London Mayor Launches #MyLondonDish Campaign, Backed By Top Chefs, To Celebrate London’s Diverse Food #LondonIsOpen

 
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has launched a new social media campaign called #MyLondonDish to celebrate food in London, as part of his #LondonIsOpen movement.

Top chefs and food experts across the capital have pledged their support including Jamie Oliver, Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley, ‘Clerkenwell Boy’, and many more.
 
London has the highest concentration of restaurants in the UK including 65 Michelin-starred establishments, and offers more than 70 world cuisines. It is hoped that the campaign will encourage tourists to ignore outdated misconceptions about British food and instead explore the incredible variety of foods available in the capital.
 
The campaign begins in the same week as the Mayor of London made his first post from his new Instagram account, @MayorofLDN. In it he shared his favourite London dish, traditional fish and chips, saying: “London is an incredible place to eat with some of the best chefs, food markets, restaurants and cafes in the world. And of course, we do the best fish and chips. They’re #MyLondonDish (bit of a cliché, but the truth). What’s yours? Take a photo, video or live of your favourite food or your favourite place to eat and make sure to tag me and use #MyLondonDish. Show the world that #LondonIsOpen for the world’s best food!”

Social media users are being encouraged to share their chosen #MyLondonDish on Instagram or other social media platform. This could be a meal at their favourite London restaurant, or even something they’ve created using London-sourced ingredients. Those who join in the conversation will see their picture featured in a crowd-sourced gallery on a bespoke new segment of VisitLondon.com. Head to  www.visitlondon.com/mydish for more information.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We want to unite Londoners and tourists alike through #MyLondonDish, to show that London is open to some of the finest cuisine in the world. Here in London we have thousands of incredible restaurants to eat and drink at, and a huge variety of interesting and exotic ingredients available at markets, shops and stalls throughout the capital. From traditional fish and chips to the best new fusion recipes, I urge Londoners to share their favourite dish and show the world that London is Open for food.”

Jamie Oliver said: “I’m loving the Mayor of London’s #MyLondonDish campaign to show the world that London is Open for Food. It’s a bit naughty to put one of my own restaurants in but Fifteen is a massively unique restaurant having trained so many people over the years. No credit to me, all to our head chef Robbin Holmgren and his ridiculously yummy short ribs. There is so much diversity in London when it comes to food so I’d encourage everyone to get out there and try something new.”

Andrew Cooke, Acting Chief Executive London & Partners, which runs VisitLondon.com, said: “My London Dish is a great way for international visitors to share their culinary experiences and help make sure everyone knows that London offers some of the best food in the world. With vibrant food markets and over 8,000 restaurants, offering 70 world cuisines, the city has a dish for everyone.”

Award winning Instagrammer, Clerkenwell Boy said: 'London has an amazing dining scene and each week is a new adventure, from pubs to pop-ups and markets to Michelin-starred restaurants London has something to offer everyone. I like to mix it up with the places I visit across the city, but for me the bacon and egg naan at Dishoom is #MyLondonDish as it's such a brilliant twist on the classic British bacon butty. I'm excited to be a part of The Mayor of London's #LondonIsOpen campaign and to celebrate the amazing food we have here in London.'

Travelore News: London Crowned World’s Top Tourist Destination

 London has been crowned the most popular tourist destination in the world, by the respected Mastercard Global Cities Index report, putting the city ahead of Bangkok and Paris.

 

According to the report, London is projected to host 18.7 million international visitors in 2014 – 300,000 more visitors than the 2013 top destination city Bangkok. 

 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “With nearly nineteen million visitors this year London is the world’s favourite place to visit. Our city perfectly combines history, heritage, arts and culture, not to mention vast amounts of green space and major events that are the envy of the planet.”

 

Now in its fourth year, the index provides a ranking of the 132 most travelled cities from around the world.

 

Europe boasts two of the top five cities, London and Paris, with Bangkok, Singapore, and Dubai making up the global top five.  Overall, Europe boasts eight of the top 20 destination cities by international overnight visitors. Istanbul (7^th), Barcelona (11^th), Amsterdam (12^th), Milan (13^th), Rome (14^th) and Vienna (17^th) all make the cut.

 

Ann Cairns, President of International Markets, Mastercard said: “The recognition of this year’s top international destinations reinforces the continued importance of cities as business, cultural and economic hubs.  For London in particular, being recognised once again for its place as the top destination will further boost this city’s ability to continue to be a global leader, whether it is hosting events that shine a spotlight on this city to draw in further investment, or inspiring those within to drive economic growth.”

