Summer’s last whispers are full of excitement. The days remain bathed in golden light, now laced with a hint of crisp autumnal air.
In London, the most anticipated hotel launch has arrived—make sure to book its unmissable restaurants. Meanwhile, alfresco indulgence awaits in the West End, perfect for lingering sunshine. To preserve that post-flight glow, slot into your skincare routine a luxe roller that elevates collagen, uplifts radiance, and travels gracefully with you. Finally, snag tickets to a daring new stage production boasting a show‑stopping cast. This is what we’re obsessing over in this week’s Citizen Femme Hotlist.
VISIT THIS The Chancery Rosewood, London
In a bold and reverent act of architectural recycling, the newly unveiled Chancery Rosewood London opens today, reimagines the once-fortified U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square as an opulent, culturally rich destination. Led by Sir David Chipperfield’s restoration, the project preserves Eero Saarinen’s mid-century modernist vision—most notably the soaring Portland stone façade and the majestic gilded eagle—while overlaying contemporary refinements. Inside, Joseph Dirand’s décor channels 1920s elegance and the glamour of the 1960s through warm walnut paneling, brass accents, and Art Deco flourishes, creating sumptuous yet intimate spaces. With 144 expansive suites, eight bars and restaurants (including Europe’s first Carbone and a rooftop Eagle Bar), alongside a subterranean Asaya Spa complete with a 25‑metre pool, the hotel strikes a rare balance: it is simultaneously a sanctuary of luxury and a vibrant public anchor in Mayfair.
TAKE AN ARTFUL TRIP The Stanley Spencer Gallery
Often cited as the inspiration for Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, and Tracey Emin, Stanley Spencer loved his riverside hamlet of Cookham, using it as the evocative backdrop to many of his great paintings. The Stanley Spencer Gallery’s summer exhibition That Marvellous Atmosphere: Stanely Spencer and Cookham Regatta (on now until November 2), delves into his last, great painting, ‘Christ Preaching at Cookham Regatta’ (1952-59), which sought to give spiritual significance to his childhood memories of the Cookham regatta (a signature event for the smart set to attend after Ascot). While the painting is sadly unfinished, it provides valuable insight into Spencer’s work and is exhibited alongside 28 related works, including the major loan from Tate, ‘Dinner on the Hotel Lawn’. One of the only galleries dedicated to a solo artist in the UK, the Stanley Spencer Gallery is run by a team of dedicated Berkshire locals, who can also take you on a walking tour of sites of interest, including the magnificent magnolia tree that inspired one of his most beloved paintings. As Cookham prepares for its annual charity regatta on Saturday, September 6, now is the time to dip into the influential artist’s overlapping worlds. Along the river, Spencer was a regular visitor to Cliveden House, invited by the Astors to paint on the terrace. A stay at this remarkable estate could include an excursion on an impeccably restored riverboat for the full, immersive experience. As Spencer himself once said: “Everything to do with love is meant in this Regatta scene. In that marvellous atmosphere nothing can go wrong.” Jessica-Belle Greer.
ENJOY THE LAST OF SUMMER HERE St Martin’s Lane, West End
London’s West End welcomes a sunlit revival as St Martin’s Lane is pedestrianised daily from 11 am to 11 pm—freeing the street of traffic and turning it into a buzzing outdoor dining and entertainment hub until the end of October. The initiative reflects a broader vision to invigorate the city’s hospitality scene and make outdoor dining a lasting fixture in London. Over thirty pubs, bars, and restaurants are spilling onto the street, offering a festival-like ambiance right in the heart of theatreland. Whether you’re craving Mediterranean small plates, classic pub fare or buzzing brunch vibes, its a great spot for weekends, post work or even better, pre-theatre.
CATCH THIS SHOW Not Your Superwoman, Bush Theatre
In Not Your Superwoman at the Bush Theatre, playwright Emma Dennis‑Edwards and director Lynette Linton confront the weight of inherited trauma in a performance steeped in emotional resonance. In the wake of their family matriarch’s death—the stabilising force that held everything together—mother Joyce and daughter Erica find themselves suspended between grief and the daunting possibility that cycles may be impossible to break. Despite Joyce’s best intentions, designed to give Erica a better life, Erica wonders—through therapy, journaling, even recycling—whether she is truly different from her mother or grandmother. Starring Letitia Wright (Erica) and Golda Rosheuvel (Joyce), their roles wrestle with identity and familial expectations. Hailed as an early highlight of Linton’s final season at the Bush, the play’s run—already extended to 1 November due to demand—underscores its intimate power and compelling exploration of whether resilience can truly transcend the past.
ADD THIS TO YOUR MORNING ROUTINE Luna Roca Volcanic Rock Roller
The LUNA ROCA “Rock & Roller” is a compact skincare gem—a modern twist on ancient beauty rituals. Crafted from 100% natural volcanic lava rock, this reusable tool effortlessly absorbs excess oil, tames shine, and refreshes your complexion on the move—no powders or mess involved. Its porous mineral texture lifts oil while maintaining your natural glow, effectively acting like a powder-free filter for every skin type. Beyond oil control, it also stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping to sculpt, de-puff, and energise your face whether you’re wearing makeup or not. Sustainability is built-in: the stone is removable, cleanable, and housed in recycled materials, reinforcing LUNA ROCA’s ethos of conscious beauty that feels as good as it looks.
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