Things to do in London this week

With thanks to Country and Town House:

August 14, 2026   |        Dear Reader, The New Forest is my spiritual home. It's where I spent endless summers as a child, making jumps for horses (or dogs); swimming at Barton beach with the promise of a Toffee Crumble ice cream afterwards and, my favourite, playing the 'Wood Game'. You needed at least 10 people – five per team. After a barbecue under the stars, when the light was fading, each team would strategise their approach. Some would blacken their faces with wine corks burnt in the fire; others would change into khakis for camouflage. The aim was for one team to defend a tree; the other team had to touch it to get home – but they had to do this across acres of woodland and garden, and in the dark. As soon as the attacking team tramped down to the end of the field to their starting position the game would begin. Throughout the years, we had black eyes from crashing into our pursuers, people coming in on ponies, over walls, on a tractor... playing it danced around that delicious line of being just scary and dangerous enough to make it feel daring (especially when you were 10), but knowing you weren't really under any real threat. This week's wildfire there is, of course, real danger on our doorstep. The fear is real and I'm scared. Lucy Cleland Editorial Director   Staying In PLAN: A Bathroom Renovation C&TH Partnership A large chunk of summer might be spent outdoors enjoying the sunshine, but the season also gives us plenty of time to slow down and fall back in love with our homes. Long weekends and open windows encourage us to refresh the spaces we spend the most time in. And if a bathroom renovation has been on your wish list, you’re in luck. Now’s the perfect time to put plans for your dream bathroom into action, thanks to the Ripples Summer Sale. Whether you're planning a complete renovation or a few simple refreshes, leave it up to the brand’s award-winning designers to create a beautiful bathroom centred around everyday luxury. (And enjoy some excellent savings while you’re at it.) You can book a complimentary design consultation with an expert designer or visit your nearest Ripples showroom to explore its collections and discover limited-time offers today. Explore summer savings at ripplesbathrooms.com   MAKE: Santiago Lastra’s Choriqueso Santiago Lastra’s debut cookbook is all about making Mexican cooking more accessible, using ingredients you have in the cupboards. Below, we share a recipe for choriqueso, which sees a pan of melted cheese and spicy chorizo served hot with corn or flour tortillas. Serves 6 Ingredients: 20ml (4 teaspoons) vegetable oil  300g (10½ oz) fresh cooking chorizo, roughly chopped and any casing removed  200g (7 oz) Emmental cheese  150g (5½ oz) fresh mozzarella  200g (7 oz) pre-grated mozzarella  6 large flour tortillas ½ onion, finely chopped  30g (1 oz) coriander (cilantro) leaves, finely chopped  Method: Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat (you want to render the fat slowly) and fry the chorizo for 8–10 minutes until it starts to fall apart.  Remove from the heat. Preheat the grill (broiler) to high or preheat the oven to 190°C fan (400°F).  Combine all the cheeses and the chorizo with your hands and place on an ovenproof plate or in a baking dish. Place under the grill for 7 minutes or bake in the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese has melted and is caramelised on the top.  Heat a large dry frying pan over a high heat. Warm the tortillas by frying them for 10–30 seconds on each side until golden but without drying them out. Wrap in a cloth to keep them warm.  Remove the choriqueso from the oven and finish with the onion and coriander, then serve hot with the warm tortillas. Recipe from Mexican Soul Food   WATCH: The Shards The new TV show everyone’s talking about right now? The Shards, a nine-part drama currently streaming on Disney+. Based on the semi-autobiographical book by Bret Easton Ellis and directed by Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story), it follows a group of privileged LA teenagers during the 1980s. Protagonist Bret (Igby Rigney) is shaken up by the arrival of a mysterious new student, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere) – as well as the growing fear surrounding a serial killer in the city nicknamed The Trawler. While his friends – including Kaia Gerber as Susan Rynolds – remain unphased, Bret begins to unravel. New episodes dropping weekly on Disney+ Going Out SEE: Tony At The Cinema Tony, the micro-biopic of Anthony Bourdain’s younger years, is coming to the big screen in the UK