Life Magazines (London editions) February 2020

MAYFAIR LIFE issue 127

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february 2020

Maddox Gallery presents ‘I Think You Love Me’

FROM THE

V

EDITOR

&A’s long-term collaboration with Sir Elton John and David Furnish revolutionises public access to photography. Comprising a significant donation towards the museum’s recently opened Photography Centre with a focus on the contemporary, the collaboration offers opportunities to bring together highlights from the V&A’s world-leading photography collection of over 800,000 photographs, alongside The Sir Elton John Photography Collection.

Opened in December 1969, the Jermyn Street club has welcomed a who’s who of A-list celebrities through its unassuming doors and into the 300-capacity basement of bacchanalia, below. Original members included Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Roger Moore, Sir Michael Caine and sisters Joan and Jackie Collins, but the club quickly became a magnet for movie stars, musicians and even royalty, and before long, Tramp became a byword for sophisticated debauchery. One of the most anticipated events in the British summer’s sporting and social calendar, Royal Ascot is an unforgettable five days of spectacular pageantry, unparalleled racing, high fashion and Fine Dining.

London’s premier classic car event returns at its new home of Olympia in Kensington, marking the next chapter in the history of the London Classic Car Show. Now in its seventh year, the show is firmly established as the must-attend event for discerning classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts.

Faye Manning Editor

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Nicholas Peter ••••• Fashion Editor Lara Accison ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew, Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

Sale Now oN

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“This is the most amazing little shed!”

“It’s got underfloor heating so you can store literally anything!”

“Books, files and documents”

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE The finest independent schools in the UK

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“Clothes, shoes and boots” 99

THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE

129

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

165

BEAUTY & COSMETIC SURGERY

205

HOUSE & GARDEN

221

Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world Keeping healthy and active whilst looking fabulous Your guide to looking and feeling great this year A collection of London’s finest interior companies

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Everything you need to create the perfect London kitchen

255

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

“It’s liberated my house!”

“And it’s so adaptable it can be a home office, or even a little laundry - loads of things!”

enquiries@bathstoneltd.co.uk 01189 842555 www.bathstonegardenrooms.co.uk www.thestoreandmoreshed.com

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AG E : T h e S i r E lto n J o h n a n d D a v i d F u r n i s h G a l l e r y at V & A

OUT & ABOUT

Country Living Spring Fair Celebrates 35 years of the magazine.

23-26 April 2020, Alexandra Palace

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ountry Living Spring Fair will return with an exciting new line-up of the very best of British businesses and a truly unique experience for visitors and exhibitors.

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Country Living Magazine, the publication’s core values will be celebrated through four new show themes; Grow, Taste, Design and Make. Each sector will be brought to life with over 350 exhibitors, all-new immersive features and inspiring craft workshops, to make for an unforgettable and unique day out.

Visitors can begin their day by discovering insightful and educational talks on topics including growing your own vegetables, bee keeping, building a new business, and more. The Fair will be equipped with the advice, expertise and products needed for visitors to get growing for the new decade!

Attendees will also be able to shop food artisans, taste delicacies from an array of producers showcasing a variety of cuisines in the CL Pop Up Market, and learn how to make delicious, seasonal recipes using produce which can be sourced locally or grown at home.

On the CL Kitchen Theatre, Expert speaker, Eco-chef and food waste activist Tom Hunt talks Eating for pleasure, people & the planet, whilst Great British Bake Off 2018 winner Rahul Mandal will share insights into the craft and skill that goes into creating some of the country’s most exciting cakes and bakes. Chef Mike Keen, Gracie & Sophie aka The Squirrel Sisters, Alex Hollywood and Lisa Faulkner will also be live on stage throughout the weekend sharing their foodie expertise and cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

From the Country Living Stage to the Good Life Theatre, visitors will be able to learn from design led talks and seminars covering interior style trends to interviews with industry insiders.

Chef, bestselling cookbook author and Fairtrade and sustainability champion, Melissa Hemsley will join Emma- Louise Pritchard, digital editor,

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READER OFFER:

2-4-1 READER OFFER 2-4-1 tickets, use code: CL241FEB T&C’s: *Offer only valid on standard adult tickets. Not valid on VIP tickets, LUXE VIP tickets or any add-on tickets, £2.20 fee applies per purchase.

Offer valid until 11.59 pm on 22 April 2020.

Country Living on the Good Life Theatre alongside interviews with Country Living Editors and artisan makers; offering inspiring insight into the latest trends in food, interiors, fashion and more.

Crafters and makers can take part in Workshops and Masterclasses with talented creators, enabling visitors to make products to take away whilst gaining valuable knowledge and learning new skills.

New features to the Fair also include the Garden Café and the House Beautiful Modern Living Area presenting a contemporary living zone curated and brought to life by the House Beautiful team. Visitor favourites will also be returning; fashion lovers can explore the Vintage Village and the recover with a cold glass of fizz in the Champagne Lounge sponsored by Viking.

With more unique events and experts still to be announced, the show is shaping up to be the most exciting yet!

For more information please visit: www.countrylivingfair.com

OUT & ABOUT

AT ROYAL ASCOT 2020 BE PART OF THE DRAMA

THE DETAILS Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th June Book by 31st March for early booking savings Enclosure Pricing: Queen Anne tickets from £72 Group tickets from £61 per person Village tickets from £64 Group tickets from £53 per person Windsor tickets from £32 Group tickets from £26 per person Book now at www.ascot.co.uk or call 0344 346 3000

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ne of the most anticipated events in the British summer’s sporting and social calendar, Royal Ascot is an unforgettable five days of spectacular pageantry, unparalleled racing, high fashion and Fine Dining – truly an occasion like none other.

From the arrival of the Royal Procession as the clock strikes two, to the communal singing around Ascot’s Bandstand, this is an event which must be seen to be believed.

As Britain’s most valuable race meeting, Royal Ascot is revered across the globe and attracts many of racing’s finest horses to compete for millions of pounds in prize money, with six world-class races on the card each afternoon. An astonishing nineteen Group races, of which no fewer than eight boast Group 1 status, have made household names of the likes of Yeats, Black Caviar and Frankel.

Her Majesty The Queen, a lifelong lover of horse racing and a passionate racehorse owner and breeder, has

graced all five days of the Royal Meeting every year since her coronation in 1953. In 2013, Her Majesty’s filly Estimate landed The Gold Cup - the first time in the history of the Royal Meeting that its most prestigious race had been won by the reigning monarch.

Royal Ascot is of course equally synonymous with sartorial elegance, being awash with exquisite fashion and the most magnificent millinery creations.

An abundance of formal and casual dining options makes it the perfect occasion for socialising with friends or thanking clients, with à la carte luncheons, gourmet picnics, afternoon teas and Fine Dining in one of Ascot’s stunning restaurants each offering their own cuisine, atmosphere and views of the racecourse. All five days have their own distinct character, each is a whirlwind of excitement and colour, sharing the same glorious atmosphere and sense of occasion. Each is unmistakably Royal Ascot.

Everyone enjoys the unique celebration of Royal Ascot in their own way, so there is a magnificent choice of enclosures for you to choose from for you and your friends.

Truly an occasion like none other.

FEATURE

Valentine’s Collection 2020 Pierre Marcolini X Carine Gilson

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nce upon a time… when two icons of Belgian creativity came together As if it by destiny, the masters of chocolate and lace combine their creativity and expertise in this refined collection Handcrafted creations are made with love…..

The Chocolate Creation House dark chocolate heart composed of a ‘dentelle de Quimper’ biscuit and hazelnut praline with a hazelnut gianduja, topped with a lace of cocoa chips.

Price: £9.90

Dessert Gâteau Coeur Forêt Noire With this metal case that follows the curves of a heart, this is a delicious way to “put love in a box”.

The magic recipe will seduce any palate: homemade milk chocolate sabayon and whole raspberries, topped with a ‘dentelle de Quimper’ heart. A dessert for two to enjoy in the wildest places.

“After that you will fall in love!”

Price: £15

Macarons Coffret Macarons as de Coeur Indulge in something sweet and irresistible on the 14th February with this box of 16 Maison macarons. Make your passion known without saying a word with this vanilla macaron decorated with a velvet heart that slipped into the box.

The box contains four of Pierre Marcolini’s iconic flavours: Raspberry, Madagascan vanilla, Rose and 26 FEBRUARY 2020

Palet Or Price: £36

Boxes Les Coeurs A signature of the Pierre Marcolini Maison, the Coeur is revisited in this collection with subtle sweet and fruity flavours and comes in soft, powdery tones • Coeur Caramel Beurre Salé: A delicate salted caramel wrapped in white chocolate.

• Coeur Yuzu: White chocolate ganache sprinkled with yuzu and mandarin pulp, coated in white chocolate.

• Coeur Rose Passion: White chocolate ganache infused with rose and passion fruit, coated in white chocolate • Coeur Casse-Noisette: Hazelnut praline based on our Casse-Noisette spread and caramelised Piedmont hazelnut chips, coated in white chocolate.

• Coeur framboise: The signature Pierre Marcolini recipe – Maison dark chocolate ganache with raspberry pulp, coated in white chocolate.

Box of 15 – £23. Box of 25 – £39

Collector’s Edition Garden of Lace - for fashion enthusiasts These boxes of 25 Coeurs are a limited-edition release, presented in a silk pouch, each one hand printed in Carine Gilson’s studio. A limited number of 50 are available in prestigious Pierre Marcolini boutiques.

Price: £55

THE DETAILS Available at: Pierre Marcolini, 37 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4EQ Counters in Selfridges and Harrods.

Online at https://uk.marcolini.com Facebook.com/PierreMarcolini.

Twitter/ Instagram @pierremarcolini

OUT & ABOUT

Connect, converse & create with masters of design

LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2020 8 – 13 March 2020

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t is an exciting time to be at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. From 8 - 13 March, London Design Week 2020 will bring together masters of design, creating an unmissable dialogue between exhibitors and visitors in an arena that is as inspiring as it is influential. Across six days, London Design Week 2020 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour will present new-season launches and share ideas and expertise on what it takes to be the best of the best. 120 showrooms and 600 international brands will unite to present a compelling vision of interior design excellence.

Reflecting a commitment to creativity and connection, a curated programme of more than 100 events will include workshops, talks, artisan demonstrations and discovery tours that dig deeper inside the stories behind the designs and provide opportunities to meet the people who shaped them. On the main stage, eminent names including Olga Polizzi and Beata Heuman will share their experiences at the acclaimed Conversations in Design series, while Grow Your Business talks will be aimed at those who want to take the next steps.

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Memorable installations and specially commissioned places to eat and drink will bring plenty of visual inspiration and showcase current design directions.

London Design Week 2020 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour will afford visitors the opportunity to seek inspiration as new collections for spring are unveiled which speak of a confident, thoughtful approach: exquisite materials, couture detailing and the dramatic use of colour, pattern and texture; all celebrating the importance of provenance, skill, craftsmanship and a move towards informed choices.

Adding another layer to the offering will be the magnificent Design Avenue which will play host to a raft of house guests, only in situ for the duration of the show. They will bring fresh perspectives and even more ways for visitors to encounter worldclass talent.

Every year, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour enriches the programme, broadening insights and specialist knowledge for both professionals and design enthusiasts to enjoy. A vital industry hub with an international standing, it is recognised as an authoritative voice of interior decoration.

OPENING TIMES Trade preview: 8 – 10 March 2020 All welcome: 11– 13 March 2020 10am – 6pm

PRE-REGISTRATION Visit www.dcch.co.uk or call 020 7225 9166 Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE #LDW20AtDCCH @designcentrech

OUT & ABOUT

The first-ever production car and a flying car go on display in the V&A

Cars: Accelerating the Modern World Until 19 April 2020

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he V&A has opened an exhibition looking at the car as the driving force that accelerated the pace of the 20th century.

The exhibition brings together a wideranging selection of cars that have never been on display in the UK, each telling a specific story about their impact on the world. This includes the first production car in existence, an autonomous flying car, a converted low-rider, and a 1950s concept car.

Showcasing 15 cars and 250 objects, the exhibition examines how the car changed our relationship to speed, how it changed the way we make and sell, and how it altered the landscape around us, from countryside to cityscape.

‘Going Fast’ opens the exhibition, exploring the role of the automobile in imagining a future world of liberated movement and technological progress.

Bringing together a range of 20th century concept car designs, magazine illustrations, and film, the display references popular culture, science-fiction and novel technologies to show the central role of the automobile in imagining an accelerated future.

The section continues with the first-ever production car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen 3, introduced to the public in 1888. Although it wasn’t fast at the time, technology developed rapidly, putting the thrill of speed at the hands of the driver and grabbing the fascination of the public.

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‘Making More’ explores the car as the archetype of modern manufacturing. On display, a Ford Model-T from 1925 traces the origins of the assembly line, its widespread impact on other areas of production and its evolution into the high-tech automated factories of today.

The final section of the exhibition, ‘Shaping Space’, explores the vast impact of the car on the world’s landscape, nations, and cities. It looks at how the petrol engine beat early electric and steampowered competitors by promising the ability to travel the world, transforming drivers into individual explorers.

Returning full circle to the fantasy images of a future world, the exhibition ends with the Pop. Up Next autonomous flying car co-designed by Italdesign, Airbus and Audi. On display for the first time in the UK, the car combines the four major innovations transforming the future of driving: electric power, autonomous driving, serviceoriented, and flying.

As we approach another major turning point in automotive design, the exhibition examines how the car in a mere 130 years has shaped the world we know today.

Bertha Benz embarking on the first motorised long-distance journey

the details Cars: Accelerating the Modern World runs until 19 April 2020.

Tickets are £18.

Members go free.

Social Media Twitter: @V_and_A Instagram: @vamuseum Facebook: @ VictoriaandalbertMusuem #VaVaVroom

OUT & ABOUT

Chelsea Foundation partners with RAF Museum

‘Hidden Heroes’: The Untold Story of Jewish Personnel during the Second World War THE DETAILS To discover more about RAF Stories, please visit: www.rafstories.org To share a story, please download the RAF Stories app or contact their team at rafstories@rafmuseum.org or on 01902 376 237.

More detail of Chelsea’s Say No To Anti-Semitism campaign can be found here: www.chelseafc.com/en/ foundation/ say-no-to-antisemitism More details about the RAF Museum can be found here: www.rafmuseum.org.uk

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helsea Foundation has announced a partnership with the Royal Air Force Museum. The partnership is sponsored by Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and will support the RAF Museum’s development of the Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ project.

The RAF Museum has developed the ‘Hidden Heroes’ project to raise awareness about the previously untold story of Jewish personnel in the RAF during the Second World War and the vital role they played. These heroes joined the Royal Air Force from all over the world, to fight against tyranny, racism and anti-Semitism, fully aware that they risked torture and execution if captured.

The RAF played a crucial part in the defeat of the Luftwaffe in the famous ‘Battle of Britain’, preventing the Nazis from invading Britain, the last democratic stronghold in Europe. The RAF Museum is committed to sharing the story of the important role the Jewish personnel played across the RAF in winning the Second World War and defeating Hitler. Their fascinating stories are a powerful window to the past through which we can make links to today and inspire future generations.

The new project will be launched next year for the 80th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Britain’ and will tell the stories of Jewish veterans to preserve their memory, and act as a challenge to antisemitism, racism and discrimination.

The RAF Museum and Chelsea Foundation are inviting people from all over the world to submit

their own stories – as well as those of families and friends, of Jewish personnel in the Second World War – so they can be preserved and shared online and at the Museum’s public sites.

Bruce Buck, Chelsea FC Chairman, said: ‘We are delighted to be able to support the RAF Museum with this project. ‘Chelsea FC is committed to tackling antisemitism through education and the Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ tells important stories about the bravery of Jewish RAF personnel during the conflict. Since we launched our ‘Say No to Antisemitism’ campaign in January 2018, and under the leadership of Roman Abramovich, we have been focussed on tackling racism and discrimination in the stands and in wider society. ‘There can be no place in our society for anti-Semitism or any form of discrimination – and we are determined to join with others to tackle this vital cause.’

OUT & ABOUT

Fashion Weekend

2020 27th February – 1st March 2020

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his February, the iconic Victoria House in Bloomsbury, London, will transform into a chic pop-up space with designer shopping, style advice and hair & beauty inspiration.

SHOP Shop from a host of over sixty pop ups, featuring over one hundred designer brands. Buy womenswear, jewellery and accessories – all at incredibly discounted prices. Pop-ups include The Designer Pop Up Store featuring womenswear

by Saint Laurent, Gucci, Prada and Marc Jacobs, plus The One and Only featuring accessories by Givenchy, Versace, Kenzo and Louis Vuitton. Meet and shop from a host of exciting independent designers such as Clemmie Rose, Winser London, Zelle Studio, Paisie, Jessica Russell Flint and French Sole – plus many more.

You can pick up your complete capsule wardrobe collection in one swoop, with peace of mind that these items will last you for many years to come.

Discover new brands, buy direct from the designers and save money on the items you love.

SOCIALISE Take time out of your busy schedule to meet up with friends and family for a stylish day out in the city. Alongside the shopping, there will be plenty

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“You can pick up your complete capsule wardrobe collection in one swoop, with peace of mind that these items will last you for many years to come” of time to catch up, grab a juice (or a cocktail!) and create stylish memories. The Instagram-able moments will be endless!

OPENING NIGHT Be one of the first to get a piece of the Fashion Weekend action and get a ticket for the opening night of the event. Taking place on the evening of the 27th February, there will be DJs, amazing speakers and you will also get the first pick of all the designer goodies for sale. It’s sure to be a night to remember.

THE DETAILS Fashion Weekend – 27th February – 1st March 2020. Victoria House, Bloomsbury, London www.fashionweekendlondon.co.uk Tickets from £15

Meet Geneviève Zawada Gresset, CEO of

Elect Club, an Exclusive Introductions Agency

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s CEO of London’s Elect Club, Genevieve Zawada Gresset is one of the world’s best known Personal Matchmakers Genevieve founded the UK’s first Professional Singles Dining Club in Surrey in the 1990’s. Her passion for helping others to transform their personal lives led her to purchase Elect Club in 2012. Combining her strengths as a Personal Matchmaker, a Transformational Coach and an

experienced event planner, Genevieve has created one of London’s most innovative introduction agencies - “I have had the greatest pleasure possible in supporting clients in their pursuit of love during the last 20 years.” Genevieve explains. “Through our sister companies at Dating Options Ltd and the Inter Agency Matching Group, Elect Club now has access to some of the UK’s most attractive and eligible singles and an extensive portfolio of professional clients to introduce you to. We cater mainly for professionals in London and the Home Counties. You can join Elect Club at an extremely competitive cost, with a range of joining options that cater for all circumstances and budgets.”

Joining the Elect Club means an end to the disappointments and risks associated with online dating. Members have the benefit of their own highly experienced Personal Matchmaker and enjoy access to exclusive singles events. All Elect Club members are interviewed and ID checked, removing the problem of ‘fake profiles’ and ‘time-wasters’.

With online dating becoming ever more dangerous, many single men and women are now moving towards a Personal Matchmaking service.

If you’d like to find out more, please call us for an informal chat on 0800 644 4120, or visit our website at www.electclub.co.uk

“Joining the Elect Club means an end to the disappointments and risks associated with online dating”

Call us before February 14th 2020 to receive a 25% discount, and beautiful Valentine’s gift, on your Elect Club Premium and Lifestyle membership.

Join us at our Post Valentine’s ‘Roaring 20s’ party - exclusively for singles - on February 20th, 7pm at Morton’s of Mayfair. Tickets available via electclub.co.uk.

Find Love with The Elect Club, an Elite Dating Agency Members of The Elect Club enjoy access to both London’s top dating experts and an elite group of single men and women looking for love. We offer personal matchmaking services and a diary of exclusive, London based events. As one of London’s most prestigious introduction agencies, we find love for professional men and women who are looking for exciting and genuine new relationships.

Call our team of dating experts on 0800 644 4120 or email info@electclub.co.uk www.electclub.co.uk

Handcrafted bespoke vintage furniture M: 07912 643554 | E: trouvefineart@yahoo.com | www.trouvefineart.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

Planet Earth II Live In Concert 2020 UK and Ireland Arena Tour Sunday 29th March, London O2

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lanet Earth II Live in Concert, from BBC Studios and the acclaimed BBC Natural History Unit that created TV sensations, Blue Planet II and Dynasties, has announced a UK & Ireland arena tour for Spring 2020. Experience sensational footage from the BAFTA and EMMY® award-winning BBC series which guarantees to bring audiences closer to the planet’s spellbinding animals, landscapes and wildlife dramas than ever before.

In this spectacular, audiences across the UK get to rub shoulders with our acrobatic primate cousins in the steaming jungles of Madagascar, race alongside fearsome hunting lions in the remote sandy deserts of Namibia, face stormy Antarctic seas with a family of penguins and feel the raw tension as a baby iguana tries to escape the clutches of deadly racer snakes. And they will no doubt tap their toes along with dancing grizzly bears and be swept away by the bravery of a mother snow leopard.

Following on from the recent success of the 2019 Blue Planet II Live In Concert tour, these not-to-be missed live concerts will feature breathtaking, specially-selected footage shown in 4K ultra high-definition on a gigantic LED screen, as the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted

by Matthew Freeman, play the remarkable music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea & Jasha Klebe for Bleeding Fingers Music. The arena tour will run from 26th March until 4th April 2020, including a London Matinee performance at 2.30pm

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and Evening performance at 7.30pm on Sunday, 29th March.

Zimmer is renowned for his work on the likes of Gladiator, Interstellar and Blade Runner 2049, but said that the landmark BBC series stood out amongst his work. “Planet Earth II is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been involved in: some of the greatest action scenes ever put on film, some of the most emotional, epic, fragile scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Filmmaking at its absolute peak.”

The Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour will be hosted by science and natural history TV presenter Liz Bonnin. With a masters in wild animal biology, Liz has presented over 40 primetime programmes including Blue Planet Live, Super Smart Animals, Galapagos and Horizon. Looking ahead to the tour, Liz said, “I am so honoured to have the role of host on the Planet Earth II Live in Concert arena tour.

The TV series included some absolutely breath-taking sequences - who can ever forget the marine iguana fighting for its life as it escaped those racer snakes?

I will be just as thrilled as the audience to relive such magnificent scenes on the giant screen, accompanied by a spectacular 80-piece orchestra - it will certainly be an experience to remember!” Book now – last few tickets remaining.

THE DETAILS Tickets are available from www.planetearth2live.uk All children under 14 entitled to a £10 discount per ticket (Excluding London Evening and Dublin show).

O2 Arena, Address: Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0DX Sunday, 29th March Shows starts 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets: (£40/£50/£60) www.planetearth2live.uk www.axs.com Tel: 0844 856 0202

OUT & ABOUT

Tower Bridge launches new film and exhibition in celebration of its for 125th Anniversary

Time Bascule:

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ower Bridge is set to launch its latest art commission with internationally acclaimed artist, inventor and filmmaker Di Mainstone, who has written and directed a film to celebrate the iconic Bridge’s 125th anniversary.

In her film, entitled ‘Time Bascule’, Tower Bridge has been reimagined as a giant musical instrument, drawing inspiration from one of the first women to work on the Bridge - Hannah Griggs, who cooked for the Bridge Master and his family between 19111915. In Time Bascule Hannah plays the role of musical maestro to pluck the strings and ‘play’ the iconic London location.

Mixing the real with the imagined, the film explores Hannah’s life in the famous towers via a specially composed musical narrative that weaves through one of the remarkable personal histories from 125 years of the Bridge. Focusing on her love of plants, the dreamlike work sees Hannah researching the connection between music and plant growth, working to develop larger and more ambitious tools to help her ‘play’ Tower Bridge like a giant musical instrument.

The brand new work will be on display as part of an immersive exhibition in the Victorian Engine Rooms, inviting visitors to step into the song at the heart of the Bridge and experience the – until now – hidden sounds of London’s defining landmark.

Designed to showcase the making of the film, the exhibition will include behind the scenes footage, storyboards and early sketches, and a chance for visitors to play a range of specially created musical instruments, all housed among the cultivated plants at the heart of Hannah’s fairy-tale.

Artist Di Mainstone has previously developed instruments to create music from the Brooklyn Bridge, Clifton Suspension Bridge and most recently Sunderland’s new Northern Spire Bridge. She is an award-winning WIRED innovation fellow who specialises in creating playable bridges and wearable sonic devices. The New York Times has featured her as one of their ‘new generation visionaries’ of the international digital art scene.

Di Mainstone says: “I wanted visitors to view the Bridge in a different way, reimagining the iconic

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Until March 2020

crossing as a giant musical instrument to hear the historic song at the heart of its 125-year history.

I was determined to give visitors a greater insight into the story of Hannah Griggs - it was inspiring to meet her descendants, and bring her personal history to life in such a wonderful location. The film takes a look at the wider discussion around climate change, utilising the Bascule mechanism of the Bridge as a metaphor for balance, harmony and the delicate balance of our ecosystem”.

Chris Earlie, Head of Tower Bridge, says: “We’re thrilled to welcome artist Di Mainstone to reimagine one of the enduring human stories behind London’s defining landmark. We’re excited to showcase the fascinating visual and sonic work Di has crafted as part of her specially commissioned piece, welcoming visitors to explore the Bridge in a truly different light. The exhibition kick-starts another exciting year for the Bridge, further establishing Tower Bridge as a cross-genre cultural space in the capital.”

For more details visit www.towerbridge.org.uk #InsideTowerBridge

“We’re thrilled to welcome artist Di Mainstone to reimagine one of the enduring human stories behind London’s defining landmark”

OUT & ABOUT

London Wine Shippers Y

ou may have heard that a certain large high street wine retailer is reducing its high street footprint. For the discerning residents of south-west London, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern - you won’t be without wine.

While London Wine Shippers is an independent wine wholesaler to London’s restaurants, hotels and caterers, replete with excellent wines at ‘not highstreet’ prices, they also cater directly to consumers too. London Wine Shippers offer customers a safe wine haven tucked away in a secluded corner of Battersea, ripe for exploration on your own or under the expert guidance of one of their passionate team, to help you fill that wine bottle sized hole in your life.

So whether you’re a wine connoisseur or you find wine delicious, but intimidating, London Wine Shippers, a local wine merchant based in the heart of Battersea, is ideally situated to serve customers in the surrounding areas of Fulham, Chelsea and Clapham, with exclusive, sensational wines.

London Wine Shippers hasn’t just stepped up to the plate (or the wine rack) by ensuring they have core wines covered, they also have access to some of the newest and most exciting awardwinning wineries and wine-makers, to truly whet the appetite. London Wine Shippers will take your understanding of good wine and crank it up a gear London Wine Shippers aim to offer customers a much more personal wine buying experience than your run of the mill wine retailer. Not only do they take pride in giving each customer an intelligent, knowledgeable and courteous service, they guarantee timely delivery (delivering in London for free), as well as providing additional services such as party hire for drinks parties, including glass hire (and a glass washing service), supplying you with ice and ice bins as required, as well as sale or return.

But that’s not all.

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“London Wine Shippers offer customers a safe wine haven tucked away in a secluded corner of Battersea”

In the coming months, they will be launching an exclusive subscription service for an initial 45 customers, hosting a series of pop up wine tasting with food events, catered for by a selection of the next generation of London chefs.

The London Wine Shipper’s subscription service, in partnership with Pull The Cork, will be available in two tiers: • £100 a month will see you receive a tailored, mixed 6 pack of wines, or, • £50 which will give you credit to spend at the warehouse on wines of your choosing (all at wholesale prices, further discounts apply when you purchase more than 24 bottles).

Both subscription services will get you early access to the supper club events.

You can find further information on London Wine Shippers at www.londonwineshippers.co.uk or their subscription services at www.pullthecork.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

London Fashion Week Preview Autumn/Winter 2020 Collections. 14th - 18th February 2020 A world of catwalks, celebrities, and glamour…

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ondon Fashion Week is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world – and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers alongside Paris, Milan and New York. It presents an unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry.

The magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists’ cutting-edge collections but the media excitement that accompanies them. Celebrities swarm to attend the fashion event of the year – past attendees include Ellie Goulding, Yasmin Le Bon, Cara Delevingne, Eva Herzigova, , Daisy Lowe, and Samantha Cameron.

While most of us aren’t even thinking about our Spring/Summer wardrobes yet, designers will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2020 Collections.

It’s a week where designers are free to create at will and experiment with new trends - whether colourful, crazy or controversial - the world is watching as fashion history is made.

Luxury designer brands will include: Victoria Beckham, Pam Hogg, Temperley London, Felder Felder, House of Holland, David Koma, Aspinal of London, Burberry, Halpern Tommy Hilfiger, Zandra Rhodes, Anya Hindmarch Central Saint Martins and Molly Goddard.

Designer Showrooms, located at The Store X, 180 Strand, is home to over 150 British and international designers. The international element of the showrooms illustrates that the doors to London are truly open, with designers worldwide descending on the capital.

Go behind-the-scenes of the London Fashion Week Hub to discover an immersive innovative

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THE DETAILS For more information about London Fashion Week including up-to-date schedules, news, and tickets go to www. londonfashionweek.co.uk BFC Venue: The Store X, 180 Strand, London WC2R 1EA Follow on @LondonFashionWk and join the conversation #LFW

Naomi Campbell & Penelope Cruz at the Burberry show

experience which includes Designer Catwalks; Creative Installations; the DiscoveryLAB: an experiential space where fashion meets art, technology and music and a #PositiveFashion Designer Exhibition where the creative work of progressive designers explores the most compelling stories around sustainability, community and ethics.

Fashion retailers, hotels, restaurants and bars across London join in the celebration of London Fashion Week by hosting special events and promotions both in-store and online.

The allure of the show is exceptional and London Fashion Week continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe.

Henry Holland

COVER STORY

The Meteoric Rise of Maddox

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t can take a long time to get established in the world of art. Van Gogh sadly wasn’t recognised for his genius until after he passed away. For an art gallery to have built up a worldwide reputation in just four years is extraordinary. In that time Maddox have opened three galleries in London, one in Los Angeles and another in Gstaad.

When starting a gallery, the simplest and easiest

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way to become known is to sell works by established artists. Maddox took a different route.

They’ve become known as the art brand that discovers, nurtures and breaks new artists (as well as representing a few famous names). The list of breakthrough artists is long.

Coco Dávez, a hugely talented Spanish multidisciplinarian, had a show in May 2019 called Faceless. Maddox Gallery staged an impressive campaign to promote the exhibition and rolled-out an advertising campaign that dominated the capital for a month. The exhibition was a complete sellout, which was a testament to her huge talent and the gallery’s ability to generate interest. Likewise, Haris Hukem, an incredibly exciting young fine art photographer, hit London in September of last year to much acclaim. With his fashion background, the London based fine art photographer creates extraordinarily sensuous and vibrant images commenting on contemporary culture. Once again, sales were excellent.

Maddox Gallery is renowned for its fresh and innovative approach to sourcing talent and as such, the luxury lifestyle art brand is attracting a new

“Maddox Gallery is renowned for its fresh and innovative approach to sourcing talent”

breed of artist, predominantly those who wish to shape the future narrative of the art world. In October 2019, Maddox gave a brand new graduate artist, Sebastian Chaumeton, fresh from Chelsea College of Art, a launch show at their Shepherd Market gallery, which catapulted him headlong into the art world. His work borrows from famous artists, reimagining in an extraordinary way and with multiple subtle references to Japanese culture.

Maddox’s representation of this emerging talent didn’t end there, however. Chaumeton is set to unveil his second installment in September 2020 at Maddox’s flagship gallery on Maddox Street.

Conversely, an artist who has grown with Maddox since the beginning is Bradley Theodore, now a global name. With origins in the street art genre that encompasses New York’s Jean-Michel Basquiat to Bristol’s Banksy, he has created his own very special kind of aesthetic beginning with several startling murals on walls all over NYC. His most recent work is a compelling and unique amalgam of a classic oil paint style vigorously applied, with the use of haunting skeletal figures, creating an unlikely but unique look. He’s on course to becoming an iconic figure in contemporary art.

Bradley’s list of famous admirers stretches from Bill Clinton, to Whoopi Goldberg to Thierry Henry.

Social media has played a vital role in establishing him in the art firmament, Instagram and Twitter being vital tools in breaking new artists and the partnership of Bradley and Maddox have harnessed it well. In fact, Maddox is one of the leading galleries for street artists including KAWS, Keith Haring and Richard Hambleton.

So that’s the art creators, what about the art lovers?

Maddox’s services extend far beyond providing gallery spaces in which to peruse artwork. The brand offers an art advisory service and has helped hundreds of art lovers and investors decide which art investment is right for them. This century, fine art sales have become a phenomenon. The market doubled in sales volume between 2002-2013. When all the major indices tumbled in 2018, investment in art rose by 10.6%, according to Art Market

“An artist who has grown with Maddox since the beginning is Bradley Theodore, now a global name.

With origins in the street art genre that encompasses New York’s JeanMichel Basquiat to Bristol’s Banksy, he has created his own very special kind of aesthetic beginning with several startling murals on walls all over NYC”

Research’s Art 100 Index.

But as with all investments you need to know when to buy and when to sell (if you can bear to part with that wonderful Bradley Theodore piece.)

On the subject of money, Maddox has long been involved in raising plenty of it for charitable causes.

In the past four years, it has staged several fundraisers for charities such as Teen Cancer America and London Air Ambulance (to name a few), donated works to numerous charity auctions, consistently support David Yarrow who donates to Tusk and Wildaid, hosted the fundraising evening for the Cara Delevingne Foundation raising £240,000 on the night and, have worked closely with CALM, the men’s mental health charity.

This young art brand is definitely one to watch in 2020. February and March will see new exhibitions come to Maddox Street, Westbourne Grove and Gstaad. With works by such masters as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Damien Hirst, The Connor Brothers and Joseph Klibansky on display, Maddox Gallery is the last word in fine contemporary art, hosting private events, expert art tours and visits from some of the biggest names in the art world throughout the year. If Maddox art is cutting-edge, so is their approach to the business of art. www.maddoxgallery.com

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ART

About the V&A photography collection

The Sir Elton John and David Furnish Gallery at V&A

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&A’s long-term collaboration with Sir Elton John and David Furnish revolutionises public access to photography. Comprising a significant donation towards the museum’s recently opened Photography Centre with a focus on the contemporary, the collaboration offers opportunities to bring together highlights from the V&A’s world-leading photography collection of over 800,000 photographs, alongside The Sir Elton John Photography Collection.

Sir Elton John began collecting photographs in 1991 and his collection is now regarded as one of the leading private photography collections in the world, distinguished by its exceptional quality and remarkable range and depth. From major vintage 20th century modernist works to cutting-edge contemporary images, the collection now holds over 7,000 fine art photographs. To make this collaboration possible, the V&A has worked closely with Rocket Entertainment along with Newell Harbin, Director of the Sir Elton John Photography Collection.

It also includes photographs by the most exciting contemporary artists working today, from Cindy Sherman to Alec Soth and Alex Prager. Throughout their collecting, Sir Elton John and David Furnish have been keen to share their photography collection with the widest possible audience – a mission shared by the V&A. Their continuous philanthropic support of public institutions, and loan of key works to national and international exhibitions, has created new insights, dialogues and connections to further the study, enjoyment and appreciation of the medium.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s generous donation enables the V&A to realise its ambitions of showcasing highlights from its extensive photography holdings, with a series of temporary 46 FEBRUARY 2020

displays, new acquisitions and annual contemporary commissions. Opened to the public in October 2018, the V&A’s Photography Centre is situated in the museum’s North East Quarter, reclaiming a series of beautiful original 19th-century picture galleries.

Designed to revolutionise the way in which visitors engage with photography, it displays vintage prints, negatives and contact sheets, alongside photographic equipment and archive material to tell broader stories around the history of photography.

A new extension scheduled to open in 2022 will expand the V&A’s Photography Centre further to include a teaching and research space, a browsing library, an historic darkroom, and a studio for photographers’ residencies, offering new and exciting ways for visitors to encounter this diverse and dynamic art form. Entrance is FREE.

The V&A holds the National Collection of the Art of Photography. The museum has collected photographs since its foundation in 1852 and continues to collect today. The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) collection was transferred to the V&A by the Science Museum Group in 2017 and was acquired with the generous assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Art Fund.

