Iona’s July Hotlist

Somehow, it’s July already; the British summer is in full swing, delivering copious sunshine and outdoor events a-plenty. Holidays are on the horizon, Pimm’s galore and dinners outside – it’s going to be another busy month. Read on for your monthly fix

Visiting:

Out-of-office on for a week of sun, sea and relaxation in Menorca. Famous for its crystal blue waters and relaxed island vibes, I’m excited to switch off. When I’m not relaxing by the beautiful sea, I’m looking forward to heading across to Illa del Rein, a beautiful island in Mahon Harbour which is home to Hauser & Wirth Menorca. A day of art before relaxing beneath the trees for dinner, calls for a linen dress and my tan & linen Greta.

Before I escape on holiday, though, we have the thrill of Wimbledon. Whether you’re heading to centre court with a Mini Holly in tow or making Pimm’s at home to watch the play on-screen, it’s bound to be two weeks of great tennis. If you’re in London without courtside tickets, be sure to head to Eccleston Yards for ‘Summer of Sport’ in partnership with Matches. From the 3rd – 16th of July, you can watch all the live tennis action from their deck chairs and enjoy an array of food and drinks in the Belgravia courtyard.

Watching:

I became a huge F1 fan thanks to the hit Netflix show ‘Drive to Survive’ and watching the races with friends has now become a ritual. The British Grand Prix is taking place at Silverstone race track (just a short hop from Tusing HQ, in Northamptonshire) from 7th-9th July and is the hottest event to have a ticket to this year. I’d recommend taking along our trusty Silverstone Tote to look the part. Regardless of which team or driver you’re rooting for (me: Carlos Sainz, Ferrari for the win), Silverstone does a mean party every night with the likes of Jess Glynne, Calvin Harris and the Black Eyed Peas headlining, so the festival feel is real.

Reading:

Whether you’re going away, or sitting in the garden or a park, escaping into a book during the summer feels different. Last year, on my summer holiday I read Abi Morgan’s This is not a pity memoir and it is the most defining memory of that holiday and I’ve recommended it to everyone since.

This month, I have Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang lined up, which has come highly recommended by friends who couldn’t put it down. Following the story of a stolen manuscript and stolen success, deadly consequences follow. With GQ describing it as a “darkly comic thriller’’ it sounds perfect to escape into in the sunshine.

Dining:

The long-awaited renovations of the National Portrait Gallery have finished, and with it comes the new restaurant The Portrait by Richard Corrigan. With sweeping views over Trafalgar Square and hand-embroidered wall coverings created by DeGournay, it is the perfect spot to explore after a stroll around the gallery. It’s open for lunch from the 5th of July, and dinner service launches on the 12th of July.

As much as I love eating out, I also love to cook, and summer hosting brings me so much joy. I’ve been reaching for Ixta Belfrage’s book MEZCLA: Recipes to Excite for bold, delicious recipes inspired by Italy, Brazil, Mexico and beyond.

Bag of the Month:

For July, it has to be the Silverstone tote. Yes, this is partly because of the Grand Prix, but also for being able to throw everything in it, from bottles of wine for park picnics to blankets, towels and beachwear!