Santa’s Grottos to Visit during Your 2019 London Christmas Tour

London is jam-packed with tourists during December. There are many Christmas-related events and attractions to see after all. Among them are the numerous Santa’s grottos in the city.

Basically, a Santa’s grotto is a site where kids can get gifts from and talk to a man dressed up as Father Christmas. Also called Santa’s workshop, it’s decorated with Christmas trees, toys, and lights. One or a few employees may also play as elves. 

Santa’s grottos can be found in London’s tourist spots and stores. The best ones are as follows:

 

• Hyde Park’s Santa Land

 

Santa Land forms part of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. The entrance to the royal park and its holiday-themed attractions are free. This covers the visit to its Santa’s workshop.

Every kid will get a gift from the park’s Santa. But because it’s free, expect long queues. Make sure you arrive early at Hyde Park Corner Tube Station to lessen your waiting time or to reach on time you can book any budget hotels near Wembley Stadium. There’s no need to book a ticket.

 

• Chelsea’s Christmas Grottos

 

For £27.50, your child can enter Chelsea’s Christmas grotto. While it’s not free, the fee saves you and your child from waiting for so long. Your kid can join the storytelling sessions and games as well.

Located at Pavilion Road, you can go there by riding the tube and alighting at Piccadilly station. Book your ticket in advance to further save time. If you have a preschooler, he or she is more suitable for the baby grotto. The regular grotto is for school-aged children.

Santa’s Grotto in Leicester Square

A few steps from Leicester Square tube station, you can reach the nearby Santa’s grotto. With a ticket worth £11.50, your child can listen to Father Christmas’ story. Afterward, Santa will listen to his or her requests. 

A small cabin serves as the grotto. Up to 20 children can join each reading session.

You can also read: Looking for Family Fun in London?

Father Christmas’ Headquarters in Royal Albert Hall

The holiday-inspired decors and activities delight kids visiting the century-old concert hall. Meeting Father Christmas is among the said activities. The ticket costs £39.24 per child.

The ticket covers an hour-long set of activities spent with Father Christmas, his elves, and other well-loved characters. There’ll be puppet shows and live music, too. After the activities, your child will bring home a toy. 

You can visit the hall before or after a stroll in Kensington Gardens. High Street Kensington and South Kensington are the nearest tube stations.

Museum of London’s Victorian Grotto

Fantasy meets history in the Museum of London’s Victorian-inspired grotto. Located near the South Kensington tube station, a child can enter the grotto for £10. 

Expect to see decors and listen to carols from inspired by the Victorian era. Aside from meeting Santa and taking home a gift, finding the grotto is also a fun experience for kids. It’s at the end of a walkthrough filled with Victorian decorations and designed like a wonderland.

Experience London Christmas at its finest by staying in a family-friendly place like Best Western Palm Hotel. It’s near three tube stations namely Golders Green, Brent Cross, and Kilburn.

Kids can feel the joy of giving and receiving in a Santa’s grotto. Visiting one is enough for them to have a memorable holiday in London.  

Little One Approved: The Most Child-Friendly Restaurants in London

Want to take your kids to a treat? While it’s easy to resort to a pizza-and-soda combo, why not try something new? Give your little ones a new set of food palettes to choose from with these nine child-friendly restaurants in London!

All-Star Lanes

Address: Brick Lane, Holborn, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, and Westfield Stratford

Pricing: £6.50 to £17.50

If you don’t want to give drastic food changes for your kids, try All Star Lanes’ variety of US diner-style cuisine during your stay at Best western Palm Hotel Golders Green. Aside from eating, you can also

have a short bowling session at All-Star Lanes!

Bodean’s

Address: Balham, Clapham, Covent Garden, Fulham, Old Street, Soho, and

Tower Hill

Pricing: £4.95

With its burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese, chicken wings, ribs, and pulled pork

sandwiches, Bodean’s will surely make anyone’s tummy happy. If you’re

worried about your kids eating too much, they have a specialized kids’ menu

that serves food in small, bite-sized pieces.