The V&A’s collection encompasses the work of leading historic and contemporary photographers as well as publications, cameras and related equipment. When not on display, photographs from the collection can be viewed in the Prints & Drawings Study Room. www.vam.ac.uk/collections/ photographs www.vam.ac.uk Social Media Twitter: @V_and_A Instagram: @vamuseum Facebook: @ VictoriaandalbertMusuem

THE ARTIST

AN EXHIBITION OF LIMITED EDITION HAND-SIGNED ARTWORKS

BY NELSON MANDELA

AT CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE 1 HIGH STREET | CRANLEIGH | GU6 8AS

3 -14th MARCH 2020 CONTACT US FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS

ART FOR THE HOME AND OFFICE SCULPTURE | PAINTINGS | PRINTS ART ADVISORY | INSTALLATION Laura@belgraviagallery.com | 020 7495 1010 www.belgraviagallery.com

Image: Nelson Mandela, London 1990 ©Greg Bartley 2020

NELSON MANDELA

Tony Fandino

To say I feel akin with love to what I will paint can be an exaggeration – but I certainly can be overwhelmed by the beauty of the natural forces that surround me. After a long session at times I feel I’m actually in the painting itself! Spending time, becoming absorbed in the view, inspired this poem.

The Artist I arrived in the early morn, Shrouds of mist still lay around Then the rising sun shone through to melt the dew on leaf and ground The warmth it brought awakened life as the day began to unfold Trees in shades of green, fields Swathed in gold A bird on wing in a cloudless sky, Another alighted on a log nearby Flower stalks move and sway As smaller creatures sought their prey Midday brings a languid peace, The morning pace will now decease A lasting moment of life subdued, A harmony of stillness is now imbued Ah! But time is measured by the Shadow of the trees Along with a nip in the afternoon breeze The flagging sun now starts to set, Time to pack, to leave, and yet My desire of a last chance Of taking a final parting glance

For more paintings see: www.tonyfandino.com

ART

TATE MODERN presents Andy Warhol 12 March – 6 September 2020. A new look at the extraordinary life and work of the pop art superstar

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ndy Warhol (1928–87) was one of the most recognisable artists of the late 20th century, yet his life and work continue to fascinate and be interpreted anew. A shy, gay man from a religious, migrant, low income household, he forged his own distinct path to emerge as the epitome of the pop art movement.

This major new exhibition at Tate Modern – the first at the gallery for almost 20 years – offers visitors a rare personal insight into how Warhol and his work marked a period of cultural transformation. Drawing upon recent scholarship, it will provide a new lens through which to view this American icon.

Featuring over 100 works from across his remarkable career, the show will shed light on how Warhol’s experiences helped shape his unique take on 20th century culture, positioning him within the shifting creative and political landscape in which he worked.

While he is best known for his iconic paintings of Coca-Cola bottles and Marilyn Monroe that held up a mirror to American culture, the exhibition will emphasise recurring themes around desire, identity and belief that emerge from Warhol’s biography.

Key works from the pop period, such as Marilyn Diptych 1962, Elvis I and II 1963/1964 and Race Riot 1964, will be examined in relation to contemporary issues around American culture and politics, while Warhol’s limitless ambition to push the boundaries of media will be represented via his famous Screen Tests 1964–6 and a recreation of the psychedelic multimedia environment of Exploding Plastic Inevitable 1966.

Visitors will also be able to experience Warhol’s floating Silver Clouds 1966 installation, initially meant to signal his ‘retirement’ from painting in favour of moviemaking. He famously stated that ‘good business is the best art’: the exhibition will look at how Warhol’s forays into publishing and TV, as well as his interest in club culture.

The exhibition will emphasise his skill as a painter

Marilyn Diptych 1962, Tate © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London

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Debbie Harry 1980, Private Collection of Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport 1961 © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London

and colourist with a room dedicated to the largest grouping of his 1975 Ladies and Gentlemen series ever shown in the UK. These striking portraits depict figures from New York’s transgender community, including iconic performer and activist, Marsha ‘Pay it no mind’ Johnson - a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969.

Warhol’s final works of the 80s, such as the poignant Sixty Last Suppers 1986 – on view at Tate Modern for the first time in this country – will be considered in relation to the artist’s untimely death as well as the unfolding HIV/AIDS epidemic, which ultimately went on to impact the lives of many in his close circle.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, as well as an extensive programme of public talks and film screenings with exclusive new merchandise collections in the gallery shops.

For further information call 020 7887 8888 visit www.tate.org.uk or follow @Tate #AndyWarhol Right, from top: Self Portrait 1986, Tate © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London; Ladies and Gentlemen (Iris) 1975 Acrylic paint and silkscreen ink on canvas, 356 x 279 mm Italian private collection © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London

ART

“Leicester Square has long been the home of film, with the first cinema opening in 1930”

Scenes in the square Icons from a century of cinema honoured in Leicester square statue trail. Launches late February 2020

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dynamic trail of interactive bronze statues will grace London’s Leicester Square from this month, celebrating the capital’s rich movie history and exciting future. ‘Scenes in the Square’ is a creative expression of the past 100 years of movie magic.

The long-term art installation will feature highly recognisable classic and contemporary film characters, each immortalised in interactive and expressive statues, some brought to life in the evening through lighting.

Leicester Square has long been the home of film, with the first cinema opening in 1930 and the first movie premiere taking place in 1937. This long-term trail celebrates unforgettable movies from almost every decade, with each character dynamically interacting with the scenery in the square.

Representing the 1920s to 1940s will be legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy who starred in over 100 films together. Another timeless figure will celebrate his 80th birthday, as a statue of Looney Tunes’ Bugs Bunny will grace a nearby flower bed.

Representing the 1950s will be the iconic figure of Gene Kelly on a lamppost from the timeless dance sequence he directed and choreographed for ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952).

Meanwhile a stunning statue of Mary Poppins 52 FEBRUARY 2020

THE DETAILS ‘Scenes in the Square’ will be a free, fully accessible trail for film lovers of all ages.

For the latest information, visit: www.leicestersquare.london/ scenes-in-the-square Follow Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus – the Home of Entertainment Instagram: @DiscoverLSQ www.instagram.com/discoverlsq Twitter: @DiscoverLSQ www.twitter.com/DiscoverLSQ Facebook: @DiscoverLSQ www.facebook.com/discoverlsq Hashtag: #DiscoverLSQ

will appear to land gracefully in Leicester Square gardens, the 1964 film a shining example of 1960s cinema and still relevant today with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s West End musical now playing at the Prince Edward Theatre. Also gracing Leicester Square’s rooftops will be Batman, DC’s iconic Super Hero, keeping watch over London.

The heroic statue will celebrate Batman’s onscreen presence in every decade since the 1980s.

The trail will also recognise a British comedy great in Mr. Bean, who bumbled his way to box office success in his first big screen outing ‘Bean’ in 1997, after first appearing on our television screens 30 years ago in 1990, with Rowan Atkinson playing the hapless hero. Visitors will be able to share a bench in Leicester Square gardens with Rowan Atkinson’s globally popular creation.

Representing the 2010s will be the treasured British icon Paddington, whose beloved cinematic outings Paddington and Paddington 2 premiered in Leicester Square in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

Visitors will be able to sit on a bench and have lunch beside this marmalade loving star of the two BAFTA-nominated films.

Completing the trail and representing the 2020s and the bright future of cinema, will be Wonder Woman - DC’s iconic Super Hero who stands for justice, peace and equality. Bursting dynamically through a wall, the figure celebrates the 2020 release of Wonder Woman 1984, starring Gal Gadot.

Amanda Horvath is a professional contemporary artist, her outstanding paintings are a response to nature and capture the quiet tranquillity of the land and peaceful forest places. With a BA Hons (first class) she practices from her studio in the Peak District. Having developed a unique style her paintings are expressive, vibrant and beautiful, lying somewhere between abstraction and realism. Many have found homes with collectors worldwide. Amanda exhibits with UK galleries. New works will be at Eclectic Gallery, Fitzrovia opening in Spring 2020.

For more information visit www.amandahorvath.co.uk www.instagram.com/amandahorvathfineart or email amandahorvath.art@gmail.com

FEATURE

By Royal Appointment: What is a Royal Warrant?

From piano tuners to opticians to a whip maker, the Royal Warrant holders belong to an ultra-exclusive club.

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ver since King Henry II gave a Royal Charter to the Weavers’ Company in 1155 for clothes and castle hangings, and William Caxton became King’s Printer to Edward IV in 1476, Britain’s tradesmen and crafts people have aspired to serve Sovereign and Court.

Competition for Royal favour was intense and the Monarch had the pick of the country’s best tradespeople. By the 15th century, the Lord

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Chamberlain, as head of the Royal Household, formally appointed tradespeople with a Royal Warrant of Appointment – a practice that continues to this day.

In the 18th century, Royal tradesmen began displaying the Royal Arms on their premises and stationery. In 1840, the Royal Warrant Holders Association was formed. Its main objective is to ensure the continued existence of the Royal Warrant as a treasured and respected institution. It helps to administer applications for new Royal Warrants and changes to existing ones.

The criteria for qualification are notoriously strict. Royal Warrant of Appointment – A crest that states “By Appointment To…” is a mark of recognition of those who have supplied goods or services to the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales for at least five years, and who have an ongoing trading arrangement. In the Prince of Wales’s case, they also have to “demonstrate that they have a workable environmental policy.”

The Association is not part of the Royal Household, but belongs to its members. It advises members on everything to do with their Royal Warrants and assists with the correct interpretation and implementation of The Lord Chamberlain’s Rules, which govern the Royal Warrant.

The Monarch decides who may grant Royal Warrants. These are known as the Grantors: HM

Prestigious Royal Warrant Holders include: Asprey London Ltd Berry Bros & Rudd Ltd Elizabeth Arden Fortnum & Mason Jeeves of Belgravia Champagne Bollinger Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd Gieves & Hawkes The Ritz Hotel Cartier Ltd Jeeves of Belgravia Moyses Stevens Flowers Limited Partridges Bentley Motors Limited Carluccio’s Ltd

Royal Warrant Facts

The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales.

One of the key rewards afforded to those who achieve the status of Royal Warrant of Appointment is the opportunity to display the Royal Coat of Arms alongside their own branding. The Royal heraldry can be incorporated on products, advertising, packaging and stationery; whilst the business is also permitted to use the legend “By Appointment” in recognition of the facilities

Royal Warrant Holder, Partridge’s - Owner & Managing Director John Shepherd

provided to the Royal Household.

Today there are approximately 900 Royal Warrant holders, representing a huge cross-section of trade and industry, from individual craftspeople to global multi-nationals, ranging from dry cleaners to fishmongers, and from agricultural machinery to computer software. There is no requirement for the company concerned to be British owned or UK-based. They are united by a commitment to the highest standards of service, quality and excellence.

Everything from crowns to cutlery, confectionery to candles, silverware to silks, furniture to frying pans have appeared on Sovereigns’ shopping lists over the centuries, There are champagne houses and wine merchants, wheelwrights and gunmakers, luxury car manufacturers, tailors and kilt makers - the kind of luxury brands befitting of a royal family. Some firms have a record of Royal warrants reaching back over more than 100 years.

Warrant holding firms do not provide their goods or services free to the Royal households, and all transactions are conducted on a strictly commercial basis.

Ever since Her Majesty the Queen left her wedding in 1947 wearing a pair of soft fabric Cornelia James gloves, she has remained loyal to the East Sussex-based glovemaker. The younger royals are not allowed to bestow warrants but, when they are, Cornelia James could be in line for a second, given the Duchess of Cambridge wears their fine merino gloves.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left Buckingham Palace on their Wedding Day in the Prince of Wales’ dearly beloved Aston Martin DB6 MKII Vantage Volante. The Duke of Cambridge could have enjoyed the pick of the vehicles in Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews, but he decided to drive his father’s favourite car.

In June 2019, Swarovski UK, was awarded a royal warrant, which the company said in a statement, ‘is a significant honour, which acknowledges the quality of our product and reflects the ongoing provision of crystal to the British Royal Family.’ One of the newest jewellery houses to be awarded the honour, it was founded in 1895 in Austria. Swarovski designs, manufactures and sells the world’s largest highest quality crystals. Today, the company is run by the fifth generation of family members, with around 3,000 stores worldwide.

Halcyon Days is one of only fourteen companies in the world to hold all three Royal Warrants and is the only supplier of Objets d’Art. Originals of their three Royal Warrants are proudly displayed in their luxury store in the Royal Exchange.

For more information about Royal Warrant holders visit www.rwha.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

50 YEARS OF TRAMP

London’s most iconic private members club, TRAMP is celebrating 50 years at the pinnacle of the nightlife industry

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Images: Getty

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pened in December 1969, the Jermyn Street club has welcomed a who’s who of A-list celebrities through its unassuming doors and into the 300-capacity basement of bacchanalia, below.

Original members included Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Roger Moore, Sir Michael Caine and sisters Joan and Jackie Collins, but the club quickly became a magnet for movie stars, musicians and even royalty, and before long, Tramp became a byword for sophisticated debauchery.

During the 1970s it wasn’t uncommon to see George Best on the dance floor while Sir Matt Busby frantically called the club’s front desk, trying to locate his absent star player; Marlon Brando holding court in the restaurant over a glass of scotch and Amaretto; and Frank Sinatra relaxing on his favourite seat in the lounge area, where guests would fall over themselves at the sight of Ol’ Blue Eyes as they emerged from the adjacent women’s toilets.

Sir Rod Stewart once said of the club: “I remember coming out of Tramp when I used to play Sunday morning football and I’d get home at about four or five in the morning and I’d get up about three hours later for an 11 o’clock kick off smelling of booze!”

The club’s original decor has been lovingly preserved, with beautiful, 17th Century oak panelling throughout and chandeliers from the Rothschild Palace hanging from the ceilings - save for one, memorable absence, where legendary The Who drummer, Keith Moon leapt from his table and brought the chandelier crashing to the floor before being escorted from the club screaming: “You can’t ban me from Tramp! Where else will I go?”

“During the 1970s it wasn’t uncommon to see George Best on the dance floor while Sir Matt Busby frantically called the club’s front desk, trying to locate his absent star player”

He was welcomed back 24 hours later, after apologising profusely and paying for the damage.

But while celebrity anecdotes undoubtedly helped to build interest in this mysteriously secretive club on the border of St. James’s and Mayfair, it has flourished through five decades thanks to its core principles: To offer luxurious service and fine dining in a relaxed and sociable environment; and to treat every member as a VIP. General Manager, David Fleming, says: “Tramp is more than just a members club. It is an intimate space with a limited membership and we pride ourselves on being able to welcome each and every guest by name, remember their favourite drink and where they like to sit in the restaurant or bar.

“The club was built on quiet word-of-mouth, with our details being passed on by members on film sets, in business meetings and between bands, and over the years it has almost become a ‘password’ around the world; members frequently tell me how they’ve been to a far flung place and been given the best table in a restaurant because the owner is also a member of Tramp.

“We talk about our membership as a family and in many cases, they really are - we have original members whose children and even grandchildren have grown up and joined the club and three generations can use it together.

“If these walls could talk, they’d have a lot of stories to tell; but of course, they wouldn’t say a thing - because that’s the Tramp way.”

The club launched its 50th anniversary celebrations with a star-studded party in May, attended by Sir Rod Stewart, Sir Michael Caine, Dame Joan Collins, Bill Wyman, Nathalie Dormer, Mark Ronson and many more, and members will enjoy further special events throughout the rest of the year.

Prospective members may apply via the club’s website at www.tramp.co.uk/memberships.

But remember: What happens in Tramp, stays in Tramp.

FEBRUARY 2020 57

OUT & ABOUT

THE BEST CLASSIC CARS ON SHOW AT OLYMPIA 20-23 February 2020

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ondon’s premier classic car event returns at its new home of Olympia in Kensington, marking the next chapter in the history of the London Classic Car Show. Now in its seventh year, the show is firmly established as the must-attend event for discerning classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts.

Not only will visiting classic car collectors and connoisseurs have the opportunity to view and purchase over 500 desirable cars, they will also be treated to a brand-new selection of carefully curated features and celebrations of some of the most exotic and exquisite marques from throughout the decades.

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2020 sees the introduction of an exciting new ‘Car Stories’ stage featuring six of the most iconic and interesting cars in the world, presented by industry personalities and previous owners, delving into the history and heritage that makes them special. Car Stories will be hosted by classic motoring expert Max Girardo and will give visitors the chance to go under the bonnet of such illustrious cars as the 1987 Rothmans Porsche 962C, the Maserati 250F driven by Sir Stirling Moss in 1954 and the Lotus 49 rebuilt by Adrian Newey.

2020 also marks the 50th anniversary of one of the UK’s greatest cars, the Range Rover. The benchmark 4x4 continues to be the utility vehicle of choice amongst those who appreciate the finer things in life and The London Classic Car Show will be celebrating 50 years of the car marque from the first prototype through iconic ‘challenge’ versions to the Range Rover of today.

So, whether you’ve got a penchant for the classic, are a serious buyer or simply want to dip your toe in the water and admire these beautiful vehicles, make your way to Olympia, London from 20th – 23rd February 2020.

Standard and Premium tickets available plus the opportunity to attend the Thursday evening exclusive Preview Night and Icon Awards presentation.

Tickets available online at www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk

“2020 sees the introduction of an exciting new ‘Car Stories’ stage featuring six of the most iconic and interesting cars in the world, presented by industry personalities and previous owners, delving into the history and heritage that makes them special”

OUT & ABOUT

SEVEN WORLDS, ONE PLANET

- LIVE IN CONCERT UK Premiere Performance.

Sunday 24th May 2020, London O2

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reath-taking, moving, harrowing – David Attenborough and the BBC play us like pianos – and at this point in the evolution of natural history TV, they are maestros. Prepare to weep.”

The Guardian The latest BBC Studios series ‘Seven Worlds, One Planet’, which has become BBC One’s mostwatched factual TV show for 2019, will celebrate its UK premiere live concert performance at The O2 Arena in London. This spectacular one-off event will present the very best footage and music from the highly acclaimed television series.

When this landmark series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, was first broadcast in the

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“This spectacular one-off event will present the very best footage and music from the highly acclaimed television series”

UK on October 27th 2019 it took viewers on an epic journey that not only celebrated the diversity of life on each of the seven continents, but also highlighted the many challenges faced by nature in a modern world dominated by humanity.

Seven Worlds, One Planet Live in Concert presents a selection of the most spectacular scenes from the television series displayed on a giant state of the art 4K Ultra HD LED screen. The series took a staggering 1,500 people over 4 years to make, including 92 film shoots across 41 countries.

During the concert, the audience will be taken on a journey of discovery through the ‘seven worlds’ - from the colourful paradises of South America to Asia’s vast wilderness; from the unforgiving deep freeze of the Antarctic to the searing heat of Africa; from North America via Australia to wildlife closer to home in Europe.

Accompanying the footage on screen, the series hugely emotive score, written by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and Jacob Shea for Bleeding Fingers Music, will be performed by the renowned City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. The score also features the series captivating song ‘Out There’, produced specifically for the series by Zimmer and the multi-award winning artist SIA. The documentaries produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit have inspired generations and helped shape people’s view of the planet.

Featuring stunning, never-before-seen visuals, these programmes bring the miracles of the natural world to viewers all over the world, inspiring them to reflect on the power of our planet and have a positive, long-term influence on human behaviour.

The live concert format for these breathtaking television programmes has already proved hugely successful over the past two years, with over half a million UK & European fans having already attended concerts for the outstanding Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II series.

Tickets available from www.seven-worlds-one-planet-live.co.uk and www.axs.com

WINNER OF OUTSTANDING POOL OF THE YEAR 2020

OUT & ABOUT

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2020 Tour Brings thrilling adventure to UK & Ireland! Until 26 May 2020

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he Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back for 2020, bringing a brandnew selection of gripping action and adventure films to more venues than ever before in the UK and Ireland.

The tour features two different collections of extraordinary films from the world’s best adventure film-makers, with super-human challenges, soulful journeys and spectacular cinematography from the wildest corners of the planet.

“We can’t wait to share the latest inspirational films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival on our biggest tour yet!” says UK and Ireland tour director Nell Teasdale. “And as well as exhilarating stories starring intrepid characters and pioneering journeys, an evening at Banff is a celebration of the great outdoors, with a vibrant atmosphere and a real sense of community. And we guarantee audiences will leave inspired to have an adventure of their own!”

The tour’s films are chosen from hundreds of entries into the Banff Mountain Film Festival, which is held every November in the Canadian Rockies.

The UK and Ireland tour started in Pitlochry, Scotland, on Saturday 18 January, and finishes in Norwich on Tuesday 26 May, visiting 60 locations along the way. As well as thrilling films, each event features a free prize draw for exciting outdoorsy goodies from the tour partners.

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2020 will be appearing at the venues listed below and across the UK.

Image: Ben Tibbetts

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Image: Sarah Outen

THE DETAILS Dorking, Dorking Halls 15 February London, Union Chapel 10-23 March Guildford, G Live 13 March Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 14 March St Albans, Alban Arena 19 March Dorking, Dorking Halls 27 March Wimbledon, New Wimbledon Theatre 1 April Guildford, G Live 29 April For more information and to book tickets, see www.banff-uk.com

Image: Ali Bharmal

OUT & ABOUT

Strictly Stars Janette & Aljaž Announce

‘Remembering The Oscars’ UK Tour 2020 22nd March - 3rd May Janette and Aljaž star in Remembering The Oscars on the following tour dates in the South East in 2020 (*indicates additional matinée performances):

March Sunday 22 Aylesbury: Waterside Theatre Monday 23 Reading: The Hexagon Saturday 28 Southend: Cliffs Pavilion* Monday 30 London: Peacock Theatre Tuesday 31 London: Peacock Theatre

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ollowing their sell-out Remembering The Movies tour – which sold over 50,000 tickets - Strictly Come Dancing’s favourite couple Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec will be returning to theatres across the UK with their brand new show Remembering The Oscars from March through to May 2020.

Celebrate with Janette and Aljaž as they give the red carpet treatment to Oscar-winning songs, dances, movies and stars in this exhilarating new dance spectacular.

Whether you are Wishing On A Star, Swinging On A Star or merely dancing in the City of Stars, this incredible production will take you from the Golden Ages of Hollywood through to Disney family favourites and beyond, featuring many classic and contemporary songs. It will feature a cast of some of the best dancers based in the UK, a brand new stunning stage design, wonderful costumes and a huge LED screen, with specially filmed content.

The 37-date tour includes a fabulous six-date residency at London’s Peacock Theatre from 30th March to 4th April.

Additional matinee performances will take place at the Peacock Theatre in London (1st & 4th April) and the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury (18th April) Janette Manrara said, “I can tell you right now that Remembering The Oscars will be our biggest and most ambitious production to-date; we have hand-picked an incredible cast, we have some great material to work with and quite a few surprises. The Oscar-winning movies, songs, and actors that have inspired us will take this tour to another level, one

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that we know our audiences are going to love. To say Aljaž and I are excited about this tour is a huge understatement.”

Aljaž Škorjanec added, “While we were touring the UK with Remembering The Movies, Janette and I were constantly talking about how we could evolve the show, taking it to the next level and into the West End. Inspired by Hollywood excellence, our amazing cast will combine with outstanding production values to give our incredible audiences exactly what they deserve: the very best! We can’t wait to share it with you. We are red carpet ready!”

April Wednesday 1 London, Peacock Theatre* Thursday 2 London: Peacock Theatre Friday 3 London: Peacock Theatre Saturday 4 London: Peacock Theatre* Tuesday 7 Guildford: G Live Wednesday 8 Chatham: Central Theatre Saturday 18 Canterbury: Marlowe Theatre*

Image: Colin Thomas

OUT & ABOUT FEATURE

7 Benefits of Hosting a Corporate Golf Day W

hether you’ve considered a golf day for your business in the past or not, I’m sure there will be someone in your office who has

attended one.

You might be running an annual golf day for the wrong reasons, like: “Our competitors have one” “We’ve always had one” “Our marketing budget needs to be spent on something” If you’re currently organising and running a golf day for your company, then you may not need persuading but these 7 points will help make your next event better and make your investment worthwhile.

1. Quality Client Time Considering your prospects busy schedule, you might be lucky enough to have their attention for a few minutes. Hosting a golf day gives you the ability to have an extended period of time with these prospects. Without suits, agendas or offices to formalise your actions, you’ll be able to connect with each guest on a more personal level.

Inviting both existing and prospective clients from your business allows them to mix naturally and explain the relationship and service you provide. If you’re confident in your product/service, then these existing clients should act as sales staff for you on the day. This will act as social proofing, which is key to conversion in modern consumer and B2B transactions.

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Additionally, and almost as importantly, a golf day provides a smart organiser with the chance to pair two attendees for the benefit of each other’s cause. For example, your external accountant playing with one of your small, yet growing accounts (who may be experiencing accounting issues) might provide the perfect ingredients for a developing relationship.

2. Professionalism The way in which you organise and execute a golf event will reflect on your business and how it runs.

A well-run golf day will reinforce the services and quality levels of your company.

Preparation is key here, so work closely with your Event Organiser and club to make sure nothing is left to chance. The club is also key to how you would like to portray your business; associate yourself with a club which you believe to be on your level.

3. Standing Out With a golf day, you have the opportunity to distinguish your company from your competition.

Make sure that your golf day is the one that your clients and prospective clients want to attend.

“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou Bring something different to your event each year, whether it’s a halfway hut food truck, a trick shot show or a coaching clinic. Create moments for your clients, they will then associate these feelings with your business.

“The way in which you organise and execute a golf event will reflect on your business and how it runs”

FEATURE

in the early days, with limited content to use in attracting the initial prospective clients and sponsors.

The investment of a production team at your first event can last you a few years whilst you build up footage and recognition. It’s also a good way of following up with clients after the event, to show them the footage or photos and continue the conversation you may have started at your event.

7. Thanking and Recognising

4. Increasing Brand Awareness Hiring a photographer is a great way to create content for the day and memories for your guests. Be sure to have the photographer(s) available for the whole day, from guest arrival, teeing off, on the course, reception drinks, and dinner. Create an album on your Facebook page or upload to a photo hosting website like 500px and have them available to download for free.

Some photographers may offer to print what they captured on the day for when your guests return to the clubhouse.

There are normally two options when you hire photographers at these events: either you pay the photographer a fee or they try to sell what they’ve taken on the day for a commission. Always opt for the former, always. Always.

5. Social Media Exposure In today’s media jungle, where engagement and shares rule over all, social media plays a big part in the perception of individuals, groups and businesses. You can give specific events a hashtag to use, accompanied by a screen with a live stream of hashtag usage. Guy Kawasaki gives a great list of how to socialise an event here.

If you’ve thought enough in advance, and you have the budget, you could even broadcast the event live through your social media channels. This is now available on Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Periscope, and many other platforms. What better way to entertain the stakeholders of your business than watching your Operations Manager 4-putt on the 18th green?

Snappy.TV is a great tool to distribute (almost) live embedded video highlights through Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. If it’s good enough for the PGA Tour, NBA, NFL, NHL, NASCAR, and many more organisations, it’s good enough for your business. Gone are the days waiting for Ceefax to update the scores, now this content is available to those who pursue it.

6. Creating Future Content Marketing a recurring annual event can be difficult 68 FEBRUARY 2020

Corporate outings are important opportunities to thank existing clients for their loyalty and business.

Superficially, your company doesn’t benefit, however, a degree of loyalty is promoted with your clients and they realise you are thinking about their cause and not just selling to them.

Relationships are one of the major keys to successful business growth, and a well organised corporate golf day can be an ideal way to build these relationships. www.brocket-hall.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

EAT & DRINK FESTIVAL Brings a whole world of flavours to Olympia.

Friday 27 March – 13 April 2020

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at & Drink Festival is back with a bang, bringing the best in contemporary food and drink. With more ideas and inspiration than you can shake a spatula at, the show promises to introduce Britain’s foodies to a fridge-full of new culinary techniques and flavour combinations, as well as tips and tricks for pairing drinks with dishes.

Ticket holders will be able to rub shoulders with some of the best chefs in the country, as celebrities cook up a storm in the kitchen, sharing their mouth-watering dishes and best-kept cooking secrets. Celebrity chefs attending include: Dean Edwards, author and Celebrity Masterchef finalist, Olly Smith, drinks expert and TV presenter, Rosemary Shrager, renowned British chef and Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, former footballer and Celebrity Masterchef finalist.

Also at the UK’s favourite indoor food festival, visitors will be able to shop for fresh and delicious

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ingredients from hundreds of vendors, sample artisan produce and discover unique new wines, beers and spirits.

This year, highlights include: • Eat & Drink Stage, which will see renowned chefs from up and down the UK share demos and creative inspiration, Watch their dishes being brought to life in front of your eyes and take those all-important culinary tips home with you to your own kitchen.

• The Great Eat, the street food hub of the show, featuring a wide variety of food vendors. Here you can sample the most exciting expression of street food culture. Indulge in a selection of the world’s finest flavours, crafted by the country’s most celebrated street food visionaries.

• The Busker Station, situated in The Great Eat, will be host to live performances throughout the show.

Bringing some acoustic melody whilst you relish in some delicious street food.

• The Artisan Producers Market, The Artisan Producers Market is the place to visit and fill your shopping bags to the brim full of the very best fresh produce.The fabulous selection includes delicious chutneys and pickles, brilliant breads and patisserie favourites, flavoured oils, fresh juices and jams, mouth-watering cheeses, cooking sauces and unique drinks.

Tickets are available to buy at www.eatanddrinklondon.com. Visitors who have a ticket to Eat & Drink Festival can also visit Ideal Home Show for no extra charge.

Both events take place at Olympia London from 27th March – 13th April. To keep up with the latest news and announcements, follow the Eat & Drink Festival on: Twitter, Facebook andInstagram

“The Eat & Drink Stage will see renowned chefs from up and down the UK share demos and creative inspiration”

FEATURE

8 Reasons to Choose an Exclusive Use Venue for your Wedding

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hether you’re newly engaged or have been thinking about booking a wedding venue for some time now, you’ve no doubt done some venue research. As you’ll realise, there are several unique styles of wedding venues out there, all offering couples a different experience when it comes to their actual wedding day. The difference between non-exclusive and exclusive use venues may seem trivial during the wedding planning stages but, on your big day, it could add that little bit of extra something which every couple deserves. Exclusive use guarantees you your privacy for the duration of your wedding day. You’ll generally receive sole exclusivity of a wedding venue, the grounds, the staff and anything else you require. It means you can be sure that you’re not going to bump into anyone on the day that isn’t a guest, or a member of staff, at your wedding.

Some exclusive wedding venues will differ in terms of what they will provide within their exclusivity package. Hiring a blank canvas wedding

venue could mean that you need to bring in every wedding supplier yourself; from the tables, chairs, linen, catering team and more. Booking to have sole use of a wedding venue means that you and your guests will have the use of the whole property for the duration of the wedding. Feel like royalty for the day with a complete exclusivity where the only guests are the ones you have specially invited. Find a venue that has accommodation on-site too, and your wedding venue will be transformed into a special retreat for the duration of your celebrations.

If you’re unsure about how hiring an exclusive use wedding venue can enhance your wedding day, here are eight reasons which might just convince you to go for that exclusive use venue.

Privacy A wedding is a personal occasion for your family and friends, so it’s natural to want complete privacy to enjoy the day with only ‘your people’. There won’t be any strangers roaming around the venue staring while you’re all in your finery and you won’t find any strangers in the background when you’re flicking through your wedding photo album.

You will be able to choose exactly who you’ll be spending your day in the company of, giving your wedding the ultimate sense of intimacy.

Security Exclusive use venues tend to be a lot more secure and, with just your party on-site, it’s a lot safer and 72 FEBRUARY 2020

“You will be able to choose exactly who you’ll be spending your day in the company of, giving your wedding the ultimate sense of intimacy”

you won’t have the fear of strangers gate-crashing your wedding reception.

Staff Exclusive wedding venues tend to lend themselves to better service because all of the staff at the venue are there to serve your party alone. That means you won’t have to queue up with strangers at the bar and you and your party will receive the undivided attention of the venue’s staff. It’s likely that the experienced staff will have seen every possible wedding-related mishap there is to see and they’ll know exactly how to rectify it; so you can feel safe in the knowledge that the happiest day of your life is being handled by the experts.

Travel From getting ready in the morning, to saying “I do” and have the last dance of the night, choosing exclusive venue hire means you don’t have to travel anywhere during your big day. Not needing to worry about travel makes everyone more relaxed. It also means there’s no need for taxis or designated drivers. You can keep the party going as long as you like, stay over and have breakfast together in the morning.

Attention When opting for an exclusive use venue, you can rest assured that you and your partner will be the centre of attention all day, without having to compete with other couples.

No Hidden Extras Exclusive use venues and all of their bonuses usually come as a package, so there are no hidden costs involved.

Location Some of the most beautiful venues in the country can be exclusively yours, but it’s not just the stunning barn or grand country house you’ll have, but the grounds and gardens too. Can you imagine celebrating in acres of rolling parkland, as Lord and Lady of the Estate? Amazing outdoor space could take your wedding to the next level.

“Few properties in England can claim to have been the home to two prime ministers, played host to George IV, Queen Victoria and the infamous Lady Caroline Lamb who introduced the Waltz to England in the Ballroom”

with a homely feel and endless privacy and security for an intimate atmosphere. It could just give you a wedding day that exceeds expectations and is unforgettable.

Set in 543 acres of idyllic Hertfordshire countryside, Brocket Hall has played host to a variety of special and important events. The elegant and romantic setting is the perfect location for your special day. The Brocket Hall Estate, designed by Richard Woods, with the meandering Broadwater Lake and charming Paine Bridge offers the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.

Few properties in England can claim to have been the home to two prime ministers, played host to George IV, Queen Victoria and the infamous Lady Caroline Lamb who introduced the Waltz to England in the Ballroom – which can seat from 50 – 150 guests for your wedding breakfast. The Ballroom is sumptuously decorated with fine paintings, including the stunning ceiling painted by Sir Francis Wheatley.

Your special day includes the traditional butler service, with our Head Butler and his team catering to your every need. There are 30 luxurious double bedrooms within Brocket Hall and a further 16 bedrooms in the Melbourne Lodge, sleeping a maximum of 88 guests on the estate.

On the Estate, we also have alternative venues to the Hall including our exclusive-use fine dining restaurant, Auberge du Lac (pictured above), and The Oak Room which is room-hire only.

For more information or to enquire about available dates please contact; weddings@brocket-hall.co.uk. 01707 368897

More Quality Time Being in the same venue for the duration of your wedding gives you more time with your guests and loved ones. It means the celebrations can last a lot longer too, as everyone can stay until it’s time to leave the following day. Since you’ll be at the venue for the duration of your celebrations, you can also build in extra time to capture more happy moments on camera too.

As you can see, there’s much more to selecting a venue than simply price and location. The benefits of having exclusive use of a wedding venue are genuinely compelling, so make sure you explore it as an option. Choosing an exclusive use wedding venue could add the perfect touch to your big day, FEBRUARY 2020 73

OUT & ABOUT

FutureFest 2020 F

20 March, Tobacco Dock

utureFest, hosted by global innovation foundation Nesta, is a one-day festival that celebrates the power of people to shape the future.

The 2020 event will be bringing together groundbreaking debates, radical ideas and inspiring talks with over 80 speakers including; documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux, writer and director Richard Ayoade, author and women’s rights activist Elif Shafak, singer and founder of the Awen Project Charlotte Church, journalist George Monbiot, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, Gail Bradbrook and MP David Lammy.

The festival will offer visitors the essential tools to reset the clock on doomsday and navigate a better future.

How can the planet sustain us? What will Alexa do with your biggest secrets? How can we learn to be alone together?

With questions as big as these, it’s tempting to retreat, take shelter in a remote forest and hide from the world. But what we need is a map and a compass to point us in the right direction.

This year, you can experience a range of artistic installations, including Osmo, an inflatable infinity space that recreates the cosmos, an Augmented Reality adventure on board a robot cruise ship to search for a sustainable future or you can be part of Aquarium, an interactive performance that invites you to pull off an animal heist at a major tourist attraction, to find out if we’ll find a way to live in balance with our fellow species on this planet, or if we’ll all sink together.

For the first time at FutureFest 2020 they will

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be hosting a Long Conversation. Over 30 surprise speakers will take it in turns to interview and be interviewed in an epic relay race that will challenge your perspective and leave you feeling inspired about the future.

So if you want answers to questions such as, Should we bring the dodo back from the dead? or What is the future of gender? Or just want to see great minds going head to head, drop in to FutureFest 2020 and get ready for a radical experiment that celebrates our power to shape the future.