today. Select theatres will be showing the depiction of Bourdain learning the tools of the trade as a chef in New York City while he struggles to build relationships within his new community in Cape Cod. Now remembered as one of the most influential chefs of the 20th century, Bourdain first developed his passion for cooking while working in restaurants during his summers as a young adult. Tony gives audiences an imagined look into Bourdain’s summers in Massachusetts, where he worked at multiple restaurants in the early 1970s. Out today in select cinemas. BOOK: New Retreat Replenish A new wellness retreat is coming to the Cornish coast, Replenish, taking place at Tregulland Estate and Barford Beach House and built around three key pillars: body, mind and planet. At its core is the idea that wellbeing isn’t solely inward-gazing, hence why the retreat places a strong focus on conservation – think beach cleans and woodland restoration. Alongside this, you’ll take part in activities like surfing, wild swimming, sauna sessions and breathwork, listen to talks from top neuroscientists on happiness and behavioural change (Mo Gadwat featured at the pilot event), and enjoy plant-forward food from a former Soho House chef. Come evening time, guests can relax with live music, long dinners, storytelling and astronomy sessions. Replenish launches on 21 September 2026, with further dates to be announced, find out more here. ATTEND: Camden Fringe As everyone scoots up to Edinburgh for the annual Fringe, we’ll be enjoying the comedy right on our doorstep. Until 30 August, Camden Fringe is taking over 39 venues across North London, with more than 450 shows on the agenda. Considered a southern rival to the famously career-launching Scottish affair, Camden Fringe dates back to 2006 and always clashes with Edinburgh (by design). As such it’s even more amateur and ramshackle, but that’s a big part of the appeal. Expect music, theatre, comedy, drag and so much more. camdenfringe.com Share This Newsletter With A Friend VIA EMAIL VIA WHATSAPP Staying in Forever… Property Of The Week This Mediterranean-facing property is set within a secure, gated private residence in Ramatuelle, France. Designed by Claude Misbach in the 1970s, the modernist villa boasts a distinctive honeycomb shape –  plus seven en-suite bedrooms, an independent apartment, wellness area, pool and pool house, mooring buoy, garage and carport.  On the market for €28,500,000, engelvoelkers.com Competition Time Win a one-night bed and breakfast stay for two at at Penmaenuchaf, Wales Win a one-night stay for two at new London hotel Hyde & Seek Win three of NIANCE’s bestselling products from the Glacier Platinum Collection worth over £1,000 Psssst… A new 10-minute oral genome test could flag the risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. C&TH’s Rebecca Cox gave it a try – here’s her take. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

Staying In Read Where Are The Kings By Donal Ryan Looking for titles to add to your August reading list? Try the new novel from Donal Ryan, one of Ireland's most decorated novelists. Where Are The Kings follows 12-year-old Jack, who moves in with his grandparents in rural Ireland after a family tragedy involving his mother – which no one seems prepared to talk about. What awaits him is a house full of characters, including loving Nan, erratic Grandad, eccentric uncles, unpredictable cousin JJ and the beautiful Aunt Rose. All of them have one thing in common: they seem to know more than they're letting on. (Bring tissues, just in case.) Out 13 August 2026, £16.14, bookshop.org  Going Out Dine At The New Saltwater Soho The founders of Aussie-inspired London eatery Milk Beach are back with Saltwater – and this time it’s all about sushi. Drawing inspiration once again from Sydney, as well as LA, the grab-and-go sushi concept has launched on Soho’s Berwick Street with a menu of handrolls, nigiri and hot donburi bowls. Think seared salmon with miso glaze, bluefin tuna rolls, and miso chicken bowls served with rice, greens and smacked cucumber. Sustainability is a pivotal part, too: the restaurant works with leading supplier True World Foods – known for providing fish for places like Nobu and Roka – and food is served in seaweed-based, plastic-free packaging. Find more new London restaurant openings to have on your radar here. saltwatersushi.com Property Of The Day You either need a big family or plenty of friends if you’re going to call this 24-bedroom estate home. With origins dating back to 1212, this Grade I listed manor was once a globally renowned centre for agricultural innovation, and a supporting base to nearby Bletchley Park in WWII.  