Life Magazines (London editions) October 2017 by Fish Media Group Ltd

The Regent Street Motor Show 4th November 2017

Life Guards; Trooping the Colour 2017 Tony Karpinski (British born 1965) Oil on board, signed lower left, further signed and inscribed verso Board size: 19.5 x 29.5 inches Framed size: 31.5 x 41 inches

FROM THE

EDITOR

he Regent Street Motor Show is the largest free-to-view motor show in the UK, celebrating more than 125 years of motoring on London’s premier shopping street. The Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia is set to return for its 27th year as London’s flagship art and antiques event of the Winter season. Around 100 leading dealers will be offering over 30,000 one-off, strictly vetted* pieces for sale. The six-day event is expected to attract over 20,000 shoppers from the UK and internationally, all looking to buy works priced from £100 to hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox, takes place on Sunday 5 November, providing a magnificent spectacle and offering members of the public a rare opportunity to watch more than 400 pre-1905 veteran vehicles embark upon a 60-mile journey from Hyde Park to Madeira Drive on Brighton’s seafront. Lord’s has long been seen as the game’s spiritual ‘headquarters’. But its importance is not merely historical. In practice it remains, to this day, perhaps the most important single place in world cricket. The Dorchester is very happy to welcome children and families, with their concierge happy to arrange a variety of family activities throughout London, or arrange a qualified babysitter or nanny if needed.

Faye Manning Editor

THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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© All Rights Reserved. Life Magazines are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd. takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in these publications and any loss arising therefrom. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to Life Magazines, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to such material. Fish Media Group Ltd. reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any mistakes and no responsibility can be taken for the content of these pages.

Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Alex Lux ••••• Fashion Editor Rachel Gold ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• Directors Rory Smith Patrick Smith

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

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 The finest independent schools in the UK

HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL

113

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

123

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

147

HOUSE & GARDEN

207

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

247

Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world Whether you want to hit the slopes or the beach this winter, we’ve got it covered Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best A collection of London’s finest interior companies Everything you need to create the perfect London kitchen

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i m age : F IV E STAR F A M ILI E S AT TH E DORCH E ST E R

OUT & ABOUT

London’s most stylish car show returns The Regent Street Motor Show, Saturday 4 November 2017, 10.30am - 4pm

About London Motor Week: The Regent Street Motor Show is an integral part of the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week, which in 2017 incorporates the following events:

he Regent Street Motor Show is the largest free-to-view motor show in the UK, celebrating more than 125 years of motoring on London’s premier shopping street. The capital’s renowned thoroughfare will once again turn back the clock to a time when the newfangled horseless carriage first took patrons to the street that original architect John Nash envisaged as filled with ‘shops appropriated to articles of fashion and taste’.

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Regent Street will be filled with cars from the past, present and future as mouth-watering classics are put on display alongside the latest future-proof low and zero emission electric and hybrid vehicles from leading manufacturers. The centre of attention for many of the 400,000-plus visitors will be the annual Veteran Car Concours d’Elegance. Held the day before the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox, the Concours d’Elegance will see around 100 of these remarkable motoring pioneers on display. In keeping with the spirit of the event, many of the drivers and passengers will dress in period costume, reflecting the fashions of the era… fashions just like those that might have been purchased from Regent Street at the end of the 19th century. The first Regent Street Motor Show was staged in 2005 and it has now become a hugely popular must-see spectacle, attracting vast crowds keen not only to see the cars and take test drives in the latest machinery but also enjoy street entertainment from dance troupes and a motorcycle stunt team. The event is a great day out, offering a wealth of activities for the family to enjoy. And you see it all while enjoying a leisurely browse around the shops. Best of all, it’s totally free. For all the latest news and information, please visit: www.regentstreetmotorshow.com

Tuesday 31 October: The Royal Automobile Club Motoring Lectures and the Art of Motoring Exhibition Wednesday 1 November: Dewar Trophy Presentation Lunch and Motoring Book of the Year Awards Thursday 2 November: Royal Automobile Club Motoring Forum Friday 3 November: Bonhams Veteran Car Run Auction Saturday 4 November: Regent Street Motor Show Sunday 5 November: Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox For further information on London Motor Week, go to: www.londonmotorweek.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

CARNABY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND PARTY Thursday 9 November, 5pm-9pm

Get ready for the Christmas party of the year as Carnaby launch their world-famous Christmas installations on Thursday 9 November.

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ave the date for an exciting and experiential shopping party including the countdown to the famous Carnaby Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm. Enjoy a 20% discount at over 100 brands in Carnaby as well as exclusive offers, in store activations and free entertainment. An exciting and immersive light switch-on will take place at 6pm to launch the brand-new Christmas lights, which will transform Carnaby for Christmas, and can be enjoyed throughout

November and December. The party will continue throughout the evening in stores throughout the 14 streets of Carnaby, with events, drinks and DJs to be announced. The Carnaby Christmas Party is free, visitors will be able to register for their ticket to the event at Carnaby.co.uk to get a head start on Christmas shopping. Shoppers must present the downloadable ticket to receive their offers in participating stores. The full list of participating brands will be published on Carnaby.co.uk. Carnaby favourites taking part include Skinnydip, Brandy Melville, Jack Wills, OFFICE, Replay, Scotch & Soda, The North Face, size? and Puma as well as new arrivals to Carnaby including exciting spectacle and sunglasses brand Finlay & Co. and the brand new three floor Sweaty Betty Flagship at 1 Carnaby Street. Beauty brands including Benefit, Cowshed and Urban Decay will all be offering the discount and exciting in store activations on the evening. Nestled in the heart of Carnaby is the Newburgh Quarter, offering both renowned and independent brands including The Great Frog, Traditional Weatherwear and Barbour Heritage, all of whom will be participating in the event. Eat around the world in Carnaby and refuel with a choice of over 60 restaurants, bars and café’s including; Pizza Pilgrims, Tapas Brindisa Soho, Kua’ Aina and Shoryu Carnaby. Share your photos of the Carnaby installations and tag @CarnabyLondon to see your posts live on the interactive hub on Carnaby.co.uk Carnaby.co.uk; @CarnabyLondon; #CarnabyChristmas

OUT & ABOUT

Visit the major new exhibition

Diana: Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace

Image © Patrick Demarchelier; Below: Kensington Palace

Trace the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life

rom her earliest royal engagements, everything Diana wore was closely “Diana, Princess scrutinised, and the exhibition will of Wales, was explore how she navigated her unique one of the most position in the public eye: learning to use her image to engage and inspire people, and to champion the photographed causes she cared about. women in the world” Eleri Lynn, curator of ‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’, said, ‘Diana, Princess of Wales, was one of the most photographed women in the world, and every fashion choice she made was closely scrutinised. Our exhibition explores the story of a young woman who had to quickly learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, who in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers.’ Don’t miss this extraordinary collection of garments, ranging from the chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ and glamorous evening wear including the iconic velvet gown famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta. Follow the Princess’s relationship with her favourite designers through a display of their original Conservator works on ‘Travolta’ dress

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fashion sketches, created for her during the design process and discover her remarkable fashion story. industry and designers.’ Don’t miss this extraordinary collection of garments, ranging from the chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ and glamorous evening wear including the iconic velvet gown famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta. Follow the Princess’s relationship with her favourite designers through a display of their original fashion sketches, created for her during the design process and discover her remarkable fashion story.

OUT & ABOUT

THE PERFECT DAY AT LLANGOED HALL

Llangoed Hall is a true country house hotel, with 23 bedrooms, that commands magnificent views of the Black Mountains and beyond, nestled into the Wye River Valley.

hen you arrive there is no reception desk, just friendly and professional staff to look after you. The spacious reception rooms are full of antiques, complimented by a superb collection of original 18th and 19th Century paintings and drawings including works of art by Edwardian artists Walter Sickert, Augustus John and Rex Whistler. A sweeping staircase leads up to the large sumptuously appointed bedrooms, each with its own style, charm and thoughtful extras. A library, complete with window seats and snooker table adds refinement and, for those with the inclination, a gentle game of croquet is available on a specially designed lawn. Gravelled pathways wrap around the building and through the gardens, so guests can stroll and take in the beautiful surroundings. There’s even a path down to and along the River Wye. The walled gardens and it’s beautifully designed flower beds and fruit tree alleys bring you into your own private secret garden, and there’s even a hedged maze to explore! Adjacent to the walled garden is our vegetable and herb gardens. Llangoed Hall also keeps its own chickens and ducks for fresh eggs for

your breakfast in the morning, along with bee-hives from which we produce our own honey! The hall was originally a Jacobean Mansion of 1632, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, redesigned Llangoed Hall in 1912. In the 1980s the hall was bought by Sir Bernard Ashley (husband of Laura Ashley) who rescued the property with the clear vision of creating the ambiance of the Edwardian country house party. Largely as a result of Sir Bernard Ashley’s foresight, much of the house and gardens remain as they were then but complimented, today, with modern conveniences to provide an idyllic location for holidays, weddings, conferences, lunches, afternoon teas, special occasions and any other celebrations. Llangoed Hall’s head Chef Nick Brodie’s awardwinning cuisine has flair and imagination and only the finest local produce is used to create outstanding gourmet dishes. Nick has also recently appeared on BBC2’s the Great British Menu, so pop in to sample one of his delicious creations. The outstanding lunch, dinner and afternoon tea menu, on offer at Llangoed Hall make it the perfect setting to relax, unwind and enjoy mouth-watering food.

“The hall was originally a Jacobean Mansion of 1632, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, redesigned Llangoed Hall in 1912”

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THE DETAILS To book a stay, lunch or dinner at Llangoed Hall, call 01874 754525 or email: enquiries@llangoedhall. com If you would like to enquire about an event, conference or Wedding, please contact our Events Manager, Stacey Johns on eventsmanager@llangoedhall.com or call 01874 754525.

OUT & ABOUT

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Celebrating the history of French Motoring

he Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox, takes place on Sunday 5 November, providing a magnificent spectacle and offering members of the public a rare opportunity to watch more than 400 pre-1905 veteran vehicles embark upon a 60-mile journey from Hyde Park to Madeira Drive on Brighton’s seafront. In true tradition, the 2017 Run takes place on the first Sunday of November at the break of dawn, just before 7am, and commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896, which celebrated the passing into law of the Locomotives on the Highway Act. It was this Act that raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 mph to 14 mph and abolished the requirement for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot waving a red flag. The Locomotive Act was still widely known as the ‘Red Flag Act’ and, to mark this milestone, a red flag was symbolically ripped in half at the start of the Emancipation Run, just as it is today. In 2017, more than 120 years after the very first Run was held, the event aims to follow in the footsteps of last year’s success, which saw one of the best finish-rates to date. Year after year, the Run sees a great number of French automobiles join the comradery. In 2016, a remarkable 49 per cent of all entries were French-manufactured vehicles – and, in recognition of all the French automobiles and participants, this year the Run is celebrating French Motoring and its contributions to the industry. This year also introduces a new route. On leaving Hyde Park, the veteran cars will pass many

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well-known landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Horseguards and Big Ben before crossing Westminster Bridge. Participants will then leave London via Kennington, Clapham and Morden, passing through Balham. After Morden, the revised route by-passes Sutton on the A217 to Banstead, Tadworth and Reigate before re-joining the traditional route at Redhill. From here it takes the A23 to Horley and the midway halt at Crawley. A special viewing area in Crawley High Street has been established for the thousands of spectators who turn out to support the Veteran Car Run. From Crawley, the route heads to Brighton via Pease Pottage, Staplefield, Cuckfield, Ansty, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Clayton where it joins the A23 for the run into the finish at Madeira Drive. The new route will ensure there are plenty of fabulous viewing spots for the many thousands of spectators who line the streets to wave the veterans on their way. The Run is just one element of the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week, which includes the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show, to be held on Saturday 4 November. The Veteran Car Run is supported by Title Partner: Bonhams, Official Partners: Hiscox, Your London Airport Gatwick, Harrods, Abels, Visit Brighton, Chopard, Hagerty, Hattingley Valley, RAC Motoring Services and Total, and Manufacturer Patrons: Honda and Renault. For more details please visit www.veterancarrun.com

OUT & ABOUT

ELVIS ON TOUR From Left: That’s The Way It Is Rehearsals; Long Fringe, 1970; American Dream 1973

A NEW E X H I B I T I ON

ue to phenomenal public demand, Elvis Presley™, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll™, will be returning to The O2 for 90 days from 3rd November 2017. Following the mammoth success of 2014/2015 Elvis at The O2 exhibition, which was visited by over 200,000 people, Elvis on Tour The Exhibition will showcase more than 200 artefacts from the Graceland archives many of which will be in the UK for the very first time. This new exhibition covering the years 1969 – 1977 will provide an in-depth look at the world that was Elvis on Tour, offering a unique insight into exactly what drove the audiences wild in the ’70’s – the chance to see the King in concert as he toured America. Bringing together many examples of Elvis’ costumes and stage wear along with the guitars, jewellery, posters and - for the first time - unique interviews with Elvis’ touring band, Elvis on Tour The Exhibition will take fans into a world where millions of people watched the greatest live rock and roll shows ever staged, which at one point was televised to over one billion people worldwide. Providing an insight into what went on backstage, the planes, the clothes and of course the music, Elvis on Tour The Exhibition will bring fans as close as possible to the experience of seeing the King live for themselves. Artefacts showcased in Elvis on Tour The

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Exhibition and leaving Graceland include: • Over 35 jumpsuits and costumes worn by Elvis between 1969-1977 • Guitars from tours that Elvis played during the period, including the Gretzch Country Gentlemen Guitar used by Elvis on stage in Las Vegas in 1969 • Original acetate of ‘An American Trilogy’ – a song brought to Elvis by Priscilla • Gold Belt given to Elvis in 1969 by the International Hotel in Las Vegas to mark his record breaking live performance attendance in the City Priscilla Presley comments: ‘’To have a second exhibition dedicated to Elvis opening in London is remarkable. We were overwhelmed by the huge numbers, who were not only fans but people who were curious to learn more about Elvis. Elvis was beloved by his fans and they also meant the world to him. We are delighted that this carefully curated selection of over 200 artefacts will give them the opportunity to gain an even greater insight into his life and how he impacted popular culture around the world through his music, movies and personal style. Priscilla Presley will be making a very special appearance in London on 30 November 2017, joining the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra on stage at The O2 as part of the Elvis in Concert – Live on Stage UK tour.

Tickets costs: Adult £25 / Child £12 / Concessions £18. All ticket are subject to a booking fee. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.elvisontourexhibition.co.uk Facebook: @elvisontourexhibition www.facebook.com/ elvisontourexhibition; Twitter: @elvisexhibition #elvisontourexhibition

OUT & ABOUT

Five star families at The Dorchester

he Dorchester is very happy to welcome children and families, with their concierge happy to arrange a variety of family activities throughout London, or arrange a qualified babysitter or nanny if needed. Many rooms at The Dorchester can be interconnecting to accommodate families, and they do their very best to ensure your guest room feels like home for you and your family. In your room, you can enjoy the following amenities and activities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Luxury home from home comforts include: • Freshly-baked cookies • A special gift pack • Luxury mini bathrobes and slippers • Family channels for your TV* • Children’s books and board games* • Family DVDs and CDs* • Nintendo Wii and PlayStation with a selection of games* 2 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

*Available on request

Housekeeping can arrange a variety of infant items in your room upon request, including bottle steriliser, crib, cot, highchair, baby bath, microwave and bottle warmer. The Dorchester has a variety of dining options designed for young taste buds and we are happy to accommodate special requests. The Dorchester can accommodate any specific dietary requirements including organic and low or no sugar diets. You may also arrange a consultation with the chef to discuss your family’s dietary needs. Children’s menus are available in The Promenade, The Grill at The Dorchester and in-room dining, presented in specially designed children’s crockery. Both restaurants offer high chairs and colouring books. In-room dining is also pleased to offer an expertly selected baby menu. For more information, please contact the switchboard team. For further information, please contact The Dorchester on 020 7629 8888. 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA. www.dorchestercollection.com

OUT & ABOUT

Join In The Festive Fun With The

IDEAL HOME SHOW AT CHRISTMAS

Get Christmas wrapped up early this year with the Ideal Home Show at Christmas, featuring everything you need from inspiration and gifts to decorations and festive fare.

eturning to London Olympia for its seventh consecutive year from the 22 to 26 November with a special late-night opening on Thursday evening, the event features eight dedicated sections across home and lifestyle including interiors and home accessories; home improvements and outdoor living; style; Christmas decorations; kitchenware; the Pet Pavilion and more. The Eat and Drink Festival 2017 runs alongside the show and brings together artisan food producers, street food vendors and mixologists as well as highlyrespected celebrity chefs to celebrate the best in Christmas cuisine ahead of the festive season.

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With an entertaining line-up of household names, the show’s four stages feature an exciting timetable of experts across the worlds of interiors, Christmas etiquette, fashion, gift-wrapping, decorations and cookery. Gino D’Acampo, Gregg Wallace, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Katie Piper and Rosemary Shrager are among the impressive celebrity roster. Christmas-lover Gregg Wallace says: “Love Christmas, bring it on! Roast potatoes, stuffing, quality gravy and of course, big thick sticky puddings! All of this, a couple of bottles of wine and your loved ones around you, what could be better!” Gregg will be sharing his recipes for chestnut soup with bacon along with his Christmasinspired bread ‘n’ butter pudding from the show’s

“For me, cooking at Christmas is about providing the wow factor while keeping it simple,” says Gino D’Acampo. “I can’t wait to get on stage and have some real Gino-style fun. And this year I’m going to be doing something I’ve never done before at the show. As well as cooking up something delicious, I’m going to host my first live question and answer session with the audience. Ask me anything. You have been warned ...”

Foodie Stage. Italian cook Gino D’Acampo also takes to the Foodie Stage to share his tips on creating the perfect Italian Christmas. D’Acampo says “Christmas is a fantastic time of year, Brussels sprouts are one of my favourite vegetables. I can’t understand why people turn their noses up at them; there are lots of delicious ways to serve them other than boiling them to death. The main thing: don’t overcook them ... they’re delicious!”. In the Christmas Theatre, Vanessa Feltz and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen give their take on this year’s interior trends and decorating for Christmas, while TV beauty expert Hayley Sparkes offers advice on looks for the Christmas party season. “Decorating for Christmas is one of my favourite annual activities. I encourage everyone to really go for it with their decorations, be crazy, be vibrant and share the festive spirit however and wherever they can”, says interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. When looking to relax, the show’s Pamper Lounge is the perfect place to indulge in soothing beauty treatments. After, enjoy a glass of fizz in the show’s Champagne Bar or visit the new Aprés Ski Bar, where festive favourites such as mulled wine and fondues are available for those wanting an early taste of Christmas. With children aged 15 and under entering free, the show is a great day out for all the family. Tickets can be purchased online at www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk or by phone on 0844 209 7330.

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OUT & ABOUT

Dog Day Afternoon Saturday 14th October 2017, 11am-5pm

Pitter patter down to the Cabbages and Frocks market in Marylebone village for another special Dog Day Afternoon.

ne of the highlights of the day will be the Good Boy Dog School headed by Dima and his doggy dance partners George and Teddy, who will be presenting new and exciting routines at 12 noon and 2pm. Previously Dima and George have been seen on Britain’s Got talent. George, who is a wow with the ladies, upstaged Lady Gaga on Comic relief. A winning duo, not to be missed! There are FREE competitions from 2.30pm, with each taking approximately 10 minutes Competition judges are Chamois Rose-Wood of the Independent and Rob Alleyne of Dog Owners Club and seen on BBC3 “Dog Borstal” Look out for the latest in canine couture and doggy accessories, including pet portrait artist Claire Thorogood. Bag a cool reversible bandana by Montydog bandanas for dog owner with discerning taste. Make sure to check out the stylish dog coats and luxury accessories by Dogsnug including the limited edition personalised dog coats with special warm linings, designed to look fantastic, steal smiles and set tails r wagging! You will Running orde never lose sight of ds ee br for mixed your pooch if you A bit of ruff ” choose the gold Best dog trick Wag gy tail waterproof coat and toy breeds he will shine out of Miniatures and the pack. Matching pairs e Block While watching New kid on th Best Puppy the competitions ies munch on a Oldies but good Best in show chocolate brownie from Crumb De La Crème and don’t forget to take home an authentic piece of Pecorino by Italian True. Fashion stalls will also be there in abundance, including the vintage stall with used Hermes finds, Gucci handbags and accessories. Vintage clothing may include Valentino, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana. 2 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

The details Free Admission For more information about Cabbages & Frocks visit www.cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk Facebook: Cabbages and frocks market Twitter: @cabbagesfrocks Instagram: cabbagesandfrocks Cabbages & Frocks is open every Saturday 11-5pm St Marylebone Parish Church grounds Marylebone High Street W1U 5BA, (opp. Conran Shop) Tube: Baker Street

“Look out for the latest in canine couture and doggy accessories, including pet portrait artist Claire Thorogood” Don’t miss Gabriela Rose’s tweed tailored jackets in autumnal hues. Meet distinguished dog trainer Rob Alleyne, author of the book “The troubled-free dog” who has been the behavioural trainer on the BBC3 series Dog Borstal. The event supports All Dogs Matter, a London rehoming charity with a passionate team. Don’t miss out, you may go home with a rosette and purchases for you and your pet. Either way you are guaranteed a fun filled day out!

OUT & ABOUT

Richard Young Gallery

Photographic shoot with celebrity photographer Richard Young Richard Young has developed a new photographic concept based out of his gallery in Kensington – Richard Young Walk-Ins

BOOKINGS To book an appointment, please contact: Jack Glover Gunn at gallery@richardyoungonline.com Telephone 0207 937 8911 www.richardyounggallery.co.uk www.richardyoungonline.com Richard Young Gallery 4 Holland St, London W8 4LT

Top: Photography by Richard Young; Right: by Simon Brown; Left: by Lorenzo Agius

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aunched in September 2015, Richard Young Gallery features a studio where the public and invited celebrities are invited to walk in and have their portrait taken by the legendary celebrity photographer. Get the chance to feel like a celebrity yourself, as Richard shoots an entire roll of black and white film in 10 minutes! Clients receive three silver gelatin prints and the contact sheet of the images which are hand selected by Richard from each shoot. Gift Vouchers are also available. The perfect gift for the person who has everything. Prices start at £1800.00 per shoot. Richard comments “In 1979 I was commissioned by French Vogue and David Bailey’s Ritz Magazine to shoot Sir Ralph Richardson being photographed by Sir Cecil Beaton. I watched as his assistants set up the shoot. Finally the great man himself came out and took about 10 shots, and that was it. I was intrigued. I plucked up the courage. ‘Sir, I see you have only taken a few shots?’. He turned to me and retorted, ‘My dear boy, if you can’t get it in one roll of film it’s just not worth bothering!’ Richard Young is at the forefront of celebrity photography. With a career spanning 40 years, Richard’s exceptional eye and unique approach has cemented him as the most trusted and prolific contemporary photographer to the stars. As both a portraitist and photojournalist, his unerring ability to capture the moment and present a candid, inside view into the world of celebrity has resulted in iconic images that are celebrated in publications throughout the world.

Richard has photographed a diverse and distinguished range of famous celebrities, capturing some genuinely unique moments over the course of his career. He took the last photograph of Keith Moon at a party with Paul and Linda McCartney, just hours before he died. Richard visited orphanages in Romania with Michael Jackson, photographed Sting’s wedding to Trudie Styler and toured the country with the Sex Pistols. He has covered parties for the Cannes film festival and the Oscars in Los Angeles. He accompanied and documented United States troops in Iraq and Fidel Castro in Cuba. These examples are only a few of Richard’s diverse achievements, and are a mark of the trust and liking that he inspires in his subjects. With an archive of over 2 million images, Richard Young’s prolific body of work could easily serve as documentation of popular culture over the past 40 years.

OUT & ABOUT

LORD’S

The Home of Cricket

Lord’s has long been seen as the game’s spiritual ‘headquarters’. But its importance is not merely historical. In practice it remains, to this day, perhaps the most important single place in world cricket

ts owner, Marylebone Cricket Club, remains the guardian of both the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket, and MCC sides (which play around 500 games a year) perform a key role in promoting cricket - in Britain and elsewhere. In addition, Lord’s is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as well as the European Cricket Council (ECC).It is also the setting for the state-ofthe-art MCC Cricket Academy, the unrivalled MCC Library and the world-famous MCC Museum. Above all, Lord’s is the setting for some ofthe best cricket in the world .It hosts Investec Test matches and NatWest-sponsored one-day internationals plus most of Middlesex’s home games, some historic fixtures (such as Oxford v Cambridge) and the village and club finals. The Lord’s 2017 fixture list is available to view on their website www.lords.org/fixtures/fixturesandtickets. There is a Tour of Lord’s where you will begin in the MCC Museum, home of the famous Ashes urn. The museum brings the fascinating story of cricket is to life. Paintings, photographs and artefacts, covering 400 years of cricket history, reveal the game’s development from a rural pastime to a modern, increasingly international sport. The museum also boasts bats, balls and kit donated by great players like Mahela Jayawardene, Glenn McGrath, Rahul Dravid, Paul Collingwood and Shane Warne -as well as from past greats such as

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Victor Trumper, Jack Hobbs andDon Bradman. Additional attractions at Lord’s include the Tennis Court where Real Tennis, ‘the game of kings’ (famously enjoyed by King Henry VIII), is still played, and the MCC Cricket Academy - where many future Test and county stars hone their skills. Founded in the 1970s, it soon produced some of the world’s finest cricketers, including Sir Ian Botham, Martin Crowe and Angus Fraser. Regular users include Middlesex players, MCC’s Young Cricketers and international cricketers preparing to appear in major matches at Lord’s. Members of the public are welcome too. Facilities include a 19-yard run-up for bowlers, a variable speed bowling machine forbatsmen, two-way simultaneous video recording equipment, aSupergrasse playing surface - especially for cricket, a bar & coffeeshop for spectators (for tired players!) with coaching availablethroughout the year. Lord’s is also an ideal venue for meetings or conferences, exhibitions, wedding receptions, dinners, parties or any celebration. From the Victorian elegance of the Pavilion to the striking lines of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre, Lord’s offers a wide range of facilities that allow for flexibility and creativity. Its ideal location in the heart of London and stunning vistas of the hallowed turf make Lord’s a unique and popular choice for any event. For more information about Lord’s visit the website at www.lords.org

“Lord’s is the home of Middlesex County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board”

Venue images courtesy of MCC Above: picture courtesy of Sarah Williams

OUT & ABOUT

AUTUMN AT PLUS ONE GALLERY

lus One Gallery is one of the leading galleries specialising in hyperrealism, a genre being widely acknowledged within the art market as the latest movement for connoisseurs and collectors to invest in. Plus One Gallery relocated to Battersea Reach from Pimlico road in September 2016 and since opening last autumn the area is becoming a magnet for artists and galleries alike. Located on the River Thames, with excellent transport links to the city centre, the development stretches along London’s picturesque historic waterways are enough to get anyone’s creative juices flowing.

“Hyperrealism: the latest movement for connoisseurs and collectors to invest in” Representing many of the established artists of the movement such as Ben Johnson, Pedro Campos Steve Smulka, Ben Schonzeit, Tom Martin and Craig Wylie (winner of the prestigious BP Portrait Award). The gallery holds approximately six exhibitions a year. Typically, these include an eclectic mix of still life, portrait, city and landscape works; from chocolate bars and Coke cans to dramatic cinematic scenes of a downtown diner or a deserted highway. Currently on display is the 2017 ‘Autumn Show’, a group exhibition featuring the latest paintings and sculptures by an array of represented artists. Upcoming exhibitions include a solo show by Spanish artist, Javier Banegas (8th November – 2nd December 2017) followed by a solo show by German artist, Volker Kuhn (6th December – 6th January). This month the Autumn 2017 edition of The Affordable Art Fair will take place in Battersea Park and several gallery artists work will be on display. The fair is located just a few minutes down the road from Plus One Gallery allowing fair visitors to conveniently stop by. Plus One Gallery, B & C Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, London SW18 1GY; 020 7730 7656; www.plusonegallery.com Clockwise from top left: Tom Betts, Laguna Waves and Cups, Oil on panel, 40.5 x 40.5 cm (Newly represented by Plus One, part of the Autumn Show); Ben Schonzeit, Marfadoodle-doo, Acrylic on polyester 112 x 122 cm (Part of Autumn Show); Pedro Campos, Sweet Balance, Oil on canvas 97 x 162 cm

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SPECIALISTS IN HYPERREALIST ART

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Specialists in Hyperrealist Art

g l e n S e M p l e • ‘ a f t e r n o o n t e a’ • a c r y l i c o n c a n va S • 9 0 x 1 2 0 c M

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020 7730 7656 | info@plusonegallery.com | www.plusonegallery.com B & C Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, Battersea Reach, York Road, London, SW18 1GY, UK Steve Whitehead • ‘Maggie M’ • acrylic on canvaS • 41 x 76cM

020 7730 7656 | info@plusonegallery.com | www.plusonegallery.com B&c trafalgar house, Juniper drive, Battersea reach, york road, london SW18 1gy

OUT & ABOUT

POSTER GIRLS

new blockbuster exhibition opens at London Transport Museum on Friday 13 October. With over 150 original posters and artworks on display Poster Girls – a century of art and design will showcase female poster designers and reveal some of the hidden stories behind their work. The exhibition will feature leading female artists who have worked for London Transport and Transport for London over the last hundred years including well-known designers, such as Mabel Lucie Attwell, Laura Knight, Enid Marx and Zandra Rhodes, alongside lesser known individuals who nonetheless changed the way Londoners viewed their city. The works on display show a dazzling spectrum of artistic styles and mediums; modernist, figurative, flat colour, boldly patterned, abstract, collage and oil. The themes of the exhibition are explored in more depth at special events which include talks, Friday Lates, Late Debates and family fun. Visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk to find out more.

Friday Late launch evening 13 October, 18:30 to 22:00 Visitors can be amongst the first to enjoy the exhibition at the launch evening Friday Late event with curator tours, talks, craft activities, a pub style quiz, music and bar. Tickets: £15 (£12 concessions). 3 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Design Connections Robert Elms in conversation with Wallace Sewell, 7 November, 19:00 to 20:30 Join textiles design duo Emma Sewell and Harriet Wallace-Jones of Wallace Sewell who will talk to broadcaster and author Robert Elms about the inspiration and thinking behind their iconic moquette seating fabric for London’s transport system. Tickets: £12 (concessions £10)

October Family Fun – The Magic Poster 21 to 29 October Families can enjoy the child friendly Poster Girls exhibition together, as well as listen to story time, and create their own little story books inspired by the stunning works of art on display. Kids go free. Poster Girls – a century of art and design is on show in the Exterion Media gallery at London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB. Adult tickets cost £17.50 (£15 concessions) and allow unlimited daytime entry to the Museum galleries and temporary exhibitions for a whole year.

Visitors can save money with advance online booking £16 (concessions £13.50) www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Clockwise from left: Summer sales quickly reached, Mary Koop, 1925; Children’s London, Carol Barker, 1979; Rugby at Twickenham, Laura Knight, 1921; Winter Cavalcade, Earls Court, Margaret Barnard, 1938; Motor Show, Anna Katrina Zinkeisen, 1934; Boat Races. Head of the River, Anne Hickmott, 1959; Epping Forest, Ruth Hydes, 2015

OUT & ABOUT

Cahoots is Soho’s underground home that transports guests back in time to post-war 1940s, to a disused underground tube station, where guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails, 1940s rationed snacks and regular entertainment with homages to the 1940s stars of the stage and screen.

nspired from the era that saw Londoners take refuge in the underground, as stations were commonly used as air raid shelters during the war, Cahoots replicates the wartime British spirit with drinks and sing-alongs around the piano to boost morale. Look out for the underground sign on the ground floor of Kingly Court by the Beak Street entrance, where old-fashioned wooden escalators lead you downstairs to a stationmaster at the entry kiosk, who will issue you a ‘day ticket’ to the platform/tube carriage destination bar. Regulars of Cahoots will be rewarded with a special ‘season ticket’ with exclusive access to the bar. Sit on reworked 1940s tube carriage seats and enjoy a drink or two. The bartenders (in braces, of course!) serve classic cocktails, as well as black market liquor and post-war favourites - in particular rum and gin based drinks that are furtively knocked back from old mugs, hip flasks, vintage milk bottles and tins. And several times each week, a live band plays 1940s jazz and swing, so you can practice your lindy hop! The 1940s tube carriage seats, mismatched furniture and bunting draped throughout completes the perfect backdrop for a jolly good knees-up. Cahoots, where spirits are high and drinks never run dry. Available seven days a week for private hire. For more information about Cahoots 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW get in touch via email highspirits@cahoots-london. com or call 0207 352 6200 to book. Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday - 5pm-1am Thursday & Friday - 5pm-2am; Saturday - 7pm3am Sunday - 5pm-12am; www.cahoots-london.com

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OUT & ABOUT

,000 runners have already secured their spot in the very first half marathon to go through both the City of London and Westminster. The London Landmarks Half Marathon is a brand new, closed road charity run taking place for the first time on 25 March 2018. Public entry to the London landmarks Half Marathon has now sold out, but the aim is to raise £4 million between Tommy’s and 100 participating charities who will take the other 5,000 spots. Many charities still have space available including Tommy’s, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Cancer Research UK, Mind, Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer UK and Make-A-Wish. In total 10,000 runners will start on Pall Mall, finish by Downing Street and have fabulous views of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye. The event is not your average half marathon, as it will celebrate London’s ‘quirky and hidden’ history, giving participants the chance to explore the capital while running a route like no other. For example, runners will experience a ‘bowler hat send-off ’ in true London style as the race starts by the world’s oldest hat shop Lock & Co, where the bowler hat originated from in 1849. Themed cheer stations will also give runners and spectators a glimpse into London’s incredible history. From Victorian postmen to suffragettes to Roman Gladiators, runners will smile at every mile hearing the cheers from Londoners gone by. And at the finish line runners will receive their medal in style from a famous character from the city’s history such as Dick Whittington and his cat or Henry VIII. The route will be lined with London’s amazing singers, dancers, bands and musicians – entertaining you every step of the way. The event is the brainchild of baby charity Tommy’s, who have spent two and a half years developing the event to benefit the entire charity sector. With their offices based in the heart of the City, Tommy’s noticed a gap in the market, realising a central London half marathon taking in the City and all of the Capital’s landmarks did not exist. Tommy’s therefore took the decision to pursue developing and launching a new central London half marathon to benefit both themselves, and many other charities too. Tommy’s is delighted to be launching this exciting new event with the support of Westminster City Council and the City of London Corporation. Just Giving are the official fundraising partner and the event will be delivered on the day by Human Race. Lia Bowman, Director at the London Landmarks Half Marathon commented, “After 2.5 years of planning, we are so excited to bring this new event to our capital and are over the moon that public entry has sold out so quickly. We are looking forward to raising millions of pounds for charities and giving runners and spectators a day they will remember and talk about for a long time!

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The London Landmarks Half Marathon 25 March 2018

MORE INFORMATION For further details on the event, route and to secure your charity spot please visit: www.llhm.co.uk

For more information about Tommy’s visit www.tommys.org

OUT & ABOUT

Stylist Live

tylist Live is back for 2017 in its new home of Olympia London. Launched by weekly magazine Stylist in 2015, the show will have a jam-packed line-up of brands, influencers, fashion exclusives and more. The event features over 80 inspiring talks across three days, hosted by some of the UK’s most influential women and men. Speakers at the festival include: Emma Willis, Katherine Ryan, Russell Brand, Nigella Lawson, Sarah Millican, Fearne Cotton, Reggie Yates, Alice Levine, Robert Webb, Joel Dommett and Judy Murray. Stylist Live also offers a unique shopping experience in perfect time for Christmas, with over 200 unique independents offering up fashion and jewellery, beauty, stationery, food and drink, and more. Combining high street style with a high-

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Recently announced sessions include: Morning routines of successful women Becoming a brand: how and why it’s crucial for success Life balance and the pay gap From blogging to bestseller: how to write words people want to read Charisma class: how to captivate your colleagues with confidence How to break into a business you know nothing about The foods to eat in 2018 for the ultimate mind and body balance Supercharged club: how to survive full-on work days while still staying social The power of vulnerability: mental health and the workplace How to be brave: speaking up against racism

fashion experience, the Stylist catwalk runs regularly each day, featuring key A/W17 trends curated by their award-winning editorial fashion team. In addition, all visitors will receive a complimentary drink with their ticket and can benefit from free sampling opportunities, beauty treatments and hair-styling. The first release of VIP tickets have sold out, with a limited amount of remaining VIP tickets scheduled for release in September. Silver tickets, which allow ticket holders general admission plus the choice of adding either a special closed-stage talk or a manicure, are selling quickly and booking soon is recommended. More information and ticket options can be found at live.stylist.co.uk. Stylist Live, 10-12 November 2017, Olympia, W14 8UX

HanD-maDE In EngLanD prODuCTS fOr DOg LOvErS.

