British Airways and VisitBritain have teamed up for “The Big British Invite,” a two-day, pop-up showcasing the prolific cultural scenes shaping contemporary England, Scotland and Wales ““ from food and fashion to music and nightlife. The event will be held on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 at 78 Mercer Street between Broome and Spring in SOHO from 12-6 p.m. (Guests must be 21 and older to attend the event).
The experiential installations transport guests into a British Airways terminal, where they will embark on a journey through Britain. After checking in with their flight attendant, visitors will interact with some of the hippest retailers, food fixtures and nightlife denizens.
“Everyone understands the allure of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, but there’s more to Britain than these towering beacons of pageantry. Britain is a veritable tour de force for the arts, literature, contemporary music, cocktail culture and more,” said Karen Clarkson, Vice President of North America for VisitBritain. “We want to inspire a new wave of New Yorkers to experience the best Britain has to offer ““ whether that’s an afternoon exploring the Tate Modern or an evening enjoying a dram of whiskey among the sprawling hills of Speyside.”
Photo by Anthony Russo
We were fortunate enough to participate in a guided tour led by Grammy Award-winning artist and Britain native Estelle.
Photo by Maria Russo
For those intrigued by British fashion, luxury retailer Liberty London will host scarf styling sessions for ladies and gents looking to add some panache to their wardrobes.
Photo by Nilya Sabnis
A homage to punk fashion will feature the styles popularized by British designers dating back to the 1970s and culminating with the trendsetters of today.
Photo by Anthony Russo
Photo by Anthony Russo
Photo by Anthony Russo
WAH Nails, East London’s first style-centric nail bar, bookstore, gallery and boutique, will offer experimental express manicures.
Photo by Anthony Russo
For those interested in gastronomy, the West Village’s very own Highlands Restaurant Group will whip up delicious dishes highlighting the cuisines of Scotland, and cheese connoisseurs will savor a taste of authentic Wales with delectable dairy delights, such as Caerphilly, Collier’s Cheddar and Red Dragon. (Yes, that’s Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey grabbing a bite)
Photo by Nilya Sabnis
Sanderson brings its decadent Mad Hatter’s Tea to Manhattan’s masses. This tea with a twist is paired with sweet and savory bites presented in Sanderson’s playful crockery from Luna and Curious.
Photo by Nilya Sabnis
For spirits enthusiasts, the renowned London bartending collective Fluid Movement will shake and stir drinks featuring Beefeater 24, a modern interpretation of a classic English gin.
Photo by Nilya Sabnis
Legendary Glaswegian concert venue King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut installation will excite music aficionados with a chance to browse a specially-curated, contemporary collection of tunes from the latest and greatest UK artists. A pair of headphones and a hot beat will lure visitors to the Silent Disco Rave with tunes curated by top British DJs, such as It girl Chelsea Leyland.
With the backing of the No. 10 GREAT campaign, British Airways and VisitBritain bring “The Big British Invite” to New York as part of a global initiative. This major undertaking by the UK’s leading premium airline and the national tourism agency encourages visitors to delight in a better island vacation. Customers booking a flight to London with British Airways before March 31, 2013, for travel through May 31, 2013, will receive two nights free hotel accommodation.
“British Airways hosts more than 3,000 travelers between New York and London every day, and with refreshed aircrafts, smarter cabins and elegant lounges we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our customers. This interactive pop-up tribute to new Britain is just one example of how we surprise and delight international travelers,” added John McDonald, Americas Vice President, British Airways
***For more information, please visit The Big British Invite to RSVP and receive a departure date and time. To hear more about the tour with Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey check out Downtown Traveler.
