The End of the World Party, Village Underground

Hosted by the team that has put on more than 50 “end of the world” parties in the last four years (they must be a fairly pessimistic bunch…), this Shoreditch party is guaranteed to be one of the most detailed and debauched in town. Starting at 10pm, the night allows you to choose the songs you dance to, live out your final fantasies in the Last Wish room and generally behave as if you won’t have to worry about a hangover in the morning. Tickets are £8, get yours quick before they sell out.  21 Dec

The End of the World Party, Proud Camden

Head to this popular venue’s Stables Bar for a night of half-price drinks, doomsday shenanigans and music from top DJs – including a special guest at midnight. Highlights include confetti cannon, the chance to confess your sins and an air raid siren that heralds the advent of half price shots. Entry is free if you’re on the guestlist, see the website for full details. 20 Dec

Brian Cox and Robin Ince’s End of the World Show, Hammersmith Apollo.

Go out laughing at this logical comedy show from the hosts of BBC Radio 4′s Infinite Monkey Cage. Brian Cox and Robin Ince bring some of the finest minds in comedy, science and music together to celebrate human achievement in earth’s final hours. Tickets start from £25. 21 Dec

The Last Supper Club, Shoreditch

Make your last meal a memorable one at this exclusive dining experience in Shoreditch. You can choose between dining in the Ark, which has an eclectic and regularly changing selection of three-course menus, or make your apocalypse a bit more casual in the street food area. A doom-fuelled selection of drinks is also available and booking in advance is highly recommended – see their website for full details. 6-22 Dec

Popstarz at Hidden, Vauxhall

The world’s first alternative gay night is hosting a special End of the World Party in Vauxhall, featuring giveaways, apocalyptic makeovers and a special stage show at midnight. Entry is free before 11pm, see the flyer for full details. 21 Dec

Real Nice and Eta Present the End of the World, West London

Spending your final hours in a West London warehouse might not sound too appealing, but when you factor in world-class DJs, a killer light and sound system and a fair few apocalyptic surprises it suddenly sounds like a plan. Tickets are £20. 21 Dec

Pirate Radio Party Presents Aztec Mixdeck: A World’s End Boat Party

Cruise down the Thames with the Pirate Radio Party, who promise music, theatrics and “the best atmosphere this side of the apocalypse”. Seen from the river, London at night is certainly one of the prettiest last views you can get. Tickets are £20 if you’re quick. 21 Dec

Loud Noise End of the World Party at Cable

Head to South London for an apocalyptic party featuring a huge line-up of top DJs. Tickets start from £8. 21 Dec

Winterwell Presents A Journey to Hell
Boutique festival Winterwell’s popular Halloween party returns to London for another year of “pervasive adventures”. It all takes place at a brick warehouse in West London, with live music, installations and plenty more entertainment. The fancy dress theme is “what you might find in hell,” so start planning your costume now! The Loft Studios, 27 Oct, tickets £25 (early bird tickets £20)

Club de Fromage and Old School Indie Halloween Party
Club de Fromage and Old School Indie have joined forces for an evening of chilling indie and spooky pop in a venue decked out with gravestones, coffins and cobwebs. There’s a prize for best fancy dress, and the chance to get into the Halloween spirit with a screening of Ghostbusters before the club. O2 Academy Islington, 27 Oct, entry £10 in advance, £15 including film

Secretsundaze Halloween Asylum Party
Mix the old and new as secretsundaze makes its debut at Shoreditch venue Factory 7, while continuing last year’s asylum theme. Some of the biggest names in techno will keep inmates partying until the early hours, including Shed, San Proper and BLM plus residents Giles Smith and James Priestly. Factory 7, 27 Oct, tickets £14.50-£17

Midnight A Go-Go’s Halloween Party Return to a simpler time of MTV, Thriller and Kate Bush at Midnight A Go-Go’s 80s-themed Halloween party. Enjoy 80s new wave, synth pop, classic hip hop and new tracks inspired by the decade, while cult 80s horror films play in the background. The Waiting Room, 26 Oct, entry £5

Big Chill Presents Bruk Out Halloween Party
A Halloween party with music that bumps very loudly in the night. Thunderbird Gerard, Brackles, Serocee, TCTS and Bruk Out DJs play the best house, hip hop and beats, with a special performance from dance troupe Skullduggery Refuse. The Big Chill House, 27 Oct, free entry

Have we missed any Halloween hotspots? Tell us in the comments below.

Cheesy club night Club de Fromage are throwing an 80s-themed Royal Wedding party, and we’ve got 10 sets of tickets to give away.

