More things to do in London this week/end

With thanks to Country and Town House:

August 21, 2026   |        Dear Reader, This was the summer I stopped being able to beat my children at table tennis. The dry conditions meant we could pull our ancient table that buckles in the middle out onto the parched lawn. It became the centrepiece of our days in the New Forest. Every time I wanted a work break or to get the children off their devices, I'd suggest a game – best of three. Hitherto I'd beaten them under ten, but this summer even my youngest (12) improved so vastly that his disgustingly sneaky spins would have me slamming down my bat in annoyance (like a child). It was of course inevitable and the right way of things, but still it makes me think, am I only ever going to get worse at stuff?   Lucy Cleland Editorial Director   Staying In WATCH: The New Novak Djokovic Documentary Whether you root for him or whoever he’s up against (who doesn’t love the underdog?), there’s no denying Novak Djokovic’s prowling domination of the tennis court. He holds the all-time record for men's Grand Slam singles titles (24) and the record for the most weeks spent at world No. 1, after all, thanks to his unrelenting athleticism and breathtaking technical skill. But this wasn’t always in the stars for the now 39-year-old player, who was born and raised in war-torn Serbia. A new documentary on Prime Video charts this rise and Djokovic’s fierce drive to prove his doubters wrong, featuring interviews with figures like Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi and also giving a rare glimpse into his life off the court. Streaming now.   MAKE: Ramona’s Houmous & Roasted Vegetable Pasta All houmous addicts know about Ramona’s, the cult dips brand. But did you know its red pepper houmous can be a great addition to creamy pasta sauces? Below we share a recipe made with roasted peppers, courgettes and sweet cherry tomatoes, finished with fresh parsley. Serves: 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20–25 minutes Ingredients: 500g dried fusilli pasta 500g Ramona’s Red Pepper Heavenly Houmous 3 courgettes, sliced lengthways 3 green peppers, deseeded and quartered 3 red peppers, deseeded and quartered 300g cherry vine tomatoes ¼ bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped 2 tbsp olive oil Juice of ½ lemon Pinch of salt Pinch of freshly ground black pepper Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas 4). Arrange the courgettes, peppers and cherry tomatoes on a large baking tray. Drizzle with the olive oil and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelised. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large bowl. Season with the salt and black pepper, then toss with the lemon juice. Meanwhile, cook the fusilli according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little of the pasta cooking water. Return the cooked pasta to the pan or a large serving bowl and stir through RAMONA'S Red Pepper Heavenly Houmous until evenly coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, if needed, to create a smooth, silky sauce. Fold through the roasted vegetables and finish with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm or allow to cool and enjoy as a vibrant pasta salad. Top Tip: For an extra flavour boost, top with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts or a generous handful of grated Parmesan before serving.   TRY: One Of These British Skincare Brands Let’s face it, back-to-back heatwaves have done nothing but wreak havoc – on our mood, our quality of sleep, and especially our skin. And now, with cooler days ahead, it’s time to reset your skincare routine. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wait for big-name labels to make it across the pond when it comes to skincare. From aesthetic doctor-backed labels like 111SKIN and Dr Sebagh, to organic heroes Neal’s Yard and Rhug Wild, to B Corp favourites Aurelia London and UpCircle, the UK has more than enough brilliant brands to keep your skin feeling healthy and nourished. Here’s our top pick. Going Out BOOK: Royal Ballet & Opera After Hours  Looking for a culture fix ahead of the weekend? There’s still time to grab tickets for the Royal Opera House’s brand new late-night experience, After Hours. A rare chance to explore the London theatre after dark, the evening combines exclusive talks, live demonstrations, activities and behind-the-scenes tours of London’s famed cultural hub. Skim along costume rails with in-house designers, test your voice with Chorus Director William Spaulding, and round the night off with a silent disco under the glass canopy of Paul Hamlyn Hall. Friday 21 August at 5.30pm, tickets are £60 (£45 for Young RBO), rbo.org.uk EAT: A Pizza Tasting Menu Stepping inside beloved pizzeria Napoli on the Road’s new Soho joint, with its organically curving concrete interiors and minimalist dressing, you could be forgiven for thinking something posher than pizza is about to be served. Dubbed Europe’s No.1 Pizzeria (outside of Italy) by 50 Top Pizza for three years running, founder Michele Pascarella is indeed taking pizza to lofty new heights with a first-of-its-kind pizza tasting menu. ‘We wanted to challenge the idea of what pizza can be and push it somewhere unexpected,’ he tells C&TH. ‘We love pizza, and we also love the idea of showing people another side of it, one they might not usually see. Pizza is something everyone knows and loves, often associated with something quick, casual and familiar, but there is so much craft and creativity behind it.’ Expect seven decadent courses (£60pp) with a optional wine pairing (£40pp). Book at napoliontheroad.com VISIT: The Mulberry x Ronan Mckenzie Pop-Up British brand Mulberry is rounding off the summer with a pop-up in collaboration with artist Ronan Mckenzie and her platform HOME. Taking over Shreeji Newsagents, the concept store will celebrate the last bits of summer with a celebration of Mulberry’s Darley Camera Bag and a packed programme of events – including an exclusive edition of Yomi Sode’s live talk series, First Five, panel talks hosted by editor and creative consultant Isabella Burley, and leather craft workshops where you can make Mulberry cardholders with bespoke charms. Visitors can also scoop up a Mulberry ice lolly, or sip on a coffee while browsing books, magazines, and artwork curated by Ronan Mckenzie (all summer themed, naturally). Until 22 August at 6 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London W1U 7PT, eventbrite.co.uk Share This Newsletter With A Friend VIA EMAIL VIA WHATSAPP Staying in Forever… Property Of The Week Though a hall has sat on this 15-acre site since the medieval era, the current Art Deco property wasn’t constructed until 1939, after the original hall was demolished in the 1800s. Renowned former residents include Lady Hester Pulter, a 17th century poet, and Prince Georg of Denmark – whom the Queen Mother and current King frequently visited here. On the market for £2,495,000, struttandparker.com Competition Time Win a £500 voucher to spend at homeware brand Christy Win a two-night stay at The Resident, Edinburgh Win a £700 voucher to spend at luxury womenswear label BY HAÓ Psssst… Having fled to the US in 2020 – citing fears around privacy, safety and crumbling familial relationships – Harry and Meghan are now set to move back to Blighty later this month. But where will they live? We dig into the couple’s property portfolio. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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August 20, 2026   |      Staying In Watch Ludwig Season 2 When Ludwig launched on the BBC at the end of 2024, it was an unexpected hit. Starring David Mitchell as our titular master puzzle-setter John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor opposite Anna Maxwell Martin, it was not long before a second series of the unique detective series was announced, and it’s finally set to air tonight at 9pm. With Mark Bonnar and Sian Clifford joining the cast as local newspaper editor Gareth Fisher and local MP Joanne Kemper respectively, Ludwig series 2 will pick up where we left things at the end of series 1, with Ludwig now a Crime Scene Consultant for the Cambridge Police Authority, working alongside DCI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola). No longer having to pretend to be his (still missing) identical twin brother James, John can let loose and be more himself than ever: a brilliant mind adept at puzzle solving, but pretty hopeless at everything else. Speaking of James, John’s identical twin brother is still missing – and John is forbidden from using police resources to find him. Naturally that won’t stop him, but will it stop James’ wife Lucy (Maxwell Martin)? One masquerade may have been rumbled in series 1, but another puzzle is just unfolding… Tonight at 9pm on BBC One. Going Out Visit The New London Epicerie A brand-new food destination has opened its doors on Belgravia’s Ebury Street, London Epicerie. Created by London Cheesemongers founder Jared Wybrow alongside Raissa van Dijk, the grocery store offers a selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables, farmhouse cheeses, wine, bakery and pantry staples sourced from British and European producers. The focus is on small brands who pay careful attention to how food is grown and made: think cheese from Somerset’s Westcombe Dairy, ancient-grain pasta from Noja Projetto Agricolo, and charcuterie from Ham & Cheese Co., a long-standing supplier to London Cheesemongers. It’s a beautiful space too, drawing on traditional European food stores with natural light oak and warm stone finishes – designed to make the process of food shopping a more considered and enjoyable part of everyday life rather than a mad rush around the supermarket. Now open daily 8am-8pm at 65-69 Ebury Street, Belgravia, londonepicerie.co.uk Property Of The Day This Grade II* listed country house was described in Pevsner’s The Buildings of England: Gloucestershire as one of the finest timber-framed farmhouses in the county. Restored by the current owners, this 16th century estate is set within 58 acres of Gloucestershire countryside, spanning formal gardens (designed by a three-time Chelsea gold medal winner) pasture, paddocks and a lake. Two ‘secret’ rooms were uncovered in 1947 – now incorporated into the main house in a way that maintains their clandestine nature.  