Shakespeare 400 cocktails at The Distillery bar
Built on the site of Stevenson & Howell’s Standard Works, a renowned essence factory in 1800s, The Distillery pays homage to its heritage by incorporating homemade aromatics, infusions and bitters with its cocktails. Located only a stones-throw away from Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in the newly launched Hilton Bankside hotel, The Distillery expert mixologists have conjured up a special Romeo & Juliet cocktail list to celebrate the 400th anniversary of England’s greatest playwright’s death.   www.thedistillerybankside.co.uk/whats-on

Midsummer Night’s Dreaming at Cafe Royal
Set in the heart of London’s theatreland Cafe Royal has always been a ‘go-to’ for thespians and stage lovers alike. To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death Cafe Royal has curated a truly special Shakespearean experience, staying in the deeply comfortable Grade II listed Tudor Suite.  Complete with mock Tudor panels and Jacobean symbols, a beautiful marble dining table and green velvet sofa, the elegant suite has wooden panelling throughout, which mirrors the interior style Shakespeare would be familiar with. In addition to an overnight stay in the Tudor Suite and a decadent three-course dinner at Cafe Royal’s Ten Room, guests will receive tickets to Henry V at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. After an evening of high drama and excitement guests can slowly make their way back to the hotel for a post-theatre Shakespeare cocktail in the decadent Green Bar.
www.hotelcaferoyal.com 

Bank Holidays with Shakespeare at the Great Northern Hotel, London
Originally designed by architect Lewis Cubitt, the Great Northern Hotel originally opened in 1854 for patrons of the Great Northern Railway. Re-imagined as a striking boutique property, the hotel is at the heart of the regeneration of London’s King’s Cross.  Firmly entwined with the areas heritage of the arts and design, the Great Northern Hotel works closely with the nearby British Library to create special experiences for its guests. To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death the hotel are offering guests, staying on either May bank holidays this year, a 20% discount on rooms and complimentary tickets to Shakespeare in Ten Acts exhibition. Showcasing over 200 unique and rare items, such as the only surviving play-script in Shakespeare’s hand, an authentic Shakespeare signature, the earliest printed edition of Hamlet from 1603 and Shakespeare’s First Folio the exhibition gives a visitors a rare glimpse into Shakespeare’s world.  After taking in the exhibition guests can enjoy the parks and green spaces around the hotel including Lewis Cubitt Park, well placed for an artisan picnic from Great Northern’s own hole-in-the-wall KIOSK serving artisan sandwiches and snacks. Children can splash in the choreographed fountains in Granary Square and get close to nature sampling food grown in the community-run Skip Garden.
www.gnhlondon.com

Sauterelle at Royal Exchange: To be or not to be?
To celebrate the memory of William Shakespeare, Sauterelle restaurant at the Royal Exchange have created a wonderful theatrical dining experience for guests to enjoy until the end of April.  At the beginning of the meal, guests will be invited to select a primary ingredient, from which the chef will prepare an entirely customised main course dish.  Shakespeare expected to provoke a range of emotions from his audience, whether surprise, excitement, criticism or even questions, and this is the same reaction that the chefs will anticipate from diners. The Sauterelle team are welcoming all feedback and inviting guests to offer for the final bill, exactly what they think the dish is worth. 
www.royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk