Movement developed for MB&F by Stephen McDonnell Manual winding with double mainspring barrels
Split escapement with the balance wheel suspended above the dial Titanium case, FlexRing damping system
80m water resistance, 298 components
Watches of Switzerland
17 THE WISHLIST December concerts, exhibitions and restaurant openings
21 FIRST LONDON HOME Actress Jenny Agutter talks to Rob McGibbon about being part of Call The Midwife
22 LIVE WELL LONDON The experts’ party-season wellbeing tips and products
25 WRAPPED UP Christmas style and gift ideas for the whole family and the home
36 SET FOR LIFE Discover the jewellery and watch trends that designers are classifying as timelessly stylish buys
40 A SELECT FEW The city’s finest tastemakers exclusively share what’s on their Christmas wish list this year
44 FLASH COURSES Impress guests with Christmas recipes from some of the capital’s favourite chefs and restaurants
48 SEASON ’ S EATINGS Enjoy festive fine dining at the capital’s best restaurants
49 ANGEL’ S LAIR Alexandra Goss discovers how curated whisky spaces are growing in popularity among enthusiasts
50 VINTNER TIME Renowned wine expert Olly Smith on the reds and whites that pair well with yuletide menus
53 SNOW LIMITS UK-based winter escapes that are full of splendour
54 VILLAGE LONDON A tourist hotspot with theatrical ties, many Londoners are now making Covent Garden their home
59 HOME RUNS Zoe Dare Hall rounds up the top property sales of the year
65 THE LONDON LIST Our little black book of the capital’s best services, schools and festive-season contacts
70 ANNE ASHWORTH On how Christmas in London is changing
130 PROPERTY OF THE MONTH
Lillie Langtry's former Little Venice villa returns to the market after 20 years
This charming Laura Stoddart illustration shows a family decking the halls ahead of Christmas festivities. laurastoddart.com
verity.wakley@savills.com
CHESTER PLACE
REGENT’S PARK, NW1
REGENT’S
A beautifully refurbished Grade I Listed residence (387 sq m/4,169 sq ft) situated within this sought-after Nash terrace located directly opposite Regent’s Park.
The house provides extensive family accommodation including an elegant first floor drawing room with floor to ceiling windows whilst the entire second floor is devoted to an indulgent principal bedroom suite.
The property also benefits from a private courtyard garden and residents only off-street parking. Chester Place is superbly located on the eastern side of Regent’s Park providing easy access to both the West End and the City.
Principal Bedroom with 2 Dressing Rooms & Large En-Suite Bathroom, 3 Further Bedrooms (All with En-Suite Bathrooms), Drawing Room, Family Room, Reception Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Guest Cloakroom, Utility Room, Storage Vaults, Surround Sound System, Patio Garden, Residents Parking. Council Tax: H. EPC: D. Savills St John’s Wood 15 St John’s Wood High Street London NW8 7NG stjohnswoodsales@savills.com 020 3043 3600 savills.co.uk enquiries@astonchase.com +44 (0) 20 7724 4724
£7,950,000
6 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Reception Rooms
Thomas Middleditch
+44 (0)7872 107 703 A property nestled in a quiet and sought-after residential area in Hampstead. The interior of this six bedroom house has been meticulously designed throughout, showcasing impeccable attention to detail and a refined aesthetic. Neville Drive, N2
Quinta Patino, Estoril, Portugal
€10,000,000
6 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | Swimming Pool
JLL Residential jllresidentialpt@jll.com
+351 213 121 520
Cobertura – Sociedade de Mediação Imobiliária SA | AMI 479
One of the most luxurious condominiums in Portugal, Quinta Patino has 24-hour security, a playground, a football field, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym and stunning sea views.
From the
EDITOR
Like a gloriously overfi lled Christmas stocking, this special issue is packed with festive treats. Find out what’s on the shopping lists of some of London’s most stylish residents, from Alice Temperley to Poppy Delevingne. Discover the perfect cheeseboard at Petersham Nurseries and follow Ben Tish’s Christmas Pudding recipe on Stir Up Sunday. Wine expert and television presenter Olly Smith reveals the restaurant wine lists that make his heart sing, and Clarence Tan at Jeroboams on the King’s Road o ers recommendations for the festive table (including one he calls “the liquor of the gods”). Our London List of retailers is stocked with local butchers, cheesemongers, grocers, florists and children’s toy shops to help you get started. All this, plus Jenny Agutter, star of The Railway Children and festive favourite Call The Midwife, celebrates the community spirit still to be found in London’s villages.
FOLLOW US AT... @the_londonmagazine
Anne Cuthbertson
Editor
THELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWS… thelondonmagazine.co.uk/ newsletter
THIS MONTH'S WISHLIST…
18ct gold and diamond Empire cuff and stud, £2,475, quartermainedesigns .co m
“Well a girl can dream... this exquisite art deco inspired ear cu would be on my fantasy
Editorial
Editor Anne Cuthbertson
Creative Director Chloë Collyer
Content Editor Tallulah Rushaya
Sub Editor Laura Sutherland
Publishing
Managing Director Marie Davies
Chief Financial O cer Vicki Gavin
Publisher Caroline Paton-Philip
Email Marketing Manager Rob Payne
Advertising
Group Account Director Caroline Warrick 07881 611962 caroline.warrick@chelseamagazines.com
You can manage your print and digital subscriptions online. Sign up today at www.subscription.co.uk/chelsea/Solo/ The London Magazine is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT Web: www.chelseamagazines.com Email: info@chelseamagazines.com
“Christmas is a time to embrace light, and what better way than a candle. While good for most of the year, there is something especially cosy about a woody Christmas scented candle for winter”
Tallulah Rushaya
CONTENT EDITOR
Childline’s Merry Little Christmas show, Tuesday 10 December, cadoganhall.com
“Our family Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a festive concert or two. There are so many amazing options in London, and this year we have Childline’s Merry Little Christmas show at Cadogan Hall at the top of our list”
Chloë Collyer
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
The London Magazine represents Central London Estate Agents, the capital’s most prestigious and expert property agents. For a list of members, go to thelondonmagazine co.uk/about-us CLEA Ltd Board
Chairman: Lucy Morton, JLL
Directors: Mary Beeton, Hamptons; William Carrington, LonRes; John Ennis; Emma Herriman, LonRes; Liza-Jane Kelly, Savills; Rory Penn, Knight Frank; Mark Pollack, Aston Chase; Peter Wetherell, Wetherell
Company Secretary: Jonathan Perrin
Hand-delivered to properties in London’s top postcodes, five-star hotels and exclusive locations.
Distribution enquiries to caroline.paton-philip@chelseamagazines. com. Available on subscription. Published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd on behalf of CLEA Ltd (Central London Estate Agents). CLEA Ltd does not accept any responsibility for editorial or advertising content.
MERRY GO-ROUND: Whether you’re new to ice skating or an expert, return to one of London's open-air rinks this winter. Set against its beautiful Thameside location, Glide Battersea Power Station is one of the capital's most picturesque. Marvel at the three interconnecting rinks and finish with a drink in The Glass House or book a luxury igloo with friends. Open now, until 5 January glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
THE WISHLIST
ART & DESIGN
Hynde Sight
Exhibiting her latest paintings, rock icon Chrissie Hynde’s subjects include instruments, and portraits of friends including Paul Weller. Whether singing with The Pretenders or painting, Chrissie has expressed her creative flair in numerous ways. Exhibiting at 4 Cromwell Place. Until 14 December chrissiehynde.art
In the Marylebone store, learn the art of beautiful calligraphy, allowing you to send out beautifully personalised holiday cards to friends and family. Enjoy a cosy, festive environment with expert guidance to help students perfect the art of calligraphy. 6 December carolinegardner.com/blogs/the-blog
EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS
The Nutcracker
Forever a key part of Christmas, the Royal Albert Hall welcomes back the classic Christmas tale to its festive programme. Performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, experience the true magic of Christmas and the wondrous world of ballet, below 29-31 December royalalberthall.com
Wreathmaking Atelier Emmanuel
Opening his atelier doors, founder Emmanuel is an award-winning florist who designs bespoke arrangements for events with fashion house Dior. The wellnesscentric workshops will be led by the floral maestro himself, with guests learning his tips and tricks to create a beautiful unique door adornment. Book now via Eventbrite. 2,5,10 December atelier-emmanuel.com; eventbrite.co.uk
VOGUE: Inventing the runway
Explore the history of the runway in this immersive Lightroom experience. Chart the runway from couture and readyto-wear to pop-culture moments, from legendary designers such as Chanel and Alexander McQueen, left On now lightroom.uk
ON STAGE
TP Caring Spaces Carol Concert
Held in St Luke’s Church, Chelsea, the London design community will come together in aid of TP Caring Spaces.
Founded by interior designers Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock of Turner Pocock, filled with musical brilliance, past readers have included Nina Campbell and Nicky Haslam. 16 December tpcaringspaces.co.uk
The Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival
Returning to the Barbican London, the festival includes a line -up featuring The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Holiday with a live orchestra, The Four Seasons By Candlelight and more. Whether you enjoy Christmas films, classic carols, festive hits, or choirs, add to your holiday calendar. Starts 7 December barbican.org.uk
The Macmillan Carol Concert
In Cadogan Hall, join star-studded guests. Hosted by Dame Joanna Lumley, readers include Baroness Floella Benjamin and Elaine Page OBE, and will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. 3 December macmillan.org.uk; cadoganhall.com
A Christmas Carol (ish)
Starring Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed as Mr Swallow, A Christmas Carol (ish) transfers to the West End. In this retelling of the Dickens classic, Santa cancels Christmas and is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Find out if it can be saved... Until 31 December achristmascarolish.com
FOOD AND DRINK
TOZI Victoria
Have yourself a cicchetti Christmas at TOZI Victoria, a neighbourhood favourite. The Italian feast includes a selection of cured meats, burrata, paccheri and charcuteries, and to finish the pezzo forte: warm panettone with mascarpone cream. tozirestaurant.co.uk
The Langham
Head to the home of the hotel afternoon tea (dating back to in 1865) to sample The Langham’s Christmassy take on its own tradition. Partnering with Hamley’s this year, the festive spread for children will feature whimsical, delicious patisseries shaped like legendary historic toys, left. langhamhotels.com
Dear Jackie
At the Broadwick Soho Hotel, embrace the spirit of Soho. With interiors from Martin Brudnizki, dine at Italian restaurant Dear Jackie, or head to Bar Jackie for a nightcap. Try a Christmas Eve meal curated by head chef Harry Faddy with delights such as tortellini, roast porchetta and mulled pear tart. events.broadwicksoho.com/christmas
Kanishka
Within Mayfair, the acclaimed pan-Indian restaurant will be serving Christmas menus, with delights such as turkey tikka, and a tasty festive brunch, below kanishkarestaurant.co.uk L
LOOK AHEAD
LONDON ART FAIR
Start the new year by filling your walls with art you will love for years to come. Returning to the Business Design Centre in Islington, the 2025 edition will include its museum partner, the Sainsbury Centre, presenting a display called Living Art which champions ways to engage with art. Elsewhere, artist-turned-curator Becca Pelly-Fry will present Today for You, Tomorrow for Me
22-26 January londonartfair.co.uk
HANSEL AND GRETEL
Brought to life by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Shakespeare's Globe is transformed this winter. The new version of the classic tale by the Brothers Grimm will follow the siblings. Ends 5 January shakespearesglobe. com
CINNAMON BAZAAR
Explore the latest restaurant to join the Cinnamon Kitchen family, Cinnamon Bazaar in Richmond, which promises fragrant delectable dishes from all over India. Open now cinnamon-bazaar. com
MY FIRST LONDON HOME
JENNY AGUTTER
The Call the Midwife actress talks to Rob McGibbon about growing up in Singapore, exploring London as a teenager in the swinging 60s, and her life spent between Camberwell and Cornwall
I was born in Somerset. My father was in the army and we moved soon after to Germany, where we lived until I was four.
My father was then stationed in Singapore and we lived at Gillman Barracks in a traditional bungalow called a “hutted split”. I remember the heat, the scent of frangipani and an earthy smell after heavy rain.
My brother Jonathan and I went to school at Pasir Panjang. I loved the school plays and was six when I played the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. I desperately wanted to be Alice, but my friend Honor had enviable long dark hair, so she got the part.
Sanderson fabrics – very 70s! I was 16 by then and took the train each day to London, where I studied ballet and drama near Hyde Park. I made three films during this time, the last being The Railway Children when I was 17.
I was able to buy my first London home in 1972 when I was 19. It was a one-bed flat in Norland Square, Notting Hill, and it cost £11,000! I had great fun decorating it with William Morris wallpaper, a three-piece Bergere suite and vintage items I picked up from second-hand stores and Portobello Road market.
A STAR IS BORN
ABOVE: IN HER VERY FIRST ROLE AS THE WHITE RABBIT BELOW: AS SISTER JULIENNE
My family moved to Cyprus when I was eight and I started going to boarding school in England. My earliest memories of London are from when I was about 12 in the mid-1960s. My friend Cath and I wanted to experience “swinging” London, so we went up during half term. Her older brother lived in a flat in Kensington and he had all of Bob Dylan’s records. I remember going to the King’s Road, having a milkshake at the Chelsea Drug Store, and visiting the boutiques, like Biba. Mini skirts and hot pants!
Our next family home was a modern terraced house in East Croydon. My mother proudly filled it with Habitat furniture and
I loved living in that part of Notting Hill. Joanna Lumley was a friend who lived nearby. I had thought it would be useful being so close to BBC Television Centre, but I started working more on stage and at 21, I joined the National Theatre. I was excited to get the role of Miranda in The Tempest with Sir John Gielgud as Prospero. Sir John was great fun and always encouraging.
My main home now is on The Lizard in Cornwall with my husband John. Every time I
return, I’m amazed by its beauty. It’s wild and rough, the colours change as the light shifts on the sea, rocks, and the yellow gorse. Over the years, John has created a magical garden that fits the extraordinary landscape. We also have a flat in Camberwell, south London. I adore that area and all the surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Kennington – where Edith Nesbit, author of The Railway Children was born and lived. South of the river has always been my natural haunt. I love London. It’s vibrant, multicultural and made up of many villages that all have very different identities.
My favourite part of London is the Thames. I love walking along the river, particularly the Southbank. The National Theatre and the concert halls are a terrific success and there are always free events, buskers, performances, or just people to watch. I returned to work at the National Theatre in 1999 in Peter Pan with Ian McKellen. It has by far the best green room, canteen and bar of any theatre!
