Chislehurst & Beckenham Life November 2011

chislehurst & beckenham life

chislehurst LIFE & Beckenham W E S TE R H Am , Ox TE D, D U LW I C H, B L AC K H EAT H, S EVENOAKS, green wich, T U N B R I D gE W E L L S AND T H E E xC LU S I VE SURROUNDINg AREAS

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A NEW ROLE FOR ELTHAM PALACE LOCAL RESTAURANT REVIEWS KEEP YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER

www.thelifemagazines.com

JOANNa LUMLEY Still Fabulous? Absolutely.

the quality LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 33 november 2011

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HISTORY

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HOMES & GARDENS

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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FOOD & DRINK • travel

Faye Manning Editor

welcome

PublishedPUBLISHED by the FishBY Media THE group Ltd. FISH MEDIA Square, GROUP Hatfield, LTD 2nd Floor, titan Court, 3 Bishop Herts, AL10 9NA

0844 800 8439

email: rory@fishmediagroup.co.uk EDITOR Faye Manning EDITOR ASSISTANT Katie Miller SUB EDITOR Alex Lux FASHION EDITOR Hazel Englander

The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Essendon, Herts, MANAGER AL9 6JJ Vanessa Lane

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Tel : 0844 Toni Perry 800 8439 Fax : 01707 655 718.

ACCOUNTS/ADMIN Kathy Manning Ken Fleet www.thelifemagazines.com

SALES Jason Trotman Barry John James Marshall DIRECTORS Rory Smith Patrick Smith Peter Smith

Email: peter@fishmediagroup.co.uk

As Winter draws ever closer and the weather is getting ever colder we offer all of our readers a very warm welcome to the November issue…………….

At this time of year our thoughts turn to keeping our homes and ourselves warm, so this months main feature is dedicated to offering you tips, hints and ideas from a variety of local specialists who will help you to improve your home heating with new fireplaces, insulation and everything to help keep you warm through the long cold winter season.

This month we are delighted that our November front cover and cover story are dedicated to that very British institution and national treasure - Joanna Lumley. Joanna tells us about her new book, a pictorial memoir called Absolutely, her new 4 part TV documentary on Greece, her passion and involvement with the Gurkhas and her reprise of Patsy in three new up coming episodes. Is Joanna still fabulous? Absolutely.

© all Rights Reserved.

St albans Life, Harpenden Life, Radlett Life is copyright and January not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst the Fish Media group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care Editor is taken with all materials submitted to the St albans Life, Harpenden Life & Radlett Life the publisher cannot accept responsibility Faye for the loss or damage to such material.Fish Media groupManning Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication.opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media group Ltd.We accept Assistant no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for Editor the content of these pages.

Katie Miller

INNER 070111 LONDON Jan i31.indd 3

Sub Editor Alex Lux Fashion Editor Kitty Shead Contributors Wendy Stevenson John Ruler John Bly Bruce Edwards Jack Smith

Design & Production Jules Breckenridge www.breckenridgedesign.co.uk Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Managers Lisa Westerman Sinead Sheil SALES Lorna Ferrin Vanessa Lane James Marshall DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith

All Rights reserved. All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising.

Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication.

Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.

Heston Blumenthal tells us about his new book and how he wants to break new culinary ground.

Our Local Life team visit more interesting local 19/01/2011 towns and places of interest - this month we turn the spotlight on Godstone, Crystal Palace Museum and the Barn Theatre Oxted. Whilst John Ruler our revered local historian takes a look back at the amazing Eltham Palace.

As usual there are a wide variety of wonderful articles from our brilliant team of writers.

John Bly takes us with him into the wonderful world of Antiques. The Beauty feature offers advise on how to save time in front of the mirror but still look beautiful.

The Fashion pages this month encourage you to swing into the 60’s mode. In the House and Garden section our home Interiors experts predict what we can expect to stay smart for 2012 and our travel writers visit Russia for a long weekend.

Once again our Food editor Regan Maloney reviews more local restaurants in our ever growing Eating Out guide. Heston Blumenthal tells us about his new book and how he wants to break new culinary ground. Our Whats On pages encourage you and the family to get out with a wide variety of upcoming local events. Plus we have a guide to Christmas gifts from local businesses.

So as you can see there is so much for you to read and enjoy in this issue.

Until next month………….

You will be pleased to know that you and your friends can now read our magazines online at www.thelifemagazines.com

To advertise contact Peter on 077111 43342 or email peter@fishmediagroup.co.uk november2011

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WILMINGTON, KENT, NR DARTFORD, DA2 7QH

kent events

what’s on...

11 NOVEMBER 20

✱ CLIC Sargent’s Big Bucket Collection December is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month across the UK. Please join us as a Collection Coordinator and simply ask your friends and family to help you collect for one day at this venue near you, helping us raise over £100,000 for children with cancer. Sign up and we will give you all the support and materials you will need. For more information contact us on: 0117 314 8602. Asda Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UN. Fri 2 Dec 2011.

Website: www.clicsargent. org.uk/bigbucketcollection ✱ Old Dunstonians Sports Club Wedding Fair Marquee on the pitch Over 30 Exhibitors. 11am3pm free.ST. Dunstans Lane, Wickham Way, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3BD. Sun 13 Nov 2011. Website: www. weddingservicesuk.com ✱ Santa 5km Fun Run! Dress up as Santa and run 5K for charity. Join us for this sponsored run around Greenwich Park and get a FREE SANTA SUIT! Registration is just £20 and we ask all participants for a minimum sponsorship of £100 although we hope you will raise much more! Book early to avoid missing out!

For full details text SANTA to 07525 734101 or contact Rebecca Minett on rebecca. minett@actionforchildren. org.uk or call 0207 582 3687.

Greenwich Park London SE10 9NF.Sun 4 Dec 2011 Website: www. actionforchildren.org. uk/get-involved/events/ santa-5k-fun-run ✱ Greenwich International Early Music Festival & Exhibition A weekend

6 november2011

of exhibition, concerts, workshops and master classes, featuring over 100 instrument makers from around the globe.

Events include performances from Red Priest, L’Arpeggiata and Pantagruel. Makers’ demonstration recitals, Moeck/ SRP solo recorder competition finals and live recording of the BBC Early Music Show. To book and for more info call 01274 288100. The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich.

London, SE10 9LW. Fri 11 Nov 2011 to Sun 13 Nov 2011.

Website: www.ornc.org ✱ Meet James Thornhill Meet the creator of the amazing interior of the Painted Hall. 12.00, 13.00, 14.30 & 15.30 Free 020 8269 4799.The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9LW. Sat 3 Dec 2011. Website: www.ornc.org ✱ Sidcup Art Club Exhibition An exhibition of paintings by members will be on sale at Bexleyheath Central Library. Paintings will cover a variety of themes/ subjects and mediums such as watercolour, acrylics and pastels. Entrance free.

Wheelchair access The exhibition will co-incide with Library opening times: 10 - 5.30 p.m. Closed SundaysCentral Library, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7HJ. Sat 10 Dec 2011 to Fri 23 Dec 2011 ✱ Karaoke/Disco every Friday where we have the perfect balance of singers and the best tunes to boogie on down to. Every Friday from 8pm.The Guinea Butt, 78 Calverley Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2UJ. Fri 11 Nov, Fri 18 Nov, Fri 25 Nov. Website: www.facebook. com/guinea.butt

✱ Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra.

The RTWSO concert features works by Arnold, Tchaikovsky, John Williams, Grieg and Amderson. Conducted by Roderick Dunk and includes soloist Lara Melda, who was the sensational winner of the 2010 BBC Young Musician of the Year .Time: 3pm Tickets: from £10, children and students £1.Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2LU. Sun 4 Dec 2011.

Website: www.rtwso.org

✱ The Race for Christmas Children’s Festive Production: When Buttons the Elf loses his lucky scarf he’s convinced that he’s lost his sporting ability as well. Can he get both his lucky scarf and his confidence back in time to help the team win the games?

He’ll need your help to do so…

Join us at Trinity Theatre and accompany a host of colourful characters on a festive journey that’ll brighten up any child’s Christmas. 10.30 until 11.30. £7.50 (£6.50) Contact: 01892 678 678Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1JP. Fri 2 Dec 2011.

Website: www.trinitytheatre. net/Whats-On/589-/TheRace-For-Christmas ✱ Syd Lawrence Orchestra In their 12th year as ‘Best Big Band In The Land’ Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra are in top form once again in this new show ‘On The Beat’, featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Billy May, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many, many more. “On the Beat” recreates the unabashed, unquestioning romance that music lovers had with Big Bands in the mid20th century, not to mention the chemistry between a show and its audience. 7.30pm

£20 and £18 Box office 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks. co.uk STAG Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1ZZ. Sat 19 Nov 2011

✱ St John’s Sevenoaks Parish Christmas Fair Do your Christmas shopping, activities for all ages, entertainment during the fair (including the Sevenoaks Players), refreshments available. Free entry, pop in or stay for the afternoon! 2-5pm.

Contact 01732 882093. St John’s Parish Hall, Quakers Hall Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3TX. Sat 26 Nov 2011. Website: www. saintjohnthebaptist.org.uk ✱ Afternoon Tea Special A National Trust Event: Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea - sandwich, fresh scone with jam and cream, victoria sponge cake with tea or coffee - only £6.50 pp.

Chartwell Restaurant. Children welcome Times:14:00 to 16:00.

Tickets:All:£6.50. Booking Not Needed.Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham Kent TN16 1PS.Sun 13 Nov, Wed 16 Nov to Sun 20 Nov, Wed 23 Nov to Sun 27 Nov, Wed 30 Nov to Sun 4 Dec, Wed 7 Dec to Sun 11 Dec. Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk ✱ Open Air Ice Rink,Tunbridge Wells Calverley Grounds. Take a spin around the outdoor ice rink with family and friends, followed by a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine.

There will be Parent and Toddler sessions, special themed nights, sponsors’ evenings and much more.

Book your session online now via the Assembly Hall Theatre Box Office. Tickets will also be available to buy at the rink.

From Saturday 26 November to Monday 2 January Open everyday except

Christmas Day. www. tunbridgewellsatchristmas. com for full details and to book. ✱ FESTIVE FUN FOR LITTLE ONES Tandridge Trust has got a sparkling array of things on offer for youngsters this school holiday. At the Stafford Sports Centre on Wednesday 21st December there’s a dance workshop for 8-13 year olds inspired by the grand finale of X Factor. They can learn an exciting street dance routine to the amazing fresh new sounds of One Direction, the latest sensation to emerge from this successful show. The action kicks off between 2.30-4.30pm and costs £7 for members, £8 for non-members.

Friday 23rd December under fives can experience a magical hour of creative dance in “Once Upon A Christmas” at de Stafford Sports Centre.

Our qualified practitioner Emma Cole will guide little ones through their imagination as the clock counts down to Christmas Day. Three to five-year-olds are invited to dress in their favourite festive outfit!

If you’re 5-8 year old is feeling artistic, why not bring them along to our special workshop at Tandridge Leisure Centre on Thursday 22nd December.

Experienced art tutor, Julia Thomas, will help them create a unique photo frame or mirror, to their own imaginative design - perfect for that last minute gift! For more information on the Christmas holiday programme, www.tandridgetrust.co.uk. Call Tandridge Leisure Centre on 01883 716717 or de Stafford on 01883 344355 to book. ✱ Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells Selected forthcoming events. Call 01892 530613/07885971784 for full details. ✱ Chris and Pui Roadshow CBeebies favourite double act are coming to town, fresh from their hit show Show me Show me.

Sunday 13 November

10.30am and 1.30pm Boot Led Zepplin Delivering the ultimate Zeppelin experience.

Sunday 13 November 8pm ✱ Brubecks Play Brubeck Darius, Chris and Dan Brubeck come together with special guest saxophonist Dave O Higgins to play the music that made their father, Dave Brubeck, a revered icon of jazz.

Friday 18 November 7.30pm ✱ The Royal Marines Band Charity Concert Join us for an evening of musical entertainment and help our maritime communities.

Saturday 19 November 7.30pm ✱ The Stylistics With their charisma, style and harmony they are one of the best selling soul groups ever with a remarkable 10 top ten hits during the early 1970s.

Sunday 27 November ✱ La Traviata A tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music.

Wednesday 30 November ✱ Beyond the Barricade.

Don’t miss the musical event of the year.

Saturday 3 December ✱ Sleeping Beauty Pantomime Saturday 10 December – Monday 2 January 2012 Glynis Barber from Eastenders as the Bad Fairy, Derek Moran from Channel 5s Milkshake as Silly Billy and Christopher Beeney from Last of the Summer Wine as the King.

Assembly Halls Tunbridgewells. ✱ Jungle Book KIDS Performed by the young actors of Glow Theatre Group The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! It includes all your favourite Disney tunes.The Jungle Book KIDS is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages. 7.30pm. £6.50, Tickets are available from www.barntheatreoxted. co.uk or 01883 720167.Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0AA. Fri 2 Dec 2011 to Sat 3 Dec 2011.

Website: www. barntheatreoxted.co.uk

Beautiful bathrooms.

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www.fiestadesign.co.uk Kitchens, Bedrooms, Bathrooms 020 8302 1368 Fiesta Kitchens Ltd, 29 - 31 Leith Hill, Orpington, BR5 2RS

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                    

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           

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CONTENTS

PAGE

Contents

EDITOR’S LETTER

3

WHAT’S ON…

6

Editors letter

LOCAL LIFE

WHATS ON

Eynsford - Well hidden within a secret pocket in Kent LOCAL LIFE of the Weald Cranbrook - The capital

Crystal Palace A victorian wonder Langton The GreenBarn - A perfect mix of town and country Theatre Oxted A Success Story Godstone In apenny, Tranquil Greenwich - Drunk for one deadLandscape drunk for two Eltham Palace A new role

Bromley’s Freak Weather – It’s no great deal

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

STONEHAMS KITCHENSl

LOCAL RESTAURANT REVIEW & GUIDE

3 6

10

14

10 18 14 18 22 26

26

28

29

30

Fine furnishings win Royal of approva Valantina; Theseal Bickley; Shampan; Tamasha; Sea Salt; Thai Moon; Eds Grill; Farraris; Locale; Bengal Lancer; Dulwich Tandoori

WEDDING LIFE – Supplement

35

Eastwell Manor A Exquisite Manor House 22

HYPNOTHERPY RECIPE Heston Blumenthal Labelled with Love A Unique Gift Shop

COVER STORY - A new era of luxury at the Savoy

48 44 48

49

Fellbridge Hotel A Fabulous Hotel and Spa 50

ANTIQUES with John Bly

COVER STORY Joanna Lumley Still Fabulous? Absolutely

52 51

FASHION – Put Spring in your Style

54

– Foundation Finesse BEAUTYFASHION

58

HOME BEAUTY - Snap up your signature Style

62

Take a Beauty shortcut McQue Put your face first QUALITYCurious WINDOWS Comb A different Wave of Salon

62 64 65 66

Portico Gallery Q & A with Malcolm Dent 54

Swing into the 60’s Mode 56 Sense And Sensuality A new Chislehurst boutique

58 DESIGNER LIGHTING 60 Share Your Wears A exciting Designer Boutique 60

SPECIAL FEATURE: Winter Warmth

The Dilemma Divorce and Separation KeepofYour Home Warm this Winter

66 69 English Chimneypiece The Fireplace Collection 70 Kelvin Fireplaces Heating with Style 74 HOUSE & GARDEN New Look for a New Season Lordship Lane Carpets create the wow factor Garden House Handmade quality Shutters Up Sensational Shutters

78 80 82 84

ANTIQUES with JOHN BLY

88

TRAVEL Russia White Nights and Caviar

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adly the Crystal Palace made history not for being the most audacious building of its time, but by spectacularly burning down 75 years ago this month. A shame, for this giant edifice, dwarfing the skyline for miles around, not only knocked spots of other Victorian architectural gems but would be hard to repeat even today.

Forget the Shard and other 21st century giants.

Imagine instead something around the size of three Albert Halls. Think, too, of its vast concert area, housing the largest organ in the British Isles – it had 4,500 working pipes – which during some Handel Festivals had over 4,000 performers seated around it. Rumours that the sound of victims could be heard during the Great Fire was in fact the discordant groaning from the very same pipes. No one actually died.

In the South Wing ferns, fish, and falling water added flesh to a giant greenhouse.

Elsewhere jaw-dropping theme ’courts’, one depicting cathedrals in Medieval times, left the less well-heeled gawping; another featured ancient Nubian monuments, with the original 65 feet high Colossi built by Rameses II faithfully recreated in the North Transept. Fine plasterwork was even incised with hieroglyphics recording the construction of the Crystal Palace from 1852 to its opening in 1854. The Grand Fountains, of which more later, were opened by Queen Victoria two years later.

And it was not just the sheer scale of the glass and iron building but the OTT extras, carried

out with Victorian aplomb that raises more gasps. There were the Crystal Palace stations, with the glass covered colonnade leading from the low level station lined with replica statues for most if its 1,000ft length. In 1861, Blondin, the famous French tightrope walker turned somersaults on stilts on a rope stretched across the central transept, 70 feet from the ground.

Huge firework displays regularly drew the crowds on many Thursday nights. The first on July 12, 1865, attracted a paying audience of 20,000.

