I write this from the desk in my South London bedroom on a muggy day, catching stray whispers of breeze through my narrowly cracked windows. Though my deadlines haven’t paused, everything else has. My dog lies lazily curled at my feet, the hum of a fly soundtracks my afternoon and my hair frizzes as the hours creep by. All signs point to summer's arrival.
I don't know about you but I'm determined that this will be my best summer yet. My calendar’s already stacked with plans, but it’s the slower days I’m beginning to think about and, ultimately, how to make the most of them.
It’s all too easy to feel out of sync when the perfect summer day dawns and you have nothing pencilled in. Determined to really get the most out of the season and come out at the other side feeling fulfilled, I decided to turn to some of my chic fashion friends to find out how they're planning on spending their summers in the hope that their plans, goals and, yes, capsule wardrobes, will inspire my own.
Read on for their insights on how to make this your most contented and chicest summer yet.
How Instagram's Chicest People Are Spending Their Summers
Images: @amaka.hamelijnck
Based in Amsterdam, content creator Amaka Hamelijnck spends her favourite season darting between European cities with friends and family.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
I’m such a summer person—it's my favourite season. I just got back from Mallorca with my boyfriend where we had the perfect slow summer days. We woke up early, had breakfast outside in the sun and drove to the beach where we spent the day reading, tanning and swimming, finished by eating my favourite summer dish, paella, in the evening. Ideally, I'm wearing something breezy like a linen maxi skirt, with a blouse over my bikini and a hat to block the sun.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
I’m obsessed with açaí bowls. They're fresh, healthy and cold; perfect on warm summer days. The best I've ever had was in Brazil, but I like to make them myself at home, topping them off with strawberries, blueberries, banana, granola and almond paste.
Where will you be spending your summer?
I always love visiting the Spanish Islands like Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. There's something special about driving around, discovering tiny, beautiful beaches, and there's no better place to watch the sun set than on an island.
What's on your summer reading list?
I’m currently reading Citroeninkt, a beautiful autobiographical book by Maral Noshad Sharifi. The book tells the story of Talar, who flees from Iran to Moerkapelle with her mother. Also on my list is Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
My favourite summer movie is Vicky Cristina Barcelona, about two best friends on a summer holiday in Barcelona, where they meet an artist, Juan Antonio, who is attracted to both of them, but also can’t let go of his mentally and emotionally unstable ex-wife, Maria Elena. I recommend!
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
Last summer was a special one where we celebrated the bachelorette of my best friend Benthe with all of our friends on Ibiza. Cliché, but we laughed and cried and summered like we had never summered before.
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
The first day it’s warm enough to have a BBQ at the park, I’ll always have one with my sister and our boyfriends. Another thing I always do is a boat day with my best friends on the canals of Amsterdam.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Any smell of flowers.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
"Kids" by MGMT.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I would love to go on a road trip now that I finally have my driving license!
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Images: @oliviamarcus
Olivia Marcus is a content creator and fashion and lifestyle writer based in New York. She's spending her summer traversing Italy with a reading list I personally co-sign.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
A day at the beach (any beach will do!) with sun on my skin. J.Crew linen trousers, a Skims bikini, a new book and a turkey sandwich on sourdough to eat on the beach. Those are my ingredients for a perfect summer day.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
I love anything on the grill and use summer to maximise different marinades. My current favourite is a combo of ginger, garlic, soy sauce and maple syrup on grilled chicken and vegetables.
Where will you be spending your summer?
I'm having an Italian summer! I have three separate trips to Italy on the books, some for work and some with family. I'll be in Puglia, Milan, Florence, Verona, Portofino and the Dolomites. My younger sister lives in Italy, so I'm very lucky that I can visit often and use her apartment as an international home base.
What's on your summer reading list?
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. It's my favourite series in general, but it's even better during the summer.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
High School Musical 2, Call Me By Your Name and Broad City.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
In high school, my friend and I would always stop at 7-Eleven for a Slurpee on the way home from swimming in the lake. I still always make a stop when I'm visiting home in Seattle, Washington.
