More things to do in London this week/end

With thanks to Country and Town House:

March 20, 2026   |      STAYING IN Watch the Peaky Blinders film Read Lucien Make a Farmer J Lunch GOING OUT Book a unique family holiday Go cherry blossom spotting Check out the Museum of Edible Earth exhibition Dear Reader, I want to try something out – I haven't done it yet but given that we need each other more than ever and that unless we have a social pact, anarchy looms, it might have legs. The idea is this: since Covid we pretty much all have a street WhatsApp group which is wonderfully useful for flagging whose car's been tampered with or who stole yet another Amazon parcel from the doorstep; but what about this? I'd call it 'Saturday hours' or something a tad more sexy and the message would be this: this Saturday, my family and I have two free hours to give anyone any help they may need. It could be walking your dog; taking something to the dump for you; help writing a CV; painting a spare room; weeding your front garden – anything within our (admittedly not that talented) skill set. In my head, this would then precipitate other neighbours on subsequent Saturdays to perhaps to do the same; maybe we have doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, teachers, carers, chefs, just a few doors down from each other who might be able to help sort out someone else's problem, without them having to fork out extortionate amounts on 'professionals'. We'd get to know each other, we'd create a bond, we'd be ready to fight the bad guys – together, not each silo'd away only looking at the world through the abyss of a smartphone. Who's up for it? Lucy Cleland Editorial Director   Staying In   Watch the Peaky Blinders film Back in 2025, we were thrilled to discover Peaky Blinders had been renewed for not one but two more series, taking us beyond Tommy Shelby’s dominance into a new generation of Birmingham gang. Slated to launch on the BBC and Netflix in 2027, there’s still a while to wait – and we’re sorry to say Cillian Murphy will not be reprising his iconic role in the series, which is expected to jump forward two decades on from the end of series 6. No matter: there’s still one more way to say farewell to Tommy and his flat cap. After landing in cinemas at the start of the month, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is available to stream on Netflix from today. Starring Murphy opposite Stephen Graham, Barry Keoghan and Rebecca Ferguson, it’s an explosive final chapter in Tommy Shelby’s story as WWII and other sources of chaos erupt onto Birmingham’s streets. Streaming on Netflix. Read Lucien Many books riff on the long-standing legacy of Donna Tartt’s seminal novel The Secret History – but few live up to the comparison. But we have high hopes for J.R. Thornton’s sophomore novel Lucien (a decade on from his debut Beautiful Country), which blends a similar campus-thriller vibe with a Saltburn-esque slant of con-artist deceit. We centre on Christopher, nicknamed ‘Atlas’ by his bold, confident and alluringly sophisticated new roommate Lucien. It’s 2010 and the two are freshers at Harvard University, Thornton’s own alma mater. Awe-struck by Lucien, the newly minted Atlas is drawn into a lavish new world of parties and private clubs – but his finances quickly dwindle in the face of his new lifestyle. So when Lucien offers a lucrative alternative stream of income, Atlas is pulled into his seductive web. Out now. Recipe of the Week… Isle of Wight Harissa Puttanesca If you live in London, you’ll likely know all about Farmer J: the spot beloved for its nutritious and delicious on-the-go food. And now, fans have the chance to recreate their own Farmer J-style dishes at home thanks to the release of a new cookbook, The Farmer’s Pantry. Penned by founders Nitai Shevach, Ali and Jonathan Recanati, it features over 100 recipes based around pantry staples – and we’ve nabbed one below. Ingredients Serves 4 500g Isle of Wight tomatoes, quartered (or halved if small)  4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra as needed 1–2 tsp chilli flakes (or to taste)  4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced  2 tbsp harissa paste  4–5 anchovy fillets, finely chopped  (optional)  1 tbsp tomato purée  100g pitted black olives, halved 2 tbsp capers  Zest of 1 lemon  Sea salt and black pepper  To serve: 300 – 400g pasta (spaghetti, linguine or rigatoni work well)  Fresh oregano or basil, chopped or torn Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling  Method Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (200°C/400°F).  Chuck the quartered tomatoes on a roasting tray, drizzle with a tablespoon of the olive oil, season well and roast for 30 minutes until soft, blistered and caramelised. Once slightly cooled, blitz them in a food processor or blender with all the roasting juices, the chilli flakes, a touch more olive oil and a pinch of salt until smooth. Taste and add more chilli and seasoning if needed. Your roasted tomato passata is now ready.  Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and let it gently sizzle for 1–2 minutes without browning. Stir in the harissa and cook it out for a couple of minutes until it smells great. Add the anchovies (if using) and let them melt into the oil. Add the tomato purée, cook for a minute, then tip in the roasted passata. Stir, bring it to simmer and let it bubble away for 10–15 minutes.  Now throw in the olives and capers. Taste and season – remember the olives and capers bring salt, so don’t go mad.   Simmer for another 5–7 minutes to let it all come together. Finish with lemon zest and a grind of black pepper.  While the sauce is doing its thing, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving half a mug of pasta water. Toss the pasta straight into the sauce and loosen with a splash of the pasta water if needed. Stir well so it’s all coated and glossy. The Farmer’s Pantry is available now Going Out   Book a unique family holiday Yet to plan your big 2026 getaway? We’ve got some inspiration for you. To mark its 40th year, Scott Dunn has curated a list of 40 incredible trips, each one chosen because it will lift your holiday out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary. Our top pick: embark on a journey through Ecuador, where adventure spans from the Amazon to the Andes and the Galápagos Islands. Glide silently above the Chocó cloud forest on Mashpi Lodge’s Sky Bike, spotting waterfalls, butterflies, and rare birds from the treetops. Explore colonial cities, volcanic peaks, and island shores alive with sea lions and giant tortoises – a true feast for the senses. Kids will love the jungle adventures, wildlife encounters, and thrilling Sky Bike rides through the canopy. Find more holiday ideas here. Go cherry blossom spotting The sun is shining in London and cherry blossom season has arrived. As the capital’s parks begin to dust themselves with petals, the effect is transformative: pathways framed in pastel, lawns scattered with confetti-like blossom. But where are you guaranteed to spot the flowers? The magnolia trees are starting to bloom at Kew Gardens’ aptly named Cherry Walk just behind the Palm House – and be sure to continue along to Asano Avenue, where several varieties line the path, including the delicate pink flowers of Prunus ‘Hokusai’. Over in south London Dulwich Park offers a charming blossom experience away from the more crowded hotspots, while Holland Park’s tranquil Japanese-inspired Kyoto Garden feels even more poetic come springtime as cherry blossoms appear amid the cascading waterfalls and stone lanterns. Find more spots here. Check out the Museum of Edible Earth exhibition Following its landmark SOIL exhibition at the start of 2025, Somerset House is back digging beneath the surface this spring. From today until 26 April, the Museum of Edible Earth can be found in the Terrace Rooms, bringing the online research platform – which documents a global collection of edible soils – to life. The clue is in the name here: visitors will be invited to take a seat at the communal tasting table daily from 1 to 4pm, tasting samples of earth from the museum’s 600-strong collection of global samples, with tasting cards pointing out flavour profiles, mineral content, cultural histories and more. Then you can also contribute your own thoughts on compostable cards, adding to the growing, participatory archive. The whole experience is an example of geophagy: the global (if underground) practice of eating the earth, whether it’s for health, ritual or flavour purposes. After being founded in Amsterdam in 2017 and touring globally as a nomadic museum, this is the Museum of Edible Earth’s UK premiere. Until 26 April 2026, somersethouse.org.uk   Share This Newsletter With A Friend VIA EMAIL VIA WHATSAPP Staying in Forever… Property Of The Week If this viral pair of moody black and bubblegum pink Malibu beach houses prove anything, it’s that opposites really do attract. Reaching their pinnacle of internet fame among the ‘Barbenheimer’ mania of 2023, these starkly different properties have been the subject of many a meme over the years. And now the whimsical Barbie dream house is up for grabs. Available to rent for $38,500 a month, sothebysrealty.com   Competition Time Win a bed and breakfast stay in a superior room at Hotel Café Royal Win a Paris pendant and Marseille earring gift set from Austen & Blake, worth over £800 Win a two-night stay at the historic De Vere Latimer Estate Psssst… Today is the spring equinox, an astronomical event which is determined by the point the Earth is tilted neither towards or away from the sun. It’s marked in different ways around the world; in the UK the biggest event happens at Stonehenge, where druids and pagans gather at dawn to watch the sunrise above the ancient stones at 6.11am. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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March 18, 2026   |    Staying In Watch Imperfect Women In 2019, when Handmaid’s Tale star Elisabeth Moss was on her way to Hawaii a book in the airport caught her eye. Intrigued by the title, Imperfect Women, she texted her producing partner and by the time she was abroad Moss was optioning the crime drama by Araminta Hall for TV. Seven years and one pandemic later, and the psychological thriller is finally hitting the small screen. Starring Moss, alongside Kerry Washington and Kate Mara, the women play three best friends whose lives are shattered when one of them is found murdered. As the investigation unfolds, so does the truth about how even the closest relationships may not be what they seem. Switching between the three women’s perspectives throughout the eight-part series, this promises to be a twisty-turny deep dive into the world of female friendships. Two episodes premiere on Apple TV today, followed by one a week. Going Out Book Our Next Balance Retreat Looking to reconnect with your creativity, or craving a reset? Come and join C&TH at our upcoming retreat taking place at five-star country house hotel Lime Wood in the heart of the New Forest. Through thoughtfully guided practices, you’ll release stagnant energy and rediscover a natural sense of flow – and leave ready to move through life with greater ease, vitality, and purpose. Expect transformative workshops, learn techniques to unlock emotional blocks, take part in holistic practices like meditation and yoga, join a fragrance masterclass with our event partner Molton Brown, and enjoy seasonal, locally sourced menus designed by Lime Wood’s celebrated chefs. Sessions will be led by the likes of yoga teacher and sound healer Cat Meffan, illustrator and artist Susannah Taylor and meditation expert Maude Hirst, as well as C&TH’s own Wellness Editor Camilla Hewitt. Plus: you’ll go home with an incredible goodie bag. 22 – 23 April, £275 per day, book at eventbrite.co.uk  Property Of The Day At over 21,000 acres, this Scottish estate could swallow Manhattan, and its measly 14,000 acres of concrete, whole. A favourite fishing and hunting spot among royals, it’s the perfect place to complete the renowned Macnab challenge: catch a salmon, shoot a stag, and secure a brace of grouse all in one day. On the market for £67m, search.savills.com Little Luxury Master pâtissier Nicolas Rouzaud – currently Chef Patron at The Connaught – has created a new limited-edition Easter egg for 2026. Inspired by the orchards of his childhood in the South of France, the egg sees chocolate crumble layered with soft caramel and hazelnut praline, with the shell adorned in chocolate fruits in shades of orange, raspberry, strawberry and fig. £65, pick up from the bakery at The Connaught, Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL, theconnaught.co.uk Competition Time Want to stay in a hotel with a rich and storied past? Now’s your chance to win a two-night stay at the historic De Vere Latimer Estate in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. Enter here. Psssst… From now until 24 March, all donations made to our charity partner Create will be automatically doubled thanks to its Big Give campaign. With your help, we hope to raise £13,500 to support Create’s creative arts programme with young and adult carers across the UK. createarts.co.uk Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss the new concept store from ROKSANDA on Sloane Street, curated by the eponymous founder Roksanda Ilinčić alongside four female collaborators. Browse the spring/summer 2026 collection and try bespoke services such as made-to-order gowns, bridal pieces and colour customisation. Open until 8 June at 171-172 Sloane Street.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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March 19, 2026   |      Staying In Tile The Bathroom In Style Some people paint, some wallpaper – but most like to give their bathroom the tile treatment. ‘A carefully chosen tile scheme can make a bathroom feel serene and restorative, rich with texture, or quietly playful depending on the story you wish the space to tell,’ says Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra. ‘And that sense of atmosphere is what turns an everyday room into somewhere you genuinely enjoy spending time.’ There’s also plenty of room for playfulness when it comes to tiling. ‘Tiles allow you to introduce colour, pattern and texture in a way that paint or other materials often can’t handle in a wet space,’ confirms Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May. ‘From full wall installations to tiled vanity splashbacks or statement floors, tiles can really shape the character of a bathroom while still being highly functional.’ Whether you fancy pattern-maxxing, colour drenching or all-over tiles, we have plenty of expert ideas in our handy guide to get you started. Going Out Book Tickets To Salon Privé Returning to Royal Hospital Chelsea this April is Salon Privé London, the UK’s most exclusive motor show. Amid a classic English garden party-style setting, the hotly anticipated three-day event offers a chance to get up close to some of the world’s finest cars and classics from the likes of Aston Martin, Maserati, and Porsche. But it’s not only about the motoring displays; guests can also enjoy shopping, fine dining, and plenty of Pommery Champagne, with tempting hospitality packages available to book. Each day offers something different: opening day on Thursday kicks off with signature parades and exciting vehicle unveilings, while Friday is Ladies’ Day, where guests are encouraged to don their finest attire and catch displays like Lotus Drivers Club’s 50th Anniversary showcase. The grand finale is Supercar