The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, opened its door on June 1st. See page 20 for an exclusive offer.
WELCOME TO OUR
JULY ISSUE
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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Ben Jones ••••• Fashion Editor Lewis Casserley ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• business development managers Tim Lees, Lisa Westerman ••••• SALES Vanessa Lane, Anita Hill ••••• Accounts Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith
CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT
13
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
39
LUXURY HOME RENOVATION & INTERIORS GUIDE
53
FOOD & DRINK
91
We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best
From a small home improvement to a full scale renovation, our guide features the best local interior designers, builders and tradesmen to create the perfect home Bringing you updates on the local food and drink scene
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out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i m a g e : T H E I L L U S IONI S T S
OUT & ABOUT
21 july
Chislehurst Farmers Market Chislehurst Farmers Market is held on the 3rd Sunday of the month and is open to the public between 10am and 2pm. Produce includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, chocolates, cider and alcoholic drinks, bread, meat, cheese, preserves and sauces and much more 10am to 2pm. Free Entry. Contact: 07775 736116 Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AB
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OUT & ABOUT 20 & 21 july
142 Cramptons Road - Open Garden for NGS A very small, lush & leafy plantsman’s oasis. A tapestry of plants selected for texture, elegance, leaf shape, long-season interest, or perhaps for unusual habit or rarity: schefflera, wildlife-friendly umbellifers, trochodendron, tetrapanax, pseudopanax & Aesculus wangii. Immerse yourself in plants & discover what can be created and combined in a tiny space! Gardeners World Small Space Finalist. 142 Cramptons Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5DZ
14 JULY
1 july
Alcock & Brown community day A range of family fun, including a Guinness world record attempt in flying a model aeroplane, Duck races on the river, Farmers Market, Model Railway, children’s rides, Local History Fair and much much more. 10am – 5pm Free. Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ
29 july & 9 august
Hillview Summer School Each summer, our Performing Arts Stage School provides an opportunity for students from any school to participate in two separate weeks of musical theatre, dance and drama with performance. All areas of the Performing Arts is covered, including; singing, dancing and acting, including taking part in some prop making workshops with our Performing Arts Technician. Full details at www.hillview.kent.sch.uk. Hillview School for Girls, Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2HE 1 4 J U LY 2 0 1 9
Tonbridge Farmers Market Tonbridge Farmers Market is held between the hours of 9.30am -1.30pm. There are normally more than 70 stalls. Contact Steve Wood for more information on 07876 685853. The market is The Farm Shop & Deli Awards, Best Food Market in the Country 2015, was The Kent Life Farmers Market of the Year 2013 and Taste of Kent Farmers’ Market of the Year 2017. Long Stay Car Park, Sovereign Way. Tonbridge, Kent. TN9 1RG
22 july - 30 august
Sevenoaks Barracudas Activity Day Camp Fun activities for children aged 4.5-14 years during the summer holidays. Archery, motorsports, arts and crafts, sports and more! Walthamstow Hall, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UL
OUT & ABOUT
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OUT & ABOUT
THE LUNA CINEMA 10 july
The Luna Cinema - The Greatest Showman Swanley Park is a beautiful Green Flag award park managed by Swanley Town Council. The park is a real haven of open space boasting a man-made boating lake, miniature railway, cafe, brand new play equipment and water play area. Swanley Park, New Barn Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 7PW
11 july
The Luna Cinema - Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Enjoy Mamma Mia! Here we go again this month at Swanley Park. Tickets from £15 for adults and from £9.50 for children. Swanley Park, New Barn Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 7PW
12-14 july
Volks Weald From noon on the 12th until 5pm on the 14th of July Volks Weald 2019 will be held at the stunning Penshurst Place in Kent, a privately owned, historic house of medieval origin. Located in the charming village of Penshurst amongst glorious countryside in the centre of the Weald of Kent. With a history spanning seven centuries Penshurst Place has been the setting for many sumptuous events, Kings, Queens, Noblemen & great poets have dined there since 1341. The VW community, friends and the public will come together for an old skool weekender & car show in 62 acres of beautiful parkland. The event is aimed at families & clubs and is set up so they can enjoy a great two night camping experience with a superb entertainment programme, trade village and catering avenue. Importantly, we want to go back to the real basics of a VW show and everyone with any sort of vehicle is welcome to join us – great times, great people & great cars! Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8NG
1 august
Bore Place Summer Holiday Club: Bore Place Bake Off This field to fork day will see the children visiting our organic market garden to see what’s fresh and ready to harvest, before returning to the kitchen to cook up a tasty mini pizza for lunch. 9am-4pm, £35 Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AR
6 july
The Danson Park Country Fair This family Country Fair will have something for everyone. All day entertainment will include birds of prey flying displays, terrier racing, children’s entertainer, the goat show including bottle feeding lambs and kids, children’s petting pens, historical re-enactment, and much much more. Plus demonstrations of rural skills for you to enjoy. As well as a display of full size and scale vintage vehicles. Arts, crafts food drink and gifts marquees as well as outside trade stands. Fully catered & with a licensed bar. 10am-5pm Danson Park, Bexleyheath, London DA15 9PW 1 6 J U LY 2 0 1 9
20 july
The Luna Cinema - A Star Is Born This summer, The Luna Cinema transforms the grounds of the majestic Tonbridge Castle into an impressive setting for open air cinema. Tonbridge Castle is steeped in 900 years of English history, and we invite you to come and enjoy a unique cinematic experience; watching classic films on a giant screen in one of Kent’s most ancient sites. Tonbridge Castle Castle St, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BG
6 JULY
Sidcup Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert Programme. Schubert Overture Rosamunde Butterworth Songs from a Shropshire Lad (Soloist John Bowen, tenor). Beethoven Symphony No. 1 Concert commences at 7.30 p.m. Tickets at £12 & £10 (Children & students half price) from 020 8300 3268 or 01322 557458 or at the door. Email booking@sidcupsymphony.org.uk St. John’s Church, Church Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6BX
OUT & ABOUT
11 july
Student Concert Students of Orpington Music Studio put on a fabulous concert, from 4:30-6pm. £5 entry. Ripley Arts Centre, Bromley Arts Council, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, Kent BR1 2PX
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OUT & ABOUT
18 july
Archeology at Canterbury Catherdral Come and hear Kent archaeologist Nathalie Cohen talk about the exciting discoveries at Canterbury Cathedral during recent projects at the monastic site. Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ
22 july - 16 august
Hayes Barracudas Activity Day Camp Fun activity days and weeks for children aged 4.5-14 years during the Easter and summer holidays. Offering archery, motorsports, arts and crafts, sports and more! Hayes School, West Common Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 7DB
24 july - 1 september
Summer Holiday Fun: Animal Antics! Pick up our Summer Holiday Activity Pack - each child completing the card will receive a free Firework Spectacular Ticket. There will also be shows in our Big Top and Animal Antics show too with our livestock team. Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU 1 8 J U LY 2 0 1 9
13 july
FOUR ELMS Grand Village FETE The annual traditional village fete with stalls, music, beer tent with local craft beer, tea tent and food, all affordably priced. Take a trip on the express minature railway and look out for the WWII Aircraft flypast. Bring your dog and enter it into the dog show. Be entertained with music and entertainers. This year you can enter the fete bake-off, or simply enjoy eating the entries. You can ride a pony or get lost in our unique fete maze. View the classic cars, wander the stalls and grab a bargain. Four Elms near Hever Castle and Churchill’s Chartwell, Kent TN8 6NE
26-28 july
The 8th Great Welling Beerfest The 8th annual charity beer and music festival brought to you by Welling Round Table Entry is free - come along and enjoy 3 days sampling our 30 ales and ciders, chilling or dancing to the live music which runs all day everyday, eating from the BBQ, Noodle Bar or Seafiod stall. Festival commemorative glasses are £5 which helps us raise money for local good causes - you will need one to drink from the outside bar but not from the pub bar. Everyone involved gives their time and talent for free so this really is a community event. Open 1pm daily, live acts start mid afternoon. Guy Earl of Warwick Pub, Park View Road, Welling DA16 1TB
29 july - 2 august
Animal Magic Bearded dragons, cute bunnies, mischievous meerkats, hungry chicks, pygmy hedgehogs and many, many more. Get up close and personal with all the amazing animals from Animal Magic. A great experience for children and adults alike. 10am, 11.30am & 2pm (1hr session). £6 children, £4 adults. Advanced booking essential. Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ
How dreams take shape Let your dreams take shape in the elegant form of a Stoneham hand-built kitchen. Each one is made to your individual specifications, thoughtfully and meticulously designed using only the finest woods and quality finishes. At Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks we have 39 years experience in both contemporary and traditional designs. All of our handmade British kitchens offer a pleasing choice of innovative features, inspiring technology: each and every kitchen can be your dream come true.
118 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1BS Email: kdofsevenoaks@aol.com www.kdofsevenoaks.com
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OUT & ABOUT cover story
THE LUXURY COLLECTION OPENS ITS FIRST HOTEL IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire invites guests to indulge in refined English elegance and grandeur in the restored former hunting lodge of the Third Duke of Marlborough
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he Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott Park alongside the refined elegance and grandeur International Inc., has announced the of its distinctive British heritage. The mansion opening of The Langley, A Luxury house is home to The Langley’s most opulent Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire. accommodations, including the vast and exclusive Located just outside of London in the heart of Duke of Marlborough Suite. The three-bedroom Buckinghamshire’s vast Langley Park, The Langley suite is set around a unique octagonal central room, offers 41 sumptuous bedrooms throughout two with unparalleled views of the park and its lake. The buildings- the grand and historic former hunting second floor of the main house offers quirky and lodge of the third Duke of Marlborough and the cosy rooms with beautiful views through historic adjacent Grade II-listed 18th century Brew House. round windows. Following an extensive six-year, multi-million pound renovation, the property opened today as a hotel for the very first time. “Set amidst a former royal hunting ground, The Langley, a Luxury Collection READER Hotel, Buckinghamshire seamlessly OFFER: 3 blends historic country manor grandeur NIGHTS FOR with modern convenience,” said THE PRICE Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President of OF 2 Luxury Brands – Europe for Marriott International. “The Langley joins a strong portfolio of three other Luxury Collection hotels in England, all of which are located in London, and together they offer our guests the opportunity to explore the best of both the city and the countryside.” Built between 1756 and 1760, the main Langley Park House is a grand Palladian mansion situated within iconic Lancelot‘Capability’ Brown-designed gardens. The refurbishment has allowed the historic, original features of the building to shine through, reflecting the spectacular natural setting of Langley
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“The main Langley Park House is a grand Palladian mansion”
The Brew House provides refined and comfortable residential rooms and suites, reflecting the building’s storied history. Located adjacent to the Main House, the Brew House has acted as a stable, clock tower and brewery over the centuries. Guests today can see the historic spaces where previous owners concocted their local beers, sensitively restored and showcased as part of the building design. “The restoration of The Langley has been an incredible process involving large teams of experts painstakingly regenerating this magnificent historic building to its former glory,” said Khalid Affara, developer of the hotel. “The whole estate is steeped in such rich history and heritage, so we are thrilled to finally open the doors to a truly unique property that successfully celebrates The Langley’s past whilst offering contemporary luxury and design alongside outstanding dining and cutting-edge spa and gym facilities.”
An Idyllic Countryside Retreat The Langley Spa is a 1,600 square metre wellness hub, offering advanced and results-driven treatments in partnership with Sisley. The spa combines striking design elements with worldclass facilities, including a private VIP suite, vitality pools, hammams, juniper-wood sauna with pink Himalayan salt walls, amethyst steam room and 16-metre marble-lined indoor swimming pool. There are also a number of relaxation spaces – including one designated for women– plus a dedicated manicure and pedicure studio, hair salon, and Spa Lounge, which serves delicious and nourishing dishes, spa snacks and vibrant cold-pressed juices. The wellness experience continues in nature, with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool beside the banks of Langley Lake. Boasting world-class training systems and equipment, the gym has been developed in partnership with renowned fitness guru Matt Roberts, offering bespoke one-on-one personal training using custom-made equipment and utilising the estate’s extensive grounds. Further specialist offerings include comprehensive health diagnostics offering 3D-printed figurines to illustrate bodily progression in unparalleled detail.