Café Murano

Address: St. James’s and Covent Garden

Pricing: £10

Want to give your children a laid-back, Italian cuisine experience? Head over

to Café Murano and try their top-notch pasta while your kids devour their

self-made kids’ menu.

You can also read: London’s Top Sites for Harry Potter Fans

Cubana

Address: 48 Lower Marsh, SE17RG and Smithfield

Pricing: £25 and under

Is your child a fan of bright, well-lit places? Then the Cubana is the right one

for you and your little one! Aside from a kids’ menu, they also take pride in

their pudding and mocktails that will give your children a glimpse of the adult

dining.

HIX Soho

Address: 66-7-Brewer Street, W1F 9UP

Pricing: £7

Want to take you and your child down to a luxurious meal? Try HIX Soho and

its wide menu of English meals. Did you know that kids under 10 years old

can also get a free, special treat?

Homeslice

Address: Fitzrovia, Marylebone, Neal’s Yard, Shoreditch, and White City 

Pricing: £60 for a meal of two

Are your kid’s craving for the good, old pizza? Let them have Homeslice

20-inch pizza to satisfy their savory cravings. If you’re on a budget, you can

even buy them per slice!

Masala Zone

Address: Bayswater, Camden, Covent Garden, Earl’s Court, Islington, Soho

Pricing: £8.50 to £12.50

Want to treat your kids to an Indian food trip without leaving the country?

Try Masala Zone and their huge selection of biryanis, curries, and dhals.

Mudchute Kitchen

Address: Mudchute Park & Farm, Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3HP, Hackney

City Farm, and Surrey Docks Farm

Pricing: £4

If you’re into a countryside-themed escapade, head to Mudchute Kitchen.

This independently-owned café will truly satisfy your kids’ taste buds with

their healthy and organic dishes.

Wahaca

Address: Check their website for a full list of their 16 locations

Pricing: £35 for a meal of two

Want to let your little ones have some Mexican food? Head to the

ever-bustling Mahaca! Knowing that Mexican food can be quite spicy, their

kids’ menu tones their spices down to match your little one’s taste buds.

They also offer allergy-friendly dishes!

Getting There

Knowing that these restaurants are scattered around London, the nearest tube lines aren’t one-size-fits-all. To find the nearest tube station around your area, pick your destination first and start searching from there.

Where to Stay

Planning to have an extended vacation? Don’t let your budget cut short and choose Palm Hotel as your accommodation which is also one of the best wedding venues in North West London. With its high-class services at an affordable price, you can spoil your little ones without breaking the bank!

Your Handy Guide to the London Craft Week

 

Got nimble fingers and creative mind? If you’re staying at any of the hotels near Wembley Arena, then you should check out this year’s London Craft Week. But what awaits you at this annual crafts festival?

Here’s everything you need to learn about London Craft Week.

About London Craft Week

London Craft Week celebrates British and international creativity through a week of exciting programs held across the capital. This is the time to appreciate skill, passion, individuality, and imagination.

This non-profit event showcases craftsmanship from design to art to fashion and food. Enjoy five days of a whole range of events including workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, meet the makers, talks, interviews, and live discussions. This is your chance to meet new and emerging craftsmen including notable luxury brands in this weeklong festival.

When and where is it happening?

Now on its fifth year, London Craft Week is happening on May 8-12, 2019 in various locations across London. Events will be held in a wide range of workshop spaces, studios, galleries, museums, and even in shops of luxury brands throughout the capital. Feel the celebration from Greenwich to Hampstead and from Mayfair to Shoreditch.

How to book tickets?

If you’re coming from outside the country, the good news is that you don’t have to book tickets because half of the events are open house, so admission is free.

For events that need pre-booking, you can check out the event’s official website at https://www.londoncraftweek.com/.

You can also read: EXPLORING THE CITY OF LONDON

Free events near you

If you’re planning to pay London Craft Week a visit, here are some of the free events that are happening near your resident. Visit their website for London Craft Week’s full list of programs.