THE DETAILS Book now to find out how you can shape the future at FutureFest www.futurefest.org Tobacco Dock, Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, London E1W 2SF Open 10am - 10pm.

FutureFest is an event from Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation.

Find out more at www.nesta.org.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Charles Adesanya

Luxury Lifestyle Management

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harles Adesanya Luxury Lifestyle Management Service is a concierge company based in London. Maximizing CA’s excellent network in hospitality, travel, the arts, media, entertainment and fashion since 2004 to coordinate and manage lifestyle requests for those with busy professional, personal and social schedules. Our concierge lifestyle managers work 24/7 365 days to provide a bespoke service that will reclaim your time. Fees upon request.

SERVICES All modes of travel, also private jet and yacht charter. Supercar showcases and luxury automotive events. Golfing for everyone, industry trade shows and tee off. Ready to wear or ready to use personal shopping in the most luxurious of stores and vintage boutiques. Personal styling for those who invest in haute couture, bespoke tailoring and precious gemstones. Private events and invitations to exclusive red carpet award winning galas. Luxury 5 to 7-star hotel reservations and spa relaxation.

Fine dining reservations with a bespoke à la carte menu befitting of your palate.

Contact details: 07958 149 920 Email: lifestyle@charlesadesanya.com Website: www.charlesadesanya.com 76 FEBRUARY 2020

“Our concierge lifestyle managers work 24/7 365 days to provide a bespoke service that will reclaim your time”

LINO PIANI Bespoke ladies couture, and Bridal wear

Bridal Wear We believe making your dream wedding gown should be a unique and special experience that you will treasure as much as the dress itself. designing your wedding day celebrations is one of life’s most enjoyable journeys.

We hope our skill, expertise and meticulous attention to detail can help you along the way. Besides crafting your bespoke gown, we can organise the day itself in a fantasy setting on the italian riviera, Tuscany or the italian lakes.

1 Fashion Street, London E1 6Ly e-mail lino@linopiani.com www.linopiani.com

FEATURE

5

The reasons why your son or daughter might need a

Graduate Coach “Graduate coaching will help your son or daughter to discover their career path and provide them with lifelong skills”

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n the words of Bill Gates: “Everyone needs a coach. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a singer, a tennis player, a dancer or a graduate”.

You are familiar with the concept of hiring an academic tutor or a sports instructor to help your son or daughter to excel in a specific area, but have you ever considered getting them a graduate coach to get them on the right career ladder?

Throughout your career, you have probably received some career coaching or mentoring that helped you to make informed decisions and map out your career trajectory. Likewise, graduate coaching will help your son or daughter to discover their career path and provide them with lifelong skills to thrive throughout their career.

Here are 5 reasons why your son or daughter might need a graduate coach: • There are too many graduates chasing too few jobs. The current supply of graduates looking for jobs is comprised of 800,000 graduates from 2019, 1,200,000 graduates from 2016-18 (who are still searching) and 300,000 international students.

• Academic success is no longer a differentiator to employers who are looking for the most experienced and workplace-ready graduates.

• Universities see it as their principal task to ensure that students get a degree, and place more emphasis on academics rather than each student’s career.

• 90% of graduates studied non-vocational degrees, and thus find it difficult to work out what type of career would suit them best.

• The content and delivery of university degree

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courses have remained largely unchanged over the last 100 years, despite the radical changes in the graduate job market, such as 70% of employers seeking graduates with digital skills.

Graduate Coach is the UK’s leading graduate career coaching company.

Over the past 10 years, the founder of Graduate Coach, Chris Davies has helped 500+ students and graduates to land their dream job.

Graduate Coach’s flagship service is their sixstage, one-to-one coaching programme. Candidates gain: • The right graduate job, not just any job.

Guaranteed.

• Life-long career skills and a network of contacts.

• Continued career mentoring after they land a job.

The programme’s alumni earn on average £45,000 just 3 years after receiving help from Chris Davies.

Other services include interview coaching and a range of online courses.

To find out more about Graduate Coach, visit: www.graduatecoach.co.uk.

OUT & ABOUT

Chelsea perfection

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 19-23 May It’s considered the most elite gardening show on the calendar, and this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show is targeting the challenges of our changing climate.

Gardens will highlight the future of cities in the face of climate emergency, while there will also be a slant on sustainable materials and growing methods adopted by the world’s leading garden designers and growers.

For details visit rhs.org.uk.

[events]

THE BEST GARDEN SHOWS & FESTIVALS TO VISIT this year Put a date in your diary to visit these inspiring and informative plant-filled shows and events. words: Hannah Stephenson.

Orchid mania

Kew’s 25th annual Orchid Festival 8 february - 8 march Kew’s 25th annual Orchid Festival will for the first time celebrate the incredible wildlife and vibrant culture of Indonesia - an archipelago of more than 17,504 islands, including Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Papua and Bali. Indonesia’s landscape is as diverse as the flora and fauna that inhabit it, from tropical rainforests to spectacular volcanoes. The festival features an immersive journey through the different zones of the glasshouse, where visitors will find spectacularly beautiful orchid displays which each represent an aspect of Indonesian wildlife and culture.

For details visit kew.org.

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Daffodil delights

The Gilded Gardens 29 february - 1 May In Buckinghamshire, Cliveden is staging its daffodil spectacular The Gilded Gardens for the second year. Inspired by the 24-carat gilded golden gates on the Sounding chamber and the hundreds of thousands of daffodils across the estate, you’ll be able to see narcissi springing up throughout March and April and rolling displays of rarer, pot-grown varieties will be on show in the Ferneries.

For details visit nationaltrust.org.uk.

FURTHER AFIELD Scottish celebration Think Plastic until 26 April This year, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is celebrating its 350th birthday with a year of community celebrations. Don’t miss the exhibition Think Plastic, which brings together local artists and scientists to explore the possibilities of transferring sustainable, recyclable and environmentally-responsible plastics from the laboratory into craft and arts productions.

Festival fever

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Garden Festival 7-12 July The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Garden Festival rebranded itself as a ‘Garden Festival’ in 2019 and remains high on the list of go-tos among gardeners for its royal setting, show gardens, floral marquees and trade stands, to buy everything from artisan goods to basic tools. From contemporary to traditional, its show gardens will be awash with ideas on how to revitalise green spaces, while plants people, celebrities and foodies will be making guest appearances.

For details visit rhs.org.uk.

Flower power

Wisley Flower Show at the RHS flagship garden 8-13 September If you want to see a riot of colour, book your ticket for the Wisley Flower Show at the RHS flagship garden (Sep 8-13), where you will see an array of spectacular blooms, feast your eyes on the National Dahlia Society Show and browse the offerings from more than 50 specialist nurseries selling a range of horticultural goodies. Learn how to make gorgeous flower arrangements from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies and enjoy talks and demonstrations in an Expert Zone.

For details visit rhs.org.uk.

Bulb bonanza

RHS Flower Show Cardiff 17-19 April Brighten up your day with a visit to the RHS Flower Show Cardiff to see thousands of beautiful spring bulbs. Some 15 exhibitors that have had a presence at every show will be there. The event will also tie in with the Visit Wales theme, the Year of Outdoors.

Health and wellbeing will be much promoted at the show, displaying the benefits of of being outside and connecting with the natural world.

For details visit rhs.org.uk.

TV expert advice

BBC Gardeners’ World Live 18-21 june BBC Gardeners’ World Live at Birmingham’s NEC may be a more commercial show than some of its rivals, but it packs a punch with its top-notch TV gardening experts, including Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh, who’ll be offering advice in the GW Live theatre during the show. Visitors can admire a range of innovative show gardens and bag a bargain from the many plants and accessories outlets. Less for the specialist, more for the practical gardener, you can bag yourself some bargain plants and get advice on how to grow them too.

For details visit bbcgardenersworldlive.com.

Irish blooms

Northern show-stopper

The Great Yorkshire Show 14-16 July The Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, an iconic three-day event and one of the biggest agricultural shows in the English calendar, features spectacular nursery displays, including several RHS Gold medal-winning exhibitors from far and wide. This year the show will be welcoming back floral designer and celebrity florist Jonathan Moseley, who will be appearing daily on the Garden stage, creating some fantastic displays.

For details visit greatyorkshireshow.co.uk.

Bloom 28 May - 1 june If you’re in Dublin, don’t miss Bloom, a show spanning 70 acres of Phoenix Park, with show gardens and other attractions based on other successful shows such as Chelsea and Hampton Court. Launched in 2007 by Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board), Bloom has numerous highly creative gardens and plant displays which are used to inspire and excite the public about gardening and garden design.The show gardens, created by some of Ireland’s top garden designers, are the heart and soul of the five-day festival which not only focuses on flowers but also on the best food Ireland has to offer.

For details visit bloominthepark.com.

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OUT & ABOUT

Selfridges opens the world’s first permanent cinema in a department store “The Cinema at Selfridges is the result of an exclusive partnership with one of London film fans’ favourite independent boutique cinema, the Olympic Studios”

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elfridges have announced that the opening of their in-store cinema destination in Oxford Street is at the end of November.

This will be the first time a department store anywhere in the world is to permanently accommodate such a facility. The Cinema at Selfridges will be fitted with the latest state-of-theart sound and vision technologies to ensure the viewing experience is world-class.

Operating all year round – and after the iconic store’s trading hours – the venue will screen current releases, blockbusters and independent films. It will have an entrance within the store as well as direct access from the street. The cinema will have three screens, with capacities of 70, 60 and 30 seats. There will also be the potential to have a private screening in one of the rooms and an underground bar making the Cinema at Selfridges even more enticing!

Films scheduled for the first week of launch include Frozen 2 and Le Mans 66 with Matt Damon and Christian Bale.

The Cinema at Selfridges is the result of an exclusive partnership with one of London film fans’ favourite independent boutique cinema, the Olympic Studios, which has much loved locations both in Barnes and Battersea. The Cinema at Selfridges will also feature an exciting food and beverage offer and a priority membership scheme.

‘We are delighted to announce the launch of our very own The Cinema at Selfridges within our London Oxford Street store later this year. For us this is a very exciting, yet natural extension to what

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Selfridges does, which is to provide customers with an extraordinary experience all year round.’ Simon Forster, Managing Director Registration to be among the first to access The Cinema at Selfridges booking page when it opens is now live at www.selfridges.com/cinema The Cinema is the latest phase of a £300 million investment to attract even more shoppers into London’s second largest department store. www.selfridges.com

OUT & ABOUT

COLLECT 2020 T

he International Art Fair for Modern Craft & Design: Collect 2020, founded by the Crafts Council, will hold its 16th edition at Somerset House for the first time.

For sixteen years, Collect - the only gallerypresented art fair dedicated to modern craft and design - has established itself as the vanguard of growing global appreciation for crafted objects. The fair provides the most exciting platform to witness, purchase and commission innovative and extraordinary contemporary pieces of work by living artists, most of which are created specifically for Collect.

Curated by an expert panel, galleries from five continents, representing over 400 international artists, will showcase exceptional and breakthrough designer making and all its possibilities. Work from the largest-ever contingency of South Korean talent will also feature.

International galleries exhibiting at Collect for the first time in February include: The Gallery by SOIL from Hong Kong, Gallery Sklo and Lloyd Choi Gallery from South Korea and Han Collection from London. Savour-faire des Takumi from Japan returns, following a hiatus, and exquisite

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African art will be released by 50 Golborne, London. QUEST will be utilising the fair to herald its 30th anniversary – showcasing the work of seven talented, British creatives.

The fair also includes Collect Open, where 12 ambitious individual makers/duos have been selected by an expert panel to present outstanding and conceptual new work and installations on a larger scale.

The fair will feature an exciting talks programme with Sheila Loewe, president of the Loewe Foundation, in conversation with two Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2019 commended artists - glass artist Harry Morgan and specialist in working with organic materials, Kazuhito Takadoi.

Visitors will also be able to witness galleries contextualising pieces of work in room environments. Venezuelan artist, Daniel Reynolds, is producing a large-scale, dramatic and bespoke piece in his signature ceramic and glass to hang in the West Wing.

Collect 2020 is sponsored by The LOEWE Foundation and Cox London.

Tickets for the International Art Fair for Modern Craft and Design: Collect 2020 can be purchased from Collect 2020. www.craftscouncil.org.uk

THE DETAILS Tickets for the International Art Fair for Modern Craft and Design: Collect 2020 can be purchased from the Crafts Council website.

OUT & ABOUT

Music for the Marsden S

Tuesday 3 March 2020, London O2

ome of the world’s greatest artists will be performing at London’s iconic O2 Arena to raise vital funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Funds raised will go towards the £70million needed to build The Royal Marsden’s brand new, state of the art treatment and research facility, the Oak Cancer Centre. Located at The Royal Marsden in Sutton, it is named in recognition of Oak Foundation which has donated an incredible £25 million.

The centre will bring together over 400 researchers who are currently dispersed across the site, in areas designed to encourage collaboration and help speed up the development of new treatments, and will house a state of the art Rapid Diagnostic Centre to provide faster and earlier diagnosis for more people, helping to save lives by diagnosing cancer earlier when treatment is more likely to be successful.

The star-studded benefit concert will have a stellar line-up of superstars performing their biggest hits. These include: Sir Tom Jones whose legendary career has spanned an incredible six decades and attracting new fans as a coach on ITV’s The Voice will be gracing the stage along with rock & blues guitarist, singer and songwriter Eric Clapton, founder member of Genesis and lead singer of Mike and the Mechanics, Mike Rutherford with Paul Carrack, former frontman and Squeeze member, John Illsley, bass player with Dire Straits and Rik Wakeman, former member of The Strawbs and rock super group, Yes, Paul Jones, actor and lead singer with first Manfred Mann, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum, Italian rockstar Adelmo Fornaciari, more commonly known as Zucchero, Cat Stevens and Nick Mason will all be performing on stage, And 80’s pop stars Paul Young, Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall and Bonnie Tyler will be bringing their chart-toppers to the o2 to relive one of the most popular decades in music.

Tom Jones said: “It’s such a pleasure to be part of this amazing evening and to perform with these great musicians for such a wonderful and important charity is an honour. The Royal Marsden is an incredible hospital helping thousands of patients

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more information The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust consists of hospitals in both Chelsea and Sutton. The Royal Marsden is a world-renowned centre of excellence with an international reputation for ground-breaking research, pioneering the very latest cancer treatments and technologies for the benefit of patients throughout the UK and further afield. www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity www.royalmarsden.org Registered Charity Number: 1095197

each year and I hope we can help in a small way to raise vital funds needed to continue their life saving work.”

Eric Clapton said: “This is a great cause and I’m honoured to be part of the efforts to raise money for The Royal Marsden. I also couldn’t say no to the opportunity to work with the other artists and bandmates in the line-up. I am sure it’ll be a fantastic evening providing much needed support for this pioneering hospital.”

To purchase tickets, visit Bookingsdirect.com Ticketmaster.com. Eventim.co.uk. AXS.com.

Theo2.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Henley festival 2020 Programme announced!

Music, comedy, art and food. 8-12 July 2020

H

enley Festival, the UK’s most glamorous festival, returns to its spectacular setting on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames from 8th to 12th July 2020.

As the UK’s only black-tie festival, Henley Festival is glamour personified, offering Michelin starred food, award-winning comedy, critically acclaimed artists and the biggest names in popular, world, jazz and classical music. The green lawns of the festival are transformed into a Great Gatsby vision, as black tie clad revellers spill across the festival site, champagne in hand, while fireworks explode overhead.

WORLD & FOLK MUSIC IN THE BEDOUIN TENT

THE FLOATING STAGE HEADLINERS 2020

VISUAL ARTS

British pop band Madness will open Henley festival 2020 on Wednesday night. On Thursday night, Henley Festival is delighted to welcome the multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter James Blunt to headline the Floating Stage. Friday night brings singer-songwriter sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor, followed by Sara Cox’s Just Can’t Get Enough 80s’ DJ set. Saturday night is a collection of the world’s most iconic dancefloor hits are reimagined, reinvented and brought to the floating stage by Disco Classical, with legendary Special Guest Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge. On Sunday, classical superstar Myleene Klass will present Classic FM’s A Classical Salute, an evening of classical and military music performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell.

A STELLAR COMEDY LINE-UP The 2020 comedy line up at Henley is set to be bigger and better than ever, with the likes of Al Murray, Milton Jones, Shappi Khorsandi and Rory Bremner.

JAZZ AT HENLEY FESTIVAL Henley Festival’s very own Jazz Club in the stunning Spiegel Tent offers dining and live jazz music before and after from The Boneshaker Band, Moscow Drug Club and London’s own Jazz Dynamos (check schedule for details).

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Enter the Bedouin Tent for a taste of world music and home-grown British folk at their best.

BBC MUSIC INTRODUCING BERKSHIRE BBC Music Introducing was created in 2007 to support unsigned, undiscovered and under the radar musicians. Henley Festival is hugely excited to be working with BBC Music Introducing discovering breaking acts from the region, all of whom have featured across the BBC network before.

Henley Festival is one of the very few festivals in the UK to showcase artworks from some of the UK’s most talented artists, photographers and galleries.

Focusing largely on local talent this year, Henley Festival is delighted to play host to a string of up and coming makers and craftsmen

FOODIE FESTIVAL Michelin starred chef Angela Hartnett MBE will be returning to Henley Festival 2020 to run Europe’s biggest field restaurant, creating a bespoke menu exclusively for Henley, at the Riverside Restaurant.

Restaurants popping up at the festival will include Garden Bistro by Jimmy Garcia, Game Keeper, Halloumi Guys, BBQ Club and Snob Lobster, Hotel Chocolat, Jessecco Prosecco, Tonbo Japanese Kitchen and many more.

FAMILY SUNDAY Sunday sees the festival transformed into an enchanting playground for families and children of all ages, with a whole host of dazzling activities, performances and concerts. Headlining the stage on Family Sunday is award-winning children’s presenter and double MOBO winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown performing with the spellbinding Henley Symphony Orchestra. www.henley-festival.co.uk

THE LINE UP Madness James Blunt Sophie Ellis-Bextor Sara Cox Just Can’t Get Enough 80S DJ Set Disco Classical with Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge Classic FM presents a classical salute featuring The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted bBy Stephen Bell Presented By Myleene Klass

PROPERTY

An oasis on your doorstep A guide to London’s most expensive garden squares

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Park Crescent, W1

iving or working in London can create a buzz like no other.

Commuters, residents, prestigious stores, vibrant bars and restaurants - the atmosphere for some can be electric.

In contrast, in some of the most exclusive areas of London are private, tranquil green spaces….the city’s garden squares.

They’re a protected species, some accessible only with a key and surrounded by some of the most expensive homes on the market.

Many are period properties often constructed in crescents, terraces and squares. So important are they that, in 1931, the London Squares Preservation Act was introduced to protect more than 400 from being built over.

Let’s take a look at the most expensive and how much its privacy and exclusivity will cost you…

Eaton Square, Belgravia £5.88million

One of the most prestigious addresses in London.

Famous residents include Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin. More recently, advertising mogul Charles Saatchi and football managers Jose Mourinho and Sven-Goran Eriksson are all thought to have lived there. Eaton Square is a stone’s throw from Sloane Street – home to luxurious brands such as Gucci, Cartier, Dior and Versace.

Wilton Crescent Garden, Belgravia £5.35million

Eaton Square Gardens

Carlton House Terrace Gardens, Westminster

£8.79million

Kensington Square, W8

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Top of the list is this exclusive road just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace. A property will cost you an average of £8.79million. Former residents include Prime Ministers William Gladstone, Earl Grey and Lord Palmerston. It is the location of what is thought to be Britain’s most expensive home, with rumours six years ago that a Saudi prince had sold 18 Carlton House Terrace for £250million.

Wilton Crescent was named after Thomas Egerton, 2nd Earl of Wilton. It has been home to royals, political leaders and celebrities ever since.

Surrounded by a semi-circle of graceful whitestucco houses, it’s a calm and tranquil place. Among its most famous residents were Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, a British Royal Navy officer and uncle of Prince Philip, who was infamously assassinated by the IRA in 1979.

St James’s Gardens, Notting Hill £3.81million

The gardens are laid out in an informal woodland style, dominated by fine chestnut and lime trees dating back to the 19th century. The garden is in the heart of the Norland Conservation Area, with the premiums surely pushed up by its close proximity

PROPERTY

to the open spaces of Holland Park, attracting many wealthy businesspeople and celebrities such as Sir Richard Branson and David Beckham.

Thurloe Square, Brompton £3.76million

The square is named after John Thurloe, an advisor of Oliver Cromwell, who owned the land in the 17th century. Sir Henry Cole (1808–1892), the first Director of the V&A Museum, lived at No. 33. The building is marked with a blue plaque.. Not only is the square dog-friendly, it also has a children’s playground and a stroll from the shops, restaurants and museums of desirable Knightsbridge.

St James’s Gardens, W11

“These exclusive gated gardens are steeped in history and treasured sanctuaries”

Rosmead Garden, Notting Hill £3.64million

Perhaps one of London’s most famous garden squares, having featured heavily in the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts film Notting Hill. The space is quite unique among its contemporaries, with many of the homes surrounding it having direct access onto the green via a backdoor, making it a rear garden of sorts.

Kensington Square, Kensington £3.16million

With an average property price of £3.16million, it was originally known as King’s Square, built in honour of the reigning monarch at the time, James ll. The garden is private and not open to the public, though it has taken part in the annual Open Garden Squares Weekend. Former residents include composer Hubert Parry, philosopher John Stuart Mill and John Simon the sanitary reformer.

Park Crescent, Marylebone £3million

This crescent is among the most prestigious in the capital, in a desirable location at the north end of Portland Place and south of Marylebone Road.

It comprises beautiful stuccoed terraced houses designed by the architect John Nash, and forms into a semi-circle. The original plan was to build a circular building, but only the bottom half was completed. Between the arms of the crescent is a private garden, recognised as being of historic interest.

Hanover Gardens, Notting Hill £2.97million

This peaceful woodland garden is situated within the Ladbroke Estate. Among its famous former residents was Dame Sylvia Crowe, the noted landscape architect. This communal garden used to be known as Hanover Terrace Garden, Hanover Terrace being the old name of Lansdowne Walk.

Markham Square, Chelsea £2.73million

One of Chelsea’s finest garden squares, situated north of King’s Road, and a short walk from Sloane 92 FEBRUARY 2020

Markham Square, Chelsea

Square. The building of the original square began in 1836 on the site of the old Box Farm orchard – owned by the Markham family. In 1935 the garden was laid out as a cherry orchard. After WW2, the square was redesigned by the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s head gardener to resemble a private country garden.

These exclusive gated gardens are steeped in history and treasured sanctuaries amongst the hustle and bustle of our capital. Wealthy buyers from around the globe continue to be attracted to London’s squares, mainly due to their scale, style and timeless beauty.

T 020 8852 7343 | www.createforyou.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT PROPERTY

The building blocks for a more sustainable future:

Ideal Home Show Sponsored by NatWest

Returns to Olympia this spring. 27 March - 13 April

I

deal Home Show, the world’s longest running exhibition, sponsored by Natwest, will return to Olympia London from Friday 27th March to Monday 13th April 2020.

For the first time in its history the show will be supported by ITV. Visitors will be able to engage with favourite TV faces including experts from popular programmes such as ‘Love Your Garden’ as well as experts in food, drink, fashion and lifestyle.

ITV will also host a bespoke ITV exhibition stand and ITV Hub for the duration of the show.

Many of ITV’s iconic shows including I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here will be brought to life over the course of the 18-day show, with more celebrity guests and features to be announced shortly.

The 2020 show will offer visitors nearly three weeks’ worth of inspiration for their homes. From space maximising and decorating ideas and all the latest trends for the kitchen and bathroom, the show has something for everyone. The Good Homes Roomsets will spin to life with its new ever-changing interactive stage, exploring three future trends and themes - micro living, smart technology and Best

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of British.

This year’s show will feature more than 600 exhibitors showcasing an array of new products and household names across interior, homeware, style and garden industries.

Expert and celebrity guests will host a variety of stage talks and demonstrations including: • Alan Titchmarsh, gardening expert, broadcaster, poet and novelist • Dean Edwards, author and Celebrity MasterChef finalist • Olly Smith, drinks expert and TV presenter • Rosemary Shrager, renowned British chef • Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, former footballer and Celebrity MasterChef finalist Additionally, ticketholders will also have access to the Eat & Drink Festival, for no extra charge, which is co-located with the Ideal Home Show.

To purchase tickets visit www.idealhomeshow. co.uk. To keep up with the latest news and announcements, follow the Ideal Home Show on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“The Good Homes Roomsets will spin to life with its new everchanging interactive stage, exploring three future trends and themes”

FEATURE

MOTHER’S DAY

Gift ideas

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AKTAIE JEWELLERY

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Aktaie Jewellery offers a range of perfectly imperfect pieces crafted by hand from precious metals and natural gemstones. The collection is frequently updated with unique, one of a kind designs, where nothing detracts from the beauty of the stones.

Website: www.aktaie.com Instagram: @aktaie_jewellery

Mum’s the word and gin’s the gift. All Mummy’s deserve some sort of medal so treat yours to these delicious fruit flavoured gin liqueurs from Henley’s Mr Hobbs Gin this Mother’s Day. Let her wash all the worries away with a cocktail (or two!). Available in Raspberry & Elderflower and Rhubarb & Ginger. www.mrhobbsgin.com hello@mrhobbsgin.co.uk

ALPACA BED SOCKS

helen moore scarf Made from luxury faux fur, the Arctic Leopard Tippet Scarf is designed in a neat crossover style. Helen based this design on a genuine vintage tippet worn by her own mother. Complete with a hidden elastic loop to hold it in place, the Tippet Scarf is handmade in England.

Price: £38. www.helenmoore.com.

01884 861005

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HOBBS GIN

Treat your Mother to a pair of 90% baby alpaca bed socks to keep toes cosy on chilly nights in a fabulous palette of colours. Gift boxes of socks up to five pairs can be delivered with a handwritten card and we can add a gorgeous candle too. If bed socks aren’t suitable then how about thinner socks for everyday wear or thicker short ribbed socks with soft cushioned sole, perfect for gardening.

Perilla.co.uk.

01886 853 615

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5 Silk Square Scarf: Staring Leopards Add colour and style to any outfit with this eye catching silk scarf.

Made from the finest silk, the scarf features designer Jessica Russell Flint’s hand illustrated ‘Staring Leopards’ design. The Scarf is 100% silk, with hand rolled hems and generous sizing (100cm x 100cm). Furthermore it comes in a beautiful gifting box, making it the perfect present for Mother’s Day.’ www.jessicarussellflint.co.uk

GLIMMER CANDLES We’ve discovered this gorgeous online boutique full of unique scented candles many of which are exclusive to Glimmer. We’re loving the Simpatico glass candle range.

Tactile, hobnail glass vessels available in ten alluring scents made with pure vegetable wax for a clean, slow burn for more than 100 hours. Would it be wrong to collect them all? Check out the luxury Glimmer Gift Wrapping service, perfect for Christmas friends and family. www.glimmercandles.co.uk

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“We’re loving the Simpatico glass candle range”

Marin & Milou Immerse yourself in a world inspired by the maritime flair of the French Riviera and cosy, winter weekends in the Swiss Alps. Discover unusual designer pieces whose flattering styles and radiant colours draw admiring glances and make their wearer the centre of every event. Dresses that sparkle like a city at night; beachwear that brings home the glamour of St. Tropez; cool leggings for sportlovers– Marin & Milou have everything you could wish for. Check out our must-haves for your next holiday. Our selection has something for every sophisticated taste. The risk of contracting wanderlust or being bitten by the travel bug is high. www.marin-milou.com

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Butterflies in glass domes From £45. Contact Charlotte on 07951 110147 or visit www.butterflydomes.co.uk

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE F E BRUAR Y 2 0 2 0

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN your area

EDUC ATION

Queen Ethelburga’s

Celebrates Sports & Wellbeing Awards Double

Queen Ethelburga’s is celebrating after being shortlisted in two categories for the prestigious Tes Independent School Awards 2020.

T

he Collegiate has been shortlisted in the Sport category, for demonstrating a commitment to excellence and participation in school sport, and promoting health, wellbeing and exercise with students.

The Collegiate promotes healthy lifestyle choices within a specifically developed curriculum and co-curricular opportunities. Students develop their levels of responsibility, resilience and leadership through sports participation and are challenged to achieve at the highest level.

The curriculum is supported by an experienced and dedicated team of 30 sports staff and coaches, catering to all abilities and encouraging students to engage with the many and varied opportunities on offer, such as: archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cheerleading, cricket, cycling, dance, fencing, fitness, football, gymnastics, hockey, martial arts, netball, rounders, rugby, spinning, swimming, table tennis, tennis, trampolining, volleyball and wrestling.

The Collegiate’s THRIVE@QE programme was shortlisted for the Wellbeing Initiative of the Year category, which highlights initiatives aimed at improving mental health amongst students.

A key aspect of the Pastoral Care provision at QE, THRIVE@QE is an innovative programme consisting of a range of sessions, activities and workshops all aimed at promoting and supporting the well-being of its students. The programme is is delivered from a purpose built centralised Pastoral Care area, which offers a comfortable and welcoming space, open seven days a week, where students can receive support or have time-out.

Erica Papaglimis, Head of the Faculty at the Collegiate said: “Our commitment to delivering these priorities and support students’ health and well-being is supported by a specifically developed curriculum to ensure that every individual is introduced to a wide variety of activities. All our students are encouraged to be active and understand the benefits of sport and exercise to their wellbeing.

Participation is key and we are very proud of the level of participation we inspire across all areas.”

Tes editor Ann Mroz said: “The Independent schools in this country are truly exceptional.

And those that have earned a place on the Tes Independent School Awards shortlist are a cut above the rest. We received an unparalleled number of entries this year, all of which were first rate. The schools that have been shortlisted should be proud it’s a remarkable achievement”.

The prestigious awards recognition is the latest in a string of national awards this year, following the Collegiate receiving the highest rating of ‘Excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, across all

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schools and areas, in February. The College was also ranked the No.1 performing independent secondary school by The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2020.

The Tes Independent School Awards winners are expected to be announced in February 2020. www.qe.org

“We received an unparalleled number of entries this year”

EDUC ATION

Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School opens in September 2020 N estled in the heart of Kensington, a stone’s throw from some of London’s most acclaimed institutions, Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 3-11, is due to open its doors in September 2020.

State-of-the-art science laboratories, music and art studios and an amazing ‘maker space’ are some of the innovative redevelopments underway for the project; highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and character development.

The school will also have direct access to both a wonderful garden space to the rear and Hyde Park, surrounded by the inspirational museums along Exhibition Road.

It demonstrates the emphasis of the school’s teachers for nurturing a global perspective in their pupils and preparing them for the exciting challenges that life can offer through a myriad of activities.

Alison Melrose, Headmistress, told The Life Magazines about their exciting plans to renovate four Victorian townhouses at 10-13 Prince’s Gardens. “This is such a tremendous opportunity, which places the school firmly in the academic hub of London. We want our pupils to relish all that school life has to offer so that they leave us confident and excited about their future.”

The rigorous and wide-ranging curriculum draws

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on the school’s access to London’s museums and outdoor spaces which serve as fantastic stimuli for collaborative learning projects and creating the next generation of independent, curious children.

Details about the plans will be shared at information events on Tuesday 3rd March and Monday 4th May on the premises of the Royal Geographical Society.

Go to www.princesgardensprep.co.uk to reserve a place at one of these events.

“A tremendous opportunity, which places the school firmly in the academic hub of London”

EDUC ATION

Building National Champions C

ranleigh School is an independent co-educational boarding school in leafy Surrey. With around 670 pupils aged 13 to 18, the community is small enough to be warm and friendly, everyone in the dedicated community knows one another. Yet Cranleigh currently has 11 pupils who are representing their country in a range of sports, from a wheelchair tennis gold medallist to England rugby players and GB hockey stars. Over the last decade the School collected an impressive number of National titles in Hockey, Rugby, Cricket, Kayaking, Riding, and Biathlon, including this year’s Daily Mail Schools Trophy. Cranleigh’s sporting alumni also includes many well-known faces, from F1 driver Jolyon Palmer to current England Cricket star Ollie Pope.

What makes a relatively small school consistently produce champions? Cranleigh believes it’s all in the boarding ethos, from allowing for time to practise, time to dedicate to other skills and the team friendships and coaching relationships that all have time to flourish in the extended boarding week.

The School’s motto is Ex Cultu Robur (from culture comes strength) and Cranleigh firmly believes that education is about opportunity and inspiration, and that keeping a broad range of activities and sports, rather than early specialisation, is key to success. Engagement in a range of sports keeps children fresh, reduces injury and forestalls burnout. And it doesn’t just apply to sport, many of the players in Cranleigh’s champion sports teams will also be starring in concerts, debates, exhibitions and musicals – as well as achieving success in public examinations.

Sport is certainly not just for the top sportsmen and women, everyone gets the chance to play and the School regularly has 40 teams in action on Saturdays, all viewed as equally important. A 3rd team’s fifth consecutive unbeaten season will enjoy as much praise as teams making National Finals.

Co-curricular activities are never viewed as add-ons, or as a hindrance to academic excellence, because

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pupils who are enthusiastic about school sport will ultimately be more dynamic and motivated in their Maths, Physics and French lessons. It’s a philosophy that bears fruit every year as grades consistently achieve grades above expectation, last year the School was ranked top in the country for academic value-added.

The ‘sport for all’ ethos extends to the teaching staff too, almost all of whom coach a team across the full 7-18 age range, nurturing the talent to ensure that every pupil gets a chance to fulfil their potential. Again, it comes down to that belief that sport, like education in general, is ultimately about giving all children the chance to be the best they can be. www.cranleigh.org

“Sport is certainly not just for the top sportsmen and women, everyone gets the chance to play”

Don’t miss the opportunity to arrange a visit

Contact Nicky Carter or Viki Cryer via admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org if you have any questions

EDUC ATION

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EDUC ATION

intellectually curious & ambitious PUPILS

A

s an institution which seeks to innovate and improve our educational offering, we are delighted to be collaborating with Century Tech as one of its flagship

schools.

The platform makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) to understand a pupil’s learning profile and then uses this information to present an individualised pathway which is made up of ‘learning nuggets’ that suit the pupil’s learning needs. It also produces rich data that indicates to the teacher the pupils’ strengths, weaknesses and next steps.

Used with Years 7-11, the platform helps us understand pupils’ learning profiles and pathways, and to offer lessons, mentoring and support in a more targeted, focused way.

We have even heard of parents of pupils in Year 7 hosting ‘Century parties’ where they get together for dinner while children work collaboratively through their pathways.

It is really pushing our teaching staff to engage with academic data in a meaningful way.

The information that comes through a pupil’s engagement with the platform is driving learning intentions in lessons which allows teaching to be truly responsive.

Historically, teachers draw out inferences of learning based on assessments, but Century draws out those inferences for us.

It can reliably let teachers know that a pupil is strong in a particular concept, for example sentence openings or converting decimals to fractions, based on their performance in a series of tasks over time. This removes the margin of error that can sometimes come with teacher judgement, 114 FEBRUARY 2020

“In order to access the great conversations within subjects, they need to build up a complex body of knowledge”

assessment construction and progress. What we have seen already is an increased engagement with a greater level of personalised lesson planning and support as a consequence of this.

If the technology is powerful enough to draw out such reliable inferences around pupil progress, there might be an opportunity to deploy it in the context of public examination and assessment – especially given the question marks around the unreliability of summative assessment.

We are also interested in how Century might be enhanced or developed to provide summative information. Currently, the AI which drives Century is largely focused on the formative: Pupil X is quite good at this, so needs to complete a bit more of it, while Pupil Y is very good at this, so should only do a small amount from time to time. The power clearly exists for the platform to gauge competency levels – but it is not yet programmed to do so through a nationally-recognised framework, such as grades or levels.

At Haileybury, we are committed to supporting pupils to become intellectually curious and ambitious. In order to access the great conversations within subjects, they need to build up a complex body of knowledge. Century Tech supports them in doing so, which means more of our teaching time can be freed up to probe, analyse and critique this knowledge, drawing pupils into subject areas and enabling them to identify as learners.