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
Sitting outside for dinner on the deck with my family is one of my favourite summer activities. My dad grills and my mom makes fresh berry cobbler for dessert.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Sunscreen and citronella candles to keep mosquitoes away! But if I'm talking perfume, then By Far Daydream of Passing Clouds. I wore this every day a few summers ago, and it always makes me think of time at the shore.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
"The Louvre" by Lorde
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I really want to try horse riding! I've always wanted to be a horse girl but have never had the chance. Maybe this summer, I'll make it happen.
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Images: @_livmadeline, @iamnkirote
Agency director, producer and influencer Rebekah Nkirote will be filling summer's lazy days with trips to cafés, exhibitions and meandering bike rides.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
The perfect summer's day is one with no set plans, beautiful weather and the rare magic of everyone’s calendars syncing. I’d be doing all my favourite things: hopping between cafés, catching an exhibition, cycling through the city and ending the day with a long dinner and even longer catch-up with my girls. I’d wear a breezy summer dress—Dôen is a go-to—paired with comfy flip-flops and a giant woven tote to throw everything in.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
I always crave light meals in the heat; a really good salad does the trick. I’m obsessed with watermelon and feta, and this year I’ve got my eye on a burrata, peach and tomato salad. It looks so good.
Where will you be spending your summer?
I’m heading to a destination wedding in Malindi, Kenya, this June, and hopefully, New York at the end of the summer. It’s one of my favourite cities, especially in the warmer months. There’s just something about the energy of New York in summer that’s unmatched.
What's on your summer reading list?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one I always come back to. It hits differently every time. Also on my list for this year is The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim and The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
Biking over the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset with my best friend is a core memory that replays in my mind every summer. Also, a spontaneous 48-hour family trip to Paris one summer that ended with eating baguettes under the Eiffel Tower. Nothing was planned, but it was perfect!
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
A fresh set of braids, always. Then comes the seasonal wardrobe switch, and a mother-daughter shopping trip to London as soon as the weather starts behaving.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Maison Margiela’s Replica Bubble Bath is the ultimate summer scent for me. Phlur Missing Person is a new favourite too since I tried it last summer.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
"New Day" by John Mark Santana.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I really want to take a solo trip, just a little one to reset, reflect and recharge.
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Images: @harliebriggsart, @emmaleger, @livpurvis, @lucywilliams02
Harlie Briggs is a UK-based artist whose love of nature courses through her work. Savouring the abundant inspiration from the sunniest season, Briggs's high-summer days centre around food and time outdoors.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
My perfect summer’s day would involve a bike ride in Epping Forest with the dogs, picking up fresh flowers and an evening dinner reservation at a restaurant in East London. I’d be wearing a cotton or linen maxi-skirt co-ord and feeling comfy!
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
I am a creature of habit, and I love making banana pancakes with Greek yoghurt and fruit for breakfast in the summer. My recipe: 2 bananas, 2 eggs, 240g flour, 180ml milk, 2tsp baking powder and a few drops of vanilla extract.
Where will you be spending your summer?
This summer, I’ve booked a week of relaxation in Mallorca, which is very exciting, as I’ve never been, and we're staying on the most gorgeous cove near Cala d’Or. We’re also off to Switzerland for a bit of a different summer holiday full of hiking, massages and spa relaxation at a Michelin-star hotel called La Grand Bellevue. I’d love to squeeze in another holiday somewhere, but aside from these trips, I’ll be enjoying the English countryside and all of my local, quaint pubs.
What's on your summer reading list?
