It could be argued that May is the greatest month of all because we get not one, but two glorious bank holidays to extend the weekend joy. To celebrate, here at H! Fashion we have rounded up all the best things to do, see, eat, drink and shop during the next four weeks.
London is brimming with restaurants, shops and pop ups to add to your checklist - all we have to do is hold our breath and hope that summer will get kickstarted pronto.
From must-have bikinis that the cool-girls will be scrambling to wear this summer to the rooftop cocktails to indulge in, read on for everything on the H! Fashion radar this month...
WHERE TO COCKTAIL:
The Cellar Club at Flour & Grape
Pasta restaurant Flour & Grape on Bermondsey Street has a long standing reputation as one of the best places to tuck into a delicious plate of pasta, and now they can add cocktail connoisseurs to their offering. Conveniently located a short walk from London Bridge station, their newly opened basement bar The Cellar club serves imaginative and mouth-watering concoctions - we highly recommend The Emerald: a lush marriage of gin, basil and lemon. Polish off a couple before heading upstairs for dinner.
WHERE TO STEAK:
Kobe Steakhouse Mayfair
Steak lovers - we have found your new obsession. Kobe Steakhouse Mayfair tucked in one of the fanciest parts of the capital focuses on high-quality beef and 10/10 hospitality. Pick your steak from a variety of cuts (we highly recommend the Japanese Wagyu Sirloin) and a range of sumptuous sides (don't sleep on the mac and cheese.) There are also thoughtful vegetarian dishes and sumptuous seafood, all of which taste wonderful when washed down with a glass of champagne.
WHERE TO ART & DINE:
The Gunton Arms
Tucked away in the wild beauty of North Norfolk, The Gunton Arms is far more than a traditional country pub, it is a destination where art, food and countryside charm collide in the most effortlessly chic way.Inside you’ll find an interiors dreamscape layered with gallery-worthy works by Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst, transforming the rustic setting into something altogether unexpected. Outside, deer roam freely across the surrounding parkland, adding to the pub’s unmistakably cinematic atmosphere. The menu champions the very best of the local landscape and coastline, with seasonal produce sourced nearby, fish delivered fresh from local fishermen and meats cooked over the open fire in the atmospheric Elk Room. The sprawling collection of cosy rooms invites guests to settle in for the afternoon, preferably with a chilled glass of rosé in hand, while a game on the pub’s much-loved pool table feels almost obligatory before leaving. For a quintessentially British summer moment, few places rival The Gunton Arms: think golden fish and chips, countryside air and world-class art, all under one beautifully weathered roof.
© Elizabeth Shanahan
WHERE TO COUNTRY PUB:
The Crown at Bildeston
Nestled in the postcard-perfect village of Bildeston, The Crown at Bildeston is an effortlessly chic countryside escape. Brimming with character and timeless charm, this dog-friendly pub is the ultimate destination to bookmark for long summer walks through the Suffolk countryside.Inside, the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between relaxed luxury and rural warmth, while the kitchen champions a proudly seasonal approach to dining. Working closely with their garden team, the chefs curate menus that celebrate locally sourced produce and ingredients picked at their freshest, resulting in a dining experience that feels both thoughtful and deeply flavourful.For those tempted to linger a little longer, The Crown also offers beautiful bedrooms upstairs.
WHERE TO AL FRESCO:
The Garden at The Corinthia
Just in time for summer in the city, The Garden at Corinthia London has reopened its terrace for the season. Hidden within the hotel’s flower-filled courtyard, the elegant outdoor space is open daily from midday until midnight, making it perfect for lunches, evening drinks, and everything in between. Focusing on seasonal British ingredients, dishes range from Jersey oysters with gin mignonette to Native Lobster Brioche Roll, Pan-seared sea bass with caviar butter and slow-roasted Welsh lamb. The drinks list also leans into the British summer theme, with English sparkling wines from Gusbourne and Rathfinny, plus cocktails including a Laurent-Perrier Pimm’s Slushie and the Kent Believe It made with Sipsmith vodka and Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs.
WHAT TO WATCH:
Off Campus
I'll start by saying, I binged this entire series in two days and would argue it's better than The Summer I turned Pretty - need I say more? The popular book series written by Canadian author Elle Kennedy has been adapted for the screen on Amazon Prime, and the world could not be more obsessed. It's a must-watch...
WHERE TO SHOP - FASHION:
Kookai Carnaby Street
Australian-owned women's fashion label Kookai has opened a store on Carnaby Street - and the store is as chic as the clothing. Its first UK boutique enables fans of the brand to shop from this side of the world, bringing its signature Parisian-inspired style and effortless wardrobe staples to the heart of London’s shopping scene.
