The group chat is popping off with hundreds of suggestions and questions on where the next holiday is going to be – trust us when we say we’ve all been there. We know that Greece, Spain and Croatia are all being thrown about this year, and although they are great suggestions, will the trip ever actually happen? Someone is bound to get their leave request denied, or perhaps a wedding will crop up at the last minute – being an adult means there’s just so much to think about.
London
Eat: Restaurant Ours
A celebrity favourite, Restaurant Ours is an upmarket restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge, that has attracted the likes of Rihanna, Kourtney Kardashian and Paris Hilton. Expect all the vibes, from Instagrammable flower walls, dimly lit interiors and an impressive, seasonal menu. They also boast live entertainment on Wednesdays, and a seriously fun Whispering Angel brunch every Sunday, that’ll have you up and dancing in no time.
Drink: Swift Soho
If you’re looking for an evening of sophistication, head down to Swift Soho. The bar is consistently voted as one of London’s best cocktail bars, and even came #41 in the World’s 50 Best Bars List – yes, you read that right, the whole world. Your gals trip might not have quite made it to Italy quite yet, but this venue boasts all the aperitivo vibes you’ll need for a European-esque getaway.
Do: Mrs Riot Brunch
Is a girls’ trip even a girls’ trip without a boozy brunch? We think not. Not only does Mrs Riot boast ‘grammable interiors a plenty (we’re talking bright blue sofas, clashing wallpaper and floral foliage), but they also throw one helluva brunch, with free-flowing cocktails, unlimited vegan cupcakes and acts from some of the best drag queens in town. What more could you want? Spoiler: not a lot.
Liverpool
Eat: Carpathia Bar and Restaurant
Fancy your dinner with a side of sweeping views? Carpatha sits directly overlooking the city skyline, and is home to the very best chefs and mixologists. Expect elevated menu options such as roast cod and duck breast, paired with elegant interiors that make for a dinner that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Drink: The Florist
If you didn’t visit The Florist, did you even visit Liverpool? You will have undoubtedly seen the floral bar, dubbed the most photographed bar in the city, on your Instagram feed, and if you haven’t, it’s definitely worth a visit. With a flower covered photo wall (that’s worthy of a visit in itself), artwork from Gemma Compton and a pretty impressive cocktail menu, this place is Liverpool’s ultimate venue for a girls’ night out.
Do: The Cheese Crawl
Know your cheddar from your camembert? Pretty fond of fondue? The Cheese Crawl is a must visit for budding cheese fans, foodies and history lovers alike, with your very own tour guide taking you on a cheese filled tour of the city. You’ll walk past some of Liverpool’s most famous sights, as well as lesser known side streets, in a bid to find the tastiest cheese in town. The best part? There’s prosecco, too.
Manchester
Eat: Sunset by Australasia
Pink interiors and frozen pornstar martinis? We’re there. Sunset draws in guests with its instantly recognisable pink hue – and inside is even better, with pastel coloured interiors, plush seating and an impressive terrace boasting views over Manchester. The menu takes its inspiration from Japan, serving up sushi and sashimi galore, as well as delicious bento boxes and innovative cocktails – we recommend the cherry chocolate sour.
Drink: Dirty Martini
Martini lover? This is the place for you. Set over two floors, Dirty Martini Manchester boasts 12 variations of the classic martini, as well as 32 other cocktails. Head down for their daily hour for half price martinis and much more, or opt for their Instagrammable martini brunch, which includes bottomless supper cocktails and beautiful brunch dishes served in an actual bird cage.
Do: Alcotraz
Usually, the aim of a girls’ trip would be to not end up in a cell, however Alcotraz is a prison that likes to do things differently. The immersive experience will see you and your gang sneaking illicit booze past the warden, in a bid to enjoy bespoke cocktails with your fellow inmates. If orange isn’t your colour, be warned – you have to don jumpsuits for this one.
