St James Motoring Spectacle

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Pre-Victorian to Formula 1

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) presents the return of the St James Motoring Spectacle — a free, one-day exhibition on Saturday, October 31st 10 am - 3 pm, as part of London Motor Week.

Marking its third year, the showcase spans automotive history from Pre-Victoria era vehicles to modern Formula 1. Visitors can explore around 50 vintage cars and cycles built before 1905, with many owners dressed in authentic period attire.

Featured return entrants include:

      

View the complete 2026 entry list at Veteran Car Run.

Returning highlights, include:

  • British Grand Prix Trophy — The actual trophy recently awarded to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after his July victory at Silverstone.
  • Rolls-Royce — The iconic 1904 model, recognized as the oldest surviving Rolls-Royce in existence.
  • Daimler — A British-built production model marking 130 years of domestic automotive heritage.
  • Formula 1 — A special commemorative display honoring the centenary of Britain’s inaugural Grand Prix, hosted by the RAC at Brooklands in 1926.

The festivities culminate on Sunday, November 1st, when over 400 veteran cars leave Hyde Park at sunrise for the 2026 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Whether you are a car enthusiast or drawn to pre-Victorian times, this unmissable event bridges centuries of motoring heritage!

www.veterancarrun.com/st-jamess-motoring-spectacle
Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HS


V&A Revamped : Design 1900 — Now

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Designs that have stood the test of time

From historical artifacts to cutting-edge technology, the V&A's Design 1900—Now traces design history across six core themes:
  • Automation and Labour
  • Housing and Living
  • Crisis and Conflict
  • Consumption and Identity
  • Sustainability and Subversion
  • Data and Communication
Through ‘Rapid Response Collecting’, the V&A acquires objects tied to major cultural moments — even accepting public nominations.

The gallery's February 2026 update introduced 60 new contemporary items, including Labubu blind-box toys, YouTube's first video, Starface pimple patches, and Loop Earplugs.  By elevating everyday objects to museum artifacts, the exhibit sparked widespread viral attention across TikTok and Instagram.

Here are 7 designs that have stood the test of time:

Everyday Glassware — Finnish designer Aino Aalto created these pieces for a 1930s affordable glassware contest, using raised rings to disguise imperfections in budget glass. Finnish glassmaker Iittala still manufactures them today.

IKEA Catalogue — Founded in 1943, IKEA revolutionized space-efficient furniture and everyday household items through flat-pack design. Its 2003 catalogue reached a print run of 131 million, making it the world's most widely circulated publication.

Fun Fact: Introduced in 2009, the zippered IKEA FRAKTA Storage Bag for Cart became a cult favorite for college moves and travel. Holding up to 55 lbs, it is so ubiquitous that several airlines require passengers to sign damage waivers before checking them as makeshift luggage.
Plastic Stacking Chair — Released in 1963 after three years of development by Robin Day, this ubiquitous plastic polypropylene stacking chair is a staple in classrooms, dining halls, and conference rooms around the globe — with over 14 million sold and counting.


Swatch Watch — The rise in the use of plastics made Swatch watches possible in the 80s. Built with only half the number of parts, it made Swiss watches accessible to the masses. Beginning in 2022, Swatch entered the quasi-luxury market with high-demand collaborations alongside Omega, Blancpain, and Audemars Piguet. These ‘budget-luxury’ releases aim to cultivate long-term brand loyalty — though only ‘time’ will tell if this design strategy will have staying power. 

Running Blade — Medical engineer Van Phillips modeled this prosthetic after a cheetah's hind leg in 1984. Today, roughly 90% of Paralympic sprinters use this design. 
iPhone — Launched in 2007, it quite literally is ‘The phone that changed everything’. Advertised as the ‘revolution product’, it has fundamentally changed how we live.
Amazon Warehouse Robot — If the iPhone transformed personal life, Amazon’s autonomous warehouse robots redefined logistics. Introduced in 2012, these self-driving units fetch products across fulfillment centers — which average 800,000 square feet (roughly 14 football fields) — and deliver them directly to human workers.  This automation drastically reduced processing times, enabling same-day and in some instances even just a few hours. With advances in robotics, Rosie from The Jetson’s is likely not far into the future.

With displays constantly rotating with new acquisitions, the Design 1900–Now gallery offers a fresh experience with every visit.

