Chloe Dallton
“During May, I will be on the road a lot, on tour for Raising Hare, but I look forward to visiting Photo London Fair in Somerset House!
I wrote Raising Hare under a kind of enchantment, with a hare sleeping beside me as I sat at my desk and coming and going freely from the wild. I could not have imagined that the book would be so warmly received by readers, but it feels to me like an extension of the spell cast by the hare. We still know relatively little about hares, even though they’ve shared our landscape for millennia, and I feel so fortunate to have had a glimpse into the life of these wild, mysterious, free creatures.”
— Chloe Dallton
Food: Simpsons in the Strand
Credit: Simpsons
London's culinary scene is about to get a nostalgic kick in the taste buds with the grand reopening of Simpson's in the Strand “this month”. The exact date is still under wraps but we’re hopeful it’s soon... The legendary establishment, which first opened in 1828, was once a smoky sanctuary where chess masters and literary giants plotted their next moves between bites of roast beef that were brought out on deluxe silver trolleys. Word has it the new incarnation promises to maintain its British charm with the same theatrical tableside carving (and trolleys) that made your grandparents feel special, but this time with chefs who won't faint at the mention of vegetarian options. From the bar and dining room to the event spaces upstairs, luxury can be found in every corner. They will proudly serve a range of traditional British classics that combine the culinary expertise of the chefs with fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from across the UK. We advise you stay tuned to the website or socials for more info on the opening date because these tables are going to sell out FAST if Jeremy King has anything to do with it… which he does… being the owner and all.
Museum: V&A East Storehouse
Credit: V&A
Finally, a museum that's not pretending all its good stuff fits on the walls! The V&A East Storehouse, on the 31st May, is throwing open its doors to its gloriously overpacked cultural closet, inviting you to nose through centuries of design treasures they couldn't cram into the main museum. Spanning four levels, and bigger than 30 basketball courts, for around £12 (less if you're young, old, or flash a student card), you can wander through this architectural showpiece packed with everything from Japanese theatre costumes to very elaborate motorcycles..! Unlike traditional museums where touching gets you tackled by security, the Storehouse actually encourages interaction with hands-on displays and visible conservation labs where you can watch experts painstakingly restore priceless artifacts. Special exhibitions rotate often and feature everything from radical fashion to furniture that makes your IKEA collection look not so chic.
Theatre: Soho Theatre, Walthamstow
Credit: Soho Theatre
Soho Theatre has officially captured Walthamstow, bringing its signature brand of "too spicy for mainstream venues" comedy to E17, without forcing you to navigate drunk tourists in central London. This gorgeously restored 1930s Granada cinema now hosts the same eye-watering, boundary-pushing stand-up that made its reputation, just with more reliable public restrooms and a fighting chance of actually getting a seat. For roughly £15-£25, you can watch tomorrow's Netflix special comedians try out new material and you’ll see just how much of it makes it to the mainstream! Current highlights include their "New Material Monday" showcases where established comics test jokes that might brilliantly bomb, the "Soho Rising" series spotlighting performers too unique for TV but too talented to ignore, and late-night weekend shows where comedians say things they probably shouldn’t but guarantee a laugh. Come for the edgy entertainment, stay for the architectural grandeur that makes your ticket feel fancier than it is.
Art: Tate Modern 25th Anniversary
Credit: The Tate
If you've ever wanted to party with a giant bronze spider, now’s your chance. Tate Modern is throwing a free four-day bash from the 9th to 12th May, to celebrate its 25th birthday, and it’s shaping up to be the most artful rager on the Thames. Expect live DJ sets, late-night performances, tarot readings inside contemporary installations, and a nostalgic reunion with Louise Bourgeois’s iconic Maman sculpture, which greeted visitors when the gallery first opened in 2000. The festivities include a trail of 25 key works from the Tate’s collection, featuring renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí, as well as emerging talents such as Outi Pieski, Edgar Calel, and Nalini Malani. The weekend also offers workshops, talks, tours, and family-friendly activities, all for free—though some events require booking starting so make sure to check before you head to Bankside and join the celebration.
Books: Fleet Street Literary Festival
Credit: Instagram
If you think literary festivals are just for tweed-clad academics and hushed libraries, think again. The inaugural Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words is shaking things up from the 14th to the 17th, turning London's historic press district into a buzzing hub of stories, scandals, and spoken word. With over 40 events spanning journalism, fiction, screenwriting, poetry, and family-friendly activities, there's something for every word enthusiast. You can rub shoulders with literary heavyweights like Ben Okri and Kate Mosse, dive into discussions on the transformation of 'Slow Horses' from page to screen, or get your creative juices flowing in a novel-writing workshop. Tickets start at just £10, making it a very affordable escape into the world of words . So, whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just looking for a fresh take on London's cultural scene, this festival promises to be a page-turner.
