In today’s installment of our Qype Summer Party blog posts, we’re talking to Catherine Conway who owns Clerkenwell’s gorgeous shop Unpackaged. A big favourite with Qypers, this converted dairy on Amwell Street offers up penny sweets, loose-leaf tea and household goodies with one big difference: absolutely no packaging!

So, Catherine, what’s the best party you’ve ever been to?

My ‘dirty not thirty’ party was pretty memorable. I don’t remember much!

And the worst?

Turning up too early to a drum’n'bass night in Ibiza (it was gone midnight!) and having to sit at the bar with a mate until everyone else turned up…There were about 15 people by the end. Bloody heathens, those Ibizan house monkeys.

Which three people would be on your all-time party invite list?

Patti Smith, Bowie and Manu Chao – I reckon we’d have a right old sing-song.

And what can Qypers expect to see you doing at the Summer Party?

Toasting your nuts!

Are you coming to Qype’s Summer Party on June 29th? Sign up here!

London is full of amazing parks to enjoy the sunshine in – but sometimes a picnic or a DIY BBQ just don’t quite cut it.  Sometimes we want an excuse to actually USE our bikinis rather than just sunbathing in them – especially if that beach holiday you planned is looking a little bit out of your budget this year.  So here is the run-down of some of London’s best lidos: outdoor swimming pools that are ALMOST as good as a dip in the Mediterranean (come on guys, lets close our eyes and pretend!).

London Fields Lido

Image courtesy of Jason Cobb

London Fields Lido is open all year round and after its recent renovation it’s become one of the best swimming pools in East London – inside OR outdoor! In the summer it gets really busy during the day so head down around 10am to guarantee a good sunbathing spot and no queue.  At around 27 degrees, the water is refreshingly cool on hot days.

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

Image courtesy of Dontaskme

Probably one of the most famous outdoor swimming spots in London, the Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds consist of three separate swimming areas – Womens, Mens and Mixed Pools. Whilst the Mens and Womens pool are open all the round, the Mixed Pool is only open during the summer months between May and September. Once again, they are in a great location making you feel like you are swimming in the remote countryside rather than London (especially the Women’s Pool) although the queues for the Mixed Pool on hot days can be unbelievable so I would recommend getting down there first thing in the morning to avoid long waits.

Serpentine Lido

Image courtesy of Burcuk

Throughout the summer months (between May and September) Serpentine Lido is open to the general public.  Don’t expect clear blue waters though, this natural lake is not chlorinated and the ducks and swans have just as much right to be there as the swimmers!  If swimming with the local wildlife isn’t really your thing, then there is a sunbathing area where you can hire sunloungers and order food and drinks from the Lido Cafe. There is also a kids areas with a chlorinated paddling pool which makes this a great place for family days out.

Brockwell Lido

Image courtesy of Victoria Peckham

Located in Brockwell Park, Brockwell Lido (nicknamed Brixton Beach) is a popular outdoor swim spot for South Londoners.  The pool itself is only open between May and September but the gym is open all year round and is part of Fusion – so membership will give you access to other gyms and pool around South London including Camberwell and Peckham.  This pool has a lovely atmosphere and is big enough to accomodate everyone from yummy mummies to screeching teens quite happily.  The Grade II listed art-deco building surrounding it house a state-of-the-art gym and studios that regularly hold a variety of classes.

Since “the year of mooli” (that’s 2009 to you and me), roti wrap take-away Moolis have been dishing up divine street cuisine to hungry Londoners. These guys will be making fresh rotis for our Summer Party with warm flavoursome fillings, fruity chutneys and crunchy salads – just don’t call it a burrito!

Sam and Matthew from Moolis

What the best party you’ve been to since the age of 10?

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, Thailand.

.. and the worst?

I can’t remember a bad party!

Would we find you grappling in the broom cupboard at a party?

I wish I could say yes. I did really love Boris Becker.

Which three people would be on your all-time favourite invite list?

Nicole Scherzinger. Jim Morrison. Baloo the Bear

And what can Qypers expect to see you doing on the 29th June?

Slipping out onto Brick Lane for some glow in the dark chicken tikka masala.

Are you coming to Qype’s Summer Party on June 29th? Sign up here!