This Is London 16 May 2019

18
Lords Lion and Unicorn.
NEW ROYALTY AND SPLENDOUR
TOUR AND DINNER EXPERIENCES
A summer season of Royalty and
Splendour Tour and Dinner Experiences
in the House of Lords opens next month
to celebrate the 200th anniversaries of
the births of Queen Victoria and Prince
Albert. These experiences combine a
guided tour which focuses on the art and
decorative style of the House of Lords
with a special Victorian inspired three
course dinner in the Barry Room. The
60 minute tour begins at the top of the
Royal Staircase in Norman Porch and
follows the Queen’s processional route at
the State Opening of Parliament through
the Robing Room, Royal Gallery and
Prince's Chamber before entering the
majestic Lords Chamber.
Built during the early part of Queen
Victoria’s reign after a devastating fire in
1834, the finest British artists of the age
designed the wonderful frescoes,
portraits, statues, thrones, fireplaces and
furniture featured on the tour. Visitors
discover the exquisite work of Charles
Barry, Augustus Pugin, William Dyce
and Daniel Maclise, amongst many
others, and learn how Prince Albert,
appointed Chair of the Fine Arts
Commission in 1841, was such an
influential figure at the time.
During the visit, you will also pass
through Westminster Hall, St Stephen's
Hall and Central Lobby on your way in
and out of the House of Lords.
There follows a welcome cocktail in
the Barry Room (named after Charles
Barry) before settling down to a special
three course dinner. Taking their
inspiration from Victorian menus,
the House of Lords chefs have added
a modern twist using the best seasonal
ingredients.
Tickets are available for Friday
evenings on 12 July and 19 July at £95
per person which includes a guided tour,
pre-dinner cocktail and three course
dinner.
To book tickets for these special
experiences and Parliament’s regular
tours, telephone 020 7219 4114 or visit
www.parliament.uk/visit
Robing room throne.
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • t h i s i s l o n d o n o n l i n e