Charlotte paradise
“Overspill is, I hope, a book that’s as necessary and eye-opening as it is entertaining. A 25-year-old optician desperately tries to navigate falling in love alongside her recent complex PTSD diagnosis, which makes touch triggering — not an easy feat! It’s not news to anyone that we’re facing a serious issue when it comes to the neglect of women’s safety: lack of medical research, arsenic in tampons, an epidemic of violence against women… the list goes on. It’s a society wide issue but it’s also incredibly personal for most. That’s why I’ve written a novel that takes these huge themes of trauma, desire versus shame, and vaginismus and humanised them in Sara and Miles’s story. I wrote Overspill in the hopes it will dispel shame, start conversations, create empathy and help people struggling with these issues to feel less alone.
24th April is the day Overspill publishes in hardback, audiobook and eBook, bringing a whole lot of yearning and an important gut punch to your bookshelves. I can’t wait for you to meet Sara and Miles and begin to love them as they grow to love each other. Prepare to laugh, cry, blush and rage in the same breath!
Charlotte Paradise
Food: THE LAVERY
Credit: Instagram
The Lavery is a brand new and fresh events space, restaurant and cafe taking over what used to be Cromwell Place, right opposite the Natural History Museum. First to open is the restaurant, an elegant new venue that promises to combine Mediterranean seasonality with British culinary influences and high-quality Scottish produce. Head Chef Yohei Furuhashi was senior chef at the River Cafe for nine years (A Halpern fave) and he has also been head chef at Toklas for the past three years. He brings with him another Toklas colleague, Alcides Gauto, to run the front of house. The menu features dishes ranging from Scottish scallops with alubia beans and radicchio to gnocchi with fresh peas and hen of the woods and rhubarb galette. Later in the spring the restaurant will be joined by an all-day cafe which will be the perfect place to grab a coffee before visiting one of the many nearby museums as well as a more casual bite to eat. The interiors are as stylish as the menus thanks to its home within a collection of meticulously-restored Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses, which were once the home and studio of Anglo-Irish painter Sir John Lavery and his wife, the glamorous Lady Hazel. So now you know where the name came from. The beautifully-preserved period features are juxtaposed by furniture sourced from an array of iconic hotspots from Venice’s Hotel Excelsior to Soho’s Groucho Club. It’s set to be a corker and a welcome addition to the South Kensington scene.
exhibition: cartier
Credit: V&A
Opening on the 12th April at the V&A is a major exhibition featuring more than 350 objects, including precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks, that chart the evolution of Cartier's legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century. The UK’s first major display dedicated to the Maison in nearly 30 years will boast a wealth of precious objects and highlights of the exhibition will include the Williamson Diamond brooch commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and the Scroll Tiara commissioned in 1902 and worn to the coronation of Elizabeth II, and by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine in 2016. There will also be a rose clip brooch worn by Princess Margaret on display, alongside Grace Kelly’s engagement ring and many other ‘precious jewels and show stopping objects, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks from the V&A and Cartier Collection’. The King has also lent works to be included from the Royal Collection to add yet another regal touch to an already regal-kissed collection. A limited initial ticket sale has already sold out, but keep your eyes peeled for more tickets going on sale soon. Alternatively, members can still gain access to the exhibition, so you can consider signing up to bypass the wait and get access to this exhibition that runs until November 2025.
FOOD: WiLD FEasts at oxmoor farm
Credit: Oxmoor Farm
Driven by honest food production and transparency in the supply chain, Oxmoor Farm, nestled in the Chiltern Hills, is a culinary smallholding that believe that eating locally grown, seasonal food is of paramount importance. Since opening in 2022, they have actively committed to solely buying from small-scale farms with a regenerative ethos within Buckinghamshire and its neighbouring counties. From farm to fork, they honour the journey, ensuring that each ingredient meets the highest standards. As part of their offering they host a range of rural dining experiences like no other. With stunning views, delicious food and service with a smile, the Wild Feasts at Oxmoor Farm are notorious for their excellence. Just a short hop from London, the Chiltern Hills set the idyllic backdrop for this dinner party series, returning to Oxmoor Farm for a second season this summer. Each of these alfresco feasts is overseen by a different culinary talent, with chef and food stylist Ms Olivia Cavalli channelling her Italian roots over a two-day residency in July and Ms Sophie Gordon, author of The Whole Vegetable, sharing her sustainable, zero-waste ethos with diners under the stars in August. But in April you can enjoy Eve Seeman, the Head Chef at Apricity and former Head Chef of Tredwells, in the West End’s Seven Dials. On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April, buy tickets to enjoy Eve’s phenomenal gastronomy yourself from £80 per person.
