London Life February 2015

FROM THE

EDITOR

Designers and architects will descend on London for spring’s ultimate design event. London Design Week 2015 attracts design-hungry fans from both home and overseas who need to keep one step ahead.

On Sunday 1st March, Rosewood London will launch its weekly ‘Slow Food & Living Market’ in the serenity of the hotel’s grand inner courtyard. Newly appointed Executive Chef, Amandine Chaignot, will be at the helm of the Slow Food & Living Market, which will recreate the traditional marketplace shopping experience in Holborn and celebrate good, clean and fair produce from local growers and artisans.

The Spa at Bulgari Hotel & Residences is delighted to introduce Gentlemen’s Grooming, providing a collection of treatments, products and experiences for discerning gentlemen to enjoy a grooming experience in discreet and comfortable surroundings.

The A-listers and hottest celebrities are heading to Mayfair’s Berkeley Street area to dine out as it becomes London’s most sought-after restaurant location, according to research.

Rents in the area have soared by 67 per cent in the past five years as would-be restaurateurs from around the world jostle for space, property consultant Colliers International said. Dining room rents have increased to £125 per square foot, up from £75 in 2009.

This gives you just a small taste of exciting events & articles featured in this month’s issue...

Faye Manning Editor

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Published By The Fish Media Group Ltd, The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts , Al9 6Jj.

0844 800 8439 www.thelifemagazines.com

EDITOR Faye Manning EDITOR’S ASSISTANT Katie Miller SUB EDITOR Alex Lux FASHION EDITOR Rachel Gold DESIGN & PRODUCTION Toni Perry

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Vanessa Lane ACCOUNT MANAGERS Anita Hill, Nicola Drew SALES James Marshall DIRECTORS Rory Smith Patrick Smith

ST A M PA P D ID U * TY

OCTAGON 6 RORY

View from rooftop terrace

LONG WALK VILLAS WINDSOR

Windsor’s Finest.

An elegant terrace of 9 classical townhouses in an enviable position, overlooking The Long Walk and Windsor Great Park.

These traditional style properties are built to the highest specifications with 4/5 bedrooms, numerous reception and entertaining areas, and private landscaped gardens.

With picturesque views towards the iconic Castle and ideally placed for the town centre, each property also benefits from its own rooftop terrace and secure private parking.

OCTAGON 7 Central London is easily accessible whilst Heathrow Airport RORY is less than 10 miles. Windsor and Eton train station provides a 29 minute train service to London Paddington and London Waterloo can be accessed in less than 1 hour.

Price £2.75 million

Show house in Kings Road, SL4 2AH Open daily 10am – 4pm Octagon: 020 3137 8226 longwalkvillas@octagon.co.uk Selling agents: Hamptons Windsor, 01753 855 555 www.octagon.co.uk * Stamp Duty paid subject to Terms and Conditions please speak to a member of the sales team for more details.

Basement Design Construction and Complete Project Management

www.cranbrook.co.uk 0800 525 883 26 - 28 Hammersmith Grove W6 7BA London Free no obligation initial design survey, feasibility advice, quotation and 3D visualisation

CONTENTS EDITORS LETTER 3 CONTENTS 11 LOCAL LIFE, ARTS & EVENTS 12 The Country Living Spring Fair 2015 12 There’s No Place Like Home 14 Bbc Good Food Eat Well Show 16 London Design Week 2015 18 Discover Your Passion For Art This Spring 20 Prestigious New Openings At Carnaby 22 Your London, Your Helicopter 24 The Bada Antiques & Fine Art Fair 26 The Chelsea Antiques Fair 28 Battersea’s Hottest New Art Gallery 30 London Fashion Week Preview 32 London Fashion Weekend 34 Matthew Williamson Afternoon Tea At Balthazar 36 Chloé Debuts At Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 38 Slow Food & Living Market 40 Matilda The Musical 42 The Ritz London Unveils Two New Suites 44 Madam Butterfly ‘The Envy Of Any Opera House Anywhere’ 46 Berkeley Street Becomes The Restaurant Hotspot In London 48 Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2015 50 Literary Gems At Your Fingertips 52 ‘Alice’s Adventures Underground’ 54 Lost And Found 56 Say ‘I Do’ At Luton Hoo 58 The Ultimate Luxury Bridal Experience 60 Gentlemen’s Grooming At The Bulgari Spa, London 62 PROPERTY 64 Britain’s Most Expensive One-Bed Flat 64 Setting New Standards 66 London Penthouse Goes On Sale For A Whopping £8.9M 68 London Property Boom 70 Choosing The Perfect Playhouse 72 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE 75 ‘Private Schools Should Be Praised For Producing Influential People’ 76 Empowering Students To Develop As Individuals 78 Sydenham High Brings Magic Of Maths To Life 80 Optimus Laudum 82 A Winning Educational Forumla 86 The Gold Standard 88 Why Choose An Independent Sixth Form College?

90 How To Choose The Right School 92 The Role Of The Head Teacher 94 HEALTH & BEAUTY 99 Dr Haus’ 4 Eye-Tech Solutions 100 “Tweaked” Not “Tucked” 102 New ‘View You’ Package To Start The New Year 104 A Superior Patient Experience 106 The Sound Buzz 108 Kick Start Your New Year 110 The Ritz Salon Introduce Their New Brand Partner Elemis 112 HOUSE & GARDEN 113 ‘See The Unseen’...

116 Make An Entrance! How To Create A Welcoming Hallway 118 Shades Of Grey 120 Join The Blush Rush 122 The Art Of Traditional Craftsmanship 124 On The Horizon For 2015...

126 Easigrass Offers The Definitive Easi Artificial 128 Grass Solution For Home & Away 7 Interior Design Tips And Trends For 2015 130 Handcrafted Contemporary Furniture 132 John Bly: The Kite Mark 134 Hampstead Antique & Craft Emporium 136 Designs On Winter 140 BATHROOM GUIDE 142 Create A Luxury Oasis 142 Love Your Bathroom 144 Wet Rooms The Essential Guide 146 Elegance, Charm And Sophistication 148 How To Choose Bathroom Tiles 150 Bathroom Flooring Ideas 152

EVENTS

The Business Design Cen tre Upper Str Islington, eet, N1 0QH

THE COUNTRY LIVING

18th - 22nd March 2015

SPRING FAIR 2015 I

t has all the ingredients for a special day out, offering inspiration for the house and the garden with hundreds of unusual items – furniture, furnishings and accessories hand-picked from companies that you won’t find on the high street, as well as expert demonstrations and hands on workshops to encourage your own creativity.

There are three halls filled with pretty and practical touches: fabrics and throws, or delicate details for the kitchen such as hand painted china and rustic earthenware create charming living spaces.

But it’s not all home furnishing – there are fashion tips too. Refreshing your wardrobe in step with the season can give you revitalising boost. Discover sumptuous cashmere, rare pieces of handcrafted jewellery, bold textiles and bright patters that will help you put together a unique look. There’s so much to see, to do, to savour and enjoy.

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME New features see a Producers Village at the front of the Fair. Stop by to meet traditional farmers, kitchen table bakers, artisan chocolatiers and organic wine makers.

Meanwhile, located on the Gallery level is the Newcomers Market, acting as a launchpad for talented artisans that celebrates a wonderful variety of makers, crafters, designers and producers from across the UK. For design inspiration, visit our Heal’s home stylists who can offer plenty of advice for a fresh, on trend look for any design project. They’ll work closely with you to help pull together

your ideas into a cohesive design plan.

TIME TO RELAX Taste sensation with Green & Black Chocolate Taste their delicious, unique flavours and discover the story behind this original entrepreneurial chocolate brand.

Champagne Bar Enjoy a glass of fizz and take a moment to catch up with friends and enjoy the view over the Fair.

Birchall Tea Room For the perfect pick-me up, enjoy an indulgent cup of tea in the Birchall Tea Room, all complemented by a range of sandwiches, cakes and pastries.

Fine Dining This year, we are offering you an exclusive dining experience. Sit back and enjoy a delicious menu full of fresh season and local produce, many supplied by the Country Living exhibitors.

THE DETAILS

Book today at www.countrylivingfair.com/spring Save 20%* off the advance ticket rate when quoting Life. *Discount refers to saving off the on-the-door rate of £16.50

The Country Living Magazine Spring Fair is fresh and bright and full of lovely things and creative ideas that bring a touch of the countryside into the home and herald that summer is on its way.

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HOMES & INTERIORS | GARDENS | CRAFTS | FOOD | FASHION

SPRING FAIR 18–22 March 2015

BDC, London

LONDON LIFE READERS

save

20%

*

To book tickets call 0844 848 0150 or visit countrylivingfair.com/spring and quote LIFE facebook.com/clfairs

twitter.com/clfairs

pinterest.com/countrylivingfs

*Life Magazine readers can purchase tickets for £12 in advance. Standard price tickets cost £13 in advance and £16.50 on-the-door.

Ticket discount available in advance only and refers to saving off the on-the-door price. Please note there is a £1.50 booking fee per transaction (not per ticket).

EVENTS

THERE’S NO PLACE

LIKE HOME

T

20th Mar ch - 6th Apr il

2015

The Ideal Home Show returns to Olympia for its 107th Year

o celebrate, the 2015 show is set to be bigger and better than ever before, spread across three halls, with bigger brands and three stunning full scale show homes.

The exhibition will feature seven dedicated sections, which include: the flagship Ideal Show Homes, Ideal Home Improvements, Ideal Interiors, Ideal Gardens sponsored by Hydropool, Ideal Technology sponsored by Virgin Media, Ideal Food and Housewares sponsored by Thirst Pockets, as well as Ideal Shopping and Ideal Fashion & Beauty sponsored by Lexus.

Celebrities Galore - TV presenter and inspirational author Katie Piper will be making her first ever appearance as ambassador for Ideal Fashion and Beauty, along with TV presenter and architect George Clarke, gadget expert Suzi Perry, food critic Gregg Wallace, interiors icon Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and favourite Alan Titchmarsh as this year’s gardening expert.

seasonal dishes taken from the Ideal Home Show Cook Book.

‘Young Gardeners of the Year’ - This year’s competition sees six selected colleges design and build a series of six show gardens as they go head to head to be crowned the winners of this year’s competition, organised

by TV gardener David Domoney with judging will take place on 20th March.

Kitchen & Bathroom Zone - packed with top brands offering the latest designs and products.

Ideal Wallpaper Designer of the Year - the competition is back offering budding interior designers the chance to design and submit their own wallpaper design, with a shortlist selected by Interiors ambassador, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. The final shortlist will be put to a public vote and showcased live on the Ideal Super Theatre.

The Moneysavinexpert.com ‘How Much Can You Save?’ with founder and editor, Martin Lewis -

Britain’s biggest consumer home event, the Ideal Home Show, was first launched at Olympia in 1908, and will back welcoming visitors across the 17 day run in 2015.

The Ideal Super Theatre - the celebrities will take to the Ideal Super Theatre, hosting talks and demonstrations making it the ultimate place to pick up tips and tricks to improve your home.

Ideal Show Homes - The centrepiece of this year’s show is a series of Show Homes built for visitors to explore.

Interiors Room Sets - Ideal Home Magazine brings their room sets back to the show, offering style ideas for every room. From kitchens to bedrooms and bathrooms, they’ll provide inspiration on alternative ways to utilise space.

Ideal Food and Drink Theatre sponsored by Thirst Pockets, featuring top celebrity chefs giving you handy hints and tips for your next culinary creation. With live cook along demonstrations, foodies are able to watch as recipes featured in the new Ideal Home Show Cook Book, are brought to life.

The Gregg Wallace Seasonal Restaurant - Hosted by Ideal Food ambassador Gregg Wallace, providing a variety of British

1 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

Martin and his team will be giving money saving tips and developing a brand new app for visitors to find out how much they can save on their bills.

Providing support, help and the latest treatment for victims of burns and other disfigurement disabilities, the Katie Piper Foundation. Katie will be at the show to talk about the work her charity does.

Plus, with over 600 top brands and exhibitors offering innovative products that you can’t find on the high street, it’s the ultimate shopping destination in the UK. THE DETAILS To book tickets, either log on to www.idealhomeshow.co.uk or call 0844 858 6763. For group bookings call: 0844 412 4650 10-6pm daily. Late night Thursday open until 9pm.

Follow the Ideal Home Show on Twitter http://twitter.com/ideal_home_show

Store colleagues celebrating the store opening.

EVENTS

THE BRAND NEW

BBC GOOD FOOD EAT WELL SHOW COMES TO LONDON

T

he brand new BBC Good Food Eat Well Show sponsored by Lexus - part of the BBC Good Food Show portfolio, is dedicated to gathering together healthy food brands, products and producers, and will show visitors how to balance a healthy lifestyle with their love of good food.

Features at the show include the Healthy Kitchen which will host an impressive line-up of celebrities, chefs and professionals demonstrating how easy it is to prepare healthy and good food. The timetable includes Davina McCall, Lorraine Pascale, Hemsley + Hemsley, Marcus Bean and Jenni Falconer.

Another feature, the Eat Well Forum is dedicated to key diet and lifestyle challenges, and will play host to a range of vibrant discussions and informative talks 27th Febr on the relationship between food, - 1st Mar uary health and wellbeing. Visitors ch 2015 can also enjoy the Eat Well O ly m pia Interview Stage, where they can West have their questions answered from specialists including Natasha Corrett, Renee Maguire, Dale Pinnock and Rachel De Thample.

