Corinthia Hotel London - Eté 2017

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CORINTHIA HOTEL

EDITORIAL

Welcome to London It’s April and we are on the cusp of possibly the most exciting time of year in our vibrant capital city, The London Season. Major sporting and entertainment events come thick and fast over the next few months and the cognoscenti go shopping for the most outrageous frocks and hats to grace the likes of Royal Ascot, the Henley Royal Regatta, Wimbledon, Cowes Week and the Chelsea Flower Show.

Never mind that you can’t differentiate a racehorse from a pony, a spin shot from a drop shot, or wisteria from a weed, ensure that you look your absolute best.

Our pages for this second issue are overflowing with sublime summer fashion and jewellery to help you shine at the spring and summer spectacles as well as an insider’s guide to what to expect at these quintessentially English events.

We haven’t forgotten the men; our Top Ten list of hi-tech gadgets no discerning male should be without makes for essential reading, while a chance to boost your brain power – whatever your gender - is the tantalising option in the feature on our Neuroscientist in Residence Dr Tara Swart.

An essential guide to all the must-see art exhibitions in London will fill your diaries long after the last horse has come in and another opportunity for a real taste of London – in the shape of a visit to the iconic antiques market of Portobello Road in Notting Hill – is in the spotlight too.

Enjoy London this spring and summer and do share your thoughts and suggestions with us on Instagram or Twitter via @CorinthiaLondon.

The Corinthia Hotel London Team.

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CONTENT

COUTURE SHOOT P04 SUBLIME SUMMER FASHION The Corinthia Hotel London provides a sumptuous backdrop for exquisite fashion and jewellery.

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A SUMMERY STAY AT THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON Visit nearby landmarks before chilling out in the Garden Lounge.

SPOTLIGHT ON PORTOBELLO ROAD The world’s largest market for antiques, bric-a-brac and collectibles.

INTERVIEW P22

P14 OBJECTS OF DESIRE Our shortlist of hi-tech items topping the wishlists of the discerning male.

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL

By Appointment Only Design: a creative, bespoke approach to the world of floristry.

P32 LONG LIVE THE LONDON SEASON! Historic events of worldwide renown and more recently, a rendezvous for fans of sport and outdoor entertainment.

DESTINATION LISBON P38 DESTINATION LISBON The Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, the ideal base for exploring this unique and diverse city.

NEUROSCIENTIST IN RESIDENCE P44 NEUROSCIENCE AND BRAIN POWER Dr Tara Swart, our Neuroscientist in Residence, reveals how to achieve peak performance and mental resilience.

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SPORT P50 TECHNOGYM WORKOUTS FOR CONNOISSEURS The world’s leading fitness brand equips the new 5-star gym at the Corinthia Hotel London.

P56 THE ROYAL PENTHOUSE The art of understatement with a regal Wow factor.

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WHAT THE BUTLER SAW Lucas Kongiel’s experience of delivering the fine art of hospitality to international guests.

AL FRESCO MUSIC AND SHOWS London’s favourite venues for concerts, popular classics, movies and children’s shows, all in the open air.

WHAT’S ON P66 TOP 20 ART SHOWS Traditional, quirky and avant-garde events for dedicated art-lovers.

P76 THE SHOW GOES ON Opera, ballet and theatre on the bill for spring and summer 2017.

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COUTURE SHOOT

SUBLIME SUMMER FASHION

THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON PROVIDES A SUMPTUOUS BACKDROP FOR EXQUISITE FASHION AND JEWELLERY

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COUTURE SHOOT

Team Credit: Photographer: Lorenzo Agius Fashion director: Marcella Martinelli Hair: Ben Cooke for Lockonego at Frank Agency using Pantene Make up: Kenneth Soh at Frank agency using la Mer and Marc Jacobs beauty Nail Technician: Stephanie Staunton at Carol Hayes Management using OPI Models: Xu Liu at Storm Models and Clarice at Next models Fashion: Silk tulle crocodile gloved dress and black tulle crystal chocker ballgown by Nicholas Oakwell Couture and matching shoes also

by Nicholas Oakwell Couture Stockist: www.nicholasoakwellcouture.com

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COUTURE SHOOT

Jewellery: All By GRAFF Diamond earrings and tiara Princess Butterfly watch Fashion: Pink cape dress by Bora Aksu Pink glittery heels by Christian Louboutin Stockists: www.graffdiamonds.com www.boraaksu.com www.christianlouboutin.com

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COUTURE SHOOT

Jewellery: All by Stephen Webster Plumage earrings and three fingers ring in white gold with diamonds and emeralds Fashion: Corseted sweetheart neckline gown with over forty thousand hand sewn emeralds Nagoire flat feathers by Suzie Turner Couture Stockists: www.stephenwebster.com www.suzieturner.com

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COUTURE SHOOT

Jewellery: All by Yeprem Finger ring, hand bracelet and necklace all white gold and diamonds Fashion: Dress by Stella McCartney at Browns Shoes by Jimmy Choo Couture Stockists: www.yepremjewellery.com www.brownsfashion.com www.jimmychoo.com

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Jewellery: All by Asprey Necklace; Ruby Pavillion Necklace Fashion: Dress by Ong-Oaj Pairam Couture Stockists: www.asprey.com www.ongoajpairam.com

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COUTURE SHOOT

Jewellery: All by H STERN Right hand: Celtic Dunes rind noble gold and 159 champagne diamonds and Celtic Dunes bracelet 18K noble gold and 1097 champagne diamonds Left hand: Sirius bracelet - 18K noble gold 204 champagne diamonds Fashion: Dress by Azagury Orange Organza Cloque Long Strapless Dress Stockists: www.hstern.com www.jacquesazagury.com

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Jewellery: All by Van Cleef & Arpels Earrings: Arbre de Vie Button d’Or necklace and bracelet in rose gold with carnelian and mother of Pearl Fashion: Dress, hat and shoes by Dolce & Gabbana stockists: www.vancleefarpels.com www.dolcegabana.com

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COUTURE SHOOT

Jewellery: All by Adler Cuff: Nubia in yellow gold with brown and white diamonds Earrings: Sail in white gold with titanium and diamonds Fashion: Silk Rouleau Dipped Dyed Dress

by Nicholas Oakwell Couture Pink glittery heels by Christian Louboutin Stockists: www.adler.ch www.christianlouboutin.com www.nicholasoakwellcouture.com

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Jewellery: Ring in yellow gold, Amethyst and diamonds by Chopard Fashion: L’Amoureux nude tulle dress and shoes

by Dior Stockists: www.chopard.com www.dior.com

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SHOPPING & TRENDS

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OBJECTS OF

DESIRE

The Best Men’s Accessories OUR SHORTLIST OF DESIRABLE ITEMS TOPPING THE WISHLISTS OF THE DISCERNING MALE, BE THEY SPORTSMEN, GEEK OR ULTRACOOL OPERATORS. FROM CUFFLINKS TO CARS, THE WORLD OF DESIGN AND HI-TECH COMPETES TO CREATE NEW CONCEPTS AND EXCITING PRODUCTS FOR ALL BUDGETS.

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1 | FOR THE SAVVY TECH TRAVELLER. Global GPS+3G tracking capabilities for the Bluesmart Black Edition, plus sleek design (sold in MoMA stores), USB charger, Bluetooth-enabled remote locking, carry-on size 22»x14»x9», tailored laptop compartment. www.bluesmart.com 2 | STAY CONNECTED. Stainless steel 16GB flash drive cufflinks for the 007 feel, from Ox & Bull Trading Company. Beautiful discreet finish, 16GB total storage capacity. www. oxandbull.com 3 | NOT AFRAID TO SHINE? Master & Dynamic has paired up with designer Carolyn Rowan to create a limited edition of jet black Swarovski crystal-beaded MH30 On-Ear headphones. Stylish, foldable, and likely to be borrowed by your life companion! www.masterdynamic.co.uk 4 | COOL-LOOKING CRAFT. Lazzarini proposes the 7.5-metre Jet Capsule, easy to manoeuvre and large enough to take 8-12 friends out for drinks on the port. Italian flair with spaceship-like housing. Several models available. www.seajetcapsule.com 5 | DON’T CRACK UNDER PRESSURE. Tag Heuer F1 Manchester United Special Edition. Prove your loyalty to Old Trafford by sporting this chronograph in PVD-coated steel with a titanium carbide bezel, tachymeter scale, and 1/10 second counter. www.tagheuer.com 6 | GO THE DISTANCE. The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a GPS running watch with ultrafast acquisition times, Elevate™ heart rate technolgy, customisable face and advanced metrics such as VO2 Max. Lasts up to 11 hours when using GPS. www.garmin.com 7 | SMARTLY GROOMED. Meeting international hand-luggage regulations, Czech & Speake’s Air-Safe Travel Manicure Set includes a hi-tech nail file whose sharp synthetic crystals act like microscopic planes to trim and shape the nails. Teflon coating guarantees longer life by reducing oxidisation. www.czechandspeake.com 8 | IN A WORLD OF YOUR OWN. Wireless noise-reducing SoundSport Pulse headphones from Bose, specifically designed for running, biking, workout sessions etc. Comfortable, water and sweat resistant, with integrated micro, heart rate sensor and more. www.bose. com 9 | CULT OF TRANSPARENCY. Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos 568. Presented at this spring’s Geneva Watch Fair, this Baccarat crystal clock designed

by Marc Newson is totally silent, has no secrets, tells no lies. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com 10 | GETTING ABOUT TOWN. For commuting or getting fit, the Montague Allston folding bike will fit the bill. 11-speed internal gear hub, carbon belt drive, hydraulic disc brakes, 38-mm tyres, rack stand, and virtually maintenance free. www.montaguebikes.com CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON MAGAZINE / 15

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DESTINATION LONDON

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SUMMERY STAY AT THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON

WHETHER YOU’RE HERE ON BUSINESS, FOR A WEEKEND BREAK OR A FEW DAYS WITH THE FAMILY, CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON IS IN JUST THE RIGHT SPOT FOR YOU TO ENJOY SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTS IN THE CAPITAL. CORINTHIA LONDON ALSO WELCOMES YOU TO ENJOY A FLOWERY, SUMMERY AMBIANCE, ESPECIALLY IN THE GARDEN LOUNGE, WHERE YOU CAN RELAX AL FRESCO AFTER A DAY VISITING THE CITY’S ICONIC SIGHTS

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OUT AND ABOUT Historic and more recent landmarks within easy reach of the Corinthia Hotel London

A stone’s throw from the River Thames, Corinthia Hotel London gazes across at the London Eye, the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, a relatively new symbol for the capital.

