Riverbank Arena | Olympics 2012

The Riverbank Arena also known as the Hockey Centre will be the place to see teams battle it out with their sticks to secure themselves the gold medal and observe Paralympic football teams at their greatest. Both sports are extremely entertaining to watch especially as hockey is one of the fastest team sports at the Olympic Games 2012. What makes this Olympic hockey competition greater than previous events is the surface they will be playing on. Instead of a green pitch, the London Olympic Games 2012 will be providing teams with a pink water-based synthetic-turf pitch that will make the game even faster and demand skilful play from all of the teams.

Although hockey is a non-contact sport, it has proven in the past to be quite a physical game. Hockey sticks will be swung at all angles, teams will be fighting to get hold of ball and the spectators will be able to watch in awe as the ball is smacked through the air and in the back of the net.

The Paralympic Five-a-side and Seven-a-side football is also a greatly anticipated sport to watch with all players wearing eyeshades to ensure fairness, and skilfully passing the ball that contains a noise-making device inside. 

Events taking place at the Riverbank Arena

The Olympic Park’s Riverbank Arena will be staging the thrilling hockey competition and Paralympic Five-a-side / Seven-a-side Football.

•    The Hockey competition will be taking place 29 July to 11 August
•    The Paralympic Five-a-side Football will be taking place 31 August to 8 September
•    The Paralympic Seven-a-side Football will be taking place 1 to 9 September

Venue Address

Riverbank Arena,

Eastway,

North Section,

Olympic Park,

Stratford,

E15 1BN

Telephone Number: 020 3201 2000

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

When seeing the hockey and Paralympic football events at the Riverbank Arena you are in the midst of all the excitement surrounding the London Olympic Games. Situated in the Olympic Park, travelling to your destination couldn’t be easier. However, we do urge you to plan your journey in advance and be aware of any last minute changes.

Tube

If your transport of choice is the London tube service, the closest stations to the Olympic Park are Stratford (Central and Jubilee Lines) or Leyton (Central Line).

Overground

If you’ll be travelling into London using the overground the station you will need to get to is Stratford Rail Station or Maryland Rail Station. 

Buses

The bus services in London are unparallel to the rest of the country. To get to the Olympic Park hop on to the number 339 bus from Stratford City Bus Station to Shadwell Station or number 25 from Oxford Circus to Hainault Street.

About the Riverbank Arena

In October 2011 the first Riverbank Arena pitch was revealed and at the beginning of this year the surrounding structures were erected just in time for the first hockey test match. The Riverbank Arena boasts two pitches, one which is intended to be used as a warm up area and the other for us, the spectators. The hockey pitches are located between the Press Centre and the River Lea, with the main pitch holding an impressive capacity of 16,000.

Once the Games are complete and the worthy athletes are presented with their medals, the Riverbank Arena pitch will be relocated to the north of the Olympic Park at Eton Manor where a group of permanent sporting facilities will be located.

Accommodation

If speed, like hockey and football, is the name of the game then you’ll love how close some of our Olympic 2012 accommodation is to the Riverbank Arena and Olympic Park, serviced by some of the fastest transport links. Located a small distance away from the venue, at Refresh Accommodation we can provide you and your family or friends with world class accommodation. From one bedroom studios to three-bedroom apartments you’ll never be disappointed with our selection.

Stratford Bellhaven, Docklands (nearest underground: Stratford)

Canary South  Marlin, Canary Wharf (nearest underground: Canary Wharf, South Quay)

Marlin Apartments Aldgate, The City (nearest underground: Aldgate East)

Think London Bridge, London Bridge (nearest station: London Bridge)

What else is in the area?

With such great sporting events taking place at the Olympic Park, it’s hard to fathom why you would want to be anywhere else. However, if you wish to see what else the area has to offer, you will not be short of attractions to see and activities to do. If you’ve had enough of seeing the River Lea and would like to surround yourself with green scenery, Victoria Park is close by, or if you would like to be entertained in another venue, why not watch a show at the Theatre Royal Stratford East? 

Victoria Park, Approach Road, Hackney, London

Discover, 383-387 High Street, Stratford, London, E15

Sutton House, 2 and 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, London, E9

Roman Road Market, Roman Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E3

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London, E15

Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is Britain's most prestigious horse racing event, where high society, horse racing enthusiasts and royal seekers come together to enjoy this momentous occasion. Originally founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Royal Ascot enjoys over 300 years of history, heritage and tradition. Attended by the Royal family the Queen has enjoyed many success stories with her horses winning several races. Although Royal Ascot is about top-quality horse racing and catching a glimpse of Her Majesty the Queen, the event is also known for attracting some eye-catching fashion.

Highlights of Royal Ascot include the Gold Cup and the Golden Jubilee Stakes.

Dates

19 June 2012 to 23 June 2012

Gates open at 10.30am on Royal Ascot race days

Venue

Ascot Racecourse,

Ascot,

Berkshire,

SL5 7JX

Telephone Number: 0870 7271234

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

If you aren’t travelling by car, the London train services are the only means of transportation available. Situated 53 minutes away from Waterloo the train station you need to arrive at is Ascot (Berks). From there the Royal Ascot is a seven minute walk away. Follow the signs from the train station to ensure you arrive at the Royal Ascot in style. 

