Dear Reader,

I'm back in the gym. Some of you will know that I underwent a three month transformation with Roar last year. The deal was I had to take before and after photos and publish them. Still people ask me about it. And it was the most incredible experience – I remember I used to almost cha cha along the street so full of endorphins was I. Well, I can tell you a year later I'm more before than after, more shuffle dance than tango, more comfy clothes than bodycon. I did try to keep going, subscribing to Caroline's Circuits but gradually a year later I hit a wall. So I need someone to take me in hand. I'm definitely not doing the extreme stuff I did last year (not sustainable) but I do feel I need a bit of training guidance from a PT. I want to feel lighter, brighter, stronger, which will also make me nicer. Win-win.

Have a wonderful weekend. 

Lucy Cleland
Editorial Director

Staying In

Watch Gorilla Story

It’s a big year for Britain’s most beloved nature broadcaster David Attenborough, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in May. In celebration, the BBC has commissioned a bumper crop of Attenborough content, including three new shows and archival material from his incredible seven-decade career. But his newest documentary is A Gorilla Story, an intimate film streaming from today (17 April). Narrated by Attenborough and directed by James Reed – the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind My Octopus Teacher (2020) – the intimate documentary blends the story of Attenborough’s own first meeting with baby gorilla Pablo in the ‘70s, before delving into the lives of the silverback’s direct descendants in the mountains of Rwanda today. As such, expect a mixture of contemporary and archival footage, all brought to life by Attenborough, who will also give us a peek into his mind by reading excerpts from his 1978 journals. Shot over a whopping 250 days across multiple years, the film also showcases gorilla behaviour never captured before on camera. Streaming now on Netflix.

Decorate the table for spring

What first comes to mind when you think of spring? Maybe it’s the scent of freshly cut grass, the colourful wave of tulips swaying gently in the breeze or just the sensation of gentle sunshine on your skin. For us, it’s a fabulous dinner party with the sun shining, the windows flung open and a table bursting with crockery, trinkets and delicious food. ‘The table is an ideal place to start for an easy spring update,’ emphasises homeware designer Rebecca Udall. ‘I often reach for favourite pieces that set a playful tone without focusing too heavily on everything being matching and “perfect”. Understated yet beautiful linens crafted from the finest materials – I love a modern take on a classic stripe, or to embrace seasonality with a favourite botanical inspired print. Rattan lends itself perfectly to the season, adding texture without feeling heavy. And adding fresh blooms – narcissus and tulips are a favourite for a pop of bright colour – creates the perfect spring mood.’ Find more expert tips for spring tablescaping with our guide here.

Going Out

Visit the V&A East Museum

The V&A’s much-awaited East London opening is finally here. Introducing the V&A East Museum (not to be confused with its neighbour V&A Storehouse): an all-new museum on Stratford’s Olympic Park dedicated to contemporary global culture. Officially open from 18 April, visitors can expect two permanent galleries titled ‘Why We Make’, featuring more than 500 objects from the V&A’s collections, spanning art, architecture, design, performance and fashion – many on display for the first time. Meanwhile there is also an opening exhibition titled The Music is Black, which celebrates 125 years of Black music in our country. Spanning Jazz, Reggae, 2 Tone, Drum & Bass, Trip Hop, Garage, Grime and more, the exhibition tells the long-overdue story of Black excellence, struggle, resilience, and joy. Highlights on display include Stormzy’s iconic 2019 Glastonbury vest designed by Banksy, Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar, fashion worn by Seal, Sade + Skin, plus Fabio & Grooverider’s DJ equipment. Entry to the V&A East Museum is free; tickets to see The Music is Black start from £10pp.

Take part in the Tweed Run

If you notice some very well-dressed cyclists taking to the streets of London this weekend, don’t be alarmed – it’s only The Tweed Run. Returning to the capital for its 18th year, the event encourages cyclists from all over the world to don their finest tailoring and get pedalling. The cycling route is a leisurely one, kicking off in an undisclosed location (the full route is kept under wraps until shortly before the event) before cycling through some of the city’s major landmarks. Cyclists will also, fittingly, make a stop at Savile Row, the city’s celebrated address for bespoke tailoring. (And don’t worry, it’s not non-stop cycling – organisers behind the event have assured that there will be plenty of ‘considered pauses’ along the way for tea, picnics and celebratory cocktails.) Find out what to expect in our guide here. 18 April, tickets are £49; tweedrun.com

Shop at the Classic Car Boot Sale

And speaking of tweed… vintage attire is also encouraged at the Classic Car Boot Sale, which returns to Granary Square in King's Cross this weekend. Dubbed London’s biggest vintage fashion event, visitors can browse the pop-up market for homewares, fashion and trinkets – as well as check out more than 75 beautiful classic cars from decades past. And in between bouts of rummaging and admiring, you can make the most of the day by enjoying craft drinks from the Routemaster Bus Bar, trying out street food or just happily bopping along to a playlist of live vinyls. And don’t be put off by the dress code; visitors are welcome to dress up in the finest throwback threads from any decade (although the further back you go, the more compliments you’re likely to get). This also makes it a great event for people watching. 18 and 19 April. Tickets are £7 for the day, or £10 for the weekend; classiccarbootsale.co.uk 

PLUS: Last Chance To Book Our Spring Retreat

There are just a few tickets remaining for our spring Balance Retreat, taking place on 23 April at Lime Wood hotel in the New Forest. Through thoughtfully guided practices, you’ll release stagnant energy, reconnect with your creativity and rediscover a natural sense of flow – expect to leave feeling re-energised and ready to move through life with greater ease, vitality, and purpose. Think transformative workshops, holistic practices like yoga and meditation, and seasonal menus from Lime Wood’s celebrated chefs. £275pp, book your spot now.

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Staying in Forever…

Property Of The Week

Fancy owning an entire village? A former village turned boutique hotel, the Village at Lyons in Ireland comes with 47 bedrooms, 20 acres of land and a 30-minute commute into Dublin. 

€20m, sothebysrealty.com

Competition Time

1. Win a two-night stay at The Manor House, Alsager in East Cheshire

2. Win this £2.5m Dorset dream home

3. Win a bed and breakfast stay at Buckland Manor in the Cotswolds

Psssst…

Have you seen our new issue of The Collector? From cigars and classic cars to serious artworks, we bring you everything you need to know about the hottest collectibles on the market. Here’s a sneak peek.