Life Magazines (London editions) December 2022

Plastic Sur geon

Professional | Approachable | Bespoke

Rebuilding Form and Restoring Function

Chris Abela is an experienced reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon. He has seen a large increase in people actively exploring surgical and non surgical options to address areas of new concern or areas impacting self esteem.

These include mothers who have completed their family and are looking to address abdominal protrusion or lower abdominal skin excess or those who have simply lost weight. Abdominoplasty can address these issues alongside poor abdominal scarring, stretch marks, separation of the rectus muscles and/or an untidy bellybutton.

Chris explains: “The pandemic has facilitated a change in everybody’s outlook. Our faces and bodies tell our life-story and the last two years has meant starting a new chapter for many people. Many of my patients have survived COVID or other traumas and are now focused on their quality of life: aiming to thrive not just survive.”

Chris prides himself on providing each individual with a professional, bespoke and compassionate approach with a gentle bedside manner and discretion at the heart of every consultation.

He has clinics at 84 Harley Street, 102 Sydney Street, Chelsea and at Wimbledon Parkside.

More information is available at www.chrisabela.co.uk

Consultant

LIFE MAGAZINES

If you’ve yet to charter a private jet then there is no time like the present; but be warned, after a taste of the high life, you may never want to fly commercial again! This unparalleled level of luxury and convenience has seen an increase in the number of travellers opting for this elite form of air travel over commercial flying, going as far as choosing a private jet over the opulence of first class. Sandbanks Jets however, have taken the experience to new heights as they continue to pave the way with their innovative approach to the industry and attention to detail, which can be encapsulated by their tag line, ‘The Ride of Your Life’.

315 years on and Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without Fortnum & Mason. From elegant decorations to a feast of delicious luxury foods and beverages, F&M is turning their Christmas spirit up to eleven. And remember, when it comes to starting your Christmas shop, earlier is always merrier.

The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair is returning to London’s West End and the five-star London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Over 40 fine art and antiques dealers are starting the year in style - with this fair organised by Ingrid Nilson of The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited, which returns after the pandemic.

Claridge’s, London’s legendary Mayfair hotel, has unveiled the Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2022, created by Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo. This remarkable project has allowed her to expand on her fascination with the concept of the jewel, by exploring her dream of stepping inside one.

Faye Manning Editor

EDITOR FAYE MANNING EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KATIE MILLER SUB EDITOR NICHOLAS PETER FASHION EDITOR LARA ACCISON DESIGN & PRODUCTION LISA WADE

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VANESSA LANE, NICOLA DREW, LISA WESTERMAN

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THE CONNAUGHT CHRISTMAS TREE 2022

BY ARTIST SUZY MURPHY UNVEILED IN MAYFAIR

The Connaught Christmas Tree 2022 has been unveiled, and this year has been designed by influential East Londonborn artist and sculptor Suzy Murphy, marking the start of the festive season on Mount Street in the heart of Mayfair.

The magnificent British sourced Nordmann Fir tree stands 9m tall on Carlos Place and is bedecked with 34 ‘soft white’ neon dogs. Suzy’s influence and creative direction for the tree stems from ‘Toby was a girl’, a series of sketches inspired by her childhood pet. Whimsical and poetic, with a sense of nostalgia Suzy’s interpretation of ‘Toby was a Girl’ tells the story of her dog throughout her childhood.

The Connaught tree this year, represents the timeless message of Christmas, one of hope, and peace… and light over dark. So ‘Toby’ arrives to London in Peace, and wishes everyone a truly magical Christmas.

Artist and Sculptor Suzy Murphy comments “I am so honoured to create this year’s iconic Christmas tree at The Connaught, as it is a huge part of the artistic cornerstone of Mayfair. My vision was to create a tree that symbolises my childhood experience and is closely related to a series of works I have created over the years.

‘Toby’ travelled with me artistically, in symbolic form, through various landscapes. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes dark…but here she is arriving now, triumphantly, on the Connaught Christmas tree. It is truly magical”.

This will be the seventh year The Connaught Christmas Tree has been designed by a celebrated artist, past trees include Damien Hirst, Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Sean Scully, Idris Khan and Annie Morris. The Connaught has long established itself as playing a significant role in the art world amassing a considerable art collection over its 170 year history.

The Connaught Christmas Tree 2022 by Suzy Murphy will shine bright until the first week of January 2023.

ABOUT THE CONNAUGHT

In the heart of Mayfair, The Connaught, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, blends contemporary style, classic English character and impeccable service to create the ultimate in sophistication. Rooms and suites to suit every mood, exquisite cuisine from Hélène Darroze and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the charm of The Connaught and Coburg Bars, and Europe’s first Aman Spa make this the perfect place to rest, relax and dine in style.

SANDBANKS JETS

If you’ve yet to charter a private jet then there is no time like the present; but be warned, after a taste of the high life, you may never want to fly commercial again!

This unparalleled level of luxury and convenience has seen an increase in the number of travellers opting for this elite form of air travel

over commercial flying, going as far as choosing a private jet over the opulence of first class.

Sandbanks Jets however, have taken the experience to new heights as they continue to pave the way with their innovative approach to the industry and attention to detail, which can be encapsulated by their tag line, ‘The Ride of Your Life’.

“Imagine pulling up to the steps of your aircraft only to find that you are ‘Wheels Up’ 15 minutes later”

Imagine pulling up to the steps of your aircraft only to find that you are ‘Wheels Up’ 15 minutes later - This really is the epitome of effortless, luxury travel. From the first point of contact, the team at Sandbanks Jets will ensure your experience is above and beyond everything you would expect from choosing the aircraft to match your specific requirements to providing sumptous food and beverage options, you really do have the choice to travel the way you desire.

In a hugely difficult few years for the aviation industry, demand continues at record levels for private jet charter, with a substantial spike in enquiries. This is understandable when you consider the demand created post pandemic, and a new generation of social media savvy travellers. Private jets can often travel to destinations where scheduled airlines cannot go, depart at your

convenience, and you can enjoy the privacy of your very own aircraft without even setting foot inside a busy terminal.

Sandbanks Jets have carefully chosen a select group of partners with the intention of enhancing the customer experience, including teaming up with one of the most prestigious stores in the world, Harrods, to provide their onboard retailing. They have also been welcomed into ‘The Sunseeker Family’ by the prestigious Sunseeker London Group enabling them to work closely with mutual clients to offer luxury yacht charter and transfer opportunities. The all female team are not content at stopping there, as their ability to recognise what could exceed the client expectations now leads them to offer an exciting and delicious onboard catering experience that will be developed with Rick Stein Restaurants.

The four Directors founded the company after a decidedly average experience booking a private jet. They felt the casual approach they received did not justify the product being sold, and there was room in the market for improvement, attention to detail and innovation. The four friends Laura Green, Amanda McGivney, Lucy Redknapp and Alex Fellows all local to Sandbanks, set about creating the brand, Sandbanks Jets in 2020. Despite the uncertain times due to Covid-19 restrictions, Sandbanks Jets has seen exponential growth in the past 12 months and there are no signs of this slowing down.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to embark on the Sandbanks Jets ‘Ride of Your Life’ enquire today enquiries@sandbanksjets.com WhatsApp 0044 (0) 7498 900 534

“Sandbanks Jets have carefully chosen a select group of partners with the intention of enhancing the customer experience, including teaming up with one of the most prestigious stores in the world, Harrods, to provide their onboard retailing”

The festive season begins with a visit to SELFRIDGES CHRISTMAS SHOP 2022

‘Tis the season to be jolly! So let the festivities commence by decking your halls with the yuletide offerings from Selfridges.

Discover a destination that’s a must-visit for a festive spirit-filled day out for friends, families and loved ones to enjoy together. A dedicated new destination on the fourth floor of the Oxford Street store, The Christmas Shop has been imagined as a magical and immersive place where visitors can spend time savouring the festive experience and choose ornaments that are special to them. Each decoration category has been selected by Selfridges to share a unique and inspiring point of view, and to ensure there is something for everyone.

Customers can explore more than 1,200 pick and mix baubles. Half of the decorations are exclusive to Selfridges and can’t be found anywhere else in the UK. A total of 60% of the decorations available are Project Earth labelled as being more planet-friendly options.

Shoppers are personalising their Christmas trees with food and drink decorations, so this year, bauble options cover speciality, cult, nostalgic and seasonal food and drink items - set to be one of the most popular collectable bauble choices. Classic condiments, cocktails, sushi sets, tacos, Dutch pots, bacon and eggs or baguettes – playful decorations that make every day favourites the contemporary icons of festive cheer.

As well as offering more planet-friendly choices than ever before, the Christmas Shop has been built with sustainability in mind, reusing baubles from previous displays in-store both for bauble

walls and recycled into tabletops, giving them gold, red and silver flecks.

Following the opening of the Christmas Shop, Selfridges has launched its Christmas scheme across all stores and on Selfridges.com to help customers celebrate with small gestures and great gifts and by helping friends, family and loved ones come together through unforgettable experiences.

Santa and his elf squad are making daily visits to the Christmas Shop and festive destinations throughout the London store, to greet customers and spread joy during the countdown to Christmas.

THE DETAILS

For more information visit selfridges.com/Christmas #selfridgeschristmas Selfridges & Co, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

LE CAFÉ DIOR AT HARRODS: A GOURMET INTERLUDE

Dior Café is the place to be and be seen, this Christmas. Until 3rd January 2023

Cultivating Monsieur Dior’s love of the art of gastronomy, the House of Dior is inaugurating at Harrods a new and extraordinary venue dedicated to delighting the taste buds. French cuisine with a British twist.

A tribute to British hospitality and the pleasure of entertaining, so dear to the founding couturier, a tearoom is unveiled in an unprecedented stage set, entirely adorned with gingerbread from the facade to the interior design and even the tiniest details, where Dior’s distinctive fundamentals are sketched.

In a fairy tale setting, like the house in Hansel and Gretel, you can discover the great classics of French cuisine and culinary specialties with a twist of British influence, such as Cornish crab with green apple, Atlantic lobster Thermidor and its yuzu vinaigrette, or a roasted chestnut velouté with winter chanterelles, all conceptualised and created by Harrods brigade of masterful chefs. Those with a sweet tooth will be enticed to taste a selection of gourmet creations – such as tarte tatin or pear baba – and pastries reinventing traditional Christmas desserts, including a sumptuous honey

cake in the shape of a Christmas tree.

As a final surprise, the House has created a remarkable collection of irresistible gingerbread biscuits for Café Dior at Harrods, reinterpreting Dior’s symbols: the Bar jacket, the Dior Book Tote, Saddle and Lady Dior bags, the compass rose, the J’adore perfume, the Oblique suit, the signature CD Diamond motif and even the 30 Montaigne plaque. Dior collector’s treats with a couture spirit available exclusively at Harrods, to be given as a gift, or to take home.

The icing on the gingerbread? You can take home a little piece of Dior in the form of irresistible gingerbread biscuits. Choose from the iconic Book Tote, Saddle and Lady Dior bags, or the J’adore perfume, Oblique suit and 30 Montaigne plaque – ideal gifts for any fashion lover.

Chic treats to go - a little piece of dreams come true.

Le Café Dior is located on the Ground Floor of Harrods, Hans Road, Entrance 1B Reservations@harrods.com harrods.com/en-gb/restaurants/dior-cafe

“In a fairy tale setting, like the house in Hansel and Gretel, you can discover the great classics of French cuisine and culinary specialties with a twist of British influence”

THE FABULOUS WORLD OF DIOR: A

UNIQUE EXHIBITION AT

Until 3rd January 2023

Initiating a captivating encounter between the different customs that brighten the festivities - from the City of Light to the English capital, Dior has conceived a unique, unprecedented exhibition – which revisits the tradition of gingerbread houses and specially designed for Harrods.

The exhibition reproduces the architecture of Dior’s emblematic locations – from Granville to La Colle Noire and 30 Montaigne – in reduced proportions. A fantasy universe, entirely composed of finely crafted cookies, punctuated with arabesques and delicate drawings, an expression of the audacity and art of detail so important to the House.

Playing with optical effects and dimensions, this work – both miniature and grandiose – calls us to rediscover the landmark places within the history of Christian Dior.

From the garden of his mother, Madeleine Dior, in Normandy – to the dream workshop where he drew his first fairy-tale dresses; and on to the ateliers where the collections were created, this enchanting promenade invites you to contemplate, as the light changes from break of day to nightfall.

It is a gingerbread Monsieur Dior who is thinking about the future silhouettes he will fashion. Further on, he tries his hand at embroidery – while in the perfume atelier, a scale model of the original Miss Dior dress comes to life, echoing the first Dior fragrance that has now

attained cult status.

HARRODS

ABOUT HARRODS

Located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, the store boasts 330 departments covering 1.1 million sq ft of retail space. It is one of the largest and most famous department stores in the world. The Harrods motto is ‘Omnia Omnibus Ubique’ which is Latin for “all things for all people, everywhere”. harrods.com

A few steps down the aisles and it is the petites mains of the House that are busy, alongside the artisans stitching and re-stitching the graphics of the signature cannage upon the iconic Lady Dior. This incredible feat in miniature, celebrates the excellence of the House in all its forms.

Immersive and playful, this experience, where time seems to be suspended, allows all to observe, as if through a magnifying glass, the meticulous gestures that perpetuate the Dior magic. To experience the exhibition, guests must book visits online on: thefabulousworldofdior.com/registration

Shop for a Japanese Christmas

Go

“J

beyond the expected with your Christmas shopping this year at The Shop at Japan House London

apan” and “Christmas” might not be the most natural association in the minds of London shoppers, but Christmas is about food, family and gift-giving, and these are things that Japan does famously well. This year, why not explore a Japanese Christmas at Japan House London, located at the heart of Kensington High Street, where you can browse our collection of original gift ideas, all sourced directly from Japan and selected for their superior design and craftsmanship.

GIFTS THAT TELL A SEASONAL STORY

Your loved ones all have their own unique stories, so get them gifts as original as they are. Buy gorgeous Japanese tableware for that family member who loves to host, or hand-crafted slippers for your loved one who likes staying in. Help a friend out with their new year resolution by gifting them a tatami yoga mat or browse a great selection of Japanese whisky and sake for those who want to indulge. If you’re not sure what to get, The Shop at Japan House London have curated special Christmas gift boxes, filled with a carefully chosen selection of gifts.

PRESENT YOUR PRESENTS WITH JAPANESE QUALITY

Japanese presentation and attention to detail is

famed the world over, especially when it comes to gift giving. Buy a furoshiki or tenugui, a reusable Japanese wrapping cloth, at The Shop at Japan House London. Not only can you wrap your present stylishly, but your lucky recipient will be able to reuse the wrapping cloth, making it a sustainable gift that keeps on giving.

THE DETAILS

ENJOY

YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Christmas shopping can involve stress, boredom and tired legs but it doesn’t have to. After making your purchases at The Shop at Japan House London, you can buy a warm drink at The Stand and relax in one of our seating areas. If you need a break before your next festive errand, why not put your bags in the cloakroom and check out Japan House London’s latest exhibition The Carpenters’ Line, or relax with a book in The Library. Alternatively, shop our curated collection wherever you are online at shop.japanhouselondon.uk.

The Shop at Japan House London looks forward to welcoming you this festive season. Opening hours 10:00 – 20:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:00 – 18:00 Sunday. For more information please visit shop.japanhouselondon.uk

Fortnum & Mason

315 years on and Christmas simply isn’t Christmas without Fortnum & Mason.

From elegant decorations to a feast of delicious luxury foods and beverages, F&M is turning their Christmas spirit up to eleven. And remember, when it comes to starting your Christmas shop, earlier is always merrier... whether you want to deck the halls with handmade decorations, tableware and crackers, looking for gifts for those hard-to-buy-for recipients or stocking the cupboards with festive feasting essentials – indulge in Fortnum’s this Christmas.

Christmas Hampers & Gift Boxes

Make it a Fortnum’s Christmas and send a Christmas hamper to loved ones near and far this season. Lift the lid on a wicker-full of delicious nibbles, bubbles and surprises – from glorious

teas, wine and champagne to decadent biscuits, puddings, condiments and cheeses. Their range is luxury personified. Their vast range includes:

The Imperial Hamper. Extra Large, 77 items, £6,000.

When it comes to this Christmas hamper, bigger is most certainly better. Inside the five hampers that make up The Imperial, you will find plenty of teaware and accessories, decorations, a copy of F&M’s latest book, Time for Tea, and, naturally, every delicious thing for the very merriest Fortnum’s Christmas imaginable.

The Christmas Feast Hamper. Extra Large, 32 items, £1,000.

What matters most at Christmas – at least as far as F&M is concerned – is the feast. As the happy

“Inside the five hampers that make up The Imperial, you will find plenty of teaware and accessories, decorations, a copy of F&M’s latest book, Time for Tea, and, naturally, every delicious thing for the very merriest Fortnum’s Christmas imaginable”

Makers of Merriment since 1707

(and hopefully hungry) recipient of this fittingly named hamper, your festive indulging is about to begin, with glorious, sweet treats, savoury delights and tipsy tipples. With so much waiting for you to discover, let the feasting begin!

The Christmas at Highgrove Hamper. Large. 11 items, £1,000. Highgrove and Fortnum’s have collaborated to create this magical hamper brimming with all sorts of organic delights. However, you choose to celebrate there’s a treat for one and all - including teas and tipples, puddings and biscuits, preserves and marmalades, wine and Champagne and much more.

The Rosé Champagne & Chocolate Gift Box. £90.00. Filled with an unbeatable combination of Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles and Rosé Brut Reserve Champagne, The Rosé Champagne & Chocolate Gift Box is a gift worthy of celebration. Maximum elegance and finesse with a delicious taste of glamour.

Things that make you go boom!

In true Fortnum’s style, they are keeping the Christmas cracker tradition alive with a glittering collection of hand decorated crackers. Their cracker range is suitably impressive and includes:

The Magnificence Crackers, Set of 6. £1,000. Majestic in both name and contents, these show-stopping crackers are almost too perfect to pull. However, once opened, you’ll find a gift to treasure inside. From their silver-plated tea strainer to their olivewood & sterling silver honey drizzler

THE DETAILS

For more details visit fortnumandmason.com. Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER Smaller but just as sweet, stores at St Pancras International, The Royal Exchange and Heathrow Terminal 5

– not forgetting a fabric crown and joke. Let the festivities commence!

Queen Bee Crackers, Set of 6. £575.00. Inspired by the hardworking bees who make F&M honey, these elegant crackers each contain a buzzing little treat - like a jar of Fortnum’s honey, a nip of Honey Gin or an essential honey accessory, like the silver-plated drizzler - as well as a paper crown and joke. On three... pull!

Christmas Tea Lover’s Crackers. Set of 6. £130.00. Flecked and gilded in gold and Eau de Nil - much like the Piccadilly store itself - these crackers are a tea-lover’s Christmas wish come true, with each containing either a Fortnum’s famous tea or biscuit, a traditional paper crown and joke. Let the Christmas teatime begin!

There’s nothing quite like giving the gift of Fortnum’s, you can also treat your loved ones with a Fortnum’s Gift Card. Presented in a luxury Eau di Nil box, gift cards are redeemable online, as well as in their iconic Piccadilly store and over the telephone.

Everything you need for a very merry Fortnum’s Christmas!

THE MAYFAIR ANTIQUES & FINE ART FAIR

London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 January 2023

The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair is returning to London’s West End and the five-star London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Over 40 fine art and antiques dealers are starting the year in style - with this fair organised by Ingrid Nilson of The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited, which returns after the pandemic. The Fair is a traditional, highquality event, that will be held in the glamorous Westminster Ballroom and foyer.

The fair will feature some thirty-five distinguished specialist exhibitors, drawn primarily from The British Antique Dealers’ Association and LAPADA The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers.

The aim is to present a varied selection of high-quality art and antiques, giving visitors the opportunity to browse and acquire the finest period furniture, enamels and boxes, traditional and contemporary sculpture, oil paintings and watercolours, antique and modernist jewellery, English and Oriental ceramics, glass, clocks, vintage watches, 20th century design pieces and many other decorative and rare objects spanning the centuries.

The fair has a magnificent international following including interior designers, collectors and, with its central location, lures foreigners visiting London,

as well as people seeking unique pieces for their interiors. January’s fair promises many different disciplines from specialist dealers, including clocks from Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price.

The fair has its own light refreshments available and being in a five-star hotel in London’s West End, it comes with all the trappings expected of a hotel of this calibre, complete with Gordon Ramsay restaurants Lucky Cat and the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, as well as the cosy 1920’s cocktail bar The Luggage Room.

Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the eclectic choice on offer and the comfortable surroundings of the five-star hotel in the heart of Mayfair.

THE DETAILS

£10 at the door - free re-admission with programme.

Facebook: @AntiquesDealersFairLtd

Instagram: @adflfairs

Twitter: @ADFLfairs

mayfairfair.com

Fair Opening times: Thursday 12.00–20.00

Friday 11.00–18.00

Saturday 11.00–18.00

Sunday 11.00–17.00

The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, Duke Street, London W1K 6JP

Delphin Enjolras ‘ The Tea Party’ . Cambridge Fine Art

English Regency Bronze and Ormolu Mantel Timepiece, Richard Price

Two Buccellati rings from Anthea AG Antiques

Edgar Degas ‘Four Dancers Evolving ‘Haynes Fine Art

CLARIDGE’S CHRISTMAS TREE 2022

BY SANDRA CHOI FOR JIMMY CHOO UNVEILED

into a fully immersive space, whilst also ensuring a unique and personal festive moment for every guest.

“I have always said I would love to know what it is like to step inside a diamond, and now I can! To be able to collaborate with Simon Costin on this incredible project has been an honour. The jewel has been a repeated metaphor I have used to describe Jimmy Choo, not just because they are used in our designs, but for the multifaceted nature of the collections we create as well as the reflection and light we want to bring. The power to transform and shine bright.” said Sandra Choi, Creative Director. “Claridge’s is a London icon.

The perfect blend of glamour and decadencegreat things happen at Claridge’s. There’s a magic energy as you enter the doors that’s contagious, from the warmth of the staff to the discrete buzz of guests in the lobby. Claridge’s is a London jewel, it’s multifaceted, like the diamond that inspired our tree, like Jimmy Choo.”

The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long symbolised the start of the festive season in the capital, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to admire its magnificent design.

Claridge’s, London’s legendary Mayfair hotel, has unveiled the Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2022, created by Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo. This remarkable project has allowed her to expand on her fascination with the concept of the jewel, by exploring her dream of stepping inside one.

Named ‘The Diamond’, the tree is a magnificent sculptural creation standing over 5 metres tall, taking over 350 hours to construct. This extraordinary Christmas tree is crafted from 69 shining, reflective mirrors, accented with 60 meters of sparkling lights which pulse, undulate, and reflect off the multifaceted surface, and 250 individual aluminium panels.

It is finished with a giant, glittering bow topper - a nod to one of the key design themes of Jimmy Choo’s winter collection. The tree, designed in partnership with set designer Simon Costin, has been created to allow guests to stand inside to take in the magical and shining, diamond-refracted space. This experiential element means Claridge’s Christmas Tree, with its mesmerising lights and enchanting reflections, has turned the hotel lobby

For more details, please visit claridges.co.uk Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR

“The tree, designed in partnership with set designer Simon Costin, has been created to allow guests to stand inside to take in the magical and shining, diamond-refracted space”

GET YOUR SKATES ON! LONDON’S COOLEST ICE RINKS

London is truly magical, especially at Christmas. With twinkling lights and trees set to the backdrop of some of London’s most iconic locations, a trip to an ice rink is a perfect festive experience for the whole family. Here’s our pick of the best – so get your skates on this Christmas!

GLIDE AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JO

MALONE LONDON

Open until 8 January 2023 (except Christmas Day) London’s brand new and only riverside ice rink. Set against a backdrop of one of the capital’s most iconic buildings, the ice rink at Battersea Power Station is one of the most magnificent open-air ice rinks in the city. Glide features three interconnecting rinks with a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Off the ice, there are vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, fabulous food and drink venues and a spot of Christmas shopping. Book tickets via glidebatterseapowerstation.com

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE WITH MOËT & CHANDON

Open until 15 January 2023 (except Christmas Day)

“Glide features three interconnecting rinks with a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree as its centrepiece”

One of the capital’s favourite winter experiences with unrivalled skating, ground-breaking music, seasonal shopping and delicious food and drink. The stunning courtyard is the backdrop to a beautiful ice rink and dazzling 40ft Christmas tree. For beginners, Skate School returns with stabilisers for children on a first come, first serve basis. Special events and activities are available for all ages, with a pop-up store from Hotel Chocolat where luxury chocolate gifting is available for those looking for an indulgent gift, or simply a treat for themselves.

somersethouse.org.uk

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

Open until 2 January 2023 (except Christmas Day)

Welcome to London’s spectacular Christmas destination! Set under a canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand, you can unwind and glide with a gentle musical backdrop. Festive fun for everyone, with penguin skating aids and children’s bob skates available for your little ones! For 15 years, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has been spreading the Christmas spirit with a host of exciting attractions, rides and shows for all ages, it is a one-stop festive day out set in one of London’s most iconic locations.

hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Somerset House - Credit Owen Harvey

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

LET’S GO SKATING AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Open until 8 January 2023 (except Christmas Day)

Glide across the ice under the stars, for an unforgettable festive experience in the grounds of Henry VIII former residence. For those needing a little helping hand, skate aid helpers are available to support your little ones. Enjoy festive funky tunes that the whole family can sing along to! You can also enjoy delicious treats at Miss Polly’s Café with something for everyone! There is plenty for mum and dad to enjoy too, from wine and beer to a festive mulled wine. Truly magical against the backdrop of one of London’s finest Royal Palaces. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

ICE RINK CANARY WHARF

Open until 25 February 2023 except Christmas Day)

Skate beneath Canary Wharf’s twinkling skyline, glide across the outdoor covered ice rink. Enjoy live music and DJ nights on Wednesdays and Christmas festivities throughout the season. Skate aids can be hired for little ones on a first come, first served basis on the day. Individual ice skating is available with their dedicated NISA qualified coaches. The Off-Piste Bar brings a variety of drinks to cater to all tastes, as well as heaters for those chilly winter evening. A perfect place to warm up or cool down after your session on the ice. icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

SKATE AT THE QUEEN’S HOUSE, GREENWICH

Open until 8 January 2023 (except Christmas Day)

Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the elegant surroundings of Royal Museums Greenwich, the Queen’s House Ice Rink is a truly magical place. You can enjoy stunning views of Greenwich Park and the glittering lights of Canary Wharf. Little ones are also catered for with penguin skate aids to hire. Warm up with hot drinks and seasonal snacks at Benugo’s, situated

right next to the rink. For a wider selection visit the National Maritime Museum’s Parkside Café, open during museum hours. rmg.co.uk/skate

ALEXANDRA PALACE ICE SKATING

Open until 15 January 2023 (except Christmas Day)

It’s a wonderful Ally Pally Christmas! Skating is a year-round activity at the Palace, but the rink feels particularly merry at Christmas time with a full-on festive day out where you can meet Santa alongside Toy Making workshops. Regular skaters aged 3-90 years old, first timers all the way up to seasoned pros and national champions. There are courses for adults and children alike, to make skating easy, safe and ultimately lots of fun for the whole family!

alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink

Skylight Rooftop Ice Rink, Tobacco Dock

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

Ice

Somerset House

Credit Owen Harvey

The Queen’s House Greenwich Ice Rink

London’s Best Winter Walks

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

BUSHY PARK

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

HYDE PARK

REGENT’S PARK AND PRIMROSE HILL

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

HAMPSTEAD HEATH

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

Once the hunting ground for Henry VIII, this large royal park is best known for its famous Speakers’ Corner and Serpentine Lake, home to waterfowl and oarsmen. The Lido only opens for the summer, but the Swimming Club is open all year round so brave folk can swim in frigid waters, sometimes as cold as 4C. For over 150 years, the most dedicated have been getting up early on Christmas morning and swimming in the freezing lake! Hyde Park is also home to the hugely popular Winter Wonderland, open until January 2022.

Primrose Hill

Hampstead heath

RICHMOND PARK

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

HOLLAND PARK

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

WIMBLEDON AND PUTNEY COMMONS

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

GREENWICH PARK

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

HIGHGATE CEMETERY

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

BATTERSEA PARK

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

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

Richmond Park

Wimbledon Common

Greenwich Park

Holland Park

Highgate Cemetery

Metropolitan Gaming to Open Central Luxury Entertainment Destination in Mayfair

The Metropolitan Casino will open in London’s Mayfair, following an extensive refresh and re-design.

Leading luxury and hospitality group, Metropolitan Gaming is set to open a newly refurbished and rebranded casino venue in London’s Mayfair, called The Metropolitan Casino. In motion to open its doors to the public on 1st December this year, the glamorous club will be unrecognisable following an extensive remodel from its former operation.

Operating daily from 2pm until 6am, guests can expect their senses to be awakened as soon as they step inside the destination’s marble foyer. Welcomed by an impressive crystal chandelier and luxurious gold that sweeps up alongside a grand staircase, visitors can find the first floor to be filled with classic yet contemporary surroundings that accompany its extensive offering in gaming.

Discover the central hub of the club, where guests can relax at a central bar with one of the venue’s specially curated cocktails, before passing through a crystal wall to take in an art deco inspired and decadent restaurant. With fine dining available from 6pm until 1am, guests can enjoy a calm ambience with gastronomic delights prepared by Chef Lalit, followed by a few spins on Roulette. Later, if they so choose to, they can retire to the covered outdoor terrace for some fresh air and to try their luck at a game of Blackjack or Punto Banco.

Boasting a wealth of experience in both gaming and hospitality, the group is committed to bringing a new perspective to the casino experience via innovation to deliver a unique and authentic experience for guests in each of the group’s destination locations. The Metropolitan Gaming portfolio operates eleven casinos across the UK

and Egypt.

“As well as the very best gaming experience, our venues offer customers a diverse portfolio of bars and restaurants to enjoy when they visit, and The Metropolitan Mayfair will be no different”, said Michael Silberling, Chief Executive Officer, at Metropolitan Gaming.

He continued: “Metropolitan Mayfair will offer more than gaming to both its guests and members; we aim to deliver the very best London has to offer in F&B and entertainment, making us the go-to destination for city dwellers, visitors and professionals.”

metropolitanmayfair.com

“Boasting a wealth of experience in both gaming and hospitality, the group is committed to bringing a new perspective to the casino experience”

BOB BOB RICARD, CITY

If it’s glamour you want, whether in Soho or in the City, Bob Bob Ricard is the perfect destination. The original Soho restaurant opened nearly 15 years ago, and was designed by David Collins Studio. Sister restaurant – Bob Bob Ricard City – opened nearly three years ago in the Leadenhall Building (aka ‘the cheesegrater’), and it retains all of the hallmark design and culinary features of Soho – including intimate booth dining, the signature French/British menus, and the now iconic ‘Press for Champagne’ button.

The City site has been designed by the flamboyant talent of Shayne Bradley, taking inspiration from the Royal Yacht Britannia and the modern-day super yachts. Every table has a booth, providing a sophisticated and intimate dining environment. There are also three private rooms, each seating up to 18 guests, with the full à la carte menu available for business or private dining.

From Caviar to Chicken Kyiv and Beef Wellington, the menus focus on luxury comfort food fit for any occasion. The intriguing range of signature French and English classic dishes reinvented with the finest ingredients also have a slight nod to eastern Europe. Other menu highlights include Chicken and Champagne pie; Lobster, crab and shrimp pelmeni; Truffle macaroni cheese; Châteaubriand; Salmon en croute with Champagne sauce; Steak tartare; Flaming crème brûlée flambéed at the table; and Tarte Tatin served with Calvados ice cream and caramel sauce.

THE DETAILS

Bob Bob Ricard City is open Tuesday-Saturday Noon-Midnight. (The restaurant will be closed from 25 December 2022 - 16 January 2023 inclusive)

The Leadenhall Building, Level 3, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AB.

Reservations: 020 3145 1000

Website: bobbobricard.com Email: city.reservations@bobbobricard.com

Bob Bob Ricard also serves more caviar than any other restaurant in the UK.

Luxe-for-less means that Champagne and wines are presented at remarkably reasonable prices. A decade ago, Bob Bob Ricard’s owner made the bold and customer-friendly initiative to cap mark-ups on fine wines at just £50, resulting in some of the best ‘bargains’ in the capital. Bob Bob Ricard is also the only restaurant endorsed by Château d’Yquem to serve their wine by the glass, and is responsible for selling 1% of the entire 1998 harvest. Champagne also features prominently at the restaurant, with more than 25 options available by the bottle, and nine by the glass.

Service is another crucial factor to Bob Bob Ricard’s enduring success. The front-of-house team mixes absolute professionalism with a friendly approach to its guests, always mindful that many customers are celebrating important occasions and keen to explore and enjoy the luxury treats on the menu

A joyful reunion in the midst of nature Pierre Marcolini Christmas Collection 2022

In preparation for the festive season, Maison Pierre Marcolini has drawn inspiration from the scents, various flavours, beauty, and auditory landscape of the enchanting forest.

The Fir tree - The King of the Forest

The King of the Forest, presented in its majestic form, composed of homemade dark and milk chocolate with a praliné heart, and decorated with holly leaves and ‘wooden’ praliné bells. Tucked away under the tree, just like a present, you can find a Malline of 24 starred gianduja and 36 delicious truffles. £149.00

The Christmas Tree

Don’t forget, it’s not Christmas without a tree! The Christmas tree box, a playful and easy gift that will charm (the) young and (the) old. Whether under the tree, or on the Christmas Eve table, anyone would be delighted to find it. This box consists of ten Christmas bells available in three “wooden” recipes. £14,90

The Holly Wreath

Another savoir-faire of La Maison, The Holly Wreath will give a royal allure to the holiday table. Alternating pralinés, pecan nuts and almonds, Piedmont hazelnuts or crispy rice, these balls that make up this divine crown will continue to surprise your tastebuds, such as the vanilla marshmallow with a melting core made of caramel. £80.00

The Holly

Essential to any gathering – The Holly. Coming in bite-sized form, in a ‘Demi-Plumier box’, or in a ‘Malline’, a famous little chocolate box invented by the Master Chocolatier – a novelty for this season. This new version, as generous a gift as it is gourmet, offers cashew nuts, accompanied by praline. Demi-Plumier Box – single holly bite. £12.00. Malline Box. £35.00.

THE DETAILS

To see the full mouth-watering Christmas Collection, visit marcolini.com and their Marylebone boutique and counters in Selfridges, Harrods, and worldwide. Facebook.com/PierreMarcolini Twitter/ Instagram@pierremarcolini eu.marcolini.com

All the world’s a stage @ SOHOPLACE

Escape into the forest this winter for Shakespeare’s most musical, joyous romantic comedy

The second production at new West End theatre @sohoplace, is a winter journey into the Forest of Arden in William Shakespeare’s glorious romantic comedy, As You Like It.

This joyous adaptation directed by Olivier Award nominated Josie Rourke stars Leah Harvey (Foundation, The Wonderful World of Dissocia) as Rosalind, Rose Ayling-Ellis (EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing 2021 winner) as Celia making her West End debut, Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter films, Red, West End) as Orlando, Tom Mison (Sleepy Hollow, Watchmen) as Touchstone and Martha Plimpton (The Good Wife, Sweat, West End) in the role of Jaques.

Rose Ayling-Ellis and other members of the company will be using BSL as part of the performance, and all performances of the play will run with captions, which will be accessible to the entire audience.

The captions have been incorporated into the production to create a fully inclusive experience for all. Screens will be set on all four sides of the theatre, so wherever you sit you will be able to see the screens and the action on stage.

“Our brilliant director Josie Rourke has brought together an outstanding cast and creative team to

realise her vision for one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. I am a very lucky producer to be working with this wonderful company.”

– Nica Burns, Producer

As You Like It will be @sohoplace from 6 December 22 until 28 January 23.

For more information and to buy your tickets –from just £20 - visit sohoplace.org

“Nica has built a beautiful and vibrant new theatre for London and I’m proud to be part of her opening season”

– Josie Rourke

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster London

Fabulously festive treats and teas for all the family

Christmas is just around the corner, and with that comes the time of year to fill the diary with those super sparkly outings; so be sure to ready yourself for a quintessentially British experience this Christmas, and prepare to indulge in Royal Lancaster London’s festive afternoon tea, available until 1st January 2023.

