Mums the Word
KARTE BLANCHE & CO- Apr 27
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Mums the word - our Spring issue takes you to fairytale escapes for the month of May. High Tea with Mum in the Lakelands of Cumbria, a new Versace-inspired boutique hotel in Miami & the sexiest brunch in town, NYC's Met Gala and the opening of Printemps New York, Chelsea Flower Show in London and Cartier at V&A - Plus a Christofle team up with Paris' French Open on the courts of Roland-Garros . . .
Mums the Word
INSPIRATION
Lakelands of Cumbria
Cumbria - landscape of the Lake Poets from William Wordsworth and John Ruskin to Beatrix Potter. Inspirations from the far northwest corner of England, famous for its picturesque villages, ancient woodlands, beautiful lakes and mountainous fells carved out long ago by glaciers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site - Cumbria includes the Eden Valley, North Pennines, Furness Peninsula and parts of the Yorkshire Dales along with bustling small towns of Ambleside on Windermere Lake (England's largest lake) and Keswick on Derwentwater. Where better to enjoy a fairytale escape to celebrate Mother's Day with your mum (and pop too) and the quintessential British tradition of Afternoon Tea . . .
Afternoon Tea
FARLAM HALL
Hotel & Restaurant
Hallbankgate Brampton, Cumbria CA8 2NG
Farlam Hall has a fascinating history that dates as far back as 1428 - sitting proudly on a path less trodden from the moment you turn off the winding road into the estate, this setting is a place of relaxation and also a place of discovery with many stories to tell and secrets to share. Today, it is only one of the hotels in Cumbria to have a kitchen garden available to explore as well as provide many of the ingredients used in their Michelin-starred and 3 AA Rosette Cedar Tree restaurant. Guest rooms and suites are all individually styled to perfection with lovely local art on the walls and beautiful garden views. Launching on May 1st is their new wellness offering - The Sycamore Retreat, allowing residents a serene environment to unwind, promoting mindfulness, relaxation and rejuvenation with a variety of holistic GAIA Skincare treatments, including the Hot Stone Massage and Jade Facial. Enjoy British tradition Afternoon Tea in the opulent Cedar Tree Restaurant with ceiling height windows overlooking the charming gardens and lake - or weather permitting outside on the lovely terrace with tranquil views over the surrounding countryside while you indulge in a beautifully presented Afternoon Tea service crafted by their specialist pastry chef.
photos courtesy Farlam Hall
STORRS HALL
Windermere Lake
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3LG
On the shores of Lake Windermere is a luxurious four-star hotel in the heart of the Lake District - Storrs Hall, elegant Georgian mansion is set within 17 acres of landscaped gardens and ancient woodlands. With such an inspiring location on the lake, it will come as no surprise that the hotel has hosted a number of poets, including William Wordsworth as well as Beatrix Potter. Storrs Hall has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century reflected in the Georgian and Victorian influences on the buildings and interiors. Rooms inside the hotel are decorated in statement style of bold colours with six splendid Lakeside Suites elegantly decorated with contemporary furnishings – plush bedding, cozy sofas, modern fireplace and chic design details. There are two distinct dining options at Storrs Hall: the Main Restaurant and the more informal Tower Bar characterized by pub classics. The Main Restaurant's focus is on local flavours - fish that originates from a few miles away at Morecambe Bay and lamb from the Cumbrian fells. Order in for a breakfast hamper delivered to your room and enjoy it on the terrace as you watch the sun rise upon the lake. Afternoon tea at Storrs Hall Hotel is served either in the sophisticated drawing room, restaurant or study - all of which feature large windows overlooking the gardens and lake.
photos courtesy Storrs Hall
SCENE & SEEN
Shed One Distillery
Afternoon G & Tea
The Old Calf Shed Auction Mart
North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston LA12 9AU
If you’re a gin lover, you won’t want to miss a visit to Shed One Distillery in Cumbria for Afternoon G & Tea. Located in the picturesque market town of Ulverston, Shed One greets you with a welcome Gin & Tonic and invites you to relax in their stylish bar, overlooking Ulverston’s iconic pepper pot - officially titled the Sir John Barrow Monument, a 100 ft tall structure intentionally built to resemble Eddystone Lighthouse.
Botanical inspired flavours used in their signature G&Ts are expertly incorporated into the afternoon tea - with juniper notes, elderflower and honey throughout. Afternoon tea at Shed One Distillery comes with a distillery tour and a 2nd Gin & Tonic in hand to finish out the experience in style.