I’ve recently finished filming for the 14th series of Call the Midwife. I think the reason it continues to do so well is that it reveals the strength of living within a community, where people have the support and love of family and friends. There’s still so much of this community atmosphere to be found across London in all its villages. L Call the Midwife will return for Christmas on BBC One and iPlayer
KATIE ALLAN, PARTY HAIR
“The sleek high ponytail is a classic, glamorous option. Once you’ve pulled back a smooth ponytail, wrap a section of hair around the base to hide the elastic. This style elongates the neck and has a chic feel. Or why not try a messy bun? E ortlessly elegant, the messy bun is ideal for a more laidback party look. Pull some strands out to frame your face for a relaxed, yet stylish appearance.” Based in Chiswick, you can book an appointment via mayfivehair.co.uk
live well LONDON
The city’s beauty experts share the party-season tips and products they’re coveting this winter
Advent Calendar, £225, moltonbrown.co.uk
SASHA GHODSTINAT ON FESTIVE BEAUTY
“When it comes to makeup and trends, my signature look is always rooted in “timeless beauty”. While the festive season brings excitement with its events and celebrations, it’s important to balance this with our everyday routines. That’s why the look I created for model Lauren (above) is designed to be effortlessly versatile – a chic, understated style that can easily be elevated with just a touch of colour using my go-to red lipstick in Soho Detour alongside our lip-liner in Frida.” Visit Code8 at Burlington Arcade or codeeight.com
The A list
Top to bottom: Rouge Allure L’extrait lipstick in 937, £50, chanel.com; Gilded Garden Eye Duet in Silver Willow, £57, chantecaille.co.uk ; Pitta Lash Serum, £38, champohaircare.com; Tom Ford Soft Matte Blurring Powder, £80, tomfordbeauty. co.uk ; Lost in Paris EDP (100ml), £995, rojaparfums.com; Godolphin EDP (125ml), £245, uk.parfums-de-marly.com
Gold is Free From Capital Gains Tax
In the form of legal tender coins
WOULD YOU BENEFIT FROM TAX FREE GAINS?
Many clearance models on display in our Alton showroom, visit us today.
“Partnering with acclaimed Hollywood photographer Greg Williams, this collection pays tribute to the icons of the movie industry. This cable-knit sweater pays homage to actress Marilyn Monroe, N.Peal's most celebrated customer” Mongolian cashmere roll-neck sweater, £695, Hollywood Authentic x N.Peal
“Crockett & Jones and 007 film maker EON Productions have collaborated on an exclusive new James Bond coat of arms slipper. Crafted in luxurious leather and velvet, the materials provide ample comfort and regal style” Embroidered velvet slippers, £495, Crockett & Jones
Archivio collection printed silk ties in burgundy and navy, £165 each, E.Marinella
18kt gold bangle set with diamonds and lapis lazuli, £3,950, Azza Fahmy
Leather crossbody bag in Oxblood, £395, Strathberry
“To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Goldfi nger, Champagne Bollinger and Globe-Trotter has unveiled this exquisite limited-edition case. With only 200 handcrafted pieces available, this item is a true testament to the legacy of both James Bond and Bollinger, o ering an exclusive experience for fans and connoisseurs alike”
Limited Edition Cuvée, £3,500, available at The 007
Find C istmas at
DISCOVER ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST HIGHLY ESTEEMED SHOPPING DESTINATIONS IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL, FOR THOUGHTFUL GIFTS THAT WILL DELIGHT LOVED ONES
Rose Nebula Bacchantes vase, £4,200, Lalique
Oak-handle umbrella, £520, Swaine London
Pure vicu ña stole, £4,600, Johnstons of Elgin
Justerini & Brooks Anniversary wine case, £4,500
Velvet ankle boots, £1,075, Manolo Blahnik
Amber Aoud festive coffret, £300, ROJA Parfums
Full grain Italian Napa leather gloves with fox-fur cuffs £680, Sermoneta Gloves
MERRY AND BRIGHT BOTH MODELS ARE WEARING HEAD-TO-TOE OUTFITS FROM ASPIGA ASPIGA.COM
hClockwise from top right: Leather handbag in Gold Sparkle, £875 lalagebeaumont.com; 18kt gold earrings set with pink tourmalines, spinels, garnets, peridots, sapphires and diamonds, £17,000 boodles.com; 18kt gold charm set with diamonds, £3,250 asprey.com; Skin Caviar Luxe Cream (50ml), £500 laprairie.com; Silk robe, £795 oliviavonhalle.com; DEFY Skyline watch, £9,300 zenith-watches.com; Embroidered pyjama shirt, £2,995 erdem.com; Sterlingsilver necklace set with crystals, £165 sifjakobs.uk ; Bespoke facial gift voucher, from £190 sarahchapman.com; Mast EDP, £230 cultgaia.com; 18kt gold bracelet with topazes, tourmalines, citrines and amethysts £105 viannejewellery.com; heart sunglasses, £195 eu.aninebing.com; Sequin dress, £6,700 carolinaherrera.com; 18kt rose-gold ring with carnelian and tiger’s eye, yellow sapphires and diamonds, POA kiaschwan.com
For him
DANCING KING OUTFIT FROM SISTER JANE SISTERJANE.CO.UK
Clockwise from top right: TAG Heuer Carrera Tourbillon, £22,050 watches-of-switzerland.co.uk; white-gold onyx cufflinks set with diamonds, £23,900 cartier.com; Fifty Four EDP (78ml), £235 harrods.com; Antony bag, £775 mulberry.com ; Swans Bar, £30 assouline.com; Wax jacket in Alabaster, £595 privatewhitevc.com; Suede derby shoes in Dark Brown, £775 crockettandjones.com; Chess and draughts set, £9,300 dunhill.com; Goat leather apron in Black, £240 billytannery.co.uk; Ox horn corkscrew, £95 shop.purdey.com; technical hiking trainers, £175 veja.com; Printed cotton pyjama set, £175 desmondanddempsey.com; Sheepskin shearling hat in Brown, £545 lockhatters.com
For children
Clockwise from top right: Baby Panthère cutlery set, £320 cartier.com; 99-piece mini puzzles, £6.99 six-acres.co.uk ; First Christmas Sugar Plum Fairies gift set, £185 mariechantal.com; Cotton baby sleepsuit, £36 newbiestore.com; Jim’s Spectacular Christmas, £8.99 vam.ac.uk; Wooden doll’s house, £599.95 letoyvan.co.uk; Linen rabbit doll, £38 shop.rbo.org.uk; BigJigs Toys rocking horse, £65.99 scandiborn.co.uk; Gingerbread House bag, £55 merimeri.co.uk; Make your Own Monster kit, £22 sorokalondon.co.uk; Wool-mix sweater, £49.95 wheat.co.uk; Three-wheeled scooter, £119 banwood.co.uk; A Poem for Every Day of Christmas edited by Allie Esiri, £10.99 panmacmillan.com ON THE GOOD LIST BOTH CHILDREN’S OUTFITS ARE FROM PEPA & CO PEPALONDON.CO.UK
For home
THE HOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT GREEN HOLLY LUXURY CRACKERS (SET OF SIX) NANCYANDBETTY.COM
Clockwise from top right: Glass candleholder, £45 sorokalondon.co.uk; Handmade twin pack of playing cards, £105 roseuniacke.com; Cocktail Hour party hamper, £145 daylesford.com; Laetitia Rouget plate, £68 porta-nyc.com; Mystere candle, £85 ormondejayne.com; The Missoni Family Cookbook (Assouline), £60 arighibianchi.co.uk; The Met x Anthropologie cocktail shaker, £46 anthropologie.com; Lucy Sparrow felt bauble, £54 diptyqueparis.com; Green onyx and quartzite bowl, £295 theedition94.com; Lead crystal decanter, £125 dartington.co.uk; Hand-painted porcelain pet bowl, £125 uk.jonathanadler.com; Aura.Pure coffee machine, £1,925 loewe.tv
ABSOLUTELY SCENT-SATIONAL
Bentley BECOME is an exciting new fragrance celebrating the power of authenticity. Featuring recyclable and renewable ingredients in a sleek eco-friendly bottle that reflects Bentley’s sophistication and embrace of modernity, the spicy floral scent instantly evokes a n invigorating sense of boundless freshness and vibrant possibility, encouraging the wearer to seize life’s every moment and take a step towards embracing their true essence.
Bentley BECOME EDT (100ml), £80 is available now at bentleymotors.com and at Harrods from 1 December, 2024
ANGEL DELIGHTS
Bourne Home believe s in celebrating the rich tradition of Christmas with decor that transcends trends and lasts a lifetime. The family-run brand specialise s in unique and exquisite Christmas decorations. Each collection is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate tradition, artistry, as well as beautiful homes, and is designed to be passed down through generations. Bourne Home Heirloom Angels, £90 each, bournehome.com
THE DRAMS OF DREAMS
The ultimate gift for the adventurous whisky lover: a curated journey through 24 of the world’s most exciting premium whiskies, A Whisky Tour of the World is the perfect gift – or alternative advent calendar – for aficianados and collectors of the amber nectar this Christmas. Whisky Tour of the World, £195, harveynichols.com; gravitydrinks.co.uk
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
Perfect for cosy evenings on the sofa, as additional lighting for your dining setting or to add a cosy glow some peaceful me -time, the warm white light from Feuerhand’s Baby Special 276 LED lantern creates a cosy ambience indoors, as well as out in the garden or for outdoor entertaining on the terrace. Enjoy more than 14 hours of light on the highest setting , or up to 18 days on the lowest setting. Feuerhand Baby Special 276 LED lantern, from £54.95, berryuseful.co.uk
lux y gifts from o exclusive s ection
ALL WRAPPED UP
Made from a luxury wool and mohair blend, this check c oat comes in an elegant c ranberry colour, ideal for a festive gift. With its single-breasted design, this coat fits true to size and has a tailored fit. This versatile statement piece is a beautiful addition to any follower of fashion’s stylish winter wardrobe. Check coat, £675, reallywildclothing.com
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
Award-winning Augustine Jewels ha s just launched its autumn/ w inter c ollection: t he New York c ollection. Inspired by deco -era New York City, its mixture of statement and delicate pieces featuring gold, enamel and diamond s , will make wearers feel beautiful this Christmas! The jewellery label also ha s stud earrings, cu inks and a range of other gemstones that ’ ll make beautiful gif ts this season. Statement cocktail ring from the New York Collection – Use code LONDON10 for 10% off! Yellow-gold vermeil, £750; 9kt yellowgold, £950; 18kt yellow-gold, £1,250, augustinejewels.com
ALL THE TRIMMINGS
Liberty’s Thorpe House canvas cushion is an interior staple, decadently plump with a recycled duck feather fi lling. C onceived in the London design studio and made in England, Thorpe House is a print reminiscent of 1930s Liberty florals, reworked in a playful, bolder scale and edged with lush ru es for added texture. Thorpe House canvas cushion, £175, libertylondon.com
COVER TO COVER
This handsome fi rst- edition in English of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s well-loved fable The Little Prince has been handbound by The Chelsea Bindery in dark blue morocco grain, with a stunning multicolour onlay of the eponymous character standing on the moon. Holographic foil lettering on the spine and front cover make this luxurious binding truly sparkle: this would make a beautiful, memorable gift for this festive season. The Little Prince, £5,000, peterharrington.co.uk
D ight yo loved ones this year with
WRITTEN IN THE STARS
Freya Rose London's exquisite, handcrafted jewellery makes for perfect gifting. Each piece tells a story, blending Freya’s fi nejewellery heritage with her passion for reimagining ancestral craftsmanship through contemporary design. Surprise a loved one with a piece from the iconic Zodiac c ollection: an ethereal series of chic mother- of-pearl necklaces o ering a fresh take on astrology. Whether your loved one is a star-sign enthusiast or simply adore s refi ned elegance, the y’ ll cherish their heavenly treasure forever. Zodiac pendants, £105 and necklaces, £150, freyarose.com
BOTTLED NECTAR
Hermitage Cognac are producers of the highly acclaimed Hermitage Premier Cru C ognacs with vintages and age statements. Their prestigious range of luxury cognacs are all single estate and unblended , making them the ideal gift for the cognac enthusiast or connoisseur. The Hermitage 50 Year Old GrandeC hampagne Cognac is a unique example of these fi ne cognacs ,a ged naturallyin oak casks with rich flavours of fruit cake , sultanas, roasted walnuts and dark chocolate, it is an ideal gift for some one special this Christmas. Hermitage 50 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac, £592.20, hermitagecognac.com
BLACK GOLD
Attilus is the name that gourmet chefs and connoisseurs associate with exquisite caviar. It ’s one of the few producers in the world o ering “real ” Oscietra caviar to customers. Royal Oscietra is renowned for its excellent egg quality. The grain has a slightly nutty flavour, with a mellow length that lingers beautifully on the palate.
Attilus Caviar, from £28 for 20g, attiluscaviar.co.uk
MASTERSTROKE OF GENIUS
The Quote & Curate eGift Card is an original gifting idea for the consummate creative. The recipient can acquire fi ne a rt from the studio at Chelsea Harbour, or directly on the website. Another option for art lovers is one of Angela Murray ’s art workshops. Gift cards and workshops, from £25, quoteandcurate.com
lux y gifts from o exclusive s ection
CRYSTAL CLEAR
Elevate your auditory experience with the Bang & Olufsen H100 headphones. Encased in sleek aluminum and genuine leather, these wireless wonders deliver unparalleled sound clarity and rich bass. With adaptive noise cancellation, Spatial audio with head tracking, up to 32 hour s battery life, and touch-sensitive controls, they ensure your music is immersive and uninterrupted. Luxury meets innovation in the H100 – a true masterpiece for the discerning listener. H100, £1,299, bang-olufsen.com
THE PERFECT COMPANIONS
For the fi rst time in its 145-year dynasty, Crockett & Jones o ers a curated selection of complementary leather goods to sit alongside its fi ne collection of Goodyear-welted shoes and boots. The new Crockett & Jones leather goods collection is made using skins selected from the very best tanneries in Europe to exactly complement its footwear. Crockett & Jones, £120-£500, crockettandjones.com
PUTTING ON THE SPRITZ
Discover nearly 300 years of fragrance history with Floris’ luxury Perfumer ’ s C ollection gift set. Curated by the perfumers at 89 Jermyn Street, each scent tells a story from the Floris archive, blending vibrant, unique compositions in an elegant case. A perfect, unforgettable gift for a perfume connoisseur.