“The Langley offers a wide array of facilities and activities for guests to enjoy” are cooked simply, designed for sharing in a relaxed, bright and informal dining atmosphere. The neighbouring Drawing Room offers indulgent afternoon teas and light bites, whilst Churchill Bar serves complex and delicious cocktails plus a vast collection of cigars and cognacs. An extensive wrap-around terrace allows for al fresco dining with panoramic lake views. The spectacular Winter Garden, added to the main house in 1894, has been restored to offer a unique space for weddings and events, with private terrace area and breathtaking views of the estate and lake beyond. Six further venues create a total of 3,336 square feet of meetings and events spaces, with capacities ranging from six to 120. The Langley offers a wide array of facilities and activities for guests to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts can borrow wellington boots and set out to explore the wider estate. Clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, croquet and more are just a few of the country pursuits available. For those who prefer the great indoors, the main house offers a private film screening room for up to six guests, a guest kitchen for cooking classes and a vast array of spa journeys to while away the hours. For more information or to book, visit www.TheLangley.com.
READER OFFER 3 nights for the price of 2. Includes bottle of champagne on arrival, English breakfast for two and access to the spa. Valid for 2 adults, family rooms available on request. Bookable from 1st July to 31st August, 2019. Subject to availability and blackout dates apply. To book, call + +44 20 7278 7878 or email reservations@thelangley.com and quote LIFE MAGAZINE OFFER.
Epicurean Experiences Destination restaurant Cedar offers fresh, indigenous flavours and delightful dishes, using seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Dishes J U LY 2 0 1 9 2 1
OUT & ABOUT
The Secret Garden Bar at THE DETAILS For reservations (available daily from 11am to 8pm), please contact The Ritz London’s Reservation Team on +44 (0)20 7300 2370 or at dining@theritzlondon.com or online at www.theritzlondon.com/secret-garden-bar/ A minimum spend of £19 per person applies to all tables. Reservations may be cancelled on the day should weather conditions restrict the garden from opening. A smart casual dress code is in operation and sportswear, trainers or shorts are not permitted. Follow The Ritz London @TheRitzLondon on Instagram.
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eductively hidden and accessible from inside the hotel, The Secret Garden Bar is a secluded stylish oasis for guests to drink and dine al fresco and enjoy the English Summer Season in the centre of the city. Located on the edge of Royal Green Park, The Ritz London’s new elegant Secret Garden Bar has been designed with trimmed topiary, verdant green foliage, vibrant flower boxes featuring colourful
“The Secret Garden Bar is the perfect spot for a sunny lunch on the patio” geraniums, olive trees and fragrant lavender pots. Open daily (weather permitting) throughout the summer months, from 11am to 11pm, The Secret Garden Bar is the perfect spot for a sunny lunch on the patio sheltered by vast parasols or an afternoon spent sipping cocktails. During the evening, the garden is lit with twinkling lights and candles, and soft background music plays. A full bar menu is available throughout the day and evening, showcasing a collection of seasonal cocktails and an impressive selection of wines and Champagnes, as well as classic dishes designed by Executive Chef John Williams MBE, ranging from the Ritz Classic Club sandwich and the Ritz Caesar Salad to British Seafood platters to share, with dressed crab, oysters, lobster, shrimp and prawns. A caviar menu is also available. For cigar aficionados, a collection of premium and limitededition cigars, including twelve different Ritz London Cigars, is also available for guests to enjoy in the garden.
OUT & ABOUT
Little wiggles raise big cash for children’s charity
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arly years pupils from a school in Bromley have had fun raising nearly £1,000 for charity. Students from Bickley Park School aged between two and a half and five years old - got into the groove with a sponsored wiggle for children’s charity Happy Days. The recent event saw around 100 little ones wiggling for nearly an hour to songs such as The Birdie Song and the Cha Cha Slide. After a quick ice lolly break the children then used more energy teaching the teachers to floss. Bickley Park School has been supporting and participating in the annual event for ten years now, as children in Bromley, Beckenham and Chislehurst receive funding from the charity. Patrick Wenham, Headmaster at Bickley Park School, said: “The sponsored wiggle was a fun and simple way to introduce our younger children to the joy that fundraising can bring for themselves and others. We hope that the money raised helps the charity continue with its invaluable work.” Happy Days helps individual families, supports groups, such as SEN schools and young carers, and arranges special days for other charities, including children’s hospitals and hospices, women’s refuges and victim support services. For more information on the charity please visit www.happydayscharity.org. Bickley Park School can be found at www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk.
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OUT & ABOUT
The legendary Blue Bar at The Berkeley Lutyen’s Blue with additional colour touches of seductive reds with black and silver tones. A blue bar, topped with onyx, dramatically takes centre stage set on a floor of white marble and dark crocodile print navy leather, mirrored by blue leather touches on the bespoke furniture. Discover the Blue Bar’s contemporary side in the state-of-the-art glass extension, diffusing light throughout the bar for a sense of long, summer evenings and starry-eyed nights. As the sun sets, the Blue Bar comes to life. The Blue Bar features a ‘Cocktails with True Colour’ menu, with drinks that “increase in potency depending on the colour chosen. Spacious and impeccably stylish with its deep blue velvet sofas, this is a bar whose sparkling energy is sure to leave you spellbound.
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here are plenty of places to have a drink or a cocktail in London. But few can match the luxuriously inviting Blue Bar for the wow factor. Drop in for some of the most colourful cocktails in the snazziest part of town. There’s nothing quite like a Minted Fizz, a Ginger Guru or a Smoke & Mirrors to ease you into the evening. Originally created by the late Irish architect and designer David Collins, the bar was restored and extended by one of Collins’ former protégés Robert Angell. When it came to refreshing the design, he masterfully maintained its architectural features with its iconic wooden panelling coming from the original Berkeley on the corner of Piccadilly and Berkeley Street. Restored and painted in the bespoke
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Opening Hours Monday - Saturday: 12.00pm - 1.00am Sunday: 12.00pm - 11.00pm The Blue Bar operates a no reservation policy. www.the-berkeley.co.uk The Berkeley Wilton Place Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL 0207 235 6000
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OUT & ABOUT
The Illusionists 6 July – 1 September 2019
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tarring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jonathan Goodwin – master daredevil and escapologist! This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Back in London by popular demand for a strictly limited season this summer for 8 weeks only from 6 July. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This nonstop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. With a world renowned cast featuring James More - The Showman Enzo Weyne - The Unforgettable Yu Ho-Jin - The Manipulator Adam Trent - The Futurist Chris Cox - The Mentalist Paul Dabek - The Trickster Jonathan Goodwin - The Daredevil
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“Magic’s Cirque du Soleil” – The Times
“A high-tech magic extravaganza” – New York Times
““It astounds, amazes, dazzles & delights” – Mail on Sunday.”
OUT & ABOUT
‘Then and Now’ Afternoon Tea Menu launches
THE DETAILS InterContinental London - The O2 is a luxury hotel featuring 453 spacious guest rooms, a spa with a 17m swimming pool and 8 treatment rooms, as well as a collection of London’s finest destination inspired restaurants and bars, including the 3 AA Rosettes and Michelin Guide Peninsula Restaurant, the unique Clipper Bar with its own exclusive gin, the sophisticated Eighteen Sky Bar and the Meridian Lounge with a riverside terrace. The hotel has a 4,500sqm dedicated conference centre with a 3,100sqm pillar-free ballroom and 1,600sqm of prefunction space overlooking the River Thames. 1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich Peninsula SE10 0TW Tel: 0208 463 6868 www.iclondon-theo2.com @InterConTheO2
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at InterContinental London – The O2
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n association with Chase Distillery, InterContinental London – The O2 invites you to experience ‘Then and Now’, the evolution of afternoon tea, a quintessential British pastime. The elegant selection of tea and pastries is available throughout the summer until 31st August, exclusively in Meridian Lounge. Chase Distillery and Amit Arya, Executive Pastry Chef at InterContinental London – The O2, have joined forces to create a delicious, summer infused delicacy with a hint of nostalgia. The exquisite selection includes a choice of scones served with strawberry and champagne preserve as well as original Cornish clotted cream. To complement, the sandwich selection includes; crayfish marie rose on whole meal bread, cauliflower and raisin coronation on carrot bread, honey roast ham with grain mustard on poppy seed bread, truffle egg mayonnaise on mini-brioche bun and goat cheese and leek tart with red onion chutney. To finish, a selection of lemon meringue choux, pistachio and raspberry roly-poly, caramelia chocolate delice and cherry and berry jubilee pastries complete an afternoon of pure indulgence.
In addition, InterContinental’s Tea Sommelier recommends a choice of four teas to enhance the flavours. These includes; a blend of traditional afternoon tea, premium milk Oolong, Darjeeling 2nd flush and Staunton Early Grey. Recommended cocktails such as Queen Victoria’s Tipple, Bees Knees and Pink XXI, as well as a variety of Laurent-Perrier champagnes will simply enhance the experience even further. Bastian Fischer, Food & Beverage Manager of InterContinental London – The O2, said: “We are delighted to be present the ‘Then and Now’ to our guests. We have brought our inspiration of summer to the table through the unique and exquisite tastes. We also have had the pleasure of working with Chase Distillery, who has been instrumental in assisting us to create an exceptional menu which will excite our guests to enjoy a perfect summer’s afternoon”. Prices start from £37 per person. For more information on ‘Then and Now’ contact 020 8463 6868 or email dining@iclondon-theo2.com or visit iclondon-theo2.com/dining/meridianlounge.
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OUT & ABOUT
M
oon Festival, a week-long cultural extravaganza, makes its debut in the Royal Borough of Greenwich this month with an out-of-thisworld programme celebrating our relationship with the Moon. The festival, hosted in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, will showcase an eclectic programme of art, music, politics, astronomy and gastronomy – all seen through a lunar lens. The Festival celebrates people’s relationship with the Moon across time, cultures and subjects in coincidence with the 50th anniversary of the first Moon Landing. From astrophysics to mythology, politics to poetry, Moon Festival draws on humanity’s eternal curiosity for the Moon to bring Londoners together at night. Among the Moon-mad personalities appearing are: The Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood; space scientist, The Sky at Night presenter and self-confessed lunatic Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock; and London’s Night Czar Amy Lamé. Moon Festival creator Livia Filotico says she was inspired to produce the event after a vision of Londoners partying in the moonlight. “We come from different cultures, we have different ideals, different politics, but we all know what it feels like to raise our heads and look at a full Moon. The Moon allows us to use the Mayor’s words, remember that in London we don’t simply tolerate each other’s differences, we celebrate them.”
Moon Festival lands in London 19th - 26th July Events being held in honour of this celestial sphere include: 19th – 21st July: opening night and weekend The first night will consist of a Street Party (free entry until 10:30pm) and lunar market with Moonthemed music, street art, astronomy, spoken word and food – plus a once-in-a-lifetime art spectacle! Then the Midnight Moon Run (or walk) is a bespoke theatrical all-night tour of Woolwich. Don’t miss Moon in Poetry - a spoken word extravaganza and Maverick Women and the Moon, a fascinating talk headlined by Margaret Atwood.