• Indigo Hands. Discover the art of Jigoku date (making hell), one of the world’s most complex dye production process. Enjoy an exhibit of handmade and hand dyed flags, and learn to dye from a series of workshops in KIOSK N1C hosted by BUAISOU.
• JIZAI by Haruo Mitsuta. Learn about Jizai Okimono, the art of creating flexible animal figures from metal pieces from contemporary artist Haruo Mitsuta at the Daiwa Foundation Japan House.
• Scented Candle-Making Masterclass w/ Earl of East London. Find out how candles and bath salt are made from Earl of East, a multisensory home fragrance brand inspired by travel.

The events above are only a part of the great things to happen at the London Craft Week. There are a lot more crafting disciplines to explore and fellow craftsmen to meet.

Now, take your craftsmanship to a whole new level and hone your skills through workshops from master craftsmen when you visit and stay at any of the hotels in North West London.

 

All about the London Book Fair 2019

All about the London Book Fair 2019

Are you an up-and-coming writer, a seasoned publisher, or an avid bookworm? If you happen to be in London this March 2019, then you’re in luck – you can get the chance to visit one of the biggest literary trade fairs in the world, the London Book Fair while staying at any of the hotels in North West London.

What Is the London Book Fair?

A book-publishing trade exposition, the London Book Fair is held annually in London, England. The event is held over a span of 3 days. It is attended by over 25,000 exhibitors and visitors from all over the world. In essence, the London Book Fair is an international marketplace where publishers, rights agents, librarians, and booksellers can negotiate among one another for the rights and sales of literary content.

Not a publishing professional? No worries! The London Book Fair is not all business – it is also open to readers. The fair has a lot of activities in store, which book fanatics will surely enjoy.

Opening Times and Dates

The event will be held on March 12-14 this year. The fair will last from 9:00 to 18:30 on March 12 and 13, and from 9:00 to 17:00 on March 14. If you’re coming from outside London and planning to drop by, make sure to plan ahead and book accommodations in Cricklewood London in advance and be available on these dates.

How to Go There

The venue for the 2019 London Book Fair is Olympia London at Hammersmith Rd, Kensington, London, W14 8UX.

#1 – Train and Tube

Olympia London is easily accessible by train and tube. The London Overground Network contains the Kensington (Olympia) station, which is just a step away from West Brompton (District Line) or Shepherd’s Bush (Central Line). The venue is also within walking distance from Baron’s Court (Piccadilly Line) and Hammersmith Station (Hammersmith & City Line).

#2 – Bus

Prefer riding a bus? Buses 9, 23, 27, 28, 49 and 391 all have stops near the venue. There is also night service run by buses N9, N23, N27, and N28.

#3 – Coach

From the airport, the easyBus can drop you off at West Brompton. You can then hop on the District Line and alight at Kensington (Olympia), which is just one stop away on London Overground.

National Express, on the other hand, can get you to the London Victoria Coach station. From there, you can again ride on the District Line going towards West Brompton.

#4 – Taxi

Finding it hard to follow the directions? You can simply flag down a London taxi and tell the driver you’re going to Olympia London. Just note that in London, passengers are expected to tip 10-15% of the fare!

What to Do in the Fair

Whether you’re a publishing professional or an enthusiastic bibliophile, you will surely find a lot of activities and opportunities in the London Book Fair. The London Book Fair hosts a lot of activities in its 3-day run, including meetings for publishers, introducing new titles to visitors, awarding of prizes, and several talks, workshops, and conferences. This year, the fair will be focusing on the Indonesian market, as well as on the emerging genre of audio publishing.

You can also read: Fashionista Galore: Best Designer Shops in London

Getting Tickets to the London Book Fair

Tickets can be purchased online via the London Book Fair website. A visitor ticket costs £45+VAT, while a priority access ticket costs £100+VAT.

Don’t miss your chance to attend this enormous event! Plan ahead and book your tickets now while it’s early.