The three day event will showcase 100 exhibitors selling their products, including Superfoods, Coconut Water, Chia Snacks, and Gluten Free Granola.

THE DETAILS Advance ticket prices start at ÂŁ13, please visit www.bbcgoodfoodeatwellshow.com The BBC Good Food Shows are organised and presented by River Street Events Ltd.

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The first biologically effective lamp system for the home and workplace.

Featuring ultra modern LED technology combined with a VITACORE速 electronic system which has been scientifically developed to aid against fatigue. Connect via Bluetooth and control via an exclusive app available on all tablets and smart phones.

Supports concentration, productive work, relaxation and wellbeing.

For further information or for stockists, please visit www.luctra.eu or email marketing@durable-uk.com

EVENTS

LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2015 AT D E S I G N C E N T R E , C H E L S E A H A R B O U R

D

esigners, architects, tastemakers and specifiers Situated in the heart of one of the world’s truly will descend on London for spring’s ultimate global cities, London Design Week 2015 promises a design event. London Design Week packed programme including ‘Conversations in 2015 attracts design-hungry fans Design’ with top influential names as well from both home and overseas who need as the hugely popular Access All Areas TRADE to keep one step ahead. showroom sessions.

PREVIEW An exceptional showcase of style, Add to this courtesy transport, a Sun 8th - Tues 10th March innovation and imagination, the show show-stopping restaurant, specially ALL WELCOME will offer the most comprehensive commissioned installations and a design Weds 11th - Fri 13th March collective of the latest fabrics, furniture, blog, London Design Week 2015 has wallcoverings, lighting, accessories, impeccable design credentials and is set 10am-6pm kitchens, bathroom, outdoor living, tiles to inspire.

FREE ENTRY and carpets.

Think product diversity from the who’s THE DETAILS who of the international design scene as 500 Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, Lots Road, London SW10 0XE brands at 102 Design Centre showrooms (as well as Call 020 7225 9166, email enquiries@dcch.co.uk or visit www.dcch.co.uk outside participants in Chelsea) debut their new ranges.

EXHIBITORS Abbott & Boyd Altfield Alton-Brooke Ann Sacks Armani/Casa Azucena at GMR Baker Lifestyle Baker Beacon Hill Bella Figura Besselink & Jones Black & Key Blenheim Carpets Brian Yates Brunschwig & Fils C & C Milano Cassina Chaplins Chase Erwin Christopher Guy Christopher Hyde Lighting Clive Christian Cole & Son Colefax and Fowler Colony Création Baumann Crestron David Seyfried Ltd Davidson Decca (Bolier) Decorus Dedar Edelman Leather Evitavonni Fendi Casa Flexform Fox Linton Gallotti&Radice GP & J Baker Harlequin Henry Bertrand Interdesign Interior Supply J. Robert Scott Jacaranda Carpets Jason D’Souza Jean Monro Kravet Lee Jofa Lelievre Lewis & Wood Lizzo Marvic Textiles McKinnon and Harris Mulberry Home The Nanz Company Nicholas Haslam Nobilis Original BTC Pierre Frey Poliform Poltrona Frau Porada Porta Romana Ramm, Son & Crocker Remains Lighting R.I.M Tile Boutique Robert Allen Romo Rubelli/Donghia SA Baxter Architectural Hardware Sahco Samuel Heath Samuel & Sons Passementerie Sanderson The Silk Gallery Simpsons Mirrors & Furniture Solid Wooden Doors Stark Carpet Stark Fabric StudioTex Summit Furniture Tai Ping Carpets Threads at GP & J Baker Tim Page Carpets Tissus d’Hélène Topfloor by Esti. Rugs & Wood Tufenkian Artisan Carpets Turnstyle Designs Turnell & Gigon Vaughan Via Arkadia (Tiles) Victoria +Albert Baths Watts of Westminster Wemyss Whistler Leather Wired Custom Lighting Wool Classics Zimmer + Rohde Zoffany Plus Designers Guild, Osborne & Little, Kingcome Sofas and William Yeoward in Chelsea

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EVENTS

12th- 15th March 2015

DGANIT BLECHNER, PAINT YOUR DREAMS LINDA BLACKSTONE GALLERY

JACKIE GALE, LONDON

FLORENT TOUCHOT, BATTERSEA POWER STATION GREY

BEYOND THE SEA

ENVIE D’ART

DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR ART THIS SPRING AT THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR BATTERSEA

Battersea Park will once more play host to the most eclectic and exciting place to fall in love with art this March, the Affordable Art Fair.

T

he fair, which showcases a huge array of paintings, original artist-made prints, sculpture and photography, is a great place to start or build an art collection. The March event encourages visitors of all ages through its doors and little ones certainly won’t be short for things to do. Kids aged 2-10 can be dropped off at the crèche (complete with arty activities), Nipperbout, leaving parents free to browse at leisure.

There are also activity packs and a packed programme o f hands-on workshops to keep children aged 4-11 entertained. Alternatively leave the kids at home, bring your friends (or even the dog!), and enjoy a coffee and snack at the café or relax and explore the LARA BOWEN BILLY fair at your own pace with a glass FOUR-WALLS of something from Laithwaite’s wine bar.

Whether visitors are looking for traditional or contemporary, quirky or minimalist, colourful or monochrome pieces, there is art for everyone to personalise a space and all artworks are priced between £100 and £5,000. The fair will host works from galleries across the globe alongside local collections, and if you’re curious about emerging artists and new talent then Project Space Collective, a platform for new

2 0 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

artists to showcase their work, will also be on show. For those first time collectors South London Art Map will be leading tailored tours.

Luci Noel, Affordable Art Fair Battersea Director, shares her top art tips for curating a home collection; “Art fairs provide an eclectic mix of genres and artists that you can browse to find the perfect artwork to kick-start or expand your collection.

Chatting with the gallerists, will help you learn about the art and discover more about what’s behind the piece. You’ll also be able to see some up and coming talent and be exposed to styles which you may not have come across or considered previously.”

Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park 12th - 15th March 2015 Opening hours 11.00am – 6.00pm (Charity Private View Wednesday 11th March & Thursday Late View 5.30pm – 9.30pm) Ticket prices £10 - £20 (concessions £8 - £13) Tickets are now on sale at www.affordableartfair.co.uk

THE DETAILS To find our which galleries will be exhibiting at the fair, visit www.affordableartfair.co.uk

ART TO TAKE YOU PLACES 110 galleries with 1,100 artists £100 – £5,000

Battersea Park, London 12 – 15 March 2015 affordableartfair.co.uk

Fair sponsor:

EVENTS

OUR LEGACY

BILLIONAIRES BOYS CLUB

OI POLLOI

CUBITTS

PRESTIGIOUS NEW

OPENINGS AT CARNABY

O

i Polloi the iconic Manchester born menswear brand celebrate 12 years in the business with their first store in London, opening at 1 Marshall Street, Carnaby. The two-storey 1,170sq ft. store which is due to open in March will offer an edited selection of brands as well as exclusive products and collaborations with some not being found anywhere else in Europe. Oi Polloi clothing embodies understated cool and authentic British style with a slightly higher price point compared to the Manchester store.

There will be new additions to the brand list as well as classics such as Sassafras, Fjallraven, Orslow and Engineered Garments.

“We are celebrating 12 years in the industry with the opening of our first store outside Manchester. Carnaby is the perfect location for our store with its mix of diverse, independent brands alongside larger flagship global brands in its 13 streets. The Marshall Street store will sell exclusive products with some brands only being available at the Oi Polloi Soho store.” Steve Sanderson, Co-Founder of Oi Polloi Due to popular demand, Pharrell Williams’ brand Billionaire Boys Club will open a 800 sq ft European flagship store for Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream label at 36 Marshall Street in 2015. The store will offer two premium menswear collections alongside worldwide exclusives and collaborations with the likes of Pharrell, Comme Des Garcons and Adidas as well as a new basics collection for Spring 15 which retails at a more affordable price point. The collection presents sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts, tracksuits and jersey shorts.

Harley Faustini - European Sales Manager for Billionaire

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Boys Club says, “Marshall Street, Carnaby is a great location for Billionaire Boys Club’s European flagship store with iconic brands in Carnaby always offering something different or exclusive to their Carnaby stores, with Billionaire Boys Club mirroring worldwide exclusives at the Carnaby store.”

Other recent store openings include Dutch womenswear fashion brand SuperTrash, Swedish independent menswear brand Our Legacy, Detroit heritage brand Shinola , independent eyewear brand Cubitts and Californian lifestyle brand Nixon has opened its first UK store with a customisation watch bar.

“All the above brands have selected a prime London location for their UK flagship stores and compliment the strong retail mix already in the 13 streets of Carnaby. The strong directional fashion brands will sit beside current stores such as Scotch & Soda, ELEVENPARIS, Replay and Monki and these contribute to the Carnaby destination” says Samantha Bain-Mollison, Portfolio Retail Strategist at Shaftesbury PLC. Carnaby is in the heart of London’s West End, two minutes away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, where over 150 brands of quality and distinction and over 50 independent restaurants and bars can be found across 13 streets, including the world famous Carnaby Street. Carnaby is a unique and iconic experiential shopping and dining destination, not to be found anywhere else in the world.

THE DETAILS carnaby.co.uk

@CarnabyLondon #Carnaby

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FEATURE

YOUR LONDON,

YOUR HELICOPTER

London’s Air Ambulance launches £4.4 million public appeal for 2nd helicopter

T

he charity is calling on the people and businesses of London to join together to raise the further £4.4 million needed for London’s second emergency medical helicopter. £1.6 million has already been raised towards the campaign.

The money raised will be used to acquire and sustain a second helicopter and extend daylight flying hours for five years.

The charity is urging the 10 million people who live and work in the capital to donate – god forbid you may need this vital service one day.

Graham Hodgkin, Chief Executive Officer, London’s Air Ambulance, said: ““When London’s current, and only, emergency medical helicopter is offline for servicing or maintenance, our patients need us to have recourse to a second helicopter immediately. We deliver advanced trauma care 24/7 but we want to ensure we can get to our patients as quickly as possible during daylight hours.

When we are able to fly we can arrive at your side, wherever you are, up to eight times faster than in a response car. To do this consistently we vitally need a second helicopter. London’s Air Ambulance has been operational for 25 years and has treated over 32,000 critically injured people, where time makes a difference.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “London is the greatest city in the world and is also one of the most generous cities in the UK. We rightly rally together to

2 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

rapidly raise millions for disasters in other countries around the world but on this occasion the need is right here on our doorstep. I am very proud that London’s Air Ambulance has such a world-leading reputation for delivering the most cutting edge advanced trauma care outside of hospital - care that is saving countless lives. That has only been possible because of the generosity of Londoners to date. London needs a second emergency medical helicopter - that’s why I’m asking that if you possibly can please rally together and support this fantastic campaign.”

Last year the charity was awarded £1million from the LIBOR fund by Chancellor George Osborne and a further £600,000 has been raised from companies, charitable trusts and individual donors.

London’s Air Ambulance serves the areas everywhere inside the M25: from Enfield to Epsom; Walthamstow to Weybridge; Chigwell to Chertsey; Romford to Richmond; Hornchurch to Hounslow; Dartford to Denham; Bromley to Borehamwood; Croydon to Crouch End… the centre of London and everywhere in-between.

THE DETAILS Donations of £5 or more can be made online at www.yourhelicopter.london or text to donate instead Text HELICOPTER to 70800 to donate £5

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LOVE LOC AL EVENTS

THE BADA ANTIQUES & FINE ART FAIR 18th – 24th MARCh 2015 | Duke of YoRk SquARe, off SloAne SquARe, ChelSeA, lonDon SW3

L

ong-regarded as the premier national fair, The BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair, which takes place in the Duke of York Square, off Sloane Square, is the leading event for sourcing antiques and fine art of assured quality and authenticity.

It is the only event on the international art calendar exclusive to members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association, and will see the display of a diverse range of important furniture, objet d’art and paintings.

Ninety-eight of the most renowned art and antiques dealers from around the country, representing a variety of specialisms, have confirmed their attendance. Returning Exhibitors include leading dealers Godson & Coles, Harris Lindsay, Thomas Coulborn & Sons, Lennox Cato, Frank Partridge, Anthony Woodburn Ltd, Trinity House, The Taylor Gallery, Sandra Cronan Ltd., and Holly Johnson Antiques.

New Exhibitors include Beaux Arts London, Philip Mould & Company, Michael Hughes, Peter Lipitch Ltd. and Ted Few. The exquisite range of jewellery brought by various dealers has always been a highlight at the BADA Fair, and this year is no exception. Amongst the offerings from Sandra Cronan Ltd. is an important pair of diamond ‘waterfall’ earrings dating from c. 1940, each featuring 8 pear cut diamonds, and smaller baguette cut diamonds.

A further notable category is clocks, which are always well represented at the BADA Fair. Anthony Woodburn will bring a magnificent William and Mary turtle shell and gilt table clock dating from c.1695 as well as a remarkably preserved CharlesII walnut and marquetry longcase clock.

