In Motion - Taste, Style, Stories

Elephant and Castle Rebuilds Neighbourhood with Soul, Taste the World's Cuisine with National Geographic, Cartier Dazzles at the V & A, The Teskey Brothers Ends World Tour in London!

Author

Bybreen Samuels
July 03, 2025

©Freepik

Quote of the Week - “Fashion fade but style is eternal.” - Coco Chanel

Good Afternoon, London. This week, the city’s pulse is unmistakably in motion. From the cranes reshaping Elephant & Castle’s skyline to the scent of sambal wafting through Islington’s food halls, every corner hums with new energy and unexpected collisions. Whether you’re sampling Tokyo street food at Olympia, discovering tomorrow’s style icons at Scoop, or soaking up Centre Court vibes in Belgravia, this edition is your invitation to where taste, style, and stories meet.

Snatched highlights from this edition:

  1. Tokyo Takes Over London

  2. Centre Court Vibes in Belgravia

  3. Discover London’s Fashion Icons

  4. Live Music - Busta Rhymes, Jazzmeia Horn & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Elephant’s £4bn Reboot - A Neighbourhood With Soul?

©Southwark Council

You walk through Elephant and Castle today and the cranes, new parks, and pop-up markets tell a fresh story. This isn’t just a facelift—it’s one of London’s most ambitious urban transformations, with over £4 billion invested in new homes, green spaces, and a reimagined town centre. The famous Pink Elephant statue is gone, but in its place rises a new vision for the area, one that’s as much about community as it is about construction.

By the end of 2025, more than 5,000 new and replacement homes will have been delivered, with at least 2,300 classed as affordable. Alongside this, a major new park, three public squares, and a network of pedestrian-friendly routes are reshaping the neighbourhood’s landscape. It’s not just about buildings—these changes are designed to make Elephant and Castle greener, more accessible, and more inclusive for everyone.

What makes this regeneration stand out is its commitment to preserving the area’s unique cultural and economic diversity. The vision is to sustain what makes Elephant distinct, while unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses. The opening of 26 new council homes off Chatham Street and the revival of Elephant Park Market signal a focus on both community and local enterprise, ensuring that long-time residents benefit from the area’s rapid evolution.

At the heart of the transformation is the new town centre, rising from the site of the old shopping centre. This anchor project will bring 485 new homes including172 affordable ones, 55 shops, restaurants, bars, a five-screen cinema. Also, a new London College of Communication campus for 5,500 students and staff by 2027. Elephant Park is setting the benchmark for green urbanism, with 3,000 new homes, a sprawling central park, and net zero-carbon heating, all while retaining over 100 mature trees.

Looking ahead, a new east-west pedestrian link will connect the town centre to Elephant Park, Castle Square, and Elephant Road, making the area even more walkable. The final phase, the West Site, will add another 507 homes with 165 affordable ones, 440 student beds, and a new performing arts venue, with redevelopment starting after 2028. As the skyline rises, the real challenge will be ensuring the area’s soul isn’t lost to glossy regeneration. The true test of success will be whether Elephant and Castle becomes not just a collection of new buildings, but a thriving, connected neighbourhood where old and new Londoners flourish together.

CITY PALETTE

Daring Foodies, No Flight Needed, Head to Islington

©National Geographic Traveller

Picture the scene where Yotam Ottolenghi is plating up next to Brazilian grill masters, while the scent of Indonesian sambal drifts through a hall buzzing with cookbook signings and global tastings. This is the world tour you’ve been waiting for, and you don’t even need to leave Islington. This should excite you because in a year where travel has become a logistical headache and climate guilt is real, the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival on July 19–20, is your chance to experience the globe’s best flavours without the jet lag or carbon footprint.

You can cross the cultural roads, to prepare your appetite to savour the blend of adventure that meets the stories, traditions, and kitchen secrets of culinary icons like Yotam Ottolenghi, Andi Oliver, and Asma Khan. You’re not just tasting dishes, you’re connecting with the people and places that shape them. If you joined the 7,000 food lovers who packed out last year’s Festival, you know the drill. There’s hands-on masterclasses, food photography workshops, and a marketplace overflowing with everything from Caribbean rums to Riverford’s organic vegetables.

