We've been delaying the release of our summer edition of the register, because the summer itself has been somewhat elusive, but we couldn't wait any longer. In fact, we're hoping that talking about heatwaves and beach days will tempt fate, rather than be depressingly ironic. Talk of the hottest year on record is no argan oil for the scars this miserable summer has inflicted upon us Brits, but a cursory glance at that online scratch card also known as the Met Office Long-Range Forecast, does suggest that we could soon be basking in fine weather. Burning orb in the sky, forsake us no more!
How To Dress For a Heatwave
Ironic guffaws aside, it's always a good idea to have your wardrobe prepped for hot weather, especially when it comes to smart events such as weddings where the dress code can be somewhat prescriptive. There's nothing worse than sweating your way through a formal summer event, when you can avoid such turns by carefully choosing your fabrics. We've written a men's and lady's guide to exactly how to navigate smart and formal hot-weather dressing here, so you can stay cool and comfortable not matter the temperature.
Reasons To Get Dressed Up In July and August
Besides weddings, there are a great many shindigs, fandangos, knees-ups, and whatever else going on in the next couple of weeks that warrant a smart summer turn-out. Here's our pick of the best events to be seen at through the back end of July and into August.
Glorious Goodwood
From the 6-8 August, Glorious Goodwood returns to excite racegoers the world over. One of the highlights of the British season, Goodwood is an excellent chance for ladies to wear their floral summer dresses and for gents to don their linen suits and Panama hats for what promises to be another fantastic showpiece for world-class racing.
Glyndebourne
Opera lovers flock to the foothills of the South Downs every summer for some of the world's best performances at the renowned and equally stunning Glyndebourne. The festival is in full swing at the moment, with some of the highlights for the next six weeks or so including Georges Bizet's Carmen; Handel's Giulio Cesare; and Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. Where else in the world can you picnic in black tie and listen to the greatest operatic singers while you're at it?
Camden Fringe
Theatre and comedy returns to Camden for the 18th time by way of the Camden Fringe which has steadily grown into a notable fixture on the calendar. For those who are London centric and looking for something truly unique, the Camden Fringe never disappoints with its eclectic programming. The shows are only usually on for a night or two and rarely cost more than £10 per ticket.
London Craft Beer Festival
Without the growing of hops, the world's ecosystem would quickly fall apart. At least that's what you tell your other half when they ask you why your heading to the London Craft Beer Festival in Wapping on 9-10 August. A £54.50 ticket will get you a four-hour session of supping what amounts to hundreds of world-class beers, all in the name of environmental research of course.
Cowes Week
Land lubbers and salty sea dogs come together for a week of sailing at Cowes on the Isle of Wight from 27 July until 2 August, in what is a great social occasion. Whether you're interested in watching sailing, or prefer to hobnob on terra firma, Cowes week is a blast and has a really vibrant festival atmosphere. Head down to the Parade to witness a tonne of live music and great food throughout the week.
The Finest UK Beaches
For anyone staying in the British Isles this season, or who has already travelled to warmer climes and are hoping for an Indian summer to sign off with, this green and pleasant island is home to one hell of a coastline if you know where to look. From Jersey in the Channel Islands right up to Bamburgh in the North East, there are world class beaches waiting to be explored. While they might not all boast a dining scene or a bevvy of amenities, they do present the British coastline in all its natural glory. Here are some of our favourites...
Portelet Bay - Jersey
Just a hop and a skip across the English Channel, Jersey boasts an immaculate coastline (and better weather this Jersey-born writer might add), with rocky bays on the north coast, a 5-mile long surfers' beach on the west coast, a huge tidal range on the south-east, and pockets of heavenly bliss on the south-west side. That's where you'll find Portelet Bay, a beautiful ellipse of golden sand punctuated by a Martello tower peached on the small rocky outcrop in the middle of the bay. You might as well be in the South of France. It's a bit of a trek down the cliff, but there's a cracking restaurant at the bottom for refuelling at.
Sennen Cove - Cornwall
A Cornish favourite, Sennen is one of the south-west's coastal gems, backing up onto beautiful sand dunes, and framed by an epic coastline either side. It's a good surfing beach too for anyone that way inclined. Even if you're a complete novice, Sennen is home to one of, if not the best surf schools in the UK, the Sennen Surfing Centre. Failing that, it's west-facing vantage makes it a beautiful spot to watch the sun go down at the Surf Beach Bar.
Durdle Door - Dorset
Is there a more iconic beach in the whole of the UK? We can't think of one. Durdle Door, so called for the unique limestone arch jutting out into the bay, is perhaps the most photographed strip of British coastline there is, with a stunning arc of sand to plonk yourself down on. The walk down is steep and boulders have been known to dislodge so careful as you go. It's one hell of a climb back up at the end of the day so go prepared with food and water.
Bamburgh - Northumberland
Set high on the dunes, it's hard not to be mesmerised by the magnificence of Bamburgh Castle, situated pride of place in Northumberland's Area Of Natural Beauty. The beach here is vast and wide, windswept and raw. It's best visited by walking from Seahorses, using the castle as you signpost. Once there, on a clear day you can see the Farne Islands including the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. No British beach is more steeped in ancient history.
London's Best Al Fresco Dining
Al fresco dining in July would have required rubber waders, an umbrella, and a sense of humour, so let's hope that August presents better outdoor dining opportunities. Pub gardens are always a great shout, but for some unique experiences, Secrettrips.com have curated their six favourite outdoor spots for Londoners looking to chow down while the sun is out. From florid gardens to urban brutalism, you'll find some truly splendid dining in the capital right here.
Summer Reads To Expand Your Mind
If you're planning on some down time this summer and want to catch up on some great literature then there are some excellent resources doing the rounds at the moment. The New York Times recently published their '100 Greatest Books of the 21st Century' as voted on by 503 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets and critics, which should keep you entertained on your sunbed this summer. The New Yorker magazine, which isn't short of world-class writers itself, asked members of its esteemed staff for the classic books that changed their lives, which you can discover here. The team at Favourbrook, venerable literary heads, can also heartily recommend a fortnight of boning up on Roman history via Mary Beard's excellent SPQR, or a rollercoaster of a ride with Barbara Kingsolver's brilliant Demon Copperhead.