There are several trends that have emerged amongst the items being submitted by the dealers for the upcoming BADA Fair. These include a rise of European furniture and objects designed in an Oriental style. Godson & Coles, specialist in 18th and 19thcentury furniture, as well as Modern British art, will bring a rare George I period, scarlet japanned bureau cabinet, signed by maker Daniel Massey, Frank Partridge will devote his entire stand to Chinoiserie items. Another prevalent style in furniture will be fine pieces in English Oak as seen on the stands of Wakelin & Linfield, Witney Antiques and Shaw Edwards Antiques.

Yet again the fine art at the BADA Fair encompasses some wonderful British examples, ranging from 18th-

century watercolours, modern British sculpture and contemporary works.

The BADA Fair has a long tradition of supporting charitable causes, and has raised over £3 million for a variety of charities over the years. This year the BADA Fair is delighted to announce The Haven Trust as its beneficiary. The Haven Trust is an award-winning breast cancer charity, offering support and complimentary therapy to patients.

The BADA Fair will host a Charity Gala Dinner for The Haven Trust on the evening of Thursday 19th March in the Cellini Restaurant, within the BADA Fair.

Following the success of the catering at last year’s BADA Fair, the upcoming edition will see the return of celebrated caterers Absolute Taste running both the Cellini restaurant and Duke of York Brasserie. World-renowned and family-owned champagne house Taittinger will once more be sponsoring the Champagne Bar.

18-24 march 2015

THE DETAILS Ticket Prices: £10 for a single ticket, £15 for a double.

All tickets include a BADA Handbook and one re-entry pass per person ••••• Please visit www.bada-antiques-fair.co.uk Or email: enq@bada-antiques-fair.co.uk BR RUAR 22 26 FF EE B RY Y2 02 10 51 5

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LOVE LOC AL EVENTS

th 1818-22 -22nd marcH March 205 2015

Chelsea Old TOwn hall, wednesday, 18Th - sunday, 22nd MarCh 2015

T

he Chelsea Antiques Fair returns this Spring coinciding with BADA. The newly designed floor plan, launched at the September Fair, will be introduced to the Spring Fair to be able to accommodate more exhibitors offering a wider variety of objects and styles. The five-day Spring Fair will have more late night openings to fit in with the local residents schedules.

The distinctive charm of the Chelsea Old Town Hall contributes to the success of the Fair, which attracts connoisseurs as well as collectors of all ages. With price tags ranging from an affordable £50 to exquisite pieces worth thousands of pounds, the boutique-style feel makes this the perfect destination for anyone looking for a great variety of fine art, antiques and design. Around 40 specialist dealers have been chosen for their expertise in each field and paintings specialists will be next to jewellery dealers, furniture beside silver, Works of Art neighbouring glass and ceramics. The date line ranges from millions- ofyears old fossils to early 20th Century decorative art.

To enhance the experience, there will be guided tours around the Fair, which will encourage visitors to chat to dealers and learn more about their specialities as well as learn insider tips on collecting art and antiques in general.

The Fair will support the local charity, Children’s Hospital Trust Fund, again. It was set up by a team of paediatric doctors in recognition of the fact that sometimes more than NHS funds are needed to maintain the excellent level of care in hospital for children and their families.

Based on the advice of the medical trustees, they step in to support the 75,000 babies, children and their families

BR RUAR 22 48 FF EE B RY Y2 02 10 51 5

THE CHELSEA ANTIQUES FAIR who come to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital every year by funding state of the art medical and surgical equipment which wouldn’t otherwise be available in the hospital; from specialist play equipment for sensory rooms to million pound surgical robots.

As Fair Organiser, Caroline Penman said: “Visitors keep commenting how welcoming our Fair is and they admire the fact that there is a lot of choice at reasonable prices.

Many locals return to the Fair for several days, but we also get a huge amount of foreign visitors, who all tend to find something to take home with them.”

From left: nicholas Bagshawe Fine art, romagnoli - Portrait of Elizabeth (Bettie) Northrup Powell with a crop and an American Boxer. £45,000; Paul Mayhew Fine art, Thomas Meteyard “Mrs Meteyard in Henry James’ garden at Rye” £20,000; nicholas Bagshawe Fine art, Portrait of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte – £15,000; nicholas Bagshawe Fine art, harry hall “Bon Mot” £9,500

THE DETAILS Open: 18– 22 March, Wednesday 2pm - 8pm, Thursday 11am–7pm, Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm ••••• Admission: £6, but E-Tickets & details on: www.penman-fairs.co.uk ••••• T: 01825 744074 FACEBOOK/ TWITTER (@PenmanFairs)

EVENTS

Battersea’s

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I

nterest in contemporary art has grown enormously over the past 2 decades. Aware of a potential niche in the market, The Art Movement was launched in 1995 as a consultancy and art & dining club, with the aim of demystifying the process of acquiring original art.

Instead of exhibiting in a gallery, The Art Movement showcased its portfolio of emerging talent through a series of innovative monthly exhibitions in top London restaurants.

After 19 years of exhibiting at art fairs internationally, sourcing art for clients and curating exhibitions at venues all over London, The Art Movement have just opened their doors to their first art gallery in Battersea at 61 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RG, down the road from Battersea Power Station. This is to tie in with a growth in the art market and the enormous amount of new developments surrounding the Battersea Power Station and American Embassy nearby.

Camilla Girardot, director, maintains that “more and more collectors tell me they want to view art in atmospheric and homely surroundings”. Following this principle, in tandem with creating an inviting gallery space with comfy armchairs and a Nespresso machine, The Art Movement’s consultancy finds works by accomplished artists and brings them to where clients live and work to view in situ. This includes a growing number of London’s top Interior designers and property developers as they provide an art loan and rental service.

The Art Movement continues to promote its stable of 25 contemporary artists from around the world, selected for their draughtsmanship, mastery of their chosen medium, humour and style. The Art Movement have exhibited at AAF since its launch in London and around the world.

THE DETAILS

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The Art Movement Gallery now open 61 Queenstown Road, London SW8 3RG t. 020 7501 4049 e. info@art-movement.com www.art-movement.com

HEALTH, BEAUTY & FASHIon fAsH ion EVENTS

LONDON FASHION WEEK PREVIEW Autumn/Winter 2015 ColleCtions

FridAy 20th – tuesdAy 24th FebruAry 2015 | somerset house, strAnd, WC2r 1lA

L

ondon Fashion Week (LFW) is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers. The event is organised by the British Fashion Council and funded by a number of sponsors (including principal sponsor Vodafone). It is a world of celebrities and famous people, beautiful and expensive clothes and general fashion glitz.

London Fashion Week puts London and British fashion firmly on the global stage; it is estimated that orders of over £100m are placed during LFW each season. Over 5,000 visitors attend: buyers, TV & radio crews, journalists and photographers.

The vibrant and internationally renowned London Fashion Week is always exciting and inspirational, and next month’s event will in no doubt prove to be just that once again, all housed under one roof in the neo-classical surrounds of Somerset House.

British Fashion Council co-ordinate an events schedule to help visitors experience London ‘the city’ as well as the showcase of British fashion design talents at London Fashion Week, presenting another unrivalled opportunity for both established designers and newcomers to present their Autumn/Winter 2015 Collections. A constantly buzzing key event for those who haven’t got the patience to wait until the latest fashion designs and stylish fashion trends make it into the fashion magazines.

British Fashion Council have announced the provisional schedule of designers who will be showcasing their Autumn/ Winter 2015 collections at London Fashion Week this month.

Returning to the show on schedule this season, are luxury brands including Temperley London, Jasper

Conran, House of Holland, David Koma, Julien Macdonald, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Matthew Williamson, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Burberry Prorsum, Jonathan Saunders, Osman and Pringle of Scotland.

Ten of London’s brightest emerging talents will receive sponsorship to showcase their AW15 collections at London Fashion Week from NEWGEN sponsored by TOPSHOP. Catwalk sponsorship: 1205, Ashley Williams, Marques’Almeida, Ryan Lo Presentation sponsorship: Claire Barrow, Danielle Romeril, Faustine Steinmetz, Molly Goddard* Exhibition sponsorship: Marta Jakubowski*, Sadie Williams* *New designers Since its inception in 1993, NEWGEN sponsorship has acted as a promotional launch pad for young designers, attracting media profile, orders and investment whilst offering encouragement and support for new talent.

Previous NEWGEN winners include Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berardi, Boudicca, Christopher Kane, Clements Ribeiro, David Koma, Erdem, Gareth Pugh, Holly Fulton, Jonathan Saunders, Julien Macdonald , Louise Gray, Marios Schwab, Mary Katrantzou, Matthew Williamson, Meadham Kirchhoff, Michael van der Ham, Peter Pilotto, Richard Nicoll and Sophia Kokosalaki.

The magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists’ cutting-edge collections but the media excitement that accompanies them. The allure of the show is exceptional and London Fashion Week continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe.

THE DETAILS For more information about London Fashion Week at Somerset House, including up-to-date schedules, news, video and much more go to www.londonfashionweek.co.uk ••••• Follow on Twitter @LondonFashionWk and join the conversation #LFW UA AR R Y 2 20 01 15 5 6382 FFEEBBRRU

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EVENTS

26th February to 1st March 2015

A

LONDON FASHION WEEKEND

s London Fashion Week comes to a close, Vodafone London Fashion Weekend, the UK’s most renowned biannual luxury fashion event, is set to return to Somerset House for four action packed days of shopping, shows and talks.

The British Fashion Council which organises both London Fashion Week and Vodafone London Fashion Weekend is thrilled to announce that SIBLING and Jean Pierre Braganza will be making their debut at this season’s Designer Catwalk Shows, alongside Fyodor Golan which will return after its highly anticipated debut last season. With prestigious British names, yet to be announced these highly anticipated, exclusive shows give ticket holders the chance to experience fashion straight from the front row.

In addition to the Designer Catwalk Shows, Vodafone London Fashion Weekend is delighted to confirm that The Outnet.com will be returning to host a series of Trend

Vodafone Laondon Fashion Weekend is a chance for visitors to celebrate and embrace the UK’s vibrant fashion industry. It’s an absolutely unique experience - from picking up tips from industry experts, watching shows inside the iconic London Fashion Week tent, browsing some of Britain’s most coveted fashion talents, to investing in fashion’s future collectables, it’s a weekend not to be missed.

CAROLINE RUSH, CEO, BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL

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Catwalk Shows. Visitors will see The Outnet.com drawing on its style credentials as the team highlights new-season trends and gives expert advice on everyday styling.

Guests at Vodafone London Fashion Weekend will have the opportunity to shop exclusive product and one-off designer collaborations from some of the best and brightest names in the industry giving them the opportunity to buy everything from clothing, accessories, jewellery to makeup at fashion-insider prices.

This season’s roster also features a packed schedule of Industry Talks hosted by some of the UK’s leading fashion experts, offering guests exclusive behind-thescenes industry knowledge.

To add to the experience this season’s official tote bag has been designed by Pringle of Scotland, which as part of its 200th anniversary in 2015, will bring its quintessential British style to the limited-edition show bag.

THE DETAILS Advance tickets start from £20 and are available via www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk Vodafone London Fashion Weekend is organised by the British Fashion Council and marketed by SME London Ltd Twitter: @LFWEnd Hashtag: #LFWend

EVENTS

Matthew Williamson

6 th Februa to 1 st M ry a 2015 y

Afternoon Tea at Balthazar

Balthazar celebrates its second anniversary this month and in its two years in Covent Garden, it has established its reputation as a firm favourite amongst London’s fashion fraternity and tastemakers.

I

n celebration of this anniversary, Balthazar has collaborated with renowned British fashion designer Matthew Williamson to create an afternoon tea. Working with the Balthazar pastry chefs, Williamson has created an offering inspired by his latest Spring/Summer 2015 collection.

Matthew Williamson’s collection references the relaxed glamour, reminiscent of David Bailey’s shots of Marie Helvin in his book, Chasing Rainbows and has inspired the selection of pastries, and exclusive cocktail designed by Matthew Williamson.

Available from 3pm to 5pm every day (including weekends), the afternoon tea at Balthazar is a feast of perennial favourites like cucumber, smoked salmon and egg mayonnaise sandwiches, hand-crafted cakes, freshly-baked Irish buttermilk scones, Postcard teas and herbal infusions (a fully gluten-free version of this tea is also available).

The Matthew Williamson Afternoon Tea at Balthazar is available from 6th February, through London Fashion Week and until 1st May 2015.

Brian Silva, legendary Bar Manager at Balthazar, has also been brought into the creative fold. Wanting to incorporate the floral elements and soft coral and pink colours seen in the designers collection, he and Matthew have come up with Chasing Rainbows, a refreshing mixture of Pinky vodka, Lillet Blanc, yellow Chartreuse, crystallised rose petals and brut Champagne which will be available in the tea and on the bars cocktail menu.

Matthew Williamson comments “I was honoured to be invited to help celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Balthazar. I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest many times and love its convivial and fun atmosphere. Afternoon tea is a distinctly British tradition so I am delighted to be given the opportunity to put my unique spin on it.”

THE DETAILS Address 4-6 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ www.balthazarlondon.com For reservations, call 020 3301 1155

3 6 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

EVENTS

CHLOÉ DEBUTS AT M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L H Y D E PA R K

C

apitalising on its position in London’s most fashionable district, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, is delighted to announce an exclusive partnership with French high end luxury Maison Chloé, as the Spring/Summer 2015 collections arrive in stores, commencing Thursday 12th February 2015.