23rd – 25th July Posh Club Late is a special night-time edition of the legendary cult cabaret for elegant elders, presented by Duckie and hosted by Amy Lamé (for over-60s – dress code Posh). Everyone’s welcome at Witches Worshipping the Moon for spellbinding memories and Wiccan history from practising witch and founder of the famed Treadwells Bookshop Christina Oakley Harrington. Or check out Politics and the Moon, a special debate in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing: what legal, ethical, political rights do we have over the Moon? 3 2 J U LY 2 0 1 9
26th July: closing parties The festival draws to a close at the Queen’s House with Youth Take Over, a unique party created by young producers. And make time for the Moon Garden where you can bliss out amid magical blooms that only blossom at night. Moon Festival is the recipient of Arts Council England’s, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Royal Borough of Greenwich funds and is part of Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Festivals for summer 2019 to raise the profile of Woolwich by delivering an arts and heritage led events programme. The aim is to increase local residents’ pride and engagement in where they live, and to position Woolwich as a developing tourism destination.. For full programme visit www.moonfestival.co.uk
OUT & ABOUT
BEYOND THE ROAD Saatchi Gallery, until 24 July
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aatchi Gallery is delighted to be hosting BEYOND THE ROAD, a groundbreaking, fully immersive exhibition, running until 24th July. This new and innovative concept takes over the entire top floor of the Gallery for what is one of the ‘must-see’ events of the summer. BEYOND THE ROAD is an independent project developed by PUNCHDRUNK creatives Colin Nightingale (Creative Producer) and Stephen Dobbie (Sound Designer and Creative Director). Presented by Beyond Projects in collaboration with the Saatchi Gallery, BEYOND THE ROAD merges the worlds of visual arts, music and film and offers visitors a chance to leave behind their modern day lives and lose themselves in a multi-sensory world led by sound. Collaborating with world renowned and award-winning contemporary artists, filmmakers and photographers, BEYOND THE ROAD deconstructs an exclusive soundtrack by music pioneer James Lavelle (UNKLE), to create a completely new and multi-disciplinary sound experience. Colin Nightingale and Stephen Dobbie were
THE DETAILS Tickets are available to buy from www.beyondtheroad.saatchi gallery.com/ There is a limited capacity so book early to avoid disappointment. Open daily: 10am – 5.45pm (last admission 5.00pm) Ticket price: £20
THE SAATCHI GALLERY The Saatchi Gallery was founded in 1985 to provide a platform to bring contemporary art to as wide an audience as possible and make it accessible. Over the last five years the Saatchi Gallery has hosted 15 out of the 20 most visited exhibitions in London, according to The Art Newspaper’s survey of international museum attendance. www.saatchigallery.com 3 4 J U LY 2 0 1 9
inspired by their early love of music and DJ culture - and genre-melting record labels such as James Lavelle’s Mo’Wax and his band UNKLE - and how this translates to the the creative world. For BEYOND THE ROAD, Nightingale and Dobbie seek to reinvent how people experience and interact with music, so it becomes an environment which visitors are free to explore. Lavelle’s UNKLE albums ‘The Road: Part I’ and ‘The Road: Part II / Lost Highway’ were richly layered and therefore ideal for Nightingale and Dobbie to deconstruct and rebuild spatially as a walk-through album experience for audiences. Interspersed through this sound journey is work by leading contemporary artists and filmmakers that have been part of James Lavelle’s creative world. BEYOND THE ROAD is a refreshing and timely cross-pollination of visual art, film and sound. Saatchi Gallery always looks to present work that pushes art forms beyond their limits, and this remarkable installation will undoubtedly make visitors re-think the way they experience music through a truly immersive environment.” Philippa Adams (Gallery Director, Saatchi Gallery)
ADAM SWAINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Email: adamswainephotography@gmail.com Mobile 07798 526569
OUT & ABOUT
GREENWICH COMEDY FESTIVAL 2019 London’s finest comedy festival returns with another stupendous line-up!
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he magnificent Greenwich Comedy Festival returns 4th - 8th September with its annual cavalcade of the very best comedians of the moment with the iconic backdrop of the National Maritime Museum and Royal Greenwich. Firmly established as London’s best round-up of the most amazing names in comedy this year’s offering does not disappoint. Highlights for this year include The Last Leg’s Josh Widdicombe, British Comedy Award winner Sean Lock, the multi-award winning Sara Pascoe and master observationalist Jason Manford will appear alongside alt-comedy heroes like Rose d’Or winner Bridget Christie and cult comic/poet and Alan Partridge side-kick Tim Key, trailblazers like The Mash Report’s Nish Kumar and festival favourite Reginald D Hunter can be seen plus grouchy genius Rich Hall, groundbreaking ventriloquist Nina Conti, the crappy keyboard wielding David O’doherty and many fast-rising wonders like, Rosie Jones, Olga Koch, Maisie Adam and Larry Dean. Other fabulous names to look out for this year are Live at the Apollo stars Phil Wang, Seann Walsh, Suzi Ruffell and Ivo Graham, Comedy Central fixture Fin Taylor, Mock The Week’s whip-smart wordsmith Rhys James, multi-award winning improviser Steen Raskopoulos, and the brilliantly funny Lou Sanders from Taskmaster and 8 Out Of 10 Cats, to name but a few! Each year over 10,000 comedy fans enjoy a moodenhancing medley of multi-bill stand-up shows at this event declared Time Out’s ‘favourite London comedy festival’. Now in its eleventh year the comedy extravaganza pairs award-winning entertainment in the Big Top with a boutique-style festival complete with bars serving craft beers and summer-inspired cocktails plus delicious bites from the leading lights of the street-food scene, this winning formula combines to make the ultimate night out. Will Briggs and Cass Randolph, Festival Producers said: “We’re very proud that the festival has found a permanent place in the city’s cultural calendar. So many fans come back each year knowing they are going to see something special because you rarely get to see so many top-level comedians alongside each other like this. It’s a golden age for British comedy right now, and this is a chance to see the best in the game back-to-back.” Join the masses and get your tickets now to this stupendous edition of the capital’s most critically acclaimed comedy spectacular. To book tickets from £20, visit www.greenwichcomedyfestival.co.uk Location: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
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From top: Sean Lock; Sara Pascoe; Rich Hall; Stephen Amos; Nina Conti
fashion, HEALTH
& beauty
– Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : d i g b eth
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
DISCOVER THE SECURITY & FREEDOM OF RENTING IN RETIREMENT AT BIRCHGROVE
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he number of private renters aged 55 years and over is quickly increasing in the UK, and according to the Centre of Ageing Better over a third of retirees are expected to live in rental accommodation by the year 2040. At Birchgrove, the newly opened property development for the over 65s in Sidcup, residents are enjoying a comfortable retirement with all the flexibility that comes with renting under their own terms. Birchgrove’s contracts are all “Assured Tenancies,” meaning residents enjoy the same level of security as home ownership and are free to remain in their home for as long as they wish. Or should they want to move to a new home, residents need only give two months’ notice. “I did my research, but nothing came anywhere near Birchgrove,” explains Stan Day, 88, who lives at Birchgrove’s Queensgate Apartments in Sidcup. “Unless you wanted to buy and pay anything up to £500,000 for a flat – and word on the street is that they are extremely difficult to get rid of.” In addition to avoiding the hassle of purchasing a property and the hefty costs associated with it, renting in later life also offers an alternative for those unwilling to release their equity but keen to downsize into a new home to enjoy retirement more comfortably. At Birchgrove, all apartments are specifically designed for the over 65s, with waist high appliances throughout, modern bathrooms with en-suite walkin showers and simple to use switches, taps and plugs, as well as a discreet 24-hour emergency call service for immediate assistance if needed. Rental fees also include utility costs such as heating, electricity and water, but also window cleaning, the maintenance of appliances, and the upkeep of the beautiful communal areas and gardens, meaning residents face no surprise bills or unexpected costs. There is also a 24hr staff presence with overnight support, a courtesy car and an onsite concierge. “It’s important to me to have security,” comments Stan. “People don’t realise just how much you depend on it and it’s good to know you are looked after.” Residents have exclusive access to a myriad of onsite amenities such as a restaurant, club room, library, wellbeing and fitness centre, hairdressing and beauty salon, and communal gardens with plots to grow vegetables. Events and hobby groups are
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“Residents have exclusive access to a myriad of onsite amenities”
also regularly organised to promote the community spirit. “The facilities are here for people to get together,” comments Stan. “The team are very likeminded and knew what we wanted: companionship and friendship. I am in a very different world now, and I am very happy I moved here.” For more information, please visit www.birchgrove.life or contact the team on 020 3929 5599.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Hill and Friends
words: sj sandhu
in New York 2006 - the love that I have for him is beyond words. How do you balance home life with your demanding career? Like other single mothers - with difficulty! I try to give my absolute all to both, whilst not be too hard on myself when things go wrong! Where is your favourite place to be? Home in London is where the heart is - or New York! What does “you time” look like? An addictive box-set, face mask and a bar of chocolate! How would you describe your co-founder Georgia Fendley? Welsh, fierce, passionate, brilliant, and one-of-akind! What two beauty products can you not live without? • Lucas’ Papaw Balm • Maybelline Great Lash Mascara What do you tell yourself when things aren’t going so well? “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” (Oscar Wilde)
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mma Hill CBE is a British-born designer and is responsible for designing some of the most iconic bags in the world; Hill was accessories designer for Burberry before moving to New York, where she spent 13 years with Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs. She became creative director for Mulberry in 2008 where Kate Moss took the prototype of her very first design. She and Georgia Fendley founded Hill and Friends in 2014 during a moment of ‘martini-fuelled madness’. The ethos of the brand is about great design, quality, ethical practice and honest price value. I had the pleasure of interviewing Emma to find out more about the woman behind the brand. Where do you draw inspiration? Anywhere and everywhere - I love people watching and have been known to run after strangers to secretly take a photo of their bag! I adore vintage, all things leopard, 70s graphics and cartoon characters like the Mr. Men or the Beano’s Minnie the Minx. What were the most memorable moments in your career and life? Being awarded a CBE, for services to British fashion by the Queen in 2012. The most memorable moment in my life was the birth of my son Hudson,
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“The bags are a fusion of quality, craftsmanship and luxury, with the appeal of a brand created for real people”
Do you have a mantra you live by? “Dream big and work bigger!” (Keith Hill - my late Father) What is the backbone of Hill and Friends? Our motto of “Fashion just got friendlier” is evident in our ‘Smiley’ logo. The bags are a fusion of quality, craftsmanship and luxury, with the appeal of a brand created for real people! We are female founded and deliberately named ourselves Hill & Friends as our bags are made with love, laughter and passion. We believe in creating cherished pieces that outlast seasonal trends. Our bags are made in England by the finest craftspeople, in a factory with a 150-year leather goods heritage, and that to me is priceless. What makes the perfect handbag? The ability to become your new BFF! What does luxury look like to you? Luxury to me is about how something is made and having something that makes you feel wonderful. In terms of life, nothing equals luxury to me more than time with friends and family. My personal favourites are the Happy Cross-Body Chain Bag in Oxblood or maybe the black pebbled calf ? Find your New BFF bag at www.hillandfriends.com
Happy shopping everyone… Thank you for letting me share. Until next time Ladies & Gents STOP, LOOK, BREATHE Sj x sksandhu79
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Top 5 reasons to choose a Retirement Village There has never been so much choice in retirement living, but what makes a Retirement Village so appealing? Park Retirement Village and you would think you were in a high-end hotel rather than a care home.
Number 3: Peace of Mind
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ost retirement developers shout about how nice their apartments are but with a Retirement Village such as the newly opened Emerson Park Retirement Village at Hextable, Kent, wonderfully fitted and designed apartments are just the start. We have made a list of what we think are the top 5 reasons to choose a Retirement Village.
Number 1: New Opportunities With so much going on there’s lots of opportunities to not only make new friends, but also to learn new skills. Most Retirement Villages have a dedicated Events & Activities Team who organise a range of events designed around the interests of residents. So, if you wanted to learn how to Skype your grandchildren or investigate your family history, they will help you do it. With all the on-site facilities there’s the opportunity to do the things you’ve always promised yourself. Facilities vary but will include as a minimum a restaurant and lounge. But most will include far more meaning you can take advantage of the fitness suite (and start that fitness regime you keep promising yourself!), be pampered in the hair and beauty salon, enjoy that film you’ve been meaning to watch in the cinema or just relax with friends and family in the bar. One thing is for sure, there will always be something to enjoy.
Number 2: Flexibility We all want choice and the better retirement villages provides a choice of accommodation to suit your needs. If you are looking for a luxury apartment where you can lock-up and leave so that you can spend time travelling, then the Retirement Apartments are the perfect solution. Your property is being looked after while you are away, and when you return the Retirement Village operator will make sure the heating is on and there is milk in the fridge. Some Retirement Villages now have a care home on-site meaning that should your needs change in the future, specialist care is available. And forget those negative perceptions you may have about care homes; a walk around a care home such as Emerson Grange which is part of the Emerson 4 4 J U LY 2 0 1 9
“With so much going on there’s lots of opportunities to not only make new friends, but also to learn new skills”
Peace of mind not just for you, but for your family as well. Having staff on-site 24-hours a day who will immediately respond to an emergency is a great reassurance. But it’s often the little things that make the difference such as knowing that there is a driver should you no longer drive, the luxury of having a restaurant on your doorstep if you don’t fancy cooking or enjoying the grounds which are beautifully maintained by the dedicated gardening team. A Retirement Village will have anything from 20 - 70 members of staff who will be led by a General Manager who will always be available should you have any questions.
Number 4: Keeping Couples Together Possibly the most important point. A move to a Retirement Village means that you and your partner should always be able to stay together, no matter what. Even if one should need to move to the onsite care home, you are still within the Retirement Village and many feel that it’s just an extension of their own property.
