30 days to Christmas: 7 sights every visitor to London has to see this Christmas

A unique Christmas tree at Kew GardensIt’s hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago we were talking about all the things there are to do in London during the summer months. Now we’re in the home stretch to Christmas with little over four weeks to go until the big day is here.

Undoubtedly one of our favourite times of the year, London comes alive at Christmas. There’s so much to see and do in the city right the year round, but at Christmas we see a whole host of new sights and attractions to visit and experience.

With many of our guests exploring everything the city has to offer on the run up to Christmas before cosying up in DUKES Bar for the evening, let’s take a look at seven sights you really should be adding to your list of things to visit in London this Christmas. Continue reading “30 days to Christmas: 7 sights every visitor to London has to see this Christmas”

4 reasons autumn is the best time to visit London

A shot of London in autumn, showing Big Ben and the River ThamesThe summer is undoubtedly a great time of the year to take a trip to London. The long, bright days that are filled with sunshine and warm weather put everyone in a great mood. There’s a generally fantastic atmosphere that’s easy to soak up and enjoy, adding a touch of positivity wherever you go.

But whilst this may be the case, it’s hard to argue when people say autumn is their favourite time of the year to visit London.

Continue reading “4 reasons autumn is the best time to visit London”

Ready for Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend?

An external shot of Somerset House, LondonSomerset House is preparing itself for one of Britain’s biggest consumer fashion showcases: Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend.

Designers such as Welsh favourite Julien Macdonald will be showcasing their latest collections ahead of next season. Amongst masses of designer shopping and expert fashion talks, the catwalks will take centre stage.

Designs from more than 100 of the top UK and universal designers will be showcased in four trend sections, each highlighting 40 minutes of fabulous fashion.

Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend offers a unique opportunity to see the best upcoming trends and exclusive first-class fashion advice from the experts. London’s Somerset House, located in The Strand at the heart of the city, will be host to the fashion extravaganza.

The show is running for a long weekend from 20th to 24th February 2014 and tickets range from £20 to £130 depending on your chosen package. A variety of extras will be offered, including tote bags with ‘luxe’ treats to provide that VIP edge, including samples from fashion favourites Kurt Geiger and St Tropez.

After enjoying the show, why not continue your time in London with a drink at our famous DUKES Bar? We’ve got drinks of all variety, including our ever-popular martini – said to be the inspiration behind James Bond’s favourite tipple!

Image courtesy of Elliott Brown

Fashion lovers take note: ‘Valentino: Master of Couture’ opens

Valentino with Liz Hurley at CannesMore than 130 delicate haute couture designs worn by top icons such as Grace Kelly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sophia Loren will be showcased by the Italian fashion designer Valentino at a new major exhibition celebrating his life and work. Valentino: Master of Couture opens its doors at the Embankment Galleries in Somerset House, The Strand today and will run until 3rd March 2013.

Valentino is the founder of SpA brand and company and his main lines include Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma, and R.E.D Valentino. The Italian fashion guru has one simple principle when it comes to design “I know what women want, they want to be beautiful.”

Valentino has designed for princesses, first ladies and Hollywood icons and has often been described as having an ‘abundance of raw talent.’ His dresses are described as clean and modern but completely feminine.

The exhibition will be divided into three sections. The first section offers fashion lovers the opportunity to privately view Valentino’s world through photographs from his personal archive, giving an intimate portrait of his life.

In the second section, Valentino rebels against the typical fashion show by reversing the roles of the visitors and the models. Visitors will be the ones walking the catwalk to view an astounding 130 pieces of haute couture designs.

The final section then unravels the intense yet detailed and precise processes of crafting couture, illustrated initially by the magnificent wedding dress of Princess Marie Chantel of Greece. Visitors will also be given the chance to view a select group of films that peep behind-the-scenes of being a designer.

Highlights of this exciting exhibition include the vintage dress worn by Julia Roberts when she won the Academy Award in 2001 and Jackie Onassis’s wedding dress from Valentino’s 1968 White Collection. Valentino: Master of Couture promises a voyage into the mysterious world of Italian couture.

This elite, fashionable experience is being held at Somerset House, The Strand, London, WCR 1LA, with tickets costing £12.50.

After enjoying some of the world’s finest fashion designs, why not pay our chef Nigel Mendham a visit and enjoy some of the world’s finest tasting cuisine, too?

Image courtesy of Georges Biard