The Perfumer's Collection gift set, £250, florislondon.com
THE WORLD ON YOUR SLEEVE
For almost 35 years, Tateossian London has taken each customer on an extraordinary journey of discovery with its curiously-crafted jewellery. This festive season, explore the art of meaningful gifting with the iconic rotating g lobe c u inks in lapis lazuli, inspired by the brand’s legacy of dynamic design and spirit of adventure. Globe cufflinks, £475, tateossian.com
TIMELESS TREASURES
Clockwise from above: 22kt gold vermeil bracelet, £145, The Charites; Pearl and diamond drop earrings, £4,000, Jessie Thomas; Golden Ellipse watch, £51,470, Patek Philippe; 24kt gold pendant set with a turquoise and Swarovski crystals, £420, Sonia Petroff; Zenith Chronomaster men’s watch £12,100. Matching longline 18kt gold vermeil earrings and necklace with bloodstone, lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl stones, £180 and £315, V by Laura Vann
FROM THE HEART
FAMILY JEWELLERS OFFER ADVICE ON GIVING MEANINGFUL GIFTS THIS SEASON, WRITES TALLULAH RUSHAYA
Si sters Rosanna and Christie
Wollenberg (otiumberg.com) see women of all ages entering their Holland Park boutique. Stacked with ear cuffs, they’re buying gifts for their daughters, goddaughters and best friends.
Hoop huggies have made a comeback, as well as black onyx, solid gold and pearls, while personalised pieces are a ‘constant trend’ for Otiumberg, which offers an engraving service. “With our new Totem cord bracelets, you can spell out words, initials or names on various cord colours,” adds Christie. Freya Rose ( freyarose.com) also notices clients looking for items of sentiment leading up to Christmas. She credits her love for her craft to her mother, fine jeweller Barbara Tipple, and stepfather, a master goldsmith.
Bringing ‘fading ancestral techniques’ to every collection, her latest, Sumba, celebrates the Indonesian island after which it’s named. She suggests the Zodiac collection and mother-of-pearl necklaces as perfect gifts, and foresees the rise in popularity of empowering, self-expressive jewellery.
At Sonia Petroff (soniapetroff.com), pieces are rooted in emblems of strength. Founder Maria Leoni-Sceti translated an 800-piece archive inherited from her husband’s aunt Sonia into wearable works, often featuring meaningful sea creature and bird motifs.
With The Charites’ customisable Eternal bracelet, co-founder Ece Taner (thechariteslondon.com) has seen more requests for engravings, and the brand’s open-back designs offer the perfect space.
Combining the “divine allure” of ancient history, they use intaglio and handsculpting. Ece, who works with her two sisters, has seen a growing desire for designs that connect to the wearer’s “personal journey or heritage”.
Dima and Tania Nawbar of L’Atelier Nawbar (lateliernawbar.com), who can customise and remodel jewellery, note clients leaning towards striking chains and charms. While Jeremy Kanzen, The Diamond Store’s CEO (thediamondstore.co.uk) notes “more adventurous” tastes and the revival of yellow gold. In the field of diamonds, oval and pear-cut shapes are shining bright.
Jessie Thomas (jessiethomasjewellery.com) designs with her father David, calling his 65 years of experience “a real gift”. Approaching the season for proposals, Jessie is working on engagement rings and a series of oneoff rings. Laura Vann (vbylauravann.com) is also a believer in creating pieces to gift generations, from vintage-inspired necklaces to layer to art deco-style rings. When it comes to classic watches to last the test of time, Patek Philippe’s self-winding Golden Ellipse Ref 5738 with its rose-gold bracelet is an elegant tribute to the 1970s. While at Watches of Switzerland, the Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Boutique Edition men’s watch includes a moon phase on its olive-green dial. L
IN TIME FOR
Christmas
Charles Tearle, head of watches at Lyon & Turnbull, sheds light on the auction market
Which particular watches are proving popular at auction?
We’re seeing a trend for smaller, more classic men’s watches , so brands such as 1970s-era Cartier. Similarly, the classic JaegerLeCoultre reverso model has increased in demand. A younger generation is forgoing the typical sports watches in favour of leather-strap sty les from makes such as Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet. Unusual vintage remains strong , while contemporary mass-produced luxury models whose price escalated with a surge in demand, have seen prices adjusted down. Lad ie s’ gold 1970s and 80s watches, especially on bracelets and with coloured or stone dials , are in high demand. Styles unpopular five to 10 years ago have now become vogue.
Which watches are holding their value?
We’re again seeing a resurgence for unusual case designs, as well as brands
that represent good value for money, such as vintage Breitling, Heuer and Universal. I feel that people are looking for something different as the prices for so many of the blue-chip brands have become so high and no longer necessarily represent good value.
What ’s your advice to auction buyers? When I see someone with an exceptional vintage watch , I know they either did a huge amount of research or received good advice. Speak to the specialists and ask questions, get an opinion on what they feel it should sell for, any issues with it, and the history of it. A sk difficult questions! Always assume you’ ll have to pay for a service , as auction houses don’t guarantee the mechanical aspect.
What would you bid for in your next auction? I love the Audemars Piguet that was bought new in 2011. And there’s a pocket watch gifted by President Eisenhower to the President of Haiti, Paul Eugene Magloire in 1955. Imagine the stories you could tell wearing it! L London Watch auction, 21 November at 22 Connaught St, London, W2 2AF, lyonandturnbull.co.uk
CLOSER LOOK
EXPERT CHARLES TEARLE
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year and experience the magic of Christmas at the Marian Resort & Spa.
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“I’d be over the moon if someone treated me to a facial with Hadda Akrim. We all need a bit of extra TLC at this time of year, and Hadda tailors her treatments to suit. She gets my skin completely.” Total sculpt, £275, minimalbyhadda.com
“This year of course I’ll be giving away copious amounts of Della Vite – a premium Prosecco brand my sisters and I set up a few years ago. We’ve developed a beyond-delicious DOCG prosecco, rosé prosecco and now a non-alcoholic sparkling rosé too, so there’s something for everyone. I’ll be popping lots of bottles of these at parties, and serving with Perello olives and pizza on Xmas Eve.” Della Vita Rosé, £22, dellavite.com/uk
Leather watch case in Black, £970 brioni.com
Oura ring 4, from £349, ouraring.com
Leather bomber, £6,865, brettjohnson.co
Code 11.59 watch, POA, audemarspiguet.com
Four leaf clover charm, £680, loquetlondon.com
Milk frother, from £179.95, smeguk.com Candle, £220, marthafreud.com
Powder EDP (100ml), £210, perfumerh.com
“Bull in Burford is an intimate hotel in a picture-perfect English town, with the benefit of having the most comfortable, beautiful rooms that feel like a home from home.”
Make your Own Lipstick experience, from £80, codeeight.com
18kt yellow-gold Aries zodiac medal necklace, £2,290, vancleefarpels.com
G1 glasses, from €699, evenrealities.com
18kt gold earrings, £1,850, lilygabriella.com
“I think we all think of food as the glue that can bring friends and family together – the kitchen’s very much the nucleus of our home. A gift that endorses that from the former head chef at Spring feels like the key to any foodie’s heart.”
A private dining experience from Chef Rose Ashby, POA, instagram.com/roseashbycooks
Carbon kitchen knife, from £99, niwaki.com
lilygabriella.com
Made-to-measure suit, POA, casely-hayford.com
The Impossible Collection of Fashion, £850, eu.assouline.com
Olaf Von Bohr for Valenti table lamp, £2,267, vinterior.com
24kt gold-plated necklace, £280, alighieri.com
Baies large candle, £168, diptyqueparis com
Classic cabin case, £1,130, rimowa.com
Solid maple-wood and cotton umbrella, £285, lockwoodumbrellas.com
Meisterstück gold-coated ballpoint pen, from £380, montblanc.com
Bespoke book subscription, £50 (three months), thewilloughbybookclub.co.uk
Gold handblown EDP (100ml), £560, perfumerh.com
Boy in the Truck by Lily Bertrand-Webb, £600, studioashby.com
Festive
RECIPES
DELICIOUS SEASONAL DISHES TO ENJOY AT HOME FROM THREE OF LONDON’S GREATEST RESTAURANT KITCHENS: PETERSHAM NURSERIES, THE INTERCONTINENTAL AND CUBITT HOUSE
RADICCHIO AND ENDIVE WITH DRESSED CRAB AND FENNEL TOPS
SERVES 4. PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES, PLUS STANDING TIME
The salad leaves act as cups to hold a delicious crab meat filling.
INGREDIENTS
1 head each of radicchio, white endive and red endive
100ml extra -virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
400g fresh picked crab meat
1 bulb fennel
½tsp chilli flakes, crushed (optional)
20g each of flat- leaf parsley and dill, leaves picked, plus extra dill to garnish Lemon zest to garnish
METHOD
• Separate and cut the salad leaves into similar bite-sized pieces.
• Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and leave to stand for 20 minutes before using.
• Check the crab to make sure all of the shell has been removed. Chill until required.
• Thinly slice the fennel with a very sharp knife or a mandolin if you have one. Put the slices into a bowl of iced water, so it curls and stays fresh-looking until needed.
• Put all the ingredients, except the salad leaves, into a bowl and mix well. Taste to ensure there ’s a good balance of dressing and seasoning. Divide the crab mixture up between the salad leaf ‘cups’. Garnish the platter with a sprinkle of lemon zest and a few extra dill sprigs.
ROAST DUCK
SERVES 4
Theo Randall at the InterContinental, Park Lane, theorandall.com
INGREDIENTS
2kg Gressingham duck
1 orange, cut into 2cm pieces
1 lemon, cut into 2cm pieces
75g honey
75ml port
3 sprigs of fresh thyme
Sea salt
METHOD
• Take the giblets out of the duck and place in a separate tray with chopped leek, carrot, celery and parsley stalks. Place in the bottom of the oven and cook for 30 minutes. Place into a saucepan , add 1 litre of water, then reduce on the stove , so you only have half the liquid. Keep to one side.
• In a medium-size d bowl, mix together the chopped lemon and orange and thyme branches, fill up the duck cavity with them. Take a roasting tray and put a wire rack that fits into the roasting tray. Place the duck in the middle of the roasting rack. Take some tin foil and rub olive oil on the inside, this is to stop the duck skin sticking to it . Cover the duck so there are no gaps. Place in a pre heated oven and cook for 45
FOR THE CHEESEBOARD
Petersham Nurseries
The perfect end to the festive meal, a cheeseboard is a Christmas essential. Try these suggestions presented on a board or platter, complete with fresh figs, wet walnuts and quince paste.
• Quader de Cavra is a soft, washed-rind goat’s cheese from Italy, with a sweet, delicate flavour balanced with a hint of acidity.
• Rich with a well-rounded
flavour, Crozier Blue is a gently salty sheep’s milk cheese with a distinctly rich, creamy texture that works beautifully with figs.
• Another washed-rind cheese, this time from France, Gabietou is made from a blend of cow’s and sheep’s milk, and has a mellow, earthy flavour.
• From the Loire Valley in France, Sainte Maure is a classic goat’s cheese with a slightly acidic, yet deliciously buttery flavour.
For London’s fi nest cheese stockists, see The London Xmas List, p65 -67
minutes. Remove the tin foil and pour out all the excess juice and keep to one side.
• Take a serrated knife and run the knife all over the duck, to release the fat deposits that are on the surface, dab the duck with some kitchen towel so the surface is drier Then , using a pastry brush, brush the honey on all sides, place back in the oven and cook for a further hour.
• While the duck is cooking, make the sauce by skimming off the fat from the cooking juice. Finely chop 2 shallots, and soften with 50g butter, cook gently for 5 minutes, add the port and reduce by half, add 25g honey and then add the skimmed duck juice and the roasted giblet stock. Cook on a medium heat until the liquid has reduced to about 150ml, skim off any excess fat and keep to one side.
• Remove the duck from the oven, and carve off the legs and breasts, cut into 2cm slices and place on a serving dish. Pour over half of the sauce and serve the rest on the side.
HONEY, CHOCOLATE , AND CHESTNUT TORTE
SERVES 8 PEOPLE
Theo Randall at the InterContinental Park Lane, parklane.intercontinental.com
INGREDIENTS
200g dark chocolate ( 70% cocoa solids)
150g unsalted butter
300g chestnut spread (crè me de marrons)
6 medium -size d eggs
100g honey
METHOD
• Pre -heat oven to 160 °C . Melt the chocolate and butter in a large bowl on a ba in-marie Stir when melted, so the chocolate and butter are combined.
• Take the mixture off the heat and leave to cool for a couple of minutes, then stir in the chestnut spread, egg yolks and honey – mix so all ingredients are emulsified. L eave to one side
• Whisk the egg white to soft peaks and then carefully fold in ¼ of the beaten egg whites to the chocolate, honey and chestnut mixture. When mixed, fold in the rest of the egg whites , keeping it as aerated as possible.
• Pour the mixture into a 24cm cake tin which has been lined with greaseproof paper. Bake for 45 minutes at 160 °C.
• Take out of the oven and place the cake tin
NUTCRACKER SWEET
THIS DECADENT TORTE
MAKES THE PERFECT
WINTRY DESSERT
on a wire rack to cool. When the cake has cooled down completely, turn it out of the tin gently onto a flat serving plate and dust the top of the cake in icing sugar.
• Serve with a glass of vin santo
CHRISTMAS PUDDING
SERVES 6-8 PEOPLE. MAKES 2 LARGE CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS IN 1 LINER BOWLS
Chef Ben Tish at Cubitt House cubitthouse.co.uk
Say what you like about Christmas pudding, there’s nothing like it to typify Christmas feasting. We start making ours late autumn and let it mature (others may say this is late but we’re happy with our puddings and even making two days ahead of time produces a wonderful pudding). The alcohol, fruits and spices create that wonderful mulled flavour and aroma that is quintessentially Christmas!
INGREDIENTS
170g dark soft b rown sugar
225g b readcrumbs
150g currants
150g raisins
300g p runes, chopped
300g sultanas
45g mixed p eel
225g suet
300ml Guinness
100ml PX sherry
100ml whisky or b randy
2 large e ggs
1 tsp salt
A tablespoon mixed s pice
1 lemon, juiced and finely zested
Soft unsalted b utter for greasing the pudding bowls
METHOD
• In a large bowl, m ix all of the dry ingredients together, then add the wet ingredients and mix well. Cover and leave in a cool spot to mature for at least 2 days , but 4-5 weeks of maturing will result in a pudding like no other
• Divide the mixture into greased pudding basins. Wrap several times in clingfilm , wrap the tops with 2 layers of aluminium foil, then tie each pudding up with string
• Now you’ll need to steam the puddings –you’ll need a large pan. Nestle an old tea towel in the bottom and place the puddings in. Pour around boiling water to come 2/3 of the way up the basins , then cover the pan and set over a medium heat. Steam the puddings for 5 hours – as it evaporates, you’ll need to top up the water with fresh boiling water from the kettle.
