More things to do this week/end in London

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April 17, 2026   |        STAYING IN Watch Gorilla Story Decorate the table for spring Make pistachio tiramisu GOING OUT Visit the V&A East Museum Take part in the Tweed Run Shop at the Classic Car Boot Sale Dear Reader, I'm back in the gym. Some of you will know that I underwent a three month transformation with Roar last year. The deal was I had to take before and after photos and publish them. Still people ask me about it. And it was the most incredible experience – I remember I used to almost cha cha along the street so full of endorphins was I. Well, I can tell you a year later I'm more before than after, more shuffle dance than tango, more comfy clothes than bodycon. I did try to keep going, subscribing to Caroline's Circuits but gradually a year later I hit a wall. So I need someone to take me in hand. I'm definitely not doing the extreme stuff I did last year (not sustainable) but I do feel I need a bit of training guidance from a PT. I want to feel lighter, brighter, stronger, which will also make me nicer. Win-win. Have a wonderful weekend.  Lucy Cleland Editorial Director   Staying In   Watch Gorilla Story It’s a big year for Britain’s most beloved nature broadcaster David Attenborough, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in May. In celebration, the BBC has commissioned a bumper crop of Attenborough content, including three new shows and archival material from his incredible seven-decade career. But his newest documentary is A Gorilla Story, an intimate film streaming from today (17 April). Narrated by Attenborough and directed by James Reed – the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind My Octopus Teacher (2020) – the intimate documentary blends the story of Attenborough’s own first meeting with baby gorilla Pablo in the ‘70s, before delving into the lives of the silverback’s direct descendants in the mountains of Rwanda today. As such, expect a mixture of contemporary and archival footage, all brought to life by Attenborough, who will also give us a peek into his mind by reading excerpts from his 1978 journals. Shot over a whopping 250 days across multiple years, the film also showcases gorilla behaviour never captured before on camera. Streaming now on Netflix. Decorate the table for spring What first comes to mind when you think of spring? Maybe it’s the scent of freshly cut grass, the colourful wave of tulips swaying gently in the breeze or just the sensation of gentle sunshine on your skin. For us, it’s a fabulous dinner party with the sun shining, the windows flung open and a table bursting with crockery, trinkets and delicious food. ‘The table is an ideal place to start for an easy spring update,’ emphasises homeware designer Rebecca Udall. ‘I often reach for favourite pieces that set a playful tone without focusing too heavily on everything being matching and “perfect”. Understated yet beautiful linens crafted from the finest materials – I love a modern take on a classic stripe, or to embrace seasonality with a favourite botanical inspired print. Rattan lends itself perfectly to the season, adding texture without feeling heavy. And adding fresh blooms – narcissus and tulips are a favourite for a pop of bright colour – creates the perfect spring mood.’ Find more expert tips for spring tablescaping with our guide here. Recipe of the Week…  Pistachio Tiramisu Wondering what food to put on your beautifully decorated table? Here hosting extraordinaire and food writer Alexandra Dudley shares a pistachio tiramisu recipe from her latest cookbook, Cooking Made Simple. Ingredients Serves 12 2 eggs, separated, plus 1 egg white 100g caster sugar 450g mascarpone 175g pistachio paste or pistachio cream 150ml strong brewed coffee, cooled 75ml coffee liqueur (I use Kahlúa) 75ml almond liqueur, such as Amaretto (or you can use Frangelico for a hazelnut flavour or Cointreau for an orange flavour) About 30 savoiardi (ladyfinger) biscuits 75g pistachios, roughly chopped You will also need a deep bowl or serving dish. I use a round glass trifle bowl which is 28cm wide and 7cm deep. Method In a large bowl using an electric whisk, beat the 2 egg yolks with 50g of the caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Then, switching to a handheld whisk so as not to overbeat them, beat in the mascarpone and pistachio paste/cream until smooth. In a separate large, grease-free bowl, whisk the 3 egg whites until frothy. Add the remaining 50g of caster sugar and beat to firm peaks.  