Everything The Team Is Booking, Watching & Reading For The Rest Of The Year
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Yayoi Kusama, Hulu, V&A
Charlotte Collins
Editor-In-Chief
Back in March I rushed to book tickets to Why Am I So Single? – the new musical from the team behind Six. The source of so many of my recommendations these days, I found early workshop clips on TikTok and was quickly hooked.
I need a full day at the V&A to catch up on all the exhibitions I’ve missed – from Elton John to Naomi to – ahem – Taylor Swift – and I’m keen to catch Yayoi Kusama’s London exhibition that runs until 2nd November; I had a lovely surprise when I stumbled on one of her pumpkins in Kensington Gardens a few weeks ago.
My TV watch list is growing, with Only Murders In The Building back for season four (it’s an acquired taste but I love the all-star cast and ultra stylistic aesthetic), Shrinking returning and the start of a new Netflix show, Nobody Wants This, a comedy about a non-Jew who falls for a rabbi. I’m not going to be able to resist seeing Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppola’s already infamous long-awaited saga and, more urgently, I’m scheduling a cinema trip to see Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut Blink Twice this weekend – reviews say it’s a lot like Jordan Peel’s Get Out, which is a favourite of mine.
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LeeMiller, Haruki Murakami, @TheThreeHorseshoesBatcombe, WarholMania, @Sollip_Restaurant
Heather Steele
Managing Lifestyle Director
Last weekend signalled the start of the NFL season, which means from now until mid-February, every Sunday night the TV in my household will be occupied by American football. While I’ll happily watch every Bengals game going, I usually find this the perfect time to settle on the sofa with a book – and from new novels by my holy trinity of Haruki Murakami, Elizabeth Strout and Sally Rooney to Al Pacino’s forthcoming autobiography, I’ve got plenty to keep me going.
I’ve also got a couple of overnighters in the diary. In October, I’m finally headed to Heckfield Place for a fireside dinner at Hearth and later that month I will be bound for Somerset for a night at The Three Horseshoes in Batcombe, a gorgeous pub with rooms led by Rochelle Canteen’s Margot Henderson. I can’t wait to dive into a tableful of autumn-ready perfect pies, mince on toast and treacle tarts. In London, I’m finally visiting Michelin-starred, Korean-inspired Sollip in Bermondsey this month, a space that’s been on my must-visit list for ages, while in Brighton – where I live – one of the city’s best restaurants, The Coal Shed, is reopening in a new, bigger location at the end of the month.
Finally, I’ve got lots of exhibition visits planned. First up, a day trip to Farleys House & Gallery, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose’s Sussex home which, like its more popular Bloomsbury Set counterpart Charleston, remains the same as it did when they lived there. Like Charleston, I imagine I’ll leave with buckets of interior design ideas up my sleeve… Then in London there’s Warholmania, an exhibition showcasing black-and-white photographs that vividly capture Andy Warhol and his world taken by Billy Name and William John Kennedy. Hosted at The Warhol-Kennedy Residence at 190 Strand, it looks absolutely mega. Finally, Brighton famed textile artist Kate Jenkins is bringing her amazing sequined, embroidered, and knitted fish counter and oyster cart to Air Contemporary Gallery in Soho – I’ve got my eye on a prawn cocktail print.
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Oma London
Nana Acheampong
Fashion Editor & Broadcaster
I can’t wait for cosy evenings in front of the TV – specifically the second season of Shrinking on Apple TV+ – it’s laugh out loud funny but also incredibly moving. My brothers and sisters all grew up in the era of the Jacksons, so when Janet Jackson announced her tour it was a no brainier to get tickets. This will be my older brother and I’s first time seeing her live, so I’m beyond excited.
It’s not a new restaurant but Oma has been on my list for a while. I’m going to make sure I get a booking next month. Lastly, The Importance of Being of Earnest is showing at the National Theatre from 20th November, just in time for my birthday. I love going to the theatre and the cast is phenomenal.
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No 124, Brighton, Tracy Siera
Rebecca Hull
Beauty Director
Last summer I devoured the novel The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand on holiday, so I’m excited to see the TV adaptation hit Netflix this September. It’s a real mash-up of White Lotus, Agatha Christie and Big Little Lies – just a handful of my favourite thrillers. The mega cast – including Nicole Kidman, Dakota Fanning and Meghann Fahy – is exactly what I’d hoped for to bring these characters to life. Expect the juiciest twist at the end, with everyone pointing the finger over a murder that happens just hours before a beautiful – yet troublesome – wedding on Nantucket Island. I can’t wait to see how they set the scene and immerse us all in blue skies, lavish parties and chic surroundings.
Brighton is my nearest city, so I’m thrilled that there’s a new spa and salon opening. The first, from No. 124 by GuestHouse, launches in October with the ‘Field Trip Spa’. It overlooks the seafront, offering a space to switch off and unwind. Its ground floor will be home to a double treatment area and a spa lounge – expect everything from reflexology to hot sandstone facials, couple’s massages to a copper tub experience. There’s so much on offer and the space itself looks like a calming, tranquil oasis.
Then, The Gel Bottle’s hotly-anticipated space – the first for the brand and its founder Daisy Kalnina – is perfect for anyone who enjoys the luxury feel of a salon experience over remote manicure appointments. Opening its doors on West Street in Brighton from mid-September, it will offer everything from BIAB to regular gel manicures, blow-dries to lash treatments. If you’re down in Brighton, it’s going to be well worth a visit.
