It is finally here and we could not be more excited to present our wonderful journey that will take you on a discovery in and around and St. James, complete with trivia and a photo challenge.

A WEEKEND STAY FOR TWO, INCLUDING WIN BREAKFAST WHAT YOU NEED PHOTO CHALLENGE GET OUT. EXPLORE. HAVE 1. Tag someone who you would like to 10 photographs bring on this journey FUN WITH BROWN’S 1. Selfie in front of Brown’s Hotel 2. Choose three out of the 10 different “The spirit of Mayfair beats in the soul of dandies and dandizettes everywhere.” photos (see options below and make sure 2. Pose like a guard at the horse guard (St Tyne O’Connell, author and Mayfair residenT to include Brown’s) James’s Park)

3. Share your photos as a story or post 3. Sit on a bench with Now with the streets quiet and serene, you too can experience marvellous Mayfair on your own profile tagging Brown’s with a walk we have specially curated. 4. Pelican (a real live one) Hotel and using the following hashtags: Choose that special someone and embark on a gentle stroll through the charming #RFoutandabout#brownsmayfairwalk 5. Chocolate shop Mayfair streets and alleyways. #explorewithbrowns#the1837 for a chance to win 6. Oldest book shop This two-hour walk will take you to places such as the pristine parks of St. James and Green Park, peaceful garden squares, a quirky market, sophisticated Saville Row and 7. Seasonal flower Gentleman’s haunt; Jermyn Street. If you don’t have Instagram, not to worry as you can still participate by sending 8. Hug a tree (Berkeley Square) You will even come across London’s oldest bookstore and chocolate shop and, if you your images to Claire at 9. Banksy Street Art keep your eyes peeled, you will spot an iconic piece of artwork by famous street art [email protected] artist – Banksy. 10. Take a picture with Beau Brummel You will certainly learn a thing or two about Mayfair’s affluent history, for which it is 4. Follow @browns_hotel Instagram page still regarded today. 5. Pack lunch and refreshments Once completed (and you have partaken in the photo challenge we have set out) your name will be entered into a draw with a chance to win an overnight stay for two at 6. Make sure your phone is charged or Brown’s Hotel when we re-open our doors (Terms & Conditions apply). bring a battery pack (as you may need to refer to google maps) 7. This journey will take approximately 2 hours. GOOD LUCK!

(CLICK ON THE LINK HERE TO FIND ALL STOPS OF YOUR JOURNEY) We encourage you to submit or post your experience by the 16th of July for best chances of winning the grand prize. However, there will be a selection of other prizes to those who participate. Please do keep to the government’s regulations and continue to social distance with others. Good luck and have fun!

FOR THAT EXTRA CHALLENGE Count five Blue plaques along the walk and make a note of who they belong to.

Now run by English Heritage, the London blue plaques scheme was started in 1866 and is thought to be the oldest of its kind in the world.

Across the capital over 900 plaques, on buildings humble and grand, honour the notable men and women who have lived or worked in them. The once Royal and upper class sporting pastime originated from the Italian START pallamaglio, which literally means “ball-mallet” and was played in the areas we now refer to as Pall Mall and The Mall in St James’s Park. Circus and walk towards St. James’s Church

Leave the mall, and head up towards 181 Piccadilly where you will find yourself standing outside Fortnum & Mason, this upmarket department store founded in Find yourself at St. James’s Church, Piccadilly 1707 by Wiliam Fortnum and Hugh Mason.

The church dates back to the 17th century. It was designed by Christopher Wren, FUN FACT: Did you know that on the rooftop of Fortnum and Mason they the architect of the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. installed 200sqm of moss and wild flower panels to improve air quality. They also keep their own bees in rooftop hives, grow their own herbs and vegetables and even Within its courtyard are the stalls of Piccadilly Market, a small market with daily smoke their own salmon. theme variations; antiques on Tuesdays, and arts and crafts from Wednesday to Saturday. Pop-in! Their food market is open

This is one of the first hidden gems of the area: if you are looking for a quiet corner However, before you reach this address, make sure you spot London’s oldest at a short distance from Piccadilly, cross the courtyard and reach the garden on bookshop – Hatchards on Piccadilly. (PHOTO CHALLENGE). the right; it is a true oasis of peace, and finding one so close to Piccadilly is quite remarkable. Did you spot the Royal Warrant – how many are there?

From here, walk towards Pall Mall you will pass by St James’s Square.

(One of the few squares you will encounter on your walk today – this is the first one). Almost opposite Fortnum & Mason, you will see the Royal Academy of Arts (RA). It is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Central London, St James’s Square is a much treasured, green space. Surrounded by imposing architecture, the gardens The RA is the oldest English art school in Britain, founded in 1768. Within the have evolved over the centuries and includes the vision of the renowned Georgian Burlington House are the offices of various associations and societies, including the architect John Nash. Linnean Society, to which – in 1858 – Charles Darwin sent a script that became the basis of his famous work, “The origin of species“.

After passing by St. James Square, carry on down towards Pall Mall.

Once you reached the Mall, look out for Almost immediately next door to the RA, you will find yourself atBurlington three of the most exclusive private member Arcade you will continue on Piccadilly and take a right on Old Bond Street for a clubs in London which are located here. bit of window shopping (literally).

Back in the days, visitors were given the On your left hand side, you’ll see the entrance to the Royal Arcade, walk through chance to take part in “Paille Maille”in the the arcade and name the chocolate shop, the oldest still existing in London. shadow of Buckingham Palace, which was (PHOTO CHALLENGE). enjoyed by King Charles II at the spot when central London was still green fields. On your left hand side, you’ll see the entrance to the Royal Arcade, walk through the arcade and name the chocolate shop, the oldest still existing in London. (PHOTO CHALLENGE).

