Do you miss the London of old? The bustle and energy of events in the city are irreplaceable – it’s what makes London so popular as a city break. However, even when you can’t hold or attend large scale events in the flesh, it doesn’t mean that everything should be paused! Culture, gastronomy and sport are still happening, and with streaming and contact apps we can still keep in touch with these events. So whether you’re on a corporate stay in the city and want to keep a finger on the pulse of local culture, or you’re miles away and want a quick London fix, virtual events are the place to go.
Exhibitions
Visitors to Kensington staying in a luxury serviced apartment would be only a short walk to either the Tate Britain or Tate Modern. Now, if you can’t get to these galleries you can explore the online room-by-room tours on offer. The curators guide you around the Andy Warhol exhibition at the Tate Modern and the work of Aubrey Beardsley at the Tate Britain.
Literature
Over at Somerset House, an original online project is underway. The Transmissions series has commissioned artists, writers and thinkers to share and build community through an online platform. The series runs until 30th October. Production company Fane have taken the live stream concept and run with it. Offering talks from personalities and authors, you can sign up for both a live stream event and have the book delivered too!
Views
One part of London that is always so appealing when you select a luxury serviced apartment, are the views of the city. If you’re missing London and are not able to visit yet, check out some of the virtual tours available. Next up on 15th October, a virtual stroll around St James’s.
History
One of the truly unique things that online streaming and sharing can offer is the chance to recreate history. You may think of the Royal Parks as places to enjoy a walk while you’re on a corporate stay in London. However, this online tour from the Royal Parks takes you back to 1851 and the Great Exhibition in the original ‘Crystal Palace’.
Concerts and Theatre
Amongst all of the retrospective theatrical content that can be found online, more exclusive ticketed streaming is fast becoming the norm. The Southbank Centre has led the field here, with a cross art form mix of live streamed events forming its Inside Out season running until 30th December.
Live is still Alive!
It’s not all online, though. This Autumn Nimax theatres are gradually reopening in the West End. Across the six venues, this means the return of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, The Play that Goes Wrong, Magic Goes Wrong and SIX the musical, plus the opening of new musical, The Drifters Girl.
Sport
Postponed form 26th April to 4th October, the London Marathon is one of the largest mass participation events to go virtual. The elite race is still taking place on a closed loop circuit in St James’s Park. So, short of trying to sneak a glimpse from the window of a nearby luxury serviced apartment, the only way to watch is on television. The Virgin Money London Marathon social media feeds will be recreating some of the community vibe by following stories of runners who are taking on the distance all over the country as part of the virtual run.
Food
If you’re used to booking your London stay based on the proximity of your serviced apartment to your favourite Michelin starred restaurant, all is not lost. The London Restaurant Festival takes place over the month of October, with a mix of in-restaurant and at-home activities and experiences. Live Q&A events, masterclasses and chef talks form the online programme to get your gastronomic juices flowing.
London is still open and, with a combination of virtual and socially distanced events and activities, is proving its legendary resilience. So while making the most of your comfort in a luxury serviced apartment, during your stay you can still keep cultured and engaged!
