Here are yet more ideas of things to do this week/end in London and Leeds:

The ethical coffee brands to know, and 7 collars to zhush up your Zoom outfit

I admit I became a walking cliché waxing lyrical about all that joyful, uplifting birdsong that became the soundtrack to a lockdown well spent. Now, I could happily throttle the avian drill that lives in the tree outside my bedroom window and thinks 4.45am is a socially acceptable time to start tweeting. Every day. Even Sundays. Give it a rest, birds. You don’t know how much I need my beauty sleep, especially now the cocktails are flowing once again on terraces throughout the land (and I’m enjoying one too many).

Have a great week.

Lucy

Image: ‘Grandiflora Rose’ wallpaper design by Designers Guild

WHAT’S KEEPING MY SPIRITS UP

Good coffee

Much needed given my thwarted sleep patterns, but I want to know that a) I’m drinking decent stuff and b) that it’s ethically produced and sourced. Here are some beans I’m happy to spill, plus advice on what to do with them afterwards.

Cute Collars

The Zoom frenzy continues, even though many of us are back in the office (at least part time). It’s like people have forgotten how to use a phone. In most cases, a call will suffice, but when you do need to turn up virtually, I find adding a jaunty collar to your T-shirt or knit gives you an instant polish.

Cottagecore
I’m not a fan of adding ‘core’ to a word to make a trend, but I do love cottages and their cosy interiors. Dream country bedroom? Full on toile de jouy wallpaper (including the ceiling), with a matching quilt sets my pulse racing every time. For a deeper immersion, I might even go full on Hollyhock with House of Hackney.

FIVE THINGS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

Vineyard Tour at Gusbourne Estate

Craving some country air? Book a vineyard tour and picnic at Gusbourne Estate, which is now welcoming visitors again. Enjoy views across Romney Marsh and out to sea as you taste English wine made on-site and feast on locally produced cheeses, charcuteries and bread.

Pétanque in the Square

Bringing a taste of France to Sloane Square this summer is Pétanque in the Square, Lillet’s French-inspired pop-up with Café Colbert. Play a game of boules before sitting down for some crêpes and cocktails.

Farleys House & Gallery

Explore the recently reopened sculpture garden at the former home of Lee Miller and Roland Penrose, Farleys House & Gallery. Among the new works for 2021 you’ll find an installation by Christine Kowal Post which explores the spiritual significance of dogs.

Million Mile Clean

Help protect our beloved beaches, rivers and streets by getting involved with the Million Mile Clean. No need to sign up: just find an upcoming clean near you using the online map, then show up ready for some serious litter picking.

Secret Life of Plants

What do plants mean to you? asks a new exhibition at Kew Gardens, launching on 1 May. Browse six large-scale ‘plantscapes’, tune into musical symphonies created by the natural sound of trees and learn more about biodiversity.

THIS WEEK'S MUST READS

Bring some sunshine into your new season wardrobe with these pretty spring dresses, picked by Rebecca Cox

On the hunt for your next dinner booking? Ellie Smith highlights the best eco-friendly restaurants in London

The most charming hotels in Scotland, as found in our Great British & Irish Hotels Guide

Amy Wakeham brings us the C&TH guide to Hay Festival 2021

Updating the garden for sunny days and balmy evenings? An outdoor rug is the must have al fresco accessory for SS21. We’ve partnered with The Rug Seller to give you the chance to win an Orla Kiely outdoor rug, worth up to £250.