No wonder that the team behind the small, but memorabilia packed, Crystal Palace Museum in Anerley Hill, led by founder Barrie McKay, a former oil executive, have their work cut out explaining the many facets of this extraordinary slice of Victorian ingenuity.

All of which is basically down to one man: Joseph Paxton whose first Crystal Place, the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations staged in Hyde Park in 1851 closed after six months having attracted over six million visitors.

But though Paxton was knighted, a public clamour for the so-called Crystal Palace to remain there fell on deaf ears despite strong public support. This was until a group of six entrepreneurs bought the complete structure from Fox Henderson, the builders and owners of the building for £70,000. In 1852 a new site was found – and with strong financial backing, the palace was rebuilt at Penge Place described then as ‘the most beautiful spot in the world for

How a Victorian wonder went

up in flames

CE CRYSTAL PALA

Nowadays the triangle formed by Westow Street, West Hill and Church Road buzzes with independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. But Crystal Palace is rightly remembered for the Victorian masterpiece made from glass and iron. JOHN RULER marvels at just how daunting it really was.

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Images: Adam Swaine Photography

local Life the Crystal Palace.’ The name stuck and though the piping best left to Barrie to outline. the outrageously ornate glass structure, needing It was he along with other local enthusiasts far greater building material than even that at who, fearful for the Palace’s future held an Hyde Park, has long since gone Crystal Palace exhibition in a now defunct building. More than Parade and the National Sports Centre are 100 people turned up. It was while he and Ken both recognised as South London landmarks.

Kiss, now curator, were discussing some sort of Which is just what museum that they spotted Paxton planned for the the old lecture room 1,848 feet long building. for the Crystal Palace What was certainly NOT Company’s School of planned was the bad luck Practical Engineering, and financial crises which sole survivor of the dogged the palace and fire, in Anerley Hill. the park which between Thanks to a trust of, them offered education, largely professional, entertainment, cricket backers with the Duke matches, attended by W.G. of Devonshire as their Grace, and even 20 FA president (a young Cup Finals between 1895 Joseph Paxton was -1914. It also attracted gardener at Chatsworth two million visitors a year where he oversaw and was home to displays, the building of a vast festivals and music shows. greenhouse) they won In 1861, the Palace was the required approval of damaged by strong winds the Victorian and Albert followed by a fire in Museum to set up their December 1866, which own museum. This year destroyed the North marks its 21st birthday, End of the building along and the 75th anniversary with many natural history of the fire. Fortunately exhibits. Then in 1911, despite ceramics, housed in the the boom years, its sheer size original lecture room, survived, proved impossible to maintain, so, too, did photographs and it was declared bankrupt. taken by Phillip Delamotte, It was not until the 1920s a commissioned to show the trust under the guidance of various stages of construction.

Henry James Buckland set One aspect deserving about restoring the deteriorating special praise was Paxton’s building. Firework displays magnificent fountains served were resumed, and in October by two towers, which the 1934 the Pageant of Labour base of Isambard Brunel’s was held at the palace.

South Tower still remains.

In 1936 disaster struck. On A gang of 50 men would at the night of November 30 a given signal release120, Henry and his daughter, 000 gallons of water per FROM TOP: The fire at Crystal, named after Buckland’s minute to achieve the grand it’s height; The Crystal love of the Crystal Palace, were display provided by 11,778 jets.

Palace in all it’s glory; walking their dog when they The two main ones could reach a Inside the Palace. spotted a small fire at the Palace. height of 280 feet, over 100 feet RIGHT: Founder Barrie This rapidly escalated and by higher than Nelson’s column.

McKay with the museum morning most of the building Looking up the steps to the model of the Palace was destroyed. This was terraces with their surviving (Credit: John Ruler) despite the efforts of over 80 sphinxes you still sense that fire engines comprising 438 this was no mirage but a shrine firemen from four brigades to the sheer self-assurance and and 749 police officers. The glow was said ingenuity of the Victorians. But it was also a to be have seen across eight counties. child of its era, and there seems little doubt that How did it happen? Forget the conspiracy it would have fallen foul of the many incendiary theories, it was basically a series of blunders bombs that fell during the World War Two blitz. as Barrie explains at the end of regular But perhaps it need not remain a passing guided tours. These included no fire-fighting dream. The parks have perked up in the equipment despite the 1866 fire (on the last few years and maybe, just maybe, we basis it couldn’t happen again), inflammable could see that wonderful fountain spout material igniting the dry old timber flooring once again. Wouldn’t that prove a challenge and small, but vital, technical defects in for a would-be Paxton of today…

Need to know…. ✱ Crystal Place Museum,

Anerley Hill, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 2BA www.crystalplacemuseum. org.uk; e-mail: info@ crystalpalacemuseum.org. uk; tel: 020 8676 0700 ✱ Open: 11.00–16.30 or 15.30 winter (Sat, Sun & Bank Holiday Mons) No wheelchair access. Regular school visits, also talks.

Admission free. ✱ Special events: A special weekend on November 26 & 27 marking the 75th anniversary of the 1936 fire will feature dramatic film and radio broadcasts using large screen and audio techniques. This will be on during the museum’s usual winter opening time of 11.00 –15.30. Admission is free.

Did you know….

✱ In 1935 John Logie Baird

used the south tower for his groundbreaking television transmissions. ✱ In 1953, the Crystal Palace Circuit was still opened for motor racing and, until 1973, was used by such greats as Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham. ✱ The museum helped with recreating a lifesize replica of the Crystal Palace in Dallas, Texas.

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local life

Action-packed plot reveals theatre’s story of success John Ruler takes his seat at the Barn Theatre, Oxted

14 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

following its use, among others, by Canadian troops some of whose own families later became part of the local community.

The future of the theatre hangs in the balance as Surrey County Council loses interest in any form of aid and its use by a repertory company likewise fizzles out. But, as in all good dramas, help is at hand as locals chip in to save the day. Working trustees give freely of their time and skills. Life is breathed back into The Barn.

Some 30 years on, Scene Two sees a fresh board of skilled trustees, passionate about the theatre, getting to grips with finances. Audiences increase, so do facilities. In the final scene, with lottery money not forthcoming, but with £120,000 in the bank Barn 2000, a spruced up theatre, fit for the 21st century, is formally declared open by the Duke of Kent in 2004.

The curtain drops amid much and well deserved applause.

This, of course, is a synopsis only. The reality is much more long-winded, involving a huge amount of dedication and disappointment best appreciated not through words but by the stunning success the delightful timber framed building rightly enjoys today. The only surprise is it’s not better known; even some Oxted residents of 30 years are apparently unaware of its presence. This despite a long-going publicity campaign.

A quick glance at this year’s typical middle of the road

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

I

t was while watching Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest, at the Barn Theatre, Oxted, Surrey, that it occurred to me just how unexpected, too, this theatrical gem really is and whose history, as with plots of all good plays, takes many twists and turns.

Act One, you can argue, takes place in rural Limpsfield, Surrey. The year: 1923. Scene One opens with local worthies eager to provide a new public hall close to the railway station and lying equal distance between Limpsfield and Oxted.

Residents quickly snap up shares in the £4000 capital required.

Switch to Scene Two and with the purchase of the old Saw Mill Barn completed, 1924 sees the first production at what the Nation, now the New Statesman, called ‘the very beautiful Barn Theatre’ built at a cost of £3742 12s 1d with the current Bluehouse Lane site costing £275. Lettings prove greater than can be satisfied, a situation which can be mirrored today.

(It only later transpired that the main structural timbers used for the theatre came not from the sawmill as was first thought, but from the sawmill barn which was probably built during 1434. This was bought for £75).

After a short interval and with the Second World War over, Act Two opens in the 1950s on a damp, dark and musty theatre

programme from August to this month shows bookings by Kenley Holiday Workshop, Surrey Opera, The Oxted Players, whose Christie production I saw, and Oxted Operatic Society, who like the Players have The Barn as their home. Both companies have celebrated their Golden Anniversaries there in the last five years. The adjoining Little Barn, built in 1931, is the same size as the stage, and thus ideal for rehearsals.

The Barn has attracted many celebrity names, Dame Flora Robson, Lady Violet Bonham-Carter, Randolph Churchill, Christopher Fry and Ralph Vaughan Williams being among them. More recently Ray Allen, Roy Castle, Ronnie Corbett and Richard Stilgoe have trodden the boards at the 244-seater theatre (it was originally planned for a somewhat cramped 350) now air-conditioned and with its own cosy bar selling wine, beer, soft drinks and coffee.

All highly professional, with the plush pink seats, costing £2.10s each, being collected by lorry from the Mock Tudor Plaza Cinema, now the Everyman, during the 1970s. The staff, bar the cleaner, are all volunteers. With bookings already in for 2015, and the theatre ‘very solvent’ you could rightly describe it as a barn-storming success!

NEED TO KNOW

The Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0AA. www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk; email: barntheatre@btinternet.com; tel: 01959 561811 Next production: Return to the Forbidden Planet by Oxted Operatic Society November 22-26. Tickets: £15.

DID YOU KNOW

One of the main supporters of The Barn was the late composer and conductor Sir Michael Tippett who as a young teacher was conductor with Oxted and Limpsfield Choral Society which is still going today. His one complaint was that he had to sit on the floor to conduct the orchestra who were able to play underneath the stage. Unfortunately, they had to come in wellies due to water seepage. Some 73 years later the theatre solved the problem…

Right: the foyer, now extended, provides space for both the ticket desk and as a place to gather for a chat.

Left: Scene from The Oxted Players’ production of The Unexpected Guest; far right, the splendid mural in the theatre bar depicting the Barn’s history. november2011

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f e at u r e

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arlier this year the Government announced their first comprehensive review of the Feed-in tariffs for small-scale renewable electricity generation. On the 31st October 2011 they released their second comprehensive review which is considering various aspects of the scheme which include the tariff rates.

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16 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

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local Life

Godstone Words by Wendy stevenson

S

urrounded by beautiful scenery set within the shadow of the North Downs you would be forgiven for being unaware that the M25, better known as the “highway to hell” is just a short distance and yet it has little impact upon the tranquil landscape that surrounds Godstone. Standing amongst such spectacular countryside it is easy to understand why Shakespeare described England as his favoured “isle set within the silver sea”. Within this setting Godstone is able to provide the best of both worlds for the people who are lucky enough to call the village home, Gatwick is a few miles away and London is all of 19 miles!

Godstone has everything that one would expect of a quintessential English country village - a green with a duck pond, gorgeous country homes and gardens, carpets of bluebells in Spring , ancient woodland and of course country pubs! Shops in the village cater for everyday needs with Redhill, Reigate and Caterham nearby to supply anything else. Of course with the close proximity of the M25 London, Blue Water and Lakeside are just a short journey. Understandably Godstone has become very popular with commuters unfortunately for them unlike neighbouring towns and villages planning is very tightly controlled resulting in very little building land. This has helped to ensure that there is high demand for any properties that find their way on to the market The original settlement of Godstone developed at a point where the Guildford to Maidstone road and the London to Eastbourne road converged. What we now know as Godstone was initially called “Wachelestede” and was recorded in the Domesday Book as the property of Count Eustace, a man who was a staunch ally

of William the Conqueror. Count Eustace was married to Goda the daughter of the English king Æthelred the Unready, she was also the sister of Edward the Confessor so in some respects Eustace was probably in a better position to rule than William.

The hamlet is believed to have formed part of her dowry and it is felt by some that Godstone is a derivation of “Goda’s Ton” which quite literally means Goda’s settlement and was recorded as such in 1248. When Eustace visited England in 1051 some 15 years before invading the country both he and his followers were involved in an infamous brawl with the citizens of Dover.

As with other historic settlements its name changed several times over the course of the centuries, it was even known as “Walkingstead” and “Walkhampstead” both of which are thought to refer to the process of treading cloth in large vats of fullers earth to remove the natural oils before the cloth could be dyed; the process was known as Fulling. The area around the village was perfect for supporting large numbers of sheep which provided both wool and meat. The sheep were also responsible for another industry for which England became renown - cloth making. During the middle ages it was very much a cottage industry and very likely involved entire families; the children would have combed the wool to straighten out the fibres whilst their parents would have spun the wool into threads and then wove the simple cloth on a loom. The fulling process made the fibres of the wet cloth mat together to produce a nap on the material; this also made the wool absorb dye far more easily.

Fullers Earth was quite an expensive commodity because of its scarcity, fortunately for the inhabitants of Godstone

The present settlement of Godstone lies to the west of the old church and was the result of a change of route for stage coaches.

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Images: Adam Swaine Photography

the largest deposits in the UK were found nearby and formed a major source of revenue. The clay like substance originated from volcanic ash that was deposited thousands of years ago when the area was covered by water.

The settlement originally developed on the high ground surrounding the medieval church unfortunately in 1349 the village was almost destroyed by the Black Death which swept through England. Even in death propriety had to be observed with men and women interred in separate pits one in the aptly named Mensfield and the other in Womansfield which lie alongside Bullbeggars Lane.

The present settlement of Godstone lies to the west of the old church and was the result of a change of route for stage coaches. A number of inns were built around the village green to supply fresh horses and refreshments for the passengers of the stage coaches some of which still survive today, including the White Hart and the Hare and Hounds. It is said that both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria have stopped for refreshments at the White Hart.

Despite all of the traffic bound for London and Eastbourne Godstone remained a small quiet country village which was home to a small farming community. When Godstone School first opened its doors the school calendar was run in accordance with the needs of the local farmers. During harvest time the school would close so that the children could help their parents with harvesting, an occupation that involved the entire community even the Head teacher would help in a managerial capacity!

It is lovely to find a place where community spirit still reigns supreme; Godstone has managed to retain its lovely country village atmosphere with its village green where football is played in the winter and the sounds of leather hitting willow in the summer.

It doesn’t need to supply the services and facilities that you would expect of other places – the scenery and strong community spirit amply compensate for anything that might be lacking. november2011

19

Free your imagination...

Whatever your dream scheme for the perfect garden building, the experienced designers at Crown Pavilions can put it all together to create the ultimate outdoor room.

Bring your ideas to life at www.crownpavilions.com or call 01491 612820

f e at u r e

Eastwell Manor

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uality without compromise, peaceful seclusion – that is the Eastwell Manor experience.

Eastwell Manor is a private, 4 AA Red Star family owned hotel with its origins dating back to the Norman Conquest.

Set in the heart of the Kent countryside at the foot of the North Downs, the hotel has manicured lawns and beautiful gardens. Then step into the exquisite Manor house with its blazing log fires and discreet service. Dine in the award winning wood panelled Manor Restaurant or the less formal but sophisticated Pavilion Restaurant.

Your stay can be in either an elegant Manor bedroom with perhaps a four poster bed or in a luxury Mews Cottage located in the grounds close to the outdoor heated swimming pool. All bedrooms have been individually designed and contain all the modern day facilities that you would expect from a first class country house hotel.

The Pavilion Leisure Spa is one of the finest luxury leisure and spa experiences in the country. The spa area has a 20 metre swimming pool with steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and hydrotherapy pool plus the Technogym gymnasium.

‘Dreams’, the extensive beauty salon, is also situated in The 22 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Pavilion and offers a full range of treatments from Clarins, Guinot, St Tropez, Aromatherapy Associates and Jessica. Silks Relaxation Lounge is available to clients of ‘Dreams’ to unwind and relax before and after treatments.

Brides and grooms can enjoy a perfect wedding day in this fabulous setting where there are four special areas licensed for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies which include three beautiful oak panelled Manor House rooms or our delightful Italian Walled Maids Garden. The Wedding Breakfast can be held in either the Rose Garden Room or the Bayeux Room and larger numbers can be catered for in a garden marquee. For the evening celebration, the Chelsfield and Keston Suites in The Pavilion are the ideal choice with a dance floor and private bar. There are three Wedding Packages to choose from starting at £75.00 per person although we are happy to tailor make a wedding to the happy couple’s specific requirements. We also give the bridge a relaxing Pamper Day with our compliments prior to her wedding day and for the groom, either a Spa Day or Golf Day with his Best Man.

The USPGA standard 2132 yard golf course has been created primarily for the use of hotel guests and offers a challenging game to visiting golfers. The course is irrigated using the specially installed re cycling system and no water is therefore taken from the local supply.

There are seven delightful

meeting rooms located in the Manor and in The Pavilion that can accommodate from 2 to 120 conference delegates and the addition of the spa and golf course give an opportunity for relaxation and team building.

Residential delegates are usually accommodated in the Mews cottages and have a choice of dining experiences from the Manor Restaurant, the informal Pavilion Restaurant or private dining.

Romantic weekend breaks or spa and golf breaks are available throughout the year. Traditional Christmas packages and private dining are a speciality as well as Conferences and Team Building Events.

Complimentary Wi-Fi connection is available to all guests and Gift Vouchers are available.

Eastwell Manor is within easy reach of London and the Channel Ports with excellent motorway links.

It is ideally situated for exploring the beautiful Kent countryside with its many stately homes, magnificent gardens and historic towns.

