Just walk around the city with your eyes open and you will discover more. We have and share our spring London edit of addresses to visit, art to see and places to eat and drink.
SAHARA LONGE AT TIMOTHY TAYLOR GALLERY
Visit Timothy Taylor Gallery for a new exhibition by British artist Sahara Longe, New Shapes, on view at the London gallery from 2 June to 8 July 2023.
In Longe’s new body of work, highly stylised abstraction is overlaid with a documentary approach. The paintings are reminiscent of ordinary social rituals, but Longe imbues these scenes with uncomfortable, uncanny abstract forms that allude to contemporary urban tensions, which I think are very much in tune with our times at the moment. Longe’s interest in society as a kind of performance or façade has a strong tradition in post-war British portraiture.
Painted in soft, murky shades of cobalt green, blue and crisp cadmium white, Longe’s paintings take a reduced and focused approach to social documentation. “They are snapshots of people,” Longe explains of the series. “I imagine what people are doing and saying, and create my own story of what their lives might be like.”
SOCCA BISTRO
Indulge your eyes at Socca, a new Mayfair bistro from the duo of Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi of Chelsea’s Bibendum and LSL Capital’s restaurateur Samyukta Nair. Located on a corner of South Audley Street, the pair’s first foray together will pay homage to their love of the French Riviera and the coastal cities of Cannes, Marseille and Nice, with the design for the new bistro inspired by institutions such as La Colombe d’Or and the whimsical style of Villa Santo Sospir. Regulars will order as follows: Guests will start with Green Olive Tapenade; Socca; and Menton Tart. This is followed by starters such as Globe artichokes & Ortiz anchovy dip; Puy lentil salad, confit shallots & sherry vinegar; or Mediterranean octopus, harissa, preserved lemon and parsley. Pasta dishes will include Blue Lobster Orecchiette; and Shellfish Rice, and there will be favourites such as Gratin of Tripe & Cuttlefish; and Pied Paquets Marseillaise.
GRANDIROSA FLORAL DESIGN
Launched in 2014 by Lil, Mary and Stuart from a small studio in Hackney, Grandirosa has grown organically to become one of London’s leading floral brands. Now operating from their first floral atelier on prestigious Chiltern Street, they have become widely known for their lush signature floral style and romantic hand-peeled roses.
MOUKI MOU
Maria Lemos, founder of Mouki Mou, has created a unique concept store on Chiltern Street in London, named after her daughter.
In a world of fast shopping, they invite their customers to slow down, to take time to look, touch, smell and enjoy beauty.
Their focus is on comfort, quality and design – clothes that get better with time, jewellery that lasts forever and beauty products that make every day special.
CLARIDGE’S ARTSPACE CAFÉ
Curated art exhibitions, fine cakes and stunning architecture
Designed by renowned British architectural designer John Pawson, the café features a patisserie counter, a marble communal table as a focal point and access to Claridge’s ArtSpace – a vast gallery with rotating exhibitions that are free to view, plus you can browse a curated selection of unique ceramics, fine prints and whatever is related to the current show.
ANATOMĒ
Here you will find everything for your wellness practice, good, smooth, healthy skincare, candles and tea blends.
The founder, Brendan Murdock, is a passionate creative when it comes to health and skincare.
He first considered opening a pharmacy in 2002, but somehow found himself creating and launching a restaurant, Cru, a reimagined wine bar serving Mediterranean food from a wood-fired oven in London’s vibrant Hoxton, and then a men’s grooming company, Murdock London, which he opened across London and internationally.
But it was recently in his own search for balance in his life that Brendan began using his knowledge of botanicals to develop anatomē, where you can visit for skincare products, a selection of health books and some good advice.
DRYBY
Get your hair blow-dried in a variety of styles, from a classic London look to beach-ready Rio waves and back to the sleek and chic Upper East Side, and get your fully organic shellack manicure, plus it’s located on Mortimer Street, right next to spin studio Psycle, which makes it perfect for those post-workout prep sessions.
THE FINE CHEESE CO. BELGRAVIA
We love this, wholesaler, retailer and exporter of artisan British cheeses, most of which are unpasteurised and all of which are traditionally made.