Discover London (2025)

09/06/2025

London's galleries and private gardens open to all

More than 200 of London's gardens and galleries are opening to the public this weekend as part of events to highlight the city's attractions.

London Open Gardens (LOG) 2025 is returning for its 26th year with visitors able to see the lesser-seen private spaces around the capital including an RHS Chelsea Flower Show winner and Tudor courtyards.

Run by the charity London Parks and Gardens, this year's event will see more than 100 gardens open including five that are new to the scheme while Marlborough House is returning for the first time since 2017.

Moving indoors, London Gallery Weekend (LGW) is back for its fifth year with 125 open for art lovers to discover London's creative communities.

'Enjoyment of nature'
London Parks and Gardens interim director Tim Webb said: "Protecting these green areas from harmful development will protect us from the worst impacts of climate change, adding greater value to our lives."

He added that last year 93% of visitors said the event "reinforced their enjoyment of nature and appreciation of London's horticultural heritage".

Some of the gardens open this year include:

Battersea Roof Gardens: One of London's largest residential roof gardens next to Battersea Power Station

The Sanctuary Garden at Freedom from Torture: A silver-medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024

The Charterhouse Square Garden: Six courtyard gardens within the Tudor walls of the Charterhouse site

25 Cannon Street: A mini jewel of a city rooftop space, overlooking St Paul's Cathedral

Cont... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3wd29z075eo

09/06/2025

Celebrate Pride in Westminster

This June is Pride month and a time to celebrate and remember LGBTQIA+ activism and culture throughout the years. Westminster will feature several events this month, including the Pride in London parade in July. We want to know how you are marking Pride month, if you have an event that you would like us to promote, please email [email protected] with the details.

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/pride-2025

09/06/2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of a dual branded hotel complex in Central London: voco hotel London – Waterloo and Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo. Signed in partnership with Palm Holdings, both properties mark a significant milestone for IHG as it expands its footprint in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Expected to open last quarter 2028, the 182-room voco London – Waterloo will join IHG’s fastest growing premium brand and offer a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct. Each voco branded hotel is characterised by its individual charm, providing guests with something different while also ensuring the reliability of a global brand.

Alongside the new voco hotel, will be the first Hotel Indigo & Suites property in Europe. Expected to also open in last quarter 2028 and feature 172 guestrooms and suites, Hotel Indigo & Suites London - Waterloo will join IHG’s fast-growing luxury and lifestyle collection, now the second largest in the world. Staying true to the Hotel Indigo brand ethos, the property will offer guests a unique boutique experience and a memorable stay entrenched in the neighbourhood’s individuality.

Guests at both hotels can enjoy an array of amenities—including restaurants, bars, cafés, a gym, and a business centre—designed to meet the needs of both leisure and business travellers alike.

Located in London’s vibrant Waterloo area, guests will be just steps away from some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including The Southbank, home to the Royal Festival Hall, London Eye, London Aquarium, and the National Theatre. Located across the road from the Imperial War Museum and just across the river lie the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, adding to the area’s rich cultural appeal. An array of restaurants and bars are also within easy walking distance, offering guests a variety of dining and entertainment options. With Waterloo Station only a short stroll away, guests enjoy convenient access to central London and beyond, with regular train services connecting them to destinations across the UK.

(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Our dual-branded property, voco London – Waterloo and Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo will mark a significant milestone in IHG’s growth across the UK and Ireland as it unites two of our celebrated brands and introduces an exciting new offering to Europe with Hotel Indigo & Suites.

We are thrilled to be strengthening our partnership with Palm Holdings through the development of this remarkable dual-branded property. Their continued trust in IHG and our diverse portfolio of brands— with the imminent opening of Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh—speaks volumes about the strength of our relationship. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.

As we continue to grow IHG’s footprint across the UK and Ireland—with 363 hotels currently open and 33 more in the pipeline—we look forward to welcoming guests to both properties. We’re confident that our collaboration will deliver outstanding hospitality and create memorable experiences for every guest.”