This year ups the ante with immersive wine tastings and chef Q&As, proving that London’s food scene is evolving fast. And you’re right at the heart of it. As Yotam says, “Food is a way to travel, to connect, to understand each other.” You will feel that spirit in every bite and conversation.

What’s interesting is the fact that as London’s restaurants face rising costs and shifting tastes, festivals like this are fast becoming the city’s new culinary playgrounds, democratising access to world-class food and turning you into both a student and an explorer. If you’re craving a sense of adventure and belonging, the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival is your boarding pass to a journey where the most memorable discoveries start with a fork, not a flight.

Cartier at the V&A - Royalty Gets a Modern Makeover

©FLO London

The V & A Museum invites you to stand before a tiara once worn by a duchess, then you can marvel at a diamond brooch so modern it could headline a Met Gala. That’s the spellbinding collision you’ll find at the Museum’s blockbuster Cartier Exhibition. Here, you will find more than 350 objects covering historic gemstones, iconic watches, and jaw-dropping jewels. You can trace how Cartier turned high society sparkle into a global symbol of style.

You might think of Cartier as pure old-world glamour, but this Exhibition reveals a deeper tension namely, how a Parisian jeweller became both the darling of royalty and the disruptor of design. In an era obsessed with authenticity and craftsmanship, Cartier’s story is a reminder that true luxury is about reinvention as much as heritage. If you see jewellery as art, identity, and investment, the show offers a backstage pass to the evolution of taste and power.

With the vast range of pieces on display including tiaras from 1930s London, Art Deco masterpieces, and watches that redefined elegance, this is the most comprehensive Cartier survey the V&A has ever staged. Senior curator Helen Molesworth describes unboxing these treasures as “handling history itself.” And the Exhibition’s five-star reviews call it “a once-in-a-lifetime display of old-world glamour.” The show’s popularity taps into a wider trend in a renewed fascination with heritage brands that balance timeless design with contemporary relevance.

As the world questions what luxury means in 2025, Cartier’s legacy is being reinterpreted by a new generation, one that values both sustainability and spectacle. Whether you’re a collector, a culture vulture, or just someone who loves a bit of sparkle, this Exhibition is your invitation to see how jewellery can tell the story of an era and maybe, inspire your own. The only real question: which piece would you wear if you could?

Book tickets here - https://www.vam.ac.uk

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Wimbledon Centre Court Vibes, No Queue Required

©FLO London

You wander into Eccleston Yards and suddenly, the city’s summer feels like it’s wearing tennis whites. Wimbledon in the Yards transforms this leafy Belgravia courtyard into a sun-drenched haven for tennis fans and curious Londoners alike. The live open-air screenings are available until July 13. Deck chairs and picnic benches beckon, the cheers of the crowd mingle with the clink of glasses, and you’re right in the heart of the action. The great thing is there’s no ballot luck or Centre Court ticket required.

It’s not just about the matches. While you watch the world’s best battle it out on the big screen, you can graze on frozen chocolate-covered strawberries from Trüfrü, sip a crisp Amie wine, or dive into a salad bowl from Atis. Alfresco dining options are plentiful from Morena, The Jones Family Kitchen, and Wild by Tart, they all spill out into the courtyard. While Cornus’ rooftop offers a more elevated Wimbledon experience. Even the essentials are covered, with MALIN+GOETZ popping up to keep your skin sun-safe between sets.

The atmosphere is pure summer. It’s easy, social, and a little bit glamorous. All are welcome including die-hard tennis fans tracking every serve. Or, those of you who want strawberries, Pimm’s, and people-watching, the Yards offer a slice of SW19 spirit with none of the queueing. The event is just one of many outdoor screenings popping up across London, as the city leans into its love affair with communal sport and open-air culture. This is proof that you don’t need a ticket to feel part of the championship buzz.

