What's On 26th May

Ellie Smith
May 26, 2024

Dear Reader,

When children connect with nature, alchemy happens. I was awash with beautiful stories this week from Michael and Clare Morpurgo who set up their charity Farms for City Children some 47 years ago. They were issuing a (softly spoken) rallying cry at the House of Lords to engage their guests to aid them in their endeavours to help as many deeply deprived children as possible to come and spend time on their farms where, even in just a few days, remarkable change can occur. My girl crush author Katherine Rundell – whose books rival (dare I say it) those of Sir Michael himself – was one of the guests. For children unable to get out into nature, the single biggest game changer for their future prospects is parents reading to them. Stories ignite imagination and you couldn't find any two better writers to dazzle young minds with. Rundell’s The Golden Mole should be obligatory reading whatever age you are.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK

Sponge Cities

It cannot have escaped your notice that this week has – for many – been a wash out. As the climate crisis intensifies, the UK is going to expect more unsettled weather patterns, including more rain. Find out here what plans may be afoot to make London a sponge city – and what you can do as an individual.

A Swiftie’s Guide to London

It also can’t have escaped your notice that Taylor Swift is coming to town next month. But if you can’t wait, our capital has a host of Swifty experiences to get you fully immersed before she’s even stepped foot in Blighty. Get your fix here.

What is The Fortune Hotel?

Another week, another televisual concoction to get us stuck to our sofas. This time it’s The Fortune Hotel, touted as like The Traitors but set in the Caribbean and with Stephen Mangan rocking a Hawaiian shirt rather than Claudia’s smiley-faced elbow patched knit. I know who’s going to win the style stakes, but viewer impact? Let’s see.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Just a few months after saying goodbye to Le Gavroche, Michel Roux is back with a new restaurant, Chez Roux at The Langham.

Hear from a stellar line-up of literary figures at Hay Festival, which is running in the small Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye until 2 June.

Cult label The Vampire’s Wife is closing down – but you have one more chance to get your hands on a dress at the closing down sale in London. 26 May, 10am – 6pm

Claridge’s is joining the al fresco dining scene for the first time, offering small plates and champagne on a pretty terrace overlooking Mayfair.

Missed Chelsea Flower Show? Check out Belgravia in Bloom just down the road, which runs until tomorrow (27 May).

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

A chef’s guide to the Isle of Skye

What to read in Caribbean Heritage Month

Vinted’s luxury trends report: key takeaways

Where was Rebus filmed?

Win A Styling Service Package From Nina Campbell

Dreaming of transforming your home? You’re in luck: we’ve partnered with Nina Campbell to offer you the chance to make use of their brand new interior styling service, worth £420.