That was June

If May was about momentum, June became a celebration of three things that seem to follow me wherever I go: tea, travel and twirls.

There were elegant afternoon teas shared in beautiful hotels, journeys through some of Britain’s most remarkable landscapes, and plenty of twirls, those little moments of joy that have become part of every Kitchen Chat® adventure.

The month began with one of my favourite June traditions: Windlesham School’s Sports Day. Watching the children proudly parade onto the field in their house colours never fails to move me. As I watched Skye take part, I watched childhood unfold.

From there, Margaret and I kicked off our third annual Kitchen Chat®: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality Tour with Royal Ascot where we were excited to have met Raymond Blanc.

Right after that, we travelled to the Scottish Highlands and England in search of remarkable hotels, memorable afternoon teas and the stories behind them.

From Number Sixteen and Cliveden House to Whatley Manor, Brown’s Hotel, Culloden House and the wonderfully eccentric Fife Arms, and the brand-new Chancery Hotel, there were unforgettable afternoon teas, inspiring conversations, breathtaking Highland scenery, Balmoral Castle, Highland cows, Loch Ness, the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, and the dramatic beauty of Glencoe. Returning to Culloden House after thirteen years was especially poignant, as it recreated photographs once taken with Darcy, proof that while life moves forward, love and memories travel with us.

Back in London, Brown’s Hotel provided the perfect sanctuary during Europe’s heatwave, complete with breakfast at Charlie’s, afternoon tea in The Drawing Room and, naturally, a Harry Styles-inspired “Watermelon” cocktail at Donovan’s Bar after an unforgettable evening at Wembley Stadium.

Throughout it all, George and Lulu, mostly Lulu, were by my side, embracing each new adventure with their usual enthusiasm and reminding me that the best journeys are always shared.

Looking back, June wasn’t defined simply by where we travelled.

It was about conversations over tea, friendships spanning more than four decades, discovering places steeped in history, finding joy in a spontaneous twirl, and making memories that will long outlast the journey itself.

Here’s to more tea, more travel and many more twirls.