Great British Brand 2025

2025

10th

ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Cover-V4-PB.indd 1

21/12/2024 17:31

IGF_432mm.indd 1

21/12/2024 17:40

IGF_432mm.indd 2

21/12/2024 17:40

OUT_GATEFOLD_210mm.indd 2

21/12/2024 17:34

2025 sees the 150 year anniversary of the design house of Cole & Son Artistic excellence built upon a rich heritage of design innovation since 1875 Today, tomorrow and forever creating exceptional designs for the world of interior, with an artistic quirk from English arts, crafts and heritage.

“No walls should be without” Marie Karlsson, Creative and Managing Director

cole-and-son.com Flagship: 3 Jubilee Place, London, SW3 3TD +44 (0)207 647 7717

Page 1 Inside Mag.indd 1

19/12/2024 11:55

GBB 2025

Contents REGULARS

4 EDITOR’S LETTER 6 CONTRIBUTORS 344 INDEX

8

FEATURES

FOREVER LOBSTER Discover why the shiny red crustacean fronts our tenth anniversary edition 14 THE GREAT BRITISH BRANDS AWARDS... The winners revealed 38 SILLINESS IS THE BRITISH SAUCE The Brits lean into their very particular brand of humour – and it ripples through our culture, says Hugo Rifkind 78 YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND Band Britain is best, argues UK pop’s biggest fan, Dylan Jones 136 FASHION’S MAGICAL MOMENTS Lisa Armstrong identifies the past decade’s fashion moments with the biggest cultural splash 172 BE MORE ZENO Andy Coulson shares some hard-won life lessons 194 IN A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN Sports are an essential part of Britain’s soft power, says Simon Kuper 260 RISING TO THE CHALLENGE How brands are becoming modern-day Medicis by Lucinda Baring 296 DROPPING THE ‘S’ WORD Stephanie Turner has some advice on how brands can engage customers in sustainability without resorting to eco-speak

54 98 154 214 226 240 250 270 278 310 314 326

20

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: De Beers Jewellers (p94), 886 by the Royal Mint (p274), Cookson Adventures (p82), Nyetimber (p244)

THE LIST

New literary voices by Pandora Sykes Wild UK adventures by Meera Dattani Acting stars of tomorrow by Fionnuala Halligan Best 007 collaborations ever by Charlie Colville Forever interiors pieces chosen by Lucinda Chambers Niche beauty brands by Ateh Jewel Designers with a conscience by Charlie Colville Investible artists by Olivia Cole Iconic perfumes by Martha Davies Restaurants to try before you die by Ellie Smith Made in Britain cars by Jeremy Taylor Five of Britain’s quirkiest sports by Tessa Dunthorne

DIRECTORY

Celebrating some of our most famous, original, unique and quirky British brands, from A to Z

ON THE COVER The cover has been designed by British pop artist Philip Colbert, aka ‘The Lobster Man’, exclusively for Great British Brands. Read the story behind it on page 8. philipcolbert.com

Editor Charlotte Metcalf Editorial Director Lucy Cleland Deputy Editor Lucinda Baring Copy Editors Harriet Compston, Stephen Cooper, Richard Hopton, Emma Love, Kate Patrick, Xenia Taliotis, Ben West Fashion Director Nicole Smallwood Sub Editors Katie Bamber, Tessa Dunthorne, Gregory Taylor Creative Direction & Production Parm Bhamra Design & Production Mia Biagioni Online Content Director Rebecca Cox Deputy Online Editor Ellie Smith Online Writers Charlie Colville, Olivia Emily and Martha Davies Social Media Manager Daniella Saunders Associate Publisher Ellie Rix Head of Fashion Emma Marsh Senior Account Director Pandora Lewis Account Director Serena Knight Senior Account Manager Sabrina Raven Digital Business Development Director Joey Goldsmith B Corp & Projects Manager Xa Rodgers Finance Controller Lauren Hartley Finance Administrator Ria Harrison Chief Financial Officer Gareth Morris Chief Commercial Officer Tia Graham Chief Operating Officer James Thrower Managing Director Jeremy Isaac

countryandtownhouse.com/GBB

Copyright © 2025 Country & Town House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. While every care is taken to ensure all information is correct at the time of going to press, it is subject to change, and Country & Town House Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors.

Country & Town House, Studio 2, 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, +44 (0)20 7384 9011

2 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Contents-V2-TD.indd 2

20/12/2024 15:50

Penhaligons.indd 1

19/12/2024 17:41

GBB 2025

Editor’s LETTER

elcome! You’re here, which means you’ve made it past our cover into this edition celebrating our tenth birthday. Perhaps you already knew all about the lobster and its creator, the hugely successful contemporary British artist, Philip Colbert. You might even be here in spite of the lobster, because it puzzled you and piqued your curiosity. But once you read about Lucy Cleland’s visit to Philip Colbert’s studio on page 8 you will understand why the lobster is the perfect portal into our world of extraordinary, brilliant British brands.

Ten years ago, at the launch party for the first edition of Great British Brands, I was dazzled to be in a room with representatives of our top luxury and lifestyle brands, many of them household names. Back then, the industry was confident and growing and there were many young emerging brands reimagining our heritage in exciting new ways.

How could any brand possibly have predicted what the next decade would throw at them? From a position of relative optimism and security came Brexit, Covid, war, political upheaval and a ferocious cost of living crisis. Yet here we are in party mood, applauding our brands’ resolute determination to twist and turn in any direction necessary to thrive.

And beyond thriving, since publishing Great British Brands Zero in 2021 to coincide with COP26, we’ve witnessed the enormous effort brands have made to be more responsible when it comes to safeguarding our planet. Judging this year’s awards (winners announced on page 14), I was so impressed by how many brands have achieved B Corp or Positive Luxury certification, and by the exceptional standard of entries for the Commitment to the Planet Award.

As usual it’s been a privilege and honour to talk to so many CEOs about their triumphs and achievements as they’ve weathered the decade’s storms. Even more remarkable was learning about their ambitions for the next decade. All of those to whom I spoke are resolutely determined to grow and show the world that, for all our slump in global status, when it comes to making exquisite 4 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Eds-Letter-V6-PB.indd 4

20/12/2024 15:52

things, no one does it better than the Brits.

What exactly is it about our Britishness that makes our brands stand so proudly on the international stage? Our reputation as a sporting nation goes some way to answering this, as Simon Kuper suggests on page 194. We set our expectations wildly high and so are often disappointed – which foreigners find hilarious. But we take losers and underdogs to our hearts, and as a small island we still host global football’s best league, and when it comes to the Premier League with its multiple nationalities, we’re open to the world. Many luxury brands support and sponsor our traditional sporting events from Wimbledon to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which draw global audiences. Even if we don’t always win the game, it’s a win for the brands.

Britain has a mighty reputation for much else, like music, which Dylan Jones insists on page 78, is indisputably the best in the world. There’s our fashion.

Looking back over the last decade, on page 136, Lisa Armstrong points to ten moments when our fashion events became a memorable part of internationally noted cultural history.

Our brands’ ability to tough out the last ten years is a reflection of how good Brits are at picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves down after a fall. We can be harsh and unforgiving to wrongdoers but we like a redemption story. Andy Coulson, who famously served time in prison for his part in the phone hacking scandal, reveals on page 172, how control, perspective and gratitude saved him from bitterness and anger.

He now hosts a podcast Crisis What Crisis? and has a company advising brands and individuals on how to meet challenges that can seem insurmountable.

Every brand in this book has supremely British CHARACTERISTICS, which distinguish them, alongside the matchless QUALITY they deliver via our most talented ARTISANS

CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Pragnell (p258), Vivienne Westwood (p332), Fairfax & Favor (p126), Boodles (p56) and the man behind the lobster cover, Philip Colbert (p8)

Every brand in this book has supremely British characteristics that enable it to leap hurdles, characteristics that we’re celebrating in this landmark edition. These distinguish our brands, alongside the matchless quality they deliver via our most talented artisans. On page 38, Hugo Rifkind brilliantly defines what it is that makes the Brits – and by extension, our brands – lovable. He compares us with the US, which ‘presents people as bigger, better and more powerful than they truly are’.

‘The British way is precisely the reverse,’ he argues, pointing to Fawlty Towers or The Office.

‘Britain undercuts itself. That’s the secret.’ After all, arguably our ultimate British brand, our late Queen, chose to present herself to the world taking tea with Paddington Bear. What royal figurehead anywhere else would have embraced such glorious, irreverent silliness? And let’s face it, that’s the essence of what we’re channelling with our lobster cover star. Our brands might not be silly but they’re rarely pompous or take themselves too seriously.

We are fortunate to be an old country with time-honoured skills while having a vibrant youth culture, prepared to throw away the rule book, making our culture relevant for the next generation.

As Lucinda Baring suggests on page 260, the brands in this book champion every aspect of our culture, new and old, and have become global ambassadors for it, like 21st-century Medicis.

We have reason to rejoice. Our brands have emerged from the last tumultuous decade stronger and more creative than ever, retaining that playful sense of humour, encapsulated by the lobster, which undermines, yet simultaneously defines and distinguishes them.

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 5

Eds-Letter-V6-PB.indd 5

20/12/2024 15:52

CONTRIBUTORS Hugo Rifkind Great British Hero: Withnail from Withnail & I – he inspired a generation's hangovers.

Great British Writer: Kingsley Amis, who set the template for a generation of comic writers. Also good on hangovers.

Great British TV Programme: 'Allo 'Allo.

Everything the entire country thinks about everywhere else can be traced back to this one 1980s sitcom.

Great British London Landmark: Camden Lock. Punks and pigeons, with the smell of weed and stir fried noodles in the air.

What’s not to like?

Pandora Sykes Great British Entrepreneur: Josephine Phillips, founder of SOJO. She’s at the vanguard of sustainable fashion, using technology to transform the ‘make do and mend’ attitude of yesteryear.

Great British Restaurant: L'Escargot. Not British, but the oldest French restaurant in London, my favourite spot and just an absolute joy: they nail the intimacy and the romance. And the onion soup.

Great British Book: Any Human Heart

by William Boyd, the definitive ‘cradle to grave’ novel. The skill it takes to tell a book of someone’s entire lifetime is immense.

Lisa Armstrong Great British Writer: Jilly Coooper, George Eliot, Jane Austen, Zadie Smith. Too close to call.

Great British Dish: Vegetarian shepherd's pie with British mushrooms, potatos, lashings of British butter and broccolli on the side.

Great British Restaurant: The Bull in Charlbury – delicious food, buzzy atmosphere and a picture-perfect Cotswold market town setting. They also welcome dogs.

Great British Hotel: The Pig on the Beach in Dorset. In a stunning location on the coast, the building's a charming folly that looks like an overgrown sandcastle.

Dylan Jones Great British Pop Star: Mick Jagger, because he’s outlasted nearly everyone else. He’s probably the greatest British rock star of the lot.

Great British Dish: The chopped Cobb salad at The Park, the version in London, and just a 15-minute walk away from my stomach.

Great British Restaurant: Right now, it’s a toss-up between Jason Atherton’s Sael London and the Soho Mews House, as they’re both such terrific, sumptuous locations.

Great British London landmark: Albert Bridge: a fairytale Christmas tree of a bridge that always reminds me of Chelsea in 1977.

Simon Kuper Great British Writer: George Orwell – the man who taught us all how to write, and who saw the future.

Great British Pop Star: The Beatles – a universal soundtrack of our lives that’s also specifically Liverpudlian.

Great British London Landmark: St Pancras station – my gateway to the UK as I arrive on the Eurostar from Paris where I now live.

Great British Book: Dance to the Music of Time, the 12-volume series by Anthony Powell – the ultimate excavation of British class society, told from the 1920s through the 1960s.

Meera Dattani Great British Dish: Pie. Nowhere does pies, pastry and mash like Britain.

Great British Writer: Andrea Levy (who died far too young, aged 62). London-born Levy’s books on post-colonialism and postWindrush Britain should be a syllabus read.

Great British Pop Star: George Michael.

As a child of the ’80s, my Spotify favourites list is pretty much frozen at 1989, give or take. George Michael’s voice still gives me goosebumps.

Great British TV Programme: Ghosts.

I love how it brings characters, historical events and socio-cultural traditions and moments into one place.

GR E AT BR I T I SH BR A N DS T O YOU R I N BOX Celebrating our homegrown talent each month with carefully curated guides to the best of British, sign up to the monthly Great British Brands newsletter now. countryandtownhouse.com/newsletter 6 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Contribs-V4-PB.indd 6

20/12/2024 15:30

GBB 2025

Ateh Jewel

Andy Coulson

Great British Hero: Vivienne Westwood, quintessentially British, quirky, fun, naughty, a rebel... It was a career highlight when I interviewed her backstage at her show.

Great British Pop Star: David Bowie, he was so ahead of his time in terms of his sound, politics, diversity, gender fluidity and flair. A true original.

Great British TV Programme: Eastenders with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Iconic.

Great British Dish: Fish and chips. I love me some fish and chips and mushy peas. Is there anything more comforting or hearty?

Great British Hero: Winston Churchill. He remains our greatest PM. Not sure he would have survived Twitter/X though.

Great British Business: Dyson – for its invention, ambition and risk-taking.

Great British Writer: Sir Kazuo Ishiguro.

A genius storyteller.

Great British Entrepreneur: John Roberts.

In building the electricals giant AO.com from a garage lock-up while supporting youth services, he represents the spirit of the great Victorian philanthropists.

Great British London Landmark: Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Stephanie Turner

Great British Hero: Ernest Shackleton, for his bravery and humour but most of all for saving his men against all of the odds.

Great British Business: Peter Jones. It’s a wonderful shop that houses almost everything you need at all stages in your life. I particularly admire the foresight of the founders’ son to make every employee a ‘partner’. It was visionary.

Great British Restaurant: Jeremy King’s new restaurant Arlington. Nowhere makes you feel so special and spoilt.

Great British Dish: Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. It’s one of the few meals I can cook.

Jeremy Taylor

Great British Hero: Ada Lovelace. Long before the dawn of digital, Ada saw the potential of computing. She reminds us that tech and creativity have always gone hand-in-hand.

Great British Institution: The London Festival of Architecture, where buildings meet their adoring public, highlighting the best in design every year. It’s an inspiring space for fresh ideas.

Great British Entrepreneur: Stella McCartney. She’s proven that responsible design can be as desirable and commercially rewarding as it is ethical.

1

Lucinda Chambers

Great British Hero: TE Lawrence – the unorthodox spy who helped the Arabs shake off the Ottoman empire – and rode a Brough Superior motorbike in his spare time.

Great British Business: Campbell's of Beauly – tartan tailoring as it should be.

Great British Pop Star: Freddie Mercury, a glorious showman with matching teeth – Bohemian Rhapsody is 50 this year.

Great British Hotel: The Inn at Whitewell, a masterclass in unpretentious service.

Great British Book: Reach for the Sky. Douglas Bader was an awkward so-and-so but if you want inspiration this is the book.

Olivia Cole Great British Entrepreneur: Nick Jones and Soho House take some beating.

Great British hotel: For a wild and woolly escape on the beach (and spa time), Bailiffscourt in West Sussex is magical.

Great British London Landmark: Tower Bridge. The mirrored walkway over the Thames and the views of London are just incredible.

Great British Hero: Tracey Emin, the first artist I ever interviewed back in 2005. It was terrifying and exhilarating, but my admiration for her has only grown over the years. The legacy she’s created in her native Margate is heroic.

What to do with Great British Brands when you’ve finished reading it

Ideally, we’d love you to pass it on to a friend or a community place which might enjoy it (doctor or dentist surgery, community centre etc), but you can also rest assured that your issue can be recycled.

2

The magazine (including cover) can be disposed of in your paper waste recycling bin.

countryandtownhouse

3

The outer plastic wrapping is made entirely from 100 percent compostable material sourced from potato starch. It can be disposed of in a compost heap, your garden waste bin or your food waste bin (why not use it as a liner?). Please do not put it in your recycling.

countryandtownhousemagazine

country-and-town-house

countryandtownhouse

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 7

Contribs-V4-PB.indd 7

20/12/2024 15:30

GBB 2025 —— COVER STORY

FOREVER LOBSTER The lobster is the lens through which one of our most successful contemporary artists, Philip Colbert, examines the world.

What could be a better emblem for our front cover, asks Lucy Cleland

8 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cover-Story-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 8

20/12/2024 15:32

Philip Colbert, aka ‘The Lobster Man’

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 9

Cover-Story-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 9

20/12/2024 15:32

GBB 2025 —— COVER STORY

ou might have spotted it but there’s a lobster on our cover.

No kidding. A few months back I might have also raised an enquiring eyebrow about having a shiny red crustacean in a Union Jack suit front the 10th anniversary edition of Great British Brands, but the lobster and I have come a long way since then. The lobster is multifaceted, you see, a metaphor for many things – power, love, death, transformation, temptation, passion, vulnerability – all concepts that an artist loves to wrangle with. And when that artist is Philip Colbert, one of Britain’s best-known contemporary artists, a veritable brand in himself, then it doesn’t feel so incongruous to let this pop art pincer channel what it is to be a Great British Brand – there’s storytelling here. And a big dose of oh-so very British humour.

If you happen to be in East London, you might easily walk past the shabby exterior of The Lobster Monger without further thought. But for those who can step through that portal, a dazzling, kaleidoscopic, pop art world filled with vast canvases, towering sculptures, antique relics and a living interior garden awaits. This is both the home and studio of Philip Colbert – and his wife and fellow artist, Charlotte.

Here, Colbert, 45 – better known as the ‘Lobster Man’ (for obvious reasons) 10 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

– offers me a cup of peppermint tea, an Ottolenghi pistachio cake and an invitation to plunge into his world. Known for his bold, surrealist creations featuring anthropomorphic lobsters, Colbert has carved a distinctive – and wildly successful – space in contemporary art in blinding technicolour.

The lobster has a storied history in art (and popular culture: George Cole – as Arthur Daley in Minder – used to tell Dennis Waterman: ‘Terry, the world is your lobster’). From ancient Greek pottery to Dutch still lifes and Salvador Dalí’s surrealist Lobster Telephone, it has been a recurring icon of intrigue.

‘In antiquity, it was part of the “triangle of death” with the eel and octopus, symbolising the circle of life. In Dutch painting, it was a symbol of mortality, where its red hue signified death, yet it was often depicted alive, its claws raised as if still moving,’ says Colbert. This paradox of life and death intrigues him. ‘It’s playful and profound – both a visual spectacle and a reminder of impermanence.’

Colbert’s own connection to the lobster began during his time at the University of St Andrews, where he studied philosophy. ‘I was always obsessed with art and symbolism, but I didn’t have the confidence to pursue it at first,’ he recalls. While his peers scribbled away at their dissertations, Colbert threw conventionality out of the window and created a philosophy cartoon series called Plato and Friends, which he filmed by turning his digs into a studio.

Colbert’s After Battle of Issus Mosaic reinterprets the Alexander the Great mosaic, a 2,000-year-old masterpiece rediscovered in Pompeii, and now housed at Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, where Colbert exhibited last year

‘I’M FASCINATED BY THE IDEA OF LIVING IN THE RUINS OF THE PAST WHILE GRAPPLING WITH THE CHAOS OF THE DIGITAL AGE. ART LETS US RECONSTRUCT THOSE RUINS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS’ COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 11

GBB 2025 —— COVER STORY

The project, which involved creating claymation versions of ancient philosophers, was a playful yet ambitious attempt to make complex ideas accessible. ‘I wanted to prove that storytelling and humour could simplify philosophy without losing its depth,’ he explains. Horrifying some of his tutors, while impressing others with his startling originality, his boldness was vindicated when decades later, St Andrews invited him to exhibit at its new art museum.

Colbert saw the opportunity to reflect on his journey, staging an exhibition titled The Death of Marat and the Birth of the Lobster, a nod to the 1793 painting

by Jacques-Louis David, featuring the French revolutionary leader Marat, who had graduated from St Andrews with a medical degree in 1775. ‘It felt like a full-circle moment, bringing my art back to where my ideas first took shape.’

Today, Colbert’s work is as much about storytelling as it is about visual assault.

His canvases and sculptures teem with symbols: fried eggs, cacti and, of course, lobsters. ‘I’ve always been drawn to symbols that are accessible yet layered with meaning,’ he explains. The fried egg, for instance, represents both the simplicity of everyday life and the philosophical concept of birth. ‘It’s pure, universal and humorous. For me, it’s like a Mondrian of the breakfast table.’

The lobster, however, remains his most iconic symbol. ‘It’s my alter ego,’ he says with a smile. ‘It represents everything I want to explore – identity, consumerism, mortality and the absurdities of modern life.’ In Colbert’s hands, the lobster becomes a lens through which to reinterpret art history and imagine the future.

His works often juxtapose classical motifs with contemporary technology, from AI-inspired distortions to sci-fi-inflected battle scenes. ‘I’m fascinated by the idea of living in the ruins of the past while grappling with the chaos of the digital age,’ he says. ‘Art lets us reconstruct those ruins in unexpected ways.’

Colbert is unapologetic about embracing the concept of the artist as a brand.

For him, it’s both a philosophical and practical approach to creativity in the 21st century. ‘Artists like Michelangelo and da Vinci were brands in their own right, even if they didn’t use the term. Their names and styles became synonymous with something larger than themselves. A strong brand taps into something emotional and universal. It’s not just about recognition; it’s about resonance.’

Colbert’s collaborations with global brands reflect this ethos. From Adidas to Bentley, he’s worked with companies to create everything from trainers to fried-egg cars. ‘Sportswear brands are particularly interesting to me,’ he says. ‘They’re democratic, aspirational and classless. They make art wearable and accessible.’ A recent partnership with a major toy company in Asia saw Colbert’s lobster figures mass-produced as collectible miniatures. ‘It was pure democratisation,’ he says. ‘Art for everyone.’

While Colbert’s work enjoys huge popularity in Asia (he’s recently had a vast outdoor installation along the waterfront in Singapore), he remains deeply connected to Britain. ‘London is one of the world’s great creative cities,’ he says. ‘It has an incredible legacy of art, music and humour.’ Yet he’s quick to acknowledge the challenges facing young artists in Britain today. ‘It’s not easy to break through, especially with cuts to arts funding,’ he says. ‘But the UK has always had a knack for producing amazing talent. It’s about finding ways to support and celebrate that.’

One way, he suggests, is through stronger partnerships between brands and the arts. ‘Brands have the power to tell stories and bring art to wider audiences. They can step in where government support falls short,’ he says. ‘It’s a win-win. The arts get funding, and brands get to align themselves with creativity and innovation.’

Despite his global reach, Colbert retains a distinctly British sensibility, particularly when it comes to humour. ‘Humour is a great equaliser,’ he says. ‘It stops us from taking ourselves too seriously and lets us poke fun at life’s absurdities.

That’s where the lobster comes in – it’s both a symbol of mortality and a cartoonish, ridiculous creature. It’s quintessentially British in its mix of depth and silliness.’

‘For a small island, Britain has made an enormous impact on the world,’ he continues. ‘Our art, music and storytelling are unparalleled. But we need to invest in the next generation. Creativity is one of our greatest strengths – it keeps us relevant.’

Asked if the lobster will remain his muse, Colbert laughs. ‘Forever lobster,’ he says. ‘It’s part of who I am now. And who knows? Maybe one day it’ll evolve into something else. But for now, it’s the perfect companion – a creature of humour, history and a little bit of magic.’

And that is why Colbert’s lobster is a thought-provoking symbol – and an apposite image through which to enter our mysterious, magical, passionate, humorous, curious, challenging world of Great British Brands. So dive on in. n 12 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cover-Story-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 12

20/12/2024 15:32

Philip Colbert works with brands such as Bamford Watch Department, Bentley, Adidas, Vivobook and Johnnie Walker in part to bring art to a wider audience and make it democratic

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 13

Cover-Story-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 13

20/12/2024 15:32

2025 AWARDS SPONSORED BY

Demonstrating brilliance, creativity, innovation, resilience and wit, we are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Great British Brands awards

T H E J U D G I N G PA N E L

Caroline Rush Chief Executive of the

British Fashion Council Caroline champions British fashion on a global stage and drives initiatives for sustainability and innovation. She has been instrumental in supporting emerging talent and fostering industry growth.

Busola Evans

Advisory board member of Women In Journalism An interiors journalist for more than 20 years, Busola is also on the steering committee of United In Design, a charity formed to tackle the lack of diversity in the UK’s interiors industry.

Simonetta Rigo Rathbones’ Chief Client Officer With 25 years’ experience in financial services, Simonetta joined Rathbones in 2024 to lead the client and adviser proposition development, marketing and client experience.

Sian Westerman

Non-Executive Director Sian is Chair of Strathberry and Fenwick, with extensive non-executive experience across retail, fashion and beauty. She is active in arts philanthropy, including as Trustee of the Barbican Centre Trust.

Jamila Saidi

UK Department for Business & Trade Jamila leads the Digital Commerce division at the UK’s Department for Business & Trade (DBT) where she’s responsible for trade and investment promotion across a wide range of sectors.

The Judges’ Brand of the Decade

Product of the Decade

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES

EVE LOM

Awarded to a brand chosen at the judges’ discretion that exemplifies how a brand excels in every sphere.

WINNER For setting a gold standard for conscious consumerism.

Awarded to a brand that has conceived a product that has stood the test of time, sold well and delighted its customers.

WINNER Launched in 1986, the Cleansing Balm is a testament to its founding principles of being both luxurious and effective.

It sells a pot every 30 seconds.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

SANDERSON For nurturing talent and championing craft.

FENTIMANS A rich history and quintessentially British.

14 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Awards-V2-TD.indd 14

20/12/2024 15:28

T H E C A T E G O RY W I N N E R S Commitment to the Planet

Commitment to Craft

NATIVE LAND

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Awarded to a brand that has shown an outstanding commitment to innovating to create planet and people friendly products or services.

Awarded to a brand that has shown a continuous commitment to its artisans, and has demonstrated its impact.

WINNER

WINNER

Native Land’s Bankside Yards development is the UK’s first fossil fuel-free major mixed-use project, having transformed a brownfield site into acres of green public space, and integrating biodiverse roofs.

It sets a new industry standard for others to follow.

The RSC redefines Shakespearean theatre through innovation and excellence with its groundbreaking productions. Its transformative education programmes reach half a million children annually and cements its status as a cultural leader in British theatre.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

EDWARD BULMER NATURAL PAINT Prestige products in beautiful colourways, underpinned by the highest ethical standards.

SWAINE LONDON One of the oldest brands in the world, it has revitalised its legacy with a stunning Bond Street flagship.

Best Emerging Brand

Commitment to Community

EAST LONDON PARASOL COMPANY

BATTERSEA POWER STATION

Awarded to a young brand that has continually pushed boundaries in the last decade to achieve an outstanding level of excellence.

WINNER

Its vibrant and imaginative designs thrill and delight the owners of these beautiful products, which fuse traditional craftsmanship with contemporary British creativity.

Awarded to a brand that has demonstrably continued supporting all its employees and people along its value and supply chains.

WINNER

The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station has revitalised South London, blending economic growth, community engagement and innovative retail and tech spaces. It has become a hub for local events and charitable initiatives that strengthen community ties.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

DIFFERENCE COFFEE For elevating the coffee experience – and

GRANTLEY HALL A luxury hotel with extensive development

cutting through in a very crowded market.

programmes and philanthropic initiatives to serve its locale.

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 15

Awards-V2-TD.indd 15

20/12/2024 15:29

020 7627 7260 hello@randlesiddeley.co.uk @randlesiddeley

randlesiddeley.co.uk

Randle-Siddeley-V3-PB.indd 1

Photos: Tom St. Aubyn Georgina Viney James Brittain Kate Earle Massey Harriet Brocket Urbis Limited

20/12/2024 10:08

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF CREATIVITY & INNOVATION

Randle-Siddeley-V3-PB.indd 2

20/12/2024 10:09

Nyetimber.indd 1

19/12/2024 15:50

GBB 2025

ALAN SCOTT 20 ALEXANDRA LLEWELLYN 22 ALLIANZ STADIUM, TWICKENHAM 24 ANNOUSHKA 26 THE ARTS CLUB 28 ASCOT RACECOURSE 30 ATELIER NM 32 AUDLEY TRAVEL 34 AURIENS 36

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 19

Openers-V2-TD.indd 19

20/12/2024 16:53

PHOTOS: INSPIRATION PHOTOGRAPHY – COPPI BARBIERI; PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY – ALAN SCOTT

Alan Scott Redefining menswear with the world’s first stretch cashmere

‘I

launched the brand in 2023, but had been planning my arrival in the luxury menswear arena since 2020. I’d had a long career as a designer, working for, among others, Loro Piana, Donna Karan and, at the time of Covid, Johnstons of Elgin. I’d built excellent relationships with the best Italian mills, experts who only work with noble fibres such as cashmere and alpaca.

After lockdown restrictions lifted, I visited Ermes Ardizzone at his mill in Biella. He showed me a fabric I had never seen before – a new stretch cashmere. That might sound like nothing, but take it from me, it’s the holy grail of luxury textiles. Cashmere weavers have tried – and failed – to create such a fabric for decades, but the yarn was never stable.

Somehow, Ermes succeeded. He showed me these incredible swatches: the realisation that I was holding the world’s first stretch cashmere was what propelled me to start Alan Scott.

I knew this fabric – now patented – was going to redefine the industry in much the same way Donna Karan’s wool crepe had done in the ‘90s. She used it to create comfortable-yet-sensual clothing that moved with and moulded around the body. Prada also revolutionised the industry with its Prada nylon.

There have perhaps been a handful of occasions when 20 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Alan-Scott-V3-GT.indd 20

20/12/2024 14:10

A —— GBB 2025

‘This is the holy grail of luxury textiles. Cashmere weavers have tried to create

PHOTOS: INSPIRATION PHOTOGRAPHY – COPPI BARBIERI; PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY – ALAN SCOTT

such a fabric for decades’

Alan Scott launched his first collection at Harrods in 2023, which proved to be a bestseller

someone does, or creates, something unique in textiles, and now Ermes, his son Andrea and I, are among them.

My first collection appeared in Harrods last year.

I was invited to present two pop-ups, a few months apart. I was there all day, every day for the duration of both. Seeing my name next to the likes of Prada, Balenciaga and Moncler was an enormous high, particularly as we were one of the best-selling labels on the floor in the time we presented.

We are ready to move forward now, but need to find an investor who can provide financial support. There is little this fabric cannot do. Some of the garments I’ve made with it look like denim, or leather, or velvet. A line of accessories is in development, with bags and footwear ready to go into production. I also want to introduce a range for women. I want my brand to grow, but never to stray from its original ideology, which is to create extremely high-end clothing, with loyal customers who will appreciate the products and who will buy their key items from us.‘ Alan Scott, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Collaborations with companies that share my ideals and aspirations. Alan Scott was recently showcased as a partner in the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club publication, celebrating 120 years of Rolls-Royce. Its theme was industry excellence, so it was a perfect partnership.

2

Our presence at Pitti Uomo in Florence has projected the brand into the international market.

There are opportunities to expand our retail footprint, and we are planning pop-ups in Gstaad in February and also in Dubai.

3

Controlled expansion. I am ambitious and want to grow, but we want to remain exclusive. Our new website is a great introduction to the brand, but stores would bring it to life. An investor would help me achieve that goal.

ALAN SCOTT Friars Well Farmhouse, Hulne Park Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2JL +44 (0)1665 600949 alanscottstore.com alanscottcashmere COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 21

Alan-Scott-V3-GT.indd 21

20/12/2024 14:10

GBB 2025 —— A

Alexandra Llewellyn Creating hand-crafted games and delivering beautiful bespoke commissions

‘I

n the last decade, I’m proud to have really succeeded in owning our bespoke potential and building an amazing client base via word of mouth.

Whilst games are essentially our shop window, our bespoke commissions – from furniture, humidors and watchboxes to artwork – compose a whole other universe of the exceptional.

My team has kept me sane, and a huge step for us was finding the right home for our brand. Our beautiful Knightsbridge showroom is a working environment but it is also perfect for hosting games nights. We are tucked away in a lovely mews, which goes hand in hand with not making a song and dance about what we do and giving our clients a feeling of discovery.

People have increasingly turned away from generic luxury offerings in search of something very personal and special. We find our clients are more educated about how to ask for things and there’s more accessible information about how pieces are made and sourced, making it easier to share our stories and vary what we deliver.

Today my biggest challenge is balancing designing with running a business. Creativity is at the heart of all we do – there’s never a shortage of ideas, it’s a matter of how many hours there are in a day to stop and plan.

I crave the time to be experimental and explore new materials to create with, like precious metals and stones, and I’d love to do more with pietra dura (inlaid stone), casting and 3D printing.

We will inevitably grow, but I don’t want the business to be much bigger. When we started in 2010, so many businesses were being pumped up with investors’ money to become the biggest and baddest, and many went under. Today it’s more about doing things with integrity and being sustainable rather than being massive.

We achieved so much in 2024, including exhibiting at Venice’s Homo Faber design exhibition, supplying the Four Seasons in Miami with some beautiful humidors and jewellery boxes, and raising £55,000 for the Blue Marine Foundation through a backgammon board I donated for auction at the Monaco Yacht Show. So my plan for 2025 is to reflect on our achievements so far and plan our next big moves.

Games provide a cross-cultural community, much like football. You don’t have to speak the same language to play chess or backgammon with someone, so I’d ultimately like us to be creating public spaces with permanent games installed to bring people together.’

Alexandra Llewellyn hosts games nights at the Knightsbridge showroom; many of her beautiful backgammon boards draw on the natural world for inspiration

Alexandra Llewellyn, founder 22 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Alexandra-Llewellyn-V5-GT.indd 22

20/12/2024 14:11

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Our biggest market is in the US and we already have clients all over the world, but there’s an opportunity to expand further into new markets as people globally are seeking to commission exceptional bespoke work.

‘People have increasingly turned away from generic luxury offerings in search of something very personal and special’

2 3

We plan to celebrate our 15th anniversary in 2025 by launching a spectacular limited-edition series of games.

We will continue to pursue environmental certification to underline our sustainable credentials. Ours is a brand with integrity, hand-making our games and products from materials 95 percent sourced and produced in Britain.

ALEXANDRA LLEWELLYN 3 Kinnerton Place South London SW1X 8EH +44 (0)20 7183 1058 alexandrallewellyn.com alexandrallewellynlondon

Alexandra-Llewellyn-V5-GT.indd 23

20/12/2024 14:11

GBB 2025 —— A

Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Experience a venue for all occasions

‘A

llianz Stadium, previously known as Twickenham Stadium, is a destination for fans around the world to witness world-class rugby, experience some of the biggest stars in music, host a variety of events with an awe-inspiring backdrop or relive its history with a stadium tour.

As both the home of England Rugby and the largest dedicated Rugby Union venue globally, Allianz Stadium seats up to 82,000 and since the reopening of the East Stand in 2018, can now host up to 8,500 guests within the luxury hospitality and event spaces.

Our 34 event spaces include pitch-side areas, the England Changing Room, Players’ Tunnel, Stadium Bowl, and World Rugby Museum. Available for private hire, they are the ultimate event locations for any rugby fan. Pitchside spaces make a fantastic setting to enjoy events, from alfresco dining and barbecues to lively parties, awards ceremonies with a difference and even weddings, set against the stunning backdrop and unique atmosphere of this world-renowned stadium.

Most exclusive of all – and usually reserved only for elite players – is the England Changing Room. Outside match days, it is perfect for dinners, meetings, drinks receptions, with a wow-factor to impress anyone stepping though its famous doors. The World Rugby Museum in the South Stand holds the world’s largest collection of rugby memorabilia, including match-worn jerseys, trophies and artefacts donated by the biggest names and teams in the sport.

England Rugby match days are of course legendary, with up to 82,000 fans packing the stands and the British Airways Fan Village for these high-profile national sporting occasions. But we now go beyond rugby to provide hospitality and premium experiences for a huge variety of year-round events. From the more informal and casual spaces like the British Airways Rose Garden, complete with pizza ovens and live music, to the more formal and luxurious offering of the East Wing or The Lock, featuring Michelin starred chefs such as Tom Kerridge and Tommy Banks. Rugby legends can be found taking part in Q&As and mingling with guests, while they enjoy exceptional food and service.

With a huge array of modern, versatile spaces, and with our experienced and agile team, we’re wellpositioned to meet the ever-changing needs of event organisers and valued customers. Our commitment to innovation, creativity and service excellence ensures we can deliver memorable and seamless experiences for any occasion.’

Nils Braude, managing director

24 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Allianz-Stadium-Twickenham-V3-TD.indd 24

20/12/2024 20:47

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

The 10th Women’s Rugby World Cup this year sees the final played at the stadium in September. The fastest growing sport in the world will bring new audiences of women and family groups to the rugby experience.

2

Women spectators deserve more femalefocused provisions. A groundbreaking collaboration with Egal already has ‘Pads on a Roll’ available around the stadium. A major increase in women’s toilets is scheduled in the redevelopment masterplan.

3

Allianz Stadium is committed to improving accessibility and inclusivity for spectators.

A new sensory room for neurodiverse visitors as well as remote video interpreting service for deaf customers are proof of our progressive and forward-thinking culture.

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TWICKENHAM Rugby House, 200 Whitton Road Twickenham TW2 7BA +44 (0)20 8744 9997 allianzstadiumtwickenham.com allianztwickenham

‘We’re well-positioned to meet the ever-changing needs of event organisers and valued customers’

Allianz-Stadium-Twickenham-V3-TD.indd 25

20/12/2024 20:47

GBB 2025 —— A

Annoushka Fine jewellery with a focus on milestones and meaning

‘W

e are a fine jewellery business designed by a woman for women. It’s about beautifully designed jewellery that is very personal, works very hard for you and makes you smile with real attention to detail. I’m not about trends, I’m about timeless pieces that focus on memory and meaning.

There’s nothing better than designing bespoke charms for people to commemorate events in their life.

The landscape over the last ten years has changed dramatically. When we started, it used to be very difficult to find anything in between my first business, Links of London, silver jewellery and high-end jewellers. That’s changed a lot. I’m thrilled to see that probably 80 to 85 percent of our clients are women buying for themselves.

This is what I set out to do – to encourage women to buy jewellery for their own use; to enjoy jewellery and take the reverence out of it. All my collections work together. I love the fact people come back and really do collect my pieces; that’s what I always hoped for. Rihanna bought a whole collection of charms that all represent certain times in her life, and it’s fantastic to see the Princess of Wales wearing my jewellery.

Alongside the highs, there is the challenge and imperative of being as responsible and sustainable as possible. That’s why it’s incredibly important to have close relationships with our suppliers and partners. It’s essential to be resourceful with materials rather than simply consuming more. That’s why most (98 percent) of our creations are crafted from recycled gold. With gold prices at an all-time high, this commitment isn’t always easy, but it’s one we uphold. I’m incredibly proud that we achieved the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark and that we are on a journey of continued improvement in this space. The jewellery industry is probably the most opaque in terms of sustainability. I think the more we can do to make it less opaque, the better.

Looking to the next decade. I would like to be creating exceptional jewellery and excelling at what I do. I’m working on a new collection, a celebration of stones which speaks very much to my principles of playfulness, colour and love. I enjoy innovating and pushing the boundaries, working out what materials to use or how to create. I naturally take a leftfield approach. There’s never a dull moment and no lack of ideas. It’s just how, why and when.’

Annoushka Ducas (pictured) makes 98 percent of her pieces from recycled gold

Annoushka Ducas, founder

‘It’s essential to be resourceful with materials rather than simply consuming more’ 26 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Annoushka-V4-MBTD.indd 26

20/12/2024 14:33

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Developing our bespoke services, which have seen incredible growth. From engagement rings and upgrades to meaningful ‘divorce rings’, through to My Life in Charms – bringing client’s unique stories to life is a privilege and joy.

2

Expanding our reach through partnerships and collaborations, reinforcing our dedication to empowering women to invest in their selfexpression through exquisite, responsibly made jewellery.

3

Crafting jewellery that marks life’s moments and milestones. Designing future heirlooms – beautifully wearable pieces for real women – drives me, and I’m looking forward to sharing exciting new developments.

ANNOUSHKA 41 Cadogan Gardens London SW3 2TB +44 (0)20 7881 5829 annoushka.com annoushkajewellery

Annoushka-V4-MBTD.indd 27

20/12/2024 14:33

‘Any successful club must have its finger on the pulse and understand what members require, then adapt to it’

The-Arts-Club-V6-MB.indd 28

20/12/2024 16:36

A —— GBB 2025

The Arts Club London’s historic private members’ club that’s moving with the times The Arts Club engages its aesthete members with well -thought out programming throughout the year

‘T

he Arts Club is a legacy that we look after. We are 161 years old and now looking at what we want to achieve over the next 150 years. As a private members’ club, we always have to be top of our game. Any successful club must have its finger on the pulse and understand what members require, then adapt to it.

We inherited a townhouse, so one of the big challenges is space and managing how best the club works from day to night. Hence we are constantly updating, to curate interesting spaces for our members.

In 2015, we converted the top three floors into 16 bedrooms and suites in our hotel. However, around this time the club restaurants were thriving, with demand contributing significantly to our membership waitlist. In 2017, we expanded our Japanese restaurant, Kyubi, and reduced the number of hotel rooms to cater to member demand.

Five years later, we relaunched our first floor as Ofelia. We turned it into an Italian lounge bar, catering for the younger clientele reflective of In 2020, we founded The our membership’s evolving demographic.

Arts Club’s first international Our cultural programme, which is a very outpost in Dubai, creating big part of the club, has grown over the a members’ club not seen or experienced in the region before. years. In the beginning our talks were mainly We see significant opportunity for to do with art, but they have developed to further expansion, inspired by the incorporate politics, the sciences, wildlife, legacy of the Mayfair club. cryptocurrency, and fashion, because our Our Patrons Party electrifies members’ interests continue to change.

London and Dubai, while We have also adapted through our our exhibitions champion collaboration with wellness clinic Lanserhof emerging artists and our art in London, which focuses on preventative programming engages our medicine, with the space featuring an aesthete members. Looking ahead, we want to remain at the MRI machine, gym, private classes and forefront of the contemporary treatment rooms. art conversation.

We keep an eye on how our members move, operate and travel, so, in 2020 we opened The From tackling current affairs with world-leading experts Arts Club in Dubai. Looking to the next ten years, to hosting outstanding I would love to expand further. Over the years journalists, our cultural we have considered UK and US expansion but programme continues to grow. paused due to Brexit and geopolitical concerns.

We see significant opportunity We continue to be open to global opportunities. ahead to further establish our position as a home for cultural We need to wait and see how the world will connoisseurs in London, Dubai be after recent elections that have taken place and beyond. across the globe, then we will make the right move. We are not going to make a hasty decision and will ensure we make the right one for our THE ARTS CLUB brand. Meanwhile we have two clubs and are fully 40 Dover Street focused on them, our members and creating the London W1S 4NP best private members’ club experience.’ +44 (0)20 7499 8581

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

2

3

theartsclub.co.uk the_arts_club

Ajaz Sheikh, group CEO COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 29

The-Arts-Club-V6-MB.indd 29

20/12/2024 16:36

Ascot Racecourse A legacy evolving for the modern age

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAINS

‘A

t Ascot Racecourse, we are over 300 years into our journey to deliver world-class racing and an unmatched experience for guests both on-site and beyond. At the heart of our mission is the thoroughbred racehorse, and ensuring our customers enjoy an exceptional experience watching these magnificent animals compete is our driving purpose.

Our redevelopment between 2004 and 2006 was a major undertaking, reconfiguring the track to accommodate the new grandstand. Central to this work was bringing horses closer to the people to create an immersive experience for racegoers. The parade ring was moved to the centre of the grandstand, granting spectators visual and physical access to the pre- and post-race activity. Previously, the parade ring had been set in a tree-lined summer paddock at one end of the racecourse, accessible to many only via a tunnel.

The new grandstand is now well established, allowing focus over the last decade to shift to other areas of the racecourse’s development. We have taken bolder steps in our marketing, continuously enhanced facilities for racegoers, and embraced a more adventurous approach to recruitment, bringing in talent from inside and outside racing. This diversity of perspectives has been invaluable, driving improvements across many areas and shaping a more dynamic vision for Ascot.

Improvements in the racecourse’s facilities on such a large site have taken many forms. Certainly, the level of quality our 30 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Ascot-V5-MB.indd 30

20/12/2024 14:14

A —— GBB 2025

‘We are over 300 years into our journey to deliver world-class racing and an unmatched experience’

Central to the redevelopment of Ascot Racecourse was bringing the horses closer, creating an immersive racegoing experience

customers demand now is much higher. We have done our best to meet this demand: our On 5 restaurant offers fine dining high up in the grandstand with far-reaching views over the racecourse and beyond.

Our marketing is vitally important as racecourses don’t – unlike many brands – have a tightly defined customer group. Our competition is The Lion King and Legoland as much as Windsor or Cheltenham racecourses. The introduction of digital tickets has allowed us to track racegoers’ spending patterns.

Our joint venture with Sodexo has given birth to a nationwide, outside catering business, 1711 by Ascot, which allows us to commercialise and grow our brand outside Ascot and racing.

We are working hard to expand our global fan base, too, concentrating our efforts in the US, the Middle East and Australia with the aim of enhancing the value of our brand, diversifying our revenue streams and driving sustainable growth. This will enable us to continue improving Ascot’s facilities and to increase prize money over the next five years.

These are our two biggest priorities for the future.’

Felicity Barnard, deputy CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Having launched a new digital ticketing system and new website in the last 18 months, our digital transformation continues apace with plans to introduce new digital memberships and an all-new spectator app in 2025.

2

We have identified some key markets primarily in the Middle East, Asia and North America where there is great interest in Ascot Racecourse. We will target these markets with dedicated content and an enhanced broadcast offering.

3 PHOTOS: NICOLE HAINS

Our Racing to Zero strategy, in line with the UN’s Sports for Climate Framework, provides us with a clear ambition to be net zero by 2040, with solar power expected to play a key role.

ASCOT RACECOURSE High Street, Ascot SL5 7JX +44 (0)3443 463000 ascot.com ascotracecourse COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 31

Ascot-V5-MB.indd 31

20/12/2024 14:14

Atelier NM An award-winning design studio, renowned for colour and characterful interiors

‘2

025 is a milestone year for me, as it marks a decade since I started Atelier NM. Over the years, my proudest achievement has been winning an SBID Award in 2023 for the Best Residential Project in Europe above £1m. The property was a family pied-à-terre in Kensington which we fully refurbished, transforming it into a five-bedroom home with each space themed and coloured differently. Last year, we also completed an extraordinary listed apartment in Belgravia with a £1.5m budget – our largest project to date.

Starting a business was challenging: managing a client’s budget and home is a significant responsibility – after all, it’s usually their biggest asset. There’s often a misconception that being an interior designer is purely fun, which it is, but it’s also incredibly demanding. Interior designers are not always taken as seriously as architects, and in the early days, I found myself constantly explaining the critical role we play. As Atelier NM grew and I gained confidence in the services we offer, that dynamic shifted.

My personal style is timeless and eclectic, with an emphasis on pattern – though of course, we always adapt to our clients’ tastes. Interestingly, all the projects I’m working on this year reflect this ethos. Clients seem to be 32 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Atelier-NM-V2-TD.indd 32

20/12/2024 14:16

A —— GBB 2025

‘2025 is a milestone year for me as it marks a decade since I started Atelier NM’ embracing colour and individuality more than ever.

For a long time, many hesitated to take risks with their interiors but now I’m thrilled to be creatively challenged. It’s incredibly important to me to push boundaries and deliver designs that feel truly unique.

There are currently five of us in the studio and, while I’d like the team to grow slightly, I’m committed to staying boutique. This ensures I can remain deeply involved in every project. Looking ahead, I hope to continue designing beautiful houses in prime central London. In 2020, I launched a collection of rugs, artwork and ceramics, and I aspire to expand this offering with more bespoke pieces, making it a central part of the business. A collaboration with a fabric house or rug supplier would also be a dream come true.

That said, the financial climate remains unstable.

Many people are reconsidering their spending habits, and the rising cost of materials is a persistent obstacle.

Still, I remain optimistic that there will always be space for those who recognise the immense value an interior designer can bring to a home.’

Atelier NM encourages clients to embrace individuality in their interiors

Najwa Mroue, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

Focusing on sustainability. As well as using more eco-conscious furniture and accessories, I also want to encourage clients to invest in quality pieces that last for longer.

Collaborations with global artisans. Forging new partnerships with like-minded craftspeople in the UK and abroad to create extraordinary, exclusive collections is a big ambition.

Expanding beyond design services by introducing more bespoke furniture, textiles and curated art pieces into our projects. For past clients, we commissioned artisans to make one-off pieces and the result was incredible. We even went as far as testing home fragrances and candles, and worked with a perfumer on a unique scent.

ATELIER NM The Pavillion, 96 Kensington High Street London W8 4SG +44 (0)7738 528977 atelier-nm.com ateliernminteriors

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 33

Atelier-NM-V2-TD.indd 33

20/12/2024 14:16

GBB 2025 —— A

Audley Travel Tailor-made trips with expertise, trust and responsible travel at the core

‘A

udley started in 1996 as Asian Journeys, offering small group tours of Vietnam.

Around 2014, there was a step change when we opened two additional offices, one in London, another in Boston. Today, we’re the biggest worldwide tour operator focusing purely on tailor-made itineraries.

Audley has traditionally been an interesting, niche tour operator, a best-kept secret not originally seen as “luxury” even though high levels of expertise, personalisation and responsible travel – amplified since the pandemic – have always been at our core. For us, no two itineraries are the same because no two clients are the same.

One powerful element setting us apart in the tailor-made space is that we offer worldwide coverage and country specialists who have extensively travelled, and sometimes lived in the places we offer trips to. Ten years ago there was a view that technology would overtake us. But without doubt, personal expertise trumps technology. We print a single brochure for a flavour of all our destinations. Online there’s richer content and detail, but you can’t book online, because only by speaking can we understand what is exactly right for you. While AI can marry the human touch with business efficiency, it can’t put a fullservice wrapper around you when you’re on a trip.

Responsible, sustainable choices are expected now – which doesn’t mean offering something less fun or exciting. We choose local destination management companies (DMCs) for whom this is part of their ethos. We have high repeat rates because our clients trust us to do a great job, provide value for money and work with partners who act responsibly and efficiently.

Most of our clients are looking for multi-centre trips where they can immerse in local cultures. For example, we’ll send travellers to the Taj Mahal, then to lunch cooked by a family in a neighbouring village, where they’ll describe what it’s like to live next to such a spiritual place. People look for attention to detail in food, drink, culture and nature.

PHOTOS: GETTY, GREEN SAFARIS

Audley Travel’s country specialists have extensively travelled, and sometimes lived in the places they offer trips to

Audley-Travel-V6-MB.indd 34

20/12/2024 14:17

We aim to open offices with country specialists in other markets and to work with travel agents who – contrary to expectations ten years ago – have survived and garnered great loyalty for their service.

And I’d like the brand to become better known. I think tailor-made, as a way of travelling, is still not very well known, particularly in the US. I’d like to help people understand that there’s a different way to travel, and that Audley is the best way to do that.’

Nick Longman, CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We’re are growing the sustainable and responsible proportion of our product, which is certified as Responsible Choice. We continue seeking out accommodation and experiences that benefit local communities, wildlife and environments while still providing the best moments and memories for clients.

2

We launched Audley Private Concierge in 2024, to connect luxury travellers to transformative experiences with an even more personalised level of service. We see an opportunity to develop some incredible new experiences for this audience.

3 PHOTOS: GETTY, GREEN SAFARIS

Tailor-made travel lends itself to a multi-generation trip, as our specialists can arrange multiple fantastic ways to experience the same location.

With 20 percent of premium travellers also taking children on trips, we have an opportunity to develop more for families.

‘For us, no two itineraries are the same because no two clients are the same’

AUDLEY TRAVEL New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney Oxfordshire OX29 7AN +44 (0)1993 461807 audleytravel.com audleyTravel

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 35

Audley-Travel-V6-MB.indd 35

20/12/2024 14:17

GBB 2025 —— A

Auriens Perfecting the art of later living in London

‘A

Auriens has 56 purpose-built oneand two-bedroom apartments and a 15m pool and spa

PHOTOS: KENSINGTON LAVERNE STYLIST: OLIVIA GREGORY

uriens is a leading operator in the fast-growing later-living sector, a market that is less well developed in the UK and perhaps less well understood than in some other countries, especially Australia and the US. We own and operate the eponymous Auriens Chelsea, located on Dovehouse Street just off the Kings Road, a stone’s throw from St Luke’s Church and the delights of Chelsea Green and South Kensington. Designed for over 65s, it offers independent living close to where residents are likely to have owned larger family homes that no longer meet their needs.

Auriens Chelsea is a purpose-built development of 56 one- and two-bedroom residences that opened in September 2021. All the apartments are constructed to the highest standards, whether it be the bookmatched marble, the high-quality timber flooring, or the sophisticated electrical and air-conditioning systems.

The designs also cater for the need to provide a safety net for ageing residents: for example, the kitchens have cabinets which can be lowered and the bathroom towel rails are discreetly designed to double as grab handles.

We stand out for our high-quality services and the sense of community among our residents, who have an enviable range of facilities at their disposal including a restaurant, cinema, speakeasy bar, spa with 15m pool and salt sauna, a gym and exercise studios, with wellness at the core of the offerings. Led by Kyros Project, our world-class wellbeing programme provides a comprehensive range of services to residents including physiotherapy and individual nutrition plans.

Kyros works closely with Draycott Nursing & Care to offer flexible care options if needed, for added peace of mind. Front-of-house, our 24/7 concierge service also includes a chauffeur, available to take residents to appointments and the local shops.

The essence of our philosophy is the enduring relationships fostered by staff, many with backgrounds in top-end hospitality, and the friendships that naturally form among residents, cultivating a profound community spirit. The club table in the restaurant is a physical manifestation of the strength of this community spirit.

Plans are afoot for a second Auriens in Weybridge, Surrey. Occupying a magnificent hilltop site adjacent to St George’s Estate and overlooking the former Brooklands motor racing circuit, Auriens Weybridge will have 176 apartments and is set to open in 2026. Auriens, backed by a leading American private equity firm, is well positioned to expand its offering in the years to come.’

Henry Lumby, chief commercial officer 36 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Auriens-V5-GT.indd 36

20/12/2024 14:18

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

Operating a flexible model allowing residents to purchase their apartments as they wish.

Reinforcing our established health and wellbeing offering, including support from Draycott Nursing & Care – part of the Auriens Group – with trackable measures helping residents enjoy healthy lives for longer.

3

Growing our ‘Friends of Auriens’ network and calendar of cultural and culinary events for residents.

AURIENS CHELSEA 2 Dovehouse Street London SW3 6BF +44 (0)20 4572 2290 auriens.com auriensliving

‘Auriens stands out for its high-quality services and the sense

PHOTOS: KENSINGTON LAVERNE STYLIST: OLIVIA GREGORY

of community among residents’

Auriens-V5-GT.indd 37

20/12/2024 14:18

GBB 2025 —— CULTURE

SILLINESS IS THE BRITISH SAUCE

38 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Culture-Essay-V4-PB.indd 38

20/12/2024 15:33

Having a laugh (mostly at ourselves): find the essence of British culture in all its guises in our most popular shows

Hugo Rifkind explores the uniquely British knack for self-deprecating humour, delving into how this cultural trait is reflected in some of our most beloved popular culture ILLUSTRATION BY SELMAN HOSGÖR

Culture-Essay-V4-PB.indd 39

20/12/2024 15:33

GBB 2025 —— CULTURE

n every possible level, there has never been anything more British than Fawlty Towers, that seminal hotel sitcom of the 1970s. John Cleese, as Basil, is arrogant, chaotic, madcap, periodically pitiable, instinctively xenophobic, and forever teetering on the lip of disaster. And yet, he is mesmerising.

Sometimes – just sometimes – he will say what everybody else thinks, but nobody will say, which he also knows he shouldn’t say, but does. Even physically, he also resembles the imposing, striding, world-conquering British officer class, but ratcheted up just a couple of notches too far. He is how the world sees us when they hate us, but also when they envy us, and we know it, and we also laugh louder than anybody else.

That, though, is just the top level.

Dig deeper. On screen, Fawlty has a hot wife who hates him, in the shape of Prunella Scales’ Sybil, whose every garment resembles a negligee. And yet – so British, this – the real Cleese is also acting alongside his even hotter wife Connie Booth (Polly), who in the fiction hates him even more and is entirely out of his league. Contrast this with superhero fiction, a quintessentially American genre, and the way it is all about presenting people as bigger, better and far more powerful than they truly are. The British way is precisely the reverse.

For a slightly more recent example of the same thing, take Ricky Gervais’ workplace drama The Office, and all the things it had to jettison to be remade for America. Pessimism, despair and the impossibility of redemption. Cold days, whining air-conditioning and the slate grey skies above slate grey carparks. Get stuck in a room at a business hotel for a day with the US version’s Michael Scott (Steve Carell) and you’d eventually come to love him. Do the same with Gervais’ David Brent and you’d probably throttle yourself with the bed runner. The British way, though, is to be proud of that.

Despair makes us smirk.

Consider Blackadder, and particularly the stark brilliance of that last series, in the First World War trenches. Rowan Atkinson’s shifty Captain, Hugh Laurie’s dim Lieutenant, Stephen Fry’s buffoon general. It’s a story of our greatest heroes in which there are no heroes, right up until the end, when they are all heroes. Or take the American Austin Powers, Mike Myers’ tremendous parody of both James Bond and Britishness itself, which I always adored, and yet which always seemed to miss the fact that Bond himself had made most of the jokes already.

Britishness undercuts itself. That’s the secret. For a whole generation of public figures, the greatest accolade that could be bestowed upon them was to be mocked on Spitting Image. Indeed, the mere injection

of Britishness is enough, often, to make a story absurd. I once heard the novelist Toby Litt describe Douglas Adams’ peerless sci-fi comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy as being about ‘the agony of being British in space’ and I have never quite got over it. Or, to go back to Cleese and his gang, consider Life Of Brian, which is simply and purely about how preposterous the gospels would be if the Messiah came from Maidstone.

We do the same with music. People joke, still, about Ringo being the shit one from The Beatles, but they wouldn’t have been The Beatles without him. Imagine Bob Dylan or The Eagles coming up with Octopus’s Garden. People would think they’d lost their minds. Or contrast, say, the many reincarnations of Prince with those of David Bowie. The former,

PHOTOS: ALAMY

BRITISHNESS UNDERCUTS ITSELF. THAT’S THE SECRET. FOR A GENERATION OF PUBLIC FIGURES, THE GREATEST ACCOLADE THAT COULD BE BESTOWED ON THEM WAS TO BE MOCKED ON SPITTING IMAGE. INDEED, THE MERE INJECTION OF BRITISHNESS IS ENOUGH, OFTEN, TO MAKE A STORY ABSURD

40 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Culture-Essay-V4-PB.indd 40

20/12/2024 15:33

PHOTOS: ALAMY

Only in Britain would you find a beloved Queen hanging out with an equally beloved bear

hopelessly sincere. The latter, always with a twinkle. Likewise, contrast the Pussycat Dolls with the Spice Girls; one forever oiled, flawless and panting, the other looking like they were on their way to the Boots staff Christmas party. Take Taylor Swift in concert, as polished between songs as she is during them. Then ponder our own Adele, who between swooning songs of heartbreak will cackle and cuss like a navvy.

Silliness is the magic British sauce. Other nations can be silly, too, of course, but for most it is a binary choice; take yourself seriously or don’t. Only we have that knack of weaponising our silliness, of using it to disarm our critics, freeing ourselves up to covertly grow serious before they’ve quite caught up. Ponder Strictly Come Dancing, and how po-faced it would be if not for Claudia Winkleman forever raising her eyebrows. This, despite the way you can’t even see her eyebrows, because of her fringe. Ponder the beloved amateurism of The Great British Bake Off. Or, if you missed one of the loveliest and most British TV shows of recent years, spend a few hours in front of The Detectorists, Mackenzie

Crook’s tale of Essex treasure hunters. It’s a story of small, silly people, whose essential human nobility emerges not despite their mundanity, but entirely because of it.

By now it may seem like I’m listing articles of popular culture almost at random, but that’s the point; you see it everywhere. We have a culture in our national image. We have the most famous Parliament on the planet, yet inside it is crumbling, full of mice, and smells of boiled beef.

We also have the world’s most prominent royals, able to do all that Star Wars-level militaristic pageantry at the drop of a hat. Yet we also know the only reason the Queen liked having a yacht was that the rooms were small and poky, and people left her alone. We have, I think, not one royal – not even Prince Harry, or the Duke of York – who would not secretly be happiest up to their knees in mud on a hillside next to a dog.

No wonder our late Queen hung out with Paddington Bear. She virtually was Paddington Bear. Imagine Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin with Paddington Bear. They’d look like they were about to have him killed. n COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 41

Culture-Essay-V4-PB.indd 41

20/12/2024 15:33

Sofas-Stuff.indd 1

18/12/2024 13:30

GBB 2025

BAMFORD 44 BARBOUR 46 BATTERSEA POWER STATION 48 BEEN LONDON 50 BERRY BROS. & RUDD 52 BOODLES 56 BRAMLEY 58

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 43

Openers-V2-TD.indd 43

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— B

Bamford Continuing to redefine the boundaries of ethical and sustainable luxury

‘O

ver the last decade we’re proud to have earned B Corp and Positive Luxury certifications, recognising our dedication to ethical practices, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

We celebrated a number of innovative achievements throughout 2024, including opening our first store in Hong Kong and a limited-edition collection with Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc. We also formulated our first candle to be 100 percent natural from wax to wick – a considered addition to our B Silent range that is kinder to our health and that of our planet. In 2025 I look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of our signature fragrance, Geranium, with a library of scents.

I am particularly proud of the B Vibrant Tonifying Body Polish we launched this year. It is made using spent coffee grounds from our Daylesford Organic cafés – an initiative that both nourishes the skin and reduces waste. In 2025 we’ll be introducing more circularity initiatives, such as a facial serum created using resveratrol-rich grape skins from our sister biodynamic vineyard, Léoube.

Over the past decade, a key landmark has been our 100 percent home-grown merino knitwear collection, first launched in November 2021. The wool came from a small flock of merino sheep reared at our organic farm in the Cotswolds and travelled no further than 639 miles from shearing to shelf – a stark contrast to the industry’s average supply chain of 18,000 miles. In 2022 we added 12 lambs to our flock, ensuring the evolution of this unique initiative. Our apparel collections throughout 2024 were crafted entirely from natural fibres. These will return to the soil when they have outlived their use – another demonstration of our commitment to tread lightly on the planet.

I am pleased to see customer expectations have shifted, with an increased demand for certified sustainable and traceable products. Customers expect beautiful products to stand the test of time so, whether homeware or knitwear, every Bamford product is crafted to last.

While our ethos remains unchanged, we’ve embraced technology, enhancing the efficacy of our products while amplifying our positive impact on the planet.

