Shows go on . . .

Online that is

With London theatres shut down for the foreseeable future — three ways to get your theatre fix:
Opera & Ballet

Royal Opera House — Fridays at 7 pm
27th March : Peter and the Wolf (The Royal Ballet 2010)
3rd April : Così fan tutte (The Royal Opera 2009)
10th April : Treasure Island (The Royal Opera 2010)
17rd April : The Metamorphosis (The Royal Ballet 2013) www.facebook.com/royaloperahouse
www.youtube.com/user/RoyalOperaHouse

Shakespeare
TheShowMustGoOnline — Weekly readings Thursdays at 7 pm of the complete plays of William Shakespeare in the order they were written
19th March : The Two Gentleman of Verona
19th March : The Two Gentleman of Verona
2nd April : Henry VI Part 1
www.robmyles.co.uk/theshowmustgoonline

Theatre

National Theatre — Every Thursday in April at 7 pm
2nd April : One Man, Two Guvnors (James Corden)
9th April : Jane Eyre
16th April : Treasure Island
23rd April : Twelfth Night (Tamsin Greig)
www.youtube.com/user/ntdiscovertheatre

Here's to hoping the curtains will rise again soon to new and bigger audiences!
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Mother's Day Delivered

With advice against “unnecessary contact”, send special treats instead this Mothering Sunday:
Cuppa & Tea

Emma Bridgewater — Founded in 1985 when she was unable to find cups and saucers for her own Mum — Emma Bridgewater has remained true to 'the necessity of getting the thought and design absolutely right'. Today, it is the largest pottery manufacturer based in the UK. Their Mother's Day collection is currently 20% off.
www.emmabridgewater.co.uk

T2 — T2 is a specialty tea shop originally established in Australia.  They are know for their extensive array of teas (200+) along with colorful teapots, cups and countless tea accessories.  Their Mother's Day specials include a Bazaar Beauty Pink Tea for One set and Top Sips Assorted Tea Sampler alone or together make a perfect pair.
www.t2tea.com


Soap & Scent
LUSH Cosmetics — From humble beginnings in 1995 with their first store located in the small seaside town of Poole, UK, Lush Cosmetics now boasts 900+ stores worldwide. The company is known for ‘fresh handmade cosmetics’ that are 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free. Lush offers over 170+ soaps alone — their Parsley Porridge Soap, an herbal, antibacterial suds would be welcome by anyone.
www.lush.com

Perfume Studio — For a truly unique and thoughtful gift, purchase a voucher for a bespoke fragrance experience.  After an introduction to 18 blends created by their Master Perfumer, you'll have a chance to sample, test and combine them to create a signature fragrance of our own to take home.  Due to coronavirus outbreak, Fragrance Design Experience Vouchers are valid for up to 18 months. 
www.theperfumestudio.com

Sweets

The Biscuiteers — These iced biscuits taste as good as they look and are literally works of art (not surprisingly many Biscuiteers icers are artists as well). Fashionable corporate clients include Dior, Burberry and Gucci. They ship worldwide and can be found at Fortnum & Masons, Harrods and Selfridges.  Use code MUMSDAY for 10% off their Mother's Day flowers biscuit tin.
www.biscuiteers.com


Monty Bo Jangles Truffle Bar — There are simply no words to describe these award-winning French cocoa dusted truffles. A limited selection is available from local grocery stores, specialty shops and on-line.  Customize a trunk of 100 truffles — be sure to include at least one box of Ruby Fruit Sunday in honor of Mothering Sunday.

www.montybojangles.com


All can be ordered from the comfort of your home and sure to bring a smile to the Mums in your life — until you can visit in person again!

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Pompeii of the North

Without leaving London

With the current Italy travel advisories, you don’t have to leave England to get a taste of Pompeii. London Mithraeum Bloomberg Space is touted by archaeologists as Pompeii of the North. The excavation between 2012 and 2014 was one of the most extensive in London. It revealed over 14,000 finds covering the entire period of the Roman occupation of Britain — 40s AD to the early 5th century under Bloomberg London.

In addition to well-preserved streets, the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) uncovered items such as charms, coins, writing tablets and even perfectly preserved leather shoes thanks in huge part to the waterlogged site.

Originally discovered in 1954, the Temple of Mithras was moved 100 meters away. It has since been restored to its original site under Bloomberg’s European headquarters. The exhibition now includes 600 artifacts and includes an audio-visual enhanced walk around the Temple itself. It was named by Time as one of the World's Greatest Places in 2018. Self-guided visits take approximately an hour and booking is currently available until May 2020.

