In-in is the new out-out

Since lockdown began 11 weeks ago, we’ve all been finding new ways to see our friends and families virtually.

In place of the Saturday night out, quizzes on Zoom or Houseparty have become the new norm. But if you, like us, have participated in enough quizzes to take on The Beast when filming of The Chase returns, here’s a few alternatives to try out.

A Race Night

We’re sure you’ve been to a charity race night in the past? Where money is staked on recorded races and the proceeds raised are donated to a charity or good cause.

A virtual race night is no different - apart from you are enjoying it from the comfort of your own home.

If you're a whizz with a spreadsheet and have the time to pull it together yourself, it’s easily achievable. If not, then a quick Google offers some ready-made packages available to buy and download.

Why not make it feel like a real day at the races by specifying a dress code to your guests and sipping champagne?

Murder mystery dinner party

This one is guaranteed to provide laughs a plenty if everyone gets into character. There’s lots of companies providing downloadable virtual murder mystery packs which include everything you need to host your whodunnit dinner party - we used Red Herring Games.

They have five different plots to choose from (we recommend reading the plots and character descriptions before choosing to ensure it’s suitable to your audience), suitable for 6-20 players. The downloadable packs even include menu suggestions to really add to the theme of the evening. Their helpful ‘how to’ guide helps you plan your evening too.

Gin masterclass

Like many businesses; bars, breweries and distilleries have had to come up with new revenue streams just to keep afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revolucion de Cuba are hosting a gin masterclass next Friday (Friday 19th June). The ticket price is £17 which includes 3 x sampled sized gins and accompanying mixers. Join them live on their Instagram page at 8pm on the 19th to hear about the gins and learn how to make your own gin cocktail.

If gin’s not for you, here's a craft beer tasting experience you could join. Or why not see if your local (or favourite) pub, brewery or distillery are doing something? Anything we can do to support our local businesses at this time is great!

Games night

A virtual games night is a great option for all the family.

You could create your own, but Macmillan will send you all you need to host your evening if you sign up to their virtual board game night. All they ask if you create a Virgin Money Giving page and encourage your guests to donate.

Win-win - all the hard work’s done for you and the money raised could make a real difference to people living with cancer.

Escape rooms

In recent years, the popularity of escape rooms has grown substantially, with people using them for team building and days out with friends and family.

Like most hospitality industries, escape room creators have had to find ways to sell their wares a little differently in order to make a living.

Husband and wife duo - Alex & Monique Souter - now have seven online escape rooms available to play (with more coming soon!). See their website for more details.

Just remember…. don’t panic!

We hope you enjoy our alternative suggestions for nights in - please do share anything you’ve tried with your own friends and families - email us at marketing@whh.co.uk.