Lorraine Candy
"I look forward to June for so many reasons; firstly it is the time of the year the water starts getting warmer for my wild swimming in Shepperton Lake in Surrey or Daymer Bay, in Cornwall which is always a bonus and secondly it's the beginning of the end of term for my four children and we begin to look forward to the summer hols together and this year June is extra special for me.
On June 10th my first book "Mum What's Wrong with You' 101 Things Only The Mothers of Teen Girls Know is published by 4th Estate. After almost 30 years as a glossy magazine editor-in-chief (ELLE and Cosmopolitan) I Ieft my role at Sunday Times Style last summer to finish this book alongside co-hosting the podcast Postcards From Midlife. And finally seeing it on the shelves will be a huge moment for me and my family. The book is a reassuring guide for the mums of teen girls as they navigate the surprisingly difficult adolescent years, hopefully it will make women feel much less alone in their mothering. It's aimed at mums and all the friends of mums going through this, I really wish someone had bought me a book about how tricky managing teenage daughters is!”
Lorraine Candy
"Mum What's Wrong with you", Buy here
Postcards From Midlife, Listen here
FINE DINING: WADDESDON MANOR
Waddesdon Manor was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of arts and to entertain the fashionable world. Opened to the public in 1959, Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation, a family charitable trust, on behalf of the National Trust, who took over ownership in 1957. It’s home to the Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. Part of the grounds includes Windmill Hill and never before have the grounds to Windmill Hill been opened, to enable a bespoke and award-winning dining experience with such spectacular views. Windmill Hill continues the grand tradition of Rothschild architectural patronage in the Vale of Aylesbury. In the 1870s, it was the surrounding landscape that first drew Ferdinand de Rothschild to Waddesdon. Newly launched with Dining Domes by Eventist Group you can now mingle between the cutting-edge art and architecture as you arrive, then take your seats to dine high on the hill overlooking the Vale of Aylesbury, in outdoor COVID-safe luxury. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dine in a location which has never been open to guests before, enjoying fresh seasonal menus paired with delicious cocktails and wines. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner sittings are available until 13 June so don’t hang about!
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ART: VAN GOGH ALIVE
There aren’t many who won’t know the name Van Gogh so it’s no wonder this immersive multi sensory experience celebrating his life and work, has been seen by over 7 million across 65 cities worldwide. Opening in a stunning 25,000 square ft purpose built venue in Kensington Gardens from today, until late September, Van Gogh Alive is anticipated to be London’s biggest visitor attraction this summer. Covid safe, family friendly and sound tracked by an emotive classical score, journey through Van Gogh’s life and a multitude of ‘locations’ including the Netherlands, Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise, the settings for many of his major works. With over 3000 inspiring images transforming your surroundings as you navigate through the experience, it’s one you won’t forget in a rush. There are recreations of his sunflower painting with a whole sunflower room as well as a 3D recreation of his famous bedroom painting. Instagram lovers will have too many backdrops to choose from. “At Van Gogh Alive you don’t just look at his paintings, you step inside them and feel their power.”. Visit the website to snap up some tickets now.
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FILM: ADVENTURE CINEMA
Now it seems like Summer has finally got its act together and decided to show up, who fancies pitching up in the park for some cinematic pleasure? You do? Well good, because Adventure Cinema is back, at some of the UK’s most picturesque locations. Londoners, we can choose a location such as Osterley Park, Streatham Common, Finsbury Park and more. What’s on varies depending on the venue you are looking at but smash hit classics including Grease, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Back to the Future are of course on the roaster alongside a run of the best modern blockbusters. As with anything at the moment, the events are all completely Covid secure with the relevant social distancing and plenty of hand sanitising stations. Tuck into hot food on site as well as picking up a pint from the bar but also make sure to check with the venue you book with as some allow a BYO picnic. Other than that, pitch up, settle in and enjoy an actual social event, with other people, in a public place, and in good weather!! Who’d have thought it!
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FESTIVAL: PUB IN THE PARK
Aah Tom Kerridge, the chef we all love most. Not only is he a fantastic Michelin starred chef, full of good vibes, inspiring to kids and an all round decent bloke, he is also the brains behind Pub in the Park. As if we couldn’t love him more! Pub in the Park is a food festival combined with some live music and a good atmosphere and this year you have two opportunities in London to attend, firstly in Dulwich on June 25th to 27th or later in the year in Chiswick from September 3rd to 5th. Each festival celebrates everything there is to love about the glorious British pub; delicious food, award-winning chefs, chart-topping music, great drinks but above all else a fantastic time with friends and family. The best of your local pubs and restaurants will ‘pop-up’ around each park serving £6 tasting dishes for you to get stuck into – expect not only your local favourites but also national heroes you may never have been able to visit. A multitude of bars will quench your thirst and music acts you can expect to see include Basement Jaxx, Kaiser Chiefs and Beverley Knight. Live cook-a-longs, shopping and kids craft areas should keep you all entertained as the day passes. Head to the website to pick up a ticket from £21.
