The days are getting longer, daffodils have sprung and a string of bank holidays is on the horizon – yes, spring is officially here and summer is well on the way. It is undoubtedly one of the most joyful times of the year, so why not celebrate by filling your diary for the seasons ahead. Read on for our favourite things to see, do and enjoy around Sloane Street over the coming months.
Picnic in Cadogan Place Gardens
Every summer, The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, offers its guests the chance to lounge in its verdant private gardens with a hamper curated by its restaurant The LaLee. Expect freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and classic sandwich fillings such as chicken and tarragon. The hotel’s concierge will set everything up for you, so all that’s left to do is relax on the plush blankets. Not a guest? Put 11 – 12 June in your diary for London Square Open Gardens weekend, when the spot will be open to all.
The Cadogan, 75 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SG; From spring onwards belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/london/belmond-cadogan-hotel/about
Treat yourself to a picnic in Cadogan Place Gardens
Dine alfresco on Sloane Square
The Sloane Square Summer Terrace returns this year with neighbourhood restaurants Côte, The Botanist and the Royal Court all bringing a Mediterranean ambience to the square – or, should we say, piazza. Enjoy a leisurely morning coffee while people-watching or savour the balmy evenings and book a date-night dinner for sundown.
Sloane Square, SW1W 8SB; 29 April to the end of September
Enjoy refreshments in the sun at Sloane Square Summer Terrace
Marvel at the world’s best floral displays
The area will be overflowing with blossoms in May thanks to Chelsea in Bloom and the Royal Horticultural Society’s beloved annual Chelsea Flower Show. The former will see boutiques, hotels and restaurants across the neighbourhood decked out in the most beautiful floral arrangements according to this year’s theme of British Icons. If you can’t wait until then for a dose of horticulture, head to the RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show, which opens at the Saatchi Gallery in April.
RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show: 9-29 April; Chelsea in Bloom: 23-28 May; RHS Chelsea Flower Show: 24-28 May
A range of Sanctuary Gardens will be on view at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
See Tom Jones live in concert
For four nights in June, Live at Chelsea will return to the Royal Hospital Chelsea with a sparkling programme featuring Tom Jones, Paul Weller, Max Richter and Simply Red as headliners, plus many more. What better way to enjoy the summertime than by dancing under the stars?
Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4SR; 15-19 June; liveatchelsea.com/tickets
Tom Jones will appear at Live at Chelsea on 15 June
Ace your Wimbledon viewing plans
Can’t make it to Centre Court? Head to Strawberries and Screen, Duke of York Square’s annual Wimbledon finals viewing weekend, where you’ll be able to enjoy the matches on deck chairs beneath a giant screen. It almost goes without saying that the pop-up will offer strawberries and cream along with Pimm’s and champagne – perfect for toasting the winner.
Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY; 8-10 July; dukeofyorksquare.com/
Strawberries and Screen returns to Duke of York Square this year
Discover Chelsea’s abundant wisteria
Whether you love it for the photo opportunity or the stunning cascade of purple blossoms, Chelsea’s annual burst of wisteria in late May will surely brighten your day. Chelsea Physic Garden’s resident plant expert Nell Jones says her favourites are on Swan Walk and St Leonard’s Terrace.
May-June
Wisteria on Cheyne Walk
Get inspired at Kensington + Chelsea Art Week
This year, the expert committee behind Kensington + Chelsea Art Week has commissioned a host of creatives to make artwork around the theme “Nourish”. As well as a poetry corner and a packed exhibition schedule, there will be free outdoor installations across Sloane Street and its surrounds, making this the perfect time to go for a walk and explore.
23 June-3 July; kcaw.co.uk
An art installation on Pavilion Road
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
A cause for celebration (and an extra bank holiday) like no other, this year the Queen will become the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee. It’ll be marked on Saturday 4th with a street party on the King’s Road (which will be pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Cheltenham Terrace for the occasion), a Commonwealth market, and entertainment from Cadogan Hall. On Sunday, the official pageant will be live-streamed on giant screens in Duke of York Square, along with plenty of other festivities from boutiques in the area. Keep your eyes peeled for full details in May.
3-5 June
