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For the Love of BBQ: Meatopia UK looks to pack a flavoursome punch!

It’s that time of the year again, where meat and BBQ lovers unite to indulge in some of the fieriest dishes, prepared by a troop of the world’s top chefs and meat experts in the industry. 

The seventh installment of Meatopia UK is set to take place on the last weekend of the month, kicking off on the 30th of August till the 1st of September. Meatopia 2019 is also set to see some substantial changes, with brand-new dining experiences in the works and dedicated areas devoted to the importance of high quality, ethically sourced ingredients.

For the first time ever, there will be chefs such as Yotam Ottolenghi and Nathan Outlaw focusing solely on cooking with veg and fish. Also on the list are some familiar faces from previous events, some new kids on the block and gastronomic big-dogs of god-like status making a pilgrimage from afar to eat, drink and be merry with the rest of us.

The three-day beer and food festival, held at the Tobacco Dock in London, will feature exquisite dishes, bites and fire-cooked meat for your pleasure, all masterfully thought out and pieced together by a world-class line up of chefs. Make sure you come hungry, because each and every one of these culinary idols has created an exclusive dish especially for the festival.

When you’re there, you’ll want to head over to the Cutting Room too. Here, festival-goers can speak to the masterful chefs themselves about their various dishes, learning all there is about the flavours and cuts of meat, taking handy snippets of advice home with them.

The fun doesn’t end there though. Later in the day, you’ll get to enjoy an eclectic programme of live music and entertainment to keep you in your heightened mood.

Meatopia was founded in the US by the late Josh Ozersky and it was Richard H Turner of Hawksmoor and Pitt Cue Co who then brought it to the UK. The festival prides itself on cooking and serving high quality, ethically sourced meat cooked over ethically sourced wood and charcoal by world class chefs. It is a weekend of meat, drink, fire and music where chefs will gather at Tobacco Dock and cook one unique dish each, not to be found on any restaurant menu. Each day features chef teams with a variety of food backgrounds from across the world.

Meatopia was originally founded in the US by the late Josh Ozersky and it was Richard H Turner of Hawksmoor, Blacklock, and Turner & George, who then brought it to the UK.

Previous Meatopia line-ups have included the likes of Francis Mallmann, Nathan Outlaw, Dave Pynt, Judy Joo and Niklas Ekstedt all showcasing one-off curated dishes never seen before.

If you’re staying with us at The Mowbray Court Hotel in London, or anywhere close to our hotel, the journey to the Tobacco Dock will be around 30 minutes; however, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask our concierge service! Tickets to Meatopia 2019, can be found here. https://bit.ly/2Klqk4H

The Royal Ascot 2019

Nothing says prestige like the exceptional and spectacular Royal Ascot horse races. Once again the five days of June will be filled with the most extravagant fashion, the finest of people, six exciting races with the highest caliber of horses from around the world, and incomparable cuisine.

Tuesday June 18th to June 22nd is a date to mark on your calendar. If you are in London across those dates, find a way to get your tickets and be a part of the British event of the year. The doors open at 10:30am where you can grab a gorgeous breakfast and mingle along the fashion show in and of itself. The Royal Progression starts at 2 PM sharp, and the races begin later in the afternoon. In the early evening you can enjoy drinks around the Ascot Bandstand and continue your social escapades.

“Spectacular heritage, unparalleled racing, high fashion, Fine Dining and pageantry come together to create an unforgettable experience in a unique setting.”

Place your bets and see if your eye for pure bred, pure muscle, and astounding beauties is on point. Mingle in the land of the elites, Royals, socialites, and anyone who is anyone in the event of much heritage and history. Dine in a choice of four exquisite enclosures, admire the incredible fashion and oversized hats and fill your sense of excitement.

Take your pick between the Queen Anne Enclosure, Windsor Enclosure, Village Enclosure, or the Royal Enclosure. The option to upgrade to a Private box or choose from several ticket upgrades is also available to suit all needs.  

Mowbray Court Hotel, in Kensington, has all the up-to-date information about all the best things to do in and around London, and takes pride in sharing it all with its guest. We choose to do what we can to make your stay as incredible as possible.

Tuesday June 18th –June 22nd

Gates open at 10:30am

For more information, head to the official website www.ascot.co.uk

Spring Bank Holiday 2019

Spring bank holiday is here again!! Take a time out from your busy life and enjoy re-energizing love for life. We have several great events and activities to keep you marvelously entertained over this bank holiday weekend, 2019.