Black Swans by Eve Babitz, Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion and Normal People by Sally Rooney.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
Summer really is the season of nostalgia. As kids, we went to the Essex coast each summer, and my boyfriend and I have started going every late summer for some downtime, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
We love to go strawberry picking when we're down in Somerset for a summer weekend, which usually marks the height of summer for me.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Ooo, I love L’Artisan Perfumer’s scent Fleur de Peche. It really reminds me of summer. I’m also loving Aesop’s Karst.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
At the moment, I keep playing "Spring into Summer" by Lizzie McAlpine. I always come back to "The Water" by Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
After successfully growing my own dahlia flowers last summer, I'm growing them again, but also venturing into food and growing strawberries, chillis and tomatoes. I used my homegrown orange tomatoes for a Thai curry the other evening and it was delicious! I’d love to build on my growing skills each summer.
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Images: @amalienielsenn
Amalie Nielsen is a fashion business owner who splits her time between Copenhagen and New York. This year, she'll be spending her summer in Copenhagen as she awaits the birth of her first baby.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
A perfect summer's day in Copenhagen would be an early run ending in a swim in the canals and coffee afterwards, enjoying the weather. Reading a book, knitting a bit and then going to a nice wine bar in the evening sun with friends. The outfit would be flip-flops, a long, floaty dress and a pair of sunglasses with a big bag to hold things for the whole day, as we get around on bikes all the time.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
Definitely watermelon feta salad.
Where will you be spending your summer?
This summer will be in Copenhagen as we await the birth of our first baby. We will enjoy the city being slow as people go away on holiday, and stroll around the parks and near the water. If possible, we will rent a summerhouse in the north and go outside the city for a bit of nature and just be the three of us in a little bubble. I'm dreaming of a late August or September trip somewhere in Italy.
What's on your summer reading list?
Ærø Manifested by Maj My Humaidan.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
It must be Smukfest, a festival we go to every year, located in the woods. It’s just an amazing time with friends.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
The sound of birds chirping and being woken up by sunlight is just summer for me.
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
We usually go on a trip to Sweden with some of our friends. Out in nowhere, cooking on a fire outside and just doing everything outside in general.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Fresh strawberries.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
"A Good Night" by John Legend.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I think we'll experience a lot of newness this summer as we welcome our first baby. I can't wait to meet her!
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Images: @taffymsipa, @lucywilliams02
Taffy Msipa is a UK-based content creator whose work and chic eye covers fashion, lifestyle, travel and interiors.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
My perfect summer's day starts with a walk or run in nature, followed by avocado with eggs, topped with olive oil and chilli flakes and accompanied by side of strawberries and papaya. Nothing beats feeling fresh and rested.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
I eat a lot of giant cous cous paired with fish and vegetables, and my go-to salad is a Greek salad—I love feta cheese. I also love roasted butternut squash I might start adding this into my cold salads with greens and butterbeans.
Where will you be spending your summer?
I will be heading to Sweden for a half marathon and Santorini for a special friend's wedding, and I’ll be heading to Cape Town later in the year to spend time with family and celebrate a family member's big birthday.
What's on your summer reading list?
I'm currently reading The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarrow. I also re-read my favourite Elle Vitality Health and Beauty book that I bought many years ago at a National Trust park—one of my best finds.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
I love watching movies between 2002-2008 when it’s summer—I love a feel-good movie like The Proposal. I've also been enjoying re-watching Sex and the City, followed by some good Netflix documentaries.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
I grew up going to the Lake District with my family every summer, and I still enjoy doing this each summer, whether with friends, my partner or family, it’s still very much a happy place. I also love being by the sea, having lived in Barcelona and lived in Bournemouth for University many years ago, having a beach close by was always so calming.
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
I usually have a wardrobe clear out and refresh, looking through my favourites and adding a few new items to prepare for the season.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Prada's Paradoxel and Jo Malone Wild Bluebell.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
"Candy" by Cameo, I love this song so much when I am with family or a big group of friends, I always get everyone dancing to this, and the routine is so easy to follow along, making it really fun. Other than this, I love a range of music, I love listening to old songs from Jhene Aiko, Frank Ocean and love reggaeton so much from living in Barcelona, I also cannot get enough of Bad Bunny.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I would love to try snorkelling, which I might get to do later this year when in Santorini.