THEATRE: HERE WE ARE
Credit: Vulture
‘It’s a perfect day for brunch. Leo and Marianne Brink have found the ideal spot to take their friends. With great reviews, impeccable service and an extensive menu it seems like nothing could go wrong. But after a series of strange events interrupt their meal, they soon realise they’ve bitten off more than they can chew.’ Here We Are is Stephen Sondheim’s final musical that was considered too “arty” for Broadway. Sondheim has been called the greatest composer of musicals in history and thankfully the National Theatre weren’t put off like Broadway as they are premiering their production from the 23rd April and it's on until late June. Rufus Norris, the Artistic director of the National Theatre, scored this production as the centrepiece of his final season running the venue. Directed by Joe Mantello, there is a phenomenally stacked cast that includes Tracie Bennett, Rory Kinnear, Denis O’Hare, Jane Krakowski and Martha Plimpton. Tickets are selling FAST so get over to the website sharpish if you want to witness the magic.
MUSIC: BRICK LANE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Credit: Brick Lane Jazz Festival
The Brick Lane Jazz Festival brings together London's vibrant underground music community for three fun-filled days at the iconic Truman Brewery site and beyond. As ever, the 2025 iteration will be showcasing some of the most exciting new and established acts on the scene today. The event champions the eclectic and genre-defying wealth of artists that represent London’s bubbling underground music scene, from nu jazz to hip-hop, neo-soul, electronic and more. There are literally too many to mention or even in good conscience cherry pick some names out but rest assured there is a veritable smorgasbord of talent to experience. It truly is a unique annual opportunity to immerse yourself in the newest and most culturally rich sounds coming out of the capital today. With all festival venues a minute's walk from each other, go and discover new music and be part of a diverse community. When not experiencing sonic mastery, you can explore the iconic Truman Brewery on Brick Lane and all the retail, dining and drinking spots it has to offer including Brat, Momlette, 93 Feet East and Libreria.
EXERCISE: SWEAT FOR HEALTH
Credit: KBPT Website
KBPT is an East London based Personal Training group who are hosting their first ever FREE in-person full body workout, to celebrate World Health Day. You can expect a fun, energising hour-long workout with great company and good vibes. Run by KBPT Founder Kate & KBPT Trainer Terri, in collaboration with Revitalise Urban Spa, Sweat for Health attendees will then get 10% off the spa or 20% off if you join straight after on the 5th April for a recovery sauna and cold plunge. If you wish to take part then head over to the Revitalise Urban Spa, Parkhaus, 2 Maple Path, Hackney, E5 8FD for 9.30am to meet your fellow active enthusiasts and Kate & Terri will lead you on the way from there. All abilities and fitness levels are welcome. The key point is taking part and prioritising your health for World Health Day.
event: west norwood feast
Credit: West Norwood Feast
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a relaxing Sunday then look no further than West Norwood Feast. It’s back on the first Sunday of the month from April to December with four hubs: Village Green, Food Fair, Fresh and Green and Artisans’ Market. These all comprise of the crowd favourites such as street food, arts, crafts, vintage items and local produce for sale. Thousands of locals have come out to browse over 100 market stalls since it all began back in 2011 and you could be among them! This community event is primarily run by volunteers, who organise a full schedule of live music at each Feast plus plenty of creative children’s activities. Additional free community engaging events that have taken place before range from talks on Caribbean cuisine for Black History month, a fashion show showcasing local talent and retail, art trails up and down the high street, to a Sports Feast that featured all the local organisations that promote active lifestyles. There’s something for everyone and it’s a great way to get outdoors and into the spring weather with all the family.
MUSIC: CORNER CORNER
Credit: Hotdinners
Corner Corner in Canada Water is what happens when you mash up the creative forces behind mega music venues like Printworks and The Drumsheds together with the dream team behind all the Kerb markets in London. In other words-on helluva venue. This new dockside space is home to a food hall and all-day cafe, a vertical farm and is also a space for live music for the masses. The indoor farm is what sets this place apart from other competitors because it will supply fresh produce to the food side of things at Corner Corner as well as being able to supply restaurants across town. Corner Corner themselves say they will be "the perfect environment to showcase the possibilities of hyper-local, sustainable farming.” Traders already on board for the launch on the 4th April include Chick N Sours - their first location south of the river, Jou Jou's Bites - Taiwanese rice bowls and bao buns, Masa Tacos - traditional house made tortillas made with Mexican heirloom corn and Sireli at Corner Corner - an all day café & restaurant serving up Armenian small plates and flatbreads. In terms of the entertainment Broadwick running the DJ programme and they're also planning a roster of live jazz performances and ticketed shows at the weekends. WE cannot wait for our first weekend party in this new venue.
Charity of the Month: REFUGE
Credit: Instagram
Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK. On any given day their services support thousands of women and their children, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives — free from fear. It’s shocking but 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime and every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. This can’t carry on. Changing attitudes and laws is the only way to build a future where no woman or child lives in fear of abuse. We can support Refuge in this campaign in many ways including through fundraising and donations. £25 would help a woman get the essentials she and her family need, including food and toiletries, so they can feel comfortable and more at home when they first arrive in a refuge. Or a simple £5 donation could buy a book so a mum can connect with her child as they recover from trauma together in a quiet and safe place. Because in the rush to safety, many women must leave their children’s belongings behind to rebuild their lives in a refuge.