The Digest: Chef Pop-Ups, Plus Ones + The Creative Exodus
Plus, the pros and cons of marriage before babies and a dating app for fitness junkies.
Hello and welcome back to Late Filing. How’s it going? If you’re in the UK, I hope you’re holding up after that oppressive heatwave. I have another issue of The Digest for you – and as I hinted to the week before last, I’ve decided to switch things up a bit to align better with my current schedule. For now, it’ll be Thursday for Digests and Friday for features. Otherwise, it’s business as usual.
Here’s some of what I have for you this week: a chef series in Clerkenwell that’s worth checking out; the London creatives who’ve fled for Paris and Lisbon; the next chapter for a counter dining spot in Shoreditch; a skinny novel that I’m going to read all over again; whether or not to go to SXSW London (I still don’t understand what SXSW is); an East Village baker popping up in Hackney; the pros and cons of getting married before having babies; a dating app for wellness junkies; and a film critic’s verdict on the Palme d’Or winner.
The Edit
Nine things worth shopping this week
Here’s why I think these Staud heels are a smart purchase. They’re in a colour that goes with almost everything but is less heavy than black. They’re a style and height that is completely bearable should you have to walk around in them all day. And they’re at a price that can be justified if you give them at least a few outings this summer. £285
I was introduced to the tailoring brand Laura Pitharas earlier this year and there’s so much to love: it’s woman-owned, made in the UK and the clothes are just so elegant. How pretty is this organza shirt? £595
I’m in an experimental phase with haircare, and lately I’ve been trying out Rahua’s hydrating shampoo (after a scalp scrub or clarifying shampoo) and conditioner. I’m really liking them both – they do in fact hydrate but without weighing your hair down. (They smell good too.) My hair is naturally very dry so if it works for me, it’ll work for anyone. £34.49 for the shampoo and £31.99 for the conditioner
The St Agni sale is back and there’s so much good stuff is in there but my favourite thing is this lyocell-lined linen top with side slits. Hot. £205 (originally £345)
If you’ve got beach trips or even just a day at the lido planned this summer and are in need of a good-looking pool towel, this one from Baina (love this brand) is on sale. £60 (originally £85)
Australians do summer clothes best. This label Posse is a new discovery. I would quite like this scarf top to wear to parties. £335
My sister gave me this It Cosmetics foundation ages ago and I’ve only just got round to opening it and realised I’ve been missing out. I usually hate wearing foundation but this goes on like water and yet manages to give you decent coverage. No clue how they’ve done that. Sadly it looks like it’s been discontinued (boo) but there are some shades left on Space NK. £28.50 (originally £38)
If you saw this Cos dress on the rack, you’d think there’s no possible way you could wear it. It’s completely sheer! Except don’t see it as an actual dress. See it as a layer to throw over white tanks and shorts and bikinis and whatever else to dress them up a bit. £139
There was a time when I thought I would DIE if I did not get my nails professionally done, but lately I’ve been doing them myself at home and guess what? I’m fine. Right now the routine is a bit of shaping with this Margaret Dabbs crystal nail file (the best I’ve tried), a cuticle trim and a lick of barely-there varnish. Less money, less damage. £16
P.S. This section contains affiliate links which means if you end up making a purchase I may earn some commission, at absolutely no cost to you. I only recommend stuff I like and I always link to the best price I can find, regardless of affiliates.
Going Out
Places and experiences worth leaving the house for
I’ve been buried in work this past week so sadly no new restaurant openings to pass judgement on. However, when I am unchained from my desk, I’m looking forward to checking out Moro’s alumni series. (Big fan of Moro.) To celebrate the restaurant’s 30th anniversary, ex-Moro chefs who’ve gone on to run their own spots (Trullo, Cometa, Lucky & Joy) will be cooking one-off lunches on Sundays. The first one is on 14 June with Jacob Kenedy of Bocca di Lupo and there’s one slot left.
One of New York’s hottest bakers, Lucie Franc de Ferriere of From Lucie in the East Village (featured in Vogue and the Cut), is coming to London for her European book tour. The first stop is Violet Cakes in Hackney for a ‘happy hour’ on 3 June.
