Things to do in Covent Garden

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Christmas Party Venues near Covent Garden

2009-11-15T21:31:00.001-08:00

Covent Garden is a perfect entertainment centre of London as the restaurants, street performers, pubs, shops, opera and theater make this place even more special and lively. The nearby areas include Bloomsbury, Soho, Holborn and St. James’s. This district in London becomes livelier during the time of Christmas as many Christmas parties and carious special events are hosted in nearby restaurants and pubs.

Tuttons: This is a stylish European restaurant which is recently opened in June 2009 after extensive refurbishment which has become a major hub for Christmas parties. Escape the shopping crowds and come to Tuttons brasserie for a Christmas party this season. This modernly designed restaurant offers a unique menu as it takes a twist on a modern Christmas dining. Whether, you are looking for Christmas dinner or lunch, you will get it all here. Tuttons offers an excellent value restaurant for your money and a great option for a West End restaurant corporate Christmas party. Prices for lunch and dinner are as follows: £29.95 for Lunch and £34.95 for Dinner.

Moreover, there are various other recommended restaurants near Covent Garden. Few of these are listed below:

Smollensky's Bar and Restaurant: This stylish North American basement restaurant is located on one of the most famous streets in London. This is a cocktail bar too and is an ideal destination for party lovers which serve great North American food and the restaurant is designed to appeal all tastes. Moreover, the party menu in this restaurant is the best described and appeal all food lovers especially those who love fish and good meat.

Cafe des Amis: This restaurant has been attracting an electric Covent Garden crowd for 25 years. This modern French restaurant also organizes private dinners for up to 70 guests and various other inmate events can be organized. The restaurant has a dedicated staff and is well decorated with crystal drop lightning for less formal events.

Thus, while you are in Covent Garden, enjoy the fine dining experience in these recommended restaurants.

Christmas Party Venues – Great Portland Street

2009-11-11T04:40:00.001-08:00

Great Portland Street is ideally located to the north of Oxford Street. This is a street in West End in London. The street was developed by the Dukes of Portland and has now turned into a mixed use street with five to eight storey buildings. It also includes offices and various blocks of mansion flats. There is a book that includes Great Portland Street as one of the 50 outstanding classical music landmarks in London. As the Christmas festive season is just round the corner, Christmas parties are being hosted at various venues near this tube station.

Here are some Christmas party venues listed near Great Portland Street tube station:

One Marylebone Road: It provides a glamorous central London venue for the most elite Christmas parties in town. The parties at this venue are provided by Lotus Food Co & Lotus Events. Fun – filled and superb Christmas party packages are organized in order to suit all your requirements. The package is inclusive of theming, event styling, entertainment, food and drinks. Moreover, they include exciting dinner menus and these are either presented as bowl food, three course meals or buffets.

33 Portland Place: This place was built in 1775, but it still holds its original character, thus making it an extravagant place for Christmas parties. Lotus Food Co & Lotus Events will be hosting Christmas partiers at the venue, and they will again amaze you with exclusive party packages. Dramatic lighting, draping and ultimate party atmosphere is created. The tables are dressed with crisp white linen serving three course format or bowl food.

The Langham: This season, Langham is opening its Private Carriage Rooms for Christmas parties. The Victorian theme will run all throughout the party place featuring Sherlock Holmes inspired menu. Carol singers will be performing in full swing on the party night. Menu at this party venues starts from £65 per person. Moreover, the event bookers will be entered to feature in a draw to win a trip to Lapland.

London Attractions near Covent Garden

2009-11-08T21:52:00.001-08:00

Covent Garden is the most vibrant area in London and is well known for eating out, partying and shopping. For many people, this place is only for fun and entertainment in the capital city as it serves a great nightlife, tourist attractions and shopping centers. This is among the most vibrant districts of London city and has tremendous amount of things to offer you. As far as the most specific features of this place are concerned, from tourist point of view, some very famous attractions in London are located here or close to Covent Garden.

