Entertaining London this Lockdown

We've reached the last week of January - we got this guys. While we obvioulsy don't know how much longer we have left of Lockdown 3.0, the end is in sight. We've rounded up a few suggestions to help keep the family entertained over the coming weeks... we hope you like them!

Up your family Zoom nights

Funlab provide fully hosted remote events that, with the help of a host, bring a little buzz back to lockdown life. It's not your normal awkward Zoom family quiz; each event is hosted by a professional party host who breaks down any awkwardness and helps create the atmosphere and banter. You can choose from six different events to try with friends or work colleagues to lighten even the darkest day this winter, including choose your own adventure, virtual escape rooms, game shows and more. www.funlabvirtual.co.uk


With their aim to gamify the world, BucketRace offers events every Saturday from 7-9pm (£10 per person, £15 for a couple or £20 for family/household). Forthcoming nights include The Big Fat Quiz of 2020, Whacky Wager Betting Night and a Valentine’s Special Dating Journey Through the History of Gameshows. Sounds intriguing! Tickets available through DesignMyNight or www.bucketrace.com

Try a virtual cook-along

If you’re looking to use lockdown to up your culinary skills, Kate Ailey from the popular Italian inspired food blog Cooking and Carafes, is launching a series on fun online cook-alongs from January to March. These interactive 45 minute sessions will take place via Zoom and help to build confidence in the kitchen while helping to cure the dreaded lockdown blues. Using ingredients readily available as part of your weekly food shop, you’ll make delicious Italian dishes including Sausage and Cannellini stew and Gnochetti Sardi all while making new friends along the way.

Each recipe includes gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options and a number of sessions are also run in collaboration with some of Kate’s favourite Italian brands, such as Filippo Berio and Garofalo Pasta, and include a selection of free products that will be sent to you in advance. Each Cook Along costs £17 or just £15 when you sign up to three sessions of your choice, or you can save over 15% when you sign up for all six sessions at just £85. www.cookingandcarafes.co.uk

Challenge yourself with 24 hours of Zumba

Zumba is encouraging people to “Step into Happy” this January with 24 hours of back-to-back classes this weekend with top presenters from around the world. From 7pm Saturday until 6pm Sunday, people can join for free from anywhere around the globe, with the event starting and ending with a class from Zumba® creator himself, Beto Perez. Set your watch and choose your own schedule; there’s a huge mix of dance styles available from salsa and reggaeton to Bollywood and cumbia.