Life Magazines (London South editions) December 2025 by Fish Media Group Ltd

Professional | Approachable | Bespoke

FOCUS

ON: EYELID SURGERY

Crows feet, excess skin, wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes are all signs of ageing. The delicate skin around the eyes is thin and with age loses elasticity as the supportive structures weaken. Age, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, dehydration and sun exposure can all contribute to the appearance of the eye area.

Blepharoplasty (upper and/or lower eyelid surgery) aims to create a more alert and refreshed appearance, whilst correcting any asymmetry. This is done through tightening the supportive structures and removing loose skin or bulging fat around the eyes.

Who is it for?

Most commonly surgery is appropriate for people over the age of 40. Before this, injections may play a role in prevention and treatment. Genetics can play a part in drooping eyelids and eye bags, in which case, patients may seek surgical intervention earlier.

Why get surgery?

Surgery provides a longer term solution. Often patients have trialled many different creams and other treatments and are ready for something that will fix the issue fully.

What are the types of surgery?

Upper eyelid surgery removes any folds and/or fat that has collected in the upper eyelid. The role of the eyebrow is important to take into consideration with upper eyelid surgery as it can fall with age and cause the eyelid to fold. Lower eyelid surgery improves the folds of lower eyelid skin and/or the fat that is pushing into the lower eyelid, causing a bulge. These types of surgery can be combined if necessary.

Chris Abela is an experienced reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. He prides himself on providing each individual with a professional, bespoke and compassionate approach with a gentle bedside manner and discretion at the heart of every consultation. He has clinics at 84 Harley Street and at Wimbledon Parkside.

If you have any questions, please contact Chris at

Consultant Plastic Sur geon

Famella

Famella are a family run organisation that specialises in high specification refurbishments, conversions, extensions, basements and new builds in the prime residential market and have a proven track record in this field.

Famella fully understands what an architect, structural engineer and client require from a contractor. They operate within key areas of expertise, understand the complexities of modern design and are dedicated to project delivery.

They enjoy the challenge of working with new materials, procuring modern designs and incorporating design development where necessary.

Famella have been creating beautiful award-winning homes for over 25 years

Famella’s projects have won numerous industry awards including RIBA Award 2010 & 2022 and have had their work published within the RIBA Journal, World Of Interiors, Architectural Digest, Architects Journal, Architecture Today, Dezeen, Wallpaper Magazine, The Times and numerous books.

“Famella have executed several projects within the Grade 1 Listed RIBA headquarters. Each was managed very efficiently and completed on-time and within budget. The quality of work a nd attention to detail was of an exceptionally high standard and I therefore have no hesitation in recommending Famella.”

UNMISSABLE ATLANTIS EXCLUSIVE

Experience two of our top luxury brands, from the pristine sands of Ikos to the sophistication of Oceania Cruises.

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s seven small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,238 guests and feature the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on 7 continents

Ikos Resorts is a luxury all-inclusive hotel, combining 5-star elegance with a premium “Infinite Lifestyle” concept. Their properties—located in Greece and Spain—emphasise stylish contemporary design, exceptional service, and Michelin-starred dining experiences all included within your stay. Ikos Resorts are designed for guests seeking a refined, carefree holiday that blends luxury, convenience, and immersive local touches.

5 NIGHTS IKOS OCEANIA HALKIDIKI, ALL-INCLUSIVE

10 nights onboard Oceania’s brand new Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos, Santorini, Agios Nikolaos, Katakolon, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Bari, Athens (Piraeus)

Includes flights, transfers and luggage

Depart from the UK 23rd July 2026

Allura, French Veranda Cabin

Full Board with drinks at lunch & dinner or $600

Shore Excursion credit

Fares from £5,699 per person.

Oceania Allura

Oceania Allura Pool Deck

Ikos Halkidiki

Ikos Halkidiki Beach

With every luxury included – unlimited shore excursions, the highest quality on-ship beverages, Epicurean gourmet dining experiences, service charges and gratuities, top customer service and outstanding on-board entertainment, Wi-Fi and Valet Laundry

FEATURED OFFER

Enjoy FREE Business Class Flight Upgrade when you choose our Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare.

FREE BUSINESS FLIGHT UPGRADE

Regent Seven Seas Cruises – the most Inclusive Luxury Cruise Experience. Beautifully designed ships, perfectly appointed interiors, refined luxury that will make your cruise the unforgettable Unrivalled Experience you desire.

MIAMI TO TAMPA BAY

Seven Seas Mariner

December 1st 2026, 10 Nights

Miami, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Tampa Bay

Up to 60 INCLUDED Shore Excursions

Deluxe Veranda Suites from £4,539pp Air Package, including FREE upgrade to Business Class Flights, Transfers and Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in Miami + £1,165pp

Dubrovnik

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Seven Seas Mariner® Pool Deck

Seven Seas Mariner® Mariner Suite

PERGOLAS | GLASS VERANDAS | GLASSROOMS | FIXED CANOPIES

Scan QR code to visit website

Celebrate the Season Outdoors with Samson

This Christmas, don’t just stay inside, create a winter haven in your own garden. Extend your home with a stunning glass veranda, elegant glass room, stylish awning, or contemporary pergola, and enjoy the beauty of the season in comfort and warmth.

As part of The Dove Group, Samson Outdoor Living continues to lead the way in premium outdoor solutions for both homes and businesses.

Our mission is to transform your space with bespoke weather protection systems that combine timeless style and practical functionality.

Make your outdoor area a place to gather, celebrate, and savour the magic of winter, because luxury living doesn’t stop at your back door.

HARLEY STREET LONDON | BOURNEMOUTH POOLE

Anti Wrinkle Injections; Smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a refreshed appearance.

Dermal Fillers; Restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, and plump lips.

Skin Rejuvenation; Enhance skin texture, tone, and clarity with advanced treatments, including Polynucleotides, Exosomes, and Microneedling.

Non Surgical Facelifts; Lift and tighten sagging skin without surgery, using innovative techniques.

Tel +44 (0) 7823 883888

Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics

LIFE MAGAZINES

The legendary Mayfair hotel unveils its collection of Christmas hampers and gifts, specially sourced and created by the hotel’s long-standing experts. Hampers filled with festive foodie treats selected from the hallowed kitchens and bars are joined by a first range of homeware hampers, with new cashmere blankets, exquisite glassware and the hotel’s signature candle amongst the luxuries encased in timeless wicker. A new Art Deco inspired match box case and first twin pack of playing cards, embossed in gold, are the ultimate stocking fillers, while hand-embroidered slippers, a jade silk eye mask and cashmere socks are sure to delight.

Step into a world of wonder and enchantment as The Ritz London transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. The stunning 25-foot Christmas tree graces the hotel lobby, enveloping you in the magic of the holidays. Celebrate the joy and sparkle of the season with The Ritz London’s captivating events.

Faye Manning Editor

EDITOR FAYE MANNING

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER

SUB EDITOR NICHOLAS PETER

FASHION EDITOR LARA ACCISON

DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE

SOCIAL MEDIA PARKER JONES

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

VANESSA LANE, NICOLA DREW, LISA WESTERMAN

ACCOUNTS TRACEY HALLS, ANDREE GEORGIOU

DIRECTORS RORY SMITH, PATRICK SMITH

PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

0844 800 8439

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM

LIFEMAGAZINES

CHISWICK HOUSE CHRISTMAS

The Twelfth Night Of Christmas. Until 4 January 2026

Throwing open its doors at Christmas for the very first time, Chiswick House in collaboration with live entertainment company Underbelly and theatrical, heritage site curators CLW Event Design will give visitors the unique opportunity to step inside and experience a fantastical festive journey inspired by the beloved 1780 carol ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ and the era in which it was written. The historic rooms of Chiswick House will be transformed into an imagined Georgian world of yuletide opulence and fantasy, as visitors embark on a Twelfth Night-inspired journey.

This unique experience will showcase the interior of Chiswick House as it was originally intended – built for entertaining; a place of revelry and Georgian celebrity culture, where excess and extravagance were the hallmarks of good taste. Audiences will explore a sequence of opulent themed rooms and festive tableaux, ending in a sumptuous banquet installation in the lower tribune. Bespoke sculptures, fabulous costumes and dramatic floristry will punctuate this joyous Christmas experience.

Lose yourself in this magical reimagining of Georgian celebration.

For younger visitors, an enchanting 18th Century Grotto with Father Christmas ready to share a festive story and a gift, until 24 December)

Co-founded by Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, and costume designer Adrian Lillie CLW Event Design are a collective of theatrical practitioners, designers and artists renowned for their extraordinary installations and live events at heritage properties across the UK including Castle Howard, Kensington Palace, Bamburgh Castle, Beaulieu Palace House and Polesden Lacey House.

Charlotte Lloyd-Webber from CLW Event Design said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the CLW Event Design and Underbelly magic to this stunning architectural gem. Rich in detail, this beautiful house lends itself perfectly to our theatrical design ethos, bringing to life the building as it was originally intended for moments of great celebration and joy amongst family and friends but now welcoming all ages who can come together for the festive season.”

Step into a fantastical, festive journey…

THE DETAILS

For further details and tickets visit: chiswickhousechristmas.com @chiswickhousechristmas

Chiswick House, Burlington Lane, London W4 2RP

CAKES & COCKTAILS FIT FOR A QUEEN

The Berkeley collaborates with Manolo Blahnik. Until 22nd March 2026

In celebration of the highly anticipated exhibition, Marie Antoinette Style at the V&A South Kensington – The Berkeley, Knightsbridge’s landmark hotel is collaborating with legendary shoe designer Manolo Blahnik on an exclusive ‘Cakes & Cocktails fit for a Queen’ menu.

Paying tribute to the most fashionable queen in history, the experience takes place in The Berkeley Bar’s pink-hued Snug, a secluded hideaway featuring a spectacular mural by New York-based artist TM Davy, depicting female faces with mysterious and knowing expressions – much like the secret discussions which took place in Marie Antoinette’s court at the Palace of Versailles during the 18th century.

Devised by The Berkeley’s Bars Manager Marcello Cauda, guests are invited to indulge in a curated selection of couture cocktails and refined mocktails. Detail and decadence are at the heart of the menu, encompassing a blend of the last queen of France and Manolo Blahnik’s favourite flavours.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Manolo’s Martini - Mr Blahnik’s favourite tipple, a timeless classic with Grey Goose vodka, Bergamot, Beeswax, and Orange Blossom, honouring Marie Antoinette’s daily ritual of bathing in orange blossom scented water

La Reine Privée with Toffee Vodka, Pisco, Apricot, White Chocolate, Orange, Almond and Croissant Air

The Versailles Spritz with Grey Goose Vodka, Provence Rosé wine, Lillet Blanc, Berry cordial, Jasmine, Coconut

La Dauphine’s Garden (also available as a mocktail) with Bombay gin infused with rose, St Germain Elderflower, Violet, Butterfly pea flower, Champagne

The menu is expertly paired with a seasonal collection of cakes. Blending elevated mixology and decadent desserts.

THE DETAILS

The experience in The Snug at The Berkeley Bar is bookable Monday to Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. Each timeslot is exclusive to a party – maximum size of 6 guests.

For more information and to book, please visit .the-berkeley.co.uk/restaurantsbars/the-berkeley-bar-andterrace/ the-berkeley.co.uk .manoloblahnik.com.

Christmas at The Ritz

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy a festive Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court with a glass of Ritz Réserve Brut NV Champagne and carol singing by The Ritz Choir. Until Sunday 4th January 2026 at the 11.30 am, 1.30 pm, 3.30 pm, 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm sittings. £120 per adult / £79 per child. Christmas Day Afternoon Tea includes Father Christmas with gifts for the children at the 11.30 am, 1.30 pm, 3.30 pm, 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm sittings. £135 per adult / £90 per child.

FESTIVE LIVE AT THE RITZ DINNER & DANCE

Indulge in a spectacular dinner in the Two Michelin Star Ritz Restaurant, then take to the dance floor with the sounds of a live band with fabulous professional dancers. ‘Festive Live at The Ritz’ takes place each Wednesday to Saturday evening, commencing on Saturday 15th November

2025, until Saturday 3rd January 2026. A £57 per person entertainment charge will apply.

CHRISTMAS EVE GALA DINNER

Enjoy a four-course black-tie dinner with live entertainment in the Two Michelin Star Ritz Restaurant as you await the arrival of Christmas. £470 per adult / £260 per child

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH

Enjoy a delightful six-course lunch menu crafted by the acclaimed Executive Chef John Williams MBE and his team. Delight in the entertainment provided by a live band and caricaturist. Cherish the joy on your children’s faces as they receive gifts from Father Christmas. £670 per adult / £365 per child.

CHRISTMAS DAY GALA DINNER

Indulge in an exquisite four course black-tie dinner at the luxurious Ritz Restaurant, proudly boasting Two Michelin Stars. Immerse yourself in the elegant ambience as a talented live band plays a selection of festive and popular tunes, creating an unforgettable evening of culinary delight and joyous celebration. £460 per adult / £300 per child

BOXING DAY LUNCH

Savour a four-course lunch at the renowned Two Michelin Star Ritz Restaurant. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere enriched by captivating live entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience for all. £330 per adult / £190 per child

BOXING DAY DINNER

Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of exquisite dining featuring a four-course set menu and energetic performances from a live band. £320 per adult / £175 per child

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER IN THE PALM COURT

Join us at The Palm Court for our unforgettable

THE DETAILS

For more information or to make a reservation, please telephone: +44 (0) 20 7300 2370 or email: festivities@theritzlondon.com

annual black-tie event. Indulge in a four-course dinner with a glass of Prestige Champagne, live entertainment, and a marching band. Watch the midnight countdown in The Ritz Restaurant. £975 per adult / £490 per child

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER IN THE RITZ RESTAURANT

The annual black-tie New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner features a six course Two Michelin Star menu and a half bottle of Prestige Champagne. Guests will enjoy entertainment from the live band, The Lone Piper, a marching band, and a special countdown to the New Year. £2,050 per adult / £1,000 per child.

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE RIVOLI BAR

Indulge in an exquisite experience: a sublime pairing of premium Belgian Caviar and champagne, exclusively presented in the prestigious Rivoli Bar on New Year’s Eve.

NEW YEAR’S DAY LUNCH

Celebrate the start of the New Year with a delightful four-course lunch that showcases fresh British ingredients at the magnificent Ritz Restaurant, which boasts Two Michelin Stars. Enjoy live entertainment as you indulge in exquisite cuisine. £330 per adult / £190 per child

NEW

YEAR’S DAY DINNER

Enjoy a four-course delectable dinner with live entertainment on New Year’s Day. The perfect way to celebrate the New Year and revel in the wonderful ambience. £320 per adult / £175 per child.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower Launches Alpine Escapes This Festive Season

Jumeirah Carlton Tower has announced the launch of its festive campaign, Alpine Escape to Knightsbridge, in collaboration with luxury skiwear and lifestyle brand Perfect Moment. From Friday, 7 November, guests are invited to embrace the spirit of the Alps and the magic of the festive season.

Upon arrival guests will be transported to an elegant Alpine retreat, where the hotel lobby will

be transformed into a snow-dusted landscape. The immersive design will feature Christmas trees adorned with frosted accents, an eye-catching Alpine installation, and enchanting winter décor.

At The Peak Lounge, guests can discover a modern chalet experience where sweeping views of London meet the charm of a mountain hideaway. Each evening from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the lounge will offer a gourmet fondue and charcuterie experience priced at £75 per person, featuring artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and refined accompaniments paired with French and Italian wines and Laurent Perrier cocktails. The experience concludes with a delicate Swiss cheese meringue and decadent hot chocolate. Enhancing the sense of occasion, hotel staff will don Perfect Moment ski apparel, while bespoke Perfect Moment branded décor, from branded cushions to winter throws, will adorn the lounge’s plush interiors.

The hotel will also unveil a seasonal afternoon tea, reimaging its award-winning tradition with a winter twist. The menu features an array of savoury delicacies to please all pallets, followed by the signature Scone Experience with four miniature scones and tailored condiments. Guests will then enjoy a medley of confections by Executive Pastry Chef Martin Haidar, while a spiced hot chocolate offers a comforting winter warmer.

THE DETAILS

For guests seeking balance amid the celebrations, The Peak Fitness Club & Spa will introduce two new wellness experiences:

• The Alpine Recovery Massage, inspired by the invigorating spirit of mountain air.

• The Silent Night Ritual, a deeply restorative treatment combining flowing massage techniques and targeted pressure points.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower also invites guests to experience a truly memorable Alpine Escape in the heart of London this festive season from £1,050.

The Alpine Escape to Knightsbridge package includes:

• Overnight stay

• Bottle of Champagne

• Special festive welcome treat

• An Alpine-inspired afternoon tea for two OR a 60-minute festive spa treatment

For more information and bookings, please visit: jumeirah.com/en/stay/london/ the-carlton-tower-jumeirah/ campaigns/festive

A Season for the Drive The Spirit of Goodwood Motor Circuit

As winter settles over the Sussex countryside, Goodwood Motor Circuit takes on a new kind of magic.

The crisp air, the glint of frost on the tarmac and the timeless silhouettes of classic saloons and sports cars waiting in the paddocks create a scene that feels lifted straight from a golden era of British motoring.

For those who crave both history and horsepower, the Motor Circuit remains one of Britain’s most evocative destinations, a place where elegance and adrenaline meet. It’s here, just a short journey from London, that guests can step into the driving seat of Goodwood’s most treasured experiences, each one imbued with heritage, craftsmanship, and the unmistakable spirit of the Estate.

Race Through History. Drive the future. The Prodriver Experience places you behind the wheel of some of the most desirable race machines on Goodwood’s iconic Motor Circuit. Every element has been shaped with insight from Karun Chandhok, trusted friend of Goodwood, and one of motorsport’s most respected voices, creating a programme that mirrors the focus and precision

of true race preparation. Guided by an elite roster of instructors, you’re led through data, technique and control. This is not simply driving; it is a rare opportunity to feel the craft, power and speed usually reserved for those who race at the highest levels.

Drive the Golden Era

Capture the romance of the road with the Revival Racing Experience and get behind the wheel of beautifully restored 1950s and 1960s saloons, feel every curve and camber of the Circuit once raced by legends such as Moss, Clark and Hill. Each drive is both a masterclass and a memory in motion, the scent of fuel and leather and the growl of vintage engines.

Country at the Core

For those drawn to the rugged over the refined, the Off-Road Experience invites you to take to the Estate’s 11,000 acres of wooded tracks and farmland in original Land Rovers, discovering a different side to Goodwood. With bespoke tours and tailored off-road journeys revealing a unique perspective on Goodwood’s landscape.

“The Prodriver Experience places you behind the wheel of some of the most desirable race machines on Goodwood’s iconic Motor Circuit”

More Than a Drive

Goodwood has long been synonymous with excellence and escape. From the racing heritage of the Motor Circuit to the serenity of The Kennels and the craftsmanship found across the Estate, each element reflects the Duke of Richmond’s vision for a uniquely British sense of place.

Guests visiting this season can combine their experience with an overnight stay, lunch at Farmer, Butcher, Chef, or an exploration of Goodwood’s wider offerings, from the rolling fairways of the golf course to the sustainable and organic produce of Home Farm and Farm Shop.

For Londoners seeking respite from the city’s pace, a stay at Goodwood is more than an excursion; it’s an immersion into a way of life where tradition and innovation sit side by side.

A Timeless Gift for Every Enthusiast

At a time of year when the search for meaningful gifts is more important than ever, Goodwood’s range of driving experiences offers something beyond the ordinary, they are lasting memories, crafted with care and attention to detail. Every gift carries with it the spirit of Goodwood, excellence, heritage and a sense of occasion.

Whether it’s a token of appreciation, a celebration, or a gift to yourself, a Goodwood experience is as enduring as the circuit itself. To drive where legends once raced is to become, for a moment, part of that story, one defined by passion, precision, and the pursuit of perfection.

Not all presents fit under the tree. Give the Gift of Goodwood goodwood.com

Celebrate Christmas 135m Above The City Skyline

The London Eye. Until 4th January 2026

The countdown to Christmas is on! Santa Claus has arrived on the South Bank –taking festivities to new heights.

The iconic attraction invites guests to celebrate the holidays 135 metres above London with a brand-new Christmas-adorned Grotto pod experience where festive magic and yuletide cheer fill the skies.

Families can experience festive magic - where little ones are invited to meet Father Christmas and his merry helpers aboard a beautifully decorated Christmas pod ‘Santa in the Sky’. The experience begins at the VIP check-in desk with a warm welcome from the London Eye team and introductions to four enchanting characters — The Gingerbread Baker, The Toy Maker’s Apprentice, The Head Elf, and The Nutcracker, leading guests to Mrs Claus’s Cosy Home. Children can enjoy a complimentary treat, write and post their Christmas wish lists, play festive games, and then board the Christmas pod magical meet-and-greet with Father Christmas himself for a rotation, while their letters are secretly delivered to Santa.

For those looking to add a touch of sparkle to their celebrations, Festive Flights with Moët & Chandon experience awaits. Guests begin their

experience in the Eye Lounge with a sparkling glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut before stepping on to the London Eye for their flight, savouring two glasses of Moët & Chandon’s most celebrated champagnes. Watch as the capital shimmers with festive charm from London’s most iconic landmark.

For a quintessential British tradition, attend high-dining Christmas-themed afternoon tea hosted on one of the London Eye’s pods. Festive cakes, scones, and mince pies, all the while enjoying breathtaking, 360-degree views, alive with the spirit of Christmas.

Plus, as part of the London Eye standard Ticket, the journey around the eye is narrated with stories of London’s Christmas past and present as the sparkling city landmarks are revealed. As an extra special touch, all the pods will be revamped and decorated for the season with festive Garlands and snowflakes. Finally, throughout the festive period the Eye will light the night sky with its iconic festive lighting display paying homage to candy canes, Christmas trees and vintage baubles, a staple of Christmas in the capital.

For more information, and to book tickets, please visit londoneye.com

‘A professional, classically trained and highly experienced approach to interior design’

THE BERKELEY UNVEILS AURORA: LIGHT IN MOTION A KINETIC INSTALLATION

This festive season, The Berkeley in Knightsbridge unveils Aurora: Light in Motion (2025), a new site-specific installation by renowned contemporary British artist duo, Rob and Nick Carter.

Transforming the Knightsbridge hotel’s entrance into a living field of colour and motion, Aurora invites guests and the neighbourhood into a world of dynamic light, movement and transformation.

The kinetic installation is composed of 150 bespoke neon beams of light that respond to the flow of human movement, arrivals and departures - echoing the rhythm of life within the hotel.

Positioned at the entrance of The Berkeley, Aurora engages and envelops guests’ underneath multi coloured beams from the moment they arrive. Its ever-changing interactive light and colour patterns shift dynamically, evolving throughout the day to capture the changing energy of the space. The effect is atmospheric and personal - an everchanging glow that celebrates the spirit of arrival and connection during the festive season.

Aurora reimagines festive illumination through precision engineering and contemporary artistry, creating a seamless harmony between light, architecture, and experience. This work exemplifies the hotel and artists’ dedication to craftsmanship and innovation.

“The kinetic installation is composed of 150 bespoke neon beams of light that respond to the flow of human movement”

For over two decades, London based Rob and Nick Carter have explored the boundaries of art, science, and technology, using light and motion as tools of transformation, examining the boundaries between analogue and digital based mediums. Their work precedes them and has travelled internationally to great acclaim, included in multiple institutional and gallery shows from The Frick to the V&A, Dulwich Picture Gallery to Frieze, Ben Brown Fine Arts & Saatchi Gallery. Rob and Nick Carter, said, “For us, light is a way of reinterpreting history without altering structure, and this installation brings that idea to life. It’s a quiet choreography of colour that welcomes guests and subtly transforms with their movement. We’re delighted to collaborate with The Berkeley on Aurora: Light in Motion. The hotel’s relationship with light and atmosphere has always resonated with us, and this project offered a rare opportunity to create a work that responds directly to the rhythm of the space.”

Aurora continues their investigation into the sensory and emotional qualities of colour, drawing on centuries of artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing the possibilities of the digital age.

the-berkeley.co.uk robandnick.com

CELEBRATE A CHRISTMAS PAST AT HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

CHRISTMAS CHEER AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Until 4 January 2026

Explore the magic of Christmas at Hampton Court Palace with a range of merry festivities this winter. Beautifully dressed up in Christmas decorations, the Tudor palace will welcome visitors with seasonal tunes performed live on select dates during the period. Guests can discover the foodie traditions of Christmas past in Henry VIII’s kitchens, warming up beside a roasting fire as they experience Tudor cookery in action, or join the Palace Hosts in the Wine Cellar to learn about the intriguing history of Christmas, from festive foods to Charles Dickens. Further winter wonders include the bustling Festive Fayre and the iconic Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink - perfect for rounding off a wintry day out.

CHRISTMAS AT HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE AND GARDENS: THE SNOWMAN™ AND THE SNOWDOG

Until 4 January 2025

Step into a tail-wagging adventure as Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is transformed into a whimsical world inspired by The Snowman™ and The Snowdog. Follow a festive trail featuring ten playful Snowdogs and one Snowman™, hidden among woodland paths, glens, and sparkling green

A STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS AT THE TOWER OF LONDON

until 4 January 2025

This winter season, the Tower of London is transformed into a magical storybook adventure, where centuries of royal history meet festive wonder. From dazzling decorations and glittering trees to enchanting installations, visitors can explore tales of kings and queens, royal beasts, romance and adventure. Discover the legends of the Tower’s famous ravens and royal menagerie, step into a regal throne for the perfect festive photo, and uncover myths, treasures and celebrations that bring the Tower’s extraordinary past to life. Included in general admission.

For further details visit hrp.org.uk

spaces. Along the way, enjoy film screenings of The Snowman™ and The Snowdog, meet Santa on select days, and step inside the Castle to see grand State Rooms dressed in twinkling trees and traditional decorations. Included in general admission.

VICTORIA’S SEASIDE CHRISTMAS AT KENSINGTON PALACE

Until 4 January 2026

This festive season, step back in time as Princess Victoria and her family celebrate Christmas in the charming seaside town of Ramsgate, Kent. Marking 190 years since the young princess’s memorable holiday by the sea, Kensington Palace will be transformed with enchanting decorations and displays that capture the magic and intimacy of her seaside celebrations. Discover the personal stories behind this special royal getaway and experience Christmas through the eyes of a future queen.

© Historic Royal Palaces

A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME… Christmas starts at The Royal Parks shop

Step into the season of sparkle and delight. This Christmas, The Royal Parks shop has curated a magical collection of gifts, decorations and festive treats that bring the beauty of the parks into every home.

From elegant jewellery and cosy winter accessories to handcrafted decorations, gourmet chocolate and soft, festive fragrances - each piece is thoughtfully chosen to capture the warmth, wonder and joy of the season.

All the makers are artisans, family businesses and fair-trade pioneers who share the Royal Parks shop commitment to sustainable, feelgood shopping. Discover handmade earrings from Love Kiki, vibrant wool scarves by Wallace Sewell, ethical toys from Keeleco and JellyCat, and delicious festive indulgences from Chococo and Cartwright & Butler. Whether it’s a stocking filler or a statement present, every gift tells a story - of craftsmanship, care and timeless festive charm.

Whether you’re shopping for little ones, food lovers, friends or family, their Christmas collection is designed to make gift-giving effortless and joyful no matter the size of your purse.

Bring the magic of Christmas home - beautifully wrapped, thoughtfully made, and inspired by nature.

Head to The Royal Parks shop in Hyde Park, alongside the Serpentine in the Boathouse or explore the full collection online at shop.royalparks.org.uk

Shopping with purpose. Supporting the charity.

The Royal Parks charity cares for eight of London’s most iconic green spaces, protecting over 5,000 acres of parkland, wildlife, and history. Often called the “lungs of London,” these treasured landscapes - from Hyde Park to Richmond Park - provide a breath of fresh air in our bustling city.

Shopping is a great way to support The Royal Parks charity - helping to preserve these incredible spaces while also championing small, ethical businesses and sustainability.

Find out more about The Royal Parks charity at royalparks.org.uk

Celebrate the season at art’otel London Battersea Power Station and art’otel London Hoxton

This Christmas, art’otel

London Battersea Power Station and art’otel

London Hoxton are celebrating the season with a line-up of unmatched events and activities as part of their art’beat events series.

From east to west London and true to art’otel’s spirit, creativity from both artists and guests are at the heart of the celebrations, with festivities ranging from rooftop film screenings to wreath-making workshops, and breakfast with Santa himself. For more information, visit artotel.com/en/ and follow @artotel to keep up with the latest news and events.

FESTIVE ROOFTOP FILM SCREENINGS

Back for a second year running, art’otel London Battersea Power Station is showcasing a magical array of Christmas movies on the JOIA rooftop with the backdrop of the iconic power station chimneys. Every Wednesday-Sunday, guests can enjoy a festive meal at the award-winning JOIA restaurant, before cosying up with friends and nougat flavoured popcorn to watch holiday classics on the big screen, including The Holiday, Love Actually, White Christmas, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Santa Clause, Home Alone, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Location: art’otel London Battersea Power Station

Dates: Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday until 21st December.

Tickets: From £80pp

HIDDEN CINEMA WITH CULT CLASSICS AND FAMILY FAVOURITES

As days get darker and London gets colder, art’otel London Hoxton has launched the perfect indoor escape: the Film House, a hidden cinema with a curated programme of cult classics and family favourites. With popcorn, snacks and drinks from the Gallery Bar, it’s an easy, cosy way to spend a winter weekend. November programme highlights

include family favourites such as Encanto, The Grinch, Coco, Tangled & Home Alone, and Cult Classics such as Dirty Dancing, The Godfather, La La Land and Love Actually while the December programme highlights include Elf, Singing in the Rain, Wonka and Home Alone 2.

Location: art’otel London Hoxton

Dates: Fridays 7pm, Saturdays 11am & 6pm, Sundays 11am until 30th December.

Tickets: Adults £12, Children £8, Family (4) £32 (Full programme available on the website)

WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS

Across both hotels, guests can make their very own Christmas wreaths. At art’otel London Hoxton these will be led by MOS London and at art’otel London Battersea Power Station .wreathmaking workshops will be led by arts partner Duende Lab.

art’otel London Hoxton: 11am and 12pm on Sunday 14th December.

art’otel London Battersea Power Station: Every Thursday and Friday until 19th of December with sessions running 5:00pm–6:30pm and 6:30pm–8:00pm. Book here.

CANDLE MAKING WORKSHOPS

Guests can join cosy candle making sessions throughout December, where they’ll create their own luxury candle. Sessions are available across both hotels and ideal for gifting, ensuring guests get into the festive spirit.

art’otel London Hoxton: Time: 6pm, 7.30pm on Thursday 10th and 17th December.

Tickets: £45pp.

THE CONNAUGHT CHRISTMAS TREE 2025

By Urs Fischer unveiled In Mayfair

The legendary Connaught Christmas Tree 2025 has been unveiled outside The Connaught - and this year it has been designed by influential Swiss-born contemporary visual artist Urs Fischer. This marks the start of the festive season on Mount Street in the heart of Mayfair and the tenth year The Connaught Christmas Tree has been designed by a celebrated artist.

The magnificent Nordmann Fir tree, sourced from Denmark, stands 31 feet tall on Carlos Place and aims to highlight the spirit of Christmas as a luminous celebration of togetherness.

Drawing inspiration from Fischer’s installation People – first seen in 2022 at Gagosian in New York – this tree imagines a global community gathered in joy. Spheres filled with AI-generated faces, each illuminated from within by LED light, evoke people from all ages, races, and places sharing in collective experiences.

The tree underscores Fisher’s belief that art should welcome everyone in. It’s a portrait of togetherness – simple, bright, and full of life.

Commenting on his creation, Fischer mentioned, “My dream is always the same: that my work communicates enough by itself, without too much context, that people who don’t engage with art get something out of it. That’s a really gratifying experience, to have someone just see something and think, wow, that’s cool, and they’re not from within the art world. Christmas is a time to celebrate together, and this year’s design is a collective of characters doing exactly that, having a good time”.

Past tree designers include Conrad Shawcross RA, Dame Rachel Whiteread, Suzy Murphy, Damien Hirst, Sir Antony Gormley, Dame Tracey Emin DBE, Sir Michael Craig-Martin CBE, Sean Scully, Idris Khan and Annie Morris. The Connaught has long established itself as playing a significant role in the art world, amassing a considerable art collection over its 170-year history.

The Connaught Christmas Tree 2025 by Urs Fischer will shine bright and illuminate Carlos Place until the first week of January 2026. the-connaught.co.uk ursfischer.com

London’s Best Winter Walks

A festive walk with family or friends couldn’t be more perfect to experience the spirit of winter in the capital. From sprawling treks across the city’s parks and nature reserves, to inner-city urban trails, here are just some of the best walks to enjoy in London.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH

Stretching from Hampstead across to Highgate, a roam across beautiful Hampstead Heath takes you to the countryside. It has provided inspiration for countless films, books and poems. with its 320-hectare wood and 18 ponds - three of which are reserved for wild swimming if you can brave the elements! Climb up Parliament Hill, stop to admire the spectacular views and continue towards the stunning Kenwood House, renowned for its impressive landscaped gardens.

REGENT’S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL

The Regent’s Park (including Primrose Hill) covers 197 hectares, The park consists of formal gardens, shrubberies, sports pitches, rough grassland, a large lake, small enclosed wood and a canal with embankments. Regents Park also houses various structures and organisations both public and private, including the iconic ZSL London Zoo. Primrose Hill has a character all of its own, at the summit of this grassy hill are stunning panoramic views from 63 metres above sea level from six different viewpoints.

BUSHY PARK

At over 1000 acres, Bushy Park lies just north of Hampton Court Palace, Bushy is famed for its mix of waterways, gardens, and roaming herds of red and fallow deer. Visit the Upper Lodge Water Gardens, a historic gem hidden away in the north of the park. See if you can spot some of the arresting birdlife, from kingfishers to kestrels. And enjoy a walk in the peaceful Woodland Gardens after fuelling up at the Pheasantry Café.

HYDE PARK

Once the hunting ground for Henry VIII, this large royal park is best known for its famous Speakers’ Corner and Serpentine Lake, home to waterfowl and oarsmen. The Lido only opens for the summer, but the Swimming Club is open all year round so brave folk can swim in frigid waters, sometimes as cold as 4C. For over 150 years, the most dedicated have been getting up early on Christmas morning and swimming in the freezing lake! Hyde Park is also home to the hugely popular Winter Wonderland, open until January 2026.

Primrose Hill

Hampstead heath

RICHMOND PARK

One of London’s most breathtaking landscapes and among the best places to enjoy wildlife. The 1,012-hectare space is made up of woodland, grassland and ponds attracting hedgehogs and bats hibernating in winter. But the park is best known for its 630 wild red and fallow deer – so have your camera ready if you want to catch their misty breath on a frosty day. Discover the Isabella Plantation woodland gardens, refuel at Pembroke Lodge tea rooms and enjoy distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound.

HOLLAND PARK

Located in one of the most desirable areas in London. amble around its formal gardens, loop the woodland in the north of the park then follow the path into Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden with stone lanterns, a waterfall and carp-filled pond. Look out for herring gull and black-headed gull in winter and squirrels and free-roaming peacocks all year round. The park also has an orangery, tennis courts and a cricket pitch.

WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS

1,140 acres of countryside amidst the urban surroundings of Wimbledon, Putney and Kingston-upon-Thames. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, the Commons provide an important home for wildlife With woodland, scrubland, heathland and mown recreation areas – and nine ponds. They are the home to a wide variety of bird, animal and plant life. Being an unfenced Common, the whole area is open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the year for visitors to explore, relax and unwind. You will also see avid horse riders from the nearby Wimbledon Village Stables.

GREENWICH PARK

On a crisp winter’s day, there are few better places to be than at the top of Greenwich Park. The 74-hectare space is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it overlooks the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf in the distance. Greenwich Park is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times and a small herd of Fallow and Red deer, harking back to its royal hunting past. There’s also a children’s playground where kids can run around and exhaust themselves.

There are many more parks and open spaces to discover in London, all bringing a bit of countryside into the capital.

HIGHGATE CEMETERY

Although it may seem a little macabre, Highgate Cemetery is one of England’s greatest treasures and one of the most peaceful, idyllic walks in the city. Notable writers, musicians, philosophers including George Eliot, Karl Marx, Jean Simmons, George Michael and Malcolm McLaren… and some rather well-off unknown individuals are laid to rest here. It has incredible architecture, mausoleums, and individual graves amongst an eerie gothic setting. A guided tour is well worth the cost, giving insight and knowledge of its fascinating history.

BATTERSEA PARK

With its gardens and sculptures offering the chance to escape through botanics and brief history lessons to far-flung destinations around the world, Battersea Park is one of the prettiest and most varied green spaces to walk in London. The Grade II-listed, 200-acre park boasts a spot of inner-city tranquillity - the Old English Garden: a walled hideaway in which a lily-covered pond and vibrant foliage is tended to by a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal-winner. Battersea Park also holds a children’s zoo, a boating lake, and a playground.

Richmond Park

Wimbledon Common

Greenwich Park

Holland Park

Highgate Cemetery

FROM LIVERPOOL ROOTS TO A NEW ERA OF RECRUITMENT:

How Gill Ashcroft Is Building Businesses With Purpose – and Transforming How

Young People Get Hired

Gillian “Gill” Ashcroft’s story is not one of overnight success or inherited privilege. Raised in a working-class family in Liverpool, she has spent the last three decades proving that ambition and impact do not need to be mutually exclusive. Today, she is recognised not only as a formidable entrepreneur who has built ten self-funded businesses across the UK and Dubai, but also as a philanthropist and change-maker who consistently prioritises social value over vanity metrics.

From property, retail, and hospitality ventures to launching Exceptional Care in 2014 – a service dedicated to providing safe, stable homes for children and young people – Ashcroft has built a portfolio that has empowerment at its core. Her work has improved lives not by accident, but by design. She is, in many ways, an “Angel of the North” – grounded, resilient, and quietly revolutionary.

Despite her business success, Ashcroft remains laser-focused on the same mission that motivated her as a young woman: to help young people thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Her newest venture, Succeed, is arguably the most scalable expression of that philosophy yet.

A NEW BREED OF RECRUITMENT APP

While the narrative of business innovation often revolves around disruption, Ashcroft’s approach to technology is more human: solve a real problem, remove unnecessary barriers, and give people the tools they need to flourish.

Succeed, her latest venture, is a recruitment app created to solve a growing disconnect between employers and young people entering the workforce. Rather than competing with traditional corporate platforms, Succeed has been built from the ground up to serve a generation that is mobile-first, skillsfocused, and often unsure of where to begin.

At its heart, Succeed is a platform that empowers employers to discover emerging talent quickly and efficiently, while giving young people a practical roadmap to employment. With built-in CV planning tools, AI-led job matching, and an intuitive design, Succeed is eliminating the friction that has long frustrated both sides of the hiring process.

“Success isn’t what you accumulate it’s what you give back.” Gillian Ashcroft

“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t.

Succeed exists to close that gap”

“We’re removing the anxiety from first-time job searching and replacing it with clarity, confidence and opportunity,” says Ashcroft.

In simple terms, Succeed isn’t just another jobs board – it’s a youth-centred ecosystem designed to support early career journeys from discovery to placement.

A SOCIAL MISSION WITH COMMERCIAL VALUE

Ashcroft has never believed that social purpose must come at the expense of commercial performance. In fact, her businesses have grown precisely because they are built with purpose baked in from day one.

Exceptional Care, now a leading provider of residential homes for children and young people with complex needs, was born from Ashcroft’s first-hand understanding that entrepreneurship can – and should – be a vehicle for systemic change. The company’s success proved that businesses driven by empathy can still be operationally robust, scalable, and commercially strong.

Succeed, although very different in function, shares the same DNA: empowerment through opportunity.

For employers, the app represents more than just a talent pool. It offers access to a motivated, diverse, and work-ready generation that has too often been overlooked by conventional recruitment models. For young people, it offers a future with direction, not guesswork.

“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. Succeed exists to close that gap – not with slogans, but with technology that works.”

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND A NEW WORKFORCE

Today’s employers face mounting challenges in recruitment: skills shortages, rising costs, and an increasingly competitive market for entry-level talent. Meanwhile, young people are entering the workforce with unprecedented uncertainty.

Succeed’s AI matching tools and targeted job features enable employers to filter applicants quickly, accurately, and fairly – saving time and resources while reaching candidates who genuinely align with their business needs. In other words: less manual screening, more meaningful matches. The platform also encourages employers to recruit

with intention, providing tools that flatten biases and increase access. It’s tech with humanity built in – something that reflects both Ashcroft’s personal values and her vision for the future of employment.

THE CALL TO EMPLOYERS

Succeed is now inviting forward-thinking employers to join the platform and help shape a more inclusive future for recruitment. For companies struggling to source reliable entry-level staff, it offers a streamlined, tech-enabled solution that meets young people where they already are.

For businesses looking beyond transactional hiring, it offers the chance to participate in something bigger – a movement to help young people transition from uncertainty to opportunity.

“We’re not just placing jobs – we’re building pathways,” Ashcroft explains. “Employers have an extraordinary role to play in that story.”

A LEGACY BUILT ON ACTION

What makes Gill Ashcroft’s impact so compelling is not just what she has built, but why she has built it. Her businesses may span sectors and geographies, but they are unified by a belief that success is most meaningful when shared.

From her early days in Liverpool to her latest venture in tech, Ashcroft has remained relentless in her pursuit of economic and social mobility for those who need it most. And Succeed is poised to become her most transformative platform yet.

COMING SOON @SUCCEED

exceptional-care.co.uk thinktank-academy.com admin@succeed.community

“We’re removing the anxiety from first-time job searching and replacing it with clarity and confidence.”

“Employers have an extraordinary role to play in building pathways for young people.”

“Tech should make life easier, not more complicated – Succeed does exactly that.”

Twelfth Night

Welcome in the festive season with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Twelfth Night at the Barbican, London.

After a sold-out, five-star run in Stratford-upon-Avon, welcome in the festive season with the RSC’s ‘fresh, funny and surprising’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, at the Barbican London.

UK Theatre Award-winning Director Prasanna Puwanarajah revives his ‘inspired and spellbinding’ (The Stage) production, designed by James Cotterill, which sees Freema Agyeman (Olivia), Michael Grady-Hall (Feste), Gwyneth Keyworth (Viola) and Samuel West (Malvolio), alongside Daniel Monks as Orsino.

A woman survives a shipwreck and washes up on an unknown shore. Alone and bereaved of her twin brother, she embarks on a secret new life as a go-between for two people in the extremity of love and grief. Caught up in the ensuing love triangle, she experiences the chaos and humanity

of unexpected love; and discovers that in Illyria, everyone is hiding something.

With original music and songs composed by singer songwriter Matt Maltese, don’t miss this bittersweet freewheeling miracle of farce, longing, love and life, playing for six weeks only.

Director, Prasanna Puwanarajah said, “I’m delighted that our production of Twelfth Night is coming back to life this winter. The Stratford run was busy and buzzy and the Barbican is such an iconic place to play a Shakespeare play. I’m looking forward to getting back in the rehearsal room with this incredible company of performers and creatives, including new family member

Daniel Monks this time around. Christmas is a time of year to be together and laugh, and also to remember people. I’m so happy to say that this production really delivered this for audiences last year. Please come and see us and bring those you know and love.”

THE DETAILS

A festive experience to be had - now playing at the Barbican in London until 17 January 2026.

Six weeks only - book your tickets now at barbican.org.uk - Tickets from £25.

Photography © Helen Murray

Walking in an Alpine Wonderland: The Alpine Lodge Returns to Vicinity

A new season at London’s hottest ski-themed bar awaits

This winter, ski-themed bar, The Alpine Lodge at Vicinity is back and better than ever. Reopening its doors to explorers, dreamers and après-ski enthusiasts alike, The Alpine Lodge is bringing a taste of the mountains to the banks of the Thames.

Nestled beneath the iconic Tower Bridge, The Alpine Lodge transforms the riverside terrace of Vicinity into a cosy alpine escape, perfect for festive after-work drinks, winter date nights, or weekend catch-ups with friends. Step inside a true winter wonderland, complete with faux fur furnishings, snow-dusted Alpine trees, and even a real ski lift for that all-important photo moment. Guests can soak up panoramic views of Tower Bridge and The City while indulging in warming winter cocktails and hearty après-ski favourites.

From Mulled Wine and Cider, to Boozy Hot Chocolates, Hot Toddies and festive cocktails by Absolut, the drinks menu is packed with seasonal delights. Guests can also enjoy Kopparberg cider, served either on tap or mulled for an extra-cosy winter twist. Highlights on the cocktail menu include the Alpine White, made with Absolut vodka, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Havana 7yo rum, gomme syrup and coconut milk; the Snowy Lodge White Russian with Absolut vodka, Kahlua and cream; and the Campfire Cocoa Martini featuring Crème de Cacao, Absolut vodka, Baileys

“Nestled beneath the iconic Tower Bridge, The Alpine Lodge transforms the riverside terrace of Vicinity into a cosy alpine escape, perfect for festive after-work drinks, winter date nights, or weekend catch-ups with friends”

Irish Cream and cinnamon.

From warm, gooey Alpine Cheese dishes to signature Scandi Street Food faves, the food menu at The Alpine Lodge at Vicinity has something to suit all taste buds. Highlights include Loaded Rosti Potato Bites, Tartiflette and the Ultimate Turkey Sandwich, complete with a rich gravy dipping pot. For something extra indulgent, guests can enjoy a Swiss Fondue for a creamy blend of Emmental and Gruyere melted with white wine, schnapps and garlic, served with ciabatta, new potatoes and pickled onions.

Whether popping in for a festive drink, hosting a celebration or simply chasing those après-ski vibes, The Alpine Lodge offers an unforgettable winter experience, with no booking required. Simply walk in, pull up a chair and get cosy by the faux-fire glow. For larger gatherings, The Alpine Lodge is available for exclusive hire for up to 80 guests, with no venue hire fee, making it an ideal setting for private parties, corporate events or festive celebrations.