Eastwell Manor, Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees Ashford, Kent, TN25 4HR, Tel: 01233 213000 www.eastwellmanor.co.uk enquiries@eastwellmanor. co.uk

Langley Park Golf Club Wonderful gifts For You and Your Home

Langley Park GC New Green Fee Offers Special rate of

only £25

from 1st October to 31st March, Come and play any Monday or Thursday afternoon (all year) at a reduced green fee of only £25 (subject to availability - please phone the Pro shop first on 0208 658 6849)

Our brand new shopping website coming soon

www.labelled-with-love.co.uk 37 High Street, Bexley Village opposite Bexley Station

01322 310 510

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Please join us on facebook for new products etc

Portico Art Gallery framing offers a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to assist you in how best to show off your pictures. With over 300 frames, 200 mount colours and 8 types of glazing, we can find something to suit your picture and your pocket.

Come along for a free, no obligation consultation at 25 London Road, Riverhead, Kent TN13 2BU between the hours of 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

I am taking orders for your Christmas framing up to Saturday 10th December.

Telephone | 01732 456655 E mail | malcolmdent@porticogallery.co.uk

Take advantage of this new special package designed for this autumn and winter!!

Contact the Club on 0208 658 6849 or on

manager@langleyparkgolf.co.uk - www.langleyparkgolf.co.uk Package 1 Coffee/tea and Full English Breakfast - 18 holes of golf £25.00 Package 2 Coffee/tea and Full English Breakfast – 18 holes of golf + soup and sandwiches £30.00 Package 3 Coffee/tea and bacon rolls – 18 holes of golf + 2 course lunch or dinner £30.00

Additional Services: Nearest the pin, longest drive, presentation table, buggies (x2), electric trolleys. See ‘Society page’ for details of menu choices

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h ou se g arde n f e at u r e

SWIM AT HOME EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR AN ORIGIN POOL. IT'S A FAMILY THING...

O

rigin has been in the business of constructing indoor and outdoor swimming pools for over thirty years. In that time they have progressed from simple timber buildings to the impressive architect design schemes of today.

To celebrate this anniversary Origin has commissioned a total redesign of their visual identity.

This includes a bright new logo, excitingly updated publicity material and van fleet, and an interactive user-friendly website. To accompany this flurry of activity the company has produced an all new colour brochure, showing as never before the breadth of Origin's capability. Covering all the styles that this unique British company has become known for, from classic original styles to custom designed extensions that are a true product of yours and Origin's combined thinking, the brochure is economical with words, letting the beautiful pictures tell the story.

Origin has also committed to an occasional newsletter, NewsWave, to announce the latest and greatest improvements the company has been working ?

NOVEMBER2011

24 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

on, and of course show the pick of the recent triumphs. Add a monthly emailing, Origin eNews, and the new publicity thrust is complete ready to take on the next thirty years!

But the caring attention to detail, the meticulous, design work and the insistence of only using the finest materials available hasn't changed. The company still handles every element of the process, without bringing in any outside experts whatsoever. From the first meeting, to the sketch ideas produced as a result, to the architectural drawings and finished visuals, to the guidance through the planning process, to the earthworks, the building and completing. Origin takes the process from beginning to end -

and all you have to do is jump into the state-of-the-art heated pool at the end of it all. Origin has become Britain's longest established, best known pool company because they have accepted every challenge, crossed every hurdle, and with great experience and ingenuity created a product that is considered second to none, by customers and the pool industry alike.

The architects and designers are seasoned players in their fields, and bring a wealth of experience to every aspect of this complex and demanding business. Even the teams who build the final pool houses are eminently professional, many having been involved since the very early days of the company.

Building an indoor pool house is a complex business, so many of Origin's buildings are based on the company's established styles. For example,

The Panorama has a light, airy construction with a bright hipped glazed lantern roof – and is built from solid timber with an optional brick or rendered facing, to co-ordinate with the style of your home. The Barn has all the appearance and appeal of a country barn conversion, but built to state-of-the-art standards to be the home for a superb heated pool. The Sirius has exceptional designer looks and a wide expanse of glass bringing a real indoor/outdoor feel to your swimming. These established style-inspired pool houses come in a wide range of standard sizes, and the heated pool will be in a style of your choice.

Origin is recognised as the foremost designers of one-o buildings and extensions, designed and developed to co-ordinate with their surroundings perfectly. Materials and finishes are carefully matched with the existing structure – so the finished result is a handsome extension to the property, hiding a luxurious heated pool.

To do full justice to Origin's expertise they include outdoor pools as part of their remit. The company is famous for creating pool houses, but they are all too aware that many people prefer to swim in the sun (or under the stars) and an outdoor pool can be one of the most aspirational features a home can have. The level of skill and understanding of pool technology has helped Origin to become one of the country's foremost outdoor pool providers.

Origin's new logo has a strapline "The original indoor & outdoor pool company." Get in touch, and find out just why the original is usually the best.

Origin Leisure Harefield Middlesex UB9 6TH Telephone 01895 823366 or email info@originleisure.com for the new brochure, or to be included in future distribution of NewsWave and Origin eNews.

And check out the all new website: www.originleisure.com

Origin leisure

the original indoor outdoor pool company

&

Your project.

From beginning to end...

Building perfect pools for over thirty years.

Ring Origin on 01895 823366 or email for our brand new brochure info@originleisure.com www.originleisure.com

local Life

Words: John Ruler

Thirties-style chic creates new role for a royal palace

t

eltham palace

hough once a top royal residence, serving as a nursery to a It’s real stunner, with Australian blackbean veneer young Henry VIII, Eltham Palace reflects best the lavish incorporating marquetry panels of Italian buildings - and life and times of Stephen and Virginia ‘Ginie’ Courtauld furniture, including a cocktail cabinet and chairs with whose family textile fortune brought merchant class fashionable cream loose covers, providing a perfect pointer to money into providing them with a flamboyant semi-rural what to expect in the remainder of the rooms. The magnificent 1930s-style property with a medieval great hall tacked on. patterned rug, or rather replica – the original is now at the A cutting edge example, you could say, of an exciting era, V&A – was deliberately intended to catch the eye of visitors. with the house designed by Seeley & Paget, trendy young Each room reflects not just styles of the times, with architects of their time, full of flair and modern technology. an inventory of original items along with old Country Some see the house as showing some of the finest, if Life photos providing practical guidance on what to not the best, examples of art deco in the country; the admire, but clues to the characters of Stephen and Ginie.

Courtaulds saw it more as being of the sleek moderne And this, I believe, is what brings the house alive. style of the ‘thirties, in tune with a couple who, though not Take the drawing-room designed by Peter Malacrida an young, knew what they wanted – Ginie in particular. eccentric Italian, interior designer and fellow socialite. The And, boy, doesn’t it show. Though stripped of many of the sumptuous decorations, some salvaged from the couple’s previous original items, the property – occupied first by the Army after the home in Grosvenor Square, London, include false beams imitating Courtaulds left Eltham in 1944, and since 1992 managed and Hungarian folk art, a nod towards Ginie’s Italo-Hungarian superbly restored by English Heritage – leaves sufficient clues to parentage and her vivacious, impulsive and unconventional the golden era of luxury liners and oodles of exciting new trends. nature. Cupboards and niches housing some 30 pieces of Italian The curved entrance ceramics, mostly vibrant colonnade flanked by two tall coloured 16th century Maiolica, Festive Firs copper clad pavilions complete likewise illustrate Stephen’s Some traditions stretch back 100 years. A few have with chess pieces on the roof intensely intellectual side. barely started, though after ten highly successful ridges help set the tone. So, This dramatically shines years the annual Christmas Tree Festival at Hayes Free too, does the entrance hall, through in the library where Church has raised over £41,000 for charities, either designed by Swedish architect his collection of paintings, entirely local or as a branch of a national charity. This and designer Rolf Engströmer including 13 by Turner, were year’s, the 11th, runs from December 2 to 11 in aid whose work the Courtaulds protected by a double wall of the Bromley branch of Parkinson’s UK. See www. would have seen on one of their system. This not only housed all hayesfreechurch.com or contact Alastair Wilson on numerous trips abroad. Light his watercolours but prevented 020 8402 0026: reservations are needed for some floods in through the huge fading. Opposite his desk, in a events, which also carry an admission charge. concrete glass domed roof, a niche above the fireplace, is a feature requested by Stephen. world war one bronze statuette

26 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Need to Know

✱ Eltham Palace & Gardens,

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

Court Yard, Eltham, SE9 5QE www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/properties/ eltham-palace-and-gardens/ ✱ visitor-information; tel: 0870 333 1181 ✱ Opening times: 10.00–16.00 Sun (Nov 1 – Dec 23, Jan 2 – Feb 12 & Feb 18 – Mar 31 ); 10.00 –16.00 Mon-Wed (Feb 13 – 17) Check for spring/ summer dates and times. ✱ Admission: Adult £9.30; child(5–15) £5.60; family £24.20; English Garden Only: adult £5.80, child £3.50.

Heritage members free

The Sentry, a smaller version of that made by sculptor Charles Sargeant Jagger. Both he and Stephen, who was awarded the Military Cross and rose to the rank of major, joined the Artists’ Rifles in the Great War. It is said that Stephen was deeply affected by his experiences, and may even have suffered from shell shock.

He was certainly a quiet man with little dinnertime conversation other than about his beloved Turner paintings when he would become quite animated. He never used two words when one would do, a colleague once wrote.

Not so Ginie: she was queen of the dining-room designed once again by Malacrida influenced perhaps by the one shown at the Paris L’Exposition des Arts Décoratifs of 1925 from which the

term Art Deco stems and is now applied more loosely to a variety of objects, especially in an era of TV shows and documentaries.

She famously had a notepad and a pencil by her side to make notes on reactions to the menu, and to feed back comments to the cook! Even the dining-room chairs with its rose pink upholstery, considered ideal for setting off ladies’ dresses to the best of advantage, smacked of Ginie’s attention to detail.

The bedrooms likewise illustrate this astonishing attraction of opposites. While Stephen’s has block-printed wallpaper depicting Kew Gardens and pictures of people he most admired, Beethoven and Julius Caesar among them, Ginie’s has the appearance of a primitive temple, with sycamore veneer pilasters and curved walls lined with maple flexwood. Copies of two paintings by Brueghel alluded to the four elements. As for her bathroom, opulent to say the least, and filled with the fragrance of gardenia, it contains a bath with gold-plated taps and a lion’s mask. This, in turn, sits in a gold mosaic niche featuring a statue of Psyche the lover of Cupid.

Hung outside her bedroom is a 1934 portrait of the Courtaulds with their ring-tailed lemur Mah-Jongg or Jongy which, bought at Harrods in 1923, probably attracts the most interest during tours of Eltham Palace. Jongy accompanied the couple for 15 years on their travels. But he was most famous for biting people he didn’t like – including the hand of Percy Lemon – the wireless operator for the 1930-31 British Arctic Air Route Expedition sponsored

by Stephen. It took him three months to recover. Jongy’s centrally heated sleeping quarters were decorated with Madagascan bamboo forest scenes, which have been carefully recreated.

A trap-door allowed him daytime visits to the flower room used for preparing and arranging cut flowers from the garden whose sheer diversity and seasonal colour is worthy of a separate feature later on; so, too, is the Great Hall, whose impressive hammerbeam roof is a reminder of its royal origins. Revamped by the Courtaulds it was used as a music room and for entertaining.

Look out for the leather map depicting Eltham and its surroundings; This includes the Crystal Palace which burned down in 1936 (See special feature in this issue) Such maps were fashionable among estate owners in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, an indication that Stephen and Ginie saw themselves as local lords of the manor. And that’s very much what they were until they left to settle in Scotland and later Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, in 1951. Stephen died in 1967 but Ginie remained there until the Rhodesian war prompted her to move to Jersey. She remained there until her death in 1972. They had no children. But their legacy lingers on. november2011

27

xmas gifts

Cufflinks from Hawes and Curtis £20.00 www.hawesandcurtis.com

XMAS GIFTS

we’ve found the perfect presents so you don’t have to!

This 4 arm candle stick is silver plated and is made by master craftsmen in Europe £225 The Orangery Ltd, 020 8467 3645, www.theorangeryid.com

Pilkingtons China Penguins £14.00 39/41 Bexley High Street, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1AB, 01322 521664

Keep Family together with a multi picture frame £12.99 to £30 Willow 0208 693 8292

28 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Simone Perele Comete in Black Bra £79, Thong £39, Suspender £42 Sense & Sensuality, 14 High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AN, 0208 295 1355

Beautiful black patent Jimmy Choo strappy shoes size 38.5 £100 www.shareyourwears. co.uk 07535 273 459

The Poppy Collection from Lua make lovely unusual gifts. Velvet Poppy Purses £9. These and many other gifts available from Amelia Rose, 2 The Green, Westerham, TN16 1AS, 01959 565104.

Clear Hammered Glass Decanter £35 Just Interiors Petts Wood Ltd, 01689 870970

Stress Away Spa Day! Use the award winning spa facilities including waterfalls, pools, bubble tubs and the steam room before a powerful combination of de-stressing treatments. £185 per person and includes three treatments and a delicious two course lunch. www.rowhillgrange. co.uk or call 01322 615 136.

Portico Art Gallery presents a selection of stunning Philip Hearsey’s solid bronzes which are cast in sand, coloured by patination with a highly polished rim. Pictured is ‘Short pause’ and retails for £450 Portico Art Gallery, 25 London Road, Riverhead, TN13 2BU, 01732 456655. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10-5.

november2011

29

food drink

Your 17 page guide to the

best local restaurants & recipes

RESTAURANT REVIEWS: This month, Food Editor Regan Maloney has visited three restaurants in Kent and SE London, to give you her verdict. Full reviews of all restaurants can be found at www.whatiatelastnight.com The Bickley Chislehurst

Thai MooM Petts Wood

e Spinning Shampan 4, Th ham ester W , Wheel

If you own or have a local restaurant that you’d like to recommend for review, please email regan@whatiatelastnight.com

Ambiance

Service

Food

Drink

Overview

30 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

On a Friday night, there was a nice buzz of people celebrating special occasions, winding down with a cocktail after work and couples tucking into great food in a warm and friendly environment.

We visited on a Wednesday night and so there was a nice relaxed atmosphere, with groups of friends enjoying a mid-week night out.

Friendly knowledgeable barmen, a wine connoisseur of a manager, and highly experienced chefs all help to make The Bickley a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Service was slick and friendly.

Recommendations were made as to sides that would complement our main dish, and tap water was topped up throughout the meal.

Service was friendly and attentive. I’d advise though that you book before 8pm to avoid the rush of other diners if you’re going with a large group

A seasonal menu with locally sourced produce, and a British cheese board to die for. We enjoyed scallops with pork belly and lobster biscuits, pigeon breast with trumpet mushrooms, a tender and perfectly cooked haunch of venison and lamb rack with leeks & cockles.

Locally sourced produce meant that the meat was deliciously tasty and succulent, and the fish was ultra fresh. Our favourites were the Thai green chicken curry, and the homemade strawberry ice cream.

A great menu with a real mix of traditional Indian dishes, as well as some new and exciting ones. Our favourites were the roasted scallops with raw mango chutney and the slow grilled sea bass. We could have eaten the freshly cooked naan bread all night!

With over 120 wines to choose from, we decided to let Tony (creator of the extensive and carefully sourced list) recommend wines by the glass to match our courses. Our favourite of the night was Mr. Smith - an Australian Shiraz from the McLaren Vale region.

Not an extensive wine list, but it still provided something that should satisfy most palettes.

A good strong wine list that was reasonably priced, and a select cocktail list. I’d recommend the Mango Daiquiry.

Sophisticated wining and dining with the best of seasonal produce.

A traditional Thai restaurant with modern surroundings and excellent service.

A beautifully presented Indian restaurant with an innovative menu.

Fully booked on a Saturday night, the restaurant was bustling with people drinking cocktails, celebrating birthdays and tucking in to innovative Indian food.

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Buon Natale!

