University of Arts London take over shop units across Central London

An innovative partnership between businesses and the renowned arts colleges, Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, University of the Arts London (UAL), has enabled this year’s Graduate Showcase to ‘take over’ a number of retail units and other key locations in central London. 

More than 100 students from the BA Costume for Theatre and Screen, BA Production Arts for Screen and BA Theatre Design courses have their final degree pieces exhibited in 30 sites across the City of London (in the EC Partnerships tower cluster area and Cheapside) and also in the Northbank (mainly in sites along the Strand).

Work on display includes full costumes for productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wicked and Woman in Black, realistic and intricate special effects models, set design maquettes and props and boards detailing the creative process, all highlighting the talents of the students.

Highlights include:

  • At Canon Place, 78 Canon Street, work from all 3 courses is visible from the street in an impressive display. Pieces include a marionette theatre and mannequins with costumes for La Belle et La Bete, Wicked and the Wizard of Oz and special effects models.
  • At One New Change shopping centre, the windows of 3 retail units will show costumes, designs and a floor-to-ceiling exhibition of multiple set design visuals.
  • In Victoria, costumes on display include entries for this year’s Golden Shears tailoring competition and a reproduction of a Marianne Faithful suit from the 60s.
  • At Strand Palace, students have transformed the exterior units into a breath-taking exhibition for passers-by, that showcases the very best skills and talent from all three courses.  Works on display include an array of colourful costumes, vibrant headdresses, a model making desk that features the set for Mojo for the Royal Court downstairs, technical drawings and set design projects from the BA Production Arts for Screen – all visible from the street outside the hotel.

The project activates some of the central London spaces now vacant as a result of the COVID pandemic and its impact on retail and hospitality, providing an attractive welcome for visitors and workers as they start to return to London. It also gives the students a high-profile and easily accessible platform to showcase their skills and expertise. COVID restrictions have limited the ability for the students to exhibit at the college both last year and this year.

The project was developed by the Cheapside Business Alliance, the EC Partnership and the Northbank BID – business collectives working to enhance their local areas and drive local economic growth. In addition to retail units, which includes sites at the historic Leadenhall Market and Paternoster Square, the Strand Palace Hotel and Coutts Bank have also opened up some of their public areas to showcase work.

A list of all locations / map can be found at: http://bit.ly/showcasemap21

Charlotte Fletcher, Chair of the Cheapside Business Alliance said:

“It’s fantastic to be able to support the college students and bring some of their amazing creations to Cheapside. As we see workers and visitors returning to London we want to provide the very best welcome possible and this project with UAL is a great example of how creative partnerships can transform the City.”

Andy Hicks, Chair of the Northbank BID said:

“Providing an outstanding city experience is going to be crucial as the recovery continues, and enlivening our neighbourhoods, collaborating with cultural partners and offering compelling new things to see and do all have a part to play. We are proud to host the students and their work in the Northbank and hope our community of workers and visitors enjoy this unique exhibition.”

Andrew Reynolds, Chair of the EC Partnership said:

“Culture is an essential part of our ambition to diversify the City and we are keen to connect people to cultural activities in innovative and creative ways. This terrific project with UAL, showcasing the huge talents of the students, is a great example of how the arts can animate our spaces and enhance the experience of being in the City.”

Speaking about the project, David Crow, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of Colleges for Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon, said:

“I am enormously proud of our graduating students who have worked to achieve so much in what has been a very challenging time. All of us at UAL are delighted that people in London can see their creative work on show and celebrate their achievements. I am also pleased our students can take part in this opportunity to highlight London’s role as a leading cultural centre and an incubator of the next generation of talented creatives.”

Terms & Conditions of the Everyday Kings & Queens Instagram Competition

Promoters: The Northbank Business Improvement District (Registered office address: West Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA) and Victoria, Victoria Westminster and Whitehall Business Improvement Districts (Registered office address: 14 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QP)

  1. To participate in this competition, users must share their image of our ‘Everyday Kings and Queens’ installations on Instagram using the hashtag #everydaykingsandqueens and tagging @corinthialondon and @victoriabid or @thenorthbankbid.

