Dine like Harry Potter

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Hogwarts type Great Hall for less

In 2015, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London —The Making of Harry Potter started offering themed dinners in Hogwarts Great Hall. These over-the-top events are usually priced beginning at £230/person and restricted to over 18s only.

An alternative option is Middle Temple Hall, an Elizabethan Hall reminiscent The Great Hall in Harry Potter. Built in 1570s, the historic hall survived the Great Fire of London and both World Wars. It features a stunning beamed ceiling, wood paneling along with beautiful paintings and stained glass windows. Located on the River Thames, The Hall and its surrounding courtyards and gardens are popular filming locations. Movie credits include Bridget Jones Baby, The Da Vinci Code, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Sherlock Holmes.

A three-course self service lunch is served buffet style with hot and cold dishes, carvery and cooked to order dish of the day for £25/person.  For groups of 6+, a three-course served lunch can be arranged for £30/person.

Advance booking (children over 5 are welcome) and adherence to a dress code is required. Mobile phones may not be used in the Hall and photos are only allowed after members leave at 2 pm. If you are interested in learning more about Middle Temple Hall, consider booking a complimentary 45-minute tour (available weekdays at 10 am).

You'll just have to imagine candles floating in midair!
www.middletemplehall.org.uk ✆ +44 2074 274820
Middle Temple Lane, London EC4Y 9AT

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London Theatre Sale

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Tickets starting at £10/seat for over 45 shows until February 9

With 35+ theatres in West End and another 120 off-West End, London's theatre scene rivals that of New York.  While you won't be able to get tickets for Hamilton, the annual 'Get into London Theatre' promotion includes other award-winning shows at affordable prices:

  • Aladdin — a Broadway hit and Tony Award winning musical
  • Dreamgirls — winner of two Olivier Awards
  • Kinky Boots — winner of three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical
  • The Lion King — one of the most successful multi-award winning musicals of all-time
  • Mamma Mia! — Olivier Award winner and 8th longest-running show in West End history
  • Matilda The Musical — winner of seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical (record for the most won by a musical)
  • The Play that Goes Wrong — Olivier Award winner for Best New Comedy
And this is just a handful of what is available.  Best of all there are no booking, postage or transaction fees for New Year Sale tickets — what you see is what you pay! 
www.OfficialLondonTheatre.com

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Best of 2017 — Part II

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Top 5 posts

And now for the best of the best . . .

5. Downton Abbey Fans — Who knew that the historical period drama would become such an international hit? 
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/09/Downton Abbey Fans

4. Oldies but Goodies — Five of the oldest places to eat and drink in London that are still worth going to today.
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/11/Oldies but Goodies

3. Christmas Markets — Visit three markets in under two hours without boarding a plane.
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/12/Christmas Markets

2. Iconic London Shops — Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason located in Piccadilly is considered to be London's oldest department store.
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/08/Iconic London Shops


1. Kids Week - Kids Go Free — Each year during the month of August, kids 16 and under go free with a full price paid adult ticket (and two additional children can go half price). www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/06/Kids Week Kids Go Free




That's a wrap for 2017. While Kids Week isn't until August, you don't have to wait until then to enjoy theatre discounts. Watch this space next week . . .

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Best of 2017

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Top 10 posts — Part I

What better way to start the New Year than to take a look back at the top 10 posts from 2017. How many have you checked off?

10. London Light Trail — London is truly magical during the holidays — catch some of the best lights and decorations the capital has to offer.
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/12/London Light Trail

9. 10 Bridges of London — Part I — As part of a weekly hiking group, we would take a break from the Surrey hills and hit the bridges of London.
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/04/10 Bridges of London

8. Spirit of Christmas Fair — With each passing year, the signs of the holidays seem to arrive earlier and earlier.
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/10/Spirit of Christmas Fair

7. Bonfire Night English Style — Bonfire Night (November 5) commemorates the anniversary of the failed plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/11/Bonfire Night English Style


6. Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden — It is hard to put into words just how beautiful this garden in Ockley is. www.londonviasurrey.com/2017/07/Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden

If you missed these, mark your diary to catch them in 2018. Best of 2017 - Part II will feature the top 5 posts from 2017.

