PUBLIC PIECES

Sculpture in the City, the annual open-air art exhibition, returns on 21 June for the 11th edition with a host of innovative public sculptures dotted across the City. If you can’t wait until the end of the month, head over to Aldgate to catch Earthing, the inaugural Aldgate Square Commission. This unique site-specific work by artist Jocelyn McGregor is a playful yet poignant sculpture that symbolises the artist’s experiences during lockdown. The bronze limbs emerging from snail shells depict McGregor gently emerging from a Covid bubble into the outside world. Read our exclusive interview with Stella Iaonnou, artistic director of Sculpture in the City here and join the conversation on Instagram @sculptureinthecity and use the hashtag #sculptureinthecity

GETTING CRAFTY

Speaking of creativity, last month saw the return of The Makers’ Market at The Royal Exchange during London Craft Week. Over a jam-packed four days we welcomed a selection of talented makers who came together to sell their finely crafted wares and host workshops. We even held an exclusive event with Bremont watches with whisky-tasting provided by Tomoka Fine & Rare. The market, which is now in its second year, was profiled by ITV and was a highlight of the London Craft Week calendar. Roll on, 2023!

MAKE A SPLASH 

If you’re one of the lucky people who is counting down the days to their summer getaway, then you’re probably already stocking up on holiday essentials. Once you’ve checked your passport is in date and thrown away the expired sunscreen, it’s time to assess your swimwear. This year, why not splash out (pun intended) on Ron Dorff’s new Holiday Swim briefs kit? Select three stylish briefs from a selection of different patterns and colourways, which are presented in a neat gift box. They’re made from extra-thick quick-drying Italian polyamide for a fantastic fit and silhouette. £215, available from Ron Dorff at The Royal Exchange

COMING UP ROSES

French pâtisserie Ladurée has teamed up with Château d’Estoublon in the heart of Provence to create a luxury limited-edition collection. Celebrating the renowned rosé wines from the estate, the new collection introduces the exclusive Roseblood macaron, with a decadent red fruit, pomegranate and apricot ganache filling. There’s also an exclusive Roseblood rosé wine with complementary flavours and notes, as well as limited-edition sorbet, macaron gift box and even a dessert. What’s more, Ladurée is opening a pop-up summer terrace at The Royal Exchange on 9-24 June, at which you can sample the new Roseblood creations (while pretending to be in the south of France). Shop the range at Ladurée at The Royal Exchange  

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Fancy yourself as a bit of a history buff? This month, New London Architecture is running a guided walking tour of the financial heart of the City, where ‘the oldest and youngest buildings stand side by side’. In this two-hour tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the unique architecture of the City and its most iconic landmarks, while learning about the area’s history as well as what’s new. New London Architecture Walking Tour takes place on Wednesday 8 June from 10:30-12:30. Tickets cost from £14. Book your spot here

 SOFT TOUCH 

Luxury German maison Montblanc has just launched the Meisterstück Selection Soft, an ‘alternative expression’ of the company’s signature leather goods collection. The range is crafted from a new softer leather in versatile and multi-functional pieces, including wallets, portfolios and tote bags. ‘This collection is above all about creating a seamless, practical experience for a younger Montblanc customer,’ explains Montblanc artistic director Marco Tomasetta. ‘The shapes are modern and bold, and the soft matt leather enhances the look and feel, without the pieces losing their shape.’ Shop the range at Montblanc at The Royal Exchange

RAISE A GLASS

Father’s Day is fast approaching, and there are plenty of gifts he’ll cherish at The Royal Exchange. Make sure you pay a visit to Tomoka Fine & Rare, a specialist whisky investment boutique that also sells premium bottles. Founder Jass Patel recommends the following tipples that Dad will love:

• The Glenrothes 18 Year Old (£115)

‘The 18 Year Old is a classic sherry aged whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland. Its spicy, sweeter notes are from the sherry wood and beautiful fruits from the once grape-filled casks.’

• Mackmyra Prestige (£110)

‘Taken from the premium range from Mackmyra, the Prestige is aged in champagne casks which is very unusual for whisky. The result is a silky, earthy, honeyed whisky with notes of almonds, citrus and French pâtisserie.’

• Octomore 10.4 (£145)

‘Unlike previous editions, this has the lightness of not only the virgin oak cask but also the softer smoke. Still packing a punch but far more rounded than other expressions, it comes in at 88ppm (parts per million), making it the lowest ppm in the Octomore range.’

Visit Tomoka Fine & Rare at The Royal Exchange