What's On 20 July

Ellie Smith
July 20, 2025

Dear Reader,

As we gear up for the first-ever Chelsea Arts Festival (do not miss out on getting your tickets for a hit of cultural hedonism – think Ian McEwan, Zandra Rhodes, Annie Mac, Matt Haig, Jordan Stevens, Elizabeth Day… ), I’ve been spending more and more time in Chelsea. Nothing gave me more pleasure this week than whiling away an afternoon with Johnny de Falbe, who owns the legendary John Sandoe Books on Blacklands Terrace just off the Kings Road. Founded in 1957, its stacked, labyrinthine rooms over three floors are more like rifling through someone’s personal library than a shop – and that’s just what Johnny wants. Because if you shop at John Sandoe, it’s because you like their taste. It's not the pile-’em-high homogenisation of bookselling that we see in the big chains or the discounts we see on Amazon, this is an invitation to browse, get lost, or ‘crack open your head’, as one shopper described it. Sylvia Plath might be at one elbow and a Churchill biography at another… it’s surprise and delight, the best sort of retail – and why physical shops still matter so much.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND THIS WEEK

Can You Do The Duchess Slant?

Etiquette is so much more than knowing which knives and forks you use. It’s social intelligence – and it matters. Rebecca Cox takes a lesson from a pro – and even nails the Duchess Slant.

Ribena With The Royal Touch

We’re drinking less. And we want to up our squash game beyond Ribena or Robinson’s, so here comes a grownup cordial brand with a royal touch. Thank you, Tom Parker Bowles; your Christopher’s Gooseberry & Lime is a hit in our household.

Rachel Kelly (c) Alexandra Dao

How To Raise Happy Teenagers

What a great question; and what fantastic insights from the brilliant bestselling writer on mental health and wellbeing Rachel Kelly, who tells us to stop trying to be so perfect. Sounds good to me.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

The world’s greatest classic music festival, the BBC Proms is back – and it’s still possible to get tickets. Until 13 September

Heading to The Game Fair? Here are the best things to eat and drink – plus some outfit ideas. 25 – 27 July

The latest trend to hit London’s food scene? Fashionable ice cream pop-ups, featuring quirky flavours and cocktail pairings.

From digital detox cabins to cosy shepherd’s huts and off-grid sites in Wales, we bring you some glamping inspiration for 2025.

Just launched by the river in Fulham is Brasserie Constance, the new restaurant from chef Adam Byatt.

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

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Win A Whispering Angel Hamper From The Ivy Collection

Good news: we’ve partnered with The Ivy Collection to give you the chance to win a selection of rosé-themed prizes, including a Whispering Angel Hamper.