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Tag: 2025

Mayfair’s Hidden Gems and Exclusive Experiences

March in Mayfair is a time of quiet luxury, fresh inspiration, and exclusive experiences waiting to be uncovered. As spring breathes new life into London, it’s the perfect moment to explore this elegant district’s hidden treasures. Join us as we talk about some of Mayfair’s best hidden gems. 

Secret Gardens and Outdoor Escapes

London isn’t all high-rise buildings and concrete… You may not realise but London is over 40% green space, which is a grand total of around 3000 parks! You may have visited some of the Royal Parks on your travels, but what about some of the lesser-known areas?  

At The Washington Mayfair, we love Mount Street Gardens, a charming, quieter retreat where you can enjoy a tranquil moment in amongst the hustle and bustle of London, this time of year is perfect to admire the early spring flowers. Or for some history combined with fresh air, Berkeley Square Gardens is the perfect spot for a stroll. Berkley Square Gardens is a traditional London square surrounded by London Plane trees planted in 1789, which are among some of Mayfair’s most oldest trees! 

For a chance to explore hidden gems, unique rooftop gardens, and historic walled enclosures, don’t miss the London Open Gardens event. Taking place on June 7th and 8th, 2025, this annual event opens the gates to normally inaccessible green spaces across the city. Book now and enjoy 20% off your ticket with their early bird offer!

Unusual Cultural Highlights

Mayfair loves a gallery and while major galleries draw the crowds, opt for a visit to The Gagosian or Halcyon Gallery. These two hidden gems showcase contemporary art in ever-changing exhibitions. The Halcyon Gallery famously hosted an Andy Warhol exhibition in 2024 and is currently hosting a Bob Dylan retrospective exhibit. 

Hidden Dining and Elegant Bars

Mayfair’s upscale reputation comes with a dining scene to match, and it doesn’t disappoint. While the area is packed with high-end restaurants and fine dining spots, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover. Our first hidden gem is tucked away off London’s Berkley Square, The Cocochine is an intimate eatery which celebrates art and craftsmanship with some of the very best seasonal produce from Sri-Lankan born chef Larry Jayasekara. 

For our second gem, if you enjoy a hearty British Classic then you’ll love The Mayfair Chippy. Here you’ll find fish and chips done right with dining on par with any fine dining experience. Awarded a 1AA Rosette, Michelin Guide Accreditation we love this quintessentially British restaurant.    

Luxury & Comfort at The Washington Mayfair

At the heart of Mayfair, lies The Washington Mayfair Hotel, which we believe is the best London hidden gem. So many of our guests love our location and our comfortable rooms inspired by iconic 1920s décor. Our home-from-home hotel is the perfect base to unwind after a day of exploring or for relaxing on the perfect London break.  

Book through our website to get 10% off our best flexible rate, plus other perks which will help you explore Mayfair’s hidden gems for less. 

Start Your 2025 in the West End

The Best of London Theatre

Winter is well underway in London and the days can be quite chilly leaving you looking for a way to warm up. Why not cosy up in one of London’s iconic theatres? London is famous for its legendary theatre scene! Offering a dazzling variety of productions ranging from timeless classics to groundbreaking contemporary performances.  

If you are based at The Washington Mayfair, you will be spoilt for choice. At just a short distance from the West End, there are around 40 theatres! In this blog we are going to discuss some of the top London Theatres, what’s on and how to get tickets to make your London Theatre break really special. 

Shaftesbury Avenue: The Heart of the West End 

Shaftesbury Avenue is right in the heart of London’s West End district. Named after the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, this bustling location is home to a variety of renowned theatres, including: 

Some of the top productions currently showing include Mrs. Doubtfire, John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers, Oliver!, Hadestown, Les Misérables, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, dramas, or family-friendly shows, Shaftesbury Avenue has something for everyone. 

Oldest Theatre: The Theatre Royal Drury Lane

If you are looking for history combined with entertainment, The Theatre Royal Drury Lane holds the title of London’s oldest theatre, having opened its doors in 1812. However, the site itself has been home to theatre productions since 1663, making it the world’s oldest theatre site in continuous use. This iconic venue is known for hosting beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals and remains a must-visit destination for theatre lovers. Upcoming Performances include: Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing and Disney’s Hercules. 

Largest and Smallest Theatre: London Coliseum and Arts Theatre

If you’re looking for grandeur, the London Coliseum is the largest theatre in the city, The English National Opera has several performances in the coming weeks: The Pirates of Penzance and Mary, Queen of Scots. Close by is the London Palladium, another iconic venue known for its opulent architecture and star-studded performances. On the other end of the spectrum, the Arts Theatre stands as one of London’s smallest, offering an intimate and unique viewing experience with just 350 seats. See Olivier Nominee The Choir of Man from March. 

Royal Albert Hall

Beyond the West End

London’s theatre scene extends beyond the West End, offering even more opportunities to  

  • The Old Vic: A historic theatre with a reputation for bold and exciting performances. 
  • Royal Albert Hall: A stunning venue that hosts everything from classical concerts to opera. 
  • Royal Ballet and Royal Opera House: Perfect for fans of ballet and opera. 

How to Get Tickets 

Securing tickets to London’s top theatres is easier than ever. You can purchase tickets online through official theatre websites or trusted ticketing sites London Theatre Direct. For last-minute deals, visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, which often offers discounted tickets to same-day performances. If you don’t have time to visit the booth in person you can still view deals online on the TKTS website. 