Saturday, where visitors can expect a special Italian Glamour presentation from Maserati Club UK, a line-up of limited production supercars from SCC Private Members Club and much more. 16 – 18 April 2026, salonprivelondon.com  Property Of The Day If there’s one man always guaranteed to make a grand entrance on the red carpet, it’s Colman Domingo. The former Met Gala co-chair is known for standing out, often forgoing the usual penguin tuxedo for a bold print, bright colour or daring cape. And though you may never be able to recreate his most iconic looks, you can do one better by snatching up his LA home. On the market for $2,049,000, sothebysrealty.com Little Luxury Give your kitchen a spring upgrade (or treat someone this Easter) with this chic Bobbin Egg Rack from Alfred Newall. Made by hand from solid oak and available in red, green or a mix of colours, it holds 12, 24, 36 or 48 fresh eggs. £125, alfrednewall.com Competition Time Want to escape to a Greek island surrounded by crystal blue sea? Now’s your chance to win a three-night stay at Casa Cook Samos on a half board basis. Psssst… After many years of work a new walking trail spanning the entirety of England’s coastline is officially opening today, named The King Charles III England Coast Path. At nearly 2,700 miles it’s the longest managed coastal walking route in the world – and includes a stretch through the Seven Sisters, which has just been formally declared England’s newest National Nature Reserve. Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss the upcoming wine tasting event from Berry Bros. & Rudd, which offers an exploration of biodynamic and regenerative viticulture. You’ll learn about the innovative producers who are crafting wines that don’t cost the Earth – with plenty of sampling along the way. 27 March 2026, book at bbr.com   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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March 17, 2026   |    Staying In Boost Your Skin-Gut Axis When we feel like our skin needs a glow-up it can be tempting to overload on products, but sometimes looking at our plate may be more helpful. In our March/ April issue ZOE’s lead nutritionist Dr Federica Amati explains how our gut microbiome can impact our skin via inflammation. ‘While it’s a vital part of our immune system, when inflammation persists in the long haul it causes damage to our cells and tissues, including our skin,’ she writes. We know sugar and processed foods can wreak havoc on our skin – but what should we be eating more of? ‘Plants have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can support skin health. Polyphenols are found in abundance in coffee, berries, dark chocolate, nuts, olive oil, and many other colourful fruits and veg. Flavonoids (a type of polyphenol that occur in strawberries, raspberries and blackberries) and carotenoids (found in carrots, as the name suggests, but also a wide range of plants including tomatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, spinach and peppers) can help reduce your blood sugar responses after eating and tamper inflammation.’ Polyunsaturated fats are also crucial, Federica adds: ‘Find them in oily fish like mackerel and sardines as well as flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts.’ Read the full piece here. Going Out Celebrate St Patrick’s Day In London Though originally a religious feast day in honour of St Patrick – the man who brought Christianity to Ireland – in modern times St Patrick’s Day has descended into a more wide-reaching celebration of Irish culture, sparking festivities around the world. Every year on 17 March, thousands of people come together in green outfits and shamrock face paint to mark the day with parades, traditional Irish food and of course plenty of Guinness. Here are the top spots to celebrate in London. With ceilidh music at The Bloomsbury, live entertainment at Langan’s, traditional stew at Corrigan’s and Irish oysters at the Pig’s Ear, we’re sure wherever you end up it will be a night of great craic. Worried about breaking any Lent-based bans? Historically the Lenten restrictions on fasting and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, so go on and indulge. Property Of The Day In 1799 a scandal shook the Austen family. Jane Austen’s maternal aunt, Mrs Leigh-Perrot, had been arrested for shoplifting and would soon be taken to trial. Though the novelist didn’t hold the greatest affection for her aunt, she was still a frequent visitor to her town and country residences – including this stunning Berkshire home. On the market for £2m, ddre.global Little Luxury Give bedtime an upgrade by investing in some new linen from British brand London & Avalon. Often lauded as the Chanel No.5 of bed linen, its top-quality pieces are a favourite among Hollywood stars, interior designers and hoteliers – the brand was recently chosen by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as the preferred partner for its Mandarin Exceptional Homes offering. We’re eyeing up one of the bestselling duvet covers, made with a traditional French Tail: a longer opening at the base, which can be tucked under the mattress to ensure the duvet stays firmly in place and boost your sleep quality. Find the full range at londonandavalon.com Competition Time Want to plan the perfect weekend escape, but can’t quite decide where? Well you’re in luck, PoB Hotels is offering you the chance to win a £500 Night & Day voucher to use at any of its 56 hotels. Enter here. Psssst… Michael B Jordan took home his first Oscar at Sunday’s ceremony, winning best actor for Sinners – but did you know he also has a stake in the sports world? The star has been the co-owner of AFC Bournemouth since 2022, part of a growing trend for A-listers owning football clubs. Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss out on tickets for Wilderness, the music, food and wellness extravaganza which returns to Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park from 30 July – 2 August. The recently announced line-up includes Scissor Sisters and The Last Dinner Party as well as the special SISTERS show curated by (and starring) Annie Lennox – plus we’re told there are ten new secret venues popping up across the site this year. wildernessfestival.com   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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March 16, 2026   |    Staying In Treat Yourself At Home, B Corp Style Didn’t you hear? The UK is abuzz with B Corps – with London sitting pretty as the B Corp capital of the world. British brands are shaking up the way we see everyday commodities – and in the beauty industry, we’re really setting an example for how to make your washbag more sustainable. On the skincare front, we have waterless and plastic free pioneers SBTRCT and the waste-averse UpCircle (which upcycles over 20 different by-product ingredients to make its skincare range). Monpure, meanwhile, gives its haircare line the slow beauty treatment, working with handpicked ethical suppliers and ensuring all packaging is completely recyclable. For makeup that looks and feels great, Seeds of Colour has you covered with its fruit and veg-derived formulas, while DAME’s reusable period products mark a new chapter in women’s menstrual health. But this is only the tip of the iceberg; there are plenty more British beauty brands with B Corp status out there. And these are the ones to know now. Going Out Dine At New Restaurant Maza Styled after a 1980s Athenian taverna, Bruton Place’s new restaurant Maza features nostalgic interiors from David Archer, the designer behind Chiltern Firehouse and The Peninsula. Sister restaurant to Notting Hill’s Mazi, the eatery is inspired by co-owner Christina Mourtaglou’s hellenic upbringing; expect homemade breads, handmade sea urchin pasta, and fire-cooked molten meats like crispy pork belly gyros. Its upstairs doubles as a vinyl listening bar, where 70s and 80s Greek records can soundtrack the end of your night. Find more spring restaurant openings to get excited about here. Book at mazamayfair.com C&TH Partnership What Can Investors Do To Beat The IHT Trap? The Chancellor has made sweeping changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT). More families will be caught. More of your wealth might fall prey to it (including, from 2027, your pension). Tax reliefs are being cut, and the nil-rate bands frozen for another six years. So what are the options now for IHT-averse investors? Is it still possible to reduce IHT – without giving anything away? This free guide from Wealth Club explains what experienced investors could consider doing to beat the 40 percent tax trap (capital at risk). Tax rules can change and benefits will depend on circumstances. Download the guide here. Property Of The Day This two-bedroom apartment is one of the first turnkey residences from The Peninsula London. With interiors by Cuturi Cameto, this stunning home features authentic 1950s Italian furniture and Uruguayan landscapes inspired by the designer’s upbringing. And the hotel-feeling only continues in the wellness centre, two Michelin-starred restaurant and cinema. Prices start from £22,500,000, peninsula.com  Little Luxury Founded by Henny Clarke, slow fashion womenswear brand By Søren focuses on small batch production to reduce wastage, with all fabrics either recycled, natural or organic. Its current collection includes some cosy jackets perfect for the winter to spring transition – our top pick is the versatile Pia Jacket in Cream Fringe, great for layering and featuring chic curved cuffs and oversized buttons. £365, bysoren.com Competition Time Win a bed and breakfast stay at The George Inn, set in the peaceful village of Norton St Philip found midway between Frome and Bath. Psssst… British banknotes will soon look a little different, with UK wildlife set to replace historical characters on the next series released. This follows a vote from the public in which people said they’d rather see hedgehogs than Churchill on their cash – and an upcoming survey from the Bank of England will allow us to help decide which animals feature. Whatever You Do, Don’t Forget to make the most of hot cross bun season. The Easter treats are beginning to pop up at bakeries across the capital for a limited period – here are the ones worth queuing for.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

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