Dear Reader,

‘I’m not interested in dress codes, I’m interested in conduct codes,’ said restaurateur Jeremy King on a recent podcast. That sent a warm shiver through me – it’s exactly how I feel, as someone almost permanently in trainers with dog hair stuck to my coat (beyond that, I’m eminently presentable). King turned down Cambridge (something he regrets), but went on to become one of Britain’s most beloved restaurateurs, with a string of places that are always buzzing yet accessible. No snooty waiters clocking your footwear, no sucking up to the ostentatiously wealthy, chips on the menu (who doesn’t love chips)… To curate a space that feels open to everyone, yet still elevated and spoiling, is an extraordinary thing – and only achievable through a clear set of values that comes from the very top. His latest opening and the hottest ticket in town is Simpson's in the Strand. I'll see you at the bar.

Lucy Cleland
Editorial Director

Staying In

Watch Flaming Feasts

Hunker down this rainy weekend for a transportive new watch, the BBC’s Flaming Feasts. Chris ‘Flamebaster’ Roberts is a Welsh chef who – you guessed it – loves to cook in the open air over impressive charcoal grill setups. This new show, which premieres on Saturday 28 March comprises six episodes that tour viewers up and down the lengths of Wales, whether for a whole cow-cook in Llanberis to beachside BBQs in Aberteifi. It’ll be hungry watching which, the chef says, celebrates Wales’ ‘amazing pantry’. Airs BBC One at 11:30AM on Saturday 28 March (or a day earlier on BBC One Wales, at 7:30PM). bbc.co.uk

Read Colm Tóibín’s The News from Dublin

Colm Tóibín never saw himself as a short story writer. He tried again and again and it never seemed to work. That is until he found himself in a hotel room in 2004 with a little pad of paper beside the phone. He wrote down the first sentence of a tale and his first short story grew from there. Though best known for the film-adapted Brooklyn, today the award-winning Irish author has two short story collections under his belt, with his third in 15 years now in bookstores. Titled The News From Dublin, this new collection delves into the days and nights of those living far from home: from a woman in Galway learning of the death of her son in the First World War and an Irishman seeking anonymity in Barcelona, to a young lady who finds herself pregnant during the Spanish Civil War and an undocumented worker forced to flee San Francisco, and his child. Often heralded for his emotional restraint and mastery of the unspoken, these nine new stories promise to be true to form: built on silence, secrecy and what remains unsaid. Out now.

Going Out

Plan a trip to Sardinia

Known for its glittering waters, world-class beaches and rugged mountains, Sardinia is the stuff of Mediterranean holiday dreams. It’s also a prime destination for foodies, as well as those interested in history – home to impressive UNESCO sites and archaeological ruins, plus the old town of Castello. But where to stay on a trip there? Excitingly, The Thinking Traveller has launched a new selection of exclusive villas on the island for 2026. The collection includes Salinedda Six in the north, a sprawling eight-bedroom property surrounded by emerald lawns which looks out towards Capo Coda Cavallo; and the four-bedroom Lia, located near a sandy beach on the south of the island and featuring a dazzling infinity pool. Find the full selection here.

Book our Balance retreat

Spring into spring at our upcoming wellness retreat, taking place at five-star country house hotel Lime Wood in the heart of the New Forest. Through thoughtfully guided practices, you’ll release stagnant energy and rediscover a natural sense of flow – and leave ready to move through life with greater ease, vitality and purpose. Expect transformative workshops, learn techniques to unlock emotional blocks, take part in holistic practices like meditation and yoga, join a fragrance masterclass with our event partner Molton Brown, and enjoy seasonal, locally sourced menus designed by Lime Wood’s celebrated chefs. Sessions will be led by the likes of yoga teacher and sound healer Cat Meffan, illustrator and artist Susannah Taylor, and meditation expert Maude Hirst, as well as C&TH’s own Wellness Editor Camilla Hewitt. You’ll go home with a thoughtfully assembled goodie bag too, featuring a generous selection of premium brands spanning wellness, beauty and lifestyle. Better still, we’re offering an exclusive discount for our readers: just use the code RETREAT20 to claim it when buying your ticket. 22 – 23 April 2026, £275 per day or £220 with the discount code, book at eventbrite.co.uk

See The Magic Faraway Tree

Most Brits will remember growing up reading Enid Blyton’s children’s novels, from the Famous Five and the Secret Seven, to Noddy and Malory Towers. And while many of her stories (and views) don’t hold up in the light of the 21st century, The Faraway Tree series (1939–51) still holds a special place in many hearts: that mystical otherworld up a gigantic magical tree discovered by Jo, Bessie and Fanny. And now it’s being brought to life with a live action film, finally arriving in cinemas today – over a decade since the project was first announced. Starring Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield as parents Polly and Tim Thompson, the adaptation brings the mid-20th-century story bang up to date, with technology and post-pandemic anxiety woven through the timeless tale. Like many Blyton novels, it’s a love letter to the bucolic English countryside – and we got the lowdown on where it was filmed from location manager Harriet Lawrence. Head to one of London’s cosiest independent cinemas for a family-friendly watch this weekend.

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Staying in Forever…

Property Of The Week

If Sardinia doesn’t float your boat, can we tempt you in a sun-soaked sojourn to Sicily this summer? Part of The Thinking Traveller’s collection, Don Arcangelo all’Olmo is surely the best property on the island: a beautifully restored villa and guesthouse with 12 bedrooms, an 18m-long pool, a well-equipped gym and perfectly manicured gardens. An in-villa cook service means you’ll enjoy chef-quality Sicilian meals without having to lift a finger, and The Thinking Traveller’s local experts can arrange incredible experiences from helicopter trips to private boat charters and wine tours on Mount Etna. thethinkingtraveller.com

Competition Time

1. Win a stay at The Scarlet hotel in Cornwall, including a three-course dinner

2. Win a necklace and earring set from Austen & Blake worth £800

3. Win a five-star stay at London hotel The Adria

Psssst…

Set your alarm for 8.30pm tomorrow (Saturday 28 March) for Earth Hour: a global moment where millions of people come together to show they care about the future of our planet. To get involved, turn off non-essential lights for an hour and spend the time doing something positive – here are some ideas.