Uplifting things to do in London this June 2020
As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, here are the most uplifting and engaging things to do this June 2020, from the return of open-air markets to new streaming recommendations
Visit open-air markets in London
From 1 June, open-air markets can once again operate in London. This includes the world-famous Borough Market, which is now open Monday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. Social distancing measures have been put in place and communal seating has been temporarily removed. You can still pick up a bounty of fresh fruit, vegetables, pasta, charcuterie, cheese and baked goods from London’s artisanal traders. Online and click-and-collect orders are also available.
Nicholas Balfe’s Lockdown Kitchen Recipes
Nicholas Balfe, the founder and chef director of Salon, Levan and Larry’s, has curated a selection of tried-and-tested, easy recipes that he has been enjoying with his family during lockdown. Inspired by the food served at his restaurants, highlights include a quick fix soda bread; green soup with wild garlic; the perfect roast chicken and date night prawn pasta, which you can read the recipe for here. Profits from every sale (75% of the cover price) will be donated directly to StreetSmart, an organisation that is working with restaurants to raise funds for charities that support homeless and vulnerable communities.
The Lockdown Kitchen cookbook is priced at £9, thecookdown.com
Christie’s RADArt4Aid charity auction
Christie’s has partnered with American photographer Mark Seliger Studio and RAD (Red Carpet Advocacy) on a new online charity auction, RADArt4Aid, which is raising funds for COVID-19 relief organisations across the world. 26 of Seliger’s most-celebrated photographs are available to bid on, including portraits of Bruce Springsteen, Brad Pitt, Barack Obama, Jennifer Anniston, Keith Richards and Johnny Cash. 100% of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the subject’s charity of choice.
28 May – 12 June, onlineonly.christies.com
The Supermarket of Dreams opens in Notting Hill
Chris D’Sylva, the owner of Notting Hill Fish Shop, has collaborated with an esteemed roster of London’s culinary talents to launch The Supermarket of Dreams on Holland Park Avenue. The new venture, which began online at the beginning of May, brings together artisanal companies and chefs including Ottolenghi, Skye Gyngell, H.G. Walter, Natoora, Allpress Coffee and Neal’s Yard Dairy. Visitors can pick up Brick Lane bagels, fruit and veg by Natoora, rump steaks by HG Walter and, of course, bucketloads of fresh seafood. There is a daily-changing menu of restaurant-standard takeaway dishes, and fresh flowers by The Tuk Tuk Flower Studio.
8am-6pm, 126 Holland Park, London, W1 4UE, supermarketofdreams.com
Royal Albert Hall Home
A new venture from the Royal Albert Hall is screening live concerts online, for you to experience from the comfort of your home. Upcoming performances include Tim Burgess and singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus. Shows are available free of charge, but the Hall is encouraging viewers to make a donation if possible – to help ensure its survival during this time. You can also watch archived performances by Imogen Heap and Kaiser Chiefs.
Claire Foy and Matt Smith reunite for a socially-distanced performance of Lungs
In November 2019, The Crown alumni Claire Foy and Matt Smith performed a sell-out run of Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs at The Old Vic Theatre. The play’s plot now feels eerily close to reality, exploring the struggle of modern parenthood, as a young couple considers bringing a child into a world plagued by social and political troubles. Smith and Foy are reuniting to perform a socially-distanced version of Lungs in June, available to a limited audience of 1000 viewers – the same number of seats in the theatre. The new production allows The Old Vic to replace box office income and ultimately survive during the coronavirus pandemic, and is the first in a series of live streamings.
£10-£65; details on how to book can be found on oldvictheatre.com
