The grade II listed Ritz Hotel in London’s St James’s is to dig out a five-storey basement, to provide greater facilities for the iconic five-star hotel, enabling it to continue to compete with the world’s elite hotels. It will be the biggest refurbishment in its 115-year history. The £300 million five-storey basement will include a two-level […]
Celebrities, garden lovers, and leaders in commerce and industry, flocked to the world’s greatest flower show, on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s Preview Day at the Royal Hospital in London’s Chelsea. Covid had caused last year’s show to be cancelled and this year’s postponed from the usual May date to September, for the first time […]
Lady Elizabeth Anson died on Sunday 1st November 2020, with members of her family at her bedside. A cousin of the Queen, Lady Elizabeth was born at Windsor Castle to Viscount Anson and Anne Bowes-Lyon, the future Princess Anne of Denmark. Her Godfather was the Queen’s father King George VI. In 1972, aged 31, she married the […]
The singing legend is 80 today. It is over 60 years ago, in 1958, that Harry Webb was discovered, at the time lead singer of the Drifters and playing in the Regal Ballroom in Ripley. His name was changed to Cliff Richard, the surname Richard after Little Richard, the singer’s musical hero. Norrie Paramor arranged […]
Variety, the Children’s Charity, has announced that the star of the West End musical Pretty Woman, Aimie Atkinson is to be a Celebrity Ambassador for the Charity. She will be officially appointed to the role when the Covid-19 crisis has passed, and life is back to normal. Aimie is pleased and proud to join the […]
Stars and eminent personalities from stage and screen have teamed up to raise funds for the charities Acting for Others, Theatre Artists Fund, and Theatre Trust. Celebrities have donated treasured personal possessions, and ‘money can’t buy experiences’, into the Super Auction. Dame Judi Dench, President of Acting for Others has said “We greatly appreciate the exciting fundraiser […]
One of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time reached his final chequered flag. In the early hours of Sunday 12th April, after a long illness, Sir Stirling Moss died at his home in London’s Mayfair, with his wife, Lady Susie Moss, at his bedside. She said that he was as wonderful at the […]
The Queen has honoured Lady Elizabeth Anson by awarding her the Commander of The Victorian Order (CVO), an award in the personal gift of the Sovereign. The Royal Victorian Order is a dynastic order of knighthood, established in 1896 by Queen Victoria. It recognises distinguished personal service to the Monarch. Lady Elizabeth is a cousin of the […]
The Grade II listed 5-star Ritz, in London’s Piccadilly, has been sold to a Qatari investment fund for around £700 million. In these unprecedented times, as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, for the first time in 113 years, the iconic hotel temporarily closed its doors on Friday 27th March. The Hotel was launched in […]
Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s Coventry Street, was filled with enthusiastic theatregoers for the WhatsOnStage Concert and presentation of the Awards on the occasion of the annual WhatsOnStage Awards. These unique Awards, under the leadership of WhatsOnStage CEO Sita McIntosh, are voted for by enthusiastic theatre audiences, expressing their views of […]
Legendary entertainer Jimmy Tarbuck has disclosed that he has prostate cancer. Jimmy Tarbuck has praised London’s Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital for their high standard of care, and for their treatment to prevent the cancer spreading. He said that he would try and beat the cancer. It was Sir Rod Stewart who persuaded Jimmy to get […]
Born Free Foundation President, Will Travers OBE, and elephant conservationists, are shocked and dismayed at the news that Botswana has lifted its ban on elephant hunting, putting the lives of some of the country’s estimated 127,000 elephants at risk. Botswana has announced that it will begin licensing elephant hunts, with 60 licences for the hunting […]
After a long successful acting career, with a current TV series, Great Canal Journeys, alongside her husband Timothy West, Prunella Scales CBE, aged 87 has retired. The retirement has been forced by her battle with the progression of Alzheimers. Prunella Scales was born in Surrey in 1932, and was educated in Eastbourne. She started her […]
Authors, Celebrities, Literary Agents and Publicists, and guests with a love of books, converged on Quaglino’s in London’s St James’s for the presentation of the annual Costa Book Awards and the announcement of the winner of the ultimate accolade, the Costa Book of the Year. After hours of deliberation, the Final Judging Panel under the […]
Broadcasting legend Nicholas Parsons CBE died on 28th January, after a short illness. Stylish actor and radio and television presenter, he was perhaps most famous for his radio series Just A Minute, the Radio 4 quiz show which he hosted from its inception in 1967 until his death. Tributes have poured in from his many broadcast friends, […]
Prominent theatre actors converged on the H Club in London's Covent Garden to celebrate the WhatsOnStage nominations for the 20th annual WhatsOnStage Awards. A Champagne breakfast was enjoyed by the actors and creative talent, as the shortlist was announced. The winners, voted for by the theatre-going public, will be announced on 1st March 2020 at the spectacular […]
Exceptional Pieces Founder Tessa Hardy and David Bond hosted a Champagne Preview at La Galleria in London's Royal Opera Arcade in Pall Mall St James's, featuring artists known for their Bronze Sculptures, Bruce Little, Sam Keil and Caroline Wallace. The Nature of Art exhibition features the stunning bronze works of wild African creatures by Sam Keil and […]
Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub welcomed 500 international guests to the annual Chain of Hope Gala Ball in London's historic Old Billingsgate, which raised a fantastic £1.9 million for children suffering from heart disease around the world. President and Founder of the Chain of Hope, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, thanked everyone for their kind support of […]
The Grade II listed Dominion Theatre in London’s Theatreland, after its multi-million-pound restoration, is the home of the spectacular new production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. The 1954 classic Paramount film version, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen and Dean Jagger, has been updated by Nikolai Foster in a sparkling production. Olivier Award […]
Photographer Terry O'Neill has died after a long battle with Prostate Cancer on Saturday 16th November. The Queen awarded him a CBE in October for services to photography. His many famous subjects included the Queen, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Brigitte Bardot, Michael Caine, Nelson Mandela, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn […]
Gary Rhodes was taken ill suddenly during a break in filming an ITV series, and died at home in Dubai, on Tuesday 26th November, with his wife Jennie by his side. The spiky-haired chef and TV presenter, with his rock star looks, was born in South London in 1960. He grew up in Kent and trained […]
Celebrities from the worlds of television and music, made their way to the Great Room of the five-star JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane via the elegant lobby, for the annual white-collar charity boxing event, in aid of Caudwell Children. This national charity, founded by John Caudwell, provides practical and emotional support to […]
Dame Judi Dench joined Burlington Arcade's owners, the Reuben family, together with invited guests, to celebrate the start of Christmas in London's Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly. The English sparkling wine Nyetimber marked the landmark celebration. The Reuben family bought the iconic arcade for £350million. The Burlington Beadles, the Arcade's own historic police force, were on duty […]
Field Marshal Lord Edwin Noel Westby Bramall KG, GCB, OBE, MC died on 12 November at the age of 95. Born on 18 December 1923 in Tonbridge, Kent, he attended Eton, where he developed a prowess at cricket, which became a lifelong passion. Married to Katherine, née Westby, who died in 2015, they had two children. […]
London born artist Simon Tarrant launched an exhibition of his colourful artwork entitled Is This Now, at the Oxo Gallery. Overlooking the River Thames, the prestigious gallery is located on London's South Bank Riverside Walk. Simon Tarrant’s exhibition showcases a new collection of monoprints, paintings and drawings. The celebrated sculptress Frances Segelman Lady Petchey, […]
Breast Cancer Now, the comprehensive breast cancer charity, invited 300 influential guests to its 25th annual Pink Ribbon Ball at London’s Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in Mayfair, hosted by Jacquie Beltrao. Champagne flowed at the reception, and guests included Jackie St Clair, Michelle Heaton, and Matt Evers. The 1981 Eurovision winners Bucks Fizz, now reformed as […]
Guests converged from all over the UK on 8 Northumberland Avenue in London, to celebrate the 24th Annual Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards. Hosted by Specsavers Co-Founder Dame Mary Perkins and Rylan Clark-Neal, the various category finalists competed for the overall prize. The Judges facing the difficult decision of selecting the winner from […]
Guests flew in from Russia, China, and Switzerland for the preview of Georgii Uvs’s extraordinary Show at Gallery Eight in London St James's, to be impressed by the dramatic art in his latest Exhibition, On Khaos and Beauty Retrospective 2005 - 2018. The presentation from the acclaimed Russian artist was curated and produced by Eva […]
60 years ago Hayley Mills captivated audiences, with her debut, a mesmerising performance in the starring role as tomboy Gillie Evans in the film Tiger Bay, and she has continued to thrill audiences on stage and screen. She is as beguiling now as she was then. Born in Marylebone London, the daughter of legendary actor […]
A host of guests, many in safari-inspired outfits, converged on the Hurlingham Club in London for the second annual Tofauti Conservation Ball, a Charity founded by triple Olympian hockey player, Crista Cullen MBE. Hosted by Clare Balding OBE, the event was supported by many international athletes including tennis legend Tim Henman OBE, rugby union player Simon […]
Sir Jack Petchey and his wife Frances Segelman Lady Petchey hosted a glamorous Moulin Rouge Party at their magnificent Georgian house, overlooking the River Thames in London's Wapping, to celebrate Sir Jack's 94th birthday. Situated amongst converted warehouses in this historic area of London, the hosts lavished Champagne, cocktails, and magnificent food on their guests, […]
Chris Eubank Jr, the IBO Super Middleweight Professional Boxer, now an official Ambassador for Chain of Hope, paid a visit to 7 year old Abuzar in the Cardiology Wing of London’s Evelina Children’s Hospital near Westminster Bridge. He joins other celebrities, such as Arsenal legend, Robert Pires and Actor, Rupert Everett as official Ambassadors for […]
The UK premiere of playwright Florian Zeller’s ‘The Son’, part of a trilogy with ‘The Father’ and ‘The Mother’, took place at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London’s West End. The play has transferred from the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn, after a very successful sold-out season from February to April. This excellent drama is […]
