Weekly 10 July

Ellie Smith & Parm Bhamra
July 10, 2026

Dear Reader,

I find myself doing weirder and weirder things because of my obsession with the sauna. Last weekend in the New Forest, I booked a session at a place called Iron Heaven. I mean, the name really says it all. No one was there other than a lanky youth doing chest presses with loud Metallica music on in a really dark gym. I rang the bell a couple of times and a nice blonde women trekked over from across the road (above the chip shop) and showed me into the 'wellness' space – a wooden box that had an electric sauna, powerplate and nurosym – plus a cold plunge reeking of chlorine in the common area (i.e. people, although she said it would only be her dad, could walk by). Not quite the vibe I was after, although I do admire the business sense (perhaps not the execution). This weekend, I've planned to jog from my home in Acton to Boston Manor where I've found my nearest wood-fired sauna. It seems counterintuitive to seek out heat in this weather, but actually it can build heat resilience so the outdoor temperature feels more manageable.

Lucy Cleland
Editorial Director

Staying In

WATCH: The Wimbledon Final

It’s a big weekend for sport. Not only will England take on Norway in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Wimbledon draws to a close on Sunday with the hotly anticipated men’s singles final. If you’ve not managed to nab centre court tickets, tune in from home with a jug of Pimm’s and bowl of strawberries and cream. Alexander Zverev, Jannick Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fery – the 23-year-old British wildcard who has already made history by storming through to the semis – will battle it out today for a spot in the final. Watch on BBC Two on 12 July from 4pm. Prefer to be out and about? Here are London’s best outdoor screenings.

MAKE: Nina Safaei’s Burrata with Grilled Peaches, Prosciutto and Basil

Nima Safaei is the chef-restaurateur behind Soho institutions like Forty Dean Street, 64 Old Compton Street and 27 Old Compton Street. And now, he’s sharing his culinary wisdom with us through a debut cookbook, At Home With Nima. We share a summer recipe from the book below, perfect for warm days.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

4 ripe peaches
2 tbsp olive oil
2 balls of burrata (around 125g each)
8 slices of prosciutto (I like San Daniele)
A large handful of fresh basil leaves
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Halve the peaches and remove the stones, then brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil (you’ll need about a tablespoon).
Heat a griddle pan over a high heat until it is smoking hot.
Place the peaches cut-side down on the griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes without moving them, until lightly caramelised. Turn and cook for another minute on the other side, then remove and set aside.
Arrange the grilled peaches on a serving platter or individual plates.
Tear the burrata into pieces (do this over the serving platter so you don’t lose any of the creamy middle) and scatter over the peaches.
Drape the prosciutto over and around the peaches and burrata.
Scatter over the basil leaves, then drizzle generously with the remaining extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Season with a little sea salt and freshly ground pepper, then serve immediately with plenty of fresh bread.

At Home With Nima by Nima Safaei is out now via Amazon (£25)

BOOK: In-Suite Dining At The Berkeley

Want to host a summer dinner, but lacking on space? Swap your living room for five-star hotel The Berkeley, which has joined forces with British table linen brand Summerill & Bishop on a new in-suite dining experience. Guests can enjoy a specially created menu featuring seasonal dishes like burrata with broad beans and pistachios, wild seabass and tiramisu, paired with Pimm’s and jugs of cocktails – all while sitting around beautifully created tablescapes. Plan an al fresco feast for eight on the terrace, or organise a romantic dinner for two in your suite. maybourne.com

Going Out

PLAN: The Ultimate Road Trip Staycation

Follow in the footsteps of Rosalyn Wikeley on a road trip to remember from Sussex to the Cotswolds. Cruising around in a Polestar 3, she took her family to four of the best properties from country stay connoisseur Exclusive Collection. First up was South Lodge for its impressive spa and wild swimming pools, followed by Pennyhill Park, nestled among 120 acres of Surrey parkland. Next stop: Lainston House in Hampshire, a magnificent Georgian property known for its cooking school, Season. And finally, a night at The Manor House, ending with a special last supper at the Michelin-starred Bybrook. Read the full piece here.

DO: A Thoroughly British Summer

Britain does summer like nowhere else. Between the racedays and regattas, garden parties and long-awaited holidays, the season arrives with a to-do list all of its own – and our Great British Brands are here to help you make the most of it. Whether it’s catching a Wimbledon screening with Christy, enjoying a picnic with Daylesford, getting your hands on the latest cult handbag from Fairfax & Favor or adding some seasonal joy to your home with GP & J Baker, consider this your little black book for the months ahead. Read our full guide here.

WORKOUT: At Tewinbury Farm’s New Club

If you dread going to the gym when it’s nice outdoors this new launch could be up your street: countryside retreat Tewinbury Farm Hotel has launched the Farm Club. At the heart is Farm Fitness: a concept built around bringing fitness away from the gym and outside instead. Sessions are centred around natural, purposeful movement, with group classes on offer such as Farm Fit, which focuses on high-impact functional movements to build strength and stamina. Prefer pilates? There’s also a reformer studio, plus a large sauna and ice baths for recovery. tewinbury.co.uk

Staying in Forever…

Property Of The Week

The Sussex retreat of Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret, this 500-year-old home has welcomed many glittering guests through its doors. Inside: a bathroom wallpapered by scandalous royal news and a balcony taken from Ascot Racecourse’s Royal Box.

On the market for £3.95m, bluebookagency.com

Competition Time

Win a one-night bed and breakfast stay at Foxhill Manor in the Cotswolds
Win a four-year membership to online exercise programme After The Barre
Win a £500 Night & Day voucher to use at any PoB hotel

Psssst…

Air con is the holy grail this summer – and thankfully 8,000 London restaurants and bars are kitted out with it. Find out which spots will keep you cool while you eat and drink with Where’s Cool, which maps out every pub, bar, cafe and restaurant across England and Wales that definitely has AC.