You and two friends can enjoy cake, bunting, cheesy tunes and lots more wedding-related fun on 30 April.

The theme is 80s wedding, so start planning your outfit now!

Enter to win tickets to Club de Fromage’s Right Royal 80s Knees Up

How about you, your three best friends, Mark Ronson, Annie Mac, Katy B and some massive dance acts partying in London?

If that sounds good, enter our competition to win four tickets to Together’s New Year’s Eve bash at the Brixton Academy.

Not only is it New Year’s Eve, but Together is celebrating its 10th anniversary – which means a huge party for you!

Enter to win Together NYE tickets now

After enjoying White Mischief so much in March, I returned this weekend to see what they’d come up with for Halloween.

The steampunk extravaganza had a great line-up of entertainment including comedian Nina Conti, singer David McAlmont and neo-burlesque artist Empress Stah.

I was happily surprised that my very favourite cabaret entertainer Dusty Limits was hosting the evening. As usual, he had the best make up, songs and jokes and almost made me want the main acts off the stage so I could see more of him!

We also had lots of fun watching Mac Abbe et le Zombi Orchestra, meeting a man-eating plant and dancing to a few golden oldies in the Devil’s Dance room.

So what did my fellow White Mischief-goers think of the night?

“What a great evening. I was amazed by the effort that everyone had put into their costumes. Imagination was certainly not in short supply.  I’ll definitely be back. Well done White Mischief!”
Gillian, 29, Herne Hill

“White Mischief wins! Fabulous night, loved the costumes and the varied wacky entertainment, didn’t love the sore feet from too much dancing.”
Nic, 31, Shoreditch

“A good time had by all. Full marks to the David Bowie impersonator for his costume.”
Ben, 28

“Any Halloween event that promises a “Zombi Orchestra” is clearly looking to make a big impact, and White Mischief didnt disappoint. The evening had a great atmosphere and some brilliant live acts, and was really made by the effort that guests went to with fancy dress. There can’t be many events where David Bowie can be found cavorting next to a zebra….” Sarah, 27, Essex

What did you do for Halloween?

Last night I went to the launch of London’s first-ever drive-in cinema.

Located in a large carpark in the Old Truman Brewery off Brick Lane, the Starlite Drive-In consists of about 20 brand new Volvos parked in front of a big screen for your viewing pleasure.

For the launch, the cars were the stars: we were invited to explore the three types of Volvo provided (a convertible, a sporty 2-door model and a 4×4) – by sitting in the driver’s seat, playing with radio and sun roof controls, and honking the horns (although this was discouraged!). There’s no need to bring your licence though, as all the cars remain stationary and the engines are firmly off. We only saw a short promo film, but tonight and tomorrow cinema-goers will watch Dirty Dancing and Grease.

Catering and entertainment was provided by The Brickhouse nightclub, which backs on to the carpark. There was a brief speech from Damien Barr – the visionary behind the Starlite Drive-in:

“We all grew up with the drive-in dream. But it never happened in Britain because we don’t have the space, the weather, or that car culture. I wanted to update the idea and make it work for an urban, eco-conscious audience and this seemed the perfect way to do it.”

After which, we were treated to 1950s-style performances – retro singers, burlesque and a hula hoop girl.

I’d love to say long live the drive in but Volvo Sarlite Urban Drive-In is open for two nights only in London, before relocating to other spots around the UK.

Let’s hope it returns next year!

This weekend, I attended the launch party for pop up “palace” Salon d’Eté. The venue is a 1930s-themed restaurant and bar offering live cabaret, burlesque, music and dancing in London for the summer months.

Salon d’Eté is nestled above members’ club L’Equipe Anglaise (near to Selfridges). It’s a small venue consisting of a beautifully decorated main room plus a smaller entrance room with a rather exciting swinging chair in it (guests were vying for this coveted spot!)

The lavish décor includes cascading ivy plants and palm trees, painted champagne glasses and immaculately dressed waiters in 1930s costumes.

I’d recommend getting a table reservation as it’s the only way to get a seat (perhaps explaining the popularity of the swinging chair!) Otherwise, you can watch the performances from the space around the tables.

The bar was a little chaotic as one end was for waiters only and the queue for the bar seemed to be in their way. That said, the cocktails were very tasty and the bar staff were friendly and enthusiastic, even offering to mix cocktails that weren’t on the menu.

