Linda Papadopoulos
“I’ve been a psychologist for over 20 years and if I had to pick one thing that makes people ‘good at life’ it would have to be adaptability. I think this has never been more true than now with all the fear, change and uncertainty that we’ve had to contend over the last 18 months. Being able to adapt to what life throws at us is about resilience and hardiness; it’s a personality trait defined by our ability to manage and respond constructively to stressful life experiences. One of the simplest things that we can do to ensure that we maintain balance during uncertain times is to see change as inevitable. Many of us spend a great deal of time and energy trying to avoid change, but this is unrealistic. Learning to see change as a normal part of life and one we cope with lowers our risk for anxiety and depression. It’s easy to become fixated on events over which we have no power, but rather than focus on moving the unmovable, resilient people set their sights on what they can control. So learn to ask yourself, “What can I take responsibility for in this situation?” When you look for opportunities to empower yourself and work towards change that is possible, you’re less likely to feel stuck and more likely to move forward positively and with purpose!”
Dr Linda Papadopoulos
ACTIVTY: SOMERSET HOUSE DODGEMS
We are so excited the Somerset House Dodgems is finally open for business, as we have been waiting for these for months so we can only imagine how thrilled the organisers must feel! The beautiful courtyard is the perfect setting for this open-air adventure featuring dodgems, bold artistic installations, and a wide selection of food and drink to satisfy all taste buds. The courtyard has been reimagined by Yinka Ilori, one of the most in-demand figures working in design, and transformed into a joyful spectacle of colour, sound and energy. You’ll ride dodgems as you’ve never experienced them before, helping to generate an interactive musical composition by award-winning Somerset House Studios artist Anna Meredith, who has teamed up with fellow Studios resident and Bafta-winning sound artist Nick Ryan. Meet up with friends and family in Yinka’s vibrant new open-air art installation, take time out with mouth-watering food and drinks from pop-up legend Jimmy Garcia, or join Somerset House for Dodge Lates and Bump & Brunch with amazing DJs on selected dates. We are of course encouraged to pre-book (a dodgems ride and a drink are guaranteed) but if you happen to stroll past then definitely pop in and see if they have availability.
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FOOD: AVE MARIO
Ave Mario is the latest spectacular joint opening on 2nd July in the capital, from the Big Mamma group - those legends behind Circolo Popolare, Gloria and Napoli Gang. This time they are setting up camp in Covent Garden on Henrietta Street for yet more of their irresistible Italian treats and insta worthy interiors spanning the 7000 square feet of dining space for almost 300 covers! This is proof that not all great things come in small packages. Ave Mario is spoiling us with two terraces, an indoor courtyard, two floors of restaurant space, a cocktail bar (in classic Big Mamma style with a mountain of colourful bottles on display) plus a nightclub that includes its own pizzeria. Are we the only ones wondering if we can move in? With ecclesiastical interiors vibes inspired by stunning Italian cities such as Florence, you may struggle to concentrate on what your dinner guest is saying as you take in all the design work. However, your attention will soon be distracted by the food. As expected, it’s all sourced from the same 180 Italian family-run suppliers they use across all their sites so expect a dribble inducing range of insanely delicious Italian treats including Calabrian nduja, Baeri Caviar, Gennarian Parmigiano Reggiano and Puglian burrata. Yum yum yum and another yum for good measure. See you there fellow foodies!
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BAR: SABINE
Let’s just not talk about the blip in lovely summer weather that we experienced in June. We have high hopes for July and will be booking our sun loving behinds into Sabine, a new rooftop bar in St Pauls. Take a pew and soak up the views and atmosphere from the Leonardo Royal London hotel roof terrace where Sabine has made its home. The name comes from an exotic and striking bird that travels the world as the seasons change, from the Arctic to the tropics. The food and drink at Sabine pays homage to the birds shifting migrational patterns, offering something suitable for all weather, moods or taste. A cheesy concept? Yes. Are we lapping it up? Totally. Botanical interiors (think living walls and more foliage than a forest) and signature cocktails, make Sabine a wondrous place to escape to and there is something for everyone if you’re looking for after work drinks or a weekend indulgence. With views of the city from the London Eye across to the Shard and all that’s in between, it’s the perfect city escape. And you know how much the Halpern Hotlist love a view!