Sir Cliff Richard’s friends and fans flocked to London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel to share in an evening of celebration at the Diamond + 1 Summer Ball. Organised by Joy Forbes-Wake, Sir Cliff and his long-time friend, Gloria Hunniford OBE, united to raise money for their charities, The Sir Cliff Richard Charitable Trust and The Carol […]
Tim Bell, the public relations guru who played a central role in Margaret Thatcher’s three successful general election campaigns, died surrounded by his family, at his London Belgravia home, on Sunday 25th August. The spin doctor, one of the founders of the public relations firm Bell Pottinger, known for his involvement in the Tories “Labour […]
Tuesday dawned with improved weather conditions, much to the relief of Regatta Director Laurence Mead, and sailing conditions for Ladies Day were excellent, with competitors enjoying a day of winds which challenged their skills. Ladies featured on their day, with 80 female helms competing, the youngest a girl aged 12. Slingsby Gin, manufactured in […]
Despite high winds and atrocious conditions at sea, with all racing cancelled, and all Red Jet ferries to Southampton suspended, the annual Royal Yacht Squadron Cowes Week Ball took place at The Castle on Cowes seafront. It is always a very enjoyable and glamorous occasion, with Members and their guests catching up with friends and […]
International entertainer Geoff Sewell has just returned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The singer has a philosophy on life, No Limits, and approached climbing the Summit with the same spirit. This is the story of his adventure in his own words. Seven days, climbing up, and down, Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa: the highest free-standing mountain in […]
Jonny Dodge, accompanied by his wife Cassandra Harris, hosted his annual Grand Prix Ball at London's Hurlingham Club, ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The red carpet welcomed iconic classic Formula 1 racing cars, driven by household names, as guests admired these magnificent machines at close quarters. Following a Champagne Reception, guests were […]
Variety, the Children’s Charity, honoured superstar Sir Cliff Richard as he celebrated 60 years in show business, at a celebratory tribute evening at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square in the heart of Mayfair. Family, including his sister Joan Webb, friends and Sir Cliff’s loyal fans gathered to support this celebration of his life and […]
Legendary racing icon, journalist and broadcaster, and larger than life personality, John McCririck, has died in hospital at the age of 79. Overcoming sepsis, he had been secretly battling with lung cancer, which finally killed him. For many years the face of British horse racing, John McCririck was a unique media personality. Famously bejewelled, wearing […]
Kate Duchess of Cambridge, was undoubtedly the star on her arrival at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival Press Day. Unbeknown to most, she had spent a day at the build up of the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival the previous week, quietly helping to plant the Back To Nature Garden she had designed […]
The Queen, dressed this year in blue, displayed her usual enthusiasm for this year’s Derby Day, where she expertly discussed form with her racing manager John Warren. She made her regular visit to the Parade Ring immediately prior to The Investec Derby, as runners and riders prepared for the prestigious race. Her Majesty inspected the […]
Liz Brewer invited 150 friends to the newly refurbished five-star luxury Athenaeum Hotel in London's Piccadilly for her birthday celebration, entitled Still Alive & Kicking. Liz warmly welcomed her friends with Laurent Perrier Champagne, which flowed throughout the evening, together with Bogart’s Cocktails. The Athenaeum’s Group Director Bernard Murphy, and General Manager Joanne Taylor-Stagg, greeted […]
As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show comes to a close, the crews move in to demolish the lovingly built gardens, level out the ground, lay lawns and restore the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea to their pre-show state. It is a time to reflect on the impact of the Show, and the success […]
Montessori St Nicholas is celebrating 100 years of Montessori education in the UK and to mark the occasion, the Charity sponsored an innovative garden at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. First time Chelsea Designer Jody Lidgard, produced an incredible garden to encompass all the elements of the Montessori concept. The Judges spent a considerable […]
Actors from the world of the stage, many currently appearing in popular West End Shows, arrived early in the morning at St Paul’s Churchyard in London’s Covent Garden, to set up their stalls for the West End Flea Market, raising money for Acting for Others. This acting charity provides financial and emotional help and support […]
Guests in their summer finery converged on the Roof Terrace of the welcoming Ham Yard Hotel, in the centre of London’s theatre-land, for the launch of the Royal Ascot Village Enclosure. Alexandra Bertram, Consumer PR Manager at Ascot Racecourse, welcomed guests to the Royal Ascot launch, as they were served with Moët & Chandon Champagne […]
Guests arriving at the 5-star JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London’s Park Lane for the 90thAnniversary Celebrations, entered the forecourt of the iconic Hotel which for the occasion was transformed into a beautiful garden, full of yellow roses. Enjoying the delight of a spring evening, guests were serenaded by the all-girl String Infusion, and treated […]