The Weather: A Very British Obsession

We are a nation obsessed.

Apparently 9 out of 10 British people have talked about the weather in the last six hours, and 70% check the forecast at least once a day. This means that at any given moment about a third of the population of the UK are talking about the weather.

Add to this the extraordinary history of Corinthia London, requisitioned by the British Government in the run up to and during both World Wars. The Corinthia London building has been home to the Air Ministry, The Ministry of Defence and was where Field Marshalls John French and Douglas Haig chose to stay the night before the British Expeditionary Force embarked for France at the outbreak of the First World War. In fact room 424 became the first home for M19 and its sub-division the Special Operations Executive. Here Operation Overlord was planned and, among other things, the weather would have been discussed in minute detail.

With this in mind we have looked to the sea, perhaps the only place you’ll hear more weather conversation. About 150 years ago (around the time this hotel was being built) an internationally recognised system of communication flags was established. A wonderfully simple series of flags designed to be used alone and in combination to signal weather and weather changes to those at sea. In homage to this history and our national obsession we have adopted and adapted this system, creating our very own weather flags which you will find at the main entrance to the hotel. To plan for the day, check the weather flags at the main entrance and use the weather flags cards available in your room or from the front desk to decipher the daily changing weather. At the very least you’ll never be short of something to talk about! 

And where to go in London when the four seasons strike, often all in one day? Our concierge recommends...

IN THE RAIN

Guillaume: For the sporty, try indoor mini golf on Oxford Street at Swingers. For the craftier, I would suggest classes and workshop around London, from cocktail making to lion feeding. My favourite is the London glassblowing workshop. I might also suggest a trip to the Selfridges Cinema, which is amazing - small and comfortable with ample space for the legs (and shopping bags).

Darren: The Royal Academy of Art is one of my favourite galleries in London, founded more than 250 years ago by a group of artists and architects wanting to champion the arts.

FOR SPRING FLOWERS

Gigi: Definitely Kew Gardens, it's the best park in London for an escape from the city.

Darren: Located on our doorstep, I would have to say St James Park. For our guests with a passion for horticulture, you must plan your visit to attend the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Guillaume: If with kids I would suggest Holland Park, home to the famous Japanese/Kyoto garden.

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE SOARS

Guillaume: The same company that brought us the Hot Tub Boat is now offering a BBQ boat, you only need to bring your own drinks, food and friends! I will also add that there is a great, ‘wild’ outdoor pond at the bottom of Parliament Hill. You can combine this with some culture by visiting Kenwood House and finishing the day watching the sunset from the top of the hill, followed by dinner at one of the gastro pubs nearby such as the iconic Spaniards Inn.

Darren: Take advantage of a number of luxury private boats that the Concierge has access to on the River Thames.

WHEN IT'S BELOW FREEZING

Gigi: The best place to be when it is freezing cold outside is, without any doubt, in the Crystal Moon Lounge for afternoon tea, enjoying a nice cup of tea with some wonderful pastries surrounded by fairytale décor. 

Darren: A visit to London would not be complete without taking in at least one of the uniquely British pubs. A table by the fire place at the Holly Bush in Hampstead is a great place to keep warm.