From standout festivals to Wimbledon-inspired drinks, July is packed with events and buys worth adding to your calendar. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the month.
Garry Jones Photography
Party: Henley Festival, Henley-on-Thames; 8-12 July
The UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival returns to the Thames riverside this July, with five unmissable nights of world-class music, comedy, dining, dancing, and fireworks. Headliners include Boy George and Culture Club, Lulu, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical. Book your spot in the Pure Heaven VIP Circle and be part of the action. www.henley-festival.co.uk
Stay: Pan Pacific London X Taittinger, London; until 30 September
Forbes five-star hotel, Pan Pacific London, are bringing a wave of luxury to the city with a Champagne-fuelled takeover in collaboration with Taittinger. Expect Riviera-style poolside preening with plenty of fizz. Book the Summer Stay with Taittinger package (from £392) to set the tone for a summer of refined indulgence. www.panpacific.com
Savour: Balloons in Bloom Dining at Beaverbrook, Surrey; on now
The annual Summer hot air balloon dining experience returns to The House’s Italian Garden, with six stationary hot air balloons beautifully designed and tablescaped in a floral theme. Expect A5 Wagyu sirloin and Spanish octopus from the Yakiniku grill, alongside a cocktail programme of light botanical sips. www.beaverbrook.co.uk
Smell: Miller Harris Tea Tonique Extrait de Parfum, £120
Citrus fragrances reign supreme for Summer and noses in the know are billing this new unisex offering from British perfumiers, Miller Harris, as the buy of the season. An expertly blended bouquet of sparkling bergamot, petitgrain and peach blossom, the fragrance has a sultry dry-down of aromatic tea leaves, soft musk and smoky birch. www.millerharris.com
See: The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition; until 23 August
The 258th art extravaganza that is the Summer Exhibition will feature over 1,500 artworks, spanning architecture, print, painting, and sculpture. The world’s largest open submission contemporary art show for emerging and established artists, most works are available to buy, so take your credit card because you are about to add to your collection. www.royalacademy.org.uk
Travel: The Ivy Asia Experience Menu, 10 restaurants across the UK
Short on time but big on wanderlust? The Ivy Asia restaurants are serving a new sharing menu designed to take diners on a culinary journey through Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam and beyond. The feast begins with dishes such as Lobster Crisps with Spicy Yuzu Dressing and Avocado, and ends with Ube Doughnuts and soft serve. Each course is paired with a cocktail created in collaboration with The Orientalist. www.theivyasia.com
Applaud: State Ballet of Georgia’s Swan Lake, The London Coliseum; 17-26 July
This brand-new production from a company renowned for exceptional dancing and lavish costumes promises a feast for the senses. Led by world-renowned ballerina Nina Ananiashvili, it will run at The London Coliseum for a strictly limited season. Accompanied by the award-winning Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the production features tutus made from 1,500 metres of tulle — enough to stretch from the Coliseum to Trafalgar Square. www.londoncoliseum.org/events/swan-lake
Sip: Wimbledon-inspired Cocktails at COYA Mayfair and Langan’s Brasserie
Courtside-inspired cocktails will be everywhere throughout the month. For the most elegant tipples in town, head to COYA Mayfair to sample the Strawberry Deuce, which is mixed with Krol Vodka, strawberry pisco macerado and elderflower. Still have a thirst? Sidecourt Sour at Langan’s Brasserie is served to win with The Lakes Vodka, green chartreuse and matcha. www.coyarestaurant.com www.langansbrasserie.com
Buy: Saint Jane Silk Scarves (£265)
This Sydney-based luxury silk house has arrived in the UK, making now the ideal time to invest in 100% mulberry silk twill scarves for city breaks and coastal escapes. Designed to be worn 101 ways, each limited-run piece delivers the dopamine-dressing lift your holiday wardrobe needs. www.saintjane.com.au
Mingle: American Express presents BST Hyde Park, London; throughout July
This standout series of open-air events returns bigger than ever, with July performances from Duran Duran (5 July), Pitbull (10 July) and Lewis Capaldi (11 and 12 July) in the royal park. Classical music fans can also look forward to All Things Orchestral with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, hosted by Myleene Klass MBE and conducted by Stephen Bell, with Alfie Boe OBE as special guest. www.bst-hydepark.com
