My London Lifestyle #004

MY LONDON LIFESTYLE #004

TRAVEL: LA LA LAND!

My

LONDON

Welcome to Hollywood

£ 4. 9 5 ISSUE 004 MARCH/APRIL 2014

Enter TRADING SECRETS WITH the KELLY HOPPEN MBE dragon

LIFESTYLE

49 accessories to put a spring in your step...

Created for you by people who love London as much as you do...

Colour Me Happy Embrace the new season of colours for your home

GAME CHANGER MARCH/APRIL 2014

Marcus Wareing is shaking up London’s foodie scene

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Spring into action Kids fashion has come over all playful

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TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THE AWARDS SEASON TO RE-INVIGORATE YOUR HOME

mood specific lighting to accentuate the overall design. The resulting subversive and overwhelming ambiance of the look is one of pure opulence and understated luxury.

With the recent BAFTAs and Academy Awards ceremonies in full flow, it seems that the awards season has truly arrived.

So why not take inspiration from these lavish events to bring some luxury, style and chic to your home from the internationally acclaimed, award winning design consultancy, Oakeve Interiors.

Having recently claimed victory at the International Property Awards for the Best International Show Home Interior Design, the very scheme that won Oakeve Interiors this prestigious accolade embodies all the style, glamour and opulence clients have come to expect from this premier design consultancy.

When designing a scheme, Oakeve Interiors combine tonal palettes with accents of colour, layering of textured and tactile fabrics, lustrous wallpapers and glamorous accessories, with

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Director, Iona Newton, explains the concept behind the design:“Much like the style of Kelly Hoppen, we wanted to create a look that engenders a calming and zen-like ambiance to relax and inspire those, living within this sumptuous environment. Introducing subtle but luxurious lighting, such as iconic Porta Romana light fittings and opulent accessories with large orchid arrangements embellishing the scheme, it creates a sumptuous and tranquil retreat from the fast pace of modern life.”

Renowned for its uber chic, luxurious and elegant design, this recent international industry award recognition has taken the interior design company to an entirely new level: Iona adds: “This award has given us prominence as a real contender in an International playing field. We are now being approached for commissions within the UK, but also further afield. Having already provided whole house styling for overseas clients, we are currently engaged on projects from super-prime Central London to Sandbanks in the UK and Portugal and Spain in Europe.”

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Trend seekers looking to acquire such glamour in their own home can find such inspiration at Oakeve’s very own interior design store, nestling in the heart of Beaconsfield Old Town. The glamour and luxury of the shop draws you in, whilst the tactile and sumptuous nature of the furniture, exquisite cabinetry, lavish drapes and blinds, complemented through their range of stylish and exclusive accessories, chandeliers, lamps and soft furnishings all serve to delight and excite the senses.

and accessories, it means that everyone can access a piece of this ‘world class’ design and interior cool for themselves.

Oakeve Interiors award-winning design store is open from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Saturday where Iona and her expert team are on hand to offer any help you may need.

However, these savvy designers can also cater to all budgets. Stocking a range of internationally recognised brands of furniture

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SHOW HOME UK

T: 01494 675156 E: interiors@oakeve.com Old Mulberry Yard, 22a London End, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2JH www.oakeve-interiors.com

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Fulmer Grange

by Oakeve Interiors

BEST PROPERTY SINGLE UNIT UK Fulmer Grange

by Oakeve Limited

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March/April 2014 MY LONDON LIFE 9 London Loves London’s favourite new opening 12 The Conway Social Henry Conway’s pick of London’s parties 16 Diary Getting you out and about this March and April 18 Exhibitions Experience the best of London’s arts and museums 20 Theatre Treading the boards of London’s theatres 22 Music Behind the scenes with London’s musical talent 23 Dance Dancing through life with Karen Hardy 24 La La Land Is Los Angeles all it’s cracked up to be?

29 One Hour From London A girly getaway at Cliveden House Hotel

MY LONDON HOME Centre section Superstar designer Kelly Hoppen shares some trade secrets, and turn your house into a design haven with our guide to the year’s biggest trends.

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71 MY LITTLE LONDONER 37 Little London Loves Our favourite spring product for children 39 Out and About What to see and do for little Londoners 47 An Appetite for Life We speak with foodie, mother and London-devotee Lisa Faulkner 51 Mother’s Day Show her you care 57 Play Station Kids fashion gets playful this spring 63 Little Interiors The perfect toys for getting outside 65 The Magic of Music Learning through play has never sounded so good

MY LONDON STYLE 101 Style Icon: Kate Moss The rock’n’roll queen of fashion 102 Accessorise This Upgrade your outfit for the new season 111 Style Icon: David Beckham From football to fashion

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121 Blissful Thinking Make some me time in March 124 Fresh Face Do you dare go natural?

126 The Ultimate Goal How to get that sought after six pack

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MY LONDON DINING 130 Marcus on Marcus Akashia Carswell meets Marcus Wareing 132 Where The Locals Go London’s best and worst kept foodie secrets 138 The Recipe Easter baking with Chris Underwood 140 My Vegan Hell?

Emily Taylor goes vegan for a month MY LONDON 146 The Hit List Time for tea 150 Battle of the Blues The Boat Race comes to town 152 Motoring Driving the Ferrari FF 162 The Last Word Rufus Hound shares his view of London My London city 156 A Face in the Crowd The new trend shaking up the British film industry 159 Love London Exercise your right to vote!

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EDITOR’S LETTER MY LONDON LIFESTYLE #004

on Dragon’s Den, we find out what’s next on Kelly’s list. s Brits are known for several things worldwide, some fair and some less so, but our stoicism is On top of our London Home special, we have features certainly something to be proud of. Cataclysmic and interviews bursting off the page from our regular floods? It’s ok, at least it means no hosepipe ban. sections. In My London Dining, we find out House prices in London soaring again? It’s ok, TRAVEL: LA LA LAND! if Marcus Wareing deserves his fearsome we’ll make like the Europeans and rent. I think My Welcome to Hollywood reputation. My Little Londoner says make we’re all so eager to look on the bright side time for mums this mother’s day. My because of our weather—we suffer through LIFESTYLE Enter London City investigates crowdfunding in our grey and drizzly winter, because we know TRADING SECRETS WITH the KELL Y HOPPEN MBE the film industry. And we jet off to LA to at the other side there’s a beautiful spring. dragon accessories to put a spring in your step... see whether it’s a better city than London (guess who wins?)

For me spring is when London comes into its own. No more pavement slush or Colour Me Last month we also celebrated Love torrential downpours (fingers crossed), Happy Embrace the and it’s before it gets too hot to use the London Day with the London Lifestyle new season of colours for your home tube without your makeup melting on to Awards, which means it’s time to get GAME Spring CHANGER someone’s shirt. So get outside and make the nominating for this year’s awards. So if into Marcus Wareing is action shaking up Kids fashion most of what London in spring has to offer. you know of somewhere in London worth London’s has come over all foodie scene playful shouting about, nominate them and you ON THE COVER: Spring is also the season to give your could see them receive an award at the From Design Masterclass published by Jacqui Sma , ll ceremony in October. To make a difference home a good old clean. And by clean I mean to your city, visit www.londonlifestyleawards.com revamp! The interior trends for this year give you an excuse to inject splashes of colour into your home. We’re talking a whole rainbow of choices—so there’s no excuse for sticking Emily Taylor with the same old same old.

EDITOR

LONDON £4.95 ISSUE 004 MARCH/APRI L 2014

Created for you by people who love London as much as you do...

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Someone who knows a lot about revamping is our cover star, Kelly Hoppen. Entrepreneur, internationally- renowned interior designer, and a Dragon

WRITE! If there’s anything that you’d like to see in the magazine, or any feedback you’d like to give us (good or constructive!), email me at: emily.taylor@mylondonlifestyle.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM PUBLISHING PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Sharon Kirby sharon.kirby@mylondonlifestyle.co.uk DESIGN SERVICES Calixa Creative Services Ltd www.calixa.biz Contact: 0208 123 3271 PRODUCTION Rhapsody Limited. The UKs leading pre-media & Digital Specialist.

Contact: 020 729 1000 info@rhapsodymedia.co.uk

CIRCULATION COMAG Specialist, Tavistock Works, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, UB7 7QX PRINTING Warners Midlands PLC The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9PH. PR AND MARKETING JJG Media Group

MANAGING DIRECTOR Jason Gale FINANCE DIRECTOR Don Cameron ADVERTISING SALES MEDIA 25 LTD sharonjkirby@media25.eu PUBLISHED BY World Lifestyle Awards Media Ltd. 18, Greek Street, London, W1D 4DS

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our London

THE PLAYLIST What the My London Lifestyle team have been getting up to recently...

Designer and resident muso, Alan, has become addicted to the SoundCloud app: here’s so much new music out there, selfpromoted, new and unsigned bands providing an antidote to the mainstream charts.

While designing this issue I have been listening to Menace Beach, Cheatahs and The Winter Brave - check them out!”

“T

Editor and film fan, Emily, is watching, The Grand Budapest Hotel:

Emily Taylor

“S

o I’m cheating a bit as this isn’t actually out when we go to press, but the new Wes Anderson film starring Ralph Fiennes (amongst an endless stream of A-list cameos) ticks all my boxes for a great quirky film.”

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The Grand Budapest Hotel is out at cinemas from 7 March

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Debra Aspinall ART DIRECTOR Alan Booth FOOD AND DRINK EDITOR Akashia Carswell CELEBRITY EDITOR Sinitta DANCE EDITOR Karen Hardy HEALTH AND WELLBEING EDITOR Jean-Pierre de Villiers SPORTS EDITOR Michael Perera FASHION EDITOR Dee Vesali SOCIAL CORRESPONDENT Henry Conway EXHIBITIONS CORRESPONDENT Laura Miles BEAUTY ASSISTANT Olivia Lathwell CONTRIBUTORS Brian Claridge, Chris Walsh OFFICE DOGS Ted & Lola Copyright World Lifestyle Awards Media Ltd. © 2014

Exhibitions correspondent, Laura, has visited: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013: work at The Collections Trust within the Natural History Museum, so over the past months I have loved going into the Wildlife Photographer gallery at lunchtime. It’s a very tranquil exhibition, perfect for getting lost in your thoughts and the pictures.”

The exhibition runs until 23 March

“I

© Joe McDonald/Wildlife Photographer of the Year

EDITOR Emily Taylor emily.taylor@mylondonlifestyle.co.uk

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LONDON

LOVES

T H E C H I LT E R N FIREHOUSE —MARYLEBONE—

THE CHILTERN FIREHOUSE BY HOTELIER ANDRÉ BALAZS IS NOW OPEN, LOCATED IN THE HEART OF LONDON’S MARYLEBONE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE FIREHOUSE, ONE OF THE FIRST PURPOSE BUILT FIRE STATIONS IN LONDON, IS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY IN HIS COLLECTION OF BESPOKE, LUXURY HOTELS WHICH INCLUDE THE RENOWNED MERCER IN NEW YORK AND THE ICONIC CHATEAU MARMONT IN HOLLYWOOD, BOTH ACCLAIMED RESTORATIONS OF HISTORIC LANDMARK BUILDINGS, AND CELEBRATED FOR THEIR UNIQUE, CREATIVE CLIENTELE. THE RESTAURANT WITH LARGE OPEN KITCHEN IS AT THE HEART OF CHILTERN FIREHOUSE AND IS LED BY EXECUTIVE MICHELIN STARRED CHEF, NUNO MENDES [MAIN PIC].

THE CHILTERN FIREHOUSE, 1 CHILTERN STREET, MARYLEBONE, W1 020 7073 7676 WWW.CHILTERNFIREHOUSE.COM

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For that unforgettable event, you need an iconic venue.

With 24 venues across London to choose from and one point of contact, let D&D London do all the hard work, whatever the occasion.

We can even come to you, with our external catering and party planning company Cinnamon Candy, combining breathtaking food, faultless service, and beautiful design.

Receptions | Dinners | Conferences | Weddings Celebrations | Private Dining For groups of 12 to 1,000 guests call our events team for instant availability and venue inspiration, on 020 7716 7887 or email events@danddlondon.com or visit our website danddlondon.com/events

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MY LONDON LIVING

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Emil Larsson body corset worn by Madonna, Blond Ambition World Tour, 1990 Dazed & Confused, April 2008 © Emil Larsson

HEADING OUT INTO THE CAPITAL TO EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING OUR GREAT METROPOLIS HAS TO OFFER

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The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805 by J.M.W. Turner, 1823–24, oil on canvas. © National Maritime Museum (Greenwich Hospital Collection)

the

CONWAY SOCIAL

HENRY CONWAY’S PICK OF THE PARTIES

DOLCE & GABANNA LCM MEN’S PARTY Dolce & Gabbana celebrated British chap’s style with a party at their store for London Collections Men, hosted alongside Dylan Jones from GQ. What might get dashing gentlemen down to your event more than anything? Why popsicle Kylie Minogue of course - house muse, and national treasure. Virtuoso violinist Charlie Siem serenaded the crowd, and Jack Guiness looked every inch the immaculate listener. If Kylie isn’t your bag, there was always David Gandy to look at - ah, the joy of the fashion world.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: David Gandy, Jack Guinness; Roberto di Matteo and Charlie Siem

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CHIVAS AND SAVILLE ROW

If ever they were to revive the famous 18th Century Hellfire Club, if surely would be with Chivas. The scotch whisky brand and the Saville Row Bespoke Association celebrated all things gentlemanly at the Cabinet War Rooms, with a host of glamourous grandees - Sir Elton John and Sir Michael Gambon the grandest of the showbiz knights you can get, and Lord Heseltine to keep the peerage end up. Tommy Hilfiger provided some American glamour, and Oliver Cheshire gave good suit for the new generation of Saville Row wearers, alongside Dermot O’Leary.

What a grand affair - I was so taken by it I wanted to take one of the 1940s Usherettes home...

CLOCKWISE FROM MAIN TOP: The Tailors of Saville Row, ade arďŹ tt, atrick rant, eorge Lamb, The Models of Saville Row, Henry onway, Amber Atherton and ictoria endleton

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MAIN, LEFT: Nick House

STEAM & RYE OPENING Kelly Brook and Nick House are a powerful combination when it comes to nightlife glamour, so their new joint venture, Steam & Rye, in the city is a fabulous new addition. Their opening saw a London hot list come to check it out, from Amber le Bon and Lilah Parsons, to TV chef Gizzie Erskine and rocker actor Jamie Cambell-Bower, whilst James Middleton bestowed the royal set’s stamp of approval. I of course went all out with the 19th century railway theme, complete with cravat and a black hooded cashmere cape - I gave a few people a fright en route home.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Gizzi Erskine, Leigh Francis, Henry Conway, Leila Parsons, Pixie Geldof and Amber Le Bon

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my London living

Mylene Klass and Kelly Brook

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DIARY

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GETTING YOU OUT & ABOUT THIS MARCH AND APRIL

March

PANCAKE DAY

Shrove Tuesday is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent, so get flipping (just like these politicians) and stuff your pancakes with whatever food naughties you’re giving up for Lent. If you get a chance, head along to the Great Spitalfields Pancake Race at Brick Lane to see teams of four race, pan in hand, along Dray Walk while tossing their pancakes. It’s eccentric, weird and thoroughly brilliant.

17 March

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Why is it that St. Patrick is the only saint who’s really celebrated outside of the country he’s patron of? It might be because the celebrations are so inclusive, or maybe just because it’s great fun! Whatever the reason, make like Obama and embrace your long-lost Irish heritage. The St Patrick’s Day Parade (this year on 16 March) has marching bands, floats, street theatre and much more. Then pop along to the annual festival in Trafalgar Square to experience Irish culture at it’s best. www.london.gov.uk

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April

THE BOAT RACE

The BNY Mellon Boat Race see rowers from Oxford and Cambridge go head to head on the Thames between Putney and Mortlake. Watched by thousands along the banks of the river, and by millions more on TV around the world, this is a unique event synonymous with sporting London. For more on the history of the race, turn to page 148 for Michael Perrera’s article on this great event.

Getty Images

www.theboatrace.org

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Henri Matisse, The Snail 1953 Gouache on paper, cut and pasted on paper mounted to canvas Tate © Succession Henri Matisse/DACS 2013

Henri Matisse, Blue Nude (I) 1952 Gouache painted paper cut-outs on paper on canvas 106.30 x 78.00cm Foundation Beyeler, Riehen/Basel Photo: Robert Bayer, Basel © Succession Henri Matisse/DACS 2013

culture DON’T MISS

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April - 7 September

HENRI MATISSE: THE CUT-OUTS

This ground-breaking exhibition at the Tate Modern brings together around 120 of the works of modern art master, Henri Matisse. When ill health first prevented Matisse from painting, he began to cut into painted paper with scissors as his primary technique to make maquettes for a number of commissions. His famous Cut-Outs, which were made between 1936 and 1954 are the result of this technique. Catch the show before it heads to MOMA in New York in the autumn. www.tate.org.uk

30 April

HAPPY EASTER, LONDON! London will be overrun with Easter bunnies, egg hunts and chocolate-hungry kids and adults between April 18-21. For children, visit the WWT London Wetland Centre’s fluffy ducklings and real eggs, or hunt for Easter eggs at Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the V&A Museum of Childhood. If you’re a little old to be hunting for chocolate (don’t kid yourself—you’re never too old!) there are plenty of grown-up treats courtesy of Easter packages at London’s best hotels.

Chocolate afternoon tea anyone?

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TURNER & THE SEA

The Longship (Roskilde 6) © National Museum of Denmark

National Maritime Museum Until 21 April 2014 This magnificent exploration of Turner’s dramatic depictions of sunsets, storms and shipwrecks closes at the end of April, and is an absolute must for a fan of the great master’s work. The thing that struck me most about the collection was the way that Turner captured the light in his paintings. His seascapes are shown alongside iconic works by other great artists, including van de Vlede, Vernet, Constable and Gainsborough, making this a truly unique and dramatic exhibition.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF LONDON’S ARTS & MUSEUMS EXHIBITIONS CORRESPONDENT

Laura Miles

Last Chance Keelmen heaving in Coal by Moonlight by J.M.W. Turner, 1835, oil on canvas © National Gallery of Art, Washington

EXHIBITIONS

Don’t Miss VIKINGS: LIFE AND LEGEND British Museum 6 March – 22 June The Vikings are coming to London! This is the first major Viking exhibition that the British Museum has held for over 30 years and working in conjunction with the National Museum of Denmark and the National Museums in Berlin they have considered new interpretations and are displaying new archaeological discoveries. The new finds have changed the understanding and nature of the Viking identity, trade, magic and the role of the warrior in Viking society and the exhibition nicely ties these developments together.

Weapons, looted treasure, coins, skeletons and jewellery are used to piece the Viking story together in this exhibition and at the centre of it all is the surviving timbers of a 37 metre long Viking warship, the longest ever found and never before seen in the UK, which is bound to appeal to both adults and children.

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Emil Larsson Body corset worn by Madonna, Blond Ambition World Tour, 1990 Dazed & Confused, April 2008 © Emil Larsson Movie Stars (or Cinema) collection, “Étoiles et toiles” gown Haute couture fall/winter 2009–2010 Acetate-film-covered corset edged with black satin, articulated shoulders and hips, georgette film-stock-print sheath skirt © Patrice Stable/Jean Paul Gaultier

culture

Coming Soon

THE FASHION WORLD OF JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, FROM THE SIDEWALK TO THE CATWALK

Barbican Art Gallery 9 April - 25 August The first major exhibition devoted to Jean Paul Gaultier opens at the Barbican in April and is a must visit for any dedicated followers of fashion. The theatrically-staged exhibition has more than 140 couture and ready-to-wear garments on display and explores Gaultier’s fashion world from 1970 to the present day. Celebrity fans will be delighted to see pieces such as Madonna’s iconic conical bra and corset, Kylie Minogue’s stage costumes and pieces created for films including The Fifth Element. The exhibition also features photography, catwalk footage, films, music videos and of course wouldn’t be complete without excerpts of Gaultier’s cult television show Eurotrash. Many of the pieces have not been on show before in Britain so this is a unique opportunity to explore the Gaultier world.

Elizabeth Taylor wears Bulgari jewellery at the masked ball, Hotel Ca’Rezzonico, Venice. Date: 1967

THE GLAMOUR OF ITALIAN FASHION 1945-2014 The V&A 5 April - 27 July If you’re still keen for a fashion fix, head over to the V&A for The Glamour of Italian Fashion, 1945-2014. The V&A’s spring exhibition will be the first major show to examine Italy’s rich and influential contribution to fashion. Over 100 ensembles by leading fashion houses will be on display, including pieces by Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Missoni, Prada and Versace. As well as the fashion power houses, new emerging talent will be showcased such as work by Valentino’s new design duo; Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. The exhibition also examines the impact of the many Hollywood films which were shot on location in Italy in the 1950s and 60s when stars like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor became style ambassadors for Italian fashion, fuelling an international desire for the Italian designs. Elizabeth Taylor is shown (left) wearing fabulous Bulgari jewellery which displays the exuberance of Italian style in the 1960s and was given to the actress as an engagement present by Richard Burton. These jewels are rarely seen on public display and are one of my highlights of the exhibition.

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THEATRE

TREADING THE BOARDS OF LONDON’S THEATRES

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Savoy Theatre From 10 March

My slightly musical-obsessed friend squealed and did a little dance (complete with jazz hands) when she found out that Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was coming to the West End. I am just quite happy that Olivier and Tony Award winning actor Robert Lindsay is in it. I love Lindsay in musicals, and I can’t wait to see him in action in this adaptation of the classic comedy film alongside Rufus Hound, Katherine Kingsley and the magnificent Samantha Bond. Jet off to the decadent world of the French Riviera, and watch as two seasoned hoodwinkers try to swindle a millionaire heiress. Good laughs, good numbers and all round good fun. www.agtickets.com

GHOST STORIES Arts Theatre Until 24 May Some people go to the theatre to be swept away by the romance, stirring music or a ripping good yarn. Others go to be scared out of their wits. If you fall into the latter group then Ghost Stories at the Arts Theatre could be just up your creepy street. The production, by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, is billed as a terrifying theatrical event and it’s shocked and horrified more than a quarter of a million people worldwide.

The writers have a rich experience of the weird and downright spooky. Jeremy Dyson has won numerous awards as co-writer of the hilariously bleak The League of Gentlemen and Andy Nyman as co-writer and co-creator of the acclaimed TV productions by the master of illusion, mind tricks and hypnotism Derren Brown. Both have won prestigious Olivier Awards, Jeremy for the stage show he co-penned, A Local Show for Local People, and Andy for Something Wicked This Way Comes.

With Ghost Stories these masters of the macabre have mixed the best of theatre with the intense buzz of a thrill-ride.

WARNING: PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT GHOST STORIES CONTAIN MOMENTS OF SEVERE SHOCK AND TENSION. THE SHOW IS UNSUITABLE FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 15. WE STRONGLY ADVISE THAT THOSE OF A NERVOUS DISPOSITION TO THINK VERY SERIOUSLY BEFORE ATTENDING. Are you brave enough to book? www.ghoststoriestheshow.co.uk

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culture DON’T MISS

URINETOWN St James Theatre Until 3 May Don’t let the name of this musical put you off; it’s multi-award winning, with three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards, two Obie Awards and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.

Phew. Now that the credentials are out of the way, let’s move on to the story. In a city of the future that has been inflicted with a terrible drought, business tycoon Caldwell B. Cladwell has made his fortune through bribery and the monopolisation of all public toilets. With a brutal police force maintaining law and order, it’s not a place to get caught short! Risk it and you will be sent off to a place no one returns from—the infamous Urinetown. The city needs a revolution and every revolution needs a hero... however unlikely. www.urinetown.co.uk

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Last Chance

KING LEAR National Theatre Until 25th March Tickets for this highly-esteemed production of King Lear are at a premium, but if you can get a ticket make sure you go: Simon Russell Beale is magnificent in the title role of Shakespeare’s popular tragedy.

Directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes, Beale leads a cast including Kate Fleetwood, Anne Maxwell Martin and Olivia Vinall as Lear’s three daughters.

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MUSIC One To Watch

THE INSIDE TRACK WITH TALENT HITTING LONDON’S MUSIC SCENE

BÉLA TAKES CHASE

PHOTO: Annelle Rosencratz

Twenty-three year-old, singer-songwriter Béla Chase - performing as Béla Takes Chase - has been making her mark on the London music scene for just over a year. Playing at least twice a month, at different venues across the city, she’s been striving to build a following while hoping to avoid any aspects of overkill. The live work has led to studio time and the release of her first single, ‘Radiate’, in February this year, with a further track already planned for an outing in late April.

Béla says: “I’ve been recording quite a lot and there will be a few EPs this year. There won’t be an album out this year, I don’t think. Hopefully an album in 2015.”

Big plans indeed. But then this artist has already made some big moves in very little time. Growing up in the (somewhat unfashionable) Australian coastal city of Newcastle, Béla left home for Sydney at 18 to kick-off Béla Takes Chase her musical career, primarily as a acoustic artist.

But at 21, Béla went against advice from both friends and the lyric ‘Radiate’ came from that but the actual melody and music professionals and, armed with just a onealso has a colour quality all its own for me too.” way ticket and her guitar, with no family in the UK and only Which comes first, music or lyrics? “Always some part a (potential) manager’s phone number, boarded a Qantas of the melody will come to me first. I learned to play guitar flight to London. At first living in a youth hostel, she began the when I was nine-years-old and wrote my first song (called journey from girl-with-guitar to the sound she has now.

