With Summer in full swing, there’s no excuse not to get out and about. From exciting exhibitions to hot new eateries, we’ve rounded up our pick of top June dining, style and travel tips.
CULTURE VULTURE
Even though Chelsea Flower Show and the floral displays around Sloane Square have now finished, there’s RHS Garden Harlow Carr Flower Show in Harrogate, Yorkshire to look forward to from 23-25 June.
Central Saint Martins is world famous for its arts and design courses, but it’s also very accessible to the general public. We recently popped in to their new college in Granary Square, King’s Cross, to see their degree Show One dedicated to fine art. It was fascinating to wander around the college and meet some of the students with their creations. There were even arts performances in the glass lifts! Members of the public are very welcome to attend Show Two: Design from 21-25 June.
The Saatchi Gallery is known for its interesting exhibitions and the upcoming SuperYachtGallery, from 1-3 June, should be a fascinating insight into the world of yachting. Across 2 floors, visitors will be taken on a journey through a series of rooms focusing on the business of yachting, craftsmanship,performance and more.
STYLE FILE
If you’re a fan of Maison Assouline‘s beautiful books, then their London boutique is a real treasure trove. From the chic Swans Bar to their stylish gift collection, I could browse here for hours. They’ve recently launched a pop up bar in collaboration with Vins Extraordinaires, serving special wines by the glass. Until 23 June they’ll be serving prized wines such as Vin de Constance and Sassicaia, which many consider to be Italy’s best red wine.
We recently attended the launch of the new website for Buy Me Once, at The Ned Hotel. This brilliant concept brings together the world’s longest lasting products in one place. There are over 1,000 items ranging from Solidteknics kitchen goods to clothing, toys and tools – all with one common denominator – they’re the most sustainable of their kind.
TRAVEL TIPS
Edinburgh is one of those cities where you feel like you’re in the countryside – from Princes Street Gardens overlooking the castle, to Calton Hill and the peak of Arthur’s Seat, you’re at one with nature. Yet the fashionable restaurants and world class galleries remind you that you’re in a buzzing city. It’s also a perfect base to get out and explore the stunning coastline around Fife and St Andrews, famous for its golf courses. Summer is a great time to visit, whether right now or for the famous Fringe Festival in August. We have lots more to share with you from our Scotland trip so stay tuned!
The Seychelles are a true bucket list destination and worth a visit at any time of year. On 18 June, there’s a National Holiday, with a full programme of sporting events and shows and on 29 June there are Independence Day celebrations.
Thailand is one of those countries that we would happily visit again and again. One place we’ve heard great things about is Chiva-Som, the luxury wellness retreat in Hua Hin. We’ll be sharing more details of the resort as well as images from our latest photo-shoot for Chiva-Som, who partnered with Rolls-Royce and Morpheus London for an unforgettable few days at Ashberg House in Chelsea. Guests including musical legend Sir Ray Davies and chef Raymond Blanc experienced mouthwatering Thai cuisine and wellness treatments in stunning surroundings.
We’ve recently come across an innovative way to save on your travel money, by swapping currency directly with your fellow travellers. WeSwap helps you to exchange currency via a secure platform and gives you the best possible rates. So how does it work? You simply load up your WeSwap Mastercard® with your local currency, by using your debit card or bank account, then choose which currency you need and use your WeSwap card worldwide. There are 18 currencies to choose from including US dollars, British pounds and Euros and you can opt to receive your money instantly, in 3 days or 7 days. Such a great idea, it’s surprising that no one has thought of it before!
JUNE DINING
King’s Cross used to be a no-man’s land for restaurants but Karpo Grill is at the forefront of a new dining scene. Specializing in British produce with a European touch, they serve the most delicious Cornish seafood and Josper Grill steaks. The grass-fed Buccleuch Scottish beef is sourced from Campbell Brothers who supply the Royal Household. It’s beautifully tender and the grill really locks in the flavour. There’s a cool basement bar with regular live jazz evenings and the staff are charming.
One of the hottest places for June dining is The Ned, and we’ve worked our way around most of its eateries on behalf of you, dear reader ;-). From the tasty kedgeree brunch at Millie’s to the raw chocolate cake at Malibu Kitchen, it’s all great fun.
Brunch fans will be impressed with Plum + Spilt Milk, the award-winning restaurant located in the luxurious Great Northern Hotel. Diners can enjoy a truly bargainous champagne brunch, with a bottle of Billecart-Salmon, a brunch dish and tea or coffee for two for only £70. Acclaimed chef Mark Sargeant has designed a menu featuring classics such as a Full English breakfast and Eggs Benedict, sea-reared trout and more. The unusual name, Plum + Spilt Milk, comes from the colour of the Flying Scotsman trains that used to run from King’s Cross Station. There’s actually a signature Plum + Spilt Milk dessert, every bit as spectacular as the name suggests, although the Mango Mess with coconut meringue gave it a run for its money.
When the weather is warm, ice cream is called for and some of the tastiest in London can be found at Gelateria 3Bis in Borough Market, who recently celebrated their 30th birthday. Their artisan gelato are made with organic milk and their sorbets contain over 50% fruit. Doesn’t it look tempting?
Last but not least, the floral Afternoon tea at Ametsa at COMO The Halkin is every bit as stunning as it looks. We hope you’ve enjoyed these June dining, style and travel tips.
Do let us know in the comments of any great finds that you’ve made recently, whether a great restaurant or a charming hotel.
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