Showing posts with label European. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European. Show all posts

Lavazza Flagship Store

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Celebrate World Coffee Day October 1st

In December 2023, Lavazza unveiled its impressive 5,300-square-foot flagship store in London, inspired by its original location in Milan. Located across from the iconic Liberty department store and just steps from Oxford Circus and Regent Street, the space blends Italian heritage with modern design.

With World Coffee Day on October 1st, there’s no better time to visit and immerse yourself in Lavazza’s world of premium Italian coffee.

The store is divided into three distinct experiences:

Caffetteria
  • Showcases both classic and contemporary coffee styles
  • Features Lavazza blends, espresso, and specialty creations
  • Barista-led demos and interactive coffee moments
Pasticceria
  • Italian pastries crafted to pair perfectly with coffee
  • Signature desserts by renowned pastry chef Marco Pedron
  • Includes Tiramisù, biscotti, fruit tarts, and shortbread
Gastronomia
  • Savory dishes, snacks, and light meals
  • Menu designed by Michelin-starred chef Federico Zanasi
  • Italian aperitivo-inspired small plates and gourmet bites
Extra : Watch for special themed menus during events like Afternoon Tea Week and Wimbledon — in partnership with Lavazza for 15 years.

Whether you're a dedicated coffee lover or just in need of a mid-day pick-me-up, Lavazza’s London flagship offers a stylish escape to sip, savor, and slow down.
www.lavazza.co.uk ✆ +44 2033 073730

Kids Week Theatre Eats

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There is still time to take advantage of Kids Week promotion that runs until September 6th where kids 17 and under go free with a full price paid adult ticket (plus half-price tickets for two additional children).

Family-friendly places to eat close by:

Guys & Dolls (Ages 12+) — The auditorium with wraparound seating is transformed to the streets of Manhattan and bars of Havana. In addition to traditional seating, 'standing' immersive tickets where audience members can be part of the action are available for purchase as well.
Adult + Child from £39.50

Ivy Tower Bridge — Just a minute walk away, Ivy Tower
Bridge is the perfect place to get a bite to eat before the show.  They are currently featuring a special two course menu for £19.17 (Monday - Wednesday 11:30 am - 3 pm and Thursday - Friday 11:30 am - 6:30 pm).  Request the corner table on the patio for the best view of Tower Bridge.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Ages 8+) — While North American productions have been reduced to a single play, London will maintain the original two-part format of the most awarded play in history.
 From £30 / part
www.uk.harrypottertheplay.com ✆ +44 3303 334410
Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY
Tip : Friday Forty — Every Friday 40 tickets are released for every performance the following week for £40 (£20 per part).  The TodayTix lottery closes at 1 pm on Friday and winners are notified by 5 pm. www.todaytix.com

Inamo - Soho — To create a bit of your own magic, book a 5 pm afternoon tea at Inamo - Soho (a 7 min walk from the theatre) between the two parts. Considered London's only interactive restaurant guests control their dining experience, the digital projections on your table surface can be changed with a swipe of a finger, including selecting a tablecloth, ordering, watching the chefs and playing retro games.
 From £19.95 / person
www.inamo-restaurant.com/promos/afternoontea ✆ +44 2078 517051
134-136 Wardour St, London W1F 8ZP

Les Miserables (Ages 13+) — It is the longest running London musical and has been translated into 22 languages and shown in 53 countries. Initially, there were plans for it to be a full-scale opera — luckily this didn't happen.
From £40.50
www.tigerstealive.com ✆ +44 2079 308800
18 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HT
Balthazar — Located in Covent Garden, Balthazar is nearly identical to its original New York location. Their taste of Paris lunch and pre-theatre set menu Join us for a taste of Paris with our delectable Prix Fixe menu, available from £24.50 from Monday to Friday – 11am – 7pm.
www.balthazarlondon.com ✆ +44 2033 011155
4-6 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ 

