Love to be first in the know? Sign up to our weekly What’s On newsletter to get ahead of the crowd

The Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 8–9 July 2023

1. Celebrate Trans+ Pride

Saturday 8 July 2023 in Trafalgar Square

London Pride may have occurred last weekend, but the celebrations – and protests – aren’t over. This weekend, it’s Trans+ Pride’s turn, a grassroots protest now in its fifth year calling for trans freedom and equality. Learn all about it – plus, how and where to join the march – in our guide.

2. Big Penny Social X BEYOND RETRO

4–9 July 2023 at Big Penny Social (1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Beyond Retro (@beyondretro)

Find leading vintage retailer BEYOND RETRO in Walthamstow this weekend, with a line-up of unique events alongside a pop-up shop. There’s a Hawaiian Party on Friday night (7 July), featuring a buzzy DJ set from My Mate Kate, frozen slushy cocktails and glitter face paint from Glitterati Parties. On Saturday (8 July) the DJ baton is passed to Indie Amnesty, while on Sunday afternoon (9 July), visitors can hear outdoor music sets from emerging artists.

3. Watch Wimbledon

Matches everyday until Sunday 16 July

London has been taken over by tennis for another year, all thanks to our world-famous tennis tournament, Wimbledon. To celebrate, big screens have popped up across the capital, perfect for watching with a glass of something cold or snacking on a picnic this weekend. Our favourite? Eccleston Yards in Belgravia, a little suntrap with wine from Amie Wine Studio. Socialise on picnic benches, pull up comfy beanbags, or lounge on a MATCHES marble deck chair – plus, find MATCHES’ designated marble branded kiosk to grab a complimentary fan and get 20% off purchases £300 and over, online or in store. Find more fab screens here.

4. Watch The British Grand Prix

Sunday 9 July 2023

Sports galore this weekend. Lights out and away we go to Silverstone! The British Grand Prix is back for another year. Missed out on tickets? Here’s how to tune into the action.

5. Live Music On Regent Street

Heddon Street summer terrace (London W1B 4BL)

Fully pedestrianised Heddon Street has unveiled its new summer terrace, for the ultimate in al fresco drinking and dining. Soak up live music this weekend from Jesús Cutiño on Saturday evening (from 5.30pm) and Sunday afternoon (from 12.30pm), while tucking into Casa do Frango’s delicious Portuguese chicken. If you work in the area, pop over for mid-week performances to elevate your after work drinks. Find the full schedule at regentstreetonline.com

6. Morph’s Epic Art Adventure

Until 20 August 2023

© Andy Newbold

London’s first step-free art trail has arrived, with 56 six-foot Morph sculptures accompanying 56 London landmarks. Wheelchair charity Whizz-Kidz has teamed up with Morph creator Aardman and celebrities and artists including Tom Fletcher, Ade Adepitan, Georgia Toffolo and Martin Dougan to bring a touch of colourful, family-friendly magic to the city. Download the map here, and get going.

7. Try Hyper-Fresh Ceviche

New Opening: Crudo Cevicheria, Seven Dials (36 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9HA)

A brand-new, fourth Crudo venue opened at the end of May on Monmouth Street, bringing hyper-fresh ceviche to Seven Dials. Having gained a cult following for their customisable ceviche bowls, Crudo has recently elevated its offering for the evening with small plates, wine and pisco sours. Start with a hefty bowl of moreish, zesty guacamole with black corn tortilla chips while sipping a classic marg, before entering fish-ville wholeheartedly. There’s the classic ceviche bowls with the likes of sweet potato, avocado, cherry tomatoes and burnt corn (don’t miss the prawn bowl with mexicana leche de tigre and jalapeños for a fresh kick). But there are also more delicate small plates, crunchy ceviche tostadas, and spicy tiraditos. Perfect for elevating a gathering over sharing plates.

If you don’t make it down mid-week, make sure you visit for daily oyster happy hour: get fresh Rock and Native oysters for £1.50, Dressed oysters for £5, or 3 oysters with a pisco sour for £16, from 3–5pm Monday to Friday. eatcrudo.com

8. Club Pétanque

7 June–31 August in King’s Cross

While you’re in the area, swap pints at the pub for pétanque. This summer, Club Pétanque is popping up in Lewis Cubitt Square following the success of Club Golf and Club Curling, with four courts – each hosting up to six players. It’s totally free, too. kingscross.co.uk

9. Seafood & Sangria Brunch

Cavo at Tottenham Court Road (The Now Building, Outernet, Denmark Street, London WC2H 0LA)

Love a rooftop terrace? Sangria? Seafood? Head to Mediterranean restaurant Cavo to enjoy its new Seafood and Sangria brunch from its suntrap terrace; only the sweeping views of London will remind you you’re not in the Med. With a set menu at £65 per person – including a jug of bubbly white sangria each – expect to tuck into spicy mussels in choux pastry, moreish beetroot hummus and refreshing mackerel carpaccio ahead of the main event: a warm seafood platter of langoustine, lobster tail, oysters, razor clams, Mazara prawns and mussels. A summery delight. cavorestaurant.com

10. Kensington + Chelsea Art Trail

All summer across the borough

© Paul Neiman

See art for free across the Kensington and Chelsea borough all summer, extending from Kensington + Chelsea Art Week, with a public art trail featuring world-class sculpture, installations and exhibits. kcaw.co.uk

11. The Wizard Of Oz Afternoon Tea

Until 3 September 2023 at The Soho Hotel

There’s a brand new production of The Wizard of Oz gracing The London Palladium’s stage. Make the most of the magic by sitting down for themed afternoon tea at The Soho Hotel; expect the likes of a strawberry and custard ruby slipper and an over the rainbow lemon swiss roll. It’s £40 per person – or snag some theatre tickets with your tea for £79.50 per person. Book at firmdalehotels.com

12. Dine At A Brand New Restaurant

Now open: mallow Canary Wharf

Borough Market’s 100 percent plant-based restaurant, mallow, has opened a brand new venue in Wood Wharf, in the heart of Canary Wharf. Expect to dine on iconic mallow dishes, plus brand new additions exclusive to Wood Wharf. mallowlondon.com 

13. Or Drink At A New Pub

Open from Friday 30 June: Earl of Derby (87 Dennett’s Road, London SE14 5LW)

© Paul Winch-Furness

A brand new independent pub, the Earl of Derby, opened its doors for the first time last Friday (30 June). Located at the foot of Telegraph Hill, the pub has been restored to its former glory by Parched – a independent group run by four friends, who have previously opened the likes of The White Horse in Peckham, The Roebuck in Borough and Grove House Tavern in Camberwell. Expect local brews and organic wines, plus quality food from Gengelly’s. earlofderby.uk

14. Cool Off With Frozen Margaritas

The Cadogan Arms (298 King’s Road, London SW3 5UG)