Drinks prices: Cocktails £11, beer £4, house wine £6 per glass

Entry fee: £10 after 10pm, £20 after 1am which includes all entertainment and access to L’Equipe Anglaise nightclub (open until 6am). Advance booking recommended – email 21dukestreet@gmail.com or call +44 (0)20 7617 7150 for guest list or table reservations

Salon d’Eté is open to the public from 8pm until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights over the summer – closing date TBC www.salondeteclub.com

Another bank holiday weekend is upon us. The weather is forecast to be warm but not too blistering hot (fingers crossed it won’t rain too much!). So it should be a lovely chance to get out and about in London. Here’s a few suggestions for things to do:

All weekend

• Eat delicious curries at Cobra Brick Lane Curry Festival all weekend
• Celebrate the London Wetlands Centre’s 10th birthday all weekend
• Jive and imbibe at Greenwich Beer & Jazz Festival all weekend

Saturday 29 May

• Join the Fiesta en la Calle Spanish street party at Camino in Kings Cross on 29 May
• Enjoy free entertainment and shop at market stalls at the Crystal Palace Triange Festival on 29 May
• Check out the Mobile Picnic Pavilion being dragged through the streets of Islington by a band of performing gardeners (part of Secret Garden Project) on 29 May
• Watch Rugby’s Guiness Premiership Final at Twickenham 29 May
  

Sunday 30 May

• Laugh along to stand up comedians Terry Alderton, Otiz Canneloni, Jarred Christmas and Carl Donnelly at theThe Rose Theatre on 30 May
• Catch a special Sunday cabaret show at the Bathhouse’s Boom Boom club on 30 May

Monday 31 May

• Cheer on the runners in Hyde Park at the BUPA London 10,000 marathon 31 May

Sunday saw an event hosted by one of London’s most prolific music managers/ agents. Kissy Sell Out, Eddie Temple-Morris and A.Human entertained the Sunday clubbing pack, who were dancing frenetically and kept the bar staff awake til the early hours of Monday morning.

Hotel, Hotel, the Met Bar’s newest monthly club-night was launched on Wednesday to a rapturous welcome from the ever-adoring fashion and music crowd. They were all quaffing complimentary Patron Silver Tequila cocktails created specially for the night.

Jodie Harsh and Skin (from Skunk Anansie) kept everyone dancing while the Met Bar staff continued to produce their world famous cocktails. The date for the next Hotel, Hotel, will be announced shortly, so keep your diary open and your dancing shoes ready!

Music Week magazine celebrated their awards show in the most fitting way – with a party at the Met Bar. On Thursday night the bar was bursting at the seams with music executives and notaries, all desperately clamouring for the packed bar. One of our residents, Ed, kept spinning the hits keeping the bar at capacity all night long.

If you’re single and like to mingle, our new event last Friday would’ve been perfect for you. Launched by long-time member Caroline Butler, “Mingles” is a less intimidating alternative to speed dating. The infamous Jonny Awsum and his assistant Ellie hosted the night, and in Jonny’s typical style the night was filled with controversial games and feel-good music. I’m sure I sensed love in the air…

After Mingles everyone was dancing as the charismatic drummer from Duran Duran, Roger Taylor took to the decks. His eclectic 80s set filled the brand-new dance floor with hoards of fans and Met Bar revellers alike.

This Wednesday the fabulous Jonny Awsum will be performing his live, interactive TV show at the Met Bar. This month he’s at the movies so if you can scream like you’re in a horror movie or cry like you’re in a rom-com this is the show for you!

It’s been a busy few weeks for Jo and myself hosting talented music maestros and their aficionados. Ben Forster performed classic melodies and upbeat hits with his angelic vocals and ex-Oasis star Andy Bell rocked the Met Bar’s decks in his formidable style.

For those of you that have never had the pleasure of meeting Andy or seeing him DJ, you totally missed out on Thursday. I was expecting to meet a moody Northern lad, but I was pleasantly surprised by his amicable demeanour and laidback style. His eclectic set gave nothing away about his rock star roots, as he spun tracks ranging from 80′s pop to reggae.  And much to everyone’s delight, the hits kept flowing from the masterfully controlled Met Bar decks all night.

The instantly lovable and insanely talented Ben Forster was the flavour of Wednesday evening. His powerful, soulful, melodic tones filled the Met Bar and it’s adoring crowd with sounds that make the hairs on your neck stand up.

Ben is a bit of a West End legend, he has starred in the Michael Jackson-inspired phenomenon Thriller – Live and the classic musical Grease. He also hosts the live and unplugged institution that is Have You Met which, if you haven’t had the pleasure to see, is a feast of new and established vocal talent.

Next Wednesday we have the launch of mine and Jodie Harsh’s new monthly night, Hotel Hotel. More info coming very soon…