What's On 14 September

Ellie Smith
September 14, 2025

Dear Reader,

I turn 50 tomorrow (happy birthday to me!). How will I celebrate? I’m taking the day off and heading to the Russian Banya in Chiswick for three hours of steam, sauna and massage (can’t wait!) and then a long dog walk in the afternoon. Monday feels like a day for quiet enjoyment, but don’t worry I had a party last week – Scottish reeling no less! My gift to myself though was getting properly fit. In the Ozempic age where weight loss is achieved through the insertion of a needle, I took a more old-fashioned approach – genuine hard work through weight-training and a focus on diet and nutrition. Weight loss wasn’t the aim (but always a bonus), it was about getting strong and powerful. And within three months on the Roar Transformation programme, I achieved just that. I miss those sessions but weight training is now non-negotiable. My best present? A pair of 15kg dumbbells and a subscription to Caroline’s Circuits. Oh, how times have changed.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND THIS WEEK

Malala Is Coming To Chelsea Arts Festival

The lineup keeps getting better and now, on Sunday 21 September, Malala Yousafzai will be joining others such as Sheila Hancock, Sir Lenny Henry and Sheila Atim as we celebrate 30 years of the Women’s Prize for Fiction at Cadogan Hall. Tickets here.

Who’s On The Dance Floor?

While I was reeling, another Gen X tribe was taking back the dance floor. Night clubs are reimagining themselves for an older clientele with more time, money and taste. Think plush venues, late nights and wellness nods (hello, detox bars and adaptogen cocktails). This is clubbing reinvented – refined hedonism, if you will.

United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty

Are The Cotswolds The New LA?

I’m not sure we’d have enough space to cover all the A-listers who have decamped – or are decamping – to the Cotswolds, but the latest rumours are that Beyonce and Jay Z are snapping up a honey-stone property there. If it wasn’t a playground already…

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

It’s an exciting month for the royal borough: after the Chelsea Arts Festival, don’t miss the Chelsea History Festival, which features over 100 events across three landmark venues. 24 - 28 September, sign up to the newsletter for updates

The BBC’s book club Between the Covers is heading to Surrey’s Pennyhill Park hotel to host the ultimate book lover’s stay. 3 October

Opening this week in Mayfair is Lilibet’s, a royally-inspired restaurant housed in the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth II. Opening 16 September

Over 120 artists will be selling their works for record-low prices at the 2025 Art Car Boot Fair, which returns to King’s Cross next weekend. 20 September

Lake District chef Simon Rogan is bringing his farm-to-fork dining to Soho with a pop-up farm shop and deli at London eatery Aulis. 15 September

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

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All the London Fashion Week events open to the public

David Shrigley by Andrew Quinn

David Shrigley on the need for art in schools

How can lifestyle changes slow skin ageing?

Win The Ultimate Chelsea Arts Festival Experience Worth £1000

With Chelea Arts Festival just around the corner, we’re offering you the chance to win a bundle of experiences worth £1000. Win a five-star stay at 11 Cadogan Gardens, two tickets to Chelsea Arts Festival, a one-year subscription to Country & Town House, salon visits, vouchers and more