“Running”) when I was 12. I still write like that little girl, sitting Described by others as Alt-Pop or Electro-Indie, Béla is in my room humming ideas.” happy with labels coming and going but emphasised that Béla’s second single, she hopes, will be “Collide”: “It’s just she’s holding on to her folky-side and “while you won’t always one of my favourite songs. It started its life as an acoustichear the acoustic guitar, I know that’s where I’m coming only song too. But now with the band it seems to get a good from. Now, I do have an amazing band and while this is a reaction when I play it live.” solo-project their experience and contribution is immense.”

Where do you love to play live in London?

The band tour and record with Béla and include a student, “I really like The Green Note in Camden. That part of a family-member from her management and a drummer who London is great - everytime you go out you can discover used to play with Sinead O’Conner: “Daniel, my drummer, has new nooks and crannies. I’m also fond of The Bedford - I’ve an incredible back-story. You should interview him next,” said played there quite a few times and Underbelly. It’d be cool to Béla but would divulge no more... play Koko and how much noise would you need to fill the O2?

Growing up listening to Fleetwood Mac, Simon & “London itself is an amazing place. There seems to be Garfunkel and Elliott Smith on the one hand and on the other, room for everyone and then there’s the arts focus - whether under her older brother’s influence, Nirvana, Radiohead and performance or painting, whatever it is - is a great strength. In Rage Against the Machine, Béla of course, had her musical the music scene, it’s so accessible.” heroes. And the quality of her own voice has been compared And what would you change? “OK, a 24-hour Tube would by some to Stevie Nicks. be awesome. As a musician out late, I’ve become a true, Béla says: “I don’t hear that but it is amazing for people to night-bus warrier so there’s a lot to be said for the Tube. say it,” and this writer agrees, when seen live or in recording And I’d like us all to be a little more environmentally aware.” she rarely has the gravel that Nicks carried, Béla’s voice is While starting out and building her profile Béla has soaring with both purity, and strength and haunting in her worked all the usual, menial jobs to pay the bills: “Yes, I was quieter songs. (Although on the day of the interview, Béla a bartender by trade but luckily I also get to teach guitar. And sounded much more like the Fleetwood Mac legend suffering to little kids - it’s so good - now that keeps me sane.” from a raging headcold...)

Back to “Radiate”, this writer suggests that from the — WATCH: ‘Radiate’ on YouTube at: vantage point of London’s awful winter weather, this is a song www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-3MBSuGRWs that feels like summer. And all the hope that offers...

— WEB: belatakeschase.com “Yes! For me too! I started to write it a couple of years ago — LISTEN: soundcloud.com/belatakeschase and the room I was staying in just had this amazingly intense light in the mornings. I can often see music as colours, if that —By Alan Booth, Music Contributor makes sense? The bright sun that day was obviously yellow

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DANCING IN THE STREETS OF LONDON WITH KAREN HARDY

SHADOWLAND by Pilobolus Dance Theatre Peacock Theatre 11 - 30 March 2014 Ground breaking dance arrives on stage at the Peacock Theatre in the form of Shadowland, the latest spectacular from the Pilobolus Dance Theatre. The internationally acclaimed dance troupe use their innovative talents to merge shadow theatre, dance, circus and concert to mesmerising effect. Using every technical visual trick in the book, projected images merge seamlessly with live performers to create highly original scenes. Partly the brainchild of SpongeBob SquarePants lead writer Steven Banks, the beautifully surreal show explores the strange experiences to be found in a young girl’s sensational world. Both dramatic and comic, this international hit is as unpredictable as it is engaging.

CUBAN FURY Across London Cinemas At cinemas now Don’t miss this movie based on a 13 year old natural born dancer with fire in his heels and snakes in his hips, working himself up to explode all over the UK Junior Salsa Championships.

But then a freakish bullying incident on the mean streets of London robs him of his confidence, and our young hero finds his life diverted down a very different path. So it is that 22 years later, an adult Bruce Garrett (Nick Frost) finds himself out-of-shape and unloved.

Only Julia (Rashida Jones), his smart, funny, gorgeous new American boss, gives him reason to live. But she’s untouchable. Unknown to Bruce however, Julia has issues all of her own.

Luckily for him, she also has a secret passion. And thus, Bruce is once again brought faceto-face with the darkest and most powerful of his inner demons. Somehow, someway, and with a lot of hand-holding from loyal sister Sam (Olivia Colman) Bruce must learn how to unshackle his dancing beast, regain his long lost fury and claim the love of his life. And he’s going to do it all on the dance floor...

Nick Frost (Bruce Garrett) in Cuban Fury

Calling all you yummy mummys out there!

You know only too well that most of the year you’re the one getting the kids to school, ensuring the washing’s done, odd socks partnered back up, husband’s rugby kit turned miraculously back to white, after school pick ups and music concerts attended…oh and I haven’t forgotten your 40 hour working week in the office! But we all know that once a year there’s a special day put aside for us super mums and that is of course Mother’s Day. So what could make this day extra special for you?

For me Mother’s Day is just having a moment to snuggle up to my son or to even have a little boogie or two in front of the fire, quite simply taking time out of life! So have you ever thought about having a go and taking to the dance floor with someone you love? There’s no one more special to do this with than your loved ones.

Ballroom dancing offers a special moment, where no mobile phones are present, TV’s and computer games are switched off and there’s a chance to enjoy good old-fashioned family fun together.

Whether it’s with you and your fully matured office IT guru of a son, or together with your entire family, go and book a special dance experience together and why not finish it off with lunch or dinner after…and hey if Daddy is paying I hope he may even throw in a trip to one of London’s epic theatre dance shows after!

There’s so much to enjoy in London this Spring…so go dine and dance with delight. And here are a couple of my picks for the season.

Karen Hardy www.Karenhardystudios.com 0845 567 1155

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LA LA LAND DEBRA ASPINALL ISN’T CONVINCED THAT LOS ANGELES IS HER CUP OF TEA, BUT IS HAPPY FOR A MILLIONAIRE TO PROVE HER WRONG...

I

can’t decide whether Los Angeles is like Marmite or the Emperor’s new clothes. Do people either love it or hate it? Or do they just not dare criticise it as so many supposedly ‘cool’ people live and work there? I’m leaning towards the latter, which probably makes me the little boy in the crowd.

I have a theory that LA - a vast, sprawling metropolis on America’s west coast - is only for the seriously wealthy. People who get dropped off at their destinations by chauffeurs, or who stay ensconced in their ivory towers and can pick up the phone to designer boutiques: “Chanel? Send me a selection of dresses for a night at the theatre - you have my measurements” or “Spago? two fillets of crocodile with all the trimmings, and make it snappy”.

If you haven’t got the vast funds needed to shop in the LA boutiques, or can’t get into the A-list Hollywood parties, then the parts of LA you have got access to are no nicer than London, Brighton, or Windsor.

There. I’ve said it.

I was really looking forward to my trip to LA. I’ve been to New York (big fan of the

WORDS

Debra Aspinall

Big Apple) Boston and Florida. But I’d never visited the west coast of America before.

I’d heard all the hype and was expecting beautiful people, elegant boulevards, stylish shops, fab restaurants with valet parking, maybe a few celebrities dotted about. Perhaps we’d even see some movie-making action.

On our first morning when we’d woken very early (still on our UK body clocks), we set off walking (much to the horror of anyone we met, who said NOBODY walks in LA). We were staying near Santa Monica Pier and headed off in the direction of Venice and Muscle Beach where Arnie Schwarzenegger built his bulbous physique. The walk itself was pleasant. The cliche of sunny LA is certainly true! As we neared this great tourist attraction we realised why nobody walks in LA - there seems to be miles between everywhere, and in the sun that ain’t fun. Ok, no more walking for us. In fact it appeared that the only people we saw walking on the streets of LA were either the homeless, tourists or locals dashing for the nearest taxi.

A word on the taxis. We had been advised to hire a car, but as we were only there for a short visit and were struggling to get to grips with the overall layout of the sprawling LA we decided on taking taxis. Despite ‘gas’, being cheap across the pond, the taxi fares were

always a surprise.

One thing the states does well is food and although I am sure we would have been highly delighted by some of the fine restaurants dotted around LA, when it came to eating we became total tourists and opted for cheap and cheerful like the coconut prawns at Bubba Gumps and good old fashioned burgers.

Book beforehand if you want to visit The Ivy on Robertson Boulevard. This restaurant had its own starring role in Get Shorty and The Bodyguard and anyone who’s anyone from J.Lo to Madonna has dined there.

Our finest meal in LA was at our delightful hotel, Shutters On The Beach in Santa Monica which was as close to the beach as you can get without getting sand between your toes.

At their One Pico restaurant we tucked into grilled pacific shrimp with shaved market vegetables and yuzu vinaigrette followed by slow-braised short rib with garlic potatoes, spring peppers and fava beans. Desserts were amazing and massive so we shared a decadent caramel sundae comprising popcorn, chocolate brownie and salted caramel ice cream.

Shutters is an oasis of comfort and New England style with a great restaurant and a lovely beachbar, Coast, serving delicious

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snacks. The bedrooms are stylish and wellequipped and the beds are beyond comfort.

Most evenings the hotel puts on some entertainment and it’s clearly a big hit with locals.

If time allows, a visit to Universal Studios in Hollywood is always fun, especially if you enjoy thrill rides. Here the roller coasters are mainly virtual, but don’t be fooled into thinking that means tame. The new 4D Transformer’s Ride will get you in a spin and I nearly dislocated a shoulder on the Jurassic Park ride when our gentle boat ride turned to horror trip and we had to dodge a T-Rex! I enjoyed the more sedate studio tour where we got to see the set of Desperate Housewives, the War of the Worlds plane crash site, Bates Motel, Jaws in his Amityville setting and much more. Although this too had its exciting moments when our bus got caught in a flood and then when we were inches away from being smashed in a train crash. Phew that was close!

You can also find some great souvenir and quirky shops and a whole range of reasonably-priced restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk, the zone just before you enter the studios which is buzzing hours after the park closes.

Loews Hollywood Hotel is just one metro stop away from Universal Studios Hollywood, and the metro is just steps from the hotel.

If you want to explore Hollywood Boulevard then this hotel is slap bang in the middle of all the action, just a stone’s throw from Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame.

Loews is a toweringly huge, modern hotel with spacious rooms overlooking the Hollywood sign, an outdoor pool and a helpful concierge who can get you tickets to any LA attraction.

HOW TO GET THERE We flew with Virgin Atlantic to Los Angeles. Virgin Atlantic fly twice daily to Los Angeles from London Heathrow.

Prices start from £151 plus £383 tax in Economy and £537 plus £450 tax in Premium Economy. For a memorable flight go Upper Class and enjoy the most comfortable flights possible.

Individual pods where you can stretch out fully and snuggle down under fluffy duvets to be woken by a charming steward or stewardess offering you a menu or chilled champagne. For more information please visit call 0844 209 7777 or visit www.virgin-atlantic.com Shutters on the Beach: The Leading Hotels of the World (00800 2888 8882 (toll free)) offers stays at Shutters on the Beach, Los Angeles from $450 per room

per night based on two people sharing on a room only basis. www.lhw.com/shutters Universal Studios: A 1-Day Pass starts from $84. Upgrade to a 2-Day Pass for only $5 more than General Admission.

Valid for two visits for the same guest within any 30-day period. Only available online for $89. For more information or to buy tickets visit www.universalstudioshollywood.com Loews Hotel: Reservations can be made at www.loewshotels.com/hollywood and you can also buy rooms packaged with Universal Studios Hollywood tickets online at www.universalstudioshollywood.com/ hotels/

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WHERE WE VISITED BEVERLY HILLS Wedged between West Hollywood and Century City this is where the mega-rich and famous spend and schmooze. Here you’ll find Rodeo Drive, the crazily-long Wilshire Boulevard and famous Sunset Boulevard which starts off at the Beverly Hills Hotel end with sprawling mansions, and winds its way down to the other end - the Strip - where the night life is a little more colourful. Ask Hugh Grant.

There’s no doubt that for big name designer brands Beverly Hills is the ultimate address and all the big hitters can be found on Rodeo Drive. Barneys, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue all have stores on Wilshire Boulevard and old school celebrities descend from north of Sunset Boulevard or adjacent Bel-Air and Holmby Hills to dine with their publicists and agents at Caulfield’s or Spago.

HOLLYWOOD

If you fancy a tour gazing at the fences and gates of celebrity homes, catch the tourist bus outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre - where you can play with the celebrity hand and foot prints while you wait.

The day we visited there were possibly more characters in fancy dress on Hollywood Boulevard than there were tourists. Spidermen, Supermen, Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-men, Marilyn lookalikes and some random characters who may have just got lost on their way to the studios, vie for the tourists’ attention so they can charm dollars out of them for taking a photo.

The iconic 45-foot-high Hollywood sign resides over this district. It’s famous for being the heart of the motion picture industry and used to say Hollywoodland. I wonder where the land went?

The Hollywood and Highland Centre here provides an opportunity to tap into the Hollywood experience past and present by offering shopping, dining and the Dolby theatre - the site of the annual Academy awards.

Meanwhile locals head here for the lively club scene along Hollywood and adjacent boulevards, or enjoy music alfresco at the beloved Hollywood bowl whose regular season runs from June to September

MALIBU

Surfers, beachcombers and hikers love Malibu’s 21 miles of prime coastline parks and rugged canyons. So do celebrities who enjoy relative privacy hidden away some of the most luxurious and expensive seaside and hillside estates in America.

For the plebs there’s upscale outdoor shopping and dining at Malibu Country Mart. Dine here with ocean views without breaking the bank.

Hunt around and you can still find some fine and affordable seafood restaurants in this elite neighbourhood. East of Malibu are the more bohemian enclaves of Topanga and Pacific Palisades home of Will Rogers State historic Park and the Getty Villa.

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SANTA MONICA

Whether you want a day at the beach or an urban fix, Santa Monica has it covered. Spread along 3.5 miles of sandy coastline it includes Santa Monica Pier with its seaside-style attractions, stalls, restaurants and fun fair attractions.

Inland enjoy upscale shopping and dining at independent boutiques and cafés on Montana Avenue and laid-back Main Street. More boutiques plus the best of the trendy chain stores populate Third Street promenade downtown whose threeblock pedestrian stretch terminates at the open air Santa Monica Place shopping centre.

THE LOCAL VIEW GREGORY DAY TELLS MY LONDON LIFESTYLE ABOUT HIS PERSONAL LOS ANGELES HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN LA: Since January 2008 WHERE IN LA DO YOU LIVE: Santa Monica WHERE IN LA WOULD YOU LIVE IF YOU HAD THE MONEY, AND WHY: I wouldn’t move from our house. We are really fortunate to live on a tree-lined street with great green space and it is only three miles to the hotel, however while sipping wine in my backyard it can feel like another state.

FAVOURITE LA RESTAURANT AND WHY: It truly depends on the occasion but our “local” is Vito in Santa Monica. When we moved here we were so used to walking or taking the subway everywhere, but especially at dinner. So we initially chose it solely because we could walk to it from our house. It turned out to be this amazing old school Italian restaurant with a deep wine list. We eat there about twice a month, and over the many years now they have watched our daughter grow up and we know every staff member by name. It is one of my happiest places.

FAVOURITE LA SHOP AND WHY: Clare Vivier for my wife (she is obsessed) and James Perse Malibu Lumberyard for myself.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO CHILL: The patio at the Chateau Marmont.

IF YOU HAD FAMILY OVER VISITING FROM THE UK WHICH THREE PLACES IN LA WOULD YOU TAKE THEM TO: The lookout on Mulholland drive overlooking the Gregory Day, 46, General Manager of Shutters Hotel, Santa Monica Hollywood Bowl and the Hollywood since 2008 sign. The views are amazing and it is a great way for out-of-towners to understand the sprawling landscape that is Los Angeles. The Hollywood Bowl; there’s no better musical experience than sitting in your box drinking very good wine, under the stars while listening to everyone from Coldplay to Willie Nelson. The Bowl is a surreal “only in Los Angeles” experience. And Soul Cycle. Angelinos are fitness mad, and Soul Cycle is such an amazing, uplifting (and difficult) fitness regimen, it should be experienced at least once by everyone. Denis Morton who teaches in Santa Monica is amazing.

IS THERE ANY PLACE YOU CAN RECOMMEND THAT AS YET APPEARS TO BE OFF THE TOURIST MAP: There is a new speak-easy type bar tucked into an old hotel in Hollywood called “No Vacancy”.

All of their drinks are fashioned to order.

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WORDS

Sharon Kirby

A GIRLS’ NIGHT AWAY AT CLIVEDEN HOUSE, BERKS. STO24537_V4.indd 29

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N OLD SCHOOL PAL AND I WERE feeling a major case of the New Year blues when we stumbled upon the idea of a girls’ night away. It had to be an hour from her house in Battersea and had to have a spa. For me it needed to be somewhere with open fires and ama ing food. It didn’t take long to realise that quite literally one hour (and one minute) from attersea, out in erkshire, sits the historic hotel that is Cliveden.

We had a 24-hour window so on a Sunday lunchtime we whi ed down the M4 and pulled into the majestic grounds of Cliveden. The hotel is very quiet in February, when we visited, as its National Trust grounds are closed to the public over the winter months, so it felt like we had a secret pass to explore.

Service starts before you step out of the car; doors are opened, bags are spirited away and even when you step inside you are invited to sit in front of the fire where they will come to you to check you in.

We had two spa treatments booked for Sunday afternoon but had time for a bite to eat beforehand. On recommendation we tried the lub Room. Once the Duke of Westminster’s personal stables, each old stable has been adapted to make a relaxed and informal dining area. The room is full of uirky nods to its past the table legs are in the shape of horses’ legs and hooves, the bar stools are saddles. It was perfect for a grey Sunday afternoon and we settled into a wonderful brunch and glass of Rioja.

Although we enjoyed the peace of being family-free we were still delighted to see children and dogs all enjoying their Sunday too and being made to feel equally welcome.

The spa is just a short stroll across the courtyard and behind the walled garden. You may recall that in February, erkshire suffered some pretty rotten weather and flooding. Despite the rain, we could picture how in the summer you would need to be dragged from this garden with its heated outdoor pool and two newly fitted outdoor hot tubs. We did brave an outdoor swim and it was actually very pleasant but the draw for us was the treatments we had booked.

Both of us opted for a full hour massage and wrap and we weren’t disappointed as we floated out of the treatment rooms. After relaxing by the indoor pool we were then shown across to the main house and our room.

The grandeur of Cliveden hits you in the main house. It is, as expected, full of roaring fires, books, sofas you never want to leave, and ama ing art, but is also very welcoming.

This is very much down to the staff who, from the deputy M Andre to the hilarious young

chap who taught us all about cheeses, all work together to make every guest feel really special.

Because it isn’t pretentious you relax, as you should.

Dinner was something we were really looking forward to, as we were to dine at the newly opened dining salon by André Garrett, who joined Cliveden House from his own starring role in one of Mayfair’s most celebrated restaurants. Inspired by the culinary classics, Andr has passionately reworked long-overlooked dishes and carefully crafted some new signatures. Each one is meticulously conceived, fastidiously prepared then cooked with modernity and finished with Andr ’s defining lightness of touch.

The dining salon itself is unashamedly glamorous and with our grandstand view from a wonderful corner seat we were able to fawn over the beautiful chandeliers and velvet chairs.

Starters for us were a cocotte of native lobster and a salad of roast winter vegetables. The lobster was sublime and made you yearn for more, while the vegetables may have seemed a simple starter, but the addition of a hens egg and truffle soldiers was genius.

Our mains of line-caught Cornish sea bass and wild mushroom pithivier were outstanding and the potato gnocchi that came with the sea bass was the best we have ever tried.

After all that magical (yes, it’s fair to call it that) food we decided on a shared cheese course but we had it delivered to our room with a glass of port to allow us time to linger over what had been an incredible meal.

Finishing the evening watching Bridget Jones in front of an open fire with the best cheese board I have seen in a very long time is as good as it gets.

The next morning began with a run around the grounds, following one of Cliveden’s running

maps, and then back to the glamorous location of the night before for a leisurely breakfast.

We decided on a trip back to the spa for a relaxed swim but first popped to see the newly refurbished Spring Cottage in the grounds of Cliveden. The cottage is one of the most beautiful cottages on the Thames and I first spotted it on a boat trip last summer.

Spring Cottage was originally built as a secluded summerhouse and tearoom and takes its name from the spring that emerges from the nearby cliffs.

It’s amazing to think that it was here that Stephen Ward and Christine Keeler were staying when they triggered the infamous Profumo scandal. Now a mix of 1920s glamour and Hunter wellies, it would be my dream home.

Tucked away, a small drive from the main house, it is no wonder Hollywood stars have used this as a bolt hole when filming at nearby inewood.

The dreamy bliss of a secluded riverside house decorated with taste and warmth, coupled with a butler service from Andre’s kitchens would make this a must do’ on my bucket list.

After our swim we headed back to London in time for the school pick up. The banks of the Thames seemed a long way away but our 24 hour escape had been a much needed tonic in the throes of winter.

GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL

Sharon and Sophie stayed in The Buckingham Suite, at £894 a night. See the Cliveden website for more details.

Dinner in the Andre Garrett dining Salon is from £65 Spa treatments were £90 for an hour.

www.clivedenhouse.co.uk Cliveden Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, SL6 0JA

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WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY ERIC! Huge congratulations to friends of My London Lifestyle, Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman on the birth of their gorgeous baby boy, Eric. Born on Valentine’s Day, Simon described his new son as “healthy and handsome” in his announcement on twitter, following up with these stunning family portraits a few days later. The future is very bright for beautiful baby Eric.

Images from twitter.com/SimonCowell

OUT & ABOUT

my little London

THE POP UP: MINI A TURE MEETS THE MOOMINS SELFRIDGES, LONDON If you’ve been to Selfridges since the end of February, you may have noticed a rather exciting pop up in the children’s department. Our favourite Scandi brand, Mini A Ture, has opened a pop up shop for their new collection, inspired by the Moomin books. The pop up will stock 24 pieces from the boys range and 21 from the girls range, and will cater for two to eight year olds. The collection is a great basics range at a brilliant price, and comprises of denim, tees, skirts, shorts and cardis.

Selfridges have ordered the t-shirts in lots of different colours – so the shop floor is a rainbow of colours – very appropriate for a collection inspired by the Moomins! www.selfridges.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

my little London

THE SHOP: SPUN CANDY COVENT GARDEN Last month we introduced you to a Covent Garden sweet shop with a difference, Spun Candy. Since then our editor, Emily, popped in to see the candy makers in action: I visited Spun Candy on a vile day in February – it was pouring with sideways rain and I had come out without a brolly. Bad plan. But stepping into Spun Candy was like a big, warm, sweet-scented hug. It was just before Valentine’s day and the candy makers were hard at work making beautiful roses out of sugar. All of the sweets are made on the premises, and seeing the skill put into those tiny pebbles of sweetness makes them taste even better.

All of the flavourings are natural – meaning that the tangy piece I sample tastes exactly like a proper apple.

Spun Candy do a great line in special occasion candy too, and have a range of scrummy treats out in time for Easter. Pictured are the 200g Easter Mix Jar (£8.99), Easter flowers (£3.50) and the 100g Easter Mix Bag (£4.60). Perfect for a non-chocolate based Easter sweet. www.spun-candy.com

THE ART FAIR: PURPLE DRAGON AT ART14 OLYMPIA Art14 is running until 2 March, and this year Purple Dragon, London’s finest family members club in Chelsea, is hosting a hands-on stand where children can get creative and draw their very own masterpiece after being inspired by the fabulous art on show. Children’s art will be displayed on the walls of the Purple Dragon gallery for visitors to enjoy, and at the end of the show Purple Dragon’s resident art experts will pick a winning picture. The winner will receive a 10-visit Holiday Membership to Purple Dragon. www.purpledragonplay.com www.artsfairlondon.com

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OUT & ABOUT

my little London

THE MOVIE: RIO2 COMES TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU! It’s been a corker of a year so far for films, and hot on the heels of Despicable Me 2 comes Rio 2! Out on 4 April, this is perfect for a rainy afternoon in the Easter holidays. Blu and Jewel are back in Rio 2, with three kids in tow, and they are heading into the Amazon for a family reunion. Out of his element in a land he doesn’t know, Blu must face his most fearsome adversary - his father-in-law - while evading evil Nigel’s fiendish plans for revenge. It may not be Oscar winning, but it’s good for a family trip to the cinema and full of laughs.

THE EVENT: THE BIG PEDAL ACROSS THE UK Children’s TV presenter Barney Harwood is challenging kids, parents and teachers across the UK to leave their cars at home and get on their bikes and scooters for the school run.

The Big Pedal (March 3 - 14) is an inter-school cycling and scooting competition which aims to get children active, and this year Barney wants hundreds of thousands of pupils to take part.

Barney said: “I’m supporting The Big Pedal because I want to show parents that cycling and scooting to school is fun, cheap, and it keeps kids healthy too.

Taking part is easy, and it’s a great way for parents to incorporate a little exercise into their children’s daily routine.”

Run by charity Sustrans and funded by Bike Hub, The Big Pedal is the UK’s largest cycling and scooting competition for primary and secondary schools.

Participating schools compete with one another to make the most journeys by bike or scooter over 10 days.

By signing up to The Big Pedal schools receive tailored lesson plans, posters, maps, and ideas on how to encourage everyone in the school to get involved.

They’ll also be in with a chance to win some amazing prizes for the school.

To get your school involved go to the Big Pedal website. www.bigpedal.org.uk

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21/02/2014 06:52

promo

AS EASY AS ABC KID & COE TAKES THE DRAMA OUT OF FAMILY TRAVEL

BECOME A KID & COE HOST The ever-expanding company is always on the look out for new homes to add to their list. You don’t have to have a designer home; the only requirements are that you have a safe, childfriendly home in a great location. Once you have signed up and been accepted as a Kid & Coe host, you can set your own rates and availability, and can approve bookings personally. It doesn’t cost you anything to join and can be a great earner for when you are out of the country - one London host made £5,000 over Christmas!

