Washington Mayfair Hotel Blog

THE BEST EVENTS IN LONDON IN MAY 2017

Hooray for our beautiful British weather! Whilst you will need a light coat and brolly; the month of May is blissful and its tie to venture out and discover London’s great outdoors. Enjoy the City’s hustle and bustle glory that has to offer and queue up to offers: new exhibitions, magical concerts, open air festivals, sports events and cultural happenings to name a few! A must to look forward to. Here’s our personal picks of favourite upcoming events….so stress not and drag yourself outside. Grab an early-summer ice cream and start maxing out on your potential in having lots of fun in London.

GIACOMETTI AT TATE MODERN – from 10th May to 10th September 2017
For the first time in 20 years, the UK will play host to one of its major retrospective works of Alberto Giacometti. This exhibition reasserts Giacometti’s place alongside the likes of Matisse, Picasso and Degas as one of the great painter-sculptors of the twentieth century. Through unparalleled access to the extraordinary collection and archive of the Fondation Alberto et Annette Giacometti, Paris, Tate Modern’s ambitious and wide-ranging exhibition brings together over 250 works. It includes rarely seen plasters and drawings which have never been exhibited before and now showcases the full evolution of Giacometti’s career across five decades.

Prices:
Adult £18.50 (without donation £16.80)
Senior (over 60) £17.50 (without donation £15.80)
Concession £16.50 (without donation £15)
Under 12s FREE (up to four per family adult)
Family tickets available (two adults and two children 12–18 years) by telephone or in the gallery

For further information or to book your tickets, visit the official website

THE PINK FLOYD EXHIBITION: THEIR MORTAL REMAINS – from 13th May to 1st October 2017
To mark 50 years since the band released their first single Arnold Layne, and with over 200 million record sales later, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum has announced the first major international retrospective of Pink Floyd, one of the world’s most pioneering and influential bands. Re-trace the history of one of the world’s greatest UK bands with Pink Floyd’s first international retrospective. It will feature more than 350 objects and artefacts including never-before-seen material, presented alongside the works from the V&A’s outstanding collections of art, design, architecture and performance. Highlights will also include spectacular set and construction pieces from some of Pink Floyd’s most innovative and legendary album covers and stage performances including The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and The Division Bell, instruments, music technology, original designs, architectural drawings, handwritten lyrics and psychedelic prints and posters.

Prices:
Monday-Friday £20
Saturday-Sunday £24

For further information or to book your tickets, visit the official website.

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT – from 17th May to 20th May 2017
Explore art, history and heritage after dark with Museums at Night events across more than 30 venues in London. Discover new exhibitions, take torch lit tours, enjoy live music in historic surroundings, and engage in a range of free and ticketed night-time activities. May events

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE 2017 – from 19th to 23rd September 2017
Established in 1932, the award winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of the largest theatres in London. Situated in the beautiful surroundings of this Royal Park. Both the stage and auditorium are entirely uncovered. Catch a spectacular programme of theatre under summer skies in the centre of the Royal Park, programme including Jesus Christ Superstar and Oliver Twist. Want more entertainment then have a few laughs with live comedy shows, movie screenings and much more.

For further information or to book your tickets, visit the official website

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S ANNUAL OPEN AIR CLASSICS CONCERT – 21st May 2017
The London Symphony Orchestra’s free annual Open Air concert in Trafalgar Square is now in its fourth year. For Sunday 17 May’s concert, the orchestra performs an all-Shostakovich programme with their principal conductor Valery Gergiev and violin soloist Nicola Benedetti.
The concert begins at 6.30pm, but make sure to arrive much earlier to secure a space. Large screens and sound systems will be in place to ensure everyone in the square can fully enjoy the experience.