Christmas Party Menu 1

Christmas Party Menu 2 Christmas Novelties

PROSECCO ON ARRIVAL & Christmas Novelties

ZUPPA DEL GIORNO INSALATA CAPRESE CALAMARI FRITTI

ZUPPA DEL GIORNO INSALATA CAPRESE CALAMARI FRITTI RANA PESCATRICE

ZUPPA DEL GIORNO INSALATA CAPRESE ANTIPASTO DELLA CASA RANA PESCATRICE

PIZZA CAPRICCIOSA POLLO AL TALEGGIO SPAGHETTI ALLE VONGOLE VERACI

PASTA ALLA NAPOLETANA MERLUZZO ALLA MILANESE GNOCCHI AL CINGHIALE FORMAGGIO DI CAPRA

TAGLIOLINI AL ASTICE E COZZE TAGLIATA DI MANZO ALLA SIENESE GNOCCHI AL CINGHIALE RAVIOLI DI ZUCCA

TIRAMISÚ GELATO PANNA COTTA

TIRAMISÚ CIOCCOLATO FONDENTE GELATO BUDINO DI PANETTONE

TIRAMISÚ CIOCCOLATO FONDENTE FORMAGGI MISTI GELATO

Shot of Limoncello

Shot of Limoncello or Sambuca

Shot of Limoncello or Sambuca

£19.95 per person

£24.95 per person

£29.95 per person

party menus for eight or more people

party menus for eight or more people

party menus for eight or more people

Christmas Novelties

Christmas Party Menu 3

New Years Eve Menu Novelties

INSALATA DI POLIPO Steamed Octopus marinated in extra virgin lemon oil served on a mixed leaf, celery and pomegranite salad ANTIPASTO DELLA CASA An assortment of a small mozzarella ball, ceringnola olive, thinly sliced parma ham, mortadella, provolone Piccante cheese, Milano & Napoli salame, pickled vegetables served with music paper bread TAGLIOLINI AL ASTICE E COZZE Fresh egg Tagliolini pasta cooked with half lobster and mussels with a garlic and white wine cherry tomato sauce

VALENTINA SHEEN

VALENTINA PUTNEY

VALENTINA SEVENOAKS

VALENTINA NOTTING HILL

210 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, SW14 8AH Telephone: 020 8392 9127

75 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, SW15 2SR Telephone: 020 8877 9906

SORBETTO Blood orange sorbet served in a shot glass, accompanied by red berries, honey and mint FILETTO AL PEPE NERO Pan fried Fillet steak cooked to your liking with a black peppercorn and Chiodini mushroom sauce served on a bed of triple cooked chips PANNA COTTA Homemade vanilla panna cotta served with red currents, crumbled amaretti biscuits and a shot glass of Pistacchio ice cream Shot of Limoncello or Sambuca

£45.00 per person Please visit our website for entertainment details ONLY AVAILABLE AT PUTNEY AND SEVENOAKS, WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

143 High Street, Sevenoaks, TN13 1UX Telephone: 01732 469 349

145 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB Telephone: 020 7702 1181

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 8am - 10.30pm, Sunday: 9am - 10.30pm Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day

For full menu descriptions and details of our seasonal in-store events, please visit our website

www.valentinafinefoods.com

CHRISTMAS AT VALENTINA The festive season is a magical time of year when some of our favourite specialities come into season, such as white truffles, wild boar salami, mostarda di fruta and marron glace - Italian Christmas food is as varied as it gets. Every region, every province, every village has its own specialities for both Cena della Vigilia (Christmas Eve dinner) and Pranzo di Natale (Christmas lunch).

A lifetime would not be enough to try all the regional Christmas food worth savouring, but here at Valentina, we’ve put together a taster of some of the things you can find in store and online:

Valentina honey & jam from £7.95

Valentina antipasti from £5.95

Store Cupboard Essentials For those moments when you have unexpected visitors, or simply need to put together a quick and tasty meal in minutes, the Valentina own label range harks back to our pastoral roots, with most of the collection carefully sourced from the fertile lands around Southern Italy. Olive oil, for example, is from our family’s own olive groves in Saint Elia.

Valentina spray oils from £8.95

Hampers from £25

Panettone & Pandoro During the Christmas season, these are the two most popular yeast cakes served. Originally, Panettone, the dome shaped cake made with butter, eggs, raisins and candied peel was invented and produced in Milan, while Pandoro was baked in a special star shaped mould & dusted with powdered sugar and came from Verona. Traditionally Italians eat panettone at breakfast with coffee, between meals with Marsala wine, and after dinner with spumante.

Pandoro is more often sliced and served with a sauce.

Both are an ideal treat for Christmas.

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Valentina Panettone or Pandoro from £10.95

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Alberti Strega Panettone or Pandoro from £19.95

Stella Di Natale from £17.50 CM MY

We offer a number of different brands, each one with its own unique story some are flavoured, some are stuffed with custard or chocolate and others are alcohol infused - but all are simply delicious!

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Confectionery Sweetmeats are always a must have at any Italian Christmas feast. The following selections are perfect for after dinner, for hostess gifts or simply a self indulgent treat!

Alberti Strega collection from £5.95

Masoni Panforte Fig And Walnut £11.95 (450g) £4.95 (100g)

Caffarel Marron Glace Box 240g Box £19.95

Exclusive to Valentina for this year, we have the wonderful products from Alberti. Producer of the famous ‘Liquore Strega’, a saffron infused herbal digestif, the company also produces chocolates and torrone using the finest millefiori honey, bari almond and hazelnuts from Campania.

Wines & Spirits At Valentina, we offer over 160 wines from every region of Italy.

Our Sommelier has chosen a selection of spirits and wines that can fill any party or get together with Christmas cheer. Prosecco, Italy's answer to Champagne is the perfect aperitif, while the Barolo from Villadoria is full-bodied, tannic, with a characteristic note of roses and tar, and designed to complement rich meaty dishes. Gavi is one of the most fashionable white regions in Italy and the La Minaia has notes of stoned and spiced fruits yet dry and big. A great wine indeed. Or for something a little different why not ask us for our current favourite wines?

Salute E Buon Natale!

The Valentina Team

Vin Gentile And Cantuccini £13.95

Olive Wood collection from £4.75

Limoncello Villa Massa from £24.50

Alessi gifts from £10.50

Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Prosecco £15.55

Amaretti Liquer £14.95

Black Cherry & Amaretto Christmas Pudding £8.95

Valentina pasta selection from £2.75

Gift

Vouc

Valentina sauces from £2.95

her Valentina flavoured oils from £7.95

Valentina Gift Card (Prices Start From £5)

Hampers are a great alternative to traditional gifts - a unique hamper crammed full of tasty Italian favourites will really show that personal touch.

We provide a bespoke hamper service and also stock some pre-made hampers - all available for mail order nationwide. Visit us in store or view a wider range online at:

Bauli collection from £6.95

Fiasconaro collection from £18.95

Strega Goccionlini from £10.95

Sapori Ricciarelli from £6.50

Sommelier’s Selection £342.35

Silver Spoon Cookbook £24.95

Baci Panettone £14.95

Seggiano collection from £12.50

Regional Italian wines selection from £8.95

Francis Francis X7 Iper Espresso Machine £199.00

Nudo olive oil gifts from £6.50

www.valentinafinefoods.com/shop

food drink

The Valentina Story F

ounded in 1991, Valentina is an Italian family owned and run small chain of delicatessen/ restaurants. Named after the daughter of one of the founding families, their stores provide the best store cupboard essentials and Italian regional specialities. Food and wine has always been their passion.

The Zoccolas and the Arcaris, cousins through 34 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

marriage, came from a small village called Saint Elia Fumirapido. It is located near Monte Cassino, a rocky hill about 130 km (80 miles) southeast of Rome. After the Second World War, some of the family moved to the UK, opening food businesses in Scotland and London, before joining forces to launch Valentina.

Food and farming has

been their way of life for generations, and even today, they return home annually to help with our own label olive oil harvest, as well as selecting the finest ingredients for our own label antipasti, pasta and sauces.

2011 marks Valentina’s 20th anniversary and coincides with the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. To celebrate, note only have they

launched additions to their own label range (currently at over 110 items), but have also opened their newest store in Notting Hill.

Every Valentina serves recipe dishes that use seasonal ingredients, packed full of hearty flavour: These have been handed down from their own families for generations.

Valentina look forward to welcoming you very soon.

Bromley - Welling - Westerham Bromley - Welling - Westerham

CHRISTMASAND ANDNEW NEWYEAR YEARPARTIES PARTIES CHRISTMAS ATSHAMPAN SHAMPANGROUP GROUP AT FINEST INDIAN DINING AT IT’S BEST FINEST INDIAN DINING AT IT’S BEST

IT’STIME TIMETO TOBOOK BOOK IT’S YOURCHRISTMAS CHRISTMASPARTY PARTY YOUR Join Shampan for festive feast and book one Join Shampan for aa festive feast and book one ofof our set menus we can work with you personally our set menus oror we can work with you personally create your perfect food and drink package. toto create your perfect food and drink package.

See website details: See website forfor details:

WWW.SHAMPANGROUP.COM WWW.SHAMPANGROUP.COM call relevant restaurant OrOr call relevant restaurant

THE SHAMPAN NEW YEAR’S PARTIES ARE NOT TO BE MISSED! Book now to reserve your table and enjoy a fabulous set menu with Champagne to bring in the New Year!

See website for details:

WWW.SHAMPANGROUP.COM Or call relevant restaurant

SHAMPAN 2 38 Chatterton Road, Chatterton Village, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9QN +44 (0)20 8460 7169 SHAMPAN 3 8 Falconwood Parade, The Green, Welling, Kent, DA16 2PL +44 (0)20 8304 9569 SHAMPAN AT THE SPINNING WHEEL The Spinning Wheel, Grays Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 2HX +44 (0)1959 572 622

T amasha ™ Hotel & Restaurant

Enjoy the mystic world of Tamasha, where you are transported to the magical days of the Raj. A true symbol of Indian hospitality at it’s best.

A soothing drink is a pleasant introduction to the delights of Tamasha, where our attentive and friendly staff escort you to your table in the restaurant. Here guests can admire the detail of the past, including a wonderful collection of photographs depicting India's fascinating history and multilingual rich culture.

More pleasures follow such as our varied menu offering unusual dishes where flavours vary from delicate to robust, all prepared by our expert chefs.

We specialize in weddings, theme dinners, outside catering and events.

Our conference room is available for hire, great for product launches or any functions that you may have in mind.

Try our delicious Sunday Buffet or Business Lunch and listen to live music every Sunday, Monday & Tuesday evening.

As well as offering a superb and different style of dining, Tamasha has guest rooms offered on a bed and breakfast basis.

All rooms are en suite, elegant and comfortably furnished with all modern amenities.

Hotel tariff: Single Room: £55* Double Room : £65* Family Room: £75* *Tariff includes continental breakfast served in the room Winner of the Best Indian Restaurant The South and the West Cobra Good Curry Awards. 2007

W inner of the prestigious “ V eetee Tiffin Cup” organis ed at the hous e of Commons V oted as the best restaurant in the UK for Indian Cuis ine 2009

It’s “The best Indian on the fringes of south London” say fans of this colonial-style venture, whose menu offers a vast array of unexpected delights for the adventurous diner and “always to a very high standard” HARDEN’S FOOD GUIDE. 2009

Ch

131 WIDMORE ROAD BROMLEY BR1 3AX T: 020 8460 3240 F: 020 8466 7817 E: tamasha@tamasha.co.uk W: www.tamasha.co.uk

Christmas Party Menu Party Menu Two

2011

asha Special Platter Starters: Papadums • Tam imirch • Tandoori Main Courses: Jhinga Kal i Gosht Murg Makhanwala • Punjab • Till Aloo ndi Bhi i kur Kur Accompaniments: Chatpata e • Assorted Breads Ric ao Pul • Truffle Tea/ Coffee Dessert: Duo Chocolate •

£28.95 per person

VAT. All Prices are inclusive of 20% to your bill. ed add be will % 12.5 A service charge of

Christmas day menu Starters: Tamasha’s Royal Platter: jumbo prawns, barbequed turkey, lamb chops, malai tikka and scallops Main Courses: Alleppy Seafood Curry • Calamari Tak-A-Tak • Methi Murg • Raan-E-Sikander Accompaniments: Kurkuri Bhindi • Tori Masala • Parsley Rise • Assorted Bread Basket Desserts: Passion Fruit Souffle • Tea/Coffee

£44.95 per person

All prices inclusive of 20% VAT A service charge of 12.5% will be added to your bill.

happy new yea

r!

Come and indulge in a she er extravaganza at Tamash a where we have created a very special package for you to have a fantastic evening entering into 2012.

From our exceptional A-la-car te Menu choose a starter and a main course of your choice with accompaniments

and a special dessert.

Live music by renowned DJs to spice up your evening.

1st Seating - 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm for £39 .95 per head plus 12.5 % service charge .

2nd Seating - 9:00 pm till Late for £59.99 per head plus 12.5% service charge.

Dress Code: Smart Casual To make reservations call us on 02084603240 OR Email: tamasha@ tam asha.co.uk Note: Credit card details are required upon book ing. If a booking is cancelled within 72 hour s prior to the night, a charge of £25 per person will be deducted from your credit card.

Taking bookings for Christmas Christmas Day 4 Course £64.95 Boxing Day 4 Course £29.95 New Year’s Eve 4 Course £64.95 3 Course Sunday Roasts £16.95 EVENTS: 2ND DECEMBER: ELVIS night 16th DECEMBER: Motown with Lizzy Williams 18th DECEMBER: Michael buble plus many more Function room available for corporate lunches, parties and weddings

Opening Hours Lunchtimes: Wed-Sat: 12.00-14.30 Evenings: Mon-Sat: 17.30-23:00 Sunday: 12.00-22.00

2 Southend Road Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1SD Tel: 020 8663 0994 www.seasaltbeckenham.com

Celebrate with exotic Thai food this Festive Season Enjoy the elegant surroundingsthatThaiMoom has to offer. This spacious restaurant can comfortably seat upto 110 people, perfect for dining out with friends and family.

Experience the distinctive flavour of Thai cuisine, with a hint of fresh spices, chilli, lemon grass, coconut and fish sauce, fused together to create exotic dishes.

Christmas Set Menu (5 courses) Available all December £25 per person Family Sunday Buffet

(Eat as much as you like from our selection)

12 noon- 10p.m.

Adults £13.95 £6.95 children under 10

Express Lunch Menu £7.95 (2 courses) (Monday-Saturday) Take away service available

131 Queensway Petts Wood Kent BR5 1DG Reservations: 01689 872737

www.thaimoom.co.uk email: booking@thaimoom.co.uk

Large car park opposite

m a t s s i r h C r n a i l a t I r n a r Celebrate AT

Christmas Menus from £19.95 Book online or call 020 8464 8877

Ferrari’s Bromley will be serving traditional Christmas dinner, with a touch of Italian flair throughout December. Join us in the intimate restaurant, or party in style in our newly refurbished 70 seat private dining room this holiday.

“Great food, great service, well done Ferrari’s I’ll be back” Matt Warren Features Editor Daily Mail

“I can honestly say this is the best I have ever had.

Ambrosia, nectar – the food and drink of the gods. Full marks to Ferraris” Critic Gillie Bowen

Ferrari’s Restaurant Bromley

39 East Street, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1QQ

Top & Tail Special ferrari_xmas.indd 1

Complimentary

cocktail on arrival, and a complimentary coffee after your meal.

Just bring this advert with you.

Top quality food, cooked to perfection by real chefs GREAT STEAKS, FISH & GOURMET BURGERS

“The best steak in Bromley” METRO

“Supremely good burger” TIME OUT, LONDON

For reservations call

020 8460 2346 Book online

www.edswoodfiregrill.co.uk 41 East Street, Bromley BR1 1QN

This offer cannot be used in conjuction with any other offer or set menu. A la carte only.

Tel: 020 8464 8877

Open Boxing Day!

www.ferrarisrestaurants.co.uk

20/09/2010 12:10

food drink

The Bickley Restaurant, Wine Bar, Celebrations T

he Bickley in Chislehurst offers food excellence and the assurance of a memorable lunch or evening meal; a truly boutique wedding or special event. Whether experiencing it’s lovingly prepared fare for dinner or just visiting this welcoming restaurant and wine bar for a bottle of wine after work and food with friends, The Bickley is a great place to eat, drink and indulge your palate.

During 2011, to enhance the dining environment for their guests The Bickley closed the public bar and restyled redesigned and re launched their beautiful elegant new restaurant, lounge & wine bar.

The distinctive Victorian building welcomes customers into a warm setting, with comfy chesterfields, a large marbled bar area and the lovely restaurant beyond. The Bickley is split up amongst four floors, all of which have been refurbished and redesigned

to provide a vibrant, warm and decadent atmosphere.

Talented head chef, Simon Maynard, has created menus to be enjoyed subject to your mood, time and choice. Dishes are prepared using the best seasonal produce to satisfy food lovers and the most discerning critics alike. Fresh ingredients are sourced daily direct from specialist suppliers and markets delivering quality and great value along with the chef ’s creativity.

Whether you order a delicious charcuterie board or seductive British cheeses with crusty bread or biscuits in the bar, or spoil yourself with a magnificent Sunday roast in the elegant restaurant, The Bickley ensures that there is plenty of choice at your fingertips.

A incredible lunch menu, including salads, sandwiches and burgers offer lighter choices during the day, while the 2 courses for £15 menu offers great food at fantastic value, Monday to Friday lunch

and Monday to Thursday evening. Explore a tempting array of flavours; you can select roast fig, goats cheese, pistachio and beetroot tartin and follow with an exquisite, delicate smoked cod fishcake with tartare potatoes, baby leaf spinach and a soft boiled egg. There are also sumptuous dishes like whole lobster with substantial crisp chips, a hearty lamb rack with leeks, cockles and celeriac dauphinoise, and the sheer indulgence of a 22oz chateaubriand, serving two.

If you want to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourselves to a unique culinary

experience, ask about The Bickley Feasts, where a whole suckling pig or a banquet of chicken or salmon is placed at your feasting table and carved before you, providing you and your friends with a dining experience to remember.

Decadent, handmade desserts, like the rich dark chocolate tart, chilli salsa served with jersey cream and the caramelized banana, peanut brittle crumb with banana ice, are the perfect way to round off a wonderful meal.

With over 100 wines and champagnes on their wine list, alongside classic and creative cocktails, unusual spirits and great beers, The Bickley is a great place to enjoy a pre dinner drink, drinks with the girls or celebrate a special occasion. Prices vary from accessible for everyday to really treat yourself.

In addition to a la carte dining, The Bickley is a superb location for bespoke events including wedding ceremonies and receptions, recently being shortlisted to the finals of Kent Wedding Venue of the year 2011. With their in-house events team who are on hand to coordinate every detail, anything is possible.

