New York City residents can hop the train to SoHo this weekend to get a taste of Great Britain.
British Airways and VisitBritain have teamed up to bring a slice of modern-day England, Scotland and Wales to the states via a 15,000-square-foot space inside 78 Mercer Street. “The Big British Invite,†an interactive pop-up event taking place today and Sunday, will feature the best of Britain, offering delectable bites and sips, music and simulations of the highly popular nightlife. It runs from noon to 6 p.m. both days and is open to anyone who is 21 and older who signs up in advance at The Big British Invite website. Admission is free.
The organizers held an opening night reception on Thursday hosted by Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter Estelle and Downton Abbey actor Dan Stevens. Before the festivities began, Karen Clarkson, vice president of North America for VisitBritain, the country’s tourism organization, and Simon Talling-Smith, executive vice president of the Americas at British Airways, welcomed a group of press who were present for a preview that evening.
The pop-up experience will showcase “what is new, what is now, what is next†in Britain, said Talling-Smith.
Twelve British Airways flights depart from New York to London daily, hosting over 3,000 travelers between the two areas each day.
“We want to inspire a new wave of New Yorkers to experience the best Britain has to offer–whether it’s an afternoon exploring the Tate Modern or an evening enjoying a dram of whiskey among the sprawling hills of Speyside,†said Clarkson, in a statement.
The “American Boy†songstress, who led a tour through the space, gushed about the airline’s comfortable seats, which attendees will be able to try out firsthand, British “comfort food†and the bar and music scene found in Britain.
Guests picked up their boarding passes from one of two flight attendants before entering the first room, where luxury retailer Liberty London offers scarf styling sessions and, just like the in-store experience, expect to see a beautiful array of flowers. Next, the group was greeted by one of London’s iconic black cabs. Hop in for a chance to win a prize, which may include tickets to Britain. Moving further into the room, and past the mannequins paying homage to punk fashion, attendees can make a pit stop in Scotland where Highlands Restaurant Group is serving small bites like pigs in a blanket-esque sausage rolls. For cheese enthusiasts, NYC’s own Bedford Cheese shop
is on hand serving cheese from Wales. (You must try the rarebit, which is like a fancy grilled cheese, with a kick, on toast.)Speaking of fancy, Sanderson has brought its Mad Hatter’s Tea to Manhattan, offering dainty sandwiches like cucumber and chive cream cheese on spinach bread, and savory sweets such as strawberries and cream homemade marshmallow mushrooms and mango cheesecake coated in white chocolate, among other treats. Not to mention, the assortment of teas available for tasting is a tea connoisseur’s dream.
If those aren’t your sips of choice, experience a British pub where bartenders are stirring drinks featuring classic English gin, Beefeater 24. Whiskey lovers will enjoy the drink at the Arrivals Lounge, which is made with Chivas Regal.
Beyond the food, Britain is known for its nightlife and music scene. Music aficionados
can listen to a collection of tunes from new and older UK artists thanks to King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, a legendary live music venue in Glasgow, Scotland. And, if you’re ready to move, throw on a pair of headphones and rock out at the Silent Disco Rave.Before exiting to find a mouth-watering candy sculpture resembling historic British landmarks and buildings, stop at the nail bar powered by WAH Nails. Owned by Sharmadean Reid, it is East London’s first style-centric nail bar, bookstore, gallery and boutique. Wah’s designers can paint funky designs on your nails such as Big Ben or the British flag.
British Airways is promoting a special offer. If you book a flight to London by March 31 for travel through May 31, you’ll receive two free hotel nights.