In celebration of London Fashion Week, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering guests a special package in luxurious accommodation, with the opportunity to own the Drew ahead of London Fashion Week and experience a limited edition Chloé afternoon tea at The Rosebery with Chloé Fizz champagne cocktails.

THE CHLOÉ DEBUTS PACKAGE STARTS AT £1,568 AND INCLUDES One night’s accommodation for two in a Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping views of the UK’s fashion capital À la carte breakfast for two people over looking Hyde Park Personalised service at Chloé on Sloane Street to receive Chloé’s ‘Drew’ bag Chloé Love Story perfume Chloé-inspired afternoon tea for two people in the enchanting tea room, The Rosebery For an aficionado experience in February 2015, guests visiting The Rosebery for a limited edition Chloé-inspired

3 8 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

afternoon tea and a Chloé Fizz cocktail will be able to view a mannequin showcasing the fashion collection in the Lobby of the hotel and two vetrines displaying the Drew bag in a variety of different colours and patterns in The Rosebery.

The Drew bag is a delicate, modern saddlebag with round, sculpted lines, it features an elegant turn lock system, in perfect harmony with its knotted fob chain and horseshoe pivots. Available in three sizes, this cross–body style offers an effortless transition from daytime to evening, with crisp raw edging on sumptuous materials.

Tempting guests with a limited edition afternoon tea and Champagne cocktail, exclusive purchase of the Drew bag in the flagship store on Sloane Street and one night’s luxurious accommodation, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s partnership with Chloé is nothing short of pure indulgence.

The package is valid from Thursday 12th February 2015 to Monday 9th March 2015.

Reservations are subject to availability, inclusive of VAT at 20% and 5% discretionary service charge, subject to availability.

THE DETAILS Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on 0207 201 3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london

EVENTS

Ultra-luxury hotel Rosewood London launches

SLOW FOOD & LIVING MARKET

O

n Sunday 1st March, Rosewood London will launch its weekly ‘Slow Food & Living Market’ in the serenity of the hotel’s grand inner courtyard. Newly appointed Executive Chef, Amandine Chaignot, will be at the helm of the Slow (Sustainable, Local, Organic and Wholesome) Food & Living Market, which will recreate the traditional marketplace shopping experience in Holborn and celebrate good, clean and fair produce from local growers and artisans.

The weekly market, open every Sunday come rain or shine from 10.30am – 3pm, will be the only dedicated Slow Food & Living Market in London and will feature over 30 different Slow Food and Living merchants carefully selected for their exceptional quality.

The Slow Food & Living Market will provide guests and London residents with a unique local shopping experience and place to meet with family, friends and neighbours. The aim of the market is to foster a sense of community and respect for each vendor’s history and individual story and to revive the traditional, vibrant marketplace culture where urban consumers are

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reconnected with rural farmers and artisans to celebrate bountiful and wholesome produce.

Amandine Chaignot, inspired by the ethos and passion the merchants invest in harvesting their produce, says ‘It’s impossible to not be excited by all the fresh and fabulous ingredients on offer – I am already planning new menus and interesting ways to incorporate them into Rosewood London’s culinary offerings at Holborn Dining Room, Scarfes Bar and the Mirror Room.’

Slow Food refers to regional, fresh, in-season produce which has been thoughtfully harvested, using responsible growing practices taking into consideration people and planet. The fish is wild and responsibly caught, the meat is pasture-raised and the eggs and dairy are free of GMOs, hormones and antibiotics.

THE DETAILS Rosewood London 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN www.rosewoodhotels.com

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EVENTS

MATILDA THE MUSICAL

C

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANUEL HARLAN

apturing the imagination of young and old alike, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is still playing to packed houses at the Cambridge Theatre in London. Seen by over 1.5million people since it transferred to the West End in October 2011, the production was commissioned by the RSC and played to sold-out audiences at the RSC’s The Courtyard Theatre in Stratfordupon-Avon for twelve weeks from November 2010 to January 2011. In 2014 Matilda The Musical celebrated its 1000th performance in London.

Tickets are now on sale until 20 December 2015.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical is the captivating musical masterpiece written by playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin, and direction by Matthew Warchus.

The multi-award-winning production revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dares to change her destiny. During 2015, the London and Broadway productions of Matilda The Musical will be joined by the US tour opening in Los Angeles at the end of May and the Australian premiere in Sydney this August.

Matilda Shapland, Violet Tucker, Tasha Chapple and Lottie Sicilia all currently share the title role of Matilda in London. The four girls are joined by Craige Els who stepped into the girdle of Miss Trunchbull in September 2014. Miss Honey is played by Haley Flaherty, Mr Wormwood is played by James Clyde and Mrs Wormwood is played by Kay Murphy.

Matilda The Musical has now received a total of 50 awards in Stratford-upon-Avon, London and New York. Sweeping the board at the 2012 Laurence Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking seven awards – the most awards won by a single show at the time - Matilda The Musical has gone on to take Broadway by storm, winning four Tony Awards® and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for each of the four girls sharing the title role. The New York production of Matilda The Musical opened in March 2013 at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre and the Australian premiere will take place at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in August 2015.

As Matilda The Musical continues to delight new audiences worldwide, now is the perfect time to book and see the original production, right in the heart of London’s West End.

THE DETAILS www.matildathemusical.com Box office: 0844 412 4652 (No booking fee) 4 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

FEATURE

THE

With the addition of these two new suites, The Ritz London will now boast 136 magnificent rooms.

PICCADILLY SUITE The new executive suite is priced from £1,200; The Piccadilly Suite is priced from £1,500 and the two bedroom Signature Piccadilly Suite is from £2,600 (inclusive of VAT) per night and the suites are fully equipped with additional amenities such as: H igh-tech curved TVs with over 800 channels including Sky TV and Sky Sports B ose Wave radio and CD player M ulti-socket plugs to cater for UK/US/Australian/ European plugs and two USB sockets C omplimentary Wi-Fi C omplimentary daily newspaper

THE RITZ LONDON L

UNVEILS TWO NEW SUITES

ondon landmark at 150 Piccadilly, situated in its iconic location between the vibrant metropolitan areas of Mayfair and St. James’s, The Ritz London provides the ultimate destination to enjoy the quintessential British experience to enjoy everything that London has to offer. In January 2015, The Ritz London will open two new suites; The Piccadilly Suite (806 sq ft) and an executive suite (510 sq ft). These two new suites are located within the privacy of the seventh floor.

The Piccadilly Suite overlooks Piccadilly towards The Royal Academy and has exceptional views of Big Ben. When connected the two suites become a two bedroom Signature Suite (1,317 sq ft) offering guests the option to create a spacious private apartment at one of the most exclusive addresses in London. Stephen Boxall, Managing Director of The Ritz London, commented, “These stunning new suites will offer our guests something a little more contemporary whilst retaining the opulence and signature style that The Ritz London is renowned for.”

The design of the two new suites exudes opulence and modernity, and offers a welcoming and homely feel. These highly anticipated suites are the only ones to feature a signature silver leaf design, instead of the classic gold leaf used throughout the rest of the hotel. The suites feature custom designed carpets, bespoke polished furniture, antique furnishings, relaxing coving lighting in the bedrooms and artwork in keeping with the rest of the hotel.

The Piccadilly Suite also features an exclusively designed stained glass window and an enormous walk-in wardrobe, a luxury offered previously by only one other suite in the hotel.

The bathrooms feature large walk in rain showers, double basins and are designed with stunning Norwegian Rose and Calacatta Vagil Oro marble. In addition to this, the suites are the first in the hotel to have underfloor heating in the bathrooms. Guests who

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book the two bedroom Signature Piccadilly Suite receive a variety of complimentary services which include pre arrival preferences, an airport transfer in The Ritz iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom, the attentive service of a Ritz butler, in suite check-in, the serving of in room dining and valet services.

Children under the age of 16 receive the benefits of the exclusive kidz@theritz programme which includes special welcome gifts, in room games consoles, a selection of ageappropriate children’s books and DVDs, special treats at evening turndown and complimentary ice cream in The Palm Court or The Ritz Restaurant. Children can stay in their parents’ suite on a complimentary basis (subject to the suite category) and The Ritz guarantee interconnecting rooms at the time of booking.

ABOUT THE RITZ LONDON For over a century, The Ritz has been the benchmark by which other hotels are measured. Perfectly located in a landmark position in the heart of London’s West End, the iconic hotel has long been the hotel of choice for Royalty and aristocracy, dignitaries and countless other discerning guests. The hotel retains the luxurious Louis XVI style interiors, meticulous service and the exquisite bar and restaurants for which The Ritz name is synonymous. The Ritz is a privately British owned hotel with a ratio of two staff to every guest room, guaranteeing the highest levels of personal service. The Ritz is the only hotel to have been awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales for Banqueting and Catering Services.

THE DETAILS For more details, and to make a reservation, please visit www.theritzlondon.com The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR

HHHHH

‘HILARIOUS, MOVING & MAGICAL’ DA I LY T E L E G R A P H

MATILDATHEMUSICAL.COM | 0844 412 4652 CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, LONDON WC2H 9HU

Royal Albert H all

EVENTS

26 th Febru - 15 th Marary ch 2015

MADAM BUTTERFLY ‘The envy of any opera house anywhere’

N

o opera can match the tragedy and sorrow of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. Set in Japan at the turn of the century, this tale of the doomed love of an American naval lieutenant and his young Japanese bride inspired Puccini to write some of his most sublime and beautiful music.

The differences in attitudes and styles of East and West are skilfully woven together in Puccini’s ravishing score – a score which has become one of the most loved opera scores of all time with such loved pieces as Madam Butterfly’s opening number Ancora un passo (“One step more”). The magnificent love duet which closes the first act and Butterfly’s celebrated solo ‘One Fine Day’, in which she shows her unwavering belief that Pinkerton will return to her, are just two of the greatest moments.

And when, after several years, Pinkerton eventually returns with his American wife, Butterfly realises she has been betrayed and the opera moves to its powerful and tragic conclusion.

Since its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in February 1998, this truly sensational production of Puccini’s tragic masterpiece has left an indelible impression on the hearts and minds of over four hundred thousand people, receiving the highest critical acclaim wherever it has been performed.

By huge popular demand this unique and spectacular ‘in the round’ staging of Madam Butterfly now returns to London for a limited period only and will be performed between 28 February to 15 March.

Once more, the arena floor of the Royal Albert Hall will be flooded with water to create David Roger’s stunning design where Madam Butterfly’s house is perched on stilts

above the shimmering surface of a traditional Japanese water garden. This exquisite design is at the heart of the production and will not fail to impress!

The role of Madam Butterfly is one of “Enchanting, the most celebrated roles in the operatic emotionally canon and has previously been performed charged by such stellar names as Maria Callas. production is In this production, the title role revelation” a will be performed be shared Daily Mail by international opera stars will be shared by NamYoung Kim, Hyeseoung Kwon and Myung-Joo Lee. They will perform opposite Jeffrey Gwaltney, James Edwards and Mario Sofroniou in the role of American naval lieutenant, Pinkerton. Sabina Kim, Catherine Hopper and Marcia Bellamy, and will play Suzuki, with David Kempster, Wyn Pencarreg and James Cleverton as Sharpless.

The role of The Bonze will be played by Michael Druiett. Julius Ahn will play Goro with Seungwook Seong as Yamadori, Lise Christensen as Kate Pinkerton, Freddie Tong as Imperial Commissioner and Richard Suart as the Registrar.

The opera will be sung in English, using the acclaimed translation by Amanda Holden. The production is directed by acclaimed opera director David Freeman, who specialises in impressive large scale operatic productions.The cast will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Oliver Gooch.

THE DETAILS To book call the Royal Albert Hall Box Office on 020 7838 3100 or visit royalalberthall.com

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FEATURE

Berkeley Street becomes the restaurant hotspot in London

T

he A-listers and hottest celebrities are heading to Mayfair’s Berkeley Street area to dine out as it becomes London’s most sought-after restaurant location, according to research.

Rents in the area have soared by 67 per cent in the past five years as would-be restaurateurs from around the world jostle for space, property consultant Colliers International said. Dining room rents have increased to £125 per square foot, up from £75 in 2009.

This far outstrips the price paid in Marylebone, home to celebrity magnet Chiltern Firehouse where rents are £90 per square foot.

The shortage of available buildings in Mayfair is such that developers are also paying millions in “key money” an extra payment to the landlord, to secure prized leases.

The Berkeley Street area is home to restaurants including Nobu and Novikov with a string of new openings in the past year.

Dan Taylor, head of retail leasing at Colliers, said: “The internationalisation of eating and drinking in London has been extraordinary.

“We have seen a continued influx of new

4 8 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

brands from continental Europe, Russia, America, the Middle East and right across Asia encompassing every type of offer, from street food to fine dining.”

Japanese restaurant Nobu is a favourite with celebrities including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nicole Scherzinger and Princess Beatrice although it lost its Michelin star last year.

Novikov, which blends Asian food upstairs with Italian downstairs, has attracted stars including Rihanna, Rita Ora and Myleene Klass.

Richard Caring’s Caprice Holdings beat competition from 17 other operators to secure the former NatWest bank building on Berkeley Square, paying a rent of £1.1 million.