FUN FACT: Did you know the same marble used in the Royal Arcade is the same Wander down towards Shepherd Market via Hay Hill and . marble used for Brown’s pillars at its main entrance. Did you know Mayfair got its name from this market – the area of Mayfair owes its name to the historic market that was held here from 1686 until 1707.

Traditionally, a big fair was held here in May, and it is this event that gave its name to the whole neighbourhood – Mayfair. Upon leaving the Royal Arcade, you will reach London’s first hotel, Brown’s Hotel, located at 33 Albemarle Street – feel free to ring the doorbell Count how many pubs are in this market? (and see if anyone answers) and make sure to give him or her a friendly wave and smile from a distance! (SELFIE PHOTO CHALLENGE)

London’s oldest hotel, we opened our doors for the first time back in Leave the market and head towards Mount Street Gardens. Mount Street 1837 and we look forward to reopen our doors and welcome you again Gardens is a public garden created in 1889 out of a former burial ground of St Asfrom the 1st of September onward. George’s, Hanover Square, and named after the Mount Field, an area including a fortification dating from the English Civil War named Oliver’s Mount.

FUN FACT: All these benches have been donated by or in memory of people who have loved and used the space throughout the years.

Find yourself next in Grosvenor Square, a much loved outdoor space in central London.

It is the centrepiece of the Mayfair property of the Duke of Westminster, and takes its name from the surname “Grosvenor”.

rosvenor Square was one of the three or four most fashionable residential addresses in London from its construction until the Second World War, with Gnumerous leading members of the aristocracy in residence. The central garden, which was reserved for the use of the occupants of the houses as was standard in a London square, is now a public park managed by The Royal Parks. From here walk towards Berkeley Square. Walk through St James’s Park towards the Horse Guards Parade.

Find the most valuable tree in Britain which has been growing for 165 years and Enjoy the impressive views of the lake and fountain; watch the resident pelicans on worth £750,000. This tree was seeded around the same time as Brown’s opened. their favourite rocks, next to Duck Island Cottage.

Share the love and hug this tree (PHOTO CHALLENGE). Did you know that pelicans have lived in St James’s Park for nearly 400 years. They were originally presented as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Before you leave this area, find the Banksy Street Art on Bruton Lane. Charles II.

Banksy may be the world’s most famous street artist, but that doesn’t mean that his They are free to roam but rarely stray far from the lake; look out for them catching murals stick around for that long. He’s done plenty of spraying around London over fish, swimming and preening together (PHOTO CHALLENGE). the years, only for most of it to be painted over and lost forever. But, dotted here and there throughout the city, there are those that have survived – some in better shape than others.

Note down what the art is of (PHOTO CHALLENGE).

From here make your way to Savile Row and count (approximately) how many tailors are located on this street – for that extra challenge find the tailors that hold a Royal Warrant

avile Row’s reputation is built on bespoke tailoring, where each suit Sis made to individually fit. Tailors have been around since the 18th century on this street. The Horse Guards Parade is the ceremonial parade ground in St James’s Park and is the scene of the Trooping the Colour on the Queen’s official birthday in June. The term “bespoke” applied to fine tailoring is understood to have It is also the main official entrance to St James’s and Buckinghamalace. P Horse originated in Savile Row, and came to Guards dates from the eighteenth century and was designed by , the mean a suit cut then Chief Architect to George II. and made by hand. Two mounted cavalry troopers of The Queen’s Life Guard, who are positioned Customers of the “golden mile of outside from 10am to 4pm daily, guard the building. Don’t forget to capture posing tailoring” have included Lord Nelson, like one (PHOTO CHALLENGE). Napoleon III, Winston Churchill and Prince Charles.

Time for a break? Where better to spend this than inGreen Park (an approx. 10 minute walk from Savile Row). Green Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of just over 40 acres. On your way back to Piccadilly Circus, make sure to pass through Jermyn Street.

The Rocco Forte Hotels headquarters is based here. What number might this be at?

Hint: As the family is second generation Italian, they cannot live without an Italian Restaurant on their doorstep.

Jermyn Street was in its early days more residential than commercial. It was a bustling scene of houses, lodgings, hotels, taverns and schools, which was dominated by the beautiful Church of St. James’s designed by Sir Christopher Wren. FINISH Over the years Jermyn Street’s distinguished residents have included the likes of Sir William Stanley; Sir John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough; Sir Isaac Newton; This applies to the ambience of the street, the services it offers, and to the shops and businesses and the people who own and run them. CONGRATULATIONS!

Inevitably there have been changes in the architecture over the years, with the old houses converted into shops and some facades modernised. You have finished the ‘‘Brown’s Hotel Discovery Walk and St James’ However, much of the original essence of Jermyn Street lingers on and it still provides a quintessentially British experience. We hope you enjoyed this walk as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Making your way back to don’t forget to pose with the lovely Picaddily Circus, Please don’t forget to share your snaps with us on Instagram @browns_hotel using Beau Brummel (PHOTO CHALLENGE). the hashtags #Rfoutandabout #Brownsmayfairwalk #explorewithbrowns #the1837 or by emailing your answers and photos to [email protected]

The statue of Beau Brummell, a friend of the Prince Regent. He is credited with making the trouser fashionable and bringing a military bearing to how men dressed.

rummell was born in London, the younger son of William Brummell, a politician, of BDonnington Grove in Berkshire. The family was middle class, but the elder Brummell was ambitious for his son to become a gentleman, and young Beau was raised with that understanding.