Headed to London This Summer? Here’s What to Do While You’re There
The week of May 19 may have been THE time to be in England (in case you forgot, a certain royal couple got married that day), but London’s always a good choice for a summer getaway, regardless of what’s happening in Royal Family Land. If you’re planning a trip across the pond, here are some of the things to do, see and experience while you’re there.
Visit: ‘Fashioned From Nature’ at the V&A Museum
According to the Victoria & Albert Museum website, this is “the first UK exhibition to explore the complex relationship between fashion and nature from 1600 to the present day,” and includes pieces by Stella McCartney (one of the designers at the forefront of eco-conscious fashion), Calvin Klein (namely the dress from their Green Carpet Collection that Emma Watson wore to the 2016 Met Gala), and a muslin dress decorated with beetle wing cases, circa 1868. Be sure to also check out the ‘Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up‘ exhibit, which is a collection of the late artist’s clothing and personal artefacts, on view for the first time outside Mexico.
Shop: Maison Birks
Pop into the Mappin & Webb flagship boutique on Regent Street to check out their newly launched collection of Maison Birks jewellery. If you can’t make it to the flagship, the Canadian fine jewellery brand—and Meghan Markle fave!—is also carried across all Mappin & Webb and Goldsmith locations in the country.
Experience: Prince and Patron
For some royal family vibes, head to Buckingham Palace for the Prince and Patron show, an exhibit with over 100 works of never-seen-before art handpicked by Prince Charles, in honour of his 70th birthday, from his own personal collection. The collection includes two oil paintings of his sons, Princes William and Harry. Painted by Nicky Philipps in 2009, the portraits depict the brothers in their Blues and Royals Household Cavalry regimental uniforms, and typically hang at Prince Charles’ private residence in Gloucestershire. Prince and Patron is part of a visit to the Summer Opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace from 21 July to 30 September 2018.
Eat: Mare Street Market
London is basically an ever-revolving door of new restaurants, so head over to any of these new spots setting up shop in England’s capital this year. The one we’re most keen to try? Mare Street Market, a food hall/market helmed by buzzy chef Gizzi Erskine, which will offer, all under one roof, a coffee roastery, vinyl record shop, florist and pop-up boutiques. The crown jewel, of course, is Erskine’s own restaurant, The Dining Room.
Stay: The Montague on the Gardens
For a real dose of traditional English charm, book yourself into this 18th century Georgian-townhouse-turned-boutique-hotel. It basically feels like you’re staying in a posh, aristocratic family’s home, thanks to the antique furnishings, rich tapestries and ornate cornices. And what’s a trip to England without Afternoon Tea? The Montague hotel’s daily offering in a sunlit conservatory comes complete with finger sandwiches, pastries and scones (with clotted cream and jam of course!), but we’d suggest waiting till Sunday for their special “Free Flowing Champagne” version, with bottomless champagne to go with your afternoon spread. If you’re so inclined, walk over to the British Museum—it’s just a few minutes away—where there’s a Rodin exhibit on until 29 July.
Photography via The Montague on the Gardens
Photography via The Montague on the Gardens
Photography via The Montague on the Gardens
Photography via The Montague on the Gardens
Photography via The Montague on the Gardens
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