Looking further ahead, we’re striving for 100 percent traceability across all products and introducing impact labelling that displays emissions and water usage. We also want to establish education centres to encourage working with nature and highlight its profound impact on health, happiness, and the environment.’

With a commitment to traceability, all Bamford’s products are created to stand the test of time

Carole Bamford, founder 44 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Bamford-V7-GT.indd 44

20/12/2024 14:19

‘We’ve embraced technology, enhancing the efficacy of our products while amplifying our positive impact on the planet’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Circularity remains a significant opportunity, aligning with our ethos while fostering collaborations across my brands. Initiatives like our resveratrol grape extract serum and grape leather production from Léoube’s harvest waste exemplify our innovation and mindful use of nature’s resources.

2

Recertifying as a B Corp reaffirms our commitment to balancing purpose with profit, championing sustainability and fostering positive impact. It drives accountability and ensures we continue to uphold the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

3

Bamford’s commitment to 100 percent natural fibres across apparel collections ensures sustainable sourcing while prioritising soil health, animal welfare and reducing environmental impact. By crafting from plant and animal fibres and minimising synthetics, we create timeless designs that support people and the planet.

BAMFORD 19 Mossop St, London SW3 2LY +44 (0)1608 692861 bamford.com bamford

Bamford-V7-GT.indd 45

20/12/2024 14:19

GBB 2025 —— B

Barbour A family business fusing consistent quality with contemporary flair

‘L

ast year, we celebrated 130 years since John Barbour established the company in South Shields, supplying oilskins and garments to sailors, fishermen, rivermen and dockers. Five generations on, we are still a successful, thriving, family business.

We also recently marked over a century of extending the life of your garments with our re-waxing and repair service, which Malcolm Barbour introduced in 1921. Today we re-wax and repair over 79,000 jackets globally and sell over 100,000 tins of wax for home re-waxing. If a wax jacket is re-waxed at least once annually, it can last a lifetime. Alternatively, customers can return their jackets if they no longer have a need for them via our Re-Loved upcycling programme.

We’ll then clean, re-wax and repair those jackets ready for a new home. Last year we introduced Quilt for Life, extending our repair service to our quilted items. More and more customers recognise the importance of extending their jackets’ lives to minimise their environmental impact.

The Barbour Foundation has donated over £29m to good causes, primarily within the North East of England.

Our support has helped Newcastle University continue its important research into children’s cancer and other debilitating syndromes and diseases, alongside other cultural organisations important to our community, such as The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and the historic Lit & Phil, the largest independent library outside London.

The most significant changes Barbour has seen in the last decade have been the increase in technology resulting in us developing e-commerce sites in the UK, US, Germany and Italy. The rise in social media has meant that we have built a digital marketing team to create content for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, using these channels to communicate with our customers..

Each decade brings its challenges but Barbour has always evolved, while consistently ensuring the quality of our products – they remain fit for purpose. We’ve collaborated with partners like Tokihito, GANNI, Alexa Chung, Moncler and Erdem, offering different takes on Barbour’s heritage to excite our customers. We’ve grown significantly as a lifestyle brand and our products are now in 55 countries. Our wardrobe includes our iconic jackets, knitwear, shirts, dresses, footwear and accessories – and we’ve expanded our range of dog accessories too.

We remain committed always to offering great value and delivering high quality, functional, stylish, timeless clothing. The beauty of Barbour is that it can be worn by anyone at any age – you make it your own, and its longevity means it becomes part of your life and treasured memories.’

Today, Barbour is a global lifestyle brand sold in over 55 countries. It offers a re-waxing service (below) ensuring the longevity of its jackets

Dame Margaret Barbour, chair

46 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Barbour-V5-GT.indd 46

20/12/2024 14:21

‘We remain committed always to offering great value and delivering high quality, functional, stylish, timeless clothing’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Growth in global markets: back in the 1930s, we received orders from around the globe via our mail order service. Today, we’re receiving more and more requests from global customers so we will continue to work with our partners, focusing on quality sales and distribution to build long term sustainable growth.

2

Extending the life of your garment: as the sustainability benefits of long-lasting clothing becomes clearer, we will continue to build on our Barbour Re-Loved and more recently our ‘Quilt for Life’ initiatives, refurbishing old garments for new homes.

3

Delighted customers: we have a strong, engaged base to build on as our timeless styling means our outerwear, clothing, footwear and accessories never go out of date – and so they never disappoint.

BARBOUR Simonside, South Shields Tyne and Wear NE34 9PD +44 (0)191 455 4444 barbour.com barbour

Barbour-V5-GT.indd 47

20/12/2024 14:20

GBB 2025 —— B

Battersea Power Station A London landmark re-imagined

R

BR

ITIS

S

ND

EA

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

A

GR

2025 AWARD WINNER

T

Battersea-Power-Station-V3-GT.indd 48

ITISH B

DS

GRE

T

BR

AN

A

‘A

fter eight years of transformational restoration work, we achieved the project’s greatest milestone to date when we opened the Grade II* listed Power Station to the public on 14 October 2022. Derelict for almost 30 years after decommissioning in 1983, the mystery surrounding the landmark had grown ever deeper up until this point.

On the journey, we reached many other milestones, including opening a new Zone 1 Underground station in September 2021 as part of the Northern line extension – the first expansion to the London Underground this century. Today, over 150 shops, restaurants, bars and leisure experiences draw millions of visitors each year.

Since opening, we’ve launched new office and residential buildings, welcomed many new brands and responded to feedback from visitors and the local community to continually improve. We’ve created an exciting mixed-use destination for London, attracting an ever-growing number of people from across the capital, the UK and abroad.

Entertainment and culture are crucial to our offering.

We created and hosted the inaugural celebrASIA festival

R B H

20/12/2024 14:22

‘Success is making sure London knows and loves Battersea Power Station’ last September, celebrating South East Asian culture through food, music, markets and entertainment.

The event attracted 150,000 visitors, making it our busiest weekend ever. For Christmas 2024, Apple and multi-award-winning animation studio, Aardman, created a festive Wallace and Gromit animation which lit up the Power Station’s river-facing wash towers and iconic chimneys for all to enjoy during the festive period.

Our brand partners share our appetite for innovation, whether bringing a new concept or a bold design: Liberty opened a fragrance pop-up in Turbine Hall A last year, the first time they have stepped outside their flagship store; M&S opened its first ever standalone fashion store in December; and we are home to the world’s only standalone Peppa Pig and Transformers stores.

We have achieved so much in the past 12 years, but we’re only halfway through the entire 42-acre site. Over the next decade, our ambition is to develop the remaining phases, completing our vision for a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood that hosts 25,000 residents and workers, and millions more visitors. We also want to work out what we are missing. What is London missing? How can we plug this gap over the next ten years? We won’t have completed our job until all Londoners know what is on offer. Success is making sure London knows and loves Battersea Power Station.’

Sam Cotton, head of asset management After an eight year transformation, Battersea Power Station now welcomes millions of visitors each year

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Our biggest opportunity for Battersea Power Station lies in future development phases – with approximately half of the site still to develop, this will bring significantly more residential, office, retail and leisure spaces to the neighbourhood.

2

New openings will add to our rich offering of over 150 brands. Exciting launches on Electric Boulevard include a new Underground station entrance in spring 2025, creating a more direct route to the Power Station.

3

Our year-round cultural programme and large-scale events continue with Wandsworth named London Borough of Culture 2025. The Light Festival returns in January; a bigger, better celebrASIA in September; and an exciting new summer cultural festival.

BATTERSEA POWER STATION Circus Road West, London SW11 8DD +44 (0)20 8176 6500 batterseapowerstation.co.uk batterseapwrstn

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 49

Battersea-Power-Station-V3-GT.indd 49

20/12/2024 14:22

GBB 2025 —— B

BEEN London East London accessories brand spearheading circular design

‘B

EEN London was originally a passion project, to see if it was possible to create luxury products in a circular way. My aim was to make new, beautiful accessories out of materials the rest of the fashion industry usually throws away. When you remove virgin materials from the equation and replace them with what others might call waste, the product’s carbon footprint drops significantly. Our own Life Cycle Assessments show a drop of up to 87 percent.

Several sustainability awards and a few years later, we are now a small, all-female team based in East London. We manufacture our own range super-locally in the UK, just minutes from where we design.

Running in parallel is our design studio, which works under the same principles of circularity. We’ve made products for Netflix and DHL, using only recycled materials, and collaborated with the Tate galleries. We are also working with several luxury brands, designing something from the waste these companies produce – think turning a hotel’s used bedsheets into furniture, or used DVD cases into awards.

Over the years, our products have To build on our newly received definitely improved, in big part thanks B Corp certification. It’s a to our head designer Cosima Hornack. lovely recognition of how, Previously head of accessories at Kenzo, despite pressure from the market, we have always stuck to our she is an incredible designer with lots of principles at BEEN London and experience and attention to detail, with a never compromised in our aim for real passion for sustainability. proper circularity through design.

From the very beginning, we’ve named To continue collaborating all our products after a street or square in with our partners like the East London and our colours are always Tate, for whom we made inspired by nature. The newest additions a limited-edition four-piece include forest green and silver birch. As a collection of accessories, including brand, we love a pop of colour. So, there a cardholder, zipped wallet, crossbody phone bag and tote will always be a bright yellow, or red. I’m a bag, all vibrantly coloured and big believer in “buy once, buy well” so we crafted from upcycled banners offer lifelong repairs to all our customers. sourced directly from the gallery.

So far, we have only sold online. I feel We’re really excited to be it’s now time for us to take the next steps launching a new range and sell in physical stores. It’s slightly of jewellery and home daunting but there’s been a lot of interest, accessories. These all follow the so we’re gearing up for that. We are also same principle of making a new expanding our range beyond accessories beautiful product without using new materials and treading lightly in the next year or two and have some in terms of our footprint. great collaborations in the pipeline. As I look to the next ten years, I see BEEN London leading the way in circular design, BEEN LONDON creating our own collections and working Studio 21, 19 Rookwood Way with bigger brands in pioneering new London E3 2XT generation materials and really creating +44 (0)7850 414937 a world without waste.’ been.london

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

2

3

been.london

Genia Mineeva, founder 50 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Been-London-V2-GT.indd 50

20/12/2024 14:24

BEEN London makes accessories using discarded materials and collaborates with big brands such as Netflix and the Tate

‘I’m a big believer in “buy once, buy well” so we offer lifelong repairs to all our customers’ COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 51

Been-London-V2-GT.indd 51

20/12/2024 14:24

Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine and spirits merchant at the pinnacle of international fine wine collecting

‘O

ver the past ten years our business has shifted towards being the “home of collecting”. This means focusing on our many private clients and collectors, helping them discover, collect and enjoy fine wines and spirits. Our huge expertise is represented by 40 account managers worldwide and three Masters of Wine (out of only 421 in the world). We do sell wine for drinking now, but most of our private collectors buy wines that will age beautifully for 10, 20 or 30 years. We also have our wholesale business, FM&V, supplying top-end restaurants, bars and hotels.

Three years ago, we opened a state-of-the-art warehouse with capacity to store 14 million bottles of customers’ wine; they use our expertise to advise them when to drink it, and we also have our online fine-wine exchange BBX, should customers decide to sell instead.

We’re the first wine and spirits merchant to have launched an auction house and in 2024 we opened a spirits shop with a portfolio of around a thousand lines. Our St James’s HQ, known as No 3, can be booked for birthday parties, weddings and corporate meetings – it’s so popular, it’s encouraged us to create more experiential events.

We’ve started becoming vertically integrated through our acquisition of Hambledon vineyards, which produces 52 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Berry-Bros-&-Rudd-V4-MBGT.indd 52

20/12/2024 14:25

B —— GBB 2025

‘The fine wine market is multifaceted and complex. Collectors come to us for our heritage, access, expertise and trust’

Berry Bros. & Rudd sells wine and spirits to customers in over 120 countries and holds exclusive events at its shop in St James’s

a delicious English sparkling wine in partnership with the Symington Family estates, another longestablished business and doyens of Portugal’s Douro Valley. The venture represents our belief in the future of English sparkling wine and dedication to sustainable viticulture. Climate change is a challenge, and our customers are genuinely curious about sustainable, biodynamic and regenerative viticulture, harvesting and wine-making practices. This is being reflected in their buying choices.

In future, we are looking at geographical expansion.

We already serve customers in over 120 countries, with offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore, and there is such a passion for wine in China. They love the way talking about wine brings people closer together.

Wine is an agricultural commodity, and if there’s a smaller vintage because of frost for example, there will be scarcity – however, our loyal relationships with our producers and a mutual trust nurtured over time give us access even in those tricky years. We always refer to ourselves as the closest link between the producer and the customer. The fine wine market is multi-faceted and complex, which is why a collector would come to Berry Bros. & Rudd – for our heritage, access, expertise and trust.’

Emma Fox, CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

Following our successful inaugural auction in 2024, we have multiple future sales planned. These enable us to work with collectors globally, expanding their cellars and helping them sell to like-minded enthusiasts.

We’re expanding our events beyond our historic cellars at No 3, with global experiences that connect people in new and interesting ways, like our recent Château Palmer dinner at Estelle Manor.

Sustainability has long been a focus at Berry Bros. & Rudd, ensuring the family-run business cares for the next generation. New technology provides scope for further innovation, from HVO fuel for our vans to solar panels.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD 3 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1EG +44 (0)800 280 2440 bbr.com berrybrosrudd COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 53

Berry-Bros-&-Rudd-V4-MBGT.indd 53

20/12/2024 14:25

GBB 2025 —— BOOKS

theLIST New voices on the literary scene

1

KAVEH AKBAR

The Iranian-American’s debut novel, Martyr!, landed with a bang when it came out earlier this year – and not just because of the rare use of an exclamation mark in the title. A bold, lyrical and deeply felt book about immigration, art, trauma, masculinity, queer love, America and terrorism, Martyr! Is the story of a death-fixated poet named Cyrus, who travels from the mid-west to New York, to interview a dying artist and fellow Iranian immigrant, Orkideh – in the hope that she may unlock the writer within him. Akbar is an electric new writer in fiction.

Picador

2

SABA SAMS

Already a winner of the BBC National Short Story Award and one of Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists for 2023, British writer Sams is on a well-deserved ascent after the publication of her astonishing short story collection, Send Nudes, in 2022. Her debut novel, Gunk, is a gear-change, but no less impactful. Jules is working in her ex-husband’s Brighton nightclub, when a young barmaid, Nim, goes missing – less than 24 hours after she gives birth. With Nim’s newborn now in her care, Jules must reckon with her friend’s disappearance, her longing for motherhood (now by proxy) and her life up until now. Bloomsbury

3

INGVILD RISHØI

If you liked A Man Called Ove, or Claire Keegan’s writing, Rishøi’s charming little novel, Brightly Shining – newly translated into English – is for you: one of those deceptively simple books that contains deep wells of emotion and meaning. It’s about Ronja and Melissa, who take over their father’s job selling Christmas trees, as he struggles with alcoholism. With fans like Douglas Stuart (who calls it ‘magic’ and ‘charming’) and Claire Messud (‘the power of a classic’), and a film adaptation in the works, Rishøi is set to be as beloved here as she is in her native Norway. Atlantic Books

4

MARNI APPLETON

The cover – a hotdog squished into a pulp by a heavy hand – is reason alone to pick up British writer Marni Appleton’s debut short story collection, I Hope You’re Happy. She writes with incisiveness and raw honesty, covering the subjects of sex, social media and ambition.

These are stories of desire and yearning in the 21st century: of indecision, anxiety and intimacy.

If you’re a fan of short stories, add this biting, youthful collection to your TBR pile (complete with Rooney-esque lack of speech marks).

The Indigo Press

PHOTOS: ALICE ZOO; CIARAÌN DOWD; ROBERT TIMOTHY; MATHIAS FOSSUM; ZOE POTKIN; MICHAL IWANOWSKI

PANDORA SYKES chooses eight new writers to read now

54 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GBB-LIST-Literature-V3-KB.indd 54

20/12/2024 16:57

5

ANTHONY SHAPLAND

PHOTOS: ALICE ZOO; CIARAÌN DOWD; ROBERT TIMOTHY; MATHIAS FOSSUM; ZOE POTKIN; MICHAL IWANOWSKI

A writer and artist based in Cardiff.

Shapland’s debut, A Room Above a Shop, is a tender, spare and wrenchingly emotional novel, about the tentative romance between two men in the Valleys in the late 1980s, when Section 28 and the AIDS crisis dominated the news.

Raised in working class, aggressively heterosexual rural Wales, B and M, working side by side in M’s family ironmongery business, must tentatively unlearn their fears and shed their performances, in order to be together.

Shapland writes in short paragraphs – sometimes even sentences – giving his work a shape-shifting quality where unspoken emotions linger underneath the surface. Granta

6

MARIANNA SPRING

The BBC’s first disinformation expert (and social media correspondent), Spring is an extraordinarily brave young woman: writing about conspiracy theories, disinformation and fake news online means that, aged just 28, she receives more abusive messages than anyone else at the BBC. The host of a podcast about online trolling, as well as a regular contributor to Panorama, she has now written her first book, Conspiracyland: Trolls, True Believers and the New Information War. ‘Truth’ is a contested modern value, but Spring remains undaunted.

Her book is not an easy read, but it is a fascinating, vital, well-written one.

Atlantic Books

7

COCO MELLORS

New Yorker Coco Mellors is a BookTok success story, after her 2022 novel Cleopatra & Frankenstein – about a fairytale romance gone sour – went viral.

Her second novel, Blue Sisters, about three sisters grappling with the grief of a fourth sister’s death, was published earlier this year and was an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller.

Mellors is interested in the acute emotional detail of relationships – both familial and romantic – and addiction.

Her storytelling is both sprawling and intimate, and rich with description, while her beautifully painted covers are made for gifting. 4th Estate

8

JUHEA KIM

The author of an acclaimed 2021 novel, Beasts of a Little Land, and a new book, City of Night Birds, Korean-American Kim’s work is ambitious, elegant and deeply intellectual. While her first novel sweeps across five decades of Korean history, her latest work is more intimate, relocating to Russia (Kim’s biggest influence is Tolstoy) and the blisteringly high octane world of ballet.

Natalia, a once legendary prima ballerina who is now battling addiction, is considering a return to the stage – and reckoning with the trauma that would accompany her return.

It’s a novel of passion, pain, politics and art, which shows the full breadth of Kim’s talent. Oneworld

What Writers Read: 35 Writers on Their Favourite Book, edited by Pandora Sykes, is published by Bloomsbury and out in paperback now COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 55

GBB-LIST-Literature-V3-KB.indd 55

20/12/2024 16:58

GBB 2025 —— B

Boodles The family jeweller pioneering sustainability, design and craftsmanship

‘A

t Boodles, we’re incredibly proud to remain one of the last family-owned jewellers on London’s Bond Street – something that’s become a real rarity. It is amazing to think that the company has been around since 1798, starting out as a county jeweller and evolving into the luxury British brand we are today.

Over the last few years, we’ve really upped our game in terms of the quality, rarity, and value of our diamonds, with our speciality in pink diamonds driving several very high-value sales. Pink diamonds reflect not only our brand colour but also embody a touch of what we aspire to be: unique, rare, and exceptional. We take great pride in creating jewellery that represents the very best in creative design, featuring the highest-quality diamonds and gemstones, and fusing traditional craft skills with innovation. True to our tagline, behind every Boodles piece, there is always a story.

We were honoured to be named Walpole’s Best British Luxury Brand of the Year in 2023 – a recognition that meant a huge amount to us and reflected just how far we have come.

This year, we unveiled The Boodles National Gallery Collection to celebrate our partnership with the gallery in its 200th year. It is a collection inspired by some of their most iconic masterpieces, exploring themes such as Play of Light, Perspective, Brushstrokes, and Motherhood.

Sustainability and traceability are at the heart of what we do at Boodles. We have a real opportunity to make a difference today, not just through charitable giving, but through our commitment to sustainable business practices. All the gold we use comes from a single mine in West Africa, and one of our standout collections, Peace of Mined, features diamonds sourced directly from renowned mines such as the Cullinan Mine in South Africa.

These diamonds are fully traceable, from the moment they are mined to when they arrive into our Boodles showrooms.

Events are important to us too at Boodles – last year we held over 300. These range from small lunches to being the lead sponsors of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. These events enable selling jewellery to become a joy, rather than a transaction.

This is a landmark year for Boodles. Alongside the launch of exciting jewellery collections, we are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Raindance ring. Chosen as an icon of British jewellery design by the V&A Museum in 2009, the ring now holds a place in its permanent collection.’

James Amos, joint managing director

‘This is a landmark year for Boodles. Alongside the launch of exciting jewellery collections, we are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Raindance ring’ 56 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Boodles-V5-MBGT.indd 56

20/12/2024 16:59

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Building on the success of our overseas events and pop-ups, Boodles aims to increase its global presence in a variety of places, including Quinta do Lago, New York and Doha.

2

Continuing our legacy of creating exceptional designs and delivering oneof-a-kind jewellery creations to our customers.

3

Expanding traceability and sustainability initiatives to make a meaningful impact while further reinforcing Boodles’ commitment to responsible luxury.

BOODLES 178 New Bond Street London W1S 4RH +44 (0)20 7437 5050 boodles.com boodles

There is always a story behind the designs at Boodles incorporating the highest-quality diamonds and gemstones

Boodles-V5-MBGT.indd 57

20/12/2024 14:27

Bramley Beautifully fragranced bath, body and skincare products infused with powerful natural botanicals

‘I

started Bramley in 2009, the realisation of a dream I have had since I was a girl, when I was making flower perfumes to sell to passers-by outside my house. My passion for scent and product design continued when I left university, with jobs at Cowshed and Green & Spring, both specialists in natural and botanical-infused lotions.

Bramley was born after my husband Charlie took on The Beckford Arms, a pub dating back to 1740 in the Wiltshire countryside. I couldn’t find any truly sustainable bathroom products that I loved for our guest rooms, so I decided to make my own.

I really wanted to capture the essence of the nature that surrounded us, so I blended essential oils and natural botanicals to make really beautifully fragranced products that revive the mind and nourish the skin. From the start, we wanted to do things responsibly: all our items came in refillable packaging; I like to think I was ahead of my time.

The first few guests loved the products so much that they wanted to buy them for their own bathrooms, and that’s how we grew – organically, and step by step.

The past decade has presented challenges, of course.

We experienced the turmoil of Covid, when all our hotel partners had to close overnight, and before that Brexit, when we lost some of the European business that we 58 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Bramley-V6-GT.indd 58

20/12/2024 17:00

B —— GBB 2025

‘From the start, all our items came in refillable packaging.

I think I was ahead of my time’

Founder Chloë Luxton has found a loyal following for Bramley’s sustainable luxury

had been building up. However, the lows have been offset by our many achievements: seeing our products in excellent establishments, such as The Pig hotels, Gleneagles and Fortnum & Mason; winning a host of awards; and launching wonderful new products, like our natural home fragrance and Little B children’s range.

Last year we exhibited at Chelsea Flower Show for the first time, which was very exciting. The most memorable high, though, came in 2020 when the Duchess of Cambridge asked Bramley to support her campaign to help those living in poverty during the pandemic. It was one of those pinch-me moments: when the email arrived, I thought it was from one of the team pulling my leg.

As for the next decade, we have a great deal to look forward to. We’ve recently launched our botanical-rich skincare range and are working with spas to offer Bramley wellness ritual treatments.

We’ve recently achieved B Corp certification and now are moving our focus on to our carbon footprint, which is quite small, but we’re determined to make it even smaller. I’m very excited about the future.

I think there are great times ahead.’

Chloë Luxton, founder and creative director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

International expansion. We’ve shipped to more than 56 countries over the past 15 years and see this number growing as demand for natural beauty and wellness increases. That said, we are 100 percent committed to Bramley remaining British-made.

2 3

Innovation. We’re always looking to discover new botanical extracts that enhance both the senses and deliver results for skin, and the most sustainable formats for our products.

Self-care continues to be increasingly important as an antidote to stress, and as we are encouraged to take more responsibility for our health, there will be opportunities for companies like ours to help people find balance through moments of relaxation.

BRAMLEY 8 Chaldicott Barns, Tokes Lane, Semley SP7 9AW +44 (0)1747 445067 bramleyproducts.com bramleyproducts COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 59

Bramley-V6-GT.indd 59

20/12/2024 17:00

M AGIC A L

A timeless heritage hotel, moments from Covent Garden Call + 44 20 7781 8888 or email london.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com

ro se w o o dho t el s. co m

Rosewood.indd 1

18/12/2024 15:49

GBB 2025

CADOGAN 62 CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL 64 CATCHPOLE & RYE 66 CECIL WRIGHT 68 CHELSEA BARRACKS 70 CHRISTY 72 COLE & SON 74 COLEFAX & FOWLER 76 COOKSON ADVENTURES 82

CORDINGS 84 CROCKETT & JONES 86 CUNARD 88 DAVIDSON 90 DAYLESFORD ORGANIC 92 DE BEERS JEWELLERS 94 DEIRDRE DYSON 96 DIFFERENCE COFFEE 100 DR HAUS DERMATOLOGY 102 D-ROBE 104 DR SEBAGH 106 COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 61

Openers-V2-TD.indd 61

20/12/2024 16:53

Cadogan Custodians and curators, infusing Chelsea with new creative energy

‘C

helsea is an incredible neighbourhood and continues to evolve through 2025 and beyond. We are looking forward to so many exciting openings, community events and the completion of major projects, including Sloane Street, freshly resplendent as a grand, green boulevard, and the King’s Road, welcoming new creatives, an independent cinema and artist’s studios.

Our long-term stewardship ensures the curation of buildings, their uses and the spaces between them – balancing a portfolio of residential, retail, hospitality, leisure and cultural attractions along with gardens and public squares.

A focus on injecting fresh energy into the King’s Road will see new openings at The Gaumont, our recently completed 220,000 sq/ft development that includes a cinema, major public artworks, a beautifully restored art-deco façade and flagship retail, as well a “creative cluster” celebrating arts, music and literature, in response to a community consultation. Our last consultation led to the creation of Pavilion Road, now central to the community and home to independent foodie artisans, as well as a new restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, Jason Atherton. Alongside other projects, including an exciting new operator for the legendary 151 nightclub and “a pub theatre” on the King’s Road, we believe this will have a similar impact.

This year is set to see all eyes on Sloane Street, as its extraordinary transformation into an elegant green boulevard comes to completion, supporting London as it competes harder as the international destination for luxury shopping. An inspiring 62 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cadogan-V8-MB.indd 62

20/12/2024 14:36

C —— GBB 2025

‘Our priority is contributing to a thriving and sustainable community. Cadogan and Chelsea together are entering the new year with great momentum’

This year, Cadogan is looking forward to exciting new openings and community projects as Chelsea continues to thrive

launch programme will ensure Sloane Street is in the spotlight, including exciting cultural partnerships and an extraordinary garden party, as well as the arrival of flagship openings from Temperley London and L’Objet, and beautiful, larger new boutiques from Saint Laurent and Brunello Cucinelli. I look forward to seeing it firmly on the international stage.

We have just launched the Cadogan Community Grant Programme in partnership with the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation, as part of our contribution to community support. This will offer grants to local not-for-profit organisations making a positive impact in our community, and empowering grassroots organisations to address local challenges. We also continue to focus on our ambitious environmental goals as we work towards a net zero future as part of our “Chelsea 2030” strategy.

Contributing to a thriving and sustainable community is our priority. Cadogan and Chelsea, together, are entering the new year with great momentum and a lot to look forward to.’

Hugh Seaborn, CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are particularly excited about the completion of the Sloane Street transformation with its wider pavements, magnificent planting scheme, elegant street furniture and enhanced lighting. Set to become the international destination for luxury shopping.

2

In response to a community consultation, new openings – to include a cinema, major public art, a beautifully restored art-deco façade and flagship retail, as well a ‘creative cluster’ celebrating arts, music and literature – will be a highlight for 2025.

3

We’re excited to launch the Cadogan Community Grant Programme, aligned with Chelsea 2030, supporting local not-for-profits in partnership with Kensington + Chelsea Foundation. Alongside our £4m annual community contribution, these grants will empower grassroots initiatives tackling key local challenges.

CADOGAN 10 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY +44 (0)20 7730 4567 cadogan.co.uk SloaneStreetSW1 PavilionRoad DukeofYorkSquare KingsRoad.London COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 63

Cadogan-V8-MB.indd 63

20/12/2024 14:36

GBB 2025 —— C

Cambridge Satchel Iconic bags rooted in British heritage, crafted in the heartland of England

‘F

ounded in 2008 and embraced by the Swaine London family in 2022, Cambridge Satchel was a natural fit for us as it shared our values and commitment to preserving British craftsmanship.

It’s an incredible story: the founder built the company from scratch, starting with two women and £600. The business was e-commerce from its inception, with one successful store in Cambridge (naturally). Growth through the internet was swift. Within three years, a first workshop opened with production brought in-house – where it has remained ever since – to ensure quality and to pass on craft skills. Today, 65 highly-skilled artisans craft all our bags by hand in a workshop near Leicester in the heartland of England. The leather is sustainably sourced and the bags made to last a lifetime.

The first designs revived the beloved school satchel – charming, quirky, nostalgic – of many a British childhood.

However, it soon branched into vivid new colours and collaborations with designers like Vivienne Westwood, as well as partnership support and co-branding with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) and The Prince’s (now The King’s) Foundation.

The iconic British satchel style was highly recognisable, and its instant popularity in the UK soon spread across the globe, from France to Japan. By 2014, celebrities, fashion influencers and international personalities (including Taylor Swift, Alexa Chung and Sophie Ellis-Bextor) were wearing Cambridge Satchel’s bags.

The company marked its tenth anniversary in 2018 with The Emily, a large tote which is the perfect work bag. In 2023, it celebrated its shared craft values with Swaine by launching The Artisan, a bridle leather bag, forming part of the Cambridge Luxury collection. Our range includes bags for men and women, in different sizes, to suit all seasons, for day, evening, work, social or travel. We revitalise timeless designs with the eccentric, bold and daring spirit that runs through British culture.

In the next decade, we’d like to expand to direct-operated retail spaces in the UK and overseas, and we will also open small stores across the UK, Europe, Japan and the US. There’s so much to say about the brand – its British origins, history and craftsmanship – and we want to speak directly to wearers; to share our history, and enable them to see and touch the bags physically. We don’t see a need to invest in big flagship showrooms. Small is beautiful for Cambridge Satchel.’

The brand’s first designs evoked the traditional school satchel but soon branched into new styles, colours and collaborations

Carine de Koenigswarter, chairman of Chargeurs Personal Goods 64 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cambridge-Satchel-V7-MBGT.indd 64

20/12/2024 15:30

‘Today, 65 highly-skilled artisans craft our bags by hand in a workshop near Leicester’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Customers will increasingly seek the luxury that comes from true craftsmanship, something that has always been in our hearts. All our bags are designed and made in our own workshop in England.

2

Storytelling is a great opportunity for all British heritage brands. British aesthetics and nostalgia are trending on television, social media and in cinema, aligning with the DNA of the original satchel where it all started.

3

Collaboration has long been important to us, with partners as diverse as Vivienne Westwood and Brompton Bicycles. There will be more fun and exciting collaboration opportunities in the near future for Cambridge Satchel.

CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL 2 St Mary’s Passage Cambridge CB2 3PQ +44 (0)1223 499122 cambridgesatchel.com cambridge_satchel

Cambridge-Satchel-V7-MBGT.indd 65

20/12/2024 15:30

GBB 2025 —— C

Catchpole & Rye Reviving traditional skills to bring bespoke bathroomware to a wider audience

‘W

e welcomed the second half of the 2020s by raising a glass to projects that have been long in the making, and to our expectation that they will come to fruition within the next few months. All being well, our museum in Kent – commemorating the history of the evolution of bathroomware, sanitation and the skill that once defined this industry – will open soon, followed by the launch of our Factory Tours and US approvals for our products.

It has taken time, money and stress to get us to the approvals stage so that we can sell more directly to the American market. This would have been more easily achieved with support from government. The skills shortage has also been an issue. We train all our electro-platers, enamellists, pattern makers, and so on, and I wish there was some recognition or qualification for them.

Acknowledging these issues makes me feel even more proud of what we have achieved since we started in 1998.

Back then, we were a company that restored antique cast iron baths in our Kent workshop. Now we are designing and making bespoke pieces, where the only limit is our client’s specifications. We work frequently with owners of listed properties. We have a showroom in London’s Chelsea and we are now about to receive our US licenses. All this is testament to the quality of our products and work, and to our passion for what we do.

Much has changed in the nearly 40 years since we began, but we have remained focused on our purpose, which is to design and make bathroomware using the same methods they did a century ago – items that are both works of art and feats of engineering. We do as much as possible in-house so we can control the quality at every stage of the process, from taking the brief through to installation.

What do I see ahead for us? Further expansion, perhaps opening our first overseas branch; more clients – there is a growing desire for bespoke products; and gradually handing over more of the day-to-day running of the business to my children. I love what I do too much to imagine that I’ll ever retire – but you never know, my wife and I might yet run off to the Caribbean.’

Tony O’Donnell, founder and managing director

‘Our purpose remains designing and making items that are both works of art and feats of engineering’ 66 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Catchpole-&-Rye-V4-TD.indd 66

20/12/2024 14:29

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Opening our bathroomware and sanitation museum in Kent, which will showcase the history of one aspect of British manufacturing and engineering that has been largely ignored. It was remarkable what Victorian potteries and plumbers achieved.

2

Expanding our reach and taking our name to other parts of the world. Securing all the relevant licenses to sell more directly to the US market, and potentially one day having a showroom in the US, has been enormously challenging but we’re nearly there now.

3

We design many of our own ranges, and have many more new products in various stages of the production process, from concept to nearing completion. This is one aspect of the business I don’t think I’ll ever step away from.

CATCHPOLE & RYE Saracens Dairy, Pluckley Road Ashford, Kent TN27 0SA +44 (0)20 7351 0940 catchpoleandrye.com catchpoleandrye

Catchpole & Rye specialises in custom bathroomware using traditional methods

Catchpole-&-Rye-V4-TD.indd 67

20/12/2024 14:29

GBB 2025 —— C

Cecil Wright A British brokerage specialising in 60m+ superyachts

‘W

hat seems like a lifetime ago, I co-founded one of the world’s largest yacht brokerages. Then one day – after almost 20 years – I left and began to write a new story.

At Cecil Wright we introduce yacht buyers to yacht sellers, and owners to people who’d like to charter a yacht. But our business goes beyond that – we provide the vital information that each side of the deal needs to make a sound decision, on what can be a very emotional transaction.

When I started the company 11 years ago, my main motivation was to do things differently. Not to shake-up the industry, but to satisfy myself. What was important to me, then and now, was building genuine relationships with my clients – looking after their best interests, providing them with the most accurate information and helping them navigate the exciting, but often daunting, world of yachting. I had no interest in growing a big brand.

In time, our unique business model gained traction, attracting more clients who wanted the personal service and so, inevitably, we grew – but because the principles we were founded on remain the same today, growth has been deliberately managed.

What I celebrate most over the last decade is the arrival of the high-calibre people that now make up the Cecil Wright team. Then there are the shipyard owners and CEOs, designers, captains, project managers, lawyers, bankers and of course the owners, who all play an integral role in an industry I still love.

My career has given me a genuine appreciation of what it takes to be the best. Be that the shared sense of achievement when a new-build vessel is delivered or reading the gratitude and joy expressed in the guestbook of one of our charter yachts.

Chartering is often the best way of starting your yachting experience. We start you off with careful consideration to gradually help you discover what you like. If you want to go big, we can offer our most exclusive yacht, the 122m KISMET (pictured) – and then onwards, to ownership and ultimately building your dream boat, if that’s where your journey lies.

While we specialise in the biggest superyachts, we’re not interested in being the biggest brokerage – it’s far more personal than that. We are interested in being the best. We believe in fewer clients, serviced better.’

Cecil Wright prides itself on the personal service it offers to clients looking to buy, sell or charter superyachts

Chris Cecil-Wright, founder 68 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cecil-Wright-V5-TD.indd 68

20/12/2024 14:30

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We specialise at the very top end of the superyacht market, helping clients who wish to build, buy, sell, and charter large yachts. We have no plans to be generalists.

2

We will continue our focus on pedigree, Northern European yachts over 60m in length, while maintaining our close working relationships with the world’s most prestigious shipyards, like Feadship and Lürssen.

3

Cecil Wright now consists of 22 team members. We pride ourselves on being ‘small, but deliberately designed’ and we are happy to stay that way in pursuit of our vision to be the best, not the biggest.

CECIL WRIGHT 73 St James’s Street London SW1A 1PH +44 (0)20 7408 1001 cecilwright.com cecilwrightyachts

‘After a decade in business, we still have the same business principle – fewer clients, serviced better’

Cecil-Wright-V5-TD.indd 69

20/12/2024 14:30

GBB 2025 —— C

Chelsea Barracks Stunning development at the heart of historic Belgravia

‘T

he last decade at Chelsea Barracks has been a time of ceaseless activity. I joined the owners, Qatari Diar, in 2014 as the clearance of the site was being completed. All traces of the former 1950s-style barracks had been removed, bar the Garrison Chapel and the Victorian cast-iron railings surrounding the space, which are both listed.

The re-design was the best thing that could have happened as it resulted in a scheme that perfectly complements the vernacular architecture of the surrounding area. It was important to acknowledge the site’s place in British history. The barracks had been a thriving community for 150 years, housing generations of soldiers and their families.

The masterplan for the 12.8-acre site was laid out by the late Michael Squire, who conceived the idea of seven garden squares with the buildings wrapped around them. Squire was also responsible for the first phase of the redevelopment. The townhouses were designed by architects Paul Davies Partners, while Eric Parry was responsible for the latest address, 9 Mulberry Square. Forty percent of Chelsea Barracks consists of open space and the entire site is low rise and low density. Where else in prime central London would you find that?

Chelsea Barracks is a most unusual residential development. Generally, developments are completed in perhaps five years; this is a 15- to 20-year project.

70 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Chelsea-Barracks-V2-GT.indd 70

20/12/2024 14:37

The Chelsea Barracks masterplan includes architect-designed townhouses and seven garden squares

The project is now two-thirds complete: there are only two parcels of land which have not been redeveloped yet, and four of the seven gardens squares are finished.

The fifth garden square, Five Fields Square, will open this spring. It is in the finest tradition of central London garden squares, a sanctuary 100m by 40m of lawns, trees, and flowerbeds.

Three milestones stand out for me from the last decade at Chelsea Barracks. The first was in 2019, when the first residents moved in. People had trusted us and what we produced was, down to the last detail, exactly what we’d promised – if not better. That was really important to us.

The second was how the gardens, which include mature planting and represent an enormous investment, came into their own during the pandemic as a public space. The third was the opening last year of 32,000 sq/ ft of amenity space, including a multi-use sports hall, in the lower ground floors of 9 Mulberry Square.’

Richard Oakes, executive director at Qatari Diar (owner of Chelsea Barracks)

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Chelsea Barracks will continue to offer one-off, ultra-prime townhouses in both Whistler and Mulberry Square. The townhouses are turn-key offerings, brought to life by a selection of award-winning designers with prices starting at £38m.

2

Following four successful sculpture trails, Chelsea Barracks will continue to develop its free outdoor programme of contemporary art for residents and the wider community. Last year we successfully exhibited Dale Chihuly’s vibrant glass sculptures.

3

Chelsea Barracks’ hotly anticipated seasonal community events will return this year to celebrate key calendar moments and festivities, featuring the best of British food and drink and an artisans’ market championing independent makers and brands.

CHELSEA BARRACKS Belgravia London SW1W 8BG chelseabarracks.com +44 (0)20 3695 3740 chelseabarracks

‘It was important to acknowledge the site’s place in British history’

Chelsea-Barracks-V2-GT.indd 71

20/12/2024 14:37

GBB 2025 —— C

Christy The historic home brand celebrating 175 years

‘C

hristy is an iconic brand with a great legacy. We have always been known for innovation – from our founder Henry Christy creating the modern-day terrycloth towel using machinery in the mid 19th-century to expanding our range today and seeing what opportunities lie in the bed and bath category.

Over the past ten years, we have developed a great relationship with Wimbledon and become the official supplier of the famous Championships towel. In 2024, we created accessories from the towels which offer a sustainable, fun and playful way to celebrate the tournament. Looking further afield, we continue to grow, including in New Zealand and the Middle East. This year we also expanded to the US. That said, the biggest achievement has been standing the test of time.

With the British economy as it is today, customers are looking for value for money. This has fostered innovation within Christy. How can you make a product that customers are willing to pay a premium for? How can you make a category like bed and bath more interesting and exciting?

We are now more wellness focused in terms of our product. We have a sports towel, gym towel, towels which are moisture-wicking and others which are like a warm hug after a stressful day. Christy offers bedding that is temperature regulating and really good duvets whatever your requirements. We’ve also expanded our range, with fresh collections such as our Christy Mini Kids range, and we are excited to launch pyjamas this year.

Admittedly, the last decade has been a rollercoaster.

There has been a lot of learning, particularly in realising our potential. We have made a couple of mistakes, but we have unpicked them, learnt from them and grown. This decade in Christy’s journey has been transformative and we are standing tall.

The challenge for the next ten years is how we grow and continue to innovate in a world that is growing more competitive and where the customer is demanding more in terms of quality. How do you scale up fast but maintain quality and uniformity at all touchpoints? In the next couple of years, it’s about honing in on who we are, making sure our foundation is super solid before scaling up. We want to reclaim our crown in the next decade and be the best bed, bath and home brand in the world.’

Vanshika Goenka Misra, CEO

‘The last decade in Christy’s journey has been transformative and we are standing tall’ 72 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Christy-V6-MBTD_recovered.indd 72

20/12/2024 14:47

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

For 175 years, Christy has made ‘threads you can count on’. We want to continue to lead the way with everyday products that feel luxurious yet practical by developing new partnerships while exploring novel, exciting product ranges.

2

After such a great reaction to our bed and bath products in the US, our goal is to further expand our presence across the country, continuing to grow and strengthen our position.

3

Looking for new ways to mark our long-standing partnership as the official supplier of the Wimbledon Championships towel.

We want to make sure we continue to deliver the best of quality and the best in our bed and bath range.

CHRISTY 6th Floor, Regent House Heaton Lane, Stockport SK4 1BS +44 (0)161 367 5800 christy.co.uk christy_home

Christy aims to be the best bed, bath and home brand in the world

Christy-V6-MBTD_recovered.indd 73

20/12/2024 14:46

GBB 2025 —— C

Cole & Son Celebrating 150 years and being granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment

by His Majesty King Charles III

‘C

ole & Son begins 2025 by celebrating our 150th year and the announcement that we have been granted the Royal Warrant by Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III, which is an extraordinary achievement. In the last decade alone, we have gone from being a revered wallpaper supplier to a lifestyle brand, inviting colour, pattern and the beauty of wallpaper into your home – as well as launching fabrics and ready-to-style pieces that have captivated a wider audience. Our journey is beautifully reflected in our new home in Chelsea, a former art gallery built in 1888. With its soaring ceilings, it provides the perfect stage for our largescale designs, creating an immersive “wallpaper wonderland.”

In 2023, we collaborated with Stella McCartney on our first ever eco-base wallpaper, Fungi Forest, which pushed boundaries and delivered a substrate with 79 percent renewable fibres. Other notable partnerships have included collections with Fornasetti, Ardmore and Harrods. To celebrate the latter’s 175-year anniversary, we created Couture Carousel, its first bespoke wallpaper, and a cushion collection, both paying homage to the store’s rich heritage and the world of haute couture. At Cole & Son, we are proud to stay true to our heritage, continuing the craft of hand painting designs.

A collection about Japan has been on the horizon for many years, however due to Covid – which really showed us how strong we are as a team – it was put on hold. As soon as I was able, I took our designers to Japan where we travelled from Tokyo to Kyoto. We immersed ourselves and gathered inspiration from the tranquillity of nature, meditation, the craft of bonsai, spectacular gardens, the creations of avant garde fashion designer Rei Kawakubo and traditions old and new.

After hand painting for the last eight months using Japanese techniques and drawing materials, we created the Shinrin Yoku collection. Shinrin Yoku – which means forest bathing, a Japanese practice of connecting with nature – invites balance, beauty, and bliss into the world of interior.

Looking ahead to Paris Design Week in January, our design house is curating a chic “Design Meets Art” apartment and a preview to what’s coming up in 2025. We will also release two incredible archive collections to celebrate our 150th anniversary. I feel that it’s more important than ever to create a sanctuary at home. There is a great opportunity for Cole & Son to continue to be a part of that, and it’s lovely to be working in an industry where we’re beautifying the world.

Today, tomorrow and forever creating exceptional designs for the interiors world. No walls should be without.’

Marie Karlsson, creative and managing director

‘We are proud to stay true to our heritage, continuing the craft of hand painting designs’ 74 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cole-&-Son-V6-PB.indd 74

23/12/2024 14:24

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Fostering a new generation of wallpaper painters and continuing to create opportunities for them. As part of the annual New Designers exhibition, we offer a Future Designers prize which is a six-month paid placement and mentorship in our studio where they are trained in many technical processes.

2

Opening new doors in the hospitality industry. As more and more hotels continue to be built, it’s an increasingly important sector for our design house to be a part of.

3

International expansion is key on the agenda, especially in the Middle East, which is one of the fastest growing markets in the world in terms of property.

COLE & SON 3 Jubilee Place London SW3 3TD +44 (0)20 7647 7717 cole-and-son.com cole_and_son_wallpapers

This image shows Cole & Son’s new Shinrin Yoku collection, while the brand has also collaborated with Harrods (left), all helmed by creative and managing director Marie Karlsson (far left)

Cole-&-Son-V6-PB.indd 75

23/12/2024 14:24

GBB 2025 —— C

Colefax & Fowler The decorating and textiles company staying true to their values

‘W

e see ourselves as both a designer and a creator of wonderful decorative fabrics.

It’s our desire to make luxury interior design more accessible. We take it as our responsibility to ensure that people feel comfortable using highly decorative items in their homes. Over the past ten years, there has been much more enthusiasm for decorative fabrics, and not just for curtains, but sofas and chairs too.

Around a decade ago, the “greige” period dominated.

This could have been the greatest threat to our business.

But at Colefax, we do not follow trends so directly. Of course, we keep an eye on what is happening in the interiors market and modernise accordingly, but – as a highly decorative company – we would never deviate from our core values too much. So, while everyone else went “greige”, we stayed true to what we are about, and it worked.

In June 2020, we launched the Jardine collection, Colefax and Fowler’s most successful collection. It was very floral, very cheerful and very pretty. People were stuck at home due to Covid and wanted to be cheered up. We now have showrooms across the world, in all the big cities in Europe, key states in the US and even Canada. We want to have our sign above the door in all major design communities and bring Colefax & Fowler directly to customers.

We are launching new product categories and particularly exploring wallcoverings, looking at new materials and techniques and hoping to offer something unique in our house style, with exciting new designs coming in spring. It will give people the opportunity to have spectacular designs, which – previously – might have only been available with hand-painted finishes which can take up to a year and are a sizeable investment.

I was concerned that artisans, such as curtain makers, upholsterers and sofa manufacturers, would be harder and harder to find. But, fortunately, thanks to the growth of the home artisan aesthetic through social media, being a maker is now celebrated, and more people are coming into the industry. If there are more makers, it makes our product that much more accessible.

The future is to stay true to our brand identity, what we stand for, the way we approach design, the way we like to try and support the industry. We are not standing still; we are evolving within the cycle of what we do and taking everybody with us.’

Over the past ten years, there’s been a growing appetite for decorative fabrics across a range of furnishings – not just for curtains

Tim Green, commercial director 76 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Colefax-Fowler-V4-TD.indd 76

20/12/2024 14:40

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Breaking into new markets, potentially the Middle East, the Far East and South America. We want to take our ideas to more and more people.

2

We are looking forward to introducing new design techniques especially in the wallcovering space. We are launching wallcoverings across our brands made from luxury fabrics, woven textures and with embroideries among many new finishes and materials.

3

We will continue our investments to reduce our environmental impact, having installed solar panels and energy into our main warehouse.

COLEFAX & FOWLER 110 Fulham Road London SW3 6HU +44 (0)20 7244 7427 colefax.com colefaxandfowler

‘Thanks to the growth of the home artisan through social media, being a maker is celebrated and more people are coming into the industry’

Colefax-Fowler-V4-TD.indd 77

20/12/2024 14:40

GBB 2025 —— MUSIC

YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND

PHOTOS: ALAMY

Music lover Dylan Jones on why British music is the best in the world

Music-Essay-V4-PB.indd 78

20/12/2024 15:37

PHOTOS: ALAMY

When British pop ruled the world: Wham!, Eurythmics, The Beatles and Queen

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 79

Music-Essay-V4-PB.indd 79

20/12/2024 15:37

GBB 2025 —— MUSIC

ritish music has always been the best in the world. Fact. End of. Move on. Elvis Presley may have gussied up the music industry in the mid-fifties – with some snake hips, a pair of pink pegs and a truckdriver’s hairdo – but he was a sensation rather than a musical force, an entertainer whose appeal was generational as much as anything.

He helped America discover their hormones, inadvertently invented the generation gap, and influenced a swathe of copycat young singers.

But he wasn’t British. For a truly global sensation, we had to wait for The Beatles, a phenomenon whose IP seems only to increase each year. The regenerative aspect of British music has become such a fundamental part of our appeal that the UK is now as well known for its cultural intensity as its landscapes and political power. The world speaks English, and it sings English, and it has done for 60 years, when the Swinging Sixties were invented by four scallywags from Liverpool.

Each generation has its own sound, its own music, and mine was punk. London has been my home for my entire adult life, since I moved here from High Wycombe in the sticky summer of 1977, when I was just 17, during what was already being cynically talked about as the second iteration of Swinging London – the caveat being that this was the Summer of Hate rather than the Summer of Love. In 1977 I was Dick Whittington, desperate to escape the grim orthodoxy of High Wycombe, and eager to throw myself into whatever was waiting for me just 50 miles away. I was leaving a Secondary Modern education for the bright lights of Chelsea – a foundation course at Chelsea School of Art – and I found it impossible to contain my excitement. London was not only the hotbed of punk, but it was also the crucible of everything I held dear: art, music, fashion… art school, transgression and music. And I wasn’t going to find much of that in High Wycombe. And seeing the likes of The Damned, The Jam and Generation X (I was stuck in the bar downstairs arguing with my girlfriend the night the Sex Pistols played) at the town’s infamous Nag’s Head pub (it shared a promoter with the 100 Club in Oxford Street), had only whetted my appetite.

So when I finally arrived, I honestly felt as though I was in a dream, even though culturally the city felt like it was exploding. For me, that summer was largely spent walking up and down the King’s Road looking like one of the Ramones, peering expectantly in shop windows and trying to keep out of fights.

London has always had the best music, and although Merseybeat kickstarted the British revolution, everything and everyone – including The Beatles – soon moved to London. The capital was where it was at.

The next iteration of Swinging London was in the early-to-mid eighties, and specifically the year 1983. This wasn’t just the year of the famous Rolling Stone cover, celebrating the second British invasion, as the US charts were full of the likes of Duran Duran, Wham!, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Eurythmics and The Police; this was also the year that the British press started

referring to the Eighties as the ‘Designer Decade’, the decade of style over content, of The Face, Blitz and i-D. Soon everyone would be talking about street style and the importance of designer fashion; Nick Logan, the editor of The Face, would turn up on Wogan, Levi’s would start making trendy TV cinema commercials for their jeans, and Katharine Hamnett would hijack a 1984 Downing Street reception by wearing a T-shirt proclaiming that ‘58% don’t want Pershing’, in reference to Margaret Thatcher’s decision to allow US Pershing missiles to be stationed in Britain.

The appeal of this new British pop was easy to grasp, and when I soon started travelling the world as a music journalist, I worked out quickly that the cultural equity of any writer for one of the glossy weeklies – Smash Hits, Number One or Record Mirror – was based solely on how well they knew the members of Duran Duran, Wham! or Spandau Ballet. At least among fans.

I remember being at a Hall and Oates concert in Cedar Rapids, in Iowa, and the mere fact that I worked for a glossy magazine in London – England!

– coupled with the fact that I had not only just met but interviewed Duran Duran, meant that I was – fleetingly – almost as important as the Queen (at least to the twentysomething girls that night in the Five Seasons Center). This was the golden period of British pop, when domestic stars could really do no wrong, as MTV transported them from the relative insignificance of London’s club scene to TV screens in bars, clubs and frat houses all over the US. For the big groups, this was the imperial zone, when British pop stars had a global media influence that far outweighed their domestic relevance. The likes of John Taylor, Martin Kemp and Andrew Ridgeley (the three pin-ups of the period) may have been famous in the UK, but in the rest of the world they were treated as genuinely international sex symbols.

The next time the world went mad for British pop was in the nineties, when Blur and Oasis knocked lumps out of each other, almost as media sport. It was fun, and it was genuine. As Tony Blair told me, some years later: ‘Cool Britannia represented fresh, more equal, getting rid of old attitudes and traditions that had no place in the modern world; a Britain that was young, vibrant and forward-looking and exciting.’ The extraordinary clamour for tickets to their reunion shows is an example of just how popular they remain.

Which is what British music is at its very best.

These days, while we have temporarily allowed some Americans to bestride the global music world – stand up Taylor Swift, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd and Lady Gaga – we still have skin in the game. And what skin it is: Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Adele, Elton John, Harry Styles, Raye, Arlo Parks, Dua Lipa, Little Simz and, of course, The Rolling Stones, still touring after half a century, still putting on the best show in town, and still showing our American cousins how to get their party started.

As for me, I’m going back to my boxes of seven-inch singles, for one more blast of the Ramones, the Buzzcocks and The Clash.

Dylan Jones is Editor-at-Large of the London Standard and the author of a memoir, These Foolish Things n

80 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Music-Essay-V4-PB.indd 80

20/12/2024 15:37

PHOTOS: ALAMY

‘THIS WAS THE GOLDEN PERIOD OF BRITISH POP, WHEN DOMESTIC STARS COULD REALLY DO NO WRONG. FOR THE BIG GROUPS, THIS WAS THE IMPERIAL ZONE, WHEN BRITISH POP STARS HAD A GLOBAL MEDIA INFLUENCE THAT FAR OUTWEIGHED THEIR DOMESTIC RELEVANCE’

PHOTOS: ALAMY

Brit power: Dua Lipa, Adele, Harry Styles, Oasis, Arlo Parks

Music-Essay-V4-PB.indd 81

20/12/2024 15:37

Cookson Adventures Redefining travel with ultra-personalised experiences

‘A

t Cookson Adventures, we constantly strive to be authentic, but also innovative. Undoubtedly, you may be trailblazing, but people catch up and innovate as well. We have clients who have been there, seen that, got the t-shirt. Our question is: how do we keep raising the bar?

Over the last decade, we’ve pushed the envelope in terms of conservation. We’ve exposed our clients to the plight of the planet, engaging people with local conservationists and getting them involved. We’ve opened people’s eyes, from rhino relocations and releasing giant tortoises in the Galapagos to the discovery of an unknown killer whale species.

The world is becoming smaller. When I started out in 2009, the map hadn’t really been written properly. But as the world has become much closer and communications have become more effective, with social media exposing all these secrets, there’s an information overload. We need to think how we can keep our trips as original and as special as possible.

Gabon is a country we’re really excited about. Because of its history, it hasn’t really been touched, so we’re looking to do some major exploration and adventures there.

We’ve also been doing amazing trips for young families, including treasure hunts in Scotland, a private temple 82 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cookson-Adventures-V3-GT.indd 82

20/12/2024 14:44

C —— GBB 2025

‘We need to think how we can keep our trips as original and as special as possible’

Cookson Adventures is constantly questioning how it can raise the bar, particularly in conservation

visit in Angkor Wat and a full immersive experience with actors on the Nile.

Wellness is another focus. It has been shown that nature is a huge help for people’s mental state. So, we bring in breath work specialists, longevity experts and doctors – not to turn the holiday into a total health camp, but as an easy add-on, if desired.

Looking ahead, everyone seems to be growing companies for global expansion. We take the harder route. It would be simpler to roll off pre-packaged trips, but we grow slowly and will keep our trips fully bespoke.

We have our eyes on some interesting concepts out there, but until we’re happy with these ideas, we’re not going to release them.

We’re sending a client to space in 2026, and we’re always looking at the future of travel, including sustainability. There are electric aircraft, electric cars and a lot of new developments coming down the line very quickly. It will transform how we immerse ourselves in a destination. That said, there are still classic offerings out there, where you don’t need the latest technology. We don’t need to be future changing for the sake of it, it’s just a nice element to add to our quiver.’

Henry Cookson, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Transformative wellness has always been incorporated into our adventures, but we’re set to launch a new collection of ‘mind and motion’ escapes in remote destinations and in partnership with some of the world’s leading experts in breathwork, high-performance and longevity.

2

One of our top trips for late 2025/26 is Utah’s otherworldly landscapes, which demand a special form of exploration. This is a genuinely new kind of adventure, where guests will be at the forefront of tech, piloting their very own electric aircraft (or eVTOL) between buttes and gorges.

3

We’ve launched our first coffee table book, The World in Colour, which features the best photography from our adventures and expeditions over the last 15 years.

It is, I believe, the first photography book of its kind by a travel company.

COOKSON ADVENTURES 2 Clearwater Terrace, London W11 4XL +44 (0)20 7736 0452 cooksonadventures.com cooksonadventures COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 83

Cookson-Adventures-V3-GT.indd 83

20/12/2024 14:45

GBB 2025 —— C

Cordings Brilliantly British Style since 1839

‘F

or 185 years, Cordings has been the complete outfitter for those seeking classic British style, offering a range of clothing for both town and country. From practical, traditional field clothing to chino trousers, cotton shirts, accessories, and even pyjamas—everything you need from head to toe. If you’re not going to work in a suit, you should certainly be visiting Cordings. Our women’s collection has gone from strength to strength, with elegant Liberty shirts, beautifully tailored British tweed jackets, feminine coats and trousers that embody timeless Cordings style.

Our clothing is made to last, something we take a lot of pride in and many of our customers have worn their Cordings garments for decades. Every piece is made with style, practicality and durability in mind. We work with mills and makers both in Britain and abroad who share our commitment to creating sustainable clothing using natural fibres.

Rather than chasing fleeting trends, we focus on creating timeless classic style.

In 2024, we celebrated our 185th anniversary.

While our collection has evolved since John Charles Cording founded the business in 1839 with his first waterproof coat, our core products remain unchanged. The Mackintosh, Covert Coat, tattersall shirt, tweed jacket, and corduroy trousers continue to form the cornerstones of the Cordings collection. These iconic pieces have become essential staples in a British gentleman’s wardrobe, with our Covert Coat featuring in the V&A Museum’s permanent collection, recognising Cordings as its originator.

Ten years ago, we expanded our reach with the launch of our online store, which has grown steadily, delivering our British clothing to customers worldwide. Combining the charm of our historic Piccadilly store, unchanged since its opening in 1877, with the convenience of an award-winning e-commerce site rated “platinum” for service.

The team go above and beyond to make sure our customers are happy and the glowing feedback we get is a testament to this. Our business thrives in its unique niche – small enough to remain personal yet robust enough to meet every challenge.

Looking ahead, my fellow shareholder Eric Clapton and I see ourselves as custodians of this remarkable brand. We’re fortunate to have a talented, passionate team who are just as invested in Cordings as we are. The plan is to grow the business in a way that feels natural, staying true to what makes Cordings unique. We’re not interested in mass expansion – keeping that special essence of Cordings is far more important to us.’

185 years old and still evolving, Cordings is an iconic Piccadilly institution

Noll Uloth, joint owner and managing director 84 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cordings-V4-GT.indd 84

20/12/2024 14:46

‘Rather than chasing fleeting trends, we focus on creating timeless classic style’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Cordings has established a solid international presence, with 50 percent of our e-commerce orders being shipped overseas. This is expected to continue and even accelerate as we invest further in our service and delivery options to enhance our online experience.

2

Consumers are increasingly embracing the ‘Slow Fashion’ movement, which emphasises well made, long-lasting clothing. Cordings’ 185-year-old ethos aligns with this shift back towards sustainability and we are already seeing a growing appeal to a wider, more conscious customer base.

3

After 125 years in our iconic Piccadilly location, we are looking to expand within London by opening a further store.

A second location would give us the opportunity to showcase our superb quality and traditional customer service to more people.

CORDINGS 19 Piccadilly, London W1J 0LA +44 (0)20 7758 4122 cordings.co.uk cordingsofpiccadilly

Cordings-V4-GT.indd 85

20/12/2024 14:46

Crockett & Jones Long-established, family-run fine English shoemaker

‘T

he last ten years have seen a good deal of disruption but nonetheless Crockett & Jones has continued to grow. We’ve expanded our retail operation, opening two new stores in New York. In January 2017 we relocated our Midtown store to premises on 55th Street, just off 5th Avenue. This was a chaotic but memorable time as the new store – which sits only a couple of blocks from Trump Tower – opened during the week Donald Trump was inaugurated as President.

We launched another New York store in October 2019, this time in SoHo. It took time for us to find the right site here; the area is quite a distance from Midtown with a different atmosphere – more residential with a younger, fashion-conscious clientele – and as the big brands moved in, rents have soared. It wasn’t the ideal moment to open a new store as the pandemic struck a few months later, but it’s settled down now and is trading well. Indeed, it was fortunate that the retail business in New York was flourishing as we lost two major accounts, Brooks Brothers and Barneys, at around that time, both casualties of the pandemic.

The pandemic gave a huge boost to online retail generally but for Crockett & Jones, perhaps counterintuitively, it provided a unique opportunity.

Hitherto, we hadn’t sold our shoes online; there was no 86 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Crockett-Jones-V5-LB.indd 86

20/12/2024 14:46

C —— GBB 2025

‘Crockett & Jones will soon be launching its first collection of leather goods’ need to as our factory production was fully taken by our existing conventional retail operation and the independent retailers. The pandemic created the chance to develop an online presence as we had a year when the business was more or less shut down. We took advantage of this by upgrading our website and redeveloping a building to house the online operation.

I think the brand is definitely stronger than it was ten years ago and the same is true for our product line. We have adapted to changing fashions; the trend towards working from home, for example, has had obvious implications for the market for traditional formal footwear. Consequently, we now sell a much higher percentage of more casual styles – loafers, Chelsea boots and so on. Being awarded a Royal Warrant in 2017 was a significant moment, too.

In the next ten years, I can see traditional and online retail coexisting comfortably. As commercial rents come under pressure, we might consider opening more stores.’

Jonathan Jones, CEO

Crockett & Jones has adapted to changing fashions and will continue its partnership with James Bond producers EON in 2025

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Today, Crockett & Jones produces more Goodyear welted shoes annually than any other UK manufacturer. We will build on this success with a well-planned strategy, beginning with product development tailored to our customers’ needs and changes in fashion.

2

Continuing our partnership with James Bond producers EON Production, in 2025 we are launching two new products linked to Britain’s most stylish secret agent: a velvet slipper and a suede Derby from Goldfinger, launched in 1964.