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW – from 23rd to 27th May 2017
RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the world’s most prestigious flower show that inspires millions through showcasing the best in garden design. Chelsea Flower Show, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, is a must-see for green fingered visitors. World-renowned garden designers, plant specialists, florists and nurseries come together every year to one of London’s most charming and affluent neighbourhoods to show off cutting-edge garden designs and inspirational floral exhibits. Discover rare flowers and plants. Spot emerging gardening trends. See creative floral artworks and unusual displays. And browse the horticultural products on sale, from gardening gadgets to sculptures and plants.
More information about exhibitors and show gardens will be released nearer the time, good news is that the tickets are already available to buy via RHS website.

FOOTBALL: FA CUP FINAL IN LONDON – 27th May 2017
The FA Cup is English Football’s biggest competition. The FA Cup Final, played at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, brings the nation to a standstill and attracts millions of viewers from around the globe to experience these incredible competitions. . If you’re lucky enough to get tickets to the event, you’re in for a real treat – watching a moment of English football history from the stands at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

SUMMER OF LOVE AT SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE – until 15th October 2017
Enjoy a Summer of Love at Shakespeare’s Globe, the most enchanting theatre staging in London with a line-up of Shakespeare’s greatest romantic plays, comedies and tragedies.
Performing in the Globe Theatre:
– Romeo and Juliet (22 April – 9 July)
– Nell Gwynn (2 – 13 May)
– Twelfth Night (18 May – 5 August)
– Tristan & Yseult (13-24 June)
– Much Ado About Nothing (14 July – 15 October)
– King Lear (10 August – 14 October)
– Boudica (8 September – 1 October)
– Midnight Matinees (9 June – 30 June and 22 September)
Prices:
Standing Ticket: from £5 per ticket
Seated Ticket: from £20 per ticket
To view the full season and find out more about the productions, visit the website.

BRIXTON BEACH – from 26th May to 29th October 2017
No plans for summer? Fear not…get yourself down to Brixton because Brixton Beach is back! Housed on a rooftop in the heart of Brixton Market, this colourful paradise is set to be the ultimate urban beach, feeding and watering hundreds of Londoners. Miami circa 1982 is the inspiration and cocktails, DJs, retro film screenings, food stalls and live sports broadcasts are all on the cards, so slick back that hair, pull on a white tuxedo and hope for some suitably tropical weather. Brixton Beach website

Christmas 2016 In Mayfair At Washington Mayfair

Christmas is a magical time for all. With winter chills and bright festive lights lining the streets, London is the place to visit this December. There are activities and festivities to be enjoyed by couples, families and everyone in between, but hotels sell out fast & so do tickets to private events.

We here at The Washington Mayfair want to provide you with a variety of options and inspirational ideas. Our idyllic Mayfair location puts the great city of London just a step away from your room.

Winter Wonderland

A 12 minute walk from The Washington Mayfair hotel you will find one of the top London winter events. This fantastically festive event takes place from the 18^th of November until the start of January. This destination has a variety of attractions for you to discover, some of which are; ice skating, an ice bar, a Christmas circus and much more.

This year is the 10^th anniversary of Winter Wonderland, which means in celebration Winter Wonderland will have new attractions and never seen before rides. This all makes Winter Wonderland of the best destinations to visit this holiday season in London.

If you want to find out more about things to do at Winter Wonderland this year, click here.

Christmas Ballet in London

Ever since 1950 the English National Ballet Christmas season has included The Nutcracker.Famous world over, this fantastic production consists of over 100 dancers and musicians to bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live.

A trip to English National Ballet’s Nutcracker in the splendour of the London Coliseum is an unforgettable Christmas treat. In 2015 over 73,000 audience members experienced this show at the London Coliseum.

Book your tickets here.

Christmas Lights & Christmas Shopping

Lights displays can be found across the city of London but here is a list of the greatest displays found in the city during the holiday period.

Top Light Displays to see this Christmas in London:

Oxford Street
Regent Street
Bond Street

London has a multitude of shops, however only the finest will do this holiday season. Treat yourself and those around you with luxurious and bespoke gifts from London’s greatest retailers.

