Staying In

Read Where Are The Kings By Donal Ryan

Looking for titles to add to your August reading list? Try the new novel from Donal Ryan, one of Ireland's most decorated novelists. Where Are The Kings follows 12-year-old Jack, who moves in with his grandparents in rural Ireland after a family tragedy involving his mother – which no one seems prepared to talk about. What awaits him is a house full of characters, including loving Nan, erratic Grandad, eccentric uncles, unpredictable cousin JJ and the beautiful Aunt Rose. All of them have one thing in common: they seem to know more than they're letting on. (Bring tissues, just in case.) Out 13 August 2026, £16.14, bookshop.org 

Going Out

Dine At The New Saltwater Soho

The founders of Aussie-inspired London eatery Milk Beach are back with Saltwater – and this time it’s all about sushi. Drawing inspiration once again from Sydney, as well as LA, the grab-and-go sushi concept has launched on Soho’s Berwick Street with a menu of handrolls, nigiri and hot donburi bowls. Think seared salmon with miso glaze, bluefin tuna rolls, and miso chicken bowls served with rice, greens and smacked cucumber. Sustainability is a pivotal part, too: the restaurant works with leading supplier True World Foods – known for providing fish for places like Nobu and Roka – and food is served in seaweed-based, plastic-free packaging. Find more new London restaurant openings to have on your radar here. saltwatersushi.com

Property Of The Day

You either need a big family or plenty of friends if you’re going to call this 24-bedroom estate home. With origins dating back to 1212, this Grade I listed manor was once a globally renowned centre for agricultural innovation, and a supporting base to nearby Bletchley Park in WWII. 

On the market for £2,000,000, search.savills.com

Little Luxury

Dr. Barbara Sturm is one of the world’s leading skincare gurus – and now you can experience her magic in the subterranean spa of Claridge’s. The skincare specialist now has a residency at the hotel, featuring treatments including the STURMGLOW™ Facial, which begins with a deep cleanse and gentle steam ahead of a series of skin barrier-strengthening formulas to revitalise your complexion. Alternatively, opt for the Bespoke Facial, which tailors the treatment to your individual needs, incorporating advanced technology like microneedling and LED therapy to supercharge the skin in just 90 minutes. Afterwards, spend some time decompressing in one of the pool cabanas beside the pool – heaven. maybourne.com

Competition Time

Are your towels growing tired? Is your bedding in need of a refresh? Enter this competition now for your chance to win a £500 voucher to spend on the gorgeous range from homeware brand Christy. 

Psssst…

Richard Osman has revealed Scottish actor Jack Lowden – famous for starring in Slow Horses and soon to appear as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice – is being ‘strongly considered’ as the next James Bond. ‘The name I’ve heard is Jack Lowden,’ he said in a conversation with co-host Marina Hyde on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast. ‘It is definitively not a “he's definitely got it” thing,’ Osman added. ‘He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he'd be amazing.’ But who else has been rumoured?

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Battle through crowds on the Amalfi Coast. Instead, consider a trip to Ischia, where you can reap the joys of Italian life without the hordes of tourists. ‘It offers a wonderfully authentic atmosphere where wellness, food and local culture are woven into everyday life, creating a slower, more restorative experience,’ says Joanne Popple, Luxury Travel Designer at Carrier. Find more crowd-free destinations to consider here.

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