We at The Labrador Company are a Dorset based retail and online company featuring beautiful dog and animal motif designs. We are a small rural English company and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to us that our products are good quality, stylish, fun and timeless. Our blankets are woven in Lancashire, our fabrics are printed in Cheshire, our chocolates are hand made in Staffordshire and our beautiful handbags are made in Lincolnshire (with an Italian leather finish). We have a team of real craftspeople who stand firmly behind The Labrador Company brand, bringing with them their expertise, care and craftsmanship.

(not just Labradors!)

OUT & ABOUT

ICONOCLASTS ART OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM UNTIL 7 JANUARY 2018, SAATCHI GALLERY

Lewis, Dale - Eurovision, 2015

aatchi Gallery presents a major new exhibition featuring the work of thirteen contemporary artists. Iconoclasts explores the experimental and often transformational practices of a small group of groundbreaking artists, inviting us to engage anew with what modern day iconoclasm might be. By using a myriad of unusual image-making practices - from branding imagery onto human skin to sculpting curving structures out of crow feathers - these artists are breaking the mould, ushering in a

About Saatchi Gallery The Saatchi Gallery was founded in 1985 with the aim of bringing contemporary art to as wide an audience as possible and make it accessible by providing an innovative platform for emerging artists to show their work. Over the last five years the Saatchi Gallery has hosted ten out of the top 15 most visited exhibitions in London, according to The Art Newspaper’s survey of international museum attendance, and also has more followers on social media than any other museum in the world. Entry to all the Saatchi Gallery’s exhibitions is free.

Saatchi Gallery

Williams, Alexi - Echos Of The Kill, 2015.

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Anzeri, Maurizio-Giovanni, 2009

new age of artistic defiance through their resistance of typical artistic processes and their personal interpretations of cultural mores. As an act, iconoclasm historically holds both religious and progressive connotations. However, 21st century culture has eroded the radicalism of this concept, and artists are now questioning the intrinsic nature of iconoclasm itself by scrutinizing what defines a work of art. While this group cannot be described as iconoclasts in the traditional sense of the word, they are all driven by an iconoclastic urge, which manifests itself in the intriguingly diverse and often destructive ways they produce art. A startling number of materials and techniques cohabit in one exhibition, where abstraction, figuration, creation and deconstruction combine. At a time when the very notion of iconoclasm has seemingly become mainstream, Iconoclasts brings together the work of thirteen distinct contemporary figures, seeking to examine what it means to be an iconoclast today. Iconoclasts features the work of Maurizio Anzeri, Matthew Chambers, Daniel Crews-Chubb, Josh Faught, Aaron Fowler, Danny Fox, Makiko Kudo, Dale Lewis, Thomas Mailaender, Kate MccGwire, Renee So, Douglas White and Alexi Williams-Wynn. Entry to the exhibition is free. For more details, visit www.saatchigallery.com Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ,, King’s Road, SW3 4RY

Jennifer Watt Sculpture

Jennifer is nationally known for her elegant bronze and resin figures, many of which celebrate women and motherhood. Her distinctive style developed after winning a Royal Glasgow Institute prize which involved going to France. While there she became fascinated by human shadows. “I started to take photographs of people’s shadows, and really noticed how they reduce their forms to such an elegant simplicity,” she said.

BOCKETTS FARM- LISA Showing at the Battersea Affordable Art Fair with ContemporArti: 19 - 22nd October

Jennifer’s sculptures, which can be found in homes and gardens across the UK and far beyond, can each take two months to design and create. After the initial sketches, she creates an armature from metal rods. This “skeleton” is the covered in clay and a mould is created for the resin or the molten bronze. Once the casting is complete the sculpture is patinated to achieve the desired final texture and colour. Jennifer’s figures are highly stylised and often tall and slender, with the women frequently wearing the small hat which is a trademark of her work.

Jennifer Watt, Burnhead House, Burnhead, Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4AD www.jenniferwatt.co.uk • wattsculpture@gmail.com • Tel 01848 331524 • Mobile 07933758541

OUT & ABOUT

DIVERSITY NOT FASCISM Previews For 2 Days Only At Fitzrovia’s Gallery Different, 16 & 17 November 2017

ubbed ‘The Banksy of Persia” by Le Monde, artist Manou Marzban’s 2-day exhibition at Gallery Different is a fabulous opportunity to preview new work by one of the leading European-based middle eastern artists. Manou’s newest and most powerful collection to date, entitled ‘Diversity Not Fascism,’ is a collection of cleverly re-purposed WWII Third Reich helmets that make a powerful and poignantly timed statement in favor of diversity. In an uncanny incidence of timing, the collection’s release coincides with the aftermath of Germany’s election results, where the far-right succeeded in entering Parliament for the first time in 60 years. For the collection, Manou painted the WWII helmets in every colour of the rainbow to reflect the diversity we see in the world today and remind us of how far we’ve come, while at the same time allowing the helmets themselves to stand as iconic symbols of what can happen when populist ideologies take hold. The artist states, “When I was in boarding school in the early 1970s in Sonning, Reading, I was

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the only foreign student. Today, such schools are a vibrant mix of cultures. In just 40 odd years, the landscape has changed. Imagine what the world will look like in 100 years? Diversity is inevitable.” The exhibition also features the newest pieces from the whimsical sell-out series, Persian Pop,delightful reiterations of Persian Qajar kings, or ‘Shahs,’ that bring a much welcomed levity to the narrative that surrounds the Qajar period in Iran. Viewers will also love seeing the latest addition to the artist’s spectacular Ping Pop, in which the artist graffities actual table-tennis tables, finishing them with a durable surface that allows the lucky collectors to not only enjoy them as sensational works of art but also have a go at playing a game on them too. And finally, with the holiday season in mind, Manou has created one-of-a-kind ceramic tiles featuring his much loved and uniquely whimsical caricatures.

DON’T MISS Also on view will be the artist’s spectacular Ping Pop, actual table tennis tables that have been graffitied in the artist’s hallmark blend of Pop and Street art and finished with a durable resin that can withstand a game. “It’s amazing how these tables energize everyone around them. I still get a kick out of seeing my collectors playing a game on them.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST Manou’s art has gained global attention in the past five years and is deemed one of Iran’s leading European-based contemporary artists, with Le Monde dubbing him ‘The Banksy of Persia’ for his ability to create work that both delights and provokes. The artist developed a sixth-sense for socio-political turmoil growing up the son of an Iranian diplomat in the years leading up to Iranian Revolution of 1979.

MANOU MARZBAN

Diversity not Fascism On view for 2 days only

16 & 17 November

for exhibition brochure & event information please contact: +44 (0) 7973 752 534, gshabka@gmail.com Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1DR

OUT & ABOUT

MUSEUMS AT NIGHT Halloween Escapades and Half Term Fun M

useums at Night, the UK’s after-hours festival of arts, culture and heritage, produced by arts charity Culture24 is back for Halloween! During the festival, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK will be opening their doors after dark to put on a fantastic array of special events - many of which will have a Halloween theme. From spooky torch-lit tours and Halloween storytelling to Fright Nights, there is something to send a shiver down even the most hardened spine!

Here are just some of the haunting experiences taking place in London…. FAMILY FRIENDLY NIGHTS Late at the Natural History Museum 27th October, 6pm – 10pm Looking for a fun, free Friday night out? Visit the Museum by night. Eat, drink, see exhibitions, science demos and more. See specimens from the Museum collection, including the new 25.2-metre star attraction, Hope the blue whale, suspended from the ceiling of Hintze Hall. The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD

London’s Night Owls Halloween Sleepover, Museum of London 27th October & 28th October, 6pm – 10pm. What happens in the museum once the doors close for the night? Trick-or-treat your way around the galleries and solve a spooky crime by torchlight with the help of a mysterious character. Terrifying tales from Victorian London include the monstrous story of Dr Jekyll and the strange encounters at Sweeney Todd’s barber during an interactive storytelling session. Museum of London, London Wall, City of London, EC2Y 5HN

Dickens After Dark: A Halloween Special, Charles Dickens Museum 26th October, 6pm – 10pm On All Hallow’s Eve, the only night of the year dedicated to telling stories of the dearly departed, you can experience Dickens’s home as if the author himself had just stepped out the door. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the atmospheric rooms and experience just what it was like to be in a Victorian home after dark. There will be a candlelit bar open throughout the evening to help ward off the chills of this dark and mysterious night. The Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX 4 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

26 – 28 October 2017 ADULTS ONLY Thursday late: Venice in focus, Buckingham Palace 26th October, 6.30pm – 9pm Explore the delights and wonders that Venice has to offer at this evening celebrating Venetian culture. Uncover new perspectives on Venice with talks from Jonathan Keates, Chairman of Venice in Peril, and photographer Sarah Quill, and then explore Canaletto’s birthplace with a sensory tour of the city. Sample Venetian food with a complimentary glass of prosecco and enjoy viewing the exhibition accompanied by Venetian music. The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA

Late at the Gate Ye Olde Tavern Quiz: MUSEUM OF the Order of St John 26th October, 6pm-9.30pm Hail thee, hail thee, history enthusiasts, seekers of the Holy Grail and fans of a good pint of ale! Join in at the home of the Knights Hospitaller for a quiz to test your medieval knowledge. Enjoy a tankard of beer or a glass of fine wine from the Jerusalem Tavern as you puzzle over a game of thrones or some Latin scrawl. Who will emerge as the most enlightened? Quiz will begin at 7pm. Team tickets are £30, maximum team size is 6 people. St John’s Gate, 26 St John’s Lane, London EC1M 4DA

Library of Screams, Strawberry Hill House 26th October, 8pm-9.30pm Join the mysterious librarian, Nathaniel Caldicott as he shares several curious tales of the macabre and the mysterious including brand new adaptations of some timeless tales of terror by W F Harvey and E Nesbit. Phillip Jennings performs a new promenade show using the atmospheric spaces and creepy Woodland Walk of Strawberry Hill House & Garden, Horace Walpole’s little gothic castle.The macabre tales start 8pm, wrap up warm or it won’t only be your spine that’s chilled. Strawberry Hill House, 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST Full listings of all events can be found at www. museumsatnight.org.uk. Many events are free.

OUT & ABOUT

HIT PLAY INK OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS

‘A huge 5-star hit’ – Evening Standard

‘Hold the front page: This one’s a smasher’ – Time Out

‘A play for today. The blazingly talented James Graham has penned a super, soaraway smash.’ – The Daily Telegraph

Fleet Street. 1969. The Sun rises. A young and rebellious Rupert Murdoch asks the impossible and launches The Sun’s first editor’s quest: to give the people what they want. No matter the cost.

ollowing a sell-out season at the Almeida Theatre, Ink, by James Graham, the playwright known for his gripping, political writing (This House, Labour of Love) has opened in the West End at the Duke of York’s theatre to 5 star reviews. Set on Fleet Street in 1969, Ink tells the story of the Sun newspaper’s rebirth under media mogul Rupert Murdoch. The play opens with Murdoch’s Photography: Marc Brenner

momentous decision to purchase the failing broadsheet title and transform it into a brand new tabloid. To do this, Murdoch approaches Larry Lamb and launches The Sun’s first editor’s quest: to give the people what they want. No matter the cost. Ink stars Bertie Carvel (Dr Foster, Matilda – for which he won an Olivier Award) as Rupert Murdoch and Richard Coyle (The Lover/The Collection) as Larry Lamb. Directed by the Almeida Theatre’s artistic director Rupert Goold and with a fantastical set by designer Bunny Christie, Ink is undoubtedly an unmissable theatrical event which brings to life the birth of this country’s most influential newspaper. Duke of York’s Theatre. Strictly Limited season until 6 January. To book tickets visit InkthePlay.com or call 0844 871 7623

‘Sharper than a paper cut. It’s a hell of a story delivered with flair and vivid humanity’ – The Times

‘A hilarious and gripping piece of theatre.’ – The Guardian

‘The timing of Ink couldn’t be better’ – The I

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OUT & ABOUT

VENUS IN FUR N

atalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, The Tudors) and David Oakes (Victoria) star in the West End premiere of VENUS IN FUR now playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Directed by Patrick Marber, this critically acclaimed Broadway smash-hit by David Ives premiered off Broadway in 2010 before transferring to the Manhattan Theatre Club in November 2011, and receives its West End premiere this autumn. Set in downtown Manhattan, VENUS IN FUR tells the story of enigmatic actress Vanda Jordan who appears unannounced for an audition with writer-director Thomas Novachek. Vanda is determined to land the leading role in his new production – despite seeming wrong for the part – and over the evening that follows, their charged meeting becomes a seductive dance to the end. Director Patrick Marber is joined by an awardwinning creative team with design by Rob Howell, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, composition and sound by Tom Gibbons and Ilene Starger as Casting Director, and provides over 200 seats at £15 for every performance. VENUS IN FUR is an intoxicating dark comedy of desire and fantasy now playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited season. Theatre Royal Haymarket Strictly Limited season until 9 December 020 7930 8800 VenusOnStage.com Rehearsal photos by Darren Bell.

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OUT & ABOUT

The Speech and the Suit

ere comes the groom! Even the most modern of weddings can often feel like it’s all about the bride, but now Debrett’s, the authority on modern wedding etiquette, is offering bespoke services for the bridegroom and his best man. They will ensure that you fulfil your two primary responsibilities – looking good and giving a brilliant speech – with confidence and style. The two courses can be taken together over a full day or separately as half-day courses. An additional guest (usher, father or father-in-law-to-be) can be included.

The Speech Rupert Wesson, academy director and public speaking expert at Debrett’s, will deliver an intensive two-hour session on speech-giving for the bridegroom and up to two others. The workshop will focus on the content of the speech, mastering nerves, timing, humour, and using aids such as a microphone and notes. It will also cover traditional toasts, thank-yous and the order of speeches. 2 hour session: £500 for up to two participants, £650 for three. 5 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

The Suit Men’s style expert Tim Lord will work with the bridegroom and up to two others to style and source the perfect outfit for his wedding day. Whether you’re choosing traditional morning dress, a lounge suit or an alternative, Tim will accompany you to a selection of his favourite men’s outfitters on Savile Row and advise on the best cut, cloth, pattern and style to suit you and your budget. He will encourage you to try on a range of options to incorporate elements that are most meaningful and personal to the individual and to the couple. The session will help you to find a wedding outfit that best complements your personality and style, while covering the finer points of tailoring and men’s style 4 hour session: £950 for up to two participants, £1,200 for three. Tim Lord is a highly experienced stylist and personal style consultant whose clients have included Jude Law, Keith Richards, Michael Fassbender, Alex James, James Bay, Mumford & Sons and Jack Guinness. His work has been featured in a range of publications including GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health. Price for both courses: £1,350 for up to two participants, £1,500 for three.

THE DETAILS Please enquire for pricing and more information: email OllyWalker@debretts.co.uk or telephone Debrett’s on 0203 705 2210. www.debretts.com

OUT & ABOUT

Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia 31st October – 5 November 2017 Parker Gallery, Babbington Fine Art, Anthea AG Antiques and Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts Ltd. New talks for the 2017 fair range from the V&A discussing Travel in Style to the Royal Naval College Greenwich talking about their painted hall -one of the greatest Baroque interiors in Europe. Other topics cover commissioning art and collecting the un-collectables. The latter is by the Museum of East Asian Art as the fair is run alongside Asian Art in London when collectors descend on London. Independent Art Advisor, Vanessa Curry and her team will give daily highlights tours. Located in the elegant National Hall in London Olympia, the Fair is extremely easy to get to.

he Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia is set to return for its 27th year as London’s flagship art and antiques event of the Winter season. Around 100 leading dealers will be offering over 30,000 one-off, strictly vetted* pieces for sale.The six-day event is expected to attract over 20,000 shoppers from the UK and internationally, all looking to buy works priced from £100 to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Collectors, interiors designers and discerning shoppers can choose from signed jewellery, artwork, furniture, ceramics, glassware, clocks, fossils, textiles, mirrors, silver and sculpture. New exhibitors to the 2017 edition include: The Old Corkscrew from South Africa, jewellers Timewise and Precious Flora, Honorable Silver Objects(Belgium), Tom Rooth, Manning Fine Art and Burlington. Regular returnees include: Laura Bordignon, Patrick Sandberg Antiques, Howard Walwyn Ltd Fine Antique Clocks, The Tickets are priced at £15 in advance and £20 on the door and £30 on Preview day*. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.olympia-antiques.com *Each object will be individually vetted by a team of independent experts, providing peace of mind for any buyer. **A transaction fee of £1.20 applies Social Media: www.twitter.com/OlympiaAntiques; www.facebook.com/olympiaartandantiques; www. instagram.com/olympiaartandantiques; uk.pinterest. com/OlympiaAntiques

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OUT & ABOUT

London Remembers Remembrance is part of modern British life, culture and heritage. It becomes a particular feature of the public calendar each year when public, private, formal and informal Remembrance events take place throughout the UK

he Legion was founded by veterans after the First World War. A century on from the start of that conflict, they are still helping todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Service men and women, veterans, and their families in almost every aspect of daily life, and champion Remembrance, safeguarding the memory of those who have given their lives for our freedom through Remembrance education and events.

LONDON POPPY DAY Thursday 2nd November 2017 Once again, more than 2,000 volunteers representing the Royal Navy, Army and the RAF will work with ex-Service and civilian supporters to collect your donations. They will be at over 49 Tube and mainline railway stations from 7am morning rush hour, right through to the evening rush hour. There will be over 15 military bands playing at various stations across Central London and Canary Wharf, entertaining commuters.

FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE Saturday 11th November 2017, 2pm or 7pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Royal Albert Hall The Royal British Legion will, as usual, host the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 11 November, the day before Remembrance Sunday. The Legion invites one and all to join in commemorating all those who have lost their lives in conflicts. There are two performances, a matinee at 2pm and an evening performance at 7pm, the latter attended by the Royal Family. Highlights of the performance which includes special guest artists, 5 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

military bands and a drumhead service, are broadcast on BBC TV and radio. Tickets for the evening performance are not publicly available.

ARMISTICE DAY Saturday 11th November 2017 At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The Two Minute Silence is observed on Armistice Day, the day which marks the end of the First World War. As the national custodian of Remembrance, the British Legion believes that when 11 November (Armistice Day) falls on days other than Sundays - on working days Remembrance should be brought into the everyday life of the nation on those days as well.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Sunday 12th November 2017 As the custodians of Remembrance, The Royal British Legion calls on the nation to unite in commemorating Remembrance Sunday. At 11am on Sunday 12th November, the National Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The Queen will pay tribute alongside Members of the Cabinet, Opposition Party leaders, former Prime Ministers, the Mayor of London and other ministers. Representatives of the Armed Forces, Fishing Fleets and Merchant Air and Navy will be there, as well as faith communities and High Commissioners of Commonwealth countries. No passes or tickets are required by members of the public, who can watch the ceremony from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. For more information visit the website at www.britishlegion.org.uk

OUT & ABOUT

BROOKLYN LIFE C

entrally located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with easy access to shopping, hip restaurants and bars, public parks and one subway stop from Manhattan, The William Vale is the newest contemporary luxury hotel with 183 fully appointed rooms, each with a private balcony and breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini’s directs The William Vale’s distinct culinary concepts, including: Leuca, a Southern Italian restaurant with wood-fired coastal cuisine in a casually elegant atmosphere; Westlight, a 22nd-floor rooftop bar, serving rare spirits, craft cocktails and small plates with panoramic skyline views; and Mister Dips, a retrofitted 1974 Airstream, serving burgers, fries, and seasonal dairy dips in Vale Park. In the warmer months, relax by The William Vale’s long outdoor Vale Pool, with lounge chairs, cabanas, daybeds, and pergolas serviced by a pool-side café. Alternatively, Vale Park offers an elevated green space for hotel guests and the local community with rolling hills, shady green spaces, and postcard views. While guests are welcome to use the hotel’s Shinola bicycles to explore the surrounding Williamsburg neighborhood, The William Vale’s wide range of unique spaces also set the stage for a multitude of experiences on the very property. Its cultural programs engage local, established, and emerging talent to use The William Vale as their canvas in creative and unexpected ways, ranging from dance performances, to talks and conversations, to evenings of live art and music. Previous programs have included summer fitness classes with lululemon, outdoor screenings with Rooftop Films, and talks with the Science & Entertainment Exchange. The William Vale is for the well-traveled, connecting the trend-setter with the most noteworthy experiences. www.thewilliamvale.com

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OUT OUT & & ABOUT ABOUT

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

everal finalists from this year’s competition have been announced - and their images are utterly stunning. It’s the prestigious competition that every wildlife photographer wants to win, attracting 50,000 entries from all over the globe. The first images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 have been released, and once again the standard is exceptionally high.

Glimpse of a Lynx by Laura Albiac Vilas, Spain Finalist 2017, Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 11-14 Years The Iberian lynx is an endangered cat found only in two small populations in southern Spain. Laura’s family travelled to the Sierra de Andujar Natural Park in search of the lynx, and struck lucky on their second day, when they spotted a pair relaxing not far from the road. “The animals’ attitude surprised me. They weren’t scared of people - they simply ignored us,” says Laura. “I felt so emotional to be so close to them.”

Saguaro Twist by Jack Dykinga, USA Finalist 2017, Plants and Fungi These emblematic saguaro cacti - up to 200 years old - command the expansive arid landscape of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert National Monument in the US. “This one allowed me to get right inside its limbs,” says Jack. As the gentle dawn light bathed the saguaro’s contorted form, Jack’s wide angle revealed its furrowed arms, perfectly framing its neighbours before the distant Sand Tank Mountains.

Winter Pause by Mats Andersson, Sweden Finalist 2017, Black and White Mats walks in the forest near his home in southern Sweden every day, often stopping to watch the red squirrels foraging in the spruce trees. On this cold, February morning, the squirrel’s demeanour encapsulated the spirit of winter, captured by Mats using the soft-light grain of black and white.

Saved but Caged by Steve Winter, USA Finalist 2017, The Wildlife Photojournalist Award: Single Image This six-month-old Sumatran tiger cub was trapped in a snare, likely set by oil-palm plantation workers to get bushmeat. The population of Sumatran 6 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

tigers, a subspecies, is as low as 400-500. Today, there are probably more Sumatran tigers in zoos than there are left in the wild.

Arctic treasure Sergey Gorshkov, Russia Finalist 2017, Animal Portraits Carrying its trophy from a raid on a snow goose nest, an Arctic fox heads for a suitable burial spot. Over just a few days, vast flocks of snow geese descend on the tundra of this remote UNESCO World Heritage Site, travelling from wintering grounds some 4,800 kilometres (3,000 miles) away in British Columbia and California. These eggs will remain edible long after the brief Arctic summer is over and the geese have migrated south again. And when the new generation of young foxes begins to explore, they too will benefit from the hidden treasures.

“Carrying its trophy from a raid on a snow goose nest, an Arctic fox heads for a suitable burial spot”

Sewage Surfer by Justin Hofman, USA Finalist 2017, The Wildlife Photojournalist Award: Single Image “This tiny sea horse drifted through our snokelling site, along with a raft of tide-driven trash, especially bits of plastic,” says Justin. “It was a heartbreaking scene that perfectly summed up my experience in Indonesia.”

The Insiders by Qing Lin, China Finalist 2017, Under Water While diving in the Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Qing noticed something strange about this group on anemone fish. Each one had an extra pair of eyes inside its mouth those of a parasitic isopod (a crustacean related to woodlice).

the details Overall winners will be announced on October 17, with the exhibition opening on October 20 at London’s Natural History Museum and running until spring 2018. Tickets (adults £14; children £8) can be purchased from nhm. ac.uk/wpy. If you think you’re up to the challenge, entries for next year’s competition are open from October 23 to December 14. Visit nhm.ac.uk/visit/wpy/ competition.html

OUT & ABOUT

The D Throne S Electric

A luxury toy car built for the mini millionaire in your life Luxury cars often make heads turn when they drive by in their all-elegant gleaming avatars. This though, is hardly ever the case when you see a kid zooming around in a cute little toy car. However, here to make your jaws drop is the D Throne S Electric.

To find out more email contact@dthronefamily.com or visit the website at www.dthronefamily.com or www.joonghochoi.com

or those of you with a love of luxury vehicles, this is a one in a million chance to make your child have the same tastes as you - and the quality of the craftsmanship is unparalleled considering that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intended for use by a child. The four-wheeled work of art bears all the hallmarks of craftsmanship one might associate with a luxury brand. The super-luxe D Throne S is painstakingly designed and is in all probability the most luxurious toy your child could ever own. The tiny automobile also offers you a perfect reason to bond with you little one, with a space on its rear that easily allows an adult to hop on board. Parents can also activate different modes on the smart controller and turn the D. Throne S into a motorised or non-motorised stroller. Designed by Seoul-based Hyunsoo Choi and Taeno Yoon at Joongho Choi Studio, D Throne is certainly no ordinary car manufacturer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they are currently on their third generation of their electric cars which just seem to be getting better and better with time. A great attention to detail can also be seen in the exterior and interior design of the car with finishes of exquisite car enamel and hand-made leather seats, four-inch aluminum wheels, side LEDs and working headlights for safety. This model also has been composed by simply dividing its body parts into two sections, which are top and bottom,

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using plastic molding techniques. In addition, it is designed to simultaneously configure gold grill parts located in front of the body, and a fender structure attached to each wheel, which maintains a design of a classic car. Concurrently, it has implemented a user-friendly feature that allows users to safely and easily manage and use the car. The luxe little car can be purchased in black, khaki, and. an off-white colour (complete with shimmering copper accentuations in both models). If you can afford to pamper your child silly (with no monetary limits whatsoever!), then buying him/ her the luxurious D Throne S is probably the ultimate gift. The rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of driving time, so a family can enjoy outdoor activities while it is available to convert the mode in situations when carrying children in something like a stroller. It has slip-proof breaks to prevent the car slipping. To have these various functions possible, the structures of the design and appearance have been delicately constructed by placing the parts and accessories though the engineering technology during the electronic car development process. The Korean electric car manufacturer has certainly made it big by going small, and counts amongst its esteemed clients Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Al Maktoum, the Crown Price of Dubai, who placed a customised order blinged out with over 2,000 Swarovski crystals.

OUT & ABOUT

What her couples say:

The Perfect Wedding Ceremony

Make your Mum cry tears of Joy

Your Wedding Ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day!

ore than the dress and the venue, the vows and promises you make to each other are the centre of your day. That’s why more and more couples are choosing to have their ceremony written and conducted by a Professional Wedding Celebrant a very bespoke and personalised wedding ceremony & a much more beautiful and meaningful ceremony than just a standard formula registry office wedding. Did you know that you can have your Wedding Ceremony anywhere? With Celebrant Sarah, you can get married any time, any place, anywhere. Once the paperwork is done at the registry office, your Wedding Ceremony can take place in any setting – indoors or outdoors – it’s your choice. In a country house or hotel, a beautiful garden, a vineyard, a bluebell wood, a forest, on top of a hill, or by the sea Ceremonies at home have a particularly intimate and special atmosphere, or it can be at a favourite place in the countryside You can arrive on horseback, on push bikes or motorbike side car, on skates or just walk up an isle of trees in a romantic wooded glade. You can be mixed faith, no faith, interfaith, humanist, gay or straight, LGBTQ, traditional or modern. For a truly heartfelt ceremony; love is all you need.

Wedding Celebrant Sarah is London and Surrey’s Celebrant of choice for those seeking the most beautiful and bespoke Ceremonies written especially for you. Celebrant Sarah skilfully crafts and conducts the most beautiful and bespoke Wedding Ceremonies. She has built an unequalled reputation for creating incredibly moving and heartfelt ceremonies where mums cry, dads laugh and friends all say how unique and wonderful it is to hear the real story of the couple. The ceremony is written especially for you; telling the story of your love, how you met….the proposal…..and your ‘happy ever after’ plans. From small intimate ceremonies in gardens or in bluebell woods, to large and lavish weddings in Country Houses and Hotels, Sarah offers a better-than-your dreams yet very personal service in writing and conducting the perfect wedding ceremony, just for you. Whether you want a wedding ceremony, A civil partnership, A renewal of vows, baby naming or adoption ceremony, she will conduct the ceremony of your dreams. A FREE initial consultation in your home or the wedding venue of your choice, she will make sure that your ceremony is exceptional, and everything you ever dreamed of.

“It was a beautiful ceremony that exceeded our expectations. It was sincere and dignified, touching and full of humour” “It was the most beautiful ceremony - heartfelt and heart-warming Sarah really told the story of US It was spiritual & sincere, dignified & romantic, touching and true.” Just Perfect. Dearest Sarah, Thank you so, so much for your very significant role in making our wedding day so perfect. You were absolutely wonderful, made us feel very calm and everyone loved you - especially my mum! Love and huge and heartfelt thanks from us both.” Sam xx Hello Lovely Sarah. We’ve received the wedding ceremony and we’re over the moon with your beautiful words & considered work and we got very emotional when we saw how our ceremony would unfold, it’s truly beautiful, thank you from the bottom of our hearts xx Thank you for all your inspiration & help and calm energy, we really do appreciate in all this chaos.

CONTACT : Wedding Celebrant Sarah Member of the Fellowship of Professional celebrants sarah@weddingcelebrantsarah.com www.weddingcelebrantsarah.com Facebook: WeddingCelebrantSarah 077 696 77 261

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“Thank you, Sarah, for making our day so perfect.”

“It was the most beautiful ceremony - heartfelt and heart-warming Sarah really told the story of US It was spiritual & sincere, dignified & romantic, touching and full of humour. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. We loved it” Every single guest said: “it was the most beautiful ceremony we have ever witnessed!” Thank you, Sarah, for making our day perfect.

The Perfect Wedding Ceremony You really can have the Perfect Wedding Ceremony Written especially for you, telling the story of your love With Celebrant Sarah, you can have your ceremony in a forest, or a bluebell wood, by the sea, or in your garden, anywhere, any time

For a FREE initial consultation, contact Sarah 077 696 77 261 www.weddingcelebrantsarah.com sarah@weddingcelebrantsarah.com Facebook: WeddingCelebrantSarah Member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants

FOOD & DRINK

[NEWS]

FOOD & DRINK Get into the Halloween spirit Halloween is coming up, and there’s nothing more exciting than decorating your house with the most entertaining and scariest decorations you can find. Ulster Weavers Halloween Hubble Bubble Tea Towel, £8 Ulster Weavers Halloween Spooky House Tea Towel, £8 Eddingtons Pumpkin Cold Drinks Dispenser, £35 www.amaroni.com

CHEESE PLEASE! We love these two cheeseboards, perfect for parties. Take a trip back to the dark ages and finish your banquet in style, with the Medieval Cheese Board from Kikkerland – the eye-catching, functional design of the shield-shaped rubberwood chopping board along with stainless steel and beechwood battle-axes, makes it a unique gift idea for weddings or housewarmings. Or, choose to serve your cheese in accurately sliced portions with the Cheese Degrees precision chopping board from Totally Funky. Fun and functional, Cheese Degrees will not only add a little maths fun to serving your stilton but you could also use it to chop your vegetables to the exact same size for a uniformed fine dining experience. Medieval Cheese Board Set, www.kikkerlandeu.com; £31.63 Cheese Degrees Precision Chopping Board, £14.99; www.totally-funky.co.uk

MAKE IT PERSONAL QUIRKY Cupcakes Infuse your ghoulish cupcakes with your favourite tipple this Halloween! Perfect for Halloween parties and celebrations! Wilton’s Shot Tops Skulls Set, £6.49 www.wilton.co.uk

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Urban CHIC at puji Puji are a luxury furniture retailer, based in Hertfordshire. They supply limited-edition, bespoke furniture ranges, built by hand in their Indonesian workshop. The hand-made intricate wire bowls are a trendy food serving accessory, ideal for dinner parties. The suharto bottle design wine rack is a simple but eye-catching item. It has an aged metal frame that holds 6 bottles of wine. A subtle but elegant design addition. Handmade Intricate Wire Bowls, £85, Reclaimed Teak Wall Hanging Wine Rack, £235; www.puji.com

Personalise your home brew with this brilliant home brew branding kit, the perfect way to add that finishing touch to your home made beer. Personalised Home Brew Branding Kit; www.oakdenedesigns.com

FOOD & DRINK

TOM KITCHIN’S TASTY TOASTIES How to make Tom Kitchin’s open partridge and pancetta toasties with onion compote

“This open partridge toastie is my way to take the toastie experience to a whole new level”

he Michelin-starred chef shares a tasty new take on a toastie. Who doesn’t love a toastie? And this version even has a few twists to it. “This open partridge toastie is my way to take the toastie experience to a whole new level,” says Tom Kitchin. “I love to serve it with an onion compote, which brings a lovely natural sweetness to the dish. Don’t be shy to experiment and add other ingredients to give this recipe your own personal touch.” So what are you waiting for?

Ingredients: (Serves 4) • 4 partridge breasts, skinned • Olive oil • Butter for spreading • 4 sourdough bread slices • 2 hard-boiled free-range eggs, sliced • 8 pancetta rashers, cooked until crispy • Watercress sprigs • 4 slices cheddar cheese - Tom’s cheese of choice for this recipe comes from the Isle of Mull, but any strong cheddar would do • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper For the onion compote: • 50g butter • olive oil • 2 white onions, sliced • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 2tsp thyme leaves

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Method: 1. The onion compote is ready to use as soon as it is made, or it can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat a well-seasoned saute or frying pan with a lid over a medium-high heat, then add the butter with a splash of oil. When the butter is foaming, add the onions, garlic and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a wet piece of greaseproof paper, cover the pan with the lid, turn the heat to very low and leave the onions to sweat for 20-25 minutes until they are very tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool. 2. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the grill to high. Meanwhile, place a partridge breast in between 2 sheets of clingfilm and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to lightly bash until flattened. Repeat with the remaining breasts. Pat the breasts dry and season them all with salt and pepper.

3. Heat a well-seasoned saute or frying pan over a medium-high heat, then add a splash of oil. When it’s hot, add the breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through, then set aside to rest for 5 minutes covered with kitchen foil. Fry the breasts in batches, if necessary. 4. Toast the sourdough slices on both sides under the grill, then lightly butter each. Do not turn off the grill. 5. Spread the pieces of toast with the onion compote and add the egg slices. Top with the partridge breasts, crispy pancetta, watercress and finally the cheese. Place the toasties under the grill until the cheese melts, then lightly season with salt and cracked pepper. Tom Kitchin’s Meat & Game by Tom Kitchin, photography by Marc Millar, is published in hardback by Absolute Press, priced £26.

The Danubius Hotel Regents Park is delighted to announce its newly designed Pavilion Lounge Bar and Grill and Trueman Suite. Our guests can now dine in the cosy atmosphere of our elegant Pavilion Grill, with choices from a brand new A La Carte Menu. With natural daylight and state of the art equipment, it provides the ideal setting for conferences, events and Christmas functions for up to 130 people. Please contact us for more details

FOOD & DRINK

A TRULY UNIQUE VIP EXPERIENCE DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

new luxury bar is delivering a VIP service via a stylishly refurbished London double decker bus. The transportable bar can travel anywhere and create an instant upmarket venue for up to 40 people on two levels with the option of an outside terrace accommodating more guests. VIP Bus Bars has already proven to be a hit with music and sports stars with celebrities hiring it for private parties from £2,495 upwards. VIP Bus Bars, which was launched in June, was founded by Dan Atkins and Sean van Kerckhoven who run the successful luxurious bus party service Champagne Tours London. “This is a London bus like you have never seen before,” says Dan Atkins. “We have taken the bus and completed re-fitted it like a high end bar and cocktail lounge. It is the ultimate in luxury and the beauty is that we can bring the venue to where ever you want it.” “We really do bring the party to you and that is unique,” adds Sean van Kerckhoven. “It creates an event that people remember and is perfect for corporate events, product and brand launches, expos, concerts and festivals as well as private parties. We have already been chosen by FTSE and premium brand companies as well as celebrities from Made in Chelsea, Towie and the world of sport. But it is also popular with individuals who just want to have a great party and give their friends an amazing and luxurious experience.” The VIP Bus Bar has a state of the art lighting system that can be programmed to match a brand’s 7 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

colours across all levels and televisions can be added to enhance branding with promotional videos. The bus, which can be wrapped in sponsor’s logos and banners for corporate events and brand activations, comes with bar and event staff, a music system and full set up so the party can get started the moment guests arrive. The bus, which cost £100,000 to refurbish has already been used by a top digital commerce agency for a charity golf day, luxury boating festival and many more. “Our benchmark is to give clients and guests a luxurious experience,” adds Dan. “You can dress the bar however you like, making it a cocktail lounge, a VIP area or whatever suits your brand so that you can get the maximum impact and the guests have a fantastic time in a unique, personalised venue delivered to your door. It certainly stands out from the crowd.”

