BUN IN THE OVEN

Many of us turned to baking during the pandemic – but few have enjoyed quite the same level of success as Barney Goff, an amateur baker who, at just 18, turned making cinnamon rolls in his mother’s West London kitchen into a thriving business. The fourth branch of Buns from Home is now open at The Royal Exchange. Hungry visitors can enjoy decadent, freshly cooked sweet and savoury buns, with bestselling flavours including tiramisu, double-baked pistachio, dulce de leche and croque monsieur. Pop into Buns from Home and treat yourself Monday to Friday from 7:30am-4pm.  

REGAL WRITING

Every year since 1992, luxury goods manufacturer Montblanc has released a special-edition writing instrument that honours an influential patron of the arts. And they don’t come much more influential than this year’s recipients, who give their names to one of London’s most-visited cultural institutions: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Montblanc’s exquisite new pens pay homage to the cultural legacy of the royal pair, as well as their well-documented devotion to one another. Each limited-edition pen features subtle regal details such as crowns and sceptres, with their initials interwoven and even a nod to Queen Victoria’s engagement ring. Discover the full range at Montblanc at The Royal Exchange.

MAKE A SPLASH

Launching on 1 May is a refreshing new collection from Jo Malone London inspired by natural swimming in the UK. Five new limited-edition scents explore the surprising variety found in Britain’s aquatic landscapes; from crystal-clear shallows and bracing waves to hidden forest streams and city lidos. ‘Wild swimming has a truly universal appeal, and, particularly in our current times, offers just about everyone an accessible experience of freedom in nature,’ explains Jo Malone London global head of fragrance, Céline Roux. ‘That’s something we were all inspired by and tried to celebrate in this collection.’ Discover the new range at Jo Malone London at The Royal Exchange.

IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC

Get your cultural fix at The Royal Exchange this month with a brand-new exhibition launching at Red Eight Gallery on Thursday 12 May. Magic Realism is the debut solo exhibition from “artist adventurer” Will Teather. The exhibition features a selection of Teather’s post-lockdown work, as well as his ongoing projects. ‘A painting creates a space where the unreal and real have an equal footing,’ the artist commented. ‘It is a place where stillness can seem animated and our inner musings can be brought to life.’ Sign up for the Buyer’s Night on May 12, from 6pm-9pm by clicking here. Magic Realism by Will Teather will be on display at Red Eight Gallery from 12 May-3 June. Pictured: Drift, oil on canvas, courtesy the artist. 

GETTING CRAFTY

The Makers’ Market at The Royal Exchange returns for a second year this month. Running in conjunction with London Craft Week (9-15 May), our Makers’ Market celebrates unique and independent craft brands and individuals with a takeover on our mezzanine and exclusive workshops. The Makers’ Market at The Royal Exchange takes place from 10-13 May. Discover more and book your spaces here.

HOLIDAY VIBES

Aspinal of London is in Out of Office mode with the launch of the seasonal new Resort Collection. This summery edit features four handbag silhouettes, each reimagined in natural and dark-toned raffia designed to take the wearer from city to sea. This elegant new collection ranges from the quirky hat box and a reinterpretation of the iconic Mayfair Midi to a roomy Henley Tote bag and Resort Bag that are big enough for all your holiday essentials. Shop the new collection in store at Aspinal of London at The Royal Exchange.