    By using the hashtag #everydaykingsandqueenswhen uploading an image or video to Instagram, you consent to your image or video being reshared on the @victoriabid and @northbankbid social accounts. This competition will run from 00:00 on Monday 21st June 2021 until 23:59 on Monday 20th September 2021. Entries made by direct reply to this T&C page will not be accepted.
  2. There will be 1 winner who will be selected at random, after the competition deadline of 11.59pm on 20th September 2021, who has fulfilled the criteria in 1) above. Entries made after this point will not be counted.
  3. The contest is open to residents of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) over except for the Promoters employees, all contractors and families or anyone directly connected with the organisation, and operators of its brands and concessions.
  4. The prize consists of a Lunch Set Menu for 2 people at The Northall, Corinthia London.
  5. If you are the lucky winner, you will need to provide your email address, contact phone number and home address as instructed at the time of being announced as our winner. Further details will then be provided by the promoters as to how you claim your prize.
  6. We reserve the right to provide an alternative prize of equal or greater value in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
  7. Only one entry per person will be accepted. In the event of multiple entries being received from the same Instagram account, the first entry only will be accepted.
  8. No purchase is necessary; however, you will need an internet connection and access to Instagram. No refund may be claimed for expenses incurred in participating in the promotion, including in relation to the use of the internet.
  9. We reserve the right to exclude any entries which we believe to be inappropriate, fraudulent, or based on misconduct.
  10. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for any cash alternatives in whole or in part.
  11. The prize is not valid in other food and beverage outlets at Corinthia London.
  12. The prize is valid until 30th November 2021 only. (Reservations for the Northall are recommended)
  13. The prize is not valid on weekends.
  14. The prize excludes beverages.
  15. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize from the date that they are announced as a winner. After this time, we reserve the right to select a new winner.
  16. The decisions of the promoters are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  17. By taking part in this promotion, all participants consent to us collecting, storing and using their personal data submitted with their entry for the purposes of this promotion.
  18. Any personal data relating to participants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be used for marketing purposes without the individual’s prior consent.
  19. The winner’s name can be obtained by sending an SAE and covering letter to: Victoria Business Improvement District, 14 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QP, after closure of the promotion.
  20. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. You are providing your information to Victoria, Victoria Westminster, Whitehall and The Northbank Business Improvement Districts and not to Instagram. By participating in this promotion, you agree to a complete release of Instagram from any claims.
  21. The promoters do not accept responsibility for entries that are lost, damaged or delayed. For example, as a result of network, system development, computer or telecommunications failures or fault of any kind – including any hardware, programming code, databases or software used in the promotion.
  22. Winners may be required to participate in related publicity without further reward. E.g.: be photographed for website/newspaper stories, provide a short statement about their win.
  23. The promoters reserve the right to withdraw or amend without notice this promotion in the event of any unforeseen circumstances outside of its reasonable control.
  24. This promotion and these terms and conditions are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
  25. This promotion is subject to Instagram’s terms of services which can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/about/legal/terms/before-january-19-2013/

Explore South Westminster’s Architectural Gems

This summer, we are celebrating our ‘Everyday Kings and Queens’ acknowledging the efforts of our local heroes who went above and beyond during the pandemic while referencing our royal locality.

With this in mind, we have created two map trails to encourage visitors to explore South Westminster and the royal processional route on foot and look out for the area’s iconic architectural gems.

Take in some of the most recognised buildings in the world, exploring the different architectural styles and contributions along the way.

