Something For The Weekend

this weekend near you - by Vicky Hewitt

What are you up to Friday 15th June?
Fancy a free flic for you and your chic…
Outdoor screens are appearing all around town nowadays, so grab some popcorn, sweets and preferably a pillow and hop onto the bandwagon or ship in this case and pop down to Broadgate arena and enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean, staring all of those hotties. The film showing starts at 2.15pm, you can also bring your dancing shoe’s as there is live music at 5.45pm and 9.45pm.

Broadgate arena, Broadgate Circle, EC2M 2QS

Ever wanted to go to Cuba? Well a bit of Cuba is coming to you and best of all it’s free.
Carnival de Cuba – Sat 16th and Sun 17th June (12-9.30pm)

One of the largest Cuban Carnivals outside of America. There is an expected turnout of a great 85,000 people to go to this event, now that would be a pretty impressive conga line. So head down to the park and take in the best Cuban music and see some fabulous dancing (plus your own horrendous attempts to bust some moves). There will also be some classic Caribbean music that you can get your groove on too.

Southwark Park (SE16)

Any Architects in the Building, How green is your space?
Bit of a tip for all you architecture enthusiasts, it’s architecture week all day Friday 15th – 24th June. This years focus is an event about climate change ‘How Green is your space’, so you’ll be presented with a bit of creative thinking about our environment.

Everybody enjoys a laugh so why not hit the Comedy carnival.
Saturday June 16 - Eary Bird offer from lastminute.com. With outstanding talent and great critics comments how can you say no. 

Laid back Dad...

Win a weekend in The Met, Leeds

The Met, Leeds is located in the central business district of one of England's most exciting city. This ornate terracotta grade II listed building has recently undergone a major refurbishment and investment programme, which has completely transformed the hotel to provide a breathtaking interior decor. The hotel boasts 120 bedrooms and Tempus restaurant offers the best in Modern British Cuisine. In fact, it's in the ideal location for many of the exclusive shopping and popular attractions that the city has to offer, including the Victoria Quarter and the Royal Armouries. Plus, it's only 3 minutes walk to Leeds train station - perfect!

We're giving you the chance to win a great weekend stay in The Met, Leeds. Why not enter your dad and let him have a laid-back, chilled out time on you (and us). All you have to do is email us with the subject line MET LEEDS.

Sorry, this competition has now closed.

For more relaxing hotel offers for dad, head here

Metrosexual Dad...

He's the one who sometimes takes longer to get ready than you. He always looks groomed and when you can't find your nail files, ladies, you know he's probably nabbed it for his toes. The metrosexual dad is more needy than ever and definitely deserving of these sparkling, sweet-smelling specials...

He's so super smooth
We all remember kissing daddy's spft cheek when we begged for the latest toy off the telly, and we want him to stay that way. Starting with the old fashioned hot towels, this is the closest, most professional shave your dad can get and he might just be able to pass on a few tips after this manly shave and makeover.

For a limited time only, we are giving you 20% off the normal price of £25.This offer is valid Tuesdays to Saturdays only Vouchers are valid for 3 months. This offer will end on June 29, 2007 at 5pm.

Gentleman's shave experience with 20% off for a limited time only

If he's done too much DIY...
Here's dad's chance to unwind in London's trendiest lifestyle and health concept, designed to help him let himself go - (in a good way, of course). At both Relaxez Soho and Relaxez White City salons, Dad can chose to indulge in either a Sports Swedish or Deep tissue massage (30 to 60 minutes). You can guarantee he'll come back happy, refreshed and refined, and he might even offer to cook or let you take charge of the remote.

Relax massage - Sports, Swedish or Deep Tissue massage - 30 or 60 minutes

If he needs to get away
Here's one he can take his other half to as well. Hand over the 2 for 1 certificate for a peaceful retreat to Whittlebury Hall - a luxurious Northamptonshire spa hotel for a one-night break, including dinner, breakfast and full use of the resort’s facilities - and watch his troubles melt away.

Dad and his companion will enjoy the finest cuisine and top-class leisure facilities (we’re talking Jacuzzi, pool, sauna - the works) to ensure he heads home refreshed, rejuvenated and totally stress-free.

