Late spring is in full swing on Bond Street, and signs of new shoots can be seen unfolding at every turn, from seasonal collections to new cocktail menus and more. The street's playful window displays are sure to delight. Loewe's giant artichokes are pure whimsy, as are Dior's pretty porcelain cakes twirling around on rotating display stands. At Fendi, oversized peekaboo bags sit against a backdrop of shimmering pink sequins to great effect. Elsewhere, Ralph Lauren's porthole-themed windows mimic an ocean liner, complete with sea views. If you happen to be sitting at a table beneath Ralph's, you are already a prime candidate for a 'Scene on Bond' street style shot.
Feeling peckish? In addition to a fresh new menu from French master chef, Pierre Gagnaire, Sketch is also bringing the springtime beats. The iconic Mayfair restaurant and art destination's Eat to the Beat evenings bring live jazz to The Gallery each week. By day, be sure to swing by for this year's edition of 'Sketch in Bloom' - taking place May 12- June 7. Designed to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show, this year's breathtaking floral tribute, 'The Hundred Acre Bloom', marks 100 years of A. A Milne's classic children's book, Winnie the Pooh, and the magical illustrations of E.H. Shepard.
'A Walk by Candlelight', from now until June 8, at the Ephemeral Space housed within the Diptyque flagship on New Bond Street, features a stunning wax floral installation by the French artist, Juliette Minchin. Alternatively, fill your home with the aroma of Diptyque's latest arrival, Roses, now available in a medium-sized soft pink glass candle holder.
For a pop of spring colour, make tracks to the 'Flowers for you' exhibit at the Royal Academy's Keeper's House. Running from now until 27 September, the show captures the timeless beauty of flowers reimagined by the likes of Royal Academicians, Gary Hume and Diana Armfield.
Springtime means spa time and with new season sandals from the likes of Valentino and stylish cut-out flats from Loewe - why not give your feet a little beauty treat? The Beaumont Mayfair offers a luxurious 75-minute pedicure in a specially dedicated room at its newly refurbished spa. The new space also houses a contemporary plunge pool, sauna and steam rooms.
Afternoon tea is a must after a hard day's shopping on Bond Street, and there are plenty of teas with a floral twist to choose from this spring. The Langham's 'Curious Garden Afternoon Tea', May 19- June 20, is quite simply spring on a plate. The tea is a fitting tribute to sustainable growing and the rhythmic cycles of nature, heavily influenced by King Charles III’s passion for the environment. Gourmands will love how edible flowers and botanicals are used in genius culinary ways. For instance, nasturtium is paired with aged beef, and borage with smoked Scottish salmon. The pastry selection continues the garden theme with an elderflower syllabub and a grapefruit tart sweetened with Bermondsey wildflower honey.
Brown's Hotel also takes inspiration from edible botanicals, exotic fruits and aromatic herbs in its new 'Boodles Floral Afternoon Tea', May 19- May 23. Sweet treats include a petite apricot Pavlova, topped with a light flurry of yellow and orange petals. The tea runs in tandem with the 'Boodles Jewellery Experience', which offers an exclusive viewing of rare diamonds and gemstones in the Boodles Bond Street Apartment, located above the jeweller's store at 178 New Bond Street. For added sparkle, this rose gold and platinum pendant should take you well into spring and beyond.
A two-week-long collaboration between Claridge's and The Newt in Somerset runs from May 18 - May 31. As part of this unique pairing, a six-metre-high sculptural installation entitled 'A Farm in Mayfair' will fill Claridge’s famous Art Deco lobby. Woven from willow, the piece features a variety of farmyard animals all ascending skyward. Guests and visitors can also help themselves to apples from carts displayed close by, while new season dishes in The Foyer and Reading Room are made with organic ingredients, fresh from The Newt's leafy vegetable gardens.
Finally, for something a little stronger, May marks Paloma month at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair's Hanover Bar. A Pink Pepper Paloma, featuring cardamom and pink pepper-infused Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila is the perfect way to celebrate the lighter evenings on Bond Street. Cheers to that!