7 London Theatre Eats

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London Theatre Week runs through September 13, with £15, £25 or £35 promotional tickets available for more than 60 West End and off-West End shows. 

If you’re heading to the theatre, here are seven convenient places to eat before or after the show:

Ave Mario (Covent Garden) — A festive and flamboyant Italian restaurant with decor to match. It is famous for fresh, handmade pasta – carbonara served in a pecorino cheese wheel and truffle pasta are particularly popular.
www.bigmammagroup.com/italian-restaurants/ave-mario ✆ +44 2045 784370
15 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8QG

Brother Marcus (Covent Garden) — An East Mediterranean restaurant with street outdoor and balcony seating known for its mezze made to share – be sure to try their crispy aubergine skewer.
Bonus : They also offer a Pre-Show menu consisting of Rip & Dip platter, one veg mezze and one meat mezze of your choice for £25 per person (2 person minimum)
www.brothermarcus.co.uk✆ +44 2045 536470
The Ivy Collection — The Ivy has several locations close to London’s theatres, including The Original Ivy* and The Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden*, The Ivy Soho Brasserie near Shaftesbury Avenue, and The Ivy Tower Bridge* near the Bridge Theatre. The restaurants each feature unique art deco decor and the food is consistently good.
Bonus : These * locations offer a traditional three-tier afternoon tea menu

Sarastro (Covent Garden) — A whimsical, theatrical (literally) Mediterranean restaurant with box-style seating where diners take center stage – an entertaining place to get a bite to eat before or after the show.
Tip:  With so many different seating options – walk around to pick out a table
www.sarastro-restaurant.com ✆ +44 2078 360101
126 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5SU

Vasinikó Pizzeria (Covent Garden) — This casual and popular, Italian restaurant offers authentic, homemade Neapolitan-style pizza and fresh pasta. 
www.vasinikopizza.co.uk ✆ +44 2078 368628
7–9 Burleigh Street, London WC2E 7PW

SushiDog (Soho) — The UK’s first made-to-order sushi restaurant offers poke bowls, salads and sushi rolls. The Soho location is around the corner from Harry Potter The Cursed Child – a great grab-and-go option between the original two-part show ending September 20th before transitioning to a single show beginning in October.
www.sushidog.co.uk ✆ +44 2027 811434
54 Brewer Street, London W1F 9TH

Tower Bridge Collective (London Bridge) — For families and groups with differing tastes, the Tower Bridge Collective is a food hall with 12 different dining concepts, including Caribbean, Ethiopian, Greek, Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese – there is something for everyone.

From pre-show to post-theatre bites, these spots make a great day out even better!  

The Buzz Behind Fortnum’s Pooh Celebration

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From Piccadilly to St Pancras

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Fortnum & Mason's has two giant bee-filled installations.

First, its flagship store on Piccadilly is covered in giant bees, while its windows feature bee-themed displays. From celebrating bees’ instinct to return to the hive they call 'home' to showcasing a replica of the hive gifted to King Charles for his 70th birthday, Fortnum brings its 300-year tradition of creativity and storytelling to life.

Second, Fortnum’s has partnered with St Pancras International to erect an 8.3-metre (27.2-foot) tall bee hive. Alongside its beekeeping operation above the Piccadilly store, Fortnum & Mason has 14 other hive locations across the UK, including one above St Pancras.

Both locations carry limited-edition Fortnum & Mason Winnie the Pooh anniversary items, including official jars of ‘100 Aker Wood Hunny’ made from honey sourced from hives in Ashdown Forest, East Sussex — the real-life inspiration for Pooh’s iconic home. The collection also includes honey-infused treats, plush toys and more.

Bonus: Fortnum & Mason is also offering a limited-edition Disney Winnie the Pooh Afternoon Tea, in their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon featuring honey-infused treats and a Tigger loaf cake alongside Fortnum’s classic finger sandwiches and scones.

Tip: While you are there check out a replica of Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly store entirely made of biscuits in collaboration with Biscuiteers that took 500+ to construct.

With giant bees, towering hives and plenty of 'hunny', Fortnum’s has turned London into a little corner of the Hundred Acre Wood.
www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040

Pop Art & Popular Culture

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Halcyon Gallery until August 30th

After following the colorful trail of Mr. Doodle through the West End, a 14-minute walk to Halcyon Gallery’s Pop Odyssey  is a natural next stop.