For more information please visit: www.vipbusbars.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY AT LONDON’S EAT AND DRINK FESTIVAL “Visit The Great Eat to discover the globe’s favourite flavours, where dishes are crafted by the country’s most celebrated street food visionaries”

he UK’s newest foodie festival takes place between the 22 and 26 November at London Olympia, celebrating the best in Christmas fare and live presentations on four stages across the two events. The Eat and Drink Festival 2017 brings together artisan food producers, street food vendors and mixologists as well as highly-respected celebrity chefs. Renowned Italian cook, Gino D’Acampo takes to the Foodie Stage along with other household names such as Candice Brown and The Fabulous Baker Brothers to share and inspire visitors with their favourite Christmas dishes and top cooking and baking tips. For those planning a vegan Christmas with all the trimmings, food writer and cookery tutor Katy Beskow gives lessons in Christmas cooking, while award-winning wine expert and author Olly Smith offers his infinite knowledge of Christmas tipples. The Drinks Station provides all the inspiration needed to indulge in the best beverages this holiday season. Experience the art of mixing with a cocktail masterclass from Fever-Tree, take a journey through

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German wines and learn how to expertly pair dishes with the very best of Italian wines. Sample and shop for fresh produce and handmade products in the Artisan Producers Market, offering everything from balsamic vinegars, oils and pastries to bakery treats, gin liqueurs cakes, flapjacks and Christmas puddings. Stock up on festive treats, find gifts for the food lovers in your life and taste the finest chutneys, pickles and jams. Spice up Christmas menus with take-home delights and sundries from The Larder as top producers display an attractive range of festive offerings including a wide variety of speciality cheeses, homemade fudge, organic produce and food boxes. Visit The Great Eat to discover the globe’s favourite flavours, where dishes are crafted by the country’s most celebrated street food visionaries. Whether you fancy fajitas, burritos, curries, pizzas, pastas or ice cream, grab a bite and tickle your taste buds with worldwide culinary delights. For a taste of something closer to home, stop by The Streets of London and try samples of the best eats from across the capital.

As well as enjoying the Eat and Drink Festival, tickets gain access to the Ideal Home Show at Christmas which returns to Olympia for its seventh consecutive year and runs alongside the festival. The show features eight dedicated sections across home and lifestyle including home improvements and outdoor living; style; Christmas decorations; a Christmas arcade with toys, games and books; kitchenware; and the new-for-2017 pet pavilion. From interior design, fashion and even etiquette, celebrities and experts take to the Christmas Theatre stage throughout the show’s five days to share their ideas on decorating homes for Christmas, dressing

for the office party and even finding love! Both the Eat and Drink Festival and Ideal Home Show at Christmas remain open until 21:00 on Thursday 23 November for a special night of entertainment and activities, featuring live music from top London artists as well as up and coming street musicians. Tickets for the Eat and Drink Festival are available now from www.eatanddrinkchristmaslondon.com and by phone on 0844 858 9071. Children under 16 enter free, making it a great day out for the whole family!

Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen See Laurence take to the Christmas Theatre stage, where he gives a live talk on this year’s interior trends and how to up your Christmas sparkle.

Gregg Wallace Visit the Foodie Stage to see Gregg Wallace cook up his festive favourites. For starters there’s his delicious Chestnut soup with bacon and for dessert, his Christmas-inspired Bread n Butter Pudding. The celebrity line-up includes: • Gino D’Acampo • Katie Piper • Rosemary Shrager • Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen • Olly Smith • Vanessa Feltz • Candice Brown • Fred Sirieix • The Fabulous Baker Brothers • Gregg Wallace • Nadia Essex

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FOOD & DRINK

SPANISH WINES YOU CAN’T MISS S

WORDS: SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

pain’s hotting up. Of course it has the sun and sea, but journey through the Spanish countryside and you’ll find delicious, vibrant wines that are attracting lots of attention. Rioja surpassed itself at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2017, but Spain’s got the lot: Reds young and old, emerging trendy whites, well-priced sparklers and sherry - the freshness of an ice-cold fino with tonic is this summer’s twist on a G&T. And that’s just a smattering of the different styles we can look forward to as the region forges ahead. Significant investment in vineyards and cellars has resulted in improved winemaking facilities and better quality wines. Wines we really want to drink and don’t mind paying a little bit more for. “It’s been a really strong year for sales of premium Spanish wine, particularly white wine, which is up 63% year-on-year,” says Georgina Haughton, Spanish wine buyer, Sainsbury’s. “Beyond Rioja, customers are becoming more open to exploring lesser known wine-producing regions that offer great quality and value. “Following the success seen with white Rioja and albarino, we’re continuing to expand the range and encourage shoppers to try more unusual varietals like godello,” says Georgina. And for anyone seeking out a cracking good cava for your next tapas party, a cava over ice is pretty, palatable and particularly appealing right now. Salud!

Cava Freixenet Ice Rose Cuvee Especial Cava, Spain (£11.99, Waitrose) Designed to be drunk over ice, this pink sparkler follows last year’s launch of Freixenet Ice White. Right on trend, cava on the rocks is a new way of serving a sweeter style (semi-seco) of Spanish bubbly in a casual style. Pour into a large wine glass over three cubes of ice and garnish with summer berries to enhance the youthful, fruity notes of strawberries and sweet spice.

Whites TTD Godello 2015, Spain (£9, Sainsbury’s) An obscure grape that’s unique to north west Spain, godello produces fresh, whites with a honeysuckle, juicy quality and a streak of minerality. Bright and lively, a zesty mix of tangerine, apricot and lime mingle with grassy, minerally notes. El Zumbido Viura Chardonnay 2016, Carinena, Spain (£9.99, Virgin Wines) 7 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

A vivacious blend of viura (Rioja’s historic white grape) and chardonnay, the refreshing floral bouquet and juicy, tropical fruits leap from the glass. Lush and gorgeous, it offers white peaches, pears and apricot fruit with juicy acidity to balance the flavours. Torres Pazo das Bruxas Albarino 2015, Galicia, Spain (£11.99, Taurus Wines) A really good summer white, albarino is Spain’s buzzword white grape that goes so well with grilled seafood. The cooler than average climate in Rias Baixas (in the north west), gives the whites a natural freshness and saline character. Pure and clean with a citrus edginess, it shows trademark minerality with fresh apple and grapefruit flavours, faint peachy aromas and bright acidity.

Reds “Many people stick to what they know when it comes to Spanish wines, but there is much more to experiment with than just Rioja. You can find big reds such as The Cubist Garnacha,” says Matthew Johnson, drinks expert, Waitrose. The Cubist Old Vine Garnacha 2015 Calatayud, Spain (£9.99, Waitrose) Impressively rich, this old-vine garnacha (from the north east of Spain) is hugely concentrated and packs a fruity punch. A sun-kissed giant with plenty of flesh on its bones, the waves of perfumed black fruits are spice strewn with subtle cocoa undertones. Palacios Remondo Rioja Crianza La Montesa 2013, Spain (£16.49, Ocado) A wine with excellent credentials, the Palacios estate in the Rioja Baja sub-region is famous for producing outstanding wines - winemaker Alvaro Palacios has a Decanter Man of the Year award on his mantle. A ‘modern’ Rioja that’s beautifully textured and smooth as velvet, there’s a sweet juiciness to the plummy, damson, strawberry fruit, with a beguiling bouquet of red roses and notes of vanilla, spice and herbs... ripe for the picking. Vina Ardanza Reserva 2008, Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain (£25, Armit Wines) Powerful yet balanced and described as a ‘textbook’ Rioja from a very good vintage, the polished fruit has layers of tobacco, leather, cedar, coffee and vanilla notes, with cherry and blackcurrant fruit at the core. A blend of 80% tempranillo and 20% garnacha, there’s sweet spice on the toasty finish and just like a flamenco guitarist, it plucks beautifully on the heart strings... and taste buds.

THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY OR XMAS GIFT FOR ALL FOOTBALL LOVERS FROM AGES 6-ADULT

FOOTBALL BILLIONAIRE is a fast moving, high stakes football trading game. Purchase clubs, buy stadiums, create the perfect team by collecting the best players. Hire and fire managers, close deals with agents, be ready for the transfer window and swap players with your opposition. Negotiate sponsorship deals, win trophies and increase the value of your club. You can even increase the original card collection by swapping and adding more trading cards to your game! Avoid relegation, it’s not easy being at the top!

BECOME THE WEALTHIEST, MOST SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL CLUB OWNER EVER! Only £29.95 including free postage and packaging. (Comes complete with 300 FOOTBALL TRADING CARDS, game board, Football Billionaire currency, 6 Football Player pieces, 6 League trophies, coin and 2 dice.

www.footballbillionaire.com

FOOD & DRINK

London Restaurant Festival

Returns for its 9th year, until 31st October 2017 The London Restaurant Festival (LRF) in partnership with American Express® is back, showcasing the very best restaurants and chefs in London with a packed calendar across the whole month of October.

Michel Roux Jnr

niquely, LRF takes place in restaurants across the capital, celebrating the diversity and wealth of our city’s restaurants. This year, guests will once again be able to feast on LRF’s now-fabled Gourmet Odysseys, Restaurant-Hopping Tours, Tasting Menus and Chef Hosted experiences, as well as exploring an exciting roster of new events. Exclusive to this year’s festival will be Restaurant Recipes, giving people the chance to learn how to cook some of London’s most celebrated restaurant dishes at leading cookery schools – followed by dinner in the restaurant that evening. Headlined by Michel Roux Jr and Masterchef Professionals winner Steve Groves, this hands-on experience

launches with Le Gavroche to coincide with the legendary restaurant’s 50th anniversary. Guests will learn how to cook the dishes at the Michel Roux Jr Cookery School before enjoying dinner at Le Gavroche in his company. Atul Kocchar

Ultimate Gastronomic Weekends An unforgettable weekend of gastronomy, featuring all the very best events of the festival, staying at the 5* Andaz London hotel. 14 -15th October, with Michel Roux Jr: £375 On Saturday 14th, guests will enjoy an exclusive four course lunch, hosted by Michel Roux Jr – at Roux at The Landau. The afternoon can be spent at leisure, either relaxing in the spa of the Andaz 5* hotel or touring the foodie heaven of Spitalfields Market. At 6.30pm there will be an optional complimentary wine tasting, with Saturday evening at leisure, visiting one of the excellent nearby restaurants. On Sunday, a delicious breakfast will be served at The Andaz Hotel, followed by a Champagne Gourmet Odyssey. At this event, you will visit three restaurants in one day with champagne at every course, including Searcy’s on the top floor of The Gherkin, with views across London’s skyline. 28 - 29 October, with Atul Kochhar: £375 On Saturday 28th, guests will enjoy a Champagne Gourmet Odyssey, visiting three restaurants in one lunchtime with champagne at every course (Andaz London, Noble Rot, Yauatcha, Quality Chop House). At 6.30pm there will be an optional complimentary wine tasting, with Saturday evening at leisure, visiting one of the excellent nearby restaurants of Broadgate Circle. On Sunday 29 Oct, there will be breakfast at The Andaz Hotel, followed by an exclusive four course lunch at

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Michelin-starred Benares, hosted by Atul Kochhar. On Sunday afternoon, guests can relax at the spa of the 5* Andaz… or enjoy an afternoon touring the foodie heaven of Spitafields Market. (If you would like to either upgrade your room from a Standard Room at the 5* Andaz London hotel, or arrange to stay for either the Friday or Sunday nights, please contact London Restaurant Festival at info@ londonrestaurantfestival.com once you have purchased your ticket) LRF’s Champagne Gourmet Odysseys returns, allowing guests to explore the breadth of London’s culinary landscape with North, South East and West tours. In North London, guests will enjoy a three-course lunch with a course in Trullo, Sardine and Newington Green’s Perilla. Meanwhile, especially for 2017, there will be a brand new Thai Gourmet Odyssey, uncovering West London’s Thai restaurant scene. Restaurant-Hopping tours, a stalwart of the LRF calendar, will spotlight emerging neighbourhoods with diners enjoying a tasting plate at five of the best restaurants in the area. Broadgate, St. James’s, Regent Street and Devonshire Square are all taking part this year. All sixteen LRF’s Tasting Menus this year, include all drinks and will see restaurants such as Rabbit, Providores, Test Kitchen, Barrafina with Estrella Galicia, and Taberna do Mercado each curate a four to eleven course tasting menu. The American Express Chef-Hosted lunches and dinners complete this year’s line-up. Available exclusively to American Express members, the events will offer guests the chance to get up close and personal with some of London’s greatest chefs. The line-up features ten of the capital’s best chefs including Rick Stein, Phil Howard, Jose Pizzaro, Mark Hix, Ollie Dabbous and Michelin-starred James Knappett. The 2017 festival will once again be celebrating the marriage between film and food with guests enjoying and exclusive screening with dinner and gourmet popcorn for £39. Taking place in the Masonic Temple, the wonderful hidden and unique space within the five-star luxury lifestyle hotel Andaz London Liverpool Street, Eat Film will be showing the best foodie films to hit the silver screen including Delicatessen and the award winning Jiro Dreams of Sushi. “LRF has always been about encouraging Londoners, and visitors to the capital, to discover our riveting restaurant scene during October. But there’s a vast, and often overwhelming, choice. Over the years LRF’s range of Restaurant Experiences and Festival Menus means that people get to visit all the most exceptional, innovative and inspiring restaurants in a fun, affordable and memorable way,” said Simon Davis, founder of the London Restaurant Festival. For further details visit www.londonrestaurantfestival.com. And for remaining tickets visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk/lrf

Roux At The Landau

UNTIL 31st OCTOBER

Atul Kocchar

Atul Kocchar’s Benares Restaurant Michel Roux Jnr, Roux At The Landau

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PROPERTY

Properties made in heaven

If you are looking for vast open space, original features and a unique design, then this could be the answer to your prayers.

recent survey conducted on the website propertyfinder.com found that church conversions were the most popular choice among users for a converted living space. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) says that in the last 5 years around 500 London churches have been turned into homes. The religious zeal of the Victorians and the wealth of God-fearing philanthropists left London with a surplus of churches. The combination of declining congregations and the massive need for new homes in the capital has meant that it is even more common to find churches converted into residential dwellings. If you plan to buy an already converted church, check out estate agents in the area of your choice... Due to the fact that the former usage of the property was to provide somewhere for the community to worship; the location of the building is often a big plus point for potential buyers. Whether in a serene and picturesque village or in the centre of the hustle and bustle of a town, the likelihood is that you will get more for your money in terms of location with this type of property. Some churches have been converted into several smaller apartments others have been transformed into a single home. In the quest for originality, character and charm, more and more property developers are converting churches for habitation. Whether you love contemporary furnishings or a more rustic feel, such buildings lend themselves to being completely transformed to your taste. Whether it’s been converted into a home, or is still a functioning place of worship, there is something undeniably calming and serene about churches and chapels – a feeling that survives long after the congregation has moved out. 7 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

“Some churches have been converted into several smaller apartments others have been transformed into a single home”

PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY PROPERTY

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Ealing. for Ealing. apartments, The Birchwood, which gets its name from the birch orchard that apartments, The Birchwood, which gets its name from the birch orchard thattactile The area famous as the home ofthe the iconic film studios just 10minutes minutes apartments, apartments, apartments, The The Birchwood, Birchwood, The Birchwood, which which gets which gets its its name gets name itsfrom name from the the from birch birch the orchard birch orchard orchard that that that craftsmen, designers and artisans using the most and tantalisingly wall and floor coverings easy engender astudios loving feeling for The area isarea famous as the of iconic film just 10 minutes The The area The is is famous isarea famous is famous ashome as thethe home as home theto ofhome of the iconic of iconic the film iconic film studios studios film studios just just 10Ealing. 10 minutes just 10 minutes will be planted around the site, will redefine perceptions ofof aesthetic will be planted around the site, will redefine perceptions of aesthetic will will be be planted will planted be planted around around around the the site, site, the will will site, redefine redefine will redefine perceptions perceptions perceptions of aesthetic aesthetic of aesthetic away. 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Boasting sumptuous three and classical four-bedroom Established moreapartments than adefine decade ago, Fusion define its destination. define its define its destination. destination. its destination. exceptionally talented team at Fusion Residential boast expansive and exquisite wrap-around terracing inin which to entertain boast expansive and exquisite wrap-around terracing in which to entertain boast boast expansive boast expansive expansive and and exquisite exquisite and exquisite wrap-around wrap-around wrap-around terracing terracing terracing in which which in to which to entertain entertain to entertainan enviable and unrivalled concierge serviced apartments, The Birchwood, Residential has developed have created a second icon for us all to marvel at and enjoy life’s finer moments while the uber-luxurious penthouse covers the THE DETAILS and enjoy life’s finer moments while the uber-luxurious penthouse covers the and and enjoy enjoy and life’s enjoy life’s finer finer life’s moments moments finer moments while while the while the uber-luxurious uber-luxurious the penthouse penthouse penthouse covers the covers the the exceptional THEand DETAILS THE THE DETAILS DETAILS THE DETAILS which gets its name from the birch orchard that willuber-luxurious reputation forcovers creating the most a building that will truly define its destination. entire top floor and affords 360 degree panoramas of London, with clear entire top floor and affords 360 degree panoramas of London, with clear entire entire top entire top floor floor top and and floor affords affords and 360 affords 360 degree degree 360 degree panoramas panoramas of of London, London, of London, with with clear clear with clear Prices by private negotiation. be planted around the site, will redefine perceptions residences in the most exclusive locations around Prices by negotiation. To register your PricesPrices byPrices private negotiation. byPrices by private private byprivate negotiation. private negotiation. negotiation. out to the Shard and beyond. views out toout the and beyond. views views views out toShard to the out the Shard toShard the and Shard and beyond. beyond. and register your interest and experience the exceptional please contact To register your and experience the exceptional please contact ToTo To register register Tointerest your register interest your and interest and experience experience and experience the the exceptional exceptional the exceptional please please contact please contact contact ofviews aesthetic achievement and push thebeyond. boundaries London. They are the rule breakers, the dream interest and experience the exceptional please The four-bedroom garden apartment meanwhile atmakers over 2,500sq four-bedroom garden apartment meanwhile atmeanwhile over 2,500sq ft will The The four-bedroom four-bedroom The four-bedroom garden garden apartment garden apartment meanwhile at at over over 2,500sq at 2,500sq over 2,500sq ftftwill ftwill willversed ft will in luxury. Fusion Fusion Residential on216 01923 216 530 Residential on 01923 Fusion Fusion Residential Residential Residential onon 01923 01923 on530 216 01923 216 530 530 216 inThe terms of exquisite finish, attention toapartment detail, and are well contact Fusion Residential on530 01923 216 530 feature the most sensational courtyard garden in which towhich celebrate the visitorfusionresidential.co.uk feature feature the feature the most most the sensational most sensational sensational courtyard courtyard courtyard garden in garden in which into which to celebrate celebrate to the the the or visitvisit fusionresidential.co.uk orfusionresidential.co.uk visit feature the most sensational courtyard garden which to celebrate the fusionresidential.co.uk specification and classical styling. The triple aspect Ealing is acelebrate beautiful area with more greenorflag or visitfusionresidential.co.uk fusionresidential.co.uk

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Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Country Retreat. PARK VIEW ROAD, EALING, W5 Beautifully crafted, bespoke, 3 & 4 bedroom lateral apartments with expansive open air terraces, concierge at your service, gated underground parking & private store rooms. Just 11 minutes to Bond Street via Crossrail from 2018.

LIMITED TO SIX RESIDENCES LAUNCHING WINTER 2017

To register your interest please call: +44 (0) 1923 216 530 or email: info@fusionresidential.co.uk Brought to you by

fusionresidential.co.uk

PROPERTY

27-28 October, London Olympia

nce an investment niche, luxury property is now a rapidly growing market with recent data from Christies International Real Estate revealing the world’s top ten reported property sales were all priced above $100 million for the first time in the year to May 2017. Riding the wave of excitement surrounding this emerging market, the Luxury Property Show returns to London Olympia this Autumn – headed by ever-knowledgeable Director Eddie Sikora. The show, now in its 11th year, will play host to more than 50 exhibitors from around the world presenting investors with opportunities ranging from Mediterranean villas to beachside apartments in Thailand via alpine retreats in Northern Europe to luxury lofts in New York. The exhibitors and sponsors list is long and distinguished as usual, and includes St James Place Wealth Management, Remax, Almanzora, Baker Woods, Mansion Global, Yamaha Music, Corcoran Group, Prime Properties, the International Property Awards and many more. Alongside a wide range of exhibitors and stands the show also includes an in-depth schedule of seminars offering real world investment advice for investors ranging from those exploring the market for the first time, to seasoned professionals with global portfolios. The seminars will tackle key questions around the market including where to find the next global property hotspot to how to mitigate political risk and uncertainty. Among those delivering seminars are key industry figures and property funds. Commenting ahead of the show, Eddie Sikora, Director of the show said: “Investing in property

8 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

has always been a good option and, over the longterm, property investments continue to outperform other asset classes. With many domestic markets saturated however, and housing becoming an increasingly political concern, investors now are looking globally and focusing attention on the more exclusive end of the market – which carries less risk and where returns can be greater. Our show at the Olympia has gone from strength to strength on the back of this trend and we expect this year to be our biggest yet, bring investors and opportunities together to explore the potential of this market.” For further information about the show, visit http://www.theluxurypropertyshow.com

PROPERTY

Top tips for self-builders If you dream of building your own home, you first need to find a plot of land to build it on and then an architect to design it. WORDS: Julia Gray, Press Association

1. Buying a plot of land with detailed planning permission for a house (or houses) is a safe bet, but, of course, it may not be the house you want to build. Unless the plans can be changed, you may prefer to take a risk on a plot without planning permission, or with outline planning permission. The latter grants permission on the principle that the land can be developed, while detailed planning permission specifies the design of the building. 2. You can search for land on property websites like www.zoopla.co.uk and www.rightmove.co.uk, where it’s for sale through estate agents. Land agents, who specialise in selling land, and auction houses are often a better bet, as are specialist plot websites, such as PlotSearch at www.buildstore. co.uk. Local newspapers and property magazines may contain ads for land for sale, or you could place a ‘land wanted’ ad. You could even drive around your search area, looking for land that’s for sale or may be suitable as a building plot. 3. Don’t discount existing buildings - knocking something down and starting again is one way to get a great plot. As well as the location and chances of obtaining planning permission, consider the value of the land (or rather its value to you) and how you

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can get services and vehicles to it. Poor access will make the project harder and more expensive, and could even stop it getting off the ground. 4. As well as a plot, a good architect is essential. Not only will they translate your vision into reality, they should also enhance it with ideas of their own, coming up with things you hadn’t thought of and solving problems. A good architect will also help you obtain planning permission, can manage the build and the pre-build process, and can source and manage the various professionals and contractors needed. 5. One of the good things about a self-build is that it’s easy to make your home environmentally friendly because you’re starting from scratch. As well as obvious things like insulating as much as possible, self-builders can usually incorporate big eco home improvements, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and grey-water recycling systems (where some of your home’s waste water is cleaned and reused) in a more cost-effective way than homeowners who have to retrofit them. Combine measures like these with environmentally friendly building materials and you can create an extremely green self-build. Ask your architect about this at a very early stage so it can be incorporated into the design.

“One of the good things about a selfbuild is that it’s easy to make your home environmentally friendly because you’re starting from scratch”

INDEPENDENT

SCHOOLS GUIDE – The finest independent schools in the UK –

EDUC ATION

The world’s most exclusive boarding school

t is known as the school of kings, counting among its alumni the Shah of Iran, Prince Rainier of Monaco and King Farouk of Egypt. Its catchment area was once the glittering palaces that housed the grandest families on the continent: the Metternichs, the Borgheses and the Hohenlohes. But Institut Le Rosey, is now spreading its net to Britain. For the first time in its 135-year history, the prestigious Swiss boarding school has been recruiting gilt-edged pupils, aged 7 - 18, in London. At £80,000 a year, London has become the city of choice for the world’s richest parents so is also home to the world’s richest kids. And it is they who have formed the target audience for Le Rosey’s recruitment drive. There has long been a tiny British contingent at the school, making up five per cent of its 400 pupils. Sir Roger Moore and Elizabeth Taylor sent their children there. John Lennon’s son Sean studied there too, as did the Duke of Kent and Winston Spencer Churchill, grandson of the wartime Prime Minister. Opened as a boys school in 1880 by Paul Carnal, in 1967 the school opened a girls campus. Classes are in French and English, in a system called “à la carte bilingualism”. The teacher-pupil ratio is an enviable 1:5. Facilities include a 25m indoor swimming pool and Wellness Centre (including a sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi), a skate park, an open air theatre, 10 tennis courts, a shooting range and a 1,000-seat concert hall. Few other schools have their own 38-foot yacht on Lake Geneva, let alone a spa for stressedout pupils to unwind in at the end of the long school day.

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Off-campus students have unlimited access to an equestrian centre with 30 horses and 18-hole golf course. The winter term is spent in Gstaad, with lessons finishing by lunchtime so the children can hit the slopes for the afternoon. In spring, they head to the school’s Château du Rosey campus nestled on the site of a Gothic, 14th-century château in the village of Rolle on the shores of Lake Geneva. But for those who can afford the fees, perhaps none of this seems out of the ordinary. The school is keen to stress it’s not just for those who have money but no brains. All pupils sit official external examinations - the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the French baccalauréat. Only those who can expect to get into university are offered a place . And only one in three applicants are accepted. Go to Le Rosey or, even better, marry another Ancien Roséen, as Old Roseans are called - and you’re set up for life. There’s an Anciens Roséens alumni programme and a strictly private directory that lets you network with other superrich old boys and girls. With that exclusive alumni network, along with the school’s fabulous settings and eye-watering fees, it’s hard not to agree with F Scott Fitzgerald: the very rich “are different from you and me”.

EDUC ATION

Excellence in the Heart of London:

Introducing Kensington Park School

ensington Park School is a new academically rigorous independent school for boys and girls aged 11-18. It boasts some of the country’s most experienced teachers and offers excellent cultural and sporting opportunities, all in the heart of London. While the school is new, its leadership and core teaching team have long successful track-records at some of the best independent schools in the country. A large contingent come from St Paul’s School, including Dick Jaine, the former acting High Master, and senior teachers for subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry and Economics. Between them, these superb teachers have decades of experience delivering outstanding grades at GCSE and A Level as well as guiding entry into the world’s top universities. KPS operates from two buildings either side of Kensington Gardens: • KPS Sixth Form, in Queen’s Gate, which opened in September 2017 for pupils aged 16-18 • KPS Seniors, in Bark Place, opening in September 2018 for pupils aged 11-16 The school also has exceptional boarding facilities in South Kensington providing a comfortable and secure home-from-home environment.

Excellent sporting and cultural opportunities KPS is about much more than academics. The school has partnered with providers of world-class sports facilities in and around its West London home. These include Imperial College’s Ethos Sports Centre with its state-of-the-art gym, pool and climbing wall; expert coaches, including former 9 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Key Application Dates KPS 11+ Exam Saturday 2nd December 2017 KPS 16+ Open Evening Wednesday 29th November 2017 If you would like to register for either of these events, please contact Jane Lovell, Registrar at j.lovell@kps.co.uk.

Contact details: Kensington Park School Sixth Form 59 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5JP Kensington Park School Seniors 40-44 Bark Place London W2 4AT T: +44 (0)20 7225 0577 E: j.lovell@kps.co.uk www.kps.co.uk

Olympians, in fencing and riding; and Fulham Reach Boat Club, a superbly equipped new rowing facility on the Thames. There will be an exciting outdoor education programme, including the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. Similar partnerships are in place for music and drama.

EDUC ATION

How freshers can get to grip with finances

With many students more likely to worry about money than their exam results, here’s how to be a high-flier when it comes to finances

HOW STUDENTS CAN MAKE A MONEY PLAN

Here are some tips for students from Endsleigh: Apps can help you manage your monthly spend. They tend to be simple to use and many are free. Understanding what is spent where will make a big difference to having the funds for outgoings that matter.

oing to away university for the first time can seem daunting for a variety of reasons. It’s also likely to be the place students get their first taste of what it’s like to manage their own money. Here’s how you can make the grade when it comes to swotting up on financial know-how:

MONEY IS A MAJOR CONCERN Money management is such a big concern among students that many freshers see it as more of an issue than how well they are likely to perform on their course, new reXsearch suggests. Many young people are living in their overdrafts week in, week out, the research found, with just under half (49%) of students with an overdraft saying they’re always in the red, while more than one in four (28%) regularly use their overdraft.

HOW STUDENTS CAN PICK THE BEST BANK ACCOUNT FOR THEIR NEEDS Students may need to look beyond their own campus and swat up to find the best deals, Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts.co.uk suggests: “As with any bank account, the best deal entirely depends on how someone uses the account for their daily expenses. Whilst students could be tempted by an account with perks, it may not provide them with the most cost-effective choice over the next few years if they don’t make use of them.” Interest-free overdrafts can be a particularly 9 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

attractive feature of a student account. Springall highlights overdraft facilities of £3,000 offered by Halifax and HSBC. “Whilst living away from home and overseeing their finances may seem daunting, it’s worth remembering that most banks and building societies now offer ‘on the go’ banking. Mobile apps and online access can mean a branch on their doorstep might not be as essential as they may think.” For those students who may need to travel often, Springall also highlights some incentives which could reduce the cost, such as a railcard available from Santander, or a coach card from NatWest: “It can be an expensive commute to visit family members or to fit in a mini break, so any savings to be made here will be highly attractive.” Springall also cautions students against the temptation to slip too far into the red: “A sizeable overdraft can be all too much of a temptation and it needs to be repaid when students graduate, so using it sparingly is important. “There are some accounts which spread the overdraft facility to students over the years of their study, which can be a much more sensible option for some.” And after you graduate, it may be time for a re-think about who you bank with. Springall says: “Once students graduate they would be wise to compare the accounts available and not assume that their current provider would offer them the best possible graduate account.”

Talk about how you manage your money. Be open about what you’re doing with your friends. Nearly everyone at uni is in the same boat, so if you need to swap a trip to the cinema for a cheap and cheerful movie night at home, they’ll understand. But likewise, if things start feeling overwhelming, don’t hide it. Talk to your parents or others close to you if you feel you’re not in control of your money. Set up direct debits for bills. If you’ve got regular outgoings, set up a direct debit to pay for it. Once you’ve got the essentials covered, you can enjoy that night out guilt-free. Avoid nasty surprises with insurance. No one wants to be hit by a huge bill to replace a cracked smartphone screen or worse, having to replace a laptop that’s been damaged by a spilled cup of tea. Accidents happen, so be prepared with the right insurance that protects your possessions. Make small savings. Once you’ve worked out your monthly budget, see how much you can afford to put aside regularly. Even if it’s only £20 a month, you’ll feel much better when it comes to someone’s birthday and you’ve got some money saved. Put a bit more away and you could be enjoying an end-of-first-year holiday with your friends.

Achieve academic excellence through stimulating learning in a nurturing environment. School Tour Dates: 14 October, 10am 11 November, 10am Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road, London NW11 7SX Tel: 020 3869 3070

CUR IOSIT Y

info@stanthonysgirls.co.uk @StAnthonysGirls

www.stanthonysgirls.co.uk 10057-APG SAG St Ants School for Girls Half Page Ad - 190X133mm V2.indd 3

30/06/2017 16:47

EDUC ATION

Girls taking centre stage For over 130 years, Channing School in Highgate has been leading the way in girls’ education, offering opportunities to lead, inspire and take on challenges with confidence and character. We caught up with Headmistress Mrs Barbara Elliott to discover Channing’s winning formula…

‘I

’m often asked what makes Channing such a unique school,’ says Mrs Elliott, who has been at the helm of Channing for 12 years. In that time, she has overseen a transformational, multi-million pound development programme. “I think our vision statement ‘Girls Enjoying Success’ sums up our ethos. It puts our pupils at the heart of everything we do. We are an academic school - just look at our results! - but we firmly believe that girls must discover their own talents and passions. Channing School helps them realise their ambitions.’ The £13m development programme wrapped up this summer, with the completion of a state-of-theart Performing Arts Building, which is clearly visible from Highgate Hill. ‘It is no coincidence that our recent investments have focussed on Drama, Music (a bespoke Music School with over 300 individual lessons every week), Sport (a double-height hall with fitness suite) and healthy food - we have an extended dining room where our in-house caterers serve the most delicious meals). We have always been committed to offering a broad and exciting curriculum and our pupils will now benefit hugely from the new facilities.’ Channing also prides itself on spotting potential in girls who apply for a place. “It is, sadly true, that we are over-subscribed, but my team and I look for intellectual curiosity and ambition in candidates as we know that these girls will benefit most from a Channing education. In essence, these are girls who are keen to learn and who will make a positive contribution to our caring school community.’ says Mrs Elliott. ‘We prioritise creativity, resilience and collaboration here - all things that we know will best prepare girls for success in the future’.

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And what can parents do to help? ‘Parents are vital partners at Channing. They can support by making sure that their daughters are well-fed, well-rested and ‘ready to learn’. It also helps if their daughters have observed the value they place on a good education by seeing their parents’ intellectual curiosity in action: learning, reading, thinking deeply and enjoying the experience. We should all model the behaviours we want to nurture in our young people. If you’d rather spend all evening looking at a screen, why would your children want to read a book, play an instrument, engage in discussion and think deeply?’ Girls Enjoying Success - come and see for yourself at one of Channing’s Open Day events. For more information about Channing School, please visit www.channing.co.uk. Or contact the Registrar, Maureen McHarg, on 020 8340 2328 for all enquiries. Channing School The Bank, Highgate, London N6 5HF

Above: ‘A Head for Heights’ - Headmistress Barbara Elliott inspired girls in July by skydiving, raising money for the new Performing Arts Building’

EDUC ATION

The GOLD Standard

Fairley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with Specific Learning Difficulties

ddressing the needs of children from the age of five, who require assistance due to dyslexia and dyspraxia, the school has a staff/ pupil ratio of 1:3.5 and the average stay at the school is between two to three years. Children then return to mainstream schooling with a new ‘can do’ attitude. Fairley House now offers Key Stage 4. This enables pupils to carry on their education in an environment that ensures that their

needs are fully met. While our intention is to enable your child to re-join mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision now offers the possibility of remaining in our school to undertake the first major examinations that a pupil will face. Many of our alumni have enjoyed great success at GCSE and A-Level and they have progressed to top universities and have successful careers in a range of professions.

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EDUC ATION

Private school vs. Private tutor 9 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

owadays, instead of sending their child to a private school, many parents plump for a state school option with a private tutor top-up. The general consensus among private schools is that this choice frequently leads to a false economy. Ashley Richardson, Director of Studies at the award-winning Albemarle Independent College, a private college in London’s Mayfair comments: “Of course, there are outstanding private tutors offering their services in the educational marketplace. These tutors, however, are in high demand. Consequently, all too often, recent

“Of course, there are outstanding private tutors offering their services in the educational marketplace. These tutors, however, are in high demand”

graduates who have little or no experience of teaching a specific syllabus are called upon for their services. There is no doubt that these individuals can help by explaining difficult content but in many cases they may cause significant problems when giving advice with regard to exam technique. All too often students are misled into thinking that they can

achieve the very best grades even while covering half of what they should be learning. Moreover, they will be all too ready to fall into the trap of risky exam predictions. Instead of improving a grade or two, the student may well end up with the very worst grades. Let us also not forget that private tutors are untouched by the rigours of an inspection body. Indeed, students may still face dangers when the very best tutors are brought in to help. No matter how educated and experienced they may be, such tutors are unlikely to have detailed knowledge of the full set of options on a syllabus. Additionally, students find themselves left with a confusion of notes to revise from; one set from their school teacher and an entirely different set from their tutor. This can cause conflict in the classroom and confusion in exams. Of course, a disastrous set of exams results may then provoke parents to opt for the original private school option, where they will benefit from small class sizes and a specialist teacher who attends to their individual needs. However, if a student is aiming to get on to a highly competitive degree course like Medicine, Law or Economics at a top university, they need to have a proper foundation in their first year of A-level study and not seek to put things right in the second year.” For further details please contact: Ceri Stephenson-Jones, Admissions Manager, Albemarle Independent College, 18 Dunraven St, Mayfair, London W1K 7FE; Tel: 020 7409 7273; www.albemarle.org.uk

EDUC ATION

The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon

A New Look for Historic Spencer House

he Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon, a leading prep school for girls aged 4-11, was established in 1893, and has two beautiful sites adjacent to Wimbledon Common. Its older girls, in Years 4-6, are housed at Spencer House, an impressive period building which stands proudly on Peek Crescent in Wimbledon Village. The school recently embarked on a refurbishment programme of Spencer House which now includes a new library, a refurbished hall with a new kitchen adjacent for school lunches, fresh painting and decorating throughout, and the jewel in the crown, a re-landscaped playground for the pupils to enjoy. Many of the ideas for the playground design came from the pupils themselves, and the landscape architect took inspiration from their ideas and brought them to life. The girls were surprised and delighted to return to school after the summer to enjoy the changes, and couldn’t wait to spend leisure time in the beautiful playground which

“Many of the ideas for the playground design came from the pupils themselves, and the landscape architect took inspiration from their ideas and brought them to life”

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now includes a spacious patio area, climbing frame, seating areas, planting, and an outdoor learning space. The Study offers prospective parents regular tours at both sites. To book your slot, please call 020 8947 6969. www.thestudyprep.co.uk

EDUC ATION

Q&A S

ince 2004, Holland Park Tuition & Education Consultants has been a leading source of private tutors and educational guidance. Over the years, they have cultivated strong relationships with, and secured places at, the top nurseries, schools and universities in London and around the world. Their tutors and consultants are committed to bringing the best out of students as well as helping families to understand and navigate the range of educational options available to them. Holland Park’s Director of Consulting, Camilla Smiley, answers some of the key questions that parents ask about their children’s education.

