London’s architectural landscape is rivalled by no other and is what makes the British capital the utterly unique city it is. The many bridges that extend over the mighty River Thames are an inherent part of London’s fascinating landscape and undoubtedly contribute into making it a world-recognisable setting.

Not only do London’s bridges play a leading role in crafting the capital’s recognisable landscape, but they also boast compelling histories.

Archaeologists have found stumps in the River Thames, which nowadays can only be seen two times per year, when the tide is extremely low. These bridge posts have been carbon dated to 1500 years BC. 1600 years later the Romans made a bridge linking the two sides of the river and it was these fine world-leading engineers who got the city of London off the ground as a major world trading port.

The original London Bridge of medieval times is probably the most talked about and historic of all of London’s bridges. Although today the most photographed bridge is undoubtedly Tower Bridge, which is used regularly as the image to promote London to the world.

London Bridge must have been something else down through the ages. At the height of its powers it contained many shops and dwellings, some of which were three stories high. It became congested and forced the authorities to pass a “keep left” law to allow a steady controlled flow of persons and coaches. Interestingly, the law, passed in the 18^th century, is the reason why Britons drive on the left hand side of the road to this day.

The Millennium Walkway Bridge is, as its name suggests, only for pedestrians. It is a lovely piece of art but wasn’t without its problems when it was built, as hundreds of people on it created a huge swaying and oscillating motion. The problem was soon fixed and is yet another wonderful addition to London’s bridge collection.

Next to Tower Bridge is probably the second most photogenic of the London bridges, is the Hammersmith Bridge.

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Earth Hour is an event that grows in both participation and importance every year. Earth Hour 2013 is on Saturday 23^rd March and the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour is actively taking part.

This innovative global phenomenon provides education and inspiration on how we can all make the world a better place environmentally.

For Earth Hour 2013, the Wyndham Grand London will be:

* Turning off or dimming all public area lights in the Lobby, The Harbour Bar and Chelsea Riverside Brasserie for the hour.

* The Harbour Bar will be showcasing a special Earth Hour Cocktail throughout the evening.

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The Royal Parks of London – A verdure sanctuary of peace amid the chaos!  Part of London’s appeal is that, unlike many other major cities, it offers green and tranquil sanctuaries among what can only be described as being urban chaos.

Many of these peaceful havens come in the form of royal parks. There are eight royal parks in London altogether – Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Regent’s Park, Green Park, St. James’s Park, Bushy Park, Kensington Gardens and Greenwich Park. These parks are outstandingly beautiful and are a true escape for the people who work and live in London.

Hyde Park

If parks can be cosmopolitan than Hyde Park certainly has to be at the pinnacle of multicultural and thriving parks. Hyde Park hosts concerts and sporting events all year round, which are enhanced substantially by the fact the concerts are situated adjacent to the Serpentine Lake.

One of the most iconic concerts ever to have taken place in Hyde Park was that of the Rolling Stones in the late sixties, just after former Stone Brian Jones was found dead in a swimming pool. Mick Jagger said some words for his old band mate as thousands of butterflies were released over the park.

From one iconic musician to another, the legendary Bon Jovi is playing at Hyde Park in July this year.

This 350-acre park includes a memorial fountain to Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as the famous Speakers Corner’s, where many an allegorical speech has been made by a prodigious speaker.

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MasterChef UK continues to grow in popularity and has inspired many amateur chefs to push on to the next level. The skills on show are sometimes close to Michelin standard and the chefs seem to possess more skills each year.

With the judging coming in the form of leading chef John Torode and the affable Gregg Wallace (he likes puddings, you know!), the show demonstrates the level of excellence of UK culinary skills.

The first episode of the series aired last night (Tuesday 12^th March 2013) which was shot at the Chelsea Riverside Brasserie at Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour.

In the show, five contestants were whittled down to three following a palate test involving sweet stuffed courgette flowers with saffron custard.

The remaining three contestants are then whisked to the Chelsea Riverside Brasserie where, after an hour’s intensive training, they are thrown into a busy lunchtime service, cooking for paying customers under the watchful eye of the hotel’s Executive Chef.

Whilst some of us wouldn’t like to admit it, we all love to spot a celebrity and it is fairly safe to surmise, that London, more than anywhere in the world, is the place to spot a celebrity, particularly in the restaurants.

Take a look at some of the top London restaurants to find celebrities.

The Ivy 

The Ivy is in the heart of theatre-land in the West End and stars descend upon this somewhat unpretentious looking restaurant in their droves. Refreshingly, the menu isn’t too pricey but as the Ivy is extremely popular it is wise to book well in advance.

J Sheekey Fish and Sea Food Restaurant 

In the heart of Covent Garden not far from the theatres you will find the exceptionally exquisite J Sheekey Fish and Sea Food Restaurant. Since it was opened as a fancy oyster bar back in the 1800’s, this restaurant has been a constant hit with the rich and famous.

This ultra-trendy London eatery is particularly renowned for it’s fresh fish and most famously of all, “Sheekey’s fish pie.”

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