Passed down through the centuries, this popular institution has been reimagined with a Christmas twist complete with snowflakes and mini-Christmas trees, by the hotel’s unique and talented team, and it never looked so delicious. As we all know, afternoon tea makes for the perfect opportunity to celebrate a special occasion, or simply an excuse to indulge in precious time with your best friends or family members at Christmas time!

Relax and enjoy an irresistible assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, warm baked scones and deliciously Christmassy sweet treats that will be served in the hotel’s beautiful Hyde Café, accompanied by a selection of the finest Camellia’s Tea House teas; there’s also a vegan option available for those who would prefer.

And for those keen to let the afternoon blissfully slip away while nestled amongst the beautiful and cosy surroundings, then a crisp glass

THE DETAILS

Festive Afternoon Tea & Vegan Afternoon Tea (until 1st January) - Served between 1pm and 4pm Wednesday to Friday, £45 Saturday & Sunday, £49

Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY royallancaster.com/bars/ afternoon-tea/

of Laurent Perrier Champagne, Chapel Down Sparkling Wine, or an alcohol-free Thomson & Scott Naughty, is quite simply a must.

Though there is also no specific dress code for this delightful culinary experience, guests are kindly invited to opt for smart attire, to best tune in to the ambience of the place.

ABOUT ROYAL LANCASTER LONDON

Royal Lancaster London is Hyde Park’s commanding mid-century architectural icon, born and built in the swinging 60s. Their happy history has seen the hotel hip, handsome and rolling with the times in an unrivalled London location. Today, here in the 21st century they are proud of the knowledge and expertise gained over half a century as one of London’s leading hotels.

The Berkeley Knightsbridge, launches its first ever pub pop-up

‘THE BISHOP AT THE BERKELEY’

countryside.

The mouth-watering menu sees classic pub dishes re-imagined in The Berkeley way. Crispy pork scratchings, fried pickles and blue cheese dressing and black pudding croquettes with house made HP sauce are available for those wanting a small bite.

The Bishop also offers up an extensive menu of classic British dishes, daily specials and towering home-made burgers. The mammoth Angus beef burger with fried egg served with fries, pickles and burger sauce is set to break the internet and will also deliver the high stakes in taste. For those wishing to delve into the raft of sumptuous pies and mains, slow braised salt marsh lamb shank on the creamiest mashed potato, fish pie, battered fish and chips and crispy chicken kiev are all served with traditional sides.

As with any classic pub menu, the desserts are also a major feature. The fluffiest sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice-cream, decadent molten chocolate stout cake served with amaretto ice cream, and pear and blackberry crumble will be the flourish to the end of the most indulgent of pub outings.

Each season, a corner of The Berkeley is transformed into a new foodie destination. This winter sees ‘The Bishop at The Berkeley’ bringing cosy vibes and feel-good fare to Wilton Place.

Think rich, winter warmers – from pies to puddings – accompanied by English wines and vintage ports. There are draft beers, personally sourced from a Sussex brewery by The Berkeley team. Rustic tables and chalkboard menus transport diners from the capital to the

The Bishop also plays host to daily specials – from ‘Wellington Wednesday’ which will no doubt be on the top of everyone’s list, and rabbit and prawn pie embellished with a pastry ‘B’ on Saturdays, to a special menu on Sundays which sits alongside the classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

In true Berkeley style the unexpected flourishes have been considered.

The Bishop is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Reservations can be made here the-berkeley.co.uk/restaurants-bars/ the-bishop-at-the-berkeley

Number One Park Lane Alpine Chalet, in partnership with Moët & Chandon

Festive Terrace at InterContinental London Park Lane now open

with Gruyère, caramelised onion, apple sauce and shaved truffle; and Champagne fondue with Comté, Beaufort, Reblochon, sourdough and new potatoes. For dessert, there is Pot au chocolat with Baileys cream; Mont Blanc and Apple Strudel.

ABOUT NUMBER ONE PARK LANE

The al fresco dining experience from the InterContinental is home to one of Mayfair’s most prestigious addresses: Number One Park Lane. With heated parasols and shearling blankets to keep guests warm in the colder months, alongside panoramic view of the Royal Parks and Wellington Arch - the terrace offers a convivial vibe, perfect for enjoying long afternoons and evenings. parklane.intercontinental.com/dine/numberone-park-lane-terrace

OPENING TIMES:

Wednesday – Saturday 12pm to 10pm Sunday 12pm to 8pm

The Alpine Chalet, in partnership with Moët & Chandon, has opened at Number One Park Lane. This festive pop-up sees the terrace restaurant at InterContinental London Park Lane transformed into a Swiss-inspired winter chalet, perfect for cosy al fresco dinner and drinks in Mayfair this festive season.

The beautifully crafted Alpine Chalet, complete with heaters and cosy blankets, provides the perfect sanctuary from the chilly, bustling London streets, all whilst overlooking Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Wellington Arch.

Cocktails from Moët & Chandon incorporate the luxury Champagne brand’s limited-edition holiday collection: Effervescence. Signature serves include the Fireside Royale (Briottet rhubarbe liqueur, Cocchi rosa vermouth, blackberry, apple, vanilla, Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne) and Golden Candlelight (Regal Rogue wild rosé vermouth, passion fruit, pineapple, Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne).

The food menu showcases warming Alpineinspired dishes, including Raclette, new potatoes, and pickled gherkins; Tartiflette with potato, bacon and Reblochon; Alpine truffled macaroni cheese

Bookings: icparklanedining@ihg.com

InterContinental London Park Lane, 1 Park Lane, Park Lane, London W1J 7QY

Christmas 2022 at Selfridges: SEASON’S FEASTINGS

This Christmas, Selfridges is cooking up something extra-extraordinary. Combining impeccable taste with the finest ingredients, Selfridges brings you the recipe for your most delicious Christmas to date.

Season’s Feastings invites customers to celebrate the power of food to bring us together this festive season. Launched across Selfridges’ four stores and on selfridges.com, the iconic store on Oxford Street is offering customers serving suggestions for setting up, dressing up, gift giving and merrymaking, as we look forward to reuniting with friends and family to enjoy cherished Christmas rituals.

A FESTIVE DAY OUT

Selfridges’ world-renowned Christmas windows are a must-see, with fifteen windows to explore

in total, all taking inspiration from their theme with surreal and spectacular interpretations of festive ‘foodie’ moments. Customers can also visit Selfridges’ biggest Christmas Shop to date, on the fourth floor of the Oxford Street store - a magical and immersive place where visitors are invited to spend time savouring the festive experience.

MOMENTS OF MAGIC

This festive season, Selfridges is bringing loved ones together with high energy shared experiences that are a fantastical feast for the eyes. Santa and his squad of Christmas pudding disco balls are making daily visits to the Christmas Shop and festive destinations at all stores, to greet customers and spread joy with the countdown to Christmas in full flow. Santa is hosting events such as the iconic ‘Breakfasts with Santa’ giving customers plenty of chances to make their Christmas wishes!

“This festive season, Selfridges is bringing loved ones together with high energy shared experiences that are a fantastical feast for the eyes”

REIMAGINED DESTINATIONS

Selfridges invites customers to think, feel and experience Christmas with joy and delight in reimagined destinations. Dolly’s Café has been transformed into the ultimate feasting destination abundant with Christmas décor. The party energy is brought by a cast of Christmas characters and musical entertainment including a Christmas choir, and in the evenings the countdown clock strikes to signal a theatrical festive performance. Rottingdean Bazaar was commissioned to design the Selfridges Christmas tree this year, located at the Duke Street entrance of the London store.

GIFTS FOR ALL

Selfridges is the home of expertly curated Christmas gifts, helping customers to celebrate with gestures big and small. This year, a Season’s Feastings printed guide cooks up the ultimate Christmas at Selfridges with a host of ‘recipes’ from friends and contributors. Customers can discover DeadHungry’s ultimate festive dessert and the Black Power Waffle by Ghetto Gastro, tips on how to have a more sustainable Christmas from Stella McCartney, as well as how to create DIY decorations with Max Allen and Laila Gohar’s recipe for an unconventional Christmas. Customers will be inspired through curated advice and a personalised approach.

A Hampers Concierge can create bespoke gifts tailored to any recipient and through

Selfridges’ Experience Concierge customers can gift unique-to-Selfridges experiences such as Cinema membership, lessons in the skate bowl and pampering sessions.

Earth-conscious shopping is easier than ever with Project Earth labelled edits that are better for people and the planet and a host of Reselfridges services such as rental for partywear, beauty refill gifting and pre-loved presents.

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY

Selfridges is proud to partner with Centrepoint this Christmas to fund housing and support for young people across the UK. Over the festive period initiatives such as proceeds from a giant 8kg panettone in the Foodhall and a ‘donate as you dine’ scheme giving customers the option to add £1 to their restaurant bill will raise money for the cause.

Meave Wall, Selfridges’ Stores Director, says; “This Christmas is all about coming together with loved ones to enjoy cherished rituals. We’re inspired by the power of food in bringing people together and through our theme, Season’s Feastings, are celebrating what this means to us at Selfridges. With our iconic Christmas windows on Oxford Street, Christmas Shops in every store and a line-up of fantastic entertainment, we’re ready and excited to welcome customers in to make their festive season brighter.”

Everyone is invited to savour this season’s festive feast - there’s nothing quite as magical as a Selfridges Christmas.

For more information visit selfridges.com/ Christmas #selfridgeschristmas Selfridges & Co, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

“A Hampers Concierge can create bespoke gifts tailored to any recipient and through Selfridges’ Experience Concierge customers can gift unique-toSelfridges experiences such as Cinema membership, lessons in the skate bowl and pampering sessions”

Journey through an Enchanted Forest this Winter

Greenwich Peninsula brings an enchanted forest this Winter with an immersive display of illuminated faux frosted trees running through Peninsula Square. There is also a host of festive activities guaranteed to get everyone into the festive spirit.

From winter craft and kids’ workshops and classic film screenings to intimate jazz gigs and a Christmas rock concert, there is something for everyone to enjoy every weekend until Christmas. Visitors can soak up Yuletide sights, smells and sounds throughout the illuminated installation, offering the perfect backdrop for those seasonal selfies.

The magical forest experience welcomes people to the Peninsula lining the route to Design District’s Canteen where visitors can indulge in seasonal eats and festive hand-crafted cocktails. Canteen is serving natural wines, spirits and craft beers as well as mulled wine and decadent winter warmers. Greenwich Peninsula Market brings their popular churros back to the Peninsula, alongside indulgent Spanish-style hot chocolate and a selection of artisanal cheeses. The market is the perfect place for a spot of shopping to discover original gifts from jewellery to textiles, self-care products to art, ceramics and candles.

A festive pop-up cinema set within the Enchanted Forest is screening classic Christmas movies from Elf to Home Alone, Frozen and It’s a Wonderful Life. Hosted in the heart of Design District, films are shown every weekend until Sunday 18th December with tickets priced between £6-18. Arrive early and grab some street food and drinks from Canteen; one bar and six independent vendors serving up irresistible treats from the world’s streets.

The Enchanted Forest at Greenwich Peninsula will also host Kids’ Table craft sessions each weekend from 11:30am-3:30pm at Canteen.

NOW Gallery is delighted to present RIBBONS, a new fashion commission by award-winning fashion designer and artist Matty Bovan, which sees the gallery space invaded by a monumental, ceiling height hand knitted jumper that invites visitors to enter the multicoloured tent like structure. Inside the jumper, guests can relax on handmade tufted rugs while watching the experimental film RIBBONS made by the artist that follows the making of the jumper structure. The film combines progress shots with a narrative of a story acted out by real people and actors. Please visit greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/ whats-on for further details.

Instagram: @greenwich.peninsula

Facebook: @greenwich.peninsula

at Greenwich Peninsula. A frozen wonderland at London’s riverside hub for arts and culture

“A festive pop-up cinema set within the Enchanted Forest is screening classic Christmas movies”

Cosy up this winter!

THE LUNA CINEMA RETURNS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Kensington Palace, 10th – 23rd December 2022

cinematic event this Christmas for sleigh-loads of festive fun and quality time with friends and family. So, whether you are a Bah Humbug or dreaming of a white Christmas, the magic of cinema will be all around.

As expected from the UK’s largest producer of outdoor cinema, The Luna Cinema’s winter programme promises to encapsulate the magic of Christmas cinema. Audiences can expect all the festive classics, including “Elf”, “Love Actually”, “Home Alone”, It’s A Wonderful Life and The Holiday, as well as family favourites such as “Arthur Christmas” and “The Snowman”.

The Luna Cinema, along with headline partners heycar, has announced its 2022 winter season of indoor screenings at Kensington Palace.

The Luna Cinema will be in the Pavilion at the stunningly regal Kensington Palace. With stunning lighting, festive dressing, a magical sprinkling of snow and giant Christmas trees, it’s the perfect setting to cosy up and enjoy a festive classic on the big screen.

THE DETAILS

Tickets are available to purchase now, with the season running up to 23rd of December.

Tickets start at £13.50 and guests at Kensington Palace can choose to upgrade their general admission ticket to a super comfy Luna Luxe two-seater sofa. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: thelunacinema.com

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas movie to get into the festive mood, and film fans will delight in the news that this winter The Luna Cinema is back with a new programme of classic film screenings in a magical setting, to spread some festive cheer.

The 2022 Luna Winter season is the ultimate

We all know one of the best parts of the festive season is the food and drink, and The Luna Cinema has made sure there will be a fantastic selection of Christmas themed refreshments available. From a warming hot chocolate to a mug of mulled wine, you will have everything you need to immerse yourself in the Christmas cheer.

Sadja Perez-Carbone

MUSEUM OF THE MOON AND BLOOD & BATTLE HEAD TO GREENWICH THIS WINTER

UK artist Luke Jerram’s astonishing installation Museum of the Moon is coming to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich this winter. As the nights draw in there’s no better time for Jerram’s illuminated installation to be displayed in the magnificent Painted Hall. In-situ from 13 December 2022 – 5 February 2023, the Old Royal Naval College and its majestic 18th century, baroque Painted Hall is the perfect setting for these two breathtaking artworks to come together.

Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, to-scale Moon, created using NASA imagery, as it hangs in the awe-inspiring Painted Hall. The imagery features minute detail of the lunar surface, taking the viewer right round to the dark side of the moon. The internally lit installation features a surround sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones for a stunning and profound art-meets-nature experience. Tickets include entry to the Painted Hall, use of a multimedia guide, guided tours of the historic grounds, access to the Victorian Skittle Alley and unlimited re-entry for a year.

A host of specially curated events will be taking

place to celebrate the moon including moonthemed lates, an exclusive Moonlight Dining Experience, and even a chance for children to meet Santa telling a moon-inspired story on selected dates. In the New Year look out for wellbeing, yoga and sound bath workshops in the Painted Hall under the Museum of the Moon.

Visitors can also indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea in the historic Admiral’s House on selected Sundays in December and visit newly opened exhibition Blood & Battle: Dissecting the Life of William Beatty which explores the fascinating –and sometimes grisly – life and work of renowned 19th-century naval surgeon and physician, Sir William Beatty, complete with a replica of a makeshift medical bay. This exciting new exhibition is located in the Visitor Centre and runs until 25 March 2023.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames in Maritime Greenwich, ideally located opposite Greenwich Pier for arrival by boat, or 2 minutes’ walk from Cutty Sark DLR, the Old Royal Naval College is the perfect place to enjoy a fascinating day out this winter. ornc.org

“Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, toscale Moon, created using NASA imagery”

Alyssia Fleur School Of Dance

At Alyssia Fleur School of Dance, we provide top quality ballet, tap and drama lessons for ages 2+ in our studios based in Marylebone, St John’s Wood.

We offer girls and boys ballet, tap, drama, holiday camps and workshops. We are advocates for a positive learning environment. All our students are taught through a praise based method with lots of positive feedback. A friendly and fun environment.

We aim to create a joyful experience for all our students. Getting to know each student’s individuality and creativity is what makes our classes special. Being creative and expressing oneself is encouraged in our classes!

We strive toward allowing children to learn dance technique in a fun and no pressure environment. Aiming to instil confidence at a young age which will become a lifelong skill for Children. We also offer the opportunity for students to take exams with us which builds confidence and allows older students to work towards goals.

Personally, having danced since the age of two I understand how enriching dance classes can be in a child’s life. I have trained and danced professionally for many years, which has lead me to so many amazing opportunities performing around the world. Dancing on a Saturday morning was such a big part of my childhood and seeing

the smiles on my students faces brings me so much joy. Teaching dance truly is my passion. All our teachers are highly trained, passionate performers who have a love for teaching their craft. Dance and drama classes are a great way for children to be active and make new friends. We have a community feel in our classes, making friends and socialising is encouraged.

Check out our Christmas Camp where we will do dance, yoga, arts and crafts and much more. Our camps are for ages 3-7 and are held in St John’s Wood. Seeing a child discover the joy of dance is a wonderful experience for child, parent and teacher! Students, parents and teachers look forward to welcoming you to The Alyssia Fleur School of Dance. Hope to see you soon!

alyssiafleurschoolofdance.co.uk

“We aim to create a joyful experience for all our students.”

Wuff was created with the urge to bring premium, practical and stylish dog wear to the market. Whether you’re out for a puppachino or a walk in the park or the city, our ultimate stand out pieces are the perfect accessories to elevate your dogs style. Our first collection is available in 3 standard sizes and two colourways, Midnight and rose gold and cool grey and rose gold. wuffco.shop instagram.com/wuff.co

MAKE SOME FESTIVE TREATS FOR YOUR DOG THIS CHRISTMAS USING FURR BOOST

If you are looking to include your dog in the Christmas festivities this year why not reward them with some tasty treats using the award-winning smoothie drink, Furr Boost?

Voted Best Pet Product in the food and drink category at the PetQuip Awards 2022, each of the smoothie recipes contains a meat, fruit and vegetable, along with added oils and vitamins, so it’s more than a hydration drink, it supports the dog’s wellbeing in areas such as digestion, skin and coat, anxiety, metabolism and immunity.

Furr Boost is available in three tasty varieties which all use the best quality 100% natural human grade ingredients: Chicken, Butternut Squash & Cranberry, Pork, Apple & Sweet Potato and Beef, Broccoli & Blueberry. Other added ingredients

include flaxseed, coconut and salmon oils, dried sea kelp, chicory root extract, yeast beta glucan, vitamins B&C and water. Each drink comes in a Tetra Pak Carton.

So here are some tasty ways to use Furr Boost this Christmas.

Winter Warmer

Warm up your pooche’s furravourite Furr Boost slightly, place in a cup and top with sugar and xylitol free squirty cream. Add sprinkles using your dog’s favourite pet treats and a cookie for an indulgent festive fair.

Furr Boost Pawpresso Martini

Add ice and your pooche’s furravourite Furr Boost

Pour over your dog’s favourite pet food as a perfect Christmas dinner gravy topping.

to a cocktail shaker, shake well and pour into a martini glass, top with training treats cut in half width ways so they float on top and serve.

Christmas frozen treats

Pour Furr Boost into festive ice lolly moulds together with a stick and place in the freezer. Serve once frozen to make a Furr- Boosting Christmas iced treats for your pooch.

Gravy topper for Christmas Dinner

Pour over your dog’s favourite pet food as a perfect Christmas dinner gravy topping.

Buy from the Raye Store Regents Street London

For a limited period only you can purchase Furr Boost at the Raye pop-up store on 310-312 Regents Street, London in the lead up to Christmas.

Ultimutt Christmas Hamper

Furr Boost has teamed up 11 other brands who have collaborated together to offer the Ultimutt hamper which is a steal at £68.99 instead of £92.98 and includes free delivery. Visit antlerchew.co.uk/collections/christmas/products/ christmas-special for further information.

To purchase Furr Boost online visit: furrboost.com

PET GIFTING DONE DIFFERENTLY

Pet Hamper aims to do pet gifting differently, but what does that mean, and how can they help you spoil your pampered pets this festive season? We asked founder Emily a few questions to find out more about the brand.

Tell us more about Pet Hamper and your vision behind the brand?

“Based on a rural site in the Lancashire countryside, Pet Hamper aims to offer a wide selection of modern, durable pet toys and accessories. We aim to cater for all your pets, from dogs and cats to horses and small animals. Offering a range of products you won’t typically find in high street stores.”

What makes Pet Hamper stand out from your competitors?

“When starting up Pet Hamper we noticed there were several companies on the market offering stock hampers, consisting of mainstream products, and many in physical hamper baskets.”

“What we’ve tried to do with our offering is create a hamper within a gift bag, making the gift

more sustainable and creating greater value for money. Along with our carefully curated stock hampers, we also offer a ‘create your own’ option. This allows the customer to easily browse through all the products on our site and create a hamper tailored around the pet they are purchasing for. Ensuring the gift is not only more personal, but also all products purchased will be liked and used.”

Do you just do gifting?

“I would say our business is 50% gifting and 50% customers purchasing for their own pets on a monthly or seasonal basis. We actively try to refresh our product range regularly, adding on new brands and products, along with full seasonal ranges to keep our offering fresh and exciting. You can always check out our ‘new in’ section to see the latest additions.”

THE DETAILS

Browse and shop the Pet Hamper range online at pethamper.co.uk and use code LondonLife for an exclusive 15% off sitewide!

Or find them on Facebook or Instagram @pethamper

URBAN MUTTS DOG CLUB & HOTEL

Where your dog is treated like Royalty

Perfect for your beloved companions, Urban Mutts Dog Club & Hotel is the ideal destination for luxury daycare, boarding, wellness services and retail. It’s the UK’s first luxury urban resort for canines and located in Westfield London since its launch in 2020.

Through consistently delivering an excellent quality of service and care - whether it’s for an hour, a month, or anything in between - Urban Mutts has gained a loyal following of both regular and walk-in clients.

Urban Mutts was conceptualised in 2019 by Managing Director and Co-Founder Greg Hands and his late wife Georgina. Greg left his job as a trader in the city to follow his family background in entrepreneurship and started a business. When he and Georgina decided they wanted to adopt a dog, Greg started looking after dogs from home to learn about breeds and behaviours. That was how they chose their fur baby, Bruce, a Fox Red Lab. Following the adoption, Georgina realised the challenges of finding reliable, high quality dog care in London.

After almost three years of research into daycare and boarding, Greg was visiting a shopping centre in Europe when he had an idea: a luxury, all-in-one

destination for dogs. He then turned his hobby into his passion and built a successful business. His vision was to create a high-end brand of modern, urban dog care which offers unparalleled convenience, flexibility and support for dog owners, with expert care from a team of fully qualified and trained professionals who adhere to the new licensing regulations.

As you enter the reception, you will receive a warm welcome from Emma, and each guest is treated to a 5 Star experience. The decor is vibrant, and the cosy lobby has a chic, Instagram worthy backdrop. Dogs are entertained and pampered while owners indulge in shopping, go to work or take a vacation.

With no member fees, limits or minimum booking requirements, your dog will have a welcome home away from home. What makes Urban Mutts unique from other dog hotels is that their canine guests have full time staff who provide a bespoke service 24/7, 365 days a year. Each dog has their own luxury suite featuring mood lighting, calming music, midnight treats and room service (for dietary reasons owners are encouraged to supply the meals).

All this is within a purpose built, state-ofthe-art facility featuring air filtration and air conditioning. Dogs are encouraged to mingle in the indoor daycare centre, known as the Social

vision was to create a high-end brand of modern, urban dog care which offers unparalleled convenience, flexibility and support for

“His

dog owners”

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Club, under supervision of the Mutt Squad team. In order to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of all the dogs, they are taken out for daily excursions to the local enclosed and secure dog exercise park and are given lots of cuddles and play.

For clients without their own transport, Urban Mutts offers a chauffeur service. Fares for the pick-up and drop off service are determined by location.

The spa and wellness services, including grooming and styling, are in high demand. Lead Groomer Kellie serenades her clients to help them relax and give them an enjoyable experience. Kellie has been grooming for seven years, working with an extensive range of breeds. Additional services include teeth cleaning, and we highly recommend booking your pup’s mani/pedi and trim in advance.

Regular guest Finnegan, a Corgi, and his owner Katie told us, “Finn absolutely loves going to Urban Mutts, he can’t get into the social club room fast enough! Greg and the team are always so lovely and have gone above and beyond to make Finn (and me!) feel comfortable. It’s such a relief knowing that he’s happy and safe when I’m at the office or on a work trip, and so convenient to get his grooming and treats there too.”

It is useful to note that Urban Mutts has the only pet store in Westfield London. The in-house

boutique retails luxury brand accessories, toys and beauty products. The lines they carry are very stylish and have been selected with the fashion conscious trendsetter in mind. They also sell a selection of the finest quality, nutritious foods, treats and supplements from sustainable sources. In order to create a dog lifestyle brand and community, Urban Mutts hosts regular events and classes to help owners to learn about the grooming, behavioural and nutritional needs of their dogs, for example, puppy and separation anxiety master classes. They also have plans to develop alternative therapy services for dogs, such as massages and acupuncture. These events are not just for dogs, weekly yoga classes with dogs and social events are all exclusively for Urban Mutts members and friends.

Urban Mutts Dog Club and Hotel is on a par with London’s best hotels when it comes to service excellence and guest satisfaction.

Images courtesy of Imagethirst Photography

for you and your pet, with a framed image 19”x15.5” (normal package price £750)

We are at Westfield London, On Level -1 Car Park A, opposite lift lobby 2. Tell your owner it’s between M&S and Waitrose.

Open 7 days a week for calls and visits from 8am-6pm

For more information, visit urbanmuttshotels.com

Bagpad is the best way to keep your handbag in shape in between uses. No more plastic or paper but instead an elegant and sustainable solution. Special designs for Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton bags and all other luxury brands. Can be made bespoke and personalised with monogramming making it the perfect gift for any handbag owner. Use code “LIFE10”

Shop all styles at www.bagpad.com or call/whatsapp +44(0) 777 507 7600.

Which “World-Class” Caviar won 3 Stars at this Year’s Great Taste Awards?

For your Christmas events this year, impress your guests with Adamas Exclusive Italian caviar, winner of 2 Great Taste Awards and enjoyed by professional athletes, movie stars and royalty from London and right around the world.

Adamas Caviar is a sustainably farmed, sturgeon caviar, from a family-run farm in Northern Italy. The Giovannini family are now 3rd generation fish farmers, from their base in the heart of the Tormo River National park. With over 20 years’ experience, of breeding and farming sturgeon, they know what it takes to produce a caviar of the highest quality. So, it was no surprise when the Great Taste Award judges described this caviar as “World Class”. 7 different species of Sturgeon are farmed and

currently 3 of these are available for UK customers. For large events, the Black Label Baerii Caviar is one you can’t go wrong with. The flavour of this caviar is usually milder and more creamy making it a great place to start your caviar journey.

The Pink Label Premium Oscietra caviar is from one of the traditional Caspian Sea sturgeon varieties. The shining star in the range, this caviar has so many aftertastes it will take you on a complete journey from an initial briny taste of the ocean that melts into a nutty earthiness that really lingers.

For the true connoisseurs, there is also a genuine Huso Huso Beluga Caviar. Known as the King of Caviar with a taste that totally embodies the 5th Umami sense, this really is the ultimate luxury food.

Head to caviarandcocktails.com to see the full range for yourself. There are also gift sets and hampers for those last-minute gift buys. LIFE10 discount code will save 10% off every order.

All aboard for Christmas with LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM GIFTS

Sew your way round London this Christmas with a beautiful 1933 Harry Beck Tube map embroidery set, get cosy in festive knitwear for both children and adults, shelter from the rain while impressing your friends with an Elizabeth line umbrella or Elizabeth line accessories such as travel bags and laptop cases, or bring joy to your home with smaller stocking filler gifts such as new tree decorations in the shape of cute, knitted taxis.

Shoppers will be spoilt for choice this Yuletide with a wide range of new gifts which are exclusive to the London Transport Museum shop in Covent Garden and online.

Sewing enthusiasts can get stitching Harry Beck’s 1933 Underground map (£50) with a beautiful embroidery set that contains a fabric print (29cm X 36cm) of his imaginative and beautifully simple design. Rather than emphasising distance and geographical accuracy Beck stripped down the sprawling network into a neat diagram of coloured criss-crossed lines. The result is a clear chart that has since become an essential guide to London.

purple Elizabeth line moquette design umbrella (£25) for commuters wishing to stand out from their fellow passengers.

There are plenty of moquette design socks to keep your toes toasty. The new Rail Moquette Socks in Box, (size 6 to 11) and Bus Moquette Socks in a Box (size 6 to 11) sets cost £45 and contain five eye-catching pairs. Perfect for either a gift to yourself or someone special.

The pack, produced by company OH SEW also comprises of 8 cotton bobbins, a tapestry needle and a chenille needle, a needle threader, an embroidery hoop and an instruction booklet – all presented in an attractive recyclable box.

The new striking Routemaster moquette design umbrella (£25) is sure to brighten any rainy day. The red geometric pattern was first used on double-decker bus seats in the 1950s. The new

Finally, there’s a sweet, knitted taxi decoration (£15) to dress your tree with.

Online shoppers can enjoy 10% off their first order and every sale goes towards supporting London Transport Museum’s charitable work as an education and heritage charity.

To purchase any of the products featured here, visit the museum’s shop in Covent Garden, or go to ltmuseumshop.co.uk

“Shoppers will be spoilt for choice this Yuletide with a wide range of new gifts which are exclusive to the London Transport Museum shop in Covent Garden and online”

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

OOSC

We are pleased to bring you our Luxury Women’s Ski Suit range. Our chic, figure hugging suits are designed to make you feel great whilst delivering the performance on the slopes you expect! We are empowering you to rip up the slopes with panache & style, whilst dropping jaws & turning heads as you strut into Après like a star as the beat drops. Available in a range of stylish colours. oosc-clothing.com Instagram: @oosc_clothing

DRYSURE NON ELECTRIC BOOT DRYERS

1Drysure boot dryers are an eco-friendly boot dryer designed to dry out ski & snowboard boots without electricity or heat! They will dry your boots overnight, every night on your ski holiday so you have dry boots in the morning plus they help to get rid of that lingering smell. Drysure are not only great at drying boots they have a shoe version which are especially good at drying cycling and running shoes. From £24.95, drysure.co.uk / James@drysure.co.uk

WINTER SOLSTICE FROM OAST & RYE THE PERFECT SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS GIFT Oast & Rye, British producers of luxury, sustainable lifestyle products which are also vegan friendly and refillable, propose their “Winter Solstice” range, a beautifully warm Christmas scent of cinnamon, orange and winter spice, for the perfect Christmas gifts. Presented in their trademark recycled Beatson Clark ‘amber’ glass, the range is available in two candle sizes; a one wick that burns for around 30 hours and a three wick for 40 hours, as well as a room spray or diffuser. Available to buy from oastandrye.co.uk

THE PERFECT GIFT IN A BOX

The Revolutionary Patented feature makes the Tights stand out from the rest. ‘Unique Stay-Put band designed to stay in place all day’ Luxury Tights made in Italy. Choice of two styles - Pretty Lace or Satin Band around the thighs. Hand sewn for that extra special touch. Made for every woman whatever shape or size. XS-XXL Use code DISCOUNT10 for 10% OFF. esmeamore.com

“The next morning I had completely dry boots and was ready to tackle the mountain”

SCOTTISH KNITWEAR FROM THE CROFT HOUSE

The Croft House is an exclusive collection of sustainable Scottish knitwear & accessories inspired by heritage designs and the landscape of Scotland. From patterned fair isles and gansey sweaters to warm chunky knits, we have something to suit. Our large range of wool and cashmere gloves, hats, scarves and socks make great stocking fillers. Find the perfect gift for all the family when you browse the full collection online. thecrofthouse.com 01779 838155

EMERALDS AS EXPRESSION OF LOVE

Among the current jewelry trend, emerald lush green color has been the reigning theme of 2022. Emeralds have long been associated with love in many cultures throughout the world. As we are counting down the days till Christmas, we are admiring the gemstone that will get you in the mood of holidays without a doubt. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or your loved ones, this stunning symbol of love will be cherished for years to come. alinapetra.com

56NEOLA DESIGN

Neola Design is a British jewellery brand renown for original, sculptural designs. We offer jewellery without compromise: handmade, sustainable, and made only from precious metals and natural gemstones. Our beautifully crafted pieces are made by master craftsmen from 18ct Gold Vermeil and Sterling Silver. Escape the ordinary! Visit our store: 199 Portobello Road, London W11 1LU neoladesign.com

THE CHISWICK GIFT COMPANY

chiswickgiftco.co.uk are very pleased to introduce you to their latest “Remind you of Anyone?” range of gifts. Designed to nudge everyone to own their idiosyncrasies. The bestselling range can be sent simply as an ‘I know you - tongue-in-cheek’ gift or is the perfect addition to Christmas Stockings, under the tree gifts or Secret Santas. 22 titles to choose from in mugs, keyrings, cosy hoodies, enamel pins, notebooks and greetings cards - it’s a challenge to fix on just 1 title per person. Free P&P. chiswickgiftco.co.uk

7 7Emerald teardrop earrings

Emerald Heart in yellow gold

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EDIT ONE One Edit Of ‘DoIt-All’ Dresses for ageless style Dresses are the ultimate wardrobe edit. We founded Edit-One with 1 objective - to help busy women simplify their wardrobes with dresses that really suit their shape, in colours that flatter and are beautifully made. We offer elegant British design with a modern twist. At Edit-One we believe in quality over quantity and have a slow fashion ethos, making each dress for you one at a time. Visit edit-one.com and enter code FREE P&P at checkout to save £5 on your order.

FAB DAB DO T SHIRT PAINTING KITS

Get the kids creative this Christmas with a T-shirt Painting Craft Box. There’s a wide range of themes to choose from including Horses, Dogs, Football, Unicorns, Mermaids, Dinosaurs, Flamingos, Cars and Christmas. The easy to use, mess free paint dabbers come in amazing colours and the fun is endless as the stencils and paint will keep providing bundles of designs and crafts throughout the year! Use code Life2022 for 15% OFF fabdabdo.co.uk

THOMAS P COCHRAN

Using 100% recycled silver we cast our pieces from the moulds of real shells or wax carving. We cast our silver in our workshop on the Isle of Wight and hand finish all of our jewellery on Island. Inspired by the Ocean and Nature we have collections for both Men and Women. Jewellery made to be worn anywhere. thomaspcochran.com Instagram: ThomaspCochranltd

EASYREAD TIME TEACHER WATCHES, CLOCKS & GAMES

Perfect educational gifts for any child age 4+, EasyRead Time Teacher make watches, clocks and games that help children to learn to tell the time. Available in lots of bright colours, there’s a watch to suit every boy and girl. EasyRead clocks can be used by the whole family – lovely quality gifts that help children develop an essential life-long skill. Prices from £25. easyreadtimeteacher.com

ATLAS & I

Atlas & I produce beautiful British made personalised vintage map gifts. Their personalised map tray is a bestseller, handmade with 4mm toughened glass, wooden surround and felt base it makes for a perfect gift. You can create yours at atlas-and-i.com. Also available online are their range of personalised map framed prints, cushions, coasters, placemats and more. A popular favourite being Atlas & I’s personalised map glass splashbacks, a real talking point in the home!

HAPI BOTTLES

If you’re looking for a stylish, easy-to-use, year-round bottle for both hot and cold drinks then look no further! The Hapi Bottle is a double-walled, stainless-steel bottle which keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. It’s lockable, can be operated with one hand and comes in 7 bold colours. Hapi Handles are also available as a matching accessory. Perfect for adults and children alike!

Purchase any Hapi Bottle products with 10% off this Christmas. Quote LIFE10 when ordering. Offer lasts until 20th December 2022, one use per customer. hapibottles.com support@hapibottles.com

PEACHY BELTS

Beautiful Italian leather belts with detachable buckles for men and women, handmade in England, with buckles made from Swarovski crystal, brass and pewter. A fabulous present that you can keep adding to, and anything can be changed if you get it wrong. Great elasticated waist belts, belt bags, clutch bags, virtual Gift Vouchers and personalised belts. peachybelts.co.uk Call: 01664 454994 or 07860 494117 instagram.com/peachybelts

MISTY CASHMERE KNITWEAR

The classic contemporary designs from Misty Cashmere will help to keep you warm this winter. The jumpers and cardigans for men and women come in a substantial 7-gauge knit in a soft cashmere/ merino or pure undyed yak yarn. All the knitwear is sustainable be it the yarn, the natural nut buttons or the smart boiled wool trim on our zip neck jumpers.