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ART: CLAUDIA ANDUJAR, THE YANOMANI STRUGGLE
Claudia Andujar spent her life defending, documenting and inspired by, the Yanomani, one of Brazil’s largest indigenous peoples. The Barbican this month open up an exhibition honouring her life and work and her collaboration with the Yanomani. This exhibition brings together over 200 photographs, an audio-visual installation and a series of drawings by the Yanomami. They reflect the dual nature of Andujar’s five-decade relationship with them, highlighting her commitment to both art and activism. Photos from her first six years living with the Yanomami, showing how she grappled with visually interpreting a complex culture, will feature alongside imagery produced during periods of direct activism, as she used her camera and archive as a tool for political change. At a time when the Yanomami’s territory is threatened and their way of life at risk, due to ongoing illegal mining and the spread of Covid-19, this survey takes on enhanced significance. The exhibition not only presents Andujar’s art but also amplifies the voices and perpetual struggles the Yanomami are facing. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition that transports you from the streets of EC2 to South America in a flash.
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FOOD: EL PASTOR
The El Pastor family is a small group of Mexican taquerias in London who make their tortillas in-house using heritage Mexican corn, today they opened up El Pastor Soho in the former site of Hix on Brewer Street. Inspired by the decade the founders spent in Mexico City, the restaurants offer tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, mezcal, tequila and lively scenes. In Soho the main floor will transport you to the faded grandeur of many of the late 19th Century buildings of Mexico City as you indulge in the Mexican flavours whereas the basement bar will be “Mezcaleria El Colmillo" named after the night club that the founders ran during their time in Mexico City. The intended house party vibe will include a “musical programme with a broad church of genres, encompassing Latin American, electronica and whatever else feels right". El Pastor has somewhat of a cult following so we already know this new venue is going to be incredibly popular for those making a night of it as well as those wanting a simple mid week treat. We personally can’t wait to head over from some of their sumptuous sharing plates as well as a tequila or two...of course.
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EXHIBITION: BAGS INSIDE OUT
We had this exhibition on our list to tell you about months ago but we need not go into explanation as to why its only now featuring…! Bags Inside Out is a must visit for any fashionista and fan of the ultimate accessory... or frankly anyone that appreciates fine craftsmanship, design and history for that matter. Let’s face it, we ALL own a bag of some description, some of us perhaps a few more than necessary but that is by the by. This exhibition captures items that range from practical through to glamorous, from the 16th century through to now and includes some of the most iconic bags ever made. It explores the materials used, how to make them more ecological, how to use them to make a statement, both fashion wise and political, as well as allowing us the chance to fawn over bags owned by historical figures such as Winston Churchill or Margaret Thatcher and cult modern celebrities inducing Paris Hilton. There is something for everyone and you may want to go shopping after you have been...
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CHARITY OF THE MONTH: THE MAYOR’S FUND FOR LONDON’S ‘CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN’ CAMPAIGN
During the pandemic, 1 in 3 young Londoners did not have adequate resources to study from home. In addition, 63% of students believe their wellbeing has been adversely affected. We also know that at least 400,000 young Londoners currently struggle to afford or access food – this number is likely to be much higher now. Radical action is needed to reverse inequality and ensure all children and young people are able to thrive and fulfil their potential. Over the next two years, the Mayor’s Fund for London want to expand their partnerships, grow their reach, deliver new campaigns and co-design a range of new programmes. Currently, their Kitchen Social programme works with 100 community organisations to improve children’s access to food and social activities. The Count on Us numeracy programme aims to make maths fun and improve confidence, as well as improve academic attainment. Access Aspiration, the Mayor’s Fund for London’s flagship employment programme, provides careers support and guidance for 16 –18- year olds who are making key decisions about their future. From midday on 8th June to midday on 15th June, the Mayor’s Fund for London are taking part in the Champions for Children campaign to raise £60,000 for their vital work. During this week, all donations to the Mayor’s Fund for London will be doubled at no extra cost to you. So, if you’d like to support young Londoners from low income backgrounds to bounce back from the devastating effects of Covid-19, there is no better time to do it. To donate, please visit the Champions for Children campaign page here. You will be able to donate from 12pm on 8th June. For more information on the Mayor’s Fund for London, please visit their website here.
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APP OF THE MONTH: MINDNODE
Are you always coming up with incredible ideas but fail at capturing each part down succinctly or in a semblance of order? Then Mindnode may be the app for you. Don’t scribble rough notes across a multitude of scrap paper anymore and instead commit your genius to this app. You start with a bullet point list which transforms into a beautifully crafted mind map. Your main idea sits at the centre of this beauty and each new thought and development then branches off. By adding icons, pictures, notes, stickers and more you can build out the idea into a fully-fledged and concrete plan all from your phone, iPad and even apple watch. Capture your thoughts clearly!
Credits - Instagram, Aerial photo of Waddesdon. Image (c) Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens, V&A.com, mindnode.com