Sheetal Kapoor, CEO of Palm Holdings, commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering once again with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce an exciting new hotel concept in the UK’s Capital city. Following the signing of Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh, Scotland’s Capital city we remain confident in the strength of IHG’s brands and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences in some of the country’s most sought-after destinations.”

Ricky Kapoor, Managing Director of Palm Holdings, stated: “The voco and Hotel Indigo brands are renowned for their individuality and guest focus. We’re excited to bring both to London—a market where we believe they will thrive. Our goal is to create engaging, locally inspired environments that resonate with modern travellers.

Sustainability is at the forefront of this project which is why we are targeting BREEAM Excellent certification. As such, will incorporate Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Panels—ensuring no fossil fuels are combusted on-site and operations are backed by renewable energy. We’ve assembled a world-class team to bring this project to life, including Studio Moren (Architecture and Interior Design), HTS Structural Engineers, Applied Energy MEP Consultants, Phill Allen Landscape Design, Planet Food & Beverage Consultants, DP9 Planning Consultants, TTP Transport Consultants and Gardiner and Theobold, Project Managers and Cost Consultants among others.”

Dexter Moren, Founding Partner at Studio Moren, said: “Studio Moren is delighted to be collaborating with Ricky and Sheetal Kapoor of Palm Holdings on this landmark development. It continues our long-standing collaboration with IHG and extends our hospitality and sustainability design expertise into another prime London location.”

voco London – Waterloo will become the latest addition to the growing portfolio of 16 existing voco hotels, which includes the newly launched voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, voco London Marylebone, and voco Wi******er Hotel & Spa. Meanwhile, Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo will bolster IHG’s portfolio of 19 open Hotel Indigo properties, with exciting upcoming openings including Hotel Indigo London – Clerkenwell and Hotel Indigo Leeds in the coming months.

08/06/2025

To celebrate 20 years of partnership, Hilton and McLaren Racing are introducing a “Stay Like McLaren Racing” suite in London. Combining world-class hospitality and pit lane power, beginning today, racing fans can book their dream stay from July 8-20, 2025, at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, just in time for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Rooted in Hilton’s “It Matters Where You Stay” campaign, the “Stay Like McLaren Racing” suite was created in collaboration with the McLaren Formula 1 Team and invites travelers to experience a premium stay inspired by the signature hospitality Hilton has used to welcome the team at Hilton properties at race locations across the globe for two decades. Inspired by the paddock, guests first enter through a signature papaya-colored orange door to experience their hotel stay through the eyes of the iconic motorsports team during race weekend. The elevated suite features a heritage hub with iconic McLaren F1 Team memorabilia on display, twin racing simulators, a pit wall with high-intensity race day content, an in-room bar and a smoothie delivery each morning.

From performance-driven fuel to restorative rest amenities, every detail is designed to help fans recharge like the pros. To have a chance to stay in the limited-edition suite, from July 8-20, 2025, fans can book directly at hilton.com/StayLikeMcLaren or Hilton Honors members can also use their Points to bid for stays in the “Stay Like McLaren Racing” suite on select dates with additional McLaren Racing experiences being released on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform.

Located in central London, The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton is just steps away from all the action at McLaren Racing Live: London in London’s Trafalgar Square July 2-3, 2025; a gathering for fans to get a piece of the McLaren action before the Silverstone race weekend.

“As McLaren F1 Team’s longest-standing partner, it has been an honor to stand by the team for 20 years – by not only being a home away from home when the team is on the road but also to create unique, money-can’t-buy experiences for our most loyal guests and fans,” said Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer, Hilton. “From our trackside hotels like Conrad Singapore Marina Bay and Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone to dozens of other Hilton-branded hotels across the world where the team and fans stay for race weekend, we’re proud to deliver exceptional stay experiences for the McLaren team, and we’re excited to partner on this supercharged stay experience for fans looking to stay like a winner and experience the fandom like never before.”