Tag us in your walks @thenorthbankbid @londonfestivalofarchitecture #architecturalgems #LFA2021

Download the map here

Royal Processional Route

Buckingham Palace
– Architects: John Nash, William Winde, Aston Webb, Edward Blore, Thomas Cubitt
– Neoclassical Architecture

Admiralty Arch
– Architect: Aston Webb
– Neoclassical Architecture, Edwardian Architecture

Horseguards Parade
– Architects: William Kent, John Vardy
– Palladian Architecture

10 Downing Street
– Architects: William Kent, Quinlan Terry, Raymond Erith, Kenton Couse
– Georgian Architecture

Big Ben
– 
Architects: Augustus Pugin, Charles Barry
– 
Gothic Revival architecture

Palace of Westminster (otherwise known as the Houses of Parliament)
– Architects: Charles Barry, Augustus Pugin, Donald Insall
– Gothic Revival architecture

Explore South Westminster’s Architectural Gems  

Victoria Station
– Architects: John Fowler, Robert Jacomb Hood
– Contemporary

Little Ben
– Architect: Gillett & Johnston of Croydon

Apollo Theatre
– Architects: E. Wamsley Lewis, Lewis and William Edward Trent
– Art Deco

Nova
– Architect: PLP Architecture
– Contemporary

Victoria Palace Theatre
– Architect: Frank Matcham
– Baroque style

Cardinal Place
– Architects: EPR Architects
– Contemporary

Westminster Cathedral
– Architect: John Francis Bentley
– Neo-Byzantine

Westminster Abbey
– Architects: George Gilbert Scott, Ptolemy Dean, John of Gloucester, Nicholas Hawksmoor, Henry Yevele, Robert of Beverley, Henry of Reyns
– Gothic style

The Corinthia Hotel
– Architect: Francis Fowler
– Contemporary

High Commission of South Africa
– Architect: Sir Herbert Baker
– Classical

Uganda High Commission
– Architects: Kilburn Nightingale Architects

Trafalgar Square
– Architect: Sir Charles Barry

St Martin-in-the-Fields
– Architect: James Gibbs, Eric Parry
– Neoclassical architecture, Corinthian order, Palladian architecture

Charing Cross station
– Architects: Edward Middleton Barry, Terry Farrell
– French Renaissance

Adelphi Theatre
– Architects: Ernest Runtz, John and Jane Scott

Coutts Bank
– Architect: Frederick Gibberd

Strand Palace Hotel
– Architect: Oliver Percy Bernard
– Art Deco

The Savoy Hotel
– Architect: Thomas Edward Collcutt
– Art Deco

Lyceum Theatre
– Architects: Samuel Beazley, Bertie Crewe, Rococo

Somerset House
– Architects: Inigo Jones, William Chambers, James Wyatt, Albert Richardson, Thomas Hardwick
– Neoclassical

180 Strand
– Architect: Sir Frederick Gibberd
– Modernist

St Mary le Strand
– Architect: James Gibbs
– Neoclassic Palladian

Waldorf Hilton:
– Architect: Alexander Marshall Mackenzie

St Clement Danes:
– Architects: James Gibbs, Christopher Wren,
– English Baroque

High Commission of Australia – Australia House:
– Architects: Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, Alexander George Robertson Mackenzie,
– Belle époque

High Commission of India:
Architect: Sir Herbert Baker

Royal Courts of Justice:
– Architects: George Edmund Street
– Gothic Revival

Celebrating everyday Kings and Queens – #HiddenGems

This summer, we are celebrating our ‘Everyday Kings and Queens’.

In keeping with our royal theme, we are spotlighting local businesses as ‘Hidden Gems’.

Visitors and locals can benefit from a special summer discount or offer.

‘Queens G&T’ and canapés with a stay at The Guardsman

Make an overnight stay at The Guardsman Hotel extra special with a complimentary ‘Queens Gin & Tonic’ and a selection of canapés for 2 in the Drawing room. Rooms priced from £290.00 per room, per night inc. VAT.

To claim the offer: To book email reservations@guardsmanhotel.com and state ‘Hidden Gem’ – 1 Vandon St, London SW1H 0AH

Ts&Cs : Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. This rate is based on availability and cannot be combined with other promotions. A 72-hour cancellation policy applies. The Queens G&T can be substituted for any cocktail with the same menu price. Any inclusions not consumed cannot be exchanged for a monetary value.

