With thanks to Country and Town House and Southbank Centre:

May 02, 2026 |

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Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios
115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

May 01, 2026 |

Dear Reader,

I'm obsessed with stripes. Not to wear – I know my limitations. Stripes on a body are to be avoided unless you're Erin O'Connor. No, stripes in my home – the project that has been consuming my past few months. Moodboards, magazine pages, other people's homes... those aesthetic dreams converted into dust and sleeping under plastic wrap once the builders descended. But it's been stripes that steal my heart every time. In that quest to plaster them everywhere – or most particularly, the bathroom – I had to scour every corner of the internet to find a suitably robust vinyl wallpaper with the perfect colour stripe. It's harder than you think. Anyhow, I landed on Rebel Walls and paid handsomely for their commercial grade, water resistant bespoke printed paper in Happy Stripes Raspberry. Firstly, I ordered far too little (I was never good at measuring; please if you do this, get someone who knows how to measure). OK, fine I'll shell out for some more. This was done in haste, on the hoof. I ordered the wrong one – oh hell. Now, I'm paying more for paper in my bathroom than doing my whole top floor. Cue write to customer support, in tears. Result, a 50 percent reduction on the new purchase. Gulp, swallow, just do it. It's only money... Then, oh lord, the new batch arrives – the bathroom now two weeks behind schedule – and the colour match is off. It's just slightly different from the original. Full blown panic – and an outpouring of heartache to Mr Customer Service. A fulsome, groaning, agonising email of pain and distress. They wrote back and said, Lucy, we understand – we will replace your whole bathroom wallpaper at no further cost. I'm only telling you this silly tale because it's a story about a good company, with impeccable customer service. It's still out there, it still exists, and it makes things better. If you want to recommend any companies that have surpassed dwindling expectations, let me know. I will champion them.

Lucy Cleland
Editorial Director

Staying In

READ: Our New Issue

What could be better this Bank Holiday weekend than the cracking new issue of Country & Town House? It includes our annual Aesthetics Guide, created to bring you the most trusted voices in the business on everything from hair loss to the top ten K-Beauty buys (most available on the high street), what to wear to the big events this summer, how to turn your classic car – 911, E-Type, Landy – into an EV in just one day, interviews with Harland Miller and Jackson Boxer, a kitchens and bathrooms special, the best summer reading and British festivals to book now, and the most talked-about new hotel openings here and abroad. Phew! Kick back and dive in – inspired by fashion director Nicole Smallwood and her sizzling cover shoot in the balmy Bahamas. Buy your copy here.

WATCH: Widow’s Bay

If you are yet to dabble in the world of Apple TV, let new drop Widow’s Bay be the reason you finally utilise that tempting free trial. Set in the quaint island town of the same name, set off the coast of New England, Widow’s Bay is your rare character-driven comedy that blends belly-laugh moments with thrilling horror. Centring on Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), the whole premise is that the remote island, with its lack of Wi-Fi and spotty phone signal, is cursed, with locals citing old stories that seem too ludicrous to be true. Nonetheless, Loftis is determined to turn Widow’s Bay into a tourist destination – and when visitors finally start arriving, he is dismayed to discover the hauntings are back too. Three episodes streaming now on Apple TV, with new episodes weekly.

EAT: Matcha Power Balls

The matcha mania is going nowhere – in fact, the green powder is even more popular come summertime. But you need not shell out a fiver on a coffee shop latte every time you’re craving it: you can also create your own matcha goodness from home. To give you a helping hand is Matcha at Home, the debut book from London matcha brand JENKI. Founded by Claudia and Otto Boyer in 2020, JENKI now has six locations across the capital serving its signature ceremonial grade matcha. The new book includes not just traditional lattes, but also pancakes, cookies and desserts – plus power balls perfect for snacking on-the-go, which we’ve shared the recipe for below.

Ingredients

60g (2 oz) pitted dates
9g (3¼ oz / 1 cup) desiccated (dried shredded) coconut, plus extra to finish
1 tablespoon hemp seeds, plus extra to finish
1 tablespoon protein powder, flavourless or vanilla
120g (4¼ oz) almond butter
60g (2 oz) coconut butter, melted
2 teaspoons matcha
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
50g (2 oz / scant ½ cup) almond flour
Pinch of sea salt

Method

Soak the dates in a bowl of hot water for 30 minutes, then drain and add to a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until crumbly but holding together.
Scoop the mixture into 1 tablespoon portions and roll into balls.
Scatter some extra desiccated coconut and/or hemp seeds on a plate, and roll the balls across the plate to coat. These will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

TIP: Coconut butter can be found in most health food shops or online; it is made by grinding coconut meat.