Use code LLM10 for 10% OFF.

Misty Cashmere mistycashmere.co.uk Tel: 01273 401087

16HAMBLEDON VINEYARD

Established in 1952, (it’s England’s oldest commercial vineyard) this family-owned vineyard crafts award-winning wines thanks to a unique combination of long heritage, expertise and exceptional terroir. Aged for almost six years, Première Cuvée is produced exclusively from their own estate, in the Hampshire village of Hambledon. Book your visit and check out their website for gifts, wines and exceptional experiences at the heart of the vineyard –ranging from tastings, pop-up dining offers, festive afternoon teas and more!

hambledonvineyard.co.uk instagram.com/ hambledon_vineyard

THE ALPACA CLOTHING CO

Alpaca the gift that feels good to give (literally!) Alpaca has many special properties and is the most sort after natural fibre due to its warmth, softness and durability. It is also hypoallergenic and ecofriendly. Make it special with our range of exquisite gifts for all the family and friends. Don’t worry about wrapping your gift, let us take the pressure off you. We wrap with care and attention right down to the finishing touches to make sure that our beautiful garments are showcased in the nicest way possible. Select the ‘add gift option’ for £5 Website: thealpacaclothingco.co.uk Instagram: @alpacaclothingco.co.uk Email:info@thealpacaclothingco.co.uk

HAT MAKING GIFT VOUCHER PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR ALL HAT LOVERS.

Learn new skills and create your own hat with an experienced milliner Elena Shvab in her London studio. You will be supporting a small creative business and getting yourself a unique gift that you cannot find on the high street. This Christmas treat your loved ones with a special present, choose a voucher they will love:

• Felt Hat Course • Straw Hat Course • Fascinator Hat

• Intense millinery course for those wishing a career in millinery For bookings, enquiries or bespoke hat orders elenashvab.com/gift-vouchers info@elenashvab.com

FËRNN GIFTING CO

FËRNN Gifting Co are a luxury, carbon neutral gifting studio, providing gorgeous gift solutions for personal gifting and many industries such as events, weddings and for boutique accommodation. Their wellness gift box is the perfect pampering gift to go under the tree. The fully stocked self-care gift box contains their best-selling, luxurious relaxation products centred around wellbeing. The gifts are carefully packaged within their wooden gift boxes, providing a luxurious finish and a timeless keepsake. Shop this gift set and the rest of their gift offerings on their website. Website: fernngiftingco.com Email: hello@fernngiftingco.com Instagram: @fernngiftingco

FARINO

Unique top-loading work or travel bags on 360° rollerblade spinner wheels which glide effortlessly by your side. Made from tough and stylish, weatherproof neoprene, the bag’s clever design makes it ideal for all aspects of ‘city life on the go’. It has a secure laptop pocket, roomy interior and our rollerblade wheels come with a lifetime guarantee. Cabin size and suitable as hand luggage on most international airlines, the Farino Carrier is the perfect accessory for modern life. Use the code GIFT25 for 25% off. Website: carriedbyfarino.com Instagram: carriedbyfarino Telephone: 020 7207 0858

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ART DECO POSTERS

Pullman Editions designs striking original limited-edition posters that capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their newly-commissioned posters feature glamorous winter sports and summer resorts around the world, as well as the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Evoking memories of holidays and special occasions, their modern take on the Art Deco classics provide an affordable way to decorate your home and also make super original gifts. There are over 100 designs available to view and buy online at pullmaneditions.com. Priced at £420 each.

PIXIE DIXIE, LUXURY CHILDREN’S NIGHTWEAR

All our nightwear is designed and manufactured in the UK to be loved and used everyday. Pixie Dixie use the highest quality sustainably sourced cotton with Micro-Fresh® protection, which is soft and cosy next to the skin, helping to ensure a good night’s sleep. Your garments will have travelled less than 200 miles before we send them to you. pixiedixie.co.uk

LOVEDAY

Award-winning modern spirits distilled by the chef, artist & scientist Loveday team in Cornwall, including ‘Golden Hour Gin’, distilled with grapefruit and cardamom: one of Forbes top 20 gins in the world 2022. The collection also includes floral ‘Kissing Gate Gin’, and coastal ‘Falmouth Dry Gin’. All come in stocking filler sized 20cl bottles, with recycled glass tumblers and cocktail recipe booklets available too. Personalise any order with a handwritten note for a loved one. lovedaydistilling.com

SENSE OF LDN

Created in London, inspired by London. Individually hand poured with 100% soy wax, vegan, cruelty free and ecofriendly, sense of ldn’s candles and diffusers are the perfect gift. The Christmas Collection is made up of No. 04 – The Greenwich, No. 05 – The Swiss Cottage and No. 06 –The Marble Arch. Presented in amber glass jars, gold lids and individual dust bags with stunning scents that smell just like Christmas.

ECO LUXURY FROM RYDAL BAGS

The Monterey Leather Wash Bag from Rydal Bags combines elegant craftmanship with the finest Italian leather, naturally tanned by tree and plant extracts. The main zip opens into a luxurious cotton fabric interior compartment designed to carry all those essential toiletries. This stylish wash bag also incorporates a smart leather handle at one end allowing it to be carried easily. rydalbags.com

ROEBUCK ESTATES

Give a gift that sparkles this Christmas with Roebuck Estates. Their classically crafted vintage sparkling wines make a truly special gift. From luxurious one-bottle wine gifts to celebratory mixed vintage cases and beautifully presented gift sets, they have everything you need to spread a little sparkle and joy this Christmas. Enjoy £15 off their Estate Trio gift set using coupon code: TRIO15. The offer ends at midnight on 31st December 2022. roebuckestates.co.uk instagram.com/roebuckestates

“…the finest Italian leather, naturally tanned by tree and plant extracts”

LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

BY ARTIST CJP

Fine artist CJP is renowned by collectors the world over for complex and richly detailed ink drawings, including enchanting hidden details, often embellished with precious metal gold leaf. With designs and sizes to suit all walls, each limited edition print is hand signed, numbered and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Prices from £42 to £580, sizes to suit all walls from A4 to Super Massive. Original works and commissions by request. cjpart.co.uk

PERFUME YOUR WORLD WITH CHARLOTTE RHYS

Whatever the season or occasion, transform your home into a sanctuary and calm place with our luxury home accessories, fragrances, candles and gifts. Just in time for Christmas. We are vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable and green. charlotterhys.uk.com E-mail: e-commerce@charlotterhys.co.za

FORTUNY

Fortuny - Atelier set out in Venice in 1984 with a clear ambition to create products that speak in the universal language of fine craftsmanship, complex details, and good taste. Entirely handmade in Venice, our unique clothing and accessories will make a wonderful gift for someone who loves luxurious velvets and refined sophistication.

Discover our products: original Fortuny® lamps, clothing, bags and accessories on fortuny.uk

WOOLROOM

Woolroom’s ultra-fine 100% merino wool sleepwear is temperature regulating and irresistibly soft. This lightweight fabric ensures you’re cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s chilly. Woolroom’s sleepwear provides the perfect flattering silhouette for those PJ lovers, adding an effortlessly chic style to those cosy duvet days. Shop the collection from £35.00 thewoolroom.com

LIME TREE DESIGN

Christmas Pyjamas, made from 100% cotton in

a

Kimono

a beautiful Xmas present. Available in 3 sizes and a range of designs, they are generously cut for extra comfort. See limetreedesign.com for the full range or phone 01636 894043.

CURIOUS EGG

PAMPEANO

pampeano’s classic leather polo belts make fabulously stylish presents. Our hand embroidered leather belts feature a classic design, with a South American-inspired twist, each meticulously and lovingly crafted by our colleagues in Buenos Aires. Our polo belts are instantly recognisable as pampeano - representing quality, style and luxury. A range of beautiful colourways are available on our website pampeano.co.uk as well as a comprehensive range of handcrafted leather goods including dog accessories, handbags, wallets and lots more.

Use code Xmas10 for 10% saving

Curious Egg is a luxury online interiors boutique curated by artist Lorraine Aaron bringing together original art & interiors in one space with a collection of unusual home accessories to help you define your own unique style. We place art at the centre of designing a home and our products are handpicked and created by artists and artisans. We also offer a bespoke interior design service to help you create truly personal spaces within your home. Find us: curiousegg.com Email: hello@curiousegg.com Tel: 01738 621111 Instagram: @curioegg Facebook: Curious Egg

beautiful blockprint fabric by Lime Tree Design. Team with

matching

for

DRESSES FOR MEMORIES

Discover the magic of the Angel’s Face Christmas edit this festive season. There’s something pretty, something elegant, something quirky, something classic, something cool. You’ll find heirloom-quality, fabulous frocks, versatile velvet, timeless tartan, sparkling party shoes, metallic bags, and big satin bows to wrap it all up. Making memories for your angel.

Use code LONDON15 for 15% off at angels-face.co.uk @angelsfaceofficial

VINTAGE & BESPOKE

Flower diffusers from Vintage & Bespoke make the perfect gift for any home fragrance lover this Christmas. The lifelike handmade diffuser flowers soak up luxury fragrance into the head using a wick, and combined with stunning vintage bottles they make the collection a unique alternative to the usual reed diffuser.Choose from a variety of flower types, exclusive scents and stunning cut glass bottles. Beautifully packaged gift box and options are also available online vintageandbespoke.co.uk hello@vintageandbespoke.co.uk 01455 559777

RUTH HALDON JEWELLERY

Glorious Murano lamp work glass beads with Freshwater pearls. Just part of the beautiful and wide collection of hand-crafted jewellery from County Durham maker Ruth Haldon. Take a look at her website: ruthhaldon.co.uk

BOODLAH MEASURED WRAPS

Handmade colour stories for your wrist that really measure up! Needlepoint, double wrap bracelets that accurately measure to 13 ½”. Six colourways (from left) Begonia, Persimmon, Olive, Viburnum, Hydrangea, Kaleidoscope. French silk, leather trim, and hypoallergenic watchband lining. Adjustable lengths. Perfect for the designer in your life or anyone who has ever said “Where’s my tape?!”. £150 +VAT. Check out Boodlah’s collection of chic, sophisticated accessories at boodlah.com or on Instagram @boodlah_ltd.

SENTI

Pushing the boundaries of luxury home fragrance, Senti’s Orchid Diffusers are an innovative way to scent and compliment any interior. Our beautiful scents are developed in collaboration with some of the UK’s finest perfumers and presented in striking gift boxes. Our awardwinning Little Orchid makes a special, long lasting, and unique gift. Call 020 8947 5179, we would be delighted to help you choose or buy online at senti.co.uk. See at Harrods or Fortnum & Mason.

LITTLE LOVE BLANKETS

Little Love blankets offer a luxury range of car seat blankets to keep your little one toasty and warm while on the move on cold winter days. The functional design allows the straps of your car seat to pull through the blanket, all that is left to do is wrap them up and go. It also makes a perfect newborn gift. For more information find us at littleloveblankets.co.uk and @little_love_blankets on Instagram

ZIPSTER

Zipster creates beautifully soft bamboo children’s pajamas and baby grows with a two-way zip, meaning easy nappy changing. Bamboo feels soft and is a sustainable choice for parents, and with over 50 adorable prints to choose from, Zipster sleepwear is a perfect gift to give. Designed in Amsterdam. Visit zipsterbaby.com IG: @zipsterbaby

PINK AVOCET

Always a winner at Christmas, explore Pink Avocet’s gorgeously soft cashmere knitwear collection. With 50 colours to choose from, and many ‘one-size-fit-all’ styles, you’ll find the perfect jersey, poncho, shawl or gilet for mother, daughter, son or grandparent. The luxurious Toscana sheepskin gilets are well worth a look – every woman’s dream!

Pink Avocet cashmere knitwear starts from just £40. Highly rated on Trustpilot. 01264 563264. pinkavocet.com

ATLANTIC BLANKETS

Traditionally woven in the British Isles from the finest fabrics, Atlantic Blankets are sustainably designed with comfort and care in mind – keeping you close to the coast, inside and out. Perfect to add colour and comfort to interiors, or to offer warmth for adventures outside. See our Christmas Gifts, including our special Hug in a Box. atlanticblankets.com

ROSIE WESLEY

Rosie’s handmade bronze gifts and jewellery are made from real individual twigs and seed pods which she has foraged from The New Forest and then transformed into metal using a specialised technique adapted from traditional casting methods. Every item is a complete one-of-a-kind and a unique memento of nature - a perfect gift for any gardener, conservationist, botanist, farmer, tree surgeon or general lover of the great outdoors.

Bronze Twig Keyring £18 Bronze & Leather Fir Cone Necklace £45 Shop the full collection online at: rosiewesley.com

TOOLALLY

Toolally is a bold, colourful independent British jewellery brand quickly becoming the darling of influencers and fashion press throughout the UK. They only use sustainably sourced materials and all their products are designed and hand-made in the UK. This Christmas, they are offering a selection box to cover all your looks from Christmas Morning to New Year’s Day, including a scented candle and five pieces of jewellery (worth over £250) for a special price of just £130. toolally.com @toolally

MINDFUL MOMENTS WITH CANDALIA

During the busy pre-Xmas period, it’s important to take a breath and enjoy the festive season mindfully. What better way to create peaceful moments than with our 100% natural wax candles, with warm & cosy scents such as Pomegranate & Pink Pepper or soothing Soie Lavande. Beautiful, sustainable home fragrances with the finest ingredients. Carefully created with your wellbeing in mind. This December give the gift of mindful moments with Candalia. www.candalia.uk Use code

FLIGHT SIMULATORS MIDLANDS

Probably the best Christmas Gift you will ever buy. Get a voucher to fly a commercial jet liner or a WWII fighter aircraft at our Coventry Airport Flight Centre. Choose between a Boeing 737, 747 or an Airbus A320. Or try the P51 Mustang and Messerschmitt ME109. If there are 2 of you buy a voucher each and dog fight over the Cliffs of Dover. What a dream. Prices start at £75. Over 1200 Trip Advisor five star reviews.

Tel 0800 999 7370 or visit flyfsm.co.uk to book that gift for someone special this Christmas.

THE PYJAMA HOUSE

The Pyjama House sells a beautiful range of traditional pyjamas, nighties and lounge-pants for children, adults and teenagers made in gorgeous 100% cotton fabrics all designed in Yorkshire, UK. thepyjamahouse.co.uk; tel 01347 878673.

READER OFFER: SAVE 15%

AWARD WINNING COCKTAILS FROM MIRROR MARGARITA

Created by a globally renowned agave spirits expert, multi-award winning Mirror Margarita is a delicious crystal clear twist on the classic Margarita cocktail, ready to serve straight from the bottle; simply pour over ice and enjoy. Made with ultra-premium agave spirits – both Tequila and Mezcal – their famous Margaritas are crisp, light and delicate and packaged in a beautiful bottle to boot. It’s been voted 7th Best Cocktail in the World, Best Cocktail in the UK and recently won a Gold Medal at the Global Luxury Masters – we’ll drink to that!

Use code LONDONLIFE for 15% off at mirrormargarita.com until 01.01.23.

JAVAMUR ESPRESSO RUM CREAM

Love a good rum cream for the holidays?

JavaMur Espresso Rum Cream is a sublime blend of dairy cream and Caribbean rum infused with expresso bean, vanilla, chocolate, and hazelnut. The all-natural collection of JavaMur rums are born from coffee-based cocktails in Cruz Bay, St John and inspired by a passion for Caribbean culture, rum, and coffee. The delightful expressions are infused with Java’Mon Coffee beans and other natural flavours.

Find yours at amazon.co.uk or javarum.co.

Chiswick Nursing Centre

Offers high quality rehabilitation, convalescence & respite care

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

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

The physiotherapy sessions are tailored to help recover mobility and the physio team aims to provide early detection of any movement related problems. Through their treatment the Centre’s physios help patients and residents to regain their confidence and independence to promote an excellent quality of life through improved health and wellbeing. New for 2022 is Massage Therapy including Acupressure, Advanced Deep Tissue Massage, Seated Hot Bamboo Massage, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage all helping to escape the day-to-day stresses of life whilst you enjoy an

THE DETAILS

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

hour long session with our trained and qualified therapist. Massage Therapy is available to residents and to outpatients, so book an appointment today.

A sister of a resident at the Chiswick Nursing Centre has seen the impact of care first-hand, she said, “ My sister (86) was admitted to this home during the virus crisis. The staff have been so caring and compassionate! She told us the carers were so kind and that the food was wonderful. The staff meet her every need and she feels that nothing is too much trouble for them. There are doctors, nurses and physiotherapists who help her daily.”

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

With free parking on-site, the care home is a convenient location to be treated for a range of conditions including post-surgical rehabilitation and orthopaedic and musculosketal conditions.

So, whether its physiotherapy, rehabilitation or convalescence, respite care, dementia care, longterm complex nursing care or general residential care, rest assured your loved one will be in safe hands at the Chiswick Nursing Centre.

SUPPORTING CARE LEAVERS THIS CHRISTMAS

The UK is in the midst of an unprecedented cost of living crisis, and this winter, young people leaving the care system are among those set to be hit hardest by the rising cost of food, housing and energy bills.

Many of the thousands of young people who leave the care system every year risk falling through the gaps, facing the prospect of homelessness, hunger and a lack of opportunities. One in three care leavers experience homelessness within the first two years of leaving care*, and many struggle to access higher education and stable employment.

Coram, the UK’s first and longest continuing children’s charity, is one of the organisations helping young care leavers this winter. As a specialist group of children’s charities, Coram is able to address the multiple challenges those in care face. This includes its advocacy work through Coram Voice, which has seen a 22% increase in the number of young people contacting its helpline, and anticipates that demand will increase further in the run up to Christmas.

Coram Voice supports over a thousand young care leavers each year in their transition to independence. This includes Emily** who had felt happy and supported with her foster family. But when she turned 18, she was moved miles from her home to a hostel where she felt unsafe. Emily was often left with no money left to buy food, and

feeling alone, her mental health suffered.

Coram Voice advocates stepped in and helped her to raise her concerns with her local authority who settled Emily into a new flat where she felt safe. She was given help to manage her finances, access her entitlements and plan for the future.

There are still too many young people in care who face turning 18 without the support they need. Not receiving guidance at this crucial juncture into adulthood can have a lifelong impact.

Coram will continue to be there for young people in care, providing immediate support to access the services they need and ensure they have a safe place to live, so that every care leaver can look forward to a brighter future.

Find out more at coram.org.uk.

*Homeless prevention for care leavers, prison leavers and survivors of domestic violence. All-party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness

**name changed to protect anonymity

“Coram Voice supports over a thousand young care leavers each year in their transition to independence”

LUXURY LIVING AT THE VALE

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

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

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

With the Fleming one-bedroom elegant apartment, you can have the best of both worlds with a restful, stylish, open plan living room complete with hi spec, fully fitted kitchen. Add to this a chic double master bedroom with its fitted wardrobe and contemporary bathroom, all for a monthly cost that needn’t break the bank.

At The Vale you can have as much company and social life as you wish. The Bar & Bistro is perfect for catching up with friends. For a cosy place to read the papers or play cards, the library and lounge offer a comfortable, beautifully

decorated environment. And If pampering is what you’re after, the on-site hair salon offers treatments or if you want to learn a new craft, the hobbies room is the place to go.

Nestled in a peaceful location a short distance from Streatham, The Vale is more than just a new home - it’s a future filled with opportunities.

Are you unsure about making the move to a retirement village? At the Vale, they offer a trial stay experience so you can gain a feel for what it’s like to be a resident and whether retirement living is right for you. Meet the friendly team and residents which form the heart of their community.

Please contact them for a private appointment or they offer virtual appointments via FaceTime so you can experience The Vale virtually. * Some services may not be available on your chosen trial dates

thevaleliving.co.uk Tel: 08081 696511

“At The Vale you can have as much company and social life as you wish”

Take the stress out of selling your existing home and move to Richmond Square in 2023

With a superb location, an abundance of light-filled living space, wonderfully high ceilings and a superb blend of period exteriors, contemporary interiors, traditional craftsmanship and the latest technology, the onebedroom apartments at Richmond Square are truly exceptional new homes.

At Richmond Square you can secure your new apartment for 2023 whilst your existing home is sold. Ask the sales team about the Richmond Square Managing Your Move Concierge Service enabling you to sell your existing home quickly and save on estate agent fees.

THE DETAILS

Further information, photography and a show home video are available on the website at richmondsq.co.uk but these apartments need to be seen to be fully appreciated. For an appointment to view, please email sales@richmondsq.co.uk or call 0203 369 0179

Riverstone A new concept in retirement living

Riverstone, a new concept in retirement living that enables people over the age of 65 to continue to enjoy interesting and active lives in the heart of London, has recently unveiled its latest residence, Riverstone Fulham.

A stone’s throw from Chelsea Harbour, with views out across the Thames and endless riverside walks on its doorstep; Riverstone Fulham is an oasis in the heart of SW6.

Combining beautifully appointed contemporary 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom apartments for sale, within a vibrant community that includes a cinema, pool, bar, gym, golf simulator, hair & nail salon and Club Room; residents also have access to a car service, underground parking, 24/7 concierge and extensive gardens designed by RHS award winner Andy Sturgeon.

What’s more, Riverstone’s waterfront restaurant and bar, Maria G’s, from acclaimed chef Robin Gill is also open to the public and is a great place to catch up with friends and family over delicious Italian fare.

By living in a Riverstone community, residents are less likely to need formal support or care than if they had remained living in their previous property. This is because of Riverstone’s proactive

approach to health and wellbeing, as well as through knowing that there is always someone around to support or chat to, should they be needed.

With a full raft of cultural events provided by partners including Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall, Saatchi Gallery, and English National Opera; outstanding fitness, entertainment, and fine dining amenities; Riverstone presents the full package for exceptional later living.

Why not treat yourself to a festive meal at Maria G’s, or book in your viewing today on 020 3839 8559 or via riverstoneliving.com.

CGI images of Riverstone Fulham

“A vibrant community that includes a cinema, pool, bar, gym, golf simulator, hair & nail salon”

Riverstone Kensington Concierge desk

The finest fresh seafood delivered

FROM THE SEA TO THE TABLE WITHIN 48 HOURS

A seafood subscription service that delivers delicious, sustainable fish and shellfish direct to your door or office this Christmas

Freshly caught from Scottish waters, ensuring your next meal is as tasty and nutritious as possible.

CELEBRATE SEAFOOD HEAVEN THIS CHRISTMAS

Fishbox was created over 8 years ago to serve the UK with delicious fresh sustainable seafood. The team at Fishbox, were continually hearing the same two questions, where do we get fresh seafood and what do I do with it?

With this in mind, Fishbox was started, initially in the highlands of Scotland before relocating to Fraserburgh and Peterhead to get closer to the source of the freshest fish and seafood. This then enabled them to have a quicker turnaround and therefore getting the fish to the customer within 48 hours of landing , at the same time only buying from responsible, sustainable sources

Having a real passion for great tasting, healthy seafood, the range was developed and increased to over 100 products. Using the feedback and comments from their “fishboxers” they now process them into portion size, vacuum packed ready to cook, chill or freeze They do the dirty work so you don’t have to.

Fishbox have a preference list so each customer can choose what they “love, like or dislike – then the customer can decide how often they would like a delivery, 1, 2 or 4 weekly and for how much. Once set up, the order pick team at Fishbox will carefully make your up your fishbox and pack it up ready for shipping

On the question “what do I do with fish?” they have built up a library of menus to help you get the best out of your seafood delights. Once joining Fishbox, you also become a member of the Fishbox club, where there are special and seasonal offers as well as the new products being developed.

To become a Christmas “Fishboxer” and join in the seafood revolution, go to fishbox.co.uk For more information email hello@fishbox.co.uk

“Discover their gift box service and send the gift of fish this Christmas fishbox.co.uk/ gift-a-fishbox”

VEGETARIAN COOKING WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS

The London Vegetarian and Vegan School is one of a new breed of cookery schools emerging in the ever-growing meat free conscious population today. A wide and cross section of people aspire to learning new cooking skills and knowledge and how to effectively apply these to everyday vegetables, pulses and grains, beyond steam or simply stir frying. The school attracts a wide range of interested parties and especially flexitarians who are looking to break the habitual and repetitive cooking cycle that one so often finds themselves in.

The workshops are hosted by the founder and proprietor; Francesco, who comes from a technical and engineering mindset, which combined with an ultra-modern flair, aplomb and panache delivers a noticeable uniqueness. His philosophy is not to recreate or emulate the equivalent of meat and two veg but, instead capitalising on everyday store and readily available ingredients and reapply them in a very different and sophisticated way. The use of meat substitutes is very rarely used.

The School’s success is a combination of two unique niche formulas. Firstly, the focus on skills, education and techniques, even at a fundamental level, such as sautéing and the explanation of the essential “Maillard” reaction together with different temperatures affecting the cooking process along with the metals used. Other

overlooked kitchen knowledge includes the all too often essential oils that are present in all botanics and how to unearth them. This level of consumer and cooking information is not readily available in neither the glossies nor television broadcasts.

Secondly, following Francesco’s well-travelled and researched cuisines from around the globe, The School delivers recipes and formulas away from the ordinary and transcends the common and predictable associations with regional cuisine, somewhat avoiding pizza, pasta and risotto on an Italian workshop for instance. Titles include Metropolis Living – everyday easy nutritious cooking, Sicilian, Nouveau Indian, Campania and beyond, including a full length week-long comprehensive professional workshop that attracts professionals who are looking to widen their meat free menus. The programme includes many different “flavours”, purposes and experience

THE DETAILS

For more information visit londonvegetarianschool.co.uk or email info@ londonvegetarianschool.co.uk

The Artisan House, 1a Havelock Walk, SE23 3HG

levels, whether one is a budding amateur or someone who wants to expand their culinary horizon.

Equally important to complement the above is personal attention to individuals and hands on experience so one gets the opportunity to try out different knives. The class sizes are restricted to 6. Next year, the school will expand titles to accommodate artisan bread making and pasta workshops on the School’s top floor demonstration and film studio. The equipment used at The School is all high precision, professional and dominated by high end German quality.

The new home of The School is a former bank building located in the artist’s quarter of Forest Hill that is home to some of the most well-respected artists in the country. It is which is well connected to public transport and is one of the few and unique streets in London that is completely dedicated to artists and their creative works in Havelock Walk, which is featured here. The school’s dining is a themed mock Baroque black and gold room along with Venetian oil paintings.

The patrons of the School are Prinz & Prinzessin von Hohenzollern, members of the former German monarchy. The school has also been commended by the most influential gastronomical guide Gault Millau.

LOVE ME TENDER THIS CHRISTMAS

At The Steak Shop they bring a wealth of experience running awardwinning London steak restaurants to the nation with online delivery of restaurant quality meats. They specialise in quality over quantity, bringing you the cuts you won’t find in the supermarket.

With weekly offers and the best prices, they are already a firm favourite with thousands of customers up and down the country.

The Steak Shop is a prestigious supplier of succulent Christmas meats, and orders are open NOW! They offer FREE Nationwide Delivery on all orders over £60, delivered to you fresh, packed in ice and good for a week in the fridge.

Their speciality, Txuleta (pronounced ‘chuleta’) means ‘meat chop’. It is a speciality of the Basque region, although traditionally the cattle is actually reared elsewhere, in Galicia, further along the northern Spanish coast. These cattle, which have lovely blond coats, are reared on a strict diet of high-quality grass for around 15 years, which increases the flavour of the meat and causes the beautiful marbling effect.

It is marbled with flavour and is a must try for any steak lover.

“I’ve never tasted anything so good” - Qualified Chef and ex-cook at a Michelin Star Restaurant, Gary Freer cooks up one of

their steaks. The Steak Shop love seeing people’s reaction when they first experience their meat. Take a look for yourself on their website, he can’t find the words to describe it! “One of the Best Steaks I’ve Ever Had”

Outdoor personality, Bushcraft Expert, wellversed camping authority and all-round meat Lover, Andy from Kent Survival cooked up one of their Jacks Creek Steaks. “It’s safe to say by the end of the video our mouths were watering and it’s so nice to see something a bit different to your conventional steak cooking video! Jacks Creek is a great place to start.”

THE DETAILS

Place your order online now and use code: SS15 for 15% OFF your order! thesteakshop.co.uk Email: info@thesteakshop.co.uk

EQUESTRIAN

Seven of the world’s top ten show jumpers set to compete at

THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW

ExCeL London, 15-19 December 2022

The UK’s most important equestrian indoor event, The London International Horse Show 2022, will be welcoming reigning World and Olympic Champions, as well as seven former world No. 1’s. Great Britain’s Harry Charles, winner of both the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Qualifier and the London Grand Prix at last year’s Show, will be returning to defend his titles and leads a strong British contingent in London.

Each performance at The London International Horse Show includes an equestrian competition along with a variety of displays from around the world.

Alongside the world class competition there are equestrian displays, The Kennel Club Dog Agility, The Shetland Pony Grand National and the Christmas Finale, featuring Father Christmas himself.

Double world champion Lottie Fry will be taking part in this year’s FEI Dressage World Cup. The Show will host FEI World Cup action in three disciplines, including the FEI Dressage World Cup Grand Prix and Freestyle to Music supported by Horse & Hound.

DRESSAGE UNWRAPPED: BACK TO THE FUTURE

This year’s edition of the classic London International dressage masterclass takes place as

part of the Thursday Afternoon performance. The 90-minute Masterclass will cover all aspects of training for top level success in dressage, and will include tips, tricks and demos focusing on the successes of the past and the stars of the future.

NATASHA BAKER’S PARA DRESSAGE SHOWCASE

Hosted by multiple Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker OBE, With the help of world-class para riders Sophie Wells and Jemima Green, the Showcase is a whistle-stop tour of all things Para Dressage focusing on a closer look at the riderhorse-coach relationship so essential to success, and touch on key training exercises to level up your dressage performances

THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL RIDING ACADEMY – LIVE!

Now in its third edition, the yearly event day aims to join up riders and connections of the Show with young people to educate and inform them about the range of career options open to them within the equestrian sector.

Plus there’s more than 200 shops offering all things equestrian, clothing, Christmas gifts, food, homeware and art. Stay for the day and enjoy yourself at this wonderful Equestrian Christmas Party!

For the full programme and to purchase tickets visit londonhorseshow.com

(HORSEY)

GORGEOUS GIFTS

PICTURE THIS

A fabulous print is the perfect way to deck out your walls and show off your quirky side. The gallery-quality prints from Ink and Drop (left) are printed on the latest equipment using pigment inks for stunning detail and vibrant colours. (Right) Another fabulous original Polish Cyrk/Circus poster by Witold Janowski from Orson and Welles, from 1969. The dazzling, colourful rearing horse design will brighten up your room. inkanddrop.com orsonandwelles.co.uk

ALL WRAPPED UP

Gallop home to envelop yourself with one of these warming and luxurious throws. Woven from 100% wool and featuring a unique horse designs. jjtextile.co.uk

LIGHT UP

A stunning equestrianinspired table lamp with black shade with gold lining and golden horse head base. annabeljames.co.uk

THE ART OF COMFORT

Original art throw cushions. Sold by the artist. realworldart.co.uk

WE LOVE

MAKE A STATEMENT

Add a statement piece to your collection with this impactful Sculpture. Featuring an elegant horse which has a bronze finish on a glam black base. A generously sized sculpture. rowenhomes.com

These stylish bookends. sweetpeaandwillow.com

ASCOT RACECOURSE

Enjoy 26 racedays throughout the year

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Ascot Racecourse remains a pillar of British sporting and social culture. Welcoming almost 600,000 guests each year, Ascot’s stature, reputation and famed celebration of occasion is admired the world over.

As one of the largest and most prestigious racecourses in the world, Ascot has been hosting some of the finest racing events, including Royal Ascot, for more than 300 years.

With 26 annual racedays and several other events throughout the year, Ascot has something for everyone to enjoy that encapsulates the thrill of horse racing, the pleasure of a day spent at a memorable venue and the many experiences to be had whilst there, from the Michelin star chefs providing exquisite Fine Dining to the live music and entertainment across the lawns.

Revered across the globe, Royal Ascot attracts the finest horses to compete for over £9,500,000 total prize money. Synonymous with sartorial elegance, magnificent millinery, exquisite cuisine and unforgettable celebration, it is an event that must be seen to be believed.

Situated at the height of the British summer social season, from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023, Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends, family and loved ones. The thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, the delicious refreshments and the outlandish outfits

combine to create an unforgettable experience to be shared and remembered with your nearest and dearest.

Outside of Royal Ascot, the racecourse’s flagship summer occasion, other racedays include the Peroni Nastro Azzurro May Racing Weekend, QIPCO King George Diamond Weekend, QIPCO British Champions Day, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup and Concert, to name just a few.

Additionally, four dedicated family days, complete with free entertainment for little ones and teens through to grown-ups, take place at Ascot each year. From roaming entertainment to fairground rides, face painting, fireworks, and seasonal delights – there’s an occasion at Ascot to suit every preference, for all ages, throughout both the Flat and National Hunt seasons.

Find out more at ascot.com

“Situated at the height of the British summer social season, from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th June 2023, Royal Ascot is the perfect occasion to enjoy with friends, family and loved ones”

Equestrian Art International

Top: ‘Stradivarius’ oil on canvas, 110 x 90 cm by Rob Hefferan

Right: ‘Hunt Season II’ acrylic on canvas, 60 x 60 cm by Dee Taylor

Far right: ‘Pulsating’ oil/acrylic on canvas, 150 x 150 cm by Alasdair Banks

For almost twenty years, Equestrian Art International has been promoting and exhibiting the finest, original, contemporary equine art from the best British equestrian artists both here in the UK and throughout the world.

Through its galleries in Kent and York and by hosting exhibitions at major equine sporting events and venues in the UK, Europe, the US, Hong Kong and The Middle East, together with its virtual gallery website at www.equestrianartuk. com, EAI has developed into the only enterprise dedicated to meeting the needs of serious collectors and investors in modern equestrian art.

EAI represents exciting new and established artistic talents including Vineta Sayer MA, Alasdair Banks, Sally Martin SEA, Jane Braithwaite SEA and Rob Hefferan, whose artistic styles range across the full spectrum from figurative, impressionism, pop art, abstract expressionism and photo realism, as well as all equine genres including horse racing, polo, and eventing.

There are over 1500 collectors and clients of EAI across the world, many of whom have built up their own collections of original works or commissions over many years through expert and unbiased advice from EAI.

THE DETAILS

For further information about our artists, their paintings and the exhibitions and venues where we exhibit, please visit our website at equestrianartuk.com or email at info@equestrianartuk.com or telephone 01304 389200 and speak with John Thorley, Director of EAI.

‘Below: Ghosts’ triptych oil on canvas, 3 00 x 75 cm by Vineta Sayer MA

CAMILLA MEETS YOUNG HORSE CLUB MEMBERS FROM BRIXTON AT ASCOT RACING WEEKEND

grateful for how the club had given him “lots of opportunities in the horse industry”.

The Ebony Horse Club Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase was declared a walkover after four of the five intended runners pulled out due to the ground at Ascot – leaving only Milan Bridge, trained by Paul Nicholls.Young people from the club, who visited Ascot’s Royal Box, instead chose Brewin’upastorm as the best turned out horse in the Coral Hurdle Race.

Camilla presented prizes for the race, which was won by Goshen under jockey Jamie Moore.

The Queen Consort has met young people from a charity horse-riding club based in Brixton at Ascot’s November racing weekend.

Camilla met members of the Ebony Horse Club, which provides riding lessons and youth work support in south London, on Saturday.

Grace Mpungi, a member of the club, said it was “absolutely amazing” to have the support of Camilla and that they had a “nice conversation” in the Ascot parade ring.

Ms Mpungi, 19, added: “I don’t think Ebony would have even half of the opportunities we have if it wasn’t for our president, the Queen Consort.

“It’s a blessing, to be honest, to have such support and love from someone in such a high position.”

In her previous role as the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla became president of Ebony Horse Club in April 2009 and opened its centre in Wyck Gardens in 2011. Another member of the club, Lara Vollmer, 17, said “it was really nice to see how engaged she was and how she wanted to listen to what you had to say”.