And the best part? Well, it's only £130 for two people! That's fantastic value on a spa break that will leave him feeling like you’ve just spent two weeks in the Bahamas.

One-night spa escape for two at Whittlebury Hall - book now for dates in June, July & August - 2 for 1

Rock Dad...

You're never to old to rock out and whether your old man's the type who partied with Beatles or just gazed at Barbara Streisand with a longing look in his eyes, he's sure to let his hair down at one of these hot gigs:

The Rolling Stones
Make his day with a rock surprise to remember. Book as a surprise and he’ll think all his birthdays have come at once – he loved this band as much as you love… well, the Rolling Stones. You may as well go with him then, really. See the legends themselves in their Bigger Bang tour and then afterwards you can  bond over their 55 albums and 37 top 10 singles.

Rolling Stones – Bigger Bang Tour, the O2 London. August 2007.

Meatloaf
Like a bat out of hell, this Grammy award winning Meatloaf flying into the UK this Summer, for his Three Bats Tour - the second leg of his sold-out and critically acclaimed Bat Trilogy Tour, which includes songs from all three Bat Out of Hell albums. Sing along to one of the biggest selling rock albums of all time and your dad will know once and for all that you would do anything for love. To your daddy, you are the epitome of love. And if not, you’re a dead-ringer for it. (sorry).

Get meaty with the main man

Muse
This Devonshire trio have come a long way since they first got together at secondary school. They’ve now sold over 11 million albums worldwide and never fail to get the crowds going with their unique sound of alternative rock, indie rock, classical music progressive rock and electronica.  See them on Father’s Day itself – Sunday June 16th.

He'll definitely be a-"muse"d with this gift

Hungry Dad...

The way to a man’s heart has always been straight through the chest cavity and right on down through his stomach. Your dad’s no exception. Take him out for a slap up meal on Father’s Day, or make a booking for another night when the whole family can get together and discuss how podgy you were as a baby…

No5 cavendish square
Great for the posh in him, you’ll be the best kid he ever had if you book him into the best-kept secret in Cavendish Square. The restaurant is actually set in an old Spanish embassy and features two bars, a library, a nightclub (if he kept any of his dancing shoes) and of course, the restaurant, located at the top of a beautiful sweeping staircase.

You’ll all love the European menu with an Italian twist and he’ll have a hard time choosing from 150 different types of wine. Imagine smoked salmon, breast of duck with braised Belgian chicory and cherry dressing or Scotch roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. Lip-smackingly different, and perfect for a Father’s Day lunch time treat.

No. 5 Cavendish Square Restaurant, London - three course Father's Day lunch set menu with a gift for all dads £25 per person

Sherlock's Bar and Grill
Avocado remoulade and grilled king prawns salad, pink grape fruit and citrus jus, Vine tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad home made pesto… it’s enough to make you start drooling all over your desk quite frankly. Dad will appreciate the history here, in that this lunch menu is served in the refurbished, boutique Sherlock Holmes Hotel with all of its friendly English charm. The restaurant itself needs a Sherlock worthy investigation to actually find it, but you’ll know what we mean when you get there.

Sherlocks Bar & Grill, London - three course Sunday Roast lunch menu £14.95 per person

Paternoster chop house
You really can’t get more British than this – as the whole place is tucked behind St Paul’s cathedral in the newly funked up Paternoster Square. In the 1800’s this was the main entrance to the city of London, where everyone flocked for the finest in ale and chop houses. It’s like a history lesson as well as a damn good feed. Tuck into the likes of wild garlic and potato soup, Scotch broth with pearl barley or the weird and wacky Chocolate cream and parsnip ice cream. Belly-filling brilliant.

Paternoster Chop House Restaurant, London - two course Sunday Lunch menu £16.50 per person

Bateaux
Imagine floating along on the Thames to the sounds of soft jazz – the London Eye turns gradually in the distance and the buildings old and new glisten in the warm June sunshine. Aaaaah London – even lovelier from the water. And the Sunday lunch jazz cruise could well be one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon. Leaving from Embankment Pier you’ll cruise and booze along for a whole three hours, sampling musical delights and tasty dishes like Italian goats cheese panacotta with Parma ham and summer leaves, and a Roast of the day served with traditional trimmings and chefs seasonal vegetables. No sax please, we’re British.

