UK’s best pop-up bars and restaurants this summer

From BYOB beaches in London to sky-high supper clubs in Glasgow, the UK’s pop-up game is showing absolutely no sign of slowing down. Squeeze the most out of this summer’s stellar line-up with a pick of the eight best pop-ups as chosen by DesignMyNight’s Leighanne Bent.

London: The BBQ Club

Who cares what the calendar says – summer officially starts when you strike up some flames for your first barbeque. Once you’re done with the yearly ritual of burning an entire pack of Sainsbury’s sausages in the back garden, make tracks for The BBQ Club on the Southbank. This two-storey pop-up dishes out grilled bites on the ground level, but the upstairs supperclub is where you want to be. It offers cracking views of the Thames while you enjoy an interactive six-course tasting menu. From 19 May to 24 September.

Essex: Moonbeamers Pop-Up Cinema

Popping up everywhere from Hockley Woods to Wickford Memorial Park, Moonbeamers is bringing al fresco cinema nights to top spots around Essex this summer. Grab your car keys and hit this drive-in cinema for screenings of a range of classic films, from Dirty Dancing to Top Gun. There’s food on site too should hunger come knocking; think American-style hot dogs and cheesy nachos. Various dates from 27 May to 9 September.

Bristol: Cocktails in the City

Back bigger and bolder than ever, Cocktails in the City is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the return of CITC Bristol. Taking place on in Brunel’s Old Station, this one-night pop-up is the perfect way to see out summer 2017 in style. The city’s best bartenders will put their mixology knowledge to the test, using top quality spirits. The day will be jam-packed with blending sessions, interactive masterclasses and dance-worthy DJ sets. Friday 15 September.

London: Coastline Restaurant

There’s a seaside pop-up coming to one of London’s most iconic landmarks this July. Coastline will be nestled atop the Gherkin in exclusive members’ club Searcys, and it’s going to bring plenty of British charm to the table. Featuring pastel-coloured beach huts, deckchairs ideal for lounging and a fishing boat for decoration, Coastline also benefits from 360-degree views of the capital. Joining up with one of the UK’s oldest distilleries, cocktails are made using Plymouth Gin, while British classics such as gourmet fish and chips are on hand to keep hunger at bay. From 24 July to 1 September.

Glasgow: Glasgow in the Sky

The first Glasgow in the Sky events sold out in no time at all, but another two dates have now been added to cater for the huge demand. The five-day pop-up offers a chance for the city’s best restaurants to showcase their talents 100ft in the air - there's just one table seating 22 diners that gets winched into the sky (after guests have been firmly strapped in). This unique sky-high experience is one for the summer bucket list, but it doesn't come cheap. Breakfast will set you back £50, lunch £125 and dinner £150. There's also the option of Champagne high tea (£65), gelato (£50) and cocktails (£75). From 15 to 20 June.

London: Last Days Of Shoreditch

Last Days of Shoreditch is back for another summer of revelry, and this time around it has plenty of quirks in its arsenal. Alongside the impressive DJ line-up, there’s now a karaoke room powered by Lucky Voice and an escape room experience. But that’s not all. In keeping with the millennial-friendly theme, there’s an avocado bar on-site serving everything from avocado hot dogs to deep-fried avocado tempura. From 28 May to 27 August.

Manchester: B.eat Street

B.eat Street has returned to Manchester for another summer of madness and, like last year, entry to this oasis is completely free. It’s not closing until the August Bank Holiday, so there’s plenty of time to drink cocktails in Cuban-style bar, The Golden Pineapple, and eat salt beef bagels from Eat New York. Keep your eyes peeled for B.eat’s secret beer garden - it’s an ace place to soak up the sun (fingers crossed there is some). From 28 April.

London: Neverland London

There’s no need to pay extortionate flight fares this summer, because Neverland London is bringing a slice of paradise to south west London with a pop-up BYOB beach. Boasting beach huts, day beds, a ‘beach butler’ service and street food from Le Bao and Luca Buca, it’s all the fun of a summer holiday without the price tag. Grab a bottle of your preferred poison and head down to this al fresco hot spot before it's too late. From 8 May to 10 October.

For more info on pop-ups in London, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; @DesignMyNight