Chelsea’s much-loved The Cadogan Arms has teamed up with Casamigos Tequila to develop a brand spanking new summer cocktail menu including, you guessed it, frozen margaritas. Accompany your icy sip with Jersey Rock Oysters and fresh Grilled Tiger Prawns for the perfect summery afternoon. thecadoganarms.london

15. Sip With A View

Now Open: Bloom (Wild At Heart X Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square Summer Terrace)

Sip a floral cocktail with London’s best view of Tower Bridge this weekend at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square’s brand new rooftop terrace. The Crown Residence has been transformed for the the summer and adorned with beautiful flowers courtesy of Wild at Heart. The Honey Bee (gin, lavender, honey) is the perfect summery sip. fourseasons.com

16. A Taste Of Saint-Tropez

Now open: Pantechnicon x Minuty Rosé Courtyard (19 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB)

Summer means two things: open-air terraces and free-flowing rosé. Pantechnicon is collaborating with Château Minuty this summer to bring a taste of the south of France to their sun-soaked courtyard in Belgravia. Sit back, relax and clink glasses against a Provence-inspired backdrop. pantechnicon.com

17. Go Swimming

Mondrian Shoreditch

Need to cool off? There are plenty of lovely open air swimming spots in London, from lakes to lidos to private rooftop pools. Find the best here.

18. Or Visit The Beach

Tankerton, Whitstable (c) Getty

Waves lapping against the shore more your speed? Here are the best beaches near London to visit this weekend.

19. Recycle Your Coffee Cup At Bankside

Ongoing at Bankside

The Better Bankside Business Improvement District (BID) has collaborated with renowned artist Timba Smits to spruce up its coffee cup recycling bins, to encourage more recycling and inspire positive action. The eye-catching new designs – which cast coffee cups as superhero style villains – form part of the BID’s #2millionchallenge campaign, boosting recycling in the district.

20. BBQ Cookout In Shoreditch

Every Sunday for the rest of summer at TT Liquor (17B Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA)

Shoreditch hotspot TT Liquor is home to Greek dining residency esti, which is launching a series of rooftop BBQ cookouts this weekend. Visit on Sunday for delicious Greek-inspired roasts – think pork and lamb cooked whole on the spit and chicken thighs slow-cooked over coals, alongside plenty of veggies – alongside some of Shoreditch’s best cocktails on a sunny rooftop. esti.restaurant

21. Visit A Market

Every Sunday, 11am–5pm at Hackney Bridge, Echo Building, Hackney Wick, London E15 2SJ

Image by Charlie Scrimgeour

New market alert: from the team behind Broadway Market, Chatsworth Road, and Ridley Road Markets comes a brand new London market: Hackney Bridge. Overlooking the Hackney Wick canal path and with a focus on sustainability, expect a mix of carefully curated stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, art and designs from artisan makers. There will also be a produce market selling fresh bread, jams, cheeses and more. hackneybridge.org

22. Learn To Make Pasta

Ongoing

Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farrington. Expect to learn all about the best ingredients and techniques, and eat your creation at the end, too. Read our review of the Beginners’ Class here. (These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend.) pastaevangelists.com

23. Party At Peckham Arches

Every weekend, Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QN

Adding to the bustling social food scene of Peckham, the all new Peckham Arches is the perfect place to go for a fun night this weekend in London. The venue features a covered and heated terrace, an open fire BBQ grill and two large cocktail bars, private events spaces, a gallery with OHSH Projects, and a monthly events calendar of live music, DJ’s and more. peckhamarches.com 

24. Visit An Outdoor Cinema

Ongoing

Summer must really be here: Rooftop Film Club reopens for the season this weekend at their Stratford location. The 2023 programme includes a mix of new releases such as The Menu and Everything Everywhere All At Once, alongside old classics such as Clueless and Notting Hill. rooftopfilmclub.com

Discover more outdoor cinemas here

Sign up to the C&TH What’s On newsletter here

The post The Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 8–9 July 2023 appeared first on Country and Town House.

Smashing Properties with Tennis Courts on the Market Right Now

Queen Edith’s Way, Cambridge

Occupying an enviable location in the heart of Cambridge, this 1920s detached house boasts surprisingly generous grounds that encompass a detached garage, a guest annexe, and the all-important tennis court. Check out the impressive vaulted ceiling in the entrance hall, the woodburner in the living room, and the magnificent orangery. There are five bedrooms and four bathrooms, so plenty of guests can enjoy a game of tennis in this gorgeous home. Available through Cheffins for £2.5 million

Heathfield House, Merton Lane, London

You’ll find this jaw-dropping six-bedroom mansion in the tranquil London neighbourhood of Highgate. The property is brimming with incredible amenities including a gym, spa, swimming pool and billiards room, and there are two acres of landscaped gardens plus a tennis court. With such incredible design – not to mention stunning views of Hampstead Heath – what more could you ask for? Available through United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty for £32 million 

Goodleigh, Barnstaple, Devon 

This Grade II listed Devon longhouse offers a heated outdoor swimming pool, double garage and a modern agricultural barn alongside a beautiful tennis court. Inside the property itself, you’ll find five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three reception rooms. It’s a rural dream. Available through Jackson-Stops at a guide price of £1.35 million

Drove House, Surfleet, Lincolnshire

This charming period property sits in 13 acres of grounds containing equestrian facilities, an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court. The property boasts five double bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a drawing room, family room and garden room. There is also an adjoining two-bedroom annexe. Available through Fine and Country at a guide price of £1.495 million 

The Street, Frittenden, Cranbrook, Kent

This former rectory dates back to the eighteenth century and contains eight bedrooms, five bathrooms and five reception rooms. Within approximately ten acres of land, you’ll find a tennis court, a garage block and a stable block with a games room. Available through Knight Frank at offers in excess of £5.5 million

Upton Magna, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

This elegant period property provides five bedrooms, three bathrooms and four reception rooms. The landscaped gardens, however, just might be the star of the show: think paved terracing, fruit trees and a grass tennis court. Available through Knight Frank at a guide price of £1.75 million

St George, Rue Des Deslisles, Castel, Guernsey

This property is Guernsey‘s answer to real estate heaven. Plentiful palatial rooms blend traditional opulence with modern luxury: play a game on the all-weather tennis court, host drinks in the landscaped gardens, sit down for dinner in the grand dining room, retreat to the light-flooded garden room for post-dinner drinks, and at some point – guests must see the magnificent indoor swimming pool. Available through Savills for £25,000,000.

Dalhebity House, Bieldside, Aberdeen, Scotland

© neil@aberdeenphoto.com

Boasting an enchanting setting set amongst majestic trees, this is one of Scotland’s most magnificent homes ­– and it’s currently the most expensive on the Scottish property market. It’s the mansion of dreams with its endless period rooms ­– think grand dining room, wood-panelled library and jaw-dropping entrance hall ­­– as well as spa complex, tennis court, swimming pool and 10 acres of grounds and woodland. Available through Savills for offers over £7,500,000.