The instantly recognizable imagery in both displays makes art feel accessible, engaging and easy to connect with. The gallery exhibit brings together artists and works spanning decades of popular culture, including:

  • Stan Lee (1922 - 2018) — a comic-book editor, publisher and writer who helped create Marvel’s superheroes — many of whom have become part of everyday popular culture
  • Andy Warhol (1928–1987) — took everyday consumer products, celebrities and mass-media images and turned them into fine art
  • Keith Haring (1958–1990) — developed a bold, distinctive style using simple lines, symbols and figures. His work moved beyond galleries into public spaces, connecting with a wider audience
  • James McQueen — a contemporary British artist who works under a pseudonym, drawing inspiration from vintage book covers, typography and Pop Art pioneers such as Haring and Warhol — giving familiar images a fresh twist

Alongside artists such as Dominic Harris and Santiago Montoya, the exhibition offers a fun, fresh take on how art and popular culture have influenced each other over the years.

www.halcyongallery.com
29 New Bond Street, London W1S 2TR

West End Doodle Art Trail

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Closes August 30th

British artist Mr. Doodle (real name Sam Cox) is known for his distinctive cartoon-style drawings.  He became famous for covering clothes, furniture, cars, rooms and buildings with faces, characters, monsters and repeated patterns.

He rose to fame online, where his nickname, ‘Mr. Doodle’, became his artistic identity and brought him attention in the art world beginning in 2015. Art of London, a cultural initiative focused on West End, presents Mr. Doodle’s Doodle Discovery, a free public art trail.

Follow the trail:
  • Blue Robot (Leicester Square) — Showcases ideas and suggestions shared by the local community
  • Orange Fish (Leicester Square) — Pays tribute to the magic of movies and London’s screen scene
  • Yellow Flower (Piccadilly Circus) — Inspired by the creativity, drama and excitement of London’s West End
  • Pink Shmug (Piccadilly Circus) — Features doodles inspired by London’s art scene of exhibits and galleries
  • Red Cyclops (St James Market) — Highlights London’s food scene
    and its delicious discoveries
  • Mr. Doodle West End Wall (St James Market) — An entire courtyard wall adjacent to Red Cyclops is covered in hand-drawn black-and-white characters

If you don’t get a chance to visit before the trail closes, there’s also a semi-permanent piece in Leake Street Tunnel. It’s protected by plexiglass, making it about as permanent as graffiti can get on these ever-changing walls.


For more pop art, check out the next post on Pop Odyssey at Halcyon Gallery.

Rooftop Retreat Above Oxford Street

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As the fourth summer heatwave appears to finally be easing, now is the perfect time to visit 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, located atop John Lewis' flagship store on Oxford Street. 

Opened in 2024, this seasonal rooftop destination features open-air, covered, shared and private seating along with views of London's skyline. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers nibbles, small plates, desserts and drinks.
The rooftop's central location also makes it an ideal stop before or after exploring the West End, shopping along Oxford Street, or catching a nearby show. Friday and Saturday evenings feature live DJs.

Whether you're taking a break from shopping, catching up with friends, or planning a date night, 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen is the perfect escape in the heart of the city that ticks all the boxes!

Unique Afternoon Teas for Less

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From creative menus to unforgettable settings, these afternoon teas offer more for less:

Colonel Saab — The menu gives classic British favorites an Indian twist set against an eclectic backdrop of striking chandeliers along with artifacts artifacts from across India collected by the family during their travels.
£35 per person
www.colonelsaab.co.uk ✆ +44 2080 166800
193-197 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD

EL&N — EL&N's Lowndes location offers Floral Afternoon Tea, which includes savory bites, delicate cakes, and scones complete with unlimited tea or barista-made house coffee.
Afternoon Tea for 2 for £44.99
Tip : Request one of the Insta-worthy booths downstairs
 www.elnlondon.co.uk✆ +44 2073 060055
Fait Maison — Enjoy a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean inspired afternoon tea by Executive Chef Yvonne Osman of sandwiches, homemade scones, clotted cream, jam, and mini desserts served with choice of tea in an picture-perfect setting.
£35 / person
 www.fait-maison.co.uk ✆ +44 2045 399224
13 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8DU

