The Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the most prestigious events in the gardening calendar, showcasing to onlookers the latest gardening trends, features and desirable gardening products. Taking place at The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, The Chelsea Flower Show is extensively covered by the BBC and is an event gardeners from across the world can’t stop talking about.

If you are a gardening fanatic and love flowers that showcase the greatest colours, patterns and scents, this is one show that you have to watch or attend. Garden design is taken to another level with gardeners from across the globe competing to gain that all important trophy.

Dates and Times

May 22–25^th 8am–8pm

May 26^th 8am–5:30pm

Venue

Royal Hospital,

Chelsea,

London,

SW3 4SL,

Telephone Number: 0845 602 56 99

Travel (http://www.tfl.gov.uk)

Travelling to the Chelsea Flower Show couldn’t be easier thanks to London’s extensive range of transport links. Whether you’re coming from outside London, want to travel green or wish to take the fastest route, below you will find a great range of transportation links that will ensure you arrive on time.

Overground

When travelling into the capital using the train you need to get off at either London Victoria or Battersea Park and catch a tube to Sloane Square.

Tube

The closest tube station to the Chelsea Flower Show is Sloane Square (Circle and District Lines). However, you can arrive at your destination when jumping off at South Kensington (Circle, District and Piccadilly Lines), although you will be walking a longer distance.

Buses

Hop onto either numbers 170, 137, 360, 452, 11, 211, 19, 22, 319 and C1 depending on where you’re coming from and you will arrive at the Royal Hospital in an environmentally friendly way.

Nearby bars and restaurants

At the Chelsea Flower Show you will be surrounded by a variety of scents and thanks to many onsite bars and restaurants there will be an assortment of aromas that are  sure to get your taste buds going. However, if you fancy venturing a bit further after the day’s event, why not try some of Gordon Ramsey’s dishes? There are two restaurants nearby to the Royal Hospital and we’re certain you won’t be disappointed with his chef’s execution.

•    Rock Bank Restaurant (onsite restaurant)
Service: Waited breakfast lunch and supper
Buy your tickets here for Rock Bank Restaurant

•    Laurent-Perrier Bar (onsite restaurant)
Service: Waited platter and champagne bar
Discover other bars that will be serving you at the Chelsea Flower Show

•    Foxtrot Oscar (79 Royal Hospital Road,  London, SW3 4HN)
Cuisine: Gordon Ramsey’s simple and classic dishes
Telephone Number: 020 7352 4448

•    Restaurant Gordon Ramsey (68 Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HP)
Cuisine: Gordon Ramsey’s simple and classic dishes
Telephone Number: 020 7352 4441

Accommodation

The horticultural event spans across four days and if you’re lucky enough to have tickets for the whole event why not ensure your surroundings both at the Chelsea Flower Show and away from the show are just as aesthetically pleasing as one another? You will find a great range of Chelsea apartments at Refresh Accommodation that will suit any style and taste. From studios to three bedroom apartments there is something to suit a party of friends or a family.

Chelsea Cloisters, Chelsea (nearest underground: South Kensington)

36 Draycott Place, Chelsea (nearest underground: Sloane Square)

49 Draycott Place, Chelsea (nearest underground: Sloane Square)

1 Sloane Avenue, Chelsea (nearest underground: Sloane Square)

Phoenix House  Chelsea (nearest underground: Sloane Square)

Refresh Corporate is launched

Refresh CorporateLondon is one of the greatest cities in the world and whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, we here at Refresh Accommodation understand the requirements specific to your stay. Welcome Refresh Corporate our newly launched website that has been specifically designed for the business traveller.

Each apartment featured on Refresh Corporate caters to every business need you can think of whether it be fast broadband, telephone services or even having the ability to accommodate multiple guests in one apartment or townhouse. There is an extensive range of gold, silver and bronze classified apartments in a variety of sizes including studios and three bedroom apartments.

Refresh Corporate not only caters for the business person travelling to London, our dedicated portfolio of serviced accommodation also reaches out as far as Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester, among many other destinations.

Why book with Refresh Corporate?

Not only will you receive all the services and amenities you would need to make your stay as comfortable as possible, we only pick accommodation that is accessible to London’s main transport links, ensuring that you can travel throughout the city and to meetings with ease. There can’t be anything worse than being located in a hotel room that isn’t situated near to a tube station, especially during the evenings and weekends when you’re away from the office.

With a Refresh Corporate apartment not only do you have the comfort of being able to prepare a home cooked meal instead of eating out, with some of our apartments you also have  the flexibility to stay as long or as short as you would like.

If these aren’t reasons enough to book with Refresh Corporate, take a look at the apartments yourself on the website and you will discover fully furnished, stylish and comfortable surroundings, with many apartments benefitting from stunning views. Depending on the apartment you book, clients and prospective employees could over look Hyde Park, Canary Wharf or even Westminster.

All you could need and more is provided including onsite gyms, restaurants and convenience stores* giving you a home away from home on your next visit to London.

*varies according to apartment

Wembley Stadium | Olympics 2012

For football fans Wembley Stadium is the home of the beautiful game. The newly-renovated complex is arguably the most recognisable football stadium in the world with the Twin Towers replaced with the breathtaking ‘arch’ that can be seen from miles across London’s horizon. In July the Olympic Games brings its football competition to Wembley with up to 90,000 spectators expected to witness the world’s best players battling it out each game in the quest for Olympic gold.

Events taking place at Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium will be staging the London 2012 Olympic Games Football competition and hosting the Men’s and Women’s gold medal events from 25^th July.

Venue Address

Wembley National Stadium

London

HA9 0WS

Telephone Number: 0844 980 8001

Travel (http://www.tfl.gov.uk)

As Wembley Stadium is London’s largest and most spectacular venue for football, it’s only fitting that it’s a location that’s easily accessible by public transport. The stadium is situated two stops from Baker Street (Metropolitan Line) and only nine minutes from London Marylebone (Chiltern Line). The venue can also be accessed via coach with the Stadium’s Official Travel Provider, National Express providing visitors with a dedicated event service.

Destination buses include: 18, 83, 92 and 224.

For overseas visitors you can arrive at the following airports; Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, London City Airport, Luton airport or Euro Star.

Keep checking the Transport for London website to keep up to date with any changes to routes or stops during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

About Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium, one of the biggest venues situated in Wembley City and next to Wembley Arena, is famously known for its role in hosting football matches. It is England’s National football stadium and is located in the infamous Wembley Park.

Originally built in 1923, Wembley Stadium was initially known as the Empire Stadium, one of the world's greatest football stadiums until its demolition in 2003. The venue was reopened in 2007 and now holds a 90,000-capacity making it the second largest stadium in Europe.

Owned by English football's governing body, The Football Association (The FA), Wembley Stadium has become the home venue of the national England football team and hosts the latter stages of the FA Cup.

Accommodation

If you’re a football nut and will be attending the Olympic matches finding an apartment to stay in that’s fit for a professional team player is going to be high on the agenda. At Refresh Accommodation we believe we can provide you with your desired pad, perfect for a group of men, a family or couple. There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from, all fully furnished and ready to be your home during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

162 Gloucester Place, Regents Park (nearest station: Baker Street)

Marylebone Village Apartments, Regents Park (nearest underground: Baker Street)

Sanctum Apartments, Maida Vale/Kilburn (nearest underground: Kilburn Park)

SO-Quartier, Maida Vale/Kilburn (nearest underground: Kilburn Park)

What else is in the area?

Wembley Stadium can not only provide you with the perfect backdrop for some of the greatest live football events, it is also located close by to the Arena Square. Equivalent in size to Leicester Square, the Arena Square is home to the Square of fame, a variety of bars and eateries and extravagant architecture. It houses Europe’s largest interactive fountain, music and light show. At night the lighting display illuminates the North, South and East areas of Wembley Arena, offering spectators world class pre-match entertainment.

Wembley city is also in close proximity, which boasts a wide variety of retail choices, including the return of the Wembley Sunday Market and Wembley Retail Park. It is the ultimate lifestyle, restaurant and retail destination that will provide you with one of the greatest London shopping experiences.

Wembley Arena | Olympics 2012

Wembley Arena is known as London’s flagship music venue and this year it will be the place to see Olympic history in the making. The vast and impressive venue will be showcasing some of the finest gymnastic talents and entertaining badminton matches to an estimated 6,000 spectators in the summer months.

Be entertained by sheer Olympic talent, walk around Wembley City and take in all the atmosphere you could possibly imagine, the Olympic Games has come to Wembley Arena.

Events taking place at Wembley Arena

Wembley Arena will host the London 2012 Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics Olympic Games from 28^th July to 12^th August.

Venue Address

Arena Square
Engineers Way

Wembley

HA9 0DW

Telephone Number: 0844 815 0815

Travel (http://www.tfl.gov.uk)

When you think of popular entertainment and London, automatically Wembley Arena pops into your head. With such a notable reputation and high volume of foot traffic, you’re sure to believe access to the venue is easily gained, and you’re right. Wembley Arena is serviced by some of London’s fastest and most convenient transport links. Below you will find all the information required whether you choose to travel via train, tube or bus.

Underground

The closest tube station is Wembley Park (Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines), which provides you with a passage straight to the Olympic Way. Once you’ve reached Wembley Stadium turn right and cross the road and you’ve arrived at the Arena, just remember not to walk up the ramps.

Alternatively, you can reach your destination by jumping off at Wembley Central (Bakerloo Line). Simply turn right upon exiting onto Wembley High Road and walk approximately 200 yards until you get to the Wembley Triangle junction. From the junction you need to turn left onto Wembley Hill Road and follow straight on until you get to Lakeside Way and turn right.

Train and Bus Routes

Wembley Arena is serviced by Chiltern Railways from London Marylebone to Wembley Stadium. However, if you prefer to take the bus, jump onto either bus numbers 79, 83, 92, 182 or 224 and you’ll arrive at Wembley Arena.

The Transport for London website will keep you informed of any changes to routes or stops during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

About Wembley Arena

Wembley Arena, the UK’s most iconic entertainment venue is now not only synonymous with live music; it has also become a popular venue for numerous sporting events. The venue has housed a multitude of events including the 1948 Olympic Games.