Best of all entry is free and no need to travel or worry about the weather either! 
www.londonmithraeum.com
12 Walbrook, London, EC4N 8AA

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February Half-Term

Top Surrey attractions

Whether you have a Harry Potter fan, budding artist, race car driver or garden lover, top Surrey attractions have you covered:

Art Aficionado
The Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village (Compton) — The images of William Orpen and G F Watts are the inspiration behind half-term activities at Watts Gallery — recognized as the 2018 Tourist Destination of the Yearby the Surrey Business Awards. The Gallery is hosting a pop up portrait studio, digital portrait making master classes along with storytelling sessions for various ages.
www.wattsgallery.org.uk ✆ +44 1483 810235
Down Lane, Compton GU3 1DQ

Green Thumb
RHS Garden Wisley (Woking) — Family-friendly trails and activities await at RHS Garden Wisley — the second most visited garden in the UK.  Crafts, planting, storytelling, theatre and walks are offered throughout the week.  Best of all there is no need to book ahead and all activities are included in regular admission.
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley ✆ +44 1932 857381
Wisley Lane, Wisley GU23 6QB

Potter Fan
Warner Bros. Studio Tour(Leavesden) — Measuring over 530K square feet, the studio complex is one of the world’s largest. The Making of Harry Potter is a self-guided behind-the-scenes exhibition that includes original costumes, props and sets. Learn how props are made through Introducing the Art Department on display during half-term.
www.wbstudiotour.co.uk ✆ +44 3450 840900
Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR

Speedster
Brooklands Museum (Weybridge) — Brooklands is considered the birthplace of motorsport and aviation in Britain and winner of the 2019 Tourist Destination of the Year by Surrey Business Awards. Some of the activities on offer over half-term include joining a pit crew, riding in a vintage car up Test Hill or Race Track or touring the Concorde.
www.brooklandsmuseum.com ✆ +44 1932 857381
Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0SL

Enjoy half-term whatever the weather!

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Super Bowl Live

In case you have the stamina to pull an all-nighter, here are just a few American-like eateries that will broadcast the game live:

Balthazar — Located in Covent Garden, Balthazar is nearly identical to its original New York location.  Tickets include chicken wings, hot dogs, New York cheesecake and even takeaway mini-donuts for the morning.
£70 From 10:30 pm — 4:30 am
www.balthazarlondon.com✆ +44 2033 011155
4-6 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ

Bodean‘s BBQ Smokehouse (Multiple)— Famous for its Kansas City barbecue (perfect for Chiefs fans), Bodean’s will include a complimentary beer, nachos, wings and of course their famous barbecue baby back ribs.
£30 From 10 pm
www.bodeansbbq.com

Hard Rock Cafe (Multiple) — With the Super Bowl taking place in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, it isn’t surprising that the original Hard Rock Cafe in London and its Piccadilly Circus location is hosting a viewing party complete with beer, American fare and cheerleaders.
£50 From 10 pm — 5 am
www.hardrockcafe.com

These restaurants have thought of nearly everything — except a doctor’s note for school or work for the morning!

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Super Bowl 54

Where to enjoy game day favorite foods

One of the challenges of living across the pond is watching major US sports events live in the UK.  Super Bowl 54 is no exception with a 6:30 pm Eastern start time means an 11:30 pm kickoff UK time. Even if you can’t stay up to watch the game, you can at least enjoy game day favorite foods:

Guacamole

Lupita (Multiple) — Located close to Embankment, this restaurant is part of the well-known El Farolito chain from Mexico. An authentic Mexican taqueria, they serve made-to-order tableside guacamole.
www.lupita.co.uk


Pretzel

Stein's (Kingston)— This authentic German eatery’s pretzel (or rather ‘bretzel’) is freshly baked, topped with salt and perfectly prepared from an original Bavarian recipe. 
www.stein-s.com ✆ +44 2085 462411
56 High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HN

Wings

TopGolf (Multiple) — It may surprise you to know that TopGolf originated in the UK in 2000.  And even more surprising that their signature TopGolf Wings rival those found in the US.  The boneless buffalo wings are wings can be ordered boneless and tossed in buffalo sauce.
www.topgolf.com/uk


After an unusual season and roller coaster playoffs, it is hard to know which team will end up on top. Hall of fame quarterback Joe Montana's prediction is probably best : "I guarantee my team will win the Super Bowl!" — especially since he played for both the Chiefs and 49ers during his career.

Next up, where to watch live with other NFL fans!

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Best of 2019 — Part II

Top 10 posts — Part II

The best of the best from 2019

5. 4 Top Wimbledon Tips— Four top tips on getting to see Wimbledon champions

www.londonviasurrey.com/2019/07/4-top-wimbledon-tips.html

4. St Paul's Lit Up — Best views of one of London's most famous landmarks
www.londonviasurrey.com/2019/10/st-pauls-cathedral-lit-up.html

3. Seven Sisters Cliffs — UK natural wonder
www.londonviasurrey.com/2019/02/seven-sisters-cliffs.html

2. Hamilton tickets starting at £20 — While the release of £20 tickets caused quite a stir, tickets for £37.50 are available on select dates through May 2020
www.londonviasurrey.com/2019/02/hamilton-tickets-starting-at-20.html

1. Chelsea in Bloom — Free record-breaking display that coincides with the famed Chelsea Flower Show
www.londonviasurrey.com/2019/05/chelsea-in-bloom.html

It is not too early to mark your diary with things to do in London and Surrey in 2020!

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