To find out more information please visit www.kidandcoe.com/being-a-host

K

ID & COE PROVIDES A CAREFULLY SELECTED LIST of kid-friendly residences in destinations all around the world, combined with curated insider guides to their most popular spots. From childcare essentials to coveted neighbourhood locations, they offer everything you need to make a home away from home for the whole family.

Founder Zoie Kingsbery Coe created the company out of personal necessity. For years she had been travelling the world managing her husband’s music career, kids in tow, and saw that the hotel accommodations that suited a touring couple no longer fit the needs of her growing family. Zoie began seeking out kid-friendly property rentals that made her family feel at home wherever they were in the world. As increasing numbers of parents asked Zoie to share her travel expertise and property secrets, Kid & Coe was born.

Residences are carefully selected based on their child-friendliness and appeal. The diverse selection of properties range from a ranch in Patagonia to a family safari in the Galapagos, town houses in Amsterdam to city apartments in New York, and beachfront villas in Brazil and Jamaica, so whatever the family holiday you’re searching for, Kid & Coe has the solution.

© Kid&Coe

www.kidandcoe.com

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interview

An appetite for life MOTHER, FOODIE AND PASSIONATE DEVOTEE OF OUR CAPITAL CITY THERE’S NOTHING NOT TO LIKE ABOUT LISA FAULKNER

WORDS Emily Taylor

It’s somewhat fitting that Lisa Faulkner should be an ambassador for the Ideal Home Show. And when it returns to Earls Court in March this year, the actress and presenter will probably find herself better equipped than most to comment on the bewildering array of homeware on display.

Okay, so the 41-year-old knows her way around the capital’s best spots for inspirational interiors - whether that’s fine fabric in Brick Lane, contemporary art in Portobello Road or exposed brickwork brilliance around Southwark, but Lisa’s greatest passion is for the love and companionship you can only feel as a mother.

Adopted daughter Billie, now six, is clearly the apple of her eye - the youngster even trumps TV chef, and partner, John Torode in Lisa’s admiration!

“I think when you have been through so much to get somewhere, it just cements how important relationships can be,” Lisa begins. “For years I thought I wouldn’t be able to have a child, and it perhaps sounds like a cliché to say that it makes you appreciate it more when that little person does finally come along, but it’s absolutely true.”

Lisa underwent numerous unsuccessful rounds of IVF treatment, a process that left her physically and mentally exhausted. Adopting daughter Billie has fulfilled all of her dreams.

She’s also found motherhood a great way to fill up time at weekends!

“Having kids in London is so much fun, and we feel so lucky to be living where we are. I don’t think you can ever get bored of the variety - we love south-west London, the greenery mixed with lots of cool places to eat and drink. And going into the centre offers great opportunities for little girls CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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interview

Having kids in London is so much fun, and we feel so lucky to be living where we are. I don’t think you can ever get bored of the variety - we love south-west London, the greenery mixed with lots of cool places to eat and drink. And going into the centre offers great opportunities for little girls who can quickly change their ideas of what’s cool and what’s not...

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE who can quickly change their ideas of what’s cool and what’s not, as I’ve been discovering!”

And Lisa, a brilliant foodie in her own right, notwithstanding partner Torode’s influence, says eating out in the capital doesn’t have to be the domain of the wealthy.

“I think the diversity goes right the way through to what we choose

to eat. It’s great to explore markets, specialist stores and more, and the capital is a fantastic cauldron of ideas and inspiration. I feel London is often more affordable than it gets credit for.

Sure, there are places where you can really go to town, but dining sensibly and eating food with provenance, and that has been made with passion and knowledge, doesn’t have to cost much.

“It’s just about getting out there and exploring.”

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SHOW HER YOU CARE

mother’s day gifts

1.

2.

BLOW THE BUDGET

For the mum with expensiv e taste, this gorgeous lock et from maste r jewellery Theo Fennell, may be the pe rfect present.

Fashioned from 18kt yellow an gold, with an d white African green Tourmaline, this striking pi ece brings a to uch of the exotic to any classic ou tfit. Priced at £29,170 the Rainforest Lo cket doesn’t come cheap, but will last a lifetime.

MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS THAT WILL LAST ALL YEAR LONG 1. It seems to be a rule, that when you become a mum you start carrying a brolly everywhere with you. If you must be practical, temper that pragmatism with style by using one of Lisbeth Dahl’s gorgeous umbrellas. We particularly like this stand out stripe and ruffle number, available for £25.

From www.johnlewis.com

3.

2. Torn between buying Mum jewellery or perfume?

Swarovski solve that dilemma with their Aura by Swarovski gift set containing a 30ml Aura Eau de Parfum and a Crystal Touch Make-Up Jewel. The pretty dusty pink pouch (which is nice enough to carry as an evening purse) also includes a 100ml Aura Body Lotion. The set costs just £44 which is a saving of £69.50 when the items are bought separately, and is available from House of Fraser.

3. Sam Sunshine started The Peagreen Furniture Co. in 2009.

Whilst dusting off her collection of vintage jelly moulds an idea was born—to pour scented, soya candles into upcycled vintage items. When the natural candle has burned away and the remains easily washed out, the item can be used again or refilled for a reduced price. Two presents in one! Prices start from £15 for a half pint vintage jelly mould. www.peagreenfurniture.com

4.

4. Liz Earle’s new body and bath collection launched in February, and we are a little bit in love with them. Available in three fragrances, floral tiare and jasmine, zingy bergamot and ginger and warm vanilla and saffron, each collection contains a creamy shower nectar to gently cleanse, soothe and moisturise, a body scrub to refine and hydrate and a body lotion to soften and hydrate. Prices start from £12.50.

Available exclusively at John Lewis.

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A revolutionary approach to childcare combining Nannies and Nursery We have seamlessly blended nanny time with nursery time to provide a new choice for parents.

We can offer you full and part time options for your child to be with a nanny and then you can decide how many days you would like your child to attend one of our Asquith nurseries.

Your nanny will be with your child when they are at the nursery too, giving you complete peace of mind.

Find out more:

0845 873 7070

www.asquithnannies.co.uk

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19/12/2013 21/02/2014 13:04 06:54

maternity fashion

FEELING GORGEOUS

Treat yourself to a little luxury style this mother’s day

Summer slouchy maternity trousers www.seraphine.com

£39 Lace dress www.seraphine.com

£52 [dress] £15 [belt]

Paulina cap sleeve blouse

by A Man in Love www.blossommother andchild.com

Lanvin medium Happy bag www.harrods.com

£1,390

£160

True Religion skinny Casey jean in feather print, www. blossommotherandchild. com

£218

Stuart Weitzman Threadbare Kitten Heel www.harrods.com

£340

Sportmax C ode floral an d animal prin t dress www.house offraser.co .uk

£170

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21/02/2014 01:09

FUN

fashion WE TALK LUXURY CHILDRENSWEAR, CELEBRITIES AND TRENDS WITH CHILDSPLAY FOUNDER NICK BASSI

C

hildsplay Clothing is an exclusive independent children’s designer clothing store, co-founded by Nick Bassi in Ilford in 1990. Even if you haven’t visited the store, chances are you’ve come across the ecommerce site on your online hunt for the perfect outfit for your little Londoner. hildsplay is recognised globally as the place to visit for all the latest designer styles for newborns, juniors and teenagers.

“My brother and I grew up within the fashion industry, so it seemed like a natural step for us to take” said Nick when asked what inspired him to start up the store. “We wanted to be different, and at the time there were a number of designer boutiques opening up, but none for luxury childrenswear. We saw a niche in the market, which happened to be something we were passionate about, so we ran with it.”

Childsplay was set up to be a one-stop destination for luxury children’s fashion in the UK, a place where parents and children can enjoy an unprecedented shopping experience. This is certainly something that Nick and his team have achieved since opening. With two stores, Childsplay Clothing for newborn to eight years, and Ice Teens for nine to 16 years, the complete range is also available worldwide online.

The luxury children’s market has definitely evolved since we started,” Nick explains. “It is a huge industry and has become more acceptable in this generation.

Children are now blogging about their own style and mini fashion incons such as Harper Beckham and Suri Cruise. Children are a lot more vocal in how they want to dress and present themselves; it’s fun for them and is a way for them to express their unique style and personality.”

Talking of Miss Beckham, has the fact that children now have stylish peers in the media affected which brands are popular? According to Nick, the cult of mini-celebrity has a huge impact on fashions.

We have mums specifically re uesting the same hloe or Marc acobs outfit that Harper eckham has been pictured in. Hair accessories and handbags have become more popular; you often see Suri Cruise with her matching bags, and we know that Harper loves a bow!

“Many designers now create childrenswear collections that are similar to the mainline adult collections, so we also have parents that love to dress

their kids up as a little mini-me. It’s very cute.”

It isn’t just childrenswear that has gained new grounds in recent years; the teenage market is booming too, with preteens and teenagers seeking designer clothes for their wardrobes. “We’ve recently redesigned our Ice Teens store to make it more appealing to the teen market and on a Saturday afternoon we often get groups of girls coming in to shop together. Teens will save up their allowance or come in with their parents, but they are very savvy – they may come in and purchase one designer piece and then mix it in with their high street pieces too. Teens are very assertive and confident in their style they know what they want!”

So with the boom in childrenswear, what are the most popular products at Childsplay Clothing? “Anything from the high end brands, such as Gucci, Burberry, and most recently Moncler, are always instant sell outs,” says Nick. “The exclusive collections that we carry, specially handpicked by our stylists and buyers, are particularly popular.

“Each season we take on more brands, and for this season I think Trussardi Junior and Twin-Set will be really popular, as they have

some great collections. Scandinavian brand Mini Rodini is definitely one to watch as well.

Since opening 24 years ago, Childsplay has seen unprecedented success in the childrenswear market, but are there any changes set for 2014?

“There are big things in store for Childsplay at the moment”, says Nick. “As mentioned we recently interior designed our Ice Teens store, so our baby store is next for a revamp later this year. Our web store is growing too, and worldwide we have seen a tenfold increase in sales, which is something we would like to maintain and hopefully improve upon. Our aim is to provide the ultimate in customer service with a smooth click through shopping experience.”

So, parents of London, get clicking and see what all of the fuss is about. Trust us, the only disappointment will be that they are only in mini-sizes!

CHILDSPLAY CLOTHING (0 – 8 YEARS): 11-13 Clements Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1BH ICE TEENS (9 – 16 YEARS): 8 Clements Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1BA www.childsplayclothing.co.uk

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“We can expect to see a lot of prints in childrenswear in 2014.

From fun, bright, tropical and safari-inspired to more subtle pastel and floral prints, especially floral watercolour prints as seen at Paul Smith and Stella McCartney. It’s a smart laid-back look. ” - Nick Bassi, Childsplay Clothing Founder

childsplay profile

Mi Mi Sol blue bow print silk dress with shoulder ties

£230

Monnalisa irls yellow chiffon studded flower dress

£114

Simonetta Girls Multicoloured circles print dress

£239

Mini Rodini blue elephant print jumper

£43

Armani Junior Boys navy hat and glasses print top

£53

Armani Junior Boys white branded jersey top Dolce

£70

abbana irls floral print cotton skirt

£196

Stella McCartney Junior Boys grey dinosaur top

£37

Roberto Cavalli Girls gold diamante sandals

£202

Gucci Junior Boys navy GG high top trainers

£163

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theo fennell

Š theo fennell plc copyright

oceania bespoke earrings and stacking rings london . 169 fulham road . harrods . burlington arcade . selfridges . royal exchange for uk and worldwide stockists please contact +44 (0)20 7591 5000

My London Lifestyle_aug13.indd 056 FPA - Theo Fennel.indd1 56

www.theofennell.com

14/08/2013 21/02/2014 10:37 11:33

little londoners

PLAY

Little Lads and Ladies can spring into action with the new season of play and party clothes

STATION

Flower and Lace tulle dress

£129

Alan hooded jacket

£38

www.lovemadelove.com

Achille shirt

£36

www.susieandtoto.com

Ecru lace fairy dress

£127

Ecru tulle and lace dress

£118

www.lovemadelove.com

www.lovemadelove.com

Somerset Girl by Alice Temperley sequin dress in gold

£60

www.johnlewis.com

Somerset Girl by Alice Temperley lace dress in pink

£40

www.johnlewis.com

Ralph Lauren seerksucker polo jacket

£210

Exclusive to www.harrods.com Ralph Lauren skinny cotton trousers

£55

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Molo Camellia dress in apple bloom

£38

www.idreamelephants.com

Fuchsia one shoulder chiffon dress

£99

Yellow one shoulder chiffon dress

£99

Ciao Bella t-shirt with brace

Beau Loves Babble pants in sky blue

White, blue and black blazer

www.idreamelephants.com

£42

£25

£96

Black blazer

£105

Beau Loves Raglan sleeve jumper with mint hero mask

£34

www.idreamelephants.com

The Kid Who Owl baby body

by Aarrekid

£35

www.thekidwho.eu

PLAY

STATION

All from: www.lovemadelove.com

Snow Leopard Sweatshirt in pink and yellow by Mini Rodini

£39

www.minirodini.com

Mini Rodini panda onesie

£50

www.idreamelephants.com

Adriana dress, available in four colours

£39

www.susieandtoto.com

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little londoners Burberry Baby Boys navy Bermuda shorts with check turn ups

from £65

www.childsplayclothing.com

Mini Rodini blue elephant print jumper

from £43

www.childsplayclothing.com

Blue blazer with checked waistcoat

£105

ICE Iceberg Boys white sunglasses print top

T-shirt

£37

from £42

Blue trouser with plaid cuffs

www.childsplayclothing.com

£64

All from: www.lovemadelove.com

Little Marc Jacobs Junior Girls grey jersey shorts

from £36

www.childsplayclothing.com

Elisa rompers

£29

www.susieandtoto.com

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Burberry Junior Girls ivory check sleeveless dress

from £93

www.childsplayclothing.com

Stella McCartney Junior Girls grey roses print sweater

from £70

www.childsplayclothing.com

PLAY

STATION

Alba Shirt

£36

Ludovica skirt

£36

Ambra jacket

£39

www.susieandtoto.com

Little Marc Jacobs Junior Girls multi-coloured stripe jumper

from £63

www.childsplayclothing.com

Timberland Boys mustard cotton shorts with belt

from £44

www.childsplayclothing.com

60 M LL

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MAYFAIR STORE 43 Davies Street Mayfair London W1K 4LU

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little london home

WHETHER YOU GO TO THE GARDEN OR THE PARK, HEAD OUTSIDE AND PLAY THIS SPRING Great fun for everyone in the family, these giant rubber dominos are perfect for outdoor play. See how long a dominos tumble you can make

This kite from UK based company Cloth Ears is gorgeous and easy to assemble, as well as being a perfect pocket money friendly price

£20

www.thegreatgift company.com

£3.99

www.cloth-ears.co.uk

This vintage looking push-along fire engine is great for wearing down their batteries! £100

www.aspace.co.uk

Bobo Doll from Lucky Boy Sunday £77

www.thekidwho.eu

All the fun of bowling without the communal shoes and junk food… Take these beautifully crafted and designed wooden skittles on your next trip outside £34.46

www.mylittle square.com/en

This is the perfect play centre for the smaller garden with a tower, sand pit, slide, swings and climbing ladder £429.99

www.johnlewis.com

LITTLE PLAYTIME

Pitch this cowboy wigwam on the common or in the park and be the envy of all the lesser campers. Also available in pink if that’s your thing £79.95

www.lovefrom rosie.co.uk

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Little Londoners email sharon.kirby@ mylondonlifestyle.co.uk to get involved in the next issue

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21/02/2014 12:02

education

THE MAGIC OF MUSIC

M

usic isn’t just the food of love… it’s a valuable educational tool too!

Listening to music isn’t just pleasurable for children; it can also increase a young child’s IQ, according to musician and author Liisa Henriksson-Macauley.

Liisa, author of a new book, The Music Miracle, says that from the moment they’re born - in fact, probably even before that - children love music.

It’s an intuitive love, with more than a thousand research studies demonstrating how music training can boost a child’s intelligence, emotional and social development, and self-esteem.

The Music Miracle stresses to parents of young children in particular how music training - even less than an hour a week - can unlock a child’s full potential.

“Through my extensive collation of research, I discovered that the only activity proven to increase your child’s intelligence is music training started between babyhood and seven,” says Liisa, pointing out that an incredible 96% of brain growth occurs during this period.

I wanted to share this message so parents can find a way to help their children that’s not only fun, but makes a genuine difference.”

Liisa, who has a six-year-old son, put an incredible number of hours into her book, studying more than 1,200 research papers into the effects of music training.

“Some of the most recent highlights include the discovery that early music learning gives babies an advantage in mental age, communication and wellbeing, that it develops the full-scale creativity of preschoolers, and that it directly boosts their language abilities,” she says.

A niversity of Toronto study in 004 was the first to find that music training boosts children’s IQ - six-year-olds given a year of voice or piano lessons saw a significantly larger increase in I than a control group.

Further studies have suggested that the longer a child takes music lessons, the higher their IQ and the better their performance at school.

Liisa is keen to point out, however, that this powerful effect doesn’t

come simply from children listening to music.

There needs to be proper training to make children understand aspects of music like rhythm, melody and notation.

“Just listening to music and expecting to get an intelligence boost is like watching athletes on TV and expecting to get fitter, she explains.

“You have to do some work to get it - but children love learning music, as long as it’s in a fun way.”

To help parents with this music training, Henrikkson-Macauley has produced Moosicology - a pack containing CDs featuring educational audio tracks, a children’s song book and a parent’s guide (available from www. moosicology.com, £47).

However, parents can also try music training on their own; playing babies songs with different time signatures and bouncing babies to the beat of a song, can both improve their rhythm and social skills.

When babies start toddling, they can be encouraged to ‘investigate’ instruments like the piano, and within a year or two they can move to different beats, clap to them, and be encouraged to recognise when one pitch is higher or lower than another.

The better a child becomes at discriminating between notes, the better they become at reading, which is fundamentally linked to the skill of the ear (and is why phonics is used to help children learn to read).

Liisa’s passion for the educational benefits of music training stems from her own childhood in Finland, where children don’t go to school until they’re seven, but parents are encouraged to send babies, toddlers and young children to Musiikkileikkikoulu - a weekly class lasting 45-60 minutes which teaches children music skills.

“The Finnish system doesn’t assume that all children want to become professional musicians, it assumes that children have the birthright to learn all these basic musical skills,” she says.

“Music is a universal language, and learning it gives so many brain benefits.

—The Music Miracle is published by Earnest House, £16.99

”Just listening to music and expecting to get an intelligence boost is like watching athletes on TV and expecting to get fitter,”

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SECUR-FIX ...BECAUSE IMAGE IS EVERYTHING

To enquire about privacy and security glass for your car or home call us today on 0800 756 3542 Secur-Fix – serving Londoners Lifestyles since 1996

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21/02/2014 10:31

Fulmer Grange, Oakeve Ltd. www.oakeve.com

SUPERSTAR DESIGNER KELLY HOPPEN SHARES SOME TRADE SECRETS. TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO A DESIGN HAVEN WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE YEAR’S BIGGEST TRENDS...

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MY LONDON HOME 19/02/2014 20:33

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19/02/2014 17:00

LONDON HOME

LOVES

ROOM I N A BOX

BY WINDSOR SMITH Room in a Box has been making waves the other side of the pond through celebrity endorsements from Gwynnie et al. Everyone has that room that they can’t quite get right, but not everyone can get a designer in to revamp the space. Enter Windsor Smith’s Room in a Box, where clients are able to receive custom interiors through an online service that enables everyone to have “glamorous, publication worthy rooms” for a fraction of the cost of a traditional design service.

So how does it work? You send through a lifestyle questionnaire, images of the room and measurements, and you receive a room illustration, furnishing plan and storyboard, fabric, wall covering and paint selections, and details on where to purchase the items - all sent through in a signature blue box.

Design fees are based on room type and size, and range between $1,250 and $4,800 per room.

Available in the UK from summer 2014.

WSRoominabox.com

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interview

MY LONDON LIFESTYLE MEETS WITH INTERIOR DESIGN MOGUL AND ENTREPRENEUR, KELLY HOPPEN MBE

IN THE DRAGON’S DEN M L L 71

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KELLY HOPPEN WORDS

Brian Claridge

HOPPEN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL flair was evident from an early age. As an independent 16-yearold with a relentless passion for design, Kelly was given the opportunity to design a family friend’s kitchen.

This modest commission kick-started one of the most celebrated and extraordinary careers in the design industry.

ELLY

Kelly’s ever-evolving style is underpinned by a subtly coordinated fusion of East meets West; clean lines and neutral tones, blended with charming warmth and sumptuous opulence.

Kelly is honoured to be the recipient of copious design awards and the proudest point in her career to date came in 2009, when she was awarded an MBE for her services to interior design, marking the pinnacle of her 38-year design career. Other awards include: Andrew Martin International Designer of the Year Award, Natwest Everywoman Ambassador Award, EWAA Woman of Achievement Award, GRAZIA Designer of the Year and ELLE Decoration Award.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Kelly, 53, came to London with her family when she was two.

Being dyslexic has in Kelly’s own words, given her “a visual imagination.” Her late father worked in the fashion industry and her mother has an art/photographic gallery in London. Kelly’s daughter, 30-year-old Natasha Corrett, is an author and founder of Honestly Healthy (an alkaline food company) and Kelly is step-mother to actress Sienna Miller and fashion designer Savannah Miller.

I’ve come along to Kelly’s design studio in Notting Hill to interview the world’s most successful interior designer, entrepreneur and businesswoman. Her international interior design business ‘Kelly Hoppen Interiors’ is currently working on over 40 design projects all over the world and with 38 years experience at the forefront of the industry, clients continually seek Kelly’s unparalleled expertise.

She has put her stamp on homes, yachts and private jets, as well as commercial projects the world over, including the design of aircraft, hotels, restaurants and offices.

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interview

I’ve put my heart into designing the debut collection and tried to make the website as user-friendly as possible...”

ABOVE: From Kelly’s online store kellyhoppen.com BELOW: Kelly at work in the studio Recent projects include Footprints Villa in Barbados, a collaboration with Pearl Motor Yachts and the design of LUX* Belle Mare hotel resort in Mauritius, while celebrity clients have included David and Victoria Beckham and Martin Shaw. “If my clients come back for more, I know I’ve done something right” says Kelly.

Another one of her latest ventures is her newly opened luxury online store, which she launched in January 2014 and features on her website: KellyHoppen.com All items featured in the online store bear Kelly’s iconic trademark and visitors to the site will be able to shop by room or by item, with regularly updated and exclusive style tips. “I’ve always wanted to have an online store and it’s finally happened!” enthuses Kelly. “I’ve put my heart into designing

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KELLY HOPPEN the debut collection and tried to make the website as user-friendly as possible so visitors can browse at their leisure at some of the beautiful items online.” The website marks the first time Kelly has made her full collection of work exclusively available to purchase online. Prices start from under £20 and includes everything from fragrant candles, cushions and mood-setting room sprays to soft, beautifully stitched bed linen in Kelly’s signature taupe colour scheme, and RIGHT: richly contrasting throws in From Kelly’s sumptuous fabrics. Delivery project in is available in the UK and Covent Garden. worldwide.

BELOW: From Kellyhoppen.

Kelly’s name appears on com countless products in the home furnishings market, including bed linen, lighting, wallpaper, paint, carpets, wall art and home accessories, all available worldwide.

Apart from her international design business and affiliated licensing arrangements, Kelly is a dedicated supporter of good causes and champions the nurturing of younger and older British entrepreneurs.

She is an ambassador for the Princes Trust and the Princes Initiative for Mature Enterprise and an ambassador for the Government’s GREAT campaign. She also works making some serious return with UK Trade & Investment on my investments.” She is not mentoring small and medium new to television audiences, sized businesses. having fronted the Channel In addition to her new Five design show, Superior online store and numerous Interiors in 2011. other ventures, Kelly joined Kelly is a prolific author and BBC Two’s entrepreneur show, has written eight design books Dragon’s Den last Summer. “It’s to date, the most recent being a great programme to be part Design Masterclass, which was of, especially as my fellowlaunched at a star-studded investors on the team are fun to party in November 2013. work with and I enjoy anything She has come a long way to do with entrepreneurs and since designing a family new businesses” says Kelly. She friend’s kitchen at the age of 16 has already made her mark on and I ask Kelly what her advice the programme and has her is for budding entrepreneurs. sights set firmly on building a Have confidence and believe successful business portfolio. in yourself. Failure is not an “I enjoy new challenges and option, however if you do fail, get a buzz from helping move on.” entrepreneurs and hopefully Words of wisdom indeed!

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LONDON

interview

LEARNINGS 20 LONDON LEARNINGS FROM: Kelly Hoppen AS TOLD TO: Brian Claridge

THE BEST RESTAURANT: La Petit Maison THE BEST BAR: E&O in West London YOU ALWAYS ORDER: Caipirinha THE BEST COFFEE IN LONDON: Starbucks YOUR SECRET ADDRESS FOR CLOTHES FOR HER: Net-A-Porter FOR HIM: Matches FOR LITTLE LONDONERS: JoJo Maman THE BEST LONDON SPORTING EVENT: Wimbledon THE BEST SHOW IN TOWN: The Bodyguard Musical with Beverley Knight YOUR FAVOURITE MEMBERS CLUB: The Electric

THE BEST GREEN SPACE: Hyde Park YOUR FAVOURITE LONDON HOTEL: Claridges - it’s classic YOU NEED A BREAK, LESS THAN AN HOUR FROM LONDON, WHERE DO YOU GO? Oxfordshire YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION IN THE WORLD: There are too many to pick just one destination THE BEST SPA OR GYM IN LONDON: Your GYM THE BEST HAIRDRESSER IN LONDON: Magdalen Jagri at 10500 Hair Salon, she’s the best at styling my curls TAXI OR TUBE: Taxi. it gives me time to work and reply to emails during the journey

THE BEST PLACE FOR LITTLE LONDONERS: Any London park is great for little Londoners to run around YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF LONDON: West London THE BEST MUSEUM OR GALLERY: The Tate THE MUST GO TO DESTINATION FOR TOURISTS: Portobello Market IF I COULD VISIT LONDON IN ANY YEAR IT WOULD BE: The 1920s BECAUSE: It’s the Great Gatsby era, it had amazing clothes, music and it was very lively IF I WAS MAYOR OF LONDON FOR A DAY I WOULD: Organise parking angels who would put money into the parking meter once if you don’t manage to make it back in time to your car

Interior and exterior shots from Footprints, Kelly Hoppen’s latest project, a luxury beach house located in Barbados.

