With one May bank holiday down and another to come, this month offers a little more time to explore. And there’s lots to see and do, including new restaurants to try, products to buy, books to read, hotels to check into and events to attend.
In need of some inspiration? This is what the CF team have in their calendars (and their shopping baskets) this May, spanning summer-season clothing from Sézane, Alemais and Asket; trips to Switzerland, Marrakech, Marbella and the South of France; dinner at London’s newest restaurants; plus new books, classes and TV shows to delve into.
These are the best things to do in May 2026.
Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
STAY I’m looking forward to visiting Zurich with a stay at La Réserve Eden au Lac. I know the Geneva property so this will undoubtedly be memorable. Plus, it’s such a great city and this is a wellness escape I’m very excited about. WEAR A few must-have items for my trip include pieces from Sézane’s new collection like the Dalhia shirt, imperative AGOLDE jeans and obligatory ON shoes (they were born in Zurich after all). READ My book of the month is Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. With a ton of reviews in the back of my mind, I’m looking forward to forming my own opinion (its apparently got a film adaption coming up too). TAKE VIDEOS I have treated myself (for my birthday) to a drone, it’s a small beginners one, but watch this space (read: Instagram) to catch any footage I can pull together before losing or crashing it. EAT Its a long time coming but I can’t wait to go to Automat. It was such a favourite when it was around before so its revival is a definite winner for me. USE I’m totally obsessed with Ilia and all their products. My daily go to is the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30 and the Skin Blur Serum Concealer. It takes me through all seasons (particularly as I’m going from very hot to much cooler city weather) and I don’t need much else.
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Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
EAT My way around London’s newest Indian restaurants, including Tresind Mayfair (opens 8 May), Maai by Nikita (opens 20 May) and Oudh 1722 (opened 1 May). I’m also very excited about Jamavar’s Alphonso mango menu (available 11-31 May). BUY Summer shoes, and I have these Vivaia square-toe mesh sandals firmly on my wishlist. WATCH Two Weeks in August, a new BBC series about a group of friends holidaying together in Greece (a holiday that doesn’t go to plan…). I’m interviewing cast member Antonia Thomas soon, and can’t wait to see her in action when the show is released later this month. TRY Good old aloe vera, and I’m loving this gel to calm and moisturise my skin. TRAVEL To Marrakech, right at the end of the month. I’m staying at the Angsana Heritage Collection riads and dining at rooftop restaurant, Dardar. Can’t wait!
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Becki Murray, Beauty & Wellness Director
STAY At Hyde London City as the hotel has just launched a ‘Self-Care Room Service’ in partnership with Lookfantastic. From SOS kits for when you forget beauty essentials to edits for better sleep, it is now even easier to get your beauty sleep. TRACK My fitness, nutrition, sleep and stress levels with the sleek Gabit ring, which has been named Amazon’s ‘Best Smart Ring of the Year’. You wear it on your non-dominant hand, and it provides real-time analytics so you can supercharge your day. EXPLORE Stratford-upon-Avon as I cruise the waterways on a canal boat; a truly British type of holiday that I will be experiencing for the first time. I’m making sure to pack my Hunter wellies too! EAT, Drink and be merry at Chez Roux – the award-winning restaurant at Greywalls that serves up Scottish ingredients with a French twist. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate after running the Edinburgh marathon. TRY Skinvity’s PressTech massage boots, another post-marathon recovery essential. The compression boots help stimulate circulation and target muscle recovery so it’s like a post-run spa day for your legs.
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Rachel Story, Style & Commerce Director
BOOK Into the Corinthia London for the new chapter of their spa, BIOME. A masterclass in urban wellness in the heart of London that will easily become a go-to treat for anyone seeking a restorative fix. From impossibly cosy sleep pods to warming marble beds and the bracing ice bath, it’s got something for every wellness seeker. The gym is also one of the best I’ve stepped foot in in a long time. EAT At The Garden while there, it’s been filled with the most Instagrammable display of flowers and has a new British-inspired menu filled with delicious, locally sourced ingredients. A feast for all the senses. TREAT My skin to Dr Levy’s new Overnight Booster Cream, designed to boost skin overnight and help to counteract age-accelerating stress with its pioneering stem-cell complex. It’s an investment, but one that I can already see my skin thanking me for. BUY I’ve got my sister’s small registry wedding at the end of this month (big party to follow later in the year) and I’ve bought a linen dress from Alemais that I know I’ll wear time and time again. I’ve also got an old pair of Manolo Blahnik Nadira pumps in ochre-coloured lace that I managed to bag in a sample sale and I can’t wait to wear again. STAY I recently stayed at Chateau Denmark with my sister and a group of girls for some pre-wedding celebrations, and I cannot recommend it enough for its central location or for a larger group stay (four of us shared the two-bed apartment). If you like opulence and something a bit different, this place really delivers with leopard print walls, black bathrooms and snake adorned mirrors. Originally a recording studio and where the Sex Pistols used to live, The Rolling Stones recorded and the likes of Bowie and Hendrix hung out, you’ll wish the walls could speak.