Other recent openings in the area include The Beaumont Hotel, which features a room inside a sculpture created by Angel of the North designer Antony Gormley, and the first London outpost of the Bocconcino Pizzeria concept.

The area is as hot for first-class restaurants as Bond Street is for fashion and jewellery boutiques.

Only Covent Garden and Leicester Square can extract more cash from tenants but Mayfair has seen by far the strongest growth since 2009.

MB'15 140x215_Layout 1 22/01/2015 15:26 Page 1

THE EAGERLY AWAITED RETURN OF THE SPECTACULAR ‘IN-THE-ROUND’ PRODUCTION STAGED IN AN ENCHANTING JAPANESE WATER GARDEN RAYMOND GUBBAY and the ROYAL ALBERT HALL present

‘staged with amazing style . . . ravishingly designed’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘remarkable . . . spectacular, epic staging’ EVENING STANDARD

ROYAL ALBERT HALL 26 February - 15 March Box Office 020

7838 3100

Book online royalalberthall.com

FEATURE

MICHELIN GUIDE GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND 2015

The Michelin Guide has announced the winners in the 2015 star ratings. The Michelin guide is the Oscars of the foodie world, with stars being dished out to UK restaurants after extensive inspections, & has the power to make or break a restaurant as the ‘Michelin stars’ accolade is gifted or taken away.

T

he Michelin Guide 2015 also reflects our changing dining habits. “In the last year we’ve seen the rise of relaxed counter dining but also the opening of some big brasseries” said Michelin guide editor Rebecca Burr. “Dining is becoming a less structured, less formal affair reflecting the way we live our lives. London in particular has never offered so much choice - there really is something for everyone and for every occasion, with a number of exciting new

restaurant openings. It’s no surprise that the capital is one of the most exciting cities in the world for food.”

Several of the London restaurants gaining Michelin stars are in their first year of trading: Jason Atherton’s City Social, Simon Rogan’s Fera at Claridge’s and Karam Sethi’s Gymkhana. City Social is the third of Jason Atherton’s Social establishments to gain a Michelin star, following Pollen Street Social and Social Eating House.

BARRAFINA, SOHO

1 MICHELIN STAR

THE CLOVE CLUB, SHOREDITCH 1 MICHELIN STAR

CITY SOCIAL,THE CITY

1 MICHELIN STAR

FERA, MAYFAIR

Who’s the chef? Nieves Barragan Mohacho Why it’s rated:There’s an enormous amount of love for the original Barrafina, even with all the excitement for their new restaurant.The most egalitarian of establishments, you turn up and you wait in the (always long) queue for a place up at the counter. But the daily changing menu is always worth it.

Who’s the chef? Paul Walsh Why it’s rated: Jason Atherton brought in the former sous chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road to head up the kitchen on the 24th floor of Tower 42.Yet another London restaurant that puts paid to the lie that high rise restaurant are just about the view and not the food. Walsh’s cooking was a little too polished for some, but his strawberry souffle is worth going for alone.

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Who’s the chef? Isaac McHale Why it’s rated: Following last year’s guide, there was general agreement that the biggest omission by far was The Clove Club.

Thankfully, this year Michelin have seen to rectify this mistake following a year when, by all accounts, the restaurant has been going from strength to strength.

1 MICHELIN STAR

Who’s the chef? Simon Rogan is the main man here and shares the kitchen with executive chef Dan Cox Why it’s rated: All eyes were on whoever was going to follow Gordon Ramsay into this grande dame of London hotels. Rogan may have stripped away some of the more formal aspects of dining here, but his rigorous approach to ingredients informs the menu making this one of London’s must-try restaurants.

GYMKHANA, MAYFAIR

1 MICHELIN STAR

KITCHEN TABLE, FITZROVIA

1 MICHELIN STAR

Who’s the chef? Chef-patron Karam Sethi Why it’s rated: This topped many a “best restaurant” last year and was a clear winner in our own readers’ award and also was also the best-reviewed in 2013. So in many ways it’s the least surprising addition to the list this year. Karam Sethi already had a start under his belt with Trishna and he cemented his success with this modern Indian restaurant.

Who’s the chef? James Knappett Why it’s rated: This was a game-changer when it opened at the back of Bubbledogs. Run by James in the kitchen and his wife Sandia front of house and head sommelier, there are just 19 seats, all up at the counter, watching food being made in front of you. A deserved winner of a new star.

FEATURE

Literary Gems at your

fingertips

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he buying and selling of rare and antiquarian books is a trade that has existed for centuries, almost since the first books were published.

And whether it be the desire to collect or deal in modern first editions, travel or literature; the trade offers something for collectors and dealers alike.

Rare and collectible books are found in a variety of places, sometimes tucked away and forgotten about in a family for decades or even centuries. Recently a Chelsea resident was looking to sell some books her husband had bought from a library sale many years before. Inside one of the books was a handwritten letter which was at first barely decipherable but on further inspection turned out to be a long lost first-hand account of the young tragic, 18th century romantic poet Thomas Chatterton. It had been written by a contemporary writer and colleague of Dr Samuel Johnson.

As a result of the subsequent sale at auction the letter returned to Chatterton’s ancestral home in Bristol.

The Chatterton discovery was made by Simon Nuckley. Developing a love for antiquarian books, Simon began his career at Oxfam Books, Bloomsbury before working at Shapero Rare Books in Mayfair. He has recently joined the book department at Chiswick Auctions, working with Nicholas Worskett who previously worked in the book department at Christies for 17 years.

Chiswick Auctions hold a sale of Books, Manuscripts and Maps every two months, which is always popular and well attended.

In the January book sale and four previous sales they were proud to present books from the collection of the

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late Hans Fellner who was a prolific London bookseller in the mid/late twentieth century. Fellner’s collection yielded some fascinating gems, from very rare unrecorded 18th century novels, and an original copy of Bradshaw’s railway timetable, to a collection of Chinese Punch periodicals that sold for £3600.

Gems from other previous sales include a first English edition of MACHIAVELLI’s The Prince, from 1640 which sold for £12,500.

Nicholas and Simon are always looking out for interesting and collectible items, whether it be a single book or a complete library, and they’re happy to be on hand to value your items whether it be for probate or books you just no longer have room for.

Particular good performers include antiquarian travel literature and books with interesting, curious and beautiful engravings. Where possible they look for complete sets of a work as this is more saleable than individual volumes.

For first edition novels it is important for the book to have its dust jacket and be in good condition. Condition is always key, although if a work is very rare it may be less so, but it does always help...

THE DETAILS Please feel free to get in touch by email or telephone if you would like a free valuation.The next specialist Books sale takes place on 25th March at 1pm, and we are open for consignments.

020 8992 4442 nicholas@chiswickauctions.co.uk simon@chiswickauctions.co.uk

www.chiswickauctions.co.uk

viewings every Sunday & Monday bid in person or online

Sale of Books, Manuscripts & Maps Wednesday 25th March at 1pm

Free valuations, consignments welcome all year, from single items to complete libraries 1 Colville Road (off Bollo Lane) London W3 8BL 020 8992 4442 chiswickauctions.co.uk

auction day

free valuations

bring this ad with you for a free catalogue

appointments not necessary

General sale every Tuesday from 12 noon

Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm

EVENTS

WORLD PREMIERE OF THEATRE PRODUCTION

Launch es April 2015

‘Alice’s Adventures Underground’ Les Enfants Terribles is to create Alice’s Wonderland under the streets of London

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o celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, critically-acclaimed theatre company Les Enfants Terribles is bringing Wonderland to the capital with Alice’s Adventures Underground, in an adaptation by Oliver Lansley and Anthony Spargo.

For a limited season from April 2015 and staged in the atmospheric Vaults underneath Waterloo station, Alice’s Adventures Underground will create a fully formed world that blends storytelling, live music, puppetry, circus and spectacle.

Invited down the rabbit hole in groups of 52 (based on a deck of cards), each audience member will be presented with a choice of EAT ME or DRINK ME, which will affect the way their show will unfold.

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dance pieces and live music.

Oliver Lansley, Founder and Artistic Director of Les Enfants Terribles, says: “What stands out to me when reading Alice is the desire to experience Wonderland for yourself – this is what our show offers.

This Wonderland will deliver a truly otherworldly adventure that is unique to every audience member, combining complete sensory immersion with the visual storytelling and stagecraft that remain at the heart of Les Enfants Terribles.”

SCHEDULE FOR ALICE’S ADVENTURES UNDERGROUND Previews 9th - 15th April Performances 16th April - 31st May (Tuesday - Sunday) The bar at Wonderland closes at 11pm Tuesday & Wednesday and 2am Thursday - Saturday.The bar will also host a live band Thursday - Saturday

SCHEDULE FOR THE WONDERLAND SESSIONS

WITH A CAST OF MORE THAN 30, ALICE’S ADVENTURES UNDERGROUND WILL ALSO FEATURE: Over 20 individual rooms A tea table of gigantic proportions, fit for a party of 60 An original soundtrack Three bars, including a VIP bar for premium ticket holders Plus projections and potions, a dizzying rabbit hole, a hazy Caterpillar lair, Cheshire cats, a terrifying Red Queen, a mysteriously absent Alice and enough tea to make anyone go mad

ABOUT LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES “A razor sharp theatre group”

After the show, audiences are encouraged to remain in the ‘Queen’s Garden’ bar until the small hours, with a full menu of food and drink available. The bar will form a lively part of the Wonderland world, with its own cast and installations, including a hedge maze and flamingo croquet.

To complement the show, Alice’s Adventures Underground will also host a variety of companies and speakers to present The Wonderland Sessions, a multi-art exploration of the work and performances inspired by the original book, with a different partner weekly presenting an exclusive event from inside Wonderland, with performances ranging from readings and screenings to

Founded by Artistic Director Oliver Lansley in 2001, Les Enfants Terribles has since grown to receive consistent critical acclaim, been nominated for and won top industry awards, and established a large and loyal following for its original and unique work, including The Vaudevillains, Ernest And The Pale Moon, The Terrible Infants And The Trench. The company has now built a reputation for being one of the most visually exciting British theatre companies working today, and has performed all over the world and toured extensively in the UK. For more information, visit www.lesenfantsterribles.co.uk

Monday nights: 20th & 27th April and May 4,th 11th, 18th & 25th The Vaults, Leake Street, London SE1 7NN The show is suitable for 11+.

Running time 90 minutes.

For details of ticket prices and to book, please visit www.alice-underground.com UndergroundAlice @aliceunderLDN

THE TELEGRAPH

EVENTS

LOST AND FOUND James Haddrell, Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre, celebrates the show that almost got away

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t the 2014 Edinburgh Festival, I saw almost 100 shows. That’s not unusual as I go to seek out work to bring back to Greenwich Theatre, and with the thousands of shows participating in the biggest arts festival in the world I am always worried I might miss something special – and last year I almost did. On my final day at the Festival, with a train booked back to London in the afternoon and a suitcase hidden away somewhere behind the box office to allow for a quick exit, I managed to get a lunchtime ticket to see Lost Watch Theatre Company’s KATE, playing in a small space at the back of the Pleasance Courtyard.

Produced by this award-winning young professional company, KATE is set at a unique moment in Icelandic history – a moment which dominates history lessons in Iceland but which hasn’t even made it on to the national curriculum in England.

The moment is the mass invasion of allied troops into the country in the Second World War. In 1940 the population of Iceland was 120,000, and by 1943 almost 50,000 allied soldiers had been stationed there, increasing the population by nearly half and almost outnumbering the entire male population of the country.

This show focuses on the impact of this massive influx of troops on the Icelandic people, and particularly on the women. (Directed by Icelander Agnes Þorkelsdóttir Wild and created by the all-female Lost Watch, maybe that’s no surprise). The visiting troops supported a lot of small businesses and relations between the Icelanders and the soldiers was generally good and amicable, unless you happened to have a pretty daughter who might take a fancy to man in uniform. Icelandic men were suddenly faced with competition and eventually women were restricted in their movements, with curfews and punishments being handed out if they were seen to be affiliated with soldiers.

If a women had a sexual relationship with a soldier it

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was known as “The Situation” or “ástandið” in Icelandic, and a child fathered by a soldier was a “Situation Child” – a phrase still used today for Icelanders with British or American surnames.

Lost Watch visited Iceland for research, with much of the play’s background coming from the experiences of director Agnes and her family. The show that emerged, which tells the story of a family living in Reykjavik at the time, was one of my highlights of the festival. It is run through with fragments of the Icelandic language, songs are a mixture of Icelandic folk songs and British/American war songs translated into Icelandic, drawn from the memories of people who lived through that time, and the story is inventively told and incredibly moving.

It also shows the best of what the Edinburgh Festival is all about – it shows an incredibly talented young professional company working on a level playing field with major theatre producers, given the same chance to be seen by critics, venue programmers and audiences and to make a name for themselves. On the day I saw the show it was announced that the company had won the NSDF Emerging Artist Award, for the second time. It came as little surprise to me, and with the subsequent transfer to the Pleasance Theatre London, then the announcement that the company was to be signed up by the New Diorama Theatre as part of their Emerging Companies Programme, and now a week of shows here at Greenwich Theatre, I am confident that Lost Watch is a name, and a company, that is here to stay.

