Page 27 – A Little Bird

14th July 202115th July 2021

The Department of Salad

‘Are you there salad makers? It’s me, Emily.’ So starts the latest bulletin from Emily Nunn, former New Yorker magazine editor turned newsletter superstar. Searching for something to bring her joy in the ‘hellish, lonely summer’ of 2020, Emily began making salads so delicious and dazzling they were ‘like bouquets of flowers you could eat.’ To continue the momentum into the autumn she decided to launch a newsletter, The Department of Salad. The feel is a bit retro and reads like an early noughties blog – like Julie and Julia perhaps – with sparky writing that is funny, warm and appealing, so much so that she garners hundreds of comments beneath some of her posts (and responds to them all). Free subscribers receive one salad recipe per week, whilst paid up members ($5.50 per month – or £3.79) get a couple more, as well as access to the full archive, book reviews and recipes from guest chefs mailed out from Emily’s kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia on Fridays or else over the weekend.

We have Diana Henry to thank for putting us onto the Department of Salads. She’s a fan – and has subsequently been featured in the newsletter sharing her top salad recipes – Salade Gavrocharde for free subscribers, and Roasted Tomato, Fennel and Chickpea Salad for paid members. As well as this, she offers her fundamental thoughts on what a salad ought to be:

Diana Henry’s five things a salad should be

FULL OF LIFE. So much so that it’s almost impossible to contain it in a bowl or on a plate. I think it should feel as if they could take flight, if that makes sense. I wish I could get more small leaves or that I was a good gardener—I love those little sprightly bits of greenery you can add at the end. They give it life and structure too.
LIGHT. Since I think salads should feel full of life, I am not so keen on salads made with mayo. The more liquid the dressings the lighter the salad.
NEVER STODGY. People make salads now—as I do—with roast vegetables and ingredients that would have seemed odd in the past, or at least unusual. It’s important not to chuck just anything into them. You have a bowl of cold roast potatoes in the fridge? Maybe there’s a better vehicle for firing life into those.
HAPPINESS INDUCING. A soup makes you feel warmed and happy, a salad should make you enlivened and happy. It should energize you, but that doesn’t mean it should be all about crunchiness or ‘clean eating’ (God help us).
WELL DRESSED. And you have to approach that dressing anew—each salad has its own dressing, made with the oils and acids you have at any particular time. Remember what it’s going on—whether it’s mild, like mozzarella, or sweet, like roasted pumpkin. And sometimes salads barely need dressing at all, and you have to know when to leave well enough alone. Really great tomatoes—both sweet and acidic—might only need salt and extra virgin olive oil.

We’ve been subscribers to the Department of Salad for a couple of months now – at first for free and then paid, because we love it so much. Our favourite things so far have been this wonderful short story about a salad bowl by Kevin Conley that takes about 3 minutes to read. And of course, the recipes. There are fruit salads, Cobb salads, chopped salads, recreations of the best restaurant salads – this question provoked a great cascade of answers with readers writing in wonderful descriptions. All sound appealing to Emily, and therefore to us. Do subscribe here. And here’s a salad dressing to get you started.

Emily Nunn’s Perfect Mustard Vinaigrette

1⁄2 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (I really like Trader Joe’s brand)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1⁄2 teaspoon of sea salt (or more to taste)
Freshly ground pepper

Place the ingredients in a jar and shake the hell out of it until it is completely emulsified. If you like garlic on your salad (I often do) start the recipe by mashing together a clove of garlic and the salt in a mortar and pestle (or with the back of a spoon, in a bowl), then whisk in the remaining ingredients. You can also leave out the garlic and add about a tablespoon of finely chopped red onion.

7th July 202125th October 2021

A cultural July: crafts, talks, music and more

There is lots going on this July and something for everyone whether you like crafts, talks, music or art. Here are our top picks.

Online Wimbledon Book Festival Talks

You have until 16th July to buy a £25 digital pass for the whole of the Wimbledon Book Festival (which happened in June) which allows you access to all the talks – our highlights include the Reverend Richard Coles, Anya Hindmarch and Caitlin Moran.

Until Friday 16th July.

Book your tickets here.

