THE WISHLIST
ART & DESIGN
Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism
This major exhibition features more than 130 works by 10 Brazilian artists from the 20th century. Starting in the 1910s and journeying into the 1970s, the new art of this time was deeply tied to Brazil's identities and landscapes, above Until 21 April royalacademy.org.uk
Cartier
Charting the evolution of this historic French jewellery house, this Victoria & Albert Museum exhibition brings together precious jewels, historic gemstones and iconic timepieces. Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the exhibition explores how the label went from a family jewellers into a global luxury phenomenon. Open 12 April vam.ac.uk
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
Versailles: Science & Splendour
Highlighting the Palace of Versailles' contribution to scientific thinking in the 17th and 18th centuries, this Science Museum exhibition explores the vitally important role science played at the palace, pictured below
Until 21 April sciencemuseum.org.uk
Minecraft
For the first time ever in the UK and Europe, Minecraft fans will have the chance to experience a real-world, Minecraft immersive adventure in a brand-new venue, Corner Corner in Canada Water. During this action-packed experience, visitors will enter seven Minecraft rooms.
Open 4 April
minecraftexperience.com/london
Landmark London
Get your detective hat on with the Investigator Package from The Landmark London. In Sherlock Holmes' neighbourhood, budding detectives and their families can uncover its hidden mysteries with an overnight stay with breakfast and Holmes-themed activities Book now landmarklondon.co.uk
ON STAGE
The Great Gatsby
Celebrate the roaring ' 20s at the new musical The Great Gatsby, which arrives straight from its sell-out run on Broadway. Adapted from the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, the story surrounds the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby who's become known for throwing legendary parties at his mansion. Opens 11 April londongatsby.com
Snow White
At Sadlers Wells East, this visually striking, family-friendly dance-theatre production directed by Liv Lorent and retold by Carol Ann Duffy is brought to life by a company of 12 extraordinary dancers from the balletLORENT company. The perfect Easter outing for the whole family, above. 16-19 April sadlerswells.com
Jazz Nights
Get dressed up and join The Lanesborough Live Nights. Hosted at The Lanesborough Grill, find live entertainment from the Harry Brunt Trio. Choose from the grill’s menu specially curated by Shay Cooper. Thursday evenings oetkercollection.com
Paradise Under the Stars
A new immersive experience transporting guests to 1950s Havana, a time of revolutionary spirit with drinks and dining, The Lost Estate's events continues to dazzle its fans, including Margot Robbie, Helena Bonham Carter and Simon Pegg. Book now paradiseunderthestars.com
FOOD AND DRINK
The Hound x Kids Table
The popular family-friendly Chiswick pub has partnered with The Kids Table to entertain little ones this Easter. Running every Saturday from 11:30am-3:30pm, The Kid’s Table provides a variety of supervised creative activities, from arts and crafts to fun tabletop games, ensuring children play happily, meaning parents can unwind. thehound.london
ALBA
On Brompton Road, the flavours of the Amalfi coast are just a stone's throw away from Harrods. Creating a relaxed-yetimmaculate atmosphere, the restaurant interiors bring the outside in, below. alba-ldn.uk
ZIMA
Opening its second outpost in Notting Hill’s Blenheim Crescent, ZIMA invites guests to experience the flavours of eastern-European and Russian cuisine in this vibrant west London neighbourhood. zima.restaurant
Babbo
Whether celebrating birthdays or just a family gathering, find your new favourite destination, which is soon to open a spring terrace Full of charm in the familyorientated St John's Wood, Babbo is inspired by executive chef Nicola Cariglia's nonna and family life in southern Italy. babborestaurant.co.uk L
LOOK AHEAD
SALAD DAYS
Are you looking for the best handmade products or the coolest next big brand? Visit Battersea Power Station on the last weekend of May for the Salad Days market fair. The popular market is back with it's curation of the finest makers, most based in London. Often with queues and sell-out stalls, these are the brands to know...
24-26 May saladdaysmarket. co.uk
FOODIES FESTIVAL
SYON PARK
Brought to Londoners by Great Taste this May bank holiday, join the biggest celebration of live music, Michelin and top local chefs, in addition to, of course, exquisite food. A fun family day out, find artisan markets, and live cooking demos.