Nearby Bars and restaurants

After seeing some photo finishes, sipping more than your fair share of champagne and enjoying a day filled with many memorable stories, you might be in the mood for a good chat over dinner. Below you will find a list of our recommended bars and restaurants that will help you make the most out of your Royal Ascot visit.

•    Ascot (35 High Street, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7HG)
Type: Caffé
Telephone Number: 01344 874318
•    The Stag Pub (63 High Street, Ascot, SL5 7HP)
Type: Public House
Telephone Number: 01344 621622
•    Jagz Club (Station Hill, Ascot, West Berkshire SL5 9EG)
Type: Bar, Nightclub and eatery
Telephone Number: 01344 878100

Accommodation

If you’re looking for London accommodation that is fit for a Queen, then you won’t be disappointed with our selection of serviced apartments that are ideal for Royal Ascot attendees. At Refresh Accommodation we have a great range of stylish and contemporary to traditional and quaint apartments that will suit most budgets. Equipped with a kitchen you can enjoy a home cooked meal instead of dinning out and with a living area too you can come home after the event and put your feet up, whilst relaxing on a sofa.

SACO Camberley, Camberley (nearest station: Camberley Rail Station)

SACO Farnborough, Farnborough (nearest station: North Camp Rail)

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Celebrating 60 years of serving the Common Wealth as the Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has already begun her Diamond Jubilee festivities. Her Majesty The Queen is one of the longest serving Monarchs and to celebrate this glorious anniversary,  Hyde Park and Sainsbury’s have joined forces to welcome The Jubilee Family Festival filled with live music and entertainment. The weekend programme will have everyone excited about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with many celebrity performers, equestrian events, death-defying motorbike stunts and kids' television characters all taking to the stage to provide you and the family with world class entertainment.

With live coverage of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, The Jubilee Family Festival attendees will be able to view the royal celebrations on seven giant screens. This is one unmissable event for the whole family to enjoy.

Date and Time

2^nd and 3^rd June 2012 from 10.30am-7pm

Prices (Tickets available from Seetickets and Ticketmaster)

Adults - £20

Under 16s - £12.50

Family - £52

Venue Address

Hyde Park,

Rangers Lodge,

Hyde Park,

W2 2UH

Telephone Number: 0844 847 1661

Travel (www.tfl.gov.uk)

Hyde Park is one of London’s infamous green areas known for providing the general public with a wide range of facilities including an art gallery (the Serpentine Gallery). It is marvellous for swimming, horse-riding, bowls and rollerblading as well as for walking. With Hyde Park being one of the capital’s biggest green attractions there are many travel services available to you. Below you will find out how easy it is to get to Hyde Park using any of London’s transportation links:

Underground

There are two tube stations that are located close to Hyde Park and The Jubilee Family Festival. Knightsbridge Tube Station, which is serviced by the Piccadilly Line, is an 11 minute walk away and Lancaster Gate Tube Station (Central Line) is a 12 minute walk.

Overground

A further two railway stations are located in close proximity to Hyde Park. Getting to The Jubilee Family Festival from Paddington Railway will take you approximately 20 minutes on foot and from Marylebone Railway will take an estimated 24 minutes to walk.

Buses

There are a number of buses for you to hop onto to get to Hyde Park including, number 10 from Hammersmith Bus Station, 454 from Station Terrace, 9 from Aldwych/Somerset House and 52 from Victoria Station.

Nearby Bars and Restaurants

Although there is sure to be an abundance of food stalls to cater to every taste the surrounding areas of Hyde Park that includes Knightsbridge and Mayfair also boast an extraordinary array of bars and restaurants that will satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds. Why not make an evening of the day’s event and relax in the comfort of a Mayfair restaurant or Knightsbridge gastro pub? Here are our recommendations:

•    Mari Vanna (116 Knightsbridge, London, Hyde Park, SW1X)
Cuisine: Russian
Telephone Number: (0)20 3159 5390
•    Serpentine Bar and Kitchen (Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, London, Hyde Park, W2)
Cuisine: English
Telephone Number: (0)20 7706 8114 ‎
•    The Pantechnicon (10 Motcomb Street, London, Belgravia, SW1X)
Type: Gastropub
Telephone Number: (0)20 7730 6074
•    The Met Bar (Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, London, Mayfair, W1K)
Type: Bar/Celebrity hot spot
Telephone Number: (0)20 7447 5757

Accommodation

After a day of singing and dancing along to your favourite music and tasting the genius of master chef’s meals, a relaxing and comfortable surrounding will be your next point of call. Curl up on a comfortable sofa and watch the news, cook up a masterpiece of a meal yourself or relax in a nice, warm bath. All of this and more is accommodated for you when you stay at a Refresh Accommodation London apartment. Whether you want luxury or wish to be surrounded with home comforts, there is a place for you and your family to stay.

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