Situated within The Tower Hotel, Vicinity boasts unbeatable views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, St Katharine Docks, HMS Belfast and The Shard, an unbeatable backdrop for a truly magical winter night out.

To book and for further information please visit vicinitylondon.co.uk/the-alpine-lodge

Experience the best reviewed immersive exhibition in London this Christmas...

The Legend of the Titanic Awaits

Only Open Until 1st February 2026

Make this festive season truly special at The Legend of the Titanic Exhibition - a richly atmospheric award-winning experience that brings the world’s most famous ship to life in dazzling style. Perfect for families, history lovers and anyone seeking a memorable day out over the holidays, it is one of the most talked-about cultural shows of 2025.

The experience blends compelling storytelling with cutting-edge projection mapping, original and replica artefacts, and beautifully recreated environments, offering a rare chance for visitors of all ages to explore the Titanic’s story together. It feels less like a museum visit and more like stepping inside a beautifully crafted period drama.

Children and adults alike can wander the recreated corridors, linger over props from the

The experience blends compelling storytelling with cutting-edge projection mapping, original and replica artefacts, and beautifully recreated environments

1997 film, and step into a passenger’s shoes through an advanced AI photo booth that creates a bespoke memento. Younger guests can dive into hands-on learning stations and a charming drawing corner, making the experience genuinely engaging for the whole family.

After exploring the exhibition, visitors can retreat to a recreation of the enchanting Café Parisien, inspired by the original ship’s café, serving mulled wine, prosecco, mince pies, and other festive favourites!

From moving projections that chart the ship’s final hours to a VR tribute honouring the musicians who played on, The Legend of the Titanic is quietly moving and visually spectacular, offering a thoughtful and atmospheric alternative to the usual Christmas outings.

Visits like this offer families the chance to spend quality time together and create lasting memories, with the curated gift shop providing optional keepsakes.

Open every day throughout the festive season apart from Christmas Day, The Legend of the Titanic invites guests to immerse themselves in history, enjoy festive treats, and experience a timeless story in a completely new way. Located at Dock X in Canada Water and easily reached via the Jubilee and Windrush lines, it is the perfect festive outing for friends and family alike.

THE DETAILS

Tickets start at £16 for children and £24 for adults, with full details available at legend-of-titanic.com.

Special discounted rates are also available for school groups.

Instagram: @legendoftitanic

Facebook: LegendofTitanic

Address: Dock X, Unit 1 Canada

Water, Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 2XU

THE LAST DAYS OF POMPEII: THE IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION

Now open at Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront

Booking for a strictly limited period until 15th March 2026

THE DETAILS

Book tickets at pompeiiexperience.com

General Admission tickets from £24, children from £18 (children aged 3 and under go for free).

A £2 per ticket booking fee is applied at checkout.

Schools and youth groups can apply for a special discounted group booking rate at pompeiiexperience.com/london/groups.

‘The Last Days of Pompeii’ Immersive Exhibition has opened its doors at Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront, just in time for Christmas! Running until 15th March 2026, the National Geographic award-winning exhibition takes visitors on an unprecedented journey through ancient Pompeii, using a striking combination of 360-degree projections, virtual reality, artefacts from the time and metaverse experience.

Spanning 3,000 square metres with 8 metre high projection walls and over 10 different galleries and installations, The Last Days of Pompeii Exhibition is the largest of its kind and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of the Roman City as they witness one of history’s most dramatic events - the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuviusand discover the culture and fascinating stories of those who lived there in 79 AD.

Discover impressive artefacts including a marble sculpture of Diana’s (the goddess of hunting) torso, a bronze Roman sculpture depicting a lifesize ‘Calceus Senatorius’ shoe, and a bronze bridle strap (Terret) from Roman Britain.

Enter one of Europe’s largest immersive projection halls, immersing you in the sights and sounds of Pompeii.

Take your seat for a 360° Virtual Reality sequence that transports you into a Roman amphitheatre.

Become an archaeologist for the day in the Archaeological Explorer Room, uncovering concealed treasures from digital sandpits alongside large interactive maps.

The journey continues into a free-roaming Metaverse experience recreating the legendary Villa of the Mysteries. Here, you can move through its restored spaces - the wine cellar, cloister, and thermal bath - as they would have appeared before the eruption.

The experience concludes with an AI Photobooth, which uses advanced facial recognition technology to transform visitors into patricians of ancient Pompeii.

Located at Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront, just 12 minutes from Central London on the Elizabeth Line, The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition is both exhilarating and educational in equal measure.

This festive season, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square unveilsa captivating new Mizuhiki Ikebana Christmas Installation, designed by acclaimed floral artists Frida Kim and Wagner Kreusch. On display from 10 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the installation transforms the hotel lobby into a serene celebration of Japanese artistry and contemporary design.

At the centre of the display is a majestic Christmas tree, blending traditional green pine with Ikebana-inspired shapes and vibrant red Mizuhiki knots - the intricate Japanese art of decorative knot-tying. These elements symbolise unity, prosperity, and connection, flowing harmoniously throughout the lobby. Together, they create a spectacular centrepiece that embodies Nobu’s balance of minimalist elegance and heartfelt hospitality.

Enhancing the tree, a large floral sculpture combines bamboo, red berries, and Mizuhiki accents to create a visual narrative that is both impactful and poetic - a true reflection of Nobu’s design philosophy: refined, meaningful, and deeply sensory.

NOBU AT CHRISTMAS

Celebrate the Season with Nobu Hotel London Portman Square’s Mizuhiki Ikebana Christmas Tree by Frida Kim and Wagner Kreusch

This season, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the holiday season through Nobu’s signature dining and seasonal experiences, each offering an elevated way to celebrate this wonderful time of year. The Festive Afternoon Tea in The Lounge will launch on 25 November, featuring savoury delights such as Nobu’s Crispy Rice with Black Cod Butter and Chicken Kara-Age Sliders with Creamy Aji Amarillo, accompanied by handcrafted pastries and a selection of teas. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, Nobu restaurant will offer exclusive multi-course Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus, showcasing Nobu’s signature Japanese cuisine with refined seasonal influences. Groups and private parties can enjoy festive canapés in The Lounge or host intimate gatherings in the elegant Private Dining Room, which accommodates up to 28 guests. For larger celebrations, Nobu Catering offers bespoke menus,

curated tableware, and full-service experiences for Christmas parties, winter weddings, and private events.

For guests wishing to extend their celebration, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square offers two luxurious stay packages. The Nobu Noël package invites guests to unwind in serene, minimalist rooms whilst enjoying the warmth of Nobu’s merry atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Champagne Dream into the New Year package offers an elevated way to welcome 2026, complete with luxurious accommodation and celebratory touches.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Marylebone, steps from Oxford Street’s boutiques, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square offers the ultimate city retreat for shopping, dining, and celebrating in sophisticated style.

For more information and to book, visit nobuhotels.com

9th November Fine Interiors

12th November

20th Century Design

16th November

Modern and Traditional Home

17th November Mirrors and Lighting

23rd November

Anouska Hempel x Fine Interiors

30th November

Anouska Hempel x Couture and Luxe

7th December Fine Interiors

14th December

Modern and Traditional Home

THE DORCHESTER LAUNCHES ‘THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS’

The Dorchester has announced their muchanticipated launch of Christmas festivities - embracing ‘The Magic of Christmas’ whilst capturing the spirit of the city.

This year, The Dorchester will come alive through two spectacular Christmas events in support of the hotel’s official charity partner, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

The Dorchester will be transformed with sophisticated festive decorations, curated by the inhouse designer florist Philip Hammond. A landmark for the bold and the curious, this will include the iconic 15-foot UK-grown Nordmann spruce, which will stand in the lobby to welcome guests.

Another standout feature will be an elaborate gingerbread house, created by executive pastry chef Michael Kwan in The Promenade. Bringing London’s skyline to life in gingerbread form, explore recreations of iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, black cabs and red phone boxes. Children can join in by taking part in hands-on gingerbread masterclasses, creating their own sweet masterpieces, with DIY kits also available to enjoy at home.

A Christmas grotto will pop-up by reception,

Until 4 January 2026

offering a magical space where children can write letters to Santa and post them directly through The Dorchester’s North Pole post box.

Dining at The Dorchester is an experience shaped by mood, moment and imagination and there is nothing quite like Christmas at The Dorchester.

SPARKLING HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Festive Hampers & Gifts: This year’s gourmet hampers consist of a selection of decadent

“On Sunday 30 November, David Walliams will host a children’s afternoon tea and perform a special reading”

culinary delights and luxurious drinks. Newcomers include The Dorchester Yule Log, Panettone and Gingerbread House. The Dorchester Festive Hamper range are available to purchase through the hotel or via the website. Festive retail at The Dorchester will include five gift boxes, The Dorchester Martinez bottled cocktail paired with two Vesper glasses or sold separately, champagne and chocolates or champagne flutes, The Dorchester Old Tom Gin & Tonic set and The Promenade tea and teacup sets. Prices for the gift boxes start from £95.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester: Executive chef Jean-Philippe Blondet presents a contemporary reinterpretation on seasonal dining with multi-course menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Each experience is served in a spectacular setting and concludes with a delicately crafted festive yule log.

Vesper Bar at The Dorchester: This year, Vesper Bar presents a spectacular lunch and dinner menu throughout the festive season, complemented by live evening entertainment. Additionally, Vesper Bar is available for private and semi-private hire, providing a glamorous 1930s-style setting perfect for celebrating.

Festive Group Celebrations: This Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, The Dorchester will open its Chef’s Table and Wine Vault for private dining experiences. Pricing starts from £600 for a seven-course festive menu including a welcome glass of Champagne and wine flight.

Afternoon Tea: Always a cherished occasion at The Dorchester, and this holiday season is no exception. Award-winning executive pastry chef Michael Kwan presents a stunning festive-inspired menu, featuring an array of delicate seasonal sweets and savoury delights. The experience is elevated with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow

THE DETAILS

For more information visit: dorchestercollection.com/london/ the-dorchester/festive

Follow The Dorchester: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Tiktok #TheDorch - #DCmoments

Label Brut Champagne, NV or non-alcoholic options and accompanied by live music. Festive Afternoon tea is priced from £125 per person on weekdays and £135 per person at weekends.

Festive Stay Package: Guests are invited to celebrate the magic of Christmas at The Dorchester with the new Festive Stay package. Arriving on Christmas Eve, they can soak up the hotel’s extraordinary atmosphere with festive cocktails and canapés in Vesper Bar or Artists’ Bar. Christmas Day will start with a meet and greet with Santa followed by a traditional Dorchester Christmas lunch complete with all the trimmings.

On December 26, guests can enjoy a later checkout at 4pm to make the most of the festivities.

Back by popular demand

FEAST OFF-PISTE

The Berkeley’s Rooftop, Knightsbridge Until 13 January 2026

Feast Off-Piste, a festive dining experience from Feast Events, has arrived at The Berkeley in London’s Knightsbridge. Taking place on The Berkeley’s Rooftop, usually reserved for hotel guests, the immersive dining pop up features an authentic alpine menu to be enjoyed from the comfort of custom-made ski gondolas.

Whilst the gondolas remain stationary, diners’ tastebuds are taken on a journey as they enjoy an unforgettable festive experience accompanied by snow-dusted alpine trees and twinkling lights, overlooking Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. After being greeted with a glass of mulled wine, diners can experience a hearty, winter sharing menu of classics, including traditional Swiss raclette, tartiflette with freshly shaved truffle, a milk chocolate fondue and gingerbread s’mores to finish.

With unrivaled views of London’s skyline, diners can toast their experience with a supplementary winter cocktail menu and

Champagne by Laurent-Perrier, complete with ‘ring for Champagne’ bell within each gondola. Cocktails include Dark Chocolate Old Fashioned, Burnt Marshmallow Mezcalita, and Wild Blackberry Picante.

FEAST OFF-PISTE SHARINGSTYLE SET MENU

A glass of warm mulled wine or non-alcoholic cider

SAVOURY DISHES

Traditional Swiss raclette served with sourdough, charcuterie and pickles

Tartiflette topped with freshly shaved truffle

Winter salad with chicory, butternut squash and pomegranate

SWEET TREATS

Milk chocolate fondue with fruit, sweet treats and marshmallows

Gingerbread s’mores

The pop-up is available to book for groups of 4-6 from 13th November 2025 – 13th January 2026, priced at £85 per person. Four sittings are available daily, from 12-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8pm and 9-11pm

ABOUT FEAST

Founded by eternal creative Sarah Dove, Feast Events is a collection of wonderfully creative pop-up dining experiences that combine exceptional food with extraordinary settings. With Neal Dove - formerly of Cliveden and The Lanesborough - at the culinary helm, each Feast promises menus as inspired as the experiences themselves. feast-events.com

Instagram @feastevent TikTok @feastevents

ABOUT THE BERKELEY

The Berkeley, operated by Maybourne, is the essence of contemporary chic and innovative luxury. With stunning rooms and suites, a rooftop pool with views over Hyde Park, as well as cocktails in The Berkeley Bar and Terrace, The Berkeley provides the ultimate urban retreat in the heart of London. the-berkeley.co.uk

Instagram @the_berkeley TikTok @theberkeleyhotel

For more information and to book, visit the-berkeley.co.uk/ restaurants-bars/ feast-off-piste/

CLARIDGE’S CHRISTMAS HAMPERS & GIFTS 2025

The legendary Mayfair hotel unveils its collection of Christmas hampers and gifts, specially sourced and created by the hotel’s long-standing experts.

Hampers filled with festive foodie treats selected from the hallowed kitchens and bars are joined by a first range of homeware hampers, with new cashmere blankets, exquisite glassware and the hotel’s signature candle amongst the luxuries encased in timeless wicker. A new Art Deco inspired match box case and first twin pack of playing cards, embossed in gold, are the ultimate stocking fillers, while hand-embroidered slippers, a jade silk eye mask and cashmere socks are sure to delight.

The season sees the much-anticipated arrival of the Claridge’s puddings, handmade with the hotel’s secret century-old recipe and each presented in a china bowl, wrapped in muslin, boxed and ribboned with love. The Claridge’s Christmas crackers also return – made in England and filled with keepsakes inspired by the hotel’s heritage, complete with Claridge’s cocktail recipes. Finally, ribboned gift boxes have been designed to bring the joy of Claridge’s home for Christmas. shop.claridges.co.uk

NEW CLARIDGE’S ART DECO MATCHES £15

CLARIDGE’S

THE CLARIDGE’S HAMPER £2,150

NEW COCKTAILS BY CLARIDGE’S £385

CLARIDGE’S FUMOIR NEGRONI £22

CLARIDGE’S EARL GREY TEA £20

BBENTLEY MOTORS AND STEINWAY & SONS

A symphony of craftsmanship

entley Motors and Steinway & Sons have announced a unique collaboration that brings together motoring and music in a celebration of craftsmanship, design, and innovation at the very highest level. Revealed at an exclusive event in Hamburg, a special Bentley Flying Spur Speed and a striking new limited-edition line of Steinway grand pianos, are the culmination of a partnership between these two world-famous brands.

Uniting two leading names in the world of luxury, Bentley partners with pioneering piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons to showcase a long and shared tradition of excellence in craftsmanship, precision, individuality, and timeless design.

Bentley’s Flying Spur Speed sedan – powered by its Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 - is finished in Arctic White with a Piano Black veneer interior, a lyrical design pairing that mirrors Steinway’s striking new Ultra Black and Ultra White limited edition grand pianos. The collaboration is a celebration of monochrome – a palette favoured by customers of both brands – and a reminder

that in the world of luxury, less is more.

As contemporary interpretations of Steinway’s legendary grand pianos, each limited-edition series consists of just 18 Model B Concert Grands and 8 Model D Concert Grands. Produced entirely in Hamburg, these rare editions embody Steinway’s dedication to precision, innovation, and design with a contemporary edge, appealing to both musicians and collectors who value exceptional artistry.

The collaboration between Bentley and Steinway extends beyond design, with both brands sharing expertise in woodworking and veneering, following recent visits to one another’s factories. This exchange of knowledge highlights how each applies technology and craftsmanship to create pieces designed to last for generations – whether in the concert hall or on the open road.

Following the reveal, the black and white trio –the Bentley Flying Spur Speed and two Ultra Black and Ultra White Steinway grand pianos - will tour Europe for a series of concerts for the brand’s shared customers.

bentleymotors.com/uk steinway.co.uk

“Uniting two leading names in the world of luxury, Bentley partners with pioneering piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons to showcase a long and shared tradition of excellence in craftsmanship, precision, individuality, and timeless design”

Your Italian Christmas at Scalini London

Scalini London is an iconic Italian restaurant in the heart of Chelsea with over thirty five years’ history and culinary heritage. With an emphasis on tradition, quality and exclusivity, yet with an inclusive warm welcome and ‘family’ feel, Scalini London is loved by regular clientele and international visitors all year round. During the winter months, Scalini really comes into its own as the home of traditional Italian feasting and festive celebrations from on Walton Street.

With over three decades of ‘ospitalità italiana’ under our belts, the relaxed Italian way of enjoying good food and wine with friends and family is perfectly suited to the intimacy of Scalini, and with restaurant manager Massimo meeting and greeting local clientele since we opened our doors in 1988, we count many of our guests and their families as our very good friends.

In the kitchen, Executive Chef Paulino Alves (pictured), a fixture at Scalini for over 30 years, excels in preparing delicious signature dishes with care. The menu at this time of year stays resolutely Italian, bolstered by seasonal ingredients such as Tagliolini with truffle cream and fresh shaved

black truffle and warming winter favourites such as Ossobuco, a traditional Lombardy slow cooked veal stew with fresh herbs.

And who could forget the wine list, a treasure trove of Italian quality, rarity and taste, packed with big reds, sophisticated whites and chilled bubbles perfect for the big occasions.

Dine in the main restaurant for parties up to ten, or for larger groups and complete privacy, reserve our private dining room and bar on the first floor, ideal for Christmas parties and events for up to 26 people seated.

Feast with Scalini this Christmas and enjoy the perfect combination of friends, family, exceptional food and wine in the heart of Chelsea.

Massimo, Paulino and the Scalini team wish all our valued clientele old and new, ‘Buon Natale’ and look forward to welcoming you over the festive season.

THE DETAILS

To book a table or to hold a private dinner, party or celebration at Scalini, please contact info@scalinilondon.co.uk or call 020 7225 2301. Tables can also be booked at scalinilondon.co.uk

Open Daily in December 12 noon - 10.45pm. Closed 24th & 25th, 1st January

A San Carlo Christmas

By Lauren Naylor

From London to Manchester, Birmingham to Bristol, San Carlo’s restaurants have long been synonymous with Italian sophistication. From the first pop of Prosecco to the last spoonful of tiramisu, the group’s new festive menus capture the essence of Italian celebration.

The San Carlo Christmas Fayre menu opens with an irresistible selection of antipasti: Gamberoni Luciana, king prawns laced with garlic and chilli; Mozzarella in Carrozza, crisp fried mozzarella wrapped in bread with basil and tomato and Burrata e Pomodoro, creamy burrata from Puglia paired with marinated tomato carpaccio and fresh basil.

Festive mains are equally as indulgent, featuring Branzino, pan-fried sea bass with lime; Tagliatelle Porcini, chestnut pasta with porcini mushrooms, truffle and Grana Padano cheese and the traditional Tacchino con Ripieno di Castagne,

“This Christmas, San Carlo invites you to dine the Italian way with elegance, generosity and pure indulgence.”

succulent turkey with chestnut stuffing, pancettawrapped chipolatas and Italian jus, served with seasonal vegetables and rosemary potatoes.

To finish, desserts range from rich Ferrero Rocher Cake and buttery Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding to traditional Italian Tiramisu and Panna Cotta, each served with tea or coffee.

For those dining on the big day itself, San Carlo’s Christmas Day Festive Lunch (£94.50 per person; children under 12 half price) is a masterclass in Italian celebration. The feast begins with six antipasti, including Avocado Bernardo, a lavish mix of lobster, scampi and prawns; Crostone Funghi e Tartufo, truffled mushrooms on toasted Altamura bread; and Carpaccio di Manzo which is thinly sliced fillet of beef with mustard and rocket, followed by a shimmering Champagne Sorbet to cleanse the palate.

Main courses include Scaloppine Signor Sassi, veal with brandy and mushrooms; Salmone Prosecco e Gamberetti, salmon with Norwegian prawns in Prosecco sauce; and the iconic Tournedo Rossini, filet of beef in Madeira wine topped with pâté and truffle. Traditionalists will adore the Tacchino con Ripieno di Castagne (as aforementioned) served with rosemary potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Sweet endings are pure theatre: Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding with limoncello and vanilla ice cream, Torta Pistacchio, Meringata alle Fragole, or Pere al Chianti, poached pears with hazelnut ice cream.

This Christmas, San Carlo invites you to dine the Italian way with its delectable Christmas celebration menu.

Sancarlo.co.uk

HYAKKO: 100+ Makers from Japan

Open now at Japan House London, Hyakkō is a new, free exhibition that gathers almost 2,000 pieces of exquisitely hand-crafted everyday items which together paint a picture of contemporary Japanese craft.

Involving more than 120 artists, craftspeople and self-taught makers from across Japan, Hyakkō presents works in clay, glass, wood, leather, metal and bamboo – each item bearing traces of its maker’s surroundings and nodding to tradition while quietly incorporating both innovation and self-expression.

From ceramic matcha bowls to metal teapots

and urushi lacquerware trays, visitors are invited to appreciate the harmony between form and function, and through beautifully captured video and specially selected books, to discover the people and processes behind the craft of Japan’s every day.

Explore more through our programme of related events including hands-on workshops, gallery tours and a series of specialist talks, and visit the Shop for a wide selection of works by dozens of the makers featured in the exhibition.

Visit Japan House London for an unparalleled glimpse at Japan’s thriving craft scene. japanhouselondon.uk

“From ceramic matcha bowls to metal teapots and urushi lacquerware trays, visitors are invited to appreciate the harmony between form and function”

A MAGICAL PARTNERSHIP WITH HAMLEYS

15–24 December 2025

This festive season, The Langham, London once again partners with Hamleys, the world’s most famous toy store, to bring a sense of wonder and play to Regent Street. Together, the two icons will capture the spirit of Christmas with magical experiences for families and guests of all ages.

HAMLEYS FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA, PALM COURT

Drawing on the rich heritage of both The Langham and Hamleys, Palm Court will host two specially designed Festive Afternoon Teas. Children will be treated to a whimsical menu of patisseries shaped like legendary historic toys with a Hamleys Bear, while adults can enjoy The Langham’s traditional afternoon tea sprinkled with a little Hamleys festive magic, reimagining nostalgic childhood favourites with a refined twist. £75 per child - £95 per adult - £105 including Champagne.

HAMLEYS GROTTO AT THE LANGHAM, LONDON

Step into a world of festive enchantment as the Hamleys Grotto returns to The Langham. Families are invited to embark on a journey where children can play games with Santa’s cheerful elves, enjoy sweet festive treats and meet Father Christmas

himself. Every child will leave with a special gift, creating memories to treasure long after the season ends. £275 per ticket (admits up to four persons)

HAMLEYS X THE LANGHAM SUITE PACKAGE

With families in mind, The Langham has curated a Hamleys Suite package, designed to make the festive season truly unforgettable for suite guests – enhancing their visit with exclusive access to the Hamleys Christmas Grotto. Available to one-bedroom suites and above, the package can be added to overnight stays, creating cherished memories for the whole family (up to 4 guests). £275 suite add-on.

Each day brings something unexpected, creating a season of joyful discovery.

ABOUT THE LANGHAM, LONDON

Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. The hotel offers the most luxurious guestrooms and suites, classically styled and evoking a warm residential feel with flawless service. The Langham’s bars and restaurants are all overseen by the culinary icon Michel Roux.

langhamhotels.com/en/thelangham/london

langhamlondon.christmas

Social: @langham_london

The Langham, 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA

CLARIDGE’S CHRISTMAS TREE 2025 BY DANIEL LEE FOR BURBERRY UNVEILED

Claridge’s, London’s legendary Mayfair hotel, has unveiled Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2025, this year designed by Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Burberry.

The traditional 16ft tree is decorated with bows – a Victorian symbol of unity – made from surplus Burberry fabrics. The tree is covered in wild foliage and thistle, Scotland’s national flower, as a nod to Burberry’s connection to the Highlands, where its cashmere scarves are produced. The colours and textures bring the outdoors in, drawing from the beauty of the UK’s rich landscapes.

The tree features hanging brass bells inspired by the house’s Equestrian Knight Design and baubles handmade by a British glassblower. The top of the tree is adorned with a gold crown, while the base features oversized floor-standing chess pieces and cosy cushions and blankets.

Commenting on the tree, Daniel Lee said, “Claridge’s has always felt like home from the moment you walk through its doors, a true symbol of elegance and British heritage where I’ve enjoyed

many special moments over the years. Being invited to design the hotel’s annual Christmas tree is a huge honour. I saw it as an opportunity to celebrate tradition and togetherness - expressing the season through vibrant colours and rich textures. Christmas is my favourite time of the year”.

Set in the hotel’s lobby until 4th January, the annual Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a festive landmark for both Londoners and visitors from around the world.

Claridge’s also feature elegant Burberry details throughout the hotel with guests and visitors welcomed by doormen wearing the iconic Burberry Check scarf. The unmistakable pattern also appears on room key holders, as well as in the lift, which has been redesigned with a plush check pattern on the sofa and cushions.

Burberry is bringing its outerwear and scarves to the hotel’s ground floor with a specially designed pop-up, inviting customers to explore the heritage and craft behind the iconic British design. A curated selection of scarves – from soft cashmere to silk twill – is presented in a rich palette of colours, patterns and textures, with a wide variety of Check shades to discover. There is a selection of Burberry products, including the house’s latest outerwear, heritage rainwear and knitwear. These are complemented by luxurious small leather goods and bags.

claridges.co.uk

Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR uk.burberry.com

Carol Tresor – Natural Treasures

Driven by the desire to discover the most exquisite mineral formations in the world and bringing these beautiful natural sculptures into people’s surroundings, Carol Tresor presents a high-quality selection of crystals – especially Amethyst. These incredible natural wonders formed over 140 million years and are unique in their mineralogical value, as well as their sculptural quality. All the pieces are legal, ethically sourced and are exported directly from prestigious mines around the world, where Carol Tresor regularly visits.

Majestic amethyst “harp” with phantom clacites from Uruguay

Exceptional green fluorite from China

Stunning golden pyrite sculpture from Peru

LONDON’S COOLEST ICE RINKS

Glide into Christmas with the ultimate festive adventure

London is truly magical, especially at Christmas. With twinkling lights and lots of fun set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic buildings, a trip to an ice rink is a wonderful festive experience for the whole family.

Here’s our pick of the best – so get your skates on this Christmas!

LEICESTER SQUARE’S FIRST ICE RINK!

Open until 4 January 2026

Something magical has arrived in London’s West End – this dazzling new experience reimagines Christmas in Leicester Square. The famous Shakespeare statue, encircled by the ice rink, creates a captivating centrepiece. This is accompanied by a Christmas pop-up market with winter warmer food and drink choices, as well as festive gifting opportunities to add to the experience. Sparkling Christmas lights, music and activities for all ages makes for a wonderful day out for all the family.

skateleicestersquare.co.uk

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE WITH VIRGIN ATLANTIC HOLIDAYS

Open until 11 January 2026

One of the capital’s premier winter experiences with unrivalled skating, seasonal shopping, contemporary DJs and delicious food and drink. The stunning courtyard is the backdrop to a beautiful ice rink and dazzling 40ft Christmas tree. For beginners, Skate School returns with stabilisers for children on a first come, first serve basis. Special events and activities are available for all ages. For the best in festive feasting, there are plenty of pop-ups serving delicious foods, sweet

treats and hot drinks and gourmet snacks from The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia. somersethouse.org.uk

FESTIVE MAGIC ON ICE AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE!

Open until 5 January 2026

Where fun meets history, enjoy an unforgettable festive experience in the grounds of Henry VIII former residence. Glide across the ice in a breathtaking winter setting where history, beauty, and festive celebration come together in harmony. Enjoy funky tunes that the whole family can sing along to or indulge yourself in an array of festive refreshments from the onsite café and bar. Gather friends and family for a regal day out and experience some Christmas magic against the backdrop of one of London’s finest Royal Palaces. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

ICE RINK CANARY WHARF

Open until 23 February 2026

Enjoy a truly unique ice-skating experience beneath Canary Wharf’s twinkling skyline at London’s most enduring seasonal ice rinks. Protected by a stunning clear roof, Ice Rink Canary Wharf ensures that visitors can enjoy skating in all weather conditions. The rink stays open far longer than most other winter London ice rinks. The surrounding area boasts world-class restaurants, chic bars, high-end shopping and hotels, making it easy to extend your visit into a perfect day or two. A captivating setting for skating enthusiasts and newcomers alike. icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Skate At Somerset House

Hampton Court Palace.

Leicester Square

GLIDE AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BOOTS.

Open until 4 January 2026

London’s only riverside ice rink, set against a backdrop of one of the capital’s most iconic buildings, Glide at Battersea Power Station is one of the most magnificent open-air ice rinks in the city. And for 2025, London’s first ever scenic iceskating trail! Glide features three interconnecting rinks with a spectacular 30ft Boot beauty brands decorated Christmas tree as its centrepiece. There are cosy igloos, themed music skating nights, vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, fabulous food and drink venues and a spot of Christmas shopping.

glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk

SKATE AT THE QUEEN’S HOUSE, GREENWICH

Open until 4 January 2026

Set within the stunning UNESCO World Heritage

Site with breathtaking views of the London skyline, the Queen’s House Ice Rink is a truly magical place in the heart of Greenwich. The rink delivers an intimate, authentic experience for families, friends or a romantic date! Little ones are also catered for with penguin skate aids to hire. Combine your ice skating experience with a visit to the world-class museums of Royal Museums Greenwich and enjoy festive programming across the whole site.

rmg.co.uk/skate

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

Open until 1 January 2026

Located in London’s iconic Hyde Park. The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink is set under a canopy of twinkly lights around the iconic Victorian bandstand, where you can unwind and glide with a musical backdrop. Penguin skating aids and childrens’ bob skates available for your little ones! New for 2025, step into the revamped Santa Land and visit the largest free Santa’s Grotto experience in London. Cosy fire pit bars, breathtaking mythical ice kingdoms, white-knuckle rides and cutting-edge live entertainment - Winter Wonderland has it all.

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

ALEXANDRA PALACE ICE SKATING

Open Daily All Year Round

It’s a wonderful Ally Pally Christmas! Skating is a year-round activity at the Palace, with the indoor rink feeling particularly merry at Christmas. A full-on festive day out with special events such as Sleeping Beauty on Ice and Christmas Ice Discos. Join regular skaters aged 3-90 years and first timers all the way up to seasoned pros and national champions. There are courses for adults and children to make skating easy, safe and ultimately lots of fun for the whole family!

alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink

The Queen’s House Greenwich Ice Rink

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Alexandra Palace

Glide At Battersea Power Station

PIERRE MARCOLINI presents an Art Deco Christmas

Available from the NEW Notting Hill boutique, Marylebone boutique, Harrods, Selfridges and online

For 2025, Pierre Marcolini is transporting to the 1920s/1930s for an Art Deco Christmas, full of splendour, graphic design and style.

The 1930’s an age with wild courage: the desire to rebuild, to dream big dreams, to combine innovation with elegance. After the storm, the light. After chaos, creation. That is the spirit in which Pierre designed this collection.

THE COLLECTION INCLUDES:

Art Deco Prestige Yule Log

The Prestige Yule Log conjures up the splendour and creative spirit of an era when Art Deco was redesigning the world. Its shape is hypnotic, the crunch of smoked nuts and spiced biscuits, the airy intensity of the three grand cru chocolates, the sweetness of crème brûlée with cinnamon... all the way to the last, unexpected quiver of delight, Sansho pepper. Tasting it is an emotional moment: free, intense, unforgettable.

6 servings Price: £195.00

Art Deco Classic Logs

Like eye-catching design features in an Art Deco building, these iconic creations encapsulate the spirit of the collection:. the Christmas Bauble, a chocolate jewel with a crunchy centre of caramelised nuts; and the Panettone, created in collaboration with Iginio Massari, where Italian cake meets grand cru dark chocolate with a delicate hint of orange.

Christmas Mosaics: A collection that forms a gourmet panel

Each chocolate is a work of art. Six powerful and balanced combinations, enveloped in fine layers of chocolate for a gourmet experience that is simultaneously graphic, architectural and intense.

• ‘Black Smoke’: vanilla and cinnamon ganache and smoked dark chocolate

• ‘Salted Ebony’: salted butter caramel and 99% cocoa chocolate

• ‘Pistachio Gold’: pistachio praline, white sesame, and kadai in white vanilla chocolate,

The collection is available at their newly opened Notting Hill boutique, plus their Marylebone boutique, Harrods, Selfridges, and at marcolini.co.uk

• ‘Architectural Hazelnut’: intense Piedmont hazelnut praline with milk chocolate.

• ‘Sculpted Lemon’: hazelnut ganache with a hint of lemon zest and milk chocolate

• ‘Finest Violets’: violet ganache with dark chocolate grand cru from the DR Congo.

Christmas Mosaics Malline box - 16 chocolates. £39.00

Christmas Mosaics Plumier box - 8 chocolates

Price: £23,00

Experience the magic of the festive season as conjured by Pierre Marcolini.

Christmas has arrived at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Running daily until 24th December 2025

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has launched Winter Adventure – a new festive journey that brings the Park to life with seasonal events - explore its spaces in new ways while celebrating the spirit, creativity and vibrant communities of east London.

Every evening of Winter Adventure will be a different location across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. At 6pm, a venue opens its doors for a free Christmas performance, activity or celebration for you to experience! There is something for all ages and interests - from live music, performances and installations to community gatherings, sporting activities and festive food and drink.

All activities are completely free to enter.

Exciting events include: most activities are unticketed. However, certain events you will need to sign up online for a free ticket.

8 December

Sing, dance and meet Santa at a lively evening at ASL Bridget’s Café

9 December Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen & Bar Festivities

10 December

The Great Christmas Sleigh Off - Witness a timed challenge as a team design, build and decorate a sleigh in 30 minutes.

12 December

Cycle with Santa - Race Santa and his sleigh-onwheels round the Olympic road circuit at Lee Valley VeloPark.

13 December

Wick Wonderland: Live! - Experience a live band, street food and mulled wine

14 December

Hammers Festive Fun Day - Look out for a Santa’s Grotto, DJ sets, live music, and prizes from West Ham United.

16 December

Boulevard Boogie - Join a fun and playful dance class and boogie to your favourite festive tracks.

18 December

Festive Spark - Enjoy an evening of outdoor music, lights, and family-friendly games and activities

Merry Making. Credit Here East

19 December

Ebony Scrooge Taster - Visit Sadler’s Wells East for a special preview of their Christmas production.

22 December

Festive Aqua Splash - Join a one-off festive aquatics class with hot drinks and mince pies afterwards.

24 December

The Noon before Christmas – open 12pm. Help bring Winter Adventure to a joyful close with a Christmas Eve singalong!

Visitors can extend their Christmas outing by exploring a wide range of food and drink destinations – there is a charge when purchasing from any cafés or restaurants around the Park.

• Riverside East – Serving up hearty winter favourites and indulgent festive specials in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

• Barge East – Inviting you aboard its awardwinning floating restaurant to enjoy a Christmas dining experience full of flavour and charm.

• Ginger and Mint – Located along the River Lea, the newly opened cafe serves a fresh twist with nourishing breakfasts, wholesome sandwiches and vibrant juices to keep you energised.

• Timber Lodge - Set in the northern part of the park next to Tumbling Bay adventure playground, the family-friendly café offers a varied menu

including hot drinks, craft beers, pizza and more. In addition to the Park kiosks and other retailers, there are a variety of concessions that refreshments can be purchased from. These offer a wide range of food and beverage options with vegetarian, vegan and halal options.

A CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

Festive markets fill the Park with music, lights and seasonal cheer. Hackney Bridge hosts Hackney Wickmas, where you can pick out your Christmas tree and browse weekend markets throughout December. Barge East transforms into Wick Wonderland, offering a range of local crafts and plenty of festive atmosphere. Riverside East will host The Big Christmas Market on Saturday 6 December packed with 40+ traders with something for everyone, while Not Just a Shop at London College of Fashion showcases beautifully crafted pieces from UAL’s talented creatives – the perfect place to find a unique present.

ABOUT QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK

Spread across 560 acres, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a dynamic east London destination featuring landscaped gardens, historic waterways, iconic sporting venues, a diverse range of food and drink offerings, culture and education institutions, an arts and events programme, and worldclass sport and entertainment at London Stadium, ABBA Voyage, the ArcelorMittal Orbit visitor attraction, among others.

FOLLOW ON Instagram

@queenelizabetholympic park

X @noordinarypark

TikTok @noordinarypark

Facebook facebook.com/ QueenElizabethOlympicPark For more information and for the full schedule, visit queenelizabetholympicpark. co.uk/whats-on

Abba Voyage

Das Brass

Enjoy the Magic of Christmas at Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue

BOOKINGS OPEN THROUGOUT DECEMBER!

Don’t miss your chance to experience this real-world Minecraft Adventure

Celebrate the festive season with a joyful family day out at Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, a fully immersive, hightech adventure. Situated at Corner Corner in Canada Water, this popular live action experience invites visitors to step straight into the world of Minecraft for a quest packed with adventure, imagination and teamwork.

Perfect for keeping the little ones happily entertained throughout the festive season, the experience brings Minecraft to life through a series of dynamic themed rooms, interactive tasks and brilliant hands-on challenges. Families can play together, solve puzzles, and put their skills to the test using cutting edge technology that keeps every moment surprising and brilliantly entertaining.

The 45-minute adventure begins deep in a magical forest, where guests meet their lively guides Tobin and Dayo. Using the glowing Orb of Interaction, a handheld device that responds to their every move, adventurers’ journey through a series of biomes, gathering resources and meeting iconic Minecraft mobs along the way. Expect encounters with adorable pandas and dolphins as well as braver moments with skeletons, spiders and the occasional creeper.

Interactive crafting tables offer even more creative opportunities, allowing players to gather

“Using the glowing Orb of Interaction, a handheld device that responds to their every move, adventurers’ journey through a series of biomes, gathering resources and meeting iconic Minecraft mobs along the way”

digital resources, unlock recipes and build tools and weapons that help them progress through the story.

No Minecraft experience is required; the attraction is designed for complete newcomers as well as enthusiastic builders and long-time fans, making it a perfect shared adventure for mixed groups.

For a Christmas treat that combines excitement, imagination and genuine togetherness, book a visit to Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue and let the festive adventure begin!

A gift shop filled with exclusive, limited season merchandise ensures visitors can take home something truly special. Whether it is a treat for a young fan or a clever stocking filler, the range has been curated to offer something unique this festive season.

Prices start from £20* for children and £24* for General Admission (16+).

Visit minecraftexperience.com for more information and to book tickets.

TIMELESS CLASSICS

Although my early career was based on traditional British craftsmanship, cabinet making and early Oak restoration, it is my 13 yrs in Italy that have most heavily influenced the way I work. The traditional British approach to furniture design is to work with the completed “piece” in mind and to put in place a workshop process that gets one to the finish line. What I discovered and learnt in Italy was to design in such a way that one can break down the piece of furniture/project/staircase into definably individual components. Each of the components is then approached as a separate work of art in itself. It is this approach that I now use with every project/commission we take on. Since returning to England 13 yrs ago I have slowly and painstakingly built up a proven and trusted relationship with various highly professional colleagues dotted around the country that will work with us to create the various specialist components that we need to put together our highly unique designs.

Our beautifully crafted CNC cut aluminium and other non ferrous metal components are created, powder coated, when necessary and polished in Buckinghamshire. Our acrylic components are made in West London and our upholstery carried out in Exeter. We work with small micro businesses, a system that I also learnt in Italy. By hunting around, through trial and error we now have in place a very trusted extended team, all of whom are a great pleasure to work with. Regarding our clients, international and domestic we always work to cultivate a very interactive relationship whereby the client is as fully involved in the design and construction phases as is possible for their own personal agenda’s. Where possible, we will personally deliver the finished works of art, because it is always a huge pleasure to register the clients expressions as the finished piece is gently and lovingly set in its place of honour in their own interiors. I have been known to deliver personally to Europe, I have flown out to a client in St Louise, Missouri and mainland UK we are very happy to deliver free of charge. Our aim is to create timeless classics and to always deliver way beyond expectation.

Seasons Greetings to you all. Sebastian Blakeley.

sebastianblakeley.com

LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW 2025:

A Festive Extravaganza Returns

London International Horse Show 2025 is poised to deliver another unforgettable celebration of equestrian sport and festive sparkle, ensuring its place as a highlight of the holiday season. This year, the Show returns to London Excel for its fifth consecutive year, greeting spectators during the week leading up to Christmas, from Thursday 18th December to Monday 22nd December 2025. With a legacy stretching back to its inception at Olympia in 1907, the event continues to evolve, blending tradition, world-class competition, and festive cheer at every turn.

The Show’s storied history is evident in every detail: from its revival after wartime hiatuses under the guiding vision of Raymond Brooks-Ward in 1972, to its move to the state-of-the-art Excel venue in 2021. As always, Excel’s accessibilitymost notably thanks to the Elizabeth Line - makes it a breeze for visitors from across London and beyond to join the festivities. In 2025, the Show promises five packed-out days with thrilling sport and entertainment from FEI World Cup™ events in Jumping and Driving, to daily 5* Showjumping classes to unique equestrian and canine displays, including the brand-new display Spirit of the Horses – Heritage from the Hungarian Equestrian Culture powered by Ineos Grenadier.

Beyond the International Arena, the New Horizon Plastics London Arena returns as a hub of grassroots activity and specialist

showing classes, and running alongside the main programme is the ever-popular LeMieux Masterclass series, set to inspire and educate. In addition, the Talk Horse Live Zone will be running each day with a plethora of activities, talks and Q&As, offering the chance to meet and hear from some of your favourite riders and equestrian titans. Spend your day browsing the Shopping Village, with stands offering everything from high-performance equestrian gear, luxury brands, artisan goods and charming festive gifts. Visitors can expect well-loved names such as LeMieux and Holland Cooper, as well as a host of independent and unique sellers.

Elevate your Show experience with a Private Hospitality Box, offering incomparable views over the International Arena, with space for up to 16 guests. Or book a Phoenix Club package and make use of the Restaurant and Bar while watching riders warm up in the Collecting Ring.

THE DETAILS

You can purchase tickets and hospitality at londonhorseshow.com with discounts available for concessions and group bookings.

FINALLY, A SHOPPER AS STYLISH AS YOU ARE!

British bag designer FARINO introduces

The Local, the sophisticated new shopper, on four 360° rollerblade spinner wheels - the perfect companion for today’s eco-conscious and stylish shopper.

Set upon a light, aluminium frame, with four 360° rollerblade spinner wheels, its upright design allows you to roll the shopper effortlessly alongside, taking any strain off your back, ensuring that every trip is effortless and providing support where needed too.

Available in two colourways, red or blue with a

black frame, The Local is made from weatherproof neoprene and the carrier’s rollerblade wheels are engineered to take the weight of a human and come with a lifetime guarantee.

The FARINO Carrier is the perfect accessory for modern life. Its unique 360° rollerblade spinner wheels combine the joy of effortless movement with the practicality of a top-loading bag. Designed to lighten the daily load, the FARINO Carrier is ingenious, hard-working and enviably chic.

Website: carriedbyfarino.com

Instagram: carriedbyfarino

Email: hello@carriedbyfarino.com

“I ordered the Farino carrier having read about it in The Sunday Times Magazine –it is very stylish in design and a lovely shade of red. The practicality has become evident; the fact that you can walk alongside with a high handle (I am tall) is excellent. It is very easy to pack and well balanced when full.”

“I love my trolley, the wheels make it so easy with heavy loads as you can have it upright by your side, without that heavy drag you get with those that you have to pull.”

“I love my carrier, it’s super stylish and unbelievably practical. I couldn’t be without it now!” “I am delighted with my shopper. It is perfect for my needs walking to the little local shops. I normally use a walking stick, but in fact, I can walk along with this and not actually need my stick.”

TIMELESS PIECES FOR THE MODERN GENT

Soho Scarves have been making waves in the accessories space thanks to a contemporary take on timeless menswear. Their scarves, ties, bandanas and neckerchiefs come in a range of traditional fabrics like wool, silk and modal. Whilst these classics will always pair naturally with a suit for a formal look, a polo and a Harrington for a rock and soul throwback, or even a wax jacket on a rural walk, it’s Soho’s use of pattern, colour and style that makes the brand anything but conventional.

Take their recent triptych Good Fortune, Mahogany Daze and Gardenia. Each of these Autumn and Winter collections has seen Soho rework bestselling designs seen on the likes of Jude Law and Nick Offerman in conceptual colours and tones.

Good Fortune comes in auspicious reds honouring Eastern associations with joy and luck. Mahogany Daze is infused with the subtle, playful moods of classic jazz. Gardenia comes in lush, floral colours inspired by the dreamy jungles of Henri Rousseau, exotica, and botanical gardens.

For all their divergent contexts, each range is similarly designed for today’s tastes. Pair them with a duffel coat or a denim jacket, a cord blazer or a plain T-shirt and a cap for a thoroughly modern gentleman’s look.

“Each of these Autumn and Winter collections has seen Soho rework bestselling designs seen on the likes of Jude Law and Nick Offerman”

SOHO TOP PICKS

Good Fortune

Skytree Silk Scarf

A soft silk warmer decorated with popping green and pink discs on a deep backdrop. Try yours in place of a tie with a suit.

Gardenia

Toshima Modal Scarf

A statement piece that’s as soft and warm as it is bold and bright. Wear the Toshima with a darker outfit to really make it sing.

Mahogany Daze

Jarret Silk Tie

Named after the legendary US pianist, this ultra smooth tie comes in deep maroon with black diagonal bands and fine gold stripes. An elegant option for weddings or work.