Event: Urban Village Fete, Greenwich Peninsula
Credit: Urban Village
If you think village fetes are all tea cozies and dodgy tombola’s, think again. The Urban Village Fete at Greenwich Peninsula is like your local childhood fair got a glow-up and discovered DJs. Taking place on the 19th May, this completely free day out (and 10th anniversary!) smashes together street food, design markets, creative workshops and live music into one huge, gloriously chaotic celebration. Expect big-name DJs like Gilles Peterson spinning feel-good tunes, pop-up talks from sharp creative minds and hosted by BBC Radio’s Robert Elms, DIY craft stations, street performances, and enough people-watching to keep you entertained for hours. It’s loud, weird, joyful, and your Instagram feed will thank you later. Pro tip: get there early if you actually want to grab the good food before the rest of London shows up. This year the Fete is supporting War Child as their charity partner so keep an eye out for donation moments throughout the day.
Music: Cross the Tracks Festival
Credit: Cross The Tracks
If your soul craves funk, your heart beats to jazz, and your feet itch for a groove, then Cross The Tracks 2025 is your spiritual home. On Sunday 25th May, Brockwell Park transforms into a sonic sanctuary where legends like Michael Kiwanuka, Seun Kuti, Egypt 80, and Gilles Peterson (busy month for him!) share the stage with rising stars such as Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei, and Jaz Karis. Tickets start at a modest £49.50, with options scaling up to £135 for VIP experiences. This all-ages event runs from midday to 10:15pm, offering a long day of musical immersion. Tons of street food, craft beer and all that's in between will keep you fuelled so pack up your spirit of adventure, your suncream and a jazzy outfit, and prepare for a festival that promises to be as unforgettable as it is unmissable.
Food & Drink: Setlist
Credit: Setlist
The new Somerset House Terrace Bar, Setlist, is your go-to spot this summer. Opening on the 8th May, Setlist isn't just a bar — it's a cultural mash-up where London's culinary, musical, and artistic talents collide. Expect a rotating line-up of guest chefs (with a spotlight on female talent), a drinks menu curated by top city sommeliers, and a custom-built sound system delivering everything from live gigs to DJ sets. It's the kind of place where you might sip a cocktail crafted by a mixologist who moonlights as a performance artist, all while soaking in Thames views that make you forget you're still in the city. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Somerset House and overlooking the iconic Thames skyline, the heart of Setlist will be a striking new 50m-long covered pavilion that has been designed to provide a blank canvas to present emerging visual artists from London. This new space will provide a canvas for an annual artwork commission which will become one of the largest public painted artwork commissions in London, promoting emerging and early career artists, and bringing their work to central London audiences. At the bar, Setlist will offer local London beers, wines, and a perfect line up of summer cocktails. There’s classic, spicy and mezcal margaritas; frozen mango, hibiscus, and blood orange margaritas; spritzes like the Somerset Spritz – Lilet Blanc, Suze, Somerset Cider – and the Setlist Spritz, Lillet Rose, Raspberries, Double Dutch, Pomegranate and Basil; and classics negronis, Pimm’s Cup, and Clem’s Rum Punch. Head there for the innovative bites, the eclectic beats, or just to say you were.
Charity of the Month: Lady Garden Foundation Family Challenge 2025
Credit: LadyGarden
The Lady Garden Foundation is set to host its inspirational Family Challenge once again, in June, bringing together supporters of all ages from across the capital and country to raise awareness and vital funds for gynaecological cancer research. The amazing participants, and we mean YOU TOO, will lace up their running shoes for this empowering event, showcasing the foundation's continued commitment to breaking down taboos surrounding women's gynae cancers. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-timer, this community-focused event promises a supportive atmosphere where every step taken contributes to improving early diagnosis rates and treatment options. On Sunday 15th June from 8.30am (start time 9.45am latest), gather with your fellow fundraisers at the Bandstand in Battersea Park for a 5k or 10k jog or walk around the park. The energetic and inimitable Davina McCall is hosting once more and you can register to take part HERE. Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone that takes part will receive a medal and an enviable goody bag for their participation.