SESSION WITH HOLLAND PARK EDUCATION

Camilla Smiley, Director of Consulting

Question:

Our son’s just started university and I’m finding it difficult having him away from home. What shall I do?

Answer:

Freshers Week - thousands of new undergraduates, away from home for the first time and free from the structure of school life. This is a rite of passage for you and your son! Let him know you’re there. Tell him that he’s always welcome to come home for the weekend (with a pile of dirty laundry). Find a Saturday in the middle of term to visit him, take him out for a square meal and ask him how he is. Make sure that he’s registered with a GP and knows who in his halls he should talk to if he has a problem. However, don’t crowd him. This is an exciting term for him where he will be learning a lot about himself. He needs to embrace student life and put everything in, both academically and socially. Trust him; the vast majority of new undergrads survive ‘Freshers’ Flu’ and come home at Christmas feeling exhausted but exhilarated. By allowing him to find his way you will encourage him to take responsibility and find his feet.

Question:

Could you please explain the different requirements of different 7+ selective schools? We have heard that top selective schools expect applicants to be 2 years ahead of the National Curriculum, while others do not.

Answer:

Of course some schools expect higher levels than others and yes, 1 or 2 years ahead is a good rule of thumb. However, what’s more important is not that the child has covered the syllabus of Years 3/4 but that they are able to apply their Year 2 work at a much higher level than is usually required. Top schools look for children who are natural problem solvers and critical thinkers. It is important to recognise the difference between a child who has learnt Year 4 work and is working at the level of an average Year 4, and a child who demonstrates aptitude and conceptual ability when faced with unfamiliar questions. Therefore you should have your child working ahead of their age group, yes, but this is not a substitute for academic brilliance.

“This is an exciting term for him where he will be learning a lot about himself”

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If you would like to speak to the Holland Park team about your educational requirements, please contact the London office on 020 7034 0800 or enquiries@ hollandparkeducation.com.

EDUC ATION

Private schools

should be praised for producing influential people A study by Debrett’s, the etiquette experts, reveals that two-fifths of the 500 most powerful and influential people in Britain went to private schools

rucially this cuts across all spheres of influence, including not only traditional careers, like business and politics, but areas like architecture and acting too: witness the amazing global success of Eton-educated Eddie Redmayne, still only 33, as Professor Stephen Hawking, in The Theory of Everything. Of course private schools are always going to produce far more than their fair share of Society’s most powerful “players”. This is inevitable, given the fact that most successful people educate their own children privately; thus the system is guaranteed to be perpetuated, with success breeding success. For example, high-flying parents will have all the key contacts, whether in commerce or theatre, to help ensure their own offspring have that first, vital helping hand up the career ladder. Work experience slots inevitably go to the children of top business people or lawyers, for example as inevitably their parents have the contacts to find precious openings. And anyone who has been to a private school, whether big or small, famous or not so famous, will know that there will be many such high-achieving parents. Their added

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“Private schools are always going to produce far more than their fair share of Society’s most powerful “players””

influence opens doors more easily and, crucially, other pupils can also benefit from their contacts. For example, successful parents are often instrumental in prompting high-profile acquaintances to visit schools as speakers: spending time with pupils and offering invaluable advice on “How to succeed” in the process. That way, everyone benefits from their expertise. This is indeed how the system works on a termly basis: little nudges here and there, but nothing too blatant or nepotistic. Private schools are exceedingly good at producing successful pupils…

EDUC ATION

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HOLIDAYS & travel – Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a ge : M Y K O N OS

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

MARVEL AND MYSTERY IN INDONESIA’S ISLANDS “Q

Indonesia feels like a land designed for adventure, as Ed Elliot discovers. words: d Elliot uick, look in the trees - just above the bank,” whispers our jovial, middle-aged guide, Ameer, animatedly. The deep growl of the boat’s engine is instantly killed as he directs my eyes to the edge of the narrow, murky river. I follow his outstretched arm until my gaze fixes on a female orangutan with the early-morning sun shining brightly on her craggy, brown face. We’re a few hours into a journey through the jungle of Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesian Borneo, chugging through the crocodile-infested Sekonyer river on a traditional two-tiered, wooden boat known as a klotok. Our initial excitement increases when the big, dark eyes of a tiny, one-year-old infant peep out from behind its mother’s back. Our looks of awe and amazement are returned with a mix of bemusement and indifference before the larger of the two apes releases the long leaf it has been feasting on and nonchalantly retreats back into the thick foliage with an effortless swing. Indonesia is the largest archipelagic nation on the planet and stretches in excess of 3,000 miles from east to west along the equator. It is made up of more than 17,500 islands and a bit of hopping about is necessary to experience the best it has to offer. Cheap internal flights costing as little as £20 mean it is easy to do so, providing opportunities to the see the weird and wonderful creatures of this country’s diverse ecosystems. Almost every region contains different habitats and animals, making it an ideal destination for an

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adventurous trip in search of wildlife. Borneo - divided between Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesian Kalimantan - and the nearby island of Sumatra are the only two places in the world to encounter wild orangutans. The critically-endangered arboreal creatures, which share around 97% of their DNA with humans, lead solitary lifestyles and, according to our hosts, move nests every few days, which makes them more difficult to spot. There are reportedly just over 100,000 orangutans living in Borneo, with around 6,000 found in this part of the national park, including ones formerly held in captivity. A couple of feeding stations located a little

further upstream provide prime places to see some of the rehabilitated animals up close. As daylight fades, our attention switches to spotting another mammal endemic to this part of the world. Known locally as the bekantan, the reddish-brown proboscis monkey - a species also at risk of extinction - is characterised by an unflatteringly long nose, which can grow to more than 10 centimetres. We catch glimpses of small troops gathering at sleeping sites high in the canopy, before the light relents and we are left with a clear, starry sky disturbed only by the effervescent glow of fireflies along the river’s edge. Leaving behind Pangkalan Bun in Borneo, we travel to the island of Flores, situated almost in the centre of the archipelago. The journey - via the Javan city of Surabaya and Denpasar in Bali - requires three short flights, totalling fewer than four hours. We arrive in Labuan Bajo, a fishing town on the western tip of Flores, which is renowned for its sunsets and, more importantly, serves as the gateway to the Komodo dragons of Komodo National Park. Comprising 29 islands, this conservation area is spread across the tempestuous Flores Sea. Komodo and Rinca, which have a combined human population of around 4,000, are the major ones, along with uninhabited Padar. Spending the afternoon in close proximity to the world’s largest lizard is our main goal, but there are plenty of enjoyable distractions to break up the boat journey. A 40-minute hike to the top of the western peak of rugged Padar is hard work in the baking heat, but the views more than justify the exertion. A narrow stretch of volcanic earth holds the place together, while hilly terrain branches off in different directions amid the turquoise sea which laps at numerous pristine coves and inlets. One of the beaches has a pink appearance due to the mix of red coral and white sand, and it offers an excellent opportunity for a snorkelling expedition to explore hidden treasures lurking beneath the sea’s surface. The presence of manta rays, turtles, whales,

dolphins and dugongs makes it an enticing area for divers, and there are also more than 1,000 species of tropical fish and occasional sightings of whale sharks. After slipping into a mask, snorkel and flippers, it doesn’t take long before I’m surrounded by marine life emerging from the reef. I spot the black, white and yellow bands of Moorish idols, follow the energetic darts of a bright blue damsel fish and catch sight of a couple of orange and white clown fish. Following an hour spent face down in the warm waters, we are soon back on dry land ready to continue our primary quest. There are more than 2,000 dragons on Komodo island. These fearsome, carnivorous cannibals dominate, preying on much larger animals, such as water buffalo and deer, along with wild boar and goats. Despite being able to run reasonably fast in short bursts, their main hunting technique is to hide in long grass and ambush anything which ventures too near, biting with razor-sharp teeth and infecting with bacteria-filled saliva. Visitors, understandably, must be accompanied by a guide and, as we follow a series of trails, ours quickly leads us to a couple of dragons lounging by a watering hole. They appear languid, but I’m told this is a way to regulate body temperature, rather than idleness. “There’s another one behind you,” smiles the guide with a nod in my direction. I turn to see the clay-coloured scaly skin of a three-foot dragon patrolling its patch, a forked tongue darting in and out of its mouth. It’s another unforgettable wildlife encounter, which unfortunately ends too soon, although I have time to reflect on it that evening. Back on Flores, I tuck into fresh crab coated in spicy Padang sauce while watching the setting sun turn the sky various shades of red and orange above the silvery sea. As I pick out the dark silhouettes of fishing boats dotted in the bay, I wonder what other great mysteries Indonesia might hold.

How to get there Ed Elliot was a guest of Indonesia’s ministry of tourism (indonesia.travel/en). Quatar Airways (qatarairways.co.uk) fly from London Heathrow to Denpasar, Bali from £576. Flights are also available from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. For more information on the destination, visit the Indonesia’s ministry of tourism (indonesia.travel/en).

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H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

TALKING TOKYO What to eat, where to drink and places to go in Toyko.

t used to be considered an indulgence, but at a time when the pound is being pounded by the Euro, and the price of a peak period, shorthaul flight is soaring, travelling long haul is often a better-value option. And ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) has predicted a trend for this type of travel. Post Office Travel Money has just released the results of its Long Haul City Costs Barometer and (unsurprisingly) Asia tops the survey of 10 typical city-break destinations six or more hours’ flight time from the UK. Although the outright winner is backpacker favourite Bangkok, it’s the runner-up destination that will likely pique most interest. Previously rated one of the most expensive cities in the world, Tokyo is now a contender for a great value longdistance holiday. In fact, it was beaten only by Bangkok on the basis that its hotels are more expensive. The Post Office research, which compares the cost of 11 typical items such as meals, drinks, sightseeing and airport transfers, found that everything else in the Japanese capital was far cheaper than its Thai counterpart. According to the team’s findings, a three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of house

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wine costs under £34 - three times less than the equivalent in Singapore. So where can you go to get the best value in Tokyo?

Where to eat Sushi Katsura is rated by website Tokyocheapo.com as one of their best budget sushi restaurants. Located inside the Tsukiji Fish Market, it serves two excellent ichininmae (one portion) menus for 950 (£6.50) and 1,050 (£7) Yen. But be warned: the menu is only in Japanese, and evening meals can be expensive.

Where to drink There’s no deliberating over options at 300Bar (300bar.com), because everything costs 300 Yen (£2) - including snacks. Buy tokens upfront to exchange with bar staff, and never risk overspending. Men must spend a minimum three tokens and women must spend two.

Where to go Several temples and museums surround Ueno Park, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Science Museum. It’s free to wander the green area, which really comes to life during sakura - or cherry blossom season.

“Tokyo is now a contender for a great value longdistance holiday”

Your HolidaY | Your Budget | Your WaY Introducing unique and unforgettable tours and experiences across Southern, Eastern and West Africa

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H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

LIFE’S ALL WHITE ON

MYKONOS It’s the party island to rival Ibiza. Laura Ivill explores the extravagant Greek isle with low-key appeal. WORDS: Laura Ivill

or a small island, Mykonos has a big reputation - $300million super-yachts come to play in its clear Aegean waters, chic nightclubs pulse with tanned lithe bodies and lazy days are spent at beach clubs serving cocktails to the well-(un)dressed. But why do they choose to come back to Mykonos year after year? Perhaps it has something to do with its free-spirited, unspoiled barefootluxury charm. At less than 41 square miles, there is only one town, with a pretty sandy harbour and sun-drenched whitewashed buildings lining narrow, car-free lanes perfect for browsing the myriad stylish boutiques. From May to September, glorious weather is guaranteed, and visitors in search of a laid-back (but never sleepy) holiday vibe of sun, sea, sand and good times choose to hire one of the hundreds of dune buggies in town, that gives them the freedom to buzz hassle-free around the island.

“The traditional Cycladic architectural style of picturesque whitewashed cubes is found all over the island” Wandering the pristine stone-paved lanes of Mykonos town, I discover little blue-domed churches and chapels. Most of the buzzing bars and restaurants can be found around Matoyianni Street and the harbour’s esplanade. The traditional Cycladic architectural style of picturesque whitewashed cubes is found all over the island (not a high-rise in sight) and, thankfully, any new villas are in keeping this low-rise look. Cascades of cerise bougainvillea add vibrancy to the simple landscape of blue sea, soft sand beaches 1 1 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

THE DETAILS Rooms at Santa Marina start from E325 (approx. £290) per night on a B&B basis. easyJet (easyjet.com) fly from London to Mykonos from £56 one way.

and low hills crisscrossed with old stone walls. Little Venice is where the wealthy sea captains of the past built homes near the port, and where holidaymakers today meet in the late afternoon to enjoy a long, cool drink in one of the stylish bars and watch the sunset. On the hill above the town, the famous 16thcentury windmills still stand, and the colourful story of the island’s strategic importance and past inhabitants comes to life in the town’s open-air agricultural museum (which sells tickets to see inside the Boni Windmill) and the maritime museum. For culture lovers, the neighbouring island of Delos is the mythical birthplace of the twins Apollo and Artemis and is one of Greece’s must-see archaeological cities of temples, houses and an amphitheatre. The only private beach on Mykonos belongs to the Santa Marina five-star resort at Ornos Bay (santa-marina.gr). Elegant, streamlined and cool, the resort’s colour scheme echoes the natural beauty of the island, using a palette of white and sand. Take home a little of this style by the Greek designer Themis Z. Growing up on the island, Themis Zouganeli has infused her international lifestyle products of dinner and coffee sets, cushions, baskets and fashion accessories, with the relaxed yet stylish vibe of Mykonos. As well as her outlet at Santa Marina, Themis Z (themisz.com) is stocked at boutique hotel The Belvedere, in the heart of Mykonos town, with its Six Senses spa and Matsuhisa by Nobu restaurant (belvederehotel.com), and at the beachclub Nammos at Psarou beach (nammos.gr), where the millionaires anchor. If you want to retreat to the privacy of your own villa during the day, try rentals through sharing sites such as Airbnb.co.uk and HomeAway.co.uk, or villa companies, such as Whitekeyvillas.com, Mykonosvillas.com or CVvillas.com. And packing is easy - everyone wears white. O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7 1 1 9

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Parco della Villa Reale di Marlia Woodland, streams and a lake create a great sense of romance in this series of classical Italian gardens, from the time of the Orsetti family. Situated in Lucca in the heart of Tuscany, the Royal Villa at Marlia has been the residence of aristocratic families and great art patrons over many generations. In the early 1800s, Napoleon’s sister, Princess Elisa Baciocchi, extended the majestic complex. In 1923, Count and Countess Pecci-Blunt bought the villa and commissioned famous French architect, Jacques Greber, to create a romantic haven.

Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este, an Italian masterpiece of garden art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a much-copied example of European Mannerism and Baroque gardens, with its staggering concentration of fountains, nymphaea, grottos, water games and hydraulic music. After a long period of neglect, the villa became Italian State property and a programme of restoration was drawn up, including the recent renovation of the Organ Fountain and ‘Bird Song’.

FIVE OF THE BEST WATER FEATURES IN ITALY’S MOST TREASURED SECRET GARDENS words: Hannah Stephenson

Villa Visconti Borromeo On the outskirts of Milan, this 16th century house, in the style of a Tuscan villa, was enhanced when Count Pirro introduced leisure to his agricultural estate in Lainate, including the garden and nymphaeum (monument), known as the Water Palace. The garden enjoys an 18th century fountain dedicated to Galatea and Neptune, and 820 trees of 56 different species. The nymphaeum is completely covered in black and white or temperapainted pebbles. Watch out for a statue of Venus, mythological figures in mosaic and an unexpected water jet managed by clever ‘fountain attendants’!

Parco Idrotermale del Negombo In 1946, humanist and traveller Duke Luigi Silvestro Camerini reached Ischia to create a park which would give reign to his passion for botany. The charm of the place and its surprising similarity to the Bay of Negombo, which he had seen and admired in Ceylon, persuaded him to choose San Montano Bay. Here, you find thermal springs, while the garden landscape is integrated with magnificent plants brought from Australia, Japan, South Africa and Brazil, as well as a whole series of contemporary art sculptor installations.

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Giardino Barbarigo Pizzoni Ardemani Valsanzibio in Northern Italy reached its maximum splendour in the second half of the 17th century and features 70 statues, mostly by Marengo, which merge into architecture, waterfalls, fountains and water games in the 37 acres of beautiful nature on the hillside. Springs, cisterns, canals and reservoirs have all been restored to bring back the splendour of 16 fountains, four fishponds, three water games, rivulets and pools.

WINTER SUN

& SKI GUIDE

– Whether you want to hit the slopes or the beach this winter, we’ve got it covered – i m age : TH E S K I & S N O W BOARD SHO W 2 6 - 2 9 OCTOB E R

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

Things Are Looking Up This Winter T

his winter, Four Seasons Mountain Resorts are inviting guests to reach new heights with a wealth of activities in four distinct resort locales. The Mountain Resorts collection includes Vail, one of the largest single-mountain ski resorts in the US with more than 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) of skiable terrain; Jackson Hole, known for having the longest continuous vertical rise of an y ski area in the US, rising 4,139 feet (1,262 metres) from the valley floor to the top of Rendezvous Mountain; Santa Fe; and Whistler – recently voted the #1 ski resort in North America for the third consecutive year by SKI magazine. The experience-driven initiative “Elation at Every Elevation” seeks to inspire Four Seasons guests to enjoy the very best of these celebrated alpine destinations both on, and off, the slopes. The dedicated Four Seasons Mountain Resorts website serves as a one-stop planning resource for each Resort, featuring comprehensive information, sample winter itineraries, exclusive concierge tips and links to select ski packages. Guests are treated to thoughtfully curated lists of unique, local winter activities at each Resort itemised by elevation, giving guests a sky’s-the-limit outlook on this season’s winter getaway. Vacation planning dreams begin at #FSMountains, where guests gather to share their winter wonderland fantasies with friends, family and beyond.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail Tucked away in the Colorado Rockies, Vail is an international hideaway with awe-inspiring terrain and 1 2 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

natural beauty. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail offers the perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts featuring the most expansive accommodations in the Vail Valley, modern mountain cuisine, Five-Star Spa and easy access to Vail Mountain’s endless year-round epic alpine adventures.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole Surrounded by the breathtaking vistas of the famed Grand Teton Mountain Range and teeming with an inspiring array of wildlife, this alpine mountain resort offers the perfect mix of rustic adventure and luxury accommodations. Enjoy ski-in-ski-out access, a ski concierge, the option of three dining outlets including celebrity chef Michael Mina’s The Handle Bar, and an award winning, full service spa.

The experiencedriven initiative “Elation at Every Elevation” seeks to inspire Four Seasons guests to enjoy the very best of these celebrated alpine destinations both on, and off, the slope

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Sante Fe Located in one of the most romantic and adventurous getaways, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado offers a one-of-kind luxury getaway in the heart of New Mexico. The 65-room jewel-box combines the service excellence of Four Seasons – a spa featuring regionally inspired treatments, a restaurant featuring local influences and ingredients, exclusive access to adventure and nature – with the intimacy of a boutique hotel. The Resort is just a short distance from exhilarating ski slopes and pristine powder at Ski Santa Fe. Skiers of all levels will enjoy an invigorating mix of terrain, from isolated beginner slopes to lots of cruisers, some long bump runs, great glades and tree runs and even a few short shuts and small bowls.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler Monumental in scale, Whistler dazzles with its vast acreage, summit glaciers and a towering vertical rise. It also charms with a lively European-style village offering endless adventure, shopping, dining and memories in the making. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler is one of North America’s top mountain resorts, British Columbia’s only Forbes

“Monumental in scale, Whistler dazzles with its vast acreage, summit glaciers and a towering vertical rise”

Five Star Resort and Canada’s only AAA 5-Diamond Resort. About Four Seasons Mountain Resorts In addition to world-class skiing, each awardwinning Four Seasons Mountain Resort offers the ultimate winter getaway in an enviable location, as well as fine dining, luxurious spa retreats, après ski offerings, and new, one-of-a-kind experiences. With the Resorts’ signature amenities and renowned personalised service, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail are in a class of their own among winter destinations.

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WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

A Day in the Life of

Esprit S ki E

sprit Ski looks after the childcare with flexible or seamless all day options, so you can enjoy your skiing – but what does that mean?! Esprit Childcare gives you the ability to spend as much time on the slopes as you desire, with all and part-day care available. Babies and toddlers go to the exclusive Esprit Nursery, whilst older children are taken to ski school…This is just part of our super-convenient ‘Seamless Service’ that helps you maximise your time on the mountain.

2.00pm Snow Club! Now it’s time for a fun afternoon of games, treasure hunts, igloo and snowman building, arts and crafts, snowball fights, bum boarding and more! This takes us all the way through to…

We follow an Esprit Sprite (aged 6) to see exactly what happens on a typical day….

7.30pm Cocoa Club starts whilst parents enjoy Adult Dining. Every night has a different theme and involves games, story-telling or quiz nights. Every night can be ‘date night’ as FREE Baby/ChildListening is also available every night in all Esprit Chalet Hotels, Xtra Chalets and larger chalets, and in all properties on staff night off.

8.30am Esprit Snow Rangers escort all the excited children to ski school, who follow behind chanting ‘repeat after me’ songs! Then it’s time to clip on the skis and spend the next few hours with the ski instructors, learning to zip down the mountain. Meanwhile Mum and Dad get to head for first lifts! Esprit Sprite lessons (ages 5-12) run for all abilities with a 1:8 ratio. Our younger guests aged 3-4 have Spritelet lessons in the afternoons, when it’s generally warmer and snow is softer. 11.30am Skis off, and it’s back home for a supervised lunch after all that skiing. Parents can lunch up on the mountain and catch some rays on a sun terrace.

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5.30pm High Tea - fully supervised by the childcare team, with lots of yummy and healthy food to fill those tummies. Mum and Dad can come and join too and catch up on their children’s high energy day.

Esprit Ski offers catered chalets and Chalet Hotels in top resorts including Courchevel, Val d’Isère and St Anton. Packages include flights, transfers and chalet board - a full breakfast, afternoon tea, and three or four course dinners with wine. Esprit’s youngest guests can enjoy Nursery from 17 weeks - 40 months. The Nurseries are run by qualified English-speaking Early Years Practitioners and have strict ratios. Call the Esprit team on 01483 915 274 or visit www.espritski.com for more details.

NEW FOR THIS WINTER

ew for this winter is a great range of ‘Ski chairs, coat racks, lamps & drinking ‘Shot Skis’ (just like the ones in your favourite ski bars in Europe) made out of retro skis from some people called, appropriately, Après Skis. They ‘skicycle’ old skis from 70’s onwards and turn them into fun furniture, furnishing items and drinking shot skis for your home, or even winter chalet! To mark The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show in Battersea this month we’ve got one of their ‘Ski Chairs’ to give away to one of our readers - For details of how to enter see the Kicking Horse Powder Tours advert on page 129. www.kickinghorsepowdertours.com 0117 230 5135

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WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

“The Fair boasts 100 exhibitors including leading and specialist tour operators and experts from all corners of the globe”

THE LUXURY TRAVEL FAIR T 2-5 November 2017, Olympia London

he Luxury Travel Fair is returning to Olympia London from 2- 5 November, the only luxury travel event that offers tailor-made awe-inspiring escapes. The Fair brings together the finest travel experiences, created bespoke for those seeking luxury experiences by the best in the industry. Booking a holiday of a lifetime comes with high expectations for your experience and service. The Fair boasts 100 exhibitors including leading and specialist tour operators and experts from all corners of the globe to create your own bespoke travel itinerary. Honeymooners, families, single travellers, those who are retired and looking for a once in a lifetime experience, can all plan their dream getaways, whatever they desire. There’s something on offer for every holidaymaker, whether you want to trek the Himalayas, enjoy the opera in Vienna, explore the

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ancient Pyramids of Giza, witness the last frontiers on earth, soak up the culture and views of Latin America, all can be made a reality with the Fair’s leading luxury brands. Visitors can also enjoy specialist travel talks from leading personalities in the Meet the Experts Theatre for inspiration, and exclusive show offers and competitions from the unique collection of boutique brands. You can relax with a glass or two of bubbly in the Louis Roederer Champagne Bar, or try the delicious foods at Mosimann’s exclusive ‘pop-up’ Winter Restaurant. The Luxury Travel Fair is co-located next to the Spirit of Christmas Fair offering you the chance to get ahead with your Christmas shopping. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful interior decoration, a sumptuous gift or a fashion accessory to complete your festive ensemble, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Opening times: Thursday 2 November: 10.00am - 5.00pm Friday 3 November: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 4 November: 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday 5 November: 10.00am - 4.30pm For ticket options and information visit www.luxurytravelfair.com

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

Thai dream

words: Neil Lancefield, Press Association

“O

oh, ahh, hot” I yelp, as an elderly Thai man dips his foot into a bucket of warm charcoal before pressing sesame oil onto my back. The sizzling sound makes me wince, but the soothing effect on my muscles reveals my initial fear of being cooked like a piece of  fried chicken was unfounded. I presume the man’s foot has developed a Kevlarlike quality, as he grins at me while returning it to the heat, before going to work on my legs. A yam khang massage - using a technique dating back hundreds of years - is one of many unexpected treats on my trip to northern Thailand. The country’s authorities have ambitious plans to boost annual revenue from overseas tourists by 8%, and they hope to achieve this by encouraging people to explore lesser-known areas. Chiang Mai, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom, is renowned for its temples and has been on the south-east Asia backpackers’ trail for decades. Holidaymakers coming to Thailand for a week or two have often preferred to head south to  islands such as Phuket and Ko Phi-Phi Don, like I did on my only previous visit to the country over a decade ago. But in recent years, Chiang Mai has developed a growing reputation as a city break destination, and I find it the perfect base for exploring this relaxed and fascinating region, which is largely rural and has swathes of rich forestry. It seems like every street corner, shop or restaurant  has a portrait of the king and queen. One of their most notable achievements has been to

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persuade the hill tribes of northern Thailand to stop growing opium, which harmed the land and provided only a tiny income. The royals ensured they received help in switching to crops such as coffee, carrots, peaches and flowers. Beginning in the late 1960s, the project resulted in the tribes becoming selfsustained with a better quality of life. The scheme also led to community-based tourism initiatives, like the village of  Ban Rai Kong Khing - the site of my unusual massage. With rising debts and few jobs available, residents began using locally-sourced organic produce to make items they can sell, such as soap bars with honey extracts and mosquito repellents from lemongrass oil. Soon after wiping the excess oil off my back I am introduced to a woman who has the unenviable task of showing me how she uses paper to make decorative flags sold for use in people’s homes during a celebration. My ragged attempt is destined for the recycling bin rather than the village shop, but my instructor upholds her nation’s Land of Smiles reputation by beaming at me. One place where my shabby attempts at getting hands-on would not go down well is Chiang Mai’s Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. It’s Thailand’s first international-standard botanical garden and features a number of  rare plants. And f or those of us not particularly green-fingered, the main attraction is the canopy walkway. Meandering through treetops along the 504-metre long route ensures a panoramic view of the mist-shrouded Doi Suthep-Pui mountains. It feels like I have the entire walkway to myself

and with nothing but the sound of birds, the environment could not be more different to the chaos of  Bangkok. The Dhara Dhevi resort is another location where it feels like I am the only person around, thanks to its 60-acre size. It’s located a 10-minute drive from the centre of Chiang Mai, but it looks like I’m entering a separate city as I pass over a bridge and through a gate, surrounded by high walls. I’m not surprised to be told that the site was designed to look like a city of the Lanna kingdom, which covered much of what is now northern Thailand from around the 13th to 18th centuries. There is a prayer hall modelled on a Buddhist temple, amphitheatre, market, paddy fields and buffalo. It looks incredibly old, and I’m stunned to learn it’s been open for just over 10 years. The villa I am staying in is equally impressive. Laid out over two floors, it features a four-poster bed, huge bathroom with whirlpool bath, a lounge area and even a piano. I also stay at the Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa, about three miles closer to the city centre. Its most striking feature is an outdoor swimming pool based on the region’s ancient Mae Ping river. Frangipani trees provide an inviting scent as I breaststroke my way around a lap of  the pool,  shaped in the outline of a square The Siripanna’s location means it’s just a few minutes in a taxi for a visit to Chiang Mai’s night market.

“The villa I am staying in is equally impressive. Laid out over two floors, it features a fourposter bed, huge bathroom with whirlpool bath, a lounge area and even a piano”

TRAVEL FACTS Neil Lancefield was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Visit www.tourismthailand.org The Dhara Dhevi (www.dharadhevi.com) Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa (www.siripanna.com)

Dozens of stalls line the streets selling  traditional northern Thai food, such as spicy sausages, mild curries and sticky rice. A sign in the Siripanna’s reception stating that pungent durian fruit are banned from the premises has made me determined to give it a try, so I am thrilled when I find a stand selling dozens of them. They have a  reputation of  smelling like hell and tasting like heaven, but one revolting mouthful is all I need  to understand the hotel management are spot on. My last few days in Chiang Mai are spent  experiencing some of  the city’s exciting activities. Leaping off a 50-meter high platform, my pulse races as I hurtle between jungle tree tops at the Flight of the Gibbon zipline tour. The five kilometer course consists of  a combination of  ziplines - including one said to be the longest in Asia at 800 metres - and swaying bridges. It’s impossible not to let out a loud “whoa!” on the first few crossings, until the fear of falling is replaced by the thrill of flying. Next up on my adrenalin-pumped itinerary is racing a wooden cart down a steep, bumpy track at Mon Cham. The controls are simple - steer with your feet and keep hold of the brake - and I am soon in first place. But just as I begin thinking of victory, I hit a rock and veer to the right, crashing into a ditch. After eventually reaching the finish line, I climb out of my vehicle to discover we’re on a hill ridge overlooking a spectacular landscape of green mountains. My heart rate settles down and I sit on a bench to soak up the panoramic view, accompanied by a butterfly. The pace slows further on a visit to forest monastery Wat Umong, where a group meditation session led by a monk leaves me with calm, positive thoughts. Sitting on a mat for half an hour, I have no phone, no internet and nothing to do but breathe. Like everything I’ve encountered in Chiang Mai, it’s another unexpected treat.

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

RETURNS TO BATTERSEA PARK London’s alpine festival and the UK’s paramount winter sports event is back! 26th - 29th October 2017

he Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show returns to Battersea Evolution with thrill-seeking entertainment, informative talks and demonstrations, an offering of the latest apparel and equipment and opportunities to lap up the après lifestyle before the winter season kicks off. Taking place over half term, the Telegraph Ski & Snowboard Show has something to offer the complete beginner, the seasoned pro and everyone in between. In the lead up to the 2018 Winter Olympics, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with the stars of the British Ski and Snowboard team during Q+A sessions in the Mountain Talks

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Theatre and marvel at their impressive stunts on the 50-ft real snow kicker - Mount Battersea. This year’s athletes will compete in a brand new big air competition, presented by Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, where riders will do their best to impress the judges for a prize pot share of £3,000 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The main hall features a broad range of exhibitors including ski resorts, tour operators, all the top ski and snowboard brands, and a tech innovation zone with the most cutting-edge gadgets for winter. Visitors are invited to the Mountain Talks Theatre by Neilson, with a line-up of expert guest speakers covering sustainability, avalanche safety and screenings of some of the industry’s best ski films. To complete the après activities, there will be an ice skating rink (now open for booking), late night après on the Friday and Saturday, live music and comedy performances and alpine-themed food and drink stalls offering everything from hot chocolate to tartiflette.

TICKETS Earlybird Adult* (Save 25% - extremely limited): £15 Earlybird Family* (Save 25% - extremely limited. 2 adults, 2 children): £30 Adult* Advance £20 / On the door £22 Family* (2 adults, 2 children) Advance £40 / On the door £44 Concession Advance £10 / On the door £12 Student (Must show valid student ID) Advance £10 / On the door £12 Children 11-16 Advance £8 / On the door £8 Children Under 11 FREE Friday Après Evening Ticket (entry from 5pm - 10pm) Advance £15 / On the door £17 www.skiandsnowboard.co.uk

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

How can I keep my children safe on the ski slopes? P

arents main concern is the safety of their children on the piste. All ski schools have a minimum of one instructor per group of only eight children, on average. Families who would like to experience skiing off piste should learn with an experienced instructor. You should never ski on your own off piste and if you did want to take your children off piste you should ensure they are of a high standard, and have an understanding of the snow conditions and an awareness of avalanche danger, and are carrying the correct safety equipment.”

“It’s very difficult to teach your own children to ski”

What to take on the piste with you? Skiing burns a lot of energy so ensure you take snacks for all the family out with you for the day. Take a back pack when skiing with the family. If there is one time you can feel guilt free about giving children sugar and chocolate it’s when you are skiing, because you know they are going to burn it straight off. Always ski with water as well, its thirsty work skiing all day. Ski schools in France are offered to children from five years old, and ski schools in Austria are from four years old. Encourage children to get on the slopes at a young age. This depends on the child though when leaving them in a ski school, if the child doesn’t mind being left alone and they tend to

get on with other children.

Skiing as a family for the first time Skiing as a family and taking the little ones for the first time can be a daunting experience as there are so many things to consider… 1: Choose a family-friendly resort that has a good selection of nursery slopes available – some resorts don’t have these, and you don’t really want to be teaching your kids to ski for the first time on a busy run with other skiers whizzing by. 2: Consider your kids ability and what size of resort is suitable for their level. You don’t want them heading across the mountain and ending up in another country – which is possible in a number of resorts! 3: Ensure that the hotel/resort you are staying in is easily accessible to the slopes. If not, you’ll have to carry all the family’s equipment to and from the hotel and the pistes. Lugging your own skis and poles, as well as the children’s kit is not fun. 4: It’s very difficult to teach your own children to ski – even if you are a very capable skier. Kids tend to be more receptive to someone else teaching them so put them in a reputable ski school which means your children can keep progressing to even greater thrills in complete safety. 5: Don’t give young kids ski poles. They don’t need them, they’ll probably lose them and when learning, the poles will just be a distraction to learning technique with the skis.

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WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

Paradise on the Reef A luxurious escape from the travel experts.

hen people ask David Attenborough what was the most magical thing he ever saw in his life he says: “without a word of exaggeration, the first time I was lucky enough to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef ”. As the No.1 tour operator for Australia, Trailfinders can help you plan your next adventure down under, exploring this iconic World Heritage site from the comfort of the exclusive qualia, Hamilton Island.

QUALIA, HAMILTON ISLAND Sitting on the northern-most tip of Hamilton Island, this luxurious, adults only resort is surrounded by the splendour and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you choose to unwind, relax or explore, qualia has been designed in perfect isolation for you to engage all of your senses whilst making the most of the natural tranquillity of the area. The distinctive style combined with its sun-drenched location and intuitive service makes it an exclusive resort of world-class standards. It’s a truly special place where everything has been

meticulously considered to relax the mind and completely spoil the senses. Distinctively Australian and international in understated style and luxury, this elegant resort captures the Whitsundays beauty of a blue horizon edged with islands. Your accommodation during your stay will not disappoint, with each of the exquisitely designed pavilions promising privacy and luxury, and boasting stunning postcard views of the famous Whitsundays or the spectacular tropical bushland of the surrounding area. A stay at this fabulous resort will be the epitome of any holiday to Australia so why not take the plunge and treat yourself to your own piece of paradise.

BOOK WITH TRAILFINDERS Trailfinders can piece together your holiday to this stunning resort, providing you with exceptional offers and taking all the hassle out of the planning – looking after flights, transfers and just about anything else you can think of. Paradise really is just a phone call away with their travel experts on hand ready to start planning your next escape. Call Trailfinders on 020 7795 4551 to book or visit trailfinders.com for more inspiration.

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“Sitting on the northern-most tip of Hamilton Island, this luxurious, adults only resort is surrounded by the splendour and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef”

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

A winter weekend getaway

isiting Stockholm in winter is more than short days and cold nights, here you’ll find a city where winter activities are around the corner alongside more common city things to do. Stockholm is a winter weekend destination that offers everything from skiing on one of the city’s slopes, glide around a classic ice-skating rink to guided long-distance skating tours across Lake Mälaren. Or stroll around the Gamla Stan when it’s covered in a soft blanket of fresh fallen snow, sip on a cup of hot cocoa or try Glögg - the Swedish warm spiced wine served around Christmas time. The Royal Palace World Cup Cross-Country Sprint is a dramatic and yet intimate race around Gamla Stan and central Stockholm. Besides the luxurious and on-trend Scandinavian fashion the Swedish capital offers a multitude of wintery activities to plan into your visit.

Here are some of our favourites to-do’s in Stockholm during the colder months. Downhill Skiing There’s two slopes in the Stockholm area for you who like to mix a city weekend with some downhill excitement. First there’s the Stockholm landmark Hammarbybacken, a popular weekend and afternoon destination for many locals during the winter months. You’ll find four easy-to-ski downhill slopes, a snowboard park, ski school, equipment rental, a café and a fascinating skyline. 2016 Hammarbybacken also played host to one of 1 3 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

the World Cup races in parallel slalom. Flottsbrobacken is located a bit further away but is the highest and longest ski slope in the Stockholm area. This day trip features five downhill slopes, jump ramps and ski rental so there’s no need to bring any equipment. Out of the five slopes the longest is about 700 meters and a perfect way to spend a couple of hours in the crisp Scandinavian winter air.

