Social Events

We can’t wait to welcome you to London for the ASCOLA 2026 conference.

Alongside our academic schedule, we’ve curated a series of exciting social events designed to give you a chance to let off some steam, see the city, and have fun!

Day 1

Standing Reception

Location: University College London (UCL) Main Building

When: 18:00 – 22:00, July 1st

Following the opening of the conference, we’ll spend the evening at the historic heart of UCL. Join us for a standing reception in the iconic Portico Building, part of UCL’s main building, a landmark site now celebrating its 200-year bicentenary.

This is the perfect opportunity to break the ice, meet fellow delegates, and connect with colleagues in a truly historic setting before the conference begins in earnest tomorrow.

NB: This event is for registered attendees only.

Pub Crawl

Location: Soho (Central London)

When: After the standing reception

To round off the first day, after the Standing reception join us for an informal pub crawl in Soho, one of London’s most vibrant and storied neighbourhoods. The British pub is a cultural institution unlike anything else in the world. It’s part living room, part town square, where strangers become friends over a shared round. From cosy Victorian interiors to buzzing beer gardens, pubs have been the backdrop to British social life for centuries. This is your chance to experience that tradition first-hand, hopping between a handful of Soho's best spots while continuing conversations and meeting fellow delegates in the most authentically British way possible.

Day 2

Conference Dinner

Location: Goodenough College

When: 18:00 – 23:00, July 2nd

Our traditional Conference Dinner will take place on Thursday evening in the homely and distinctly British setting of Goodenough College.

The night will begin with pre-dinner drinks, followed by a seated dinner. We’ll then conclude the evening with music and dancing, an ideal chance to unwind and celebrate after a busy day of panels.

And keep an eye out… there may be a few surprises in store during the evening, including a special musical touch to set the mood.

Day 3

Farewell Reception

Location: King's College London (KCL), Bush House Arcade Café

When: Mid-day (following the close of sessions), July 3rd

Before you depart on Friday, we’ll host a final farewell reception at the Bush House Arcade Café at KCL. This will be a chance to wrap up discussions, exchange final contacts, and say goodbye over refreshments before heading home.

Boat Cruise

For those staying in London a little longer on Friday afternoon, we have organised an (optional) cruise on the River Thames. You’ll get to experience the city from a different perspective while indulging in a quintessential British tradition - afternoon tea! The 90-minute cruise will offer scenic riverside views of London’s landmarks, accompanied by a commentary.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 3rd July

  • Time: Boarding at 15:15. Cruise starts promptly at 15:30 and finishes at 17:00.

  • Location: Tower Millennium Pier (right by the Tower of London)

  • Cost: £59 per person

  • Dress Code: Casual attire (Khakis, nice jeans, dresses, button-up shirts etc.)

Booking Information: Please note this is an optional extra and requires separate pre-booking. Booking will become available in March (we will notify you).

The Menu: You will be served a selection of sandwiches, mini pastries, and scones with clotted cream and jam.

Sandwiches

  • Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese on Light Rye & Caraway Bread

  • Egg Mayonnaise and Watercress on Basil & Spinach Bread (V)

  • Coronation Chicken on Brown Bread

  • Chipotle and Sweetcorn on Beetroot & Dill Bread (VG)

Scone

  • Scone with Cornish Clotted Cream and Strawberry Preserve

Pâtisseries

  • Lemon Meringue Tart (V)

  • Passionfruit & Mango Delice (V)

  • Mini Victoria Sponge (V)

  • Chocolate & Orange Ganache Slice (V)

Pub Crawl

Location: Dalston (North West London)

When: After the boat cruise

For those with energy left after the cruise, join us for an informal evening in Dalston, one of East London's liveliest neighbourhoods. We'll settle into one or two of Dalston's best pubs and bars. We won’t have an itinerary or a schedule, just good company and a relaxed atmosphere to wind down after a packed few days. It'll be the perfect chance to say a proper goodbye to each other before we start to head off.

Day 4

Cambridge Day Trip & Punting on the River Cam

For those staying on for an extra day, we are also delighted to offer an optional Day 4 excursion to Cambridge, one of the world’s most iconic university cities.

This trip will include the classic Cambridge experience: punting on the River Cam, offering beautiful views of the historic colleges and riverside scenery — a perfect and relaxing way to conclude ASCOLA 2026.

📌 Further details, timing, and booking information for the Cambridge punting excursion will be shared soon.

Hampstead Heath Picnic and Swimming Competition

If you’d prefer to stay in London on Saturday, we're offering an alternative to the Cambridge excursion: a picnic and friendly swimming competition at Hampstead Heath, one of London's most beautiful green spaces.

Perched on a hilltop in North London, Hampstead Heath offers rolling meadows, ancient woodland, and panoramic views of the city skyline. It is also home to a series of famous open-air swimming ponds & lido (often frequented by UCL’s own Valentine Korah, back in the day).

We'll gather for a relaxed picnic on the Heath before heading to either the ponds or the Lido for a light-hearted swimming race among willing participants. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or simply fancy a dip, this is a wonderfully unique London experience and a refreshing way to close out the conference.

📌 Further details, timing, and meeting point information will be shared soon.