WHAT (AND WHERE) TO EAT AND DRINK
Aperol Spritz is so unchic
A garish glass of orange liqueur is so painfully obvious compared to mysteriously clear Hugo spritz, and all you need is to swap out the Aperol for elderflower cordial — or a Limoncello spritz is retro-cool for this summer. Add a bit of mint to be extra chic and pretend you’re in Call Me By Your Name. MM
The hottest tables to book
Tables aren’t easy to come by at The Dover in Mayfair, the pinnacle of much-hyped Italian American dining, nor are they easy to book at Mambow, Abby Lee’s modern Malaysian spot in Clapton, but keep on trying, they’re worth it. Or, try Roe, the Canary Wharf follow-up to Fallow. With room for 500, they should still have at least one table left. JB
Sausages are back!
Forget long marinades — all anyone wants on the barbecue is sausages. They’re also the snack to see you through nights at the pub (the Audley in Mayfair serves Durslade Farm sausages for £4 a pop, while the Walmer Castle in Notting Hill does a pile of cocktail sausages for £9). JB
Guinness is a drink preference, not a personality
It’s a decent drink, the pint of plain, but lately, things have been getting out of control: liking Guinness is a preference, not a personality. This summer, talking about the cream, the dome and the gas mix is very much not the thing to do — it’s just a pint, let it go. DE
No more Whispering Angel (sorry)
I’ve come under fire for writing the headline ‘Whispering Angel is naff’. I can only say those who have doubled down in its defence have proven a point. The brand has outgrown the product, and the hysteria is frankly overwhelming. Instead, just opt for a lovely, crisp Provence rose. JB
The pubs to be seen at
The Devonshire remains the hottest ticket in Soho and now has a booked-out roof terrace to boot. Likewise, the newly opened Hero of Maida Vale, the latest opening from the boys behind the Pelican in Notting Hill and the Bull in Charlbury. Otherwise, look out for Manchester import Albert Schloss, which is opening next month in Piccadilly. More a beer hall than a pub, granted, but vibes are certain. JB
Game over, Perello olives
Since the snack became a meme, the hype has very much settled. Tomatoes on toast should be given far greater credence here. In Italy, bruschetta; in Spain, pan con tomate. In London, where high-quality toms are harder to come by, do a low-brow version with tomatoes and Philadelphia on slices of French baguette, with salt and pepper. JB
WHERE TO GO
The gig ticket to name-drop
After opening for Boygenius in Gunnersbury Park last summer, the uber-talented Ethel Cain is bringing her spookily gothic storytelling back to London for a pair of headline shows at the Roundhouse. They’re long sold out, but you could always try loitering on the streets of Chalk Farm in search of that ever elusive ‘spare ticket’. EH
You need tickets to: All Points East
If you’re not present for at least one day of All Points East people might think you’re dead. Or worse, your social life is. MM
The theatre show to sell your kidney for: People, Places & Things
There haven’t been too many five-star openings in the West End of late, so thank goodness for the return of People, Places & Things. The show that seared through the West End almost a decade ago making a star of Denise Gough is back, and she is better than ever. The other hot ticket is of course Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland, in Romeo & Juliet at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Swoon! NC
The show that’s set to keep making headlines: Slave Play
This has been the talk of Theatreland since the announcement the 12-time Tony nominated play was coming to London. Jeremy O Harris’s work caused a sensation on Broadway, so how will a show about race, identity and sexuality in 21st-century America land in the West End? Explosively is our guess. NC
WHAT TO LISTEN TO
The song
Between Sabrina Carpenter’s “that’s that me espresso” and the preposterously talented rising star Chappell Roan, the new wave of niche alt-pop girlies are officially coming for the old guard’s crown. Now that it’s bagged a number one, Espresso has already secured Song of the Summer Status, but make sure you don’t sleep on Chappell’s own seasonal smash Good Luck, Babe. EH
The album
Doechii is one of the most exciting names in rap right now, and between opening for Doja Cat in the US and going meg-viral with What It Is, bigger things are surely on the way. The Top Dawg Entertainment-signed singer has been teasing her debut album since last year: no concrete release date just yet. EH
WHAT TO WATCH
The London TV show we’ve all been waiting for: Queenie
Falling apart after a bad break-up, Queenie Jenkins is determined to live her best life. Set in south London and based on the bestseller by Candice Carty-Williams, there is a lot of anticipation about this funny and sharp C4 show. NC
It’s Luca Guadagnino summer
From Challengers to A Bigger Splash and the upcoming Daniel Craig-led Queer, Guadagnino is the only director whose back catalogue you need to be bingeing this year. MM
The show to cancel all going out plans for: The Bear, season three
Yes, chef! The great foodie stress-watch is back with its heady mix of impossibly tasty-looking grub, stellar knitwear and self-destructing protagonists. What can season three hold?NC
The film to really get revved up over: The Bikeriders
Get ready for a full-throttle drama, With a cast including Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer and Austin Butler in glorious Sixties biker gear. NC
WHAT TO WEAR
You need a pair of red socks in your wardrobe
Spice up your trainer game or, even better, loafer situation with a cherry-red piece of hosiery. MM
Swap your drawstring trunks for a tailored pair
Saggy, drawstring trunks will not cut it this summer. Male model (and Pixie Lott’s hubby) Oliver Cheshire’s label CHÉ Studios is helping lead the tailored, zip and button swimmers. Other shout outs to Gusari and Orlebar Brown. JB
The hot sunnies
Celine’s eyewear offering appears to have held up, and is maintaining its spot as a top contender for hottest glasses this summer — particularly their Triomphe Metal 01 pairs in gold or silver. Loewe’s Paula Ibiza pairs are still great for beach or festival (although perhaps too much for the city), anything covered in diamantes have cooled right down. Y2K sunnies, finally laid to rest. JB
Peach fuzz make-up
Pantone called it the colour of 2024, and it’s now very much becoming a thing in make-up. Merit have done it best with their Signature Lip in Ginger, which combines a peach with a hint of pink to make it eminently wearable. For inspiration on all things peach, look to Hailey Bieber, who recently shared her “peachy girl summer” tutorial. MS