Brian Eno Music at The Serpentine Pavilion

If you haven’t already visited the latest Serpentine Pavilion designed by Counterspace, then we’d recommend you go before 23rd July to hear the new musical composition by Brian Eno. It lasts 90s minutes long and can be heard all day, from both beneath your feet to the space above your heads.

Until 23rd July, 10am – 6pm everyday.

Free.

Online Charleston Festival: Love Letters with Helena Bonham Carter and Tobias Menzies

In what was a specially commissioned piece originally planned for a sold-out at Charleston Festival in 2020, Helena Bonham Carter and Tobias Menzies were to read the intense love letters that passed between Lydia Lopokova, star of the Ballets Russes, and brilliant economist John Maynard Keynes. Now Bonham Carter and Menzies will do a live performance on 9th July broadcast from Charleston. The event is then available on demand until the end of 2021. Check out the other speakers from the festival too including Elizabeth Day, Jeanette Winterson, Antonia Fraser, Elif Shafak and Jeremy Deller.

Friday 9th July, 7pm.

Book your tickets here

Online Wild Botanical Workshop with Jess Wheeler

Join designer and artist Jess Wheeler for a wild botanical painting workshop inspired by traditional European folk art. Before the workshop, you’ll need to take a walk outside to collect a variety of flowers from your surroundings. Then Jess will guide you through a series of drawing exercises and you will be introduced to a range of painting techniques, developing your botanical pattern into a decorative final piece. Tickets cost £10 and 20% of the ticket price will be donated to Crafts Council UK.

Thursday 15th July, 7pm BST (8pm CEST / 2pm EDT), 1 hour 30 mins.

Book your tickets here.

Pajaki evening with Karolina Merska in Dalston

During the two evenings workshop artist Karolina Merska will introduce you to a rich history of unique Polish rye and straw chandeliers called “pajaki.” Pajaki (pah-yonk-ee) are traditional Polish chandeliers made from rye straw and paper. Their history dates back to the mid-18th century, made by country women as decorations for their homes especially for Christmas, Easter, as well as for weddings and christenings. Karolina will teach you how to create a structure which later will be decorated with 5 traditional “kalinka” pom poms. “Kalinka” pom pom is made of 15 layers of hand twisted tissue paper.

21st July & 28th July, 6.30 – 9.30pm at the Meadows Store, 50 Dalston Lane, London, E8 3AH

Book tickets here

Sophie Taeuber-Arp at Tate Modern

Sophie Taeuber-Arp was one of the foremost abstract artists and designers of the 1920s and 30s. She made embroideries and paintings, carved sculptures and edited magazines, created puppets and mysterious Dada objects. She used traditional crafts in a modern way, challenging the boundaries separating art and design. This is the first retrospective of her work ever held in the UK and it brings together her principal works from major collections in Europe and the US, most of which have never been seen in this country before.

From Thursday 15th July at Tate Modern.

Book your tickets here.

7th July 202125th October 2021

Houseguest Gifts

Staying as a houseguest this summer? Surprise your host with a thoughtful gift that they’ll love.

Limited edition Citronelle candle illustrated by Luke Edward Hall by Diptyque,

Acorn vase,

1,000 piece Moon puzzle,

Life in the Studio: Inspiration and lessons on creativity by Frances Palmer

Linen napkins (set of two),

Pack of 12 candles, £19.50 from Pentreath & Hall

Pair of hand-embroidered floral pillowcases, £70 from By-Alice.co.uk

Pair of tinted stemless wineglass by Anna + Nina,

Maison M swirling petals frilled cotton tote bag,

Striped cold-pressed olive oil,

Checkerboard backgammon board game by Jonathan Adler,

Hydroponic Herbs in Mint, Thyme, Oregano, Parsley, or Basil,

7th July 202125th October 2021

Garden Games

Some of the best memories from childhood come from playing games together and to be honest, there is nothing we love more even now. We’ve gathered together some of our favourite traditional games alongside a few more unusual picks.

Big Game Hunters Longworth Croquet Set

Badminton with Easy Set Up,

This ping pong table from The Conran Shop would really add something extra indoors or out. It is foldable, so can be easily put away, but who would want to when it looks so great.