Book Your London Break 

From historic venues to cutting-edge productions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with Mayfair’s central location, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the best of what London’s theatre world has to offer. Check out the Rooms & Suites at The Washington Mayfair to book your stay. 

What’s On London 2025!

Here we are already at the end of 2024! If you were fortunate enough to visit London this year…What was your highlight? Perhaps you saw a moving performance in the West End, ate strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, sang your heart out at The Era’s Tour, visited one of London’s museums after dark or attended one of many other top London events this year. It’s good to reminisce but let’s not get too sad because a whole new year awaits! 2025 in London is set to be bigger and better than ever. Are you ready?

Many annual events are back for 2025, like BST Hyde Park, the London Marathon and Wimbledon… But here are some London events for your 2025 calendar you’ll love.

1. Guinness Microbrewery in Covent Garden

Beer lovers have reason to celebrate with the opening of a Guinness microbrewery in Covent Garden. In the pipeline for several years now, 2025 finally marks the opening of this special project. The microbrewery at Old Brewer’s Yard will be a cultural experience that will bring the freshest pint of Guinness to London.

2. Elvis Evolution Experience

Have you already experienced the hugely successful ABBA Voyage immersive experience? If so, you’ll know how much joy this cutting- edge holographic technology can bring… Get ready to be ‘all shook up’ by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself in the latest edition to this series. Re-live the glory of Elvis Presley’s concerts in an immersive concert to top all immersive experiences. Elvis Evolution Experience, arriving from May 2025 at London ExCel.

3. Notting Hill Carnival

One of the world’s largest street festivals – the Notting Hill Carnival, returns in August 2025. A vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, the carnival features colourful parades, live music, and mouthwatering food stalls. It’s a highlight of London’s summer.

4. Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Available to view now at the Natural History Museum, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcases breathtaking images of the natural world. From awe-inspiring landscapes to intimate animal portraits, this event is a feast for the eyes and a reminder of nature’s beauty.

5. Women’s Rugby World Cup

The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in 2025 from 22nd August to the 27th September, and London will host key matches including the final at Twickenham Stadium. Record ticket sales and requests so far really highlight the growing popularity and talent in women’s rugby.

We are also excited to welcome a whole range of artists touring London in 2025, including the long-awaited Oasis concerts. Coldplay set to break the record for most consecutive nights at Wembley usurping Taylor Swift, and female singers are represented well with performances scheduled from Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and Lana Del Ray.

Book your 2025 London break today to ensure you don’t miss out on all the action. If you are looking for a hotel close to top London attractions and events with beautiful rooms and suites and exceptional service at affordable prices, then why not choose The Washington Mayfair? We often have seasonal offers and ways to save on Mayfair hotels, visit our offers page to find out more.  

Winter in London 2024/2025 – A Season to Remember

We’re already seeing signs of winter arriving early in London! It doesn’t have to be all depressing though, we can beat those winter blues and make winter 2024/25 a season to remember. The days may be colder, but the city is coming alive with activities and events planned across the next few months. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a quieter London break with less queues or to visit over the holiday period and enjoy the hustle and bustle of people in the capital. Located in the heart of Mayfair, The Washington Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat with prime access to some of the capital’s most enchanting winter activities.

Winter in London is a time of magical moments, unique to this time is the addition of pop-up outdoor ice rinks. Some of these most popular rinks are back in 2024 for another year:

  • Somerset House Ice Rink: A stunning neoclassical backdrop makes this a must-visit.
  • Canary Wharf Ice Rink: Glide beneath a canopy of twinkling lights in the heart of London’s financial district.
  • Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: Skate in a historic setting steeped in Tudor charm.

With the largest of these being the Hyde Park ice rink located inside its annual Winter Wonderland. Open from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025 this massive attraction offers skating to live music from the band stand plus a whole host of other activities such as food markets, fairground rides and games. It’s basically a huge winter playground.

Mayfair is brimming with cultural and leisure opportunities for the colder months. Film enthusiasts can enjoy a cosy evening at the Curzon Mayfair Cinema, known for its history, art deco interior and a carefully curated selection of films, from the latest releases to indie gems.

The Royal Academy of Arts is just around the corner from The Washington Mayfair and features thought-provoking exhibitions, while the West End’s theatres light up with world-class performances. From live music to classic ballet performances like The Nutcracker, London’s cultural scene is vibrant and varied this season with something for everyone.

Now the nights are getting darker earlier you can explore the local Museums After Dark. Renowned institutions like the Natural History, Science and the Victoria & Albert Museum host after-hours tours, talks, and workshops, offering a new perspective on their fascinating collections and a more intimate museum experience.

Looking to take in all the London’s sights? Take an open-top bus tour to see the city’s landmarks, sparkling under the winter sky. From Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge, you’ll witness a panorama of London’s iconic sights in all their glory.

Warm Up at The Washington Hotel

After a day of exploring, return to the warmth and luxury of The Washington Hotel. Each room is designed with comfort in mind, offering the perfect respite from the chilly London streets. Enhance your stay with a cheaper deal, book directly through our website to get a 10% discount on our best available rate, free English breakfast, plus cancel up to 3pm 24hrs prior to arrival without charge.

Plan your winter escape today and let The Washington Hotel be your home away from home in Mayfair.