Ice-skating During the winter time ice-skating rinks pop up on a numerous of location throughout Stockholm. The one in Kungsträdgården is one of the most famous, mainly because of it’s central location but also how well the ambient lights lit up the Kungsträdgården park, this is a must for most visitors to Stockholm. If one rather prefer to skate on the natural ices around Stockholm one ought to go with an experienced guide. Exploring the city from the frozen water of Lake Mälaren is spectacular.

Cross-country skiing On several locations around Stockholm one can go for a cross-country ski trip, Hellasgården is situated 20 minutes by car from central Stockholm, and by far one of the more diverse. Here you can also find ice skating and a swimming hole cut out of the ice.

“Stroll around the Gamla Stan when it’s covered in a soft blanket of fresh fallen snow, sip on a cup of hot cocoa or try Glögg”

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

Skin Care tips before you hit the slopes While many may opt for a tropical getaway, snow bunnies are busy booking their ski trips.

here’s lots to look forward to - brisk mountain air, hitting the slopes, sipping on hot chocolate and of course the apresski! But before you get excited about packing your favourite coldweather accessories, focus on adjusting your beauty routine. Winter – and specifically, skiing conditions - submit your skin to a crop of concerns you’ve likely never thought of, like awkward sunburns, frostbite, and extreme dehydration. Here are some complexion solutions so you can hit the slopes with glowing (not ruddy!) skin Take a stronger sunscreen. Did you know that the closer you get to the mountain’s summit, the more UV you’re exposed to? You get six to eight percent extra UV intensity per every thousand feet, so it’s important to use an SPF of at least 50. Apply Vaseline to exposed skin to protect against frostbite. Vaseline acts as an insulator, meaning it will keep your body heat trapped behind the balm instead of seeping out through your skin, leaving it at risk. Protect your neck (and chin). After smoothing on your sunscreen, add an extra layer to this area of your body. The sunlight bouncing off the snowy slopes increases your UV exposure by 40 percent! Wrap yourself up in a scarf for extra sun protection. Avoid hot showers. While you may be chilly after

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a long day outdoors, go for a quick, warm shower instead of a luxuriously steamy one. Scalding water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving you parched. Cut back on alcohol. A hot toddy at the chalet sounds great, but limit yourself to just one. Alcohol is extremely dehydrating, especially at high altitudes. Don’t forget to drink water! No matter how many times you’ve heard this, it’s worth repeating: consuming plenty of H2O will hydrate your complexion from the inside out. And pack your products carefully. This is the reason we never stash our favourite beauty items in our checked luggage: high altitude can cause packaging to pop open. Make sure all lids and caps are screwed on extra tight to avoid making a mess in your kit. Follow these guidelines and you can glow in the snow!

“Don’t forget to drink water! No matter how many times you’ve heard this, it’s worth repeating: consuming plenty of H2O will hydrate your complexion from the inside out”

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

Marvel of the

words: Karen Bowerman, Press Association

Maldives

don’t know how it happened, but having popped off to powder my nose, I’m now dancing in delight, with a stranger in paradise. I’m in the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, a country which offers the ultimate in laidback luxury. It has pristine sands, turquoise lagoons and tropical fish that sparkle and shimmer in the sea. So it may seem odd that I’m about to rave over my resort’s restrooms, which is where I’m presently dancing. But they’re such a joyous discovery – with their sea-dappled walls, wacky music, whales’ tails, photo booth, and life-sized pictures of Kate Moss-style mermaids – they represent to me, the beginning of a love affair. Not with the guy that I bumped into and jived and joked with, but with LUX South Ari Atoll, a resort which – although this sounds well nigh impossible – offers more than just the Maldives. But I’ll come back to that, later. The Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls, 700km southwest of Sri Lanka. The southern isles include Hulhule, home to the international airport in the capital, Male, and Dhidhoofinolhu, where you’ll find LUX South Ari Atoll. As we approach, by seaplane, the view is stunning: palm-covered islands, each with a cyanblue halo, float like lily pads on a sapphire sea. Our pilot, wearing flip flops, brings us down. We glide to a halt across the glassy water. At the jetty, staff wave and shout, ‘Welcome’.

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Within minutes, I feel like a glamorous castaway. Our villa, with its palm thatch and courtyard pool, opens onto a powdery, milk-white beach; two loungers, framed by coconut trees, face the ocean. My husband and I go for a dip, enjoy a rose-pink sunset, and watch the night sky flood with stars. The next morning we’re sitting, in dazzling sunshine, on the roof of a dhoni, a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, scanning the sea for shadows; I seem to spot them everywhere. But Tina, LUX South Ari Atoll’s marine biologist, knows what to look for - a shape she describes as belonging to “the biggest smile in the ocean”. We’re searching for (harmless) whale sharks, the largest fish in the world; the biggest recorded is 12.65m long and 21.5tons. White Sands Reef, just minutes from our resort, is one of best places to find them. Incredibly, we’re in luck... “He’s coming towards us!” Tina shouts. “Quick! Get in!” We grab our fins and jump into the sea. Moments later, a flattened head emerges from the shadows; you can’t miss the colossal “smile”. The shark’s 4m long, a juvenile. I swim beside it for quite a few minutes, keeping my distance, but close enough to feel part of its world. The spotted giant cruises against the current, sweeping the water for food. Then it disappears, ghost-like, into the deep. Another day, while snorkelling, I spot a green turtle diving below. Its patterned shell glints in the

“We’re searching for (harmless) whale sharks, the largest fish in the world; the biggest recorded is 12.65m long and 21.5tons”

sunlight, as if a huge emerald has been lost at sea. Where the reef drops away, I come across parrotfish, powder blue surgeonfish and a shoal of black and white pennant coralfish that sink and rise with the waves. I hold my breath and notice munching sounds; it’s a lilac and lime parrotfish, nibbling at dead coral as it cleans the reef. Occasionally, it excretes a cloud of sand. “Kids love it when I tell them they’re walking on parrotfish poop,” Tina says as we return to the shore. LUX South Ari Atoll is one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, at almost 2km long. A sandy lane runs the length of it, through palms and frangipani flowers. Beachside restaurants, bars and pools are hidden in the trees. At one end is the lagoon, the crystal clear water lined with brightly-colored bean bags. We sit at the bar, a smart take on a laidback surf-shack, and listen to reggae with a bottle of rose from the resort’s exclusive Scrucap selection. A glance at the menu tempts us to try something. We delight in a salmon and red snapper carpaccio and the freshest tuna tartare we’ve tasted. Everyone we chat to comments on the food; it is, without doubt, superb. At East Market, an Asian market-style buffet built over the water, we wander among sacks of rice and baskets of beans, to stalls of steaming dim sum and cook-to-order curries and stir fries. A joke with chef Pong leads to my husband cooking his own Thai green curry, ladling in coconut milk and flavouring it with fresh lemon grass. Pong, very generously, proclaims it’s “the best he’s ever tried”. On the sunset side of the island is Beach Rouge, with a beach club vibe, white furniture and red cushions. My twice-cooked octopus is so tasty, I

choose it again during our stay, while the kulhimas (traditional fish curry) served on the terrace at the Senses restaurant, is as fresh as the breeze that wafts in from the sea. But it’s the resort’s little touches that excite me most, adding fun, flair and an element of surprise to this sunny island hideaway. There’s the red, thatch-roofed phone box inviting you to phone home for free, wooden carts in little clearings offering fresh coconut and bottled water, Sanih’s ice-cream parlour with its home-made waffle cones, the open air cinema (where my husband, in jest, asks for popcorn, and the reply is “Certainly, sir”) and the cups of rich, island-roasted coffee, with whale sharks patterning the foam. And then there’s the giant banyan tree which, in a nod to local custom (and to encourage donations for community projects), is the resort’s Tree of Wishes. Red ribbons flutter from its branches. On each of them, a guest has written their heart’s desire: ‘I wish I was a fairy princess’, ‘I wish to be a marine biologist’ and ‘We wish for lovely memories of the Maldives’ they declare. We spend our last two days in an extremely stylish overwater villa, with a nautical feel, a private pool and steps leading into the lagoon. It’s the perfect place for lingering; there again, so is the spa. We go for a couple’s massage but within seconds, my husband’s asleep. I leave him snoozing and slip into the pool. The sky turns peach, the sand glows gold and the hum of the departing seaplane reminds me we’ll be on it tomorrow. But for now, my wish is to wallow in paradise. They say the whale shark has the biggest smile in the Maldives – me, I’m not so sure. Karen Bowerman was a guest of LUX South Ari Atoll (www.luxresorts.com). O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7 1 4 3

WINTER SUN & SKI GUIDE

This winter’s hottest

Holiday Destinations With the cold months of UK winter upon us, we all dream of warm and sunny climates. If you’re looking to escape the bitter, cold weather and indulge in some winter sun, you’ll want to check out some of these destinations and leave the cold behind you.

COSTA RICA With a coastline facing both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for some winter sun. Misty waterfalls, rugged rainforest, exotic wildlife, deserted beaches and adventures abound. Try kayaking, white water rafting or scuba diving, or simply sit back and relax.

MOZAMBIQUE The Quirimbas archipelago off the coast of northern Mozambique mingles 34 islands, many of which are uninhabited, with the Indian Ocean. Sand bars, coral reefs and mangroves make this area rich with marine life, and snorkelling and sea-kayaking are ideal pursuits.

BORACAY, PHILIPPINES Surfers have been keeping Boracay their little secret for years, but a new airport on the island means Boracay is now easier to get to. Less than an hour from capital Manila, and quieter than some of the larger islands, Boracay has endless stretches of white sand beaches, and a new hotel designed by Philippe Starck and John Hitchcox make this the perfect time to go.

INDIA If you’ve seen the film of The Jungle Book, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, you might want to visit India. Writer Rudyard Kipling was inspired by the Madhya Pradesh landscape in central India where you can try and spot a wild Bengal tiger for yourself in one of the area’s national parks. 1 4 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

SEYCHELLES Long known for their breathtaking beach beauty and opulent marine life, the 115 islands of the Seychelles provide postcardperfect solace from a dismal winter. With six marine national parks protecting turtles, spinner dolphins and over a thousand fish species, it is a scuba diver’s dream.

NEPAL Warm weather and clear skies make winter the ideal time to take in the incredible mountain vistas of Annapurna and Everest on a trekking holiday. Visit the Kathmandu Valley, which has the largest concentration of UNESCO heritage sites in the world, many of which had to undergo serious restoration projects after earthquake damage. There are also many picturesque villages to visit along the way.

FAMILY SKIING

Morzine

On site crĂ¨che & kids club Massage, sauna, hot tub On piste, opposite lift Suites & family bedrooms Top chef and wine cellar www.chillypowder.com 020 7289 6958

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a ge : TOA CLI N IC

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION time to sparkle There are tons of glitter lipsticks on the market, but the difference here is that it’s a liquid formula that ends up both matte and glitter. The formula is creamy and glides on easily like a gloss, then dries to a matte finish with almost no glitter visible. You’re then instructed to press your lips to unleash the sparkle. And it really works. Why? Because when the liquid dries the glitter particles are trapped beneath the surface, but by pressing your lips together they’re released, resulting in one seriously dazzling pout. Glitter Flip, you’ve been well worth the wait. Ciate Glitter Flip Transforming Glitter Liquid Lipstick, £17 www.ciatelondon.com

SHOP IN STYLE With it’s pretty flamingo pattern of pink birds on a blue background, this shoulder bag is great for travelling, going to the beach, shopping or to give as a gift. Fun, funky and practical, it wins on every front! Matching products available, including washbag and make-up bag. Flamingo Bag, £12; www.tch.net

COSY IN CASHMERE

GORGEOUS GEOMETRICS Step up your fashion game with the new Stepping Stones range from Collier Campbell. Featuring a half moon washbag and a wool scarf. This funky geometric design features a triangular repeat pattern containing some of the key Aw17 colours such as warm grey, plum purple, mustard yellow, lush green, pastel mint, powder blue and a coral shade that is a dead ringer for Pantone’s Copper Tan. Stepping Stones Half Moon Wash Bag, £20; Stepping Stones Wool Scarf; £49; www.colliercampbell.com 1 4 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Get ready for colder days in style with the Luxe Cashmere Winterwear range from Somerville Scarves Extremely comfortable and gorgeously soft, these pompom hats and wrist warmers are the ideal accessory to be seen in this winter. Cashmere Wrist Warmers, Plain, £38, Leopard Print, £40; Cashmere & Fur Pom Pom Hats, £80; www.cotswoldtrading.com

BACK TO NATURE Elisabeth Riveiro is a passionate jeweller who hand makes her pieces in her studio in France using ancient and traditional techniques such as lost wax casting, planishing, chiselling and enamelling. We love the “Croco” ring and bracelet, £138 www.nataliawillmott.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

HOW TO MASTER THE

VICTORIA BECKHAM SOFT TAILORING LOOK

words: Katie Wright

leek and slouchy has become VB’s signature style, but you can emulate her approach with just a few strategic high street purchases. Remember when Victoria Beckham was known for the taut, second-skin dresses she not only sent down the catwalk but wore herself almost non-stop? Well, times have changed, and now the 43-year-old says ‘soft tailoring’ is her signature look, for both her designer collections and her personal style. That means out with the constricting frocks and in with slouchy trousers, silky shirts and mannish blazers. It’s a style that catwalk brands do well, but you don’t have to pay luxury prices to get the VB look - and there are just three key pieces you need (plus a pair of box-fresh white trainers). First up, a pair of wide-leg trousers, cut straight rather than flared so they pool satisfyingly around your ankles. Add to that a shirt or blouse that’s fluid (not crisp) and top it off with a slightly oversized blazer (pushed up sleeves are optional). Neutrals lend themselves well to tailored pieces but these sleek shapes mean you can experiment with clashing block colours or choose tonal shades of camel, cream or red from head to toe. Whatever the occasion, here’s how to master the relaxed tailoring look - it’s as easy as one, two, three...

For dinner with clients

Baukjen Aughton Blazer, £119 J by Jasper Conran Dark Red Pleated Sleeves Top, £35, Debenhams River Island Red Wide Leg Trousers, £42

3 for a posh cocktail party

River Island White Tie Cuff Blazer, £30 Topshop Crinkle T-shirt by Boutique, £25 V by Very High Waisted Wide Leg Trousers, £30

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For a busy work day

Fenn Wright Manson Jasmine Top, £79 Harper Jacket, £135 Harper Trousers, £79 (shoes, stylist’s own)

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Strike a pose in London

The sixties were swinging, the seventies went hippie, the eighties spawned punk, the nineties got grunge and today? According to Gity Monsef, Creative Director of Fashion and Textile Museum, “the world is getting smaller - everything cross-integrates. London is a place of eccentricity and creativity and possibilities - it’s more about expression than anywhere else in the world.”

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ondon is at the heart of designer and independent fashion with London Fashion Week leading the way. Organised by British Fashion Council and taking place twice a year, prestigious designers present their next season’s collections to a star-studded audience, with high street brands following suite with their own take on new designs from the catwalk. In Summer 2012, London Fashion Week for the first time introduced Men’s Collections, and now just as sought-after and exciting as the Women’s catwalk. Leading designer brands have made London their home with exclusive boutiques such as Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Gucci, Emporio Armani, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Prada, just some that you can discover on Mayfair’s Bond Street. Sloane Street brings you equally high-profile expensive brands like Boodles, Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Bulgari and Alexandre Paris. Mount Street in Mayfair has become a designer lover’s paradise with Christian Louboutin, Dunhill London, Pringle of Scotland, Loewe Madrid among the stores selling

their exclusive collections. Exciting new boutiques coming to Mount Street include Celine, with Victoria Beckham opening her first flagship store in the Autumn. High-profile department stores like Selfridges, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fenwick and shopping areas like Westfield, all have designer labels under one roof. There are a huge number of trendy independent boutiques across London offering their own exclusive ranges if you want something that little bit different. Streets such as the famous King’s Road for example have countless shopping opportunities for both elegant and quirky tastes. Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood continue to maintain the exciting reputation that King’s Road established in the swinging sixties. Vibrant Camden offers some amazing independent stores if you are looking for the ultimate in vintage style. London is a fashion mecca, bringing you the most exclusive, the most elegant and the most quirky when it comes to fashion, there is no other city in the world that can offer such versatility.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

NEW LIPSTICKS FOR AUTUMN Pucker up with our pick of the best new lippies. WORDS: Katie Wright

ew season fashion drops aren’t the only reason to get excited this time of year – the autumn/winter make-up collections will be landing in stores, too, bringing with them a boatload of lipsticks we think you’re going to love. Whether you’re a glossy girl or an all-matte-everything type, there’s a shade and shine level for you. From barely-there buffs to uber-brights, we’ve rounded up the lippies vying for a place in your make-up bag -– and your heart – this autumn. Smashbox Be Legendary Triple Tone Lipstick Red Ombre Take the shortcut to an ombre lip with Smashbox’s clever triple-stacked stick. The technique takes a bit of getting used to (you have to turn it upside down to do the lower lip) and you’ll need a liner that matches the outermost shade to get a really clean outline, but the effect is gorgeous, and it’s still a whole lot easier than painting on three separate colours. £17.50, smashbox.co.uk Bourjois Rouge Velvet The Lipstick Rubik’s Cute Matte liquid lipsticks can sometimes feel thick and caked on, but this new solid formula from Bourjois is lightweight without compromising on colour payoff. Love a blue-toned red? Rubik’s Cute (see what they’ve done there?) is the hue to choose. £8.99, Boots MAC Viva Glam Taraji P Henson 2 Lipstick The next iteration of the link-up between MAC and the American actress and writer brings us a gorgeous golden-mahogany lipstick with a subtle metallic sheen. £16.50, maccosmetics.co.uk Nars Audacious Lipstick Louise New to the Audacious Lipstick line-up for autumn are six punchy and pigmented shades, including Louise, a deep opaque blackberry. £25, narscosmetics.co.uk Ainsel Sarong Lipstick New brand Ainsel wants you to forgo trends and find your perfect make-up staples instead, which is why its eight inaugural lipsticks are all classic shades, like Sarong, an uber-bright red with orange undertones. £19.50, ainsel.com RMK Irresistible Glow Lipstick Sheer Beige Part of a collaboration with Japanese designer Taro Horiuchi to mark the brand’s 20th anniversary, this light, pearly-coral gloss is a real complexion-lifter. £22, Selfridges

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Too Faced Melted Latex Liquified Lipstick Safe Word If it’s shine you’re after, it doesn’t get much glossier than this. Too Faced’s wet-look latex lippie comes in 16 succulent shades. We love the Barbie pink Safe Word. £19, Debenhams Pur Cosmetics Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick Oh Bae Pur’s latest matte lipstick range comes in a palette that’s on the more muted side, but the formula is still highly pigmented and long-lasting. Pinkishbrown Oh Bae is our new daytime favourite. £16, FeelUnique.com Mary Kay Gel Semi-Shine Lipstick Naturally Buff Imparting a subtle sheen rather than all-out dazzle, Mary Kay’s Semi-Shine lipsticks come in 12 pinky shades, ideal if you want that ‘your lips but better’ vibe. £14, marykay.co.uk Glamglow Plumprageous Metallic Lip Plumper Treatment Suggestive With plumping properties and a metallic finish, Glamglow’s new liquid lippie promises a Kylie Jenner-level pout - and it really delivers. Choose from Lusty, a pale rose gold or Suggestive, a deep copper brown. £18, FeelUnique.com

“Glamglow’s new liquid lippie promises a Kylie Jenner-level pout - and it really delivers”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

London Venues Mayfair Danceworks,16 Balderton Street, W1K 6TN

The UK’s Sassiest Exercise Class Seen On Screen Fitness

een On Screen have pioneered a national fitness trend teaching thousands of women how to dance like their favourite pop icons, whilst getting a dream body, boosting self-esteem and having loads of fun. SOS instructors are handpicked talent (regularly seen on screen) dancing for the biggest stars in the world. They work with artists such as Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Meghan Trainor, Little Mix, Zara Larsson, Alicia Keys and at events including The BRIT Awards, The X Factor and the Victoria’s Secret Show on a regular basis. Most importantly, SOS instructors are adept at breaking down dance moves so that even the most left-footed of people can strut like Beyoncé! At SOS, they don’t want to just teach a good dance class, they want you to leave inspired and empowered to be the best version of you, and feel

“No coordination needed, two-left feet encouraged and absolute beginners are welcome!” BONNIE PARSONS, SOS FOUNDER

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like you can achieve things you didn’t previously think were possible. From a sass fuelled dance move, to a new job, relationship, body goal… whatever it is, they want to make sure you feel confident enough in yourself to go for it and they can give you the tools to do this through teaching you how to dance like Beyoncé – believe it or not! In addition to their timetabled classes, SOS has a flourishing private events division providing bespoke workshops for both private parties and corporate events. They work with the biggest names in fashion, finance, music and entertainment to deliver a diverse range of services including brand partnerships, consultancy, product launches, client and employee rewards, team building, in-house dance classes and SOS performances with their top pro dance team! With a variety of different venues in London for you to choose from, with classes from beginners to advanced, you can set your own pace, have fun and bring out the diva in you! The Divaclass forbeginners is£15 for 1 hour. For more details about the UK’s Sassiest Dance Classes visit seenonscreenfitness.com; Telephone 0800 644 0588; Email info@seenonscreenfitness.com

Notting Hill The Harbour Club, 1 Alfred Road, W2 5EU Covent Garden Gymbox, 42-49 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4EJ Canary Wharf Third Space, 2nd Floor 6-19 Canada Square, E14 5ER Charing Cross Fitness First, 6 Bedford Street, WC2E 9HZ Angel Sadler’s Wells Theatre (stage door entrance) Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN Southwark Glasshill Studios, King’s Bench Street, SE1 0QX Clapham Soho Gyms, 95-97 Clapham High Street, SW4 7TB South Bank Rambert, 99 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP Farringdon The New Gymbox,12 Leather Lane, EC1N 7SS Tottenham Court Road Central YMCA Club, 112 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NQ

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

JODIE KIDD: 5 BEAUTY PRODUCTS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT The model-turned-presenter shares the skincare essentials she uses everyday.

1. Romilly Wilde Light + Energy Serum Cleanser, £54 “I’ve got this absolutely lovely cleanser by a lovely British lady called Romilly Wilde. It’s a beautiful cleanser and it’s all essential oils. It’s divine and I couldn’t live without that.” 1 5 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

2. May Lindstrom The Youth Dew Hydrating Facial Serum, £136, CultBeauty “This is a beautiful serum oil. I found it with an American company and I have to get it shipped over. It smells beautiful, it’s very organic and they use lots of natural ingredients. It smells fantastic that’s a little secret I’ve found.” 3. Papaya Gold PawPaw Moisturising Balm, £5.99, FeelUnique.com “I can’t ever be too far from a lip salve - I just love PawPaw. It hasn’t got a scent, and it’s blummin’ good. I use it on my son Indio - it’s not a healing balm, but you can use it on scratches, cuts and whatnot, as well as on your lips. It’s really handy to have in your handbag.” 4. REN Rosa Centifolia Gentle Exfoilating Cleanser, £15 “This is really lovely - it’s not gritty, it’s a daytime exfoliator and it’s more pulpy. It also smells fantastic, includes a lot of essential oils and natural products.” 5. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30, £82 “This is a lovely moisturiser - not too heavy, it’s nice and light for daytime.”

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Main image: Jodie Kidd (Image courtesy of PA Photo/Denplan)

ith decades of modelling under her belt (she was discovered aged just 15) and a make-up artist for a sibling (sister Jemma also trod the catwalks before discovering her creative calling), you’d think Jodie Kidd knows a thing or two about cosmetics. That she does. Asked about her beauty essentials, the 38-year-old is more than happy to spill the beans, chatting animatedly about British brands, natural ingredients and her “little secret” serum. And unlike other celebs, who put their enviable looks down to simply drinking lots of water, the model-turned-presenter’s top five is made up entirely of skincare products, proving that her youthful complexion isn’t due to good genes alone. Want that supermodel glow? Well, we can’t give you Jodie’s cheekbones, but we can reveal her musthave beauty buys and why she loves them...

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Apatchy London: The destination brand for teenage gifting.

With an exclusive range of instantly personalised gifts, from makeup and wash bags to weekend holdalls, Apatchy has revolutionised the marketplace for teenage gifting…

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hristmas is fast approaching, and cofounders Georgina Stacey and Sam Tolhurst prepare for yet another recordbreaking Christmas at Apatchy London. As a lifestyle gift brand, Apatchy holds a unique proposition. All bags and cases can be instantly personalised with their exclusive ‘gripper patches’, permanent adhesive patches, or monogrammed steel tags. The personalised touch to an otherwise practical present, sets Apatchy apart as a brand that creates a gift unique and specific to each loved one. “Nowadays, personalisation is prevalent when it comes to gifting. With this in mind, Apatchy aim to create a method to instantly personalise all products in front of the customer’s eyes…” Sam explains. And the results? Apatchy seem to have transformed teenage gifting away from the unwanted socks and pyjama sets that saturate the market. They have created an experience which aims to inspire tired and reluctant Christmas shoppers and reawaken the fun and seasonal spirit of picking out gifts. “Customers come with their spreadsheets to hand detailing every person that needs a gift, and pass it to our team who are there to help relinquish shoppers’ responsibilities with our bespoke service. They help advise and create a bespoke bag specific to each person’s personality – an initialled Backpack for the University dweller, a personalised Hockey Stick Bag for the team player, or a Wash Bag for the

happy traveller. All can be put together on the spot, with a stunning branded gift bag, ready to be placed under the tree.” After successful concessions in Topshop and Fenwick, which featured their own snapchat filter and the introduction of a brand new DJ ambassador Toby Bacon, Apatchy look to have the same success this year at Kensington Olympia’s Spirit of Christmas Fair. But what next for the brand? Apatchy are set to launch in America by the end of the year, and are looking to expand their personalised designs as well as bring out a sport luxe clothing collection. “Whilst the company has expanded and developed at a rapid pace in the last two years, our inspiration and ethos remain the same. We continue to be influenced by what’s traditionally British, from the culture of London to the heritage of the countryside. Our Great British pride extends to the standard of our products, starting from the most intricate designs to using the finest quality materials, and a great team that delivers exceptional customer services.” You can visit Apatchy online at www.apatchylondon.com, or visit their pop up on stand A47 at the Spirit of Christmas fair from 30th October - 5th November 2017.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

NEW SEASON FAVOURITES

AT MAISON LINGERIE

“Our expert fitters can advise on the right size and shape, based on your body morphology”

New Autumn and Winter collections are now in store at Maison SL, the luxury multi-brand lingerie and swimwear store in Notting Hill. We spoke to founder Susana Lorena about what’s new and her advice for the discerning shopper.

What is special about the new season collections at Maison SL? We have fabulous new collections from our main brands - La Perla, Aubade, Marie Jo, Prima Donna, Andres Sarda, Lise Charmel, Stella McCartney and Maison Lejaby. This season boring nude is out and warm cinnamon, hazelnut, taupe and beautiful blush are in. These autumnal colours work beautifully under whites, creams and sheer dresses and tops and leave you feeling feminine and confident (perfect when you are undressing in front of someone else!) In keeping with the season’s fashion trends, we also have some rich lace and embroidery in pop colours, which go well under chunky knitwear. And for something offbeat, we are now stocking Pure Chemistry, a cheeky new British brand which features playful, sexy silks and Chantilly lace. What is the new season lingerie/swimwear must have and why? My must haves are: • the non-wired bra from La Perla Privelidge range • the blissfully comfortable body from Stella McCartney Sophie • the top t-shirt bra from Lise Charmel’s 89 collection For lounging at home there’s the Diabless top and leggings from Marjolaine. And If you love to sleep in style or are looking for a gift, our Marjolaine collection has nightdresses and pyjamas that suit most shapes. For winter sun chasers, Andres Sarda’s Hilma range has the perfect bikini and Feraud’s one- piece from the Spa collection will be a best seller. There’s

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also a fabulous swimwear collection from Maison Lejaby, designed by Valérie Delafosse, former Eres designer. If you could give one tip for shopping this season, what would it be? If you feel the urge for a change of look, dedicate time to looking at the brands in store and, above all, if you haven’t had a fitting recently, do so now. Our bodies change and it is surprising what a difference well-fitting foundation wear and swimwear can make. Our expert fitters can advise on the right size and shape, based on your body morphology and skin tone, so you end up with the prefect bra or swimsuit. What advice would you give for building your lingerie and swimwear wardrobe? This is a good time of year to take stock of what you have and anything you are not sure about, bring it to us and we will advise. First go through the basic bras - white, black, blush and t-shirt - then your fashion collections – prints, colours and different materials. Decide what you are comfortable with and the shape you prefer. A body, a strapless and a silk camisole should also be part of any lingerie wardrobe foundation. When it comes to swimwear it varies a lot according to your skin tone and shape so bring a favourite piece and we will work around it. We keep a history of your purchases so we will always know what to show you in the new collections. Maison SL, 53 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA 020 7243 0003 www.maisonsl.com

LINGERIE

SWIMWEAR

The ultimate combination of fit and fashion in sizes A to I La Perla, Aubade, Stella McCartney, Marie Jo, Prima Donna, Empreinte, Lise Charmel, Pleasure State, Feraud, Transparenze, Nicole Oluvier, Maison Lejaby, Wacoal, Marjolaine, Luna di Seta, Gotex, Banana Moon and Andres Sarda For free bra fitting and styling contacts us on 020 7243 0003

Maison SL 53 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

S P OTLI G HT O N …

Stella McCartney

tella Nina McCartney OBE, daughter of the Beatles band member Sir Paul McCartney and American photographer and animal rights activist the late Linda McCartney, has been reaching new heights with her new menswear collection. Born in Lambeth in 1971, she worked hard at her dream as a fashion designer from an early age. Stella attended local state schools in East Sussex. Despite their fame, the McCartneys wanted their children to lead as normal a life as possible. At aged thirteen, Stella showed an interest in fashion and even designed her first jacket. Three years later, she interned with Christian Lacroix where she designed her first haute couture collection. After that, she worked with Edward Sexton, her father’s Savile Row tailor. Then she went on to study at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, then Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins. Her graduation collection was modelled by Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon, and Kate Moss. It was a major success. Stella was soon appointed the creative director of Chloe in 1997. She then set up her brand ‘Stella McCartney’ in collaboration with Gucci which is now Kering. Her collections now include women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, eyewear, fragrances and kids. In 2004, Stella McCartney was the designer of clothes for Madonna’s Re-Invention Tour, Annie Lennox’s summer tour, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s and Jude Law’s costumes for the film Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow. A vegetarian, a strong wild-life activist, she has stood up against the use of leather and fur in her products. Many clothes in her collections have these words boldly printed- ‘Girls Thanks. No Fur, No Leather’. She prefers using organic cotton and faux leathers. All her shops are operated in eco- friendly ways. She continues to fund World Wild Life Fund, American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animals Asia. Stella McCartney has been married to Alasdhair Willis since 2003, and have four children. She has made it a point to bring up her children unlike other celebrity children, and

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makes sure that they are in the company of nature and animals. McCartney now operates 51 freestanding stores including Manhattan’s Soho, London’s Mayfair and Brompton Cross, LA’s West Hollywood, Paris’ Palais Royal, Milan, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. Her collections are now distributed in 77 countries through 851 doors including specialty shops, and department stores, as well as shipping to 100 countries online. Stella’s latest collection is menswear. She has designed most of the collection being inspired by her father. The collection features bomber jackets, football scarves, and cashmere tracksuits. Her swallowembroidered motif which has been seen across her collections continues to feature in this collection too. A woman who has made it in the world of fashion, living well to her ethics, conservation of the environment and the wildlife. That defines Stella McCartney. www.stellamccartney.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Pink Sapphire & Diamonds

Blue Topaz, Peridot & Diamonds

Andalusite & Diamonds

Lemon Quartz, Peridot & Diamonds

Bespoke Jeweller, Asks:

ARE DIAMONDS STILL A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND IN 2017? S ung about by Marilyn Monroe in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’, Are Diamonds Still a Girl’s Best Friend? Absolutley YES! However, whilst diamonds have their fascination, glamour and charm, strongly associated to romance and love, not everyone prefers a diamond. Interest in coloured gemstone jewellery has definitely grown with some large rare coloured gems reaching record values, priced far above diamonds. Coloured gemstones come in the most magnificent array of hues and saturation of colours, from pale and delicate, to vivid and radiant through to deep and intense; they are seriously exciting and mesmerising in an entirely different way to diamonds. Blue sapphires, red rubies and green emeralds are easily the most recognisable traditional gemstones but in recent years the market has been energised by the discovery of newly found amazing gemstones from all corners of the world. Today, beautiful, fun, affordable, alluring coloured gemstones are well represented and available in specialist knowledgeable jewellers, such as Michael Platt Jewellers. There is more availability of many wonderful brilliantly coloured lesser known gems whose true beauty is brought alive by the skill of specialist stone cutters using imaginative creative techniques. Michael Platt, specialist Bespoke Jeweller and Goldsmith in Wimbledon Village, has a passion, excitement and appreciation of all fine quality coloured gemstones. They offer a fantastic

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available choice of coloured gems set in unique jewellery; deep hyacinth blue Tanzanite, perfect peachy Morganite (named after JP Morgan), mint green sparkling Merelani Garnet, hot pink Spinel, regal purple Amethyst, electric swimming-pool blue Pariba Tourmaline, warm green Tsavorite, watery deep sea blue Aquamarine, lime green Peridot and Sapphires in all hues. Coloured gemstones in jewellery can be less formal, easily reflecting unique personality and individualism in a way that diamonds never can. If you have never considered coloured gemstone jewellery before, Michael Platt is the specialist jeweller to visit; their enthusiastic delighted for coloured gems is contagious. Whatever your budget, Michael Platt specialise in working with customers, sourcing specific coloured gemstones to requirement and creating unique striking designs for settings. Some of the more unusual lesser known gems, where demand is presently low, can be surprisingly beautiful and more financially accessible than well establish gemstones. If a distinctive coloured gemstone piece of jewellery is right for you or someone special in your life, pop into Michael Platt to see what’s available. For a unique piece there is no charge for consultation or initial drawings. With just a little extra thought and effort, along with expert professional input and guidance from Michael Platt, an exceptional piece of jewellery can be created which, once given, will always be treasured.

Tanzanite & Diamonds

THE DETAILS Michael Platt, 1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DW www.michaelplatt.co.uk Tel: 020 8947 4772 Open Tues- Sun

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Weather-wise rain wear

our wardrobe staples should always include a good quality breathable waterproof jacket or coat. And by waterproof, we genuinely mean waterproof, not just showerproof ! Don’t be tempted to buy a cheaper showerproof jacket to save money, this type of outerwear will only keep you dry on a temporary basis and in really heavy rain conditions, will struggle to offer any protection for longer than the time it takes to open an umbrella! Baleno’s waterproof jackets feature technically advanced fabric to prevent your body from coming into contact with any water whilst still allowing body heat and perspiration to escape via a ‘breathable’ membrane. Without the existence of this layer, you may start off feeling dry but once you start working up a sweat on the yard you are likely to feel uncomfortable and damp. Reputable brands like Baleno formally test a jacket’s breathability by measuring the rate at which water vapour passes through over a 24hour period. Being comfortable is not just about staying dry and warm. The actual design of the jacket needs to allow for easy movement, so a generous cut and the inclusion of vents is essential if you intend 1 6 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Also available

to use the same coat for riding and working on the yard. Go for a longer ¾ length coat like the Kensington. Influenced by the classic outback drovers coat, and manufactured in tough, durable and waterproof fabric. Also features a zip in adjustable hood and a pommel flap. www.baleno.be

“Baleno’s waterproof jackets feature technically advanced fabric”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Story of Stylishly Lots of clothes, but nothing to wear? The new Stylishly VIP service is the solution

How to get inspired and make better use of your clothes… The idea of Stylishly was born around two years ago, by the founder Anna Tomkins, out of a simple need to find a good-looking outfit to wear, when she wasn’t at home in front of her own wardrobe. She wanted a virtual wardrobe on her phone!

THE DETAILS

British adults only wear 44% of their wardrobes - that leaves 56% unused! Even when at home, the wardrobe in her flat was packed full and she couldn’t even see the clothes she had. “Could I be the only one having lots of clothes but nothing to wear? I started to do research. Quickly I found out that women in the UK only wear 44% of what they have in their wardrobe, meaning that 56% of clothes in women’s wardrobes just collect dust. That’s more than half!”

An app that lets you easily upload your clothes, create looks on your phone and gives you outfit suggestions… That’s when Anna decided to create an app that lets you upload all your clothes, makes it easy to find pictures of your clothes and cleverly suggests you what to wear, out of your own wardrobe! A modern and time-saving way to get dressed!

How to upload hundreds of items of clothing into an app when you don’t have much time? Ask the Stylishly VIP team to do it for you! Although the Stylishly app makes the clothes upload very easy, it still takes a bit of time to upload if you have a big wardrobe. Stylishly VIP stylists come to clients’ homes, give a first time wardrobe consultation, create virtual wardrobes, and provide ongoing personal styling, remotely! A little luxury we think every busy woman deserves!