Going Out

BOOK: El Fenn’s Broadwick Soho Takeover

Legendary Marrakech hotel El Fenn is coming to London, taking over Broadwick Soho’s rooftop bar Flute for the summer season. Expect the same dazzling aesthetic the Moroccan hotspot has become known for – signature white stripes, suspended lanterns, maximalist prints and all. A specially created menu will feature dishes like smoked aubergine zaalouk and charcoal-grilled octopus, alongside cocktails including the Hibiscus Margarita and the Marrakech Negroni. The residency will also programme art talks and cultural discussions, as well as a rotating roster of DJs and musicians. It opens in June, but reservations are open now – and judging by the popularity of both venues, we think they’ll get snapped up fast. 25 June – 31 August 2026, broadwicksoho.com

CHECK OUT: The New Third Space Chelsea

Third Space has made its way to Chelsea. The sleek gym and health club opens the doors to its newest venue today, set across five floors on Mallord Street just off the King’s Road. The heart of the space will be a cutting-edge gym complete with top equipment and the brand’s first velocity-based training system. Members will also gain access to over 250 classes across four studios, plus a spa with a pool, sauna and cold plunge. Could you be tempted to join? Here are some other luxe London gyms to have on your radar.

SEE: The Devil Wears Prada 2

Often cited as a favourite film, especially among fashion lovers, The Devil Wears Prada is a seminal classic based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel of the same name. Starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, a sequel has always been in high demand, but our prayers have never been answered – until now. The follow-up finally premieres in cinemas today, with all the big names returning to reprise their roles. Andy Sachs (Hathaway) is back at Runway magazine despite her sour ending there as an assistant to editor Miranda Priestly (Streep) in the 00s. Now Runway‘s new features editor, luckily for Andy, Miranda has no memory of her bumbling second assistant, who managed to live out her dreams as a proper journalist in the decades-long interim. Instead, Miranda’s coveted attention is absorbed by the declining print industry – a tale as old as time. Seeking vital advertising revenue, she finds herself in a head-to-head battle with her former first assistant Emily (Blunt), now a high-powered executive at an LVMH-style luxury group.

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Staying in Forever…

Property Of The Week

When Charles Dickens found himself struggling with writer’s block in 1849, he took himself and his quill on an Isle of Wight writing retreat. Starting each morning with a sea-swim and cold plunge beneath the waterfall, Dickens would write for a few hours in the afternoon before playing rounders with his family on the beach. Though he only managed to scratch out five chapters of David Copperfield that summer, the novelist did fall madly in love with his holiday home, Winterbourne, which he described as ‘the prettiest place I ever saw’.

On the market for £1.6m, spencewillard.co.uk

Competition Time

Win a bed and breakfast stay at Dormy House in the Cotswolds
Win four Thursday Day Members’ Badges for the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Win a three-month supply of all of MOGU's Functional Mushroom Capsules

Psssst…

May’s first full moon, the Flower Moon, will reach its fullest at 6.23pm tonight – but we won’t be able to see it. Instead we have to wait for the moon to rise above the horizon, which will begin at 8.45pm. Drawing on the idea of abundant plants and flowers, the Flower Moon is spiritually connected to new beginnings, fertility and growth; you might want to use the opportunity to embrace change or pursue new opportunities.

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Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios
115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

April 30, 2026 |

Staying In

Cook This Pasta Dish

There are few dishes so universally beloved as pasta. But if you constantly cook the same few recipes on rotation and are looking to mix things up, you’ll love the new cookbook from Northern Pasta Co., Pasta for the People. Co-founded by husband and wife duo Imogen and Matt, the British brand is known for its pasta made using regenerative grains; the recipe book offers a whole host of exciting ways to jazz up pasta night. We share our favourite below – one to try over the Bank Holiday perhaps?

