10 local activities to cure the World Cup blues

If, like us, England’s defeat to Croatia has left you deflated and in need of a pick-me-up check out our top 10 list for spirit-lifting activities in North and East London.

HURTLE DOWN THE ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT SLIDE at the Olympic Park.

This 178-metre-high artwork was designed by Turner Prize-winning artist Anish Kapoor and is utterly exhilarating. You’ll travel from top to bottom in just 40 seconds and, if you dare to open your eyes, will get a glimpse out via plastic windows on the way down.

WHITE WATER RAFTING.

Head for the water at the Lee Valley White Water Centre and give yourself an adrenalin rush with an afternoon of white water rafting, kayaking or canoeing.

DINE ALFRESCO AND ENJOY THE SUN.

Gather your besties for brunch, lunch or an evening of banter at one of the area’s prettiest gardens… from the fabulous rooftop terrace of Vivo in Upper Street to the Moroccan-style courtyard garden of Andi’s in Stoke Newington or the spacious sun trap at The Lacy Nook.

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PICNIC ON BROADWAY.

Pack a picnic rug, head to Broadway Market on Saturday and stock up on food by some of East London’s most exciting producers. We recommend a Macbeth haggis toastie from Deeney’s, sushi rolls from Temaki Bros and some awesome vegan brownies from RawSome. With London Fields so close, you can find a quiet spot to enjoy your feast.

DIVE IN AT STOKE NEWINGTON’S WEST RESERVOIR.

This is a lovely spot for open-water swimming and, let’s face it, this July is about as warm as it can get. Sessions take place on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and an induction is offered by qualified coaches. There are hot showers for afterwards and a café on site. www.greatswimlocal.org/swims/south-east/stoke-newington/west-reservoir-swim

SING YOUR HEART OUT AT LUCKY VOICE ON UPPER STREET.

There’s a prop box to help you get in character, 9,000 songs and a ‘thirsty’ button to order food and drink straight to the room, Local Buyers Club Members get free room hire Sunday-Thursday when they spend £40 on food and drink. (Info here)

HIT THE SHOPS FOR SOME INDEPENDENT RETAIL THERAPY.

And we don’t mean sweating it out in a generic shopping centre full of big brands. Little and local’s where it’s at. Try Stoke Newington’s Church Street for shops selling gorgeous homewares, clothes, books and treats mosey up Islington’s Camden Passage for quirky antiques.

LET FLOWER POWER LIFT YOUR MOOD at Columbia Road this Sunday.

Few places capture the East London spirit quite like this. Stock up on gorgeous flowers and plants, enjoy a spot of people-watching and experience the bustle of this legendary market. Get there early (8am) for the best buys.

SNUGGLE IN FOR A FILM AT A TRULY INDEPENDENT CINEMA.

This weekend The Arthouse in Crouch End is showing Whitney (a movie examining the life and career of Whitney Houston), Mary Shelley (the story of East London’s original suffragette Mary Wollstonecraft and her love for poet Percy Shelley), Pin Cushion (described as a devilishly dark coming of age movie) and the emotionally-charged movie Summer 1993 or, if you’re up for something lighter or bringing the kids along, check out The Incredibles 2. Local Buyers Club members save 10% on food and drink too!

ENJOY A BUZZING GAME OF PING-PONG at Bounce Shoreditch. Their pizza is fab, the music’s loud and UV lighting means the balls glow! This place is so much fun!

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