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SWINGING

LONDON

A 1960S TERRACE IS GIVEN A NEW LEASE OF LIFE BY PASCOE INTERIORS

E

WORDS

mily Taylor

VERY DECADE HAS ITS OWN ‘BLACK HOLE’ TAG, AND

for the 1960s that is definitely architecture. oncrete was the material of the day, and as result the renovation of 1960s properties has become a popular re uest for interior designers such as lare Pascoe.

Through her company, Pascoe Interiors, Clare offers a bespoke style, which combines an eclectic blend of mid-century furnishings with handcrafted contemporary elements. Clare also promotes a Sustainable Design Policy, sourcing from a network of UK and European vintage dealers, British designers and makers, and skilled British suppliers.

One property that Clare was asked to redesign was a 148sqm 1960s terrace on Quickswood Avenue, a short walk from Primrose Hill in London. It had been owned by a Ukrainian diplomat and his family for several years, and was now is need of serious refurbishment and modernisation to increase the feeling of light and space throughout. The original plan was for the family to move back into the property after refurbishment, however due to on-going work commitments in Kiev the post-refurbishment plan was for the property to be rented out in the mid term. This changed the specification of the project and saw the removal of some of the more personal and lavish design elements, and reined in the style and budget to suit the rental market.

Prior to Clare Pascoe becoming involved in the project, some structural redesign was needed to improve the flow of the interior and to allow light into the previously dark north facing rear of the property, through the removal of internal walls, which opened up the split-level design. The architects were AR Architecture, a Londonbased firm, founded by architect Alexander Rakita. Originally from Moscow, Alexander became

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case study Associate Director of Irish based practice Murray O’Laoire, and then established AR Architecture in 2010.

AR Architecture cleverly designed an origami style sloping Sedum roof for the rear living room, angled to capture the last rays of evening sun. The natural realm of the house was preserved and significantly extended through the addition of a green roof and creation of a private roof garden.

The main changes to the property were to reveal and enhance the house’s main existing features, most notably the split level transparent design - by fitting new open plan stairs and adding new openings between the levels to allow light from the bright south-facing front elevation to flood into the previously dark north-facing rear.

Zoning within the property was improved by relocating the kitchen and breakfast area. Light now flows into the formerly dark space through the large fish tank that separates the raised kitchen from the living area. The master bedroom received an additional slot window and the staircase got new openings on both sides.

When it came time to look for an interior design partner who would compliment the space he had created, Alexander called upon Clare Pascoe. Clare was tasked with supplying the kitchen, flooring, window treatments, bespoke joinery and furnishing. Pascoe Interiors’ teams of tried and tested tradesmen were brought in to install the interior elements, to meet the client’s high standards.

The vintage, sometimes eclectic, pieces of furniture and décor perfectly matched AR Architecture’s minimalist spaces by sticking to a simple palette of ash surfaces on the floors, stairs, doors and built-in furniture with white walls and ceilings. The selected vintage furniture was specifically sourced from the 60s era to match the time when the house was originally built. These were interspersed with contemporary elements, as is typical with Clare’s signature mid-century contemporary style, to prevent the scheme from looking staged or slavishly vintage.

The living area features a

The owners can sit on the roof terrace and while away the hours with stunning views towards Primrose Hill and central London...”

contemporary Jones sofa in the luxurious-sounding truffle leather

by Couch Potato Company; a vintage Bovenkamp leather sofa in original beige leather; and the large vintage-inspired three-seater Herbert sofa designed and made in the UK by Pascoe Interiors, upholstered in a mixture of Bute and Moon wool. These are grouped around a Laccio coffee table, part of a nest by Marcel Breuer designed for Knoll in 1924, and a tulip side table by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, both from Couch Potato. A Kaiser Idell Luxus floor lamp by hristian Dell for Fritz Hansen at the Couch Potato Company; and the vandalised Portrait of a Lady from Mineheart add height to the design. The faces cushions are by Mineheart, and the remaining cushions are by Missoni Home. The wall of storage consists of open shelving and closed cupboards, behind which is a concealed desk with space for a large wall-mounted TV and AV system.

Continuing the theme, the dining table is a vast, beautiful oval Tulip Table in Arabescato marble surrounded by an eclectic collection of chairs including a pair of pink ‘Frost’ chairs designed by Stouby at Couch Potato Company; vintage Eames shell chairs and a pair of antique French pink and gold arm chairs from Pascoe Interiors.

This eclectic mix is typical of Clare’s design, and proves that you don’t have to buy a rigid set of six or eight matching chairs, but can simply buy a collection of chairs that you love. If you follow this style in your own home, make sure to choose pairs of chairs otherwise the overall effect can go from eclectic to chaotic very quickly.

Moving into the kitchen, which was imported by Clare directly from the factory in Italy, the design becomes more contemporary, with the simple design comprising of dark and light brown wood units with bespoke ash elements, off set with a composite work surface.

Symmetrical and well planned, it offers a large working area and is packed with hidden appliances and a wealth of storage.

The room style is balanced by

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a stunning Arabescato marble circular dining table by renowned mid-century designer Eero Saarinen from Couch Potato Company. The Kai Kristensen dining chairs have been re-covered in a subtle fabric from Romo. The simple colour palette is accented by the stunning copper reproduction Artichoke Pendant by vintage furniture supplier Made ood, while the pink graffitisprayed Madam Blush portrait adds a bold and daring shot of rebellious colour. The table is set using beautiful hand-made crockery from Melody Rose.

The sleeping area is made up of three rooms: the master bed, and rooms for the client’s sons and daughter. The boys’ bedroom features an original mid-century bunk bed by Dunlop. It’s a rare piece, the likes of which Clare had not seen in her career to date. Throws, cushions and a zigzag ottoman by Missoni Home and duvet sets by John Lewis add splashes of colour to the room. Clare particularly loves the Frost chairs by Stouby, with smart grey wool and multi-coloured buttons, which she worked into the scheme.

The playroom is separated from the bedroom by a full width set of sliding folding doors. Simply set out with shelving for books and toys, the children will enjoy

many hours of imaginative play, while their parents will be glad to be able to easily shut away the colourful chaos of toys at the end of each day. Clare sourced the vintage pine play table from a lot being sold by a school in Wales, and the colourful Alma Chairs are from Couch Potato Company.

The daughter’s bedroom features a bed from Loaf, with throws, cushions and the assiflora rug by Missoni Home. The vintage school desk, by Molten Vintage at Pascoe Interiors, has been painted gold, and the bespoke hand-made Dragonfly chair (and dragonfly wall art) were commissioned from upholsterer Emma Meteslaar of boutique upholstery collective The Makers Yard.

The master bathroom features a Cocoupholstered bed by Loaf and Moroccan brass-topped side tables from Mineheart.

The dressing area is zoned with a stunning leather Concord Chair by Thomas Pederson for Stouby, at Couch Potato Company, and a bespoke tan and cream cow hide footstool was commissioned from Jo Johnson of the Makers Yard.

The window treatments have been kept purposely simple throughout, with the use of light oak wood slat venetian blinds by Pascoe Interiors. Throughout the house, the

use of the same colour colour palette of ash and white gives the house an overwhelming air of calm and peace, and the way the light filters through the slot openings, split levels and open stairs gives it a serene and private air.

The rear garden is bijou at best, fully opening glazed doors and windows on two aspects afford the property an attractive view over the small but attractively landscaped space. The property also boasts a roof top terrace garden, a rare luxury in London, as it offers private outdoor space with a wonderful view. This one boasts a terrace kitchenette for alfresco entertaining and dining, and it has ample space for a dining chair and sun loungers, and it’s also equipped to take a future hot tub. For now the owners simply want to enjoy the peace and uiet above the traffic and prying eyes, so Clare has furnished it with a pair of Eames Shaggy rockers, which sport beautiful sheepskin covers designed and made by the Couch Potato Company to compliment the Eames RAR chair. Here, the owners can sit and while away the hours with stunning views towards Primrose Hill Park and central London beyond.

DESIGNER: www.pascoeinteriors.com ARCHITECT: www.ar-arch.co.uk

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Original, limited-edition Art Deco posters

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned posters feature glamorous resorts along the Côte d’Azur, in the French and Swiss Alps, as well as the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Each poster is printed on 100% cotton fine art paper using traditional techniques and measures approximately 97 x 65 cms (38 x 26 inches).

Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL

Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 georgina@pullmaneditions.com www.pullmaneditions.com

View and buy online at w w w.pullmaneditions.com PE-My London.indd 1

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INTERIORS FEATURE

ON TREND Last issue we introduced you to the Pantone Colour of the Year™: CMYK C: 19 M: 70 Y: 0 K: 0

Radiant Orchid *

This issue in our interiors special, we present a fresh palette for Spring to complement the bright pink colour of the year. From dazzling Freesia yellow to subtle Paloma grey, welcome to Spring 2014. * This headline and block of colour is printed in the CMYK breakdown of ‘Radiant Orchid’

IMAGE: www.farrow-ball.com

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INTERIORS FEATURE INTERIORS ARE COMING OVER A LITTLE WILD THIS YEAR. NOT ONLY ARE FUR AND HIDE THE MATERIALS DE LA MODE, BUT THE TREND FOR ANIMAL THEMED ACCESSORIES IS CONTINUING ...

Black and white square cowhide cushion www.dorisandboris.co.uk

£45

Giraffe printed magnetic wallpaper www.sistersguild.co.uk

£57.50

Savana large giraffe print scatter cushion www.made.com

£40

Cheval chair www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

£365

Silver rhinoceros bookends www.artisanti.com

£27

Owl bottle opener www.oliverbonas.com

£16

Stag table www.houseoffraser.co.uk

£879

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INTERIORS FEATURE

Back to Nature MeroWings forest square cushion www. merowings. com

FROM PANELS TO TABLES, PRINTED FABRICS TO RECYCLED GLASS VASES, INTERIORS ARE GOING AU NATURELLE THIS SPRING

£49

Wooden tray table www.alisonathome. com

£95

Neptune Chichester kitchen hand painted in fog www. neptunefulham.com Groovster desk www.loaf.com

£275

Atelier fern dining table www.johnlewis.com

£599

Hector console table www.loaf.com

£495

Hans Wegner butterfly chair www.johnlewis.com

£999

Recycled glass vase www.johnlewis.com

£5 each

Alpine chic wood and metal coffee table trunk www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk

£420

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INTERIORS FEATURE Loft wood and copper industrial pendant, large www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk

£195

Antler 9 light tiered pendant in black by David Hunt www.aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

£610

Starburst cushion

£15

Embroidered velvet cushion in teal

£35

Both www.johnlewis.com

Bejewelled JEWEL TONES ARE BIG NEWS THIS SEASON, BUT IF THE THOUGHT OF TOO MUCH COLOUR IS A BIT OVERWHELMING, INTRODUCE THE DEEP COLOURS THROUGH ACCENTS

Faceted glass vases www.westelm.com

£24 each

Biba large gold stripe vase www.houseoffraser.co.uk

£80

Bijou side table www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

£245

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INTERIORS FEATURE MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPRING WEATHER AND EMBRACE THIS YEAR’S TREND TO BRING THE INSIDE OUTSIDE

Broste lantern britta bamboo lantern www.scandinavianshop. co.uk

£36

Milano natural rattan eight or 10 seat dining set www.alexanderfrancis.co.uk

£1,995

Orla Keily herb pots www.hintonshome.com

£42.95 Love sofa from Living It Up www.livingitup.co.uk

£399

Crane FSC Garden Studio Sage www.johnlewis.com

£6,995

Neptune Pesaro all weather wicker sofa set, comprising three seater sofa, two armchairs and coffee table. www.neptune.com

£2,370

Circular bench by Moore Designs www.mooredesigns.co.uk

£2,430

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INTERIORS FEATURE

Chevron print cushion in chartreuse www.houseoffraser.co.uk

£50 Abstract two art poster www.xavierandme.com

£48 French two drawer bedside table in yellow www.outthereinteriors.com

£390

Painted metal stool in sulphur www.house-envy. co.uk

Heart print cushion in mustard www.letitreign.co.uk

£40

£55

Flor designer rug www.xavierandme.com

£525

Vendure Yellow no. 148 from Mylands Paints www.mylands.co.uk MissPrint Dandelion Mobile: double duvet set www.johnlewis.com

£60

Yellowcake™ No.279 Estate Emulsion® www.farrow-ball.com

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INTERIORS FEATURE

Pendant light in teal www.aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

£69.50

Rabanna cushion www.fermoie.com

£90

1958 Colbalt armchair www.oliverbonas.com

£585

French four drawer chest of drawers in turquoise www.outthereinteriors.com

Flower skull artwork in canal blue www.xavierandme. com

£695

£48

Blue and yellow book end www.blockdesign.co.uk

£14.50

Amelie Azure wooden candle holder www.berryred.co.uk

Linea French Vintage Collection www.houseoffraser.co.uk

£14

Fish plate

Paulette sky blue wooden candle holder www.berryred.co.uk

£12

£16

Fish dish small

£8

Fish dish large

£10

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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INTERIORS FEATURE

Gisela Graham country meadow Easter wreath www.tch.net

£30

Combination frame for eight pictures www.outthereinteriors.com

£125

Free Spirit pastel photo frame www.houseoffraser.co.uk

£18

Green glass vase www.houseenvy.co.uk

Wool felt cushion with leaf accent www.nutmegandsage.co.uk

£68

£16

Just Be Frame www.oliverbonas.com

£59

Aryclic boat bath in arsenic green www.bedesigns.co.uk

£1,559

Farrow & Ball 2014 collection. Cooking Apple Green® No32 Estate® Emulsion. www.farrow-ball.com

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INTERIORS FEATURE

Giant wall clock www.aspace.co.uk

£70

Purbeck Stone® No.275 Estate® Emulsion, www.farrow-ball.com

Decorative arrow light www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

£35

Gabriella wooden pendant light www.alexanderandpearl. co.uk

£100

Embroidered ammonite fossil cushion www. marquisanddawe. co.uk

£25

Genevie linen napkins www.loaf.com

£45

Parrot table lamp www.houseoffraser.co.uk

£100

Novv sofa www.darwinshomes.com

£1,161

Mole’s Breath No. 276 www.farrow-ball.com

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INTERIORS FEATURE

Borges library cushion www.theliterarygiftcompany. com

£15

Extra large red enamel kitchen light www.tch.net

£60

Mondrian tray table www.made.com

£39

Arts Club No. 281 by Mylands Paints www.mylands.co.uk

Library chaise longue www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

£1,195

Acapulco sofa www.boqa.fr

Raw stoneware vases in soft red www.verynicethings.co.uk

£35

£699

Neon wire candle holder www.oliverbonas.com

£16

Henge large storage unit designer by Steuart Padwick www.made.com

£549

French console table in Helaine www.outthereinteriors.com

£820

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property

property files

LIFE IN THE COUNTRY GET THE BENEFITS OF THE LONDON LIFESTYLE FROM THE IDYLLIC HOME COUNTIES Property prices are surging in parts of the South of England but the London market reigns as the country’s hotspot with values being achieved that have never been seen before. The draw of prime and super prime properties for International buyers has created a unique property hotspot that doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.

The London Lifestyle is something a lot of individuals and families aspire to, but as families grow, the need for more space and a change in quality of life draws many buyers out of the City to area such as Berkshire and Surrey.

Commuter towns like Reading, Maidenhead and Wokingham offer access by rail into London Paddington and Waterloo whilst providing a plethora of leisure pursuits, renowned restaurants and excellent schooling.

Whether it is a round of golf at

Wentworth, a trip to Royal Ascot or enrolling siblings into Wellington College, there are endless amenities and resources in the Home Counties.

Prospect Estate Agents were established 24 years ago and offer extensive knowledge and experience to assist you searching for property in the Home Counties. Our eight offices include locations such as Wokingham, Maidenhead, Camberley and Reading offering a wide range of properties, whether you looking to buy, sell, let or rent. PhD, our premier homes department are specialists in fine executive and country homes, allowing us to cater for all of your property needs.

For a selection of available properties, please contact us on 01628 564 428 or visit www.prospect.co.uk

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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Fulham, W6 A brand newly refurbished three bedroom, ground floor apartment, located in this secure riverside development. The property comprises of an open plan kitchen and reception room with a Juliet balcony, and three bedrooms offering good storage space.

One of the bedrooms is en suite and the other two bedrooms share a shower room. The property also comes with the use of one underground parking space. EPC: D

£650 pw •

• •

(charges apply)

Available furnished, unfurnished or part furnished Available now Underground parking

Hamptons Fulham Sales. 020 7717 5445 | Lettings. 020 7717 5447 *Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/tenantcharges

G095-Display-AD-A4-FUL.indd 1 092 Hamptons.indd 93

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PRIMROSE HILL LONDON NW3 A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED 4 FLOOR TOWN HOUSE PROVIDING SPACIOUS FAMILY ACCOMMODATION OF 2,089 SQ FT / 194 SQ M. THE HOUSE FEATURES A LARGE KITCHEN FAMILY ROOM, OFF STREET PARKING FOR TWO CARS AND A REAR PATIO LEADING TO A COMMUNAL GARDEN. THE HOUSE IS LOCATED ON AINGER ROAD WITHIN 100 YARDS OF PRIMROSE HILL PARK, AS WELL AS BEING WITHIN A FEW HUNDRED YARDS FROM THE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS IN PRIMROSE HILL VILLAGE.

4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS (2 EN SUITE), 2 RECEPTION ROOMS, STUDY/BEDROOM 5, 2 GUEST CLOAKROOMS, UTILITY ROOM, AIR-CONDITIONING, UNDER FLOOR HEATING, OFF STREET PARKING FOR 2 CARS, BALCONY, PATIO,

FREEHOLD

092 Arlington.indd 92 Arlington_DPS_RHP.indd 2

SOLE AGENTS

£2,695,000

COMMUNAL GARDENS.

19/02/2014 20:32 17/02/2014 14:33

Ashdale Park Finchampstead

£565,000 EPC Rating D

Four bedroom family home located within a private cul-de-sac in Finchampstead and backing onto Woodland.

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact Premium by Prospect on 0118 907 0762 or email us at wokingham@prospect.co.uk

Langhams Way Wargrave

£749,950 EPC Rating D

Positioned within a cul-de-sac location in the picturesque village of Wargrave.

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To find out more about this stunning property, please contact Premium by Prospect on 0118 907 0796 or email us at winnersh@prospect.co.uk

19/02/2014 17:24

Knowles Avenue Crowthorne

ÂŁ625,000 EPC Rating D

A five bedroom, neo-Georgian family home located a short distance from the station and village centre.

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact Premium by Prospect on 01344 204 942 or email us at crowthorne@prospect.co.uk

Lower Cookham Road Maidenhead

ÂŁ750,000 EPC Rating C

Luxury two bedroom penthouse apartment with unspoilt views over the River Thames.

www.prospect.co.uk

91MLL1408276_V2.indd 95

To find out more about this stunning property, please contact Premium by Prospect on 01628 564 420 or email us at maidenhead@prospect.co.uk

19/02/2014 17:24

The Barn

Arborfield

ÂŁ2,350,000

EPC Rating E

A stunning barn conversion with accommodation approaching 7000 sq ft on a plot in excess of 2 acres.

To find out more about these stunning properties, please contact Premier Homes of Distinction on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

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Terrys Lane Cookham

OIRO ÂŁ4,000,000 EPC Rating D

A delightful country home set in 11.5 acres with stunning views of the River Thames and beyond.

Pine Avenue Camberley

ÂŁ1,495,000 EPC Rating D

An immaculate detached residence nestled on a premier tree-lined road with extensive accommodation approaching 5600 sq ft.

tact 838 o.uk

To find out more about these stunning properties, please contact Premier Homes of Distinction on 0118 907 9838 or email us at sstevens@prospectphd.co.uk

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My

LONDON LIFESTYLE

NEXT TIME IN MY LONDON LIFESTYLE

MAY/JUNE ISSUE On sale from 30 April

Available at Wanlu Bridal. PHOTO: Jacki Moore

SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE! MY LONDON LIFESTYLE EMBRACE THE START OF THE SOCIAL SEASON WITH OUR SPECIAL ALL ABOUT TRADITIONAL LONDON SUMMER PASTIMES. FROM POLO TO TENNIS, ROYAL ASCOT TO HENLEY, WEDDINGS TO GALAS. DON’T PLAN YOUR SUMMER UNTIL YOU’VE READ OUR TAKE ON THE SEASON.

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PHOTO: Dolce & Gabbana

MY LONDON

UPGRADE YOUR OUTFIT WITH OUR PICK OF SPRINGS NEW ACCESSORIES FROM THE HIGH STREET AND BEYOND

style

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Model is wearing – Isabel De Pedro Dip Dye Jacket and Pencil Skirt

®

The luxury and quality of our clothing and accessories ranges are matched by our exceptional customer service. Our brands include: Isabel De Pedro, Creenstone, Vivienne Westwood, Hoss Intropia, Day Birger and many more FREE WORLDWIDE DELIVERY AND UK RETURNS Discover our unique collection of heritage and contemporary classics at

www.countryattire.com

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14/02/2014 14:56:01 19/02/2014 20:40

style icon “We should expect as much rock’n’roll cool as ever from the world’s most photographed supermodel...”

WORDS

Emily Taylor

PHOTO: Courtesy Mert Alas Marcus Piggott for Play and boy

K

ate Moss has never been your typical supermodel.

Discovered at the age of 14 at JFK airport, she broke away from the athletic models of the late 80s and early 90s and championed the ‘waif’ (or heroin chic) look still favoured by many designers 25 years on.

She has courted controversy in her time in the public eye, with relationships with Jonny Depp and Pete Doherty, stints in rehab, and accusations of encouraging eating disorders.

However, Moss has rarely been out of favour with designers, the public and the media, making her one of, if not the most, successful models of her generation.

In 2007, Moss cemented herself as a style icon for the high street as well as designer couture, with the launch of her first collection for Topshop, which featured pieces inspired by her own style – including the now ubiquitous skinny jean.

Moss has always proven loyal to her favourite designers, something that was proved when she married rock star boyfriend Jamie Hince wearing a gown designed by the then out-of-favour John Galliano. The romantic, rustic-luxe ceremony was attended by A-listers.

Moss recently turned 40 and marked the occasion with a photo shoot for Playboy, a celebrity party, and a gig as Vogue’s contributing fashion editor. With the images from her first photoshoot exhibted at PHOTO: the Lawrence Alkin Gallery in Photograph: David Ross, 2013, it’s clear that Moss is now a cultural courtesy of the Lawrence icon, and going in to her fifth decade we Alkin Gallery should expect as much rock’n’roll cool as ever from the world’s most photographer supermodel.

S T Y L E I C KATE MOSS N M L L 101

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for HER 1. Linea Weekend embroidered white maxi dress, £85. Biba tribal colar, £39 www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2. Megan Ring in Gold, £188 www.byalona.com 3. Dyrberg/Kern Reina Silver Plated Crystal Ring, £65 www.johnlewis.com 4. London Road Rose Gold Diamond Ring, £460 www.johnlewis.com 5. Aamaya by Priyanka Rose goldplated ear cuff, £178 www.matchesfashion.com 6. Two finger chain ring black rhodium plated sterling silver, £109 www.joubi.co.uk 7. Paw necklace, 18 k yellow gold plated sterling silver, £509 www.joubi.co.uk 8. 18karat yellow gold, rose and green gold plated brass ear cuff, £359 www.joubi.co.uk 9. Melissa Odabash gold plated Evil Eye pendant, £72 www.stuartweitzman.com

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10. Belt from new Nina Naustdal Accessories Collection www.nina-naustdal.com 11. Bracelet from new Nina Naustdal Accessories Collection www.nina-naustdal.com 12. Chloé Babeth bracelet, £610 www.matchesfashion.com

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13. Anita Coin Necklace, £380 www.byalona.com 14. Eclectica 1980s Napier Gold Plated Rhinestone Necklace, £325 www.johnlewis.com

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Make a

STATEMENT

UPGRADE YOUR OUTFIT WITH ACCESSORIES WITH PERSONALITY. FROM SNEAKERS TO BACKPACKS, STAND OUT CLUTCHES TO STATEMENT BLING, EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY THIS SPRING

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for HER 1. Linea pink jacquard printed shift dress, £150. Mary Portas white shirt, £59.