• After 5 hours , turn off the heat and leave everything to cool. Either serve straight away, or remove the puddings and leave covered in a cool spot until ready to use. Reheat in a microwave for 13 minutes on high.
• Turn the puddings out and serve with brandy butter or cream , or even ice cream You may even want to have a go at flambé! – watch those eyebrows, though! L
PUD VIBES TO END A TRADITIONAL FESTIVE FEAST, YOU CAN’T BEAT A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS PUDDING
Christmas lunch
Festive feasts with a twist – from Brazilian to Indian, we seek out the best international dishes to be found in the capital this season
CASA DO FRANGO
Various
With locations in Piccadilly, Victoria and London Bridge, Casa do Frango brings the warmth and flavours of Portugal. Centred around the traditional and beloved peri-peri chicken, the restaurants have beautifully designed dining rooms available to hire for bigger groups. c asadofrango.co.uk
THE IVY ASIA
Various
This decadent setting invites guests to try the diverse dishes of the Asian continent. This Christmas, enjoy highlights such
as maple and sesame glazed chicken and truffled beef tataki. Alternatively, sample a wintry afternoon tea with a twist. theivyasia.com
RAILS
King’s Cross
The bridge between Paris and London, here you’ll find a feast to impress friends and family. The Christmas Day menu includes game terrine or seared scallops with cauliflower purée to start, followed by roast turkey or sirloin beef with seasonal sides, or an alternative sweet potato and mushroom tart for vegans. gnhlondon.com/festive-season
MAROTO
Marylebone
Drawing influence from the spirit of Brazil, the restaurant upstairs offers an elegant dining experience using elevated techniques to create nuanced dishes. Downstairs at the late-night bar and lounge club, guests can revel surrounded by interiors inspired by 1930s Art Deco and colourful cocktails. m arotolondon.com
CINNAMON COLLECTION
Various locations Whether in the heart of the city or beyond, find delectable Indian
dishes on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day from executive chef Vivek Singh and his team. Meals include, seared cod fillet with Colombo curry sauce and roast goose breast with trimmings. c innamonclub.com
FAZENDA
Bishopgate
Samba into celebrations with Fazenda. The popular Churrasco Experience includes glazed duck and wagyu pigs in blankets. On the pampas menu, find small sharing plates from s anduiche de queijo with beetroot to f ugazzetta with charcoal dough. fazenda.co.uk
CASA DO FRANGO
THE IVY ASIA
MAROTO
CINNAMON CLUB
RAIL’S FAZENDA
Whisky galore
THIS YEAR, THE MOST DISCERNING
DRINKERS
HAVE SOMETHING EXTRA-SPECIAL ON
THEIR CHRISTMAS LISTS: BESPOKE WHISKY STORAGE. ALEXANDRA GOSS INVESTIGATES
Whisky has always had cachet and last year a rare bottle of Macallan 1926 single malt sold for $2.7m, breaking the record for the most expensive wine or spirit sold at auction. And these days , it’s not only popular with cigar-pu ng men, as seen on screen in the riotous 1980s Jilly Cooper drama Rivals. More than a third of whisky drinkers in the UK and US are women. Meanwhile , superstar Beyoncé got in on the act this summer with the launch of SirDavis, a Japanese-inspired whisky made in collaboration with Moët Hennessy.
Interior designers are increasingly carving out special whisky spaces. Sims Hilditch (simshilditch.com) recently created a bar cabinet for a client who wanted to show o their extensive bourbon collection. “We designed a spacious dresser, intentionally aged to complement the vintage bottles, with beautiful lighting to create a warm amber glow,” says Gemma Holsgrove, the fi rm’s studio director.
The billiards room at the Garrison Club at Chelsea Barracks has a bespoke whisky cabinet with lockable compartments for residents to use. Charu Gandhi, founder and director of Elicyon (elicyon.com), who designed the cabinets, is frequently asked to create bespoke storage for alcohol collections. “Consideration needs to be given to various factors , such as the impact that temperature, moisture and natural-light changes can have on these rare drinks,” Gandhi says.
In the luxurious homes of the most serious spirit collectors, entire rooms are now being dedicated to whisky. Bethany Prince, senior associate at SHH (shh. co.uk), is designing a whisky room for a client in London with custom shelving that can accommodate the wide variety of bottle shapes and dimensions.
Meanwhile, Robert Cox, design director at ADAM Architecture (adamarchitecture.com), has just created a whisky and cigar room above an old stable hayloft for a client. The space has slungback chairs positioned round a fi replace; a muted colour palette with woody oaks, dark mahoganies and copper accents to complement the whisky; and soft, di use lighting. “We even took notes from the bottles themselves for room di users, so as soon as you s et foot into the space you’re enveloped in the warm, delicate aromas of whisky,” Cox says.
For novices keen to get into whisky this Christmas, Sam Phillips, commercial manager of spirits, at Berry Bros. & Rudd (bbr.com), recommends Campbeltown Loch’s Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, £39.95 And for the perfect gift for an aficionado, he tips Tamdhu, 2008, Oloroso Sherry, Cask Ref. 2196, Speyside, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £250), which has a very rich nose full of dark fruits, sultanas and cherries, almost like a Christmas cake.
To impress guests, Simone Malavolta, manager at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s London venue on 19 Greville Street (smws.com/ venues/19-greville-street-london), suggests pairing a mince pie with Merry with Sherry whisky, £97.
And for the ultimate investment in your whisky cabinet – or addition to your dedicated room – how about a £12,500 bottle of Littlemill 1772 , The Vanguards, Chapter.1 Robert Muir, 45-year- old, Lowland, single malt s cotch w hisky from Berry Bros. & Rudd (bbr. com)? “This is the fi rst of an extremely limited release from an iconic ghost distillery that, in years to come, enthusiasts will boast of having tried,” Phillips says. Cheers! L
POURS FOR THOUGHT
Left to right: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Merry with Sherry is ideal for seasonal get-togethers; Littlemill’s Vanguards collection is a worthy investment for whisky fans; The Garrison Club’s billiards room at has a residents-only whisky cabinet
Advent-urous
OLLY’S CHRISTMAS RECOMMENDATIONS
Domaine Pique Roque Rosé 2023, £15.55, Haynes Hanson & Clark
Rosé may seem an out there choice for Christmas but as well as being the ultimate to sip beside a swimming pool, it makes for a fabulous festive party wine too. It’s scandalously scrumptious, divinely pink and an all-round peach of a wine to serve alongside finger food at gatherings. And it comes in magnums too!
If fresh shellfish is on the menu this Christmas, bag this glorious Greek white wine at once. As though a wand of jasmine has been waved over an apricot dream, this bone-dry thriller is as memorable as it is electrifying. Enthralling quality, deftly made and will delight your guests.Once you’ve tasted Malagousia this good, you’ll never look back.
Sant’Armettu Rouge ‘Rosamarinu’ 2023, £31, Shrine To The Vine
Scented, light, deft and beyond delicious, I was introduced to this wine by Ollie Brett at Mountain. Organic and elegant, if you’re usually a red Burgundy drinker, this Coriscan gem offers similar subtleties at a fraction of the cost. Championing the Sciaccarello grape, this estate is worthy of closer inspection. This wine will go spectacularly witha turkey roast.
Pintia 2019, £73.95, Lea & Sandeman
For a robust, statement red as warming as a portable fireside, this Spanish icon comes from a Vega Sicilia property in Toro and is worthy of icon status. Powerfully voluptuous, it’s an instant delight with deep, delicious dark fruit. Velvet with exotic complexity, it’s this year’s wine to beat for pairing with steaks or a winter roast beef feast. Treat yourself.
Quinta do Noval Colheita Single Harvest Tawny Port 2009, £55, Ocado
This is the only port you need buy this Christmas. It’s delightful to share with guests whether served chilled with salted almonds or on Christmas Day alongside the stilton. Sublimely rich with a triumvirate of sultanas, spice and coffee, this is as good as port gets.
Olly’s jolly good tips
THIS CHRISTMAS, TRY OUT LONDON’S TOP WINE VENUES AND TREAT YOURSELF TO THE ‘LONGEST LUNCH’, ADVISES WINE EXPERT OLLY SMITH
As a wine expert, getting lost in the library of libations is a hazard of my job. In fact, it’s the part I love the most, exploring the things that I don’t know about the wide world of wine; great new growers, charmed settings and convivial service, all of which enables us to revel ever more deeply in this liquid treasure that flows through every eddy of my life, illuminating it with every ripple.
If you’re lucky enough to have a cellar or a wine collection stashed via the digital realm across your favourite wine merchants then
top of your list should be 10 Greek Street , who o er an irresistible £5 corkage for a standard bottle for Friday lunchtime. The food is fabulous, the sta sublime and its own wine selection is superb – ask to see the little black book of one-o s. For a sense of informal class, Daniel Illsley’s wine list at Maison François (34 Duke Street) is mindblowing and the sommelier sta will send you soaring into new stratospheres of flavour – ask for Joe Collier’s advice, his youthful vigour and wine wisdom are peerless. For similar levels of cheery insight, a sommelier
who has introduced me to pleasures untold without remortgaging my house is Ollie Brett at Mountain on Beak Street I’ve visited so many times that I know most of the team by name and can’t wait to return – it ’s truly excellent. And make sure you order the spider crab omelette.
For a specialist wine list, the Italian gems on Brutto’s list (Greenhill Rents, Farringdon) make my heart sing so loud that my chest feels operatic. The majestic touch of the late Russell Norman suffuses the air and the team is electrifying in their prompt, engaging delight led by Monique Sierra. If you have a free day, book in for the longest lunch, while dinners are superbly atmospheric with London’s finest playlist and even if you haven’t booked, as a solo diner I’ve often had luck as a walk-in to sit at the bar with a decent Chianti and comforting plate of their legendary vodka p enne. For some of the most adventurous pairings in town, head to see chef Chet Sharma at Bibi (42 North Audley Street) whose cooking is nothing short of godly. Celebrating a sustainable approach to both cooking and wine requires raising a glass in Apricity (68 Duke Street) where chef Chantelle Nicholson and her team have taken loving the planet to full-blown levels of adoration with sublime dishes in a modern informal setting.
And of course, no mention of the London wine scene would be complete without venerating the epicentre of all good things, Noble Rot. I adore all three of its settings , but if you twist my arm I’d opt for Lamb’s Conduit Street . Place yourself in the hands of their excellent wine team and let your tastebuds go surfing brand-new shores of glory. You’ll not get lost, but you may never want to leave. L
Bottles to get the conversation flowing with friends this Christmas
“When you try new wines, it marks special occasions,” says Clarence Tan, manager at Jeroboams’ King’s Road. “It’s a good conversation starter.”
We’re in the tasting room below the shop floor, where Christmas food pairing events will take place 30 November and 1 December ( jeroboams.co.uk). “Conviviality is what it’s all about ,” says Clarence, darting up and down the stairs to collect his festive favourites:
GO OFF-LIST Left to right: Expert Olly raises a glass to the festive season; Noble Rot on Lamb’s Conduit Street is the ultimate wine-lover destination
To start the evening off…
Bourgogne Pinot Blanc, Domaine Henri Gouges 2020, £ 30.95. A simple wine, at a good price from a great producer.
Brilliant with turkey…
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir Hemel-en-Arde 2022, from South Africa, £47.95. Very elegant, similar to a Burgundian pinot noir. Prefer white?
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2022, £34.50, is also Burgundian in style, and great with fish.
With venison, game or beef… Château Clerc Milon 2012, £145, a favourite Bordeaux La Reserve de Leoville Barton 2018, 2nd wine of Chateau Leoville Barton, £39.95.
From the North Rhone, Saint Joseph Clos de Cuminaille, Domaine Galliard 2021 £35.95. With grilled meat, Casaloste Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, £49.96.
Rosé s…
Les Clans Rosé , Ch âteau
PAIRINGS
D’Esclans Côtes de Provence 2022, £70. Clos Mireille Domaine Ott, C ôtes de Provence, £ 39.95
For slow drinking…
NV Bakkanali Rosso £38.95, is a biodynamic wine by Sebastian Nasello, a great wine producer.
Ch â teau d’Yquem 2019, £ 395. A Sauternes. “The liquor of gods
A mythical allure of a truly exceptional wine liked to vinous poetry.” Royal Tokaji Blue Label 5 Puttonyos Asz ú, £35.95.
Sherry…
Diatomists Pedro Ximenez and Amontillado, both £19.95. A new producer which is rejuvenating sherry. Serve with charcuterie. Champagnes…
NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, £81. A very festive Champagne. NV George s Veselles Grand Cru Brut 2016, £39.95
WINTER WARMER
Unwind and indulge in a cosy countryside-bound Christmas, complete with festive dining, frosty walks and pampering spa treatments
THE MALTINGS WEYBOURNE, NORFOLK
For a magical Christmas with all the trimmings, venture to this home-away-from-home at The Maltings on North Norfolk’s idyllic coast, above. On Christmas Eve, guests are greeted with mulled wine, followed by a special three-course dinner. Christmas Day starts in style with a champagne breakfast, followed by lunch complete with crackers. Boxing Day dining includes brunch and dinner. Explore local festivities nearby, such as Holkham Hall and Norfolk Lights Express. Christmas Stay package rates start from £1,000 for two guests sharing a room. themaltingsweybourne.com
MARIAN RESORT & SPA, DYSERTH
Once surrounded by the natural beauty of north Wales, you can leave the festive planning to Marian. Settle down for festive food and take in panoramic vistas at the VIEW restaurant, with a specially curated menu. If you want to discuss your list with Santa one-on-one, book a visit for breakfast or an afternoon tea. To ring in the New Year, the resort’s gala will have live entertainment and a cocktail bar until late. Prices start from £89 based on two people sharing a classic lodge for one night. marianresortandspa.com
CHAMPNEY’S EASTWELL MANOR
Engage in peaceful pampering in this Kent getaway. In the heart of the garden of England, enjoy afternoon tea by a roaring log fire or Christmas lunch in the Gardenia. If attending Midnight Mass, guests will be welcomed back to Eastwell Manor for delicious mulled wine and mince pies. Spa stays include a pre- and post-Christmas treatment with the most skilled therapists to restore mind, body and soul. Prices are dependent on package, champneys.com L
COVENT GARDEN VILLAGE LONDON
BUYERS LOOKING TO HAVE A SPOT AT THE CENTRE OF IT ALL ARE BEING SEDUCED BY THIS HISTORICAL DISTRICT'S BUZZING SOCIAL SCENE
It was once a humble street market, where George Bernard Shaw’s Eliza Doolittle sold posies and dreamed of being “a lady in a flower shop”. Today, Covent Garden is a glamorous shopping haven, where theatregoers spill out onto the streets and into the coolest cocktail bars in town.