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Images: @emmahoareau, @charlottejacklin
A skincare expert with a devoted following, Emma Hoareau is one of the first I look to for beauty recommendations. Naturally, her summertime tips are just as compelling.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
I'm waking up slowly, making a coffee and going for a nature walk by the river near my house. I'm making time for reading and lying in the sun, and if I'm lucky, going for a swim! I'm wearing a bikini, linen shorts and a simple tank top.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
I love making the most of British strawberries when they're in season. I eat them every day, either alone or with some Greek yoghurt, and I love making an Eton Mess if I'm hosting a dinner or going to a friend's BBQ.
Where will you be spending your summer?
I'm heading back to Mallorca. It has become a favourite since I first visited in 2021. I love how it feels like you can keep exploring the island, no matter how many times you go. It has such a lovely energy, and I always feel really relaxed and present when I visit.
What's on your summer reading list?
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. It's probably my favourite book ever.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
I always still think of The O.C.! It seemed like the most full-time summery place that made me dream of living by the ocean from my early teens. I moved to Sydney when I was 24, so perhaps that was my inspo!
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
I had family in Cassis (in the South of France) growing up, so we would often visit them over summer, and I remember doing the hike in the Calanques to get to the best beaches, which aren't accessible by car. So for me, summer always has somewhat of an adventure element, exploring and finding the best spots with the reward of crystal clear waters at the end.
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
My birthday is on the first day of summer, so this is always the official kick-off for me.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess is truly like summer in a bottle! It's a mix of sun, SPF and warm neroli, like walking to the beach on holiday.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
"Summer Madness" by Khruangbin puts me in the mindset for a slow, hot summer's day.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I'm hoping to pass my driving test, finally, for future summer road trips!
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Images: @johannapiispa
Helsinki-based stylist Johanna Piispa's sleek and elegant aesthetic translates into her chic, highly considered summer plans.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
I’m from Finland, the land of thousands of lakes, so a sauna and a dip in the water are basically in our DNA, no matter the weather. My ideal summer's day would be spent at a summer house with friends, swimming, taking our time to cook dinner, sipping fresh drinks, playing card games and just relaxing. No makeup and cosy clothes; perhaps a nice cotton set.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
Grilled cabbage with a zingy vinaigrette—honey, chilli, herbs and garlic—is a summer staple in my family. Also, a big prawn paella with saffron. We’ve been perfecting the recipe for a few summers now and it just keeps getting better.
Where will you be spending your summer?
I just got back from a family road trip in Italy, from Rome down to the Amalfi Coast and Puglia. I also did a quick girls’ trip to London in June to see Beyoncé—she was spectacular, as always. For the rest of the summer, I’m planning to stay in Finland, hopping from one summer cabin to another.
What's on your summer reading list?
I like holiday books that are fast-paced and easy, but with a psychological twist, like Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang and My Husband by Maud Ventura. The Girls by Emma Cline is very summery, even if the mood is so dark. I also love biographies, like Tara Westover’s Educated or Demi Moore’s memoir.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
Re-watching Sex and the City is such a summer vibe! Also, The Talented Mr. Ripley (the 1999 version) has the best summer fashion. And of course, Love Island UK—we’re two weeks behind in Finland, so I try hard not to see any spoilers.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
My summer playlist is so mixed: I love a good car karaoke with old '00s R&B and radio sing-along hits, Italo disco or some oldies and goldies like the Bee Gees, ABBA and Earth, Wind & Fire—anything that instantly gets me in a goofy, dancing mood. We also love to play a car DJ game where everyone takes turns picking the next song, rating each other's picks.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Freshly cut grass and Le Labo’s Bergamote 22.