On the market for £2,000,000, search.savills.com Little Luxury Dr. Barbara Sturm is one of the world’s leading skincare gurus – and now you can experience her magic in the subterranean spa of Claridge’s. The skincare specialist now has a residency at the hotel, featuring treatments including the STURMGLOW™ Facial, which begins with a deep cleanse and gentle steam ahead of a series of skin barrier-strengthening formulas to revitalise your complexion. Alternatively, opt for the Bespoke Facial, which tailors the treatment to your individual needs, incorporating advanced technology like microneedling and LED therapy to supercharge the skin in just 90 minutes. Afterwards, spend some time decompressing in one of the pool cabanas beside the pool – heaven. maybourne.com Competition Time Are your towels growing tired? Is your bedding in need of a refresh? Enter this competition now for your chance to win a £500 voucher to spend on the gorgeous range from homeware brand Christy.  Psssst… Richard Osman has revealed Scottish actor Jack Lowden – famous for starring in Slow Horses and soon to appear as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice – is being ‘strongly considered’ as the next James Bond. ‘The name I’ve heard is Jack Lowden,’ he said in a conversation with co-host Marina Hyde on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast. ‘It is definitively not a “he's definitely got it” thing,’ Osman added. ‘He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he'd be amazing.’ But who else has been rumoured? Whatever You Do, Don’t Battle through crowds on the Amalfi Coast. Instead, consider a trip to Ischia, where you can reap the joys of Italian life without the hordes of tourists. ‘It offers a wonderfully authentic atmosphere where wellness, food and local culture are woven into everyday life, creating a slower, more restorative experience,’ says Joanne Popple, Luxury Travel Designer at Carrier. Find more crowd-free destinations to consider here.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

August 12, 2026   |        Staying In Watch Martin & Roman’s Irish Road Trip Fancy some escapism? A new travelogue from father and son duo Martin and Roman Kemp has launched on Channel 4, showcasing the emerald isle and all of its quirks through their eyes. By kayaking in County Cork, hearing about myths and legends in County Meath and learning about Europe’s biggest Halloween Festival in Derry City, they formed an even stronger bond, the Spandau Ballet star tells C&TH. ‘Anything where you have a joint experience brings you closer. As much as we think we know each other, I think we know each other a lot better now,’ he says. Other highlights? ‘We talked to the people who hire wailers for the wakes,’ Martin shares. ‘I could not get my head around it at first. You pay for someone to wail while you grieve. It’s an old tradition and we spoke to people about that and the sound of banshees that can be heard before a death or if something terrible is going to happen. Funerals are a celebration of life in Ireland and don’t we all want that.’ Streaming now on Channel 4. Going Out Eat At One Of London’s Best Game Restaurants The Glorious Twelfth, which falls on 12 August each year, marks the beginning of game season in the UK. For around five months, many restaurants add game to their menus: a term referring to meat from an animal typically found in the wild rather than raised on farms – that includes venison, pheasant, partridge and more. Grouse shooting is a hotly debated topic (and you can read more about the different arguments for and against it here), but some believe it’s the most ethical and sustainable type of meat as it’s free-range and wild. So which chefs are cooking it best this year? Italian stalwart Franco’s is giving game season a Mediterranean twist with dishes like venison with creamy polenta and wild mushrooms, while Michelin-starred Fulham pub The Harwood Arms is serving a slow cooked deer shoulder Sunday roast. Vivek Singh’s The Cinnamon Club is renowned for its game offering too: this year the menu includes specials like clove-smoked grouse breast, mallard with tawa mince, and venison with pickling spices. Find more picks here. Property Of The Day Watch a period drama and it’s likely that the Royal Crescent will make an appearance. Having starred in everything from Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte to Northanger Abbey (1986) and two Persuasion adaptations, it’s one of the most famous roads in Britain. Of the 30 properties on the street, only 10 survive as full-size townhouses – including this Grade I listed home. On