Hotels throughout London are gearing up for the Jubilee next month, offering special events and packages to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne. Browns, the Langham and Dukes have already announced how they will be honoring Her Majesty. Here are a few more:
In Knightsbridge, The Berkeley will pay homage to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with the launch of “Prêt-a-Portea – The Royal Collection,” which we hear will add a creative twist to the classic elements of the traditional English afternoon tea with biscuits, fancies and choux buns transformed to resemble the most memorable hats worn by the Royal Family (pictured right). Guests can try a praline profiterole inspired by the much-talked-about Philip Treacy fascinator worn by Princess Beatrice at The Royal Wedding, as well as Queen Elizabeth’s legendary crown, worn for her coronation in 1953, recreated as a vanilla biscuit with intricate icing and sugar diamonds. Angela Kelly’s Canadian maple leaf hat, worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in Canada, has been carefully prepared in the form of a bright red strawberry panna cotta macaroon, and a stately blueberry hat cake with sugar roses and green leaves, is inspired by a Rachel Trevor-Morgan design, one Queen Elizabeth’s favorite British milliners. The tea will be available from June 1-June 9.
The Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotels in England are offering some special perks for guests staying from May 21 - June 11, including a complimentary souvenir book (per stay), a full English breakfast for two and a Diamond Jubilee themed Champagne afternoon tea (based on a two-night minimum stay). Guests can also try Diamond Jubilee-inspired dishes like Coronation chicken sandwiches and traditional English fare including cakes and pastries, scones with clotted cream and conserves and jubilee cake.
51 Buckingham Gate is offering a Diamond Jubilee Package that includes a Junior Suite for two nights, breakfast for two, Royal Afternoon Tea for two, tickets for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant (including VIP seats on the private jetty grandstand; luxury mini champagne picnic basket; live string quartet and live commentary) and exclusive Diamond Jubilee gifts. The package is available between June 2 and 5.
And the iconic Ritz Hotel, where Her Majesty celebrated her 80th birthday, is hosting several special meals for Royal fans. On Monday, June 4, Afternoon Tea at the popular Palm Court will include a souvenir menu and an exclusive limited edition bone China commemorative dish from the Diamond Jubilee Collection. On Sunday, June 3, diners at the Jubilee Lunch can choose from themed food stations (we're excited about the Beef Wellington station). Screens streaming live coverage of the event will be displayed throughout the room. The lunch also includes a glass of Champagne, a commemorative souvenir Menu, and an exclusive limited edition decorative keepsake from the Highgrove Collection. On Tuesday, June 5, the Ritz Restaurant will serve a selection of Chef John Williams' signature dishes while guests watch streaming live coverage of the celebrations.
Guests can also stay at the Ritz, which is offering a package for those arriving on June 3. The package includes three nights accommodation in a Louis XVI-inspired room, a Jubilee-inspired gift, a complimentary diamond jewelry cleaning (courtesy of Ritz Fine Jewellery), a full English breakfast each morning, the Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court on Monday and the Diamond Jubilee Brunch in The Ritz Restaurant on Tuesday (which will feature live coverage of the carriage procession from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral and the following service of Thanksgiving).
And don't forget—British Airways is offering a special business-class fare to London for the Jubilee weekend.