It’s little wonder people, from near and far, want to live here. “Covent Garden is a popular location for British and international buyers who value being in the heart of theatreland and embrace the vibrant atmosphere,” says Andrew Chambers, a director at UK Sotheby’s International Realty. “The typical buyer is acquiring a pied-à-terre , and so wants to be in the middle of the action.”
says Chambers. “One of the apartments we ’ve just sold overlooks the Piazza , and it was part of their fi rst scheme on the Piazza back in 2013. It ’s a stunning three-bed property fi nished in a classically traditional way, boasting special views over the historic piazza.”
“Buyers value being in the heart of theatreland and embrace the vibrant atmostphere”
Capco and Shaftesbury, the West End estate holders which merged earlier this year, are responsible for recent upgrades to the retail and restaurant scene and “are keen to see the residential market support their vision,”
Covent Garden property types range from elegant Georgian townhouses and luxury apartments to converted warehouse lofts, according to Michael Keating, director of Dexters’ Bloomsbury o ce. His buyers include “professionals, creatives, and international residents”, who love the central location and easy access to the City. Away from the touristy areas, Keating enjoys quieter streets such as Floral Street or Seven Dials which have a more laid-back feel. “You can fi nd hidden gems like Monmouth Co ee, the intimate wine bar Terroirs, or a favourite restaurant of mine, Bancone on William IV Street with its freshly made pasta and tasty cocktail menu.”
A day IN COVENT GARDEN
9AM
Happy feet
Put on your dancing shoes! Whether you’re looking to start a new hobby or revisit an old one. Pineapple Dance Studios ( pineapple. uk.com) on Langley Street covers genres from tap to contemporary, ballet and lyrical. For a post-shimmy treat, shu e-ball-change over to Chez Antoinette (chezantoinette.co.uk) or Ladurée (laduree.co.uk).
11AM Checking it twice
A time for giving, this Christmas surprise your friends and family with presents they will love. For fitness lovers fi nd Lululemon on Long Acre; for the budding fi lmmaker, a gift voucher from the London Film School on Shelton Street (lfs.org.uk/giftvouchers); pampering from Patrizia Manias hairdressers or Townhouse nails, and BLOCH on Endell Street for dancers (uk.blochworld.com).
1PM
Food glorious food
Explore The Yards (theyardscoventgarden. co.uk), which connects two courtyards of St Martin’s and Mercer Walk. In the midst of Christmas planning, try some of the area’s culinary delights
that could inspire your own festive menu. Find Burmese dishes at Laphet on Slingbsury Place (laphet.co.uk), Gura Gura ( guragura.co.uk) for small plates or Le Bab for Middle Eastern cuisine (eatlebab.com).
3PM
Curtain up
Discover the wonders of The Royal Opera and Ballet (rbo.org.uk), this season. Until February next year, an exciting programme of music is within the opulent Royal Opera House Crush Room. With shows in the evening and afternoon, productions currently showing include classic Tosca as well as Maddaddam , based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian epic, choreographed by Wayne McGregor.
5PM
Sing-a-long with the stars
On Bedford Street, fi nd St Paul’s. Designed by Inigo Jones, it ’s now a ectionately known as ‘t he actors’church’ (actorschurch.org) for its long association with the theatrical community, with memorials dedicated to Vivien Leigh and Charlie Chaplin. Artist JMW Turner was baptised here. On 4 December, attend t he Film and TV Charity Carol Service which raises money to support industry people facing hardship.
THE MAIN ADVENT Left: There's simply nowhere better to kick off your Christmas shopping than at Covent Garden Market Building's niche gift shops and high-end boutiques – and with the halls all decked out in festive finery, it's a great start to the season
Ask a local
ISABELLA MCGUI RE MAYES founder of Isabella Ballet
"I love working at The Yards – it’s such a lively area with a rich dance history, being so close to The Royal Ballet and Opera House. It makes teaching here extra special, with students often dashing from class to catch a performance. My favourite spot is the Townhouse nail salon; there’s nothing like fresh nails for ports de bras! Coffee is a must during long teaching days, and WatchHouse provides the perfect brew while I catch up on Ballet With Isabella admin. After teaching, I unwind at Dishoom – its house black daal is irresistible and the perfect end to a fun, social evening." balletwithisabella.com
FOOD & DRINK
WHETHER YOU'RE STOPPING FOR LEISURELY LUNCHES, OR PRE-THEATRE MENUS, CULINARY IMAGINATION BLOOMS ETERNAL IN COVENT GARDEN
3 HENRIETTA STREET
3 Henrietta Street
The beautifully restored townhouse across five floors, allows you to explore three dining options. Enjoy a British feast from chef Mark Greenaway at Pivot Bar & Bistro. P izza hotspot Doughnation is perfect for sharing and a winter catch-up with old friends. Alternatively, El Ta’koy offers Tiki cocktails and Hawaiian street food to transport you from a winter’s evening to a tropical paradise. 3henrietta.com
IVY MARKET GRILL
1a Henrietta Street
In the heart of Covent Garden, embrace sociable winter dining at one of London’s best-loved establishments. Tuck into seasonal favourites such as turkey ballotine with apricot, cranberry and pork stuffing. Desserts include the classic frozen berries, t he Ivy Snowman and creme brulee. You might even spy Santa Claus himself… ivycollection.com
RULES
34-35 Maiden Lane
Founded by Thomas Rule in 1798, Rules is London’s oldest restaurant . Currently owned by John Mayhew, it specialis es in classic game cookery, oysters, pies and puddings. Stars of the literary and film world s have graced
Rules , from Charles Dickens to Laurence Olivier and David Bowie rules.co.uk
SUSHI SAMBA
35 The Market
Renowned for its dynamic blend of cuisine s and cocktails, here you can sample and share Japanese tempura and sushi; Brazilian churrasco and moqueca; Peruvian anticuchos and ceviche. On the speakeasy menu, find cocktails such as bijou del s ol and miso old f ashioned. If you’re catching a festive show, try the pre - and post-theatre menu. sushisamba.com
CLOS MAGGIORE
33 Kingly Street
Frequented by A-listers and royalty, Clos Maggiore is one of the most romantic restaurants in the capital. With multiple AA-Rosette awards, its menu offers an innovative take on modern European cuisine. The restaurant uses locally produced ingredients , including organically grown fruit and veg delivered from Kent each morning. Sat in the blossom-laden conservatory, complete with a fireplace, you'll find it doesn’t get much cosier than Clos Maggiore. closmaggiore.com
SCHOOLS
In bustling Covent Garden, culture and learning thrives. A stone’s throw from the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, St Clement Danes CE (st-clementdanes.westminster.sch.uk) is a friendly primary school. Steeped in history, the school has strong links with the historic Actor’s Church (St Paul’s), as well as its own parish church St Mary le Strand. Encouraging students to ‘go shine in the world’, Catholic primary school St Joseph’s (stjosephs.camden.sch.uk) is in the area’s Macklin Street. Well-connected, Covent Garden’s secondary options mean
travel isn’t arduous. If you have a dancer in your midst, the Royal Ballet School (royalballetschool.org.uk) on Floral Street teaches classical, pas de deux, folk dances, and more. Dancers graduate to join some of the world's leading companies, including the English National Ballet and the Paris Opera. Towards the City, explore excellent options such as City of London School for Girls (clsg.org.uk) and City of London School for Boys (cityoflondonschool.org.uk) and St Paul’s Cathedral School (spcslondon.com) for children from reception until year eight.
A PIAZZA THE ACTION Top to bottom: Try 3 Henrietta Street's trio of menus; dine convivially at the Ivy Market Grill; enjoy bites of sushi, churrasco and ceviche at Sushi Samba
ON THE MARKET
FIND FAMILY HOMES AND APARTMENTS IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS, PERFECTLY ADAPTED TO MODERN LIVING
Hot property
ST MARTIN'S LANE
This beautiful four-bedroom maisonette enjoys high ceilings and a wealth of period features, such as fireplaces and decorative cornicing. Offering 2,000 sq ft of space, there are two light-filled reception rooms for entertaining. Close to buzzy Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Available to let, £11,115 per month Agent: chestertons.co.uk
GREAT QUEEN STREET
This spectacular lateral three-bedroom apartment on the second floor of a period building looks out over the historic street named after Queen Victoria. £4.25m Agent: sothebysrealty.co.uk
CRAVEN STREET
A six-bedroom Grade II-listed townhouse between Covent Garden and river. This street has been home to both Benjamin Franklin and Herman Melville. £10m Agent: dexters.co.uk
Ask an aгnt
CARLOS
sales director of Chestertons
“Culture, entertainment, shopping, transport links and culinary delights: Covent Garden has it all and so much more, which is why it remains one of the most sought-after locations for buyers and tenants alike. As diverse as Covent Garden is its demographic. We register continued interest from young professionals who are looking to embrace its vibrant lifestyle, as well as from second-home owners and retirees looking to be close to the theatre scene. We also register a lot of interest from City workers who favour Covent Garden for its transport links, which not only includes the Tube but the Elizabeth line and Southeastern Trains, which operate from nearby Tottenham Court Road and Charing Cross. More recently, we've seen an influx of tech entrepreneurs swapping Silicon Valley for the Apple Market. The area's famous for its historic buildings. However, due to demand, we've seen a number of new developments with modern apartments.” chestertons.co.uk
RIVEROS
SALES YEAR of the
London’s leading property agents select the homes that left a memorable mark on 2024, writes Zoe Dare Hall
As 2024 nears an end, top-end sales in London remain resilient, according to Savills, who handled one of the year’s highest-priced deals in the public domain: a £35m house in St John’s Wood. Despite pre-budget uncertainty, there have been more £5m+ transactions than there were in pre-Covid 2019. There were 98 £10m+ sales by mid-October.
But when it comes to what agents consider their sales of the year, it’s rarely about price. From the quickest to the quirkiest, the one-viewing wonders to the social-media sensations, CLEA agents pick their stand-out properties of the past 12 months.
RECORD BREAKER
Aston Chase’s
£15.25m sale of a detached St John’s Wood villa in March marked a new record for house sales in the area at £3,800 per square foot. The house and its beautiful walled gardens attracted interest from domestic and international buyers and sold quickly to a Chinese buyer who was living locally.
“Despite the challenging market conditions we' ve experienced this year, they recognised what a rare jewel this lateral, non-basement period house was on one of St John’s Wood’s most sought-after streets,” comments Mark Pollack at Aston Chase.
SPEEDY SALES
Princess Diana’s family home – a cream stucco Georgian home on Farm Street, left, which she visited regularly, once reconciled with the stepmother she nicknamed “Acid” Raine Spencer – sold for £10.95m through Wetherell and Chestertons within three days of going on the market. The sub-100-hour sale was the fastest in Mayfair in 2024 – and that’s during its strongest year for trophy home sales in a decade, says Robert Dawson of Wetherell.
JLL also spotlights a super-fast deal – a £700,000 flat in Greenwich’s Catherine Grove. The property saw three offers within a week, two above asking price, and sold for £736,500. JLL’s Jonathan Webb says the sale illustrates strong buyer demand in a prime part of Greenwich, along with “realistic initial asking prices and tailored marketing strategies that resonate with the market”.
Finally, the school bell was ringing loudly for the buyer of a house in Kitson Road in Barnes. He raised his offer from £3.85m to £4m “as he wanted to exchange within two weeks and complete within four to ensure he was in for his son’s September school start date,” reports Ava Finley from Marsh & Parsons.
ONE-VIEWING WONDER
Houses rarely change hands on Launceston Place, part of the historic conservation area known oxymoronically as Kensington New Town. Yet one particular four-storey Victorian home with a walnut-panelled bar in the drawing room and a guide price of £8m had sat on the market for months with another agent before UK Sotheby’s International Realty stepped in and achieved the street’s highest-ever square foot price after just one viewing. “The buyer was referred through our auction house and the seller came through our network, proving the strength of our collaboration,” comments senior sales director Will Pitt.
LOW-RISE IN HIGH DEMAND
Low, wide houses are a rarity amid South Kensington’s multi-storey townhouses and they seldom come to market, reports Edward Bensted from prime sales at the area’s Strutt & Parker office. So when 1 Montrose Court, a low-rise, five-bedroom house set on private Princes Gate became available for the first time in 40 years, it saw “incredible interest”, says Bensted, and sold for £6.77m. “This demand led to multiple bids, and the speed at which it sold is testament to the fact that an outstanding property which is distinguished from the area’s norm will always create its own fast-paced and competitive micro-market.”
OFF-MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Have you heard the one about the Irish actress who walked, not into a bar, but an estate agents? Well, she left with Marsh & Parsons’ other sale of the year. Said actress (no names allowed, sadly) paid £4.4m off-market for a large five-bed house in The Crescent, one of the best roads in Barnes. The house’s vendors downsized through the same agent, “leading to a £100,000 chain for the office – and it all started with a walk-in,” comments Ava Finley.
TIME WARPS
UHNWIs may love a bit of turnkey perfection, but sometimes a rather dated ugly duckling can be the focus of a bidding war among the super-rich when it offers both a prime location and development potential. Such was the case with this 3,500-square-foot house in Chelsea’s Cathcart Road left. “In two decades of estate agency, I've never come across a property that offers as much scope and opportunity as this,” comments Dan Carrington, head of Savills Chelsea, who sold the five-bed, two-storey house that had been in the same ownership for 60 years. The house drew interest from eight competing bidders and sold for above its £8m guide price.
Chelsea, again, and a five-bedroom terraced house in The Vale with a dolls’ house-like charm to its facade by Edwardian architect FE Williams (which gives it a Grade II listing) and retro furnishings by a family who have been in situ since 1968.
“The house was preserved in a charming time-warp condition. Our clients were thrilled that the new owners were passionate about retaining so many of the historic and unique elements,” comments Robert Green at John D Wood in Chelsea, who sold the house for above its £3.75m guide price.
A SOCIAL CLIMBER
35 Roderick Road – guided at £3.1m-£3.2m – sits inconspicuously amid a smart terrace of Victorian townhouses in what Grant Bates, head of Hamptons’ private office, describes as “a lesser known” part of Hampstead. Yet its launch purely on social media saw it go viral, receiving more than 1m views, 32 viewings and seven offers (five over asking price), leading to its sale at £3.35m. “Its success is testament to the power of strategic social media marketing in today’s real estate landscape,” says Bates, who says the marketing video was perfect for a captive audience of young families aged 30-50.
