Not so long ago, Hammers fans were looking down both barrels, and would have bitten the arm off anyone offering a finishing position outside the relegation zone. As it is, the mid-table position is better than many could have realistically hoped for.
There’s definitely something to celebrate, then, so before we all get wrapped up in World Cup fever, why not reflect on the fan fury that was, according to David Moyes, instrumental in keeping the Hammers up, and reward yourself and some fellow supporters with a night out to congratulate yourselves on a job well done.
West Ham Gaffer
With this objective in mind, we have come up with ideas that are a little out of the ordinary for a fans’ night out – and all are within easy reach of Upton Park.
Try an escape room
It seems elegantly fitting – after all, some are calling it something of a Houdini act to have finished so well clear of the bottom three. London escape rooms are among the hottest new crazes in London, and there are literally hundreds to choose from. Closest options include Timelock at Western Gateway, near Canary Wharf, or The Book of Secrets and Murder Mystery, both on Burdett Road near Mile End tube.
The attraction of an escape room is that it gives you and your friends something a little different to do, but it only takes an hour – so still plenty of time to go and get a bite to eat and enjoy a few drinks together afterwards. And when it only costs £10 or so per head, it almost seems rude not to!
Go white water rafting
If the escape room doesn’t sufficiently fuel the needs of the adrenaline junkies, how about some white water rafting? No need to explore the murky depths of the Regents Canal, Lee Valley White Water Centre can offer just what you need.
The venue for various events at the 2012 Olympics, it is becoming a big favourite with stag nights and, of course, celebrating Hammers fans. Friday nights are ideal, as it stays open till 9PM.
Visit God’s Own Junkyard
If you think that sounds like some sort of euphemism, think again, God’s Own Junkyard is one of East London’s more surreal hidden treasures. Tucked away on the Ravenswood Industrial Estate in Walthamstow, if you’ve never checked it out, do yourself a favour and try it now. The place is a tribute to all things neon, and owner / curator Chris Bracey has been involved in creating signs that have appeared in some of the biggest Hollywood films, including Batman, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Eyes Wide Shut.
There is also an on-site café, called the Rolling Scones, and if you are after something a little stronger than a cream tea, it has a fully licensed bar.
Take a Moo Canoe
According to Ratty in the Wind in the Willows, there’s nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. On an early summer’s evening, who are we to argue, and when the boat is painted to look like a cow, it seems almost a crime to refuse! Moo Canoes operate out of Limehouse Basin, and are guaranteed to raise a smile as a precursor to an evening on the tiles.
Get out and celebrate
The season’s not been so bad, and we will soon be cooped up in front of the TV again as Russia 2018 gets underway, so before it all begins, why not find time this month to get out and do something a little different?
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