The Marriage of Al Fresco Dining and Opera Under the Stars in London

The Marriage of Al Fresco Dining and Opera Under the Stars July 30-31 and August 20-21, 2010

LONDON (JUNE 29, 2010) - For only four nights, the Courtyard at 51 will be transformed into an outdoor opera house complete with scenes from balconies and views from the VIP veranda amidst starry skies and delightful dining.

Performances will be provided by 'The Covent Garden Strings Company' who have written the evenings' performances specifically for the Courtyard at 51 taking into account the surroundings and history of the hotel as well as Shakespeare's sylvan plays that adorn the hotel's townhouses, including the famous scene from Romeo and Juliet as depicted in West Side Story.

A three-course gourmet grill experience complements these performances with courses including sauteed tiger prawns with garlic and fresh tomatoes and whole baked sea bass with an almond chermoula. A choice of steaks and traditional grilled dishes will also be available.

These operatic weekends will take place July 30th and 31st and August 20th and 21st, 2010. Cost for the dinner and performance from £59.50 (approx. $88 USD) per person.

The Courtyard at 51 is one of London's true hidden gems exuding tranquility in the heart of central London. Located minutes from the palace and within the grounds of 51 Buckingham Gate, the Courtyard at 51 boasts a beautiful cherub adorned fountain (allegedly donated by Queen Victoria) and the longest Shakespearean frieze, which runs along the fa_ade of the townhouses surrounding the award-winning Courtyard garden. 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences provides all the comforts of home plus concierge and butler services, nannies, a luxury spa and more.

For further details, or to make a booking please visit: www.51-buckinghamgate.com/courtyard_51 / Call: 1-866-969-1825 / Email: jpupek@cplonsj.co.uk

About 51 Buckingham Gate

Combining all the facilities and convenience of a luxury hotel with the space and exclusivity of a private home, 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites & Residences consists of three individually designed buildings: Kings, Falconers and Ministers. The buildings have been beautifully restored and '51' now offers 86 elegant suites each with their own separate kitchen and living area. Located in St. James's and just minutes from Buckingham Palace, shops and theatres of the West End, the townhouse hotel is an ideal base for a long weekend visit to London.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 65 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. www.tajhotels.com

About Tata

The TATA group of companies has more than a century of experience in the UK, its leading international market with combined revenues of US$ 9 billion in 2007-08, comprising 19 companies and a 47,000-strong workforce. The group includes some well-known brands in the UK, among them: Corus/Tata Steel, Tata Motors (including Jaguar Land Rover) Tata Consultancy Services TCS, Tetley Tea, The Quilon Restaurant & Bar and The Bombay Brasserie. In addition, Tata Communications (formerly VSNL), Brunner Mond/Tata Chemicals, Tata Motors and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. www.tata.com