April 2013 Travel Trade Newsletter - London & Partners

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What's new for the
Travel Trade
What's New April 2013
Welcome to the April newsletter. Keeping you up
to date with all that's happening in London.
For enquiries, please email
trade@londonandpartners.com or dial the travel
trade helpline on +44 (0)20 7234 5818.
A Royal visit to
Hogwarts
2012 Tourism Boost London for Groups
Warner Bros. Studio Tours
welcomed some very royal
guests - the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge and
Prince Harry. Read More...
London & Partners News
London’s official visitor
statistics for 2012 showed an
increase in both visitor
numbers and visitor spend.
Read More...
We’ve updated the Groups
section of the TT website to
include more group-friendly
venues.
Read More...
The Next Big Thing
The excitement of 2012 lives on through the incredible line-up of events in London this year and
beyond. Whether your client is interested in sport or cultural events make sure your finger is on the
pulse by signing up to our new events newsletter. visitlondon.com/events
Partner Offers and News
Kew Gardens prices held and a palace added
Tour operators bringing clients to Kew Gardens can now include Kew Palace and the Georgian Royal
Kitchens at no extra charge. Admission also includes entry to all glasshouses and galleries making Kew
Gardens the perfect all-weather attraction. What’s more, there is no price increase this year. Travel
trade can request an account with Kew Gardens to enjoy 20% commission and free sale of tickets.
More Information: Contact Paul Chibeba and Imogen Dent, groups@kew.org / +44 (0)208 332 5648
Sportsworld launch Pure Wimbledon
Sportsworld is officially appointed by the AELTC as the exclusive tennis Tour Operator for Asia &
Australasia and The Wimbledon Championships. Sportsworld are delighted to offer 3 exciting official
packages which offer a range of tours to suit the cost conscious or ardent tennis fan wanting to attend

the world’s oldest and most prestigious Grand Slam tournament. To celebrate this appointment
Sportsworld have introduced a new e-commerce website designed for the Asian and Australasia
market.
More Information: visit purewimbledon.com or contact Lesley.Kaczynska@sportsworld.co.uk
An extra 50% commission with onefinestay
The carefully curated onefinestay collection spans London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods and
combines distinctive homes with the best bits of hotel service including 5* linens, fluffy towels, toiletries
from The White Company, free Wi-Fi and even an iPhone for the duration of your client’s stay. This
spring, receive 15% instead of 10% commission for all summer bookings starting between 22nd July
and 31st August 2013. Bookings must be confirmed by the end of June; offer applies to London homes
only.
More Information: please contact Mar Montano on +44 (0) 786 734 2495
The Commitments on stage for the first time
The Commitments, Roddy Doyle’s best-selling novel, is now live on stage for the very first time. Be the
first to experience this show as it makes its World Premiere at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End
this September. The show, which has been more than two years in the making, has been adapted from
the novel by Booker prize winning author Doyle himself and will be directed by award winning Jamie
Lloyd (the man behind the recent production of Macbeth starring James McAvoy).
More information: visit thecoomitmentslondon.com or contact JessicaMcCrorie@AKAUK.com
Golden Tours Hop on Hop off Plus – Extended Route New for 2013
Golden Tours are pleased to announce an extension to its Hop on Hop off bus route. Golden Tours are
currently the only open top bus company to offer stops at the London Docklands, Excel and Emirates Air
Line connecting Central London with the up and coming areas of East London.
More information: reservations@goldentours.com or visit www.goldentours.com
Theatre & Entertainment
Season of Plenty at Shakespeare’s Globe
The 2013 ‘Season of Plenty’ at Shakespeare’s Globe opened on 23 April and includes 8 Shakespeare
plays, 3 new plays, 4 international productions, 2 tempests, 2 Lears and 5 touring productions. The
exhibition is open year round and included in the ticket is a 30-40 minute guided tour of the theatre.
Educational workshops are also available year round. Food and drinks are served at Swan, the
chophouse and bar with stunning Thames views.
More Information: contact Hester van Hien by email hester.vh@shakespeareglobe.com or call +44
(0)20 7902 1459
Open Air Classics return to Trafalgar Square
27 May, 6.30pm
The London Symphony Orchestra in partnership with BMW and the Mayor of London returns to
Trafalgar Square following the outstandingly successful first open-air free concert in May 2012. Principal
Conductor of the LSO, Valery Gergiev will conduct an all-Berlioz programme bringing outstanding
musical performance to the open air, free for everyone to enjoy.
More Information: No tickets required, just turn up; lso.co.uk/bmw-open-air-classics-2013
Southbank Centre announces the UK debut of Cirque Alfonse in Timber!
10 - 31 July, part of Southbank Centre’s Festival of Neighbourhood with MasterCard
From the remote forests of Québec, three generations of the family circus troupe, Cirque Alfonse, travel
to London to present the UK premiere of Timber!. Th ey will juggle axes and perform daring aerial
acrobatics and stunts with lumberjack saws, alongside clog-dancing, tight-rope walking, cooking,
vegetable chopping and story-telling. Timber! is set to traditional music, with fiddles, banjos, a jaw harp
and rowdy singing as the live accompaniment to this daredevil, heart-warming show.
More Information: call the Group Booking Line on +44 (0)844 875 0070
War Horse extended to February 2014
The National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed stage production of War Horse has extended booking
at the New London Theatre to 15 February 2014. Now celebrating its sixth year on the London stage,
War Horse has now been seen by over 1.6 million people in London, and by over 3 million people

worldwide.
More Information: For groups bookings call See Groups on +44 (0)844 412 4650
Book now for The Bodyguard
West End hit musical The Bodyguard has entered its new booking period, taking bookings at the
Adelphi Theatre until 28 September. The Bodyguard has also welcomed 13 year-old Joshua-James
Thomas from Harrow and 12 year-old Michael Matias from Leytonstone this month, who have joined the
cast in the role of Fletcher, the young son of Rachel (played by Tony and Grammy Award winner
Heather Headley).
More Information: visit thebodyguardmusical.com or call +44 (0)844 412 4650
Kew the Music
9-14 July 2013
Kew is delighted to announce the full line-up for Kew the Music 2013. Opening this year’s festival is the
iconic Blondie, followed by electro pop icons The Human League and Howard Jones. Next up is
‘Modfather’ Paul Weller, boogie-woogie king Jools Holland and pop-princess Leona Lewis. Folk
sensation Bellowhead will play us out on Sunday evening, with the help of the inimitable Billy Bragg.
From punk and pop to folk, jazz and blues, there’s something for everyone as part of this year’s unique
line-up.
More Information: For group bookings, call the box office on +44 (0)844 858 8876
Sport takes centre stage at Canary Wharf
Following last year’s spectacular Olympic summer, Canary Wharf Group’s Arts & Events team has lined
up another exciting array of sporting events including cycling event The Tour Series on 6 June; the UK’s
largest free to visit motor show Motorexpo from 10-16 June; Beach Volleyball from 8-19 July; and Ping!,
the popular table tennis event returns from 2-10 August. Canary Wharf’s big screens will also be
showcasing Britain’s popular sporting events in Canada Square Park from 24 June.
More Information: visit canarywharf.com
Almeida Festival Returns for 2013
From 9 July - 9 August, the Almeida Festival returns with a packed programme of fresh collaborations,
award-winning artists and brand new shows. The most ambitious and extensive Almeida Festival todate,
the line-up features ground-breaking artists presenting shows at different stages of progression,
commissioned, co-commissioned, developed and supported by the Almeida.
More Information: visit almeida.co.uk/festival-2013 or email info@almeida.co.uk
Food
Eurostar partners with Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc
Eurostar is excited to announce a gastronomic partnership with Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc who,
as culinary director, will share his passion for promoting the very best in sustainable and seasonal food
with Eurostar’s Business Premier passengers. His new summer Business Premier menus are now
available onboard and have been created to be innovative, seasonal and sustainable and feature
several Blanc family recipes such Smoked chicken and mushroom terrine and Lamb confit with pea and
marjoram puree.
More Information: call the Groups Team on +44 (0)8448 224 80 or visit eurostar.com/uk-en/groupbooking
The Savoy launches Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill
May sees the launch of one of the most exciting restaurant openings in The Savoy’s 124 year old
illustrious history, Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill. Located in the heart of London with panoramic views
of the River Thames and London landmarks, Kaspar’s will offer an informal yet luxury dining experience
presented in an elegant Twenties-style setting. A show stopping oyster bar will take centre stage,
encouraging a dynamic and bustling atmosphere.
More Information: visit kaspars.co.uk or email Svetlana.Dimakova@Fairmont.com
St Martin-in-the-Fields announces new Café in the Courtyard
From April 2013, St Martin-in-the-Fields launches a new seasonal café – al fresco. Managed by the
same award-winning team from the Café in the Crypt, the Café in the Courtyard will be located in the
open terrace directly behind the church. Hot and cold drinks will be served from 10.00am so ideal for a

quick coffee en route. Lunch, served from 11.30am-2.00pm, includes a delectable selection of
sandwiches and soups. Later in the day, the Café in the Courtyard is the perfect place to relax with
friends over a glass of wine and a bite to eat as you watch the world go by.
More Information: contact Julie Emig on +44 (0)20 7766 1115 / Julie.Emig@smitf.org
HMS Belfast opens new café bar
Located at the main entrance to HMS Belfast on the riverside, visitors will be able to enjoy the breathtaking
panoramic views of the City of London whilst dining on a selection of café delights and
beverages. The Café Bar can seat up to 24 diners and is available for private hire. Look out for the
launch of the new destination bar on the Upper Deck in late spring too.
More Information: iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast or email hmsb-groups@iwm.org.uk
Attractions, Exhibitions & Tours
Discover Wartime London
Wartime London is an emotive and unique sightseeing tour that tells the story of how modern London
has been shaped by the events of the Second World War - travel on an original, restored 'RT8' bus from
1940 and listen to original broadcasts from the day as history is brought to life. Wartime London runs on
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from April-October 2013 and is available in a morning, afternoon or
full day version.
More Information: contact Chris Pourgourides at Evan Evans Tours on
chris.pourgourides@evanevanstours.co.uk
Explore London’s West End
Book a self-guided or tailored tour for your group and explore the National Gallery with a number of
exhibitions to choose from, as well as live music and a cafe and bar to relax in. Continue your visit and
discover the weird and wonderful on Piccadilly Circus at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London with
exclusive rates, fast track entry and much more to make your visit run smoothly. A large group is bound
to have different tastes so pick one of the many restaurants in Leicester Square suitable for groups such
as Chiquito. Many of the nearby hotels also offer group bookings. Visit London West End shopping,
entertainment and culture like nowhere else.
More Information: visit leicester-square-films.co.uk
New exhibition, Fashion Rules, at Kensington Palace
Opens 4 July 2013
This summer, Historic Royal Palaces will present a glamorous exhibition with a new take on the story of
the monarchy in the late twentieth century. Featuring rare and exquisite dresses from HM Queen
Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales, this colourful and exuberant exhibition will
provide a feast for the eyes and a nostalgic glance back at recent decades.
More Information: contact groups and travel trade on +44 (0)20 3166 6311 or
groupsandtravaltrade@hrp.org.uk
See more of London with the London Pass
The London Pass is a city sightseeing card that offers free entry to your choice of over 60 top attractions
including: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Thames River Cruise, St Paul’s Cathedral and many
more. Customers can also skip the lines at selected attractions. The pass is available in 1, 2, 3 and 6
day options. Trade customers can receive a commission on sales of the London pass by contacting
Head of Sales Peter Muttitt to discuss a contract at peter@leisurepassgroup.com
Private Tours of HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast, part of Imperial War Museums, tells the stories of life on board this warship during the
Second World War and beyond. You can now book a Private Tour of HMS Belfast to hear the unique
stories of how sailors survived in freezing conditions during the Arctic Convoys and enjoy exclusive
access behind the barriers for the perfect photo opportunity.
More Information: visit iwm.org.uk or contact Victoria Chan +44 (0)20 7766 0141 / vchan@iwm.org.uk
The 60th anniversary of the Coronation
Westminster Abbey, June – September 2013
This year Westminster Abbey is to mark the 60th anniversary of the Coronation with a series of special
events over summer, including a service of celebration attended by HM The Queen (4 June); and a new

exhibition, Coronation! (6 May-7 Sept, in association with Getty images) featuring archive pictures of the
Coronation, and rarely seen images of the preparation work.
More Information: Admission to exhibition is free; for info on group visits to Westminster Abbey contact
tours@westminster-abbey.org
Accommodation
Four nights for the price of three this summer
Book your clients a three-night summer stay in London at the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower or
boutique Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel and they will enjoy their fourth night free. Located close to Harrods,
Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, guests can enjoy world-class service and stylish surroundings in the
heart of Knightsbridge and Belgravia. Guests at both hotels also receive complimentary WiFi and
access to The Peak Health Club & Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Tower. Promotion valid for stays from 9 July
to 7 August 2013 on the room or suite type of your choice, subject to availability. Further terms and
conditions apply.
More Information: contact Olga Satrevica, Sales Manager, on +44 (0)20 7858 7158 /
olga.satrevica@jumeirah.com
Five star welcome at The Nadler Soho
The Nadler Soho will open this May as the group's flagship hotel located in a new, landmark building
and comprising of 78 rooms, some with terraced courtyards or Soho Square views. With a focus on
service, the front desk 'Local Ambassadors' are tapped into the local neighbourhood helping to ensure
the hotel delivers four star rooms with five star service at three star prices
More Information: visit thenadler.com/soho or contact Emma Wrightson: Emma@whic.co.uk.
Special Package at 51 Buckingham Gate
Moments away from Buckingham Palace, 51 Buckingham Gate is the ideal location for clients to
immerse in the royal spirit of the Coronation Festival. The package includes two nights in the luxurious
Kings Junior Suite, two tickets to the Coronation Festival (12 July), two tickets to the Coronation Gala
evening (12 July) and a three course meal at Bistro, inspired by the 1947 coronation banquet (8-14
July).
More Information: call +44 (0)20 7769 7766 or email reservations@51-buckinghamgate.co.uk
Hilton London Metropole Unveils £6 Million Lobby Transformation
Hilton London Metropole is undergoing a major £6 million lobby transformation revolutionising the arrival
experience in one of the biggest conference and events hotels in Europe. The two phase refurbishment,
designed by Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, reflects the Hilton commitment to creating engaging spaces. The
completed first phase sees a new lobby bar - EDG Bar & Lounge - and Whisky Lounge, whilst the
installation of double-height glass entrances will mark the overall completion of the project in August
2013.
More Information: email cbs.londonmet@hilton.com or visit hilton.com/londonmet
General Information
Follow us on LinkedIn!
We regularly talk to the travel trade via our LinkedIn group, ‘London & Partners - Travel Trade’, so if you
would like to start a discussion or share something that will be of interest to London’s Travel Trade
network, please join our group.
Travel Trade Website
Our travel trade website is designed to help you sell London to your clients, check it out now!
Post Office - Bureaux de Change
Visiting London or any other part of the UK and need to buy Pound Sterling, you should visit the Post
Office. They have the largest network of bureaux de change in the UK, including 360 bureaux in London
alone – so you’re never far from a Post Office. As the UK’s No 1 bureaux de change they offer
competitive exchange rates and also offer helpful advice on mailing postcards and souvenirs!
Transport Disruptions
A list of planned station closures and track closures for the next six months is available in PDF format.

For this and further information ontravel in London go to www.tfl.gov.uk
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
www.changing-the-guard.com provides information on Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
andpublishes and distributes guide books including 'Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Coach Parking
For Details of coach parking facilities and other useful information for coach drivers in London, visit
www.tfl.gov.uk
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