The Tiger Who Came to Tea (Ages 3+) — In its 15th year, this show is an adaptation of the classic picture book by Judith Kerr.  With a running time of only 55 minutes, this Olivier Award nominated production is a perfect introduction to the theatre.
Adult + Child from £19.50
www.tigerstealive.com ✆ +44 2079 308800
18 Suffolk Street, London SW1Y 4HT
Cafe in the Crypt — Across the street from Trafalgar Square is St. Martin’s in the Fields Café located 7 minute walk from the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This 18th century building with its brick-vaulted ceilings is a great place to escape the stream of tourists. They offer a basic afternoon tea minus the fancy cake stand. They also have a good and inexpensive ‘cafeteria’ style lunch.
 www.cafe-in-the-crypt ✆ +44 2077 661158
Duecannon Street, London WC2N 4JF

These combinations are worth trying beyond Kids Week!

Pancake Day Specials & More

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Tuesday, February 21st and beyond

Pancake Day is back Tuesday, Febuary 21st. Where to find some of the best specials and most unusual pancakes:

Pancake Day Specials
  • Bill's (Multiple) — All you can eat pancakes for just £7.50. Add unlimited hot drinks from £3.50 or bottomless prosecco from £18.50. They are also giving away a chance to win a year’s supply of pancakes to the customer who eats the most pancakes within 90 minutes.
    www.bills-website.co.uk

  • The Breakfast Club (Multiple) — Finish 12 Pancakes In 12 Minutes and it’s on them. Their special Cherry Chocolate and Violet Cheesecake pancake stack are avaialble for £16 until February 28th.
    www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com

  • Christopher's (London) — Their specials include Cinnamon Roll & Choc Chip Pancake with vanilla ice cream (£20) and chocolate sauce, Lotus Biscoff Pancake Stack with lotus biscoff cream, honeycomb ice cream and cookie crumble (£16.50) or custom build-your-own-pancakes. www.christophersgrill.com ✆ +44 2072 404222
    18 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7DD

  • Riding Horse Cafe (Multiple) — Three different varieties of all-you-can-eat pancakes for £18.
    www.ridinghouse.cafe
Pancakes from Around the World Pancake Race
While some of these stacks won't last, you'll still be able to try many of these year-round!

Convenient Top Theatre Eats

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Less than a 5 minute walk away

There is nothing worse than feeling rushed to get to the theatre.  Luckily, some of the top shows, including Back to the Future (Adelphi Theatre), Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre), The Play that Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre) and Six (Vaudeville Theatre) happen to be a 5 minute (or less) walk away from some of the bestWest End dining experiences:

Christopher's Grill — Enjoy pre- and/or post-theatre drinks Tuesday to Thursdays 11 am - 12 am, Friday & Saturday 11 am - 1:30 am and Sunday 11 am - 5 pm at this stylish art deco restaurant known for its martini bar.
www.christophersgrill.com ✆ +44 2072 404222
18 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7DD

Clos Maggiore — One of London's most romantic restaurants serves a reasonably priced pre-theatre dinner Monday - Sunday from 5 - 6 pm.  Two courses for £32.50 or 3 for courses £39.50 (both include a glass of bubbles).  Except for Mamma Mia and The Play that Goes Wrong*

The Crusting Pipe — Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the restaurant serves afternoon tea 2:30 - 5 pm for £29. Request a window table to watch 'live' performances.
www.davy.co.uk/wine-bar/crusting-pipe ✆ +44 2078 361415
27 The Market Building, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RD


Inamo Covent Garden — 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. Sushi & Asian Tapas Afternoon Tea starts at £22.95 start time is Monday 4 - 5:30 pm, Tuesday - Friday, Sunday Noon - 5:30 pm and Saturday 4 - 4:30 pm.  Except for Back to the Future and Six*
www.inamo-restaurant.com ✆ +44 2074 840500
11-14 Hanover Place, London WC2E 9JP