Fortnum & Mason : Royal Exchange— Offering a more affordable take on the iconic Fortnum’s afternoon tea, the Royal Exchange outpost serves finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, pastries, and premium teas in a spectacular central courtyard setting.
£45 / person 
Tip:  Reserve more comfortable leather banquette seating with better views
www.fortnumandmason.com ✆ +44 2077 348040
The Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR

Inamo Covent Garden — Book Sushi & Asian Tapas Afternoon Tea at London's only interactive restaurant where guests control their dining experience through digital projections on the table surface, including changing tablecloths, ordering, watching the chefs and playing retro games. 
£24.95 / person  Also available at Inamo - Soho
www.inamo-restaurant.com ✆ +44 2074 840500
11-14 Hanover Place, London WC2E 9JP

The Ivy Asia — Set against striking interiors with views of St. Paul’s, afternoon tea offers an Asian-inspired take on a classic tradition, including savory bites such as duck spring rolls, vegetable dumplings, and maki rolls.
£33.95 / person  Also available at The Ivy Asia - Mayfair
Tip:  Request window seating for best views of St. Paul's
www.theivyasia.com ✆ +44 2039 71 2600
20 New Change, London EC4M 9AG

Shakespeare's Globe : Swan — The Swan, located inside the Globe Theatre, offers a hearty Gentleman's afternoon tea featuring savory favorites such as beer battered haddock and chips and cheddar cheese scones.  
£35 / person

These afternoon teas prove you don't have to break the bank for a memorable experience!

Kids Week : Free Tickets

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Tickets on sale June 9th at 10 am

Kids Week gives children 17 and under the chance to see top West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult from July 20th – August 31st.  Up to two additional children can attend for half-price with each adult ticket:

Choose from 60 popular productions, including :

  • Come Alive!  The Greatest Showman*
  • The Devil Wears Prada*
  • Harry Potter and The Cursed Child*
  • Hot Mess A New Musical*
  • Les Miserables
  • The Lion King*
  • Mamma Mia!*
  • Matilda the Musical*
  • The Mousetrap*
  • My Neighbor Totoro*
  • Phantom of the Opera
  • The Play that Goes Wrong
  • Showstopper!  An Improvised Musical
  • Six
  • The Tiger Who Went to Tea
  • Wicked*
  • Witness for the Prosecution

    • *These productions also offer free exclusive extras, including acting, dancing, puppetry, singing, and storytelling workshops, as well as special Q&A sessions.

    Tickets are in high demand, so it's worth planning ahead.  Have a few preferred show sand dates before tickets go on sale.

    With no booking, postage, or transaction fees, tickets sell out fast.  For the best selection, be ready to book online when sales open on Tuesday, June 9th at 10 a.m. 

    Good luck — and enjoy the show!
    www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

    Last Chance — London Box Office Sale

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    Tickets starting at £7 / seat

    Just before the popular Kids Week promotion kicks off on Monday, there are discounted London Box Office tickets starting as little as £7.  Top award-winning shows include:

    • The Devil Wears Prada (£24) — starring Vanessa Williams, WhatsOnStage Award winner for Best New Musical and Best Performer
    • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (£29) — nine Olivier Awards, the most in the history of the awards
    • Kinky Boots (£15) — winner of three Olivier Awards returns to West End
    • Matilda The Musical (£24) — seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical
    • Mousetrap (£20) — Olivier Award for Special Recognition to celebrate its theatrical legacy as the world's longest running play
    • My Neighbour Totoro (£18) — six Olivier Awards and five WhatsOnStage Awards for puppetry, set design and direction
    • Oh, Mary! (£35) — two-time Tony Award winner transfer from Broadway to the West End
    • The Play That Goes Wrong (£24) — Olivier Award winner for Best New Comedy
    • Showstopper!  The Improvised Musical (£20) — winner of Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family Show — first completely unscripted, improvised show to be nominated and win
    • Titanique (£20) — winner of two Olivier Awards, including Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play
    • War Horse (£30) — winner of two Olivier Awards, including Best Set Design and Best Theatre Choreographer

    Book now before the sale ends Sunday!
    www.londonboxoffice.co.uk