NEWSLETTER
Spring & Summer 2008

 

This is a very exciting time for us at Beaufort House, we are improving all our facilities. All apartments are being individually designed to the highest standard, all bathrooms have been completely modernised with walk in showers & douches as standard.

Technology will include new flat screen televisions in all living rooms and bedrooms, iPod connectors in all bedrooms and living rooms, wireless Internet and a large selection of satellite programmes which have something for all our guests to enjoy.

We have the benefit of being located in one of the most exiting areas in London with Harrods just 200 yards away and some of London’s favourite attractions such as London’s famous museums, the Victoria & Albert museum and The National History Museum. Also nearby is The Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace and Sloane Street, where you can find all of the world famous boutique’s. A vast number of famous restaurants are also on our doorstep.

During Spring and Summer, whether you want to sit down and enjoy a play or get up and party we, at the Concierge Desk, are always on hand for help or advice.

Here’s some information on events in the Capital this Summer:

 

May 2008

Chelsea Flower Show

20 May 2008 to 24 May 2008
Chelsea Physic Garden
Come and experience the greatest flower show in the world at London's Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Chelsea Flower Show, London

Every year the grounds of the Royal Hospital are transformed into show gardens, inspirational small gardens and vibrant horticultural displays that make up the world's most famous flower show.

Visiting London's Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is attended by 157,000 visitors each year. The number is limited by the capacity of the 11 acre ground. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The show's become an important venue for watching trends.
New plants are often launched at the show and the popularity of older varieties revived under the focus of the horticultural world.
It's the garden design equivalent of a catwalk at a fashion show.

Gardening Greats at the Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2008 will host a number of true gardening greats.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2008

In addition, there'll be shows from up-and-coming gardening talent, displays from the world's best nurseries and gorgeous small gardens to inspire those with limited space. On top of all this, visitors can pick up a wide range of horticultural goodies and many new gardening products make their debut at the show.

June 2008

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships

23 June 2008 to 6 July 2008
All England Lawn Tennis Club

Wimbledon: Provisional Match Schedule
During the first week, the early rounds of the Men's and Ladies' Singles, Men's, Ladies' and Mixed Doubles are played; the top seeds' matches played on the show courts. On the middle Saturday, the Veterans' and Juniors' events start and are played on the outside courts as well as on some of the show courts.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships in London: The History
The Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon have developed from the garden party atmosphere of the first meeting in 1877, witnessed by a few 100 spectators, to a highly professional tournament attracting an attendance of close to 500,000 people.
Players from more than 60 nations compete in front of a crowd of millions worldwide, through the press, radio, internet and television.
Strawberries and Cream: Wimbledon's Winning Formula
Last year's winners were Roger Federer and Venus Williams. For Federer, it was 5 in a row; for Venus her 4th win in 8 years.
Watch some great sporting heroes play and indulge in a traditional snack of strawberries and cream.

Taste of London

19 June 2008 to 22 June 2008
The Regent's Park with Primrose Hill

Taste of London: Regent's Park
Hit Regent's Park in London this June for a truly mouthwatering treat. The list of top-notch restaurants serving up signature dishes in sample sizes for your delectation include:
Le Gavroche
L'Atelier du Joel Robuchon
China Tang
Café Anglais
Fifteen
Pied à Terre
In addition, you can spot world-class, Michelin-starred chefs showing off their renowned culinary skills. Pop down to the park to chat and chew the fat with:
Tom Aikens
Angela Hartnett
Gary Rhodes
Atul Kochhar
Taste Theatre in London
This year's fantastic festival features include the Taste Theatre where you can watch and interact with all your kitchen heroes.
Taste Kitchen in London
In the Taste Kitchen you can find your favourite chefs and food writers running fabulous demonstrations and tastings, celebrating the very best of British food. Sounds scrumptious!
Taste of China in London
A guest feature in 2008 is Taste of China. Take a unique culinary journey through China; the nation's best food, drink, destinations, cultural arts and entertainment.

