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Our favourite Oxford Street retail utopia, Selfridges, has long been ahead of the game when it comes to putting its floor space where its sustainable ambitions lie. A case in point is its new dedicated ‘Reselfridges’ space. In the newly revamped accessories hall you’ll find it’s white-hot curation of archive gems from Byronesque, which promises monthly drops of exquisite collector’s pieces (starting with a mask from Alexander McQueen’s 1996 Dante collection) as well as rare vintage pieces from Islington’s revered purveyor of Nineties fashion icons (think Tom Ford Gucci and John Galliano) OOTO to jewellery from Susan Caplan and vintage Cartier handbags. And bookmark the third floor for all your circular fashion needs; here you’ll find the repair service Sojo as well as Hurr rental, and We A...

Birdwatching collective Flock Together, founded in London by friends Nadeem Perera (who has since moved to Bristol) and Ollie Olanipekun, was initially a way to get the POC community out into nature — challenging the underrepresentation in that space. But now, what started as a handful of 15 people will regularly be 300 strong. “We’ve engaged a massive audience,” says Perera. “So now, how can we bring our energy, our ideas, our cultural creativity into this natural history, outdoor space? For whatever reason, we [as POC] experience hardships and suffering more and nature is a very, very accessible, easy way for people to engage.” Perera is also a youth sports coach. “That’s a big thing for me: a cross-pollination of these spaces. We have to meet people where they’re at. We’re breaking dow...

In its earlier incarnation, it hosted the Nanteos Cup brought to the house by monks at the Dissolution of the monasteries, which was, by legend, the Holy Grail. There’s a replica of the original (which is in the National Library of Wales, close by) simple cracked wooden vessel in the hall – so yes, very Indiana Jones. Source link

But it’s the modern flourishes that stop it feeling like you’re sleeping in a museum — the clever train tracks in neon light that run across the brick exterior, quirky antiques and minimalist work by local artists, such as former ice hockey player Ville Leino. Touches of the original exposed brick are brought up-to-date by a clever use of colour — slate, rich teal, orange, bright yellow. And ,of course, the sauna. The feel is characterful, cosy and authentic, no doubt helped by the hotel — which opened in October 2020 — having independent Finnish owners, rather than pretending to be all those things while being part of a giant international group. The service is friendly, helpful and very welcoming. Source link