Beating the Winter Blues in London

BY NARA VIDAL

A lot has been written and said about how to beat the winter blues with beautiful turquoise water and hot sun over your naked shoulder somewhere tropical. All well and good, but most times this means spending money. What about those poor souls with no cash to spend on a pick me up sunny retreat? Do they suffer from winter blues less than the wealthier people out there in the Caribbean on a break? Chances are, that we all are a bit low and bit sad these days, when the cold and darkness invade not only our towns but also our souls. Well, you sad and cash limited people out there, worry no more. The way out this winter depression is to find somewhere hot in the cold city. We came up with a list of piping hot things to do that will not break the bank and will not require a passport.

Fancy a Brazilian?

Check out Saturday night in Guanabara. No, we are not suggesting you jet off to Rio. Instead head off to Covent Garden and check out this hot venue with some first quality music and dance. The bar is open from Monday to Sunday, but Saturdays are the days you can meet the Brazilians who seem to go there in search of warmth and some good flirt. Try a caipirinha or two, if you can afford it, and get into the samba with friends or with the friendly faces that will probably smile at your lack of rhythm without caring too much. Don’t forget that throughout this month you get 2 drinks for the price of one!

If you fancy a bite to eat, try the tapas style food like coxinhas and pão de queijo. In one of my trips there, I tried the à la carte food and was slightly disappointed. Perhaps I was expecting to be transported into a beach in Copacabana, perhaps it was not a good day for the chef, who knows! Guanabara still is, however, a great option if you want to avoid the same old pub and spice up your Saturday night.

Guanabara is a short walk from Holborn or Covent Garden tube stations at Parker Street WC2B 5PW

If you feel a bit more adventurous and would like to see something more artistic and edgy find your way to Favela Chic Bar in Shoreditch.  A slightly pretentious but fun venue, featuring its fair deal of shabby chic, this bar is a melting pot of Brazilian popular culture items and definitely good enough to eat.  Described rightly as a menagerie for its fusion, Favela Chic is inspired in Brazilian slums and bohemian Parisian life. The result is a messy and exciting place to hang out that brings alternative films and exhibitions as well as some fantastic cocktails made by the gorgeous Sagatiba cachaça – Brazilian spirit made by sugar cane. Beware of the Lagerinha, a combination of beer and cachaça, and only drink it if you have the whole of the next day off. If you don’t believe me, try.

For a detailed look at what is on – and there is a lot going on there! – visit www.favelachiclondon.com

Chic and Civilized

If you have in mind something a little less exotic and that does not involve dancing in front of strangers, then a great and very civilized option to get entertained is to explore some of the wine tasting places on offer in London. There is little originality about the idea, but depending on how you plan it out or make it an event with friends, this can be a guaranteed winter blues remedy.

Vinopolis www.vinopolis.co.uk is a great place for a fun afternoon or evening out with your mates if you are wine experts or simply curious about the basics. Located a few minutes from London Bridge tube station, Vinopolis offers master class courses or simple wine tours that can be a lot of fun.

If wine is then the way to warm up in the frosty winter, then a more serious but very informative alternative is to visit the wine tasting sessions at the Institute Française at 17 Queensburry Place. An absolute indulgence for the palate, the classes are run by some of the best wine connoisseurs in London who introduce you to the wonders of types of grapes in France and its regions.  Attention also to the fantastic wine and cheese tasting, which is a true treat to your senses. The wine sessions cost £29 and are held once or twice a month in the beautiful wood panelled library.  Catch a lesson on the 25^th of January and learn about southern France wines. More details on www.institut-francais.org.uk

If however, you don’t feel like dancing or drinking, then you can always jet off to a tropical paradise, if money is no objection. If you don’t feel like dancing, drinking or jetting off, you can always sit and wait for the summer.

Have fun this season!