Not a drinker? Not a problem! Despite the ‘party hard’ stereotype associated with university, James Williams writes about how you don’t have to drink to have a good time – especially in London! Here are some of the city’s best sober attractions and ideas for non-drinkers if “going out” isn’t your thing.
Uniqlo Tate Lates
The Tate’s eclectic basement venue Pic: James Williams
On the last Friday of the month, the Tate Modern is the place to be. The gallery stays open until 10pm to put on a free programme of exclusive workshops, films, and music, while keeping all day time exhibitions open too. These tend to be less crowded at the Lates, giving you the opportunity to beat the queues and discover the exhibits at a quieter time. Venture into the Blavatnik Building’s buzzing basement to catch live sets by up-and-coming DJs, with the artists often silhouetted against quirky video installations. There’s something for everyone!
Live Music at the SU
The Goldsmiths’ Students Union hosts some great events like Quiz Nights, Karaoke, and various society socials where drinking is no obligation! But if you love discovering new music, you’ve come to the right place. Simon Says is a monthly showcase put on by Goldsmiths’ music students, and always has an exciting line-up bursting with talent. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the work of the University’s music department right on your doorstep! The New Cross Inn just down the road from Goldsmiths also hosts live gigs for the alternative crowd, though doesn’t offer an extensive range of alcohol-free drinks. If you’re feeling more adventurous, Ronnie Scott’s in Soho is London’s hottest jazz club, open every night with a relatively cheap non-alcoholic drinks menu on offer.
Southbank Strolls
Pic: James Williams
If clubbing’s not your thing, why not take a sightseeing stroll along the famous Southbank. Catch the tube to Waterloo, and breath in some fresh(er) air walking around Big Ben, Westminster, and the London Eye, which looks beautiful at night. If you’re really pushing the boat out, you could even go on a cruise along the Thames, and experience the dazzling lights of the city from the water! If you’d prefer to stay on land, the nearby Southbank Centre hosts a variety of theatre, comedy, and poetry acts for you to take in.
Flat Mocktail Party
Pic: Dose Juice/Unsplash
Feel like flexing your culinary skills? You could host a mocktail tasting night for your new uni family. There are hundreds of delicious recipes for you to try out on sites like BBC Good Food, or you could invent your own and compete to see who can make the best – or worst!
Mini-sports Bars
(as in, bars where small sports are player, not really small bars…)
Pic: terencechisholm/Flickr
If snooker tournaments in the SU have got you in the competitive spirit, head up to Shoreditch and you’ll find quirky sports bar favourites like Bounce (offering table tennis), and Bar Kick (offering table football). Both cater to non-drinkers, and offer a great, alternative night out! While Bar Kick is more of a homely feel, Bounce is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere in the evenings!
Curzon Goldsmiths
Pic: Goldsmiths
Everyone loves a movie night! Have a chill one and take your new friends out to see the latest flicks at the cosy Curzon, without ever having to leave campus. Open all year, but especially enjoyable as an escape from cold winter nights or and during exam season!
Head over to the Goldsmiths Curzon website to see what’s playing now. (Adult tickets, £11; Student tickets: £7. Discounts available for Goldsmiths Alumni.) For more information about SU events like Simon says, please visit the SU’s What’s On page.