One Aldwych — Located across the street from the Lyceum Theatre, One Aldwych's Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Tea is one of the sweetest afternoon teas priced at £52 with service Wednesday - Friday 12 pm – 3 pm Saturday & Sunday (plus school and bank holidays) 12 pm – 4 pm.
www.onealdwych.com ✆ +44 2073 0010008
1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ

Rules — One of London's oldest and most famous restaurants is open Tuesday - Saturday Noon - 11 pm (last orders) and Sunday Noon to 10 pm (last orders). Charlie Chaplin, Charles Dickens, Clark Gable, Laurence Olivier and HG Wells are just some of the famous actors and authors who have dined here.
www.rules.co.uk ✆ +44 2074 071002 
35 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7LB

The Savoy — This iconic hotel was the first luxury hotel in Britain.  Famous guests include Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne.  Afternon tea is service Noon to 4 pm Mondays and Tuesdays, Noon - 6 pm Wednesday - Sunday is £65 weekdays / £70 weekends.  Except for Back to the Future*
www.thesavoylondon.com ✆ +44 2078 361415
The Strand London WC2R 0EZ

Spring — Located in Somerset House, a popular filming location with its exterior featured in popular Hollywood films.  Pre-theatre Scratch Menu is served Tuesday - Saturday bettween 5:30 - 6:30 pm Three courses for £30 cleverly made using ingredients that are overlooked.

Bonus : There is still time to take advantage of The Offical London Theatre Sale until February 10th.  *And you can enjoy these restaurants if you are willing to walk a few extra minutes.

West End Eats

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10 stops in 35 minutes
Screenshot by Author of Google Maps
Now that theatres are open at full capacity and restrictions on social contact have eased, it is the perfect time to visit (or re-visit) London’s theatres. There is truly no shortage of places to eat in the West End.  Here is just a taste of places for afternoon tea or pre-theatre dinner:

BONUS : These stops also follow the Art of London digital art trail on display until September 30th.
For more: Download the London via Surrey Book App

Cozy and covered dining

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Book now for May 3rd bank holiday

Despite the easing of coronavirus rules on April 12th, pubs and restaurants are still not able to serve people inside. Between this and given the unusual weather lately, cozy and covered al fresco dining will be at a premium for the upcoming May bank holiday. Six weatherproof options in London and Surrey:

Chiltern Firehouse (London) — Chiltern Firehouse operates on a walk-in only basis and features an outdoor fireplace. To beat the crowd, head in for a reasonably-priced breakfast early (7 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends).
www.chilternfirehouse.com ✆ +44 2070 737676
1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, W1U 7PAG

Coq d’Argent (London) — This popular French restaurant features panoramic views of London complete with heaters. Ala carte menu available Monday to Friday noon to 4 pm for lunch and 5 – 9 pm for dinner and Saturday 5 – 9 pm.
www.coqdargent.co.uk ✆ +44 2073 955000
No. 1 Poultry, City of London, EC2R 8EJ



The Ivy Cobham Brasserie (Cobham) — The upmarket brasserie has a beautiful covered garden terrace with heaters. Their all-day seasonal menu (ala carte, vegetarian and vegan) includes light snacks and starters.
www.theivycobhambrasserie.com ✆ +44 1932 901777
48 High St, Cobham KT11 3EF

The Mitre (Hampton Court) — Located on the banks of the River Thames, the riverside terrace is covered by a stretched tent, including blankets, fire pits and heated lamps.
www.mitrehamptoncourt.com ✆ +44 2089 799988
Hampton Court Road, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BN

Radio Rooftop (London) — Situated ten floors up within ME
London, Radio Rooftop offers iconic views of London's skyline. The open air rooftop can be cleverly covered and heated when the weather doesn't cooperate. Avoid the crowds and minimum spend in the evenings by making a daytime booking.
www.radiorooftop.com/london ✆ +44 2073 953440
ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R

The Wheatsheaf (Esher) — A family-friendly (four-legged ones too!) 200 year-old pub close to Esher Green offers array of ales, daily specials and pub classics.
www.wheatsheafesher.co.uk ✆ +44 1372 464014
40 Esher Green, Esher KT10 8AG