“Great partners enable the team’s performance on, and off the track, and we are committed to making sure our fans are engaged and excited about what McLaren is doing,” said Louise McEwen, chief marketing officer, McLaren Racing. “For 20 years, we’ve worked with Hilton to both power meaningful experiences that deepen our fans’ engagement with what we do and ensure our team can recharge and get that crucial good night’s sleep before race day. We’re so proud of the partnership we’ve built together and invite fans to celebrate with us with the ‘Stay Like McLaren Racing’ suite and fan experiences we’ve created together this year.”

Through unique partnerships with brands like the McLaren F1 Team, Hilton Honors members have access to one-of-a-kind experiences that provide unparalleled access and unforgettable moments through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. To help fans and guests stay like the star-studded racing team, Hilton and McLaren Racing have also teamed up on a series of adrenaline-fueled fan activations and experiences around the British Grand Prix in the UK from London to Silverstone, including:

Exclusive Rooftop Lunch at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton’s iconic rooftop restaurant:On July 2, 2025, fans can refuel at a pop-up McLaren-inspired pit stop, offering an elevated chef-curated tasting experience, combining racing precision with culinary expertise. Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 27, 2025.
Enjoy the ultimate fan experience with a themed experience and suite: Cheer on the team at their home race via a live in-room broadcast of the race while setting the fastest lap on the simulator and indulging in bespoke cocktails and expertly crafted dishes. Paired with a two-night stay in the suite from July 6-8, 2025, and an F1 themed experience on July 7, Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 20, 2025.
Reset for the weekend with an exclusive evening at The Rooftop: With the backdrop of the iconic London skyline, guests can enjoy an evening reception paired with live music and entertainment to celebrate Hilton’s milestone partnership with the McLaren F1 Team. Hilton Honors members can bid Points to access this experience on the Hilton Honors Experiences platform from now until June 27, 2025.
Silverstone Rooftop Experience at the British Grand Prix, Friday Practice with Hotel Stay: Fans can also experience the fandom trackside by bidding on a chance to attend Friday’s Practice sessions at the exclusive Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone Rooftop, with prime views of all the track action and a one-night stay at Spark by Hilton Luton on Friday, July 4, 2025. Bidding is available from now until June 27, 2025.

The suite is the latest in Hilton’s “Stay Like” programming, which invites guests to “Stay Like” their favorite pop culture icons with a series of immersive, experiential themed suites across Hilton’s portfolio of award-winning brands. Previous suites include ‘Stay Like’ Wicked at New York Hilton Midtown and “Stay Like an Infinite Icon” at The Beverly Hilton.

Reservations for the “Stay Like McLaren Racing” suite will be available to book starting at 1:00 p.m. BST / 8:00 a.m. EST on June 5, 2025, with stays running from July 8-20, 2025. To get a sneak peek of Hilton’s “Stay Like McLaren Racing” suite or book a stay, visit hilton.com/StayLikeMcLaren.

05/06/2025

Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines is opening his first restaurant in London
Chef Michael Caines won a Michelin star for his restaurant at Lympstone Manor, and has previously held two stars at Gidleigh Park. But until now, the chef hasn't opened anything in London.
That's now changing as, according to Restaurant website, the chef is taking on all the food and drink at The Stafford London hotel in Mayfair as "Culinary Strategist". This has all come about because the Stafford group have just taken over Lympstone Manor and as part of that are bringing the chef to London. It mirrors a similar relationship that the hotel had with chef Lisa Goodwin Allen, who recently left to head up the food at The Beaumont.
As part of this deal, he'll be in charge of the main restaurant there. It's currently The Game Bird (which opened almost 10 years ago), but it will be relaunched with a new name under Caines this Autumn. Full details are to be released, but they say it will be "a fresh, elevated dining journey that celebrates the very best of British cuisine."