37 Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1F 7DR
WHAT TO SHOP - FASHION:
Missoma x Jimmy Fairly
Jewellery label Missoma and Parisian eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly have come together and collaborated on the sunglasses collaboration of the season. Both the Melissa and Elvissa sunglasses are incredibly chic, with statement detailing that makes them standout from the crowd. It's a limited-edition collab - so run, don't walk...
WHERE TO SHOP:
Zimmermann Sloane Street
Big news for fashion fans, Australian luxury label Zimmermann have opened their second UK store in the capital's elite Sloane Street. Designed by Studio McQualter, the store's expansive space (over 3,000 square feet) celebrates the history of the building and is stocked with the label's latest offerings, a dedicated handbag room plus some epic Australian art.
WHERE TO FOOD FESTIVAL:
Taste of Eataly festival
Imagine a gigantic food hall, but every single offering is spectacular Italian cuisine - from creamy cacio e pepe to Calabria calamari to a tiramisu so delicious you'll want to get romantically attached to it. Well, turn off your imagination because this exists directly outside Liverpool Street train station and they're having a festival on the 22nd and 23rd May! Sample the best of Italian cuisine from refreshing drinks to juicy oysters. On arrival you'll receive a wine pouch, a glass to take home plus a map to guide you through your culinary journey. See you at the tiramisu stand.
WHERE TO CHARM:
The Coach Charm Playground at Selfridges
Utterly covetable brand Coach (known for their dreamy bags) have taken over The Corner Shop in Selfridges with a charm playground so whimsical your handbags won't be recognisable by the time you reach the checkout. In situ until Friday 22nd May, the pop-up is rooted in Coach's signature playful style (enjoy the giant dinosaur mascot Rexy and the apple shaped photo booth.) Shop a curation of the iconic Tabby bag plus a limited collection of runway RTW pieces and accessories.
WHERE TO SMOOTHIE:
Elevate at Selfridges
Health girlies rejoice as smoothie brand Elevate has opened its second bricks-and-mortar offering in the superb food hall at Selfridges. Focusing on functional nutrition and offering lip-smackingly delicious flavours, don't skip a chance to enjoy something super tasty that you can also feel smug about. There's even an exclusive smoothie for Selfridges only - packed with collagen, hyaluronic acid, biotin and vitamin C. We feel healthier just thinking about it.
WHAT TO SHOP - PILATES PERFECTION:
Lululemon
Everyone's favourite activewear label has just dropped their new yoga and pilates collection and if you (like us) have a phobia of tight leggings teamed with itsy-bitsy crop tops - this range of super soft, billowy basics with the perfect amount of stretch are guaranteed to tick the box. Bermuda shorts for the gym? Obsessed. And if you want to sack off the workout altogether, the ensembles will look grand for a pop to the shops or a lunch with a pal.
WHAT TO SHOP - FASHION:
Atelier Ninety Five SS26 at Selfridges
Atelier Ninety Five is stepping into retail for the first time with an exclusive launch at Selfridges London, marking a big moment for the contemporary womenswear brand. The SS26 edit brings together a selection of its signature pieces, balancing sharp tailoring with a softer feel - think lace co-ords, draped jersey, relaxed suiting and easy linen separates. Staying true to its “Rework. Restyle. Rewear.” ethos, the focus is on versatile, carefully designed staples rather than a full-scale drop.
WHERE TO SHOP - SWIMWEAR:
Burberry x Hunza G
Iconic British brands Burberry and Hunza G have joined forces to collaborate on a new swimwear capsule collection that marries Hunza G's glorious silhouettes (in their famous ultra-stretchy fabrics) with Burberry's world famous check.
"There's a natural connection between Burberry and Hunza G as British brands," says Burberry's Chief Creative Officer Daniel Lee. "Our approach to material and craft is shaped by a relationship to the elements - pieces you can wear in and out of the water." Frankly everything in the collection is so gorgeous, we'll be wearing them to pop to the shops.
WHERE TO ROOFTOP - COCKTAILS:
Savage Garden
There's no place quite like London in the blazing sunshine, so cross your fingers for a cloud-free day and head to your nearest rooftop. We've got our eyes on Savage Garden - a rooftop bar and restaurant perched above the city with sumptuous views and a DJ spinning the decks.
Menu highlights include the Anita, a zesty blend of Santoni, Campari, vermouth and vanilla. While the La Moradita is tangy, fizzy and bursting with refreshing grapefruit flavour.
WHERE TO SHOP - FANTASTIC FLORALS:
Barbour x Farm Rio
When this collaboration dropped into our inbox, we wanted to run outdoors immediately. The collection is an ode to the countryside - hand-painted Farm Rio prints of delicate wildflowers and bold floral adorn classic Barbour silhouettes.