Gradually ascending to a height of 135 metres, its 32 glass capsules offer stunning views of the city. Interactive guides take you on a 30-minute tour in several languages. Open daily, it’s just a tenminute walk from the hotel across the Golden Jubilee Bridge.

If you don’t have a head for heights, City Cruises from the adjacent London Eye Pier offer a relaxed way of exploring London while soaking up the sun. Boats with panoramic windows and open upper decks leave every 30 minutes all year round, and you can also plan ahead for lunch, afternoon tea or Showboat Dinner cruises.

Back on dry land, just west of the London Eye, three attractions for children are waiting to be discovered in the Riverside Building of County Hall. The Sea Life London Aquarium is a magical world of amazing sea creatures with an Ocean Tunnel, glass Shark Walk, and this season’s special show on the world of the jelly-fish. Shrek’s Adenture! London is an indoor walk-and-ride attraction inspired by the hit Dreamworks film. There are ten live fairytale shows featuring all the kids’ favourite characters, captivating storytelling, a magic mirror maze, 4D ride and superb animation. For a total change of scene (and age group), the London Dungeon is a scary,

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creepy and hilarious attraction which takes you back in time, faceto-face with torturers, judges, jailers, murky settings, nerve-racking surprises and the tower of terror.

On the same side of the river the lively Southbank area is a very popular rendezvous for Londoners and tourists alike, especially in fine weather. Find lots of riverside restaurants, street performers, shops and the Southbank Centre comprised of the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room etc.

The Southbank Centre also hosts an open-air market on weekends with street food dishes cooked on the spot.

Sightseeing north of the river On leaving Corinthia Hotel London, you can take a leisurely stroll down Whitehall or the Victoria Embankment along the Thames to Westminster Pier, another departure-point for river cruises and right next to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is nearby, together with the Imperial War Museums and Churchill War Rooms, open daily to fans of history, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Alternately, head for the Mall which runs along St. James Park, a vast expanse of greenery with its lake and pelicans, much-loved by joggers, children and all those simply wanting to relax in the sun. Just next door, Horse Guards Parade plays host to ceremonial events throughout the year.

At the end of the Mall and St. James Park are the Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace, with the Changing of the Guard at 11.30 am on alternative days of the week. From July 22nd to October 1st, summertime tours of the Palace include the opulent State Rooms, entry to the Royal Gifts Exhibition and a visit of the Royal Park with views of the famous lake.

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CHILLING OUT IN THE GARDEN LOUNGE A cool hideaway inviting you to relax, catch up on the news, meet up with friends and enjoy coffee, gourmet delicacies AND SUMMER COCKTAILS in the open air

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Designed by the David Collins Studio, The Garden Lounge is a snug retreat in winter and a breath of fresh air in summer. At the centre of the hotel, adjacent to the Crystal Moon Lounge with its stunning Baccarat chandelier of 1,001 crystals, it invites you to sink into comfy brick-red sofas and armchairs, set out around marbletopped tables.

In line with the hotel’s fondness for distinctive modern art, the lounge’s tall columns and plinths are adorned by handcrafted mosaics by French artist Mathilde Jonquière. These subtle compositions in gold, cream, terracotta and grey provide a wonderful backdrop for relaxing in the lounge with its charming bar area. A plethora of green plants and flowers add the final summery touch.

Al fresco dining Open every day, The Garden Lounge serves breakfast from 7am to noon and lunch from noon to 4pm. Breakfast is a leisurely affair ranging from mini-croissants to Loch Var smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, or a maple cured bacon sandwich. All-day dining items include caviar, salads, grilled beef burger, British and international cheeses with chutney and crackers, vegetarian suggestions and enticing desserts. Plus items from the Brain Power Menu, such as superfood salad, organic salmon and green mango, coconut tapioca with papaya and lemon balm.

Then comes a real treat: traditional Afternoon Tea, the perfect accompaniment to the English social season. Delicate finger sandwiches, delicious homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, and a choice of irrestible fancies, are all served with a range of teas or, for an extra touch of luxury, a glass of chilled LaurentPerrier Champagne.

As the sun sets, The Garden Lounge transforms itself into the perfect setting for summer cocktails on balmy, dusky evenings beneath the stars, with snacks and suppers served until 1am.

For fans of cigars, the bonus is a walk-in Humidor with a cigar sommelier to advise on a selection of over 50 top-notch brands. The perfect way to round off a day in the heart of London.

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INTERVIEW

A LOVE AFFAIR

WITH ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL

By Appointment Only Design: a creative, bespoke approach to the world of floristry

THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND BY APPOINTMENT ONLY DESIGN (BAOD), OWNER JAVIER SALVADOR IS ITS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, DESIGNER AND PROVIDER OF ALL-ROUND INSPIRATION. WITH BOUTIQUES ON CHILTERN STREET AND IN THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON, THIS POWERHOUSE OF CREATIVITY OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE STYLING AND CONCIERGE SERVICE AS A FLORIST, AS WELL AS EVENT AND WEDDING PLANNING. JAVIER SALVADOR TAKES PRECIOUS TIME OUT TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS

How did your career evolve from fashion and design to floristry, events and wedding planning ?

I have always had a creative eye; fashion and flowers are similar in the sense that you have to put together colours, layers and textures on a daily basis. Whilst studying at University, I worked in Events and saw the need for beautiful flowers. When I finished it was very clear to me, that there was a little more flexibility in Events and not just designing garments. I love how you can indulge yourself within the whole event, helping creatively with how the day will look, feel and even smell.

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What do you think are the main reasons for your success ?

Our signature style at BAOD is quite abundant and over the top (should I say) where MORE is NEVER enough. We believe in our standards and do not wish to compromise our quality or work; and whilst I opened By Appointment Only Design during a recession, there was still a demand from people looking for unique and elaborate floral displays for celebrations, events etc. FLOWERS MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY so we make sure our client service reflects this.

Each job is done with a huge smile and great pleasure - you’d be surprised how far that takes you! People want to work with people who enhance their lives.

Where do you obtain your flowers ?

Our flowers come directly from Holland with 3-4 deliveries per week to ensure we use the freshest flowers, although typically for a wedding we would receive the flowers at least 3-4 days in advance in order to prepare and allow for the flowers to open and be at their optimum to show. When using flowers, such as lilies, we will get these 10-14 days in advance. It truly does become an art of timing.

Is it easy to combine your own creativity in bouquets and floral installations with your clients’ wishes or preferences ?

I have never once told a client what they should have or use. I listen, observe and notice what they like. It is then that the process begins; the name By Appointment Only Design came from the need to understand what the client wanted, never once doing the same wedding/event over and over again.

INTERVIEW

«We have done international jobs, since the opening, in fact our second job ever was a beautiful three-day wedding on the outskirts of Paris in a lovely chateau.»

What roles do your boutiques on Chiltern Street and in the Corinthia Hotel play in your activities ?

Chiltern is the hub of our company and where our offices are based. The shop is open five days a week to the public selling flowers, candles and home-ware. At the Corinthia, our boutique is open 365 days of the year, during weekdays it is open as early as 6am and closes at 10pm. Within the hotel boutique you will see our team preparing and making floral arrangements for hotel guests and more. We also retail products from Rococo Chocolates, Books from Assouline and perfumes from Ormonde Jayne to name a few.

For me customer service comes first. I’m on the end of my phone 24/7 and no job is too big for us. Pleasing the client is mine and my team’s sole concern on each and every job. I’m a very good listener and would never tell a customer what they should have but will advise and inspire where needed and that always helps! It is then the process begins.

How do you create an atmosphere for a party or wedding so that it makes the client’s dream come true ?

An atmosphere is often created when people’s senses are hit from all angles, not just how the place looks, but how it smells to how the food tastes and even to how the staff are groomed and dressed. Our flowers have an impressive visual impact but we have recently launched a collection of ten scented candles and five room diffusers that will help any event stand out in terms of scenting. From the delicate scent of Powder Room to the Mossy deeper smell of Panelled Hallway, there is a candle for everyone in our collection. Our By Appointment Only Design Perfume collection is available from our boutique within Corinthia.