3

Crockett & Jones will soon be launching its first collection of leather goods. The collection will be made using skins chosen from the best tanneries in Europe which are specially dyed to complement our footwear perfectly.

CROCKETT & JONES 92 Jermyn Street, St James London SW1Y 6JE +44 (0)20 7839 5239 crockettandjones.com crockettandjones_official COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 87

Crockett-Jones-V5-LB.indd 87

20/12/2024 14:47

Cunard Sailing guests around the globe aboard the world’s most iconic cruise line

‘C

unard is quite simply the world’s most iconic luxury cruise line, with 185 years of history, four oceangoing ships, and over 100,000 guests sailing with us every year. Queen Mary 2 is the only transatlantic ocean liner in the world and the flagship for our famous crossings. Our other three queens, built with the same style, are bringing their own authenticity to the experience of exploring the globe by sea.

We welcomed Queen Anne in May 2024, a statement of the future for Cunard, representing the careful evolution of our heritage in both ship building and on board experiences. She is built in distinctive Cunard style with modern touches, and carries around 3,000 guests – adding 44 percent to our guest tally. We held a naming ceremony in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home, and 50,000 people lined the banks of the Mersey.

We have a duty of care to the environment and have made decarbonisation our number one sustainability priority. By 2026, we will have reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. We’re doing this through investing in energy efficiencies such as state-of-the-art air conditioning and lighting systems for Queen Anne and retrofitting some of these advances to the rest of the fleet.

Ship design has to consider the evolution of the guest experience, remaining sensitive to our heritage while 88 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cunard-V4-TD.indd 88

20/12/2024 14:48

C —— GBB 2025

‘Ship design has to remain sensitive to our heritage while representing the best in modern British luxury’ representing the best in modern British luxury.

This encompasses wellness, dining and service, and we have an amazing enrichment programme, partnering with organisations like the Cheltenham Literature Festival and English National Ballet.

We’re all using AI without realising it, but it is not yet operating at scale within our business.

Cruising is an enormous logistical operation and many manual processes will be improved through technology; the provisioning of a ship could be further automated. However White Star Service is a fundamental part of what we do, and crew friendliness and service are always the most highly rated element of a voyage.

In ten years, I would expect us still to be leaders in luxury travel. The world will move on and we must evolve with it. Our ethos is founded on Britishness, sophistication and innovation, and we’ll continue to inspire future generations of travellers. With Queen Anne, we’re already charting that course, and we’ll be bringing more enrichment to our other ships, along with a sustainable future.’

Katie McAlister, president

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

Cunard continues to evolve its guest experience, encompassing the best in wellness, dining, service and entertainment

1

Our newest ship, Queen Anne, launched last year.

This year, she will depart on her maiden 107-night world voyage, with calls to the US, Central America, the Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Africa.

2 3

Ocean-inspired wellness is at the heart of our new partnership with Harper’s Bazaar. Guests can choose a luxurious three-day Wellness at Sea spa package, focused on recovering, energising or relaxing.

We’re very proud of our culinary and entertainment residencies. Partnerships with celebrated chefs Michel Roux and Nathan Outlaw highlight our commitment to the best dining, while David Pughproduced performances bring drama to our guests.

CUNARD Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade Southampton SO15 1ST +44 (0)3453 550300 cunard.com cunardline

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 89

Cunard-V4-TD.indd 89

20/12/2024 14:48

GBB 2025 —— D

Davidson London Specialists in elegant, modern furniture of exceptional quality

‘O

ur journey began over 50 years ago with both my mother and father having distinguished careers in antiques, and my father being the youngest member of the British Antique Dealers Association. Built on a foundation of knowledge, experience and a deep understanding of what clients actually want, they launched Davidson with a clear vision: to design furniture that honours the past yet remains effortlessly relevant in the future. At first, they created high-end reproduction furniture inspired by Regency, Biedermeier and Art Deco styles. We opened our first Mayfair showroom in 2004, before later opening in Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.

In the last couple of years, one of our greatest achievements has been developing our diverse collections which reflect a blend of exceptional craftsmanship and intelligent, well thought-out design. Between my father, the creative director, who designs the gallery-inspired modern furniture – such as the Paris dining table, which we recently launched in burr walnut – and the design director, they have over 75 years’ experience and that’s really valuable.

We’ve been focusing heavily on innovation, working closely with our ateliers to create a series of beautiful new finishes, including resin and bronze. In 2023, we also opened a new, larger showroom in Chelsea Reach which was exciting because it gives us more space to better display our extensive collection of products and host more events.

As managing director, I’m always trying to push boundaries and uphold the highest standards in every aspect of the business as it continually evolves.

Customer satisfaction and ensuring that we have operational excellence is especially important. We’ve put a huge amount of work into our processes, moving everything onto bigger and better systems to be able to give an enhanced customer service. The world is a highly challenging place to do business; surviving Covid and navigating all the change that came with that was difficult. Brands need to work hard continually to put their message out there and we’re making big strides forward all the time.

Looking ahead to the next decade, my main priority is to have a healthy and stable business. I would also like to have a strong presence in key markets around the world, such as the Middle East and the US. We will continue to nurture and progress the brand, ensuring that it has lasting success through the design of highquality customised furniture and giving our clients an overall fantastic buying experience.’

A true family affair, Davidson London designs furniture that both honours the past and remains relevant for the future

Alexandra Davidson, managing director 90 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Davidson-V3-MBTD.indd 90

20/12/2024 14:51

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Expanding our global reach to the US and Middle East to strengthen Davidson London as a truly international luxury furniture brand.

2

Simultaneously, we aim to enhance our product offering by launching two new collections each year in March and October. Cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and sustainable practices will also continue to be a focus.

3

Collaboration remains at the heart of our strategy, as we continue to work with partners such as Kelly Hoppen and Taylor Howes, developing unique joint designs.

DAVIDSON LONDON Chelsea Reach, 78-79 Lots Road London SW10 0RN +44 (0)20 7751 5537 davidsonlondon.com davidsonlondon

‘Davidson is built on a foundation of knowledge, experience and a deep understanding of what clients actually want’

Davidson-V3-MBTD.indd 91

20/12/2024 14:51

Daylesford Organic A destination that inspires a more conscious way of life

‘W

e began with a simple yet profound goal: to work in harmony with nature, replenish the soil and provide healthy, nutritious food while protecting our planet for future generations. What started as a small farmshop in 2002 has grown into something much more than a simple destination. Daylesford Organic is a philosophy – inspiring a more mindful way of living and a deeper connection with nature.

In 2022, we celebrated our 20th anniversary – a milestone that offered a moment to reflect on our journey so far, from establishing our first farmshop in London to opening our own organic abattoir in Staffordshire. That same year, the cafés at our flagship farmshop were awarded one of Britain’s first Michelin Green Stars.

Obtaining B Corp certification in 2023 is one of the achievements I am most proud of. It demonstrates that the way we work is better for both people and planet, initiating us into a global community that is also striving to set the world on a different course.

Education has always been at the heart of what we do. Since 2007, The Daylesford Foundation has donated more than £2m in grants to schools and community groups, supporting the creation of local fruit and vegetable gardens and encouraging outdoor education. In 2025, we look forward to hosting a transformative sustainability summit in the Cotswolds, bringing together brilliant minds to discuss food, farming and environmental issues.

92 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Daylesford-V7-MBTD.indd 92

20/12/2024 15:32

D —— GBB 2025

‘At Daylesford’s core is a respect for traditional values and sustainable practices’

Daylesford started along the ‘small is beautiful’ lines: not just a shop, but a food community, in which as much as possible is grown, reared and harvested on the farm

This summer, I launched my third book, Daylesford Living: Inspired by Nature, sharing my love of craft, design, nature and entertaining. We announced The Orchard Project as our charity partner, with the sale of each Daylesford hamper supporting their work planting urban community orchards.

At Daylesford’s core is a respect for traditional values and sustainable practices – something that has not changed over the last decade. I am delighted to see discussions around this move into the mainstream, with growing consumer awareness regarding the provenance of our food and how it is produced.

Over the next decade, our ultimate goal is to achieve net zero – something we are confident is within our reach. We have always looked to nature for guidance, and 2025 will be no different. We will continue to find innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact and share our knowledge and skills in the hope of inspiring others to live and work in harmony with nature.’

Carole Bamford, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Obtaining our B Corp accreditation was a landmark moment. Since then, we have been dedicated to recertifying with an improved score, reflecting our ongoing commitment to enhancing our environmental and social performance, transparency and corporate responsibility.

2

We are committed to expanding the range of certified organic food and lifestyle products on our farmshop shelves. Our goal is to offer customers the highest quality, ethically sourced produce, ensuring that every choice supports a sustainable and responsible way of living.

3

Expanding our education programmes to promote sustainable farming practices, connect communities with the land and empower individuals to make informed choices and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

DAYLESFORD ORGANIC Daylesford Farm, Gloucestershire GL56 0YG +44 (0)1608 692871 daylesford.com daylesfordfarm

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 93

Daylesford-V7-MBTD.indd 93

20/12/2024 15:32

GBB 2025 —— D

De Beers Jewellers Fine ethically-sourced diamond jewellery fired by creativity and innovation

‘T

here is a quote attributed to Gustav Mahler about tradition not being the worship of ashes, but the transmission of fire. I think the same is true of high, or couture jewellery. As a young brand of just over 20 years, we certainly lean on the heritage of De Beers. But what has made De Beers Jewellers such a success is our creativity and innovation – our own “transmission of fire”.

Launched in 2001, De Beers Jewellers has made incredible progress over the last decade – testament not just to our strategic vision, but to the fabulous work of all of those involved, from the studio to the craftspeople. All our diamonds are ethically sourced in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa and we lean on our roots for design inspiration. Our Forces of Nature collection, for example, is inspired by eight incredible animals from southern Africa, while Enchanted Lotus is a tribute to the magical flower found in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

While we’ve been focusing on evolving into a jewellery house with really clear positioning and style, there have been two clear shifts in demand. Firstly, there’s been a trend towards jewellery that is more selfexpressive, and this has given rise to more self-gifting, with both women and men buying for themselves.

We have also built up a new, younger generation of clients who really care about our ESG commitments, which we call Building Forever. When they buy a piece of jewellery from us, these clients are proud of the design and the brand, but they’re also proud to own a piece of jewellery with a soul – they know every De Beers piece has made a positive impact on the community it has been mined in and on all the people involved in its journey to our showroom.

This year is a special one for us as we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Talisman collection, the only luxury jewellery collection in the world that features rough diamonds.

I love rough diamonds; the fact that they are all different – varying in texture, colour and shapes – and I’m really hoping that this will be the year this beautiful collection finds a wider audience.

We are also opening several new flagship stores and have a big new campaign launch in early spring. And of course we will continue to innovate technically and creatively and, most importantly, conceive collections that make people dream.’

De Beers Jewellers sources its stones from Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa

Celine Assimon, CEO 94 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

De-Beers-V3-GT.indd 94

21/12/2024 12:39

‘We will continue to innovate technically and creatively and, most importantly, conceive collections that make people dream’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

The Paris flagship store opens on prestigious Rue de la Paix this winter. Set in a heritage building designed by interior architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, the fully interactive store will comprise 5,000 sq/ft over two floors.

2

Diamonds in their pure, rough form are one of nature’s most treasured yet intimate gifts. This year, De Beers Jewellers celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Talisman collection, reflecting on the journey of transformation and beauty of rough diamonds.

3

De Beers has been the diamond expert since 1888, and London is where it has become a jewellery house too. A new brand campaign will showcase De Beers Jewellers’ roots, anchoring it in the city’s creativity and innovation.

DE BEERS JEWELLERS 46-50 Old Bond Street London W1S 4QT +44 (0)20 7758 9700 debeers.com debeersofficial

De-Beers-V3-GT.indd 95

21/12/2024 12:39

GBB 2025 —— D

Deirdre Dyson Contemporary and colourful hand-knotted rugs

‘2

024 was an experimental year for us because I decided not to undertake any new designs but to concentrate just on colour and subtle grading. In spite of some apprehension, the pieces were hugely admired and clients found it easier to visualise our rugs and carpets in their own choice of colours and in their own environment.

The year ended on a high, with the final quarter being busier than ever. We were working on so many different projects. These included a large hospitality project in New York for a high-profile designer, a reworking of our current collection Impulse, which we used over several floors and staircases in Canada, and a big residential project in Bath. We were also supplying carpets for clients in London, France and southern Spain.

Our new collection, Light Play, featuring 13 new vibrant designs bursting with colour and dramatic forms, launches in Paris in January alongside the Maison & Objet trade fair. The collection debuts in the UK in early spring and for the first time we’ll be showing at London Design Week at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre.

Our gallery layout has changed a lot and now we’re able to showcase large samples of every design I have made. Amazingly, all the designs I’ve created over the last 25 years are still in demand.

Added to these, we now have even more wonderful colour palettes to choose from and I’m also going to be recolouring some favourites.

This year, we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Deirdre Dyson Carpets. To signal this important milestone, we have been busy working on a new website which will launch early in the year.

It is amazing to realise that the store I was initially asked to design for had no computer and that we used to communicate via a fax machine. So much has developed and changed since – and so have we. I would never have guessed we would be selling internationally, or that we would be known as a Great British Brand.’

Lady Deirdre Dyson, founder

‘Amazingly, all the designs I’ve created over the last 25 years are still in demand’ 96 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Deirdre-Dyson-V2-TD.indd 96

20/12/2024 14:54

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Building on the success of our past designs, we will launch our new Light Play collection, focusing on colour and vibrant forms, in Paris this month.

2

To celebrate our 25th year by using our new website to showcase our extensive library of custom designs while reissuing four signature designs in exciting new colourways.

3

To build on our growing customer base and attract new people to our designs, we will host a stand featuring new and revisited hand-knotted rug designs at London Design Week, at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, from 10 March.

DEIRDRE DYSON 554 Kings Road, London SW6 2DZ and 12 Rue des Saints-Pères Paris 75007 +44 (0)20 7384 4464 deirdredyson.com deirdredysonrugs

This year marks 25 years of Deirdre Dyson’s all-colourful carpets

Deirdre-Dyson-V2-TD.indd 97

20/12/2024 14:54

GBB 2025 —— ADVENTURE

theLIST Five Great British Adventures Big thrills don’t have to be a plane ride away, says MEERA DATTANI

1

Go on a red stag safari in Exmoor, Somerset/Devon

Who says you can’t go ‘epic’ on your doorstep? The remote moors, steep valleys and ancient woodland that make up Exmoor National Park in South West England is the perfect backdrop for exploring, sometimes off-road, in a Land Rover Discovery. The safaris are run by Somerset born-and-bred Andrew Turner, whose family and farming roots on Exmoor date back 200 years – through his expertise, there’s a good chance of spotting the somewhat elusive and reclusive wild red deer, as well as Exmoor ponies, foxes, hares, and birdlife from buzzards and kestrels to kingfishers and heron.

Turner is also well-versed in the area’s geology, Bronze Age settlements and local heritage, while autumn is a chance to witness the huge stags during the deer rut. On these seasonal tours, Turner gives visitors a chance to get closer to these majestic creatures, who are difficult to find outside of the mating season. redstagsafari.co.uk

Just south of Arisaig, mainland Scotland’s most westerly point, is the wild, rugged (and it really is) Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Exposed to the elements of the Atlantic Ocean with views of Mull to the south, Small Isles in the northwest, and Coll and Tiree in the distance, it’s a sea kayaker’s dream, especially the adrenalinseeking type. Marine creatures love it here too; as you weave in and around tiny coves, en route to Ardnamurchan lighthouse, you may encounter seals, sea eagles, otters, manx shearwater, porpoises and whales.

There’s a gentler paddle in the more sheltered, long, narrow inlet of nearby Loch Sunart, also a wildlife haven. Whisky lovers are in for an adventure too at the award-winning Ardnamurchan Distillery in Glenbeg village, about halfway up the peninsula. One of Scotland’s most remote distilleries, it’s open for tours, tastings and walk-ins at its visitor centre. westhighlandpeninsulas.com

1

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

2

Sea kayaking around Scotland’s Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Western Highlands

2

98 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GBB-LIST-Adventures-V2-TD.indd 98

20/12/2024 16:34

3

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire, Wales, birthplace of coasteering

Coasteering might sound hardcore – the -eering is perhaps reminiscent of seemingly technical endeavours such as mountaineering and orienteering – but this is an all-level adventure once you pick the right course which can involve rock-hopping, hiking, scrambling, cliff-jumping, bodysurfing and swimming. Invented in Wales in the early ‘80s by TYF Adventure and Coasteering at their activity centre (now the luxe Twr y Felin hotel), several outfits offer a chance to explore the coastline (usually between St Davids and Fishguard) in this gung-ho style – wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet provided. Just bring a pair of old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet.

Coasteering is about more than the adrenalin; you get up-close to nature and wildlife – think peregrine falcons and honking seals – in a way that’s far more immersive.

It’s definitely recommended with an accredited operator as guides know when swells are risky, or where and when seabirds and seals are breeding. tyf.com

3

4

It’s Sir David Attenborough’s favourite place to see nature and wildlife in the UK. Over 100,000 seabirds (23 different species, no less), flock to the Farne Islands to nest alongside grey seals, and to the neighbouring Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast. The colourful puffins who return each year and reunite with the same partner are often top of people’s lists – bonus points for spotting a puffling (puffin chicks).

It’s particularly special to visit the Farne Islands after they reopened this year following bird flu fears in 2022.

For Lindisfarne, trips are timed with the high tide as the island is cut off from the mainland each day. Wildlife aside, there’s the medieval monastery of Lindisfarne Priory, Lindisfarne Castle, and St Aidan’s Winery where you can try local Lindisfarne mead. You can also channel your inner Indiana Jones at the annual crowd-funded archaeological ‘dig’ every September – sign-ups kick off in December and it sells out fast. lindisfarne.org.uk

5

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

4

5

Natural thrills in the ‘Galapagos of the UK’, Northumberland

Hydro-biking at Enniskillen Castle, Northern Ireland

Imagine off-road cycling but on water. You can hydro-bike on an unsinkable bike-like vessel that glides along the River Erne around Castle Island below 600-year-old Enniskillen Castle in County Fermanagh. The only island town on the island of Ireland, Enniskillen often flies under the radar but there’s the castle, cycle and walking trails to Castle Coole, and the galleries, shops and cafés of The Buttermarket are worth it alone.

Hydro-biking is as gentle and low-impact or as fast and high-jinx as you like – in fact, they’re so adjustable speedwise that you can go fishing, take a photography session, and even take the dog along for the ride. For a magical look at the town and castle, you can also hydro-bike by night on pre-lit bikes. And if you’re game, you can have a go on the eBoards; electric-powered water scooters with a wide base which makes them easy to navigate for anyone aged eight and up. erneadventures.com COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 99

GBB-LIST-Adventures-V2-TD.indd 99

20/12/2024 16:34

A

ITISH B

R

AN

T

BR

BR

ND

EA

T

BEST EMERGING BRAND

A

GR

S

GRE

DS

2025 HIGHLY COMMENDED

ITIS

R B H

Difference Coffee Sourcing the world’s best for coffeelovers and top chefs – in capsule form

‘D

ifference Coffee is still young, not yet ten years old, but we have already come a long way. I founded the company in 2016 with one idea in mind: to make the world’s best coffee for discerning coffee lovers who – like me – use a capsule machine. My lightbulb moment was: “Why not buy rare coffees, put them in capsules, and sell online to private individuals who are curious to try unusual varieties such as Jamaica Blue Mountain or Kona?” Ten years ago, I knew little about the coffee business or supply chains. How Difference Coffee has since developed took me by surprise.

In 2017, just a year after launch, our first Michelin-starred chef contacted us, asking to try our coffees. Four years later, we had our hundredth Michelin-starred restaurant asking to serve Difference Coffee – that client was in Italy, our fastest growing market (where they know their coffee). Never did I imagine Enrico Crippa, whose three Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo in Alba is one of the best restaurants in the world, would embrace our coffees exclusively. The same can 100 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Difference-Coffee-V3-GT.indd 100

20/12/2024 14:54

D —— GBB 2025

‘If you have determination, quality and craftsmanship, you can beat Goliath’

Difference Coffee can be found in more UK Michelin-starred kitchens than any other coffee pod brand

be said for the ultra-luxurious Hotel Principe in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany.

Luxury hospitality and restaurants now account for three quarters of our sales. We can be found in more UK Michelin-starred kitchens than any other coffee pod brand. For a new British venture to displace Swiss global giant Nestlé as brand leader in the UK is a huge achievement – proof that if you have determination, quality and craftsmanship, you can beat Goliath.

In 2022, Walpole selected us to join its Brand of Tomorrow programme, granted to only 12 of 100+ applicants, cementing our formal status as a British luxury brand.

Sustainability has become central to our business model: paying farmers better, measuring and offsetting our carbon footprint, reducing packaging, and doing everything we can to be more efficient and less wasteful. In 2020, we became a Climate Positive company: it’s not just better for the planet, it saves costs in materials, storage, transportation.

Quality remains our watchword: multiple awards from the Aurora Taste Challenge and Monde Selection make our collection the most-awarded of all coffee companies. The future is about controlled, organic growth, recruiting more salespeople, and targeting new markets – including, of course, the US. In ten years, we aim to be the leading luxury brand of coffee in the world; we might do it quicker, but steady growth will ensure we maintain quality and standards.’

Amir Gehl, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are in confidential discussions with a brand ambassador, internationally-known but very British, as you might expect from a luxury British brand with big ambitions. We take great pride in being a British coffee company, and it is threaded through our DNA.

2

A pop-up collaboration with another major brand is in the pipeline, where we’d create experiential events featuring the rarest small-batch coffees.

Such exclusivity comes at a price, but the initiative will also raise money for charity.

3

We have just started a fresh partnership with an amazing farm in Brazil we discovered. This enterprise will provide us with a brand new coffee, specially dedicated for the luxury hospitality sector.

DIFFERENCE COFFEE 3rd Floor, 207 Regent Street, London W1B 3HH +44 (0)20 7873 2062 differencecoffee.com differencecoffee COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 101

Difference-Coffee-V3-GT.indd 101

20/12/2024 14:55

PHOTOS: VISIBLE BY HANNAH

Dr Haus Dermatology This Harley Street clinic is one of very few to offer both medical and cosmetic skin treatments

‘I

am from Brazil, where appearance and looking one’s best are a matter of pride, not vanity. Brazilians have long since embraced aesthetic procedures, and the rest of the world is now catching on. On top of this, people are now more determined to find solutions to often persistent medical issues, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema. With the right treatment, even the worst acne or the worst psoriasis can, at the very least, be improved.

Over the past decade, I would say we have seen an increasing move towards what some people call “tweakments” – non-surgical procedures that improve the appearance of the skin in highly effective but subtle ways.

When I first started working in the UK in 2010, the majority of people who sought cosmetic treatments were women aged, say, 40 plus. Now we see more younger patients – and far more men are having procedures too. Something else I have noticed is that people are more knowledgeable at a much younger age, and there is (thank goodness) a growing awareness that sunscreen is not an optional extra, but a necessity. It is the number one step we can 102 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Dr-Haus-Dermatology-V8-GT.indd 102

20/12/2024 17:02

D —— GBB 2025

‘As well as aesthetic procedures, people are now more determined to find solutions to persistent medical issues, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema’

PHOTOS: VISIBLE BY HANNAH

take to prevent premature skin ageing and, more importantly, skin cancer.

Looking back on the past ten years, my overriding feeling is one of pride. First and foremost, I am so proud of the work that my team and I do at my clinic on Harley Street. I work with 20 exceptional professionals who love their work as much as I do.

Dr Haus Dermatology is one of the largest private dermatology clinics in London, and one of very few to offer both medical and aesthetic skin treatments.

Harley Street is known globally for being the centre of medical excellence. I knew of it even as a child growing up in Brazil, and to think I now have a clinic there – well, I never could have dreamed it.

Second, we can’t avoid talking about Covid. This was, of course, enormously difficult – our business relies on seeing and treating people in person. Yet we survived. We successfully navigated those few years; what’s more, we even managed to move premises right in the middle of it all. I have to admit we are still dealing with some challenges from that time, but I am by nature optimistic. I firmly believe the best is still to come.’

Dr Ariel Haus, founder Dr Ariel Haus (above) runs one of the largest private dermatology clinics in London

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

Regenerative medicine is the holy grail. Technological advances are key. We are the only clinic in the UK to have the Smartxide Tetra Pro Cool Peel Laser, which can do so many things with impressive results.

New drugs that will hopefully prove curative for conditions such as psoriasis and eczema will become universally available. These are chronic complaints that, at present, can be treated but not cured.

I believe this will change within the next decade.

3

Education. We now know that the skin can be an indication of a person’s emotional and digestive health, and that dermatological complaints are sometimes a consequence of stress or gut problems.

Increasingly, dermatologists will seek to provide 360-degree holistic care.

DR HAUS DERMATOLOGY 75 Harley Street, London W1G 8QL +44 (0)20 7935 6358 drhausdermatology.com dr.haus.dermatology

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 103

Dr-Haus-Dermatology-V8-GT.indd 103

20/12/2024 14:56

GBB 2025 —— D

D-Robe The ultimate outerwear for adventures in nature

‘D

-Robe was born in 2020 with a bold vision: to help people embrace the great outdoors, whatever the weather, and do so with style. Our success lies in an unwavering commitment to creating apparel that not only looks fantastic but also offers superior protection against the elements. Our flagship piece, the Beaufort Robe, embodies everything the brand stands for: it combines the warmth of a quilted puffer, the sleek silhouette of a parka, and the practical length of a trench coat.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the Beaufort uses entirely recycled and recyclable hardwearing materials, from the water- and wind-resistant outer shell to the moisturewicking fleece lining. This choice of materials, coupled with an ageless, unisex design, reiterates our ethos of inclusivity and longevity. Tested rigorously in the extreme conditions of Antarctica, Iceland and the Dolomites, the jacket is also perfectly suited for everyday activities like dog walking, watching children play sport or simply elevating someone’s wardrobe. Built for adventure, it features thoughtful details such as a two-way zip and multiple pockets, including a detachable, washable inner pocket for added convenience.

At D-Robe, we avoid fleeting seasonal trends. Instead, we focus on timeless outdoor essentials where style and performance meet. Following the success of the Beaufort, we introduced the Cirrus, a shorter, waist-length version that adds an urban edge. We started as a direct-to-consumer online brand, but we’re now expanding into the wholesale market, working with top retail partners internationally. This shift will bring our collection to department stores, boutique shops, and new audiences worldwide.

From the start, storytelling has played a big role in defining the brand. We use imagery that captures the beauty of the UK, from the rugged coastline of North Devon to the serene waters of the Lake District, and even the vibrant streets of our cities. This, combined with support from well-known names such as Davina McCall, Billy Vunipola, Helen Skelton and Jodie Kidd, has helped us connect with customers and grow our reputation. During our best year, we expanded the customer service team to handle the sales hike, ensuring transparency and personalised care, earning us five-star reviews.

Looking ahead, we’d like to continue growing organically, expanding our range into new categories such as rucksacks and outdoor accessories, while staying true to our DNA: creating stylish, sustainable products that inspire people to enjoy the outdoors.’

From dog-walking to extreme adventure, D-Robe products are built for everyone, everyday

Gino Da’Prato, creative director

‘D-Robe was born in 2020 with a bold vision: to help people embrace the great outdoors, whatever the weather’ 104 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

D-Robe-V4-GT.indd 104

20/12/2024 14:50

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Building on the success of the Beaufort and the Cirrus, we are introducing more innovative, functional products. We hope they will captivate our audience further.

2

Following a successful nationwide US launch, we are set to scale with a key focus on specific states. This international presence will help us unlock opportunities to connect with diverse markets worldwide.

3

We are pursuing B2B opportunities with key retailers. Additionally, we have plans to launch five UK physical stores in 2025 and to deepen our customer engagement in both retail and wholesale segments.

D-ROBE 71-75 Shelton Street London WC2H 9JQ d-robeoutdoors.com d_robeoutdoors

D-Robe-V4-GT.indd 105

20/12/2024 14:50

Dr Sebagh Science-based ingredients-focused skincare pioneers and highly personalised service

PHOTOS: © IVAN WEISS

‘W

e are proud that, after 20 years, we are still a small brand manufacturing at our own factory in Toulouse, despite economic ups and downs and recession in China. We’ve had some attractive offers but chosen to remain privately owned by just the two of us. All our employees from over ten years ago are still here, and that says a lot about the company.

When we started in 2005, we changed the way skincare products were viewed by focusing on ingredients rather than branding. A higher concentration of certain ingredients makes a product more effective – it’s as simple as that. With vitamin C, for example, topically you need at least ten to 15 percent, so we launched a Vitamin C powder, delivering the same potency as a 20 percent concentrated serum.

Dr Sebagh was the first to create and sell serums, and the only one for some years. At the time, many people said we were crazy. It’s quite flattering that now everyone makes them.

Today, young people and journalists go on podcasts to discuss ingredients. They’re like chemistry geeks.

But it’s better to be this way: marketing changes but the physiology of your skin doesn’t – the needs of the skin remain the same. We know the ingredients that are effective: different forms of retinol, vitamin C, antioxidants, 106 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Dr-Sebagh-V2-TD.indd 106

20/12/2024 17:03

D —— GBB 2025

‘Marketing changes but the physiology of your skin doesn’t – we know the ingredients that are effective’

Dr Sebagh is expanding its product ranges and launching new wellness treatments at its London clinic

hydrators, sunscreen – and the efficacy depends on your recipe. I continue to focus on this scientific side of the cosmetic dermatology field.

The internet definitely changed the way we did things. It was a massive turning point when we decided to sell online rather than only via distributors.

It has meant more work for us but also better control.

Direct contact with clients and stores means we can manage our relationships; great service is one of the reasons we were successful from the start.

This year we are excited to launch an all-in-one product for skin, nails and hair, combining lots of highquality ingredients including retinol, which works amazingly well on the neck, especially for sensitive skin. The lab experimented for over two years, with fantastic results. I prefer not to carry many products around when I travel, and I like ones that work quickly.

I feel that having a five- or ten-year plan would be limiting for us. Life evolves every day. We can’t anticipate the international situation, but because we control our company, we are free to adjust.’

Dr Sebagh, founder, and Melissa John, co-owner

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are excited to expand the Dr Sebagh AgeingMaintenance skincare range in 2025, alongside offering new personalised wellness treatments to promote holistic health and rejuvenation on the third floor of the Dr Sebagh clinic in London.

2

We are opening a museum at the clinic to showcase the world’s most important collection of Battle of Britain gallantry medals and other Second World War artefacts, honouring the bravery and resilience demonstrated during this era.

3 PHOTOS: © IVAN WEISS

At the clinic, we are focusing on ‘soft surgery’, a revolutionary approach to aesthetic enhancement without the intensity of traditional plastic surgery. Employing advanced technologies, we focus on natural-looking results that enhance rather than alter facial features.

DR. SEBAGH Chandos House, 2 Queen Anne Street London W1G 9LQ +44 (0)20 7637 0548 drsebagh.com drsebagh COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 107

Dr-Sebagh-V2-TD.indd 107

20/12/2024 14:57

Islay

Green Rough-Out Suede

BY APPOINTMENT TO HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER OF FOOTWEAR CROCKETT & JONES LIMITED, NORTHAMPTON

MADE IN ENGLAND | SINCE 1879

Our most iconic brogue Derby Boot Made using a durable, waxed suede with water-resistant properties

CROCKETTANDJONES.COM

Crockett-Jones.indd 1

18/12/2024 13:29

GBB 2025

EAST LONDON PARASOL COMPANY 110 EDMISTON 112 EDWARD BULMER NATURAL PAINT 114 EDWARD GREEN 116 E.J. CHURCHILL 118 ELEGANT RESORTS 120 ETTINGER 122 EVE LOM 124 FAIRFAX & FAVOR 126 FARRAR & TANNER 128 FAVOURBROOK 130 FENTIMANS LTD 132 FLORIS LONDON 134 COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 109

Openers-V2-TD.indd 109

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— E

East London Parasol Company Beautiful garden parasols designed to deliver joy and support artisan craft in India and Indonesia

‘W

hen I founded East London Parasol Company in 2015, the company was embryonic and optimistic. Our intention was to build a sustainable business that would bring happiness and colour to our customers, and support craftsmanship and artisans in India and Indonesia.

The past decade has been filled with moments of immense joy, such as seeing the difference our products make, not only to our craftspeople, but also to our customers who send us photos of their creatively styled parasols.

However, there have also been challenges, largely centred around logistics and shipping. Navigating Brexit was complex – we had to expand aspects of the business to Dublin so we could more easily send orders to our European customers.

Finding the right logistics partner has also taken much time and emotional energy. The moment our customers encounter our products is when they arrive, so delivery has to be perfect. We are now on our fifth warehouse. One of the warehouses I used went into rent arrears, with all the items in its care being confiscated. Having to buy my own stock back at auction was a low point. I also had to dispose of an entire consignment that was damaged by a leak in another warehouse. This represented eight months of work for two villages in Bali.

The crisis the world is in – Ukraine and the Middle East – have also had an impact, affecting the transportation of goods and also the public mood: some people struggle to reconcile making exuberant purchases against the backdrop of war.

The recent past notwithstanding, our growth has been like a dream. When I think back to 2015, with my tiny flat filled with beautiful parasols I’d brought back from India, it’s remarkable to think that our products are now in hundreds of gardens in many countries. It also gives me tremendous satisfaction that I am still working with the same artisans. We are family.

My hope for the future is to protect my company, and in so doing, protect those who have been instrumental in its success. There is considerable threat from copycat producers trying to replicate the look of our parasols, with cheap materials and, of course, without the painstaking handcraftsmanship.

My response is to be even better, to create ever-more intricate designs, and ever-more sustainable and long-lasting parasols. We don’t want to match our competitors. We want to continue to surpass them.’

Lucy Ferguson, founder and CEO

Edmund Indigo Octagonal Parasol

Lexham Lapis Round Bamboo Parasol

110 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

East-London-Parasols-Co-V10-TD.indd 110

20/12/2024 14:58

R

BR

ITIS

S

ND

EA

T

BEST EMERGING BRAND

DS

GR

2025 AWARD WINNER

A

A

B

Marigold Pleat Octagonal Parasol

AN

GRE

T

RITISH B

R B H

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are a small company and our customers are our priority.

Choosing a parasol can require consideration, and we are growing our customer service team so we can advise clients and ensure they have the best experience.

2

This year we celebrate our tenth birthday. To mark this, we will refresh our collections and release new designs in limited editions, which I hope will increase our sales in the luxury sector and bring in new US clients.

3

We want to expand our range and grow – but creatively. I’d like to collaborate with other female-led brands to produce even more beautiful and decorative parasol designs that will give people a boost each time they look at them.

‘I have been working with the same artisans since 2015. We are family’

East-London-Parasols-Co-V10-TD.indd 111

EAST LONDON PARASOL COMPANY eastlondonparasols.com eastlondonparasolco

20/12/2024 14:58

GBB 2025 —— E

Edmiston Luxury superyacht brokers, creating unforgettable experiences

‘T

he Edmiston brand is synonymous with yachting at the very top end. We are a private business, founded by my father (and chairman) Nicholas, and Edmiston is a leading name in the superyacht industry. I’ve headed the company since 2014, so there’s real family pride here. As the company grew, we had challenges to overcome but by 2018 we had a great team and structure in place. We played an important role in creating the modern superyacht industry, drove market-defining brokerage deals and crafted the luxury charter experience. Our track record on yacht charter, brokerage, new construction and management grows ever stronger. Our goal has always been to enhance the lives of our clients; that founding idea has today blossomed into a culture of pure luxury lifestyle.

Our roots are proudly British in a global industry.

An experienced team of brokers, yacht managers and professionals is strategically positioned around the world to ensure we’re exactly where our clients need us to be – whether London, Monte Carlo, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Newport, Mexico City or San Jose del Cabo. We deal with the world’s most successful people, with a strong penetration into the US market.

Whether it’s a yacht viewing, a management meeting or a charter holiday plan, that network is ready to deliver. No other brokerage offers its clients the range of expertise, marketing services and agile, proactive culture of Edmiston.

Brand is so important, not just for targeting customers but also for those who work for us, who can be part of Edmiston and feel proud of what we do. Innovative and recognised marketing with a dedicated and sophisticated sales operation ensures the yachts we represent are seen by the right people worldwide. We encourage straight talking and honest market analysis – it’s better to give accurate and realistic market information rather than just telling clients what they want to hear.

Our history links with iconic names like Feadship, Lürssen, Damen, Bannenberg, Winch, Heywood, and Disdale. Legendary yachts, groundbreaking designs, driven by our client’s ambitions and made possible by our expert team. Our Project 821 is the world’s first hydrogen powered superyacht, a masterpiece of engineering and design, at the cutting edge of green technology.

Edmiston now also brings its brand to the vertical gateway that is The Edmiston London Heliport, with major investment and interior and exterior re-styling, and the same rigorous focus, attention to detail and teamwork that you would find aboard a large yacht.’

Edmiston operates at the very top end of the market, delivering its clients an unrivalled range of expertise

Jamie Edmiston, CEO 112 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Edmiston-V2-TD.indd 112

20/12/2024 15:32

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Edmiston will lead the way in developing environmentally conscious technologies within the yacht space, combining luxury experience and sustainability in a way that ensures a bright future for both our clients and the oceans.

2

Expanding our client base. Not many people in the world are able to buy what we sell; but there’s more who don’t yet appreciate the unrivalled comfort, service, security and flexibility of yachting.

3

Developing our brand, by sea and by air.

In addition to The Edmiston Heliport, there’s The Edmiston Lounge at Farnborough, Europe’s leading airport for premium air travel connectivity, and we’re the UK agent for US business-jet leaders, Gulfstream.

EDMISTON Lombard Wharf, 12 Lombard Road London SW11 3GN +44 (0)20 7495 5151 edmiston.com edmistonyachts

‘Brand is so important, not just for targeting customers, but also for those who work for us’

Edmiston-V2-TD.indd 113

20/12/2024 15:32

A

ITISH B

R

AN

T

BR

Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Pioneering natural paints that are cleaning up the industry one tin at a time

BR

ND

EA

T

COMMITMENT TO THE PLANET

A

GR

S

GRE

DS

2025 HIGHLY COMMENDED

ITIS

R B H

Jonquil

Dove and Pompadour

‘T

he paint industry doesn’t often come up in conversation when we talk about environmental pollutants, and yet it’s immensely hostile to the planet. Making paint is carbon intensive and requires fossil fuels and hazardous chemicals. Once disposed of, it breaks down into microplastics that take hundreds of years to decompose.

The catalyst for our business was wanting to make natural paints that didn’t pollute – paints that left their impact only in people’s homes and on their mood. We create colours that are joyful, long-lasting and made from biodegradable ingredients, including caster bean and rapeseed oils, wood-pulp cellulose, earth and mineral pigments and a ground-breaking, patented biogenic binder made from straw. We list them all on our tins, unlike most other companies.

We also use renewable energy and mix our paints to order, which reduces waste. Our pigments and base paints are made in Germany, but we plan to have a factory in the UK and manufacturing hubs in our key markets to reduce our haulage carbon footprint.

Our mission is to clean up the paint industry and to contribute towards the creation of a fairer and kinder 114 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Edward-Bulmer-V2-TD.indd 114

20/12/2024 15:34

E —— GBB 2025

‘We are at the vanguard of a revolution in our industry. We hope our peers will follow us’

Ethereal Blue

Edward Bulmer is on a mission to make its industry more planet-conscious

economy. It sounds simple enough, and you’d think people would be keen to help us achieve that, but there are challenges – foremost of which are lack of awareness and greenwashing. The latter is pernicious because it dupes people into thinking they are making the right choice for the planet. Paint manufacturers say their products are eco-friendly when the reality is their resin binders are acrylic and their colourants and additives petrochemical derived.

Challenges aside, we have many reasons to be cheerful. We’re a standalone business, which launched digitally 10 years ago; our showroom, in one of London’s most prestigious areas, is a hub for creative people; we have B Corp Certification, one of only 6,500 or so companies worldwide to have achieved this; and the V&A chose our colours for its The Great Mughals exhibition – they look sublime.

Our client base includes some of the best hotels and retailers in the capital, and we have a bespoke service where we mix unique colours for people.

We created a brand from nothing and we are at the vanguard of a revolution in our industry. We hope our peers will follow us in producing paints that do not wreck the planet. We never take from nature what cannot be put back.’

Edward and Emma Bulmer, founders

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We want to see eco-friendly paints become the norm. We’ll be showing how much carbon is saved by removing acrylics from paint products, which we hope will drive public demand and compel other manufacturers to follow suit.

2

More collaborations with brands that share our values. The gravitational pull towards even greater sustainability will impact every single area of life.

This will create great opportunities for companies to work together towards reducing their carbon footprint.

3

We’ll be developing our European opportunities in partnership with our German manufacturers who recognise the value of a Great British Brand, backed up by German know-how.

EDWARD BULMER NATURAL PAINT 194 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UP +44 (0)1544 388535 edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk edwardbulmerpaint COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 115

Edward-Bulmer-V2-TD.indd 115

20/12/2024 15:34

GBB 2025 —— E

Edward Green Quality, style and subtle evolution in finest British shoemaking tradition

‘T

he essence of Edward Green is still very much what it was a decade or even a century ago.

Nonetheless, evolution is key – without it, what was once timeless risks becoming tired. We have to find ways to move with the times while remaining true to our ethos and our roots. The Edward Green shoes we make now are as fine as ever, but sometimes differ subtly from ten years ago, when the formal dress shoe dominated the market.

Today, fewer people wear the classic, heavily embellished brogue, whereas the tasselled loafer, which might have been a little passé ten years ago, has found its audience again. Other changes are in the detail: small variations in the design of the sole and the last, and the nature of the leather. A decade ago, the narrow, “chisel” toe was all the rage (although we didn’t adopt a pronounced version of the style) but now rounder toes are back again, just as closer fitting tailoring has made way for fuller cuts with more generous silhouettes.

Likewise, textured leathers with a more pronounced grain are now more prevalent, as is suede. Again, this echoes today’s clothing choice of heavier textured fabrics with more flannel and knitwear. Changes in shoe styles have been accelerated by the pandemic, strengthening pre-existing trends. More relaxed designs and comfort are essential but there’s a return to the classic – dark brown suede, for example, is more popular than ever. Today the loafer is king, with boots and the classic Oxford a close second.

The last decade has seen commercial change, too.

Edward Green now trades in an international market.

Customers engage with us from all over the world, via Instagram and other social media: people in Japan see images taken in Italy. Edward Green has always had international customers, of course, but the pandemic led to a surge in online business. And customers come to the UK too – so like many premium British brands, we would really value a return of tax-free shopping to London, so that market share is not lost to other global capitals.

In the next ten years, we will continue to source the best materials and maintain our highly-skilled workforce.

Edward Green will remain a family business, part of a celebrated British shoemaking tradition, producing exquisitely refined, Goodyear-welted shoes with a reputation for durability and style. This will not change.’

Euan Denholm, head of brand and business development

Edward Green sources the best materials and maintains a highly-skilled workforce

116 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Edward-Green-V7-MB.indd 116

20/12/2024 15:35

‘Ten years ago, the dress Oxford dominated. Today, the loafer is king’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

The loafer is the shoe of the moment. The 125 is a new round-toed last, designed for comfort and style. Its first model is the Pimlico penny loafer.

2

The width of men’s feet varies almost as much as the length. Edward Green offers an extensive selection of alternate widths in-store, which can be made to order – ensuring a fit close to bespoke.

3

Tastes subtly shift and style evolves. In shoes, toe shapes change, while construction is softer and lighter. In the future, unlined styles and softer leathers will play more of a role in the collection than ever before.

EDWARD GREEN 75 Jermyn Street London SW1Y 6NP +44 (0)20 7839 0202 edwardgreen.com edwardgreen1890

Edward-Green-V7-MB.indd 117

20/12/2024 15:35

E.J. Churchill The Home of Shooting setting new standards

‘C

lay pigeon shooting has experienced an impressive rise in popularity over the past decade, and this growth has been instrumental to our success.

Despite challenges such as the pandemic, tightening margins and inflation, we’ve expanded steadily. Today, we welcome an extraordinary 55,000 visitors annually – a figure that illustrates our widespread appeal and the growing interest in the sport across the UK and beyond.

To meet this growing demand, we have expanded our operations with the exciting addition of Seal’s Cove, Aberdeenshire, and the development of our North Yorkshire ground. We now host more than 400 corporate events each year, a testament to the unique appeal of our facilities and the exceptional experiences we provide.

We’ve also had the honour of hosting multiple World English Sporting Championships, drawing over 6,000 competitors and firing more than a million clay pigeons in a single week. Years ago, attracting even 500 participants to an event would have been an incredible achievement, highlighting just how far we’ve come.

The company is privately owned by Sir Edward Dashwood and me, with a combined 70 years of experience in the shooting industry. Our passion for the sport has driven our accomplishments, but none of

E.J. Churchill now welcomes 55,000 people a year to its shooting estates in Buckinghamshire, Scotland and North Yorkshire

118 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

EJ-Churchill-V4-GT.indd 118

20/12/2024 17:04

E —— GBB 2025

‘Our vision is to become the Soho House of the shooting world’ this would be possible without our dedicated team, whose enthusiasm for shooting, commitment to excellence, and focus on customer service set us apart from others in the industry.

As a company, we pride ourselves on being nimble and adaptable. Decisions are discussed and implemented quickly without having to navigate complex chains of command. This ability to act decisively allows us to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers, ranging from absolute beginners to passionate shooters, corporate clients and Olympians. We are also seeing a welcome rise in women and children participating, underscoring the sport’s growing accessibility.

Looking forward, we are well placed to tackle industry challenges. Environmental concerns, such as the shift from lead ammunition, are increasingly important, and we anticipate that game shooting will face greater scrutiny and regulation. Engaging with those outside the shooting world is essential to promote an understanding of an industry that employs thousands and supports local economies.

We are ambitious and positive about the future, with plans to grow our UK operations and establish shooting schools abroad. Our vision is to become the Soho House of the shooting world, setting new standards in the UK and internationally.’

Rob Fenwick, managing director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

We aim to expand the brand across the UK, build on our successes and make it easier for people to enjoy an E.J. Churchill shooting ground wherever they are.

Another significant opportunity lies in capturing a larger share of the market. Clay pigeon shooting has grown hugely in popularity, and we want more people to experience the sport at its best and the exceptional levels of service we offer.

3

The world is rapidly changing and going forward we are committed to improving our practices and conducting our operations in a manner that is as environmentally sustainable as possible.

E.J. CHURCHILL Park Lane, Lane End, Stokenchurch High Wycombe HP14 3NS +44 (0)1494 883227 ejchurchill.com ejchurchill COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 119

EJ-Churchill-V4-GT.indd 119

20/12/2024 15:36

GBB 2025 —— E

Elegant Resorts The original pioneer of luxury travel, evolving consciously into the future

‘E

legant Resorts has always been a strong brand, and a lot has changed in ten years. Seven years ago, we refreshed the brand look and feel, and we’re evolving it again now, to speak to the millennials and Gen Zs who are coming forward with different desires to our traditional audience.

We now have a more global portfolio. Europe, where the product quality has improved, has overtaken the Caribbean as our number one destination. We’ve also expanded to Asia, Africa, Australasia, the US and Canada. In 2021 we launched a collection of 36 wellness holidays and this new segment is markedly growing as people choose to invest in their health and longevity.

And we have fantastic itineraries for multi-generational holidays, which increased in popularity after the pandemic when we all realised we weren’t invincible.

We’ve invested in technology for our behindthe-scenes infrastructure, improving the customer experience. But AI can’t give you the personalised advice that Elegant Resorts has specialised in since 1988. We really understand our clients and form relationships, so we know what they want to do almost before they know themselves, so things work seamlessly from the moment you start talking to us to the moment you return. This personalised service is how we differentiate ourselves in the market.

In 2019, we decided to move towards being more about purpose, supporting charities, becoming the best place to work and making a difference, and this is led by our Travel with Meaning Group. We held our first off-site managers’ conference and it was great to hear their opinions on the future of the business.

Some of our team members have been with us for over 20 years, and investing in leadership is important to ensure everyone remains engaged and motivated.

I believe we handled the pandemic really well, going above and beyond without compromising on service. Not only had our revenues returned by the end of 2022, but it also changed our culture, as we appointed in-house wellness ambassadors. If we can do just one thing to help people live a healthier life, that, to me, is a gamechanger.

Climate change is a challenge for everyone. We’re Travelife certified and we’ve invested time auditing the sustainability accreditation programmes for our hotels so we can flag the most comprehensive ones. To help build our strategy, we’ve worked with the specialist consultant Greengage since 2022. All trips our staff take involve an educational element, and we plan to weave community-based tourism into future trips.’

Elegant Resorts has expanded its global portfolio and introduced new wellness and multi-generational holidays

Lisa Fitzell, CEO 120 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Elegant-Resorts-V4-TD.indd 120

20/12/2024 15:36

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Continuing our Sustainability Journey.

Our Travel with Meaning team has been working towards the company becoming carbon neutral by 2027. This year we’ll complete the Travelife-certified programme, releasing products kinder to the environment and experiences to connect communities.

2

Elegant Sports Travel. Overseen by our newly hired director of sports and launching this year, our Elegant Sports Travel collection will offer exclusive access to VIP hospitality at sporting events worldwide, including Formula 1, cricket and rugby.

3

Europe Re-imagined. Building on Europe as a key destination for us, our Europe Reimagined portfolio is a collection of luxury experiences combining multiple destinations – think Greek island hopping, Italian road trips, Scandinavian wilderness adventures and incredible wellness retreats.

ELEGANT RESORTS Elegant House, Sandpiper Way Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QE +44 (0)1244 897000 elegantresorts.co.uk elegantresorts

‘We really understand our clients and form relationships, so we know what they want to do almost before they know themselves’

Elegant-Resorts-V4-TD.indd 121

20/12/2024 17:04

GBB 2025 —— E

Ettinger Family firm founded in 1934 at the forefront of fine leather goods

‘E

ttinger is a family-owned British firm founded by my father Gerry in 1934 and now in its 91st year. We don’t compare ourselves with high-fashion luxury brands; instead we take pride in well-made leather goods designed to last. A wallet, for example, chosen from 34 leathers, 20 threads and two linings, may be personalised through fine embroidery or embossing to make it truly bespoke. When it becomes well-worn after many years of ownership and use, we can repair it, preserving a muchloved item for a customer.

Our factory in Britain’s heartland was established when Walsall was the centre of saddlery, harness and leather-goods making, in an age when industries and life in general relied heavily on horses and leather straps. Mechanisation and globalisation closed most factories in the 1990s but we acquired James Homer Ltd in 1999 to preserve those precious craft skills.

Many staff come from leather-making families, have been with us their whole working lives and know how to work our wide range of leathers from Saint Crispin to Tuscan Buttero and English Bridle Hide.

With products so beautifully designed and made, we are building our brand. We’re up against the big boys, so it is imperative we do everything as well as them, from products to photography, our website and the way we work. We need to be experts in so many more things than we were 20 years ago – it’s a very enjoyable challenge.

We don’t sit on our laurels. We now design more and more new products. Team members from sales, design and the factory (who actually make the products) sit around the table and come up with ideas. Our latest launch – a travel games collection – makes for wonderful affordable gifts. And we collaborate with exciting talents, like illustrator Rory Dobner and tattoo artist Saira Hunjan.

Whilst deeply rooted in British craftsmanship, our outlook is international. The Ettinger name is easy to say in many languages so it travels well, with sales to over 35 countries. Japan is a major market: during the last ten years, we have opened two standalone Ettinger shops in Ginza; and Isetan, one of the world’s finest department stores, as well as over 100 Japanese stores, now sells our products. British history and culture fascinates Americans: the US has just overtaken the UK as our biggest web sales market, and we’ve opened a showroom in New York.’

Ettinger’s new travel games

Robert Ettinger, managing director

‘We take pride in well-made leather goods designed to last’

Leather pill case

122 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Ettinger-V4-TD.indd 122

20/12/2024 15:39

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

A new collection for a very special breed of customer.

Drawing on insights from a 2024 customer survey, we will launch a range that will bring Ettinger to a whole new market of pet clientele.

2

Bringing bespoke online.

With a growing number of people searching for truly unique pieces, we want to bring an element of customisation – currently only offered to showroom visitors – to clients who browse and shop online.

3

Improving our environmental measures.

Our treasured Royal Warrant carries strict guidelines around sustainability; we continue to explore ways to be more sustainable across our business and ensure that all our practices are environmentally friendly.

ETTINGER 215 Putney Bridge Road London SW15 2NY +44 (0)20 8877 1616 ettinger.co.uk ettinger.london

games

ill case

The Kensington tote bag

Ettinger-V4-TD.indd 123

20/12/2024 15:39

GBB 2025 —— E

EVE LOM Creating gentle, holistic and effective skincare for four decades

‘I

nspired by her grandmother’s herbal remedies, our founder Eve Lom launched her eponymous brand of holistic skincare products back in 1985. The brand went on to achieve global success, and 40 years later one of our original Cleansers is sold every 30 seconds.

As a heritage brand, one of our main challenges over the past decade has been finding ways to reach and connect with new consumers as they are constantly bombarded by eye-catching novelties. Direct-to-consumer brands have flooded the market, offering lower-cost products – many of them containing harsh ingredients that damage and irritate the skin. The priority has unfortunately shifted to fast-acting results rather than effective, healthy treatments.

We’ve stayed true to our values and philosophy: we haven’t altered our process or manufacturing, and we’ve remained patient to produce the best products. Our focus has been – and will always be – on providing high-quality, gentle skincare, on restoring the skin barrier rather than stripping it, and on helping our consumers find skincare routines that are more holistic.

Where we have innovated, we have taken care to reinforce our brand heritage and philosophy, incorporating the latest technologies and advancement in skincare with a continued focus on effective and gentle formulas.

In 2022 we established our proprietary Time Retreat Complex, a formula which has led to a new collection of products that join and support our legacy hero Cleanser. We’re very proud of the original formula, which has stood the test of time and continues to provide results 40 years later.

We’ve also aligned ourselves with content creators who we feel resonate with our brand messaging and consumers, to produce compelling content that educates on the benefits of our products.

As for the future, we will continue to innovate without comprising our renowned quality. We will strive to always keep a holistic, skin-centred approach by featuring a collection of clinically proven products that benefit both the skin and mind, as well as continuing to produce multi-ingredient formulas for multi-benefit results.

Over the next ten years, we’d like the brand to resonate with the next generation of consumers who are just now starting to establish skincare routines. We want EVE LOM to be the trusted brand of choice for a healthy ageing journey, offering products designed for every stage of life.’

Cherry Wen, global president

‘We want EVE LOM to be the trusted brand of choice, offering products designed for every stage of life’ 124 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Eve-Lom-V4-GT.indd 124

20/12/2024 15:39

R

BR

ITIS

S

ND

EA

T

PRODUCT OF THE DECADE

DS

GR

2025 AWARD WINNER

A

A

ITISH B

AN

GRE

T

BR

R B H

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Our milestone 40th Anniversary this year will honour four decades of the brand’s holistic approach to skincare, combining botanical ingredients with innovative formulas that nourish, hydrate and repair.

2

Our 40th EVE LOM Anniversary Heritage Set will commemorate the first two products we ever launched and which continue to be hero products today.

3

Over the next eight months, we plan to innovate, particularly around two essential products for skin health, including an expansion within our iconic Cleanser family, and an addition to our healthy-aging Time Retreat Collection.

EVE LOM evelom.co.uk evelom

The Cleanser is the brand’s hero product that has survived the test of time. Today it is joined by a host of companion skincare products

Eve-Lom-V4-GT.indd 125

20/12/2024 15:39

GBB 2025 —— F

Fairfax & Favor A timeless and versatile lifestyle brand

‘I

n the last year, our biggest achievement has been successfully entering the US market. We opened our first store in North Carolina (in the Tryon Equestrian Centre) and this season have a full-circuit show calendar including the Kentucky Horse Trials. So far, it’s been going better than we could have imagined in terms of sales and support. As an expansion, it makes sense: Americans are already a key part of our customer base and there is a thriving equestrian scene; a lot of influential riders from the US wear our label.

The fact that 2023 marked a decade of Fairfax & Favor was a big milestone for my co-founder Felix and I, as so many companies fail in the first ten years. In that time, we’ve won many fast-track growth awards, reached 150 employees, and raised over half a million pounds for various charities including Breast Cancer Now and the Royal British Legion – which is something that we’re very proud of. That’s not to say it’s all been plain sailing. Growing pains have often been a problem as we’ve gone from a small business to putting more professional practices in place.

Our skillsets are in designing and selling products and putting on events: we haven’t always given the logistics the attention they need. It was our main challenge and one that we solved last year by bringing in a CEO, Paul Spinks, who was previously managing director at Aspinal of London, Cath Kidston and Lulu Guinness.

Shows are still an integral part of what we do but as an aspirational luxury brand we felt that it was important to open stores too. Now we have six in market towns such as Holt, Marlow and Stamford. Another way customers love to connect is through our Facebook club which has 120,000 members (whenever anyone buys something, they are invited to join). It’s a very welcoming community and there are plenty of ways for people to get involved, including coming along to our occasional drinks parties. Following on from our boot collaboration with Le Chameau a couple of years ago, we recently launched a new partnership with Musto. It’s a collection of multifunctional coats with a luxury twist and is the next part of our venture into outerwear. It will continue to grow in the seasons to come, giving customers the option to have a head-to-toe look from Fairfax & Favor.’

Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder

‘In the last year, our biggest achievement has been successfully entering the US market’ 126 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Fairfax-&-Favor-V6-GT.indd 126

20/12/2024 15:41

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Getting our trade shows in the US to the level they are at in the UK. Here, they are much more than just a shopping opportunity, they are about hospitality, and we would like to reflect this in the US.

2

Introducing more product lines and showing customers that we’re not just shoes and boots. We’ve come a long way since launching the Regina boot (now a bestseller) but we still have so many ideas.

3

Opening more stores, both in the UK and the US. They are an important touch point for customers who can book a private appointment.

It’s an opportunity for them to see the brand at its best.

FAIRFAX & FAVOR Narford Hall King’s Lynn PE32 1JA +44 (0)1760 338199 fairfaxandfavor.com fairfaxandfavor

Fairfax & Favor has introduced further product lines over the years to dress customers from head-to-toe

Fairfax-&-Favor-V6-GT.indd 127

20/12/2024 17:05

Farrar & Tanner Beautifully personalised gifts designed to make a day last a lifetime

‘W

e’re not quite at ten years but as we move into our ninth, we remain faithful to our launch principles from 2016: quality, personalised gifts to be treasured for years, and one day handed down as heirlooms.

We have now proudly delivered over 400,000 gifts from a range covering every possible occasion, always with our signature insistence on quality.

Quality is key – people want to give well-designed gifts made to last and work well. From my own sailing experience, a product like a Leatherman knife can be lifesaving in a tough spot. We’re not a high-priced “luxury goods” company: we work with exceptional UK and European brands with real heritage, using natural materials – leather, wood, metal – with no plastic gadgets. For the level of craftsmanship they represent, they’re very good value. Customers can shop prestigious names like Barbour, Opinel, Hugo Boss, WOLF, Georg Jensen, L’Atelier du Vin and Dartington. We also add new lines and brands all year round, which helps bring repeat business.

In our Cheltenham showroom, opened in 2023, visitors can feel the quality and walk away with their customised purchase.

Personal messages turn beautiful or practical items into cherished, memorable gifts. With 4,000+ items available online, we combine choice with the individual touch you would expect from a personalised gift business. Dedicated human service matters, whether over the phone or in skilled precision-crafting 128 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Farrar-&-Tanner-V4-TD.indd 128

20/12/2024 15:42

F —— GBB 2025

‘It is human to forget and orders are often last minute. By engraving or embossing our gifts in-house, and with next-day delivery, we often make it in time’

Farrar & Tanner works with exceptional heritage brands using natural materials – leather, wood, metal. No plastic gadgets in sight

of messages on each hand-wrapped gift, and their swift worldwide despatch.

Speed is essential. It is human to forget – so orders are often last minute. By engraving or embossing our gifts in-house, and with next-day delivery seven days a week, we can often make it in time for the special day. And our Concierge Club reminder service helps you remember those important dates.

We’ve traded through Brexit and Covid, grown year-on-year and made a profit without fail. That’s been challenging. After Covid, people went from shopping online to visiting the high street, so we’ve invested in equipment, facilities and staff, and continuously improved the customer experience with a new website and many new brands. A third of our business is now international sales and we ship to over 30 markets, meeting demand for more unusual gifts: backgammon sets from Greece and Turkey, chess sets from Italy. Our growth has been recognised in Brightpearl Lightning 50 Fastest Growing Online Retailers in the US/UK and the For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs Growth 100 Watch List.’

Richard Tanner, founder and chairman

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are collaborating with Architecture Intérieure du Vin. Having fitted its modular system in our Cheltenham showroom, we are proud to exclusively offer its stunning cellar and bar furniture range to the UK in 2025.

2

To improve customer service, we are training an AI assistant to provide rapid responses to routine customer questions, freeing up our humans to spend more quality time helping customers select that perfect item.

3

We are improving our environmental policy, moving towards net zero, with great progress already: 99 percent recyclable packaging (including all incoming packaging on site too); certified green electricity powering our electric forklifts; and air-source heating with over 350 percent efficiency.

FARRAR & TANNER 24 Lansdown Estate, Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 8PL +44 (0)3445 678365 farrar-tanner.co.uk farrartanner COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 129

Farrar-&-Tanner-V4-TD.indd 129

20/12/2024 15:42

GBB 2025 —— F

Favourbrook Beautiful, expertly crafted special occasion clothes created to last a lifetime

‘W

e don’t make clothing that lasts ten years; ours lasts a lifetime. I’m still wearing the velvet jacket I got married in 25 years ago, and more and more people want that enduring quality. And so many travellers visit us – be it from Spain, Germany, the US, Japan – wanting that quintessentially British look we deliver.

In 2024, we launched our new designs with a photo shoot at Eastnor Castle, where Succession was filmed. Our prints on velvet and silk for women have proved extremely popular and we debuted a very 1970s-style dinner suit with wide-legged Oxford bags and a cropped dinner jacket with huge lapels. It was a departure for us, but people loved it.

Last November, together with a group of journalists and menswear brand Sunspel, we launched Secret Trips, a magazine and website turning travel writing on its head.

Clothing, travel and lifestyle all go hand in hand, so instead of sending journalists to a review a luxury hotel, we asked them to speak to locals – banker, shopkeeper, inventor, all with a sense of style – and get their inside track. We distribute it via Sunspel and Oliver Spencer (my other brand), sending a copy out with every order. We sold all the advertising within three weeks.

Looking back over the decade, our greatest achievement was opening our big Pall Mall store, which is like a beautiful museum. It took a lot of confidence to move from Jermyn Street and to trust our customers to keep coming. But come they did, and our business has doubled. Having the womenswear and menswear together works, and our Royal Ascot Collection has done wonders for us too.