Famous Attractions:

If you are looking for something to do or something to explore within the area of Covent Garden, then here are few options for famous attractions listed below:

Royal Opera House: The Royal Opera House is recently re-developed and is the world’s greatest opera. Various stars have performed at the Covent Garden, Royal Opera House. It is the major performing arts venue in the Covent Garden district of London. It was originally called the Theater Royal. In the year 1808, this building was destroyed by fire. It was then safely re-built in 1856.

The London Transport Museum: This famous museum was designed by William Rogers and it was housed in what used to be a flower market earlier. It was opened in the year 1980 and it tells the fascinating story of the History of London transport. In addition to the public transport, there are other examples of private vehicles which date back over the past 150 years. A small admission fee is applicable to visit the museum.

Somerset House: This is a large building situated in Central London near Covent Garden overlooking the River Thames. Somerset House is also a home to the Courtauld Gallery with the most extraordinary collection of paintings. These paintings are on display and it also includes the works by Manet, Renoir, Rubens and many more.

Explore these famous London attractions near Covent Garden.

Posh Picnic Spots in London

2009-11-02T03:44:00.000-08:00

During a weekend, our stressed out lives need a break and this is the time for packing up a hamper and heading for great outdoor picnics. This is one interesting thing to do in London; however, you can make the most out of it during sunny weather. Enjoy some luxurious picnics in London’s most beautiful parks and such amazing destinations. Any birthday or anniversary celebration, or to just spend some time with your loved ones, nothing is more romantic than a posh picnic in London’s best picnic gardens.

As far as picnic spots are concerned, London comprises of plentiful green spaces, however, when it is the matter of picnic then a place should also have an ambiance and shelter of course. So, here are some amazing picnic destinations.

Holland Park: This is an ideal park in Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park, W8, for a zen picnic. The picnic spot is right next to the pond. After the picnic gets over, take out some time to explore the scenic and refreshing beauty of the garden. Moreover, the concrete pavements of Kensington are few minutes away from the park.

Victoria Park: This Park is situated in Tower Hamlets, London, E3. This is ‘the people’s park’, a landscaped garden which is an ideal place for a romantic picnic for two. The amazing stone alcoves offer a shaded area. Moreover, there are separate playgrounds for children, big tennis courts and wildlife enclosures, thus, the best place even to enjoy with your family.

Alexandra Park: This is an ideal place for a Saturday picnic at Alexandra Park, N22 and it offers a lot more to supplement your picnic including fresh fruits and a freshly baked barbecued burger. Moreover, it is a great and enjoyable place for children.

Zombie Walk in London

2009-10-26T01:41:00.001-07:00

When

30 October 09 to 1 November 09

As the Zombie Walk hits the streets of London, and flash mob comes in town for Halloween, be a part of the undead for a strict mortis paced walk across the entire city as the much awaited event takes place.
Starting off from the Waxy O’Connors pub on Rupert Street and striding in about twelve pubs along the way, this mega London event is an opportunity to take part in one of the most fun involving Halloween style pub that crawls around.

Zombie Walk 2009

Once you along with your fellow undead friends gather at the Waxy O’Connors on Rupert Street to check out your costumes and what is available for you to wear, you can have a refreshing drink or two. The Zombie Walk London Crew heads throughout the capital during the noon time and onto the evening before finishing your journey at The Verve on Upper St Martins Lane, sound and safe before the hour of witching.

Day of the Undead

If you are wondering, which type of Zombie suits you the best and is a perfect match for you, there are plenty of predator Zombies and undead movies about, so pick your kind from those inspiring flicks, like 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead and Day of the Dead for ideas on how to get make up for the undead look right and to perfect your walk as a Zombie. When one is out on streets with a make over like that of a Zombie, he has to make sure that he is dressed and behaves completely like a Zombie all the times, so put your best make up and bedraggled clothing.
The event for Zombie Walk is scheduled to be starting at 2 pm, which is planned to be continued all around the city for several hours.