Ms Vollmer added that Ebony Horse Club was her “happy place”.

Demba Boly, 16, said Camilla, who was wearing a green wool coat and skirt by Mr Roy and a Lock & Co hat, was “very welcoming” and he was

Ebony Horse Club seeks to improve the lives of young people in south London by using riding and horsemanship as tools to develop and improve life skills such as problem solving, confidence building and empathy.

The club was founded in 1996 and has 10 horses, serving more than 150 riders per week.

“Camilla, who was wearing a green wool coat and skirt by Mr Roy and a Lock & Co hat, was “very welcoming”

EQUESTRIAN & WILDLIFE SCULPTURE IN BRONZE

IN BRONZE ANIMAL SCULPTURES

GILL PARKER

A leading equestrian and wildlife sculptor with commissions in private and public collections across the World

Gill’s equine, equestrian and wildlife sculptures have earned her international acclaim, with commissioned pieces in galleries, exhibitions and royal households worldwide.

Initially inspired by the early animalier artists, the forms of the natural world are her inspiration and motivation. Gill has developed a distinct and empathetic style, exploring a simplified focus on form and feel, but still based in realism and an understanding of anatomy and movement.

‘I don’t make sculpture to shock, make statements, or needing explanation, I want to make sculpture that is a ‘standalone’ thing of beauty, based on the perfect forms of nature’

An accomplished horsewoman, Gill’s work clearly demonstrates her passion for horses. Yet her work is remarkably versatile in both subject matter and scale. Her limited edition and commissioned pieces cover, equestrian, wildlife and every aspect of the natural world.

Gill lives and works in a beautiful part of rural Gloucestershire, along with a various assortment of animals. Gill also breeds and shows American Quarter Horses with which she has won numerous European and National championships. It was whilst studying art at South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury that Gill was first introduced

to sculpture.

In May 1983 Gill took her first bronzes to London where they were bought by Garrards and Asprey. Early support and encouragement from the Sladmore Gallery led to her first one women show in November 1984. Since then, she has become a leader in the field of equine and wildlife sculpture. With many major commissions to her name including the life-size bronze Motivator at Ascot Racecourse, the ‘Emirates’ bronzes, in flight lounges around the world, Boris, Chester Zoo’s famous chimp, five life-size wildlife sculptures for Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, and the iconic ‘Chloe’ Horse door handle.

Gill is a member of the Society of Equestrian Artists. gillparker.com

“I don’t make sculpture to shock, make statements, or needing explanation, I want to make sculpture that is a ‘standalone’ thing of beauty, based on the perfect forms of nature”

Gill will be exhibiting her work with Collier and Dobson at the London International Horse Show at ExCel this month.

LUXURY TRAVEL

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

SO/ Sotogrande

no end to the amount of fun and pampering to experience. Although, with four restaurants and bars offering some of the finest cuisine in the region, you may never feel the need to leave the resort. A stay at this revolutionised cortijo hotel wouldn’t be complete without a meal at the signature restaurant Cortijo, featuring Andalusian flavours at their finest.

Encircled by five manicured golf courses and a fragrant pine forest, the exclusive SO/ Sotogrande is a bubble of tranquility along the Costa del Sol. Taking the tradition of the Andalusian Cortijo, a classic Spanish farmhouse, but delivering it for a modern clientele, this stunning property promises a stay like no other.

With raw materials, edgy art, and unconventional decor; it is somehow familiar but at the same time refreshing and invigorating: The Revolutionized Cortijo. The resort was planned and built around the idea of community and shared enjoyment. From gastronomic experiences intended to bring people together to activities and spaces that encourage team play, all is designed to help you enjoy your time in one of the most sociable countries in the world.

A kingdom unto itself, SO/ Sotogrande is much more than just stylish rooms and luxurious suites beyond parallel. With outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness with over 2,800sqm, landscaped gardens, beaches, polo, and golf opportunities galore, there is

From the moment you arrive, you are swept away to a world of wellness and serenity. A world where each day starts like a blank canvas for you to paint with the colours and emotions of your choice. Choose to explore the surrounding tapestry of verdant hills and valleys by foot, bike or horseback. Dive into the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean Sea, then sail across them on a majestic yacht. Practice your swing on one of the many world-renowned golf greens that surround the hotel. Or simply spend indulgent days within its white walls, shady arcades and idyllic grounds. However you chose to enjoy your time, you will have no doubt that SO/ Sotogrande is truly a picture perfect resort for all seasons. trailfinders.com

D ESTINATIONS: The Holiday & Travel Show 2023

Discover a world of adventure as the UK’s leading travel event returns Olympia London, 2nd - 5th February 2023

Now in its 28th year, the UK’s longest running travel show, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, in association with The Times & The Sunday Times is returning to Olympia London, this February.

Travel is back and Destinations is the place to be for much-needed travel inspiration! It plays host to more than 300 leading travel companies, including the top travel operators as well as specialist, independent travel brands. Plus, over 70 tourist boards from around the world will be represented.

The Essential Event for Travel Inspiration

With a diverse range of tour operators, tourist boards, hoteliers and airlines, visitors can explore and research unlimited travel ideas for their next holiday. There will be old favourites as well as new brands to discover.

These include: Flight Centre, Explore, Cosmos, Viking Cruises, APT, G Adventure, Audley Travel, Intrepid Travel, Trailfinders, Aurora Expeditions and Authentic India Tours, Classic Collection Holidays, Explora Cruises, Wellness & Safari, Ponant and Polar Routes to name a few.

Expert Advice

From activity to adventure holidays, safaris to sight-seeing, family holidays to solo expeditions, honeymoons to babymoons and cultured city

breaks to cruises, visitors can expect one-to-ones with travel experts who can help tailor-make their next dream holiday to anywhere in the world. Local tour guides from around the world touch down at Olympia specially to talk to visitors and provide inspiring in-depth knowledge of destinations

Visitors can take advantage of exclusive showonly offers, discounts and upgrades. They’ll have their tastebuds tantalised with global flavours in the daily cookery demonstrations and learn how to take perfect holiday photos at the Travel Photography Masterclasses. Visitors can also hear from the leading voices in the industry, as they take to the stage to tell their tales of travel, and impart valuable travel advice, in a line-up of expert talks, interviews and panel discussions.

THE DETAILS

Booking your next escape has never been easier.

]For more on Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show and ticket information, visit: Olympia London: destinationsshow.com/ london/welcome

Connecting with

Queensland

When you connect with Queensland, it changes you… Home to more than 1,000 ecosystem types and five World Heritage-listed sites, including the Scenic Rim National Park, K’gari (Fraser Island), and one of the Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef; the second largest state in Australia has a slice of paradise to suit every traveller.

From the bright lights of the Gold Coast, the extraordinary underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, pristine beaches and incredible marine life in the Whitsundays to the lush vegetation and remarkable landscapes in the Daintree Rainforest; there’s something altogether magical about the beauty of Queensland.

THE DETAILS

Experience “A Beautiful Way to Be” in Queensland and find yourself, in every sense of the word. Contact award-winning First Class Holidays, industry leader in providing tailormade holidays and start planning your Australian adventure on 0161 888 5632 or email enquiries@fcholidays.com today.

With over 300 sunny days a year, indulge in the endless sunshine, wildlife, picturesque scenery, unique culture, and some of the best seafood in the world. Australia’s “Sunshine State” is one of the most popular Australian destinations, with so much to offer and a plethora of outdoor activities and tours. From sleeping underwater, swimming with whales, to Indigenous experiences to connect with Australia’s ancient culture; there is something for everyone in Queensland.

The state capital of Queensland, Brisbane, is renowned for its culture, balmy climate, cosmopolitan atmosphere, close connection to nature and a classic Aussie laid-back friendliness. The city is set along the banks of the Brisbane River with entertainment in abundance, perfect for couples and families. Home to the Botanic Gardens, admire the breath-taking views or perhaps catch the perfect sunset over this amiable city.

ESCAPE FROM LIFE, ESCAPE FROM REALITY

As if being awarded the ‘Maldives Leading Honeymoon Destination 2022’ wasn’t enough of an accolade, in October, for the second time in two years, JA Manafaru was re-crowned the even greater honour of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

And announced in November, JA Manafaru was also voted the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’, making the World Travel Awards ‘triple-honeymoon’ honours not just a country or regional achievement, but a ceremonial worldwide crown as well.

Whether you are planning your dream honeymoon or just need to escape the winter chill over Valentine’s Day, there is a romantic island nestled in the farthest reaches of the Maldives archipelago, waiting to help you celebrate your love whilst unwinding in the glory of the Indian Ocean.

As far as getaways go, JA Manafaru is the northernmost resort in the Maldives, taking you far from the madding crowd and into a world of authentic Maldivian life. Why not cast yourself away to this barefoot luxury private island which presents an understated and unassuming sanctuary for couples who dream of experiencing unsurpassed serenity.

This island experience offers an unrivalled level of privacy, perfect soft sand beaches and crystalclear waters surround this idyllic pristine natural island that benefits from remoteness more than any other Maldives barefoot luxury resort.

Whether you wish to listen to nature’s calling from the tropical forest canopy at dusk, or the lapping of the ocean as you sleep, the selection of spacious beach villas, over-water villas and palatial two and three-bedroom residences, each with their secluded gardens and private pool (or pools), presents a choice for everyone - and for every occasion.

With an extensive list of ceremony and blessing set-ups for honeymooners and those wishing to renew their vows, every small detail will be taken care of on your special occasion. From bouquets to button-hole flowers, from cakes to champagne, the island team are on hand to ensure memorable moments on your special Maldivian escape. jaresortshotels.com

Hebridean Island Cruises

Where Small Means Personal

Hebridean Island Cruises is perhaps one of the world’s most unusual cruise companies – their recipe for holidays afloat is simple – they create unique experiences for a few people and never something ordinary for a crowd.

Hebridean’s small fleet comprises of just two ships – each dedicated to providing the finest holidays afloat around the Western Isles of Scotland, the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal – all providing an extraordinary level of service that is the hallmark of Hebridean Island Cruises.

Whatever your choice from their range of cruises, they all include fascinating shore excursions, always organised with precision and often only accessible to private yachts. And when back on board, Hebridean’s chefs create imaginative menus using the freshest ingredients available.

There is nothing quite like the sense of freedom

you will feel, knowing that everything from tours ashore, to meals and drinks, port taxes and even gratuities are included in the fare you pay.

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

The multi-award winning Hebridean Princess combines the atmosphere of a country house with a renowned level of service and attention to detail which Hebridean’s guests have come to expect for over 30 years. This, along with knowledgeable guides, makes for a memorable experience.

Twenty eight beautiful cabins are unusually spacious, eight dedicated to single travellers. Offering Hebridean bathrobes, slippers and a large selection of Molton Brown toiletries, they are individually designed, tastefully furnished with the finest of fabrics and romantically named after Scottish castles, isles, lochs and sounds.

LORD OF THE HIGHLANDS

Purpose built to transit the historic locks of the Caledonian Canal following a multi-million pound rebuild, Lord of the Highlands is the latest addition to Hebridean Island Cruises’ fleet of beautiful and intimate ships.

There are nineteen outward facing pictured windowed cabins, spread over two decks, including a suite and four with small private balconies.

If you are bewitched by wildlife, inspired by history, invigorated by bracing walks, tempted by the finest Scottish malt whiskies or stimulated by stunning gardens, their specially themed itineraries may appeal to you.

hebridean.co.uk Tel: 01756 704704

ITALY’S AMALFI COAST

By Josie Clarke

The Star Clipper gives guests the opportunity to experience the adventure of tall ship sailing in super yacht-style comfort, says Josie Clarke.

It’s 11pm on a clear, starlit night just off the coast of Amalfi, and the 115-metre Star Clipper is creaking with what you imagine could be anticipation. Captain Dominique Rollin is pacing the deck with an expression of extreme concentration. The crew are hoisting the sales high above us, metres upon metres of canvas straining and flapping in the stiff breeze and then, we hear it. Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis starts blasting from the ship’s speakers. “Sailaway” time has arrived.

We have joined the ship to experience a fresh view of one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines, excited by the Star Clipper line’s dedication to sail over engine whenever the winds allow. Tonight has offered up the perfect conditions, the twinkling lights of Amalfi slowly fading into the distance as the graceful tall ship takes on a gentle lean

as the sails take over, the silence broken only by the sounds of creaking wood and the occasional flapping of canvas.

Our course will take us from a sun-soaked day in Amalfi, eating lobster linguine at the edge of the hill top Hotel Caruso’s famous infinity pool, along the coast to Sorrento, stopping off at the islands of Capri and Ponza, before arriving in the port of Rome Civitavecchia.

Styled on the tea clippers of the 19th century, our four-masted barquentine has a full 16 sails at her disposal should conditions allow. She and her two tall ship sisters, the Royal Clipper and Star Flyer, offer a genuine sailing experience that bears little – if any – resemblance to the cruise

Why a tall ship is the only way to explore

behemoths that disgorge thousands of passengers at the world’s busiest tourist destinations.

There were barely 150 other passengers on our sailing – Star Clipper carries up to 166 guests –united by the belief that the “the best way to travel is to sail” and lured by the promise of a “unique adventure, combining the romance and nautical heritage of a traditional clipper ship, with the relaxation and sophistication of sailing aboard a modern-day private mega-yacht”.

The ships have an open bridge policy while sailing, allowing guests to discuss navigation techniques and learn about the instruments with the genial crew, take the wheel and help haul ropes.

The whole atmosphere would be entirely relaxed if it weren’t so thrilling, the Tropical Bar supplying rum to passengers who chat under the tall sails with the crew for a couple of hours, before heading down for the night, lulled off to sleep by the gentle sway of the ship, as it makes its way silently to Sorrento.

We awake next morning to find ourselves anchored off Sorrento with plans to hop over to Capri after breakfast. The wind has picked up and conditions are choppy, meaning climbing into the ship’s tenders is not for the faint-hearted. Some passengers opt to stay on board but those prepared to take the leap – literally, with the help of the crew – are rewarded with a day of sightseeing and shopping.

However, those who remain on board can listen to the captain giving talks on sailing ships and techniques, or join knot-tying sessions, deck-top yoga and fitness sessions. The sports crew offers the chance to try complimentary kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding.

Expansive teak decks offer two small swimming pools filled with sea water, while the décor is reminiscent of the grand age of sail – all gleaming mahogany rails and brass and paintings of racing ships.

An open-seating dining room allows guests to socialise together as the cruise goes on, while the indoor-outdoor bar and Edwardian-style library offers plenty of options for inclement weather or simple quiet time.

But as the night falls and the ship lights up, everyone safely back on board, it’s time to eat, drink and partake in the much-anticipated passengers and crew talent show. A world away from the slick productions seen on the biggest

cruise lines, this one has the crew showing off their best magic tricks and musical numbers, culminating with an all-singing and dancing rendition of PSY’s Gangnam Style to much hilarity. Then the guests find their sea legs for a disco on the deck, now at a distinctly jaunty angle thanks to us having set sail.

It is possible to find a quiet spot on the top deck, where all is calm, and I listen to the ship as she slices through the waves. It’s so peaceful that one guest asks the captain if we’re actually moving, to which he replies: “Of course we’re moving. Six knots! She is not a rocket!”

Overnight, we travel 68.4 nautical miles to Ponza, the tiny but largest island of the Italian Pontine Islands archipelago, just in time for the sun to return.

The fishing village is a popular summer holiday destination for Italians, as Rome and Naples are only a short drive and ferry ride away. Known as ‘Capri without the tourists’, it is characterized by steep white cliffs and crystalline water. With a population of around 3,500, Ponza remains

“An open-seating dining room allows guests to socialise together as the cruise goes on,”

fairly quiet for most of the year and maintains a small-town atmosphere.

We take a few hours to relax off the ship before heading back in time for sailaway at 3pm. The wind has picked up and, as it’s the last full day of the cruise, the word goes out that the captain will allow guests to take to the tenders to photograph Star Clipper under full sail.

Armed with our cameras, we watch the extraordinary sight of the crew hoisting all 16 sails up the ship’s four masts. The wind by now is presenting ideal sailing conditions, the anchor comes up and she’s off, picking up speed and keeling gently into the wind.

She is slowed to allow us back safely on board, where the gusty wind and warm sun make way for a glorious sunset.

Guests are encouraged to lie in the bowsprit net

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

A seven-night Rome roundtrip on Star Clipper costs from £1,632pp (two sharing). Multiple departure dates from MayOctober 2023. Price includes 10% Early Booking Discount, valid on bookings made until January 31, 2023. Visit starclippers.co.uk or call 0845 200 6145.

suspended above the sea and try to spot dolphins and to climb the 32 rungs to the crow’s nest, secured by a safety harness, although the wind by now is so brisk that we miss the opportunity.

Not that it matters, as the experience of sitting on the deck as the sun goes down, nothing but the sound of the wind and the sails and the gulls overhead to interrupt the endless expanse of blue sea ahead, is exciting enough.

Rum punch in hand, I stay on deck until dark with the wind blowing in my face, absorbing the beauty of tall ship travel, a newly-converted sailing enthusiast.

LUXURY LODGE HOLIDAYS IN THE DERBYSHIRE PEAK DISTRICT

There is no better place than the Derbyshire Peak District to enjoy a short break or a family holiday. The Peak District is ideally located in the Heart of England and is bursting with majestic landscapes, stunning views, stately homes and unique family attractions.

Award winning Landal Darwin Forest is situated between Matlock and Bakewell and combines luxury self-catering lodges with fantastic onsite facilities. Whether you want peace and tranquillity on a romantic break, action packed adventures or fantastic local attractions for entertaining friends and family, our lodges provide the perfect base from which to explore.

The luxury lodges at Landal Darwin Forest are nestled within a 47 acre woodland paradise. The parks 135 lodges are sympathetically interwoven into the forest, which enables you to get back to nature and enjoy the picturesque environment. We have created a holiday park where children can explore, and young and old will feel carefree and relaxed.

There are several types of accommodation options to choose from which will keep the whole family happy. Most popular are our spa lodges that include a private hot tub on the veranda and really enable you to appreciate the serenity of our forest setting. We also have a number of pet friendly lodges.

At Landal Darwin Forest we have created the perfect setting for you to relax, enjoy your holiday and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind.

Landal Darwin Forest is the perfect destination to enjoy a family holiday. Our fantastic onsite facilities include Evolution Health & Fitness, which has a swimming pool, spa, gym and beauty rooms.

For the younger members of your family, Little Monkeys indoor play centre will provide hours of fun and entertainment. The Activity Den is perfect for older children with pool tables and a games room to keep them entertained.

We also offer a range of fun activities onsite that are suitable for children and adults. Let our qualified instructors train you in the art of archery or the skills of fencing. The more adventurous could experience the thrills of bodyzorbing, waterwalkerz or snorkelling! For all the family to enjoy, we have a tennis court, mini golf and an abundance of footpaths and cycling trails.

If you want to give yourself a break from cooking you can enjoy a coffee and lite bite at the Explorers cafe or you can visit the Foresters bar and restaurant which has an extensive menu serving fresh, locally sourced produce.

Many families enjoy celebrating Christmas or New Year at the park, or gathering the family together for a birthday or anniversary. No matter what the time of year, we are confident your friends and family will have a fantastic break.

darwinforest.co.uk

Her show “Light Spills and Sprites” is on view at Guild Gallery II in New York’s Chelsea gallery district.

Also visit www carolsalmanson.com and follow @carolsalmanson on Instagram.

Email: carol@carolsalmanson.com

Carol Salmanson creates installations, sculptures, and wall pieces with light and reflective materials. In bright surroundings her artworks convey a sense of playfulness and delight. In darker environments they become otherworldly, glowing artworks. Their forms are as important as the light and reflection that surrounds them.

ART GUIDE

– Stunning art from local, national and international artists –

PORTRAIT OF SHAKESPEARE GOES ON DISPLAY

By Alex Green

Aportrait said to be the only signed and dated image of William Shakespeare created during his lifetime has gone on display in London.

Its owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, is offering the piece for sale by private treaty – without an auction – for a figure of more than £10 million.

It is the work of Robert Peake, Sergeant-Painter to King James I, and is signed and dated 1608.

Prior to 1975, the picture hung in the library of a stately home in the north of England, once home to the Danby family. Since then it has been in private ownership.

Those behind its sale claim that the connections between Shakespeare and Peake are “extensive”.

They say Peake was regularly commissioned to paint the portraits of high-ranking members of the Court and Jacobean society.

They also noted he was commissioned by the Office of the Revels, which oversaw the presentation of plays, and worked in the premises in Clerkenwell, London, where some of Shakespeare’s plays were rehearsed.

However, only two paintings of Shakespeare, both posthumous, are generally recognised as valid – the engraving that appears on the title page of the First Folio, published in 1623, and the sculpture at his funeral monument in Stratford-upon-Avon.

“Prior to 1975, the picture hung in the library of a stately home in the north of England, once home to the Danby family. Since then it has been in private ownership”

Shakespeare died in 1616, at the age of 52.

Art expert Duncan Phillips, who investigated the work ahead of the sale, said: “There is more evidence for this portrait of Shakespeare than any other known painting of the playwright.

“It is a monogrammed and dated work by a portrait painter of serious status with connections to the artist who produced the image for the First Folio.

“The picture has survived the past 400 years almost untouched by wear and tear thanks to its ownership by a family of Shakespeare enthusiasts who hung it in their library.”

However, Shakespeare expert Michael Dobson told the Daily Mail claims the painting is of the Bard are “wishful thinking”.

The painting went is on display at Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

TONY FANDINO FRSA

For more paintings visit: tonyfandino.com

I will display and attend the Parallax Art Fair, Kensington Town Hall, London 18-19 February 2023

Knole

New portrait of Sir David Attenborough donated to wildlife conservation charity

Sir David Attenborough has helped unveil a new portrait of himself that has been donated to a wildlife conservation charity.

The 96-year-old broadcaster and environmentalist has been a member of Fauna & Flora International (FFI) – which is dedicated to protecting the planet’s threatened wildlife and habitats – since 1959 and its vice-president since 1979.

The portrait, by artist Rosalie Watkins, was unveiled at FFI’s London office on Wednesday during an intimate ceremony, with Sir David and his daughter Susan in attendance.

The painting has been donated to FFI by philanthropist and FFI trustee Kim Stewart, and her family, to mark Sir David’s contribution to conservation and to serve in memory of her son Duncan Stewart, a young naturalist inspired by Sir David’s example.

Duncan died in a car accident at the age of 18 while working as a marine biologist studying migratory fish in Scotland’s west coast rivers.

In the coming weeks the portrait will be installed in the David Attenborough Building in Cambridge, home to FFI’s UK head office and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI), of which Sir David is an honorary patron.

In a statement, Kim Stewart said: “The Stewart family is donating Rosalie Watkins’ wonderful portrait of Sir David to Fauna & Flora International in memory of Duncan.

“Sir David Attenborough was, simply, Duncan’s hero. As a 17-year-old, Duncan wrote to Sir David, inviting him to come and talk at Winchester College.

“He accepted and not only had the whole school spell-bound but agreed to become the patron of the school’s Natural History Society.

“When Duncan was killed, Sir David wrote a very kind letter saying that ‘we cannot afford to lose young people like Duncan’.

“Duncan chose his hero well.”

The painting was done in oil on canvas by

By Connie Evans

Watkins following three sittings at Sir David’s London home.

Speaking about the finished piece, Watkins said: “I wanted the portrait to be dignified to reflect the esteem in which we all hold Sir David Attenborough.

“But there also had to be an element of unease to reflect his concern for the current environmental situation, so it being split over two canvases, creating a subtle rupture in the surface, is the reference to that unease.”

Mark Rose, chief executive of FFI, said: “We are enormously grateful for the support Sir David has provided to FFI as a member and vice-president over the past 60 years, but beyond that we are thankful for the impact he has had on conservation more widely.

“It is a great honour to be gifted this remarkable new portrait, which not only celebrates Sir David’s extraordinary contribution to conservation but will serve in memory of Duncan Stewart, a young naturalist who was inspired by his incredible example.”

For more paintings visit: tonyfandino.com I will display and attend the Parallax Art Fair, Kensington Town Hall, London 18-19 February 2023

Boats on shoreline, Richmond Surrey. oil on panel, framed 54w X 44d cms- £1000

Boats tied up, Richmond Surrey. oil on panel, framed 54w X 44d cms- £500

National Gallery announces ‘pay what you wish’ scheme

By Kerri-Ann Roper

Visitors to the National Gallery will be able to pay “as much or as little as they like” on Friday evenings for the run of a Lucian Freud exhibition as part of a new scheme responding to the cost-of-living crisis, the gallery has announced.

The Pay What You Wish scheme, the first of its kind at the National Gallery, will be valid for the run of the Credit Suisse – Lucian Freud: New Perspectives exhibition, which opens on October 1, and the scheme will be for slots between 5.30pm and 9pm on Fridays.

Tickets for the exhibition can be booked in online, on the phone or in person, with a minimum payment of £1 required.

The Lucian Freud: New Perspectives exhibition includes the portrait by the artist of the late Queen, with his diminutive oil portrait done after the Queen sat for him between May 2000 and December 2001.

The portrait drew some controversy when it was first unveiled, after portraying her with a thick neck and a “six o’clock shadow” under her blue-grey chin.

Freud was noticed for his talent early on in his life and, after a spell in the Merchant Navy in 1942, had his first one-man show in 1944, when he was 21.

Some of the key pieces from his career include Girl With A White Dog, Naked Girl Asleep and Reflection (self portrait), and he was particularly known for his paintings of nudes.

He died aged 88 in 2011.

Freud, the grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, was born in Berlin in 1922 and the landmark retrospective of his work staged at the National Gallery marks the centenary of his birth.

Dr Gabriele Finaldi, director of the National Gallery, London, said: “The cost of an exhibition ticket can sometimes make it difficult to visit.

“While most of our temporary exhibitions are free, the Pay What You Wish scheme will enable practically anyone who wants to see the Freud centenary show to do so.”

The Credit Suisse Exhibition – Lucian Freud: New Perspectives includes more than 65 loans from museums and major private collections around the world and will feature works including Girl with Roses, Reflection with Two Children (self-portrait) and his later works such as The Brigadier, a portrait of Andrew Parker Bowles, the former husband of the Queen Consort.

The exhibition will “present new perspectives on Freud’s art, focusing on his tireless and ever-searching commitment to the medium of painting”, the gallery said.

Lucian Freud: New Perspectives will show until 22 January 2023.

“It will enable practically anyone who wants to see the Freud centenary show to do so”

PAKS Gallery

PAKS Gallery represents artists like Tanja Playner, Rebeccah Klodt, Sataro Takanami, Janusz Tworek, Irene van Celestine, Courtney Muller and other contemporary artists.

In the PAKS Gallery you will find abstract paintings, figurative paintings, photography, digital art and sculptures. The spectrum of works of art ranges from classical representations to modern interpretations of art.

If you like works by Salvador Dali or Francis Bacon, you will also be recommended works of new interpretation and artistic research by Janusz Tworek.

In 2022, works of art by Chadraabal Adiyabazar will fascinate you in the PAKS Gallery with the colorful implementation of his expressive works with elements of cubism and surrealism. The artist also deals with the digital world and the impact of digital information on people, which he implements in his artworks.

For lovers of abstract painting and nature, thick infusions on the works of Sataro Takanami bring the viewer into the world of nature. Rebeccah Klodt’s abstract implementation of inspiration from nature and life also fascinates with the composition and technical design. If you like Jackson Pollock’s expressive splashes, you might also be interested in the artworks of Lisa Moosmann.

Passionate soul can be seen in the artworks of Irene Van Celestine. Mythological connection enhances the profound impact of her artworks. In 2022, the works of Irene Van Celestine can be purchased at the PAKS Gallery.

In the PAKS Gallery you can also purchase artworks and prints by the artist Tanja Playner.

Her works of art can be found in many private collections.

Tanja Playner also deals with modern objects, consumer products and people’s emotions. She speaks in her art about the way of our society and

touches the hearts of the beholder with colorful colors in conjunction with positive emotions. Her motives are not sad emotions, and they are the opposite of cartoons.

Since 2018 Tanja Playner has been experimenting with body plasticity, space and the human sense of self in relation to objects and space. In combination with her already developed style, the artworks often show controversial depictions of the human body to reality. In contrast to the artist Georg Baselitz, who mainly turns the human body upside down, Tanja Playner places the human body perpendicular to objects. Split upper bodies and lower bodies can often be seen on the artworks, placed perpendicularly, parallel or transversely to one another.

Split upper and lower bodies can often be seen in the works of art, placed perpendicularly, parallel or transversely to one another, but also to the landscapes, still lifes and objects. Often the images are presented in combination with abstract intricate wave-like lines.

Buying art will not only make your rooms shine, but is also a valuable investment that will give you pleasure.

paks-gallery.com

“In the PAKS Gallery you will find abstract paintings, figurative paintings, photography, digital art and sculptures”

Carmen Delprat Art

Carmen Delprat is a professional find artist from Newcastle NSW Australia.

Through her work, Carmen captures an allegory of the natural world around her and transforms it into dreamlike interpretations with vivid colour and imagination.

Carmen is known for her powerful portrait illustrations that represent the spirit of femininity, emitting grace and strength with dramatic atmosphere. Her intricate work is fused with symbolism embedding an interplay between nature and the spirit and our connection to time.

Carmen sells her unique art as find art prints, gift cards and stunning art scarves, pairing art with luxury in perfect harmony and style.

If you would like to enquire about purchasing one of Carmen’s original artworks, please email her directly to confirm availability and pricing. For more details on Carmen’s work visit the full collection at www. carmendelpratart.com

THE DETAILS:

www.carmendelpratart.com carmen@carmendelpratart.com IG

carmendelpratart.com

Artist Lo Hennessey

By Christie Mendes

Lo Hennessey is a Massachusettsbased artist who graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons University in 2016. Lo began her creative journey at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. When a Covid lockdown was announced, Lo and her roommate transformed a spare room in their Boston apartment into a painting studio. Her roommate, an art school grad, filled the studio with some old art supplies and instructed Lo on basic painting principles. Lo picked up a paint brush and became enthralled painting; spending all of her free time in the studio.

Prior to the pandemic, Lo worked as a physical therapist for Boston Public Schools. When the lockdown occurred, she was transferred to a nursing home in a low-income area of Boston. The devastating impact of Covid-19 at this facility propelled Lo towards painting as an emotional release. Her work became a blending of emotion and anatomy: she celebrated the lives of her physical therapy patients by incorporating ethereal forms and vibrant colors in her paintings to highlight the interplay between emotions and physicality.

As Lo’s career progressed, she transitioned from acrylic paint to oil paint. She grew fond of the flexibility of oil as a medium, and today,

works primarily with oil on canvas. She enjoys capturing the subtle complexities of her subjects through vivid, realistic colors and light. Her most recent exhibit includes four oil paintings created during 2022. Three paintings are intended as one installation- the “Nude Series”- which is a study of the female form. The model is an avid yogi, with the paintings demonstrating joint hypermobility in the spine, hips, feet, and elbow. She incorporates vivid colors and femininity into the model’s movements. The fourth oil painting, titled “Moneymaker,” highlights her interest in fashion, figurative distortion, vibrant color, and the female body.

These days, Lo keeps busy by exhibiting her artwork in Boston, MA, continuing her art education, and working as a physical therapist. She loves to travel and finds inspiration in nature.

You can see more of her art gallery at lohennyart.com and on Instagram

@LoHennessey.

“As Lo’s career progressed, she transitioned from acrylic paint to oil paint”

EVA HENDRIKS ART

Artist Eva Hendriks (NL) creates large wall works that you want to touch. Tactile works that arise from her curiosity about the typical properties of natural materials and the impact of new techniques. Hendriks captures the softness of grains of sand, the sharpness of salt crystals and the movement of the sea in elegant works created as autonomous expression or commissioned artwork.

Her work looks soft and creates tranquillity. She bases her work on landscapes she discovered on distant travels and knowledge she gained from local craftsmen she met while living in LatinAmerica and Asia. With her work, she brings memories close and the outside in. Her minimalist artworks in natural colours encourage you to feel and experience again.

Tell us more your artistic journey and what lead you to becoming an artist? I always knew art was my passion. It is a constant in my life. During my years in Asia and Latin America, I gained experiences with different techniques from local experts. It’s a way of communicating and connecting. The art of experiencing, working together provided depth in living in another culture.

Experiencing art, developing and creating is a refuge and resting point in a hectic life, it’s so much an essence of my life as food and friendship. Choosing to pursue my career as a full-time artist was a natural step after my career in real estate transformation. It is as if along my path in life my passion for art, the technical growth, experience with raw materials and an better self-understanding of how I observe life, came together.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration is often a combination of experiencing or discovering material in a way that is new to me, evoking a memory and experience. My mind explores and travels down memory lane, creating a world of its own. As with the salt crystals sliding through my hands, the sunlight creates a spark. Images I get from standing in the middle of Peoplesquare Shanghai where thousands of people move around me like a whirlwind during rush hour. The flicker of light making its way among the people. The light that begs to be touched. It is the calm in a hectic moment. The beginning of a new collection.

Why do you choose to use natural materials? I’m drawn to the calm, strength and vulnerability of these material. My background in real estate transformation, strengthend the interest in materials that are all around us in our daily life. Raw materials challenge me to show the material in a different light. With a minimalist approach, I transform them into tactile works that emphasise the elegant and soft side of the work without losing sight of its strength.

What is the key message you want to leave viewers with after viewing your work?

“My work encourages a natural response of feeling and remembering.” Sand has the power that it asks to be touched and to go through it with your hand like a child. We often forget our inner child. The need to explore, experience without restrictions. Our senses awaken memories which is the most precious thing we take from life.

Website: evahendriks.com Email: info@evahendriks.com Socials: eva_hendriks_art

“My work encourages a natural response of feeling and remembering.”

YUMMY MUMMY

MAGAZINE

KIDZ AT THE RITZ

Creating magical memories for children

Indoor and Outdoor Friendly Keep your kids safe and playing all year round

At Buena Onda Games, our fair trade, handmade toys are not just guaranteed for life, they’re guaranteed to put smiles on your family’s faces and connect you in real life, not online.

Old school is back!

All ball games are made with 100% recycled plastic diverting over 12,000 pounds per year of bottles and bags from the landfill.

Sales are helping keep families together in Guatemala, where everything is lovingly made by hand. Sales also help fund important work like water filtration projects and securing school supplies.

For more information contact: info@buenaondagames.com

To view our full range visit www.BuenaOndaGames.co.uk

BRINGING YOUR KIDS SOMETHING NEW FOR CHRISTMAS THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL FRISBEE

There’s a new range of games and toys available, guaranteed to bring smiles and joy this Christmas season.

Buena Onda Games has been selling soft, cotton crocheted discs for over a decade in the United States, shifting millions through high-end camping and outdoor stores. They have a simple mission - to get families off their phone and connect in real life through active, healthy play.

At the same time as their games bring families together, sales of their Fair-Trade toys help keep families together in Guatemala, where everything is painstakingly made by hand. Sales helps fund important work like water filtration projects and securing school supplies.

The average Mayan child ends their schooling at the 6th grade. Buena Onda’s work has provided the income needed to keep the kids of Tzununa and 9 other villages in school longer, better preparing them to enter higher level jobs later in life.

The performance of the discs is nearly impossible to believe until you throw one. The supple crochet makes the disc mush into your hand so even the most athletically challenged feel successful. Even that visiting Aunt who eats too much trifle while knocking back the good sherry. The cotton softness is fully forgiving to faces, windows, or your favourite painting. So, you don’t

need to head outside in the cold - these games are great for the family room.

If the weather is ok, the discs fold up into your pocket and come with a lifetime guarantee. So, they’re suitable for the outdoors and even the family dog can get involved! The el Grande is the World’s farthest flying MayaFlya. Playing outdoors on a windy day? No problem with your el Grande, which can fly a whopping 200 feet (61 metres)! the ultimate travel frisbee. Packable, and comes with over 50 quirky uses.

The same size as the Sports disc, but with a patch of buoyant foam sewn underneath, the Poseidon MayaFlya gives you and your family hours of fun in and out of the water.