Gifts for Mum
SUITCASE STYLE
JOANNE TINLEY JEWELLER Joanne creates beautifully patterned silver and 24k gold jewelry for those who love being close to nature. Her Woodland Watercolour Collection takes traditional motifs such as leaf, flower, fox and hare and gives them a playful and contemporary twist to create pendants, necklaces and brooches. Joanne's maker's mark is registered at the London Assay Office at Goldsmiths' Hall in London. Small Hare necklace $95.
GEMMA LOUISE TAYLOR Handwoven Brooch Candy Gemma is a Lakelands maker designer inspired by wool & wood $45.
PURE LAKES Natural & Organic Skincare Award-winning eco-luxe products using plant-based ingredients to make cruelty-free skincare sustainably made & packaged. Everything is made by hand in their workshop in the village of Far Sawrey, located on the western side of Windermere within the UNESCO World Heritage Lake District National Park $37.
LAKELAND FRAGRANCES Eau De Toilette roll on sample collection Bluebell, Heather, White Musk and Wild Orchid -vegan perfumes with long lasting scents that are inspired by The English Lakes made in the traditional way from the finest essential oils hand blended in the Town of Kendal £19.00
Miami
INSPIRATION
Grand Prix
May 2nd - 5th
Superyachts and the roar of engines careering down Ocean Drive - the much-anticipated Miami Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, May 4th bringing a mix of glitz, glamour and high-octane drama to the streets surrounding Hard Rock Stadium. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Magic City, the Miami International Autodrome is a 5.412 km blend of long straights, tight corners and unforgiving chicanes - once again testing the nerve and finesse of the world’s best drivers.
Bar None
CHAMPAGNE BAR
at The Surf Club
Four Seasons Hotel
9011 Collins Avenue, Surfside, Florida
The palm-fringed room of the Champagne Bar reflects the soulful charm and glamour of The Surf Club’s early years. Enhanced by a modern collection of imaginative cocktails and a knowledgeable team of experts - offering the largest selection of champagnes in Miami. The Champagne Club was a favourite destination for luminaries and celebrities with an aura that captures that golden moment back in time. The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club maximizes your vacation experience with luxurious residential suites offering indoor to outdoor living and unmatched views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Enjoy access to all that The Surf Club is known for as an upscale retreat in Surfside, Miami Beach just blocks from the luxury shopping of Bal Harbour, minutes from South Beach and a half hour drive from downtown Miami. The historic Champagne Bar not only offers champagnes, but guests can also enjoy signature cocktails that harken back to The Surf Club’s gilded past and menu of Mediterranean dishes.
photos courtesy Four Seasons
SCENE & SEEN
Sexy Fish Miami
Sunday Brunch
1001 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Sexy Fish is an underwater world inspired with creative menus, theatrical cocktails and when the sun sets International DJ’s and thematic entertainment. Designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio & decorated with art by Damien Hirst, Frank Gehry and Michael Roberts - the look & feel is mid-century glamour and opulence. Sexy Fish Miami’s revamped Sexy Sunday Brunch offers a two-hour culinary journey blending Japanese-inspired flavours with oceanic luxury. Indulge in limitless stations like the Konro Japanese Grill, the Sushi & Raw Bar premium seafood & tartares and a Dessert Station of house-made Japanese sweets.
RACE WEEKEND May 1 thru 4th - join Sexy Fish Miami where speed meets the surreal. The celebration starts Thursday through Friday with DJ Julian OK igniting the atmosphere as the city shifts into race mode and as the adrenaline builds - DJ WAAE takes over to deliver a high-energy closing set Sat/Sun with fire performers, stilt walkers and jaw-dropping visuals to keep the energy racing all night long.
photos courtesy Sexy Fish
THE INSPIRATION
Donatella Boutique
Hotel & Restaurant
1350 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach
Opening in a former 1920s bungalow in the heart of the city’s historic Art Deco District - the Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant will be upping the luxury ante when it opens doors in May. Only two blocks from the legendary Versace Mansion (now called The Villa Casa Casuarina) on Collins Avenue, Donatella Boutique Hotel will serve as the sister property of Miami’s iconic landmark. Dating 1922, the building that now occupies the hotel was designed by acclaimed architect Wallace Tutt who was also responsible for designing the Versace Mansion. Acquired in 2022 by the Nakash family and Vida & Estilo Hospitality it has been completely reimagined into a six key luxury retreat & restaurant. A stay here includes a dedicated concierge and butler service, to ensure personalized attention and seamless hospitality throughout your visit. The Donatella Restaurant will debut as a Coastal Southern Italian dining destination helmed by Executive Chef Alessandro Morrone - drawing inspiration from Neapolitan cooking and home recipes.
photos courtesy V&E Hospitality
Met Gala
May 5th
Fashion's Biggest Night in NYC
SCENE & SEEN
PRINTEMPS
New York
Celebrated French luxury department store Printemps, opened their newest store in New York's vibrant financial district located in the historic 50-story landmark building - One Wall Street. As the next chapter of its brand transformation, this Printemps concept offers a unique experience, blending a local touch with effortless shopping as well as five dining concepts, exclusive events, wellness and sartorial services. Printemps is not just a luxury store, it's where hospitality, gastronomy, culture, design and retail converge.
photos courtesy Printemps
Mums the Word
A source told Bloomberg that NYC’s socialite-studded, five-star hotel, The Mark, has received a $1B offer. There is no deal yet, but the Upper East Side staple - home to a $45K penthouse and the Met Gala crowd -just might be changing hands. Stay tuned for more . . .