Exclusive Art Table,

Bats with Balls,

For some old-school vibes, we love this Jacques of London Ultimate XL Tumble Tower

Traditional Garden Games Rounders Set with Carry Bag

Giant Pick Up Sticks,

Great Garden Games Boules,

Hayes Boules & Pentanque,

A Swedish favourite for the whole family, Big Game Hunters Kubb Throwing Game

From America, Go Sports Classic Cornhole Set

With young kids, there hasn’t been year yet that we didn’t wish for an inflatable pool. But, they can be so garish. We have found a few better looking options for your yard.

Mylle Semi Circle Inflatable Pool,

The Greek Eye inflatable pool,

7th July 202123rd September 2021

The Millers Way Project

The Millers Way Project is on a mission to bring the population to better state of health. After the pandemic, it’s never felt more necessary. Each of the four practitioners brings a specific discipline – acupuncture, sports massage, Chinese medicine and osteopathy – and through working together and teaching each other the result is that when you see one practitioner you really are tapping into the expertise and experience of all four. Then there is a wider community of teachers that make this place such an holistic offering. We spoke to James Cattermole and Chloe Ogden, two of the founders of the Project, which has just opened its doors in Shepherds Bush.

Could you tell us a bit about your approach at The Millers Way?
You might come to our practice when you’ve reached a bump in the road, when conventional western medicine hasn’t worked. We believe that we have a magical team here – each one of us on our own wise path through life; we want to bring some of that wisdom to the wider community.

What new technique are you most proud of?
We want our patient clients to have better and better health and believe that is linked to purpose in life.

Tell us a bit about a couple of the classes you offer
Qi Gong is an ancient internal art (I call it ’tingling awareness), which improves your body energy flow. Satria Yoga is another slow practice, a fusion of yoga and Pilates, where you hold moves for deep core conditional and overall endurance and strength. We are also running a very popular Kids Street Awareness six-week class.

What is The Millers Way space like?
We have created a light open space where we want to encourage clients to relax before and after; the sort of environment where you might learn just as much from another client chatting over some tea telling you about their experience as you would a practitioner.

What’s the next big health trend?
It’s not so much about the next big thing as looking and learning from the past. Two thousand years ago people recognised that health meant looking after the body and mind as a whole. We want our clients to be able to look inwards to recognise what extra help they may need to strive towards better and better health.

What’s the best things about Shepherds Bush?
We are new to the area. I (James) love the Polish shops where I can buy blood-nourishing foods. I (Chloe) can cycle here from my home in Notting Hill. We love the fabric shops and the fruit and veg market stalls.

We love your amazing home-created herbal teas. Will you be offering food at Millers Way?
Yes! We have plans to develop a supper club with Chinese cooking that use the five key flavours – including sour foods that are lacking in most cooking.

Chloe, how do you look so youthful?
I do Qi Gong classes to release any tension in the tissues and I use only natural products – no chemicals – in my simple skincare routine.

What book do you have by your bedside?
I am reading the second book by Jordan Peterson – Beyond Order.

Can you share with us some Instagram accounts you like.
Lara Heimann @lara.heimann and Fighting Monkey Practice @fightingmonkey_rootlessroot

There’s currently a launch offer on all treatments at The Millers Way Project, currently £70 (instead of £80). 30-minute Tea and a Chat appointments are free.

7th July 202125th October 2021

How to arrange summer flowers

It was Constance Spry who said ‘leave room for the butterflies!’ I often think of her words when putting flowers into a vase, giving each enough space to bloom. Though I no longer work as a professional florist, I do remember a few tricks. The main one I think is to just have confidence and enjoy it instead of fussing too much over rules.

Picking Flowers

The best flowers are undoubtedly home grown, especially for scent. If you have a garden, pick in the evening, quickly condition them (by removing the lower leaves) and give your flowers a drink and a rest overnight and then arrange in the morning.

Remember to pick plenty of foliage too, something people often forget about. Consider the size of vase you want to fill and then think creatively. From great spiky artichoke leaves to small springy alchemilla mollis, play with the scale and shape and textures.

Flowers should be left in a cool, dark place indoors overnight. Leaves and foliage love rain so leave it in a bucket of water outside if possible.