the market for £4,250,000, search.savills.com Little Luxury Interior designers Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward are back for their second collection at West Elm, bringing their signature layered look to furniture, lighting, bedding and more. The result? Rooms that feel curated and gathered over time (and look great year after year). Our top pick is the duo’s green dining chair set, which brings a touch of Neo Deco to the dining room. From £399, westelm.co.uk Competition Time Discover Scotland’s capital with a two-night stay at The Resident Edinburgh, a stylish design-led hotel in the city’s elegant West End – complete with a bottle of champagne. Enter here. Psssst… Take a sneak peek at our September/ October cover story before it hits newsstands, where Vassi Chamberlain sits down with The Morning Show star Gugu Mbatha-Raw to discuss her new five-part series Possession (streaming on NOW). ‘It’s a thrilling show,’ she says. ‘Quite confronting but also entertaining, and hopefully done in a way that’s not hitting you over the head. For some people, there will be deeper conversations to be had afterwards. For others, it might be like: “Oh my gosh, that was cool. I want to go to Jamaica.”’ Whatever You Do, Don’t Look directly at the sun during the solar eclipse, which will be partially visible in the UK from around 6.20pm tonight. Ordinary sunglasses won’t protect your eyes: you need proper eclipse glasses, certified viewing cards or a pinhole projector. Here’s how to see the rare astronomical event safely.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

August 11, 2026   |        Staying In Watch Mourinho The World Cup may be over and the Euros still two years away, but there’s plenty of content to tide fans of the beautiful game over in the meantime. And if you enjoyed Netflix’s 2023 Beckham documentary, you are in for a treat with MOURINHO. Retiring from football playing aged just 24 after an uneventful career in the Portuguese leagues, it would soon become clear that José Mourinho was a far worthier asset on the sidelines. Two decades ago, he shocked the sporting world by leading FC Porto to Champions League glory, and he has since gone on to win league championships in four countries, as well as two European Cups with two clubs and all three UEFA club competitions – all as a manager. His work from Chelsea to Inter Milan and Real Madrid has come to redefine what it means to be a football manager in the big leagues. Netflix’s new three-part docuseries, streaming in full from today, charts Mourinho’s rise into the outspoken, bombastic manager we know today. Mourinho himself features, as do Sir Alex Ferguson, John Terry, Marcelo, Frank Lampard and more of football's greatest names. Streaming now, netflix.com  Going Out Try A Cult Brooklyn Pizza At The Standard Founded by Brooklyn-born Frank Pinello, Best Pizza is one of the hottest pizza joints in Williamsburg, New York – and this summer, it’s coming to London. See what the fuss is about by heading to Double Standard at The Standard, London, where the restaurant is popping up with its signature 14"–16" pies. On the menu? Classics like the Margherita, White Pie and Marinara, all cooked in a Gozney live fire oven, as well as a special made just for Londoners: the Soppressata Coppola. Pair with drinks from Two Tribes brewery – and be sure to finish with a classic tiramisu. For an extra treat, book an overnight stay at the hotel (ask for the Premium King View for unparalleled vistas of the city skyline). Pop-up runs until 13 September, standardhotels.com Property Of The Day From royal visitors to its enchanting walled gardens, this Scottish castle really is the stuff of fairytales. Dating back to the 12th century, the impressive estate features 16 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, eight reception rooms, plus a host of additional cottages for guests and staff.  On the market for £1,600,000, search.savills.com Little Luxury Jetting off on a weekend break? Travel in style with Antler’s chic new cabin-sized suitcase, which features an innovative dual opening system to make the packing and unpacking process smoother – as well as ensuring repacking post-security and grabbing items on the move is seamless. Inside, thoughtfully placed pockets keep everything secure and exactly as you packed it. Choose from three shades: classic black, green or taupe. £220, antler.co.uk Competition Time Enter here for your chance to win three of NIANCE’s bestselling products from the Glacier Platinum Collection worth over £1,000. Each powerful formulation within the collection contains a fusion of highly concentrated active ingredients to deliver an instant lifting and firming effect on the skin. Psssst… Just days after C&TH’s Ellie Smith spent the night there, Surrey hotel Beaverbrook was flooded with A-listers arriving for the wedding celebrations of Zendaya and Tom Holland. The couple reportedly tied the knot in secret earlier this year, but last week they took over the five-star estate for a three-day event attended by the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and Robert Downey Jr.  