Alexander, Peloponnese, Greece

If Wimbledon common just doesn’t feel dramatic enough, try this tennis court on for size. Perched on a rocky outcrop with panoramic views over the Aegean-sea, its hard to imagine a more photogenic spot for a hit-about. And the courts are only the start of this sleek modern villa. With nine bedrooms, landscaped gardens, vast sunset terraces, and a tunnel leading down to the beach, this home combines traditional Greek romance with all the comfort of modern living. In between working on your forehand, you can take a dip in the salt water pool, stroll along the shore, or hop over to bustling neighbouring islands. Beats Wimbledon high street any day. Available through Sotheby’s International Realty for price on request

Ferry Lane, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire

Boasting an enviable riverside position, endless amenities and breathtaking interiors, this palatial property is the country house of dreams. There’s the sweeping statement staircase, seven stunning bedroom suites, the cinema room, swimming pool and tennis court, an additional guest house, two staff cottages and a dreamy boat house with a guest apartment. Available through Knight Frank and Savills for £36,500,000.

South Ridge, St Georges Hill, Weybridge, Surrey

Tucked away in the affluent Surrey neighbourhood of St Georges Hill, this six-bedroom home is ideal for entertaining friends and family. There’s an al fresco leisure area complete with BBQ, pool and outdoor bar. If you venture further into the grounds you’ll find over two acres of landscaped gardens, tennis courts and even a golf course. Available through Savills for £7,950,000.

Hipwells, Northamptonshire

This detached farmhouse is what tempts so many people to the country: the seemingly inordinate amount of space. There’s over 5,476 sq. ft of accommodation inside, boasting seven double bedrooms and five reception rooms. There’s also a heated pool outside, a tennis court and a detached pool house. This property really does have everything you would want for your perfect family home. Available through Michael Graham for £1,750,000.

MORE PROPERTY:

Best Country Homes on the Market / Best New Properties / The Best Properties With Swimming Pools On The Market Now

The post Smashing Properties With Tennis Courts On The Market Right Now appeared first on Country and Town House.

Gorgeous Wedding Venues In London

1. The Foundling Museum

Bloomsbury

Best for Dickensian design and Bloomsbury’s bookish legacy – and it’s one of the only museums in London offering exclusive hire. foudlingmuseum.org.uk

2. Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Covent Garden

On Valentine’s Day 2022, 210-year-old West End venue Theatre Royal Drury Lane announced it will be opening its doors to wedding parties. Those wanting to recite their vows in theatrical style can book the 2,000-seat main auditorium, The Garden or the Grand Saloon. thelane.co.uk

3. No. Fifty Cheyne

Chelsea

Perched beside the river with views across Albert Bridge and a floral façade, No. Fifty Cheyne is one of the most picturesque spots in Chelsea. It has recently been appointed as a wedding venue, with ceremonies taking place in the homely yet glamorous first floor Drawing Room and various private and semi-private options for the reception. fiftycheyne.com

GettyImages

4. Strawberry Hill House

Twickenham

Plump for gothic opulence in London’s leafy fringes (once Walpole’s own castle). With beautiful gardens, a grand Gallery and plenty of more intimate spaces, there are lots of options for wedding parties big and small. strawberryhillhouse.org.uk

5. The Standard

King’s Cross

A city wedding never looked so cool… King’s Cross’ The Standard has launched a new wedding offering, with venues and moods for every aesthetic. With capacity from an intimate 20 to a party-ready 150 guests, you can dine in Decimo, sip cocktails in Sweeties, or dance all night long at Double Standard. Don’t forget the pretty Isla Terrace to say ‘I do’ amid fairy lights, or Townhouse 8 for stunning skyline views. standardhotels.com

6. Petersham Nurseries

Richmond

For a rustic, horticultural celebration with locally-sourced dishes and fairy lights aplenty, consider Petersham Nurseries. Located next to Richmond Park, the venue is a green oasis offering a slice of country living in the capital, with in-house florists on hand to help with the décor and menus created using produce from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden. petershamnurseries.com

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Horniman Museum and Gardens (@hornimanmuseumgardens)

7. Horniman Museum

Forest Hill

A Victorian conservatory, bandstand, or modern pavilion, the choice is yours at this anthropological museum. The collections are idiosyncratic, but the weddings by Suzanne James are seamless. horniman.ac.uk

8. Leighton House Museum

Kensington

The former home of the Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton is an awe-inspiring palace of art. The extraordinary Arab Hall, with its golden dome and mosaic tiles, offers the ultimate backdrop for a unique yet lavish reception. rbkc.gov.uk

Picking a ring? Choose a lab-grown diamond

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hackney Venues (@hackneyvenues)

9. Clissold House

Stoke Newington

If you’re reluctant to ship your cohort out of London but fancy a country house feel, this solves all your problems. This recently renovated Grade II listed marvel has vast windows that offer scenic views across the park. hackneyvenues.com

10. Kew Gardens

Kew

Spend your special day inside the world-renowned gardens and iconic buildings in Kew and dance your evening away with some of your nearest and dearest alongside the blooms. kew.org

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hotel Café Royal (@hotelcaferoyal)

11. Hotel Café Royal

Mayfair

Providing classic and contemporary weddings in the heart of London for over 150 years, Hotel Café Royal certainly knows its stuff. So sit back, relax and let the magic unfold. hotelcaferoyal.com

12. Claridge’s

Mayfair

No idea is too big or detail too small at Claridge’s. With a history of state banquets and royal receptions, you’ll be in the right hands. claridges.co.uk

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ironmongers’ Hall Events (@ironmongershallevents)

13. Ironmongers’ Hall

Barbican

This Tudor style hall was built in the 1920’s and is the perfect example of a beautiful country house which sits in the City of London. Its striking architecture, rich history and warm atmosphere are just three things which make this venue perfect. ironmongers.org

14. One Marylebone

Regent’s Park

Just a stone’s throw away from Regent’s Park station is the beautiful, Grade I listed One Marylebone, one of London’s leading unique venues. Only one of only three London churches by Soane, the venue is most architecturally distinguished with a beauty of national and architectural significance. Fall in love with the beautifully landscaped gardens and breathtaking courtyard and choose between two exclusive spaces for your perfect day. The 27 foot high Soane Hall with its stunning mosaics and stained glass windows or the U-shape Galleries with marvellous floor to ceiling windows that let in natural light. one-events.co.uk

15. Dartmouth House

Mayfair

The perfect place for a quintessential London wedding, Dartmouth House features only the most elegant interiors to wow your guests on your big day. The Grade II listed building offers three spaces: The Long Drawing Room, The Small Drawing Room and The Churchill. Each room has seating for around 100 guests and standing room for 450. The mansion also has a courtyard, a private and secluded haven if an open air reception is more your style. Situated in the heart of Mayfair, the mansion features a grand marble staircase to make sure you get all the insta-worthy wedding shots. dartmouthouse.co.uk

