Click here to see what to do in London the day before Australia Day.
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.
Gigalum
Celebrating Australia Day is one thing. Celebrating Australia Day at Gigalum takes the partying to another level. This Clapham bar is dedicating not one, not two, but three days to Australia. DJs from the land down under will be providing the soundtrack as guests tuck into the all-day BBQ. There’s Australian themed shots to be had and plenty of surprises in store to keep you guessing.
Date: 24th, 25th & 26th January
Location: 7-8 Cavendish Parade, Clapham Common Southside, London SW4 9DW
Cost: Free entry
See: https://www.gigalum.com/
Belushi’s
Belushi’s has gone all Aussie for the weekend so whether your Australian or not – join in the Aussie antics! Pumpin’ Aussie tunes, epic Aussie grub, unlimited Bundy’s, buckets of beers, bar games including some beer pong, and a chance to win an all-inclusive surfing trip for two plus to top it all off the live screening of the Aussie vs England cricket all weekend!
Date: 24th, 25th & 26th January
Location: Click here to find your nearest Belushi’s.
Cost: Free entry
See: https://www.belushis.com/blog/australia-weekend!
Waxy O’Connors
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, and live music from the Bible Code.
Date: From 12pm 26th January (live music from 8pm)
Location: 14-16 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DD
Cost: Free entry
See: https://www.waxyoconnors.co.uk/
Clapham Grand
The Clapham Grand is going to put a smile on your Australian face one way or another. You can sit back, relax and admire the serenity as you watch the best in Aussie film-making with a special screening of The Castle. This will be followed by a line-up of award winning Australian comedians including Colin Cole, Benny Boot and Felicity Ward hitting the stage. And then the club night will kick off with DJs playing all the best party tunes and Triple J’s Hottest 100. With Aussie drink specials all night, if you’re not smiling there’s probably something wrong with you.
Date: Saturday 25th January
Time: Doors open 5pm, movie 5.30pm, comedy show 8pm, club night 10pm
Location: 21-25 St John’s Hill, Clapham Junction, SW11 1TT London
Cost: Entry is £17 in advance. Click her to purchase tickets.
See: https://www.claphamgrand.com/Club/index.php
Pride of Paddington
On the other side of the world, there’s only one nation that comes as close to partying, as hard as the Aussie, and that’s the Poms. This year in support of us Australians, Pride of Paddington are throwing a party that’s all true blue. Wear your thongs, sink a few tinnies and scoff a sausage sizzle as you listen to Triple J Hottest 100 countdown.
Date: 26th January
Location: 1-3 Craven Road, Paddington W2 3BP
See: https://www.theprideofpaddington.co.uk/
The Eagle
Tired of the cork-hatted Australia Days of yore; ‘that’ beer, flip flops and flag capes. The Eagle insist on celebrating the right way; with great Australian wines from Yalumba, a BBQ featuring Kangaroo and a proper beef sausage sizzle, with pints splashing “cheers!”, with good friends and loud music care of the most Australian of traditions – Triple J Hottest 100.
Date: 26th January
Location: 250 Ladbroke Grove, North Kensington W10 5LP
See: https://www.facebook.com/theeagleladbrokegrove
Jetlag
Following on from their Australia Day eve party, which includes rock covers band Punching Preachers, Jetlag Bar will be opening at 8am on Australia Day to screen the ODI Australia vs England and the Australian Mens final. This will be followed by a movie marathon – think Strictly Ballroom, Muriel’s Wedding, The Castle – in the Lounge, and Triple J’s hottest 100 on the ground floor.
Also available during the day will be Jetlag’s special surf n’ turf menu of Aussie burgers, kangaroo steak, prawns and pavlova. You can wash it all down with Jetlag’s excellent range of Aussie beers and wine.
Date: 26th January
Location: 125 Cleveland Street, London W1T 6QB
Cost: Free entry
See: https://www.jetlagbar.com/index.php/australia-day
Walkabout Temple
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.
Date: From 10am 26th January
Location: Temple Place, London WC2R 2PH
Cost: Free entry before 12pm, and after that £5.
See: https://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/temple/events/australia-day-party
