options on tap and in bottles, and there is also a respectable selection of cider and wine.

Food is within the gastropub price range, but is well worth it, as the bar offeres interesting and tasty menu choice. Nearest tube is Putney Bridge.

…theeee Ship. As summer is upon us, Londoners are flocking outdoors and looking for the perfect pub to down a jug of Pimms, soak in some UV rays and feast on tasty BBQ. The Ship near Wandsworth Town rail meets all of these needs and does a wonderful job of creating a buzzing summer atmosphere.

The Ship is made up of two pub rooms (one of which is a conservatory), a formal dining room, and large riverside deck complete with it’s own bar and BBQ. Food is wonderful all around, from burgers and chips outside, to high-end gastro offerings in the dining room. There are a few young’s ales on tap, as well as continental lagers, and the wine list is concise but full of good options.

Live music on Sunday’s prove to be a brilliantly good time, and the mid week quiz night is also loads of fun. A gem of a pub that’s worth a visit.

Roxy Bar and Screen. Combining our love of sports, quizzes, movies and drinks, The Roxy Bar and Screen in Borough has surely deserved a mention in our list.

There is a main screen room with two bars and lots of small tables, but try to arrive early and claim the comfy sofas up front. The Roxy usually screens critically acclaimed and independent films with a small cover, though sporting events are shown regularly and free of charge. There is an extensive cocktail and wine selection, and though there are no draft beer, there is a wonderful bottled selection.

Queen of Hoxton. And now for something completely different. The Queen, named after actress Sara Lane, is a unique fusion of bar, exhibition space and live music venue all in a dark and ethereal atmosphere. In addition to typical bar entertainment there is also a games room with table football, pinball and other amusements.

For a listing of upcoming events at the Queen, or just to take a peek at the awesome atmoshphere, visit their site. Nearest tube is Old Street.

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