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Images: @chiarasatelier, @rachelle.rowlings, @lucywilliams02
Jewellery connoisseur, fine-jewellery business owner and Who What Wear UK columnist Chiara Perera plans to slow down this summer with a trip home to Sri Lanka, amongst the London-based parties that populate her calendar.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
My perfect summer's day starts early with an early dog walk and grabbing an iced coffee or matcha. This is my form of meditation, and a great way to start the day. I love seeing animals in the park; it honestly brightens up my day before I need to sit down with my laptop as a private jeweller. I am always wearing linen in the summer; I'm a big fan of a linen shirt, either from H&M or With Nothing Underneath, and some denim or cotton shorts. When it comes to food, it’s all about in-season fruits like strawberries and cherries, and fresh salads. In the heat, I like to keep things fresh and light. Hydration is key!
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
I love a watermelon salad or a tomato toast situation. I am not a big cook, but I love simple recipes. I just got the new Wishbone Kitchen cookbook, and there are plenty of recipes I can't wait to test out in it.
Where will you be spending your summer?
This summer, I'll hopefully be heading back to Sri Lanka. I haven't been in a while, but it's where I grew up, so I can't wait to see friends and family, but also be a little bit of a beach bum and enjoy the yummy food and the gorgeous weather, and live my best island-girl life.
What's on your summer reading list?
In anticipation of the season three release this summer, I've been listening to The Summer I Turned Pretty (I'm team Conrad, obviously). I'm in the mood for a bit of mystery, and None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell was recommended to me.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
The Summer I Turned Pretty is the perfect warm-weather TV show. Oh, and Mamma Mia! is a great summer movie.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
The summer memories I always go back to are the long summer holidays I had as a teenager, during school and university. The carefree joy of being free and young, and just enjoying the simple things. iPhones were not around, and it was just about being present and finding things to do. Things were simpler back then—it was magical. I spent a lot of time in Sri Lanka by the beach with friends. How I wish we could go back to those days.
Do you have any summer traditions you always do to mark the season’s arrival?
My friend group's birthdays are all in the summer, so, from the last week of May, there is a birthday or two per month. That's always how the summer starts for me. Plus, my own birthday!
What scent do you most associate with summer?
Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede, and Chanel Chance. These two fragrances take me back to happy summer memories.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
Anything Spice Girls or Britney! And right now, I am obsessed with Olivia Dean.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I want to be a little bit more spontaneous; as we get older, life and work get in the way. So this summer, I will be doing things for the plot—watch this space!
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Images: @ingridedvinsen
Ingrid Fagerli Edvinsen is a stylist and content creator based in Oslo, Norway and who's summers on the Norwegian coast have instilled a long-standing love for quiet and cosy summer days.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
My perfect summer’s day are definitely a day where there is no rush, when I can wake up, do my daily at-home pilates session, drink my morning coffee somewhere with a nice view and lay in the sun and read my book. I love to get lost in books and what’s so great about summer is that you actually have the time to read for hours. Then in the evening I love to dress up, walk into town and have dinner. I love to wear white, light and easy dresses and skirts in the summer. Anything you can just throw on without giving it so much thought.
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
The ultimate summer dessert for me are strawberries with heavy cream and sugar. It’s something I have been eating since I was a child.
Where will you be spending your summer?
I actually have quite a few travel plans this summer. First, my boyfriend and I are headed to Albania. We have booked a beautiful hotel on a cliff with a private beach and rooms overlooking the sea. Then we’re travelling to visit family in North Norway for some long-awaited quality time with slow days and late nights fishing under the midnight sun. Then, to round off the summer, I have a fun girls' trip to St.Tropez to celebrate my friend’s birthday.
What's on your summer reading list?
I have recently gotten into the hype of Sarah J.Mass's books, and these days I am finishing the last book in the Throne of Glass series. Then I think I will go on to read A Court of Thorns and Roses. I also love to read non-fiction and would like to read Mel Robbins' Let Them.