From small dinner parties to corporate events, family celebrations to weddings, The Bickley can cater for all sizes and styles in any of their wonderful facilities, including Formal Dining Room, custom-built marquee, Canopied Roof Terrace, Private Dining Room, Walled Garden, Gallery or Wine Bar.

0208 468 7613, www.thebickley.co.uk, sadie@thebickley.co.uk, The Bickley, Chislehurst Road, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5NP. 42 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Bengal Lancer offers superb Indian Cuisine that makes you want to come back again, and again.

The stylish décor and exquisite food makes this an Indian Restaurant that stands out from the rest.

Using the best quality ingredientswithauthentic Indian spices, each dish has a unique flavour of its own.

The extensive menu includes some of the most loved favourites to the more exotic dishes especially prepared exclusive to The Bengal Lancer, so there is something for everyone.

“Passionate about Indian Food”

Christmas Set Menu (Four courses) £20.00 per person Live piano music Tuesday to Saturday Evenings

15 ROYAL PARADE CHISLEHURST BR7 6NR 020 8467 7088 www.bengallancer.co.uk email info@bengallancer.co.uk

i

f you want to see food through Heston Blumenthal’s eyes, pop a biscuit in your mouth, pinch your nose and breath in. It won’t taste of much as flavour comes entirely via aroma molecules, he explains. But it’s the kind of experiment that inspires his day-to-day cooking and has helped him to turn dining out into a quixotic art form.

In his latest book, Heston Blumenthal At Home, the three Michelin-starred chef attempts to lay bare his thought processes, without recourse to the epic commands contained in his seminal 532-page Big Fat Duck Cookbook of three years ago.

Just to recap, his bacon and ice cream mixture needed to infuse for 10 hours, then mature for another 10, before you poured on liquid nitrogen. This time sizzling culinary facts - both technical and trivial - intermingle with easyto-imitate recipes mostly confined to one page of text.

“If you ask me for my guilty pleasure, it’s prawn cocktail,” says Blumenthal. “When I was growing up in the Seventies you

could only get one type of pasta, and you could only get olive oil from chemists, but that’s not to say there wasn’t food from that era you didn’t grow to love. For me it’s prawn cocktail.

“When I get home late after working in the Fat Duck there’s nothing I like better than to raid the fridge for it. Being such an addict, I’m deeply resistant to attempts to muck around with the ingredients, but putting a little chopped basil and tarragon into the mix introduces some fresh, lively extra flavour, as does scraping the seeds from a vanilla pod and adding them to the mayonnaise.

“It’s funny as we think of vanilla as sweet, but if you chew a vanilla pod, it’s as bitter as coffee.”

Reading his cookbook, filled with tips on how to cook ‘sous-vide’ style (food sealed in airtight plastic bags and plunged in a warm water bath) and the joys of smoking candyfloss, it’s easy to get absorbed by his bold tactics.

Even if you do think spritzing Kirsch into the air to accompany your Black Forest gateau, or smearing fan blades

Chalk and cheese with Heston

The Fat Duck chef talks to Sarah O’Meara about his desire to break new culinary boundaries and face his fears. By Sarah O’Meara 44 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

FOOD DRINK with a maritime scent to accentuate the flavour of your salmon dish, might be going too far. “I’m a bit weird,” admits Blumenthal, as he analyses why he cooks in such extreme terms, and dreams up dishes such as snail porridge. “We’ve got a psychometric test we do for staff, and I thought, ‘I’ll do it myself ’. “It tends to put people in two categories - creative or logical. I’m literally chalk and cheese. I’m left-handed with chopping and writing, everything else right-handed.”

This could well explain how his madly creative impulses sit so easily alongside a love of rational, scientific exploration. During the past four years, TV viewers have been treated to his extreme approach via his Feasts series, Little Chef and Heston’s Mission Impossible.

And this year he opened his second high-end restaurant, Dinner, which provides a tour of Britain culinary past and includes your average Blumenthal twists, such as meat fruit (chicken liver parfait wrapped in mandarin jelly to make it look like a tangerine).

“At one point when we were opening Dinner, we had 600 dishes in development between the restaurants, television, Waitrose and other projects,” he says. “So that involves tasting, and tasting, and tasting, and tasting, and tasting, and tasting.

“Fear of failure is a big driving force so I know I have to drop myself into one situation, pull myself out again and then do it again, trying to keep my head above water again.”

Although it’s hard to imagine Blumenthal’s ever less than 100% in control while in the kitchen, he begs to differ. “There are some times when you think, ‘I’ve bitten off more than I can chew’. Even with Feast. In the second series, we were panicking the day before, thinking we had nothing to serve.

“But because of the length of the programme you don’t see all that. I’d be like, ‘I have a problem’. Next scene ‘Oh I’ve fixed it’. You miss the bit where I was madly panicking!”

Here are two recipes from Heston Blumenthal At Home...

Prawn cocktail

(Serves 4) 110g tomato ketchup 100g mayonnaise ¼tsp cayenne pepper Worcestershire sauce, 12 drops 10g lemon juice

Salt and black pepper 400g cooked shelled prawns 1 iceberg lettuce, finely shredded 1 avocado, peeled and diced

Rack of lamb

(Serves 6) 2 racks of lamb, weighing approx 500g each Extra virgin olive oil 16 sprigs of thyme 4 sprigs of rosemary 8 bay leaves Salt Jar of tapenade You will need: Sous-vide vacuum bags Water bath (bain-marie) 1. Pre-heat the water-bath to 60C. Place the racks in two individual sous-vide bags with 15g each of oil and the herbs divided between them.

2. Seal the bags under full pressure, and place in the bath for one hour. Remove the bags from the bath and remove the racks from the bags, discarding the herbs. Pat dry. (Alternatively, place the sealed bag in a basin of iced water at this stage and refrigerate until required.)

3. Season the lamb with salt.

Coat the bottom of a large frying pan generously with olive oil and place over a medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the lamb and cook for four minutes, flipping the rack every 15 seconds, until the meat is brown on each side.

If the pan begins to smoke, lower the heat. Remove the lamb from the pan and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before coating with the tapenade.

Divide into cutlets to serve.

1. Combine the tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

2. Add the prawns to the sauce and stir to coat. Place the shredded lettuce on the bottom of four glasses or glass bowls, followed by the diced avocado, and then a generous spoonful of prawns and sauce. november2011

45

JUST INTERIORS PETTS WOOD

Tel. 01689 870970 www.justinteriorspettswood.co.uk

172 Petts Wood Road Kent, BR5 1LG

Sunday Christmas opening hours: 11am – 3pm commencing Sunday, 6th November 2011

Garden House Collections Official premier partners and sole stockists of Neptune’s stunning handmade kitchens, bathrooms and interiors

01732 351866 187 High Street, Tonbridge www.gardenhousecollections.co.uk

house garden

L

LABELLED WITH LOVE Unique Gift Shop in Bexley Village

48 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

abelled with Love formerley called La Bella Casa is a small gift shop located in the heart of Bexley Village that was established in 2006.

The business has been built within the community and it has many loyal customers that pop in to see the ever changing displays and new products that are available on a regular basis. Customers like the store because once a product line is sold out, it is not replaced, meaning it’s more exclusive and not in everybody else’s homes.

Products range from home gifts including, picture frames, chandeliers, mirrors, vases, lampshades, memo boards, keepsake boxes, small pieces of furniture and signs but to name a few, and personal items such as, jewellery, clothes, wash bags, purses and bags.

Labelled with Love is also known for the beautiful selection of cards, for all occasions, that are that little bit different from the normal high street cards. The products that are sourced cannot be found locally, a large range are from Denmark and Belgium.

Beautiful scented sachets are very popular with customers, they can be placed around the house and in winter placed on top of radiators, with the heat of the radiator, the aroma of the sachet fills the room. Matching candles and room sprays are also available, and create a whole ambience in any room.

Labelled with Love pride themselves on good old fashioned customer service, the staff are always eager to help customers find what they are looking for, but at the same time customers are left to browse, as they always comment, “ there is sooooooo much to see,” and they don’t want to miss anything, as the shop is like Aladdins Cave.

A free wrapping service is also available when you spend over £15 on a gift, which in this busy everyday life customers’ love as it saves them time.

Customers are also kept updated by emails, giving information about events, special discount evenings and sale dates, all of which are prior to being advertised in the shop.

Within the next two weeks Labelled with Love will be going live with a new online shopping service, where you can register to their newsletter and keep up to date on events etc. Unfortunately only a few items are stocked online as their product range is huge! So keep your eyes peeled and check out www. labelled-with-love.co.uk At Labelled with Love the aim is to give customers something different other than the run of the mill goods found on the high street, which is something they believe they have achieved.

The shop currently has their Christmas stock and it is filled with beautiful baubles, decorations, wreaths, stockings everything to make Christmas a very special time. There is something for everyone, from under £10 to something

more expensive, prices to suit all pockets. More and more Christmas items will be delivered over the next few weeks, remember once it’s gone it’s gone so don’t miss out.

So go and visit and see for yourselves the little treasure chest of wonderful things and inspiring ideas.

Hope to see you soon – The Labelled with Love team x Labelled With Love, 37 High Street, Bexley Village, Tel: 01322 310510, www.labelled-with-love.co.uk.

Open Monday to Saturday 10am till 5pm.

WEDDI

N

CHRISTMAS OFFERS Cooked Lobster 2 for £25.00

G FAYRE

Sunday 19th February 2012 10am - 4pm Quality Exhibitors Free Admission Free & Ample Parking

Cooked Crab 2 For £10.00 Seafood Platter (Lobster, Crab, Mussels, Clams,Prawn & Oyster) for £25.00 Handmade Fish Cakes 3 for £5.00 161 High Street Beckenham BR3 1AE 020 8650 2250 • www.hortonsfreshfish.com Tuesday - Saturday 9.00am til 5.00pm

NEW INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM £75-£110 PER PERSON - Licensed for Weddings & Civil Ceremonies - A choice of three oak panelled Manor Rooms or the Walled Maids Garden and Victorian Gazebo for your ceremony - Award winning cuisine and new wedding breakfast menus designed by our Executive Head Chef - 4 red star accommodation and 62 individually styled luxurious bedrooms and suites - Some of the finest Spa & Leisure facilities in England Applicable to weddings booked after 1st August 2011.

Photographs supplied by Alfie & Trish Photography.

Telephone 01233 213000 Email weddings@ eastwellmanor.co.uk www.eastwellmanor.co.uk Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR

Laban’s Pilates Studio is one of the largest fully equipped Pilates facilities in the UK Open 7 days a week *New* Reformer classes and Mat classes available

Telephone 020 8469 9482 email pilates@trinitylaban.ac.uk online www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/pilates TriniTy Laban ConservaToire of MusiC and danCe Laban buiLding, Creekside se8 3dZ

Pilates_ad_Blackheath_Dulwich_mag_90x125.indd 1

Photography: Kyle Stevenson

For further information or to make a booking:

07/10/2011 11:36

f e at u r e

R

e-launched in July 2007 after a £6 million refurbishment, the Felbridge Hotel and Spa is one of the most exciting hotels within the South East and is the highest rated AA four star hotel in the South of England.

Presenting an experience like no other and set in the beautiful surroundings of the Sussex countryside, the contemporary design of the hotel and breathtaking elegance within will offer you a truly memorable and enjoyable stay.

the felbridge hotel & spa

The QUBE Champagne & Cocktail Bar

Designed to rival any bar in London, the QUBE Bar boasts a sparkling bar area, lit from behind and hosting some of the world’s premium brands.

The bar also boasts bespoke Champagne tables with a removable centre revealing a built in ice bucket for keeping Champagne chilled.

Ideal for drinks events, meeting friends or a romantic rendezvous, The QUBE Bar is one of the region’s most stunning additions.

The Chakra Spa

The Felbridge Hotel and Spa is the landmark hotel in East Grinstead offering excellent facilities in an ideal location. Located on the A22, the hotel prominently sits at the North of East Grinstead within easy reach of the M25 and M23; a 10 minute drive from London Gatwick Airport where The Gatwick Express takes 30 minutes from London Victoria. The hotel is also just a short distance from the glorious South Coast.

Named after the seven Chakra’s of the body; the Chakra Spa offers Elemis treatments including Hot Stone Massage, The Pro-Quartz Lifting Facial, Oxygen Facial, Men’s Urban Treatments and Frangipani Body Wraps. The spa plays host to five treatment rooms, hair salon and 2 Jessica Nail Bars as well as a luxury pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, state-of-the-art Techno gym fitness room, two outdoor tennis courts and a jogging trail

Anise Restaurant

Weddings

The fine dining Anise Restaurant boasts two AA Rosettes and is favoured by residents and locals alike, run by our Executive Head Chef, Kirk Johnson.

In January 2010, Anise was crowned ‘Best Eating Experience in Sussex’ at the glamorous Sussex Food & Drink Awards.

The Felbridge Hotel and Spa is a stunningly elegant property: The magnificent Grand Ballroom, beautiful Willow Suite, both with natural daylight, and our perfectly manicured courtyard creates an ideal venue for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions.

Meetings & Events We have 10 modern conference suites all with natural light and air conditioning which offer the flexibility to accommodate from as little as two people for discreet lunches and private meetings, to the comprehensive design of grand seminars in The Grand Ballroom for up to 500 delegates.

To find out more or to request a brochure please telephone 01342 337700 or visit www.felbridgehotel.co.uk.

The Bay Tree Restaurant

The Bay Tree Restaurant offers high quality, simple food from outstanding local suppliers and expertly cooked.

The Bay Tree Restaurant has a more relaxed atmosphere and is ideal for families with

the QUBE Bar boasts a sparkling bar area, lit from behind and hosting the world’s premium brands.

50 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

its new children’s menu.

i n t e rv i e w

Still fabulous?

Absolutely!

P

atsy Stone would no doubt be toasting the success of her alter ego Joanna Lumley with a bottle of Bolly in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

The acclaimed actress is once again hitching up her hemline, backcombing her hair into oblivion and smearing on the lipstick to reprise her role as the jealous, sponging magazine editor addicted to sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll.

Three new episodes of Absolutely Fabulous will be shown at Christmas, New Year and just before the Olympics, to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary.

The elegant actress, who looks much younger than her 65 years - and recently

Joanna Lumley talks about reprising her role of Bolly-swigging Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary and why she tried to quit the role when the show was originally piloted. By Hannah Stephenson

urged older women to go for the ‘mutton-dressed-as-lamb’ look - says she couldn’t be happier to be reunited with original cast members Jennifer Saunders, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks and June Whitfield.

“We hadn’t worked together for six years, so it was just uncanny. It was like we’d never been away,” she says.

They recently finished filming in London and are remaining tight-lipped about the plots. But in her latest pictorial memoir, Absolutely, Lumley reveals she actually tried to get out of playing Patsy when the show was first piloted.

When she first met Saunders, she wasn’t sure november2011

51

i n t e rv i e w

Lidbrooke.

Below: With husband Jeremy Lloyd in May 1970.

what to make of her and at the first read-though, Lumley thought she’d blown it.

“I couldn’t seem to make my character Patsy sound like the person Jennifer was hoping for. Jennifer wasn’t very communicative and I thought she didn’t like me.

“To save embarrassment I thought I’d better see if I could back out of it so they weren’t stuck with someone they’d hate. I’ve quite a low opinion of myself in that sense.

But that wasn’t the case.

“Jennifer was shy, which is strange when you see people who can be so desperately funny. She’s much less shy now, but in those days she was inscrutable. Someone once said she looked like a sphinx with a headache.”

Lumley’s agent, however, persuaded the actress to stick with it.

“All I can remember is inventing a person, largely based on a cartoon version of me, who had her own life and history, and a way of walking with a hunched back and a sneery voice, and trying it out in scenes with Jennifer.

“Rehearsing for those shows was easily one of the happiest times of my life

because we just laughed till we cried, day after day.”

Yet she can’t see any of herself in the hilarious, ghastly character she has created.

“I’m not a party pooper but I can’t bear drunkenness or people being drunk.

It’s great to make fun of it through the ghastly way they behave, falling around with their pants coming down.”

She may have blossomed late in the world of comedy, but the actress and former model is now a national treasure, having been on our screens for more than 40 years, appearing in films and TV series, including On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The New Avengers, Sapphire & Steel, Jam & Jerusalem and, of course, Ab Fab. At one point she was even Ken Barlow’s squeeze in Coronation Street.

“I’ve been banging around for centuries,” she laughs.

“But I don’t feel old. I don’t exercise at all but I rush up and down stairs and run around a lot. I have been a vegetarian for 40 years and I think that might help. I never get ill and I have a lot of energy.”

She may be older, but Lumley’s still hot property - she’s currently presenting

“I’m not a party pooper but I can’t bear drunkenness or people being drunk.It’s great to make fun of it through the ghastly way they behave, falling around with their pants coming down.”

52 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Images: PA Photo/Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

In a shoot for

a four-part documentary on Greece entitled Joanna Lumley: A Greek Odyssey, on ITV1, and has just started rehearsals for a West End production of The Lion In Winter, directed by Trevor Nunn.

And there’s another big celebration on the cards, as this year marks her 25th wedding anniversary to acclaimed musician, composer and conductor Stephen Barlow, who is eight years her junior.