MADE TO MEASURE
Jermyn Street may be world famous for its gentlemen’s fashion emporiums, dating back to when Henry Jermyn developed the street in 1664, but the new owner of this three-bed apartment (asking price £2.25m) is among a small number who can call the city-centre address home. “This is one of very few properties for sale on the street and one of the only ones to have a terrace,” says Verity Chick at Cluttons of the historic Portland Stone building, whose freehold belongs to the Crown Estate and is entered through an ornate arched doorway. For its rarity value, Cluttons has crowned it their team's undisputed property sale of the year.
PCL BUDGET IN THE ‘BURBS
Make way for the most expensive house EVER to be sold in south -east London. Granville House, a Victorian mansion of 8,500 sq ft in Blackheath, sold last month (November) for £10.5m – a price that’s unheard of for the area – to a buyer who discovered the property through Hamptons’ YouTube channel. Its heath-front location partly fuels its price premium, but it’s the luxury hotel-style “living experience” that 's unlike anything else around, including a gym and spa with mood-lit steam room and Himalayan salt sauna, and a 200ft garden. “This sale highlights a growing trend among UHNWIs to explore options beyond Prime Central London in pursuit of properties that offer space and unique features,” says Grant Bates, head of private office at Hamptons in London.
HISTORICAL PRESTIGE
This Grade II*-listed townhouse – designed by the revered architect Robert Adam – is one of 10 such houses on Marylebone’s Mansfield Street built as homes for nobility. Since the Second World War, the property has been in commercial use, but having been sold this year by Knight Frank with a guide price of £13.95m, its new owners plan to restore the five-storey building – which includes gilded frescos in its reception rooms – to its former residential glory. ”Mansfield Road is steeped in history, having been designed by Robert and James Adam in the 1770s and some of their designs can still be seen throughout the houses,” comments Ali Mathews from Knight Frank’s Marylebone office.
A LASTING LEGACY
There’s a poignancy to Lurot Brand’s sale of the year. The house – with a rare double garage – in Bathurst Mews went on sale for £1.95m after its owner of more than 30 years, Antoine Lurot, the agency’s founder, passed away last December. Lurot was also a founding director of CLEA (Central London Estate Agents), whose members set up and own The London Magazine. It was Lurot’s love of mews properties that carved a niche in prime London property that his agency carries into the future. “It gives us great pleasure to know that the next chapter of its story will carry on in the spirit of the mews he loved so much,” comments Cameron Power at Lurot Brand.
QUIRKY CHARACTER
Bomb shelters, ballerinas and bright red interiors… The Studio in Brook Green’s Augustine Road, priced at £875,000, wins the vote not just for Finlay Brewer’s most unusual sale of this year but in the company’s 32 years of business, says the agency’s Paul Cosgrove. With its vivid handpainted walls and ceilings, “you can feel the creative spirit the moment you step inside,” he adds of the 840 -square-feet studio built on the site of a Second World War bomb shelter and former home to world-famous ballerina Lynn Seymour. The Studio's distinctive paintwork and spiral staircase have now been lost amid the new buyers’ renovation project, but the huge, light-giving floor-to - ceiling Art Deco windows remain. L
istmas
THE LONDON LIST
Your little black book of essential London services, specially curated each month by the editors of The London Magazine and including recommendations from some of prime London’s top property agents
ILLUSTRATIONS: ANNA LOUISE OLIVER AT THE ARTWORKS
THE LONDON LIST
FOOD & DRINK
BERRY BROS. & RUDD
63 Pall Mall, St James’s, SW1Y 5HZ bbr.com
Proud to be Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd was founded in 1698. The family-owned and run business has built an extraordinary network of producers. Here, you'll find experts in their field who are able to advise which reds or whites are best this December. Its historic venue in St James’s also hosts bespoke events and tastings in their cellars.
FORMAN & FIELD
H. Forman & Son, Stour Road, Fish Island, E3 2NT 0203 601 5464 formanandfield.com
Synonymous with smoked salmon, Forman & Field has been delivering gourmet produce since 1905. Forman & Field offers grade -one fish, in addition to grass-fed meats and rare -breed poultry. If you're on the hunt for the ultimate Christmas hamper, fish favourites or a show-stealing centrepiece, Christmas dining with Forman & Field is ensured to be the finest.
JEROBOAMS
10 London locations jeroboams.co.uk
Jeroboams was founded in 1985 by Peter Rich, starting life as a cheese -and-wine club. Dubbed ‘London’s local wine merchant’ Jeroboams can be found in locations from Kensington to Wimbledon, King’s Road to Holland Park. Working with exclusive family- owned wine producers, their expansive collection suits a range of preferences. Pop in for a chat in the run up to Christmas – the team in all stores are happy to advise.
LETTICE EVENTS
Kennington 020 8038 4796 letticeevents.com
Whether planning a festive soirée or smaller affair, Lettice Events provides sustainable luxury catering and event planning. Working closely with its clients, the company's dishes are able to reflect a seasonal menu. Catering for high-end clients such as the Royal Academy of Arts, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood, the team here can plan an unforgettable festive day or night.
PARTRIDGES
Sloane Square; Gloucester Road partridges.co.uk
Elevate Christmas dining with Partridges, the grocers that has been selling the best quality food from British producers since 1972. The family-run business originally opened its doors on Sloane Square, before moving to Duke of York Square, where the shop remains today. On the square every Saturday, its Fine Food Market hosts artisan traders for visitors to discover.
Established in 1797, the London cheesemonger was cited by Winston Churchill as where a gentleman buys his cheese. The preferred cheesemonger of choice to Queen Victoria, Paxton & Whitfield has held royal warrants under Queen Elizabeth II. Find ample choice in store and online, with hampers that make the perfect gift for hosts and decadent cheeseboards.
THE HAMPSTEAD BUTCHER & PROVIDORE
Hampstead; West Hampstead and Muswell Hill hampsteadbutcher.com
Known for its traditional meat cuts, The Hampstead Butcher is also a
delicatessen, charcuterie, cheese, wine shop and grocer. Using British free-range farms in addition to game, the stores' fresh -food counters have always been stocked with the widest variety and artisan suppliers.
THE WHISKY EXCHANGE
Covent Garden, Great Portland Street, London Bridge thewhiskyexchange.com
Supplying the world’s premium spirits, The Whisky Exchange has grown exponentially from founders Rajbir and Sukhinder Singh’s initial two-man operation. Building a global community, visitors will find an ever- evolving collection of old and rare spirits here
Founded by Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison, the duo behind Tart London, Wild by Tart focuses on big flavours and seasonal ingredients. If you're planning a get-together, they can cater for a minimum of 20 guests seated or minimum 30 standing. Going above and beyond, the team can also provide a preferred list of suppliers for AV, entertainment and more.
WRIGHT BROS.
thewrightbrothers.co.uk
The specialist seafood delivery
SPOTLIGHT ON…
PANZER'S
The beloved St John's Wood deli and grocery has launched its 2024 Christmas hamper range. Curated by owner David Josephs and his team, they feature award-winning smoked salmon, luxury mince pies and panettone, plus delicious items from smaller producers, such as Nana Lily’s homemade puddings, cakes, and condiments, and Isle of Mull Cheddar Waxed Truckle. Packaged in Panzer’s signature green boxes, they can be delivered nationwide. Prices range from £60-£550. 13-19 Circus Road, NW8 6PB. 020 7722 8162; panzers.co.uk
service can bring the best of the sea to your door. London’s seafood experts have curated a indulgent selection of Christmas fish and meat. Options include a whole side of beetroot gravadlax, Carlingford oysters and Christmas smoked fish box. Supplying to chefs at London’s finest restaurants, the Wright Bros have their own restaurants within the capital.
Professional Christmas decorator Anya Banks can tailor designs to any colour scheme. Focusing on London in addition to the Midlands, Anya can illuminate any home to make residents feel as if they ' ve stepped onto a festive film set. Beginning with a personal visit or photographs, from a theme, Anya is able to conjure up a design that will impress your guests. And once the festive period is over, worry not, because Anya will return to remove decorations.
MAISON MARGAUX
132-134 Lots Road, SW10 0RJ
maisonmargauxltd.com
The luxury British homeware brand has adorned the tables of some of the capital’s finest events. Discover a range of styles and colours that will perfectly suit the festive season. Available to be rented or purchased, Maison Margaux's pieces will liven up any festive table, from ravishing reds to hints of glorious greens.
NEILL STRAIN
11 West Halkin St, SW1Z 8JL 020 7235 6469
neillstrain.com
A floral wonderland, Neill Strain and his talented team are able to create the ultimate floral couture. Neill Strain also has a Mayfair boutique and concession in Harrods. Transforming the ordinary into extraordinary, his Belgravia facade has continued to capture the city’s imaginations with seasonal blooms designed in all their glory. Whether looking for a centrepiece for the table, front-door wreath or more. Neill can bring any creative vision to life.
GIFTS & WRAPPING
COLFORD colford.co.uk
Founded by Imogen Beresford and Nathan Cole, the responsible gift wrapping service ensures those highly anticipated presents are wrapped to perfection. Using only FSC-certified papers, Colford works with luxury brands and private individuals to design beautiful papers. Able to neatly wrap classic gifts, they also tackle unique offerings, such as works of art and miniature trees.
THE GIFT CONSULTANCY
07984 178307
thegiftconsultancy.co.uk
Hetty Lintell has been procuring the finest presents for clients since 2020. An expert in the world of luxury, she helps clients who are time pressed or are finding it challenging to source a gift. Each project is bespoke, and with more than 15 years' experience of working within the luxury field, her talents are tried and tested.
PARTY
ALEX MERZ PHOTOGRAPHY
London 07960 012364 alexmerz.com
Capture Christmas on film this year. Alex Merz has worked on an eclectic mixture of events from corporate to private. Shooting in a timeless style, Alex focuses on candid images of party guests, resulting in naturally warm pictures that can be treasured. View Alex’s portfolio online which includes interiors, luxury and campaigns.
JESSICA BIRD ILLUSTRATOR
London jessicarosebird.com
Primarily working as a fashion illustrator, Jessica Bird does live event drawing. Clients she has worked with include Samsung, Hermès and Tiffany. Able to capture guests with speed, her work is highly pigmented, using chalk pastel and willow charcoal. Guided by her artistic intuitiveness and surroundings, Jessica's work makes a wonderful memento for the party season.
Tavo creates premium pet car seats to the highest standard in crash-testing and quality materials for maximum comfort and safety. In a range of sizes and with optional stroller wheels, the system promises to keep your treasured pet protected in style, at all times when away from home.
To experience the collection, head in store at Halfords on online at halfords.com or tavopets.com
mattmaurice.co.uk
Able to set the tone for clients' nights, Matt Maurice is the capital's original event DJ hire company. As a former DJ himself, Matt knows how to locate talent that will get your guests on the dancefloor. In addition to DJs, Matt Maurice also has singers, bands, string quartets and violinists that can play a variety of musical genres on his books. Working with international and British celebrities, Lamborghini and Spotify, your music playlist will be in the safest hands.
BEAUTY
RUUBY
11 Palace Ct, London W2 4LP ruuby.com
One of the pioneering digital beauty services, book five -star beauty treatments without even leaving your home, hotel or office. With a rich network of more than 600 qualified and vetted professionals, Ruuby can also cater to large events and VIPs. Whether in need of massage, IV drip, makeup artistry or anything in between, Ruuby can help ease any festive worries.
Arrive in style. Counting HNWI, business executives and music producers among its loyal client base, find efficiency and courtesy with this trusted chauffeur company.
DRY CLEANING
CHELSEA GREEN VALET
1 Godfrey Street, Chelsea, SW3 3TA 020 7589 0044
chelseagreenvalet.co.uk
The family-operated business has built a reputation of excellence and trust in the Chelsea Green area. Offering a repertoire of services including seasonal refreshes, such as spring cleaning and vacuuming packaging clothes in autumn, Chelsea Green Valet are ready to assist.
JEEVES OF BELGRAVIA
Mayfair; Hampstead jeevesofbelgravia.com
Red wine down your best dress?
The royal-warrant-holding dry cleaners delivers refreshed garments direct to customer’s doors. Founded more than 50 years ago, London’s finest dry cleaner is renowned for excellence. Garments undergo their meticulous seven stages of care, with skilled experts able to restore items to be as good as new for the party season.
THE LONDON LIST
SCHOOLS
NURSERIES & PRE-PREP
AVENUE NURSERY AND PRE-PREP SCHOOL
2 Highgate Avenue, London N6 5RX
020 8348 6815
office@avenuepreprep.co.uk avenuepreprep.co.uk
Founded in Highgate by principal Mary Fysh more than 40 years ago, this tight-knit school fosters individuality, self esteem, and a sincere joy in learning. In this friendly, secure environment, respect for others is a priority.
PREP
BRIGHTON COLLEGE
PREP KENSINGTON
10-13 Prince’s Gardens, London SW7 1ND 020 7591 4622
brightoncollegeprep kensington.co.uk
A vibrant co-ed prep for children aged two to 13, this fresh addition to the international Brighton College family nurtures a culture of kindness in an environment of academic excellence, putting pupil happiness foremost on the agenda.
FRANCIS HOLLAND PREP
15 Manresa Road, SW3 6NB 020 7352 7077
francishollandprep.org.uk
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CAROLINE.WARRICK@ CHELSEAMAGAZINES.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
With a reputation for cultivating confident and curious girls, this single-sex Chelsea prep has moved to its own Grade II-listed campus just off the King’s Road, which more than doubles the space available and allows for two-form entry. If you are looking for September 2025 entry and not had a chance to visit yet, please contact the registrar
Offering young girls a broad, stimulating education in a secure, nurturing environment, this prep school aims to ensure that its pupils become happy individuals prepared to make bold decisions.
THOMAS’S BATTERSEA
28-40 Battersea High Street,
SPOTLIGHT ON…
WETHERBY PREP
Having built a reputation for excellence, Wetherby Preparatory School sees its boys head to some of the country’s most prestigious schools. With new head Nina Kingsmill Moore at the helm, the school continues to foster a strong community which includes parents as well as pupils. B eyond the classroom, its ample extracurricular choices, from flight club to ten pin bowling, enable a fully rounded school life Bryanston Square, London, W1H 2EA; 020 7535 3520 wetherbyprep.co.uk
London SW11 3JB 020 7978 0900 battersea@thomas-s.co.uk thomas-s.co.uk
As with all branches of the Thomas’s London Day Schools family, learning is enjoyable, imaginative and intellectually stimulating here, with exceptional outcomes for leavers The most important school rule is 'Be Kind'.