Foodies Festival

The best way to enjoy life – all things food.  The Foodies festival in Syon Park has entertainment, talks, and masterclasses with MasterChefs. You can expect to be dazzled with live cooking shows in the Chefs theatre by celebrity MasterChef winners. Irini Tzortzoglou, John Partridge, and Jose Pizarro are a few name drops! There is also a lineup of amazing musical talent to sing and dance along to including Boyzlife and a gorgeous Queen tribute Flash. May 25-27, Syon Park

All Points East

Get yourself to the All Points East London festival through the epic Spring bank weekend. With massive names the like of The Chemical Brothers and The Strokes on the 25th, and James Blake on the 26th, it’s a spectacular way to spend a day. May 24-26, Victoria Park

Feria De Londres

A beautiful and lively Spanish free festival, Feria De Londres, will have you engaged and dynamically swaying and swirling throughout the weekend. Get a taste of the Spanish sunny traditional copy of their own national spring fairs with flamenco dancing, traditional music shows, and all types of foods and drinks. May 24-26, Bernie Spain Gardens

Vikki Stone

If you feel like spending a night laughing away with great comedy and music, catch the thoroughly entertaining comedian and musician Vikkie Stone giving a preview of her show in progress, Song Bird. May 25, Pleasance Theatre, Islington.  

Peckham Record Festival

For the old school and true format of music, Peckham Record Festival has its vintage used and collectable vinyls for you to get your hands on. May 26, 133 Copeland Park

Great British Tattoo Show

For the lovers of ink, head to the incredible Great British Tattoo Show for an intriguing adventure. Whether you are looking to get one on the spot or browsing the sensational national and international talent of 300+ tattoo artists, this is the place to spend your time. May 25-26, Alexandra Palace

Enfield Pageant of Motoring

Classic cars and motorbikes – what better way to spend the weekend. Admire the beauty of exceptional vehicles and creations at the Enfield Pageant of Motoring while enjoying live bands, food and drink stalls to keep you energized, and even a funfair for the rest of the young family members. May 25-26, Enfield Playing Fields

We, at Mowbray Court Hotel, Kensington, are definitely down to celebrate the lovely holiday a number of these exciting events! Located next to Earl’s Court station it’s quick to jump on the underground and get where you want to be on this Bank Holiday Weekend, 2019. For more information or directions, the Mowbray team are always ready to help! Stay up-to-date on our blog for more.

FA Cup Final – Manchester City vs Watford

Football fans get ready! The FA Cup final kicks off this weekend Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 5pm. Wembley National Stadium will be packed as Manchester City and Watford battle it out for cup glory. All of us fans from all over will be screaming at the top of our voices as we support our favorite team.

Haven’t had the chance to get yourself a ticket? No worries. It will be broadcasted live in the United Kingdom by both BBC and BT Sport. BBC One provided the free-to-air coverage and BT Sport 2 was the pay-TV alternative.  You can also of course get yourself to a pub or sports bar and join the more intimate atmosphere of shoulder to shoulder cheering with just as much energy as Wembley station itself. Many places will be rowdy and happy as the match is screened for fans.

Manchester City holds the Premier League, Watford the EFL Cup. Who will dominate this English domestic battle of true talent?  

We all know who we root for, but only time will tell! The Mowbray Court Hotel, Kensington, joins the football love and are ready to help you enjoy the weekend in any way we can whether you are in need of information about best travel routes or places to go.

Always up-to-date with what’s going on around London, Mowbray knows its guests best.

Event Details

18 May 2019

17:00 BST

Manchester City vs Watford

Wembley Stadium, London

Treat Your Mum This Mother’s Day 2019 in London

Pamper your mum this Mother’s Day 2019, in London. Spend the day in her honor and give her a special outing that’ll make her feel as special as she is. London boasts numerous ways to celebrate for all preferences, and we’ve come across a few options for you to pick from.

 

Electric Cinema

A lovely way to treat your mum this Mother’s Day is a movie night. The Electric Cinema is one of the oldest working cinemas in the country where you can watch movies with a wonderful glass of red wine in a leather armchair or even book a double bed in the front row. A super comfortable experience that is greatly recommended.

Prices: £13.50-£22.50.