Fold half the beaten egg whites into the pistachio-mascarpone mixture to loosen it, then gently fold in the rest until you have a light, fluffy mix.  Combine the coffee, coffee liqueur and almond liqueur in a small bowl or measuring jug. One by one, briefly dunk each savoury biscuit in the liquid, turning once to ensure it is moistened evenly. Arrange a layer of the coffee-dipped savoiardi biscuits over the base of your serving dish. Spoon in half of the pistachio-mascarpone mixture and gently spread to cover the biscuits. Arrange another layer of the remaining coffee-dipped savoiardi biscuits over the top, then gently spread over the remaining pistachio-mascarpone mixture. To finish, scatter over the chopped pistachios. Allow the tiramisu to rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight, before serving. Going Out   Visit the V&A East Museum The V&A’s much-awaited East London opening is finally here. Introducing the V&A East Museum (not to be confused with its neighbour V&A Storehouse): an all-new museum on Stratford’s Olympic Park dedicated to contemporary global culture. Officially open from 18 April, visitors can expect two permanent galleries titled ‘Why We Make’, featuring more than 500 objects from the V&A’s collections, spanning art, architecture, design, performance and fashion – many on display for the first time. Meanwhile there is also an opening exhibition titled The Music is Black, which celebrates 125 years of Black music in our country. Spanning Jazz, Reggae, 2 Tone, Drum & Bass, Trip Hop, Garage, Grime and more, the exhibition tells the long-overdue story of Black excellence, struggle, resilience, and joy. Highlights on display include Stormzy’s iconic 2019 Glastonbury vest designed by Banksy, Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar, fashion worn by Seal, Sade + Skin, plus Fabio & Grooverider’s DJ equipment. Entry to the V&A East Museum is free; tickets to see The Music is Black start from £10pp. Take part in the Tweed Run If you notice some very well-dressed cyclists taking to the streets of London this weekend, don’t be alarmed – it’s only The Tweed Run. Returning to the capital for its 18th year, the event encourages cyclists from all over the world to don their finest tailoring and get pedalling. The cycling route is a leisurely one, kicking off in an undisclosed location (the full route is kept under wraps until shortly before the event) before cycling through some of the city’s major landmarks. Cyclists will also, fittingly, make a stop at Savile Row, the city’s celebrated address for bespoke tailoring. (And don’t worry, it’s not non-stop cycling – organisers behind the event have assured that there will be plenty of ‘considered pauses’ along the way for tea, picnics and celebratory cocktails.) Find out what to expect in our guide here. 18 April, tickets are £49; tweedrun.com Shop at the Classic Car Boot Sale And speaking of tweed… vintage attire is also encouraged at the Classic Car Boot Sale, which returns to Granary Square in King's Cross this weekend. Dubbed London’s biggest vintage fashion event, visitors can browse the pop-up market for homewares, fashion and trinkets – as well as check out more than 75 beautiful classic cars from decades past. And in between bouts of rummaging and admiring, you can make the most of the day by enjoying craft drinks from the Routemaster Bus Bar, trying out street food or just happily bopping along to a playlist of live vinyls. And don’t be put off by the dress code; visitors are welcome to dress up in the finest throwback threads from any decade (although the further back you go, the more compliments you’re likely to get). This also makes it a great event for people watching. 18 and 19 April. Tickets are £7 for the day, or £10 for the weekend; classiccarbootsale.co.uk  PLUS: Last Chance To Book Our Spring Retreat There are just a few tickets remaining for our spring Balance Retreat, taking place on 23 April at Lime Wood hotel in the New Forest. Through thoughtfully guided practices, you’ll release stagnant energy, reconnect with your creativity and rediscover a natural sense of flow – expect to leave feeling re-energised and ready to move through life with greater ease, vitality, and purpose. Think transformative workshops, holistic practices like yoga and meditation, and seasonal menus from Lime Wood’s celebrated chefs. £275pp, book your spot now. Share This Newsletter With A Friend VIA EMAIL VIA WHATSAPP Staying in Forever… Property Of The Week Fancy owning an entire village? A former village turned boutique hotel, the Village at Lyons in Ireland comes with 47 bedrooms, 20 acres of land and a 30-minute commute into Dublin.  €20m, sothebysrealty.com   Competition Time Win a two-night stay at The Manor House, Alsager in East Cheshire Win this £2.5m Dorset dream home Win a bed and breakfast stay at Buckland Manor in the Cotswolds Psssst… Have you seen our new issue of The Collector? From cigars and classic cars to serious artworks, we bring you everything you need to know about the hottest collectibles on the market. Here’s a sneak peek. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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April 16, 2026   |        Staying In Watch Beef Season 1 was a surprise hit when it launched back in 2023 – and now Beef is back for season 2. All eight episodes are currently streaming on Netflix, and while season 1 spiralled out of a road rage incident, there’s a new squabble at the core of season 2. This time it’s more subtle, more psychological, more sly. Showcasing a seemingly insurmountable rift between two couples – recently engaged Gen Z pair Ashley (Cailee Spaeny) and Austin (Charles Melton), and their millennial counterparts Josh (Oscar Isaac) and his wife Lindsay (Carey Mulligan) – it’s all backdropped by their shared country club workplace. Ashley and Austin are bottom-of-the-food-chain staff, while Josh is their manager. But when they witness an alarming fight between Josh and his wife Lindsay, they are suddenly swept up in their dysfunctional marriage. Both couples use dirty tricks in an attempt to win the approval of the country club’s billionaire owner, Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung), who herself is enwrapped in scandal with her second husband, Dr Kim (Song Kang-ho). Watch on Netflix. Going Out Dine At New Chelsea Restaurant Willett’s Hotel restaurants haven’t got the most sparkling reputation – at least historically – but a spate of new, refreshed and totally delicious offerings in the capital are changing this narrative. None the more so than Chelsea’s newest charming dining spot. Taking over the site of its previous restaurant, The LaLee, Willett’s is a new British brasserie overseen by executive chef Michael Turner, who presents a seasonal menu chock full of whimsy. Expect to start your meal with that Great British past-time: tea and biscuits, but with a savoury twist – it’s a mushroom consommé served from a teapot alongside a caramelised red onion biscuit. From there, it’s as though a traditional school dinner were reimagined through a fine dining lens (and perhaps rose-coloured glasses) – think crab-topped crumpets, custard-covered jam roly poly cakes, and a super sweet dessert trolley that presents your final tidbits, the petit fours. Book a table now. Property Of The Day Though reconstructed in 1712, this Grade II* listed property once served as the home of Queen Elizabeth I’s ‘saucy godson’, and inventor of the flushing toilet, Sir John Harington. With additional connections to Queen Victoria – whose youngest daughter Princess Beatrice would stay here with her resident music teacher to practise piano – this property really is a royal flush.  £4.25m, search.savills.com Little Luxury Give bathtime an upgrade by investing in one of NEOM’s delicious new body washes, which come in a 100 percent recyclable bottle. The Feeling Grounded variety features black pepper, ginger and orange leaf, designed to help de-stress the body, with aloe vera and vitamin E to nourish and comfort the skin. £32, neomwellbeing.com Competition Time Searching for a seaside escape? Now’s your chance to win a three-night bed and breakfast stay at the stunning ALERÓ Seaside Skyros Resort in Greece, courtesy of Welcome Beyond. Enter here. Psssst… Bored of matcha (or never liked the earthy taste)? Try hojicha, its roasted cousin which has been quietly on the up for some time – beloved for its nutty flavour and low-caffeine content. The Japanese green tea is increasingly popping up on the menus of in-the-know cafes, like London favourite Farmer J whose new hojicha latte is proving popular. Whatever You Do, Don’t Dread small talk: according to new research, mundane chit-chat about seemingly boring topics may actually boost wellbeing.     Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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April 15, 2026   |        Staying In Watch Missed Call Entering the world of acting in the late ‘90s, aged 34, BAFTA-winning British star Joanna Scanlan quickly became a familiar face across the big and small screens. But most recently you’ll know her from her leading role in Sally Wainwright’s Hebden Bridge-set drama Riot Women – soon to return for season 2. In the meantime, though, you can catch Scanlon in the new Channel 5 show Missed Call, in which she plays mother Sarah Gleason whose daughter Katie mysteriously goes missing during a French exchange in the south of France. This comes after Sarah misses a call from Katie in the middle of the night; the next morning her daughter doesn’t reply – and despite her host family insisting she’s fine, something feels off. Sarah rushes to Saint-Michel, where ‘no one else is prepared to kind of really take it seriously,’ Scanlan tells C&TH. There she meets the Morvans, Katie’s powerful yet strangely hostile host family, as well as the evasive local police, led by detective Lieutenant Virginie Taylor (Claire Keim). But Sarah is not one to be intimidated. ‘Oh, she’s tough,’ Scanlan says. ‘She’s determined. She’s a challenger, and she’s unapologetic.’ As she grapples to find her daughter, Sarah uncovers something unexpected in this supposedly innocent, tight-knit town: buried secrets, abuse, corruption – and even a history of trafficking. Airing every night this week on Channel 5. Going Out Stay At London’s Chicest Hotel Designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, the interiors of the brand new outpost of The Zetter in Bloomsbury reimagine Victorian elegance through a Georgian lens, with plenty of interesting art and curios that extend a visit to the neighbouring British Museum nicely. European antiques meet African textiles, mid-century furniture and handmade details, with over 500 antique-fabric cushions and Turkish rug ottomans across the property. The hotel’s rooms and common areas have that pain-stakingly-achieved effortlessness that great designers excel at; if we owned a high-ceilinged Georgian townhouse in Bloomsbury, we’d want it to look like this. The Zetter Bloomsbury’s biggest draw is its 1,000-square-metre outdoor space, one of London’s largest private hotel gardens, that backs onto the British Museum. The outdoor bar is sure to be a big draw this summer, as is Debjit Dass’ outstanding afternoon tea, served in The Orangery. Read our full review of Bloomsbury’s newest hotel here. Property Of The Day Most recently purchased by a company connected to the Delevingne sisters, this beautiful Beverly Hills home has previously been owned by Ellen DeGeneres, Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Lawrence.  On the market for $11.5m, thebeverlyhillsestates.com Little Luxury RIXO has teamed up with Liberty on its special 10-year anniversary collection, which pairs RIXO’s signature silhouettes with Liberty’s legendary fabrics. With its tie-dye prints, mirrored embellishment and flared sleeves, the range feels brilliantly boho. We’re particularly loving the Ordinia Silk Gown in Jessica Bouquet Mix Blue, which features ruffles and a flattering boat neck – the perfect wedding guest dress for summer. At £995 it’s perhaps more of a big luxury but it’s one you’ll keep for years (for something a little kinder on the wallet there’s the Moss Georgette Top at £245). Find the full range at rixo.com Competition Time Enter now for your chance to win a Diamond Cut Crystal Set of cutlery from Richard Brendon worth over £700. Psssst… Rooftop drinks season is within reach! Leading the charge is The Culpeper, whose beloved rooftop restaurant and bar is reopening its doors on Friday (17 April). Expect dishes made using ingredients grown on The Culpeper’s own Deptford farm alongside drinks inspired by the concept of ‘planetary herbalism’, such as a rosemary-infused Collins made with herbs grown on-site. Whatever You Do, Don’t Delay bold decisions this month. From 16 – 23 April, Saturn, Mars, Neptune and Mercury will appear to line up in the sky, known as a four-planet alignment and believed to bring a powerful force of cosmic energy plus act as a catalyst for change. Astrologists say it can be a good moment to finally act on plans you’ve been mulling over.     Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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April 13, 2026   |        Staying In Watch Euphoria Sam Levinson’s Euphoria is officially back – a mammoth four years after season 2 aired in 2022. It’s the show that saw Zendaya transition from lighthearted childstar-turned-superhero love interest to bonafide serious actor as she took on the role of teenage drug addict Rue Bennett struggling to navigate high school following a stint in rehab. Covering everything from the US’s opioid crisis to mental health struggles, toxic friendships and abusive boyfriends, behind Game of Thrones, The Last of Us and House of the Dragon, Euphoria is the fourth most-watched HBO series since 2004. Also starring now-household names like Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer and Sydney Sweeney, it’s safe to say the series’ early reviews are mixed, with season 3 flashing forward five years. Rue’s high school friend group – Lexi (Maude Apatow), Maddy (Alexa Demie), Nate (Elordi), Cassie (Sweeney), Jules (Schafer) – is splintered across the nation and across lifestyle choices; think talent managers, construction workers and sugar babies. Rue, however, is on familiar turf, working as a drug mule for Laurie (Martha Kelly), the teacher-turned-dealer we met in season 2. Tonight at 9pm on Sky Atlantic, or catch up on HBO Max. Going Out Have A Fancy Dinner At Park Chinois Looking for a special occasion restaurant in Mayfair? With its lavish décor and late-night revelry, Park Chinois transports diners back to the supper clubs of 1930s Shanghai – with a touch of Moulin Rouge. Head here for an immersive dining experience: upstairs sits Salon de Chine, a gilded dining room offering live jazz, or head down the iconic red staircase to Club Chinois, which plays host to a rotation of live music and DJs for late-night suppers. The Dernier Tango cocktail, (Patron Silver tequila, lime and pineapple juice, agave, chilli) is surely the tastiest twist on a spicy margarita in London. And what of the all-important Chinese food? It’s flawless; extravagant and cooked to perfection. This is all about elevated Cantonese cooking with a decadent twist, from truffle‑laced dim sum to richly sauced king prawns and silky black cod. Expect big‑ticket signatures like Duck De Chine with pancakes and whole steamed or roasted fish, XO king prawns and pristine seafood noodles or rice dishes that feel built for celebrations. Portions are designed for sharing, so tables can mix classics like sweet and sour or kung pao‑style chicken with more playful seafood plates, a more-the-merrier vibe that matches the restaurant’s jovial atmosphere (and then brace for the hefty bill). Find more great London Chinese restaurants in our guide. Book at parkchinois.com Property Of The Day Following the death of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne in the summer of 2025, his wife Sharon has put their LA home of 10 years up on the market. Alongside a fittingly gothic bat chandelier, the property features a red-velvet-everywhere cinema room complete with a fireplace signed by a plethora of stars, including Elvis Presley and Rita Moreno.  $17m, carolwoodre.com Little Luxury B Corp outerwear brand Finisterre has launched a new capsule made using discarded denim. Created in collaboration with pre-loved brand Reskinned and French recyclers Dagobaire, the collection includes pieces like these Studio Cord Trousers, made from 30 percent post-consumer recycled cotton (from old denim), 30 percent pre-consumer recycled cotton, and 40 percent recycled polyester. £130, finisterre.com Competition Time Fancy a trip to the races with a live performance from Ronan Keating? You’re in luck: we’ve teamed up with Newbury Racecourse to offer one lucky winner two Premier Enclosure admission tickets, a three-course dining experience at The Hennessy Restaurant, drinks, afternoon tea and much, much more. Enter here. Psssst… Louis Vuitton is opening an immersive hotel-style pop-up in Mayfair this April. While you can’t actually stay the night there, you can enjoy nibbles at Café Alma, explore rooms dedicated to the brand’s signature bag designs and stop by Bar Noé for a nightcap. Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss out on the big Eurostar sale, which is offering tickets to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam from just £35 each way. You have until midnight tomorrow (14 April 2026) to nab a deal.     Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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April 14, 2026   |        Staying In Read Few And Far Between By Jan Carson In 1958, Northern Ireland’s finance minister Terence O’Neill proposed a plan to drain the Lough Neagh archipelago and create a seventh county. Though he later tried to push the plans through when he became prime minister in 1963, the controversial scheme ultimately failed. Jan Carson’s latest novel Few and Far Between may be entirely fictional, but it was learning of the proposed draining that set the award-winning author down the rabbit hole which led her to this tale. Set in the summer of 2017, the story follows Robert-John Connolly, his wife Marion Connolly, their now grown-up children, and their neighbour Sandra, who all moved to Lough Neagh back in the 1970s to escape the worst of the Troubles. Now facing a devastating algae outbreak, it has been decided that the only way to fix the environmental crisis is to flood the archipelago and submerge their homes. Forced to return to the mainland for the first time in 50 years, the novel questions how they will ever leave their past behind. Out now. Going Out Try A Caviar Afternoon Tea If you didn’t think a Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea could get any fancier, try silver-spooning a dollop of caviar on top. From today, the much-loved British institution will be offering a new Caviar Tea at its Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Presented on two-tiered stands crafted exclusively for the launch, this new offering will give guests the chance to build their own experience with a choice of top-notch caviars, including Beluga and Golden Oscietra. Served on miniature sourdough crumpets from artisan brand Moore’ish, the caviars are complemented by a range of accompaniments: including crème fraîche and chives, stuffed baby potatoes, and quail eggs. Fortnum’s tea will of course be on offer (for the ideal pairing the experts suggest Gyokuro Green) or elevate the experience further with a bottle of Fortnum’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne or Sparkling Tea. Available to be enjoyed as a standalone, or as an add-on to the Classic Afternoon Tea experience, this is one indulgence we can definitely get behind. fortnumandmason.com Property Of The Day A former priory dating back to the 12th century (where renowned medieval poet William Langland is believed to have studied), this historic home on the Malvern Hills was owned by the same family for 500 years. Be sure to keep a copy of Simon Jenkins’s list of England’s Thousand Best Homes in the study so you can show off the home’s inclusion to guests.   £1.95m, bluebookagency.com Little Luxury Head to BAO any day before 9 May to try the limited-edition Ragu Ramen Bowl, made in collaboration with Wasted. It features noodles made from bread waste from Alma Bakery in Bermondsey, Taiwanese mushroom ragu, radish greens and peas in a chicken broth, topped with an egg. If you want to nab a bargain, get to the Shoreditch branch bang on noon tomorrow (15 April) – the first 100 bowls are being given away for free. baolondon.com Competition Time Enter now for the chance to win a SkinCeuticals best-sellers bundle worth £464. Experience the ultimate defence against signs of ageing and reveal glass-skin radiance with this SkinCeuticals best-sellers routine, featuring C E Ferulic (30ml), the renowned Vitamin C serum, P- TIOX (30ml), a revolutionary wrinkle modulating peptide serum and Advanced RGN-6 (50ml), a skin rejuvenation cream. Psssst… A national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II is set to be built in St James’s Park, London, after getting the go-ahead from Westminster Council. The late Queen will be commemorated with a statue at the park’s entrance, Marlborough Gate, opposite Buckingham Palace. Whatever You Do, Don’t Give yourself a mid-week hangover. Instead, tap into the mid-strength wine trend: brands like 6Percent and Future Chateau are changing the game with their low-alcohol wines, which mean you can enjoy the ritual of a post-work glass without paying for it the next day.     Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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