Where to Buy Flowers

For lack of a garden, try a pick-your-own farm. Blooming Green in Kent opens on Saturdays for you to fill a bucket, but you will need to pre-book a slot. In summer some professional growers open up to the public. Rosebie Morton, founder of The Real Flower Company grows the most heavenly-scented roses near Alresford in Hampshire and runs a shop from her paddock on Fridays 9am-3pm where you can buy bunches of roses, as well as other seasonal English flowers which in July could be honeysuckle, jasmine and wildflowers.

Of course, shop bought or supermarket flowers do the job too, and the upside is that they will last a lot longer than home grown. You could scavenge for some foliage on a walk to make things look more authentic.

TLC

Flowers are a bit like people. Each has its own quirks and specific ways it likes to be looked after – if you can work out what this is then you’ll be rewarded. For example, hydrangeas are one of the few flowers that drink through its the petals, so they love to be sprayed with a gentle misting of water.

As a general rule, cut all stems on the diagonal and make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Anything that looks floppy you can revive by searing the tip of the stem in boiling water for 10-20 seconds. Woody stems struggle to drink so you must cut them on a steep diagonal and could cut upwards into the stem to help them drink.

Keeping the water in the vase clean is the key to helping your flowers last. Add flower food if your flowers come with it, otherwise a drop of bleach and a slosh of malt vinegar works. Leaves and soft stems will rot in water and cause bacteria, which is why it’s helpful to condition flowers before arranging them. Change the water as often as you can be bothered, but every day would be optimum. If in doubt, consult Sarah Raven – who also has a new podcast out with Arthur Parkinson.

Vessels and Vases

It’s fun to use whatever you have around. I did a wedding once where all the flowers were in Golden Syrup tins and it looked great. Perhaps the most sure-fire way to decorate is using bud vases as it really is so easy – you just put a stem or two in each one and have lots running along a table. Willow Crossley (whose Instagram flower arranging videos are full of practical tips) sells fun, colourful ones online. £95 each from Willow Crossley:

Mix and match your own set with these Romance bud vases, starting at £4.95 each from Graham & Green

Bottles or narrow-necked vases also do the trick. This terracotta U vase is chic and you would only need a couple of stems or even some structural foliage. £175 from Valeria Vasi

For bigger arrangements it can help to use a vase with a narrower neck that will hold a shape, instead of a broad rim where the flowers are unsupported. Here are a few good styles:

Large mouth-blown bottle-neck vase, £40 from The White Company

White dot glass splash vase, £69 from Hay

Mouth-blown vase made of blue glass, £35 from Arket

This vase takes tall stems but is narrow, so works well on a mantelpiece, £225 from Astier de Villatte

Wider rims do allow more airy arrangements that Constance Spry would be proud of. Flora Black specialises in her Fulham Pottery style vases, selling via Instagram @florablack_shop

You might then add some chicken wire bunched into the vase to give your stems some support, or else buy a flower frog. These are like pins that you impale the stems onto – you’ll need some florist’s tac (like blue tac) to stick it to the bottom of the vase.

Arranging

Small, scented flowers are especially nice by the bed; lily of the valley, grape hyacinths, a scented rose, some sweet peas.

To make a bouquet, a professional florist will start with a single stem in their hand, and then add more stems one-by-one at a diagonal angle, spinning the bouquet to manipulate the shape. There’s a knack to it, but of course, you can just as well fill a vase with water and add the stems in more haphazard way. If you want to hide the mish-mash of stems, or know you won’t be bothered to change the water regularly then go for a china vase or a jug instead of clear glass.

Tulips arranged by Charlie McCormick @mccormickcharlie

Some flowers seem to look better on their own. Sweet peas for example, are best en masse with their colours mixed up in a jug. Tulips are a bit the same and grow in the vase so should be allowed space to roam free. Hydrangea are so big they can be difficult to mix in with smaller things, so might have more impact alone.

Flower Rooms, Podcasts, Books and Inspiration

I am a bit obsessed with flower arranging rooms with butler sinks and shelves of vases. Here are a couple to aim for, starting with Bunny Mellon’s potting room:

And Charlie McCormick’s flower arranging room.

Amy Merrick’s On Flowers is a great book for ideas and thoughts.