“Where has the time gone?” she exclaims, before pondering the question of why their marriage has lasted so long.

“We have worked at it, which means you never take the other person for granted.

“Plus, we’re as soppy as dates really, writing notes and remembering things and having small secret surprises and presents all the time.”

They live in London but also have a cottage in Scotland, which they won’t be escaping to until next year, because of the play.

In recent years Lumley became the high-profile figurehead in a campaign to force the Labour government into a rethink on allowing Gurkhas to settle in Britain.

She’s aware that she is now the target of an angry Facebook campaign, ‘Lumley’s Legacy’, launched by residents of Aldershot and Farnborough who blame her for affecting their towns by paving the way for a ‘massive influx’ of Gurkhas.

But Lumley is unrepentant.

“It always makes my heart hurt when people are discriminated against because of their race.

“It is now English law that Gurkhas are welcomed and allowed here. If there are problems in Aldershot, we must ask the Government to step up and see what they can do. What we mustn’t do is talk about the men who have been prepared to lay down their lives for this country for 200 years as asylum seekers. They have paid their

stamps all their careers.”

The daughter of a major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles, Lumley was born in Kashmir and had a peripatetic childhood, living in Malaya and Hong Kong before settling in Kent.

In the Sixties, she became a model (most notably for the fashion designer Jean Muir) as well as a single mother at 21, after her relationship with photographer As the English Michael Claydon Girl in On (her son Jamie’s Her Majesty’s father) broke down.

Secret Service.

Her first marriage Below: Jennifer to the comedy Saunders and writer Jeremy Lloyd Joanna Lumley was also short-lived.

Her parents would help look after Jamie while she sought work to keep the wolf from the door and she admits that during her early career she took on jobs that, had she been in a more secure position, she otherwise might have turned down.

“There’s nothing like the clomp of bills on your doormat to make you sit up and smell the coffee.

“I was bloody lucky to have a lot of energy and determination, and an enchanting child to look after.”

Today, she has two other enchanting children to dote on: her grand-daughters, Alice and Emily, aged eight and seven.

“When Alice was tiny, she tried to call me ‘Granny Jo’ and it came out as ‘Daddy Doe’, and that’s stuck.”

The family ties are strong, but for now she has no thoughts of retirement.

“I’m on a hot schedule at the moment, but it’s bound to cool down. I can’t think of how you retire from something you love so much.”

Absolutely by Joanna Lumley is published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, priced £20. Available now november2011

53

f e at u r e was developed by Laura Northover this summer.

It features an eclectic mix of art and sculpture from seventeen artists who all celebrate the use of colour in their work. Works featured include the emotive ‘Autumn Wind’ pictured opposite by the talented Libby Gooch.

Q A Editor Faye Manning talks to Malcolm Dent, owner of Portico Art Gallery & Picture Framers As well as an art gallery, Portico offers a comprehensive framing service. What do you most enjoy about running a framers?

I enjoy meeting people and love to experience a little snapshot of their life in the piece they would like me to frame. Every item has a story be it a photo, a holiday souvenir or a Rembrandt and I relish being able to spend time discussing the story behind it and then 54 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

advising them on how best to showcase their piece.

Do you offer conservation framing?

All Portico framing uses materials which do not harm artwork and which are reversible for future reframing, this is my minimum conservation standard. For those who are concerned with fading colours we offer UV protective glass and Museum glass for that incredible ‘is there any glass there?’ effect.

We also offer a restoration service for oils that need cleaning or repaired as well as conservation of paper based art work which has become discoloured or damaged.

What makes Portico different to other framers?

Firstly, we have over 300 frames on display and on the rare occasion a customer cannot find what they are looking for, we go that extra mile trying to source the exact

frame specification they are looking for. We also offer over 200 mount colours and eight different types of glazing.

Secondly, I aim to provide a personal service in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with guidance from me, the framer!

This is a truly family run business and I love having kids come in and read on the sofa or play with toys on the rug.

Finally, no job is too small or too urgent. I have framed work needed the same day... if I have the frames in stock!

What is the most unusual thing you have framed?

Well, I have framed a number of the bulky items including medals, butterflies, sports shirts but the biggest challenge has been two very large shells from Madagascar. I love a challenge!

You have a lovely gallery upstairs – who are you currently exhibiting?

The current exhibition is titled, ’The art of colour’ and

What else is happening at Portico over the coming months?

It’s a really exciting time at the moment with the new exhibition, Art of Colour as well as the launch of ‘The Portico Art Prize’ which is an inter schools art competition with the best 20 pieces being displayed at Portico Gallery in Spring 2012, then touring to Knole. The top three entries will be shown at the Sevenoaks Strutt & Parker offices and then to Coolings in Knockholt.

The competition, sponsored by Strutt & Parker and supported

by National Trust, Knole, is open to students in years 10 to 13 and is themed around Knole House and Park. Six schools are taking part but the competition is open to anyone in that age group who would like to submit an entry with a deadline for the work to be delivered to Portico of 21st Feb 2012. Please email me for more details at malcolmdent@ porticogallery.co.uk Finally, if someone has something that needs framing what do they do next?

Bring it down to the Riverhead shop at 25 London Road, Riverhead, TN13 2BU between Tuesday and Saturday 10am to 5 pm.

£5

OFF

WHEN YOU SPEND £50 OR MORE IN STORE OR ONLINE * ONLY AVAILABLE AT UNIT 114, BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE

W W W. H AW E S A N D C U R T I S . C O M

fa s h i o n beauty trim coat that has an almost military feel with overobvious pockets and buttons.

An A-line shift dress is another wardrobe essential of the decade. This flattering shape is cut high on the neckline with a subtle triangular cut that skims over the body, disguising a multitude of sins.

Retro staples

Swing into Y

60’s mode

Do this season’s time warp trend and get into the swinging Sixties revival.

Lisa Haynes reveals how to channel a mod-ish mood. By Lisa Haynes

ou need to look backwards to look fashion-forward this season. A retro takeover has hit the fashion scene in a big way, with the Sixties being the influential decade of choice.

No matter if you worked the look the first time around, this trend is as fresh and upbeat as it was in its swinging heyday.

Look to the catwalk’s finest for 2011 inspiration: Bottega Veneta and Jean Paul Gaultier opted for ladylike dressing with elegant Sixties shifts, while Prada and DKNY showcased a more playful spin with graphic print pinafores and Peter Pan collars.

Burberry’s entire mod coat collection was even dedicated to Sixties icon Jean Shrimpton.

Retro looks have made their mark on the high street too, with a multitude of Sixtiesinspired styles practically swinging from the rails.

So it’s time to embrace your inner Twiggy and channel Sixties chic.

Sixties-esque shapes

The most distinguishable element of Sixties styling is all in the silhouette.

This is not a trend for fuss or frills - think sleek, minimalist shapes that look uber-modern but with that all-important hint of Sixties mod.

Look to your winter coat for an investment buy that speaks Sixties volumes with its shape.

Go slouchy with a cocoon style with sloping shoulders and cropped bracelet sleeves, or more structured, with a 56 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Trousers and maxi lengths don’t really figure in the Sixties wardrobe so prepare to bare your pins. Don’t fret, every short piece feels a whole lot more wearable with opaque tights.

The Mary Quant-inspired mini is a fail-safe separate that looks effortlessly Sixties. Go mad for minis in cool black, block colours or crazy retro prints.

Give the ubiquitous shift dress added versatility by wearing layered with a polo neck underneath by day and sleeveless by night to make it the perfect party essential.

Wear uber-short with boyish flats for Carnaby Street cool or just above the knee with heels for Audrey Hepburn glamour.

Up your retro game with statement leg-wear by teaming shorter pieces with a pair of block-heeled knee-length leather boots. Tan is the obvious colour but, if you’re feeling brave, Prada’s Sixtiesstyled models stepped out in bright snakeskin booties.

Mod colour

The Sixties palette is split into three distinct camps: classic camels, juicy brights and the monochromatic.

Whatever shapes and staples you’re wearing, you can instantly work some mod spirit into your look with top-to-toe black and white. Monochrome is effortlessly Chanel-chic and easy to master, especially in gingham prints.

Sticking to Sixties minimalist cuts and teaming together neutral caramel, camel and toffee tones is another retro way to reference the decade with pieces you might

already have lurking in your wardrobe. Watch for mothballs if they’re actual Sixties gems.

Block colours in blues, oranges, pinks and greens look instantly retro teamed with lashings of black. If you’re a colour fanatic, go wild with graphic Mondrian-inspired patterns or garish Sixtieslook wallpaper prints.

Decade details

Going retro isn’t for everyone but you don’t have to go the whole beehive to play Sixties dress-up.

The stylish decade is packed with mini mod details and playful accessories to recreate the youthful spirit.

A Peter Pan collar is this season’s must-have neckline of choice. As seen on coats, tops, dresses and shirts, opt for a contrast in colour or texture for maximum impact, like white on black or a fur-tipped collar coat.

You can really get your Sixties swing on with a structured handbag. Influenced by op art, PVC typified the era and plastic bags dominated the accessory stands so go for shiny textures like patent in a punchy colour, snake print or mock croc.

For evening, ditch the clutch and opt for a boxy shaped bag with a cross-body strap.

november2011

57

fa s h i o n beauty

Sense & Sensuality Boutique New to Chislehurst High Street

A

new lingerie and denim boutique, with a unique fitting concept, has opened its door on Chislehurst High Street. Sense & Sensuality is two boutiques under one roof, offering a bespoke and personal fitting service for

began her lingerie career in Harrods and continued to pursue her career, focusing on bespoke fittings, in Rigby and Peller. Her clients included members of the Royal Family, along with many celebrities including, Meryl Streep, Sophie Dahl, Minnie Driver,

both lingerie and jeans.

The owner, Nasheeta Masoet, has fitted and designed bras and swimwear for more than 10 years and has applied a similar and successful concept with jeans. An alteration service is also offered on all off the peg garments sold in Sense & Sensuality. Nasheeta

Shirley Bassey and Jerry Hall.

After being part of Rigby and Peller’s expansion, she set about achieving her dream, of having her own fitting boutique.

Nasheeta’s vibrancy and energy are echoed in the boutique furnishings, where old and new sit comfortably alongside each other,

58 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

creating a warm, welcoming environment for her clients.

Lingerie brands include Simone Péréle, Marie Jo, Prima Donna, Empreinte, Chantelle and Spanx. Ranges are available in cup sizes A-H, with back sizes from 30 up to a 42.

Bridal lingerie and foundation garments are available, to create the perfect silhouette for that very special occasion or wedding day. Swimwear brands include, Seafolly, Anita and LovewaterLove. They cover all styles and include cup-sized bikinis, costumes and tankinis, along with matching coordinates. Perfect for your winter cruise or holiday in the sun! Premium denim brands include Hudson and Joe’s Jeans and cover 12 different styles – to accommodate every size, body shape, colour and occasion. As well as offering famous denim brands, Sense & Sensuality offers a range of coordinates and accessories by American Vintage, to compliment and enhance this season’s look.

Nasheeta has been trained at Lister Hospital, to fit women suffering and/or recovering from breast cancer and those who may have undergone breast augmentation- as well as pregnant and nursing mothers.

The company ethic is based

on customer service and on providing a vast selection of tried and tested products.

For a personal fitting by Nasheeta, please come and visit her at the shop. She offers the usual drop in service or to book an appointment contact the store by phone or email.

The finest lingerie and premium denim, all handpicked by Nasheeta, are sourced from around the world, fulfilling the desire of women to feel sensual, confident and comfortable.

Pop in at 14 High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AN. Sense & Sensuality cannot wait to meet you. For all those who would like to purchase a special personal gift, gift vouchers are available in £25 denominations. (+44) 208 295 1355 info@senseandsensuality.net

willow A beautiful boutique gift shop in the heart of East Dulwich Offering an eclectic range of products from luxurious bath bombs and gorgeous jewellery to Quirky cards to suit all, as well as much much more.

33 Northcross Road, East Dulwich, London, SE22 9ET

0208 693 8292

New and Exciting Ladies Clothing Boutique Now Open, 61 Beckenham Road, Beckenham BR3 4PR Share YourWears is a women’s designer clothing boutique with a “difference”; the “difference” is that you the customer can both buy and sell good quality designer clothing.

The Share YourWears designer clothing re-cycling system allows you the customer to receive a percentage of the sale; this allows you the customer to earn money from the sales of your unwanted designer clothing. This is a new concept that many women are now finding very attractive. Also at Share YourWears we stock a selection of re-cycled good quality designer clothing, shoes and bags.

Come and visit us at Share YourWears to receive a warm and friendly service by our fully trained staff.

Sharon: 07535 273459 Natalie: 07815 572279

Email: info@shareyourwears.co.uk Web: www.shareyourwears.co.uk

www.yoganisha.com

fa s h i o n beauty

SHARE YOUR WEARS S

hare Your Wears opened its doors on Beckenham Road in June of this year and since then has been the talk of the town. The reason being is it is a designer boutique with a twist.

Share Your Wears stocks, nearly new designer clothing that is exclusively sourced

by Sharon Fontaine the owner as well as yourselves.

You as the customer can both buy and sell high quality designer clothing at a fraction the price.

The Share Your Wears system allows you the customer to earn money from the sales of your unwanted designer clothing.

This is a new concept that many women are now finding very attractive in the current climate.

They accept a range of designers including, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Mark Jacobs, Joseph and many more. As well as this they also accept items from upmarket high street stores such as Russell & Bromley, Hobbs, Karen Millen and Coast.

We asked Sharon Fontaine where her idea came from? ‘’

60 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

I was a civil servant for over 10 years but always felt like I was wasted as my real passion was fashion. Being involved in the modelling industry from a young age inspired me and I found myself over the years collecting designer and vintage clothing. However, I started to find that I could not source these loved items on the high street or at a reasonable price which gave me the idea to do this. I wanted to be able to provide people with the opportunity to invest in high end designer clothing at an affordable cost’’.

The festive season is nearly upon us and Share Your Wears has exactly what you will need, whatever the occasion.

Share Your Wears are hosting a Christmas Party on Friday 9th December 5pm – 7pm and will be providing champagne and canapés to new and existing clients. A perfect opportunity for you to go along and see what’s on offer.

Share Your Wears, 61 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, BR3 4PR 0208 650 4002 www.shareyourwears.co.uk

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

Beckenham’s Newest Designer Boutique with a Difference

The Village Jewellers 39/41 Bexley High Street, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1AB

Closed Mondays

01322 521664

Fancy a brand new style with good old-fashioned service?

The Curious Comb Boutique Hair Salon

111 Humber Road • Blackheath • SE3 7LW Open 8-8 weekdays & weekends

020 88538282 www.thecuriouscomb.com

w w w. p i l k i n g t o n s . u k . c o m ROLEX APPROVED WATCH MAKER

health beauty

L

ife can often be a juggling act, and when there are balls to be dropped your beauty routine is an obvious casualty.

A third of women admit feeling guilty if they try to focus on themselves for as little as 10 minutes, a new Twinings survey reveals.

So it’s little wonder a luxury like applying a full face of make-up isn’t always practical - or achievable.

“The idea of starting the day with an intensive regime of foundation, powder, mascara, eyeshadow and lip liner is about as appealing to me as setting my alarm clock for 3am just for the fun of it,” says Grace Saunders, author of new book Life’s Too Short, and freelance journalist, wife and mum of three.

But Saunders argues that when time and money is tight, your make-up doesn’t have to be the victim.

Armed with a few simple cheats, you can be busy and still be beautiful.

Minimal effort

Make the beauty battle speedier by downsizing your make-up haul. Start by ditching the products you just don’t get on with and those that have set up camp in the bottom of your cosmetics bag for years.

“The first step to saving you time and energy in the pursuit of beauty bliss must surely be to edit your makeup selection,” says Saunders.

“I’d suggest being ruthless and binning anything that you can’t remember buying (or using) in the last year.”

If you’re a fan of neutral make-up, don’t hang on to those neon-coloured products on the premise you might need them for an Eighties fancy dress party.

62 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Take a

beauty shortcut

Save hours in the bathroom with a mirror-efficient routine. Lisa Haynes discovers the cheat’s guide to looking beautiful on a budget.

“The aim is to keep your make-up kit minimal,” advises Saunders. “Identify an essential beauty box of everyday goodies and don’t be sidetracked by the ‘maybe one day’ turquoise eyeshadow.”

Nail your minimalist makeup kit and, if it helps with timing, line the products up in a vague order of usage.

Insider illusions

If your make-up dash extends to just one magic product, you’d better make it count.

One of Saunders’s favourite beauty insiders, make-up artist Jemma Kidd, has just the thing for your makeoverin-minutes repertoire.

“Simple, make highlighter your best friend,” Kidd recommends.

“Step one: dab a touch underneath the arch of your brow.” This will ‘lift’ the brow and make your eyes look wider.

Want luscious Angelina Jolie-esque lips in seconds?

“Step two: dab above the cupid’s bow to make lips appear fuller,” advises Kidd.

“And step three: mix a little with your foundation to give skin an all-over luminosity and healthy glow. Don’t you just love a three-in-one promise?”

Top tip: Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme, £17 (www.spacenk. co.uk); Marks & Spencer Perfection Illuminating Touch Instant Highlighter, £9.50, or The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter, £11.

Rapid routine tips

Saunders swears by a “no fuss, no frills, out-of-the-door-ina-nano-second” ritual but if you end up leaving the house looking like death warmed up, take a few minutes for some beauty salvation with her time-friendly commandments.

1 2

Cleanse: Essential unless

you want a face full of grime and spot-inducing blocked pores. Opt for wipes for speed cleansing.

Serum: A wonder for deep moisturising of the skin.

Use as well as or instead of moisturiser, or even blend it with your tinted moisturiser or foundation.

3 4 5 6 7

Moisturise: Keep those worry lines at bay and choose a light moisturiser that absorbs easily.

SPF: Many new UV protectors are super-sheer and actually impart a glowy sheen to the skin.

Foundation: Cheat and go for a tinted moisturiser containing minimum SPF15, so you can skip the SPF of the previous step.

Cheeks: Blush a tiny bit

of blusher in wide swoops to give tired-looking, lacklustre skin a little fresh-faced oomph.

Eyes: A quick eyelash curl and slick of lashaccelerating mascara will give your lashes a lift while boosting their natural length in a matter of weeks.

8 9

Brows: Add a quick comb and tint of the brows.

Use coloured brow gel for instantly groomed eyes.

Lips: Ditch the lippy if

you’re in a dash - sheer gloss is quick and easy and can even be applied while running down the stairs towards the front door. november2011

63

health beauty

M

any women visit beauty salons every day, but do they receive the necessary advice and treatment that is suitable for them?

After meeting Penny McQue for the first time, I realised how generally concerned she was about her clients and the products most suited to their individual skin types. It was instantly apparent that Penny is passionate about her business and is dedicated to provide the one to one care and advice needed, to achieve the best results for her clients.

Penny invited me to try some treatments using PRIORI and MD Formulations products. I was intrigued to discover what products were available, in order to help my skin look more radiant and younger looking. Penny explained that the initial signs of skin ageing are from the decreased skin moisture content, combined with a decrease in skin’s natural exfoliation and renewal rate. This results in dull skin, dryness, uneven pigmentation, lack of suppleness, fine lines and wrinkles. The two key elements for reducing and combating signs of anti-ageing are skin care and make-up.

Anti-ageing skincare

The PRIORI Idebenone Complex is the first antioxidant to fight both internal and external ageing.

Joe Lewis and Joe Dinardo are the leading scientists who developed and created the

64 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

FACE FIRST

By Lisa Westerman

lunchtime and then original AHA brand you can carry on MD Formulations with your day! and MD forte.

After a couple of PRIORI’s days my skin felt clinically proven a little bit dry and Idebenone Penny McQue sensitive. Penny had formulas, deliver explained that this is a whole new level common. After a week of skin rejuvenation I did notice that the texture and protection against of my skin felt smoother and premature skin ageing. visually it had improved. We Priori superceuticals helps repeated the skin peel after correct the signs of skin 10 days and again I noticed ageing, evens skin tones, an improvement. My skin textures, brightens and restores felt softer and less dull than youthful radiance, reduces the it had previously looked. appearance of fine lines and The benefit of the PRIORI wrinkles, and protects against Idebenone Complex environmental stress, better Superceutical Peel is that than any other antioxidant in it has an immediate result the market. It also carries the that cannot be matched highest EPF (Environmental by any other peel. It is Protection Factor) of 95+.

PRIORI Idebenone Complex Superceutical Peel

Personally I felt that my skin looked dull and it felt extremely dry, so I was keen to try the PRIORI Idebenone Complex Superceutical peel that Penny had suggested. The peel was applied to the face and neck and left for a couple of minutes. Immediately I could feel a tingling sensation.

The peel was then removed.

There is no downtime involved, which is a great benefit when having this treatment, so it can be done even during your

recommended for all skin types and conditions, for prevention and correction of premature skin ageing, caused by environmental stress.

Anti Ageing Make-Up

Penny recommended that I also try products from the PRIORI anti-ageing makeup range. This is a fantastic, innovative range. PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals is the first and only 100% natural mineral collection, infused with CoffeeBerry extract, for the most potent antioxidant protection. This product is clinically proven to help you look 2-10 years younger and is commended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Penny chose a shade of PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals that was best suited to my skin colour. This was applied straight after my skin peel.

I noticed that the minerals instantly improved the tone of my skin. Penny informed me that the CoffeeBerry perfecting minerals have the highest, all natural free-radical protection, against harmful UVA/UVB rays. This product is ideal for sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, broken capillaries, freckles, sun damage, blemishes, scars, birthmarks and dark circles. The minerals have excellent staying power, even during hot sticky weather.

I was extremely impressed with the CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals as it definitely reduces fine lines and wrinkles. I would highly recommend this product and will be investing in some myself! As for the skin peels, I noticed a definite benefit and believe that they help to create a fresh, healthy, glowing complexion. A course is recommended for optimum results.

Call or e-mail Penny at McQue Beauty, Hillside, Hosey Hill, Westerham Kent TN16 1TB, Tel: 01959 564222 www. mcque-beauty.com, penny@mcque-beauty.com

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fresher, younger and rejuvenated.

Call or email Penny to arrange a free consultation.

Tel: 01959 564222

Email: penny@mcque-beauty.com HILLSIDE | HOSEY HILL WESTERHAM | KENT | TN16 1TB

10% off ďŹ rst treatment

Terms and conditions apply

health beauty

A Different Wave of Salon

The Curious Comb W

ith the abundant choice of hairdressers in London, where do people find a salon offering a bespoke service in homely surroundings? Selena Pang, owner of The Curious Comb asked herself the same question and spotted a gap in the market, for a quirky, personal atmosphere for cutting hair.

When researching salons, Selena found that the majority of salons were generally stark in appearance and lacked the warmth of a welcoming atmosphere. “I think creating an environment where people feel at ease, leads to an improved dialogue between the client and the stylist, therefore 66 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

producing happier customers!”

So when in July 2009, Selena looked to open a new salon in the heart of Greenwich she knew exactly what type of salon she wanted!

A visit to The Curious Comb is a bit like popping round to a friend’s house for tea! It has a relaxing, cosy feel with friendly and approachable staff. They regard everyone as visitors into their abode and even provide home-baked treats on arrival.

The décor is made up of vintage pieces and old curiosities, set to the sounds of Billy Holliday and Frank Sinatra.

In fact it could be quite easy to forget that you have actually visited to get a haircut if it wasn’t for your

stylist questioning you and listening to your needs taking into account your face shape, colouring and lifestyle to create the perfect cut and colour for you!

Whether you are looking for a classic or contemporary look, the Curious Comb team are confident they are able to cater to your needs.

The other major difference at the Curious Comb is the pricing structure - it is very simple – 1 price for each service. “We do not operate a ‘staggered’ price list depending upon level of experience because I hand pick Senior Stylists who have previously worked in highend salons – so you get the

same excellent service and quality whoever you come here to visit” says Pang.

As well as cutting and colouring services, we also offer creative perming, the Brazilian Keratin Blow Dry and new to the market from Redken, the New York Blow Dry. The New York Blow Dry is a permanent solution that either smoothes frizz or gives pin straight results, leaving the hair softer, smoother and shinier than before! For a limited time only, we are offering an add-on package to include a Redken Shampoo, Conditioner and a deep conditioning treatment at the special price of £25 (rrp £34.45). Prices from £84.

With the festive season soon approaching, avoid the panic of ‘what to get who?’ with a Curious Comb Gift Voucher! We cater for ladies, gentlemen and children, which makes our vouchers excellent stocking fillers or even just a treat for your loved ones!

Add this to the fact that The Curious Comb has extended weekday opening hours from 8am-8pm (7pm on Fridays) and opens on weekends it is easy to see why in such a short space of time this cute, homely and quirky place has become a favourite destination for many.

The salon is located at 111 Humber Road, Blackheath, close to Westcombe Park Station and there is plentiful free parking nearby.

For latest news and offers, you can follow The Curious Comb on Facebook and Twitter.

Appointments can be made by calling 0208 853 8282 or online via the website www.thecuriouscomb.com

Heritage Sofas and Chairs

Purveyors of Fine Bespoke English Upholstery

20% off all purchases before Christmas For more information and a brochure Call Jason on 01689 875277 Heritage Chairs, 8 Station Square, Petts Wood, BR5 1NA www.heritagesofas.co.uk

Court of Protection Friend or Foe? The Court of Protection has for many years been shrouded in secrecy but since its modernisation in 2007 it has become much more transparent. The likelihood is that as the population ages it will become more relevant and familiar to the average family. It is very much there to help, protect and empower people who lack capacity due to reasons such as dementia, stroke, disability, mental health, head injury or injuries caused by medical negligence. is the Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection is a specialist Court for all issues relating to people who lack capacity to make specific decisions. The Court makes decisions and appoints Deputies to make decisions in the best interests of those who lack capacity to do so.

What type of decisions can the Court make?

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 where a person lacks capacity to make a decision the Court has the power to:• Appoint a Deputy to make on-going decisions on their behalf in relation to either the person’s personal welfare or property and affairs; • Make decisions about their personal welfare or property and affairs; • Make declarations about a person’s capacity to make a decision; • Make decisions in relation to serious medical treatment cases, which relate to providing, withdrawing or withholding treatment to a person.

It may also make decisions about Lasting Powers of Attorney or Enduring Powers of Attorney including whether:• The Power is valid; • Objections to registration; • Scope of the Attorney’s powers; and • Removal of the Attorney’s powers.

Do I need to make an application to the Court of Protection?

An application to the Court may not need to be made: • If there is a valid Lasting Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney in place unless a specific decision needs to be taken which is not covered by the authority conferred by either of those powers; • If you care for someone who lacks capacity you can make certain small decisions for them around personal care provided it is carried out in their best interest.

How do I make a Court application?

You may wish to appoint a Solicitor to assist you with an application to the Court of Protection. If you require further information please contact our Court of Protection team at 020 8290 0440 or email: carol.snazell@thackraywilliams.com. Carol Snazell is a member of ‘Solicitors for the Elderly’.

Alternatively you may consider making the application to the Court yourself in which case further information can be found at www.direct.gov.uk or www.justice.gov.uk.

WINTER WARMTH

KEEP YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER

C

osying up in front of an open fire is one of winter’s pleasures, and those flickering flames bring a room alive and nowadays there’s no need to feel left out in the cold if you haven’t got a chimney - after all it never stopped Father Christmas - as there are fires to suit every home.

Designers, recognising that fires are the new ‘eye candy’ for rooms, have worked their magic on traditional fireplaces, and created innovative solutions for homes with no flue.

People see fires as decorative objects these days, and because we have a basic primeval need for fire, especially in winter, just seeing flickering flames is cheering and visually irresistible.

Many contemporary fires are portable and can be placed anywhere in the home - they need no flue and use either gel or bio-ethanol, a renewable fuel with no smoke or odour.

And if you still think there’s no place for a fire in the home, or you can’t afford one, don’t get hot under the collar.

Played on a flat screen TV it literally brings fires to life on screen, and there’s a choice of 12 traditional or contemporary

Finding a fire to suit your flaming desires needn’t make you hot under the collar if you follow this guide to heat sources.

By Gabrielle Fagan fire styles complete with sound effects - crackling logs or roaring gas flames.

You can also buy scented aromas these work together so well that guests say they can ‘feel the heat’ and love watching the flickering flames.

Matters of the hearth

A fireplace or stove is often the natural focal point of a room in winter, and furniture should be pulled close to it.

Many people are deciding to improve rather than move but take care choosing the fireplace surround, make sure that it suits the room and its proportions.

You don’t necessarily have to go for a design which matches the age or period of the house, instead, be guided by your decorating scheme. Choose something you find attractive but do take into account the ceiling height, room depth

and chimney breast width.

Hot tip: Take a photograph of your room and take it with you when you visit your local fire-surround stores so you can ask advice from a specialist.

Faking it fires

Toasting your toes in front of an open fire has always been one of life’s pleasures, but these days you can get the effect without all the mess and pollution associated with coals or logs.

Gas-fired coals look so good these days it’s hard to tell they’re not real, or if you haven’t got a hearth-side gas supply you could simply plug into an electric fire, which transformed since the days of the soulless two-bar fire.

Modern rooms are usually better suited to more pareddown look, such as bowls with logs or pebbles. If there’s no hearth or you want to

Bespoke Windows East Dulwich 0800 542 1230.

Heritage Windows Sevenoaks 01732 461919.

Kelvin Fireplaces Badgers Mount 01959 532444.

Kent Fireplace Warehouse Bromley 0208 464 9944.

The English Chimneypiece Sevenoaks 01732 740811.

Victoria Stone Tunbridge Wells 01892 541337.

maximise floor space a wallhung fire is a good choice.

Stove story

Last winter’s icy temperatures and sharp hikes in fuel prices has triggered a huge surge in demand for stoves. It’s hardly surprising because multi-fuel and wood burning stoves are eco friendly, visually appealing, and efficient.

While a traditional open fire is estimated to throw out about 20% of its heat some of the latest stoves claim to generate about 80% heat efficiency.

‘Last year demand for stoves rose by around 40%, people like a fire on a winter’s evening - radiators just aren’t the same.” says Jim Lambeth, general manager of the Solid Fuel Association.

One big advantage is stoves don’t need a chimney, provided you have an external wall, they can be installed virtually anywhere.

Check out what capacity you need for a room by logging on to www.stovesonline.co.uk which has an online calculator, and then decide what fuel you’ll use, logs, coal or both, pellets or gas, oil or electricity.

Don’t forget to check whether you’re in a smoke-free zone. november2011

69

house g a rd e n

The Fireplace Collection

W

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02/09/2011 08:48:02

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02/09/2011 08:48:33

e are an expert fireplace company whose aim is to supply high quality products.

Our products are made in our workshops in Kent.

We have a wide range of traditional & contemporary products. We only use natural materials. All our fireplaces are hand made and as such a tolerance of up to 5mm should be allowed for all measurements.

We are also happy to quote for any bespoke commissions. We often work form drawings, photos or your own inspirations in any natural material.

We also specialize in high quality restoration of antique stone and marble fireplace surrounds.

Antique Restoration

brochure 2011 21-7-11_1.2.indd 50

02/09/2011 08:52:50

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02/09/2011 08:53:45

CAST IRON COMBINATION FIREPLACES BEFORE AND AFTER RESTORATION.

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before

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__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RESTORATION EXAMPLES 2 & 3

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06

02/09/2011 08:44:38

An old trade client a friend of 15 years arrives. Fresh cup of coffee first then the back door of his van opens and the restorer’s face lights up with excitement. Yet another chimney piece once carved with so much care and expertise. It takes only seconds for the hawk eyes to scan all the components as if trying to soak up all the skill an effort which must have gone into making this masterpiece. The air is filled with the smell of soot from all the open fires of the last two centuries. Carvers like those of the past had all the time and passion in the world. We mostly rush around.

How beautifully executed their designs were, with delicate and life like quality of carved leaves and figures. You’d think it is impossible to carve something like this but we always find a way. Only a few can really appreciate the work.

The restorer does. Each time he tries to match the quality where pieces are missing...

Just where can we go and get the same completely

white piece of Italian Statuary marble? It just isn’t there anymore.

All the pieces will now be laid out on the floor.

All missing and damaged components will be discussed.

Once we understand the level of restoration our client requires the work can start.

Each component is cleaned and repaired before all is assembled using traditional techniques with the help of modern equipment.

It is such a pleasure to see the client admire the final result. Seeing the piece restored to its former glory is a feeling which makes this job one of the best there is!

Reproduction range

We are proud to be one of a handful of companies still passionate about manufacturing fireplaces in England.

Our workshop is said to be one of the best laid out and organized in the country. The water for our profile saws is recycled through a simple yet efficient cascading water system and used time and time again. We even use the rain water to minimize our impact on the environment.

All members of staff form a strong family like team whose understanding of carrying each task well is crucial for the end result. The success of the final product starts with material selection which is then cut and profiled by an incredibly strong and multitasking sawyer. Once dry, all stone moves through the workshop to the assembly benches. All products are then checked for uniformity, washed and sealed ready for clients’ delivery.

The English Chimney Piece 3 St Botolphs Road, Sevenoaks Kent, TN13 3AJ, Tel: 01732 740 811

house garden

Garden House

Collections

I

t has been a busy few months for Garden House Collections. Since opening in April owner James Buck has enjoyed working with customers to create a tailormade look in each home.

James loves a design challenge, and a recent installation in Tonbridge definitely demanded his creativity. He certainly had to think outside the box.

The kitchen in question was moving from a room upstairs to what has previously been a downstairs dining room... in a listed building! James’ solution was practical, and will keep the conservation officers happy.

Knowing that cabinets could not be attached to the (listed) walls, James designed the kitchen from the Chichester range to feature one large island and two full height cabinets, where an oven and traditional larder could be housed. The stunning island boasts a gas hob, double sink, dishwasher, plenty of storage and even a breakfast bar seating area at one end.

Another design challenge was the location of an extractor fan. Unable to attach this to the walls, James recommended

82 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

installing a downdraft extractor behind the hob in the island. It looks great rising up from the worktop at the touch of a button.

James recalls “This was a brilliant project to be involved in. I still can’t get enough of the big island feature – finished off perfectly with a 4.5 metre slab of stone. The whole kitchen looks amazing, and the finishing touches of travertine floor tiles and Neptune paint for the walls really bring it all together. I’m so pleased, and the customer is delighted.”

