New year, new you, you know the drill. As you plan which new direction your life will take with full gusto, until you give up some three weeks later, we thought we could give you a helping hand and hopefully keep you at it a little longer. Tasterlab is a superb new(ish) site run by some friends of GLP that helps you try new things out – for free or not very much – and we’ve teamed up with them for this newsletter. If you fancy getting fit, learning a new skill or just finding out how to let off some steam in London – then these guys can help. We picked some of the stuff they’ve got going which felt most GLPish (in charming locations / quirky skills), saving you some cash, opening some doors and being sure it won’t be a rubbish con. Everyone’s a winner. And you might just discover something you’ll love. Here you go:
Tango, with Rojo y Negro / £40 – 60% Off / Queensway & Farringdon
The best thing about this taster bundle (other than it being TEN classes for super cheap) is that the classes take place in some seriously great little places – the Latvian House in Queensway and the Union Tavern in Farringdon. The Latvian House has an incredible ballroom, and the Union Tavern doubles as a dance venue and a gastropub stocked with more than 80 wines. Rojo y Negro will take you from beginner to dancefloor owning, Buenos Aires bound, twinkle toes. No need to go with a partner, so a great way to meet people too.
Cooking with Open Kitchen / 50% off, £39.50 – Hoxton
Within ear shot of the chinking mojito glasses of Hoxton Square is the Open Kitchen. This restaurant slash hot bed training ground for upcoming chefs ensures that it sources seasonal produce, free range / freedom welfare products wherever possible. Added to that: it contributes to the local economy and ensures fair work ethics for everyone. Happy days all round. Try your hand at cooking up a fancy new dish, then showing off to your friends with ‘something I just rustled up earlier.’
Kickboxing with London Fight Factory / FREE / Old Street, East London
It’s been a long day, and maybe you just want to… kick the bejesus out of something. So do it safely and for free (also legally) in this East London studio, and get seriously de-stressed. Also this taster session will show you just how lean you could be if you added boxing classes to your routine. You handsome so and so.
Discover Scuba Session with London Scuba / £15 – 50% Off / Surrey
If 2012′s going to be your “let’s get skilled up” year, why not start with a spot of underwater breathing? Without even having to leave the city, you can get a real feel for whether you’d like to pursue your scuba certification and get up close and personal with Nemo and co next time you’re away.
Anusara Yoga with Antonia Pantazatou / FREE / Central London
Let’s start by saying this taster is free, which is everyone’s favourite price. Anusara yoga is a simple style of yoga that focuses on the proper alignment of your body, so you can build up your physical self while working on your inner self at the same time.
Cherry Pie Music Lessons / FREE / South London
So maybe you weren’t the perfect, multi instrumental musical whizz kid, but it’s not too late grace the world with your as yet undiscovered musical talents – and learn an instrument. This taster is amazing because you can pick from something more basic like the guitar, a spot of woodwind or up to the more intense double bass. You’ll be slapping the strings in a smoky jazz den in no time.
Singing Lessons with Davina Lee / £22.50 – 50% Off / North London
Whether it’s annoying your colleagues or belting your favourite show tunes in the shower, it couldn’t hurt to, you know, do it better. Take some singing lessons, tell no one and then wait for the look of shock and awe the next time you perform your favourite karaoke jam.
Drawing with Can’t Draw, only £10, save 60% – Clapham/ Brixton
Can’t draw? We’ll soon change that. Enter this South London studio and learn how to access the creative part of your brain and transform your artistic ability, and work on your individual style.
Outdoor Fitness with Urban Gym / FREE / Central London
Escape the office, get some fresh air and get the most out of the biggest gym on the planet. This free outdoor fitness session will ensure that you can get your workout on, have fun and meet new people.
Photography Lesson with Tina Maas / £30 – 50% Off / North London
It’s easy to look at a digital camera and think, “Man, this is so button-y and complicated. I’ll just point this in some general direction and click.” Unsurprisingly, those photos usually don’t turn out for the best. This taster lets you spend the day learning how to take great photos with a professional photographer. You may not have lofty photo aspirations, but your Facebook albums will be the envy of all.
Here’s to a very merry 2012 – with plenty more great little places to come.