 

Best Cocktail Bars in London

Swishing down your dinner with a refreshing tonic or warm whiskey is undoubtedly one of the best ways to cap off the night. No need to look further; London’s got the best cocktail bars in town and if you don’t want to spend a lot on travel it is advisable to book any of the hotels in Cricklewood London.

Disrepute

Tucked in the posh Soho neighborhood, Disrepute is known because of its “siblings”, the more popular Barrio and Sovereign Loss. Disrepute is also known for décor and ambiance that scream the ‘60s and ‘70s. You might want to try their cocktails that emit a sense of nostalgia.

Address: 4 Kingly Street, Soho, London

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, Picadilly Circus Stations

Mr. Fogg’s

A trip to Mayfair may suddenly inspire you to read Jules Verne’s sci-fi novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. This is because the interiors and even the cocktail list will remind you of the literary work, plus the fact that Mr. Fogg’s alludes to Phileas J Fogg, the novel’s protagonist.

Expectedly so, there’s an audiobook copy of the novel in the bathrooms, which you can listen to while you attend to your needs.

Address: 15 Bruton Ln, Mayfair

Nearest Tube: Green Park Tube, Bond Street, Charing Cross, and Victoria Railway

The Fumoir at Claridge’s

Take in the cozy atmosphere at The Fumoir, where you can rest and relax against leather walls and plush seats. The dim lights contribute to the relaxing atmosphere as well. As for the cocktails? They’re uber-fantastic and tasty.

Address: Brook St., Mayfair, London

Nearest Tube: Bond Street Subway Station, Oxford Circus Underground Station, Marble Arch Subway Station

You can also read: Mary Poppins Magical Tours of London

The Blind Pig

There’s a funny side to the name of the bar. First, it’s a little challenging to locate, thus alluding to your “blindness”. Second, it’s located under an “optician” sign. But once you get inside, your visual senses will marvel at the copper-topped bar, antique mirrors, and wooden furniture.

Address: The Social Eating House, 58 Poland Street, London

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus Tube, Piccadilly Circus, Charing Cross, Euston Railway

Seymour’s Parlour

No other cocktail bar spells quaint than Seymour’s Parlour, which looks every bit like a Victorian study while a resident at any of the budget hotels in North London. For one, there’s a real fireplace, which sets you up in a romantic mood as you sip the cocktails the bar is noted for Royale Royale champagne, or Fleur du Mal cocktail.

Address: 28-30 Seymour St., Marylebone, London

Nearest Tube: Marble Arch, Bond Street, and Edgware Road Station

Joyeux Bordel

Like the French, this cocktail bar exudes a certain je ne sais quoi element to it. Joyeux, which means “happy”, literally creates a happy hangout for music lovers and Francophiles. Listen to vintage vinyl records and drink your favorite French-inspired cocktail.

Address: 147 Curtain Road, London

Nearest Tube: Old Street Station, Moorgate Subway, and Liverpool Street Subway Station

The Beaufort Bar

Glamour and luxury meet in The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy in Covent Garden, London. The décor and ambiance immediately transport you to 1920s London, with its Art Deco setting, champagne flutes, and (possibly) men clad in black suits and women in fringe dresses.

Address: Savoy Hotel Strand, WC2R OEZ London

Nearest Tube: Holborn Tube Station, Covent Garden Tube, Charing Cross Railway, and Farrington Rail

Strolling Around North London

North London houses an assortment of popular attractions and destinations bound to attract tourists and locals alike. This is why it’s only natural for hotels in North London to pop out and provide accommodation for those who seek it. It’s now up to the guests to choose an affordable hotel without sacrificing comfort and safety.

 

One of these hotels is Best Western Palm Hotel London, or simply, Palm Hotel. Palm Hotel has 100 guestrooms, complete with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat screen television and a work desk area. Rooms are designed to have a spacious interior and a walk-in shower. Palm Hotel also offers free parking for the guests who brought their cars.