16. Natural History Museum

South Kensington

Walk down the aisle inside London’s Natural History Museum. Breath-taking architecture and spectacular collections make for a stunning backdrop to your vows. Choose between eight spaces in which to host your event: from the popular Hintze Hall with its romanesque arches to Fossil Way, home to the giant Stegosaurus fossil, or even the North Hall, the perfect place to soak up the Museum’s grandeur. nhm.ac.uk

17. Syon Park

Isleworth

Fall in love all over again at Syon Park as you and your partner celebrate your special day at this idyllic venue. Be as intimate or extravagant as you want with 50-800 of your most loved friends and family in this sublime London home of the Duke of Northumberland. From the impressive and majestic Great Hall to the intimate State Dining Room, or even the stunning Great Conservatory and Garden Room Marquee, you can design your wedding however you dreamed. syonpark.co.uk

18. The Queen’s House

Greenwich

Feel like a real-life princess and get married inside Britain’s first and finest classical building. This unique wedding venue takes its place inside Greenwich Park and offers sublime views over the Thames and Canary Wharf. A masterpiece of 17th-century architecture, the venue comprises is a spacious 40-foot Great Hall with classic black and white geometric marble flooring on which to dance your night away. The marvellous Orangery, Parlour Room and the vaulted Undercroft are the most perfect place to toast to a happy couple. rmg.co.uk

19. Wiltons

Shadwell

A true London gem, this Grade II listed hall offers the chance to get married in the world’s oldest grand music hall. The auditorium still retains many of its original features, including its famous barley-twist columns. With only a small amount of dates available each year, this is one of the most exclusive wedding venues around and features interiors that inspired Moulin-Rouge. wiltons.org.uk

Featured image: Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The post Lovely Wedding Venues In London appeared first on Country and Town House.

Things To Do On A Rainy Day In London

Catch A Movie At The Electric Cinema

When the heavens have opened up and thunder is rumbling, there are few prospects as appealing as cosying up in front of a movie with a mug of hot chocolate in hand, but why not take the rainy-day ritual out of your living room and into one of London’s eccentric cinemas? For a touch of luxury (or, rather, cashmere), book in for a showing at one of London’s oldest cinemas, the Electric Notting Hill. Fringed lampshades, leather armchairs and an old-time atmosphere make it a contender for your own sofa – opt for one of the front row’s velvet-clad beds for something extra special. For more of central London’s loveliest cinemas, click here. For London’s best independent cinemas, click here.

Visit An Indoor Games Venue

Games never get old – no matter how old you get. Whether you’ve got kids in tow or not, a trip to one of London’s many indoor sports venues is a sure-fire way to shake off your weather woes, from bowling at your local, to a round of mini-golf at the UV-lit course at Swingers, to an after-work game of interactive social darts with your friends over a pitcher of beer and some delicious pizza at Flight Club. For something more low-key, head to Draughts in Haggerston where frothy cappuccinos and milky teas are accompanied by a game of Cluedo, Boggle, Operation or Snakes and Ladders for some old-fashioned, sans-screen fun.

Attempt An Escape Room

You’ve heard about them everywhere, and there’s no better time to try than on a rainy day in London when you’re in need of a spot of shelter. Immersive, interactive and team-building, escape rooms are a great way to bond with the family without the distraction of work emails or their incessant Snapchat obsession. From mystery to horror, new concepts or those inspired by your favorite TV show, there’s something for everyone. At clueQuest, use logic, intuition, problem-solving and communication to spring yourselves from a locked room within an hour – although, if it’s still raining out, you may want to book in for a second session…

Check Out More Of London’s Best Escape Rooms

© English Heritage

Visit Kenwood House

Although Hampstead Heath is mostly ventured to when the sun is shining and its fairy pools are glistening, the nature haven is also home to Kenwood House. This famous neoclassical villa makes for the perfect day out (but in) spent admiring the incredible art collection – including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Rembrandt – and gazing at fresco ceilings so beautiful you won’t miss the blue skies. Bubble gum pinks and baby blue interiors brighten up gloomy city days, plus although less inviting Hampstead Heath’s bucolic splendour is still a wonderful sight to see with rain falling and clouds looming – very Austen.

Cubitt House’s The Orange Public House & Hotel, Pimlico

Hunker Down In A Pub

For centuries, Londoners have ducked into the nearest pub to escape unpredictable showers, waiting out the rain while sipping on a pint. To couple your lager with some education, check out one of London’s oldest pubs where the likes of Shakespeare and Jack the Ripper frequented. Or, if you’re looking for a fireplace to dry wet socks, then opt for one of London’s cosiest. If you want to make an occasion of it, the city has no shortage of gastro pubs, where the only thing more refreshing than the beers is their take on fish and chips.

Unwind At A Day Spa

Like most things, ghastly winds and incessant downpour don’t seem so bad when you’re feet are soaking in rose-water, your neck is being massaged and your head is in the clouds. Day spas are the ultimate treat and dare we say the best way to spend a rainy day… Book in for a Valmont treatment at Hotel Café Royal for a post-facial glow so glowy, everyone will think you’ve been away on vacation. Alternatively, just spend the day at one of London’s best day spas going back and forth between the heated pool, sauna, steam and meditation rooms.

Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images

Cosy Up With A Book

There are few experiences made better by an incessant downpour, but there’s definitely an argument for reading being one of them. The sound of rain pattering against the window is therapeutic when you’re safely tucked indoors with your head in the book. Save your bed, the Wellcome Collection’s Reading Room is the best place to be. A library-museum-creative-space hybrid, you’ll find over 1,000 titles adorning the shelves ranging from fiction, memories, graphic novels, magazines and pop-up books. There’s plenty of cosy corners, cushions, seating areas, and nooks and crannies so it’s easy to find a spot to yourself. Everyone’s here to read so rest assured the only soundtrack to your reading session will be rain on the window.

Find more lovely London libraries here

By Max Colson

Check Out The Barbican Conservatory

Living in the city, Londoners have always been faced with the challenge of finding pockets of natural splendour among the high-rise buildings so we know all the spots, even the rain-proof ones. Glassed in, on a rainy day in London, Barbican Conservatory is your best bet for bucolic bliss, with greenery crawling over every inch you see. Housing exotic fish and over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees you can while away the hours exploring every nook and cranny of this tropical oasis. For £12.50, book in for one of the Conservatory Tours led by the resident gardener; learn about the conservatory’s history and discover all its fascinating tidbits (as well as a Secret Garden).

© National Maritime Museum

Try Weather-Proof Star-Gazing

Bypass the grey clouds altogether and go further into the solar system with an awe-inspiring trip to the Peter Harrison Planetarium in Greenwich. Taking in a show at London’s only planetarium is quite truly an out-of-this-world experience for all ages; sit back and be enveloped by darkness as the spectacularly realistic rounded screen overhead transports you across the solar system. Choose from a number of shows including ‘Moons Beyond Counting’, ‘Meet the Neighbours’ and the under-7s special ‘Ted’s Space Adventure’. Educational, exciting and fun – it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Visit A Museum

A London USP has got to be free entry to museums. The original rainy day excursion, museums and galleries provide endless entertainment when the sun won’t shine. Whether you’re making your way through the exhibitions at the Tate Britain or Tate Modern, discovering a new favourite contemporary artist at the Saatchi Gallery or uncovering photography through the ages at the Photographer’s Gallery, there’s always an open door welcoming you in from the rain. Even if you’ve been twenty times, children and adults will always delight at an outing to the Natural History Museum or Science Museum where interactive activities and hands-on installations get everyone involved in the fun.

