Arts and Culture

The buildings around Vintry & Mercer have stood the test of time, enduring the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of 1940 and 1941. On the church of St. James Garlickhythe, Vintry & Mercer’s closest neighbour, hangs the capital’s oldest clock — housing a mechanism which has been ticking since 1682. Today it’s also home to the patriotic Royal Bells that pealed across the city for the Queen Elizabeth’s II Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Step into history at London’s famous Tower of London. Formerly a fortress, royal palace and infamous prison, it’s now home to the Crown Jewels, including over 23,000 precious stones belonging to the monarchy, and breathtaking royal regalia from the Coronation Spoon to St Edward’s Crown, which has been used in the coronation ceremonies for centuries, including that of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also known for its bloody history, with many notable prisoners having passed through its cells. It also housed the Royal Mint, where the country’s coins were made for over 500 years.

It’s not the only monument to have been ravaged by fire. Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House was rebuilt three times after fires and a World War II bombing caused widespread destruction. Today this beautiful historic venue is home to some of the very best companies in the world and hosts both the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, who perform everything from famous classical symphonies to the best contemporary pieces.

For a thoroughly modern take on the city’s cultural scene, there’s The Barbican Centre, a mile from the hotel, known for pushing the boundaries of art in all its forms, regularly showing some of the best dance, music and theatre in Europe. This December you will be able to enjoy the Royal Shakespeare Company performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream which will transport you from the depths of midwinter to the most magical of midsummer nights in a story of disorder and order. Nearby Somerset House is famed for its contemporary galleries and cultural programmes. Your cultural journey doesn’t have to stop there. Located on the bank of the River Thames, London’s Southbank is one of the city’s most vibrant destinations.

World-class destinations for entertainment like the Hayward Gallery, Tate Modern, BFI (home to the annual London Film Festival), National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall make this heart of a buzzing cultural scene, while you can also enjoy street food markets, bars and restaurants – including Lasdun, from the team behind the Marksman, and Lyanness, one of the World’s Best Bars. In summer it’s a beautiful place to while away an afternoon along the tree-lined walkway, and in November and December it plays host to a winter market, where the air is full of the smell of chestnuts, cinnamon and mulled wine.

Founded by Sam Wanamaker, The Globe Theatre is one of the most unique, remarkable and breathtaking performance spaces in London. Based on Shakespeare’s own historic playhouse and dedicated to educating modern audiences about the life and works of the Bard, it recreates the original ‘Wooden O’ of the stage once trod by the company of the world’s most famous playwright, and is authentically open-air and in the round, plus – thanks to special planning permission – the only thatched building in London. This December and January you will be able to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hansel and Gretel. It also houses the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse where productions are staged by candlelight, making for a truly evocative experience.

Further along the river you’ll find one of the Southbank’s most distinctive landmarks, the OXO Tower Wharf is a former industrial building that now houses dozens of independent cafes, retailers, artists and design studios. The eight floor is home to the OXO Tower Bar and Brasserie, which serves a la carte and tasting menus, cocktails and afternoon tea, and boasts stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral.

A great spot to watch the sun go down while sipping something cool.

If you’re still hungry for more you can unleash your inner dancing queen at Mamma Mia! The Party! Let this immersive all-singing, all-dancing theatrical dining extravaganza transport you to the island of Skopelos, via The O2 London, where Nikos and his family will host you in their Greek taverna for a glorious night of music. You’ll enjoy a spectacular show, a gourmet Mediterranean meal and a fabulous ABBA disco! A guaranteed good time and a must for fans.