Bateaux London - 15% off three course Sunday lunch jazz cruise on the Thames

For more dining delights, munch on this

Adrenaline Dad...

He always had aspirations to fly to the moon, or climb everest, but when it came to the crunch, he settled for a nice job and a house, and you. Still, you can bring out his adventurous streak with this lot:

If he was glued to the telly for Lewis Hamilton’s victory at the weekend, he’d love you even more if you sent him to The 2007 Formula 1TM British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. Your gift/his ticket gets him entry to the circuit for all 3 days of the Grand Prix Weekend and a reserved seat, putting him in the heart of all the action and ensuring he gets a great view of what is definitely going to be a fantastic race.

2007 Formula 1TM British Grand Prix tickets - Silverstone - July 6 to 8, up to £20 off

It might be coming up for summer but this experience will give him chills, a-multiplying. (In a good way of course). Better still, now you can bobsleigh with him – all tickets are two for one!  Try out this amazing winter sport on a partial replica of the famous Salt Lake City track and scream at speeds of up to 40 mph with two trial runs and six timed ones. Bobs-your-uncle.

Bobsleigh experience - exclusive 2 for 1 offer - £89

Does he fancy himself as a James Bond, or a captain of the high seas? In this adrenaline packed experience he’ll play with inflatable catamarans before slipping into a wetsuit for some 007 style fun. As a co-pilot he’ll whoosh over water at 45 mph before pulling a 180 degree direction change. Do you still want to go with him? You can – all tickets are two for one.

Zapcat powerboat experience - exclusive 2 for 1 offer - £99

Remember when you watched Top Gun together and discussed your dreams of taking to the skies in a little plane built for two as the theme tune rang out in your head? Well now you can get 20% off an introductory flying lesson for your dad, he’ll feel just like Tom Cruise, only not as short or crazy, probably. Take the camera so you can play him back that loop the loop afterwards…

Introductory flying lessons - 20% off  - £71

Other ideas:

Speedboat Ride from Tower Pier On The River Thames tickets - Tower Pier, London - £6 off

International Air Day 2007 - RNAS Yeovilton, July 6 & 7 - up to £13 off

Cultural Dad...

He's the daddy! The one who's the first to the patio doors to watch the bird table for a robin-reappearance, the one who always buys an expensive souveneir at a museum and then tucks it away in the living room cabinet, never to be seen again. There are lots of things we love about Cultural dad, and he'll love one of these great gifts:

TOP DAYS OUT...

Take him to Cuba!  Well, not literally. Book some hot tickets to Havana Rakatan at the Peacock Theatre and watch Jazz, mambo, bolero, son, cha-cha-cha, rumba and salsa come alive in a dazzling dance display of Cuban passion.  Dad’s toes will be tapping to the Afro-Haitian rhythms, before he whispers in your ear about his new ambition to take up salsa. Cuban company Ballet Rakatan brings a serious slice of Havana spice to the Peacock Theatre. 

“Such infectious feel-good entertainment, I'd already mentally booked a flight to Cuba by the time the curtain went down” - THE STAGE

“Has all the ingredients for a summer sizzler... will have you bouncing in your seat” - METRO

Get your kicks - from only £10

Here’s one to satisfy his curious streak. Benjamin Franklin House is just a skip away from Trafalgar Square but drips with history from times gone by as it’s the world's only remaining Franklin home. Scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor and Founding Father of the United States, Dr Benjamin Franklin lived here between 1757 and 1775.  His dwellings are now Grade 1 Listed and the building’s been brought back to its 18th century lustre as a dynamic museum and educational facility.

Experience live performance, cutting edge lighting, sound and projection technology. Emmy award winning actor Peter Coyote is the voice of Benjamin Franklin and Academy Award-nominated actress Imelda Staunton is Margret Stevenson, Franklin's Landlady during his 16 years at Craven Street.