Visit A Covered Market

While we mostly associate London’s markets with sunny days spent picking up picnic fodder or trawling through vintage treasures in the sun, the capital also boasts a number of quality covered markets. For antique enthusiasts you can’t do better than Alfies Antiques (and its sister market Grays); spend hours working your way up the four floors of collectables in an ex-Edwardian department store before rewarding yourself on that bargain you snagged with a warm cuppa in the market’s café. Alternatively head to Gracechurch Street for Leadenhall Market, a traditional Victorian market that’s worth the visit whether or not you’re shopping. Incredible glass vaulted ceilings, cobbled walkways and quaint storefronts are perfectly idyllic – kids may even recognise it as Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film.

The post Things To Do On A Rainy Day In London appeared first on Country and Town House.

Read the C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

Hotel Review: Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

The Garden Room © David Cheskin

STAY

There’s nothing left unadorned at Prestonfield House. Deep rouges and resplendent golds are revealed through rich tapestries, lavish textiles, embellished wallpaper and ornate antiques in the salons and public spaces. This continues through to the 18 exquisitely adorned guestrooms where sumptuous velvets abound, with regal statement beds overlooking the manicured greenery outside, while bathrooms, lined in Venetian glass, have Penhaligon’s toiletries.

Owners Suite © David Cheskin

There’s the Owner’s Suite – discreetly accessed by a private turret staircase and hallway – and five romantic suites named after historical figures; the Winston Churchill suite showcases military memorabilia, while the moodier Benjamin Franklin suite is decked in walls of trompe-l’oeil drapery. Four-legged friends are also welcome, with comfy beds and dog bowls provided, alongside the sweep of land to bound around outside.

© David Cheskin

DO

Adjacent to Royal Holyrood Park, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, Prestonfield House is in a prime location to explore Scotland’s beautiful landscape. Golfers can play a round on the 18-hole course next door and work up an appetite for afternoon tea in the rose garden. And, during the gloomy winter months, the Baroque-inspired Tapestry Room is a cosy spot to enjoy finger sandwiches and board games besides roaring log fires. 

Further afield, Prestonfield House is just a 10 minute drive from Edinburgh’s Old Town, where you’ll also find its sister property, Witchery by The Castle, a sumptuous and eclectically indulgent hotel with a restaurant.

Tea House

EAT

With on-site beehives and a kitchen garden filled with all sorts – from courgette flowers to peas and mint – Prestonfield House is all about the farm-to-fork experience. It is also documented as the first estate to grow rhubarb in the 18th-century, which has inspired the name of the hotel’s restaurant. Here, the fine dining menu offers dishes from land, sea and air (including a separate vegan menu), with a focus on seasonal Scottish produce from artisan suppliers. Expect dishes like Glenkinchie whisky-cured sea trout mousse with ajo blanco, radishes and foraged herbs, followed by a deliciously tender loin of Scottish Borders lamb served with crushed peas, curds and whey.

© David Cheskin

THE FINAL WORD

This sumptuous bolthole offers a peaceful and relaxing getaway while still providing easy access to the beating heart of Edinburgh. With splendid gardens, lavish antique-filled interiors and an excellent restaurant – alongside top service and a never-to-forget team that will look after you during your entire stay – Prestonfield House certainly hits the mark for the best of both worlds.

BOOK IT

Room rates for Prestonfield House start from £375 per room per night, including breakfast. prestonfieldhouse.com

Lumo’s electric trains – which produce over 95 percent less carbon than flying – travel between Edinburgh and London with stops at Morpeth, Newcastle and Stevenage, with an average ticket price of £34.70. lumo.co.uk

The post A Lavish Escape: Prestonfield House, Edinburgh – Hotel Review appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Manicures & Pedicures in London

Iris Avenue

Mani-pedis are served up with cocktails, smoothies and cups of coffee at Fitzrovia salon Iris Avenue. Step into its gorgeously colourful, Art Deco-inspired interiors and let yourself be led to the bar (for a pre-appointment drink), before the beauty team whizz you away for your treatments. Iris Avenue specialises in manicures and pedicures, as well as threading, lashes, waxing, massages and more. Manicures come with funky nail art in a colour and design of your choice; see the salon’s Instagram page for inspiration or ask your nail technician for some suggestions. You can also upgrade your pedi for the full works by opting for the Baby Feet Pedicure – think buffing, filing and a complete callus crack-down as well as the classic toe painting.

Where? 32 Store Street, London WC1E 7BS

BOOK: irisavenue.com

Blush + Blow, Fulham

A welcome addition to a stylish parade of shops in between Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green, Blush + Blow is a local neighbourhood salon offering nail and hair services. The atmosphere is buzzy but not too busy so that you can’t relax and enjoy your treatments – the shop has a constant stream of regular customers popping in and out with their pampered pooches, who are welcomed by the friendly staff with treats (as is the human customer). Visit Blush + Blow for a speedy and impeccable shellac manicure. The selection of polishes is good, and the technicians are to be trusted with colour advice. Plus, if you’re heading out that evening too, book in a blowdry with Vanessa who’ll work wonders on all types of hair, whilst you get your nails done.

Where? 197-199 New Kings Road, London SW6 4SR

BOOK: blushandblowlondon.com

Nails & Brows

A swanky salon spread over two floors and hidden behind glamorous Berkeley Square, Nails & Brows has only been open for a few years but already boasts the likes of Meghan Markle, Halle Berry and Lady Gaga as loyal customers. It’s pricey but it’s the best – each manicure is bespoke, the nail technicians even going as far as creating customised colour blends to find an exact match for your skin tone. This is the perfect place to experiment with nail art thanks to staff’s impeccable taste and faultless technique – try gold leaf elegantly applied atop the perfect pink, or individual flecks of glitter adorning your cuticles. Prepare for a barrage of compliments.

Where? 31 Berkeley Street Mayfair, London W1J 8EJ

BOOK: nailsandbrows.me

Agua Spa at Sea Containers London

Renowned for its holistic, forward-thinking approach to wellbeing, the multi-sensory Agua Spa is the perfect spot if you want to unwind while your hands and feet get a little TLC. The classic spa mani-pedi includes a seasonal herbal scrub and massage with nourishing body butter of rosemary, St John’s wort, marigold and lemon balm, while the hot oil version uses Japanese techniques (aka, no nail polish) to utterly nourish the skin and cuticles.