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Stylishly changes the way we get dressed… “With Stylishly, my dressing habits changed.” Like Anna, many women roughly have in mind which centre piece they want to wear on any given day, but many of us lack creativity to style one item in many different ways. The app helps to create a look with that item as a starting point and other items of clothing can be chosen around it. With the filtering function it’s easy to find every item in the wardrobe, whether it’s something in the colour purple, or a golden flat sandal, without looking through every drawer! “Now I create a look on my phone, save it and then go to my physical wardrobe to just pick the items!”

Prices start at £199 incl. VAT for 100 item upload. Personal styling starts at £249 incl. VAT (upload of first 100 items, plus initial style consultation), plus monthly subscription of £39 incl. VAT (minimum six month duration). Service available in London postcodes only. For VIP service enquiries contact styleteam@stylishlydigital.com or 0845 519 7657

The app is available, for iPhones, on the AppStore: www. stylishlyapp.com/theapp

VIP SERVICE

Lots of clothes, but nothing to wear? The new Stylishly VIP service is the solution • Your wardrobe on your phone, perfectly organized in our beautiful app • In-person style consultation by professional stylist • Regular outfit suggestions for everyday life • On request looks for special occasions • Personal shopping suggestions • Prices start at £199 incl. VAT

PLEASE STYLE ME FABULOUS!

GET IN TOUCH FOR A NO-OBLIGATION CHAT Email styleteam@stylishlydigital.com Learn more at www.stylishlyapp.com/stylishly-vip Call 0845 519 7657

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Autumn leaves you wanting a new look!

akou, the award winning specialist boutique in West Wimbledon catering for sophisticated ladies size 14-30, offers personalised style advice to help find the most flattering cut or style for you. Size is irrelevant when it comes to style! Be enchanted by Grizas; sumptuous fabrics in rich jewel colours or check out the funky egg shaped Verpass jackets; gorgeous jacquards and textured prints with that extra va-va-voom! Angel Circle offer their beautiful batik tunics and kimonos this season in rich, autumnal colours, which can be teamed with winter trousers in forgiving stretch fabrics and textured weaves. This autumn, the Masai collection includes a range of fits and styles, bold stripes and retro florals with splashes of bright colour, as well as cosy jerseys in a muted palette of greys and winter green; stunning with leggings and long boots! The new collection is fabulously diverse, offering vibrant prints and a luxurious autumn/winter selection of soft, cosy knits and jerseys. There is something to suit all skin tones and tastes! Carefully chosen fabrics and textures fall beautifully to create soft, feminine and chic silhouettes. Everything is designed to flatter the fuller figure and add a touch of glamour! Check out the new Anna Falcke range of soft fleece accessories that will keep you nice and toasty over the cooler months; Wristees, button collars and pom-pom scarves in glorious colours make excellent gifts for you or your friends! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a large selection of goodies that will make you feel as good as you look! Embrace the changing seasons by spoiling yourself with a fabulous new look. You can see a sample of the new collections on line at www. bakou.co.uk but there are many other styles available in store. Good transport links, easy, free parking, personal service and provision of refreshments all serve to enhance the whole Bakou shopping experience! 267-269 Coombe Lane, London SW20 0RH; Tel: 020 8947 9797; info@bakou.co.uk; www.bakou.co.uk

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

TOP TROUSER TRENDS Give your plain black slacks a rest and make a pair of these trendy trews the star of your outfit. WORDS: Katie Wright

o longer the bland building blocks of an outfit, trousers have really come into their own recently, with interesting cuts, colours and embellishments giving the humble slack a new lease of life. And as summer begins to fade (sigh), these nextlevel separates are crying out to be the star of an outfit, for days when it’s too cold for bare legs but too warm for thick tights.

Jane Norman Black Wide Split Leg Trousers

Madeleine Culottes, available from madeleine.co.uk

Closet Navy Sleeves Frills Blouse and Slim Trouser with Frill

These are the trouser trends that will give your latesummer wardrobe a stylish leg up... 1. Split leg trousers A truly transitional fashion hero, split leg trousers come with a ready-made air vent and offer a subtle way to show a bit of leg. For the office, pair wide-leg culottes with a boho blouse and blazer, or take things up a notch for evening with full-length trousers, a Bardot top and heels - the hem should just graze the floor. Nasty Gal Low Key Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top, £10, and Snap Out Of It Tear-Away Pants, £35; Madeleine Culottes, £89 (reduced from £129.95); Jane Norman Black Wide Split Leg Trousers, £35

Nasty Gal Play the Game Ruffle Pants, available from nastygal.com

Nasty Gal Low Key Offthe-Shoulder Crop Top and Snap Out of It Tear-Away Pants

2. Ruffled trousers Sad to say goodbye to summer’s sensational Cuban fashion trend? Ruffled trousers are one way to make it last that little bit longer. From flamenco flared hems to frilled seams, these are serious statementmaking separates. Keep things simple on your top half with a block colour cami or tucked-in tee. Nasty Gal Play the Game Ruffle Pants, £25; Closet Navy Sleeves Frills Blouse, £48, and Slim Trousers with Frill, £55; Style Maffia Ruffle Hem Trousers, £149.99, OwntheLook.com

Style Maffia Ruffle Hem Trousers, available from OwntheLook.com

3. Paper bag waist trousers To the untrained eye, these cinched-waist trousers with their tapered legs may look unflattering, but actually, the high waist means they help to elongate your legs - as long as you don’t choose a very cropped pair. Wide-leg styles are even more forgiving, particularly when worn with heels and a fitted top to emphasise your waist. Topshop Ruffle Waist Mensy Trousers, £39 Oliver Bonas Mineral Print Top, £59.50, and Sulphur Paper Bag Trousers, £65 (available in September); Cubic Tie Waist Cropped Trousers, £54.99, OwntheLook.com

“The high waist means they help to elongate your legs” 1 7 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Oliver Bonas Mineral Print Top and Sulphur Paper Bag Trousers.

Topshop Ruffle Waist Mensy Trousers, available from topshop.com

Cubic Tie Waist Cropped Trousers, available from OwntheLook.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Your face is in the safest hands…. Meet Dr Ravi Jain and read about the changing face of the aesthetics industry and his valuable advice for those who are thinking about taking the first steps into more advances anti-ageing treatments and care.

r Jain opened Riverbanks Wellness Clinics in Harpenden in 2008. Specialising in aesthetic medicine for the face and body, the Dr Jain is a global expert on aesthetic consultation and pioneer of the acclaimed “Harmony Consultation”, the benchmark system to enhance and regulate patient satisfaction. With his most recent trips to Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Paris, Dr Ravi Jain regularly travels internationally, training and lecturing 1000’s of clinicians on delivering natural looking results with the minimum amount of treatments. Dr Ravi Jain leads an esteemed medical team at Riverbanks Wellness which launched in 2008 and has accumulated 5 aesthetic medicine awards along the way. Riverbanks Wellness is registered with the Care Quality Commission and has been voted Best Clinic in the UK on several occasions.

The ethical approach to natural age reversal and healthy skin. A clear preference for natural-looking results has emerged within the cosmetic beauty industry, with both practitioners and patients advocating the benefits of subtle enhancement. “Patients are seeking extremely natural-looking, almost invisible results” explains Dr Ravi Jain who is at the forefront of the movement and has pioneered the Invisible Aesthetics® method to achieve elusive enhancement while embracing a holistic and ethical approach to procedures. Increasingly, patients want to have non-invasive procedures to get ahead in business, feel fresher and more confident - quick-fixes can, and do, ignite embarrassing discussions amongst friends, family and colleagues. Dr Jain believes that no one should be able to guess that you’ve had aesthetic work at all, but they’ll certainly see that you look healthier. “The measure of change should be when someone looks back at an old photo and spots the difference

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at that point, not the other way around”. Taking the first step into aesthetic procedures can be scary and is a very personal decision. Dr Ravi Jain has compiled a few important questions that should be addressed to help you on your way to younger, healthier you. Why have I made this decision right at this moment? This is one of the first questions I ask new clients. Why have you decided to come to see me today? The answer could be because of a special occasion coming up, or for no reason in particular and it just feels the right time to take that first step. Perhaps you maybe in need of a boost for a variety of reasons. By asking this question I can understand your reasons and it will set expectations in terms of what treatments are available and suitable for you. Simple questions such as this helps build the foundations to understand you more and to build a long-term skin plan with you. What results am I expecting from this treatment direction? Are you being realistic in your perceptions of the effect after the procedure? Do you want to feel fresher or to look several years younger? Do you want to change or enhance a feature? When using injectables correctly, it does not mean you will look

“Do you want to feel fresher or to look several years younger? Do you want to change or enhance a feature?”

dramatically different, and so by setting realistic expectations before the procedure, it creates a trust and honest relationship with your practitioner from the get go. Do I fully understand the treatment? Most of my clients, even the ones who have had fillers previously, do not realise that there are different forms of filler. The safest dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid and come in a whole array of preparations and strengths with degrees of firmness and softness and with different consistencies for lifting and blending abilities. For example, there are different types to lift the cheekbone or emphasise the chin, and another to get rid of a crease or super fine line, and others to simply boost the hydration levels in the skin and stimulate collagen. Not one filler does everything. To get the most natural effect you have to use a variety to treat the various skins of skin ageing. Am I aware of any side effects? Thankfully there are very few serious risks. Side effects with Botox injections are rare, if any, and even minimal effects such as bruising with fillers only affects 1 in 20. Allergic reactions and infection are now so uncommon due to the new modern formulas. However. To drive the point forwards. You must go to a medical professional. If injections are administered incorrectly, the worst-case scenario could be blindness. This is caused when a small amount of filler is injected into or around a blood vessel that then blocks the blood supply to the eye. To go to an experienced medical professional is the only way to minimise these risks. Will, I look older if I decide not to continue the appointments? This is a common question when I first see a patient. The answer is absolutely not. If you have only had one or two treatments, then the worst is that you will just look as you did before the treatment. However. If you have been having treatments over 2- 3 years or longer, then you should look younger than you did before you started. The treatments will have helped to permanently rejuvenate your skin over time. How much money do I need to invest for the best results? Should I be looking at these treatments as regular financial addition to my routine. Ageing is inevitable and we are all getting older therefore there is no one-off treatment that freezes time forever. Our signs of ageing develop continually and present themselves as concerns such as wrinkles, pigmentation changes, loss of elasticity and thinning of tissues such as skin, fat, muscle and bone. There are different types of treatments to address each one of these issues. Botox style treatments are for excessive wrinkles and dermal fillers for tissue thinning and fatty volume loss.

BEFORE

It is true that one treatment of any one of these may give dramatic results, but anyone interested in improving their overall skin health and appearance need to consider an on-going commitment with regular maintenance treatments. Botox style treatments should be repeated every 3 – 4 months for longer term and natural looking results (this doesn’t mean one has to be frozen indefinitely because this usually indicates excessive treatment), Dermal fillers to be repeated every 6- 12 month. On each appointment, you may not always need treatment on the same areas because different parts of the face age at different rates so the overall goal should be to deliver optimal skin health, with natural results. Are the treatments addictive? Medically speaking, the ingredients used are nonaddictive. However, as with any experience you enjoy and that makes you feel great, you want to repeat it. Studies have shown that there are long term psychological benefits when your skin looks its best resulting in improved mood and wellbeing. This feeling is similar to how you feel after a visit to the hairdressers or if you bought a new luxury item longer duration of satisfaction and improved wellness. How do I choose my practitioner? This is very difficult for those who have not got recommendations from friends. We have all been victims to effective marketing and this doesn’t mean the most visible practice is the best. I suggest you choose someone whose work you like, and by talking to friends you know who have had treatments and who look the most natural. It is also not just about the aesthetics. Also find out how they feel after the treatment. Lastly, make sure they are qualified. Practitioners including the Doctors and nurses should be members of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine or The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses. Then create a shortlist and arrange to meet 1-3 of them before you choose to go ahead. Always follow your gut instinct at the initial meeting and if you need further help, then websites such as www.realself.com and www.consultingroom.com are great learning tools as they are independent review sites.

AFTER

“Anyone interested in improving their overall skin health and appearance need to consider an on-going commitment with regular maintenance treatments.”

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 01582762877 to book in. O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7 1 7 9

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Cinnamon Care Collection brings extra spice to Blackheath

he Cinnamon Care Collection is thrilled to announce the forthcoming opening of a new residential care home in Blackheath – Rectory Court. Built on the site of a former rectory, this new care home is situated just off Lee Terrace and is a sister home to Leah Lodge in Blessington Road which opened in December 2016. Combining luxurious surroundings in a classic building with genuinely caring people, Rectory Court will offer the highest quality residential care. Within easy reach of Central London, historic Greenwich and the glorious Kent countryside the homes are close to the vibrant community of Blackheath but residents can feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle when relaxing in the tranquil gardens – each a peaceful oasis of calm for all to enjoy. Residents have their own en-suite bedroom as well as an array of facilities and activities to enjoy. From cosy corners to spend time peacefully relaxing to the buzzing café and hairdressing salon, every inch of Rectory Court and Leah Lodge has been designed to create maximum comfort and convenience for older people. Cinnamon homes are also proud to provide a quality dining experience using the very best ingredients. Chefs thrive on the challenge of creating delicious and nutritious seasonal menus to tickle the tastebuds! General Manager Gina Lim said: “At Cinnamon, we strive to build close bonds within the local area

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so we will be asking the people of Blackheath to nominate a senior Community Champion to be our VIP on the opening event at Rectory Court. Look out for further details in local press!” Both Rectory Court and Leah Lodge (which also provides care for people living with dementia) represent a new era of residential care for our older people. For further details about Rectory Court or Leah Lodge why not drop in to our show suites or call us on 0203 797 7619 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/BD

“Combining luxurious surroundings in a classic building with genuinely caring people, Rectory Court will offer the highest quality residential care”

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Celebrity Fat Freezing Secret is out! Non Surgical Liposuction

elebrities swear by this treatment, yummy mummies are whispering about it in the changing rooms of private health clubs, and the Kardashian butt is kept perky with this latest non surgical cosmetic treatment. This procedure freezes the fat away without any surgery or down time. The technology has been around for years, but celebrities were tight lipped about it. The TOA Clinic in London, offers the third generation non surgical lipo, which not only uses cryo technology, but it combines this with heat, and Photo Dynamic Technology, to give a faster

Bollywood Actress and keen Polo Player Sofia Hayat had a Brazillian Butt lift using Platinum Cryo and TOA 3 RF at TOA Clinic. Photo Location: Carlitos Polo Club. Photo: Igor Fain

and better result, than the standard fat freezing machines. We asked the experts at TOA Clinic, how it works: Well, first we gently warm up your desired treatment area to encourage your blood and fat to separate. Our non-surgical liposuction machine uses advanced freezing technology to selectively target and dissolve fat cells, keeping the surrounding tissues intact. When fat cells are exposed to precise cooling, the process of apoptosis(fat cell death), reduces the thickness of the fat layer, permanently. The cells in the treated area are gently absorbed through the normal metabolism process of the liver.

“There is no recovery time, which means you can resume normal activities straight after the procedure” What results can be expected? 7 seven days after your procedure, the fat cells start to alter their shape. A week later apoptosis should be underway and you will be delighted to notice a reduction in your fatty deposits. The full results take up to 3 months. Some clients will experience a noticeable reduction within just two weeks! You can lose anything between 1 to 4 inches in a single session. There is no recovery time, which means you can resume normal activities straight after the procedure. Plus, there’s no need to exercise afterwards to activate the procedure – this is all taken care of naturally by your body. We have had people ask to make their bottom more prominent. This is done by removing the fat under the bottom, above it and on the inner thighs to enhance the natural curve. The tummy, thighs, arms, love handles, buttocks and Gynaecomastia can be treated. We offer the standard Cryolipolysis, but clients are preferring the Platinum PDT CryoLipo which combines Cryo, Heat and PDT technology. We believe we are the only clinic in London to offer this third generation treatment. Which celebs have had this treatment in your clinic? Now that would be telling.. TOA Clinic Battersea, a discreet private clinic, situated next to Royal Battersea Park. 1 8 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Before

After 6 weeks

After 3 months

Before

After

THE PERFECT SMILE

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

ampstead is London’s original urban village and located right at its heart amongst the cafes and boutique shops you will find a unique dental practice. Dental Perfection has been welcoming patients from Hampstead and surrounding areas through its doors since 1979. The Dental Perfection focus is clear and patient expectations are top of their list of priorities, alongside superior dental skills and an individual approach to patient care. Their motto, ‘A healthy smile is the prettiest thing you can wear’ really says all you need to know about this friendly, village practice; the Dental Perfection team have combined an impressive range of expertise with the latest in technology to give clients the best smiles they can. Small wonder people return to Dental Perfection time and time again. Dr Mehran Sanei graduated as a dentist in the UK in 1992, and attained his Masters degree and Speciality in the USA in 1999. He is the practice Principal and is recognised by the British General Dental Council and the American Dental Association as a Specialist in Prosthodontics, which includes disciplines such as general dentistry, cosmetics, dental implants, crown/ bridgework, full mouth reconstructions, removable dentures and joint therapy. He is rightly proud of his team, which includes specialist Endodontist Dr Shahrzad Rahbaran and Consultant Oral Surgeon Mr Anish Shah who practise at Dr Sanei’s sister practice in Harley Street. Dental Perfection are confident in their ability

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“The Dental Perfection focus is clear and patient expectations are top of their list of priorities”

to overcome dental challenges. Their specialist treatments include dental implants for those with missing or damaged teeth, root canal therapy to reverse the effects of deep decay, gum treatment to help counteract the damage caused by gum disease and treatment or removal of wisdom teeth. Cosmetic dentistry treatments are a speciality at Dental Perfection and the practice goes to every effort to ensure that the team receive the best in training in the latest professional techniques. Treatments range from the fitting of porcelain veneers and bridges to TMJ therapy for those with joint and jaw muscle discomfort. One of the many charms of the Dental Perfection practice is their commitment to the on-going dental health of their patients. Their dedicated Hygiene Centre offers a range of services and client education. Poor dental hygiene can cause bad breath, gum disease and ultimately possible heart problems; Dental Perfection have a direct access policy, which allows hygiene appointments and services without first having a dental examination. Clients can drop in, make an appointment and go back to enjoying the allures of Hampstead Village. Dental Perfection is a practice so dedicated to the fulfilment of patient expectations; that the last word should go to their clients. “Could I please ask you to pass on my sincere thanks to Dr Sanei for putting such a beautiful smile on my daughter’s face this evening.” www.dentalperfections.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Ultrasound face-lift trend.

Is it a gimmick?

here are numerous treatments available to improve wrinkles & ageing skin but most involve needles & injecting products such a botox or dermal fillers into the skin. Although these can be effective, they often cannot adequately address issues such a sagging jowls in the lower face & neck area. The latest trend to hit the beauty scene involves the use of powerful non-surgical technology known as HIFU (High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound) & Radio Frequency to lift & tighten the face. HIFU , also know as ‘ultrasound face lift’ or ‘Ultherapy’ delivers lasting results in just one treatment using powerful ultrasound energy to stimulate the deep layers (SMAS layer) which support the skin and in doing so, creates a lifted, more taut appearance and stimulates the body to produce collagen. It is perfect for the lower face (jowl) and neck area and to create a brow lift. The HIFU technology has been used for years in medicine to treat people with some forms of cancer, it therefore has a lot of scientific evidence to support its use & is mit a gimmick or fad when compared with other treatments available. The beauty of the HIFU treatment is that only one treatment is required, with full results showing after around 2 months & lasting over 1 year. Some people may benefit from more than one treatment depending on how much laxity they have and their body’s own biological response to the ultrasound and collagen rebuilding process. The whole face can be treated but if you have areas of concern such as drooping eyebrows, this can be treated alone. Radio frequency skin-tightening sound wave technology which helps to concentrate the body’s collagen fibres and encourages the quick regeneration of the collagen and elastin that we lose as we age. There are many benefits of the Radio Frequency treatment which has led to the treatments increasing popularity and celebrity following, with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Amanda Holden and Mel B now favouring the treatment over injectables. A course of Radio Frequency treatments will help to lift, firm and tighten skin by aiding the skin’s own ability to produce collagen and elastin. Radio Frequency is quick, convenient and painless, resulting in a firmer, more youthful look. It can be used alone or as a maintenance treatment after HIFU. Unlike the HIFU, which only requires one treatment, 6 -8 weekly treatments of radio frequency are recommended for optimum results.

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What can be treated using HIFU and Radiofrequency? • Non-surgical face lift • Non-surgical neck lift & tightening • Brow lifting • Jowl lifting • Mid face lifting • Nasolabial fold reduction • Overall skin tightening and rejuvenation Both treatments can also be used to tighten loose skin and improve the contour of the body. How long until I see results? You may witness some initial effect, but ultimately lifting and firming will take place over approximately 2-3 months, as collagen is renewed and replaced with new, stronger collagen. As this collagen building process continues, continued improvements can appear for up to 6 months. How much does it cost? Prices can vary depending on where you live, the type of machine used to deliver the treatment & what areas treated. As a general guide, Radio Frequency starts at about £180 per treatment, with discounts for a course of 6-8 weekly treatments. HIFU starts at £400 for a brow lift, up to £1400 for the full face & neck.

before

after

At Regents Park Aesthetics we are proud to offer the latest in skin tightening & ultrasound facelift treatments using the 3D Med technology. Our new flagship mediSpa on Wimpole Street in the heart of the London medical district offers a calm & luxurious environment in which to unwind & enjoy a range of injectable & non injectable face & body treatments. All treatments are undertaken by medical professionals & we are proud to be Save Face accredited with ‘excellence’ status, based on independent patient reviews. www.regentsparkaesthetics.co.uk; Call 02075804813; Instagram: regents_park_aesthetics

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Non-surgical Regenerative Medicine: Game-changing treatments for pain & orthopaedic injuries

ports injuries, chronic pain and orthopaedic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are becoming increasingly common afflictions. Conditions of this type can significantly impact and impair quality of life. And with an ageing population, we are in desperate need of innovative, effective treatment options. This is where Regenerative Medicine comes in. Regenerative Medicine treatments promote local environment healing and can help improve and speed up the body’s ability to repair itself – without the need for invasive surgery. Patients use their own body tissue and growth factors for an entirely natural healing process that has a much lower risk of complications. This treatment is effective, available immediately at the point of care, and more cost-efficient than surgical options. LipoGems is a treatment that is right at the forefront of the latest Regenerative Medicine developments. The innovative therapy creates an injectable substance made from your own body’s fat tissues, which stimulates and speeds up the body’s natural healing process. It is a viable alternative to surgical treatment, and one which more people are turning to for fast and effective healing and pain relief.

“Mounting evidence suggests that LipoGems and other Regenerative Medicine treatments used in conjunction with comprehensive rehabilitation may help maximize the potential of nonsurgical treatment” For athletes, treatment strategies for injuries – including rest, physical therapy, and medications – are limited. However, mounting evidence suggests that LipoGems and other Regenerative Medicine treatments used in conjunction with comprehensive rehabilitation may help maximize the potential of non-surgical treatment. But these treatments aren’t just for elite athletes. Regenerative Medicine can be highly effective for patients from all walks of life – particularly those suffering from osteoarthritis. No matter whether you play professionally, work in an office, or stay at home with children, the ability to be active and free from pain is essential to maintaining a good quality of life. Regenerative Medicine has the potential to help everyone achieve this. 1 8 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Clinical considerations, such as optimal timing and choosing the correct mechanism, are important when deciding on treatments. But beyond the logistics, the promise of non-surgical Regenerative Medicine for sports medicine and orthopaedic injuries is undeniably exciting, and may prove to be game-changer in Musculoskeletal Medicine. For more details visit www.RalphRogers.com. The London Sports Injury Clinic, 108 Medical Chambers, 108 Harley Street, London W1G 7ET; Tel: 0207 1125400; Email: PA@ralphrogers.com

BREAST C ANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Breast Cancer Awareness “It is now the UK’s leading breast cancer research charity, funding research that is entirely focused on breast cancer”

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year, Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the pink ribbon, a powerful worldwide symbol for millions of people affected by the disease. Breast Cancer Care was the first breast cancer

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charity in the UK to get involved, and the only UK wide charity providing care, information and support to people affected by breast cancer. Join 80,000 people going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October to help Breast Cancer Care be there for families facing breast cancer. You can call Breast Cancer Care nurses free on their support line, 0808 800 6000 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk Breast Cancer Now was launched in June 2015, created by the merger of leading research charities Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer. It is now the UK’s leading breast cancer research charity, funding research that is entirely focused on breast cancer. For more information visit www.breastcancernow.org It is thanks to the dedication and generosity of those tirelessly raising funds for the charities throughout October and beyond, that Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now are able to provide specialist nurses, local services and an emotional support network for anyone affected by breast cancer.

Casualty actress Amanda Mealing running for breast cancer care in the Virgin Money London Marathon

Lisa Snowdon fundraised for breast cancer care in the London at Night Pink Ribbon Walk on 1st July.

Month 2017 Guide to breast health awareness: There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts. Whatever your age or gender, try to get used to looking at and feeling your breasts regularly as part of your usual body care routine. This could be while you’re in the bath or shower, or getting dressed. Do what’s comfortable for you and suits you best. You should check all parts of your breasts, your armpits and up to your collarbone for any unusual changes. It’s important to look out for lumps, but there are many other symptoms to be aware of too: • A change in size or shape of the breast • Redness or a rash on the skin and/or around the nipple • Discharge (liquid) that comes from the nipple without squeezing • A swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone • Thickening that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue • A change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like orange peel) • A nipple becoming inverted or changing its position/shape.

Many iconic London landmarks have also come out to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the past by turning pink!

Lisa Riley supporting Wear it Pink Day for Breast Cancer Now

Gather your friends, family and colleagues together for a Pink October To support people with breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are many ways you can get involved and raise much needed funds. For example, hold a dress down day at work, a fun night with friends, a cake sale or a big pink party. Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now are both running Pink October fundraising campaigns. Breast Cancer Care are once again holding The Big Pink throughout the month of October, so whether your event is big or small, the money you raise will help Breast Cancer Care to transform the lives of people affected by the disease. Get your free Big Pink kit today and you’ll have everything you need to get started. Visit: www. breastcancercare.org.uk/October Breast Cancer Now’s Wear it Pink takes place on Friday 20th October, so to take part visit www. wearitpink.org Many iconic London landmarks have also come out to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the past by turning pink! These have included Trafalgar Square, HMS Belfast, Granary Square, the Walkie Talkie, Tower 42, Selfridges and even Buckingham Palace! By holding a pink event in October you’re helping the charities to be there for anyone affected by breast cancer. No matter how much you raise, you’ll be making a huge difference to people facing breast cancer today. O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7 1 9 1

BREAST C ANCER AWARENESS MONTH

The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research The Royal Marsden Cancer Research. “Together, I hope our efforts can bring hope and a cure for so many affected by this disease in the UK and around the world.” Professor Mitch Dowsett, Head of the Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research at The Royal Marsden, is at the forefront of this research, in particular in the field of molecular testing to help pinpoint which women will benefit from what breast cancer treatments.

The Breast Unit at The Royal Marsden is one of the largest in the UK

he Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research is staffed by a team of world-renowned clinicians and scientists working with the latest technology to set a benchmark for cancer research around the world. The Breast Unit at The Royal Marsden is one of the largest in the UK with around 9,000 new breast cancer referrals every year. The Unit has made a major commitment to leading international research into early diagnosis and the development of new treatments. Research developments have seen many more women survive their primary breast cancer and The Royal Marsden has delivered multiple advances in translational research that continue to influence patient care. The Unit was opened in May 2016 by HRH Duke of Cambridge and Ralph Lauren himself has long been recognised for his early leadership in the fight against cancer. Ralph Lauren told The Telegraph: “Having known Princess Diana who was president of The Royal Marsden, and how much she cared about the important research pioneered by The Royal Marsden, I am honoured to partner with her son HRH The Duke of Cambridge and see that work carried on and supported with his great dedication and the opening of our Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast

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The centre is funded by supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, including a generous donation from Ralph Lauren. 2017 is also the 17th anniversary of Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony campaign, which sees 25% of the retail price from the fashion designer’s Pink Pony range donated to cancer charities in the UK and the US, including The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk www.royalmarsden.org

Research developments have seen many more women survive their primary breast cancer and The Royal Marsden has delivered multiple advances in translational research that continue to influence patient care. The Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research incorporates four strands of pioneering research, drawing upon new technological advances to allow much more rapid and in-depth analysis of our patients’ disease. The overall aim is to identify molecular differences between tumours that allow the optimal treatment of individual breast cancer patients, thereby reducing recurrence and mortality from the disease as well as eliminating unnecessary toxicity. Over recent years the programme of translational research in breast cancer at The Royal Marsden has delivered multiple advances that continue to influence patient care. The integration of our clinical and laboratory research has played a major part in that success. The four programme strands will maintain that approach and draw upon new technological advances that allow much more rapid and in-depth molecular analysis of our patients’ disease. The conduct of this work will be markedly improved by the centralisation of this programme in bespoke laboratory accommodation. The impact of this centre’s work will affect cancer patients of today and tomorrow and set a benchmark for global breast cancer.

BREAST C ANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Taking a holistic approach to breast cancer care If you or a loved one is dealing with breast cancer, not only do you want the best treatment, you also want the best support system around you and your family. Bupa Cromwell Hospital offers complementary therapies alongside traditional treatments for cancer and other conditions. These can help to tackle both the symptoms of disease and the side effects of treatment, as well as aiding relaxation by reducing tension and anxiety.

“Whether you have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, are worried about symptoms, or are recovering after treatment, remember that support is available at every step of the way”

THE DETAILS www.bupacromwellhospital.com/ breast Bupa Cromwell Hospital, 164-178 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0TU

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Complementary therapies and support services available to women with breast cancer: Physiotherapy and occupational therapy Specialist cancer physiotherapists aim to improve quality of life through rehabilitation programmes that are tailored to individual needs throughout treatment and recovery. Occupational therapists can assess your home environment to ensure a smooth transition when you leave hospital. They can also assist in organising care in the community should this be required. Prosthesis and bra fitting service Finding the right bra after breast cancer surgery can be tricky, so it is reassuring to have someone to advise on the correct fitting and also on partial prostheses (to even out breast shapes post-

breast conserving surgery), or for full prostheses (following mastectomy). Macmillan counselling service Cancer brings about many changes in a person’s life emotional as well as physical. Counselling provides an important means of support for you and your family. Massage service As part of your treatment plan, massage sessions can be helpful for those undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy to aid relaxation, alleviate tension and stress, and improve body comfort. Whether you have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, are worried about symptoms, or are recovering after treatment, remember that support is available at every step of the way. Bupa Cromwell Hospital’s support services are offered to all cancer patients, ensuring that they get the most effective treatment within a supportive environment.

FASHION, BREAST C ANCER HEALTHAWARENESS & BEAUTY MONTH

HOLIDAY HOUSE LONDON C

LAUNCHES NOVEMBER 2017

elebrating its 10 year anniversary, Holiday House is coming to London for its first edition outside of the US and will be opening its doors to the public from the 9th of November. Much like New York, London seemed like an ideal destination for this remarkable concept due to its thriving creative energy and forever evolving appreciation for the design industry. Founded by Iris Dankner and co-chaired by interior designer Rachel Laxer, breast cancer survivor and philanthropist Joyce Misrahi and Grant Pierrus as Marketing Chair, Holiday House London is an interior design exhibition which raises crucial funds for the prevention and cure of breast cancer. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit The Breast

“The public will get the rare opportunity to experience the work of numerous talented designers first-hand”

THE DETAILS Tickets available for entry and additional events from the website: www.theholidayhouselondon.com

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Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). The project invites leading names from the design and creative industry to showcase their talents by transforming the different rooms of each dedicated house, according to the theme of past holidays or experiences that have a person al meaning to them. Each in their own room, celebrated interior designers and brands will showcase their style, design trends, new products and cutting edge fine art. The two houses, which are on sale for £23m each via Saigol DDC, Savills and Knight Frank, are based in the heart of St Johns Wood and consist of 25 different rooms each. The public will get the rare opportunity to experience the work of numerous talented designers first-hand. Through ticketed entry and pop up events taking place in the houses, Holiday House London will raise funds that will be specifically granted to Breast Cancer research programs in the UK. The exhibitors that will be involved in the launch of Holiday House London include Amelia Carter, Fiona Barratt Interiors, Studio QD and Nicky Haslam, Patrick Lonn Design, Philippe Maidenberg, Justin Van Breda London and Nina Campbell, Sophie Paterson Interiors and Cambria, Iggi Interior Design, Natalia Miyar Atelier and LuxDeco, Oleg Klodt Architecture and Design, Rachel Laxer Interiors, The Invisible Collection by Bismut & Bismut, Turner Pocock, Taylor Howes, and Shalini Misra, just to name a few. Additional brands sponsoring this years event include names such as Farrow & Ball, Crucial Trading, Holly Hunt, and Oliver Sears Gallery, with many more exciting names to announced.

HOLIDAY HOUSE LONDON A DESIGN SHOW HOUSE

8 NOVEMBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10 DECEMBER 2017 Join us as we open the doors to an interior design showcase in our inaugural Holiday House in London. In one of the most exclusive streets in London, 25 leading interior designers will create rooms full of drama, luxury and beauty for you to enjoy. A unique experience, supporting breast cancer research. For further information and tickets, visit www.theholidayhouselondon.com

BREAST C ANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Join the first Walk the Night Challenge E

very 10 minutes, someone in the UK is told the devastating news that they have breast cancer. It’s the most common cancer affecting women in the UK today. Every year, more than 11,000 men die from prostate cancer in the UK – that’s more than one man every hour. Join the first Walk the Night challenge and raise funds to support people affected by breast and prostate cancers. On Saturday 14th July 2018, thousands of men and women from across the UK will unite against cancer and Walk the Night. In a display of solidarity, walkers from all backgrounds and of all abilities will come together in central London to show support and raise funds for the UK’s two biggest cancer killers. The challenge is on to walk a marathon (26.2 miles) or a half marathon (13.1 miles) throughout the night on a circular route starting and finishing near the iconic King’s Cross station. The route will take you around London past many famous landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and many more! We

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estimate the half marathon would take someone with an average fitness level 4-6 hours and the full marathon 8-10 hours. The event will start and finish at Granary Square, which is animated with over 1,000 choreographed fountains – each individually controlled and lit - meaning there will be some amazing photo opportunities in this space! Granary Square is also home to many fantastic places to eat and drink where you can relax before you embark on your challenge. We will have an event stage where music, speeches and warm ups will be hosted. You will be able to interact with the music from the start line area as you set off on your Walk the Night challenge, and we encourage you to relax and soak up the summer vibe whilst making some new friends before you are called to your start area. The friendship and camaraderie along the way will be very special as people from all walks of life come together to do something amazing. Funds raised by Walk the Night will support the fantastic work of Breast Cancer Care and Prostate Cancer UK.

THE DETAILS Places for this exciting new challenge are limited so register now to avoid missing out! Register online www.actionforcharity.co.uk Facebook Page www.facebook.com/WTNUK

FASHION, BREAST C ANCER HEALTHAWARENESS & BEAUTY MONTH

Focus on…

BREAST CHECKS

In the eighth of our regular features from The London General Practice, Dr Angela Rai discusses the importance of checking your breasts and being away of symptoms.

“O

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, one of the most common cancers in the UK with around 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Being aware of symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, and with that, more effective treatment and improved survival rates. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50, however younger woman can also be affected; around 5,600 women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. Breast cancer is possible, but very rare, in men. Early detection is key - many breast lump and breast symptoms are not cancerous but it is always best to get your symptoms checked by a doctor.

Symptoms to look out for include: • A lump or area in the breast that feels thicker than the rest of the breast. • Swelling of all or part of the breast, a change in size or shape of one of the breasts. • A lump or swelling in either of your armpits. • Nipple discharge (other than breast milk). • Breast or nipple pain. • A change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like an orange peel). • Redness or rash of the breast skin and/or around the nipple • Nipple retraction (nipple is pulled inwards) or a change in appearance of the nipple.

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If you are concerned a doctor can examine you and advise if you need further investigations or referral to a breast clinic.

Investigations may include the following: Mammogram: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is used to investigate symptoms as well as being offered as part of the breast screening programme to women aged 50-70 in England. In younger women, the breast tissue can be quite dense and therefore an ultrasound can be more effective. Breast Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of breast tissue. It can be used to determine whether a lump is a fluid filled cyst or solid mass. Other imaging studies are also used such as MRI, and often along with examination of the breasts the doctors may be able to make a diagnosis. However, the only sure way to know if a suspicious area is cancerous is to take a sample of tissue and examine it under a microscope, called a biopsy. A biopsy is when a small sample of breast cells is taken to test if they are cancerous. Needle biopsies are the most common type using a needle to extract a sample of tissue from the breast, usually under a local anaesthetic. Treatment of breast cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If you have symptoms it is important to seek advice from your doctor. Early recognition and detection of breast cancer increases the chance of treatment before it spreads, leading to more successful outcomes and survival rates.” The London General Practice provides regular well woman screening clinics which include advice on Breast Cancer. If you would like to speak to a Doctor please contact the practice.