So next time you’re searching for a way to soak up the season, grab your sunglasses and claim a spot in Eccleston Yards. Wimbledon in the Yards is your invitation to join the city’s unofficial summer club. The dress code is relaxed, the food is top-notch, and every match point is a shared celebration.

LONDON BUZZ

Tokyo Takes Over - HYPER JAPAN Arrives at Olympia

©Hyper Japan

Kawaii street fashion collides with samurai swordplay and the aroma of sizzling takoyaki as Olympia transforms into a technicolour slice of Tokyo this month. HYPER JAPAN Festival July 18–20 isn’t just another expo, it’s London’s annual gateway to the full spectrum of Japanese culture. You can bounce from anime art to J-pop concerts, sip artisan sake, and join a manga workshop, all in one electric weekend.

In a city obsessed with global experiences but wary of the cost and carbon footprint of travel, HYPER JAPAN is a festival that transforms into a cultural bridge. For those of you who are hungry for something beyond the usual street food markets and art fairs, this is the culture to dive into. It’s one that’s shaped everything from your sushi lunch to your favourite Netflix binge. HYPER JAPAN’s explosive popularity reveals a bigger trend that continues to grow. As Londoners, we have an appetite for immersive, authentic cultural experiences.

This year’s edition is set to be the biggest yet, with over 450 independent exhibitors, sushi-rolling and manga drawing workshops, and live performances from Japanese stars like Ai Higuchi and Hitsujibungaku. You can sample street food, shop for Studio Ghibli merch, or even sip a Suntory highball at the new cocktail bar. The Matsuri festival vibe is everywhere including, cosplay competitions, gaming zones, and a marketplace that brings together the best of Japan’s traditional crafts and cutting-edge tech.

Events like HYPER JAPAN are raising the bar for what it means to truly connect with another culture. It moves beyond surface-level trends to genuine exchange and discovery. If you’re looking for a summer experience that’s as vibrant as it is unexpected, this is your invitation to see, taste, and feel Tokyo in the heart of London.

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Alexandra Palace - July 10

Golden hour settles over Alexandra Palace Park as The Teskey Brothers plug in for the final London stop of their two-year world tour, and you can feel the anticipation humming through the crowd. With Josh Teskey’s raspy, soul-drenched vocals and Sam’s vintage guitar licks, their sound is pure blues, soul, and roots music spun into something timeless and deeply moving. You’ll be swept up in the warmth of Hold Me, the groove of So Caught Up, and the kind of live energy that’s earned them a devoted global following.

Crystal Palace Bowl - August 15

You feel the bass before you arrive to join Busta Rhymes’ only London festival, next month. He’ll be sharing the stage with hip-hop royalty Big Daddy Kane, Redman, and Chali 2na. You’re in for a masterclass in rapid-fire flow, lyrical wit, and pure stage charisma. Busta will unleash classics like Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check and Look at Me Now, alongside deep cuts that remind you why he’s shaped the sound of global rap for decades. This is a celebration of hip-hop’s past, present, and future, one you’ll be talking about long after the last beat drops

Fox and Firkin - July 6

Sunlight spills through the garden as Seckou Keita tunes his 22-string kora, ready to launch you into a musical journey that bridges continents and generations. You’ll find yourself swept up in a set that fuses Senegalese tradition with afro-pop, urban grooves, and bursts of hip-hop energy. Each track pulse with infectious rhythm and poetic storytelling. Seckou’s Homeland Band doesn’t just play for you, they play with you, coaxing you to dance, clap, and lose yourself in the moment. Expect to hear gems from his new album, Homeland: Chapter 1, alongside fresh takes of some of your favourites.

Book tickets here - https://foxfirkin.com

Green Note - July 5 and 6

The glow from Camden’s Green Note spills onto the street as you settle in for a night with Deelee Dubé. Her voice feels both timeless and urgently alive. Deelee brings her signature “beguiling soulfulness” as described by Jazz Times, to this intimate basement, weaving jazz standards and originals with the poise of a Sarah Vaughan protégé and the warmth of London’s own jazz lineage. As the first British winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Award, Deelee commands the room with playful phrasing, lush vibrato, and a presence that makes every lyric feel personal. On July 5, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve discovered a hidden gem, one destined for far bigger stages.

