London encapsulates the finest traditions and conversely some of the most innovative creative spirits.
In a day you could experience the pageantry and style of Royal Ascot where thoroughbreds and guests have paraded since 1711 then confront the youthful defiance of contemporary art. One does not preclude the other, audiences meld between the two.
Of course most of the grand cultural diversions are renowned the world over, so we have specifically endeavoured to provide details of some of the more intimate and interesting experiences that our seasoned travellers would appreciate. These include a collector’s tour of contemporary art galleries to a walk through a recreated Georgian home in East London.
The ‘Season’ The ‘Season’ is a diary of social events particular to London. It kicks off in April and runs through to August. Events are carefully scheduled to avoid clashes, enabling the socially inclined to attend all of them. Basing yourself at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park you could easily attend any of the following diary events, indeed many of our guests visit us specifically to do so.
Royal Ascot - June/July Royal Ascot, a parade of exquisite thoroughbreds both human and equine, buy a hat, and Wimbledon Tennis, which needs no introduction.
Theatre
There are over 40 major theatre venues in London. Most theatres are situated in the West End;
particularly the more mainstream but there are other very important locations.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre - 20 Minutes/4.1 Miles
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, adjacent to the Tate Modern gallery on the Southbank is an atmospheric restoration of the original theatre. The productions are high quality; all plays of course are by Shakespeare.
The Royal Court Theatre - Around 1 Miles
The Royal Court Theatre located in Sloane Square, is the nearest venue to our hotel; it is dedicated to the exploration of emerging talent and is a recognised force in the development of world theatre.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre - 10 Minutes by taxi/5 Miles
This is a very pretty theatre, surrounded by swaying trees and creeping ivy. During the summer months, you can see contemporary productions which frequently includes a magical ‘Midsummer Nights Dream’, with fireflies dancing about you in the midnight blue sky.
Ask our concierge to prepare a pre theatre picnic hamper with champagne for the interval or to
find out what is on the nights you are in London.
If you are interested in the larger public galleries then you might combine a trip between Tate
Britain and Tate Modern using their fast ferry, The Tate Boat. This runs every forty minutes
during gallery opening hours between the two venues. It also stops at the British Airways London
Eye. The fare is GBP 4.30 and GBP 2.15 for children.
The Royal Academy - 10 Minutes/1 Miles by taxi
It is in Piccadilly, some can be extremely popular, so this is rarely an intimate experience. From mid June to mid August the Summer Exhibition is simply the world’s largest open contemporary art exhibition. It has been running for over 230 years. Most work is offered for sale.
Museums and Fascinating Collections
There are a number of large and famous museums in London.
These are all large and wonderful spaces; the latter is particularly fascinating for its catalogue of
building design, objets and fashion, right up to the contemporary. Around 0.6 miles, a 10 minute
walk.
Nonetheless there are some more intimate collections that are easier to take in as a whole and
gain a more in depth experience, whilst still seeing some incredibly valuable and rare pieces.
These details follow.
Wallace Collection - 12 Minutes by taxi
This is one of the finest private collections of art ever assembled by one family. The collection holds some wonderful old masters including important Van Dykes, porcelain, furniture and a quite fabulous armoury. There is also a light and airy courtyard restaurant in the centre of the house.
Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields - 15 Minutes Sir John Soane was a distinguished architect in London. He designed this house as a home and quite specifically for his collection. You can view works of art by Canaletto and Hogarth, fascinating 19th century domestic furniture, a superb timepiece collection of great interest to horologist.
Speed boat trip up the River Thames A champagne rush on the River Thames. Zip from London to Greenwich in twenty minutes or if you prefer, enjoy a leisurely cruise taking in the historic sites of the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. Please ask our concierge to make arrangements.
Lucky Voice Karaoke If you are with the right company and feel like some energetic fun, this is a rare chance to do it in style. Martha Lane Fox, long time favourite of the dot com city boom with Last Minute.com has launched this electrifyingly modern bar, where you can do Karaoke with cachet. 52 Poland Street W1.
Collecting Contemporary Art London is a major centre for the making of contemporary art with over 150 commercial galleries from which to select work. Our concierge can arrange for a leading art expert to introduce you to a selection of cutting edge galleries, offering informative advice for potential buyers and bespoke tours.
Things to See
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Hyde Park just behind our hotel, stretches over 350 acres and includes pretty landscaped areas, lakes and
copses. ‘Speaker’s Corner’, at the Marble Arch end is traditionally where the public speak their mind on any
subject and can be interesting.
The Serpentine Gallery The Serpentine Gallery is within the park, one of the most avante garde exhibition spaces in London and the Albert Memorial conversely a golden monument to tradition. The recently constructed Princess Diana Memorial Fountain is an interesting stream of undulating water, pretty on a hot summer’s day.
Kensington Palace Kensington Palace in nearby Kensington Gardens offers tours of the State Apartments, which were once home to Queen Victoria and latterly Princess Diana.
The hotel is situated on Hyde Park. To reach Kensington Gardens and Palace, it is a 20 minute walk to the
opposite side of Hyde Park, or a 5 minute drive down Kensington Road.
You can visit some of the rooms in Buckingham Palace in the summer months, although tickets need to be
purchased in advance and there can be long queues. The Palace was built in 1705 and is still the home and
office of the British Monarchy.
At no cost you can see the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the forecourt of the Palace, which takes
place at 11.30 every day in summer, and every other day in winter.
Built in 1778 this fine property was bought by Wellington in 1817 when he was the most powerful
commander in Europe and required a home fit for a Duke. Having earned the gratitude of many world
leaders he received valuable gifts from all around the world, these and his personal collection are on
display. Painting works include Velazquez, Dutch and Flemish masters, Goya, Rubens and Brueghel. The
Sèvres Egyptian service on display was commissioned by Napoleon for his Empress Josephine.
