The New Playbook

Quote of the Week: “The greatest risk is riskless living.” - Stephen Covey

Good Afternoon, London. In this edition of The London Palette, explore a city rewriting its own playbook. From the quiet hiss of steam rising over Clapham Common to the raw energy of hip-hop echoing through a Chelsea gallery. Every corner invites you to experience the familiar in a completely new light. You could be witnessing a stately home bloom into a floral farewell. Or, trading the boardroom for a barbecue at the Oval. Or, perhaps, finding your Friday night rhythm under the lights at Tate Modern. Whatever your selection, this is your invitation to witness heritage getting a remix and the old rules no longer apply.

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. Clapham Common Gets Steamy

2. Queen’s Park Hosts Literary Garden Party

3. Networking, Reimagined Beyond the Boardroom

4. Live Music - TJ Johnson, tribute to Eric Clapton & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Steam on the Common - Public Good or Private Gain?

You’re walking across Clapham Common, past the usual sight of joggers and picnickers, when you spot something new near the bandstand. Steam is rising into the South London air. This latest public health experiment is a community sauna and cold plunge pool, set to open right in the heart of this cherished green space. Urban parks are becoming more utilitarian, by offering us new spaces where we can sweat.

By Lambeth Council giving this project the green light, it’s endorsing a new philosophy for public land. In an era where council budgets are stretched thin and the NHS is promoting preventative health, proposals like this are incredibly seductive. The idea is to leverage private and social enterprise to deliver community wellbeing facilities at little to no cost to the taxpayer. This taps directly into the booming £2.8 trillion global wellness economy. The trend that was once reserved for private gyms and boutique spas is now available in public, democratic spaces.

The project is being run by Community Sauna Baths CIC, a social enterprise that already operates similar sites in Hackney and Stratford. Their model is built on accessibility, offering tiered pricing and community sessions to ensure it’s not just for the wealthy wellness crowd. For councils, this is a potential win-win outcome. A new public amenity that promotes mental and physical health, creates social connection, and requires no upfront capital investment. It’s a nimble, modern solution to the age-old problem of how to improve public services without raising taxes.

However, by pursuing this approach a critical debate arises about the soul of our public parks. For every person excited to take a cold plunge, there’s another concerned about the quiet creep of commercialisation onto common land. There are some who argue that parks should remain open, non-ticketed spaces, free from ventures that require payment to access. They see it as a slippery slope where the fundamental purpose of a park, as a free space for rest and recreation, is eroded, piece by piece.

As the first steam sessions begin, every other London borough will be watching. Is this a brilliant new model for enhancing urban life? Or, does it signal the beginning of the end for truly public space? The success of Clapham’s sauna won’t just be measured by how many people use it, but by whether it manages to feel like a genuine community asset. The real issue it poses is about how we define public good in 2025. Also, whether that definition has room for a wood-fired sauna next to the dog walkers.

Find out more here - https://www.community-sauna.co.uk

CITY PALETTE

Downton's Last Bloom - A Farewell in Flowers

Forget what you know about stately homes and their manicured gardens. This September, you’ll step into Kew Gardens not just for a walk among ancient trees, but to come face to face with Lady Mary’s sharp elegance. Alongside, the Dowager Countess’s commanding presence, both entirely reimagined in fresh flowers. From September 22 to October 1, the world-renowned Fleurs de Villes is staging the UK premiere of its Downton Abbey show, turning a marquee on the palace lawns into a fragrant, floral echo of England’s most famous fictional estate.

This stunning flower show creates a fascinating play on how we currently consume culture. As the final film, Downton Abbey: A Grand Finale, hits cinemas, Kew is offering a tangible, sensory way to say goodbye. In an age of endless screen time, this is the counter-move of a fleeting, real world experience that blends pop culture obsession with high horticultural art. The tension is palpable and poignant because it celebrates the enduring legacy of the Crawley family using the most ephemeral of materials.

For ten days only, top floral artists will transform iconic period costumes. They’ll reimagine glamorous gowns to household staff uniforms into life-sized botanical sculptures. Alongside the exhibition of floral mannequins, you can immerse yourself in botanical demonstrations, enjoy afternoon tea in the Orangery, and witness the artistry up close. It’s a smart, sophisticated blend of heritage, film promotion, and contemporary craft that understands its audience perfectly.