The most important thing we’ve done is have the guts to ignore fashion – to stick to our principles and what we know.

Our customers return again and again for our beautiful textiles and designs – and also our great shopkeeping. Our staff are like family. They stay with us for a long time and they are so dedicated and helpful that some customers spend hours with them.

The most obvious change we’ve seen in the last decade has been the upswing in online sales, allowing us to reach customers all over the world. I’m upbeat, because I’ve seen so many big businesses in our sector struggling and borrowing huge amounts, while we’ve remained steady, treading our path in our own little world. We don’t need to be huge; we’re very comfortable with our shoe size.’

Oliver Spencer, founder and CEO

‘We launched a 1970s-style dinner suit.

It was a departure for us, but people loved it’ 130 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Favourbrook-V3-GT.indd 130

20/12/2024 15:42

Customers love the quintessentially British look Favourbrook delivers

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Our new magazine Secret Trips can help reach new markets and offer customers the concept of an entire lifestyle beyond just clothes.

2

We have a beautiful store in a prime location with loyal, dedicated staff to wow new customers and grow our loyal following, from here and abroad.

3

We’ll build on our relationship with Ascot and the increasing demand for truly enduring, once-in-a-lifetime occasion clothes that defy the vagaries of fashion, and continue to be the ultimate destination for dressing up.

FAVOURBROOK 17 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5LU +44 (0)20 7493 5060 favourbrook.com favourbrook

Favourbrook-V3-GT.indd 131

20/12/2024 21:08

GBB 2025 —— F

Fentimans Ltd Botanically brewing premium drinks for 120 years

T

BR

ITISH B

R

AN

A

‘O

BR

A

EA

T

PRODUCT OF THE DECADE

ND

S

GRE

DS

2025 HIGHLY COMMENDED

GR

ver the last ten years, we’ve evolved from a regional brand you’d find in garden centres and local shops to a global one, available in over 70 countries and widely available in UK supermarkets and pubs. But it hasn’t been by chance: we’ve spent a lot of time and energy explaining botanical brewing and the benefits of great-tasting drinks to our customers around the world.

In this time, there have been a number of successes, but there are three major milestones I would draw out.

The first: the launch of our rose lemonade in 2014, which so effectively started a revolution in pink soft drinks that almost all our competitors have copied us. You know you’ve got something successful when people are kind enough to imitate you. Secondly, over the last few years, seven of our international markets hit a million annual sales of Fentimans products. The third was the 2015 opening of our purpose-built office, which signalled to the whole team how serious we were about the growth-journey and gave us a great centre of operations.

But there’s also been major challenges, too: the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the subsequent inflation. The war caused massive increases in energy prices – which, when you produce glass, is a huge cost-driver – so we had to focus on managing efficiencies. But change is the only constant there is, and the great thing about having a brand that’s been around so long is that you learn to adapt.

Take the introduction of the sugar tax in 2018.

Our technical team spent two years redeveloping the products to ensure we could maintain taste, mouth-feel and quality. But in the end, we’ve still got the same great products, and we continue to evolve the brand so that we respond to what customers want. We’ve launched a can format, which is relevant for supermarket-shoppers, and we’re very excited to be getting into clean-energy drinks with the launch of our first non-carbonated product, Botanical Boost.

The demand for artisanal, high-quality soft drinks is clearly going to be around in the next decade. And there’s obviously a trend in folks moving away from alcohol. So, by 2035, we may be a bit bigger and – if tastes have changed – we may have slightly adapted our flavours. But the core concept of our business will be the same: we’ll still be delivering the best soft drinks money can buy.’

ITIS

R B H

The Botanical Boost is Fentimans’s first foray into non-carbonated drinks

Ian Bray, CEO 132 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Fentimans-Ltd-V5-GT.indd 132

20/12/2024 15:43

‘Change is the only constant out there, and the great thing about having a brand that’s been around so long is you learn to adapt’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

International growth. We’re currently in 70 markets worldwide and over the past year entered three new markets: Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

2

Hollows & Fentimans, our cult-favourite alcoholic ginger beer, has become a favourite in Ireland – we will be making noise about it internationally.

3

We’ve launched a new functional drink, Botanical Boost – entering the clean energy market, tapping in to the health-conscious consumer.

FENTIMANS LTD Fearless House Beaufront Park, Anick Road Hexham NE46 4TU +44 (0)1434 609847 fentimans.com fentimansltd

Fentimans-Ltd-V5-GT.indd 133

20/12/2024 15:43

GBB 2025 —— F

Floris London The oldest independent family-run perfumer in the UK

‘F

or nearly three centuries, Floris London has been a beacon of British perfumery, crafting fragrances of timeless elegance and sophistication. As the UK’s oldest independent family-run perfumer, its history is deeply interwoven with the evolution of fragrance.

I am ninth generation, proud to be honoured in 2018 with membership of the British Society of Perfumers.

I see Floris as more than a perfumery – it is a custodian of heritage, carrying forward the artistry of fragrance with each new release.

My ancestors, founder Juan Famenias Floris and his wife Elizabeth began selling perfumes, combs and shaving products in London’s elegant St James’s in 1730.

The shop they opened at their family home, 89 Jermyn Street, remains the heart of a company still run by their descendants today; it’s not only a store, but where all our fragrances have been created since founding.

Ten years might seem the blink of an eye, but it has been an exciting decade. In 2017, we undertook the first renovation of the Floris shop in 100 years, retaining the mahogany cabinets from the 1851 Great Exhibition and protecting our listed building. In celebration we unveiled a new museum space displaying archive selections and launched the Ledger Series, re-releasing nine fragrances from our customer ledgers dating back centuries, each scent still crafted at the same London address where the Floris journey began. Customers may visit to create their own bespoke fragrance with our expert guidance.

Over the decade, we have introduced a collection of exquisite fragrances reflecting a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Each tells a unique story; together they epitomise contemporary luxury while honouring Floris’s storied history. Our Jermyn Street scent celebrates our home, its notes inspired by our neighbours and nearby plane trees.

From royalty to rock stars, Floris London has long been the fragrance house of choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Each fragrance captures the essence of its wearer’s personality and legacy: Marilyn Monroe favoured Rose Geranium, David Bowie wore Floris Elite, Winston Churchill Special No 127 and Vogue’s Grace Coddington adored Red Rose. Both Ian Fleming and his creation James Bond wore Floris.

Floris continues to expand its collection, staying true to its original manifesto of honouring people and places: from Platinum 22, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, to Wilde, a tribute to love and devotion, and our latest release Golden Amber, inspired by the beauty of Lake Garda.’

Floris is looking forward to celebrating its 300-year anniversary in 2030

Edward Bodenham, perfumery director 134 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Floris-V4-MBTD.indd 134

20/12/2024 15:44

‘From royalty to rock stars, Floris London has long been the fragrance house for those who appreciate the finer things in life’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

This April, we launch an exciting new eau de parfum, which our in-house perfumery team has been on working for the past three years.

2

The Floris family is honoured to have been granted a Royal Warrant from HM The King and we look forward to being of continued service to the royal family into the future.

3

Looking further ahead, Floris celebrates its tercentenary in 2030, a momentous achievement for any company (or even many sovereign nations) let alone an independent family business. Planning for this milestone is already a pleasure.

FLORIS LONDON 89 Jermyn Street London SW1Y 6JH +44 (0)20 7930 2885 florislondon.com florislondon

Floris-V4-MBTD.indd 135

20/12/2024 15:44

GBB 2025 —— STYLE

PHOTO: © SAM COPELAND © DRUMMOND CASTLE

FASHION’S MAGICAL MOMENTS

Fashion-Essay-V3-MB-KBedit.indd 136

20/12/2024 15:40

PHOTO: © SAM COPELAND © DRUMMOND CASTLE

Dior returned to Scotland for the first time since Monsieur Dior’s 1955 show at Gleneagles

Lisa Armstrong chooses ten instances from the past decade where fashion transcended its boundaries and became a defining cultural moment COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 137

Fashion-Essay-V3-MB-KBedit.indd 137

20/12/2024 15:40

GBB 2025 —— STYLE

Alison Moyet and an orchestra at Burberry’s SS16 show Christopher Bailey was at his peak and so was Burberry, when in 2015 Alison Moyet performed Only You, live, in front of an audience that included Benedict Cumberbatch, Cara Delevingne, Baz Luhrmann, Anna Wintour, Holliday Grainger and Harry Treadaway.

As the sun streamed through the dappled autumn leaves into Burberry’s customary transparent marquee, and supermodels circled the catwalk in Bailey’s easy-on-the-eye collection, it was easy to believe that London Fashion Week was on an unassailable high.

Alexa Chung at Glastonbury Kate, Sienna, Alexa, mud, wellies and acres of tanned female legs… the British cultural and fashion scenes, along with a zillion websites, might possibly selfimmolate without Glastonbury. (In 2020 and 2021 this theory was put to the test when the big daddy of festivals was cancelled because of the pandemic – and look what happened to fashion; two years of nap dresses and increasingly tepid florals.) Glasto style has glamour and grit. The French do chic, the Italians luxury, but no one wears sequins, twig infested hair and a Barbour with the maddening insouciance of the Brits.

2016

2017 The royal family balcony scene Much has changed since this, one of the last images of the royal family in its pre-slimmed down expansiveness, was taken. With the late Queen at its centre, it represents peak British royal fashion. Unabashed colour runs rampant, with Kate, then still Duchess of Cambridge in a hot pink draped neck dress by her go-to designer, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. A year later Meghan would join the balcony. Two years on, she and Prince Harry left the UK. In 2023, Sarah Burton ended 27 years at McQueen. Today’s slimmed-down family could slot into a fraction of the space.

PHOTOS: ALAMY

2015

138 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Fashion-Essay-V3-MB-KBedit.indd 138

20/12/2024 15:40

The Queen at Richard Quinn The late Queen’s planned attendance at the inaugural presentation of The Queen Elizabeth ll Award for British Design to newcomer Richard Quinn came at the end of London Fashion Week and was a closely guarded secret. Consequently, a number of big names in the industry missed it because they were already en route for Milan Fashion Week.

Cue gnashing of teeth and tears in some quarters. This left the path clear for Dame Anna Wintour to sit next to Her Majesty in a picture that dominated the news agenda for days.

2018

Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer in pink Molly Goddard A little known Liverpudlian actress wearing a little known London designer burned through our TV screens in 2018 and made a psychopath if not sympathetic, compellingly stylish. The one woman British vortex of talent, Phoebe Waller-Bridge scripted the first season of Killing Eve; Emerald Fennell the next. Comer was crowned a major global star, Molly Goddard became a must-see on the London Fashion Week schedule and the (ironic) inner fairy tale princess was unleashed in thousands of women across the world.

2019

PHOTOS: ALAMY

Lashana Lynch at the Marvel premiere London With the London premier of Captain Marvel in 2019, British newcomer Lashana Lynch blew predictable out of the water. Resplendent in a bubblegum pink dress, split to the thigh,

by American reality star Michael Costello, Lynch added a casual pair of Bulgari drop earrings and matched her cats’ eyes liner to the dress. No faux wall flower, the first female star of a Marvel film has since proved her value on red carpets the world over, as well as providing can’ttake-your-eyes-off-her on-screen performances.

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 139

Fashion-Essay-V3-MB-KBedit.indd 139

20/12/2024 15:40

GBB 2025 —— STYLE

Harry Styles cardigan goes to the V&A

Vivienne Westwood’s memorial

Men’s cardigans never seemed the same after Harry Styles wore this patchwork show pony from JW Anderson’s SS20 collection during rehearsals for the Today show in February 2020. Two months later, the world went into lockdown and many filled their time learning to knit and sew. Liv Huffman crocheted a version of the Styles cardi, posting a video that inspired thousands of Styles fans to share their own interpretations. In similar spirit, JW Anderson shared a few downloadable patterns and tutorials for the cardi. In November of 2020, the V&A acquired the cardigan for its permanent collection.

The Sarah Burton for McQueen show, Greenwich The magnificent neo-classical skyline of Greenwich’s worldrenowned naval college, designed

by Sir Christopher Wren, no less, has been the backdrop in many films as well as the 2012 London Olympics. But until Sarah Burton showed Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer collection there in the autumn of 2022, it hadn’t played host to a major fashion show. Normally a Paris fixture, the McQueen team took advantage of the turmoil caused by the pandemic to fashion month by bringing things home, temporarily, to London. Huge prints of the human eye and complex angular tailoring on models who walked in a big transportant bubble under a sparkling blue sky, paid homage to Greenwich’s stellar contributions to science.

2022

2023

2024

Dior in Scotland In the space of 12 months, three big international brands chose to show in the UK. In December 2023, Chanel transformed a street in Manchester into a picturesque, twinkly vignette of northern café society. Six months later, Gucci took over Tate Modern in London and created a front row moment with Paul Mescal, Andrew Scott, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Kate Moss. But it was Dior’s Scotland show at Drummond Castle that provided the most romantic images, sealing a love affair between the house and Scotland that goes back more than half a century. n

PHOTOS: ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES

2020

Vivienne Westwood would have adored her memorial in the autumn of 2023. A perfect pitch of the monumental, the wild and the very British elements, the service featured Helena Bonham Carter (left) on form in the pulpit, Nick Cave on piano and Chrissie Hynde on guitar. Plus, a who’s who of British (and global) fashion wearing their favourite Westwood pieces. Think Richard E Grant in a veiled pillbox, sleek Stormzy, Christina Hendricks in tartan and Bianca Jagger and Elle Fanning in Victorian mourning.

140 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Fashion-Essay-V3-MB-KBedit.indd 140

20/12/2024 15:40

GBB 2025

GP & J BAKER 142 THE GLENTURRET DISTILLERY 144 GRANTLEY HALL 146 HAMBLEDON WINE ESTATE 148 HANCOCKS LONDON 150 HARWOOD ADVISORY 152 HEIRLOOMS LINENS 156 HELEN GREEN DESIGN 158 HOLLAND & HOLLAND 160

HOLLAND COOPER 162 THE HOUSE OF BRUAR 164 ICONIC LUXURY HOTELS 166 INEOS GRENADIER 168 THE ISLE OF MAN 170 COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 141

Openers-V2-TD.indd 141

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— G

GP & J Baker Historic textile house and Royal Warrant holder embracing a new modern aesthetic

‘G

P & J Baker is authentic, creative and innovative. We have a stunning archive of textiles dating back to the 1750s, which inspire our beautiful products. We also look at trends, adapting to create very liveable, comfortable and elegant interiors, striving for excellence in everything we do.

Last year, we launched a successful range of rugs. Back in the late 1800s, GP & J Baker had a division called the Oriental Rug Company and shipped rugs to companies including ABC Carpet in New York. So we took some of the designs from those early days and transformed them into jute and cotton rugs, which look fantastic.

Over the last decade, we’ve ramped up our collection of wallpapers significantly and extended our offering to include finished products, which was a big move. Since we have so much to offer, we’ve developed a “one solution” for our customers. GP & J Baker can provide everything and give a look that is timeless. We have also had our Planet Mark accreditation for three years running and continually work at being environmentally aware.

We have done some fun and interesting collaborations over the years, which have been very successful. These include partnerships with H&M, Historic Royal Palaces, Ben Pentreath, Rita Koenig and Kit Kemp. Collaboration is healthy because it brings a freshness to the business. It is inspiring the way these leading designers use our product.

We all learn from each other.

Over the last ten years, designers have changed how they combine aesthetics. We have evolved from our traditional, classical look to something lighter, featuring a mix of different periods, such as mid-century furniture with classical shapes. We also play around with scale, using small prints on curtains, for example, and big prints in furniture. I call it the new modern traditional in the way that products are used together.

Looking forward, the challenge is working with craftspeople who have skillsets that need to be transferred to the next generation. The question is how we use tools like AI to be effective and assist in our business – while also keeping skills such as hand block-printing and embroidery alive.

At GP & J Baker, we use the archive in our design studio and listen to the needs of today to inform what we do. This combination shows our direction – we look backwards to better enable us to move forwards.’

Ann Grafton, managing director and creative director

‘Collaboration is healthy because it brings a freshness to the business’ 142 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GP-&-J-Baker-V2-TD.indd 142

20/12/2024 15:45

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Our new products include wonderful wool and jute rugs inspired by our archive, colourful cushions in exclusive fabrics and a fabulous 12-piece furniture capsule handcrafted in England.

2

We will continue to collaborate with interior design partners and brands to create beautiful fabric, wallpaper and products. This includes a follow-up collection with Historic Royal Palaces in spring 2025.

3

We offer a one-stop resource. Our eight fabric and wallpaper brands and exclusive finished products coupled with our exceptional customer service allows us to support designers, from initial sourcing through to final installation.

GP & J BAKER Design Centre East, Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XF +44 (0)20 7351 7760 gpjbaker.com gpjbaker

GP & J Baker combines archive prints and contemporary trends to create liveable, elegant interiors

GP-&-J-Baker-V2-TD.indd 143

20/12/2024 15:45

GBB 2025 —— G

The Glenturret Distillery Award-winning single malts distilled by hand and by heart

‘A

t the oldest working distillery in Scotland, dating back to 1763, a decade can seem a short episode in the life of our whiskies; most are older than that. Our releases in 2024 alone included 14-, 15and even 30-year-old whiskies, and The Glenturret Prowess was drawn from a trinity of casks filled in 1987 and only bottled 33 years later by our whisky maker Bob Dalgarno, in decanters specially designed by Lalique. Excitement and innovation in packaging must be part of any brand but we want to be “liquid-led”.

A stunning bottle may sell the first dram, but what’s inside sells the second – and the next bottle. What always counts most is the quality of the whisky we put in that bottle.

Like so many other distilleries, our long history was one of distilling for making blended whiskies. But it was the 2019 acquisition by the Lalique Group and Hansjörg Wyss that brought the biggest changes: new ownership created a fresh direction and bold ambition to have a single malt brand that stands alone with its own powerful identity. We’re a small player, with about 10 percent of the volume capacity of big brands; we can’t double production overnight, so we want to grow the brand in the right way.

The Glenturret now thrives as a brilliant pairing of luxury (through our artistic partners Lalique) and sustainability (through Hansjörg’s environmental commitment). With our Butterfly Mark certification awarded in 2023, our net zero target is 2040, five years’ ahead of the Scotch Whisky Association. Both facets complement our age-old core of craftsmanship in distilling ‘by hand and by heart’, as we call it. The Glenturret has taken a direction like no other whisky brand; this has brought dividends in collaborations with Gleneagles, Jaguar and St Andrews, and 20 international awards in 2023 and 2024 alone.

Change has brought prized advantages to The Glenturret. Not only has Lalique given us luxurious crystal designs to showcase our trio of provenance, prowess and passion, but at the distillery we now have the two-Michelin star Lalique restaurant, led by Mark Donald, offering a meticulously crafted seasonal menu (and, naturally, a selection of whiskies as well as fine wines). No other distillery restaurant currently holds a Michelin star. Visitors can also enjoy an overnight tasting experience or exclusive hire of the Aberturret Estate House, originally the Murray clan’s dower house, beautifully renovated featuring local fabrics and art chosen from the Scottish Fine Art Society.’

The Glenturret Distillery in Crieff dates back to 1763; Mark Donald (below) is executive chef at its twoMichelin star Lalique Restaurant

Jennie Baernreuther, managing director 144 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Glenturret-Distillery-V2-GT.indd 144

20/12/2024 16:37

‘A stunning bottle may sell the first dram, but what’s inside sells the second – and the next bottle’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Launching The Glenturret Passion Decanter early in 2025 marks the third and final release in The Glenturret by Lalique Trinity series, celebrating the three touchstones of provenance, prowess and passion underpinning our hand-crafted approach to whisky making.

2

We take pride in timehonoured, traditional methods, requiring skill, energy and precious resources in equal measure. Responding to the climate crisis, our sustainability strategy includes measurable commitments to a greener future for generations of distillers to come.

3

Over the next decade, as we develop our whisky range, we’ll also implement a targeted global distribution strategy supporting development of The Glenturret into the right type of venues.

THE GLENTURRET DISTILLERY The Hosh, Crieff PH7 4HA +44 (0)1764 656565 theglenturret.com theglenturretwhisky

Glenturret-Distillery-V2-GT.indd 145

20/12/2024 16:37

GBB 2025 —— G

Grantley Hall The luxury hotel in Yorkshire with an eye for excellence

‘A

t Grantley Hall, the difference is in the detail, from the personalised touches to the flawless service defining every guest experience. The hotel is a beacon for those longing for sincere luxury, genuine hospitality and those unforgettable moments that money can’t buy.

At first glance, Grantley Hall appears to be a classic country house hotel. Step inside, however, and you will discover new concepts, state-of-the-art technology and the very essence of modern innovation. Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, we offer 47 spacious bedrooms and suites, five dining options including Michelin-starred fine dining and vibrant Asian fusion cuisine and, of course, our award-winning spa.

We have made so much progress since we opened in 2019. It has been exciting to create something that didn’t exist before, forging an iconic hotel with incredible hospitality standards. Our job is to create magical moments for everyone. Many arrive feeling stressed, but by the time they leave, they’re on cloud nine: recharged, refreshed and ready to take on the world.

We handle all the essentials of hospitality, but we go the extra mile to deliver them in our own unique way – we are a club of one. Put simply, we deliver the extraordinary to every guest who walks through our doors. We proudly employ from within the local area, blending exceptional service with authentic Yorkshire charm. Our approach is warm, friendly and respectful, with staff who sincerely engage with guests. For us, it’s all about building connections. Our goal is simple: to anticipate every need and delight our guests at every opportunity.

The Grantley Hall guest seeks nothing less than the exceptional and they are not afraid to ask for it. Whether it is hiring the entire hotel for a grand celebration or indulging in world-class experiences, we ensure our guests have exactly what they envision. Between London and Edinburgh, there truly is no destination that rivals Grantley Hall for its blend of luxury facilities, impeccable service and sincere hospitality.

Grantley Hall is designed to stand the test of time. This hotel was envisioned as a lasting legacy, a beacon of pride for the North and a symbol of excellence for generations to come. As a young brand, we are committed to being the best. The world is our oyster and there is no reason we can’t be recognised on a global stage – all from here in the heart of Yorkshire.’

Nuno César de Sá, general manager

‘It has been exciting to create something that didn’t exist before, forging an iconic hotel with incredible hospitality standards’ 146 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Grantley-Hall-V3-TD.indd 146

20/12/2024 15:46

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Joining Leading Hotels of the World will position Grantley Hall among a group of worldclass hotels delivering the absolute best in hospitality and will support our ambition to welcome more international guests to North Yorkshire and our hotel.

2

We have become a member of Walpole to underpin our position as a leading British luxury brand and to have the opportunity to meet and partner with other iconic brands.

3 T

BR

ITISH B

R

AN

A

Becoming a partner of the globally recognised Forbes Travel Guide will highlight the exceptional service standards that Grantley Hall provides every day on an international stage, through team training opportunities.

BR

ND

EA

T

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

A

GR

S

GRE

DS

2025 HIGHLY COMMENDED

GRANTLEY HALL Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3ET +44 (0)1765 620070 grantleyhall.co.uk grantleyhall_

ITIS

R B H

A beacon of luxury and exceptional service awaits guests at this North Yorkshire destination hotel

Grantley-Hall-V3-TD.indd 147

20/12/2024 15:46

GBB 2025 —— H

Hambledon Wine Estate The English sparkling wine vineyard on track to become a destination

‘H

The key to Hambledon is ensuring that what’s going in the bottle is the best that it can be

PHOTOS: MILLY FLETCHER

ambledon Wine Estate is the birthplace of English sparkling wine. Founded in 1952 by Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, we were the first commercial vineyard in the UK. At the end of 2023, Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates came on board as our investors. They are really inspirational people who provide us with fantastic support and bring with them a global footprint.

In 2025, we’re focusing our investment on creating a must-visit destination where people can not only come and taste our wine and do one of our many wine experiences, but eat in one of our restaurants, or hire dining spaces for celebrations with family and friends. This is going to be a fundamental part of what we are offering.

Good quality wine begins with the quality of the soil. We’ve investing in regenerative viticulture which minimises any intervention and encourages biodiversity.

From that, you get the very best quality fruit from a healthier vine, which feeds into our winemaking. Then we have a great winemaker who focuses on the quality of time. So, rather than forcing the wine through the winery, we respect the natural flow of winemaking.

In February, we’re releasing our first Blanc de Blancs NV. It’s a vivacious cuvée using only the best Chardonnay from the landmark 2018 harvest, grown on the chalk slopes of Windmill Down. We feel the cuvée is the very best expression of place and the feedback has been fantastic in preliminary tastings.

Also next year, we’re planning to start our B Corp journey and make an application. We want to understand where we are in terms of sustainability.

Then we can work out what investments are needed.

We realise it’s going to take time and a lot of effort, but we’re committed to it, and see it as a fundamental part of Hambledon’s future.

In ten years’ time, we want to be a desired, talkedabout brand, which sits effortlessly alongside Champagne in the hearts and homes of more customers.

There are lots of wine labels in the market. How do you stand out? The key is making sure what’s going in the bottle is the best it can be, and it is already. Then building on that with a great team. We want to create a product that’s anchored to place and a destination where people can really experience Hambledon and feel connected to it – rather than just buying a bottle.’

James Osborn, managing director 148 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Hambledon-V3-MB.indd 148

20/12/2024 15:47

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are launching a hospitalityled destination, where head chef Nick Edgar’s menu will champion seasonal produce and the best ingredients from our kitchen garden.

2

Expanding internationally.

Scandinavia is a very important market for English sparkling wine, plus there’s the US and Far East.

3

Continually nurturing our brand’s vibrant spirit. We want Hambledon to have value to people that extends far beyond what’s in the bottle, for generations to come.

HAMBLEDON WINE ESTATE East Street, Hambledon PO7 4RY +44 (0)2392 632358 hambledonvineyard.co.uk hambledon_vineyard

PHOTOS: MILLY FLETCHER

‘Rather than forcing the wine through the winery, we respect the natural flow of winemaking’

Hambledon-V3-MB.indd 149

20/12/2024 15:47

GBB 2025 —— H

Hancocks London Fine jewellery house showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in the heart of St James’s

‘I

n 2024, our 175th anniversary year, we moved into our beautiful new Georgian townhouse on St James’s Street. We had been searching for the perfect premises for half a decade and these are beyond our dreams and well worth the wait. The townhouse is the ideal showcase for our jewellery – it’s as if we’re finally able to open our peacock feathers.

Our full collection of antique, vintage jewellery, old cut diamonds and important gemstones is on display, cementing our original status as one of the world’s foremost independent jewellery houses, makers of the Victoria Cross and historically the recipient of four Royal Warrants.

Our father, Stephen Burton, had his own jewellery shop on Burlington Gardens. He bought Hancocks in the early 1990s and shortly after moved it to the Burlington Arcade. So many of our earliest memories are linked to jewellery – from being in the shop with our parents to helping clean the glass cabinets at international trade fairs – and jewellery has always part of our DNA. As you enter 62 St James’s, our ground-floor Sackville Gallery is an exciting introduction to the world of Hancocks, giving a glimpse of everything we do, from dazzling tiaras to vintage jewels and showstopping old cut diamonds. The first-floor Bruton Gallery is home to our antique and vintage collection, and the Burlington Gallery on the second floor houses our contemporary collection, all handcrafted with old cut diamonds, a collection known to be among the best in the world.

We’ve never liked the transactional, over-thecounter set up that so many clients traditionally experience when buying jewellery, so we have 1.65ct heart shape created a space that truly celebrates the joy diamond and 18ct rose of jewellery and an environment that is more gold gypsy set ring relaxing, enjoyable and personal. We are a small family business with a very passionate team – we love what we do and are ready with a warm welcome for everyone that walks through our door.

In 2025, we’re really prioritising inviting people into our new home rather than attending international fairs like we used to. Our focus is to build on our position as a trusted family jeweller, earning the loyalty of generation after generation. Our father is still very involved but he has made way for us, the next generation, with lots of energy and oomph to drive Hancocks into the next decade and way beyond.’

Guy Burton, managing director, and Amy Burton, creative director

3.14ct Asscher cut diamond and geometric Halo ring

Hancocks was founded in 1849; an illustration of its original premises on Bruton Street

King Edward VII (above) commissioned Hancocks to create a necklace (image far right) for his mistress Lillie Langtry. It is now part of the Hancocks archive

The Anglesey Tiara

150 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Hancocks-London-V11-TD.indd 150

20/12/2024 15:48

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We intend to use our new townhouse and space to the full, hosting fun and educational events to introduce more people to the wonderful world of jewellery and specifically what we specialise in here at Hancocks.

2

We hope to further enhance and expand our social media and online world. We have an exciting new website and love engaging with our clients worldwide via Instagram and WhatsApp.

3

We have had a historian doing a lot of research into the history of Hancocks.

There is so much there and such fascinating information – perhaps enough for a book one day.

HANCOCKS LONDON 62 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LY 44 (0)20 793 8904 hancockslondon.com hancocks_london

‘Our focus is to build on our position as a trusted Hancocks workshop circa 1910

family jeweller earning the loyalty of generations’ Hancocks’ new home, a Georgian townhouse on St James’s Street

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 151

Hancocks-London-V11-TD.indd 151

20/12/2024 15:48

Harwood Advisory The boutique property firm delivering exceptional results

‘S

ince its foundation in 2020, Harwood Advisory has established itself as a leader in London’s prime property market.

Specialising in the discreet acquisition and sale of properties in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and beyond, the boutique firm continues to deliver exceptional results for clients.

Last year marked a milestone year for Harwood Advisory, with the team completing its strongest trading period yet. We’ve handled landmark deals, including a £25.5m home in Holland Park, a £20m country estate, and a £14.1m flat. Since our inception, we’ve overseen nearly £400m-worth of transactions. Despite the uncertainty earlier in the year surrounding changes to Capital Gains Tax and non-dom rules, stability has returned to the market, and so have the buyers. The energy in London is palpable again. This market is covered by Ollie Blakelock and myself; between us we have over 40 years of experience, the result of which is an accumulated expertise for which our clients always praise us.

152 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Harwood-Advisory-V5-GT.indd 152

20/12/2024 20:29

H —— GBB 2025

‘Harwood is one of London’s most successful boutique firms’

The team at Harwood Advisory works discreetly and efficiently for high-net-worth individuals

While London remains at the heart of Harwood’s operations, we have recently launched a dedicated country search division for clients seeking properties in Dorset and Somerset. Led

by Susannah Fox and Claire Clark, the new team brings unparalleled local expertise and deeprooted connections in the region.

We are also embracing international opportunities. With over a decade of experience in Singapore, I understand the growing importance of the region: it is an incredible hub, home to some of the most dynamic thinkers I’ve had the privilege to meet. My recent trip was immensely productive, and it’s clear that the appetite for British property among international investors remains strong.

We’ve also started exploring the US market and are thrilled to have a new partner there.

As the business grows, our commitment to personalised service with market expertise is unwavering. I am a passionate open-water swimmer and I believe that in work as in swimming, I go the extra mile. Whether I’m doing the Robben Island Crossing or closing a deal, I believe in pushing boundaries and achieving the extraordinary. Harwood Advisory reflects that spirit every day.’

Sami Robertson, founder and CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We’ve recruited Ollie Blakelock to the London team to work on sales and acquisitions. With over 20 years of prime London experience in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, he is enthusiastic and highly professional and knowledgeable.

2 3

Susannah Fox, who has been at Harwood almost since its inception, has set up our property search division in England’s south west to cater for clients’ demand for country properties.

Harwood is delighted to have been chosen as UK agents for Muraba Veil, a fantastic new 131-unit, 73- storey building in Dubai. It is a new landmark building, inspired by traditional homes and the surrounding landscape.

HARWOOD ADVISORY +44 (0)7748 508891 harwoodadvisory.com harwood_advisory COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 153

Harwood-Advisory-V5-GT.indd 153

20/12/2024 15:48

GBB 2025 —— ACTING

theLIST 11 Up and Coming British Actors Stars of Tomorrow curator FIONNUALA HALLIGAN uncovers the screen talent you need to know

Attending the Irish Film and Television Awards in April 2024 as a triple nominee sums up how things are going for Agnes.

She impressed audiences in Lisa Mulcahy’s gothic thriller Lies We Tell, Thaddeus O’Sullivan’s comedy drama The Miracle Club, and also received a rising star nod. Elsewhere, she has made appearances in Small Things Like These, Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light, and Joe Barton’s Netflix spy series Black Doves.

3

Francis Lovehall

Two months into a two-year contract at Brentford Football Club, Francis made the gutsy switch to acting, earning a place on the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s BA course, aged 17. Since graduating, you may have caught him in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe: Lovers Rock, Apple TV+’s Masters Of The Air or the viral Tyrell Williams play Red Pitch, which last year transferred to the West End.

4

2

Josh Finan

This Bristol Old Vic Theatre School graduate was surprised when he bagged the role of Gerry Adams in FX/Disney+ miniseries Say Nothing. Then, in 2023, he won a Bafta nomination for his role as drug addict Marco in BBC police drama The Responder. His profile has since surged, with appearances in Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, both for Netflix. He was also back for season two of The Responder.

Mica Ricketts

From Sky’s Best Interests and the BBC’s Here We Go to Steve McQueen’s WWII hit Blitz, Mica is making her way up the acting ladder.

At 15, she joined Nottingham’s Television Workshop; at 19 she signed with London’s Revolution Talent agency.

Dark indie films are on her wishlist (as is a stint as Catwoman), and with her Jamaican-English background, she cites Zoë Kravitz and Zendaya as role models.

5

PHOTOS: SCREEN INTERNATIONA AND PETER SEARLE

1

Agnes O’Casey

Mia Tharia

Mia Tharia attended Cannes in May last year with September Says, but 2025 is set to be her year. She has recently filmed Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Klara And The Sun in New Zealand with Jenna Ortega, and completed work on BBC series The Listeners opposite Rebecca Hall. It’s a rapid rise for the actress who still lives with her clinical psychologist mother and scientist father in their south London family home.

154 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Rising-Stars-V2-TD.indd 154

20/12/2024 17:06

6

Tosin Cole

PHOTOS: SCREEN INTERNATIONA AND PETER SEARLE

Tosin recently captured attention in the British superhero series Supacell, written for Netflix by the British filmmaker and rapper known as Rapman. He also spent two years as Jodie Whittaker’s companion in Doctor Who and made it to the final few for the role of Finn in Star Wars, losing out to John Boyega (oh, what might have been). Next he stars alongside Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson and Nicholas Galitzine in Amazon MGM Studios comedy Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie.

9

Saura Lightfoot-Leon

With a background in dance – and two dancers for parents – Saura pivoted to acting in search of ‘mystery and adventure’. Graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2020, she is keeping her portfolio broad, starring as a Hitler Youth in Life After Life, a Resistance fighter in Masters Of The Air and a troubled foster teen in Hoard. Next, we will see her in her most physical role to date: Netflix’s proto-Western American Primeval.

7

Sade Malone

Born in Greater Manchester and raised in Dublin and Leeds, Sade got her start aged 14 on CBBC’s 4 O’Clock Club. Later training at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts with mentoring from Naomie Harris as part of a Bafta scholarship, she picked up an agent at her final-year showcase.

Roles have since included BBC’s Hope Street, TV film The Queen And I, two episodes of Danny Boyle’s miniseries Pistol, and the leading role in Marian Quinn’s Twig, a modern retelling of Antigone set in inner-city Dublin.

10

Jason Patel

Multi-talented Jason garnered acclaim last summer for his breakout role in Unicorns, starring opposite Ben Hardy as Ashiq, a Muslim from Manchester who lives a double life in London as flamboyant drag queen Aysha. Also an avid musician, the Stalybridge-born and raised, theatretrained Jason released a five-track EP this year. Next, the BBC’s Bradfordbased crime drama Virdee will solidify his place on our screens.

8

Florence Hunt

With four years on Netflix’s mega blockbuster Bridgerton under her belt, playing the eighth Bridgerton sibling Hyacinth, Florence is assuredly here to stay. Her next project (and first film) is a more contemporary challenge: A Queen At Sea, playing the daughter of Juliette Binoche, who moves back to London in her concern her ageing mother.

Add her high-profile casting in the UKIreland-Australia adaptation of Jane Sanderson’s novel Mix Tape, and it is clear Hunt is well on her way.

11

Spike Fearn

Inspired by Jack O’Connell – who he had admired on Skins – Spike cut his teeth at Nottingham’s Television Workshop, and got his start in UK indie films such as Sweetheart and Aftersun. So Alien: Romulus was somewhat of a step change – as was a part in Ella McCay, a new American comedy by James L Brooks, where he joins a rich cast including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Rebecca Hall, Woody Harrelson and Ayo Edebiri.

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 155

Rising-Stars-V2-TD.indd 155

20/12/2024 17:06

Heirlooms Linens Exquisite designs in the finest fabrics for private homes and palaces

‘T

he past ten years? They’ve gone by in a flash! As a company we are always moving forward, so to think back doesn’t come naturally. What I will say is that I am hugely proud of us. I use the collective pronoun because Heirlooms is a team: there are 30 of us now, and each person contributes to our success.

Any then-and-now images would show our expansion, how styles and tastes have changed, and our evolving customer base. The core clients for our luxury linens were initially yacht companies and owners, but we now supply private residences, private jets and even palaces. To keep up with fashion trends, we have introduced new ranges. We have also built a healthy online business, selling to the public.

The other noticeable changes are in the absolute necessity for sustainability and technology. The first hasn’t affected the way we operate because sustainability has been central to our practices for a very long time – it’s why King Charles awarded us a Royal Warrant when he was Prince of Wales. The second has enabled us to boost productivity without compromising an iota of quality, nor switching suppliers. Our fabrics still come from the finest mills in Italy.

156 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Heirlooms-Linens-V2-TD.indd 156

20/12/2024 15:50

H —— GBB 2025

‘My hope is to create opportunities for young people and to have our next generation of custodians in place’ In the future, we want to continue building our reputation as a creative design company that manufactures linens, rather than just a fine linens brand. We also want to do more to preserve the skills that we – and others like us – need to carry on making products of this quality.

For us, the biggest challenges of the past ten years weren’t Covid or Brexit – because there were ways around both of those, and the problems they presented weren’t likely to endure. What I consider to be the biggest, most ongoing threat is the shortage of crucial skills. There aren’t enough people who can cut fabric, embroider, weave, and so on.

My answer is to bring youngsters who are studying textiles at school or college to our workshops – to introduce them to the team, show them what we do, and demonstrate how creatively and financially rewarding it can be. I hope this will inspire some of them to go into manufacturing.

My hope is to create more opportunities for young people. I have no plans to retire just yet, but when I do, I would like to have the next generation of Heirlooms’ custodians in place.’

Ruth Douglas, managing director Heirlooms Linens sources its fabrics from the finest Italian mills and received a Royal Warrant from King Charles when he was Prince of Wales

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

The US and Middle East are really the lands of opportunity. We already sell to both, but we hope to boost our market share considerably since there is a huge appetite for luxury products in those regions.

Building brand activity will also generate new opportunities. We are expanding our ranges, in particular our decorative cushion and bed cover collections, and launching new products, including practical travel kits comprising a pillow case and sheet.

3

Technological advances and fabric innovations will continue to play a key role in our industry. These will impact our business positively, and we will collaborate with our Italian weaving mills to help them work ever more sustainably and productively.

HEIRLOOMS LINENS 2 Arun Business Park, Bognor Regis West Sussex PO22 9SX +44 (0)1243 820252 heirlooms-linens.com heirloomslinens

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 157

Heirlooms-Linens-V2-TD.indd 157

20/12/2024 15:50

Helen Green Design Creating luxurious interiors with a very personal touch

‘O

urs is a very personal story about which I am passionate. Over the last ten years both the biggest challenge and achievement was re-establishing our brand after Helen Green’s passing 12 years ago, remaining connected to the past and the strong brand ethos and roots that Helen grew.

We found our feet again and headed into the future – the new Helen Green Studio – with a new creative direction, studio head and team. Helen’s inspiration is always with us – the studio is in the same place where she opened it and we sometimes joke that we can feel her spirit when things are falling off the shelves.

We work with many clients who were close personal friends of Helen. They still come back to us for design work and say beautiful things – “Helen would be proud” – which are incredibly moving for me to hear. Sometimes, they even call me “little Helen”.

It’s very much a personal business. I believe that we design homes, not houses. Those homes are mostly for families, very much tailored to their individual needs and requirements. To design a home well, we start by connecting through the personal touch: listening and asking questions as designers, understanding the 158 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Helen-Green-Design-V2-GT.indd 158

20/12/2024 15:50

H —— GBB 2025

‘It’s very much a personal business. I believe that we design homes, not houses’

Helen Green Design offers a highly desirable and versatile British aesthetic

client’s lifestyle and family history, reading between the lines as well as what is said openly, and crucially looking into how they see their future. With all these insights, we can then start to create somewhere which meets their needs as well as their wants, and where they will feel comfortable.

We joined Allect, a collective of boutique design studios; a British, family-run business, exactly as Helen and her family would want. Joining the group, with the support of the corporate model, has only made us better and more efficient at everything we do – it has stimulated our creativity. In 2021 we celebrated 20 years in the design business; naturally we are now preparing for 25 years, another remarkable milestone. From primarily operating in Central London, we are now taking the desirable and versatile British aesthetic much further afield – we’re lucky here to have so many historical houses providing such inspiration. It’s never intentional expansion, but our clients take us around the globe, and we just stay there. Our team is the right size, small enough to stay personal but with all the resources to build future growth through quality not quantity.’

Alexandra Jurkiewicz, studio director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Expanding our international presence: with growing opportunities in the US, we’re poised to bring our distinctive blend of timeless elegance and innovative design to new audiences, solidifying our status as a global leader in luxury interiors.

2

Super-prime residential developments: we’re embracing new and exciting opportunities to craft ultra-luxurious homes in some of the world’s most prestigious locations, setting fresh benchmarks in bespoke design for the most discerning clients.

3

Elevating sustainable luxury: our commitment to sustainability will continue to grow as we strive to redefine ultra-luxury through eco-conscious innovations, proving that exquisite design and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand and last for generations.

HELEN GREEN DESIGN STUDIO 29 Milner Street, London SW3 2QD +44 (0)20 7352 3344 helengreendesign.com hgdstudio

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 159

Helen-Green-Design-V2-GT.indd 159

20/12/2024 15:50

GBB 2025 —— H

Holland & Holland Perfecting the art of shooting since 1835

‘A

s we mark our 190th anniversary this year, we reflect on our storied brand’s evolution over the last decade. Founders Harris Holland and his nephew Henry are remembered as true pioneers and game-changers in the gun trade.

Innovation remains as fundamental to the company today as it was some 200 years ago: witness, for example, our new progressive colouring technique, providing unique, industry-leading shading for the engraved canvases of clients’ guns.

This past decade has built on our achievements. Perhaps our most important milestone is the Royal Warrant graciously awarded by His Majesty King Charles, an honour also bestowed when he was Prince of Wales and by his late father before him.

Our first new gun in over 20 years, the Noble, was introduced in 2023 to great acclaim. Due to the rarity of our art, success isn’t measured in an instant; we do not deal in mass-production, so must reflect over a much longer timescale. The Noble’s success may only truly be judged in another decade, perhaps at our bicentenary in 2035.

Our recently relaunched clothing and accessories collection continues to gain recognition for quality and authenticity.

Sourcing from artisan suppliers across the UK, we preserve traditional techniques and support local communities. The success of the 2023 and 2024 collections gives us confidence that demand for natural materials woven with luxury and performance will continue to accelerate this year and beyond.

Our shooting grounds in Northwood, We have an exciting boasting a fine-dining restaurant and fireside automotive collaboration lounge serving seasonal British produce, is in the works. Launching increasingly popular for individuals and later this year, this new icon is destined to set an exceptional groups for a day’s clay-pigeon shooting, or standard for both car and fieldindoor and outdoor rifle shooting. sports enthusiasts alike.

From the vantage of 200 years, I believe the last decade will be seen as one of We will launch the Holland & Holland Sporting transition into a new era for Holland & Agency – a concierge Holland, with many external changes: in the style approach providing an legislative and political aspects of hunting unparalleled level of service and and shooting; in popular movements expertise, with clients able to towards vegetarianism and veganism; tailor sporting packages down to the smallest detail with our and in gun ownership. With the pandemic dedicated team. and Brexit too, it’s been a complex period.

Fortunately, the company’s long-term We will debut a new rifle in strength and innovative mindset are resilient.

2025, ushering in a new era of rifles for Holland & Holland The support of discerning clients, the wider that fuses cutting-edge tech and industry and fellow heritage brands inspire traditional craftsmanship. optimism and confidence for decades ahead.

As demand surpasses production, our role as brand custodians is to ensure our HOLLAND & HOLLAND 36 St James’s Street pioneering spirit and the specialist skills of London SW1A 1JD talented artisans remain as fundamental to +44 (0)20 7499 4411 our future as they are to our rich past.’ hollandandholland.com

Holland & Holland continues to innovate in gun craftmanship, while also hosting sporting days at its shooting grounds in Northwood

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

2

3

hollandandholland1835

Michael Ray-Jones, head of marketing

160 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Holland-&-Holland-V2-TD.indd 160

20/12/2024 15:51

‘Innovation remains as fundamental to the company today as it was some 200 years ago’

Holland-&-Holland-V2-TD.indd 161

20/12/2024 15:52

GBB 2025 —— H

Holland Cooper Turning timeless tailoring into a global lifestyle brand

‘O

pening both flagship stores – at Bicester Village and Dowdeswell Park – was an important turning point for the business in being able to showcase the brand in a physical aspect and offer something very special in terms of customer experience. Another real success is customer retention. It’s lovely to see clients go on a journey with us and loving the product. Our clothes being worn by the Princess of Wales is definitely up there as one of our achievements.

We’ve seen significant growth over the past decade, particularly in terms of e-commerce. Breaking through profit thresholds of £5m and then £10m, £20m, £30m and £40m are milestones that don’t go unnoticed. In 2024, we celebrated our 15th anniversary with a fabulous campaign that really showcased who we are and leans into that heritage look and feel.

With growth comes the challenge of upholding the creative vision. It takes a lot of time and energy to understand what the narrative is, alongside running the operational and financial sides. On top of that, you are growing themes and inspiring people and trying to bring them on the journey. Ultimately, that can only come from Export. We’ve just launched you. Then you deliver that vision to people our US website, the first piece along the chain and ask them to fly the flag. of the pie. It would be nice to Everything has changed over the past replicate what we’ve done in the UK over there, and start becoming 15 years. Tailoring, of course, remains at a global luxury brand.

Holland Cooper’s core, but today the scale and product mix is very different. In fact, Menswear is a big there aren’t many product areas we’re not opportunity for Holland Cooper. We have only covering – we have broken into homeware, released a small amount to date. childrenswear and menswear. If you’re not I would like to see what we’ve changing, you’re not evolving, so we have done in womenswear translated become accustomed to change. Even within into menswear, and for the same one year, things can change enormously. thing to happen with our childrenswear.

Now we’ve chosen which product areas we’d like to include in the business, Continuing to do what we it’s about perfecting those products and do well, which is owning understanding, for example, what footwear those classics, creating product that people want, and works for Holland Cooper in five years, or not deviating away from what has what menswear is going to look like. It is made us successful. I’d like more about establishing ourselves as a lifestyle eyes on the business while staying brand in a global capacity, as opposed to true to who we are. just being a clothing company selling at country shows. The biggest challenge will be getting the product and the narrative as HOLLAND COOPER clear as possible. I’m clear on what that looks Cotswold House like, but there are always curveballs you’re The Barlands, London Road Charlton Kings not expecting. I don’t like to dwell on that: Cheltenham GL52 6UT I want to get moving on where we’re going +44 (0)1608 658063 and keep pushing forward.’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Holland Cooper celebrated its 15th anniversay in 2024 with a campaign that leans into its heritage look

2

3

hollandcooper.com hollandcooperclothing jadehollandcooper

Jade Holland Cooper, founder and managing director

162 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Holland-Cooper-V3-GT.indd 162

20/12/2024 15:52

‘We have broken into homeware, childrenswear, menswear. If you’re not changing, you’re not evolving’

Holland-Cooper-V3-GT.indd 163

20/12/2024 15:52

GBB 2025 —— H

The House of Bruar Scottish clothing and gifts.

A destination store in Perthshire

‘T

en years ago, we were fundamentally a retail company with a mail order catalogue division – but in the last decade, our direct shopping channels and digital marketing has grown enormously. Sales are no longer based on how many names you’ve got in your database: there is the opportunity to reach different markets through algorithms and social media. During Covid, so many brands popped up overnight whose model was to be global within five years, but one of our biggest goals has always been to grow the company organically. Last autumn was the first time we actively advertised outside Britain – and that was after 28 years in business.

Our bricks-and-mortar store is always evolving as a destination and remains the cornerstone of what we do. The most significant change in recent years has been upscaling our menswear department: we went from a space of around 4,000 sq/ft to 19,000 sq/ft. We’ve also opened a fish and chip shop, a specialist whisky shop, and expanded ladieswear.

It has become ever-more critical to make the act of shopping an experience. We’re forever pushing ourselves to create a sense of theatre – whether it’s putting Land Rovers in menswear or building grouse hides out of stone sourced from the moorlands that surround our highland home.

Year on year, there are always challenges. Trading through Covid was an incredible team achievement.

The Scottish government actively supported online businesses so we still had people working in the offices, at the required social distance, but closing our retail site to the public was extremely painful.

We turned the food hall into a local home delivery service, and teams clubbed together to keep the wheels turning. We all supported each other. When we reopened the doors on 29 June 2020 after the first lockdown, it was such a memorable moment.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’ll be launching a new retail concept to tie in with our 30th anniversary celebrations. What’s also incredibly important to us – and will remain important in the future – is that the clothing we design and the gifts we select for the store don’t follow fashion. We design what we believe our customers are going to enjoy buying while remaining true to our brand, and that means pieces which are made from natural materials. Not only is it sustainable and supportive of Scottish manufacturers but also British mills. We still buy British and we always will.’

The House of Bruar has opened specialist whisky and fish and chip shops at its retail site, and greatly expanded its men’s and womenswear offering

Patrick Birkbeck, managing director, and Tom Birkbeck, creative director 164 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

House-of-Bruar-V5-TD.indd 164

20/12/2024 21:12

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Direct shopping channels.

How that unfolds and grows in the US and across the rest of the world, we’ll have to wait and see – but it could be extremely significant in the next ten years.

2

Continuing to support Scottish tourism and Scottish industry by being a destination that offers something customers can’t find elsewhere. We also source produce locally for our food hall and have clothes manufacturers in Glasgow and the Scottish Borders.

3

Personal connection. There’s going to be an enormous amount of AI going forwards and we need to be the antithesis of that, with face-to-face experiences in store and real people offering customer service on the phone.

THE HOUSE OF BRUAR

By Blair Atholl Pitlochry, Perthshire PH18 5TW +44 (0)1796 483236 houseofbruar.com thehouseofbruar

‘Our bricks-and-mortar store is always evolving as a destination and remains the cornerstone of what we do’

House-of-Bruar-V5-TD.indd 165

20/12/2024 15:53

Iconic Luxury Hotels Distinctive properties in London, the countryside and overseas, led by inspiring hoteliers

‘I

conic was born as a brand in January 2017, although the bones were there from 2012 when we added Cliveden to our mothership, Chewton Glen.

That was also the beginning of Chewton Glen’s reinvention, introducing treehouses, families and a casual all-day restaurant, The Kitchen, with James Martin. Suddenly we were back in the limelight.

Significant expansion came in 2016 when we bought the Lygon Arms, and were approached by Cadogan Estate to run 11 Cadogan Gardens. So, by January 2017 I was advocating that we create a brand to harmonise what we do best, building a common spirit, while recognising that the properties are an eclectic mix, steeped in history, each with its own authentic story.

We also needed to establish ourselves as a great employer brand, as it’s increasingly hard to find good people, especially without wonderful European talent.

We launched The Mayfair Townhouse in December 2020, giving us more hotel rooms in London than the countryside. This we treat as a townhouse rather than a hotel, with five-star linens, a great bar and breakfast – the only things most people want while in London.

We’ve also taken on a management contract for The Chelsea Townhouse, formerly the Draycott.

Our guests like the fact that we’re not a cookie 166 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Iconic-Luxury-Hotels-V5-MBGT.indd 166

20/12/2024 15:54

I —— GBB 2025

‘Our succession planning is improved because we’re able to promote people we’ve invested in. This is key to our future success’

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The pool at Chewton Glen; afternoon tea at Cliveden House; The Dandy Bar at The Mayfair Townhouse; bedroom at The Chelsea Townhouse

cutter experience – it’s different at each property but with the Iconic stamp of quality – a bit like Relais & Chateaux. Today, our brand has awareness and loyalty in the market, though we sell very softly with our Iconic magazine and newsletter.

We employ a thousand people, and my goal has always been to ensure that we develop our managers and give everyone a great boss. One industry problem is that it’s easy to get promoted, but takes a long time to learn effective leadership. We run an inspiring two-day leadership conference every year, with TED Talks speakers or sporting leaders like Sir Clive Woodward. Our succession planning is improved because we’re able to promote people we’ve invested in. This is key to our future success.

Technology undoubtedly has its place in hospitality as AI helps us understand people’s preferences; but most of our guests look for personalised interactions and recommendations on how to explore, immerse in nature, feel relaxed, energised and educated. We need to be chameleons, adapting between more formal, special occasions and the more casual approach.

This is truly bespoke luxury service. And I think that’s the future.’

Andrew Stembridge, executive director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

As our flagship property Chewton Glen approaches its 60th anniversary, we are introducing enhancements that will continue to guarantee its place as one of the best country house hotels in the UK, for decades to come.

2 3

2025 sees the launch of the new Iconic Road Trip, which will link all the hotels in our UK collection and provide guests with an exciting array of experiences and bespoke tours.

Iconic Luxury Hotels introduces Palm House Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, our eighth property and first in the US. ILH continues its international expansion following the inclusion of Hotel Excelsior in Venice.

ICONIC LUXURY HOTELS Chewton Glen, Christchurch Road, New Milton Hampshire BH25 6QS +44 (0)1425 275341 iconicluxuryhotels.com iconicluxuryhotels

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 167

Iconic-Luxury-Hotels-V5-MBGT.indd 167

20/12/2024 15:54

GBB 2025 —— I

INEOS Grenadier New rugged British off-roader fusing tradition and modern design

‘T

he INEOS Grenadier is the brainchild of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, industrialist, the chairman of INEOS and one of Britain’s wealthiest men. The idea of creating a new off-road 4x4 from scratch was first mooted in 2016 over a drink in The Grenadier, a pub in central London. Earlier that year the legendary Land Rover Defender had ceased production leaving, in Sir Jim’s view, a gap in the market. At that time there were many capable off-roaders but they had become softer, less mechanical and more focused on technology. The back-of-a-beer-mat plan postulated three essential criteria for the new car: off-road capability, cool looks, and a high degree of durability and reliability.

Sir Jim is an enthusiast of 4x4s and owns the first production Land Rover from 1948, among many other models from yesteryear. He likes visiting the remotest, most untouched corners of the world, trips that demand a durable vehicle which is fixable in the field. In 2023, he drove his 1948 Land Rover, restored and fully functional, across the Gobi desert.

With the idea hatched, the next stage was to build a team capable of turning the dream into reality. Creating a new car marque from scratch is a formidable task, one rarely achieved as the barriers to entry, among them financial and regulatory, are huge. That the Grenadier has succeeded in coming to market is testament to Sir Jim’s grit, determination and financial muscle. It couldn’t have been achieved without him.

In December 2019, we launched a partnership with Magna Steyr, a well-known Austrian automotive engineering consultancy. The next step was to acquire a factory; we were offered one at Hambach on the French-German border. The Grenadier’s exterior design was unveiled in July 2020, revealing the vehicle’s retro, boxy look with a wheel at each corner to maximise space, off-road geometry and good visibility.

The first Grenadiers rolled off the production line in October 2022.

The Grenadier is marketed under a half-British, half-German flag, representing the marriage of British business acumen and German engineering expertise. To date, the Grenadier has launched in 50 countries. We opened in the US in autumn 2023 which has quickly become our biggest single market by some distance. Americans like the Grenadier’s rugged look, its quintessentially British background and the fact that they are getting a lot of car for their money.

The Grenadier name sums the car up: smart, tough, reliable and very British.’

Sir Jim Ratcliffe (below) came up with the idea of a new 4x4 marque over a drink in The Grenadier pub in 2016

Lynn Calder, CEO 168 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

INEOS-Grenadier-V5-MB.indd 168

20/12/2024 15:54

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Arcane Works, a sub-brand which allows customers to put their stamp on limitedrun individualised vehicles, showcasing crafted elements and exclusive content, is now active.

2

An electrified 4x4 named Fusilier. It’s a different car to the Grenadier, although it shares much of its core DNA, but it will be the most capable battery electric off-roader on the market.

3

INEOS has capacity to build over 30,000 Grenadiers a year at Hambach, with space to add a third shift and plans for a whole family of 4x4s over the coming years.

INEOS GRENADIER +44 (0)800 0853847 ineosgrenadier.com ineos_grenadier

‘The Grenadier represents the marriage of British business and German engineering’

INEOS-Grenadier-V5-MB.indd 169

20/12/2024 15:54

GBB 2025 —— I

The Isle of Man A UNESCO Biosphere nation with a community-led, eco-minded vision

‘O

ften, there’s little known about the Isle of Man other than the fact that the famous TT road race happens here. I always encourage people to visit. No one can believe how much open space there is. If you love an outdoor lifestyle, it’s paradise; from mountain biking to walking in the countryside or kayaking along our stunning coastline, the island has so much to offer. Our heritage is shaped by Celtic roots and for a small nation, we punch well above our weight in arts and culture. We have produced several successful sportspeople, including Olympian cyclist Sir Mark Cavendish and world eventing champion Yasmin Ingham.

Many people have the impression that living on an island means fewer opportunities but I try to dispel that notion. We’re not a glitzy, glamorous kind of place: we’re authentic. We aren’t remote either, with London only one hour by plane. I work for Locate Isle of Man, which is part of the Department for Enterprise within the Isle of Man Government. Everything we do relates to attracting and welcoming new residents, whether that’s addressing a particular skills gap or providing concierge services to HNWIs. We have

Isle-of-Man-V8-GT.indd 170

Alison Teare (pictured) says the Isle of Man has something for absolutely everyone – and is a great place for British brands to relocate to

20/12/2024 15:55

The Isle of Man is a special place to live, work and thrive, and our role is to raise awareness of that many conversations with those considering relocating and who might be seeking a different way of life – we can help with any practical requirements on that journey.

We are one of the safest places in the British Isles and our people and community are at the heart of everything we do. The pandemic was a challenge but everyone pulled together and we were quick to respond, closely controlling movement on and off the island. For nearly a decade, we have been the only whole nation UNESCO Biosphere in the world. Residents embrace our unique status, having realised how it links with their approach to business and lifestyle.

As well as being hopeful of renewing our UNESCO Biosphere status in 2026, initiatives that I think will grow in the years ahead include a blue carbon project, sustainable finance and clean technology. The Isle of Man is a special place to live, work and thrive, and our role is to raise awareness of everything it offers individuals and businesses alike. We take pride in our nation and, with a secure, vibrant, and sustainable foundation at its core, there’s so much we can do to build on this in the future.’

Alison Teare, head of Locate Isle of Man

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

Continuing to celebrate our unique UNESCO Biosphere status, helping to grow our economy in innovative and sustainable ways, and supporting our people and planet.

On the Isle of Man, we adapt quickly to business opportunities. We’re looking forward to seeing more individuals and companies grow in our established and emerging sectors, including high end engineering and manufacturing, cleantech, sustainable finance and AI.

3

We are also an excellent choice for British brands seeking relocation who want to leverage our supportive business environment and strategic location. We will continue to raise awareness, so that more people have the opportunity to consider the Isle of Man in the future.

LOCATE ISLE OF MAN St George’s Court, Douglas, Isle of Man locate.im locateisleofman COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 171

Isle-of-Man-V8-GT.indd 171

20/12/2024 15:55

GBB 2025 —— GRATITUDE

BE MORE

ZENO It is control, perspective and gratitude that will save you from bitterness and anger. These are the valuable lessons that Andy Coulson has learnt both from his own crisis and from speaking to others who have faced unutterable challenges ILLUSTRATION BY ANA YAEL

172 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Andy-Coulson-V2-PB-KB-edits.indd 172

20/12/2024 15:42

You may not be able to control your circumstances, but you can control how you react to them

Andy-Coulson-V2-PB-KB-edits.indd 173

20/12/2024 15:43

GBB 2025 —— GRATITUDE

here is nothing more useless – emotionally, strategically or tactically – than a self-appointed victim.

It’s a lesson I learned the hard way, through literal trial and error, 12 years ago. In the space of 24 months I’d gone from sitting in the US President’s helicopter Marine One with Barack Obama on one side and David Cameron on the other, to sitting on a plastic mattress in a Scottish police cell built for terrorists.

At that point my life was unravelling pretty quickly. Much like the laces that were removed from my shoes ‘just in case’ I found another use for them. As I sat there, I realised that I had totally lost control of my life and that it had become officially absurd. That day is not an experience I would wish on anyone, but I can now look back on 30 May 2012 as a turning point that can only be described as life-changing.

After many months of struggling – and failing – to keep control of a life that was going only backwards, I decided in that moment to accept what was happening to me. Not to give up, angry and bitter, but give in to the fact that I couldn’t change its course.

I realised that although I had absolutely no control of that day, or what would happen in the days and, as it turned out, weeks, months and years ahead, I did have total, absolute control of how I would feel about it. Control over how I would react.

And it’s a decision that has helped me find a way back from my failures to a professional and personal life that is happier, more productive and, I hope, more useful to others than it ever was before.

As an adviser I now put my experience – the good and bad – to work on behalf of my clients as they navigate their way through their own professional and personal challenges.

And in my podcast Crisis What Crisis? I share the lessons of others who have survived and thrived through difficulties – almost all far in excess of anything I have experienced.

Control is a central theme in so many of those conversations, but there are other lessons, too, that are useful to those whose lives are unravelling through failure or crisis, or both.

Dr Rachel Clarke is a dedicated palliative care doctor, a passionate NHS advocate and bestselling author. In our conversation Rachel helped me better understand how perspective is everything. Rachel spends her working days in the close company of those who know that their lives are soon to come to an end. It is, she says, a profoundly privileged role. And it’s also one that has demonstrated the powerful and valuable perspective of the dying.

As Rachel puts it: ‘For all the distress and grief that there is in a hospice, you see the absolute best qualities of human beings in abundance. You see more of the beautiful good stuff, so I take that psychologically kind of with me when I leave at the end of the day.’

Sarah de Lagarde was another guest with lessons to share. Sarah fell between the platform and a London tube train on a wet evening in September 2022. She lay unseen on the tracks and was hit by two trains, losing her right arm and leg.

In the telling of this story one word dominated – gratitude.