Finally, Instagram is a great source of inspiration for flower arranging. One of our favourite florists and flower growers to follow is @milliproust, who posts a new arrangement every Wednesday with the #windowsillwednesday.

30th June 202125th October 2021

The best makeup by makeup artists

When I was Bookings Editor at Vogue magazine, I worked with some of the most in-demand makeup artists. They were often big personalities – Pat McGrath was known as ‘Mother’, Charlotte Tilbury called everyone ‘Darling’ and Lisa Eldridge had an amazing knowledge of the history of makeup. Many were consultants to big makeup brands (some still are like Lucia Peroni at Chanel) but some, like Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, Lisa Eldridge and Gucci Westman decided to launch their own makeup brands. It takes a lot of nerve to launch your own business, under your own name but these makeup artists know makeup like nobody else. They were working with all types of makeup, in different environments (out on location, under the studio lights etc) and with different faces everyday for around 20 plus years before they launched their brands. They knew what worked and what the market was missing. It’s been an extremely successful gamble – Pat McGrath Labs was valued at over $1 billion in 2018 and Charlotte Tilbury sold the majority shareholding in her business to the Spanish company Puig in 2020 which valued her business as worth over £1 billion.

As you’d expect, their brands all have a very different focus – Pat McGrath has a brilliant range of professional colours and textures, Charlotte Tilbury has created a makeup line that is hugely accessible and very glamorous, Lisa Eldridge started with wonderfully pigmented lipsticks and has just expanded her range. Whilst Gucci Westman wanted a ‘clean’ brand that worked just as well as those that weren’t but was also beautifully packaged. We’ve tried and tested each range and picked out our favourites.

Gucci Westman

Gucci suffers from Rosacea so she worked hard to come up with a foundation that gave enough coverage (you can easily build it up to the finish that you want) but was also rich in antioxidants and calmed the skin. This really does give you a lovely glow and natural finish. Vital Skin Foundation stick by Westman Atelier,

This mascara is great – it goes on slickly and never smudges. Not as cheap as some of the more budget mascaras on the market but we think it’s worth it. Eye Love You mascara by Westman Atelier,

Pat McGrath Labs

When Pat McGrath launched her makeup line in-store at Selfridges, the queues went around the block. Such is the adoring fan base of her super-professional makeup. McGrath had long been the consultant to Armani makeup and helped to create their brilliant foundations, so it makes sense that her Sublime Perfection Foundation is one of her top products. It has a creamy texture and gives you an immaculate finish. Sublime Perfection Foundation,

If you’re looking for a great base for your makeup then this is it. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it smooths and hydrates, making your foundation last a lot longer. Sublime perfection primer by Pat McGrath Labs,

Lisa Eldridge

There’s a reason Lisa Eldridge has 1.3 million followers on Instagram and many more who visit her site. Whilst still working hard on shoots (she just did the makeup for Dua Lipa for the new Versace campaign), presenting BBC programmes and writing books, she is also doing incredible makeovers on herself and others. Eldridge first launched her line of lipsticks a few years ago and just this Spring expanded with a series of highlighters and blushes which sell out very quickly (follow her on Instagram to see when she gets restocks on the site).

This brand new blush has the loveliest texture and actually stays on all day. It’s made up of a makeup/skincare hybrid formula that is non comodegenic, cruelty free, vegan and free from Parabens, talc, Nylon 12, D6, D5 and Alcohol. It gives a natural, translucent look. Pink soap blush, £24 from Lisa Eldridge

If there is one product that Eldridge is famous for, it’s the super saturated, high pigmented lipstick. This is our favourite in a classic red. It is super long wearing and a colour that suits everybody. Velvet ribbon true velvet lip colour lipstick, £26 from Lisa Eldridge

Charlotte Tilbury

Known for her Hollywood fan base, Tilbury always brought out the glamazon in whoever she made up – from Amal Clooney to Kate Moss. So it’s fitting that one of her most popular products is the Hollywood Flawless Filter. You can wear it alone, under makeup (our favourite way), mix it in with your foundation or use it as a highlighter. It’s one of those products that will have other people commenting on how well you look. Hollywood Flawless Filter,

An essential part of Tilbury’s genius are her step-by-step tutorials that allow everyone to transform themselves. Under her tutelage, this luxury palette can be used for either a subtle polished look or the full-on going-out look and everybody can do it. The Bella Sofia,

30th June 202125th October 2021

Time to get Your Toes Out

Nothing feels more like summer then finally putting on a pair of sandals. So, get your toes out and slip into some of our favourites.