Established in 2011, the college provides a bilingual, multicultural education to children aged three to 15, fostering academic excellence via the French Education Nationale curriculum.
DULWICH COLLEGE
Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD 020 8693 3601 enquiries@dulwich.org.uk dulwich.org.uk
An academically selective boys’ school, with a rich heritage of social responsibility established upon its opening more than 400 years ago, Dulwich College is also known for its inspired teaching.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE SCHOOL
67 Pont Street, London, SW1X 0BD 020 7590 9000
knightsbridgeschool.com
With an all-through, co-ed day education, Knightsbridge School has created an ecosystem of happiness for pupils to flourish, whether academically, artistically or through sports
Delivering a progressive Catholic education, with faith an integral part of life at More House School, the curriculum helps pupils leave to be accomplished young women.
NORTHBRIDGE HOUSE
85-87 Fordwych Road, London (Nursery and pre-prep) 020 7267 6266 northbridgehouse.com
The co-ed all-through school leads pupils to find their ‘True North’. The academically non-selective school assesses future pupils to gauge their current academic ability upon entry.
WETHERBY SENIOR
100 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QU 020 7535 3530
wetherbysenior.co.uk
Based in Marylebone, the day school for boys aged 11-18 carries on the traditions from its prep school. This term the school welcomed Rob Garvey as its new head.
BOARDING
CRANLEIGH
Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8QQ
01483 273666 cranleigh.org
Co-educational boarding and day schools set in 280 acres of grounds, providing a breathtaking range of opportunities for pupils aged from seven to 18.
The luxury party planners extraordinaires are able to turn any concept from Barbie to spy theme into reality. Planning every detail, Sharky & George founders Charlie & George are known as the ‘kings of the lavish kids’ parties.
Learn through play at the multi award-winning Purple Dragon in Chelsea, within the private Grosvenor Waterside development. Find over 100 different activities for your little ones to dive into, whether they want to try their hand at golf or create an artistic masterpiece let their imaginations run free.
SHOPS & BOUTIQUES
AFTER NOAH
121-122 Upper Street, N1 1QP afternoah.com
The family-run emporium is full of beautiful curiosities, from vintage toys to retro homeware and restored furniture. Find chic furnishings, including the ever popular mid- century, antique and contemporary interior favourites and decorative touches that add heart and style to any abode.
AMAIA LONDON
14 Cale St, Chelsea amaialondon.com
The luxury childrenswear shop has been dressing little ones in timeless elegance and comfort since 2004. For CEO and founder Amaia Arrieta, family has been at the forefront of the brand. Using only the finest fabrics, the clothes are designed to stay in pristine condition that can be passed on to following generations.
BENJAMIN POLLOCK’S TOYSHOP
44 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF pollocks-coventgarden.co.uk
The enduringly popular city-centre toy shop, which even counts actress Dame Joanna Lumley as a fan, can trace its origins to the 1880s. Specialising in an array of creative, educational and theatrical toys, children’s imaginations are nurtured in this magical realm of joyful storytelling.
The award-winning baby boutique brings a highly curated selection of clothing and nursery essentials to help children grow. Find luxury
baby gifts to welcome a new member to the family this season or gifts for mums. For those welcoming a new arrival in the new year, Blue Almonds offers a special personalised service to create a dream nursery.
CACHAO TOYS
452 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 1BS
cachaotoys.com
Initially starting as a cafe and shop in Primrose Hill until 2016, Cachao Toys in Muswell Hill opened its doors in 2015. An area known for being a family location, Cachao Toys is full of colour and joy. Find partywear from brands such as Meri Meri and Talking Tables, suitable for parties of all ages.
CISSY WEARS
Unit 89, Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ 020 3388 7220
cissywears.com
This kids' hotspot is located in the trendy King’s Cross destination Coal Drops Yard. Designed for the modern family, Cissy Wears has ethically sourced products for youngsters and parents. Founder Nicola Eyre has created a brand that offers vibrant colours, bringing joy to all the family. Where playful design meets practicality, mix and match in Cissy Wears.
SPOTLIGHT ON…
MERI MERI
Make all your little one's part y dreams come true this festive season. Suppliers of fun party supplies and thoughtful gifts, the company was created by Meredithe Stuart-Smith who transformed her enthusiasm for design into a renowned brand. Add the magic of Christmas with Meri Meri, whose latest collection includes a special advent calendar with Ladurée and a Harrods charm bracelet calendar. Discover at Liberty London, alongside other select stockists. merimeri.co.uk
ELFIE LONDON elfielondon.com
Created by fashion industry veteran Rebecca Guinness, Elfie offers whimsical and traditional childrenswear in equal measure. Inspired by the works of children’s illustrators including Arthur Rackham, Richard Scarry and Elsa Beskow, the designs are magical and durable for play. Elfie London can be found in Fortnum & Mason.
LUNA & CURIOUS
24-26 Calvert Avenue, E2 7JP lunaandcurious.com
The female-founded independent East London store, with three creatives at the helm, is a real labour of love. Focusing on British manufacturing, they have an eclectic mix of womenswear, childrenswear, jewellery, homeware and more. Attracting new design talent, it 's a shop for special finds.
TROTTERS
Across London trotters.co.uk
Founded by Sophie Mirman and husband Richard Ross, the first Totters opened on the King's Road. The British kidswear brand is known for its premium clothing for newborns all the way up to children of 11. ‘Making childhood memories', its range has a mixture of occasionwear and smart daily outfits for boys and girls.
NANNIES/STAFF
NORLAND NANNIES agency@norland.ac.uk 01225 904030
norland.ac.uk/norland-agency
With an unrivalled reputation for excellence, Norland Nannies are gold-rated and equipped to handle a range of childcare needs. Blending theory and practice, Norland Nannies are trained in Norland College, Bath and gone onto care for royalty.
Whether needing trustworthy staff for private households and estates, childcare or yachts, trust Greycoat Lumley, which has more than 25 years of experience in finding the very best people. L
ANNE ASHWORTH
This year, Christmas-shopping season is all about experiences for Londoners: from museum memberships and walking tours to the thrill of retail itself
This year, Londoners will step into a slightly different Christmas.
While the streets are beautifully illuminated like normal, and the stores are full of the usual gifts, at the newly revamped John Lewis store, you’ ll find evidence of a fast-growing gifting trend. In March a Jamie Oliver cooking school will open in the branch, offering pasta-making and other culinary lessons; prices start at £55. A 90-minute course that teaches you how to prepare the perfect ravioli is an example of the gift that keeps on giving year round
On Christmas morning, people still want to unwrap the latest hot autobiography, or an exclusive perfume. But, increasingly, they also want to receive an experience which makes them feel more competent, cool or smart.
The desire to be better informed about London and make the most of its culture and history is driving some of this new preference in presents. Please, Santa bring me a Diptyque candle, but also something experiential that gives me the opportunity to explore different aspects of London – not just at Christmas , but for the whole of 2025.
Acquiring Jamie Oliver knife skills may be the dream for some. But others would rather dine out than dine in. Would these reluctant chefs rather have a voucher for one of the Wolseley group restaurants, such as the Colbert and the Delaunay? Almost certainly Prices start at £25. Vouchers for The Ritz , meanwhile, range from £250 to £1,000.
In January, trying to gourmandise less and exercise more is many people’s aim , which makes annual membership of a gallery or a museum an ideal present. You can reach your daily steps goal while improving your mind.
For example, V&A membership starts from
Let’s make 2025 a year when Londoners continue to get out and about in the stores, museums and elsewhere
£77 (£50 for under-26 s). This gives free entry to special exhibitions (normally a round £18) and a 10 % discount at the shop.
Members’ rooms are another benefit. These are mini private members’ clubs with drinks, snacks and places to relax. When in need of inspiration, a friend drops by the British Museum’s members’ room for an intellectual boost. As he puts it: “If I’m having a problem with some software, I remember that the Victorians managed to decipher
the hieroglyphs on the Rosetta stone”.
While taking a look at this and other exhibits during lunch break s , he also sends up a silent signal of thanks to the relations who were early adopters of the experiential gif t thing. This year he’s put a British Library membership (£95) on his list. The vibe in its members’ room is academic and entrepreneurial: the low-volume chatter suggests many are working on business plans. If you’re wondering what to give a person who has everything, or simply doesn’t care much for stuff, a voucher towards a CityLit London walk (from £10) could be the very thing . These weekly sessions take you around the elite neighbourhoods, along the river, inside the City or to the main stations. This exploration of Kings Cross, Waterloo and the other termini is called Transports of Delight.
One individual who took this course says that the insights provided transform an arrival at Paddington into an adventure. Knowing more about it s 19th century grand design and 21st century reinvention is enriching.
This month, I’ ll u se my membership shop discounts: there’s nothing like the glow that comes with spending that subsidises a museum. But you’ ll also find me on Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets, plus other retail destinations, revelling in y uletide razzmatazz.
Even before the decorations went up last month, store bosses were reporting the muchgreater-than- expected return of Christmas customers, eager to see, sample and feel the buzz – sensations that e-tail will never deliver.
Let ’s make 2025 a year when Londoners continue to get out and about in the stores, museums and elsewhere. No one really wishes it could be Christmas every day, but if a bit of the spirit lingers, that ’ d be a good thing. L
• Four-bed house, Park Street Mayfair, £25m (Wetherell ) • Three-bed flat, inset, Clarges Mayfair £22.5m ( Knight Frank) Lettings
• Five-bed house, Devonshire Place, £25k pw ( Aston Chase) • Four-bed flat, South Audley Street, £22.5k pw (UK Sotheby’s International Realty)
NOT ALL ESTATE AGENTS ARE THE SAME … THE DIFFERENCE IS CLEA
What is CLEA? CLEA members represent prime central London’s leading estate agents, working in collaboration to provide exclusive data insights on the market, and publishing The London Magazine since 1991.
CLEA (Central London Estate Agents) is made up of 24 of the most respected household names in property, with a dominant presence on all prime central London’s h igh s treets. CLEA represent s the gold standard in sales and
lettings. With a collection of more than 500 o ces across prime London and its collaboration with LonRes, the property data network, CLEA o ers unrivalled real-time insights into the housing market. CLEA agents are trusted and established, representing strength and reliability in prime London property.
The London Magazine , owned by CLEA,remains the leading property and lifestyle magazine for prime London. thelondonmagazine.co.uk/about-us/
Top sales of 2024 by area
(ALL PRICES ARE GUIDE PRICES)
NORTH
Sales
• Seven-bed house, St John’s Wood, £35m (Savills) • Six-bed house, Regent’s Park, £25m (Savills), left • Six-bed house, Primrose Hill, £23m ( Knight Frank) Lettings
• Nine-bed house, Hamilton Terrace, £25k pw ( Aston Chase) • Seven-bed house, Redington Gardens, £10k pw (UK Sotheby’s International Realty)
SOUTH
Sales
• Five-bed house, Little College Street, £5.75m ( Dexters), left • Four-be d house, Sta ord Place, £4.95m ( Dexters) • Four-bed house, Cambridge Street, £4.5m ( John D Wood )
It’s the day after the Budget and I’m actually feeling surprisingly sanguine.
For the housing market, it was largely about stamp duty. The point at which buyers start paying stamp duty will fall from April, confi rming the unwinding of a temporary measure introduced by the Conservatives in 2022.
Our research shows that changes to stamp duty focuses minds and has more of an impact on the market than most other factors. If they were thinking about moving , people will be keen to do so before April. And w ith the possibility of further interestrate cuts, we might see a flurry of activity spreading up through the market
The increase in stamp duty on second homes from 3% to 5% came as a surprise. Taxation has been gradually chipping away at landlord profits and this move won’t help. Would-be landlords could think twice about investing, at a time when others are choosing to call it a day. I expect to see a fall in rental stock and rent rises as tenants chase fewer properties.
However, a taxation increase is unlikely to overturn the plans of second-home buyers looking for a London base. Rather, we’ll see more price negotiations to mitigate the stamp duty hike.
LonRes numbers show a pretty busy October and I can only see that trend continuing over the coming months. We shall wait and see as to how sanguine I’m feeling then! L
LonRes
Hocroft Road, NW2
£8,000,000
Moments from Hampstead Heath, this impressive 14 bedroom house has elegant interiors and magnificent living areas. There is a grand dining room which would be the ideal place to host a dinner party with friends and family. Benefiting from two integral double garages, a large garden, indoor swimming pool & spa area, this home is a must see, energy rating d.
Dexters West Hampstead. 349 West End Lane, London, NW6 1LT T: 020 7644 9300 E: westhampsteadsales@dexters.co.uk
Craven Street, WC2N
£10,000,000
In a prime central London address and situated in the heart of the West End, an extraordinary townhouse with six bedrooms and six bathrooms. The striking Grade II Listed property spans seven floors and is complete with off-street parking and a lift. The iconic street has been home to historical, political and literary figures including Benjamin Franklin and Herman Melville.
Situated in a prestigious South Kensington postcode, this spectacular apartment has five bedrooms and generously sized spaces for entertaining. Beautifully presented, the unique home has been recently refurbished and offers a large private terrace with incredible views. Flooded with natural light throughout, the property is also moments from great transport links and the iconic Harrods department store, energy rating e.
Dexters South Kensington. 144 Brompton Road, London, SW7 4NR
Found within the exclusive Aldwych Chambers, this interior designed three bedroom apartment has stylish features throughout. This property is set in a secure development with a daytime concierge and a lift. The prime location of this Covent Garden home is perfect for those looking for a central base with internationally renowned shopping and dining nearby, energy rating c.
Knight Frank Wandsworth jack.gravestock@knightfrank.com 020 4502 7251 knightfrank.co.uk
020
Warwick Square, Pimlico SW1V
2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1 reception room | Approximately 2,834 sq ft | EPC C Share of freehold: approximately 988 years remaining | Council Tax band H
This first-floor Grade II listed apartment benefits from excellent proportions. It offers plentiful space and light, as well as access to the resident's communal gardens and tennis court.
Guide price £3,850,000
Knight Frank Belgravia matthew.armstrong@knightfrank.com 020 4502 7056
Winners of 13 customer experience awards
Holly Mount, Hampstead NW3
4 bedrooms | 1 bathroom | 2 reception rooms | Outside space | Approximately 1,857 sq ft Freehold | Council Tax band G
A distinctive Grade II listed, four-storey, Georgian home with many original period features remaining, located in the heart of Hampstead Village Conservation Area.
