Everything the Luxury London team has been loving this month
The restaurants, fashion, beauty and events that have taken our fancy in May
The month of May is widely known as the unofficial start of summer in London. With bumper bank holidays and a heatwave which sprung out of nowhere, you can trust the Luxury London team to soak up everything the city has to offer as it bursts into life. Want to know what we got up to, and where? Discover everything our editors loved this month, from leisurely lunches at posh pubs and Chelsea institutions to trips to the most iconic horticultural show in the world, and the heatwave heroes we have been reaching for as London peaked at 35.1°C. Long may it continue.
Cordelia Aspinall, Branded Content and Shopping Writer
The restaurant: Daphne’s, Chelsea
I don’t know why, or how, it’s taken me so long to discover Daphne’s. Having grown up in South London and the restaurant being more than double my age, it was about time for me to uncover the Chelsea neighbourhood favourite. And boy, have I been missing out. From its relaxing ambience and beautiful decor to a menu so delicious it is hard to choose from, the restaurant oozes elegance and character, while the food and drink are simply delicious. Go for the crab and chilli pasta – it’s one of the most popular dishes on the menu and for very good reason (just make sure to save some space for the tiramisu).
112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE, visit daphnes-restaurant.co.uk
The workout: Jetset Pilates
Jetset Pilates is about to take over the UK. The Miami-born brand arrives in London this July, and ahead of its debut, I was lucky enough to have a teaser session, 50 floors up at The Lookout, 8 Bishopsgate – and was rewarded with amazing views. A modern Pilates experience that focuses on strength, movement, sculpting and confidence, it was the perfect start to my day and I’ll definitely be booking into the Shoreditch studio as soon as it opens its doors. It’s going to be big – and you heard it from me first.
Visit jetsetpilates.co.uk
The fragrance: BDK Parfum
BDK Parfum never disappoints. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new range, named Studio Collection, discover three new sensational fragrances crafted by perfumer Jordi Fernández that were inspired by haute couture. Each scent is deeply alluring, highly evocative and long-lasting and my favourite is the Silver Ceremony – bergamot, mandarin and lemon combine with notes of ginger, pink pepper and cedar for a fresh and sparkling fragrance with warm woody undertones. I’ll be spritzing it all summer long.
Phoebe Eyles, Social Media Manager
The event: Chelsea Flower Show
Every May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea burst into bloom as the Chelsea Flower Show returns, marking the unofficial start of summer in London. I got to visit on the RHS members’ day, and it did not disappoint. Highlights included stepping inside the Great Pavilion, where more than 70 world-class growers unveiled extraordinary floral installations. There was only one fitting way to end the day: a glass of champagne on the Louis Pommery terrace, soaking up the sunshine and the buzzing atmosphere. I will be back.
The beauty: By Terry Brightening CC Serum Radiance Elixir
Glowy skin is an essential for summer, and this has been my go-to product as the weather has warmed up. With the CC serum boasting hydrating and brightening properties, it’s a perfect base layer for my makeup routine. Less is more when it comes to makeup in the summer, so a product that smooths my skin and feels lightweight is a no-brainer.
The wine bar: Forza Wine Peckham
There’s nothing I love more than a glass of wine on a rooftop terrace in the summer, so I knew I had to visit Forza Wine in Peckham as soon as the heatwave hit. With three venues across London, the Peckham branch is the original location, offering sweeping skyline views that stretch across London. Not only is there an excellent wine list, you have to try the frozen picante – just thank me later.
The Rooftop, 133A Rye Lane, SE15 4BQ, visit forzawine.com
Annie Lewis, Deputy Digital Editor
The heatwave hero: Bed Threads Piped Cotton Sleepwear
How do you sleep in a heatwave? Cotton pyjamas, of course. My favourite pair is from Bed Threads, which launched their Piped Cotton Sleepwear at the end of April with soft, breathable cotton with a hint of stretch so you don’t feel restricted while you slumber. Finished with subtle pops of contrast piping – think espresso hues contrasted by sky blue, and light bubblegum fabrics popped with a touch of berry – it adds a tailored touch on silhouettes. Featuring long and short sleeve shirts, trousers, shorts and matching sets, everything from Bed Threads is understated but easy to wear. Sweet dreams indeed.
The restaurant: The Fat Badger, Notting Hill
I have long been fans of the Public House Group – a perfect portfolio of pubs by James Gummer, Phil Winser, and Olivier Van Themsche. I first got a taste of the group’s stellar offering when I stayed at The Bull in Charlbury in 2023, which was their first outpost outside of London following the success of Notting Hill’s The Pelican, and it’s safe to say it set the bar high. What has followed are more openings across the capital, including The Hart in Marylebone, The Hero in Maida Vale and The Fat Badger in Golborne Road.
I got treated to lunch at the latter a couple of weeks ago and I am yet to stop thinking about it (specifically, the hassleback potatoes). Offering a menu rooted in seasonal produce and no-fuss cooking, delectable plates take the form of sweetbread tacos and homemade warm sourdough before large plates of charcoaled Iberico pork and sweet and savoury duck breast doused in plum puree. Pair with the Badger’s lauded aforementioned potatoes drenched in garlic butter (in the best possible way) and fresh salad from the group’s farm for a meal that may look simple but is seriously, and deliciously, effective. Oh, and don’t skimp on the chocolate mousse. Chef Beth O'Brien knows exactly how to execute dessert.
310 Portobello Road, W10 5TA, visit publichousegroup.com
The summer jewels: Caroline Svedbom Seadora Pearl Earrings
Caroline Svedbom is a Swedish jewellery brand founded in 2013, and has since made a name for itself in sparkly circles for its statement, feminine designs. New for summer is its Resort Collection, which is inspired by the rhythm of the Mediterranean, the soul of Greece, and the feeling of an endless summer while staying true to its Scandi roots. I managed to get my hands on this gorgeous pair of pearl earrings which ooze modernity and sophistication without being too OTT for everyday wear. Lightweight and easy to style, I have already had plenty of compliments on them. Thank you, Caroline.
Read more: The best luxury buys from the designer summer sales