Hot Honey Harissa Fusilli

Ingredients

Serves 2

1 pack of halloumi (200–250g/7–9oz)
Olive oil, for frying
160g (51/2oz) fusilli
1 tablespoon butter
1 shallot, finely diced
1 garlic clove, grated (minced)
1 tablespoon harissa
1 tablespoon honey
50ml (31/2 tablespoons single (pure) cream
Squeeze of lemon juice
Handful of flat leaf parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Soak your halloumi in boiling water for 20–30 minutes then remove from the water and pat dry before chopping into 1cm (1/2in) cubes.
Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan on a medium–high heat.
Once hot, add your halloumi and fry until golden brown.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook your pasta (see page 14), reserving some of the cooking water.
Pop the frying pan back on a medium–high heat and add your butter to the pan. Once melted, add your shallots. Allow them to soften before adding your garlic. Leave to cook for 1 minute
then add your harissa and stir before adding the honey. Stir to combine, turn the heat down to low and stir in your cream.
Season with plenty of black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Add your fried halloumi to the sauce.
Drain your pasta and toss in the sauce. Loosen with pasta water as needed. Squeeze over some lemon juice and stir in the parsley. Finish with extra black pepper and serve.

Recipe from Pasta for the People

Going Out

Book Guy Ritchie’s Supper Club

Prefer leaving the cooking to the professionals? Filmmaker Guy Ritchie is opening the gates to Ashcombe Estate in Wiltshire once again for the summer’s most exclusive supper club series, which serves just 20 guests at a time. A partnership with London’s guest chef concept Carousel, the series takes place in Ritchie’s lakeside WildKitchen: a custom-built fire table set in the heart of Cranbourne Chase (which made a cameo in The Gentlemen). Over 22 weekends, top chefs will cook a one-off tasting menu exclusively over fire; the line-up this year includes Chantelle Nicholson (Apricity), Luke Selby (Palé Hall) and Alex Claridge (The Wilderness). Alongside the al fresco feast, guests will be booked in for a two-night stay at Ashcombe Estate, home to a spa with its own wood-fired sauna and hot tub. Starts on 2 May 2026, carousel-london.com

Property Of The Day

Fancy yourself a wolf of Wall Street? The Manhattan penthouse which served as the home of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Jordan Belfort in the 2013 film is now on the market. Currently owned by businessman Bert E Brodsky, the multi-millionaire confessed that he doesn’t use the apartment as a residence but ‘for showering and meeting people’. How baller.

On the market for $4.95m, compass.com

Little Luxury

Just like your wardrobe, a good jewellery collection starts with great basics. Stock up on everyday pieces with Missoma’s new Essentials Collection, which features timeless bangles, chains and hoops you’ll wear time and time again. We’ve got our eye on these Chubby Oval Small Hoop Earrings – a lightwear pair of small gold hoops which will give you that ‘finished’ look. £75, missoma.com

Competition Time

Want to smell good and help the planet? Enter this competition for your chance to win a year’s supply of Wild deodorant.

Psssst…

Visiting your favourite cultural destinations will be easier than ever this summer with the introduction of the National Art Pass Summer Trial. For just £20 through June for three months access, enthusiasts will benefit from 50 percent discounts on a plethora of art and nature treats. Ranging from Tate Modern’s celebration of Frida Kahlo and V&A East’s exploration of Black British music to garden tours at some of the country’s top historic houses, there’s plenty to fill your weekends. artfund.org

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Opt for a gas hob if you want to save energy when cooking. Studies show induction hobs are 85–95 percent energy efficient (in comparison to traditional gas hobs, which are only 35-40 percent efficient). Find more green swaps for your home here.

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Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios
115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

April 29, 2026 |

Staying In

Try Red Light Therapy At Home

Red light therapy is all the rage right now, with science-backed benefits ranging from boosted skin health to hair growth and muscle recovery. A spate of new tools means we can do the treatments ourselves at home – from face masks to hats to full body panels. But what to look out for when buying a device? Sue D’Arcy, CEO and founder of iSMART, a leading global manufacturer of LED phototherapeutic devices, recommends looking out for red light (630nm) for anti-ageing and encouraging collagen production; near-infrared light (830nm) for deeper-penetrating wavelengths that reduce inflammation and improve healing times; and 1070nm wavelength, ‘the only one FDA-cleared for tissue healing’. She also notes that although consumers often believe a more powerful light is always better, that’s not the case. ‘Higher intensity can actually inhibit cellular responses rather than promote them. Products making claims about extra wavelengths or higher intensities without clinical data may not work as intended – avoid!’ Look for devices which are CE marked and come with clear guidance on safe use, including recommended treatment times and distances. Find our full guide to red light therapy here.