 

One of the four-star budget hotels in north London, Palm Hotel also has a function room perfect for private and corporate events. They also have a 24/7 bar and a fitness gym that’s open to all guests.

 

However, these are not the only features the hotel could offer. Best Western Palm Hotel London is strategically placed near the popular spots in North London. Located near Wembley Arena, guests have the option to visit museums and parks just a ride away from the hotel.

 

Fans of Sherlock Holmes will love the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which is located at 221b Baker Street, a street made famous by the series itself. Inside, visitors will be able to feel closer to the novel’s characters as the museum recreates some of the scenes from the show, while giving off a Victorian-era aura through the different decorations and exhibits.

 

For those who want to unwind and find a bit of a reprieve from the city’s chaos, look no further than what Regent’s Park has to offer. Locals will tell you that is a must-visit. With an area of 395 acres, Regent’s Park boasts a large open space, beautiful gardens, and various children playgrounds. The park also has sports facilities and activities, perfect for those who are tired of the four corners of the gym. Take a stroll around the Queen Mary’s Gardens, watch a performance at the Open Air Theatre, and hire a boat or a pedalo and enjoy rowing around the lake.

 

The Hotel is situated in Hendon Way, just a walk away from Cricklewood train station and Golders Green tube station. Guests coming from the Heathrow Airport could ride a bus or hire a cab to reach the hotel.

 

Guests could avail discounts by booking early or online.

How to Manage Your Money More Efficiently

Some individuals seem to have more money than they can spend. Most, however, have to make do with just enough.

There are many ways to manage your money more efficiently. By making some changes in your outlook and behavior, even money which is “just enough” can go a long way.

Here are some behavior tweaks you can apply for better money management:

• Do not spend more than what you earn.

This seems pretty obvious. However, some people depend on credit and overdrafts to finance a lifestyle they cannot afford.

You should take a look at your earnings and formulate a budget based on that. Make a list of all the essentials you have to pay for – rent, food, electricity, water, phone bills, transportation, childcare, education, etc. Set aside some money for savings. If you have some money to spare, you can probably spend it for some affordable forms of leisure and relaxation for the family.

If you have extra money for budget travel, make sure that you check out your options for cheap hotels in Cricklewood London.

• Pay bills on time.

Save on late payment charges. Know exactly when specific bills are due and make sure that you pay them on or prior to those dates.

• Set aside some money for emergencies.

Figure out how much money you have left after you pay your bills. Set aside some of the extra and deposit it into a savings account earmarked for emergencies. When there are unexpected expenses you have to deal with, you have money in the bank for them. You will not have to borrow money.

• Compare prices.

You can view comparison sites on the internet for expenses like insurance or utilities. This can help you mull over the options and choose the one which is the most viable for you.

A couple about to get married will do well to compare prices for wedding venues in North London and determine what exactly those prices cover in terms of services and add-ons.

• Make use of special offers and vouchers.

Organize these offers/vouchers so that you can keep track of their expiration dates. Use offers only when it is practical to do so. Availing of a buy-one take-one offer for canned food that you do not like does not make sense.

• Get financial advice from the professionals.

If you are heavily in debt, find out what exactly you can do to address the problem. Do not bury your head in the sand and wait for things to come to a head.

Explore London’s Gallery of Budget-Friendly Museums with Your Family

If you are visiting London with your whole family, you may have to carefully plan out what places to see and what things to do so that you get real value for your travel money.

Going to some of London’s top attractions may be a tad expensive. Fortunately, there are many interesting things to do for much less.

Families who visit London with just enough money to spend have discovered that exploring London’s many museums is a good way to spend time in the city. You even have free entry to many of them.

Going to museums is entertaining and educational. It is a fun and fruitful way to get to know the city. To make things even better, there are many budget hotels near Wembley Stadium. You will find it convenient to go and see the many art galleries and museums that London has to offer.

