I’m here in sunny France on a well-deserved summer holiday, I’ve got my Breton stripes on and the Rosé on ice! I’m spending a few days in Normandy and a few days on the island of Ile de Re off La Rochelle. (keep an eye out for a post next week on my travels, including Monet’s beautiful gardens in Giverny or keep in touch on Instagram). So while I’m sitting by the pool here’s three things to do in Londontown…
STOP
What: Summer Exhibition
Where: Royal Academy, London
When: Until August 17
The Royal Academy summer exhibition is must-see in the British art calendar. It’s an open entry exhibition meaning you get work from both amateurs and the great Royal Academicians, my favourites are the small rooms on the side packed full to the rafters with prints, paintings and sketches. This year artist Cornelia Parker has curated a black and white room, while work from new RAs Thomas Heatherwick and Bob & Roberta Smith is also on display. (images above: Benedict Johnson courtesy Royal Academy)
LOOK
What: Open Garden Squares Weekend
Where: Across London
When: 14-15 June
Over the weekend and across London, around 200 parks and gardens not usually open to the public will open their gates. At last year’s event the public visited the gardens of Number 10 Downing Street, Eaton Square, Cable Street Community Gardens, Regent’s Park allotment garden, The Royal College of Physicians’ medicinal garden and the National Trust’s Carlyle’s House. This year there is guided tours, cycle rides and live music. (Image above: Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden, by Gavin Gardiner courtesy of Open Garden Squares Weekend)
LISTEN
What: Street Feast
Where: Shoreditch, London
When: Until September 21
Street Feast returns with a delectable selection of delicious delights, from Lebanese flatbread wraps and crispy Seychelles spiced chicken to Goan pulled pork and lobster rolls.