Made in UK

Highlands Tartan Wool Scarf

Soho’s popular British range encompasses pastorals, plain wools and silks. We love the classic highland check in saffron. Try in town with a blazer, jumper and shades. soho-scarves.com

NOGARD CREATIONS

Nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, Nogard Creations has quietly become one of the U.K.’s most respected names in modern flower preservation. What began during the uncertainty of lockdown— initially as a small creative venture crafting personalised coasters—has grown into a refined, specialist studio trusted by couples, families and memorial clients across the country. Today, the business is known for transforming significant floral arrangements into long-lasting resin pieces and framed displays, each crafted with an artist’s eye and a deep understanding of sentiment.

Nogard Creations was born from a profoundly personal moment: preserving their own son Charlie’s memorial flowers in 2020. That experience shaped the ethos that still guides the business—every arrangement carries a story, and every story deserves to be kept safe. As requests grew, so did the workshop, evolving from a spare room into a dedicated office and studio space designed specifically for careful, detailed preservation work.

The team now offers an extensive collection of keepsakes, with around 100 resin options and a growing range of cremation jewellery. Each piece

is made by hand, using a meticulous process that protects the natural beauty and structure of the flowers. Whether it’s wedding florals, memorial arrangements or meaningful stems from home gardens, every item is treated with the same level of care. The studio also welcomes bespoke requests, producing thoughtful one-of-a-kind pieces that mirror the customer’s style and story.

Quality and presentation sit at the heart of the brand. Finished pieces are carefully wrapped with touches of ribbon saved from the original arrangement whenever possible—a small but meaningful detail that clients often cherish. With the introduction of their flower packaging kit, the business has also made it easier than ever for clients across the U.K. to safely send their flowers.

Nogard Creations has built a reputation not only on craftsmanship, but on empathy. Their work offers people a way to hold onto moments that matter, turning fleeting florals into treasured heirlooms that last for generations.

Nogard Creations, Unit P, Huntingdon Business Centre , 14-16 Blackstone Road, Stukeley Meadows industrial estate, Huntingdon PE29 6EF 07704 663570 info@nogardcreations.co.uk

“Quality and presentation sit at the heart of the brand. Finished pieces are carefully wrapped with touches of ribbon saved from the original arrangement whenever possible”

Nogard Creations

We are a family-owned business based in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, specialising in bespoke flower preservation. We transform wedding, memorial, and special occasion flowers into unique ornaments, jewellery, homeware pieces, and framed bouquets — offering over 100 different options to suit every style and sentiment.

Each piece is crafted with care, from display blocks and keepsake jewellery to striking frames and decorative homeware, ensuring your flowers become more than just a memory. With a truly personalised service, we work closely with our clients to design meaningful keepsakes that can be treasured for a lifetime.

‘Looking for a truly memorable gift for an engaged couple? Nogard Creations offers the joy of preserving wedding flowers, transforming them into timeless keepsakes.

Our gift certificates allow the happy couple to choose their perfect flower preservation piece, from elegant frames to bespoke resin displays—ensuring their memories are cherished forever.

This Christmas, give a gift that lasts a lifetime.’

You can contact us by visiting www.nogardcreations.co.uk Or telephone 07704 663572

Email: info@nogardcreations.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS 2

SEVEN SAINTS

Discover the new Zodiac Jewelry Collection from Seven Saints – a celestial fusion of style and spirit. Featuring vintageinspired dangle earrings and pendants paired with high-vibrational gemstones aligned to your zodiac sign’s unique energy. Handcrafted in California to embody the essence of the stars, these pieces are more than adornments –they’re personal talismans of empowerment, protection, and selfexpression. Wear your sign with intention and let your cosmic energy shine through every moment. Shop at sevensaints.com.

SOKI LONDON

Discover Soki London’s award-winning refillable 15ml travel sprays — the perfect Christmas stocking filler for fragrance lovers. Each sleek, refillable spray features PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free scents, from uplifting florals to rich, sensual blends. Ideal for handbags, holidays, or on-the-go moments, they deliver a premium perfume experience in a compact, airport-friendly design. Beautifully packaged, they make a thoughtful, on trend Christmas gift for anyone who loves to smell amazing wherever they go. Available at Boots.com (£32) boots.com/soki-london

WISTON ESTATE

Sourced from Wiston Estate’s original single vineyard in the South Downs – the 2020 Cuvée is fermented in oak barrels and allowed to age for four more years before release, giving it delicious toasty aromas. Ideal for Christmas entertaining.

A rich buttery nose, notes of baked orchard fruits, vanilla custard, gently toasted pastry with mouth-watering apple-y freshness and salinity on the palate. Listed with Bayley & Sage and Fortnum & Mason, available from wistonestate.com

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“No more damp towels or ‘wet dog’ smell, just an effortless, stylish way to handle life with a soggy pup”

RUFF AND TUMBLE DOG COATS

City life doesn’t leave much room for muddy and wet chaos, which is why our Dog Drying Coat is a game-changer. Slip it on after a rainy walk or a bath and it quickly absorbs moisture while keeping your dog warm. No more damp towels or ‘wet dog’ smell, just an effortless, stylish way to handle life with a soggy pup. Let your dog enjoy the fun without worrying about the mess. ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

5 THE GIFT OF GLOW & PROTECTION

My Block Skin’s Clear Coat collection brings effortless luxury to any routine, with transparent formulas spanning SPF 15 to SPF 50 and a soothing Aftersun for winter escapes. Hydrating, lightweight, and designed for all skin tones, it’s a chic, year-round essential—perfect for gifting someone who loves simple, elevated suncare. myblockskin.com

AROMATHERAPY GIFTS FOR SELF-CARE

Give the gift of calm, confidence, and radiant wellbeing this Christmas. CL&RE Wellness natural aromatherapy skincare and candle collections transform everyday routines into meaningful selfcare rituals. Each product is crafted with 100% natural, nourishing botanicals that support healthy skin while soothing the senses. From rejuvenating face care to luxurious body blends and uplifting candles, this curated selection inspires balance and beauty. Share serenity with someone special—or indulge in a festive moment of your own. clarewellness.com/collections/seasonal @clarewellness 7

6 MANDARINA SHOES

Cosy up for Christmas in pair of Mandarina’s glam faux fur slippers with just a hint of bling. Even at home, style should sparkle! Lined in soft blush pink and with a crystal embellished buckle, this is where comfort meets couture. Perfect for some festive relaxation and a great present idea too for only £58. Gift Vouchers also available. Fun and fabulous! Browse Mandarina’s wonderful and exclusive collection of unique and beautiful shoes, boots and slippers at the best one-stop shoe shop you will find online: mandarinashoes.co.uk

8 LUXURY REFLECTIVE BOBBLE HATS BY SUPERBOBBLE

Inspired by the landscapes and traditions of Northern Europe, SuperBobble hats are crafted with innovative reflective yarn that reflects light in low visibilitykeeping you safe on winter walks, commutes, and après-ski evenings. Lined with luxurious thermal sherpa fleece for unbeatable warmth and comfort, each hat blends heritage design with modern safety. Choose from over 60 distinctive styles. Be bright. Be bold. Be safe. Discover more of the collection superbobble.co.uk

LYME BAY WINERY

Lyme Bay Winery’s Classic Cuvée 2018 is a beautifully crafted English sparkling wine that brings real elegance to the festive season. Made using traditional Champagne grapes and methods, it shows fine, delicate bubbles and vibrant notes of orchard fruit, citrus zest and toasted brioche. There’s a lovely balance of freshness and richness, making it ideal for celebrations, Christmas morning mimosas, or pairing with smoked salmon and canapés. Thoughtful and refined, it’s the kind of bottle that makes an occasion feel even more special, a perfect gift for the wine lover who appreciates quality, craftsmanship and a touch of English sparkle. lymebaywinery.co.uk

COSSU

Where timeless Italian craftsmanship meets effortless elegance. Each handbag is created in Italy from the finest leather, blending heritage artistry with contemporary design. Our collection celebrates women who value quality, confidence, and classic style. Discover pieces that elevate every moment, from everyday sophistication to special occasions. Cossu — Italian luxury, redefined. cossusardinia.com Instagram @cossusardinia

WORLD’S FIRST MATCHBOX DIFFUSER

Inspired by the Amalfi Coast and handmade in England, Gallia Rae’s Pietrina Diffuser Set transforms home fragrance into art. The vintage-inspired ceramic matchbox holds a marbled terracotta diffusion stone in its drawer. Add a few drops of the brand’s signature Giardiniello fragrance oil to the stone to fill your home with a sunlit blend of lemon, bergamot, jasmine and honey. Flame-free and endlessly reusable, it’s the perfect Christmas gift. galliarae.com

DEFIED

Luxury party dress Designer Brand DEFIED, defies the norms with innovative cuts & shapes that are meticulously crafted to enhance your silhouette whilst ensuring ultimate comfort, with all designs lined with a premium body-firming material to make you look and feel your very best in luxury garments by DEFIED. Stand out at the event with a Fashion statement, no words needed ..

BE YOU.. NO RULES.. DEFIED.

Free UK delivery/returns. For the full Collection visit: defied.co.uk IG: @defied_fashion_brand

Opidodo Design creates handcrafted hotair-balloon lampshades that bring storybook magic to the most beautiful nurseries and playrooms. Each bespoke piece is entirely unique, with your choice of delicate bunting, embroidered initials, dates of birth, or tiny cloud details. A charming woven basket carries a soft toy passenger on its very first adventure. Designed as modern heirlooms, these enchanting lamps cast a gentle, dreamlike glow — the perfect keepsake for newborns, grandchildren and godchildren.

Discover recent commissions on Instagram @opidodo_design and other elegant shades at Opidododesign.co.uk

Because every child deserves a little magic in their sky.

FLOAT INTO A WORLD OF QUIET WONDER…

POTION DE V

THE HACKNEY DRAPER

Keep warm this winter with our genuine sheepskin hot water bottle cover, try out our quirky puzzles and cheer up your tree with our retro decorations.

thehackneydraper.co.uk @thehackneydraper 10% off HDXMAS10

Make an entrance with Potion De V’s Artisanal Pure Vanilla Extracts — beautifully presented in a vintage-style glass bottle and matching box, which comes complete with a gorgeous branded bag. You can choose to personalise it with a complimentary gift card. Made using organic vanilla beans, our extracts are aged for 12–18 months, resulting in a buttery-sweet vanilla that is sure to wow! Vanilla beans are added to every extract bottle, giving you the flexibility to use both the extract and the beans. Handcrafted in small batches, our vanilla extracts are 100 % pure, natural, and allergen-free. Take one off the list!

GIVE THE GIFT OF BEAUTIFUL SKIN

The Specialist Serum is Regentiv’s most advanced age-defying formulation, cherished for its ability to smooth lines, refine texture, and restore lasting radiance. Loved by those who want to look younger, longer, it is suitable for all skin types and ideal for both new and devoted skincare enthusiasts. A meaningful gift of confidence and care.

From £36. Enjoy 15% off with code GIFT15 at regentiv.com or call 01923 212555

CAT JIGSAW £36

TEA LIGHT HOLDERS

£14 EACH

LOBSTER TEA TOWEL

£30

Discover a world of hand-made artisanal homewares, cushions, candles,

GOTLAND THROWS

£85

CODE HDXMAS TO SAVE 10%

SALT AND PEPPER GIINDERS

£60 EACH

CUSHIONS FROM £55

READER OFFER: SAVE 20%

RUTH HALDON

Ruth Haldon designs and creates unique, distinctive jewellery in her Co. Durham studio. Working alone, she stamps her own mark on every piece of her brand. Shown here are pieces crafted using freshwater pearls, tanzanite plus tiny spinel beads, and as always, finished with Sterling silver findings.

20% OFF for readers of London ‘Life’ magazines, from 10th to 31st December 2025. Use code LIFE to receive your discount. Take a look at her collection: - ruthhaldon.co.uk

AWARD-WINNING HORNIT

AIRO 12” BALANCE BIKE

Weighing just 2.95kg, the AIRO 12” is one of the lightest balance bikes around making it easy for your little one to ride (and for you to carry when they’ve had enough!). Suitable for ages 18 months to 5 years, the AIRO 12” comes with a FREE lifetime warranty and is available in 6 funky colours. hornit.com

“The Hornit AIRO 12” Balance Bike is an outstanding choice, perfectly balancing lightweight design, durability and style. It’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best kids’ balance bikes on the market”

– Cycling UK

LUSTRE RENEW PRO FACEWEAR

Unwrap the gift of radiant skin with the LUSTRE Renew Pro Facewear — a clinic-grade, wireless LED mask powered by red, blue and near-infrared light to firm, smooth and brighten skin in just 10 minutes. Its flexible silicone design contours seamlessly, while an intuitive app lets you personalise each session by facial zone. Sophisticated, smart and effortlessly effective, enjoy visible results from the comfort of home — the ultimate glow-giving gift this Christmas. lustreclearskin.com @lustreclearskin

MISTY CASHMERE

Sustainability and attention to detail are at the forefront of Misty Cashmere designs. They are also charmingly stylish, comfortable with a hint of luxury. The knitted garments are made in Inner Mongolia using only natural fibres, cashmere, merino and yak yarns in a variety of weight knits. We use traditional natural trimmings in a modern timeless way to produce garments that are soft, lightweight, and warm. Wonderful as gifts or treat yourself this Christmas.

10% off with Code XMAS25 on orders over £50. mistycashmere.co.uk

MY GARDEN SPADE LTD

Beautifully engineered, handcrafted and finished in UK. These truly unique quality handmade gardening tools are the perfect present for any discerning gardener. To discover the full range of our tools and our incredible story on how My Garden Spade was born, visit our website: mygardenspade.com

OTC BEVERAGES

OTC Beverages is an award nominated and award winning brand of non alcoholic beverages based on traditional caribbean flavours. Our product was created in 2018 and launched in 2019. We introduced our flagship flavours, Gingerbeer still and Sparkling and Hibiscus (sorrel) still and sparkling to the market. In 2019, we were third in the list of Best New Drinks with Food Matters at the prestigious Excel Centre in London. We continue to break ground with new flavours, and awards and we are looking forward to 2026. Check us out at otcbeverages.com for more information.

MALLARD PENCIL POT FROM QUAIL DESIGNS

Bring a touch of countryside charm to the festive season with this Mallard Pencil Pot from Quail Designs. Hand-painted with exceptional detail, this ceramic piece captures the character of the much-loved mallard duck while offering practical storage for pens, pencils, or brushes. Both functional and delightfully decorative, it makes a thoughtful Christmas gift for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates unique home accessories. £30.00; shop.royalparks.org.uk

GINGKO AMBER DANDELION CRYSTAL BALL NIGHT LIGHT

The Gingko Amber Dandelion Crystal Ball Night Light brings a touch of festive wonder to any home. This rechargeable ambient LED lamp, thoughtfully crafted and inspired by nature, features a stunning 3D laser-engraved dandelion motif - symbolising hope, love, and happiness, making it especially meaningful at this time of year. Whether you’re gifting warmth and beauty to someone special or adding a magical glow to your own space, this enchanting light is a perfect Christmas treat. £50.00; shop.royalparks.org.uk

Products can also be purchased from The Royal Parks shop in Hyde Park

A VENETIAN SYMPHONY OF COLOUR

Each Fortuny silk scarf in crepe satin is a testament to Venetian artistry, hand-finished in a kaleidoscope of hues that capture light like a painter’s palette. From soft neutrals to luminous jewel tones, every shade tells a story of refinement and craft. Whether draped over winter cashmere or evening velvet, each scarf carries the spirit of Venice — a story told in silk for the discerning eye. fortuny.uk

MARY VALENTINE WILDCRAFTED SKINCARE

Give the gift of natural luxury this Christmas with multi-awardwinning Mary Valentine Wildcrafted Skincare. Handcrafted in East Sussex, our small-batch products blend wild-foraged botanicals with certified organic ingredients to nourish, restore, and inspire calm. From revitalising face oils to deeply hydrating body balms, each creation reflects a deep understanding of how plants support healthy, radiant skin. Perfect for thoughtful gifting. Enjoy 10% off with code MVWSXMAS10 at: maryvalentinewildcrafted.com

DECOUPE

READER OFFER: SAVE 10%

Decoupe brings a vibrant collection of hand-drawn homewares by artist and designer Jessica Russell Flint. From colourful cushions, linen tableware and notecards to statement textiles, wallpapers and art prints, every piece begins as an original illustration. The result is a playful, expressive range designed to bring joy, personality and storytelling into your home. Whether you’re refreshing a room or searching for that standout gift, Decoupe offers something beautifully unique for every space.

decoupe.co.uk

MAËLA

The brand Maëla represents vibrant, colourful, and imaginative treasures meticulously crafted in Germany. Tailored for modern individualists with a penchant for quality and exquisite materials, this label produces one-of-akind contemporary jewellery meant to be worn with both pride and joy. Find her at maela.shop Instagram @maela.jewellery

ADD SOME COLOUR, JOY, AND SOFTNESS TO THE FESTIVE SEASON.

Designed in London and crafted from beautifully soft, responsibly sourced fibres, Cocoa Cashmere London offers a playful twist on luxury. Discover vibrant jumpers, statement intarsias, and cosy accessories made for gifting. With bold colour combinations and designs that brighten every winter moment, Cocoa Cashmere delivers gifts that are warm, fun, and guaranteed to make them smile - for men and women. Shop the full collection online. cocoacashmere.com 07947 658 687

SARAH.K

Welcome to SARAH.K – a British artisan brand specialising in elegant, timeless home linens and accessories. Launched in 2012 after founder Sarah’s time in India, the collection blends hand block printing, embroidery, and weaving traditions with exclusive designs inspired by vintage textiles. Whether you’re seeking bespoke monogramming, bed and table linen or unique home gifts for all ages, SARAH.K offers pieces loved by customers, editors and designers. sarahk.co.uk

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BRING A LITTLE FESTIVE CHARM TO YOUR HOME WITH THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION FROM THE WISTERIA TREE.

Step into a world of timeless charm and festive magic with The Wisteria Tree this Christmas. Discover beautifully curated décor and thoughtful presents that bring comfort, charm, and a touch of magic to the season. From twinkling lights and festive candles to plush throws, wreaths, and rustic ornaments, everything you need to create a cosy, storybook Christmas is waiting for you. thewisteriatree.co.uk info@thewisteriatree.co.uk 07590078659

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31 BELLA LOTTIE

This Christmas, Bella Lottie brings festive style to every walk. From rich heritage tartans to plush winter velvets, our beautifully made designs make perfect gifts for dogs who love to look their best in comfort and timeless charm for the season’s adventures. Come and see our beautiful collection at Pet Spa London (Chelsea branch) at 309 Fulham Road, Lower Floor, Chelsea Chair Hairdressers, Chelsea, London SW10 9QH bellalottiefetch.co.uk

JACANA WELLNESS

The wellness gift they’ll use every single day. JACANA’s organic Jamaican botanicals deliver transformation you can feel: stubborn muscle tension melts away, dull skin regains its natural glow, and stress gives way to deep calm. Our full Wellness collection is organic certified, cultivated on our sundrenched Jamaican estate using generations of botanical wisdom. For those who value real wellbeing. Save 15% with EARLYGIFT15. Visit uk.jacanawellness.com

GIFT WITH PURPOSE – GO EMU, GO GIFTING!

Struggling to find that perfect present? Let Go Emu take the pressure off. With thoughtfully designed collections for real life, putting sustainability, practicality and multiuse at the heart of every gift.

• Ideal for sports enthusiasts, travel addicts and anyone constantly on the go

• From surfing and shopping to gym, travels and play – there’s truly something for everyone

• Waterproof bags to banish soggy worries

• Quick-drying towelling for active lifestyles

• Washable accessories that keep life organised and clutter-free Use code LIFE10 for 10% OFF go-emu.com

CHIC BY DMO

Get the coveted glass-skin glow with CHIC by dmo All-In-One Facial Oil — the hit formula everyone’s reaching for. Powered by nutrient-rich botanicals, this ultra-light oil delivers deep hydration, radiance and visible skin transformation in just a few drops. It smooths, brightens and nourishes without heaviness, leaving your skin luminous, dewy and effortlessly chic. If glow is your goal, this is the shortcut. chicbydmo@gmail.com chicbydmo.com

FB:chicbydmo IG: chicbydmo 122 Holland Park Avenue London, W11 4UA

“Love the skin, you live in…”

“This Del Pozzo Jewelry necklace is the statement piece for the woman who leads with confidence and refuses to blend in”

DEL POZZO JEWELRY

An orange Tourmaline this bold doesn’t whisper—she radiates. This emerald-cut beauty, bezel-set in gleaming 14k yellow gold, delivers a vibrant hit of holiday energy with every glance. Sophisticated, fiery, and unmistakably luxe, this Del Pozzo Jewelry necklace is the statement piece for the woman who leads with confidence and refuses to blend in. A modern heirloom with edge, it turns ordinary moments into unforgettable entrances. tanyanewbould.com

JANE ABBOTT

Jane Abbott’s fine bone china and homewares bring subtle refinement to daily life. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted, each piece enhances the simple pleasure of a perfectly poured cup. A considered gift for those who value craftsmanship, quality, and enduring style.

janeabbott.com

Instagram: JaneAbbottDesign

THE GOVERNOR OLIVE OILS

The Governor premium early harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Corfu, are considered to be one of the healthiest in the world. The first to be granted a EU health claim, it is supercharged with naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral compounds. It is a robust EVOO with a gentle grass aroma and a peppery finish. Its velvety mouthfeel and incredible length and complexity adds a layer of taste and luxury to any meal. Only 8500 hand numbered bottles produced per annum.

ANTHEA TURNER GIFTS

After years of personal research, Anthea Turner has developed her own award winning skin care range, all packed with her favourite natural ingredients, hand-made here in the UK. Her multi-purpose products save time, money and space without compromising on quality, luxury or results. For everything you need for your skin care routine, plus scrumptious seasonal gifts, visit antheaturner.com/shop

Use code: CHRISTMAS10 for an exclusive 10% discount until 25 December (Conditions apply)

10% of all sales are donated to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. thegovernorevoo.co.uk thepinkribbonfoundation.org.uk

GIVE THE GIFT OF WELLBEING

Our Zechstein Magnesium with Swiss Alpine Water has won awards, hearts & minds for its “ability to do exactly what it says on the bottle.” A favourite for sleep, mood and muscle comfort, our topical Magnesium Chloride Spray enjoys over 2,400 5 Star Reviews and has won praise for its non-greasy rapid absorption formula. The perfect gift, a sound night’s sleep is just a few sprays away. Rest Assured. harrogateorganics.co.uk

GROUND HAND RITUAL KIT

This festive season, Ground adds a touch of calm luxury to your beauty routine with nourishing, earth-rooted formulations that feel like a winter hug for your skin. Designed with gentle ingredients that work deeply while still being kind to your skin barrier, Ground is the perfect companion throughout the busy party season. Whether you’re prepping for a family gathering or gifting a loved one, their skincare lineup invites you to glow from within - radiant, balanced and confidently you. Available at Talise Spa Jumeriah Carlton Tower £41.00.

PERILLA ALPACA SOCKS

Looking for a gift that’s both practical and indulgent? Alpaca socks bring together timeless luxury and everyday comfort. Made from the finest sustainable alpaca fibre, our socks are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and wonderfully soft, keeping toes warm and cosy through the coldest winter days. Designed for durability yet irresistibly stylish, they’re perfect for outdoor adventures, festive walks, or simply relaxing at home. Each pair is a thoughtful present that blends sustainability with sophistication, making them a standout stocking filler or a special treat under the tree. This Christmas, give the gift of alpaca warmth, a little touch of luxury that everyone will love to unwrap and wear all season long. perilla.co.uk

SEGA TOYS HOMESTAR FLUX

Flux is the powerful star projector. Imagine enjoying the sky full of stars while sitting on your sofa. This dream can become reality with the Sega Toys series of home planetariums. Flux is the most powerful and most advanced model available to date. Flux takes an incredibly popular planetarium design and refines it even further. Crafted in a satin black finish, brilliant glass lenses and our brightest LED to date make everything look vibrant and sharp.

Buy online segatoys.space £179

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Integrated care to help restore strength, confidence, and independence.

Restore your strength and health after an illness or operation by letting us take good care of you with individually tailored nursing care and our in-house physio, excellent chef and expert hairdresser. The Chiswick Nursing Centre’s physiotherapists work seamlessly with nursing staff to provide the highest levels of integrated care.

As a part of the rehabilitation programme, the Centre’s qualified physiotherapists work closely with nursing staff to help patients achieve their goals. Highly experienced in the treatment and management of numerous conditions, the Centre’s physio team are experts in the field of rehabilitation. We support convalescence after surgery and to aid cancer recovery, including care of those with a range of other complex needs. We have particular expertise in rehabilitation following hip replacements and knee replacements.

The physiotherapy sessions are tailored to help recover mobility and the physio team aims to provide early detection of any movement related problems. Through their treatment the Centre’s physios help patients and residents to regain their confidence and independence to promote an excellent quality of life through improved health and wellbeing.

One resident commented: “I spent a week in the rehabilitation/convalescent Balmoral Suite following a hip replacement operation. All the staff were reassuring (especially in the few days after I arrived), friendly, helpful and caring and nothing was too much trouble. The daily physio was gentle but challenging and beneficial. A really positive experience - I would recommend to anyone in a similar position.

“The Centre’s physios help patients and residents to regain their confidence and independence”

THE DETAILS

Please email enquiries@ chiswicknursingcentre.co.uk or call 07568 106258. chiswicknursingcentre.co.uk

Chiswick Nursing Centre offers high quality rehabilitation, convalescence, respite & nursing care. We also offer holiday stays for carers who need a break – with maximum peace of mind –so they can take time for themselves. Respite care should be a proper break for you. Short term or long term, we can take care of your loved one so that you can rest, recuperate and re-energise, or simply catch up on your to do list.

With free parking on-site, the care home is a convenient location to be treated for a range of conditions including post-surgical rehabilitation and orthopaedic and musculosketal conditions. So, whether its physiotherapy, rehabilitation or convalescence, respite care, dementia care, longterm complex nursing care or general residential care, rest assured your loved one will be in safe hands at the Chiswick Nursing Centre.

BLACKHEATH CARE HOME HEAD CHEF WINS NATIONAL AWARD

With an ethos to provide delicious, freshly prepared home cooked food, Cinnamon Care Collection homes cater for individuals with refined food tastes looking for care home living.

Recently Charmaine Taylor, Head Chef at Rectory Court and Leah Lodge Cinnamon care homes in Blackheath, was announced as a regional winner at the Great British Care Awards, in the Care Home Chef category. The awards pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding impact and excellence within their field.

Commenting on her award win, Charmaine Taylor, “I was amazed to receive this recognition; however, the real award is seeing our residents thrive. I put my heart and soul into our cooking, to ensure our residents enjoy their meals, as well as supporting their nutritional and dietary needs.” Charmaine works closely with her kitchen team and the residents to provide an exceptional inhouse dining experience.

Sue Hill, Rectory Court and Leah Lodge General Manager, “My warmest congratulations to Head Chef Charmaine on winning this distinguished award. Mealtimes play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our

residents. This achievement is a testament to the passion and creativity which makes our homes centres of excellence.”

Hilary Crook, Rectory Court Resident Ambassador adds, “The food at Rectory Court is wonderful. Our chef goes above and beyond to ensure we have meals that are not only good quality, but full of variety and very tasty.”

Cinnamon is committed to delivering the most exceptional dining experience in the industry. If a Cinnamon resident is on a modified diet, they will still be able to have anything from the menu, as Cinnamon train the kitchen staff to enable dietary adjustments. Chefs are trained to IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) and all homes take part in regular IDDSI workshops, so kitchen and care staff understand textured and modified diet requirements.

Leah Lodge and Rectory Court are neighbouring care homes, in Blackheath. Both offer exceptional residential, dementia and respite care and are part of Cinnamon Care Collection, cited by Carehome. co.uk, the Trustpilot of the care home industry, as a top UK care home group.

For further information, please visit cinnamoncc.com/rectory

“Cinnamon is committed to delivering the most exceptional dining experience in the industry”

Luxury Living at The Vale

Ahome is more than just bricks and mortar. At The Vale, their collection of 30 luxury apartments available to rent, have been designed, so you can enjoy your retirement in a welcoming and vibrant community, without the worry of maintaining a property. Their contemporary apartments are beautifully crafted to the highest standards. Lightfilled open-plan living spaces, luxury kitchens and beautiful bathrooms combine style and accessibility.

Expect Porcelanosa kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances, built-in storage, underfloor heating and walk-in showers. Senior living can bring a change in pace and priority. They believe that The Vale enables you to live life to the fullest, safe in the knowledge that personalised care is available if required.

Their aim has always been to combine convenience, security contemporary retirement living in south London and affordability with access to a comprehensive range of hospitality. Knowing that support is available means you can embrace life with peace of mind.

With the Fleming one-bedroom elegant apartment, you can have the best of both worlds with a restful, stylish, open plan living room

“Moving to The Vale was an excellent decision on my part; it’s the best of both worlds - independent living but with help on hand 24 hours a day should you need it”

complete with hi spec, fully fitted kitchen. Add to this a chic double master bedroom with its fitted wardrobe and contemporary bathroom, all for a monthly cost that needn’t break the bank.

At The Vale you can have as much company and social life as you wish. The Bar & Bistro is perfect for catching up with friends. For a cosy place to read the papers or play cards, the library and lounge offer a comfortable, beautifully decorated environment. And if pampering is what you’re after, the on-site hair salon offers treatments or if you want to learn a new craft, the hobbies room is the place to go.

Nestled in a peaceful location a short distance from Streatham, The Vale is more than just a new home - it’s a future filled with opportunities. Are you unsure about making the move to a retirement village?

Contact The Vale’s friendly team for a private appointment or to arrange a viewing. thevaleliving.co.uk Tel: 08081 696511

Lightfield Development

With over 85% of homes now sold at our Lightfield development in Barnet, now is the ideal time to secure your new apartment – especially with a range of exciting incentives currently available. Reserve by 23rd December and enjoy an all-inclusive luxury spa weekend at Sopwell House.*

Located in the heart of High Barnet, with The Spires Shopping Centre on your doorstep and just a short walk from High Barnet Underground station, Lightfield offers an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, crafted to the exacting standards of multi award-winning developer Shanly Homes. Lightfield provides excellent connectivity, with easy access to the M25 and A1, highly regarded local schools, and great commuter links. These energy-efficient homes are ready to move into, with integrated appliances, cost-effective underfloor heating, and a range of features that could save you over £979 a year in energy costs.^

“We’re delighted to offer this prestigious, gated development to our discerning customers, who have been impressed by the size and specification of the apartments. With over 85% now sold, demand has been high, and we’ve had an incredible amount of interest in the final phase.” Nick Staton, Owner, Statons Estate Agents shanlyhomes.com

“An exceptional collection of oneand two-bedroom apartments and penthouses, crafted to the exacting standards of multi award-winning developer Shanly Homes”

The Listed Property Show

Olympia London, Friday 30 & Saturday 31 January 2026

Now in its 18th year, The Listed Property Owners’ Club (LPOC) with the support of Historic England bring their Listed Property Show to London’s Olympia once again.

A building that is “listed” can add value, provide enormous pride and pleasure, but it also comes with restrictions and obligations. Alterations will always need prior approval, the installation of double glazing is difficult, energy efficiency products are challenging, and insurance expensive to name but a few.

With these problems in mind, the annual Listed Property Show is designed specifically to assist and guide thousands of listed property owners and potential purchasers.

Planning and extension? Planning a renovation? Planning maintenance or replacement windows? This event has all the advice, professionals, experts, suppliers and products you will need!

Show features include:

• Over 150 of the country’s leading suppliers and tradesmen for listed buildings work.

• A packed programme of informative talks over the two days, across two theatres, covering everything from damp control to energy efficiency.

• A team of independent Conservation Officers for stress-free one-to-one conversations.

• Advice on plans to alter or extend your building.

• Meet Club experts on VAT, maintenance, grants, planning and listed building consent.

• Conservation architects and caring builders.

• Practical demonstrations including plaster and lead work, window restoration, lime mortar, master carvers, brickwork and decorating.

• Exclusive Ask the Experts Feature. Free one-toone consultations with our resident experts.

• Meet the Club’s political campaign team.

• Energy Efficiency Feature, guide and dedicated talks theatre.

• Extending your Listed Property Feature and guide.

• Listed & Modern Feature, awards and their architects.

If you’re looking to purchase show tickets, LPOC are offering annual membership from only £58 which means you will receive 2 free tickets (worth £60) to the show plus the rest of the membership benefits for the year!

THE DETAILS

For more show information and to book your advance tickets or join the Club, please visit lpoc.co.uk or call 01795 844939.

Premium Chauffeur Services in London

CHAUFFEUR-DRIVEN

Transforming Drakefield Road

Luxury construction and development specialist Turnkey Contractors, works extensively across London and the Home Counties to deliver bespoke and design-led projects. Founded in 2021, the familyled business continues to be steered by Founder and Managing Director Kristian Brown, whose original values of excellent craftsmanship and oneof-a-kind design still underpin every build.

Transforming Drakefield Road

The project team, Studio MASS architects, Croft Structural Engineers and Turnkey Contractors. brought their combined expertise to this terraced London property. Kristian, discusses the project and how this terraced property was extended to create a stunning open plan family home in central London.

The goal of the project was to sensitively extend the existing property square footage to create an open plan and spacious living space for a growing family. Alongside a basement and rear extension, the Wandsworth home underwent a full internal remodel, including updated bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces for a cohesive modern finish.

The impact of glass

Glass is increasingly becoming the go-to material for creating luxurious, spacious homes, particularly in projects with a smaller footprint. In the basement extension and internal remodel, Kristian and the team incorporated extensive glazing to ensure that the additional square footage felt bright, open and inviting. As you enter the new living and dining area, you are immediately greeted by a wealth of natural light thanks to the generous use of glass throughout the project.

From the 5m floor-to-ceiling slim-line sliding doors to the large frameless skylight, the basement has been transformed into a clear, airy and modern space. The sliding doors extend the eye seamlessly into the views of the garden, creating a feeling of space. Above, a large frameless skylight draws light deep into the extension, illuminating the bespoke kitchen and creating a warm, inviting environment that feels connected and airy throughout the day.

Throughout the build, the team has also worked carefully to preserve the charm of the original period home, restoring cornices, doors and picture rails, whilst sensitively introducing new and modern architectural elements. The result is a seamless blend of old and new.

The completed project is a testament to the team’s technical expertise and meticulous approach, which has resulted in a timeless, functional home that will serve its owners for years to come.

THE DETAILS

For more information on starting your luxury project or to view Turnkey’s full portfolio, please visit: turnkeycontractors.co.uk instagram.com/ turnkeycontractors

ART GUIDE

– Stunning art from local, national and international artists –

LONDON ART FAIR 2026

21 - 25 January 2026, Business Design Centre, N1

London Art Fair returns to the capital, bringing together a curated selection of leading Modern and Contemporary galleries from the UK and around the world. Now in its 38th year, the Fair remains a trusted destination for collectors and art enthusiasts to discover new work, connect and invest at the start of the international art calendar.

Through its curated sections, special collaborations, and thought-provoking talks programme, London Art Fair 2026 reaffirms its role as a cornerstone of the UK art market - a place to discover notable pieces, deepen existing connections, and kick off the collecting season with purpose.

Continuing London Art Fair’s tradition of displaying exemplary works of Modern art, the galleries at the main Fair will present work by household names from 20th Century art history.

INSTALLATION

Returning for a second year as London Art Fair’s official destination partner, Visit Tampa Bay will present a specially commissioned installation by UK artist Rose Electra Harris, after she travelled to Tampa Bay for an inspiration trip to inform the creation of her work at the Fair.

CURATED SECTIONS

London Art Fair showcases contemporary practice and collecting trends within the art world through its critically acclaimed sections curated in collaboration with leading experts and institutions.

PLATFORM

This year’s Platform section, titled The Unexpected and is curated by art historian and artist Dr Ferren Gipson, brings together galleries and artists redefining the boundaries between craft, applied art, and fine art.

ENCOUNTERS

The Fair will also see the return of the Encounters section, established in 2005 to support emerging and international galleries. This year’s edition brings together a diverse selection of galleries from around the world, with participation subsidised by London Art Fair to champion new talent and provide a platform for engaging with collectors at the heart of London’s art scene. Full ticket types and prices at: londonartfair.co.uk/tickets

For the latest news, follow LondonArtFair on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (#LAF26)

THE DETAILS

This year’s Museum Partner is the National Trust, which will present surrealist and post-war abstract artworks from the collections of two modernist London homes: 2 Willow Road, the residence of Ernő Goldfinger, and The Homewood, home of architect Patrick Gwynne, offering a unique curatorial perspective on modernist experimentation and design. Taking place from 21-25 January 2026, London Art Fair is an unmissable opening to the international art calendar.

Brigid Edwards, Green Parakeet, 2019, Watercolour on vellum, 38.2 x 30.7 cm

Brigid Edwards, Moth wing and Poppy, 2015, Watercolour on vellum 40 x 53cm

Brigid Edwards, Rosella Wings, 2020, Watercolour on vellum, 31 x 28cm

Brigid Edwards, Koelreuteria paniculata, 2020, Watercolour on vellum, 33 x 36.5xm

London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair (LARTA)

Battersea Park, Tuesday 20 - Sunday 25 January 2026

This coming January, interior designers and collectors will be making their way to visit the annual London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair (LARTA) when LARTA 2026 opens on the mezzanine of the Winter edition of The Decorative Fair in London’s Battersea Park.

LARTA is the annual gathering for fine antique textile art, antique carpets, vintage rugs and associated works of art frequented by collectors and interior designers, as well as discerning members of the public seeking unique handmade floor and wallcoverings and textiles for their interiors and collections.

Several past exhibitors have signed up to take part in LARTA 2026. Newcomers include Rug Specialist, from the USA and Turkey, bringing an

impressive selection of antique Caucasian prayer and tribal rugs and runners, amongst which is a museum quality Kuba rug, circa 1800, and a Sewan Kazak wedding rug from 1860.

Dominic Orr is also exhibiting for the first time, a dealer and collector of tribal nomadic rugs, carpets and textiles from the Silk Road, Caucasus mountains, Anatolia, Persia, India, Europe and South America. Amongst the items Dominic is bringing to LARTA 2026 is an Afghan wool and goat hair saddle bag used by migrating nomads to carry their possessions, circa 1900. It comes with its original ‘Ghileem’, flat-woven backing.

LLaunched in 2011, the London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair (LARTA) is an important fair for decorators, collectors and buyers looking for both collectible and decorative rugs, carpets and textiles, cushions, bagfaces, tapestries, embroideries, historic and tribal costumes and accessories, as well as some contemporary and 20th century items. The expert dealers are offering items originating from Persia, India, China, Japan, Central Asia, Anatolia and the Caucasus, as well as from Europe, Africa and the Americas. Entry prices vary (free from 4pm every day) and include access to the Decorative Fair. You can also look at LARTA Online, which goes live, running simultaneously with the fair and mirroring some of the items for sale within the fair.

*Tickets for LARTA 2026 are for sale through the website at larta.net.

THE DETAILS

Follow LARTA on Instagram @lartarugs to keep in touch with trends and items coming up for sale at LARTA 2026.

LEIGH WITHERELL ART

Leigh’s journey toward art was neither linear nor without heartbreak. Although always drawn to creative expression, it was the devastating loss of her daughter that crystallized the role of art in her life. In the immense silence of grief, she found language inadequate - a canvas, with its capacity for depth and ambiguity, became the only venue where agony could meet acknowledgment and tenderness. Standing in what would become her studio, she recognized her brush as a vehicle for conversations too difficult to carry with words.

The inspiration for Leigh’s paintings is mined from observation, from the raw emotion flickering in the silences and the subtle shifts behind faces and conversations. Her signature approach is figurative, eschewing formal portraiture for a freer translation of the soul, a focus on capturing essence over accuracy, impression over imitation. “I paint human emotion in its most raw form,” she says, “but I never scream in my work. I prefer subtlety, a quiet conversation.”

Witherell’s creative process was shaped by her discovery of aphantasia, the inability to visualize images in her mind. Rather than a limitation, this neurological divergence has led her to embrace technology as an ally: reference images and digital tools help her bridge brain and brush, allowing her to evolve a style organically, a dialogue between experiment and intuition.

Leigh’s unique gift lies in her ability to attune herself to the unsaid. Those who encounter her work often find themselves face-to-face with

their own unspoken stories—her figures become mirrors for pain, resilience, and longing that go beyond the individual to touch a universal chord. Her latest project, “Tell me how…,” remains deliberately unfinished in title, inviting viewers to complete the narrative with their own experience, an open portal to empathy and introspection.

In her practice, muted shades of blues and greens often predominate, lending her pieces a quiet, immersive presence. Critics and viewers alike describe her paintings as strong, emotional, provocative, and meticulously detailed. Leigh’s work with grieving parents has become both the most rewarding and the most challenging aspect of her oeuvre—a testament to her willingness to bear witness to the spectrum of human grief and hope.

For her, art is first and foremost an invitation to conversation—a silent beckoning for the viewer to enter into meaning, understanding, and, perhaps, healing. She strives for her work to live—not only in galleries and museums across the world, but in the quiet spaces where people need it most, believing that art’s greatest role is to help us see each other, and ourselves, more deeply. leighs.art

Hare & Humphreys

Your master specialists in contemporary decoration & exceptional finishes are excited to announce the opening of our newly refurbished studio and off-site production facility.

In a relaxing environment, our clients and guests are warmly welcomed to discuss their concepts and ideas with us.

Our focus will always be dedicated to offering guidance, ideas and suggestions, all in the pursuit of transforming your vision into reality.

For the undecided, we offer inspiration, thought provoking alternatives and a huge array of samples to inspect that will facilitate and stimulate decision making.

Whilst the objective is to arrive at a happy and positive conclusion of plans, we appreciate that important decisions need the appropriate time to be fully considered.

Our extensive sample library holds a vast range of up to 1,000 fine finished specimens available to view. From left to right below the large example samples are:

1) Trompe l’œil faux-wood grain 2) Painted floral Japanese mural on 23.5 carat gold leaf 3) Bas relief 4) Lacquered and partially gilt Jean Dunand artwork 5) Faux marble.

In addition, our expert artisans are always on hand to modify and develop a customer’s own samples or to work dynamically with clients to create bespoke finished samples in the stable environment of our large air-conditioned production facility.

Clockwise you can see gold leaf being applied to column capitals, a complete wooden column, decorative motifs and a bespoke tabletop in the final stage of preparation.

Working off-site in controlled dust free conditions preserves the applied high-quality finishes and reduces the potential for damage.

We utilise our workshop facility to promote continuity and professional development training (cpd) to develop team skills. It will also be the base for our apprenticeship programme being launched in 2026.

In 2026, we plan to convene a series of customer focused workshops, concentrating on selected specific finishes where clients and designers can experience our inhouse expertise through the intricate processes involved in producing a variety of exquisite finishes - all in a bespoke and intimate atmosphere.

Hare & Humphreys

Founded in 1987, we are one of Britain’s leading exponents of the art of painting, gilding, conservation and decoration of historic and contemporary buildings - delivering our expertise both nationally and internationally.

Our specialist services

Our team of highly skilled painters, decorators, gilders and conservators can manage diverse projects, from restoring a listed building to creating bespoke finishes in contemporary interiors. We can provide a range of interior design finishes for example painting, graining, gilding, trompe l’oeil, polished plasters, wallpaper and embossed leather.

To visit our new studio

Please make an appointment through Beth Cargill, Studio Manager, Mobile: +44 7355 602477

Studio: 0204 610 0868. Studio Location: Building 46, Unit 2, Colville Road, Acton W3 8BL

Our plan for 2026 and beyond 2025 began with the appointment of new management with a dynamic vision and mandate to expand opportunities in the conservation & heritage sector as well as generate controlled growth whilst fully respecting and retaining the traditions and ethics of the company. Hare & Humphreys new MD Thomas Wallerand states that “our founding principles of quality, fairness, integrity and a warm customer focussed service will remain implicit in all that we do as we grow our business, and our people without compromising customer satisfaction into 2026 and beyond”

Contact

Thomas Wallerand, Managing Director Mobile: 07947313453

Hare & Humphreys Ltd

Second Floor, 15, Young Street, London W8 5EH +44 (0) 20 7833 8806

info@hare-humphreys.co.uk www.hare-humphreys.co.uk

Paul Hillary Contemporary Fine Artist

Paul Hillary is a British abstract and semi-abstract artist influenced by atmospheres in nature. Working largely in acrylic and mixed media, Paul is constantly exploring with technique, colourways and texture in his art, inspired by light and atmosphere on waterways and mountains.

The Lake District, with its grandiose and often stark landscapes, has always been Paul’s muse. The interplay of light and shadow across the fells, the subtle hues of dawn and dusk, and the restless energy of the sea have profoundly shaped my artistic vision. These elements come together in my work to evoke a sense of place that is both familiar and transcendent.

His art seeks to capture the essence of these landscapes, distilling them into semi-abstract forms that evoke the spirit rather than the literal representation of the scene.

Paul travels extensively around the UK from the Outer Hebrides down to the Channel islands. Sketching actually in the scape is the best form of

inspiration. He is nearly always armed with paints, canvases and pads on his travels so can explore the atmospheres in the surroundings.

In Paul’s studio, he immerses himself in the memories and emotions stirred by explorations of the natural world. He begins each piece with a series of quick sketches and colour studies, allowing the initial impressions to flow freely. From there, he builds layer upon layer, using both bold strokes and delicate washes to create depth and movement within the composition.

If you are interested in any of Paul’s paintings visit his website, his studio in Hertfordshire, or contact him if you have a particular commission in mind.

To find out which Art shows Paul is exhibiting at sign up for his newsletter or visit the website.

“Paul has 22 large scale commissioned abstracts adorning the walls of Roche Pharma in Welwyn Garden City”

=“The lake district is beckoning. Paul has a three week painting stay in the English Lakes in April ‘26”

Instagram: paulushillary Web: paulhillaryartist.com Mobile: 07711 593792

FRembrandt painting to go on UK tour to promote ‘mindfulness’

By Rod Minchin

rom the grandeur of a Dorset mansion to the serene atmosphere of a Cheshire estate, a Rembrandt masterpiece is about to embark on an art tour with an unusual mission.