EXERCISE: DISCO YOGA
While we wait for the nightclubs to open again we have no excuse not to cut some shapes on the dance floor...of sorts. We bring you, Disco Yoga! This unique yoga class is inspired by those who simply want fitness to be fun and uplifting! It’s for disco lovers, yoga aficionados and first timers looking for a new way to unwind and socialise! The organisers are adamant that we don’t take life, disco or yoga too seriously and we are here for it! So all you have to do is don your best sequinned spandex outfit (optional) and transform your living room floor into the imaginary light up disco floor of your dreams for their digital classes. You can enjoy one hour's Disco Yoga plus live DJ set, led by Dancing Queens and Disco Yoga founders, Sarah Hunt and DJ Darlo. Classes take place online each Thursday evening and also each Sunday morning but will hopefully soon move back to real life classes instead! It’s also possible to book private classes so any upcoming birthdays or hen do’s that need a sparkle, look no further!
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EXPERIENCE: SUNSET STEAM EXPRESS DINING
Plane travel is still up in the air, excuse the pun, so why not embrace the more simplistic joy of train travel with a Sunset Steam Express Dining experience? Set off from Victoria station and step back in time and enjoy a unique dining experience in authentic carriages reminiscent of a bygone era. Tuck into a sumptuous three course meal on board whilst admiring the views of the rolling Surrey Hills, bathed in the golden glow of evening sunshine. The perfect date idea, or something you can share with loved ones. Sit back and relax as the train rolls past sights like the Vale of Holmesdale, at the foot of the North Downs. Pass through the market towns of Dorking and Reigate before heading back to the capital. The perfect escape from the city! If you aren’t fussed about the dining side of things then a standard ticket allows you to enjoy the trip and bring your own picnic on board instead. Choo Choo Thomas!
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THEATRE: CONSTELLATIONS
Constellations is a two-hander play by the English playwright Nick Payne that first premiered in 2012 at the Royal Court Theatre. Since then it has travelled the globe and featured cast members including Jake Gyllenhall, Rafe Spall, Ruth Wilson and Ginnifer Goodwin amongst many many others. The production is now back on home turf at the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End with another stellar line up for its run from now until September: Sheila Atim and Ivanno Jeremiah (until 1 August), Peter Capaldi and Zoë Wanamaker (23 June – 24 July), Omari Douglas and Russell Tovey (30 July – 11 September), and Anna Maxwell Martin and Chris O’Dowd (6 August – 12 September) explore the story of one relationship with infinite possibilities. Constellations sees a quantum physicist and a beekeeper meet at a barbeque. They hit it off, or perhaps they don’t. They go home together, or maybe they go their separate ways. In the multiverse, with every possible future ahead of them, a love of honey could make all the difference. This beautiful and heart-breaking romance is a must see and it’s no wonder it has returned to the stage once more.
COMEDT: THE COVENT GARDEN COMEDY CLUB
Remember the one about how if Covid made it to the UK we may have to stay at home for 2 weeks? Well that joke has well and truly passed its best almost 16 months later so we really need to indulge in some proper comedy again. Look no further than the Covent Garden Comedy Club located in Heaven nightclub, which is finally opening up its doors to us again this month providing the chance to see some of the best of the comedy circuit, both established acts and up and coming treats to split our sides. You can book tickets to any of the Friday or Saturday night performances via the website and upcoming acts include Mark Walker, Addy Van Der Borgh, Lily Phillips, Alex Kealey and Sam Serrano amongst many more. Comedy giants including Noel Fielding, Jack Whitehall and Rob Beckett have graced this stage so you will be in safe hands and may witness first hand the future of comedy. Enjoy the laughs, you’ve earnt them!
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CHARITY OF THE MONTH: SAMARITANS
Every year in July, Samaritans branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland hold local events to raise awareness that Samaritans are here to listen to anyone who's struggling to cope, at any time of the day or night. Whether it’s a virtual chitchat, or a picnic in the park, Talk to Us is one of the ways they raise awareness that they’re here – for anyone who needs someone to listen, 24/7, without judgement or pressure. You can head to their website to see what your local branch has planned or check out social media for more planned events. One of their biggest events is their Samarathon where you can run, walk or jog your way to 26.2 miles across the month fundraising as you go. If you fundraise just £150 that will help fund 30 calls for help. Every day the charity receives 10,000 calls for assistance so your money will make a huge difference. To simply donate click here.
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APP OF THE MONTH: GET AROUND
If you’re in Europe and don’t have your own set of wheels but would like to be able to hop in a car and set off on an adventure, then check out Get Around. You can rent cars by the hour, day or week and unlock them with the app. With no subscription needed, it’s never been easier. Get Around is the world's leading car sharing platform, with 70,000+ cars and 5 million users in 300+ cities. All rentals are fully insured by Allianz and covered with roadside assistance by the AA. All you do is search for your nearest vehicle, book from a local owner, unlock with your phone and drop back when your adventure is over! Likewise if you own a car and want to rent it out to earn some extra cash when you aren’t using it then sign up to rent your car out using Get Around. Available across Europe, it really couldn’t be easier.