Address: 191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED

 

Museum of Brands

Motherhood in Advertising – Sunday Talk

An alternative way to celebrate this year is a 40-minute talk on the world of advertising and how mums have been portrayed throughout the times. Whether playing family games in Edwardian times, gathering around the 1920s radio, or promoting everything from biscuits to cleaning products, the Museum of Brands will be an interesting trip.

Sunday 31 March 2019 at 2pm.

Tickets to attend the talk cost £14 for adults and £11 concession, plus booking fee.

 

Kew Gardens

Walk around London’s outdoor sensational Kew Gardens to give your mum a peaceful and magical outing where you can smell the fresh scents and view all the flora.

You can also visit the rose garden in Regent’s Park for a full day of garden fun.  

 

Borough Market

An amazing place for lunch and a variety of food, Borough market is an exciting location to walk through and even pick up natural ingredients if you choose to cook her something special.

 

R Chocolate London

A place of luxury and chocolate indulgence, head to R Chocolate, the magnificent chocolatier to treat her sweet tooth. Expect a delicate, beautiful and enormously rich tower of cakes at the chocolate afternoon tea. Everything chocolate is always a gorgeous gift.

The Sloane Square location,

Price: £35 a head for the chocolate afternoon tea, or £45 each with a glass of champagne.

198 Ebury Street, SW1W

 

Gintonica at The Distillery

Gintonica, 186 Portobello Road, is a great place for gin and tonics if that’s the preference of joy.  Bound to be a day of relaxation and good laughs, the G&Ts come in a huge copa de balon that really let the various gin’s botanical aromas roam free. A list of their favourite gins from around the world is available to help give you a worldly experience. Choose from high end tonic waters and innovative garnishes, from mango, black pepper and basil, to juniper berries, apple and mint.

186 Portobello Road, W11

 

Wherever you feel like venturing out tothis Mother’s Day, we at Mowbray Court Hotel in Kensington, London, have all the great tips and details to get you where you want to go to truly show your mum appreciation. We wish you a fabulous day of celebration and hope our choice of destinations bring a smile to your mum’s face. Happy Mother’s Day.

Saint Patrick’s Day 2019 in London

St Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick’s Day is here! A super fun day to celebrate, St Paddies, is this Sunday March 17th and is a national holiday of Northern and the Republic of Ireland – for the Christian missionary whose name was Patrick and spent his time converting the Irish to Christianity. The holiday has become a day known for notorious drinking, all things Irish and many green coloured festivities celebrated around the world.

If you are in London over the weekend be sure to check out a few things to do on the marvelous St Patrick’s. We’ve put together a short list of things to do around London on the day.

 

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Take part in the loud and proud St Patrick’s Day Parade which starts at Hyde Park Corner and heads down Piccadilly and Haymarket through to Trafalgar Square. Floats, processions, dancing displays, marching bands, Irish singers, musicians, performers and more. You will definitely witness a lot of green costumes and the magical flag colours of green, white, and orange face paint. If you are lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a leprechaun.

 

St Patrick’s Day Festival

Of course there is a festival! This is where the parade finishes and the fireworks and party continue. Find your way to Trafalgar Square from 12 noon to 6pm for the St Patrick’s Day Festival where you can watch performances by big Irish acts, enjoy a little shopping in the craft stalls, munch on traditional and modern Irish food, and entertain the kids with workshops and activities.

 

St Patrick’s Day Comedy Carnival

Enjoy some top Irish humor and get yourself to the Comedy Carnival’s St Patrick’s Day special where you can experience laughs, laughs and more good laughs. Headlining are the exceptional Jarlath Regan and Patrick Monaham at Bar Rumba close to Leicester Square.

Price: £16.50-£24 and you will need to book as this event sells out fast!

 

Irish gigs

If you want to immerse yourself in traditional Irish music and atmosphere The Ceili Band will be performing at the Soho cocktail bar, Archer Street, from 4pm. This fantastic way to celebrate the day comes with special offers on St Paddy’s themed cocktails as the five traditional musicians entertain with Irish songs.

 

Irish Film Festival

You can catch the closing night of the weekend Irish Film Festival on Sunday the 17th where you can watch films of the Irish, from 6:30pm in the Regent Street Cinema, 307 Regent St, Marylebone.

 

The Big Guinness Weekender

For a change of the usual, the Indian Restaurant Brigadiers in Mansion House has a beautiful Sunday roast going for The Big Guinness Weekender where you can catch some rugby and keep the Guinness flowing with a ‘Guinness Butler Service’ for only £20!