Number 5: You wouldn’t want to, or need to move again With all this on your doorstep, why would you ever want to move! And with the reassurance of a care home there shouldn’t be any reason to move again. A move to a Retirement Village provides what we all want in later life – a social community, luxury facilities and the reassurance of support and care if required. Want to know more about Retirement Villages? Arrange your visit to Emerson Park today…call 01322 515415 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/ emersonpark
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
[NEWS]
BEAUTY & FASHION “The core range is all about essential denim pieces and luxurious accessories, made from the softest leather”
bold style Make a bold style statement with the Vanilla Fly Protea Velvet Tote Bag, it is sure to be admired from a distance. Made from heavy velvet, this luxurious tote bag has a cotton lining and features two large cream protea blooms against a bright orange patterned background. www.hurnandhurn.com
sushi anyone? These clever socks are sure to brighten up your day! This is the Sushi Socks Box from Dollydagger. www.dollydagger.com
TIMELESS BRITISH STYLE Named after the place it originated, which is famed as the heart of the Peaky Blinders and has recently been awarded the Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain by the Sunday Times*, Digbeth Official create luxury women’s clothing and accessories. The small team of industry experts have utilised their knowledge to source and create products that define understated style. The core range is all about essential denim pieces and luxurious accessories, made from the softest leather that will age beautifully. The brand perfectly encapsulates the heart of where it was founded, which is known as Birmingham’s Creative Quarter. A Digbeth product bears the hallmarks of quality craftsmanship, carefully selected materials and attention right down to the finest detail. The collections are available to buy now at www.digbethofficial.co.uk
sunshine days We just love this Semi Circle Sun Necklace by Misskukie Jewellery. An eye catching blend of geometric symmetries, this piece is sure to stand out this summer. www.misskukie.com
silver beauties This pair of pretty dragonfly earrings is for pierced ears, hand-crafted in fine quality 925 sterling silver. Annabel James uses traditional jewellery making techniques. www.annabeljames.co.uk 4 6 J U LY 2 0 1 9
WE LOVE strike it lucky Make your own luck with a pair of hallmarked silver lucky sixpence cufflinks. The genuine sixpences are cleaned and are set in handmade hallmarked solid silver cufflink backs and can be personalised with a name, date or short message on the back. www.hersey.co.uk
Perfect for summer – The Penny Knot Mule in Candy Stripe by Loeffler Randall. £345, available online at www.loefflerrandall.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Award-winning Aesthetics Welcome to Appearances Aesthetics, a multi award-winning Skincare and Permanent Makeup Clinic in Chislehurst, Kent
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aving achieved a highly successful and recognised business for over 30 years, I believe I have set myself apart in the industry with my awards, experience, dedication, and professionalism. My experience ensures I deliver dedicated, passionate, individual and bespoke services in a safe, hygienic environment. My latest awards for 2019 include Finalist in the Kent Women in Business Awards for “Contribution to the Community”. In addition, I was Winner of the Kent Health and Beauty Award for “Semi-Permanent Makeup Artist of the Year” in 2018, and also received a Bronze Award for Aesthetic Clinic of the Year. I am so proud of what I have achieved. I have had great success in removing small skin lesions, including moles, skin tags, pigmentation, milia, warts, and veruccas, as demonstrated in the before and after photographs showing some of my recent work on different areas of the body. Following on from my success in winning so many awards, I am now solely focussing on my skin lesion removals. Therefore, we have built a support team, which
“I have trained with top Educators in UK, Europe and USA”
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includes Belinda, a highly qualified professional micropigmentation specialist, and Anita, a top 30year experience ex-salon owner who is now offering bespoke, personalised, facials and peels at my Chislehurst clinic. As well as this, I am dedicated to support local charities, especially Breast Cancer Kent and Skin Cancer charities which involves me helping clients who have serious illnesses such as Cancer, Alopecia, Trichotillomania, Vitiligo, and people who have suffered burns injuries, to improve their confidence so they lead happier lives. I am passionate about giving back to my clients and the community. I fundraise for several charities, having raised over £25,000 for Breast Cancer, and volunteering for the Look Good Feel Better charity, a female cancer support charity who run free skincare and make-up masterclasses for women undergoing treatment for, or living with, cancer. I am honoured and privileged as this enables me to help people undergo remarkable transformations, making a huge positive difference to changing and improving lives. I hold an unparalleled portfolio of non-surgical procedures in the fastest growing industry. Apart from being outstanding in all the “normal” life-changing treatments that I perform, through working with an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I have been able to introduce a revolutionary new tattooing procedure, which I perfected on his patient who has a congenital disfigurement of her toes. My treatment was published in the British Medical Journal in 2015. I have trained with top Educators in UK, Europe and USA, ensuring my treatments are always at the highest standard. In attending regular training courses, I stay at the forefront of the developing treatments in my field, ensuring my treatments are always up to date and relevant. I continually attend courses and launches to keep up to date with the latest developments in my industry, such as the Image Skincare launch event in 2019. I have recently completed 2 updates for my Advanced Courses with Sterex and the BIAE for Advanced Electrolysis and Advanced Cosmetic Procedures in which I achieved 100%. I am delighted I have earned trust, gaining very high-profile clients, as well as Dame Kelly Holmes, and international DJ Paul Newman. I have been on Local Radios and filmed for Sky TV. I work alongside doctors, nurses and surgeons who refer patients to me, sometimes removing the need for further surgery. I am proud to hold endless glowing testimonials, from clients, doctors, surgeons and Industry professionals.
SKIN TAG REMOVAL
BEFORE
AFTER
CYST REMOVAL
BEFORE
AFTER
SEBORRHOEIC WART REMOVAL
BEFORE
AFTER
MULTI KENT AWARD WINNING SPECIALIST IN SKIN LESION REMOVALS & REDUCTIONS
ErnEsto DE La Cruz VaLDEs registered osteopath
• Skin tags and age spots • Clear and brown moles • Red veins and blood spots • Milia, syringomas and xanthelasma • Pigmentation and lentigo • MCA - treatment for fine lines and wrinkles • Seborrheic Keratosis Warts
OTHER PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS • Introducing skin smoothing injections • Semi-permanent makeup - eyebrows and eyeliner • Scar relaxation - improvement to trauma scars • Scalp hair stimulation tattooing for men and women
Gillian has been in the industry for over 30 years and has trained in the UK, Middle East, USA and Europe. BIAE, ITEC, BABTAC, SPCP, C&G, CIBTAC, MGBT, IDI, IIAA.
arthritic pain • Cramp • Fibromyalgia • Cervicogenic Headaches Joint pains (hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist) General, acute & chronic backache, back pain Minor sports injuries and tensions • Muscle spasms neuralgia • rheumatic pain • sciatica • neck pain the Medical Centre, sundridge: 173 Main road, sundridge, sevenoaks, Kent, tn14 6EH
07909 397202 www.cruzosteopathy.co.uk
strawberry House Clinic, 12 station approach, Hayes, Bromley, Kent, Br2 7EH
APPEARANCES AESTHETICS PROFESSIONAL 07711 067 789
gillian@appearancesaesthetics.co.uk www.appearancesaesthetics.co.uk
Follow Gillian at:
2019 finalist kent women in business
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
BEING BOLD WTH COLOUR
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A bold two-piece suit is a must-have this season, says Katie Wright 5 0 J U LY 2 0 1 9
emember when the only people who wore suits to work were corporate career hustlers? Now though, the grey check blazer has become a style staple for women - everybody’s got at least one in their wardrobe - and suit jackets aren’t just for office workers any more. The tailoring boom continues for spring/ summer, but this time it comes with an explosion of colour too. On the SS19 catwalks, bright trouser suits in sunset shades were everywhere, from scarlet red at Balenciaga and tangerine at Roksanda, to salmon pink at Peter Pilotto and chartreuse at Emporio Armani. Saturated hues are what these two-piece ensembles all had in common, but suit cuts varied, with both single and double-breasted jackets teamed with slouchy and slim-cut trousers. There’s lots of variety on the high street too, from boxy blazers to cute cropped jackets, so you can find your new summer staple with ease. The sunny tailoring trend lends itself well to office life, of course - a hot pink suit is the definition of power dressing in 2019. But, like winter’s ubiquitous check blazer, a mustard or tangerine jacket can also come in very handy as a holiday cover-up. Equally, you can dress down a two-piece as well, by adding a vintage T-shirt and white Adidas Gazelles. It’s not just about daywear, either - take the tailoring trend into party mode by teaming a onebutton suit jacket with a lacy camisole, crop top, or (if you dare) nothing underneath at all.
Red One-Button Blazer, £37.99, available from Bonprix
Mustard Plain Coloured Blazer, £38; Lightweight Tie Front Cullottes, £20, available from Bonmarche
Hot Pink Milano Blazer, £42 (was £60), available from Laura Ashley
WE WISH TO WECOME BELINDA BELINDA ST JOHN-SLATEr AT
APPEArANCES AESTHETICS PErMANENT MAkE UP ArTIST FrOM WEDNESDAy 10TH JULy
Specialising In Permanent Make Up: • Digital Brows (Hair Stroke, Powder, Ombré) • Nanoblading • Eyeliner • Lash Enhancement • Lips • Permanent Make Up Removal with Salt & Saline • Colour Correction Medical Tattooing: • Areola Reconstruction • Dry Needling for Scars & Burns Tissue • Vitiligo Camouflage • Scalp Micropigmentation
APPEARANCES AESTHETICS PROFESSIONAL 20 Berens Way, Chislehurst BR7 6RJ
07711 067 789 or 07753 818 885 gillian@appearancesaesthetics.co.uk appearancesaesthetics.co.uk
MARTIN CLARK BUILDING & LANDSCAPING
Friendly, Professional, Reliable and Tidy. • Driveways • Patios • Groundwork • Fencing • Decking • Brickwork • Extensions FAMILY RUN BUSINESS OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
07411 964597
Image: Johnsons Garden Rooms
THE LUXURY HOME
RENOVATION & INTERIORS GUIDE
Are you looking to modernise your kitchen, rip out the old bathroom or add a conservatory to create your dream home? From a small home improvement to a full scale renovation, our Guide features the best local Interior Designers, Builders & Tradesmen to create the perfect home. INTERIORS
KITCHENS
BATHROOMS
BEDROOMS
CONSERVATORIES
LOFTS
BASEMENTS
WINDOWS
DOORS
FLOORING
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
blooming style
Channel some RHS Chelsea Flower Show magic with some blooming marvellous home accessories. Sam Wylie-Harris reveals her pick of the bunch
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ashions and trends may come and go but year in, year out, the world’s most famous horticultural event never fails to spark us all to have a spring fling and take inspiration from its fabulous flowery displays. We’re talking about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, of course. Whether or not you made it to the gardening extravaganza in person, embracing blooms in home styling won’t be a challenge - and there’s a vivid landscape to pick from. “We’re seeing more adventurous colour and fabric selections coming through when it comes to upholstery, and our love of florals continues to flourish,” says Vanessa Hurley-Perera, chief product officer, Sofa.com “These bold choices are increasingly popular for accent pieces, such as armchairs, footstools and cushions,” she adds. “Long gone are the days of matching three-piece suites and itsy-bitsy prints - customers are plumping for larger designs and brilliantly bold tones.” Check out our favourite floral finds to shop now...