Film Review: The Men Who Stare at Goats

2009-10-16T05:13:00.001-07:00

· Running time: 90 mins

· Four out of Five stars

This is an overwhelmingly enjoyable and immensely hilarious drama comedy with an outstanding script and wonderful performances from McGregor, Clooney and Jeff Bridges.
Based on the non-fiction bestseller, The Men Who stare At Goats, is the funniest and one of the most terrific movies of this year. Starring some fabulous award winners, the story is somewhat like this: A journalist from Michigan, Bob Wilton, comes to Kuwait, hopeful to prove himself to her separated wife (Rebecca Mader) by finding a war story that will make his name. However, he gets more than what he had expected as he happens to meet Lynn Cassady, an operator from special Forces (George Clooney) who informs him that he is a part of a secret squad of psychic spies who got trained in the 1980s by a warrior named Bob Django (Jeff Bridges).
As Lynn accompanies Bob on a mysterious mission in the hot zone, Lynn narrates more of his stories, like the details of their powers (such as reading minds, killing goats by staring at them, psychic visions) and the eventual breal up of the unit because of the envious traps by colleague Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey). Bob discovers himself with a story for a lifetime when Bob’s secret mission gets revealed.

The most enjoyable part of the film is the script as it skillfully weaves together the two strands within the story in an unexpected way with conclusions that are both surprisingly thought- provoking and moving. The script however has ensured not to take the audience into supernatural believing of things around them. Clooney has played the star of the show as he delivered one of his best performances as Lynn, blending effortlessly, his strong gift for deadpan comedy with emotionally engaging and entertaining hint of madness.

Trannyshack at Madame JoJos

2009-10-12T05:06:00.001-07:00

When
07 October 2009

Where
Madame JoJos

Cost
£5.00

Age Restrictions
18+

For a vivid and spontaneous night of outstanding entertainment, visit Trannyshack at Madame JoJos. Cherishing its brand new home after shifting to Madame JoJos from the Soho Revue Bar, Trannyshack features music, cabaret acts and plenty of dissipation to keep the crowd entertained, which comprises of a variety of people.
Drag queen stars

Renowned artist and gender bender Dusty O will be making regular forms at Trannyshack at Madame JoJos, which also stars the breathtaking cross dresser Shelley Would as entry host. The Trannyshack Girls drawing dramatic on stage moves and quick fire costume changes include Jeannie Dee, Miss Vanilla Lush, Glendora Mucklefanny, Miss Natalie, and many more gregarious and talented stars.

Trannyshack at Madame JoJos

Featuring a blended crowd of lesbian, gay, straight, trannies and dressers, the primary goal of Trannyshack at Madame JoJos is to entertain the crowd with a host of tranny performers and drag queen acts. In earlier incarnations, Trannyshack has showcased a number of celebrated drag performers like Pete Burns and Lady Bunny, and one can expect a similar or rather higher standard of entertainment at the new residence of night, the famous cabaret club Madame JoJos.
Trannies go free

However, it is not all about what is being presented on stage, as Trannyshack extends its tranny friendly policy to the guests as well, with free entry to the ornately dressed and the trannies. To spin some catchy feet tapping music beats, some resident DJs are also invited, all through the night to make your night even more memorable.

Dining at London Restaurant

2009-10-09T05:42:00.001-07:00

London is home to a large variety of eateries including luxury uncovered restaurants, riverside gardens, rooftop terraces etc. The extremely beautiful sights of the city compel you to dine in outdoors and to fulfill your needs the capital offers several Al fresco dining. You can avail a wide variety of delicious cuisines at almost all these places. Some of the most popular outdoor bistro’s are listed below:

· Shad Thames

Venue – Picture Square Street London

This beautiful eatery is located on the riverside location and it offers fabulous views of River Thames, Tower Bridge and other nearby sights. It is amongst the most ideal locations for a romantic dining. You can savor the delicious French and British cuisine at this wonderful place.