Top London retailers to visit this Christmas:

Harrods
Liberty
Fortnum & Mason
Selfridges
Heal’s

Christmas at The Washington Mayfair

Celebrate in style this year as we bring a pinch of pizzazz to the Christmas proceedings. We will be providing a great choice of packages to ensure you visit to London is extra special.

Classic Dinner Dance Package – £79.99 per person

Exclusive use of Lower Madison’s
Welcome glass of Omni Cuvee Brut
Traditional three course menu
½ a bottle of wine per person
Theming: lots of Glitter. Lots of sparkles!
DJ & Dance floor and Christmas novelties

To find out more packages available and more about Christmas at the Washington Mayfair then, click here.

Spend this Christmas season in festive spirits at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. With special offers and an ideal location experience London in a new light.

Find our Winter Warmer offer here and save 15% when you book direct.

October Time In London

London in October is a month of festivals, changing leaves and so many things to do and see. So why not come down and visit us at the Washington Mayfair Hotel. Our location is in the heart of London city and so offers a great location to stay when visiting this great city.

In this article we will be exploring some events and experiences that will be happening during the month of October in London.

Halloween in London

This holiday is celebrated across the entire world. However no city does it like London does. Are you ready for a week of ghouls, ghosts, terror and treats?

London will have many pop up events across the city; special landmarks with gory history will be offering special interactive tours. On the 28^th October Go on an eerie Ghost Ship tour of the Cutty Sark, before settling down to a screening of the classic 1931 Dracula movie.

A popular tourist attraction, the London dungeons, will be offering special Halloween tours based on true historical happenings.

If you are looking for a special Halloween event to attend this October, then book a stay in London’s Washington Mayfair hotel and find the perfect event for you and your friends/family here.

Wonderlab at the Science Museum

A whole new exhibit will be coming to the London Science Museum on the 12^th. WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL GALLERY – is an interactive experience that fuels your imagination and immerses all participants in a world of wonder.

With live experiments led by the gallery’s brilliant team of Explainers happening everyday you cannot just watch science happen but experience it firsthand. This is a perfect trip to take for families as the museum’s largely based around interactive learning and experience.

Also The Science Museum as well as the Natural History Museum’s are only a 15 minute drive away from the Washington Mayfair hotel.

Are you ready to experience London and all it has to offer this October? If so make sure you take advantage of our Winter Warmer offer when you visit. You could save 15% and get a free breakfast and WiFi during your stay. Find out more here.

London In September, What’s Happening?

Here at the Washington Mayfair we strive to provide all of our guests with a home away from home. However whether you have stayed with us before or you are new to London, we want to provide you with the perfect itinerary to ensure you get the most of your trip to London.

In this most recent article we want to provide you with some of our favourite things to do in London during the month of September, along with some events where September is your last chance to experience them. So, are you in?

Dine With the Twits

Roald Dahl is a significant story writer for children of all ages in England. With his brilliantly grotesque descriptions in his book “The Twits” about a dinner of bird pie, beard pickings and worm spaghetti. Now even though this description doesn’t sound ideal for an exclusive evening out, experimental chefs Bompas & Parr are teaming up with interactive theatre specialists Les Enfants Terribles to create what they’re calling ‘the worst dinner party in the world’ – and it sounds pretty special.

Only for adults, the event will immerse all guests in a truly grotesque and glorious experience which will transition from “squeamishness to scrumptiousness”. But can you stomach it? Well it’s a once in a lifetime event that will have you marvel in wonder and joy in the world of Roald Dahl.

Merge festival

This annual festival created by Illuminate Productions which is aimed to promote a set of performances, events and happenings which draw on the rich heritage and contemporary culture of Bankside.

For 2016 this artistic project is sourcing it’s funding through a crowd funding. Previous years exhibits have included a spectacular light and audio show controlled and programmed by the audience’s brain data. You never know what you will find during this event; however we know that it is something you won’t want to miss out on.