Dennis Severs Georgian House - 20 Minutes by taxi
Dennis Severs restored and lived in this Georgian property, then maintained it as an occasional museum. Visitors’ imagination was his canvas; it is not so much what you see, but an entire experience.
Ten rooms vividly recreate life as it was in differing periods between 1724 to 1914. Open every Monday evening for tours, by candlight of course.
18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields, E1. Nearest tube station is Liverpool street.
The Strangers galleries within the building are open to the public and enable visitors to see British politics
at work.
The City and St Paul’s Cathedral - 20 Minute by taxi/4.5 Miles
The City or the ‘Square Mile’ is London’s financial district. In Medieval times it used to be all of London but now it is the financial centre; the business of banking and law has expanded so greatly that only 9,000 of the 300,000 daily population remain as residents.
This means the evenings and weekends leave the area extremely quiet. It is however a fascinating area to look at, with some monumental architecture, most famously of course St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710.
Where to Shop
Knightsbridge
Right opposite our hotel is London’s chicest department store, Harvey Nichols. Personal shoppers are available and our concierge will be pleased to make arrangements for you.
Five minutes away is Harrods, world famous for fine luxury shopping and its food hall. Sloane Street
runs perpendicular to our hotel; a line of exclusive boutiques including Jimmy Choo, Prada, Gucci and
Graff.
Milliners - 10 Minutes walk Should you require a hat for Royal Ascot or other society engagement Philip Treacy is ten minutes from our hotel. Whilst much of his work is bespoke, his studio does hold seasonal collections. 69 Elizabeth Street, SW1
Jermyn Street & Saville Row - 10 Minutes by taxi These areas have long since been synonymous with fine tailoring. Gentleman can find the perfect cloth and cut, the highest quality shoes and bespoke shirts.
Purdey Gun and Rifle shop For over 200 years Purdey’s has been making hand crafted guns and rifles for discerning customers including members of the Royal Family. The Oxford Street firm has an irrefutable reputation of high craftsmanship. They produce hand made pieces, with precision and to personal requirements.
Audley House, 57-58 South Audley Street, W1
Bond Street - 15 Minutes/3 Miles An entirely upscale shopping experience, an extensive line of exclusive labels; flit between Cartier and Hermes. Also home to London’s two leading auction houses, Sothebys and Christies.
Best reached by tube, visitors take the Piccadilly line and change to the Jubilee line at Green Park, alighting at the Bond Street tube station.
Oxford Street - 15 Minutes by tube/3 Miles Oxford Street is Britain’s busiest high street, lined with all the main chains, including TopShop, famous for providing extraordinarily well priced versions of the latest catwalk fashions; perfect for your teenage companions.
Oxford Street is best reached by tube or bus. The number 10 bus leaves from outside the hotel and takes less than half an hour to reach Oxford Street.
Portobello Market - 20 Minutes by tube/3 Miles A bohemian experience with over 2,000 stalls offering an enormous range of goods from silver candlesticks to cartography; jewellery and vintage clothing.
Open on Saturdays from 8am-5pm.
Where to Dine
Foliage Chef de cuisine, Chris Staines is one of London’s most highly rated chefs. Serving seasonal, modern European cuisine, Foliage boasts not only unrivalled views of Hyde Park but also spectacular food and a calm and intimate atmosphere.
Foliage is located within the hotel on the first floor.
Average Price Per Person :
Price: GBP 50 (Approx. USD 85)
Wine: GBP 19.5 (Approx. USD 35)
The Park The Park restaurant is an ideal venue for breakfast, lunch or dinner with beautiful views over Hyde Park. Relaxed and friendly ambience with an eclectic menu.
The Park restaurant is located within the hotel on the first floor.
Average Price Per Person:
A la carte:
Price: GBP 40 (approx. USD 70)
Wine: GBP 19.50 (approx. USD 35)
Hakkasan - 20 Minutes by taxi or tube/4.5 Miles
Post modern Chinese food in highly stylish, creative scene. The Ling Ling bar is a trendy spot for an aperitif. Average Price Per Person:
Price: GBP 65 (approx. USD 115)
Wine: GBP 24 (approx. USD 42)
The Ivy -15 Minutes/2 Miles Located in Covent Garden.An institution for celebrity dining right by the main West End theatres. Impeccable service, excellent cuisine.
Zuma - 0.1 Miles Reflecting the Japanese high interest in aesthetics, this is a carefully designed interior with underlit bar and contemporary feel. The menu is a selection of Japanese cuisine including Robata grill, sushi and sashimi.
Roast and Borough Market - 20 Minutes by taxi Ambitious restaurateur Iqbal Wahab sets the record straight on British Cooking, creating a menu that includes ancient and contemporary recipes. This is the place to experience the perfect roast and traditional British puddings.
Borough Market itself is a fascinating location; from 2am every weekday food producers convene
with their finest produce for a trade market, whilst at weekends nearly 10,000 food lovers descend on
‘London’s larder’ to shop directly with some of Britain’s best farmers and producers. If you do pay an
early morning visit then Roast is open for breakfast from 7am in the weekdays and 8am on
Saturdays.
Set menu GBP 18 for two courses, GBP 21 for three courses.
Volstead - 2 Miles
Named after the 1919 prohibition act this is a sophisticated bar and dance club where there is in fact no prohibition on anything so long as it is of the finest quality from luxury mixed cocktails to chips with caviar.
9 Swallow Street W1.
Movida
A new private members club offering exclusive invitations to our guests. This is a highly fashionable bar, lounge slash restaurant in Soho. Please ask our concierge to make a reservation.
