What's On 19th May

Ellie Smith
May 19, 2024

Dear Reader,

This week I found myself at the utterly gorgeous Thyme in the Cotswolds, Caryn Hibbert’s visionary hotel that is just so much more. I was lucky enough to be hosting a talk between its ornithologist, Dr Olly Fox, and Isabelle Tomkins whose family owns the incredible Samara Karoo Reserve in South Africa and whose mission is to create a 3-million-acre footprint for biodiversity to blossom. What links the two places? Migratory birds – in particular, the willow warbler which could quite easily be wintering at Karoo and summering at Thyme. It was such a wonderful narrative thread to exemplify just how closely our environments are interlinked and how what happens in one place affects another – these plucky little birds are chilling with elephants and rhinos one month, and hopping around our gardens another. And when you think about the journey they make to get there, you can only – as ever – gasp at nature’s wonder.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK

Missed The Northern Lights?

I did! But I’ve enjoyed some wonderful images from around the country. We tell you where the best places are to spot them and how to know when they might pay us another visit.

Behind The King’s New Portrait

What do you think of Jonathan Yeo’s depiction of our king? Whatever your opinion, the picture is loaded with symbolism. Find out what you should be looking for here.

Caprice – Again!

No sooner has Jeremy King’s new restaurant Arlington opened on the site of the legendary Caprice than Richard Caring announces that he’s opening a new iteration of the old Caprice in the Chancery Rosewood next year. Expect forks at dawn…

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Feeling inspired by Bridgerton season 3? Book this themed afternoon tea – or go the extra mile and organise a stay in a Regency property.

Challenge your friends to a round of giant jenga while sipping cocktails at Roof East, London’s grown-up playground which has just reopened.

Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park is back for its UK tour, with a line-up featuring names like Michel Roux and Angela Hartnett.

The Macallan and Cirque Du Soleil have partnered together to put on SPIRIT, a death-defying circus and acrobatics show at the whisky estate.

Don’t miss our latest episode of the House Guest podcast, where Carole Annett sits down with Paula Sutton, best known as @hillhousevintage.

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

All the new Royal Warrant holders

Faux lime-washing: TikTok’s latest interiors hack

Is The Bear based on a real restaurant?

How Polin got their glow ups in Bridgerton season 3

Win A Snape Chair From Sofas & Stuff

Win a Snape chair in a fabric of your choice from the Sofas & Stuff RHS Botanicals fabric collection.