In 2013, according to the Office of National Statistics International Passenger Survey, London welcomed over 16 million international visitors in one year for the first time in history. Tourists from around the globe flocked to the city in ever increasing numbers to attend world class exhibitions, visit amazing royal palaces, dine at Michelin starred restaurants, and watch world class sporting events.

 

Some of the major cultural events in London this year drawing millions of international visitors include ‘Ming: 50 Years that changed China’ at the British Museum, ‘Constable: The Making of a Master’ at the V&A and ‘Rembrandt: The Final Years’ at the National Gallery.

 

Among many other 2014 events expected to capture worldwide attention is the commemoration of the 100^th Anniversary of World War I with the re-opening of the Imperial War Museum this month and the ‘Great War in Portraits’ exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.  Together with an exhibition about fictional detective Sherlock Holmes at the Museum of London and the Thames River Festival in September, this year offers a feast of activities for visitors.

 

For more information on London attractions visit www.visitlondon.com.

 

 

About the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index

The MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities ranks cities in terms of the number of their total international visitor arrivals and the cross-border spending by these same visitors in the destination cities, and gives visitor and passenger growth forecasts for 2014.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Travelore Tips: The Top 10 Museum Exhibitions In London

Many of London's museums are free to enter, but they also offer a wide range of temporary paid-for exhibitions. Don't miss these fantastic London museum exhibitions as selected by our editorial team. 

• H G

Vikings: Life And Legend

The British Museum comes under invasion from the dreaded Vikings as it stages the first exhibition about the warriors in more than 30 years. Alongside the treasures that illustrate their raider and trader lifestyles, the centrepiece and highlight of the exhibition is a 37-metre-long Viking warship.6 Mar-22 Jun

Designs of the Year 2014

Hosted by the Design Museum, this prestigious contest looks to find the greatest efforts the vast world of creative design. Covering various categories, efforts include creations from the worlds of architecture, digital, fashion, furniture, graphics, transport and product. 26 Mar-22 Jun

Britain: One Million Years

Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story is the fascinating  exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Going back to the Swanscombe skull (from the earliest known Neanderthal in Britain) and the Clacton spear (the oldest wooden spear in the world), visitors are taken back in time with some amazing objects from Britain's past. 13 Feb-29 Sep

The Glamour of Italian Fashion

A showcase of Italian fashion since 1945 at theVictoria and Albert Museum in Kensington, including gemstone designs once owned by actorElizabeth Taylor. Visitors can examine the craftsmanship and luxurious materials that have made Italy a leader in couture and fine tailoring. 5 Apr-27 Jul

Mammoths: Ice Age Giants

Go on an inspiring journey through the life of one of the largest creatures ever to walk Earth withMammoths: Ice Age Giants at the Natural History Museum. Combining cutting-edge science, original skeletons and life-sized models, this is a chance for a close encounter with a long dead species. 23 May-7 Sep

Sensational Butterflies

Sensational Butterflies is the new interactive exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Visitors can take a stroll among hundreds of the colourful creatures, becoming involved in an exhibition in new and exciting ways. 3 Apr-15 Sep

Bond in Motion

Bond in Motion is the largest collection of official James Bond vehicles to ever be displayed in London. The exhibition includes models, production art, props and iconic vehicles including the white Lotus Esprit/submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me and ‘Little Nellie’ from You Only Live Twice. 21 Mar-31 Dec

Useful and Beautiful

The exhibition is a showcase of innovation and creativity relating to objects made for use in the home. The work of bright new talents and established designers has been brought together, covering everything from wallpaper, furniture and lighting to homeware and domestic products. 29 Apr-25 May

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith

Explore the creative world of Paul Smith at London's Design Museum. This unique exhibition traces the designer's career from small beginnings in Nottingham to international prominence today.15 Nov-22 Jun

Large Hadron Collider

Step inside the world's greatest experiment as the Science Museum recreate the inside of the Large Hadron Collider. Thousands of scientists and engineers worked together to uncover the secrets of the fundamental building blocks of our universe. Relive their dazzling efforts in this immersive exhibition that blends theatre, video and sound art.13 Nov-6 May

Beyond Perception..London Has Become A Great Destination For Foodies

• Contributed by Clifton Wilkinson
• Lonely Planet

View gallery

Gone are the days when London’s food scene left more than a little to be desired. These days the British capital is recognised as one of the world’s great foodie destinations, where Michelin-starred restaurants battle it out with inexpensive ethnic eateries, where food markets are the new rock ‘n’ roll, and where just about everybody likes to think of themselves as some kind of culinary expert. Here we give our expert opinion on why London is great for food lovers and where to sample the best on offer in the capital.