Vivienne Westwood coral bag, £225 www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2. Vivienne Westwood ladies Pelletteria purse, £129.95 www.countryattire.com 3. Strathberry of Scotland saddles bag in tatallon tweed, £545.95 www.countryattire.com 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Domo Arigato backpack, £175 www.my-wardrobe.com 5. C.lutch from new Nina Naustdal Accessories Collection www.nina-naustdal.com 6. Clutch from new Nina Naustdal Accessories Collection www.nina-naustdal.com 7. Leather drawstring backpack with double zips, £30 www.asos.com 8. Backpack in satin fabric, £32 www.asos.com

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9. Leather clutch bag with 3D effect, £40 www.asos.com 10. Tortoiseshell minaudiére, £49.99 www.zara.com 11. Printed leather bucket bag, £159 www.zara.com 12. Mary Portas blue no-brainer dress, £99. Pied a Terre white Gemini mini cross-body bag, £99 www.houseoffraser.co.uk 13.Printed leather clutch, £69.99 www.zara.com 14. Leather shopper with laminated interior, £69.99 www.zara.com

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for HER 1.Chloé Chloé point-toe slingback pumps, £540 www.matchesfashion.com

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2. Ostrich skin women’s trainers in tangerine, £1,070 www.dorraj.com 3. Jill Sander navy cracked patent leather high-top trainers, £310 www.matchesfashion.com

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4. Feit high top sneaker, 100% suede, £365 www.doverstreetmarket.com

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5. Balenciaga multi-panel high top trainers, £345 www.matchesfashion.com 6. Shiny ballerina flats, www.zara.com

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7. New Balance suede navy sneakers, £100 www.doverstreetmarket.com

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6 Petrol georgette and copper leather dress, orsage belt, www.nina-athanasiou.de

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HAPPY

promotion PETITS BISOUS HAS A HOST OF NEW LUXURY LINGERIE COLLECTIONS TO EXCITE AND ENTICE THIS SPRING

Having celebrated its first anniversary last month, Petits Bisous - London’s premiere destination for luxury lingerie - has launched spring / summer 2014 with a bang.

Situated on The Kings Road in Chelsea, the boutique was created as a haven for lovers of beautiful lingerie and offers a totally personal and private service in luxurious surroundings.

Since opening in February 2013, Petits Bisous has become renowned for stocking a mix of exciting new design talent, not to mention a host of international labels - many of which are exclusive to the UK - alongside all your favourite, established brands. Boutique founder Esther Fieldgrass also works with many of these designers to create pieces totally bespoke to Petits Bisous, from made-to-measure corsetry, to selecting the finest fabric mixes for kimono’s and sensuous nightwear.

Spring / summer 2014 is no different and sees the launch of several new labels to the Chelsea boutique. Direct from France comes Marjolaine with a line of beautifully crafted babydolls, knickers, robes and slips in pure silk and lace. Meanwhile, Madame Supertrash is set to seduce with a modern collection in delicate pastel colours, perfectly in step with fashion’s new mood for spring. Sumarie Couture Swimwear is another addition to Petits Bisous and continues to thrill with the new Femme Fatale collection, which consists of monochrome bikinis, swimsuits and cover ups, ideal for those seeking fashionable resort-wear for their summer getaways. Another new signing is Scandfit; this designer lingerie is made in the UK, offering fit designed specifically around implants for the ultimate in comfort and style.

In addition, striking collections from the likes of Dirty Pretty Things, ID Sarrieri, Mimi Holliday, Fleur of England and Chantal Thomass have just arrived in the boutique, alongside Petits Bisous’ enhanced Bridal offering for spring, with a wider range of styles and cup sizes now available for brides.

NEW SEASON FROM PETITS BISOUS

, upertrash Madame S 6 5 £ , titch Bra Vintage S g, £38 n o h T ch titch Fren S e g ta in V

Chantal Thomass Tulle Fronce Bra, £100 Tulle Fronce String, £78

Fleur o f Engla nd Blush B alcony Bra, £1 08 Blush B rief, £1 04

Events at Petits Bisous Petits Bisous knows that every once in a while we all need to indulge our wild side, which is why a secret boudoir was created beneath the boutique.

This is where you’ll find Petits Bisous’ intimate accessory collections and where exclusive events are held once a month.

Coming up in March, acclaimed sexual educator Midori returns for a series of salons to enhance your pleasures, relationships and personal satisfactions.

Running from 18 - 20 March, Midori will be on hand for both couples and women only salons, covering topics from how to thrill a man to the art becoming a sensual femme fatale. Not your typical how-to class, you’ll learn Midori’s secret tricks and special techniques aimed at bringing satisfaction in bedroom play for both you and your partner.

Tickets are now available to buy in the boutique and online, with an added incentive of a 20% discount available on all purchases made across the three nights. www.petitsbisous.com 187 Kings Road, Chelsea, SW3 5EB

ings Dirty Pretty Th £88 a, Br y on lc Ba Edie 5 £4 Edie Knicker,

■ For enquiries or to book a personal styling appointment contact 020 7352 7044 or email info@petitsbisous.com

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KIVU Slate and Acai 130 x 130cm Square 100% Silk Chiffon, £285

STOCKISTS www.kivustyle.com Browns South Molton Street London W1

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Kivu is an ethical, luxury fashion brand created by British Couturier Avis Charles—who has worked with leading designers including Vivienne Westwood, Victoria Beckham and Christopher Kane—that is truly beautiful inside and out.

The profits raised from the sale of Kivu scarves and couture go to support women in countries devastated by conflict.

For spring/summer 2014, Kivu scarves, sold at Browns on South Molton Street,

A style statement

Titanium and Putty 130 x 130cm Square 100% Silk Chiffon, £265

draw their design inspiration from the deconstructed pavements of BosniaHerzegovina.

The print is based on the pavements in Sarajevo where mortar bombs landed during the war and left the streets scarred, with marks filled in with red resin that are still there today, called A Sarejevo Rose.

Mortar rounds landing on concrete created a unique fragmentation pattern that looks almost floral in arrangement.

This is the inspiration for these

Mink and Black 130 x 130cm Square 100% Silk Chiffon, £285

beautiful scarves.

Bosnia is where Women for Women International started 20 years ago and this collection marks two decades of work.

Avis Charles said: “For us, Kivu is not just about purchasing stunning clothing; it is a commitment to making an impact.

Sustainable development and corporate social responsibility are not simply vague aspirations—nor are they an ‘add-on’ to the line; they lie at the very heart of the brand and all that it stands for.”

19/02/2014 17:41

NORMAL IS BORING!

le An audience with fashion designer Nina Naustdal is anything but ordinary...

T

he King’s Road has been the hub of British fashion since the swinging sixties, and tucked in the heart of Chelsea in the showroom of Nina Naustdal. Born in Oslo, Nina studied fashion at Esmod in Norway, before moving to the UK and launching her own brand.

Fashion is in Nina’s blood, and she started designing from a really young age with the encouragement of her Grandmother who owned her own fashion boutique. “She taught me all about fashion and design,” explains Nina.

“She really inspired me to start up my own fashion line, and I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be in the industry. It comes naturally to me, and I love to see people look beautiful and feel confident in my designs.”

Nina’s mantra is ‘normal is boring’, and her designs certainly reflect that. Her design signature of “striking gowns and sassy cocktail dresses” stand out in a crowd, and give the wearer an aura of confidence.

“My designs have fitted shapes with strong patterns,” says Nina of her work. “It is all about feminine shapes, from the way I design each stone setting, to the delicate laces that are hand stitched to the bespoke gowns. For my ready-to-wear I use strong prints, which I design, each season. I am not afraid to use strong colours. I would call my designs very unique.

“All my pieces are made in my London atelier, which means that I can oversee every stage of production to ensure that every piece is finished to the highest quality and that the dresses are perfectly cut to fit the female form.”

London Fashion Week in February saw the launch of three new collections from the Nina Naustdal brand: Ready-to-wear AW14, Nina Naustdal Black, and the brand new Nina Naustdal Accessories range.

“The Nina Naustdal Ready-to-Wear AW14 collection was inspired from my travels around the world, reflecting the subtle inspiration from nature to animals.it includes classic tailored pieces complemented with vivid snake and wing prints, and stunning separates in a classic colour palette with highlights of red.

“I am also launching Nina Naustdal Black, which is a collection of evening dress and separates using classic tailoring with a twist. Some of the gowns are embellished with sumptuous feathers, which I love. This collection oozes couture, but has a price point to suit all of my clients.”

All of these collections are styled with the new accessories range, which is just as striking as Nina’s clothing designs. So, what encouraged Nina to branch out into accessories?

“I think accessories are a girl’s best friend.

A lot of people these days don’t go out and buy a new dress for every occasion, they use accessories to style an old one. My Accessories collection has belts, clutches

and bangles, all of which are contemporary, unique and bold. I’m very excited about this new collection.”

All of the new collections from Nina Naustdal are available on her new e-shop at www.nina-naustdal.com

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“You can barely turn a corner in London without coming face to face with David Beckham...”

U

PHOTOS: David Beckham Body for H&M

style icon

nfortunately it’s not usually the real thing. It’s more likely to be a 40 foot high billboard, or a scantily clad ‘Becks with pecs’ staring from a designer brand advert. But we’ll take

what we can get!

When David Beckham broke on to the scene in the 90s, few of us would have thought that nearly 20 years on he would be internationally recognisable as the face of fashion campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands.

From H&M and Police to Armani and Belstaff, Beckham’s fashion flag is flying high, and though he is now retired from the beautiful game it’s clear his athletic physique has a lot to do with his marketability.

Although he may not be playing football anymore, he is still one of Britain’s most famous sporting exports and does a lot for promoting sport for young people - as seen by his close involvement in the Olympic campaign and London 2012.

The brands that Beckham surrounds himself with are classics, like British biker company, Belstaff, who launch their David Beckham collection in March. He has also had sunglasses collections with Police and underwear collections with Armani, as well as sportswear collections with Adidas. So, should you wish, you can literally dress in Beckham brands from head to toe.

With his wife, and last issue’s cover star, Victoria Beckham, a respected and well-established designer, daughter Harper a regular on fashion week FROW, and son Romeo with a modelling career on the horizon, it seems the Beckham’s are the first family of fashion in Britain. And now that they have a London home we can but hope that we will one day turn a street corner and bump into the real deal!

S T Y L E

I DAVID BECKHAM O N WORDS

Emily Taylor

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Exclusive My London Lifestyle reader offer

20% off Alium B SS14 collection Shop at AlliumB.com (add LONDON at checkout) Liberty Print Hannah Dress—£95 91MLL1408159_V4.indd 112

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fashion

SUITS YOU

for HIM

OFFICEWEAR CAN BE SO BLAH - SHAKE UP YOUR WORK LOOK WITH SOME WRIST CANDY

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1. Ted aker cross texture cufflinks, £35 www.johnlewis.com 2. Montblanc blue lace agate stainless steel cufflinks, www.johnlewis.com 3. Simon arter Darwin turtle cufflinks, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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4. aisley vine cufflink, . 0 www.duchamplondon.com

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5. Ted aker double breasted jacket, 0. Linea stripe shirt, 0. New Lingwood pink paisley tie, 40. Howick navy chinos, www.houseoffraser.co.uk 6. Hackett mens cufflinks polo number in multi-blue, . www.countryattire.com 7. New Lingwood blue suit jacket, 0 waistcoat, suit trousers, 0.

Howick Tailored blue gingham shirt, 4 . New Lingwood blue paisley tie, . orsivo pocket s uare, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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fashion for HIM 1. Howick pink jumper, £40. Linea white cotton shirt, £50. Gant blue chinos, £80. Ted Baker blue leather satchel, £210 www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2. Linea navy polka dot polo shirt, £40. Ralph Lauren pink shorts, £100, Penguin block colour rucksack, £43. www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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3. Mulberry Walter natural leather briefcase, £895 www.johnlewis.com

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4. Hackett

K duffle bag in blue, £149.95 www.countryattire.com

CARRY ME HOME

5. Nevada leather messenger bag, £120 www.johnlewis.com

BRIEFCASE, SATCHEL, DUFFLE, HOLDALL OR BACKPACK CARRY ONS JUST GOT A MAKEOVER

6. Ted Baker blue leather satchel, £210 www.houseoffraser.co.uk 7. Barbour leather travel holdall, £279 www.johnlewis.com 8. Ted Baker Aldaya messenger bag in navy, £45 www.johnlewis.com

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for HIM 1. Kenneth Cole grey slim blazer, £250.

Howick Tailored Burnley shirt, £49.

Corsivo blue knitted tie, £40.

Label Lab mauve chino shorts, £45 www.houseoffraser.co.uk 2. Sergio Rossi Kent patent sneaker, £435 www.sergiorossi.com 3. Giorgio Armani suede penny loafer, £495 www.harrods.com 4.

ivenchy floral slip-on sneakers, £425 www.harrods.com

5. Giuseppe Zanotti crystal stripe loafer, £1,010 www.harrods.com 6. Vivienne Westwood beaded strap PVC loafer, £180 www.houseoffraser.co.uk 7. Lanvin high top sneaker. £540 www.lanvin.com

SHOE IN

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DRESS UP YOUR DOWNTIME WITH SOME FANCY FOOTWORK

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N

INA NAUSTDAL WINNER OF THE RETAILER of the Year Award 2013 is passionate about Couture and loves creating dresses that are feminine, special and unique. Her life philosophy is based around the premise that is ‘Normal is oring’ and that is reflected in her designs as she takes inspiration from precious stones to create collections that feature glamorous cocktail dresses and gowns in fluid, jeweltoned Italian silks glittering with hundreds of individually hand-applied Swarovski crystals as well as hand picked exclusive fabrics sourced from all over the world.

Nina’s new Ready-To-Wear collection includes colourful prints in feminine shapes for everyday wear and her new range of bridal wear is elegant, distinctive and very far from boring! Nina Naustdal’s brand also includes Fur and leather, jewellery, accessories and interiors.

All Nina’s pieces are made in her London atelier so that she can personally oversee every stage of production and ensure that each piece is finished to the highest uality and that the dresses are perfectly cut to compliment her clients.

WWW . NINA-NAUSTDAL . COM All products are available to purchase online For all enquiries and to book an appointment email: contact@nina-naustdal.com Tel: 0207 581 9988

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IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE...

LET MUZIKA, SHOW BAND EXTRAORDINAIRE, ENTERTAIN YOU ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

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epending on your experiences, when you think of a wedding band certain thoughts spring to mind.

Cheesy teenage or middle-aged wannabe rockers, massacring your favourite songs, and indulging in lengthy guitar solos. For this reason, more and more couples are opting for a DJ on their big day.

Meet Muzika – the show band that will turn you back on to having live music at your celebration. With a band ranging from 10 to 25 musicians and vocalists, their weddings are packed full of spectacle and jaw-dropping performances guaranteed to please.

Jeremy Horowitz, Director of Muzika, explains the difference between Muzika and your average function band: “One key difference is the amount of time we spend performing. From the minute the first guest arrives to when the last guest leaves, we will be creating an atmosphere that inspires people to have fun. Typically we perform for six to seven hours at each event, but we have so many different skilled musicians that we are able to shake it up and create a different vibe

for each part of the event. We have a huge repertoire, from funk to jazz, big band things like Sinatra and Buble, to international music and chart hits, all of which are performed live by our talented musicians.”

Muzika work with a bride and groom to create a set-list and a performance that is truly unique and representative of their day. And, unlike a lot of function bands, if they don’t already know your favourite song, they are happy to learn a new arrangement for you.

One worry that a lot of couples have is that their guests won’t want to get up on the dance floor – rest assured, this is not an issue at a Muzika wedding: “The idea is that we create a crazy party wherever we go. Some crowds are livelier than others, so if we feel that it’s a crowd that really needs encouragement to get up on the dance floor, we will send the singers off the stage into the crowd and encourage the guests to dance with the singers, who become part of the party. If the crowd is ready to dance the night away, then we’re just there to make sure the music matches their expectations and to make sure they have a good time.”

When you book Muzika for your wedding, you really are getting a real show band, who you know are guaranteed to impress and entertain your guests. Your wedding day will always be a day to remember, but to make the music as memorable as the “I do’s” visit www.muzika.uk.com

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Wanlu BRIDAL

www.wanlubridal.com info@wanlubridal.com Photo by Jacki Moore Photography

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spa IT’S PAMPERING TIME FOR MOTHERS OF THE BRIDE ACROSS THE CAPITAL, WE BRING YOU SPRING WEDDING TIPS FROM ESTHER FIELDGRASS

F

or all you lovely mother’s of the bride, religiously ticking off the days until your spring wedding, it’s time to kick start boot camp mode to whittle your waist, tone your body and give your skin the radiant glow it deserves for the big day.

As the mother of the bride, the duties are endless. Acting as hostess, wedding consultant and, no doubt at times counsellor, I can vouch how easy it is to overlook your own skincare. We spend so much time ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ over which product, what regime and our latest wrinkle, so let me reveal a few of my favourite beauty revelations.

For you ladies, like me, wishing to permanently banish the wrinkles and the crow’s lines (which are becoming increasingly more noticeable post the big engagement news), then Botox is my saviour. Ten minutes is all it takes to smooth prominent facial lines and plump and firm the skin. What’s more there’s no downtime, perfect for keeping your beauty methods for looking great, strictly under wraps! When it comes to ageing gracefully, we know that French women harbour no illusions with their beauty and anti-ageing skincare regimes. Now I’m not saying us British women aren’t drop dead gorgeous, but perhaps we could learn a thing or two from the best. At EF MEDISPA we offer the fabulous cult Parisian Skincare brand Biologique Recherche. Their products and treatments bring over 30 years of innovation and exceptional personalised beauty care.

The P50 balancing exfoliators act as my ‘hero’ product, right through to the £25,000 Haute Couture skincare package. If you can’t treat yourself as the mother of the bride, then when can you!

Next we have the brand new Neckline Define Peel which will leave you with a silky smooth neck and décolleté in your gown and for picture perfect moments, make sure you book a course of hydrating Mesotherapy Treatments, to slim those limbs after hiding

BLISSFUL THINKING them all winter, and the most advanced combination course of Lipotripsy and Radio Frequency, for firming and getting rid of the dreaded dimples.

And last but not by any means least, when it comes to finding lingerie to sit perfectly beneath your dress, trust me, I know how stressful this can be! As crazy as this sounds, I promised myself that I would open up my own lingerie service, after desperately in vain searching for the perfect set for my

son’s wedding. But lo and behold, one year on, my Petits Bisous boudoir has the most divine selection of sensual bridal looks for you and your daughter, and after receiving your essential body treatments, you can pop next door from my King’s Road EF MEDISPA to Petits Bisous and receive a truly pampering bridal lingerie experience with a glass of bubbly or two of course! www. efmedispa.com www.petitsbisous.com

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spa

PAMPER TREATMENTS FOR MUMS RURAL RELAXATION: The name Champneys is synonymous with spa retreats, so if you fancy a more rural avour to your mother and daughter pampering day head orth West for about an hour to the elegant country mansion that houses Champneys Tring. Their Mum and Daughter pamper package runs from March to April and their pricing basically means you book this day for yourself and

bring your mum along for free ou can both en oy a delicious buffet lunch, a thalassotherapy pool session, lu ury manicure or pedicure, an aromatherapy wrap and use of all the facilities as well as access to about different classes. rices start from . Add around and stay overnight for some serious chilling. www.champneys.com

TIME FOR TEA: What do you get when you combine a spa trip with afternoon tea A very happy mum, that’s what. St ancras Spa’s High Time for Tea package is available all year round, but seems to be made for mother’s day. Tired soles need soul-warming and the St ancras edicure will be sure to have you stepping off to afternoon tea on the right foot. A lu urious, pampering pedicure in which the feet are gently

softened and e foliated, before a calming massage hydrates and releases tension in the legs and feet. The finishing touch is an application of nail polish using your chosen colour. eeling revived head over to the very grand Hansom Lounge, where you will be served the deliciously indulgent St ancras Classic Afternoon Tea. per person. www.stpancrasspa.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

SPRING INTO MARCH WITH EF MEDISPA

AS A NEW SEASON STIRS, SHRUG OFF WINTER AND MARCH INTO SPRING WITH EF MEDISPA’S MENU OF TREATMENTS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU LOOK AND FEEL MORE FABULOUS THAN EVER problem areas and make putting on a cut out dress a pleasure rather than a no-go! Packages can combine Ultrasound Technology and Radio Frequency to get your tummy and arms tightened and toned in time for summer.

Cellulite, of course, is the curse of womanhood. 90% of us suffer from tell-tale orange peel dimpling, which is why EF MEDISPA offer exclusive combination treatments that tackle all of its underlying causes; the EF MEDISPA Cellulite Solutions. This unique, four-step process includes Lipotripsy to break up fatty deposits, Radio Frequency to tighten and smooth skin, High Frequency Transfer and Blepharoplasty for eye-bag removal, Mesotherapy to stimulate collagen synthesis it important to find out what is right for you and and Electro-lymphatics to clear congestion and what the alternatives could be. EF MEDISPA offer release water retention. Book your course now a free no-obligation consultation to help you find and, come summer, you won’t believe your out which options are available. thighs!

Got the cleavage but self-conscious about your And for the perfectionists out there who décolleté? Now’s the time to perfect sagging skin really want to better their body and boost their with the EF MEDISPA’s advanced low-downtime confidence, Vaser Lipo provides the ultimate peel; The Neckline Define which brightens and finishing touch. This walk-in walk-out surgical lifts dull and sagging skin. Alternatively, why not procedure is the ideal way to get rid of fat, tighten opt for the G-Factor facial which combines high– your tummy, sculpt your thighs and banish your tech the growth factor serums with collagen boosting wings. Now all you is the new bikini.

A unique One Stopbingo Spa combination ofneed aesthetic treatments with latest medical micro-needling.

This exclusive treatment repairs always dreamt of having fuller or And if you’ve advances andof traditional A unique One Stop Spa combination aesthetic therapies. treatments with the latest medical damage such as sun spots and pigmentation, and more symmetrical breasts, let one of advances and traditional therapies. works to immediately correct wrinkles on the face EF MEDISPA’s highly trained plastic surgeons give and neck. So you can smile and be body and face you the bust size and the confidence you desire.

Call your nearest EF MEDISPA clinic to book your complimentary consultation now. confident in time for summer.

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Spring time beauty at EF MEDISPA is all about peeling back the winter layers and preparing yourself for the summer sunshine. Limbs that have been cosseted in cashmere since October may be feeling shy, perhaps a little softer and less taut. But with a few choice EF MEDISPA treatments you’ll be ready to proudly ditch the black opaques and dream about getting into your bikini!

The changing of the seasons heralds the swapping of wardrobes, so you can say goodbye to your winter woollies and slip into something more comfortable. Some women shy away from the more exposing spring styles; with a fear of exposing less than taut tummies, extra inches on the back, or hips that cause muffin tops in tight clothing. EF MEDISPA offer bespoke combination treatment packages, which can help with these

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29 Kensington Church Street London W8 4LLStreet 29 Kensington Church 020 3582 1270 London W8 4LL

193 Kings Road London SW3 5ED 193 Kings Road 020 3582 1302 London SW3 5ED

020 3582 1270

020 3582 1302

69 St John’s Wood High Street NW8High 7NLStreet 69 St London John’s Wood 020 3582 1305 London NW8 7NL 020 3582 1305

20/02/2014 13:20

FRESH

FACE Definition If going without a bit of eye colour is a bit extreme for you, then fear not. Some of our favourite brands have released some fresh spring palettes, guaranteed to update your look.

From Bobbi Brown’s Old Hollywood eyeshadow palette, perfect for an elegant evening look, to Dior’s Trianon makeup palette, with greens, pinks and browns for daytime pretty. both £59 from Harrods & John Lewis

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PHOTO: Dolce & Gabbana

beauty Get the glow Highlight, don’t cover, is the name of the game, and this lightweight powder highlighter from Dolce & Gabbana gives you effortless radiance as well as a light coverage (£34.50 from Harrods).

For full coverage without sacrificing the radiant glow, try YSL BB Crème Skintone Perfector. With SPF 25, the complexion is protected, and it leaves your skin luminous and fresh.

£38 from John Lewis

Take inspiration from the catwalks and go natural this spring As winter fades into a distant memory, we can clear the dark colours and golden shades out of our make up bags and freshen up our palettes with dewy cheeks and a subtle glow. The trick is to think young - dewy skin, lightly flushed cheeks and wide-eyed innocence. If you’re lacking the natural teenage skin, never fear, as ever there are some great tricks of the trade to help you achieve this fresh faced look.

Flutterby Many of the models on the catwalk rocked a very natural look around the eyes, with minimal eye shadow, liner and mascara. Forego the clumpy wand and enhance your natural beauty with MAC’s 4 Lash falsies.

£10, www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Lip Service Lips are where a bit of colour is injected into this look. Burberry plumped for a gentle rose, but the majority of designers opted for orange as the colour of the season. For a toned down (and easy to carry off) version of the hot colour, try NARS Pure Sheer SPF lip treatment in Paloma, which gives you nourishment as well as an on trend pout.

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19/02/2014 20:54

THE ULTIMATE GOAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING EDITOR JP DE VILLIERS GIVES US HIS TIPS FOR GETTING THAT SOUGHT-AFTER SIX PACK Most people think it’s difficult to get rid of their unwanted belly fat, but actually it’s achievable for anyone. A lot of people want a at stomach and si pack abs but are not willing to do the work re uired to get it. Think of it this way you work hard to achieve your goals at work, so why should your goals for your body be any different They both take hard work and dedication to get there.

So let’s break it down. The fat around your stomach and waist is called visceral fat and is a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, decreased fitness level, poor diet, stress and long working hours. Losing weight and getting fit is not easy, but it’s definitely worth it. Wouldn’t you like to live longer and look good I reckon it’s worth dedicating a year of your life to this. Belly fat is very stubborn so progress can

be slow, but if you stay committed to your goal you will get the results you want. The best way to lose your unwanted belly fat is a combination of weight training, cardiovascular e ercise and a healthy balanced nutrition plan What most people don’t realise is that to lose your belly fat and get a at stomach re uires e ercise and nutrition. Diet is much more important than e ercise, although e ercise is essential. A healthy diet reduces your hunger and keeps you lean and regular e ercise helps you burn more calories and reduces your hunger by controlling the hormones that regulate your appetite.