The National Trust is inviting visitors to slow down and discover the mental health benefits of engaging with the celebrated painting, Self-portrait wearing a Feathered Bonnet.

The tour began at Kingston Lacy in Dorset this September and the painting will travel to Cheshire and Warwickshire before returning to its home, Buckland Abbey in Devon.

Several recent studies have shown that exploring art and heritage has the potential to improve people’s mental health.

The benefits can include helping to escape the mental trappings of day-to-day living, reduce stress, foster emotional resilience, and even spark feelings of inspiration and enlightenment.

While the mental health benefits of being in nature are widely known, the National Trust is encouraging people to discover how art and heritage can offer similar restorative effects.

The average museum or gallery visitor spends just eight seconds looking at each artwork.

The Trust is challenging that norm by offering seating and audio guides with meditative prompts that encourage viewers to linger with Rembrandt’s masterpiece.

The painting will be shown with room to allow people to focus on the work on its own, allowing space for uninterrupted contemplation.

“Slow looking is about more than just taking

your time,” said Amy Orrock, National Trust curator.

“It’s a way of being present, of noticing the details and the emotions they generate that might otherwise pass us by. You’re not just seeing –you’re feeling, thinking, connecting.

“This self-portrait is the perfect companion for a slow looking experience. It invites you to look closer, to wonder what Rembrandt was contemplating, and maybe to reflect on your own state of mind.

“One of the major goals of the National Trust’s strategy is to grow people’s access to cultural heritage and this is one way we are exploring that.

“It is a chance for us to understand what visitors enjoy in paintings like this and what information helps them to understand the artwork best.

“And whether a slow looking approach provides a welcome and mindful pause from the constant rush of life.”

The painting itself has a remarkable story.

Once thought to be the work of a follower, it was re-attributed to Rembrandt himself after extensive conservation and scientific analysis in 2013.

It is now recognised as one of the great treasures of the National Trust’s collection.

John Chu, senior national curator for pictures and sculptures, said: “Rembrandt created around 80 self-portraits throughout his career, each giving a different insight into his character.

“In this picture he is really swaggering, hand on hip, wearing a fancy costume and large hat.

“But there is also something tentative about the way he looks back at us, and the way the shadow falls across his face feels mysterious.”

Mark Stopforth

BRITISH PAINTER

A painter of great lyricism and sensitivity, Stopforth captures the majesty and drama of light, weather and storms, while expressing a profound reverence for the sublime tradition.

Mark has exhibited work around the country, most notably on a number of occasions at the RWA in Bristol, and is in collections both in the UK and abroad. He is represented by The Paragon Gallery, Cheltenham, The Galerie Rollin, Rouen and has agents in Bath, London and Beverley Hills. He has also been successful as a published poet, and is the author of “Alla Prima Skies and Seas”.

Enquiries for commissions and original works can be sought through contacting the artist directly via email mark.stopforth@hotmail.com or at instagram.com/markstopforth Commission sizes and prices given on enquiry.

“…and dreams awake to dawn…15.10.25” (oil on canvas 80x60cm) Price £2000

Artist Heather Green

Heather Green (B.1993 Middlesbrough) is a London-based artist. She graduated with an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art (2019-2023) and was shortlisted for the Stephanie Fribourg award 2023. Upon graduating with a BA in Fine Art: Painting from UAL Wimbledon College of Arts in 2016, Green was awarded the Landmark PLC painting prize and was shortlisted for the Clyde & Co. Art Awards 2016. In 2017, she was selected from the CCW collection for her first solo show hosted by the Royal Marsden Arts Forum charity across the Chelsea and Sutton Royal Marsden Hospitals. In 2024, she curated her first exhibition at Blyth Gallery, which championed emerging women abstract artists. Green was shortlisted for the Morrison Foerster Art Prize 2024 and the Hari Art Prize 2024. Painting can be uncertain, fractured, and personal.

Painting can be a live negotiation with selfdoubt and intuition, not always a display of certainty, but as a process-driven form of inquiry. I present the mess of the creative process, the parts that are often hidden, as perhaps they undermine the traditional idea that artists know exactly what they are doing. I accept moments of uncertainty and allow them to be as formative as clarity or control.

Painting can be coloured by the metaphysical frameworks of emotion and information that affect the painter at work, rendering each piece a snapshot of my inner world in the moment of creation. I draw titles from idiosyncratic snippets of news media, a ritual that saturates the paint with the maelstrom of media narratives. My paintings are not just pure creations, they are reactions; responses both to the physicality of the material and to intuitive interactions with the world.

Painting can be a space for play, where a vulnerable and introspective approach to painting can resist the commodified, polished product expected by the art market. Rather, I think about painting relationally, where connections emerge through proximity, memory, or feeling, rather than through strict coherence. My work unfolds through variation and divergence, resisting formalist readings or rigid interpretation. heathergreen.co.uk @heathergreen.art

Photography by David Mahoney

“I accept moments of uncertainty and allow them to be as formative as clarity or control”

LUXURY TRAVEL

– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world –

IMAGE: AMILLA MALDIVES

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show 2026

Flying into London

29th January - 1st February 2026

Whether you’re looking to book a bucket list trip of a lifetime, a short European city break, or embark on a solo adventure, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show is returning for 2026 - a must-attend for travel lovers and those seeking a world of inspiration for their future adventures around the world.

Celebrating its place as the UK’s longest-running travel show, this unmissable event brings the world to your doorstep. Held in association with The Times and The Sunday Times, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show continues to provide visitors with a wealth of travel inspiration, whether it’s the latest destination hot-spots or off-thebeaten track gems to be discovered.

Heading back to Olympia London, the shows offer a rare chance to meet face-to-face with hundreds of travel experts, brands, tourist boards and guides, ready to assist in helping guests plan their next getaway.

From major operators, niche specialists, hotels, airlines and more, the event brings the world’s most exciting destinations and experiences together under one roof. Popular and returning exhibitors include Abercrombie & Kent, Trailfinders, Emirates Holidays, Riviera Travel, Explore Worldwide and One Traveller.

The show will take visitors on a journey of discovery and taking your bucket list to new heights. Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show can turn your travel itch into action and inspire

your next great escape.

Visitors can also hear from a stellar line up of speakers providing insight and inspiration. Confirmed so far are: Nicky Kelvin of The Points Guy UK, presenter, journalist and Just You Ambassador, Penny Smith and presenter and author Louise Minchin. Visitors to the show will also enjoy different flavours of the world with cooking demonstrations, food tastings and cultural performances.

Whether you want to sip wine under a South African sunset, glamp in the Sahara or experience a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show ensures holidaymakers discover stays that make the journey just as unforgettable as the destination.

Advance tickets to Destinations London are £12 in advance* (with a £1.50 transaction fee) and £16 on the door.

For more information, please visit destinationsshow.com/london/welcome/ ticket-information

WHY SIZE MATTERS IN CROATIA

Powell Ettinger, founder of The Small Cruise Ship Collection

“Having just returned from a glorious week cruising on what, by local standards, is a large vessel (50 metres, 36 passengers), I can confirm that, if you want to see and experience the very best of Croatia, avoid larger vessels as they cannot visit the ports along Croatia’s coast. Ships that are considered small in most of the world can’t get anywhere close.

We embarked in Split, a stone’s throw from the extraordinary Diocletian’s Palace before cruising the calm Adriatic to the ancient town of Korcula, stopping for a swim in a secluded bay en-route. We explored Korcula, a dramatic walled town and the birthplace of Marco Polo, on foot before tasting some very local and very acceptable wine and cheese.

After retail therapy we headed to a hill farmrestaurant. Many restaurants here grow their own vegetables, make their own wine and cheese, and catch their own fish too. Apart from tasting better, our visits help maintain the local way of life by providing an important income to many smallscale farms.

Next stop Mljet National Park with a monastery on an island on a lake on an island. We wandered round the lakes in the shade of Croatia’s greenest island, on foot and by bike, before heading to the Benedictine monastery and taking a swim. This island is tranquil, unspoiled and more wooded than most.

Dubrovnik is beautiful and best when the large ships are absent. I recommend the walk around the city walls for the best views.

Our days were a haze of swimming in tiny bays, in waters warm and clear enough to make snorkelling a joy. In the evenings we moored in small ports where we sampled many local flavours and possibly too much grape juice.

Bol is a small yet perfectly formed fisherman’s village where open air cafes huddle along the harbour wall. The nearby Golden Horn is the most famous beach in Croatia, protruding like a crocodile’s snout.

Hvar is a jetset resort. The buildings around the town square, including the cathedral, date from the 16-18th Centuries, and the square was an inlet of the sea until filled in and paved in 1720. The walk to the fort that dominates the town is a good leg stretch and the views are spectacular.”

Keep it small.

small-cruise-ships.com

info@small-cruise-ships.com 01432 507450

Adventure Travel Show returns

With new Gravel & Adventure Bike Expo for 2026. 10 & 11 January.

The Adventure Travel Show returns to London on 10th & 11th January 2026, bringing the world of off-the-beatentrack exploration back to the Business Design Centre.

Across two days, the show will gather over 100 specialist tour operators, gear brands, and inspiring speakers under one roof, giving visitors everything they need to plan a year of unforgettable journeys.

From remote treks and polar expeditions to cultural journeys, sailing adventures, wildlife encounters and overland road trips, the Adventure Travel Show connects you directly with people who’ve been there and done it. Visitors can compare trips face-to-face, ask detailed questions, and secure exclusive show-only offers and upgrades that aren’t available online.

Alongside the exhibitors, a packed programme of talks and panels will feature explorers, filmmakers, authors and experts sharing hardearned advice, honest stories and practical tips. Whether you’re planning a first solo trip or looking to push into more challenging terrain, the show is designed to help you turn ideas into

“Visitors to the Gravel & Adventure Bike Expo can compare the latest bikes side-by-side, get fit and setup advice from specialists, and discover routes and trips for everything from weekend microadventures to multiweek expeditions”

concrete plans.

New for 2026, every ticket to the Adventure Travel Show includes entry to the Gravel & Adventure Bike Expo, a dedicated boutique show for riders who want to take their cycling further. This new area will showcase gravel bikes, bikepacking rigs, luggage systems, clothing, navigation tools and accessories, alongside route planners, cycling tour operators and skills experts.

Visitors to the Gravel & Adventure Bike Expo can compare the latest bikes side-by-side, get fit and setup advice from specialists, and discover routes and trips for everything from weekend micro-adventures to multi-week expeditions.

Talks and workshops will focus on real-world riding: route planning, riding in bad weather, packing light, staying safe and making the most of limited time off.

The Adventure Travel Show and Gravel & Adventure Bike Expo together create a single, focused event for anyone serious about making their next trip more ambitious, more meaningful, or simply better planned.

Tickets are on sale now at adventureshow.com

Introducing InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort’s 2025 Festive Programme:

Atlantis, The Lost Kingdom

Discover a Curated Programme of Events, from Wellness Practitioners and Kids Entertainers to a Visiting Artist and a World Renowned Michelin-Starred Chef

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort announces its most exciting festive programme to date. Inspired by the resort’s stunning Indian Ocean surroundings, the programme will be themed around ‘A Celebration for the Oceans’, as guests are invited to step into Atlantis: The Lost Kingdom, a mythical world which promises a magical and opulent break on the island of Maamunagau. Highlights include an unforgettable culinary residency by one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, Tom Aikens, oceaninspired art classes and exhibitions by the talented UK artist, Florence Super, a visiting practitioner in the form of experienced physiotherapist, Emma Diani, and the return of renowned children’s entertainers, Sharky & George, plus much more. With a curated calendar of activities designed to

“Tom

will take over the resort’s signature overwater restaurant, The Lighthouse, curating two unique multi-course tasting menu”

appeal to families, foodies, creatives and wellness gurus alike, this diverse range of entertainment will transform the resort into the legendary lost city of Atlantis, encouraging guests to fully embrace the holiday spirit. Live musical performances, ‘Poseidon’s Banquet’ themed gala dinners, surprise Santa appearances and New Year’s Eve celebrations will all be on offer, providing guests with a memorable culinary and cultural journey. There will also be plenty of time for relaxation at the resort’s AVI Spa, offering holistic treatments and physiotherapy sessions with visiting practitioner, Emma Diani, as well as the chance to discover constellations and distant galaxies with Resident Astronomer, Aleks.

Sitting on the idyllic Southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and near a juvenile manta ray aggregation spot, the resort supports manta ray research and has its own sustainable waste initiatives and recycling programmes. Oceanthemed activities including scuba diving, seabobbing, and the chance

to adopt a coral line will all be part of the resort’s festive programme.

Michelin Starred Mastery with Tom Aikens

For discerning travellers seeking a rare blend of gastronomic brilliance and barefoot island luxury, Michelin-starred Chef, Tom Aikens, will take to the stage for an exclusive 12-day residency - a once-in-a-lifetime experience for food lovers. As the youngest British chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, Tom Aikens is revered for his ingredient-led, deeply personal approach to modern European cuisine. During the course of the residency, Tom will take over the resort’s signature overwater restaurant, The Lighthouse, curating two unique multi-course tasting menus served across four gala evenings. He will also host an intimate cooking class, an exclusive one-nightonly private yacht dinner for two with a uniquely curated menu designed to be enjoyed under starlit skies, and a finale beachside buffet experience. Whether marking a milestone, planning a luxurious family gathering, or celebrating a culinary-inspired honeymoon, this festive programme promises to blend Michelin-starred mastery with the magic of the Maldives.

A Celebration of Art, Ocean and Sustainability with Florence Super

Renowned for her ocean-inspired artwork, UKbased creative, Florence Super, will bring her talent to InterContinental Maldives for the very first time this festive season. Celebrated for her vibrant marine murals and sustainable artwork, Florence transforms recycled wood and materials into marine-based visuals. Her work aligns perfectly with this year’s festive programme, celebrating the magic of the oceans through beautiful and emotive pieces. The synergy between Florence’s artwork and the resort’s sustained relationship with The Manta Trust and prime position on the

edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, will inspire a series of five creative art sessions for guests. The residency culminates in an exclusive exhibition where select pieces will be available for purchase.

Visiting Wellness Practitioners

With over 29 years of experience, expert physiotherapist, Emma Diani, will join the resort as a visiting practitioner from 15th December 2025 - 15th February 2026, offering guests personalised care to improve posture, relieve chronic pain and restore movement. The resort’s tranquil overwater AVI spa provides the perfect retreat for guests looking for a slice of solitude away from the festivities. The spa offers a range of unique, holistic treatments designed to restore balance, ease stress and rejuvenate, including a green coffee body sculpting treatment and specialised Maldivian inspired therapies.

Family Entertainment

Returning to InterContinental Maldives for more family fun is the dynamic duo, Sharky & George. With boundless energy and creative flair, Sharky & George specialise in turning any event into an unforgettable adventure. From thrilling treasure hunts to imaginative games and activities, these fun experts will take over the Planet Trekkers Kids Club ensuring children enjoy a wealth of activities on the island. The experiences are centred around a personalised adventure-packed experience for every child, featuring educational games, creative crafts and spirited pool Olympics.

The fun continues throughout December with kids cooking classes, family gingerbread house making, kids pirate cruises, art classes and fashion shows. For budding marine biologists and curious

“This festive season promises a combination of gastronomy, music, art and originality. Known for their electrifying performances and soulful melodies, Jazzubeat The Band return to seamlessly fuse elements of jazz, blues, and contemporary music”

young minds, the resort’s Planet Trekkers itinerary, for ages 4-12, showcases the wonders of the Indian Ocean through arts, crafts and mini expeditions. Guided by expert staff, children will gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and local culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Entertainment & Festive Traditions

This festive season promises a combination of gastronomy, music, art and originality. Known for their electrifying performances and soulful melodies, Jazzubeat The Band return to seamlessly fuse elements of jazz, blues, and contemporary music. For those looking for something more upbeat, DJ Levi is set to bring his dynamic mixes and magnetic stage presence to the resort.

Despite the tropical setting, Christmas traditions still take place on Maamunagau. A very special celebratory Christmas tree lighting ceremony will kick off festivities and Father Christmas is expected to surprise young guests at any moment throughout their stay. Come Christmas Eve, the resort gathers for sunset cocktails followed by a grand gala dinner beneath the stars, inspired by traditions and cultures from around the world. New Year’s Eve will begin with flowing sunset cocktails, accompanied by spellbinding performances from ethereal ballet dancers, conjuring the spirit of the lost kingdom of Atlantis. Guests can welcome in 2026 with a lavish culinary spread beneath the stars, a captivating fireworks show, dancing and midnight celebrations on the ocean’s edge.

For enquiries and reservations, please visit maldives.intercontinental.com/ festive-season-2025-26/ or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.

Branded Residences Where Fashion Meets the Mediterranean

Marbella has become Europe’s undisputed capital of branded residences. Nowhere else will you find such an extraordinary concentration of fashion and lifestyle powerhouses reimagining what it means to live in style. Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Fendi Casa, Bentley, Lamborghini, Missoni, Karl Lagerfeld, and St. Regis have all chosen Marbella for their flagship residential projects, cementing the city’s reputation as the premier destination for design-driven living.

These branded residences go far beyond bricks and mortar. They embody the DNA of globally admired brands: Versace’s iconic glamour, Lamborghini’s bold geometry, Missoni’s colourful artistry, and Bentley’s timeless elegance. Each project blends couture interiors, visionary architecture, and curated services with Marbella’s most coveted settings – from the iconic Golden Mile beachfront to the rolling hills of Benahavís.

For buyers, this is about more than ownership. It is about belonging to a community where luxury and identity merge. Imagine Mediterranean sunsets from a Dolce & Gabbana penthouse, sculptural villas inspired by Karl Lagerfeld, or serene mornings in a St. Regis residence at Finca Cortesin. These homes are crafted for those who expect the best – a seamless fusion of lifestyle,

“It is about belonging to a community where luxury and identity merge”

privacy, and prestige investment potential.

The appeal is both emotional and financial. International demand ensures strong long-term performance, while brand association guarantees enduring value. To own a branded residence in Marbella is to hold a rare asset that combines architectural distinction with global recognition.

For the discerning international buyer, Marbella’s branded residences represent a oncein-a-generation opportunity: the chance to live surrounded by iconic design in Europe’s most glamorous resort.

Discover the future of luxury living with Cilo Marbella. Branded Residences from circa €2 million to €30 million plus.

info@cilomarbella.com cilomarbella.com

Cyclades – Greece

Agada Folegandros is an award-winning, adults-only retreat in the Cyclades, designed for discerning travelers seeking privacy, sustainability, and breathtaking Aegean views. Our exclusive suites, with a private pool, cater to honeymooners, luxury seekers, and eco-conscious travelers.

www.agada-folegandros.com

E-MAIL: info@agada-folegandros.com

INSTAGRAM : @agadafolegandros

FACEBOOK : facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558406396304

Amilla Maldives

A naturally lush paradise working in harmony; with purpose

Located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the enchanting island resort of Amilla Maldives crafts highly-personalised retreats for couples, families and friends to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Maldives.

Fringed by white sand beaches and home to one the archipelago’s best house reefs, the island’s 67 Pool Villas and Residences have each been thoughtfully designed, blending serene privacy with connection to the turquoise oceanscapes and serene Maldivian jungle. Whether looking to float above the untouched jungle canopy, awaken on sun-drenched shores or spend their days above the glittering lagoon, guests can relax and unwind in their own private haven.

Helping guests balance relaxation with adventure, Amilla Maldives offers a host of activities and facilities, from kombucha-making, art, and painting classes; and snorkelling excursions to world-class sites including Hanifaru Bay and the resort’s own famous Blue Hole; to adventurous entertainment for curious little ones at The Sultan’s

“The island’s 67 Pool Villas and Residences have each been thoughtfully designed, blending serene privacy with connection to the turquoise oceanscapes and serene Maldivian jungle”

THE DETAILS

To find out more and to make a reservation, please visit amilla.com

Village kids’ club and soothing wellness treatments at the resort’s Javvu Spa.

With seven restaurants, three bars, its own wine cellar and private dining experiences, Amilla Maldives presents carefully crafted menus that showcase the freshest ingredients from its own organic gardens and cater to a range of dietary lifestyles, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto and paleo.

As the world’s first IncluCare-certified resort, Amilla is committed to creating long-lasting memorable experiences for all guests, continually striving to further adapt and refine its facilities, activities, and staff training to ensure everyone can enjoy a truly memorable retreat in the Maldives.

An EarthCheck Gold-certified resort, Amilla embodies a heartfelt commitment to sustainability, resourcefulness and wellness, which is embodied in Homemade@Amilla, which sees the resort produce its own plant-based milks, yogurts, kombucha and spa products; and Homegrown@ Amilla, which encompasses the resort’s very own organic gardens.

ALPINE INDULGENCE: The New Era of Luxury Ski Chalets with Skiworld

The modern luxury ski chalet has evolved far beyond simple mountain accommodation—it’s become the ultimate expression of Alpine living. For discerning travellers seeking more than what even a luxury hotel can offer, these exclusive retreats combine breathtaking locations with unparalleled privacy and bespoke service.

Imagine waking to panoramic mountain vistas, stepping directly onto pristine slopes from your doorstep, then returning to your private hot tub as twilight settles over snow-dusted peaks. This is the reality at properties nestled in Courchevel, Méribel, and Val d’Isère—three of the Alps’ most prestigious addresses.

Courchevel remains the jewel in the crown, offering access to over 600 kilometres of immaculately groomed pistes as part of Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest ski area. Properties like Chalet Benjamin epitomise this exclusivity: a Signature-grade retreat featuring five en-suite bedrooms, reclaimed timber interiors, and skiin convenience beside the Proveres piste. The outdoor hot tub commands panoramic views over Vallée de Bozel—the perfect après-ski sanctuary.

Meanwhile, Méribel captures authentic Alpine charm at the beating heart of the Three Valleys.

Chalet Mariefleur showcases this beautifully, with interiors by a renowned French designer, five luxurious en-suites, and an impressive cinema room for cosy evenings. The resort’s traditional “chocolate-box” aesthetic belies its access to

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER

Book your luxury Alpine escape with Skiworld and save £50 per person using code LIFEMAG. Visit skiworld.co.uk or call 0330 102 8004 to speak with a specialist. Book six to twelve months ahead for the finest selection during peak season.

world-class skiing and vibrant nightlife.

Val d’Isère, that icon of high-altitude sophistication, offers properties like Chalet Tolima—a beautifully appointed six-bedroom retreat combining rustic charm with contemporary comfort, complete with private sauna and roaring fireplaces.

What truly distinguishes these properties is the service. Daily catered experiences feature champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by four-course gourmet dinners with carefully selected wines. Continental breakfasts include artisanal breads and preserves, whilst afternoon tea brings freshly baked treats to fuel your slopesto-spa lifestyle. Dedicated chalet hosts serve as personal concierges, offering insider knowledge on the finest pistes, restaurant reservations, and hidden Alpine gems.

The amenities read like a five-star wish list: Egyptian cotton robes and slippers, luxury toiletries, daily housekeeping, heated boot rooms, and wellness facilities ranging from barrel saunas to massage rooms. Some properties even feature games rooms and private gyms.

With spaces accommodating intimate couples’ escapes to grand family gatherings of twelve or more, these chalets offer flexibility without compromising on luxury. Many boast ski-in/ ski-out access, whilst others command elevated positions with show-stopping mountain panoramas. skiworld.co.uk

ANCHORED IN STYLE

By Lauren Naylor

The Salthouse Harbour Hotel, perched on the edge of Ipswich’s marina is a former maritime warehouse turned boutique bolthole and stands proud overlooking the River Orwell estuary.

Just over an hour’s drive from London, the waterfront hotel delivers a mix of industrial charm and modern luxury with its exposed brick walls, bold artwork and eclectic sculptures dotted throughout.

When it comes to bedding down, front-facing rooms, marina suites and the copper rooms overlook the glittering waterfront, where citycentre Ipswich meets quay-side calm.

In your bedroom you’ll find plush beds you simply sink into, with fluffy white robes to don, with some of the rooms boasting freestanding copper bathtubs, perfectly positioned for some sunset watching.

At night, the tranquil harbour twinkles just beyond your window offering a view of pink and purple tones across the water, lending a gentle and

“At night, the tranquil harbour twinkles just beyond your window offering a view of pink and purple tones across the water”

magical way to fall asleep.

The hotels bustling Eaterie restaurant also offers views over the marina, with quirky artwork and wire sculptures such as the ‘mermaid’ adding to the overall experience. You’ll find the restaurant tucked behind a dramatic red curtain, which feels almost theatrical, and the food more than deserves a stage.

Menus are crafted around locally sourced produce, focusing on fresh fish and seafood, tender Suffolk meats such as Dedham Vale steaks and vibrant seasonal vegetables all artistically plated and described by the restaurant itself as “earthy but elegant.” The food and service is simply sublime.

When it’s time to unwind even further, the bliss continues just a short drive away. Riverhills Health Club & Day Spa, located in nearby Bramford (only 5–10 minutes from The Salthouse), has recently unveiled a stunning £6 million transformation following a devastating fire in 2023. The result? A sleek, serene wellness haven that’s quickly become Suffolk’s most talked-about spa destination.

There’s a 16-metre pool, hydrotherapy suite, vitality pool, heated loungers, foot spas and an indulgent Fire and Ice zone featuring a volcano sauna, aroma steam room and the TechnoAlpin Snowsky shower a super cool immersive indoor snowfall experience for a bit of ‘kniepping!’ Theres also a beautiful outdoor chill-out area - perfect if there’s a smattering of sunshine.

Finish your day off with lunch in the spa café amid perfectly manicured gardens, with options of a light sandwich or salad, although I couldn’t resist sea bass with crushed potatoes washed down gently with a pot of tea.

Slip into that robe for the weekend, leave your social media behind, and let Riverhills Spa work its magic, while The Salthouse takes care of the rest. Ipswich’s duo of calm is proof that Suffolk does luxury in its own quietly brilliant way. salthouseharbour.co.uk; riverhills.co.uk

CO- OWN HOLIDAY HOMES FOR ALL SEASONS

The only lifestyle membership you need

Imagine a lifestyle where you hold the keys to an exquisite collection of homes around the world. Whether you’re yearning for an idyllic island escape or a magical mediterranean hideaway, you can fly home, to wherever you dream of, anytime of the year.

When you become a member of The Hideaways Club, you enjoy co-ownership of a diverse portfolio of exquisite villas, chalets and apartments in more than 30 destinations worldwide; all without the management hassles associated with sole ownership, at a fraction of the cost of just one comparable property. “It’s enriched our lifestyle by the variety of vacations we can have through one system – absolutely marvellous,” commented Hans, a long-standing Member of the Club.

Membership includes the added benefit of a dedicated concierge team, who are on-hand to help organise your trip from booking to departure, ensuring every trip you take to your Club home will be truly unforgettable. As another Member, Anne-Marie Taylor, shares: “With The Hideaways Club, I am an owner, I feel like an owner, and I don’t have any other responsibility. Zero hassle, my own home, and hotel-level service.”

With somewhere to hide away in all seasons, here are our portfolio picks for 2026.

SUMMER

Villa La Colline is tucked into the wooded hillsides above the timeless Provençal village of La Garde-Freinet, where the scent of pine and wild herbs drifts through the air. Its soft stone walls and olive-dappled terraces blend seamlessly into a landscape of cork oaks and chestnut groves, creating a haven of calm far from the bustle of the Riviera. From its hilltop perch, the villa feels like part of the landscape itself - a place where long, sun-lit days unfold at an unhurried pace, and where

“Its soft stone walls and olive-dappled terraces blend seamlessly into a landscape of cork oaks and chestnut groves, creating a haven of calm far from the bustle of the Riviera”

La Colline

Dar Hasnaa Morocco

the glamour of Saint-Tropez lies just beyond the horizon, close enough to reach yet blissfully easy to forget.

AUTUMN

Podere Le Sensaie sits like a golden jewel on a hilltop in the rolling Tuscan countryside, overlooking the medieval village of Lajatico. Its 19th-century stone façades and muted earth-tone palette blend gently into the landscape of olive groves and cypress-studded hills. Around the villa, sun terraces offer panoramic views across the valley, while fragrant gardens invite days of ‘still’. Although a peaceful hideaway, it is within easy reach of Florence, Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano - and just a stone’s throw from Lajatico, the home of Andrea Bocelli.

WINTER

Chalet Soleil, in Chamonix, is an authentic alpine chalet in the heart of one of the best-known ski resorts in the world and boasts breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. “I have to say, my favourite property is the chalet in Chamonix. It’s so beautifully done and it’s really well located it’s a wonderful place to be,” commented Member, Simon Bird. From organising transfers to ski passes, the Club’s concierge team will take care of all the details. With daily housekeeping and an inhouse catering service, Chalet Soleil is a welcoming sanctuary after a long day on the slopes.

WINTER SUN

Dar Hasnaa is a magical Moorish palace, overlooking the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. While it is only a 20-minute drive from the colourful charm of the Red City, Marrakech, it is a private terracotta-hued hideaway, surrounded by blooming gardens featuring rose, palm and olive trees. Inside, the walls are hand-finished in traditional Tadelakt and the floors are adorned with Moroccan tilework and Berber rugs. A strikingly stunning villa, inside and out.

CITY BREAK

A quaint Parisian pied-à-terre, Île Saint-Louis is located on the ground floor of a late nineteenth century building offering beautiful views of the arcade of Hotel de Bretonvilliers. The revered 4th Arrondissement houses some of the city’s most important and beloved historical sites, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the elegant Place des Vosges, and is the heartbeat of contemporary Paris.

Blending stylish well-positioned properties, a second-to-none personal service and local expertise, not forgetting a plethora of partnerships that add value to a monetary investment, The Hideaways Club has evolved over the years to reflect the travel needs of its Members. So much more than bricks-and-mortar, the Club unlocks a privileged lifestyle. thehideawaysclub.com

“Chalet

Soleil, in Chamonix, is an authentic alpine chalet in the heart of one of the best-known ski resorts in the world”

Chalet Soleil Chamonix

Podere Le Sensaie

Rue Saint Louis en l’Île, Paris

Discover the Perfect Break at CAP ST GEORGES HOTEL & RESORT

Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort invites guests to discover a distinctive Mediterranean getaway. Situated along a private stretch of coastline on the southwest edge of Cyprus, the resort combines modern luxury with the island’s warm, authentic character. Located just a short drive from Paphos and close to the natural beauty of the Akamas

Peninsula, it offers a setting that is both inspiring and serene.

The property features 202 individually designed rooms and suites, complemented by three outdoor pools and a 130-meter private beach. Every element of the resort is designed with comfort and style in mind, ensuring that each guest—whether traveling as a couple, with family, or solo—can enjoy an experience tailored to their needs.

Guests can spend their days sampling exceptional dining, indulging in the Spa by Valmont & Cinq Mondes, or exploring the cultural and natural attractions of Cyprus. Honeymoon packages include thoughtful touches such as personalized welcome amenities and private seaside experiences, while families and solo travelers benefit from a variety of leisure activities and flexible services.

Dining at Cap St Georges showcases both local and international influences, from fresh Mediterranean seafood to refined Asian flavors. Signature dishes, such as Kohili’s seafood linguine made with locally sourced ingredients, highlight the resort’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Evenings are best enjoyed with a cocktail on the Chroma Lounge Bar Terrace, where guests can take in panoramic views of the sunset and the calming sound of the sea.

Beyond the resort, visitors can explore the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, hike the scenic Avakas Gorge, or immerse themselves in the cultural treasures of Paphos Old Town. Wine

“Dining at Cap St Georges showcases both local and international influences, from fresh Mediterranean seafood to refined Asian flavors”

enthusiasts can also enjoy tours of the nearby vineyards in Kathikas, enhancing their Cypriot experience.

Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort blends elevated hospitality, modern amenities, and authentic local culture. It’s a destination that offers something new with every visit—whether through innovative dining, wellness programs, or simply an unexpected moment by the Mediterranean that becomes a lasting memory.

For more information and reservations, please visit capstgeorges.com or contact our concierge at +357 26 000 000.

OL LENTILLE, KENYA

Perched atop one of the highest points in Kenya’s northern Laikipia, Ol Lentille is an ultra- exclusive, community-owned, professionally run luxury retreat with just four spacious villas, each with its own staff, promising absolute privacy for guests.

Owned by the local Maasai and Samburu communities, the property sits within a 40,000-acre private conservation area, offering sweeping views across the plains, hills and valleys.

Each villa is beautifully positioned along the rocky ridge, individually interior designed with incredible attention to detail. Villas include Carissa (sleeps 2), the double-storey 2-bedroomed Aloe (sleeps 4), Acacia (sleeps 4), and 3-bedroomed Boscia (sleeps 6) - all of which have beautiful terraces (some with outdoor bathtubs and/or plunge pools!) to enjoy the panoramic views over the conservancy, all the way to the Matthews range and Mount Kenya in the distance.

The setting is rugged and remote, with a network of sandy paths and steps, leading up to a beautiful hilltop gallery and roof bar. The infinity swimming pool overlooks two watering holes that are popular with elephants, and the spa offers a wide range of treatments.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect, from solar power to rainwater harvesting and a commitment to minimizing plastic use. Service is highly personalised, with generous, delicious meals tailored to your own tastes and served in your own villa, or any other venue of your choice.

Ol Lentille distinguishes itself by its deep commitment to the wellbeing and upliftment of its local communities. Since its opening, the lodge and its guests have contributed millions of dollars to local projects, building schools, a hospital, and

critical water infrastructure, supporting both the Maasai and Samburu people through responsible tourism. Guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves, visiting the local villages and markets, and participating in the life events of its local communities, for a moving and very authentic insight into Maasai and Samburu life and culture.

Ol Lentille also offers bespoke safari activities including guided game drives, walking safaris and even camel safaris, and combines beautifully with a safari in the Masai Mara.

The best way to arrive at this remote lodge is by charter flight from Nairobi. Rates per night start from $1,100 per adult and $750 per child. Under 5’s stay complimentary.

For more information, please visit ol-lentille.com

THE TIMELESS ART OF BESPOKE YACHT CHARTERING

There are holidays, and then there are the rare experiences that stay with you long after the tan fades. Those that feel cinematic, expansive and entirely one’s own. A private yacht charter sits firmly in that category. It is one of the last forms of travel that remains genuinely bespoke, thoroughly private and deeply transformative.

“If you can imagine it, from Balearic bays to Arctic icefields, we can make it happen.”

Among the many ways to explore the world by sea, classic yachts hold a unique enchantment. They are vessels with soul, warm teak, soft gleaming brass, elegant lines that seem to slip effortlessly through the water. Yet choosing a classic is not about nostalgia. It is about character, atmosphere and the sense that a holiday has become part of a larger story.

Few understand this better than Dominic Meredith Hardy, founder and director of Classic Charters, whose niche expertise in historic and modern classics has helped countless clients craft extraordinary journeys. But as he is quick to point out, the real beauty of chartering today is that every journey can be shaped entirely around the individual, whether they choose a 1930s gentleman’s cruiser, a sleek contemporary superyacht or an expedition vessel designed for the farthest reaches of the planet.

For some, that means gliding into a quiet harbour aboard a beautifully restored classic. For others, it might be a modern classic like Far Niente exploring the Balearics, a regatta-ready yacht such as Javelin chasing wind and silverware, or a purpose-built explorer carving its way into the polar silence of Greenland or Antarctica.

TRAVEL, TAILORED COMPLETELY TO YOU

Classic Charters begins working with each client long before guests step aboard. Every client’s vision is unique, a family reconnecting over a summer holiday, a milestone celebration, a couple craving privacy or a group of friends seeking adventure. The process starts with understanding exactly what they want: pace, style, comfort, interests, and even the intimate details that shape each day.

From that understanding, Dominic and his team craft voyages that feel effortless. Every itinerary is bespoke, whether it’s island-hopping along the Dalmatian coast, drifting between Maine’s spruce-fringed bays aboard a schooner like Eros, or carving fresh tracks while heli-skiing beneath the Arctic glow. Chefs tailor menus to personal preferences; crews anticipate rather than ask. If a client can imagine it, Classic Charters can make it happen.

WHY CLASSICS STILL MATTER

While Classic Charters works across the global fleet, classic yachts remain at the company’s heart. Step aboard a well-restored classic and something shifts, the warmth of real wood, the gentle hum of an engine built by hand, the subtle pleasure of travelling within craftsmanship that has endured for decades. These yachts carry stories.

Yet today’s best classics are far from oldfashioned. Most have undergone meticulous refits, integrating stabilisers, hybrid engines,

AN INVITATION

In a world saturated with fast travel and interchangeable luxury, a yacht charter remains something different, deeply personal, quietly transformative and shaped entirely around the individual. Classic yachts may be the heartbeat of Classic Charters, but its true expertise lies in understanding people and crafting journeys that feel meaningful, effortless and unmistakably theirs. Wherever guests dream of going next, Classic Charters stands ready to take them there, beautifully

refined cabins and spa-like ensuites. They retain their romance, but offer every modern comfort, an irresistible combination for those seeking authenticity without compromise.

Still, Dominic emphasises that a classic yacht is never the only answer. For many guests, a sleek contemporary yacht with expansive decks and cutting-edge toys is the perfect fit. For others, it’s an explorer capable of carrying helicopters or submersibles. The true craft lies in understanding the guest and guiding them to the yacht that matches how they want to feel.

THE JOY OF TRAVELLING BEAUTIFULLY

Regardless of the style of yacht, a charter creates space, for connection, for curiosity, for imagination. Days unfold at the rhythm of the sea rather than the constraints of a schedule. Mornings might begin with a swim in glass-clear water; afternoons with a long lunch on deck; evenings with lantern light, conversation and the soft lap of water against the hull.

Whether slipping into a quiet Sicilian anchorage on a timeless classic motor yacht or watching the northern lights ripple above the ice from the deck of a powerful explorer, the sensation is the same: presence, beauty and the rare luxury of time reclaimed. classic-charters.com dominic@classic-charters.com

SCHOOL LIFE

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE • DECEMBER 2025

Responding to a changing world. Beckenham’s leading prep school launches new initiative for pupils

Head of St Christopher’s The Hall, Tom Carter, explains more about the forward-thinking programme and why it’s so important.

This year at St Christopher’s The Hall, we launched a new initiative that is already making a powerful difference to our pupils, The Horizon Programme. It was created in response to something teachers and parents are noticing everywhere: children are growing up in an increasingly digital world, and many of the practical skills, social habits and deeper patterns of thinking that once developed naturally are becoming less familiar. The Horizon Programme is our way of bringing those essential experiences back into daily school life.

We see bright, capable children who can access information instantly, yet sometimes hesitate when faced with open-ended problems. Many find it challenging to maintain focus in a world full of digital distractions, and collaborative, faceto-face work can require more practice than it once did. Opportunities to build, create, explore and persevere, cornerstones of childhood, are becoming less frequent in a screen-led culture. Horizon responds to this directly. Each week, pupils in Years 1–6 take part in purposeful, handson sessions built around four pillars: Character,

Leadership, Sustainability and Life Skills. These experiences help children rediscover the joy of working together, thinking deeply and developing the real-world confidence that cannot be learned through a screen.

The early impact has been remarkable. Pupils talk about Horizon sessions with genuine excitement. Teachers are observing stronger teamwork, improved perseverance and calmer, more intentional engagement. The programme has brought a renewed sense of curiosity, creativity and focus into the school week.

Already, pupils have explored themes such as sustainability, embracing practical challenges with maturity and ownership, a clear reminder of how much children flourish when given meaningful, real-world tasks. They have also taken part in activities designed to strengthen focus, practising how to slow down, tune out distractions and enjoy the satisfaction of deep, uninterrupted attention. These examples confirm that the skills we hoped to nurture were exactly the ones our pupils needed most.

And these are only the beginning. As the year continues, we will move into a range of practical Life Skills, the small but important tasks children once learned naturally but do not always encounter today. Pupils will learn how to change a bed, tie a tie, make a cup of tea safely, use simple tools, read basic instructions, plan a small budget, and even sew on a button. These may seem modest, yet they foster independence, confidence and a quiet

sense of capability that stays with children for life. Parents often say, “I wish someone had taught me these things at school.” Now, we are.

What makes The Horizon Project so powerful is both its warmth and its purpose. It gives children the time and space to try, to get stuck, to recover, to succeed, and to discover that each of these steps is valuable. It nurtures resilience without pressure, responsibility without stress and curiosity without fear. It restores the grounding, practical roots of childhood that can so easily be overshadowed in a fast, high-tech world.

The Horizon Project is far more than a new initiative; it is a thoughtful response to the way childhood is changing. We are proud of its early impact and excited for everything still to come. By giving pupils structured opportunities to build real-world skills and essential habits of mind, the Horizon Programme is helping children grow into confident, capable young people who are ready not just for their next step, but for life.

Learn more about St Christopher’s The Hall at their upcoming open morning on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Book at stchristophersthehall.org.uk

ST DUNSTAN’S COLLEGE NAMED MOST PROGRESSIVE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND

St Dunstan’s College is delighted to announce that it has been named Most Progressive Independent School in south-east England at LUXLife Magazine’s Private Education Awards 2025, marking the third consecutive year the College has received this prestigious accolade.

This distinguished awards programme is dedicated to celebrating excellence in the private education sector, recognising the institutions, educators, and organisations that are shaping the future of learning with innovation, dedication, and outstanding achievements.

Speaking about the news, Head of Senior School, Jade McLellan, said: ‘Being named the Most Progressive Independent School in southeast England for the third consecutive year is a powerful endorsement of who we are and what we

stand for as a community. At St Dunstan’s we are unapologetically ambitious for our young people, not only in their academic outcomes, but in the kind of individuals they become.

‘This award reflects our commitment to innovation in the classroom, a culture of integrity and kindness, and an environment where every student is encouraged to think independently and be themselves. I am immensely proud of our students and staff, whose curiosity, creativity and hard work make recognition like this possible.’

Last autumn, St Dunstan’s become one of the first schools in the country to receive two significant strengths as part of its ISI inspection. The report praised the broad and varied curriculums on offer to students at St Dunstan’s, explaining: ‘Leaders have put in place an ambitious, timetabled curriculum which provides

extensive opportunities for pupils to acquire the broadest of learning experiences. Leaders have taken great care in the design of this multi-faceted programme which is included as part of the school day.

‘There are four separate strands; together these provide the full range of curriculum subjects, an extensive offering of broader learning experiences, a programme of teaching skills for the future and one that focuses on building pupils’ wellbeing and self-awareness. The breadth and relevance of this curriculum and leaders’ decision that all pupils participate in these opportunities, is a significant strength.’

The second ‘significant strength’ applauded the school’s dedication to celebrating diversity within the school.

‘The school’s ethos supports leaders in creating a strong community where diversity is celebrated,’ the report found. ‘This works through many facets of school life: through the curriculum, through the varied groups in school, led by pupils which celebrate diversity, and through producing events such as the annual St Dunstan’s festival. All these promote respect and understanding among the pupils for everyone in their own school and in the wider local community. This is a significant strength of the school.’

St Dunstan’s won Independent Senior School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards in 2022. The College’s sport department was also praised for its Diversity and Inclusion efforts at the Education Choices Awards 2024 and 2025.

Learn more about St Dunstan’s College at one of their upcoming open events early in 2026. Visit stdunstans.org.uk to book.

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery celebrates after a triumphant year

Dulwich’s leading prep school, Rosemead, is celebrating after another successful year. This summer, Rosemead was delighted to be named as Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Schools Awards 2025.

The prestigious awards, often referred to as the Oscars of education, celebrate the most outstanding schools and teachers across the UK’s state and independent sectors, recognising excellence from early years through to secondary education.

The glittering awards ceremony took place on Friday 20 June at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London, where Rosemead was honoured alongside other exceptional schools and educators.

The judging panel, made up of leading figures from across the education sector, praised

Rosemead for its personalised approach, vibrant community and holistic educational offering.

In February 2023, Rosemead joined the St Dunstan’s Education Group, a move that has helped strengthen the school’s vision and strategic development.

“This latest recognition builds on a series of recent successes. In the last academic year, Rosemead won two prestigious awards –for Excellence and Innovation in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion”

Speaking about the Tes Award, Nick Hewlett, CEO of the Group, said: ‘This is a phenomenal achievement for Rosemead and richly deserved. The school has been on an extraordinary journey, and I pay huge tribute to the entire leadership team who have transformed this school. It has been a joy to welcome Rosemead into the Group.

‘The Good Schools Guide was absolutely right to call Rosemead the “one to watch” in south London – and now the Tes Schools Awards have confirmed it.’

This latest recognition builds on a series of recent successes. In the last academic year, Rosemead won two prestigious awards – for

OPEN MORNING

Prospective families will have the opportunity to meet the leadership team, current staff and students, and learn more about the award-winning education at Rosemead at their upcoming open morning. Rosemead’s next open morning will take place on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Book at rosemeadprep.org.uk

Excellence and Innovation in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards, and Best EDIB (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging) at the Education Choices Awards 2024. Following the Tes win, Rosemead was also shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) at Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Rosemead was also one of the first prep schools in the country to receive a significant strength in its most recent ISI inspection.

‘A highly customised approach to every pupil’s academic progress is a significant strength of the school,’ the report explained. ‘A customised learning programme in mathematics, English and reasoning caters for pupils in Year 4 and above. This, supported by an extensive enrichment programme and much support for individuals, impacts on all groups of pupils, enabling them to make good and often rapid progress over time.’

Clayesmore: A Place Where Every Child Finds their Strengths

There are some schools you can describe, and others you simply have to experience. Clayesmore falls firmly into the latter. Tucked into the rolling Dorset countryside, there is an undeniable sense of something special here. A warmth, an energy, a quiet magic that greets you the moment you arrive. It is not the beautiful buildings or the impressive facilities that define Clayesmore, but the way each child is embraced, understood and empowered to flourish.

Clayesmore is a truly inclusive community where everyone belongs. It is a school that celebrates difference, recognising that every child brings their own stories, strengths and potential. Here, no one is expected to fit a mould. Instead, pupils find their place, their people and their confidence, supported by teachers who know them not just by name, but by nature. This deep sense of belonging creates a foundation from which students begin to believe in themselves, and from this belief comes achievement.