Play Tapas Roulette

Join Ibérica for their twist on the Kings and Queens campaign, by playing tapas roulette. When dining at Ibérica this Summer, you’ll be in with a chance to win £30 to spend in our online store.

How to play: Quote ‘Tapas Roulette’ when making your reservation. Order your drinks and tapas, and at the end see how many cards you scored. To win, you need a ‘flush’ (a card of each suit).

How it works: Selected secret items on the Ibérica menu will be linked to a card game and each time one of these items is ordered, it will come with that card. Order all four of these special items, and you can trade your cards in for an online shopping voucher!

Ts&Cs: Offer available from 21st June – 20th September. Full terms and conditions can be viewed on Ibérica’s website when booking a table.

A Quintessentially British Afternoon Tea

The Royal Horseguards Hotel are offering 25% off their traditional afternoon tea.

To claim: Book via www.guoman.com/the-royal-horseguards  and quote ‘Hidden Gem’

Ts&Cs: Must be pre-booked to obtain the discount. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion and applies to the afternoon tea only. Valid from 21st June to 20th September.

Five Star Luxury

One Aldwych, London’s cultured, independent 5* hotel invites you to enjoy a fabulous stay with 15% off and complimentary cocktails.

Recently refurbished, One Aldwych has a modern elegance with a relaxed, residential feel in the bedrooms and suites. The hotel is renowned for its iconic Lobby Bar and two stylish restaurants – Indigo and Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar.

What’s included: Overnight accommodation with 15% off your room rate, full English breakfast each morning, cocktails for two in the Lobby Bar plus a room upgrade on arrival.

To claim the offer: Use the promo code ‘HIDDEN GEM’ when booking online – https://www.onealdwych.com/

Ts&Cs: Valid for stays between 1 June-30 November 2021. The 15% discount is applied against the best available rate and is not available in conjunction with any other offer or package. Rates are subject to change as per availability and demand and may change depending on the date of your stay. This offer includes 1x cocktail per person. The room upgrade to the next room category is subject to availability on arrival. In the event of a cancellation, there will be no charge if you cancel the booking prior to 12pm (hotel local time) 24 hours before your arrival date.

‘The King of Cheese’

Rippon Cheese are offering 25% off their Stilton, the King of Cheese.

Stilton is the UK’s most popular blue cheese with over 1 million cheeses made annually and exported worldwide. It doesn’t just taste amazing, but it’s crammed with goodness and is the perfect picnic centrepiece this summer.

To claim the offer: State ‘Hidden Gem’ when purchasing the stilton in store – 26 Upper Tachbrook St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1SW

Ts&Cs : Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Subject to availability.


‘Royal treatment upon arrival’


M Victoria Street are offering a free glass of bubbly per person with a pre-booked table.

To claim the offer: State ‘Hidden Gem’ when reserving your table – 74 Victoria St, London SW1E 6SQ

Ts&Cs : Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Booking required to redeem glass of bubbly. Subject to availability. Subject to change at any time.

Dine in style, opposite Buckingham Palace

The Rubens at the Palace is located overlooking the Royal Mews. They have five fantastic hidden gem offers to whet your appetite. 

Spoil yourself to the most luxurious of afternoons with 25% off the Rubens Bottomless Champagne Afternoon Tea.

To claim
: Email diningrb@rchmail.com and quote ‘VicBid-AFT’
Ts&Cs: Maximum 1hr30mins seating time. Valid 21 June-20 September. Pre-booking required to receive the discount and subject to availability.

Enjoy 20% off the Rubens Royal Afternoon Tea plus receive a complimentary glass of Champagne.

To claim: Email diningrb@rchmail.com and quote ‘RB-Royal’

Ts&Cs: Valid 21 June-20 September. Pre-booking required to receive the discount and subject to availability.

