New In - May 23

Welcome to your new set of recommendations for May. This month includes; Britain’s first organic pub, a multi-functional stool/storage solution, a modern take on classical music, and trainers that fit every generation.

Graen

Graen is a small, creative studio specialising in horticulture and the practice of growing plants. Previously, they sold design-led gardening products, including their own seed packets and stocked the likes of Niwaki. After a hiatus and redirection, they're back curating exhibitions through their consultancy with a mission that remains the same: to inspire individuals to connect with nature and reap the well-being benefits while merging with good, quality design.

Arnold Circus Stool

Italian-born, London-based designer Martino Gamper is a specialist in chair design. As part of Arnold Circus' regeneration project in 2006, a bandstand situated in Shoreditch, Gamper designed a stool that became the official seating for Friends of Arnold Circus events, concerts, picnics and community gatherings. We love this stool for its simplicity, stackability, and multi-use from seating to storage, just as much as we enjoy a stroll around Boundary Gardens, where the bandstand is located. 

movie still from marriage story featuring adam driver and scarlett johansson

Credit: Netflix

The Duke of Cambridge

The Duke of Cambridge is a beloved pub in Islington, just off Regent's Canal. It's Britain's first organic one at that, serving seasonal ingredients sourced from local growers and farmers and they have a thoughtful collection of sustainably-made craft beers. Their team is friendly, and it’s a hub that has a positive impact on the surrounding community.

Hania Rani

Award-winning Polish pianist, composer and singer Hania Rani's music is a delight. We recently found ourselves with Esja on repeat, her debut studio album, which merges classical, electronic and jazz genres. Rani's talent and ability to convey emotions through her music have garnered international recognition and acclaim. Her father was an architect, and she found that this, and her love of design, greatly influenced her music production, creating delicate music that resonates.

Shapes

The latest food concept we're obsessing over is Shapes, located in and around Newcastle. They celebrate fresh pasta and small plates. It began with a residency at The Patricia in Jesmond, leading to Rebel's takeover in Heaton. They recently collaborated with Riley's Fish Shop in Tynemouth. It's a quadruple-threat recommendation because we could happily rave about them all, each bringing something special to the north-eastern food culture. 

Studio Nicholson x Gramparents: Senior Snaps

We've spoken about Gramparents before, and of course, how could we not love Studio Nicholson? Their collections are built on the notion of paring everything back to the essentials and are known for their modular wardrobe with a refined approach to dressing. Ageless and durable clothing that transfers from season to season and bypasses trends. So, it does seem perfectly suited that the two are collaborating on a photography exhibition to showcase the timeless style of the older generation. Catch Senior Snaps at Studio Nicholson from Fri 2 - Sun 4 Jun at E8 3SB.

Important Artifacts

[cont] and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris: Including Books, Street Fashion and Jewelry.

Important Artifacts by Leanne Shapton reinvents storytelling with its auction catalogue format, chronicling a love story through objects left behind. Intimate and profound, it elevates mundane items into emotional relics. Shapton’s innovative conceptual novel explores how we assign meaning to materiality and possessions, articulated through a narrative of a modern relationship timeline between a food writer for The New York Times and a photographer. 

New Balance 990

New Balance’s 990 isn’t just a trainer – it’s a cultural icon. Born in the '80s, it debuted as the first running shoe to cost $100 – a bold claim of quality. It’s since evolved into a symbol of effortless style and a shoe that will transcend generations. Dad-core meets streetwear; its blocky silhouette, premium materials, and understated aesthetic prove that, sometimes, classic comfort is key. We're no experts in talking about clobber, but our obsession with Gramparents and half marathon training meant we got our first pair earlier this year — we plan to hold onto them for a lifetime. 

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

Another David Attenborough masterpiece comes in the form of A Life on Our Planet released in 2020. It’s more than a documentary – it’s a poignant witness statement from Earth’s most loved naturalist and Britain's national treasure. Reflecting on a lifetime exploring the wonders of the world, the broadcaster pairs breathtaking cinematography with a stark warning: humanity must act to restore balance. Hopeful yet urgent, it’s a rallying cry for change. In his vast roster of productions, this one may be our most re-watched. Netflix is your viewing platform.

Marriage Story

Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story follows the relationship breakdown between Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson's characters: a married NYC-based theatre, stage director, and a resurging actress who has just been offered a new television pilot in L.A. It explores the complexities of a divorce, although amicable, and navigating co-parenting coast-to-coast. The screenplay, acting, and cinematography are exquisite, and the soundtrack is composed by Randy Newman, who sets the tone. The film has received many accolades, such as BAFTA, Critics' Choice, Academy Awards, and Golden Globes, and despite being released years ago, it's one we consistently re-watch.

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