A hush falls over Green Note’s Basement Bar as Mario Bakuna strums the first syncopated chords, and suddenly you’re transported from Camden to the breezy terraces of Rio de Janeiro. On July 6, Mario pays homage to João Gilberto, the “father of bossa nova”, with a set that blends samba’s heartbeat with the cool sophistication of jazz. You’ll hear reinterpretations of João’s classics alongside Mario’s own arrangements, all delivered with the warmth and intimacy that’s made him a favourite on London’s world music scene. If you’re craving a night where every note feels like a summer evening by the sea, this tribute promises pure Brazilian soul.

Book tickets here - - https://www.greennote.co.uk

Hootananny Brixton - July 11

A wave of percussion and Creole chants rolls out from Hootananny Brixton as Lindigo lights up the stage, bringing the spirit of Réunion Island straight to South London. You’ll find yourself swept into a dancefloor frenzy as Olivier Araste and his eight-piece band unleash their signature blend of Maloya. They’re hypnotic rhythms born from the island’s African and Malagasy roots. mixed with soukous, sega, and Afrobeat energy. Expect pounding drums, call-and-response vocals, and irresistible grooves from their acclaimed album Kosa Nena, plus crowd favourites like A ou meme sa. Revel in this joyous, communal celebration where borders dissolve and every beat invites you to move.

02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire - July 4 and 5

The lights drop at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire and you’re instantly swept up in the anticipation because Black Sherif is about to take the stage. With his genre-blurring fusion of Ghanaian highlife, Afrofusion, hip hop, and UK drill, Black delivers more than just hits, he pours out stories of struggle, hope, and resilience, his voice cutting through language barriers with raw emotion. He’ll deliver live renditions from his acclaimed Iron Boy album, each track pulsing with cinematic energy and lyrical depth. This is the kind of show where you don’t just hear the music. You feel every word, every beat, and every moment.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club - July 4 and 5

A swirl of congas and brass fills Ronnie Scott’s as Aymée Nuviola launches Havana Nocturne, and you’re instantly swept from Soho to the heart of Havana’s late-night scene. This multi-Grammy-winning Sonera del Mundo brings her electrifying fusion of Cuban son, rumba, mambo, and jazz, joined by virtuoso pianist Kemuel Roig and a powerhouse band. Each song is a celebration of Afro-Cuban rhythms, improvisation, and Aymée’s magnetic vocals colliding in a set that’s as much about heritage as it is about reinvention. Whether you’re a Latin jazz devotee or just chasing summer heat, this is the night you’ll want to dance until last call.

Book tickets here -  - https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk

Soul Mama - July 12

When Jazzmeia Horn steps onto the Soul Mama stage, you’re not just hearing a voice. You’re witnessing a force of nature in full flight. Riding high on the critical buzz of her new album Messages, the double GRAMMY® nominee brings her dazzling blend of tradition and modernity to London for one night only. Jazzmeia’s vocals channel the spirit of Betty Carter and Nancy Wilson, but her storytelling and fearless improvisation are all her own. Savour her soulful originals, playful scatting, and moments that feel like she’s singing just for you. This is jazz that uplifts, surprises, and lingers long after the last note.

Book tickets here - https://www.soulmama.co.uk

The Jazz Cafe - July 9 and 10

You don’t just watch Casey Abrams & Friends, you get swept into a musical playground where anything can happen. On July 9, Casey brings his signature blend of jazz, blues, and unpredictable showmanship back to Camden, this time with a fresh line-up of UK talent. Whether he’s shredding the upright bass, belting out a soulful classic, or trading jokes with the band, you feel the joy radiate from the stage. You’ll delight in crowd-pleasers from his Postmodern Jukebox days, viral Scary Pockets grooves, and spontaneous jams that blur the line between artist and audience. If you crave a night where virtuosity meets pure fun, this is your ticket.