For some South of France vibes –

Avarca Compostelle Sandals,

Harley Viera Newton of HVN has done an amazing collaboration with Ancient Greek Sandals. Detailing is unique and playful for that extra something.

xHVN Clio Heart Strap Leather Sandals,

xHVN Clio Fruit Embroidered Leather Sandals,

Trekky Sandals,

Available in many colours – Arizona Two Strap Rubber Sandals,

Leonora Raffia Slides,

Palmera Cross-Strap Espadrille Slide,

The Beachcomber Leather Sandals,

Number 63 Leather Sandals in Cognac,

Maldives Leather Sandal,

Knottie Soft Knotted Sandal,

And we are heading to Margaret Dabbs in Marylebone. Book in for the medical pedicure – it never disappoints. Walk in with winter feet, walk out with baby feet. So good you might not even want to add polish.

30th June 20211st July 2021

Veronique and Capucine Piedeleu of Caravane

For twenty-five years French lifestyle brand, Caravane, has collaborated with artisans around the world to create a stylish selection of homewares. In 2011, Veronique Piedeleu bought the business along with her husband, before being joined more recently by their daughter Capucine. They now have 14 shops worldwide from Copenhagen to San Francisco including two in London in Marylebone and Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross. We talked to Veronique and Capucine about working together, their favourite shops and markets and after their successful collaboration with Sezane, what lies in the future for Caravane.

Veronique, you took over Caravane in 2011. What attracted you to the business?

Since childhood, I’ve loved visiting auction rooms, flea markets and roadside potters. My grandparents were antique dealers and I’ve always been fascinated by antique furniture, fabrics, and collecting various objects from my travels. I was brought up to appreciate uniqueness, and this passion caught up with me after years spent in marketing.

My husband, Jack-Eric and I started a craft supply business, which we ran successfully for ten years. However, I needed a place to fully develop my passion. When I discovered Caravane I was transfixed by the brand, its values, and decorative aesthetic. When we had the opportunity to buy it ten years ago it was an obvious choice!

And now Capucine, you too have joined! Is it easy working as mother and daughter in a business? What are the pros and cons?

Capucine: It was a challenge at first to find a good balance between work and family! However, we managed to find it quite quickly and built a mutual appreciation of each other’s skill sets. We have learnt a great deal one another. It’s been quite a journey since we started working together, 6 years ago and we are very proud of the hard work we’ve done together.

I am very grateful for everything my mother has taught me and that we still have Sunday lunches and family holidays without (most of the time!) talking about work.

What do you think gives Caravane it’s particular aesthetic?

Veronique: Caravane creations are born naturally ~ It is often the talent of the craftsman that guides the aesthetic. Extreme care is taken to identify the most beautiful, simple, authentic and natural materials. The simplicity of our designs makes them timeless by nature. They never go out of fashion as they are inspired by and based on traditional craftsmanship: tapestry, weaving, ironwork.

You did a collaboration with Sezane previously. Have you got any more collaborations coming up?

Capucine: The Sezane collaboration was the first project I worked on at Caravane and was such a wonderful experience. In 2022 all have lots of exciting collaborations launching, however, our focus currently is the online capsule collection launching in September.

What are your favourite Instagram accounts to follow?

Capucine: My mother is not on Instagram so mine would be

@MimiThor Mimi Thorisson is absolutely stunning! I love her food, the aesthetic of her home and her pictures always look very rustic and French

@KellyWearstler Kelly’s work has such a strong personality ~ her choices of patterns and colour are always alluring and distinctive. I adore her style too – it has the same vibe as her interiors.

@PolkenStudio Simone is an incredible artist. I just love the simplicity of her work and her home (below).

@ParisiensinParis This one feels a little cliché, however I adore the spontaneous picture and the style of the chic Parisians.

How did the pandemic affect you? And Caravane? How did you pass the time during the lockdowns?