THE DETAILS KATE plays at Greenwich Theatre from Wednesday 4th - Sunday 8th March Box Office 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

LOVE LOC AL FEATURE

Say ‘I do’ at Luton Hoo

Two stunning wedding venues in one beautiful setting

S

teeped in romance, glamour and history - and the location for films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral - Luton Hoo is an outstanding destination for weddings and receptions. Nestled in 1,065 acres of rolling parkland, manicured lawns and fragrant gardens, and with a choice of unique venues that cater for weddings large and small, it has all the ingredients to ensure you have the best day of your life.

StyliSh SettingS

The 18th century Mansion House is one of the most impressive wedding venues in the region.

Set at the end of a sweeping drive, it combines the grandeur of a bygone era with the luxurious facilities of a modern five-star hotel.

Luton Hoo was originally built as a magnificent private house and has a romantic royal pedigree. Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh celebrated their wedding anniversaries at Luton Hoo in the early years of their marriage and some of the lavish rooms they stayed in now form part of the Queen’s Suite.

Whether it’s an intimate gathering for family and friends or a grand wedding party for 300 guests, there are venues to suit every type of celebration. These include an ornate former Orthodox Russian chapel and the Grinling Gibbons room, with wood carvings by the famous English sculptor.

For a completely different atmosphere Warren Weir is Luton Hoo’s superb purpose-built wedding venue that is available for exclusive use. Set amidst woodland and water meadows, it provides a secluded and private setting.

The contemporary venue has five function suites licensed for civil ceremonies, 84 bedrooms, a swimming pool and snooker room.

Wedding parties can also use all the facilities at Luton Hoo, including the golf ExclUsivE course and spa.

REAdER offER Readers of Life Magazines booking one of Luton Hoo Hotel’s Wedding Packages will receive a complimentary ‘Relax and Unwind Spa Day’ for 2.

Booking must be made and deposit paid by 30th June 2015.

RA UA R Y22001155 1568 JFAENBU RY

Wedding packageS

Luton Hoo has a dedicated team of wedding planners who are always on hand to help with every aspect of the preparations and understand that every wedding is unique and no two celebrations are the same.

In addition to totally bespoke and tailor-made weddings, the Mansion House and Warren Weir offer a range of inclusive packages covering everything needed for a truly memorable day. They include a choice of ceremony room, fresh flower arrangements, the services of a toastmaster, red carpet Champagne reception, three-course wedding breakfast with wine, Champagne for the toast, a suite for the bride and groom’s wedding night and much more.

When it comes to saying ‘I do’ there really is nowhere else like Luton Hoo Hotel.

THE DETAILS For further information, to download a copy of the wedding brochure or book an appointment with the dedicated wedding team visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk or call 01582 734437.

EVENTS

Quintessentially Weddings Atelie r Somerset House , Strand 10th-11th April 2015

The Ultimate Luxury Bridal Experience

Q

uintessentially Weddings, the world’s most exclusive wedding planning service, has announced the return of its wedding showcase, the Atelier, this Spring.

The ultimate wedding emporium and a highlight of this year’s bridal calendar, the Atelier will offer Brides and Grooms the chance to experience the very finest wedding artisans together under one roof.

Step inside this unrivalled wedding destination for exclusive access to Quintessentially Weddings’ couture black book, from the finest designers and florists, to jewellers, photographers and craftsmen.

Combining finesse and impeccable taste with the finest craftsmanship, the Atelier promises to be the ultimate destination for distinguished brides and grooms, helping them to plan and curate their fairytale wedding.

Those confirmed to be showcasing include the prestigious La Perla and Chanel Beauty.

THE DETAILS Brides can register their Interest online at www.quintessentiallyweddings.com/atelier for one of 500 exclusive tickets to the show.

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EE FR Sponsored by

EN Y TR

Wedding Shows

by DINO Events

Photo & Video Booth Rental

Catwalk Fashion Shows, 40 Top Suppliers, Live Entertainment Marriott Regents Park 128 King Henry’s Road, London, NW3 3ST

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Sunday 8th March 2015 10:30am - 4pm

Sunday 10th May 2015 10:30am - 4pm

Register for free show entry at

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FEATURE

GENTLEMEN’S GROOMING AT T H E B U L G A R I S PA , L O N D O N

T

he Spa at Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London is delighted to introduce Gentlemen’s Grooming, providing a collection of treatments, products and experiences for discerning gentlemen to enjoy a grooming experience in discreet and comfortable surroundings.

A specially curated menu of treatments dedicated to the modern man has been compiled to include shaving and barbering alongside treatments for the face and body. The private room dedicated to Gentlemen’s Grooming allows guests to feel comfortable and relaxed whilst experts are on hand to advise regarding male grooming routines, ensuring guests look and feel their best.

The Gentlemen’s Signature experience combines men’s grooming with relaxation and pure pleasure. This signature luxury journey begins with a hair trim and styling, and finishes with a wet shave and the Barber’s expert advice to

and begin with a detailed consultation and in-depth skin analysis, using cutting edge technology to identify skin conditions not visible to the naked eye. The deep cleansing and purifying Swiss Perfection Men’s Skin Cleanse treatment is specific to men’s skin and is designed to soothe, purify and eliminate fatigue and promote a calm, fresh and youthful appearance. Tailored to ensure optimum skin rejuvenation for all ages, the treatment lasts 80-minutes and is priced at £550.

The full body Renew & Revive experience starts with an all over body cleanse and exfoliation to eliminate dead skin cells, followed by a body envelopment and finishing with a relaxing massage with melting scalp treatment - 120 minutes and priced at £260.

The 50-minute Gentleman’s Manicure includes a forearm muscle release and is priced at £50. A full range of maintenance treatments is also available, including waxing.

An unrivalled collection of treatments for the discerning gentlemen maintain hair and scalp. From the spa, guests will then be taken to the internationally renowned and multi awardwinning Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop and Sampling Lounge to experience a truly exceptional cigar along with a drink, expertly paired by the cigar sommelier. The Gentlemen’s Signature lasts 2.5 hours and is priced at £220. The dedicated menu incorporates Shaving & Barbering, Hair & Scalp, Face, Body along with Hand & Feet and Maintenance.

Highlights include the Ultimate Barber Experience, which combines a haircut, wash, style, luxury wet shave, mini facial and scalp massage, lasting 90 minutes and priced at £150. The 20-minute Gentlemen’s Hair and Scalp Treatment is a unique and truly relaxing conditioning treatment using mineral Red Clay, suitable for all hair types and priced at £55.

All male facials are specifically tailored to each guest

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Tel: 020 7151 1055 or email: london-spa@bulgarihotels.com THE BULGARI SPA Arranged over two levels of the Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London and measuring an impressive 2,000m², the Bulgari Spa is one of the largest and most exclusive urban retreats in the city centre. Complete with 11 individual treatment rooms, private spa suite for two, 25m swimming pool lined with shimmering green and gold mosaic tiles and gold leaf tiled vitality pool; the spa inspires complete relaxation and escapism from the busy world of Knightsbridge. As well as boasting state of the art facilities, the spa offers guests unique and effective treatments designed exclusively for Bulgari. www.bulgarihotels.com/london

PROPERTY

Britain’s most expensive one-bed flat goes on sale in Knightsbridge... for £10million

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t has now been put on the market for £9.9 million.

It works out at £6,300 per square foot and is £4.3 million more than the next most expensive onebedroom property in the capital. And while large properties have sold for this £ per sq/ft price before, figures from LonRes, which tracks the property market, has a top one-bedroom price of £5,035 per sq/ft.

One Hyde Park was designed by Richard Rogers at Rogers, Stirk, Harbour and Partners. It opened in 2009 and is made up of 86 apartments with the interior designed by Candy and Candy., There will be no room for guests at the property, which is regarded as the finest one-bedroom home in the world’s priciest apartment block. The lower level of the duplex apartment is the sleeping area and boasts a huge double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Upstairs is for socialising, with the area dominated by an openplan living and dining room. There is also a separate toilet. The kitchen, which measures a modest 12’11 x 8’10, takes up around £700,000 of space - the same amount as a large family home in most cities.

Residents get 24-hour SAS-trained security, an in-house maid service, same day laundry and dry cleaning, room service from the Mandarin hotel and a private temperature controlled wine store.

The development also has ‘unmatched leisure and

entertainment facilities’ which includes a private spa, 21-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, squash court and cinema.

Simon Barnes, an independent property consultant, has been inside One Hyde Park and deals in the superprime market. He said: ‘It is an amazing place and it is not like buying a one-bedroom flat. It is a very modern, high quality build, you have the Mandarin next door and the ultimate concierge. ‘The sort of person who will look at it is likely to be the sort of person who spends a lot of time in a hotel. But for £10 million you could get quite a few nights in the finest hotel suite.

‘The bar in residential development keeps being raised.

What you lack in London are the locations to build on, which is why they can charge such a price at One Hyde Park. Will the quality of developments improve?

Yes, but it is highly unlikely you find a better location.”

The duplex apartment is on the market with Strutt & Parker’s Knightsbridge office and also benefits from an underground parking space. James Gilbert-Green, a partner at the estate agency, said: ‘One Hyde Park is commonly regarded as the best new residential building in London, if not the world.’

The most expensive apartment to sell in One Hyde Park was a penthouse, which was bought for £140 million last year.

The luxury flat at One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge has been dubbed the ultimate ‘pied-a-terre’ and is so expensive that a simple waste bin takes up £6,300 worth of space.

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53

Uphill Road

In one of North London’s most desirable locations stands this magnificent home built with passion, tradition and pride to the highest possible specification.

London NW7

At Excelsior, we pride ourselves not only in the elegance and character of our buildings, but also on providing excellent craftsmanship and traditional construction. Our attention to detail and use of only the finest quality natural materials is the hallmark of Excelsior Homes.

www.53uphillroad.co.uk

Excelsior Homes.™ No compromises.

For all enquiries contact sole agent:

Excelsior have one pure and simple vision; to bring the very best residential developments to the most prestigious locations.

AWARDS Excelsior is proud to have received numerous awards which reflect their commitment, success and quality in the key areas of the business.

NEW HOME GARDEN AWARDS 2013 Gold Award (Best Landscaped Urban Development) 2013 Gold Award (Best Garden Family Home) 2013 Gold Award (Best Showhouse Garden)

WHAT HOUSE 2008 Bronze Award (Best Interior Layout) PREMIER GUARANTEE 2012 Building Excellence Award for 53 Uphill Road

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ffering every home buyer access to quality once reserved for the few. Their elegant designs and uncompromising choices of materials result in a quality you can see and feel. Their Slogan “Excelsior Homes No Compromises” means exactly what it says.

The team at Excelsior Homes believe in working with pride, passion and dedication. This is evident at their latest development “53 Uphill Road” consisting of five magnificent houses set in secluded gardens behind electric gates on Mill Hill's premier road. No other location in NW7 holds greater prestige.

From the moment you drive into the private road the commitment to detail and specification are wholly apparent.

At the entrance you are greeted by magnificent stone piers.

The gated road passes through beautiful landscaping and leads you to a grand oak tree that illuminates at dusk with artificial moon light. All the exterior lighting for the gardens, columns and the road are designed and supplied by the lighting specialists John Cullen. The development also has the benefit of CCTV for added security.

Excelsior Homes have spent thousands of man hours designing the myriad of features within the houses. All homes have under floor heating and comfort cooling. The latter is ducted through architectural slits either in the cornice or in the case of the study and kitchen through the coffered ceilings which are constructed using traditional Plaster of Paris.

The houses also boast exquisite English handmade kitchens, doors, wardrobes and vanity units. All the stairs have stone with stair lights and luxurious carpets with runners.

Excelsior Homes continually seek to push design boundaries and set new standards, priding themselves in delivering a combination of elegant design, traditional build techniques and contemporary home comforts. With an impressive and ever growing portfolio of developments there can be no doubt Excelsior Homes demonstrate their commitment to provide quality homes that exceed all expectations.

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1 2 3 4 5

Bloomfield House Kinnerton House Thurloe House Oakley House Rathbone House

“Excelsior Homes continually seek to push design boundaries and set new standards”

PROPERTY

London penthouse goes on sale for a whopping £8.9m but...

the view is priceless “this is a fantastic apartment in one of the most vibrant locations in central London, with breathtaking views of the London skyline and river.”

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ne of London’s largest penthouses has come up for sale with a staggering £8.9million price tag, with stunning views proving its worth.

The apartment is spread across three floors and has panoramic views of London.

The four-bedroom property on the South Bank, has floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge, where you can gaze out on the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. Or if you fancy a change of scene, you’ve also got a pretty good view of the Globe Theatre, which you can take in from one of two private terraces.

The Penthouse at Benbow House boasts plenty of space – 4,600sq ft to be exact. For your millions, you get ‘an open and exceptionally bright’ reception room, family and entertainment areas, with five spacious bedrooms built into the roof of the building in a loft conversion style.

The dining room and drawing room areas have no walls to create a light, airy feel to the penthouse, with a galley kitchen - despite the lack of a wine cellar, there is a fridge specifically dedicated to keeping bottles at optimum temperatures, a galleried library overlooking the main reception and a wooden panelled study.

You also get two underground car parking spaces and there’s an onsite 24-hour concierge.

And those stunning views of London’s skyline. The South Bank area has become increasingly fashionable after decades of being considered relatively shabby compared to the City of London and the West End, on the other side of the Thames.