Sarah told me: ‘I think once you know what it feels like to die... And the fact that I didn’t, gave me so much gratitude. This was a really, really close call and yet I’m still here, I made it. I have been given a second chance and that’s amazing.’

Sarah’s ‘gratitude is the attitude’ approach even extended to her lost limbs. She told me: ‘One of the exercises that I was asked to do was to thank my right arm and my right leg for their sacrifice. Because I was saved. And I should be thankful to those limbs because they allowed me to survive. So, I said goodbye and thank you for your service.’

David Holmes, the former Harry Potter stunt double, has a clear and valuable view on what sits on the other side of the gratitude coin. Bitterness.

He was left permanently paralysed from the chest down when a stunt rehearsal on the set of the first Deathly Hallows film went horribly wrong, fracturing his neck.

David told me: ‘By holding onto hate and blame, the person you hurt the most is yourself. You know, bad things happen to people and normally it’s good people they happen to. I decided to take the view that I am having a unique journey on this planet – and I’m going to own it.’

It is these attributes, control, perspective, gratitude and the avoidance of bitterness, that help us build the armoury of resilience that we all need to manage the everyday stresses and inevitable dramas of life.

None of this is new, of course.

Stoicism is the philosophy that predates Christianity and that has an interesting origin. When its creator, Zeno of Citium, sat with his special advisers in the third century BC pondering what they should call this new approach, some bright spark (who obviously knew how to manage up) suggested Zenoism.

Zeno later decided he couldn’t call it Zenoism because, in short, he decided (unlike so many of our modern leaders) that it wasn’t all about him. That in fact the answers to most problems begin with looking beyond yourself.

So Zenoism became Stoicism – named instead after the Stoa, or platform, in Athens where the Stoics would meet to discuss their ideas.

It’s only by looking beyond yourself – or ‘being a bit more Zeno’ – that you will begin to find a way to solve your problem or maximise the opportunity that is for some reason beyond your grasp. And if you can appreciate your actual place in the world, understand that what is happening to you is real, surrender control of the things you can’t influence and focus on the things that you can, then a positive way forward will be possible and the hard yards of recovery can begin. It is the self-absorbed, the angry and the ungrateful who will fail when crisis or failure comes calling.

‘IT’S A LESSON I LEARNED THE HARD WAY. IN THE SPACE OF 24 MONTHS I’D GONE FROM SITTING IN THE US PRESIDENT’S HELICOPTER, MARINE ONE, WITH BARACK OBAMA TO SITTING ON A PLASTIC MATTRESS IN A SCOTTISH POLICE CELL BUILT FOR TERRORISTS’

Andy Coulson is the founder of strategic advisers Coulson Partners and host of the Crisis What Crisis? podcast. n

174 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Andy-Coulson-V2-PB-KB-edits.indd 174

20/12/2024 15:43

GBB 2025

JAMES PURDEY & SONS 176 JO MALONE LONDON 178 JOSEPH CHEANEY & SONS 180 JULIETTE BYRNE 182 KATHARINE POOLEY 184 KNOWLES 186

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 175

Openers-V2-TD.indd 175

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— J

James Purdey & Sons Long-established traditional English gunmaker

‘J

ames Purdey & Sons is a famous English gunmaker with a long and illustrious history. The company, founded in 1814, still does what it did 210 years ago, which is to make the finest quality shotguns in the world. It has occupied the same premises in South Audley Street since 1883 and has been honoured to hold Royal Warrants continuously since 1868. Since 1994, Purdey has been owned by Richemont, which is committed to the protection and preservation of traditional British craftsmanship.

All Purdey’s guns are hand made in its factory in West London, rebuilt in 2014 to mark the company’s bicentenary. Producing these beautiful, exquisitely engineered objects is a painstaking process: a Purdey over-and-under sidelock shotgun takes more than 1,200 man-hours to make. In all, the company produces fewer than 100 guns a year and the lead time for delivery of a Purdey gun can be up to two-and-a-half years.

Throughout its long history, Purdey has remained innovative: the guns and their actions have been constantly improved as gunmaking know-how has advanced, and this remains true today. For example in 2008, the Purdey Sporter made its debut, a shotgun for the modern sportsman which combined the latest technology with traditional gunmaking. Likewise, in 2017 the company introduced its new bolt-action rifle with a titanium chassis in the stock to improve accuracy. Fashions in shooting change, too. Today, two-thirds of Purdey’s production is over-and-under shotguns and one-third side-by-side, whereas 50 years ago it would have been 90 percent side-by-side guns.

Gunmaking aside, Purdey has three other strands to its business, each related to the world of shooting.

The first is the clothing business, which itself has three identifiable components. There is sporting clothing, which consists of the traditional British field coats for which Purdey is well known, and technical clothing, which provides the best waterproof kit for the field.

Then there is lifestyle clothing, which includes tweeds, knits, natural colours and materials, designed to be worn in town or in the country. We’ve really focussed on getting our clothing up to a level that matches our gunmaking for quality and reputation and I think we’ve made enormous inroads here.

Then there is Purdey’s sporting agency, which provides clients with access to the very best shooting in Britain and abroad, and the final element is the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, which we acquired in 2018.’

Dan Jago, chairman and CEO

James Purdey & Sons has constantly innovated throughout its illustrious 210-year history

176 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

James-Purdey-Sons-V2-GT.indd 176

20/12/2024 15:56

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We hold our annual Purdey Awards for Game & Conservation in February, rewarding and recognising the outstanding conservation work being carried out across Britain, while also promoting wider ecological awareness.

2

We are creating several new Purdey tweeds, inspired by the founding family. These will be made into collectable pieces, designed to be cherished through generations, an opportunity that will continue to evolve.

3

Purdey at the Royal Berkshire will be relaunched as a best-of-British countryside destination: experience our shooting grounds, enjoy our members’ lounge with friends, plus exceptional corporate and charity days and a new retail space for 2025.

JAMES PURDEY & SONS 57-58 South Audley St London W1K 2ED +44 (0)20 7499 1801 purdey.com jamespurdeyandsons

‘Gunmaking aside, Purdey has three other strands to its business, including clothing’

James-Purdey-Sons-V2-GT.indd 177

20/12/2024 15:56

GBB 2025 —— J

Jo Malone London A global fragrance brand with a British touch

‘A

t Jo Malone London, everything we do is permeated with a distinctive British wit and simple elegance. Almost all our products are made in the UK, with British stories being our constant muse. Last year alone saw two major launches that spoke to our British sensibility. The Just Because campaign around gifting, which featured Paddington™, tapped into the nostalgia of our customers. The much-loved character has huge crossgenerational appeal. The response was incredible, particularly in the Asia-Pacific territories. We also launched a campaign with actor Tom Hardy that spoke straight to men with a more masculine scent, Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense. Talking directly to men was a brand first and is a real focus for us.

The growth of the fragrance category has been pivotal to our success, along with local knowledge.

Ten years ago, Jo Malone London was relatively niche: now we’re a global player with scent authority. We’ve had to think about how we deliver quality at scale, retain desirability and uniqueness. Our strength has always been the diversity of our fragrances. A decade ago, most people had one or two fragrances; now it ranges from five to ten. This breadth means we can be a number of those.

The joy of Jo Malone London is that our fragrances are made to be layered, so scents can still be individual to the customer. During Covid, our advantage was being global: we could see that consumers were switching to buying home products. It was an early signal that allowed us to work with our supply chain to manage the uplift in demand. Fragrance is the largest part of our business but we are the leader in home: we have five of the top ten home fragrances in the world. Developing a home candle is an extensive process to ensure top quality. For instance, when someone lights a candle, we want to ensure that the initial scent is the same as the last burn.

We’re known for Christmas gifting but we want to be synonymous with everyday gifting...

Just Because.’

Jo Dancey, global brand president

‘At Jo Malone London, everything we do is permeated with a distinctive British wit and simple elegance’ 178 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Jo-Malone-V5-GT.indd 178

20/12/2024 20:48

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

New store openings. We are a retail brand at heart but how we deliver that has shifted to reflect consumer choice. We plan to bring the brand experience closer to consumers in market towns.

2

Our British roots. A love for UK landscapes and eccentricity runs through all we do. There is no place like home.

We want to continue to play on the joy of what it means to be British through products, campaigns and experiences.

3

Home scenting. We are gaining significant share within ultra-luxe home fragrances and will amplify our olfactive storytelling, focusing on mood-boosting benefits that consumers crave through product launches.

JO MALONE LONDON 101 Regent Street London W1B 4EZ +44 (0)370 192 5021 jomalone.co.uk jomalonelondon

British wit, sensibility and elegance are what provides inspiration for Jo Malone London

Jo-Malone-V5-GT.indd 179

20/12/2024 20:49

GBB 2025 —— J

Joseph Cheaney & Sons Highly-skilled English shoemaker with contemporary spirit

‘F

ifteen years ago, my cousin and I completed a management buyout of Joseph Cheaney & Sons from the Church shoe group, which was owned by Prada. Essentially, we bought a factory with 100 people making great shoes but there weren’t any shops. Over the last decade, the biggest strategic achievement for the business has been to grow that store network. Now we have 11 shops, including our new Bond Street flagship. Dovetailing that is the advent of online retail, which is equally critical. Really, it’s about controlling distribution. One of the problems of only wholesaling to other retailers is that you never meet the consumer and it’s important to have that connection. Through the physical stores and digital space, we’re able to sell direct which means we choose how to present our product and share the story of our heritage.

Another reason for being grateful that we’ve built our own retail and online presence is because the wholesale landscape is changing, especially in terms of department stores disappearing. Our shoes are made in England and it’s a very labourintensive, technical process, so one perpetual challenge is maintaining our skill base at the level it needs to be. Of course, there are also macroeconomic considerations that we can’t control.

The biggest one for us is the Japanese yen. We export a lot to Japan – as a country, they love heritage, craft-based premium footwear – but the yen is so weak now that prices are up 20 percent in the last 18 months just on the exchange rate alone.

As a Goodyear welted shoe manufacturer, our style is formal and classic, although we embody a contemporary spirit around that. The reality is that over the last five years, even predating Covid, footwear markets have become more casual and sneaker-led. Fashion is cyclical and I think that as that pendulum swings back, people will want more structured footwear again. If you look at some of the collections at the big fashion houses, it’s already starting to happen. When we bought the brand, for the first few years we were riding the crest of a wave where everyone wanted products made in England. Being eternally optimistic, I’m sure that wave will come back. There aren’t many British manufacturers left but it is still a vibrant market and as our brand progresses, we will continue to be ever-more dependent on our own distribution channels.’

Making beautiful Goodyear welted footwear is a very technical, labour-intensive process

William Church, co-managing director 180 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Joseph-Cheaney-Sons-V3-PB.indd 180

20/12/2024 15:58

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Increasing our network of stores, both in the UK and internationally. There are opportunities to open spaces globally that we want to explore.

More bricks and mortar stores are good for the brand because they allow us to tell our own story.

2

Collaborations with likeminded businesses that celebrate craftsmanship, such as our 2024 Cheaney x Brompton x Bremont partnership.

For that, we developed a limitededition boot, a bike and a watch, all tri-branded and using the same materials in different ways.

3

Combining our timehonoured boot-making heritage with impactful technical advancements to push the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship, especially in our water-resistant Veldschoen boots.

JOSEPH CHEANEY & SONS 69 Rushton Road, Desborough, Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 2RR +44 (0)1536 760383 cheaney.co.uk josephcheaney

‘The biggest strategic achievement has been to grow our store network to 11 shops, including the Bond Street flagship’

Joseph-Cheaney-Sons-V3-PB.indd 181

20/12/2024 15:58

Juliette Byrne The interior design studio with you every step of the way

‘W

e offer a very individual and bespoke design service. Attention to detail is our driving force.

We can take a project from unmodernised right through to completed with fresh flowers on the table and champagne in the fridge. It is great for people who are short of time, and just want a designer to run with the project.

Looking back over the past decade, the biggest change is how much time people are putting into finding a property and their home renovations. With the recent increase in costs, buying a house is a much bigger commitment, and people are staying in their homes longer. They want to maximise the space.

People are entertaining at home a lot more and using their garden. We’re therefore busy putting in electric awnings, heaters, outdoor lighting and barbecue areas.

People now value their homes more as homes; after Covid, many of us reassessed what we wanted from life.

Alongside high-end residential projects in London, we’ve just completed a West Sussex manor house. We’ve also launched a range of bespoke designer rugs, created from upcycled fishing nets from oceans in the Far East, in collaboration with rug maker Matthew Wailes. These rugs are a great mid-price point, for those clients working to a more modest budget.

182 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Juliette-Byrne-V3-TD.indd 182

20/12/2024 15:59

J —— GBB 2025

‘Alongside high-end residential projects in London, we’ve just completed a West Sussex manor house’

Juliette Byrne’s studio works on residential projects in the UK and Europe and this year launches a new furniture collection

We were thrilled to win Best European Project at the Design Et Al awards 2024 for a full restoration of an 18th-century merchant’s house in Dresden. Lots of designers have pulled out of Europe due to customs tariffs. Obviously it’s more challenging working there now, but we’re pushing through and really enjoying it.

We have moved to the Chelsea Design Quarter – daunting, but our new location has given the company a real boost. Many of our suppliers are based there and it’s become a real design destination.

We offer shopping trips with our clients where we spend the day going from supplier to supplier. These companies are now all around our offices, so we can do a one-stop shop.

This year, we’re launching a furniture collection based on our bespoke designs, which have proved to be in-demand from clients. This includes a wonderful marble-topped and textured-framed dressing table range, an organic-shaped curved sofa collection manufactured by Robert Langford, and some new lighting products. Other than that, we want to continue to work on high-end interiors and offer the very best service.’

Juliette Byrne, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We want to develop our JB furniture collection.

By creating these individual pieces, clients can have them tailored to coordinate with their interiors and create unique items that will last a lifetime and fly the flag for British quality and style.

2

Europe is an expanding market for us. Using our expertise and contacts on the continent enables us to curate a professional team of contractors and craftspeople who ensure that projects are within budget and completed to an award-winning standard.

3

We want to continue to exhibit at Decorex. It is a great place for making connections and exploring collaborations. Our priority is to support the design industry and encourage clients to buy British and support our talented manufacturers and craftspeople.

JULIETTE BYRNE The Plaza, Unit 3.20, 535 King’s Road, London SW10 0SZ +44 (0)20 7352 1553 juliettebyrne.com juliettebyrneltd

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 183

Juliette-Byrne-V3-TD.indd 183

20/12/2024 15:59

Katharine Pooley Creating exquisitely crafted interiors with comfort and beauty at their heart

PHOTOS: NICO WILLS, KATE MARTIN

‘I

n 2025 we celebrate our 21st birthday and, looking back 21 years, the biggest shift I’ve witnessed has been the increase in demand for bespoke design. As creatives, it’s now imperative to create one-of-a-kind designs, exceeding our clients’ expectations in terms of originality.

As the demand rises, I keep asking exactly what defines luxury. It’s seeing your treasured accessories displayed beautifully within an ordered, calm dressing room or stepping straight into the shower after a massage. Ultimately, luxury means exceptional comfort and ease, which is what my clients look for in a home.

I was delighted to be named British Designer of the Decade at the International Design Awards, but a more recent highlight has to be the complete renovation of the Château de la Croix des Gardes, the South of France’s largest private residence. It took four years and the work of over 265 craftsmen and artisans under my direction. With everything in it bespoke, it was a big endeavour but a joy to see life breathed back into such a beautiful, historic property. So many notable individuals and businesses have stayed and performed there since, from Leonardo DiCaprio and Andrea Bocelli to charitable organisations and jewellery houses such as Chopard.

I’m also proud of having built a really solid studio of 50 architects and interior designers, many who’ve been with us 184 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Katharine-Pooley-V4-GT.indd 184

20/12/2024 17:07

K —— GBB 2025

‘We have exciting projects on the horizon in Sardinia, Paris, Aspen, Dallas, Bermuda, Hong Kong, Mallorca, New York and Dubai’

Katharine Pooley (above) suggests luxury for her clients means calm, comfort and originality

over a decade. I feel so lucky to have such a trusted team and it allows me to give them autonomy – so I’m free to focus completely on the designs and our clients.

Creating my previous book with Assouline was a pleasure and I can’t wait to finish the next one about the Château. I’m also planning one on tablescaping, which I absolutely love.

While so much retail has moved into the digital space, I still have my shop on Walton Street, which was my starting point. This year, we’ll be launching a collection of beautiful woollen home accessories with Johnstons of Elgin. As an ambassador for the Wool Campaign, it’s wonderful to be collaborating with such a fantastic heritage brand.

As we celebrate 21 years, I’m very happy with where we are. We have achieved so much, but there are plenty more exciting projects on the horizon – in Sardinia, Paris, Aspen, Dallas, Bermuda, Hong Kong, Mallorca, New York and Dubai (to name just a few) and I’m really looking forward to putting the finishing touches in place for our designs there.’

Katharine Pooley, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

This summer we will complete a 50,000 sq/ft architecturally groundbreaking villa in Sardinia. Set within two acres of lush coastal gardens, the interior design is inspired by the surrounding landscape, including elements of sand, sea and the raw beauty of nature.

2

Our US clients adore British and European craftsmanship. T…his year we look forward to spending a great deal more time in the US with exciting new partnerships and projects in New York, Dallas, Virginia, Aspen and Palm Beach.

3

PHOTOS: NICO WILLS, KATE MARTIN

Building on Katharine’s happy experience of living in Asia for 17 years, we are currently working on a large exciting project in China and an elegant and contemporary family home in Hong Kong for a returning client.

KATHARINE POOLEY 160 Walton Street, London SW3 2QH +44 (0)20 7584 3223 katharinepooley.com katharinepooleyltd COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 185

Katharine-Pooley-V4-GT.indd 185

20/12/2024 21:19

Knowles Building excellence in town and country

PHOTOS: © WILL PRYCE

‘S

ince I founded Knowles, we have remained a family-owned business, working on many complex super-prime projects in London and the home counties. In the process, we have established a reputation for excellence in a broad range of historic and contemporary private residential projects including London townhouses and Regency villas, the restoration of listed country homes, and the creation of major new private residences and country estates. We offer an all-encompassing service with specialist skills in construction, structural and heritage projects.

Much has happened over the last decade. Global events have affected supply chains and prices and the industry has continued to be forced to navigate the English planning system which is increasingly sclerotic and in urgent need of reform. Despite these challenges, Knowles has continued to work with world-renowned architects and interior designers in completing a range of prestigious projects in a variety of architectural styles.

In the same period, there has been a marked shift in our sphere of operations. A decade ago, we operated predominantly in London. Fast forward to today, 40 percent of our projects are now managed by our Country division, in locations such as the Wentworth Estate, the Crown Estate, the Cotswolds, Surrey and beyond.

186 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Knowles-V3-TD.indd 186

20/12/2024 16:01

K —— GBB 2025

‘Knowles is a family-run company delivering super-prime construction projects’

Knowles is working on a broad range of contemporary and historic private homes

In that time we have invested significantly in technology, allowing our teams to concentrate on the job in hand rather than on time-consuming administrative tasks. The investment has also improved communications between the teams’ constituent elements, the architects, engineers, and interior designers, thereby increasing the efficiency of our operations and delivering excellence. There has also been a notable shift in that time towards delivering projects in a fast-track manner. This requires the co-operation of all parties and a more dynamic construction approach, but it is entirely feasible and something we embrace.

In the last year, we have revitalised the Knowles brand, tweaking our logo, brand colours, and its general look and feel. This rebranding also extended to our website, ensuring it reflects our new, more modern identity and an aesthetic to which our clients can relate. We are always keen to renew and refresh, while ensuring that our brand remains recognisable to our loyal customers.

We have evolved from a well-respected, specialist family business to a super-prime contractor without losing our family-run ethos which remains one of our unique selling points and a key reason why clients enjoy working with us. The future is looking bright.’

Robin Knowles, founder and group managing director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

With the growing demands on our Country division, the opening of our Country Office will expand our regional presence, boost our operational capacity, enhance client engagement and drive growth.

Our Special Projects & Aftercare Division will be offering our clients a range of specialised services, from one-off projects such as specialist room upgrades to tailored ongoing maintenance solutions.

PHOTOS: © WILL PRYCE

With an order book of exciting projects ahead, Knowles is busier than ever. We will uphold our strong track record of success and continue to deliver excellence.

KNOWLES 12th Floor, Capital House, 25 Chapel Street London NW1 5DH +44 (0)20 3988 7994 knowles.uk.com knowles_construction COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 187

Knowles-V3-TD.indd 187

20/12/2024 16:01

Consciously Crafted British Kitchens

88A Acre Lane, London, SW2 5QN

Pluck_Advert_225x298mm HQ.indd 1 Pluck.indd 1

020 7095 1795

pluck.co.uk

16/12/2024 15:10:06 18/12/2024 13:30

GBB 2025

LALAGE BEAUMONT 190 THE LANE 192 LAWSON ROBB 198 LIFE KITCHENS 200 LINLEY 202 LISA FRANKLIN 204 LOCK & CO. HATTERS 206 1508 LONDON 208 LOUISE BRADLEY 210 MALONE SOULIERS 212 MARIAN BOSWALL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 216 MARTIN KEMP DESIGN 218 MATFEN HALL 220 MOLTON BROWN 222 MONPURE 224

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 189

Openers-V2-TD.indd 189

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— L

Lalage Beaumont The essence of elegance in tailoring and handbags

‘I

n 2024 we celebrated our 20th anniversary and in December we opened our new boutique on Lowndes Street in Belgravia, two significant milestones.

Since launching in 2004, Lalage Beaumont has been synonymous with sophisticated, chic tailoring for business and special occasions, all made in London from the finest European fabrics.

In 2015, the addition of beautifully-made Italian leather handbags amplified the business growth exponentially and the brand became a favourite among visitors to London, particularly from the Gulf region where outstanding quality and attention to detail is much appreciated. In the last decade, our handbag collection has grown – our bestselling Maya bag was launched just prior to the pandemic in 2019 – achieving global acclaim. We focus on finding exceptional artisanal makers in Italy and Spain and boutique Italian tanneries, allowing us to introduce new leathers to the collections.

We are now stocked in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and at our franchise boutique in Saudi Arabia. Online sales, particularly to the US, are doubling year-on-year, and we’re receiving significant interest from South East Asia and Northern Europe. Most recently, we’ve been approached to be part of an exciting new shopping concept in Shanghai, launching this year.

In the last year, our boutique in Burlington Arcade has been instrumental in creating awareness among a much wider international clientele. Although we only sell handbags there, the storefront mannequins have encouraged customers to seek out our clothing collections at our Beauchamp Place flagship store, with customers enjoying our exclusive and colourful tweeds and Italian printed matelassé. Our new boutique in Lowndes Street is a true hybrid, selling both bags and clothing to the interesting mix of residents and visitors in that part of London.

This year, we are launching a small eveningwear collection as a logical expansion of our occasionwear, and the handbag range will see the addition of a number of new styles.

Looking back over our 20 years, I’m very proud to have created what is now a heritage British brand – and one of the very few that is still British-owned without the help of investors, which has allowed me to stay true to the company’s ethos. Over the next decade, it is very important to me that we continue to pursue perfection by researching, maintaining and improving quality wherever possible, enabling us to uphold our exceptional standards at accessible prices.’

Lalage Beaumont’s Maya handbag has become a bestseller, alongside colourful tweeds and Italian printed matelassé

Lalage Beaumont, founder 190 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Lalage-Beaumont-V5-GT.indd 190

20/12/2024 16:02

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

Establishing a distribution network in the US for our handbag collections.

Sustainably developing the handbag and small leather goods ranges to become comprehensive collections, including a wider variety of styles.

3

Growing our ready-to-wear collection and generating greater brand awareness outside our established occasionwear clientele.

LALAGE BEAUMONT 58 Beauchamp Place London SW3 1NZ +44 (0)20 7584 9977 lalagebeaumont.com lalage

‘I’m proud to have created what is now a heritage British brand’

Lalage-Beaumont-V5-GT.indd 191

20/12/2024 16:02

GBB 2025 —— L

The Lane London’s finest five-star theatrical experience

‘I

n 1957, John Gielgud played Prospero in Peter Brook’s legendary production of The Tempest at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, affectionately known as “The Lane”. At the final performance, legend has it Gielgud broke Prospero’s staff and pronounced Shakespeare would never again be performed at the theatre as it would be “lost to musicals”.

This winter, Andrew and I are thrilled to realise our dream of bringing Shakespeare back to The Lane – proving Gielgud wrong – as we welcome the phenomenal producer/director Jamie Lloyd to stage The Tempest, starring Sigourney Weaver, and Much Ado About Nothing, starring Tom Hiddleston. Our £60m, two-year restoration of The Lane reduced the number of seats to improve sight lines, but it’s still a very big house for a Shakespeare play, creating a unique experience for audiences.

Unique experiences are what The Lane is all about.

The theatre is an all-day destination with something for everyone, whether they’re coming to a show or not. Our Regency Afternoon Tea continues to garner accolades and we have a new Jamie Oliver restaurant and a beautiful terrace overlooking Covent Garden for drinks and nibbles.

We are also expanding our VIP hospitality with red coat butlers to serve champagne and canapés.

Ultimately, we want someone to come to The Lane, look at the Maria Kreyn Shakespeare paintings in the foyer, have tea, watch a play and stay to dine, enjoying the experience of being in this iconic London landmark. Where else can you do all that in a theatre?

We take pride in giving everyone a memorable, fivestar night out and our guests’ experience starts from the moment they buy a ticket. We’ve made a massive shift to digital, building a bespoke ticketing platform where you can buy tickets and merchandise or pre-order drinks and meals with the fewest of clicks and, importantly, no queueing. We work closely with our producers and partners to use technology, data and insights – plus the expertise of our brilliant teams – to create the magic of a live theatre experience. I hope we offer one of the best customer journeys in live entertainment.

Looking ahead, as the world’s only theatre with two royal boxes, I’d like to see the King in one and the Prince of Wales in the other, enjoying a performance at the same time. And by 2035, I’m confident our reputation as the best five-star theatrical experience in London will still stand firm.’

Following a £60m restoration, The Lane now offers Afternoon Tea, a Jamie Oliver restaurant, a terrace overlooking Covent Garden and VIP hospitality

Madeleine Lloyd Webber

‘The theatre is an all-day destination with something for everyone, whether they’re coming to a show or not’ 192 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

The-Lane-V4-GT.indd 192

20/12/2024 16:38

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Building on the success and popularity of Jamie Lloyd’s star-studded new productions of The Tempest and Much Ado About Nothing to bring more Shakespeare back to The Lane after a 68-year absence.

2

Being almost as big as the Royal Opera House, we have the luxury of space to provide all-day dining and entertainment, from cocktails on the terrace to Regency Afternoon Tea and preand post-show dining, alongside private VIP experiences.

3

Making full use of our spectacular, extensive renovation to encourage people to spend more time in the building, discovering its beautiful, historic, architectural features and numerous works of art.

THE LANE Theatre Royal Drury Lane Catherine Street London WC2B 5JF thelane.co.uk thelaneldn

The-Lane-V4-GT.indd 193

20/12/2024 16:38

IN A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN

PHOTO: PEXELS

GBB 2025 —— SPORT

194 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Sport-Essay-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 194

20/12/2024 15:45

The uniqueness of Britain’s sporting brand is that it blends ancient tradition with youth culture

PHOTO: PEXELS

Simon Kuper argues that while our sporting expectations might be overly ambitious, they remain a vital aspect of Brand Britain’s soft power COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 195

Sport-Essay-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 195

20/12/2024 15:45

GBB 2025 —— SPORT

he English (more so than any other English football offers 19th-century stadiums with 21st-century haircuts. home nation) make an irresistible And in British sport, fans have a starring role. They aren’t mere spectators. target. Their expectations, historically Like the groundlings of Shakespeare’s day, they have always considered set too high because of the nation’s themselves participants in the show, co-creating it with their cheers and songs. The match itself is sometimes treated almost as a sideshow. In exaggerated self-importance, are forever being disappointed. Many foreigners find that hilarious.

Glasgow, the stock joke about the fan frenzy around the Rangers-Celtic You might conclude from this that the UK has a derby is, ‘And in the middle of it all, a football game breaks out!’ tarnished sports brand. Yet that’s not true. Sports are Add on an unfair advantage of British sport: like British pop and British a big element of British soft power, and they bolster the literature, it takes place in English, the global language. People around the world can savour the jousting between the Premier League’s football managers broader national brand.

This has a lot to do with tradition. The British didn’t at almost daily press conferences. exactly invent most modern sports, but they were the The upshot of all this is that half of a small island can host global football’s best league. Better yet, in the Premier League, with its endless nationalities, first to codify them and start playing them on a wide everyone from Ghanaians to Icelanders can cheer on their own heroes. That’s scale, so their sporting traditions are unmatched. The world loves the Grand another selling point of British sport: it’s open to the world.

National or the FA Cup final partly because they are so old. Wimbledon’s perfect lawns, royal visitors and strawberries and cream evoke a garden party True, the British often lose. But that failure is only relative to their own in a Merchant & Ivory film set circa 1913. So do the outfits in the paddock outsized expectations. Compare them to the 200 or so other countries on Earth, and they do pretty well. Team GB finished seventh in the medals table at the Royal Ascot every June – a showground for British couturiers, tailors and milliners. All these events are constantly being updated with ruthless at the Paris Olympics and second in the Paralympics. The men’s football team commercialism, but almost invisibly so. have reached the last two European finals, while the women are European The uniqueness of Britain’s sporting brand is that it blends this ancient champions. The only foreign football team in the world that can regularly beat tradition with youth culture – the latter supplied by both athletes and fans. The the leading English ones is Real Madrid. The English are usually among the UK has long been world-beating at generating youth trends, from punk music world’s best in their beloved team sports of rugby and cricket. And on, and on. through football hooliganism to Harry Potter.

Even when they lose, it isn’t a disaster.

This drizzly island has colonised the minds of British fans don’t fixate on winning. Because many of the world’s eight to 25-year-olds. humour is central to their fandom, a 4-0 I once asked Malcolm McLaren, the cultural thumping is just more fodder for amateur entrepreneur who created the pioneering punk comedians. Scottish football fans’ current favourite song, No Scotland, No Party, lionises band the Sex Pistols, why British youth culture was so potent. ‘I think it’s because the English a non-legendary Aston Villa midfielder: hate kids,’ he said. ‘The Italians love kids – they live at home till they’re 30, 35. The Americans We know we ain’t no Argentina, are kids.’ But in Britain, he said, children were But we’ve got John McGinn, sexually repressed and (if upper class) banished John McGinn! John McGinn! to boarding schools, so they rebelled. JK Rowling, Harry Potter’s creator and briefly a Indeed, British fans seem to love losers. Years fan of punk, seems to have absorbed that view. after Chris Waddle, Stuart Pearce and Gareth Southgate missed crucial penalties for England, So did McLaren’s one-time girlfriend Vivienne Westwood, pioneer of a long line of British a jokey TV ad for a pizza chain depicted them eating out with paper bags over their heads. fashion designers flogging countercultural clothes to the world’s young.

Contrast that with Italy: when their team arrived The British youth hero is someone struggling to express home after losing to North Korea in 1966, livid fans threw tomatoes.

If an Italian club is losing matches, fans sometimes invade its training themselves in a society that doesn’t welcome that expression.

Rowling coined the word ‘Muggles’: ‘non-magical folk’ who don’t ground and threaten players, or scratch their sports cars. know about witches and wizards. Muggles are the serried ranks of the The late Dutchman Johan Cruyff, one of the greatest conventional. On British album covers and pop videos, they are ever footballers and Anglophile, told me: ‘If you look at other countries you see they have different values: sometimes represented by men in bowler hats. Of course the conventional exists everywhere, but there is a popular winning is holy. In England, you could say that global belief that they abound in Britain simply because sport itself is holy.’ the country has so many traditional institutions.

The UK’s non-sporting brands can learn some Often, in British youth culture, the young hero lessons from the success of British sport. Firstly, lives inside such an institution. Sometimes it’s a cultivate your brand’s traditions, whether you’re running a hotel or university or carmaker or boarding school: Hogwarts, where Harry Potter studies wizardry, harks back to fictional schools in football club. Secondly, bring in the most creative young people from around the world, educate Enid Blyton, Rudyard Kipling and the Greyfriars stories. George Orwell’s original model for the them in your field (as does, say, the worldrepressive world of Nineteen Eighty-Four was beating Royal College of Art) and encourage probably his horrible prep school. Even at a school them to update your brand without destroying as unconventional as Hogwarts, Harry and his the tradition. This is a tricky balance to find, friends are always breaking rules and getting into but it can be done, as shown by a number of David Beckham British brands from Rolls-Royce to Liverpool trouble with the wizard authorities. gained appeal from his The Sex Pistols, Peter Pan (who ran away from FC. Thirdly, whenever possible, be funny. suggestion of rebellion his parents), The Beatles and even good boy David Other countries might be better at building Beckham all gained appeal from their suggestion infrastructure or designing robots. But none ought of rebellion against an establishment of gentlemen. to be able to match Britain’s historic brands. n

PHOTOS: ALAMY

‘ENGLISH FOOTBALL OFFERS 19TH-CENTURY STADIUMS WITH 21ST-CENTURY HAIRCUTS’

196 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Sport-Essay-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 196

20/12/2024 15:45

PHOTOS: ALAMY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Ascot is a showground for Britishness; the Paralympics GB team came second in the 2024 Paris Olympics; the world loves the tradition of Wimbledon; the England women’s football team are current European champions

Sport-Essay-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 197

20/12/2024 15:45

Lawson Robb A considered, curatorial approach to interiors, creating timeless designs

‘G

reat interior design is more than the way things look; it’s about how space is used by the people who inhabit it. We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients and their lifestyles in order to develop a succinct brief of their needs and wants. When the results meet that brief, and push its boundaries, we get happy clients, who increasingly bring us repeat business. Building from an original strong London base, what has characterised the last ten years for Lawson Robb is growing internationalism in our client projects.

We are flexible and can work from anywhere in the world and have gained new and invaluable experience in working with local contractors. Our diverse international portfolio now includes ultra-luxury penthouses, superyacht interiors, embassies, townhouses, show apartments for prestigious developers, English country homes and private residences in super-prime central London, Europe and the Middle East.

Our aim is to bring a considered, curatorial approach to each project, not only in the creation of bespoke furniture but in the selection of lighting, artwork and decorative accessories. This may mean pairing vintage furniture with contemporary artwork, bespoke joinery with decorative objects, to create spectacular spaces that we call “atemporal” – they stand the tests of 198 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Lawson-Robb-V2-TD.indd 198

20/12/2024 16:03

L —— GBB 2025

‘We do not rely on a house style but identify what’s best for the client and for the project’

George Wolstenholme (left) believes there’s no brief too big or too bold that Lawson Robb would not fearlessly undertake

time and longevity. Our success is down to the uniqueness of each design. We do not rely on a house style but identify what’s best for the client and for the project, deploying a cross-section of styles, avoiding uniformity or ephemeral trends.

There have been landmark projects throughout the past decade. Each has its own story and identity that sets it apart, extracting the essence of an idea and exploring what can be developed from it. We use interesting materials, considered and intriguing forms and organic textures paired with a neutral palette and bold colour accents. We pay meticulous attention to detail as we recognise the emotion it can generate in people. For the Phi superyacht, the longest ever delivered under the 500 gross ton threshold, our client’s brief was to “create something that has never been seen before, create something disruptive, create an unfurling story… and create it with Phi”. At Villa Amalfi in Dubai, our design followed rules of proportion traditionally used by couture designers – close to the owners’ heart – and we configured a multi-faceted wellness area, as well as multiple flexible family and entertaining areas. Integrated systems also offered optimised and enhanced useability for our client.’

George Wolstenholme, creative lead

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Product design and collaborations: our projects for clients often create bespoke design items such as furniture. Some of these designs have wider applications and can be commercialised to make them available to a wider audience.

2

New territories: having started our first projects in Florida and New York, our ambition is for a snowball effect across the wider US, with other regions of the country opening up in this valuable new market.

3

Elevation: the more our projects develop, the more we gain brave clients willing to push the limits. We envisage a bold portfolio which rightly presents Lawson Robb as one of the top global designers.

LAWSON ROBB 29 Milner St, London SW3 2QD +44 (0)20 7351 9383 lawsonrobb.com lawson_robb COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 199

Lawson-Robb-V2-TD.indd 199

20/12/2024 16:03

GBB 2025 —— L

Life Kitchens Creating kitchens to be lived in

‘A

t Life, we design kitchens for living. Our approach is rooted in an understanding of the client’s lifestyle and needs. The ethos and the idea behind the brand are that the kitchen is much more than just a functional space for cooking. It’s the hub of the home. We have a diverse product offering and can find suitable solutions for people’s requirements. We launched in 2018 with our flagship store in Waterloo. It was a significant transition from the historical business model of our parent company, The Danesmoor Group, an independent, fifth-generation family business, which has a B2B trade focus. We wanted to approach retail in kitchens differently; Waterloo was one of the first kitchen showrooms to integrate virtual reality technology into the design process.

Since we opened, we’ve been busy. We won Best Showroom at the KBB Focus Awards in 2018, which was a great moment for us. During Covid, we launched a home office furniture range, to capitalise on the rising demand for working from home, and that continues to be successful. We opened our Wimbledon Village showroom in 2022, which has been going very well. It’s got that village mentality; word of mouth is very powerful. We have a Planet Mark accreditation and are working towards net zero emissions. It’s a balancing act between doing the right thing and doing it cost effectively. We’re at the beginning of a journey, but we’re consistently looking at sustainably sourced solutions, and how we can incorporate eco-friendly product into our portfolio.

We always keep technology in mind, which is growing at such a rate. We’re looking at how AI can be incorporated into our business to help us become better and more efficient. Technology is a challenge. But, if you stay informed and surround yourself with knowledgeable people, then it can be turned into an opportunity.

Looking to the next decade, I would like Life Kitchens to be a recognised premium kitchen retail brand, associated with great product, great quality and excellent customer service whilst maintaining experiential and inspiring showroom environments. I want us to embrace future innovations while staying firmly rooted in The Danesmoor Group’s core values: quality, exceptional service, and a proud tradition of independent business heritage that forms the foundation of everything we do.’

Life Kitchens approaches retail in an innovative way with an experiential showroom experience to best exemplify their offering

Oliver Stephenson, director 200 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Life-Kitchens-V3-TD.indd 200

20/12/2024 16:04

‘The kitchen is much more than just a functional space for cooking. It’s the hub of the home’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

We’re aiming to expand our retail presence over the next ten years by establishing new showrooms.

We intend to become CPD-accredited so that we can host CPD seminars.

These will be informative panel discussions to help us drive trade footfall into our showroom and ultimately build relationships.

3

Product innovation.

We will continue to look at developing and launching innovative products across all categories, trying to very much stay ahead of trends.

LIFE KITCHENS Railway Arch 213 Newnham Terrace Hercules Rd, London SE1 7DR +44 (0)20 3972 0150 life-kitchens.co.uk life_kitchens

Life-Kitchens-V3-TD.indd 201

20/12/2024 16:04

LINLEY Creators of bespoke furniture and interiors that showcase the finest British design

‘W

e are celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, having started life in the 80s with our inimitable founder, the Earl of Snowdon, pushing boundaries. We have gone on under his stewardship to become a venerated and pioneering brand in our own right, known as much for our covetable design and craftsmanship as for our origins.

Listing our achievements over the past 40 years is not very LINLEY – we are fiercely protective of our clients’ privacy. But we have been fortunate to work with the great and the good from all walks of life and from around the globe on the most extraordinary of undertakings to deliver project-defining outcomes.

Today you can find LINLEY in museums, palaces, on ocean liners and yachts, in the finest hotels, vehicles, ski chalets, islands, Arabian deserts, and on the silver screens of Hollywood – truly anywhere where there are discerning customers, from corporates to homeowners and everything in between, with an appetite for the mercurial and a penchant for uniqueness.

That said, we are also proud to provide accessible luxury – everyone is welcome at LINLEY, and we sell to over 60 countries.

It is also significant that in creating products intended to last for generations, there is a natural sustainability underpinning 202 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Linley-V4-MBGT.indd 202

20/12/2024 16:05

L —— GBB 2025

‘Today, you can find LINLEY anywhere where there are customers with an appetite for the mercurial’

Exquisite craftsmanship lies at the heart of LINLEY, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year

to our efforts. Like everyone, we’ve had once-in-acentury difficulties to confront, whether pandemic or Brexit induced, economic or geopolitical. In the midst of adversity, we focused on what we could control or influence, embracing change when little remained static. For instance, as dwell time in the home increased and WFH became entrenched, we identified an obvious nexus to our offer.

Similarly, with the increased preparedness to shop luxury online, we focused on our e-commerce platform. Ultimately, exquisite product, a compelling offer, and intrinsically valuable services have been key to prevailing in difficult conditions.

Lately the inexorable rise of AI has become a fixture on the design landscape and the challenge for a client-centric business such as ours is to identify the value proposition for our clients while preserving what they cherish and the DNA, heritage and values that distinguish us.

Caring about craftsmanship as we do, we are justifiably proud of balancing enduring skills in a modern industrialised society – the hands of masters advantaged by technology. We are doing things today that were simply unimaginable when the business originated but which remain recognisably LINLEY.’ Kevin Blumenthal, CFO & COO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

Our 40th anniversary will be celebrated with a range of products intended to showcase and share the best of LINLEY and include a truly sublime accessory suite.

Branded residences may also feature in 2025.

There is keen demand and we have a strong nexus here ensuring that any LINLEY participation would be legitimate and authentic.

LINLEY has always offered a bespoke service, striving to give clients exactly what they are looking for and a differentiated gifting proposition. In 2025 we will be looking to further the personalisation and individualisation within our offer.

LINLEY 60 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LP +44 (0)20 77307300 davidlinley.com linleylondon COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 203

Linley-V4-MBGT.indd 203

20/12/2024 16:05

Lisa Franklin Transformative skincare and wellness that puts the welfare of the planet first

‘I

n October 2024, Lisa Franklin celebrated its tenth anniversary – a significant milestone to reflect on our journey, embrace the lessons we’ve learned, and envision an exciting future.

We have always gone beyond skincare – treating skin health as an integral part of overall wellness. Our holistic treatments connect the mind, body, and skin, utilising innovations that deliver transformative results.

At the heart of the brand is a commitment to science and innovation.

Harnessing sustainable biotech techniques, we create formulations and treatments designed to exceed our clients’ expectations. From the meticulous selection of ingredients to our eco-conscious supply chains, every step reflects our dedication to progress without compromise.

Today, we are pioneering a new skincare concept that seamlessly merges transformative treatments with holistic wellness benefits. This signals a shift in beauty and self-care, offering products and treatments designed not only to improve the skin’s appearance but also to elevate emotional and physical wellbeing.

We were early adopters of Positive Luxury and vegan accreditations. Now, as a B Corp certified brand, we are more committed than ever to accountability and transparency. As global awareness of ethical and sustainable beauty grows, we remain dedicated to prioritising the welfare of the planet. Informed consumers continue to validate our mission as a brand that delivers on its promises.

We are honoured to welcome clients from around the world, whose loyalty reflects our unwavering integrity and commitment to excellence.

Every product and treatment we offer is rigorously tested to meet the highest standards of efficacy and ethics, ensuring trust at every step of the 204 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Lisa-Franklin-V5-MBTD.indd 204

20/12/2024 17:08

L —— GBB 2025

‘Our clients are part of our community.

They trust the brand and know that we work with the utmost integrity’

Lisa Franklin (below) is a global leader in ethical science-driven skincare and treatments

journey. We are equally proud to retain many of our original clients, whose continued support forms the foundation of our vibrant and ever-growing community.

Remaining hands-on at the clinic allows me to connect with clients, gain invaluable insights into their needs, and continuously refine our offerings. Each product in our range undergoes years of development to ensure it delivers on our promise of transformative results. From innovative biotech-based formulations to ethically sourced ingredients, Our commitment to delivering the best remains resolute.

My signature approach reflects the ethos that inspires every aspect of my life and business—a commitment to creating a positive impact through ethical, science-driven, and results-focused skincare, guided by the mantra “Love Light Energy”. This philosophy has steered Lisa Franklin from a boutique brand to a globally recognised leader in the luxury skincare industry. Looking ahead, I am inspired by the possibilities that lie on the horizon, shaping a future where skincare seamlessly integrates science, sustainability, and personalised care into an extraordinary experience.’

Lisa Franklin, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

Global expansion and further innovation. We see immense potential to extend our client reach internationally while introducing revolutionary skincare concepts.

Leading the ethical luxury beauty standard. Our mission is to continue setting benchmarks for transparency and sustainability while combining biotech methods with scientific advancements.

Holistic community building. Our clients seek more than skincare: we envision collaborations with likeminded brands to create holistic experiences that deepen our connection with our community.

LISA FRANKLIN 251 Brompton Rd, London SW3 2EP +44 (0)20 7752 0217 lisafranklin.london lisafranklinuk

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 205

Lisa-Franklin-V5-MBTD.indd 205

20/12/2024 17:09

GBB 2025 —— L

Lock & Co. Hatters The home of hats since 1676

‘L

ock & Co. Hatters is historic. It is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in existence, trading from the world’s oldest hat shop at our fabled No 6 St James’s Street address. The green door – the “Old Lady” – has displayed our famous logo since 1765, which is also on our gold-embossed hat linings, leather band and boxes. But we’re not stuck in a gilded past.

The challenge of heritage, with a customer roll call of great Britons – from Nelson, Beau Brummel, Churchill and Chaplin to Bond, Clapton and Beckham – is keeping the brand contemporary, relevant and forward-thinking. We began the last decade in 2014 with Samuel L. Jackson in Kingsman wearing our silk top hat outside the Old Lady, and collaborated with Vivienne Westwood. A year later, we proudly acknowledged our storied past by opening a Heritage Room, showcasing historic artefacts kept in the family since our founding.

It’s a balance of past, present and future.

The decade since has seen us keep up the pace of innovation and progress, with new materials and techniques, talent and collaborations. Working with The King’s Foundation, a centre of excellence, we’re contributing to craft preservation and offering work placements to students from the Royal School of Needlework – a new generation, leading the whole industry forwards.

We have had a womenswear collection (and dedicated floor) since 1993, and we made substantial investment in our women’s range, marketing and design in 2017. The following year saw our first range of natural and sustainable hats and caps in partnership with Escorial Wool. The arrival of rising star Awon Golding as head millinery designer in 2020 was a major milestone and has helped attract a younger clientele.

We have also modernised behind the scenes without changing the customer experience. Yes, we are a great British brand, but we are also distinctly a London brand. People are drawn to the magic of coming to the shop at No 6. Relaunching our website was a revelation for those who can’t get to us in person.

We’ve doubled our turnover in the last decade but it’s not about aggressive growth or bombarding customers. We’ll stay within these walls; work to improve service; keep pushing quality in hats and repairs; and continue ensuring the ownership experience is special. We look after your Lock hat for life – bring it to us in 20 years’ time and we’ll give it a clean and steam refresh.

Free of charge.’

Lock & Co. offers hats for men and women from the world’s oldest hat shop, in St James’s, London

Ben Dalrymple, managing director

206 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Lock-Co-V3-GT.indd 206

20/12/2024 16:06

‘We are a great British brand, but we are also distinctly a London brand. People are drawn to the magic of visiting the shop at No. 6’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Huge hat wearing markets like China, the US and Japan love quality British craftsmanship.

We’ve only scratched the surface of that global marketplace.

The internet is our international shop window from one address in St James’s in London.

2

From Jackie Kennedy Onassis to Princess Diana, women have been treasured Lock & Co. customers. Our men’sto-women’s business ratio is roughly 70:30. Led by our Lock Couture collection, we are working towards a 50:50 balance.

3

We celebrate our 350th anniversary in 2026. We’ve been planning for a couple of years already, with great ideas for very special events, new products, and a few surprises too.

LOCK & CO. HATTERS No. 6 St James’s Street London SW1A 1EF +44 (0)20 7930 8874 lockhatters.com lockhatters

Lock-Co-V3-GT.indd 207

20/12/2024 16:06

GBB 2025 —— L

1508 London How the design firm became a global force in luxury interior design

‘I

n 2023 we experienced exponential growth, and 2024 became a year dedicated to further strengthening our presence in new regions, ensuring our values are embedded across our eight studios worldwide.

What distinguishes us as a design firm is the quality and depth of our design – it’s not enough to be superficially beautiful. We’ll research the geography and history of any project and start by asking, “Why does it belong here and what stories will you tell people about it?”

We don’t have a fixed house style but instead start with the story and design to that. Our Baccarat projects in both the Maldives and Dubai encapsulate this approach. Both reflect the Baccarat brand, but are extremely different, rooted in their specific location’s architecture and culture.

Some firms conduct their designs from one place without dipping their toes into another culture. But it shows – many international hotels look the same, whereas an authentically local hotel leaves a mark on your heart. That’s why we set up our global studios to immerse ourselves fully in the culture of the location we’re designing in.

We won many exciting projects in 2024 and some firsts: a residential development in Armenia; a project in Vietnam, Haus da Lat, comprising luxury apartments, a commercial centre and five-star hotel; a hotel in Thailand; and a Mr C hotel in Montreal, our first Canadian project. Residential projects included a development in Charles Street, Mayfair, penthouses in Park Modern and Nine Elms, and an apartment in the Whiteley Development, this last project echoing two of our milestones over the last decade – winning Chelsea Barracks and the Raffles Residences at the OWO. One of the decade’s turning points was moving into hospitality. The stars aligned for us when hotels started seeking designers who could bring a sense of residential lifestyle to create a home from home. Today, residential and hospitality are combining even further with branded residences, essentially homes within a hotel, the perfect combination of what we offer. In 2024, we went further into the lifestyle sector by launching a 25hours hotel in Jakarta, marking an exciting departure from our typical hospitality work with a bold, vibrant, maximalist design approach.

As we celebrate our 15th birthday in 2025, we remain ambitious and aim to grow our global studios. It’s the crossover and exchange of cultures within the company that ties the globe together in a way and allows us to design an astonishing scope of exceptional spaces.’

1508 London don’t have a fixed house style but always start with the story of the building and design from there

Hamish Brown, partner (business development) and marketing director, and Laura Lockwood, partner and studio director 208 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

1508-London-V2-TD.indd 208

20/12/2024 14:09

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

To strengthen our position in luxury hospitality and branded residential on a global scale – in 2025 we’re announcing seven new major landmark projects across London, Greece, the Middle East, Mauritius and the Maldives.

2

To build on our Singapore and Bangkok studio success by expanding into China. We enter China in 2025 with multiple residential projects underway.

3

We’ll be working on more high-calibre collaborations to be launched over London and Milan Design Weeks.

1508 LONDON 7 Howick Place, London SW1P 1BB +44 (0)20 7802 3800 1508london.com 1508london

‘What distinguishes us as a design firm is the quality and depth of our design’

1508-London-V2-TD.indd 209

20/12/2024 14:09

GBB 2025 —— L

Louise Bradley Designs that withstand trends and time, underpinned by wellbeing, sustainability and contemporary classic styling

‘L

ouise Bradley is a leading interior design studio established over 30 years ago. During this time, we have harnessed new technologies and designed beautiful schemes across the globe, from the Swiss Alps, the Middle East and closer to home in London and the English countryside. The landscape has changed enormously over the years yet by being flexible this made us stronger and helped us nurture client relationships, which in some cases have lasted decades.

Recent years have thrown up a variety of business challenges that have propelled us to think differently. The imperative to prioritise sustainability, for one, has led to some wonderful introductions to British artisans and suppliers with whom we have flourishing working relationships. We make it a priority to source natural materials, but the next decade will see us thinking even more deeply about sourcing sustainable, elegant and unique pieces that define our interiors.

Wellbeing is at the heart of every project we take on. Over recent years we have learned to appreciate our homes more than ever and to see them as sanctuaries, spaces where we can feel safe and comforted, and which have the potential to boost our wellness through good design. Finding a way of balancing life and work has always been one of my main motivations and it has given me enormous pleasure working with clients to help them create their havens, however big or small.

Seeing how AI is evolving is fascinating. It has allowed my team to work with design tools such as 3D visualisations that can improve efficiencies. Used wisely, this sort of technology can help us spend more time doing the things we love and do best. For me, creating a space for a client is intuitive, and there is nothing like the precious nature of human connection to achieve this. It’s why I get to know the client, so their needs and preferences are always central to the design.

We launched our first sustainable fabric collection in 2024, one that draws on nature for inspiration and brings the outside in. Each collection is named after renowned green spaces in London – from Hampstead to Kew, and Serpentine to Richmond – and we have also donated to the Royal Parks Charity. This is a small gesture of thanks for the inspiration I take daily, when walking my dogs in these green spaces. The collection features 57 meticulously selected fabrics from textured linens, wools, cotton, and velvets from the finest mills with a combined heritage spanning over eight centuries.

Looking ahead, we plan to deepen and broaden our product ranges, in furniture, accessories and fabrics. We are also looking to open a new showroom too, so there is a great deal to look forward to. Within the next few years I may even do a follow-up to my book, Interior. Exciting times ahead.’

Louise Bradley, founder

‘Adapting our practices and learning to be more flexible has made us stronger, and brought new opportunities’ 210 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Louise-Bradley-V6-PB.indd 210

20/12/2024 16:08

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We’re looking forward to expanding our fabric collection with a range of patterns and textures that are inspired by the beauty of nature, and which draw from organic forms and natural hues to bring the outside in.

2

We are introducing more sustainable materials into our new furniture collection. By incorporating responsibly sourced finishes and fabrics into our projects we will reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the quality of our craftsmanship.

3

We’re looking forward to hosting exclusive workshops and building a creative community at our showroom.

These sessions will offer insights into design and craftsmanship, providing a space for learning and inspiration.

LOUISE BRADLEY Louise Bradley, Kimbolton Court 117B Fulham Road London SW3 6RL +44 (0)20 7589 1442 louisebradley.co.uk louisebradleyinteriors

Louise Bradley’s studio aims to make homes into havens, big or small

Louise-Bradley-V6-PB.indd 211

20/12/2024 16:08

Malone Souliers An elegant shoe brand making a meticulous mark

‘M

PHOTOS: ROWBEN LANTION

alone Souliers is a forward-thinking brand dedicated to the time-honoured craft of shoemaking. Since our launch in 2014, timeless silhouettes and impeccable quality have set our collections apart. We use bold and daring design to reimagine what it means to be “classic” and are proud to make shoes that will look as good in the decades to come as they do on the first day you wear them. Our commitment to craftsmanship goes beyond aesthetics – each shoe is a testament to the meticulous artistry and innovation that defines our brand.

We have collaborated with respected brands, stylists and celebrities, cultivating a dedicated fan base.

A highlight has been creating an exclusive wardrobe of shoes for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. More recently, we have loved seeing our Malone Souliers world come to life with the launch of our new Harrods Shoe Heaven boutique. This space not only showcases our latest collections but offers an immersive experience that further reflects our brand’s essence.

Navigating the ever-changing fashion climate presents its challenges. The need for instant gratification drives the expectation for an extremely fast turnaround.

For us, it’s about finding a way to balance that demand while remaining true to our principles: creating timeless 212 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Malone-Souliers-V2-GT.indd 212

20/12/2024 16:08

M —— GBB 2025

‘A highlight was creating a shoe wardrobe for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour’

At Malone Souliers, each shoe speaks for itself without mimicking seasonal trends

pieces that unite our commitment to responsible craftsmanship with creativity and aspirational design.

We ensure each piece embodies enduring elegance so that the shoe can speak for itself without relying on seasonal trends.

Everyday challenges are a natural part of growth, and we’re fortunate to collaborate with people who love what they do and share our vision. Credit goes to our dedicated team, as well as our external partners, suppliers and factories, who contribute to our journey.

We’ve launched a handbag line and it’s been really exciting to branch into new categories.

Looking ahead, we want to continue to expand our brand universe with the introduction of additional accessories. Over the next ten years, we aspire to become a household name in the footwear industry and be recognised as a leading brand. Quality will always be paramount to us, and we will make sure not to compromise it for the sake of growth.

We’re looking to expand into new regions, where the brand is less familiar. But we are also aware the fashion market is extremely saturated, so carving out our niche is essential. For us to do that, it’s fundamental to understand our clients’ needs.’

Coco Fong and Valerio Bava, co-creative directors

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We have developed a new handbag featuring a special lock and signature Maureen double-strap, inspired by the silhouette and proportions of Malone Souliers’ iconic products. Our entry into handbags offers our clients a more comprehensive lifestyle collection.

2 3

PHOTOS: ROWBEN LANTION

When we started, the team was small. Today, there are around 30 of us. It’s exciting to think what we could do thanks to that growth – and we have the opportunity to bring more people on board.

Clients return and stylists tell us that celebrities find our footwear really comfortable and want to wear our shoes again. Building on those key relationships is a big part of our Malone Souliers journey.

MALONE SOULIERS malonesouliers.com malonesouliers COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 213

Malone-Souliers-V2-GT.indd 213

20/12/2024 16:08

GBB 2025 —— JAMES BOND

theLIST Ten Brilliant James Bond Collaborations

1

CHARLIE COLVILLE spies the most stylish spy merch

OMEGA

The first time James Bond strapped an OMEGA watch on his wrist was in 1995, when Pierce Brosnan took to the screen in GoldenEye. It was Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming who suggested the British spy don OMEGA’s legendary Seamaster, and it has made an appearance in every Bond film since. You can pick up each watch worn by 007 at an OMEGA boutique, but avid fans and collectors will want the stainless steel Seamaster Diver 300M, crafted specially for the franchise’s 60th anniversary. The Seamaster Diver 300M, £7,900

2

ASTON MARTIN

Aston Martin has been Bond’s car of choice in 12 films to date – starting with Goldfinger, when the DB5 made its debut. To celebrate the classic car’s 60th anniversary, the new DB12 Goldfinger Edition comes in the original Silver Birch colour, with 18k gold-plated interior trims and an ‘eight of hearts’ symbol on the driver's sun visor – a reference to the famous Miami pool scene. DB12 Goldfinger Edition, £POA

3

TURNBULL & ASSER

Dr. No director Terence Young was a loyal Turnbull & Asser customer – so much so, that he sent Sean Connery to Jermyn Street for a fitting ahead of his role as the silver screen’s first James Bond. The results included a specially-designed shirt that has since become a 007 signature. The details have been tweaked in the decades since, but it’s still available. Dr. No Blue Cotton Shirt with Cocktail Cuff as seen on James Bond, £315

4

ASSOULINE

Mapping out the spy's sartorial evolution across all 25 films, this style bible features commentary from costume designer Lindy Hemming as well as the 007 actors themselves, alongside never-beforeseen sketches. James Bond Style, £100

214 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GBB-LIST-Bond-Collabs-V2-TD.indd 214

20/12/2024 16:32

6

CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER

When the occasion calls for bubbles rather than a strong martini, you’ll want a glass of Bollinger. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Goldfinger, the French Champagne house released a limited edition magnum alongside four exclusive 007 glasses – presented in a bespoke handcrafted case created in collaboration with Globe-Trotter. The (aptly dated) 2007 vintage was released in a numbered run of just 200, making it an exclusive collector’s item. James Bond x Champagne Bollinger Anniversary magnum set, £3,500

7

CROCKETT & JONES

As the official partner and provider of footwear to James Bond, Crockett & Jones has helped shape the modern trajectory of the spy’s sartorial style. And, with its Goldfinger 60th anniversary collection, we can all get a slice of the action. Our highlight is a pair of velvet slippers adorned with the Bond family coat of arms. Bond Coat Of Arms Slippers, £495

8

N.PEAL

5

In his latest adventure, Bond can be spotted in a sleek wool sweater. N.Peal developed the knit with costume designer Suttirat Anne Larlarb, who wanted to give Daniel Craig a ‘unique look’ for the final scenes of the film. The 007 Ribbed Army Sweater, £379

FABERGÉ

Anyone who has watched 1983’s Octopussy will remember how Bond found himself entangled in an elaborate Fabergé egg heist. This wouldn’t be the jewellery house’s last run-in with the British spy: 40 years later, Fabergé worked on a one-of-akind 007 Egg Objet. A piece of luxury cinema, the hand-painted green enamel egg features tentacle illustrations on the shell, before opening to reveal a gold octopus with diamond suckers.

Limited Edition Guilloché Enamel Octopussy Egg Objet, £POA

9

SWAINE LONDON

Cinema’s favourite undercover spy is a fan of Swaine's attachés. The House has kitted out 007 in not just one movie, but three: 1962’s Dr. No, 1963’s From Russia With Love and 1964’s Goldfinger. The Bond Attaché, £3,400

10

GLOBE-TROTTER

You might not undertake the same adventures as Bond, but you can certainly look the part.

Globe-Trotter has a whole line of luggage inspired by 007, including a special-edition Octopussy 40th anniversary carry-on case. The sleek black design takes its cues from Octopussy’s silk robe – worn

by Maud Adams in the exotic Octopalace – with a beautful octopus taking centre stage.

Octopussy Carry-On, £1,795

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 215

GBB-LIST-Bond-Collabs-V2-TD.indd 215

20/12/2024 16:32

Marian Boswall Landscape Architects

‘O

ver the last decade, my landscape architect studio has become fashionable. We have been creating sustainable and regenerative design for 20 years – we were re-wiggling rivers, reflooding flood plains and thinking about connections between hedgerows and woodlands. Then I looked at how food was being grown and took a deep dive into soil. Today, we are working to promote people’s understanding of biodiversity, from soil to gut to spirit.

The biggest shift in the last ten years – as we began to understand the implications of the wider landscape – has been looking at estates as a whole. Whereas we might once have worked for someone with a big house wanting a beautiful garden, we’ve now got clients with 100 to 600 acres investing in regeneration at scale. I used to be like a Trojan horse: clients would think they were getting a lovely garden but I knew that we were healing the land, which in turn was healing them. Now we’re completely upfront. We talk about land energy and about how microbes affect everything from the way you feel to the way you behave.

We have just finished Domaine Evremond in Kent, a joint venture between wine merchants Hatch

PHOTOS: (BOTTOM LEFT) CHRISTOPHER HORWOOD; (ABOVE AND BOTTOM RIGHT) JASON INGRAM

Pioneering sustainable and regenerative garden and estate design for two decades

216 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Marian-Boswall-Landscape-Architects-V2-GT.indd 216

20/12/2024 16:09

M —— GBB 2025

‘We are working to promote people’s understanding of biodiversity, from soil to gut to spirit’

Marian Boswall’s studio has always gone beyond creating a beautiful garden; her goal is healing the land

Mansfield and Champagne Taittinger. They initially asked for four acres of landscaping around the winery; when they saw what we were doing, they gave us eight hectares. We’ve put in habitats for turtle doves, huge ponds, chalk banks for invertebrates and wildflowers, little copses. I’m very careful about working with food and nature together so we listen to the local farmers. For example, it’s a big deal if hawthorn is near vines because it is the host plant for fireblight.