• Natural History Museum

This museum features a wide collection of natural history specimens from all over the world. Everybody will be fascinated by the iconic magnificent Diplodocus skeleton, the gallery of dinosaurs, and the breathtaking blue whale in the mammals display, among many other exhibits.

• National Maritime Museum

Your kids will enjoy a treasure trove of nautical maps, models, artifacts, and other maritime memorabilia. There is an interactive play boatyard for children aged 7 years and below where kids can catch fish or fuel a boiler.

To round up your day, you can go and visit The Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory, or the Meridian Line which are all within walking distance from the museum.

• British Museum

This museum is a showcase of treasures representing cultures all over the world. The Egyptian mummies are always a hit with the young and old alike. The museum features themes, activities for kids, digital workshops, and other stimulating events that the whole family will find fascinating.

• The London Transport Museum

Learn about London’s transport history by visiting this museum. The younger ones will enjoy climbing into the mini vehicles found in the kids’ play zone. Everybody will want to get inside the iconic London taxi and the red bus.

• Horniman Museum

This is an anthropological treat. The museum sits in 16 acres of land. Your kids will enjoy running around the beautifully landscaped gardens and getting some fresh air. The museum features an ultra-modern aquarium, a gallery for traditional natural history, as well as a variety of more than a thousand musical instruments. You can even try out some of the instruments.

Enjoy your visit to the capital by staying in any of the Best Western Hotels London.

Qualities To Look For In A Hotel

When you are travelling it is not just the destination and things there that help you have a good time it is also your stay. If your lodging is uncomfortable or horrible then it could affect your whole trip adversely. A good hotel is necessary so you can have a good holiday or travel time. There are a lot of hotels in any place you go to but as all things are not all hotels are made equal and you need to choose the best for yourself. It also depends highly on your taste and needs when it comes to a hotel being good or bad. Instead of regretting for your whole trip or having to find another one on the spot and ruining your holiday time it is better if you look for certain qualities beforehand booking it. If you are holidaying or travelling to London then you should know that there are all kinds of hotel here and it can get stressful so booking beforehand online is a good thing. Wembley Arena is a popular area or concerts and is nearby all other attractions in London. One of the best hotels near Wembley arena is Palm Hotel UK if you would like to take a recommendation.

Qualities to look for in a hotel:

1. Location: A hotel at a good location can save you money on transportation which can be a lot if you are in a city like London. So, make sure if you are in London to see all the classic and beautiful things you get hotels near Wembley arena which is nearby most of the attractions.
2. Good food: if you are staying in a certain hotel then you would also want to mostly eat there. So when you check out other facilities before booking a hotel also check out food services, prices and how the ratings are for it. For hotels near Wembley arena with good food services Palm hotel UK is a good choice.

how should your Christmas party venue be like?

Christmas is just around the corner and as it is the biggest celebration of the year you need to prepare for it well. Throwing a Christmas party means bringing together loved ones like family members, relatives, friends and colleagues.  Christmas always sees large gather so throwing a Christmas party at home might not be that comfortable and convenient which is why you can book Christmas venues. London is a busy town and everyone is throwing a Christmas party, so if you want a good Christmas party venue then deciding on which venue is more suitable for you and booking early is the right thing to do. Christmas party at the backyard might not look so Christmas-y. However, you need to find a venue that fits your needs well. One of the best options for Christmas party venues London is booking a hotel venue.

How should your Christmas party venue be like?

1. Right for the number of guest: if you have 500 guests then don’t go for a venue that exactly holds 500, it is going to be congested and not party like. Don’t book a venue too big that it looks empty with your number of guests but don’t book something that might be congested as well. For the right party venues North London do a little of internet research and book early.
2. Help should be available: getting helpers for the party from outside can be costly and difficult to manage. That is why your venue should have helpers available and if you book a hotel venue that comes very easily.
3. Right location: you don’t want to invite the guests to a Christmas party that is hours and hours of drive away. If you need a venue in North London then find a central kind of place. Palm hotel in North London is perfectly situated to be one of the best Christmas party venues London.