Staying In

Watch The Rapture

Despite being based on a novel published in 2009, new BBC thriller The Rapture has never felt timelier as heatwave number four creeps up on the south of England. Described by the British broadcaster as ‘a high-stakes thriller which crackles with danger’, the five-part drama unfolds during a heatwave of apocalyptic proportions, which matches freak weather patterns unfurling across the globe. We centre on forensic psychologist Gabs Fox (Ruth Madeley), who starts a new job at high-security psychiatric hospital Oxsmith in the midst of this unrest. It is here that she meets 17-year-old Bethany Krall (India Amarteifio), who is being detained for the murder of her mother. The teenager insists she is innocent. She also tells Gabs that she has psychic powers and can predict the future. But what will it take for Gabs to believe her? And if Bethany didn’t kill her mother, who did? All episodes are streaming now on BBC iPlayer.

Going Out

Try New London Italian Rosina

We have an exciting new London restaurant to recommend: Rosina on Bellevue Road in Wandsworth Common. The latest opening from Adam Byatt (the chef behind esteemed Clapham favourite Trinity), it serves Italian food amid a beautiful space – with a large terrace area overlooking the green. Kick things off with a cherry sour negroni and starters of datterini tomatoes with mozzarella and nectarine ahead of mains like Adam’s post-service pasta (spaghetti with anchovies, garlic, chilli and parsley), a signature risotto bianco and roasted turbot with capers and lemon. For dessert, say yes to the tiramisu, dished out tableside. Word on the street is that Saturday evenings are already booked out until September, so nab a mid-week or Sunday lunch table while you can. Find our full review here.

Property Of The Day

The only thing better than one private island? Two. Up for auction tomorrow, the smaller of these two Thames isles was once home to The Nest – the secret hideaway where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor conducted their scandal-making affair. Though only the remains of The Nest survive, the adjoining isle boasts a five-bedroom home with riverside views. 

Going up for auction tomorrow with a guide price of £1.65m, auctions.savills.co.uk

Little Luxury

Time for a water bottle upgrade? Chilly’s has launched the Series 3 Flip, its most advanced insulated straw bottle to date. Available in both 1L and 500ml sizes, it keeps drinks cold for up to 75 hours (1L) and 45 hours (500ml), with a leak-proof insulated straw bottle and carry loop. It comes in a whole host of pretty colours too. From £40, chillys.com

Competition Time

Win a two-night stay for two at Killarney Royal Townhouse in County Kerry, Ireland, including dinner and a choice of wild swimming or a guided walk.

Psssst…

Farmers have warned the extreme weather of late – particularly the lack of rain – could put some foods at risk in the UK. The hot, dry conditions are proving detrimental for effective growth of British peas, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, while Sainsbury’s has reported issues with cucumber supply due to temperatures in international growing regions. But what’s the long-term outlook?

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Assume weight loss drugs automatically make you happier. A new study published in The BMJ has found that despite their pound-shedding effects, GLP-1 medications do not produce significant improvements in quality of life. ‘While important, weight loss should never be viewed as the only measure of success,’ writes nutritionist Kim Pearson. ‘If a treatment leaves someone feeling unwell, unable to enjoy food, social occasions, or even everyday life, we have to ask whether it really is the best approach.’ Read her full take here.

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