Spring Into Action

While London’s Coffee Festival has resulted in the capital sipping snootily on lattes and cappuccinos – why not skip away from the baristas and dive into Apero for a refreshing Springtime cocktail! Set just behind South Kensington tube station and new on the menu this month is the ‘Spring Gardens Fizz’, recently launched by Apero to celebrate the seasons starting. A mix of Lavender and Apple fizz and a dash of Portobello gin, this drink will quench your thirst and fatigue after a sunny day exploring. If you would rather a tamer tipple, the non-alcoholic ‘Elixir of Love’, lychee, rose, raspberry and lemon – is the perfect virgin version.

Lunch at the Ivy 

Recently opened up on the infamous King’s Road, The Ivy at Chelsea Garden is a perfect retreat for late brunch. If the success of The Ivy proper – its big sister in Covent Garden – isn’t enough to entice you in, then you don’t know what you’re missing! A traditional full English is on offer, but so are many lip-licking lighter alternatives such as the Garden Breakfast with halloumi and avocado, instead of bacon and sausage. If you’re not early enough for Breakfast, Brunch is served until 4pm. To complement the sumptuous meals you have the decor. There is an art deco theme throughout, with dainty glass light fixtures, beautifully laid tables standing on tiled flooring, and the refreshing pale green walls give the rooms a very light and airy touch, especially with the accompanying plants dotted around the room. Most ingenious of all are the prints and paintings which line the walls. From old theatre posters to drawings of Chelsea, each one blooms delicately in its frame without overbearing. Make sure to book up early as this restaurant gets full up extremely quickly, and once you dine here yourself you’ll understand why.

Somerset House