Almost 80 years since its inception back in 1934, Wembley Arena has enjoyed scores of sell out shows and cemented its status as a rival sporting venue to its neighbouring stadium. In August 2011 the Arena hosted the Badminton World Championships as a test event for the Olympic Games.

Wembley Arena is the heart of London’s entertainment industry, making it an ideal venue to host some of the Olympics’ most fascinating events.

Accommodation

After watching such breathtaking live action and taking in all the sights Wembley City has to offer, why not enjoy some home comforts and stay at a London serviced apartment? Refresh Accommodation apartments can provide you with all the comforts of home, away from home. Whether you’re a family, large group of friends or a couple searching for a stylish and contemporary apartment, Refresh Accommodation can provide you with a free consultation to ensure every requirement is met.

162 Gloucester Place, Regents Park (nearest station: Baker street)

Marylebone Village Apartments, nearest underground: Baker street

Sanctum Apartments – Maida Vale/Kilburn, (nearest underground: Kilburn Park)

SO-Quartier, Maida Vale/Kilburn (nearest underground: Kilburn Park)

What else is in the area?

Wembley Arena is situated close to the Arena Square and is located within the luxurious Wembley City. Equivalent in size to Leicester Square, Arena Square houses Europe’s largest interactive fountain display, which at night illuminates the North, South and East areas of the Arena.

Wembley City offers visitors one of London’s greatest shopping and lifestyle experiences, providing shoppers with an array of restaurants, retail outlets, a Sunday market, retail park and soon a Designer Outlet, which is set to open next year.

Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race

The Oxbridge Boat Race takes place in London on 7th AprilThe iconic boat race between the Oxford and Cambridge universities is returning to London and with the anticipation of the Olympic Games coming to the capital, it’s sure to be bigger and better than ever. Up to 250,000 spectators flock to the River Thames between Mortlake and Putney to cheer on the rowers as they race over the famous four-and-a-quarter mile course.

The competition is hotting up as the gap between the universities is closing in; last year Oxford won the 157^th boat race contributing to the number of races the university’s team has won. Currently Oxford has won 76 times, but it is Cambridge who is in the lead with 80 wins under their belt.

Can Oxford retain the title this year to help close the gap?

Date and Time

April 7^th 2012 at 2:15 pm

Where to watch

The start - Putney Bridge, Putney Embankment and Bishop's Park

First mile - Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC

Mid course - Hammersmith and Barnes

The finish line - Duke's Meadows and Chiswick Bridge

Travel (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/)

All the action begins at Putney Bridge and a good start is imperative to the rowers if they want to beat their opponents comfortably. To get to Putney Bridge there is a variety of London transport links to take advantage of. Whether you choose to travel by bus, train or tube you’re sure to get to the starting point of the race with ease.

Tube

There are two tube stations in close proximity of the River Thames, East Putney (District Line) or Parsons Green (District Line). When getting off the tube, you’ll need to walk approximately 15 minutes to the River Thames.

Train

Putney Station is situated conveniently on Putney Bridge and is close by to the River Thames. Simply carry on walking down the bridge and you’re sure to notice a crowd gathering around the start line.

Buses

There are a number of buses that travel along Putney Bridge, simply jump onto either number 14, 22, 74, 424, 430, 39, 265, 220, 270, 85, 93, 414 or 485.

Nearby Bars and Restaurants

After watching the boat race, why not enjoy a pleasant meal or a few refreshments while talking about the day’s events? There is an extensive list of recommended bars, restaurants and pubs to choose from, but after some time and careful consideration we have managed to reduce the list to a few great hot spots. 

• Wahoo Bar & Grill (14 - 16 Putney High Street, SW15 1SL)

         Cuisine: Burger, sandwich and salad bar

         Telephone Number: (0)20 8549 9790

• The Eight Bells (89 Fulham High Street, Fulham, SW6 3JS)

         Type: Public House

         Telephone Number: (0)20 7736 6307

• La Mancha (32 Putney High Street, Putney, SW15 1SQ)

         Cuisine: Tapas

         Telephone Number: (0)20 8780 1022

• The Yeast Noodle Bar (12 Putney High Street, Putney, SW15 1SL)

         Cuisine: Oriental

         Telephone Number: (0)20 8785 6969

• The Larrik (425 New King's Road, Fulham, SW6 4RN)

         Type: Sports Bar

         Telephone Number: (0)20 7371 9585

Accommodation

After joining in all the celebrations and watching either Oxford or Cambridge take home the title you’re sure to feel a little restless and ready to enjoy a good night’s sleep. How wonderful would it be to go a spacious apartment that houses all the comforts of home including a living area, comfortable bed and fully equipped kitchen? When booking with Refresh Accommodation this is what you’ll receive; chose from a variety of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments all within close proximity to the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race. We suggest:

Think Earls Court Earls Court (nearest underground: Earls Court)

SO-Sienna Hammersmith (nearest underground: Hammersmith)

SACO Hammersmith Hammersmith (nearest underground: Hammersmith)