The Embassies of 28 European Union Member States to the United States will open their doors to the Washington public during the EU Embassies’ Open House Day this Saturday, May 12.
The participating embassies will open their doors to the public from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering a rare look inside the buildings and provide a unique opportunity to experience each country’s cultural heritage and national traditions.
One embassy not to be missed is that of the United Kingdom, which is scheduled to leave the EU next year.
On the only day of the year that the British Embassy opens its doors to the public, visitors will get a rare look inside and access to the ambassador’s residence and gardens, including the rose garden and lawns, home to several trees planted by members of the Royal Family. In addition, the residence’s ballroom will be set up as it would be prepared for a State Dinner with Her Majesty the Queen.
There will also be the opportunity to enjoy some British cuisine (the UK is home to 175 Michelin starred restaurants) and drink. In partnership with the District’s own British-inspired pub Duke’s Grocery will be selling Banger Dog—a banger sausage smothered in caramelized onions and Colman’s mustard on a fresh baguette, and Duke’s Paneer Veggie Wrap, a delicious mix of paneer cheese, shaved cucumber, pickled red onions, curry mayo, coriander in a whole wheat wrap (all proceeds from the food sales will be donated to Red Nose Day). Other bites will include samples of the famed Scottish Ginger beer from Crabbies, Buttermilk’s Earl Grey Fudge, which is made with British tea grown in Cornwall, and some Walkers Shortbread.
For the drinks, representatives from The Whiskey Library will have eight wonderful British whiskies to try, annd Metro Cellars will be pouring tastings of top British wines.
Other highlights of the day include:
- Special appearances by the Superbowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, Eagles Drumline and Eagles mascot, SWOOP, ahead of their NFL game in London
- A fleet of British luxury vehicles from Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus and Rolls-Royce
- Performances from Shakespearian players and the British International School of Washington
- A tennis serve cage to see how fast you can serve at the residence’s tennis court
- Displays of the most iconic British scenery for selfies