Catch the first shimmer of disco lights as Evelyn “Champagne” King takes the stage on July 10, her voice as vibrant as the era that made her a legend. From the opening notes of Shame to the crowd-igniting Love Come Down, you’re swept into a night where every beat is a slice of dancefloor history. Evelyn’s charisma fills the room, turning classic tracks into communal anthems, hands in the air, voices raised, and smiles all around. This is more than a night of nostalgia, it’s a masterclass in feel-good soul that proves why Evelyn is still the queen of the groove.

World Heart Beat - July 4

You slip into the lush courtyard of Embassy Gardens just as the Julian Joseph Trio take their places, and suddenly the city’s buzz fades into a world of pure jazz. On July 4, you’re treated to an evening where Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Duke Ellington standards meet the inventive spirit of Julian Joseph, one of Britain’s true jazz visionaries. With Mark Mondesir on drums and Mark Hodgson on bass, every note feels intimate yet electrifying. Their chemistry turns classic melodies into fresh, living stories. Surrounded by greenery and the summer air, you’re reminded why live jazz, especially in a setting this inviting, always feels like a celebration of possibility.

BUSINESS SCENE

Scoop is Where Style Icons Are Discovered

©Boutique Magazine

What happens when over a hundred of fashion’s most daring designers, buyers, and lifestyle innovators converge under one Victorian glass roof? Scoop at Olympia, where the city’s next style revolution quietly takes shape, one conversation and coffee, at a time.

If you’re craving a front-row seat to fashion’s future, this is where you want to be from July 13–15. Scoop isn’t your average trade show. It’s a curated collision of emerging designers, luxury lifestyle brands, and the city’s most discerning tastemakers, all gathered in an artfully designed space. It feels more like a creative salon than a showroom. You’ll move from rails of Parisian tailoring to Scandi minimalism and bold African prints, discovering collections that often make their UK debut right here. Forget all of the catwalk clichés. At Scoop, you’re part of the dialogue that sets London’s style agenda.

Why does this matter to you? Because the industry is in flux. As sustainability, authenticity, and local stories become non-negotiable, Scoop is where you’ll spot the brands that are rewriting the rules. Buyers aren’t just chasing trends, they’re seeking labels with a conscience and a sense of place. For designers, being selected for Scoop is more than a commercial win, it’s a stamp of approval from the city that leads the global conversation on style. With around 4,000 visitors and over 100 exhibitors expected, the energy is palpable. There’s pop-up cafes for mid-browse refuelling, networking lounges buzzing with creative energy, and plenty of inspiration for your own wardrobe and home.

The retail landscape continues to shift and high streets face uncertainty. However, Scoop is quietly becoming the city’s most influential trend incubator. It’s where tomorrow’s “it” brands are discovered by those in the know. And, it’s where the boundaries between fashion, lifestyle, and culture are continually redrawn. If you believe style is about more than what you wear, or, you see it as a living, breathing part of London’s identity, Scoop is your chance to glimpse the future, one collection at a time. This month, Olympia’s glass roof won’t just shelter the city’s creative pulse, it’ll amplify it. Will you be there to feel it?

Find out more here - - https://scoop-international.com

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Simoom
Pronunciation: /sɪˈmuːm/
Definition:  A hot, dry, suffocating, dust-laden wind found in the deserts of Arabia, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Cultural Note: It has appeared in classic literature from Dickens and Joyce to Poe and Thoreau, as a metaphor for overwhelming adversity or stifling oppression. And its legendary power has shaped both desert folklore and survival strategies for centuries.

Japanese Word:
Mono no aware (物の哀れ)
Pronunciation: /MOH-noh noh ah-WA-reh/
Definition:  A poignant awareness of the impermanence of things, and a gentle, bittersweet appreciation of their fleeting beauty.
Cultural Note: Rooted in classical Japanese literature and aesthetics, mono no aware is central to the national psyche. The phrase literally means “the pathos of things” and expresses the deep sensitivity to the transience of life and beauty.

Thank You!

Thanks so much for reading this edition of The London Palette! If you found something useful or interesting, I’d love to hear from you. Just reply to this email.

Plus, share this newsletter with friends and ask them to subscribe here: https://thelondonpalette.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

©BybreenSamuels ©The London Palette