Therefore, the answer is nutrition A D fitness. ou can’t e ercise your way out of a bad diet

Nutrition

Exercise

■ Avoid processed foods, sugar, refined carbs and saturated fats ■ Reduce your calories.

■ Control your blood sugar by sticking to good healthy carbs such as vegetables, oats, brown rice, sweet potato and pulses.

■ Don’t allow yourself to go hungry Allowing yourself to go hungry is one of the biggest causes of binge eating. If you starve yourself your metabolism will slow down and as a result you will hold onto body fat.

■ Don’t eat two or three big meals in a day. Instead, snack throughout the day, having smaller portions.

■ Control your portion sizes - your protein portion should be the size of your palm and your vegetables the size of your fingers open hand .

■ Get enough sleep - although this might not seem like a nutrition tip, irregular sleep leads to increased stress which leads to unhealthy food choices and a bad diet.

■ Eat natural foods. The best, most sustainable, healthy diet in my opinion is the aleo Diet and is based on eating natural foods that either come from the sea, the land or from the ground.

■ Avoid alcohol, which has no nutrients at all.

■ o late night eating ood is fuel, it’s that simple. If you don’t burn it off you will store it. Try to eat dinner by pm in the evening.

If you get hungry after that have a cup of peppermint tea. Being hungry at night is often emotional eating rather than actual hunger.

E ercise is vital for fat loss, health and longevity and has an immediate effect. Regular e ercise burns energy. The body then replaces this lost energy by breaking down sugar in our fat cells.

Also, when you build muscle, you will increase your metabolism.

Therefore, if you e ercise regularly you will raise your metabolism your natural ability to burn body fat permanently. If you do more e ercise you will get fitter. The fitter you are, the more fat you’ll lose.

■ Start going to regular fitness classes at your gym.

■ ind a fitness boot camp at a local park.

■ Get a personal trainer, coach or accountability workout’ buddy who will push you to get optimum results.

■ Do a combination of aerobic e ercise, intense cardiovascular interval training and compound weight strength training.

■ ou should e ercise an absolute minimum of four times a week, but si or seven times a week is going to have a much bigger effect. E ercising twice a day yields even better results.

■ our workouts don’t have to be an hour and a half long each day. our goal is to do little and often. If you skip one day it becomes very easy to skip another. Even though my own workouts are sometimes as short as minutes, something is definitely better than nothing.

If you change your mindset, increase your motivation, and focus on why it’s important for you to stick to your exercise and nutrition plan you will be successful, and if you follow a healthy nutrition plan and train hard YOU WILL LOSE YOUR BELLY FAT. Be healthy, be happy.

Health Editor: JEAN-PIERRE DE VILLIERS I’m a Peak Performance Strategist. I work with people who are already successful and want to take every area of their life to the highest level. I’d love to bring the importance of health and wellbeing to the magazine and the role it plays in this great city. Many successful people lack balance in their lives due to high demands in their life, and building and maintaining a healthy mind and body has become an important part of living the ultimate London Lifestyle.

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19/02/2014 21:03

MYTH: “CRUNCHES & SIT-UPS WILL HELP YOU TO LOSE BELLY FAT...”

FIRST GET RID OF THE BELLY FAT, AND THEN YOU CAN FOCUS ON CRUNCHES TO MAKE YOUR ABS MORE PRONOUNCED. CRUNCHES WILL HELP YOU BUILD STRONG ABS BUT WON’T BURN BELLY FAT

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19/02/2014 21:04

tech

GADGETS STYLE YOUR BODY TechnoShape can be purchased for £15,500 by calling 0871 998 0022 TECHNOSHAPE IS THE PERFECT LUXURY AT-HOME, FAT-BURNING GADGET, DELIVERING MEASURABLE RESULTS WITH MINIMUM TIME AND EFFORT. THE SCIENCE BEHIND TECHNOSHAPE IS BASED UPON THE FACT THAT IF BLOOD FLOW CAN BE STIMULATED IN A SPECIFIC REGION OF THE BODY THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF PRESSURE, THEN THE RATE AT WHICH LOCAL FATTY ACIDS ARE METABOLISED IN THIS REGION WILL BE ACCELERATED. SINCE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS CRITICAL TO BURNING FAT, TECHNOSHAPE COUPLES EXERCISE WITH PATENTED PRESSURE PAUSE THERAPY TO INCREASE BLOOD FLOW TO THE MIDRIFF DURING GENTLE, CONTROLLED EXERCISE, ENABLING TARGETED FAT BURN. PERFECT FOR BURNING OFF THOSE MINCE PIES THAT HAVE SETTLED AROUND THE TUM! WWW.TECHNOSHAPE.NET

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19/02/2014 21:03

MY LONDO DINING N

WE S LOCAL HOW YOU WH S AND D GO FOR GOOERE THE ISCOVE DF THEY D R SOME PLOOD— A ON’T K NOW... CES

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19/02/2014 21:03

COULD MARCUS WAREING BE THE MAN TO SHAKE UP LONDON’S FINE DINING SCENE?

MARCUS ON MARCUS INTERVIEW: Akasia Carswell

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19/02/2014 21:02

A

s you may have read I'm not really an expert on food; like so many of you out there, I am just a person who adores eating lots of it. So, after three months of waiting, when my exclusive interview with celebrated chef Marcus Wareing loomed, I lost quite bit of sleep.

This is a chef whose name when mentioned to other chefs caused them to lean back or take a step away from me. What is it about Marcus Wareing that makes him such a feared presence in London’s foodie circles?

When I arrived at the Caramel Room at The Berkeley, I was rather nervous.

Random thoughts kept parading through my head, and I couldn't think of anything except Marcus Wareing telling me off. All of this because Marcus Wareing has such an intimidating reputation for excellence and I was afraid I wouldn't make the grade.

I needn’t have worried. It turns out some reputations are exaggerated along the way, and although Marcus is certainly a formidable presence, and he definitely strives for excellence in everything he does, my overwhelming feeling after the interview was how much fun he was to speak to. Read on and see if I’m right.

AC: Tell me about 'Marcus', your new restaurant opening in March, why the overhaul? Were there significant changes you wanted to make?

MW: It was time, I've been thinking about it for three years and now we are here. 'Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley' was delivered in a style that I was used to doing and that our customers came to expect. I have a great relationship with The Berkeley and we knew the time had come to freshen up. Marcus is a complete change in that we haven't put tables and chairs in the usual restaurant structured set up. We changed the dynamic. We have created a space that has flooring of carpet, wood, tiles and everything is handmade.

The space is filled with reflections and images of London. It's beautiful. This is still a destination restaurant but I'd say the menu is much more me. In fact it is the real me, the real Marcus, who I am.

AC: What is a personal favourite dish from the new menu?

MW: Ha! That's like trying to pick a favourite child! I can't pick one.

AC: Why are all of your restaurants based in London?

MW: London is the best city in the world. It's where I've had my opportunities, it's been an organic growth here, we have a great life, my family is here, my work that I love is here, London offers me everything I want right now. I wouldn't want to be too far away from my family or being able to deliver to my guests.

AC: Where do you like to dine in London?

MW: I like to pop across to 'Dinner' by Heston and 'Boulud' by Daniel Boulud.

Both of those guys are fantastic. 'Dinner' is just delicious and clever, I love it.

And Daniel Boulud is my favourite chef, he’s a class act.

AC: Would you open in Vegas or New York?

MW: No. Maybe in the future when I've built my team then why not? My aim at the moment is to open Marcus and work on my new project opening this year.

AC: Which two restaurants would you like to get to this year?

MW: Simon Rogan at Claridges, our sister hotel, I'm looking forward to it opening. And Alan Yau has a new one opening this year. I love Chinese food and I find his restaurants interesting. He is always up to something!

AC: What is the one cooking technique that everyone should know?

MW: There are just so many techniques, but as a basic I'd say you've got to learn to season while you're cooking, not after. It is really important because flavours enhance during the cooking process AC: What ingredient will be trending next year?

MW: No idea, but I will say that in terms of ingredients that 'less is more' this time round. Some chefs try too hard.

AC: I am always looking for Chef de Parties for my clients but they seem to want to shoot up the ladder so quickly. Why? MW: Ambition but it can sacrifice real skill. I would say learn the trade, learn the position, learn what it is to do that job whether it is commis, chef de parties, or any level. What I'm looking for is someone learning the trade at the level they're at.

AC: Name a dish that defines your childhood and when you left home.

MW: Roast lamb. Every Sunday without fail there was a roast on the table.

Then during university life it was lasagne. It's a real comfort food for me. Now I like simple and quality food, like a good steak with a glass of Bordeaux.

AC: If you had to take a ready meal out of your cupboard what would it be?

MW: Well particularly after a really cold, rainy, windy football session with the boys it would have to be Heinz Tomato soup or Heinz Baked Beans. Love them. You can't beat it!

AC: Do you watch food TV? MW: Not really, we have such busy lives. I enjoy running restaurants, I wake up and I look forward to going in to my job. I never want to get up and not go to work. I am as full of energy as I was when I started and I'm 43 and that energy and love for what I do is still there. I'm not a TV person. It doesn't motivate me.

AC: Do you bake with your kids?

MW: We do loads with the kids. They are in a good position and we let them know they are lucky. We didn't grow up like them. Jane pushes all of the kids to do everything they can to the best of their abilities whether it is playing musical instruments, sports or homework. Jake, my eldest, loves baking. He'll get a cook book out and get involved but he really does everything. Cricket, swimming, football and rugby. He asked to learn skiing so I took him to Mont Blanc last year. It was really challenging but now I can ski.

AC: What is on your iPod? MW: I don't have an iPod but I absolutely love LBC radio and Nick Ferarri is a great host, it is confrontational, they get deputy prime ministers on and people like Boris Johnson, he's an intelligent man.

AC: So Boris not Ken? MW: Definitely Boris, he's got some personality. Ken Livingstone is a bitter failure, he wants everyone to be the same, earn the same. Ambition is so important. Earning more in certain jobs, when you work in a certain field, that's life. Some people will be richer than others it's the way of the world.

AC: Can I quote you on that?

MW: Fucking right you can! People don't like it but we wouldn't be here with these opportunities if it weren't for Margaret Thatcher.

AC: What football team do you support?

MW: Liverpool FC. Naturally. Do you like football? What's your team?

AC: Nope. But the person who introduced me to football is a Man Utd supporter so I have to stick with that.

MW: Fair enough but they're going down. It's a shame, they're a good team but without Alex Ferguson they're lost. Alex Ferguson was the only other inspiration to me outside of the kitchen. He took no shit. He was consistent.

He delivered for over 25 years. Everyone in the dressing room was treated as an equal. He was a great leader and a great manager.

AC: We were told you're not really in to fashion but I saw you at The Gilbert Scott in a stunning suit. Do you have a tailor or are they off the peg?

MW: Pogson & Davis are the guys that I go to for a bespoke, made to measure suit. It is a luxury I enjoy but from the high street I love Hackett, they use great material and I think Ted Baker are very good. I only really shop twice a year, when I'm buying a birthday or Christmas present for my wife otherwise Jane is brilliant at getting me sorted. I love when my wife buys something a little different, it gives me an excuse to wear something I wouldn't usually.

AC: What have you done that no one would have expected you to do? Any naked trampolining?

MW: Hahaha! Not yet!

Watch this space, I guess! I do feel quite elated having got to the end of the dreaded Q&A, and that really is down to Marcus. I can't see where his reputation for not having a sense of humour may have come from. His language is very lightly peppered with expletives, he has the elegance and laid back cool of a man completely in charge. Marcus is undoubtedly focused, open and honest. His eyes light up when he talks about his wife and his smile widens when he mentions his children. He is great company and dare I say it, rather opinionated fun. I'd love to see him weigh in on Newsnight!

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21/02/2014 11:53

WHERE THE LOCALS GO NORTH, SOUTH, EAST OR WEST— HERE ARE SOME OF THE WORST (AND BEST) KEPT FOODIE SECRETS IN LONDON WORDS

West

Akashia Carswell

£

—

£ £

THE BREAKFAST CLUB THE KING OF LADIES MAN 5-9 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com Since opening in 2005, The Breakfast Club, a small cafe stuffed with 80s teenage bedroom memorabilia on D’Arblay Street in Soho, has gone from strength to strength. You can find a Breakfast Club in Angel, Hoxton, Battersea and Spitalfields now and very soon can look forward to one at London Bridge. Serving an almighty range of huge breakfast dishes, the enduring popularity of TBC goes on with queues for breakfast at the weekend often hitting a good 40 minute wait.

We decided to try the evening offering and pair it with the fabulously titled ‘King of Ladies Man’ bar, which recently opened at the Battersea branch. Sister bar ‘The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town’ won the London Lifestyle Award for ‘Best London Bar’ in 2013, so the stakes are high. Both bars were named after episodes of Cheers and have secret entrances.

King of Ladies Man offers a rather ‘town hall disco’ vibe which is achingly cheesetastic and reminiscent of somewhere I believe the legendary Ron Burgundy would happily hang his Stetson.

My partner on this jaunt loved it, ordered a Rye Sazerac and whooped his delight, whilst my other guest tried an Espresso martini. Not overly sweet, but not bitter, with a rich smoothness.

We went through for dinner and this is where my tiny problem began. One diner didn’t eat pork and the other rather annoyingly proclaimed he was on a diet (although breaking the rule on alcohol for that Sazerac was worth it apparently).

No Pork Lady fancied eggs (eggs as part of a Florentine/Royale was available) but she didn’t want smoked salmon or a muffin. Diet Guy was trying to do no bread, fries or cheese.

I went with a classic cheeseburger (£10). It came medium well (I would have preferred it a bit pinker but I got over it). It was a great steak burger in a sweet bun with a red onion ring, chopped lollo rosso, gherkin and a slice of tomato. Most importantly it had no sweet chutney gunk that upmarket places put in to: a) ruin your clean and serene burger experience, and b) prove they are an upmarket burger place. No thank you!

I had no room for dessert, which is a shame as they were my guests’ top four favourites. Banoffee pie and ice cream, apple pie and custard, sticky toffee pudding all at £5 and warm chocolate brownie with ice cream at £6 would have gone down a treat.

Fabulously comforting finer diner grub for groups and cocktail lovers, and people who don’t want anything from the menu, but end up guzzling it all down anyway.

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food

South West

£ £

SUGU 401 Durnsford Road, Wimbledon Park, SW19 8EE www.suguchocolates.com

Street Food

£

MR MUFFIN www.mr-muffin.co.uk In spring 2013 Ben Pearce put on his apron and stepped into the role of the muffin man. Based in Forest Hill, Ben combines his creative process from architecture and his love of seasonal variations in produce to develop a line-up of muffins that changes throughout the year.

He quickly discovered that there is a huge difference between ‘regional’ seasons and ‘national’ seasons. For example, English tomatoes are available in May, but those grown in London aren’t ready until August. He therefore started to consider more carefully where to source his ingredients – and now cycles to Brixton and Crystal Palace to buy fruit and vegetables grown there.

Ben also wanted to explore what else could be done with muffins. After first developing a sweet range, he went on to create innovative savoury options including sausage and chilli jam, broccoli and garlic and Colston Bassett and blood orange Jelly. Chocolate & Salted Caramel remains a bestseller, and his first gluten and dairy-free muffin (banana, honey and dark chocolate) has also proved a hit with customers.

Finally, Ben wanted Mr Muffin to be a bikepowered business. As a keen cyclist its not that he needed an excuse to get on his bike – he simply felt it was unnecessary to transport a few trays of muffins by van. His experience of commuting by bicycle in London showed him how advantageous it can be – the ability to cut through traffic and no need to worry about parking or dead ends. He has since adapted his bike so it can serve as a market stall as well as transporting up to 200 muffins at a time to customers. Yummy!

I love a bit of good chocolate. It is part of life.

Chocolate is a stand-alone food that needs no other adornment.

When I heard that I was about to visit two chocolatiers, with a fine dining background, who created bespoke chocolate, well, quite frankly I almost popped my clogs with joy.

SUGU - Su and Guy - are a brother sister team who have trained and worked together in some of London’s most celebrated kitchens, including The Ritz, Claridge’s, Roux Fine Dining, No 1 Lombard Street and Directors Dining with Credit Suisse. Pretty impressive credentials.

In their Wimbledon Park store and workshop you will find a stunning range of up to 30 different flavoured artisan chocolates to pick and choose from including special guest chocolates every month, boxed selections, chocolate slabs, chocolate bars and lollipops.

Amongst the flavours available are the wildly popular ‘Tonka Bean’ - white chocolate and tonka bean ganache with a mild vanilla push.

A customer from outside of London pays a

weekly visit to pick up his fix. Other popular flavours are a white chocolate and pineapple ganache, banana caramel surrounded in milk chocolate, and a rather surprising bitter dark chocolate with honey. I try the mandarin caramel, a dark chocolate treat that looks like a dazzling constellation amongst the nighttime.

I bite in to it and the pop of mandarin is distinctive and my taste buds go into overload.

The smooth richness of the chocolate melts in to the caramel and lingers beautifully.

With new flavours each season, Mothers Day and Easter around the corner, I would strongly suggest popping in and taking a look.

Central

£ £ £

THE BAR AT LANES OF LONDON 140 Park Lane, W1K 7AA www.lanesoflondon.co.uk Hearing our ridiculous January dietary requirements (including no alcohol) our server Brioni excitedly recommended a non-alcoholic cocktail - the Garden of Eden, raw egg white (think of the collagen!), Lebanese seven spice syrup, lemon juice, apple juice and rose water, shaken and served like a sour. It was fresh and tangy. The warmth of the cardamom, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon against the super healthy fresh apple juice, lemon and rose water made this incredibly moreish and something that I would drink in festive winter or iced heavily in summer. It really is so wonderful to get a non-alcoholic cocktail that wasn’t just a fruit juice mix. Francesco, the bar manager, strived for this when he put the menu together so the non-alcohol drinking guest felt a sense of inclusion amongst the boozers. We were so impressed we asked to try another non-alcoholic cocktail - Chai Wallah (love that name!). I’m not calling these mocktails as there has been as much thought to producing a non fruity, grown up drink for the tee total as there has been for those who need to loosen their ties and unwind at a bar. The Chai Wallah smelled of cinnamon and tasted like the lightest of effervescent ginger beers.

I really wanted to try the chai syrup in the Maharaja Punch (£18.50!) mixed with Hennesy vsop, fresh lime and ginger juice, pomegranate seeds and aromatic tea but held back from temptation. I believe it is called a ‘punch’ because the price could make your eyes water but as the ingredients are top shelf, you pay for what you get.

The cocktail list is sprinkled with inspired exotic mixes and the menu offers cocktail pairing with dishes.

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Central

£ £

CAROM 100 Wardour Street, W1F 0TN www.meza-soho.co.uk .

Carom at Meza, is situated on the ground floor, tucked away past the tea light lounge serving Pan Indian food. Self-titled foodies look away, yes we said Pan Indian, but you will still like what they do because it tastes great.

For example the achaari tikka - turkey breast, pickling spices with a cranberry chutney, tandoori parsnips in turmeric, honey, spices and mint chutney (V) (£4.75) and the sultani paneer tikka - Indian cheese marinated in saffron yoghurt with a beetroot pachadi - all have a ‘should try’ appeal. A sharing special included The Grande Feast, lobster Kerala curry, dal makhani, butter naan, chilli squid, saffron pilau rice, pappadum, sauces (£59.00) which sounds rather incredible too.

Small plates £2.20 to £6.95 are NOT SMALL. Not a bad mistake to make though, as the Hara kebab, more of a patty of potato, green pea, crispy fried spinach and tomato chutney (v) (£3.75) with a gingery dressing was superb.

I could eat three more. Kodi vepudu - chicken, cashew nuts and red chillies came in gravy and was not hot and dry as I expected. It smelled amazing on arrival in a sizzling dish. The chicken is not marinated but tandoor’d, then added to a pan and thick and flavourful sauce.

Carom will suit a mid range budget (set menu £45.00 with wine) and with foot high flames from dishes like the Gin Sizzler and metre high glass cylinders of beer carrying eight pints to take pictures of, the pre theatre groups, Soho’ers celebrating birthdays and couples on dates are chattering away and getting stuck in.

WHERE THE LOCALS DON’T KNOW Central

£

LANES OF LONDON 140 Park Lane, London W1K 7AA www.lanesoflondon.co.uk The idea for Lanes came about from wanting to offer authentic street food in a casual comfortable environment. We arrived on the first day of Lanes opening, usually a time when often neither staff nor writer wants to experience the other. We sat down and gave the menus a quick scour, my husband peering over at me in a way that suggested it would be my fault if I ordered like a banshee and ruined his January diet. I studiously ignored him.

The menu is split into five sections including Portobello Road (beef brisket sliders, hot dog) Brick Lane (Butter chicken, paneer pakoras) Edgware Road (Falafel) and Kingsland Road (Pho). There were also British staples like chicken liver pate confit, duck hash and half a pint of prawns. I didn’t have a good feeling; it was the dreaded international menu.

Brioni our server was confident and full of recommendations of dishes that she liked. I was pipped to the post on my usual questions and it was wonderful to hear someone talk about dishes they feel genuine about. She recommended a slew of sharing plates. Although we were told the dishes were small I found that not to be the case when the plates arrived.

We plunged in to the menu ordering a traditional Indian staple, the samosa chaat. What an incredibly comforting dish. The spices were light, the potato and vegetable samosa deep fried, but not greasy. The chickpeas beneath were covered in a rich smooth curry sauce and tamarind, sprinkled with pomegranate. No ingredient overpowered the next and I still remain excited by chef Anshu’s delivery of this simple but often over spiced and heavy dish.

Roi dudu (£5.90) - this Vietnamese gem of a salad is served as you’d find street-side, albeit on a plate. It’s pungent, not too sweet, and extremely well balanced again.

Soft shell crab, over green apple, lemon-soaked carpaccio of fennel, tiny strips of red pepper and candied walnut salad was a vibrant combination.

Ok, so panic over. Lanes of London manages to deliver excellence across so many styles of cuisine. In my mind this is largely because they have executive head chef Anshu Anghotra. His superb background and attention to detail allows Lanes to succeed effortlessly where many establishments have failed.

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food

Central

£ £

THE WHIP The Running Horse, 50 Davies Street, Mayfair www.therunninghorselondon.co.uk The Whip is situated above Mayfair’s oldest public house, The Running Horse on Davies Street. They showcase a fun menu of serious juleps served in traditional pewter cups, all at £10 across two menus, one of seasonal variations and a menu of classics. Gin and vodka feature heavily in their drinks, direct from James’ family distillery, Chase, and some, including the whisky Julep, are mixed with honeys from their very own bees instead of just sugar.

They were, as expected, fantastic. The Whip was sweet, herbal and rather strong, and The Winter Julep with Plantation Gran Anejo, lemon juice, tawny port, simple syrup, angostura bitters, grated nutmeg, soda water was our clear winner.

Upholstered in bright, handmade jockey silks and vintage furniture that was once housed in the Ritz in Paris, this rather petit drinking spot in the heart of Mayfair is set to attract a glamorous cocktail crowd. Book ahead and reserve a table if you can.

West

£

PROVENANCE, THE VILLAGE BUTCHERS

West

£

FISHBONE POP UP Kensington Place, 201 Kensington Church St, W8 7LX www.kensingtonplace-restaurant.co.uk Fun, quirky and very laid back, the private dining room of popular fish restaurant Kensington Place has undergone a quick costume change until the end of March.There are 12 items on the menu and we order everything except the battered haddock and little gem salad.

Salmon doner (£7) is sashimi of meltingly tender confit of salmon extremely delicate in flavour. Scallop dog is finely ground meat the consistency of a hot dog, which I don’t quite get until I am acquainted with the sauce vierge, cucumber and brown shrimp topping. Mixed ground tuna with soy, sesame and mirin makes up a wonderfully seasoned burger (£8), prawnish pasty (£5) is delicious, full of creamy leek sauce, buttery pastry. Fried wings (£6) are piping hot, crispy, chunks of skate served with a spiced red pepper mayo, utterly delicious. Fennel salad is light, I would have liked more acidity in it to balance out the fish dishes and the onion rings are the best I’ve had in years, maybe ever.

Obviously this food is coming from highly skilled chefs and a well-oiled kitchen. In the entire time we sat we did not see a slice of lemon. Isn’t that unusual for a fish pop up? Testament I believe to the top notch freshness and quality. The food is practically perfect and a really great pop to try.

33 Kensington Park Rd, W112EU www.provenancebutcher.com I love having friends over for a late weekend lunch, so when I was lucky enough to have New Zealander Erin Hurst put on my radar I eagerly schlepped from Clapham to Ladbroke Grove to see what the fuss was about.

Having moved to the Notting Hill area 15 years ago Erin worked at Diageo until recently when she opened the doors at Provenance. Erin is full of earnest enthusiasm when I arrive. She does not underplay the importance of her team, the support of her family and her customers who more often than not become regulars, who enjoy the banter in the super friendly, kitchen style environment.

I left with a chicken, ham and leek pie £10.95 and three different cuts of grass fed Wagyu beef, rib eye 200g , oyster blade (butlers cut) 200g and fillet 160g for my guests on Sunday. I did nothing other than follow the simple rules I was given and my guests thought I was a genius. The beef was rich and the tenderness was very apparent when we watched our guest hold his newborn son in one arm and cut the Wagyu steak on his plate with his fork with minimum effort. All of the cuts are swooned over with favourites splitting opinion. I will say I don’t usually enjoy fillet, it needs a sauce I feel but this had much more flavour and we ate it rare. The pie was something else. Perfectly cooked chunks of flavourful chicken in a superb leek sauce delicately flavoured with the bacon. The pastry was flaky and not thick, it was an excellent foil for the steaming filling. Seriously good.

