Youve been cupcake decorating, still life drawing and cocktail making. Now youre looking for something completely new to win you bridesmaid brownie points. Weve got some ideas
BROOKLYN BOWL
OK, so we know bowling isnt a new thing but we're willing to bet youve never scored a strike anywhere quite like this before. The fist UK outpost of the famous NYC lanes has prime position in Londons O2 centre, which makes it the ideal before-or-after gig activity (Katy Perry, Kylie and Dolly Parton are all playing there this year a hen soundtrack is ever we heard one). Part bowling alley, part cocktail lounge with a gig venue and BBQ joint thrown in for good measure, its a brilliant place for big groups. The lanes are flanked by huge leather sofas, where you can order food (the chicken wings and ribs are proper, heart-stopping American haute junk food), and pitchers of margaritas. Once youve got bored of failing to score a strike (or is that just us?) you can throw some hen-style shapes to big-name DJs on the huge dancefloor.
From £14 per half hour per lane. Book Brooklyn Bowl here
VESTAL VOYAGES
Be warned: when we took a troupe of hens on this canal boat for an afternoon of cocktails and cruising, we spawned a spate of bridesmaid copycats (in fact, three bridesmaids booked for the parties they were organising straight away). Its hardly surprising there cant be many things nicer than bobbing along the Regents Canal from Granary Square in Kings Cross down to Broadway Market in Hackney, with a martini in hand. Owned and run by Vestal Vodkas William Borrell, the 50-foot boat easily seats 12, and is manned by a on-board mixologist. The best bit? It doesnt rely on good weather (because, well, you shouldn't really, should you?) in the sunshine you can sit out on deck and watch the world go by, but the coal burning in the cabin will keep you warm when its wet and windy outside
The cruise costs £30 for two hours and two cocktails, £42.50 for four hours and four cocktails. Book now at Vestal Voyages