Can you mention one or two events and settings that stand out in your mind as being particularly spectacular ?

We have the pleasure to work with so many luxury beauty and fashion brands and every job we do is memorable for its own unique reason. Working with the end client from baby showers, birthday celebrations and weddings is where relationships are made. Two particular families come to mind; we started off doing the first daughter’s wedding, then the second…..and in one of the families, the third daughter has just got engaged.

You have also extended your scope to the international scene ?

We have done international jobs, since the opening; in fact our second job ever was a beautiful three-day wedding on the outskirts of Paris in a lovely Chateau. We have travelled all over, from Florence, Mallorca, Frankfurt and the furthest being Hong Kong.

Do you still run flower arrangement courses ?

We do indeed, we run these from our Chiltern Street shop and dates are released every couple of months. You must sign up to our Newsletter as we send emails out all the time. Byappointmentonlydesign.com It’s always been a pleasure to run these courses and to see the joy it brings through the end results.

Do you have more new ventures in the pipeline ?

Now that would be telling…….we are always looking and working on new projects and ways to diversify the brand! Again we are also excited about our By Appointment Only Design Perfumes collection that will be available online and within selected stores all over the UK. When you get time to relax, where do you like to go, what do you like to do ?

Trying NOT to look at my phone and answer emails! I get very little time to relax, but when I do, I will probably be drinking a Sauvignon Blanc in a beach club or on a beach in Ibiza. I fell in love with the White Island many years ago, and have to visit at least twice in the summer. It has been my dream to own a little place out there. Everyone has a dream and I believe in making them come true. www.minemagazinelondon.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

PORTOBELLO ROAD

FEWER THAN TWO MILES WEST OF CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON, A TOTALLY DIFFERENT WORLD DRAWS LONDONERS AND ITS VISITORS TO NOTTING HILL EACH WEEKEND. HERE, PORTOBELLO ROAD, THE WORLD’S LARGEST ANTIQUE MARKET, AND ITS MOST ICONIC STREET MARKET, AWAITS BUYERS AND SELLERS. IT IS IN FACT SEVERAL MARKETS ROLLED INTO ONE. ON SATURDAYS, THEY ARE ALL IN FULL SWING

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DESTINATION LONDON © P. Libera-London & Partners Visitlondon.com

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DESTINATION LONDON

Not for the faint-hearted, Portobello Road is a full mile’s trek brimming with colour, energy, hustle and haggling. Those in the know get here early, from 8.30 to 10am at the latest, to beat the jostling crowds and avoid losing sight of family and friends. Some shops are open on Fridays, though not the stalls: on both Fridays and Saturdays, closing time is around 7pm.

The star attraction is the antique and flea market, near Notting Hill tube station. Spilling onto Chepstow Villas and Elgin Crescent, this southern end of Portobello Road is a half-mile stretch comprised of scores of shops, arcades and stalls, laden with curiosities from all over the world, some dating back to Roman times. Whether you are looking for antique furniture, silverware, carpets, clocks, jewellery, crystal, porcelain, engravings or the most elusive kind of collectible, the choice is staggering. Some of the antique shops are open six days a week, so you can browse around more comfortably on a weekday than on Saturdays.

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Then there are arcades with their maze of indoor alleys, each one can keep you enthralled for a couple of hours. The Grays Antique Centre, for example, has over 200 stalls alone. Arcades also usually have cafes for refreshments and welcome time-out to reflect on the wisdom of a potential acquisition. Don’t forget that members of the Portobello Antiques Dealers Association (PADO) adhere to a code of practice, so you can buy with peace of mind. Look for the PADA logo and consult details of each member’s type of wares on www.lapada.org.

The middle section of Portobello is given over to fruit and vegetable stalls, new clothing, accessories and household goods, while Portobello Green and the northern end (Westway area, up to and along Golborne Road) is dedicated to vintage clothing, collectibles and bric-a-brac. Not so well-known among tourists, and more easily reached from Ladbroke Road tube station, this is where locals and London fashionistas come to rummage for secondhand bargains, many bearing top-notch designer labels.

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Those willing to walk a few blocks for more up-market eateries should try Ottolenghi (63 Ledbury Road), Beach Blanket Babylon in Rococo style (45 Ledbury Road), or The Ledbury (2-star Michelin restaurant, 127 Ledbury Road).

Pubs, both traditional and up-market, include the long-established Portobello Gold (95/97 Portobello Road), Portobello Star (171 Portobello Road), The Castle (225 Portobello Road), The Distillery (for fans of gin, 186 Portobello Road), the Walmer Castle (58 Ledbury Road) and Earl of Lonsdale (277 Westbourne Grove).

Those willing to walk a few blocks for more up-market eateries should try Ottolenghi (63 Ledbury Road), Beach Blanket Babylon in Rococo style (45 Ledbury Road), or The Ledbury (2-star Michelin restaurant, 127 Ledbury Road).

An absolute must for visitors to London, Portobello Road is vibrant, multicultural, buzzing with excitement and colour. Once experienced, it will become an essential item on your agenda whenever you return to the city.

Once upon a time…

Originally a country path, Portobello Road took its name from Porto Bello Farm, built some 300 years ago in the Golborne Road area. Late to develop residentially compared with neighbouring areas such as Paddington, it already attracted wealthy customers to its shops and market. It was for these early fans that elegant terraces and crescents were gradually built. Now sporting frontages in a rainbow of colours, their mid to late Victorian houses are a distinctive feature of the neighbourhood.

Until the 1940’s, Portobello market mainly sold fresh fruit, vegetables and other household essentials. Rag-and-bone men were then joined by other tradesmen selling bric-a-brac and antiques.

In the late Eighties, the rather shabby Portobello neighbourhood got a boost from gentrification, becoming a trendy and desirable address. Still best known for its antiques and collectibles (now with over 1,000 dealers), the market has since seen an explosion in its sales of vintage clothing.

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Street performers put on live entertainment, though foodies should be warned that possibilities here are mostly limited to street food, cafes (Farm Girl, 59a Portobello Road), bakeries (Hummingbird, 133 Portobello Road and Mr Christian’s Delicatessen, 11 Elgin Crescent), or burger joints such as the Gourmet Burger Kitchen (160 Portobello Road) and Electric Diner (191 Portobello Road).

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LONG LIVE

THE LONDON SEASON! QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH, THE LONDON SEASON CAME INTO BEING OVER 200 YEARS AGO AS A WHIRL OF SPARKLING BALLS, FORMAL DINNERS, GARDEN PARTIES, EXHIBITIONS, CONCERTS AND ELEGANT SPORTING EVENTS.

Held in the spring and summer, they were attended by members of high society, many of whom were hoping to marry off their debutante daughters. An exciting programme of entertainment and charity events, all orchestrated to display wealth, good looks, etiquette, jewellery, fashionable gowns and, of course, hats.

Today, most events in the London Season still have their aristocratic side, but also welcome thousands of fans of tradition, spectacle and lovely, summery outdoor settings. Join in the fun and bask in the splendid atmospheres each offered in their own way by the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Royal Ascot, the Henley Royal Regatta, Wimbledon and Cowes Week.

Bloomin’ Lovely Chelsea Flower Show May 23rd to 27th Hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, this enchanting event first held in 1913 is held in the stunning grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The first day is traditionally opened by Her Majesty The Queen, when the prizes are awarded to the best in show. This rendezvous for passionate gardeners is also a showcase for cutting-edge garden design, colour and fragrance in the Great Pavilion, show gardens, marquees, patios, greenhouses, water features and floral exhibits. When you need time out for refreshment, head for the Food Courts, Rock Bank or Seafood & Champagne Restaurants. www.rhs.org.uk 32 / CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON MAGAZINE

Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visiting the Chelsea Flower Show 2016.

Copyright RHS/Hannah McKay

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1 All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon credit AELTC/Bob Martin 2 © Henley Royal Regatta 3 HRH Queen Elizabeth opening Royal Ascot in June. © Ascot Racehorse Ltd. Digital Asset Management Software by Third Light/P. Crowhurst Getty Images 4 Cowes Week c. Paul Wyeth 5 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2012 © Darren Gerrish/Royal Academy of Arts

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Calling all budding artists for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition June 13th (except 19th) to August 20th Held without interruption since 1769, the Summer Exhibition is one of the biggest events on the annual art calendar, famous for presenting the work of Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Constable in bygone years. Open to all artists, this must-see event at Burlington House in Piccadilly is an overview of what is happening in the art world right now. All the various media are represented, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, architecture and film. www.royalacademy.org.uk Hats off to Royal Ascot June 20th to 24th Very few sporting venues can challenge the long history and rich heritage of Ascot Racecourse. At the initiative of Queen Anne, the first meeting took place way back in 1711. The Queen Anne Stakes still opens the event, followed by the Gold Cup on the third and busiest day, traditionally known as «Ladies’ Day», with its spectacular display of hats. Attended by royalty, Ascot has become a national institution, a real centerpiece on the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for the world’s finest racehorses. www.ascot.co.uk Row, row, row your boat to Henley Royal Regatta June 28th to July 2nd Drawing thousands of oarsmen and spectators from all over the world to Henley-on-Thames, the world’s best-known rowing regatta now consists of over 200 races of international standard.