Success at Clayesmore is not measured solely by outcomes, but by growth, confidence and character. Every student is encouraged to exceed their own expectations, discovering abilities they may not have realised they had. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, in the art studio

“Clayesmore is a truly inclusive community where everyone belongs”

or on stage, each child is supported to explore their interests and embrace new challenges with curiosity and courage.

A holistic approach to education sits at the very heart of Clayesmore life. Academic learning is thoughtfully balanced with creativity, sport, outdoor pursuits and enrichment, ensuring students develop not only intellect, but emotional intelligence, resilience and independence too. From the nurturing foundations of the Prep School through to the empowering environment of the Senior School and Sixth Form, every stage of the journey is carefully guided and deeply personal. Perhaps what makes Clayesmore most special is its kind, family feel. It is a community where children feel safe to be themselves, where they are listened to, valued and encouraged to aim high. In this supportive environment, pupils grow into confident, compassionate and grounded young people ready to step forward into the world.

Clayesmore is more than a school. It is a place where magic quietly happens every day. A place - where children find their strengths, their voices and their future. A place where they belong, believe and truly become. clayesmore.com

How Ambitious Students Are Securing Places at Oxford, Cambridge and the Ivy League

For families navigating the increasingly selective world of top university admissions, one reality has become unmistakably clear: strong grades are no longer the differentiator they once were. Acceptance rates at leading US institutions routinely sit below 4%, while Oxford and Cambridge continue to attract far more exceptional applicants than they can possibly admit. Even highly accomplished students now face a landscape defined by razor-thin margins.

This shift has driven many families to seek more specialist support, something Crimson Education has become internationally recognised for providing.

Crimson is a global university admissions consultancy working with aspirational students aged 14 to 18. Rather than replacing school guidance, the organisation complements it, offering the sort of individualised, expert-led coaching that time-pressed school teams often cannot provide at scale. Each student works closely with a handpicked team of mentors who guide them through every stage of the journey: selecting the right universities and courses, preparing for admissions tests, shaping meaningful extracurricular portfolios, crafting compelling personal statements and essays,

“Crimson is a global university admissions consultancy working with aspirational students aged 14 to 18”

and developing the skills and confidence required for interviews.

What distinguishes Crimson is its access to former admissions officers from institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and other worldleading universities. Their insight helps students understand precisely what competitive applications look like and how to build them intentionally over time. The results speak for themselves: more than 1,340 Ivy League offers, over 380 Oxbridge acceptances, and thousands more to the UK’s top 10 and the US top 50. Across global cohorts, Crimson students are statistically 2-10 times more likely to gain admission to highly selective universities than students who apply without this level of tailored support.

For parents seeking reassurance that their child’s potential is being fully realised, and that no strategic advantage is being overlooked, Crimson provides a structured, personalised and data-driven approach that aligns with each student’s abilities and ambitions.

Families interested in exploring how bespoke guidance could elevate their child’s university prospects can learn more or book a complimentary consultation at crimsoneducation.org.

Kindness in Education is a Superpower!

Kindness in teaching is fundamental to academic success, say the Head Teachers of Eaton House The Manor.

David Wingfield, the Headmaster of the Prep at Eaton House The Manor says: ‘The act of educating is itself an act of kindness and selflessness, and it follows that to be a modern educator who ‘walks the walk as well as talks the talk’ that kindness, selflessness and generosity should be as much a part of a teacher’s professional communication as grammar, geometry and hypotheses.’

He acknowledges that ‘Learning is difficult, and to be treated with kindness makes it easier.’

Kinder learning teaches pupils something as people’ says Mr Wingfield. ‘And the kindness and patience that adults demonstrate towards children in their learning, in turn, becomes the kindness and patience they pay forward to others.’

‘We believe that kindness is not just a virtue, it is our superpower!’ says Mrs Kirsten Bond, Headmistress of the Boys’ Pre-Prep School. ‘We strive to nurture not only the boys’ minds but also their hearts.’

‘Kindness is at the heart of Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School,’ says Headmistress Claire Fildes. ‘It’s in the smiles we share, the helping hands we offer, and the way we listen to one another. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, it’s the small, everyday acts of kindness that bring us together, creating a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and truly cared for.’

‘Children learn to share from an early age’ says Mrs Roosha Sue, Headmistress of Eaton House The Manor Nursery. ‘This can involve sharing colouring pencils, passing the fruit bowl, or taking turns to complete a puzzle together. Our children use kind words with each other,’ she says. ‘We teach them to say “please” and “thank you” and to be grateful for little acts of kindness.’

Teachers model expected behaviour, by suggesting “your turn, my turn”. The children also have a ‘Talking Ted.’ Only those who are actually holding Ted are allowed to speak.

Good and kind behaviour wins a merit. ‘There are always lots of stars awarded during and after tidy up time!’ laughs Mrs Sue.

THE RESULTS ARE IN

In 2025, some 40 scholarships and awards were offered to pupils at Eaton House The Manor. They included the King’s Scholarship, Westminster School, the John Colet Scholarship, St Paul’s Boys’ School and the Brighton College Millennium Scholarship.

To find out more call the Head of Admissions Miss Sam Feilding on 0203 917 5050.

Bespoke Tuition has been described by the Good Schools Guide as ‘London’s best kept secret’

This elite private tutoring agency has 14 years’ experience in placing the very best British tutors with families in the UK and overseas. Its highly regarded “Travel Tutor” service has sent tutors to reside with families in over 50 countries across 6 continents. Tutors either live on-site or nearby and deliver academic tuition/ mentorship on a daily basis, short or long term. This individually tailored tuition supports all ages and curriculums and can combine educational excursions with desk-based study.

Small Reflections, Big Impact: Gratitude Journaling Spreads throughout Sarum Hall School

Acalming and meaningful new ritual is helping pupils end their school day with reflection and positivity. At Sarum Hall School in North London’s Belsize Park, Form Teacher and Head of Pastoral Care, Mr. Andrew Laws, has introduced gratitude journaling - a simple practice that is already spreading across the entire school community.

Just before dismissal each day, pupils gather quietly on the carpet. The classroom grows peaceful as Mr. Laws invites everyone - adults included - to close their eyes, take a deep breath, and reflect on the things they are thankful for. This mindful approach sets a tone of calm and emotional awareness at the close of each school day.

“I wanted to create a routine that nurtured emotional wellbeing and helped children develop a positive mindset,” says Mr. Laws. “It may only take a few minutes, but its impact has been profoundboth for the pupils and for me.”

During each session, pupils are encouraged to recognise moments of achievement or connection: solving a tricky Maths problem, receiving help from a friend during breaktime, or simply enjoying a funny moment in class. Adults participate too, modelling mindfulness and showing pupils that reflection is valuable at every age.

“What strikes me most,” Mr. Laws explains, “is

that the things pupils write about are often small: a kind word, a helping hand, a favourite lesson. Yet these moments matter deeply. Something small can have a big impact, and that’s an empowering lesson for any child.”

Research suggests that gratitude journaling can strengthen mental health, boost self-esteem, improve focus, and nurture empathy. Inspired by this evidence, Mr. Laws saw an opportunity to translate research into practice. “I read a lot about the benefits of gratitude journaling -for both adults and children - and I thought it would be a great way to spend time each week,” he shares.

The response from pupils has been overwhelmingly positive. “They regularly ask, ‘When is the next session?’ Their enthusiasm has been infectious, and it quickly became something they genuinely look forward to.”

Thanks to its success in Mr Law’s classroom, the initiative has now been rolled out to all year groups from Year 1 and up. Teachers across the school are already reporting encouraging outcomes.

“Feedback has been incredibly positive,” says Mr. Laws. “Our hope is that gratitude journaling becomes more than a routine and it becomes a mindset that lasts well beyond the classroom.”

sarumhallschool.co.uk

The Global Sixth Form Pathway Quietly Gaining Momentum Among London Families

For many London teenagers, the sixth form years have become a high-stakes sprint. Competitive school environments, intense social pressure, overscheduled days and relentless exam preparation can narrow a young person’s focus long before they reach university. Increasingly, families are asking whether this is the only path to top results, or whether a different environment might actually help their child flourish.

Japan is not usually the first place parents consider. Yet for a small number of discerning families, it is becoming the answer to a problem they did not realise they could fix: how to give their teenager an academically rigorous A Level education without the noise and intensity that

often accompany it in London.

What surprises parents most is not the cultural difference - though that is undoubtedly enriching - but the educational one. In Tokyo, students often find they have room to breathe. The pace of the city is energising, but the social climate is calmer. There is less pressure to compete socially, and more opportunity to focus on personal goals, wellbeing, and character development. A Levels, in this context, are not diluted; they are sharpened by an environment that gives teenagers the space to think clearly and study with purpose.

Rugby School Japan sits within this balance point: a British curriculum delivered with the discipline and respect for learning that Japan is known for, but without the intensity that can be a fact of life in London. Small class sizes, specialist teachers, and a boarding community designed for focus and wellbeing create the conditions where students rediscover curiosity - and perform better because of it.

For families who sense their child would thrive with academic challenge but less London pressure, Rugby School Japan offers a refreshing alternative. To explore whether this different environment might be right for your teenager, join our virtual tour and see the campus for yourself. marketing.rugbyschooljapan.ed.jp/ virtual-optin

“For families who sense their child would thrive with academic challenge but less London pressure, Rugby School Japan offers a refreshing alternative”

BABIES & KIDS

CHRISTMAS COSINESS

Advent cosiness, Christmas baking and Christmas play – get the kids ready for all the festivities of the season. We have both timeless classics and playful favourites. All made from soft, supple materials – really comfy occasionwear, quite simply! polarnopyret.com

STYLISH STORAGE

We simply love this children’s bedroom storage unit complete with cupboard, toy box and fabric panels. shelved.co.uk

SLEEP LIKE A PRINCESS

Create a world of wonder and majesty with the Circu Kings & Queens Castle Bed, a statement piece designed for children who dream of living their own fairytale. kidsorium.com

FAB FUNGI

Light up any room with this adorable LED mushroom lamp. Inspired by paper lanterns, it creates a warm, inviting glow that’s perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or kids’ playrooms. rexlondon.com

ROCKIN’ REINDEER

This fun and festive knitted hat is the sweetest way to keep warm this winter! Featuring our signature reindeer with a cosy fleece lining, a little pom pom red nose and gold glittery antlers. rockahulakids.com

WE LOVE

This Woven Daisy Pom Pom Wall Hanging in yellow. bmstores.co.uk

The Finest Toy Shop in the World

REVEALS ITS TOP 15 FESTIVE TOYS 2025

The iconic Hamleys have rounded up their predictions of what will be on many kids’ letters to Santa this Christmas. Fun, magic and theatre at the Finest Toy Shop in the World.

Hamleys Heritage Teddy Bears

A classic, traditional teddy bear – part of a collection of three new Hamleys Bears. Available in 20cm, 25cm and 30cm sizes. Evoking nostalgia and perfect for families seeking tradition and charm. Age: 0+ From £20.00

With her soft and cosy blanket, the latest preschool/under 5 sensation is a cute and adorable cuddler in high demand. Age: 2+ RRP: £12.99

Star Wars Power Crystal Lightsaber

This latest saber comes with 10 different coloured crystals, seven different blade colours and over 50 unique sound and effects combinations – for children to effectively design their own style lightsaber. The Crystal Combiner reflects renewed Star Wars exposure through Disney spinoffs. Age: 4+ RRP: £39.99

Peppa Pig - Evie with Blanket

Hamleys Market Place Food Pear

The toy and food fad is not going away and this year Hamleys have added a family of food soft toys to the collection: Pear, Pizza Slice, Watermelon, BLT sandwich and a cute Pretzel. At 13cms high, these cuties capture plenty of cuddles this year. Age: 0+ RRP: £12.00 each.

L.O.L Surprise Magic Flyers

L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers have been upgraded with fun new play patterns. Emerging from a magic blossoming flower, they can be manoeuvred and made to hover more easily with a wand, or with your hands. 8 dolls to collect. Age: 6+ RRP: £29.99

TY Bouncers offer 80 different soft, furry balls with character faces from cats, cows, monkeys and pandas to familiar icons from Spider-Man, Stitch and Paddington to Bluey, Batman, Paw Patrol and Minecraft characters. Age 3+ RRP: £6.99 each.

Hamburger

Food continues to be a great theme for younger play and this charming solid wooden toy allows children to build their own burger with layered ingredients. Encourages decision-making. Great for early years roleplay. Age: 2+ RRP: £15.00

Roblox Dress to Impress Fashion Dolls

Each of these Mystery Models Lana, Bubblegum Gal and Stardust Softie can strike up a runway pose and rock its own signature style. Mix and match the looks by swapping hair, tops and bottoms, shoes and other accessories. Blend physical play with digital fun as each also comes with a unique code that unlocks in-game digital items. Age: 6+ RRP: £29.99

“Food continues to be a great theme for younger play and this charming solid wooden toy allows children to build their own burger”

This action building system from Playmobil allows children and adults to create a fun, twisting course where the Sky Riders are suspended beneath the tracks and able to whizz through tubes, along beams and over ramps and lifts for great aerial action. The fun can change, grow and morph into different shapes, modes and dynamics with new build sets creating more action and challenges. Age: 7+ RRP: £69.99

LEGO meets Marvel – the superhero stops a runaway train with a large web, but Doc Ock moves in to crush the train carriage with his mechanical tentacles. The outcome and adventure are over to the children and their imaginations. Age: 9+ RRP: £44.99

TY Bouncers

Sky Trails: S1 Starter Kit

Hamleys Wooden

Stacker

The Lego Marvel Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway Train Scene Set

Robosen Mini Robot - Toy Story Kit – Woody

Woody remains a rite-of-passage toy, connecting parents and children through Toy Story’s enduring legacy. This animated robotic figure has immersive original sounds that will delight fans of all ages. Age: 3+ RRP: £79.99

One Piece Egghead Arc Series

From the popular One Piece franchise and the booming Mighty Jaxx, these retro-futuristic collectible characters appeal to younger gamers and older fans alike, bridging the gap between gaming and toy culture. 7 to collect. Age: 3+ RRP: £15.00

Hamleys Human Controller

An hilarious, interactive game that combines a blindfolding, goggle headset that vibrates with directional cues and takes you through over 30 games and challenges. It encourages movement and comes with a built-in timer and scorer.

Madcap fun. Age: 14+ RRP: £34.99

Hamleys

Silver Micro Drift RC

This powerful remote-control car comes with a unique handheld charger and launcher and can perform smooth and epic drifts in its four-wheel drive mode. With cool styling, it is fun, fast and affordable. Age: 6+ RRP: £30.00

Hamleys Soccer Dash

The interactive AI powered football trainer can be used indoors and out, designed to elevate your skills and drills. Featuring a smart ball and four smart targets, there are six games to play. The AI technology adapts to your skill levels and helps you build your core dribbling and essential ball control. Age: 6+ RRP: £49.99

Hamleys – a magical world of toys. hamleys.com

CHRISTMAS AT ‘THE PADDINGTON BEAR™ EXPERIENCE’

Until Monday 5th January 2026

Are you ready for an enchanting Christmas adventure?

Have an unforgettable festive family day out this winter with ‘The Paddington Bear™ Experience’ at County Hall on London’s South Bank, located next to the world-famous London Eye.

With stunning decorations, including a 5.5 metre centrepiece Christmas tree, and a festive menu full of hearty treats including chicken and leek pie, ham hock and pea pie, vegetarian or vegan pie, gingerbread paws, mince pies, plus cosy treats such as warm apple pie and Peruvian orange hot chocolate, guests can celebrate Christmas within Paddington’s world until Monday 5th January 2026.

Created by The Path Entertainment Group in collaboration with STUDIOCANAL KIDS &

FAMILY Ltd and Lionsgate, STUDIOCANAL KIDS & FAMILY LTD’s agent for experiences, The Paddington BearTM Experience is a unique and fun-filled interactive experience inspired by the nation’s favourite bear spanning more than 26,000 square feet of London’s iconic County Hall on the Thames riverside.

Visitors are invited to step into Paddington’s world and embark on an exciting immersive adventure through some of the most memorable locations from the Paddington stories. Starting with the hustle and bustle of Paddington Station, guests are greeted by a friendly Station Master and taken on a lively train journey through London’s most famous landmarks all the way to the Browns’

charming house at No. 32 Windsor Gardens. Make sure you don’t forget Paddington’s suitcase (it has Aunt Lucy’s marmalade recipe inside!) so you can get it to him in time for Marmalade Day!

Once inside the famous tree adorned hallway, the Brown family whisk guests into a whirlwind of multi-sensory activities as they need to help Paddington and his family, prepare for a very special occasion – The Marmalade Day Festival!

With numerous themed rooms to explore, interactive games, character interactions, and lots of surprises along the way, the adventure culminates in a very special Windsor Garden Street party where visitors have the chance to enjoy the Marmalade Day festival. A range of food (including Paddington’s famous marmalade sandwich!) and beverages are available to all, as well as an opportunity to enjoy fun and games with the Brown family. Have a little boogie with the calypso band and get your picture taken with Paddington!

The Paddington BearTM Experience captures the hearts of the entire family, no matter the age. Tickets available now from paddingtonbearexperience.com

CORPORATE BOOKINGS AND PRIVATE EVENTS

The Paddington Bear™ Experience also offers Corporate Bookings and Private Events. Whether your event is a birthday celebration, a corporate event or networking away day, they have packages to suit your requirements and would be delighted to host you at their exciting experience!

Paddington’s world is for everyone: big hearts, small paws, and all. Please email groups@ paddingtonbearexperience.com for more info.

ABOUT PADDINGTON BEAR

Paddington Bear first appeared on 13 October 1958 in the children’s book A Bear Called Paddington by British author Michael Bond. He has been featured in 29 books written by Bond, the last of which, Paddington at St. Paul’s, was published posthumously in 2018.

The friendly, anthropomorphised spectacled bear from “darkest Peru”—with his old hat, battered suitcase, duffel coat and love of marmalade sandwiches, was discovered in London Paddington station by the Brown family, he was adopted and named “Paddington Brown”, as his original name in bear language was too hard for the (human) Browns to pronounce. Since his first appearance on the BBC in 1976, Paddington Bear has been adapted for television, films, and commercials. Television adaptations include Paddington, broadcast from 1976 to 1980. The critically acclaimed and commercially successful films Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017) were both nominated for the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film. A third film in the series, Paddington in Peru, was released in cinemas in the United Kingdom on 8 November 2024.[8]

Paddington Bear has become a classic character in British children’s literature Paddington and one of the most beloved British fictional bears.

THE DETAILS

The Paddington BearTM Experience Riverside Building County Hall Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB

@PaddingtonBearExperience #PaddingtonBearExperience paddingtonbearexperience.com

A little bird told us… Christmas magic begins at The Royal Parks shop!

This Christmas, The Royal Parks shop invites families to step into a world of sparkle, surprises and festive fun. The shop has curated a joyful collection of children’s gifts, adorable toys and playful decorations that bring the wonder of the parks straight into every home.

From cuddly soft toys and colourful storybooks to crafty decorations, tasty treats and cosy winter warmers, each item is chosen to spark imagination and celebrate the joy of the season.

Makers include small businesses, family-run workshops and fair-trade creators who share the shop’s commitment to thoughtful, sustainable shopping. Visitors will find eco-friendly soft toys from Keeleco, huggable favourites from JellyCat, bright woolly scarves from Catherine Tough, and delicious festive goodies from Chococo and Cartwright & Butler. From stocking fillers to special presents for under the tree, every gift carries a story - filled with creativity, care and festive cheer.

Whether shopping for tiny tots, curious kids or the whole family, the Royal Parks Christmas collection makes it easy to find something special for every age and every budget.

Families can bring the magic of Christmas home - beautifully wrapped, lovingly made and inspired by nature.

The Royal Parks shop is located beside the Serpentine in the Hyde Park Boathouse, and the full children’s range is available online at shop.royalparks.org.uk.

“Makers include small businesses, familyrun workshops and fair-trade creators who share the shop’s commitment to thoughtful, sustainable shopping”

Shopping with purpose. Supporting the charity.

The Royal Parks charity looks after eight of London’s most iconic green spaces, caring for more than 5,000 acres of parkland, wildlife and history. Often called the “lungs of London,” these treasured landscapes - from Hyde Park to Richmond Park -give families space to play, learn and explore.

Every purchase supports The Royal Parks charity, helping to protect these magical places for future generations while also championing ethical, sustainable makers.

More information about The Royal Parks charity can be found at royalparks.org.uk.

HAMLEYS LAUNCHES LONDON’S MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

A Bus Tour of Lights, Laughter & Toys, until 4th January 2026

This festive season, Hamleys – the world’s oldest and finest toy shop – is sprinkling festive cheer across London with the Hamleys Christmas Bus and Lights Tour. A heartwarming festive adventure through London’s glittering streets aboard a beautifully restored vintage Routemaster bus!

Begin your Christmas adventure at the magical toy shop, Hamleys Regent Street, where families can revel in festive fun, games and seasonal sparkle. As evening falls, climb aboard the glittering Hamleys Christmas Bus for a breathtaking tour of London’s world-famous Christmas lights. From Regent Street to Oxford Street and beyond, the tour is the perfect way to end a magical day.

Families and friends can climb aboard a dazzling double-decker wrapped head-to-toe in Hamleys magic, as it journeys through the heart of London to see the world-famous Christmas lights.

The Route starts at Embankment, then glides past the sparkling sights of Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Oxford Street and Marble Arch, before looping back again. You will even pass Hamleys’ legendary Regent Street store – the beating heart of Christmas fun in the capital.

On 13th & 20th December, the first two loops (3 hours) will be Hamleys and Friends routes. Special Hamleys characters will hop on board for games, giveaways and magical surprises. From ringmasters to princesses, expect laughter, sparkle and Christmas cheer!

Tour times are 16:30, 18:30 and 20:30 daily. On 13th and 20th December the 16:30 and 18:30 tours will feature Hamleys elves for fun and games.

On 1st January 2026, look out for the bus rolling proudly in the London New Year’s Day Parade, bringing festive joy into the new year. Tickets are limited and in high demand. To book your seat aboard the Hamleys Christmas Bus, visithamleys.com/

FOLLOW HAMLEYS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @hamleysofficial/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hamleys-of-london/ Facebook: facebook.com/Hamleyslondon

X: @HamleysOfficial 188 to 196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT

Celebrate the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo

Elves have descended on London Zoo, as London’s wildest attraction prepares to celebrate The Magic of Christmas.

The world-famous conservation zoo has been transformed into a winter wonderland, where children and their families can find Santa’s hidden elves, enjoy a special elf Storytime and look out for surprise appearances from Santa himself.

London Zoo’s youngest visitors have an important mission to complete on their visit, tracking Santa’s elves. On the Wild Elf Chase, they can search for five mischievous elves and help get them back to the workshop – getting a sticker in return for their efforts.

A team of elves lead Christmas story time sessions throughout the day, reciting yuletide classics as well as their own festive fables, and visitors can also enjoy a packed schedule of Christmas-inspired animal talks, including It’s Beginning to Look a L-Otter Like Christmas and Komodo-ho-ho.

Eagle-eyed children might spot cheeky elves wandering around the Zoo, or even see Santa popping up in unexpected places, as he takes a

Daily until Sunday 4 January 2026

“A team of elves lead Christmas story time sessions throughout the day, reciting yuletide classics as well as their own festive fables,”

break from sorting the naughty and nice list and helps to feed the Zoo’s animals. A giant advent calendar takes pride of place in the Zoo - visitors who enter the daily prize draw are in with the chance of winning a wild gift, in a fun-filled grand reveal ceremony orchestrated by two naughty elves. Those wanting to make the Magic of Christmas last even longer, can upgrade to enjoy a Christmas sleepover at the London Zoo Lodges. Between 19 and 30 December, lodge guests can enjoy talks from animal experts and help them to make festive treats for the animals. The sleepover includes an exclusive nighttime tour of the Zoo, before returning to the Lodges for toasted marshmallows around the campfire, wintry treats and special gifts for children.

Tickets for The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo are included with zoo entry.

As part of global conservation charity ZSL, every festive visit to London Zoo supports ZSL’s science and conservation work to protect and restore wildlife around the world.

Festive activities are free with Zoo entry –excluding Sweet Treats and Festive Drinks, which are available to purchase separately.

To find out more and book, visit londonzoo. org/plan-your-visit/events/magic-ofchristmas

THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR CHRISTMAS 2025

For over 265 years, Hamleys has been creating magical moments for families, and this Christmas, the magic is bigger than ever. The Finest Toy Stop in the World, will once again be at the very top of the must-visit list for families seeking the ultimate festive experience this Christmas.

The Regent Street flagship store, the No 1 toy destination with over 20,000 toys across seven floors, is transformed into a festive wonderland. From the iconic Hamleys Windows, entertainment from the Hamleys Elves and the return of the much-loved Hamleys Christmas Bus, there’s no better place to celebrate the joy of Christmas than at Hamleys. Children and families can meet the beloved Hamley Bear, take part in playful games, interactive events, and joyful surprises.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS 2025 AT HAMLEYS, REGENT STREET

Elves & In-Store Entertainment

Hamleys’ famous team of memorably cheeky elves

will be roaming the store, ready to spread laughter, mischief, and the festive fun throughout the entirety of Christmas. With interactive shows, oneto-one letter writing for Santa, storytelling sessions, dances galore and endless surprises, there’s never a dull moment!

The Ultimate Christmas Wonderland

Discover this year’s must-have toys, exclusive festive ranges, toy demonstrations before your very eyes, stocking fillers, and plenty of magical moments for the whole family. Hamleys is the one-stop shop for gifts, games, and unforgettable experiences.

The Hamleys Window Unveiling

The most anticipated moment of the season! In November, Hamleys unveiled its spectacular Christmas windows, transforming Regent Street into a glittering scene straight out of a storybook. Dazzling displays, beloved characters and plenty of festive cheer.

The Hamleys Christmas Bus

Bigger and better than ever, the iconic red Hamleys Bus will spread festive joy across the capital, and is open to the public for the first time ever. Snap a selfie, watch surprise performances, and spot your favourite characters as the bus tours London. Tour times are 16:30, 18:30 and 20:30 daily. On 13th and 20th December the 16:30 and 18:30 tours will feature Hamleys elves for fun and games.

Letters to Santa

It’s never too late to send your Christmas wishes to Santa, especially when you have a little elf magic on your side! Our dedicated Hamleys elves know just how important every letter is, and they will make sure each one is delivered safely to the big man himself at the North Pole. So, grab a pen, share your Christmas dreams, and let our elves do the

rest! Until Wednesday 24th December - MondaySaturday 10:00 - 5:30pm - Sunday 12:00 - 5:30pm

SpongeBob’s Adventure

SpongeBob has taken a day off from The Krusty Krab and is coming to Hamleys Regent Street on Friday 19th December!

Brush up on your under-the-sea trivia and get ready to give SpongeBob a big, squeezy hug. There will be laughter, silly moments, and plenty of under-the-sea fun for the whole family! Regent Street, Front of Store, Friday 19th December, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

Iconic Frostie’s Fashion Show

Frostie the Snowman is feeling a little frosty in his fashion, and the elves need your help to create his next fabulous look. Bring your creativity, add a touch of Christmas magic, and help Frostie shine in the coolest fashion show of the season! Regent Street, Third Floor. Thursday 6th November till Wednesday 24th December. Monday - Saturday 11:00 & 3:00pm Sunday 3:00pm

This Christmas, Hamleys promises laughter, hugs, dancing, and magical memories for children and grown-ups alike. From smiles to sparkles, Hamleys brings festive joy and unforgettable moments for the whole family.

THE DETAILS

Christmas at Hamleys is more than just shopping – it’s pure festive magic. Visit 188-196 Regent Street and make memories that last a lifetime, or follow Hamleys Official on social media for the latest news, dates and event information.

LONDON STORES ALSO AT:

Hamleys Westfield White City, Westfield London Shopping Centre, Ariel Way White City, W12 7HT Hamleys London Bridge, Unit SU 26, Western Arcade, SE1 3QX.

Hamleys St Pancras, Unit 8a, St Pancras International, N1C 4QL

FOLLOW HAMLEYS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @hamleysofficial LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ hamleys-of-london/ Facebook: facebook.com/ Hamleyslondon X: twitter.com/HamleysOfficial

MERRY BRICKMAS!

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is decking the halls until 3rd January 2026, as it transforms into a magical Christmas Kingdom bursting with LEGO® magic and festive family fun.

This year’s LEGOLAND at Christmas invites guests to unwrap a sleigh-load of seasonal surprises featuring brand-new family entertainment experiences, from joyful live shows and hands-on LEGO creativity, joining the much-loved family favourites from years past.

Families can step into the heart of the celebration and snap a merry memory by the giant 33-foot DUPLO Christmas Tree, a colourful centrepiece that’s tree-mendously perfect for family photos.

Little elves can also wander through Miniland, where world-famous landmarks get a playful holiday makeover, complete with hidden festive scenes to discover.

Jolly entertainment and activities across the Resort include:

• The Christmas Kingdom - Father Christmas and Elf Meet & Greet – Create the ultimate family memory, every child receives a special LEGO gift to take the magic home with them.

• Nutcracker’s Marching Band – Brand new for 2025, this merry troupe, led by new character Nutcracker, fills the air with toe-tapping seasonal tunes as they wander the park, bringing a festive soundtrack and adding an extra dose of holiday

cheer to every corner of the Resort.

• Elf Training Academy – Also new for 2025, join Elf Frode in this playful experience, where he invites younger guests to join Santa’s merry helpers and learn the art of spreading Christmas joy. From mastering top-secret elf tricks to perfecting the skills of laughter and kindness, graduates will leave ready to sprinkle festive magic wherever they go.

• Festival of Flurries Show – Guests can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland as shimmering snowflakes swirl through the air in this enchanting, must-see spectacle. Happening several times a day, each magical snowfall transforms the park into a sparkling wintry scene.

The holiday magic continues at one of the nation’s favourite theme parks with Festive LEGO Build Zones, where Santa’s little helpers can create seasonal masterpieces to display or take home and join the Build to Give initiative to turn each cheery build into a LEGO set donated to a child in need.

Guests looking to make their Christmas visit extra special can enjoy a festive sleepover at one of the Resort’s three themed accommodations. Packages include park entry plus overnight stay, with magical touches such as seasonal room decor and evening entertainment.

From mistletoe to mini-figures, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is the perfect place to wrap up the year with unforgettable family memories.

THE DETAILS

Tickets for LEGOLAND Windsor start from £34 per person, with kids under 90cm going free. Short break packages start from £70 per person.*

The Strolling Band and the Elf Training Academy will be running on select dates.

Admission to meet Father Christmas requires a separate ticketed attraction starting from £27.50 per child, available on dates up to and including the 23rd of December.

LEGOLAND Adventure Golf is open through the holiday season for pre-booked visits and walk ups.

For further information, please visitlegoland.co.uk/explore/ special-events/legoland-atchristmas/

Festive cheer awaits at The Legoland® Windsor Resort

Winter Outerwear Made for Real Childhood Adventures

PO.P unveils its new Winter Outerwear Collection, made for play whatever the weather!

Swedish childrenswear brand PO.P (Polarn O. Pyret) presents its latest Winter Outerwear Collection, combining Scandinavian design, technical performance and lasting quality, with every style made to last at least three children – or more! The collection brings together a series of padded winter jackets, overalls and trousers, made to handle icy playgrounds, windy woodlands and snowy slopes. Don’t forget to layer up with PO.P’s merino wool and wool-terry layers and finish the style with coordinating accessories to really trap in the warmth this winter!

SNOWY – Best-selling, hi-tech and Best in Test

A best-seller in Sweden and beyond, the SNOWY

line is built for active children who need durable protection and freedom to move. Featuring 100g padding for lightweight warmth, the range includes padded jackets, overalls and trousers with reinforced areas on the knees and seat to withstand everyday wear. Adjustable cuffs, hoods and waists allow for a perfect fit and growing room, while reflectors ensure visibility in low light.

The SNOWY Padded Overall has been awarded Best in Test in Sweden for its outstanding weatherproofing, comfort and durability. Designed for adventure and made to last, the SNOWY padded overall offers the perfect balance of warmth, mobility and resilience, and can be relied upon whatever the weather or activity! Available in 1 – 6 years, £120.

ICY – Soft, simple and made to move

The ICY jacket offers a clean, minimalist look crafted from soft yet durable fabric that allows children to move freely. Each jacket features 100g padding, two hand pockets and an adjustable hem, providing comfort and practicality for everyday wear. ICY is wind and waterproof, offering reliable winter protection with a streamlined design. Available in 6 months – 10 years, £80.

ARCTIC – Warmth for the coldest days

Designed for truly cold conditions, the ARCTIC range is the warmest in the collection. It features our own PO.P PolarPlus™ Insulation, with 180g padding in the body and 120g in the sleeves and hood to deliver superior warmth, perfect for icy and snowy conditions with long time periods spent outdoors. Longer Parka jacket styles, protective faux fur trims and durable fabrics with reinforcements on critical areas provide exceptional coverage and comfort. ARCTIC padded jackets available for 2 – 10 years, £95. ARCTIC Padded overalls available for 2 – 6 years, £120. ARCTIC Baby overall available for 6 months - 2 years, £80.

Hit the Slopes with PO.P on Adventure PO.P on Adventure Ski Edition features a range of highly functional and comfortable outerwear designed for winter sports, active lifestyles and outdoor activities on the slopes and in the snow for children aged 2 – 10 years. Featuring padded shell jackets, puffer jackets, waterproof shell trousers and coordinating accessories and layers, the collection presents smart design solutions to maximise safety and keep long days on the slopes comfortable, warm and dry all day long.

From fully-taped seams and helmet compatible hoods to durable reinforcements and bright orange accents for visibility in the snow, PO.P on

Adventure Ski Edition has been expertly designed for Nordic conditions, while ensuring durability, breathability and optimal freedom of movement for active kids.

Layer Up with Merino Wool & Wool Terry layers

To lock in the warmth through the coldest months – layers are key! PO.P’s outerwear styles can be layered with merino wool base layers and cosy wool terry styles, all made from supersoft RWS-certified wool. The moisture-wicking merino wool base layers are available in tops, leggings and bodysuits, with matching thermals available for adults too! For extra warmth or as a cosy mid-layer, wool terry offers a thicker, cosier wool option - available as jackets, leggings and all-in-ones.

Every PO.P garment is made to be worn, loved and passed on, time and time again with 65% of PO.P’s outerwear being worn by at least three children*. Tested in Sweden’s toughest conditions and crafted with sustainability in mind, the Winter Outerwear collection reflects PO.P’s commitment to quality, comfort and outdoor play, whatever the weather!

Many winter outerwear styles are available online and in-stores now, with more items arriving weekly.

polarnopyret.com/en/uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

1

BLADE & ROSE

Blade & Rose, the award-winning British children’s clothing and gifting brand, presents its new Peter Rabbit Collection. The perfect gift for little ones this Christmas. This classic range features soft, gender neutral tones of oatmeal and white. Each piece is beautifully crafted with Peter Rabbit embroidery and playful prints, blending comfort, practicality, and timeless storytelling to create a truly magical gift for babies and toddlers alike. bladeandrose.co.uk

2

3 FROG BIKES’ TADPOLE BALANCE BIKES

Give the gift of confidence with Frog Bikes’ Tadpole balance bikes - the ultimate first step into cycling independence. Engineered with lightweight aluminium frames, a child-sized brake, and easy-grip handlebars, Frog Tadpoles are designed for 2-3 year olds for effortless control and maximum safety. Premium components ensure durability while maintaining a stylish finish that feels at home in London’s parks or countryside escapes. Every detail reassures parents, while every ride empowers toddlers.

Web address: frogbikes.com

Email address: info@frogbikes.com Telephone number: 01784 557300

GUS + BEAU

gus + beau creates extra thick foam playmat tiles that fit together like a jigsaw, giving little ones a soft place to roll, crawl and play while keeping your living room looking calm and chic. mix and match our neutral and colourful designs to build the perfect size for your space. shop: gusandbeau.com instagram: @gusandbeau_ email: hello@gusandbeau.com

4

MIGHTY WHEELS 16” SUPER CEMENT MIXER

Mix up the fun with the Mighty Wheels 16” Super Cement Mixer! Featuring a rotating drum, bold yellow-and-white design, and tough steel and heavy-duty plastic build, this truck is ready for any construction challenge. Press the button to hear authentic construction sounds for an even more realistic play experience! Huge, rugged wheels make it easy to push and play, while realistic details spark imaginative role-play. Perfect for indoor or outdoor use—collect all Mighty Wheels vehicles for endless adventures! info@smartzoneace.com

A MUST HAVE FOR EVERY NEW PARENT

This Award-winning hand & footprint memory book gives families the freedom to record memories in their own way. The book centres around baby’s hand & footprints, placing them at the core of each page. Each page is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and meaningful, with space to add prints, notes, and memories that tell your baby’s story. Crafted from premium, eco-conscious materials and presented in a luxury magnetic gift box, it makes a stunning gift for new parents. The clean-touch ink pads ensure a completely mess-free experience, making it both a practical and beautiful keepsake to be treasured for years to come.

littlepawsbigmemories.co.uk

PERILLA ALPACA SOCKS

This season, give the gift of warmth and luxury with a pair of alpaca socks. Crafted from the finest sustainable alpaca fibre, our socks are designed for busy mums who juggle school runs, standing on the side of playing fields and chilly winter mornings. Naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and irresistibly soft, they keep toes cosy without overheating making them perfect for long days outdoors or curling up at home. Each pair blends practicality with indulgence, offering durability for everyday wear and a touch of elegance for gifting. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a friend, alpaca socks are the ultimate stocking filler: thoughtful, stylish, and guaranteed to be loved. Everyone wants socks for Christmas!

perilla.co.uk

KATIE MARIE CREATIONS

At Katie Marie Creations, every piece begins with a story – a moment, a feeling or a memory made to last. They cherish life’s most meaningful moments and mark those milestones to become those lifelong keepsakes. Whether it’s personalised little love letter in jewellery form, like the Aria Personalised necklace or a sentimental matching “mummy and mini” bracelet, their jewellery speaks from the heart and creates memories that lasts a lifetime. Designed as family jewellery, personalised jewellery is the perfect way to celebrate connection and love.

Their Mummy and mini rice pearl bracelets are lovingly handcrafted with freshwater rice pearls that are dainty yet timeless and finished with either a sterling silver or gold-filled hand stamped initial, keeping your little mini near even when you might not be together. Cherishing your connections, your bonds and celebrating these sentimental gifts for mums are a way of saying “I see you, I know you and I care”.

Katie Marie knows first-hand the powerful relationship of a mother’s unconditional love for their child and thoughtfully handcrafts her designs; remembering that your story is as unique

“Their Mummy and mini rice pearl bracelets are lovingly handcrafted with freshwater rice pearls that are dainty yet timeless and finished with either a sterling silver or gold-filled hand stamped initial, keeping your little mini near even when you might not be together”

as you are. Katie Marie weaves in your story throughout her creations, whether that’s with your family birthstones like their birthstone mummy and mini bracelets, your child’s initials to be added for an additional personalised touch or a pendant designed to embrace the love, bond and connection: like their love spoon collections or their embraced bracelets, Katie Marie Creations loves blending meaningful design with impeccable quality. Her jewellery is created as a thoughtful handmade touch that becomes a daily reminder of love, connection and the moments that matter most.

Katie Marie designs for the dreamers, the storytellers, and the hearts that cherish every detail. Katie Marie celebrates life’s milestones, big or small, with her jewellery pieces designed to hold your most treasured memories with the intention to be a cherished part of your story. Let us create something that celebrates you. Check out her collections at katiemariecreations.co.uk and join the KMC Tribe. Instagram: @Katiemariecreations Facebook: The Creations of Katie Marie

DISNEY STORE AND SELFRIDGES UNVEILA STUNNING NEW LIMITED-RELEASE COLLECTION

Disney Store and Selfridges are joining forces this festive season to celebrate two icons, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse, with the launch of a stunning new limited-edition collection crafted in Selfridges Signature Yellow. The range arrives 6th November in Selfridges stores

nationwide and online at DisneyStore.co.uk. To mark the in-store and online launch, the Disney Store plush mountain at Selfridges London will undergo a stunning transformation to be reimagined as a yellow Winnie the Pooh & Friends paradise. Guests visiting on launch day will be greeted by a joyful display celebrating the warmth and whimsical nature of this range.

THE COLLECTION AT A GLANCE:

• Winnie the Pooh & Friends plush range: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore have received an all-yellow makeover and feature a special edition patch embroidered with the Disney Store at Selfridges logo on the foot. Available in small,

“Winnie the Pooh & Friends plush range: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore have received an all-yellow makeover”

medium and super large sizes!

• Winnie the Pooh & Friends plush bag charms: Bringing a playful touch of Disney fun to everyday accessories

• Disney x Selfridges Winnie the Pooh Yellow Limited Edition Pins: Un-bear-ably cute designs showcasing favourite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood

• Disney x Selfridges Mickey Mouse Limited Edition Pin: A collectible highlight of the range celebrating Disney’s iconic Mouse

• Create Your Own Yellow Headband Plush: Adding to the Create Your Own line up Mickey Mouse head yellow plush available exclusively at Selfridges London

• Special Edition Mickey Mouse Ears Headband: A stylish nod to Selfridges’ unmistakable hue, blending timeless Disney fun with bold British flair

• Collectible Disney Store key: Designed especially for Selfridges

From his first appearance in A.A. Milne’s tales to his 95th anniversary celebrations, Winnie the Pooh has long held a cherished place in the nation’s heart, even said to have been beloved by a young HRH Princess Elizabeth, to whom Milne dedicated Teddy Bear and Other Songs from When We Were Very Young in 1926. Now, nearly a century later, the Disney Store at Selfridges Collection, ideated by Karen Billinghurst-Brown, reimagines Winnie the Pooh pairing his gentle nostalgia with Selfridges’ bold, contemporary yellow hue, first introduced in 1993, in a collection that feels unmistakably British, joyfully modern, and deeply rooted in storytelling.

Vicky Woods, Director, Disney Store EMEA, said: “Both Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse hold a special place in the hearts of generations, each representing the warmth, imagination and

“From his first appearance in A.A. Milne’s tales to his 95th anniversary celebrations, Winnie the Pooh has long held a cherished place in the nation’s heart”

optimism that define Disney. The Disney Store at Selfridges collection is about bringing joy, colour and a touch of Disney magic to the festive season, celebrating two British icons in a way that feels truly timeless.”

The Disney Store at Selfridges Collection forms part of the wider ‘A Most Magical Christmas’ collaboration between Disney and Selfridges. The partnership will see Selfridges London, Manchester and Birmingham stores as well as Selfridges.com transform into festive wonderlands filled with stardust. There will be 18 enchanting Disney windows, over 60 brand collaborations (including limited editions of Disney favourites, specially commissioned fashion pieces and unique gift ideas), two bespoke Disney iterations of the iconic Selfridges yellow bag, and a truly unmissable façade that will bring the irresistible magic of Disney to the heart of London.

The Disney at Selfridges collection is available now at Selfridges London, Birmingham, Manchester Trafford and Manchester Exchange and online at disneystore.co.uk

THE FERTILITY CENTRE

Formerly the Assisted Conception Unit, The Fertility Centre is a longstanding centre of excellence for fertility treatment and care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In 2021 they enlarged the Centre with a new satellite service at West Middlesex University Hospital, extending patient care and convenient access across West London.

The Centre provides a broad and comprehensive range of fertility services to their patients –including IVF, ICSI and IUI – but their areas of particular expertise, include the management of women and couples over the age of 40, premature ovarian ageing or low ovarian reserve, and male or sperm-related infertility issues.

Notwithstanding their expertise in these complex fields, The Fertility Centre continues to perform very well in its success rates. They hold one of the highest clinical pregnancy rates amongst NHS hospitals in the UK (please visit hfea.gov.uk for further information) and welcome NHS-funded patients and those seeking to selffund their care and treatment.

As well as treatment for those trying to conceive now, The Fertility Centre offer services for those who are considering their ability to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation through egg or embryo freezing is becoming increasingly popular and they can provide these services through their dedicated Fertility Preservation programme.

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility:

• For social reasons

• Preparing to transition

• Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy

• If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts

If you are thinking about your fertility health for future years, they also provide a range of fertility assessments - with packages for individuals as well as couples. Alongside tests and assessments, expert clinicians can explain your results and advise you accordingly.

In addition to their clinical expertise and range of treatment options, The Fertility Centre understands the inevitable stress and anxiety of fertility treatment. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your treatment. This includes sessions with their British Infertility Counselling Association and UK Council for Psychotherapy accredited counsellors.

THE DETAILS

The Fertility Centre team is always happy to support you and answer any questions. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your fertility journey, please contact them on 020 3315 8585 or email chelwest.acu@nhs.net. chelwestprivatecare.co.uk/ fertility-centre

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

WINTER WELLNESS

Dr Angela Rai of the London General Practice provides some advice for the winter months.

Winter is a beautiful time of year but can also trigger common winter illnesses.

Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and tiredness, plus a dry cough, sore throat and congestion. Colds have similar symptoms, but caused by a different virus, and usually less severe. Recovery is usually 2- 7 days. Flu may be complicated by developing more severe infections such as bronchitis or secondary bacterial pneumonia.

The virus is spread by tiny droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. If someone breathes in the droplets or touches surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touch their nose or mouth, they can become infected.

Managing symptoms includes rest, drinking plenty of water to keep well hydrated, and keeping warm. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for fever and pain, and good hygiene and hand washing to help prevent the virus spreading. Antibiotics won’t work for flu, but they may be used if you develop a secondary bacterial infection such as a chest infection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is another virus that causes a respiratory tract illness and can be severe in infants. Most children with bronchiolitis have mild symptoms and recover within 2-3 weeks. Symptoms include a rasping and persistent dry cough, wheeze, brief pauses in breathing, feeding less and vomiting.

It helps to keep your child upright to make

breathing easier, giving them plenty of fluids, keeping the air moist with a humidifier and relieving fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Some children will require hospital admission if they are not getting enough oxygen into their blood because of breathing difficulties.

