We've surprised ourselves by how glued we've been to news coverage of the US election. While the result won't affect us directly (although it will in other ways), June's shock EU referendum result taught us not to be complacent – anything can happen in today's politics.
Which is why we can't wait to follow the live coverage of the results on November 8.
Sure, you could watch the action from your sofa or buried beneath your duvet (there will be special election programmes on the BBC, ITV, Sky News and a YouTube live stream).
But why watch it alone on a grainy laptop or your parents' TV when you could be enjoying it with mates, an endless supply of nachos and a Clinton-themed cocktail in hand? Or sat in front of a panel of comedians helping to make light of the pandemonium?
Here's a roundup of some of the best-looking events, parties and eateries to help you make the most of the most jaw-dropping US election in our lifetimes.
LSE Students' Union USA Election Night
OK, it might not be particularly "cool" to spend your free time hanging out with a load of students and professors, but hear us out. With politics lecturers offering up their opinions and expert analysis of the results as they're announced, you're bound to learn something interesting that you can regurgitate to your mates the next day. Plus, the bar is open until 4am and hot dogs will be available all night. Sign us up!
1 Sheffield Street, London, WC2A 2AP
Photo: Via @londonschoolofeconomics
US Election Freakshakes at The Diner
If the nitty-gritty of politics and voting isn't your thing, these freakshakes at The Diner will get you in the mood and leave you as hyperactive as a Clinton campaigner in the final hours before the polls close. Try a Republican red Trump shake (red strawberry gelato, milk, red marshmallows, candyfloss, red candy pop and red popping candy), or a Democrat blue Clinton (blue bubblegum ice cream, milk, blue marshmallows, candyfloss, blue raspberry candy pop, popping candy).
£10
Available now at The Diner’s central London sites: Covent Garden, The Strand and Soho
Photo: Courtesy of The Diner
Popbitch Presidential Party: Electile (Dys)Function at Dinerama
For an all-you-can-eat street food buffet of hearty American cuisine, head to the all-night party at StreetFeast’s Dinerama, co-hosted by Popbitch. From 8pm til 5am, feast on chicken wings, ribs, pizza, doughnuts and more, washed down with a pint of Goose Island 312 beer (President Obama’s favourite, apparently) and a shot of bourbon, included in the ticket price. And if you get bored of watching the results, have fun 'Pinning the Toupée on Trump' before the survivors' breakfast and coffee are served in the early hours.
Dinerama, 19 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3EJ
Photo: Courtesy of Dinerama
Election N ight at The Stafford, St James's
Watch the results in style at The Stafford hotel's American Bar from 9pm til 3am. The eccentrically decorated bar will be serving up T.Rump salt beef and delicious-sounding Clinton Club sandwiches, and you can 'Trump up’ your burger with foie gras, truffle and gold leaf. And s’mores made with Oreos will give you a sugar kick to help you last all night. If the food's as good as the puns, we're game.
16-18 Saint James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ
Photo: Via @thestaffordlondon
The Blues Kitchen, Election Night: All-American Party
Head down to The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch from 5pm til 9pm for free entry to its all-American 'victory or doomsday' bash (depending on your political persuasion). Sign up in advance to be treated to free 'freedom wings', 'end-of-the-world nachos' and 'revolution shots'. There'll be a brass band for Clinton supporters (most of us, let's be real) and even a Trump voodoo doll on which to 'pin insults and penis drawings'.
The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, 134-146 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3AR
Photo: Courtesy of The Blues Kitchen
Make America Slaaay Again: USA Election Night Comedy Special, Hackney Showroom
Sometimes when the going gets tough, as this shit-show of an election campaign has, you've just gotta laugh. Make your way to the Hackney Showroom from 8pm for a night of comedy, live-streamed election coverage and "a political party for the end of the world as we know it". With US comedian Megan Ford hosting and guests including Ahir Shah, Desiree Burch, Bisha K. Ali, Joe Sutherland and Sophie Duker, it'll be a great way to make the ludicrous state of our current politics seem less bleak.
Hackney Downs Studios, Amhurst Terrace, London, E8 2BT
Photo: Courtesy of Hackney Showroom
All Night US Election Giggle, Bethnal Green Working Men's Club
Another one for comedy fans. Comedian Thom Tuck will host an all-nighter (9pm til 6am) of punditry, performance and regular check-ins with the live results coverage. And with a hilarious lineup including Josie Long, Tez Ilyas, Ahir Shah, Leigh Alexander and Zoe Gardner, you'll be cracking up all night long ( even if the result doesn't go your way).
42-44 Pollard Row, London, E2 6NB
Photo: Courtesy of Bethnal Green Working Men's ClubLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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