A-Y of cuisines

OK, so it doesn’t quite stretch from A to Z, but London’s range of cuisines comes pretty close. From authentic Afghan food at the Afghan Kitchen in Islington, to yummy Yemeni dishes at the Queen of Sheba in Paddington, via Ethiopian eatery Lalibela in Kentish Town, Georgian grub at Bethnal Green’s Little Georgia, and Peruvian delights at Ceviche in Soho, you can take your taste buds on a gastronomic world tour without leaving the city.

Best of British

While celebrating the wonderful mix of international cuisines on offer, London also provides food lovers with some great options for sampling classic British dishes. Rules, in Covent Garden, is the city’s oldest restaurant (215 years and counting) and the best place to try traditional desserts like sticky toffee pudding. St John, in Clerkenwell, famously pioneered nose-to-tail dining, in which every part of an animal is considered meal-worthy – the roast marrow salad is famous. Great Queen Street, in Covent Garden, is a superior and stylish gastro pub with a menu of seasonal British fare. And Albion, in Shoreditch, is a contemporary cafe-style place where the breakfasts, English wines and local London beers deserve your attention.

Stars in their eyes

London, with over 60 Michelin-starred restaurants in 2013, offers plenty of opportunities for splurging on quality cooking. You can’t go wrong with the innovative Chinese food at Yauatcha, perfect pasta at Locanda Locatelli, or the classic French cooking at three-star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy top class dishes – some of the best food you’ll eat can be had at inexpensive ethnic options that showcase the city’s multicultural cooking scene. Indian food in Whitechapel (try Tayyabs), Turkish food in Dalston (try Mangal Ocakbasi), Chinese food in Chinatown (try Jen Café) – all come with high standards and low prices.

Restaurants and diners in Chinatown. Image by Cultura Travel/Alex Holland/Getty Images. 

Do-it-yourself

Food markets have become some of London’s most popular attractions. Borough Market has been feeding the city’s citizens since the 13th century and is now busier than ever, providing picnic essentials for the thousands who flock here at weekends. Alternative (but no less tasty) options include super-cool Broadway Market in Hackney, and small-but-perfectly-formed Spa Terminus Market, in and around the railways viaducts near London Bridge train station. More upmarket shopping can be had in the amazing food halls in Selfridges and Harrods department stores. Big enough to get lost in, they’re gourmet wonderlands where you’re guaranteed to discover something you’ve never heard of but suddenly feel the need to try.

Fishmonger at Borough Market. Image by Tony C French/Getty Images. 

Tastings, tours and events

Such is the enthusiasm for food these days that specialist tours and events take place across London. One of the biggest is the Taste of London Festival, held annually in Regent’s Park (in June this year) and part of a global celebration of food. To burn off some calories (and make room for some more), the people at Foodie London have monthly walks around the city, focusing on different neighbourhoods and sampling local favourites.

British cheeses have never been so popular (fact: there are more varieties in the UK than in France) and several wonderful shops across the city specialise in them. Neal’s Yard Dairy, tireless promoter of homegrown cheddars, stiltons et al for over 30 years, has excellent tasting sessions where you can try some of the tastiest cheeses around while learning about how they’re made.

Anyone with a soft spot for chocolate is spoilt for choice, with numerous specialist chocolate makers throughout the city. But if you really want to satisfy your cravings then artisan chocolatier, Montezuma’s, offers Indulgence Evenings for adults, along with kids’ parties for younger fans.

And if you’d like a good red or white to accompany all these gourmet delights, then Vinopolis on the South Bank has wine tours that provide an exploration of all things viticultural, with free samples to add to the enjoyment.

For a rundown of the latest pop-up food outlets, cooking classes and top supper clubs, where a local will prepare a meal for you in their own home, check out Ms Marmite Lover’s The English Can Cook website, which is packed full of useful information and mouth-watering recipes.

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After an amazing year, the magic continues in London. Come celebrate everything the capital has to offer and see for yourself just how special London is: www.visitlondon.com 

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/travel-tips-and-articles/77665#ixzz2NoKEK2ux

Mummies, Monet & Napoleon’s Toothbrush: Discover London’s Top Museums

• Contributed By Clifton Wilkinson
• Lonely Planet Author

London is home to the world’s greatest collection of museums and galleries, from blockbusters to tucked-away treasures. The result of private and royal collections, and years of imperial acquisitions and plunder, these museums are one of the main attractions of the British capital for locals and visitors alike. Here we shine a spotlight on our favourites, and introduce some of their lesser-known, yet equally intriguing, cousins.

