Final Countdown

The Olympic clock at Trafalgar square shows 70 days (and of course hours, minutes and seconds, but we leave that out since it will change by the time we’re writing this). For 2 weeks the Olympic flame has been burning, and in one hour it will take off from Athens, with the Firefly, together with David Beckham, and by 9 o’clock tonight it will be in the UK. Events, concerts and of course some running will be involved in this Torch relay through the country, and then finally end up at the Olympic park where it will stay for 2 weeks….if we are excited? YES!

The final countdown has started! Where will you spot the torch? And have you got any Olympic tickets?

 

 

Something to keep your cool

We were starting to think this day was never going to come. The sun is back in London and the umbrellas, and coats we’re leaving at home. Like this wasn’t good enough….it’s supposed to be sunny the whole weekend not even a drizzle of rain which we Brits are not spoiled with. Before you’re all getting too worried how to cope with this British summer we do have some tips for you.

Today it’s your last chance to get free Ben & Jerry’s in London in Kensington before their heading down to Brighton. If you’re missing this ice cream opportunity you could look up the chain Snog who serves frozen yogurts with toppings of your own choice. End the night with a trip to the Ice bar for some icing drinks. Weekend sorted!

 

May Day in London

In most countries May Day was celebrated yesterday, but here in the U.K it is always celebrated the first Monday in May, which always gives us an extra-long weekend. Often this day means large protests parades through the streets of London. It is a day of getting your voice heard, but mostly we all just enjoy an extra day off. So for those of you who are not planning on participating in any parades or have the need to protest, we have found a list of things for you to do in both sunshine or rain.

Check out this website for more information!

 

UK Coffee week 23rd-29th April

The UK coffee week is a celebration of the vibrant UK coffee sector by industry and consumers while raising awareness of the conditions of the workers in the producing countries, and money for clean water through the project Waterfall. The first event was just held last year but still raised £100.000 to the Waterfall project which is wished to be beaten this year, of course.

So what can you expect from this steaming, warm coffee scented London festival this weekend? First of all COFFEE, sampling the best the independent London coffee scene has to offer. Participate in workshops, watch coffee demos and enjoy food from the many food stalls at the street food market and at the Artisan market. Where is the festival? Hyde Park, Soho and Shoreditch, and entrance should be made from Hanbury Street (by Hyde Park).

 

Run for Charity

Today its 100 days left until the London Olympic Games, which feels like one of many events coming to London this year. 2012 is definitely the year to be in London! With the Queens Jubilee celebrations at the beginning of June and then starting end July to mid-August the biggest sport event in the world, but something that comes every year around this time is the London Marathon. The London Marathon have been completed by 817,890 runners from all over the world, and this Sunday you can see the 32nd Marathon all around London.

The runners start in Greenwich and finishes in central London at Trafalgar square. At London Marathons official website you can find a spectators guide, so you can spot the runners. Here you can also sign up for donating money, and if you are one of the runners on Sunday you can sign in here to run for charity.

 

Update yourself before the summer

Even if the weather in London is not too stable, the summer was here two weeks ago and we all have our fingers crossed that the one week of sun was not supposed to last us through the summer. As soon as a glimpse of sun hits all our faces we get happier and the feeling of confidence and independence when you walk along the streets of our beautiful capital. But one thing that hits most of us is the feeling of renewal and updating ourselves and our wardrobe before the summer comes, and we all know the busy streets around Oxford Street and Regent Street, and if not, we can assure you that they are.

To avoid the massive crowd around central London, we at Burns Hotel want to introduce Whiteleys, a shopping centre located just 30mins walking from Best Western Burns Hotel. This shopping centre has everything you could ever want: menswear, women’s clothing, kids wear, cinema, grocery store, parking if you come by car and several cafés and restaurants. It is an excellent option instead of the buzzing inner-city and closer to your hotel if your feet start to get sore.

 

A fest of chocolate Friday 30th – Sunday 1st

I think we are not the only ones who are crazy about chocolate, chocolate in all its form and shapes that we never seem to get enough of. With less than 2 weeks to Easter, when we can enjoy our Easter egg, London kicks-off with a chocolate festival this weekend at Southbank Centre. During 3 days you will have the opportunity to meet some of the chocolate masters of the world, and buy yourself a treat or get your Easter saved with some of London’s best chocolate, or learn something new at one of the many master classes. Maybe learn how to make some white chocolate desserts or chocolate macarons?

Some of the possible activities during these days are: master classes and demonstrations, chocolate tastings and then the festival ends on Sunday with a chocolate tea party.  Check out their website, since some of the events you need tickets for.

 

 

Overheard in London

I always find it funny when you are sitting waiting for the bus/train or sitting on the tube, and you sit there looking around at all the people. Some are pumping loud tunes from their earphones and you’re chocked that their ears have not fallen of yet. Another one is trying to read a book, or trying to fight the sleep. Someone’s’ mobile is beeping constantly of a text coming through and either a big smile paints his/her face, or eyes are being watered. All these life story’s that we all take part in every day, and things we overhear. Only in London on Twitter collect some of what people has overheard all around in London, such as: Sat next to a man who looks about 70 with a walking stick listening to chase & status full blast on his iPod – @emmasargeant1

Stories like this is hard not to smile over, since most of the time you do not know the context of the conversations, like this one: Chat up line overheard in underground station of London Bridge last night: “Girl, you know you got so much social capital!” – @lastpositivist. Chat up line or encouraging words?

We at Burns Hotel, London want to encourage you all to send us conversations you have overheard in London, and maybe we will post it on to your blog or Facebook. Tweet us your stories @burnshotel

Saint Patrick’s Day

You must already be thinking: Saint Patricks day in London? Is it not a Irish Saint, and a Irish celebration? Yes it is, but believe our word there is many Irish living in the U.K and have Brits ever turned down a good party, or a reason for another pint? This day is not just big in Ireland or the U.K it has become a celebration in the whole world and on the 17th you should be able to catch some type of celebrations where ever you are in the world.

In London this weekend you will see many wearing green, people with green faces and some pubs even colour all its drinks green. If you want to catch the London parade, it will take place on Sunday starting from Trafalgar square at 12 noon, but you better be there early if you wanna catch a glimpse.

We from Burns wish you all a Happy, green, Saint Patricks Day!

 

WOW Festival 2012

I don’t want to sound tragic but time passes so fast. It’s already March and the sun have started to smile towards us, yes it is still quite cold but the sun are still trying to give us the feeling that spring is here and summer near.

This first week of March I would like to say is the week for all women. On the 8th of March we have International Women Day, and tomorrow start the WOW festival (Women of the World). It’s a festival with strong female performers and speakers, who want to celebrate all female heroes. It’s not just about big heroes we see on the news or read about in the newspaper, it’s also our day-to-day heroes. It’s about celebrating our past female heroes who was back then not as appreciated as they should have been. So bring your favorite woman to the Southbank Centre 7-11 March and celebrate all female accomplishments of the years that have past.