Haileybury open mornings take place on Saturday 14 March (11+ and 13+) and Wednesday 13 May (11+) and there is an open evening on Thursday 18 June (16+). www.haileybury.com

EDUC ATION

NURSERIES THAT HAVE AN A* APPROACH

Roosha Sue, Head of Eaton House The Manor Nursery and Head of Early Years for Eaton House Group of Schools on what to look for in choosing a genuinely nurturing nursery

N

urseries come in all shapes and sizes and finding an independent nursery that suits your child’s needs can actually be an enjoyable process.

We have two bright and wonderful nurseries at Eaton House Belgravia in Eaton Gate, and at Eaton House The Manor on Clapham Common with a new additional Nursery Class in Eaton House Belgravia opening in September 2020, due to high demand.

Entering a Nursery which is part of an academic Pre-Prep (and later Prep) sister school can make your life easier.

Eaton House Schools avoids selecting children at age 3-5 in the Nursery or Pre-Prep as we truly believe that certain forms of higher intelligence do not develop until a lot later. What we provide is detailed context for each child as they rise naturally into the Pre-Prep, allowing for a seamless transition, and at the right pace for each child.

We work hard to ensure our nurseries are wonderful, stimulating and magical spaces with a timetable of gentle play and ‘lessons’ that allow our nursery children to confidently zoom past their milestones.

Beware of nurseries that promise that all children will read when they leave. Our Pre-Prep and Prep

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results prove that nurture not pushing is the right approach for long term success.

We have two nurseries in Belgravia and Clapham and both are local ‘hubs.’ High-ceilinged nurseries in mansion houses like Eaton House Belgravia’s Georgian rooms can be lovely, with plenty of space for different learning environments. The children also have access to garden squares and parks for games and free play time – they are very busy and active little bees!

When choosing a nursery, ask the teacher to pupil ratio, and whether the play is structured by subject and also seasonal. How many ‘extra’ activities are on the agenda – like mini yoga, dress up corner, gym, languages, art and craft and cooking? Your children are not there simply to attend day care but to learn and grow!

Find a nursery that allows parents to meet with teachers daily. The ideal school aims to make a difference each day, putting the wellbeing of your little ones front and centre of all that they do, aiming to give each child a fun, exciting and worthwhile learning experience.

Keep an eye out for schools where there are three intakes a year in September, January and April, so that summer babies are not disadvantaged.

Happiness should always be the top priority.

THE DETAILS If you would like to ask about the new additional Belgravia Nursery class for September 2020, please contact Sam Feilding, Head of Admissions, Eaton House Schools, on 0203 917 5050 or email sfeilding@eatonhouseschools.com

Image: Eaton House Belgravia Nursery boy at play

EDUC ATION

Where happiness gets great results “W e’re seeing a quiet movement away from hothousing,” says David Bradbury, Headmaster at Portland Place School, an independent co-educational school for children aged 10-16. “Parents want their children to get great results, but not at the expense of their wellbeing.”

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“The happier a child is, the more receptive they are to new ideas. So we don’t test them left, right and centre. We give them space to discover their passions; small class sizes allow us to see every child’s potential and set it free.”

The Good Schools Guide describes Portland Place as “a haven for creativity”. But this isn’t just about putting on plays at the Shaw Theatre or giving free music tuition and instrument loans to every Year 7 student.

The school is creative in many ways. For example, children regularly practise their still life drawing skills at the Natural History Museum. Meanwhile, the school’s ‘Strive’ programme gives children the freedom to explore their favourite subjects by “reading, watching, listening, seeing and doing”, stretching learning far beyond traditional bookbased study.

Children at Portland Place quickly develop a sense of independence, making the most of their central London location by playing sport in Regent’s Park and visiting the world-class galleries and museums on their doorstep.

Further afield, the school has recently taken trips to the Azores, New York and Tanzania, where pupils carried out community work to renovate classrooms for a local school.

As for results, in 2019 pupils celebrated a 27% overall GCSE pass rate at 9-7. “Although we’re nonselective, we excel in helping children to progress,” says Bradbury.

“Our aim is for children to achieve personally, socially and academically,” he concludes. “We’re open-minded about what success looks like because it’s different for every child.” www.portland-place.co.uk

The Good Schools Guide describes Portland Place as “a haven for creativity”

EDUC ATION

an education of heart, mind & soul

T

he Ursuline Preparatory school is a non-selective Roman Catholic school that welcomes children of all faiths and none. The school offers a values-driven, academic education to girls from 3-11 years of age and to boys in the Nursery class.

Established in 1944 to promote the values of St Angela Merici OSU, the Ursuline Preparatory School provides an education of heart, mind and soul. The school’s mission is to develop a community that lives each day united in harmony (Insieme), valuing the contribution of all and championing the virtues of love, compassion, gratefulness and generosity. The children are encouraged to be grateful for the gifts they have been given and to develop these gifts to the full, in generous service to others. The school seeks to pass on the living and faith-filled tradition of Jesus Christ by having unswerving faith in every single one of our pupils and by encouraging them, in turn, to have faith and hope in others. A keen focus is to educate leaders in the spirit of Serviam (I will serve), keeping justice at the centre of their lives.

The girls at the Ursuline Prep School follow an academic curriculum and are fully prepared for the senior school of their choice. As a result of the Ursuline ethos, and as a result of the academic preparation process put in place, the girls here can face the 11+

122 FEBRUARY 2020

process with confidence. Last year girls received offers from the following schools: Ursuline High School, Kingston Grammar, Lady Eleanor Holles, Marymount, Nonsuch, Notre Dame, Putney High, St John’s Leatherhead, Surbiton High, Sutton High, Tiffin Girls, and Wimbledon High. This year is looking to be as successful as the last.

An Ursuline education seeks to help the young people here to be the very best in all aspects of themselves and the Ursuline Prep School is an environment in which every girl is loved and believed in every day. On such sure foundations, we help them become the very best that they can be.

Please do come and visit; you will be made most welcome.

THE DETAILS Ursuline Preparatory School is a Roman Catholic Independent School for girls aged 4-11 and a Co-educational Nursery located in The Downs, Wimbledon.

To book a visit email or call Mrs June Smith on headmasterea@ursulineprep.org or 020 8947 0859 Ext 2. www.ursulineprep.org/ enquiry-form

Ursuline Preparatory School 18 The Downs, Wimbledon, SW20 8HR 020 8947 0859 www.ursulineprep.org

@UruslinePrep

Ursuline_Prep

EDUC ATION

Sport for all Director of Sport, Rob Kift, tells us why sport at Hurst College really is for all

H

urst College has a growing reputation for the quality and breadth of its sporting provision and over the past year has met with unprecedented

success.

With a superb 140-acre campus, the college has made huge strides in developing a sports programme which has at its heart sporting achievement for all which pays equal attention to those students who simply want to participate as well as for the elite performers. There is a ‘nobody on the bench’ policy, which means anyone who wants to compete in a team can, regardless of their level. The college has built upon its strong traditions to arrive at a position where both boys and girls compete on an even footing and at all levels of ability and interest.

Central to this programme is the ambition to supply every student with a sporting diet to engage them in an enjoyable, challenging and meaningful way - and encourage them to actively pursue activities which they can continue to develop when they leave.

A sustained programme of development which included three AstroTurfs, an expanded netball/ tennis court area and a new gym – with a new swimming pool/sports complex in the planning stage - all serve to demonstrate Hurst’s genuine commitment to sport. These facilities play an important role in improving the effectiveness of the sports programme, providing a broad range of activities and the capacity to host major sporting events.

The college has assembled a talented coaching team whose passion for their sport has driven a culture which supports the students to be the best they can be. Many come from the classroom, but are supported by professional coaches, who are all experts in their field.

Hurst’s unique Player Welfare medical provision,

124 FEBRUARY 2020

which not only provides pitch-side cover on match days but also clinic time and rehabilitation during the week, helps support athletes when managing injury. It is also a part of the college’s wellbeing programme which includes strength and conditioning, sports analysis and individual mentoring.

Students have competed in more tournaments and competitions than ever before and the results have been striking not just because of the number of national successes but also in terms of the range of sports on offer and the numbers of teams in each sport. Many students also represent county and regional sides at national level – and some go onto to become professional athletes in their chosen field.

Major sports include rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis and athletics; other team sports include football, swimming, skiing, triathlon, equestrian, climbing and golf. In the Senior School, there are more than 45 boys’ and 45 girls’ teams, which means, in the college’s principal sports, there are often four or even five teams at every age group, emphasising the inclusive nature of sport at the college. www.hppc.co.uk

“Students have competed in more tournaments and competitions than ever before and the results have been striking”

THE LUXURY

travel GUIDE

– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a g e : ST LUCIA

LUXURY TRAVEL

The 2020 Hotel Hotlist Stay ahead of the trends with our roundup of new hotel openings from around the world, in partnership with personalised travel management agency Winged Boots Arctic Bath

Arctic Bath, Sweden Opening: January 2020 Welcoming guests since January 2020, Arctic Bath is an oasis of wellness and design. Situated under the Northern Lights in the winter and the midnight sun during the summer months, this unique hotel alternates between drifting on the Yule River and being frozen to it… depending on the season. Based on the idea of a floating sauna and incorporating the Lake’s history of transportation, Arctic Bath has taken this design concept one step further with a selection of cabins both on water and on land. Going hand-in-hand with its astounding design is its approach to wellness that flows from the spa through to the restaurant where smoothies and balanced meals are available.

ME Dubai Opening: February 2020 In a city that’s always competing to break world records, hotel brands have had to get creative in order to stand out, and ME Dubai is certainly set to be a head turner. The first Middle East hotel for the ME by Melia hotel group will open inside The Opus building which has been designed both inside and out by late architect Zaha Hadid. Its exterior resembles a futuristic contortion which appears to defy gravity with a hole in its centre, and the interiors reflect the fashionable and modern ethos of the brand. Located between Dubai Creek and Downtown, its central location is complemented by its range of restaurants – we’re tipping it to be one of the hottest dining destinations in the emirate!

Bringing London’s famed ROKA Japanese robata to the UAE as well as a hip rooftop bar, similar to our capital’s Radio Rooftop, we know where we’ll be heading after dark.

130 FEBRUARY 2020

Six Senses New York Opening: End 2020 Spotted between The Hudson River and The High Line in Midtown Manhattan is Six Senses New York, the first North American resort for the sustainably focused hotel chain. Set to welcome guests at the end of the year, the hotel is located within The XI building, two twisting towers designed by world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels.

Comprising two restaurants which will showcase the hotel group’s culinary approach to wellness, the eateries will beautifully complement the Six Senses Spa which offers an innovative menu that merges science with human awareness to create a high-tech, high-touch approach that is designed around the individual.

Contemporary rooms and suites will provide a sanctuary from the bustle of New York City and each room category will boast every modern convenience needed to aid a restful stay.

Above: ME Dubai This image: Six Senses New York

“The first Middle East hotel for the ME

by Melia hotel group will open inside The Opus building”

One&Only Portonovi

“This resort is primed to become Montenegro’s most coveted address”

One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro Opening: June 2020 One&Only Portonovi is the latest luxury resort that’s set to open in Montenegro. Located in the heart of Boka Bay, it’s surrounded by striking mountains that are edged by the Adriatic Sea evoking a sense of calm. Featuring six distinct resort pools, a private sandy beach and maze of Venetian courtyards, this resort is primed to become Montenegro’s most coveted address. A worldOne&Only Portonovi

class Espace Chenot Health & Spa will offer a specialised wellness and transformative journey of detoxing the body while Sabia, the hotel’s signature restaurant that’s led by Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, will refresh you from the inside out. Its accommodation options are designed to be comfortable and spacious but for the upmost privacy we recommend booking one of the two deluxe villas.

Pan Pacific London Opening: End 2020 Marking Pan Pacific’s first footprint in Europe, the London hotel is set to open near Liverpool Street station under the One Bishopsgate Plaza in autumn 2020. Its interiors will be designed by Yabu Pushelberg who is certainly esteemed in the luxury hotel world having worked previously on Four Seasons Toronto, W New York Times Square and The St. Regis San Francisco. Leading the way in sustainable hospitality, the new London hotel boasts ‘where you find balance’ as its slogan and this is certainly needed in our capital. Committed to green initiatives and with an underlying wellness theme, this hotel will be the first in London to have a floor dedicated to guests’ wellbeing incorporating a dramatic 18-metre infinity pool with uninterrupted city views.

THE DETAILS To book or to discover more on any of the hotels in the roundup, contact personalised travel management company Winged Boots on 0203 319 4404 or email info@wingedboots.co.uk for your complimentary, no-obligation quote. For further travel inspiration visit www.wingedboots.co.uk

Pan Pacific London

FEBRUARY 2020 131

5 OF THE BEST

LUXURY TRAVEL

HEALTHY VEGAN HOLIDAYS

Anyone attempting Veganuary will know travel is the hardest test. But new resorts and tours are catering to dietary needs, says Sarah Marshall.

I

n an attempt to shake off Christmas excess, more than 250,000 people are expected to be taking part in Veganuary, according to the Vegan Society. A large number will likely stick with the healthy eating regime, joining Britain’s growing army of 600,000 vegans.

In the past, even being veggie was a nightmare on holiday, but growing tolerance, education and increased international awareness means many resorts and tours can now cater for different needs. In fact, some countries, such as Ethiopia, have been subconsciously supporting vegan diets for thousands of years.

Demand is also creating a need for new services. Responsible Travel has seen bookings for vegan holidays more than double over three years, rising by 126%.

“Collectively - vegan or not - we’re becoming far more conscious of what we consume, both for our own health, and also the planet,” says customer director, Tim Williamson.

“Eating less meat while away - and opting for locally-sourced, organic produce in locally-run establishments - is one of the most significant ways to lower your carbon footprint on holiday, while also contributing to the local economy.”

Les Arcs, Meribel, La Tania, Val d’Isere and la Rosiere from £499pp (save up to 30%). Price includes vegan meals, flights and transfers.

4. Reviving ancient grains in Ethiopia

1. Taking a grand culinary tour of the continent Gone are the days of 18-35-year-olds boozing and bathing on a beach holiday; increasingly, younger people have an appetite for healthier holidays, where eating well is key. Youth operator Contiki has picked up on the trend with a new escorted vegan tour of Europe, hosted by influencers The Little London Vegan and Laura Fruit Fairy. Stops in Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest will include cooking classes, dining experiences and immersive food tours.

How: Contiki (contiki.com) offer the eight-day Vegan Food Europe Explorer tour from £1,579pp. Flights extra. Starts in Berlin on August 16 and ends in Budapest on August 23.

2. Planting the seeds of a new diet in Essex The UK’s first purpose-built spa, detox and weight loss centre also bills itself as an all-vegan retreat. Guests at Glass House - who can visit for the day or longer breaks - dine from plant-based menus, and will also be taught how to recreate similar dishes at home. Combating preconceptions that vegan food is dull, the choice of ingredients is colourful and varied. A great way to kick-start a diet plan for 2020.

How: Day rates start from £85 per person. Visit glasshouseretreat.co.uk.

3. Hitting a healthy high on the French slopes Despite the amount of exertion involved, it’s easy to fall off the healthy food wagon on a ski holiday; apres ski, raclette and even more apres ski are usually to blame. Throughout January, ski chalet company Ski Beat is offering vegan menus in its 59 chalets, in a bid to help skiers exercise as much control in the kitchen as they do on the pistes.

How: Ski Beat’s (skibeat.co.uk) Veganuary ski holidays depart throughout January with sevennight breaks to French ski resorts La Plagne, 132 FEBRUARY 2020

Ethiopia’s cuisine naturally lends itself to a vegan diet; staple flatbread injera is made from supergrain teff and is both gluten-free and vegan. Learn how to make the pancake-like sourdough, along with taking part in a traditional coffee ceremony on a tour which visits the northern sector of the country, famous for the 12th century rock churches of Lalibela.

How: Responsible Travel (responsibletravel. com) offer the tailor-made 10-day Ethiopian Vegan tour from £1,695. Flights extra.

5. Living la dolce vegan in Italy Pioneering travel company Intrepid launched vegan versions of their tours some time ago. Their newest escorted trip visits Italy, a country they applaud for its variety of flexible food experiences. Travelling from Venice to Rome, it features a cooking class in Bologna, gelato tasting in San Gimignano and a farm-to-table vegan feast in Tuscany.

How: The eight-day Italy Vegan Food Adventure costs from £1,516pp. Flights extra.

Departs October 16. Visit intrepidtravel.com or call 0808 274 5111.

LUXURY TRAVEL

ST LUCIA AN ISLAND FULL OF SURPRISES

This classic Caribbean winter sun destination has lots of new treats in store, says Erin Cardiff.

A

s I zip up the man-made causeway joining Saint Lucia’s mainland to Pigeon Island National Park, the pulsating bass cuts through the hum of the rainforest.

It’s Saturday night, and as the cotton candy sunset turns to dark, I’m on my way to the island’s Roots and Soul Festival.

Hosted by Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), the festival (tickets from $20/£15), now in its third year, sees both local artists and international stars take to the stage to perform reggae, hip hop, jazz, folk-rock and poetry.

This year, it’s been extended to another site Rodney Bay Ramp - which holds Friday night’s stripped back answer to the high-octane Saturday and Sunday shows.

A far cry from the ankle-deep mud and warm cider that personifies British festivals, Roots and Soul has a decidedly more chilled vibe.

Here, there’s no cramming into sweltering tents, no queueing for overpriced burgers.

Instead, you simply float around, sipping on rum punch, drinking in the sights (plush greenery) and smells (sizzling pork and fresh seafood) around you.

Saint Lucia may not be the first destination 134 FEBRUARY 2020

that springs to mind when you think of festivals.

But things are changing. All over the island, new attractions - as well as new ways to take in the classic highlights - are springing up.

Four days earlier, I started my trip in Soufriere.

Home to the sulphur springs, Toraille waterfall and cinematic views of the famous Pitons, it is said that if you haven’t seen Soufriere, you haven’t seen Saint Lucia.

My home whilst there was the spectacular Jade Mountain - sister resort to Anse Chastanet.

After weaving through Soufriere’s maze of corrugated iron roofs and pastel-coloured facades - via its new town square, just a stone’s throw from the ocean - my driver turns to me. “Hold on,” he says. “It’s a rocky road up to Jade Mountain.”

He’s not wrong. For the next two miles, we bounce our way along a jagged track, climbing higher up the hillside. Then finally, the road smooths. We’ve reached paradise.

For me, that 20 minutes of off-roading perfectly sums up Saint Lucia. Blending chaos with calm, it’s a place where the stormy Atlantic Sea meets the peaceful Caribbean waters, where remarkable beauty was born from a furious volcanic eruption,

“It is said that if you haven’t seen Soufriere, you haven’t seen Saint Lucia”

LUXURY TRAVEL

where the road to true tranquillity is rough and unpaved.

Designed and built by architect Nick Troubetzkoy, Jade Mountain opened its doors in 2006, and lies on the same 600-acre estate as Anse Chastanet, which Nick has owned with his wife Karolin since 1974.

Anse Chastanet celebrates rustic Caribbean charm - from the bespoke art adorning its walls to the locally sourced furniture; Jade Mountain is ultraluxe - a futuristic design marvel.

I am staying in one of the property’s 24 sanctuaries, with a private infinity pool and open fourth wall looking out over the ocean.

From jungle biking to snorkelling, morning yoga sessions to sunset sailing, there are plenty of ways to fill your day.

Guests can also sit down with a hiking concierge and explore a menu of unspoilt trails to find one that is tailored to them, as part of a hiking butler service, which launched earlier this year. (Guests are also given a champagne picnic to enjoy en route).

On day two, fuelled by avocado toast and iced coffee, I rise bright and early to head over to Soufriere’s Sulphur Springs Park.

First opening its doors in the early-1980s, it now attracts more than 200,000 visitors a year, who pay $10/£8 each to soak in a pool of volcanic mud, as well as massages from $10/£8 and photoshoots

“One of the most remarkable things about the park, though, is that it lies in the very heart of a dormant volcano” from $50/£40.

The most Instagrammed spot on the island, it is hardly a hidden secret - but now, after undergoing a renovation project, three new mud pools have been constructed, meaning there is even more to see and snap.

One of the most remarkable things about the park, though, is that it lies in the very heart of a dormant volcano.

“That’s right - you’re now in the world’s only drive-through volcano,” my guide tells me, as we stand on a viewing platform overlooking the cauldron-like caldera, dotted with belching pools of mud.

After a tour, it’s time for me to take a dip in one of the newly-built pools. Lowering myself into the warm black water, I eye the rugged landscape that towers over me and think once again about the wonderful contradiction that is Saint Lucia’s blend of wildness and serenity.

Back at Jade Mountain, I enjoy dinner at Anse Chastanet’s new vegan restaurant, Emerald.

As with all of the eateries on the estate, much of the organic produce served up comes from their 136 FEBRUARY 2020

How to plan your trip Tropical Sky (tropicalsky.co.uk; 01342 886 941) offers a 10-night twin centre in St Lucia from £3,199 per person, including five nights in a standard room at the four plus star Anse Chastanet and five nights in a superior cottage at the four star East Winds. Price based on two adults sharing on all-inclusive basis, travelling in June 2020 and including return flights from London Gatwick and transfers.

For more information on the island of Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org

very own Emerald Farm, in the nearby Soufriere hills.

Carefully curated by chefs James Beard, Allen Susser and Frank Faucher, the menu features delights like cauliflower tacos, freshly harvested vegetable soup, breadfruit gnocchi and grilled aubergine with braised black beans and salsa.

Before leaving Soufriere to head north, I make one last stop off - the new destination beach.

Following a major renovation project, Hummingbird Beach - which has an almost public resort feel to it thanks to the new on-site restaurant, spa, pizzeria, smoothie bar and souvenir shop - is already attracting its fair share of visitors.

And, with lush, tree-lined hills on one side, and the dramatic peaks of the Pitons on the other, it’s easy to see why.

Next it’s up to Castries, Saint Lucia’s capital, which is now easier to explore than ever thanks to City Walkers’ new range of walking tours, from $20/£15, where you can sample mouth-watering treats, walk the corridors of time through historysteeped streets and even get help picking out the ultimate souvenir.

I spend the remainder of my trip at East Winds, a tropical garden by the sea with its own spa, yoga pavilion, pool and swim-up bar, and secluded beach.

Here, your time is yours. Hike the fitness trail, stroll around the on-site vegetable garden, take part in some watersports, or simply enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sun set - it’s up to you.

As I prepare to head home, it seems fitting that one of the last things I pass before getting to the airport is the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club’s new horseracing track.

Officially opening in December 2019 to host the Pitons cup, and there are whispers all over the island of how it will transform the sporting scene, bringing a whole new wave of visitors flooding over.

Granted, a tiny island in the middle of the Caribbean isn’t where you’d expect horsey crowds to head for race day. But that’s the thing about Saint Lucia - it’s full of surprises.

LUXURY TRAVEL

Where to Stay in Bali W

hen it comes to exploring new destinations, Bali is a place that must be seen to be believed.

Regardless of whether you’re hoping to take a spiritual journey or immerse yourself in scuba diving or surfing, Bali offers something for everyone.

Bali Villas Holiday Vacation Rentals are Bali’s premier holiday villa agency. With over 1000 Bali villas featured, including beach villas family villas, wedding villas and luxury villas; and an experienced, dedicated team who pride ourselves on our guest’s happiness, we’re your number one choice for your next villa holiday. With years of experience and carefully selected villas in Bali to explore, we put guest happiness first with a personalised service that makes finding the perfect villa a breeze.

The following is an overview of some of the more popular locations in the Bali, as well as some of the experiences that can be enjoyed along the way.

Seminyak Seminyak is Bali’s go-to destination. With worldclass beaches, clubs, restaurants, and boutiques, it is a stylish area home to some of Bali’s most exotic villas. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice in Seminyak. Jalan Oberoi, commonly known as ‘Eat Street’ is a road through the centre packed full of great restaurants and bars - many possessing worldclass chefs who can cook whatever you desire.

Regardless of what you choose, nothing quite beats hanging out on Seminyak’s famous western-facing beach as the sun sets. Finally, as you’d expect with such a popular area, most of the local Indonesians can speak basic to good English - always a positive when navigating the area.

Canggu Canggu is now the trendiest place in Bali. With world-class surf beaches, clubs, it is a stylish area home to some of Bali’s most exotic villas. Surfing in Canggu is an experience unlike any other, especially once the sun starts setting. Canggu is popular with expats as a residential area and many 138 FEBRUARY 2020

“With world-class beaches, clubs, restaurants, and boutiques, it is a stylish area home to some of Bali’s most exotic villas”

villas are located in regions with beautiful views of the rice fields. After a few hours on the surf, we’d recommend relaxing in one of our villas and participating in some of the local pastimes. Yoga, for instance, is very popular among those residing in Canggu.

Ubud Ubud is often referred to as the cultural heart of Bali. While some locations allow you to party until sunrise, restaurants and other amenities close early in Ubud. It is a very spiritual area and the tranquil calm can help you relax, clear your head, and forget about the stresses of the modern world. Being the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud possess an excellent market and craft shops. While you’re in Ubud, you should investigate some of it’s wellness activities.

Ubud is around 600m above sea level and noticeably cooler than some of the other locations. With a relaxing temperature and chilled surroundings, Ubud is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking to unwind and get back in touch with yourself.

Balivillashvr.com – enquiries@balivillashvr.com

Email:

tom@balivillashvr.com | W E b s i t E : balivillashvr.com | W h at s a p p : +62 812 3834 7788 Fa c E b o o k :

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SKI SEASON

“R

elax!” shouts Laurent, my instructor, as a first attempt at skiing down what must be the gentlest slope in the French Alps involves more of a wobble than a glide.

“It’s just like walking down the street,” he adds, optimistically.

I’d love to take my instructor’s advice and loosen up, but relaxing is tough when you’re attached a pair of skis for the first time.

Deciding my best option is to brace for impact, I tense up even more, causing me to slide off course into bright orange safety netting.

When a group of young French children effortlessly whizz past me as I lie in the snow, I wonder if waiting until my mid-30s to learn to ski was a bad idea.

Family holidays overseas only ever happened in the summer when I was growing up, and I’ve continued that trend into adulthood.

But after enjoying trips to destinations such as Chamonix, Wengen and Zermatt during their quieter summer seasons, I decided it was time to discover what happens when a mountain resort comes to life once the snow falls.

La Plagne is said to be an ideal ski area for beginners, with a reasonably flat plateau providing plenty of wide, gentle slopes, categorised as blue runs.

But as I embark on the first of six morning lessons at Oxygene Ski School, those so-called easy slopes are as out of reach as the black runs. I see danger in every inch of snow.

On day one, our group of eight first timers stick to the baby slope in Plagne Centre - the area’s main hub - and by the end of the lesson, I am mentally exhausted.

140 FEBRUARY 2020

La Plagne’s geography makes it one of the best resorts for any newbies. Neil Lancefield joins a ski school to find out for himself.

There is so much to remember: where to look, what to do with my shins, how to position my back, where to point my hips.

The list feels endless, and it’s hard to imagine I’ll ever remember it all.

“It’s all about balance”, Laurent tells us. I hadn’t realised quite how unbalanced I am.

Upon returning to the sanctity of Ski Beat’s Chalet Florence, even removing my hired boots is a struggle.

To get them off, I have to point my feet at an angle I thought was reserved for ballet dancers wearing pointe shoes.

I’m staying in Plagne 1800 - named after its altitude in metres - which is one of a dozen villages dotted around La Plagne’s landscape.

The split bases means the apres ski scene

“La Plagne is said to be an ideal ski area for beginners, with a reasonably flat plateau providing plenty of wide, gentle slopes, categorised as blue runs”

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famous in resorts such as St Anton, Val d’Isere and Verbier is lacking.

But Chalet Florence has a log fire, comfy sofas and restaurant-quality food, which means I have little inclination to leave after a day on the slopes.

One of Ski Beat’s largest chalets sleeps up to 19 guests with seven bedrooms in the main building and two more in an annex a short walk away.

The bedrooms are the only private rooms, but a cosy mezzanine space provides the perfect retreat for a couple or small group seeking quiet time away from the open plan living and dining area.

Our hosts Sam and Jen work tirelessly to ensure all guests are taken care of with cooked breakfasts, freshly baked afternoon cakes and superb evening meals with free-flowing wine.

Their hospitality helps me forget the struggle of my first morning skiing.

Day two of ski school sees us continue learning the basics in the beginners’ area of Plagne Centre, but the third day is a game-changer as we leave the village behind and take our first chair lift.

The snow-covered mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the lesson, as Laurent guides us down a series of blue runs in the shadow of Mont Blanc.

As much as I find the view breathtaking, it does feel like I’m trying to ride a bicycle on a busy motorway as I’m constantly overtaken by other skiers who get a bit too close for comfort.

Apprehensive about losing control, I adopt the snow plough position with my skis in a “V” shape.

This gives me stability but is a much slower method of getting down a slope than people with more experience who keep their skis side by side.

“If you don’t go fast enough I’ll push you”, Laurent jokes. At least I hope he’s joking.

He is keen for our group to up its pace. “If you think you’re going too fast, close your eyes.”

It turns out I do have an appetite for skiing fast, as long as I’m on a long, straight slope.

With no need to worry about what to do with my body beyond keeping my elbows on my kneecaps, I put my skies in the parallel position and wear a huge grin across my face as I travel faster than I’ve ever gone without being in a form of motorised transport.

Not everyone in the group feels comfortable keeping up with the pace, and just three of us turn up for day four of ski school.

142 FEBRUARY 2020

The absentees could be taking advantage of the many alternative activities available in La Plagne, such as easing tired muscles in a heated outdoor swimming pool, riding down the only bobsleigh track in France or hiking in snowshoes.

The reduction in ski school participants enables Laurent to give us a much more personalised lesson with lots of individual tips.

Our confidence grows enough to attempt to ski down a halfpipe, making me feel like I’m in a music video.

The first few turns go well, but the song in my head abruptly stops when I go too quick for my limited ability and crash face first into the snow, sending my skis flying.

“Good wipeout!” Laurent says as he helps get me back on my feet.

“The way to improve is to make mistakes. You can’t learn to ski if you’re scared.”

We build up our daily mileage throughout the rest of the week, and by the end of the final lesson I’m confident enough to spend the afternoon skiing in the mountains on my own.

Navigating my way up chair lifts and down slopes is extremely satisfying, and I’m overcome by a huge sense of independence as I reach my destination - the Vanoise Express cable car station - after 90 relatively incident-free minutes.

The crossing is mainly used by intermediate and advanced skiers to reach Les Arcs for more challenging slopes, but I simply enjoy the unique view of the valley through the cable car’s glass floor, before embarking on my return journey to Plagne 1800.

A wrong turn leads me to a slope much steeper than those I’ve been used to, and I’m slightly horrified when I spot the signs either side of the piste indicate I’m on a red run, rather than the blue I was aiming for.

With my only other option being a long uphill walk carrying my skies, I tentatively set off.

Using a stop-start technique Laurent taught me, I inch my way down and remarkably stay upright all the way to the bottom.

Thinking back to how I felt during my first lesson, I can’t believe I’ve survived part of a red run.

I won’t be winning a medal at the Winter Olympics, but I now feel like a proper skier.

I even find an apres ski party in full swing at La Bergerie snack bar, with people dancing on tables as a DJ, singer and saxophonist on a balcony entertain the crowd below.

When I finally make it back to the chalet, I’m again exhausted.

But this time it’s due to being physically drained from a full day’s skiing, rather than struggling to remember the basics of how to ski.

I serve myself a large slice of cake and throw another log on the fire. This is the kind of relaxing I need no tuition for.

How to plan your trip...

Ski Beat (01273 855100; skibeat. co.uk) offers a week’s fully-hosted ski holiday to La Plagne, part of the 425km of pistes that make up the Paradiski region, from £499pp. Price includes return Gatwick flights (Manchester + £20), transfers, seven nights accommodation with breakfast, afternoon tea, three-course evening meals with wine (six nights) and the services of a friendly chalet host. A week’s stay at the Chalet Florence costs from £599pp.

LUXURY TRAVEL

A city break in Hanoi

(The Paris of Asia)

words: Alexander KEECH

H

anoi might not be the first place you imagine for a weekend trip, but it is actually the perfect place for a city break in Asia – especially for a long weekend. Flights from London are perfectly set up to accommodate this with daily departures. You can leave Friday morning and come back Monday Morning – or extend by a day or two if you have the time.

Vietnam Airlines offers the only direct service from the UK to Vietnam. You can experience a truly luxurious Vietnamese experience on board their state of the art Dreamliner fleet – taking you into the heart of Vietnam. Daily flights from Heathrow and connections across South East Asia, Vietnam Airlines offers award winning Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

Make sure you start your Hanoi holiday in style right from the moment you take off with this boutique 4-star airline.

Hanoi has so much to offer but can easily be

144 FEBRUARY 2020

“Hanoi is often described as the Paris of Asia and has many connections to the French capital.

The Long Bien Bridge spans across the Red River and is also a highlight to visit in Hanoi”

experienced in a few days. The legendary Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the city is a great starting point – with the last of an ancient citadel sitting in the middle of the tranquil and relaxing water.

The middle of the city is dominated by the French colonial style architecture mixed with the ancient Chinese fortifications and Vietnamese temples, making Hanoi a must see.

Hanoi is often described as the Paris of Asia and has many connections to the French capital.

The Long Bien Bridge spans across the Red River and is also a highlight to visit in Hanoi. The bridge was built in 1899 by the architects Daydé & Pillé of Paris who also designed and built the Eiffel tower – the bridge sustained heavy bombing in the war but has been reconstructed with many original parts and is now one of the busiest roads into the city.

Vietnamese cuisine has seen a renaissance recently. And with new Vietnamese restaurants opening every day in London – the popularity of it has soared. So why not come back to the birthplace of Pho and try this cuisine in all its authenticity.

With one foot in the past and one stepping boldly into the future, Hanoi is poised to become the next big thing on the cultural world map. Behind every door, every shop, every smile and every corner, there is an untold story waiting to be told. And behind one of those doors is HOME Mộc Hanoi, a classic French Villa that has been meticulously maintained through the years.

Taking everything into consideration that makes Hanoi a magical place, we guarantee the city will enthral you at first sight and offer you memories that will be spoken of for many years to come. www.vietnamairlines.com

LUXURY TRAVEL

WHY SWEDEN’S ANSWER TO TUSCANY IS A CYCLIST’S DREAM

explores the peaceful forest tracks and quiet country roads of Smaland, a magnet for mountain and road bike enthusiasts.

Ben Mitchell

W

ith a bump, my bike jolts from the smoothness of the asphalt to the loose gravel of the forest track, as the endless rows of tall pine trees throw a cooling shade over the track in front of me.

But the rougher surface doesn’t deter my guide, one of Sweden’s leading professional sports cyclists Eric Sjogren, as he stands up on his pedals and picks up the pace, his back wheel spinning, sending up a puff of dust in his wake.

Clearly delighted at leaving the roads behind, he calls over to me: “Are you alright with a bit of gravel?”

A bit of gravel turns out to be kilometre after kilometre of tracks taking us deep into the endless forests of Smaland, which are punctuated with small isolated farming communities made up of traditional deep red wooden cottages, occasionally flying the sky blue and sunshine yellow of the Swedish flag.

Vast areas of forest, open meadows and barely any crowds have attracted both road and mountain cyclists to the area, where many new bike routes

have been set out. Guided cycle tours can be booked and an app containing digital maps is soon to be launched.

The peace that envelops these traditional villages is briefly disrupted as our tyres grind along tracks, skidding on the gravel as we round a corner at a speed more suited to the smooth country roads we have left far behind.

Outside one house, an older couple are sunbathing in the late summer sun on loungers set up on their front lawn; the man, wearing only a pair of swimming trunks looks up, waves and calls out “Hej hej” - the succinct Swedish phrase for “Hello, goodbye”. We wave back before concentrating on the short but sharp incline that takes us out of the village.

We slow down for a railway crossing and break out of the shadow of the forest into the bright late-summer sunshine, and return to the roads as we turn a corner to find another of the many lakes that dot the region.

Thankfully, overlooking the sparkling water is our half-way lunch stop in Bunn, where I happily devour a club sandwich - followed by waffles - to refuel for the afternoon’s riding.

We had set off from the historic castle hotel Vastana Manor in Granna, heading along the edge of the vast Lake Vattern - the scene of the world’s 146 FEBRUARY 2020

“Vast areas of forest, open meadows and barely any crowds have attracted both road and mountain cyclists to the area, where many new bike routes have been set out”

A holiday to this island paradise is the perfect Florida destination for a mix of relaxation and outdoor recreation, a great escape for couples and families to leave the hectic world behind them, step away from devices and engage with nature instead.

