What's On in May

As we enter the merry month of May, the social calendar starts to heat up. Whether you’re perusing the floral displays of Chelsea in bloom or enjoying Sky Garden’s summer stretch series, there’s plenty to book. To give you a helping hand, as ever, we’ve curated the best things to do this month. 

DIAGEO LUXURY GROUP Launches RARE SERIES

Today, drinks behemoth Diageo Luxury Group has launched its Rare Series, a new, evolving Scotch Whisky collection, which aims to unearth the scattered treasures of Scotland. Available exclusively via global registration with Diageo’s Private Client teams, you can buy the first edition, which features five whiskies from five iconic locations: the oldest Single Malt ever released by Diageo - a 55-Year-Old from ghost distillery Glenury Royal, joins limited-release rarities from Talisker, Caol Ila, Clynelish, and Blair Athol.

To register your interest in purchasing Rare Series, visit rare-series.com.

Abercrombie & Kent takes over cult West London Café

If you’ve pottered about West London looking for a flat white and flaky pastry, chances are you’ll have stumbled across Foreign Exchanges News. This month, the delightfully Instagrammable café and newsagent is partnering with luxury travel company, Abercrombie & Kent. The space, inspired by all things travel, will be stocked with the first two volumes of Souvenir, A&K’s customer magazine, a selection of travel books curated by Jonah Freud’s Reference Point, as well as a collection of exclusive A&K postcards. It’ll have you planning your next trip in no time. 

The partnership runs from 28th April – 4th May @foreignexchangenews

Sushi Masterclass at AKI London 

New to Fitzrovia last autumn, Aki describes itself as reimagining history with a contemporary Japanese spirit. To lift the veil on the delicate cuisine, it is launching “Meet the Maki Maker”, a monthly series of sushi masterclasses hosted by Head Sushi Chef Alexandru Ghetau. Here, Chef Ghetau will guide guests through the principles and techniques behind creating maki, nigiri and hand rolls, after welcoming them with a glass of bubbles or sake – pick your poison. Green tea and miso soup will be served during the masterclass, as you create your six sushi pieces. You can take home a bespoke Aki chopping board as a more permanent keepsake than your maki rolls. 

The experience runs from 2:30 - 4:30pm on Sunday, 3rd May. Reserve a space at sevenrooms.com

Sky Garden’s Summer Stretch Series 

After its popular weekend yoga programme, Sky Garden has decided to elevate its offering by relaunching it as the “Summer Stretch” series. Taking place 36 storeys above the capital in the idyllic City Garden Bar, the high-altitude sessions will be transformed into monthly wellness residencies, hosted by leading fitness creators. The first comes from former Made in Chelsea Verity Bowditch, Pilates with Verity on 9th and 10th May, followed by a women-only feel-good wellness experience hosted by Ria Gandhi on 30th May. If you want to stay after class, you can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and have brunch downstairs at Larch. 

Book your spot at skygarden.london

Chelsea in Bloom Returns

Chelsea’s streets will once again be transformed as hundreds of businesses unveil floral displays inspired by astrology, mythology and the ancient gods, produced by  Cadogan in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society. This year’s intergalactic theme will see a Zodiac Constellation Circle at Sloane Square, a UFO above Pavilion Road and an immersive Lunar Landscape at Duke of York Square. Last year, a record-breaking 1.58 million visitors, so we expect this year to be another big one. 

Chelsea in Bloom starts on 18-24 May chelseainbloom.co.uk

Noisy Oyster x Aeris Cocktails Collaboration 

East Londoners’ beloved seafood spot, Noisy Oyster, is collaborating with Copenhagen cocktail brand Aeris. The partnership will introduce three bespoke martinis inspired by Scandinavian summer, each designed to pair with the restaurant menu. To mark the occasion, Noisy Oyster will host a terrace party on Thursday, 21 May. Guests can expect a line-up of limited-edition dishes alongside the martini menu, with music from London-based DJs Asanda London and Jameela Elfaki. Adding to the atmosphere, Dot will offer playful temporary tattoos throughout the evening.

Bookings can be made through noisyoysterlondon.co.uk