Trooping the Colour

14 June 2008

Come and join in the Queen's birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour in June.
Happy Birthday, Your Majesty!
The Queen's birthday is officially celebrated with the Trooping the Colour. The Queen's actual birthday is on 21 April, but it's traditional to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday in the summer, when the weather's better.
Trooping the Colour involves more than 1400 officers and soldiers on parade, together with 200 horses, 400 musicians from 10 bands and the corps of drums.
Trooping the Colour: the Route through London
The parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again.
At 11am, the royal procession arrives. The Queen takes the royal salute and inspects the troops.
After the event, the Royal Family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch an RAF flypast. Make sure you're there too!
History of Trooping the Colour in London
This military ceremony dates back to the early 18th century, or before. The colours, (flags) of the battalion were carried (or "trooped") down the ranks so they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers.
Since 1748, the parade has marked the monarch's official birthday. Since the reign of Edward VII, the Sovereign has taken the salute in person at Trooping the Colour.
Practice Makes Perfect: London's Rehearsal Parades
There are also 2 rehearsal parades:
The Major General's Review takes place 2 weeks before the actual parade
The Colonel's Review takes place 1 week before the actual parade

Royal Ascot

17 June 2008 to 21 June 2008
Ascot Racecourse

Horseracing and style collide at Royal Ascot, the most glamorous event in London's sporting calendar.
Royal Ascot in London
Royal Ascot in London, dating back to 1768, is an internationally renowned sporting and social occasion.
Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style all meet in a glorious setting.
London's Five-Day Royal Racing Festival
Most people, even if they have no interest in racing, have heard of Royal Ascot. Over the past 300 years, Royal Ascot has established itself as a national institution; the centrepiece of the British social calendar. It's also the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world.
The 5-day festival takes place in London in mid-June and attracts royals, celebrities and commoners alike.
Hats Off to the Queen's Horses at London's Royal Ascot
The Queen's own horses race and the ladies wear the most outrageous hats at London's annual society bash.
The pomp and ceremony, the outrageous dressy outfits and the excellent racing are all perfect excuses to visit.
Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot
The Gold Cup meeting, or "Ladies' Day" as it's known, is a great day at the races and one not to be missed. The focus switches from racing to fashion, in particular to the ladies and their hats!
This year, Ladies' Day is on 19 June.

July 2008

BBC Proms 2008 - A Festival Spirit

18 July 2008 to 13 September 2008
Royal Albert Hall

The greatest classical music festival on earth returns to London's Royal Albert Hall.
Around 150 events featuring the world's best artists and composers are packed into the 8-week BBC Proms's schedule for 2008.
What are the Proms?
"Proms" is short for Promenade concert: informal and inexpensive concerts where Promenaders ("Prommers") pay just £5 for a ticket.
Up to 900 Prommers can stand in the central Arena at London's Royal Albert Hall, and a further 500 can stand, sit or recline in the Gallery.
The BBC Proms 2008: Key Anniversaries
This year's Proms Festival celebrates the key anniversaries of 4 major composers:
50 years since Ralph Vaughan Williams' death
the centenary of the birth of Olivier Messiaen
the centenary of the birth of Elliott Carter
the 80th anniversary since Karlheinz Stockhausen's birth
Great Artists and Top Conductors in London
Both Nigel Kennedy and Murray Perahia return to the Proms for the first time in 20 years.
Nigel Kennedy gives 2 performances: Elgar's Violin Concerto, and a Late Night Prom with his jazz quintet, NKQ.
American pianist, Murray Perahia returns to play Mozart with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Top-class conductors include Sir Simon Rattle (with the Berliner Philharmoniker), and Daniel Barenboim, who brings his West-Eastern Divan Orchestra of young Arab and Israeli musicians.
Doctor Who Prom at the Royal Albert Hall
Another first for 2008 is the Doctor Who Prom, presented by Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones in the TV show).
This family concert includes a specially filmed scene by Russell T Davies, starring David Tennant. Classical favourites with a strong flavour of time and space make up the rest of the programme.
The BBC Proms 2008 in Numbers
150 events over the two-month festival
76 concerts at the Royal Albert Hall
8 concerts at Cadogan Hall
4 BBC Proms in the Park events
76 Proms Plus events at the Royal College of Music, including talks, films, Proms Music Intro, Proms Family Orchestra and the new Proms Literary Festival