Capucine: I stayed in Paris for the duration of the lockdowns. As I manage the e-business of Caravane I had a lot of work. However, it was very important for us, as it was the only link left we had with our customers during this difficult time.

Veronique: From a personal point of view, this period has been amazing and very rewarding. At the beginning of March, we took a week’s holiday in Portugal to see the house we had built . We suspected that there was a risk without imagining the extent of the situation. A few days later, we were confined for two weeks, then two weeks again, and so on. We took advantage of the time.

Of course, there was stress, the shops were closed, all the teams were at home, we were unable to work, but I viewed the moment as an adventure.

What other interior shops do you like in London? And in Paris?

Capucine: In London we love The Conran Shop in Bibendum, South Kensington ~ it’s great for lunch too! Jonathan Adler is also wonderful for eccentric little finds and we adore all the flower markets and delightful little antique shops.

In Paris we love India Mahdavi, Antoinette Poisson (below) and of course, all the flea markets are amazing! However, since I’m more of an online shopper, I also like to browse Selency and Design Market.

Do you collect anything and if so, what?

Capucine: Mum is always collecting things! Often pieces I don’t understand at first, however I tend to grow to love them and often end up purchasing them too! She has an amazing collection of baskets, cooking books (from all over the world!) and many small animal creations, most of which are stocked at caravane.

There isn’t one particular thing I’m passionate about, however I have started collecting hats. I began making my own hat with unique patterns and Caravane fabrics. I’ve also recently become a little obsessed with backgammon, it’s a beautiful game and makes a lovely gift.

What do you have on your bedside tables?

Véronique: Lots of books and some adorable gifts my children made for me when they were little.

Capucine: I have headphones since I always listen to music or podcasts before going to bed, and of course my pillow lavender mist…

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

Véronique: The end of the pandemic! We hope everyone can feel safe and start enjoying their lives again! We also have some beautiful collections and exciting projects launching towards the end of this year and throughout 2022. We can’t wait to share them with our lovely customers.

29th June 20211st July 2021

What to do with your kids this summer

The summer holidays are nearly upon us. Luckily, there’s plenty of fun to be had around London for children of all ages. On 15th July Dodge opens at Somerset House filling the central courtyard with dodgems and colourful installations from designer Yinka Ilori. Each bumper car will be tracked so that each bump contributes to a 3-minute soundtrack that plays every hour.

From the fairground to the circus, and it has to be Gifford’s. This year’s show, The Hooley was conceived by Nell Gifford before she sadly passed away last year. Currently in London at Chiswick House until 11th July, it then continues its tour westwards ending in Cirencester on 11th September.

Chess fans as well as newbies can get involved with ChessFest, a three-day festival that will run at schools around London from 16th-18th July and culminates with a fun day of activities for the public in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 18th July. There will be free lessons from professional teachers and top UK players, 6 giant chess boards to play on, 100’s of chess tables and a human chess game based around Lewis Carroll’s Alice Through the Looking Glass performed by professional actors. Giant screens will also broadcast online games between players in London, Liverpool and St Petersburg, Russia.

For a rainy day activity head to the Tate Modern where UNIQLO Tate Play kicks off on 24th July and runs until 29th August. The project, Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa invites visitors of all ages to help transform the Turbine Hall into a giant work of art, inspired by the Gutai group of radical Japanese artists who wanted to change the world through painting, performance and children’s play. There will also be live performances at 11am and 2pm each day which you can take part in.

Kew Gardens is back with it’s Kew the Movies series and there a quite a few children-friendly films included such as Paddington, Toy Story, The Goonies, The Lion King and Moana. You can bring your own picnic or buy food at the Kew restaurants. Book your tickets here.

For long car journeys download The Happy Podcast for Kids, a new podcast from Anorak magazine that launched on 21st June. A team of expert guests answer questions like ‘how do whales pee?’ posed by Little Editors who are based around the world. The first episode on Sport features Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad and Team GB hockey player Giselle Anne Ansley with more to come from rock stars to scientists to architects to ice cream makers.

And for further cultural recommendations we recommend Dandelion London. Set up by some of the former editorial team at Angels & Urchins magazine (sadly no longer), there are reviews on books, outings, exhibitions and more.