Brighton
Eat: The Salt Room
Transport yourself to faraway shores at The Salt Room. The venue, directly overlooking the beachfront, promises the best sea views in town, which can be enjoyed on their impressive terrace. Food-wise, enjoy a menu that celebrates modern British seafood, all while using local, sustainable produce.
Drink: Soho House Brighton
Follow in the famous footsteps of Madonna and Alexa Chung at the newly opened Brighton Beach House. The illustrious members’ only club is the latest venture by the Soho House gang, and promises to be just as sleek as the other houses. Expect a rooftop pool, spicy picantes and maybe even a glimpse of your favourite celeb – if you can get in, of course.
Do: Be At One Cocktail Masterclass
We’re all experts at drinking cocktails, but how about making them? Mix, muddle, mash and of course, most importantly, taste your very own cocktails with guidance from Be At One’s expert mixologists. Whether you like your drinks sweet, fruity or strong, the masterclass will give you all the skills necessary to create your own concoctions at home. As an extra bonus, there will also be cocktail games, and you can choose to add on bellinis upon arrival, too.
Birmingham
Eat: Gaucho
Gaucho on Colmore Row is a truly glamorous dining location. Expect ultra swish, stylish interiors (that make for the perfect backdrop for an Insta pic, fyi), as well as a 100% carbon neutral steak menu, paired with an impressive cocktail list. Head down on a Sunday to experience their bottomless Sunday dinner offering, packed full of all the Yorkshire puds you can dream of – it’s the ultimate hangover cure.
Drink: The Alchemist
Looking for your late night cocktail fix in Birmingham? The Brindley place venue is open until 3am, serving up the most aesthetic drinks you’ll ever see. From colour changing concoctions to actual smoking cocktails, and literally everything in between, The Alchemist will soon become your new go-to bar.
Do: Luna Springs
Whether you’re in the mood for brunch, karaoke or even Birmingham’s take on a full moon party, Luna Springs is never boring. The bar-cum-entertainment venue is the perfect place for a casual drink with friends (complete with food from Birmingham’s best loved street vendors), as well as throwing knees ups – luna-tics encouraged.
Glasgow
Eat: Derby Lane
Derby Lane might just be Glasgow’s most aesthetic venue. With rainbow coloured interiors, neon signs and palm trees a-plenty, the colourful location is a must visit for brunch in the city. Expect classic brunch dishes from eggs benedict and smashed avocado, to a Calabasas salad that Kim K would be proud of.
Drink: The Berkeley Suite
If hidden bars are your jam, you’ll want to pay a visit to The Berkeley Suite. Located in an unassuming location on the side of an actual motorway, the bar sits behind a pawn shop facade. When you enter, you’ll be greeted with art deco, speakeasy vibes, as well as a best in class soundsystem and impressive cocktail offering.
Do: Bounce Bingo
Brought to life by the brains behind some of Ibiza’s craziest parties, Bounce Bingo by Zander Nation is worth the trip to Glasgow alone. Merging full blown dance events with the classic game of bingo, guests are invited to go head to head against their pals, whilst battling out for a selection of generous prizes – all to a backdrop of dance anthems and free-flowing drinks.Things get a little wild here.
Cardiff
Eat: Chapel 1877
Ever eat in an actual church? You can now add it and tick it off your to do list. Chapel 1877 sits within a renovated Gothic chapel, and, as you can expect, the aesthetic is unmatched. The restaurant has been referred to as Cardiff’s most vibrant venue, as is evident through the modern fusion menu – expect pumpkin tortellini and pan fried salmon, amongst other, classic options.
Drink: The Dead Canary
The Dead Canary is the must visit cocktail bar in Cardiff. Staff here are trained for excellence, consistently winning awards for their expert mixology skills. Situated in a Grade II listed building, this spot serves over 30 cocktails, all of which have been inspired by the stories of dragons. It’s all very magical.