On the market for £3,500,000, search.savills.com C&TH Partnership Book Tickets To The Original Tour Families looking for a fun and affordable way to entertain the kids this summer can save 25 percent on children’s tickets for The Original Tour's live-guided Kids Tour of London. Designed especially for younger explorers, the 45-minute experience is the only live-guided children’s bus tour in London, bringing the capital's history to life with fun facts, interactive storytelling and entertaining live guides. Travelling aboard a classic open-top double-decker bus with guaranteed top deck seating, children can spot London's most famous landmarks while learning all about the city's royal history, iconic sights and hidden stories. The ticket also includes a Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames cruise, offering a different perspective of London's skyline, plus access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour's partner app. Book here Little Luxury SURI is the chic dental brand causing a buzz, known for its environmentally friendly electric toothbrushes. And now there’s a newbie in the collection: the SURI Core 1.0. Available in four aesthetic colours – Haze (Green), Ember (Orange), Nightfall (Blue) and Moonrise (Grey) – it’s SURI’s most affordable toothbrush yet at just £65, featuring a minimalist design, a plant-based head and a lightweight handle made using over 90 percent bio-circular material. But it’s not all style over substance: the brush is also clinically tested to remove 100 percent more plaque than a manual, has a pressure sensor to stop you brushing too hard, and offers up to four weeks of battery life on one single charge (a game-changer). £65, trysuri.com Competition Time This September, Hyde & Seek, London Hyde Park, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will open its doors following an impressive £42 million transformation – and one lucky reader will have the chance to be among the first to experience London’s newest hideaway. Enter here for your chance to win an overnight stay. Psssst… Did you know Scotland is a hotspot for celebrity homes? Find out all the A-listers with homes there including Margot Robbie, Kit Harrington, Tilda Swinton and Lewis Capaldi. Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss reading Kaliane Bradley’s bestselling novel The Ministry of Time before the adaptation – starring Aiofe Hinds and Billy Howle – lands on the BBC. Here’s everything we know so far. 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August 19, 2026   |      Staying In Make A Hugo Spritz Move over Aperol, there’s a new spritz in town. According to new analysis of Google Trends UK data, the Hugo Spritz has overtaken the Aperol Spritz in searches for the first time (averaging approximately 3.6 percent higher than the orange-hued cocktail). Searches for the elderflower-based tipple have been on the up for a while, doubling year on year, while in UK bars the number of Hugos ordered has nearly tripled in the three months to the end of June. The drink originated in Northern Italy in the early 2000s after being invented by a bartender called Roland Gruber, who set out to create an alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. It was originally called the Otto, and made with a lemon balm cordial rather than elderflower liqueur, but later Gruber renamed it the Hugo (apparently chosen at random because he liked the name) and swapped the base. Mix up your own before the summer is out by combining 40ml St-Germain with 60ml prosecco and mint leaves, plus lime and mint for garnishing. Going Out Tread The Line East London’s Art Walk Craving a walk with a view? Then you’ll want to wander through The Line East London’s free outdoor art trail, which stretches between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. Following East London’s waterways, the trail is packed with colourful artworks from the likes of Rasheed Araeen, Gary Hume, Abigail Fallis, Madge Gill and Yinka Ilori – to help brighten your urban hike. Either meander along the full four-hour route, or narrow it down to shorter sections and peruse the highly-rated selection of cafés, bars and restaurants along the way. If you fancy a solo outing, but like to listen to something en route, you can also get your hands