First held in 1839, this social and sporting event has been honoured by Royal Patronage since 1851 when Prince Albert became its first Royal Patron, perhaps explaining the event’s logo: «Who Rows Rules»! The Stewards’ Enclosure is open to Members and their guests, who must comply with traditional dress code, while the less formal Regatta Enclosure with its open grandstand, restaurant and bar is open to the public. Those sporting distinctive pink socks belong to the Leander Club, the oldest rowing club in the world! www.hrr.co.uk

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«The hotel’s location is particularly recommended to ladies and families visiting the West End during the Season; to travellers from Paris and the Continent, arriving from Dover and Folkestone at the Charing Cross Terminus; to Officers and others attending the levees at St James; to Ladies going to the Drawing Rooms, State Balls, and Concerts at Buckingham Palace; and to colonial and American visitors unused to the great world of London…»

From the brochure of the Metropole Hotel, the Corinthia Hotel London’s predecessor, which opened in 1885.

It’s a love match at Wimbledon July 3rd to 16th Anyone for tennis ? Wimbledon’s first Championships were held in 1877, a far cry from today’s event which hosts 39,000 spectators in the grounds at any one time. In 2016, no fewer than 177,135 glasses of Pimms were served, and 139,435 portions of its iconic strawberries. The world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon is the only one of the four Grand Slams still played on grass. Of its 19 courts, the Centre Court with its Royal Box and the N°1 Court are only used for the two-week Championships. A less formal or «social» event, Wimbledon is still the most famous sports attraction on the London agenda. Take time out to visit its superb museum and marvel at all that tennis memorabilia! www.wimbledon.com Splice the mainbrace at Cowes Week July 29th to August 5th Although hosted on the Isle of Wight, Cowes Week is held in early August every year and traditonally marks the close of the London season. This highlight of the UK’s sporting summer has welcomed British and foreign royalty and many celebrities since 1826. Today, some 8,000 competitors from weekend sailors to world-class yachtsmen participate on 800 to 1,000 boats of both classic and ultra-contemporary design. An exhilarating spectacle and a festive atmosphere enjoyed by over 100,000 visitors to Cowes, on the lovely Isle of Wight. www.cowesweek.co.uk

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DESTINATION LONDON

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DESTINATION LONDON

TODAY’S LONDON SEASON OFFERS MANY MORE SPECTACULAR EVENTS FOR FANS OF OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT. AT THE HEART OF THE CITY OR FURTHER AFIELD, MAKE A DATE TO ENJOY A PARTY ATMOSPHERE WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS.

April 12th to 16th.

Sail Royal Greenwich A sight for sore eyes, the majestic Tall Ships are back in London for cruises and deck parties on the River Thames. www.sailroyalgreenwich.co.uk

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READY FOR MORE EVENTS ON THE 2017 AGENDA?

April 14th to 17th.

Easter weekend All over London, Easter egg hunts, parties, children’s theatre and chocolate galore in all the teashops. www.timeout.com/london/things‐todo/easter‐in-london

April 22nd.

St George’s Day England’s patron saint day is celebrated all over London, with the main event featuring live music, food stalls and children’s entertainment in Trafalgar Square (noon to 6pm). www.visitlondon.com

April 23rd.

London Marathon From Greenwich to Buckingham Palace, come cheer on the 50,000 participants in this gigantic event all about endurance and worthy charities. www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com

May 10th to 14th.

Royal Windsor Horse Show Magnificent display of 5-star and new CS15* international show jumping, CD14* dressage and show classes in the Windsor Castle Arena, with highlights including the Rolex Grand Prix and Kings Cup. www.rwhs.co.uk

DESTINATION LONDON

June 9th to 11th.

Polo in the Park At the Hurlingham Club in Fulham, the largest and most fun polo tournament in Europe.

At least three fast-and-furious matches a day, with teams from six different cities. www.polointheparklondon.com

June 17th.

Trooping the Colour A show of traditional pageantry held on the Queen’s official Birthday, with a parade along The Mall and Horse Guards Parade.

The Queen takes the Royal Salute from over 1,000 members of the Household Division, with 200 horses and six marching bands. www.trooping‐the‐colour.co.uk

July 4th to 9th.

June 18th.

Cartier Queen’s Cup The final of one of the world’s top five polo tournaments, held at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park. www.guardspoloclub.com

June 19th to 25th.

Queen’s Club Tennis Tournament Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and more, competing on grass in the Aegon Championships at the Queen’s Club, near Earl’s Court in west London. www.queensclub.co.uk

Hampton Court Palace Flower Show One of the best-loved events on the UK gardening calendar, at Hampton Court in Surrey.

Gorgeous gardens, waterside picnic areas, bandstands and entertainment. www.rhs.org.uk

July 14th to 16th.

F1 British Grand Prix At the iconic Silverstone racetrack, considered by drivers as the fastest in the world, with GP2, GP3 events and the main F1 race on Sunday 16th. www.silverstone.co.uk

July 14th to 23rd.

World ParaAthletics Championships Making the crowds roar again from the sheer grit and emotion of their sporting feats, at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Together with the IAAF event, there are 245 events over 20 days with 3,300 athletes from around the globe. www.london2017athletics.com

August 4th to 13th.

IAAF World Championships Starring the world’s finest athletes including the phenomenal Mo Farrah and Usain Bolt, at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. A golden opportunity to see history in the making. www.london2017athletics.com

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DESTINATION

LISBON

IN RECENT YEARS, THE CAPITAL OF PORTUGAL HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN OPENING UP TO THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE. WELCOMING VISITORS SINCE 2010, THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LISBON IS THE IDEAL BASE FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE THIS UNIQUE AND DIVERSE CITY

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Lisbon has long been an insiders’ secret which certainly deserves to be shared. On seven hills surveying the sea, it conjures up images of red roofs and pastel-coloured facades, majestic squares, castles, trams winding their way up and down narrow cobbled streets, bars, tapas and traditional Fado music. Today, its chequered history provides a rich and colourful backdrop for a more vibrant, outgoing lifestyle.

On a main avenue in the business district, near the Zoo and the renowned Gulbenkian Museum, the 5-star Corinthia Hotel Lisbon invites visitors to experience the best of this city with so much to offer. Surrounded by gardens and offering views of the iconic 18th-century aqueduct of Águas Livres, the hotel’s 24 floors boast spacious interiors with a fondness for marble, wood and gold. Its classic rooms and suites are decorated in discreet, muted tones with touches of local colour, floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular views.

Winning lots of compliments for its efficiency and friendliness, the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon offers a vast spa on the ground floor, providing massage therapies and beauty treaments, an indoor pool, and a well-equipped gym. Visitors still in business mode head for the two boardrooms, 16 meeting rooms and the top-floor Executive Club with its 360° view of the city.

Dining in the Tipico restaurant is a memorable experience with an array of tapas, Portuguese specialities and fine wines, but also Mediterranean and international cuisine. Alternatively, the informal atmosphere of the Sete Colinas restaurant is enhanced by its luxuriant Terrace Lounge, a charming venue for breakfast and healthy lunches in the sun. At the end of an enchanting day spent exploring Lisbon, relax in the Tempus Lounge with twilight aperitifs, tapas, light meals and late night cocktails.

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Lisbon and its many attractions First-time visitors will get an instant feel for the city’s history and layout in the imposing, thousand year-old São Jorge Castle offering a bird’s eye view of the town. Down on the waterfront, the iconic Belem Tower built in the early 16th century is a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery and now a World Heritage site, along with the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery, the resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama.

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A nine-minute drive from Lisbon International Airport, the Corinthia Hotel is just opposite the Lisbon Zoo metro station, a five-minute metro ride to the trendy Avenida da Liberdade, and 15 minutes to the city’s historic centre. The ideal starting-point for tuning in to the real Lisbon.

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More Baroque masterpieces adorned with gold brought back from Brazil can be admired in the São Roque Church and nearby Santa Catarina Church. Equally awe-inspiring, the Madre de Deus Convent has a very beautiful church and a museum of decorative ceramic tiles.

In sharp contrast to these historic landmarks, the Parque das Nacoes is a vast expanse of greenery playing host to striking 21st-century architecture with Europe’s longest bridge in the background. A great place to relax, the park offers an aquarium, a casino, and a lovely waterfront promenade. Another must-see is the Discoveries Monument built in 1960 on the north bank of the Tagus to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator.

Cruises and boat tours are a wonderful way of getting a new perspective of Lisbon, lasting two hours to a full day. And don’t forget the nearby beaches (Praia da Rainha and Praia de Carcavelos, among others) where you can relax, soak up the sun and even do some surfing while admiring the stunning coastline.

An excursion to the fashionable fishing village of Cascais should also be on your agenda, 30 km west of Lisbon and only 20 minutes by train.

Back in Lisbon, shoppers will be spoilt for choice, whether they are looking for up-market fashion boutiques, concept stores selling handmade jewellery, ceramics, textiles etc., or stores offering traditional handicrafts such as leather goods and attractive items made of cork. A national art-form, the decorative tiles called «azulejos», both patterned and with images, are highly sought-after. Pay a visit to the Fábrica Sant’Anna and Fábrica Viúva Lamego, the Solar museumshop, Loja dos Descobrimentos or D’Orey & Cardoso.

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If art is more your thing, head for the Gulbenkian Museum, one of the world’s finest private art collections with treasures

by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and Lalique.