 

 

No one celebrates better than the Irish! London March 17th will be a day of loud, fun, exciting and “happy” vibes and activities. Whether you spend the day in a pub or attending any of our chosen events, just make sure to delight in the celebrations. Mowbray Court Hotel, Kensington London, knows how to spend the day and will make sure you do too! We have all the details and directions to where you choose to go, and offer a wonderful accommodation in the perfect location for all things to do in London.

 

C2C Music Festival London, 2019

C2C Country to Country; Europe’s biggest country music festival will be in London this weekend! The O2 arena will have country music fans dancing and singing away to an amazing line up from Friday March 8 to Sunday March 10th. So grab your cowboy hat and put on your sexy boots! It’s time to get pumped, teary-eyed, and ecstatic.

This year marks its seventh year in production and will be hosted by the famous English music presenter Bob Harris, OBE, – host of various BBC programme and co-founder of the magazine Time Out.

This ever-growing in popularity country music festival sees the major superstar, four time Grammy (™) Award winner, chart record breaker Keith Urban joining for the first time. The much loved and acclaimed musicians Chris Stapleton and Lady Antebellum will also be playing headline spots. With many more acclaimed artists hitting the stage, making debuts, and bringing the best of Nashville to London.

Headliners:

 

Friday 8th 

 

KEITH URBAN

 

BRETT ELDREDGE

 

CAM

 

CHASE RICE

 

 

Saturday 9th

LADY ANTEBELLUM  

HUNTER HAYES

DUSTIN LYNCH

CARLY PEARCE

 

Sunday 10th

CHRIS STAPLETON

LYLE LOVETT

ASHLEY MCBRYDE

DRAKE WHITE & THE BIG FIRE

 

Book your hotel in London and head down to enjoy the country fun! If you are looking for places to go and things to do in London while you are here, we – the Mowbray Court Hotel, Kensington, regularly and happily post on our blog about events and activities going on around town. 

 

4 Yoga Spaces to Try in Kensington

Don’t want to venture far to experience a burst of toning activity that brings ease to the soul? When you stay in Kensington, London, you don’t have to. There are impressive yoga spaces you can head to near by with all sorts and styles of Yoga to give you a reenergizing break.

Yoga remains an all-time favorite fitness choice, full of benefits for mind and body. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, Yoga, Pilates, and barre classes are excellent and effective workouts that sculpt and tone the muscles, improve both mental and physical health and are offered in specific Yoga studios in London as well as gyms in London.

We’ve rounded up 4 Yoga studios in Kensington to find a perfect escape from the buzzing fast-paced city of London to save you some valuable time better spent on the mats.

1.     CORE COLLECTIVE – Kensington

This space offers more than yoga, but Power yoga is a class to try for those who like their yoga a little more intense. An energizing mixture of strength and flexibility poses with holds will kick start any time of your day.

2.     BARRECORE – Chelsea

When it comes to ballet inspired barre core, the graceful movements and postures have a little balance help. Deep stretches, sequences of Asanas, and breathing exercises here will leave you toned, stretched, and rejuvenated. You can even sign up online and enjoy customized workouts from your home.

3.     TRIYOGA – Chelsea

This gem offers a huge variety of yoga classes of various styles and relaxation methods, workshops and treatments. A place for peace of mind, this is a recommended well equipped yoga zone to visit.

4.     VIRGIN ACTIVE – Kensington

Virgin active is full of life and activity, where you can experience all sorts of Anti-gravity yoga and barre classes, align- forest/ Hatha/Scarvelli and Iyengar yoga. Go upside down and airborne for aerial yoga in silk hammocks for an amazingly fun way to tone, stretch and relieve the stresses of the week. Give it a try.

Where ever you choose to go, whatever activity you are looking for, we regularly blog about the best things to do in London and are more than happy to direct you to where you want to go. A great hotel does all and more to make your stay a pleasant one and that’s why we at Mowbray Court Hotel, Earls Court, Kensington, know how to relax and get some down time in and share all the good information.

5 Alternative Things to do in London this Valentines 2019

5_alternative_things_to_do_in_London_this_valentines

 

If you are in London this valentine, there’re great many ways to celebrate – other than the usual roses and box of chocolates. The magnificent city of London offers mind opening experiences and deep soulful sounds of life whether you plan to celebrate with romance or not.

Here are 5 alternative things to do in London on Valentine’s day.

