Things to do in London this week

 With thanks to Country and Townhouse:

CULTURE    FOOD & DRINK    TRAVEL    STYLE    INTERIORS    PROPERTY                 Pretty much gone are my weekends of late nights and lie ins; now it’s all dog walking, children ferrying and, if I’m lucky, mooching around a garden centre looking for a robust-looking houseplant that won’t die on me or a pretty ceramic pot as a gift for a friend. London’s garden centres are as important to a healthy urban existence as our wonderful parks, art galleries and museums. They are places to lose yourself and when we are constantly pressured by wellness warriors to find ourselves, I’m quite happy to change the script for a while. Have a great week.   Photo: 'Grandiflora Rose' wallpaper design by Designers Guild                   WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK       THE MORAL MAZE It’s one of my favourite Radio 4 shows and this week the question posed was ‘What is the countryside for?’ It’s in danger of being weaponised in a new culture war between the ‘middle class’ rewilders and the people for whom it provides a way of life and an income. Please let us find a middle way and not take our battle to the field.         GRANDPA CHIC Sweater vests have historically belonged to flat-capped men in the park, but these wardrobe workhorses have now been reclaimed by the likes of Molly Goddard and Staud, so what’s not to love?         INVESTING SUSTAINABLY One of the biggest influences we can have on changing the dial on climate change is to ensure that our money – meaning our pensions, savings and investments – goes into funding companies that have a positive impact on the environment. But where to start? Follow our guide.         FIVE THINGS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS       Harrods has welcomed a new eco-fashion pop-up, Luxury For Life, where My Wardrobe HQ, The Restory and The Tailors are on hand to help with renting and repairing.         Transform your body and mind in a five-day virtual retreat with Artah – think holistic practices, workouts, functional supplements and a cleansing menu.       Italian and Japanese cuisines are fused at Itaku on Great Portland Street, the latest culinary venture from celebrity restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini.         The Seven Dials Playhouse theatre has been re-designed to mimic London’s Joe Allen restaurant for the European premiere of Mark Gerrard’s Steve.         This Shrove Tuesday, leave the flipping to the pros at Where the pancakes are, which will celebrate the day with a special menu across both its venues.         WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH       Wondering where to eat after hours? Here's a night owl’s guide to London     Ashley Thomas gives us the lowdown on new ITV show The Ipcress File           It’s Fairtrade Fortnight – here’s how to get involved     15 stylish bar trolleys to spruce up your living room                       Win a Two-Night Stay at the Atholl Arms, Scotland Be in with a chance of winning a two-night stay at the Atholl Arms Hotel on a B&B basis with dinner on one night.                   Sign up for 6 print issues of Country & Town House magazine, plus supplements and instant access to every digital edition for only £19               Copyright © 2021 Country & Town House   Our mailing address is:​ Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, London, SW6 4QL, United Kingdom