Image result for london bankside

At The Washington Mayfair we want you to get all you can out of your visit to London. As a result we have made sure you can enjoy even more of London with a longer stay at no extra cost, when you book direct.

Here’s a link to our “stay 4 nights for the price of 3” offer.

The Best Of London This August

August is a big month for the world as the Olympics start and end. People all over the world will be travelling to Brazil to experience the sporting events in person. However London won’t be missing out and will be hosting many screening events throughout the city for your enjoyment.

With large viewing areas you can sit back and relax away from the large crowds of Rio and still get back to the Washington Mayfair for a delicious afternoon tea and cake. Visiting might just be the best way to enjoy the Rio 2016 Olympics. As an additional benefit you can plan a longer stay during August and experience more of what the great city of London has to offer.

Notting Hill Carnival 2016

Europe’s biggest street festival is a vivid spectacle representing London’s multicultural past and present. Happening on a bank holiday weekend you can arrive Friday and have a relaxing day Saturday all before getting energetic and lively Sunday and Monday. What better way to spend a long weekend in England?

The Carnival floats and bands set off at 9am on both Sunday and Monday, running through to roughly 7pm both days.

Dance along to live music ranging from reggae to dub to salsa. Dance the days away, experience something new and make memories for life here in London this August.

If you are thinking about joining London for this fabulous and fun event or for more information, click here.

Classic Cinema In August

This August will be a huge month for film in the city of London with many events being hosted to showcase classics from the world of Cinema. Follow our breakdown of the top events to look out for and plan your visit to London.

Film4 Summer Screen

Somerset House in association with Film4 brings cinema lovers a truly eclectic mix of movies. Further films this year include Ex Machina, Sunset Boulevard and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It is truly a night to fall in love with film again.

Bugsy’s 40th Birthday

Comprised of a Q&A with the famous director Sir Alan Parker and, for one weekend only, BAFTA’s Piccadilly home will be transformed into Fat Sam’s, with a dress up photo experience. Live in the film and become of the characters you grew to love.

Kew the Movies

Set within the beautiful Kew Gardens, Kew the Movies takes place mid-week starting with ‘Star Wars – The Force Awakens’. It is followed by Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jurassic Park’ – the perfect film for an open air screening against the ominous foliage of Kew Garden.

From this list there is plenty of activities and events to build up a perfect plan of how to spend your trip to London this August. However, why not make it an extra memorable visit by staying in luxury at The Washington Mayfair Hotel. With great offers when you book direct you can get even more out of your trip to London.

Save with our Summer Sizzler special or find our other Direct Booking Deals here.

The Best Events In London In July

July is the warmest month on average in Britain, so really it is the greatest time to visit and stay in England’s capital, London.

With an average temperature 19°C 67°F July is perfect for venturing into the city centre and enjoying all that London has to offer. July is a time of culture with festivals, museums exhibits and events happening across London.

Here at the Washington Mayfair we will be bringing you the top things to do in London during the month of July, allowing you to make the most of your visit to London.

London on the 4^th of July

This day isn’t just a huge nationwide event in America. It is widely celebrated through-out England. However the place to be with the largest celebrations is of course the capital, London. With restaurants across London providing something special during the 4^th of July weekends make sure you know where to go during this great festivity.

If you are looking for a genuine experience of the USA, then make sure you visit the most American restaurants in London. Find the list here “TIMEOUT”.

Hampton Court Palace In Bloom

From the 5^th July to the 10^th 2016, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show will be held. Showcasing some of the country’s leading designers and nurseries, there will be so much to enjoy. With 34 acres to explore it is a perfect event to visit for the day. Couples can enjoy roaming in the roses and kids will love the extensive activities taking place.

Swan Lake in London

The Australian ballet will be in London performing Swan Lake at the magnificent London Coliseum from the 13^th July to the 16^th July. This means that tickets will go quickly for this spectacular event. A passionate retelling of the traditional tale with a contemporary twist – under the veil of royal protocol, intrigue abounds in this tragic story of one prince torn between two loves. This is a true must see if you are visiting London at this time, as the Australian Ballet Group will soon move on to other countries with this production. Be sure to book direct at the Washington Mayfair for the ideal location to fully experience London while you stay in luxury.

