LIHA LETTER (May edition)

Jun 02, 2025Abi oye

A Very British (Cheltenham and Hackney) Summer

The one thing that none of us can deny is that when the sun shines in England, there are few better places on earth to be.

All of a sudden godlight hits the dazzling green hills or bounces off the Thames and boring old Britain is suddenly transformed into the Albion that Shakespeare and Blake wrote about. The air is thick with possibility, growth and something in between invention and love.

Even Abi and my recent trips to Ghana and Miami respectively cannot touch the vibes, culture and legendary memories that an English Summer can bring.

Here are our recommendations for the long hot summer (hope we didn’t jinx it!)

EATING -

Sally Abé at The Bull in Charlbury.

A talented phenomenal woman actually creating real changes in the industry, I am so glad we will be neighbours for the near future. I’m beyond excited for the Wild Garlic soup and Crab Toast. Sally is the only person I know who has an Elderflower tattoo, so I have very high hopes for her locally sourced Elderflower Champagne!

DOING -

Swimming Outdoors - London Fields Lido. A must do when the city heat becomes too much. Most East London natives have their own secret wild swimming spot, but if you would rather not brave it, this institution that was built in 1932, closed in 1988 and then reopened in 2006 is a proper gem and has great people watching

SEEING -

The Barbican has an amazing offering this summer with their exhibition Journey Through Sound and immersive journey into what it is like to experience sound for the first time. In the Library, Black Sound:The Story of Black British music runs until July 18th. Since the targeted obliteration of independent live venues like Plastic People (the sound system needs its own room at the Tate) more needs to be done to preserve and archive the modern contributions particularly within Black Culture. This exhibition is a wonderful starting point.

READING -

The Old Ways – Robert Macfarlane
With the perfect weather for walking, this book is an ideal companion. It explores the history and myth of England’s highways and byways with a literary elegance usually reserved for poetry. Macfarlane's cadence is gentle and rhythmic - perfect for drifting off at night.

WATCHING -

Sinners - Yes it's worth the hype. Highlighting myths around talented musicians playing music at night that run deep in the Diaspora from West Africa to the Mississippi with some perfectly crafted horror that nods to 90s cult classics in the best way. Treat yourself to an air conditioned afternoon in a Curzon with an orange soda, pizza and popcorn. You'll emerge feeling renewed and inspired.