We’re apparently now in a third wave pandemic in the UK but having made a bid for total freedom in recent weeks, it feels as though folks are determined to hold on to the promises of summer. This week I enjoyed a first pub lunch in more than a year (I never thought I’d write that sentence), a second hair cut and a coffee out, indoors! Heady times.
Here’s five more things I enjoyed this week.
The Mallorca Vintage® collection
Founded in 1905 the Fomento del Turismo de Mallorca has launched the Mallorca Vintage® collection, a series of prints of early travel posters from their archives.
The series features nine images of illustrative cartography featured in guidebooks from the 1920’s onwards, as well as watercolours of the island’s landmarks painted in the 1930’s, and rare first edition posters from the late 1940’s and 50’s.
The project is the result of a lockdown collaboration with travel poster art specialists Stick No Bills® who have curated, digitised and remastered the artworks for exclusive publication from their gallery in Palma.
Prints are produced on responsibly harvested, acid-free, fade resistant artboard and 100% cotton-based archival fabric. Proceeds from all sales of the licensed prints go to the humanitarian, conservation, and reforestation projects sponsored by Stick No Bills®.
They are working on adding to the series with seasonal themes. The inaugural images showcase six of the Fomento’s most iconic posters, with three language variations – English, French and German and a variety of sizes. Prices from 19.95€ (£17.25) for an A4 size open edition. Limited-edition prints from 99€ (£85). Bespoke editions are available on application. www.sticknobillsonline.com/mallorca-vintage-collection
The Muddler’s Club
Belfast is on my ‘to visit’ list. For a start, the food scene looks inviting and, as you know, I love my food. In the historic back streets of Cathedral Quarter is The Muddler’s Club a Michelin Star restaurant (2019 and 2020). Named after the secret society that met there over 200 years ago, the designed interior is post-industrial meets street art, using masonic inspired imagery and the ‘all-seeing eye’ motif. The tone is dark and secretive, and intriguing.
The tasting menu offers ‘simple dishes’ accompanied by a ‘focused’ wine list (sadly, no details of the latter on the web site). Chef Gareth McCaughey’s food is local grown, seasonal with punchy flavours and attention to presentation. Currently, the simple dishes include Beef, Girolle, Bone Marrow and Cod, Beurre Blanc, Pea, Caviar and, from the vegetarian menu, Asparagus, Dukkah, Basil, Celeriac. I had to look up Dukkah, or Duaaq, to discover that it’s an appealing blend of nuts, seeds, and warm spices. Seasonal tasting menu £65.00, add wine £55.00. The Muddler’s Club themuddlersclubbelfast.com.
London Voices: Jianhui
Coming in July… Jianhui Yan has lived and worked in London for 17 years. Jianhui sold antique and vintage pieces of jewellery at the London markets and began making his own designs from broken pieces. In 2006, he started a ‘proper business’, Jianhui London. Jianhui shares his favourite places in the city and why he loves living in the capital. Published in July at London Begins At 40.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a perfect place for a picnic and an evening of culture under the stars. The wild thyme, oxlips, nodding violets, luscious woodbine, sweet musk roses and eglantine in the Berberis Dell provides an authentic setting for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. If you think you’re not particularly a fan of Shakespeare, think again. These outdoor performances are always fun and this particular comedy is especially so. It’s a romp, a story of summer enchantment, fairies, lovers and hilarious mayhem. Coupled with good food and a glass or two of bubbly the evening becomes something of an adventure.
Don’t forget to pack a blanket and a few cushions to add to your comfort. A flask of your favourite warming alcoholic spirit or hot coffee would also be welcome to ward off the evening chill as the sun sets.
This particular performance by Glenn Elston, the award-winning Artistic Director of the Australian Shakespeare Company.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (28 July to 29 August 2021, excluding10 to 11 August). Tickets, adult £30 – £46, Concessions available. theatreonkew.co.uk
First ever Monaco Streaming Film Festival
The first ever Monaco Streaming Film Festival will take place at the Grimaldi Forum over four days. The experience aims to celebrate the streaming industry’s content, makers, creators and talent, while leveraging streaming technology to power the festival and to stream the event worldwide.
Featuring virtual-only content and panels with personalities participating remotely, the festival will include industry leaders and talent. Keynote speakers will include festival co-founders, Mitch Lowe, Netflix Founding VP, and Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-Founder. (3rd – 6th July). Tickets from All Access One Day Pass, 50€ including VAT. www.visitmonaco.com
That’s all for this week. Life is for living and I hope you’re making the most of every day wherever you are in the world. Stay safe and well.
As always please check the www.gov.co.uk for the latest on domestic and international travel guidelines.
hashtagtravelling... life is for living 