Where? Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD

BOOK: seacontainerslondon.com

Young LDN, Notting Hill

Is there a greater joy than sitting back and catching up on all the Netflix series you’ve been too busy to watch? How about if you could do that while also getting your bi-weekly mani? Notting Hill’s hippest beauty destination offers just that, and it’s just as dreamy as it sounds. Pop on their noise-cancelling Beats headphones and tune into your favourite series courtesy of the iPads stationed at every nail booth while expert techinicians buff, file and paint away – no small talk necessary. Heaven.

Where? 228 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London W11 2RH

BOOK: youngldn.com

Cowshed Carnaby

If you can’t make the pilgrimage to Babington House for a quick mani-pedi, check in to a Cowshed Spa at Primrose Hill or Shoreditch House and give your hands or feet a treat. If you’re in a hurry, a quick polish change is only 30 minutes, but the ultimate Cowshed manicure includes exfoliating treatments and a scalp and shoulder massage. There’s a fully stocked bar to enjoy, too – perfect when you’re waiting for those nails to dry before diving back into the busy city.

Where? Multiple locations, see here

BOOK: cowshedonline.com

Margaret Dabbs

The pioneer of the medical pedicure; you know your feet are in safe hands with Margaret Dabbs. For the ultimate treat (a necessity at least once a year, pre-summer, preferably) book in for Margaret Dabbs’ medi-pedi. Carried out by professional podiatrists, your feet will be given a complete overhaul, with the perfect finish to boot.

Where? Multiple locations, see here

BOOK: margaretdabbs.co.uk

Guys & Dolls Parlour, Shoreditch

The perfect beautifying spot for both men and women, this gorgeous retro parlour is set just off Brick Lane. A quick file and polish is just £12, but while you’re in, why not try their 45-minute reflexology treatment on for size?

Where? Multiple locations, see here

BOOK: guysanddollsparlour.co.uk

London Grace

Nails, coffee and cocktails? Sounds pretty perfect! Upon returning from New York, Kirsten Hazell spotted a gap in the market for a luxury nail bar which offers all three – transforming your regular nail appointments from being something of a chore to a great way of catching up with friends, with a few drinks thrown in! London Grace now has five locations in London, all open late and with plenty of space for you and your friends to all sit together (great for an alternative birthday celebration, check out their party packages). The manicures are top notch, using their own formaldehyde-free lacquers to ensure healthy as well as beautiful nails – and the Lychee Martinis are pretty fabulous too.

Where? Multiple locations, see here

BOOK: londongrace.co.uk

DryBy, Marylebone

The downstairs of swanky hair salon DryBy is home to one of London’s best-kept beauty secrets. A favourite of Vogue staffers, the manicures are both luxurious and thorough, made extra special by the beautiful nail art that they specialise in. It’s elegant and modern as opposed to tacky, with metallic geometric lines painted onto millennial pink nails or cute little symbols stencilled on – each one is bespoke. They’ve just launched an exciting nail art collection with Alex Steinherr, beauty director of Glamour, so you can choose from 8 nail looks that’ll have you staring at your hands for days.

Where? 74 Mortimer Street, London W1W 7RZ

BOOK: dryby.co.uk

Featured image: Iris Avenue

The post The Best Manicures & Pedicures In London appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Independent Cinemas In London

1. Arthouse Cinema

The former Salvation Army base in Crouch End has been transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic arts and film centres. As well as catching a flick, you can also check out workshops, comedy nights and dance performances. And if you have a little one coming between you and a good movie, join the ‘babe in arms’ club every midday at Saturday and enjoy a parent and baby screening. arthousecrouchend.co.uk

2. The Chiswick Cinema

For the first time since 1934, Chiswick locals don’t have to travel to catch a movie thanks to the launch of a new boutique independent cinema. Situated on Chiswick High Road, The Chiswick Cinema has five screens, as well as its own private members’ club and a dining room available for exclusive bookings. The venue screens a mix of big blockbusters and smaller independent films. chiswickcinema.co.uk

3. The Cinema at Selfridges

The Cinema at Selfridges is a three-screen film hub complete with exceptional sound and vision. A collaboration between Selfridges and independent cinema specialists Olympic Studios, the futuristic film destination screens a spectacular range of independent and blockbuster movies with a food and drinks menu to envy all others – think delicious snacks from lobster rolls with lemon and chive mayonnaise to classic hot dogs with tasty toppings or popcorn chicken. If you’re feeling extra fancy, book out the whole cinema for a group of friends – check out the various different packages available here. thecinemaatselfridges.com

4. Electric Cinema White City

Having opened its doors to the film enthusiasts of White City and beyond, Electric Cinema’s latest venue (BBC’s former home at Television Centre) boasts 44 luxurious mohair armchairs with cosy cashmere blankets and footstalls, fascinating artwork and an auditorium bar for all those crucial cinema snacks. Sit down to a brand new film release with a cocktail or glass of bubbles and enjoy this venue’s fantastic fusion of contemporary and decadent independent cinema. electriccinema.co.uk

5. BFI Southbank

Why not take yourself straight to the heart of the action and take in a film at the BFI Southbank? The four-screen cinema shows a wide range of classic and contemporary films, and you can also check out an exhibition or two from the BFI archive. whatson.bfi.org.uk

6. The Ritzy

Open since 1911, Brixton’s ‘Electric Pavillion’ was one of England’s earliest purpose built cinemas with 750 seats in a single auditorium. After a host of name changes, it is now commonly known as the ‘Ritzy’. Since 2009 the interiors have been restored to the original style, and a live music offering has been added upstairs. picturehouses.com

7. Ciné Lumière

Popular with the hip young London crowd, this South Kensington cinema, named for the Lumiere brothers (and part of the Institute Francais), does a ‘film for a fiver’ deal for Under 25s. Known for its French, European and world cinema offering, it’s a London mecca for foreign film buffs (and those looking to brush up on their French). institut-francais.org.uk

8. Electric Cinema Portobello

Independent cinemas don’t come more luxurious than this. The interior of Electric Portobello features 65 leather armchairs and footstools, a handful of two-seater sofas at the back and (for the really tired) the front row is covered with double beds. The kind folks at Electric even throw in a cashmere blanket to ensure you can get really cosy. eletriccinema.co.uk

9. Genesis

If you like your cinema with a side-helping of history, check out Genesis. Entertaining the East End since 1848, Charlie Chaplin was a regular at the ‘Paragon Theatre of Varieties’ before becoming a Hollywood star. The building was converted to a cinema in 1912, and despite a closure in 1989, the latest incarnation of the picture house is a firm favourite in the London film scene. genesiscinema.co.uk

10. Regent Street Cinema

The birthplace of British Cinema, despite only reopening in 2015, this cinema has a rich history. Built in 1848 and housed within the Polytechnic Institution on London’s Regent Street, the screening rooms were the first in the country to show moving pictures. With grand interiors and a daily changing film schedule, it’s always worth a visit. regentstreetcinema.com