· Coq d’ Argent

Venue – No. 1 Poultry, London, EC2R 8EJ

Coq d’ Argent is located at an excellent penthouse and it is one of the best poultry in the city. The place also offers a fabulous roof terrace and excellent manicured gardens.

· Heddon Street

Venue – 162 – 168, Regents Street,

Room 302, Linen Hall, London

Located in the region of London’s West End, Heddon Street is an extremely peaceful location. You can enjoy a delectable dining among the olive and palm trees.

· Inn The Park

Venue – St James’s Park, off Horseguards Road

London SW1A 2BJ

Centrally located in the beautiful St James’s Park, the Inn The ark is also a spectacular outdoor eatery. You can savor a delicious romantic meal at here at an extremely nominal price. You can opt for modern and traditional British cuisine at the restaurant.

· Kensington Roof Gardens

Venue – 99 Kensington High Street

London W8 5SA

Kensington Roof Gardens is a wonderful outdoor location in the central London. Here you can enjoy a delicious dinner at popular Babylon restaurant. Also explore the vivacious Tudor Garden, Spanish Garden and English Woodland.

Dance-Dance Revolution-London

2009-09-30T05:37:00.001-07:00

This article has nothing to do with the ‘Jumping here and jumping there’ Japanese game, famously known as DDR! This is about the Dance sequences which are the most sophisticated and beautiful dance sequences- Ballroom, which took various forms and styles as it moved geographically. Ballroom dancing can be seen in various styles like ‘Slow Waltz’, ‘Tango’, ‘Cha-Cha’, ‘Viennese Waltz’, ‘Quickstep’ etc. This form of dance is usually performed by a couple (generally a man and women) socially as well as competitively around the world.

The name ‘Ballroom Dance’ is derived from the word ‘ballare’ or ‘Ball’ which means ‘to dance’, but these days it is usually termed as the dance form in which there are two dancers (a couple) where there is a “leader” and one “follower” who are in physical contact with each other of their upper and lower parts of body. Both the leader and the follower need to know some technicalities and general sequences and patterns of the dance form, as most of the social dances are not choreographed, therefore to communicate the next step, the knowledge of the sequences becomes essential. While the dance is performed in a competition, the contestants are judged on the basis of their posture, frame, speed, timing, body alignment, usage of weight and grooming.

Ballroom dancing has many other dance forms like:

· Tango (ballroom)

Ballroom tango is little different from its original Tango dance form which originated in Argentina. Tango style is generally referred to the style where the couple takes small steps with rhythmic movements, but ballroom dance, which is originated from the Argentine Tango, is different and adjusted with the ballroom sequences. Ballroom tango has smooth rise and fall movements, besides ballroom dancing is more arrogant and hard style of dancing. This dance form is usually considered a powerful yet a smooth dance form.

· Waltz

It is one of the most popular dance forms of the ballroom dances; it is very stylish and very elegant. In the contemporary dance forms, waltz was referred as Viennese Waltz. It is such a dance form where the dancers rotate continuously either clockwise or anti clockwise, and combined with non rotary dance sequences, they change directions. It is one of the oldest ballroom dance forms. This dance form is performed in close position, and is faster in tempo as compared to the original waltz.

· Cha-Cha-Cha

For the Ballroom Cha Cha Cha, the music is steady and upbeat with energetic dance moves, Ballroom Cha Cha Cha is different from the original Cuban Cha Cha Cha, which is more sensual and has more complex sequences. In cha cha cha the footwork is different from other sequences, it is performed by putting a step forward and the transferring the weight later, since the weight is always on one foot at a time therefore the hip movements become prominent automatically to the side of the weighted leg. This dance form is free from any rise and fall, although the ballroom form has changed a bit but the basic moves of the Cuban one remains the same.

· Quickstep

Quickstep is a smooth dance form like other ballroom sequences, and as the name suggests it is really about Quick Steps! The couple takes back many steps long and small, with many rise and falls throughout the performance, whereas Foxtrot, another dance form considered similar to quickstep, has a technique which is a bit different from the latter. It has a dance sequence like slow-slow- quick- quick, there are many turns in this form of dance. Over the time, this dance form is divided in slow foxtrot and quick, where the quick one is termed as the Quickstep.

