Just like that, summer is over. Or is it? I’m not about to go Carrie Bradshaw on our readers, don’t worry. But as most of us have probably taken whatever summer holiday we can take and the kids go back to school, do we really think that’s it for us in London this year?
We’ve just had the coldest, wettest summer in a decade and while the past few weeks have been all right, I feel like there’s much more to look forward to. I love summer as much as the next guy and I’ve got to say this one has been pretty special despite the weather “challenges”.
I’ve been blessed with a lot of work. I even managed to have a little bit of time away with my fiancé Stavvy — I mean, we eventually had to chase the sun wherever we could get it, right? Most importantly, I got to spend some real quality time with my dog Reenie in Battersea Park and around Pimlico just chilling.
Having said that, don’t underestimate the power of this upcoming period of time. I read somewhere recently that people often refer to September as the real New Year and I couldn’t relate more. Let’s be honest — January ain’t great! It’s the coldest time of the year, we’re all recovering from the shock of how much we had to spend over the holidays and are a couple pounds heavier too.
Yes, summer takes it out of you too, but I love the idea that this is the real opportunity to grow, to have a positive outlook on the next few months. I sense we’ll get plenty of sunny spells now and we will get to enjoy the capital in all its splendour.
The tourist levels have died down. Parks aren’t overrun with children getting a sugar rush (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). Restaurants and museums don’t need you to pre-plan so much. It’s f***ing glorious.
Take that opportunity to treat yourself to an experience where you know you’re not going to have anxiety about crowds
I’d strongly suggest to those with more flexible work hours to maybe start your day an hour earlier and clock off an hour earlier too. Take that opportunity to treat yourself to an experience where you know you’re not going to have anxiety about crowd sizes.
Pop into your favourite gallery for that final hour before closing and then go for a walk on the Embankment. So many of us get so easily swept up in the chaos that comes with living here that we forget to look up. London is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, both night and day.
You see, I think autumn walks are incredible and the best way to reset after a long week. It doesn’t matter if it’s just around the city or in one of our great parks. Battersea, Hampstead and Greenwich are especially beautiful if you did opt for the latter.
The park cafes are usually buzzing with locals and surprisingly reasonable. If you have an extra few hours on your hands, make the effort to head down to Kew Gardens — there’s nothing like it this time of year. It serves as a good reminder of all the beauty in nature and how important it is for our wellbeing.
I’ve actually got a little outdoorsy trip to Thorpe Park planned in the next couple of weeks and I’m so excited. You’re never too old for a funfair and now’s just the time to do it. Listen… whether it’s grabbing a coffee around Broadway Market and wandering down the canals or picking up some cheap last-minute theatre tickets, now is the time to do it.
Summer was expensive for us all, I’m sure, but there’s so much going on and at more accessible prices than say October or the holiday period.
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that this is the opportunity for a little factory reset and London’s giving us the chance to do it with this exciting “season” upon us. I’d love for you to give yourself a day or evening this coming week and tell me all about it.
I post a collab with the Evening Standard on Instagram on Saturdays — let me know in the comments what you got up to and how it made you feel! And don’t be filthy please.
See you next Wednesday.
Track of the Week: Human After All — Crazy P. Rest in power Danielle.