Ultimately, the Downton Abbey Experience signals a deeper shift in how London’s cultural institutions are curating experiences. They are no longer just passive spaces for observation but active creators of memorable, multi-sensory moments. By capturing the essence of a beloved drama in blooming, wilting art, Kew offers a powerful meditation on the nature of time and memory. It asks a beautifully simple question, what better way to honour the end of an era than with a spectacle that is, by its very nature, designed not to last?

Book tickets here - https://www.kew.org

From the Streets to the Saatchi - A Culture, Framed

The quiet, polished halls of the Saatchi Gallery seem a world away from the raw energy of 1980s New York. But that's exactly where you'll find yourself until September 11. Instead of oil paintings, you’ll find intimate, powerful photographs of boomboxes, turntables, and the young, hungry faces of artists who would go on to define global culture. Icons include Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. This is HIP HOP – Living a Dream, and the best part? It’s completely free to enter.

This exhibition matters because a prestigious institution is taking a subculture seriously, by charting its explosive journey from the streets to the mainstream. And the bonus is there’s no charge for this history lesson. In a city where culture often comes with a hefty price tag, this show is a democratic invitation to understand a movement that shaped not just music. It changed the face and design of fashion, art, and language across the globe. The Gallery offers a rare, unfiltered look back at the moments before these icons were superstars, capturing the raw talent and attitude that started it all.

The story unfolds through the distinct lenses of three legendary American photographers. You’ll see the vibrant birth of the scene in New York through the eyes of Jamel Shabazz. The harsh social realities of 1990s Los Angeles gang life documented by Joseph Rodriguez. And, the shift from underground to celebrity through the intimate portraits of Gregory Bojorquez. All of this is accompanied by music and memorabilia thus creating a layered, deep dive that captures the soul of the movement.

Seeing these images in a Chelsea gallery creates a powerful tension. It frames a culture born from struggle and rebellion as a subject of fine art, prompting a fascinating question for anyone who walks through its halls. When the unfiltered energy of the streets is hung in a place of prestige, does it lose its edge? Alternatively, is its world-changing power finally being given the recognition it always deserved? You decide.

Find out more here - https://www.saatchigallery.com

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

London's Best Kept Secret - A Literary Garden Party

This weekend, you won't find the heart of London's literary scene in a grand hall or a stuffy conference centre. Instead, you'll find it under the trees of a leafy Queen's Park square, where deck chairs replace tiered seating and the buzz is one of genuine community spirit. The Queen's Park Book Festival, running on August 30 and 31, is the city's annual reminder that the most profound cultural experiences are often the most personal.

This festival feel so different because it masterfully blends a village fete atmosphere with a seriously heavyweight lineup. In one moment, you can listen to culinary icon Yotam Ottolenghi discuss flavour with fellow chefs Thomasina Miers and Ben Lippett. Then, you can discover a debut novelist, in the next. With 80 authors participating in over 30 events, the festival creates a rare sense of intimacy and access. In doing so, it stripes away the usual barriers between authors and their readers.

The hosts, NW6 ARTS, built the event from the community up, and you’ll feel it. They’ve designed a celebration for everyone, from serious bibliophiles to families looking for a creative day out. The entire experience feels less like a ticketed event and more like a shared celebration. One that embraces stories, ideas, and the simple pleasure of being in a beautiful park surrounded by people who love books.

Beyond the heavy presence of blockbuster exhibitions and sold out arena tours, the Queen's Park Book Festival is a powerful counter-narrative. It proves that you don’t need a huge budget or a corporate sponsor to create something truly magical. It’s a testament to the power of local passion and a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable discoveries are the ones you stumble upon in your own neighbourhood.

Book tickets here - https://queensparkbookfestival.co.uk

LONDON BUZZ

Art After Dark - The Tate's Nightlife Takeover

Leave behind the usual countdown to last orders because Tate Modern is rewriting the script on London’s nightlife. From September 26, this riverside landmark will open its doors until 9pm every Friday and Saturday, inviting you to roam its world class art and installations beneath the city lights. And the best part it’s entirely free of charge. This bold move is powered by the record breaking energy of its 25th birthday bash, when over 76,000 culture lovers, most under 35, turned the gallery into a late-night cultural carnival.

Late evenings at the Tate aren’t just about extended gallery hours. They’re a gateway to a vibrant, interactive playground. This world is full of global exhibitions, art you can touch and question, DJ sets humming through the Turbine Hall, pop-up performances, and creative workshops sparking conversation. These moments build on the runaway success of Tate Modern Lates, the monthly happenings that have become a magnet for young Londoners, since 2016. They’ve featured everything from live orchestral scores to rapper-curated lineups.