on a free digital guide for the trail via Bloomberg Connects, narrated by Bill Nighy. Don’t expect to get bored anytime soon, either. The Line is renowned for keeping its outdoor exhibition of artworks fresh, regularly rotating the lineup so that even returning visitors can find something different. And if you’re looking for more urban hiking spots, see our guide here. Property Of The Day Spanning 951 acres, Castleton encompasses a 19th century Greek Revival mansion, 16 historic barns, 10 homes, a stone tower, and an equine cemetery. The former home of Ryanair co-founder Tony Ryan, this impressive property is being auctioned off on 28 October at Keeneland’s exclusive Championship Sale. Guide price of $57,500,000, sothebysrealty.com Little Luxury How about a little luxury served tableside? Berners Tavern, the grand dining room inside The London EDITION in Fitzrovia, has launched a Smoked Salmon Trolley for the summer – and it's as decadent as it sounds. For £25, cuts of Loch Duart gin-cured and house beetroot-cured salmon are sliced to order at your table, served with all the classics: capers, shallots, egg, chives, caviar and dill cream cheese. If salmon isn’t your thing, the new seasonal menu also serves up Scottish scallop crudo with yuzu ponzu and jalapeño, courgette flower with truffle honey and romesco or confit duck leg with summer succotash. Book your table at bernerstavern.com Competition Time Leave the endless stream of emails and notifications behind and discover the joy of switching off with a two-night Digital Detox escape at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa. Located in the heart of the New Forest, this restorative countryside retreat is your chance to slow the pace, reconnect with nature and enjoy uninterrupted time dedicated to your wellbeing. Enter here for your chance to win. Psssst… Eurostar has held a monopoly on rail travel through the Channel Tunnel since the route opened in 1994. But Virgin Trains is moving closer to becoming the company’s first competitor, with track access granted for services connecting London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030. Could this mean cheaper fares for passengers? Whatever You Do, Don’t Assume it’s too early to think about Christmas. Some brands’ advent calendars are already available to pre-order, such as Liberty’s hotly anticipated beauty calendar, while others – including Daylesford and The White Company – are dropping theirs this September. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

August 18, 2026   |      Staying In Watch New Celebrity MasterChef Once again, stars from the worlds of TV, sport and music will be donning their chef hats for the latest series of Celebrity MasterChef, which returns to BBC One tonight. This year’s line-up includes comedian Joe Pasquale, DJ and presenter Melvin Odoom, paralympic athlete Lauren Steadman MBE and singer Una Healy – but notoriety in other industries won’t guarantee success here. Across five weeks, the 15 celebrities will try their hand at a series of tough culinary challenges, battling it out to impress the judges and land a place in the final. Grace Dent is returning as a judge, alongside a new face: Italian chef and restaurateur Giorgio Locatelli (who replaces former judge John Torode). Plus, watch out for cameos from celebrity guest judges like comedian Paddy McGuinness and broadcaster Zoe Ball. Airs 9pm tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Going Out Book Ahead For Your Slot At Shanghai Socials At Hutong One of London's best views is looking better than ever this summer. Hutong, perched on the 33rd floor of The Shard, is currently the home of Shanghai Socials – an affordable Thursday and Friday evening experience in the Shanghai Bar that combines a live DJ set, a sharing platter of Northern-Chinese dishes (from £35 per person) and a glass of champagne on arrival. Think Wagyu Beef Mille-Feuille, Spice Crispy Dumplings, Wok-Tossed Chicken Wings, plus the option to add half a crispy duck or creative cocktails featuring the likes of kumquat gin and passionfruit Aperol. Thursdays and Fridays from 7pm, book here. Property Of The Day First discovered and acquired in 1961, this private island in Greece has been preserved as an organic olive farm, a family home, and a private wellness retreat. Spanning 60 acres of hills, olive trees, cypress groves, wildflowers, and private coves, this is the epitome of paradise. On the island sits a sprawling main residence, a two storey villa, stone house, caretaker’s cottage, Olive House and Mason’s House, and the historic St. Anargiri Church. Price upon request, engelvoelkers.com Little Luxury If you haven’t yet jumped on board the Stanley cup hype, now is the time. The cult water bottle brand has partnered with FARM Rio on a Brazilian-inspired collection featuring three colourways: Tropical Destiny, Painted Banana and Tropical Woods – all covered