Lastly, on the book front, I have been patiently waiting for Tracy Sierra’s Nightwatching, which launches in the UK this month. It’s a psychological thriller that’s been described as both ‘haunting’ and ‘action-packed’, so naturally, it’s right up my street. The story focuses on a complicated protagonist who draws you into her world when her house gets invaded at night and she’s left to protect her children. Tense and well-layered, it’s said to offer plenty of twists and turns, while playing to your unspoken fears.
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Craig Fuller, Confidence Man
Sherri Andrew
Lifestyle Editor
The next few months are full of theatre, TV shows and films I’m excited to see. Top of my list is I Wish You Well at The Criterion Theatre, starring Diana Vickers (of The X Factor fame). The musical retells the bizarre and entertaining story of Gwyneth Paltrow’s infamous ski trial, with choreography from Arlene Phillips. It received rave reviews at Edinburgh Fringe last month, so I’m looking forward to seeing it in the West End. I’m also planning to catch a final performance of Shifters at Bush Theatre, which is about two old friends, Des and Dre, who unexpectedly reconnect years after going their separate ways. When Des gets ready to leave the relationship again, the pair is forced to confront their past and wonder if fate brought them back together for a reason.
On the music front, I have tickets to see Confidence Man at Brixton Academy, which recently reopened its doors. I loved their recent Glastonbury, so I’m excited to see the dance/pop duo perform their biggest hits, including my favourite, ‘I Can’t Lose You’. I also got a ticket to see Ezra Collective at Islington Assembly Hall at the end of the month. The Peckham-born jazz band are one of my favourite groups to see live – their music is so feel-good.
As ever, Netflix is about to drop some of the biggest TV series of the year. I’ve been patiently waiting for the second season of Squid Game, especially since bingeing Squid Game: The Challenge last year (your cue to watch it now if you haven’t seen this excellent reality show based on the original series). It’s not released until Christmas, so in the meantime I’m excited to watch the third series of Heartstopper which airs next month. The boy-meets-boy teen drama is so heart-warming, with a cast of excellent young talent, and Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey is set to star in the new series too. Then there’s the Victoria Beckham documentary which Netflix is currently working on (release date TBC). Finally, I’ll be going to my local Everyman cinema to watch We Live in Time, a new romcom starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. I love anything Florence is in, and I have no doubt she’ll be brilliant in this role.
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Erdem x Chatsworth, Sally Rooney
Georgina Blaskey
Senior Homes & Interiors Editor
Regular listeners to the team podcast will know that I am a true Emily In Paris fan, so when I heard that Lily Collins (who plays Emily) was coming to theatreland in London, I was first in line to book a ticket. Barcelona follows an American tourist whose path crosses with a handsome Spaniard – and what begins as a “carefree, one-night stand” becomes “an invitation to danger, as the personal and political catastrophically intertwine.” I can’t wait.
I’m also keen to watch the new Apple TV+ movie, Wolfs, which stars Brad Pitt and George Clooney. I’m a huge fan of both but put them in a film together and I’m committed. Regardless of what the critics say, I’ll be seeing it at the cinema, even though I hear it’ll transfer quickly to our TV screens, so don’t worry if you miss it.
It must be that ‘back to school’ September feeling but I want to enroll in the Studio Pottery Foundation Course. I did a taster session in spring this year and loved it, so this would be a great next step. The SheerLuxe Book Club is never far from my mind and I’m itching to read Sally Rooney’s latest, Intermezzo, which I know will have us chatting in the office. Finally, historic home Chatsworth was home to Deborah, the late Dowager Duchess for decades and in 2023, the Chatsworth textiles team welcomed fashion designer Erdem Moralıoğlu, alongside his design team, to explore historic textiles from its archive. This inspired the SS24 collection and a recently opened exhibition provides insight into Erdem's creative process, all set within the house’s bedrooms. It finishes on 20th October, so hopefully I’ll find an excuse to visit one weekend this autumn.
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@MahaliaPresents, Sesta, @Surrenne
Sapna Rao
Fashion, Beauty & LG Junior Editor & Broadcaster
I’m patiently waiting for Wicked to finally drop in the next few weeks. I can’t wait to see how Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bring Oz, and the nostalgic track list, to life on film. Hackney is no stranger to a new opening, and Sesta is one I’ve earmarked to book as soon as possible. From what I know so far, it’ll be serving up British and European classics with nods to Southeast Asia and a focus on live fire cooking. Then there’s Maison Francois’ exciting new outpost in Borough Yards. Named Cafe Francois, this one’s going to be patisserie and bakery. If we're talking food, I can’t not mention the Ambassadors Clubhouse opening, which is already getting a lot of love. I’m hoping to book my birthday dinner there in October with a group of friends.
When it comes to R&R, Surrenne has been on my list for some time now. Potentially another birthday celebration, I’d love to treat myself to an afternoon at the spa then a night at The Emory where it’s housed, for an evening of fluffy robes, films and room service. I’ll have to pinch a cookie from Cedric Grolet while I’m there, as the bakery, and mega hotel The Berkeley, are both just next door.
Anyone who knows me knows Mahalia is one of my all-time favourites. Watching her live is always a pleasure, but she’s not touring right now. She has however just started taking over the Jazz Café on occasional Thursday nights for ‘Mahalia presents’. This series puts a spotlight to new, emerging singers she’s obsessed with – plus she's known to make an appearance, party with attendees and sometimes even hop on stage for a song or two. Needless to say, I’m sold.
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