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

H OUSE &C GARDEN BREAST ANCER AWARENESS MONTH

I think I’ve found a lump in my breast... What Do I Do?

t is completely understandable that you might worry about the possibility of breast cancer if you find a lump, but remember; most lumps are not cancer. The most likely cause for a lump depends on your age.

WOMEN FROM 20s TO 30s

In women from 20 to 30 a definite lump is most likely to be a fibroadenoma. These are benign lumps that can sometimes be painful or enlarge but they are not cancerous and do not turn cancerous.

WOMEN BETWEEN 40s AND 50s

Between 40 and 50 breast cysts becom more common. These are also entirely benign. They are collections of fluid within the breast and although they can also be painful they are not dangerous.

WOMEN AGED 30 AND ONWARDS

From the age of 30 onwards the gland tissue in the breast changes and it becomes more fibrous and nodular. The way the breast feels has been described as like a scaled down packet of frozen peas and occasionally, in just the same way that frozen peas can stick together to form a clump, so breast tissue can “stick together” to form definite nodular areas. These areas are also often tender but, once again, are not a sign of cancer. The rate of breast cancer begins to rise after the age of 40 and increases with age. Of course, breast cancer can occur at any age and I have seen cases in women as young as 19 and in their early 20s, but they are very, very rare.

THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE IS, IF YOU NOTICE A CHANGE IN YOUR BREAST PLEASE GET IT CHECKED. LET’S GO THROUGH WHAT YOU NEED TO DO. The first thing to do is to see your GP and explain what you have noticed. They will examine you 2 0 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

and in some cases may suggest a further check at a different time of your menstrual cycle. Some of the nodular areas can change with the cycle and this is actually a reassuring sign. If a discrete nodular area persists or your GP finds a definite lump, or is unsure, they will refer you to a breast clinic for a full assessment by the breast team. The team should consist of several consultants working together, and includes a surgeon a radiologist and a pathologist. The investigation of any breast problem revolves around, what is called, the triple assessment. It is like doing a jigsaw puzzle; pieces (of information) are collected and put together until the whole picture (the diagnosis) becomes clear. Indeed, this is often termed “the diagnostic jigsaw”. In some cases only 2 pieces may be needed, in others 4, but 3 (the triple assessment) is most common. Let’s have a look at what the pieces are. The first specialist you meet will often be the breast surgeon. They will ask questions about your symptoms (called taking your “history”). They will also ask about previous medical problems and your family history. They will then examine both breasts. How the breast feels when it is examined is the first part of the jigsaw. If there is a definite area of change then a fine needle aspiration may be carried out. This test uses a normal sized syringe and needle. The needle is placed into the area of the breast and “jiggled” so that a small amount of material is sucked into the syringe. This is sent away to be looked at under the microscope. More commonly now a test known as a core biopsy is done. A core biopsy takes a core of breast tissue about 1.5 cm long and 2 mm in diameter. The core biopsy is carried out by first putting some local anaesthetic into the skin of the breast. Once this has worked (it is quite quick) a small nick is made in the skin to allow the core biopsy needle, attached to the biopsy “gun”, to be placed into the breast. When the “gun” is “fired”

(it is painless, but does make a noise rather like a large stapler) the needle takes the sample. This is often repeated a few times. The appearance of the cells that have been removed with a fine needle aspiration, or the result of the core biopsy, is the second part of the jigsaw. The final part of the triple assessment involves taking images of the breast. In ladies under 35 an ultrasound scan is the commonest way of doing this. In ladies over 35 they will have a mammogram as well. Full field digital mammograms are the most sensitive type available at the moment. What an area of the breast looks like on a mammogram or an ultrasound scan is the third piece of the jigsaw. If the triple assessment produces the same answer at each stage the result is said to be concordant and no further tests may be needed. For example, a lump in a 30 year old lady may feel like a fibroadenoma, look like one on an ultrasound scan and a core biopsy shows pieces of a fibroadenoma. An important part of the triple assessment that is not commonly mentioned is to watch how things change (or not) with time. It would not be unusual to check things a few months later, repeating some, or all, of the assessment to make sure nothing has changed. A thorough triple assessment may actually be a quadruple assessment! Once again it should be emphasised that in the majority of cases a triple assessment (or a quadruple one) will reveal that cancer is not present. Most symptoms are age related changes or benign lumps. However, it is important that any new change is thoroughly investigated by a specialist to make absolutely sure that all is well. For more information contact Mr Simon Marsh MA MD FRCS, Consultant Breast Surgeon at The London Breast Clinic, 108 Harley Street, London W1G 7ET. Email enquiries@108harleystreet.co.uk or visit the website at www.108harleystreet.co.uk

FASHION, BREAST C ANCER HEALTHAWARENESS & BEAUTY MONTH

One Stop Breast Clinic

at the award-winning Parkside Hospital With nearly 60,000 people being diagnosed annually, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. With this in mind, Parkside Hospital has implemented the ultimate ‘One Stop’ approach offering patients rapid advice, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer including breast reconstruction, all in one location.

WHAT IS THE ‘ONE STOP BREAST CLINIC’? This is an outpatient clinic specifically for patients with any breast related symptom whether this be a worrisome lump, breast asymmetry, nipple retraction, nipple discharge, breast pain or skin changes. The ‘One Stop Breast Clinic’ involves a triple assessment offering a thorough and accurate breast cancer diagnosis. The entire process can take less than an hour, making it ideal for those busy professionals including mothers and carers who want all diagnostic assessments and tests completed in the one visit.

SO WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE APPOINTMENT? A triple assessment is carried out: • Upon arrival, you will be seen by the specialist breast surgeon who will perform a clinical assessment comprising a full history and examination to guide the necessary imaging. • A consultant breast radiologist will then perform a breast ultrasound scan and a mammogram (for age 40+). • Using local anaesthesia and under image guidance, the radiologist will then carry out the pathological assessment involving a fine needle aspiration or core biopsy. There is strong evidence that when all three of the above modalities are concordant, the degree of diagnostic accuracy exceeds 95%. During this ‘one stop’ approach, the service

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can quickly assess whether a lump is benign or malignant, with the relevant treatment course followed on site. The ‘One Stop Breast Clinic’ at Parkside Hospital has been recognised as ‘an area of outstanding practice’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and aims to cause as little disruption to a patient’s day as possible, offering the ultimate one stop approach to reduce fear and provide early diagnosis and the prompt treatment women need. You don’t have to be symptomatic, if you just want ease of mind and are nonsymptomatic; you can self-refer if you’re over the age of 40. For more information about the One Stop Breast Clinic at Parkside Hospital Call 0208 971 8026. 53 Parkside, Wimbledon, SW19 5NX; www.parkside-hospital.co.uk

HOuse & garden – A collection of London’s finest interior companies – I M A G E : F ABCO SA N CTUAR Y

H OUSE & GARDEN

Enjoy the best sleep imaginable with the Nottinblú PBS Fluid, exclusively available at Westend Bed Company Experience the Nottinblú PBS Fluid exclusively at Westend Bed Company – the first and only showroom in the world to showcase this market-leading adjustable bed.

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magined, designed and made in Italy, the Nottinblú PBS Fluid is the world’s most advanced bed system, combining physics with exceptional engineering skills. Its breakthrough design employs a friction-free, hydraulic circuit which automatically self-adjusts to the weight, shape and movements of the body. Its motions are fluid and the comfort perfect. No matter where you move in your sleep or how you lay, a Nottinblú bed will adapt and re-adjust to you, ensuring your spine is always in full alignment. The revolutionary bed actively responds to the curves, weight and movements of your body, night after night. This is in stark contrast to most beds where the sleeper tends to ‘sink in’ to the mattress, resulting in a non-aligned spine leading to interrupted sleep or aches and pains upon waking. We are delighted to offer this stunning bed from Nottinblú, the only bed capable of providing both anatomic necessities for achieving full-body relaxation for sleep – spinal column alignment and weight-volume absorption. Every pressure imposed on a Nottinblú bed is instantly and equally balanced. The posture we have during the day and the pain that we can sometimes carry is the result of an incorrect posture during the night. PBS uses the scientific principle of pressure equalisation to create beds that actively support the body, not just passively absorb its weight and volume. As every pressure point on the body is relieved, the body can relax completely and the spine can align – allowing you to drift off to the best sleep imaginable. The design of the Nottinblú is inspired by Archimedes’ Principle of Flotation which dates back over 2,200 years. In his Principle, Archimedes proved that any object immersed in a fluid is buoyed

“We are delighted to offer this stunning bed from Nottinblú, the only bed capable of providing both anatomic necessities for achieving fullbody relaxation for sleep”

upwards by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. The team at Nottinblú have used that Principle to design their bed systems to redistribute weight and volume instantly. Sleeping on an adjustable bed allows you to alter your sleeping position to your exact requirements – even if these change over time. The PBS system also helps to ease pressure on your back, preventing the chances of getting sciatica. The adjustable mechanisms allow the bed to be specifically altered to match the contours of the body, keeping the spine aligned and preventing the chances of trapping a nerve. Sleeping on an adjustable bed can also prevent the chances of snoring and can help ease sleep apnoea. Westend Bed Company offers a simulator in their showroom where customers can experience the difference between the support a regular base gives in comparison to how the PBS system works. This simulator helps to give customers a better idea of what they should be thinking about when making decisions on the most important topic of sleep. To ensure you find your ideal bed, the team at Westend Bed Company also offer every customer a complimentary Sleep Consultation. These consultations involve a lifestyle evaluation and sleep analysis to help you find the perfect style, model and support system for your individual requirements. Find out more about our Sleep Consultations and the revolutionary Nottinblú PBS Fluid and take your first step towards restorative sleep, every night. Experience the Nottinblú PBS Fluid for yourself at Westend Bed Company at 215 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8QT or call 020 7723 2925. For more information, visit www.westendbedcompany.com/nottinblu O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7 2 0 9

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS Create a home for clutter with this statement shelf from Red Candy Make a feature of your clutter with Red Candy’s new RowHouse Shelf. Made of epoxy-coated iron, this sturdy shelf will be a charming abode for candles, potted plants or other curios you wish to display.

A TASTE OF LUXURY Katarina is a collection of luxurious ‘paste the wall’ deep embossed vinyl Wallcoverings and co-ordinating Home Decorative Products. Our designs draw inspiration from 2017-18 trend stories of nature, tonal geometrics and classic motifs. This collection is an easy living contemporary range. www.arthouse.com

This unique wall storage cabinet is shaped like a four-storey town house; complete with chimney, staircase and different rooms to ensure your trinkets are kept as safe as houses! Perfect for storing mementos such as thimbles and pebbles and other bits and bobs such as keys and loose change, this unique shelving unit adds homely charm to proceedings! There is even a room with high ceilings which is ideal for a small vase! This delightfully imaginative design will get on like a house on fire with existing décor, and is sure to be a hit with your guests! It is made from epoxy-coated iron, and comes complete with mounting hardware. RowHouse Shelf in black: £80 www.redcandy.co.uk

SIMPLY STUNNING STORAGE Melody Maison are a home interiors company specialising in shabby chic, vintage style and french style furniture. They stock a variety of furniture styles, colours and finishes to help customers create their dream home look. We love this Set of two Grey Wooden Blanket Storage Boxes, £283.95. www.melodymaison.co.uk 2 1 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

H OUSE & GARDEN

Sandy Bay - It’s All about the Fragrance!

ur ethos is “it’s all about... the fragrance”. We use only premium ingredients in all our fragrance blends so the quality of the fragrance shines through when the candle is both lit and unlit. All products are produced at our premises in Epping by our team of skilled candle makers. Being a Heritage brand quality is key, where possible we source our materials from the UK so we have total quality control. Our candles are made with our own exclusive natural wax which is blended on site, and contains coconut wax, this offers an exceptional burn quality and a very good fragrance throw. Sandy Bay London carry two core ranges Home Collection and Gentlemen’s Club Collection. Both Collections feature the stylish new Sandy Bay branding, on both the product and packaging. The candles will fit beautifully into any décor. Each range features 6 gorgeous fragrances, such as firm favourites, Pomegranate Rouge, Persian Rose and Orange Amaro. The Gentlemen’s Club range offers something completely different and features 6 fine fragrance blends which have been designed for men, but the ladies love them too, such as The Charmer, City Boy and The Boss. For Christmas our two beautiful ranges, will be embellished with a stunning silver or gold design. Offering two gorgeous fragrances: Winter Spice - An aromatic spicy accord opening with citrus orange and lemon followed by rich warm cinnamon and clove, with hints of floral jasmine and fresh

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pine resting on a base of sensual woods and musk. The inviting aromatic spicy notes of the gorgeous fragrance will add cheer on a cold winters day and embrace you in its serene warmth. White Forest - A green woody blend with fresh pine needle top notes infused by sparkling tones of mandarin and bergamot. An elegant aromatic heart is composed of fir balsam, eucalyptus, geranium, armoise and rosemary resting on the bed of fine cedar, patchouli and a hint of white musk. This enchanting fragrance will transport you to a magical wintery land of snow tipped pine trees and pure white snowflakes. These two fragrances will be available in a wide range of products including 4 wick Hurricanes, Room Sprays and Pot Pourri, Sandy Bay is now available to purchase from AVANT GARDEN. An exclusive pack is available from the Home Collection and Gentleman’s Club Collections including the 2 new Christmas Fragranced Collections “White Forest” and “Winter Spice.” There is a special one to two day delivery and delivered price on all Sandy Bay London Collections. See the range on our website now:www.avantgardenguernsey.com BUY FROM

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What a lovely mess I

read recently that in certain parts of London people will no longer be permitted to have an open fire or wood-burning stove. Having lived all my life in a house with an old-fashioned fireplace surrounded by a mantelpiece and centred with a free-standing grate I can think of nothing more depressing as the evenings draw in than being prohibited from putting a match to paper, watching the flames lick up into the kindling, hearing the crackle and seeing the sparks fly as they reach some well-dried logs. The fire then settles down and glows, and so do I when accompanied by the first drink of the day, some nuts and the daily newspaper. Bliss. How can you achieve that with only a radiator or a fanheater to stare at? I suppose it’s what you are used to. Imagine being thrust into the middle-ages and being accustomed to the fire burning away in the middle of the banqueting hall. Rather like a mini-bonfire. The dining table was

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set along one side with the master of the house seated in the centre, facing the fire. To his left sat the Lady of the house and thereafter relations, friends and female members of staff. On the Master’s immediate right was his male guest of honour followed by more men according to their status. In front of the Master stood the ceremonial salt cellar, a monumental piece made of silver, silver gilt or gold. It did not move and so if you were sufficiently important to reach it you were said to be ‘worth your salt’ and certainly named as the host’s ‘right hand man’. Another honour bestowed upon such guests was to have their own large platter of food. This was called a ‘mess’. If you were placed three or four down the line you had to share a ‘mess’ between first two, then three and at the end, four to a ‘mess’. By now, dear reader, I’m sure it will come as no surprise when I say that here is the derivation of ‘Mess Mates’ and the exclusive ‘Officers’ Mess’. Just see what comes to mind when you gaze into an open log fire. I’m glad I live in the countryside. For more information about John Bly Antiques and this large pewter charger: 533 King’s Road, Chelsea, email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com

“The fire then settles down and glows, and so do I when accompanied by the first drink of the day, some nuts and the daily newspaper. Bliss”

H OUSE & GARDEN

BESPOKE SEATING, HANDMADE BY AUGUSTUS BRANDT

n a seemingly disposable world, there seems at last there is a sea change in the buying of furniture. Increasingly, many people are beginning to veer towards antiques and lasting solid wood pieces, away from the instantgratification of new plywood sofas and chairs. The average household, shockingly, replaces its furniture every 5 to 7 years, and those rejects will end their short lives the great sofa graveyard (also known as landfill). It’s a trend that may take time to change, but the tide is turning as people think more responsibly about waste and consumption, and appreciate the quality and charm of traditionally made possessions. There is a growing realisation that well-made antiques and classics never go out of style; if anything age merely enhances them. As with the Pugin tables, the sofas and chairs made in the Augustus Brandt workshops are not just beautiful to the eye, but are built as heirlooms, to be loved and then passed on to the next generation: solidly-made but graceful, with attention given to small detail so that the end result speaks of harmonious durability. Their William and Mary style upholstered wing chair is almost throne-like: a commanding presence with a high back and comfortable flat-topped arms. It stands four-square on turned oak supports and Spanish style claw feet and can be made in any fabric and wood finish – bleached, waxed, limed, varnished. The 18th Century style sofa is strikingly graceful, with its sweeping camel back and carved oak legs. ‘Look at me!’ it says. ‘I am here to stay.’ This is a wide, generous sofa that deserves a good sized room and space around it, the better to display the opulent curve of the back and the extravagant arch of its arms. It’s not only a joy to look at, but also to sit on: it comes in a variety of fabrics and wood finishes and with either one long seat cushion or two, filled with a choice of feather or feather-wrapped fibre. It’s a

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“Their William and Mary style upholstered wing chair is almost throne-like: a commanding presence with a high back and comfortable flattopped arms”

proper heirloom piece: whoever inherits this many years down the line may choose to re-cover it but the design and the frame will endure. The clean lines of the two-tone armchairs take you into another century entirely: with the bold contrasting colours and rounded arms they have a luxurious Art Deco feel, with all the features of individuality, high quality materials and attention to detail of the Thirties. Augustus Brandt make all their furniture to a customer’s own specifications in six to eight weeks – not long when you consider that they will still be around in a century’s time, probably with a few honourable scars and stories to tell. Augustus Brandt, Newlands House, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0DX; augustusbrandt.co.uk; 01798 344 722; enquiries@augustusbrandt.co.uk

HOUSE H OUSE & GARDEN

For the latest trend in conversions look down T his cost-effective craze has been big news in London for a while, where homeowners are keen to use every square foot of space. In the US, basements have long been used as play and utility rooms, but it’s only in recent years that British homeowners have started making good use of the same space. Your kids can have a giant playroom all to themselves – or you can treat yourselves to a home cinema, a recording studio, a swimming pool and gym, or a state-of-the-art wine cellar.

IS MY BASEMENT SUITABLE FOR A CONVERSION? Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for basement conversions, as the work can often be carried out from outside, which means you can easily continue to live in your property while the renovations are taking place. A word of warning, however, some older houses may have shallow foundations, so in order to create a safe living space below, you may need to underpin your property first. If this is the case for your property, then the easiest thing to do is to talk to an underpinning firm or specialist builder who can advise you on feasibility and cost of the job. Remember – while a basement conversion may seem like a dream come true, always make sure that a cellar conversion is a realistic venture for your property before forking out any cash. DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION? The good news here is that most cellar conversions don’t need planning permission because you are only changing the inside of your property. However, if you choose to add a new entrance or windows at the front of the house, dig an entirely new basement, or need access to dig up parts of the road or pavement outside your home, you will need planning permission from your local council. You may also want to check out the specifics of planning permission for basement conversions in case you want to extend or change your basement structure in the future. If you live in a listed building,, then remember that all renovations require permission before you begin any work - even if they are completely out of sight from the outside. This is because the features in listed buildings are protected for historical reasons. Whether or not you need 2 1 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

planning permission, you will need to comply with the current building regulations for extensions these are simply legal requirements for any new living space, which exist for your own safety. WHAT ARE THE BUILDING REGULATIONS? Any extension that people will use as a living area is covered by building regulations. These regulations are designed to protect the inhabitants from health or safety hazards, and include things like adequate fire escape methods. The most basic regulations for a basement conversion are; ventilation, damp proofing, electrical wiring, safe access, ceiling height and a fire escape route. Even if you don’t need planning permission, you must get building regulation approval for your basement. These regulations will insist on certain considerations when you are planning your project - for example, a door which is at least 30 inches wide is considered fine but a window has to be a certain size, as well as a minimum distance from the floor, in order to be considered safe.

“Luckily, Victorian houses, and older types of properties which have timber-suspended floors, are ideal for basement conversions” WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW? The biggest factors to consider when it comes to converting your basement are underpinning the foundations which we have discussed above, waterproofing or damp-proofing walls, and providing a suitable access point. And ensure your neighbours are totally aware of your conversion plans, giving them notice to avoid any conflict later on.

H OUSE & GARDEN

Stay warm in Autumn with Sheepskin

hanks to it’s luxurious appeal and undeniably soft textures, sheepskin furniture is never far from the interior designer’s eye. With that in mind, it’s easy to believe that stunning furniture designs showcase a shearling finish are trending once again this Autumn. The Sheepskin Chair from Smithers of Stamford is this seasons must have piece. The simple design takes nothing away from the beautiful, natural material and with beneficial properties that keep you cool in summer and snug as a bug in winter, this is very much a chair for all seasons. Shearling is a super transitional product that works extremely well with most styles and materials, making sheepskin furniture very easy to work with. And, then theres the comfort element. Nothing on earth feels as dreamy as laying on Mongolian Sheepskin. Nothing. And, with a stylish sheepskin footstool to match, there is absolutely no scrimping

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on comfort with this fashionable duo. If you’re in search of shearling with a difference, Smithers also provide a glorious range of Cocktail Chairs. Cut from designer fabrics and finished with delicately tinted sheepskin, these beautifully bold chairs demand attention and add an unquestionable touch of glamour to any space. www.smithersofstamford.com

“With beneficial properties that keep you cool in summer and snug as a bug in winter, this is very much a chair for all seasons”

H OUSE & GARDEN

Autumn colours for your home Get cosy this autumn/ winter with the hottest looks as they go from the catwalk to your home. Blinds 2 Go, shows you how to dress your windows in the latest fashion trends.

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he hottest colours this autumn/ winter are burnt orange, warm copper and chocolate brown in styles including ethnic prints, florals, geometrics and natural wood. Blinds-2go.co.uk has a wide range contemporary prints and woven design fabrics available as roman and roller blinds, as well as natural wood and copper tone metal venetian blinds, all made to measure with care and attention to detail and still at great low prices! The collection features sophisticated fabrics including dramatic, graphic patterns, as well as many designs perfect for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;featureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; windows. Stylised

floral designs, oriental patterns and smart textured plains are shown in soft, subtle neutrals through to vibrant signature colours. These coordinate wonderfully with Oriental styled interiors as well as eclectic and quirky British decor and are perfect for creating a cosy autumnal feel to your interior. All made to measure to exactly fit your windows, Blinds-2go.co.uk also offer a three year guarantee and five star reviews. Prices start from ÂŁ7.76 for a made to measure venetian blind. For further information visit www.blinds-2go.co.uk.

H OUSE & GARDEN

Small improvements, big impact Big home improvements, like loft conversions and extensions, usually add value, but smaller changes can also increase the value of your home and make it more sellable

ooden floors are a wonderful addition to any home, whatever its style or period, and are a practical alternative to carpet, especially in hallways and reception rooms. If your home has original floorboards, sanding and varnishing or staining them should add value and create a lovely, hardwearing feature. However, original floorboards aren’t always in good condition and may be rotten, or have been butchered over the years, which can make them hard to restore. Another problem is they can be draughty - on the ground floor, there will be a gap between the floorboards and the earth, which is needed for ventilation but can send cold air up into the room above. If your home doesn’t have original floorboards or the floorboards are in a bad state, solid or engineered-wood flooring gives you a similar look but without the draughts (some underlays help with soundproofing and damp-proofing too). Both solid wood and engineered wood are now widely available in tongue-and-groove boards that click together which is particularly easy for DIYers to fit and some engineered wood has a wonderful woodgrain texture that’s even better than original floorboards. Engineered wood only has a top layer of real wood, which varies in depth, with other layers underneath, so it can’t be sanded as many times as solid wood, but it does have other advantages. “Engineered wood has the appearance of solid wood, but because it’s made in layers, it has good stability, which means it’s not as prone to shrinking or warping with changes in environmental conditions as much as solid wood,” says Sophie Hautekeete from Quick-Step flooring. “This means it can be used across the home, even in rooms with underfloor heating.” Radiators are, of course, very practical, but 2 2 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

“If your home doesn’t have original floorboards or the floorboards are in a bad state, solid or engineeredwood flooring gives you a similar look but without the draughts”

they also have a decorative function that’s often overlooked. If you’re renovating your home, or even just a room or two, changing old, unattractive radiators makes a big difference to the look (and often improves the heat output too) and if you fit new bog-standard radiators, you’re selling the renovation short. Modern column radiators work well in most interiors because they’re a contemporary take on a classic design. Radiators like these make a renovation extra special and are well worth paying more for. Almost everyone loves a real fire, but open fires are generally only around 15% to 30% efficient, as most of the heat goes up the chimney. Woodburning stoves are a better investment, as they’re much more efficient and have other advantages, such as keeping smoke and sparks contained. Wood burners come in many different styles, from traditional to contemporary, and are a great addition to your home’s central heating when it’s really cold. Plus, they’re ideal for heating a room or rooms when it’s not cold enough to have the heating on. One of the best improvements you can do is to make a room lighter, but it isn’t always possible to have big windows and glass doors - if there are planning restrictions or your budget’s tight, for example. Although planning permission is sometimes needed for them, roof windows (available for both sloping and flat roofs) can flood a room with light - even one small one can make a big difference, so if you have a dark room directly below a roof, don’t overlook this possibility. Roof windows are more innovative than you might think - Velux (www.velux.co.uk)does skylights with different types of glazing, with remote controls (mains electric or solar powered), that automatically close when they detect rain and even that fold out into balconies.

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BEAUTIFUL STEEL FRAMES

Discover how bespoke windows and doors from Fabco Sanctuary could help transform your home

indows and doors are a key feature in any home, and updating them can instantly transform your property’s appearance, as well as its energy efficiency and security. Metal-framed windows are on-trend at the moment, and can make a real design statement, both inside and outside your home. They also have a much longer life-span than uPVC windows, meaning that they’re a real investment. But not all steel windows are the same. Fabco Sanctuary, based in West Sussex, has one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the industry, enabling it to provide some of the highest thermally performing products. All Fabco Sanctuary windows and doors are supplied with toughened glass, filled with Krypton gas, which gives more insulation than the standard double glazing. They also feature laser-cut hinges, which are machined through the frame rather than added on afterwards, for a more secure hinge. This attention to detail at every stage of the process ensures that your bespoke windows and doors are both durable and attractive.

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“All Fabco Sanctuary windows and doors are supplied with toughened glass, filled with Krypton gas”

Let light flood through your home with floor-toceiling windows, which can be used both internally and externally. Or, if you’d like to link inside and out, chose from Fabco’s range of French doors, opening up your home to the garden and allowing you to make the most of your space. Fabco’s bespoke internal screens, sliding doors and shower screens are also options for inside your home. Whichever product you choose, the sophisticated and precise design of Fabco Sanctuary’s doors and windows mean they will become a stylish, contemporary feature in your home. All Fabco Sanctuary’s products are installed by the company, maintaining control of the project from start to finish. Visit www.fabcosanctuary.com or call 01903 718808. Clockwise from top left: Sherbrooke Road, London, Bespoke internal double door and top panel (photographer: www.tomsullam.co.uk); Inchmery Road, London, Bespoke fixed steel shower screen (architects: www.designsquaredltd.co.uk); The Science Lab, London, Bespoke steel multilight pivot window (design team: www.madewithvolume. com); Gilstead Road, London, Bespoke steel single door and screens incorporating fan lights (architects: www.lucindasanford.com); South Hill Park, London, Bespoke steel double doors and screen set (architects: www.stac-architecture.com, photographer: www.lewisohn.co.uk)

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t’s easy to design and make your own lampshades to match your interior or any room theme when you use a professional lampshade making kit. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of any living space and is an essential decorating element as it works in conjunction with your overall interior design. Lampshades are increasingly becoming fashionable with designers, especially large lampshades that are used as statements pieces within home interiors. Sadly, the choice offered by many high street retailers is poor, they cannot take a chance on fashion colours so they tend to offer bland boring

“These kits allow you to make unique lampshades which can be used all around the home to match any interior or any room theme” neutral coloured lampshades; they also can’t offer giant lampshades as they don’t fit on the retailers’ shelves. This is no longer a problem thanks to Dannells’ “Professional Lampshade Making Kits”. These kits allow you to make unique lampshades which can be used all around the home to match any interior or any room theme. Add your own fabric or wallpaper and follow the instructions in the box, it’s that easy. They can be used as a pendant (ceiling fitting) or with any UK or European table or floor lamp. All the kits come with easy to follow step-by-step full-colour A4 instruction sheets, which are also available to download on their website. Perhaps even more useful are their YouTube video tutorials demonstrating just how easy it is to use these kits to design the perfect lampshade for your interior. The kits can also be accessorised so you can change the linings to fashionable metallic, you can

also add stylish diffusers which hide the bulb and diffuse the light. Dannells’ also offers a digital fabric print service so you can transform your photographs, illustrations and artworks into beautiful bespoke lighting products. Many of Dannells’ customers started out making lampshades for themselves and then go on to make lampshades for their friends and family, and some have even gone on to start their own successful lampshade-making businesses. Curtain and Blind-Makers and interior specialists purchase Dannells’ manufacturing packs to make matching Lampshades for their clients, bringing new revenue to their business with the bonus of learning new skills. You can even find many inspirational stories from the users of these kits on the Dannells’ blog which you can access from their website. Established since 1982, Dannells manufacture the kits from their 20,000 sq. ft factory in Waltham Abbey, Essex and are renowned for their friendliness and great customer service. So, if you want to make the perfect lampshades to match your interior or room theme, visit www.dannells.com For more information, E-mail Info@dannells. com or call their friendly team on 01992 700311.

H OUSE & GARDEN

BOOK Launching this month:

Extraordinary Interiors: Show-Stopping Looks For Beautiful Rooms

ow in its tenth year, co-founders; Jane Rockett and Lucy St George have put their creativity and interiors wisdom to paper to write a book designed to empower and motivate readers to be adventurous with their interiors and create the interiors of their dreams! Over the course of eight chapters, Jane and Lucy share their decorating mistakes along with their triumphs and guide the reader through tricky interior design decisions, along with top tips on how

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to achieve magical, surprising and inviting homes. The specially commissioned photography, by talented photographer Debi Treloar, showcases twelve extraordinary and inspirational homes owned by friends, colleagues and the co-founders themselves. “Writing this book has been a really incredible experience, as well as the personal adventure of a new challenge, we have also had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people and spend time in some truly beautiful homes.” - Jane Rockett, Co-founder of Rockett St George “When designing interiors we take inspiration from everywhere, from our travels, restaurants, online and our wonderful creative customer’s houses. We wanted to write a how-to book and to pass on advice on how to create showstopping, extraordinary interiors. We have visited a myriad of houses when writing the book and met some really wonderful people along the way. All the while picking up tips and hints to share, learning from our own experiences and other interior mistakes and triumphs.” - Lucy St George, Co-Founder of Rockett St George

ABOUT ROCKETT ST GEORGE Launched in 2007 by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George, Rockett St George is an online emporium of expressive homeware with an exceptionally quirky style that inspires and delights. Home to an eclectic mix of treasures which inject magic, charm and personality into interiors Jane and Lucy spend their time exploring for inspiration and discovering new artists, designers & products. Their cleverly curated collections are a firm favourite of the press, interior designers and their customers. Released 10 October. www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

5 STEPS TO CREATING A

COLOURFUL AUTUMN BARREL Use our step-by-step guide to create a beautiful arrangement for the season. words: Ella Walker

ith autumn upon us, it’s time to think about what you can plant now that will give you greenery and colour in your garden throughout the cooler months. It’s also a great time to plant up a container, which can be put on the patio to brighten up the garden, or placed by the front door to welcome guests. Sarah Squire, deputy chairman at Squire’s Garden Centres, advises: “The key things to remember are choose a container that you like the look of, add good quality compost, and above all, choose plants you love. “Think about colour combinations - make sure you include some evergreen plants and then add either vibrant reds, oranges and yellows for an autumnal feel, or choose pinks, purples and whites for a softer, more romantic look.”

1. Choose your container

3. Select plants to extend the season

4. Position carefully

A large skimmia, which is an evergreen shrub with clusters of attractive flowers and berries, makes a great focal point. Plant bulbs such as Narcissus ‘Tete-a-Tete’ miniature daffodils, irises and muscari to give an injection of colour early next year. Add other flowering plants, such as cyclamen, violas and pansies, or try an ornamental cabbage for additional foliage interest. 2 3 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

2. Fill with compost

Squire’s recommends Westland Multi Purpose Compost With Added John Innes, which encourages stronger plant development and longer plant life.

A wooden barrel is an attractive choice but you could choose anything you like. Make sure that the container has holes at the bottom for drainage.

5. Water and feed

Put the largest plant such as the skimmia in the middle of the container. Carefully place bulbs two to three times their depth and one bulb width apart, pointed end up. Then put smaller plants around the outside.

Water every few days if it hasn’t rained, and use a feed such as Miracle-Gro all purpose continuous release plant food, which will encourage bigger, lusher plants with noticeably more blooms.

W h at c o u l d t h i s l i g h t i n g d e s i g n e r do in your home?

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H OUSE & GARDEN

Classic is always a good idea. W

ho cares about current trends in wood flooring when it seems we have been buying parquet wooden floors for what seems an eternity. Some things will always remain classic and stylish, and both herringbone and chevrons are patterns that are here to stay. But, they can be funky too, like our individually time worn herringbone multi coloured floor. Brave, bold and exuberant. But of course it’s the possibilities that are the heartbeat of a creative mind, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to wooden flooring. Designs are possible with wood that are not even conceivable with any other floor finish. Durable too, which we all seem to overlook. Take a look at Copenhagen airport. Its first wooden floor was laid in the 60’s and was made form solid padauk, a slight reddish African wood that is incredibly hard wearing. It is still there today, looking even more elegant than the day it was installed. There is a multitude of beautiful exotic wood species on the market today and, its always nice to explore the tones of these woods before simply opting for oak, the most popular of all wood species. But even oak has its magical qualities. We’ve made everything from oak including boats houses and musical instruments, so oak is here to stay. But, if you’re looking for something special, something really really special, something you may never have even have heard of or even knew it existed, then you should explore the beauty of a natural and historic oak that is at least 2000 years old. Black beauty still exists. www.turgonflooring.co.uk/reclaimed/ historic-bog-oak

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Innovative style

Home-tech doesn’t have to be all substance and no style. words: Sam Wylie-Harris

ith technology playing a key role in our lives, there couldn’t be a better time to plug into the latest home-tech innovations that are also stylish enough to put proudly on display. Because it’s not all about gadgets and gizmos technology can be sleek, retro, and quirky too, so tapping into tech trends needn’t take away from your decor vibes. These are our top picks from the latest in stylish home-tech... 2 3 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

Living Space Jarre AeroBull XS1 Bluetooth Speaker Available in matte black, glossy red or gleaming white, these speakers-disguised-as-bulldogs are bound to be a talking point. Boasting 120 watts of aerial highdefinition 2.1 sound with deep bass rendering, compatible via Bluetooth with any smartphone or audio source, built-in rechargeable battery and up to 10 hours of playtime, what’s not to love? From £469.94, Amazon

Samsung The Frame UE55LS003 Art Mode 55’’ Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV It’s art, but not as we know it. Samsung’s new lifestyle TV ‘The Frame’ turns into an ultra-modern canvas when not in use, and thanks to the in-built ‘Art Mode’ feature, you can select artworks from more than 100 specially curated pieces, or display your own photos. Available in 65” and 55”, there’s a selection of frames to suit your space, including oak and walnut finishes, along with a frame bezel available in walnut, beige and white. £1,999, Curry’s

The Frame’ turns into an ultra-modern canvas when not in use

R4 Mk3 Integrated Music System This all-in-one music solution might look retro and devoid of any details - but don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the classic lines. The new R4 will take your listening pleasure to a whole new level, featuring DAB, DAB+ and FM Tuner with RDS, radio CD player, Bluetooth with AptX, USB charge and playback port, which all adds up to quality 21st century sound. £699.99, Ruark Audio

LG OLED65W7V Signature OLED HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart TV, 65’’ with Freeview Play, Picture-On-Wall Design & Dolby Atmos Sound Base Unit Meanwhile, LG’s ‘wallpaper TV’ can be mounted right against the wall with its super-skinny design (2.57mm). The OLED panel, 4K UHD resolution and HDR colour-scape create the closest thing to a cinema experience, while the bulky stuff you don’t want to see is housed in a separate LG OLED hub. With a Smart TV webOS platform, Magic Remote (with point, gesture, wheel and voice control) and Freeview Play, it’s the supercar of the small screen. £7,999, John Lewis Qeeboo Daisy Lamps Italian brand Qeeboo, known for its contemporary plastic furniture and playful designs, have added some wow factor to wild flowers and created these striking daisy lamps. Place them on a desk, next to the bed or use them for backlighting to make your real plants glow (but we can’t promise they’ll grow!). £52 each, Amara

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Kitchen

Bathroom

SONY Xperia Touch Portable Projector Imagine if you could turn any surface in your home into a touchscreen? Critics think the latest in home projector technology may change the way we watch video, play games and listen to music - and it could even change the way we cook. The infrared light array, with 60fps camera system, featured in this nifty portable projector turns a flat surface into a 23-inch touchscreen. Clever. £1,399, Selfridges KWT 6112 iG Built-in Wine Conditioner Unit Want to take your taste for fine wine to new heights? This built-in wine conditioner will temperature-control 18 of your favourite bottles and can even accommodate magnums (always too bulky for the fridge!). With storage over three levels, each rack can be personalised so you can list the vintage, producer or style. Touch controls offer a temperature range of 5-20°C, and the UV resistant glass door protects your precious stock from sunlight. Cheers! £2,399, Miele

DD940BK Induction Downdraft Extractor Extractor fans aren’t exactly dinner-table conversation, but there’s nothing worse than pungent cooking smells after you’ve prepared a delicious meal. With cutting-edge plasma technology, this latest, ultra-sleek model purifies the air and eliminates any whiffs. Fully integrated into the 90cm black glass induction hob, the motor draws air through the ducting towards the filter, where it’s purified and cleaned, eradicating 95% of odours. From £3,690, Caple LUC/CH Lucet Electronic Tap Traditional kettle ruining the cool lines of your minimalist kitchen? Then switch to a smart tap instead. Caple have tapped into new levels of tap tech, with a colour-changing LED to indicate the water temperature. The light changes form blue to red, so you know exactly how hot or cold your water is - and precisely when it’s hot enough for your perfect cuppa. The polished chrome finish will add some extra pizzazz too. RRP £1,014, Caple

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Audio-Image Mirror Mirror, mirror on the wall... who has the best bathroom radio of them all? This multimedia bathroom mirror boasts DAB and FM radio reception, a fully integrated digital display with scrolling text, touch sensitive controls, integrated stereo speakers - AND a heated demister pad which prevents the mirror from steaming up. Ta da. £496, Roper Rhodes

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Buyers & Cellars

Sebastian Riley-Smith, founder of Smith & Taylor’s Chelsea Bridge Cellars examines the importance of fine wine storage, home and away, in adding value, to your wine, and fun to your entertaining.

utankhamun knew how to protect wine. On the discovery of his tomb deep underground more than 3000 years after his burial, its contents included forty wine storage jugs for red, white and fortified wine, to ease the boy Pharaoh king’s arduous journey to the afterlife. Today’s wine storage receptacle, glass bottle and cork on its side, certainly does the same, but rather for the living not the dead. Cellaring away from home: The governing rule for storing your treasured bottles away from home, only cellar direct with a specialist independent cellarage company, so avoiding conflicts of interest. Each portfolio cellared must carry insurance, ownership identification, in a controlled secure environment. Wine is a treasured chattel. Nobody can care more about your wine reserves than you. Once you have embarked on buying, keep on top of it! Through imagery Smith & Taylor have expressed the key canons of fine wine storage - Temperature, Humidity, Darkness, Provenance, Stability, Timing. Each of these aspects play their part in giving each bottle the best chance to develop against the vagaries of nature. Lovers of wine need a reliable extended cellar for their treasured bottles, when the constraints of suitable space, moving home, business travel or postings abroad demand it. Smith & Taylor have consistently provided fine wine storage for private clients from their cellars at Chelsea Bridge, London, since their founding in 1986. As independent cellarers Smith & Taylor pack, move, deliver and bank wine reserves from a single bottle to an entire collection, to and from their temperature & humidity controlled cellars. Cellar portfolios show unparalleled detail for each

Temperature: Constant and cool at 55F

Humidity: Enveloped in 70% humidity and stored in a quarter turn, ensures the corks are kept moist and tight

THE DETAILS Smith & Taylor Chelsea Bridge Cellars, 1c Broughton Street, London, SW8 3QJ E: cellar@smithandtaylor.com W: www.smithandtaylor.com T: 0044 (0)20 7627 5070

bottle stored including insurance values and Master of Wine commentary. Wine cellared perfectly and drunk at its optimum is the consummate gift Cellaring in the home: The profound change from half a century ago is a wine’s resting place has gone from underground to over-ground as living space has risen, and the wine label has become as much a domestic accessory as the room in which it is stored. The entry point for home cellarage has to be The Wine Cabinet. It is hardly surprising that an invention that creates the environment of a subterranean cellar, in a space a fraction of the foot print and the price, was going to bring wine home, which it undoubtedly has. If the wine cabinet is restrictive by its nature, the full blown wine cellar or wine room is certainly not, though with space at a premium, it is the ultimate luxury. Fine wine bottles are made to reflect a wine maker’s craft. Put a thousand together in a room and you have a liquid art collection. There are not many finer aspects to life, than choosing and tasting the very best of your wine collection, with others in your own home. For over thirty years Smith & Taylor, has been designing and making some of the finest town and country house wine rooms in Europe and Asia. The service includes scale drawings, bespoke joinery and project management above and underground. Each cellar crafted is unique combining single bottle racking, with bottle binning, original wooden case storage and large format displays. The finished wine rooms and cabinets, encompass the aesthetic, the practical, the versatile and the ordered. Today’s experience of wine storage under or over ground for the living, rather beats the Pharaoh’s alternative!

Smith & Taylor’s Wine Corridor. A fine wine bottle alley can be a very good use of space, though ideally, best be chilly to perform. The best corridors have the bottles all on an angle directing you through the passageway.

Smith & Taylor’s Wine Rooms are a museum piece to wine with stunning lighting and columns of large format floating display bottles, amidst traditional individual bottle and case storage. A triumph to wine and showmanship.

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A Smith & Taylor Country House Cellar with eighteen bevelled solid oak pillars and tasting table, and restored running stream, creates the perfect theatre of wine.

H OUSE & GARDEN

COLOURS OF THE SEASON

Each season, Neptune releases a seasonal paint palette that’s felt through its new collection. But because Neptune isn’t a brand that’s driven by trends (timelessness is what they seek to achieve), their colours of the season aren’t necessarily in line with those defined by the colour specialists at Pantone. Instead, they do what feels right for them.

Teal

Chestnut

“As the perfect complement, Neptune’s design team has paired Teal with colours from seasons gone by, including its paint shade, Chestnut, and its textile, Fox”

GET THE LOOK

ue its colour selection for autumn/winter 2017. The shade at the heart of its new collection is Teal. A colour with real depth, it creates a little drama when used on a large scale, but it equally understands how to create calmness. Teal is a colour that’s refined and handsome, that carries a sense of heritage, but also is appreciated when seen through a contemporary lens. Teal is a colour that stands proud, and then it invites you in to sit back, breathe out, and just be. At Neptune’s press preview event in summer, they used it on all of the cabinetry in its bespoke Suffolk kitchen; it offered

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a fresh take on the more typical dark grey and navy tones seen in kitchen design of late. They also used it throughout its textiles, from its gorgeous Kingfisher velvet to herringbone wools and throws. As the perfect complement, Neptune’s design team has paired Teal with colours from seasons gone by, including its paint shade, Chestnut, and its textile, Fox. Because together, they create a warmth that’s akin to the fireside. Together, they make any room in the home our favourite place to hibernate. www. neptune.com/stores

Walls painted in Teal matt emulsion Shoreditch corner sofa in Elliot Soft Teal £4,190; Duck feather-filled cushions from £50; Rupert footstool in Isla Fox £345; Tolsey loop pile rug in Flint £410 Keswick square coffee table £455

Matt Emulsion 2.5l £37; Eggshell 2.5l £53 Isla Fox £48 per m Isla Kingfisher £48 per m Angus Teal £72 per m Elliot Soft Teal £72 per m

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Destination Inspiration

Be inspired by those exotic, faraway places you have visited to create a holiday vibe all year round. Look East Elsa chair, in luxe turquoise velvet, £1,095; footstool, £398; Adriana mirror, grey, £495; Zagora table, £279, Graham & Green

Jasmine sofa, upholstered in natural linen, £3,200, Graham & Green

well and it can be the inspiration for a whole new look, or simply add an instant international feel to a space. “Soft furnishings such as bedding, rugs, curtains and throws can also change the dynamic of your interior, transforming it into anything from an Asiatic-inspired retreat to a Mediterranean getaway.”

Bring that tropical feel indoors

olidays may be just a memory but take inspiration from your favourite destination for your decor and you’ll enjoy that vacation vibe all year round. “Destination decor is on the rise as homeowners seek to evoke far-flung styles that last well beyond their travels,” says Samantha Parish, interior design account manager at bed specialists Hypnos. “What we see and experience on our holidays has an increasing influence on our homes. Few of us can resist a souvenir from our favourite or most interesting destination - choose

Jenny Hurren, founder of the eclectic Out There Interiors, says: “While many of us love the idea of an outdoors lifestyle, the climate in the UK can make it somewhat tricky. One way to achieve that sultry feeling is by embracing the tropical interiors trend as it allows us to create our own interior paradise that can be adapted all year round. Big leafy palms, rustic honey-coloured woods and touches of black conjure jungle vibes for every room of the home. Simply adapt with splashes of bright, vibrant tones for the summer months, and switch in plums and navy colourways for an updated winter feel. The jungle trend is a strong look, but surprisingly versatile, warming up the chilliest of UK days.”

Zebra jug, £21, Miafleur

Work the Caribbean theme

Brass palm tree table lamp, £325, Miafleur Embossed brass and black bowls, from £9.95 each, Decorators Notebook

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Foliage print cocoon chair, £355, Graham & Green

Sian O’Neill, head of marketing and online at Topps Tiles, says: “Using precious memories from trips abroad provides ideal inspiration for homeowners, as they look to introduce exotic influences into their living space. The Caribbean vibe is particularly popular and can

Large Moroccan pendant light, £245, Out There Interiors

Elephant table lamp, £155, Graham & Green

Palm tree wall chart XL, £39, Abode Living

Gold flamingo table light, with shade, £135, Graham & Green

“Using precious memories from trips abroad provides ideal inspiration for homeowners, as they look to introduce exotic influences into their living space” be easily emulated with the right colour scheme and accessories. This trend celebrates vibrant tones - from the lush greens of island foliage to the crystal blues of turquoise seas, the combination of these colours creates a space which radiates warmth and holiday happiness. Style-conscious homeowners should also consider incorporating accents of punchy pink - opt for hues of seashells and flamingo feathers for an attention-grabbing look. Once complete, homeowners will be able to immerse themselves in true Caribbean-style decor that lets them indulge in a year-round vacation from the comfort of their own home.”

Tropical Malini monstera cushion, £25, Cult Furniture

Banana leaves wallpaper by Mind The Gap, £150 a roll, Lime Lace

Caribbean chic Flamingo cotton cushion, £29.95, Arbol House

Taza wallpaper from £120 a roll, Debbie McKeegan i See

Embrace the Eastern philosophy

Orabelle elephant cushion, 8; Cintia giraffe cushon, £5, B&Q

Jenny Hurren believes an Eastern theme can be striking with its mix of extravagance and simplicity. Nothing says ‘holiday’ like an Eastern-style interior,” she says. “Jewel colours, indulgently sumptuous fabrics and decadent patterns are perfectly suited to the neutral background of contemporary spaces. You can achieve a wonderful effect by combining extravagant detailing with simple black, white and bronze pieces, for an everyday look that’s both usable and beautiful. Channel the riads of Marrakesh in your own home, with statement lighting and accent cushions, for a hint of holiday all year.” O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7 2 4 5

H OUSE & GARDEN

award winning design from

your architect london

GC House – Fulham Natural light was at the heart of this project. Born out of the need to expand a Victorian property for a growing family, the core ambition was to create a flexible living space that reflected a new approach to contemporary design, characterised by light and simplicity. Minimal sightlines and subtle textures generate a sense of relaxation and harmony, whilst glass and douglas fir run throughout the home to create a series of interconnected spaces that inspire social and flexible living. A glass staircase links all floors, allowing light to flow effortlessly through the property, with views up through the home to create a sense of space and continuity. The project involved a complete renovation of a Victorian terraced house in West London, and included a kitchen extension, loft and basement conversion. The design built within the façade of a Victorian home, and sought to modernize it whilst remaining respectful to the existing exterior and setting, creating a flexible living space filled with light within the surrounds of a period property.

“Specialising in contemporary design and modern architecture, our solutions push boundaries

About Your Architect London Your architect London is an award winning chartered RIBA architectural practice, known for its excellence in design, founded by iñaki leite and graham chappell. We offer a wide range of design and architectural services in collaboration with a trusted network of experienced contractors to deliver seamless residential projects across West London. At the heart of our approach is a belief in the transformative potential of architecture. Good architecture is not simply about aesthetics, but rather holds the possibility of transforming day-to-day lives and routines. Innovation and 2 4 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

usability are key, and form the cornerstone of our approach. Through close collaboration with clients, and through tapping into our network’s depth of knowledge and expertise, we are able to develop design solutions that transform our clients’ day-today lives. The principal architect, Iñaki Leite, has a wealth of experience with internationally renowned architecture practices, such as Eisenman Architects in New York, and AMID.cero9 in Madrid. His projects have been awarded numerous prizes, among them the “Most Innovative Contemporary Residential Design” 2016 Architecture Awards by BUILD magazine and the “First of the Top Villas of Spain and Portugal” given by The Sunday Times. In addition, he taught as professor at the School of Architecture at UEM University, Madrid, focusing on global building systems and energy efficiency, and has worked on a number of high profile public projects. Specialising in contemporary design and modern architecture, our solutions push boundaries and are highly innovative, yet always sensitive to existing surroundings, particularly in Victorian London. As residential architects in London, we are committed to working closely with clients to ensure only the highest satisfaction at all stages of the project. Your Architect London Ltd, 965 Fulham Road, Fulham, London SW6 5JJ. 020 3405 6820. www.yourarchitect.london

H OUSE & GARDEN

What’s happening in the

world of tiles and stone...

Stuart from Slab Tiles and Stone in Beaconsfield looks at what’s hot right now and examines future trends in the world of tiles and natural stone.

Cement Effect

Natural Stone

This has been the break out theme from the past couple of seasons and is still going strong. From loft style apartments, through to country house refurbs, we have seen this look go from strength to strength.

Whether this is marble, limestone, slate or travertine, the classic look of beautiful natural stone will never go out of fashion. We specialise in bespoke stone work and flooring and we source material from all over the world.

Wood Effect

In and Out

With the advent of super high definition printing techniques the wood effect porcelain currently on the market is almost indistinguishable from the real thing but with no maintenance or re-finishing required.

A big innovation from Italy over the past year has been 2cm thick porcelain matching your internal choice to enable your floor to ‘flow’ right from inside out, creating a seamless scheme from kitchen out to the patio and beyond.

Large Format

For a free consultation, call in at our Beaconsfield showroom or call 01494 670 866. We work across London and the Home counties. Trade Enquiries and Accounts welcome. You can contact us on email also at beacs@slabtiles.co.uk or visit www.slabtiles.co.uk

It is now possible to manufacture tile pieces up to 3 metres wide but even if you do not have the space, the watch word in design at the moment is the bigger the better! Design Tip: a large tile with matching grout will maximise the sense of space in a small setting.

“It is now possible to manufacture tile pieces up to 3 metres” 2 4 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

slab Italian Porcelain Natural Stone Bespoke Fabrication

01494 670 866

sales@slabtiles.co.uk www.slabtiles.co.uk 2 The Broadway, Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2PD

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SCANDINAVIAN STYLE

NINA’S HOUSE LONDON is an award-winning furniture store on King’s Road Chelsea specialising in bespoke designs in refined solid woods and other natural materials.

he store is named after its Scandinavian founder whose long career in international property interiors led her to commission bespoke pieces to fit any spaces from tight corners under sloping Swiss chalet roofs to narrow London townhouse corridors or vast Copenhagen lofts. Established in 2011 by the founder and a group of family and friends, NINA’ S HOUSE is an independent design business that combines a love of classic and contemporary design with a sense of fun as showcased in the shop where beautiful highend furniture sits side by side with award-winning lighting brands, recycled accessories and eclectic, stylish cushions. Most of the furniture can be completely customised to create that unique piece. A love of nature and especially wood products takes centre stage in NINAS HOUSE. Says Nina, ‘Natural solid wood is not only visually stunning, it also has immense depth and personality, and it ages beautifully. Wood also adds warmth to any interior, urban or rustic, and complements contemporary, cool steel, glass or stone interiors really well.’ NINA’S HOUSE’s beautiful collection is the result of a very selective commissioning of wood designs from all over the world, with a focus on sustainably harvested woods and the imaginative use of recycled woods wherever possible. Highly skilled craftsmen and designers from across the globe are behind the products. The result is a luxurious, yet simple, clean Nordic style collection of contemporary pieces. The staff at NINA’S HOUSE are passionate about design, high quality, and contemporary interiors, and are dedicated to working tirelessly with private and professional clients alike to achieve that special look. Their aim is to supply exclusive, individually designed pieces and they offer a highly personalised service which includes aftercare, international shipping and high-level advice and assistance.

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“A love of nature and especially wood products takes centre stage in NINAS HOUSE”

BEAUTIFULLY BESPOKE

H OUSE & GARDEN

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“The best window and door companies can match the Victorian originals”

yrton Bespoke is a timber window and door business with a reputation for accurate period replication and built to last products. Windows and doors have always been the poor relation to a swanky new kitchen, a shiny bathroom or a new extension. These are the spaces your family grows up in and you invite your friends to socialise in. Not surprising really as you don’t live in your windows! The home improvement market is centred on these spaces and there are a great many large professional suppliers servicing this space. Windows and doors are essentially a little dull by comparison and the benefits of replacement windows and doors less obvious and gratifying. Or are they? Ayrton believe perceptions are changing as more professional companies have entered this space with better products and appealing marketing. As the majestic stock of Victorian windows and doors reaches the end of its serviceable life they are finding a growing interest from homeowners in researching this space to understand their options to make informed decisions. Ally to this the value of these properties (and a desire to stay put) new windows and doors are very much the new kitchens or bathrooms. Their Customers want to make these changes as opposed to having to. The benefits of quieter good looks, security and reduction in heat loss make this a very appealing home improvement. With an average order value approached £8000

homeowners have a real interest in getting this right and with more awareness of what is available to them has made this space a lot more credible. The days of letting the builder mess this up are numbered - the same goes to the double glazing cowboys! Imagine spending that money on a car and not going to see it? The best window and door companies can match the Victorian originals and add all the benefits of double glazing with a myriad choice of paint finish and ironmongery choice. Ayrton often find themselves replacing u-pvc and aluminium windows that replaced the original timber not that long ago. The property value in London make the investment an easy decision and finishes off the house refurbishment beautifully. The window has come of age, again! www.ayrtonbespoke.com; 0208 877 8920 Showrooms in Wandsworth and Crouch End

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Furniture That Makes Your Heart Beat Faster

ince launching in March, 2016, Casa Botelho has flooded the covers and pages of interior magazines around the world, such as Marie Clare Maison, Elle Decoration, Living Etc, House & Garden, Wallpaper, and The Times Magazine. Everyone is entranced by the boldness of João’s designs and the personality that comes with them. Inspired by the architectural details of Art Deco design, the sensual nature of curved lines, and the artistic architecture of his hometown in Brazil, João has introduced a new style to the world of interiors. With furniture and accessories that’ll make your heat beat faster, you’ll need to see it to believe it! Casa Botelho’s latest collection is more daring than ever before and for this reason, João has coined its style as ‘chic eclecticism’. By incorporating textiles such as leather, sheep skin, and suede, with finishes like brass, bronze and concrete crocodile-skin tiles, João has mixed vintage and modern, matt and shine, glamour and industrial to once again, create his own, unique interior style. Casa Botelho’s signature style is infused with geometric shapes, symmetrical design and luxurious textures. Throughout many of his interior projects, João Botelho has used Margo Selby fabrics

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because of their exquisite quality and her ability to individualize her fabrics through woven texture, pattern and colour. With a working relationship that goes back many years, a collaboration between Casa Botelho and Margo Selby was natural and harmonious. João had the idea of creating a collection that evoked the natural beauty and vivacious energy of his home in Brazil, as well as the unique architectural works of Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer. He knew of only one woman fit for the job; Margo Selby. For more information about the collection, the collaboration, images, commentary and sales from João Botelho, please contact joao@casabotelho.com or 07956170735.

“Casa Botelho’s latest collection is more daring than ever before and for this reason, João has coined its style as ‘chic eclecticism’”

LUXURY

kitchen guide

– Everything you need to create the perfect London kitchen – i m age : N E P TU N E K ITCH E N S

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Kitchens

are the new living rooms

For many people, the kitchen is quite simply the heart of the home: a place for socialising, cooking, family meals, baking and hosting dinner parties.

rom time to time, it’s also the room which could make-or-break a property sale, so it’s vital that it’s full potential is maximised. These days sellers need to be particularly aware of the kitchen’s importance, as in some cases – especially at the higher end of the market – potential buyers will expect a newly designed kitchen. More often than not, though, buyers will at least want it to be fitted with some of the latest mod-cons before they move in. It was revealed recently that an integrated wine cooler has been the most popular luxury kitchen item in the past 12 months, according to around half of the kitchen designers and property developers recently surveyed by Direct Line. It comes as no surprise that a wine cooler is the leading luxury item in a modern kitchen, with wine continuing to dominate the kitchen table. Wine coolers are now installed into high-end properties as standard, according to 50% of developers surveyed. On average, people spend in excess of £30,000 on a new kitchen, and buying bespoke means you will be purchasing into the realms of the higher class. Whilst many people go to mass produced kitchen manufacturers for their kitchens, that may look tired after 2 years…your kitchen will remain absolutely perfect for many years to come. Having a room in your home that is totally individual to you is a way of expressing yourself and turning your

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house into your home. Bespoke kitchen designers are experts, with years of knowledge of not only creating beautiful kitchens but also of the latest appliances, fixtures and fittings and innovations in finishes. And they really go the extra mile to understand your needs and ideas. Bespoke kitchens are built by skilled craftsmen and have a practically limitless choice of materials, colours, fittings and styles. For pure luxury, buying bespoke is the best that money can buy.

“On average, people spend in excess of £30,000 on a new kitchen”

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Working Together

ondering which stone would look the most stylish in a new family wet room? Looking for someone to help you design your dream kitchen? Then meet stone specialist Mark Jermyn, founder of SPC, and designer Greg Jakubek, the brains behind unique kitchen brand Remeb UK. The two met when they were consulting on a project for The Crown Estate in Pimlico, and realised they could combine their complimentary approaches to materials and design to deliver some really unique and interesting interior solutions. The result is retail showroom SPC in Battersea, located on the stretch of St John’s Hill that’s known as a hotbed of architectural and interior design as well as being home to some of the best independent lighting, furniture and interior shops in South London. The showroom is also next to the hip Story Coffee, where you can sit with your Flat White and pore over Interiors magazines for further inspiration. With over 50 years’ experience between them, both companies pride themselves on delivering design and manufacture of a superior finish and quality. They also have the creativity to find stylish solutions to some pretty unique briefs and they work on homes of all shapes and sizes. “We recently worked on a kitchen for an architect that had to be designed around a climbing wall” explains Greg, “The bottom of the wall was in the basement and then it rose up through three storeys of the house”. Mark and Greg like nothing more than chatting about interiors, kitchens and the best materials for surfaces, wet rooms and bathrooms in order to find a creative solution to your brief, or simply give you a steer in the right direction; and as a long-term member of the Stone Federation, Mark is an expert 2 6 0 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

“Both companies pride themselves on delivering design and manufacture of a superior finish and quality”

on limestone, slate, marble, granite and other surface materials. Visit them at SPC, 119 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SZ, they’re open Monday to Friday 8.30am -5.30pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm and Sundays by appointment. The showroom stocks a range of stone and marble finishes on site along with examples of kitchen cabinetry and home interiors. For further info call 0207 228 0707. www.remeb.co.uk www.spc-ltd.com

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

THE NATURAL WOOD FLOOR COMPANY’S GUIDE

TO BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN FLOORING With a visit to The Natural Wood Floor Company’s Wandsworth showroom, you can discover everything there is to know about wood flooring with the help of one of their resident experts – it is a family business that was founded 25 years ago and has gone on to become one of the leading wood flooring manufacturers and suppliers in Europe. All their products are eco-friendly too. You can handle it, walk on it and examine it right down to the tiniest detail and discover which varieties best suit your needs and tastes. The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG; Tel: 0208 871 9771; www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

s kitchen flooring will cover an expanse and underpin all your décor decisions, it cannot be less than perfect. Looking good with minimal effort is what’s required here, which is why wood flooring is the first choice for most. Wood flooring is completely versatile so will fit in effortlessly with all the kitchen styles going. From ultra-modern, country classic to Shaker style, there’s a wood floor to suit them all. One of the current key looks is Shaker style cabinets with a chevron or parquet floor. The combination of these two timeless and classic features creates a visually stunning kitchen which is both practical and beautiful to use.

“When choosing the floor for your kitchen, it’s important to choose the right type of board” When choosing the floor for your kitchen, it’s important to choose the right type of board. The Natural Wood Floor Company recommends engineered floors as they are more reliable and stable than solid wood. Director Peter Keane explains that “it’s the layered construction method of engineered flooring which makes it so reliable. As the boards are so robust, they are less likely to move with changes in the heat and humidity levels found in a kitchen. Once fitted, there’s visually no difference. It’s just the lovely top wood layer on display.” You’ll find over 100 flooring designs on The Natural Wood Floor Company’s website, but there are some things you simply have to see for yourself before you buy. A natural wood floor is one of them. Wood is an incredibly tactile material and the feel of it is just as important as the way it looks. 2 6 2 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Extend your kitchen If you’ve set your heart on creating a large open-plan kitchen extension then you are not alone. This is one of the most sought-after features in a modern home and one of the most popular home improvement projects

ost households find the kitchen/ dining space is the heart of family life and the room they spend most of their time in — cooking, eating, socialising, working and relaxing. The key to creating the perfect open-plan kitchen is getting the space and the layout right first before deciding on kitchen units, design details and decoration later.

FINDING SPACE FOR A KITCHEN EXTENSION? If you want access to the garden and privacy, the kitchen is most likely to be at the rear or side of the house. If possible, it should be accessible from the main hallway and not through another room. You may be able to achieve the space you need by re-modelling the existing layout, removing some internal walls to link two rooms together, or by converting and linking an integral garage. Alternatively, you could extend at the rear or side of your home to gain extra space. Small extensions to a house may not need planning permission if they fall within the definition of permitted development. Larger extensions always need planning permission. Alterations to a listed building always require listed building consent, whether or not the work is permitted development. Getting the design of the space right is fundamental. It will help you make the most of light, plan your different zones for cooking, dining and living, plus decide where to position utility space and appropriate lighting. Once you have the space that you want designed, you can start thinking about the kitchen layout. It is worth consulting two or three experienced kitchen designers for their ideas. Make sure you give them a clear brief of what you are trying to achieve, but listen to their advice in terms of layout to suit the space, such as designing a galley, L-shaped or U-shaped layout, or introducing an island or appliance wall. A good designer will understand the importance 2 6 6 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

of function (ergonomics) and incorporate all the appliances you have specified. Once the basic layout is agreed, you can finalise details like the style of the units, cupboard doors and drawer fronts, worktops, splashbacks, sink, taps and the rest of the design details. When you have finalised your layout and chosen your supplier, the designer will be able to produce detailed wiring and plumbing plans so the builders can put the services in place during the building phase. You can then have the plastering and decorating work done and the flooring laid, ready for the kitchen installers to arrive. Bear in mind that while the extension is being carried out there will be times when your kitchen is unusable - depending on the scale of your project you could be talking a couple of weeks or a couple of months, so do make arrangements to prepare for this. Just keep telling yourself, it’ll be worth it in the end!

“Getting the design of the space right is fundamental. It will help you make the most of light, plan your different zones for cooking, dining and living, plus decide where to position utility space and appropriate lighting”

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

A fantastic

floor show T

LAMINATE

o put on a fantastic floor show, start by looking at the construction of your existing floor and make sure it’s suitable for the type of flooring you’ve got in mind. Heavy materials such as stone or terracotta tiles need a solid concrete base. If you’re laying a floor over wood, go for lighter materials such as lino, vinyl or wooden floorboards

VINYL FLOORING Comfortable and warm underfoot, vinyl is one of the most cost effective flooring options and comes in a range of colours and patterns. For a durable surface that won’t fade, choose a vinyl with the colour running through - those with surface patterns tend to develop a patchy look over time. Your supplier can advise you on the correct grade for your kitchen and, if you have the budget, have it installed by a professional, as badly fitting vinyl will peel at the edges. To keep it looking pristine, sweep it regularly and clean with a non-abrasive cleaner.

STONE OR SLATE Consult an expert if you’re thinking of using stone or slate on a kitchen floor as its porous nature means it can stain easily. It’s also one of the most expensive floors you can buy, but it will add value to your home. To reduce the risk of staining, go for the less porous slate rather than marble or limestone and make sure you have it professionally sealed. Look at travertine too – a natural stone made in Italy from calcium carbonate. It has a pitted appearance, comes in many colours and stands up to most cleaning products, making it the durable choice. If you have kids and pets running around, natural stone may not be the best option for you. 2 6 8 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

“Comfortable and warm underfoot, vinyl is one of the most cost effective flooring options and comes in a range of colours and patterns”

This is a great, cost-effective option that creates an authentic, real wood plank effect at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. These days, you’ll also find stone and ceramic tile effects too. Laminates are tough so they’re ideal for busy households with lots of traffic in the kitchen. To create the appearance of real wood floorboards, choose a laminate with bevelled edges that form a v shape between the planks when they’re butted up together. Even better, this flooring is designed to be clicked together so there’s no need for messy glue and you can even lay it yourself if you’re a competent DIYer.

HARDWOOD A real hardwood floor is expensive, but will add value to your home. Treat it with a Polyurethane finish to make it easier to maintain and clean. Wipe spills up quickly though, as any water sitting for a length of time on the floor will result in warping. Unlike laminates, if your floor gets damaged, you don’t have to replace the boards – you can simply sand them down and treat them again.

CERAMIC TILES A popular choice for kitchens as they come in so many colours, textures and patterns allowing you to create your own unique look. You can even use a central colour and create a tiled border all around to frame the floor. Remember though, you need a solid concrete base for tiles as floorboards would shift underneath and cause cracks to form. Ceramic can be cold underfoot so consider installing underfloor heating. Choosing your kitchen flooring is as crucial as choosing the overall theme for your kitchen, so consult a specialist designer for further advice.

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

How to plan your kitchen lighting Essential for preparation and cooking, lighting can also be used to create mood and atmosphere at the flick of a switch.

ne of the first things you’ll need to consider when planning your new kitchen is the lighting, as electrics and fittings have to be installed at the start of the project, before plastering, decorating and the fitting. It’s an integral part of any scheme and this is your one chance to get it right. The key to a successful scheme lies in layering the effects, so you should try to zone the lighting according to its use - working (task), dining and mood (ambient) and creating the wow factor (feature). It’s important to concentrate on all three and consider dimmable solutions for even more flexibility. Installing ceiling lighting can pose some difficulties, but it is possible to illuminate a kitchen without using any ceiling lights. There is a wide range of spotlights, downlighters, uplighters and strips that can be placed either under or on top of kitchen units. It also means you can be more creative, as it’s possible to conceal fixtures and fittings. Every kitchen, no matter how large or small, needs efficient task lighting. This is as much from a safety point of view as anything else. You’ll need direct lighting wherever any food preparation is taking place worktops, sinks and hobs to make sure chopping and cooking can be done safely and without shadows. Undermounted options are perfect for this and be sure to look for recessed or semi-recessed options, as exposed light fittings will collect grease and dirt more easily. For the hob area, choose an extractor with four or more halogen lights and if the island is to be used for prep, highlight it with pendant lamps combined with recessed downlighters. These should always be controlled on a separate circuit, so make sure you talk to your electrician before any installation takes place. The latest trend is for easy-to-use sensoroperated products. They’re extremely practical - when preparing food, there’s no need to wash your hands every time you need to flick the switch, simply wave your hand in front of the sensor. Drawer and cabinet lighting can also be operated on sensors, instantly coming on when the door is opened. Not only do they look great, the lights make it much easier to find that elusive corkscrew or pizza cutter. Open-plan kitchens with a dining area or those with a breakfast bar need a combination of adequate lighting for eating, with softer lighting for after-dinner conversation. Dining tables and island units will benefit from a series of overhead pendant lamps (rise-and-fall

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“There is a wide range of spotlights, downlighters, uplighters and strips that can be placed either under or on top of kitchen units”

versions can be moved up or down when needed) while lamps and wall lights will create a warm glow that sets the mood. Mood lighting can change the ambience of the kitchen from practical preparation zone to a chillout or entertaining space. Plinth lighting - especially strip lights - around an island unit or breakfast bar gives the illusion of floating furniture, which can create a magical feel at night and is great for wowing guests. If you have a period property or interesting features, such as an exposed brick wall, that you’d like to highlight, consider accent lighting that can be used to focus on a particular area or design element in the room. This is where you have the chance to set your kitchen apart. The LivingAmbiance by Philips is a range of coloured lighting that can be changed to suit your mood. ‘The kitchen is probably the most actively used room in the home,’ says Ashley Smith, consumer lighting marketing manager for Philips, ‘so lighting should be an integral part of its design. Good lighting improves the functionality, appearance and energy efficiency of your kitchen and also impacts on your wellbeing. LivingAmbiance lets you access a whole host of colours and shades of white to create the mood you want - from cool to warm - whether entertaining friends or cooking for the family.’ Sensio’s LED RGB 30W remote control and receiver is another option, as the remote control enables you to create any mood at the touch of a button. Choose from a slow or rapid colour change with a memory function to activate the settings previously used. Other effects include colour changing back-lit glass splashbacks and light strips beneath the worktop on an island unit.

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

The foundation for perfection with Abbotswood Flooring

New flooring for beautiful homes Starting in 1959 and following in the footsteps of his father, Ted Thomas, the man behind Abbotswood Flooring, has been providing flooring services for over 50 years. During this time, Ted has travelled extensively throughout Europe gaining an enormous knowledge of wood and all types of flooring, specialising in solid hard wood, parquet, engineered wood and laminate.

rom large commercial projects working alongside designers and architects to smaller domestic installations, Ted still receives great pleasure from working with his customers in designing and laying floors. They offer a truly bespoke service; from the initial design through to the completion, they offer expert advice, designing the correct flooring system to meet your requirements and budget. Abbotswood Flooring is based in Wimbledon but cover most areas of London and the South East. They offer free no obligation planning and estimates for both wooden flooring and carpets. You are welcome to visit their showroom where they have a large range of samples for you to choose from or they are happy to arrange a home or site visit with samples. Abbotswood Flooring offer a carpet supply and bespoke fitting service, designed to meet the exact needs of your home. Once you’ve chosen your

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“Abbotswood Flooring is based in Wimbledon but cover most areas of London and the South East. They offer free no obligation planning and estimates for both wooden flooring and carpets”

perfect style, they will make sure it fits into each corner of the room snugly.Their extensive range of carpets include 100% wool, synthetic fittings, striped runners, velvets, sisals, and so much more. If you’d like to turn your home into a work of art, you might want to choose from the Amtico tile range. With a range of beautiful laying patterns available, you can create a look you’ll enjoy seeing every day. For beautiful new flooring that will last, contact Abbotswood Flooring, and they will cater for all your flooring needs. For more information about Abbotswood Flooring Ltd, 258 - 260 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB; Telephone 0207 938 1000 or 020 8543 9083 Download the app or email info@abbotswoodflooring.co.uk www.abbotswoodflooring.co.uk

Beautiful flooring for beautiful homes

BESPOKE WOOD FLOORING LUXURY VINYL TILES STYLISH CARPETS EXPERT FITTING SERVICE For beautiful new flooring that will last,contact Abbotswood Flooring, and they will cater for all your flooring needs.

Abbotswood Flooring Ltd

258-260 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Telephone: 020 8543 5083 or 0207 938 1000 Download the app or email: info@abbotswoodflooring.co.uk www.abbotswoodflooring.co.uk

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Bespoke Kitchens Where life meets style

ith over 10 years of experience in the industry, Amberth, an Islington based bespoke Interior Design Company specialise in kitchens, bathrooms and fitted Interiors. They are renowned for their craftsmanship, and attention to detail, creating custom made cabinetry and furniture to suit their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and expectations. Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire home into a comfortable one of a kind space. With their own team of designers and fitters, projects are taken on board from initial concept right through to demolition and installation. Working with any size, they transform the style and functionality of Interiors. Their projects are managed by Amberth, ensuring the entire process is a stress-free experience for their clients. Beginning with a free consultation at their studio, 3D visuals are designed according to the given brief and a total of 2-4 designs are proposed, complete with a quote. Amberth are flexible and happy to make changes to the design to ensure their clients

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire homeâ&#x20AC;? 2 7 4 O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

are happy. Once the design is approved by the client, the process is followed with a detailed space assessment at the property giving the designers and project manager a visual sense of the space they are working with. A site survey is carried out where measurements and photographs are taken to be used during the design process moving forward. Having exclusive access to a wide range of materials from around the world, the dedicated team of designers work closely with the project manager to produce high standard designs with top quality finishes. Each project is approached differently with a dynamic embrace of contemporary and traditional design, producing fantastic spaces that their clients love. Being a family run business, Amberth pride themselves on building long lasting relationships with their clients and often receive a vast number of clients through recommendations. If you are in the area feel free to stop by for a quick chat, there is always someone on hand to help. For more information about Amberth Studio visit www.amberth.co.uk. 311 Essex Road London N1 2BD; Telephone 020 7354 8958 or email: studio@amberth.co.uk