Which films, TV shows or other cultural moments sum up summer for you?
I am a huge nostalgic and love to watch older films or films that have an older feel to them. My go-to summer films are Call Me by Your Name, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Dirty Dancing and The Parent Trap.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
Growing up in the North of Norway, I'm used to unpredictable summer weather. I have a lot of memories of getting to the beach to take a swim, and then in the blink of an eye, the sky's turned grey and it's started to pour. Often, we ended up eating our beach snacks in the car while the rain was pouring down and going on a road trip instead. These moments have ended up as dear memories looking back.
Do you have any summer traditions you do each year to mark the season’s arrival?
My birthday is in June, so for me, gathering my friends for a little birthday celebration has always marked the beginning of summer.
What scent do you most associate with summer?
The fresh and salty smell of the ocean and newly cut grass are summer for me.
Is there a song that summarises summer for you?
The soundtrack to the movie Mamma Mia has always been the perfect way to sum up my Scandinavian summers.
Is there something you want to do or try this summer that you haven’t before?
I would love to take on a new hobby. I have just started learning tennis, something I have been thinking about doing for the longest time.
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Images: @theindiaedit
India Cardona is a London-based influencer and curator whose work spans fashion, beauty, interiors, travel and lifestyle.
Can you tell me what your perfect summer’s day looks like?
The Kenwood Ladies' Pond in Hampstead is a favourite spot of mine, so I’m definitely going to pop there on a hot summer’s day—it’s like a mystical female wonderland!
What recipes do you turn to once the weather warms?
Whenever I visit Towpath, I always want to eat everything on the menu. I’ve now bought the cookbook, so I’m excited to try and re-create some of the dishes, like the iconic Tomato Tonnato. I’m also really into my breakfasts at the moment. Over the most recent bank holiday, I poached loads of pears and made plum compote and granola. I’m having that trio each morning with coconut yoghurt and almond butter, which is definitely an incentive to get out of bed each day.
Where will you be spending your summer?
My summer trips are being cut short a bit due to my pregnancy; however, I’ve started Euro summer early, visiting Hotel Corazon and Meem Townhouse in Mallorca, Les Roches Rouges in the South of France and Mykonos with boutique agency The Cycladist. We're doing one final trip as a babymoon to one of the Moroseta villas in Puglia. I’d love to sneak in some late summer sun, perhaps at Borgo Tre in Lake Garda or Villa Magnan in Biarritz. As I’ll be in the UK for much of my summer, I’m also looking forward to spending time in and around Bruton. I just wrote a Substack guide on the area because there's a never-ending supply of amazing restaurants and things to do.
What will your summer days look like?
I just had an amazing meal at One Club Row, so I definitely need to go back and try more of the menu. It’s got a sexy New York City vibe—the type of place that makes you want to drink a martini, so I must return post-pregnancy! I’m really excited about Canal in Westbourne Park—a new opening from one of my favourite restaurant groups. I’ve also got my eye on Sol’s for drinks and small plates in the sun, and St. Clair for coffee. I love that Italo, which is local to me, is now open for dinner a few nights a week. It feels like you’re on holiday when you go there.
What's on your summer reading list?
Like many of us, I’m dabbling in the world of fantasy, and I’m currently making my way through the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. It’s actually my first foray into fantasy, and I can totally understand the escapism it offers. Summer calls for easy reads, and next on my list will be the latest releases from Taylor Jenkins Reid and Emily Henry, two of my literary fiction faves. I’m due later this summer, so I’ll be juggling my reads with birthing books such as Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth.
Do you have any summer memories that you find yourself returning to each year?
I’m sad not to be attending Glastonbury, as I went last year and had the best time. This summer, I’ll be watching from my sofa! I got some late September sun in 2024 on the Amalfi Coast, which is just the epitome of summer. We had the best meal at the Belmond Caruso in Ravello and stayed at Le Sirenuse and Hotel Santa Caterina, which were both divine.
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