The Joys of 2024
Wine with Elle Voss, taken on film.
Every New Year's Eve, I promise myself that I’ll sit down and reflect on the past 12 months. Every year, I find myself rushing out the door, lipstick-stained glass left bereft on the counter, as I frantically recheck my clutch for my phone, keys and cards. A clutch, may I add, that is far too small for a woman who has never in her life been accused of under-packing.
As the new year rolls around, bringing with it big plans and even bigger promises, I get swept up in the flurry of it all - never quite finding the time to reflect. Instead, I’m busy plotting adventures with friends in far-flung places, forgetting that sometimes looking back can help us move forward. But this year - albeit slightly later than intended - I’m finally taking a moment to tally up the joys of 2024, starting with…
City
Look, I’ve always considered myself a London girl, though those born-and-bred in the city might balk at this idea. Call it cliché, but when you grow up just outside the M25, finally making it to the epicentre - and living there! - fills you with a certain pride that keeps you rooted for a while. That, and the slightly less sexy reality of a creative work schedule.
Come Thursday evening, you’ll likely find me weaving through Soho’s cigarette-lined streets, a friend propping me up thanks to my somewhat impractical shoes and very un-serious skirt. I love the feeling of being on home turf; it means understanding the most efficient route to a much-coveted seat at a new restaurant, or knowing where to go when the night calls for ambient lighting and cocktails that taste savoury, sweet, and a little slutty.
But as much as London tickles my fancy, in 2024 I found myself struck by the travel itch - an itch, lucky for me, that my lovers were very happy to help scratch. From one well-known city to one less familiar, I went, SPF in hand, to the ankle-twisting streets of Barcelona. Of all my city breaks last year, this was the standout. Barcelona feels like a city specifically designed to ruin all other romantic trips for you. Every street, sunset, and tapas dish felt like an elaborate plot to make me fall in love—with my lover, the city, and most definitely the cava.
After much meandering, we found ourselves at Enoteca, a love letter to the Mediterranean. The snacks - unashamedly the best part of any tasting - were so good I briefly considered immortalising one in body ink. This would be my first tattoo, so it felt like a bold choice. The delectable wine pairings made me believe I have a palate more sophisticated than it is, but I’m always happy to test-run this theory.
All in all, this weekend reminded me that few things are sexier than receiving a message that reads: ‘Join me here? Pack something silky and bring your appetite.’ And, of course, I did
Land
It wasn’t only cities that stole my heart in 2024; a few countryside escapes had me seriously considering starting a new life as a bee-keeper (insert joke here about being sweet enough already). There’s something about the countryside in winter that feels like a gentle rebellion. Perhaps it’s the way the hills insist on rolling, or how the weather will do as it damn well pleases and you must simply submit. One trip I cannot and shall not stop harping on about was to The Newt.
Time at The Newt dissolves, and so did I; often sinking into the expertly-curated soft-furnishings, the spa, or my co-conspirator. My phone, typically an extension of my hand, found itself exiled to the bottom of my bag before I’d even finished my first cup of tea - tea served in pottery so exquisite, by the way, that it made me consider the inadequacy of my entire kitchen cupboard.
A special mention to Osip, a farm-to-table restaurant just outside of the Newt which was recommended by my very good friend Louisa Knight, who happens to know a thing or two about what I like to put in my mouth. When not eating (which, to be clear, took up a considerable portion of our time), we wandered through the gardens, which are a testament to what happens when we collaborate with nature rather than impose upon it. Walking there got me thinking, “Maybe I could live like this?” This is, of course, absurd. My houseplants live in constant peril. Perhaps it’s the distant rumblings of a long forgotten Girl Guide code, but this trip made me hungry to explore more of the UK countryside.
Home
It wouldn’t be fair to my home city to leave out the joy I found here in 2024, especially at the theatre. As a lifelong student and lover of live arts, there’s nothing I adore more than chewing the proverbial fat after a performance, and extra points if it’s done in a cozy corner booth at J Sheekey, paired with their exceptional chips and a martini with a twist.
Some absolute knock-out performances came from some expected candidates: Cush Jumbo in Macbeth, Sarah Snook in The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Denise Gough in People, Places and Things. Gough’s performance was so raw and manic, I found myself holding my breath for much of it, as if I were trying not to disturb someone in the midst of a breakdown. I saw a lot of theatre in 2024, and it reminded me of why I need to see more. There’s nothing like hanging on the words of a master, watching them craft a world for you to dive into. I’m a huge proponent of suspending reality, even if just for a moment, because it’s in that space that we find the breathing room to figure out who we are—and isn’t that what it’s all about? These moments of suspended reality - whether on stage or in life - have a way of lingering, leaving their impression long after the curtain falls. They remind us that the best stories are often the ones we're seduced into living for ourselves.
Looking forward
So what am I looking forward to in 2025? Well, if 2024 taught me anything, it was that pausing, losing track of time and being a little silly is no bad thing. More escapes, whether cities, countryside or on my home turf are always welcome. I once asked a lover to make me feel like a tourist in my own city; this was a very good day. Here are a few things I have my eye on:
Cliveden House – Another escape I had the pleasure of in 2024. I’d do a list of unspeakable things to anyone who’d take me back; trust me, I did plenty when I was there last.
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons – Two Michelin Star Lunch at noon, followed by a Raymond Blanc Cooking Class at 5? There really is something about getting your hands dirty in a room full of people that feels like the best kind of foreplay.
Belmond Venice Simplon- Orient Express - That little known Belmond group just keep getting it right! Now onto their trains - much like the fucking, it’s not all about the destination but the journey. And, much like their transport, surely it can only be steamy? Side note: I’m very much ready to recreate that train carriage scene in Titanic, iykyk, Jack.
Theatre, more of it! Here are a couple I think will be winners:
Inter Alia – From the creative team behind Prima Facie, a play I never saw but boy am I kicking myself that I didn’t. Let’s ensure that doesn’t happen again.
Fifth Step – If David Ireland writes something, chances are, I’ll love it. I was gripped, appalled and delighted by Ulster American. With Lowden and Freeman at the helm, I reckon this will be standout!
Venice Biennale – Name something more romantic than ambling around Venice, pizza slice in one hand, mine in the other, whilst we feast our eyes on what Willem Dafoe (a lifelong favourite of mine) has in store for us?
This is, of course, the editor’s final cut. Fancy the extended version? Drop me a line. And since I’ve shown you mine, maybe you’ll show me yours?