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

Hampton Court Palace
8th to 13th July 2008

At the height of summer, one of the world's most famous royal palaces plays host to the sumptuous Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
Flower Power at Hampton Court Palace
This RHS spectacle is the largest of its kind in the world and for 6 days in July, thousands of gardening fans can see, smell and touch an abundance of floral delights.
Visitors can enjoy around 50 inspiring display gardens including the tranquil water gardens (a unique category of this show), and the innovative conceptual gardens showcasing the next big names in garden design.
From contemporary to traditional, there are plenty of design ideas to suit any garden lover.
Prizewinners at London's Hampton Court Palace
For the keen horticulturist the show is not just about viewing, shopping and relaxing – it's also about winning! The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges make their awards on the first day of the show; see if you agree with their choices.
Highlights of the 2008 Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Growing Tastes: 3 distinct inspirational features about growing, and cooking an array of fruit and vegetables from the Mediterranean, Asia and Britain
The Climate Change Dome: The Met Office has teamed up RHS Garden Wisley and are presenting an exhibition on climate change and its effects on gardening in the future
Thai Floating Market: The Tourism Authority of Thailand is bringing this remarkable spectacle to London, with an electric mix of colour and Thai produce
Family Weekend: A variety of features and fun activities including the very first RHS Scarecrow Competition
More Than Just Plants at Hampton Court Palace
Hundreds of the UK's best nurseries fill the floral marquees, Festival of Roses and Plant Heritage Marquee, and floral art, fruit and vegetables and floristry are also a major part of the show.
With hundreds of opportunities to buy gifts and gadgets and several tempting catering options, everyone will have a glorious day out at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

British International Motor Show

23 July 2008 to 3 August 2008
ExCeL London

The British International Motor Show Returns to London
The British International Motor Show sponsored by Zurich Connect makes a triumphant return after 30 years to London.
The biggest brand names in motoring will be there – bringing you all the style, glamour, innovation, inspiration and excitement of the motoring industry.
There's something for everyone with hundreds of cars on display, world car premieres, concept cars, and tons of interactive and outdoor experiences to excite, entertain and enthrall.
Hightlights of the British International Motor Show 08
Special events at the show include launches, car handling demonstrations, test drive experiences and even the opportunity to try 4x4 off-roading.
The Heritage Enclosure, Supercar Paddock, Drift School, Kids Car Zone, Adventure Land 4x4 experience and on-water displays are just some of the treats on offer.
Late Night Openings at London's Motor Show
Late night openings at the British International Motor Show mean you can combine your trip to ExCeL with some dinner and drinks al fresco in the waterfront cafes.
Plus, the entertainment continues as the sun goes down with The Motor Show Music Festival!
The Motor Show Music Festival
The Motor Show Music Festival (previously Dock Rock) is a series of concerts running alongside the British International Motor Show.
As the sun sets on an action-packed day at the show, The Honda Live Action Arena becomes the Motor Show Music Festival, where 12 nights of live music kick off at 9pm.
UB40 (23 Jul)
Alice Cooper (24 Jul)
Status Quo (25 Jul)
Squeeze (26 Jul)
Here and Now 80s (27 Jul)
Blondie (28 Jul)
Deep Purple (30 Jul)
Chicago (31 Jul)
Jools Holland and Marc Almond (1 Aug)
Meat Loaf (2 Aug)
It's sure to be the motoring event of the year and this summer's hottest musical motoring ticket!
Summer opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
Thu 31 Jul - Mon 29 Sep 2008

August 2008

Notting Hill Carnival 2008

24th August 2008 - 25th August 2008
Ladbroke Grove, W10 5QZ

Carnival sets London on fire in a blaze of Caribbean spirit as extravagantly costumed dancers, calypso and soca musicians, giant soundsystems and steelbands are joined by over a million revellers of all ages. Held since 1966, and originally a local affair for west London's homesick Caribbean community, this has evolved into Europe's biggest street party. Sunday is officially Children's Day, but there are loads of kids on both days enjoying the bright colours of the floats and the dancers' feathered costumes. Adults can shake their battys at dozens of stages: our favourites are Channel 1's booming dub, and the jazz-reggae at Gaz's Rockin' Blues, but there are tunes for all tastes, from house to hip-hop. It's a huge area, and can get very crowded, so be prepared for an exhausting day out, but for anyone who loves a party, Carnival remains the absolute highlight of the London summer.

WHAT’S ON AT THE THEATRE?

Billy Elliot the Musical

20 December 2007 to 18 December 2008
Victoria Palace Theatre SW1E 5JX
Major stage adaptation of the famous film, with music by Elton John. Booking to Dec 2008 at London's Victoria Palace Theatre

Blood Brothers

7 March 2008 to 1 November 2008
Phoenix Theatre WC2H 0JP
Blood Brothers tells the tale of twin boys separated at birth only to be re-united by a twist of fate

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story

3 May 2008 to 28 March 2009
Duchess Theatre WC2B 5LA
The story of rock 'n' roll star Buddy Holly makes a triumphant return to the West End stage. Booking until 28 Mar 09