Snowdrop 2 Seat Sofa in Periwinkle Chelsea Bloom “For SS19 we’ve developed a new floral fabric, Chelsea Bloom, in Periwinkle (Blue) and Petunia (Pink), which features large blooming flowers against a dark background,” says Hurley-Perera. “The dramatic design appears to have almost been hand-painted onto your sofa, and works beautifully amongst our rich and vibrant colour scheme of super soft velvets.” £1640 (other items from a selection), Sofa.com 5 4 J U LY 2 0 1 9
Millport Pair of Small Fabric Scatter Cushions You can never have too many cushions, especially when pretty pink sprigs are planted among the greenery. £75, Furniture Village
Yankee Candle Salt Mist Rose Yankee Candle are celebrating their 50th anniversary with 16 limited-edition fragrances. We love Salt Mist Rose, which first came to light in the Nineties, and is characterised by ‘the beautiful scent of delicate roses by the sea’. £23.99, The Yankee Candle Company
Morrisons Flourish Jug This gorgeous jug imbibes a meadow of wild flowers. £14, Morrisons
Morrisons Flourish Duvet Cover & Pillowcases Sulphur Meadow Bouquet This new Flourish range brings the countryside one step closer to home with its blousy florals, ditsy prints and sweet wildlife illustrations which feel like a breath of fresh air. From £16; Ditsy Bedspread, £27; Bumblebee Cushion, £8, Morrisons
Face Imprint Plant Pots and Vases, available in White, Green and Taupe As if these quirky plant pots aren’t eye-catching enough, they could give your favourite house plant a new lease of life. £10.95-£17.95 each, Graham and Green
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
[NEWS]
INTERIORS NEUTRAL TERRITORY
“Attention to detail is key with neutral interiors – the smallest differences make the world of difference when you’re working within a narrow palette,” explains Original BTC founder Peter Bowles. “Layering hand-crafted, natural textures and finishes brings warmth to your scheme, while interesting shapes create movement and rhythm when juxtaposed against pale walls. www.originalbtc.com
DRAMA QUEEN
Bring depth, drama, ambience and colour to your bathroom with a made-to-measure wallpaper mural from Wallsauce. Providing your walls aren’t susceptible to water flow or heavy splashes and your bathroom is well ventilated, you can enjoy your favourite designs whilst relaxing in the most peaceful room in the home. Simply select your wallpaper mural, enter your dimensions and choose either the classic or premium paste-the-wall material. www.wallsauce.com
FAKING IT
SIP IN STYLE
Take your coffee or tea break back in time with Chase and Wonder’s quintessentially British beakers. Inspired by Victorian journals, a marvellous medley of ephemera, essentials, messages and motifs are emblazoned across the Britishmade fine china mugs, using a unique collage technique combining technology, typography and illustration. www.chaseandwonder.com 5 6 J U LY 2 0 1 9
“For a riotous colour blast to rev up interior spaces the new Audenza range of faux plants has it all. Bright and breezy plants in vibrant hues, because after all green doesn’t have to be green and life doesn’t have to be boring. Colour it up and live life to the full in a saturated colour world full of happiness.” – Jacqui Brooks, Co-founder www.audenza.com
GET TO WORK
Elevate your output with Ligne Roset’s creative and pioneering home office furniture. Compact and feminine, the Roll desk by Mario Ferrarini features a beautifully organic walnut veneer multi-ply top on a black lacquered frame, with a port at the rear for easy passage of cables. Make work less of a chore with the wallmounted Nubo and innovative. www.ligne-roset.com/uk
think pink
Pink is undoubtedly the colour of the moment! We love this super storage: pink & gold painted wooden hexagon occasional tables. Perfect for the modern contemporary or Scandi living room with hints of the luxe glam style. Tops lift off to reveal storage compartment perfect for smaller spaces. www.melodymaison.co.uk
We are gas safe approved engineers Members of CIPHE chartered institute of plumbing and heating engineering City and guilds level 3 qualified Thames water approved plumber scheme At green planet we care for you and the environment
Radiators
Cylinders
New installations, repositioning New valves, Towel Rails
Vented and un-vented, replaced or repaired, repositioned
Central Heating
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Power Flushing, Fault Finding, Servicing and repairs
Complete installations, ovens & cookers, Water softeners, all appliances, Refurbishment, showers Taps repairs
Boilers Fault Diagnostics, installations, Servicing and repairs
Ask us about our excellent prices on all plumbing and heating services 07888 648 301 • 01322 446 218 greenplanetpand@yahoo.co.uk
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
EXTENDING YOUR HOME
F
or a lot of households, there comes a time when your home becomes a bit of a squeeze. Maybe you have had more children, or have embarked on working from home. So should you move somewhere bigger, or extend your house to make it large enough for you and your family’s needs? An extension can radically improve a property. Bigger, better space and extra rooms can add value, and make a house more attractive to buyers. Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving. In high-value affluent areas in London it can be more worthwhile digging under the house to add a basement conversion, go up a level or even extend sideways. The reality is that if you are able to extend, it is often sensible to do so from a financial point of view. The cost of buying a new house would far outweigh the cost of building. If you want to make structural changes with the purpose of adding value, you should first find out the current market price of your property, as well as its potential value once the changes have been made. Otherwise, your hard work and cash may not reap rewards. Also be area aware - before you plan that extravagant extension or costly conversion, it’s crucial to talk to a local estate agent to find out what renovations are popular in your area. Every street has a ceiling value so don’t over develop if you want to see a good return on your investment. However, this is a major project and shouldn’t be undertaken lightly: • Call in professionals to get the job done properly, as there are important planning restrictions and regulations which need to be followed. • Ask friends if they can recommend an architect and builders. It is really important that you locate the specialists as a botched extension can devalue a property. • The National Federation of Builders (NFB) can provide you with a list of registered builders in
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your area. A builder that belongs to a respected trade organisation will have to comply with membership standards. • The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) provides a list of registered architects. • Although a modern extension can look good on an old house, when it comes to selling on it is important to appeal to the average buyer’s taste. Therefore it is advisable for an extension to match the architectural style of the existing house. • Be strategic: Extra bathrooms and large kitchens are usually good investments in family-sized homes, and a garage in a busy, urban area will also add value. The room that usually benefits the most from enlarging is the kitchen. Adding a kitchen/ diner creates the farmhouse kitchen most people want and provides extra space. The old dining room can become an office, playroom, or an extra sitting room. Kitchen extensions also provide the opportunity to extend upwards - an additional bedroom can be built on top at the same time.
“Your location, and the level of demand for your type of home, could make a big difference to the financial implications of extending versus moving”
The team at Rocks Road Brickwork & Building can help you realise your project, from planning through to the finished article. We work with a wide range of professional tradesmen, and are able to manage all aspects of your project. Rocks Road Brickwork & Building have the knowledge and expertise to create an extension to your period property that will match seamlessly with the original building by using traditional methods, materials and techniques. We are happy to discuss your ideas and provide a free no obligation quotation for any project, small to large, from repointing and garden wall repairs to extensions and new builds.
07484 280 144 | rocksroadbrickwork@hotmail.com
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
CREATE A WORLD BENEATH YOUR FEET however, some older houses may have shallow foundations, so in order to create a safe living space below, you may need to underpin your property first. If this is the case for your property, then the easiest thing to do is to talk to an underpinning firm or specialist builder who can advise you on feasibility and cost of the job. Remember – while a basement conversion may seem like a dream come true, always make sure that a cellar conversion is a realistic venture for your property before forking out any cash.
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omeowners don’t always realise that their dusty cellar or basement is actually an extra room worth thousands of pounds, as well as one which can dramatically enhance you and your family’s lifestyle. This cost-effective craze has been big news in London for a while, where homeowners are keen to use every square foot of space. The main reason basement conversions are really growing in popularity is because basements are normally closer to other communal areas and can be more versatile living spaces that suit modern lifestyles, not just extra bedrooms, bathrooms or studies.
Let your imagination roam free Perhaps the most exciting reason to ‘extend’ underground is that you can really enhance your family’s lifestyle. In the US, basements have long been used as play and utility rooms, but it’s only in recent years that British householders have started making good use of the same space..Your kids can have a giant playroom all to themselves – or you can treat yourselves to a home cinema, a recording studio, or a state-ofthe-art wine cellar to really indulge your passion. If you own a commercial property it’s also worth remembering your basement could earn you thousands as extra storage, retail space, a car park or even a bar or nightclub. Are there any financial benefits? Apart from the extra space for you or your family, a basement conversion can earn you a packet in additional rental income. Most simply, you could rent the converted basement, who would then share the kitchen and bathroom with the family. Or, alternatively, you could convert the basement into a self-contained studio apartment, with its own front door if so desired. If that sounds appealing, however, you should be aware that you will need planning permission if you plan to create a separate entrance to your home. But even if you decide not to rent out your converted basement, a simple conversion can also add on thousands to the value of your property when selling it on. Is my basement suitable for a conversion? Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for basement conversions, as the work can often be carried out from outside, which means you can easily continue to live in your property while the renovations are taking place. A word of warning,
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Do I need planning permission? The good news here is that most cellar conversions don’t need planning permission because you are only changing the inside of your property. However, if you choose to add a new entrance or windows at the front of the house, dig an entirely new basement, or need access to dig up parts of the road or pavement outside your home, you will need planning permission from your local council. You may also want to check out the specifics of planning permission for basement conversions in case you want to extend or change your basement structure in the future. If you live in a listed building, however, then remember that all renovations require permission before you begin any work - even if they are completely out of sight from the outside. This is because the features in listed buildings are protected for historical reasons. Whether or not you need planning permission, you will need to comply with the current building regulations for extensions - these are simply legal requirements for any new living space, which exist for your own safety. What are the building regulations? Any extension that people will use as a living area is covered by building regulations. These regulations are designed to protect the inhabitants from health or safety hazards, and include things like adequate fire escape methods. The most basic regulations for a basement conversion are; ventilation, damp proofing, electrical wiring, safe access, ceiling height and a fire escape route. Even if you don’t need planning permission, you must get building regulation approval for your basement. These regulations will insist on certain considerations when you are planning your project for example, a door which is at least 30 inches wide is considered fine but a window has to be a certain size, as well as a minimum distance from the floor, in order to be considered safe. What else do I need to know? The biggest factors to consider when it comes to converting your basement are underpinning the foundations which we have discussed above, waterproofing or damp-proofing walls, and providing a suitable access point.
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
BR FLOORING:
90 Years of Outstanding Quality and Service
B
R Flooring is a family-owned business with branches in Petts Wood and Eltham. Covering Sidcup, Chislehurst, Blackheath, Bromley and all surrounding locations in South East London, we understand how important it is that you select the right kind of carpets or flooring for your home, office space or business property. If you want luxury carpets, hardwood flooring or laminate flooring that not only looks good but that also delivers on practicality and your lifestyle choices, you’ve definitely come to the right place. We also specialise in premium quality vinyl flooring by offering a full range of Karndean products to customers in the local area. Other solutions include laminate flooring and hardwood flooring in the Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Opus and Tile ranges. With such prestigious names, it’s only right that you would expect these products to be truly special. Everything we do is built around the supply of beautifully-designed flooring of the highest standard. Karndean offers a state-of-the-art virtual flooring design service that helps you choose the perfect product for your home or office. We also sell carpets and other flooring materials from Westex, Axminster, Amtico, Quick Step, Crucial Trading and Real Wood.
“If you want luxury carpets, hardwood flooring or laminate flooring that not only looks good but that also delivers on practicality and your lifestyle choices, you’ve definitely come to the right place”
90 Years of Outstanding Quality and Service Following a rebrand in 2014, we have extended our reach by supplying carpets, hardwood flooring and laminate flooring for many valued customers in the surrounding Chislehurst, Sidcup, Bromley and Blackheath areas. With over 90 years of providing great service and value, we have the knowledge and the experience to bring you flooring that truly reflects individual taste and personality. BR Flooring offer you a desirable range of carpets made from either natural or manmade fibres. There is almost no limit to our vast number of options and we can supply patterned or plain fabrics covering everything from the dazzlingly funky to the more neutral and understated style. Our showrooms in Petts Wood and Eltham also supply high-end hardwood flooring and easy-to-fit laminate flooring. Both outlets provide you with exceptional choice, honest advice and outstanding customer service. We also offer free estimates and measuring. www.br-flooring.co.uk 6 2 J U LY 2 0 1 9
SUMMER SALE up to
1/2
price Carpets*
15% off
plus fREE fitting ** on all carpets
Karndean and Amtico 2b/2c, fairway Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1EG Telephone: 01689 822100
216-218 High Street, Eltham, SE9 1BA Telephone: 020 8294 2660
www.brflooring.co.uk *on selected items **free fitting on minimum order of 10sq metres
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
[NEWS]
BEAUTIFUL RUGS GEOMETRY CLASS
The new Colt collection combines modern classics with bold geometrics. Made from hard wearing polypropylene the rugs come in two patterns and several colourways. www.modern-rugs.co.uk
A TASTE OF THE ORIENT
A leading specialist in Chinese furniture since 2003, Shimu offers traditionally crafted oriental furniture, as well as an extensive selection of restored Chinese antique furniture and other beautiful home accessories inspired by the east. We love this natural colour Chobi rug which is made from 100% wool. www.shimu.co.uk
NOMADIC STYLE
With its dusty rustic vibes and unique patterning, the Isabeau textured floor rug is perfect for creating a nomadic look. The neutral, earthy tones of this southwestern style rug creates an authentic, warming atmosphere in your living space. The desert chic rug is bought to life by its texture and spiral patterning. www.cultfurniture.com
MODERN LIVING
We think this Louis De Poortere Vintage Patchwork Rug in Blue Denim by Modish Living is simply fabulous! The distressed areas and intricate stitching creates a beautiful finish for most modern interiors. All Louis de Poortere rugs are hand finished and backed with an anti-slip base. www.modishliving.co.uk 6 4 J U LY 2 0 1 9
EARN YOUR STRIPES
A loving and characterful way to greet your guests at home with its coconut plain coil mat and Zebra print is functional and a delight to return home too, can be placed at every entrance to your home, perfect for thinner steps With its PVC backing it works perfectly inside the home. www.thefarthing.co.uk
Suppliers of bespoke pizza ovens, barbecues and outdoor kitchens. All aspects of patio and landscaping work also undertaken. Please call for a free no obligation quotation on 07975 540504
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
Beautiful Bespoke Furniture I
f you’re looking for bespoke furniture designed by a team of dedicated experts then look no further. Ian Dunn Woodwork and Design are bespoke cabinet makers based in the heart of East Dulwich with over 30 years experience working alongside interior designers and architects to create your perfect living space. Every project is a unique design hand crafted in our workshop and tailored to the clients specification with regular consultations through out the project ensuring the client is happy from start to end. Sustainability is a top priority at Ian Dunn Woodwork & Design, all our Kitchens and bespoke furniture items are made from our workshop in SE London using wood certified by the forestry council. With our appliance partners Miele & Bora our design team can help you choose from the latest range making your home more energy efficient boosting your Eco credentials for the future.
