While our neighbours across the pond are slowly getting over the worst thing to happen to them in recent history – storm Stella obviously – we still can’t get over the fact that on Tuesday last week it was dark at 4.30pm and suddenly today, “IT’S STILL LIGHT OUT!” So it’s official; Spring has sprung and there’s nowhere better to be than London. Are we feeling a little smug looking at the blue skies, sunshine and blossoming flowers? A little. But we’ve put our smugness to good use and compiled a list of six glorious things to do during Spring.
The Lido Cafe
Outdoor brunch.
Food and the great outdoors go together like Carrie Bradshaw and her green Vivienne Westwood skirt; it’s beautiful, but may scare some folk. However London has a bunch of outdoor cafés too good to be missed. We love The Lido Café in Brixton where you’ll sit poolside and enjoy a Prosecco breakfast. Or try the independent Counter Café, located in Stour Space Gallery on the Lee Canal in Hackney Wick. If it’s still a little chilly but that isn’t going to kill your Spring vibes, head to The Blueprint Café which sits on the River Thames with it’s killer floor-to-ceiling windows.
Chelsea Flower Show.
Nothing screams Spring more than blooming flowers and gardens. Whether you’re inspired to get your hands dirty or just want to see some jaw-dropping garden designs, the Chelsea Flower Show is a must for this season. Explore the amazing Artisan Gardens featuring Ishihara Kazuyuki’s Japanese garden intended to create peace and togetherness, or head to the Fresh Gardens where Jack Dunckley’s design resembles an active volcano. Yes, you read that right. Book your tickets here for May.
Yoga.
As we panic that we’re already a QUARTER WAY through the year (don’t panic), Spring is the ideal time for such a zen inducing activity. Our top pick is Sky Garden in Aldgate. Head to the 37th floor and begin your day at 6.30am with a sunrise yoga, surrounded by beautiful garden greenery and enjoy a healthy buffet breakfast afterwards. If you like a challenge try Hotpod Yoga, which is essentially yoga inside a giant cocooned bouncy castle (without a bouncy base, thank God) heated to 37degrees. Choose from classes in Brixton, Hackney and Notting Hill.
Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Races.
This April 2nd, support Cancer Research in their annual UK Boat Race and Women’s Boat Race. There’s nothing like experiencing the atmosphere and lending support in person, so we recommend watching from the riverbank at Putney Embankment and Bishops Park (the start), Dukes Meadows and Chiswick Bridge (the finish) or Hammersmith and Barnes (the middle). You can plan the journey to your vantage point here.
Eat & Drink Festival.
Music festivals move aside, the food festival is here. The Eat & Drink festival is a great place to source delicacies, support British traders and pick up some seriously weird and wonderful produce to take home. Music and celebrity chefs are also thrown into the mix for added flavour. This year it’s at Olympia from 24th March – 9th April. Ps, the ticket includes free entry into the Ideal Home Show – one of our Mothers Days picks.
Spring Clean.
We’re talking more than an average window and carpet clean here; we mean serious business. There are so many psychological benefits to de-cluttering and cleaning. Spring is a really good time to reorganise and re-evaluate what you need to take with you into the remaining part of the year. If you need some inspo, check out The Minimalists on Netflix or Marie Kondo’s ‘The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up’.
Written by Nikki