Sunday, 28 September 2025

More things to do in London

With thanks to Country and Townhouse:

September 28, 2025 |

Dear Karen,

And that’s a wrap. As the curtain fell on C&TH’s inaugural Chelsea Arts Festival, the final evening ended with some serious icons taking to the stage to celebrate 30 years of the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Malala, Sheila Hancock, Sir Lenny Henry, our current cover star Sheila Atim, and many more roused the audience with the power of words. The prize’s co-founder – and author – Kate Mosse’s message was clear: books matter, words matter, diversity of voices matters. Literature, she argued, offers a ‘narrative of love rather than hate’, and a way to resist the creeping sense of powerlessness. Given how words are being thrown around recklessly all around us by those in power, there is nothing more urgent than this. I was beyond proud to be part of the festival – the first of many, I hope.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND THIS WEEK

Lick Colour Palette 2026

Who Really Picks The Colours Of The Year?

Ever wondered why one colour can come to dominate a season? We peel back the curtain on the process – trend forecasters, global market influence, colour psychology – and explain how ‘Colour of the Year’ is far from random.

Asma Khan On Equality, Food And Voice

Culinary powerhouse Asma Khan tells Ellie Smith about how culture is shaped in the kitchen and why food isn’t just flavour – it’s narrative, identity, and equity.

Getty Images

Celebrity Marathon Runners: Who’s The Fastest?

From actors to royals, more famous faces than you’d expect have tackled 26.2 miles. But who clocked the fastest time? Our round-up reveals which celebs sprinted to glory – and those who took a more leisurely jog.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Pay a visit to Stoke Newington’s Grade II listed Clissold House, where North London institution Fink’s has taken over the culinary reins – think showstopping cakes and giant rostis.

The V&A’s hotly anticipated Marie Antoinette exhibition is now open, offering the chance to gaze into the world of the indomitable French queen. We got a first look. Until 22 March 2026

Tulleys Farm, West Sussex

Ring in the autumn with a trip to one of the UK’s pumpkin patches – but make sure you pick one of the farms which actually grow them.

Craving one more holiday before winter hits? The October half term is just around the corner, and we’ve got a whole host of ideas for last-minute breaks.

There’s plenty of juicy TV to get stuck into this week, including the latest season of Slow Horses and Netflix’s new drama about the Guinness dynasty.

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

Do you need a financial adviser?

HERD

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COMPETITION OF THE WEEK

Win A KitchenAid Espresso Machine Worth £1,899

Is your morning coffee habit eating into your pockets? If yes, it might be time to bring that barista quality into your home. Enter to win your very own KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine in the colour of your choice.

ENTER HERE