What I found even more enjoyable than being heralded a fabulous cook after we ate was reflecting on the prices for what I was given. You could always spend more but you really needn’t. If you’re going to buy free range or organic then Provenance isn’t likely to cost you anymore than a superstore and you don’t get the chemicals!

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review

The Fizz Bizz LAURENT-PERRIER PRESENT A SPARKLING QUARTET DINNER AT THE WESTBURY HOTEL, MAYFAIR

I

was very excited to be invited to a 'Sparkling Quartet' dinner at the 5-star luxury Westbury Hotel in Mayfair, London. Opened in 1955 by the poloplaying Phipps family it now boasts unrivalled fine dining cuisine and is the only hotel in the UK to actually have three Michelin-starred chefs under one roof: Show Choong, Alyn Williams and Brian Fantoni. The final chef of the evening, Eric Chavot, completed the quartet, and we were ready to begin.

The Sparkling element was provided

by Laurent-Perrier and dinner was just as effervescently co-hosted by both David Hesketh and Westbury Hotel General Manager Ashley Shaw.

Hesketh is Managing Director of LaurentPerrier, he became a Master of Wine in 1998, and started with Laurent-Perrier in 1996.

He has been running Laurent-Perrier (LP) in the UK since 1999. Prior to that he worked for The Sunday Times Wine Club / Bordeaux Direct and Grants of St. James's.

The LP house believes that champagne, whilst being renowned as the celebratory

drink of choice, is perhaps overlooked when it comes to pairing with food. The extensive range of Laurent-Perrier enabled us to experiment pairing champagne and food to complement each other to enhance our meal.

The food served was, of course, absolutely impeccable. It was fun and a lovely privilege to get to taste so many different styles. From the freshness of the delicate sea urchin and shrimp, to the tartar’s inspired dressing and masterful combination of flavours, the dishes the ever so humble and rather shy Choong created were sublime.

Brian Fantoni's simple-sounding halibut dish was a real guest pleaser. The almonds and chanterelle added deepness to the buttery halibut prompting a few to proclaim this best dish of the night.

Alyn Williams wowed us with his plate.

Delivery of a small tilted glass bowl of dark chicken meat in a bright green leek and chicken broth was heartwarming and that alone brought silence to the table.

Chavots desserts were small and perfectly formed triumphs. The almond cake crumbled

David Hesketh in my mouth, the macaroon particularly beautiful, luminous like a smooth pale silver moon. I thought the Goddess Artemis might come to snatch it back. Filled with a smooth, firm quickly-dissolving vanilla crème, which allowed you to pick it up and bite it without breaking a bit of the shell.

Swooning too much? I don't care, it was all fabulous, a great idea for a stupendous dinner party. Roll on some significant celebration so I have an excuse to do it all over again! It's not geared to everyone's pocket, least of all mine sadly, but if I could, I would I would I would!

The private dinner is available to book with a six-person table at £275 per person including champagnes and coffee.

For further information on booking the 'Sparkling Quartet' call 020 762 9775 or email conference@westburymayfair.com.

The Westbury Hotel Bond Street, Mayfair, W1S 2YF

WORDS: Akashia Carswell

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promotion

S

Spring Fling

EMBRACE THE NEW SEASON WITH PERFECT PAIRINGS FROM THE FRENCH WINE PROJECT

WORDS

Rae Adam

pring is an exciting couple of months: Easter brings the season of chocolate and lovely spring lamb; mothers everywhere rejoice as they get a day where they don’t have to lift a finger and it is officially the time when that first bottle of ros can be cracked open, a sure sign of better weather! So here are some of our favourite wines to help celebrate spring.

Being chocolate fiends, it is only apt that we had to find the best accompaniment when it comes to anything to do with the cocoa bean. Whether it’s milk or dark chocolate, a gooey fondant, or our own family recipe for mousse au chocolat, there is nothing that goes better with all of the above than a glass of Mas Des Caprices Grenat (£13.99 a bottle). Made from the Grenache grape, this dessert wine is perfect for anyone with even a mildly sweet tooth. Aromas of red fruits and caramel along with rich and velvety ripe red berry avours, it is the devil in disguise, only this is biodynamic, so this little devil has a halo. If you have a mountain of Easter eggs to eat, you may as well go the whole hog and really immerse yourself.

Lamb is one of our favourite meats, as it is so versatile, and spring is the time to really enjoy it at it’s best. As lamb is usually uite strongly avoured, a good hearty and robust red will go perfectly with it, especially if you are eating it roasted or in a stew. But if you are dining on more tender and subtly avoured spring lamb chops, then something more fruit led and a little lighter will match perfectly.

Our favourite is Domaine Des Lauribert Côtes Du Rhône Tradition 2012 (£8.99), a deliciously fruity balance of red berries, and a bit of blackcurrant, with lovely soft tannins.

For something more hearty, we can’t get enough of Chateau La Croix Davids Bourg 2010 (£16.50). With aromas of plum, blackberry and black cherry, making you want to dive into the bottle, the avours are e ually magnificent and beautifully balanced with a smooth and velvety finish.

For Mothers Day, mums everywhere are hopeful that they will not only get a day off from doing pretty much anything, but also that the sun will be out. I personally hope for a day where I can sit outside, and for at least an hour, relish in some peace and quiet under the watchful eye of the big yellow stranger in the sky. Next to me, an ice bucket with a bottle of something very cold, either in the form of sparkles or with a hue of pink. For me, this is spring.

So you cannot go wrong with Chateau Haut Canteloup Rosé 2012 (£8.50). If you think you don’t like ros from Bordeau , you definitely haven’t tried this one. Dry, light and refreshing with subtle hints of strawberry, it is a perfect all rounder.

A superb sparkling that won’t disappoint is Chateau Des Tourtes Philippe Raguenot Cremant (£12.50). If you don’t have the budget for champagne, but don’t want to compromise on uality, this is a great choice. resh and dry with lots of fine bubbles, which will definitely bring a big smile to any mothers face. Happy Spring!

All wines from www.thefrenchwineproject.com ■ For all readers of My London Lifestyle magazine, add the code MYLONDON for an exclusive 10% off through March and April (offer only applies to non sale items and ends Sunday 27th April)

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THE RECIPE CHRIS UNDERWOOD SHARES HIS RECIPE FOR SPICED EASTER BISCUITS - PERFECT FOR FAMILY BAKING Chris Underwood, head pastry chef at The Five Fields, works in collaboration with chef patron Taylor Bonnyman and head chef Marguerite Keogh to offer elegant and playful modern British cooking, with an emphasis on native British artisanal produce.

Having worked in some of the finest kitchens in London, New York, Paris and Copenhagen the kitchen at The Five Fields brings together its influences to create contemporary, seasonally focused, and ingredient led dishes. The food balances luxurious indulgence with delightfully fresh simplicity. www.fivefieldsrestaurant.com

The Chef: CHRIS UNDERWOOD Chris Underwood, aged 33, is head pastry chef at the BMW Square Meal Best Restaurant, The Five Fields. He has come to the Chelsea restaurant via some very special kitchens, including Tom Aikens, Alan Muchison, Claude Bosi and Michael Caines to name a few.

Deeply influenced by his mother and grandmother, Underwood always loved baking. As a child at the weekends he would bake and roleplay his own afternoon tea scenarios – it seems he has always wanted to do fun things with pastry.

You don’t get to Underwood’s position without pushing yourself hard, and as a result he has a quietly competitive streak; even now his pet peeve

is the thought of his big sister having an edge on him when it comes to fruitcake.

The talented Underwood explains that baking isn’t all that hard, you’ve just got to start with something easy. He has good practice when it comes to teaching beginners, as in the past he has gone to children’s schools and done baking classes with them. He cares a lot about getting children to eat the right things, not necessarily something you associate with baking, but Underwood’s recipes often use sweet potato, beetroot and other vegetables in his desserts.

His father is an artist and Underwood learnt freestyle drawing skills at a young age too. This

is reflected in his very grown up work at The Five Fields and how precisely beautiful his dishes are.

The influx of so many food shows and TV shifting its focus to baking, all under pressure to get it perfect has Underwood conflicted. It gets people enthusiastic about trying more baking, but he hates to see others under so much pressure.

He aspires to have the ultimate cake shop where kids can open hatches and see gorgeous stack of cakes, or smell bread baking and get to see how baking works. It’s a fabulous vision and one borne out of sharing creativity, passion and love.

His enthusiasm for wanting others to join in with a craft he loves is wonderful.

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food

SPICED EASTER BISCUITS INGREDIENTS 200g butter

1 tsp mixed spice

150g caster sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 whole egg yolks

2-4 tbsp milk

400g plain flour

100g currants

Beat the sugar and egg whites until soft and white.

Slowly add the yolks one by one, beating in between and scraping the bowl to ensure everything is mixed in.

Sieve the flour into the mixtures in three stages, mixing in between.

Add the mixed spice and cinnamon.

Mix until it just forms a dough, then add the currants. Be sure not to overmix.

Refrigerate mixture for half an hour.

Roll dough out onto a floured surface and use a cutter to get the required shape. Place raw biscuits on to baking paper and cook at 160 degrees for around 10-14 minutes depending on the size of biscuit.

Allow to cool, then enjoy!

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veganuary

MYVEGANHELL? GOING VEGAN FOR A MONTH WASN’T PLAIN SAILING... ...BUT WAS IT WORTH IT?

"D

on’t go vegan overnight.”

That was the advice given to me when I started flirting with the idea of veganism in November. “Ease yourself in by going veggie, and then gradually cut out dairy and eggs.” I smiled, nodded, and completely disregarded the advice, deciding to take part in Veganuary instead, (a campaign along the same lines as Movember, except with fewer moustaches and more soy).

Going vegan, even for a month, was a brave choice for me. Mainly because of some pre-existing medical conditions, namely type one diabetes and IBS. For once, my diabetes wasn’t an issue when trialling a diet, which was nice. However, my body’s aversion to pulses meant that for the majority of January I looked more than a little pregnant thanks to chickpea bloat. TMI? Tough.

As I sit here writing this at the beginning of February, I can safely say that a Vegan life is not the life for me. But please don’t conclude from that statement that I had a bad time of it, rather that for someone who eats out a lot for work, and who has chickpea induced IBS, being vegan is a literal pain in the backside.

(Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

However, if I removed both of those factors, being a vegan would definitely be an option for me.

I prefer to end on a high note, so let’s start with the negatives of my vegan experience. Firstly, that chickpea problem. You would be amazed how many vegan recipes

involve chickpeas, or similar pulses. They are a great source of protein and fibre, which is useful, but for me, not ideal. Not being able to eat hummus and falafel also limits your options when eating in restaurants. Which brings me on to my other major complaint about the month: eating out is nigh on impossible. Admittedly in London, life is a lot easier, but I live in the burbs, where vegan options are few and vegan restaurants don’t exist. Apparently country folk like their animal produce. This resulted in me sitting in the corner eating edamame beans and quaffing fruit juice, whilst my friends indulged in steak and wine. Oh yeah, wine. Did you know wine isn’t vegan? WINE. No one told me this until I had committed to the whole month.

Luckily, there are vegan-friendly wines, otherwise this review would be an empty double page spread with “Veganism?

RUBBISH” written on it. (NB: I am not an alcoholic, but take away my meat and chocolate and you better damn well give me something else to enjoy!)

All of that aside, being a vegan opened my eyes to a whole new way of life.

One where I was a lot more focussed on what I was putting on my plate and into my body.

There were a couple of days where I was forced by necessity to be vegetarian rather than full on vegan (restaurants, round at the in-laws), and on these days I noticed a real difference in the way that food tasted—I had never really noticed that butter does actually taste like fat. Don’t even get me started on what bacon tasted like after a month of no meat.

Cooking at home was slightly problematic as my other half is a Meat Man, but we got around it, and I think the experience

You will get hungry at first [so] embrace new forms of protein, such as tofu, pulses, nuts and soya...

Edamame beans are a favourite for me! 20g of protein in one big serving.

But vegan-friendly peanut butter was an amazing discovery too... may have opened him up to meat-free dishes.

Cooking vegan-style involves a lot more chopping, but it’s also more exciting and much more varied. Stir frys, chillies, and stews are all brilliant to cook. My personal saviours were vegetable fajitas, and a cheeky little recipe called Chille Non Carne (lots of veg and a dash of peanut butter).

The main issue is making sure that you don’t end up reliant on carbs to fill you up (you will get hungry at first), and embrace new forms of protein, such as tofu, pulses, nuts and soya.

Edamame beans are a favourite for me—20g of protein in one big serving—but vegan-friendly peanut butter was an amazing discovery too.

Could I be vegan long term? No, particularly when you bear in mind that I wasn’t even a proper vegan (I wore leather shoes, I didn’t check my makeup and skincare products).

However, vegetarian? Yes, probably. I won’t be embracing the full on vegan diet going forward, but I enjoyed the variety that vegetarian/vegan cooking brought to dinnertime, and I’ll certainly be limiting the amount of meat I eat. So Veganuary, you have gained a semi-supporter.

Better than nothing!

WORDS: Emily Taylor

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DEFINITION: 'Vegan' [vee-guhn]– A person who does not eat or use animal products

TOP TIPS ■ READ THE SMALL PRINT: Nutritional information is now your new best friend. Luckily most things list if they contain milk, cheese, eggs etc. as they are common allergens ■ SOME DARK CHOCOLATE IS OK: High cocoa solids only, people!

■ QUORN: This is not vegan friendly. Beware!

■ ASK FOR HELP: Whether from online resources or helpful vegan friends, help with everything from menu choices to dietary

complications can be the difference between a great experience or giving up within a week ■ CHAIN RESTAURANTS: Or in fact any restaurant with an online menu. Wagamama is particularly good—you can select vegan as a diet on their interactive online menu ■ DON’T STRESS IT: If you’re just starting out, don’t worry if you accidently eat something with milk in; notch it up to experience.

WHY SHOULD WE BE VEGAN?

Veganuary, as the name suggests, is the concept of going Vegan for the month of January. You may ask why, and in fact nearly all of my friends and family did ask this question. The answer is threefold: environment, health and saving animals.

Fun fact: one person can save 10 animals by going vegan for a month. If you’re a vegetarian who doesn’t eat meat because of the ethical implications, I would seriously recommend considering veganism. After all, it’s not just the prancing lambs and grass-munching cows that need help; egg laying hens spend their entire life crammed together, each getting less space than an A4 piece of paper. I grew up with chickens (free range, organic, middle-class chickens to be precise), and though they might seem stupid, they’re intelligent animals with their own personalities. So from an ethical point of view, veganism is a no brainer.

So what about the environmental benefits One word greenhouse gasses.

The nited ations ood and Agriculture Organisation has concluded that ‘Livestock are the second biggest source of global warming gases, producing 18% of the overall total.’ To compare, the whole world’s transport systems combined produce 13.5% of global warming gases. That’s a lot of cars.

And now we get to health, the main reason why I chose to go vegan for a spell. I hate the use of capitalisation for emphasis, but there are A LOT of chemicals in food, and -

of them come from meat, fish, dairy and eggs. On

a personal level, I take medication on a daily basis, which means that the chemicals in my body are already higher than the average, so if I can negate some of that then that’s a bonus. If you have high cholesterol, a vegan diet might be for you as it contains no dietary cholesterol.

■ For more information on the vegan lifestyle visit: www.veganuary.com

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CHRISTMAS MENU NOW AVAILABLE—BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER OR LUNCH WITH US TODAY

Opened in September 2013, Urban Meadow are proud to serve great fresh food in a fantastic location.

Located near Kensington Gardens and opposite Hyde Park, we are an all-day dining venue open for stylish farmhouse fare and superb drinks from breakfast through to late night.

Our spacious patio area provides the perfect calming environment to relax while dining alfresco.

We also offer a grab and go service for those in a rush or who want to enjoy a coffee or meal in Hyde Park itself. www.urbanmeadowcafe.com | T: +44 2077 927066 | E: eat@urbanmeadowcafe.com 150 Bayswater Road, London, W2 4RT | f Urban Meadow, Café & Bar | t @UrbanMeadowCafe

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FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH

NEWS FROM LONDON’S FOOD-N-DRINK CROWD

Feeling Holi Carom Soho will be celebrating the Hindu Holi festival of colours in spectacular fashion this March, decorating the stunning tea light lounge Atrium bar with coloured blankets, candles and flowers in hot pinks, bright turquoise, orange, yellow and green. Head Chef Vishnu Matarajan has put together an exciting lunch box menu including eye-catching curries, grills, rice and breads, while bar manager Adam Spinks has created a range of cocktails of hot powerful colours. Sit back and celebrate in style. www.meza-soho.co.uk

Trend Alert: The Grilled Sandwich!

Set to sweep the foodie nation this year is the grilled sandwich, coming to a restaurant near you! New Street Grill has already launched their new brunch menu, with toasties including seared Heron Farm steak and Colston Basset stilton. In the East, 3 South Place boasts a fried egg banjo butty, and Sager and Wilde serve the classic grilled cheese in epic style. South of the river, Monty’s Deli at Maltby Street Market has people queuing for their renowned grilled salt beef sandwich. In the city, head to Coq d’Argent for their delicious croque madame, and the Royal Exchange Grand Café for the toasted smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. Grab a toastie and tuck in!

New Restaurant: Hide & Seed, Putney Hide & Seed is a new restaurant and bar launching in Putney in early March. Featuring a modern menu with Portuguese influences, Hide & Seed’s food will centre on flavoursome game, fresh fish, and vegetables grown on the hotel’s own farm, pairing bold produce with subtle flavours. The result is a menu that revives forgotten or overlooked ingredients with inventive dishes. Situated within The Lodge Hotel, the restaurant has 30 covers and is open Monday to Saturday 6-11pm. www.hideandseed.co.uk

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N o r m i N at e d

London restaurant of the Year

Welcome to the

MASH ADVENTURE

THE FOOD

THE RESTAURANT

THE WINE

maSh has taken the best from the american steak tradition of big steaks cut from the best cattle in the world. taste, for example, a marvellously tender piece of wagyu, succulent meat from grain fed american cattle, dry-aged meat from denmark or a delicate piece of Uruguay hereford. enjoy spectacular starters, cocktails with soul, and puddings who will make your mouth water...

maSh London is a restaurant steeped in history. Located in one of London’s most famous and iconic art deco buildings of Soho, maSh has undergone a full restoration, bringing the building back to its former glory. the restaurant’s interior is complemented by maSh branding and decor, whilst dramatic design features make the maSh experience an unforgettable one.

the maSh wine list is one of the finest in London, offering incredible wines from around the world. maSh customers are invited to explore the world’s finest wines with a unique list that starts in the USa, moving anti-clockwise from South america to australia and then on to the old world.

For eNqUirieS: Please contact our reservations and events department for further information between 9 am and 6 pm – mon-friday Please use the following information to contact us: email: info@mashsteak.co.uk • 0207 734 2608

7 7 B r e w e r S t r e e t • w 1 F 9 Z N Lo N d o N • w w w. m a S h S t e a k . co. U k

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10/11/2013 4:18:12 PM 20/02/2014 14:25

MY LONDON

ALPINE ROAD TESTING THE FERRARI FF, BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE 2014 BNY MELLON BOAT RACE AND TAKING TEA AT THE BEST VENUES IN LONDON

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THE HIT LIST

WITH THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING AND THE PROMISE OF A BURGEONING SOCIAL SEASON, IT’S THE TIME OF YEAR TO EMBRACE THE THOROUGHLY BRITISH TRADITION OF THE AFTERNOON TEA. TAKING TEA WAS STARTED BY THE DUCHESS OF BEDFORD IN THE EARLY NINETEENTH CENTURY, WHEN SHE COMPLAINED OF FEELING A BIT PECKISH MID-AFTERNOON. THE SOLUTION WAS A POT OF TEA AND A SNACK, AND IT BECAME SO POPULAR WITHIN HER SOCIAL CIRCLE THAT SOON EVERY SOCIAL HOSTESS IN LONDON WAS HOLDING AFTERNOON TEA. NO ONE COULD CALL THE MODERN VERSION A MERE SNACK, BUT I FOR ONE AM VERY GRATEFUL TO THE DEAR DUCHESS FOR INTRODUCING US TO THE WONDERFUL TRADITION OF TEA. SO GRAB A SCONE AND DIG IN.

THE SANDERSON W1 Best For: Novelty magic Any afternoon tea that comes with the warning, “no fancy dress” is a winner for me. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson (from £38pp) is one such tea. With bespoke crockery by Luna & Curious, menus are hidden inside vintage books, napkins are wrapped with riddles and the tea plates are adorned with indulgent treats. Everything is scrumptious, but be aware that in Wonderland nothing is as it seems… www.morganshotelgroup. com

THE SAVOY Strand Best For: Watching the world go by Firstly, let me just explain that I may be a teensy bit biased towards the winner of the London Lifestyle Award for best hotel, The Savoy. I’ve been here on a number of occasions for cocktails, dinner, and now afternoon tea, and each time the service, quality and quantity of food has blown me away. I visited on a dreary February afternoon and sampled the sweet afternoon tea (rather than the savoury high tea), which came in a seemingly never-ending stream of courses. First we had moreish sandwiches, which we may have ordered another round of, then light fruit scones served with clotted cream (tick!), strawberry jam, and, delightfully, a sharp homemade lemon curd. Scrummy! These were followed by a choice of pastries and cake, all of which looked and tasted gorgeous. Bonus points to The Savoy kitchen for bringing out a plate of specially created pastries for my cocoa-intolerant guest, who was able to sample the éclairs without mishap. We lingered over several pots of Ceylon and peony and rose white tea, and never felt rushed, able to enjoy the comings and goings of the Thames Foyer in blissful peace. www.fairmont.com/savoy-london

LONDON LIFESTYLE AWARDS 2013

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my London

CLARIDGE’S Mayfair Best For: Tea connoisseurs This was my first time in Claridge’s and I have to say that I was blown away. Not just by the afternoon tea, which was superb, but by the amazing service from our waiter, Luca. We were offered the tea equivalent of a wine flight, and Luca proved to be the sommelier of tea, helping us choose three different hot teas and one iced tea to accompany our delicious pastries and sandwiches. The highlight for me, aside from the tea expertise, was the amazing jam served with the scones: Marco Polo tea jelly, created by Mariage Frères. Containing tea, sugar and a secret combination of fruits, this is sweet in the extreme, which perfectly balances out the thick clotted cream and crumbly slightly acerbic scones. I brought a jar home, and sadly it is not a toast jam (too sweet), so I may have to experiment with making my own scones. Or just go back to Claridge’s. I wonder which option I’ll choose… www.claridges.co.uk

LIBERTY W1 Best For: A post-shopping indulgence Ah, Liberty. The floral-printed haven always beckons me in when I’m on a mooch. Firstly to visit their divine stationery department, where I always end up spending my monthly budget on cards, and secondly to Café Liberty where I can indulge my sweet tooth and drown my sorrows in tea. And a lovely classic tea it is too. Complete with finger sandwiches, scones, pastries and ‘treats’, the tea is served with Cornish clotted cream thick enough to stand your knife in. Perfect. www.liberty.co.uk

THE RITZ Mayfair Best For: The ultimate classic I feel there is no need for me to write a lot about the institution that is afternoon tea at The Ritz. Served in The Palm Court, everything from the setting to the service makes tea at The Ritz (£45pp) a very special occasion indeed. Perfect as a present or for a celebration, this may not be the most innovative tea in town, but why change something when it works this well? www.theritzlondon.com

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The Character of London www.fairmont.com/savoy-london

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my London THE BERKELEY Knightsbridge Best For: Fashion conscious tea drinking The menu for The Berkeley’s Fashionista Afternoon Tea changes every six months to reflect the changing fashion seasons. If that’s not enough to sell it, I don’t know what is! The spring/summer 2014 menu is now out and includes delectable pastries based on designs by Jason Wu, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta, D&G, Balenciaga, Tory Burch, Jonathan Saunders and Manolo Blahnik. Where else can you get all of those designers for £39? www.the-berkeley.co.uk

SKETCH W1 Best For: And now for something a little bit different…

Sketch has already been featured in The Hit List for its wonderfully bizarre egg shaped loos, but now it’s time to focus on its delightfully different afternoon tea (£34).

From sandwiches with quails egg and caviar, to fluffy home made marshmallow treats and gold leaf adorned éclairs, this is a tea with a difference. My favourite? The mini croque monsieur – dreamy, buttery goodness, all wrapped up with a bow. www.sketch.uk.com

BLUEBIRD Chelsea Best For: Affordable afternoon tea Bluebird on the King’s Road are known for their seasonal events (a visit around Wimbledon is highly recommended), however their afternoon tea is worth heading out to Chelsea for. And at £18.50 per person you can’t really go wrong. If you want to push to boat out, ask for the SW3 afternoon tea (£29.95pp), which features Bluebird’s SW3 cocktails, made with rose petal vodka, fresh strawberries, lime, sugar cane syrup and Moet. That just sounds like summer in a glass! www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

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THE ENDURING APPEAL OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS BNY MELLON BOAT RACE

BATTLE OF THE BLUES

H

[OXFORD vs CAMBRIDGE]

ave you ever tuned into an episode of American medical drama House on TV? Seen Hugh Laurie inquisitively diagnosing cases, wearing his white coat and limping around with a walking stick; not really looking like a prime physical specimen?

Well he was once an athlete of supreme fitness.

During his time at Cambridge University he took part in the 1980 University Boat Race against archrivals Oxford. By Jeeves I tell no lie!

Just one of the many little facts surrounding this historic tussle between two great British institutions.