One of the biggest challenges is financial uncertainty. We are all sold fear, so a lot of reactions are based on that – which is difficult when you are trying to make people feel comfortable with really long-term decisions. Looking ahead, there’s also a concern for food security. Why does that affect our studio? Because everything we do is for the land. I run free workshops for garden designers to learn how we design, because we want others to be as regenerative as possible. The hope is that as a studio we can have more of a ripple effect. We’re really lucky in that we work for some serious impact investor clients – so if we help them, then they can do even more good, which is really exciting.’

PHOTOS: (BOTTOM LEFT) CHRISTOPHER HORWOOD; (ABOVE AND BOTTOM RIGHT) JASON INGRAM

Marian Boswall, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

The launch of my second book, The Kindest Garden, this April, which is a practical guide to regenerating the garden and yourself. Essentially, it’s how to create a garden that is both a beautiful sanctuary and a place where nature can thrive.

2 3

Sharing knowledge. There’s a massive regenerative movement happening and events such as the Groundswell Festival in July, where people come together and talk about the land, are part of that.

New projects. These include creating a healing garden for a charity in London focused on rehabilitating people who have experienced homelessness, and estate plans for regenerative farming in protected landscapes with lovely gardens at the core.

MARIAN BOSWALL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS +44 (0)20 7305 7153 marianboswall.com marianboswallstudio COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 217

Marian-Boswall-Landscape-Architects-V2-GT.indd 217

20/12/2024 16:09

GBB 2025 —— M

Martin Kemp Design Designers of sophisticated interiors for an international clientele

‘T

he last year has been an important one in the story of Martin Kemp Design. At the end of 2023 we moved to a new London studio in The Department Store, owned and magnificently refurbished by Squire Partners. The year also saw us celebrate one year in our New York studio and the establishment of our office in Nice, allowing us better to serve our clients globally.

I’ve been CEO since February 2022 but I’ve been with Martin Kemp for as long as I can remember.

Looking back to the consultancy’s foundation in 2012 I can see the importance of 77 Mayfair, a highly prestigious development on South Audley Street. It was our first big development project; the developer, Luxlo, took a chance on us and it was a wonderful opportunity, consisting of six apartments and one penthouse. The development was high specification, with a generous cost per square foot. It was a great exercise in delivering a project from beginning to end with our name on it. We put our heart and soul into it, as we do with all our projects. Just as importantly, it was a commercial success too – the apartments sold quickly, off-plan.

A later and much larger development, Clarges Mayfair – a block of 34 apartments overlooking Green Park on Piccadilly – was another important project. Unlike 77 Mayfair, the Clarges development had show apartments which enabled us to show ourselves to the market in a way that our private commissions do not. For example, we’ve just completed a beautiful private project in the Bahamas which, although it has been photographed, will never make it into the public domain let alone into our Instagram feed.

It is an article of faith at Martin Kemp Design that we don’t have a house style, although there is a certain commonality of design across different projects. One of our specialities is that we know the very best artisans and craftspeople. All designers rely on their little black books but our industry is an ecosystem in itself: we all live and breathe together. We had one big project, a chalet, which we were able to continue working on throughout the pandemic because of its location – it kept many small contractors afloat at a difficult time.

In early 2025, we’re launching a new website which we hope will showcase our range of design capabilities while still adhering to our clients’ privacy requirements.’

Although, Martin Kemp Design doesn’t have a house style, there is a commonality of design across their different projects

Jemimah Graff, CEO 218 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Martin-Kemp-V3-MBGT.indd 218

20/12/2024 16:10

‘We work with the very best artisans and craftspeople’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Early 2025, we’re releasing an exclusive retail collection to our UHNW clients only. It will comprise furniture – sofas, chairs, dining tables, and so on – and soft furnishings , cushions, trays, and much more.

2

We want to establish our position in the marine sector which has a natural synergy with what we’re already doing in creating beautiful interiors for UHNWI.

3

2025 is a big year for Martin Kemp Design: we’re completing three prime central London projects, two developments and one private commission.

MARTIN KEMP DESIGN The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8FR +44 (0)20 7183 3885 martinkempdesign.com martin_kemp_design

Martin-Kemp-V3-MBGT.indd 219

20/12/2024 16:10

Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate Northumberland’s only five-star hotel, set in the rural heart of the county

‘W

hen the Walwick Estate Group took over Matfen Hall in 2020, we felt we were buying a piece of the North East’s history. The hall was completed in 1836 by Sir Edward Blackett, 6th Baronet Blackett of Newcastle in the County of Northumberland. Initially its construction created jobs for locals; then their families went on to work on the estate through the generations. So Matfen Hall has always been important to the area.

When we bought it, Matfen Hall was already operating as a country house hotel and its attractions were obvious: a beautiful Grade II* listed building set in more than 300 acres of parkland with a spa, leisure and golfing facilities. Inside was a treasure trove of original stone detailing, intricate timber carvings and beautiful panelling. But creating a dazzling new brand out of an existing one takes a lot of work and a great deal of investment. And we were all set to do it when the pandemic started and the hospitality industry was experiencing difficulties.

We held our nerve and embarked upon a major multi-million pound refurbishment programme geared towards improving the guest’s journey, which included restoring the historic Great Hall, adding a stunning new bar and mezzanine, as well as a new restaurant, a state-of-the-art kitchen and extensively upgrading rooms and suites. This brought its own challenges – the second phase involved closing the hotel for five months at the end of 2022 220 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Matfen-Hall-V3-TD.indd 220

20/12/2024 16:10

M —— GBB 2025

‘We won Best Countryside Hotel at the 2024 Condé Nast Johansens Awards’

Matfen Hall has restored the historic Great Hall, upgraded all the rooms and suites, and added a new bar and restaurant

– but when we reopened in 2023, the response completely blew us away. To our delight, we won Best Recently Renovated Hotel at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards that year.

Last year was certainly no less busy – we opened our cutting-edge new golf clubhouse and dining destination, The Keepers. Utilising the original keeper’s building overlooking the hotel’s 27-hole golf course, we’ve made a number of additions, including a Foresight Hawk Golf Simulator – the first of its kind in the region. The Keepers also offers a stylish contemporary restaurant and terrace area, with an outdoor barbecue and pizza oven.

We were awarded an AA five-star rating – we’re now the first and only five-star hotel in Northumberland – and we won Best Countryside Hotel at the 2024 Condé Nast Johansens Awards.

Our goal has always been to restore this wonderful old building, giving it a new sense of purpose as the finest hotel in the North East.

We’ve done that in less than five years – but there’s more to do.’

The Walwick Estate Group, owners

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

Renovation and extension of the current spa begins this year. It will feature the latest in wellness and health, with the intention of becoming the best destination spa in the north of England.

Northumberland – and the North East in general – is traditionally one of the most under-visited areas in the country. The hotel will be looking at ways to attract more domestic and international visitors to explore the region.

3

Matfen Hall will be taking steps to develop accessibility and sustainability, whether that be through making the website more digitally accessible, improving the facilities on site or extending Matfen Hall’s green credentials.

MATFEN HALL COUNTRY HOTEL, SPA & GOLF ESTATE Matfen Village Northumberland NE20 0RH +44 (0)1661 886500 matfenhall.com matfenhall

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 221

Matfen-Hall-V3-TD.indd 221

20/12/2024 16:11

GBB 2025 —— M

Molton Brown Shining a light on the craft of perfumery with scents that provoke powerful connection

‘O

ne of our main achievements was relaunching our fragrance category in 2019.

Until then, we were loved for our body and handwash, made with unmatched levels of concentrated fragrance, earning our position as leaders in the bath and body category. When launching our Eaux de Parfum, we committed to championing creativity and artistry, allowing our master perfumers total freedom when crafting new scents for us.

In 2024, we spotlighted our fragrance category and unveiled our new brandworld through our Artists of Note initiative, matching three creatives with three of our perfumers. Master perfumer Jacques Chabert, who created Re-charge Black Pepper, worked with fashion designer Nicholas Daley, who created a capsule of hand-crocheted items. We put the poet Dr John Cooper Clark together with senior perfumer Carla Chabert, creator of Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel, inspiring Dr John to write a sensitive poem based on his wistful memories of missed encounters. Senior perfumer Philippe Paparella was paired with jewellery designer Gala Colivet Dennison, who made a nomadic-style pendant inspired by Rose Dunes, the fragrance Philippe created based on his memories of the north African desert. By inviting these creatives to reimagine our fragrances through their mediums, we’re showcasing the personal interpretation of scent and shining a light on perfumery as a craft and perfumers as artists.

We’ve changed so much in the last decade but our values are still those of our founders, Caroline Bernstein and Michael Collis. When they opened the Molton Brown hair salon in 1971, they gave you a haircut that reflected your personality rather than inflicting a trendy style on you, and that’s exactly our approach to fragrance today.

We don’t create trend-led fragrances, but scents created by the unique memories of our perfumers that you fall in love with and get you noticed. We’re one of the best kept secrets in the industry, but the more people have sought out our individual fragrances – with back stories that give them an emotive connection – the more relevant we’ve become.

I believe we’re truly embodying what people want and in the next decade we’d like to be seen as doing business for good and continuing to champion creativity by working with more and more diverse artists – in perfumery and beyond. We’re already moving away from disposable beauty with refillable formats in our core categories, and today we represent creativity, diversity and sustainability, the values of modern Britain.’

Beatrice Descorps, vice president of marketing

Jewellery designer Gala Colivet Dennison with her artistic creation inspired by Rose Dunes

Rose Dunes Eau de Parfum

‘Our fragrances have back stories which give people an emotive connection’

Fashion designer Nicholas Daley with Molton Brown’s Re-charge Black Pepper Eau de Parfum

222 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Molton-Brown-V6-GT.indd 222

20/12/2024 16:12

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Eau de Parfum

1

Placing our fragrances at the heart of what we do and the Molton Brown experience, we will continue to celebrate the artistry behind perfumery and perfumers as artists.

2 3

Through Artists of Note, we’ll continue to show our passion for creativity, craft, diversity and the emotional power of scent.

We will commit further to a more sustainable future, aiming for 50 percent of our packaging to be reusable or refillable by 2030.

MOLTON BROWN 227 Regent Street London W1B 2EF +44 (0)20 7493 7319 moltonbrown.co.uk moltonbrown

Molton-Brown-V6-GT.indd 223

20/12/2024 16:12

GBB 2025 —— M

Monpure Award-winning, rigorously tested products proven to improve hair and scalp health

‘M

ONPURE was officially launched in 2020, but the inspiration behind the brand dates from my childhood when I spent countless hours backstage at fashion shows with my mother, a model. I saw the harsh toll the industry took on her hair and that of her peers – pulled, straightened, crimped and saturated with chemicals.

These intense treatments often left them with hair loss, and damaged the follicles, which hindered growth.

After university, I worked with global bands for ten years, and then left to start my own company. Despite the crowded haircare market, there was a gap: very few products addressed the root causes of scalp- and hair-health issues. Instead, most provided temporary fixes, such as adding volume to mask thinning hair. MONPURE was created to change that.

Our products are effective, vegan and sustainable. We use advanced active ingredients such as retinol and co-enzyme Q10, traditionally found in skincare. MONPURE is the first brand to test these skin actives on hair. We have proved they nourish and care for the scalp: great hair starts with a healthy scalp.

Launching a luxury product in 2020, during global lockdown, was tough. With no face-to-face events or beauty shows, and with retailers hesitant to take on new brands, we turned our focus to online sales. Building credibility was crucial, so we sent our products to respected editors. The response was overwhelming. We soon started winning awards – we have received more than 60 to date – and we quickly built up an exceptionally high return customer rate.

As the world reopened, we expanded into partnerships with luxury hotels such The Berkeley, Cliveden House and Chewton Glen. Prestige department stores and pharmacies – most notably Selfridges and John Bell & Croyden – also came on board, further securing our presence.

Despite only being four years old, MONPURE has accomplished a great deal, but our journey is only just beginning.

Our mission is to give people the knowledge and tools to care for their hair, boosting their confidence in the process.

We’re funding research programmes that are advancing our understanding of hair and scalp science, and are continuously developing products that enhance the health of both.

However, our path is not without challenges. Copycat brands and fraudulent social media accounts are just some of the obstacles we face. Yet we remain optimistic and focused on the opportunities ahead.’

Nate Bigger, founder and CEO

‘Building credibility was crucial, so we sent our products to respected editors. The response was overwhelming’ 224 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Monpure-V4-MBTD.indd 224

20/12/2024 17:10

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Innovative product launches: MONPURE will expand its range with ground-breaking innovations that redefine haircare. In 2024, we introduced our SPF50 Sunscreen for Scalp and Face – a first-of-its-kind, science-backed product containing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

2

US and Middle East expansion: we are seeing growing demand from these regions. We intend to expand our market share to help us establish our reputation as a global leader in science-driven hair wellness.

3

Pioneer, research, innovate and educate: MONPURE’s commitment to these principles distinguishes us from competitors.

With high customer loyalty and proven results, we’ve helped thousands improve their hair health.

MONPURE Bentinck House, 3-8 Bolsover Street London W1W 6AB +44 (0)7445 301100 monpure.com monpurelondon

Monpure-V4-MBTD.indd 225

Nate Bigger (left) has created a healthy haircare brand that is already multi-award-winning

20/12/2024 17:10

GBB 2025 —— INTERIORS

theLIST Ten Forever Interiors Pieces LUCINDA CHAMBERS chooses the pieces she’d be happy to have unto eternity

1 Alexandra Llewellyn Geometrix poker set, £13,800, alexandrallewellyn.com. 2 Henry Holland Terracotta and white mini Great Hey Vase, £125, henryhollandstudio.com. 3 Collagerie Wet Evening on Methwold Fen by Fred Ingrams, £100, collagerie.com. 4 Porta Romana Zande lamp, £936, portaromana.com. 5 Linley Henry triangle round mirror, £2,650, davidlinlay.com. 6 John Lewis x Collagerie Botanical Vine cushion, £45, johnlewis.com. 7 OKA Set of nine framed Tramonto prints, £495, oka.com. 8 Sophie Conran for John Lewis Cocobella three-seater sofa in petunia red stripe, £3,499, sophieconran.com. 9 Ettinger Capra double playing cards case, £115, ettinger.co.uk. 10 The Conran Shop Iris lounge chair in walnut by Huw Evans, £2,495, theconranshop.com.

226 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GBB-LIST-Interiors-V2-TD.indd 226

20/12/2024 16:31

GBB 2025

N.PEAL 228 THE NATIONAL GALLERY 230 NATIVE LAND 232 NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES 234 NEATSMITH 236 NEPTUNE 238 NEW & LINGWOOD 242 NYETIMBER 244 OKA 246 THE OWO 248 COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 227

Openers-V2-TD.indd 227

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— N

N.Peal Exquisite, constantly evolving cashmere and clothing

‘W

John Smith, founder and managing director

N.Peal has plans to grow into a global brand with new store openings and further highprofile collaborations

PHOTOS: 007 AND RELATED JAMES BOND INDICIA © 1962-2022 DANJAQ AND MGM. 007 AND RELATED JAMES BOND TRADEMARKS ARE TRADEMARKS OF DANJAQ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

e make beautiful garments of exceptional quality. Our products are classic, timeless and refined. This year, we continue our journey with woven fabrics and other natural, noble fibres – notably linen, across jackets, trousers and dresses. And our SS25 collection takes us to Sicily , where we explore Palermo, take to the seas in a stunning sailing yacht and discover ancient architecture.

Looking back, the N.Peal product has become a lot more sophisticated. We’ve evolved our offering significantly, without compromising on quality. Our pieces are not excessively priced either. Over the last ten years, there has been a move away from fast fashion and disposability into more considered purchases that have longevity. That’s exactly the space we’ve always been in, so fortunately the trend has moved in our direction.

This means we’re achieving double-digit growth in what is a very tough market.

During the last decade, we made our first major overseas move with a store on Madison Avenue, which opened in 2018. It’s gone incredibly well.

The pandemic also proved a curse and a blessing by turbo-charging our online business. A big highlight has been our partnership with the Bond franchise. We created sweaters for Skyfall and worked with them on Spectre before becoming a brand partner for No Time to Die. It’s been fantastic watching our clothing come to life on screen.

As a relatively small, owner-managed British brand, we must always fight to get ourselves heard – particularly when it comes to finding good retail spaces.

We’re playing within the luxury world which has very deep pockets, so there’s the challenge of trying to build the brand on comparatively modest budgets. I think we’ve done a successful job and we’ve got a huge opportunity to grow.

Over the next ten years, we would like to expand our footprint, going from a fairly regionalised brand to establishing ourselves as a true global one. We have shops in New York and London but we want to continue to support online growth by opening new spaces in strategic locations. We want to grow sustainably and realistically, rather than aggressively. These are exciting times. Our focus will always be on the customer, making sure we deliver an ever-improving product and service.

You can never stand still; you’ve got to keep evolving.

Customers will forgive you most things, but they won’t forgive your product.’

228 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

NPeal-V2-GT.indd 228

20/12/2024 16:16

‘People are making more considered purchases that have longevity –exactly the space we’ve always been in’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are negotiating to open two further stores in 2025.

One in SoHo, New York, and the other on Walton Street in London. Both will seek to further strengthen the brand’s footprint within these two major cities, while attracting a new demographic.

2

PHOTOS: 007 AND RELATED JAMES BOND INDICIA © 1962-2022 DANJAQ AND MGM. 007 AND RELATED JAMES BOND TRADEMARKS ARE TRADEMARKS OF DANJAQ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

We will establish a new wholesale division. N.Peal has to-date relied only on its own distribution network.

The primary focus will be on luxury independent retailers across the US before opening distribution within Japan, the Middle East, Europe and then Korea.

3

N.Peal has a long-standing history with Hollywood. We are finalising a very exciting collaboration with a well-known Hollywood celebrity to create a cashmere Travel Essentials range, which we are planning to launch in the third week of September 2025.

N.PEAL Broughton Hall Estate Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3AE +44 (0)1756 711684 npeal.com npealcashmere

NPeal-V2-GT.indd 229

20/12/2024 16:16

GBB 2025 —— N

The National Gallery Celebrating 200 years of bringing people and paintings together

‘W

e are celebrating our bicentenary by looking forward to the next 20 decades. We want to ensure that much of our offering remains free and attracts new, diverse audiences. It’s essential the gallery does not feel intimidating, removed from peoples’ lives. So, we are developing a major rehang of the collection, called The Wonder of Art, which will open in May 2025 to coincide with the reopening of the transformed Sainsbury Wing, after more than two years of renovations.

Our collection was built on telling the story of painting in the Western tradition, starting with 13th-century Italian paintings. Although we will continue to present the collection chronologically, the progression of painting is not necessarily linear so we wanted to address why we look at paintings, what they can do for us and how we look at them today. We have introduced thematic rooms: for example, one is about the use of gold, another about the impact of portraiture, or how artists are inspiring each other.

The first beautiful room in the Sainsbury Wing will feature a powerful selection of paintings, including Leonardo’s Virgin of the Rocks and Michelangelo’s “Manchester Madonna”, inviting our visitors to explore The Wonder of Art. Visitors will be able to access information about the collection in multiple ways: from new written interpretation on the walls to scanning paintings with their smartphones for more in-depth digital content.

Ten years ago, membership was in its infancy but now we have 60,000 members. Our Future of Membership project is for everyone to feel they have access to the gallery and are part of a like-minded To use our bicentenary community that finds solace and happiness in art. celebrations and the Our new Supporters’ House opens in spring in a reopening of the Sainsbury glorious, historic part of the building – not previously Wing to draw attention to some of our most beautiful paintings, open to the public – looking onto Trafalgar Square. It explore what art is for and surprise offers a premium hospitality destination and great and delight existing audiences resource right in the city centre, for donors, patrons, and lure new ones. supporters and people wanting a more elevated To build on our healthily experience of membership. growing membership and When we reopened after Covid and saw the joy supporters’ base with all the people experienced as we guided them – socially advantages that our Future for distanced – through the Titian and Artemisia Membership project offers.

Gentileschi exhibitions, we realised people liked To use the opening of our routes, so now we have popular visitor maps magnificent Supporters’ for routes of different lengths through our big, House in the gallery’s historic complex building. heart to attract new members, Our collection is about our shared humanity. including those from outside London who will appreciate it as a Spending ten minutes in a room with Titian can super resource. change the way you view the world, so it’s our responsibility not only to look after these pictures but to communicate why they matter and to show THE NATIONAL GALLERY that they are as majestic today as they ever were.’

Trafalgar Square

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

The National Gallery this year reopens its Sainsbury Wing after a two-year renovation and hopes to build on its new and existing audiences

1

2

London WC2N 5DN +44 (0)20 7747 2885 nationalgallery.org.uk nationalgallery

Per Rumberg, head of curatorial and James Beardsworth-Shaw, head of loyalty services

PHOTOS: SELLDORF ARCHITECTS

3

230 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

National-Gallery-V4-MBGT.indd 230

20/12/2024 16:39

‘Spending ten minutes in a room with Titian

PHOTOS: SELLDORF ARCHITECTS

can change the way you view the world’

National-Gallery-V4-MBGT.indd 231

20/12/2024 16:39

GBB 2025 —— N

Native Land Developers of high-quality, mixed use and sustainable spaces nationwide

‘S

ince we established Native Land in 2003, we’ve been almost entirely focused on London. Our development philosophy adapts as the capital changes, so our recent project, Bankside Yards, built around 14 historic railway arches in Blackfriars, is the UK’s first major mixed-use fossil fuel-free development in operation.

We celebrated our 21st birthday in 2024, which gave us a chance to take stock of the sheer breadth of what we’ve developed: from Burlington Gate on Cork Street in Mayfair, with 42 apartments and art gallery spaces, to Holland Park Villas, an international benchmark for stateof-the-art residences with extensive amenities. One of the projects I’m most proud of was transforming an Edinburgh shopping centre roof into a much sought-after residential complex, with astonishing gardens and views over the city.

Strong relationships are key to our success.

Take Grosvenor, with whom we partnered on our groundbreaking NEO Bankside – the first residential project in London Grosvenor had ever developed off estate. With Bankside Yards, we worked closely with the local authority, Southwark. We acquired the huge site around 2016 with planning permission for nine buildings, but reduced them to eight, increasing the amount of open green space, which has always been a major focus for us.

We then looked at those eight buildings holistically and realised there was a cross-fertilisation of energy between hotels, residences and offices since they all consume energy at different times. This allowed us to enhance efficiency, and being sustainable with lower running costs has really drawn occupiers to Arbor, the office building, and had a positive influence on residential buyers too.

In 2025, we’ll be working on regenerating South Kensington, introducing step-free access from the platforms up to the arcade for the 30 million plus people going through the turnstiles annually. We’re restoring the arcade, delivering a three-storey building to replace the single storey shops and restaurants and developing new housing.

We also have a mixed-use regenerative project in Guildford, so I’m hoping we’ll be developing more outside London over the next decade. And there’s a huge opportunity to restore and reuse old buildings rather than just knocking them down, so we’re repurposing a lovely old property originally built for the Royal National Institute of the Blind in Kings Cross.

We’re known for our prime residential work, so we’ll continue doing that while responding to whatever direction London travels in. We want to contribute to the city’s fabric and future in a positive way, making it a better place to live and work in.’

Bankside Yards

100 George Street W1

Opus is the tallest residential tower under development in prime central London

Alasdair Nicholls, founder and CEO 232 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Native-Land-V3-MBTD.indd 232

20/12/2024 16:17

100 George Street W1

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

To herald a new era of sustainable living in the capital with Opus, the tallest residential tower under development in prime central London at 50 storeys. Opus launches this spring, commanding unparalleled views and offering residents exceptional on-site amenities.

ITISH B

R

BR

ITIS H B

R

3

Strengthening our heritage of developing exceptional prime residential with 100 George Street W1, a collection of 41 residences in Marylebone. According to Knight Frank, 100 George Street W1 was 2024’s fastest selling new residential development in prime central London.

S

ND

EA

T

COMMITMENT TO THE PLANET

A

GR

2025 AWARD WINNER

DS

GRE

T

BR

AN

A

2

To build on our growing reputation for mixed-use developments with Bankside Yards, activating the space between the Tate Modern and Blackfriars Station. It offers the next generation prime residential within a new London landmark, innovative work HQs, and in 2028, it will be home to a brand new five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

NATIVE LAND The Pavilion, 118 Southwark Street London SE1 0SW +44 (0)20 7758 3650 native-land.com nativelandlifestyle

‘There’s a huge opportunity to restore and reuse

ntial nt in

old buildings rather than just knocking them down’

Native-Land-V3-MBTD.indd 233

20/12/2024 16:17

GBB 2025 —— N

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic, natural and highly effective beauty and wellbeing, produced without compromise

ITISH B

R

BR

ITIS

S

ND

EA

T

BRAND OF THE DECADE

A

GR

2025 AWARD WINNER

Neal’s Yard Remedies proves you can enjoy luxurious skincare products without compromising on efficacy – or ethics

DS

GRE

T

BR

AN

A

‘E

ver since opening our doors over 40 years ago, we’ve been breaking new ground – and have the accolades to prove it. In 2014, we were the first to achieve 100 out of 100 for ethics in The Good Shopping Guide, a score we retain today. In 2015, we won the Innovation Award in the supply chain category of The Guardian’s Sustainable Business Awards. The following year, alongside Flora & Fauna International and Greenpeace, we successfully alerted people to the risks of plastic microbeads in beauty products, and a ban on microbeads in wash-off products came into effect shortly afterwards.

As far back as 2011, we’ve been campaigning to ban pesticides, specifically neonicotinoids, that kill our bees. We were proud to play a part in the initial ban in 2017, but when these pesticides were reintroduced in 2022 I formed a coalition of over 100 businesses to lobby for a permanent ban. In 2024, we relaunched our pollinator charity t-shirt with Bella Freud and created Pollinator Pathways, an interactive map encouraging citizens to develop and support bee habitats.

Last year, we launched our inaugural vegan hand care collection in collaboration with Morris & Co., celebrating British flora and fauna - further underlining our commitment to biodiversity. We also relaunched our Frankincense Intense™ collection with a new plant-based, three-peptide complex for even better results, using a pioneering coldprocessing method to save thermal energy. Plus, we collaborated with top facialist Abigail James on a lifting frankincense treatment.

We’ve made tough choices about the trade-off between short-term profit versus the long-term health of the environment and our company. But we’ve stayed true to our core mission: to prove that you can have luxurious beauty and wellbeing products without ever compromising on ethics or efficacy.

Climate change, the dire erosion of natural resources and the horrific impact of increased pesticides and chemicals are all challenges we face, which is why we’re committed to protecting biodiversity and why we continue to champion organic farming and growing around the world. It’s critical for our planet and future generations that sustainability underpins everything. This is no competition: we have to work together if we’re going to stand a chance.

In ten years’ time, I believe Neal’s Yard Remedies will be at the helm of a global movement championing beauty that protects people and planet – while delivering incredible results.’

R B H

Anabel Kindersley, owner and CEO 234 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Neal's-Yard-Remedies-V4-MB.indd 234

20/12/2024 16:18

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

The continuing evolution of green technology: we’re leveraging new bioavailable ingredients to create highperformance products, with more innovations ahead.

2

Sustainable packaging innovation: breakthroughs in new materials will allow us to reduce our environmental impact further, while maintaining product integrity and shelf life.

3

Growing demand for organic: product efficacy is the number one priority for our customers, but organic is now a close second – and the two are no longer mutually exclusive.

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES 15 Neal’s Yard London WC2H 9DP +44 (0)800 0832111 nealsyardremedies.com nealsyardremedies

‘It’s critical for our planet and future generations that sustainability underpins everything. This is no competition: we have to work together if we’re going to stand a chance’

Neal's-Yard-Remedies-V4-MB.indd 235

20/12/2024 16:18

GBB 2025 —— N

Neatsmith Bespoke wardrobes and furniture, designed and crafted in Hertfordshire

‘I

t was always a dream to have a showroom on the King’s Road, one we achieved in the last decade. It really changed people’s perception of the brand and although we now have six showrooms, being in Chelsea cemented our reputation for quality and service. We offered on the space in 2015 and it didn’t launch until three years later, so it was a long and painful gestation period – but it was worth it.

Clients seeing and handling our product in person is so important, whether it’s examples of our bespoke walk-in wardrobes, living room units or home offices. I believe that the retail experience should be a pleasure, and that can only really happen in a showroom.

Another substantial change between now and ten years ago is that we moved into a dedicated factory in Watford. We bought – and try to buy – as much machinery as possible, allowing us to bring almost all the manufacturing processes in-house. It’s not the most commercial approach possible, but it allows us to control the quality of the output and our craftsmen to take real pride in their work. For the same reasons, everyone in the Neatsmith team is a full-time employee.

We never sub-contract fitters and don’t have freelance commission-led sales teams.

Brexit has been difficult, but not for the reasons you might think. The import of raw materials is not that hard, but it’s the people: we had a lot of really good, highly skilled fitters from Europe and that talent pool dried up, so finding the right quality of staff has been tricky.

Price increases for materials have also caused problems, not only for new customers but also repeat clients who come back to us around seven or eight years later. They are surprised at just how much everything costs now.

If I compare this decade to the one before, I feel a greater sense of responsibility, both to the brand itself and the people working for us. At the start, Neatsmith was small, exciting and everything was new. Now we have 84 members of staff, some of whom have been with us for over 17 years. There are no big layers of management within the company and so it still feels like a family. There is so much opportunity for the next ten years and to make the most of it, we need to keep innovating and remain product-led.’

Philipp Nagel, co-owner and director

‘The retail experience should be a pleasure, and that can only really happen in a showroom’ 236 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Neatsmith-V3-GT.indd 236

20/12/2024 16:19

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Showrooms are key to our formula for the future. We have a new showroom in the pipeline and I think there’s probably room for another handful in the UK. I would also like to look at opening in New York.

2

Great service. In a digital age, it’s more important than ever to make the in-person shopping experience genuine and enjoyable. Our teams work with customers on the aesthetic they’d like throughout the design process and make sure that the wardrobes fulfil their needs.

3

Maintaining and exceeding standards. In a time where many other companies are outsourcing manufacturing and reducing quality to increase profits, our dedication to upholding our reputation for quality materials and craftsmanship sets us apart.

NEATSMITH 544 King’s Road Chelsea, London SW10 0UB +44 (0)20 8017 3909 neatsmith.co.uk neatsmith

With six showrooms, including one in Chelsea, Neatsmith has cemented its reputation for quality and service

Neatsmith-V3-GT.indd 237

20/12/2024 16:19

GBB 2025 —— N

Neptune Beautiful kitchens and furniture, designed and engineered to last 100 years

‘F

rom the beginning of our furniture journey, authenticity has been at our core. We never compromise on materials and have never used MDF or chipboard in any of our furniture or kitchen collections. Our guiding principle is purpose – to make furniture that will last for 100 years or more. This requires a focus on precision engineering, timeless aesthetics and thoughtful design, because we believe a great piece of furniture doesn’t just last, it should please the soul.

This commitment to craftsmanship can be seen in the new pieces we introduced in 2024, including the Farlow dresser. The mid-century inspired design combines elegance and versatility, available in various heights and configurations, engineered and built using traditional joinery techniques to last a lifetime.

We are aware that our customers lead busy lives, so we curate our collections, paring them back and asking, “do we need another table?”, before we launch new designs. Similarly, our paint collection is intentional, disciplined and thoughtful. No 50 shades of grey for us, but a considered palette of harmonious colours. Our curated collections are designed to set the stage for customers to layer onto, rather than furnishing their entire home.

Today we have 28 stores in the UK and Europe, some Neptune-owned, others partner-run; all designed by us. I’m a closet architect so designing the stores is a personal passion of mine. We specialise in transforming unloved buildings, like beautiful old pubs, into spaces that truly showcase Neptune.

Every store is designed to feel like a home, creating an inspirational experience that no amount of browsing online can replicate. I can’t say I have a favourite – the stores are like my children – but I do have a soft spot for our original store in Winchester, which we opened in 2009.

At Neptune, we take pride in leaving no stone unturned. To us, the underside of a table, and its mechanics, matter just as much as the top. We are also unusual in that we do everything from tree to table ourselves – that incorporates the design, the making, the retailing and everything in between.

I genuinely believe there’s no one who comes close to doing what we do.

Mike Clark joined us this year as CEO and looking ahead to the next ten years, my intention is that Neptune will stay true to its principles, knowing exactly who we are as a company and creating beautiful kitchens, furniture and accessories.’

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: co-founders John Sims-Hilditch and Giles Redman; Harrington garden table and chairs; Henley kitchen; Farlow dresser

John Sims-Hilditch, co-founder 238 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Neptune-V4-TD.indd 238

20/12/2024 16:19

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

This February, we’ll debut a collection of freestanding kitchen furniture, crafted from solid oak and tulipwood. Designed for flexibility and longevity, this collection, which includes a marble-topped island and freestanding dresser, builds on our founding philosophy. When we created our first kitchen almost 20 years ago, we used solid, standalone cabinets to achieve a bespoke look at an accessible price.

2

In March, we are introducing five new candle scents. Rooted in nature, these beautiful new fragrances evoke a sensory journey through sight, touch, sound, taste and smell.

3

We are gearing up to mark Neptune’s 30th anniversary in 2026 with a series of exciting activities. These celebrations will shine a spotlight on our craftsmanship, creativity and enduring design ethos.

NEPTUNE Blagrove, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 8YG neptune.com neptunehomeofficial

‘A great piece of furniture shouldn’t just last, it should please the soul’

Neptune-V4-TD.indd 239

20/12/2024 16:19

GBB 2025 —— BEAUTY

theLIST Niche Brit Beauty Brands ATEH JEWEL chooses the ten most exciting independent British beauty brands that deserve our attention

1

3

MEADOWFARM

BY SARAH

By Sarah is a remarkable skincare brand founded by sisters Sarah and Lauren, born from a deeply personal journey.

With over 15 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Sarah created this natural, soothing and restorative range to support Lauren during her recovery from leukaemia. What makes

By Sarah so special is making products that are gentle yet effective, with every formula developed, manufactured, and packaged in-house in the UK. bysarahlondon.com

2

BOUCLÈME

Want to look after your incredible curls as naturally as possible?

Step forward Michele Scott-Lynch, who founded Bouclème, a brand born from Michele’s mission to care for and nourish her own hair. It has since become a cult favourite. Bouclème uses recycled packaging and formulates its products in the UK with biodegradable ingredients. boucleme.co.uk

Inspired by – and made in – Yorkshire, Meadowfarm is a lifestyle brand offering a delectable range of deliciously scented candles, diffusers (for the car too) and bath salts made from the purest ingredients. All made at home, fan favourites include Warm Fig, a creamy, earthy scent, and Smoked Honey and Orange – perfect for the winter season. meadowfarmlifestyle.co.uk

4

JAMES READ

James Read is the king of tanning with a focus on skincare benefits alongside the feel-good factor of a bronzed skin. His products hydrate, plump, and rejuvenate the skin, with ingredients like plant-based DHA, fermented mushrooms, hyaluronic acid, apricot kernel oil and aloe vera.

The formulations not only provide a beautiful, naturallooking tan but also nourish and improve the skin’s texture, helping diminish fine lines. jamesreadglow.com

240 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

LIST-Beauty-V2-TD.indd 240

20/12/2024 16:56

8

CHARLOTTE MENSAH

5

Hairstyling legend Charlotte Mensah owns the iconic Hair Lounge on Portobello Road, in West London and is the innovator behind her eponymous Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil haircare range. Made specifically for Afro, mixed and curly hair types, her products are made in the UK and feature organic, ethically and sustainably sourced oils. Her book, Good Hair, is a must-read, empowering individuals to embrace and care for their natural hair. charlottemensah.com

THE INKEY LIST

The INKEY List was founded in 2018 by Colette Laxton and Mark Curry with a mission to empower people through better skincare knowledge. This accessible brand has revolutionised the industry with its democratic pricing and effective, science-driven formulas that deliver real results, like plump, hydrated skin without the sticky residue. Built on transparency and simplicity, The INKEY List has quickly become a go-to for skincare enthusiasts. theinkeylist.com

9

VOTARY

6 7

Votary was founded by makeup artist Arabella Preston and Charlotte Seller, and specialises in nurturing healthy, resilient skin through the power of luxurious plant oils, The brand’s hero product, the Rose Geranium and Apricot Cleansing Oil (£55), has earned a loyal following for leaving skin soft, supple and deeply hydrated. votary.co.uk

STAR SEED

Five years of research, working with regenerative smallholders in Kenya and a personal founder story around curing their own skin conditions and Star Seed was born.

So pure you can eat it (though you wouldn’t necessarily want to) and packed with plant essence, the products are nourishingly luxuriant balms, which are, most excitingly, water free. starseednatural.com

SISTERLY

Founded by three friends keen on supporting the wellbeing of the women in their lives, Sisterly combines convenience with powerful, clean formulations. Designed for modern women seeking simple yet effective solutions, Sisterly's hero product, The Elevator (£81.30 per monthly subscription), is a game-changer.

Packed with essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium, it’s made to boost wellness from the inside out.

Its travel-friendly design makes it a perfect companion for women on the go. sisterlylab.com

10

BRAMLEY

Chloë Luxton founded Bramley in 2009, inspired by her love for nature and the British countryside. She wanted to create a brand that captured the tranquility and beauty of rural life while offering natural, sustainable products for everyday use. The result is a delicious selection of nature-based bath, body and hair products enhanced with botanicals and essential oils, chosen for their therapeutic benefits. bramleyproducts.co.uk COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 241

LIST-Beauty-V2-TD.indd 241

20/12/2024 16:56

GBB 2025 —— N

New & Lingwood The 160-year old classic brand gently evolving into a modern destination for relaxed style

‘2

024 was a whirlwind. Retail is bouncing back and we saw people really enjoying our stores, which all curate our collection and brand slightly differently. Each year we try to give our customers something new. Last year we relaunched in Marylebone, adding a second floor and a madeto-measure offering to our store on Chiltern Street, an emerging destination for modern menswear.

A real highlight of 2024 was collaborating through our Re:New upcycling programme with Lisa King, an Anglo-Thai designer and Batik artist, whose late mother had bequeathed her a warehouse of antique silks. We worked these into beautiful loungewear like dressing gowns, which we launched as a capsule collection during London Craft Week; it helped keep the essence of the initiative at the front of our minds.

As 2025 is our 160th anniversary, it’s a perfect time to reflect on future opportunities as much as the history and heritage that took us to where we are today. We’ll be introducing a new design direction through a heritage capsule this autumn. It will celebrate the classic nature of our brand but also explore the contemporary styles and relaxed silhouettes that our customers increasingly seek from us.

It’s in our DNA to think long term. We believe styles should last decades, far beyond just a season – this capsule captures that ethos.

In the first half of this year we’re opening a small neighbourhood boutique in Belgravia, bringing an edit of our Jermyn Street emporium across the city and introducing our brand to a new audience.

We’re still looking overseas as over a quarter of our business is now in the US, including online. So, we’ll be joining forces with some well-known names out there, as well as some from this side of the Atlantic, to bring some unique product discovery moments to the west coast and select smaller cities.

We’ll never change what we’re best at and we want to stay a deeply British brand. But that coincides with the burgeoning demand from customers abroad to understand what a modern British menswear brand looks like.

Our decade’s outstanding achievement has been articulating a new creative direction, evolving our brand gently, smoothly and sympathetically to take us through the next decade and beyond.

We’ll be celebrating our resilience as a 160-year old brand almost certainly with a party and definitely with a series of other moments that signal our confidence in our direction and future.’

Freddie Briance, CEO

‘It’s in our DNA to think long term. We believe styles should last decades, and far beyond just a season’ 242 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

New-Lingwood-V2-TD.indd 242

20/12/2024 16:20

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

To play an integral role in defining what the next decade of British classic style looks like through our storytelling and unique design ethos.

2

To bring our neighbourhood boutiques to new pockets of customers in the US, Japan and the Middle East, where we see burgeoning demand for our take on classic British style.

3

To explore how our product offering can expand beyond clothing.

NEW & LINGWOOD 53 Jermyn Street London SW1Y 6LX +44 (0)800 083 5102 newandlingwood.com newandlingwood

A 160-year old heritage brand, continuously and sensitively updated for the modern British aesthetic

New-Lingwood-V2-TD.indd 243

20/12/2024 16:20

GBB 2025 —— N

Nyetimber World-renowned English sparkling wine producer

‘N

yetimber was the pioneer of English sparkling wine, being the first to plant the three Champagne variety vines – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – for the sole production of sparkling wine by the traditional method back in 1988. This was despite huge scepticism within the English wine industry. After proven success in the 1990s and earlier this century, the standard was set for English sparkling wine – in 2023, 76 percent of wine produced in this country was sparkling – and for which England is becoming famous worldwide.

This characteristic of “being the first” is part of the Nyetimber DNA and this has continued in the subsequent decades in many ways, as everyone has worked hard and with total passion and dedication to create the best possible sparkling wines.

Over the years we’ve won many wine competitions and blind tastings. But our winemaker Cherie Spriggs winning the International Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award in 2018 at the International Wine Challenge was the one we cherish the most. This was such a justified acknowledgement of her excellence as a sparkling winemaker, and not only was it the first time that someone outside Champagne won, it was and still is the first time a woman received the award.

The launch of our 1086 by Nyetimber Prestige Cuvée in 2018 at The Ritz Hotel in London was another highlight. It was incredibly special to be the first in the UK to launch a truly prestigious sparkling wine.

Not to say there haven’t been challenges. In 2012 the weather was so cold and wet that the crops in the vineyards developed poorly, leading us to decide not to pick any grapes and therefore not produce any wine of that vintage. Many of our producer colleagues fell into financial problems because of this dreadful vintage, and unfortunately several went bust. Then in both 2016 and 2017 we lost more than half of our potential crops due to a severe one-night frost, which also dealt a huge financial blow to us and our industry peers.

Covid was of course another huge challenge. However, we overcame this challenging period – hard work and never giving up are part of Nyetimber’s work ethics.

With a spirits arm to our business now, having acquired The Lakes Distillery in the summer, we can champion English luxury drinks more broadly – sharing the story of two pioneering and innovative brands with a global audience, and ultimately offering more special, joyful moments to people worldwide.’

Eric Heerema, owner and CEO

‘Nyetimber’s Cherie Spriggs was the first person outside Champagne to win International Sparkling Winemaker of the year’ 244 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Nyetimber-V5-TD.indd 244

20/12/2024 20:37

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We want to engage with more people and new audiences in the UK, as well as expanding to more international markets, building on Nyetimber’s original vision to become a global British luxury brand.

2

In 2024, Nyetimber acquired leading English single malt whisky distillery, The Lakes Distillery, as part of our goal to expand into spirits and champion luxury drinks being made in this country.

3

We want to expand our presence at famous sporting events, which currently include Queen’s Tennis, Henley Royal Regatta and supporting Team GB at the Olympic Games in Paris, as well as our partnerships with brands and institutions such as the National Gallery, the Design Museum and Range Rover.

NYETIMBER 7th Floor, Asticus Building 21 Palmer St, London SW1H 0AD +44 (0)20 7734 8490 nyetimber.com nyetimber

Nyetimber was the first in Britain to plant the three Champagne varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) for the production of sparkling wine

Nyetimber-V5-TD.indd 245

21/12/2024 12:50

‘It’s astonishing seeing what OKA has become since it began in 1991 with just 43 products and a dream’

OKA-V3-PB.indd 246

20/12/2024 16:22

O —— GBB 2025

OKA Beloved interiors surprising and delighting after 34 years

‘I

OKA has become a household name and its products were chosen by the late Queen to furnish her private apartments

t’s astonishing seeing what OKA has become since it began in 1991 with just 43 products and a dream held by its founders, Annabel Astor, Sue Jones (still our creative director) and Lucinda Waterhouse.

From a mail order company, we went online in 2001 as early adopters. We now have sourcing offices in India and China and we go direct to our factories rather than buying through middlemen and agents. We have expanded our UK teams, comprising dedicated employees passionate about all things OKA. Our highly curated range of products allows people to dress their homes beautifully and confidently. From a first purchase of a cushion or ottoman, we like to think people go on to furnish their forever home with OKA. One of our most significant achievements has been growing our global client base and ensuring our customers return multiple times by constantly developing our product lines to stay current. Sue Jones and I realised that we’ve brought in more than 3,500 products over the last decade.

Many become icons, like our bestselling Sheki Tarma armchair.

We’ve had wonder ful ringing endorsements, like our Kraak China range being selected by the White House and the late Queen choosing OKA items for her private apartments. When the press started referring to us as a household name, we felt Expanding our reach. a huge sense of accomplishment.

One of our most exciting During 2024, we’ve been bringing the opportunities lies in bringing business back to the founders’ original OKA to new audiences. By expanding our physical presence vision, concentrating on the UK market in the UK, we can introduce OKA and our customer, with better in-store to new customers and enhance availability and great service. While we are the experience of those who are a true omnichannel business, our 13 UK already discovering us online. stores represent 35 percent of sales and Innovation. Our highly are so important to our customers. Each of curated product range our stores is unique, from our prestigious is OKA’s beating heart.

Chelsea flagship to our Broadway store Building on this legacy, we will in a spectacularly beautiful building. explore fresh creative directions while staying true to our heritage, Our Knutsford store occupies the old ensuring OKA remains at the Conservative Party headquarters – George forefront of British interior design.

Osborne’s old office now showcases our renowned faux flowers.

Continuing to hit milestones in our sustainability journey.

Customers are more sophisticated We want to build on our and demanding than they used to be so B Corp certification and to our challenge is to keep surprising and continue improving the delighting them. We’re really proud of our transparency of our supply interior design service, launched in 2010, and chain. Using more recycled materials and further we’re committed to finding and creating championing craftsmanship, new products that are sourced ethically and we can lead in creating beautiful, designed with sustainability and longevity environmentally conscious in mind. Our stores offer a memorable designs that resonate with our values and customers. experience, and by sharing our knowledge and skills with customers, we empower them to create homes that reflect their OKA personality. Our overriding ambition is to 155-167 Fulham Road be the most loved British interiors business.’

London SW3 6SN

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

2

3

+44 (0)333 004 2042 oka.com oka

Mark Saunders, CEO

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 247

OKA-V3-PB.indd 247

20/12/2024 16:22

The OWO Britain’s Old War Office transformed into a modern luxury hospitality destination

‘T

en years ago, The OWO brand didn’t exist. The Hinduja family was searching for a heritage property after restoring Grade I listed Carlton House and wanted to create a lasting legacy. A bold vision and courage led us to bid for the Old War Office, a project that felt both daunting and exhilarating. The goal was to respect the building’s heritage while breathing new life into it. The brand name itself emerged in 2018, inspired by Ministry of Defence archives, which shortened “The Old War Office” to “OWO”.

When we acquired the building, it had 1,100 rooms, bland walls and an incredible 2.5 miles of corridors. The oak-panelled rooms carried a certain majesty but felt austere. It was clear we needed to transform the space into something that felt alive and welcoming.

We reimagined the building as a destination with homes, a hotel, restaurants and bars, a place that opens its doors to everyone. The grand central courtyard is a bridge between the quiet elegance of the residences and the lively energy of the hotel.

A building of this stature demands respect. It speaks to you, and you shouldn’t force anything. Today, when you cross over from the hotel to the residences – even internally – it feels very natural.

When the War Office was built, Britain was an empire, and the design reflects that grandeur with extraordinary alabaster marble staircases, brass doorhandles, mosaic flooring and elaborate plaster ceilings. During restoration, we collaborated with artisans whose firms worked on the original building in 1906. Historic England 248 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

The-OWO-V6 GT.indd 248

21/12/2024 12:57

O —— GBB 2025

‘A building of this stature demands respect. It speaks to you, and you shouldn’t force anything’ commended us for the careful preservation of these beautiful features.

Choosing Raffles Hotels and Resorts as our hospitality partner felt like the perfect match.

Its Singapore flagship has long-standing ties to Britain, so bringing them to The OWO felt like a homecoming. When it came to the spa, Guerlain fell in love with our design and vision and became essential to the project.

The 85 residences are each genuinely one-of-akind. They’ve garnered significant interest, especially from the US, and we’ve sold around half. The hotel has also received third-party endorsements, recently voted No.1 in London by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the US. Curating The OWO Art Collection became a passion. Art enriches the space, sparking conversations and adding soul to the building.

Looking ahead, The OWO has the potential to expand as a brand, depending on the right opportunities. Whether it’s urban or rural, wellnessfocused or heritage-driven, we’ll approach it with the same heart and care.’

Shalini Hinduja, Hinduja Group, and Jenny Naylor, head of marketing and communications, The OWO The OWO, Britain’s Old War Office, has been reimagined with homes, a hotel, restaurants and bars

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We are launching three new show residences in early 2025 – designed by British studios MoreySmith and Sims Hilditch and showcasing the finest craftsmanship and design – which offer an expanded glimpse into living at The OWO Residences by Raffles.

2

Visitors can discover the history of The OWO through a Heritage Tour, with traditional afternoon tea served in the Drawing Room. The tour is enhanced by every artwork having a QR code, with a full description behind each piece.

3

We plan to become a culinary hotspot for London, as The OWO already houses a collection of worldclass restaurants and three bars. With Michelinstarred chefs and Japanese, Mediterranean and Italian offerings among others, each restaurant or bar offers a distinct experience.

THE OWO 57 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX +44 (0)20 7139 5012 theowo.london theowo.london

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 249

The-OWO-V6 GT.indd 249

21/12/2024 12:57

GBB 2025 —— FASHION

theLIST Five Up-And-Coming Conscious Fashion Designers

1

Tolu Coker

Three core pillars define BritishNigerian designer Tolu Coker’s design ethos: community, craftsmanship and culture. Taking to the LFW runway in a blaze of colour and sleek tailoring, Coker positions her collections to tell the stories of historically quieted communities – while offering reassurances of social sustainability with locally manufactured pieces, fair wages and the use of deadstock fabrics and upcycled waste materials where possible. tolucoker.uk

2

Di Petsa

With her ‘wet look’ dresses worn by the likes of FKA Twigs, SZA and supermodel sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, designer Dimitra Petsa is well on her way to pop culture prominence.

You’ll find her portfolio filled with Greekinspired silhouettes that celebrate the saturated female form, combining traditional craftsmanship with upcycled materials and sustainable textile development to visualise a contemporary Greek goddess. dipetsa.com

3

Ancuța Sarca

When it comes to reimagining footwear for modern audiences, Ancuța Sarca is stepping up to the plate. The Romanian-born designer breathes new life into recycled fabric cutouts and material waste – and even worked with Nike in 2020 to transform leftover pairs of sneakers into runwayready heels. You’ll find her pushing the boundaries of conventional footwear design, blending femininities with masculinities to reinvigorate what was once familiar. ancutasarca.com

4

Kazna Asker

Sheffield meets the Middle East with Kazna Asker’s collections. The BritishYemeni designer takes much of her inspiration from traditional abayas and hijabs, combining them with the ‘Northern uniform’ – a humble tracksuit. Looking to her home city’s network of local charity shops, Asker sources pre-loved sportswear as the base for many of her pieces, before carefully unpicking and splicing them together with deadstock materials and Middle Eastern textiles. kaznaasker.com

5

Sinéad O’Dwyer

Much of Sinéad O’Dwyer’s practice is concerned with tackling the traditional (and often toxic) sizing rows of the fashion industry, designing clothes that accommodate all bodies.

Avoiding traditional ways of drawing fabric patterns, the Irish designer instead casts real life moulds of her models – using them as the building blocks for her garments. This approach earned her the Zalando Visionary Award in 2024, alongside a coveted spot in Copenhagen Fashion Week’s SS25 lineup. sineadodwyer.com

© BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL; EEVA RINNE; JESSICA MAHAFFY; DANID INGEO; JAMES COCHRANE

CHARLIE COLVILLE singles out London-based brands set to make waves all over the world

250 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GBB-LIST-Fashion-V2-TD.indd 250

20/12/2024 16:46

GBB 2025

PENELOPE CHILVERS 252 THE PIGS 254 POB HOTELS 256 PRAGNELL 258 RATHBONES GROUP PLC 264 REALLY WILD 266 RIGBY & RIGBY 268 ROBINSON PELHAM 272 886 BY THE ROYAL MINT 274 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY 276

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 251

Openers-V2-TD.indd 251

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— P

Penelope Chilvers Stylish boot brand evolving to encompass shoes, sandals and accessories

‘I

started Penelope Chilvers 22 years ago, taking six boot styles to Paris Fashion Week. Though boots remain at our collection’s core, we’ve evolved. Our clients now also want softer footwear and pump silhouettes, like our velvet slippers, moccasins and loafers. We also design summer espadrilles and sandals, belts and accessories and high quality lambswool socks.

However much we diversify, I create for the same woman who wants an essential shoe wardrobe that works really hard. Shoes must be comfortable. We’ll never make shoes you can’t walk in – and I don’t mean totter.

I mean properly walk, for miles.

We have five stores and over 50 employees but most sales are online. Our leather is from Spain, where we make everything locally. Our velvets are from Italy, my favourite being a cotton, upholstery-type velvet, which ages beautifully. We’ve recently launched a beautiful hard-wearing velvet tote that you can chuck everything into, even a laptop.

We’ve succeeded even in the face of Brexit and the pandemic. Brexit lost us some European business, but our sales grew exponentially in the US. During the pandemic, we pivoted and created new ranges of home slippers

Penelope-Chilvers-V5- GT.indd 252

20/12/2024 16:23

‘We’ll never make shoes you can’t walk in – and I don’t mean totter, I mean properly walk, for miles’

Penelope Chilvers (far left) is determined the brand’s footwear remains stylish, comfortable and is crafted to last a very long time

and walking boots – which increased our sales by nearly 35 percent.

This year has been busy. In January, we collaborated with SUJÁN, a Rajasthani safari company that contributes to the conservation of Rajasthan’s wildlife. We released a limited-edition slipper, giving ten percent of sales to tiger conservation. In May we created a collection dedicated to the Chelsea Flower Show, and in September we opened our first store outside London in Stow-on-the-Wold – a real stakein-the-ground moment.

Given 30 percent of our market is in the US, I took the brand on a road trip in December. We travelled from New York and Massachusetts to the ski slopes of Montana, Aspen and Jackson Hole, showcasing our après-ski snow boots. I’m not looking to conquer the world; we nurture a small-brand-nicheexperimental philosophy. But I do have ambitions to grow considerably.

As creative director, I hope our integrity remains intact. As a designer, I pledge to maintain our distinctive handwriting – however much we evolve.

As a producer, I take my responsibility seriously and we only make what we can sell. I’m determined that our footwear remains exceptional in comfort and style, and crafted to last a very long time.’

Penelope Chilvers, founder and creative director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We’re excited to grow healthily year on year. Our strategy is to open more stores in ‘destination locations’, where we are already in touch with our customers, like our most recent launch in Stow-on-theWold in the heart of the Cotswolds.

2

We’ll continue to reach out to our US customers, by visiting our stockists. On our recent road trip, we popped up in some of the most exclusive ski resorts with our après-ski range of wool lined boots, and I gave talks on my personal journey growing the business as a female founder.

3

We plan to diversify further from weather dependent footwear and expand into more accessories and shoe ranges, taking us from the city to the countryside, without diversifying from the Penelope Chilvers ethos and aesthetic.

PENELOPE CHILVERS 69 Duke Street, London W1K 5NX +44 (0)20 8969 2506 penelopechilvers.com penelopechilvers

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 253

Penelope-Chilvers-V5- GT.indd 253

20/12/2024 16:23

The Pig Hotels Characterful hotels in beautiful locations where the difference is in the details

‘T

en years ago, we had just three Pigs. Since then, we’ve grown to nine hotels and a pub, and are in most counties along England’s south coast, from Cornwall to Kent. It’s been a very exciting decade.

The beating heart of what makes us The Pig hasn’t changed, in terms of the people, the kitchen garden, the style of property – “restaurants with rooms” rooted in stunning parts of the English countryside. It’s behind the scenes that we’ve evolved, not least because we have many more rooms now; but the guest wouldn’t see anything different. Our biggest challenge as we grow is finding the right people: each hotel has roughly 80 employees, so having gone from 80 to 800, we now have to ensure they are all delivering what guests find truly special about The Pig. Our founders wanted The Pigs to be places they go themselves – comfortable, fun, relaxed and well kitted-out. I put our success down to authenticity, integrity and attention to the million details we often talk about. When we do something, we do it properly and believe in it. Our kitchen gardens, employing over 30 expert gardeners, are the perfect example: they’re our lifeblood, influencing every corner of the business.

We invest generously in our interiors, bathrooms, 254 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

THE-PIG-Hotels-V3-MBTD.indd 254

20/12/2024 16:43

P —— GBB 2025

‘I put our success down to authenticity, integrity and an attention to the million details we often talk about’

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Pig at Bridge Place; The Pig at Harlyn Bay; food is for the main locally sourced; The Pig near Bath; The Pig in the New Forest

bountiful breakfast tables and, most importantly, our people. From the youngest apprentice to the most experienced manager, our people are the reason guests keep coming back.

Our sustainability journey started the day we opened our first Pig. Whatever we can’t grow or rear, we source locally. We love to restore and repair, and generally prefer old and upcycled over new and shiny. Over the years we have further understood our ability to impact our communities more affirmatively, supporting local farmers, retailers, charities, schools and staff. Sustainability certainly has a broader scope now, and we’ve matured in that space as a business as well.

Our new investors are the largest solely hospitality-focused private equity firm in the world, and it’s been useful to learn from other businesses within their portfolio. With the will and resources, we were able to open another hotel in 2024. They take an international, long-term view, so, while we’re facing headwinds in the UK, they’re looking at global trends – but they very much let us get on with what we do best.’

Tom Ross, CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Choosing properties that make the perfect Pig can’t be rushed, but we are excited to have two in the pipeline, subject to planning permissions: The Pig – on the farm, Stratford-upon-Avon (2025) and The Pig – at Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells (2026).

2 3

Launching early this year, there is a calendar of exciting, informative and (most of all) sociable and fun happenings across The Pigs – making us the places to go in our local spots for an evening out.

Gaining B Corp accreditation in 2024 was a reminder of just how far we had come in our sustainability journey, but we know it is just the start. We are committed to being the future of caring and considered hospitality, by ‘Sourcing Responsibly’, ‘Supporting Society’ and ‘Protecting our Environment’.

THE PIG HOTELS +44 (0)345 225 9494 thepighotel.com the_pig_hotels COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 255

THE-PIG-Hotels-V3-MBTD.indd 255

20/12/2024 16:43

PoB Hotels Curator of truly exceptional places to stay across the British Isles

‘P

oB Hotels – or Pride of Britain Hotels as it was originally known – was founded in 1982. After 40 years, it was time to reinvent ourselves. We needed to reflect a more modern and inclusive ethos while staying true to our heritage. But before we did that, we had to find out exactly what our guests wanted from us. Our research showed that they still relied on us to tell them about the best places to stay across the British Isles, but beyond that, what they really wanted from PoB was to be inspired.

In 2023, we reimagined our website, and the results have been transformative. The redesign has significantly boosted visitor engagement, establishing our platform as a go-to destination for inspiration and information.

Alongside this, we introduced The Handle, an online magazine that has quickly become a celebrated feature of our brand. Its success culminated in the launch of an annual print edition, a stunning coffee table book that’s complimentary to order through our website.

Our guests can also pick it up from any of our hotels, as well as from a selection of venues across the country.

We’ve also gone on a journey with sustainability and taken a stand as a brand, partnering with EarthCheck 256 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

PoB-Hotels-V2-GT.indd 256

21/12/2024 14:05

P —— GBB 2025

‘We have two key missions: to inspire our guests and delight our member hotels’

PoB Hotels aims to be the go-to destination for anyone planning a UK break

to benchmark our sustainability credentials (PoB Hotels has already achieved silver). Almost 60 percent of our hotels are currently prioritising sustainability as a key ambition and the remaining 40 percent are working towards it at their own pace.

Hotels join PoB Hotels for two main reasons: they value the visibility and reach that comes with being part of a trusted collection, which can be challenging to achieve as an independent hotel, and they benefit from our ability to deliver impactful marketing without the hefty budgets required for mass campaigns. This is particularly relevant in today’s economic climate, where operational costs are higher than ever.

Last year alone, we welcomed four new hotels to our collection, and interest from other hotels was at an all-time high. Our approach remains selective – every hotel must meet our increasingly rigorous standards. We have two key missions: to inspire our guests and to delight our member hotels.

Where do we see ourselves in ten years? It’s simple: we aim to be the go-to destination for anyone planning a UK break, offering not just guidance but true inspiration for unforgettable experiences.’

Kalindi Juneja, CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Our 2025 edition of The Handle, our annual print coffee table book, will focus on wellness, featuring expert-curated retreats to inspire relaxation and rejuvenation. We vary the theme each year, making The Handle a great collector’s item.

2

Newly launched gift vouchers offer thoughtful present options for every occasion, including afternoon tea, spa indulgences, exceptional dining and stays. The best part: the recipient can choose to spend them at any of our 50+ locations across the UK.

3

We’re also expanding our much-loved PoB Breaks programme with curated itineraries, soon to include everything from family adventures to tranquil garden tours across the British Isles.

POB HOTELS Cowage Farm, Foxley, Wiltshire SN16 0JH +44 (0)1666 824666 pobhotels.com pobhotelsuk COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 257

PoB-Hotels-V2-GT.indd 257

21/12/2024 14:05

GBB 2025 —— P

Pragnell A sixth-generation family jeweller specialising in exceptional rare stones

‘M

y family has been in the goldsmithing and jewellery business for over 170 years and the majority of what we sell has always been handcrafted in our own workshops in Britain. Over the last decade, we have increased this to around 85 percent (the rest is made in the US, Switzerland and Italy), which means greater control over quality and design development. In recent years, we’ve also expanded significantly, and gone from having 60 employees to 130 high-calibre specialists. We opened a new shop and workshop in Leicester in 2023 and, prior to that in 2018, we opened our Mount Street boutique in London. That was a time of real celebration.

Our latest news is the recent re-opening of our flagship store in Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s where my grandfather, George Pragnell, set up the company’s first shop in 1954 (even in those days, the town attracted visitors because of its connection to Shakespeare) so it’s a rather special place to us. The new showroom is housed in an original Tudor building that has, in the past, been a theatre, a law firm, a butcher and a baker. It’s had the highest quality refurbishment and has an expanded workshop, where customers can see our skilled artisans in action. We’d like to think it’s one of the finest showrooms in the world.

Our jewellery collection has evolved over the years too.

In 2023, we sold a very important large pink diamond – another moment to remember. New pieces include the Cleopatra Collection, which was inspired by a trip to Egypt, the rich history of the country and skill of craftsmen in ancient times. Pragnell director Tom Crookenden and I (together with our own master craftsmen) designed a contemporary chain influenced by the Sha’bi pattern of the Egyptian Pharaonic period.

As an independent family jeweller in a world where digital footprint is so important, it requires a certain level of growth to retain an independent identity among the international brands. How to grow while still reflecting that identity and being able to communicate it in the right way has been challenging. We find that our customers are also increasingly more discerning and it’s important to consistently improve our standards. Looking ahead, I’m optimistic: although I think that AI will gradually dominate certain sectors, there will be a greater appreciation and interest in human craft and nature’s rare jewels.’

Charlie Pragnell, managing director

‘The majority of what we sell has always been handcrafted in our own workshops in Britain’ 258 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Pragnell-V4-GT.indd 258

21/12/2024 13:01

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Rare jewels. We are increasingly focused on these, and the individual masterpieces that we create with unique gemstones.

That’s what sets us apart.

2

Responsible mining. We are a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, which plays a critical role in promoting ethical standards. Through close relationships with our suppliers and careful monitoring of the supply chain, we ensure that every diamond we have ever, and will ever, deal with is 100 percent conflict-free.

3

Bespoke. Customers are increasingly looking for unique pieces that help them express their individuality and personal style. Our showroom and design teams are adept at reimagining antique pieces, adding a twist to an existing design, or developing entirely bespoke commissions.

PRAGNELL 14 & 16 Mount Street London W1K 2RF +44 (0)1789 267072 pragnell.co.uk pragnelljewellery

Pragnell creates new designs such as the Cleopatra Collection (top left), while also reimagining antique pieces and crafting bespoke commissions

Pragnell-V4-GT.indd 259

21/12/2024 13:01

GBB 2025 —— FUTURE OF LUXURY

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE What are British luxury’s new frontiers for 2025? Lucinda Baring finds luxury brands are helping frame the cultural landscape and deepening their engagement with consumers

Luxury-Essay-V2-KB.indd 260

20/12/2024 16:06

Chou Ching-hui’s Animal Farm No08 will be exhibited at Photo London 2025, where Belmond is the lead sponsor for the third year running

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 261

Luxury-Essay-V2-KB.indd 261

20/12/2024 16:06

GBB 2025 —— FUTURE OF LUXURY

hen Boodles held a private dinner for loyal customers in the National Gallery before Christmas, they didn’t receive a single dropout. The privilege of an evening spent surrounded by masterpieces in the gallery’s permanent collection – granted to Boodles fine jewellery in return for its patronage – was too good to miss.

Luxury brands, particularly the ones celebrated in this edition of Great British Brands, are 21st century Medicis. Many luxury pieces are akin to works of art in their detail and craftmanship – but according to Walpole’s State of London Luxury 2024, a report produced in association with Cadogan, today’s luxury brands are stepping further than ever into the cultural sphere. ‘The most influential luxury brands today are not only timeless but those that embody the zeitgeist, community and culture – brands with a deep cultural presence,’ states the report. ‘This involves making a cultural impact that extends beyond the creative value of products and experiences. It requires transitioning from merely supporting the arts to actively engaging in and shaping the cultural landscape.’

This year, collaborations between luxury brands and cultural institutions are continuing to flourish – crucial against a landscape of challenges to arts funding and education. Dunhill, sponsors of Frieze Masters and BAFTA, deepens its partnership with the arts charity in 2025 by supporting BAFTA Elevate, a two-year mentoring programme for talent from under-represented backgrounds. ‘We always approach these partnerships as a two-way conversation,’ says William Oliver, Dunhill’s chief brand officer. ‘It’s key for Dunhill that a project allows us to contribute in a way that is authentic and meaningful to the organisation but equally the community surrounding that organisation. It is never just a logo on a wall: we want these partnerships to deliver brand awareness and to begin conversations, but first and foremost we want our support to add real value to their projects.’

These partnerships are exactly that: a partnership; no longer simply transactional, they reach beyond sponsorship. ‘Our crossconnection with culture is about storytelling,’ says James Amos, managing director of Boodles fine jewellery. ‘It allows us to anchor our collections in a specific narrative.’ For Amos, these collaborations deliver three key advantages: they allow the brand to align themselves with a great British institution; they offer the design team a wealth of creative inspiration; and it gives the brand exclusive opportunities to entertain its clients. ‘When Boodles first collaborated with the Royal Ballet in 2015, we were able to take 75 people to one of the productions, with 20 in the royal box. It was very special and allowed us to really connect with our clients.’

Boodles has been in partnership with the National Gallery since 2022, inspiring a companion jewellery collection now encompassing 38 pieces, and this year it launches a new collaboration with the Historic Royal Palaces.

‘Our designers have visited a handful of them, and we think we’ll focus our collections on Hampton Court, the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Whitehall. From a storytelling point of view, it’s amazing.’

Belmond has renewed its partnership with Photo London for 2025, and in September, the V&A opens its much-anticipated Marie Antoinette exhibition, sponsored by Manolo Blahnik, who says he has long been inspired by the young French queen’s style (and created some shoes for the 2006 Sofia Coppola film). Claridge’s, which launched its Royal Academy Prize a few years ago to support the gallery, is this year celebrating 100 years of Art Deco with a treasure hunt across London inspired by the Bright Young Things. ‘Hotels

are more than hotels now: it’s about the art on the walls, the narratives we create,’ says Paula Fitzherbert, director of communications at the Maybourne Hotel Group. ‘Hotels are like a world of theatre.’

Pragnell has supported the Royal Shakespeare Company for 20 years, contributing to the refurbishment of theatres, sponsoring specific productions and presenting the Pragnell Shakespeare Birthday Award to individuals who have furthered our enjoyment and understanding of the Bard’s work (with Sirs Kenneth Branagh and Patrick Stewart, Adrian Lester CBE and Dames Judi Dench and Vanessa Redgrave among the recipients). ‘Our family have lived in Stratford-upon-Avon for three generations,’ says Charlie Pragnell, ‘and our flagship showroom is equidistant between the Bard’s birthplace on Henley Street and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. We believe it is important to preserve the culture and craft of the arts and feel proud to partner and support the RSC and other local initiatives like the Stratford Literary Festival.’

At The Arts Club, its head of cultural programming Blanche Parris believes it is the club’s engagement with culture – of all genres – that gives it an edge. Parris holds panel discussions and events for 40 to 50 people – ‘with no photography, no posing’ – and hosts private screenings, takes members on trips and over two days this January, it welcomes its first Women’s Summit.

‘We make our programme as varied as possible, from art to fashion, film, food, dating, soft power, trends,’ Parris tells me. ‘British luxury is having a global moment: there’s an appetite that reaches beyond beautiful British-made things into culture and wellness too.’

Luxury consumers themselves are also changing – demanding more from their brands. As Gen Z come of age, they are redefining shopping with their digital fluency and social consciousness. Luxury brands will do well to adapt, as Gen Z and millennials are forecasted to account for 70 percent of the luxury market by 2030. But every generation is playing a role in reshaping the luxury landscape: according to a new market research report by Euromonitor, 25 percent of highincome consumers say they only buy from purpose-driven brands.

‘Shifts in attitudes have led more luxury shoppers to favour brands that prioritise the wellbeing of individuals and the planet, gravitating towards those that align with their personal beliefs and place value beyond mere profitability,’ finds Euromonitor. What makes this moment in time unique is the overlap of these four generations, each one shaping the luxury market at once. Jewellers like Robinson Pelham and Jessica McCormack successfully capture this crosswind of generations, the latter appealing to Gen Z customers through her partnership with actress Zoe Kravitz as muse and brand ambassador. ‘For me she is a true JM woman,’ McCormack says. ‘She’s creative, talented, smart.’

‘To stay relevant and competitive in the fast-changing environment, luxury players must understand the face of the new luxury consumer, that is younger, more diverse and more demanding,’ the report continues. That means TikTok Shop and shopping through other social media platforms, while simultaneously rethinking the role of bricks-and-mortar, as brands use their stores to engage customers in new ways – creating exhibitions spaces, cafes and restaurants, and offering exclusive and ever-more creative and engaging events to deepen the relationship between brand and consumer, capitalising on an experiential luxury market set to more than triple over the next five years.

‘Art is about the emotional connection between viewer and object, which allows you to create a dialogue,’ says Anthea Peers, president of Christie’s EMEA, in State of London Luxury 2024. ‘But the extra step that unites art and luxury is that they are about the creator, a touchpoint with the creative force behind it. And there is something profound about that. It goes beyond the average purchase or experience.’ n

‘THESE PARTNERSHIPS ARE NEVER JUST A LOGO ON A WALL. WE WANT THEM TO DELIVER BRAND AWARENESS, BEGIN CONVERSATIONS AND ADD REAL VALUE’

262 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Luxury-Essay-V2-KB.indd 262

20/12/2024 16:06

013080 Lalique 50YO advert V2 English.pdf

Glenturret.indd 1

1

29/11/2024

12:00

18/12/2024 17:18

GBB 2025 —— R

Rathbones Group Plc Personal wealth managers providing a haven in a volatile financial climate

‘D

uring 2024 we were intent on progressing our merger with Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) to bring everything on to one platform early in 2025. It was time very well spent, as when we look back, we’ll see that the planning, execution, and completion of this combination of our businesses has been a huge achievement.

We also did a lot to improve our technology, upping our level of client communication, putting some of our core systems into the Cloud and launching our client lifecycle management system, while continuing to strengthen our security measures. These might not sound like exciting developments, but they represent a major step forward in terms of building an even more reliable and improved platform for our clients and colleagues. With a younger generation coming through, we’re going to need an improved digital-only offering, so there’s lots to do as we build on the success of this last year.

At some point, most of us have experienced frustrating call centre queues, complicated verification processes and difficulty accessing digital services, so we

Rathbones-V2-GT.indd 264

Rathbones stands out thanks to the personal service that has always been at its core

20/12/2024 16:25

‘I’m proud of the warmth, understanding and affinity our colleagues are able to offer alongside their expertise’ can understand how frustrating those things can be. We actually see this as an opportunity to stand out thanks to the personal service offering that is at Rathbones’ core.

It’s our ambition to remain a safe haven for our clients in this constantly changing – and, recently, fairly challenging – external environment. We focus on investing responsibly and those who invest with Rathbones trust us to have integrity and stability.

I believe that to remain competitive, we must start by looking to balance our own efficiency while continuing to deliver a high level of client service.

A client recently commented that Rathbones felt like home, and I’m proud of the warmth, understanding and affinity our colleagues are able to offer alongside their expertise. We will of course be using technology to improve our own efficiency, but it will always supplement our personal service rather than replace it.

We’ve never aimed to be at the racy end of investment. We look long term at what money our clients are really going to need and when. To that end, we’ll always recruit the best people and use the best systems, to stay close to our clients and remain an oasis from which we will continue to extend a warm welcome.’

Paul Stockton, group CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

Our combination with Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) gives us the opportunity to bring together the best of two leading wealth management companies to create a market-leading brand.

Our wider nationwide geographic footprint gives us the chance to offer local, face-to-face service to more clients, no matter where they are based in the UK. We want our enhanced scale, reputation and culture to make Rathbones a destination of choice for top talent. We are building a firm that reflects the values of those people, whether they are early on in their career or more experienced.

RATHBONES GROUP PLC 30 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QN +44 (0)20 7399 0000 rathbones.com rathbonesplc COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 265

Rathbones-V2-GT.indd 265

20/12/2024 16:25

GBB 2025 —— R

Really Wild Country chic clothing evolving to become a global lifestyle brand

‘R

eally Wild is a quintessentially British brand that celebrates cultural heritage through the craftspeople working on its clothing collections.

The brand was founded 22 years ago by Natalie Lake, born of her passion for nature and outdoor nature pursuits. This focus is honoured by our new majority ownership, which my husband and I acquired in May 2024. Together with stakeholder Gabriela Luksic, we will evolve Really Wild’s offering into city-like clothing to cater to the professional woman. Both the country and city collections will aim to empower women with the cut of the garment and the feel of the fabric.

The name “Really Wild” can be interpreted in many ways. Wild is a reference to nature and wilderness, which is at the core of the brand. We create clothing that is to be worn in the countryside, while also supporting sustainable production, which keeps the care for people and planet at the forefront. Wild, to me, also means free and empowered. This can mean going beyond one’s comfort zone, changing the paradigm of society for the better and tapping into one’s own strength and resources.

At Really Wild, we want to highlight people, in line with our belief that supporting craftspeople is supporting a cultural heritage. So many luxury goods today seem too commoditised, without any recognition of the artisans behind them. We want to know and honour the individual involved in the creation.

Our materials are a celebration of the land. Many companies, who, for example, make our tweed, are family businesses that have existed for decades. They are nestled in nature, and it is fascinating to talk to them about the importance of the sheep that produce the wool – how the weather affects the grass quality and consequently the quality of the wool.

We are very motivated to teach our consumer about circularity and consideration of production. Overconsumption of fashion is a big challenge, and we want to promote more considered choices. We believe in creating clothes that are timeless, where style, not trend, is the driving force.

We aim to expand Really Wild into different countries, where we will work with local makers to support their cultural heritage, be this Argentinian leather manufacturers, North American cowboy bootmakers, or China’s extraordinary craftspeople. Modernisation has bypassed cultural heritage in so many countries – however to us, it is exciting to celebrate the history of art, cultures and traditional craft.’

Really Wild is rooted in the British countryside, traditional craftmanship and considered customer fashion choices

Nadja Swarovski-Adams, chief commercial officer and chief marketing officer 266 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Really-Wild-V4-TD.indd 266

20/12/2024 16:26

‘Wild is a reference to nature, which is at the core of the brand. But to me, it also means free and empowered’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We launched our SS25 collection in February. Once again, we are celebrating British heritage, particularly by using Liberty fabrics, as the company is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, along with linens and British knitwear.

2

Under our new ownership, we are taking a new direction. Really Wild will continue to offer timeless collections that span country and city pursuits, but we want to leverage our core craft and become a global British lifestyle brand.

3

I feel very strongly about sustainability. So many companies cut corners, but we are commencing our certification process to ensure Really Wild earns B Corp recognition. Our challenge is to convince this generation and the next one to make buying decisions that support sustainability.

REALLY WILD Suite 1, Blandel Bridge House 56 Sloane Square London SW1W 8AX +44 (0)7827 888954 reallywildclothing.com reallywildclothing

Really-Wild-V4-TD.indd 267

20/12/2024 16:26

Rigby & Rigby An integrated design and delivery studio realising exceptional properties worldwide

‘A

decade ago, Rigby & Rigby was renowned as a Prime Central London developer, delivering high quality and meticulous attention to detail – values that still define us today and are upheld by our CEO Iain Johnson. Over the years, we’ve evolved into a fully integrated design and delivery studio, offering solutions that streamline the entire project journey while ensuring exceptional standards. With six in-house departments – development management, architecture, interior design, construction, aftercare and creative – we provide both independent services and a collaborative ecosystem that simplifies the process for our clients.

This integrated model has also enabled us to expand globally, with projects in New York, Lapland, Oslo, Montenegro, Dubai, South East Asia and Japan. Our design approach is flexible and adaptable: we begin each project by listening to our clients, drawing inspiration from their preferences to create spaces that are personal, emotionally resonant and tailored to their needs.

Diversification has been significant. In the high-end residential and hospitality sectors, we’ve delivered largescale UK and international projects, including mansions in the English countryside, London, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Hospitality highlights include The Emory 268 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Rigby-Rigby-V5-GT.indd 268

20/12/2024 16:27

R —— GBB 2025

‘We’ve worked on family offices, limited-edition cars, superyachts and private jets, applying the same level of craft to every venture’

Rigby & Rigby is working on projects in New York, Lapland, Oslo, Montenegro, Dubai, Sout East Asia and Japan

Penthouses in Knightsbridge and The Maybourne Riviera near Monaco. Beyond these, we’ve also worked on private family offices, limited-edition cars, superyachts and private jets – applying the same level of craft to every venture. Experience brings versatility.

Landmark moments include projects in Mayfair, which still hold record breaking prices per sq/ft, and Lancelot House in Knightsbridge, the UK’s first private residential home to achieve WELL Accreditation, with all six departments collaborating on its design and delivery. Most recently, our interior design team won the 2024 SBID Ultra Luxury Global Design Award for a modern London mansion. In sustainability, we earned the Positive Luxury Butterfly Mark in 2023.

Looking ahead, wellness and thoughtful living are at the forefront. Homes are increasingly sanctuaries for physical and mental health, shaped by clever planning, design features and colour psychology.

AI will enhance processes by automating repetitive tasks, but human creativity remains central to crafting designs that connect emotionally and culturally. In ten years, our boutique studio will continue delivering diverse, bespoke projects with intelligent, thoughtful design at its core, balancing exclusivity with broader opportunities.’

James Ashfield, studio director of interior design

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

Designing a family retreat adjacent to a National Park in South East Asia, promoting sustainability through rewilding and planting 2,500+ native trees, supporting local biodiversity and integrating with the surroundings.

Leading the market in eco-luxury, offering sustainable, wellness-focused design and construction projects such as WELL-certified homes to meet the growing demand for energy efficient, environmentally conscious spaces.

3

Expanding into other sectors and locations allows us to bring our bespoke luxury expertise to a new global customer audience, delivering tailored, culturally-rich designs for discerning clients.

RIGBY & RIGBY 29 Milner Street, London SW3 2QD +44 (0)20 3418 0446 rigbyandrigby.com rigbyandrigby COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 269

Rigby-Rigby-V5-GT.indd 269

20/12/2024 16:27

GBB 2025 —— ART

theLIST Ten Collectible British Artists Affordable Emin? OLIVIA COLE advises on the artists to invest in

Purvishaa & Tangokitty (2023)

1

Based between Margate and RA Schools where he teaches, Clarke is inspired by everything from Hackney Gazette headlines to unfinished crosswords left on trains, ghost-written memoirs and even discarded bingo tickets. As print in all its forms becomes more of a luxury, his meticulous care with the medium becomes more and more covetable. leighclarkeworks.com

SOPHIE BARBER

Barber plays with the naif, and the British seaside is her sandy playground. With the grubby magic of East Sussex’s Shoreditch-on-Sea as her subject, her degree show at Goldsmiths in 2020 drew attention around the world and got New Yorkers interested in St Leonards, Hastings and Camber Sands. alisonjacques.com

I’m still beautiful in my mind (2024)

2

LEIGH CLARKE

3

DAME TRACEY EMIN

The artist jokes that the great paintings she has done since living with a cancer diagnosis in 2020 have ensured she won’t be remembered as ‘some mediocre YBA’. As if. Her recent lithographs made with Counter Editions are a more accessible acquisition. countereditions.com

Kate Moss (2023)

4

ANNIE KEVANS

In 2004, Kevans caught the eye of Charles Saatchi with her degree show. Her muted palette, economy of lines and dreamy faces are instantly recognisable, whether she’s depicting child actors, dictators, presidential mistresses or pop culture icons for Jean Paul Gaultier, who notably commissioned her to depict all of his muses. anniekevans.com

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COUNTEREDITIONS.COM AND THE ARTIST. © THE ARTIST; COPYRIGHT, CARLA BOREL; © THE ARTIST COURTESY OF COB GALLERY; STEVE RUSSELL STUDIO LTD, COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

Wolfgang and i wish you were here (2024)

270 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

LIST-British-Artists-V1-MB-KBedit.indd 270

20/12/2024 16:30

Michael and Mandana on Lexington Street (2006)

5

Snails and Oysters (Hedy) (2024)

A vast composite drawing by Fowler greets anyone arriving at Sir Ridley Scott’s boardroom in LA, but her work has found audiences the world over.

Delicate but visceral, her pencil lines pay tribute to the humanism of cinema. She works with archives and the films of the golden age to find missing narratives that deserve to be seen and told. ninamaefowler.art

CARLA BOREL

As a young woman, Borel and her flâneur’s camera were on the periphery of a Soho scene that seems like a dream, with notorious artists and writers at the bars of The French House, the Colony Room Club and the original Soho House. The resulting Stillsoho series strikes a nerve as Soho gentrifies and changes. carlaborel.co.uk

8

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COUNTEREDITIONS.COM AND THE ARTIST. © THE ARTIST; COPYRIGHT, CARLA BOREL; © THE ARTIST COURTESY OF COB GALLERY; STEVE RUSSELL STUDIO LTD, COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

THOMAS J PRICE

7 9

Untitled (2024)

GARY HUME

It’s easy to forget how strange it was in the 90s and noughties for a contemporary artist to paint. Twenty-five years after representing Britain at Venice Biennale, Hume provided the set for Burberry’s SS25 show, arguably marking a moment the artist (who paints on aluminium in high gloss domestic Dulux) became a British institution. Buy while you can. spruethmagers.com

6

NINA MAE FOWLER

A Place Beyond (2024)

Price’s work signifies a quiet revolution in statuary. He presents naturalistic poses of everyday life. Represented

by Hauser & Wirth, you can see his beautifully ordinary people in London – at the White Collar Factory, Old Street and outside Hackney Town Hall, where Warm Shores (2022) permanently celebrates local residents from the Windrush generation. thomasjprice.com

When will we be good enough? #4

NADAV KANDER

The meetings Kander has had with some of the biggest personalities of our time cross instantly from startling photojournalism to memorable fine art. At the National Portrait Gallery, his hyper-real depiction of the King jumps off of the wall like history in the making, and his portraits of Obama are modern classics. Born in Tel Aviv, Kander grew up in Johannesburg and is represented by Flowers Gallery in London, his adopted home since 1985. nadavkander.com

10

OSMAN YOUSEFZADA

Rosamund Pike II (2014)

Yousefzada’s The Go-Between: A Portrait of Growing Up Between Different Worlds is a moving account of coming of age in Birmingham in the 80s in a PakistaniAfghan community. The multi-disciplinary star has moved worlds once more, from fashion to art, inspired by his family’s immigrant stories. Powerful new work can currently be seen at The Box in Plymouth. osmanstudio.com COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 271

LIST-British-Artists-V1-MB-KBedit.indd 271

20/12/2024 16:30

GBB 2025 —— R

Robinson Pelham Creating colourful versatile jewellery for every generation

Identity 18ct gold necklace with Identity diamond bar

‘W

e are three female founders: Zoe Benyon and Model wears morganite Stereo Kate Pelham Burn did a gemology course together pendant and Rebel rose quartz beads, rock crystal enamel Arena and I’d just finished studying design and goldsmithing ring and mini Daystar earrings at Central Saint Martins when we met 27 years ago.

In 2012, we opened our Chelsea flagship, which we’ve just refurbished. Previously, we’d been tucked away in a mews, so having the shop was a defining moment and we really wanted it to represent our ethos. Many jewellery shops were beige at the time and we’re all about colour so we went to town on our lovely, bright interiors.

Another big moment came around 2017 when we started doing the Las Vegas couture show. It opened up international markets to us including the US, Japan and we’re breaking into the Middle East.

We’ve just celebrated ten years of our inspirational Daystar earrings Ear Menu by opening the Ear Bar in our shop, with 6,000 combinations. It’s like a vast chocolate box for earrings, enabling people to pick their favourites.

Recently we partnered with Turquoise Mountain and launched Stereo, a collection based on a 1980s stereo player’s “Play-Pause-Stop” buttons and representing life’s pace. Nominated for Professional Jeweller’s Collection of the Year, it is also an ode to music and everything that brings you happiness. Ouche is another new collection, designed to build your own neck collar by varying the differently shaped hanging “beans”. We’re all about versatility and jewellery should be interchangeable.

A decade ago, we saw women starting to buy jewellery for themselves. This empowering “Why should I wait?” attitude was a significant shift. It changed the way we designed.

Our entry prices are not low, but we’re colourful and fun, and with our Ear Menu, we’re attracting a younger generation. The children of people who bought their engagement rings here are returning for theirs – it’s pure joy.

Our Revamp service encourages people to bring in pieces of jewellery that they own but don’t wear for us to breathe new life into. We hate to think of jewellery languishing in a dusty safe. We keep pieces intact if they’re signed, otherwise we remodel them for the client to enjoy wearing.

By asking the right questions, we really find out about our customers, their lifestyles and what makes them tick, to ensure that they leave Robinson Pelham with jewellery they’re Yellow diamond going to love forever.’

Vanessa Chilton, co-founder and creative director

and white diamond Octagonal ring in 18ct yellow and white gold

Vanessa, Kate and Zoe, the three founders of Robinson Pelham

Emerald cut Target ring with diamonds and emeralds in 18ct yellow and white gold

272 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Robinson-Pelham-V9-MBTD.indd 272

20/12/2024 16:27

Ouche necklace with interchangeable pavé diamond beads and Daystar earrings

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Building on our Ear Menu and new Ear Bar, we’re about to add an interactive ‘curate your own ear’ section to our new website, which we know will do incredibly well.

2

Increasingly women are buying for themselves and want interchangeable jewellery so we’re already seizing opportunities to develop more and more versatile ranges.

3

We’re already an intergenerational brand and are becoming the ultimate family jeweller, not just for life but for your children and grandchildren – and generations beyond.

‘The children of people who bought their engagement rings here are returning for theirs – it’s pure joy’

Robinson-Pelham-V9-MBTD.indd 273

ROBINSON PELHAM 39 Elystan Street, Chelsea London SW3 3NT +44 (0)20 7828 3492 robinsonpelham.com robinsonpelham

20/12/2024 16:27

GBB 2025 —— R

886 by The Royal Mint Innovative, sustainably-made fine jewellery by the UK’s oldest company

‘W

e launched fine jewellery brand 886 by The Royal Mint two years ago as a way of transitioning the company into a new chapter, future-proofing it in a world where coins are used less and less. The premise is to harness traditional skills but be innovative in our materials: we developed and patented a chemistry with Canadian clean tech company Excir that extracts gold from end-of-life electronic consumer waste in the most sustainable way, while silver comes from discarded hospital X-ray films. First, we created a small laboratory; this year we launched a plant that refines and works through big volumes. We’ve also built a workshop and worldclass manufacturing facilities, and brought in external artisans to help teach our coin makers jewellery skills. Our purpose is to create jobs, so one of the biggest achievements is that, so far, we’ve grown from two to 20 makers.

We started with a very understated collection so I could focus on why we were creating the brand and what makes us special.

I wanted to reset people’s expectations from jingly-jangly coins on chains to what jewellery by The Royal Mint could be. Our two collections since have been more elaborate, bringing in additional techniques and processes from The Royal Mint as well as artisans from around the UK, such as glass enamellers and stone setters.

We make old-school jewellery in the sense that as well as being beautifully designed, each piece has a weight to it – what I call a store of value – and quality that makes it a future heirloom.

It was always going to be challenging to create a radical project with a start-up mentality attached to the oldest company in the UK. It’s taken a lot of goodwill and hard work from the team. We’ve had organic traction with incredible people wearing our jewellery in the last few years. In 2024, for instance, Stella McCartney asked us to create jewellery for her Spring/Summer ‘25 Paris fashion show. For a young brand to have that sort of exposure was amazing. We have an ambitious plan which includes opening new stores and moving into markets around the world – we just need to make sure we can keep up with that growth while training our talent in house. In the future, I would like the brand to be seen as a British Cartier or Tiffany, setting the standard for what modern businesses can be while maintaining the history of this incredible institution.’

Dominic Jones, creative director

‘It was always going to be challenging to create a radical project attached to the oldest company in the UK’ 274 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

886-By-The-Royal-Mint-V3-TD.indd 274

20/12/2024 14:08

886 by The Royal Mint has aspirations of being seen as the British Cartier in the future

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We recently released our third collection, Orrery, which takes its name from a mechanical device modelling movements of celestial bodies in the early 18th century. Spring 2025 sees the launch of a capsule collection of working sundial jewellery.

2

Following last summer’s launch in Selfridges London, we will open our first physical pop-up in a series of British international department stores during 2025. I think people are enjoying real experiences again and that this will only grow in the future.

3

The brand is expanding its bespoke service in 2025, adding to the online personalisation, in-store hand engraving and custom-design offering already in place in our Burlington Arcade boutique.

886 BY THE ROYAL MINT Unit 26, Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0PR +44 (0)20 7408 0714 886.royalmint.com 886royalmint

886-By-The-Royal-Mint-V3-TD.indd 275

20/12/2024 14:08

Royal Shakespeare Company Making Shakespeare resonant and exciting for the next generation across the globe

‘R

ecently, we’ve been excited to see Shakespeare popping up everywhere, from the National and the West End to the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

One of the RSC’s greatest moments of the last decade was staging the world premiere of the Olivier-award winning My Neighbour Totoro in 2022 with Tokyo’s Studio Ghibli, cementing our ethos of reaching across borders and collaborating internationally.

Another was the partnership between Greg Doran and David Tennant culminating in David’s Hamlet and Richard II. Simon Russell Beale’s The Tempest, in partnership with Intel and The Imaginarium Studios, was another turning point – a marriage of brilliant acting and design with technical innovation, combining live action with cutting-edge motion capture technology.

Stratford-upon-Avon has become the UK’s most visited town after London, with audiences coming from as far as Penzance, the Shetlands and 74 countries worldwide. Last spring, we launched our inaugural season as co-artistic directors with a full year of programming. We opened up all four theatres – the Royal Shakespeare theatre, the Swan, the newly invigorated The Other Place (where Judi Dench and Ian McKellen played Macbeth), which just turned 50, and the popular outdoor Holloway Garden Theatre.

Also in 2024, we announced the West End transfer of the dazzling political thriller Kyoto, while The Buddha of Suburbia transferred to the Barbican after opening at The Swan in an explosion of joy.

Pericles transferred to the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, marking 276 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Royal-Shakespeare-Company-V4-MB.indd 276

20/12/2024 16:28

R —— GBB 2025

‘Our work with ten schools in Middlesborough showed literacy levels

ITISH B

R

BR

ITIS

S

ND

EA

T

COMMITMENT TO CRAFT

Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans launched their inaugural season as co-artistic directors last year

Tamara’s directorial debut with us, and we staged Othello, Twelfth Night and The Red Shoes.

At our core is our creative learning and education work, reaching half a million children annually in 1,000 schools nationwide. Our research partnership with Oxford University, Time To Act, demonstrated that after exposure to RSC teaching, there were significant improvements in children’s language and academic achievements. Our work with ten schools in Middlesborough showed literacy levels soared from 68 percent to 93 percent over a decade.

Our First Encounters productions tour across the country, performing lively, accessible adaptations of Shakespeare for families.

Our long-term challenge remains ensuring Shakespeare’s productions are pertinent, thrilling and available to people from all backgrounds, while competing with streaming services and podcasts.

Pericles’s final line is “New joy wait on you” and we’re seeing audiences respond joyfully to our first year of programming. In ten years, we hope that many more people will be involved with Shakespeare globally, inside and outside theatres – there’s even a Shakespeare-inspired video game being developed.’

Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans, co-artistic directors

A

GR

2025 AWARD WINNER

DS

GRE

T

BR

AN

A

soared to 93 percent over a decade’

R B H

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

While Stratford-upon-Avon is home to the RSC, we have a long history of premiering new work in London and we’re building on this opportunity. In 2025, London has five RSC productions: Matilda the Musical, My Neighbour Totoro, Kyoto, Ben and Imo and 4.48 Psychosis.

2

We’re the only performing arts organisation with Independent Research Organisation status, enabling us to expand our pioneering work in schools and develop our role as an international centre for Shakespeare and performance, teaching, training and learning.

3

The Theatre Green Book provides us with guidance for making productions sustainably and improving the sustainability of our theatres and all other operations, with the goal of helping organisations reach net zero by 2030.

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BB +44 (0)1789 331111 rsc.org.uk thersc COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 277

Royal-Shakespeare-Company-V4-MB.indd 277

20/12/2024 16:28

GBB 2025 —— BEAUTY

theLIST Eight Cult British Perfumes Sniff out a classic scent that will never go out of style, says MARTHA DAVIES

1 Crab Apple Blossom by Clive Christian Nothing says luxury like Clive Christian’s crown-topped bottles, and the unique crab apple blossom scent is one of its most beloved, £400, clivechristian.com. 2 The British Bouquet by Atkinsons 1799 Once the official perfumer to the Royal Court of England, Atkinsons’ The British Bouquet is the epitome of elegance, £148, atkinsons1799.com. 3 Goddess by Burberry Channel your inner superpower with this superbrand scent. Launched in 2023, waft in a trio of vanillas, lavender, cacao and ginger, £145, uk.burberry.com. 4 Pomegranate Noir by Jo Malone There are plenty of show-stopping scents, but the ruby-rich Pomegranate Noir is a classic, £118, jomalone.co.uk. 5 No.89 by Floris London Centuries of history are beautifully summed up in its best-selling fragrance, No.89, which offers a captivating blend of orange, bergamot, lavender and neroli, £110, florislondon.com. 6 Rose Silence by Miller Harris This female-founded British brand is renowned for creating scents that evoke nature and the British countryside. What’s sweeter than an English rose? £140, millerharris.com. 7 Highgrove Bouquet by Penhaligon’s Is there anything more British than a fragrance inspired by the home of the King? This lively scent takes notes of mimosa, cedar and silver lime from Highgrove’s gardens, £175, penhaligons.com. 8 Amber Royale by Ormonde Jayne Handmade in Kent in small batches, Amber Royale remains as one of the brand’s ever-timeless signature scents, £235, ormondejayne.com.

278 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GBB-LIST-Cult-Perfumes-V4-PB.indd 278

20/12/2024 16:48

GBB 2025

SABINA SAVAGE 280 SAMUEL HEATH 282 SANDERSON 284 SELFRIDGES 286 THE SHARD 288 SIMS HILDITCH 290

THE SLOANE CLUB 292 SMALLBONE 294 SOCIETY 0F LONDON THEATRE 302 ST JAMES INTERIORS 304 STEPPES TRAVEL 306 SWAINE LONDON 308

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 279

Openers-V2-TD.indd 279

20/12/2024 16:53

Sabina Savage Exquisite hand-illustrated scarves and clothing in the highest quality fabrics

‘T

here are lots of designers who make printed scarves.

What sets my brand apart is the craft that goes into every stage of the creative process, from concept and design to fabrics and manufacture.

I launched Sabina Savage in 2014. Initially I didn’t really have a plan – I was just doing what I loved: drawing pictures and printing them onto the finest fabrics. But I believed that if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly. Today, we release two collections a year and I still spend six weeks on each hand-drawn illustration.

It’s been a decade of organic growth, with a fair bit of trial and error, especially at the beginning. In 2015 I picked up four US stockists at a Paris trade fair and it just snowballed from there. Eighty-five percent of our international sales today are in the US, although Canada, Europe and Asia also do well for us. Our big UK breakthrough came in 2021 when Fortnum & Mason took a small selection of scarves for the shop floor.

They sold out and the legendary Piccadilly store is now our exclusive stockist in London.

One of our most important brand messages is that we’re wholly British, right down to our packaging. To start with we manufactured in Italy, but in 2020 I managed to find the one company in the UK that produced the quality I was after and I moved everything back home. Now we’re fully designed and 280 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Sabina-Savage-V4-PB.indd 280

20/12/2024 16:29

S —— GBB 2025

‘We’re fully designed and made in England, starting from the hand-drawn illustrations right through to the buttons’

Each illustration takes Sabina over six weeks to hand-draw before printing on collections that are launched twice a year

made in England, starting from the hand-drawn illustrations right through to the buttons, which are sewn by hand.

We also introduced our first clothing collection.

I thought clothing would orginally be a small complement to the scarves, but it’s grown and grown. We still sell more scarves in terms of units, but clothing probably now represents half of the brand’s revenue.

There’s always more to do. We published a beautiful coffee table book of my designs and illustrations last year to mark our tenth anniversary, so I hope we can do another one in five years or so. Wallpaper and home furnishings are another avenue I’d like to explore, potentially in collaboration with other fashion or home brands. In 2023, we held a pop-up on Bond Street for six weeks. It was a massive risk, but bricks-and-mortar retail worked very well for us. I’ve always dreamt of having my own retail outlet, so who knows what the next decade might bring.’

Sabina Savage, CEO and creative director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Our new Rhymes of London collection will be launched early this year and will highlight our enduring connection with the capital, with each of the illustrations based on a traditional nursery rhyme set in London.

2 3

We’ll be looking to expand our global reach over the next few years. We already have a small number of stockists in Japan and we hope to expand there. The Middle East is also on the radar.

We will be releasing some beautiful video content showing just how handmade our products are, following items through the whole process from illustrations to printing and from manufacture to buttons being sewn on by hand.

SABINA SAVAGE +44 (0)20 7254 2403 sabinasavage.com.uk sabinasavage COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 281

Sabina-Savage-V4-PB.indd 281

20/12/2024 16:29

GBB 2025 —— S

Samuel Heath Fine brassware made with meticulous detail for projects across the globe

‘S

amuel Heath is a 200-year-old family business. We design and manufacture premium brassware for upscale homes, yachts and hotels. We have customers in over 60 countries and understand how to manage bespoke specifications on a worldwide scale. The pandemic was a big unknown at first, but we have a large manufacturing site and we were able to adapt. A few longer-serving colleagues chose to retire, which gave us great opportunities for promotion and recruitment, putting the company in a strong position for the next decade and beyond.

The last ten years saw the launch of our Landmark, Forme and One Hundred collections. This brought new machining processes that allowed us to develop even more intricate shapes and designs.

We’ve also been proud to create products for prestigious projects such as Chelsea Barracks, The Newt in Somerset and The Whiteley.

We stand out by being a genuine UK manufacturer. If you ever have doubts about the source of one of our products, ask to come on a factory tour. We obsess over quality; visitors on our factory tours always comment on our unwavering attention to detail and the level of pride and happiness that radiates from our team. Our staff are incredibly flexible and multi-skilled, and this is demonstrated in their work.

The early 2000s, up to the credit crunch, were halcyon days for us.

I joined Samuel Heath in 1995, when sales-trip preparation involved investigating Yellow Pages in Birmingham Library. We stood out because we made the effort to speak the languages of our overseas customers. We visited them regularly in person back then and do the same today. Relying on virtual and on-screen meetings just doesn’t do it for us because you need to see and feel the meticulous detail and weight of the product, and to meet us in person to know we’re in it for the long term. Manufacturing has become cleaner and greener and our relations with key suppliers have grown into partnerships, where both sides focus on using metals and processes that minimise or eradicate harm to the environment.

Sadly, we lost our chairman, Sam Heath, in 2021. He’d headed the business for over 50 years and was the life and soul of the company.

He genuinely cared about his employees. I try to carry on his ethos in every decision I make. I’m lucky in having a senior team around me with unparalleled experience.’

Martyn Whieldon, managing director

‘We’ve been proud to create products for prestigious projects such as Chelsea Barracks, The Newt in Somerset and The Whiteley’ 282 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Samuel-Heath-V4-GT.indd 282

20/12/2024 16:29

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

There are markets where we still have room to grow.

It feels lately that trade is retreating around the world – but we have always prided ourselves on developing new markets and intend to continue to grow Samuel Heath overseas.

2

We will be expanding our portfolio together with leading interior designers around the world. These long-term partnerships bring fantastic design opportunities, and we have the know-how to convert them into beautiful, timeless fittings.

3

We’re working on even more sustainable advancements in our product design. We are re-designing waterways inside our fittings to maximise water performance while at the same time reconfiguring flow regulators and aerators to reduce further the actual water consumption.

SAMUEL HEATH 100 Leopold Street Birmingham B12 0UJ +44 (0)121 766 4200 samuel-heath.com samuelheathofficial

Samuel Heath has been manufacturing brassware in the UK for 200 years, supplying clients in over 60 countries

Samuel-Heath-V4-GT.indd 283

20/12/2024 16:29

GBB 2025 —— S

Sanderson Design house pushing the boundaries of quintessential British interior design Jilly Cooper in Sanderson’s ‘Very Sanderson’ campaign in 1976

‘S

anderson has always been at the forefront of design, with a maker’s eye on creating beautiful decorating stories, something which we continue to uphold. From Arthur Sanderson’s pioneering creativity and our skill as artists through to our modern UK manufacturing processes, we’ve seen technological and design shifts that have built this incredible design world in which we work.

The last ten years have seen an exciting transformation and evolution of design and making, including digital capabilities and a focus on sustainable practices. We embrace this evolution with a passion as it pushes the creative process forward, helping us revisit our design icons in new and exciting ways. Our understanding of the craft of printing enables us to bring integrity to the advancing technology and our highly skilled UK craftspeople make this possible.

We continue to cherish our incredible archive, forever delving back into the legacy of our past to inspire the future. Including original artwork, printing blocks and design logbooks, the archive is our most inexhaustible source of inspiration and something we build on today, putting new works of art back into the this treasure trove for future generations of Sanderson designers.

Our iconic creations inspire interiors. From Hykenham to Tansy Bloom, Etchings & Roses to Cupid’s Beau, our artistry endures and has become the essence of quintessential British decorating.

This connection to the past, present, and future of design inspired the Sanderson x Giles Deacon collaboration. Working with the British couturier, we created a collection that put unexpected twists on some of our most cherished designs, iconic florals, and illustrative botanicals, which brought these icons to new audiences.

What drives us forward is protecting our legacy of making and our passion for design. This drive has extended beyond our design studios into the industry. Working closely with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), we have launched the Sanderson QEST Rising Star Craft Award, a fantastic biannual prize created to support UK craft. This first award went to Hanny Newton, who uses straw in embroidery as a sustainable alternative to metal threads. We are proud to support and platform her work and look forward to the next award process to see what talented new creatives bring to the table.

Our hopes for Sanderson’s future are threefold – to continue upholding our legacy, producing decorating stories that bring beauty into homes, and creating a sustainable future for our brand that supports both our craftspeople and our planet.’

Trims from the Sanderson x Salvesen Graham collection

Sanderson’s Layers of Legacy, styled and photographed by Damian Foxe, celebrates the joy at the heart of Sanderson fabrics and wallpapers

Voysey House in Chiswick, Sanderson Design Group’s HQ with design studios for Sanderson, Morris & Co. and Zoffany, and an exceptional archive

Claire Vallis, group design director 284 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Sanderson-V7-GT.indd 284

20/12/2024 17:13

A

ITISH B

R

AN

T

BR

BR

ND

EA

T

BRAND OF THE DECADE

A

GR

S

GRE

DS

2025 HIGHLY COMMENDED

ITIS H

BR

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

A fabulous florals ready-to-wear collaboration with Moschino for Pre-Fall and Fall’25 – check out the initial looks – plays with iconic Sanderson designs across the century with typical Moschino sunshine, enhancing the joy of Sanderson.

2

Return to Voysey House looks to the future within the Chiswick community. Sanderson’s collaboration with Chiswick House and Gardens enhances the local landscape’s resilience to climate change. Committed to achieving net zero by 2030, Sanderson tracks ahead of target as part of Sanderson Design Group.

3

In 2024, Sanderson launched the inaugural Rising Star Craft Award with QEST, a biannual prize created to support the British craft industry. The award will continue to play an important part in Sanderson’s commitment to the future of craft.

SANDERSON Sanderson Design Group Showroom, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 3903 3700 sanderson.sandersondesigngroup.com sanderson1860

Sanderson’s Country Woodland collection revisits cherished designs and archival prints

‘Working with Giles Deacon, we created a collection that put unexpected twists on some of our most cherished designs’

Sanderson-V7-GT.indd 285

20/12/2024 17:13

Selfridges The creative store radically changing the way we shop

‘O

ver the past decade, we have worked on delivering a shared vision for Selfridges as a world-leading destination and creative business reinventing retail.

We’ve introduced first-of-their-kind new spaces, including the world’s biggest denim destination and The Body Studio, encompassing sportswear, nightwear, lingerie and swimwear, while The Designer Street Room is a community-focused menswear room, complete with sound system, barber and Skate Bowl.

We collaborated with David Chipperfield Architects, seamlessly bringing together our original 1909 building with its modern extension, creating a new entrance on Duke Street and an expansive Accessories Hall. In 2024, we renovated our London Beauty Hall, home to over 300 brands.

We continue playfully challenging the retail status quo, honouring the legacy of our founder with unexpected, radically creative, fun and unforgettable moments. These include a 25ft Rick Owens statue on our façade; Agender, a campaign removing gender signifiers from products and spaces; a Garden Centre in the Accessories Hall; a boating lake on the roof; sex therapy; a wedding; and an in-store cinema.

With the Corner Shop, we established a great retail experience and creative playground for brands to experiment in, from Gucci and Barbie to a Jacquemus vending machine.

Anything is possible.

286 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Selfridges-V3-TDindd.indd 286

20/12/2024 16:31

S —— GBB 2025

‘We playfully challenge the retail status quo with unexpected moments, like a boating lake on the roof, sex therapy, a wedding’

Selfridges pioneers new retail spaces such as its Corner Shop, which has hosted a Barbie pop-up and a retro Joke Shop

We are incredibly proud of Reselfridges, an eco-system of resale, rental, repair and refill products and services founded through our long-term commitment to building a sustainable business that’s better for people and planet. Every store has a permanent Reselfridges destination and by 2025, every Selfridges Beauty Hall counter will have a refill offer. We’re also introducing a buy back service, continuing to expand our circularity and making sustainable shopping second nature.

Looking ahead, we’ll continue putting our customer at the heart of our strategy, while encouraging our teams to be brave and think differently – this way we’ll inspire curiosity in everyone who spends time with us. We’ve become famous for fashion and beauty in the last decade and I’m excited about taking a similar approach with food, restaurants and home, creating an unparalleled lifestyle experience in line with the evolving interest and expectations of our discerning customers.

We’ll reinvent retail by celebrating a culture of new ideas – proud of a pioneering past, always looking towards the future.’

Judd Crane, executive director (buying and brand)

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Reselfridges. Customers can sell luxury bags that they no longer want to us in exchange for Selfridges store credit, as well as being able to shop our curation of second-hand bags, accessories, fashion, kidswear and toys at every store.

2

The Corner Shop. A line-up of exclusive retail concepts and innovations at The Corner Shop, our permanent pop-up space for creativity and collaboration at Selfridges London. First up, residency from Swiss sportswear brand On, celebrating their SS25 training collection.

3

We’re welcoming House of Bandits and 8 Holland Street to a new lifestyle destination on Lower Ground, two uniquely creative brands that live between concept stores and galleries. It’s a space for customers to discover unique, covetable pieces.

SELFRIDGES 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB +44 (0)800 123 400 selfridges.com theofficialselfridges

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 287

Selfridges-V3-TDindd.indd 287

20/12/2024 16:31

GBB 2025 —— S

The Shard The iconic building transforming London’s landscape

‘T

he Shard was envisioned as a “vertical city”, designed to bring a diverse range of activities and communities together under one roof. Today, it fulfils that vision, hosting tenants engaged in at least seven distinct sectors, including offices, a hotel, a hospital, restaurants, apartments to rent, retail spaces, a university business school and one of London’s top attractions, The View from The Shard.

Over the past decade, the building has become a cherished and integral part of London’s architectural and cultural landscape. Since its completion in 2012, The Shard has been a catalyst for transforming the Southbank into one of the capital’s most diverse and culturally rich areas, attracting new businesses, restaurants and retail outlets while significantly boosting the local economy.

We continually embrace city life. From stepping in for Big Ben and counting down the national New Year’s Eve celebration in 2020, to hosting a striking 57-metre-long mosaic in its piazza in 2024, The Shard is firmly embedded in London’s identity. All these achievements underscore The Shard’s dual role as both an architectural icon and a dynamic force driving London’s economic growth, cultural vitality and international reputation.

The building’s global recognition is cemented by its appearances in major films, including Spider-Man: Homecoming and the third Paddington instalment, Paddington in Peru. In the Paddington universe, it was officially established that Mr Brown, Paddington’s adoptive father, works at The Shard in Risk Management.

As The Shard enters its second decade, we want to further solidify its status as a central hub in London’s ever-evolving landscape.

Sustainability will play a pivotal role. We have plans to integrate advanced energy-efficient technologies and adopt greener practices to significantly reduce the building’s environmental footprint. Technology will also be at the heart of enhancing experiences, including smart building systems, improved digital connectivity and interactive platforms. We’re working to create a more efficient, engaging and forward-thinking environment.

At the same time, the building is adapting to the challenges and changes brought about by Covid. We are embracing flexible spaces that accommodate hybrid working models and prioritising community-focused events to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses and individuals in a post-pandemic world.

Looking to the future, The Shard is poised to remain an iconic and forward-thinking presence on London’s skyline. Beyond its architectural significance, the building will continue to shape the City’s cultural and economic vitality, standing as a beacon of modern London for years to come.’

Michael Baker, CEO

‘We’re working to create a more efficient, engaging and forward-thinking environment’ 288 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

The-Shard-V3-TD.indd 288

20/12/2024 16:44

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We want to build on the successes of the past decade by developing our diverse programme of events, fostering a sense of community by bringing occupiers together to enjoy the unique advantages of sharing space at The Shard.

2

Deepening ties with the local community is a priority. By hosting cultural events, exhibitions, and public activities, we aim to enrich the cultural landscape of the area, reinforcing The Shard’s role as a communityfocused landmark that goes beyond its architectural prominence.

3

We would like to expand our occupier community with more innovative and industry-leading businesses that align with our existing tenants, such as Kraft Heinz, HCA Healthcare, News Corp, Warwick Business School, Greenberg Traurig and AI Jazeera Media Network.

THE SHARD 32 London Bridge Street London SE1 9SG +44 (0)20 7932 3678 the-shard.com theshardlondon

The Shard embraces city life underscoring its role as an architectural icon and a dynamic force behind London’s economic and cultural vitality

The-Shard-V3-TD.indd 289

20/12/2024 16:44

GBB 2025 —— S

Sims Hilditch Interior design studio offering extraordinary, elegant, and quintessentially British living

‘W

e officially launched Sims Hilditch as a brand in 2009. In the early days, I worked from home, but the business truly transformed 10 years ago when we moved into The White Hart, our Grade II-listed Cotswolds HQ. Over 18 months, we transformed a collection of old, derelict buildings into a beautiful studio set within three and a half acres of wild flower meadows and apple orchards. I firmly believe it inspires the team and our creative design studio to be surrounded by natural beauty.

Our studio reflects the Sims Hilditch ethos: design once and design well. Our original renovations have stood the test of time, although there is still scope for some exciting developments on our site.

Over the past decade, our brand has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. We’ve collaborated with incredible clients, industry partners and brands to showcase our elegant, quintessentially British design style. We work across the UK as well as internationally and our growing portfolio spans residential homes, developments, and a diverse range of other projects.

We’ve been fortunate to work repeatedly with many of our clients, lots of whom have become friends in the process. To date, our team has grown to over 30 talented individuals, bringing an ever-expanding skill set to our projects.

One of our early challenges was how to deliver our ambitious schemes with limited staff. By collaborating with architects and growing our own interior architectural team, we can now create homes that not only embody harmony, calm and beauty but Design once and design well is the ethos of a company that prides itself on work that stands the test of time

Sims-Hilditch-V4-TD.indd 290

21/12/2024 13:13

also function practically. While we’re best known for our country house work, this year has seen a significant increase in family homes in London. Often with historic roots and in need of sensitive restoration, these properties share the common theme of being designed to be not only aesthetically beautiful but to withstand the test of time and family life.

Looking ahead, we hope to develop additional premises within The White Hart grounds. There is space around the beehives and kitchen garden to create a workspace for creative makers whose work we can incorporate into our interior schemes.

We’ve also submitted our B Corp application, which required a forensic look at our operations, from the environment we work in to our entire supply chain. This introspection has been invaluable in shaping our future. It’s a commitment to continuous improvement – for our team, our partners, and the planet.’

Emma Sims-Hilditch, founder

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We already have a strong presence in Europe, but there is significant opportunity to expand further internationally. Recently, we collaborated with Chelsea Textiles on a project in New York, sparking a desire to do more work in the US.

2

Autumn 2025 marks the release of our second book, a celebration of timeless design and the Sims Hilditch ethos.

Through stunning imagery and stories, it will offer readers an intimate look into the homes and ideas that define our work.

3

There are so many historic buildings waiting to be reimagined. Part of our holistic approach is to identify and preserve them, while reimagining the spaces and functionality to make these houses more suited to modern living.

‘We create homes that not only embody harmony, calm and beauty but also function practically’

SIMS HILDITCH The White Hart, Cold Ashton Gloucestershire SN14 8JR +44 (0)1249 783097 simshilditch.com simshilditch

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 291

Sims-Hilditch-V4-TD.indd 291

21/12/2024 13:13

GBB 2025 —— S

The Sloane Club Century-old members’ club stepping boldly into the future

‘M

y family’s real estate business, Queensway, together with Clearbell Capital, acquired The Sloane Club in 2017 and we have been on quite a journey between then and now. During Covid, we pivoted to online events and maintained continual dialogue with our members. It was interesting to see the level of loyalty and trust; even in challenging times, they still felt that connection and belonging. Since then, we’ve started to think about the way our members live their lives, and how we can design a club for the future while still honouring our last 100 years of heritage. The Club’s origins are pioneering and they have informed our plans for the business and brand. It was founded in 1922 by Princess Helena, one of Queen Victoria’s daughters, as a club for women in the armed forces. Rank was left at the door; it offered them friendship and camaraderie.

When we think about our club for the next generations, we must keep those same notions at the heart of what we do while also growing and moving with the times. We came up with the notion of ‘one space for the whole self’ where we empower all the component parts of our lives: work, wellness, social and rest, as well as the need for community in an increasingly isolated world. We are in the middle of a significant refurbishment programme. The first phase – a new restaurant, outdoor terrace, library, cocktail bar, private events space and the refurbishment of half the club bedrooms – will open early in the new year. That will be followed in spring by a wellness facility and the remainder of the bedrooms.

Finally this summer, we will open our signature restaurant, rooftop restaurant and bar, dedicated workspace and two more event spaces.

The Sloane Club is undertaking a significant programme of refurbishment

292 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

The-Sloane-Club-V3-GT.indd 292

20/12/2024 16:45

We also want to create a sense of belonging for our members through great programming, great service and great people.

Over the last ten years, though Brexit impacted the hospitality industry and staffing remains a challenge – on the flipside, a great achievement has been the longevity of some of our team. The Sloane Club is what it is because of the people who work here making it such a special place for the guests. In the next decade, we are hoping to be a cornerstone for all the amazing businesses and our neighbours in Chelsea. Ultimately, we would like to be authentic: somewhere our members can simply be themselves.’

Neena Jivraj Stevenson, managing director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Community. If something is happening in the neighbourhood – whether that’s a local business event or a resident celebrating a milestone birthday – we’d like it to happen at The Sloane Club.

2

Connection. Bringing people together and creating environments for friendship to flourish in physical spaces is a vital part of the club’s offering.

3

Careers. Establishing The Sloane Club as a fantastic employer, one who sincerely cares for our people. A business is only as good as those within it and we need to invest in our team’s experience with as much focus as we give our members.

‘The Sloane Club’s origins are pioneering and they have informed our plans for the brand’

THE SLOANE CLUB 52 Lower Sloane Street London SW1W 8BP +44 (0)20 7730 9131 thesloaneclub.com thesloaneclub

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 293

The-Sloane-Club-V3-GT.indd 293

20/12/2024 16:45

GBB 2025 —— S

Smallbone Custom-made furniture blending classic elegance with contemporary innovation

‘I

’ve had the pleasure of being with Smallbone for more than 37 years and for me the message remains unchanged: to be the premier British-based luxury kitchen brand. Our idea was always if you have a beautiful home and you enjoy having beautiful furniture in your primary living spaces, why not have beautiful furniture in your kitchen too?

Having launched in the mid-seventies from our Wiltshire workshop and progressed to our first London flagship showroom, we started to do more business in Europe in the 1990s and that led to more opportunities in the US. In 2006, we opened our US flagship showroom in Manhattan which immediately attracted interest from the city’s super prime developers. One of the first projects we worked on was the ultraluxurious reimagining of the old Stanhope Hotel on Fifth Avenue.

We’ve since been involved in numerous prestigious projects on 57th Street – dubbed Billionaires’ Row. These include One57, designed by the renowned architect Christian de Portzamparc, Central Park Tower, which is the tallest residential building in the world, 35 Hudson Yards and 1010 Park Avenue.

Our UK prime residential also forms an important part of our retail business where we put our client at the very heart of the experience. Our recently refurbished Knightsbridge Studio, opposite Harrods, gives our clients the opportunity for a one-to-one with our senior designers to create a space tailored to their exact needs. The highly bespoke nature of our work ensures a completely personalised experience, be it an open-plan kitchen, dressing room or media room.

More recently, we were honoured to have the opportunity to be part of The OWO Residences by Raffles development in London’s Whitehall. The plan for the iconic Edwardian Grade II* listed building was to draw on former associations with Churchill and T E Lawrence, as well as its connections with James Bond. We worked closely with the developers to design the kitchens for the super prime residences. The result was 85 bespoke and proprietary kitchens, with a nod to the structural nature of British tailoring, which has its own military influences.

We have just announced a collaboration with our new Smallbone ambassador, globally renowned Michelin-starred chef, Jason Atherton. Alongside this we have also collaborated on The Atherton kitchen collection, just launched in his new restaurant Row on 5. He is the perfect fit for Smallbone as we share the same values: we’re proud of our British heritage, our artisanal skills and we’re both best-in-class brands – with international recognition.’

Chef Jason Atherton has joined Smallbone as an ambassador and collaborated on a new kitchen collection

Hugh Owens, international director of design

‘If you enjoy having beautiful furniture in your primary living spaces, why not have beautiful furniture in your kitchen too?’

294 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Smallbone-V6-TD.indd 294

20/12/2024 16:32

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We look forward to working with our new Smallbone ambassador, Jason Atherton, a Michelin-starred and multiple award-winning chef whose collection of restaurants and bars spans the globe.

2

We’re excited to announce the launch of our exclusive new Atherton kitchen collection for 2025. This will be a collaboration that showcases a new Smallbone design with the added appeal of a chef’s kitchen.

3

We are excited to welcome clients to our newly refurbished Knightsbridge Studio, opposite Harrods.

The studio houses more than Smallbone kitchen collections and is available to view by appointment only.

SMALLBONE The Knightsbridge Studio 100 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, London SW3 1ER +44 (0)20 8038 3592 smallbone.co.uk smallbone.devizes

Smallbone-V6-TD.indd 295

20/12/2024 16:32

Subtle-Sustainability-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 296

20/12/2024 20:39

SUSTAINABILITY —— GBB 2025

DROPPING THE ‘S’ WORD Let’s face it, sustainability ain’t sexy – but how do brands best communicate those all-important values without lecturing their customers? It’s all in the storytelling, says Stephanie Turner

The Barbour x Ganni collection blends British heritage with Scandinavian style – both brands are committed to sustainability through Barbour’s rewaxing programme and Ganni’s use of low impact materials

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 297

Subtle-Sustainability-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 297

20/12/2024 16:09

GBB 2025 —— SUSTAINABILITY

‘SUBTLE SUSTAINABILITY’ IS AN APPROACH THAT SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATES RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES INTO THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE LUXURY IRRESISTIBLE uxury brands are at a crossroads, with pressures to embrace sustainability col liding w ith shif ting audience priorities. While the urgency of the climate crisis makes responsible practices non-negotiable, the term ‘sustainability’ itself is losing impact. Reports like The Business of Fashion and McKinsey’s The State of Fashion 2025 highlight how, despite stricter legislation, sustainability is slipping down customers’ agendas. And as economic pressures mount, Bain & Company predicts a tougher road ahead for many luxury brands in 2025. The question isn’t whether sustainability matters – it does – but how to make it connect with customers in a way that feels genuine and exciting.

Here’s where ‘Subtle Sustainability’ comes in: an approach that seamlessly integrates responsible practices into the qualities that make luxury irresistible – beauty, craftsmanship and timeless value. Instead of lecturing customers or overloading them with green jargon, Subtle Sustainability weaves responsibility into the story of luxury itself.

Luxury brands, like many other sectors, often fall back on predictable eco-narratives for want of knowing how to do this any differently. But the good news is that some brands are getting it right, and they’re here on home turf. British luxury brands, whether by chance or design, offer lessons in Subtle Sustainability that can serve as inspiration for us all.

THE VERY BRITISH ART OF LASTING VALUE

‘Making things last’ is undeniably part of the British luxury DNA. It’s a modern twist on the post-war ‘make do and mend’ mindset, reimagined with a focus on value – a concept British customers champion, where some European neighbours might prioritise practicality (think Germany) or prestige (Italy). Brands like Barbour, with its lifetime rewaxing service, and Fortnum & Mason, whose heirloom-quality hampers are treasured long after their contents are gone, showcase this perfectly.

Aston Martin also exemplifies this ethos, offering heritage car servicing at the same Buckinghamshire site where its iconic cars were first made.

These brands don’t market themselves as ‘green’ – they focus on creating designs that perform beautifully, age gracefully, and stay out of landfill.

For their customers, this approach isn’t about sustainability; it’s about smart, meaningful luxury.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Johnstons of Elgin, Burberry, Mulberry, Jo Malone London and Aston Martin are British brands that remain aspirational and desirable while also interrogating how they can be more responsible

298 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Subtle-Sustainability-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 298

20/12/2024 16:09

BUILDING THE LOVE THROUGH LUXURY EXPERIENCES

Circularity isn’t just a sustainability initiative; it’s an extension of the longterm relationships luxury brands are known for. Whether it’s Bentley’s custom restoration services, Mulberry’s lifetime repair program or Jo Malone London’s refillable fragrance bottles, these services align perfectly with luxury’s promise of longevity and craftsmanship.

The key is how these practices are communicated.

Instead of framing them as eco-friendly obligations, brands present them as elevated experiences – acts of care that add value to ownership. For younger, more mindful consumers, circularity framed as a premium service fosters loyalty and relevance while reinforcing luxury’s timeless appeal.

RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION AS A QUIET, NEW, LUXURY STANDARD

Some of the best examples of responsible innovation in British luxury come from brands that let their actions speak. Johnstons of Elgin, for example, seamlessly weaves sustainability through everything it does – from responsible sourcing to traceable production – coursing through its ethos like a Scottish river, without overloading customers with ‘green’ messaging. Similarly, Burberry is exploring nextgeneration materials like protein fibres, while Bentley is experimenting with sustainable leathers.

Selfridges takes things even further. Its playful Reselfridges platform repositions circular practices – like resale and repair – as aspirational lifestyle choices.

The witty, relatable messaging (‘Got a wandering eye?

Commitment issues? Getting into a new relationship isn’t always the answer’) shifts responsibility from a moral duty to an empowering choice.

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 299

Subtle-Sustainability-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 299

20/12/2024 16:09

GBB 2025 —— SUSTAINABILITY

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Brands such as Bentley, Paynter Jacket and Barbour weave sustainability into their storytelling without forcing it down people’s throats

300 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Subtle-Sustainability-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 300

20/12/2024 16:09

STOP TALKING GREEN, START TALKING LUXURY

At the heart of Subtle Sustainability is the belief that luxury brands must leave behind green jargon and tell a new story. As The State of Fashion 2025 report says: ‘the old playbook is now obsolete; the industry will need a new formula for differentiation and growth’. They are right, and the call to arms for sustainability marketing at least is overdue. Luxury’s allure is rooted in individuality, while sustainability speaks to the collective – a fundamental and longstanding mismatch. Brands must go beyond checklistdriven approaches and instead frame responsible practices as extensions of luxury’s inherent qualities: quality, rarity and craftsmanship.

Instead of talking about ‘sustainable options’, brands can highlight ‘bespoke restoration’, ‘made-to-order designs’, or ‘limited-edition collections’ made from reclaimed materials. These stories celebrate what makes luxury special while naturally incorporating responsibility into the narrative.