Renowned for its striking red décor, original artwork and friendly ambiance, The New York Bar at The Rubens blends traditional hospitality with innovative cocktails. While away the hours enjoying 20% off cocktails in the New York Bar. Order at least one cocktail and you will also receive a plate of complimentary bar snacks.

To claim: Email diningrb@rchmail.com and quote ‘NYB-Cocktail’

Ts&Cs: Valid 21 June-20 September. Pre-booking required to receive the discount and subject to availability.

Enjoy a majestic night’s sleep with 20% off the Rubens best available daily rate with breakfast included the next morning.

To claim: Email bookrb@rchmail.com and quote ‘VicBID-Everyday’

Ts&Cs: Valid 21 June-20 September. Pre-booking required to receive the discount and subject to availability.

Dine at the Rubens English Grill any day of the week and receive a complimentary dessert when ordering a starter and main.

To claim: Email diningrb@rchmail.com and quote ‘EG-Dessert’

Ts&Cs: Valid 21 June-20 September. Pre-booking required to receive the discount and subject to availability.

Royal Palace Ducks

“Call in the troops. Whimsical ducks dressed up in traditional British guard uniforms. Each one has it’s very own name and personality.”

The South African Shop London have 3 different variations of Ducks for sale -the Beefeater guard, Queen’s Guard and the Scottish Guard, available in-store for £18 reduced from £21.95.

To claim the offer: State the ‘Hidden Gem’ offer when purchasing 1 or more of the ducks in store – 3, The Arches, Villiers St, London WC2N 6NG
Ts&Cs: Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Subject to availability. The ducks are sized L23cm/W10cm.

‘Feeling Royale’ complimentary cocktail

Complimentary ‘Feeling Royale’ cocktail with a minimum of one main course at Aster Victoria.

This cocktail features on Aster’s new exclusive Tanqueray drinks menu. The ingredients include Tanqueray Royale Gin, chocolate bitter, homemade strawberry, lemon and mint soda.

To claim the offer: State ‘Victoria Bid – Hidden Gem’ offer when booking a table.

Ts&Cs: Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Minimum of one main course required to receive the cocktail complimentary.

‘Trim for a King’

Receive 20% off your first hair visit to Pall Mall Barbers Westminster.

A Royal Appointment – HRH Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge was welcomed to Pall Mall Barbers as a guest of honour to spend time in the barber chair talking with the Pall Mall barbers about the importance of honesty and openness around mental health. The Pall Mall barbers are trained through the Barber Talk program to help clients talk about their mental health concerns. Prince William is a long-term advocate for mental health issues, and his royal visit to Pall Mall Barbers was covered globally by the press.

To claim the offer: Use the code ‘HAIRFORKINGS20’ online at checkout. Book here https://booking.pallmallbarbers.com/webstoreNew/services

Ts&Cs: Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Offer valid on haircuts. The offer can’t be used in conjunction with another offer.

Dining on Buckingham Palace Road  


Situated on Buckingham Palace Road, the newly rebranded Clermont Victoria hotel is offering 25% discount on food.

To claim: Book via www.theclermont.co.uk/victoria and quote ‘Hidden Gem’

Ts&Cs: Must be pre-booked to obtain the discount. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion and applies to food only. Valid from 21st June to 20th September.

2 for 1 in The Hamptons Bar

With an air of sophistication, large elegant gilt mirrors, and high-backed chairs, the Hamptons Bar certainly has the air of royalty. Enjoy 2 for 1 on selected drinks in a daily happy hour 4-6pm.

To claim the offer: Reserve a table by emailing sarosh.shaikh@tajhotels.com and quote ‘Vbid2021’– 54 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF

Ts&Cs : Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Subject to availability and only available on selected drinks. Subject to change at any time.

Regal Blend Loose Tea

Receive 20% off Whittard’s most popular tea blend, a right royal blend of rich black tea – luxuriantly layered with creamy vanilla and crowned with a flamboyant flourish of red, white and blue cornflower petals.

