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Ultimate Guide to Hyde Park Gigs 2019

Celine Dion
5 July 2019

The mega-voiced superstar will come to us fresh from her record-breaking Las Vegas residency, ready to headline the opening night of British Summer Time festival. As her fans know, her live shows are extraordinary, and she’ll be joined by heartthrob crooner Josh Groban and Claire Richards (the one from Steps with the great voice), so you’re in for a summer night full of soulful ballads and vocal acrobatics.

Stevie Wonder
6 July 2019

There are few music superstars as celebrated and adored as Stevie Wonder. The singer, songwriter, musician and producer will be bringing The Stevie Wonder Song Party: A Celebration of Life, Love & Music to Hyde Park, joined by very special guest Lionel Richie. Two legends for the price of one!

Barbra Streisand
7 July 2019

Diva extraordinaire Barbra Streisand has got London buzzing before she’s even taken to the stage. Iconic as an actress and activist along with her unmistakable vocals, expect her super-fans to be out in force. They’ll be hoping for classic songbook staples like Woman In Love, The Way We Were and Rain on My Parade, along with tracks from last year’s album Walls, her first collection of original songs since 2005.

Bob Dylan
12 July 2019

He’s one of the world’s most iconic singer-songwriters, a ten-time Grammy winner, was even awarded a Nobel Prize in 2016 – and this summer, he’s playing Hyde Park. Known as the soundtrack to a generation for over five decades, he’ll take you on a journey through folk, rock and beyond. Armed with his trusty guitar and brilliant band, he’ll also be joined by another living legend…

Neil Young
12 July 2019

Sending classic rock fans into raptures by playing on the same night as Dylan will be Canadian troubadour Neil Young. His classic albums like Harvest, After The Goldrush and On The Beach are still agreed to be some of the best in the genre and, this year, he’ll be bringing his band, Promise of the Real, which just happens to feature two of Willie Nelson’s sons. And you thought the night couldn’t get any cooler.

Florence + The Machine
13 July 2019

Riding high from the success of her fourth album, High As Hope, Florence Welch will be gracing Hyde Park with her otherworldly voice and belt-along hits from the last decade. Known for their festival-filling live performances, you can bet that Florence and her band will be kicking off the night in style.

The National
13 July 2019

Sharing the stage with Florence will be festival favourites The National. The American indie superstars have a huge British following and a recent UK number 1 album under their belt, plus they’ll be joined by support acts like Lykke Li, Blood Orange and Marlon Williams. Get ready to rock out – this is going to be an unforgettable night.

Robbie Williams
14 July 2019

Back in the day, Robbie was the cheeky, warbling, waistcoat-wearing youngest member of Take That. Today, he’s a national treasure in his own right after storming the music scene for nearly 30 years, and all on his own terms. He’s responsible for six of the top 100 best-selling albums in British history and it’s accolades like this that have him judging on X Factor, playing 12 nights in Vegas and wrapping up British Summer Time, all in the same year.

 

Get your accommodation sorted

The best thing about British Summer Time at Hyde Park? No flyaway tents, grotty showers or hold-your-nose bogs. In fact, the best way to enjoy two weekends of unforgettable music is by staying nearby – in civilisation! Things fill up pretty quickly, so take a look at our lovely studio, one and two bedroom apartments around the capital, not to mention Native Hyde Park – our aparthotel that’s just a stone’s throw from the gigs. Combining the benefits of a home-away-from-home with the convenience of a hotel, we’ll also give you insightful advice into each particular neighbourhood, giving you access to all the hidden gems the city has to offer. Just like a native.

Book your festival flat at Native Hyde Park.

Best classical music events in London

Outstanding Orchestras

No classical aficionado could resist paying a visit to one of the multitude of orchestras that make London their home. The London Philharmonic Orchestra, as heard on Howard Shore’s incredible soundtrack for The Lord of the Rings, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who recorded the score for The Bridge on the River Kwai hold concerts in their home theatres. You’ll also find The London Symphony Orchestra, famous for recording John Williams’ beautiful music for Star Wars, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the orchestra at the heart of the BBC Proms. With so many extraordinary ensembles you really are spoilt for choice.

Royal Albert Hall
Image: By Diliff from Wikimedia Commons

The BBC Proms

Undoubtedly, one of the best seasons of classical music events – not just in London but in the whole of the UK – is the BBC Proms. Referred to by Czech composer Ji?í B?lohlávek as “the world’s largest and most democratic music festival”, the eight-week season should be on any classical music lover’s list. Concerts are dedicated to anniversaries of composers from around the world or notable events in history, and this year it’s the 50th anniversary of the moon landings. There are even special concerts like the CBeebies prom for young children, as well as family workshops, talks, readings and forays into jazz in tribute to the likes of Nina Simone and Duke Ellington.