Buena Onda Games also offers an amazingly addictive game called YippiYappa, along with what must be the world’s lightest (and indoor friendly) Bocce. Oh, and if that annoying old Aunt doesn’t want to join in these holidays? Well, throwing the disc at her won’t bring a smile to her face. But it just might to yours, and it won’t hurt her. All ball games are made with 100% recycled plastic diverting over 12,000 pounds per year of bottles and bags from the landfill.

For more information contact: info@buenaondagames.com

To see the full range, visit buenaondagames.co.uk

Everyone from 3-93 will love Buena Onda Games

Your purchase directly helps these and thousands of other Mayan children

KIDZ AT THE RITZ

Creating magical memories for children

Take your family to enjoy five star luxury at The Ritz - and they really roll out the red carpet for their younger guests and make sure that every moment is full of fun. Time spent with the family at The Ritz is a wonderful tradition, where every moment is magical and memories are made and remembered for a lifetime.

The Ritz London have a range of familyfriendly rooms as well as a delicious and extensive children’s menu

JUST FOR THE LITTLE ONES

They have created an exclusive kidz@theritz club, where each child receives their very own VIK (Very Important Kid) membership card which comes with a host of exciting benefits, including: • Special welcome gifts

• In-room games consoles

• Children’s bathroom amenities, bathrobes, and slippers

• Complimentary ice cream with Afternoon Tea or with lunch and dinner in The Ritz Restaurant

• Children’s menus in the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant for £35 for two courses or £40 for three courses

• Children’s continental breakfast for £30 per child. Children’s English breakfast for £35 per child

• Afternoon Tea for £45 per child

• Children, 16 years of age or younger can stay in their parents’ room on a complimentary basis (Deluxe King or above)

• Complimentary baby cots

• External babysitting service can be arranged through Concierge

Young guests of The Ritz will remember for the rest of their lives, getting dressed up and taking their first Afternoon Tea at the world-famous hotel with mummy and daddy. They will remember their first Ritz bathrobe and slippers, identical in all but size to that of their parent’s; and little girls will remember sipping Shirley Temples with their mother as they had their first taste of a grownup world of luxury. The services offered at The Ritz are designed to create moments between families that will be cherished forever, rather than providing a distraction for children when travelling away from home.

FAMILY FRIENDLY ROOMS

• Children, 16 years of age or younger can stay in their parents’ room on a complimentary basis (Deluxe King or above)

• Flexibility to have two adults and two children in a room*

• Guaranteed interconnecting rooms at the time of booking (subject to room category)

• Non-smoking rooms

LOCATION

The setting of The Ritz, with the wide spaces of the stunning Royal Green Park on its doorstep and a variety of stores and family activities to delight children only a short walk away, The Ritz London is close to the following attractions:

• Buckingham Palace

• Hamleys toy store

• British Museum

• Madame Tussauds

• Science Museum

• London Zoo

• Sea life London Aquarium

Step through their famous revolving doors –and experience the wonders of The Ritz London. Follow in the footsteps of English playwright Nöel Coward who wrote songs at The Ritz including ‘Children of The Ritz’

THE DETAILS

Telephone reservations on: +44 (0) 20 7300 2222

Or email: reservations@theritzlondon.com

Terms and Conditions: For children up to 16 years old and subject to availability. The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR Telephone: 020 7493 8181

About The Ritz London Step into a five-star world steeped in 116 years of history and the finest of British traditions. When The Ritz first opened its doors on 25th May 1906, it was considered one of the greatest hotels in the world. Conceived by the famous hotelier César Ritz with the aim of becoming the ultimate destination for guests looking to stay at the most luxurious hotel in the land, no expense was spared on its opulent interiors and lavish furnishings . 115 years on, The Ritz continues to offer their guests the same exceptionally high standards and exquisitely luxurious experience that was the keystone in the creation of their world-class hotel. theritzlondon.com

BABIES & KIDS

STYLISH STORAGE

The Calle Bookcase makes a wonderful addition to any young kid’s room or play area in need of storage. Complete with animal-themed drawers for storing their favourite toys and games, this bookcase and storage unit will make tidying up just as fun as playing. sweetpeaandwillow.com

CREATIVE KIDS

Our unisex Design Your Own T shirts are the perfect gift for budding fashion designers and creative kids. Not only will they enjoy drawing their picture but they will also be super excited to show off the clothing they designed themselves! oliveandpip.co.uk

RAINY DAYS

The ideal companion on a rainy day, this lightweight children’s umbrella features a charming Ladybird print. Your little one will love feeling independent with their very own umbrella! rexlondon.com

BACK TO NATURE

A beautiful, educational, wooden children’s puzzle that encourages little ones to explore numbers in a fun way. This beautiful wooden children’s puzzle is a fun and challenging way to explore numbers. As counting skills improve, children will be able to solve the puzzle by matching the numbers to the dots on the leaves. The number is also printed at the back of the piece as extra guidance. As counting skills increase, the higher numbers will begin to come into reach. A wonderful educational children’s gift. littlepaw.co.uk

ROOM TO GROW

The Vox Paris Baby Cot Bed features curved lines, open slats and natural oak legs to create an elegant crib for your new member of the family! The chic wooden frame can be adjusted to suit your baby as they develop and grow. cuckooland.com

Christmas Gift Guide for babies, girls and teens

This Christmas discover the perfect jewellery gift for girls at Molly Brown London. From her first diamond to unique silver jewellery exclusively designed in London.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR BABIES

Sometimes the littlest hands hold the biggest place in your heart. Discover the definitive collection of baby jewellery from Molly Brown London to welcome new arrivals into the world.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR GIRLS

Give the gift of personalised children’s jewellery with the complimentary engraving service and add a special message or token of your love. Discover keepsake jewellery that is the perfect contemporary gift for a girl who deserves to be spoilt (just a little).

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR TEENS

Introducing the teenage jewellery edit from Molly Brown London. Classic 18ct gold vermeil and timeless sterling silver pieces for special occasions, milestone birthdays and events. Our adjustable girl’s teen jewellery is designed to fit her from adolescence to womanhood. mollybrownlondon.com

Celebrate the festive season with a VIP overnight experience

Christmas Sleepover at London Zoo

Friday 16 – Friday 23 December 2022

Families can get their Christmas off to a roaring start, as ZSL London Zoo opens its gates for the London Zoo Lodges’ Meet Santa Experience - a limited series of magical, festive sleepovers.

The overnight Christmas stay will treat animalloving families to after-hours tours with incredible creatures, delicious food, and, of course, a chance to meet Father Christmas - who will visit each family, bearing gifts! Check into your own snowtopped lodge, before heading out on your first animal adventure - an exclusive tour of the Zoo’s epic Land of the Lions, and a chance to find out how Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya will celebrate Christmas.

Make Christmas presents for the animals and enjoy a two-course dinner, before being whisked off after dark to meet some of the Zoo’s nocturnal residents for a behind-the-scenes peek into life at the famous zoo at night. After sleeping within a whisker of the lions, visitors may find themselves awoken by roars - the Zoo’s traditional

alarm clock – then enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Before the world-famous Zoo opens for the day, guests will deliver presents to the animals on an exclusive morning tour, before discovering what some of London Zoo’s other 15,000 residents might be getting for Christmas.

Guests can then spend the rest of their special day exploring the day-time festivities at the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo or hop over to Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to see elephants, rhinos and more - as the experience includes two full days zoo entry and includes both ZSL Zoos.

A unique way to spread goodwill this Christmas, families experiencing the Zoo’s Christmas sleepover will also be supporting international wildlife charity ZSL’s vital conservation work around the world.

For an unforgettable Christmas experience, book your tickets for the London Zoo Lodges’ Meet Santa Experience online now at zsl.org

Experience the whole magic of Christmas at London Zoo from Saturday 26 November 2022 – Tuesday 3 January 2023. Enjoy Christmas festivities, twinkly light displays, animal crafts, Christmas-themed animal talks, marshmallow roasting and more – and don’t forget to look out for Santa as he visits the animals throughout the day.

For more information, visit zsl.org

“Make Christmas presents for the animals and enjoy a two-course dinner, before being whisked off after dark to meet some of the Zoo’s nocturnal residents for a behind-the-scenes peek into life at the famous zoo at night”

‘WHY DO BABYGROWS HAVE ALL THESE POPPERS?’

All ZIPPYUPs have concealed zips so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab at the neck ensures the zip puller doesn’t catch on any little chins.

Sleeves have turn back cuffs so you don’t need separate (often lost or odd) mittens.

There is a wide variety of prints and colour combinations including unisex colours such as aqua and pale grey along with traditional whites, pinks, blues and rainbows.

I am very excited to have also launched the new ZIPPYUP sleeping bag with legs and detachable arms. Select from 1 Tog and 2.5 Tog thickness, designed to be worn as a baggy fit so it can also be layered with a ZIPPYUP babygrow underneath for extra warmth. The sleeves simply zip on or off depending on your babies needs. Sizes are from 6-12 months up to 24-36 months.

BEAUTIFUL BABYGROW

This is a question most parents probably ask as they are dressing their newborn in the middle of the night.

As a Mummy of two very wriggly little boys I have first hand experience of the struggle to dress them, it’s like wrestling a lion cub trying to get them dressed after bath time. ZIPPYUP’s will make nappy and outfit changes so much quicker and easier.

With this in mind I got to work on making ZIPPYUP a brand that gives you not only useful but stylish babygrows.

Before promoting myself to the position of Mummy I had a background in textile design and fashion, a passion I didn’t want to be lost in the midsts of motherhood. I have taken the many years of experience and put it to good use by designing a babygrow that works well for both the wearer and the dresser.

ZIPPYUP products aren’t just well designed, they are beautiful quality. The collection has now expanded with an organic cotton range in a variety of colours, Winter fleece onesies are great for after swimming or just to keep cosy on strolls in the buggy…and now sleeping bags with legs. I personally source and work with the factories making ZIPPYUPs to get the best possible materials.

New to the ZIPPYUP family this month is a subscription service, you can have a range of babygrows delivered straight to your door every month! Choose how many and what size you want in either girl, boy or neutral colours and we do the rest!

At ZIPPYUP we are always developing new designs, prints and colour combinations, I look forward to sharing these with you. zippyup.com

“I couldn’t be happier with this beautiful babygrow. Night feeds in particular are so much easier now I can just zip up and I don’t have to fiddle with poppers”

–Simone M

(Spring Garden Bunny Printed Zipped

Babygrow)

BABY CLOTHES WITH ZIPS

FREEDELIVERY

www.zippyup.com @zippy.up

SLEEP CONSULTANT & SPECIALIST NURSE VICKY SCOTT

Everyone benefits from a good night’s sleep, it helps with learning and managing emotions. Research highlights the importance of giving children the opportunity to sleep at least 10 to 11 hours per night throughout early childhood, so the bedtime routine is important and begins at teatime!

All you need is one to two weeks of gentle behavioural training to help your children’s’ long-term intellectual development.

Amazing growth hormones are secreted in young children during certain sleep stages, so children need to sleep soundly and transition through these stages, which also helps to prevent obesity.

Please do contact me to discuss your family’s unique, individual sleep plan

www.moresleepmoresmiles.com vicky@moresleepmoresmiles.com Tel: 07391 501589

INSPIRING EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES THE BENTLEY BALANCE BIKE

The pedal-less bike teaches children 3+ how to balance on two wheels while building their confidence on a bicycle. Created in a range of colours to match paint options available to Bentley customers, the Balance Bike has been conceived with the same meticulous attention to detail and style as Bentley Motors’ designs.

Diamond-quilted handlebars echo the luxury detailing found in Bentley cars, with the iconic wings emblem prominently positioned below them. The ‘Bentley’ name is painted across the frame of each Balance Bike for a distinctive reference to the brand. Four smart and striking colourways are available, matching the exclusive paints used on Bentley’s cars. Children and parents can select their favourite colour from a choice of Onyx, Glacier White, Sequin Blue and Dragon Red.

Safety is always paramount to Bentley of course. An exclusive feature of the Bentley Balance Bike is the unique safety locking brake system, giving children greater stopping power, so they can ride with confidence – a feature not available on many other balance bikes on the market.

The magnesium alloy frame is inspired by the sleek lines of Bentley cars and can support up to 35 kg of weight, despite the frame itself only weighing 650 g – made to be portable yet robust. Aluminium wheel rims can withstand high degrees of curb weight but do not add bulk to the bike, allowing children to effortlessly push themselves forward, while the air-filled 12-inch rubber tyres ensure absolute comfort.

For further comfort, the ergonomically designed adjustable seat is made from eco-leather and features the Bentley wordmark and a carbon

The Balance Bike joins a range of exciting Bentley products for children, including the Bentley Trike, teddy bears, blankets, ride-on cars, wooden garages and puzzles.

Bentley Balance Bike, RRP £450.

For more information and to purchase The Bentley Balance Bike visit miniobjectsofdesire.com Tel: 0330 330 0126 Email: Info@mood-kids.com

fibre-inspired pattern for added style. Distinctive knurling beneath the seat gives extra grip for added reassurance.

“An exclusive feature of the Bentley Balance Bike is the unique safety locking brake system, giving children greater stopping power”

DISCOVER THE BENTLEY BALANCE BIKE FOR CHILDREN AT MOOD KIDS

The Bentley Balance Bike inspires adventures big and small.

Children from 3-years+ can travel and explore on the pedal-less bike, teaching balance and building confidence for future adventures.

Features include diamond-quilted handlebars, Bentley emblems and colours to match the Bentley paint palette, bring a touch of the brand to its youngest fans

Available in a choice of colours: Onyx, Glacier White, Sequin Blue and Dragon Red. Bentley Balance Bike, RRP £450. Can be delivered boxed or built, for the same price. For more information visit

WWW.MINIOBJECTSOFDESIRE.COM

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

3 IN 1 MATERNITY & BABYWEARING PARKA BY SERAPHINE

Based in London, Seraphine is the number 1 destination for stylish maternity & nursing clothes. Featuring their innovative babywearing technology, Seraphine’s bestselling 3 in 1 parka makes for the ultimate gift for new or soon-to-be mums (we have them for Dads too!). They fit perfectly through pregnancy & grow with your bump, then a zip-on kangaroo panel fits comfortably over a baby carrier or sling once the little one arrives! It’s the perfect coat for bump, for baby and forever! seraphine.com

1MOLLY BROWN LONDON

Discover the perfect gift this Christmas with Molly Brown London. Unique jewellery gifts for girls to add an extra sparkle under the tree this Christmas. Use code YUMMYMUMMY15 for 15% off! PLUS free engraving and delivery! Find out more at mollybrownlondon.com or call 0203 142 6630

TICKIT TOYS

Where will your child’s imagination take them? These lovely smooth wooden vehicles come in beautiful rainbow colours with lasered markings for sensory discovery and the chunky style is ideal for young children. The innovative TickiT range is designed to be open-ended, stimulating, educational and enduring – perfect for children of all ages and abilities. Rainbow Wooden Vehicle Sets – from £15.99 Find out more at tickit.co.uk or follow on Instagram for inspiring play ideas: @tickit_education or #tickitplay

RACHEL RILEY GIFTS

Discover Rachel Riley’s beautiful selection of carefully curated gift ideas for little ones this Christmas! Classic, timeless styles featuring fun whimsical prints, festive embroidery and handsmocking and the cutest toys and accessories to complement. Let the expert team gift wrap your selection in their luxury lilac gift boxes, wrapped in tissue and tied with a bow! See the full collection at rachelriley.co.uk

Sweet dreams with Kiki & Cashew

warm during winter. And for sensitive skins, flax linen is hypoallergenic too.

Kiki and Cashew bedding is as gentle on the environment as it is on a baby’s skin. The material has no dye and there’s zero waste in its making. Unlike cotton which requires 10,000 litres of water to grow just 1kg of cotton, flax linen just needs rainwater and sun.

There’s nothing more joyous than the arrival of a baby. But the lack of sleep? Well, that’s a different matter. On average, mums and dads get around just 4.44 hours of sleep per night during their baby’s first year. That’s where Kiki and Cashew’s baby bedding can help. Made of 100% flax linen, the material is proven to aid sleep.

The flax linen has a softness your baby will love snuggling into. But that’s not the only reason it aids sleep. The material takes away perspiration, to keep your baby comfortable. It also regulates temperature, keeping them cool in summer and

The collection is made by a co-operative of Istanbul seamstresses, who pass their skills on from generation to generation. Take a peek today at kikiandcashew.com

NURSERY AT THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The Manor Prep School is located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, with excellent transport links to London.

When your child joins our PreNursery or Nursery, you are opening the door to a much broader and more varied learning experience than you may have imagined.

Being a part of our school community means your child will benefit from lessons delivered by specialist teachers for PE and Music, as well as regular visits to our Library, on site Forest School and school assemblies.

The Manor is passionate about providing high quality play experiences that inspire and motivate our children. Each Early Years space is designed to inspire the children as well as enabling them to make progress in all areas of their learning journey.

At The Manor, we have children at the heart of all we do. We promise a warm and caring

atmosphere where children can reach their full potential and move seamlessly into our Reception classes and full time school.

Book a visit at any time to see how we challenge, cherish and inspire every child.

admissions@manorprep.org 01235 858462 manorprep.org

“The Manor is passionate about providing high quality play experiences that inspire and motivate”

SQUIRRELS GET READY!

Everyone’s favourite big lovable dog HEY DUGGEE is touring for the first time EVER, we got to meet him in rehearsal and now here’s your chance to see him on stage! HEY DUGGEE THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW is going to be HUGE and will feature Duggee and the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters!

The smash hit CBeebies series will be brought to life through extraordinary puppetry and storytelling in this new live show for a four-week residency at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall (London) from December 14, ahead of a nationwide tour.

Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants

THE DETAILS

Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show is playing at London’s Southbank Centre this Christmas from 14 December to 8 January and then heading out on tour to nearly 40 venues nationwide until August 2023 For more information and to book your tickets, visit heyduggeelive.com.

REHEARSAL PHOTOGRAPHY: PAMELA RAITH

to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse. There is so much to do, but luckily Duggee has his theatre badge. Will you get yours too? A-Woof!

Adapted for the stage by Vikki Stone (#zoologicalsociety – Royal And Derngate, Romeo And Duet – ITV) and Matthew Xia (The Wiz – Hope Mill Theatre, associate director Actors Touring Company), this production promises all of the singing, music, dancing and non-stop fun that fans of the TV series would expect – as well as a few surprises along the way!

“The smash hit CBeebies series will be brought to life through extraordinary puppetry and storytelling”

MUMS OF BOYS ALERT!

Have you noticed how hard it is to find clothing with cute characters for boys? For girls and for babies, no problem, “cute” is pretty much the norm. And that’s exactly why The QT was created by a mum whose boy adores animals and everything cute, just as much as his big sister does.

The QT’s hand-painted prints of endearing animals will surely melt your heart and it’s the kind of “cute” that boys and girls of all ages can enjoy — equally. But The QT is not just about the looks. Their organic clothing is sustainably and ethically made to be as harmless as possible to all living beings and the planet, and to be as close as possible to fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable!

Destroy gender stereotypes without destroying the planet with The QT’s very cute, cool, stylish and planet-friendly wardrobe essentials – available to buy online at theqt.co – and follow @theqtstyle for a daily dose of cuteness, goodness and positivity.

A unique school model

FOR SUCCESS

Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside in a secure rural location, and under 2.5 hours from the capital by train, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate welcomes girls and boys aged from 3 months and support them through four schools - Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and The Faculty (both Year 10 to 13). This unique model made up of four smaller schools is designed to maintain a nurturing family atmosphere and sense of individuality, with each school having their own Heads and staff teams.

King’s Magna is Queen Ethelburga’s middle school, supporting the transition between the Collegiate’s primary education at Chapter House and the demands of GCSEs. This supportive, vibrant and caring school environment ensures students can grow and mature into their teenage years with confidence. Visitors often comment that there is a ‘palpable sense of respect’ between students and staff, and amongst students themselves.

Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga’s, comments “Our King’s Magna students set the example for the rest of the Collegiate to follow with their capacity to excel in times of change, and their determination to make the best of their interests, skills and talents. We expect a great deal and they rise to the challenge, whether that be developing their independence, their motivation, their personal and social skills, or their achievements.

“No longer the Chapter House age class-based children, not yet the public exam, career and skills developing senior school students; our King’s Magna students develop the foundations for future

success with their academic studies, their broad range of activities and interests, and above all else their infectious enthusiasm in all that they take on. We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners. Our innovative, modern programmes of study foster curiosity and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to move seamlessly to our College or Faculty at the end of Year 9.”

The Queen Ethelburga’s Admissions Team can provide further information and help arrange a visit to see for yourself what makes them so special.

Visit qe.org or email admissions@qe.org

“We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners”

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

Rest assured this festive season

With convenient care at your local Urgent Care Clinic

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital’s bigger and better Urgent Care Clinic is open, ensuring access to reliable, expert, and efficient healthcare without the wait.

ACCESS DOCTORS WHEN YOU NEED THEM MOST

Designed for life’s slips, trips and falls, as well as those unexpected minor illnesses, the clinic is ready to give you the care you need, no appointment necessary. Open seven a days a week, and trusted by the St John’s Wood community for over ten years, this new facility offers almost instant access to doctors when you need them most.

A FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICE

The improved clinic has a designated children’s waiting area and treatment rooms, and is for all the family, including children aged one and up.

A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS

The clinic can treat minor injuries and illnesses; including sprains, strains and fractures; cuts, burns and grazes; eye and ear infections; stomach bugs, and colds. If you’re not sure whether you should come in, give the friendly team a call and they can help.

If needed, instant referrals can be arranged for tests and scans (including x-ray, ultrasound and MRI), physiotherapy, and specialist consultations –all under one roof in John & Lizzie’s comfortable private hospital, so you can access results and treatment without the wait.

VISIT THE URGENT CARE CLINIC

The clinic is part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, which is a short walk from St John’s Wood station. Initial consultations with a doctor cost £120. If you need any scans, tests, or further treatment, these will be charged extra.

GET IN TOUCH

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital 60 Grove End Road NW8 9NH

Call the team: 0207 432 8300

OPENING TIMES

Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm) Weekends 8am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)

Festive opening hours 24 December: 8am - 4pm (last appointment 3pm) 25 December: CLOSED 26, 27, 31 December & 1, 2 January: 8am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)

Find out more: hje.org.uk/ services/urgent-care-clinic

Or scan the QR code

GIVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM A HEAD START THIS WINTER

As the dark winter nights draw in and the air becomes cold and damp, the annual cold and flu season gets underway. Colder weather can weaken your immune system, leaving you and your family more vulnerable. In fact, a recent survey found that almost half of Brits admit they constantly worry about catching a virus.

There’s a whole lot lost on productivity at work, last minute childcare bounties, anxieties that parents feel, and more that adults must cover if they become unwell. Indeed, winter is a testing time for your immune system, but you can help beat the bugs by supporting your immune system and making proactive lifestyle changes. Dr Jenna Macciochi, a leading immunologist, shares her 8 easy expert tips to include in your everyday life that will help optimise your health and support your immune system this winter.

EXPERT TIPS ON MAINTAINING IMMUNITY:

1. Unplug regularly. Life can get very busy in the build-up to the end of the year, the stress of juggling work deadlines ahead of the holiday season can have an impact on your immune system leading to more frequent infections. Make sure you take time away from the virtual world and give yourself space to mentally declutter

2. Daily gratitude. Taking 10 mins at the end of each day to reflect and practice gratitude can help decompress, protect against negative impact of stress and has been scientifically shown to have

beneficial effects on our immune system

3. Social connection. Despite our hyper connectiveness, it feels easier than ever to feel lonely. Loneliness has been shown to make our immune system less robust. Be sure to take time to nurture your social wellbeing and connect with peers, family, friends, colleagues.

4. Nourish. Quality nutrition is essential for a strong immune system. Aim to follow a balanced anti-inflammatory diet pattern like the Mediterranean diet.

5. Supplement smartly. Give your diet a helping hand from hard working immune supporting supplements such as the Sambucol Immuno Forte and Kids range enriched with infection fighting flavonoids from black elderberries combined with immune supporting nutrients like vitamin C and zinc.

6. Nature. Surrounding yourself with nature doesn’t just help relieve stress but Trees and other plants produce phytoncides to help them fight disease and when they are inhaled, they help have benefits to our immune system too.

7. Movement. Regular physical activity indirectly supports proper immune function by helping you feel better and sleep better, but it also has direct immune enhancing effects.

8. Sleep. Good sleep plays a vital role in the immune system’s ability to function effectively and it has knock on positive effects on our stress chemistry and appetite. This makes sleep one of the most foundational ways to prepare your immune system for those seasonal infections. sambucol.co.uk

Dr Jenna Macciochi

Supplement smartly with Sambucol

“Taking 10 mins at the end of each day to reflect and practice gratitude can help decompress”

Focus on… OBESITY

DR SANJAY MEHTA, from The London General Practice discusses the risks associated with obesity

Obesity remains an increasingly common and complex issue with numerous causes. The modernisation of society has contributed to increased rates of obesity through an environment that encourages higher calorie intake and reduced physical activity.

In the UK, 26 out of every 100 adults are now obese with men being more likely to be obese than women and those aged 66-74 being most likely to be overweight or obese. In addition, childhood obesity is an increasing problem, with approximately 20% of 10-11 year olds being obese.

Risks of obesity

Whilst fat is required for healthy functioning of the body, it is vital to take steps in preventing and reducing excess fat that results in obesity due to the associated risk of serious conditions, such as heart disease and several types of cancer, as well as the impact on fertility and reproductive health. Obesity can also affect your quality of life and lead to psychological problems, such as depression, low self-esteem and stress.

Treating obesity

Whilst the most effective ways to prevent and treat obesity is to exercise regularly and to follow a healthy diet, this can be challenging to sustain long term and manage within a busy daily schedule. Regularly monitoring your weight, setting realistic goals and involving your friends and family with your attempts to lose weight can help.

Diet alone is not always the cause of increased

weight, so speaking with your doctor can help you identify whether there is an underlying cause, such as an underactive thyroid. Together, you can establish the risks your current weight is placing on your health and build a realistic, sustainable plan to help with losing weight, if it is deemed to be required.

You may also benefit from receiving psychological support to help change the way you think about food and healthy eating.

If lifestyle changes alone are not effective, involving a specialist to discuss medical and surgical options, particularly in patients with a very high weight to height ratio.

Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP MBBS BSc MRCGP DCH DRCOG AICSM

Clinical Audit Lead

A medical graduate from Imperial College London, with a further Bachelor of Science in Haematology, Dr Sanjay Mehta has been recognised as a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

His previous NHS posts have been in a variety of medical, psychiatric and surgical specialties at both Oxford and Cambridge University Hospitals. Dr Mehta is Clinical Audit Lead for the London General Practice and also part of the home visiting service.

Dr Mehta’s specialist interest is in Paediatrics, holding a postgraduate Diploma of Child Health and having jointly published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood during a paediatric post at The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place)

Tel: 0207 935 1000 Or email info@ thelondongeneralpractice.com

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP Services thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

A unique school model

FOR SUCCESS

Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside in a secure rural location, and under 2.5 hours from the capital by train, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate welcomes girls and boys aged from 3 months and support them through four schools - Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and The Faculty (both Year 10 to 13). This unique model made up of four smaller schools is designed to maintain a nurturing family atmosphere and sense of individuality, with each school having their own Heads and staff teams.

King’s Magna is Queen Ethelburga’s middle school, supporting the transition between the Collegiate’s primary education at Chapter House and the demands of GCSEs. This supportive, vibrant and caring school environment ensures students can grow and mature into their teenage years with confidence. Visitors often comment that there is a ‘palpable sense of respect’ between students and staff, and amongst students themselves.

Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga’s, comments “Our King’s Magna students set the example for the rest of the Collegiate to follow with their capacity to excel in times of change, and their determination to make the best of their interests, skills and talents. We expect a great deal and they rise to the challenge, whether that be developing their independence, their motivation, their personal and social skills, or their achievements.

“No longer the Chapter House age class-based children, not yet the public exam, career and skills developing senior school students; our King’s Magna students develop the foundations for future

success with their academic studies, their broad range of activities and interests, and above all else their infectious enthusiasm in all that they take on. We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners. Our innovative, modern programmes of study foster curiosity and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to move seamlessly to our College or Faculty at the end of Year 9.”

The Queen Ethelburga’s Admissions Team can provide further information and help arrange a visit to see for yourself what makes them so special.

Visit qe.org or email admissions@qe.org

“We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners”

Achieving Excellence for Pupils with SEN

Special Educational Needs in education can cover a vast range of diagnoses from ASD through to SALT, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and more.

As more and more children are identified as having some sort of SEN requirement, at varying levels of support, all schools have had to adapt and ensure they can offer children (and families) what they need to succeed in education and throughout their careers and future lives.

At Clayesmore in Dorset, a mainstream independent co-educational day and boarding school, they recognised many years ago that children with SEN are often extremely bright academically and also offer a wide variety of talents across the arts and sports.

“Special Educational Needs often have a negative connotation but at Clayesmore we have children, predominantly with dyslexia, who excel and go on to their first choice universitiesincluding applications to Cambridge and Oxford,” explained Head, Mrs Jo Thomson.

Although a mainstream, non-selective school, Clayesmore gently assesses each child with SEN and establishes whether their Teaching and Learning Centre, aptly called the TLC, is able to provide the required support to enable that child to shine and excel in their warm and friendly school.

Their success is perhaps best summed up by

the words of one parent: “The primary driver for choosing Clayesmore was the excellent integration of its SEN support into the curriculum which was unlike any other school we have seen. The well-resourced department run by highly qualified and engaged team of teachers is at the heart of the school and is accessible to any student irrespective of their needs. This gave us confidence that our son would receive the right level of support and that this would be individually tailored (rather than the rigid two hours in a broom cupboard offered by most schools).

This was coupled with Clayesmore meeting everything else on our wish list. A warm, friendly and nurturing environment where everyone is valued, an incredible co-curricular programme with something for everyone and great sport and sporting facilities where participation and teamwork build skills for the future. Irrespective of dyslexia, we would have chosen Clayesmore because it is a rare combination of a warm family environment coupled with teaching excellence.”

Clayesmore is a CReSTeD school.

Clayesmore Prep is a co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 8-18 set in the beautiful Dorset countryside.

To learn more about all that Clayesmore can offer, visit clayesmore.com. Or email admissions@clayesmore.com.

“We have children, predominantly with dyslexia, who excel and go on to their first choice universities”

Christmas at boarding school: WHAT

IS IT REALLY LIKE?

Far removed from the worlds of Malory Tower and Harry Potter, what is it really like in a boarding school in the run up to Christmas? We step through the doors of Cheltenham Ladies’ College to discover some of their much-loved traditions as the pupils begin the countdown to Christmas.

A Prefect Christmas

There is a long tradition at Cheltenham Ladies’ College that sees the Prefects run Christmas events for the younger pupils. They lead an assembly, complete with fancy dress and a boisterous communal singing of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, as well as running a break time Christmas Grotto. Other Prefect activities have included, a Santa’s Sleigh (wheelbarrow) dash to give out sweets, impromptu corridor carols, and making decorations with the younger pupils.

Let It Snow

All children love a snow-day! Like most schools, unless the weather is extreme, teaching goes on as normal but the opportunity for mass snowball fights and lunchtime snowman building is not to be missed. Even when the UK’s unpredictable weather doesn’t bring a white Christmas, there are decorations, trees and lots of whole-school events for the pupils to enjoy, from Christmas jumper day to the popular Christmas Concert, which showcases the school’s exceptional musicians and choirs.

Merry Christingle

Although the school has pupils of many faiths, and none, it is Christian by tradition and has a chaplaincy team which supports all members of the community. For those who want to join in, there are traditional Christingle celebrations, Advent prayers, a service of Lessons and Carols, and carol singing at local care homes and charities.

Home for Christmas

Although the pupils are with their families over the festive period, in the run up to the holidays their boarding and day houses are their home from home, where they relax and get into the festive spirit. A favourite event is the annual Christmas cake decorating competition, which ignites a fierce house spirit and camaraderie among the students as they compete to win prizes, as well as lots of house activities, from games, carols and baking mince pies, to parties, pantomimes and full Christmas dinners.

cheltladiescollege.org

Beating ‘Maths Anxiety’

By Mr David Wingfield, Headmaster of Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep School

Shadows and noises may all be very well, according to Angelou, but research shows that ‘maths anxiety’ – an emotional response to the prospect of mathematical thinking – has been found to affect one in ten children. It is understood to be a complex psychological phenomenon, which combines social threats – a perceived threat of humiliation – and a fear of failure.

The Maths Mastery approach emphasises a depth of conceptual understanding over breadth of coverage, offering a strong practical means by which to minimise pupils’ experience of maths anxiety. It is predicated on the simple message that everybody can do maths.

Maths mastery promotes the teaching and learning of mathematical concepts via a ‘concretepictorial-abstract’ (CPA) method:

• Manipulating concrete representations, e.g. touching ten counters to signify the number 10

• Viewing pictorial representations of concrete apparatus, e.g. pictures of ten counters in different arrangements

• Using abstract representations, e.g. writing the figure ‘10’ and using it as the basis for calculations. These three approaches need not occur in a

THE DETAILS

To find out more, you can look at the website at eatonhouseschools.com or ring Miss Sam Fielding, Head of Admissions, on 0203 917 5050 for a confidential chat about your child’s special potential and the application process.

linear sequence; they may occur in parallel. Linked to this principle, concrete and pictorial resources are not stigmatised as ‘babyish’, to be dropped at the earliest opportunity for ‘hard sums’, but instead valued as crucial conceptual apparatus that accompany pupils’ learning into adulthood.

The mastery approach also does not shy away from using what may, at first glance, seem to be arcane and difficult terminology, ‘dividend’, ‘divisor’ and ‘quotient’, for example. Compare the question ‘What happens if I double the number being divided without altering the number doing the dividing?’ with ‘What happens to the quotient if I double the dividend without altering the divisor?’ One is cloudy, the other is clear.

Empowering pupils with precise descriptive tools helps to demystify mathematical processes. Often children say ‘I’m stuck’, without being able to articulate what element of the calculation is causing the difficulty. These children, with the support of precise vocabulary, may be able to better describe the problem, and see it as a small hurdle over which to step.

With Maths Mastery, Maya Angelou might have written: ‘Numbers big and small Fractions to recall Maths doesn’t frighten me at all’

‘Shadows on the wall Noises down the hall Life doesn’t frighten me at all’

– Maya Angelou

RICHER EDUCATION

ABOUT RICHER EDUCATION

Richer Education is an educational enrichment company founded in 2014. Richer Education aims to inspire children in real-life challenges and encourages children to put theory into practice, in a fun and engaging manner, with a particular emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects.

Richer Education is a leading company in STEAM education. They have solid expertise in education. Therefore, they have the knowledge, understanding and experience to ensure children enjoy, learn and are inspired during their weekend classes and holiday camps.

WHAT IS STEAM EDUCATION?

STEAM is the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics acronym. Richer Education advocates the integration of STEAM subjects and the development of skills such as problemsolving, teamwork and resilience. Richer Education goes beyond the traditional school approach and constantly encourages children to discover and understand the links between subjects and their application in the real world.

Richer Education aims to deliver a comprehensive approach to STEAM education by going beyond the school curriculum, providing activities that children would not usually experience at schools while at the same time instilling in children new skills for life.

Richer Education promotes the enjoyment of learning to expand children’s worldviews and enhance children’s knowledge.

ABOUT RICHER EDUCATION’S TUTORS

Richer Education’s tutors and mentors are specialists in the subjects they teach. They employ

THE DETAILS

Visit richereducation.co.uk for full details of their classes and upcoming holiday camps. Alternatively, please contact their team on + 4420 7871 0481 or WhatsApp: +44 7535 225 432.

a range of tutors and mentors from primary and secondary school teachers, PhD and EdD students, academic doctors and post-doctoral researchers. Richer Education’s tutors and mentors are trained to communicate and explain concepts in a child-friendly manner according to children’s age and knowledge level. Their teaching staff are committed to providing the best possible learning experience for children of all ages.

RICHER EDUCATION’S CLASSES AND CAMPS

Richer Education offers a variety of face-to-face and virtual holiday camps and weekend classes throughout the year.

Embracing

differences

How Lionheart is helping recognise the neurodiversity of young people to advance their education

Lionheart has provided bespoke educational advice and support to young people throughout the world since 1989. Their relentless childfocussed approach and commitment to the success of young people, utilises their services of 1:1 tuition, bespoke schooling, revision courses, educational consultancy and advice, to strategise, guide and support young people’s education.