24-26 May foodiesfestival.com/ events
LEVISON WOOD
Join the inspirational explorer, author and TV presenter in Sloane Square's Cadogan Hall as he talks about his adventures and new book, The Great Tree Story. 23 May cadoganhall.com
ON AN EVEN KEEL SIR BEN AINSLIE HAS FOUR GOLD OLYMPIC MEDALS. OPPOSITE: WITH WIFE GEORGIE THOMPSON. THEY MARRIED IN 2014
MY FIRST LONDON HOME
SIR BEN AINSLIE
Britain’s greatest sailor on family life in Wimbledon Village, his momentous achievements and upcoming tournaments
My first name isn’t Ben. [He was born Charles Benedict Ainslie.]
Sailing was a huge part of my family’s life growing up. My father, Roddy, skippered a boat in Whitbread Round the World race, the first-ever crewed round the world race in 1972. Hearing the stories from that race and his many other experiences was the key influence in getting me out on the water.
In sailing, Sir Robin KnoxJohnson is someone I admire. He was the first person to single-handedly sail non-stop around the world in 1969 with none of the technology we have nowadays. We’ve become good friends over the years and he’s a great inspiration. In terms of other sports, Roger Federer is a brilliant example of how I think athletes should carry themselves both in and out of competition.
‘Never give up’ is the best advice I’ve ever received and it was from my father. It was way back in my junior sailing days.
I’ve been fortunate to be involved in some truly amazing sporting moments. The two that stand out most for me are London 2012 and winning the America’s Cup. I won my final Olympic gold medal in front of a home crowd, it
was a special Olympics for the country and Team GB, and with that came high pressure, so to pull that off is one I won’t ever forget.
The other was winning the America’s Cup with American Team Oracle Team USA. We were 8-1 down and turned things around to win 8-9 in what many call the great comeback in sport, it was an unbelievable experience.
My first London home was in Hampton Court. I currently live in Wimbledon Village.
Wimbledon has a great vibe and sense of community. The Common is great for family walks. We love going to the Light on the Common, the River Café near Hammersmith and Scott’s in Mayfair is a serious treat.
“MY DAUGHTER BELLATRIX IS MY BIGGEST SUPPORTER BUT MY MOST VOCAL PERFORMANCE ANALYST. SHE’S ALWAYS THE FIRST TO TELL ME IF I DIDN’T WIN”
My daughter Bellatrix is my biggest supporter but also my most vocal performance analyst. She is always the first to tell me if I didn’t win the race. She’s very competitive, I have no idea where she gets it from.
At the moment, we have the Emirates GBR SailGP Team which is currently topping the SailGP Leaderboard after two events of the 14-event global season, and we have the Athena Pathway Team, which is creating pathways for diverse and underrepresented athletes into sailing – including having a team in last year’s Women’s America’s Cup Team. Finally, with Athena Racing we’re also the official British challenger for the next America’s Cup – so lots on!
If you’re looking to improve your sailing, find a good group to train with, so that you can push each other to get better with great coaching. Make sure you put the time and effort in to achieve your goals.
There’s a great saying that ‘luck is preparation looking for an opportunity’, and I very much believe that to be true. L
To find out about Ainslie+Ainslie Night Powder, a sleep supplement, visit ainslieainslie.com
NATURE INSPIRED
As a time for renewal, brands have been looking to the classic plant motifs, with materials like teak, rattan and sisal coming to the fore. The aesthetic bridges the connection between inside and outdoors seamlessly.
Accord Lighting table lamp, £50, quintiesse.com
Audley lamp, £95, joules.com
Handwoven rattan tray in Blue, £54, birdiefortescue.com
Rythme rug, £8,450, manufacturecogolin.com
Door handles in Dark Oak, from £26, matildagoad.com
Christian Benini wallpaper, POA, westonebathrooms.com
Woven palm and tagua placemat in Ivory, £90, casalatina.co.uk
Country Woodland fabrics, sanderson.sanderson designgroup.com
“Embrace the beauty of organic textures and earthy tones. Using waterproof wallpaper allows for intricate pattern and texture in the bathroom, o ering a tactile, matt finish. Paired with warm brass accents and natural wood elements, it’s a perfect reflection of the nature-inspired trend.”