Guide price £3,750,000
Knight Frank Hampstead & Belsize Park katy.brookes@knightfrank.com 020 4502 7598
knightfrank.co.uk
Winners of 13 customer experience awards
South End Road, Hampstead NW3
£6,950,000 Freehold
Available for the first time in 50 years, a stunning Grade II listed Georgian home that retains a wealth of period features, and beautiful additions made by CFA Voysey in the late 19th Century.
Five bedrooms | Two family bathrooms | Self-contained one bedroom flat | Garage | Residents parking | EPC rating D | Council tax band H Hampstead 020 7591 2225 | hampstead@struttandparker.com
Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill W11
£1,095,000 Share of freehold
A superb two-bedroom apartment with a large roof terrace with panoramic views.
731 sq ft (68 sq m)
First floor entrance | Reception/kitchen | Two bedrooms Bathroom | Roof terrace | EPC rating C | Council tax band E
Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 | nottinghill@struttandparker.com
*After
Talbot Road, Notting Hill W2
£3,500,000 Share of freehold
A beautifully presented three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment occupying the first, second and third floors of a newly renovated period building in the heart of Notting Hill.
1,875 sq ft (174.2 sq m)
Ground floor entrance hall | Reception room | Kitchen/dining room
Three bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Cloakroom | EPC rating D Council tax band E
Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 | nottinghill@struttandparker.com
Leinster Square, Notting Hill W2
£6,500,000 Leasehold 994 years
A sensational three-bedroom second floor flat in a handsome, white stucco fronted period building.
2,438 sq ft (226.54 sq m)
Entrance hall | Reception room | Dining room | Kitchen | Three bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Dressing room | Laundry room
Guest WC | Air conditioning | Direct lift access | Porter | Communal gardens | EPC rating C | Council tax band H
Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 | nottinghill@struttandparker.com
The Vale, Chelsea SW3
£11,950,000
An exceptional six-bedroom Grade II listed family house with a west-facing garden situated on this prime Chelsea tree-lined street.
5,212 sq ft (484.2 sq m)
Entrance hall | Dining hall | Drawing room | Six bedrooms | Four bathrooms | Sitting room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Gym | Family room | Utility room | Guest cloakroom | Conservatory | West-facing garden | EPC rating D | Council tax band H
Chelsea SW10 020 7373 1010 | ChelseaSW10@struttandparker.com
Hasker Street, Chelsea SW3
£3,425,000 Freehold
An attractive three-bedroom part-stucco fronted house with bright well-planned living accommodation, situated on the mid terrace of this pretty one-way street.
1,623 sq ft (150 sq m)
Two reception rooms | Three bedrooms | Three/four bathrooms Garden | Balcony | Residents parking | EPC rating D Council tax band H
Sloane Street 020 7235 9959 | sloanestreet@struttandparker.com
St Maur Road, Fulham SW6
£2,850,000
A stunning and thoughtfully extended five-bedroom house, spanning over 2,500 square feet in the heart of Parsons Green.
2,512 sq ft (233.33 sq m)
Two reception rooms | Five bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Terraced Garden | Residents parking | EPC rating C | Council tax band G
Fulham 020 7731 7100 | fulham@struttandparker.com
Onslow Gardens, South Kensington SW7
£3,250,000 Share of freehold
An impressive maisonette apartment with direct access onto the beautiful Onslow Gardens.
1,328 sq ft (123.27 sq m)
Reception room | Kitchen | Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms Patio | Communal gardens | Residents parking | EPC rating D Council tax band G
South Kensington 020 4525 2870 | southkensington@struttandparker.com
STAMFORD BROOK ROAD, W6
HERTSMERE ROAD, E14
BELVEDERE ROAD, SE19
£2,500,000 FREEHOLD
5 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 2 reception rooms
A beautiful double fronted detached early Victorian house located on a highly desirable road near the Crystal Palace triangle. The property features a spacious south-west facing garden, off-street parking, a garage, and excellent transport links into London. EPC D. Tax Band G. 020 3918 5228 DULWICH @ HAMPTONS.CO.UK HAMPTONS.CO.UK
London, SW3
Standing out proudly from this historic terrace of Grade II* listed Queen Anne houses is 22 Cheyne Row. It is for sale for the first time in over forty years. The house has a rich history, with many notable inhabitants, including The Earl Grey. More recently, the Berry family (owners of Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest wine merchants in Britain) had the wine cellar installed. Approx. 3,797 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. Council Tax Band: H. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 6 reception rooms, rear garden, two vaults, large study. Freehold | Guide Price £6,950,000 | Chelsea Green - 020 3369 4319
Robert Green MRICS Sales - Chelsea Green
Les Deux Alpes, France
This magnificent luxury ski-in ski-out chalet sits in the most affluent residential area of Les Deux Alpes, offering fabulous views towards the Muzelle glacier and the Valley Blanche ski area. It is surrounded by mature pine trees on a 1000m2 plot of land and is only a short walk from the nearest piste. The chalet is being sold fully furnished.
Guide Price ¤2,992,000 | International – 020 7610 2021
Alasdair Hedley Sales - International
London, SW7
An exceptional opportunity to acquire an impressively wide, and surprisingly spacious 4-bedroom house. This home offers superb entertaining spaces, including a generously proportioned kitchen/breakfast room, a separate dining area, and a large L-shaped reception room. This house enjoys a serene and secluded position at the western end of Cornwall Gardens. Approx. 2,107 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. Council Tax Band: H. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 reception room, two balconies, roof terrace, excellent transport links. Freehold | Guide Price £3,750,000 | South Kensington - 020 3369 4328
Russel Williamson Sales - Cadogan Street
Thurloe Street | South Kensington, SW7
This beautiful south-facing house, nestled in the heart of South Kensington, has undergone extensive renovation. Spanning over 3,100 sq. ft., the property features exquisite interiors designed by Rigby & Rigby, a master bedroom with a walk-in
chestertons.co.uk
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Chestertons has been helping people buy, sell, rent and manage properties across London for over 200 years.
With a focus on supporting local communities and a network of over 32 offices in London, we do things differently to other estate agents.
If you would be interested in finding out how much we think your property could sell or rent for, please email us on central.enquiries@chestertons.co.uk or visit www.chestertons.co.uk
chestertons.co.uk
The Marlowes, | St John’s Wood, NW8
This spacious apartment has been meticulously refurbished throughout and is conveniently situated near St John’s Wood Undergrand Station and the American School. The property benefits from an open-plan dining area/reception room leading to a patio garden, a large master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning throughout, and off-street parking for two cars.
Lenka Zavodna – Lettings Director 020 7182 1406
lenka.zavodna@chestertons.co.uk
Kensington Gardens Square, Bayswater W2
£1,000,000
An immaculate three bedroom flat boasting impressive entertaining space, a private entrance and access to beautiful gardens. Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Prestigious garden square Excellent location | 1,013 sq ft | EPC Rating C | Leasehold
Earls Court Road, Earls Court SW5
£1,450,000
An exceptional two bedroom period flat with extremely high ceilings, recently refurbished throughout.
Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Large garden
Good local amenities | 1,596 sq ft | EPC Rating E Leasehold
020 4571 9550
SOUTHKENSINGTON.SALES@KFH.CO.UK
Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill W11
£1,250,000 OIEO
A light flooded and airy two bedroom flat offering magnificient views of Ladbroke Gardens and Elgin Crescent.
Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Period building
Access to communal garden | 901 sq ft | EPC Rating C Leasehold
020 4571 6345
NOTTINGHILL.SALES@KFH.CO.UK
Queensway, Bayswater W2
£7,000 pcm
A luxury three bedroom apartment situated in an impressively converted 1930’s Art Deco cinema.
Three bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Private balcony Lift | Porter | 1,267 sq ft | EPC Rating B | Furnished
020 4571 7921 BAYSWATER.LETTINGS@KFH.CO.UK
Marloes Road, Kensington W8
£7,150 pcm
A unique two bedroom apartment located moments from Hyde Park, boasting wooden flooring and high ceilings throughout.
Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Period conversion 951 sq ft | EPC Rating D | Furnished
020 4579 1786
NOTTINGHILL.LETTINGS@KFH.CO.UK
Homes
Find your new home, for your old traditions
Within this period stucco-fronted building, an exceptional three bedroom home set across three floors. The property comes with its own private street level front door offering extra privacy, energy rating c.
• Three Bedrooms • Mews Style House • Dining Room
• Three Bathrooms • Grade II Listed • Three Floors
£1,575,000 - SHARE OF FREEHOLD
A charming Grade II listed, freehold mews house; situated in the heart of Mayfair Village with private terrace, gym, and media room.
Joint Sole Selling Agents £8,250,000
An immaculately presented three-bedroom mews house; moments from Berkeley Square, set over three floors with private terrace.
Sole Selling Agent £3,900,000
New to the market for the first time in over 25 years; a three-bedroom apartment on iconic Mount Street with high ceilings and views towards Berkeley Square.
Sole Selling Agent £4,795,000
Situated in Berkeley Square’s only residential block; an exceptional two-bedroom apartment with 40 ft reception room and five windows overlooking the square.
Joint Sole Selling Agents £6,500,000
MOUNT STREET
BERKELEY SQUARE
vast outdoor entertaining space and beautiful Dock views £2,300,000 Share of freehold | EPC: C An extraordinary three-bedroom apartment inthe coveted CityQuay development. This 3,690 sq ft gem boasts an impressive 1,760 sq ft of outdoor space, a rarity in this prime location. The third-floor residence features a south-facing aspect, flooding the interiors with natural light.
A spacious reception room opens onto a vast terrace, perfect forentertaining. The well-appointed galley kitchen window has a view towards the docks, while three double bedrooms (two en-suite) offerample storage. The main bedroom accesses the terrace, and a second bedroom features a private balcony. Additional perks include secure underground parking, 24-hour concierge, and a share of the Freehold.
Westbourne Park V illas, Bayswate r, W2
Immaculate 3-bedroom maisonette with large private terrace
£2,0 00,000 Share of freehold | EPC: C
A fully modernised luxurious three-bedroom, threebathroom apartment spanning over 1,640 square feet.This maisonette boasts an expansive open-plan kitchen and living area,perfect for both entertaining and relaxation. Each of the three double bedrooms offers its own en-suite bathroom, with the primary bedroom additionally featuring a large walk-inwardrobe. The apartment further benefits from a large private terrace and a share of the Freehold.
Westbourne Park Villas is situated close to an abundance of local amenities including the excellent transport links via Westbourne Road and Royal Oak, the vibrant Portobello market and Notting Hill and the green open spaces of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
Spencer Road, SW18
£3,500,000
Perfectly place in the heart of Wandsworth, a magnificent house that is surrounded by superb amenities. The spectacular home has three bedrooms and a landscaped garden designed with privacy in mind.
Campden Hill Court, W8
£3,500 per week
Set on a desirable road, close to Kensington High Street, an impressive apartment that has been recently refurbished. In a prestigious building, the property is moments from excellent transport connections.
A wonderful 3 double bedroom Victorian house with very good living/entertaining space on the ground floor and a walled and paved garden.
• 3 Double Bedrooms
• Double Reception
• Full Width Kitchen/Breakfast Room
• Bathroom
• 2 Shower Rooms (1 En Suite)
• Paved Garden
• EPC Rating D
• Council Tax Band G
• Freehold
Stafford Mansions, Haarlem Road, London W14
£1,100,000
A wonderfully bright 3 double bedroom lateral apartment situated in a handsome red brick Victorian mansion block with a southerly balcony and moments from Brook Green.
• 3 Double Bedrooms
• Kitchen/Breakfast Room
• Reception
• 2 Bathrooms (1 En Suite)
• Southerly Balcony
• EPC Rating C
• Council Tax Band G
• Lease Lenght: 949 yrs apx
• Service Charge: £2,200 pa apx
• Share of Freehold
A beautifully presented home in Kynance Mews, one of London’s most sought-a er addresses.
020 7590 1912 sales@lurotbrand.co.uk
@lurotbrand lurotbrand.co.uk
Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington, SW7
A spacious 3 bedroom family flat extending to 1484 sq ft located on the third floor (with lift) in a well maintained lateral conversion over two period buildings looking toward the communal gardens.
3 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - Double Reception Room - Kitchen/Breakfast Room - Lift - Video Entry Phone - Residents Parking PermitsCommunal Gardens - Council Tax Band H - EPC Rating C
Leasehold 952 Years Unexpired
£2,500,000
Elegantly remodelled luxury residence on the prestigious Mount Street of Mayfair
Even amongst the exquisite luxury properties of Mayfair in prime central London, this apartment stands out. It is one of only a handful of properties with its own private entrance on Mount Street and is one of the largest residences to back onto the famous Mount Street Gardens, providing a tranquil vista to the entire rear of the home. The overall design and remodelled features of the apartment emphasis its spacious layout and create a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere. Its generous floor to ceiling windows spread natural light throughout the property.
the convenience of a 90 mins commute into central London.
5 Bedrooms | 4 Receptions | 4 Bathrooms | Double Garage | Smart Home 25% Share of Meadow | Freehold | EPC Rating B | Council Tax Band H | 5700 sq.ft
£1,650,000
Guide price £4,195 per
Knight Frank Kensington Lettings mags.ogrady@knightfrank.com 020 3823 9254
michal.bocian@knightfrank.com 020 3733 3694
RICHARDS PLACE, LONDON SW3
Richards Place is a charming mews house situated in a quiet and desirable neighborhood. This well-maintained home offers three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen, a patio, balcony and air-conditioning in the principal bedroom.
2 Reception Rooms · Kitchen · 3 Double Bedrooms · 2 Ensuite Bathrooms · Ensuite Shower Room · Balcony · Patio · Air Conditioning · EPC Rating – D Council – RBKC · Tax Band – H · Deposit - £9,000 · Tenancy length – 12 months
HIGH SOCIETY
BUYERS BROWSING LITTLE VENICE NOW HAVE A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THE STORIED VILLA THAT WAS ONCE HOME TO THE INFAMOUS LILLIE LANGTRY
Mark Pollack, co-founding director of Aston Chase: “On the market for the first time in 20 years, this impressive home by Regent’s Canal has had two prominent owners: royal mistress Lillie Langtry and dance gentry Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley. Two decades ago, three A-listers – Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Flatley – had a bidding war to acquire it, and we believe that i nterest will be strong now too, as it ’s one of the most historically import ant houses in Little Venice. The family villa has entertaining spaces on two floors, an abundance of bedrooms , and superb terraces, balconies and gardens. The house has huge potential – a comprehensive refurbishment and installation of the latest specification would cement it as one of London’s finest trophy homes. With its vivid hi story, we anticipate significant interest from discerning international buyers.” Park Place Villas is for sale at £26m. Contact Aston Chase on +44 (0)20 7724 4724