The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel in South West Florida are made up of over 100 barrier islands strung along the Gulf of Mexico.

The area is renowned for its laid-back, barefoot holiday destinations each offering visitors a different experience, but drawn together by nature and the water.

THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL, FLORIDA No visit to Florida’s Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel would be complete without taking to the water to island hop and discover the rich wildlife and flora that exists there.

Think perpetual sunshine, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Think fashionable boutique and outlet shopping. Think of days spent spotting dolphins and searching for sea shells.

Read a book, build a sandcastle or enjoy the warm gulf waters with the kids instead of standing in queues at the Florida theme parks.

Find your island paradise, make memories to keep, surround yourself with the things that matter most on The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel with Purely America

Imagine evenings spent enjoying delicious seafood as the sun sets. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel connected to the people and unspoilt nature around you.

A 7 night holiday starts from just £939 per person based on 2 sharing staying at the 4* Westin Cape Coral Resort, Including flights and car hire

Visit www.PurelyAmerica.co.uk or call us on 0844 80 444 80

LUXURY TRAVEL

largest bike event, which sees 23,000 people taking on the challenge of cycling the 300km around its shores.

But during our four-hour ride to the regional capital of Jonkoping, we only see a handful of cyclists and cars.

This leaves us free to enjoy the roads which sweep over the undulating hills in peace. Eric tells me: “We call this area Sweden’s Tuscany,” and he’s right - it feels just like that, only without the Italian drivers...

As we begin a fine descent into Huskvarna, a small city absorbed by Jonkoping, Eric signals for us to turn left and back up yet another not so undulating hill. “We can’t have too much fun,” he shouts, as I shift into an easier gear, my legs complaining at this latest insult.

But after this final climb, we join an enjoyable curving corkscrew of a road, which takes us all the way to the foot of the driveway of my hotel for the night - the grand but quirky Slottsvillan, the former director’s home of the Husqvarna lawnmower company.

As I clunk up the grand staircase in my cycling shoes, everywhere I look a fun design touch has been added, from a frog on the stairs to a swan above my door to a floating vinyl player in the lounge surrounded by a sea of colourful record sleeves.

After a welcome night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, Eric joins me but he’s not so fresh; he arrives red-eyed after celebrating a friend’s birthday into the early hours, not that this affects his pace on the pedals a single bit.

For our ride, Eric has carefully plotted a route once again traversing the pine forests to find the shortest path to our destination, the homely Wallby Sateri hotel in Vetlanda.

By the afternoon, the September sun has deserted us and we are pushing against a headwind as we race the clouds, which are building up on the horizon. I gratefully take up position in Eric’s slipstream as he powers us, despite any remnant of his hangover, through the final 20km home.

We arrive at Wallby just as the rest of my group are heading to the lake to catch crayfish for the traditional crayfish party our host is holding for us later that night.

After a shower and a change into warmer clothing, I climb into the rowing boat and we fetch nets used to collect small fish for bait.

Unceremoniously, these are chopped with an axe and placed inside lobster-pot-style cages, and we return to the water to drop them along the rocky edges of the lake where the crayfish hang out.

This leaves us one last Swedish experience: the sauna. Having just rowed out on the lake, the last thing I imagine doing is swimming in it. But after 10 minutes of steadily getting hotter and hotter, redder and redder in the 80 degree sauna with a window overlooking the lake, I’m ready to run along the short pier and dive-bomb into its chilly waters.

148 FEBRUARY 2020

The shock of the cold is only momentary and gives way to a deep feeling of relaxation. But when I do climb up the ladder on to the jetty, I start to shiver and quickly get back in the sauna to warm up again, beginning a cycle of hot and cold extremes which continues until it’s time for dinner.

Our host Magnus hands us a paper bib and party hat as we sit down at a table laden with delicacies for our crayfish party, a popular celebration in the late summer months which, from all accounts, involves lots of drinking and singing.

Magnus gives us a lesson on how to dissect the mini lobsters; first we pull off the claws and use a tiny knife to pluck out a minuscule bit of flesh before we suck the juice from the body and break it into two.

The edible bit is in the tail and after removing the final sharp-edged piece of shell, I’m left with a thumb-sized piece of tasty seafood - a small prize for a lot of work. Magnus leads the hearty singing to which I “la la la” politely along.

Thanks to all the cycling, my ravenous appetite sends me back for second and third helpings of the glorious cheese pie, before indulging in the rich chocolate mud pie dessert, which all sets me up to surrender gratefully to my bed to recover from my weekend in the saddle.

How to plan your trip Doubles at Vastana slott (vastanaslott.se) from 1,590 SEK/£127 with breakfast; doubles Wallby Sateri (wallby.se/ en) from 1,795 SEK/£144 with breakfast; doubles at Hestraviken (hestraviken.se/en) from 1,980 SEK/£159 with breakfast.

For more information on the destination, go to visitsmaland.se/en/.

Cycling guides for up to four people cost €300/£259 for a full day from abloc.se/en.

Cycling routes and itineraries are available at cyclingjonkoping.com.

Norwegian (norwegian.com) flies from London Gatwick to Gothenburg from £30 one way.

A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.

Beautiful Beachfront Boutique Villas Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos Islands

Try our hotel…

Have your car collected from the Terminal Forecourt and walk direct into check-in. On your return your car is delivered to the Forecourt and you can drive straight home.

No Buses – No Waiting Our customised car park is only 3 minutes from The terminal enabling a prompt and reliable service. Car Park vetted annually by Surrey Police and holder of Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ award.

Book online at: www.tudorrose.co.uk or telephone 01293 822844

10% Discount Code TRLM010

For more information call (+1) 649 941 4358 or visit www.villarenaissanceturksandcaicos.com

LUXURY TRAVEL

WILDLIFE

WEEKENDS With so much wildlife on our doorstep, you don’t have to travel far to discover nature, says Sarah Marshall.

S

o often, nature lovers travel long distances to observe wildlife in exotic locations.

Seduced by the epic cinematography of documentaries such as Seven Worlds: One Planet, it’s easy to believe all the best animal encounters happen far away.

But look a little harder closer to home and you’ll find a surprising number of species. The National Biodiversity Network collects data from different regions around the UK, working alongside 200 members and drawing from 223 million wildlife records, to create the NBN Atlas.

But despite the great wealth of wildlife living on our doorstep, there’s a real risk it could disappear.

According the the NBN’s 2019 State of Nature report, the UK’s biodiversity is declining, and 15% of species are threatened from extinction.

Along with taking greater care of the environment by sticking to designated footpaths and avoiding littering, one of the best ways to protect our precious resources is to get out there and appreciate them.

Based on data collected by NBN, Holidaycottages.co.uk have created an interactive map of the most biodiverse places in the UK, counting distinct species ranging from mammals and birds, to insects, plants and mushrooms. Here are three of the top places you might consider visiting...

Scottish Highlands Total number of species: 16,273 A trip to the Highlands is recommended for those wanting to see the most varied plants (2,956) and mammal (67) species in Great Britain. According to 150 FEBRUARY 2020

statistics gathered, this area is the most biodiverse spot in the UK.

Gwynedd, North Wales Total number of species: 14,221 There are multiple nature reserves to choose from in this area of Wales. Abercorris is an area of broadleaf woodland, the Blaen-y-Weirglodd is a secluded peat bog with specialist plants, and Bryn Pydew is wonderful for butterflies.

North Norfolk Total number of species: 10,754 Although it only ranks 11th in the chart for overall number of species, this area boasts the highest number of different bird species (434), making it a hot spot for twitchers.

For more information, visit holidaycottages.co.uk/biodiversity-in-britain.

LUXURY TRAVEL

A holiday at Holmewell House Restorations commenced in May 2018 and the project was completed for September 2019. An incredible team of local tradesmen worked tirelessly to deliver Mrs C Sandys vision for the showstopper on the Lake. Impeccably presented with all rooms individually designed, Holmewell is flooded with light and bursting with colour whilst simultaneously enjoying elegant details. The fabulous use of colour, soft furnishing and style all flavour a nod to sister properties lakeside Silverholme Manor and Moroccan Riad Dar Moulouya. Favourite features include underfloor heating and Sonos system throughout as well as an AGA, welly washer, outdoor lounge area with fire pit and gardens which roll down to the water’s edge and private jetty. Each of the 5 bedrooms enjoys their own en-suite and all but one of the bedrooms boast lake views. An open plan kitchen diner with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors onto the terrace creates the perfect space for socialising indoors and outdoors with family, friends and even up to two dogs, so no one has to be left behind.

Graythwaite has the perfect position to enjoy the majesty and grandeur of the Lake District – and with 5,000 acres of private estate there’s never far to go to enjoy the landscape. For the adrenalin junkies Graythwaite Adventure offer bespoke tailored activities from clay pigeon shooting, to Stand-UpPaddleboarding, 4x4 off-roading and speedboat pub crawls down Lake Windermere.

N

estled away on the lesser travelled western shores of Lake Windermere you will find the hidden gem that is Graythwaite Estate. These 5,000 acres of private land have been in the Sandys family for over 500 years and are overflowing with History. From Graythwaite Hall Gardens designed by Thomas Mawson in 1896, to Wordsworth’s favourite Esthwaite Lake and Silverholme Manor where Oscar Gnosspelius, the only person at Windermere to design and fly his own hydroaeroplane, lived from 1909, there’s no shortage of history to sink your teeth into.

Today the Estate has a collection of 39 unique holiday properties set in the picturesque landscape of the recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lake District, as well as tenanted lets, a sawmill and a seasonal pheasant shoot.

Holmewell House is the latest beautiful addition to the lake shoreline collection at Graythwaite.

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THE DETAILS To book your holiday at Holmewell House or for more information contact Graythwaite Estate on estate@graythwaite.com or call 015395 31248. Details for the property can be found at www.graythwaite.com.

LUXURY TRAVEL

ZAAZ, Dubai’s Newest Wellness Spa

With authentic Moroccan hammams, natural products and a 5*approach to service

N

estled in the prime Dubai location of Jumeirah, ZAAZ is a new full-service wellness destination that offers a holistic approach to relaxation, rejuvenation and beauty. ZAAZ is a stand-alone Spa, creating experiential sensory journeys, ranging from body care to beauty services in a Moroccan inspired ambiance.

Founded by corporate marketing powerhouse, wife, and mother-of-two turned entrepreneur, Asmaa Quorrich. Asmaa created ZAAZ to fulfil a dream of helping busy women to responsibly care for their bodies and minds. “ZAAZ is a concept for women, by women. This is a space where you can switch off from the outside world and enter a zone of absolute Zen. We want women in our community to be able to step into ZAAZ and re-emerge feeling whole again, with confidence and radiance and without subjecting themselves to unnecessary toxins and unrealistic pressures of what beauty is,” says Asmaa Quorrich.

The ZAAZ concept encompasses spa and wellbeing touch points to offer guests results driven and memorable experiences with each visit. The most distinctive feature at ZAAZ is the authentic yet refined Moroccan Hammam. This ancient practice celebrates the beauty of women, which is a concept aligned with the very core of ZAAZ. In addition to the Hammam, the spa’s menu offers a variety of services, such as massages, hair services, body & face grooming, manicures & pedicures, and private consultation services.

ZAAZ was conceptualised in partnership with Maria Haggo, Founder and CEO of Little Miss Wellness, a consulting concept which designs and supports wellness initiatives. Speaking about the ideology behind ZAAZ, Maria said: “ZAAZ represents taking some time out to be ‘you’ again; to be human again. When you arrive to ZAAZ we are committed to enhancing all your senses within the first 5 minutes of stepping through our door. ZAAZ is a haven for the senses, where women are celebrated and transformed.”

The spa uses only premium and chemical-free

154 FEBRUARY 2020

“The ZAAZ concept encompasses spa and wellbeing touch points to offer guests results driven and memorable experiences with each visit”

products to support its mission. Each brand was carefully selected by Asmaa as partnerships. She joined forces with renowned Entrepreneur and Moroccan Beauty Advocate, Mouna Abbasy, for her all-natural skin care range, IZIL. IZIL products bring some of the best and rarest ingredients found in Moroccan inspired beauty rituals, including Argan and Prickly Pear Seed oil, black soap, ghassoul, orange blossom water, and honey.

Through Altearah Bio ZAAZ brings organic skincare with a colour therapy philosophy to support both our physical and emotional needs.

Margaret Dabbs was selected for their natural approach to nail care. The products and protocols were designed to be aligned with the biological integrity of our hands and feet. And Davines was chosen not only for their natural hair product ingredients but also for being a B Corporation; a company that uses business to generate a positive impact on the people and the environment.

Leaving nothing to chance, Asmaa chose to work with award-winning Interior Architect, Rania Hamed principal of VSHD Design, to create a space that is bright, modern and elegant, drawing on ancient Moroccan houses and spa traditions and enhances the feeling of reuniting the indoor and the outdoor worlds. ZAAZ philosophy aims to connect with nature to bring peace, tranquillity and a heightened state of wellbeing. Functionality is also key at ZAAZ. Each department has a purpose, with separate music zones that can be personalised, as well as phone chargers at every guest station for complete convenience.

ZAAZ is a Moroccan inspired Wellness and Beauty destination which celebrates women, respects natural beauty and supports busy schedules through efficient scheduling.

Owner: Asmaa Quorrich

LUXURY TRAVEL

Asimina Suites Hotel, Cyprus T

he Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel offers guests luxurious all suite accommodation, coupled with superb hotel facilities in an impressive beach side setting in Paphos, Cyprus. The hotel has been designed exclusively for adults only, who appreciate a luxurious and tranquil environment with impeccable standards of service and hospitality.

The boutique style hotel offers 119 suites ranging from junior suites to one bedroom suites and Executive suites with private pool and Jacuzzi. The suites are spacious and designed in a contemporary style.

A superb choice of dining options are on offer, with four restaurants including the wonderful beachfront Kymata restaurant providing glorious sea views and spectacular sunsets. Alternatively, guests

can choose the gourmet a la carte restaurant for an experience in fine dining. Guests on half board and the Deluxe package All-Inclusive option have the added benefit of eating in all four restaurants with a la carte menus at no additional charge. After dinner you can take a relaxing drink in one of the three bars providing evening entertainment ranging from local traditional music to more contemporary offerings.

A wide range of facilities will keep you active including two luxurious free form swimming pools with jacuzzi, an indoor swimming pool and tennis court. The Elixir spa and health club offers a wide range of treatments with massage and body therapies, including Aromatherapy and Hydrotherapy. A fully air conditioned fitness studio with strength training and Cardio equipment is also available.

All hotel guests also have the added benefit of complimentary beach towels, sunbeds and umbrellas around the pool and the beach area. Executive Suite guests have the added luxury of their own private pool and exclusive use of the wonderfully private beach Cabanas. The hotel is ideally situated on a secluded sandy beach in Paphos and is conveniently located a short distance to the local restaurants and bars and only 2km from Paphos’ resort centre.

156 FEBRUARY 2020

READER OFFER: SAVE

20%

THE DETAILS For a special early booking discount - Save 20% on all Summer 2020 holidays – book before 29th February 2020. For more information call our UK sales office on 01924 380 160 www.cbh-cyprus.com

TRAVEL TRENDS:

Europe’s Secret Islands

I

sland escapes have forever topped travellers’ wish-lists, but this year it’s time for something new. Make 2020 the year you explore Europe’s secret islands; the Azores archipelago.

Still relatively undiscovered, this archipelago

consists of nine islands each showcasing a volcanic landscape unlike anywhere on the continent.

Resembling New Zealand, Hawaii, or the Faroe Islands, it’s hard to imagine a place better suited to nature lovers, experience-seekers, or the sustainabilityconscious. Situated in the mid-Atlantic, only a fourhour flight from London, you can expect stunning mountain vistas, crystal clear crater lakes, staggeringly green landscapes and waters filled with marine life; the natural surroundings provide 360 degrees of eyepopping wonder.

The islands also hold a cultural draw, such as the stunning colonial capital of Ponta Delgada, the botanical gardens of Terra Nostra, and the Pico Island UNESCO vineyards. Experts in the Azores, Artisan Travel have introduced new handcrafted tours departing from April to October, designed to show you the very best of Europe’s secret islands.

Channel your inner explorer and immerse yourself in the local culture, journey round the islands, and enjoy bucket list wildlife experiences.

THE DETAILS For your shortcut to travels most exceptional experiences, call Artisan Travel on 01670 337 189, or visit artisantravel.co.uk. In partnership with the Portuguese National Tourist Office.

Copyright: JB Chandelier & Turismo Dos Acores

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LUXURY TRAVEL

Thailand for mind, body & soul

Thai culture has always enjoyed a strong connection with wellbeing. Georgia Humphreys trials a new escorted tour promising benefits to body and soul.

“Y

ou like meditation, yes?” asks Puki, a middle-aged woman from Chiang Mai, who is smiling sweetly at me.

I don’t know how to answer her.

Even though I’ve used phone apps to dabble with the mind-calming practice, the truth is I’ve never quite got the hang of it.

But now I find myself in the mountains, wandering around Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples, just under an hour’s drive from the city of Chiang Mai. Sat outside the towering, glimmering, gold stupa, Puki is meditating in front of relics belonging to Lord Buddha. It looks so peaceful, I decide to join her, and after a few minutes, the humdrum of visitors has faded away. Maybe this is what the fuss is all about?

My glimpse into Puki’s world of mindfulness is part of a bigger G Adventures Wellness Thailand tour, designed to recharge the body and nourish the mind.

It all starts with an intention-setting ceremony in Bangkok, where participants are invited to reflect on a personal focus for the trip. Over the course of nine days, travelling to Chiang Mai, Pai and Koh Samui, I quickly discover temples aren’t the only reason Thailand is still a place to spiritually connect.

Mindful massage The history of Thai massage can be dated back to 158 FEBRUARY 2020

Buddha’s period, more than 2,500 years ago, when it was brought over from India. (A monk named Komparaj - a personal physician to Buddha - is widely accepted as the first person to develop the healing art.)

Traditional techniques involve moving and manipulating the body in order to relieve physical and emotional tension, boost energy and stimulate circulation.

On our first full day of the tour, in Bangkok, we head to The Watpo Thai Traditional Medical School to learn the basics.

Thai massage incorporates yoga-like stretches, such as your arms being pulled behind you, so your back arches and your chest flies up high into the air.

But, don’t be too alarmed; flexibility isn’t necessary, as the masseuse helps to gently mould your body parts into the poses.

We receive an hour massage from a professional too, to get a sense of the health benefits for ourselves. I am taken aback by how intense the pressure feels, especially on my legs and arms, but I feel incredible - if a little achey - afterwards.

Mastering yoga Pai is a small town nestled in a lush green valley on the banks of a river, a windy three-hour drive up into the countryside from Chiang Mai. The backpacker favourite has a laid-back, hippy vibe; think chilled-out bars, art gallery cafes and handicraft shops.

“My glimpse into Puki’s world of mindfulness is part of a bigger G Adventures Wellness Thailand tour, designed to recharge the body and nourish the mind”

At Pai Yoga Shala, an open-air studio surrounded by palm trees, instructor Kookai lays out yoga wheels. The circular-shaped prop supports yoga practice by rolling out your spine and opening up the chest and front side of the body. It’s fun to try something different, and I find it’s particularly helpful for backbends, which I usually find quite intimidating.

We wander outdoors, to a platform in the middle of a field, to do more deep stretches and breath work. The tips of the mountains in the distance are tinged golden red by the stunning sunset, and the chilly air feels refreshing after a sweaty class.

Afterwards, back at the Pai Hot Springs Spa Resort, I soak in hot spring pools. The warm, mineral-rich water is soothing and rejuvenating and that night, I sleep the best I have in weeks.

When we reach Koh Samui, we try out sunrise acro-yoga, a mix of acrobatics and yoga, at beachside Peace Resort. At first, I am terrified about being lifted high into the air by teacher Kom. I’ve never been much of a gymnast (I can’t even do a cartwheel) and don’t see myself being able to balance successfully.

But he is incredibly encouraging and puts me at ease by massaging my lower back to relax me and warm my muscles. He tells me to lean back, sitting onto his feet, before directing me into a variety of poses.

I end up upside down with my legs spread wide, my hands gripping onto my ankles, then surprise myself further by being able to bend my legs back over my head, curled up into a ball.

I put myself forward for another go, lying on my front this time. Arms outstretched, it’s like I’m flying. I feel wonderfully free and uninhibited, my mind clear.

Soul-feeding food Moh, our wonderful tour leader, tells us this trip is all about balance. While we have lots of nourishing Thai curries and stir-fries during our trip, we also have some treats. At the night market in Chiang Mai, we sample sickly-sweet mango sticky rice made with glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds - plus gooey roti oozing with chocolate and banana.

But Thai food is generally very healthy especially as chefs have access to so many fresh ingredients. In Pai, we meet Lek, who runs Charlie & Lek restaurant. She takes us to the biggest fresh market in the town, open from 5am every day, where she points out the most important herbs in Thai cooking. There are piles upon piles of pink galangal (good for any stomach pain), yellow turmeric and wild ginger.

Back at restaurant VV Cafe, where she runs cooking classes, we learn how to prepare a zingy pad thai - made with rice noodles, veg, chicken and/or tofu, tamarind sauce - and a sumptuous massaman curry.

Friendly, smiley Lek gives us helpful feedback:

she notes my curry has a bitter taste, umming and ahhing over the cause, before deciding I must have burnt my curry paste at the start. But I am determined to go home and try and cook for myself more. There’s something so liberating about the escapism of cooking, we all agree, as we sit eating our meals together.

Embracing nature Yoga, massage and good food are at the core of a healthy body - but nothing beats being surrounded by nature. In serene Koh Samui, we hire paddleboards from iSUP Samui, based in the north east of the Island.

After learning the ropes on dry land, we wade into the water, kneeling before making it to standing. We stay near to the shore at first, with our guide, Ian, pointing out the sights - the Big Buddha Temple, neighbouring island Ko Tao in the distance, a rainbow peeking out over the Bophut Hills. We marvel at the green of the trees, contrasted with the red sandstone, and the blue sky. All the colours seem in high definition as the sun starts to set, a golden glow leaking out onto the water.

It feels like the perfect time to try and really be in the moment. I sit cross legged on the board, floating on the water. I focus on my senses - the taste of the sea salt on my skin, the sound of tourists laughing as they throw a ball to each other in the shallows, the feeling of the sea moving ever so gently beneath me. I remain still for a good few minutes.

Yes, my surroundings won’t always be this dreamy. But afterwards, walking back onto the sand, I feel euphoric. My intention to start meditating more might not be so hard to fulfil after all.

G Adventures (gadventures.com; 020 7313 6944) offers a nine-day Wellness Thailand tour, visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pai and Ko Samui. Prices start from £1,349 per person including internal flights.

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LUXURY TRAVEL

Book the best, book early W

hen booking a luxury ski holiday, it pays to be organised. By booking early, you will have the best choice of accommodation, location and travel.

If you’re looking to travel in a large group, there are more opportunities for booking an entire chalet to yourself. You might also benefit from group discounts on top of fantastic early booking savings.

Getting ahead of the crowds also gives you the best choice of dates. You can book your annual leave well before Michael two desks down gets first pick, again!

Exclusive resorts like Val d’Isere, Courchevel, Meribel, Verbier, St Anton and Lech always sell out fast, so it’s best to book early if you’ve got your heart set on a particular destination.

This is especially important for peak weeks like Christmas, New Year, February Half Term and Easter. By the end of the current ski season, many chalets and hotels are over 50% booked for the following season’s peak dates.

Securing your ski holiday well in advance also gives you plenty of time to get yourself completely organised. You can book the best seats on flights from your most convenient airport, get first pick on childcare, ski guiding and tables at the top restaurants in resort: ensuring your holiday is the best it can be.

“We recommend our clients to book their ski holidays as early as possible,” says Earl Knudsen, one of the Partners at Alpine Luxury Chalets. “We have an excellent range of luxury properties in resorts across Europe and North America, and the best chalets and hotel rooms always sell out well in advance of the season.”

Alpine Luxury Chalets is a luxury snow sports travel agent, specialising in chalet and hotel holidays in Europe. Established in 1992, their excellent team of ski holiday specialists have booked thousands of ski trips.

Using their expertise, they’ll handpick a range of options to help you find the perfect accommodation in the best resort for your group’s unique requirements. They are financially protected, with ABTA and ATOL licenses, and their booking service is completely free.

And the best part about booking early? You’ll have something to look forward to all summer!

Interested in booking an amazing luxury ski holiday? Alpine Luxury Chalets has just opened its bookings for 2020/2021. Call now on 020 8189 5413 160 FEBRUARY 2020

LUXURY TRAVEL

back to nature in the seychelles A “The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean that lap this island’s white sand beaches and its lush green interior are complemented by a simple eco-lodge boasting only 24 chalets”

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t the northern tip of the Seychelles archipelago lies Bird Island, a coral atoll renowned for its natural beauty and birdlife. Every year from the month of May to October, Sooty Terns journey across the oceans to nest here in the thousands.

Thanks to a short 30 minute flight from the main island of Mahé, visitors are able to access the island to experience this breath-taking spectacle.

The island is also a port of call for countless other species of birds and is home to Giant Land Tortoises that roam where they please. Another key attraction are the sea turtles that come ashore to nest and the resulting hatchlings that emerge a few months later. Witnessing these creatures making their way out to sea is surely one of Mother Nature’s gifts.

The turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean that lap this island’s white sand beaches and its lush green interior are complemented by a simple eco-lodge boasting only 24 chalets. Here there are no televisions, mini-fridges and telephones.

Traditional furnishings can be seen throughout the lodge and local creole dishes are served, offering an authentic island experience. This is what guests can expect as they arrive on the daily flight from the main land.

Visitors looking for things to do may explore the natural trails and the abundant flora and fauna, or they may head off on a snorkelling or kayaking adventure in discovery of the surrounding marine life. Those who simply wish to relax on the beach are free to do so and can end the day with a cocktail or local beer in hand enjoying the sunset off the West Beach.

Bird Island is a place that is far from the hustle and bustle of everyday. The focus is on getting in touch with nature and enjoying the simplicity of island life. Eco-Tourism and conservation work

are of great importance and visitors immerse themselves not only in the island’s natural beauty but in the lives of the people who live and work here. Great efforts have been undertaken by the owners to build this modest eco-lodge and nature reserve and they are proud to remain its custodians to this day. www.birdislandseychelles.com

back to nature

+248 4224925 reservations@birdislandseychelles.com www.birdislandseychelles.com

Awareness Is Power Early detection can save lives.

If you have any concerns you would like to discuss, I am here to help.

Fast access to a one stop clinics offering assessment and diagnosis of all breast symptoms Any breast lump, nipple discharge, dimpling should be investigated and management is offered for problems with breast pain, family history, breast feeding Also provide screening and a second opinion Miss Tena Walters, Consultant Breast Surgeon MBBS, FRCS, MS 22 years experience in Breast Surgery For appointments please call 01622 873058 For more details call Tena’s PA Helen on 07982 249612 Or email tenakerrywalters@gmail.com

fashion, HEALTH

& FITNESS – Keeping healthy and active whilst looking fabulous – i m a g e : VIVI E NN E W E ST W OOD

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

[NEWS]

FASHION FIX “This elegant St Barts monochrome swimsuit will make you look amazing, secure and feminine this season”

FEELING FRUITY These Watermelon Socks from Yes Studio are one-in-a-melon!

Bring on the endless summer vibes with these unique, organic cotton socks. http://store.wildandwolf.co.uk

Spectacular meets Sporty This elegant St Barts monochrome swimsuit will make you look amazing, secure and feminine this season.

The long sleeve swimsuit has a built-in bra that will give you support and shape, and its UVP 50 will protect your skin from sunburn and rash. Whether you’re heading to St Tropez, or to your favourite surfing spot, the St Barts swimsuit is a must in your suitcase. www.alma-society.com

…AND RELAX

BEAUTIFUL BRIGHTS This colourful tote bag in the vibrant Rosarium design by Marimekko is perfect for shopping and adds a splash of colour to any outfit. www.abodeliving.co.uk

With its relaxed, cosy fit and constellation print against navy blue, the Galaxy PJ Set is not only extremely warm & inviting but endearing and fun. www.wallacecotton.co.uk

we love TRAVEL IN STYLE FEELING FOXY Making a lovely gift, these practical men’s socks are cosy and comfy and come in one size, fitting sizes 8 to 12.

With a forest green background, a friendly fox is featured on the side. www.sophieallport.com 166 FEBRUARY 2020

The Loreto brings together exquisite design and a decadent array of functionality into a ’babymoon’ sized leather-tote. The first of its breed to have adaptable shoulder and backpack straps to help distribute weight when you really can’t decide what to leave at home. www.pacapod.com

This gorgeous Emily Brooks Flamingo pouch, sure to brighten up any day! www.emilybrooks.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

up to the challenge?

Whether you’re relatively new to fitness or a seasoned competitor, Liz Connor shares her edit of the best.

S

haring smug gym selfies on Instagram is all well and good, but if you really think you’re fit, why not put your money where your mouth is and sign up to one of these epic fitness challenges?

From mud-soaked obstacle courses to invigorating open water swimming races, prepare to have your physical and mental limits tested as you battle to the finish line.

3. Ironman UK The Ironman concept is notoriously brutal. It involves taking on a savage 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, 26-mile run, and with no breaks in between.

It takes place in Bolton, which race organisers have dubbed Britain’s ‘friendliest town’, so you’re sure to make a few new mates along the way. In the pursuit of Ironman glory, you’ll swim in Pennington Flash, climb some tough hills on the bike and finish the run in Bolton town centre - where you can treat yourself to a well deserved pint.

July 12, ironman.com

4. Tough Mudder 1. Quest Wales Quest’s adventure challenge involves running, cycling and kayaking in some of the UK’s most spectacular natural scenery. With Snowdonia National Park as your backdrop, you’ll run through leafy forest trails and cycle alongside spectacular mountains and valleys, with plenty of hill sprints to test your endurance. Depending on how brave you’re feeling, there are three routes to choose from: the 25km Challenge, 42km Sport or 53km Expert.

Take it at your own pace with bunch of friends or push yourself to compete for a time.

June 20, questadventureseries.com

2. The Great North Swim This iconic cold water swim needs no introduction.

Europe’s biggest open water swimming event caters to all fitness levels and sees 10,000 competitors make a splash in the breathtaking Lake Windermere - a huge body of water in the Lake District that stretches from Ambleside to Newby Bridge. With distances from 250 metres to a whopping 10K, enjoy a bracing dip or challenge yourself to a fullthrottle endurance swim.

June 5-7, greatrun.org/great-swim 168 FEBRUARY 2020

Endurance events don’t come much more testing than Tough Mudder. The team-based events, which happen at various times of the year all across the UK, involve scaling walls, jumping into icy water, climbing ropes, sliding over fire and running through lots and lots of mud. There are hardcore eight to 10-mile obstacle courses for regular gym bunnies or faster 5km options for beginners. Either way, it’s sure to be a good story to tell the grandkids.

Events at various times through the year, toughmudder.co.uk

“The Ironman concept is notoriously brutal.

It involves taking on a savage 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, 26-mile run, and with no breaks in between”

Venturini Couture is a celebration of female ingenuity and femininity. The minimal romantic silhouettes coupled with sophisticated lines using high-end fabrics from Europe tell the story of women’s strength, confidence and sensuality. Venturini Couture launched its SS2020 collection at FashioNXT (Portland) and VFW (Vancouver Fashion Week) with memorable pieces. Flattering shapes and soft muted colors draw a conceptual narrative of romance and a love story. In celebration of the launch of the brand, Venturini Couture invites you to review the the looks at: www.venturinicouture.com

Follow us on IG @venturinicouture

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

The Politics of

W

ith Award Season in full swing and the likes of Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig and Joaquin Phoenix bringing Hollywood glamour to the red carpet, there is a part of us that yearns for the decorum and poise that comes with dressing for the occasion and the excuse to make an effort in the evening. We heartily recommend giving yourself a lift, by breaking out your Black Tie and enjoying an evening dressed up to the nines, whether it’s a night at a Gala or a simple dinner with friends.

Black Tie worn well looks impeccable and dashing. Poorly or carelessly put together, however, and it looks sloppy and unflattering. When we talk about dress code, it infers rules, and as we were all told when growing up, “rules exist for a reason.”

Budd Shirtmakers has produced exceptional dress shirts, waistcoats, bows, jewellery and accessories for Black Tie wear for over a century. There is little they don’t know on the matter and they are a regular destination for costume designers and stylists when selecting for period dramas and formal attire.

Below, their expert team provide some advice to ensure your black tie is on point: 1. Never wear a winged collar shirt with Black Tie. It tends to be unflattering, reveals the tie band and belongs to the White Tie remit.

2. Invest the time in learning to tie your own bow tie, rather than opting for a pre-tied bow. It will have a softer and more elegant look to it, and shows care.

It also provides ample satisfaction.

3. Match the silk of your bow to the lapel facings on your dinner jacket.

4. Experiment with dress studs and match them to your cufflinks. Budd’s own dress shirts offer a novel detail that allows you to swap between mother of pearl buttons or studs.

5. Try out other dress shirt options. Beyond classic and fail-safe Marcella, ivory silk and voiles are a beautiful and luxurious touch, whilst pleated fronts add structure when a cummerbund or vest are absent.

6. Remember your pocket square and keep it white or ivory. It brings life to your dinner suit and

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Black Tie

helpfully, also broadens the chest.

7. Wear a pair of braces (moire preferably) and never a belt.

8. Experiment with a cummerbund or backless silk vest for some vintage charm. These extra additions also create a more tidy appearance.

9. Keep socks black and shoes simple. A dress pump, slipper or Oxford will work best.

10. Keep things simple and novelty free for perfect polish. www.buddshirts.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

FA S H I O N U P DAT E :

WORKWEAR WARDROBE J

Katie Wright

shows you how to get ahead of the curve, with a nod to the SS20 catwalks.

anuary brings with it that ‘back-to-school’ feeling, so there’s no better time to refresh your workwear wardrobe.

We’re not talking a major overhaul here.

Just a few carefully chosen updates that will get you in gear for the year ahead.

Plus, with the spring collections starting to land in stores, it’s also time to dip your toe in next season’s trends, with transitional pieces inspired by the SS20 catwalks.

Here are three easy ways to perk up your nine-to-five style for the new year...

1. The boxy blazer There was a new kind of power dressing evident on the SS20 catwalks, with designers like Proenza Schouler, Chloe and JW Anderson making the case

for tailoring that combines strong shoulders with a slouchy silhouette.

Soft hues like ivory and beige were popular, but we also saw flashes of citrus brights - orange is going to be everywhere come spring.

2. Lighter leather After a strong showing for AW19, leather continues to dominate on the designer front, but for spring it’s all about lighter and brighter shades.

You may not want to go as far as the lemonyellow or tangerine jackets seen at Emilia Wickstead or Bottega Veneta, but why not try a buttery soft midi skirt, or add a flash of colour with a crossbody bag?

3. Muted knitwear There was a real Nineties feel to many of the SS20 colour palettes too, especially when it came to knitwear, with pale shades and minimalist cuts on show at Helmut Lang and Prada.

While the wintry weather calls for cosy jumpers, swap dark autumnal hues for beige, oatmeal or dove grey, adding lightness to your office attire.

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FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

fitness talk with LAURA WHITMORE The Irish presenter and new Love Island host lets Lauren Taylor in on her health and wellness regime.

I

rish presenter Laura Whitmore is having a big year. She was named the new presenter of the winter series of ITV2’s Love Island when Caroline Flack stepped down following an assault charge, and she’s received wide praise online so far since the Cape Town show started on Sunday.

The 34-year-old may be helping the contestants find love, but she’s already settled herself with comedian boyfriend Iain Stirling, who provides the show’s voice-over.

She’s wowed in some bold ensembles so far and already looks right at home swanning around the South African villa.

It turns out she’s a bit of a fitness enthusiast, so did her gym hours ramp up before the show? And how does she look after her wellbeing? We caught up with Whitmore to find out...

Are you excited about being in Cape Town and working with Stirling?

“So excited! It is such a privilege to get to travel with work, and what a show! It will be great to see Iain, but something tells me we won’t be seeing each other quite as much as everyone thinks!”

With all the contestants wearing bikinis on Love Island and scrutiny about body image, did you feel any pressure to look a certain way yourself ?

“I don’t think anybody should feel pressure to look a certain way. Our bodies are wonderful things and we should love ourselves, independent of what we look like.”

other to do your best and achieve your goals.