Cabaret the Musical 

25 February 2008 to 1 November 2008
The Lyric Theatre W1D 7ES
An exciting adaptation of the legendary musical set in Weimar Berlin is now on at the Lyric Theatre. Until 1 Nov 08

Never Forget

7 May 2008 to 25 October 2008
Savoy Theatre WC2R 0ET
A musical tale of dreams, ambition and betrayal based on the the songs of Take That comes to London. 7 May-25 Oct

Chicago: The Musical

25 February 2008 to 26 July 2008
The Cambridge Theatre WC2H 9HU
Enjoy the razzle dazzle of Chicago. This all-singing, all-dancing show continues to wow Cambridge Theatre audiences nightly

Gone With The Wind

12 April 2008 to 27 September 2008
New London Theatre WC2B 5PW
One of the greatest love stories of all time has been adapted for stage. At the New London Theatre until Sep 08

Dirty Dancing

23 Mar - 18 Oct 2008 Fri 5:15 PM; Fri 8:30 PM; Sat 3:00 PM; Mon - Thu, Sat 7:45 PM Closed Christmas Day
Aldwych Theatre WC2B 4DF
Baby is back, but this time on stage! Have the time of your life with a trip to see this London musical. Booking to Apr 09

High School Musical

28 June 2008 to 31 August 2008
Hammersmith Apollo W6 9QH
A new stage musical based on the smash-hit film opens at the Hammersmith Apollo in London. From 30 Jun–9 Aug

Grease

7 March 2008 to 10 January 2009
The Piccadilly Theatre W1D 7DY
The feel-good family show returns to London this summer, starring the winners of ITV's Grease is the Word. On now

Hairspray

11 October 2007 to 25 October 2008
Shaftesbury Theatre WC2H 8DP
Tracy dances her way to the top in hit musical, Hairspray with Michael Ball. Booking to Oct 08

Kneehigh Theatre: Noel Coward's Brief Encounter

2 February 2008 to 21 September 2008
Cineworld Haymarket SW1Y 4RQ
Kneehigh Theatre brings Noël Coward's classic film, Brief Encounter to the London stage.
Ends 21 Sep

Les Miserables

26 December 2007 to 27 September 2008
Queens Theatre W1D 6BA
Les Miserables sweeps audiences through an epic tale of passion and destruction, against the backdrop of revolution

The Lion King

19 February 2008 to 28 September 2008
Lyceum Theatre WC2E 7RQ
Be dazzled by the amazing costumes, special effects and music in Disney's stage adaptation of The Lion King

The Lord of the Rings

1 December 2007 to 27 September 2008
Theatre Royal Drury Lane WC2B 5JF
JRR Tolkien's epic trilogy takes to the London stage in an all-singing, all-dancing musical. Until Sept 08

Mamma Mia!

5 March 2008 to 31 December 2008
Prince of Wales Theatre
Take a trip down the aisle you'll never forget with the ultimate feel-good show, Mamma Mia! Booking until Apr 09

Monty Python's Spamalot

7 December 2007 to 27 September 2008
Palace Theatre W1D 5AY
This musical "rip-off" of a Monty Python film promises more silliness on the London stage than strictly necessary. Until Sept

The Mousetrap

21 March 2008 to 1 November 2008
St. Martin's Theatre WC2H 9NZ
The longest running show in the world, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre. Ongoing

The Phantom of the Opera

26 December 2007 to 27 September 2008
Her Majesty's Theatre SW1Y 4QL
Andrew Lloyd Webber's epic musical Phantom of the Opera at the London Palladium tells a tale of tragic love. Until Sep 08

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

28 November 2007 to 18 October 2008
Adelphi Theatre WC2R 0NS
Lee Mead stars in this dazzling new production of Joseph at the Apollo Theatre, London. Booking until Jul 08

The Sound of Music

17 March 2008 to 18 October 2008
London Palladium W1E 3AB
The West End is alive with the Sound of Music. Reserve your seats now for one of the top shows in town, at the Palladium

That Face

1 May 2008 to 5 July 2008
Duke Of York WC2N 4BG
That Face, a darkly comic play about an affluent family in freefall, comes to London's West End this May. 1 May-5 Jul

Totus Mundus: Shakespeare's Globe 2008 Theatre Season

23 April 2008 to 4 October 2008
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre SE1 9DT
This year's summer season at Shakespeare's Globe in London includes more shows than ever. Until 4 Oct

We Will Rock You

21 February 2008 to 4 October 2008
Dominion Theatre W1T 7AQ
We Will Rock You combines the songs of the rock group Queen with a original script by Ben Elton