Going Out

Book Immersive Dining Experience CHAT NOIR!

There’s a new immersive show to see, and it’s lighting up West Kensington. Whisking audiences back to 1890s Paris with all the surroundings, cuisine and cabaret performances to boot, CHAT NOIR! is the latest dazzling creation by the team behind The Great Christmas Feast and 58th Street, The Lost Estate. Anchored by cabaret star Joe Morose (real name Joe Morrow) who plays cabaret’s originator Rodolphe Salis, the owner and host of the titular club Le Chat Noir, guests are guided through an immersive evening of spine-tingling music, cabaret performances, decadent French cuisine and plenty of wine. The story centres on Rodolphe Salis, with all of the evening’s action taking place in his club, Le Chat Noir ‘on the night he gives birth to modern cabaret,’ Morose tells us. ‘Set in 1890s Montmartre, CHAT NOIR! places you inside the original club. It is Salis’ life’s work to transform “entertainment while you dine” into an artform that is a machine for change, expression, politics and freedom.’ Booking open up to 31 July 2026, tickets start from £129.85pp. chatnoirlondon.com

Property Of The Day

It’s always fun when a private island comes to the market. Even more fun when the private island in question is located just off Venice – and was once home to a Swarovski billionaire. Spanning 72 acres, this impressive plot of land boasts a nine-bedroom villa, an orchard, a vineyard and a fully-functioning organic fish farm.

On the market for €24 million, venicesothebysrealty.com

Little Luxury

You’ve likely heard about Pophams for its irresistible pastries, but did you know the bakery also has a homeware range? The new spring drop includes everything from candles to jugs and cushion covers – but our top pick is this pretty pair of striped oven gloves, handmade in Stoke Newington and made of linen. £55, pophamshome.com

Competition Time

Driven by a purpose to enrich lives by enriching spaces, ABI Interiors creates high-end brassware, fixtures, and space-transforming accessories with innovation, durability, and thoughtful design at their core. Enter here to win back your ABI Interiors order, up to the value of £2,500.

Psssst…

Did you know that Kate Middleton had not one, but two wedding dresses on her big day? As the Prince and Princess of Wales celebrate their wedding anniversary today, we look back at the royal’s secret second dress that she wore to a private reception at Buckingham Palace.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Forget to look for clearly-labelled PFAS-free products if you want to limit your exposure to ‘forever chemicals’. An increasing body of research suggests exposure to PFAS may lead to health risks. ‘These include impacts on cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, liver damage, fertility issues and developmental effects, as well as increased risks of some cancers,’ says Stephanie Metzger, policy advisor at the Royal Society of Chemistry. Swap non-stick pans for stainless steel, glass or ceramic alternatives, and switch to eco-friendly cleaning brands like Smol and Purdy & Figg.

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Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios
115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

April 28, 2026 |

Staying In

Listen to Ethically Questionable

Hunting for a new favourite podcast for your commute? We are loving Jamila Brown’s newly launched Ethically Questionable, which explores whether the good life and sustainability can co-exist. The former head of sustainability and social impact at Soho House, Brown has since founded international impact agency Light/Work – so she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. But this isn’t a stiff, stuffy listen. Instead, Brown brings a down-to-earth energy to those questions that niggle at the back of our minds when we head out on an exciting holiday, invest in a new outfit or dine on a fancy dinner: can you live a happy, fulfilling life without damaging the planet? Each episode, she guides an Agony Aunt style conversation, prompted by the worries of culture shapers and industry innovators like author and podcaster Candice Brathwaite, journalist Olivia Petter and futurist Amelia Kallman. New episodes every Tuesday.

