Despite Brexit, London remains of vital strategic importance to Irish companies with growth ambition. With many flights daily from Dublin to the UK capital, business travellers might consider making good use of a Friday morning meeting by sticking around for the weekend and checking out some of the newest additions to London’s cultural and entertainment scene.
Don’t let the city’s vastness scare you. Pick what you want to see and do, whether it’s dinner on an old, decommissioned Tube carriage in Walthamstow or an immersive art gallery in Marble Arch, and let the city’s fantastic public transport get you there, stress free. Everyone in London takes the Tube and it is the quickest and easiest way to get around.
Frameless is an immersive experience in Marble Arch comprising four galleries featuring Monet, Dali and Rembrandt, among others. But there are no portraits adorning walls here; this is a new way to experience art. Instead, you walk between the four rooms, where music and projections bring works by some of the masters to life in a fun and interactive way.
A similar experience is Vogue: Inventing the Runway which launches at Lightroom near King’s Cross Station on October 25th and runs until March 2025. This new exhibition (The Moonwalkers: A journey with Tom Hanks ends on October 13th, so last chance to see that excellent show) explores the history of the fashion runway show, bringing together leading voices from the industry. It is a fitting venue, as Lightroom is located just metres from Central Saint Martins, the arts and design college where many now famous designers started on their creative journey.
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Battersea Power Station, a London landmark that was for decades left derelict, has been brought back to life as a place to live, eat, shop and be entertained. Located in the former coal-fired station’s northwest chimney, Lift 109 is a glass elevator that takes you up 109 metres to the top of the Grade II listed structure in an experience that’s as close to the ending of Charlie and the Chocolate factory as you’re ever likely to get. At the top you can take in 360-degree views of London and it’s the perfect opportunity for a selfie. Bring binoculars.
Next, stop off at the Postal Museum whose permanent exhibition tells the social history of Britain via the medium of mail. See Victorian Valentine’s Day cards and wartime letters home. Learn more about the postal service itself and how much letters were relied on before emails and smartphones became commonplace. Hop on the miniature mail rail and travel by tunnel between Paddington to Whitechapel.
On the train, which used to be in service 22 hours a day, you’ll get to enjoy interactive exhibits and an audiovisual show looking at a century of postal engineering innovations.
When you’re done with darting around London for the day, try some of the exciting restaurants for which the city is renowned.
More than 11,000 guests have been welcomed aboard Supperclub Tube since it opened in Walthamstow in the East End in 2018. This decommissioned tube carriage has been transformed into a dining car, where a tasting menu of Mexican and South American food is served. It’s a fun experience but, more than that, the food is really good. Attentive staff and genius cooking make it an excellent social dining experience.
Sexy Fish in upmarket Mayfair is a celebrity hangout but it’s also a favourite among business diners looking to wow clients, with an excellent wine list and fresh Asian food on offer. Bold decor and friendly staff make this a fun place to entertain and it’s certainly a place to see and be seen.
The Sheraton Grand hotel offers a central location in Park Lane, a great base for easy access to all that London has to offer. Green Park tube station is just outside your door and The Green Park itself offers opportunities for lovely autumnal walks towards Buckingham Palace and The Mall.
Dine in the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Mercante, or take afternoon tea or a cocktail in Palm Court. You can have a pint in the Sheraton’s Smith and Whistle bar and, for those with access to the Club Lounge, there are snacks and drinks on tap throughout the day.
