6 things to book this summer ~ before everyone else does
This summer we’re on a mission to expand our horizons and make the most of all London has to offer. So, here’s what booking now from theatre to exhibitions, gardens and more. Some you’ll find in the city, others a little further afield for when you’ve had your fix of culture and only a warm, sparkling sea will do.
The problem with living in London (we find), is that one tends to identify one’s favourite haunts (the pub with the giant jar of dog biscuits, the place that does your Eggs Benedict just so, the other one that knows how to make a proper martini…) – then venture no further.
But what of the theatre? The history! The culture and the galleries! Every so often, we get a stab of guilt that it’s been so long since we went to the West End, we still think Cats is in its heyday.
1. Operation Mincemeat at The Fortune Theatre (until 19th August)
For those who like their theatre with some laughs (but baulk at the idea of another rendition of Guys & Dolls), then ‘Operation Mincemeat’ could be just the ticket. The fast–paced spoof tells the hilarious story of a WWII operation involving a corpse who outwits Hitler in the nick of time. Having already sold out at a number of London venues, this brilliant fringe breakthrough is making its West End debut for eight weeks only – and is knocking ‘The Woman in Black’ off its pew after a thirty–three year run.
2. The National Portrait Gallery Reopens (from 22nd June)
A favourite among Londoners and tourists alike, The NPG has just undergone its largest redevelopment in history, and is celebrating with a summer calendar of new exhibitions. Head down for the opening First Look Festival (until 2nd July), featuring in–conversation events with Sir Paul McCartney and Tracey Emin CBE, along with music from live DJs, tours and workshops. An exhibition entitled ‘Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm’ will run from 28th June to 1st October. Then don’t miss ‘Yevonde Life and Colour’, which explores the fascinating story of the 1930s female photographer who first developed colour photography (22nd June to 15th October).
3. Eltham Palace & Gardens
Beat the crowds and enjoy a good old English summer at Eltham: the best–kept secret of those who’d probably rather you didn’t know about it. Tucked away in Greenwich, it’s a medieval and Tudor palace come millionaire’s mansion. A hunting paradise for monarchs, it went on to be leased to Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in the 1930s, was bombed in the Second World War, and now rests in the peaceful hands of English Heritage. Not only does it boast one of the oldest working drawbridges in London, but the gardens are heavenly, the artwork exceptional (you’ll find 13 works by JMW Turner alone in the Library), and the glasshouse café serves a mean cream tea.
www.englishheritage–heritage.org.uk
4. Raffles at The Old War Office (OWO)
As one of the most hotly–anticipated openings in recent years, Raffles at The OWO is part hotel, part urbanite’s luxury playground. The imposing Edwardian building, originally built in 1906 (with more than two and a half miles of corridors), sits on the site Whitehall Palace, home to many an English monarch, including Henry VIII. After an incredible six–year restoration and redevelopment, the place that saw Sir Winston Churchill, John Profumo and Ian Fleming pass through its doors is re–opening this summer. Along with Guerlain’s first London spa, we’re keen to give the nine (nine!) restaurants and three bars a whirl. Standouts include the Café Lapérouse (quintessential Parisian café fare), Paper Moon (fancy Italian) and Mauro Colagreco at The OWO (seriously elevated dining showcasing hyper–local and hyper-seasonal ingredients). Don’t miss The Spy Bar, set in the original rooms of the M15, with speakeasy vibes and a cracking cocktail menu to boot.
5. Villa Mirsini, Mykonos
When that good old English summer proves temperamental at best, there’s always Villa Mirsini in Mykonos. As a kind of otherworldly paradise with eight bedrooms and bathrooms, it’s ideal for family getaways or large groups of friends. Discover the chill–out areas secreted about the garden for reading, relaxing and sundowners; enjoy a dip in the heated pool as you gaze out over the sparkling ocean – then get set for some al fresco dining in the outdoor barbecue area. It’s a quick drive to the stunning beaches and not much further to the cobblestoned alleyways and revelry of Mykonos town. We’ll even provide you with a Private Chef and your very own Concierge should you require it. Contact the Escapes Team to book your stay now.
6. Villa Edina, Corfu
For you and your very favourite people, there’s the stunning, sustainably–minded Villa Edina on Corfu. Leave the damp days of the British summer behind you and enjoy the vast infinity pool, the open-plan living area, terrace and outdoor dining area before retiring to one of the four (differently coloured) en–suite bedrooms. We love that the roof tiles are repurposed, the tiles in the pool are made from recycled glass, and the entire house built solely out of rocks from the excavation. Even the outdoor shower plays its part beautifully by watering the olive tree! A housekeeper will come six days a week and serve you breakfast before you chill out or go and explore the island. Contact the Escapes Team to book your stay now.