“Every project is a unique design hand crafted in our workshop and tailored to the clients specification” Ian Dunn Woodwork & Design also have a superb selection of worktop samples from Cosentino to complete the look of your new bespoke kitchen all available to view in the Showroom where our dedicated team are at hand to offer the best advice. If it’s not a kitchen your looking for, one off bespoke furniture pieces such as media units and 6 6 J U LY 2 0 1 9
drinks cabinets are fast becoming iconic pieces that can move with you to your next home. Ian Dunn Woodwork and design will be taking part in the Dulwich Festival over 2 weekends in May 11th & 12th 18th & 19th where the very latest Miele Bora and Quooker appliances can be seen in the East Dulwich Showroom along with viewing the work of local artists’ why not come and discuss your project with the design team and book in a consultation. Voted best in houzz and runners up in K and B designer awards 2018 Members of the Guild of master craftsmen. Why not visit our website to see some of the latest offers or simply call us to book a consultation to help create Your very own bespoke dream. www.iandunn.com
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
beautiful garden rooms E
stablished since 1960, Johnsons Garden Buildings prides itself on being one of the largest suppliers of beautiful garden rooms in the UK. We have become a name that people associate with a top quality product, reliably installed by experts and backed up with excellent customer service. Offering an extensive range of timber buildings to suit all budgets and requirements, Johnsons are also able to offer a bespoke service, meaning that you can design your own building, made to measure. Our Garden rooms can be used as Summer Houses, Home Offices, Hobby Rooms, Playrooms, Man Caves, She Sheds, Storage solution and Home Gyms, to name just a few! Whether it’s an extra room to work, play or chill out in, or just a desire for some much needed extra space, then we can provide the ideal solution! With our carefully selected Garden Room Packages, you can choose the one to suit your
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requirements and with over 30 buildings in many sizes, Johnsons are sure you will find the perfect building. Double glazing, insulation, electrics and even air conditioning options will ensure your garden building can be used all year round and all available with interest free finance. Our Free home site visits can put your mind at rest so why not let one of our experienced representatives guide you through the whole process. We encourage everyone to come and see our fantastic display of timber buildings, fully furnished and lovingly finished. So come and let your imagination run riot and see how a quality garden room from Johnsons can enrich your wellbeing! Find your nearest display village at needextraspace.co.uk and let us help make a difference. www.needextraspace.co.uk
“Our Garden rooms can be used as Summer Houses, Home Offices, Hobby Rooms, Playrooms, Man Caves, She Sheds, Storage solution and Home Gyms, to name just a few!”
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
A TREE HOUSE For Your Children
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t’s a dream of many children to own their own tree house where they can escape and immerse themselves in fantasy and imagination. The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild. Tree houses have changed over the years, from rickety and unsafe structures, to modern designs that now even incorporate swings, slides and climbing frames. Despite their evolution, their popularity has remained consistent. When you really want to give your kids the ultimate custom tree house or wooden playhouse for the garden, getting a bespoke timber building from skilled craftsmen guarantees you get exactly what you want! The shops are full of playhouses
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“The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild”
All images courtesy of Cheeky Monkey Treehouses
barely big enough for the children’s toys and with a similar limited shelf life! If you really want to give your children a playhouse or tree house that lasts their whole childhood, bespoke wooden buildings are ideal. Bespoke treehouses are a big trend in many gardens; with elaborate designs built high up on stilts, within and around branches. They can take on many different shapes sizes, colours and themes, too, and feature a number of cute accessories and fun activities to keep kids entertained throughout the summer! And you don’t need a tree to have a tree house. It can be built in the right location for you. The areas surrounding your tree house could be landscaped with shrubs, trees or a lawn - whatever is needed to enhance the appearance of your treehouse. Your children’s safety is of paramount importance. The construction process of a treehouse can be demanding - not kids’ stuff at all; requiring a great deal of planning and ensuring European safety standards are met. Approach specialist tree house companies and get recommendations from friends. It is crucial that you receive professional advice and guidance, with construction and installation done by experts to keep your child safe. Provide them with a fantasy hideaway in natural surroundings by making a part of the garden their own. www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com
Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms. Commercial & International commissions welcomed
TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
HTheomeleigh complete building, gardening and DIY Group
Trading for Over 50 Years
project wherever and whenever you need it. From all types of bricks, varying density blocks and damp proofing through to bulk orders of aggregates, sand, cement and other building consumables we can supply what you need for any size or type of construction project.
DIY and Gardening products Homeleigh will make sure that you get the right tools and quality products to make a success of your home or garden project because they have built a solid reputation across Kent as the place to come to for a superb range of DIY and gardening supplies, they offer excellent value, low cost options for those on a budget to a complete stock of famous brands and market leading products.
Fencing and landscaping Homeleigh can help you to create the garden of your dreams with an amazing selection of fencing & landscaping products. Make your garden bloom with their superb range of fencing and landscaping supplies from attractive block paving to stunning natural slabs, an impressive stock of flag and kerb stones which will fit strikingly into a lovely path snaking across the lawn or choose from a range of colourful rockery stones.
Homeleigh stock a massive, comprehensive range of building supplies including Timber, Bricks, Blocks, Fencing, Tools, Fixings, Landscaping, Aggregates, Plumbing, Drainage, Ironmongery, Decorating and everything you will need for your home and garden.
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omeleigh’s have been in business since 1966 and have become the go-to builders merchants in Kent with branches in Staplehurst, Cross-at-hand, Aylesford near Maidstone and a new depot in High Halden. Homeleigh offers a comprehensive range of building materials for the trade and DIY customers. Because Homeleigh are experts in their field you can trust them to provide the very best in quality and service at competitive prices.
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Aggregates If you need large quantities of aggregates for professional building needs or an attractive selection of gravels, stone chips or decorative shingle, Homeleigh stock a wide variety of materials at highly competitive prices and for the building trade they have everything builders need for any size of project, including high quality building sand, cement and sharp washed sand, they also stock a range of specialist materials with more and more emphasis being placed on using environmentally friendly materials.
Bricks and Blocks Homeleigh stock a wide range of bricks and blocks for building and construction in a range of styles, densities and finishes, they also include reclaimed. Whatever you’re building Homeleigh quality bricks and blocks will stand the test of time, so whether you need standard or specialist bricks for external, internal, cavity walls, foundations or floors they have a huge range of stock to match your exact requirements. Homeleigh can help you choose the type of brick to match your needs or budget.
Building Materials Homeleigh pride themselves on their fast supply of high quality, building materials of all types, for any
Painting and decorating Homeleigh are the first stop for high quality paints, varnishes, woodstains and painting supplies for all your decorating needs. They will give you all the help you will need with expert advice and highly competitive prices to give you the perfect finish to any painting project.
Plumbing and drainage Homeleigh say that they are the first people to come to for all your plumbing & drainage needs and it’s hard to disagree because they provide a watertight solution to your plumbing or drainage needs and have an unbeatable selection of plumbing and drainage solutions at competitive prices. If you are looking for sanitary ware, tools, spares or sundries and everything you could need for your heating, drainage or plumbing.
Timber and sheet materials Hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, C16/ C24 carcassing, doors, mouldings, Homeleigh are there to help. Because they have the complete solution to all your timber, wood and sheet material requirements. Homeleigh are the leading stockists in Kent of a wide selection of timber, wood and sheet materials for use in the building trade, construction and DIY. For more information visit www.homeleighgroup.co.uk
Tile with style
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
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C
hoosing the right tiles for your bathroom needs some careful consideration. With so many varieties on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choice on offer. Choose from ceramic, slate, glass and metal tiles, plain or patterned, large and small, smooth or textured. The options are seemingly endless. So, to help you through the decision process, we’ve put together some practical tips, making finding the perfect tiles for you bathroom, a breeze
CERAMIC OR NATURAL STONE TILES? Ceramic tiles are the most popular by a long way. They’re durable, their glazed surface makes them highly resistant to harbouring germs, they’re usually very easy to keep clean, and come in styles to suit every taste. If you opt for ceramics, the most important thing to be aware of is that they do tend to vary from lot to lot, so make sure all the boxes you buy are stamped with the same lot number. But if you’d rather try something different... Glazed terracotta tiles are hugely popular right now with the trend for Mediterranean style bathrooms. Good quality terracotta is not only gorgeously rustic, it’ll last virtually forever, but can be hard to find. So the cheapest option might not be the best. Natural stone tiles like granite, slate, marble and even terrazzo (composed of marble chips imbedded in concrete and polished smooth) are beautiful, distinctive, and luxurious. They’ll cost you though. And these materials tend to be porous, so you may need to apply a seal to stop the tiles absorbing water. Make sure you discuss this with the supplier before you buy. Glass, metal, and porcelain tiles look brilliant if installed properly – but that’s easier said than done. Unless you’re really a dab hand at DIY you might want to leave the fitting of these to the experts.
ADD TEXTURE AND INTEREST WITH BATHROOM TILES With the majority of bathroom suites being sleek and white, tiles are a great way to add texture and
interest into a room that can otherwise, look fairly clinical. If you’re talking floor tiles, texture is a must. It sounds like common sense, but many buyers are still seduced by lovely shiny tiles and then end up skidding all over the place every time the floor’s wet. Generally, the rougher the texture, the less slippery the tile when wet. When it comes to wall tiles, shiny tiles look chic and sleek and reflect light, making them a good option when in small or dark spaces. On the other hand, embossed tiles can be a smart way of adding interest to your walls and reducing starkness, especially if your tiles are in only one or two colours.
CONSIDER COLOURFUL OR PATTERNED BATHROOM TILES It goes without saying that white is by far the most popular colour choice for bathroom tiles. White tiles are fresh-looking, classic, and reflect light to give the illusion of a more spacious, lighter room. If you’re worried about the room looking too stark add dark or patterned towels and other accessories to introduce splashes of colour while retaining the clean minimalist look. Colourful or patterned tiles can be used to add detail here and there, or make a bold statement when used to cover the entire wall. They tend to look best contrasted with simpler bathroom fixtures.
SMALLER BATHROOMS LOOK BETTER WITH SMALLER TILES Generally, the more compact the bathroom the smaller the tiles should be, especially if there’s not much space between your sink, toilet, and tub. Smaller tiles will also require less cutting to fit around objects and make for a more flowing feel. If you’re lucky enough to have a big bathroom, large tiles give a sleek look with less exposed grouting in between. Borders or panels of smaller tiles can look fantastic in complimentary or contrasting colours.
Traditional Craftsmanship for Modern Applications
Garages & Outbuildings Glazed Garden Rooms
chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk Call for a quote 01959 447477 Filston Farm, Filston Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5JU
Quality Buildings at Competitive Prices
Be INsPIreD Free Local Delivery
Celebrating 20 years in 2019
Personal expert advice 124-126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UT www.freelands-tiles.co.uk Tel: 01732 459 765 sales@freelands-tiles.co.uk Open 7 days a week
Bringing style to a Tile
The latest ideas for walls and floors
renovation & interiors
London Road Furniture A new shop in an old location
F
ormerly the Polhill Arms in Halstead for many years the building has been painstakingly restored by the family who own Farningham Oak - long established Kent quality furniture retailers who started their original cottage industry working from an old farm on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors. “We used to let the customers wander all over our house - except for a couple of rooms and buy anything they wanted and take it away” said Peter one of the Directors - it gave us a great insight into how good furniture is constructed and taught us all about the correct proportions and style which are really important skills and cannot be learned overnight. This helps us tremendously when customers ask our advice as mistakes can be time consuming and expensive for them. We strive to pass on all our accumulated knowledge to any new members of staff we employ to enhance your shopping experience. It’s always a real pleasure meeting new customers and old who continue to support us. The restoration project took a long time with
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a very sympathetic and forensic approach being taken – however the results are there to be seen and building is now is a real pleasure to visit and to work in. Situated on the A225 London Road - access is easy and parking is plentiful in the large car park adjacent to the shop. The furniture and accessories are carefully selected with both modern and classic tastes catered for. High quality and very competitive pricing has always very important to us and good service comes naturally after over 40 years in the business. We supply tables, chairs, cabinetry, sofas, bedroom furniture, interesting occasional pieces, custom built pieces and anything else we like the look of. We offer a professional delivery service and over the years have covered the whole of the UK including much shipping overseas. Visit us! - You will you be very welcome (and not hassled!) The London Road Furniture Company, London Rd, Halstead, Sevenoaks TN14 7AA; 01959 533433; www.londonroadfurniture.co.uk
The furniture and accessories are carefully selected with both modern and classic tastes catered for.