We'll have more news about just what Caines is planning closer to the opening date. https://www.hot-dinners.com/2025060414242/Gastroblog/Latest-news/michael-caines-restaurant-london-stafford-mayfair

04/06/2025

London's top 20 tourist attractions revealed as visitors hail iconic location where you 'could spend all day’

The Tower of London has been named top tourist attraction for visitors to the capital.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/london-top-tourist-attraction-revealed-tower-of-london/

04/06/2025

This Pride season, W London shines a light on LGBTQ+ voices across generations with a series of events exploring q***r identity through art, dialogue and sound in the heart of Soho. The programme features a curated photography exhibition, a thought-provoking panel discussion, and live music collaborations — each offering a unique lens on how q***r expression evolves across time.

In partnership with cultural leaders including Q***r Britain, Club Stamina and Sounds Q***r, the week-long schedule reflects W London's ongoing commitment to being a space where self-expression thrives. Through art, music and conversation, the hotel invites guests and Londoners alike to celebrate Pride with purpose.

KEY PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

Photography Exhibition: 'We Are Q***r Britain' |Wednesday 18 June – Monday 7 July | W Lounge Runway
In partnership with Q***r Britain, the UK's first national LGBTQ+ museum located in King's Cross, W London will showcase a curated and free photography exhibition spanning over 150 years of q***r history. The collection features powerful imagery from early Pride marches to contemporary cultural icons, offering guests a visual journey through the milestones of LGBTQIA+ communities.
Panel Discussion: Activism & Social Change |Wednesday 2 July, 6PM - 8PM | Perception Bar
Moderated by Andrew Given – LGBTQ+ advocate and Q***r Britain Director – this insightful panel will delve into the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK. Esteemed speakers, including activist Lisa Power MBE, a founding member of Stonewall, and Lewis Corner, Head of Website Content Strategy at Time Out London, will share perspectives on progress and the challenges that remain. Tickets cost £10 and are of limited availability. Available at: Activism and Social Change Panel Discussion Tickets | 02 Jul @ W London, London | £10 | OutSavvy
Live Music: Sounds Q***r Pride Edition |Friday 4 July, 7PM–2AM | The Perception Bar
W London's signature live music series, AMPLIFIED, returns with a special Pride edition in collaboration with Sounds Q***r, a platform dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ musicians and known for their presence at key festivals, including Mighty Hoopla and SXSW. Guests can enjoy an eclectic mix of live performances in an intimate setting, celebrating the diversity and talent within the q***r music scene.

Tickets, including entry only, is complimentary via guest list. Available at: https://link.dice.fm/t01e767a35c8

Club Stamina takeover W London |Saturday 5 July, 6PM–2AM | The Perception Bar
Club Stamina is taking over W London for one night only, bringing its iconic energy of London's and International q***r nightlife to the Perception Bar. Founded by DJ and stylist Mina Galán in early 2024, Club Stamina has rapidly become one of London's most talked-about q***r nights. Known for it's unique line ups and vibrant crowd, the event promises an unforgettable evening of genre-bending music, dance, and expression.
Tickets start from £11.30, including entry only. Available at: https://link.dice.fm/Ifcba18f3e9f

W Hotels has long championed diversity and inclusion, creating spaces where guests are empowered to be their authentic selves. As a proud fixture in London's vibrant Soho district, W London continues to amplify underrepresented voices through year-round programming, meaningful partnerships, and community support.

For more hotel information or to book a stay at W London, visit https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/lonhw-w-london/overview/?msockid=0385b7a7c9e56362133ea2fec8726249. Stays start at £361 per night.

04/06/2025

St Pancras London will rebrand as part of Autograph Collection Hotels on 3rd June 2025, joining a global portfolio of over 300 independent hotels. The rebrand introduces a new guest experience shaped by time-honoured traditions — a series of rituals, storytelling moments and sensory details inspired by the hotel’s 150-year history. It will also see the iconic London hotel undergo an extensive refurbishment to its 245 rooms and suites spread across both Barlow House and the Chambers Suites.

First opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel and designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the Grade I-listed landmark has long stood as one of London’s most iconic buildings. Today, its legacy is reimagined through a stay where time becomes the defining element, connecting the hotel’s past to a more personal and contemporary guest journey.

