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Heralding more openness, interactivity and social gatherings since the pandemic lockdowns, the city of London is hosting a number of interactive and immersive experiences that should not be missed. We at Vada round up our favourites.
Next Top Bingo Caller, Dabber Bingo
Dabber’s Social Bingo, London’s alternative Bingo Hall is on the hunt for its 2022 ‘Next Top Bingo Caller’. Sixteen fearless contestants have been shortlisted to take part in the bingo-based-battle.
With Dabbers, gone are the days of dusty old hosts mumbling “two fat ladies – 88” into the microphone, now callers get a chance to truly work the room and are encouraged to bring their talents, to the stage. Hosted by BBC New Comedy Award finalist, Sikisa Bostwick, with a judging panel made up of agents, festival bookers and journalists, April and May will see, the knockout competitions begin, with our heroes batting it out in front of a live audience made up of bingo lovers and total newbies – all will be welcome.
For more information on dates, and to buy a ticket (£10) for bingo on one of the competition nights, visit dabbers.bingo.
Culinary delights at FIEND, Portobello Road
Famously described by Giles Coren as a “chef who comes along only once or twice in a decade,” Chris Denney recently opened his restaurant FIEND in Portobello Road. Now fully established, Chef Denney is sharing his kitchen with some of his most esteemed friends and colleagues, showcasing some of finest chefs of their generation. The launch date is on 17 May (with Ollie Dabbous, Michelin-starred chef and co-owner of HIDE), and future dates in the following months to be confirmed.
The menu is a closely guarded secret but will focus on spring ingredients, but we expect great things from this 7-course set menu (£120) and optional wine pairings (additional £50).
For more information and for essential reservations visit fiend-portobello.com.
Dopamine Land, South Kensington
Brought to us by entertainment discovery platform, Fever (not the 2001 Kylie album), Dopamine Land will launch in South Kensington on 16 April 2022. Dopamine Land encourages visitors to connect with their emotions and channel the limitless imagination of their childhood. Open to big kids of all ages, this immersive experience provides optical illusions, sound effects, and themed rooms, for the ultimate sensory overload.
The first room is named ‘The Ground is Your Enemy’, with infinite mirror illusions on the floor. Subsequent experiences include the ‘Bubble Room’, ‘Popcorn Room’ and ‘Pillow Fight Room’. Needless to say, this will be a nostalgia-inducing experience, and the organisers have ensured there are dedicated photo zones which means memories can be captured, kept (and shared on social media).
Adult tickets priced at £20. Child, family and group tickets available.
Location, directions, and tickets can be found and booked in advance at dopaminelandexperience.com.
The Art of Banksy, Covent Garden
The Art of Banksy holds the world’s largest collection of privately owned Banksy art. This globally acclaimed showcase features original and authenticated works associated with one of the most intriguing and talked‐about artists in modern history. On display are prints, canvasses, screenprints, sculptures, unique works and limited‐edition pieces mainly dated between the years 1997 to 2008, the period which resulted in Banksy’s most recognisable and well‐known works.
The exhibit features iconic works such as ‘Girl and Balloon’, ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Rude Copper’ alongside some of Banksy’s lesser-known masterpieces.
The exhibition has been open a short while in London already, with tickets priced at £22.50. The venue is fully accessible. For full details and booking, visit feverup.com.