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
Add a Touch Of French Sophistication To Your Boudoir
D
The Camille Collection By Noa & Nani
edicated to providing families with thoughtful, functional and gorgeous furniture, Noa & Nani has everything you need to make your house a home. From imaginative children’s beds to chic living room pieces, our website features an abundance of beautiful designs to suit all your family’s needs. The Camille Collection combines classic French style with modern design to create a wonderfully elegant range of furniture for your bedroom. The range includes beautiful bedside tables, demure chests of drawers and delightful dressing tables with elegant upholstered stools. This graceful collection adds character and style while staying understatedly chic. All of our Camille Pieces are crafted from MDF and Solid Pine which combines a minimal aesthetic with soft, curving legs. Available in a fresh white hue that is uplifting and peaceful or cool and contemporary grey. The Camille range promises to work harmoniously with your bedroom colour scheme. The stylish Camille Side Chest strikes the perfect balance between frivolity and functionality. Modern and minimal up top with curving, French-style legs that add character and elegance, it is ideal for those who like to make a subtle statement. The side chest is available with one, two or three drawers that offer ample space to house all your bedside essentials. The elegant Camille Desk and Stool set works as a charming dressing table for your bedroom. The graceful set will add character and style to your room while providing a discrete place to keep makeup and toiletries. The stool has an upholstered seat that features a delicate feminine pink pattern that adds charm and character. Complement the set with a free-standing mirror to create the ideal space to style yourself to perfection! Another favourite from the collection is the demure chest of drawers. As with all of the pieces
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from the range, the drawers feature beautiful curving legs that add character to the functional piece, as well as creating a soft, flowing vibe for your bedroom. Three large drawers accommodate lingerie, clothing, accessories, and other bedroom essentials, while a generous surface provides an elegant home for photo frames, jewellery boxes, and a vase of flowers. www.noaandnani.co.uk
“Available in a fresh white hue that is uplifting and peaceful”
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
Schmidt Kitchens, Sevenoaks Another Happy Customer Testimonial From Mr. Gray, Sundridge, Kent, November 2018
How did you hear about Schmidt? We live in Sevenoaks and heard about Schmidt walking past the showroom. We were particularly struck by the attractive layout, range of designs on show and the quality of the finish. We also liked the fact that we could see firsthand some items that were hard to find otherwise, especially the Neff induction hob with built-in extractor fan, which we wanted to include in our kitchen. What did you love about the Schmidt product? We really liked the range of available choices and the flexibility that gave us to achieve the very specific ‘look and feel’ that we wanted. Our house has a very open plan downstairs and extremely high ceilings, which we really wanted to highlight in the kitchen design. Some of the dimensions required customized sizes of cabinetry, and we were impressed that we could achieve this with Schmidt at a price that was very competitive with all other alternatives, which made the Schmidt solution very cost-effective for us, as well as achieving all that we wanted in the design. How did you find the whole process from start to finish? The Schmidt team, especially Monika, worked really hard for us. She heard all that we wanted to accomplish and not only did we get that, but she offered really constructive ideas and suggestions that we would not have thought about but which have made a big difference. The team spent hours with us, staying there late on some days and even coming in on Sunday morning to ensure we were happy and they would be able to meet our delivery timetable. Even though our builders did the actual installation, Monika and Adrian, the owner, were always available to help answer questions and made sure we would be happy. 8 0 J U LY 2 0 1 9
What was the difference between Schmidt and other showrooms you have visited? The appearance of the showroom was the first major difference. You could see very clearly in the windows that Schmidt offered a wide range of very high quality products and we felt immediately that their product would meet our needs. Not only that, but it was also clear that the displays used materials (worktops and lighting, for example) that we had not seen before in other showrooms but which we really liked and decided to use in our house. Inside the showroom there is a lot of kit you can check out, and this ensures you know exactly what you are getting when you order it, and that the quality would be very high. Anything else you would like to add in your own words? We could not be happier with our kitchen. Also, when people see it for the first time they always express spontaneous excitement at how it looks. We would recommend the Schmidt product and most important the Schmidt Sevenoaks team without any hesitation. Schmidt Kitchens and Interior Solutions 14-18 London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1AJ Tel: 01732 755555. www.schmidt-sevenoaks.com
“We really liked the range of available choices and the flexibility”
PHONE: 020 3247 4328 EMAil: info@maidsin.co.uk WEb: maidsin.co.uk
A MAID SERVICE CREATED BY YOU Maidsin.co.uk was created by the experienced Director of a hotelier cleaning company serving 5***** hotels in the capital for over 35 years. Our teams of maids have the training and experience to provide the following services, Household cleaning, window cleaning, gardening services and dog walking. The best thing about maidsin.co.uk is that we know the industry 100%, however this is not enough as we wish to learn what your needs and expectations are. After all, no two houses are the same and so it goes with the owners. For peace of mind, all of our cleaners are checked by a third party checking company called Onfido and are trained to NVQ level 1 in cleaning and hygiene. Prices start at only ÂŁ15.00 Per Hour.
LIVING THE DREAM JUST BECAME REALITY
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
DIVE DOWN INTO A BASEMENT POOL Building a pool into your basement is very en vogue, extremely popular amongst the rich and famous.
C
helsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, Formula 1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone, and steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal are among those that have dabbled with basement extensions in recent years. If you have dreamt of having a home swimming pool and don’t fancy the idea of going for an outdoor swim in the middle of winter, then a basement pool is your answer. Of course, there is no upper limit on what can be spent and some pools are the absolute height of luxury and sophistication. There are very few places in your property that are suitable for pool installations, other than basements. Most basements provide the perfect setting, with concrete floors and being at the bottom of the property you do not have to worry about the weight a pool would put on the ceiling of the room below. Some build an extension to house their swimming pool, but there is nothing more luxurious with that extra wow factor than a basement pool. The design of basement pools can be equally indulgent, extravagant and indeed, delightful. Depending on your taste, you might have an underground grotto with cave-like stonewalls and a waterfall running into a spa beside the pool. You might be attracted by the idea of marble columns and arched ceilings in the style of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul or you might go for a modern, graphic approach.
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“There are very few places in your property that are suitable for pool installations, other than basements”
You need to make sure you don’t cut corners when it comes to damp proofing your basement pool, as this will be your biggest challenge. Many people have problems with damp after they have installed a swimming pool, but don’t be put off by horror stories you may hear - ensure you employ an accredited builder to fit your swimming pool and that they have had experience in converting basements for swimming pools in the past. A basement is the perfect place for a pool, whether it’s a five-metre training pool or a 25-metre high-spec infinity pool. Professional designers can create a swimming pool of any shape and size to fit your space and your needs; with a specialist team who will then install your pool, and include any finishing touches such as tiling, wet rooms, and lighting. Working below ground is a specialist area and there are some specific regulations that apply. All floors and walls that are below ground level need to be waterproofed, or ‘tanked’ as it is sometimes called. Existing walls may have to be underpinned and additional joists and steelwork might need to be installed in order to support your property above. You will almost certainly have to ensure that there is a suitable fire escape from the basement, an adequate ventilation system and insulation to comply with building regulations. Different councils can ask different things of you when it comes to a basement conversion, so it is important that you speak to them before you plan or start any work.
RESIN BOUND THE MOST VERSATILE SURFACE
GIVE YOUR PROPERTY A FRESH LOOK
All projects of any size welcome Find our work at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and look us up on Check a Trade, Facebook and Twitter
Enviro-Tech Resin Systems Ltd It’s time for the kitchen you’ve always wanted
CALL TODAY FOR EXPERT ADVICE
www.hammertons.co.uk
01825 890973
01435 868611
Sunset Farm • Heathfield Road Cross in Hand • TN21 0UJ
Q UA L I T Y B U I L D S S I N C E 197 5
020 8328 3393
info@montila.com
www.montila.com
Free bespoke Interior Design with every build DESIGN I BUILD I FURNISH SpecialiSing in luxury buildS offering a full turnkey Service
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
THE BED POST Your first choice for beds The Bed Post opened for business 31 years ago in April 1987 and has been successfully selling beds to the local area ever since
F
rom a modest showroom in Lee Green the business has steadily grown. The second showroom was opened in Sidcup, then came Petts Wood and in 1999 the 10,000 square foot flagship retail park showroom/ warehouse in Crayford and finally in 2007 another showroom was added to the chain in Dunton Green, near Sevenoaks. As you can see the development over 31 years has happened steadily. This planned expansion has happened because The Bed Post’s don’t just supply beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture to both Contract and Retail customers all over the south east, it is because the professional Bed Post team really care about their customers. This growth has been achieved largely by way of personal recommendation from satisfied customers who have spread the word about the superb customer service and care. The superb Bed Post attitude to customer care and attention to detail was also recognised by the London borough of Bexley 2007, who awarded The Bed Post the accolade of ‘Retailer of the year’ in recognition of these important qualities. In 2018 The Bed Post were finalists in the Bexley Business Awards. The Directors at The Bed Post ensure exceptional value for money simply because they are constantly
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Head Office Store & Warehouse Tower Retail Park Crayford, Kent DA1 4LB Tel: 01322 525090 Mon – Sat: 09:00 – 17:30 Sun: 10:00 – 16:00 checking our prices against the large High street retailers and competitors on the internet. This is the reason that The Bed Post can offer a price promise, i.e. they simply match any other price quoted on any bed or mattress. The Bed Post also take pride in offering a delivery service cheaper than anyone else, its even free of charge in their van area. The Bed Post’s after sales service has also been a major factor in their continued success, so if you have any problems once its been delivered they will always be there to provide customer support. To add to the overall package The Bed Post offer an assembly service and a morning order from stock means an afternoon delivery and old mattress recycling service. With The Bed Post’s increased bulk buying power backed with price promise and interest free credit (written details on request) they are hard to beat. If you want a wide range of quality beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture from an outstanding company who offer outstanding value, personal and professional service combined with friendly expert advice you must visit one of The Bed Post showrooms. www.the-bedpost.co.uk
63/65 Queensway Petts Wood Orpington, Kent BR5 1DQ Tel: 01689 830964 Mon – Sat: 09:00 - 17:30 Sun: 10:00 - 16:00 4/5 Elm Parade Main Road Sidcup, Kent DA14 6NS Tel: 020 8309 6016 Mon – Sat: 09:00 - 17:30 Sun: 10:00 - 16:00 118 - 120 London Road Dunton Green Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UT Tel: 01732 742000 Mon – Sat: 09:00 - 17:30 Sun: 10:00 – 16:00
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
[NEWS]
FABULOUS FLOORS NYC LIFE
The Manhattan Wood Effect Porcelain Tiles are luxurious looking wood effect tiles available in White and Pearl. www.londontile.co.uk
NATURAL LOOK
This lovely neutral carpet (Coastal Beige In Driftwood) is perfect for a light and airy room. www.carpetright.co.uk
inspired by nature
Designed to mimic real stone, Black Slate Modular flooring tiles by Tile Mountain brings the premium qualities of the natural product from which it takes its inspiration to any roomscape. www.tilemountain.co.uk
WOOD YOU?