Louise Ashdown, West One Bathrooms
Camel-back sofa, from £8,400 (excluding fabric), lorfords.com
Brushed cotton bedding, from £47.50, christy.co.uk
Earthenware vase in Blue and White, £125, henryhollandstudio.com
Artist’s Stripes wallpaper in Sakura and Astrantia, £195 per roll, houseofhackney.com
COASTAL STRIPES
Bringing the classic linear stripe up to date, with widths ranging from thick to thin, many tones of the pattern are looking to the serene lines of the coast. Varying from the perfectly linear to the abstractly imperfect and playful scallops, they instantly make a room taller.
“Stripes are a timeless choice for the home. Whether in soft, sun-washed hues or crisp, classic blues and reds, they bring a relaxed sophistication that perfectly complements the eternal charm of a quintessentially English seaside retreat.”
Claire Hester, Christy
Passementerie trimmings and borders, POA samuelandsons.com
Outdoor cushion, £95, andrewmartin.co.uk
Rechargeable rattan table lamp, £103.50, pooky.com
The Weaver’s Hand door knocker, £560, devolkitchens.co.uk
A Kensington townhouse project, rebeccahughesinteriors.com
NOSTALGIA
Bringing the past and present together, more are delving in the archives. With 2025 marking the milestones of art deco and Liberty London’s Victorian paisley prints, there are no rules on how to meld both worlds. Whether embracing maximalism, or looking to the English countryside’s floral and fauna, the thread that links all of the styles is unrivalled craftsmanship.
Margaret Howell Edition desk lamp in Siena, £219, anglepoise.com
Sintra wallpaper in Blue, £170 per roll, dadoatelier.com
Storage bench in Uniform Blue, £270, sofa.com
Woven string vase in Green, £39, birdiefortescue.com
“Marry opposites together in a harmonious way, such as pairing vintage items with modern pieces, or clashing bright colours with striking patterned prints. Equally, don’t be afraid to mix colours and textures such as ornate feathers and metallic accents.”
Lena Gierasinska, Barker & Stonehouse
Spring tablescape, bonadea.com
GREEN
Paint in Grasshopper, earthbornpaints.co.uk
A consistently favoured colour of the season, green is versatile. No longer limited to the mints and pea shades typically associated with spring, designers are encouraging bolder use. Verdant hues can be used for pops of colour or even double drenching.
TV stand in Natural Canvas, £264, bisley.com
Crystal vase, £27.50, dartington.co.uk
Hoxton tiles in Bottle Green, from £50 per m2, mandarinstone.com
Double-drenching paint technique, littlegreene.com
Hand-painted dinner plate in Fern Green, £65, casalatina.co.uk
“Double drenching is a way to embrace colours not typically seen and used alongside one another. The variation is in the hues, so the colours might be as bold as each other. Try greens at di erent ends of the spectrum, like a bluish-green and a yellowishgreen on di erent planes within a space for e ect.” Ruth Mottershead, Little Greene
Four-slice toaster in Pastel Green, £179.95, shop.smeguk.com
All-purpose paint in Midelt Sage, from £25 (750ml), paintandpaperlibrary.com
LIVED IN This page: With vivid circus-stripe curtains separating this Mayfair home’s richly layered dual-aspect sitting room, Octavia Dickinson has created a space full of texture, warmth and interest
Opposite page: Anna Haines was given a brief of ‘Georgian-light interiors’ for this Marylebone pied-aterre, and so she sought to restore its characterful qualities through rich colour, pattern and print
The Soulful Home
THIS IS THE ERA OF ‘PUTTING BACK’, AS WE TURN AWAY FROM SHOWHOME PERFECTION AND RETURN TO HOMES THAT LOOK LIKE THEY HAVE ‘QUIETLY EVOLVED’, WRITES SERENA FOKSCHANER
The LONDON GUIDE to SCHOOLS
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SCHOOL
From prep to boarding