Special Offers

The Washington Mayfair always provides elegance and luxury, and now with four exclusive offers when you book direct you can enjoy even more when visiting the beautiful city of London.

To find out more about these offers, click here.

What To Do In Mayfair & London this June

June is the month where we all want the summer to start but never sure when it will arrive. With everyday taken with stride come rain or shine, the Washington Mayfair offers a perfect location for visiting the great city of London and experiences the finer things in life. Also with its central location the many events during June that are happening are at your fingertips.

June isn’t just a big month for London, it’s a big month for the United Kingdom in general. The 2^nd of June will make 63 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s original coronation. Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to have their coronation televised on TV. This is an amazing achievement and events will be put on through-out London both for this occasion as well as her belated birthday celebration. Make sure you are a part of this historical time.

The Summer Exhibition

In the words of co-ordinator Richard Wilson RA “The Summer Exhibition 2016 will be unpredictable, stimulating, and enjoyable with 10 startling rooms of contemporary art submitted from around the world.”

This year at the Royal Academy of Arts there will be an incredible exhibition set to stun and amaze all those who visit the RA. Taking place from the 13^th June – 21^st August you will have plenty of time to plan your visit to London and experience the luxury at the Washington Mayfair. Wine and dine after a long day enjoying London with Washington Mayfair’s Dining in Mayfair offer, Find it here.

Father’s Day

One day a year. That’s all. Make it special this year with a trip to London experiencing the sophistication and finesse brought to you whilst you stay in Mayfair London. This great city has so much to offer. Whether you are here for a day or three weeks there is always something to do for anyone. Discover an assortment of pubs, theatres, restaurants and so much more. If you find yourself wanting to stay an extra few nights or planning on spending more than just a day in London with your family take advantage of the Washington Mayfair’s offer of 4 nights for the price of 3. Find the offer here.

Discover what the Washington Mayfair has to offer and how you can make the most of your visit to London here.

Celebrate The Queen’s Birthday: What To Do In Mayfair & London

Loved across the empire and world, Queen Elizabeth II is a true icon and this year will be extra special for her fans as she will be celebrating her 90th birthday. As the longest-reigning monarch in British history it is only fitting for London to offer exclusive and exciting events in the run up to and on the Queen’s birthday. As the Queen actually celebrates her birthday twice a year we have prepared a brief guide to make sure to don’t miss the best events.

Why 2 Birthdays?

Official celebrations for Kings and Queens have often been held on a day different from their birthday and this is true of Queen Elizabeth II with her actual birthday on April 21st, and again on a Saturday in June. This is more common for those who weren’t born in the summer as this would allow them to enjoy the summer weather as part of their birthday celebration.

When is Britain Celebrating?

Britain will be hosting events from her actual birthday date right through to her summer birthday celebration. Nevertheless, the main celebrations and biggest events will be put on nearer to the time of her summer celebration. For the best chance of enjoying these make sure you are in London during the month of June. Celebrate with a luxury stay in exclusive Mayfair at the Washington Mayfair hotel.

What Events Are Happening?

Many events are still working out the final details on but below is a basic schedule of when some unmissable events will be happening.

May 12 – 15 2016

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration will be a 90 minute long spectacular

900 Horses
1,500+ Riders
Spectacular performers + much more

June 10 2016

A Friday service will be held at St Pauls Cathedral. This is the start of a weekend of celebrations for both the Queen’s 90th and The Duke of Edinburgh’s unofficial 95^th birthday. Unfortunately the congregation will be made up of only special guests (invite only).