In just six months, all three of Neptune’s kitchens have proved popular, and James feels this is partly due to their flexible configuration, choice of colours and door handles.

Every size and shape of room has been accommodated, while easily adjustable stainless steel legs ensure the cabinets sit perfectly straight on any floor, whether it be traditional flagstones or wood.

On first sight, largely traditional style of Neptune’s furniture is plain to see, but it is the stylish touches that really raise it to another level. Look closely at the Henley range and you will find brass catches,

while downlights in the oakframed cabinets allow light to penetrate through each level.

The range of storage solutions is vast, from beautifully crafted wine racks and fabulously deep pan drawers to different-sized wooden cutlery trays that fit neatly inside. Style and functionality go hand in hand in all three of the ranges; the Chichester, Neptune’s first kitchen design, to the Henley, which takes inspiration from a classic antique look with contemporary edge to the Suffolk, inspired by a classic eighteenth-century “Ball Back” designed chair.

The showroom has an immaculately crafted collection of painted furniture made using traditional joinery mortice and tenons, dovetails and zigzag shelving. There are 28 paints to choose from and they can also be used on walls to create and overall look.

Due to the success of their kitchen, dining and bedroom furniture, Neptune have been inspired to design for another area of the home, the bathroom; and this is now available from Garden House Collections, who have an extensive display on their first floor.

Painted in Old Chalk, the Bathroom collection includes a range of designs to suit almost any space. Bring a cool and contemporary feel to your bathroom with one of the Chichester Countertop Washstands which come complete with ceramic bowls.

Or opt for a classic and timeless style with one of the Undermount washstands with Italian Carrara Marble tops.

The fitted cabinet range is designed to make the most of your available space. You can combine the basin and drawer bases to suit your needs, not forgetting the open curved cabinets on the end. There are also a number of choices for the walls, with both solid and open wall cabinets and reversible mirror panels to allow for extra customisation.

Garden House Collections also provide a collection of Neptune accessories, enabling customers to create a delightful co-ordinated look in their kitchen or bathroom. The living collection includes mirrors, armchairs and lamps topped with lampshades in elegant muted shades of linen and silk.

Garden House Collections, Hand-made kitchens, bathrooms and interiors, Located at the north end of the High Street near Tonbridge School with customer parking at the rear.

187 High Street, Tonbridge, 01732 351866 www.gardenhousecollections.co.uk

Lordship Lane Carpets Contemporary Flooring Specialists

129-131 Lordship Lane East Dulwich London SE22 8HU

•Carpets •Stair Runners Tel: 0208 693 8728 •Rugs and Rug Design •Wooden Floors Email: info@lordshiplanecarpets .co.uk •Amtico (using only Amtico registered fitters) Website: •Rubber www.lordshiplanecarpets.co.uk •Marmoleum Opening Hours •Cork Sat and Mon 9am-5pm Tues-Fri 9am-5.30pm •Sisal, Seagrass,Coir and Jute Sun and Bank Holidays Closed and1 Woven Vinyl •Vinyl p34_KENT_AD_VARIOUS__ 04/02/2011 14:29 Page • Recommended retailers and fitters of Roger Oates, and Hartley Tissier Stair Runners

hyland furniture Designed and made at our Herne Hill workshops

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms Living rooms Offices

Bessemer Park 250 Milkwood Road Herne Hill SE24 0HG www. hylandfurniture.co.uk

t:020 7978 8988

house garden

Shutters Up W

hether moving into a new home or currently refurbishing, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll soon realise that there is an easy and cost effective way of transforming tired and dated rooms into something truly spectacular.

Widely regarded as the ultimate window dressing, plantation shutters are often installed as a way of facelifting rooms without the need

84 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 1

to perform drastic surgery!

There is no doubt that Interior shutters can inject an element of colour, light and beauty into your home.

However, you may not have realised that there are other more practical reasons as to why the demand for plantation shutters has risen so dramatically in the past few years.

Recommended by energy saving companies, shutters act as a secondary layer of insulation, helping to prevent the loss of heat through your windows and doors. Unlike traditional window dressings, shutters are also very versatile and bright. Ideal for all locations, they provide privacy and security whilst still inviting natural light into your room.

One of the top retailers in the South London and Kent area, ShuttersUp have long been at the forefront for installing bespoke plantation shutters domestically and commercially nationwide.

Based in West Wickham, Bromley, they have achieved their proud reputation through their exceptional service standards and customer care.

A flare for installing wooden shutters to even the most difficult to dress windows/ doors, has seen them establish close working relationships with interior designers, builders and architects. With a long list of recommendations and pictures, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to give their clients an instant idea of what to expect when the shutters have been installed.

ShuttersUp have a range of solid and louvered shutters comprising of six different materials including MDF, P.V.C. and premium hardwoods. Complimenting their range is an array of colours, (stained or painted) colour matching services and optional extras, thus enabling them to match all concepts and designs.

Employing Friendly and approachable in-house

surveyors and fitters, they are readily available to give advice using their wealth of experience and expertise.

Importantly they offer free NO PRESSURE quotations within the M25!

Always going that bit further to achieve your desired finish, check out their website at shuttersup.co.uk or even book your free measure and quotation on 020 8776 1484.

Made-to-measure Shutters, Blinds & Curtains

Local - Professional - Competitive www.theorangeryid.com

Call 0800 0337 965 for a free quote enquiries@shutterland.co.uk www.shutterland.co.uk

p35_AD_KENT_VARIOUS_Life Mags 19/04/2010 15:10 Page 1

FULL OR PART TIME MEDIA SALES EXECUTIVES Do you think you could sell Advertising into this magazine?

If the answer is yes then we want meet you.

The Fish Media Group publish the most beautiful, high quality, stylish, glossy magazines across London and the Home Counties and right now we are now looking for more enthusiastic, professional SALES EXECUTIVES to help continue our expansion programme on our Kent and Essex titles.

We have both full time and part time positions and will offer the right people a very attractive salary and bonus package, on going training, lots of responsibility and the opportunity to be part of our highly successful team.

If you can really sell and generate new business please call Peter Smith on 0844 800 8439 for an initial discussion and to arrange a meeting.

To see the quality of our magazines visit www.thelifemagazines.com

HALF PRICE CLEARANCE

SALE PLUS FREE FITTING**

STOCK CHANGES WEEKLY • FIRST COME FIRST SERVED

KENWOOD HOUSE

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40oz 80%Wool 20% Nylon 50%Wool 50% Polypropylene 4&5 Mts (Also in 50oz & 60oz) 4&5 Mts 15 colours 18 colours

Pettswood Unit 2b/2c, Fairway, Station Square, Pettswood, Kent BR5 1EG Telephone 01689 822100

WAS £39.99 NOW £19.99 SQ M

WAS £49.99 NOW £24.99 SQ M

** Free fitting minimum order £300 - £25 surcharge for stairs. Pic for illustration purposes only.

All offers subject to being unsold.

BESPOKE • KITCHENS

www.beharcarpets.co.uk

For more information on all of our services call us on 020 8291 5578

15 Forest Hill Business Centre, Clyde Vale, London SE23 3JF Email: info@thedovetailjoint.co.uk

BEDROOMS

www.thedovetailjoint.co.uk

STUDIES • WOOD

PA I N T

GLASS

•

STEEL

CORIAN

GRANITE

antiques

i

n Tudor times a prudent man of wealth bought land and property, then with the advice of his agent he acquired the best and most desirable goods and chattels of artistic or intrinsic worth.

These goods were new at the time and with a few minor exceptions they held their value and at best showed quite handsome returns when sold. In the 18th century it became fashionable to acquire works of art from a bygone age. So the security of buying contemporary objets d’art and ancient treasures was well established long before the current interest in antiques took hold.

From the 1950’s until the 1990’s people who collected antiques as an academic exercise and those who furnished their house with them found that an everincreasing demand caused their collections and their household furnishings to earn money while they admired and studied or simply used and enjoyed. Anything old seemed to be a good investment.

How things have changed, for now - and for most of the last decade - it is only the impassionate investor who can confidently expect and achieve a satisfactory return.

Of course the collector can still enjoy his collection, and the furnisher can still use his furnishings, but it can no longer be taken for granted that either will see their purchases automatically increase in value. If they do see an increase it will be

88 NOVEMBE r 2 0 1 1

John Bly because other people, i.e. ‘the market’, likes them too. But that is luck not logic; not a sound basis for an investment.

In essence, investing in antiques should be no different to buying stocks and shares. You have an adviser, the equivalent of your broker, who tells you when there is an opportunity for a purchase, suggests a time scale for lock-in, the likely return forecast and the reasons behind his recommendation.

You take his advice, buy and place the item in store. When he tells you to sell you sell.

There are criteria that he must adhere to. An investment

within a period of eighteen months. During the ensuing same period the average price had doubled from its base as computers became smaller but has remained still below it former peak. There is room for growth given careful selection of only the best.

Since the 1970’s a change in the demand for a specific period ‘style’ such as Shabbychic to Minimalist, Old French to Robert Adam, and Arts & Crafts to Art Deco has occurred consistently within a five to seven year period and so it follows that the recommended minimum lockin period for an investment is

A ‘sleeper’ is best described as an item known to have existed but of which there has been no trace for many years. item must be of supreme quality within its category and have significant provenance.

This needs to include an owner, a designer or a maker at least, and the more of these to a single piece the better. Then it must have growth potential in either its unrevealed history, as in a ‘sleeper’ or ‘lost’ item, or in its out-offashion style or in its currently unfulfilled functionality.

For an example of the latter take the Georgian slopefront bureaux which lost their appeal in favour of flat top desks when computers replaced the more compact typewriters. As a result the price of bureaux fell to a third

the same, five to seven years.

A ‘sleeper’ is best described as an item known to have existed but of which there has been no trace for many years. It is knowledge of such pieces, the current style fashion in any given country, swings in functional needs and a constant awareness of the requirements of collectors and furnishers that make the adviser an integral part of any sound investment.

Historically the most carefully chosen, researched and provenanced examples of any category of work of art or antique, from arms and armour to statuary, furniture, ceramics and metal ware, have shown a

7.5% - 10% compound interest increase after a five year period.

This may be slightly reduced according to size, which relates to the storage costs but even for bulky items this is minimal.

There are two main disadvantages. One is liquidity.

You cannot call your adviser as you would your broker and sell over the phone. Even if there are potential buyers in the wings, negotiations can take several months. The other is that the business is not regulated, so trust in the adviser is crucial.

Having gone through a period when any old domestic items gained value, we are now back to Tudor basics where

investment is concerned, when advice was sought and only the best was bought. Providing that same diligence is applied there can be no doubt that a fine antique or wonderful work of art should be part of any prudent manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio today. And of course if he by chance happens to like it he may take home and enjoy it.

Each of the items illustrated has shown a 100% increase in sale value within the last ten years. If any readers would like to write to me with their ideas of starting and current prices the closest within 15% will have the opportunity of a complimentary consultation with Richard Broughton, Wealth Manager, Mallory Scott Alternatives. www. malloryscott.co.uk My grateful thanks to Peter Finer and Tomasso Brothers for the images of the suit of armour and the bronze figure respectively.

John Bly Est Antiques 1891.

Tel: 01442 823030 Mobile: 07831 888826.

Website: www.johnbly.com Email:john@johnbly.com

NOVEMBER 2 0 1 1

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travel

I

t felt strange to sit beneath the gilded ceilings of one of the finest buildings from the glory days of the old Imperial Russia - and ponder the thorny subject of what to order for breakfast.

It is reckoned that more than 620,000 people starved to death in the three-year siege of St Petersburg (then called Leningrad) as the Germans pursued their ultimately doomed invasion of Stalin’s Russia at the bitter climax of the Second World War. That was nearly 70 years ago. Now, in a huge and spectacularly beautiful art nouveau dining room of the Grand Hotel Europe, I can eat as much as I like from the mouth-watering and substantial breakfast menu.

Should I try the caviar? Or possibly one of the seven varieties of fish, including salmon and sturgeon, 10 types of cheese, nine different sauces, and 15 varieties of jam and honey.

Seven decades ago, this very room served as a crowded hospital ward, with thousands falling and dying in the streets outside.

Today, this splendid building, restored to former glories on Nevsky Prospekt among the city’s great architectural treasures, shows you at once why this city is a favourite stop (second only to New York) for Britain’s cruise enthusiasts.

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White Nights and Caviar Tony Looch ponders food, Russian history and the country’s five-star tourist experience as he visits St Petersburg for the weekend.

St Petersburg was actually the capital of Russia until 1919, although it became Petrograd when Russia and Germany went to war in 1914, because “Petersburg” sounded much too German.

In 1924, its name changed again to “Leningrad”, honouring the ruthless creator of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Then in 1991, under the more liberal Gorbachev regime, the population was offered the chance of another name change, and more than 70% wanted to return to the original, although Gorby didn’t like the idea.

While staying in any luxury five-star hotel is fun, in my book the Grand Hotel Europe is a special member of this select group. As the first five-star hotel in Russia, its antecedents stretch back to 1824, when an inn opened on the site.

The hotel has a beautifully preserved neo-classical façade. The interior is sumptuous, indeed imperial, with sweeping staircases, thick carpets, marbled pillars and floors, high ceilings, beautiful curtains and spacious rooms.

Its stunning art nouveau decor

and stained-glass windows - expertly preserved during recent refurbishments - reflect palaces and royal residences elsewhere in the city, like the Winter Palace of the tsars nearby.

Among its 301 guest rooms, 10 of the historic and most expensive suites have reopened after expert redecoration. They retain original 19th century features and style and are adorned with pastel colours, inlays of Karelian birch, Russian historical prints, samovar lamps and richly-coloured 19th century-style fabrics.

Lavish bathrooms in these suites are reminiscent of Roman Baths built for Catherine the Great.

Orient Express Hotels, the international chain, has owned and managed the hotel since 2005. The staff, charming and helpful, communicate easily in English, with not a hint of loftiness you sometimes find in luxury hotels around the world.

Great names who have visited this august address since the mid-19th century include Tsar Nicholas II, Grigori Rasputin, Isadora Duncan and Johann Strauss.

Tchaikovsky, the composer, checked

Key facts: St Petersburg

✱ Best for: Art collections and palaces. ✱ Time to go: Ideally May-Oct, especially JuneJuly for White Nights. ✱ Don’t miss: The Peterhof and the Hermitage. ✱ Need to know: Very little English is spoken locally. ✱ Don’t forget: Don’t drink tap water or use it for tooth-brushing.

in for a honeymoon in 1877 and more recent guests include Vladimir Putin, limbering up for yet another term as Russian President, leading politicos from Europe and the US and, unsurprisingly, stars from the world of stage, screen, music and theatre.

One night, in the dimly-lit, crimsonthemed and marble-studded Caviar Bar, I tried “Bear Parmentier” - diced meat of hunted wild bear, in sauce, mashed potatoes, fresh garden leaves and herbs in a parmesan basket.

Bear meat has a pleasantly sweet taste and I could not help wondering what happened to the skin of the animal from which it had come. Probably it became a fur coat, to protect some affluent soul from another savage Russian winter, beside which Britain’s “cold” snaps are embarrassingly mild.

But there must be a limit to time spent living in a luxury hotel. St Petersburg has many fabulous sights and a weekend is hardly long enough to see everything.

I was unable to get to the war museum, but covered the major sights.

We got the hotel’s box at the famous Mariinsky Theatre, for a production of the ballet Spartacus. The historic

golden statues representing figures from antiquity, and French-style gardens.

On the following day, we visited what must surely be Russia’s greatest artistic treasure: the State Hermitage in the Winter Palace. Its collection of art and sculpture (more than three million items in all) is mind-blowing.

St Petersburg, like Venice, is built on water with the broad and deep Neva River flowing through. Our boat trip on this waterway, and along canals flowing from it, provided excellent views of the city’s architecture.

Much of it resembles English Georgian architecture, although facades are more ornate. The heart of the city survived the war relatively intact, although the Germans razed the suburbs in their retreat.

St Petersburg carefully protects its building line to ensure an absence of modern glass-box buildings and skyscrapers.

One of the city’s magical features is the phenomenon of the “White Nights” in the summer, peaking in June and July.

In a city so far to the north, the sun does not descend sufficiently low, so the sky never gets dark and night never comes.

When it is warm enough, the city’s

theatre dates back to the 19th century, and famous works by composers such as Tchaikovsky and RimskyKorsakov received premieres there.

Next day, we headed for the Summer Palace of the tsars, about 30km from the city, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. This palace, known as Peterhof, was destroyed in the Second World War after its contents were moved to safety before the Germans arrived.

It has been completely rebuilt, refurbished and redecorated exactly as it was in the imperial days, and is breathtaking in its beauty, both internally and outside, with terraced fountains,

navigation season begins. To allow large ships to pass along the Neva River at night, all the bridges are raised at a certain time. Bridge-raising, an international symbol of the “White Nights,”, is eagerly waited by tourists each night.

If you win the lottery, or any sort of windfall, head for St Petersburg and treat yourself to a grand suite at the Grand Hotel Europe.

But you may find that securing a visa for Russia is no pushover. I needed bank statements from the previous three months to prove that I could get safely back to London without becoming a burden on the Russian state.

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