May Scrapbook: hopeful for warmer days
We are just on the cusp of something sunnier, so here's what to do when it shines.
I love May. It feels hopeful. It’s generally peak spring but then June is next month which is basically summer. Although I do feel like most evenings, I’m hunkering down and binge-watching shows including Blue Lights and Baby Reindeer (the latter being quite difficult to get through if you’ve not seen it already). I am also flying through a book my sister recommended, The Bee Sting by Paul Murray. With Ireland truly in the spotlight (thank you Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy, and Andrew Scott) this book looks at a small-town family, their crumbling business and family fights all the while the kids are up to their own antics. It’s mesmerising and funny, but also sad. So, here are a few things to look forward to this month, including more news from the rolling hills.
Vigour and Skills, the marketplace for brilliant craftspeople around the UK is open, softly, at farm shop Upton Smokery near Burford. This is a very exciting new addition to this side of town, plus, anyone who doesn’t know about Upton’s smoked chicken should now know about Upton’s smoked chicken.
Not in the Cotswolds this one but related because the genius guys behind The Bull in Charlbury and The Pelican in Notting Hill are soon to open (this Spring) The Hero in Maida Vale. It’s sure to be a smash hit.
There’s a new fresh-pressed juice bar that’s opened up a pop-up in Cheltenham. BEET will cure any soggy spring cold indeed.
May 2nd – 3rd – British brand Boden is having a pop-up sale at the Kassam Studio in Oxford.
May 3rd – one for the telly, Clarkson’s Farm will be all over our screens. Can’t wait to not understand a word Gerald says again.
Also on May 3rd – the glorious team at Thyme will be holding In Conversation: A Flower Garden for Pollinators, with Rachel de Thame and Clare Foster (the former, expert horticulturalist and Gardener's World presenter, and latter, Garden Editor of House & Garden). One for the green-thumbed.
May 8th – big flames and big flavours, the boys from Pit Kitchen are back for the summer season. This time at the Todenham Manor Farm. Expect more shawarmas, fired-up plates and good times all around.
May 15th – 16th – a botanical drawing class with the master painter himself Matthew Rice. Hosted at his home in Ham Court with a delicious lunch by Dave Cross. Tickets here.
May 20th – now that the Bull in Charlbury has kicked off their guest supper club series, the next takeover sees Mob (a food platform) cook and writer of
helm the kitchen. Menu includes salt cod, ox tongue and roast chicken. Tickets here.May 22nd – another talk for budding gardeners, this time with The Land Gardeners at Daylesford Farm. Learn how to grow your own cutting garden. Tickets here.
May 25th – 26th – it’s Bristol’s two-day big street party, Love Saves the Day. CamelPhat, Rudimental and Sub Focus are all leading the beats. For more festival inspiration, check out this round-up of what’s happening in the Cotswolds.
Here is a quick-hit, super-speedy, matchbox-sized itinerary for antique-filled Tetbury.
STAY | Cotswold Farm Hideaway. A cluster of incredibly curated and crafted cottages in and amidst the rolling green hills. Owners Kyra, William and Kyra’s mother have created a quiet, cool and wildly remote place to stay just outside of Tetbury and close enough to Bath to spend a day moseying about in. One to come to with a special someone or a good group and barbecue outside this summer. It helps it’s so beautiful too.
EAT | Spanish tapas at Lola and Co or hearty brunch plates of katsu fish finger sandwiches and hot honey halloumi buddha bowls at cafe53. If you’re just passing through, pastries and coffee at KNEAD.
SHOP | homeware, knick-knacks, tea towels and pretty things at Domestic Science. Big statement antique pieces from Brownrigg. Books of all sorts at The Yellow Lighted Bookshop.
DO | the open-air market for bric-a-brac finds and delicious-looking produce when it’s on. Otherwise, head out of town to Westonbirt Arboretum for all the oxygen you can get. They even have ginormous redwoods that stand tall. Next time, we are bringing a picnic for munching under the Rhododendrons.
Cover image by Ling Strube.