Whatever You Do, Don’t Assume seasonal affective disorder (SAD) only occurs in the winter. The summer blues are also very much a thing, caused by factors including high heat, disrupted sleep and intense social pressure to be happy – here’s an expert guide to fighting it.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

August 10, 2026   |        Staying In Try One Of Edenmoor’s Chef-Prepared Meals When it’s boiling outside, sweating away in front of a hot pan is the last thing anyone wants to do. So if you’ve exhausted all the salads and picky bits this summer, why not try one of the new gourmet meals from butcher and farm shop Edenmoor (formerly Pipers Farm)? The collection sees Edenmoor’s chefs cooking nourishing dishes made with top-quality British ingredients – perfect for a speedy mid-week supper or low-effort family dinner. Choose from mains like beef lasagne made with grass-fed beef ragu, Thai spiced Cornish hake marinated with lemongrass and ginger, and British fish pie elevated with sustainably sourced fish from Rockfish. Alongside this are sides like chunky chips, dauphinoise potatoes and cauliflower cheese. Find the full collection at edenmoor.com Going Out C&TH Partnership Book Tickets To The FT Weekend Festival Looking ahead to early September, spend a summer Saturday immersed in big ideas, inspiring conversations and unforgettable experiences at the FT Weekend Festival. Set in the grounds of Kenwood House Gardens, the festival brings together leading thinkers, cultural figures and FT journalists for a day of discussion, discovery and entertainment across ten stages. From politics and technology to food, travel, arts and culture, enjoy thought-provoking debates, live interviews, tastings, performances and more designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Whether you come to hear from world-class speakers, explore new perspectives or simply enjoy a unique day out with friends and family, the FT Weekend Festival offers something for every curious mind. Register now to save 15% on your pass with code FTxCTH15 Property Of The Day Fancy living in a former private school? Having closed its doors to pupils last month, Rendcomb Park in the Cotswolds is now on the hunt for a new owner. Spanning the Medieval grounds, sits the Victorian school building, boarding houses, a stable block, old post office, rectory, squash court, tennis courts, rugby field, cricket pitch, deer park and theatre.  On the market for £20m, knightfrank.co.uk  Little Luxury Compact, check-clad and built for grabbing on your way out the door, Burberry’s recently refreshed bucket bag doesn’t ask you to choose between practical and polished. Crafted in Italy from coated cotton canvas and trimmed with smooth calf leather, it’s printed in the archive beige House Check and finished with a Knight stamp drawstring adjuster – with room for a phone, wallet and sunglasses making this your new go-to. It’s built to earn its keep, day after day. £1,495, burberry.com Competition Time Here’s your chance to enjoy an indulgent London escape. Enter this exclusive competition to win a stylish two-night stay for two adults at Kensington Hideaway, a boutique, literary-themed retreat moments from the culture, shopping and leafy elegance of one of the capital’s most desirable neighbourhoods.  Psssst… The partial solar eclipse won't be the only astrological event this Wednesday – the Perseid Meteor Shower is also set to reach its peak that evening, shooting through the sky during and after the eclipse. Here’s how you can catch a glimpse. Whatever You Do, Don’t Miss out on the Buck Moon menu at Chelsea hotspot Ixchel. The restaurant is marking every full moon with a limited-edition dish and cocktail inspired by the changing seasons. This August, diners can expect two new specials: Salmon Tlayuda, a fresh take on traditional Oaxacan flatbread with salmon layered over a crisp tlayuda, black bean spread, fish crackling, a golden cheese crust and fresh salad; and a Blood Orange Mezcal Paloma, made with a refreshing blend Casamigos Mezcal, blood orange, fresh lime, agave and soda. Book a table here.   Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom