Thursday Night: London

From July 3-5, Yahoo Live is streaming the Wireless Festival, a massive music event in London. You can tune in and check it out live here.

And in case you’re in London itself, here’s how to spend the perfect Thursday night — the only truly social night of the week. It’s the night when babysitters are booked, friends convene, and drinks are imbibed. There are no family obligations to fulfill, no amateurish weekend crowds to elbow through — and the possibilities are endless.

A view of London at night. (Photo: AP Photo/Simon Kennedy/City of London Corporation)

Head East, Young Thing

We love London—all of it—but we also like to break away from clogged Piccadilly Circus, uppity South Kensington, and hipsterville zones like Shoreditch and Spitalfields. For an atypical night out, we think the best areas to check out right now are Hackney Wick and Stratford—neighboring East London hoods, just 20 minutes from the West End on the Tube and home to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Stratford represents an incredible feat in city planning: a former industrial wasteland turned thriving district. As a steadily growing home to some of London’s most progressive artists and entrepreneurs, nearby Hackney Wick can feel eerily quiet at night, but stumbling upon its canalside bars and clubs feels like you’ve struck gold in an avant-garde urban treasure hunt.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, from above. (Courtesy: Visit London)

4:00 p.m. Channel Your Inner Athlete

Ditch your to-do’s early to enjoy the park’s offerings while it is still light out. Don a helmet and sneakers at the impressive LeeValley Velo Park, one of the major Olympic icons, which just opened to the public. No matter your fitness level, you can choose from indoor track cycling, road racing, BMX, or mountain biking. On the ultra-smooth race course, the sensation is akin to being airborne, with those familiar Olympic rings keeping an eye on your ride. If you’re a water baby at heart, enjoy a swim where Michael Phelps competed at the London Aquatics Centre for around $6. The facility itself, designed by Zaha Hadid, is spectacular, with its natural light filtering in (even if that light is usually more London gray than brilliant sun).

A view of the Zaha Hadid-designed London Aquatics Centre. (Photo: Hufton + Crow)

Where’s Michael Phelps? Inside the dramatic London Aquatics Centre. (Photo: Hufton + Crow)

5:00 p.m. Look Out at London

Its steel red steel webbing looks like a roller coaster smushed up—and it is honestly kind of monstrous—but if you ascend to the top, the ArcelorMittal Orbit has panoramic views of the park, and miles beyond. As night falls, it’s a beaming icon to get your bearings.

One of the best (and highest) look-out points in London: the twisting ArcelorMittal Orbit. (Courtesy: ArcelorMittal Orbit)

6:00 p.m. Take a Stroll Through History

Sure, there is Europe’s largest mall, Stratford City, a gargantuan space with over 300 shops to peruse. We prefer roaming the small town center of Stratford and its narrow streets lined with charming boutiques, pubs, and cultural venues. You might visit the Theatre Royal, a slice of old Victorian London from 1884 amidst all the gleaming newness. Or check what’s on at the dynamic Stratford Circus performing arts center, which hosts everything from dance and music to comedy and children’s theater.

Europe’s largest mall, Stratford City. (Courtesy: Visit London)

8:00 p.m. Grab Dinner with a View

The ultimate view of Olympic Stadium is from Formans, a fish smokery with a century-long history of making excellent smoked salmon. Devour the high-quality fish at the restaurant, from classic farm smoked to wasabi and dill-cured varieties—and be sure to ask if Darren Matson is there. He holds the Guinness World Record for fastest salmon slicer (and could also win a few awards for his twinkly-eyed comedic timing). On the top floor, don’t miss the Smokehouse Gallery, showcasing work from local Hackney Wick artists.

Formans—home to the world’s fastest salmon slicer. (Courtesy: Formans)

10:00 p.m. Have a Post-Dinner Pint

Owned by three neighborhood locals, the canalside Crate Brewery is the place to grab an ale. With its industrial aesthetic, casual vibe—communal wooden tables, gregarious bartenders—it’s popular with locals. Namesake beers are brewed on-site and taste great paired with a crispy pizza. If the weather’s nice sit outside at a table or in one of the boats docked in the canal. Just watch your step getting out.

Enjoying a craft brew at Crate Brewery. (Courtesy: Crate Brewery)

The waterfront Crate Brewery. (Courtesy: Crate Brewery)

Annie Fitzsimmons—National Geographic’s Urban Insider—has traveled to China, India, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, and South America, reporting on authentic and inspiring places. She is also a licensed New York City tour guide, with an expertise in food and history.

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