5 Savile Row For Sale

Dutch insurance conglomerate and fund manager, ING, is selling part of its London property portfolio including 5 Savile Row. Property Week reports that the 32,000ft block is being marketed at £43million, having been purchased from GE Real Estate earlier this year for £51million.

HM Queen Visits Revamped RI

The Royal Institution of Great Britain, based in Albemarle St, today received a visit from the Queen to mark its £22million refurbishment. She was shown around the impressive remodelled facilities, and witnessed a demonstration of Heston Blumenthal fusing food and science

Famed for its popular, televised Christmas Lectures, the RI has been in in its historic Albemarle St premises since 1799, where it has been devoted to scientific education and research.

The refurbishment of the space, designed by renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell, has created a new feel to the RI with three levels of museum space, a stunning atrium, new cafe and restaurant, as well as keeping the existing Grade 1 listed rooms such as the Faraday theatre where the Christmas lectures are given.

The RI is a great place to visit, and thanks to its redevelopment, also makes an excellent venue for private hire.



See also:
Royal Instituion Reopens: Now With Added Royals

Victorian Gas Lamps to Light Up Savile Row

Savile Row is to benefit from an upgrade to its street lighting and a decluttering of its street furniture. The BBC has reported that a makeover this Autumn will see electric lamps in the style of Victorian gas-lamps placed along the eastern side of the famous road, and existing lighting will be removed altogether from the western side.

The Beeb quotes Mark Henderson, Chairman of Savile Row Bespoke, saying: "We are delighted with the new lamps, which are perfectly suited to reflect the street's excellence and prestigious heritage."

John Fenwick Dies, Aged 99

I read this week of the death of John Fenwick, at the age of 99 - just 37 days before his 100th birthday. Fenwick was established in 1882 and has always been a family firm - John Fenwick was the grandson of the company founder and took charge of the chain himself in 1972. The firm's origins are in Newcastle, but its Bond Street is one of my favourite Mayfair stores.

Son Pays Tribute to Fenwick Store Boss

D&G Hit By Smash and Grab

Dolce and Gabbana in Old Bond Street was hit by "smash and grab" robbers on Monday night. Following the template which has become so common at designer stores in London, the robbers turned up on motor bikes, smashed their way in and made off with as much as they could carry.

Vogue: Dolce and Gabbana Raided
Female First: D&G Raided By Fashion Bandits

Q&A with Casey Affleck at Mayfair Curzon

Actor Casey Affleck will be on hand to answer questions at the Curzon cinema in Mayfair following a screening of his new film, 'Gone Baby Gone', on Tuesday May 27th at 6.15pm.

The movie is a taught, emotional thriller and is directed by Casey's older brother, Ben Affleck. To catch up with Casey, who is making a name for himself in small scale independent cinema, book a ticket for the event - £12 per ticket or £9 for members.

For more information, visit the Curzon website.

Mayfair Residents' Society Announces Summer Garden Party

The Residents' Society of Mayfair and St James (RSMSJ) have announced that this year's Summer Garden Party will take place on June 9th in Mount Street Gardens.

The event will be co-hosted by Grosvenor, and the Duke of Westminster will be on hand to open the party, which brings together businesses, residents and guests.

Guests will sample oysters from Wilton’s Restaurant Oyster Bar, canapés from Harry’s Bar, organic award-winning quiches from Allens Patisserie and appetisers from Sofra Restaurant. Claridges and The Connaught are providing Champagne; Knight Frank are hosting a cocktail bar and London Dry Gin will be available for tasting, all accompanied by cocktail jazz and blues from The Blues Engineers, courtesy of The Dover Street Restaurant.

Tickets to the event cost £20 and are available in advance from Mayfair Library or directly from the RSMSJ - call Cindy Hacker on 020 7629 2998.

Bee Gees Get Green Plaque in Brook Street

Robin Gibb has unveiled a Green Plaque at 67 Brook Street, Mayfair, which draws attention to the fact that the Bee Gees composed and stayed there between 1968 and 1980.

The plaque is a joint effort by Westminster Council and The Heritage Foundation, which Robin Gibb is currently the president of. According to the council website, "The Green Plaques Scheme celebrates the remarkable endeavours of some of its former residents."

A number of fans turned up for the unveiling, and Robin Gibb spent time talking to them before attending a charity lunch at Grosvenor House hotel.

Halcyon Gallery Exhibits Bob Dylan's Art

An exhibition of drawings and sketches by Bob Dylan will go on show at Mayfair's Halcyon Gallery in June. The show will have the title, "The Drawn Blank Series" and will feature works by Dylan that were done whilst on the road between 1989 and 1992.

The BBC quotes Halcyon president, Paul Green, as saying: "This is an incredible opportunity for viewing this powerful body of work which gives an insight into the artist's soul and which have already been the subject of widespread critical acclaim."

The cultural icon's pieces will be on display at the Halycon from June 14th. For more information, visit the website of the Halcyon Gallery.

International Worker's Day Marked in Mayfair

As you are probably aware, Mayfair's name comes from an annual fair that took place in the area that is now Shepherd Market. This rowdy event lasted a fortnight and fell out of fashion as the area became gentrified.

I was interested to read on the alternative media IndyMedia.org.uk that an attempt was made to mark May Day - International Worker's Day - with a revived "May Fair" this year with a gathering of about a hundred people, some of them claiming to be "recognised enemies of the state" in Shepherd Market. There was music, dancing, a play and even someone in a Boris Johnson masked placed in the stocks. From the accounts I have read on the site, the event was well policed and it passed off as a peaceful event.

Read More
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/05/398057.html

Mayfair Brands on eBay

Mayfair is home to the leading luxury brands from the world of fashion and design. If you aren't local to Mayfair, or maybe love the brands but can't afford the prices, you might find that you can often grab a bargain by checking online auction websites like eBay.

We have produced a new section on the website in association with eBay to present live auction data showing current auctions for top brands like Georgina Goodman and Smythsons.

Of course, you do have to keep your eyes peeled for counterfeit products so always check a seller's transaction history to check they are reputable before buying.

Mayfair Online Auctions

Georgina Goodman Opens New Shop in Old Bond Street

Luxury shoe designer, Georgina Goodman has opened a new retail space in Old Bond Street. The designer, hailed by Manolo Blahnik as the future of footwear, has an existing HQ in Shepherd Street and is adding to that with this new shop at 44 Old Bond Street, right next to Agnew's.

Georgina Goodman said of the move, “This store marks a coming of age for my brand and brings new blood to old bond street”.

Why not pop in and check out the ultra desireable ready to wear collection for Spring/Summer 08.

Related Links
Georgina Goodman Official Website
About Mayfair > Online Auctions > Georgina Goodman