Welcome to our monthly need-to-know dispatch of the latest and greatest releases that should be on your radar for the month ahead.
With a full-time job, busy social life, and social media accounts to update, it’s challenging to keep up with all the shiny newness out there.
But you don’t have to. Here at ES Best, we’ve got our ears to the ground and our noses pressed against digital shop fronts, always hunting for the latest fashion, events, and food and drink - so you don’t have to. From sell-out collections to limited edition collaborations, with exclusive events, fresh launches and new store unveilings in between, we’ve got it covered so you don’t miss out on a thing.
July is here, which technically means it’s high summer - it’s just a shame the weather hasn’t got the memo. Favourable temperatures are on their way though, so it’s essential to feel prepared with a cooling fan to blow fresh air through your abode, summer bedding to avoid waking up a hot mess and weather-appropriate officewear that will keep you looking and feeling cool, no matter how sweltering the commute.
With Wimbledon in full flow, it’s easy to feel inspired - luckily we’ve got all the tennis kit roundups you can shake a racket at to get you back in the game. Festival season is still going strong with the capital taking the starring role as the venue for events like BST in Hyde Park and Wireless: if you’re headed there, don’t miss our festival fashion guide and bumbags to keep all the essentials close to hand.
July also sees Amazon’s biggest shopping festival take place: that’s right, Amazon Prime Day is back for another epic round of discounts, deals and exclusive promotions you can’t afford to miss. The dates have been confirmed; if you’re looking for shopping inspo, you can find the best deals for Amazon Prime Day here.
And of course, there’s the usual smorgasbord of glittering new launches, exciting collabs and epic shopping drops to make this July shine.
If you’re ever at a loss for something to do at the weekend or want to scratch the retail therapy itch, we’ll keep this page updated all month long; it’s best to bookmark it so you’ve got the insider’s guide right at your fingertips.
Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter version of this Shortlist for a weekly digest covering everything from fashion and furniture to tech and travel.
Ready, set, shop
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The MAINE launches summer terrace
Shopping is hard work; if you find yourself in desperate need of a martini to keep you going, we know just the place. Located a stone's throw from Oxford Circus, The MAINE in Mayfair has opened a new (dog-friendly) outdoor terrace that's the perfect shady and secluded spot for lunch or dinner after hitting the shops.
The restaurant serves delicious New England-style dishes and snacks to help you refuel in style: think oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos and sticky short ribs you'll be dreaming about for weeks to come.
A prix fixe lunch menu includes two courses at £35 per person.
Buy now £35.00, The MAINE
Rowing Blazers x Babar Capsule summer collection
Continuing to stoke the fires for all things nostalgia, Rowing Blazers is back with another Babar collection, championing the globetrotting elephant. The unisex summer collection is full of wearable pieces in our yo-yo summer including polos, rugby shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, caps and more.
The short of it? Clean-cut, cute and preppy. Prices from £30.
Buy now, Rowing Blazers
Decathlon unveils world's first neoprene alternative wetsuit
Wild for wild swimming? Now you can enjoy the natural environment while helping to protect it too. Decathlon, the sports expert, has launched a wetsuit made from 100 per cent certified natural rubber, which creates 80 per cent less CO2 eq. emissions than neoprene foam, the material typically used to make wetsuits.
Called Yulex100, the range includes men's, women’s and kids’’ wetsuits, all ideal for a wide range of watersports while shielding from UPF50. Starts from £19.99.
Buy now £19.99, Decathlon
GO Outdoors launches tent sale
Got a festival ticket but still no tent? GO Outdoors to the rescue! The outdoor expert has launched a huge sale on tents until July 22 with hundreds wiped off the RRP. There's everything from a compact backpacking tent to large tunnel designs for groups at up to 68 per cent off. If ever there was a run don't walk situation, this is it.
Buy now, GO Outdoors
Smeg launches 10-in-1 Multifunction Countertop Oven
Famed for its sleek kitchen appliances, Smeg has thrown down a gauntlet to standard air fryers by launching a new mini oven that fits neatly on a kitchen counter.
The 10-in-1 device is made for compact spaces with a roster of cooking functions housed inside the Italian brand's signature 50s aesthetic, which comes in cream and black colours. If it cooks as good as it looks, we're in for a treat.
Buy now £849.95, Smeg
McVitie's launch unusual Jaffa Cake flavour
In very important biscuit news, McVitie's has launched a brand new flavour of Jaffa Cake, and it's set to be its most controversial yet. Introducing cola bottle based on the popular pick 'n' mix sweet, they will be available in biscuit and cake bar form from all the usual supermarkets.
Buy now £0.85, Asda
Feel like the A-list with Club Wembley
Wembley Stadium’s exclusive VIP offering has stepped up its game with the recent slurry of record-breaking, international superstar headliners, from Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran to – of course – Miss Taylor Swift.
In purchasing an exclusive ticket package through Club Wembley, eager concertgoers will be treated to bespoke and delicious food and drink offerings tailored to suit the event in question.
With Taylor Swift returning to headline the iconic venue in August, Club Wembley ticket holders can expect priority access and incredible Taylor touches in hospitality, including a friendship bracelet-making station, photobooth and temporary tattoo parlour.
There’s no better way to experience The Eras Tour, or any other headline act set to perform under Wembley’s iconic arch.
Hospitality packages start from £449, excluding concert ticket.
Buy now, Club Wembley
Dishoom Summer barbecue boxes
Starting to feel bored by the usual BBQ grub? Perhaps it's time to take your feast to the next level with a little help from Dishoom.
The Indian restaurant has relaunched its Summer BBQ boxes with meat (£55) and veggie (£35) options available. Everything comes prepped in delicious and perfectly spiced marinades, leaving you to do little else but fire up the grill and get charring.
We tried the meat feast which included Murgh Malai, Chicken Tikka, Kebab Masala, and Dishoom's legendary lamb chops which has enough to feed four ravenous people comfortably. If it rains, everything can be made in a standard oven too.
Buy now, Dishoom