“In January, I think a lot of people set themselves a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym more, but sometimes it can be quite hard. So I teamed up with Clif to DJ at a series of workout parties [in London] aimed at helping people reset their fitness routine and help beat the January blues.”

Did you do any extra fitness prep for the start of Love Island filming?

“Not really, no. My schedule has been so crazy busy and Christmas is not the time to be watching what you eat and exercising, but now it’s the new year, I am back into the routine.”

What are your gym bag essentials?

“I couldn’t survive in the gym without my headphones; I love listening to podcasts or music, they really help pass the time. I also always have a towel and a bottle of water.”

What’s your weekly fitness routine?

“I try to fit any exercise into my schedule, without putting too much pressure on myself. A lot of what I do is for my mind as much as my body, so usually I try to go to hot yoga twice a week if I can.

Wherever I am in the world, I will always have a pair of trainers in my bag.”

Do you like group exercise classes?

“Oh yes! I much prefer to go to a gym class than try and workout by myself. It is so much easier having other people around you and you can motivate each

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What motivates you to keep fit?

“After I have done a workout, I feel really pleased with myself and my mind feels clearer. It’s that feeling I constantly remind myself of, to get me to exercise.”

Do you and Stirling workout together?

“We try and take the dog for a walk together, but to be honest, our schedules don’t always align to allow us to workout properly together.”

What’s your favourite way to chill out?

“My favourite way to chill out is either a cup of tea with mates, or a classic bubble bath!”

What’s essential to you for keeping happy and balanced?

“Having a balance between work and friends/family life is really important to me. It needs to be fairly equal. Sometimes all you need is a chat with your mate to help you feel good! I also do need to find time to do a little bit of exercise, whether that is heading to a gym class or going on a run outside, I really find that it keeps the mind strong and healthy, as well as the body.”

Laura Whitmore teamed up with Clif, the makers of plant-based Clif Bar energy bars, where she DJ’ed at a series of spinning workout sessions aimed at helping people reset their fitness routine in January while staving off winter blues.

“I don’t think anybody should feel pressure to look a certain way. Our bodies are wonderful things and we should love ourselves, independent of what we look like.”

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Introducing Tribe All T

ribe All is a street art apparel T-shirt company by artist, Angela Thouless. The aim is to make unisex urban wear at a price that is affordable to all.

All images printed on the t-shirts are based on original paintings motivated by her love of street art and culture. Inspired by tribal gods and ritual masks whose non-naturalistic, highly stylised forms embody powerful, highly expressive imagery. It’s objective is to represent All Tribes.

What’s your Tribe?

Sizes of t-shirts available are from S to 4XL. www.angelathouless.com Facebook @For.All.Tribes Instagram @tribe_all_tees Email tribeall4u@gmail.com

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Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

S P OTLIGHT ON …

DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

D

ame Vivienne Isabel Westwood OBE is a British fashion designer known for her influence on punk fashion and dressing the Sex Pistols, as well as causing a stir with her political opinions and outspoken attitude. It’s no surprise that her 76 years on earth have included some very interesting moments.

Vivienne studied fashion and silversmithing at the Harrow School of Art in London at the age of 17, but left after one term saying that a workingclass girl could never make a living in the art world.

She went on to work in a factory and then as a primary school teacher. During this period, she created her own jewellery, which she sold from a stall on Portobello Road.

She met Malcolm McLaren, and they moved into a council flat in Clapham. In 1971 McLaren opened a boutique at 430 King’s Road called “Let It Rock” later known as “Sex” and now World’s End. Westwood created clothes drawing inspiration from bikers and fetishists. The “punk style” included bondage gear, safety pins, razor blades, bicycle or toilet chains on clothing and spiked dog collars/chokers for jewellery, as well as outrageous make-up and hair.

During this period, McLaren became manager of the punk band, the Sex Pistols, and subsequently the two garnered attention as the band wore Westwood’s and McLaren’s designs. It was their

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ability to synthesise clothing and music that shaped the 1970s UK punk scene. Vivienne Westwood went on to open four shops in London, and by 2015, operated 12 retail outlets in the UK with 63 worldwide.

In April 1989 Westwood appeared on the cover of Tatler dressed as then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The suit that Westwood wore had been ordered for Thatcher but had not yet been delivered. The cover bore the caption “This woman was once a punk”.

She was awarded an OBE in 1992, and in 2006, the title of “Dame” by the Prince of Wales. In 2007, Westwood was awarded the gong for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design at the British Fashion Awards.

Vivienne Westwood has long been known for her political activism and using her brand to draw attention to causes such as climate change, nuclear weapons and human rights. In January 2015, she announced her support of the Green Party, and openly supports Amnesty International, Environmental Justice Foundation and Friends of the Earth.

For more than 35 years, Westwood has designed clothes for heroes. Outrageously flamboyant, they are beautiful, brave and often swim against the tide.

Her Red Label collection has a huge presence at every London Fashion Week. www.viviennewestwood.com

“In April 1989 Westwood appeared on the cover of Tatler dressed as then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher”

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

FEARNE COTTON: HAPPY VEGAN

Ella Walker

catches up with the TV and radio presenter, who’s back with a new cookbook, Happy Vegan.

H

Fearne Cotton isn’t actually vegan. Shock horror. In fact, she is quick to note: “I bloody love an omelette.”

And yet, the 38-year-old has written an entirely plant-based, animalfree cookbook, Happy Vegan. In its introduction, she explains this isn’t a contradiction. Vegetarian from the age of 12, with a brief foray into pescatarianism in her 20s, she still cooks meat, fish and dairy for her family (husband Jesse Woods, children Honey and Rex, and step-children Arthur and Lola), and most of her baking involves eggs.

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owever, the Londoner is not one to eschew reinvention. Her telly life started aged 15 as a presenter on The Disney Club, followed by Diggit alongside her long-time friend Reggie Yates. Radio 1, Top Of The Pops and Celebrity Juice presenting gigs swiftly followed, but now, instead of the celeb partying you might expect from a well-connected TV darling, her Instagram feed is a serene corner of the internet, devoted to yoga (and enviable leggings), vegan cookery, and the lessons she’s learned from the empowering, positive people she interviews on her Happy Place podcast.

From kids’ TV presenter to wellness conduit the woman is all about moving forward and doing what feels right for you, when it feels right.

And so, now, she explains, “I am a vegetarian who eats probably 90% vegan.” Chickens arguably take the full brunt of the fact she’s not 100% there; the most challenging aspect of going totally plantbased, she says, is not eating eggs. “I do love eating eggs,” she adds again, for good measure.

Then there’s the fact vegan options can often be limited at times. “If I’m out travelling with work, it can be trickier,” she muses, “so I may eat a little butter in those moments.”

Egg and butter-fuelled work trips aside, “more and more people are eating vegan and are up for experimenting,” says Cotton. Hence Happy Vegan, which she says is for

“vegans; people that have never tried vegan; and those like myself, who eat a lot of vegan food but want to learn more,” - and that’s regardless of the motivation behind your decision.

“We all have a better understanding these days of how food affects us, and also how our food choices affect the planet,” adds Cotton. “Whenever you decide to eat vegan, whether it be for a month or once a week on a Monday, it’s still going to be beneficial to you and the planet.”

In terms of the recipes, “fun and easy” is her mantra - so don’t expect to have to go shopping

for a vast array of new ingredients, or for a specific vegan larder. There are cauliflower steaks and tofu fingers, tomato dahl and vegetable kofta wraps, plus the odd recipe that might raise a few surprised eyebrows. Take her blueberry and cannellini bean tray bake with tahini and maple syrup icing, Cotton’s way of tricking her kids into eating more protein.

And she is particularly proud of her veggie black bean sausages. “I was dead-set on creating my own kind of homemade banger,” she buzzes. “They’re packed with flavour and so easy to make.”

Cotton spent a lot of time in LA in her 20s, and ate at a lot of vegan restaurants while there, so she’s found it really exciting to see so many restaurants closer to home increasingly adopting the ethos, or at least offering more interesting vegan options.

She’s all about making it a lifestyle that’s more accessible, especially at home, even getting her kids involved in the kitchen. “I cook with the kids a lot,” she says. “They luckily love it, but it’s mainly cakes they enjoy making! Banana loaves, choc energy balls - Honey’s fave - chocolate cake... They love it all.”

It echoes memories she made as a child herself; she recalls making jam tarts with her Nan Ruby, ones that were “super gooey with a rough crust!”

However, Cotton understands that not everyone finds cooking enjoyable, and it can feel even more daunting if you’re trying vegan recipes for the first time.

Her advice - particularly if cooking is something you find stressful - is to “keep trying to cook from scratch for fun”, and to “put great music on, take your time if you can, and be proud of what you created”.

Ultimately, it’s about finding what works for you.

“If you don’t eat enough or eat too much sugar, or binge on a certain food too much, you’ll of course feel rubbish,” she explains. “Eating in a balanced way can be challenging with how fast-paced life is, but if we have fun cooking and try new stuff, and notice how we feel after eating certain things, we have a better chance of having more energy and a better mindset.”

Happy Vegan: Easy Plant Based Recipes To Make The Whole Family Happy by Fearne Cotton, photography

by Andrew Burton, is published by Orion Spring, priced £20.

Available now.

La Société is a luxury boutique specialising in buying and selling preloved designer handbags, based in Knightsbridge.

Buy, Sell & Exchange Now! We offer instant valuations and cash for your luxury handbags and accessories. La Société believes in the importance of sustainability.

Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of changing the future of the fashion industry, and working together towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Our concept is to reduce the waste and recycle the unwanted luxury products in your wardrobe, by giving them a new loving home.

Book an appointment today or visit our Knightsbridge boutique. www.lasociete.co.uk info@lasociete.co.uk 0207 225 2515

Jackie Maguire is a ready to wear collection of unique, contemporary coats and jackets for women.

Founded by creative director, Jackie, exdesigner for Maxmara, Italy.

The brand goes beyond fleeting fashion trends to solve the dilemma of finding your ultimate forever coat. By creating timeless investment pieces with individuality for modern women looking for well-made, quality pieces with huge style credentials. With the ease of contemporary cut that promises to fit and flatter beautifully, and finished with an unparalleled attention to detail.

Classic silhouettes embrace modern femininity, and seasonal collections are cut from the finest luxury natural fibres. Pure wools and linens sourced from the British Isles, fabrics renowned for their rich patterns, enduring beauty and durability.

With loyal fans of the brand (celebrities among them) growing at a pace, and limited-edition lines selling out quickly to those in the know, women can now feel forever stylish and effortlessly elegant in Jackie Maguire. Discover more at: www.jackiemaguire.com Instagram @jackiemaguire_

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Dark romance It’s all about leather, lace and roses this season, says Katie Wright.

T

he most surprising fashion icon referenced on the autumn/winter catwalks? It’s got to be Wednesday Addams, whose trademark ebony pigtails and pallid complexion were seen at the Prada show.

“There is a dark romance in danger,” was one of several quotes used to describe the collection on the brand’s Instagram account, and Prada wasn’t the only label going goth for AW19.

But this trend is about more than just all-blackeverything - it’s about the juxtaposition of dark and light.

At Valentino, black leather cocktail dresses and lace jumpsuits were shown alongside elegant red carpet-worthy gowns emblazoned with stylised rose prints.

The Queen of Flowers was a recurring theme throughout fashion week, from the bright silk buds that hung droopily from dresses at Prada, to the sizeable shoulders crafted to look like roses at Alexander McQueen.

Black lace was popular at London Fashion Week too. Christopher Kane delivered his usual off-kilter glamour with lace body tops and puff-sleeve dresses, while at Erdem, ladylike silk pencil skirts were given an injection of sex appeal with see-through panels acting as a windowpane for lace tights.

Simone Rocha, whose aesthetic most seasons could be described as dark glamour, gave us sumptuous silk dresses, plus mile upon mile of black tulle, and at Shrimps, the Wednesday Addams look continued with floral collared dresses.

So how do you take this trend from the runway to real life? One shortcut is to pair a Victoriana-style black dress with a pair of chunky boots, a la the Prada models.

Since this trend is about contrasts, try pairing a leather skirt or pinafore dress with a lacy top.

Of course, it’s going to involve a lot of black, but you can nod to the designers’ rose obsession with hints of fuchsia and petal prints. Likewise, achieve a softer silhouette with a swishy midi skirt.

Black pigtails aren’t essential to complete the look, nor is an ashen complexion. In fact, a bright red lip is the perfect finishing touch for an outfit that’s all about dark drama.

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For more info contact iurish_blacklabel@hotmail.com

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

The world’s leading health club combining high-end diagnostics with advanced training technology

T

he pioneering health club offers the highest level of scientific, functional and diagnostic analysis globally available so as to deliver unparalleled performance for members Wednesday 26th June - London, UK: Lanserhof at The Arts Club, the world’s first health club, opens its doors on Monday 1st July in Mayfair’s Dover Street, London. The muchanticipated property from leading medical spa, Lanserhof, and iconic London private members’ Club, The Arts Club, will combine detailed medical assessments with pioneering analytics and a state-of-the-art training system to deliver an unparalleled training experience for members and prevent injury in the long term. MRI body composition and functional diagnostics will be utilised as standard as part of the world’s most comprehensive induction package.

Situated under one roof, across six floors, Lanserhof at The Arts Club will revolutionise the present approach to health and fitness. The extensive induction package will premiere a number of functional and diagnostic assessments including MRI body composition analysis, a SPINE and MOVEMENT Lab, and internal health assessments such as a cardiovascular screening. Measures from these analyses will be incorporated into a bespoke training plan for members and monitored by Lanserhof at The Arts Club’s foremost medical experts to promote incomparable advances in health and fitness, and work together to prevent ill-health in the long term.

In line with Lanserhof ’s innovative approach to preventative healthcare, Lanserhof at The Arts Club will incorporate a range of holistic treatments, implemented with medical precision.

Members can benefit from physiotherapy, osteopathy, nutritional therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy delivered by the world’s leading experts. Advanced rehabilitation treatments such as cryotherapy, shockwave therapy, and vitamin and mineral infusions will promote recovery and maximise results.

Mr Sebastian Kunz, Medical Director at

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Lanserhof at The Arts Club said, “We are thrilled to introduce Lanserhof at The Arts Club to London. We aim to revolutionise the approach to training, combining pioneering analytics, state-of-the-art-training systems and holistic preventative treatments, overseen with the upmost medical precision to deliver unrivalled results for our members. Through Lanserhof ’s acclaimed multidisciplinary approach, we will support members to achieve optimum fitness, reduce injury and demonstrate global improvements to health and wellbeing.”

Alongside the state-of-the-art Gym 2.0, featuring revolutionary Technogym equipment, members also benefit from unlimited group fitness classes, including HIIT. The skin is known to play a vital role in the detoxification process so a range of organic facial and body treatments will be offered to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin for overall wellbeing. Members can refuel at the exclusive Lanserhof at The Arts Club Members’ Lounge featuring a menu inspired by Lanserhof ’s Energy Cuisine, an integral part of the spa brand’s acclaimed LANS Med programme that focuses on easy-to-digest, nutrient-rich foods that don’t compromise on flavour or quality - delivered with the unrivalled hospitality of The Arts Club.

A balanced menu, high in anti-oxidants, vitamin levels and micronutrients, focussing on organic, local and seasonal produce, will further deliver optimum results for members. Members can also choose a butler service where sportswear is laundered after use and delivered fresh and ready for the next visit.

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIPS AT LANSERHOF AT THE ARTS CLUB Fitness health membership includes for example: • Access to the gym and gym induction • 3D Bodyscan • Cryotherapy session Full bespoke health membership includes for example: • Access to the gym and unlimited studio classes • Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and cryotherapy • Doctor appointments Full ultimate bespoke health membership includes for example: • 3D Body scans, spine or movement lab analysis sessions • Unlimited whole body cryotherapy • Doctor appointments For more information visit www.lanserhof.com/en/london

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Affordable Luxury at the laboratory spa & health club

L

uxury, style and elegance create the perfect environment to escape the many pressures of London life. Relaxation is essential to the body and mind and the Laboratory Spa and Health Club provides a gateway to undisputed tranquillity.

Twice winners of the UK Health Club of the Year award (National Fitness Awards) and previously voted best private Health Club and Spa in London by Time Out. No expense has been spared. Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule.

Their expansive gym floors flooded with natural daylight boast the very latest Lifefitness™ treadmills and bikes, designed in America they have both cutting edge technology and ergonomic engineering at their core.

A personalised fitness and well-being programme with over 100 different fitness classes that includes: • Schwinn cycling • BodyPump • Salsa • Aquatics • Yoga • Pilates • Meditation • Zumba Each Club also offers: • A spectacular 25 metre swimming pool cleansed

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with the latest UV light technology, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene with minimal levels of chlorine.

• Twin spa baths • Marble steam rooms • Scandinavian saunas The Lab’s philosophy is to not just treat the body, but the mind and soul as well. The Day Spa is a haven of peace and calm providing a chance to escape the stresses of daily life.

• Newly-refurbished treatment rooms • Facials • Massage • Body care therapies • Hot stone and reflexology to name but a few.

The Laboratory Spa & Health Clubs are one of the few remaining independent, privately owned Clubs in London. The Club is surrounded by its own secluded gardens where you can sun-bathe or relax in private.

Seb Barre, General Manager says “Our members stay with us because they value what we offer and love what we do. We provide an oasis of calm in a busy life. We aim to help you achieve your goals and increase your individual wellbeing. At the Lab you will be transported to a world of serenity, where muscle tension and the mind’s concerns simply melt away allowing you to emerge refreshed, balanced and energised.”

Lab members have full use of all facilities.

Non-members are welcome to use the Day Spa.

“Innovative, motivational and led by some of the UK’s finest and most-respected fitness professionals, the Lab offers an unrivalled and envied timetable to cater for every age, interest, and schedule”

THE DETAILS For further information call: Mill Hill: 020 8457 3300 - 1a Hall Lane, NW4 4TJ. Muswell Hill: 020 8482 3000 - The Avenue N10 2QE. www.labspa.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Why stilettos can be really bad for you thirties or forties, the fat pad on the bottom of the foot starts to atrophy and we lose some of our natural cushioning. Wearing high heels hastens the fat loss, increasing the chance of developing painful neuromas (nerve inflammation between the toes) and inflammation in general.

V

ictoria Beckham confessed that she “can’t do heels anymore” — and that revelation, from a style icon known for her sky-high stilettos, rocked the fashion world.

We admit they are not particularly comfortable - they make us contract our calves, balance on our toes, and stick out our backsides — which happens to be a pretty sexy look. That’s why about half of women opt for high heels, even though the majority of wearers complain they hurt their feet.

So what is so bad about heels, and how can we wear them without wincing and mincing?

Hell on heels “The unnaturally ultra-feminine body position that heels force us into isn’t how we’re designed to walk” says Jacqueline Sutera, a surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine. “Your entire skeleton is affected by heels but the issues start at the feet,” she says. “Wearing high heels day after day puts you at risk for a long list of foot problems, including calluses, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, bunions, sesamoiditis, tendonitis, a permanently shortened Achilles tendon, stress fractures, and sprained ankles.” Ouch!

Problems can worsen over time, and our bodies also become less able to handle heels. In our late 188 FEBRUARY 2020

Happier feet

“The unnaturally ultra-feminine body position that heels force us into isn’t how we’re designed to walk”

Fortunately, there are some things we can do to make heels more comfortable and buy our feet some time.

“Lift your soles…the recommended heel height is just 2 inches” says Dr. Sutera. “But you can stretch this rule with the help of a platform or wedge. These styles not only add height but also help distribute your body weight across a greater surface area, decreasing pressure on the forefoot,” she says.

Step softly. If you often walk on unforgiving surfaces like asphalt, concrete, or marble, put some distance between your foot and the ground. Look for cushioning in the toe box and limit your steps on paper-thin soles. Cushions may help, as may custom orthotics designed specifically for heels, but only if your shoes are wide enough to fit them comfortably. Squeezing toes together can worsen problems like hammertoes, bunions, and neuromas.

Don’t use your foot to break in your shoes.

During the time it takes to change the shape of leather or canvas, you could develop incurable issues. Buy a wider shoe or a shoe stretcher.

Treat your feet! Keep your feet, ankles, and lower legs flexible and strong by doing toe grip exercises and calf stretches. “Massage is super important,” says Dr. Sutera.

Now there is an excuse. .. doctor’s orders!

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Highgate Private Hospital Welcome to Exceptional Healthcare

I

f you are looking for first-class private healthcare with cutting edge technology and outstanding standards of nursing care and clinical excellence provided in a friendly and private setting, then look no further than Highgate Private Hospital.

Established for over 35 years, Highgate is a leading private hospital serving the needs of North London and the surrounding areas.

Easily accessible from central London and the home counties, the hospital is located in the centre of Highgate and offers everything you would expect from a local private hospital including outpatient clinics, private healthcare, and treatment in most medical specialties, such as diagnostic imaging, physiotherapy, pharmacy, minor operating suite, cosmetic surgery, Private GP Services and much more.

“Highgate Private Hospital can accommodate all types of surgery from a tonsillectomy to joint replacements” With 14 outpatient consulting rooms, 4 operating theatres, a minor operating suite, physiotherapy suite and a JAG accredited endoscopy suite.

Highgate Private Hospital can accommodate all types of surgery from a tonsillectomy to joint replacements. All patient bedrooms are private en-suite rooms, equipped with TVs, complimentary wifi, REN toiletries and have recently been voted number 1 for patient room décor in London. Your friends and relatives are welcome to visit at any time throughout the day.

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A wide range of nursing care services are also available including hearing tests, dressings and removal of clips/sutures, health screening, ECG’s, travel vaccines, phlebotomy, urine flow rate as well as pre and post-operative checkups.

The Imaging department at Highgate Private Hospital gives patients access to state-of-theart equipment and specialist services, including Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), 3/4D Ultrasound, Digital Fluoroscopy, and Digital X-Ray services.

For those of us that say that we don’t like hospitals, Highgate Private Hospital may just change your mind as it provides the feel of a 5-star boutique hotel in a hospital environment, working with more than 200 of London’s top consultants and specialists who serve the healthcare needs of the local community.

Whether you are an inpatient, day case or outpatient you will be cared for by a team of professionals who are dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment. The hospital welcomes both insured patients and those choosing to pay for their own treatment and is accepted by all major health insurers.

Flexible appointment times and longer opening hours are offered at Highgate Private Hospital and limited onsite complimentary car parking is provided.

For more information or to make an appointment call 020 8108 7031 or email enquires@highgatehospital.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

A little

TLC

for your Jewellery

“D

iamonds are forever”… enjoy wearing your beautiful jewellery pieces, but, if you want your diamonds and jewellery to be long lasting, do have your jewellery checked regularly. Michael Platt, Goldsmith and Jeweller in Wimbledon Village recommend this is carried out every twelve to eighteen months by a competent, experienced working Goldsmith for evidence of wear or damage. Michael Platt strongly emphasis the importance of having jewellery regularly professionally inspected and offer this complimentary service at their store in Wimbledon Village. There is a misconception held by many that jewellery never wears out! Platinum is a much harder wearing metal but is not indestructible and will wear with time; gold is softer and therefore wears down faster. Michael Platt have an in-store workshop and specialise in restoring all jewellery, modern, vintage or antique, often previously unchecked or inspected which is worn out resulting in the loss of precious and sentimental gemstones and/or diamonds. Have you knocked or caught your jewellery? can you feel a ring claw that is sharp? loose stones? Hurry, do visit Michael Platt to have your jewellery examined and checked over

by Professionals. Top quality restoration work, hand-crafted by the talented Goldsmiths at Michael Platt ensures your jewellery remains in good condition.

In the event of loss, good, up to date and adequate insurance covering all eventualities gives reassurance, peace of mind and the owner the opportunity to identically replace or restore the lost or damaged jewellery should the need arise. If you are fortunate enough to have been given a fantastic piece of jewellery recently, have you thought about insuring it? Insurance is an important and often overlooked step in the jewellery purchasing and

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giving process.

When insuring your jewellery, firstly, fully understand the terms of your insurance policy; be sure to read the small print. Most household policies have a total sum allowance for jewellery for non-itemised pieces but with a top limit amount per item, typically around £1,000 -£1,500. Articles above this limit must usually be itemised and backed up with a written detailed Valuation, many insurance companies insist upon this. A detailed Valuation eliminates any ‘grey’ areas when circumstances necessitate the need to claim from a policy. Michael Platt is skilled and experienced in providing written detailed Valuations for Insurance Replacement on all Jewellery, from all eras as well as Watch Valuations and Valuations for Probate and Divorce purposes.

Michael Platt recommends that your jewellery is re-appraised approximately every two years ensuring Valuations are accurate with up-to-date market values. If needed, Michael Platt can indicate specialised jewellery insurance providers.

There is no better time than the present to protect your precious and valued possessions. Do pop along to Michael Platt soon; for peace of mind, have your jewellery inspected and appraised for Insurance Replacement Valuation.

Michael Platt, 1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DW Open Tuesday-Sunday. www.michaelplatt.co.uk

before

after

BEFORE & AFTER

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

A Revolution in Hip Replacement Surgery

Meet our expert Consultant at our free patient events Come along, meet the team and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask.

Mr Sabri is a guest speaker at our next Orthopaedic specialist talk on 19th Feb Topic: Conventional and roboticarm assisted surgery for knee and hip surgeries.

For more information and to book your place, go to www.parkside-hospital.co.uk/ patient-events

Why do we need a robot to replace the hip?

Hip replacement surgery has been previously voted as one of the most successful procedure of the previous century. With time, there has been a study evolution with advancements in both material science as well as the minimally invasive, less disruptive approaches into the hip joint bringing the success rate to almost 95%. Since the 1970s, what has not evolved is the way surgeons plan and execute the surgery. Variation in human anatomy is endless and for the majority of patients the traditional implantation would adequate.

We now finally have a valuable addition to the surgeon’s armamentarium that introduces precision engineering to the implantation process.

What is a Mako Robot?

The Mako Robot is a robotic arm that allows the surgeon to implant a hip replacement in a position best suited to that individual patient. A detailed plan is devised before the surgery starts using a CT scan. At the start of the procedure the hip is then mapped in real time. The mapping is then matched with the CT scan producing a highly accurate simulation of the individual patient’s hip. This allows bespoke implant positioning and implantation by the surgeon using the robotic arm to ensure extreme accuracy. We are confident that this will translate to better outcomes and quicker recovery times.

Does the Mako robot provide any other benefits?

The ability of the surgeon to constantly crossreference every step with the pre-operative detailed plan in real time means that the margin for error is significantly reduced. The robot also knows where the patient’s pelvis is in 3D space irrespective of 194 FEBRUARY 2020

how they have been positioned on the operating table. The amount of bone resected in order to allow implantation is therefore measured more accurately to within a millimetre. All these added features equate to a safer procedure which is key.

What are the short and long term benefits over standard surgery?

In the short term, we would expect a quicker recovery with an accelerated return to daily activities in addition to driving, work and sport. This is due to the robot providing extra references that allow the surgeon to reduce the amount of tissue dissected and pulled about. Long term, by providing more accurate component placement, we would expect a reduction in the wear rate of these components and therefore longer survivorship.

“In the short term, we would expect a quicker recovery with an accelerated return to daily activities in addition to driving, work and sport” Are the results good?

Early results are hugely encouraging and we are increasingly confident that the use of robotics will improve the overall success of hip replacement surgery. The new technology adds no extra risk and promises to produce better short and long term results for the vast majority of patients.

The leap from progressive evolution to a revolution in Hip Replacement Surgery has finally arrived.

Omar Sabri Mr Sabri is a highly experienced hip and pelvis reconstruction surgeon that consults at Parkside Private Hospital. He specialises in complex hip and pelvic injuries and has pioneered a variety of surgical reconstruction modalities for these injuries. In addition to Robotic Total Hip and Total Knee replacement for a variety of pathologies, Mr Sabri also specialises in simple and complex lower limb trauma cases. Mr Sabri also has a special interest surgical technology and has co-developed a hip replacement virtual reality simulator to teach other surgeons how to perform the procedure.

For an appointment call: 020 3925 1062 or Email: info@parkside-hospital.co.uk www.parkside-hospital.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Focus on…

ALCOHOL RISKS Dr Angela Rai from The London General Practice discusses the risks associated with alcohol.

N

ew Year’s resolutions start to wane and the good intention of giving up alcohol is now passing as we return to our usual drinking habits. However, are we really aware of the risk of drinking alcohol? Alcohol is a powerful chemical that can have a wide range of effects on almost every part of the body including the brain, bones and heart.

UK drinking guidelines suggest there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. To keep the level of health risk low the national guideline suggests not to drink more than 14 units per week regularly. It is advised to spread alcohol consumption evenly over three days or more rather than binge drinking and aim for at least two alcohol free days each week.

One unit is 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, however as alcoholic drinks come in different strength and sizes, units are the way to see how strong your drink is. For example, one pint of 4% ABV beer and/or a medium glass (175 ml) of 12% ABV wine contains around two units of alcohol each. A strong 5.2% pint of beer contains three units and a strong wine, (14%), in a large glass at 250 ml, contains around three and a half units.

It takes on average around one hour to process one unit of alcohol so there is none left in the blood stream although this can vary from person to person.

There are short- and long-term health effects of alcohol. These can affect your body, lifestyle and mental health.

Alcohol effects on the brain. Small amounts can affect important functions like speech and movement. The medium-term effects of drinking can include slow reactions and impaired memory.

Alcohol is a depressant meaning that it can affect feelings and actions, and sometimes long-term mental health. While alcohol may have a temporary positive impact on our mood it can cause long term problems including anxiety, depression and memory problems.

Alcohol effects on the heart. Drinking large amounts all at once can slow the heart rate and breathing down to dangerously low levels. There is a clear link between drinking too much and having high blood pressure – and over time puts strain on

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the heart which can lead to cardiovascular disease and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Alcohol effects on the liver. Most alcohol that goes into the body is processed by your liver. Long term drinking can lead to a fatty liver, hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and cirrhosis. A fatty liver makes it harder for it to work; is preventable and will usually get better when you stop drinking. However, it can lead to an enlarged liver and alcoholic cirrhosis.

This is when the normal liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue and can lead to liver failure.

Alcohol effects on the gastrointestinal system.

Excess alcohol may lead to conditions including gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining, and stomach ulcers.

Alcohol effects on the bones. Alcohol negatively effects bones, disrupting the balance of calcium and vitamin D as well as affecting hormone levels. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, causing thinning of the bones.

Studies have also linked excess alcohol as a risk factor for cancers including breast cancer and oral cancers.

Drinking excessively affects social wellbeing - hangovers, less sleep, poor performance and absence from work and weight gain due to alcohol’s high calorie content.

Like many other drugs alcohol can be both physically and psychologically addictive. If you have any concerns about drinking it is advisable to seek medical attention and talk to your GP or other local alcohol services.

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

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Private GP services www.thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services www.londonocchealth.com

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

K

ing Edward VII’s Hospital is an independent private hospital with a proud history of Royal Patronage and a reputation built on quality of care.

The Hospital provides an extensive range of treatments that can be self-funded, both surgical and medical, ranging from life-improving hip replacement surgery to life-preserving prostate cancer treatment. Self-paying patients are able to choose their specialist and avoid waiting lists, getting back to enjoying everyday life with as little disruption as possible.

Investment in the latest cutting-edge technology not only continues the Hospital’s tradition of attracting the best specialists, it also helps deliver the highest standards of diagnosis, treatment and aftercare to its patients.

The outstanding quality of nursing care has been the Hospital’s trademark for over 120 years and it’s what patients talk about long after they have gone home. What truly sets the Hospital apart is that it provides medical care with the human touch, where its focus never waivers from its patient.

What’s more, the Hospital is also a registered charity. Its charitable work includes providing life-changing medical treatment to veterans of the Armed Forces through its Centre For Veterans’ Health. Any surplus the hospital makes is invested back into facilities, equipment and the provision of subsidised treatment to veterans.

All this means that King Edward VII’s is the hospital of choice for self-paying patients who expect more. To enquire about paying for treatment, contact the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA. www.kingedwardvii.co.uk; 020 7467 4344.

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Why King Edward VII’s is the hospital of choice for selfpaying patients

“The outstanding quality of nursing care has been the Hospital’s trademark for over 120 years and it’s what patients talk about long after they have gone home”

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Treating the most common skiing injury: a torn rotator cuff

A

ccording to a recent study by the Division of Sports Medicine at Stanford University, the most common injury from skiing and snowboarding is damage to the rotator cuff - whether a simple strain or tear. This is typically as a result of falling and crashing or incorrect pole planting.

King Edward VII’s Hospital orthopaedic surgeon and specialist in shoulder surgery, Mr Peter Reilly, explains how you’ll know if you’ve torn your rotator cuff and the possible treatments.

How to tell if you have torn your rotator cuff Symptoms of a torn rotator cuff include pain, weakness, restricted motion, clicking or catching when moving your shoulder.

The intensity of the pain can depend on your level of activity. For instance, reaching above your head or behind your back can result in sharp pain.

You are also likely to experience pain during routine activities such as combing your hair. Sleeping on the affected side may also hurt.

However, it is possible for someone with a torn rotator cuff to experience no pain, only weakness in the joint. It is important to seek medical advice if you feel weakness in the joint after a fall on the slopes.

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Treating a rotator cuff injury without surgery If you do not regularly perform strenuous exercise with your shoulders, anti-inflammatory medicines and steroid injections can help to relieve the pain while you strengthen the joint with physiotherapy.

However, treatment without surgery is not usually appropriate if you’re an active person, which you probably are if you ski.

Treating a torn rotator cuff with surgery Rotator cuff surgery is recommended if you use your arm for overhead work or sports or if the pain or weakness persists after non-surgical treatment.

The procedure delivers a number of benefits, including pain relief, improved shoulder stability, increased strength and range of movement and increased ability to use the joint It will take some time before you are able to use your shoulder again properly. But you should be able to return to work in around 4 weeks (if you have a manual job, you may not be able to return to work for 4-6 months). You should be able to drive again after 8 weeks.

If you’re going skiing this year, we hope you’ll enjoy an injury-free trip. If the worst happens and you need expert advice, contact the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA. www.kingedwardvii.co.uk; 020 7467 4344.

“Rotator cuff surgery is recommended if you use your arm for overhead work or sports or if the pain or weakness persists after non-surgical treatment”

FASHION, HEALTH & FITNESS

Get ready for the slopes!

W

ant to get to the end of your skiing holiday rejuvenated, and most importantly, injury-free? The answer is to prepare your body during the weeks leading up to your trip. This will not only reduce the risk of injuries and falls, but also improve your performance on the slopes.

Mr Simon Moyes, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert practicing at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, shares his tips on how to get ski-ready.

Why is pre-ski training so important?

Specific training is important because winter sports work your muscles in a different way to traditional exercise, such as running, skiing demands a mix of. eccentric, isometric and concentric muscle work to turn, skid, carve and jump.

A full day of skiing can therefore be quite a shock to the body – particularly if your job requires you to be desk-bound most of the day.

How to prepare your body Before a ski trip it’s recommended that you complete the below drills to improve overall fitness, posture, balance, and even your ski technique. Try to do the exercises in front of a mirror so that you are checking in on your form throughout: • Check yourself: Check out your ski position sideways in the mirror. Tuck your bottom under as far as you can, then stick it out as far as you can, then move 50 per cent of the way between the two.

The aim is to retrain hips and pelvis to find the ideal half-way “neutral” position, enabling muscles to work properly • Prepare your knees: Standing in the ski or snowboard position, bend your knees forward. The middle of your kneecap should be directly above your 2nd toe. Bend and straighten your knee in the correct position for about 30 - 60 times daily for a week or two before your trip. This will ensure you are correctly positioning your knees when skiing, reducing the chance of suffering with knee pain • Build your leg strength – quads (front of thighs): Split squats and step downs are one of the best ways to strengthen your quadriceps for 202 FEBRUARY 2020

skiing; try with just bodyweight initially then add weight gradually, using dumbbells or even just tins if working out at home. Quadricep muscles work in two ways on the slopes, helping as you both bend and straighten the knees.

• Build your leg strength – glutes (buttocks): To strengthen your gluteal muscles, try the ‘clam’ exercise. Lie on one side with hips and knees bent.

Keep ankles together and lift the top knee, then lower it again, like a clam opening and closing.

Repeat 30 times on each side.

Once on your ski trip, my top two tips for avoiding injury would be to ski within your abilities and stay off slopes which are going to be too much for you. Even more importantly. avoid drinking alcohol and skiing. One survey suggested up to 25% of people on the slopes can be over the limit, which can impact on confidence levels, as well as impairing decision making and reaction times – so keep the alcohol for the après and ski safe!

For more information on Simon Moyes and the services offered at Bupa Cromwell Hospital, visit bupacromwellhospital.com

Mr Simon Moyes Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Bupa Cromwell Hospital MB FRCS FRCSOrth DSMA

“A full day of skiing can therefore be quite a shock to the body – particularly if your job requires you to be deskbound most of the day”

www.byelise.com Tel: 01653 694932

BEAUTY& COSMETIC SURGERY

– Your guide to looking and feeling great this year – i m a g e : G E T TH E GLOSS

BEAUTY & COSMETIC SURGERY

206 FEBRUARY 2020

BEAUTY & COSMETIC SURGERY

Huda Beauty Lip Strobe in Angelic, £17, available from Harvey Nichols

Lip Gloss in Clear, £11, available from Glossier

Lipglass in Prrr, £16, available from MAC

GET THE GLOSS

This Nineties favourite is back in fashion and it’s all about attaining a glamorous shine, says Prudence Wade.

L

Maybelline Baby Lip Gloss Number 25 in Life’s a Peach, £3.99, available from Amazon

ip gloss is one of those items that can take you straight back to the Nineties - a time when all the make-up know-how you needed was the ability to apply a slick of sticky, glittery, berry-flavoured gloss to your mouth. And now it’s back - and luckily, it’s had an adult update. One of the best things about lip gloss is just how easy it is to use. Unlike some of the more complicated beauty trends of the moment - looking at you contouring - all you have to do is swish it on your lips in a vaguely neat way. So here are some of the lip gloss trends ruling the high street and the catwalks at the moment. And don’t worry, formulas have moved on since the 1990s you shouldn’t have your hair sticking to your lips quite so often...

Pale and interesting Two decades ago, the idea of lip gloss giving you a ‘no make-up make-up’ look would have been practically inconceivable. Now, it’s very much on trend. Instead of going for a crazy colour or sticky finish, opt for a shade that suits your lip colour and gives it a softer, natural look. Depending on your skintone, gentle rosy pinks and peach colours work well, making your lips look polished and dewy - like you’ve just rolled out of bed, in a good way. The key to this look - and when applying any lip gloss - is preparation. “Ensure your lips are well prepped by using an exfoliator first to get rid of any dryness,” explains Sascha Jackson, lead make-up artist at Stila

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UK. “If you are using a nude or semi-transparent gloss, I recommend using a lip liner close to your natural lip colour just to create shape.”

Glass lips Once you’ve mastered paler shades, you’ll be ready to graduate to a glass finish; a lip gloss with an extra-shiny, almost mirror-like look to it.

“This is a slightly wet look all over, which gives a healthy and youthful appearance,” explains make-up artist Stacey Whittaker. “This particular look is

Oh My Gloss Oil Tint Lip Gloss in Pink, £6.99, available from Amazon

Beauty Boss Lip Gloss in Pink Slip, £14, available from Stila

popular on catwalks and creates an editorial feel. My top tip for applying gloss is that a little goes a long way,” she adds. “Apply a small amount to the centre of your lips and use your finger to carefully blend this towards the outer corners.” With an ultra-glossy lip, it can be hard to know what to do with the rest of your make-up. “I like to team this with a glossy or creamy finish on the cheeks, but then a matte or suede eye,” notes Jackson. “The difference in textures really complement each other.”

Dior Addict Lip Plumping Lacquered Ink Lipstick in Lovely-D, £30, available from John Lewis

Plump it up If you’re not keen on injectables or other enhancements, there are plenty of products on the market that offer a non-surgical plump-up - all you have to do is swipe on some lippy. In fact, the phrase ‘plumping lip gloss’ has seen a 45% increase in searches on Pinterest from October 2018 to October 2019. These kinds of lip glosses tend to include tingle-inducing hyaluronic acid, a beloved skincare ingredient often used to help with hydration - and better hydrated lips can mean a bouncier, fuller pout. Jackson is a particular fan of Stila Beauty Boss Lip Gloss, saying: “It’s enriched with hyaluronic filling spheres which naturally smooth and give a more plump appearance. The pigments are incredible, which means you don’t have to layer lipstick underneath to get a good colour.”

Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam, £6, available from Nyx

Lady in red A bold red lip is a classic look, and one most of us apply with lipstick. But what about trying that red lip with gloss? You might find it’s easier to apply and lasts longer. Either opt for an already shiny red lip gloss, or use any red you have and layer a clear product on top. “For the festive season, adding a soft sheen gloss over a pop of coloured lipstick is bang on trend for Christmas 2019,” says Whittaker.

“Opting for a soft sheen will add dimension to your lips and create a plump and full effect.”

Lancome L’Absolu Gloss Plumping Lipgloss in Rosy Plump, £24, available from John Lewis

Shot of Colour Lip Oil in Flash Me!, £19, available from MAC

MUA Velvet Matte Liquid Lip in Reckless, £3, available from Superdrug

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BEAUTY & COSMETIC SURGERY

BEFORE

DAY 2

Addressing the true reason for Facial Ageing O

ver time, the tissues of the face begin to sag, which is why the face can appear aged.

If your face is experiencing more laxity than you’d like, we have an exclusively new treatment that is non-surgical and will lift your face without leaving any trace or scars No matter how well you look after yourself and your skincare regime, the tissues of the face will begin to sag as you get older, which is why the face can appear aged. We are the only clinic in the UK that can offer this exclusive Infinite-Thread® treatment. This is the first facelift using threads without any surgery or scars.

The Treatment Infinite-Thread® is a non-surgical facelift which takes place under local anaesthetic and you can return home on the same day. The Infinite-Thread® Lift’s unique design repositions the tissue on your face, back to their original positions to support the natural shape of your face. Ordinary painkillers are all the post-treatment aftercare that you’ll need….

What areas does it treat?

• Cheeks and cheekbones • Jowls • Sagging skin

The Parallel Technique This procedure can only be carried out by specifically trained doctors, using what is known as the Parallel Technique. Dr Ravi Jain has championed

210 FEBRUARY 2020

the introduction of this new treatment to Riverbanks Wellness and he is the first doctor in the UK to master this treatment.

The Parallel Technique places 3 threads on each side of the face, independent of each other, in order to treat different areas, e.g. the malar zone which is responsible for the collapse of the cheekbones and creation of nasolabial folds. They are also placed along the jaw line to improve the appearance of jowls and marionette lines. If the neck area is being treated, 4 threads will be inserted on each side of the neck. Once these threads are placed, they are invisible. These threads superior to other absorbable threads on the market in that it is a permanent thread and the effects are lasting for more than 7 years and counting, other threads last from 6-12 months.

You’re in good hands We are thrilled to offer this new and exclusive treatment to patients at Riverbanks Wellness. If you’re worried about the condition of your skin or are nervous about surgical treatments to give your face the spring of life again, this could be the perfect treatment for you.

Award-winning suspension thread treatment Infinite-Thread has been honoured with the 2019 Best Suspension Thread award. This is an amazing award and we are extremely proud that this permanent tensor thread has been elected by a panel of experts composed of plastic surgeons, cosmetic doctors and dermatologists around the world.

Dr Rav i Jain

THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list. Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582 762877 to book in.

Do you have a friend that is looking to revitalise their skin? Do you know of anyone that is uncomfortable with their body but doesn’t know where to turn?

When you refer a friend to us, you can both receive

10% off

your next visit.

All you need to do is ensure your friend quotes your name when they are booking a treatment and we’ll do the rest.

If you’ve got any questions, please talk to reception or contact us: Reception@riverbankswellness.com 01582 762877

BEAUTY & COSMETIC SURGERY

Vegan-Friendly skincare at

The Natural Beauty Pot Lovers of gentle skincare rejoice, as handmade skincare company The Natural Beauty Pot has announced its debut collection of cleansing oils, to add to its extensive range of gentle, truly natural skincare

W

ith three sumptuous new formulations on offer, even those with the most sensitive of skin will be able to enjoy a luxurious yet effective cleanse, to start and finish each day beautifully.

The cleansing oils are all free from chemicals and toxins, and are vegan-friendly too, using gentle, natural oils as a rich base to help you melt away makeup, daily debris and excess oil in a flash, including waterproof makeup and mascara. Plus, they’re packed with skin-loving fatty acids and antiinflammatories, as well as vitamins A, C, D and E to help calm and care for your skin as you cleanse.

Sensitive and easily-irritated skin types can indulge without worry in the Gentle Cleansing Oil, a strippedback yet sensual offering that uses kind ingredients to care for your skin without causing a drama. The simple ingredients list comprises just gentle grapeseed oil, silky sunflower oil and a good helping of nourishing vitamin E, to protect and hydrate the skin as you cleanse. A multi-tasking marvel, the unscented Gentle Cleansing Oil will balance the skin, improve elasticity, reduce acne-causing bacteria and calm an irritated complexion in just one use.

Dry and dehydrated? You’ll love the decadent Soothing Cleansing Oil, which harnesses the restorative power of rose to give you a gorgeous glow. Blending luxurious Rose Absolute with jojoba, grapeseed and sunflower oils, the Soothing Cleansing Oil works to deeply nourish and rehydrate the skin, restoring radiance in a flash whilst soothing the soul and relaxing the mind with its heady and romantic natural fragrance.

If your complexion is oily or blemish-prone, then the Balancing Cleansing Oil is the perfect option.

Rebalance, reset and refresh congested complexions quickly and simply, with this powerfully purifying cleanser. Designed with problematic skin in mind, the non-comedogenic Balancing Cleansing Oil uses 212 FEBRUARY 2020

“Across the globe, the demand for clean beauty products is higher than ever before. Natural skincare has seen a global boost in demand, with a third of consumers now actively seeking to increase their usage of clean and natural products”

lemon and cedarwood to deep-cleanse and detoxify the skin, giving you a calmer and clearer complexion in mere moments. Plus, its clean scent will help you feel wide-awake in the mornings, and clarify your mind at sundown too.

The three new cleansing oils from The Natural Beauty Pot join the brand’s existing collection of 14 unisex skin and body products. The range currently includes mood-boosting aromatherapy bath salts, vegan-friendly facial oils, multipurpose balms and a relaxing body oil, all powered by plants, natural ingredients and essential oils.

Across the globe, the demand for clean beauty products is higher than ever before. Natural skincare has seen a global boost in demand, with a third of consumers now actively seeking to increase their usage of clean and natural products.

The Natural Beauty Pot, and its line of truly clean and 100% natural beauty products, is a discerning choice for those interested in gentle, natural skincare and beauty. Founded by beauty therapist Shauna Gallagher, The Natural Beauty Pot promises gentle and effective skincare for every skin type, with handmade formulations and truly natural ingredients. The new addition of the cleansing oil collection is another way to make it easier than ever before for consumers to find skincare that they can really trust, with pure, handmade formulas and tried-and-trusted ingredients, all used and tested by Shauna herself. www.naturalbeautypot.co.uk

BEAUTY & COSMETIC SURGERY

If moles could talk…

W

e often notice moles on our skin – some have been with us since birth while some make an appearance overnight. But what exactly are these spots and what are the key things to keep in mind? In this article we uncover – what is a mole and when to be concerned?

To start of, let’s understand what a mole really is; a mole (or melanocytic naevus) is the term applied to a lesion on the skin made up of a cluster of cells called melanocytes (pigment cells).

Spot the difference Moles can differ in shapes, size and colour. Most moles are brown, but they vary from flesh coloured to brown or blue and sometimes black. Most people have moles and some people have more than others. They can affect any part of the body.

Most are formed before the age of 20, but some people can develop new moles well into their 30s or beyond.

Vigilance is key The vast majority of your moles are benign (non cancerous) and never cause any trouble. However, a small number may change and have the potential to become a cancerous mole (malignant melanoma).

So, if you notice any changes in your mole, be it: • the size or colour or shape • if it itches • is painful or bleeds • if new nodules develop within or around it • or it looks red and inflammed the mole should be checked by a dermatologist and removal considered.

Examining that treacherous spot If you observe changes in your mole, you need to see a dermatologist. The mole should be removed if there are concerns that a melamoma could be developing. Moles can either be: • Benign (non cancerous) – most moles are harmless • Dysplastic - these are thought to be precancerous moles that have the potential to become malignant melanomas. Although many of them will not become cancerous it important that they are closely monitored for change in size, shape, colour and symptoms such as itching or bleeding, and removal considered by a dermatologist.

• Malignant melanoma – these moles have developed into a skin cancer.

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Early detection of melanoma is so important!

Malignant melanomas (cancerous moles) have the ability to spread around the body. The earlier they are diagnosed the better. Like any other cancer it is important that people who have had malignant melanomas are treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists which includes a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, oncologist and a skin pathologist.

Crucial check ups Some groups of people should be regularly checked for abnormal moles. These include people who have had a malignant melanoma in the past or have a family history of melanoma, people who have fair skin or red hair and those with a large number of moles (dysplastic naevus syndrome).

People who have had considerable sun exposure, particularly with episodes of severe sunburn when young, or have used sunbeds, should get their moles checked regularly.

Avoid use of sunbeds. Sunbed use is a high risk activity that can cause malignant melanoma.

Remember prevention is always better than cure.

So stop and take a look at your moles and see what your moles are trying to tell you and whether you need to get your moles checked by a dermatologist.

Dr Eleanor Mallon Consultant Dermatologist 108 Harley Street

The Details 108 Harley Street Skin Clinic 108 Harley Street London W1G 7ET To book an appointment contact our team on 0207 563 1234 info@108harleystreet.co.uk For further information, visit us at www.108harleystreet.co.uk Photo by Catherine on Unsplash

BEAUTY & COSMETIC SURGERY

Berry Beautiful

catches up with make-up artist Zara Findlay, who reveals her top tips for bold lips.

Catrice Cosmetics Power

Katie Wright

Plumping Gel Lipstick in 100 Game Changer, £3.95, available from Justmylook

B

erry-toned lips have become a winter beauty staple and this year, they’re more relevant than ever, thanks to the AW19 catwalks. From deep merlot at Versace and Roksanda, to juicy plum at Simone Rocha and Tommy Hilfiger, to purple so dark it was almost black at Yohji Yamamoto - this season, the bold lip rules. But if you’re used to wearing nude tones or classic red, darker shades can be rather intimidating.

“Lipstick is all about confidence and how comfortable you feel wearing it,” says Zara Findlay, pro make-up artist at Bobbi Brown. Here, Findlay explains how to find the best berry shade for you, plus three ways to wear the trend, and how to tailor the rest of your make-up...

Finding your perfect berry “I like to call this the Five Finger Trick. Pick up five berry lip colours that you’re attracted to - even if you don’t think they will suit you - in different finishes such as matte, sheer or shiny. Swatch them onto your finger tips and looking into a mirror, place each finger against your lip. You will instantly see whether you like the colour against your skin.

Just think ‘yes, no or maybe’. This is all about the process of elimination. Clean off the lip colours that are definitely a ‘no’ and you are left with one or two to try. From there, you will be able to decide which is your favourite colour - or you may just end up taking them both.”

Crushed OilInfused Gloss, £19, available from Bobbi Brown

on the lips. If you’re worried about how much colour the lipstick has, my favourite tip is to line and fill your lips with your go-to nude lip liner then add the lipstick on top. This will give you a slightly more muted version of the original colour. To get the fullest colour pay off, maybe for a special event, pick a lip liner that is a similar tone, line the lips, apply lipstick, then add a gloss on top for a full-coverage, glossy finish.

Nars Lipstick in Full Time Females, £22, available from Nars Nudestix Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil in Raven, £20, available from Cult Beauty

Make-up to wear with berry-toned lipstick “If you’re wearing it sheer, you can doll up your eyes and cheeks to add a little more colour to the rest of your face. I love running a little of the lipstick between my fingertips and bouncing it on my cheeks as a soft blusher. If you’re wearing it as medium coverage, you are able to play with how bold or subtle the rest of your make-up is. If you’re wearing it with full colour pay off, it’s best to keep the eyes really subtle. Maybe just a clean liner and a soft wash of a nude shimmer shadow.”

Zara Findlay, pro make-up artist at Bobbi Brown; Circle: model backstage at Simone Rocha AW19, make-up by MAC

Lipstick Queen Lip Mousse in Royal Icing, £22, available from Space NK

Kiss Me Quick Lipstick in Plum Pout, £20, available from Tropic

How to wear your berry lip “Lipsticks can we worn in all kinds of ways. If you want the colour to be sheer, use your finger to swipe a little colour and press it on your lip.

This will give you your sheerest coverage and a ‘lip stained’ effect. You can add your favourite lip balm on top for a more moisturised finish. To get a medium colour pay off, swipe the colour directly 218 FEBRUARY 2020

Kat Von D XO Vinyl Lip Cream in Dahlia, £18, available from Debenhams

Proper self care is key, and at 303 Face | Body, founder Marci Lundy makes certain that her line of skincare and wellness products helps others create and maintain a balanced self care journey.

“Self care is paramount. We all have to make sure that we take time each day to pamper ourselves, and my skincare and wellness line is designed to do just that,” Marci states.

“Whether you are taking a moment to center while creating a ritual/regimen in the morning or evening while cleansing your skin with the Rose Tonic Facial Astringent by 303 Face | Body, or enjoying a delightful loose leaf tea blend from the SubtleTEAS line by 303, the focus is on bringing forth your best, healthy self.

Made for you. Made for someone you love. A line of lush body oils, moisture rich creams, youth serums, purifying astringents, soothing loose leaf teas, and healing bracelets can all be found at 303 Face | Body.

303facebodyorganics.com

House &

garden – Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AG E : TH E TO P LIGHTING TR E NDS F OR 2 0 2 0

SPONSORED BY

Expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS Effortless glamour of Parisians A breezy blend of carefree whimsy and monarchy-style elegance, this look lives in the moment and does so with effortless grace. Made for modern lifestyles, these interiors embody the spirit of Paris, bringing together personality, elegance, and practical luxury. Like French fashion, these interiors never seem too perfect. There’s a note of playfulness and carefree attitude to them. It’s this effortlessly refined feeling that makes them special and ever so French. www.cultfurniture.com

KEEPING COSY

A dreamy watercolour print in rich shades of indigo, green and turmeric will make the perfect winter statement in your bedroom. Made from organic cotton percale, Floressence bed linen can be complemented perfectly with a Cocoon chunky cotton throw in cinnamon or ochre. You will love the Loft Linen in a calming natural tone. Complement it with deep winter layers of cinnamon, ochre or charcoal blankets in cotton for a sumptuous bedroom setting. www.wallacecotton.co.uk

DREAMING OF SPRING

Add the ultimate finishing touch to your spring cleaning activities, and invigorate your mind with Petits Rituels Spring home fragrance collection.

With their energising and uplifting aroma, these spring fragrances are perfect for clearing out all the mental cobwebs that have accumulated throughout the winter. www.petitsrituels.com

make it Moroccan

We are loving this Habitat SS20 Design Trend Riad. An earthy, Moroccan inspired colour palette is mixed with hand woven rattan designs and traditional kilim pattern translated across textiles. www.habitat.co.uk 222 FEBRUARY 2020

MAKE A STATEMENT

When you are looking for a fantastic statement piece, this rather stunning pendant light will suit a large space. Designed for tall ceilings, the light offers particular interest due to the ability to control which LED’s illuminate.

For guaranteed impact! www.brand-designs.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

this year’s top Interior Trends

Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at FurnitureChoice.co.uk, shares her top 5 interior trend predictions for 2020 and how to get the look in the home. reflects the purpose of the room so it’s important to know when to heat things up or tone it down. “In the dining area, fire up the atmosphere with canyon clay on the walls,” Rebecca says. “As a toned-down version of orange, it’s a feel-good colour that invites conversation and stirs up the appetite. Colour block it with the wholesome lines of black dining set to create a laidback vibe that’s both eclectic and effortless.” ​

4. Luxurious marble finishes

1. Eco-friendly and sustainable practices Incorporating sustainable practices into the home has never been more important or on-trend for 2020.

One key way to start is to use non-toxic paint on the walls. Free from volatile organic compounds (VOC), non-toxic paint reduces environmental impact by removing chemicals like formaldehyde in the air, which can cause respiratory problems. “Switching to non-toxic paint is more than just a trend,” Rebecca says. ”It’s a strong reminder for us to be mindful of our choices and the impact it has on our planet.”

Going green also presents the opportunity to highlight natural and sustainable materials such as wood, jute or rattan which are a subtle nod to the great outdoors. “Good interior design is not only about aesthetics but also about improving your wellbeing,” Rebecca says. “Choose items that are long-lasting and have an enduring appeal. And don’t forget to add actual greenery too, with indoor plants to bring a burst of life to your space.”

2. Japandi minimalist style A hybrid of Scandinavian and Japanese design, Japandi is the hotly tipped minimalist trend for 2020. Both these styles share the same principles: clean, uncluttered interiors that are defined by functional yet sophisticated statement pieces. “The Japandi trend brings together all the details we love about Japanese and Scandinavian design by focusing on simplicity,” Rebecca says. “In the living room, stick to the simple silhouette of a grey fabric sofa and a neutral palette which ticks all the boxes of Japandi by staying true to its minimalist philosophy.”

3. Earthy colour schemes Warm, earthy hues are set to be a favourite in 2020 and can be incorporated into many areas of the home for a bold but relaxing twist. In this update, the colour scheme 224 FEBRUARY 2020

Known for its glamorous finish, marble heads to the dark side with black marble taking the spotlight.

“Black marble is set to be a big trend for 2020,” Rebecca declares. “Chic and dramatic, a black marble table in the dining room displays all the hallmarks of luxury with its elegant high gloss finish but with a touch of modern edge. Pair it with curved black fabric dining chairs for an Art Decoinspired touch. However, if a black centrepiece is too over the top for the home, a classic white marble table will always be a timeless pick. Opt for a style with a central pedestal design to maximise space and legroom.”

5. Modern bohemian decor Bohemian-inspired decor gets an update next season by moving away from its usual explosion of colours and patterns towards a more paredback and sophisticated look. “In 2020, we will see a modern take on bohemian decor that’s all about creating a soothing atmosphere with soft, neutral fabrics and rattan,” Rebecca says. “A neutral palette sets a solid foundation to start mixing and matching textures. The fabric and rattan layers add depth to the bedroom while sticking to bohemian design’s signature style.” www.furniturechoice.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Roger Oates Design

I

n celebration of 30 years of iconic flatweave, Roger Oates Design has created ‘The Anniversary Collection’. Designs from the past three decades are re-imagined alongside brand-new additions, all inspired and influenced by a rich archive of work. Embracing the past, the present and the future, unmistakeable signature stripes and distinguished colours are at the heart of the collection.

Charleston, a design from the first Roger Oates collection in 1989, has been re-launched in two of the original colourways alongside a third new, neutral shade.

Other classic designs from the past 30 years, Lennox, Ashby and Trent, have been re-imagined in modern, sophisticated colourways, whilst Ixworth, a brand-new design, has been conceived of re-interpreted elements from perennial design favourites.

Each process involved in the design and manufacture of Roger Oates Design flatweave takes place in the UK. With a hands-on approach to making, skilled weavers and craftspeople are involved at every stage. A British Cheviot wool blend is woven on traditional Hattersley looms, to produce three standard widths of flatweave to suit almost any staircase. With an intrinsic suppleness and a natural woven edge, flatweave can be installed on both straight and winding stairs as well as hand-joined for wall-to-wall areas and bespoke rugs. The extensive collection of simple fine lines and bold stripes in sophisticated neutrals and vibrant brights make a statement in all stylish homes from contemporary town houses to cosy rural retreats.

As part of a bespoke service, the design team can also create unique runners to suite personal schemes. Designs can be re-coloured and woven to wider or narrower widths to adapt to individual projects.

On opening the front door, the stairway is the first thing visitors see; by creating something beautiful for this functional and, all too often neglected space, Roger Oates Design stair runners transform those initial impressions into something special and memorable. With designs and colourways numbering over 150, this truly British product has become a design classic, furnishing floors not only in the UK but across the globe. www.rogeroates.com Tel: 020 7351 2288

226 FEBRUARY 2020

Best of British N

estled away between the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border lies a busy studio and workshop which provides a home to Elliott of London.

Elliott of London was created and founded

by Charles Elliott, who is now an internationally renowned British sculptor making a serious mark on the scene and industry. Charles works closely with his small team of dedicated craftsmen to push the boundaries, crafting bespoke handmade bronze and metal sculptures.

Charles’ strong passion and an eye for detail, mean there is no room for error and no project too

big or small!

From the most delicate of a Bronze Ballerina sculpture to a Life-Size Handcrafted Rearing Horse towering in at just over 13ft, every intricate detail is thoroughly planned and executed to perfection by Charles and his team.

With the sculptures being showcased, hired, purchased and publicised globally Charles and his team are making a real impact.

Being able to use traditional British methods and tools dating back to the 1900’s and adding a twist of modern mind and technology, the possibilities are endless.

Studio visits are welcome anytime during the week and weekends are by appointment only, all commissions are welcome, with no job too big or small!

THE DETAILS To browse the current selection of sculptures and modern art please visit: www.elliottoflondon.co.uk Follow on Instagram or Facebook: Elliott of London – British Sculpture Email: info@elliottoflondon.co.uk Studio: 01494 758896

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H OUSE & GARDEN

Hingstons Antiques

the story of a boy ‘no use to man nor beast’

N

ick Hingston left school in 1976 with shall we say limited qualifications (4 O levels, that included a Grade 1 rural science pass that qualified as an O level!)

‘Son, you’re no use to man nor beast’ my father kindly stated, he was never far from a comment to keep me grounded! He had an Antique business in Southampton that he had started in the mid 1960’s.

‘I will take you on the road with me to see if you can cut it as a dealer.’

He added ‘I’m not going to give you any money as it doesn’t hurt the same if you lose somebody else’s money as it does your own.’

So, I accompanied him on the road learning slowly about the business and all the time drawing experience from the many old-time dealers who had dealt during the great depression and WWII. After buying an old Southern Electricity van I trundled around all the junk shops of Southampton buying furniture and other items for the dealers who started calling on me as I never resented leaving them a profit. Of course, my father was the first to be waiting for me when I got home to peruse what I had bought and to see what he could buy. He was free with his knowledge, but only after he had bought the items from me! On one occasion I recall that after selling him a Royal Doulton vase that I thought was unsigned, he cradled it carefully in his hands before he walked back to the house telling me with satisfaction ‘That my boy is by George Tinworth, he didn’t sign his work on the underside like all the other artists but hid his in the decoration’ A great piece of knowledge imparted but to this day has never been of any use as I never found another piece that had been missed in the 40 years since.

I was now married with children and a small room to store my stock had become a large shed in

228 FEBRUARY 2020

the New Forest, that I helped to erect. Dealers not only locally had found me, but also dealers from all over the developed world came to buy my furniture and small items. I had an eye for the best designs and quality I was told, and so that helped me find more and more clients.

Opportunity arose to buy a retail premises in Wilton in the early 1990’s which allowed us to display our goods to the wider world, now not only dealers could see our stock, but many local private clients could view our range of stock soon becoming regular customers, many becoming friends.

The trade was changing dramatically as the 21st century came upon us, the US, Australian, New Zealand, Spanish, Italian, German, French dealers who used to appear with rolls of stickers to buy multiple items were not flying/travelling to the UK as often as they used to, mostly due to retirement as they had made their fortunes, fortunately we had developed a strong following as our reputation had grown further and we started to advertise our items on the internet, expanding our reach further.

It was again time to relocate our showrooms and 6 years ago we purchased a derelict old pub that we refurbished and is now home, providing 10 showrooms and with its own carparking.

We look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms or website and hope you find an item you will treasure as countless of customers have done for 44 years. We provide London quality at country prices, which is why we have always been popular with our many London clients and interior decorators. www.hingstons-antiques.co.uk 01722 742263

Hingstons Of Wilton Purveyors of Antiques and decorative items (est. 1976)

T: 01722 742263

E:nick@hingstons-antiques.co.uk

The Old Bell House, 2 Shaftesbury Road, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0DR

www.hingstons-antiques.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Art Deco Style

S

from Swadling Brassware

wadling Brassware was founded by Jeremy Swadling in the 1970s from a small workshop in Petersfield, Hampshire is part of the Matki Plc Group.

Starting as a maker of bespoke wooden canopy baths and accessories, Jeremy then realigned his focus to creating Bathroom Brassware in keeping with the high quality of his original creations and the unique style of period English properties.

Today, Swadling Brassware remains focused on driving Brassware innovation, passionate about working with Classic design and dedicated to creating quality pieces, crafted and finished as carefully as the one-offs in Jeremy’s first workshop.

The Swadling Brassware factory is still based in Waterlooville, Hampshire where all Shower Assemblies, Basin Mixers, Bath Mixers and Accessories are manufactured, plated and polished; operating with an expert team.Introducing what might just be your favourite bathroom brassware brand – the super stylish Swadling Brassware.

Taking inspiration from traditional bathroom fittings, and using market leading temperature and flow controls, Swadling Brassware, part of the Matki Group, makes products with the enduring style of classic eras and the safety and reliability of modern, approved technologies.

Swadling offers four impressive collections – the latest being their Illustrious Collection. Although inspired by the early 20th century, the look of each piece is definitely contemporary, conjuring the rare and lavish ornamentation of the Art Deco era.

The style of Swadling Brassware is synonymous with what you’d expect at a trendy boutique hotel – luxurious, quintessentially British, with unexpected touches. The period charm of the Illustrious collection shows off a classic design in of-themoment finishes, including an ultra-modern Black Lip Pearl and a super-chic Brushed Gold.

The Illustrious cross handle design has a carefully sculpted shape. The centre of the handle can be adorned with a choice of four discs; Black Glass,

White Glass, Mother of Pearl and Black Lip Pearl.

The collection includes single, double and triple thermostatic shower mixers, hand showers, deluge shower heads, body jets, basin and bath mixer taps.

Currently undergoing testing for WRAS and NSF REG4 certification, the Wall Mounted Basin Mixer and Manifold are priced from £703.20, a Single Controlled Thermostatic Shower Mixer at £882.00 and Floor Mounted Manual Bath Shower Mixer at £2,156.40.

To find out more visit www.swadlingbrassware. co.uk or call 02392 255536.

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“Although inspired by the early 20th century, the look of each piece is definitely contemporary, conjuring the rare and lavish ornamentation of the Art Deco era”

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms.

Commercial & International commissions welcomed

TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Keeping London Magnificent

W

hen I first got involved in the security door and window industry, I thought I knew at least a bit about doors and windows, having used them all my life. As it turned out, I had a bit of an eye-opener when it came to the ease and speed with which criminals can gain entry to a property through various types of locks and doors.

Everything I saw from lock picking to purely just kicking down the door made me realise that my front door had given me a false sense of security all this time.

Affluent counties have reported year-on-year increases in burglaries during the latest release of annual crime stats and there are currently neighbourhoods in London where we’re helping to combat burglaries from mopeds crashing through front doors. There’s never any harm in being proactive and taking precautions to ensure your family and possessions are protected. A high quality security door can do so much more than just keep

232 FEBRUARY 2020

“When you’re designing a property, you need to be able to personalise the security aspects so they fit seamlessly into the overall look and feel, without detracting from it”

intruders (not to mention wind, fire, water, cold and noise) out. It can improve a property’s aesthetic, raise its value and decrease the cost of insurance.

We’re starting to see a trend where new builds and refurbishments are including an element of panic rooms, security doors or security windows as standard. When you’re designing a property, you need to be able to personalise the security aspects so they fit seamlessly into the overall look and feel, without detracting from it. Our bespoke design service and ability to literally incorporate any door furniture into the manufactured product, gives you all the flexibility you’ll ever need.

Why Magnificent Security?

• Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features.

• Security - incredibly durable panic rooms, security doors and security windows with bulletproof or triple-glazed security glass.

• Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients.

• Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty.

• Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install and service your new security doors, security windows and panic rooms, whilst removing and recycling anything that is being replaced.

• Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station. www.magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk

Security doors, windows and panic rooms

Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features.

Security - incredibly durable doors and windows with bulletproof or triple glazed security glass.

Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients.

Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty.

Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install, and service your new doors and windows, whilst removing and recycling your old ones.

www.magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez | 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk

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The Top Lighting Trends For 2020

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anish winter gloom and give rooms a bright update with some fresh lighting. Gabrielle Fagan spotlights this year’s key trends.

Winter’s long dark nights may linger, but if you start the New Year with razzle-dazzle lighting, you can banish the gloom at home and make rooms sparkle. There’s a host of new lighting effects and lights on the horizon to choose from, and experts at Habitat, Christopher Wray, Andrew Martin and Heal’s have made it easy for you to transform your home.

Here, they reveal the top trends and their best buys, so you can simply plug yourself in and switch on to 2020’s brilliant lighting solutions...

HABITAT Play with colour: “Introducing colour into the home through lighting is something which is becoming ever more popular,” says Clare Griffin, lighting buyer, Habitat. “Our Habitat colour palette for lighting, in our range of contemporary shapes and designs, lets people easily add pops of colour into interiors.”

Rule with rattan: “Rattan’s lightweight, durable, pliable and sustainable qualities make it one of our favourite materials to use in the design studio.

People love the unusual 3D forms and design pieces with an obvious hand-crafted, natural aesthetic,” says Griffin. “To move our rattan story on this season, we’ve moved away from just pure rattan to a new treatment of interwoven black and natural stripes, showing rattan being used in a more modern, graphic way.”

CHRISTOPHER WRAY Rock a retro vibe: “Homeowners are seeking more personalised, interesting pieces in their spaces, and there’s a real revival of evocative retro. The distinct bold vibrancy of the Seventies and the chintzy detail of the Eighties are both set to return to interior design,” predicts Chris Jordan, managing director, Christopher Wray. “For a more significant retro installation, we love the Decanter [from £495 per pendant], formed of fluted glass in a multi-light suspension. Its sculptural design is inspired by ancient monuments. Look out for also for Tiffany lamps, which are making a comeback.”

Invest in new industrial: “While copper fixtures and exposed bulbs have enjoyed prolonged popularity over the last decade, other aestheticallycooler burnished metals such as nickel and silver, as well as concrete, are set to star this year,” forecasts Jordan. “Pendants zoning kitchen or dining areas, hanging in pairs or triplets, will predominate. There’s less exposure of the bulb with these lights, and more classic forms will be important in the subtle presentation of this upcoming industrial style.”

ANDREW MARTIN Turn on to neon: “Neon lighting is now in high demand and is fast becoming a must-have in styleconscious homes,” says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin, one of the hottest destinations for innovative design. Feminist contemporary artist, Tracey Emin, who expressed her thoughts using 234 FEBRUARY 2020

industrial neon gas lights - including ‘The Kiss Was Beautiful’ and ‘I Promise To Love You’ - is credited with first popularising it in the early-Nineties.

Andrew Martin’s artwork collection overlays iconic photography and graffiti prints with modern lightup signage. “Nowadays, no room feels complete without art. The trend for neon lighting highlights the rise of maximalism as a luxury lighting trend,” says Waller. “We have an expansive range of lightup neon poster boards, to add some high voltage wit and rebellion to your walls. The Fifties, Sixties and Seventies-focused designs add a large dollop of nostalgia too.”

Let lamps shine: “Think of lamps as art pieces or sculptures, like a design-led finishing touch, and consider how your lighting choices will impact a room even when not switched on,” advises Waller. “Bold designs featuring sculptural shapes, interesting texture or coloured glass make a style statement when on or off. Our Linden table lamp, in plaster white or black, fits this brief perfectly.”

HEAL’S Embrace eco solutions: “Customers are increasingly looking for more energy-efficient lighting solutions and feel a growing responsibility to be sustainable across all aspects of life,” says Claire Anstey, lighting buyer, Heal’s. “LEDs not only reduce carbon emissions by consuming less energy and have a significantly longer life-span, but are also allowing designers to be much more creative.

The Ribbon, with its elegant, looping silhouette, is just one of the more decorative sculptural lighting solutions available.” Heal’s new collection, launching in March, has an extended LED range, featuring a host of new sleek, slim, sophisticated designs, alongside the Ribbon.

Look for lustre: “Following on from an emergence of coloured glass last year, expect to see a shift towards the more interesting finishes offered by electroplated lighting,” predicts Anstey. “Adding a contemporary twist to light fixtures, electroplating creates a high-shine, mirrored effect for a truly eye-catching, iridescent and distinctive look. “Our recently extended Kyoto range boasts a metallic lustre that creates a reflective surface when unlit,” she adds. “When switched on, the glazed effect enhances the glow of the bulb and creates a warm ambience in darker spaces.”

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Dining in Style Bring out the Cheese Board Please be seated We love this generously proportioned extending dining table, ideal for dinner parties and occasions. It will seat up to ten people.

It has a solid ash base, ash veneer top, matt black lacquer finish and brushed brass foot caps and inlay details. 130-260cm x 100cm x 75cm. www.my-furniture.com

Bring Nordic cool to the table ProCook’s Oslo range brings Nordic cool to the table this winter, continuing the dining trend for reactive glaze stoneware.

Oslo tableware truly embraces the Scandinavian hygge trend with its organic shapes and cool grey tones with a subtle salt and pepper look. Easily dressed up for more formal dining the Oslo range is also perfect for everyday use. Oslo includes dinner and side plates which have flat bases and a sharp vertical lip, complimented by gently curved cereal and pasta bowls. www.procook.com 236 FEBRUARY 2020

Cheese. Canapes. Desserts. Take your pick. Or have them all. Serve up in style with the Coleridge Cheeseboards. Made from beautiful Slate with raw edges they come complete with soapstone pencils, to label the treats ready for guests to dig in. Just be sure to get in there before it’s all gone. www.gardentrading.co.uk

A touch of Elegance A beautiful pairing. The elegant Burford and Kingsley chairs in sumptuous grey velvet around Montague weathered oak dining table. www.laresidenceinteriors.co.uk

Looking ahead to Spring British homewares and lifestyle brand Sophie Allport get ready for Mother’s Day with an exclusive peak at one of her new Spring/Summer 2020 collections, as well as looking at some of the most perfect gifts and a variety of inspiration for setting up the ideal Mother’s Day. Sophie’s beautiful range includes a variety of items which make the perfect gift, from her wonderful bags to her beautiful Botanical Candles, ideal to set upon the table for an elegant meal.

There are over 40 designs in the collection that can be bought by the metre or as aprons, napkins, table runners, tea towels, notice boards, oven gloves and much more. There is also a whole range of fine bone china including mugs, jugs, teapots, plates, bowls, egg cups and tea tidies. All the fine bone china is hand decorated and finished in Stoke on Trent in the UK. www.sophieallport.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Wherefore Art Thou?

“T

he rose is red, the violet’s blue,The honey’s sweet, and so are you.

Thou art my love and I am thine; I drew thee to my Valentine”.

Yes it’s that time of year again when we send notes of our affection to the one we love, and thanks to Sir Rowland Hill’s postal reforms and the invention of the Penny Black stamp in c. 1840, we can send them anonymously.

Such was the popularity of sending a Valentine card in mid-February that over 400,000 were sent in 1842. According to legend there are several Christian martyrs who deserve the credit for the name given to this annual celebration. The most likely would seem to be a priest who was martyred by the emperor Claudius Gothicus II for befriending his jailor’s daughter and sending her a letter signed “from your Valentine”.

The actual middle of the month holiday dates back to the Roman celebration of the coming of Spring, pairing off men and women with fertility rights and other Roman goings on, called Lupercalia, which name was changed by Pope

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Gelasius at the end of the 5th century to St Valentine. But it was the development of the postal service worldwide that led to the frenzy of activity in all forms of card communication.

From then the simple postcard became as immediate a message service as we count the internet today. Plain postcards had been introduced in 1870 and in 1894 the Royal Mail gave permission to British publishers to manufacture them as a commercial and advertising medium. In those days we had the luxury of up to seven postal deliveries each day so likening it to emails is not too much of a stretch.

Today the postcard is another collectable. Those that follow are called ‘deltiologists’ and there are as many guides to price in this field as any other. For example look for any without a dividing line on the back. They will be before 1902, but beware. Believe it or not there are fakes.

On a brighter note let’s finish the Valentine verse from the beginning:- “The lot was cast and then I drew, And Fortune said it shou’d be you.”

There’s romance for you.

THE DETAILS John Bly Antiques: 24 High Street, Tring, Herts HP23 5AH email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com

ARCHITECTURAL INTERIOR DESIGN

New Road, Esher - See this client reference on our website

for a life less ordinary...

There are two common threads that unite our long list of clients; the first is their very real need to have a home that is a haven. The second is that they wish to be assured that the investment that they make in their property is going to yield a good return. This is what we do; we create beautiful homes that work hard for our clients.

Throughout the process we look to introduce ideas through intelligent design, adding real estate value at the points that count. See what our clients have had to say about us in the recommendations section of our website to know that, without exception, they have all felt delighted with our value added service.

WWW.LINDIREYNOLDS.CO.UK 079 4057 2554 - INFO@LINDIREYNOLDS.CO.UK

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H OUSE & GARDEN

SPACERS TILE AND WOOD FLOORING LTD

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“When you choose to buy your tiles or flooring from Spacers you are assured that it is among some of the best available in the world…”

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pacers Tile and Wood Flooring have been supplying high quality Engineered Oak floors, Porcelain Wall and floor tiles, mosaics, glass and Natural Stone tiles to the retail and commercial sector for over 25 years.

We have worked closely with our factories to produce a range of wood flooring and Porcelain Tiles that not only mirror current trends but is technically and environmentally the most advanced available.

All our Engineered Oak is thoroughly tested, is EUTR compliant and SVLK certified.

The top layer is genuine Western European Oak. None of it is Chinese or Siberian so you are assured of its source and quality.

The ‘Core” (the important bit) is constructed of single species Plantation Hevea (Rubberwood).

It doesn’t grow naturally in South East Asia so is farmed for this purpose. As the Hevea tree nears the end of its rubber producing life it is felled and immediately replaced with a younger sapling that not only uses up more harmful CO2 but also produces more rubber.

The Hevea used for the core of all our wood flooring has a density similar to Oak giving our floors unsurpassed stability in all different climates and environments. Hevea will always outperform any plywood or softwood cored material found in so many cheaper alternative wood floors.

The back layer construction is also a locally grown plantation pine species, which again adds to the already excellent stability of our flooring.

The vast majority of our wood flooring has

undergone some degree of hand finishing ensuring a consistent high quality, high performance wood floor. This hand finishing gives each of our floors a ‘bespoke’ feel. Our ‘Antique’ finished floors all feature textures and surfaces produced entirely by hand rather than automation that gives each style a unique feel in terms of grain and colour.

All of our Oak floors are treated with the specifically designed Extreme Matt Oil. Using German technology from Klump Coatings in Stuttgart these oils, as long as the floor is kept clean during installation and undergoes some form of regular basic domestic cleaning, will require no further applications throughout the floors life.

Our own range of Porcelain is given the same level of commitment in its design and manufacture as our wood, reflecting our commitment to bringing our customers the best possible products available.

But its not only Porcelain tiles and Wood flooring our showrooms can offer you…. We have vast displays of Natural Stone, Glass Tiles, Mosaics and wood effect tiles from most of the biggest names in the business. Not only that but we are also main dealers for Amtico and Karndean with the most up to date ‘studio design’ stands in house that display their products beautifully.

When you choose to buy your tiles or flooring from Spacers you are assured that it is among some of the best available in the world….Our staff are helpful and vastly experienced and will assist you throughout the design and selection process in a modern friendly environment.

Visit our website for a virtual tour of the showrooms or to see a selection of some of the remarkable products we can supply. Alternatively simply pop into one of our showrooms to meet our staff and let them guide you through the extensive displays and discuss your project.

We look forward to seeing you very soon….

Spacers Tile And Wood Flooring 1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex Ha4 8Jr 01895 621651; www.spacers-uk.com info@spacers-uk.com Maidenhead – Tile and Wood Flooring Showroom:, 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF; 01628 624546

A NEw YEAR …A NEw LooK

1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546

info@spacers-uk.com | maidenhead@spacers-uk.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

Design inspiration from Belle Fierté

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elle Fierté offers luxury upholstered dining chairs, armchairs, ottomans and sofas made to high standard. Meticulously crafted bespoke designs suit the palate and a desire of most demanding clientele, its entire collection is made of wide range of designs from traditional to contemporary.

Giving a high end furnishing, Belle Fierté offers a stylish decor without being flamboyant. All the selection of fabric on offer are soft to the touch, stain free as well as fire retardant giving comfy yet elegant sitting whether it be a home or business.

Despite being in use as everyday solution, the everlasting quality of these upholstered furniture remains as new for years to come. Made with Northern European deciduous wood, this furniture is strong yet light weight to move around.

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Chesterfield velvet sofas, knocker dining chairs, tufted ottomans are some of their designer range of products that come in a variety of classic & modern styles.

Belle Fierté Furniture comes with 10 years of manufacturing guarantee and designed to sustain wear and tear providing sturdy ergonomic back support over its wooden legs.

With availability of 0% interest free options as well as all prices are inclusive of VAT, Belle Fierté offers free delivery across Europe. All of their products are handcrafted in EU backed up by excellent customer services that are always happy to assist you.

THE DETAILS Visit Belle Fierté blog for design inspiration and social media pages to stay connected for interesting Photos, Videos and Posts! website: www.bellefierte.com e-mail: contact@bellefierte.com instagram: @bellefierte facebook: @FierteBelle

H OUSE & GARDEN

surveying and design BY TTPP can be achieved by careful selection of materials, ideally locally sourced and energy efficient so as to have a positive effect in reducing the carbon footprint of the property.

TTPP have a wealth of experience in high end residential property schemes ranging from individual dwellings to multiple units, encompassing new build and listed building refurbishments. Clients range from one off developers to large established estates where we have a proven track record of providing innovative and cost effective services to meet our residential client’s needs.

We offer the highest standards of design, cost consultancy and project management. Our solutions are not only creative, but buildable and deliver excellent quality finishes suited to premier residential properties.

We are great listeners, but we are not afraid of a healthy debate. Our focus is always on the best result for our clients and we are able to tailor the services provided to meet your specific requirements or offer a single integrated solution which delivers your project from inception through to completion.

Contact us on 020 7940 6500 or enquiries@ttpp.co.uk or visit our website www.ttpp.co.uk

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nterior design and refurbishment is very much down to personal preference in terms of style, should you go for ultra modern or traditional?

In many cases this will be influenced by the type of environment you wish to create and the need to maintain a sympathetic approach to the buildings heritage.

Equally important is the consideration to the environmental impact of any projects and the need to develop and build in a responsible manner. This

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“TTPP have a wealth of experience in high end residential property schemes”

H OUSE & GARDEN

Watches - Why is it so

important to have regular updates to your insurance valuations?

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atches are highly collectable, take up little space and incur no Capital Gains Tax. As such they are becoming increasingly popular as an investment option. We were recently asked by a broker to undertake a review of a client’s Rolex collection. The increases clearly illustrate how the volatility in market values renders essential the necessity for regular insurance valuations.

Gentleman’s steel Oyster perpetual bracelet watch ref 116000 £1,970 in around 2000 £2,340 in around 2005 £3,600 in around 2015 £4,100 today – 108% increase

Gentleman’s steel Oyster perpetual Submariner bracelet watch ref 14060 £1,450 in around 2000 £1,970 in around 2005 £4,500 in around 2015 £5, 750 today – 296% increase

Gentleman’s 18 carat yellow gold Oyster Cosmograph Daytona bracelet watch ref.116528 £10,500 in around 2000 £13,370 in around 2005 £23,060 in around 2015 £27,650 today – 163% increase To remove any uncertainty over the valuation of your assets visit www.doerrvaluations for a comprehensive guide to our niche and independent valuation service. Also read exclusive articles from our fabulous team of top industry-recognised specialists.

Call 01883 722736 for further information.

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UNLOCK THE HISTORY OF YOUR HOUSE Have you ever wondered when your house was built or who lived there?

Perhaps you want to trace the history of an ancestral home?

Do you want to know more about the rich social history of your local area?

Sticks Research Agency, the organisation responsible for the genealogical research for previous series of the BBC hit ‘Who Do You Think You Are’, is delighted to provide you with a professional research package.

Our team of experts include qualified historians, architectural experts and archive researchers across the UK and Ireland.

For information about our services, visit us at www.sra-uk.com where you will find details about our House Detectives service or contact us on admin@sra-uk.com

H OUSE & GARDEN

GLASS TRENDS Frameless showers, bath screens, sliding doors, glass splash backs, mirrors, interior glass doors.

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lasstrends has a wealth of experience in the supply and installation of frameless shower enclosures steam and sauna screens, glass doors and decorative wall

cladding.

The company employs its own specialist installation teams to manage each project which ensures work is completed on time and to the highest possible standard.

Working closely with leading specialist processors, Glasstrends can supply the widest possible range of glass products.

A forward thinking team of professionals passionate about the use of glass in interiors.

Glasstrends products are refined, elegant and always a step above the rest. Attention to detail, superior product quality and excellent customer service is what positions Glasstrends as a market leader.

FULL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION SERVICE Glasstrends offers a full design service to ensure showers integrate into bathrooms in a stylish and functional manner. With our bespoke service, space is never an issue. Our experienced staff are also happy to work with architects, specifiers and interior designers as part of larger project teams.

THE PROCESS Supply and Install. After listening, discussing and advising Glasstrends will provide you with a quotation and installation detail. Upon acceptance of the quotation and receipt of a deposit payment they will attend site to finalise fixing details, obtain working dimensions and ensure all details are as you expect them to be. They then manufacture the glass and return at a specified time and date to 250 FEBRUARY 2020

carry out the installation using their own in-house professional installers.

Supply Only. For customers who do not require our Supply and Install service simply contact the company and they will discuss your requirements, provide you with a quotation and manufacture the shower to your own dimensions.

They will then arrange delivery of the shower to your property.

Contact Glasstrends where their experienced advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

You’ll be amazed at the difference a stylish frameless shower will make to your home.

THE DETAILS Glasstrends GUARANTEE quality and durability. All Glasstrends showers are professionally installed and covered by a 10 year guarantee.

Call: 020 7223 4017

GLASSTRENDS

FRAMELESS GLASS

Shower - Steam - Sauna - Poolside - Wine room - Your room www.glasstrends.co.uk 020 7223 4017

H OUSE & GARDEN

Healthy

home,

healthy

life!

In the great pantheon of wellness trends, the home is strangely neglected. There are diet crazes and fitness hacks aplenty - but outside the occasional tidying fad, the home is merely a vessel, a framework in which other lifestyle regimes take centre stage. Given that we often spend more time at home than anywhere else, this might be a little unfair. Wellness, like most things, begins at home, after all. Here’s how to make sure that’s a good thing...

WORDS: Luke Rix-Standing

1. House plants You don’t need actual woodland for forest bathing, not when there are snake plants, peace lilies and aloe veras to turn your home into a mini-greenhouse.

Study after study has shown that exposure to greenery reduces stress, helps lower blood pressure and stimulates the senses. So shrub up to calm down - from a simple cactus on the window sill, to a miniature jungle of domestic palms and pines.

2. Maximise natural light Like plants, natural light is inherently invigorating and reinforces the circadian rhythms that impact our mood and sleep cycles. Just think of the hefty price hike tagged to southfacing homes, the all-glass exteriors of modern office blocks - or the sinister, claustrophobic feel of a dimly-lit basement. Aside from the obvious (open your curtains), make sure there’s no furniture blocking your windows’ line of sight, using offwhite or cream colour schemes to cultivate a lighter feel, and putting up strategically placed mirrors to send light bouncing round the room.

3. Declutter They say cleanliness is next to godliness, and, though we’re not suggesting a full-scale Kondoesque purge, a clear environment can be an aid to a clear mind. Your home is supposed to be where you recharge, and if you’re never able to find things, pressured by a pile of unopened mail, or in fear of accidentally standing on your laptop, it may be a source of stress in itself. Time to put your ‘floordrobe’ back into the wardrobe, and we don’t mean by just shoving it all under the bed.

4. Address your sleep Poor sleep pas been linked with everything from low mood and fatigue, to shortened life expectancy in the longer term, so creating a conducive sleep environment is an essential step for a healthy home.

Make sure summer nights aren’t cut short by leaky curtains (invest in blackout linings if required), use ear plugs to cut out street noise, and dust the area around your bed. If you always sleep better in hotels, there may be a problem with your bedding, and low-quality mattresses can cause stiffness and

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back pain as well as disturbed sleep. It’s easy to undervalue sleep but the more priority you give to time spent in slumber, the more productive and energised you’ll be during the day.

5. Invest in an air purifier Once derided as noisy and unsightly, thanks mostly to a particularly pointed episode of Friends, demand for purifiers is now rising steadily year on year and modern models are sleek, stylish and near-silent.

Exhaust fumes, chimney smoke and particulate emissions are just another part of urban life, and purifiers are here to help.

6. Create a designated work space Some 1.54 million Brits now work from home in their primary occupation (millions more do so intermittently), and it’s wise to resist the temptation to work at the kitchen table in your pyjamas. It’s hard to maintain a work-life balance when they operate in the same space, so dedicate a work area that allows you to ‘go to work’ in the morning and leave at the end of the day. Posture is paramount, so invest in an ergonomic chair as a minimum. You might even consider the benefits of a standing desk.

7. Get a pet You don’t need an ‘emotional support animal’ to get emotional support from an animal, and this is another lifestyle choice with the weight of science behind it. Among a whole raft of benefits, pets have been shown to increase life expectancy, substantially slash stress, and even decrease physical pain. We hope it goes without saying that you should only opt for an animal if you’re fully willing and able to shoulder the responsibility and costs of care.

8. Don’t worry, be happy It’s easy to obsess over the ‘shoulds’ and ‘shouldn’ts’ of your home, and end up neglecting what you actually want. Adding value to your home, tapping into fashionable aesthetics - it’s all well and good if it aligns with your tastes, but most homes must be residences first and investments second. Home is where the heart is, and there’s no point crafting a masterpiece of modern minimalism if what you’d really like is a large, squashy sofa.

LUXURY

KITCHEN guide

– Everything you need to create the perfect London kitchen – i m a g e : TO M HO W L E Y K ITCH E NS

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

[NEWS]

KITCHEN STYLE TURNING HEADS This beautiful cabbage bowl will turn heads at the dinner table.

Hand crafted by Bordallo Pinheiro of Portugal, whose unique pieces have been produced by the same factory since 1884. For truly dramatic effect, buy several sizes they nest inside each other beautifully. www.knowandlove.co.uk

KEEPING COSY

For an easy update to your kitchen the freshest new graduated green cast iron cookware from ProCook packs a punch.

This energizing shade of a classic leafy green is an easy way to inject a pop of colour into your kitchen. Suiting many styles of interior ProCook’s graduated green cast iron cookware complements both modern and traditional style kitchens, and with a 25-year guarantee is built to last. www.procook.com

hands-free

TAKE A SEAT

Make your home bar feel like a highend establishment with our Harriet bar stool upholstered in charcoal grey velvet. Ideal for modern interiors, this upholstered bar stool is also available in teal or pink velvet as well a smooth faux leather option. www.cultfurniture.com

This handle-less kitchen combines the beauty of oiled split light oak veneer with sleek matt black units in a new Monolack finish (lacquered laminate).

The doors on this striking kitchen feature a chamfered top edge and are coupled with a closed aluminium profile in black. www.rational.de/en

PLATING UP

The Amelie plate rack makes a useful addition to a modern, rustic kitchen.

Stack Kinfolk’s earthenware in the slots for a hint of french country charm. www.kinfolkdecor.co.uk 256 FEBRUARY 2020

CALL OF THE WILD

Heed the call of the wild and always have a warm cuppa at hand no matter the adventure with this Great Outdoors Enamel Deer Mug from Gentlemen’s Hardware.

Wherever your next trip out in the wild takes you, this trusty mug will get you through the day, from the mid-morning brew all the way to the nighttime campfire tipple.

Or, sip away at your warm cuppa whether on a lake to the sound of duck calls or in the comfort of your home, with this Great Outdoors Enamel Lake & Ducks Mug. Evoke the calm of the outdoors with every brew wherever you may be. store.wildandwolf.co.uk

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Rethinking Storage P

oggenpohl was and still is a pioneer: for 125 years they have been developing, designing and producing kitchens on a luxury level in their factory in Herford.

People and their needs, social transformation and foresight are Poggenpohl’s benchmark in this regard. National and international: As a response to overarching contemporary trends such as urbanisation, sustainable and open living space, a new approach to storage in the kitchen can also be noticed. Referring to the aesthetic efficiency in organising a variety of tools and functions, from hob to refrigerator, people seek out visual calm.

The innovative concept +STAGE from Poggenpohl offers the utmost in individuality and consistently embraces the changing demands on the home environment. A place that can be equipped solely to suit personal habits, preferences and interests, which has many flexible planning and integral solutions. The functions of +STAGE can be individually defined and grouped together by means of specially developed equipment features.

Poggenpohl offers the complete theme packages of “bar”, “office”, “breakfast”, “wardrobe”, “kitchen” and “tea” as a design basis.

Architect Jorge Pensi was guided by a radical idea when he decided to open up the space between the worktop and base cabinets, formally known as classical storage space, to create transparency on the one hand and an area that can be flexibly designed and used for personally arranged accessories like vases, art objects, pots or expensive porcelain.

The special detail of the space in between are the tray-like pull-outs invisibly fitted on top of the base cabinets. Thanks to the optional glass walls, these trays are transformed into elegant display cases where even kitchen utensils can be presented effectively.

THE DETAILS Poggenpohl Chelsea, 107 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PH Poggenpohl Hampstead, 477-481 Finchley Road, London, NW3 6HS Poggenpohl Wigmore, 118 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3RT For more details visit www.poggenpohl.com 258 FEBRUARY 2020

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

KITCHEN FLOORING THAT’S MADE TO LAST

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White Mist Oiled, priced from £69.00 per sq m.

hen it comes to kitchen projects, flooring is as important as the kitchen cabinets. The flooring will be down for a long time and will be expensive to change, so it makes sense to get it right first time round. A good quality wooden floor is hard to beat. It’s hardwearing, durable, family friendly and there’s a massive choice of designs and colours. With wood flooring ticking all the right boxes, the only real dilemma is which style to choose. Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company, shares his advice.

“Simple shaker cabinets and parquet flooring are two classics which won’t date, so with this combination there’s no danger of it going out of fashion. If you fancy a change, the cabinets can be revamped with a lick of paint and the parquet floor can be sanded and sealed with a different coloured finish. We can’t imagine anybody tiring of these subtle grey pebble tones, but it can be reassuring to know that the option is there.”

here as you can lay the blocks in a variety of designs, like this classic herringbone pattern, or there’s also basket weave and brick designs. “Parquet is on the top of everybody’s wish list at the moment. It’s been making a steady comeback for years now and is definitely here to stay. It’s a sign of true quality.

Nobody can resist the charms of a well-made parquet wood floor,” says Peter.

For a light and bright floor, Peter recommends The Natural Wood Floor Company’s White Mist Oiled boards. “The cool white and grey tones of our White Mist flooring give the oak a modern feel, but the knots and swirls of the wood’s grain mean that you still get all the character. As for the finish, oils are the most practical sealers for areas of heavy use, like kitchens, as it’s easy to carry out spot repairs. A small area can easily be re-sanded and sealed without it having an impact of the rest of the floor” says Peter.

“Simple shaker cabinets and parquet flooring are two classics which won’t date” Introducing pattern is going to be big in 2018 and the good news is that wood flooring is a great way to achieve this. Parquet is the obvious choice 260 FEBRUARY 2020

Oak Chevron Premier Unsealed, priced at £89.00 per sq m

THE DETAILS The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London Sw18 Ieg www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk; 020 8871 9771

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

It’s just a tap isn’t it?

So how come so many of us really, really want one?

Delivering instant 100°c boiling, hot, cold and now filtered chilled and sparkling water, the Quooker is not just a revolution – it’s a revelation.

R

emember when mixer taps in the kitchen were first all the rage? Separate hot and cold suddenly seemed so out of date?

Since then nothing much has changed - until now. Unlike a conventional mixer tap, a Quooker also delivers instant 100°C boiling water on demand making a kettle completely redundant.

With a Quooker in your kitchen you will always have 100°C boiling, hot, cold and, with the addition of the new Quooker CUBE, filtered chilled and sparkling water too.

Safety first The first thing that springs to everyone’s mind when you think of boiling water is safety. That’s why Quooker have gone to great lengths to ensure their tap meets the highest safety standards. A specially designed childproof double push and turn handle and insulated spout is used to dispense boiling water, whilst a separate lever operates conventional hot and cold. These two completely independent controls mean there’s no mistaking their function.

In addition, the flow of boiling water is delivered in a fine spray and not a solid flow which further prevents the risk of any scalds or burns.

“Once you have owned a Quooker, using a kettle seems like going back to the dark ages” – M Thompson, Trusted Reviews

Save water & energy As a nation we waste huge amounts of water and energy by overfilling kettles. A Quooker however only dispenses the exact amount of 100°C boiling water you need precisely when you need it. There’s no water wastage and only minimal energy is used to keep the boiling water available on demand - so it’s the perfect replacement for your kettle. If you add a Quooker COMBI which has an ‘A’ energy rating, you also need never use hot water from your domestic supply for washing up ever again. With a Quooker tap and Quooker CUBE providing all your 100°C boiling, hot, cold needs and a constant supply of filtered chilled and sparkling water, you’ll save gallons of water and significant amounts of energy every year.

An offer you can’t refuse Right now, Quooker are offering the combined installation of any Quooker system and CUBE for just £99* when you quote code LKG/01A. A SAVING OF £285 on the normal price.

Installed by a professional Quooker engineer, there’s never been a better time to own the revolutionary Quooker.

Interested? Visit quooker.co.uk or call 0345 833 3333. Manchester Showroom – Open Monday Saturday 10.00 - 16.00 *Usual price £384. Connection to existing services.

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LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Your Dream Kitchen W

hether you prefer the traditional country style kitchen or desire something a little more contemporary, Tom Howley kitchen designers will work with you to ensure that no detail is overlooked and that your finished kitchen is everything you dreamed of and more. Tom Howley offer a tailored design service taking projects from concept to final completion to the highest possible standard. Each kitchen is beautifully crafted for a millimetre perfect fit. In order to achieve such an exact end result, our Tom Howley surveyors carry out a meticulous series of measurements that leave nothing to chance. Even the tightest of corners and tricky alcoves can house clever cabinetry leaving no space wasted.

The success and style of every kitchen starts with kitchen storage.

Whether that’s helping you to make the best use of architectural quirks or creating bespoke storage where everything’s in reach.

Designed around the way you use your kitchen, our smart ideas keep your kitchen well-functioning, calm and clutter-free.

Top 6 Kitchen Storage Tips • To create a truly streamlined kitchen, consider a breakfast pantry or larder for all your tinned and dry goods, as well as giving you ample storage space for small appliances such as coffee machines and toasters.

Tom Howley Hartford collection painted in Tansy, prices start from £20,000

• Make a statement with open shelving. It’s a great kitchen storage alternative if space is at a premium as shelves make smaller spaces feel less cramped.

Tom Howley Kavanagh collection painted in Avocado, prices start from £20,000

• If you consider yourself the chef of the household, our spice alcoves neatly positioned next to your hob provide easy access to spices and oils to elevate your dishes.

Tom Howley Hartford collection painted in Lovage, prices start from £20,000

• Maximise your kitchen layout by positioning your hob, ovens and fridge freezer in close proximately so you don’t need to navigate other areas of the kitchen whilst you’re practising your latest dishes.

Tom Howley Hartford collection painted in Lithadora, prices start from £20,000

THE DETAILS Visit one of the stunning Tom Howley showrooms located at 3 Wigmore Street, Marylebone, 166 Upper Street, Islington and 72 Fulham Road, Chelsea. The showrooms offer the perfect space for you to draw your inspiration for your new kitchen, from beautiful bespoke pantries and integrated appliances, to the latest in colour trends - expert designers are available at the showrooms to discuss your project, no matter what stage it is at.

For your free brochure or to find your nearest showroom, visit tomhowley.co.uk or call 0161 848 1200.

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Right: Tom Howley Hartford collection painted in Nightshade, prices start from £20,000

• For your everyday items such as crockery, pans and cutlery – keep these at waist height to save yourself from overstretching for the everyday essentials.

• Save the finest crockery for display. Our glazed pantries are perfect for storing your favourite pieces saved for dinner parties with friends.

Tom Howley Hartford collection painted in Periwinkle, prices start from £20,000

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

New Winchester tile ranges from Original Style H and-crafted by skilled artisans in Original Style’s Devon factory, Manoir and Fabrique are two of the latest additions to the company’s Winchester

collection.

Both of the new ranges feature an array of charming patterns and soft, sumptuous glazes.

Traditional in format, the Manoir range consists of 130 x 130mm square tiles whilst Fabrique is available in 200 x 100mm decorative bricks.

Manoir Home to Original Style’s Tile of the Year for 2020 – Deco Tayberry, the Manoir range combines soft yet vibrant glazes with intricate, geometric patterns.

The real beauty of Manoir stems from its inherent rustic characteristics. Created using the age-old screen printing method, these tiles exude authentic appeal. The inks within each design are reactive and each kiln produces a slightly different effect, so each tile is truly a miniature work of art with its own unique character.

Available in six designs in tones of green, pink or blue; there’s a choice for a variety of styles. Stick to one design for a perfect singular statement or mix together in a melange for a harmonious, yet distinctive finish.

Fabrique Pretty, whimsical prints combined with muted neutral shades create the Fabrique range.

These patterns have been hand-drawn by designers in Original Style’s Devon factory, resulting in a wonderfully artisanal feel. These prints have then been married with layers of texture in the form 266 FEBRUARY 2020

of a gentle glaze, creating an ethereal softness with differences in tone, depth and colour.

Use the designs singularly to add a sense of calm and simplicity to a room or try mixing them together to create interest and energy.

Available in three subtle colourways - French Blue, Soft Taupe and Dove Grey and in four delicate designs; these tiles evoke effortless elegance for an understated interior style. www.originalstyle.com

“Available in six designs in tones of green, pink or blue; there’s a choice for a variety of styles”

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Perfect Storage

Larders and Breakfast Cupboards

Every kitchen has to provide practical storage space for everyday groceries, small electrical appliances and all the bits and bobs required for a smoothly functioning cooking hub.

A

new kitchen is an exciting investment and every single aspect of the design requires intense scrutiny. Most kitchens are expected to be not just a practical cooking and preparation space, they are also considered to be the ‘heart of the home’, casual dining and entertaining spaces, and of course, family-friendly too. Two types of focal point cabinetry are hugely popular at the moment, namely the larder cupboard and the breakfast cupboard.

Sometimes the lines between the two are blurred, but both ideas revolve around practical, easy-access storage spaces that are in constant use, whilst hiding too much clutter from general view.

The Larder Cupboard A larder generally has full-height double doors, opening to provide a counter top which can be used for small appliances such as the blender, coffee grinder, toaster or mixer. Open shelves above can be used for crockery or glassware, or general provisions – and are often a great opportunity to display matching storage jars containing dried goods, home-made jams or pickles, or simply everyday groceries. Many larders are designed with a set of pull-out drawers or trays beneath the counter top, which can be used for bread, fruit and vegetables.

Kitchen companies such as Higham Furniture, offer the option of bespoke hand-made wicker baskets instead of fully enclosed drawers. The larder cupboard is also exactly the right spot for a couple of vertical tray slots, which can accommodate trays, platters and larger chopping boards. Don’t forget that the insides of the larder doors are perfect for bespoke storage racks. How incredibly useful - those smaller jars, bottles and packets of herbs and spices can be elegantly stored, seen at a glance and easily reached. Always go for bespoke when choosing a 270 FEBRUARY 2020

larder as that way the width, depth and height can be precisely specified - whether it’s to fit a certain space or to accommodate a particular set of small appliances, tall jars or the regular organic veg box!

The Breakfast Cupboard A breakfast cupboard is the next step on from a dresser. It generally has bi-fold doors which fold back on themselves so that the counter top can be used without a wide-open door getting in the way of the kitchen user. The breakfast cupboard usually houses the toaster, coffee machine, blender and any other small electrical appliances, so will have power sockets set into the back panel. The idea is that the family and guests can make breakfast, with all the essentials neatly to hand in one place. The rest of the kitchen doesn’t get disrupted, and joyfully, the breakfast cupboard doors can be closed and all the everyday clutter is out of sight for the rest of the day. Higham Furniture has designed a lot of breakfast cupboards for all the coffee, tea and breakfast-making equipment. As with any bespoke kitchen, the cabinetry will be designed to make use of every millimetre of space.

The Details Higham Furniture Design Studio: 21E Heathman’s Road, Parsons Green, London SW6 4TJ 020 7381 0488 www.higham.co.uk e: info@higham.co.uk Instagram: @highamfurniture Design visits are available by appointment

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Ike Pendant, Heritage Collection With a Scandinavian design, Ike pendant lamp adds a modern yet industrial feel to any space. This hanging ceiling pendant can be done in different shapes and dimensions, allowing you to personalized lighting ambiance and mood. Handmade in brass and aluminum, the glossy black finish and the copper accent deliver the perfect look. Ideal for industrial kitchens, dining rooms, restaurants and bars, this copper pendant light it also looks great as a bathroom suspension lighting with a mid-century modern decor. Therefore, Ike fits practically in every style, due to its sleek shape and minimalist design. www.delightfull.eu

Kitchen finishing touches Monumental pieces Newton suspension lamp is one of those monumental pieces which make a statement in the best interior design projects. Boca do Lobo take great pride in providing clients with the highest quality modern luxury design pieces, and Newton Suspension lamp is a handcrafted piece that has something unique about it. Newton Lamp is a monumental piece which authenticates Boca do Lobo designers and artisans’ work. www.covethouse.eu

Square Matte Black Kitchen Mixer

Sophie Allport Zebra Kitchen Accessories

“Newton Suspension lamp is a handcrafted piece that has something unique about it”

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Sophie has captured the beauty in these endangered Grevy’s zebras which stand proud and tall on a navy charcoal background.

Patterned with distinctive black and white stripes, these incredible animals feature upright manes and playful tails. You’ll find a range of stylish home accessories and kitchenware, as well as gift ideas and inspiration for animal lovers.

This stylish tea towel makes a lovely addition to any kitchen and has a handy loop for hanging up. Perfect for those who love animals, this tea towel features a range of zebras on a navy charcoal background and makes a great gift. www.sophieallport.com

This Black Kitchen Mixer is a stunning combination of precision engineering and stylish design, temperature and flow can be controlled by a convenient single mixer handle and the tap can be swivelled through a full 360° to ensure the water goes just where you need it. www.meir.com.au/locations

Galliano Pendant Lamp An expressive design inspired in jazz music, Galliano suspension fixture has a sculptural shape and it’s versatile and yet contemporary. An extremely balanced design which gets even more beautiful when you see light being casted thought its pipes. Up to 5 tubes, it produces a unique and gorgeous lighting effect. www.delightfull.eu

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Victorian Beauty I

nspired by original encaustic floor tile designs, Harvey Maria’s Northmore Collection blends unique decorative pattern, heritage colour pigment and authentic patina. Six colourways have been carefully developed to form a beautifully natural palette, to enhance both traditional and more contemporary interiors.

Throughout the mid-19th century encaustic floor tiles became increasingly fashionable. Individual coloured clays were pressed and fired into the tile to create these remarkably robust and beautiful floors.

Celebrated pottery company, Mintons, is recognised as the pioneer.

Today, these designs form the inspiration behind Northmore. Harvey Maria has reinterpreted these iconic Victorian floor tiles to create a collection that stands up to the demands of modern home life form, function, warmth and acoustics. The range includes three earth-grey neutrals – Pembroke Slate, Soapstone and Mortar – along with Waterhouse Blue, Sable Black - and Fired Terracotta to follow.

“Many original encaustics, that were covered up in the 60’s and 70’s, have been rediscovered and lovingly restored. Our own Northmore designs celebrate these stylish and durable tiles, capturing

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their essence for modern living,” explained Harvey Maria’s Founder, Mark Findlay.

Harvey Maria has been creating luxury vinyl tiles since 1995. Its floors are incredibly durable and easy to maintain. They are completely waterproof, slip resistant and compatible with underfloor heating - and this makes Northmore perfect for kitchens and pantries, bathrooms, utility rooms and conservatories. The resilient floor finish is easy to care for by sweeping or mopping with a neutral detergent; no harmful chemicals needed.

To find out more, visit www.harveymaria.com