British Museum

The mother (or should that be ‘mummy’?) of all museums, the British Museum (or BM, as it’s known by staff and regulars) is the world’s oldest national public museum and London’s top free attraction. Since opening in 1759 to ‘all curious and studious persons’, people have come to view the unrivalled collections of antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Rome and Britain, among others.

With over six million objects it’s impossible to see everything on one visit so either pick one or two civilisations and spend an hour or two exploring their cultures in depth, or head straight for the highlights – the Rosetta Stone (the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics), the Parthenon Sculptures (controversially brought to Britain from Athens in the early 19th century), the Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon burial hoard and, of course, the mummies. From March to September 2013, the exhibition Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum will showcase objects from the city famously buried by a volcano in 79AD.

If you like the British Museum check out Sir John Soane’s Museum in Holborn. London’s worst-kept secret, this eclectic collection of ancient artefacts and paintings is housed in the eponymous architect’s stylish 18th-century townhouse.

The British Museum. Image supplied by visitlondon.com.

National Gallery

For a who’s who of Western art, from Michelangelo to Van Gogh, head to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Sq. If it’s a chronological run-through you’re after then start in the Sainsbury Wing with the likes of Botticelli and his racy (for its day) Venus and Mars, then amble past Rubens, Velazquez and Turner until you reach one of the most popular galleries, the Impressionists, with masterpieces by Monet and his pals. Or plot and print out a personalised itinerary using the ArtStart multimedia system – ask at one of the information desks for details. The main exhibition this year, Barocci: Brilliance and Grace, is showing from February to May and will bring this relatively unknown 16th-century Italian painter’s work to the attention of the wider public.

If you like the National Gallery stroll along the Strand to the Courtauld Gallery, a small but exquisite collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings within Somerset House.

Science Museum

You don’t have to be a geek to enjoy London’s Science Museum – but if you are, you’ll be in heaven. Seven floors cover humanity’s scientific achievements, from the 1829 Rocket train that started the railway revolution, to a display on how astronauts go to the toilet in space. It’s a big and busy place so if time is short, or you just want to tick off the biggest wows in the collection, focus on the Making the Modern World gallery with its show-stealing selection of objects that have changed history over the last 250 years. A special exhibition on Alan Turing, computer pioneer and WWII codebreaker (he was part of the team that cracked the Enigma Code), is on until July 2013.

If you like the Science Museum especially its medical section, then the Wellcome Collection in Bloomsbury has fascinating displays on the history of medicine. Look out for Napoleon’s toothbrush and the story of the human genome.

Interior of the Science Museum. Image supplied by visitlondon.com.

National Maritime Museum

The best way to get to Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum and learn about when Britannia ruled the waves is, appropriately, by boat down the Thames from central London. With an hour or two you’ll be able to uncover highlights such as the bloodstained (and surprisingly small) coat that Admiral Nelson was wearing when he died at the Battle of Trafalgar, exhibits on the British love affair with the seaside, and a compelling display examining Britain’s role in the slave trade. Photography from the Mountains to the Sea, an exhibition of photographs by Ansel Adams, is on until the end of April 2013 and focusses on works by the famous American photographer that have a particular connection with water.

If you like the Maritime Museum then visit the Cutty Sark clipper, just a five-minute stroll away. Beautifully restored in 2012, its exhibits cover the ship’s history, especially its time as the fastest boat plying the tea trade between China and Britain.

Tower of London

Part medieval fortress, part museum, the Tower of London encapsulates over 900 years of London’s history. Famous for being a prison, its lesser-known roles include being a former royal mint, military garrison and even the capital’s first zoo (in the Middle Ages monarchs liked sending each other exotic animals). The execution site may be gore-free (just a small plaque listing seven names – most people were executed on nearby Tower Hill), but join a Beefeater tour (included in the admission price) and have the place brought to life with an hour of gruesome and historical tales. Then get your sparkle fix at the Crown Jewels – the queue is inevitable, but they’re worth the wait.

If you like the Tower and want more on London’s history, check out the Museum of London. Perched above a section of original Roman wall near St Paul’s Cathedral, the museum has enough prehistoric axe heads, medieval church paintings, plague-related objects and reconstructed Victorian streets to keep the most enthusiastic historian happy.

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After an amazing year, the magic continues in London. Come celebrate everything the capital has to offer and see for yourself just how special London is: www.visitlondon.com