Countries, Deals, Europe, Music

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Mamma Mia after midnight

And because I’ve already showcased Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Mamma Mia after Midnight I’m back for more at London’s 02.

Bjorn Ulvaeus himself has recreated Skopelos from the movie in a Greek taverna and ending with a glittering ABBA disco.

The Beardie One naturally set up his Greek island in his home city of Stockholm.

Before taking the show on the road to London.

That Greek enchanted evening

 

For the past five years Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 500,000 guests.

And delivered more than 1000 performances and has been visited by guests from 110 countries.

All replicating the temperature and lavender scent you would experience at dusk on a Greek evening.

Keith Prowse on the house

Party time: At the London 02

And the good news that our invitation is in the post.

From our old pals at Keith Prowse Attractions to join everyone on the dance floor.

Keith will give you return flights from Dublin.

And put you up for two nights (Saturday show) B&B at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich, all from €529pps.

Or an overnight special with a Thursday show from €327pps.

Diggin’ the Dancing Queens

Of course, there will be the Dancing Queens who will be wanting to hit the floor in a super troupe of party girls.

And KP offers a two-nights (Friday Show) Ultimate Girls Getaway. From €486pps.

And even a one-night Family Fun Day (Sunday show) at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich. From €306pps.

However you put together your party then it’s worth giving Keith Prowse Attractions a Ring, Ring, Ring.

And watch out for the Bandanaman giving it large on the dance floor.

Like he did with his favourite party set, an Irish one, in the Med… and a shout-out here to our Dancing Ian.

Although the real showstopper, is as always, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Mamma Mia after midnight.

 

Countries, Food & Wine, UK

Vintage England

And with news that the vineyards will have moved north in Europe by the end of the century a look today at Vintage England.

And because we know while some of us drink alone that’s it’s better with a group then Solos Holidays cover your bases.

Solos have a new two-night escorted break to discover the vineyards of the Surrey Hills, an hour from London.

The wine-lovers’ trip begins with a dinner at the four-star Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel, nestled in the North Downs.

Sommelier time is here

Vine time: Albury

You will be joined by an award-winning wine tutor and sommelier.

To guide you through immersive visits to Albury Vineyard.

Albury has made a name for itself for its still rosé and sparkling wines.

And Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest single-estate vineyard.

You’ll sample exclusive tastings, the chance to meet the growers and expert insights into English winemaking.  

Hurray to Surrey

English country garden: Denbie’s

A two-night Taste of Surrey Hills Vineyard tour departing on 24 September, costs £645pp.

It includes a double room for sole use with private facilities.

A charcuterie lunch on day two, breakfast & dinner with wine and beer daily.

And a welcome drink and information evening.

Denbies Sparkling Vineyard Train Tour and exclusive wine tasting tour, Albury Vineyard tour and exclusive tasting. 

The 50-minute Denbies will takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard.

While the Albury version is a 1 and a half to two hours tour with a guided walk and a gazebo tasting session as your final reward.

Support your local grape

Little wine drinker me: And a toast to you too

For those British patriots out there it’s a chance to support Vintage England and its wine market.

It is only growing in popularity and quality with the beautiful Surrey landscape an added allure.

And even more so in the heart of England by the turn of the century.

When it could well be the centre of the wine industry as France fries under the warming Earth.

 

Countries, UK

The v.v. good guide to Bridget Jones locations

As singletons everywhere converge on cinemas this Valentine’s weekend for a certain movie franchise climax we bring you the v.v. guide to Bridget Jones locations.

Which, of course, showcases London at its chaotic and consumerist best.

Although the story for Bridget and Mark D’Arcy actually begins in the west of England.

With the locale for Bridget’s parents’ home, where Bridge and Mark first meet in garish Christmas jumpers.

In Snowshill 12 miles north-east of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Boozy punch-ups

Souper: Mark to the rescue

Bridget though is a capital metropole right down to her big pants.

Updating her diary in her £1m bachelorette flat above The Globe Tavern on Bedale Street in Borough just off Tower Bridge.

And asterisking the entry in her book above the clutter where her suitors Mark and Daniel fight over her outside her posse’s Greek restaurant.

Which whisper it is wine bar Bedales Wine Bar.

The scuffle, of course, reaches its climax with the pugilists bitch slapping in a fountain.

The Italian fountains in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. 

Ladies who brunch

Food is fun: With your posse

If it’s the very wine bar where Bridget and her pals hang out to talk about her love life and get sloshed then The Light Bar Shoreditch will take your order.

Which will entitle you to 90 minutes of unlimited drinks: Rosé, Prosecco, or Aperol Spritz

A two-course brunch with a side with menu highlights of Spicy Crisp Chicken, Avo-on-Toast, Chorizo Mac ‘n Cheese.

And Shoreditch vibes with weekend DJ sessions for £25pp.

Dear Diary

Write on: Bridget’s book

While if you’re looking to replicate that moneyshot romantic moment then you need to get yourself down.

To outside the Mont Blanc diary shop on Threadneedle Street.

Where Mark kisses Bridge and bought our heroine a new diary.

And you can get yours and map out your remarkable life.

And maybe chronicle how you’ve ticked off each of the v.v. good guide to Bridget Jones locations.

All with the help of Britmovietours, featured on ITV’s This Morning, which will give you a 12-stop tour for £17.