Curzon Cinema, Mayfair

Mayfair London // April 26, 2012

Mayfair is an area known for its elegant dining, luxurious spas and exclusive shops and clubs, but concealed in the hubbub of retail and restaurants is a cinematic gem just waiting to be discovered.  Curzon Mayfair will be 78 years old this year, but it is still a hugely successful cinema, and is renowned for showcasing some of the most interesting and current independent and world cinema that can be found in London today.

This arthouse cinema, located in a Grade II listed building, contrasts modern multiplexes in both appearance and filmic offerings. With only two screens and a fully licensed bar, it provides a truly sophisticated viewing experience which perfectly reflects its Mayfair location. Visitors can choose between the larger, more luxurious Screen One, complete with Royal Boxes, or the smaller, more intimate Screen Two.

You won’t find any summer blockbusters or big Hollywood releases at the Curzon, as their focus is on screening independent film, and quality world cinema. They also host Q&A sessions with members of the industry, and live screenings from prestigious establishments such as The Royal Opera House.

With such a variety of viewing available, it is unsurprising that Curzon Mayfair was voted as one of London’s top 20 cinemas by Time Out readers. If you’re looking for a unique cinema experience with culture and charm, this is the place.

Curzon Mayfair is easily accessible from Green Park or Hyde Park Corner, and is open daily.

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Top 5 Places for Afternoon Tea in Mayfair

Mayfair London // April 24, 2012

photograph courtesy of theritzlondon.com

Afternoon tea is a British institution, and one which everyone should indulge in from time to time. Here is our pick of the top 5 in Mayfair.

1.    The Chesterfield – The Chesterfield has won The Tea Guild’s ‘Award for Excellence’ five years running. Choose a traditional afternoon tea, or satisfy your sweet tooth with their Chocolate Lover’s option. You may even be accompanied by ‘Poetea’ from resident tea-poet Elizabeth Darcy-Jones.

2.    Claridges – Claridges boasts a choice of almost 40 teas from around the world, and a range of sandwiches, scones and pastries to satisfy all appetites. They also offer seasonally themed teas; from Easter teas with hot cross buns, to the Chelsea Flower Show tea, complete with dainty floral pastries.

3.    Quince – Located in The Mayfair Hotel, The Quince salon provides an unusual take on a classic, using Eastern Mediterranean cuisine as the basis for their savoury dishes. Delicacies such avocado hummus and Ottoman style pastries alongside more traditional options make Quince an entirely unique experience.

4.    Espelette – The Connaught’s restaurant Espelette’s afternoon tea ‘Chic and Shock’ can be enjoyed in a position overlooking architect Tadao Ando’s new water feature. Their speciality is their home-made jam, which has its own separate menu!

5.    Flemings – Perfect if you’re not so keen on sweet treats, Flemings is famous for their ‘Savoury Martini’ afternoon tea, where visitors get a choice of gin or vodka martini accompanied by a selection of savoury scones and canapés.

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Clarence House

Mayfair London // April 3, 2012

Clarence House in Mayfair, London W1 - Photo: THE ROYAL COLLECTION

Mayfair is not only home to top retailers, exclusive hotels and leading arts bodies; it is also where you will find the most historic stately homes to be found in the capital.  One of these is Clarence House. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at this stunning building and its spectacular surroundings beside St James’ Palace.

The residence has changed hands from either reigning powers or associated family for over 170 years and altered its décor to suit the owner of the time. Clarence House was home to the Queen Mother from 1953 to 2002 and a tour of the building is an excellent way of experiencing the living history of the British Royal Family.  It is now the official London residence of The Prince of Wales, who first lived there from the ages of one and three years, and also the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry.

The stately building, which was originally constructed between 1825 and 1827 following a design submitted by John Nash, is situated on Stable Yard Road, just off the Mall and next to St James’s Park.  Clarence House is usually open to the public between August and October each year

The closest tube stations to Clarence House are Piccadilly Circus (on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) and Green Park (on the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines).  All stations will give you the opportunity to walk through the elegant streets of Mayfair with numerous shopping opportunities en route.

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Famous past residents Mayfair – Horatio Nelson

Mayfair London // March 26, 2012
Nelson's Column in London Trafalgar Square

Nelson's Column in London Trafalgar Square

Continuing our theme of famous past residents of Mayfair, this week we present Vice-Admiral, The Right Honourable, the Viscount Nelson KB.

Horatio Nelson lived at 147 New Bond Street?   Since its foundation in 1700, New Bond Street has been the playground of society’s wealthiest most stylish and influential people.  Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a flag officer who was famous for his military service in the Royal Navy, and most notably for his contribution during the Napoleonic Wars.

Admiral Nelson was noted for his inspirational leadership in battle and for his outstanding skill in military strategy and unconventional tactics.  Nelson suffered many scars from heroic battle, losing one arm and the sight in one eye in the course of his military career. The most legendary of his military victories was the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, during which he was shot and killed.

He was also noted for his passionate and scandalous love affair with Emma Hamilton.

Getting to New Bond Street could not be easier.  The nearest tube stations to Bond Street are Bond Street station on the Central Line and Green Park station on the Piccadilly line. There are also numerous buses from all directions that serve Bond Street. Why not take a stroll along one of London’s most glamorous streets to remember one of England’s most dashing heroes before taking advantage of a wide choice of exclusive shops?

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