Sarah Allard, digital director
Although some of my summer-loving colleagues would judge me for saying this, I’m an *whispers* autumn girl at heart, so I’m very much welcoming September’s arrival. There’s a definite back-to-school energy in the air, and I’m embracing the change of season with cosy staycations, hearty meals at London’s latest openings and a few autumnal wardrobe additions.
For the last three years, my mum, sister and I have hopped on a train to Darlington for a spoiling weekend at Middleton Lodge. The two days we spend mooching around the dreamy Forest Spa in our robes, tucking into the 10-course tasting menu at Forge and wandering through the walled gardens – trees teeming with apples, pumpkins lining the pathways – have quickly become our favourite days of the year. Next on the agenda is Hope by WildLand – a Scottish safari lodge celebrating the rugged beauty of the Highlands – followed by Ballyfin, a grand mansion tucked away at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Catch me sipping cocktails by the roaring fire like I’m in my very own lavish Hallmark movie.
London is, as ever, awash with new openings (lucky us!), and I’ve earmarked a few for what we’ll call research purposes. At Kismet in Borough, chef Keiran Mustafa’s Turkish-Cypriot plates have been calling my name – apparently the Tavuk Şiş (smoky chicken thigh) is a must-order. Kid, from Mangal II’s Sertaç Dirik and Oma’s David Carter, has all the markings of an absolute hit, and if Public House’s previous pubs are anything to go by, new neighbourhood joint The Horses in Farringdon is going to be the perfect spot for long lunches and cosy dinners.
While I need little excuse for a wardrobe update, autumn is the perfect time for investing in a few new classics to take me through the season. Massimo Dutti’s heeled ballet flats will smarten up my favourite jeans for the office, and I can imagine popping this pendant necklace on to jazz up an outfit as I head out the door. I’ve got my eye firmly on Manu Atelier’s Eterno bag – roomy enough for the office but polished enough for dinner afterwards. A leather bomber (like this one from The Frankie Shop) will add some edge to softer autumn layers, while COS’ stripey co-ord is perfect for those days when you just don’t have the energy to put an outfit together. Finally, this cashmere jumper is the kind of staple I know I’ll reach for all season.