These plank shaped Wenge Muniellos Wood Effect Tiles are perfect for creating a natural-look floor space in any room throughout your home. Light in colour, they have a realistic wood effect design but because they’re made from porcelain, they’re more durable, scratch resistant and are easier to clean than natural wood. www.wallsandfloors.co.uk
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
For a truly authentic finish, each tile in this collection has been manually hand-finished to give a uniquely distressed look. Available in four different shades, including on-trend Pebble Grey, the design possibilities with this tile are truly endless. www.bakedtiles.co.uk 8 6 J U LY 2 0 1 9
SO SOPHISTICATED This stylish carpet by Eichholtz will add an air of sophistication to whichever room you choose to lay it. The carpet is made from viscose and wool. www.sweetpeaandwillow.com
SARAH.CAPPS SARAH CAPPS is a contemporary abstract artist from Charlottesville, Virginia She works in acrylic, oil, and watercolour to convey her experience of bold visuals of colour, texture, and form within music. Piano notes from the song “Gloria” by The Lumineers has inspired the piece showcased here. Please contact for price. To see her abstract and landscape paintings, visit www.scapps.art or Instagram @shepaints.music
LS EA T D OU ST L IA GH GU EC U U SP RO & A TH UY J
Brand new 19 Inspirational bathroom displays
66-70 Footscray Road, Eltham, London, SE9 2SU | 0208 850 7179 | www. lilleysbathrooms.co.uk
RENOVATION & INTERIORS
SBI Veranda
Patio Roof Make the most of your patio, terrace, court yard or walkway all year round by enjoying a new Veranda from SBI Ltd.
T
hese stand alone patio roofs have high grade aluminium frames with a choice of clear, opal polycarbonate or glass roofs and they can be designed as ‘lean to’ structures or completely free standing. Verandas enable you to continue with your party whatever the weather. SBI also offer a wide range of wind stable, fixed frame retractable awnings that are the latest offerings in design direct from Germany. They can also provide you with traditional awnings, canopies, giant umbrellas, sail shades, screens and all types of internal and external blinds and shutters. Some of the advantages of owning a Veranda are protection to your expensive garden furniture. Keep your patio free from frost, snow and ice. A safe place for you and your children to relax or play as the glazing in the roof helps to stop harmful UV rays. More space to entertain your friends and family and no need to come in doors when the rain clouds gather. When the sun goes in, you don’t have to, with a touch of a button you have instant heat and lighting that can be turned up or down to suit your requirements. Your Veranda can shelter you from the rain with the addition of horizontal and vertical screens. Screens can be made from double glazed glass units, electrically or manually operated roller screens or simple clip on screens. What ever you require to cover your patio or terrace we can provide you with a wide choice of contemporary or traditional styles to suit your property and budget. SBI have been supplying and installing top quality products to both home owners and commercial customers alike since 1998. We offer a full design and installation service throughout the South East and have a network of dealers that will be happy to serve you through out UK.
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“When the sun goes in, you don’t have to, with a touch of a button you have instant heat and lighting that can be turned up or down to suit your requirements”
THE DETAILS Call SBI for more information: Freephone 0800 0742 721 email sbi.install@btinternet.com or visit the website at www.sbiproductsltd.co.uk to view our gallery of domestic installations or for commercial installations please visit www.shopblindslondon.co.uk
• 24 Hour Locksmith • Established over 30 years • Specialising in lock-outs and UPVC door locks • All lock supplied and fitted to British Standard
07702 423 162 OR 01689 831733
Our successful business has expanded into Kent
01892 886916 07881 532497
cHiNese ResTaURaNT & TaKeaWaY peKiNG & caNToNese cUisiNe
At the Ming restaurant, you can be sure of a warm welcome and fantastic Chinese food. A perfect environment for a romantic dinner for two, or a place to celebrate or relax with family and friends.
OPEning HOuRS Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 11pm Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 12pm Sunday: 12pm - 10pm, eat as much as you can 12pm - 4pm (last order 3pm) Sunday dinner evening A-la-carte 5pm-10pm
special offeR every Wednesday & Thursday
UpcoMiNG fRee liVe MUsic:
RaY loWe 31 july
• Whole lobster £15 • (max 2 lobster per group),
• Whole seabass £8 • • half price • Crispy aromatic duck
scoTT elVis 25 SepteMber
23 Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent, BR5 1LY Keep up to date with Ming Restaurant news and offers via our web site: www.mingrestaurant.net Email: reservation@mingrestaurant.net • Telephone orders welcome: 01689 820 427 or 01689 828 986
FOOD & DRINK – Bringing you updates on the local food and drink scene – i m a g e : C y P RIANI
FOOD & DRINK
Havet Restaurant Fresh food Daily
L
ooking for deliciously fresh Turkish food with mouth-wateringly authentic flavours, amazing quality ingredients, generous portions… and all served in a welcoming, buzzy, convivial atmosphere in the heart of Bromley and Tonbridge? Welcome to Havet Restaurant. Our ethos is ‘fresh food, daily’ which means we’re dedicated to sourcing the very best produce available so that our talented chefs can create delicious dishes, bursting with flavour. Everything on our menu is freshly made according to recipes passed to us by our parents and grandparents and given a modern twist. Every dish and menu item is prepared under our roof using the best and freshest ingredients possible, every single day. We’re up early to go to the markets and bring home only the premium meats and top-notch fresh produce, just as our families have done for generations before us when preparing home-cooked food. Our expert chefs create meals that are abundant with all the amazing flavours of Turkish cooking. Combining the sun-drenched flavours of the Mediterranean with the earthy, delicately spiced dishes of the Middle East, we’ve created a menu that celebrates the best of our parents’ homeland. High quality ingredients mean great tasting food. Taking our cue from the success of meze dining, our extensive menu is flexible – you can tailor a meal to suit your tastes and mood, choosing your meat and your sides in a ‘pick and mix’ approach that our diners love. At Havet, you’ll find all your favourite Turkish, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-influenced dishes and plenty of fish and vegetarian choices too. Choose from traditional
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Turkish meze, mousaka, fish kebabs and perfectly marinated meats. Our kebabs are cooked over our traditional open mangal (charcoal grill). Havet is not about fine dining: ours is a busy, vibrant restaurant with a lot of atmosphere… and our menus reflect that. We may use the best of fresh ingredients and create all our dishes in-house without relying on mass-produced ingredients, but we achieve a balance between offering the very best Turkish cuisine, yet remaining an affordable place to eat.
“We’re up early to go to the markets and bring home only the premium meats and top-notch fresh produce”
havet HaveT aRe pRoud To aNNouNce THe opeNiNg of THeiR THiRd ReSTauRaNT iN Royal TuNBRidge WellS, comiNg SooN!
Fresh Food, modern vibrant dining “We wanted to create a dining experience reminiscent of our childhood mealtimes. The result is Havet: a friendly, buzzing, authentic Turkish restaurant, full of atmosphere”
Bromley: 195-197 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1NN 0208 2906717 Tonbridge: 150-152 High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BB 01732 387387 www.havetrestaurant.com
“From the minute you walk through the door your senses tell you what we’re about: freshness, quality food, expertly prepared and cooked and a great dining experience”
FOOD & DRINK
COCKTAIL HOUR THREE COCKTAILS YOU CAN MAKE AHEAD Southern Belle Punch
Preparing mixed drinks ahead of time is easier than you think, and means you can spend more time relaxing with friends. In the world of mixology, cocktail components can be fussy and time consuming. But it needn’t be that way, especially if you forage ahead for fresh ingredients and do a little prepping, so they can be ready to serve at a moment’s notice. From making freshly made cordials to something as simple as twisting the top off a bottle and pouring yourself a perfectly made drink, Batched & Bottled, Cocktails to Make Ahead by Max & Noel Venning will show you how to up your cocktail game. Here are three of their infusions to drink that can actually be put together ahead of time.
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This is your new go-to cocktail for a large party and can be prepared way in advance and stored in the fridge. With a bowl of this on the table, you’ll find when it’s your turn for a drink, it will probably be gone. So we recommend making twice as much. • Ingredients: 500ml bourbon whiskey, 150ml fresh, strained lemon juice, 150ml sugar syrup, 20ml maraschino liqueur, 10ml Angostura bitters, 400ml strong Earl Grey tea, chilled, 400ml chilled water serves approx 10 people. Ice to serve. • Garnish: Selection of edible flowers, seasonal fruit, citrus fruits, berries or mint sprigs • Method: A few hours before you want to serve, simply add all the ingredients to your chosen punch bowl and stick in the fridge to get it nice and cold. It will keep for 24 hours. • Serving suggestion: Pull the bowl out of the fridge and add the ice. Get extravagant with the garnishes - as it’s a centrepiece, you can go overboard with edible flowers, seasonal fruit and mint sprigs. Citrus wheels look great bobbing under the surface, along with mint sprigs and berries. Leave a ladle in the bowl and let your guests help themselves.
Fennel & Elderflower Fizz Easy to prep the day before. The savoury note from the fennel means this pairs well with light food. Along with the prosecco and a few fronds of fennel to garnish, it makes for a very sophisticated tipple. • Ingredients: Elderflower and fennel cordial (200g bulb fennel, 500ml elderflower cordial), couple of bottles of prosecco. Fennel slices and leaves to garnish. • Utensils: Plastic bowl (750ml), funnel, coffee filter • Method: To make the elderflower and fennel cordial, slice the fennel as finely as you can using a sharp knife. Keep some of the sliced fennel for garnishing, plus any leaves. Place it in a bowl, pour the elderflower cordial over, cover with a lid or cling film and leave in the fridge for 24 hours. Strain the
mixture by lining a funnel with the coffee filter and run some cold water through to remove any lint. Put the funnel over the empty cordial bottle and pour through the liquid. Will keep in the fridge for up to one week. • Serving suggestion: If you’re taking this to a party, fill a cool box with ice and put in the prosecco and cordial. Wrap the garnish in damp kitchen paper and place on ice. To serve, place ice cubes in a wine glass, add 25ml cordial and top with prosecco. Stir slowly, garnish, drink.
Tarragon & Grapefruit Collins The bittersweet, mildly aniseed flavour of tarragon teams well with the acidity of the pink grapefruit in this drink, and it’s a perfect refresher.It’s also more than a match for spicy food. • Ingredients: Tarragon syrup (150ml sugar syrup, 75g fresh tarragon), 500ml gin, 150ml fresh, strained grapefruit juice, 100ml fresh, strained lemon juice, 150ml tarragon syrup, couple of bottles of soda water - serves approx 10 people. • Garnish: Tarragon stems or slices of grapefruit • Utensils: Tupperware-type container, 150ml sterilised bottle, 2l jug, seive • Method: To make the tarragon syrup, combine the sugar syrup and tarragon in a container, seal and leave to infuse overnight in the fridge. Strain through a sieve, transfer to the bottle and seal. It will keep for approx two months in the fridge. A couple of hours before you want to serve, add all the ingredients to the jug and put in the fridge. • Serving suggestion: Fill the jug with ice and top with soda water, giving it a quick stir to combine everything. Fill some tall glasses with ice and pour. To garnish, take some tarragon stems and give them a slap to release the aroma, then slide one down the side of each glass. Otherwise, a slice of grapefruit is equally pretty. Batched & Bottled by Max & Noel Venning is published by Quadrille, priced £18. Photography Ola O Smit. Available now.
Here at The Star we only serve the food that we love to eat. Being nestled in the heart of the ‘Garden of England’, The Star strives to source from the wonderful selection of local produce. We love our grub. We’re not visionaries, we’re not food snobs, we’re not aiming for Michelin stars, we just simply want to make stuff that tastes good. That’s our kind of grub, and if you think it might be yours too, give us a call on 01892 725458 to ask about our specials or to book a table. We’ll be waiting for you with a warm welcome.
RegulaR events
Wednesdays & Thursdays 2 Courses for £12.00 - 12 - 9pm Thursdays Quiz Night Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month - Booking Essential Fridays £7 Fish & Chips - Eat in or takeaway - All day Sundays Roast lunch served 12 - 5pm - Booking is highly recommended Live Music Various Saturdays through the year. Call us to see. Open Mic Night every 1st Tuesday of the month.
THE STAR, MAIDSTONE ROAD, MATFIELD, TONBRIDGE TN12 7JR Tel: 01892 725458 email: thestarmatfield@outlook.com www.thestarmatfield.com
1O YEARS ON
CYPRIANIS HAS MADE ITS MARK FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS AS ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA. Nick Constantine has always focussed on his customers over the years, providing a dining experience which represents great value for money. Cyprianis offer a superb midweek set menu. Cyprianis also offer a great selection of over 100 wines gins and cocktails.
Lunch: 2 course £13.50 3 courses £17.50 Dinner: 2 courses £17.50 3 courses £20.50 Our sunDay rOast menu: includes 3 meat roast plus fish dish 2 courses £18.50 3 courses £22.50 cOme anD enjOy Our steak night On weDnesDay evenings any steak with 2 sides for only £20.00 enjOy thursDay evenings with Live music from Beu and karen
366 Crofton Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8NN | 01689 859 000 17 Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent, BR5 1LY | T: 01689 896 899
3.
The unique NEFF Slide&Hide door is the only oven door that slides away underneath the main cavity, giving you more space in your kitchen.
7.
The Siemens venting hob will save you wall space for extra units and look so much neater.