For fans of art and music Known as Alfama, the old neighbourhood running down from the Castle of São Jorge to the River Tagus is a maze of narrow streets and small picturesque squares with shops, restaurants and bars where live bands play Portugal’s haunting, melancholic Fado music. Absolute musts include the Clube de Fado, Casa de Linhares, Parreirinha de Alfama, Senhor Vino and Páteo de Alfama.

In a completely different register, try the Hot Club for jazz or the stylish Lux Fragil with its DJs, dance floors, house and techno music, and a terrace overlooking the river. The huge MEO arena hosts world-class concerts such as the upcoming Aerosmith event on June 26th. Fans of nightlife also flock to the rehabilitated dock warehouses with their clubs and bars on the Alcântara riverfront, across from the Port of Lisbon.

If art is more your thing, head for the Gulbenkian Museum, one of the world’s finest private art collections with treasures by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and Lalique. The Berardo Museum also features a private collection, this time amassed by a Portuguese millionaire and proposing modern artworks by Picasso, Dali, Andy Warhol, among others. The Ancient Art Museum, Portugal’s «National Gallery», exhibits Oriental and European art, mostly related to the Age of Discovery.

Finally, MAAT, the city’s new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, is well worth a trip to Lisbon in itself. On the waterfront, it is housed in a new building designed by Amanda Levete and a rehabilitated early 20th-century power station, which has kept a large part of its machinery. With spaces devoted to Portuguese and international artists, the focus is on contemporary art, but more specifically the relationships between art, architecture, digital technology, social media and urban living. Until August 21st, the summer exhibition entitled «Utopia/Dystopia» is described by Director Pedro Gadanho as a «manifesto» of the museum’s overall policy. Together with the Design & Fashion Museum opened in 2009, it is a fine example of Lisbon’s success in winning a place at the cutting edge of today’s world cultural scene. www.corinthia.com/lisbon CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON MAGAZINE / 43

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

NEUROSCIENCE AND BRAIN POWER

Maximise your potential! ‘‘My ambition is to help as many people as possible learn how to train their brains and adapt their habits so that we can all now maximise our potential, both at home and at work, says Dr Swart.

Pictured above

As the last frontier in the study of the human body, neuroscience helps us to understand the way in which the brain influences our behaviour and cognitive function. Most importantly, it reveals how the brain itself can be nurtured to achieve peak performance, enabling us to deal more successfully with stress, change, and challenges. Advances in neuroscience research have shown that, just as athletes train their bodies, by improving the physical condition of our brains, we can significantly raise our potential in both our personal and professional lives. With Dr. Tara Swart as its Neuroscientist in Residence, Corinthia Hotel London is taking a pioneering role in helping its guests and staff boost their mental resilience.

Dr Tara Swart, Neuroscientist in Residence A worldwide first for a hotel, this pioneering year-long residency is the result of close collaboration between Dr Tara Swart and the Corinthia Hotel London. Neuroscientist Dr Tara Swart is a Senior Lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and award-winning co-author of Neuroscience for Leadership: Harnessing the Brain Gain Advantage. She is the world’s only leadership coach with both a PhD in neuroscience and a medical career as a psychiatrist behind her. >> CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON MAGAZINE / 45

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With that in mind, what opportunities will her year’s tenure at the Corinthia London provide for both her own research and the programme’s participants? Dr Swart explains: «As a neuroscientist and leadership coach, I advise people whose professions or lifestyle mean that mental resilience is essential and expected. While I help business leaders to gain a competitive edge through peak brain performance, my ambition is to help as many people as possible get the best out of their brains. I’m therefore thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Corinthia London and its extraordinary guests and 5-star staff.

«Throughout the year I will be giving a series of lectures, with topics ranging from neuroplasticity to technology and the brain. I have worked with the team at Corinthia London to help design a Brain Power package, which includes brain food and mocktails available in the restaurants and bars, as well as spa treatments designed to enhance cognitive function, and an in-room dining service designed to enhance sleep. I will also be working with the staff to undertake a study comparing the mental resilience of different departments within the hotel. The staff at Corinthia London are working to 5-star standards in a high-pressure environment, which requires constant peak brain performance. I hope that with the results of the study I will be able to advise staff on how best to use their brain in order to execute their jobs to the best of their ability and maintain Corinthia London’s high standards.»

Does the pursuit of mental resilience require scientific knowledge,

a preliminary brain/health profile, and the assistance of a coach?

According to Dr Swart: «Unlike other forms of wellness guidance or personal coaching, my advice is specifically focused on the brain and its performance, rather than more generally. As a neuroscientist, I can better explain the science behind why our bodies react to stress in different ways, and how we can change this. Knowing simple key facts about the brain, how it works and its relation to the body, is crucial in boosting your mental resilience.

My qualification as a neuroscientist as well as my experience as a leadership coach and executive advisor means that I am uniquely qualified to offer scientific advice to clients on what will boost their mental resilience and maximise their potential, both at home and at work.

«For example, we can feel that meditation relaxes us, but neuroscience explains that this is because it reduces cortisol levels in the blood which lowers our stress levels. Meditation will also change how you think, as activity will be transferred from your right pre-frontal cortex to the left pre-frontal cortex, which correlates to less survival-based thinking and more trust-based decision-making. Knowledge like this helps you understand how meditation can practically impact your brain’s performance in a working environment.

«If people understand and implement a few simple messages about brain health and the brain-body connection, they will start to see immediate improvements to their mental resilience.»

The role of neuroscience in creativity «Creativity is one of the brain’s higher executive functions, along with impulse-control and reasonable decision-making,» explains Dr Swart. «Maximising these functions can be done by practicing mindfulness, regular exercise or eating foods rich in magnesium.

Another way you can enhance your creativity is by avoiding making too many low-level decisions. We have a limited number of quality cognitive resources each day, so simplifying your morning routine will help you save these resources for more high-level, creative thinking later in the day. This is the reason why high-profile entrepreneurs such as Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs wore the same style of clothes each day. They were able to save their cognitive resources and focus their creative energy on their businesses and entrepreneurship.» >>

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Dr. Tara Swart graduated with a BSc in Biomedical Science and a PhD in Neuropharmacology from Kings College London, and a BM BCh (medicine) from Oxford University.

She carried out her Psychiatry residency at The Royal Free Hospital, Tamarind Wellness Centre in Australia, the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute in Bermuda, and the West London mental health service. These positions included research and practice in child psychiatry, learning disabilities, drugs and alcohol dependency, care of the elderly, and medium-secure criminal psychiatry.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Staying power at Corinthia Hotel London An important component of the Neuroscientist in Residence programme is an in-depth study of 40 staff members from different departments of the hotel. «Heroes of Hospitality» focuses on mental resilience as a pre-requisite for working in a 5-star hotel and how best to enhance performance and productivity of the workplace. Incorporating a personal food diary, an evaluation of work/home life balance, a brain profile survey, a blood test and heart rate monitor, the survey will be published in the summer of 2017.

Dr Tara Swart will also give talks throughout the year which will examine how the science of the brain can be applied to politics, technology and business. The talk in February entitled «Can a leopard change its spots?» examined neuroplasticity, the science of learning and habit creation.

Finally, guests can benefit from the Neuroscientist in Residence programme by opting for a Brain Power Package highlighting neuronutrition, restorative sleep, hydration, mindfulness, and exercise. The package includes an overnight stay in a Superior King Room providing a range of rest-conducive features, dinner and breakfast with special Brain Power menus, a two-hour ESPA Mindful Massage with Yoga Nidra, and unlimited access to ESPA state-of-the-art facilities (pools, gym, unique sleep pods…). Guests unable to stay at the hotel can opt for a Brain Power Day Spa Package, ideal for refocusing busy minds.

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NOURISH YOUR BRAIN!

Our brain absorbs up to 20-30% of what we eat and drink, so our diet is crucial in supporting our brain’s ability to maintain peak performance. The Brain Power menu features fat-rich avocado, salmon, olives and full-fat milk and butter (or almond milk for the lactose-intolerant), which contain beneficial fats for the brain and body.

Magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens and whole grains such as buckwheat and quinoa lower your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Melon and lettuce, which are great for hydration, and cognitionboosting coconut oil also feature on the Brain Power menu. In addition to plenty of water (optimum daily intake 500 ml for every 15 kilos of body weight), recommended drinks include a variety of teas (especially green tea) for their antioxidants and flavonoids, and a soothing bedtime drink made from full fat dairy or almond milk.

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TECHNOGYM WORKOUTS FOR CONNOISSEURS

YET ANOTHER REASON TO COME AND STAY AT THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON! WITH YOUR WELL-BEING CLOSE TO ITS HEART, THE HOTEL HAS OPENED A BRAND NEW, FIVE-STAR GYM SPREAD OVER FOUR FLOORS, OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF TECHNOGYM EQUIPMENT. STAYING HEALTHY AND FIT TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION WITH THIS GLOBAL APPROACH COMBINING LUXURY WITH THE WORLD’S LEADING FITNESS BRAND

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Frequent travellers determined to stay fit and healthy while on the move can rest assured that Corinthia London is fully committed to meeting all their needs.

In fact, the hotel has gone one better by opening a brand new gym and scoring a first by joining up with Technogym. “No other hotel has this variety of our equipment,” says Kieran Tracey, Hospitality Area & Key Account Manager for Technogym. “There is no compromise here, as Corinthia London is offering all the cardio, strength, functional and stretch equipment that you would find in any top gym.”

Connoisseurs will endorse the brand’s claims to cutting-edge technology and luxury design, the fruit of 30 years of research and dedication. For example, the strength equipment at Corinthia London has a mini digital display with a virtual strength coach to guide you through the movement; treadmill users can test their endurance on some of the world’s most iconic marathon routes, including Rome and New York, experiences made even more realistic by the treadmill incline mirroring the marathon’s actual landscape; and keen runners can replicate their outdoor runs recorded by third-party apps and wearable devices such as Strava, Garmin and Polar. Technogym’s exercise bikes are also equipped with Body Print foam-style cushioning, while treadmills adapt the cushioning to the user’s running style. >>

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With evergreen data and the associated wristband, users log into equipment easily, and pick up where they left off.

The premium ARTIS line of equipment Both hotel guests and ESPA Life members can work out in this vast new gym, opened in February and forming part of the flagship ESPA Life facility. Here, Technogym’s recently relaunched premium ARTIS line of equipment and services includes UNITY 3.0 cardio equipment with three new race modes and a 24/7 personal trainer. On ARTIS strength equipment, the UNITY MINI console provides more insight for both performance-driven users and those simply wanting to improve their technique, several tests for 1 rep max and maximum power output, and a Strength Pilot giving real-time visual biofeedback on range and speed.

Alternatively, hotel guests are now offered an appreciable bonus. As part of the new «Wellness on Demand» service, a selection of Technogym’s portable cardio and strength equipment is available, at no extra charge except for PT sessions, for those not wanting to leave the comfort and privacy of their room. They can also use an in-room TV channel with a 10-15 minute full body workout on loop, and track their progress, anywhere in the world, by downloading the Technogym app through their «mywellness» account. With evergreen data and the associated wristband, users log into equipment easily, and pick up where they left off.

Founded in 1983, Technogym has a dedicated research centre in Cesena, Italy. Its equipment reflects 30 years of experience with elite athletes and teams: the official equipment supplier to the Olympic Games from 2000 to 2016, the company is also official supplier to clubs such as Chelsea FC, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and the McLaren and Ferrari F1 teams. Prestigious endorsements that have motivated Corinthia London to offer its guests this technologically and scientifically advanced range, ensuring a total approach to wellness.

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THE ROYAL

PENTHOUSE The art of understatement despite a regal wow factor

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The entrance hall in elegant Chinoiserie style leads to a sitting room devoid of ostentation: soothing, natural tones, a fireplace, herringbone parquet floor, silk carpet and lots of windows offering wonderful views and ushering in the light

AS PART OF OUR SERIES ON THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY AT THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON, WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE A TOUR OF THE ROYAL PENTHOUSE WITH ITS ROMANTIC TWILIGHT TERRACE OFFERING STUNNING VIEWS OF THE THAMES AND THE LONDON EYE

A feeling of serenity, luxury and discreet comfort is guaranteed by this vast apartment spread over two floors. Out on the terrace on the top floor, enchantment takes on a new dimension with an al fresco dining area and a stunning 180° view of the Thames and the city of London. One is almost tempted to give a regal wave!

In spring and summer, this sublime terrace comes into its own as the Royal Penthouse’s «pièce de résistance», inviting you to enjoy a rare privilege beneath dreamy blue or star-studded skies. What could be more delightful than taking afternoon tea against this breathtaking, panoramic backdrop, or entertaining guests for lunch or dinner served by a white-gloved waiter? >>

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The sublime master bathroom in honeycoloured onyx and Skyros marble offers a walk-in shower and freestanding bath.

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CORINTHIA HOTEL A haven of peacefulness, the very spacious master bedroom with king size bed and walk-in closet shares the cream and beige colour palette of the suite

Today, the Corinthia London Hotel continues to host international celebrities, statesmen and members of royalty from all four corners of the world.

So why is it called the Royal Penthouse? «Bertie», or Edward, Prince of Wales, could well tell the tale, as he was the first of many royal guests throughout the ages. Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, entertained guests at the hotel on a number of occasions. He had a reserved box in the fabulous mirrored ballroom and frequently used the Royal Suite, which in those days was on the ground floor of the hotel.

All of the seven penthouses at the Corinthia Hotel London are linked to the history of the orginal Metropole Hotel, inaugurated in 1885, close to England’s age-old seats of power and royalty, the Palace of Westminster and Buckingham Palace. In its heyday at the turn of the century, the Metropole Hotel was a fashionable venue for banquets, balls and dinner parties. The Aero Club and Alpine Club both held grand annual functions here, and the hotel also became a gathering-point for competitors in the first London-to-Brighton automobile race in 1896.

Today, the Corinthia London Hotel continues to host international celebrities, statesmen and members of royalty from all four corners of the world. Often seeking total privacy and discretion, they appreciate the Royal Penthouse for its simplicity and warmth. It surpasses mere luxury by interpreting the wow factor as comfort and impeccable good taste.

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INTERVIEW

1

WHAT THE

THE BUTLER SAW

The longest-serving Butler at the Corinthia Hotel in London, Lucas Kongiel shares his experience of delivering the fine art of hospitality to international guests

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INTERVIEW

BORN OF 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND A DEEP COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM, LUCAS KONGIEL’S APPROACH TO THE TRUSTED ROLE OF BUTLER REVEALS HIS DEDICATION TO THE COMFORT AND WELL-BEING OF CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON’S GUESTS. HERE HE DESCRIBES HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THIS VITAL ASPECT OF THE CORINTHIA LONDON’S SUCCESS

1 Royal Penthouse Butler’s Kitchen with Butler Corinthia Hotel London

How did you become a Butler ?

LK - I began working in the hotel industry in 1999, when I was 20 years old. My first experience was with a Butler 30 years older, who taught me the ropes. I worked in different hotels, large and small, in all the different departments, to get a real grasp of what hospitality really involves. It ranges from daily routines to being well-prepared to cater for individual needs and special requirements. In addition to becoming fully trained at an early age, I gained confidence from hands-on experience with both hotel guests and the staff.

When did you join Corinthia Hotel London?

LK - I have been here from the start, when Corinthia Hotel London opened in April 2011! In fact, I started working at the hotel before it even opened, I helped to prepare the Penthouses and Suites, down to the tiniest detail What are the most important qualities for a Butler?

LK - In addition to the qualities of discretion, patience and flexibility, a good Butler needs to be familiar with the customs and traditions of many different nationalities. This level of sensitivity to guests’ expectations makes them feel more at ease.

Are you required to speak any languages other than English?

LK - Not really, as most of our guests speak English. If a problem arises, we can always call on assistance from colleagues in other areas of the hotel, who speak many different languages.

What are the Butlers’ responsibilities?

LK - Our work and responsibilities naturally vary depending on each guest and their type of stay. A Butler needs to know Who’s Who, and What’s On! Guests may be here on business with tight schedules and partners wanting to go shopping or benefit from the spa, while families with children may want to make the most of London’s entertainment, sightseeing and activities.

We are a team of six Butlers, both male and female (the latter required by Middle Eastern female guests), most often assigned to the Suites and Penthouses, two of which have their own kitchens.

We work in three shifts, from 7 am to 3 pm, 9 am to 5.30 pm, and 3 to 11.30 pm. The busiest times of day are 8 to 9 am, when breakfast is served and guests are getting ready for meetings or appointments, 2 to 3 pm, then 5 to 8-9 pm, and sometimes later.

Butlers are available at night when requested in advance.

Whilst we are entirely at our guests’ disposal, many of them travel extensively and have their own personal staff and assistants who are used to bringing everything they need with them or sourcing it from outside. Our Penthouses and Suites are frequently occupied by couples getting married, who sometimes have their wedding planners on hand.

Do guests expect London Butlers to be very stiff and formal, like Mr.Carson in «Downton Abbey»?

LK - Yes, in general, and especially if they are not used to having a Butler at home! Even in the case of loyal clients who stay on a regular basis, the relationship usually remains discreet and professional, which is how it should be.

Can you describe your ideal guest?

LK - It is true that it is easier to deal with regular clients, simply because you know what to expect. Whether it involves special diets, favourite dishes or extra-hot curry, or an interest in art exhibitions or shows, you can more easily anticipate their requirements.

What part of your work do you enjoy most and least?

LK - I really enjoy being in contact with people and ensuring that they are comfortable. It is also a real pleasure being in a work environment that runs smoothly, being part of a team.

Naturally, problems arise which can be stressful, often related to communication, though experience usually tells you how to proceed, either alone or by calling for back-up!

Any outlandish requests you can mention, or examples of «What the Butler Saw» ?

LK - Nowadays, you can find everything in London, however exotic and rare. Bespoke services can be organised with the help of our Golden Keys Concierges, food from all over the world can be quickly obtained, though ostrich eggs may require advance notice or a little patience! And as you know, discretion means that what the Butler sees is never fully disclosed. When one of our guest celebrities was told by his neighbour in the lift: «My God, you’re someone I know!», he graciously replied: «Yes, that’s me».