To claim the offer: State the ‘Hidden Gem’ offer when purchasing in store – 11 Palmer St, London SW1H 0AD

Ts&Cs: Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Subject to availability.

The Royal Burger

The Royal Quarter are offering 50% off their Royal Burger menu when you dine in.

Choose from 3 all-time classic burgers and experience the Royal’s Quarters intense flavour combinations.

Beef Burger normally priced at £8.95 – 8 oz perfectly cooked homemade lean British beef burger. Served on an artisan sesame bun.

Chicken Burger normally priced at £7.50 – Juicy chicken thigh marinated in a zesty Asian flavour sauce. Served on an artisan sesame bun with coleslaw and chilli mayo.

Fish Burger normally priced at £9.95 – Crispy cod goujons with tangy homemade tartare sauce. Served on an artisan sesame bun.

To claim the offer: Purchase in-store stating ‘Hidden Gem’ – 72 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AL

Ts&Cs: Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Subject to availability. Sides are not discounted.

British afternoon tea with ruby sparkle

Book a royal afternoon tea for 2 at 2 Bridge Place Bar and Restaurant at the DoubleTree Hilton Victoria and receive a free Strawberry Bellini.

To claim: Email fb@dtlondonvictoria.com and quote ‘Hidden Gem’

T&Cs: Valid from 21st June – 20th September 2021. Subject to availability. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. One free Bellini per person. All bookings must be prebooked 72 hours prior. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. 

‘King of Gyms’ 1Rebel Pass

Get fit this summer at Victoria’s 1Rebel. Receive 20% off a Rebel Pass.

To claim the offer: State ‘Hidden Gem’ at 1Rebel’s Victoria front desk and receive 20% discount – Nova South building, 5 Allington Ave, London SW1E 5BX

Ts&Cs: Valid from 21st June – 20th September. Offer valid on Rebel passes only, excluding Ride only. 1 redemption per user. Valid at 1Rebel Victoria only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer.

The Ivy Royale

Nothing says royal treatment quite like spending an afternoon sipping on a Royale cocktail at the Ivy Victoria.

The Ivy Royale is a signature Kir Royale with Plymouth Gin infused with hibiscus and rosewater, sloe juice and Cocchi Rosa Vermouth topped with The Ivy Collection Champagne.

Why not enjoy this cocktail paired with the Ivy set menu available Monday -Friday from 11:30am to 6:30pm or visit the restaurant’s pink bar on the first floor?

Priced at £12.50

Ts&Cs: Subject to availability

Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Hotel Chocolat’s Royal selectors

5 selectors are included in the offer: • Walnut Praline Selector • Caramel Pecan Chocolate Selector • Chilli Chocolate Selector • Peanut Butter Chocolate Selector • Pistachio Chocolate Selector

To claim the offer: Offer redeemed by stating the ‘Hidden Gem’ offer upon purchasing the pralines in store.

T&C’s Apply: Offer valid 21st June-20th September 2021. Whilst stock last. Offer can only be redeemed once during the offer period. Offer only to be redeemed at UK Hotel Chocolat Strand Location. Offer not available to use in conjunction with cashback offers or combined with any other offer codes or discounts.

Eat like a Royal

Enjoy a free cake or cookie when you buy any main from LEON Victoria Place restaurant or LEON Strand restaurant.

To redeem, go to https://leon.vmos.io/victoriaplace for Leon Victoria Place or to https://leon.vmos.io/strand for the Leon Strand, place your order (select at least one main, and anything else you may like and cookie/cake of your choice), and enter EATLIKEAROYAL at the checkout.

T&C’s Apply: Offer valid in selected LEON restaurants- LEON Victoria Place Shopping Centre and LEON Strand. Valid 21st June to 20th September. Offer can be used only once per customer. You’ll be asked for a phone verification check. This Offer is only available via Smart Order (Click and Collect service) and it cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount or LEON Meal Deal (Breakfast Meal Deal, Lunch Meal Deal).