In London over the Bank Holiday weekend? Sick of everyone’s Ibiza/Greece/Puglia/St Tropez instagram posts? Yup, us too. We got you covered - there’s something for your eyes, your ears, your tastebuds, your wallet and your soul. Show them what they’re missing by leaving town.
For Your Eyes
Please go and see Lee Krasner: Living Colour at The Barbican. The first major retrospective of the pioneering, prodigiously talented abstract expressionist’s work in over 50 years is not to be missed. It ends on 01 September so the Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect time to catch it. Sometimes overshadowed by her marriage to Jackson Pollock, her work easily stands on its own - her paintings, collages and mosaics are energetic, full of colour and the scale of a number of her works make this exhibition a feast for eyes. Krasner is often referenced by us for colour combinations - her work 'Palingenesis', 1971 was a key source of colour inspiration for our AW19 stripe!
For Your Ears
Given that it’s estimated that two million people crushed into the Notting Hill Carnival last year, this is not one for you if what you're after is a relaxing day with no crowds. But it’s one of Europe’s biggest, brightest, loudest street festivals - an intoxicating celebration of London’s multicultural past and present. This is a loud way to spend a day but if you like dancing in the streets (yes!) to everything from Samba-sonic Latin to steel drums and Caribbean beats, your should check it out at least once. Although there are food and drinks aplenty, take water and snacks and plan an escape route if it all gets too much. Take a look at this handy parade map to navigate sound stages, toilets and other essentials (like jerk chicken).
For Your Tastebuds
Need carbs? Head to Lina Stores. This legendary delicatessen on Brewer Street in Soho has been a go-to for Italian food in London since it opened its doors in 1944. It’s always been on our map for fresh take away pasta, the best parma ham and big, fat chunks of Italian cheese to take home but it’s opened a restaurant too (just around the corner in Greek Street) - the perfect place to stop for a spot of lunch or a pre-theatre supper in Soho. With the same imitable ‘Lina’ green, white and black colour scheme, the restaurant too, has a vintage vibe which feels like a slice of old Soho. Try the squid ink spagetti with crab, chilli and lemon and finish with the cherry and almond tart. Your taste buds will thank you.
For Your Wallet
After lunch at Lina, head to Liberty London for what we think is still the ultimate London shopping experience. Beautifully curated, it remains a retail journey of discovery. Our favourite floors are the beauty rooms on the ground floor, stocking everything from well known and cult beauty brands to hard-to-buy, breakthrough names and possibly the best range of fragrances we have seen. Next head to the lingerie section on the second floor to check out The Pantry Underwear at Liberty. You’ll find Hesper Fox sleep, underwear and resort wear there as well as a fab range of exclusive female-founded British brands. They’re experts at size and fit, so if you think you may need an upgrade in the bra department, head in and let one of their well-trained ‘pant pals’ fit you for free.
For Your Soul
If it’s something more gentle you are after, head to Kew Gardens for a day. Trees are an energy source and sometimes walking amongst them, just for an hour can make a huge difference to mood. Kew Gardens is a UNESCO world heritage site with over 50,000 living plants. The new Temperate House opened last year and there is a huge amount to see - from Alpine rock gardens and the magnificent kitchen garden (swear you’ll want to move to the country and plant vegetables after wandering in it) to a lake with a John Pawson designed bridge, you’ll find yourself breathing a little easier and ready to get back to 'real life' after a day spent here.
* Fun fact - our creative director, Kristi lives across the road from the gardens so keep an eye out for a tall woman wandering in her PJs.