Do: Drag Bottomless Brunch
The Depot Cardiff has been voted the number one location for a drag day out, with shows presented by London’s leading drag queens; Cara Melle, Honey Foxx and Kiki Snatch. The four-hour brunch party features appearances from Ru Paul’s drag race stars, as well as iconic performances, bottomless bubbles and a live DJ. You and the gals are in for a wild ride.
Bristol
Eat: The Ivy
The Ivy Bristol is not only home to the high standard of service and delicious food and drinks that have become synonymous with the chain, but also an immaculate interior – you’ll find an orangery, an expansive bar and two private dining rooms alongside the main dining area, that all boast an art deco touches and a VIP vibe. As for the menu, expect sophisticated, all-day dining options, as well as a seasonal cocktail menu.
Drink: Lola Lo
This Polynesian-inspired bar will leave you feeling as though you’re on a beach in the pacific, rather than the centre of Bristol. Expect tiki-inspired interiors (we’re talking bamboo trunks and intricate tiki heads), as well as a tropical cocktail menu, from piña coladas to the infamous ‘Easter Island Surprise’ sharing cocktail.
Do: Flight Club
Whether you’re a dab hand at darts, or just have a thing for Instagrammable bars, a trip to Flight Club is well worth a visit. Get competitive with your pals with a game of social darts (just watch your aim after a drink or two), and enjoy the fairground inspired interiors – from actual fairground horses to carnival-inspired furnishings.
Newcastle
Eat: Purple Peacock
Newcastle’s Purple Peacock is as beautiful as they come. The interior looks as though it’s been plucked straight out of Alice in Wonderland, with deep purple and teal walls, floral seating and actual peacock feathers draped around the venue. The menu is equally as impressive, especially their ‘drunch’ menu, which includes 90 minutes of bottomless booze, alongside brunch classics.
Drink: Leila Lily’s
Leila Lily’s is Newcastle’s prettiest bar, situated within the ultra swish Grey Street Hotel. Boasting boutique vibes, expect sultry lighting, neon signs and an abundance of grammable foliage. After a few drinks here, head to the basement to 212 club – an all-night venue perfect for dancing into the early hours with the gals.
Do: The WonderBar
The WonderBar has something to offer for everyone, from clubbing, to interactive entertainment and live music, at any time of the day. Head down in the early evening to take advantage of their happy hour deals, and enjoy the live music provided by singers and musicians, or try your hand at interactive darts if you fancy it – you might just be a pro.
Belfast
Eat: AMPM
All day restaurant AMPM might just win first prize for Belfast’s most gorgeous restaurant. Floral decor spans from floor to ceiling, and if you get lucky with the weather (although it’s unlikely), there’s even a roof terrace named The Treehouse, finished with all the garden decor and fairy lights that your heart desires. Food wise, there’s specific menus for lunch, evening, pre-theatre and even date night, as well as delicious small plates spanning seafood to risotto. And if you thought that was enough, you should check out their cocktail menu – it’s pretty special.
Drink: The Perch Rooftop Bar
The Perch has rightly been titled Belfast’s best outdoor space, and with good reason. The bar looks like something out of a fairytale, complete with flower baskets, actual hanging birdcages, and fairylights galore. It’s also the highest bar in the city, meaning the view over Belfast city is pretty impressive. The main reason to visit this place, though, is their cocktail menu – offering familiar favourites from a cosmopolitan to a pornstar martini, and new, seasonal sips depending on when you visit.
Do: Cuckoo
Belfast’s coolest hangout, Cuckoo, has an activity on offer for every type of friend in your girl group. From retro arcade games to foosball, pool and guitar hero, guests can choose to partake as much as they want, or opt to enjoy the vast selection of music with a cocktail – or jam jar – in hand. For the karaoke loving friend, they have their very own private lounge that’s available to hire out for you and your tribe, so you can sing ABBA until your heart’s content. Mamma Mia, here we go again.
Looking for more things to do in London and across the UK? Visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
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