11. The Lexi Cinema

A very different offering in the capital. This independent cinema is run by volunteers, with all proceeds going to charity. Choose between indie flicks and blockbuster hits, or rent out this impressive space for a private party or a wedding. Either way, you can enjoy your slice of the London film scene knowing you’re serving the greater good. That’s our kind of Friday night. thelexicinema.co.uk

12. Everyman Cinema

The original Everyman Cinema is found in Hampstead, with two screens and staff serving food and drinks to a luxe sofa – you cant go wrong. The films on show are a mix of mainstream and independent, meaning that you can change it up between a blockbuster and an arts number. There are others dotted around London, everywhere from Chelsea to Belsize Park and King’s Cross. everymancinema.com

13. Picture House Central

Situated on top of the old Cineworld in Piccadilly, this revamped independent cinema has more to offer than popcorn and a blockbuster. Aside from the comfy screening rooms, there’s a super café and rooftop members bar with excellent views, making it an unbeatable date venue. picturehouses.com

14. The Phoenix Cinema

The Phoenix is London’s longest-running cinema, open continuously since 1910. The interior of this single-screened cinema a sight to behold; whether or not the film you’re watching floats your boat. Don’t leave without sampling the homemade cakes or hearty soups from the bar upstairs. phoenixcinema.co.uk

15. Curzon Mayfair

This cinema, whose four walls have seen over 80 years of film, has two of its original royal boxes in Screen One, which seats 307 people. The Grade II listed building is a luxurious treat for movie-goers with its originally fitted Art Deco cafe that boasts fabric covered walls, vintage furniture and a healthy dose of 1960s class. curzon.com

16. The Rio

The grade-II listed independent Art Deco Cinema in Dalston has weekend matinees plus subtitled screenings for parents and loud children. riocinema.org.uk

17. The Cinema Suite

This is, perhaps, not one for someone to complain about spending more than a tenner to see a film. The Cinema Suite in St James’s is, however, the answer to a special occasion for a cinephile who is feeling flush. The interiors are inspired by Hollywood and Indian cinema – that is 1,832 square feet of journey into film, equipped with an 85-inch high-definition 3D TV and a surround sound system from Steinway Lyngdorf. A butler serves cinematic dishes, the bar is fully stocked and there are two bedrooms, a dining room, study, kitchen and living room. taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk

The post London’s Loveliest Independent Cinemas appeared first on Country and Town House.

Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide

Scottish Castles To Visit

start the slideshow

Scottish Castle Ruins To Visit

Dunnotar Castle

Aberdeenshire

Set against a watery backdrop and perched on an ocean outcrop, this cliff-top stronghold – dating back to the middle-ages – is breathtaking at sunset. Visit by walking along the Aberdeenshire coastline from the pretty, nearby Stonehaven harbour town. dunnottarcastle.co.uk

Huntly Castle

Aberdeenshire

Also known as Strathbogie Castle, the magnificent Huntly Castle ruin dates from the 12th century, serving as a baronial residence for five centuries. historicenvironment.scot

Dunskey Castle

Dumfries & Galloway

Another dramatic coastal castle, the raggedy Dunskey Castle was once a massive tower house, but has sat derelict since 1700. Arrive by walking along the coastal path – and continue south past the castle to the pretty town of Portpatrick with its picturesque harbour and pastel houses. visitscotland.com

Scottish Castles To Stay In

Ardverikie Castle

Inverness

The fictional Balmoral in Netflix’s The Crown, this 19th century Gothic home near Inverness has the same brooding turrets and gloomy air as the real Balmoral, just with a slightly lower profile. It makes for a lovely and tranquil staycation destination – across a variety of on-ground cottages, ranging from a pretty lodge to an eco pod. ardverikie.com

Dairsie Castle

Fife

Stepping inside Dairsie Castle is like stepping back in time. Once the site of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges and even the hiding place of James VI from his Ruthven captors in 1583, the property has a colourful history. Today, the six-bedroom castle with six-acres of grounds – including a walled garden, orchard and parkland – is the perfect place for a weekend break. dairsiecastle.com

Skibo Castle

Highlands & Islands

Refurbished by Andrew Carnegie in 1898, Skibo was sold to hotelier Peter de Savary in 1982. Madonna and Guy Richie married here in 2002. It’s now owned by a mega-rich American keeping a low profile.

It’s technically possible to stay in the magnificent Skibo Castle, but, as a private members club, it’ll set you back a hefty £30,000 in joining fees, £9,000 in annual membership fees, and £1,500 to actually stay the night. Worth it? Read the C&TH review to find out. carnegieclub.co.uk

Featured Image: Craigievar Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland (via Getty)

The post Beautiful Scottish Castles to Visit – And Book appeared first on Country and Town House.

This article originally featured in our Great British Brands 2023 book. Check out the digital edition here or grab a physical copy today.

What Will Cities Look Like In 2050?

As recently as 1900, fewer than one in six people lived in urban areas. By 2050, it will be more than four out of six. Picture your city in 2050. What do you see? A vague image of glass and flying cars? Or a more dystopian scene? To have any hope of realising a viable, fair, regenerative future, we need to relinquish hasty assumptions and pessimism, and create clear visions of what cities can, and must, look like. 

Transport: Moving Forward

By 2050, anti-car planning and policies will have led to (almost) car-free streets, with remaining vehicles fully electric. Many roads will have migrated to well-lit, fume-free underground networks – freeing up precious surface-level space for public amenities. These tunnels will assist, not disrupt, ecological processes: take Kuala Lumpur’s 9.7km Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), which combines transport with flood control. Along with cycle-lanes and highways, and app-ordered, electric vehicles, reliable high-capacity and carbon neutral public transport will leverage drops in tunnelling technology costs. Look to Hyperloop, which is developing electric shuttles travelling at speeds up to 670 mph, three times faster than high speed rail, and ten times faster than traditional rail – making a London to Paris journey in under 30 minutes. 

Subterranean shuttles will also revolutionise product delivery. British tech scale-up Magway, drawing investors like Ocado, is developing a ‘completely trackable, super secure’ zero-emissions postal network in London, capable of transporting tens of thousands of parcels an hour, timed ‘down to the very second’.

‘Sky bridges’ will be far more than walkways, with homes, offices, restaurants and more. We’ve seen the New York High Line repurposed as a public park, and Washington DC is soon to unveil its 11th Street Bridge Park. They will be facilitated by innovative engineering technology like Multi, a rope-free Willy Wonka-esque lift, which uses a world-first cable-less system that allows it to travel both vertically and horizontally. 

The ’15 Minute City’

Everything in reach

What will be done with the remaining ground space? A planning (r)evolution presently underway is moving away from the 1930s ‘Athens Charter’ (advocating the separation of residential and business zones) towards the ‘Leipzig Charter’, whose guiding principle is a walkable city of diverse, multi-use, space-efficient neighbourhoods. This includes the idea of a ‘15 minute city’, in which residents’ essential needs – including employment, food, lifetime learning, social connection, nature and leisure amenities – are a short walk or cycle from home. The 15 minute model will reinstate cities as a collection of villages, each with its own character and community. Bringing diverse industries and functions close together will shorten supply chains, and create opportunities for hyperlocal, renewable energy solutions: a 2020 world-first scheme saw waste heat from the London Underground warming 1,350 homes, two leisure centres and a school in Islington. 