For more: Download the London via Surrey Book App

Best of 2020 — Part II

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Top 10 posts — Part II

The best of the best from 2020

5. Eat Out to Help Out— Discounts at 73,000+ restaurants in London and Surrey
www.londonviasurrey.com/2020/08/eat-out-to-help-out.html

4. Pompeii of the North — You don’t have to leave England to get a taste of Pompeii
www.londonviasurrey.com/2020/02/pompeii-of-north.html

3. Open for business — Surrey restaurants and shops
www.londonviasurrey.com/2020/04/open-for-business.html

2. Chelsea Flower Show Virtual Views — World’s most famous flower show opens online
www.londonviasurrey.com/2020/05/chelsea-flower-show-virtual-views.html

1. Now showing on Netflix — Run down of British-inspired shows worth watching
www.londonviasurrey.com/2020/10/now-showing-on-netflix.html

As we bid 2020 a fond farewell — cheers to the New Year ahead!

For more: Download the London via Surrey Book App

Eat Out to Help Out more

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Scheme extends into September

While the UK government's restaurant industry initiative Eat Out to Help Out officially concludes August 31st, some restaurants are extending the 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks for up to £10 in September, including:

Aqua Kyoto, Aqua Shard, Hutong (London) — £10 off per person (minimum spend £30 / person) Monday through Wednesday

Bill’s (Multiple) — One course for £10 or two courses for £14.50 from their set menu after 11:30 am Monday through Wednesday

Darwin Brasserie & Fenchurch (London) — 50% off (up to £10 off per person) food and soft drinks in lunch and dinner in Darwin (Tuesday, Wednesday) and in Fenchurch (Friday, Saturday)

The Gilbert Scott (London) — Set menu with a cocktail for £25 or 50% off anything from their a la carte menu and soft drinks Monday through Wednesday

Peggy Porschen (London) — 50% off all food and non-alcoholic drinks breakfast, brunch or tea-time Monday through Wednesday

These are just a few of the 84,000 restaurants that participated in the original inititiave where 64 million meals were consumed in the first three weeks alone.

Hope the extended offers will tempt people to keep eating out!

For more: Download the London via Surrey Book App

Eat Out to Help Out

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Discounts at 73,000+ restaurants

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in August, the UK government is supporting the restaurant industry with its initiative Eat Out to Help Out. Over 73,000 cafés, pubs and restaurants from major chains to Michelin-starred* eateries are participating. The offer is good for 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks for up to £10. Some special offers include:

Aqua Kyoto, Aqua Shard, Hutong (London) — These restaurants will also offer £10 off any bottle of wine priced at more than £40.

Barrafina (London) — Spanish tapas for £4.50 instead of £9.

Bill’s (Multiple) — Set menus two courses £15.50/£19.95 or three courses for £19.95/£24.95 will come with a free glass a wine.

Carluccio’s (Multiple) — 50% off all food and non-alcoholic drinks plus £10 off all bottles of wine with no £10 cap applied.

Dishoom (London) — 50% off all Indian dishes (starting at £3.45, usually £6.90) with no £10 cap applied.

Great Fosters* (London) — Afternoon tea £25 (usually £35) or Champagne afternoon tea for £37.50 (usually £47.50)

Hawksmoor (Multiple) — 300 g rump steak with chips and sauce for £10 instead of £20

Ivy Collection (Multiple) — Two courses for £8.75 or three courses for £11 between 11:30 am – 6 pm (usually £17.50 and £21).

Padella (London) — Italian pasta dishes £2 – £5.75 (usually £4 – £11.50).

Pollen Street Social* & Social Eating House* (London) — Two-course prix fixe menu Tuesdays and Wednesdays at lunch and between 6 – 6:30 pm for £12.

A website has been setup so you can easily search for your favorites by post code. There is no better time to eat out – if you are ready to venture out!

For more: Download the London via Surrey Book App