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TOP 20 ART SHOWS spring/summer 2017 A ROUND-UP OF TRADITIONAL, QUIRKY AND AVANT-GARDE EVENTS FOR DEDICATED ART-LOVERS. EACH SUMMER, LONDON PRESENTS A WORLDCLASS AGENDA OF ART EXHIBITIONS IN WELL-LOVED VENUES. WHETHER YOU ARE A FAN OF MICHELANGELO, HOKUSAI OR THE PINK FLOYD, COME FEAST YOUR EYES ON THESE GROUND-BREAKING SHOWS

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1 Portrait of the artist

by Howard Hodgkin, 1984-87. Private Collection © Howard Hodgkin

2 Sebastiano del Piombo, The Visitation, 1518-19. Oil on canvas, transferred from wood 168 × 132 cm.

Musée du Louvre, Département des Peintures, Paris (357). © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre) / Hervé Lewandowski

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3 Silver Hut, 1984,

Toyo Ito © Tomio Ohashi

4 Plate with overglaze

geometric design enclosing Omega symbol, attributed to Roger Eliot Fry, (1866-1934) or Duncan Grant(18851978). Omega Workshops (19131919)

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HOWARD HODGKIN, ABSENT FRIENDS National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place Until June 18th The first exhibition of portraits by Howard Hodgkin (b. 1932), one of Britain’s leading artists. The human presence portrayed in rich colour, mostly abstract, and thus a challenge to the traditional concept of the portrait. Plus, from June 22nd to September 24th, the 38th edition of the BP Portrait Award, the world’s most prestigious portrait painting competition, in the Wolfsen Gallery. www.npg.org.uk MICHELANGELO AND SEBASTIANO National Gallery, Trafalgar Square Until June 25th The 25-year friendship between these two Renaissance artists gave rise to unprecedented works of art that neither could have created without the other. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

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THE JAPANESE HOUSE: ARCHITECTURE AND LIFE AFTER 1945 Barbican Art Gallery, Silk Street Until June 25th A review of the most innovative architectural projects which followed the devastation of Tokyo and other Japanese cities in the Second World War. www. barbican.org.uk/artgallery

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BLOOMSBURY ART AND DESIGN Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand Until September 24th Special exhibit of early 20th-century Bloomsbury Group works including paintings, drawings, watercolours and designs, plus decorative arts from the Omega Workshops. http://courtauld.ac.uk/ gallery

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QUEER BRITISH ART 1861-1967 Tate Britain, Millbank Until October 1st Running parallel to the David Hockney exhibition (until May 29th), this first exhibition dedicated to gay, lesbian, trans and bisexual identities explores how artists expressed themselves at a time when assumptions about gender and sexuality were being questioned. Includes paintings, drawings, personal photographs and films. www.tate.org.uk CHRIS OFILI WEAVING MAGIC National Gallery, Trafalgar Square April 26th to August 8th Turner Prize winner Chris Ofili unveils a new tapestry, handwoven by the Dovecot Tapestry Studio, that reflects his fascination with the magic and colour of Trinidadian landscapes. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

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ALBERTO GIACOMETTI Tate Modern, Bankside May 10th to September 10th The UK’s first major retrospective for 20 years of sculptor, painter and draughtsman Alberto Giacometti. Spanning five decades, over 250 works from the collection of the Alberto and Annette Giacometti Foundation in Paris. www.tate.org.uk PINK FLOYD EXHIBITION: THEIR MORTAL REMAINS Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road From May 13th The first international retrospective of one of the world’s most iconic and influential bands, an immersive, audio-visual trip into an extraordinary world, highlighting the Pink Floyd’s psychedelic music, design and staging from the 1960’s to the present day. www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions

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5 Bathing - 1911, Duncan Grant. Oil paint on canvas. 2286 x 3061 mm. © Tate

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6 Chris Ofili at the National Gallery, London 201. © The National Gallery, London 7 Bust of Diego c.

1956. Plaster 37.3 x 21.5 x 13 cm.Collection Fondation Alberto et Annette Giacometti, Paris. © Alberto Giacometti Estate, ACS/DACS, 2017

8 John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten wearing his infamous «I hate Pink Floyd» T-shirt in 1977 © Victoria and Albert Museum/Ray Stevenson

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9 9 Hokusai. Clear day with a southern breeze (‘Red Fuji’) from Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.

Colour woodblock, 1831. © Trustees of the British Museum 10 Jasper Johns (b.

1930), Flags I. Colour screenprint, 1973. Gift of Johanna and Leslie Garfield, on loan from the American Friends of the British Museum. © Jasper Johns/VAGA, New York/DACS, London 2016 © Tom Powel Imaging

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11 Alberta Tiburzi

in «envelope» dress by Balenciaga, Harper’s Bazaar, June 1967. © Victoria and Albert Museum/Hiro 1967

12 Royal Academy Exhibition 2013. © Benedict Johnson

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HOKUSAI, BEYOND THE GREAT WAVE British Museum, Great Russell Street May 25th to August 13th The sublime work of Katsushika Hokusai (17601849), one of Japan’s greatest and best-known artists, is presented here as an artistic journey through the last 30 years of his life.

THE AMERICAN DREAM: POP TO THE PRESENT British Museum, Great Russell Street Until June 18th For unrepentant fans of Pop Art and its bold, flashy colours, with iconic works by Warhol, Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns etc. www.britishmuseum.org

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BALENCIAGA: SHAPING FASHION Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road May 27th to February 18th 2018 Marking the centenary of Cristóbal Balenciaga’s first fashion house in San Sebastian and the 80th anniversary of his fashion house in Paris, this unprecedented exhibition explores the work and influence of the revered couturier. www.vam.ac.uk

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ROYAL ACADEMY SUMMER EXHIBITION Royal Academy, Piccadilly June 13th to August 20th The world’s largest exhibition open to all emerging and well-established artists attracts many spectators every year. Showcasing the latest trends in all the various artistic disciplines, the 249th edition will be no exception. www.royalacademy.org.uk

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FAHRELNISSA ZEID Tate Modern, Bankside June 13th to October 8th Large-format figurative and abstract paintings by Turkish artist Fahrelnissa Zeid (1901-1991), who trained in Paris and Istanbul. A blend of Islamic, Byzantine, Arab and Persian influences with stylistic elements developed in post-war Europe. www.tate.org.uk SARGENT, THE WATERCOLOURS Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, Dulwich June 21st to October 8th Running parallel to the exhibition on Patti Smith and Vanessa Bell (until June 4th), a central figure of the Bloomsbury Group, the summer exhibition is devoted to watercolours by John Singer Sargent.

Better known as a portraitist, he drew inspiration from nature on his trips to Europe, freed from the constraints of the studio. www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

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WILLIAM HENRY HUNT: COUNTRY PEOPLE Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand June 24th to September 17th In the Drawings Gallery, a special exhibit of Hunt’s portrayal of rural figures from his work of the 1820’s and 1830’s. www.courtauld.ac.uk SOUL OF A NATION: ART IN THE AGE OF BLACK POWER Tate Modern, Bankside July 12th to October 22nd An introduction to African American artists defining, rejecting and redefining the label «Black Art» from 1963 to 1983, with reference to the Civil Rights and other racial empowerment campaigns. www.tate.org.uk

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13 Triton Octopus, 1953, Fahrelnissa Zeid (1901–1991).

Oil on canvas 181 x 270. Istanbul Modern Collection/ Eczacibaşi Group Donation. © Raad bin Zeid Collection 14 The Church of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, c.

1904-09, John Singer Sargent. Watercolour and pencil on paper, 36.7 x 53.8 cm © Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon.

Photo: Catarina Gomes Ferreira

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15 The Head Gardener, William Henry Hunt (1790-1864). © Courtauld Gallery, London 16 Icon for my Man

Superman (Superman Never Saved Any Black People-Bobby Seale) 1969. Oil, acrylic and aluminum leaf on linen canvas. Support: 2364 x 1295 x 27 mm (59 1/2 x 48 inches). © Barkley L. Hendricks.

Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

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17 Young Woman in a

French Hood, possibly Mary Zouch, by Hans Holbein the Younger c.

1533. Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017

18 Rosalba Carriera, Winter, c. 1726.

Canaletto and the Art of Venice exhibition.

Royal Collection Trust ©Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016 19 Henri Matisse,

Gourds, Issy-lesMoulineux, 1915-16.

Oil on canvas 65.1 x 80.9 cm © 2016.

Digital image, Museum of Modern Art, New York/Scala, Florence/(c) Succession H. Matisse/ DACS 2016

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20 Untitled (Stairs), 2001, Rachel Whiteread. Plaster, fibreglass and wood.

Purchased from funds provided by the Art Fund and Tate Members 2003. © Rachel Whiteread

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THE ENCOUNTER: DRAWINGS FROM LEONARDO TO REMBRANDT National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place July 13th to October 22nd Major exhibition of portrait drawings from life by masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including Leonardo da Vinci, Holbein, Rubens and Rembrandt. www.npg.org.uk

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MATISSE IN THE STUDIO Royal Academy, Sackler Wing, Burlington House August 5th to November 12th A privileged insight into Matisse’s cherished and eclectic collection of Buddhist statues, African masks, figures from Mali, Chinese calligraphy, furniture and textiles from North Africa, together with works by Matisse that they inspired. www.royalacademy.org.uk

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE SUMMER OPENING Buckingham Palace July 22nd to October 1st Take a memorable tour of the sumptuous Throne Room, Ballroom and State Rooms containing treasures from the Royal Collection by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer etc., as well as exquisite Sèvres porcelain. Another must-see, «Canaletto and the Art of Venice» in the Queen’s Gallery, from May 19th to November 12th. www.royalcollection.org.uk

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RACHEL WHITEREAD Tate Britain, Millbank September 12th to February 4th 2018 The most wide-ranging exhibition to date of the work of the first woman to win the Turner Prize.

