The National Theatre’s ‘Light Princess’ is here!

Posted on December 23, 2013February 20, 2018 by Dukes Blog

Known by many as the most anticipated production of the year, the National Theatre’s Light Princess is the ultimate modern fairy-tale with a twist. The Daily Express has declared ‘The Light Princess’ an “entrancing, dreamlike show” and many others have been astounded by its stunning visual effects.

The story contains both traditional fairytale components, as well as some much more sinister undertones. The premise of the story is a prince and princess are living in conflicting kingdoms and are both suffering from losing their mothers. Althea, played by the enchanting Rosalie Craig, is unable to cry so floats with grief and is imprisoned as a result. Meanwhile, Digby (Nick Hendrix) is trained as a warrior and one day, declares war on Althea’s kingdom. Althea is forced out of hiding, but later escapes and meets the prince beside a lake, where they begin an affair. But for Althea to find real love, she must confront the world’s darkness and face her own deepest fears.

Whether young or old, this visual extravaganza is, without a doubt, a must-see for all theatre-goers and play-lovers. Performances are showing now until February 2^ndand for more information or to book tickets, visit the National Theatre’s website.

DUKES London is the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge after your day at the theatre – especially with your favourite drink in DUKES Bar!

It’s time for some festive fun with the Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker!

Posted on December 19, 2013February 20, 2018 by Dukes Blog

The Royal Opera House, home of the world-renowned Royal Ballet, is playing host to the most famous festive production of all time this winter, The Nutcracker, with 9 performances between the 2^nd and 16^th January 2014.

This classic, much-loved ballet was created by Marius Petipa, based on a fairytale by E. T. A Hoffman, and was first performed in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Peter Wright’s direction with score by Tchaikovsky and Trevelyan Oman’s 19th century Christmas stage design make The Nutcracker a classic production for the festive season.

The story begins with a Christmas party hosted by the parents of a little girl named Clara, who receives a Nutcracker doll from a magician named Drosselmeyer. When all of the guests have left and the house is silent, Clara discovers that the Nutcracker is enchanted and is swept away on a magical adventure.

The Nutcracker is now showing at the Royal Opera House until January 16^th. Tickets for the event cost from £8 and are available from the Royal Opera House website.

After the majestic performance, why not come on over to DUKES London for some rest and relaxation and enjoy a culinary delight in our ever-popular restaurant?

Image courtesy of Peter Suranyi

A Whistler exhibition is coming to the Dulwich Picture Gallery

Posted on December 16, 2013March 11, 2019 by Dukes Blog

This winter, the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London will be exhibiting a variety of paintings by American-born, British-based artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, in a special exhibition entitled ‘An American in London’.

Born in America and raised in Russia, Whistler came to London in 1859, and his early paintings of this period marked one of his most successful and profound impacts on the art scene.

Whistler is best-known for his attitude of adversity towards morals and sentimentality in art, and was in favour of the principle ‘art for art’s sake.’ The artist is best-known for the portrait of his mother named ‘Whistler’s Mother’ and his signature, which is signed in the shape of a butterfly – a reflection of his love of Asian art.

Deemed “captivating, erudite and unexpected” by the Financial Times, the ‘An American in London’ exhibition includes a variety of paintings of Chelsea and the Thames as well as prints, drawings, watercolours and pastels. The exhibition provides a detailed examination of Whistler’s composition, subject and technique and how it developed over the years.

The highlight of the exhibition is a number of Whistler’s iconic Nocturnes, including Blue and Gold – Battersea Bridge (1872-1877.) Although the selection is small, with a widely varied selection of his works, the ‘American in London’ exhibition contains something for all types of art-lover.

After soaking in the cultural offerings of the Whistler exhibition, why not come over to DUKES London and spoil yourself with our plentiful array of offers!

Image courtesy of tpholland

A guide to Christmas shopping in London

Posted on December 9, 2013February 20, 2018 by Dukes Blog

If you’re planning a Christmas shopping spree in London over the next few weeks, then we have the perfect guide for you.

With no better time to visit than during the Christmas period, you’ll be sure to come away feeling full of festive cheer as you experience the city in all of its illuminated grandeur.

To ensure you get your loved one that perfect Christmas gift (and perhaps even a special something for yourself…), we’ve collated our favourite Christmas stores – most of which are within 10 minutes’ walk of DUKES London – in which you’re guaranteed to find everything you need.

Harrods

If there’s one store that is guaranteed to put you in the festive mood it has to be Harrods.

Famous for its annual Christmas window display, Harrods pulls out all the stops and this year’s theme is no exception, taking inspiration from the iconic British steam train.

The lavish window display showcases the store’s most luxurious fashions and you’ll soon feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from the Great Gatsby.

For those of you visiting London this Christmas, make Harrods your first stop!

Fortnum and Mason

Nowhere spreads Christmas cheer like the 307-year-old Fortnum and Mason, as the store is transformed into a magical winter wonderland adorned with the most beautiful Christmas decorations.

The store is renowned for creating the most decadent Christmas hampers full of tasty treats, making Fortnum and Mason a must for all food lovers.

Liberty

Located on the fourth floor, the Liberty Christmas shop is definitely worth a visit. With a beautiful range of vintage-looking Christmas wreaths and other intricate decorations, Liberty has something to suit everyone.

And for those of you with a sweet tooth, stop by Liberty’s chocolate shop on your way out for some sumptuously tasty goodness.

Hamley’s Toy Store

For anyone with young children this Christmas, you can’t visit London without taking a trip to the famous Hamley’s Toy Store.

With more toys than you could imagine, this certainly is toy heaven – and at Christmas time, could be mistaken for Santa’s grotto.

So if there’s something left on Santa’s list, Hamley’s is sure to have it!

Selfridges

Last but not least on the list, the famous Selfridges of Oxford Street. If you’re yet to get a gift for that special someone, Selfridges is the answer.

With a wide selection of stylish and quirky gifts for him and her, a trip to Selfridges is sure to put a smile on your better-half’s face this festive season.

After a busy day of Christmas shopping, what better way to unwind than with a festive glass of fizz in our famed DUKES Bar?

We at DUKES London hope you have a sparkling Christmas!

Image courtesy of Kyle Taylor

The Natural History Museum ice rink is here!

Posted on December 4, 2013February 20, 2018 by Dukes Blog

There’s something for everyone at the Natural History Museum ice rink this Christmas. Whether out for a romantic rendezvous or a family outing, every single person leaves the ice rink with memories that can last a lifetime.

With more than 1,000 square meters of ice and over 75,000 fairy lights lacing the trees above, it guarantees one of the best festive atmospheres in London.

Entertainment is available for visitors of all ages: a fairground carousel, a junior rink for younger skaters and delicious festive-themed refreshments in the Café Bar. Offering sumptuous food, warming drinks and creative cocktails, families can feast on delicious treats, and couples can cosy up with a hot chocolate on the open-air balcony overlooking the rink.

Not to forget the museum itself, a day in the Natural History Museum is arguably the best museum experience in the world. With free entry, countless fossils and life-size replicas of dinosaurs including the majestic T-Rex, it’s truly breathtaking.

And to finish your day? Take a pleasant stroll from the museum, through Green Park and Knightsbridge (which isa great way to take in some of London’s most prestigious areas), and finish with a drink in DUKES Champagne Bar, as featured on Made in Chelsea!

Image courtesy of David Hawgood