Lionheart regularly works with young people who have neurodiverse cognitive profiles. Neurodiversity is a term used to describe neuronal variances in the brain: life experiences, schooling, culture, genetics and environment uniquely influence brain development. This variety of cognitive profiles includes disorders where young people have been ‘labelled’, such as Dyslexia, Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Lionheart argues the necessity of utilising labels as a guide, to explore any cognitive strengths, while understanding weaknesses. For example, young people who score in the top 0.1% of standardised cognitive scores for certain components can, conversely, have cognitive scores significantly

lower in other areas; therefore, they perform at the average level of their highest and lowest scores.

Lionheart’s unique approach often involves a multi-disciplinary team including teachers, tutors, SENCOs, psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. By building a holistic profile, considering psychological traits and mental health, Lionheart’s team is able to create an evolving educational pathway for that young person. This can be delivered using 1:1 tuition, online or at home, at Lionheart’s bespoke school in west London, or a combination of all three, in any subject a young person wishes to study.

Lionheart consults and guides families throughout the entire process, supports the existing school to ensure continuity of learning, and aids the transition to a new school if appropriate (and, further down the line, to university). Lionheart offers a refreshing ethos, with an approach tailored solely for each young person at the right moment in time, for that particular child.

To learn more about all that Lionheart can offer, visit lionheart-education.com or email office@lionheart-education.com

Rupert Syme is Chairman and Head of Educational Consultancy at Lionheart. He holds a first-class undergraduate degree in Educational Psychology and MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

“The future of education has never looked so exciting: young people with exceptional strengths in areas not traditionally seen in formal exams can thrive thanks to a deeper recognition of their cognitive abilities”

our individual

Since 1989, Lionheart Education has provided confidential and bespoke Educational Consultancy, Private Tuition and Schooling to prominent families throughout the world, helping our students reach their fullest potential.

- Private Tuition: delivered by London’s most experienced and successful tutors at home or online

- Revision Courses: tailored one-to-one courses held during all school holidays

- Educational Consultancy: schools selection and placement into top British schools

- Higher Education Advice: achieving places at the top British universities and US colleges

- Home Schooling: delivered at home or online and managed by our expert team

- Bespoke Schooling: a tailored education at our unique one-to-one school in Kensington

- Academic Assessments: creating a pathway to educational excellence

- Early Years Consultancy: from early year assessments to nursery selection and placements

Places on our popular Christmas, February Half-Term and Easter Holiday Revision Courses are offered on a first come first served basis, so early booking is advised.

“Lionheart Education - giving children the confidence to succeed”

New Cricket Centre to be built at Merchant Taylors’ School

On 31st October Merchant Taylors’ Head Master, Simon Everson, and a small group of guests gathered to break ground ahead of the construction of the Julian Hill Cricket Centre, a wonderful new facility for the school and wider cricket community including Middlesex CCC (men’s) and Sunrisers (women’s) cricket teams. The new centre will have specified bowling lanes that will replicate the conditions for both spin and seam, a specialist fielding area, video analysis equipment, a viewing gallery and an events space.

Breaking ground alongside the Head Master were Duncan Eggar, Chairman of Governors, Amanda Hill, sister of Julian, whose gift of £1m to the project helped bring it to this point, and MTS Year 9 pupil and Middlesex U13 player, Rishi. Other major donors to the project, school Governors, members of Middlesex CCC staff, representatives from Sports Clubhouses and Boom Construction, and the school’s project team who have driven the project on internally, were all present at the ceremony.

To read more about the project, to watch the promotional video, or to find out how you can help, please visit development.mtsn.org.uk/ cricket-centre

Artist’s impression of the Julian Hill Cricket Centre

Middlesex player Tim Murtagh and Middlesex Club Coach Rory Coutts pictured with MTS Year 9 pupils, Rishi, Rishane and Eashan

Chair of Governors at Merchant Taylors’ Duncan Eggar, Amanda Hill (sister of Julian Hill), Head Master Simon Everson and Year 9 Middlesex cricketer, Rishi

A revolutionary approach to PSHEE

Named after our founding Head, Mr Charles M. Stuart, our Stuart Additional Curriculum, is taught by trained subject specialists to all year groups in timetabled ‘Stuart’ lessons, and encompasses the following three strands:

• Relationships (including Sex Education)

• Skills for the Future (including Careers and Futures Guidance)

• Critical Thinking and Rhetoric (including Public Speaking and Debating).

As an independent school, St Dunstan’s capitalises on the freedom we enjoy to craft our own curriculum and teach what we believe genuinely prepares students best, as they navigate their adolescence and the years beyond. What, when, and how we teach the Stuart Curriculum is developed afresh each year, in consultation primarily with our students themselves, considering the current challenges in their lives and the issues over which they would like greater agency and knowledge. We also consult fully with our parent body, as well as reviewing any behavioural patterns

each term, in order to proactively respond to them. As such, we are trying to achieve a genuine education which teaches those vital matters that young people need to thrive in an ever-challenging and rapidly changing world, and not being constrained by what a politician in Westminster assumes a teenager in South London requires.

RELATIONSHIPS

This has been revolutionary for our young people, who delve deeply into equality and diversity from Year 7 onwards. We teach how to recognise microaggressions based on race, sex, gender, and other protected characteristics, including how to respond to these as a victim, perpetrator, or bystander. Our students learn about consent in all forms of relationship, and how to react to even subtle forms of coercion within both physical and online environments. We are unafraid of teaching students about the distortion of sexuality and sexual behaviour through the media, including the very real danger of pornography as a sole means of sexual education and gratification for

Jonathan Holmes, Deputy Head Academic at St Dunstan’s College, discusses the school’s forwardthinking Stuart Curriculum

for the current generation

the developing and hormonal teenage brain. Our teachers create safe learning environments for students to explore these vital issues in the security of the classroom from a trained expert, rather than be forced to find out themselves in the dark egresses of the internet. We care deeply about ensuring students are supported to thrive in the realities of their current world, not one we would naively wish for them.

SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE

St Dunstan’s students today will go onto a world of work that continues to develop at breakneck speed, and our Futures Guidance programmes reflect this by prioritising a values-centric approach to this strand of the Stuart Additional Curriculum. Teachers guide students through some of the more traditional spheres of specialist career, and the influence of certain academic subject choices where necessary, as well as how to create CVs based on skills, attributes, and values rather than descriptive narratives of chronological jobs. But we also ensure that students leave St Dunstan’s with the ‘hands-on’ skills for which Mr Charles Stuart stood; even within the privileged setting of our historic buildings and state-of-the-art learning classrooms, we teach students how to iron a shirt, how to balance a personal budget, and how to shop for and cook a healthy meal as just a few examples of this grounded education.

CRITICAL THINKING AND RHETORIC

Given the fact that an increasing amount of current affairs content comes from social media for young people, without the security of journalistic balance, we champion the teaching of critical thinking to our students. An early favourite for St Dunstan’s learners is on ‘fake news’, and how to go critically into the source of free-toview ‘news’ articles which are tweaked to their target audiences based on algorithms from prior internet history. We also teach how to present in public, how to speak with clarity, vigour, and persuasiveness, and how to debate passionately whilst maintaining respect and active listening. Above all, we educate students to recognise echochambers and to develop genuinely empathetic thinking skills whereby the rationale behind disagreements is of genuine interest.

We are now in our third year of our Stuart Additional Curriculum, and believe this to be

THE DETAILS

Find out more about St Dunstan’s College at stdunstans.org.uk or contact their Admissions Team at admissions@stdunstans.org.uk St Dunstan’s College was named Independent Senior School of the Year at the Tes Awards 2022, which are known as the Oscars of education.

sector-leading in its approach to the topics taught, strength of specialist teaching, and proud emphasis we give to student input into its delivery. In many ways ‘Stuart’, as the students call these lessons, continues what St Dunstan’s College has been about since 1888, trailblazing a forwardthinking independent education that champions a grounded high-quality education for the realities of a changing world. I am sure Mr Charles Stuart would have been proud to see St Dunstan’s students pioneering this approach to a holistic PSHEE education aligned to the needs of young people today to be able to thrive in the world of tomorrow as adults.

KEBLE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

THE DETAILS

We are delighted to confirm that from September 2023 Keble Prep will be introducing a Nursery setting for pupils aged 3+ and will be fully co-educational across all year groups. This is an exciting change in the school’s history, as they have responded to requests from many parents to offer a Nursery and to also offer the same opportunities of a Keble education to girls as well as boys.

The purpose and school values will remain the same; “Puritas, Veritas, Probitas” “being pure of heart, honest hard work and true to oneself”. They will continue to offer a dynamic and well-rounded education, combining high academic standards with opportunities for students to achieve in Sport, Music, Drama, and a broad extra-curricular programme. An education that develops the abilities and enthusiasm of every child.

pupils move on to their senior schools with the confidence and self-belief to build upon their own strengths and continue to enjoy success both academically and in other pursuits.

“September 2023 will be my 10th year at Keble and it has been and will continue to be a pleasure and an honour to lead such a lovely community. I am extremely excited about the journey ahead.”Mr Gill, Head.

If you are considering an independent education for your child, we recommend you register as soon as possible for the Nursery and Reception entry. Keble Preparatory School is now registering for places starting in September 2023. Places across other year groups may be available, please contact their Admissions Team for more information.

The caring and vibrant school has demonstrated considerable success recently in placing their boys into prestigious secondary schools (in both the independent and state sectors) at 11+ and 13+.

For further information about Keble or to book a tour, please contact Admissions, on 020 8360 3359 or email admissions@kebleprep.co.uk kebleprep.co.uk Follow on Instagram @KeblePrepSchool

Keble Prep

Wades Hill, Winchmore Hill London N21 1BG

At Keble, they encourage each pupil to think independently, to be continuously inquisitive and reflective. They value each individual pupil, helping them to uncover and nurture their talents, whilst celebrating their achievements. As a result,

“The purpose and school values will remain the same; “Puritas, Veritas, Probitas” “being pure of heart, honest hard work and true to oneself””

SARUM HALL SCHOOL RECREATES YAYOI KUSAMA’S OBLITERATION ROOM

Room has been such a fun and immersive experience for our girls. We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Silver Award and we are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education. With our very own Obliteration Room, and all our other wonderful arts initiatives, we aim to increase knowledge, curiosity and appreciation for the arts which will remain with our pupils into their adult lives.”

ABOUT SARUM HALL SCHOOL

Sarum Hall School, an independent girls’ prep school in London’s Belsize Park, has recreated Yayoi Kusama’s obliteration room in a playground hut.

Many of the school’s pupils visited The Obliteration Room at London’s Tate Modern this summer which was the largest iteration of the famous Japanese artist’s immersive art piece.

Inspired by the installation at the Tate, Teaching and Learning Assistant Emma Neath, worked with the School’s young Art Ambassadors to create a smaller version in the playground of the School.

Children were invited to go into the whitewashed room and stick colourful stickers all over the space which resulted in an explosion of colour.

The School was awarded Artsmark Silver status earlier this year. The Artsmark Award is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by the Arts Council England. It supports schools to develop and celebrate arts and cultural education, putting creativity and wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum.

Miss Karen Coles, Headmistress at Sarum Hall School, says:

“Having our own version of the Obliteration

Sarum Hall School is an independent girl’s prep school in London’s Belsize Park. The modern building was purpose built in 1995 and children benefit from large, spacious and light classrooms which promote creativity and curiosity in learning. The girls have a variety of lessons with specialist teachers alongside the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, including Sports, Music, Art, Drama, French, Mandarin, Computing and Chess, which allow the children to excel in a variety of fields.

sarumhallschool.co.uk

“Children were invited to go into the whitewashed room and stick colourful stickers all over the space which resulted in an explosion of colour”

www.kitebrookpst.org

Set within over 20 acres of stunning grounds in the idyllic Cotswolds, Kitebrook Preparatory School is a leading, co-educational, day and boarding school for children aged three to thirteen. Children are allowed to develop at their own pace in a happy and supportive environment that inspires self-confidence and a sense of independence.

Our pupils make the most of their outdoor environment by constructing dens, climbing trees and just enjoying being children! High academic standards, a varied curriculum, specialist teaching and a wonderful environment; we passionately believe that a child’s school days should be some of the happiest of their lives.

@kitebrook_preparatory_school facebook.com/kitebrookschool twitter.com/kitebrookschool

Faith Hagerty, Head of More House School in Knightsbridge, explores the shift we are seeing in the profile of women’s sport and the part our schools can play in facilitating exciting change.

The moment the Lionesses took the title in the Euros last summer, something changed. It struck me that this was the first time I could remember women’s team sport taking centre stage and claiming the recognition it deserved. We have also just seen Women’s T20 cricket in the Commonwealth Games for the first time. An exciting period of change.

At the start of the winning Lionesses’ match, my 8 year old son said ‘if this was proper football, that would have been a foul’. I asked him what he meant by ‘proper’ football and of course he meant the men’s game. By the end of the match and with a bit of explanation from his non-expert mum, he then said that he only wanted to watch women’s football from now on. How many other little boys across the country were encouraged to watch the women’s game I wonder - hopefully many more than in previous years.

More House is leading on a project this year, in celebration of the changing profile of women’s football. Following on from last year’s Strictly Heads in which we brought Headteachers from 16 London schools together in a ‘Strictly’ style dance event in aid of the charity icandance, this year we have launched Strictly Headers in collaboration with the charity Play it Forward. Female Heads and

THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF WOMEN’S SPORT –being part of the narrative

senior leaders will come together in a seven a side football match in May and all proceeds from the event will go to Play it Forward, who use football as a vehicle to engage young people in educational projects in Zambia. Each participating school will enter a girls team for a football tournament which will culminate on the same day that leaders go head to head (or boot to boot) on the pitch.

The more schools can forge opportunities for the whole community to engage in exciting projects such as Strictly Headers, the more we will be able to lift the glass ceiling and prove that barriers can be broken for young women.

To find out more about Play it Forward, please visit their website at play-itforward.org

THE DETAILS

Head: Ms Faith Hagerty

Tel: 020 7235 2855

Email: office@morehousemail.org.uk Website: morehouse.org.uk

Address: 22-24 Pont Street, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 0AA

FASHION & BEAUTY

CHIC LOUNGING

The ideal gift for her this year! A luxury dressing gown by One Hundred Stars featuring art deco style storks and cranes Storks and cranes have been a major art deco trend in both fashion and interiors and this Stork Plaster Pink Gown is perfect for anyone looking for something chic, stylish and in vogue! This gown is perfect as a luxurious house coat or for layering as a chic accessory to your favourite outfit. onehundredstars.co.uk

SLIPPER STYLE

The men’s Oliver slipper is the perfect shoe-slipper hybrid design. Featuring a quilted nylon upper with felt back, this unique slipper design transitions easily from indoor to outdoor wear. Cosy faux fur lining to keep your feet warm and toasty. shudaliving.com

WRAPAROUND

We just love these fluffy, oversized and with chunky tassels by Shinjuku Lanes. The gorgeous REplaid scarf is a contemporary take on a classic design. Made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, yet pillowy soft to the touch. shinjukulanes.com

WE LOVE

This unisex super soft merino wool Aran hat in raspberry pink. Made in Ireland. thenauticalcompany.com

ANIMAL MAGIC

Our rich raspberry mask is adorned with hand drawn leopard print with a solid black reverse and a matching print band. Our masks are carefully crafted from the finest silk satin, 100% silk fibre filling and an elastic silk covered band for a soft but snug fit. just-add-style.com

FRESH START

An invigorating Citrus Lime & Mint Hair & Body Wash prepares you for the day ahead. A truly refreshing fragrance that will revive and reinvigorate. baylisand harding.com

Sustainable, charitable

and luxurious

WINSER LONDON’S GOT THE GIFT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!

December is certainly one of the most enchanting months of the year; whether you get ready to celebrate a more traditional Christmas or you enjoy the festive decorations spending quality time with your loved ones, December certainly marks a pause in our busy life rhythms.

This is also the time to make thoughtful gifts… and this year there’s no better place than Winser London to find the perfect present!

This British brand was born in 2013 with a simple philosophy; to create great designs that would transcend the seasons and would give every woman an instant energy boost and confidence.

Winser London offers designs with qualities worthy of the luxury sector but priced more affordably, giving you only the best quality and value.

The most sustainable clothing is the styles that we love forever, that we wear over again and may even pass down through generations.

If you are looking for… A planet conscious gift: Winser London is known for its sustainable merino and cashmere knitwear.

They have sourced an extra-fine worsted spun yarn with a soft, lustrous finish to use throughout their merino collection.

Coveted for its luxurious softness and lightness, cashmere fibres deliver a beautiful intensity and vibrancy of colour. Winser’s designs, crafted from superior-grade cashmere yarn, will not only last a lifetime, but should be considered heirlooms for future generations.

If you are looking for… A gift that gives back: Together with actor Gillian Anderson, Winser London has created the Lips Collection which includes a cashmere fitted jumper with an intarsia design of Gillian’s own lips, a cashmere scarf and a recycled tote bag.

Winser London is donating 20% of all net sales of Gillian’s Lips ollection to Women for Women International, investing where inequality is greatest by helping women who are forgotten — the women survivors of war and conflict.

If you are looking for… A gift with a royal allure:

Winser London’s iconic bow blouse needs no introduction, worn by the Princess of Wales and loved by numerous celebrities this is probably the one silk piece every woman should have in her wardrobe. You can opt for the Super sized silk bow scarf for an ideal luxury one sized gift. winserlondon.com

Pearl Lauren Suit

Maxi Silk Shirt Dress

GILLIAN ANDERSON LIPS JUMPER

SILK BOW BLOUSE

GILLIAN ANDERSON LIPS BAG

ROJA DOVE FOR WINSER LONDON CANDLE

BOOTS BORN TO WALK.

When a walker in Cornwall couldn’t find comfy footwear to keep her feet dry, she designed her own.

Starting life in Perranporth, Cornwall, as a sturdy pair of boots for walking, Trailback boots now have a loyal following of fans all over the world. Among them is TV presenter Kate Humble, who describes them as, “Comfortable, practical, good looking…they are fantastic. I’ll be wearing them all winter!” And we think you should too during the long wet winter months in the capital!

DRY FEET AND COMFORT

Inspired by the hardworking rigger boot, originally designed for the North Sea oil riggers, Trailbacks are handcrafted, fully waterproof footwear, redeveloped into a brilliant stylish lowland walking boot, suitable for both men and women.

Unable to find the perfect dog-walking footwear, Cornish-based Sandy Wallis decided to create her own. “It was hard to find a suitable boot that would keep my feet warm and dry on long walks,” she explains. Wellies, she found, were cold and uncomfortable over long distances, and hiking boots were no match for deep muddy puddles. “I ended up wearing an old pair of safety rigger boots I found in my shoe cupboard. They were still waterproof, despite their age, and were comfortable enough to walk in all day. I thought they were fantastic, although they were quite heavy with the steel safety features. They inspired me to make my own ‘off-rig’ version.”

FROM COUNTRY WALKS TO LONDON PARKS

Whether you’re on a Thames path trail walking the dog, a wet and muddy field at your favourite festival, or simply in your local park, the Trailback is fully waterproof, with the addition of world class grip through the Italian Vibram commando sole.

The design ethos behind Trailback is to be hardworking, functional and stylish. Trailbacks

THE DETAILS

Visit trailback.co.uk to find out more and buy. The perfect, practical, stylish gift for him or her this Christmas!

@trailbackboots

are perfect for those who love the outdoors and fashion, combining practicality and design with rugged style.

BETTER WITH EVERY WEAR

Sandy spent two years developing the Trailback: “Since day one, the drive has been to produce a boot of unmatched quality, one that keeps you dry and warm, provides great grip and will stay with you a long time. AND, the more you wear it, the better it looks!”

Hand-made low heels made to order! Shop by appointment or online

In my Shoes by MBR Martina Branco-Rhodes

FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT.

Beautiful design, exquisite fabrics, comfort and individuality, words that all come to mind when thinking of Martina’s fabulous Shoe collection. Many accomplished years of freelance technical and production experience within the fashion and bridal industry, coupled with success in top end luxury designer concessions and commissions, Martina has launched and created her own bespoke low heeled footwear label.

As with any true creative, Martina absolutely loves the best in top quality and natural fabrications to work with and therefore searches out niche businesses mainly ( small family owned) as well as recognised traditional suppliers of top quality fabrics and components.

Martina’s directive is to reach the client directly, to provide stylist advice alongside the creation of timeless in-season separates, accessories and comfortable stylish hand-made low heels inclusive of hand-crafted bags, hats and wraps.

Classic, cultural, vintage style or modern bridal, everything is creatively designed, and expertly made to fit in relation to individual taste and lifestyle requirements.

Offering comfortable wedding low heels.. dream shoes designed to compliment any bridal gown to perfection. All available to order in a choice of silks, laces, cultural fabrics and leathers in a variety of low heel and platform styles. inmyshoesbymbr.com

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WHAT MICHAEL PLATT DOES BEST… BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE JEWELLERY

Michael Platt, Goldsmith and Jeweller

course, budget.

Asignificant occasion marked with a unique memorable piece of jewellery celebrates that special time, or memorable event, capturing the moment; it is everlasting and enduring. Once given, the occasion or reason is never forgotten and the piece will always mean so much more. Bespoke Jewellery is far easier to achieve than thought, it’s fun to be creatively involved and rewarding to see such joy when given. Michael Platt, Goldsmith and Jewellers in Wimbledon Village, specialise in creating Bespoke Jewellery pieces, working directly with customers, guiding them through the process from start to finish. Meeting and dealing directly with the Crafts People designing and crafting the jewellery ensures the process is very personal, unique and entirely tailored to your requirements.

Commissioning a bespoke item gives the rare opportunity to create a truly original piece of jewellery that directly reflects the personality of the individual, whether bold and obvious or delicate and intricate.

The team at Michael Platt, Designers and Goldsmiths, work closely collaborating with customers, interpreting and translating thoughts, sketched ideas or doodles into wonderful meaningful jewellery. Whether working on a totally new piece or the redesign and recycling of dated, worn or inherited jewellery, it is a truly exciting journey that does not need to be complex or necessarily over expensive.

The process begins with an informal chat, an exchange of ideas, preferences, styles, special dates, words or names, stones, precious metals and, of

On the return visit, customers are presented with a selection of exciting sketches, to discuss and choose from and, if required, a variety of gorgeous gemstones or diamonds to select from. Customers are encouraged to be involved at every stage, much like a dress design and fitting, and can return to view the progression of their item as it evolves. Traditional hand-crafted methods are used in the on-site workshop; this can start with freely hand carving the piece in wax to be cast in the chosen metal. Once the item is formed, it will be quite ‘rough’. It is then cleaned, refined and polished and, finally Hallmarked by the London Assay Office. The final workshop process is the setting of stones, a fine, delicate and precise process.

Having something completely unique is very different. If you would like a bespoke piece of jewellery for yourself or someone special in your life, pop into Michael Platt for an informal chat. The time scale for creating a piece of Bespoke Jewellery, depending on the complexity of the item, following agreement of design, is approximately 6 weeks.

With just a little extra thought and effort, along with the expert professional input from Michael Platt, an outstanding exceptional piece of jewellery can be created, a future family heirloom to pass through the generations.

Michael Platt, Jewellers & Goldsmiths, 1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village SW19 5DW michaelplatt.co.uk

Tuesdays - Saturdays 020 8947 4772

“The team at Michael Platt, Designers and Goldsmiths, work closely collaborating with customers, interpreting and translating thoughts, sketched ideas or doodles into wonderful meaningful jewellery”

SOFIAH JEWELRY

A story of family and elegance, that of Sofiah, who passed on her passion for jewelry to her children. His two granddaughters gave his first name to their jewelry brand: a tribute, an inspiration. Sofiah is a luxury jewellery concept. This Swiss brand of modular jewelry opens the door to an unlimited world of possibilities. Now is the time for you to invest in some beautiful pieces that will showcase your personal style.

https://sofiah.ch

TRUE NAILS

Nail Polish provides much more than a manicure, it is a way to take a self care moment, a mood booster and a chance to show your individuality. You can now embrace each of these things with True Nail Polish.

True Nail Polish is a new company that is leading the way with their plant based, UK made, non-toxic formula. Breathable, PETA certified as vegan and cruelty free, and long wearing, True Nail Polish is the brainwave of Donna, a mum of 3 with a hairdressing background. The family run business was created when Donnas daughter wanted her nails painted ‘like mummy’. Donna decided that she needed a safer option to use on her daughter, and she knew that her years of working in a salon had also given her a very good insight as to what people want from a nail polish. She wrote a list of the qualities that their polish needed and wouldn’t settle on a formula until each box was ticked.

Believing that people should not have to choose between quality and price, affordability was also a priority.

The packaging for the polish not only looks

classically beautiful, but it’s also practical. Designed with people who struggle with fine motor skills in mind, the bottle and cap are a rectangular shape and the brush is a wide angle brush, this allows an easier grip and application.

With shades available ranging from vibrant colours to subtle nudes, glitter, high shine and matte finishes they really do have a shade that everyone will love. They donate 20 pence from each bottle sold to Animal Free Research UK, so whilst admiring your manicure you can also feel good in the knowledge that your purchase has also contributed to ground breaking research into numerous illnesses.

READER

THE DETAILS

BLUE VELVET SHOES

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

CALLEIJA APPOINTED AS AN ICON PARTNER BY ARGYLE PINK DIAMONDS™

As one of the world’s few Argyle Pink Diamond Select Ateliers™, Calleija was beyond thrilled to be recently appointed as an international Icon Partner™ by Argyle Pink Diamonds™. Through this partnership Calleija has the privilege of creating celebrated masterpieces with the very last Argyle Pink Diamonds™ unearthed from the famed Australian Argyle mine.

As the Argyle mine is now closed, Argyle Pink Diamonds™ have become rarer than ever before. Each diamond is an unrepeatable phenomenon and holds a natural history that is more than 1.6 billion years old.

To be appointed an Icon Partner of Argyle Pink Diamonds™ is a testament to Calleija’s awardwinning artistry and long-standing reverence for one of the world’s rarest jewels.

Patrick Coppens, General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Rio Tinto’s Diamonds business says, “Calleija’s unparalleled dedication to perfection and the mesmerising details in their designs always amazes us. We are delighted these extraordinarily rare Argyle Pink Diamonds™ are in the careful custody of Calleija and we look forward to seeing their future creations.”

Jeweller and Calleija Founder, John Calleija says, “I am enormously proud to work with Rio Tinto as an Icon Partner™. Argyle Pink Diamonds™ have been much of my life’s work and I am looking forward to continuing to create works of art, for our clients around the globe, that are worthy of the brand’s heritage diamond status.”

One can explore Calleija’s Argyle Pink Diamond™ jewellery and award-winning artistry at their London boutique located in The Royal Arcade, Old Bond Street, Mayfair near the Albermarle street entrance.

For a limited time, the beautiful Gioia ring will be on display within the Calleija London boutique. Gioia features a stunning 0.82ct oval cut Argyle Pink Tender Diamond™ in her centre and over 120 hours of handcrafted detail in her design. As one of only a few Fancy Intense Purplish Pink Argyle Tender Diamonds™ featured

in the penultimate Argyle Pink Diamonds Signature Tender™, Gioia is a highly collectable beauty.

One can also view Calleija’s exquisite jewellery and rare Argyle Pink Diamond™ collection in Australia within their Gold Coast and Sydney boutiques.

calleija.com/calleija-pink/diamonds

“Calleija’s unparalleled dedication to perfection and the mesmerising details in their designs always amazes us”

Give the Gift of GAIA

With the festive season fast approaching, we wanted to share a selection of handpicked Christmas gifts by GAIA Skincare. Share a little wellness with the ones you love with GAIA’s guide of mindfully curated gift sets.

For the beauty maven: Harnessing the energising vibrations of crystals. This gift luxurious set is priced at £125 and includes a Jade Gua Sha and Jade Roller; known as the healing stone, the tools will help soothe and remove puffiness. Alongside a trio of rose quartz crystals infused skincare, to restore harmony and energise the skin. The set includes GAIA’s award-winning Purifying Mask to rejuvenate, and Everglow Serum to deeply hydrate the skin.

For the mother-to-be: Created for expectant mums, the Mother GAIA Range harnesses the very best of moth-er nature for nurturing prenatal care. The complementary set costs £45 and includes the award-winning Mother GAIA Body Oil and nourishing Mother GAIA Tummy Balm. With a blend of calendula and sesame oil, working to-gether to soothe inflammation and firm the skin, helping to nourish the wellness of both expectant mother and ba-by.

For the eco-conscious: Offering nourishing skincare the way nature intended, GAIA’s Vegan Mini Set is only £28 and features a range of products for the face and body. The set includes GAIA’s award-winning Purifying Mask, crystal infused Nourishing Cream, and deeply hydrating Awakening Body Lotion. Complemented by a duo of mini oils, the mini set allows you to sample a range of ethically made, vegan products.

For the man in your life: Support his inner strength with the Strengthening Body Oil and Pulse Point. Both in-fused with a blend of black pepper and ginger essential oils to relieve aching

muscles and awaken the senses. The set costs £40 and is complemented with an energising citrine crystal which offers healing qualities and aids emotional balance.

Now enjoyed at 30 spas and hotels across the UK, GAIA gift sets, massages and treatments are available at three spas within the London area. Including Cloud Twelve in the heart of Notting Hill, Inhale at Inhabit Queen’s Gardens hotel in Bayswater, and Spa Experience in Chelsea. Gift sets can also be purchased online, via the GAIA website: gaiaskincare.com

“Now enjoyed at 30 spas and hotels across the UK, GAIA gift sets, massages and treatments are available at three spas within the London area”

Capture a moment for a lifetime...

Heidi Kjeldsen Ltd is a fine jewellers in the heart of Oakham, Rutland, established in 1998 and renowned for meticulous craftsmanship where some of the finest diamonds, exquisite gemstones and premium pearls are set in timeless designs.

For the past 30 years Heidi has established a fine jewellery business where customers travel far and wide to visit her in person, her luxurious creations are available online or in her showroom – ideal for that special gift wherever you are. At Heidi Kjeldsen, a world of mesmerising jewellery awaits – exclusive collections you’ll simply adore.

Experience contemporary chic for everyday living, elegant classics dazzling with splendour, or commission a unique piece for that special person.

Heidi’s bespoke commissions service will bring your ideas to life. She can redesign your unworn, unloved jewellery into timeless designs or suggest beautiful, ethically sourced gemstones and diamonds. Book your appointment on her website heidikjeldsen.co.uk to discuss any ideas or thoughts which you may have.

Whether you buy with confidence online or visit

the Oakham showroom in the heart of Rutland, you’ll discover an array of truly beautiful jewels handcrafted with love.

From beautiful contemporary designs to Heidi’s own stylish Murano glass jewellery, every piece is uniquely made to perfection. Classical in style but with a modern twist, Heidi’s bespoke designs appeal to every generation.

As well as unique jewellery to purchase, a host of services include:

• CAD/CAM Design Studio for commission

• Gemstone finder service

• Resizing, Refurbishing and Repairing

• Pearl Restringing

• Independent NAJ Valuations

• Engraving

• A cleaning and checking service

Within her exclusive collections, you’ll discover a beautiful range of rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and cufflinks. Whatever the occasion, you’ll find the perfect fine jewellery designs here.

HEIDI KJELDSEN LTD

5 The Maltings, Mill Street, Oakham LE15 6EA

Telephone: (01572) 722666

Email: heidi@heidikjeldsen.co.uk heidikjeldsen.co.uk

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm

Twitter: RockRingLady Instagram: HeidiKjeldsenLtd Facebook: Heidi Kjeldsen Ltd LinkedIn: Heidi Kjeldsen Ltd

HARPER KENDALL JEWELLERY

When we think about our Jewellery it’s nice to say a particular piece or style is my favourite but when you can mix and match that piece with another it can elevate that to a whole different level as any certain jewellery piece will complement each other and over one another to accentuate your look or style, the combinations are infinite depending on your collection or how many pieces one has but let’s face it you can never have enough Jewellery. With an endless variety of options, it makes it easier when you can find a Jeweller like Harper Kendall who stands out from the crowd by not only having a large and varied collection of beautiful pieces of Jewellery to choose from but also doing something uniquely special that no other Jeweller does which that it offers a personal Jewellery stylist as part of their monthly subscription plans where you input your preference for choice of styles and your especially appointment Jeweller will then curate a monthly Jewellery box tailored specially and specifically for you and with plans are extremely affordable considering the quality of their fine Jewellery with everything from Pure Sterling Silver to 18ct Solid Gold and including pieces with beautiful Diamonds and Gemstones the choice and combinations are endless.

Just imagine never having to worry about searching for Jewellery you want or would like to buy when you can have your very own professional Jewellery at your fingertips that will take of all your Jewellery needs and requirements at a very nominal cost, all conveniently delivered to your door every month, they even let you choose the frequency of delivery even if it’s just the one-time order so there’s nothing to lose here and without any commitments or contracts

Of course, you always have the option to just pick and choose just the single piece from their plethora of designs and styles from stunning Gold Rings and Bracelets to beautiful Necklaces and Pendants the choice and variety is staggering.

If you are after something more unique and special Harper Kendall also has a Bespoke service where they will create and curate any piece of Jewellery from your own personal design which can just be an idea in your head or a sketch you have drawn up so the options are limitless. You can learn and see more at: harperkendall.com

Linen clothing can be your vocational staple, as it is designed to have a cool and loose fit and enables you to enjoy the climate you are traveling in without overheating.

Not Perfect Linen is a linen clothing brand that ensures quality, promotes transparency, enforces sustainable practices, and does everything as ethically as possible. Why ‘not perfect’? The beauty of linen is that it is imperfect. You will definitely miss its beauty if you keep trying to iron it. Linen needs to be used, and it gets better with age.

HEALTH & FITNESS

– Everything you need to keep fit, healthy, and happy –

NEW NASAL SPRAY TO PROTECT AGAINST COLDS AND FLU MAKES UK DEBUT

Unique formula that creates a physical barrier proven to block COVID-19, colds and flu before they start. On-sale now.

Essex based BioSure Global develops, manufactures and distributes worldclass medical devices, and the team’s latest product could stop us being ill this Winter.

As the team behind the first CE marked HIV self-test back in 2015, BioSure has unique expertise in self-testing, and during the pandemic they developed and launched the first approved at home COVID-19 antibody self-test, which showed your body’s level of immunity. Customers were so eager to know if they were protected, that the company have expanded their product range to now include the brand new BioSURE PRO Protective Nasal Spray.

BioSURE PRO Protective Nasal Spray is proven, safe and effective for 6-hours per use. Its unique action creates a barrier in the nasopharynx that blocks the attachment of airborne viruses to prevent infections caused by rotavirus A (sickness and diarrhoea) RSV (common colds), influenzas (flu) and coronaviruses including COVID-19, before they even start.

CEO Brigette Bard confirms: “Nobody wants to miss out and be ill after the past few years –particularly not being well enough to see family and friends this Festive season. We have always been passionate about giving people products so they can feel

in control and we are looking at a behavioural change with people taking action before they catch an infection rather than reacting when they have symptoms. Prevention is always better than cure”

Suitable for daily use, for all aged 12 and over, BioSURE PRO costs just £14.95 effective for 6 hours per application and can be reapplied every 6 hours for continuous protection. With 400 sprays per bottle, it means there is 3 months supply if used daily, which equates to under 2.5p/hour of protection. It’s available nationally online at bebiosure.com, on Amazon and from 760 Well Pharmacies up and down the UK.

BioSURE PRO is not a medicine, is drug-free and uses natural and food safe ingredients which means it is safe for prolonged daily use, with no side effects or risk of long term dependencies.