Internationally acclaimed sculpture, from intimate to monumental, using industrial materials such as concrete, plaster, resin and metal. www.tate.org.uk

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AL FRESCO

MUSIC AND SHOWS

VICTORIA PARK Mile End Road tube station Head to this vast park in East London for three eclectic events with ultra-cool music and fun for all : a huge line-up for Field Day on June 3rd (www. fielddayfestivals.com), the immensely popular Lovebox Festival on July 14th-15th (ww.loveboxfestival.com), followed by the Citadel Festival with local and international bands on July 16th (www.citadelfestival.com).

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THE CHANCE TO ENJOY BALMY SUMMER EVENINGS WHILE WATCHING THE CREAM OF THIS SUMMER’S OPENAIR CONCERTS AND SHOWS. HERE ARE OUR FAVOURITE VENUES OFFERING A CHOICE OF ETERNALLY POPULAR CLASSICS, OPEN-AIR MOVIES, CHILDREN’S SHOWS AND CONCERTS RANGING FROM PERFORMANCES BY THE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TO BRYAN FERRY AND THE KINGS OF LEON

OPERA HOLLAND PARK Holland Park June 1st - July 29th Four operas including «La Rondine» and «Don Giovanni», four performances by the Royal Ballet School, plus «Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland», an opera specially commissioned for children. www.operahollandpark.com

LIVE AT CHELSEA Royal Chelsea Hospital June 15th-18th Live music blossoms with Belle and Sebastian, Ludovico Einaudi and more, in the shadows of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. www.liveatchelsea.com

REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL Hampton Court June 8th-24th Enjoy a picnic in the Tudor Courtyard and beautiful gardens of this historic setting, before marvelling at performances by Rick Astley, Bryan Ferry, Van Morrison, Jools Holland etc., not forgetting the Royal Philharmonic Fanfare & Fireworks. www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

Regent’s Park, May 19th - September 16th Award-winning productions in the charming amphitheatre setting of Regent’s Park : Leonard Bernstein’s «On the Town», adaptations of Charles Dickens’ «A Tale of Two Cities» and Oliver Twist», and «Jesus Christ Superstar» by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. www.openairtheatre.com

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BST HYDE PARK Hyde Park June 30th - July 9th British Summer Time gets everyone in the mood with the Kings of Leon, The Killers, Phil Collins etc. Make your way to the vast expanse of Hyde Park and be a beleiber! www.bst-hydepark.com

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Greenwich Music Time Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich June 30th - July 7th Six nights of live music with Ball & Boe, Little Mix, Cliff Richard (July 1st & 2nd) in the Old Royal Naval College with the City of London skyline as a backdrop. www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk Summer Series Somerset House, Strand July 6th-17th Join the fans who take their places in the majestic cobbled courtyard at Somerset House to applaud world-class talent in Pop, dance, indie, hip-hop, R&B…. www.somersethouse.org.uk Wireless Festival Finsbury Park July 7th-9th Chance the Rapper, Bryson Tiller, Skepta, Nas… Eclectic line-up from the worlds of pop, dance and urban music, on the lawns of Finsbury Park. www.wirelessfestival.co.uk Kew the Music Kew Gardens July 11th -16th Back again this year, with Passenger, Haçienda Classiçal, James etc. performing al fresco concerts in the stunning setting of Kew Gardens. www.kew.org Film4 Screen Summer Somerset House, Strand Two weeks in August Watch red-carpet premieres, comedies, musicals, thrillers, action movies and foreign-language films, in the courtyard at Somerset House. www.somersethouse.org.uk

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Floating Film FORTNIGHT St. Katharine’s Docks, August 22nd-28th Sitting on bean bags and deckchairs on the floating pontoon, watch all the films you love, just add friends and popcorn! www.skdocks.co.uk Notting Hill Carnival Notting Hill August 27th-28th The daddy of them all, London’s biggest street party, in Caribbean style! Join in as fun, feathers and bands parade through the streets of Notting Hill! www.visitlondon.com

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1 & 2 Greenwich Music Time © Joe Baxter 3 Ross Silcocks - Chase & Status 4 Notting Hill Carnival 5 Ben Gibson - Calvin Harris 6 Summer Series - Somerset House (c) James Bryant 7 Scott Salt - Chase & Status

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Proms in the Park Hyde Park September 9th Grand finale of two months of concerts, this time in the open air!

Get ready for the stirring sound of «Pomp and Circumstance» as this year’s Proms season comes to a close. www.royalparks.org.uk BBC RADIO 2 LIVE Hyde Park September 10th An entire festival in just one day! Household names from the BBC and world-class stars on stage in London’s most famous park. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lsx1k

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ART & CULTURE 1 Royal Albert Hall ©petewebb.com/ London&Partners

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2 The Dream. Matthew Golding as Oberon in The Dream. © ROH - Bill Cooper, 2014

THE SHOW GOES ON

ON THE PROGRAMME, A SELECTION OF CONCERTS, OPERA, BALLET AND THEATRE, NOT TO BE MISSED THIS SUMMER. IN ADDITION TO LONG-RUNNING WEST-END HITS SUCH AS «THE MOUSETRAP», «LES MISERABLES» AND «THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA», MANY OTHER STAGE PRODUCTIONS WILL KEEP CULTUREVULTURES AT THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON

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ART & CULTURE 1 Marguerite and Armand.

Zenaida Yanowsky as Marguerite. © ROH Tristram Kenton, 2013.jpg 2 Symphonic Variations.

Vadim Muntagirov and Marianela Nuñez. ©ROH Tristram Kenton 3 Mayerling. Edward Watson

as Crown Prince Rudolf © ROH -Bill Cooper

4 An American in Paris,

Dominion Theatre © Tristram Kenton

Running intermittently with these operas at the Royal Opera House, ballet performances include Balanchine’s sparkling Jewels, performed by the Royal Ballet (April 1st to 21st), and Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling with its electrifying choreography, starring Natalia Osipova and Edward Watson (April 28th to May 13th).

Bringing the Royal Ballet’s celebrations of 70 years at the Royal Opera House to a close, a mixed programme will consist of Frederick Ashton’s passionate Marguerite and Armand, The Dream, and Symphonic Variations (June 2nd to 10th). The Marinsky Ballet’s London Season then takes over, with performances of Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Anna Karenina, Contrasts and La Bayedère (July 24th to August 12th). Full programme on www.roh.org.uk The Globe Theatre on Bankside is celebrating a «Summer of Love» in which Shakespeare’s plays on this eternal subject are presented in all their romantic glory by Artistic Director Emma Rice. From April 22nd to mid-October, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear and more. www.shakespeareglobe.com

In spring and especially the sultry days of summer, devotees of stage productions still keep a close eye on what’s on the bill. They know that London is a year-round hub for world-class entertainment, and that tickets may be easier to obtain at this time of year. Except, perhaps, for the much-loved BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, from July 14th to September 9th. The greatest classical music festival on earth, with fun, old favourites, family concerts, contemporary world premieres, orchestras and soloists from all over the world, with an atmosphere unlike any other. Programme to be released late April. www.bbc.co.uk/proms At the Royal Opera House, the programme kicks off with Puccini’s poignant opera Madama Butterfly, performed by two casts led by Ermonela Jaho and Ana María Martínez (until April 25th). The Exterminating Angel follows, with a huge ensemble of top-notch singers conducted by Thomas Adès in the UK premiere of this opera inspired by Buñuel’s iconic film (April 24th to May 8th), and Verdi’s Don Carlo with Bryan Hymel and Krassimira Stoyanova, a work woven around love, ambition and intrigue in 16th-century Spain (May 12th to 29th).

As for the Royal Festival Hall in the Southbank Centre, its rich programme of concerts is far too long to be listed here. Brahm’s Requiem, Ravi Shankar’s opera Sukanya, classic symphony concerts performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and others, the world’s most prominent conductors and soloists… www.southbankcentre.co.uk Finally, our selection of shows and plays includes An American in Paris at the Dominion Theatre, Carousel by Rodgers & Hammerstein and the jukebox musical Bat out of Hell at the London Coliseum, Yael Farber’s new play Salome at the National Theatre, Queen Anne at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Harold Pinter Theatre, among many more! www.londontheatre.co.uk 4

You can then look forward to three favourites; Verdi’s La Traviata with Ekaterina Bakanova and Corinne Winters leading two excellent casts in Richard Eyre’s much-loved production (June 14th to July 4th); Andrei Serban’s striking staging of Puccini’s last opera, Turandot, with Christine Goerke and Lise Lindstrom sharing the title role (July 5th to 16th); and Otello starring Jonas Kaufmann (June 21st to July 15th).

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THE CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON MAGAZINE IS PRODUCED BY MR & MRS Media 20 avenue de Wagram - 75008 Paris Head of Publication Georges Chemla +33 (0) 6 16 53 58 20 gchemla@mrandmrsmedia.com Copy Editor Jill Harry Contributor Riana Perez Art Director Vincent Artus Project Manager Emilia Chafir Advertising Axel Laskar Accounting In Extenso Printing Deux-Ponts Edition Spring/Summer 80 / CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON MAGAZINE