Sunday 2 May 2021

Things to do this week/end in London

With thanks to Country and Townhouse, here are five things to do in London:

The coolest ebike in town, and your ultimate guide to throwing a garden party

It’s amazing how a small spot of decorating can get you into a large pot of hot water, isn’t it Boris? I write this as I’m going through my own rather more modest decorative plans, but secretly wondering if a beneficent friend might sponsor a wall or two of handpainted de Gournay. No? Ah well. Of course, if you, lovely readers, are looking for your own bit of interiors inspo we have the magnificent C&TH list of 50 top designers for you to trawl through to find your perfect match. I can’t guarantee who will pay for it though.

Have a great week.

Lucy

Image: ‘Grandiflora Rose’ wallpaper design by Designers Guild

WHAT’S KEEPING MY SPIRITS UP

Electric bikes

Now if this sleek silver (or black) beauty doesn’t seduce you into dumping four wheels for two, I don’t know what will. I’ve had my sexy French electric Angell bike on loan for two weeks now and they’re going to have to wrestle it off me. Definitely the smartest, chicest way to va-va-voom round town.

Car scents

If you are in the car though and it smells of wet dog and the milk you spilt five months ago, you might want to consider upgrading your dangly tree air freshener to the Chanel No 5 equivalent of car diffusers. Choose from Acqua di Parma (which launches in Harrods this week), Jo Malone or Diptyque – and relax with the sweet smell of scented vehicular success.

Garden parties
As we shiver our way through our lockdown dining options (sitting wrapped in blankets on freezing terraces), I know that May is going to be full of sunshine, so it’s time to start planning your garden party, especially since it's Garden Day next Sunday. Think amazing tablescaping (thank you for the hints Nikki Tibbles), twinkly lights and the reassuring clink of champagne flutes.

FIVE THINGS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

The Luxury Picnic Company

Step your picnic up a notch with the help of The Luxury Picnic Company, an event service for the age of al fresco. Design your own bespoke experience with the help of private chef Alicia and co-founder Jane, complete with blankets, cushions, a table and a drinks cooler.

Pressing Matters

From Coldplay to the Rolling Stones, some of the world’s rarest vinyls have been visualised into artworks for an exhibition and auction. Head to the MATCHESFASHION townhouse to check it out this May, or get involved with the online auction – all money raised will go towards charity Music Support. Image: MATCHESFASHION & Helium London, 'Pressing Matters', curated by Pavement Licker

Gleneagles

With Scotland now welcoming visitors from other parts of the UK again, book a trip to Gleneagles. The iconic hotel is launching a new calendar of outdoor pop-ups, starlit whisky tasting experiences and masterclasses, plus an adventure programme for children.

London Original Print Fair

Pick up original prints for your home from top dealers and galleries at London Original Print Week, which is taking place until 8 May. Bernard Jacobson Gallery is showcasing a Matisse exhibition, while Paupers Press in Shoreditch is holding open studios to demonstrate the print pressing process in action. Image: Alexander Calder, Gilden’s Art Gallery

Eataly

Missing holidays? Have a taste of La Dolce Vita at Eataly, the giant Italian food hall just launched in Liverpool Street. The 42,000 square foot site features takeaway food stalls, restaurants, shops, a terrace, a cheese laboratory and even a cookery school.

THIS WEEK'S MUST READS

Wedding plans changed? Follow Bruce Russell’s top ten design ideas for a post-Covid celebration to remember.

Artistic director Polly Graham tells us about Longborough Opera Festival in this week's Break Out Culture.

Puff sleeves are (still) trending. Get involved with Rebecca Cox's pick of blouses, dresses and tops.

Our restaurant of the week is The Garden Room at The Lanesborough. Read Ellie Smith's review here.

Dreaming of an island escape? We’ve partnered with The Residence Zanzibar to offer one lucky winner and guest an unforgettable four-night stay at the luxurious Indian Ocean resort, including a relaxing 60-minute couples massage. Enter here.