Norovirus also known as the winter vomiting bug causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It usually clears up by itself within a few days. Symptoms include vomiting and watery diarrhoea. You can also experience fever, headaches, abdominal pain and cramps. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Take paracetamol for any aches and pains and get plenty of rest. Adults can be given antiemetic medication to stop the vomiting if required. If you become very unwell and symptoms persist you should seek medical attention.

You can help prevent norovirus and other similar viruses by following simple measures.

• Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed.

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, not just alcohol gels as the virus is not killed by alcohol gels.

• Disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated and wash items of clothing and bedding that could have been contaminated.

• Do not share towels.

• Follow good toilet hygiene.

• Avoid raw and unwashed food, oysters have been shown to contain norovirus.

“Take paracetamol for any aches and pains and get plenty of rest. Adults can be given antiemetic medication to stop the vomiting if required”

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL

Tel: 0207 935 1000

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP services thelondongeneralpractice.com

Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services

DR ANGELA RAI MBBS, BSc (Psychology), MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, Dip Cardiology. PGCert

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY THIS SEASON WITH EFFECT DOCTORS

Discover the Ancient Power of a Modern Wellness Breakthrough

For thousands of years, the golden root known as turmeric has been at the heart of traditional healing practices across Asia. In systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric was prized for supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall wellbeing — a staple in herbal remedies and rituals for perhaps 5,000–6,000 years.

At the heart of turmeric’s potency lies Curcumin — the vibrantly yellow polyphenolic compound responsible for many of turmeric’s reputed benefits. Modern science describes curcumin as a powerful antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, capable of influencing oxidative balance, immune function, joint comfort, and general wellness.

Why Oral Supplements

Often Fall Short

Despite curcumin’s promise, its journey from capsule to cell is often challenging. When taken orally, curcumin must navigate the digestive tract — and much of it is lost or poorly absorbed, with only a small fraction ever reaching the bloodstream. Even when paired with black pepper or healthy fats (traditional methods to enhance absorption), the result remains highly variable.

This imperfect absorption can limit the therapeutic potential of curcumin, especially for those seeking meaningful antioxidant or inflammatory support.

Introducing IV Curcumin — Precision, Potency, Possibility

At Effect Doctors, we believe in unlocking curcumin’s full potential — which is why we offer a clinically supervised Curcumin IV Drip. Administered intravenously by registered clinicians, this distinctive delivery method bypasses the digestive tract entirely, delivering curcumin directly into your bloodstream.

The advantage? Higher bioavailability, a precise, measurable dose, and rapid absorption — meaning the curcumin is available for your body to use far more efficiently than oral capsules. For individuals seeking enhanced antioxidant support, relief from inflammation, joint comfort, or general wellness optimisation, IV curcumin offers a modern, evidence-informed alternative to traditional supplementation.

Ancient Roots, Modern Clinical Care

With roots stretching back millennia, turmeric — and curcumin — have stood the test of time. But now, through our Curcumin IV Drip, Effect Doctors brings those ancient benefits into a contemporary, medically guided context. Whether you’re managing post-exercise recovery, seeking support for joint or muscle discomfort, or simply aiming to enhance general well-being, intravenous curcumin offers a sophisticated, highbioavailability approach.

If you’ve tried oral curcumin but want something more targeted — or are curious about curcumin’s full potential — our experienced team is ready to guide you through a safe, and effective IV therapy experience.

Find out more about our Curcumin IV Drip

To book your consultation or learn more, visit effectdoctors.com or call 020 7305 7608.

KEEPING

Since 2017 Effect Doctors have been delivering personalised, proactive healthcare solutions across London. Founded by two Consultant Anaesthetists and supported by a team of highly experienced nurses, Effect Doctors is one of the best known providers of IV (intravenous) therapies in London. Our focus is on delivering innovative and effective treatments for the individual.

Tailored healthcare designed to enhance your vitality and well being. Book us to come to your home, hotel or workplace, or visit us at our clinic in London’s Soho. Seven days a week and every evening, we always have appointments available on the day.

Where Science Meets Sophistication: Inside ALTA MediSpa

Founded by international entrepreneur, philanthropist and scientist Anastasia Koles, who holds both a Master of Science with a focus on cancer research and a Master’s in Aesthetics, ALTA MediSpa is redefining the future of advanced skincare and non-surgical rejuvenation. Originally established on London’s prestigious Harley Street, ALTA now operates in Central London and Beverly Hills, setting a new global standard for results that are clinically precise, naturally refined and deeply personalised.

Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by a bespoke plan developed by a world-class team of aesthetic doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. With tens of thousands of procedures performed and a growing collection of prestigious industry awards, ALTA has become known for excellence, innovation and integrity in aesthetic medicine.

Renowned for its philosophy of elegant restraint, ALTA offers advanced injectables, intelligent skin therapies and full-face harmonisation, all grounded in evidence-based practice and a deep understanding of facial anatomy.

Guided by Anastasia’s commitment to meaningful impact, ALTA donates between three and ten percent of its profits to charitable initiatives in the UK and around the world.

At ALTA MediSpa, beauty is never manufactured. It is revealed with care, intelligence and intention.

ALTA MEDISPA LOCATIONS: 75-77 George street, London, W1U 8AQ | altamedispa.com | +44(777)111-6587 | info@altamedispa.com Los-Angeles, 9301 Wishire Blvd, suite 601, 90210 | +1 (424) 202-2868

FASHION & BEAUTY

– Fashion and beauty news to keep you looking your best –

IMAGE: NORTON AND TOWNSEND

FASHION & BEAUTY

THE ADVENTURER

For women, The Ayla is a super soft polar fleece with a classic comfy fit born from hazy days in the mountains. Now crafted in a crew fleece style, it’s the perfect year round layering piece. And for men, The Baltic has had an upgrade in the fabric department, a new quilted lining and the addition of an internal mesh back panel and vent for breathability, you will want this jacket with you on every adventure. passenger-clothing.com

THAT’S A WRAP!

Crafted with care from the softest Peruvian baby alpaca wool, and available in the most exquisite colour, this wool accessory will add a touch of sophistication to everyday outfits and occasion wear. socosy.co.uk

GREEN WITH ENVY

TWO TONE

Crafted for those who appreciate the art of custom design, the Duo Colour Beanie is a sophisticated blend of simplicity and style. Handmade to order, this luxurious beanie features a striking two-tone design. spuggydesigns.co.uk

This stunning umbrella is lovingly made in London. The racing green canopy is manually cut and assembled over a hand-made frame with a solid beechwood shaft and a smooth scorched maple wood handle, giving this umbrella a luxurious feel with classic British styling. heating-and-plumbing.com

This beautiful cotton wash bag by Rex London. rexlondon.com

BELT UP

Switch up your style with ease thanks to our reversible leather belt. Wear it in one colour and then simply twist the reversible clip buckle to change to the other colour. dentsgloves.com

NEBRAS CLINIC

AESTHETICS & BEAUTY

At Nebras Clinic, we transform every beauty journey with over 25 years of excellence in non-invasive aesthetics. Recognized with an award in 2024, an award in 2025, and an award again for outstanding service, our clinic stands as a trusted destination for transformation, empowerment, and well-being.

Our expert team places clients at the heart of everything, tailoring each treatment to enhance natural beauty and confidence. Nebras Clinic is more than a place for treatments—it is a sanctuary where science, artistry, and care meet.

Our luxury services include body treatments, anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, PRP therapy, facial rejuvenation, massage, laser hair & tags removal, eyelash and eyebrow design, and our signature non-surgical facelift by threads.

In addition, we provide accredited training courses offering hands-on experience, equipping professionals with the skills to thrive in the aesthetics industry.

At Nebras Clinic, beauty and expertise unite.

Beauty Ambition

Meet Dr Nina Bal, an aesthetic practitioner turned cover girl with her very own formula for success.

As an entrepreneur, aesthetic practitioner, medic and mother, Dr Nina Bal knows the art of balance only too well. Having opened her awardwinning, Facial Sculpting clinic in the heart of South Kensington, she is a triple threat. With beauty, brains, and an unstoppable drive, Dr Nina has an allure which makes the industry sit up and take note. Her clinic, nestled neatly behind Chanel and a stone’s throw from Harrods, caters for the most discerning global clientele. A turn around the waiting room reveals polished professional females who come for one thing, Dr Nina’s art of facial sculpting.

How does it feel to have your own Facial Sculpting Clinic in the heart of South Kensington?

“This was such a defining moment for me, I have just turned 40 and have my own clinic which is so focused in its aesthetic offering. The service we provide is centred around my holistic approach to aesthetics, and facial sculpting is truthfully our absolute forte.”

Which are the most popular treatments?

“Endolift is forever the most sought-after treatment. This is perfect for those who have visible signs of skin laxity in the mid and lower face and jawline but aren’t yet ready to commit to surgery. During the treatment, I insert a fibre optic laser beneath the skin to tighten, lift, and create seamless contours to the face. This treatment has minimal downtime, so, it’s a less invasive option and I find the regenerative benefits and results are brilliant.”

Why Facial Sculpting?

“This phrase describes exactly what I do best. At my clinic, we focus on the face and neck primarily, and I have developed my Dr Nina Advanced Facial Sculpting Formula which uses a trio of my preferred protocols alongside my own artistry. It starts with Endolift (for many patients) and then upon consultation with me, it’s a series of cutting-edge, device-led treatments to include, InMode Contoura and BTL EMFACE. The third stage is a focus on the injectable bio stimulators,

to include Croma PolyPhil (polynucleotides) and Jalupro skin boosters.”

Is there a breaking new treatment you have your eye on?

“Always. I’m thrilled to announce that we now have the Sciton BBL HEROic device at the clinic and I’m seeing incredible results. HEROic uses broad-spectrum pulsed light to focus in on skin clarity and rejuvenation. Designed to tackle pigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, brown spots, and help with rosacea and acneic skin types, it’s a powerhouse treatment.”

Tell us a bit about your mantra?

“I have always worked hard to get what I want and that has created a drive which is now part of my personality. To be an entrepreneur, mother, and medic, you need to have ambition and an endless energy to succeed in all areas, plus a great team to support of course!”

What is the secret to maintaining high-energy output?

“I love sports. When I’m not in clinic with my patients, you will find me working out with my trainer or skiing and hiking in the mountains in Italy (I’m Italian if you didn’t know). I like to take a daily supplement. Artah is a preferred brand, which helps me strike the right balance. I eat healthily and, in truth, I think the most important thing to remember is to move your body daily.”

What do you do to unwind?

“I spend time with my boys and my family. We will have dinner together and then it’s time for me to unwind with skincare and an early night. I just had the most wonderful wellness trip to Amilla Maldives. A beautiful five-star resort that has the clearest water and unspoilt beaches. I rested, recharged, and switched off completely. After days spent swimming, connecting with nature, visiting the Javvu spa and practicing yoga and meditation, I feel so well and centred and ready to hit the ground running for my next projects.”

For Bookings: Tel: +44 203 951 9886 +44 734 009 3939 info@facialsculpting.co.uk Facialsculpting.co.uk

Facial Sculpting by Dr Nina Bal, 313 Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW3 2DY

“I have always worked hard to get what I want and that has created a drive which is now part of my personality”

PRICES

Endolift

£4,900

InMode Contoura From £680 (per session)

Croma PolyPhil Polynucleotides from £690

Jalupro Skin Boosters from £640

BTL EMFACE

£700 (per session)

BBL HEROic

£690 (per session)

Photographer: Madison Blair

Stylist: Lorna McGee

Words By Elizabeth Whiston-Dew

A Legacy of Precision

Ensure your Rolex performs at its peak with Rolex World Service at the Watches of Switzerland Group

The Rolex moniker is synonymous with precision, luxury and enduring excellence. The brand’s reputation as one of the biggest names in Swiss watchmaking has been built on uncompromising standards – and protecting that legacy means only a select few are trusted to work on its timepieces.

At the Watches of Switzerland Group, we are proud to honour this legacy by being part of Rolex World Service, the brand’s network of Authorised Service Centres. Our Rolex-trained watchmakers are accredited by the brand, ensuring every timepiece continues to perform with exceptional accuracy and reliability for years to come.

Selected Goldsmiths, Mappin & Webb and Watches of Switzerland showrooms across the UK now offer the opportunity to have your Rolex serviced in-house by our Rolex-trained watchmakers, all of whom are dedicated to caring for your watch in line with the brand’s exacting standards. These Authorised Service Centres mirror the standards of Rolex’s own workshops and from routine maintenance to intricate movement servicing, every watch receives meticulous care and attention.

Every Rolex service begins with a thorough inspection of the case, bracelet and movement, carried out in one of our Rolex Authorised Service Centres. Our highly skilled watchmakers

“For our clients, seeing this process in one of our showrooms is a rare insight into the complexities of watchmaking and servicing for one of the biggest names in horology”

diagnose any issues and replace worn components with genuine Rolex parts where necessary, before cleaning and reassembling the movement, and rigorously testing the completed timepiece for precision, accuracy and waterproofing. Each timepiece that receives a full service in one of our Rolex Authorised Service Centres leaves with a two-year international service guarantee for the work carried out, reflecting the shared commitment of Rolex and the Watches of Switzerland Group to performance and longevity.

For our clients, seeing this process in one of our showrooms is a rare insight into the complexities of watchmaking and servicing for one of the biggest names in horology. It elevates the experience of owning and wearing a Rolex, highlighting the decades of excellence on which the brand has been built, and demonstrating the high standards that its founder, Hans Wilsdorf, established over a century ago.

At the Watches of Switzerland Group, being a part of the Rolex World Service ensures every watch continues to perform with unparalleled precision and reliability, ready to accompany its owner through the next chapter of life.

watches-of-switzerland.co.uk mappinandwebb.com goldsmiths.co.uk

FESTIVE JOY FROM 89 A SEASON WITH FLORIS LONDON

In St James’s, the festive season arrives with quiet confidence. The streets glow with light from historic shopfronts, the air carries hints of pine, frankincense and polished wood, and every doorway seems to hold a story waiting to be stepped into. At 89 Jermyn Street, that story has been unfolding for nearly three centuries.

Here, Floris London – Britain’s oldest familyrun perfumery – continues its tradition of crafting fragrances that are both beautiful and enduring. This Christmas, its Festive Joy, From 89 collection captures the spirit of the season in gifts designed to be kept, remembered, and cherished.

The Heritage Behind the Door

Still in the hands of the ninth generation of the Floris family, the brand’s reputation has been built on quality, craftsmanship, and service. For nearly 300 years, customers have crossed the threshold not just for fragrance, but for an experience rooted in care, knowledge, and artistry. Its patrons have included royalty, literary greats, and Hollywood icons. In 2023, Floris was honoured with the Royal Warrant to His Majesty King Charles III, formal recognition of its longstanding dedication to excellence.

Inside, polished wood cabinets and softly lit counters set a welcoming tone. At the back, a small

“Whether it is a signature scent in a ribboned box, a set for discovery, or a fragrance crafted entirely for you, Floris approaches gifting with intention”

museum displays treasures from the archives, including a letter from Florence Nightingale expressing her affection for the White Rose fragrance. The main Floris Museum, however, is tucked away in the Bespoke Room, a space reserved for those creating a scent of their own.

The 2025 Festive Collection

The Festive Joy, From 89 collection brings together signature Floris creations and seasonal combinations, presented in packaging inspired by the elegance of its Jermyn Street home.

For gentlemen, the No. 89 Duo pairs the house’s best-selling fragrance with a matching bath and shower gel in a gift box illustrated with the boutique façade. For lovers of richer scents, the Honey Oud Duo combines the opulent Honey Oud Eau de Parfum with a newly launched body moisturiser for a layered experience.

The Perfumer’s Trilogy offers three 10ml fragrances for him or her, ideal for discovery or travel. The Soap Collection delivers everyday luxury in refined form, while miniature fragrances, hand treatment creams, and individual soaps make thoughtful stocking fillers.

Rose Geranium – An Icon’s Choice

Among the collection, the limited-edition Rose

Geranium Eau de Parfum carries a particularly evocative history. In 1959, while staying at Claridge’s during the filming of Some Like It Hot, Marilyn Monroe visited Floris under the alias “Miss Dorothy Blass” and ordered six bottles of Rose Geranium Toilet Water to be sent to The Beverly Hills Hotel. The original receipt, later amended to her full name, remains part of the Floris archives.

Today, Rose Geranium returns in Eau de Parfum form. It opens with bright geranium and citronella, leading to a heart of palmarosa, rose, and rosewood, before settling into a warm cedarwood base. Elegant and distinctive, it is a scent that speaks of timeless style.

Bespoke – The Gift Beyond the Season

While not part of the Christmas collection, the Bespoke Fragrance Experience is perhaps the most exceptional gift one could give at this time of year. Available year-round, it offers the recipient the chance to work one-to-one with a Floris perfumer to create a fragrance that exists nowhere else. Conducted in the privacy of the Bespoke Room, the process combines careful consultation with expert blending, resulting in a unique fragrance

bottled, archived, and available to re-order. It is the ultimate expression of thoughtfulness, destined to be remembered long after the season has passed.

“Today, Rose Geranium returns in Eau de Parfum form. It opens with bright geranium and citronella, leading to a heart of palmarosa, rose, and rosewood, before settling into a warm cedarwood base.

Elegant and distinctive, it is a scent that speaks of timeless style”

The Art of Gifting

Whether it is a signature scent in a ribboned box, a set for discovery, or a fragrance crafted entirely for you, Floris approaches gifting with intention. Festive Joy, From 89 is more than a seasonal collection, it is a celebration of heritage and the thought that goes into every detail. In an age when the season can be hurried, Floris offers a slower, more considered approach to giving. Where history, artistry, and personal connection are wrapped together, ready to be shared.

To discover more, visit the Floris London shop at 89 Jermyn Street or explore the collection at florislondon.com.

Tailoring Trends

Bespoke tailoring can be everything you want it to be…

We are driven by a passion to create perfect tailoring for every individual client. We are dedicated to individuality.

Our admiration of iconic style, beautiful fabric and the highest level of craftsmanship dominates the process from start to finish. Bespoke, custom or made to measure - formal or casual - we are fluent in the art of fabric composition, weave effects, pattern cutting, garment construction, fit and style.

At our boutique showrooms in Spitalfields, London, and Ilkley, West Yorkshire, we offer a truly personal tailoring experience, far removed from the rushed atmosphere of the high street. Each appointment is carefully curated to give you the time, space, and attention you deserve, ensuring every detail is tailored to perfection.

The biggest difference between us and other tailoring companies is our people.

People who measure our clients, design and cut the patterns, sew, press, deliver, alter, wear and enthuse about our beautifully tailored clothes. And the people who answer the phone in the areas we cover, do the window displays, make the coffee…

Every single one is passionate about our business and determined to make a difference.

Timeless Tailoring for Women: Norton & Townsend

Heritage tailor Norton & Townsend, renowned for bespoke British menswear, now brings its craftsmanship to women with Toria Design. Led by owner Victoria, the line celebrates timeless style, exquisite fabrics, and impeccable fit. Each piece is tailor-made to flatter and empower, offering women bespoke garments that transcend trends and last a lifetime.

NORTON & TOWNSEND

Where the magic starts and finishes

For more information about Norton & Townsend, please visit www.nortonandtownsend.co.uk or telephone 020 7377 9600 / 01943 725428

Timeless Tailoring for Women:

Norton & Townsend Launches Toria Design

For over thirty years, Norton & Townsend has been synonymous with bespoke British tailoring for gentlemen - tailormade suits, coats, shirts, and country attire, designed to last a lifetime. Now, under the leadership of owner and creative director Victoria, the heritage tailor is bringing that same commitment to craftsmanship, fit, and fabric to a dedicated ladieswear line: TORIA DESIGN.

Victoria’s journey into tailoring has been anything but ordinary. She studied fashion design at Manchester Metropolitan University before moving to Egypt, where her family owned factories. There, she honed her skills in design, pattern cutting, fitting, and sampling for global brands. Returning to the UK, she continued her

career in womenswear, working with high-street retailers and refining her expertise in tailoring.

“When Norton & Townsend came up for sale, I jumped at the chance,” says Victoria. “I’ve always loved tailoring, both men’s and women’s, but most of all I adore fabric- I’m a total fabric geek! This was an opportunity to work with some of the best cloth merchants in the country and create truly unique pieces for our clients.”

Victoria acquired Norton & Townsend in March 2020, just ten days before the first lockdown. Like so many small businesses, plans had to be put on hold as she navigated COVID and its aftermath. “The first few years were all about survival,” she reflects. “But I always knew ladieswear would be part of the future. It was just a question of getting it right.”

That perfectionism has paid off. Toria Design is a carefully considered collection of timeless women’s tailoring, grounded in the same meticulous craftsmanship Norton & Townsend is known for. “We don’t do high fashion - we create pieces that transcend trends.” Victoria explains. “Our goal is to help every woman discover her own style. Coco Chanel said, ‘Fashion changes, style remains,’ and that’s exactly our philosophy.”

Every garment is a collaboration, from the first conversation over coffee to the final stitch. “We get to know our clients, their lives, and their needs. Visiting a tailor can feel intimidating, but we make it relaxed, personal, and even fun. Each fitting is part of a journey - choosing fabrics, refining details, and creating something that makes you feel incredible every time you wear it. A tailor-made suit is like armour; every woman deserves one.”

Fit is the foundation of Toria Design. Each garment is individually patterned to the client, taking into account body shape, posture, and preferences. “We don’t compromise on fit. We accentuate what you love and ensure every piece moves with you. It’s about making you feel like the best version of yourself, whether it’s a work suit, an evening jacket, or a go-to everyday piece,” Victoria says.

The line celebrates fabric as much as fit. Norton & Townsend works closely with some of Britain’s finest mills, including Dugdale, Abraham Moon & Sons, Marton Mills, Bateman Ogden, Standeven, and Holland & Sherry. “We’re lucky to have such incredible mills here in the UK. Even traditional fabrics take on new life in women’s tailoring - they look and feel completely different,” Victoria notes. “If a client dreams of a particular cloth, we’ll find it. That’s the joy of bespoke.”

Toria Design is more than a clothing line - it’s a

“Fit is the foundation of Toria Design. Each garment is individually patterned to the client, taking into account body shape, posture, and preferences:

commitment to slow fashion and building lasting relationships. Clients often begin with one or two key pieces, then return year after year to expand their wardrobes. “We love creating heirloom pieces,” says Victoria. “Garments so beautifully made, with such stunning fabric and detail, that they’ll be just as relevant and stylish decades from now. That’s the complete opposite of fast fashion, and that’s what makes tailoring so special.”

Victoria is passionate about making Toria Design a community. She stays connected with clients through Instagram, offering style advice, wardrobe-building tips, and recommendations for everything from shoes to accessories. “We’re here to support women,” she says. “We want our clients to feel confident, stylish, and uniquely themselves. Tailoring is deeply personal, and that’s why it works—it’s made just for you.”

With its new ladieswear offering, Norton & Townsend is ushering in a new era of bespoke British tailoring: one that combines heritage craftsmanship with a fresh, personal, and empowering approach to style.

nortonandtownsend.co.uk

HOLLAND & HOLLAND

At Holland & Holland, our ethos is simple: we produce everything for the discerning fieldsports enthusiast with functionality and premium quality in mind. With an exceptional range of clothing, accessories and unique gift ideas curated for the shooting season and beyond, you are sure to find something special for your loved one (or treat for yourself) during this festive period.

Our range of clothing and accessories was born from a desire to produce elegant, best in class items that will stand the test of time both in their durability and their timeless aesthetic appeal.

Harnessing the skills of artisan suppliers

“Our range of clothing and accessories was born from a desire to produce elegant, best in class items that will stand the test of time both in their durability and their timeless aesthetic appeal”

and painstakingly sourcing the highest quality domestic materials, we have created a range with a sustainable ethos, that is made to last. hollandandholland.com

Festive Gifting The Bella Ling Way

Known as a trusted fashion advisor to London’s chicest set, Bella Ling is home to a treasure trove of highly curated and rare designer goods, making the perfect gift for the luxury lover in your life.

Founded by Ho Lam Tam; a fashion specialist, collector and expert authenticator with a keen eye for quality and style. Since its opening in 2020, Bella Ling has built a reputation for its editorial curation and boutique-level trust. Now, Bella Ling paves the way as a leader in pre-loved luxury, known as a global platform trusted by collectors and stylists across the world.

Looking to indulge in a little bit of luxury to

treat someone special (or yourself!) this festive season? Luckily for you, Bella Ling is sure to deliver. We’ve rounded up our favourite gift-ready picks from Bella Ling’s current selection—which pieces will make the cut on your Christmas list?

1. Chanel Light Pink Caviar Quilted Mini Vanity Case With Chain - £2,200

Bigger isn’t always better, and this mini vanity case from Chanel is proof. Charming, feminine and ever-adorable, this compact bag features Chanel’s signature diamond quilting and champagnegold hardware for a touch of modern elegance. Designed to be worn cross-body or carried in hand, this petite pochette is the perfect accessory for carrying the essentials such as your cards, keys, or lipsticks.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels Magic 6 Motifs 18K White Gold Diamond Alhambra Necklace£39,000 Diamonds are forever—or so the saying goes. Leave a legacy for your loved one with this stunning diamond piece from Van Cleef & Arpels that is sure to turn heads.

“Charming, feminine and ever-adorable, this compact bag features Chanel’s signature diamond quilting and champagne-gold hardware for a touch of modern elegance”

3. Christian Dior Yellow Lizard Medium D-Joy Bag With Strap£2,800

A modern reinterpretation of the iconic Lady Dior, the D-Joy features a sleek, elongated silhouette that highlights the bag’s architectural lines while maintaining its timeless elegance. A rare and collectible Dior creation that embodies craftsmanship, colour, and contemporary sophistication.

4. Chanel Emerald Green Crystal Rectangular Drop Earrings With Gold CC Logo - £780

Elevate your look with these timeless Chanel logo drop earrings, crafted in glossy emerald green resin with a rich gold-tone center interlocking CC logo motif. A versatile statement piece, these earrings embody Chanel’s classic elegance and vintage charm, perfect for both day and evening styling.

5. Hermes Birkin 25 Rubis Swift Leather With Gold Hardware - £13,500

Elevate your luxury collection with this stunning Hermès Birkin 25 in the vibrant Rubis red shade, a timeless statement of elegance and sophistication. Gold hardware beautifully contrasts the deep Rubis color, highlighting the bag’s iconic features—the signature turn-lock closure, double rolled handles, and protective metal feet. A symbol of exclusivity and craftsmanship, the Hermès Birkin is more than just a handbag—it’s an investment piece and an heirloom to be treasured for generations.

Come visit us at the Bella Ling store located in Knightsbridge, at 51 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NY and follow us on Instagram @bellalinglondon to be the first to hear about new stock releases.

Models are wearing a selection of makeup from Convié with makeup done by Beam.

Photography: Jacobus Snyman

Discover the Gift of Sustainable Luxury with The Croft House

As London’s most discerning households turn their attention to meaningful, beautifully made Christmas gifts, one name stands out for those who value craftsmanship, sustainability, and authentic heritage: The Croft House. This boutique Scottish knitwear brand has quietly built a reputation for producing exquisite garments that are as conscious as they are luxurious – pieces designed not only to delight at Christmas, but to become companions for life.

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, The Croft House celebrates traditional knitting techniques while embracing a modern aesthetic that appeals to today’s style-focused, environmentally aware consumer. Their knitwear is crafted in Scotland from ethically sourced fibres – including soft, breathable lambswool and Scottish cashmere – ensuring every piece feels indulgent yet responsibly made. Their commitment to responsible business runs deep: The Croft House is also a certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. In addition, 1% of every sale goes directly to charity, allowing customers to contribute to meaningful causes with each purchase. For gift-givers seeking

“Their knitwear is crafted in Scotland from ethically sourced fibres”

something both thoughtful and enduring, this balance of sustainability and sophistication is key.

From cosy Fair Isle jumpers to elegant cardigans, scarves, and accessories, each item carries the quiet luxury of hand-finished quality. These are garments that elevate everyday dressing, offering warmth without weight and comfort without compromise. They make an impeccable addition to any winter wardrobe.

Christmas gifting is ultimately about meaningful connection – and nothing communicates care quite like a gift made to last. When you choose a piece from The Croft House, you’re gifting more than knitwear. You’re sharing a story of slow fashion, heritage techniques, and the rugged beauty of Scotland’s landscapes. Their B Corp values and charitable giving add an extra layer of purpose, making every gift feel even more thoughtful.

Whether you’re selecting something special for a loved one, treating a discerning friend, or curating a festive wardrobe of your own, The Croft House offers a rare combination of natural materials, timeless design, and conscious production.

This Christmas, give a gift that warms body, heart, and conscience – with sustainable Scottish knitwear from The Croft House. thecrofthouse.com Tel: 01779 838155

CHRISTMAS AT SATTACHE

This holiday season, give her a gift that’s as thoughtful as it is stylish. Sattaché, a New York City–based brand founded by Irina Titova-Kashan, was created to address the real-life challenges of women on the go. The Classic Bag is designed to make daily life easier without sacrificing elegance, turning the constant juggling of multiple bags into a seamless experience.

Featuring an antimicrobial shoe compartment, the bag keeps worn shoes separate from daily essentials, while a spacious back pocket holds everything from her phone to her wallet. Three optional straps allow five different ways to wear—over the shoulder, crossbody, handheld, or as a backpack—so she can switch from heels to flats, adjust her style to any activity, or travel comfortably.

Crafted from eco-friendly, PETA-Approved vegan materials, the Classic Bag combines chic design with sustainability. Thoughtful details solve the everyday frustrations of women balancing

work, errands, and social life, making it a gift that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Perfect for the woman who has everything, it’s a holiday present she’ll use again and again.

Discover more at sattache.com and follow @mysattache for inspiration.

Darlin London Launches Limited-Edition Seasonal Drop

This winter, Darlin London introduces a limited-edition seasonal knitwear capsule, designed to bring joy, mischief, and quiet luxury to cold-weather wardrobes. Combining festive flair with alpine attitude, the drop includes two distinct stories: the Christmas Collection and the Ski Capsule - both crafted in small batches using premium yarns and thoughtful details. The Christmas Collection: Festive, but make it slowfashion.

Darlin’s 100% cashmere Christmas knits strike the perfect balance between playful and polished.And who doesn’t want a sustainable Christmas jumper for those pesky Christmas jumper [dress code] parties?

Key Christmas styles include:

• Sleigh All Day - A deep green jumper with the cheeky play on words embroidered in lime, combining cosy softness with seasonal sass

• Unwrap Me - Wine-red cashmere with light rose-pink embroidery - flirty, festive, and made for those gift giving moments.

• Pointelle Star & Christmas Tree - Subtle takes on holiday dressing, these lightweight knits feature drop-stitch pointelle motifs in either a sparkly beige (Star) or moor green (Tree), offering just a whisper of seasonal magic.

The Ski Capsule: Alpine attitude, off-duty ease

Designed for days on the slopes and nights by the fire, the Ski Capsule features:

Slopeside Sweaters - Knitted in a luxurious blend of 70% extra-fine merino wool and 30% cashmere using bold intarsia techniques. Slogan designs include:

• Japow! – a nod to Japanese powder days

• 1850m – referencing Courchevel’ s altitude and attitude

• Extreme Terrain – inspired by black diamond slope signage

• Easy Way Down – a tongue-in-cheek take on blue run ease

Après Styles - Made from 100% pure cashmere and finished with hand-stitched chain embroidery, these pieces channel the après mood with insider flair:

• Come Up, Slow Down – an ode to Gstaad’ s elegant pace

• Cloud 9 – a subtle Aspen reference for those in the know

Every piece in the collection is produced in limited quantities, with a focus on craftsmanship, comfort, and just the right amount of irreverence. It’s a cold weather wardrobe designed to lift spirits - whether you ‘re heading to the mountains or hosting at home.

The Darlin London Seasonal Drop is available now exclusively at darlinlondon.com

A New Year, A New You: Where will 2026 take you?

January marks a time of change and new perspectives, lines drawn and fresh beginnings, whether it’s a commitment to make better lifestyle choices, start a new exercise regimen or plan a larger life change. Indeed, over the festive period and into January is a particularly busy time for healthcare bookings as people plan their family’s year ahead.

The new year also marks a time when people feel most empowered to take charge of their health, their lives and make positive changes.

A trigger for change

This time of year can naturally lead some people to focus on health, perhaps looking at booking a skin/mole check for themselves or a member of their family, review an area that has been bothering them or take time away from circulation to recharge the social battery. For others, it might be a time to seriously consider cosmetic surgery - particularly if there is an area of their body that has long been impacting self esteem.

Cosmetic surgery is often misunderstood as purely vanity-driven, but for many it’s a means of self-care to restore appearance, reconstruct a sense of self and empower themselves to live life to the full. The benefits of surgery often extend well beyond the physical outcome and can completely

shift a person’s mindset bringing renewed confidence, long after the immediate improvement.

Consultant cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Chris Abela’s core belief is to empower people to be the best version of themselves, well beyond any surgical or non-surgical treatment.

Chris Abela is a consultant plastic surgeon, experienced in facial and abdominal cosmetic and reconstructive surgery as well as non surgical procedures such as anti-wrinkle treatments. Chris also offers skin checks for individuals as well as the whole family for peace of mind.

Chris’ ethos and the team’s overarching philosophies

A safe and evidence-based approach to the medicine and surgery provided

Holistic and honest consultations to enable patients with a better quality of life, long after they have been discharged

Providing the right infrastructure and personnel to take care of a patient and fully support them for the duration of their journey

All this is done with discretion in mind. He runs a private practice with clinics at 84 Harley Street and at Wimbledon Parkside Hospital.

“Consultant

cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Chris Abela’s core belief is to empower people to be the best version of themselves”

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a procedure, please contact Chris at info@chrisabela.co.uk or on 0203 545 2990. More information is available at chrisabela.co.uk.

CHRIS ABELA

Just what the Doctor ordered

We were invited to take a peek behind the scenes at Sedbergh Soap Company and meet the founder, Dorthe Pratt. Upon entering, you are met with a sensational scent and shelves of jars labelled with intriguing names like ‘Highland Verbena’ and ‘Bog Myrtle’. Dorthe lights up, “This is where it all happens; this is the heart of the business where I tinker with ingredients, and new concepts take form”, she says with passion in her voice. “I love to collaborate with people who appreciate the high-quality ingredients and skill that go into our products”.

Now one such collaboration with Monachyle Mhor Hotel in the Trossachs, to create Dr. Osbourne’s Botanical Collection, a series of organic bath and skincare products, has scooped three awards at the Health & Wellbeing Awards 2025. With 14 products over four scents, the judges were spoilt for choice.

Lisa Lewis of Monachyle Mhor says: “We’re very excited about the awards; Sedbergh Soap and Mhor have worked together for almost 20 years. I’m often asked why we are not using Scottish soap in our highland hotel, my answer is simply because discovering Dorthe and Sedbergh Soap Co always felt like a natural fit: an independent, organically grown company, with integrity at its core” Our

“Herbs are our heroes. They each have their own superpowers and we’re just at the start of the discovery. Dr Osbourne’s botanicals thrive here with us in our highland landscape, against all odds”

trust in Dorthe to understand our vision feels natural in every way”

So, who is Dr. Osbourne? A bit of research suggests the doctor was a dashing adventurer who travelled the world in search of healing botanicals, which he brought home to share with his friends.

Tom Lewis, chef patron at Monachyle Mhor explains: “yes Dr. Osbourne was a real person but as it is up here, stories are added to over time. Dr. Osbourne is part of the fabric of our hotel and I think of him as a summary of all the people who have inspired me in my life”.

Tom adds: “Herbs are our heroes. They each have their own super-powers and we’re just at the start of the discovery. Dr Osbourne’s botanicals thrive here with us in our highland landscape, against all odds”. The first Dr Osbourne’s products were in fact our gins, which we created with a local herbalist and distiller”.

With so much going on, what might the doctor prescribe next? “Over the years we had often discussed a collaboration to create something MHOR, with a luxury spa in mind.” As time passed, we realised that our surroundings here at Monachyle Mhor are nature’s natural spa”. “Dorthe is already busy creating spa products to work in harmony with the landscape”, Lisa concludes.

THE DETAILS

For more information and stockists visit sedbergh-soap.co.uk

TOOL

Founded in Istanbul in 2015 by Demet Azaklı and Turan Özeren, TOOL stands out as a distinctive leather brand that brings craftsmanship back into everyday life. The founders, who are architects, believe that products should be chic while carrying a spirit that eases the pace of the day. Their collections reflect this balance whether it’s a backpack, a women’s handbag, a wallet, or an organizer tablet case, each piece carries this harmony forward. Every product is shaped with architectural sensitivity: clean lines, balanced proportions, and a tactile quality that highlights the authenticity of natural leather.

TOOL products have made a remarkable impact on our lives, and their soft, natural leather seems destined to preserve that same effect for future generations. As a modern-day essential, TOOL not only offers durability and functionality, but in a world that is increasingly artificial, it safeguards the natural structure, irregularities, and original texture of leather. Each piece demonstrates that authenticity can still be a defining quality.

To ensure uniqueness and individuality, TOOL uses leather produced by splitting full-grain leather also known as genuine leather into multiple layers to create a glazed finish. In other words, TOOL relies on durable, high-quality leather with the intention of passing its longevity on to future

generations. What truly sets TOOL apart is its ability to transform daily essentials into small design celebrations. A TOOL bag moves effortlessly from office hours to coffee breaks, from travel to city walks, always fitting naturally into the rhythm of life. Once the leather is processed and shaped into an iconic TOOL, it becomes the perfect place to store everything we use almost daily—tablet, charging cable, earphones, credit card, passport, keys, the pen we always carry, and of course, our phone. All of this is organized with a level of practicality that feels almost unimaginable. Today, TOOL continues to reinterpret the classic perception of leather while offering products that adapt seamlessly to modern living. Beyond trends, TOOL creates lasting companions defined by confidence, clarity, and ease. thetoolofficial.com

CASTANOHEL’S ANNIE CASTANO:

The Stylist Every Woman Wants on Speed Dial

Upstairs in one of London’s chicest Victorian mansions is a Studio Privé, whispered about from Belgravia dinner parties to Ascot’s champagne tents. Inside, Annie Castano—colour savant, style maestro, and the woman who can resurrect an uninspired wardrobe with a single glance— practises her quietly transformative magic. By appointment only, naturellement.

Annie herself is the sort of woman who turns heads before she’s crossed the room: effortlessly elegant, warm as a cashmere wrap, and blessed with that rare combination of beauty and mischief that makes everyone feel instantly at ease. Clients describe her as “gorgeous,” “kind-hearted,” and “ridiculously fun”—and yet she is unnervingly good at her craft.

Her genius? Colour Annie is the high priestess

of tonal harmony and a style locksmith. With 20 years’ experience—and a remarkable sixth sense— she decodes her clients’ skin tones, and personality, crystallising a palette and style combination that doesn’t just suit them; it revives them. Even without makeup, the right colours reflect vitality onto the skin, softening shadows and balancing undertones with effortless elegance.

Her service is bespoke: one-on-one sessions that feel part fashion intervention, part life coaching, part intoxicating therapy. Wardrobe detoxes (sometimes emotional), shopping trips (always exhilarating), phone consultations (perilously addictive), and meticulous follow-ups are all part of the experience. Champagne is often poured, though Annie’s own effervescence almost renders it superfluous.

Her client list includes female executives determined to command rooms long dominated by navy-suited men. Annie helps them define a style that signals I’m here, I’m exceptional, and I won’t blend in.

Beyond consulting, Annie is co-founder of CASTANOHEL, the quietly explosive lifestyle brand she launched with Ivana Nohel—illustrator to Buckingham Palace and designer of scarves worn by the late Queen Elizabeth herself. CASTANOHEL’s scarves have already become cult items internationally, with accessories and interiors launching in 2026.

Annie Castano dresses women for the life they want and, more importantly, the one they deserve. She is a stylist whose work transcends clothing: she helps women see themselves more clearly, more confidently, more brilliantly.

A session with Annie is not a makeover, it is an awakening… add a CASTANOHEL scarf, and they become unstoppable. castanohel.com

Photo: Carl Doghouse

Photo: John Stoddart

“Bohemia” Loungewear Collection

Where Heritage Prints Meet Home Comfort

Print Sisters Archive is delighted to announce the launch of its latest loungewear collection, Bohemia, now available online. The collection marks a stylish evolution for the brand, marrying its signature archival print design with wearable comfort for the modern home.

Collection Highlights

The Bohemia range includes a two-piece set and a dress version – each imbued with the brand’s distinctive print language. Print~Sisters. Crafted to seamlessly transition from lounge to light day wear, ideal for remote working, relaxed weekends, or stylish layering. Prints are drawn from the Print Sisters Archive, which houses a treasure trove of rare textile artworks spanning from the 1800s to the 1970s. Print~Sisters. Each piece is limited in quantity – emphasising exclusivity and product integrity, in line with the brand’s ethos of considered, low-volume production.

• Print heritage with purpose: True to Print Sisters Archive’s mission, the collection re-awakens vintage designs in a wearable context – each print with its own story.

• Elevated loungewear: Unlike mass-market lounge sets, Bohemia offers a premium fabric,

thoughtful cut and a print-first aesthetic – making home dressing feel both comfortable and refined.

• Sustainability and craft: The brand’s archiveled process prioritises reviving and restoring prints rather than producing designs from scratch, underscoring a commitment to mindful fashion.

Print~Sisters

The Bohemia loungewear collection is available now via the online store. Sizes and quantities are limited, so early purchase is advised. UK and international shipping options are available at checkout.

printsistersarchive.com/collections/ loungewear

The Aesthetics of Ageless Beauty

In an age when self-care has evolved from an indulgence into a necessity, the art of facial aesthetics is undergoing a renaissance—and at the centre of this new era stands Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics.

Known for his meticulous eye, advanced clinical expertise, and an unwavering dedication to natural results, Austin Brewer has become one of the UK’s most trusted names in non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

What sets Austin apart is his philosophy: aesthetic enhancement should never eclipse individuality. Instead, every treatment is designed to reveal the bestversion of the patient sitting before him. This personalised approach begins with an in-depth consultation, where concerns, goals, and expectations are brought into clear focus. Whether addressing the first signs of ageing or enhancing facial harmony,

Austin believes that the most successful treatments are those that empower clients to feel more like themselves—not less. At the heart of his practice lies a curated portfolio of advanced injectables, skin rejuvenation treatments, and innovative anti-ageing solutions. Austin’s mastery of dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections is particularly renowned; his results are subtle yet transformative, restoring youthful volume and vitality without compromising natural movement or expression. Complementing these core offerings are cutting-edge techniques such as Polynucleotides, Exosomes and microneedling,

designed to improve texture, hydration, and longterm skin health.

But perhaps the most compelling element of Austin Brewer’s work is the experience itself. A warm, discreet environment, an honest and unhurried consultation process, and a practitioner who combines clinical precision with an artist’s intuition create a sense of trust that is increasingly rare in the aesthetics industry. His ethos prioritises client education as much as outcome—ensuring that every individual leaves not only looking refreshed, but feeling informed, supported, and confident.

In a world saturated with quick fixes and fleeting beauty trends, Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics stands as a testament to timeless enhancement. Rooted in expertise, integrity, and an appreciation for authentic beauty, Austin continues to redefine what aesthetic treatment can—and should—be. This is facial aesthetics with intention and with artistry.

THE DETAILS

Appointments available at Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics, Harley Street, London 07823 883888 austinbrewer.com

This Christmas, discover Kind Atoms, a new clean skincare brand founded by sisters Jusna Ali and Roxana Maani, who grew up inspired by the aromatic South Indian kitchens of their grandmothers. Their heritage-led approach infuses modern formulations with timehonoured ingredients, creating products that feel as nurturing as they are effective.

Science is their foundation - shaped by Jusna’s chemistry background and their combined commitment to creating clean, luxurious skincare. Their heritage-led approach infuses modern formulations with time-honoured ingredients, creating products that feel as nurturing as they are effective.

At the heart of the collection is the Atomic Moisturiser, a radiance-boosting hero that delivers deep, lasting hydration with a silky, breathable finish. Beautifully boxed with a premium, design-led feel, it’s the kind of gift that instantly elevates any stocking - luxurious yet wonderfully affordable.

Alongside the moisturiser, Kind Atoms offers a curated lineup of clean skincare essentials crafted with the same attention to detail and sensorial touch, making it easy to build a thoughtful, beautifully cohesive gift set.

For effortless festive shopping, Kind Atoms delivers modern luxury, meaningful storytelling and accessible price points, the perfect formula for gifting well this season.

WHERE PRECISION MEETS PERFECTION TAILOR STORE

Magnus Loodberg and Mats-Ola Ström met in the 7th and 8th grades, playing music at school. That same sense of rhythm and collaboration still guides them today, now as the founders of Tailor Store.

What started with a single shirt (Mats-Ola still remembers: it was blue, it fit okay, but the quality? Not great…) became a shared mission to do better. Over the years, with plenty of trial and error, they’ve built Tailor Store into something they’re proud of: exceptional quality, personalised for every customer, and always improving.

Their personal styles have evolved, too.

Magnus has grown more confident in casual dressing. His go-to right now? A soft wool blend flannel shirt with a placket and button-down collar. Relaxed, elevated, easy. Mats-Ola prefers things a little more dressed up: You’ll often see him in a non-iron light blue shirt that matches his tone and his schedule. Maximum ease, maximum impact.

And while their preferences differ, there’s one thing they agree on: every man should own a white non-iron shirt. It’s the easiest way to look sharp, no matter the occasion.

But what really sets Tailor Store apart isn’t just the fabric, the fit, or the finish - it’s the heart behind it. From day one, this has been a company rooted in trust, honesty, and a genuine care for the people they serve.

They still operate from Helsingborg, Sweden, where it all began, and proudly own and operate their own production facility in Sri Lanka. Their

very first tailor, hired over 20 years ago, is still with them today. That kind of dedication runs deep in everything they do.

Custom-made may have been new to them at the start - but now, they couldn’t imagine going back. Hundreds of thousands of customers agree: once you experience a shirt made just for you, nothing else compares.