This is statement outerwear at its very best, marrying Farm Rio's soft femininity with Barbour's British practicality and quite frankly, we want the lot.
WHERE TO PASTA:
Bottega 35
Bottega 35 is the artisan Italian neighbourhood restaurant you need to know about this summer. If a trip to Tuscany isn’t yet on your seasonal to-do list, a visit to Bottega 35 definitely should be. The menu is bursting with authentic Tuscan flavours, transporting you somewhere far sunnier than London, while the stylish interiors make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a luxurious Tuscan home.
Expect organic ingredients, homemade pastas, and perfectly grilled dishes throughout.The truffle pasta might just be the best in the city, while the Chianti Sour offers a refreshing sip for any warm summer evening.
WHERE TO RAMEN:
Ivan Ramen
Ivan Ramen landed in London last November and if you haven't been to this iconic spot then a trip this May is a must. From Tokyo to New York to our lovely London, Ivan Ramen is not to be missed, bursting with flavor and umami goodness we ensure this will become your go to Ramen spot.
A special mention to the small plates, the Crispy Nasu alone is a real show stopper. You cant make a booking so be prepared to wait but we promise it will be worth it.
HOW TO SLEEP - HOLLYWOOD STYLE:
Drowsy x Breakfast at Tiffany's
One of the cutest collabs we've spotted this year, hero sleep mask brand Drowsy have designed an offering chic enough for Audrey Hepburn in her star turn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The sumptuously soft mask is super squishy, offers 100% blackout and will ensure you get a decent forty winks even if you stayed up too late partying with your cute neighbour and Cat has woken you up far too early...
WHERE TO SHOP - LUXE ITALIAN:
Marella - Marylebone High Street
Exciting news - Italian fashion brand Marella have opened their first bricks-and-mortar London store on Marylebone High Street, and the gorgeous space reflects the clean, modern, refined and feminine aesthetic of the label itself. The decor is pink, which naturally thrilled us here at H! Fashion and is the perfect spot to pick up a pristinely perfect suede jacket or attention seeking jewellery.
WHERE TO DIAMOND - WITH A SIDE OF ART:
De Beers London
As part of the Lotus by De Beers London launch, award winning Scottish artist Jessica Rose Bird took to the windows of their London store to create a hand painted, bespoke piece of art to delight shoppers en route to buy heirloom pieces from the beloved jewellery brand. Jessica's interpretation of tThe Lotus informed her vision, "In this work I wanted to focus on this idea of movement vs permanence - an idea that resonates with the identity of De Beers and with my experience of living in London. I am drawn to the city’s contrasts: the solidity of architectural materials set against an ever-evolving skyline," said the artist.
First introduced in 2009, the Lotus collection returns with a renewed and fresh perspective - designed to be worn from morning til night.
WHERE TO SHOP - FOR PARISIAN NONCHALANCE:
The Givenchy Voyou Bucket Bag
There's not much that gets the H! Fashion office more excited than a brand spanking new handbag from one of the most luscious and coveted labels on the planet. Enter the new Givenchy Voyou Bucket Bag. The cinched shape is biker-inspired and would look as glorious with jeans and a t-shirt, a micro mini and sharp suiting alike. Available in 4 colours - we've got our sights set on the delightful pale pink.
© Justin De SouzaWHERE TO AFTERNOON TEA - FASHION EDITION:
"Fashion Becomes Tea" at The Kensington Hotel
In conjunction with the stunning Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition currently on at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, super chic hotel The Kensington has released an afternoon tea that looks as delightful as the clothes currently adorning the museum's hallways. Inspired by Schiaparelli and surrealism, guests can enjoy a Shoe Choux bun (obsessed) and a ruby chocolate female form, inspired by the Schiaparelli Shocking perfume bottle first released in 1937. A must for fashion fans who also adore Coronation Chicken. All washed down with a glass of champagne, naturally.
WHERE TO SHOP - NICE KNICKERS:
Boux Avenue at Westfield White City
Is there anything more exciting than a lovely new pair of under-crackers? Here at H! Fashion, we're big fans of treating yourself to a fun set or seriously comfy pair of pyjamas. Luckily for London-dwellers, beloved lingerie brand Boux Avenue has had a revamp of their Westfield White City store, enjoy a bra fitting in a changing room with adjustable lighting - answering women's prayers everywhere. We've got our eyes set on the new Sunshine Girl collection - expect Ibiza approved pieces in flattering cuts.
WHERE TO SHOP - DREAMY BIKINIS:
Vanessa Sposi x Laura Brown
The Laura Brown collection for elite swimwear label Vanessa Sposi marries modern femininity with a splash of joie de vivre. Designs are elegant and utterly wearable all the way from city to seaside. Our pick is this glorious strapless swimsuit in shimmering toffee.