What sets this new chapter apart is the sense of belonging it creates. Whether you’re winding down after work, hunting for inspiration, or sharing a spontaneous date night, the experience is yours to design. With iconic views over the Thames and access to a dizzying lineup of exhibitions including upcoming spotlights on Leigh Bowery, Picasso, Nigerian Modernism, and more. The Tate transforms into a captivating beacon for post-sunset discovery and creative connection.

By embracing the rhythm of the city at night, Tate Modern has staked its claim as more than just a museum. It’s a living, breathing cultural engine at the heart of London’s after-dark scene. As Director Karin Hindsbo puts it, these new weekends are for “anyone who wants to make the most of their city’s dynamic cultural scene.” So next time you’re debating where to go after dusk, swap the predictable for the extraordinary. The gallery lights are on, and London’s after dark story just got a thrilling new chapter.

Find out more here -  https://www.tate.org.uk

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Crazy Coqs - September 5

Big Mama’s Door brings sultry 1950s RnB, jazz, and soul to the intimate Crazy Coqs by mixing tight grooves with torch‑song shimmer. Fronted by a charismatic, smoky‑voiced singer, the band glides between originals and choice covers steeped in Blue Note, Chess, and Atlantic DNA. Once there, you’ll feel the club energy, playful swagger, and musicianship that has wowed sold out rooms across London. Praised by pundits as “hugely entertaining” and “sensational,” it’s a feel good, Friday night release.

Book tickets here - https://www.brasseriezedel.com

Cryer Arts Centre - September 6

That searing Stratocaster tone, from the psychedelic blues of Cream to the mellow gold of the 1990s, comes roaring back to life when Damo & The Dominos take the stage. They’re ready to deliver the definitive Eric Clapton live experience. They’ll channel the electrifying spirit of his legendary live performances. You can expect powerhouse classics like Layla and White Room alongside unplugged gems, all in support of a vital local arts venue. If you’re a true fan, this is the night for you.

Book tickets here - https://cryerarts.co.uk

Grow Hackney - September 6

As the sun sets on summer, let the canalside breeze at Grow Hackney carry you on a journey through sound. On September 6, you’ll experience a DJ set that will feel like a masterclass in sonic history. The legendary Patrick Forge, will dig deep into his collection of jazz, broken beat, and global soul for four hours. The real magic happens when Tumbaito’s live Afro-Latin ensemble takes the stage, turning those vinyl inspirations into a visceral, percussive reality. This is an intimate session where you don't just hear music; you witness its roots growing.

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

Jamboree - August 30

When the beat drops at Jamboree, it’s not just music, it’s a conversation between continents. On August 30, let the rhythm guide you to Okailey, a musical celebration where the heart of Ghana meets a revolutionary musical spirit. Led by master percussionist Abass Dodoo, this collective creates a soundstorm, weaving traditional West African drums with jazz improvisation and blazing rock riffs. Imagine the classics of Ginger Baker reborn with an Afro-High Life twist, in a tribute to the soulful lullabies of Abass's grandmother. This is pure, joyful energy. Lap it up!

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

Nightjar Shoreditch - September 2

Descend into the speakeasy hush of Nightjar Shoreditch for a late session with a true master. Here, TJ Johnson, armed with just his gravel and honey voice and a piano, conjures the ghosts of American music. You’ll hear the boozy swagger of Dr John, the raw soul of Ray Charles, and the gutsy storytelling of Johnny Cash roll from the ivory keys. This solo set is a late night confession, turning timeless tales of love and loss into something intimate and immediate.

Book tickets here - https://www.barnightjar.com

Ninety One Living Room - September 4

Brick Lane's Ninety One Living Room is the engine room of UK jazz. On September 4, the legendary Jazz re:freshed residency continues its double decade mission of shaping the future of the genre. This is where raw talent gets its first spotlight, where the sounds of tomorrow, from Afro-jazz to broken beat, are forged in a live, intimate setting. Here, you're not just watching a gig. You're witnessing the evolution of music, championed by a collective that has launched the careers of today's biggest jazz stars.

Book tickets here - https://91livingroom.com

Pizza Express Jazz Club Holborn and Soho - September 3 and 4

That first tequila slammer before the show even starts, a ritual passed down from Jerry Lee Lewis himself, tells you everything you need to know about a Leo Green gig. This isn’t your polite, sit down jazz affair. It’s a pulsating party where sax-drenched reworkings of pop and rock classics get the whole room on its feet. At Pizza Express Live in Holborn on September 3, you'll hear Leo and his explosive band tear through a set so energetic, you'll be singing along before the first chorus hits. Favourites from Dolly Parton to Snoop Dogg, are all given a soulful, jazzy twist and delivered with pure showmanship.