To get in touch with their amazing customer service team visit tailorstore.com/uk/en

CHRISTMAS JEWELLERY GUIDE

– Explore this season’s standout jewellery in our curated guide –

IMAGE: FREYA ROSE LONDON

DOWER AND HALL: NEW FOR 2025!

Meticulously designed by our very own Dan Dower, this year’s silver-plated pewter decoration is a reimagining of a classic, first released in 2004, and inspired by the charm of a vintage D&H collection named Angel Wing.

‘This year’s Herald Angel is crafted with a more delicate touch, allowing it to sit gracefully on your Christmas tree. The cut-out wings glimmer in the

light adding depth and fascination - a nod to our beloved Angel Wing collection.’ - Dan Dower

A ‘Herald Angel’ is a messenger from above and carries a timeless sentiment of peace and joy - a reminder of love, harmony and hope during the festive season and beyond. The design is engraved with ‘2025’ on the reverse, making it perfect for collectors.

NEW FOR 2025! Meticulously designed by our very own Dan Dower, this year’s silver-plated pewter Christmas decoration is a ‘Guiding Star’ that shines as a symbol of hope and inspiration.

‘I designed the star to feel radiant - its form catches the light from every angle, a reflection of the guiding lights we all look for in life.’ - Dan Dower

The ‘Guiding Star’ tree decoration represents hope and new beginnings, reminding us that even the smallest light can illuminate the darkest path. The design is engraved with ‘2025’ on the reverse, making it perfect for collectors.

Our handcrafted decorations will not only look good on your tree, but will also make a great house charm for the rest of the year. Each year Dan produces new designs so why not start your own collection to adorn your Christmas tree or home. dowerandhall.com

Elegant and audacious, Naz Hariri has pioneered a bold new aesthetic in jewelry - one that transcends trends and speaks in geometry, structure, and quiet power. Her pieces don’t just adorn; they express. Refusing the need for overt branding; she once said, “My work is my signature.” And indeed, it is — each design unmistakably hers, shaped by a distinct vision that blends strength with grace.

www.nazharirijewellery.com

Ruth Haldon Jewellery

Confident jewellery for confident people!

Using glorious Czech glass beads and personally selected natural stones, this hand-crafted brand offers colourful jewellery for any occasion, finished with Sterling silver and beautifully boxed.

Shown here is a Czech glass, teal multi spot square necklace yours for £60.00, a Czech glass red flower necklace at £65.00 and a black amazonite and red jasper necklace at £120.00, all available on her website.

www.ruthhaldon.co.uk

Jewellery means more when it reflects the person who wears it. At Harper Kendall, each design is shaped with intention quietly elegant pieces that feel natural, individual, and enduring.

Behind every collection is a considered, personal approach. Conversations guide the process, whether you’re exploring our ready-to-wear pieces or shaping something bespoke. It’s about understanding your style, your moments, and what you want a piece to represent.

Their dedicated Jewellery Concierge offers rare, one-to-one guidance supporting custom designs, meaningful gifting, and the art of building a personalised collection with confidence.

Discover a world of thoughtful design, slow craftsmanship, and jewellery that feels unmistakably yours.

Visit harperkendall.com to find out more.

Harper Kendall: Where Jewellery Becomes Personal

Some jewellery marks a moment. Some becomes a signature. And then there are pieces that feel as if they were always meant to belong to you — the kind that hold emotion, memory, and quiet confidence in equal measure. Harper Kendall builds its world around this feeling, shaping jewellery that resonates on a personal level rather than simply decorating the surface.

The brand’s aesthetic is calm, intentional, and quietly expressive. Each design carries a certain softness an elegance that doesn’t rely on volume, but on proportion, clarity, and an instinctive understanding of how jewellery should live on the body. Harper Kendall pieces settle into daily life naturally, gaining depth and meaning the longer they are worn.

Yet what truly distinguishes the brand is something far rarer: The Harper Kendall Jewellery Concierge a service that stands almost alone in the fine-jewellery landscape. While most jewellery experiences end at the point of purchase, the Concierge creates an ongoing relationship. It is built around a simple but powerful idea: jewellery should be curated as personally as fragrance, art, or a wardrobe.

Clients share their tastes, their instinctive

preferences, even the small details that shape their style. From there, Harper Kendall creates a uniquely tailored sequence of selections through its subscription service pieces chosen with an attentiveness uncommon in the industry. Over time, the curation becomes increasingly intuitive, evolving with the wearer and reflecting subtle shifts in their aesthetic.

It feels less like a subscription, and more like having a private jeweller who truly understands you someone who recognises the pieces you will return to again and again, even before you do.

This rare approach reflects the brand’s wider philosophy: jewellery should not be transactional. It should be relational. Emotional. Quietly transformative. Harper Kendall designs with this sentiment in mind, crafting pieces that accompany you through the private, uncelebrated moments as much as the visible milestones.

In an industry often defined by tradition and spectacle, Harper Kendall chooses something more intimate a thoughtful, deeply personal experience that honours the connection between jewellery and identity. Here, luxury isn’t loud. It’s understood. And it begins with a piece that truly feels like yours.

Learn more at: harperkendall.com

“Harper Kendall’s Unique Jewellery Concierge Subscription creates tailor made jewellery selections based on your chosen style profile”

Freya Rose London

This season, we couldn’t think of a more perfect brand to feature ahead of the festive season! Freya Rose London, founded in London in 2010, is a multiaward-winning British luxury brand internationally renowned for its pioneering fusion of fine jewellery techniques with couture shoe design. Today, Freya Rose London is admired for its luxury occasion heels, bridal shoes, demi-fine jewellery and jewelled clutch bags; exquisite creations that feel sculptural, refined and unmistakably unique. From royal wardrobes to red-carpet moments, the brand has been seen on style icons such as The Princess of Wales to Kate Moss and continues to redefine purposeful luxury with an artistry that speaks to both modernity and tradition.

Freya Rose embodies craftsmanship, elegance and originality at its core. Every design reflects the depth of heritage artistry, Mother of Pearl inlaid by hand, silver woven with jeweller’s precision, engraving and filigree shaped by generations of mastercraftspeople. For more than 15 years, Freya Rose has collaborated closely with indigenous artisans, supporting techniques that are increasingly rare and vital to cultural identity. By investing in ancestral techniques and artisan talent, the brand ensures that these rare skills remain vibrant, valued, and celebrated well into the future.

What truly sets Freya Rose apart is its unwavering commitment to ethical luxury and slow fashion. Each piece is created with intention, honouring natural materials, uplifting the communities who shape them, and carefully

protecting the environments from which its Mother of Pearl is responsibly sourced. This ethos is reflected in the brand’s Butterfly Mark Certification, a trusted symbol of measurable sustainability and responsible practice. For Freya Rose, responsible design is not an addition to luxury; it goes hand in hand.

This season, there is no brand more fitting to spotlight ahead of the festivities. Freya Rose’s opulent, sculptural accessories are crafted to invite admiration, spark conversation and shine at every celebration. From it’s signature Mother of Pearl heels and statement earrings to timeless zodiac pendants, each piece is created to carry sentiment and meaning, making them beautiful gifts destined to be treasured for years to come.

A GIFT FROM FREYA ROSE…

As a festive gesture, the brand is offering our readers a complimentary pair of freshwater pearl stud earrings with any purchase over £200. Simply use the code WITHLOVE when shopping online until 19th December 2025. freyarose.com

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF LIDO PEARLS

For 25 years, Lido have been sourcing beautiful pearls to use in their extensive collection that feature earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and brooches.

For centuries, pearl jewellery has been worn and admired by royalty, celebrities and fashion icons; they add elegance, are timeless and offer a truly elegant look.

Whether it is delicate understated classic pieces, fabulous statement earrings with sparkling cubic zirconia, long ropes or super-sized baroque pearls, Lido are sure to have a design that will be the perfect finishing touch for any occasion.

Whilst the classic white pearl is sometimes thought to be the most popular colour and are, of course, perfect for a bride, the beautiful natural tones of pink, silver grey & stunning peacock are also popular choices for modern brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests alike.

The contemporary collection offers stunning

pieces of stylish head turning designs for all ages in both silver and gold-plated silver.

Lido also offer gorgeous, unusual large baroque pearls and natural colour Edison Pearls which are perfect for a more relaxed style to add extra glamour to any occasion, day or night.

A new Men’s collection has recently been added as the trend for Men’s pearl jewellery increases thanks to media, sports & music personalities regularly being seen wearing pearl jewellery.

Whether your style is vintage-inspired, contemporary, classic or timeless why not explore their curated collections on the Lido website and find your perfect style.

As the range is so extensive not all designs can be shown, Lido pride themselves on offering a personalised service and happy to help you find your perfect piece of pearl jewellery.

Much has been written over the years about pearls, style icons from a bygone area have favoured pearls as their go to jewellery and to this day pearls remain timeless, elegant and always appropriate.

THE DETAILS

EXCLUSIVE OFFER

15% discount on quoting THELIFEMAGS15

lido-collection.co.uk

lorraine@lido-collection.co.uk

01245 360949 / 07850 647313

At Pilates Squared Kensington we step away from the large gym classes and allowed the client to have a Pilates workout that is personally tailored for them.

From the super fit, to pre and post natal, to injuries.. Classical or Dynamic, whatever your style. Private sessions to small group classes, we offer something for everyone.

To Book your first session, go to www.pilatessquared.co.uk or call us on 0207 244 9898.

Pilates Squared: voted Pilates Studio of the Year by British Vogue and Best Pilates Studio UK by Prestige Magazine SPECIAL AUGUST OFFER: 2 SESSIONS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

HEALTH & FITNESS

– Everything you need to keep fit, healthy, and happy –

IMAGE: DOCTORCALL

THRIVING THROUGH WINTER WITH JUICE PLUS+: The Seasonal Support Your Body Needs

During the colder months, our bodies work harder to stay warm, we spend more time indoors, and sunlight exposure drops all of which can affect our nutritional needs and energy. Registered Nutritionist Sue Oldreive highlights the value of small winter habits such as adding a 10 mcg vitamin D supplement, eating a plant-focused diet for immune-supporting vitamin C, and ensuring elderly friends and family have access to nourishing meals and supplements if needed.

This seasonal guidance sets the tone for how Juice Plus+ can support daily nutrition, not as a replacement for healthy eating, but as a simple, confidence-boosting addition.

JUICE PLUS+ ESSENTIALS CAPSULES:

Everyday Plant-Based Support

The Juice Plus+ Essentials Capsules are a blend of powdered fruit, vegetable and berry ingredients, plus selected vitamins and other plant-based ingredients, designed to help bridge the gap between what you do and what you should eat.

Sue points out that:

“Using food supplements as part of a daily routine, can give us a little extra confidence in our nutrient intakes – particularly on days when our healthy eating habits have perhaps fallen by the wayside.”

120 SERVINGS FOR £307 or Subscribe + Save 10% for 120 Servings, £69 per month over 4 months

JUICE PLUS+ SUPERFOOD POWDER:

A Winter Boost You Can Blend, Shake, or Stir

We’re so busy during the festive season so sometimes we need refreshing and convenient nutrition. This is where the Juice Plus+ Superfood Powder can shine, a delicious drinkmix supplement made from 30 different fruits, berries, and vegetables plus plant-based vitamins and phytonutrients, that comes in super-portable, pre-portioned stick packs. Bursting with goodness from concentrated fruits and veggies it includes, Broccoli, Kale, Lemon Ginger to name a few!

30 SERVINGS FOR £104

JUICE PLUS+ PURE CACAO ROCKS:

Festive flavour without the guilt

Winter and chocolate go hand in hand, and the brand new, limited edition, Juice Plus+ Cacao

Rocks provides a way to enjoy a cosy, chocolatey moment without the guilt! It contains whole food, pure cocoa mass. It’s sugar-free, free from flavourings and sweeteners and has a great provenance story too. Mix with warm milk, add to a smoothie, or breakfast bowl.

280G FOR £35.00. Limited stock available in UK only

JUICE PLUS+ LUMINATE:

Giving you the mental energy and focus to get through silly season

The festive season brings joy, but it also brings full calendars and long to-do lists. Juice Plus+ Luminate

is a plant-based food supplement created with a thoughtful blend of nootropics and adaptogens to help support you through this busy time of year. With ingredients such as natural caffeine sourced from Green Coffee Bean, plant-based B Vitamins plus Rhodiola and Lion’s Mane, Juice Plus+ Luminate is designed to provide mental clarity , focus and mental energy helping you feel ready to take on your seasonal tasks.

15 servings for £44

ROUTINE, REST, AND RHYTHM: HOLISTIC WINTER WELLNESS

Nutrition is one part of the winter wellness puzzle. But there are other equally important lifestyle habits that can help us feel stronger, more resilient, and more energised during winter.

1. Start the Day Strong

Breakfast might be early for some or later for others, but what matters is what you choose:

• Eggs and spinach

• Overnight oats with berries

• High-fibre cereal with fruit

Pairing these with a warm drink and your Juice Plus+ morning routine for a positive tone for the day.

2. Move Daily, even in short bursts

Build movement into your day early on. Whether you’re aiming for 10,000 steps or simply doing some morning stretches, physical activity helps boost mood, circulation, and overall wellbeing.

3. Take mindful pauses

Winter often feels rushed. Step away for 10 minutes at various points in the day; breathing, hydrating, or simply pausing the holiday chaos.

4. Prepare for tomorrow

A small planning session in the evening can reduce stress, support better sleep, and help you maintain a healthy rhythm.

5. Prioritise Rest

Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep. Quality sleep supports your energy levels, immune system, and decisionmaking, especially when navigating holiday temptations.

Juice Plus+ as Your Winter Ally

“At a time of year when we’re all looking for meaningful, feel-good gifts, Juice Plus+ offers something truly special - the gift of everyday wellbeing. Our products are convenient, plantbased and designed to support your nutrition when life gets busiest.”

Jamie Lee Evans, Regional Director, Juice Plus+

JUICE PLUS+ AS YOUR WINTER ALLY

– Jamie Lee Evans, Regional Director, Juice Plus+

DOCTORCALL: London’s Original Private GP Home Visiting Service

Dr Charles Levinson on building London’s most trusted visiting doctor service

At a time when most medical care meant a journey across town to see a GP, there was a small office in Chelsea receiving calls from Londoners who wanted something very specific. A doctor who would see them in their own sitting room.

That office belonged to Doctorcall, the visiting GP service founded by Dr Charles Levinson in 1989. “At the time I started, GPs were stopping home visits and out-of-hours work,” Charles recalls. “There was still a real need for home visits, and I knew they could be viable if run efficiently.”

From that Chelsea base, Doctorcall expanded as word spread from one patient to the next. In the early years Charles took most of the calls himself, working through nights and weekends. “We grew case by case, visit by visit,” he says. “I took the organic route. It was slower, but it meant we could survive long enough to build real goodwill.”

Over the years, the patient list has become a snapshot of London: busy professionals

who cannot afford to lose half a day to an appointment, older patients who find travel difficult, international visitors who would rather see a GP in their townhouse or hotel suite. “You see everyone,” Charles says. “People you might never otherwise meet, each with their own story and their own reasons for wanting a doctor to come out.”

What began with Charles on call is now a team of more than 70 GPs working for Doctorcall across London and nationwide. Today, that spirit lives on in Doctorcall’s Concierge Membership, an exclusive Private GP subscription. Members can call on an experienced GP whenever they need to, with 24/7 home visits. Membership includes an annual health check, and the members can enjoy genuine continuity of care.

The festive season shows this at its best. Charles has spent many Christmas Days on duty and still remembers them fondly. “Patients were incredibly kind and grateful that I came,” he says. “There was a real sense of goodwill.”

THE DETAILS

For a private GP home visit in London this holiday season and throughout the year, or to join Doctorcall Concierge GP Membership, contact Doctorcall’s 24/7 team on 0344 257 0345 or +44 20 7535 1888 (WhatsApp available), or visit doctorcall.co.uk to book online.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

THIS SEASON WITH EFFECT DOCTORS

Discover the Ancient Power of a Modern Wellness Breakthrough

Why Oral Supplements

Often Fall Short

This imperfect absorption can limit the therapeutic potential of curcumin, especially for those seeking meaningful antioxidant or inflammatory support.

Introducing IV Curcumin — Precision, Potency, Possibility

Ancient Roots, Modern Clinical Care

Find out more about our Curcumin IV Drip

To book your consultation or learn more, visit effectdoctors.com or call 020 7305 7608.

KEEPING

Understand your body and take control of your health

When you wake up not fully rested, feel draggy, irritable, even a little fuzzy-headed. Perhaps you’re constantly catching colds, or noticing your mood slipping. The real cause could be quite straightforward, a hidden shortage of vital nutrients?

At Effect Doctors we believe in getting to the root of the problem. That’s why we have designed The Complete Micronutrient & Iron Deficiency Profile – a comprehensive, blood test designed to reveal your fatigue, mood dips, or weakened immune defences are due to key nutritional or mineral deficiencies

This test examines:

• Key vitamins – including B12, folic acid (B9), and vitamin D.

• Essential minerals – such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium and sodium.

• Complete iron markers – iron, ferritin (storage iron), transferrin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation.

• Broader health markers – including inflammation (CRP), a full blood count, and liver and kidney function.

Even mild deficiencies in these nutrients can

disrupt your energy, mood, and immunity. Low iron disrupts your body’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues, leading to tiredness, breathlessness, pale skin, or dizziness. Insufficient B-vitamins can affect energy production and mental clarity; vitamin D or zinc shortfalls impair immune resilience. Magnesium and mineral imbalances can leave you listless, weak, or prone to muscle and nerve issues.

At Effect Doctors, you’ll have a consultation with our expert team of Doctors and Nurses. We take a small blood sample and deliver a detailed report in few days. From there, we can guide you on a personalised plan – whether that involves dietary changes, supplementation, or targeted IV therapy.

If you’ve been pushing through fatigue with coffee and willpower, or telling yourself “I’m just run down,” it might be time to stop guessing. The Complete Micronutrient & Iron Deficiency Profile helps you finally understand your body – and gives you a real path back to energy, clarity, and resilience. effectdoctors.com

“At

Effect Doctors, you’ll have a consultation with our expert team of Doctors and Nurses. We take a small blood sample and deliver a detailed report in few days. From there, we can guide you on a personalised plan –whether that involves dietary changes, supplementation, or targeted IV therapy”

AWARD-WINNING ORTHODONTIST

DR EMMA LAING

Creating beautiful bespoke smiles in Harley Street

TREATMENTS INCLUDE…

• Orthodontic treatments to straighten the teeth include Invisalign, fixed braces (on the inside and in clear or metal).

• Appliances for sleep apnoea and snoring are increasingly popular for improved quality of sleep.

I work with leading Respiratory Consultants where needed to help with sleep disorders.

“My professional aim is to go to every effort to give you an entirely personalised service, with the right braces for you, a realistic plan tailored to your needs, and a stunning result at the end” – Emma Laing

Q&A

What is the aim of orthodontic (brace) treatment?

The aim of orthodontic treatment is to straighten teeth and correct the bite between the top and bottom teeth to give a great cosmetic and functional outcome.

Is orthodontic treatment suitable for everyone?

Orthodontic treatment can be undertaken at any age. There are some contraindications to orthodontic treatment; for more specific enquiries please arrange an initial consultation.

Is it painful?

Orthodontic treatment moves the teeth gradually with light forces to avoid damaging the teeth; it follows that there can be mild discomfort over the first few weeks of braces and after adjustment appointments, but on the whole is minimal. This does vary with the type of brace chosen and is fully discussed at your initial consultation.

Planning for that perfect smile is where it pays to see an experienced Specialist. With over 8 years of training and 16 years working as a Specialist in Harley Street, I can advise on planning your treatment in a bespoke and appropriate way for you. I treat a huge mix of adults and children, local and international patients, and celebrities.

Dr Emma Laing BDS MSc MFDSRCS(Eng) MOrthRCS(Eng) Specialist in Orthodontics www.emmalaing.com 107 Harley Street, London W1G 6AL

SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIST DR EMMA LAING

Dr Laing has been providing sleep appliances for many years for snoring and for sleep apnoea. Snoring in isolation is itself not harmful. However it may be associated with Obstructive sleep apnoea, a life-threatening condition in which the airways close several times an hour during sleep. It can readily link to many other conditions such as cardiovascular complications.

Signs of mild sleep apnoea may involve waking up to go to the loo more often than usual as higher blood pressure puts more strain on the kidneys. And more generally, waking up feeling unrefreshed despite being asleep for a sufficient number of hours.

Positional sleep apnoea can be caused by a few reasons: being overweight is the obvious cause as a thicker neck circumference is linked to a reduction in the airway at the back of the throat. However, there are generally two cohorts for sleep apnoea: men who are overweight with a shirt collar of 17.5’ or over, and women, usually over 40, with a petite jaw that naturally sits backwards - “a lot of my patients fit into this category” Dr Laing explains.

To keep the airways open at night some resort to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) in which oxygen is applied at night through a mask or nasal prongs. “CPAP can be difficult to get used to, especially for sleepers who move around a lot in the bed.” Or more discretely, Dr Laing provides mandibular advancement splints, these devices are a custom-fit mouth guard such as a 3D Printed Panthera Classic. This lightweight, white device

gently prises the airways open by positioning the bottom jaw forwards.

How do you know if you might have a need for this treatment? Dr Laing advises the most accurate means of establishing if apnoea exists, and the severity of it, is to see a Respiratory Consultant for an overnight sleep recording. “Whilst smartwatches and devices such as the Oura ring provide lots of data, the most accurate assessment of sleep disordered breathing is via a sleep study with a physician,” Dr Laing adds.

“Sleep apnoea has been known as a silent killer, and is less discussed than many other areas of medicine. Currently in an estimated 1.5million people in the UK are thought to be suffering from sleep apnoea, with around 85% undiagnosed,” Dr Laing adds.

THE DETAILS

For more information visit Emmalaing.com

Email: Info@emmalaing.com

Dr Emma Laing BDS MSc

MFDSRCS(Eng) MOrthRCS(Eng) Specialist in Orthodontics

Instagram: @dremmalaing X: @dremmalaing

Facebook: @drEmmaOrthodontist

SEASON

THE FERTILITY CENTRE

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility:

• For social reasons

• Preparing to transition

• Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy

• If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts

THE DETAILS

The Kensington Wing

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

Focus on… VITAMIN D

Dr Angela Rai from The London General Practice, discusses the benefits and importance of vitamin D.

“Vitamin D is essential for healthy teeth and bones and helps regulate calcium levels in the body. The consequences of Vitamin D deficiency are cardiomyopathy (a condition which affects the heart muscle), osteomalacia in adults which may present as bone pain, poor growth and rickets in children, and seizures in infants. There is some evidence to suggest that Vitamin D may protect against heart disease, cancer and diabetes but this is currently inconclusive.”

Are you at risk of Vitamin D deficiency?

• Pregnant and breast feeding women

• Infants and adolescents

• Those with reduced sun exposure - countries in the northern latitude including the UK winter season

• Those with darker skin as they need more sunshine to make Vitamin D.

• If you wear clothing that covers most of your skin.

• People with limited diets including vegetarians and vegans

“Sunshine is the main source of Vitamin D, as our body creates Vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin. It is important to follow safe sun exposure and not allow your skin to redden or burn and use sun protection if you plan to be out longer in the sun. It has been recommended to have between five and 30 minutes of sun exposure to your unprotected face, arms, legs or back between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. two to three times every week to produce enough Vitamin D for your body. Your body can’t make Vitamin D if you are indoors by a sunny window as UVB light can’t get through the glass, so it’s important to be outdoors.

In the UK winter months, sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB to make adequate Vitamin D, so we rely on food source or supplements like oily fish, eggs, fortified yoghurts, cereals and infant formula milk.

Those considered to be at risk can take Vitamin D supplements. A daily dose of 400 international units or 10 mcg is considered to be safe for most age groups. It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women take 400 units daily. If there are medical concerns, further testing can be performed by a simple blood test. Those that are deficient can be prescribed higher treatment doses of Vitamin D, although medical advice must be followed as too much Vitamin D can cause toxicity. Enjoying the sun safely, while taking care not to burn, can help to provide the benefits of Vitamin D, without unduly increasing risks of skin cancer. Your GP can provide you with further personalised guidance should you have concerns.”

“In the UK winter months, sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB to make adequate Vitamin D – Your GP can provide you with further personalised guidance should you have concerns”

DR ANGELA RAI MBBS, BSc (Psychology), MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, Dip Cardiology. PGCert Anti-ageing Medicine General Practitioner & Medicines Management Lead

Focus On… WELLNESS OVER AGE FIFTY

As we get older, we need to be more aware of our health. Although some of it is down to our genes, advancing age, exposure to environmental factors and the cumulative effects of our lifestyle choices have an impact on our wellbeing.

‘Our team will work with you to maintain your best possible health and wellbeing, so that you can continue to enjoy life to the full, whatever your age.’

People in their 30s, 40s and 50s tend to be running around between work, home and family, leaving less time for exercise, relaxation and taking care of health issues. At The Practice, we encourage you to take a step back, take time out to have you health and risk factors assessed and to take timely action.

Through a combination of the latest screening techniques and technology, and expert diet and lifestyle advice, we can help you to be proactive about your health.

Essential cancer screening

Most cancers become more prevalent as people age – the vast majority are diagnosed in people over 60. Unfortunately, too many cancers are

still diagnosed late. With modern treatments and surgical techniques, early detection can often make a significant difference to the outcome so it makes sense to undertake regular screening to spot these cancers at a very early stage.

At The London General Practice, we offer comprehensive cancer screening, including colon, prostate, breast, ovarian and lung cancers. We can access the latest, high tech, cutting-edge diagnostic tests available in Harley Street and its environs, arranging your tests efficiently so that you can get everything done within a day.

‘The London General Practice cancer screening programme gives you complete peace of mind.’

‘Maintaining a healthy heart is the key to health and wellbeing as you move into the middle age and beyond.’

Heart health

Heart disease is still a big killer in the UK. Although women are protected to some extent before menopause, that protection ends as levels of oestrogen drop. Women in the 50+ age group are just in need of cardiovascular risk assessment and screening as men of the same age.

At The Practice, we offer comprehensive screening, either to identify problems early, or simply to put your mind at rest.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place)

Tel: 0207 935 1000 Or email info@ thelondongeneralpractice.com

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP Services thelondongeneralpractice.com

Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services

Dr Catrin Bevan

HOUSE & GARDEN

IMAGE: RIPPLES

INTERIORS

VINTAGE LUXURY

Based on a 1950’s design by Arne Vodder, our Salisbury Vintage Style Seating Range is comfortable without compensating on style! With a handcrafted ash frame and distressed faux leather upholstery, this luxurious two-seater sofa is sure to bring a stylish, modern elegance to your home. The Salisbury Faux Leather Range would be a fantastic addition to any living room or office. peppermillinteriors.com

GREENWICH-BOUND

Designed in a traditional style, but with modern, practical details added, the Greenwich basin fits perfectly with the Thomas Crapper brand ethos. thomas-crapper.com

THE LIGHT SIDE

Breathe your own personality into your home with the Brandsdale Modular Sideboard. The unique design of this unit makes it perfect for putting your own stamp on your surroundings. shelved.co.uk

PATCHWORK PERFECT

This Ella Quilt-Inspired Check Cushion is an elegantly contemporary, pure merino wool design is a match made in heaven for any interior. socosy.co.uk

XMAS SCENT

This candle fills your home with the warm and inviting aromas of Spices and Orange. shop.kew.org

TRIPLE TREES

Handmade to bring festive cheer, these green tissue paper Christmas trees add sparkle to your holiday decor. Perfect for festive dining tables, windowsills, and mantles, they create a bright and cheerful Christmas display. idyllhome.co.uk

THE ART OF WARMING A BATHROOM

How to get the most out of your heating

With a Ripples bathroom design specialist

When it comes to crafting a bathroom that feels luxurious, comfortable and beautifully designed, heating is often the quiet hero. It shapes the atmosphere of the room, enhances your daily routine and ensures the space feels inviting from the moment you step inside. Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or simply refreshing what you already have, Senior Designer Jo from Ripples London shares her advice on how to get the most from your bathroom heating.

Start With the Right Heat Source

Your choice of heating sets the tone for the space. The most transformative option is underfloor heating, the gold standard for modern bathrooms. It creates even gentle warmth underfoot, eliminating cold spots and working seamlessly beneath tiles. For many, it’s a small everyday pleasure that instantly elevates a room.

Heated towel rails also play a crucial role, adding both practicality and personality. They warm the room while keeping towels perfectly soft and cosy, one of those daily luxuries you quickly

“Pairing

underfloor heating with a towel rail or stylish radiator creates a balanced, consistent heat source”

wonder how you lived without. For year-round comfort, dual-fuel radiators or towel warmers offer complete flexibility, running on central heating in winter and switching to electricity in the warmer months.

Layer Your Heat

Just as with interior styling, bathroom warmth benefits from layering. Pairing underfloor heating with a towel rail or stylish radiator creates a balanced, consistent heat source. This combination brings ambient warmth, targeted heat and visual impact, ensuring no corner of your bathroom is overlooked.

Choose Materials That Work Harder

The materials you choose can amplify the effectiveness of your heating. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are excellent conductors, while natural stone retains warmth beautifully, creating a spa-like feel. Even warm-toned brassware and accessories can subtly enhance the perception of warmth before the room even heats up.

Tailor Heat to Your Lifestyle

Smart controls make it easy to programme warmth exactly when you need it, whether that’s an early morning start, a soothing evening bath or a mix of both. Finishing touches like heated mirror pads, plush mats and well-placed towel rails complete the experience, turning your bathroom into a calm, comfortable retreat tailored to you.

Visit Ripples London at 26 England’s Lane, Belsize Park, London NW3 4TG, ripplesbathrooms.com or call 020 7449 9594.

6 Iconic dining chairs that design dreams are made of

What’s the most important element of the dining experience? The table? The chairs? The food we share? Or the people we enjoy it all with? We’d argue it’s a delicate balance of all four.

As we’re focusing on what we know best (and having already explored dining tables) we’ve pulled together a “save me a seat” shortlist of dining heroes to sink your teeth into. These are the designs that have you scrambling (pun intended) for an excuse to gather friends and family to the table. The sort of around-the-table action that would have even King Arthur browsing the menu for a longer stay.

So, feast your eyes, prepare your moodboards, and discover below 10 of the most iconic dining chairs that your home could have.

EAMES SHELL CHAIR COLLECTION BY

VITRA:

When compiling a list of the most important

interiors in history, a general rule of thumb is that if it was designed by Charles and Ray Eames, it usually makes the cut. From lounge chairs to wall racks, and even the occasional elephant, their work includes designs the world will never forget. In this case, the Eames Shell Chairs stand (or sit) as the very embodiment of the mid-century dining setting: shapely, subtle, and suitable for almost any space. After all, there’s a reason Vitra continue to produce modern variations to this day.

Beetle Dining Chair by Gubi

Series 7 Dining Chair by Fritz Hansen

CH24 DINING CHAIR BY

CARL HANSEN:

The aptly named Wishbone Chair sits high on the wish lists of design enthusiasts the world over. Nearly 75 years ago, it debuted as an instant icon, marking the beginning of Hans J. Wegner’s legendary collaboration with the Scandinavian masters Carl Hansen & Søn. Crafted through more than 100 artisanal steps, the result is a serene and stylish piece that wouldn’t look out of place in the dining rooms of Nordhavn.

TULIP DINING CHAIR BY

KNOLL:

A Knoll collection that needs no introduction by a designer of equal stature, Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Dining Chairs remain a timeless icon. Rooted in pure mid-century style and defined by generous sweeping curves, their sculptural pedestal base was Saarinen’s answer to what he called “the slum of legs” beneath the dining table. More than 65 years on, they endure as an award-winning, filmfeatured, retro-futuristic favourite.

SERIES 7 DINING CHAIR BY

FRITZ HANSEN:

As feats of invention go, 1955 was a golden year. Velcro was patented, the first microwave was introduced and, most importantly, Arne Jacobsen unveiled his magnum opus: the Series 7 Dining Chair. Unlike many of his other designs, it wasn’t created for a specific project, giving it a unique advantage: versatility. From the cosiest cottages to the grandest lecture halls of Oxford, Fritz

Hansen’s finest remains an essential wherever Scandinavian design is celebrated.

BEETLE DINING CHAIR BY GUBI:

Much like the band, once Gubi’s Beetle Dining Chair was discovered by the design world, its popularity soared. A true line-blurrer, it transcends genres of interior design, adapting effortlessly to countless styles and settings. In our showroom, its many variations have been among the longeststanding features in an ever-evolving display. Why? First, because it works seamlessly with almost everything. And second, because ten years after GamFratesi first designed it, it remains exactly what furniture lovers want.

MASTERS CHAIR BY KARTELL:

Sometimes tributes to legends become themselves legend. This is true of the Kartell Masters Dining Chair. If this piece of furniture looks a little familiar that’s because you’ve already seen it. A monument to the classics of the design world, the seating solution is shaped from the silhouette’s of the aforementioned Series 7, Tulip & Shell Chairs. While inspired by timeless greats, Philippe Starck’s chair became its own design hero when winning a Red Dot award in 2013. chaplins.co.uk

Masters Chair by Kartell

Eames Shell chair collection by Vitra

CH24 Dining Chair by Carl Hansen:

Masters Chair by Kartell

Tulip Dining Chair by Knoll

The Ultimate Festive Flourish:

Why T&G’s Limited Edition Christmas Mills Make the Perfect Treasured Gift

A Dash of Magic in Every Grind

Imagine the scene: a bustling Christmas morning kitchen. The smell of cinnamon and roasting turkey (or perhaps a glorious festive breakfast) fills the air. A loved one leans in to season the gravy, and there, sitting proudly on the counter, is a charming wooden T&G Christmas Tree Mill . Or maybe they reach for the adorable T&G Snowman Mill to perfectly season the scrambled eggs.

These mills capture the playful spirit of the holidays. Crafted from natural wood, they feature high-quality ceramic mechanisms, which means they are built to last—turning a whimsical holiday novelty into a genuine kitchen heirloom.

Colour Your Christmas Feast

One of the most wonderful things about these mills is the variety of styles, allowing you to choose the perfect match for any festive home:

• Classic Cheer: The traditional Natural Wood Christmas Tree Mill blends beautifully into a rustic, Scandi, or minimalist setting.

• A Pop of Festivity: Choose the vibrant Red or the deep, elegant Green to make a bold statement next to your holiday platters.

• Modern Elegance: The chic Black and soft White options bring a sophisticated, contemporary flair to the dining table.

Whether adorning the Christmas dinner table or standing watch over the counter as you prep the turkey, they are a charming accent that signals the start of the holiday season.

More Than Just Décor: A Treasured Utility

While they look like delightful decorative ornaments, these are serious, practical kitchen tools. The ceramic mechanism is non-corrosive and fully adjustable, making them suitable for grinding salt, pepper, and even dried herbs and spices.

When you gift a T&G Christmas Mill, you’re giving:

• A Memory: A subtle reminder of happy times cooking and eating together every time they reach for it.

• Quality: A premium, durable mill with a guarantee, designed for daily use.

• Festive Joy: A piece of Christmas magic that will be unwrapped and displayed year after year.

This year, skip the generic stocking fillers and choose a gift that combines exceptional utility with irresistible festive charm. The T&G Limited Edition Christmas Mills are a truly cherished present that will be part of their Christmas story for many seasons to come.

STATEMENT BATHROOM MAKEOVER

Clever planning is the key to any successful bathroom renovation.

That’s according to interior designer

Fiona Duke, who has been working with R2 Bathrooms to show homeowners how they can transform their tired family bathroom into a statement space using R2 Bathroom’s versatile Platform vanity unit.

Before searching for a new suite, picking out the tiles and selecting those all-important finishing touches, Fiona urges homeowners to take a step back and see what’s possible before getting too far down the line.

She said: “When redesigning bathrooms, the biggest challenges are often layout and plumbing.

“Your layout is key to making sure that you’ll get everything you want into your bathroom.”

Fiona has been working with R2 Bathrooms to create a scheme to show homeowners how to build a practical yet stylish family bathroom around R2 Bathrooms’ range of Platform vanity units.

Available in both floor-standing and wallmounted styles, Platform blends modern simplicity with practicality, offering a choice of handle finishes, ceramic or countertop basins, and open storage configurations for versatile, personalised layouts.

The Platform range provided a flexible, stylish centrepiece for Fiona’s design.

She said: “The Platform range was great to choose from because we had so many options for finishes and worktops. I chose the fluted wood because I loved the way that brought the natural wood element into the room. And fluted is extremely current and brings in another element of texture into what can be quite a stark, flat space.

“A singular vanity unit in this range offers a wonderful amount of storage, so putting two side by side means I’ve quickly and easily doubled that.”

To complete the look, Fiona used two Fluted Round Countertop Basins, the Platform 500 Bathroom Vanity Worktop, Fuse Concealed Dual Function Shower System with Shower Head and Handset in Gunmetal, Fuse Tall Basin Mixer Taps in Gunmetal and the Debut Wall Hung Toilet – all from R2 Bathrooms.

Vintage-inspired porcelain tiles were used to create a statement floor, and Fiona echoed the fluted elements of the vanity unit in her wall tile choice. Elsewhere, Fiona softened the room using textures including a rattan mirror, baskets and a pouffe.

Fiona added: “Surfaces in a bathroom have to be easily cleaned which I think can make it feel quite cold. So if you introduce interesting materials such as rattan or other textiles into the room, then it just makes the room welcoming and more inviting or cosy.”

r2bathrooms.co.uk

“Fiona has been working with R2 Bathrooms to create a scheme to show homeowners how to build a practical yet stylish family bathroom around R2 Bathrooms’ range of Platform vanity units”

R2 Bathrooms x Fiona Duke: Interior Designer Fiona Duke on the secret to a

THIRTY YEARS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND TIMELESS DESIGN:

The arrival of spring often brings with it a desire for change, and there’s no better place to start than at home. For spring, The Cotswold Company, which turns 30 in 2026, offers a beautifully curated and thoughtfully designed collection of furniture and home accessories — perfect for a seasonal refresh. From practical and stylish utility and hallway storage options to durable rattan baskets in a wide range of sizes, there’s something to help you get organised for the year ahead.

The Cotswold Company’s spring 2026 furniture and home accessories collection of lengths to suit both classic and contemporary interiors.

Working closely with suppliers, the brand has developed a clever Multiway header tape that allows each curtain style (excluding sheer) to be hung in four different ways including Pencil Pleat, Hidden Tab, and Slot Top, as well as The Cotswold Way, which creates a modern waved look using a specially designed pronged hook to achieve a soft, contemporary drape; a fresh alternative to the more structured pleat.

Launching in March, the brand will launch its first ready-made curtain collection, introducing eight carefully curated and affordable styles designed to complement a wide range of interior schemes. Expanding the brand’s soft furnishings offering, the collection combines timeless fabrics, thoughtfully considered colourways, and a variety

A new addition, Chester Limestone is the latest colourway in the much-loved and bestselling Chester furniture collection. The range features twenty-four timeless pieces spanning the bedroom, dining room, living room, and kitchen. To preserve the natural beauty of each oak top, the timber is hand-finished with a white wax oil, maintaining the

appearance, colour, and character of untreated oak.

Every element of Chester is built to last, with each piece crafted using strong mortise and tenon joints and dovetailed drawers, while the handapplied, wax-oiled surfaces gently contrast against each colourway for a modern yet enduring appeal. Every product comes with a 15-year structural guarantee for added peace of mind.

As World Sleep Day (Friday, 14 March 2026) encourages the nation to focus on better sleep, The Cotswold Company is celebrating the importance of rest and renewal, both in the bedroom and for the planet, with its beautifully crafted mattress collections and a new mattress recycling service to help customers dispose of old mattresses responsibly.

The Cotswold Company’s award-winning mattress collections are produced exclusively for the brand, with each mattress expertly handcrafted by master artisans in the UK to ensure every stitch receives the utmost care and attention. By

combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, the collections provide the very best in comfort, support, and longevity.

Customers can choose from three mattress collections, each designed to suit different sleep preferences and lifestyles: The Pure Natural Collection, The British Wool Collection, and The Simply Cotswold Collection.

Simple seasonal updates can be achieved effortlessly with a stylish selection of home accessories. Choose from organically shaped lamps in elegant nature inspired hues, beautifully crafted jute rugs, and a wide range of cushions in luxurious textures, floral prints, and classic styles, perfect for layering on sofas, armchairs, and beds.

The Cotswold Company collections are available to view online at cotswoldco.com as well as in its fourteen showrooms.

Marble Reimagined

The Baked Tile Company offers a fresh take on classic marble in new Strata collection

Independent tile retailer The Baked Tile Company is putting a bold spin on marble in new wall tile collection Strata. Available in three commanding colourways, Green, Ochre and Ivory, Strata has the same organic appeal as marble with a contemporary twist.

Its stunning use of colours and intricate detailing creates a captivating visual experience that is suitable for use in many design schemes.

And like real marble, each tile varies from the next so homeowners can be sure of a unique finish.

However, unlike the real thing, Strata is manufactured from ceramic so doesn’t require the same level of upkeep. It’s also a little kinder on the bank balance too.

Lesley Taylor, Founder of The Baked Tile Company, said: “Marble is a timeless classic, but this collection takes the allure of authentic marble and builds on it with its strong use of colour.

“Strata manages to be both luxurious and completely grounding at the same time.”

Strata Green offers a captivating blend of punchy greens, chalky taupe and amber highlights, while Strata Ochre boasts swirls of caramel, amber, and clay, making each piece feel like a slice of sun-baked stone.

Strata Ivory brings a slice of serenity with its pale creamy hues and pops of soft beige creating an elegant and tranquil effect.

Each tile measures 10cm x 30cm and can be laid in many different patterns, including brick bond, offset, stacked or herringbone.

The Strata Collection is available now from The Baked Tile Company.

STRATA GREEN

The Strata Green 10 x 30cm tile is a striking choice for those who wish to infuse their spaces with vibrant energy and natural elegance.

These tiles work wonderfully when paired with limewash walls and natural ceramics, allowing their

remarkable tones to truly shine.

Consider incorporating raw textures and a touch of olive-toned greenery to enhance their earthy appeal.

Whether you’re aiming for a rustic charm or a contemporary edge, the Strata Green tile adapts beautifully to various design schemes.

STRATA IVORY

Embrace the serene elegance of our Strata Ivory tiles, where pale, creamy hues meet a quietly refined design.

These tiles offer a calm foundation rich with interest, as swirls of soft beige and warm ivory drift across their surface, creating an elegant and timeless effect.

Perfectly suited for bathrooms, utility spaces, and minimalist kitchens, Strata Ivory tiles bring a sense of tranquillity and subtle refinement to any room. Their honed finish adds a layer of tactility that is both subtle and satisfying, encouraging you to run your fingers over their smooth surface.

STRATA OCHRE

Golden-toned and gorgeously layered, the Strata Ochre tile beautifully mirrors the organic allure of natural marble.

To achieve a truly warm and grounded aesthetic, pair these tiles with rustic woods and matte black fittings. Dark paintwork will further accentuate the rich tones, drawing attention to the natural beauty embedded in each tile’s unique pattern. From bakedtiles.co.uk

Novaco Design

The most memorable homes are never simply decorated. They are shaped with intent, considered in detail and curated in a way that speaks to the lives unfolding within them. This is the philosophy of Novaco Design, a creative studio known for crafting interiors that are as individual as the people who inhabit them.

Rather than applying a signature style, the studio begins with discovery. Every project is approached as a conversation, a process of understanding how clients wish to live and who they are at their core. Rhythms of daily life, personal tastes, stories and ambitions all become touchpoints for design. From these insights, spaces emerge that feel authentic and enduring.

The results are homes of quiet sophistication and lasting resonance. A townhouse shaped to balance heritage with modern living. A city apartment refined as a sanctuary of calm. A countryside retreat reconnected to its surroundings. Each project is unique, yet each carries a sense of belonging.The process is highly collaborative and guided with clarity from the earliest ideas through to the final detail. Novaco brings together space planning, interior architecture and considered material selection with the technical precision needed for smooth delivery. The studio prepares full drawing packs, specifications and coordinated information for accurate quoting. Planning applications are handled in-house, along with modelling, detailed design

“Rather

than applying a signature style, the studio begins with discovery”

and contractor liaison. Clients move through a structured process that supports every stage, from concept to completion.This approach extends to commercial work, where the studio helps brands express their identity through space. It is within private residential design, though, that the work feels most intimate. Every decision reflects the client. Every element is placed with purpose.

For those seeking a home shaped around their life, Novaco Design offers more than interiors. It offers a thoughtful partnership and a complete design journey, from the first sketches to project management and final staging. Spaces delivered with intention. Spaces made personal. info@novacodesign.com novacodesign.com 020 7971 1251

Launched in 2023, Samson & Solomon Candle Co is quickly growing into an inspiring e-commerce brand for soy wax candles and fragrances that inspire the home. Created and handcrafted by Tali Butler, the brand is expanding to include diffusers, candle care kits and accessories, and ships worldwide.

Visit www.samsonandsolomoncandleco.com.au and follow @samsonandsolomoncandleco on Instagram.

TITANIA A Joyful Celebration of Embroidery

British fabric house Linwood is delighted to unveil Titania, a new collection of embroidered fabrics that reimagines traditional stitchwork with a fresh, modern spirit. From delicate florals to playful stripes, each design began as a handdrawn sketch in Linwood’s Hampshire studio before being translated into intricate embroidery on natural cloths.

Full of texture, charm, and artisanal detail, Titania offers a versatile range of decorative fabrics for curtains, blinds, cushions, headboards, and occasional upholstery. Presented in both soft neutrals and uplifting colourways, the collection blends simplicity with craftsmanship, delivering an unmistakably British style suited to both heritage and contemporary interiors.

COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS...

Hermia A playful reimagining of the stripe, Hermia introduces undulating waves and geometric bands embroidered on pure linen. With its naïve stitch and textured details, this fabric brings colour, rhythm, and artisanal charm.