June 11 2016

Trooping the Colour (The Queen’s Birthday Parade)

During this event the Queen has the chance to inspect and judge each soldier from the household division. If you aren’t able to make it to London this day BBC will be televising the event from 10am. However if you have the chance to be near the Buckingham Palace this day you could see the Royal Family travelling to and from Buckingham Palace throughout the day in their Carriages.

June 12 2016

The Patrons Lunch

This huge event is an immense street party for 10,000 guests eating a picnic and being entertained by dozens of street performers and circus acts, find out how to get involved here.

Take advantage of the great offers we have available to you when you stay in London with us.

Find our latest offers here.

What To Do This April In London

Easter has ended and a new month begins. London will be hosting a vast number of exciting and captivating events this April. The Washington Mayfair is a hotel that offers a perfect location to stay when visiting London. We also have some great suggestions on the top places to be each month. April is the month of the London Marathon, Circus Fest and so much more.

Live On Tour 2016

German-born composer Hans Zimmer is known as one of Hollywood’s most innovative musical talents. He has written and co-written over 100 soundtracks dating back to 1982 whilst being nominated for over 20 awards. Some film titles he has scored for include Rain Man, Da Vinci Code and many more classics. Having the chance to bear witness to this musical genius would be an opportunity of a lifetime. So don’t miss out by getting tickets to see Hans Zimmer live at the Wembley Arena either the 6 or 7^th of April.

Paint the Gardens

Who knew that gardens played such a pivotal part of the evolution of art. This April the Royal Academy of Arts will be hosting “Painting the Modern Garden” for the last month. Using Monet as a starting point, this landmark exhibition examines the role gardens have played in the evolution of art starting in the early 1860’s through to the 1920’s. Experience some of the most important Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Avant-Garde artists of the early twentieth century. Ending on the 20^th of April you should book your tickets today as this exhibit is proving to be very popular with both residents and tourists.

A Birthday Fit for a Queen

April 21^st 2016 will mark the 90^th birthday of the British Monarch. This is will be the first ever time that a reigning monarch will have reached the age of 90. Many events will be taking place not just in April but all the way through till June. Make sure you stay in a luxurious location when coming for the Queen’s birthday. The Washington Mayfair offers a beautiful and prestigious hotel in the finest location.

Be sure to wine and dine in Mayfair at the delicious Madison’s Restaurant. At the Washington Mayfair we can provide all of our guests with offers towards their dining experience. Find out more here. Afternoon tea has been part of our tradition at the Washington Mayfair since the hotel opened in 1913. Found out how you can get complimentary champagne here.

What To Do This Easter In Mayfair & London

This year March isn’t just your typical month. With traditional historic races, holidays to celebrate and and special day for your mom, there is plenty to do.

What’s happening in London this March?

Since 1829 Cambridge University & Oxford University have competed against each other in a boat race down the Thames. The race takes place on the stretch of the river between Putney and Mortlake in London. The Cancer Research UK Boat Races are amongst the oldest sporting events in the world and watched by millions around the world each year. However nothing compares to seeing this event live. Book the perfect location for your Easter break in London.

The 6^th of March marks Mother’s Day in England. Mothers across Britain will be waking up to breakfast in bed and cards and gifts. This is an ordinary start to Mother’s Day, but go the extra mile by treating your mom to as special day out in London. Start with a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and explore the 300 acres of stunning gardens gardens available to explore. In the afternoon, catch a matinee or visit a spa to fully pamper you and your mother. Treat your mother to a delicious afternoon Tea at the Washington Mayfair with our special offer that upgrades all visitors to a champagne afternoon tea.

St. Patrick’s Day

Step1: Go green
Step 2: Drink a Guinness
Step 3: Have a great time!

Following this simple recipe to fully immerse yourself into the Irish culture in the celebration in their patron saint. London celebrates with parties in many pubs, clubs and public areas across central London. Attend the free St Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square, and take part in one of the best Irish events in London. This year the festival will take place on the 13^th of March. Make sure you don’t miss out by booking 4 nights for the price of 3 and experience the festival and St. Patrick’s Day to the full.