 

Gaze into the Colours of Bonnard

For the lovers of art, a gorgeous idea for a dreamy date, take a trip into the colour filled, soul reviving and enlightening world of the French painter Pierre Bonnard. View some of his stunning pieces in the exceptional ‘The C C Land Exhibition Pierre Bonnard The Colour of Memory’ on at the Tate Modern.

To top it off, you could head up to the 6th floor for a breath-taking view from Tate Modern and enjoy a romantic dinner with the London Skyline all around you.

What: The C C Land Exhibition Pierre Bonnard The Colour of Memory

Where: Tate Modern, Bankside

Price: GBP 18.00

 

Marvel at Dior

For love of fashion, design, beauty and desire visit the Christian Dior – ‘Designer of Dreams’ exhibition in The Victoria and Albert Museum. A beautiful display of ‘the century’s most influential couturier’, explore the history of and impact of Dior on fashion all the way back from 1947 until present day. The historical fashion house of design exhibition will bring sparkle to anyone’s eyes and be fabulous to share with whoever you are paired up with on the day of love.

What: Christian Dior‘Designer of Dreams’ Exhibition

Location: V&A, Cromwell Road

Price: GBP 20-24

 

Get Mediterranean in Cous Cous Darna Restaurant

A sensual dinner choice, Darna is said by many to have the best Moroccan food in London. Warm the heart with a plate of flavorsome fluffy couscous in Moroccan ambiance. The cultural cuisine and setting will enthuse hypnotic energy and an evening to remember.

What: Couscous Darna Restaurant

Location: 306 Earls Court Road, South Kensington

Cuisine: Local, African, Moroccan, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean

 

Join the Embargo Event ‘Gatsby’ Style

If you are in the mood for an evening of dancing, booze drinking, live jazz music, and immersive performances, Embargo event is a ‘Gatsby’ themed night of 1920’s decadence. Transport back to the fun of the roaring twenties during prohibition, where you and your companion will be welcomed with a drink to start with, followed by a 3-course dinner and a half-bottle of prosecco.

What: Valentines Show and Dinner Embargo event

Location: Ivory Vaults, Ivory House St Katherine Docks

Price: GBP 65

 

Forget your Surroundings with the Soul of a Cappella

The U. K’s leading female a cappella quintet will perform powerful and soulful songs of the High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone, in the award winning live venue The Jazz Café this Valentines. Whether you choose to sit and dine or stand and just soak up the beauty of their voices in an exquisite performance, this is something that will definitely take the spot light off your companion and fire up the rhythms of your soul – which makes it on the list of alternative things to do on Valentines.

What: Black Voices Quintet Present: The Soul of Nina Simone

Where: The Jazz Café, 5 Parkway London, Camden

Price: Standing GBP 15, Restaurant GBP 25

 

 

We understand that it’s not always easy to narrow down the best things to do on your visit to London. That’s what we are here for. we at the Mowbray Court Hotel, Earls Court, take our time to give you the top places to go whatever the occasion, to share remarkable activities we come across and tailor to our guest’s information inquiries. Find more of what you are looking for on our blog.

We wish you a gorgeous Valentines day however you decide to celebrate.  

Animal Aid Christmas Fayre – Kensington Town Hall, Sunday Dec 9th 2018

Welcome Christmas! The time for giving, caring, warmth and joy  extends to the animals too. Sunday Dec 9th sees the popular Animal Aid’s London Christmas fair in the Kensington, London, celebrating with over a 100 stalls of animal cruelty-free items for you to enjoy along with the support of ethical companies and campaign groups.

For all vegan and animal lovers and even those who like a little variety, join the good cause with one of the UK’s largest animal rights group and celebrate a lovely day in an animal cruelty-free event. Throughout the day from 10:30-4:30PM in the Kensington Town Hall, yummy vegan cakes and beers, dairy-free cheeses, chocolate and savory pies will be on offer for your liking. There will also be a wonderful variety of animal-friendly footwear, clothing, jewelry, artwork, and skincare products. A great place to start your Christmas shopping!

Children’s workshop will also entertain the little ones as they dive deeper into the values of animal rights.

Just a brief 15-20min walk from Mowbray court hotel, Kensington, London, we point you in all the right directions, because even Santa loved his reindeer – the naughty ones too J

Let’s do what we can in the ways we can to help give a warm and merry Christmas to big and small furry animals.

Admission GDP 3, children under 11 yrs are admitted for free.