· Costume

Almost all ballroom dances have similar costumes, but change according to the social gathering or competition. The Females wear Ballroom gowns and since hands are always up therefore most of the gowns will have long flared sleeves which add to the beauty of the ballrooms postures, and men are dressed in fitted suits.

London is filled with dance schools teaching contemporary ballroom dance forms. Some of the famous dance schools are, Dance School L.A., Balads, Argentine Tango etc. Dance is to make you feel free, so just take some time out of your busy Bee life, and enjoy the sovereignty of dance.

London Ink Is Hot !!!

2009-09-21T03:22:00.000-07:00

London Ink is a reality show about tattoos televised on the ‘Discovery Real time’ channel, featuring the hot and diligent hosts, Louis Molloy, Dan Gold, Phil Kyle and Nikole Lowe. This set of ink makers are in full demand amongst their celebrities’ clientele. London Ink is based on the lines of the successful series Miami Ink, where the celebrities are given tattoos designed and made by the hosts and the show made a lot of waves after its launch in last October!! The series revolves around a tattoo parlor run by Louis Molloy, Louis Molloy is the world’s leading tattoo artist, and famous for his stint with David & Victoria Beckham, by designing the famous “Guardian angel” for David. Louis started tattooing at the age of 14 and owns a parlor since he was 18. He has bagged the ‘Outstanding Artist Of The year Award’ Twice!!

The Bad Boy Dan gold is a specialist in Graffiti work. The 35 year old artist is a hard working professional, and was born in Denmark to a single mom. His stance towards his work clearly depicts the hard life sequences he had in his past life. Dan was a naughty child who used to fall into trouble often. He even made his own Tattoo machine and tried on his arm first, which later led to a bad swell up. Phil Kyle, the Lazy one on London Ink, caught the Tattoo bug at the age of four, when he met his neighbor covered with tattoos. He got his initial training in designing from an architect uncle in France, which built a concrete foundation to his profession. Next in line is Nikole Lowe is a kiwi tattoo artist. A complete party animal and is well-known for his signature Japanese flowers. She has a penchant for Boxing; even a dislocated shoulder hasn’t kept her away from her hobby.

The second series showed off some outstanding celebrities like dance-pop singer Sam Fox, Boy Zone, English model Jodie Marsh, Boxer Ricky Hatton, Bollywood actor Jordon Ali and portraitist Bob Tyrrell. Nikole was really excited to work on Ricky Hatton as she is into Boxing herself, he got two Boxing gloves made on his thigh. London ink’s episodes are full of life with happiness, laughter, passion, tension, pain, and all the emotions a human can experience. The hosts, at times, have to face celebrity tantrums and their indecisive nature. And as Louis Molloy states that those who want to have a tattoo really should ‘know’ what they want and it becomes really difficult if they leave everything on to them.

London Ink was launched with a huge bash and created a buzz amongst the London citizens; the promoters created exaggerated sculptures at various locations in London, like a giant man swimming in grass at tower hill, or a giant female trying to get inside a Photo boot to take her picture at a mall. Both of them were showcasing their tattoos.

Louis Molloy recently in his interview mentioned that he would love to try his hands on bond star Daniel Craig and Prince harry or Prince William. And jokingly stated that his job is better than that of a porn star!!! When asked about when would the next series slated to start, he casually replied that it all depends on the channel, but it is highly anticipated that the show will continue as it was roaring the charts in the second season.

‘Discovery Real time’ is a realistic television channel of the Discovery Network Europe. London Ink is the channels’ Star show. The other shows which are televised on the channel are ‘Don’t move, Improve’, ‘Wheelers- Dealers’, ‘Miami Ink’, ‘LA Ink’, ‘House Wreck Rescue’, ‘Go Fishing’ etc.

London Ink is highly demanded by its viewers for the third season. And is an immensely popular show amongst the Ink Lovers.