The best and most famous night of the Proms is the final night, held in one of the most imposing classical concert venues in London – the Royal Albert Hall. It usually takes place on the second night in September and, although tickets are like gold dust and very difficult to come by, it’s well broadcasted by the BBC. It features some of the greatest and most recognisable pieces of classical music in the world, followed by a celebration of Britain’s contribution to the genre. It’s a night not to be missed.

In London for a night at the Proms? With 17 locations throughout the city, Native offers the perfect rest between events. Book one of our serviced apartments or short stay apartments in London today.

The history of Monument and its neighbourhood

There was no fire service at the time, so Londoners took it upon themselves to extinguish the flames over four days and nights, with only buckets of water to hand. The fire consumed over 13,000 houses, the old St Paul’s Cathedral, 87 churches, the Guildhall, the Royal Exchange, 52 livery company halls and four stone bridges. In fact, it was said that the heat from the fire was so great that the lead roof on St Paul’s Cathedral melted and flowed down the streets.

Miraculously, only five people are known to have died in the Great Fire, and some of the City’s most beautiful architecture was born out of the 50-year rebuilding effort, led by Sir Christopher Wren. The Monument, one of Wren’s creations, is great for getting a panoramic view of your City surroundings, so be sure to pay a visit and take a photo or two from the viewing platform.

While you’re just moments from The Monument, you’re also just a three minute stroll from one of the City’s best loved (and least known) historical hideaways – St Dunstan in the East church garden. The Church of St Dunstan was originally built around 1100 and is a Grade I listed building. It was named for St Dunstan, a tenth century monk who reportedly survived black magic and leprosy to become Archbishop of Canterbury.

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, Peter Trimming

The building partially survived The Great Fire but was severely damaged again in the Blitz bombings of 1941. Today it’s a public garden, with trees growing through windows and vines winding their way around arched doorways and crumbling walls, making a gorgeously green haven from the bustle of the City. Here you’ll find suited and booted workers escaping office life alongside art students sketching the beauty around them. It’s the ideal spot for a picnic, a lunch break with a book or a breather from a day’s sightseeing.

Book your stay at in one of our City of London apartments.

The history of Native Hyde Park

Your new home-away-from-home, Native Hyde Park, boasts stucco-fronted grandeur; architecture that was originally designed by John Nash, one of the most revered architects of the Georgian era. Another uniquely Georgian feature is the different ceiling heights at Native Hyde Park being higher on the ground floor than the second, with servant rooms residing at the top of the building. Surrounded by mews houses, these quintessentially British buildings were built in the 18th and 19th century, originally to stable horses, with servants’ quarters above.

Best of all, you’re just minutes from the largest and most vibrant park in London. In fact, it’s one of four Royal Parks that form a chain of tranquil green space from the entrance of Kensington Palace, through Kensington Gardens, round Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, and past the entrance to Buckingham Palace.

Hyde Park itself once belonged to Westminster Abbey, until Henry VIII claimed it for himself in 1536 and turned it into his favourite hunting ground. A century later, it was opened to the public and soon became Central London’s most beloved park. Today, it’s a Grade I listed landmark and millions of locals and tourists stroll through its gates every year, seeking a moment of calm beauty amidst the buzz of the city.

Since its public opening, Hyde Park has seen history made many times within its railings. It was a popular spot for duels between the nobility, as well as the awarding of medals of honour, and played host to The Great Exhibition of 1851, which was the very first World’s Fair. It was here that The Crystal Palace was built as the Exhibition’s main showpiece, visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Charles Darwin, Charlotte Brontë, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll and countless other luminaries of the day.

The Great Exhibition, Dickinson Brothers

The park is also famous for being a bastion of free speech and peaceful protest. Since the 19th century, Speaker’s Corner has been open to public speech, debate and discussion and has hosted protests since 1872, from the Suffragettes to the Stop the War Coalition.

Hyde Park will even go down in rock history as the UK’s ultimate outdoor concert venue. The likes of Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and Queen have all made their mark here, and millions around the world joined the fun at Live 8 as it was beamed across the globe in 2005.

In the run-up to Christmas, the park transforms into Winter Wonderland – a bustling spectacular of festive celebration, with shows, fairground rides, ice skating, markets and street food. Along with the Oxford Street lights and Trafalgar Square tree, it’s one of London’s most visited Christmas attractions.