Brigette Bard confirms this is a game changer in keeping the country moving as we move into the winter virus season and are all feeling the pinch of the economic crisis: “All businesses and families are watching every penny and nobody can afford to lose time or money. Having a team member out, or losing income because of illness can really have an impact, so anything we can do to prevent that is essential”

Independently tested against most common flus, colds and COVID-19 delta and omicron variants BioSURE PRO prevented viral replication in cells treated with the spray vs a control group of untreated cells. Four times more subjects remained infection-free after a 6-day study period with testing against Delta variant

If the viruses can’t connect, they can’t infect! So just spray, protect and go! Find out more and get protected: bebiosure.com

PRO

“BioSURE

is not a medicine and uses natural and food safe ingredients means it is safe for prolonged daily use, with no side effects or risk of long term dependencies”

Winter Workout Motivation

You may have gotten into great workout habits this summer, but as the nights draw in and the temperature drops, it can be hard to keep up momentum. By Imy Brighty-Potts

When you get in from work and it’s the dark, or wake up to a chilly, drizzly morning, it can be difficult to find the drive to get some exercise in, whether it’s making your way to the gym, heading out for a run or going to a class.

With decreased serotonin due to the reduction in sunlight, and increased melatonin from the darker nights, you may be feeling groggy, tired and uninspired, but actually, getting out and exercising could help with this.

According to personal trainer and nutrition coach at The Rhi Club, Rhianna Crisp, “As the chilly, sometimes gloomy autumn days start to creep in, it’s common for us to lose our motivation as quickly as we’re losing sunlight.

“When it comes to our health and fitness, we can’t always rely on motivation, but rather that drive, discipline, and habits you’ve built. Saying that, there are a few ways to help you re-light that fire in your belly and get you motivated to keep working on yourself.”

“It’s important this winter in particular to think about cost and safety, so prioritise group activities outdoors and free classes or exercise,” says Crisp.

Regaining that motivation is possible with a few simple habits.

Make a plan

According to fitness expert and director of Geezers Boxing, Leon Bolmeer, “Following a consistent routine you enjoy will help create both a boost in energy and optimism, as well as a willingness to want to exercise. Try to make exercise into a habit and plan your social life around your workout plans. We advise you to plan sessions for when you are least likely to abandon the idea.”

Give team sports a go “Team exercise adds competition and the social element to exercise. Most of us are motivated by social interaction, and people often go to the gym or sports clubs because their friends are there, and it’s highly motivating,” says Bolmeer.

Do what you actually enjoy Keeping motivated is hard if you don’t love the exercise you are doing. Bolmeer explains: “This sounds obvious, but when it comes to exercise, it’s crucial you pick something you enjoy. Enjoying your exercise will increase the chances of long-term adherence. The best type of exercise is often a mix of activities you enjoy and are motivated to stick with. Some people get bored with the same exercise day after day, whereas others prefer a routine.”

Give group runs a go

Joining a running club or local event may encourage you to get out running – with a focus on safety in numbers if they run at night, too. Crisp is a big advocate for Saturday Park Runs. “Don’t let the word ‘run’ scare you. Park Run is basically an entirely free event that happens every Saturday at 9am in your local park. For October and beyond, you can run, jog, walk, plod your way

around having a chat with your besties, or meet some new people! It’s a great way to get outside, get off your phone and get some exercise in. All you need to do is sign up on their website to get your personal barcode, which you scan at the end to get your time.” This could be the motivation you need to compete with yourself for a Saturday PB all winter.

Set a performance goal – and write it down Crisp knows how tricky it can be to stick with it. “Back in the first lockdown winter, my gym closed for months, and I got myself into a right slump. I was looking for anything quick and easy to get me moving and motivated again. So, I decided I wanted to be able to do a handstand. Every evening, I’d practise for about 15 minutes, ensuring I was pushing myself a little closer each day. Three weeks in, I got my first handstand. It could be anything from a 60-second plank hold to skipping for 20 jumps without getting tangled.”

And hold yourself accountable. “No matter how small or big. Write your goals down. Grab a bit of paper, or open the notes page in your phone and write down three things you want to achieve by Christmas.” says Crisp.

Prepare everything in advance

“Make exercise as frictionless as possible by prepping everything the night before: plan your workout, your route to the gym, put your workout gear and work clothes out, your toiletries and even prep the playlist or podcast you’ll listen to. In short, the less you have to decide in the morning, the easier it is to get up and get out,” says Matt Boyles, a personal trainer who runs Fitter Confident You.

EUROPE’S FIRST PLANT POWERED PHARMACY IS NAKED BY DESIGN

“There was a growing body of gold standard evidence for natural health solutions, but I was unable to find products that met these standards. So I created The Naked Pharmacy with Strength, Purity and Evidence, being at the heart of our products and our business.”

– Kevin Leivers GPhc Founder & CEO

At 16 Kevin was hired to work for Boots with Dr John Nicholson, as part of the team that discovered Ibuprofen, he then worked with Upjohn, Pfizer and later as Chief Pharmacist for Weleda. During his 35 year career in conventional pharmacy, he realised there were many powerful natural products which were not available on the market at either the correct strength or in a well absorbed formulation. Kevin realised that so many of us are interested in natural health solutions, but were overwhelmed by the conflicting information in the public domain.

So in 2016 he started Europe’s first plant powered pharmacy The Naked Pharmacy providing food supplements, backed by real science and real pharmacists providing advice on natural supplements.

All our products contain the following: Full range of natural ingredients. Effective strength as

proven by science. No fillers or synthetics.

Our bestseller is “Gut Love” which contains 21 probiotics and 2 prebiotics and is an effective way of replenishing the good bacteria in our gut. Just like seeds require high quality fertiliser the organic prebiotics in Gut Love provide natural fertiliser for the new probiotics strains and are full of fibre, proteins and micronutrients sourced directly from food. A diverse and resilient gut microbiome has been shown to support not only our our body’s overall health and ability to bounce back from illnesses, but also our emotional wellbeing.

thenakedpharmacy.com

TAKE A BREAK

This is why your gym kit does not have to go in your suitcase, says Claire Spreadbury.

Many of us use exercise as a way of staying fit and healthy, both mentally and physically, so what happens when we go on holiday?

Some holidays are active, so it doesn’t make too much difference, but when you’ve booked a fly and flop escape, and are spending a week lounging about in scorching temperatures, should you be plotting in sweaty runs and workouts? Is it OK to embrace total rest, or will you pile on the pounds or struggle with missed workout guilt?

It’s good to break routine

“A fitness routine is a routine like any other. And holidays generally mean a break from routine”, says fitness expert Laura Williams (laurawilliamsonline.co.uk). “Removing as many everyday responsibilities and commitments is an important part of making the most of a change in pace and scenery.”

It prevents injury

Dr Jinger Gottschall, who works alongside fitness brand Les Mills (lesmills.com), is an expert in the development of sustainable and effective exercise regimes – and says it’s definitely OK to take a break from exercise. In fact, she recommends you enjoy a break from your regular fitness routine during holidays. “Spending three or four nonconsecutive weeks per year doing less training can be refreshing,” says Gottschall. “A break from exercise prevents injury by allowing the working muscles to rebuild and prepare for future training.”

Save your energy for sightseeing

OK, so most of us probably don’t exercise to the point of needing significant additional rest, but all exercise takes energy, notes Williams. “Everything from catching up on the Body Coach’s latest addition to squeezing those 10,000 steps in requires energy, and you may just decide to use that energy elsewhere when you’re on holiday.”

Absence makes the heart grow fonder “Taking a break gives you time to relax and

refocus, and this can make you appreciate the positive feelings associated with training,” says Gottschall. And let’s be honest, workouts can become a little repetitive. “You might actually be a bit bored with your fitness routine,” adds Williams.

“So take a rest. When you return to it, it’ll feel new, and you’ll have a better idea of anything that needs changing.”

Your body needs rest too

Bryce Hastings, Les Mills Head of Research, says it depends on the individual, but if you’re feeling desperate for a holiday, chances are your body could probably do with some rest.

“Regular everyday exercisers are notorious for not taking breaks,” he says. “They establish a routine, which is great, and they religiously stick to it – potentially adding to the load when a new fitness class or training innovation comes along.

Chances are, their body doesn’t need a fresh new training innovation – it may well need a rest!”

He recommends factoring in regular walks, and maybe the odd swim or a bit of yoga to keep the feelgood hormones going while you’re away. And then picking back up your regular workout regime as soon as your holiday ends, to avoid falling offing the fitness wagon.

THE FERTILITY CENTRE

Formerly the Assisted Conception Unit, The Fertility Centre is a longstanding centre of excellence for fertility treatment and care at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In 2021 they enlarged the Centre with a new satellite service at West Middlesex University Hospital, extending patient care and convenient access across West London.

The Centre provides a broad and comprehensive range of fertility services to their patients –including IVF, ICSI and IUI – but their areas of particular expertise, include the management of women and couples over the age of 40, premature ovarian ageing or low ovarian reserve, and male or sperm-related infertility issues.

Notwithstanding their expertise in these complex fields, The Fertility Centre continues to perform very well in its success rates. They hold one of the highest clinical pregnancy rates amongst NHS hospitals in the UK (please visit hfea.gov.uk for further information) and welcome NHS-funded patients and those seeking to selffund their care and treatment.

As well as treatment for those trying to conceive now, The Fertility Centre offer services for those who are considering their ability to conceive in the future. Fertility preservation through egg or embryo freezing is becoming increasingly popular and they can provide these services through their dedicated Fertility Preservation programme.

There are a number of reasons why you may wish to preserve your fertility:

• For social reasons

• Preparing to transition

• Ahead of treatment for cancer such as chemoor radiotherapy

• If you have been diagnosed with gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts

If you are thinking about your fertility health for future years, they also provide a range of fertility assessments - with packages for individuals as well as couples. Alongside tests and assessments, expert clinicians can explain your results and advise you accordingly.

In addition to their clinical expertise and range of treatment options, The Fertility Centre understands the inevitable stress and anxiety of fertility treatment. They are committed to supporting you every step of the way throughout your treatment. This includes sessions with their British Infertility Counselling Association and UK Council for Psychotherapy accredited counsellors.

THE DETAILS

The Fertility Centre team is always happy to support you and answer any questions. If you want to learn more or are ready to start your fertility journey, please contact them on 020 3315 8585 or email chelwest.acu@nhs.net. chelwestprivatecare.co.uk/ fertility-centre

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

When the drugs don’t work: Reflux treatments

Everyone experiences heartburn from time to time.

Rich food, medicines and hormones can all cause reflux, leaving us with that familiar burning sensation in the chest and bad taste in the mouth. But for increasing numbers of people, reflux is a daily problem that can have a serious impact on quality of life.

Chronic reflux, known as Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is on the rise in Western societies. It can occur when the valve which usually prevents the contents of the stomach being released after we swallow fails or weakens, allowing stomach acid and other corrosive substances including bile and the powerful enzyme Pepsin to travel up into the oesophagus.

Studies suggest GORD now affects as many as 30% of people in the US and Europe and that 10% of the adult population regularly take some

form of antacid medication known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs).

‘Reflux can be a very debilitating condition,’ says Nicholas Boyle, consultant surgeon at the world-renowned King Edward VII’s Hospital in London and a leading expert in the surgical management of GORD. ‘There have actually been studies done that show if you’ve got bad reflux symptoms, it can affect you just as much as other serious chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease or diabetes.’

If left untreated, GORD can also result in complications such as a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett’s oesophagus, which requires regular monitoring.

Highly effective surgical treatments are available but, says Boyle, it is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis and for many patients this can prove elusive.

“There have actually been studies done that show if you’ve got bad reflux symptoms, it can affect you just as much as other serious chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease or diabetes”

‘A lot of the time the standard treatment is to just give people PPIs. These can be very powerful, and they really work for some people but about 20% to 30% of patients won’t respond to this treatment and they can cause side effects, such as changes in the gut microbiome. Some patients end up going round in circles in a cycle of frustration for many years,’ he says.

At King Edward VII’s specialist reflux centre, the focus is on achieving a precise diagnosis to ensure targeted treatment.

Diagnosis can often be made by discussing symptoms and taking a detailed clinical history but in complex cases, a variety of specialist tests are available.

An endoscopy, where a small flexible camera is inserted into the oesophagus and stomach, can be used to identify structural issues with the valve. To get a more detailed picture, this can be combined with the Bravo test. A small capsule is attached to the lining at the bottom of the oesophagus to measure acidity levels over a number of days and send the results wirelessly via a Bluetooth recorder. Patients can also press a button on the recorder when they get a particular symptom which enables the team to see if there is an association between acid levels and a reflux event.

‘Outcomes are entirely dependent on reaching the right diagnosis,’ says Boyle. ‘We have a multidisciplinary team of consultants and clinicians which allows us to make sure patients see the right person, get the right diagnosis and achieve the best possible outcome.’

Although only around 10% to 15% of patients will require an operation, surgical management can offer the best solution for those who don’t respond to PPIs or who don’t want to take medication long-term. Keyhole techniques mean surgery is minimally invasive and doesn’t require an overnight stay in hospital or lengthy recovery period.

Importantly, says Boyle, advances in surgical management mean patients can now be offered a choice of procedures to suit their needs.

Fundoplication, where a piece of the stomach is wrapped around the bottom of the oesophagus to strengthen the bowel, remains one of the most common and effective surgical solutions but can cause side-effects.

Boyle and his team have also pioneered alternatives. They are the leading UK centre for

LINX sphincter augmention, which involves placing a small bracelet of magnets around the bottom of the oesophagus to strengthen the valve. This day case procedure is just as effective in treating reflux symptoms but tends not to cause the side effects associated with fundoplication.

In the last year Boyle has also led the development of Reflux Stop in the UK. During this procedure, the normal valve is strengthened and a small silicone ball implanted in the wall of the stomach to help keep it below the diaphragm.

‘Our early results are very encouraging and RefluxStop seems to cause significantly fewer swallowing difficulties in the short term than fundoplication,’ says Boyle.

‘We are fortunate that we can provide a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and offer a comprehensive set of options for treatment. And the evidence is really clear that people’s quality of life is better after surgery than when they just take long-term PPIs.’

MORE INFORMATION

Speak to one of King Edward VII’s Hospital’s leading specialists in Reflux Tel: 0203 930 1392 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm kingedwardvii.co.uk

DIGESTING CHRISTMAS DINNER:

How to keep your tummy happy

As well all know, Christmas is a time for overindulgence, both in the quantities we eat, but also in the rich and decadent nature of our favourite festive food and drink. In the UK, the average person consumes 5,373 calories on Christmas day, more than three times the recommended daily amount, and heavier nature of this food can play havoc with our digestive systems. Mr James Kinross, consultant colorectal surgeon at King Edward VII’s Hospital in Marylebone, discusses how we can help our gut this Christmas.

Christmas dinner can cause an issue when a sustained period of unhealthy eating affects the microbiome, our intestinal habitat of millions of microbes, their genomes and their surrounding environmental conditions, which requires a varied diet in order to function properly. Like any other habitat, a healthy gut microbiome requires diversity to thrive.

Eating fatty foods and processed meats, like pigs in blankets, or having too much sugar by picking at a selection box, instead of more plant-based meals doesn’t give the microbiome the diversity and nutrients it needs, which can take its toll on the body.

POST CHRISTMAS PROBLEMS

Interestingly, dietary changes like the ones we experience during the festive season not only influence gut bacteria to create digestive complaints, but can also have a serious impact on your overall health. In addition to IBS and digestion issues, bloating can be a sign of food

“Christmas dinner can cause an issue when a sustained period of unhealthy eating affects the microbiome”

MORE INFORMATION

If you’re concerned about your colorectal health, speak to an expert colorectal consultant at King Edward VII’s Hospital such as Mr James Kinross on 0203 930 1392 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm kingedwardvii.co.uk

intolerances and autoimmune conditions of the gut associated with gluten consumption such as coeliac disease. More rarely it is a sign of inflammatory diseases of the gut, such as Crohn’s disease, or more rarely certain cancers, such as stomach and colon cancer.

Other consequences of an unhealthy gut include sleep problems, and it may even influence our mental health. Recently, significant advances have been made in our understanding of how the gut and the brain interact, and the microbiome also plays a significant part in determining our mood.

If you notice you’re bloating very often, or if it is especially painful, or any other new and persistent symptoms, you should go and see a doctor. You should also seek help if you are experiencing symptoms such as weight loss or a persistent change in your bowel habits.

I always tell my patients to listen to their bodies. If something doesn’t feel right, or you’ve noticed changes lasting for more than a couple of weeks, it’s best to get it checked out.

SPUDS AND SPROUTS THIS CHRISTMAS

Staying active can help to combat some of the side effects of Christmas overindulgence. Rather than sitting down to enjoy a Christmas film after dinner, getting up to go for a 45 minute walk can help stimulate the digestive system. Exercise is critically

important at any time of the year; our health, and an active lifestyle improves the function of the bowel.

Traditional Christmas dinners are low in fibre and high in fat, meaning they are not always gutfriendly. Try to avoid fatty foods such as Yorkshire puddings, processed meats and rich puddings which are the staple of any Christmas meal. I would also recommend maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to give the microbiome the fibre it needs. Staples such as Brussels sprouts are rich in prebiotic fibre, which means they are the perfect fuel to help our gut bacteria flourish.

As party season kicks in, try to maintain a healthy balanced diet and avoid takeaways. Although this doesn’t mean avoiding nights out and Christmas get-togethers, as socialising with other people can contribute to diversity of bacteria in the gut.

Beware of ramping up alcohol intake over the Christmas period too. Alcoholic drinks contain a lot of calories, and bacteria break down alcoholic drinks into molecules that can be harmful to us.

If you want to enjoy a drink, stay hydrated and try alternating alcohol with low calorie soft drinks or a glass of water.

Having a healthy diet enables the cycle of a healthy gut and immune system. These simple changes will make you feel fresh and ready for the New Year!

HOW YOU FEEL TOMORROW, STARTS TODAY…

Welcome To Nuffield Health Hospitals

are on hand to guide you through your journey. No two people are the same, and they pride themselves on their personalised approach. By getting to know every individual, they can provide the best possible care and support.

• Consultant-led treatment

From consultation to recovery, Nuffield Health Hospitals deliver the highest standards of clinical care.

• Access to diagnostics

They offer blood tests, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, mammogram and more.

• Fast and flexible GP and physiotherapy access

Driven by their purpose to build a healthier nation, Nuffield Health experts have been working together for more than 60 years to make the nation fitter, healthier, happier and stronger.

By connecting your health and wellbeing, they make it easier than ever for you to receive quick and effective treatment when you need it. Whether it’s a prompt diagnosis or treatment from one of their best-in-class professionals, or an appointment with one of their friendly private GPs, they will put your health first so you can put your mind at rest.

Nuffield Health Hospitals- including those located in Highgate and Wimbledon, offer face-toface, telephone and online consultations, so from home or in person, you’ll be in safe hands with high-quality care and access to experts you can trust.

All their rated hospitals have scored Good or Outstanding by national regulators. Their high standards and commitment to research and accreditation, means you can rest assured your health and wellbeing is in excellent hands.

PERSONALISED TREATMENT AND CARE

Nuffield Health understand it may be a concerning time should you need to see them. That’s why they

NUFFIELD

HEALTH

Accessing hospital treatment is easier than you may think - Nuffield Health Hospitals offer a wide range of payment options to suit your needs. Their approachable and supportive team are here to help guide you through the process.

GET A PRIVATE GP APPOINTMENT WITHOUT THE WAIT THIS FESTIVE SEASON

It’s no secret that NHS waiting times can be agonisingly long, especially for people who have conditions that affect their quality of life.

In densely populated areas such as London, getting hold of a GP when a situation arises, or for advice, has become increasingly difficult. In the winter months, and particularly during the festive season, it can be even harder to access local doctors. When you have parties to attend and Christmas shopping to get done, this is the last thing you need!

This is why St John & St Elizabeth Hospital offers a flexible private GP practice.

CONVENIENT SAME DAY GP APPOINTMENTS

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital has a range of private GPs, with appointments available daily. Give them a ring and the team will do their utmost to find you an appointment with the best specialist for your needs, at a time that works for you. For anything urgent, you’ll be able to get a same-day appointment with a highly experienced GP from around £150. They will take the time to listen to your concerns, without rush, and will either treat you then and there, or refer you to one of the hospital’s world-class consultants.

“Give them a ring and the team will do their utmost to find you an appointment with the best specialist for your needs, at a time that works for you”

A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES

The hospital’s private GP practice offers a range of services, including:

• Pregnancy, baby and children’s care

• Travel vaccinations

• Minor surgery, such as mole and skin tag removal

• Quick and efficient referrals, all under one roof

• In-house pharmacy

• Home visits and out of hours service

AN INVESTMENT FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Throughout 2022, the hospital has been opening its £35 million three-floor new wing; the largest single investment made into the organisation to date. A new theatres department has been unveiled, as well as a day-case suite which features another two theatres, the latest surgical equipment, a new admissions area and nine ensuite rooms. The hospital has also invested in brand new machines for scans and tests, private changing rooms, modern waiting areas and an expanded Urgent Care Clinic.

Should your GP need to refer you to another hospital service, you’ll have access to the latest technology, and calm, comfortable surroundings as well as expert, personalised care.

“The new wing provides state-of-the-art

GET IN TOUCH

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital 60 Grove End Road London NW8 9NH

If you would like to book an appointment with a private GP, call the practice on 020 7432 8269

Find out more about the hospital hje.org.uk

facilities, and has enabled us to expand our capacity to treat patients in superb surroundings. The addition to this historic hospital will go on to serve the community of St John’s Wood for many years to come.” Caroline Fox, CEO

A HOSPITAL WITH A HEART

Founded in 1865, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals.

Excellence of care has been at the core of its ethos since it opened under the care of the Sisters of Mercy, an order of nuns who worked with Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War.

All these years later, the hospital has stayed true to its mission to help the needy in the local community. All treatments in the hospital help fund the onsite St John’s Hospice, which provides free care to over 4,500 people and their families each year, across seven boroughs.

WORKING OUT WHEN SICK: IS IT A GOOD IDEA?

Carlos E Cobiella is a Consultant Shoulder & Elbow and Sports Surgeon working at theshoulderpractice.com

Despite how hard you hit the gym, there will be some weeks that you don’t feel your best and won’t be able to get the most out of your workout. From my experience, when patients are feeling unwell, exercising on top of this can put undue stress on the body and this can lead to a host of problems.

You might cheat or put in little effort if you workout when sick

If you do make it to the gym and you’re not feeling well you may find yourself losing concentration easily, and you can’t wait to finish the session or are easily distracted. You might ‘cheat’ on your usual routine and not push yourself as much. It’s probably better to stay in bed and concentrate on resting, nourishing your body with fluids and healthy foods - and getting better so you can go into beast mode in your next workout session.

Working out when sick can increase your cortisol - which can make you put on weight If we are feeling unwell and we are exercising

under a state of stress, the body develops a ‘fight or flight’ response and releases certain hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisolalso affects the metabolism of carbohydrates and encourages insulin production, which could result in sugar cravings and can also slow down your metabolism, so it’s not very good news for weight loss.

Working out when you’re sick can make you drained

Physical activity usually promotes a buzzing sensation and after a good exercise session you should feel energised and ready to go about your day with a spring in your step. However, if you are unwell and don’t feel good before your workout, you could be feeling even worse afterwards because of the stress your body has been put under.

Tiredness from being sick can cause injury

Being tired and rundown is not ideal for a workout - you could cause yourself an injury during a high intensity class or a weight and heavy lifting session. One of the main causes of injury when working out is poor concentration, which results in poor technique and increased risk of causing injuries. Visit theshoulderpractice.com for more info and to book an appointment call +44 (0) 20 3488 0242 or email pa@theshoulderpractice.com

“If you are unwell and don’t feel good before your workout, you could be feeling even worse afterwards because of the stress your body has been put under”

Focus On… WELLNESS OVER AGE FIFTY

As we get older, we need to be more aware of our health. Although some of it is down to our genes, advancing age, exposure to environmental factors and the cumulative effects of our lifestyle choices have an impact on our wellbeing.

‘Our team will work with you to maintain your best possible health and wellbeing, so that you can continue to enjoy life to the full, whatever your age.’

People in their 30s, 40s and 50s tend to be running around between work, home and family, leaving less time for exercise, relaxation and taking care of health issues. At The Practice, we encourage you to take a step back, take time out to have you health and risk factors assessed and to take timely action.

Through a combination of the latest screening techniques and technology, and expert diet and lifestyle advice, we can help you to be proactive about your health.

Essential cancer screening

Most cancers become more prevalent as people age – the vast majority are diagnosed in people over 60. Unfortunately, too many cancers are

still diagnosed late. With modern treatments and surgical techniques, early detection can often make a significant difference to the outcome so it makes sense to undertake regular screening to spot these cancers at a very early stage.

At The London General Practice, we offer comprehensive cancer screening, including colon, prostate, breast, ovarian and lung cancers. We can access the latest, high tech, cutting-edge diagnostic tests available in Harley Street and its environs, arranging your tests efficiently so that you can get everything done within a day.

‘The London General Practice cancer screening programme gives you complete peace of mind.’

‘Maintaining a healthy heart is the key to health and wellbeing as you move into the middle age and beyond.’

Heart health

Heart disease is still a big killer in the UK. Although women are protected to some extent before menopause, that protection ends as levels of oestrogen drop. Women in the 50+ age group are just in need of cardiovascular risk assessment and screening as men of the same age.

At The Practice, we offer comprehensive screening, either to identify problems early, or simply to put your mind at rest.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place)

Tel: 0207 935 1000

Or email info@ thelondongeneralpractice.com

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP Services thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services

Flu – Winter Illness

The London General Practice

Influenza is a common winter illness, an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and extreme tiredness. Other symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat and congestion. Colds have some of the same symptoms as flu, but a cold is caused by a different virus, has a more gradual onset and is usually less severe. Colds cause more nasal symptoms, and the flu more characteristically causes fever, fatigue and muscle aches.

These viruses can be very unpleasant, and recovery is usually 2- 7 days. Flu may be complicated by developing more severe infections such as bronchitis or secondary bacterial pneumonia. There are several groups that are at higher risk of developing complications of flu, including people over the age of 65, those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, pregnant women, and children under six months of age. The flu virus is spread by droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone infected coughs or sneezes. If someone breathes in the droplets they can catch the flu, similarly if they touch surfaces that the

droplets have landed on and then touch their nose or mouth, they can become infected. It is therefore very important to wash hands frequently and regularly clean surfaces.

Flu vaccination can help prevent flu. Flu vaccines are available from GP Practices as well as pharmacies.

Managing flu symptoms includes looking after yourself at home with rest, drinking plenty of water to keep well hydrated, and keeping warm. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for fever and pain, and good hygiene and hand washing should be practiced to help prevent the spread of the virus.

IF YOU HAVE FLU…

• Rest and recuperate, stay at home until you feel better

• Keep warm

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

If you do not recover within a few days or if you are developing new symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place)

Tel: 0207 935 1000

Or email info@ thelondongeneralpractice.com

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK Private GP Services thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services

Bowel cancer checks at record high

‘thanks to Dame Deborah James’

By

Dame Deborah, also known by her social media handle Bowel Babe, had been raising awareness about the disease until her death on June 28 at the age of 40.

According to the NHS, between the months of May and July, 170,500 people referred for checks for suspected lower gastro-intestinal cancers.

It is up over 30,000 compared to the same period in 2021, and nearly 80,000 higher than the same period two years ago.

Figures also showed referrals for bowel cancer hit an all-time high in the second week of July, shortly after Dame Deborah’s death, up 60% on pre-pandemic levels.

The last three months also saw almost 200,000 more visitors to the NHS website to check symptoms of the disease.

National cancer director Dame Cally Palmer said: “Thanks to the brave and relentless campaigning of Dame Deborah James, bowel cancer has come to the forefront of a national conversation on catching cancer as early as possible, and the fact that we have seen record numbers of people coming forward for bowel cancer checks shows people are taking the illness seriously and speaking to their GPs about it.

“It is so important that we continue the work of Dame Deborah to raise awareness of bowel cancer and save more lives, so to anyone who has noticed symptoms, please do come forward.”

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “People visiting bowelcanceruk. org.uk has never been higher, with tens of thousands more people seeking information about the symptoms of the disease since Dame Deborah James’ tragic death.

“There was also a spike in people affected by bowel cancer posting on our forum, contacting our Ask the Nurse service and we know that people have visited their GP as a result of hearing her story.”

richly deserved, this is it.”

Dame Deborah later said she felt “honoured and shocked” to be considered for the honour.

Her husband Sebastien Bowen has spoken about the difficulties of the last few months he spent with the former deputy headteacher, whom he married in France in 2008.

In early May, Dame Deborah revealed she had stopped active treatment and was receiving endof-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, Surrey, with her husband and their two children on hand.

The podcaster was diagnosed in 2016 and kept her one million Instagram followers up to date with her treatments.

Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including videos of her dancing her way through treatment, won praise from the public and media alike.

Alongside Lauren Mahon and Rachael Bland, she launched the You, Me And The Big C podcast in 2018.

She was made a dame, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying: “If ever an honour was

Mr Bowen told the Times: “She was making the most of every last moment. But that was her. That is how I will always remember Deborah – the ability in the worst of times to embrace life.

“More than anyone I know she loved life, even more so when it became so short and each minute counted.”

He went on: “She was so weak she couldn’t do much on her own, which she found frustrating as she was naturally fiercely independent.

“She was paralysed at the end from her waist down and had to deal with the psychological battle of the reality of her new handicap. She couldn’t even go to the kitchen to get food or clean or dress herself.

“I’m not going to pretend it was easy. It was a new experience for all of us and we had to find our feet, but it also brought us closer to her and to each other.”

Record numbers of people are having bowel cancer checks after the death of campaigner Dame Deborah James, health bosses have said.

Ted Hennessey

“The podcaster was diagnosed in 2016 and kept her one million Instagram followers up to date with her treatments”

From Inspiration to Installation – and everything in-between

in the way you envisaged, it’s always advisable to enlist the help of bathroom specialists at the earliest possible stage.

Not only can they offer guidance on all aspects of the project, but they can also assist in putting together a plan that maximises the available space to ensure that your new bathroom, shower room or cloakroom works well for you and your family.

What’s more, using one company throughout the entire process will provide the continuity and collaboration that is crucial to securing the result that you desire.

Look online at websites of local bathroom showrooms as this will give you an excellent starting point. Check out the product ranges on offer and find the most recent reviews from past clients to get an overall idea of the customer service.

Situated in the heart of North West London, Bathroom Design Studio brings a wealth of experience to the table, offering customers a bespoke design, supply and fit service - plus the latest CAD computerised design systems to visualise their projects in 3D. Its portfolio of products has been carefully selected to ensure quality and function, with excellent follow-up support & service as vital requirements.

Looking to replace or renovate your bathroom, ensuite, shower room or cloakroom, but not sure where to start?

Renovating the bathroom can often be the most overwhelming of projects to tackle as there are so many elements to be taken into consideration.

Although it may well be one of the smaller rooms in your home, a lengthy list of decisions will be required. Plumbing, electrics, sanitaryware, furniture, brassware, accessories, flooring, walls and lighting; these are just a few of the key areas on the list. Not to mention design, planning, sourcing of products - and the installation!

With so much to think about before you start, planning is vital, as is getting expert help to guide you through the entire process, from initial layout to final fitting.

To ensure that your dream room is achieved

Founder and owner of BDS, John Naughten has over 40 years’ experience in the bathroom sector and his friendly on-site team of Maria, Richard and

“Situated in the heart of North West London, Bathroom Design Studio brings a wealth of experience to the table, offering customers a bespoke design, supply and fit service - plus the latest CAD computerised design systems to visualise their projects in 3D”

Mathew, have amassed well over 40 years’ industry experience between them.

Clients are welcome to pop into the impressive 4,000 sq. ft BDS showroom in Fairfax Road, NW6, either on spec or by appointment.

Says John: “We prefer clients to visit the showroom to see what we have on offer and to discern the style of product that best suits their taste and budget,” adding: “Meeting people faceto-face to discuss their ideas in person enables us to understand and formulate schemes that are personalised for their requirements.”

Over two levels, the BDS London showroom has over 50 different bathroom displays of all the items needed to furnish a bathroom, ensuite, shower room or cloakroom. The products are displayed in creative lifestyle scenarios to inspire visitors and enable them to visualise how the multiple elements would work in their own homes.

Furniture is one of the key ingredients of any space, as is sufficient storage. BDS specialises in offering an outstanding choice of furniture units for every taste & style. What’s more, with their combined design and technical expertise, the team can plan, supply and install all the selected items ensuring the best possible use of space.

New and exclusive to BDS London is TUBES, an eye-catching collection of radiators and towel rails. Made in Italy, they come in a variety of beautiful colours & shapes, all perfect for creating an individual look for your new bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom.

TUBES radiators and towel rails stand for design expertise, innovative technology and

excellent performance. With their unique and distinctive styling, this inspiring family-run brand has literally revolutionised the humble radiator into one of the most desirable and aspirational components for any contemporary bathroom space.

The solutions are not solely for bathrooms either. TUBES also offer products for the rest of the home, such as Plug & Play heaters: design objects that do not require installation and can easily be moved around the house, according to the season.

The extensive TUBES collection, now available exclusively from BDS London, is comprised of a comprehensive selection of design and function, from wall-mounted, built-in and floor-standing models, to hydraulic, mixed and electric options. In addition, each item in this designer collection seeks to fulfil two key objectives: versatility & sustainability, both areas of growing importance in today’s world.

Explains John: “As a direct result of the last couple of years, we are aware of an increased desire to incorporate more luxury features into new & updated schemes. After a long and stressful day, the bathroom is a sanctuary to escape to - an ideal way for us to treat ourselves, without having to leave home!”

When you are ready to start your design journey, let the experts at Bathroom Design Studio London help you to navigate the route to your dream bathroom. BDS clients will receive the benefits of a free individual design & advice service, together with product recommendations and exclusive in-house installation options.

THE DETAILS

Individual appointments can be booked by phone on 020 7625 5622 or you can email the BDS team at info@bdslondon.co.uk. You can also visit the Bathroom Design Studio website at bathroomdesignstudiolondon. co.uk to complete a contact form for one of the team to get in touch with you at your convenience.

CONTACT

Bathroom Design Studio London A: 91 Fairfax Road, London NW6 4DY

T: 020 7625 5622 E: info@bdslondon.co.uk bathroomdesignstudiolondon.co.uk

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

WINTER WARMER

INTERIORS

Designed in Italy by Tubes, the new Montecarlo is an eye-catching designer radiator that heats up the bathroom, whilst simultaneously enhancing the overall style of the scheme. Part of an exiting new and colourful collection available now exclusively in the UK from Bathroom Design Studio London in horizontal, vertical and square options produced in hydraulic, electric & mixed versions. The perfect addition to bathrooms, cloakrooms, shower rooms and ensuites of all shapes and sizes. For more details, call: 020 7625 5622 bathroomdesignstudiolondon.co.uk

WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Our Celestial Embroidered Placemat is ideal for stylish festive table dressing. The rich navy linen is decorated with delicate silver star and moon embroidery. truffletablescapes.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BLINDS

We love these high quality custom made Dalmary Gorse Patterned roller blinds. Made to measure to fit perfectly. englishblinds.co.uk

IN THE RED

Add a touch of colour to your winter décor with our deer red and pink cushion cover. The 100% lambswool cushion cover has inverse colour scheme on the reverse. With a zip closing (pad not included), this cushion is soft, cozy and will be like a warm hug from the woodlands. jjtextile.co.uk

STYLISH SANCTUARY

Transform your bedroom into a stylish sleep sanctuary with the gorgeous, Kyoto Bedside Table. This beautiful bedside table combines Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian style and an added touch of Colonial charm to make a fabulous yet functional statement in your bedroom. Crafted from a black finished oak and complete with two drawers embellished with natural cane, this striking piece will make a sophisticated addition to any Japandi style interior.

sweetpeaandwillow.com

DESIGN WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

For all private residential projects, whether they are classical superprime properties or modern apartments, we will provide a dedicated designer who delivers a level of service and attention to detail that is second to none, from the start to the finish of the project. From specifying the specific bespoke requirements for a single modern room to the interior architecture for an entire luxury private property, we deliver seamlessly to every client. Our specialist, in-house team of Interior Architects & Designers work on both new build and renovation projects. With our experience in creating stunning home interiors, we know how to make the best use of space, and how to create ideal room layouts. We produce plans and technical specifications that are precise to every detail, including lighting, joinery, kitchen and bathroom concepts, flooring, and internal finishes as well as liaison and design coordination with specialist sub-contractors all focusing on accurate budgeting and exact construction. aji.co.uk

BEST OF BESPOKE

The ultimate in personalisation, Fy! Studio is a magical tool allows anyone to create their own bespoke wall art in seconds just by typing in their ideas. From their imagination to their walls, shoppers can order their unique masterpiece! iamfy.co

Candles to get cosy with this winter

books and reading under the flicker of warming candlelight. Aromas of rich wood, amber, pink pepper and pomegranate.