The refurbishment began in January 2024 across Barlow House and Chambers Suites.

A Stay Defined by Time
From check-in to turndown, the guest journey has been reimagined through carefully timed rituals and thoughtful touches. Guests are greeted with 19th-century porter-style scripts and discover in-room poetry, vintage postcards, and a Library of Time offering a curated selection of historic stories.

Three daily rituals honour moments in the hotel’s history: the 19:35 G&Tea ritual nods to the year the Midland Grand closed; the 5:05pm punch ritual marks its 1873 opening; and poetry sessions at 20:11 reflects the hotel’s 2011 reopening with readings of Sir John Betjeman’s poetry. Elsewhere, QR code–guided hotel tours unlock its hidden architectural stories, while the spa offers travel-inspired treatments that echo the hotel’s railway heritage.

“This rebrand brings fresh meaning to every part of the guest journey,” said Ed White, General Manager, St Pancras London. “It allows us to honour the building’s legacy while offering something personal, thoughtful and designed to stay with guests long after they leave.”

“St Pancras London is exactly the kind of property Autograph Collection was created to celebrate — rich in character, rooted in place, and full of story,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium and Select Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “This new chapter brings that story to life in a way that’s that feels both intentional and unforgettable.”

A London Icon Reimagined
St Pancras London is a masterpiece of High Victorian Gothic architecture, known for its red-brick façade, soaring spires, gold-leaf ceilings and hand-stencilled walls. Since its restoration in 2011, it has helped lead the transformation of King’s Cross into one of London’s most vibrant districts.

Its 245 rooms and suites reflect that legacy, blending original features — arched windows, lofty ceilings — with layered textures and bespoke design. Booking Office 1869, once the station’s ticket hall, serves seasonal menus and live music beneath a soaring iron-and-glass canopy. Next door, The Hansom — named after the cabs that once lined the forecourt — offers an elegant lounge for afternoon teas, Champagne toasts and informal meetings.

Perfectly located above St Pancras International and King’s Cross Station, the hotel connects guests to London’s West End and Paris via the Eurostar — a fitting base for a stay shaped by connection, legacy and the passage of time.

For details and reservations, please visit www.stpancraslondon.com

02/06/2025

A huge Eid celebration will return to Trafalgar Square for 2025. Eid on the Square will see the city's most famous tourist area be filled with entertainment, food and workshops in celebration of the Islamic holiday Eid al Adha.
The festivities, which will take place on Sunday, June 8, will see cultural events, food, entertainment and Islamic-inspired art arrive at Trafalgar Square. The main stage, hosted by Deana Soni and Haroon Rashid, will feature traditional and contemporary performances, including Nasheed artist Mesut Kurtis, Chand Ali Khan Qawwal & Group, the Indonesian Angklung Ensemble feat H.E. Dr Desra Percaya, and children’s favourites Omar & Hana.
https://www.mylondon.news/.../huge-eid-celebration-return...

02/06/2025

The Tower of London has been named top tourist attraction for visitors to the capital.

Covent Garden was second, followed by Buckingham Palace, according to research among 13,500 people by hotel group Travelodge.

A number of museums feature in the top 20, including the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Other favourite attractions included Camden Market, Battersea Power Station and St Paul’s Cathedral.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/london-top-tourist-attraction-revealed-tower-of-london/

29/05/2025

“We’re incredibly proud" - Cowes-built eco jetboat set to make waves in London

A vessel built on the Isle of Wight is making history as the UK’s first eco-sightseeing jetboat, officially launching on London’s River Thames this summer.

The Rocket Rebel, built by Cowes-based Diverse Marine, is set to revolutionise river tourism with its cutting-edge low-emission technology.

Commissioned by sightseeing operator Thames Rockets, the 16m vessel can carry 26 passengers and is powered by twin jet engines running on sustainable HVO biofuel.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/incredibly-proud-cowes-built-eco-064700681.html

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