Benjamin Franklin House - Historical Experience tickets - only £6

It might be tourist-trap but it’s something we’ve all got to see whilst in London. After all Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames since 1894 and is one of most amazing, most photographed bridges in the World. At the exhibition, witness stunning views of London from 42 metres above the Thames.  St Paul’s, The Gherkin, The Monument and HMS Belfast are all spread before you, leaving space for you do to that funny arms-outstretched “one day, this will all be yours, dad” thing. Marvellous.

Oh, and with this offer you get a free pizza dinner thrown in at Pizza Express – what a cracking day out, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Tower Bridge Exhibition tickets & lunch at PizzaExpress Shad Thames - from only £15.95 per person

A NIGHT ON THE TILES....

Be dramatic with a dinner for daddy and a top West End Show. For the cultural soul there’s no nicer night out on the town than combining a stage extravaganza with a nice bit of grub, and then sitting back, rubbing your belly.

Send him on an African adventure with Disney's multi-award winning musical The Lion King, which combines incredible costumes, stunning effects and enchanting music to create the the powerful and moving story of Simba - King of the Pridelands. Before the show, get a yummy lunch at pizza emporium Fire and Stone in Covent Garden.

The Lion King matinee tickets - the Lyceum Theatre & lunch at Fire & Stone - only £37.50 per person -

More options:
It’s the show that everyone’s talking about. If he loved the movies, he’ll love this offer. See Lord of the Rings and eat dinner at Fire and Stone from £21

If you used to be a gobby child, it was nothing compared to the noise in store with this one. See Stomp at the Vaudeville Theatre and get a posh dinner at Banquette at The Savoy - top price seats and dinner only £45 per person

Paris - in or out??

We can't figure it out either. One day she's in, the next she's a weeping wreck and she's out... and now apparently she's set to go back in again. She's more in, out , shake it all about than the blimmin' hokey cokey but then again, we did campaign to FREE PARIS. Enter the competition now to win a trip to Paris for two and three nights accommodation in a swanky hotel.

Sorry, this competition has now closed.

These are some of our snaps from the streets of London on Tuesday. Oh, and a few of the newsletter team's own. I think you'll agree, we look great as blondes (?)

win tickets to see Conversations with Other Women...

Are you free next Thursday night? That's the 14th of June at 8.30pm?

If so, how do you fancy getting your paws on a pair of tickets to see Helena Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckhart as old flames who reunite for one night in this split-screen drama - Coversations with other Women?

Conversations With Other Women exploits the notion that there are two sides to every story by literally telling them both via a split-screen technique.

Also, if you're not lucky enough to win, or can’t make the screening on Thursday, then the Cineworld Haymarket have a dedicated screen showing Conversations with other women at least 4 times every day from the 8th to the 14th of June.

We've got 5 pairs of tickets to give away. To enter you must be free next Thursday night.
Email us here with the subject line 'cinema' telling us your name and phone number
Sorry, this competition is now closed.

Win a weekend at the Paramount Imperial, Blackpool...

There's more to Blackpool than the Pleasure Beach, although clearly no trip to Britain's favourite seaside destination is complete without a stroll along the pier, pointing at the seagulls.

The Paramount Imperial Blackpool has just undergone a £2 million refurbishment, enhancing the equally splendid £1.5 million upgrade to the hotel that took place in 2005. This new look secures the hotel's reputation as one of the leading Conference and Events Hotels in the North West and as the flagship hotel in Blackpool - an ever popular conference destination as well as a top British holiday spot. Labour and  Conservative have both had their V.I.P "discussions" here so it could be possible that John Major and Tony Blair have walked the very same carpets...

We're offering one lucky couple the chance to win a weekend for 2 in a standard room on bed and breakfast subject to availability. Soak up the atmosphere in the popular Palm Court Restaurant, or lounge around outside on the Terrace for food and drinks with magnificent sea views.

On its 140 year anniversay in 2007, this Victorian hotel is going stronger than ever.

Enter the competition by emailing us with your name, number and the subject line Paramount
Sorry, this competition is now closed.

Book a stay at the Paramount with lastminute.com