The 2014 BNY Mellon Boat Race in April marks the 160th contest between Cambridge and Oxford. It will be an afternoon that will see hoards of people standing and cheering along the four-mile stretch of the River Thames from Putney to Mortlake. The crews set off at Putney Bridge before gliding their way past picnickers and well-wishers camped out along the river banks. The route is a scenic tour of this part of the capital and one that involves many a London landmark. If the two crews of oarsmen weren’t giving blood, sweat and guts to beat their rivals in the boat next to them, then they might perhaps enjoy floating past the picturesque Craven Cottage football stadium in Fulham. They would perhaps take in the beauty of the iconic Harrods Furniture Depository in Hammersmith, or even revel in the structural magnificence of the Grade II Listed Barnes Bridge. However, the reality is that once these two teams of eight commence battle in the water under Putney Bridge, it’s only one thing they have in mind—victory. Get four miles down the Thames to Chiswick Bridge as quickly as possible.

It’s a race with a distinguished history. The first race was held in 1829 when two Harrow school friends Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the poet William Wordsworth) and Charles Merrivale conjured up the idea. Wordsworth

studied at Oxford, Merrivale at Cambridge so they both picked teams of fellow students and raced. Out of the competitive nature of two friends an English sporting tradition was born.

For the next couple of decades the races happened on an irregular basis, but from 1856 onwards it became an annual affair. It’s been remarkably close since then. Cambridge, who wear a light blue kit, have won 81 times whilst the dark blues of Oxford have 77 victories.

There was once a remarkable and controversial “dead heat” in 1877 as both boats were adjudged to have crossed at exactly the same time. Obviously long before the times of video replays and goal line technology, the naked eye had to be taken as gospel.

With two excellent squads assembled, this year should be a belter. Oxford won last year’s edition, so Cambridge will be looking for some revenge. But hang on, is this all not a bit odd?

Why has this race become a date to mark on the sporting calendar? A race between two institutions, synonymous with privilege and wealth, with very little connection to the majority of the country.

“Its popular appeal comes from an age before widespread live sport, when everyone watched events like the Grand National and the FA Cup final,” says Martin Gough, sports commentator and journalist who has covered the Boat Race for over 10 years. “It doesn’t matter whether you know about rowing or watch it at any other time; a one-off match between two sets of young athletes, with a clear line between victory and defeat, makes for great sporting theatre.”

Of course there will always be people who don’t agree with the event. Remember 2012 when Australian protestor Trenton Oldfied held up the race for more than half an hour after deliberately swimming in between the two boats? Oldfield cited an “erosion of civil liberties and a growing culture of elitism within British Society” as the reason for his dip in the

Thames. He was subsequently jailed for six months.

“The Boat Race has always tended to be the preserve of those educated in public schools, wearing funny coloured blazers. Many people struggle to engage with it because of that. It is a shame that people see all of rowing as being like that; it isn’t,” says Gough.

Clearly it is a sporting event that, on the whole, has captured the public imagination and continues to do so. Over 250,000 spectators are expected to line the River Thames this April and when you add the millions who watch on TV in more than 100 countries worldwide it further illustrates this event’s global significance.

“TV viewership remains high and the crowds along the towpath are at least three-deep throughout,” adds Gough, who used to row at club level and is now a rowing coach. “I was never going to be anything like good enough to take part in a Boat Race, but I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in the race following in a motor launch and the tunnel of noise that surrounds the crews along the whole course from Putney to Mortlake brings an atmosphere that only the highest-standard of sporting event can boast.”

It’s an event that has forged its place into the spring sporting calendar. Young athletes built entirely of bulging muscle and raw will power competing for two British establishments known worldwide. Even if, the joke about the same teams being in the final each year still endures; it remains a fascinating spectacle.

By the way, Hugh Laurie’s Cambridge team narrowly lost in the 1980 race. Sadly a University Boat Race winner’s medal doesn’t sit proudly next to his two Golden Globes in the trophy cabinet. I wonder which he’d rather have…?

WORDS

Michael Perara

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“The first race was in 1829 when two Harrow school friends Charles Wordsworth [Oxford] and Charles Merrivale [Cambridge] conjured up the idea. With teams of fellow students they raced and an English sporting tradition was born...�

Getty Images

Getty Images

sport

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Supercar Slam IS THE FERRARI FF THE PERFECT COMBO OF FUN AND FAMILY?

U

nder most normal circumstances, taking a supercar out for a blast in the fresh snow in the Alps with some of your mates and a boot load of stuff would probably be considered as slightly unintelligent. An obvious lack of traction and vast reserves of power have never previously gone hand in hand.

But having said that, if you have selected the outlandish and totally absorbing Ferrari FF as your mode of transport you probably needn’t worry too much, as this four-wheel drive, four-seat Ferrari becomes the first in their long and illustrious history to be just as capable off-piste than on.

I admit that having four seats and a bigger boot is nothing new to the high-performance GT segment, but surely one that can harness full power and precision over all kinds of conditions is. This revelation has all been made possible by their lightweight 4RM drivetrain; an entirely new system that transmits various amounts of torque to various wheels, allowing you to do things never before seen in one of Italy’s finest.

When you examine the 4RM a little closer, you’ll notice it is no ordinary four-wheel drive system, as it is the only one that allows the retention of the traditional mid-front engine set-up that is crucial for reasons of performance. A single driveshaft powers the rear wheels while a separate transfer unit independently sorts out the front. This imaginative layout permits a 50% saving in weight, carries a lower centre of gravity and continues the retention of the cars weight distribution with more than 50% over the rear axle despite being a front-engined car.

This retained engine position becomes my

WORDS

Chris Walsh

excuse to discuss the completely new, midfront-mounted 6.3-litre V12 that replaces the much loved but sadly defunct 6-litre V12 used to power such classics as the Enzo and the 599 GTO. Once you’ve fired up the new V12 any nostalgia for the old one becomes just a distant memory, as a mesmerising array of improvement leave you in no doubt as to how capable this family snowmobile has become.

There has been a lot of effort made to harmonise various sounds around the cabin to try and find a more acceptable balance between the car’s ridiculously sporty bawl and its more luxurious grumble. To the ears of the driver, the FF’s V12 sound is very present, but not too overbearing as this time, the noise is channelled straight from the filter casings into the cabin. Externally though, things are a little different, as the right note will blow the hat off anyone within 100 yards.

Moving away from the engine for the moment, the new external architecture is explained by the exceptionally streamlined and aerodynamic requirement. The engineers focused on creating an aggressive line but sculpting each area of the car with function in

BY THE NUMBERS MODEL: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ferrari FF PRICED FROM: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £227,142 POWERPLANT: . . . . . . . 6.3-litre 65º V12 DRIVETRAIN: . . . . . . . . Four-Wheel Drive TRANSMISSION: . F1 Seven-Speed Dual Clutch Gearbox POWER: . . . . . . . . . . 650bhp @ 8,000 rpm TORQUE: . . . . . . . . . 683Nm @ 6,000 rpm WEIGHT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1880 kg 0-62 MPH: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7 Seconds TOP SPEED: . . . . . . . . . . 208 mph (limited) COMBINED MPG: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.3 mpg CO2 EMISSION: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360 g/km

mind as well. Detailed aerodynamic research and numerous wind tunnel test sessions were lavished on the rear section of the car to help channel airflow around the taillights and over the roof to guarantee better drag.

All these efforts have resulted in an individual drive that is both fantastical when you’re mid-way through a winter countryside blast and cool, calm and collected when you’re simply coasting home.

If you are likely to take your FF out in all conditions, then the Ferrari Genuine Maintenance programme is for you. It covers all standard maintenance items, as outlined in the service schedule, and is transferable to a new client in the event of a change of vehicle ownership. The programme has been designed to anticipate one annual service each year during the seven years, but, as there is no mileage restriction, clients who reach the service intervals by mileage will be able to have their car serviced more than once per year.

The Ferrari Genuine Maintenance programme will be supplied as standard with all Ferrari California, 458 Italia and FF models and is only available through the official Ferrari service centre network. The programme ensures all cars are maintained in accordance with Ferrari’s recommended schedule safety and environmental standards are maintained throughout the period ensuring enhanced residual values for the original and subsequent owners.

I road tested the FF in the alps, but back in London, this is the perfect blend of practical and fun. Yes, a practical supercar might usually be a bit, well, boring, but when you’re late for the school run, that 3.7 second 0-60mph will come in pretty handy... Once you’ve dropped the kids off, zoom along Knightsbridge and head for the country where you can see what this great piece of engineering can really do.

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motoring

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MY LONDON

CITY COMMENT FROM HENRIETTA HINDSIGHT, AND BEHIND THE SCENES OF LONDON’S BURGEONING INDEPENDENT FILM INDUSTRY 91MLL1408200_V3.indd 155

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A FACE IN THE CROWD IS CROWDFUNDING THE ANSWER FOR LONDON’S INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS?

T

he British film industry is having a boom. At the BAFTAs in February, it was great to see how many of the critically-acclaimed blockbusters of the year had British involvement. Gravity, starring American-as-apple-pie George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, winning the Best British Film gong sparked great debate about what constituted a British film. However, Gravity was produced by Brit David Heyman and was shot almost exclusively at Shepperton Studios using a crew of British artists and technicians. Its award-winning visual effects were overseen by British company Framestore. It seems that even if a film doesn’t appear outwardly British, you need only peek behind the curtain to find a union flag.

So how do you get started in the film industry? There are countless courses and degrees that can teach you pretty much everything you need to know, but, like so many industries, it’s all about experience. If you want make a film, it helps to have a few of your own under your belt. However, as any film student will tell you, making a film is expensive. You only have to look at the multi-million budgets for Hollywood blockbusters to know that even for a short film, the budget is going to be in the thousands.

Enter crowdfunding, the newest way to gain financial support for your project. Crowdfunding sites work similarly to Just Giving; people give

money to your project. However, rather than a donation, it is an investment; you get something back for your money. These can vary from a film poster to a VIP ticket to the film screening. Through companies like Indiegogo and Kickstarter, young filmmakers are finding the funds to turn their filming dreams to reality.

Matt Diegan, has been working professionally in the film industry since he was a student in a variety of production roles from production assistant to producer. He works freelance, so funding for personal projects is crucial, but often hard to come by: “Funding for short films is nigh on impossible. Short films don’t make money, they are an opportunity for you to show skill, develop technique and get noticed for bigger products. As a result there are incredibly few options out there for private investment and traditional funding.”

Matt had previous experience running campaigns through crowdfunding, and so chose to use Indiegogo to part-fund his recent short film, The Red Line. Adapted from a short story written by Charlie Higson, The Red Line explores what it is to live in a big modern city, and deals with the crisis of identity.

“I chose Indiegogo as it offers flexible fundraising, so if you don’t hit your target you still get to keep the money you have raised and can still make your film. Crowdfunding through Indiegogo also gives you complete

WORDS: Emily Taylor

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The Sleeping Dogs crew ‘on location’.

ownership over the film, in both a financial and creative sense - something some big directors would kill for!”

Indiegogo’s flexible approach to fundraising is something that appealed to filmmaker, Joe Jones, who is currently raising money for his student film, Sleeping Dogs.

“I went with Indiegogo, but I actually prefer Kickstarter—it has a really professional appeal to it. However Indiegogo is set up for arts-based projects, and if we reach our goal Indiegogo will only take 4% commission, whereas Kickstarter will take 5%. I’m confident that we will reach our goal, and that 1% extra could make a difference.”

Like all crowdfunded projects, an investment in Sleeping Dogs will get you something back, an incentive or perk for investing. One of the ones on offer for an investment of £500 is an invite to a private screening at the BFI in early July, where Sleeping Dogs will be screened as part of a graduate film showcase. Without crowdfunding this wouldn’t be possible. So how important is crowdfunding for the future of indie filmmakers?

For Francis Newell, who wrote, directed and shot his crowd funded film Echo Restless, the concept is better for gaining publicity than for funding: “Throughout the process of making a micro-budget feature-film, I came to realise that crowdfunding is never going to become an essential part of indie filmmaking. It’s fantastic for gaining an audience and creating a buzz for when that film is released (for example, the premiere of the film last March was sold out, with some people being denied entry due to safety regulations), but on the whole, it’s friends and family donating to help you make the film you’ve always wanted to. People’s attention span to what is put online is so short-lived, that crowdfunding is a good tool for raising funds and creating a buzz, but in the majority of cases, crowdfunding will

never replace major budgets or studios, or finance companies.”

Having said that, for Francis, it isn’t necessary to work with a comparatively large budget. His campaign raised just over half the production budget, and he thinks it’s perfectly feasible to work on a budget of £1,500 for a micro-budget film.

“With the increasing availability of very high quality cameras for low prices, it’s perfectly feasible to shoot feature length films on a tight budget.

I was lucky that I had a small crew on the two-week shoot: a producer, two actors and a sound recordist, all of whom were willing to give up two weeks of their lives to go travelling around South Wales in a van!”

Crowd funding may not put traditional investments out of business, but for our three filmmakers, it has enabled them to create films that will lead on to more and more work. And who knows, at the next BAFTAs we may see Matt Diegan, Francis Newell or Joe Jones nominated in the category for Outstanding Debut by A British Writer, Director or Producer, continuing the great tradition of British film.

■ Francis Newell works independently as a director and editor, and with Matt Diegan, in their film company Moral Hangover. Their film, Echo Restless, which Francis directed and Matt produced, is released on 3 March. www.moralhangover.co.uk www.facebook.com/EchoRestless ■ Matt Diegan produced The Red Line with What Elephant Films www.whatelephantfilms.co.uk ■ Joe Jones is in his third year of studying film, and the film he is producing, Sleeping Dogs is campaigning on Indiegogo until 9 March. www.indiegogo.com/projects/sleeping-dogs-short-film

Echo Restless still, and poster.

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FACING THE CROWD The Red Line poster.

HOW IMPORTANT IS CROWDFUNDING FOR THE FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS?

The

INSIDER

Not as important as it’s made out to be. There are genuine success stories of films that have only been made possible by crowd funding and those should be celebrated but they are few and far between.

Beyond that there’s a huge gulf between the small projects and the huge ones that make millions. Due to the sheer volume of projects (especially films) I really don’t believe it’s a great outlay in terms of generating outside interest in a project. Only around 40% of campaigns for films hit their targets.

At the top end when you see people like Zach Braff running successful campaigns it’s another game. They generate a huge amount of interest and money through social media and the like. It’s still an incredibly involved process Zach Braff had to hire a whole team of people to specifically work on that campaign and manage it, but what he gets is two to three million dollars whilst retaining 100% of the film rights and creative drive.

Financially that won’t remain as he’ll still need a distribution deal, which will come at a huge cost, but creatively he makes the film off his own back first with no studio involvement.

At the same time it can be hard not to look at projects like that cynically Zach Braff doesn’t need that money from those people. He has plenty of his own and lots of rich friends. He’s also incredibly bankable in terms of the success of his previous work. He’d have had no problem making that film and retaining creative drive without Indiegogo… So it’s certainly not the revolution it’s billed as in those terms - more of a tool for major players to put a PR spin on their next movie and call it a grassroots effort.

For smaller scale projects it will essentially be only your friends and family who donate - very much similar to a just giving page. If you embrace this, it’s a great resource in terms of unifying people you know and actually pushing them to help you and donate.

—Matt Diegan, Producer

So we survived silly season. Who knew that daily

right now it’s the turn of currency traders it seems

fun? I’ll give you a clue, it wasn’t and I still have a New

People seem slow in realising the party is well and truly

breakfast, lunch and dinner marathons would be such Year spare tyre courtesy of Goodman to show for it,

thanks. Dieters and dryathletes’ now surround me, as do long faces - roll on spring!

Bonus season is now about survival - a lesson

in crap expectation management, which, thanks to the British press, means that having a job is considered bonustastic! Bring back ’07…

Back when I started in the industry,

it was all about the colour of your Porsche,

- might be a few awkward chats to read, a la Libor.

over - and of course the best parties have the biggest

hangovers, right? Bonuses will never see the dizzying

heights of the noughties and huge guarantees exist only in the dreams of headhunters these days. Time to brush up my java skills - Dot.com 3.0 anyone?

Maybe finance needed a clean-up,

some of it probably needed a damn

good wash, but the City of London

remains a vibrant, exciting and interesting

whether your LV bag matched your Blahniks and how

place to work. Honestly.

up in a bin outside Quaglino’s. Now it’s all Fiat 500’s,

to leave early and the Bentley is on double yellows…..

much Dom Perignon you could sup without throwing Kurt Keiger and Blue Nun.

Banking industry bad press never seems to stop and

Ok, sermon over. Got to dash, the housekeeper wants

HENRIETTA HINDSIGHT

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city

LOVE LONDON

T

he London Lifestyle Awards turn five this year. Founder, Jason Gale, shares his thoughts for the fifth year of celebrating London.

“Well, March 2014 is upon us, and the year has already sped into flight. You are reading the fourth edition of my London Lifestyle Magazine and it seems like only yesterday I was dreaming up plans of how we should all be celebrating and consuming more of what London offers.

In fact it was at the end of 2009, and by October 2010 we were hosting our first annual London Lifestyle Awards. The London Lifestyle Awards lifeblood has always been a public celebration of the great businesses and personalities, which in my opinion, make London the greatest city in the world.

14 February 2014 (Love London Day) saw the nomination process start again and we are happy to report that nominations are coming in thick and fast from London’s discerning public. We are always looking to find out more and celebrate great London businesses so don’t forget to nominate this year. Our 20 categories are listed on Londonlifestyleawards.com and that is also where you can nominate your favourite restaurant, bar, hotel, London personality and many more. The Awards ceremony, as always, will be held in October and this year the gala event will be on Wenesday 8 October seeing us return to The Troxy.

The Awards are central to everything we do in celebrating this great city. The dream and the passion is that everyone who lives here, or visits, gets to see the best of the city, which is why in the first four editions of My London Lifestyle Magazine (which I am extremely proud of) we have highlighted some of the best restaurants, bars, clubs, health, beauty, fashion and personalities this city holds.

To complement the magazine and the awards we are thrilled to have released a mobile application into the apple store, which allows consumers of London to experience these amazing places and businesses for less. Our mobile app called ‘My London Lifestyle Rewards’ promotes businesses, while giving the consumer great value and affordability to the finer things that we all crave. It’s simple to use, giving you great deals when you choose them.

Through the Awards, The Magazine and now My London Lifestyle Rewards we have created a stunning multimedia platform that not only promotes and celebrates London, but also allows Londoners, visitors and people who run great businesses the knowledge, accessibility and power to consume and enjoy even more of it.” www.Londonlifestyleawards.com

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food

Reviewed

THE PEARSON ROOM CASUAL SOPHISTICATION FROM THE HEART OF CANARY WHARF The Pearson Room is opposite the Reebok gym, and it opened last year in February 2013.

Before that it was a brightly lit, health-oriented cafe catering to the fitness folk avid about their workouts. It was as glum as it was stark and the food was uninspiring fodder. Today I walk in to a completely transformed space.

Hitchcock-inspired is the way it is described to me and it does lend itself to the era with a small touch of 1950’s styled decor scattered throughout, heritage leather seating, large zinc bar, plain dark wooden tables. There is also a wonderful backdrop of a twinkling nighttime view over Canada Square. Rather lovely.

The room is filled with groups of after work city folk bidding farewell to colleagues, celebrating birthdays, an undoing of good as people sip cocktails post work out. We arrived at 8pm and the bar was already busy but it was absolutely packed when we departed at 10pm. Luckily none of the high spirits spilled over to the dining area, which was separated by the seated parties of drinkers across leather sofas and deep armchairs.

The menu at The Pearson Room carries influences from Italy to the Philippines to Spain, but it is based around classics. Fish and chips with a turmeric batter and cassava chips, braised lamb shoulder with artichokes, mash and mint, venison loin with braised red cabbage and Madeira jus. I would still say that it is a casual dining menu put together for larger parties and this is

reflected somewhat in the portion sizes which are generous.

We ate the Adobo chicken wings - the mixture of Adobo is usually made up of paprika, oregano, salt, garlic and vinegar. It was served with grilled spring onions, pickled ginger and sesame seeds. It was the best £8.50 I spent that day.

A wonderful alternative to all of those cloying sweet barbecue versions usually offered by busy establishments.

The rare seared yellow fin tuna salad was quite a substantial size again, served with baby spinach and star fruit, which looked exquisite sitting over avocado, pomegranate and lettuce. This was lightly dressed with fresh peppery vinaigrette for £12.50.

We ordered a Carswell family favourite as another starter: the huevos rojos was a single large duck egg, fried and placed over grilled chorizo, crispy salted fried potatoes, padron peppers and grilled tiger prawns. At £10.50 for a generous portion, this dish had our forks happily locking more than a few times.

To follow we had the Limousine steak with black truffles, rocket and parmesan and the linguine with seafood, which I expected to have been more adventurous given the rest of the flavours delivered earlier. That is absolutely no fault of the restaurant or kitchen however; after the lip smacking starters these couldn’t compete on the same level. I will stress the dishes were perfectly cooked, well presented and again leaned in on the large side. My dining partner thought the steak perfect. Oddly the side of Cassava chips really got my attention

REVIEW:

Akashia Carswell

as they were hot and crispy on the outside and for the first time ever I found these usually hard vegetables fluffy on the inside. Cassava is tricky to get right so I was delighted with them.

The chocolate fondant, caramelised bananas and caramel ice cream (£6.00) was superb but the honey roast figs with honeycomb ice cream (£6.00) was the winner for me. Simple, light and fragrant.

We drank champagne and wines by the glass and chose the Gaston Chiquet, Brut, Champagne at £9.50, a Marsanne Viognier, Gerard Bertrand, Languedoc, 2012 at £6.50. The wine list also has four half bottles of French classics with the most expensive being a red Nuit St George’s 1er Cru Chaignots Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg 2008 at £68.00.

My non drinking friend was brought a muddled lime lemonade when he said he wasn’t drinking which lit his face up upon tasting and he was offered a selection of non-alcoholic drinks throughout which he declined but the cocktail list really is marvellous. It is very refreshing to have busy bartenders and floor staff offering to make bespoke mixed non-alcoholic beverages where usually non drinkers are lumped with fizzy drinks and the usual fruit juice choices.

The staff are friendly, warm and professional and this no fuss dining is perfect for those venturing in to the city wanting large friendly gettogethers with drinks and food choices to please most any night of the week. www.thepearsonroom.co.uk 2nd Floor, 16-19 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, E14 5ER

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STOCKISTS Alexander and Pearl

My London Lifestyle Designed to suit your lifestyle LAND! TRAVEL: LA LA Hollywood

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Colour Me Happy Embrace the new season of colours for your home

GAME CHANGER MARCH/APRI L 2014

Marcus Wareing is shaking up London’s foodie scene

Spring into actionn Kids fashio has come over all playful

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MAGAZINE

#004

My

LONDON £4.95 ISSUE 004 MARCH/APR

TRAVEL: LA LA LAND

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IL 2014

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49 accessories to put a spring in your step...

Colour Me Happy GAME CHANGER

MARCH/APR

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#004 MY LONDON LIFESTYLE

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THE SUBSCRIPTION

Marcus Wareing is shaking up London’s foodie scene

Spring into action

Kids fashion has come over all playful

Embrace the new season of colours for your home

TO SUBSCRIBE, EMAIL subscriptions@ mylondonlifestyle.co.uk

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9 772053 149012

SUGU CHOCOLATES Our food and drink editor Akashia Carswell visited the SuGu shop for a write up this issue and has been raving about them so much that we just had to include their scrummy artisan treats somewhere in the magazine. Visit the website for a sneak preview of their flavours, or just pop down to their shop – I bet you won’t leave empty handed. Prices start at £7.50 for six chocs, so tuck in at www.suguchocolates.com

READER OFFER

21/02/2014 10:23

RUFUS HOUND

THE LAST WORD

R

ufus Hound proved his West End calibre when he took over the role of Francis Henshall in One Man Two Guvnors during the National Theatre’s second UK tour in 2012 and then at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

He may be mainly known as a funny man with a funny tache, but lovers of certain dance reality shows can also vouch that he’s no slouch on the dance floor. His winning interpretation of Cheryl Cole’s Fight for This Love in Let’s Dance for Sports Relief was spookily good and, more recently, he stormed to victory on the Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing in a routine about Eskimos with props including an igloo, huskies and a sharp fish which drew blood during the routine.

This panel show regular, who’s also appeared in a handful of movies, really is at home centre stage and is thrilled to now be treading the boards, singing and dancing in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the Musical, at The Savoy Theatre, playing the role made famous in the film by Steve Martin.

The London-based comic, who is dad to a six-yearold son and two-year-old daughter, admits he was going through a bit of a dry patch when the West End first beckoned: “I watched back my latest comedy DVD and there were not as many jokes in it as there should be for a stand-up comedian. I felt like I still wanted to make people laugh, but I didn’t want to be the person in charge of writing it - which as a stand-up, you have to be. I started to look for other opportunities, and when I got a call asking me to go for a reading of One Man, Two Guvnors, it couldn’t have been more perfect.”

After that Rufus starred in Neville’s Island in Chichester, working with one of his comedy heroes, Ade Edmondson: “While I was doing that, I got a call asking if I wanted to audition for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Robert Lindsay was already attached [in the Michael Caine role].

“Well if I’m learning my trade of how to make people laugh, spending the next year with Robert Lindsay will certainly help.

“I’ve spent the last four months doing nothing but singing lessons. It’s going OK. They’re all being very complimentary anyway, so as long as they’re not lying... I was raised on musical theatre. In my childhood, my mum did nothing but play the soundtrack to Les Mis, and my Nan’s favourite thing in the world was Phantom Of The Opera.”

Thirty-five year old Rufus’s trademark moustache has had to go for this role and he says it’s now like he’s wearing a disguise.

He walks around London all the time and nobody recognises him. He was even ignored when he walked into the rehearsal room clean shaven.

Don’t ignore Rufus!

■ Check out Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at The Savoy Theatre from 10 March www.atgtickets.com

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21/02/2014 01:14

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21/02/2014 02:25