The Butterfly Lady

Evoking a sultry and elegant grace. Enticing you in with her seductive fragrance, and the mysteries hidden behind her eyes. Aromas of aromatics, neroli, orange, lavender, ylang and cedarwood.

The Jungle

Evoking a wild and tropical land. Exotic flowers, foliage and birdsong fill the warm air, which rises to the towering canopy above. Aromas of Eucalyptus, lush greens, Citrus and cedar wood.

Scented candles to help you cosy up to the colder nights, full of essential oils designed to help you relax, unwind and get settle in to winter.

HERE ARE OUR 5 PICKS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF WINTER EVENINGS

(main image) The Alpine Lodge

Evoking crisp snow topped slopes, a welcoming ski lodge, the sound of a crackling log fire and a cosy chair in which to relax. Aromas of fir trees, pine needles, lavender, cinnamon, moss and clove.

The Library

Evoking mahogany shelves full of leather bound

The Enchanted Forest Evoking ancient woodland, dappled sunlight, wild fauna and the rich scent of oak filling the air. Aromas of cedarwood, smoked oak, birch and moss.

Candles from £55-58 each with a 90 hour burn time, in a reusable, Fine China vessel. Proudly Made in Great Britain. Refills for the candles available. chaseandwonder.com

AW Interior Colour Trends ‘22

As autumn gets into full swing, the colours we’re pulled towards to build ourselves habitats that make us feel safe, cocooned and calm echo what we can see on the outside (in keeping with the vogue for the allnatural), but with a luxe twist.

With the countdown towards winter marching on, everything seems a bit more difficult. Getting used to, again, the darkness, the drizzle and the dropping temperatures. Let your home shoulder some of the wish-it-was-warmer burden and embrace what the season is offering – a palette of exquisitely rich indulgence, which brings glorious visual warmth to even the frostiest of days.

A WARM WELCOME

Sometimes it’s hard to really appreciate the beauty of autumn as the reality that summer’s gone sinks in. The glory of changing leaves on trees appreciated only for fleeting moments, curtains drawn across intense night skies, the odd splash

of sunlight rushed past in a hurry to seek shelter. These dark, rustic shades may seem a little glum when glanced at but complied into an interiors scheme the result is utterly sumptuous.

GOLDEN BROWN

From the spicy paprika, chilli and cinnamon tones speckled across exhibitions at this year’s directional Salone del Mobile furniture fair, to the reds making their way into the spotlight balanced by flashes of deepest blue, green, and golden ochres, these

“These dark, rustic shades may seem a little glum when glanced at but complied into an interiors scheme the result is utterly sumptuous”

colours are the furniture equivalent of a warming mug of chocolate. Rich, luxurious, and just want you need after a wrapped-in-a-scarf walk, cold commute or snow-tipped trip.

RETRO AND RUSTIC

Translating these autumnal hues into something you want to invite indoors is all about materials. This season, we’re looking to the 1970s for inspiration as we are (re)teaming autumn’s lush colouring with similarly luscious finishes – think lashings of velvet for upholstery, and high-shine for hard pieces, the overtly decadent feel balanced by the organic, warm tones. In our collection of

designer sofas and modern chairs, the combination of earthy, natural shades and tactile fabrics says two things: dive right in and bring a blanket, while glossy tables, contemporary storage pieces and statement lights nod to alluring retro 70s glam.

WARMTH BEFORE WINTER

As standalone pieces, the burgundy, red and ochre designs make a bold statement. Sensual. Opulent. Hot hot hot. Place them in pairs and larger groups, and soon you’ll forget that such seasonal photogenic beauty comes with a fall in temperatures – you won’t even mind. Upholstered designs wrap around you, ready to share their anti-winter cosiness, while full on gloss reflects light around the room, adding a flash of energy to the space and reminding us it is ok to venture out. But definitely come back in here soon.

chaplins.co.uk

“As standalone pieces, the burgundy, red and ochre designs make a bold statement.

Sensual. Opulent”

Inspired by setting the mood, Amude handcrafts a variety of candles that elevate any space. Female-owned and hand-poured in Los Angeles, they offer a range of exquisite fragrances that indulge your senses. These mood-setting candles create a relaxing atmosphere and will transform the ambiance of your space. They are a great addition to bookshelves and coffee table decor, and make for even better holiday gifts!

Savvy New Storage Solutions

Shelf Units come in polished chrome or brass.

The sideboard has made a welcome comeback. My Furniture’s EYOS, HANNA and ANASTASIA sideboards are endlessly practical and make an eye-catching statement in their own right. The playful graphics of the EYOS Sideboard come in vibrant shades of blue, from £699.99. The HANNA Sideboard showcases a geometric print in tones of cream, with a hint of ink blue. Both come with cable ports and adjustable shelves, perfect for hiding away media units, tableware and precious trinkets.

The start of a New Year is the perfect time to plan a spring clean and clear the clutter of home and mind. If you’re not sure where to put everything, My Furniture have introduced a new range of savvy storage solutions to create some clarity around the home.

How do you squeeze some extra storage into your living room? The designers at My Furniture have created the beautifully layered ARIA Coffee Table and Storage Ottoman set, priced at £399.99. Concealed castors allow for easy moving, so not only can the velvet ottoman be used to hideaway blankets, toys and magazines, but it can also be used as a handy footrest. Choose from silver or brass coffee table with the corresponding Ottoman colours in Peacock, Dove Grey, Chalk or Black. The Aria Ottoman is also available as a standalone piece.

In a supposedly paper free world, do you find yourself still surrounded by stray paperwork and clutter? Transform a spare piece of wall, or corner of the room, with some intelligently designed, floating storage. The INGA floating mirrored shelves offer a useful storage drawer, with a concealed handle underneath, while keeping the floor free from obstruction. Use it for homeworking, as a dressing table or for simply tucking away bits and pieces. These floating shelves can be combined in multiples to create a striking look. The mirrored finish is also available in smoke glass.

A functional wall shelf maybe the obvious storage solution, but if you invest in a statement piece you love, it can also provide a stunning focus.

My Furniture’s OTTO collection takes inspiration from highly collectable, 1970s bespoke furnishings. The freestanding OTTO Shelf Unit comes in You can create a striking feature by using the brushed brass Wall Shelf in multiples, from £239.99 per unit.The geometric MIKO Single and Double

The ANASTASIA Sideboard has a distinctive curved shape and toughened mirror exterior. Two cupboards have adjustable glass shelves and there are three soft-close drawers. Anastasia comes in a silver mirror finish with a choice of chrome or brass details, and black glass with brass details.

A tidy bedroom contributes to a sense of calm and can help you sleep better. My Furniture has designed a range of storage beds to free up space and keep clutter at bay. The gas lift mechanisms provides easy opening into a large, hidden storage space, which is ideal for hiding away spare bedding, suitcases and clothes. The storage beds come in a range of soft colours and styles. my-furniture.com

How to create the perfect kitchen for entertaining this Christmas

“G

etting the right kitchen design for entertaining at Christmas requires forward planning to ensure your layout is perfectly placed. When thinking about key features and small details alike, it’s best to consider how you’d use the space, as this will help to inform your design.

“Remember, a kitchen is for life, not just for Christmas, so it’s important to ensure that the space meets your needs all year round, as well as during the festive season. If you’re a regular host, consider how you may like to use your kitchen for dinner parties and get-togethers throughout the year too.

Entertaining with ease

“An island unit is the perfect location to host welcome drinks and exchange presents, as it offers a hub to display perfectly crafted beverages, along with space for family and friends to mingle while you continue food preparations.

“Don’t have space for an island in your kitchen? Consider incorporating an informal seating feature, such as a seating nook. Building a small bench into the surrounding units can really maximise floorspace and positioning a small table in front can create a truly versatile feature that will prove handy throughout the year. You don’t have to forgo storage either, you can integrate clever solutions beneath the seating and surrounding

Ruth Lavender, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery, comments:

“Remember, a kitchen is for life, not just for Christmas, so it’s important to ensure that the space meets your needs all year round”

zone – a great place to hide presents in the run up to the big day, as well as clutter that you’d prefer visitors didn’t see!

“Regular hosts can also benefit from an integrated bar area or wine cooler. A central location avoids the inconvenience of guests rooting through the main fridge to locate drinks whilst you’re busy cooking or entertaining.

Preparations

“To guarantee Christmas dinner and other food preparations run smoothly, there are a range of features you can include into your design that will keep things organised and orderly. Internal storage and integrated appliances not only maximise space but keep surfaces clear from clutter too.

“Integrated carousels are excellent for convenience as they allow you to locate different utensils quickly without you having to scramble around at the back of the cupboards. Pan draws are another useful option as they provide the depth needed to store larger items whilst keeping them accessible, even amidst the busy run up to a Christmas gathering. Make the most of every inch of your cupboard space with concealed drawers, pull out wire shelves and storage baskets too.

“Smart appliances are a great option to keep timings on track, as they can be controlled through a smartphone. If you’re busy getting yourself ready or opening presents but need to pre-heat the oven, you can even do so with the click of a button.

“Discreet dishwashers also help keep a kitchen clean and tidy with minimal effort. Even for modest spaces, there are slimline options that provide a great solution.

The main event

“If your dining space is in your kitchen, a good cooker hood is an essential to remove smells and grease as you cook, so when you come to sit down for your Christmas dinner, you’re not left with lingering scents.

THE DETAILS

You can also order a brochure, book a free design consultation, or use Benchmarx’s handy kitchen visualiser tool by visiting: benchmarxkitchens.co.uk

“Innovations such as NEFF’s clear glass downdraft extractor are fantastic for a discreet look, as they don’t obstruct your view – meaning you can continue any conversations whilst tending to the hob.

“I’d also recommend considering whether you’d benefit from a warming drawer. If you’re hosting a large group, warming plates ahead of serving can help keep food hot as you plate up.

“Pendant lighting above your dining table is a great way of adding focused illumination and make that Christmas table layout sparkle. It’s always a good idea to also think about other ambient forms of lighting to set the mood, such as plinth lighting and spotlights, for a sleek, layered look.

“Make serving Boxing Day morning coffees easy by opting for an integrated coffee machine in your kitchen design. Some machines even allow you to enter your guests’ orders on your mobile device, and the machine will even start preparing the drinks – one less thing to worry about!

After dinner celebrations

“As the evening approaches, incorporating wireless speakers around your kitchen will keep guests entertained into the night. Smart technology such as Google Hub can be used to control both music and lighting, so you can easily change the ambience from the convenience of your phone.

NOEL DEMPSEY DESIGN, LUXURY KITCHEN STUDIO

For over 30 years Noel Dempsey has been creating the finest handmade kitchens for his discerning clients all over the world.

His team of highly skilled craftsmen has helped the Irish company win numerous awards for their exceptional design and friendly customer service.

The company manufactures all of their bespoke furniture to the highest possible standards and work closely with designers and clients from the U.K. Ireland, and as far away as Paraguay.

The Noel Dempsey portfolio includes modern, contemporary, and classical Inframe designs. Visit noeldempsey.com to view a selection of their work and to arrange a home consultation.

Back to basics with Warm Minimalism

Throughout the years we have seen many interpretations of Minimalism within the interior world, but one that is taking Autumn 2022 by storm is Warm Minimalism. Unlike its predecessor, a warm minimalist décor brings texture, comfort, and character to a simple yet functional living space. It is a trend that makes the most of organic shapes, patterns, textures, and natural materials while keeping a clutter-free, sleek environment. How do you incorporate the warm minimalist style into your home interior? Here are some Cult tips for the perfect cosy home…

Let’s start with the basics; for a warm minimalist scheme, you need to integrate a warm colour palette. Neutral tones like beige, off-white and creams are the building blocks of the trend –consider our Viola taupe dining chair and Illfra opal pendant light. With a soft boucle upholstery and sleek brass accents, these clean lines and curves will add a welcoming tone to your dining room or kitchen, which is amiss with typical minimalist décor.

If you are still feeling that your living space is lacking some texture, why not consider layering soft furnishings with natural materials and organic shapes/patterns. Consider our Lambert dining bench and our Orla neutral rug - with a natural

cane seat and a sturdy oak frame, the Lambert is a versatile piece that will slot into any dining space while working perfectly with the abstract face expression on the Orla. Add some depth to your bedroom by combining the soft organic curves on the Mhairi set of 3 stone vases in neutral, with the Luis ceramic hanging basket in mottled white -sure to increase the warmth!

Nevertheless, whatever way you decide to approach the ‘Warm Minimalism’ trend, we hope that these tips will help to increase the cosy factor in your décor and bring back the warmth to your space this Autumn.

cultfurniture.com

POLES | KITCHEN | BATHROOM | GARDEN Made in Suffolk. Designed for Life. www.madebytheforge.co.uk

Trend alert: Wild Woodland Christmas

GO BIG

This Christmas it’s all about the big bauble! Statement decorations are a fabulous way to bring this look to life and the beauty of oversized baubles is you don’t need huge amounts to make an impact. Mix a range of textures and finishes such as matte and metallic and include a dopamine dressing pop of vibrant green for a fresh contemporary feel.

Cosy, rustic, contemporary and charming – just a few ways to sum up one of the season’s biggest Christmas decorating trends according to leading online homewares destination, Wayfair - introducing Wild Woodland.

Embracing an abundance of natural fresh and dried foliage, a colour palette of tonal greens, earthy neutrals and touches of frosty snowy whites come together to create a soothing and enchanting look.

Calling on the principles of biophilic design, Wild Woodland is inspired by nature, connecting us to the outside world even in the cold depths of winter.

Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill explains – “The trend captures the essence of woodland charm, but its overall simplicity displays how easy it can be to give your home a harmonious festive makeover. Incorporating greenery into decorating schemes will instantly lift a room, but the complimentary tones in this look of comforting oatmeal, verdant greens and pale woods help foliage displays take centre stage.”

“Wild Woodland is inspired by nature, connecting us to the outside world”

ENCHANTING TABLESCAPES

Laying the table for Christmas lunch transforms an everyday dining table into an inspiring setting to enjoy a day of festivities with your guests and gives you the opportunity to get creative. A beautiful tablescape can be achieved with just a few additions and doesn’t need to break the bank.

Firstly, a tablecloth will add character and protect your table from spillages. Existing plain cream or white dinnerware is perfect as a base layer, add a smaller plate in tonal green for appetisers to give your set up an air of occasion.

To recreate the wild woodland look, place pastel green candles for height and a cosy glow. A mix of fresh green and white moss looks magical when paired together as a showstopping natural centerpiece.

The beauty of this look is it’s easy to weave into lots of areas. A hallway console table is the idea spot to create a botanical display, with an assortment of vases, bottles and glass jugs in soft greens, clear glass and rusty browns. Fill with a mix

of dried flowers and foraged wild seasonal blooms. A charming hanging bag calendar doubles up as a decorative piece and re-useable advent calendar. Fill it with little surprises and little luxuries, from hot chocolate, hand cream to treats for your pet, the contents can be totally tailored to cater for every member of the family

INSIDE OUT

Our outdoor spaces can often be forgotten about outside of the spring summer months, but on a bright, dry December day, they can provide the ideal spot for a simple festive set up. The colour palette of Wild Woodland makes it naturally suited to the garden. Give a garden bench a cosy makeover with a selection of cushions and throws for a comfy spot to enjoy a warming cuppa in the fresh air.

For your one stop shop of Christmas decorating ideas and inspiration for every room in your home, shop online at wayfair.co.uk.

POGGENPOHL

Arecent project completed by our team in the UK combined a request for a re-designed kitchen, utility and boot room, living space including a television area and media centre as well as a games room and bar.

Silver Ash as well as Champagne Aluminium +Segmento door fronts and Quartz ‘Blanco Zeus’ polished counter-tops were used in the main kitchen space, creating a light and modern aesthetic. As with all Poggenpohl kitchens, the room is finished to an exacting standard. Here, a combination of toughened Bronze mirror glass and book-matched stone splashbacks in Calacatta Neolith were used.

For the games room and bar area, the client took inspiration from a previous Poggenpohl project with a similar end use, requesting a darker colour scheme and undercounter cooling appliances. The lighting is all operated via remote, for complete control over the brightness and colour warmth of the shelves as well as overhead. Poggenpohl also helped to specify the bar optics ensuring that everything works together.

Overall, the client had a strong vision of the

appliance brands and functions they wanted, but then allowed much of the design work and colour specification to be created by the design team. As a result, they - and the team at Poggenpohl - are really pleased with the result.

This kitchen also included +Stage cabinetry (pocket doors) to hide the breakfast area during gatherings, as well as the use of book-matching to the Neolith ceramic splashbacks. The warming drawers were required under the hob as the client often uses these throughout the cooking process. Many of the drawer accessories were custom designed for the clients’ specific utensils and spice jars – they planned every last detail with us, down to where the gravy jars would be stored!

THE DETAILS

Poggenpohl Chelsea 265-267 Fulham Rd., London SW3 6HY

Poggenpohl Wigmore 118 Wigmore St, London W1U 3RT

Poggenpohl Hampstead (Currently under refurbishment) 477-481 Finchley Rd, London NW3 6HS

For more details visit poggenpohl.com or call 01727 738 100

ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIORS

One of the leading interior design houses in the UK, Alexander James Interiors believes the world deserves design without boundaries, welcoming everyone but not dictating to anyone. With one of the largest teams of top interior designers under one roof, they can provide full end-to-end support, more choice for clients and an individual designer from their eclectic team to suit each taste. For a carefully considered creative design that is seamlessly seen through, they welcome you to share your vision and unlock limitless possibilities.

PRIVATE RESIDENCES

For all private residential projects, whether they are classical super-prime properties or modern apartments, we will provide a dedicated designer who delivers a level of service and attention to detail that is second to none, from the start to the finish of the project. From specifying the specific bespoke requirements for a single modern room to the interior architecture for an entire luxury private property, we deliver seamlessly to every client.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & SPECIFICATION

Our specialist, in-house team of Interior

Architects & Designers work on both new build and renovation projects. With our experience in creating stunning home interiors, we know how to make the best use of space, and how to create ideal room layouts. We produce plans and technical specifications that are precise to every detail, including lighting, joinery, kitchen and bathroom concepts, flooring, and internal finishes as well as liaison and design coordination with specialist subcontractors all focusing on accurate budgeting and exact construction.

INCLUDE: ‘Shop the Look’ by Alexander James Interiors was created to provide luxurious interior pieces, furniture or gifts to enhance any space. Designed by our award-winning Interior Design team, all our ‘looks’ have been directly taken from some of our most prestigious high-end private or show home schemes. Whether you are looking for a bedroom layout or living room accessories, ‘Shop the Look’ by Alexander James Interiors, is here to provide all the inspiration you need in one easy-to-navigate website. Designed to make your consumer experience more enjoyable, our ‘Shop the Look’ website categorises each room by theme in order to make your purchasing decision more seamless. To find out more please contact; Email: enquiries@aji.co.uk Website: AJI.co.uk and shopthelookbyaji.co.uk Instagram: @alexanderjamesinteirors

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

“We will provide a dedicated designer who delivers a level of service and attention to detail that is second to none”

INTRODUCING THE INFINITE LOVE CANDLE BY LULUH LANE

Introducing Luluh Lane, an eco-conscious luxury home fragrance and jewellery brand aiming to re-ignite the spark in relationships across the UK.

According to recent research, more than 15% of long-term coupes admitted to not having sex in the past six months. Recognising the need for rekindling the romance, Luluh Lane wanted to create something to help couples re-connect and set the mood for love.

Hand-made in the UK, the primary offering includes the Luxury Infine Love Candle, bursting with aphrodisiac essential oils which stimulate areas of the limbic system. This part of the brain plays a role in emotions, as well as controlling several physiological functions, such as breathing, and heart rate.

Featuring a crackling infinity wooden wick, the candle offers a seductive scent and includes the following aphrodisiac oils:

• Rose - Sensual, Romantic & Uplifting - known to increase blood flow.

• Patchouli - The Libido & Confidence booster, increases desire & human attraction.

• Ylang Ylang - Enhances sexual energy, mood booster and encourages a sensual experience.

• Lavender - Promotes high levels of relaxation to help you concentrate & live in the moment.

• Bergamot - Calming & can help ease away the stress & tension of the day.

• Dark Cherry - A sensual & moreish scent, known to stimulate pheromone production.

Using aromatherapy, Luluh Lane have been able to infuse their home fragrance products with the perfect blend of scents to help you de-stress and increase your sexual desire. Emma Moss, founder and CEO of Luluh Lane said: “For most, pandemic induced lockdowns created an atmosphere of uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Stress caused by these factors, combined with the inability to experience new things together, significantly impacted relationships and it was clear within my friendship circle that most of us felt that the romance and intimacy in our relationships had fizzled out. Myself and co-founder Carly Stone, embarked on a mission to rekindle the flame and romance in our own relationships and want to help others do the same – which is how Luluh Lane was born.

Our candles are made with love and romance in-mind and we have hand-chosen certain oils which are renowned for playing a powerful role in human connections. We’re confident that with Luluh Lane, couples across the nation will be able to add a hint of spice and all things nice into their relationship.”

Luluh Lane candles are made using naturally derived coconut eco-wax and ethically sourced ingredients free from carcinogens, phthalates, parabens, polyethylene glycol and silicone—they are also completely plastic-free, from packaging to product.

luluhlane.com

“Our candles are made with love and romance in-mind”

OWNER OF RIPPLES SHOWROOM IN LONDON CELEBRATES 22 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS

The owner of London’s award-winning Ripples bathroom showroom is this month celebrating 22 years within the business. Lisa Kyme, who first joined Ripples back in 2000, previously managed Ripples showrooms in Bath and Mayfair, before opening her current showroom in Belsize Park in 2012.

Lisa is the daughter of Ripples founders Roger and Sandra Kyme who started Ripples in 1988, opening their first ever showroom in the aptly named city of Bath. Since then, Ripples has franchised its business and now has an impressive portfolio of 16 showrooms nationwide, including brand-new openings in Southport, Saffron Walden and Towcester. Ripples is one of the most esteemed bathroom brands in the country, offering a bespoke design service from its team of specialist in-house designers and a product collection which showcases the latest and greatest that the industry has to offer. It’s this awardwinning formula which has enabled Lisa and her team to work on thousands of bathroom designs over the past 22 years, including some particularly

interesting projects for several influencers and high-profile celebrities.

Lisa said, “I’ve worked work on so many fascinating projects over the past 22 years and the bespoke nature of our bathroom designs means that no two projects have ever been the same.

I’ve been lucky to work on bathroom designs not just for our London clientele but for many clients overseas, including in Dubai, Switzerland and Brazil. I’ve also been fortunate to have many previous clients return to me, looking to update their existing Ripples bathroom which I worked on 15 or 20 years ago. It’s great to be able to re-connect with previous clients and hear how their Ripples bathroom has served them well over the past decades! Looking ahead, I’m excited to embrace new trends and technology within our future bathroom designs, and to ensure sustainability is at the heart of the designs we create for our clients.”

Visit Ripples London at 26 England’s Lane, Belsize Park, London NW3 4TG, ripplesbathrooms.com or call 020 7449 9594.

BESPOKE KITCHENS PERSONIFIED

The Modern British Collection

The Modern British kitchen collection is designed and manufactured in England. Their entire range is handmade from premium quality hardwoods, grown in Britain, and their designs include previously unseen (and unique to them) storage solutions.

Not surprising then that this company has achieved a Patent Award for its designs!

Designed by award-winning Architects, their range of kitchen styles are ’different by concept’ and offer truly unique details. Working closely with their clients and their advisors, ‘bespoke design’ can be taken to a new level creating furniture of distinction and individuality.

The collection includes the highly individual O’45 Kitchen that provides unique storage solutions by creating unique geometric solutions. The frame is available in a choice of hardwoods including an English Woodlands series. Their signature door and drawer frontals are available in either natural hardwood or a painted finish to a colour of your choice. Through clever design drawers are elevated to the status of ‘work centre’, making food preparation less of a stress and more pleasurable.

The Classic collection is the Modern British take on an in-frame ‘Modern Shaker’ style kitchen. It has the same uncompromising attention to detail and commitment to premium grade natural materials. They provide the same wide range of choices on wood types, colours and materials. At only 52mm, the cabinetry has the smallest plinth on the market, leaving more space inside for storage.

The Horizon collection combines contemporary

handle less design and sleek lines with handcrafted construction, again in sustainably sourced hardwoods of the highest quality. The modernity of the design is softened by the inclusion of hardwood details that introduce a beautiful touch of nature to the design.

Modern British has recognised the desire to extend the kitchen’s influence across the home. They have designed a collection of loose furniture pieces to complement the kitchen including dining tables and chairs, media centres, display cabinets, console tables, credenzas and a host of other accessories to complement your interior design. This extends to bedroom furniture with the same uncompromising commitment to quality design and construction.

New London Showroom now open at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. modern-british.com

“The collection includes the highly individual O’45 Kitchen that provides unique storage solutions by creating unique geometric solutions”

Our Story

Since 1978, Andrew Martin has been at the forefront of global design. From championing the best interior designers to shining a light on hidden cultures - we have always provided a stage for discovery and celebration.

Our aesthetic is neither defined by a single taste nor confined by a strict style. Through a rich mix of elements, we reflect a global assortment of influences.

Imbued with an intrepid and itinerant spirit, each piece inspires a sense of comfort and escapism. From rare finds and one-offs, to new designs for the everyday, a surprising touch or subtle twist runs through all our collections.

Curators of a vibrant blend of eras and origins, our showroom on Walton Street is a fusion of stories - a theatre for the world’s kaleidoscope of customs and crafts.

A unique evocation of the romance of travel. Design with the power to both transfix and transport. A vision for uncompromisingly characterful interior design.

Andrew Martin provides interior design services to property developers, private residential clients & hotel groups worldwide, with commercial clients including Firmdale Hotels, Hilton Hotels, the Jumeirah Group, Marriott Hotels, El Lodge and the Mandarin Oriental.

Working with our clients’ vision and aspirations, we design spaces that make every project unique: each space tells its own story.

The starting point from which a scheme unfolds can be from a minute detail: maybe an interesting

texture, a vintage fabric, a colour taken from a piece of artwork, a character or shape of furniture or a personal collection of items. From there we create inspiration boards to get the feel and the right expression. All creative and technical aspects are considered, from the layering of materials to the suggestion of architectural specifications, creating overall depth and possibility.

Each project has a dedicated Interior Designer, supported by the whole Andrew Martin team, ensuring you get a personal service from professional experts who understand you, your space and your vision.

How do you see your story beginning with us? Get in touch.

andrewmartin.co.uk

The dream of adventure and exploration... An urge to elude the ordinary... An irrepressible passion for storytelling...

“Our aesthetic is neither defined by a single taste nor confined by a strict style. Through a rich mix of elements, we reflect a global assortment of influences”

For more than forty years Andrew Martin has been at the frontline of British interior design. Founded in 1978, the company have pioneered some of our generations most significant trends. ‘Fusion interiors’ was coined to define the multi-layered, time travelling Andrew Martin signature style. Fabric and wallpaper, as much as furniture and art, have been at the centre of the AM story. Starting with the sorcery of Thai silk ikats and the classics of Kelim, through to collaborations with design gurus Kit Kemp and Sophie Paterson. A constant stream of innovation has forged the brand into every corner of the globe. Come and seek inspiration and get free interiors advice at one of our showrooms on Walton Street or Tottenham Court Road or shop directly at andrewmartin.co.uk.

Go Green This Christmas

Instead of wishing for a white Christmas this year, why not go for a green one instead?

Weaver Green’s hand-woven homewares are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, so each and every item makes a gift that’s really worth giving!

Super soft to the touch, totally recyclable and machine washable, these sustainable rugs, blankets, cushions and linens are gifts that really do keep on giving…

Christmas is a time for gathering family and friends around the table – and what better way to bring some sustainable style to the party than with a Weaver Green linen-style Tablecloth? The authentic Mediterranean styling will maintain its distinctive appeal indoors and out, thanks to stainresistant washable fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Weaver Green’s Napkins continue the design theme and soft linen feel, bringing an added layer of luxury to any get together. You could even play ‘guess what these are made of’ and watch as your guests are amazed to find out that each one is woven from recycled plastic bottles! Which is also handy when it comes to washing off stains such as red wine and gravy to maintain a fresh and colourfast appearance time after time.

Another great gift idea is a Weaver Green Tote Bag. Spacious enough to pack all you need for a trip to the shops or for dropping off presents, these sturdy tote bags add style to any outing.

Just like all Weaver Green products, their Tote Bags are hard-wearing and shun stains. And each one comes with an interesting back story: it’s hand-woven by craftsmen and women from approximately 150 recycled plastic bottles.

On a much larger scale, Weaver Green’s Basket Collection also offers year-round practical use. The strong and durable nature of these spacious containers makes them ideal for anything from a

handy tidy-up for kids’ toys to perfect planters in or out of the home. Easy on the eye and easy on the environment, the Basket Collection, available in a range of sizes, is a gift that can be used again and again…and again.

If you really want to impress your guests, take a look at Weaver Green rugs. Made from up to 5,400 recycled bottles and hand-loomed by skilled artisans, throughout Europe and Asia, that are fairly-paid adults in comfortable working conditions, their colourful, hard-wearing rugs do good and look great!

With so much to choose from, isn’t it time to start dreaming of a green Christmas this year? weavergreen.com

THE FUNKY APPLIANCE COMPANY PREPARES FOR BIG 2023

The Funky Appliance Company, founded by husband-and-wife team Joe and Sadie Sillett and based in West Sussex is preparing for a big 2023. The company’s first product the Funky Iron was launched in December 2018 and since then they have launched a multiple award-winning kettle and toaster set, the Funky Kettle and the Funky Toaster. Against the backdrop of a tough economic climate, the company reported 318% growth in 2022 and are forecasting similar levels of growth for 2023.

Having received a lot of interest from international buyers, The Funky Appliance Company will exhibit its range of products at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago in March 2023, where representatives from the USA and Canada will join the Funky Management Team. This exhibition will see the company show its next product, the Funky Air Fryer for the first time. The air fryer market has exploded globally and Joe and Sadie were very keen to enter this product category as soon as possible. Joe Sillett, Co-Founder and CEO commented, “Sadie and I have used air fryers for over 8 years now so we understand the product category very well indeed. Not only do air fryers save you significant money in electricity costs, they also cook food brilliantly.

We can’t wait to launch our 5.5L Funky Air Fryer in Quarter 2 2023 and we are certain that it will be an absolute winner with customers, as it will be made by the best air fryer factory in the world.”

Alongside the Funky Air Fryer, the company has received huge interest in its 1970’s TV style Funky Microwave. Sadie Sillett, Co-Founder added, “We have already been approached by three major global appliance brands asking whether they can collaborate with us on the Funky Microwave by sharing our design with them. At this moment in time, we have told them that we prefer to launch it as our product with our branding on as we see this product as being the real jewel in the crown. You can have the Funky Microwave with the legs up or folded down – with the Funky Microwave standing proudly on its feet, it will enable customers to clean underneath and around the Funky Microwave much easier. We are really excited about this product which has worldwide IP protection.”

The Funky Appliance Company is currently talking to a number of investors vis a vis significant capital being injected into the business to fuel the growth and build of new products. 2023 promises to be a very exciting year for all involved.

funkyappliance.co

“Against the backdrop of a tough economic climate, the company reported 318% growth in 2022 and are forecasting similar levels of growth for 2023”

A BEAUTIFUL WOODEN FLOOR FOR LIFE

The surface you walk on provides the backbone of an interior scheme. Get it right and it will make a dramatic difference to the overall feel of a room. Wood flooring is a wonderful option as it introduces colour, texture, pattern and character. It’s easy to live with being practical, hardwearing and a cinch to maintain. There are endless design options too.

“Wood flooring is brilliant for bringing a scheme together,” says Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company. “Dark floors create a luxurious look, while rustic floors with lots of knots enhance a casual, country scheme. Rich colours will add warmth, while pale colours will go with just about anything and introduce plenty of light into a room.”

The grade of wood will also create a different look. Prime grades have minimal knots and colour variation, so create a contemporary feel. Natural grades have more feature marks so lend themselves to more traditional looks. “Don’t be constrained by this though,” Peter advises. “A rustic board with plenty of knots, shakes and detailing can soften modern schemes.”

When it comes to the latest trends, darker hues are gaining in popularity. “Although there will always be a demand for light wooden floors, darker shades are about to step into the limelight and have their moment. The dark rich shades found in our Smoky Mountain and Baked Oak flooring introduce a glamorous, dramatic look and can’t fail

to get noticed.”

Parquet blocks have been back in fashion for a while, but couldn’t be hotter right now. The combination of colour, wood detailing and pattern makes for a real statement floor. For an up-todate look go large with 600 mm sized blocks. Alternatively, aged blocks are great for adding extra character as they look like reclaimed blocks but can be used with underfloor heating.

It always pays to buy a good quality floor from a reputable supplier, as the right wooden floor will improve your property, add to its value and last for years. The Natural Wood Floor Company manufacture most of the floors they sell and are also valued for their expertise. The full flooring collection can be viewed on large display boards at their Wandsworth showroom or on their new-look website.

THE DETAILS

The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG. 020 8871 9771. naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

Katherine Brown Curtains and Blinds

window dressings and soft furnishings for projects throughout London for the last 15 years.

There’s nothing quite like new curtains and blinds to update and enhance an interior. It’s a great opportunity to add interest to any living space through the use of colour, texture and pattern and it’s that passion that drives the team at Katherine Brown Curtains and Blinds.

Katherine Brown Curtains and Blinds are passionate about creating high quality bespoke window dressings that are beautiful, inspiring and effective. They are a small and friendly team who have together been creating beautiful

They offer a completely integrated measuring, design, making and fitting service for bespoke curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings. They will help you decide on the best window dressing solutions for your windows, present you with inspiring fabric options, supply and fit curtain hardware such as tracks, poles and pelmets, and make and install your curtains and blinds. Further with their complementary services including soft furnishings, upholstered furniture and reupholstery they can help design and deliver a fully coordinated interior ensuring that you make decisions with complete confidence and that all aspects of your project are managed with the utmost care and attention.

So whether you’ve already chosen your fabrics or are totally overwhelmed by the choice the team are here and ready to help you - love where you live!

Email: sales@kbcurtainsandblinds.co.uk Phone: 07954 377927

Wrap up this Christmas with ANGELA REED

Prepare for the festive season with Angela Reed.

With over 4 floors and 13 show rooms, one of the most exciting furniture and home accessories shops outside of London is now brimming with Christmas gifts, decorations and tableware, to take all of the hassle out of shopping and make this year the most magical yet.

The 140-year-old heritage brand now has over 1000 Christmas decorations in themes to suit every decorating choice this year, from Secret Santa, to retro, to secret forests and glitz and glamour.

“We are really excited about our Christmas shop this year,” said owner, Kate Reed. “We have really taken time to ensure we have decorations for every theme, style and taste and that extends to our room decorations, lighting, foliage and tableware.

“What sets us apart at this time of year is not just our selection of products, but our service. Not everyone can make the trip to us here in Saffron Walden, so we stocked everything online too and our team are always available to chat through customer’s wish lists heading into Christmas.

“Everything about us is built around family. We have been a truly family business for five generations and it’s at the core of everything we do. We are here to talk to, to help you shop for your loved ones and to ensure that your home is a beautiful place to spend Christmas.”

To wrap up your Christmas with ease this year, visit angelareed.co.uk @angelareedshop and now you can follow Kate Reed @katereedhome

“The 140-year-old heritage brand now has over 1000 Christmas decorations in themes to suit every decorating choice this year, from Secret Santa, to retro, to secret forests and glitz and glamour”

In her award-winning Mona Lisa Variations # 01 (Prize Barcelona - Euro Museum of Modern Art 2022) she liberates the iconic 16th century Mona Lisa from her confinement, into a joyous, unique, modern portrait.

In collections worldwide.

SHOP: Prints, Posters, Mugs & more at www.dianehollandart.com & follow at www.Instagram.com/dianehollandart/

Diane Holland SF Int’l Artist NY, LA, SF, London, Venice, Barcelona