Shopping in these villages will be different from shopping on today’s high street, with hubs focusing on independent, local businesses, resulting in a renaissance of workshops and ‘smiths’: think cobblers, tailors and tech-smiths. For everyday supplies like grains, oils and cleaning products, refill stores will be the norm, as will having them delivered to your door through brands like Charrli, the milkman-style kitchen and bath product refill service. Beyond refills, the world of food will be localised through produce swaps and hyperlocal small urban farms, and underground and indoor hydroponic farms. 

Social enterprise Incredible Edible is leading the charge on community-led growing in the UK, while visionary guerrilla gardener Ron Finley is empowering communities to turn food deserts into food sanctuaries in Los Angeles. 

Complex planning for myriad, often competing needs in small spaces will be assisted by tools like Delve, created by the Google-owned urban innovation organisation, Sidewalk Labs. Its software creates optimal design solutions for neighbourhoods, factoring in considerations like residential space, energy usage, natural light, transport access, and walkability. 

Multi-Purpose Spaces

URB, a sustainability consultancy specialised in creating the future of urban and sustainable living, have rendered here an entirely self-sufficient city

Buildings will be multi-purpose spaces in which to work, learn, relax and connect, used differently at morning, noon and night – remaining alive and dynamic around the clock and calendar. The Bouldering Project, a daytime bouldering space, becomes a music venue at night and also functions as a workspace with a mezzanine offering a broad shared desk or high bar seating for hot-deskers. Such spaces appeal to diverse groups – artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, academics – creating opportunities for ideas exchange across disciplines. 

Vicky Spratt, author of Tenants: The People on the Frontline of Britain’s Housing Emergency (Profile Books, £20), says the past holds many lessons: ‘Le Corbusier thought buildings could form the vertical version of a street, with shops and other amenities – which is why he put a nursery school, a paddling pool and running track on the roof of La Cité Radieuse in Marseille.’ She cites the internally pedestrianised Barbican, filled with cooling, beautiful green and blue space, as inspiration. ‘We can build safe, secure, decent, and truly affordable housing that’s environmentally and socially conscious,’ she says. ‘The thinking just needs to be joined up, and the funding needs to be there.’ 

By 2045, the UK’s population of over-85s will have almost doubled since 2020 to 3.1 million, 4.3 percent of the population. Laura Macartney, co-founder of InCommon, a social enterprise that creates intergenerational bridges between young and old, says, ‘We need to build infrastructure that bakes intergenerational connection in. This means co-located services, spaces designed with all ages in mind, and multi-generational housing.’ Japan, which has the world’s oldest population, has already pioneered its Yoro Shisetsu centres, combining care facilities for children and the elderly. In West London, the Nightingale Hammerson care home and Apples and Honey nursery share an address. 

Multi-purpose spaces will be agile, effective, largely co-owned and co-managed by local communities, under an agreed set of rules and responsibilities, simultaneously providing a response to the housing crisis. It’s not a new concept and already such spaces are working, like 12 Claremont, a former printing factory. It was recently bought by the Hastings Community Land Trust to become ‘an explicitly inclusive, creative, and affordable neighbourhood hub for living, working and community action’. 

As an alternative to current top-down urban planning models, placemaking uses the skills, knowledge and creativity of people who (will) use a space as capital to design, build and manage it. By 2070 citizens will actively co-create their cities. Postcode gardeners will maintain public nature, providing nature connection to the landless while eliminating the need for toxic chemical herbicides. Land around critical state-managed infrastructure, like transport and hospitals, will become urban commons, with workshops, plays, gigs and sports days bringing communities together. We will no longer be defined as ‘consumers’ (read Jon Alexander’s essay for more on that, too) but active citizens. What we create and do, rather than what and where we spend, will form the basis of our impact on our city. The word ‘city’ comes from civitas, the Latin for a body of citizens, the community. This concept will be felt in the bones of every 2050s city. 

Green Dream

A rewilded urban space

The metropoles of 2050 will be green with biophilic infrastructure and architecture abounding. We’ll see green walls, rooftop allotments, pocket parks, tree- and hedge-lined streets, and ponds. People will be paid to rewild their lawns and depave their driveways; companies will get subsidies for incorporating (and maintaining) habitat-making and -connecting features for birds and pollinators into their office façades. Policies will provide legal protections and rights to organic entities and ecosystems. 

Nature will work hard to reduce the heat island effect, mitigate flooding, and clean the air. The proposed ‘Forest City’ in Liuzhou, China, provides an early template with every house, office, hospital, school and shop covered in plants. Outnumbering its 30,000 residents, the city will also be home to 40,000 trees and over a million plants. 

Engineer Rudi Scheuermann proposes a time- and cost-efficient way to cover high-rise walls with plants: just roughen the surfaces and species will naturally settle and flourish, as they do on cliffs. As water conservation becomes a prime concern and temperatures rise, processes like xeriscaping – which reduces or removes the need for irrigation by selecting heat-hardy, low maintenance, drought-resistant plants – will be vital. 

Internal spaces will be green too. Workspaces like Second Home already have biophilic interiors, with bright, natural-light-flooded spaces filled with plants, including full-sized trees, and neat, healthy moss patches covering unreachable sections of floor. 

It’s not concrete that makes a city – it’s culture. Cities are a kaleidoscopic clash of stories, a farrago of rhythms. They are playgrounds for ideas, swathed in the shimmer of art and the hum of music and conversation. Drag queens mingle with mechanics, poets rub shoulders with politicians, and footballers fraternise with florists. None of this demands concrete, pollution or stress. Twenty fifty’s cities will be alive with nature – and so even more alive in creativity, colour, soul and spirit. 

Street-Smart

Big Data and the Internet of Things will make cities more accessible, inclusive, and safer for all. This includes auditory and visual cues for deaf and blind people. Tokyo, home to the world’s busiest subway station, Shinjuku, with 3.5 million using it daily, plays birdsong from subway exits, and sounds on escalators help blind people navigate. In Los Angeles, street lights flash warnings of oncoming ambulances. 

Looking Ahead

Today’s cities, designed under neo-liberal capitalism, prioritise cars and commerce over community and climate – a value set inconsistent with future-proof resilience. To ensure their – and our – survival, all cities must start to centre social and ecological good. To achieve the future cities the world needs, it is citizens who must act. Leaders in policy, industry and community must act on a hyperlocal level, and value social and environmental concerns on a level with economic ones. In an increasingly hostile climate and with urban population booms, these changes must be made – and are already in progress. A brighter future is possible. Will you help to build it?

Images by URB.

The post What Will Cities Look Like In 2050? appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Jazz Bars in London

start the slideshow

The post That’s Jazz: London’s Best Jazz Bars appeared first on Country and Town House.