As the glitter of Christmas and the new year has faded into January, are you one of the many people that has made a resolution to change something about your lifestyle?
Only around 35% of us manage to keep our new year resolution, so are you one of them?
The most popular resolutions are to eat better and exercise more, both of which we can help you with when you stay with us here at The Cavendish. The food in the Mayfair Lounge & Grill is always seasonal, locally sourced wherever possible and freshly prepared by our talented chefs so if eating better is one of your promises to yourself, you’ll not be failing when you enjoy your stay with us in January.
Walking is also one of the best forms of exercise for young and old alike and with the plethora of fantastic places to visit on foot near The Cavendish, putting your best foot forward in 2023 will bring numerous new adventures and health benefits.
Blow away those January blues
January is probably one of the quietest times of the year to visit London – and often offering the best value. The famous January sales are on across the capital and many of the main London attractions are quieter this month meaning no queues to popular museums or venues. Remember too that entrance to most museums is actually free (although a donation is always welcome). Within easy walking distance from The Cavendish, you’ll find the Royal Academy of Art, St James’ Park, Green Park and The National Gallery all of which provide you with an excellent excuse to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh winter air.
Happy (Chinese) New Year!
2023 is the Chinese Year of the Rabbit which will be celebrated around London’s West End and Chinatown from 22nd January, when new year falls, with London hosting some of the world’s largest celebrations outside Asia. Soho’s Chinatown hosts its famous celebration parade organised by London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA) featuring around 50 teams who create elaborate dragon and lion floats for the event. Usually starting from Shaftsbury Avenue in the west end, it moves down to Trafalgar Square where the main stage performances comprise martial arts displays, music and dance. Food stalls line the route and you can even pop in the National Gallery just off Trafalgar Square to enjoy colourful costume displays and family activities.
Don’t forget to wrap up warm and wear or buy something red - the traditional colour of good luck!
‘Neeps and tatties
Following hot on the heels of the Chinese lunar new year falls Burns Night – a Scottish celebration for the birthday of its national poet Robert ‘Robbie’ Burns on 25th January. Enjoy plenty of traditional haggis accompanied by ‘neeps’ (turnips) and ‘tatties’ (potatoes) along with generous helpings of music and whisky to toast the Scottish bard. Burns night suppers are the traditional way to celebrate the date but many venues in the capital are also offering whisky tasting which must be the most iconic way to celebrate anything Scottish! The Cavendish’s own Mayfair lounge offers a fabulous selection of whiskies if you want to simply kick back and enjoy a wee dram.
By royal appointment
With the Royal Family very much being in the news at present, several royal residences are only a short stroll away from The Cavendish too if you wished to immerse yourself in more royal intrigue…
Whilst Buckingham Palace doesn’t open again until Easter, the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery are both open to visitors. Kensington Palace, the childhood home of Princes William and Harry (with their late mother Princess Diana) is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday and currently has an exhibition of the most iconic images ever taken of the Royal Family – book tickets now and avoid the crowds which will arrive later in the year. Both palaces are just a pleasant walk away through St James’ Park from The Cavendish.
You may also wish to combine a visit to the Household Cavalry Museum at Horse Guards which celebrates the royal household regiment’s history and exploits as well as allowing you to see the troopers preparing the horses in the stables. Morning is the perfect time for a visit as this provides the opportunity to experience the Changing of the King’s Life Guard which happens every day on Horse Guards Parade at 11am (10am Sundays)
All in all, winter doesn’t have to be cold and boring with so much to see and do – whilst of course sticking to those new year resolutions! So, we look forward to welcoming you back for a visit very soon and don’t forget to book via the Ascott Star Rewards programme to collect those all-important free ASR points and gain the best possible rate for your stay. Simply visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/member/benefits