Join the conversation between two of Britain's finest jazz voices, because you're invited to lean in close. Old friends and multi-award-winning singers, Claire Martin and Liane Carroll, are finally reunited on the intimate Pizza Express Soho stage on September 4. This lunchtime show will be filled with breathtaking harmonies, witty stories, and the kind of easy chemistry that makes every song feel like a shared secret. It’s a signature class in soulful storytelling and swing. This is one for your diary.

Book tickets here - https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com

Roundhouse - August 30

The Roundhouse is about to become a cathedral of sound on August 30. Limoblaze, the global Afrogospel sensation, is bringing his mission and movement to the heart of Camden. Fusing the unstoppable energy of Afrobeats with the soulful conviction of gospel, he creates a sound that transcends boundaries. Together with special guests like Andy Mineo and Joe L Barnes, they’ll deliver uplifting messages and tight performances. Proving that faith and fearless creativity can fill any venue.

Book tickets here - https://www.roundhouse.org.uk

Soul Mama - September 7

You’re invited to experience the radiant, inspirational music of Desola, the MOBO-featured and multiple award-winning artist. Drawing from her acclaimed album Love and Light, her performance is a powerful current of contemporary gospel and soul, designed to uplift and connect. Her set filled with soaring vocals and pure, positive energy is the perfect way to set yourself up for the week ahead.

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

The Jazz Cafe - August 30

Before Metalheadz was even a blueprint, Reinforced Records laid the foundation for UK rave culture. The Jazz Cafe hosts a live excavation of that history, where the label's game-changing catalogue gets deconstructed on stage. You’ll see Bristol trio RWKUS and vocalist MC Chickaboo breathe new fire into hardcore and jungle anthems. Plus a rare DJ set from label co-founder Marc Mac as Manix. This nostalgic moment is a celebration of the breakbeat science and euphoric innovation that built an entire scene.

Book tickets here - https://thejazzcafelondon.com

BUSINESS SCENE

Networking, Reimagined - Beyond the Boardroom

Imagine standing at the iconic Kia Oval, with a drink in hand, not for the cricket, but for a sharp discussion on corporate influence. The air is filled with the scent of a summer barbecue, not stale conference room coffee. This is the new face of professional connection, where serious business insight meets genuine socialising. And the stuffy formalities of the past are left at the door.

On September 4, The Research Club is hosting its Late Summer Networking Party, and it matters because it perfectly captures a crucial shift in how business gets done. We’ve moved beyond the era of transactional networking. Today, real influence is built on authentic relationships, and this event is engineered for precisely that. It combines a high-level panel on Influencing Stakeholders and Beyond with the relaxed atmosphere of a party. This shift recognises that the most valuable connections are often made when our guards are down.

The panel itself tackles a vital leadership skill of knowing how to bring people with you, from your team right up to the board. But the real genius is the setting. By moving the conversation from a closed auditorium to a celebrated London landmark, it creates a shared experience. It’s a smart, subtle way of breaking down hierarchies and fostering the kind of candid conversations that just don't happen over a PowerPoint presentation.

This event is more than just an evening out, it’s a masterclass in modern business dynamics. Proof that the most effective way to build your network isn't by collecting business cards, but by sharing ideas, a meal, and a memorable experience. You’ll leave not only with actionable insights on leadership but more importantly, with connections that feel human and real. In today's world, that might be the most powerful business advantage of all.

Book tickets here - https://theresearchclub.com

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Palimpsest
Pronunciation: /PAL-imp-sest/
Definition:  Something, like a manuscript or a landscape, that has been reused or altered but still bears visible traces of its earlier form.
Cultural Note: Originally used to describe ancient parchments that were scraped clean and reused, the word has become a powerful metaphor for places and objects that reveal their history in layers.

Ghanaian Word:
Sankofa
Pronunciation: /SAHN-koh-fah/
Definition:  An Akan term that translates to go back and get it, embodying the bittersweet principle of learning from the past to build a better future.
Cultural Note: This powerful metaphor is central to Ghanaian philosophy, expressing the belief that progress is founded on understanding and reclaiming one's history. It teaches that the past is not a burden to be escaped, but a vital source of wisdom and identity needed to navigate the present and shape the future.

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.