ALFRESCO IN THE CITY

The Fortnam’s Bar & Restaurant will reopen, on the terrace in front of The Royal Exchange main entrance, from Monday 12 April. The terrace will be operating from 11am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. For your chance to win an alfresco three-course lunch, or dinner for two, including a welcome cocktail and a bottle of wine, follow @theroyalexchange and @fortnums on Instagram, like the competition post, and tag the person you’d invite to come and dine with you. Entry is open until 23.59 on Sunday 11 April and the winner will be announced by 11am on Monday 12 April.* Click here to view The Fortnum’s Bar & Restaurant menus and make a reservation.

*Terms and conditions apply, please see Instagram post for details.

TIME TO SHINE

Tiffany & Co.’s new Atlas X collection takes its inspiration from the bold graphics of Roman numerals, as seen on the brand’s iconic Atlas clock at its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York. Atlas X is a bold and contemporary evolution of the original Atlas collection that was released in 1995. Clean lines and dynamic angles create a jewellery collection that is striking in its simplicity. Crafted from precious metals and sparkling pavé diamonds, these distinctive pieces are sure to stand the test of time. tiffany.co.uk

BLOSSOM SEASON

Jo Malone London has introduced a new home fragrance as part of its limited edition Blossoms collection. The Silk Blossom Diffuser will fill your abode with the heady scent of silk tree spring blossoms for up to four months, and will add an elegant pop of colour to your interior with its playful pink stopper.

Limited Edition Silk Blossom Diffuser, £67 for 165ml, Jo Malone London

VIVE LA FRANCE

Each year, Montblanc releases a limited edition collection of writing instruments as part of its Patron of Art series, created to honour historical figures who have lent their support to the arts. For 2021, Montblanc has dedicated its collection to the Napoléon Bonaparte – Emperor of France from 1804 to 1814 – in recognition of the pivotal role he played in reviving decorative arts, which led to his era of rule being regarded as the ‘Golden Age of French Craftsmanship’. The writing instruments take inspiration from the neoclassical style, which Napoléon was fond of, combining geometric lines with rich decorations created with exquisite gold work, lacquering, gem-setting and engravings.

Patron of Art Napeoléon Bonaparte Limited Edition writing instruments start from £2625, Montblanc

CITY STYLE

Church’s spring/summer 2021 collection combines elegance and practicality with styles from the archives updated with contemporary aesthetics. Ultra-light yet durable soles will put a spring in your step as you navigate the city in the coming months, with a range of styles from sandals and sneakers to loafers and Oxford brogues. Colour tones range from natural browns and neutrals, to seasonal blue and white editions, providing plenty of options for both weekend and work wear. Church’s has created a short film to introduce the collection, inspired by the iconic book and film The Talented Mr Ripley, which you can watch here.

Fisherman Bookbinder Fume Leather Sandal in Tabac, £480, Church’s

FULL BLOOM

British fine jewellery house Boodles has introduced new pieces to its Secret Garden Collection, created in partnership with the new movie adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The collection comprises 40 pieces inspired by the key moments in the film. ‘We wanted these pieces to really capture the uplifting tone of the movie,’ says Rebecca Hawkins, head of design at Boodles. ‘One of my favourite suites is “Laburnum”. It actually isn’t mentioned in the book, but in the film there’s a truly magical scene where the children run through an amazing corridor of laburnum arches. We’ve used white and yellow diamonds to evoke their beautiful flowers. When I saw the finished suite for the first time, I really did think that it felt just like sunshine.’ The Secret Garden is available to watch now on Sky Cinema, staring Dame Julie Walters and Colin Firth, and introducing the young actor Dixie Egerickx as Mary.

Ring featuring pink and white diamonds set in platinum, POA; Laburnum necklace featuring multi-coloured diamonds set in 18ct yellow gold, POA, Pendant featuring marquise cut white diamonds set in 18ct yellow gold, £20,000, all from the Secret Garden Collection at Boodles

PERFECT PAIRING

Ballet flat aficionados Pretty Ballerinas have joined forces with the New York-based designer and illustrator Jenny Walton to create a delightful capsule collection of footwear for spring/summer 2021. Walton has created styles that work with her classic vintage aesthetic, but with a modern twist. A daisy motif features across most of the shoes, be they painted, dye-cut, or as crystal embellishments. And naturally, being made to withstand the never-ending streets and avenues of New York City, comfort and durability was a prime consideration. Whichever style you opt for, you can be sure they’ll see you through the whole of the summer in comfort and style.

The Jenny Walton x Pretty Ballerinas Collection starts from £169, Pretty Ballerinas

The Royal Exchange celebrates its 450th anniversary this year. We look forward to welcoming you back, from 12 April, for a considered shopping and dining experience in spectacular and historic surroundings. Please visit our boutiques page for regular updates on our retailers’ opening information and hours, as well as details about virtual appointments and click and collect services.

Visit our heritage page to learn more about the history of The Royal Exchange, and keep an eye on our specially created 450 Years site, journal and Instagram for more fascinating facts and insights about The Royal Exchange’s past and present as we commemorate this special milestone throughout the year.