THE POWER OF THE MAKERS

A truly exciting example of Subtle Sustainability comes from Paynter Jacket, a young British brand producing small-batch jackets four times a year. Each release sells out in under an hour, thanks to a marketing strategy that invites followers to see the jackets being made before they’re available. Each jacket is hand-numbered, with illustrated labels detailing the story of that specific batch.

Everything about Paynter Jacket could have leaned into heavy-handed eco-speak, but instead, it feels exclusive, personal and desirable, and if you spot one its owner will want to tell you all about it.

The story of Paynter Jacket gives us a clue that the best start may be to look to the brands who truly know their supply chains and who celebrate the people behind the craft with ease. Knowing where a leather jacket was made or the story behind a bespoke watch connects customers to a legacy while giving them the chance to make an informed, responsible choice.

British luxury interiors brands like Porta Romana and CTO Lighting, which collaborate with artisans to craft traceable, bespoke pieces, offer similarly authentic stories rooted in craftsmanship and care.

A NEW LANGUAGE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Subtle Sustainability is about moving beyond predictable eco-narratives and creating a language of responsibility that feels natural and aspirational. When brands focus on timeless values like quality, longevity and craftsmanship, they not only align with their customers’ expectations but also inspire a deeper connection.

As Country & Town House puts it, ‘Sustainability is the ultimate luxury’. By embracing Subtle Sustainability, British luxury brands can lead the way, proving that being responsible and being desirable are two sides of the same coin. The opportunity lies in telling this story quietly, confidently and beautifully – just as luxury always has.

Stephanie Turner is the founder of Arbor, a communications consultancy for circularity. team-arbor.com n COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 301

Subtle-Sustainability-V2-PB-KBedit.indd 301

20/12/2024 16:09

GBB 2025 —— S

Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre Working to champion theatre and engage audiences

‘W

SOLT works to inspire, attract and diversify theatre audiences in the West End and beyond

Hannah Essex and Claire Walker, co-CEOs

‘In ten years, if every child has experienced theatre before they finish education, that would a great legacy’

PHOTOS: PAMELA RAITH PHOTOGRAPHY; DANNY KAAN

e are a membership organisation for London theatre producers, owners, general managers and operators, and we also work alongside our sister organisation UK Theatre to support our members across the UK. We champion theatre and help our members thrive, raising their profiles through key events including the Olivier Awards and West End LIVE, and national campaigns like Love Your Local Theatre.

We’re passionate about inspiring, attracting, retaining and diversifying theatre audiences. What makes us different is that when people book tickets with us, any profits are reinvested into the industry. Examples include engaging children who have never been to the theatre, inspiring young people to consider a career in theatre, and making theatre more accessible for audiences who require assisted performances.

We run Kids Week, where children can go free to a variety of London shows and special workshops for the entire summer holidays. Since 1998, more than two million families have participated. Many producers, creatives and performers credit it with giving them their first taste of a West End show and nurturing their love of theatre.

We run the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, which offers expert advice on what to see and deals on the day for London shows. We have also launched our See It Live in 2025 campaign to encourage audiences to see more theatre; to kick this off, we are offering great deals in January for over 50 shows from as little as £10.

As a not-for-profit we could not carry out the work we do without our key supporters. Mastercard has championed our work and sponsored the Olivier Awards for the last 15 years and the year-round priceless programme offers the chance for Mastercard holders to purchase the best tickets and access exclusive events.

Audiences have returned since the pandemic, but there are always challenges, such as the rising costs of productions, in terms of staffing, energy and materials. Funding and sponsorship is harder to get than ever before, however we have successfully lobbied the Treasury to ensure we have a permanent rate of theatre tax relief, which has enabled our members to continue to produce a diverse range of theatre with a broad appeal.

A key part of our job is to lobby the government on the importance of theatre, and we have launched our Theatre for Every Child campaign to champion creative education and ensure school trips are part of the curriculum. In ten years, if every child has experienced theatre before they finish education, that would be a great legacy.’

302 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

SOLT-V5-LB.indd 302

20/12/2024 16:33

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

The Olivier Awards 2025 with Mastercard. These take place on Sunday 6 April at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. Established in 1976, the Oliviers are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours, celebrating the world-class status of London theatre.

2

West End LIVE 2025.

Alongside Westminster City Council, we produce the largest free musical theatre festival in the world, every June in Trafalgar Square. Last year we presented performances from 48 different productions attracting over 70,000 fans. This year will be the event’s 20th birthday – and bigger and better than ever.

3

Theatre Tokens. We have just celebrated 40 years of our gift vouchers. Usable at 300+ theatres nationwide and with no expiry date, our Theatre Tokens Gift Cards and eGifts make perfect presents.

SOCIETY OF LONDON THEATRE AND UK THEATRE 32 Rose Street, London WC2E 9ET +44 (0)20 7557 6700 officiallondontheatre.com londontheatre

SOLT-V5-LB.indd 303

20/12/2024 16:33

GBB 2025 —— S

St James Interiors Established bespoke joinery company consistently pushing the boundaries

‘S

t James Interiors has spent over four decades pushing the boundaries of bespoke joinery, creating exceptional designs for private residences, luxury hotels, yachts, and private jets. The family-run company is renowned for its ability to blend a wide range of materials – wood, stone, metal, and fabric – into stunning kitchens, wardrobes, and custom-built furniture.

For me, the evolution from a small startup to an established company has been remarkable. In the last ten years, we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some of the most prestigious designers and architects in the industry. These partnerships have opened doors to highprofile projects, including a million-pound contract to design the joinery for a private members’ golf club, which even featured a mini hotel.

From the bespoke interiors of Savile Row boutiques to award-winning designs like the Vithal Jesse and Dhan desks, each project reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and resilience. Every piece we create is a reflection of our ability to meet challenges and produce outstanding designs in-house.

What truly sets us apart is our strong sense of family and collaboration. We’re fortunate to have team members who have been with us for years, and now their children are joining the business. It’s amazing to see two generations working side by side. This close-knit, family-driven approach plays a big part in the company’s ongoing success, with everyone working together to deliver excellence.

Despite its growing reputation, St James Interiors remains dedicated to maintaining the intimate atmosphere of its workshop. We’re not focused on expanding for the sake of growth, our priority is keeping the dynamic, close-knit nature of our team intact while continuing to deliver exceptional joinery work.

Looking to the future, we are eager to continue collaborating with interior designers, architects, and developers on innovative projects that challenge both creative and technical limits. With a rich history of awardwinning craftsmanship and a steadfast commitment to quality, the company is poised to remain a leader in bespoke joinery for years to come.

Whether working on luxury spaces or helping bring unique ideas to life, I feel St James Interiors is the destination for unparalleled artistry and precision. The future of bespoke joinery holds endless possibilities, and we are excited to embrace them.

The next decade promises an exciting mix of innovation and tradition, and we are ready to lead the way, continuing to craft excellence with every project.’

St James collaborate with some of the most prestitious designers and architects in the industry

Pritesh Lad, principal 304 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

St-James-Interiors-V2-TD.indd 304

20/12/2024 16:34

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Innovative materials are transforming the way bespoke joinery is designed. New products are constantly being introduced that allow us to create entirely new aesthetics.

These materials open up fresh possibilities for pushing the limits of design.

2

New technologies like 3D printing and AI are revolutionising the industry. With the latest equipment we can complete projects faster and with greater precision.

For example, sanding machines that now do in 30 minutes what used to take three days.

3

The heart of joinery still lies in traditional craftsmanship. We’re focused on mentoring the next generation of artisans, ensuring the timeless skills of our craft are passed down. Machines may evolve, but nothing can replace the touch of a skilled craftsperson.

ST JAMES INTERIORS Vithal House, 35 Gorst Road Park Royal, London NW10 6LA +44 (0)20 8961 1342 stjamesinteriors.com stjamesinteriors

‘With a rich history of award-winning craftsmanship and a steadfast commitment to quality, the company is poised to remain a leader in bespoke joinery for years to come’

St-James-Interiors-V2-TD.indd 305

20/12/2024 16:34

Steppes Travel Tailor-made adventure: offering wildlife, culture and the luxury of experience...

‘L

ooking back, there’s so much to be proud of. Over the years, it has been our pioneering spirit that shines through – in our ethos, the destinations we choose and, more recently, in our response to the pandemic (how we brought all our clients home from around the world and how we looked after each other).

Ours is a special business.

We want to make travel the best it can be. It’s a passion. We have always been pioneers of sustainable travel – it’s central to what we do – and we believe in travel as a force for good. That means immersive client experiences creating positive outcomes for all, supporting the development of the places and communities we visit, fostering understanding and empathy, and protecting and conserving biodiversity.

We take clients to over 90 countries. They depend on our knowledge and I’d go so far as to say that ours is the best and most experienced team in travel. Our consultants enjoy an amazing relationship with our clients, who come back to us time and again. That trust in their expertise is the cornerstone of our business.

We specialise in tailor made trips – for individuals, couples and families – but we also feature a number 306 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Steppes-Travel-V13-GT.indd 306

20/12/2024 16:34

S —— GBB 2025

‘Our clients want something different – to experience more and to see the world better’

Steppes Travel trailblazes new destinations and creates immersive experiences for its customers

of expert-led group tours and charters, some of which have been groundbreaking.

We also trailblaze new destinations. We were in Central Asia 20 years ago; now it’s very much in vogue. We work with conservation agencies to develop trips to various regions, such as the habituation of mountain gorilla groups in Uganda.

Digital, especially social, media is reducing travel to dumbed down lists of must-dos and must-sees.

We believe that travel should be more than that, and so do the people who travel with us. They want something different: to go further, experience more and to see the world better. They invest in their travel.

Travel’s carbon footprint, especially air travel, will be one of the greatest challenges we face. For us, it is not a binary choice of to fly or not to fly – preservation of our planet’s incredible biodiversity is as important as reducing our carbon footprint. But we must be more thoughtful about how, when and if we fly.

Looking ahead, AI will challenge us but there will always be a place for specialist knowledge and emotional intelligence. We believe in the value of people and the human touch. It will always be what makes us stand out. AI won’t replace that.’

Justin Wateridge, managing director

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

As a B Corp, we want to help inspire the necessary change in travel – to make it sustainable and a force for good – while also increasing the joy it delivers, the benefit it brings and the community it creates.

We’re living in an age of transcendence. Fewer of us are seeking luxury on our travels, looking instead for the luxury of experience. We are superbly placed to deliver that.

We will continue to promote places that are relatively unknown, where we can add value, help people understand the world better and prove that travel breaks down prejudices and preconceptions.

STEPPES TRAVEL 51 Castle St, Cirencester GL7 1QD +44 (0)1285 402195 steppestravel.com inspireme@steppestravel.com steppes_travel

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 307

Steppes-Travel-V13-GT.indd 307

20/12/2024 16:34

GBB 2025 —— S

Swaine London Exquisite British artisanship and materials with new contemporary verve

‘T

wo years ago, when we acquired the 1750 gem of Swaine Adeney Brigg, I wanted to keep the brand’s DNA but also to modernise and transform it. Rebranding to Swaine was the perfect choice – nice, simple, classy. Any new acquisition is a challenge: we reinforced the organisation; hired and trained the right people – from the UK – with the skills that make Swaine so special; relaunched the brand and created great new products. We also moved from being a men’s brand to one for both men and women. Most significant is the rebirth of the brand in its city of origin, with a new 7,000 sq/m flagship store on New Bond Street. At the heart of this new House of Swaine is a workshop where clients can watch our artisans make a bag from start to finish – taking 30 hours and over 200 steps.

Our artisans carry age-old knowledge passed on by generations. Swaine has a legacy of centuries of observation and reflection on leather and its tanning; we insist only on bridle leather and saddle-stitching.

Growing and training the wooden shaft for a Brigg umbrella to perfect straightness can take nine years. A Herbert Johnson hat meets the exacting standards of military and civilian customers alike. Our challenge is always to maintain quality, to preserve and reinforce that British craftsmanship: 100 percent of what we sell is not only made in the UK from materials sourced here, but is handmade to the standard expressed by Edward Swaine Adeney in 1927, for “honest material and the finest craftsmanship that can be put into the moulding of it”.

Brexit complicates administration, paperwork, even people travelling. But British craftsmanship is uniquely valuable and stands for something across the whole world: we wish to be the main stakeholder in its preservation and export. We already ship worldwide, with 85 percent of sales online.

Already a presence in Paris, Canada and Japan, we plan to expand further in Europe and to the US.’

Swaine’s artisans carry ageold knowledge passed from generation to generation

Carine de Koenigswarter, chairman of Chargeurs Personal Goods

308 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Swaine-London-V6-LB.indd 308

20/12/2024 16:35

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

In collaboration with Joanna Johnson, costume designer for the Indiana Jones movies, we are reworking our distinctive Poet hats into a collectible and numbered limited edition to match the weathered version worn by Harrison Ford.

2

We have launched a limited edition of our iconic Brigg umbrella, specially fashioned from different precious and exotic woods, such as macassar ebony, rosewood and olive wood, matched with real horn.

3

We’re offering a range of stylish baseball caps and bucket hats in new fabrics and colours, maintaining the same high standards of quality and craftsmanship but in leather and canvas. Herbert Johnson with a modern twist.

SWAINE LONDON 127 New Bond Street London W1S 1DZ +44 (0)20 3551 0870 swaine.london swaineofficial

‘Growing and training the wooden shaft for a Brigg

T

BR

ITISH B

R

AN

A

umbrella to perfect straightness can take nine years’

Swaine-London-V6-LB.indd 309

BR

ND

EA

T

COMMITMENT TO CRAFT

A

GR

S

GRE

DS

2025 HIGHLY COMMENDED

ITIS

R B H

20/12/2024 16:35

GBB 2025 —— FOOD

theLIST Five British Restaurants To Eat At Before You Die From Michelin stars to low-key newbies making waves, put these on your bucket list, says ELLIE SMITH

3

INVER, LOCH FYNE

Noma-trained Pam Brunton and her partner Rob Latimer took over a fisherman’s croft on Loch Fyne in 2015, transforming it into one of the country’s most romantic restaurants. As well as offering beautiful views of the rolling west coast landscape, Inver’s remote location dictates its menu, which is centred around foraged ingredients and fresh seafood. inverrestaurant.co.uk

4

THE RIVER CAFE, LONDON

Since opening in 1987, London’s River Cafe has remained pretty much unchanged – a testament to its timeless magic. The brainchild of Ruth Rogers and Rose 4 Gray, the Thameside gem was originally built as a canteen to feed the staff at Ruth’s husband Robert’s architecture practice, but it was quickly recognised as one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. rivercafe.co.uk

1

1

RESTAURANT PINE, NORTHUMBERLAND

An old cow barn is an unlikely setting for a fine dining feast – but Restaurant Pine’s location is part of its charm.

Helmed by Cal Byerley and Ian Waller, alongside their respective partners Siân and Vanesa Stoltz (who curates the stellar wine list), it serves a 19-course tasting menu created from local organic produce and their own garden. restaurantpine.co.uk

5

ERST, MANCHESTER

2

YNYSHIR, WALES

With its pumping techno soundtrack and matte black façade, there’s nothing cookie cutter about Gareth Ward’s two Michelin-starred restaurant Ynyshir. Nestled in a woodland on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, this is about as rural as it gets – but well worth the long drive, as long as you’ve made sure to book a room for afterwards. ynyshir.co.uk

2

For those more drawn to natural wine and small plates than extravagant tasting menus, this is a must-visit. The small, paredback unshowy restaurant in Ancoats has played a pivotal role in the city’s culinary revolution, spearheaded by plumber-turned-chef Patrick Withington. erst-mcr.co.uk

310 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

LIST-Restaurants-V3-PB.indd 310

20/12/2024 17:02

GBB 2025

TAYLOR HOWES 312 THOMAS LYTE 316 THRUDARK 318 TOM DAVIES 320 TROY LONDON 322 TURNBULL & ASSER 324

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 311

Openers-V2-TD.indd 311

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— T

Taylor Howes Diverse interior design portfolio driven by passion and personalisation

‘O

ver the past decade, Taylor Howes, along with our two other design-led businesses – Studio Howes and Howes & Landino – has evolved to meet changing market demands. Ten years ago, we focused heavily on development projects; today, we primarily cater to high-net-worth private clients, with 60 percent of our business coming from repeat clients. Building lasting relationships is at the heart of what we do.

We pride ourselves on understanding the needs of our clients, interpreting their desires, and creating environments that reflect both their vision and the specific demands of each setting. We are, as a studio, deeply passionate about designing spaces that make people feel relaxed, safe and proud – a sentiment reflected in our diverse portfolio.

We specialise in complex bespoke projects, guiding clients through every stage.

We’re currently working in various global locations, including three in Kuwait, one in Saudi Arabia, several in the Swiss Alps, a hotel in Athens and a superyacht.

Studio Howes, our “vibrant sister”, focuses on more time sensitive, cost-conscious projects. It caters to the next generation of clients who want fun, playful designs with a quicker turnaround and a different kind of budget – not necessarily bespoke.

Meanwhile Howes & Landino, our newest venture, is dedicated to bringing together our longstanding suppliers for product collaborations. With my fellow designer and friend, Jane Landino, we’re realising a dream of designing and curating an accessories line. Our recent partnership with Graphenstone has led to an innovative range of eco-friendly paints that help purify the atmosphere by removing toxins.

Sustainability is a core aspect of We are working on three our work. With eco-conscious clients, amazing duplex penthouse environmentally friendly practices are no projects in London, each longer a discussion: they are expected. We distinctive in design and construction. One is being created work hard to push our suppliers towards using 12 pre-fabricated ‘pods’. sustainable practices, and supply chain governance is critical.

In September, we proudly Beyond business, our charitable launched our new sister company Howes & Landino. initiative Rest Nest, in which we redesign This year, we’ll debut a range of the on-ward rest facilities for NHS workers, new products and collaborations. has now completed 12 rooms across the Imperial Trust in London. And we hope to We are expanding our reach expand nationwide. I’ve also personally to more remote locations such as Verbier, where the been involved with Place2Be for 15 years, unique logistical requirements and I am now on its development board. showcase our creative solutions.

My team is my second family. I was immensely moved this year when they nominated me for the Kindness and TAYLOR HOWES Leadership award, which is supported by 49-51 Cheval Place, Knightsbridge KPMG. Ranking in the top 50 is one of my London SW7 1EW greatest achievements, as it reflects our core +44 (0)20 7349 9017 values of kindness, honesty and passion.’ taylorhowes.co.uk

Taylor Howes and its sister studios create spaces that make their clients feel relaxed, safe and proud

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

2

3

taylorhowesdesigns

Karen Howes, CEO 312 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Taylor-Howes-V4-TD.indd 312

20/12/2024 16:36

‘We’re currently working in various global locations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the Swiss Alps and the US’

Taylor-Howes-V4-TD.indd 313

20/12/2024 16:36

GBB 2025 —— MOTORING

theLIST Seven Great British Cars ‘Made in Britain’ is a badge of honour for many driving enthusiasts. JEREMY TAYLOR picks our favourite cars built on home soil

1

ASTON MARTIN DBX 707

The facelifted 707 is now the only model available – a luxury SUV that packs a real punch. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 producing a massive 707PS, Aston’s supercar on stilts slingshots from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds. Noisy and fun but also a genuine, everyday family-mover too.

Built: St Athan, Wales. From £208,000. astonmartin.com

2

CATERHAM SUPER SEVEN 600

Few cars are as much fun to drive as a Caterham Seven. Based on the 1960s Lotus 7, this stripped back twoseater delivers sports car thrills in the most basic form. Forget doors and a radio, the Seven is so light and nimble only a tiny 660CC Suzuki engine is needed under the bonnet. Motorcycle performance on four wheels. Built: Dartford. From £30,490. caterhamcars.com

3

MCLAREN ARTURA SPIDER

Imagine a 200mph supercar that can travel in total silence. The hybrid Artura mates a V6 petrol engine to a plug-in battery pack for astonishing performance – plus 20 miles of electriconly driving. The latest roof-off version is deeply impressive and very forgiving to drive – the folding hard-top is perfect for British climes.

Built: Woking. From £222,000. mclaren.com

314 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

GBB-LIST-British-Cars-V1-PB-KBedit.indd 314

20/12/2024 16:38

4

MORGAN SUPER 3

The eccentric Morgan may be one wheel short of a full set but don’t be fooled – this charismatic threewheeler represents tremendous fun for the enthusiastic, allweather driver. No doors and a waterproof cockpit make for an entertaining experience, while a tiny windscreen means a helmet is a must. Built: Malvern. From £43,000. morgan-motor.com

5

MINI COOPER ELECTRIC

The original Mini EV looked great but could barely manage 100 miles in everyday traffic. The 2024 upgrade is more powerful and good for up to 190 miles. Built on a dedicated electric platform, the iconic runabout handles better and is more keenly priced too. Few cars offer quite so much urban chic in such a small package.

Built: Oxford. From £30,000. mini.co.uk

6

BENTLEY FLYING SPUR HYBRID

Handsome and stylish, Bentley’s four-door limo is now available with a plugin hybrid option that links a V6 petrol engine to a 134bhp electric motor. Performance is impressive for such a large car, aided by four-wheel steering and the latest suspension wizardry.

An imperious cabin is luxury personified. Built: Crewe. From £211,000. bentleymotors.com

7

ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN

The controversial styling and outsize dimensions may not suit all tastes but Rolls-Royce’s first SUV is more than just a statement car. Supremely comfortable and ridiculously refined, Cullinan also offers proper off-road ability, with a luxurious interior cut from the highest quality materials.

Built: Goodwood. From £335,000. rolls-roycemotorcars.com

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 315

GBB-LIST-British-Cars-V1-PB-KBedit.indd 315

20/12/2024 16:39

Thomas Lyte Globally renowned for handcrafting elite sporting trophies and bespoke silverware

‘O

ne of the decade’s seminal moments was being awarded our 2015 Royal Warrant, validating us as an ethical brand, committed to quality and service. Second was our Official Partnership with the Football Association, which led to handcrafting the Emirates FA Cup, one of the world’s most famous trophies. A third moment – and great honour – was designing and handcrafting the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Processional Cross, which I presented personally to Her Majesty. It now sits in Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.

Brands talk about the challenges of the pandemic but it perhaps offered us a great moment in terms of creativity. Senior executives were all at home and willing to do deals during that time, so we used the opportunity to forge more long-term connections across the globe than we’d done in five years previously.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the last decade has been the speed with which the digital environment has developed, which in turn has driven sustainability. It’s remarkable that we all now meet online rather than globe-trotting as we used to.

When I launched Thomas Lyte in 2005, my vision was to build an ethical luxury British brand, so we’ve always focused on sustainability, but what has 316 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Thomas-Lyte-V2-GT.indd 316

21/12/2024 13:20

T —— GBB 2025

‘We’ve created eight out of ten of the top sports’ world cups’

Thomas Lyte is an exceptional silversmith that works with some of the world’s greatest brands

changed is our ability to implement, measure and monitor it. For three months last summer, our entire workshop was driven by solar power. All our vehicles and distribution are now electric and, even more excitingly, people are really questioning the sustainable credentials of what they’re buying.

One challenge we do have is recruitment because the specialised skills we depend on are hard to find. It’s why we’ve created our apprenticeship programme and why we work with The Goldsmiths’ Company and sponsor one of its Craft and Design Council awards. Our master craftspeople – like our polisher – actively go out to share their experiences and help others learn, truly giving back to the crafting community, but it’s a challenge to develop talent fast enough.

Blending traditional skills with modern techniques is a core value of our brand. It drives us to preserve time-honoured craftsmanship while ensuring we stay relevant in a modern world.

Today, we’re recognised as the largest workshop for bespoke silver craftsmanship worldwide. We’ve created eight out of ten of the top sports’ world cups, and every major cricket trophy.

Looking ahead a decade, I hope we continue expanding globally while preserving the British craftsmanship that defines us.’

Kevin Baker, founder and CEO

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

Building on the success and popularity of our Burlington Arcade store from 2010 to 2015, we aim to step in the customer’s direction again and build awareness of our brand to a new audience.

English craftsmanship is renowned worldwide, and we are committed to leveraging that esteemed reputation to further solidify our standing as the finest silversmiths in the world.

AI is developing fast, and by staying at the forefront of its development, we can unlock extraordinary tools to seamlessly integrate our technological expertise with the hands-on craftsmanship that defines our reputation.

THOMAS LYTE Building 9, Hurlingham Business Park, London SW6 3DU +44 (0)20 7751 8844 thomaslyte.com thomaslyte COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 317

Thomas-Lyte-V2-GT.indd 317

21/12/2024 13:20

GBB 2025 —— T

ThruDark High performance outerwear, designed by former Special Forces operators

‘M

y co-founder Louis Tinsley and I have a combined military experience of around 26 years, much of which was spent in the UK Special Forces. We operated in some of the world’s most inhospitable conditions and were always afforded the best kit and equipment. Yet the clothing wasn’t always fit for purpose.

For instance, while crawling through super spiky bushes in the training facility, my combat uniform would tear and rip. I used to stitch canvas from military tents into my trousers to make life more comfortable.

Louis and I both love the mountains so when we left the military, we wanted to create a high-performance outdoor clothing brand. We pitched the idea Dragons Den-style to our founding investor, who came onboard in 2017. We design, develop and test all the kit ourselves which is unique in this space. We wanted to produce technical clothing that both inspires and enables the wearer to thrive in any challenge: “endeavour through adversity” is our mantra. We picked three products to launch with: an expedition arctic parka, a hybrid jacket and a zodiac jacket. From there, we developed a broader range, from shorts to waterproof garments.

It’s been a huge learning curve in terms of getting access to better fabrics, better factories, and employing subject matter experts in each department. There are obvious transferable skills from the Special Forces. We’re meticulous in planning and executing product design and development but we needed help with other aspects.

We’ve gone from just Louis and I to an office with 40 staff.

There have been so many benchmark moments along the way: seeing the initial samples, being profitable in the first year, hitting a million-pound revenue and having our kit worn on record breaking expeditions, knowing that it’s doing exactly what we designed it to do.

We’d like to see ThruDark as a globally recognised brand positioned at the top of the mountain in high performance outerwear. As we grow, there are plenty of products we’d like to add across sea, air and land, as well as continue collaborating with industry-leading brands and partners such as Land Rover and non-profit foundation Call of Duty Endowment. Staying true to who we are and what we do – that’s our mission. We don’t just stand by our kit; we stand in it.’

Anthony Stazicker, co-founder

‘We wanted to produce technical clothing that both inspires and enables the wearer to thrive in any challenge’ 318 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

ThruDark-V2-TD.indd 318

20/12/2024 16:48

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Opening a flagship store. As well as selling online, we’re currently stocked in Selfridges and have Unit Four, a retail facility in our former HQ in Poole, but we would also like flagship stores in London and Manchester.

2

Exploring new markets. The US is a North Star for us as it’s our fastest growing territory, but we need to make sure that we’re properly set up here before we expand further afield.

3

Product is key. It’s always been about delivering the most durable, long-lasting outerwear that we can and making sure it’s fit for purpose – and that will continue to be our focus moving forwards.

All kit is designed, developed and tested by the ThruDark founders themselves, who are ex-Special Forces

ThruDark-V2-TD.indd 319

THRUDARK Link House, 25 West Street Poole BH15 1LD thrudark.com thrudark

20/12/2024 16:48

GBB 2025 —— T

Tom Davies Custom-made glasses that transform your face – and your life – for the better

‘L

ast year was exciting. In 2024, we had 30 percent growth, compared with the eyewear industry overall which saw two percent. We opened up in UAE, Australia and we’re now sold in 100 Canadian stores.

I put it down to hiring really good graduates, improving our factory and making better glasses.

We relaunched our buffalo horn, silver 925 and 18kt gold frames, previously only sold in our own stores, in the US, Germany, Austria and Switzerland – in 2025 they’ll be in all markets.

Our biggest decision though was opening our transformational Dry Eye Clinics. So many people suffer from dry eyes, yet while they’re all over the US, we have hardly any clinics here. We’ve invested in a lot of top-end equipment, made the treatment rooms very nice and added massage chairs to give people a luxury rather than a clinical experience.

Once again, we’ve made glasses for some major movies, which I’m not allowed to talk about yet, but it’s always a thrill seeing our glasses in blockbusters like The Matrix.

A definite highlight of 2024 was celebrating our tenth anniversary in retail. Many who were at the launch of my Sloane Square shop returned for the party – even our first ever customer, who’s still one today.

Other than opening our four shops, my life-changing milestone of the decade has undoubtedly been bringing my factory back from China to London. And we’ve really cracked the US since. When I had a big birthday party at the factory, 100 opticians came and 28 of those were from the US, emphasising the strength of our relationships.

In 2025, we’re expecting Catch London, my newer, fun brand, to take off as it’s been steadily growing throughout last year. Looking ahead ten years, I like tech so I’m really interested in investigating augmented reality glasses. I’d also like to be back to where we were pre-Covid when I felt I had global coverage – we had five sales reps across Asia and were in 80 stores in China and 220 in Japan.

We still stand out for my bespoke service. We custommake glasses to fit your face perfectly within three weeks, so most of my customers return again and again, delighted with how they look. So, for now I like being Tom Davies.

Enabling people to see better while improving the way they look is a bit like having a superhero skill – and it feels brilliant.’

Tom Davies, founder and CEO

‘Enabling people to see better while improving the way they look is a bit like having a superhero skill’ 320 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Tom-Davies-V3-GT.indd 320

21/12/2024 13:26

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

To expand on the success of the Tom Davies film and TV repertoire with more collaborations, strengthening partnerships with costume designers and production teams to create iconic, bespoke eyewear for film, further establishing Tom Davies as Hollywood’s designer of choice.

2

The opening of additional Tom Davies Opticians and vision clinics across the UK. Combining expert eye care services with bespoke frame designs to create luxury experiences for a wider audience.

3

After a successful expansion into the US, seeing the brand open its first office and employing a team of ten people, the company looks to double the size of its presence there before expanding into the UAE, Asia, and South America.

Tom Davies (left) brings a couture approach to the eyewear market and has recently expanded into new territories

Tom-Davies-V3-GT.indd 321

TOM DAVIES Unit 1 Great West Estate, 983 Great West Road, London TW8 9DN +44 (0)20 8392 0555 tdtomdavies.com tdtomdavies

20/12/2024 16:48

GBB 2025 —— T

TROY London Stylish clothing inspired by the great outdoors and popular across the globe

‘W

e’re turning ten this year – ten years since we sat at the kitchen table sketching the kind of clothes we wanted to wear but couldn’t find, and since we started visiting factories to ask owners to take a chance on two young people whose greatest assets were vision, excitement and hope.

Looking at TROY now, we are so proud of our achievements.

Foremost, our relationship as sisters hasn’t suffered. If anything, it’s stronger because TROY is deeply personal – our joint baby.

Our lives inspire the designs, and we are equally invested in nurturing TROY, in celebrating its successes and in supporting each other when problems arise.

Our success is a different shape from what we imagined in 2015. Then we pictured bricks-and-mortar stores in areas known for luxury shopping, and concessions in prestigious department stores throughout the world.

Since then, the retail landscape has changed enormously, and TROY has adapted accordingly. We are largely a direct-toconsumer brand. We sell mainly online, but personalise that model by meeting customers at trunk shows and events. We did several boutique events before Christmas, and we’ll soon be doing our fourth US marketing tour.

While our customers give regular feedback through our website, nothing beats face-to-face meetings, and hearing people talk about their favourite items and how they wear our collections. Insights from our male customers are particularly valuable, since our menswear is a growing category. There is a cost associated with the exceptional quality we produce: we know our clothes are considered purchases, particularly with the economy being as it is, so customer care will always be a priority.

Brexit still remains problematic – we are continually grappling with how to sell cost-effectively to EU countries.

There are people keen to buy from us, but selling to them is no longer straightforward.

Also challenging is the lightning advance of technology.

A lean business like ours has to work extra hard to shine and make its voice heard above the advertising and meta updates that are produced every single second, and to keep on top of the shifting regulatory landscape.

We are happy with what we have achieved. TROY has fought hard for its standing as a leading British outerwear brand for the style aware, and we are as excited for the next ten years as we were for the first. Here’s to us, and to all the other brands in this year’s Great British Brands.’

Rosie van Cutsem and Lucia Ruck Keene, co-founders

‘We are so proud of our achievements. Our relationship as sisters hasn’t suffered. If anything, it’s stronger because TROY is deeply personal’ 322 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

TROY-London-V4-TD.indd 322

21/12/2024 13:28

TROY London focuses on exceptional quality clothing for men and women

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Celebrating British Design overseas. TROY’s international client base is growing rapidly, with hot spots in the US and Canada, so we will be back on tour with the latest TROY collection this year.

2

Expanding our network of five-star hotels. A successful niche for TROY has been providing our designs to international luxury hotel groups to sell – or gift – to their clients as a perfectly British memento.

3

Innovating with technology to broaden our reach. We are based in Norfolk and to maximise our global brand awareness we use every tool in the box. Knowing our wonderful customers and providing them with a bespoke luxury experience is vital to retention.

TROY LONDON Hilborough House Norfolk IP26 5BQ +44 (0)20 3457 8549 troylondon.com troylondonuk

’

TROY-London-V4-TD.indd 323

20/12/2024 16:49

Turnbull & Asser Enhancing its classic British shirt collection with new accessories

‘O

ur proud British heritage is our backbone, but in December 2024 we took a big step into the future.

We extended our world-famous Jermyn Street flagship into the next door building and opened a new concept store focusing on accessories.

Adding accessories to our offering will help us expand internationally as they will inspire the contemporary, international man to style our clothes beautifully.

With our Royal Warrant recognising our peerless quality and design, our shirts will always remain our core product and the pillar of the brand. Last year, therefore, we continued building on our range, with two new shirts, the Westminster and the Windsor, which are versatile enough to be worn informally at the weekend or with a suit and tie. We introduced polo shirts for the first time.

During the last two or three years, we’ve been really focused on finding the right people to ensure we have the very best operation to rebuild our brand concept and take it forward so we can grow internationally.

We’re planning a major focus on the US. To that end, we’re renovating our New York townhouse on East 57th Street near Central Park, adding floors to make it into a seven-storey emporium with bigger rooms to display our products. We’ll also be able to host events there so more people can experience and explore the brand.

324 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Turnbull-Asser-V3-TD.indd 324

20/12/2024 16:50

T —— GBB 2025

‘We’ve remained authentic, totally true to ourselves and British to the core’

Renowned for the quality and timelessness of its shirts, Turnbull & Asser is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year

We’ve updated the machines at our Gloucestershire factory and put procedures in place to enhance productivity. Our aim is to increase production without ever compromising the quality for which we’re renowned.

I joined in 2021 and even in just a few years, I have seen the growing pressure from social media to forgo our principles and follow trends.

But we were so determined to stay true to our values that we went back into our archives and delved into our history to focus on what we’re really good at. That way we’ve remained authentic, totally true to ourselves and British to the core. We never want to be positioned as a fashion brand or allow fads to distract us.

Our reputation is for British style and for designing the very best quality, timeless men’s shirts in the world.

We’ll continue proudly to uphold that quality of design associated with our heritage and we’re excited to grow internationally and show people who we are as we move into our 140th year in 2025.’

Ilaria Niccolini, global directive team

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2 3

The opening of our new shop – 69 Jermyn Street, next to our flagship store.

Expansion of our New York Townhouse so that we can showcase our product and brand experience better.

An important upcoming collaboration, details to be revealed.

TURNBULL & ASSER 71-72 Jermyn Street London SW1Y 6PF +44 (0)20 7808 3138 turnbullandasser.co.uk turnbull_asser

Turnbull-Asser-V3-TD.indd 325

20/12/2024 16:50

GBB 2025 —— SPORT

theLIST Five Cult British Sporting Events Forget pitches and stadiums and get rolling, bog-snorkelling and wife-carrying instead, says TESSA DUNTHORNE

No murder, no unnecessary violence.

These are two of only about six rules guiding the annual Ashbourne Shrovetide football match. This game has been played in the Derbyshire market town since the 1600s, and is a form of medieval mass street football. Taking place every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in two sessions, the town is split into two – the ‘Down’ards’ and ‘Up’ards’ – who compete to bag a goal. The caveat? These goals are located five kilometres apart at opposite ends of the town, the game takes place over eight hours, and involves thousands of people. The game has only failed to take place on three occasions: during the 1968 and 2001 outbreaks of Foot and Mouth disease, and during Covid in 2021.

1

GLOUCESTER CHEESE ROLLING

Down the hill rolls a seven-pound wheel of Double Gloucester, and then comes the stampede of competitors chasing it: this annual cheese rolling competition at Cooper’s Hill is one of Britain’s most beloved, wacky and sometimes injuryinducing sporting events.

Whoever reaches the bottom first wins both the competition and the cheese.

326 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Cult-Sporting-Events-V3-GT.indd 326

20/12/2024 16:44

PHOTOS: © DENNIS LAM VIA FLICKR; © GETTY IMAGES

2

ASHBOURNE’S ROYAL SHROVETIDE FOOTBALL MATCH

3

THE UK WIFE CARRYING RACE

PHOTOS: © DENNIS LAM VIA FLICKR; © GETTY IMAGES

The wife-carrying competition is a Finnish import (where it has been running for hundreds of years), arriving on our shores in 2008 – although its organisers point out that Viking raiders may have brought the tradition over 12 centuries ago, when they literally ran off with many, likely unwilling, wives. Not for the faint of heart or short of stamina, wife-carrying takes place over a 380m course including 15 metres of up- and downhill climbs. Risks for participants include limb dislocations, slipped discs, and other more serious injuries – death included. Wives must weigh at least 50kg (or wear a backpack to bring their weight up), can be carried in any one of the recognised holds (including the Estonian hold, in which the wife hangs down the man’s back, legs crossed in front of the face). The winning couple qualifies to compete on the global stage in Finland. Rules include not having to carry your own wife.

4

TAR BARRELS IN DEVON

In Ottery St Mary, Bonfire Night takes an extraordinary twist as locals carry flaming barrels of tar on their shoulders, running not away from, but through the crowds. Though there’s technically a competitive element to the event, it’s easily overshadowed by the drama of the spectacle.

The barrels are carried by teams, often made up of generations from the same families. Tradition runs deep here: children start with a smaller barrel earlier in the evening, preparing to one day take on the honour – and challenge – of the larger barrels. Health and safety might seem like an afterthought, but to the barrelers and the crowd, it’s all part of the thrill of this centuries-old event.

5

WORLD BOG SNORKELLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Don the goggles and a snorkel and dive right into the peaty bog of Llanwrtyd Wells, Mid Wales. This event gathers competitors from all over the world to compete in a hair-raising and vaguely dirty 110m swim in a peaty bog. There’s a fancy dress section for those rather less enamoured by the athletic ask of the race, which has seen a pantomime horse and an ironing board win.

The whole thing is followed by a jolly day with live music and ale down the local pub, where the event was conceived nearly 40 years ago.

COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 327

Cult-Sporting-Events-V3-GT.indd 327

20/12/2024 16:45

JULIAN CHICHESTER

35

JULIANCHICHESTER.COM london | new york | high poinT

Julian Chichester.indd 1

20/12/2024 09:57

GBB 2025

VITALITY PRO 330 VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 332 WESTLEY RICHARDS 334 THE WHITE COMPANY 336 WISTON ESTATE 338 WOOLF INTERIORS 340 ZOFFANY 342 COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB | 329

Openers-V2-TD.indd 329

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— V

Vitality Pro Pure, single-ingredient supplements from a trusted and transparent source

‘S

ince the company began in 2019, our biggest achievement – and toughest challenge – has been gaining trust and developing a credible reputation in the marketplace. It is not common practice to know if a supplement has gone through any testing to ensure its quality. We have become a safe place to buy health supplements and that’s due to our transparency in independent testing and displaying the certificates for all products on our website. We want to ensure that customers are certain of the exact ingredients and quality of what they are putting into their bodies.

We specialise in pure, single-ingredient supplements that aim to optimise cellular health such as, for instance, NAD boosters (essential for cellular energy production), antioxidants (for cellular protection) and autophagy activators (for cellular repair). Two years ago, we introduced the Practitioner Programme, which was a milestone moment. We had realised that many customers were trying to solve nuanced health conditions, and that included practitioners (nutritionists, functional medicine doctors) buying from us for their clinics. In response, we created a buy-direct service catered to them and their specific needs around product quality and certainty.

Another way we’ve built trust is by aligning ourselves with inspirational figures who are conscious of product quality, including US biohacker Bryan Johnson, who is in the pursuit of slowing his ageing as much as possible, and British freediver Ruth Osborn, a professional UK record holder who is our new ambassador. We’re also in the initial stages of partnering with the Clock Foundation, providing products for their pre-clinical studies, and growing relationships with industry experts through our podcast, which launched earlier this year. In each episode we speak to a practitioner or someone from the technology side who can talk about, say, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, or pulsed electromagnetic therapy.

Essentially, we hope to provide customers with a solid body of information to empower their choices, which is why we have also recently launched a new website. It includes a directory of practitioners and clinics, in-depth articles about biohacking and cellular health, and a quiz where people can match their health goals to products. Looking ahead to the next decade, we want to continue in this direction: setting new industry standards by providing consumers with all the resources they need to gain a real understanding of longevity, health and supplements, and keeping our core focus on offering product certainty and quality.’

Mike Sherwood, founder

Vitality Pro’s goal is to empower consumer choice through greater understanding of longevity, wellbeing and supplements

330 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Vitality-Pro-V3-TD.indd 330

20/12/2024 16:51

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Continuing to expand our product offering. We’ve almost got the full longevity range: next we want to provide everyday essential nutrients and foundation supplements that are third-party tested for purity, such as probiotics and Omega-3.

2

Global expansion. Although we already deliver regularly to countries such as the UAE and the US, we have plans to launch on Amazon US, Amazon UAE and in Australia imminently. It will mean more cost-effective postage and speedier delivery times for our products.

3

Working with the right, inspirational influencers – as well as customers who have overcome a health condition and want to tell their story – to get our message out to a wider audience.

VITALITY PRO Exchange Building, 66 Church St Hartlepool TS24 7DN +44(0)1202 082280 vitality-pro.com vitality.pro

‘We want to ensure customers are certain of the exact ingredients and quality of what they put into their bodies’

Vitality-Pro-V3-TD.indd 331

20/12/2024 16:51

GBB 2025 —— V

Vivienne Westwood The fashion house breaking ground with its bridal and eveningwear collections

‘S

ince 1971, Vivienne Westwood has been a pioneer of the fashion industry. In the ’90s, we started making wedding dresses alongside our eveningwear, always presenting a bridal look as the finale to our runway shows. However, our bridal and couture service was a best-kept secret for many years. This is perhaps because it was only available at our Davies Street boutique in London, where we offered a bespoke madeto-measure service. In 2019, we finally took the step of offering our bridal collections on a wholesale basis, and now have bridal salons in our boutiques globally including Paris, Milan, New York and Los Angeles.

We design, sample and handcraft our bridal gowns locally in England. Many of the styles are built around the Vivienne Westwood signature corset, which is inspired by the 18th-century flat corset but with stretched side panels. Heritage and craft are central to our collections.

Many of the gowns are constructed on a pattern-cutting system with an invisible seam in the skirt – the result is an almost Grecian-style dress.

The Vivienne Westwood 2025 Couture and Made-toOrder Bridal Collections are inspired by Queen Victoria, drawing on historical silhouettes, her decision to wear white for her wedding which created the trend for white wedding gowns, and on her commitment to wearing black towards the end of her life. Each gown in this collection is offered in shades of white and black, and white with black detailing.

We are very concerned about responsible fashion.

As a wedding dress is usually worn for one day, we have started to offer our clients the opportunity to alter their dress post-wedding, amending the length, reducing the volume or adding crystals or embroidery, and experimenting with colour spraying and natural dyes.

We also work with carefully selected fabrics, such as a delicate recycled nylon lace, crepe satin, soft stretch satin and heavy stretch satin sourced through specific forestry standards, and an organic double georgette silk. We are always researching alternative fabrics, for example, orange fibre, made from citrus is something of interest that we would like to start using.

We continue to look to the future and ensure that the bridal collections remain faithful to Vivienne Westwood’s design codes and individual spirit. In Vivienne’s own words: “My clothes allow you to project your personality and are quite theatrical in the sense that they are real clothes, well-designed, and they give you a chance to express yourself.”’

Brigitte Stepputtis, design director, bridal & couture 332 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Vivienne-Westwood-V6-MBTD.indd 332

20/12/2024 16:52

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

In April 2025, we are headlining Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week with a runway show premiering the 2026 Bridal Collection. This is the first catwalk presentation dedicated exclusively to our bridal design line and will feature 30 new gowns.

2

Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery has just launched in New Zealand. This travelling global exhibition celebrates the importance of jewellery to Vivienne and her collections. Displayed over eight rooms, themes explored include ‘Do It Yourself’, ‘Wonderland’ and ‘Exploration’.

3

The SS25 Vivienne Westwood collection returned to the runway as the showcase finale show at Shanghai Fashion Week.

The collection features tartan, structured tailoring, chalk stripes and neon brights, and launches in Vivienne Westwood boutiques early 2025.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 6 Davies Street, London W1K 3DN +44 (0)20 7629 3757 viviennewestwood.com viviennewestwood

‘Our bridal and couture service was a best-kept The house still embraces Vivienne’s philosophy: that clothes should project your personality

Vivienne-Westwood-V6-MBTD.indd 333

secret for many years’

20/12/2024 16:52

GBB 2025 —— W

Westley Richards Long-established maker of world-renowned guns and sporting goods

‘W

estley Richards has been established in Birmingham making and selling the finest guns since 1812. Much has happened over the centuries but the most important change recently was the 2008 move to the new factory in Aston – only the company’s third move – on the fringe of Birmingham’s once-famous Gun Quarter. We now occupy a fine Victorian redbrick building, formerly a silver-plating factory. Fully modernised to the highest specification, the premises provide a showroom on the ground floor.

The gunmaking and leather workshops are on the first floor; the second floor houses the photographic studios and engraving workshops. The building even has its own indoor shooting range for the regulation of rifles.

This Pritchett Street HQ is now a destination store for sportsmen and women the world over.

Since our move, the company has expanded its production to include the finest quality sporting leather goods, luggage and travel accessories. It began with the decision to bring the manufacture of our distinctive gun cases, slips and cartridge bags, previously made by independent craftsmen, in house.

This enabled us to ensure the quality matched the high standards of the guns themselves. From there, it was a short step to producing other leather goods.

Westley Richards has long been renowned as Britain’s foremost supplier of safari clothing and shooting apparel, and we developed the branded clothing side of the business from around 2014.

But it is the guns that remain at the heart of Westley Richards. The company produces only 30 sporting guns a year, made to the exact specification of each individual client. They comprise classic British shotguns, magazine rifles and double rifles. Each gun takes 600 to 800 man-hours to make. Many of our orders are museum or presentation quality, featuring elaborate engraving and precious metal inlay by the world’s foremost artisans.

Although steeped in traditional gunmaking skills, Westley Richards continues to innovate and make use of modern production methods where we can to reduce delivery time without compromising quality or individuality. At the same time we will be focusing on producing even more rarefied firearms. People are essential to our success so we invest considerable time and resources into training and our apprenticeship programmes to equip the gunmakers and leather workers of the future with the skills they need.’

Westley Richards makes 30 bespoke guns a year, alongside leather goods, accessories and clothing

Stephen Humphries, creative director 334 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Westley-Richards-V3-TD.indd 334

20/12/2024 17:16

‘Westley Richards has been making the finest guns and rifles since 1812’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1 2

The 2025 safari clothing range arrives in spring, with an enlarged ladies’ range, after a successful launch in 2024.

We will continue to expand our fine leather goods collections in 2025.

Made in our Birmingham factory, new additions will include sporting tote bags, a special edition of our luggage and new travel accessories.

3

We will continue to develop our photographic and film production facility, keeping Westley Richards pre-eminent in the industry in terms of brand and product presentation.

WESTLEY RICHARDS 130 Pritchett Street Birmingham B6 4EH +44 (0)121 333 1900 westleyrichards.com westleyrichardsandco

Westley-Richards-V3-TD.indd 335

20/12/2024 16:53

GBB 2025 —— W

The White Company Impeccable pieces for home, wardrobe and life, designed to be loved and to last

‘R

unning your own business is a gift and I’ve loved every minute. The last few years have certainly been a journey, but we’ve managed to grow, adapt and thrive, constantly developing and evolving our ranges every season.

In 2021, we set our sights on becoming B Corp certified. We’re a lifestyle business with a varied product range, so it was an exciting challenge. Every part of our company had to be assessed in line with rigorous certification criteria. We happily achieved B Corp certification last year and we’ll be reviewed every three years to ensure we’re meeting B Lab’s ever-more exacting standards.

In 2020, we were proud to become the first British retailer certified by The Good Cashmere Standard® (GCS), which aims to improve the lives of goats and farmers, and the environment they live in.

All our cashmere clothing and accessories are now GCS-certified, which means we have full traceability of our cashmere. We’re continually working towards a fully transparent cashmere supply chain.

In 2019 we published our first coffee table book, For the Love of White. Selling over 100,000 copies in English across all markets, it has become one of Mitchell Beazley’s top-selling titles, with more than 3,000 fourand-a-half star reviews on Amazon.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our White Heart Foundation. We launched it just over ten years ago and we currently work with three exceptionally worthy charities, including the King’s Trust, to help vulnerable and disadvantaged young women in the UK. These women face a complex set of barriers and I hope our support can make a real difference.

Being part of a passionate and united team really is the best feeling in the world. We have recently appointed a new CEO, Paula Nickolds, and I think fresh energy is just such a wonderful thing, breathing life into everything all over again.

It’s also really important to have ambition as you grow, so we are going to double the size of the business over the next five years if we can. That will include international expansion, as well as consistent expansion of the product range in the UK. We’re constantly searching to recruit new customers and younger customers.

I have always taken every decade as it comes, but I’m particularly looking forward to the next one. I feel The White Company is on the brink of a new era.’

Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder 336 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

The-White-Company-V5-MB.indd 336

20/12/2024 16:46

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

We’re privately owned, so our growth has probably been slower than it might have been without investment. Strong and safe has always been my motto – that’s how we plan to continue.

2

Sustainability: our love of ‘fewer, better pieces, designed to stand the test of time’ chimes with our passion for creating comfort, elegant simplicity and social connection.

3

I will continue my work as Gold Patron of The King’s Trust and Founding Gold Patron of the #ChangeAGirlsLife Campaign, giving young women the tools they need to move into work.

THE WHITE COMPANY 2 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane London W12 7FR +44 (0)20 3758 9222 thewhitecompany.com thewhitecompany

‘I have always taken every decade as it comes, but I feel The White Company is on In 2024, The White Company achieved B Corp certification – which involved evaluating all elements of the business

The-White-Company-V5-MB.indd 337

the brink of a new era’

20/12/2024 16:46

GBB 2025 —— W

Wiston Estate Fostering love for sparkling wine – and the land producing it

‘O

ur land has been in the family since 1743, but we only planted our first vines in 2006. Since it can take a decade between harvest and market, we had a long period of borrowing, investment and waiting before the brand became a reality. The winery was the key to attracting visitors to the estate. Eight years ago, we began vineyard tours and in 2021, we added the winery and opened the restaurant. Now people can explore, taste, dine and discover. Meanwhile, we’ve more than doubled the workforce, encouraging us in our vision of reinvigorating the rural economy. And in 2019 we became the first English sparkling wine to receive the highest score in the Decanter World Wine Awards, which put us on the international map.

There’s been a growing buzz about the quality of British wine, which has led to significant export opportunities. Simultaneously, at home there’s been a wave of interest in the provenance of food and drink. So in our case, people locally not only recognise the name of our location, but they can come and see for themselves that we’re doing what we say on the tin.

We’re competitively priced against champagne and we think Wiston’s taste makes it value-for-money.We are found in the most prestigious of places such as Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols, as well as in BA business class.

We’re also on the wine lists of l’Enclume and Bibendum.

Our chalky soil is the same as parts of the Champagne region, and while we are certainly not advocates for climate change, our weather is now similar to what theirs was 50 years ago. This means we could become the go-to place for sparkling wines made using the best traditional methods. Our 2010 Library Collection Blanc de Blancs sells for £130 a bottle.

A long time ago, we met the owner of Louis Roederer, who told us: “This is a project not for your children, but your grandchildren. You need to learn what the land is doing – which will take generations – so don’t rush.” That will be the biggest challenge for us. But we’d love to be known as a benchmark for English sparkling wine and where it can aspire to go – and to bring people with us on that journey. We want a product that expresses the purest form of Sussex chalk, and showcases what this incredible South Downs landscape can create.’

Award-winning Wiston attracts visitors to its South Downs winery so people can explore, taste, dine and discover

Kirsty Goring, brand director

‘We want a product that expresses the purest form of Sussex chalk, and showcases what this incredible landscape can create’ 338 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Wiston-Estate-V4-TD.indd 338

20/12/2024 16:59

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Growing our estate tour offering. Our Wine Tours have been a huge success – 2025 will see these grow to enable visitors to experience more of the wider estate, its landscapes, breathtaking views, abundant nature, food production and crucial conservation projects.

2

Launching beautiful new labels for our Wiston NonVintage range. The design is inspired by an old OS map of Chanctonbury Ring – the iconic South Downs hilltop and highest point on the estate – as well as our traditional wine press.

3

This year will see the launch of the new vintage Cuvée from 2020. New vintage releases are always exciting as they demonstrate the exceptional quality our vineyards can produce.

WISTON ESTATE North Farm, Washington West Sussex RH20 4BB +44 (0)1903 877845 wistonestate.com wistonestate

Wiston-Estate-V4-TD.indd 339

20/12/2024 16:59

GBB 2025 —— W

WOOLF Award-winning interior architecture and design studio

‘I

n 2009, I opened our London studio with the intention of creating imaginative, surprising homes and hotels. We take a really distinctive approach to design, drawing inspiration from my background as a film and television designer. Our projects tend to be formed with a sense of balance, warmth and individual personality.

Our Bath studio followed in 2018 when WOOLF became accredited as historic interior design experts. We gained recognition for our skill in transforming listed properties. Historic projects are challenging, but we give them a new lease of life balancing tradition with innovation; embracing modernity for future generations, while honouring those rich layers of history.

Technology has revolutionised the speed of our work. CAD and AI have enhanced the fluidity of our design processes – although truly well-crafted projects still demand skill, time and traditional craftsmanship. Social media has also been a transformational change – providing us global reach and greater self-determination.

Sustainability has become a central consideration. It means a commitment to ethical production and a focus on British resources and local skills. Non-sustainable materials are increasingly being phased out through natural selection. We have developed a “green credential guide” – it’s like a menu which helps each client understand which emerging and sustainable technologies can be used on their project. We strive for maximum energy efficiency, aiming to bring even listed buildings towards net zero.

Collaborations have been fundamental to our practice; I have always taken influence from fashion, film and art. We have been lucky enough to curate art collections extensively in our projects and we’ve worked with terrific brands, from Pucci and Pierre Frey to major art galleries and artists. In our up-and-coming projects we’re working with some celebrated designers across fashion, textiles, lighting and furniture design.

Looking ahead, the shift in how spaces are conceived is bringing new opportunities. Distinctions between residential spaces, boutique hotels, members’ clubs and apartment-hotels are blending. Increasingly clients want to explore concepts that do not necessarily fit conventional categories or the constraints of a “signature style”. This allows us to take a liberated approach to aesthetics, blending tradition and imagination to create houses and hotels with unique personalities.’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

The Expert Series: whether virtual, in studio, or at home, WOOLF offers one-to-one interior design consultation for those seeking rapid progress and tailored expert advice.

2

Fashion House collaboration: WOOLF will partner with two celebrated British fashion houses to design a hotel and a members’ club. Watch this space, some very exciting news to come.

3

Iconic furniture collaborations: WOOLF will craft one-off investment pieces in collaboration with iconic furniture designers. Today’s pieces are tomorrow’s heirlooms – bespoke furniture, designed to be passed down the generations.

WOOLF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN London Studio: 11 Kingsdown Close, London W10 6SW + 44 (0)20 8960 6858 Bath Studio: The Bath Brewery Tollbridge Road, Bath BA1 7DE + 44 (0)1225 445670 woolfinterior.com woolfinteriordesign

Verity Woolf, founder

‘Blending tradition and imagination to create houses and hotels with unique personalities’ 340 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Woolf-Interiors-V8-TD.indd 340

20/12/2024 16:54

Progressive listed building planning changes are driving sustainability opportunities

Woolf-Interiors-V8-TD.indd 341

20/12/2024 16:54

GBB 2025 —— Z

Zoffany Blurring the lines between interior design and fine art

‘Z

offany remains rooted by its heritage and provenance, but we look to the future for how we will craft designs. From interior designers, painters, muralists and artists to makers, marblers and more, we continue to nurture artistic collaborations.

These relationships expand our minds, challenge, inspire, and, ultimately, create wallcoverings and textiles of exceptional craftsmanship that last for generations. Our work as a design studio is to open avenues between fine art and interiors, where artistic collaboration runs at the heart of everything we do.

Just over ten years ago, Zoffany opened the door to joining forces with fine artists like Melissa White. We’ve also embraced collaboration with creatives such as miniaturist painter Charlie Calder-Potts. Every new partnerships challenges us on how we view ourselves and how we work with someone in a collaborative rather than a commissioned way.

We’re always inspired by the past but welcome new technology. There’s the assumption that modern technology will do the work for you, but technology is a tool that we use carefully and in a considered way. An example is Lost Lands, a mural wallcovering in our Indienne collection. Charlie Calder-Potts rendered every leaf of this design painstakingly by hand, following the miniature tradition and using an extremely fine hand-made brush she made herself. We then took these illustrations and, over months of digital cutting, created an evocative mural, dramatic and detailed. These moments, where we use digital technology to expand genres, take creative risks and honour the artist’s skill is where Zoffany comes into its own. Whether digitally or traditionally crafted, each of our designs retains its integrity, from the drawing board to the final finish.

Our manufacturing process is an extension of our artistic approach. We specially select mills that offer the best quality. This goes hand in hand with our commitment to sustainability, tying in with our goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our Suffolk Damasks & Stripes collection was designed and made entirely in the UK. Supporting British mills naturally means the product has a lower carbon footprint, and it’s woven in a slower way too, reducing the chemicals used in the finishing.

Zoffany is an open design book, inviting people in, bringing new collaborators to the table and connecting with creatives. We’re excited to share Zoffany’s story not just here but on a global scale.’

Zoffany is an open design book, with artistic collaboration at the heart of everything the brand does

Peter Gomez, lead designer 342 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Zoffany-V4-GT.indd 342

20/12/2024 16:55

‘We’ve embraced partnerships with creatives such as miniaturist painter Charlie Calder-Potts’

The Greatest Opportunities Ahead...

1

Continuing our collaborations with artists and makers. With new voices come exciting new challenges and design discussions.

These artists are acclaimed in their fields and their perspective on our brand and our archive is invaluable.

2

Looking beyond traditional manufacturing to embrace technologies. New yarns that extend the life and usability of our fabrics is part of Zoffany’s explorations today and in the future.

3

There are now so many avenues and platforms to tell our story of archive, maker and artist. We can share this so much more clearly today through film and content, where we connect audiences with the hand of the maker.

ZOFFANY Sanderson Design Group Showroom Design Centre Chelsea Harbour Lots Road, London SW10 0XE +44 (0)20 3457 5862 zoffany.sandersondesigngroup.com zoffanyfw

Zoffany-V4-GT.indd 343

21/12/2024 13:35

GBB 2025

Index A Alan Scott Alexandra Llewellyn Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Annoushka The Arts Club Ascot Racecourse Atelier NM Audley Travel Auriens

20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36

E

K

East London Parasol Company Edmiston Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Edward Green E.J. Churchill Elegant Resorts Ettinger Eve Lom

Katharine Pooley Knowles

110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124

\

F

B Bamford Barbour Battersea Power Station BEEN London Berry Bros. & Rudd Boodles Bramley

44 46 48 50 52 56 58

C Cadogan Cambridge Satchel Catchpole & Rye Cecil Wright Chelsea Barracks Christy Cole & Son Colefax & Fowler Cookson Adventures Cordings Crockett & Jones Cunard

62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 82 84 86 88

126 128 130 132 134

\

G GP & J Baker The Glenturret Distillery Grantley Hall

142 144 146

H Hambledon Wine Estate Hancocks London Harwood Advisory Heirlooms Linens Helen Green Design Holland & Holland Holland Cooper The House of Bruar

148 150 152 156 158 160 162 164

I

D Davidson Daylesford Organic De Beers Jewellers Deirdre Dyson Difference Coffee Dr Haus Dermatology D-Robe Dr Sebagh

Fairfax & Favor Farrar & Tanner Favourbrook Fentimans Ltd Floris London

90 92 94 96 100 102 104 106

Iconic Luxury Hotels Ineos Grenadier The Isle of Man

166 168 170

L Lalage Beaumont The Lane Lawson Robb Life Kitchens Linley Lisa Franklin Lock & Co. Hatters 1508 London Louise Bradley

190 192 198 200 202 204 206 208 210

M Malone Souliers Marian Boswall Landscape Architects Martin Kemp Design Matfen Hall Molton Brown Monpure

212 216 218 220 222 224

N N.Peal The National Gallery Native Land Neal's Yard Remedies Neatsmith Neptune New & Lingwood Nyetimber

228 230 232 234 236 238 242 244

O OKA The OWO

246 248

P

J James Purdey & Sons Jo Malone London Joseph Cheaney & Sons Juliette Byrne

R 184 186

176 178 180 182

Penelope Chilvers The PIGS PoB Hotels Pragnell

252 254 256 258

Rathbones Group PLC Really Wild Rigby & Rigby Robinson Pelham 886 by The Royal Mint Royal Shakespeare Company

264 266 268 272 274 276

S Sabina Savage Samuel Heath Sanderson Selfridges The Shard Sims Hilditch The Sloane Club Smallbone Society of London Theatre St James Interiors Steppes Travel Swaine London

280 282 284 286 288 290 292 294 302 304 306 308

T Taylor Howes Thomas Lyte ThruDark Tom Davies Troy London Turnbull & Asser

312 316 318 320 322 324

V Vitality Pro Vivienne Westwood

330 332

W Westley Richards The White Company Wiston Estate Woolf Interiors

334 336 338 340

Z Zoffany

342

344 | COUNTRYANDTOWNHOUSE.COM/GBB

Index-V2-TD.indd 344

20/12/2024 15:53

Photography by Scott Frances Architecture by James Gorst

BRINGING ART TO LIGHT

BEACON ST, BOSTON - TM MASTERLIGHT CE | CB | UL

The leading international art lighting specialist, transforming works of art for

Great British Treasure Houses, Galleries & Museums, Private Collections and your home.

TMLIGHTING.COM

TM Lighting.indd 1

18/12/2024 13:27

WEALTH MANAGEMENT RATHBONES.COM/GBBA

Rathbones.indd 1

16/12/2024 15:51