Where to Boogie… All Points East, Victoria Park

Nothing says London summer like a good day festival. With the forecast of a sunny weekend ahead of us, head to All Points East — arguably one of the best festivals in the city. Nestled in East London’s Victoria Park, this year’s celebrations boasts a stellar lineup, featuring Kaytranada, Loyle Carner, and Mitski as headliners for the first weekend. The good news? Tickets are still available — but hurry, the first act is on in a few hours, and you won’t want to miss this one.

What to See… Hockney and Piero: A Longer Look, at the National Gallery

Strolling around Central London this weekend? Be sure to stop by the National Gallery to see their newest exhibition, Hockney and Piero: A Longer Look. The selection offers a very personal display of Hockney’s work and is an ode to his collaborative creativity, drawing inspiration from other artists. It brings together two of Hockney’s paintings, displayed alongside the thread that ties them together — Piero della Francesca’s The Baptism of Christ.

On view until 27 October 2024, at the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN.

What to Read… The Guest, by Emma Cline

One of my favourite types of books is where the entire story unfolds over a week. My latest favourite is New York Times bestselling author Emma Cline’s The Guest — a page-turning novel that takes readers on a long, winding odyssey in the Hamptons. After the older man she’s seeing casts her out of his home, Alex forced to decide whether to return to a life she’s ignored in Manhattan or somehow sustain herself on the beach. As she meets new characters, morphs into different versions of herself, and navigates the upper echelons of New York, we watch her walk in and out of worlds as an outsider, leaving her mark on those she encounters. Beautiful, poetic, and addicting — I finished it faster than the time span of the story itself.

What to Listen to… “Growing Up”, with Keelin Moncrieff ft. Kevin Twomey

Commuting from East to West and need a podcast that will have you giggling unapologetically on the tube? Tune in to Keelin Moncrieff’s latest “Growing Up” episode featuring fellow Irish podcaster Kevin Twomey. It’s a hilarious trip down memory lane as they reminisce about their upbringing in Dublin and the Irish countryside, discussing the joys and angst of coming of age, finding their creative footing, and, of course, their favourite lunchbox snacks.

Where to Shop… Neal’s Yard Remedies, Covent Garden

Love natural beauty? This one’s for you. For over 40 years, this London-based, award-winning apothecary has been crafting natural and organic health and beauty products that are a delight for your nose and skin. I recently tried their Women’s Balance Balm and can’t recommend it enough — it’s a paste-to-oil formula with intensely nourishing ingredients like organic oils and beeswax, leaving your skin as smooth as it gets. Perfect for colder days, but definitely a year-round staple if you’re as skin-obsessed as I am.

Neal’s Yard Remedies, 17 Short’s Gardens, London WC2H 9AW

Where to Sip & Chill… Next Door Records, Stoke Newington

Shepherd’s Bush’s cult-favourite Next Door Records just got a sibling, with the founders opening their brand-new Stoke Newington location this summer to celebrate NDR’s fourth anniversary. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee or a drink on a sunny day, but take your time to also explore the extensive record collection now available at the North London spot. The cherry on top? They’re also hosting live performances this summer — check out the full schedule on their IG.

Next Door Records, 182 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 7UY