in vibrant red macaws, banana leaves and heliconia flowers. The range covers both the 40oz and 30oz classic Quencher cups, perfect for staying hydrated amid all this hot weather. stanley1913.com Competition Time Win three of NIANCE’s bestselling products from the Glacier Platinum Collection worth over £1,000. Each powerful formulation within the collection contains a fusion of highly concentrated active ingredients to deliver an instant lifting and firming effect on the skin. Enter here. Psssst… Fancy sleeping in one of the Royal Family’s private homes? Here’s your chance: Oliver’s Travels has unveiled a new offering to stay in The Water Tower at Sandringham Estate – the British Royal Family’s Norfolk country retreat. The property was recently transformed into residence for two, complete with a rooftop terrace offering views of the estate and Norfolk countryside beyond.  Whatever You Do, Don’t Take the lift instead of the stairs: it could help you live longer. A major new study led by researchers at the University of East Anglia has found people who regularly climb the stairs are 39 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 24 percent less likely to die from any cause.  Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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August 17, 2026   |      Staying In Give Your Walls A Seasonal Makeover Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside. Maximalism is trending (again), which means wallpaper is very much back on the agenda – seaside wallpaper, specifically. But before you get lost in seagulls, shells and navy stripes, take a breath. Designers are finding ways to make interiors feel seaside chic: think schools of intricately illustrated fish, shells delicately intertwined with florals and epic coastline murals. ‘We’re seeing more people embrace colour and experiment beyond a traditional blue-and-white coastal palette,’ confirms James Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages. He adds that ‘coral tones are especially popular; they recall the delicate blush of sea treasures and the gentle glow of evening light by the shore. Meanwhile, soft sage tones evoke the fresh calm of sea air and the natural elegance of coastal flora.’ Intrigued? With these seaside wallpaper designs, you can make believe that your living room, bedroom or downstairs loo is somewhere on the great British coastline. Going Out Visit One Of These Family-Friendly Restaurants If you’re running out of ways to keep little ones entertained during the school holidays, how about a special treat dinner out? Somewhere family-friendly of course – not all restaurants are kitted out for kids, but London is filled with plenty of great spots. Indian favourite Dishoom has a children’s menu featuring the likes of Murgh Malai (mild grilled chicken thigh) and paneer tikka, while Angela Hartnett’s Cafe Murano allows kids to build their own pasta bowl: pick either rigatoni, cavatelli, or pappardelle, and add a sauce, such as pomodoro or sausage ragu. Over in Chelsea, kids will love the fun factor of The Jam, a child-friendly spot often referred to as the Treehouse Restaurant as a result of its multi level seating. Or perhaps a brunch feast at Where The Pancakes Are? Small diners can build-their-own sweet or savoury pancake stack from the children’s menu, which features a choice of toppings like mixed fruit, berry compote, sausage or halloumi. Find more suggestions here. Property Of The Day Fancy living in a former windmill? Now transformed into a holiday business and wedding venue, Cley Windmill is one of the most recognisable buildings on the North Norfolk coast. On the market for £2,650,000, struttandparker.com Little Luxury Ottolenghi has teamed up with Citizens of Soil to produce a new extra virgin olive oil, inspired by the Tuscan and Umbrian hills where Yotam Ottolenghi spent his childhood summers. Sourced directly from small-scale family growers committed to regenerative farming, don’t waste this stuff on frying. Green, grassy and peppery, with notes of artichoke and almond, this olive oil is designed for dousing over burrata, tomatoes and a good piece of bread. £26, ottolenghi.co.uk Competition Time Enter this competition for your chance to win a restorative two-night Signature Spa Break at the five-star Boringdon Hall Hotel, a historic Devon hideaway nestled on the edge of Dartmoor.  Psssst… Channel 4 has officially confirmed Bake Off is returning to our screens next month, and we have our first look at Nigella Lawson as a new judge. Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss the exhibition from Italian artist Giuseppe D’Innella, currently showing at Hommage Art in London until 30 August. On display are a collection of vibrant paintings and hand-pulled screen prints inspired by the landscapes of southern Italy. hommage-art.com   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom