Entertainment& LeisureGive your clients an itinerary to rememberwith <strong>London</strong>’s entertainment and leisure scene.West End spectaculars, musicals, plays, gigs,events and festivals – as well as nights outat clubs and casinos – are easily booked;and organising time for relaxation is equallystraightforward, thanks to an array of greenspaces and spas.<strong>London</strong>’s shows and concerts are theworld’s hottest tickets. Award-winninglong-running musicals such as TheLion King, Phantom of the Opera,Billy Elliott and Wicked vie for attentionalongside headline-grabbing newproductions from the National Theatreand the return of the critically-acclaimedWar Horse.The Southbank Centre holds seasonalarts festivals, and dance and musicperformances at the Royal Festival Hall,while the city is top of the list forall major tours and concerts. Add glitzycasinos and premium sporting eventsto the mix and putting together a richentertainment itinerary is simple. Forquieter leisure time, <strong>London</strong>’s parks andRiver Thames offer the best of naturein the middle of the city, while top-notchspa treatments and pools leave guestsfeeling relaxed.Theatre and musicPut your clients on the edge of their seatswith a constantly changing variety of excitingnew productions, or dazzle them with musicalexploits such as the return of Miss Saigon.Visitors can regularly see celebrities such asDaniel Radcliffe, Benedict Cumberbatch andVanessa Redgrave on stage, and visit uniquetheatres ranging from the Old Vic, to intimateperformance spaces in pubs. The trend forinteractive theatre, pioneered by Punchdrunkand Dreamthinkspeak, gives your group theexciting opportunity to walk through theperformance, talking to the actors as theygo. Clients can pick up bargain tickets forWest End shows at the TKTS booth inLeicester Square.<strong>London</strong> theatre is especially good value forgroups, with packages including a meal ina nearby restaurant adding greater savings,or a drinks reception in the theatre addingto the experience. The Royal Opera Houseoffers group discounts of up to 40 per cent,while the renowned Sadler’s Wells dance2 3house offers 20 per cent discounts for adultgroups and even greater savings for partiesof young people. <strong>London</strong>’s amazing venuesfor bigger concerts and events includeWembley Stadium, Hyde Park and theOlympic Stadium. <strong>London</strong> also has musicperformances every evening at smallervenues including the O2 Academy gigvenues, pubs in Camden, and jazz clubs suchas Ronnie Scott’s and Dover StreetRestaurant & Bar.Glitz and glamourThere is nothing like a night out in <strong>London</strong> tobring out the inner James Bond. Your groupcan view 007 in action from VIP cinemaseats in Leicester Square, or sip martinis atthe Hippodrome Casino, where you can bookelegant private events with access to gamingtables, learn how to play sessions, cabaretshows and private dining. Finish off theevening at the iconic Ministry of Sound clubor a <strong>London</strong> cocktail bar to leave them bothshaken and stirred.Sporting specialitiesSporting events in <strong>London</strong> combine top-classgames and entertainment. Book a day atthe Barclays ATP World Tour Finals forgreat group offers; enjoy football at WembleyStadium, or Fulham, Arsenal or ChelseaFootball Clubs, or rugby at Twickenham. Enjoythe sound of leather on willow with a cricketmatch at Lord’s, or strawberries and creamon Centre Court at Wimbledon. Venues thathosted the spectacular <strong>London</strong> 2012 Games,such as those in the Queen Elizabeth OlympicPark, continue to host great sporting events.Relaxation<strong>London</strong>’s luxury hotels are home to excellentspas that help you make the most of preciousdowntime. Book the May Fair Spa forthe latest treatments, or try East River Spaconveniently located near Canary Wharf, forpanoramic views and the crystal steam room,at the Radisson Blu Edwardian NewProvidence Wharf.The great outdoorsMore than a third of <strong>London</strong> is green spaceallowing your group to enjoy <strong>London</strong>’s naturalbeauty. <strong>London</strong>’s famous Royal Parks arefree for everyone, offering playgrounds forthe younger members of your party, togetherwith water features and wildlife includingpelicans and deer.See deer in the park at Richmond in SouthWest <strong>London</strong>, or enjoy green open spaces andhistorical attractions in Greenwich Park. Walkalong the tow paths of <strong>London</strong>’s canals, takea boat trip to Little Venice, or visit beautifulHampstead Heath. Even in <strong>London</strong>’s financialdistrict the City of <strong>London</strong>, green spacesabound, including Postman’s Park and BunhillFields, the resting place of William Blake.Holding an eventMany of <strong>London</strong>’s theatres, nightclubsand sporting venues have uniquemeeting rooms and spaces to createa cultured and unique atmosphere foryour event.1Opposite: Queen’s Theatre, West End1 Wimbledon2 ‘Midnight Tango’ at the Aldwych Theatre3 Regent’s Park in full spring bloomFor full Entertainment & Leisure listingssee our websiteslondonandpartners.com/travel-tradelondonandpartners.com/convention-bureau14 londonandpartners.com
Restaurants,Bars & PubsThere are more than 8,000 restaurants in<strong>London</strong>, so you will always be able to find a greatrestaurant to suit your group. <strong>London</strong> boastsmore than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants,as well as having a wide choice of mid-pricedrestaurants, and serves international cuisinefrom some 70 different countries.Your clients can sample amazing menusfrom celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver,Gary Rhodes, Heston Blumenthal andGordon Ramsay, or visit the latestpop-up bars. Make sure they leave timefor British favourites too, such as fish andchips and other classic British cuisine,afternoon tea, or traditional pubs.For showstopping events, secret supperclubs, stylish meeting rooms and finedrinking, <strong>London</strong>’s restaurants and bars willalways impress. Aqua Shard and Hutong,recently opened in the iconic Shard building,offer stunning views and cutting-edgecuisine. The city’s international street foodscene goes from strength to strength – theWest End and Soho have lots of street foodand small plate restaurants for gourmetburgers, pizza, tapas, Mexican and Asiancuisine, providing fresh, authentic fare thatis perfect for those on the go.Or choose from quirky restaurants suchas the high tech décor and Japanese foodat Inamo St James, or the jungle-themedRainforest Café, or speciality cuisine at forexample The Cinnamon Club (Indian) orAlbannach (Scottish).In <strong>London</strong> your clients will discover:Dining on their doorstep<strong>London</strong>’s vibrant restaurant scene meansthat wherever your group stays, or whereverthe conference takes place, they will findfood and drink to delight. Central hotspotssuch as St Martin’s Courtyard, CarnabyStreet and Seven Dials offer a range ofindependent eateries and bars. Thosestaying near the Eurostar terminal will enjoyGolden Arrow near the beautifully restoredSt Pancras International station, which offersa vast list of wines paired with exquisitedishes. Near Canary Wharf’s financialdistrict, try Cinnamon Restaurant and Barfor smart yet unstuffy dining. If your clientsare staying by Heathrow Airport, TrunkRestaurant in the Radisson Blu EdwardianHeathrow hotel is a must-visit thanks to itseclectic internationally-inspired menu. Oryour clients can eat at new restaurant Scoff& Banter, at the Radisson Blu EdwardianHampshire in Leicester Square.For full Restaurants, Bars & Pubs listingssee our websiteslondonandpartners.com/travel-tradelondonandpartners.com/convention-bureau1 21 2Afternoon teaWith tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam,finger sandwiches and dainty cakes, nothingcould be more British than afternoon tea in<strong>London</strong>. From the Savoy to Claridge’s,<strong>London</strong> offers some top afternoon teas.Please note that advance booking is oftenessential and smart dress codes may apply.Value eats<strong>London</strong>’s cafés, bars and pubs provide greatatmosphere at good prices. Try Mayfair’sSports Bar for pizzas and homemade burgers,or the George & Dragon pub in WestBrompton for traditional fare, while Fire &Stone offers good value pizza, and SpaghettiHouse and Masala Zone provide filling, freshand authentic food. If your group is off tothe theatre, pre or post-show meals areoften great value and can be combined asa package with a show.Dine on the riverThe River Thames is a beautiful settingfor a meal. Book a Bateaux <strong>London</strong> or CityCruises trip to feel the gentle swell of thewater while dining, or sipping afternoon teaor sunset drinks. You can hire an entireboat for parties of more than 65. Or trythe RS Hispaniola, a permanently mooredboat boasting fabulous views of theHouses of Parliament.Bars & pubsA night out at one of <strong>London</strong>’s many barswill be a bonding experience for your group.They can enjoy creations from expertmixologists at the May Fair Bar, or a privatecocktail party at Dirty Martini Covent Garden.Or your party may like to sample a pint ina traditional pub, a real British institution.With fascinating history and quirky originalfeatures, <strong>London</strong>’s pubs offer refreshmentsand food in traditional surroundings, oftenwith a bit of local legend thrown in forgood measure.Opposite: Royal Exchange Grand Café1 <strong>London</strong> pub2 Alfresco food and drinkMeals with a viewThese restaurants offer spellbindingviews of the capital and a chance totake in the city at sunset and nightfall.●●Galvin at Windows Restaurant: seton the 28th floor of the <strong>London</strong> Hiltonon Park Lane and offering stunningviews across the capital●●Minako at the Met: enjoy an Asianfusion menu at one of <strong>London</strong>’shighest restaurants●●Azura Bar and Restaurant: withfloor-to-ceiling river vistas andal fresco dining, this Canary Wharffavourite shows off <strong>London</strong>’s Docklands●●Sushi Samba and Duck & Waffle inHeron Tower offer great views, stylishdécor and delicious original food●●Skylon: on the South Bank offerslovely views over the River ThamesBespoke meals and events<strong>London</strong>’s restaurants and bars deliverunforgettable experiences for bothleisure groups and business events andreceptions. Try Hawksmoor Guildhall fordelicious steaks in amazing wood-panelledsurroundings, while the D&D <strong>London</strong>group of restaurants, including Orreryand Quaglino’s to name just two, offerhigh-quality dining across <strong>London</strong> witha choice of cuisines. Grand locations foran à la carte meal include Oxo TowerRestaurant, Babylon at Kensington RoofGardens and Homage at the Waldorf Hilton.For a complete evening out try one ofmore than 30 Late Night <strong>London</strong> venuessuch as Grace or Opal, which both offerdinner, receptions with drinks and canapés,and dance floors where your party canmake a night of it. For something trulydifferent, organise a four-course banquetcomplete with jugglers and costumes foryour group at the Medieval Banquet nearthe Tower of <strong>London</strong>.15 londonandpartners.com