29th June 20211st July 2021

Escape to Cambridge

In the next in our series of escapes from London we’re off to Cambridge where cows graze on the water meadows and lazy afternoons are whiled away punting along The Cam. With fewer tourists this summer it makes the perfect break, just under an hour on the train from Kings Cross.

Things to Do

A visit to the university town demands a look in a college or two. Pre-book a timed slot to visit Kings College where a wildflower meadow now covers a large swathe of the back lawn. The project aims to create an ecosystem rich in biodiversity and flowers from May to July before being harvested in September. A booking also grants entry to the Chapel with the world’s largest fan vaulted ceiling and the Adoration of the Magi by Rubens. From there walk along to Jesus College (below) where the cows graze on Midsummer Common opposite.

Pick up a punt and float down The Cam either under your own stead or with a guide thanks to the Cambridge Punt Company. Keep your eyes peeled for The Punt & Pole, a floating bar on a punt that sells Prosecco and Pimms to passers by.

Back on dry land, the enormous Fitzwilliam Museum is a must-visit with an art collection that encompasses the antiquities through to the 20^th century. Our favourite though, is Kettle’s Yard where the former home of collector John Ede and his wife Helen is now open to the public. Gifted to the university in 1966 it is the most atmospheric space to see Modern art, and the collection includes the work of Ben Nicholson, Alfred Wallis, Naum Gabo, Barbara Hepworth and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska. This summer a new exhibition, Untitled: art on the conditions of our time (10 July – 3 October 2021) will show the work of 10 British African diaspora artists including new commissions by Barby Asante, Appau Junior and Boakye-Yiadom.

Shopping

We made a pilgrimage to Cambridge Imprint, who don’t have their own shop but do have a large space in the stairwell at Heffers Bookshop. Find racks of wrapping paper, cards, notebooks and more. Nearby the Cambridge Satchel Company has all shades of leather book bags. And there are some great charity shops on Mill Road.

Eating and Drinking

Picking up a Chelsea bun and a coffee from Fitzbillies (below) is a must (it’s worth knowing that these can also now be posted anywhere in the UK). For lunch it’s hard to beat the toasted ciabatta sandwiches at Bread & Meat with fillings like porchetta, salsa verde and crackling. Next door join the queue for Jack’s Gelato for proper ice cream.

The Old Bicycle Shop – once the oldest in town – is now a quirky and fun restaurant where all appetites including veggies and vegans are catered for. If you fancy a walk and a pub lunch you could set off down the river to Grantchester to the thatched Red Lion.

Where to Stay

We’re always partial to a hotel that leaves a chocolate on the pillow. At the University Arms you get a whole chunky bar of it wrapped in Cambridge blue paper, just one of the finer details that this newly revamped hotel gets right. Then there’s the library, curated by Mayfair’s Heywood Hill and full of beautiful new hardback books to read in front of a roaring fire or to take up to your room. Here you’ll find thick carpets, huge comfy beds and Dr Harris bath salts in earthenware pots waiting to be sprinkled in free-standing baths with shiny brass taps.

The quintessentially English style is thanks to an £80m transformation from architect John Simpson and interior designer Martin Brudnizki (of The Ivy and Annabel’s). Unlike lots of new hotels the University Arms doesn’t try to be cool – breakfast is more likely to be a Full English than bee pollen granola – and instead the feel is luxurious and collegiate, with playful details that nod to Cambridge’s intellectual alumni. There are 192 rooms including 12 suites, and yet for the scale of the hotel the staff are incredibly friendly. Once you’ve checked into your room borrow a free bicycle and pedal off into town, following the illustrated map of Cambridge by artist Adam Dant that’s provided for guests and comes filled with restaurant recommendations, historic places and literary locations to visit along the way.

In the evening return to the bar for drinks where the marble wallpaper nods to the endpapers of antique books and the cocktail list includes the Blushing Byron (while an undergraduate Lord Byron was known to take late night baths in the Trinity College Fountain) and The 1848 (the year the Cambridge Rules were drafted by gowns men playing football). Dinner at Parker’s Tavern is a treat: try the brown buttered sole with Norfolk shrimp and mashed potato, finished off with rice pudding souffle and raspberry ripple ice cream. Rooms from £159 per night, suites from £419. universityarms.com