UPPER EAST SIDE — Twenty Madison Avenue stores are celebrating all things British this week with high tea times, discounts, and vivid window displays in an event dubbed the Great Britain Campaign.
Madison Avenue has the largest concentration of British luxury brands of anywhere in North America, and the new event is meant to celebrate the fact, according to Matthew Bauer, the president of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District, which is spearheading the celebration in conjunction with the British Consulate.
In the past five years, seven British-owned shops have opened on Madison Avenue, from East 57th to East 86th streets, he added, including L.K. Bennett at 655 Madison Ave., Roland Mouret, at 952 Madison Ave., and Belstaff at 814 Madison Ave., and others have expanded.
"It just seems to be logical to celebrate the craftsmanship associated with these brands," Bauer said, adding it would be a great time to learn more about the culture.
Participating stores include Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo, Jeeves New York and Erwin Pearl.
The British invasion will last through Sunday and several stores will donate proceeds toward the Historic Royal Palaces, which helps preserve English cultural icons like the Tower of London and Kensington Palace.
Thursday through Sunday
Agent Provocateur, 675 Madison Ave.
Shoppers will get a 10 percent discount and be able to sample Prestat Chocolates.
Barbour, 1047 Madison Ave.
Free British tea and cakes available starting at 2:30 p.m.
Belstaff England, 814 Madison Ave.
Bremont watch company will visit the store with its rare watch collection throughout the weekend.
Erwin Pearl, 697 Madison Ave.
Get a tasting of Crabbie's Ginger Beer and Rococo Chocolate and try for a gift basket raffle from Branche d'Olive, filled with candles, soaps, diffusers and room spray that would normally cost $150. From 2 to 6 p.m.
Jimmy Choo, 716 Madison Ave.
With help from English company Wedgwood, Jimmy Choo will serve free British teas and pastries.
John Lobb, 800 Madison Ave.
John Lobb will have a special window display, showing landscapes from Cornwall.
Lowell Hotel, 28 E. 63rd St.
The Lowell Hotel will highlight a collection of British brands during the hotel's daily afternoon tea service in the Pembroke Room, from 3 to 6 p.m., and during pre-theater dinner, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Those who stay the night will get a special welcome beverage and services.
Molton Brown, 635 Madison Ave.
The store is offering a free Union Jack hand cream with a purchase of $55 or more.
The Surrey, 20 E. 76 St.
The hotel will showcase 31 modern art works by Chuck Close, Mark Boomershine and Jimmie Martine all weekend in its lobby.
Thursday
Anya Hindmarch, 795 Madison Ave.
A master craftsman will demonstrate how he embosses bags. Shoppers who buy products that day will be able to emboss them for free. Free Rococo Chocolates will be available for munching.
Dean & Deluca, 1150 Madison Ave.
Get a free taste of British chocolates, jams, cookies, an assortment of artisanal and farmhouse cheeses and Scottish salmon, from noon to 5 p.m.
Alexander McQueen, 747 Madison Ave.
New pieces by the Rug Company will be on display and Prestat Chocolates will be given away on that day.
Jo Malone, 946 Madison Ave.
A free traditional high tea with sweets will be provided by Prestat Chocolates from 3 to 5 p.m. Get a free calligraphy message for yourself or as a gift from 2 to 6 p.m., or a complimentary hand and arm massage. RSVP for the massage at 212-472-0074.
Friday
Alexander McQueen, 747 Madison Ave.
New pieces by the Rug Company will be on display and free tastings of Prestat Chocolates will be available.
Jo Malone, 946 Madison Ave.
Bespoke Illustration will offer custom-made drawings and messages for gifts. Customers who purchase two or more products will also be able to customize their gift boxes with an iconic English landmark, like the Tower Bridge or Big Ben.
Belstaff England, 814 Madison Ave.
Dreadnought & Simpsons will demonstrate how to do a proper shave on Friday and Saturday, from 3 to 7 p.m.
L.K. Bennett, 655 Madison Ave.
Butter London will be in the store with two manicurists and a global color ambassador from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday
Asprey, 853 Madison Ave.
Asprey will host an afternoon tea and a discussion about Royal Warrants — which are granted to companies that have regularly supplied goods for at least five consecutive years to the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh or the Prince of Wales — and warrants Asprey has received through its 225-year history.
Jo Malone, 946 Madison Ave.
The store is offering free engraving on cologne bottles or candles.
L.K. Bennett, 655 Madison Ave.
From 1 to 3 p.m., Bloom Gin will serve up drinks and Butter London will be in the store with two manicurists and a global color ambassador. A representative from Historic Royal Palaces will discuss the landmarks it preserves, including Kensington Palace. L.K. Bennett will donate 10 percent of its revenue during this time to the organization.
Belstaff England, 814 Madison Ave.
Dreadnought & Simpsons will demonstrate how to do a proper shave on Friday and Saturday, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Jeeves New York, 39 E. 65th St.
Get 15 percent off dry cleaning of all British brand clothing.
Mulberry, 605 Madison Ave.
Mulberry will serve free afternoon tea with sweets from Rococo Chocolates and shoppers will get a 15 percent discount for the day. Mulberry will donate 10 percent of this event's proceeds to Historic Royal Palaces.
Sunday
Dean & Deluca, 1150 Madison Ave.
Get a free taste of British chocolates, jams, cookies, an assortment of artisanal and farmhouse cheeses and Scottish salmon, from noon to 5 p.m.
More information can be found on the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District's website.