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Ella Alexander, Fashion Features Director
READ I am hooked on Lena Dunham’s new memoir, Famesick. Moving and funny, she speaks frankly about the experiences of making Girls, and the health issues that have stalked her since becoming a household name. It’s a brilliant read. WATCH The second season of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals comes out on 15 May, which I’m excited for. I love it as much for Danny Dyer (a national treasure in my view), as I do its hedonistic, upbeat storyline. BUY Swedish brand Asket has recently relaunched its womenswear offering, injecting an almost obsessive attention to fit. I don’t need another pair of jeans, and yet have worn nothing other than the label’s loose cut pair since first trying them on a week ago. I’m also awaiting the launch of Missoma’s upcoming collaboration with Jimmy Fairly which arrives on 13 May; there’s nothing like a new pair of sunglasses to update a summer wardrobe. EAT I recently tried Oudh 1722, a high-end Indian restaurant helmed by two-Michelin-star winner Aktar Islam. If you’re looking for somewhere special to try for a big occasion, I cannot recommend it enough. One of the best dining experiences I’ve had. TRAVEL I’m heading on a two-week road trip with my family to the South of France at the end of this month, stopping off at Beaune (the wine capital of Burgundy), Arles and then St. Tropez and back. There’s such great art in that region, and I’m particularly looking forward to doing the art and architecture sculpture walk at the famed Chateau La Coste.
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Bibiana Obahor, Head of Graphic Design
VISIT Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle. This sustainable food market has become one of the best foodie spots in London, with Mexican, Algerian, Nigerian, Korean and South American stalls (and more!). There’s also a huge outdoor BBQ area that’s perfect once the weather gets warmer. Even more reason to go now: this summer marks the final chance to experience the market in its current form before it relocates later this year. BOOK A Croissant Making Workshop with Bread Ahead Bakery. I can never say no to a croissant, and soon I’ll be able to make them at home. The class teaches you how to laminate dough properly and make bakery-worthy pastries at home (even if you’re a beginner). The dates are booking out fast, though, so be quick. EAT at NAC Mayfair. This is one of those places that works perfectly in spring and summer: great people-watching, chic interiors and reliably good food. Ideal for a long lunch that will probably turn into a whole afternoon since I’m going with my sister. BUY A new pair of ballet flats. Coming from a trainer girl, this feels huge, but they’ve been haunting me online for months, and I’m finally giving in. Suitable for the warmer season, and somehow making every outfit feel a little more polished, a few pairs currently sitting in my basket include these woven ones on ASOS and a suede pair I saw on Revolve. TRAVEL To Marbella for a few days of sunshine, good food and switching off properly. We’re staying at one of my favourite hotels, METT Marbella and, although it’s a short trip, we’ve somehow packed the schedule – padel, dinner at COYA, beach clubs and as much sun as possible.
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Courtney Griffiths, Experiences and Community Director
HOST A dinner party with brilliant British-Omani chef Dina Macki to celebrate the launch of Discover Collection, a new members-only travel club from hotelier Bernhard Bohnenberger. Focused on regenerative luxury travel and with its first properties launching in Oman and Kenya this year, it feels like a very exciting new chapter in mindful travel. SHOP The UK’s chicest car boot sale at Selfridges for second-hand fashion finds from the wardrobes of names like Helen Mirren, Charlotte Tilbury and Sarah Harris alongside brands like Rixo, Hunza G and Jimmy Choo, all in aid of Women for Women International. ATTEND The UK launch of Italian skincare brand Miamo at The Peninsula hosted by mother-daughter co-founders and total powerhouses, Dr. Camilla D’Antonio and Elena Aceto di Capriglia – I think it’s going to quickly become my new favourite skincare brand. TRY The full-body scan at Neko Health. Apparently, in just ten minutes, 70 sensors collect 50 million data points about your health. It’s incredibly high-tech, deeply data-driven, and has a very large waitlist. MOVE I’m excited to do yoga and a gong bath beneath the iconic blue whale skeleton at the Natural History Museum. There’s something surreal about being in one of London’s most iconic museums after closing hours. STAY I’m ending the month with a staycation at Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond, one of my favourite home-away-from-home hotels. I have a long run through Richmond Park (the best park in London) and a Sunday pub lunch with all the family scheduled in for that weekend too.
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Zana Wilberforce, Culture Contributor
EAT In an enchanting woodland forest with The Wild Table, a series created by The Laundry Brixton and Browning Bros. After a forest stroll and an evening of seasonal open-fire cooking by chef-sommelier Melanie Brown, we’ll retreat to our idyllic glamping spot for the night. TRAVEL to Ikos Kissamos in Crete for its grand opening at the end of May. The resort is located a short walk from Kissamos fishing village, where I’m hoping to sample the local catch and devour one too many Greek salads. DANCE At Cross The Tracks, a jazz, funk and soul music festival at Brockwell Park during the bank holiday weekend. This year’s stellar line-up includes Little Simz, Joy Crookes, Mereba, Kokoroko and a long list of DJs. READ I Want You to be Happy by Jem Calder comes out this month and is on my radar, a new Sally Rooney-approved novel about the conundrums of modern love.
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