Iona’s May Hotlist

Visiting:  I’m making the most of the extra “Coronation” bank holiday this May and will be enjoying a long weekend in San Sebastián. As Anthony Bourdain states, “there is no better place to eat in Europe than the city of San Sebastián.” Drinks and Pintxos on the waterfront and finally a chance to take my tan Greta for a spin.

But I’ll be missing all the hubbub (I’m both sad and a little relieved about that!) and if you’re in London to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation, be sure to get to the viewing sections early to bag a spot along the parade route. If viewing in a more relaxed setting is your vibe, head to Mayfair’s coronation garden party, where you can view all the excitement on the big screen at Grosvenor Square. There will be flower installations, lots of food and drink and offers in the local stores. It will be quite a party!

At the end of the month it’s all about the Chelsea Flower Show. If you aren’t heading to the show itself, walk around Chelsea to see store fronts adorned with beautiful flower displays during the week for Chelsea in Bloom, with this years theme being ‘Flowers on Film’. At the show, be sure to check out Randle Siddeley’s garden in partnership with Blue Forest Treehouses, promising to be a whimsical and enchanting experience. I know I’ll leave longing to have more than a London balcony to play with.

Dining:  The people behind Noble Rot have opened their third London restaurant in Mayfair’s Shepherd Market with “their most ambitious wine programme yet”. The Soho restaurant is a firm favourite for us, with many a night being spent as the last couple in the restaurant and often asking for a recipe (I even once wrote their Madeleine recipe down on a napkin with a lip pencil). Perfect for people-watching, with a Mini Holly to accompany the outfit, date night is sorted. 

For something a little more low-key, The Audley Public House re-opened at the end of last year, and balmy evenings cannot come soon enough for after-work drinks. London-based artist, Phyllida Barlow, was invited to create a site-specific ceiling for the Audley, which brings a playfulness to the traditional pub – be sure to look up! I’d also thoroughly recommend the fish sandwich.

Watching:  Aren’t we all eagerly waiting to see who will take over Waystar Royco? Succession, for its tactful and witty scripting and tumultuous family dynamics, has me totally hooked. The show has been getting everyone talking about quiet luxury, but that’s something Tusting has been doing all along. To avoid any “ludicrously capacious bag” moments (if you know, you know), we have you covered.

May buy:  The changing season brings a change of fragrance for me. I was reintroduced recently to the socially conscious, luxury fragrance house Sana Jardin. Its brand vision is to use clean and sustainable perfume as a vehicle for social impact and women’s economic empowerment. ‘Berber Blonde’ is the scent that captured my attention, and I know my purchase is doing some good. They also do a beautiful discovery set to try all the fragrances, perfect for slipping into a Hettie for an evening out.