London
INSPIRATION
Chelsea Flower Show
May 20 - 24th
The Royal Horticultural Society 2025
London society in full bloom, with floral designs and garden trends that will leave you awestruck. RHS Chelsea floral installations are world-famous for their show-stopping explosion of flowers which push the boundaries of art. Floral Art of the highest standard is showcased in the Great Pavilion where the floristry competitions are held. This year sees 2 categories: Creative Spaces with no rules or themes, give florists free rein to express themselves - though not judged, are eligible for the Floristry Ambassador’s Choice. Floral Creations category sees smaller arrangements on a plinth - as well as RHS medals, these florists are also vying for the coveted title of Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Florist of the Year.
photos courtesy RHS
SCENE & SEEN
THE KENSINGTON
The Doyle Collection
V&A Experience
109-113 Queen's Gate South Kensington London
Prepare for unparalleled glamour at The Kensington in London. Pair your luxurious getaway with tickets to the latest groundbreaking exhibition at the V&A South Kensington. This season, explore the evolution of legendary French jeweler - Cartier and dive into London’s vibrant cultural quarter with The Kensington V&A Experience. This dazzling exhibition dedicated to the renown French jeweler, Cartier with over 350 spectacular objects on display highlighting the brand’s unrivalled craftsmanship. Discover how Cartier became a global symbol of luxury and an unparalleled force in the fine jewelry and watch world. The V&A Experience Package Includes: overnight accommodations, full English breakfast and 2 tickets to Cartier Exhibition. There’s a special sense of being welcomed through the doors of The Kensington hotel by a bowler-hatted doorman. The hotel’s luxurious white stucco façade – a collection of four 19th century town houses in the most cosmopolitan and cultured of London neighborhoods, evoke something of a bygone era. Here London society comes together – be it for afternoon tea in the lively drawing rooms, cocktails in the glamorous K Bar or dinner in the refined Townhouse restaurant. Throughout this environment - the attentive and familiar staff of The Kensington Hotel provide an engaging and personal welcome.
photos courtesy Doyle Collection
Cartier
Victoria and Albert Museum
Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
Featuring more than 350 pieces of jewelry, watches and other precious objects - The Cartier Exhibition tells how the founder’s three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier established outposts in London and New York in the early 20th century. Developing client relationships that spanned the globe from Indian maharanis to American society hostesses. Louis married an heiress to the House of Worth and set up an atelier in the same building where the oldest Paris couture house had its London salon. Later, at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (the Paris design fair that launched Art Deco) - Cartier positioned itself beside fashion designers in the Pavillion of Elegance, rather than in the jewelry area. V&A’s presentation highlights the central stone from the Exposition’s showstopping Bérénice necklace, a long strand designed to drape across the shoulders and down the back featuring a 141.13-carat Mughal-carved Colombian emerald. The Monaco Princely Palace Collection loaned Grace Kelly’s step-cut diamond engagement ring that she wore in High Society (1956), her last film before she married Prince Rainier III. But one of the most instantly recognizable pieces isn’t quite as precious: the Toussaint necklace donned by Anne Hathaway in the 2018 heist-comedy Ocean’s 8 - thru October 2025.
Paris
INSPIRATION
French Open
May 25th - June 8th
photo ©Christofle / FFT
The red clay courts of Roland-Garros are set to host the highly anticipated 2025 French Open, a premier Grand Slam event renowned for its history and thrilling matches. The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, dates back to 1891, when it was first held as a national championship for French club members. In 1925, the tournament opened its doors to international players solidifying its status as one of tennis’s premier events. Initially played on sand courts, the tournament moved to the distinctive red clay of Stade Français in 1928 - setting the stage for iconic battles and legendary champions.
Christofle, a luxury brand founded in Paris in 1830, has teamed up with the prestigious world of Roland-Garros to celebrate the alliance between the art of living à la française and the unique atmosphere of the Paris Grand Slam. In this new campaign, the renowned silversmith invites everyone to an astonishing match of humour, tableware & sport in the spirit of Championnats Internationaux de France de Tennis.
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