Winter Wonderland

Every day, people make their way to Hyde Park to enjoy its myriad year-round attractions, from the Italian Gardens (just a quick stroll from your apartments) to the Serpentine lake and swimming lido, to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and the many statues and sculptures dotted across its acres. Even born and bred Londoners stumble across something new every time they visit, so it’s easy to fall in love with this extraordinary and delightfully original place.

Why not base yourself in Native Hyde Park, the perfect place to explore your surroundings.

Best golf courses near Glasgow

The legend…

Old Course St Andrews – 90 minutes’ drive

Part of the epic St Andrews Links, the Old Course is the oldest and most renowned golf course in the world. Golfers travel here from all across the globe to experience the legendary Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker, and tread in the footsteps of all the greats that have played here. The course is breathtakingly beautiful and, despite its majestic status, it remains a public golf course and is open to all.

The local…

Pollok Golf Club – 15 minutes’ drive

Just minutes from your apartment is one of Glasgow’s beloved golf course, Pollok Golf Club, founded in 1892 and spread across miles of glorious parkland. It’s overlooked by the magnificent Pollok House – a gorgeous country home that’s perfect for non-golfers to wander around while you play – with an elegant club house and a course that’s perfect for all abilities.

The best of the rest…

Royal Troon Golf Club – 40 minutes’ drive

Founded in 1878 by a bunch of passionate golf lovers, the Royal Troon has come a long way. It’s now known as the most challenging course on the Championship rota and last hosted the competition in 2016 – the ninth time it had been held at Troon. It also has the smallest championship hole in the world (the 9th hole known as The Postage Stamp) and is world famous!

Loch Lomond Golf Club – 45 minutes’ drive

George Rankin / 17th Green

Spectacular in every way, from its lush grounds to its regal clubhouse, Loch Lomond is quite simply world class. You’ll enjoy beautifully manicured fairways against a backdrop of misty mountains, with glimpses of the legendary loch behind the trees.

Prestwick Golf Club – 40 minutes’ drive

Thomas Nugent / Prestwick Golf Club and Arran

The original site of the Open Championship in 1860, Prestwick is still renowned as one of the world’s finest golfing experiences. With natural obstacles like the River Pow and the sand dunes, it’s also a great spot for nature lovers.

Glasgow Gailes Golf Club – 40 minutes’ drive

W. F. Millar / Glasgow Gails Golf Course

Nestled on the West Coast, Glasgow Gailes was opened in 1892 by Glasgow Golf Club, the 9th oldest in the world. Brilliantly challenging with its gorse and heather lined fairways, it’s often the final qualifying course of the Open Championship and a must-play for serious golfers.

We’ll sort your stay, you book your tee time. Find your holiday apartment in Glasgow today with Native.

London’s finest brunches

The Ned

 

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This city hotspot at The Ned boasts no fewer than ten restaurants. Our favourite brunch here is at Millie’s Lounge – particularly the ham hock hash with a luscious Clarence Court egg on top – but any of the eateries here will have you feeling deservedly spoilt.

The Ritz

 

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Breakfast at the Ritz is just as decadent as its famous afternoon tea. It’s served in the hotel’s opulent Michelin-starred restaurant, with an indulgent Continental buffet, cooked specialities to order and even a spot of caviar, if you really want to get into a special someone’s good books.

The Wolseley

 

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Breakfast at the Wolseley is such an institution that A.A. Gill wrote a book about it. Surrounded by spectacular Art Deco design, you’ll enjoy exquisite Viennoiserie, smoked kippers, devilled kidneys and a fine selection of Austrian coffees.

Sketch

 

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Mayfair’s quirkiest restaurant, Sketch, takes brunch to another level. Served in The Glade, its ‘evergreen enchanted forest’, treat yourself to the French Toast Suzette and poached tempura eggs.

Dominique Ansell

 

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This fabled New York bakery’s only London outpost is most famous for its Cronut®, but breakfast in its little flowered conservatory is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. We like to start with a spicy chorizo croissant, followed by a pistachio and rose bostock.

Rail House

 

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Rail House takes brunch very seriously, with quirky takes on classic dishes – their signature Burgerdict, to name just one – as well as healthy and delicious items for the more calorie-conscious mama. Don’t miss the house-blended juices in particular.

Ham Yard

 

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If you like British classics done brilliantly, you’ll love the Cley Smokehouse kippers and boiled eggs with soldiers, all surrounded by Ham Yard’s gorgeous décor and some of the friendliest service in town.

Fortnum & Mason

 

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What better way to mark the day than by shopping and brunching at the Queen’s favourite department store? Breakfast at Fortnum & Mason is an elegant affair, with a variety of rarebits, indulgent duck egg dishes, and French toast with roasted plums for those with a sweet tooth.

Why not make a weekend of it and book a stay in one of our holiday apartments in London.