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Honor & Happiness

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Go hand in hand

During my parents’ most recent visit to J.C. Dragon Top Elementary School in a remote area of Sichuan Province, China, they were fortunate to participate in some of the preschoolers week-long activities and teachings around moral virtues. Dragon Top was built by my family in 2003 to honor my grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Chao.

One central theme for the week was 孝, or filial piety. Filial piety means to be good to and to take care of one's parents by showing courtesy, love, respect and support. This includes honoring your family name throughout your parents’ lives as well as your own.

It is hard not to be drawn to the children at Dragon Top. The girl pictured in the middle of the photo seems to have taken the lesson quite enthusiastically! The symbolic gesture of holding two fingers up with the palm outward is a sign of happiness and positivity in Chinese culture.

A portion of the proceeds from the London via Surrey book app goes to support Dragon Top. Thank you readers and subscribers for helping me honor my family and for providing these children with valuable life-long lessons!

Warmest wishes to those you hold dear;
And look forward to returning with posts in the New Year!

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Christmas Markets

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3 markets in under 2 hours

With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, everything feels a bit more rushed than usual. Where to find last minute gifts, while steering clear of traditional shops and enjoy a bit of festive fun at the same time:
Start at Waterloo Station and walk 5 minutes to Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre (Until December 30th) — Conveniently located by Waterloo station, 50 wooden chalets dot the river as part of Southbank Centre's Winter Market. In additional to gift vendors, the market features food of all types from traditional bratwurst and mulled wine to fried chicken and vegan street food. There are opportunities to warm up in a Finnish sauna located in Queen Elizabeth Roof Terrace or Jimmy's Winter Lodge located on the riverside.   
Walk 19 minutes to Leicester Square

Leicester Square (Until January 8th) — For the second year, the heart of Leicester Square is transformed to a Christmas market featuring 25 stalls of savory and sweet treats along with a variety of handcrafted and unique gifts.  Take a break from Christmas in Leicester Square shopping to visit the grotto or watch a show in the vintage spiegeltent (Dutch for 'mirror tent').  Produced by Underbelly, there is a wide range of shows to enjoy for all different age groups.  
Walk 20 minutes to Waterloo and take 29 minute Southwest Train to Kingston and walk 5 minutes to Kingston Market

Kingston Market (Until December 31st) — Since the 1200's, Kingston Upon Thames has been home to an Ancient Market. During the holidays, the number of stalls more than doubles to 75. The layout of the market is based on the Berlin Christmas market — the largest in Germany.  The market includes two outdoor bar areas along with German-style street food and cuisine from around the world. New this year is Candy Cane Forest complete with entertainment, rides and other fun for kids.


It is also worth stopping in at the Eden Crafts Marquee located on All Saints Parish Church Green and The Market House located in the middle of the Ancient Market Place.  With so many shopping choices, it is no wonder that Kingston is on track to become the largest towns hosting a Christmas event in the UK.    

The walk at and between markets will keep you warm and justify the mulled wine and other holiday treats you'll encounter along the way!

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London Light Trail

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5 Stops in 45 Minutes

London is truly magical during the holidays — catch some of the best lights and decorations the capital has to offer in less than an hour:

Bond Street — Bond Street is known for its luxury shopping and is considered one of the most expensive streets in London. Chanel, Dior, Hermès and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the exclusive shops that line the street. It is no wonder that the area truly sparkles.
Walk 22 minutes to Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street — Popularized in the 1960s, Carnaby Street continues to be known for its fashion-forward concept and independent shops. Not surprisingly, the themed light display is creative and non-traditional. This year's theme, Carnival, is as colorful as the history of the street itself.
Walk 4 minutes to Regent Street

Regent Street — Often referred to as the mile of style, Regent Street features 75 flagship stores from around the world. The tradition of Christmas lights dates back to 1882. This is the second year the Spirit of Christmas theme of 300,000 LED lights has been on display.
Walk 7 minutes to St James Market

St James's Market — St James's Market is an up and coming shopping destination featuring concept restaurants and stores. Conveniently located in West End, it is tastefully lit up along Jermyn Street.
Walk 13 minutes to Covent Garden

Covent Garden — Popular with tourists, Covent Garden's piazza is again decorated in a mistletoe theme this year. There is also an enormous Christmas tree and a lit reindeer in a sleigh. It is hard not to get into the holiday spirit here.

While the route itself will take you 45 minutes to walk, it doesn't take into account all the photo ops along the way!


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