OBERON, STRAWBERRY

Oberon A contemporary take on stitchwork,

“A

playful reimagining of the stripe, Hermia introduces undulating waves and geometric bands embroidered on pure linen”

Oberon’s lively embroidery forms a diamond trellis with subtle rickrack detail. Woven on a cottonlinen ground, it balances graphic precision with handcrafted sensibility.

Lysander This lyrical all-over embroidery combines flowing ribbon motifs with delicate florals, inspired by an archive design from circa 1900. Stitched on pure linen in a refined chain technique, Lysander brings a graceful, decorative quality.

Helena Striking in scale, Helena presents a stylised oak-leaf trail stitched with the traditional couching method. Flowing across a cotton-linen ground, its bold scale and classical detailing create a distinguished effect.

BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP, CONTEMPORARY SPIRIT

Titania reflects Linwood’s design ethos: heritage artistry interpreted with a modern sensibility. Each fabric balances decorative stitchwork with practical applications, offering designers and homeowners alike the opportunity to create interiors that are tactile, timeless, and full of personality.

Available now, the Titania collection adds a new dimension to Linwood’s portfolio of decorative textiles – celebrating the enduring beauty of embroidery in any home.

linwoodfabric.com

VV INTERIOR HOME – The Soul of Timeless Design

In a world where design often surrenders to speed and mass production, VV Interior Home invites us to pause, to rediscover beauty in the essential, the natural, and the imperfect. Founded by Valeria Viollaz in Switzerland, the studio has become a destination for those who understand interiors not as spaces to fill, but as places to feel.

Each piece curated by VV Interior Home carries a quiet story, marble tables whose veins trace the passage of time, sculptural forms with clean lines, and objects crafted from noble materials that age with grace. It is not decoration; it is a dialogue between material, memory, and emotion.

Valeria’s vision is rooted in the art of curation with soul, where the past and the present coexist in perfect harmony. Drawing inspiration from art, architecture, and her travels, she approaches each object with reverence, seeking not perfection but essence. Her interiors are serene, deliberate, and profoundly human, spaces that breathe authenticity and invite contemplation.

Today, when sustainability and authenticity are more than mere concepts, VV Interior Home offers a vision of the future grounded in respect for history. Every curation becomes a statement: to rescue what already exists, reinterpret it, and return it to its rightful place in the present.

True luxury, as embodied by VV Interior Home, lies not in excess but in meaning, in the quiet beauty of stone, the warmth of wood, and the emotion that lingers in silence. It is a reminder that the most refined spaces are not those that impress, but those that connect, where design transcends the visual to touch the soul.

· Viollaz Group

Rabea Rütti

Ca’ Pietra unveils the next chapter in patterned tiles: The rise of “pattern splicing” for 2026

There is a new direction emerging in decorative tile design for 2026. After years of safe neutrals and uniform surfaces, homeowners are beginning to embrace schemes that feel layered, tactile and personal. The latest evolution of this shift is what Ca’ Pietra calls pattern splicing; the art of combining decorative motif tiles with plain ones to create a look that feels curated rather than coordinated.

Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca’ Pietra, explains: “Design today is moving away from perfect symmetry towards something more soulful. Pattern splicing lets you build a story into your space without overwhelming it. By interspersing decorative tiles with plains, you introduce rhythm, surprise and personality. It is a technique that feels instinctive and expressive, yet it works effortlessly

in real homes.

“Part of the appeal of this trend is its sense of individuality. Pattern splicing invites personal expression where decorative tiles become punctuation marks within a scheme. They can reflect a love of nature, a favourite colour story, a rural upbringing or a cherished memory. Unlike full-pattern tiles, this approach feels timeless because it never tries too hard.”

“Part of the appeal of this trend is its sense of individuality”

THE POURED PROJECT - SCULPTED WARMTH IN

Where design meets performance, we define heating as art. Each concrete radiator is individually cast, combining timeless craftsmanship with modern efficiency. Choose from an elegant palette of natural hues - from soft stone and warm clay to deep charcoal - curated to compliment any refined interior.

Whether wall-mounted as a striking architectural statement or free-standing as a sculptural centerpiece, our radiators radiate understated luxury. Cool to the eye, warm to the touch they embody balance, beauty and longevity.

Sustainably made and engineered to last, The Poured Project offers more than heat - it offers harmony, presence and permanence. Info@thepouredproject.com

EVERY SHADE

Ca’ Pietra has seen demand for this aesthetic grow rapidly across kitchens, utility rooms, pantries, bathrooms and fireplaces. Its Studio Collection, known for small-batch British-made ceramic tiles, has been a catalyst in driving this expressive movement. The newly launched Ca’ Pietra Studio x Divine Savages capsule exemplifies this trend with heritage-inspired single motifs designed to mix effortlessly with plain field tiles. Inspired by restored archive artworks, The Brambles and Lovebirds designs introduce delicate botanical and avian emblems that bring charm and personality to walls.

THE COLLECTIONS LEADING THE LOOK…

Ca’ Pietra Studio x Divine Savages

A collaboration that celebrates pattern with purpose. The Brambles and Lovebirds designs reimagine restored archival prints as single ceramic emblems, each one delicate but full of character. Fired in Wiltshire as part of the Studio Collection, these tiles bring a hint of romantic nostalgia to kitchens, fireplaces and powder rooms. Use them as scattered motifs, neat borders or rhythmic stripes to introduce quiet story and charm.

Studio Nonna’s Kitchen Classica

Rooted in southern European tradition, Kitchen Classica captures the warmth of hand-finished ceramic with a nostalgic touch. The tiles feel as though they belong to a much-loved trattoria or rural family kitchen, where recipe books are handwritten and meals stretch long into the evening. Layered between plain gloss tiles, they bring an authentic, collected feel without overpowering a room.

Wiltshire Hares by Joanna May

There is something unmistakably British about these characterful tiles by wildlife artist Joanna May. Designed as miniature works of art, each tile features her signature hare studies that nod to folk heritage and rural storytelling. When blended with field tiles, they bring personality into a scheme with a wink of eccentricity, making them ideal for homes that favour individuality over perfection.

Dyrham Dairy

Inspired by the charm of dairy houses and country

estate kitchens, Dyrham Dairy is a timeless decorative tile with pastoral roots. Its refined floral motifs feel gentle and familiar, working beautifully in pantries, boot rooms, utility spaces and cottage-style kitchens. Paired with soft cream or chalk-toned base tiles, it offers a quietly nostalgic aesthetic that never slips into sentimentality. capietra.com

Festive hosting at

OLIVER BONAS

Back to yours, where playful details and sparkling touches make every gathering shine

As the nights draw in and the countdown to Christmas begins, Oliver Bonas invites you to fill your home with sumptuous colour, seasonal sparkle and guest-ready touches designed for celebrating in style. This festive season is all about joy, connection and creating moments of magic around the table.

A Christmassy Glow

Set the scene with a warm, festive glow. Twinkling candles in rich jewel-toned holders bring atmosphere and charm to every gathering. From the first toast to the final mince pie, it is all about those thoughtful details that make your guests feel truly welcome.

It’s Glow Time

Mood-lighting season has arrived. Create a relaxed, inviting space with layered lighting, glowing candles and softly scented rooms. Whether it is catch-ups by candlelight or festive evenings spent around the table, lighting sets the tone for every celebration.

To the Table

Make entertaining effortless this party season with stylish table accessories, impactful serveware and a colourful array of hosting heroes. From casual brunching and low-key grazing tables to elegant suppers, festive gatherings never looked so good. Think colourful crockery, embroidered textiles and distinctive glazes designed in the OB creative studios.

Back to Yours

Be guest-ready at all times with design-led details for sophisticated hosting. Add personality and warmth with conversation-starting pieces that combine Oliver Bonas’ signature playful twists with timeless design.

From the glow of candlelight to a table filled with colour and creativity, Oliver Bonas brings together everything you need to make this season one to savour. Fill your world with joy, connection and sparkle as the celebrations continue from Christmas to New Year and beyond.

Shop the collection in-store and online at oliverbonas.com.

Designing refined, welcoming interiors with a considered mix of texture, pattern, colour and craftmanship – always elegant, always comfortable.

For more information: clairewelshdesign.com

Instagram: @clairewelshinteriordesign

Email: claire@clairewelshdesign.com

PEPPERMILL INTERIORS MEET THE BESTSELLERS

Creating a space you love shouldn’t feel overwhelming, whether you’re starting fresh in a new home or breathing new life into familiar rooms.

At Peppermill Interiors, join us as we introduce you to the furniture favourites that have earned their place at the top of our customers’ wish lists.

The Bicester Coffee Table has earned its bestseller status through pure visual drama. That distinctive teardrop-shaped matt black base isn’t just a support, it’s a conversation starter that draws the eye and anchors your living space with sculptural impact. What makes each table truly special is the travertine limestone top, shaped by millions of years of geological forces into swirling, unrepeatable patterns.

Customers appreciate its versatility, working beautifully whether your style leans minimalist and modern or layered and eclectic.

The Ashfield Sideboard has earned its place as our most recommended storage solution for good reason.

Two generous drawers sit above two spacious doors, creating ample hidden space for everything from table linens to accessories while keeping surfaces beautifully clear. What makes this piece stand out is the ribbed pattern carved into premium red oak. Black metal hardware punctuates the warm wood tones with just enough contrast, and those softclosing hinges ensure peaceful, quiet use in any room.

The Bexley Dining Table has become a customer favourite for its ability to handle real life beautifully. The oval shape naturally brings people together, seating family and friends comfortably while encouraging conversation to flow. That smooth travertine top is where the magic happens: millions of years of geological forces have created swirling, organic patterns that make your table completely unique. The matt black base keeps things clean and minimal, allowing the natural stone to command attention.

The Gardena Sheepskin Range has captured customer hearts through sheer indulgence. Sink into genuine, long-haired sheepskin and you’ll understand why these benches have become

favourites: the softness is extraordinary, turning any corner into a spot you’ll gravitate toward throughout the day. The oak wood frames offer reliable support while keeping that clean, Scandinavian-inspired silhouette that works effortlessly in lounges, kitchens, or hallways. These benches deliver warmth and texture in a way synthetic materials dimply can’t replicate

Our Bentwood Bistro Chairs have earned bestseller status by delivering on what matters most: classic design, solid durability, and realworld practicality. Crafted in the traditional Thonet style with curved backrests and rounded seats, these chairs instantly bring character to dining rooms, cafés, or kitchen corners. Available in black or dark wood finishes, the seats wipe clean, which busy households and commercial spaces particularly appreciate. These chairs have that rare quality of looking just as relevant today as they did decades ago.

If these best selling pieces have caught your eye, explore Peppermill Interiors’ curated selection of furniture designed to breathe new life into your home. Visit our Staffordshire showroom or contact us here to see our full range first hand and speak to our experienced sales team who will be able to assist with bringing your interior visions to life. peppermillinteriors.com

Timeless Floral Bedding

As we transition from the rich tones of autumn into the beginning of a new year, many are turning their attention to updating their homes in preparation for the seasons ahead. With spring on the horizon, there is a natural shift towards interiors that celebrate nature’s beauty and sense of optimism. Floral bedding perfectly embodies this sentiment, bringing warmth and comfort during the cooler months while introducing an elegant freshness and charm that captures the spirit of the season ahead.

offer the perfect way to capture this. Evoking a sense of calm and a nod to the romantic, florals bring in a familiarity that’s so sought after, especially in a fast paced world. What’s more, modern florals have evolved covering everything from ditsy prints and delicate designs, through to blousier blooms. Oversized prints and bolder colour palettes help to make florals a versatile choice, whether you have a traditional style, cottagecore look or a more contemporary interior.

“For us, floral bedding has always been in style and remains a timeless choice, however it’s definitely seeing a resurgence as we look to create homes that are comforting and connect us to nature. With biophilic design influencing how we live and helping to bring the outdoors in, florals

The key to styling floral bedding in a way that feels timeless lies in embracing the romantic charm of vibrant, blooming patterns and balancing them with considered pieces and accessories elsewhere. Classic florals in bright, joyful hues such as bold, painterly blooms or vintage-inspired prints will bring energy and warmth to the bedroom, and when paired with softer layers and elegant textures, will help to create a sense of balance and romance without overwhelming the space. Ultimately, the key to making floral bedding timeless is choosing beautifully versatile designs in high quality materials that complement the bedroom, ensuring that even as trends evolve, your floral bedding will still feel like a really considered and harmonious choice.”

lauraashley.com

Biophilic retrofit of historic Holborn workspace wins Central London award at the 2025 BIID INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS

The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) recently revealed the winners of the 2025 BIID Interior Design Awards, celebrating design excellence across the UK at a dazzling ceremony held on Thursday 23rd October at the iconic Drapers’ Hall in London. Marking its fourth consecutive year, the event was hosted by renowned Irish broadcaster, author and podcaster Angela Scanlon, and welcomed 200 leading design professionals for an afternoon of recognition and celebration.

The ceremony honoured winners across eight regional categories, including the brand new international category award, as well as the Anna Whitehead Prize for Sustainability.

Amongst the winners, Uncommon took home the Central London regional award, for its retrofit of a historic ten-storey building located in the heart of Holborn. Thoughtfully redesigned with productivity and wellbeing at the forefront of the client’s brief, Uncommon Holborn emphasised the importance of Biophilic design principles within a high-quality workspace.

The award-winning design prioritised natural light, accessibility, sensory-friendly spaces and wellness. The rooftop terrace incorporated stepfree access and additional sensory-friendly spaces, such as a wellness studio were created to support employee happiness. Uncommon added curved planters to evoke a conservatory feel and replaced the basement car park with a light-filled atrium, offering a peaceful retreat away from city noise.

To ensure distraction-free workspaces, advanced acoustic insulation was employed, with particular

attention to meeting suites situated above an underground tube line. Uncommon noted that flexibility of design was key throughout the process to ensure events of various sizes could be accommodated within the space, and smart building technology was employed to optimise sustainability. Overall, the redesign provided a much-needed communal eco-forward workspace filled with green spaces and natural light.

The BIID expert panel of judges praised the ‘abundant daylight, air quality, and seamless integration of planting, textures, and biophilic elements, alongside clever use of technology that remains human-centric and inclusive. The result is a workplace that people would genuinely want to spend the day in, combining productivity, wellbeing, and social value.’

Entries for the 2026 BIID Interior Design Awards open on 8th January. For more information, visit: biid.org.uk/awards.

“The ceremony honoured winners across eight regional categories, including the brand new international category award, as well as the Anna Whitehead Prize for Sustainability”

LIME LACE

Invites You Into the Wildly Wonderful “Lyons Den” — A New Personalised Collection of Wallpaper, Fine Art Prints & Cushions That Roar with Personality.

Step right into the Lyons Den — but don’t worry, this one’s filled with colour, charm, and a dash of cheeky mischief!

Designer Victoria Sanders unveils her latest collection, a bold celebration of imagination, craftsmanship, and pure joy for interiors that dare to be different. Make your home truly yours by customising your wallpaper and cushions.

Personalised Lyons Den Wallpaper - Forget everything you thought you knew about toile. Lyons Den is Victoria’s playful reinvention of the timeless toile de Jouy pattern — where stately scenes meet a whimsical wilderness. Imagine

majestic animals meandering through magical landscapes, where nature bursts to life in intricate detail and unexpected hues. Add your own number plate, bunting, flag, and signpost — it’s like giving your room its very own personality (yours, of course)!

Fine Art Prints That Bring Life to Every Corner - Meet Polly and Paloma Plumes, Gerty the Giraffe, Zavier the Zebra, and Leonard the Lion — a joyful menagerie of fine art prints that capture Victoria’s signature blend of wit and wonder.

Each piece is printed on luxurious Hahnemühle German Etching 310gsm paper — a mould-made, acid-free water-colour inkjet paper that brings depth, texture, and gallery-quality brilliance to every brushstroke.

Personalised Cushions with Character (and Conscience) - For those who like their comfort with a side of adventure, Victoria introduces three new handmade cushions: Adventure, Monkeys in a Jeep, and Elephant Lake.

Crafted in the UK by skilled artisans, each cushion is made from 100% natural linen and filled with sustainable British wool, combining beauty, quality, and eco-conscious design. Like the wallpaper, these can be customised to your liking, making each piece as unique and distinguished as the space it inhabits. limelace.co.uk

Susan Chesney Interiors has been named by HOMES & GARDENS as one of the NEXT IN DESIGN 25 - “A celebration of the freshest, most exciting talent redefining the world of interiors”. Globally shortlisted for the Society of British and International Interior Design Award, and is the recipient of multiple Client Service Awards.

The studio is recognised for creating interiors defined by quiet elegance, warmth, and exceptional detail – a curated balance of beauty and functionality. The Chelsea based studio’s work spans private residences and boutique hospitality projects in London and abroad. From concept to handover, the practice delivers with clarity and care. Known for warm professionalism, the team approaches each commission with discretion and attentiveness, managing complexity so the process feels seamless.

“Susan works with quite pared-back palettes, yet there is a real warmth that shines through.”

– SARAH SPITERI, GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF, LIVINGETC, HOMES & GARDENS

“The final layout is beautiful… Susan Chesney Interiors is highly recommended for a stress-free project!”

– VB, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL CLIENT

At the heart of the studio’s ethos is enduring design – interiors that are refined, personal, and built to last. To discuss your next project, please contact Susan Chesney Interiors for a confidential consultation.

BACK TO NATURE

British textile brand rucomfy launches new Serene Horizons Collection

British textile brand rucomfy has launched a new collection inspired by the changing seasons.

The Serene Horizons range of adult beanbags, cushions and pouffes brings together rich earthy colours and organic patterns.

Inspired by Ikat motifs and distressed geometric prints, these pieces add a soothing touch to living rooms, bedrooms and reading corners.

And like all pieces in the rucomfy collection, not only is the range designed and manufactured at the firm’s Lancashire HQ, but all components are sourced entirely from the UK.

Jenny Busby, Senior Manager for rucomfy, said: “Drawing from earthy, nature-inspired tones, this collection blends cosy colours and luscious prints to create an inviting backdrop that exudes comfort and calm.

“Whether you embrace all elements of the range or simply add one or two key pieces, the Serene Horizons Collection has been designed to help create the ultimate winter retreat, a sanctuary in which you can hunker down and relax.”

The seven-strong collection features two adult beanbags, one finished in luxurious velvet and the other in on-trend boucle. The velvet beanbag –which comes in six different colours – is available with a matching pouffe. The boucle beanbag, which is available in four different shades, can also be paired with a footstool for the ultimate in relaxation.

Cushions are also available in two finishes: rucomfy’s own Snug fabric or velvet.

Completing the range are two square beauties: a pouffe in Snug Boucle featuring a rich Moroccan tile design and a velvet box floor cushion in a striking Ikat print. rucomfybeanbags.co.uk

Interior Design Trends for 2026

Thank you to Kelly Edwards for this fantastic guest blog! Kelly is an Interior Design & Construction Specialist and loves talking trends!

The world of interiors thrives on reinvention. As one trend fades, another emerges — and sometimes, old favourites return with a fresh twist. With 2026 on the horizon, there’s nothing more exciting than the start of a new year, bringing fresh ideas in décor, tiling, and colour palettes. We’ve gathered our insights into the key interior design trends for 2026. Discover the styles homeowners and designers will be embracing — and find all the inspiration you need for your next project.

Black and White Victorian Tiles

First in our list of interior design trends for 2026 is monochrome. A firm favourite in interior design, we expect it to take centre stage in 2026.

This black and white colour scheme can be both contemporary and traditional, depending on how you style it. Our Regent Tiles, for instance, are inspired by Victorian design (another prominent interior design trend for 2026) for an elegant, regal aesthetic that’s as bold as it is beautiful. Black and white check tiles, however, are undeniably modern for a look that suits maximalist interiors. We can see the monochrome trend going one of two ways among the interior design trends for 2026. Either designers will use it as the centrepiece for clean, minimalist spaces, paring back other colours for a muted look, or it will form the foundation for

more colourful interiors. Think monochrome flooring paired with jewel-toned curtains, bright feature walls, and statement art.

Victorian with a Twist

When it comes to interior design trends for 2026, it’s hard to ignore the Victorian revival. An era of opulence and colour, we’re ready to see more homes embracing the epitome of period style. The Victorian aesthetic didn’t shy away from pairing colours, patterns, and textures. A bold flooring option, like our Canterbury Green Octagon Tiles, paired with a statement wallpaper and floor-length curtains, for instance, captures this interior design style perfectly. But, with excess also comes the risk of clutter. This is where artful layering is a must, with every tone, pattern, and piece of furniture used cohesively to bring out the best in each other

“When it comes to interior design trends for 2026, it’s hard to ignore the Victorian revival”

Terracotta

For the past decade, grey has been the colour of the moment. In 2026, though, that’s all going to change as terracotta brings an earthy vibrancy back to modern interiors. Rooted in nature, this colour choice feeds into the popularity of biophilic design. This is a concept that’s all about introducing natural elements into indoor spaces, bringing benefits such as boosting cognitive function and supporting mental well-being. Terracotta is certainly a staple in the biophilic design colour palette. From natural Terracotta tiles to terracotta clay vases and mugs, we’re ready and waiting to see how this gorgeous colour will be styled.

Tile Drenching

Tile drenching is similar to colour drenching. This look is all about embracing one tile and committing to it fully, covering both floors and walls in the same colour, pattern, or shape. The result? A seamless, cocoon-like space that feels undeniably modern. This year, we’re excited to see designers embrace the use of texture and varying colour when tile drenching. The Vessel Teal Hexagon Matte Tiles, for instance, have subtle tonal differences that create differentiation between each tile for more movement and life. Not only is this a beautiful way to instantly elevate dull interiors, but it’s also a smart move. Tiles are excellent at protecting your walls from moisture, making tile drenching a practical and stylish choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Layering Earthy Tones

We’ve already touched on both layering and earthy tones as interior design trends for 2026, but what happens if you bring them together? This is the trend of combining nature-inspired colours for complex yet cohesive palettes and interiors that are bursting with vibrant charm. Think rusty reds, deep browns, and sage greens, all used artfully in a single room. Each colour is hand-selected and placed for a flow that feels as natural as the tones inspiring this trend, with everything from window frames to wallpaper working harmoniously. The results are beautiful interiors that feel alive and warm, creating welcoming houses that you want to come home to.

Bold Bathrooms

Bold bathrooms are one of the hottest interior design trends for 2026. Gone are the days when these spaces were limited to muted palettes and safe design choices. Now, it’s all about bringing character to one of your most functional rooms. Colour is a major player in these spaces, creating a bright canvas you can build the rest of your bathroom around. We’re loving these Mustard Yellow Gloss Tiles for creating a cheerful, warm space that wraps you up in a cosiness that beige simply can’t beat. Alongside statement colours, bold bathrooms embrace unique fixtures and unexpected details. Think freestanding baths with claw feet, vintage taps, and wall sconces for ambient lighting.

“Bold bathrooms are one of the hottest interior design trends for 2026. Gone are the days when these spaces were limited to muted palettes and safe design choices. Now, it’s all about bringing character to one of your most functional rooms”

Cool Blues

Dulux’s colours of the year for 2026 are a trio of blue shades, playfully named The Rhythm of Blues. Their top picks for the year are:

• Mellow Flow: A soft, airy blue that evokes calm skies and quiet seas, perfect for creating restful, light-filled interiors.

• Free Groove: A bold, vibrant indigo that’s full of energy and playfulness, ideal for adding plenty of character to your space.

• Slow Swing: A deep, meditative blue for grounding your interiors in sophisticated comfort. This choice fits perfectly with the terracotta trend, making for a biophilic haven. Embrace these on-trend tones with our guide to choosing complementary tiles to pair with Dulux’s colours of 2026.

Dramatic Dark Corners

While light and airy spaces remain a favourite, 2026 is all about pockets of drama. Deep, moody shades like navy, charcoal, and forest green are transforming nooks, hallways, and feature walls into intimate, visually striking areas. Textured wall panels are a simple way to embrace this trend. Our Boiserie Navy Wall Panels, for example, bring pattern, depth, and elegance to living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways. When paired with lighter walls or neutral furnishings, they create a dynamic contrast that draws the eye and frames furniture beautifully. Soft, warm lighting completes the look, enhancing the texture and richness of the panels while keeping the space welcoming. This trend proves that bold, dark shades don’t shrink a room — they add character, sophistication, and a touch of luxury.

Relief Tiles

There’s been a steep rise in customers exploring relief tiles. These are intricate, decorative tiles that embrace texture in the form of raised designs. Charming and opulent, they bring a look that’s anything but flat. Our Tetuan Cotto White Tiles, for instance, are an increasingly popular choice as we head into the new year. The white gloss features a terracotta cut-out (there’s our colour pick for 2026 again!) inspired by Moroccan design, with the raw texture lending a more rustic aesthetic to the repeat pattern. Relief tiles are proof that walls and floors don’t have to be plain backdrops, but can be works of art in their own right. One of our favourite interior design trends for 2026.

Tiled Ceilings

In the world of interior design, ceilings are frequently overlooked, but as one of the standout interior design trends for 2026, that’s about to change. This concept uses wall tiles, like our Tin Decorative Zinc Tiles, to create a focal This year, tiled ceilings are making their mark, transforming forgotten spaces into striking focal points. The concept uses wall tiles, like our Tin Decorative Zinc Tiles, to add texture and character above, particularly in alcoves and recesses. It’s a look that nods to the Victorian maximalist style, where every surface becomes an opportunity to make a bold design statement.

directtilewarehouse.com

The English Gardening School: Cultivating Excellence in the Heart of Chelsea

For over four decades, The English Gardening School has been at the forefront of horticultural and design education in the UK, inspiring gardeners, designers and plant-lovers from its unique home within the historic Chelsea Physic Garden. Founded in 1983 by renowned gardening expert Rosemary Alexander, the School has built an exceptional reputation for delivering high-quality, practical training that blends creativity, craftsmanship and deep horticultural understanding.

What sets The English Gardening School apart is its commitment to real-world, hands-on learning. Students have the rare privilege of studying within one of London’s most atmospheric gardens— an oasis of botanical history and living plant collections dating back to 1673. Courses are enriched by practical sessions held at celebrated gardens such as Sandhill Farm House, Arundel Castle Gardens and Sissinghurst. These inspiring settings allow students to see principles of design and horticulture brought vividly to life.

The School offers a range of carefully structured programmes designed to support learners at every stage. The Diploma in Good Gardening is an immersive one-year course that builds strong horticultural knowledge, plant confidence and practical skills—perfect for passionate home gardeners or those considering a career change. Meanwhile, the Diploma in Essential Garden Design introduces students to surveying, concept development, spatial planning, planting design and professional presentation, making it an ideal stepping stone into the world of garden design.

For those seeking greater flexibility, the School’s distance learning courses provide tutor-supported study in garden design and general garden care, allowing learners from across the UK and beyond to benefit from the School’s expertise. A selection of short courses offers accessible, enjoyable opportunities to deepen specific skills or try something new.

Graduates of The English Gardening School go on to become designers, gardeners, consultants and writers, with many achieving recognition at major horticultural events. Yet whether students pursue professional pathways or simply wish to nurture their own gardens with greater confidence, the School’s ethos remains the same: to deliver lifechanging learning in an inspiring environment. Offering knowledge, creativity and a welcoming community of like-minded garden enthusiasts, The English Gardening School continues to shape the next generation of gardeners and designers at the heart of Chelsea.

englishgardeningschool.co.uk

The New Luxury: Privacy

In an era defined by constant connection, the rarest commodity isn’t time, space or even security — it’s privacy. Once taken for granted, privacy has quietly evolved into a modern luxury: a marker of control, confidence and the ability to step back from the noise. And it’s not only high-profile individuals who are seeking it. Professionals, families and entrepreneurs — anyone with a digital presence — increasingly recognise that the most valuable thing they can protect isn’t a possession, but their personal world.

Culturally, we’ve undergone a subtle shift. Over the past decade, sharing has become the default — daily updates, interiors, celebrations, travel patterns, even children’s routines. What began as a way to stay connected has blurred into an expectation that everything should be visible. As exposure has increased, so have the stakes. Personal information now shapes everything from reputational resilience to home security. Maintaining privacy isn’t about secrecy; it’s about balance, boundaries and being intentional with what we reveal.

Today, privacy stretches far beyond locked doors or withheld details. It includes how much of your routine lives online, the visibility of your home and family, the digital footprint left by devices, apps and platforms, and the assumptions we make about who might be watching. Visibility, once offered, is difficult to retract — and people are becoming more conscious of the long tail of their information.

Encouragingly, many are now rethinking how they present themselves to the world. Instead of posting in real time, they share selectively. Instead of revealing their homes, they focus on moments. Instead of broadcasting their routines, they protect

“Encouragingly, many are now rethinking how they present themselves to the world”

them. These small shifts create a meaningful buffer between personal life and public perception. Privacy is also highly individual. For some, it means reducing what they share online. For others, it involves greater care with smart-home technology, cloud accounts or digital trails. And for many, it’s about setting clearer boundaries — choosing what remains yours, what is shared, and what stays firmly within your private circle.

At Valkyrie, we see daily how privacy underpins personal security, wellbeing and reputation. It rarely requires dramatic change — simply thoughtful habits: reviewing what your digital presence reveals about your home; being selective with travel posts; tightening control over devices and accounts; and understanding who has access to your information or property. Applied consistently, these simple steps offer far more protection than most people realise.

In a world where visibility has become routine and attention a form of currency, choosing privacy is increasingly a sign of confidence. It allows people to enjoy their homes, families and success without feeling observed. It restores autonomy. And it reflects a truth that’s becoming unmistakable: the most meaningful parts of life are better protected, not published.

Prioritising privacy isn’t a retreat — it’s a quiet, modern form of strength. A way of taking back control, one thoughtful decision at a time.

valkyrie.co.uk

Charley Chau

Practical & Gorgeous Solutions for a Dog to Sleep Soundly & Hygienically This Autumn Winter

With the changing of the leaves, Autumn may bring beauty, but it also brings rain and mud, meaning a damp dog and muddy paw prints can become part of daily life –and of a dog’s bed!

While keeping a dog’s bed clean and comfortable – and the home stylish – can be an on-going battle, award-winning British dog bedding company Charley Chau have been rising to this challenge, designing dog beds that are sublimely comfortable, gorgeous and incredibly practical since 2010.

With every element of their luxury dog bed and blanket range fiendishly obsessed over to perfection, Charley Chau’s dog bedding offers practical performance and timeless style to withstand the worst of the weather (and mucky dogs), without compromising on canine comfort or aesthetics in the home.

Luxury Fabrics That Work Hard In Winter

From velvety soft Velour, robust textured Weave II to wool-like Faroe, Charley Chau’s fabrics are selected not only for their stylish good looks, but their substance and ability to perform over

ACCESSORIES FOR COSY FEELS

Just as humans may reach for a sweater or throw on a chilly, make a dog’s bed winter-ready with a cosy blanket to snuggle against or under. In Charley Chau’s world, a dog blanket is designed intelligently and to the highest quality. Not just any old fleece, Charley Chau’s Double Fleece Dog Blankets are an everyday winter staple, made with two layers of high-performance anti-pil fleece, designed to be super soft, super cosy and to wash beautifully over time. They are also moisture-wicking and fast-drying, making them an excellent barrier between a damp dog and their bed.

time. In addition to being machine-washable, all Charley Chau fabrics are upholstery quality, with a Martindale Rub Test Score of a minimum of 50,000 to cope with daily dog use. Particularly useful in winter, Charley Chau’s Weave II and Faroe have a FibreGuard Stain-guarding washed into its fibres, meaning they are easy to spot cleaning in between washes when muddy paws strike. Made with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification, this highly beneficial treatment is free from harmful substances, for a dog lover’s peace of mind.

Smart Protection. Long-Term Comfort

Often more prevalent in winter, a dog bed is a haven for dust mites, bacteria and other nasties. This is why Charley Chau offers hi-tech Antimicrobial Waterproof Liners to act as a physical barrier to dust, dirt and animal dander, as well as preventing the growth of fungi, mould, bacteria, and other micro-organisms. Helping keep a dog’s bed hygienically clean over time from the inside, it’s considered details like these that make Charley Chau a long-term investment in a dog’s wellbeing, and a home’s harmony.

Trusted by customers in over 60 countries worldwide, Charley Chau’s philosophy is simple: buy once, buy well. Charley Chau beds and blankets are not just supremely comfortable – keeping dogs cosy, calm and content through their lifetime – they’re also designed to stand up to the practicalities of everyday life, season after season.

Put your dog in good company this Autumn Winter at charleychau.com

STONE-EFFECT PORCELAIN BY FLOORS OF STONE

Floors of Stone are excited to introduce their new Morella Porcelain tiles, a carefully selected range of Italian stone-effect porcelain tiles which have been designed to replicate the look of a reclaimed stone floor.

The first within this new range is the Morella Classic Chequer Porcelain which is a timeless combination of the Morella Natural Porcelain and Morella Charcoal Porcelain which come together to create a beautiful chequerboard floor, a classical look which will remain a beautiful feature in your home for many years to come.

The second within this range is the Morella Light Chequer Porcelain which is a more muted take on the classical chequerboard look which has been created by combining our Morella Natural Porcelain and Morella Greige Porcelain. The paler tones within this combination will lend itself perfectly to a more neutral interior colour palette allowing you to still create a timeless chequerboard

floor without having such a harsh contrast of colour tones between the tiles.

Both of these chequerboard tiles are available in either 200x200 or 400x400mm tile sizes which ensures there is something that will work for all rooms within the home.

Whilst chequerboard floors are very desirable in the world of interiors, they aren’t for everybody which is why Floors of Stone have introduced the Morella Natural Porcelain in company with the chequer options. Colours vary from a pale Ivory shade to a warmer beige colour, making it an ideal floor choice to complement those Earthy interiors. Available in single tile sizes or an opus pattern, there is something to suit all projects, whether it’s a large open-plan space or a smaller utility or boot room.

The distressed edges and surface of all of these tiles appear to have been beautifully worn over time and give the impression of a floor that has been laid for centuries. Porcelain is also extremely hard wearing and offers a practical solution with minimal upkeep whilst still providing the look of a traditional stone floor.

There is still time to request free samples and receive orders prior to Christmas so if you have time to get that final project complete before the big day, please get in touch via telephone by calling 01509 234000. Alternatively, enquiries can be made by emailing enquiries@floorsofstone.com and a member of the team will be more than happy to assist.

“The

distressed edges and surface of all of these tiles appear to have been beautifully worn over time”

GLENN CAVILL ARCHITECTURE:

Redefining Luxury Living Through Design

Glenn Cavill Architecture has established a reputation as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking and aspirational residential design studios. With over two decades of experience, the practice is recognised for creating homes that go beyond the traditional measures of space and style, instead focusing on how architecture can truly elevate the way people live.

Founded by Glenn Cavill, the studio brings together a team of highly skilled designers who share a passion for detail, sustainability, and innovation. Their portfolio spans luxury private residences across the UK and internationally, with a client base that includes high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and discerning homeowners seeking more than just a house – they want a lifestyle.

Every project is approached with discretion, creativity, and a deep respect for the people who will live in the spaces they design.

What sets Glenn Cavill Architecture apart is its holistic approach. Each project begins with a deep understanding of the client’s aspirations, routines, and long-term goals. The result is architecture that is not only beautiful but also enhances wellbeing, improves functionality, and reduces the ongoing cost of living through energy-efficient design. The studio’s emphasis on sustainable solutions ensures

homes are built for the future, combining timeless elegance with cutting-edge performance.

glenncavill.com glenn@glenncavill.com Tel: 07933 792354

The practice has been featured in the media, recognised with industry awards, and invited to showcase at Grand Designs Live – testimony to its influence and standing in the architectural world. Yet despite this acclaim, the studio remains dedicated to providing a highly personal service, guiding clients through every stage of the design journey with clarity and care.

For Glenn Cavill Architecture, success lies in the creation of homes that resonate on an emotional level. By blending aspiration with practicality, and detail with vision, the studio delivers more than architecture – it creates environments where clients can thrive.

Aspirational. Discreet. Remarkably Personal.

Curate One’s Own French Bedroom

Fall head over heels for French Bedroom’s much-loved Love Story Collection. The exclusive, best-selling range brings together nine exquisitely crafted beds and fourteen coordinating pieces of furniture, its largest and most popular collection to date. Designed to capture the classic romance, emotion and elegance of traditional French interiors, every piece tells a story of beauty, craftsmanship and enduring style.

At the heart of the Love Story Collection is a devotion to artisanal quality. Each item is carved from responsibly sourced wood and shaped with the feminine, flowing curves that have become the collection’s signature and a defining feature that resonates deeply with a female audience. These soft silhouettes, combined with a warm, antique-inspired palette, give the collection its unmistakable aesthetic: antique in spirit and contemporary in finish. The result is furniture that feels luxurious yet entirely liveable, echoing the charm of heirloom pieces while offering modernday refinement.

The centrepieces of the collection are the bestselling Love Story Cocoon Linen Upholstered Bed

“Each item is carved from responsibly sourced wood and shaped with the feminine, flowing curves that have become the collection’s signature and a defining feature that resonates deeply with a female audience “

and the Love Story Natural Linen Upholstered Bed. Both embody the romance and comfort the range is celebrated for, with gently arched frames, tactile natural linens, and a serenity that transforms any bedroom into a sanctuary. For those yearning for colour, the Love Story Olive Velvet Finial Bed offers a sumptuous twist, combining the same elegant curves with a rich, jewel-toned upholstery that brings depth and drama to the room.

Beyond the beds, the collection’s furniture pieces continue the narrative of softness and sophistication. The Love Story 3-Drawer Nightstand and the Love Story 3-Drawer Chest showcase delicate hand-carved details, refined legs and a subtle patina that feels tenderly worn by time. Each design balances decorative beauty with everyday practicality, ensuring that the romance of the collection never compromises its function.

With its feminine curves, timeless detailing and harmonious palette, the Love Story Collection invites you to create a bedroom that feels tender, poetic and deeply personal. It is a love letter to French design, crafted with care, built to last, and designed to make you fall in love every single day. frenchbedroom.co.uk

As well as the 3,000 lighting fixtures you will find on display at the Distinctive Lighting showroom you will find many Christmas gift ideas too.

Think about the hug of warmth from a roaring fire, as you entertain the family for Christmas and to add sparkle to any dining room you can have a classic or modern chandelier over the table . Also consider adding a gold, silver or red accent table

DISTINCTIVE LIGHTING IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

lamp to provide ambient light alongside your beautiful twinkling tree.

You will find a great selection of decorative interior gift ideas in store this Christmas including special priced table lamps, glass and ceramic vases, large decorative sculptured bowls and a selection of seasonal scented candles.

For the great outdoors be sure to give your guests a warm welcome with exterior lanterns either side of your door and light your pathways with bollards or lamp-posts as you invite your friends and family to your outdoor winter wonderland at the bottom of your garden.

For those members of the family that have everything, perhaps you would like to consider a few of our outdoor Christmas gifts this season. They include exterior portable Bluetooth lanterns, a selection of landscape lighting boxed sets and some novelty garden decorations with our “Rusties” and “Spinners” collection.

THE DETAILS

We look forward to welcoming you to the Distinctive Lighting showroom (Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton), open Monday - Friday 9-5pm and Saturdays 9-1pm. T: 01420 590510. W: distinctivelightinguk.com

A Pimlico flat whose 1950s bones finally get their leading-lady moment

Inside a red-brick ex-authority block in Pimlico, interior designer Felix Seccombe has coaxed a mid-century flat back into focus, revealing a calm, grown-up home that had been hiding in plain sight for decades. From the outside, the building doesn’t give much away: solid 1950s brick, clipped municipal lines, a London pragmatism that rarely hints at anything more glamorous within. Inside, though, the flat had lost all sense of itself. Corridors veered off oddly, rooms faded to nothing, and whatever natural rhythm the place once had was long buried beneath piecemeal tweaks and half-hearted fixes. Felix wasn’t fooled.

“The bones were great,” he says. “They just weren’t being allowed to shine. “His client, newly divorced, set on staying central, and needing proper space for her children, wanted a home that felt considered. So he redrew the entire plan. The living, dining and kitchen spaces now run together in one easy sweep, while the bedrooms and bathrooms curl neatly into their own quieter corner. The effect is subtlebut transformative: the flat exhales, light lands differently, and the whole place feels as though

it’s finally standing up straight.

The budget had to work hard, so every choice came with purpose. Bathrooms were refreshed with Topps Tiles; engineered wood floors were laid; and the joinery, though made in MDF, was designed with the same thoughtfulness Felix brings to far grander projects. Those well-judged economies created room for the touches that give the flat its real presence: a thick Arabescato slab anchoring the kitchen, a boiling-water tap to keep surfaces clear, and a short run of Neptune cabinetry that steadies the room.

Nothing about the transformation is showy. Instead, it has the sense of a home that has finally shrugged off the noise and found its own voice. The municipal shell is still there, but softened; the spaces are measured, light-filled, and quietly confident.

“It was all there” Felix says. “It just needed someone to look properly.”

What remains is a modest Pimlico flat with its confidence restored. The sort of understated Hollywood-esque makeover that makes you realise the real glamour was in the walls all along.

felixseccombe.com

Writer: Katya Edwards. Photographer: Ollie White Smith

“It has the sense of a home that has finally shrugged off the noise and found its own voice”

In March 2020 during the most unprecedented times, our family decided that we have to do something good and better to supply our products to the people of the United Kingdom.

We created our goal that we have to bring and offer something good and positive which will keep everyone happy and healthy, and at any place (home, study place, working/ business or even leisure places).

We decided to import and sell by ourselves, in the United Kingdom, products which will treat and improve quality of air and as well products which will make us healthier and improve taste of water.

Why products which treat and improve quality of Air & Water? Because Air and Water are vital components that humanity and everything that is on our planet need to have. From now on, our mission is to offer products are that are cost effective and Eco Friendly – to make You/ Your Family/ Your Friends/ Your Colleagues stay healthy and happy.

FIND + AcsaCi products on AMAZON UK

Together with us, is an international experienced & energetic team with more than 10 Years Experience with searching, developing new products/ new projects, to control and assure quality of each product and to supply whole of the world. We are ready to learn to improve our products, from you (our customers), our suppliers and partners and leaders of the market. We will always do our best to aspire to achieve our mission.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUST AND SUPPORT

DOUBLE WALL

DOUBLE WALL DIGITAL, KEEP WARM

GLASS TEA POT ROUND & SQUARE

WARM GREETINGS

The appeal of AEON stainless steel radiators and towel rails continues to grow. The striking collection of over 70 top quality models has been created, carefully crafted and hand-finished by heating experts to deliver warmth with style to homes and exclusive hotels. AEON take great pride in turning the humble radiator or towel rail into a thing of unexpected beauty and unrivalled performance, ensuring heating efficiency and durability, all backed by their 20-year warranty.

2026 sees the addition of new colours and finishes to the collection, including brass and antique bronze, with gold and rose gold in brushed and polished options. This has presented designers and home owners with new possibilities and bespoke offerings to suit individual taste and style.

Design excellence

One of the collection’s statement designs is the AEON Twister model; a vertical radiator that is created on a special machine with talented professionals creating stunning stainless steel bars that have been twisted uniformly, creating a line of alternating brushed and polished surfaces. The designs can have three twists per line, with light and reflections dancing across the surface. What a head turner.

Bathing beauties

Our bathrooms are now our sanctuaries, where we freshen up for the day ahead, or relax in heated

luxury after the work is done. As such, we are paying more attention to their design than ever before. Installing an AEON radiator or towel rail will ensure effective heat at the same time as designer style – the perfect combination for any room dedicated to pampering. The AEON Collection includes a choice of over 40 heated towel rail designs; ladder designs, open-ended designs, unique and elaborate towel rails; there is something to suit every taste. There is the added flexibility of electric, central heating, or dual fuel options.

AEON invite you to explore the collection and admire its versatility and elegance. Why compromise on style when it comes to heating? Request your free lookbook from aeon.uk.com, email aeon@pitacs.com or call AEON on 0345 853 1324.

Lakeland Paints

Lakeland Paints offer unique paints and varnishes that cannot be bought anywhere else – they are 7000 x purer than other brands! They aren’t just low voc, they are zero voc and zero means zero!

Lakeland Paints (formerly Ecos Organic Paints) have been established 36 years and sold in 72 countries worldwide.

Odourless, organic and natural paints available in 372 colours. Eco-friendly, no plastics and no micro plastics.

Lakeland Paints contain 3 x more pigment than the brand leaders and are all totally safe (certified ISO14001). The paints are totally non-toxic with all ingredients declared. Zero fumes which means no more headaches, no stinging eyes and no sore throats. Just fresh air! No allergens or irritation.

Lakeland Paints are super easy to apply with no spatter. Their amazing reviews on Trustpilot and Google speak for themselves.

They have matched more than 6,000 colours from brands big and small. But their colour matching gives you more than half a million options! In fact they say that if they don’t have the colour you require then that colour probably doesn’t exist!

Their paints have been used in Hospitals, schools, airports, restaurants, Historic buildings such as the Houses of Parliament, The Sorbonne, The Louvre, the British Museum and Westminster

Abbey with no down time or need to vacate at all. They have also been used in the Googleplex, by Facebook, Warner Bros, Amblin, NATO, Heathrow Terminal 4, The United Nations, Amazon, Givenchy, Microsoft, Dior, Lancome, Getty Museums, Selfridges, Prada, Walt Disney, Dreamworks, The London Clinic and even Sunseeker Yachts!

THE DETAILS

For FREE technical advice and a FREE shadecard and next day delivery, contact them today on 01524 852371 or visit lakelandpaints.co.uk

FREE QUOOKER FLEX with all orders over £5,000 plus VAT T&C’S apply

REAL KITCHENS FOR REAL FAMILIES

We supply high quality German, Italian and traditional handmade English bespoke kitchens at family-friendly prices.

Our 2026 range offers all the modern developments in kitchen design, including reduced plinth heights and the TIP-ON touch opening system, together with specialised utility room furniture providing a myriad of clever storage solutions.

Much of our business comes via word-of-mouth recommendations from happy clients. We’re proud of our reputation and our customer service is second to none, for which we were awarded the Best of Houzz Client Satisfaction Award.