As we get through the worst financial month of the year and absorb the news that rain is predicted every day over the coming days, it is easy to feel as dreary as the weather. Instead of drowning in rain and the dreams of brighter days, take note that you can also think about future events happening, keep a look out for things on the horizon and actually lean into the wintery wet weather we are facing by getting cosy and embracing all that there is to enjoy indoors. Have a look below for some ideas for January.
Do a book swap in a cafe.
Hideout Coffee has a new library book swap which is situated just as you walk in on the left! You can go pick up a book and take the books you have read but don’t want to gather dust in your home along and swap them out. By popping into the cool hangout, grabbing a book and a coffee along with a donut, you can cosy up in the independent coffee shop. Let’s face it the coffee is great, the donuts are even better and the atmosphere is as good as a cat laid in the sunshine!
Go visit some galleries indoors.
Aspex Gallery down at Gunwharf Quays opens up again this Saturday with a new large-scale multi media installation, by the artist John Walter. There will be a chance to meet the artist and enjoy the surroundings with the cafe open for hot drinks plus the wonderful shop that is carefully curated and full of artisan delights! Check out here to book a free place!
The Corner Collective gallery has new pieces up on display and lots of individual pieces to buy from £10. The crew always love to see friendly folk pop in and wander around. Open Fridays and Saturdays!
The Jack House Gallery has a lovely exhibition on until Sunday the 15th of January by Jacqui Mair called Tales From The Dresser! You can also catch up on the creative Advent Window that was displayed all throughout December before it all gets taken down.
Go see a play at the Southsea Cinema.
Southsea Cinema offered performances of plays in November and was so successful they have brought back a range of Plays and Monologues for two nights. Staging a series of two-hander plays and Monologues over two nights by local playwright Roger Goldsmith, using local actors, it is set to be a crowd-pleaser. The plays will be a mixture of previously performed pieces and new works. Tickets are just £10 and the cinema offers a wonderful cosy setting to see a play. Buy tickets for the Friday 13th of January or Saturday the 14th of January. The theatre performance starts at 7.30pm.
Meet for Book Club at Hunter Gatherer.
Although there isn’t a book club for January as it comes back on the 6th of February, you could snuggle and read the book that will be talked about on the evening. With a book club discount from Pigeon Books, it is a perfect time to be a bookworm. The title is The Ministry For The Future by Kim Stanley Robinson and Phil at Pigeon Books says he has plenty of the title in stock! Find out more about Books With Brian here.
Celebrate Burns Night.
Delaneys is opening its fab intricate cafe on Castle Road on the 27th of January for Burns Night. The evening consists of a 3-course meal and entertainment from a piper for £35.00.
The cafe is a fabulous setting for an evening event and really makes you feel all the indoor vibes with fairy lights and a clever interior. Book tickets by contacting Delaney’s on SM.
Order a takeaway with huge discounts!
If you just want to hibernate but want some tasty food then Desi Cafe is offering from Monday the 9th January 45% off Uber Eats. Just use promo code DESINEW25 where you can enjoy some incredible food. On until the 29th January with a minimum spend of £15.
Desi Cafe warms your cockles in this cold weather and has some delightful dishes to choose from. Have a read here of some of the dishes I tried and loved just before Christmas. To find out more please check out Desi Cafe socials.
For more ideas in January, you can click on my January For a Fiver which includes board gaming nights at Dice Cafe and heading to the King St Tavern for $5 cocktails every Friday in January. Click here to find out more.
And if this doesn’t cheer you up in this dreary month then just think it is only 45 more days until we have sunshine until 7pm yay!
