The last taste of summer: Everything you should enjoy before it's over
Much of June and July felt more like March and April with the constant showers and cold weather, but the tide has shifted, and we can make the most of the good weather in the few weeks left. So don’t miss out on some of Gandys' seasonal favourites before summer ends!
New Music
The end of July and beginning of August were filled with new music releases, including the highly anticipated second album, This is How Tomorrow Moves, from Beabadoobee. Like many of the 24-year-old's songs, this album is filled with emotionally gripping lyrics juxtaposed with an upbeat tempo. Her song "A Cruel Affair" has a Bossa Nova feel that causes you to sway, making it a must-listen.
Here are some other new summer releases you may not have heard about.
- RUBII released an EP, Change & Remain, featuring fellow Birmingham musician Kofi Stone. The Alternative R&B EP features relaxing vocals and lo-fi beats.
- Ravyn Lenae’s second album, Bird’s Eye, includes features from Ty Dolla $ign and Childish Gambino. The latter was also featured on Kaytranada's newest album, Timeless, and he released his sixth studio album this July.
- For fans of Classic Rock, a previously unreleased version of Jimi Hendrix’s "Angel" has been made available, and 37 other never-before-heard tracks will be released on 13 September 2024.
Favourite Products
When it comes to end-of-summer shopping, buying cross-seasonal pieces that will last the distance is essential.
- Trucker caps are synonymous with the early 2000s and celebrities hiding from paparazzi, but these caps are incredibly functional. The World is My Country Tucker is 100% cotton, making it breathable, keeping your head cool in the heat and protecting you from the wind as the weather inevitably becomes nippy.
- The Brooklyn Sling in Burnt Orange and Khaki are water-resistant crossbodies perfect for hikes or trips to the pub. You won’t have to worry about spills while enjoying these late summer evenings. For the keen photographer, this bag doubles as a camera bag, making it ideal for holidays.
- The Jaipur is another water resistant bag that can be worn three ways. It has been designed specifically with airport travel in mind, with a trolley pass-through strap to attach the bag to your suitcase.
- The 100% cotton unisex wave tee has a loose fit that can be versatilely styled while adding a pop of colour to your outfit. As evenings become windier, it can easily be layered or thrown on as a beach coverup.
Bars and Nightlife
Sadly, these two locations are London-specific for our non-London-based readers, but consider saving them for your next trip.
Night Tales is a 10,000-square-foot terrace in Hackney, ideal for summer nights out. The event space has an on-site pizza restaurant, three bars serving speciality cocktails, and a club with renowned DJs and artists performing weekly, including Loyle Carner. Nights out can be booked on their website or through third-party booking sites like Resident Advisor.
The Little Scarlet Door is an eatery and bar for over 23s, serving signature cocktails like the Picante and Bohemian Rhapsody. For those who work nearby or are visiting Soho, they offer £5 toasties every day before 5 p.m., making them a convenient and delicious lunch spot. Most importantly, they're hosting a Bank Holiday House Party on 26 August.
Cuisine and Cookery
For most, the thought of turning on the oven in summer is unthinkable, but once you make homemade focaccia, you'll never look back. There are hundreds of recipes online, and it is one of the easiest breads to make, so it is great for cooks of all levels. A helpful tip is that you will need much more olive oil than you think. It's a fun activity to do alone or with friends and family. You can create fun designs with your toppings for those who are more adventurous.
Purchasing seasonal produce is a must all year round. It is fresher, more nutritious, tastier, and often cheaper, as it's from local sources, reducing your carbon footprint. Some fruits and vegetables that can be enjoyed in summer include cherries, courgettes, gooseberries, French beans, and plums. When in doubt about what’s best to buy or cultivate each month, look at the National Trust's guide.
Events and Activities
Notting Hill Carnival is a momentous time that many look forward to throughout the year, and the best part is that there is something for everyone. With the Steel Drum Competition on Saturday the 24th, the Children's Carnival and parade on Sunday, and a day just for the adults on Bank Holiday Monday. While at the carnival, you can experience Caribbean culture through food, music, dance, and costumes as you follow the route on Ladbroke Groove. While Notting Hill Carnival is probably the most well-known West Indian Carnival in the UK, there are events taking place in other cities, including Leeds on Monday, 26 August, and Nottingham on Sunday, 18 August.
For parents and caretakers of young children, the National Gallery in London offers a free festival of art called Summer on the Square until 1 September, with activities such as Sensory Connection, Dare to Draw and Patterns in Nature. For those of you near Liverpool, the Victoria Gallery and Museum offers free family film screenings and a dedicated program for children with special needs and disabilities that enables the exploration of science and art. For child-free adults, consider making your way to the VG&M to enjoy the AC and art before summer ends.
Make the most of your summer
Take your time to enjoy the rest of this season’s long days and shining skies with the help of this list. If a city near you wasn’t highlighted, don’t fret, as UK city guides will be coming soon!
Zoe Bobini
Zoe is a travel, culture, and lifestyle curator for Gandys Atlas. Creating blogs answering your what, where and whens for activities in cities across the UK.