Going Out

Visit London’s Most Exclusive Pilates Studio

Reformer pilates has blown up in the capital over the past couple of years, with sleek new studios popping up all over town. Pilates in the Clouds, though, was ahead of the curve, opened in 2014 by LA-born instructor Lauran Masaoka. The Notting Hill pilates studio has long been known as London’s most exclusive, with a by-appointment-only policy and hundreds-strong waiting list – plus a long list of celebrity fans. But now, us mere mortals can have a go on the Instagram-famous Cadillac machines thanks to the launch of a brand-new studio, tucked away on the fourth floor of Harvey Nichols (now dedicated to all things wellness). The space is beautiful, taking the pilates aesthetic to new heights with Dior-branded equipment, fresh flowers, large mirrors and plenty of natural light flooding in. With just six spots, nabbing a space still won’t be easy – and at £59 for a group class, it’s certainly not cheap. But you can guarantee world-class teaching, and the Cadillac equipment allows for moves you’ll likely have never tried before including the spread eagle you’ve seen all over your Instagram feed. harveynichols.com

Property Of The Day

The former home of Thomas Wolsey and Henry VIII, Esher Place in Surrey was once a grand Tudor residence. Now lost to time, the only surviving relic of this historic manor is the gatehouse – which has been converted into a modern family home.

Available to rent for £14,995 per month or £3,460 per week, knightfrank.co.uk

Little Luxury

British labels Hunza G and Burberry have gifted us one of this year’s hottest drops: a swimwear line marrying the former’s material innovation and stylish silhouettes with the latter’s signature check. The Faye Swimsuit is top of our summer wish list, available in red, black or tan, and featuring a flattering scoop neck and low back. £325, uk.burberry.com

Competition Time

Win a midweek stay for two at THE PIG-on the beach, including a full breakfast, three-course dinner and a private RIB ride exploring the historic Jurassic Coast with Studland Watersports.

Psssst…

A new spa is coming to London’s Fulham Pier this May, Sæl. Created by the team behind Surrenne Spa, the four-floored space is set to include a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic river views, a Finnish sauna, contrast therapy suites and much more.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Write off walking pads as TikTok fodder. Experts are largely behind the latest wellness trend, which allows you to get your steps in while working (provided you have a standing desk).

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Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios
115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

Your summer guide

There's magic waiting down the line, the weather's looking mighty fine; it's officially the Southbank Centre's Summer Time...

Read on for our top picks of music, shows, art and activities to make this your best summer to date.

I love summer

Summer sounds

Harry Styles’ Meltdown

THU 11 – SUN 21 JUN

The globally influential artist curates the 31st edition of Meltdown, the world’s longest-running artist-curated music festival.

Sunday, 3 May 2026

More things to do this week/end in London

Complete Our Survey To Win A £200 John Lewis Voucher

Subscription Offer

Staying In

READ: Our New Issue

WATCH: Widow’s Bay

EAT: Matcha Power Balls

Ingredients

Method

Going Out

BOOK: El Fenn’s Broadwick Soho Takeover

CHECK OUT: The New Third Space Chelsea

SEE: The Devil Wears Prada 2

Share This Newsletter With A Friend

Staying in Forever…

Property Of The Week

Competition Time

Psssst…

Subscription Offer

Staying In

Cook This Pasta Dish

Hot Honey Harissa Fusilli

Ingredients

Method

Going Out

Book Guy Ritchie’s Supper Club

Property Of The Day

Little Luxury

Competition Time

Psssst…

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Subscription Offer

Staying In

Try Red Light Therapy At Home

Going Out

Book Immersive Dining Experience CHAT NOIR!

Property Of The Day

Little Luxury

Competition Time

Psssst…

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Subscription Offer

Staying In

Listen to Ethically Questionable

Going Out

Visit London’s Most Exclusive Pilates Studio

Property Of The Day

Little Luxury

Competition Time

Psssst…

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Subscription Offer

Your summer guide

Summer sounds

Harry Styles’ Meltdown

South Asian Sounds

Steel Pan Reimagined

Awe-inspiring art

Anish Kapoor

Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms

Skate 50

Fun for little ones

REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground

Dog Man: The Musical

Star line-up announced

Refugee Week

Poetry takeover

Poetry International Festival

Make a day of it

Summer pop-ups

Roof Garden Bar & Kitchen

Seventy5th Balcony Bar

Southbank Centre Food Market

Add to your shopping list

Bright ideas

Ready for lift-off

Rebellion meets euphoria

You Are Here

Powerful performance