To see the best places to celebrate with film, music or comedy see: Australia Day in London | Celebrate in style
ARGUABLY the greatest day on the calendar for an Aussie in London, Australia Day is the one day in the year where it’s easy to get that much needed Australian pick-me-up. And not that we need an excuse but Australia Day in London wills us to get amongst a big home crowd in pubs and at parties around the city, eat meat pies to our hearts content and tuck into endless packets of Twisties and Tim Tams, all in the name of being Australian.
This day brings together all Australian expats in London where we can feel a sense of belonging, to be in the same room as strangers yet feel united with them, and most importantly, helps chase away the ‘far from home’ blues.
Here’s our pick of the best Australia Day parties happening around town to help you celebrate in style. Remember, please celebrate responsibly, respectably and most importantly, have a ball.
Fulham’s favourite Aussie haunt The Larrik Inn will be embracing the ‘larrikin’ spirit this Australia Day with a live band and DJ, a BBQ from 11am and all your favourite Aussie snacks.
With drinks specials on all things Aussie, and lots of giveaways and prizes, Larrik Inn is certainly embracing the Aussie Day spirit.
As they say: “You’d be a flaming galah to go anywhere else!”
When: From 11 am Sat 26 January
Where: 425 New Kings Road, London SW6 4RN
How much: Free entry
See: www.facebook.com/thelarrikinn
The Underdog is a perennial Australia Day favourite with the Clapham Aussie crew. Drinks specials, Aussie music, and Aussie tucker — why would you go anywhere else. There’s a £50 Bar Tab to be won for ‘Best Dressed Icon’ and Bogan Bingo from 10.30-11.30. All proceeds from the £5 entry will go the Australian Bush Fires Appeal.
When: From 10 am Sat 26 January
Where: Clapham Common, London SW4 7AB
How much: £5, proceeds go to the Australian Bush Fires Appeal
See: www.theunderdogbar.co.uk
There’s a special bond between Australians and our Irish brothers and sisters, so there’s no surprise that arguably the best Irish pub in London will celebrate Australia Day with us. Waxy’s have a special Oz Day menu, drinks promotions, giveaways & DJ and will be playing Triple J’s Hottest 100.
When: From 12pm Sat 26 January
Where: 14-16 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DD
How much: Free entry
See: www.facebook.com/waxyslondon
We have a new winner for the longest Australia Day party, with Gigalum promising celebrations from the Friday through to the Sunday. Australian DJ’s will be spinning all weekend, as well as a live feed to the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown. There will also be prizes and special offers on Aussie beer.
When: Friday 25 January — Sunday 27 January
Where: 7-8 Cavendish Road Clapham Common Southside, London SW4 9DW
How much: Free entry
See: www.gigalum.com
Jetlag is putting on a festival of film, food, drink and live music over their two floor bar in Fitzrovia. As well as an epic line up of classic Aussie films screening from 1pm, Jetlag will also be hosting a class act covers band Punching Preachers to have you rocking into the night.
Don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten the key to a great Australia Day — the Triple J Hottest 100. The countdown will be playing all day on the ground floor, along with an acoustic set from resident artist Mr Lee.
With a special surf n’ turf menu of kangaroo steak, crab, lobster sliders and pavlova, as well as Aussie beers and wine, you’ll be sure to feel the Australia Day spirit here.
When: Sat 26 January. Movies from 1pm, Punching Preachers from 10pm.
Where: 125 Cleveland Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 6QB
How much: Free Entry until 9pm, £5 advance entry for guest list, £7 on the door
See: www.jetlagbar.com
Walkabout Temple might just be promising the longest Australia Day party of them all, with doors opening at 10am and closing 17 hours later at 3am and a full program of DJs and live entertainment all day.
They’ll also be playing the Triple J Hottest 100, and serving up an array of Aussie tucker and beverages, such as VB, Tooheys and Bundy Rum.
When: 10am — 3am, Sat 26 January
Where: Temple Place, London WC2R 2PH
How much: Free entry
See: walkabout.eu.com
Looks like the Shepherd’s Bush Walkabout is challenging Temple for the earliest Australia Day start, with doors opening at 8am for breakfast.
Triple J Hottest 100 will be playing all morning, before some great Aussie bands provide live music to the crowd. On the list are The Hi-Fidels, The Bondi Beach Bums and rock group Dallas Frasca.
When: From 8am Sat 26 January
Where: 56 Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8QE
How much: Free entry
See: www.facebook.com/shebuwalkie
Sinners are grinners. And this Australia Day weekend the Church is planning one of its craziest sessions of the year. If you’re not all partied out from the array of events on offer on the Saturday, the Church will make sure you well and truly have celebrated in style by the end of Sunday.
Fatman will be conductor of the chaos, and MacBackpackers and Stoke Travel will be giving away free trips to the best Aussie fancy dress outfit.
When: 11.45am — 4.30pm on Sunday 27 January
Where: The Clapham Grand, 22-25 St John’s Hill, Clapham, London
How much: £12
See: thechurchlondon.com