A spokesman for Pastor Real Estate, which is selling the penthouse, said: ‘This is a fantastic apartment in one of the most vibrant locations in central London, with breathtaking views of the London skyline and river. ‘It is very centrally located, in the heart of a unique location that offers so much and is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after locations in London. The location, space, light and parking mean that the Penthouse at Benbow House appeals to both those working in the City and the arts. It would make a stunning home or City “pied-a-terre” and is also great for entertaining in all seasons.’

The market for ultra-luxury property in London has been booming over the past few years following an influx of wealthy buyers from places such as Russia, China and the Middle East. Prices across the capital has risen by more than 10 per cent in the past year, although they are now falling slightly as the market shows signs of slowing down.

YOUR HOME COULD BE

UNDER THREAT

NEW BESPOKE HOMECARE SERVICE AVAILABLE Research shows that in recent years more than 60% of properties bought in prime areas of Central London were by people and companies from overseas. Many of these purchasers only occupy their homes for limited periods and in some cases not at all.

Did you know that in circumstances of your leaving your property unattended for more than 30 days consecutively that there is every likelihood that you will invalidate your insurance in circumstances of there being damage caused to the property by floods, fire or break-ins etc.

However, help is at hand with the launch of our new “Homecare Service”, complimenting our existing highly regarded full property management service.

Why leave your property empty and unsupervised when “Homecare” will address all of the issues:

Depending on your requirements there are three levels of service: 3 4 5

With over 25 years of providing a professional service in prime Central London we are one of the market leaders in dealing with quality property management.

We look forward to being of service to you.

All provide regular inspections of the property including the forwarding of mail etc with the 5 service providing everything including arranging chauffeur driven limousines to the airport together with checking and paying agreed bills, supervising cleaning on arrival and departure and regular maintenance. Homecare will deal with any emergency work and even provide a welcoming pack on arrival.

From £750 per annum plus VAT A small price for “PEACE OF MIND” Our management service covers blocks of flats and individual properties both houses and flats.

CONSULTANT SURVEYORS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS 8 0 D U K E S T R E E T MAYFAIR, LONDON W1K 6JG Tel : 020 7409 2233 Fax: 020 7409 2223 Email: property@michaeltims.co.uk Web: www.michaeltims.co.uk

PROPERTY KINGS ROAD ON SALE FOR £3.5 MILLION THROUGH CHESTERTONS

THE BOLTONS, CHELSEA ON SALE FOR £39.5 MILLION

LONDON PROPERTY BOOM Chelsea becomes the most popular spot for the super-rich M ore than 34 houses worth in excess of £1 million are sold every day according to new figures released by the Land Registry. The House Price Index showed that in April 2014, 1,028 houses sold for seven figures, with 214 reaching in excess of £2 million.

Chelsea has become the most desirable spot to live in London among the super-rich, as Russian oligarchs drive a billionaire property boom in west London. In April 2014, 735 homes sold in the capital for more than £1 million. Of the mansions reaching seven figures, almost 200 of them cost more than £2 million.

Over the past 12 months, there were 478 properties sold in Chelsea costing more than seven figures with 57 in excess of £5 million. According to these new figures, Chelsea is now far more desirable among oligarchs and billionaires than the traditional wealthy spots of Kensington, Mayfair and Knightsbridge.

Kensington was the second most popular destination for wealthy home buyers, with 340 sales in the area - 44 of which cost more than £5 million.

In third place was St John’s Wood, where there were 259 sales with 20 costing more than £5 million.

Making up the top six were Knightsbridge, with 145 sales (45 were £5m+), Belgravia with 140 (29 at £5m+) and Mayfair, where there were 105 sales (19 at £5m+).

7 0 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

The most expensive home sold in Chelsea was 11 Upper Phillimore Gardens, a seven bed mansion which fetched £28.5 million.

A seven bedroom home on Cottesmore Gardens, which sold for £19.75 million, was followed by 50 Chelsea Square, a six bed pad that cost its new owner £13.5 million. Between them, the buyers of these three houses ended up paying more than £4.3 million in stamp duty.

The Boltons in Chelsea, pictured, is currently on sale for £39.5 million which would cost a further £2.75 million in stamp duty for any prospective owner.

Chelsea, which is made up of six ‘hamlets’ spread across almost 3,000 acres, is home to the likes of oligarch Roman Abramovich, socialite Amanda Eliyash and rock star Mick Jagger. The borough has the largest population of American citizens outside of the USA, making up 6.53 per cent of the current population of Chelsea.This is according to research

by London estate agency Russell Simpson, which analysed statistics from LonRes. Alan Russell, from the agency, said: ”Chelsea is an area that is talked about globally. It is iconic, people from Britain and abroad aspire to live here, it has always been one of the most sought after areas in London. This has been highlighted in recent months, as Chelsea has outsold its prime Central London neighbours.”

In the capital, house prices are increasing at 15 per cent, faster than they did at the height of the last boom in late 2009, while nationwide growth is nearer five per cent.

LOVE LOC AL FEATURE

CHOOSING THE PERFECT

PLAYHOUSE

FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES – AND YOU! is entirely up to you – and your child! You can paint the interior walls in any colour you choose, from pale blue to bright red. You could even wall paper the inside of your playhouse for that real cosy, lived in feeling.

Depending on what your child, children or grandchildren plan to use the playhouse for will determine how you furnish it – it may be a castle with a princess hiding in the highest room in the tallest tower, a cowboy saloon, or somewhere to do their homework. Adding a comfy sofa or chairs will really bring the house to life, whilst a practical desk will provide ample space to study. You could even include a bed for those summer sleep overs!

With a little help from The Playhouse Company you can create the perfect playhouse that will take your child all the way from their toddler days to their teenage years.

One of its aims is to create a house that can be used for as long as possible, even becoming a “teenage hideaway”

C

hoosing a play or tree house for your children or grandchildren can be overwhelming. What size and style is best for your little ones? How will it fit into your garden and will it complement its existing design? A playhouse can also be a significant investment, so ensuring it is the right one, and is built to last, is imperative.

The Playhouse Company, a designer and builder of beautiful wooden play and tree houses, has vast experience in bringing playhouse dreams to life. The process begins with your initial idea. The Playhouse Company then uses this vision, taking into consideration the age of the children and the layout of the garden (which is either through a photograph or a site visit), to create a design.

Designs are then translated from sketches into a beautiful detailed structure. One of its aims is to create a house that can be used for as long as possible, even becoming a “teenage hideaway” in later years or incorporating garden storage making it a dual purpose playhouse.

The Playhouse Company can work with all types of gardens & any size, including those with uneven surfaces in which case it creates a sub base. It has also been asked on many occasions to incorporate existing features into the design, for example building a house around an ancient tree, along an old wall, or in a compact corner. It is the company’s bespoke service that allows you to create the perfect house for your garden as well as for your children.

What you do with your child’s play or tree house once The Playhouse Company has delivered and installed it,

UA AR R Y 2 20 01 15 5 3722 FFEEBBRRU

THE DETAILS For further information about The Playhouse Company, its ranges and services please visit www.theplayhouse.co.uk or call 01544 387 100.

TM

& let us make it happen

playhouses castles treehouses T: 01544 387100 www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY CLUB LONDON

FEBRUARY/MARCH ISSUE 3

yummymummymagazine.co.uk

THE BABY SHOW KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY STELLA MCCARTNEY KIDS SWIMWEAR GENIUS PARENTING GADGETS

Autumn Gold Cloud Q & Priam cybex-online.com

The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London

Welcome to Yummy Mummy Club, Issue 3 The Baby Show with Made for Mums, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, will be showcasing more baby and infant essentials, alongside innovative, exciting and not-on-the high street brands than ever before.

More than 200 of the best parenting brands will be exhibiting, with many using the show as a platform to launch their latest products.

The trend, adopted from America, is becoming increasingly common in Britain, with women spending an astonishing £220m attending baby showers each year. Two-thirds of expectant mums now plan a celebration with “the girls”.

Family forest

getaways

2015 Short breaks in the New Forest

Getting around London with a baby or toddler can be exhausting at the best of times but the Mamas & Papas family of five Armadillos is riding to the rescue – helping parents get from A to B without cramping their style.

Stella McCartney Kids launches first swimwear range for Spring Summer 2015 with playful themes inspired by the spirit and energy of kids today.

Last year was a record year for the UK toy market, with the industry reaching £3bn. The growth was helped by toy sales relating to Disney’s Frozen, the mini-elastic band craze Looms, and merchandising for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. London Mother’s Club is a luxury destination for savvy mamas to connect and embrace motherhood through fun and informative events.

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The Baby Show Returns!

20th-22nd February 2015, ExC eL London

T

he Baby Show with Made for Mums, the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, will be showcasing more baby and infant essentials, alongside innovative, exciting and not-on-the high street brands than ever before…

Michelle Kyles, Marketing Manager at organisers, Clarion Events, says: “The Baby Show is the market leading event for all things baby! We are very excited to be starting our 13th year with a bang at ExCeL. More than 200 of the best parenting brands will be exhibiting, with many using the show as a platform to launch their latest products. The Show is a must-attend event for new and expecting parents, and this year it will incorporate The Work & Family Show, which will be dedicated to providing expert advice, solutions and ideas for managing work and life and helping them kick start their career after having a family.”

Expert speakers will be on hand to give mums and dads advice including nutritionist and author, Annabel Karmel MBE, breast-feeding guru, Clare Byam-Cook and sleep expert Jo Tantum.

Following the success of last year’s Work + Family Show, this will now be incorporated into The Baby Show for parents interested in how to balance work and family, how to return into the workplace – with advice from CV skills and flexible working to confidence building, as well as inspirational stories from people who have done it. Those visiting The Baby Show will have free entry to The Work + Family Show exhibition, and will have the option of attending expert led insightful seminars from just £10 a ticket.

Early bird ticket prices start at just £11 on Friday and £12 on

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BABY SHOW AT Saturday and Sunday (+£2 transaction fee, ends December).

EXCEL IN LONDON WILL INCLUDE The advanced ticket price is £13.95 on Over 200 trusted brands offering visitors the chance to Friday (it is £14.95 for either the thoroughly test and try before buying Saturday or Sunday) while on Exclusive show offers and competitions from top parenting the-door tickets cost £20. brands.

Catwalk shows with all the latest fashions in maternity, Opening times: baby and toddler wear.

Friday 20th February: 9.30am – 5.30pm, A complimentary crèche where parents can drop off their Saturday 21st little ones and enjoy the show knowing they are being February: cared for.

9.30am – 5.30pm, Sunday 22nd The Baby Show Stars’ themed competition where the show’s February: cutest baby will be awarded a high end, exclusive photo shoot.

9.30am – 5.30pm.

Dedicated baby facilities ensure visitors have everything they require, including The tommee tippee feeding area where parents will be able to take advantage of heating and sterilising equipment, complimentary baby food and a For more information visit comfortable and private space for breast feeding.

Complimentary entry to The Work & Family Show exhibition. www.thebabyshow.

4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

CONTENTS Editors Letter

www.mobauk.com

3

Contents 5 The Baby Show Return!

4

Keeping Fit During Pregnancy

6

Baby Showers Boom

8

How To Bond With Your Baby

10

The Safe Way For Babies To Sleep

11

Fitness With A Baby

12

Sleep Tricks At Bedtime

14

Five Armadillos That Love London Life

16

The Genius Parenting Gadgets You Need To Know About

18

Get Fit As A Family

20

Stella Mccartney Kids Launching Swimwear Spring/Summer 2015

22

Choosing The Perfect Playhouse

26

Step Into The Ultimate Cinderella Fairytale Experience

28

A Guide To Planning Your Children’s Party...

30

Top Children’s Toys For 2015... Revealed

32

Every Child’s Dream...

34

Tips For Healthy Kids

38

Brasserie Blanc Launches Henri Le Worm Kids’ Menu

40

Health & Safety During Swimming Classes

42

School Sports Shoes From Sporting Feet

44

Something Fun And A Little Bit Different

46

Luxury Children’s Nightwear

48

Tower Powerhouses 5K Family Challenge

50

* * * * *

Safe Hygienic Strong Eco-Friendly Silent Luxury matching bedding range now available!

Made In Great Britain

YUMMY MUMMY

Keeping

fit

during pregnancy S tudies have shown that women who keep fit during pregnancy often enjoy easier, shorter and less complicated labours and also, a faster return to fitness once their baby is born.

Here are a few tips to keep you in tip top condition during pregnancy: Health and fitness benefits include Better circulation Less unnecessary weight gain Reduced swelling Less abdominal discomfort Before you begin, there are some sensible precautions to consider.

KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY 1: PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes many changes, not just visual ones...

These include: Weight gain Changing blood pressure Changing resting heart rate Increased flexibility as the hormone relaxin is released Variable levels of fatigue

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You may also experience some or all of the following conditions: Morning sickness (often disappearing after 12 weeks) Increased sweating Dizziness Nausea Hormonal mood changes Frequently, by the end of the fourth month most or all of the above symptoms subside and renewed energy levels and vitality are felt. If you have found it difficult to maintain your fitness because of the changes that your body is undergoing, by 16 weeks you often feel raring to go. Providing that you have no medical reasons why you shouldn’t exercise during pregnancy, you can follow a sensible training routine for as long as you wish.

KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY 2: GETTING STARTED IN PREGNANCY EXERCISE The key point to remember when exercising through your pregnancy is to keep all your training at a comfortable level. Particularly if you have been a regular exerciser before becoming pregnant, avoid pushing too hard. The focus should be on general fitness maintenance and well-being, rather than competition and exercising to exhaustion.

TOP TRAINING TIPS FOR KEEPING FIT DURING PREGNANCY Always keep well hydrated You may find that you sweat more so drinking more water is important.

Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing Loose clothing will help keep you cool, particularly as your shape changes.

Allow longer recoveries your levels of fatigue will alter through your pregnancy so take extra rest when you feel you need to.

Always complete a thorough warm up and cool down in your session Pregnancy affects your circulatory system so extend both your warm up and cool down to 15 minutes so that your body gradually adapts.

Protect your back at all times - The back increasingly comes under load as your baby grows, so always consider your body position, particularly if carrying out resistance training.

Avoid exercising on your back after 20 weeks After 20 weeks, the weight of the womb can cause compression of the inferior vena cava, which in turn can cause dizziness, numbness at the extremities and a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

Avoid over-stretching Joints gradually become looser as your pregnancy develops, so avoid excessive flexibility exercises that could over-stretch muscles and tendons.

Consider your energy requirements Combining exercise with pregnancy increases your calorie requirements so pay particular attention to your pre and post exercise nutrition needs.

Choose low impact rather than high impact aerobic activities To avoid excessive pounding and also damage to slacker joints, try activities such as swimming and only jog if you jogged prior to pregnancy.

Ensure your footwear is supportive and has suitable cushioning Good ankle and foot support is important, particularly in later pregnancy as joints become more lax.

Focus on correct posture and technique at all times It is important to put extra focus into your movements and posture because as your shape changes, your body is loaded in different ways. Good technique is vital to ensure a safe exercise session.

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5 7

YUMMY MUMMY

THIS CLEVERLY MOCKED-UP IMAGE IS CREATED BY CELEBRITY LOOK-ALIKE PHOTOGRAPHER ALISON JACKSON WWW.ALISONJACKSON.COM

BABY SHOWERS BOOM

T

he trend, adopted from America, is becoming increasingly common in Britain, with women spending an astonishing £220m attending baby showers each year. Two-thirds of expectant mums now plan a celebration with “the girls”.

When baby showers first caught on here, they were low-key affairs for a few close girlfriends at their pregnant friend’s home. Now the shower has become a costly social event: No wonder dozens of companies now offer baby shower gift-lists online, and there are even professional baby shower planners. The trend has doubtlessly been helped along by celeb mummies tweeting and Instagramming pics of their swanky bashes to the world.

Guests buy gifts from a compiled wish-list, this may sound lavish and materialistic but it is not unusual. The baby shower gives the mum-to-be the opportunity to be the centre of attention, with invited guests arriving laden down with designer presents.

‘Baby shower gift lists are becoming more popular and more extravagant as mums-to-be try to up the ante,’ said a consultant for Harrods’ weddings and celebrations gift list department. ‘Where mothers used to ask for small presents, such as baby clothes and toys, we had a list drawn up recently that included a £1,200 Silver Cross Balmoral Pram and a £469 Swarovski crystal-inlaid picture frame.’

John Lewis set up a baby shower gift list facility in response to public demand. It reports a 20 per cent monthon-month rise in requests for lists.

Some more generous, and less materialistic celebrity mums-to-be are seeing an opportunity not to indulge in all the expensive baby gifts, but to give to others. Shakira and Gerard Pique have taken to social media to ask their fans to donate money to UNICEF for what’s being dubbed a “World Baby Shower”.

The mega pop star and FC Barcelona defender are expecting their second child, and rather than having fans sent gifts to the couple for their newborn, the couple have asked all money be given to charity. The money given to UNICEF will go to vulnerable children and expectant mothers around the world.

Shakira says: “Now that we are soon welcoming our second child we want to help other children around the world and also contribute to a long-lasting solution for getting children living in extreme poverty the supplies they need to survive. We also want other parents to feel compelled to do the same. With the explosion of social media, celebrities aren’t the only ones who have platforms that can reach mass audiences, and we want this movement to keep going long after our baby shower has ended, so we want to invite them to host their own baby showers with Unicef as well.”

No longer just for celeb mums-to-be, some are spending £10,000 on parties for their unborn babies: no expense is being spared on today’s baby showers with professional planners, lavish venues and expensive gift lists.

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MU

MM

Y

YUMMY MUMMY

HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR BABY

Getting to know your new baby is exhilarating, daunting and different for everyone, here are some of the ways of ensuring that bonding with your baby is nothing to worry about.

KNOW WHAT YOUR BABY IS FEELING Your baby will likely spend the majority of the first 48 hours asleep, but that doesn’t mean that he or she is unaware of what’s happening. Babies are not blank slates at birth.

They come into the world with all kinds of mental abilities and predispositions, Your baby already has a surprisingly sophisticated set of senses that developed long before he or she left the womb, including the ability to differentiate between sweet, bitter and sour tastes.

Your baby’s eyesight will also be fairly well developed, though a little blurry if objects or faces are too close or too far away.

If you want your baby to see a particular object, hold it roughly 10 inches away from his or her eyes. Hearing and smell are also well developed senses, meaning your baby will be sensitive to unpleasant odours and loud or unexpected sounds, such as dog barks.

LEARN HOW TO COMFORT YOUR BABY EFFECTIVELY Once you are aware of the sensations and feelings that your baby is experiencing, it will be easier to make him or her comfortable. The most obvious comfort is you – by cradling your baby close to your chest, you will also allow them to hear the familiar sound of your heartbeat, which they will recognise from their months inside your womb.

Gentle and repeated sounds, such as the whoosh of a tumble dryer or the whirr and vibrations of a vacuum cleaner can actually be reassuring to a baby too, as can any sound 1 0 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

that rhymes with ‘hush,’ or, ‘shush’. That’s because the sound mimics what your baby hears in the womb. Try saying it into your baby’s ear, or playing a recording of waves, which also sound similar.

KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BABY Newborns sleep an average of 16 hours for the first day, often in three to four hour stretches.

It is also a good thing if your baby wants to eat regularly, in other words more than eight times in the first 24 hours.

It is likely that the colour of your baby’s poop will change from green-black to yellow during these first 48 hours. The consistency may also alter and become less sticky and more watery. Rest assured this is all part of the adjustment process.

Try to avoid giving your baby a bath for the first week. Instead, dampen a cotton wool ball or pad with cooled boiled water and gently dab their ears, eyes, neck, face, nappy area as well as the base of the umbilical cord.

Remember also that it is likely your newborn will increase in weight by one ounce each day for the first three months.

However, don’t be surprised if your baby loses weight in these first 48 hours. Astonishingly, this can be as much as 10 per cent of his or her birth weight, according to experts.

Remember to look after yourself too. If your baby sleeps a lot during these first two days at home, make sure you catch up on your sleep too, so that you are as well rested as possible for the exhausting but exciting days ahead.

The safe way for babies to sleep Prepare your baby for a good night’s rest by wrapping him up in his very own cosy sleeping bag It is normal for babies to wake during the night, particularly in the first few months of life. However, research has shown that babies often wake because they wriggle about, kicking off, tangling in, or even slipping down under conventional blankets and duvets. As a result, babies can easily become too hot or too cold, and it is this discomfort that leads to distress and the inevitable crying.

By replacing blankets and duvets with a Slumbersac baby sleeping bag, you can keep your baby at a safe and comfortable temperature throughout the night. Because your baby will be warm and snug in her Slumbersac, she will be less likely to wake in the night and more likely to go back to sleep if she does.

When used as part of the bedtime routine, a sleeping bag is great for helping your baby to settle. After an evening bath, put your baby into his sleeping bag for a cuddle, and you’ll find it simpler and far less stressful when you put him into his cot. Night-time nappy changes are also easy because Slumbersac sleep sacks have an all-round zip.

Sleeping bags with feet!

Slumbersac’s newest sleeping bag is specially designed for toddlers and young children.

This clever design has holes at the bottom that children can put their feet through when they want to walk around, and then pull them back into the sleep sack when they go to bed to stay cosy and warm! As well as being super practical, these bags are also safe as they can help to prevent little ones tripping up, especially when they are learning to get about on their own for the first time!

Personalised comfort Baby sleeping bags come in a wide range of sizes and togs. The tog size determines the thickness of the sleeping bag and therefore how warm it keeps your child. Whether it’s summer or winter, Slumbersac offers sleeping bags for every season, and a wide choice of designs featuring beautiful embroidery, appliqués and prints to suit boys and girls, and to coordinate with your baby’s nursery. All sleeping bags are made from – and lined with – 100% cotton.

Padded with quick-dry, soft polyester fleece, Slumbersac baby sleeping bags are easily machine-washed and tumble-dried, and they make the ideal gift for babies and toddlers because they are both practical and attractive! And by choosing Slumbersac’s name embroidery option, you can also personalize your gift.

THE DETAILS

Save 10% when ordering online, by entering the following promotion code during checkout:YM10 including free UK delivery and returns.

Call Customer Service on 01202 825081.

Visit www.slumbersac.co.uk for further details.

YUMMY MUMMY

Fitness with a baby C

ongratulations, you have a new addition to the family, or perhaps the happy event is on the horizon. However, amidst all the excitement and activity, you’re wondering how you’ll be able to return to fitness, find the time to exercise and regain your shape post pregnancy. Certainly your life changes, but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about fitness...

TARGETS AND BENEFITS Your primary targets for getting fit are likely to be: Returning to your pre-pregnancy weight Rebuilding your abdominal strength Feeling good Getting fitter provides numerous health benefits but specifically post pregnancy your fitness programme will give you: Improved posture Increased strength Increased stamina Elevated metabolic rate Weight-loss More energy Increased self-confidence FITTING IT ALL IN There’s no way around it, finding any free time in the day is a challenge, let alone several times a week. That is where planning and organisation come in. The most important step that you take on your road back to fitness is telling everyone of your plans, and involving them when you need support for some quality ‘you time’

1 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

EXERCISE TIME STRATEGIES You have to be organised to fit in a training session around sleep times, nappy changing and feeds but with some thought and planning, there are many different opportunities for some quality training time, including: Community playgroups A chance for a couple of hours away whilst your toddler plays.

Babysitting Make use of friends or get involved in a babysitting circle with local parents.

Nursery care As well as letting you have some quality time, your baby or toddler will benefit from some social interaction with other children.

Parents A cornerstone of your support network and providing you don’t overdo it, usually very happy to be the doting grandparents.

Partner Sharing the parenting duties is important for you both, so let your partner spend some bonding time with your baby whilst you work out.

Train with your baby A brisk walk in the fresh air is a great way to fit in some exercise with junior and if you feel more energetic, there are some excellent Baby jogger pushchairs specifically designed for your activity and your baby’s comfort.

Gym crèches Many of the big Health Club chains offer crèche facilities, so you can train without any concerns that your baby is very far away.

Having a baby is a life changing experience that is not to be missed, but your new baby is part of your life just like looking after your own health and fitness.

By starting out on a fitness programme, you will have more energy and vitality and will enjoy motherhood even more!

Trust Pregnacare® for the most important time of your life?

The postnatal and breast-feeding period is a time when you are adjusting to the demands of becoming a new mum and providing the very best care for your newborn baby. With a new member of the family, and the inevitable tiredness and fatigue1, it’s also a time when you must not forget to look after yourself.

Trust Pregnacare’s specially formulated range to help safeguard your diet at this especially important time.

Most recommended by midwives

& most trusted by mums2

UK Health Departments recommend mothers take a supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D during breast-feeding, and a healthy diet rich in calcium.

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SPECIALLY FOR YOUR NEW ARRIVAL Wellbaby® Drops and Wellbaby® Baby & Infant Liquid provides careful nutritional support for babies or young children.

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The first ever breast-feeding specific supplement with the recommended3 10mcg vitamin D, plus 700mg calcium. With a separate capsule providing 300mg DHA which contributes to normal brain and eye development in breast-fed infants.4

Carefully balanced to help support the nutritional requirements of new mothers. With iron which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue and biotin which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair.

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores & www.pregnacare.com 1Pregnacare® contains iron which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. 2For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 3UK Health Departments recommend mothers take a supplement containing 10mcg vitamin D during breast-feeding, and a healthy diet rich in calcium. 4A beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200mg of DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake of 250mg of DHA/EPA for adults. Do not exceed a supplemental daily intake of 5g DHA/EPA combined. *UK independent sales value data IRI 52 w/e 6th Sept, 2014

YUMMY MUMMY

Sleep tricks at bedtime We all have our ways of encouraging our children to get to bed – some more conventional than others.

W

e’ve all been there - desperately trying to settle the children in bed when sleep is the last thing they want to do. From bribery to cajoling, parents try everything, and if you’re worried about your get-them-to-sleep tactics, we’ve got some reassuring admissions from other parents to share.

Bribery at bedtime is pretty common among parents...

A new survey has revealed the top excuses that children use for not wanting to go to bed – and how parents change their minds. We’re talking bribing them with presents and letting them watch TV until they fall asleep. Sound familiar?

The study of 1,500 parents, conducted by bedtime toys company Dream Lites, also showed what time children aged between 3-6 years old go to bed and how many times they wake in the night. The average child goes to sleep at 7.22pm and wakes at 6.46am, after waking three times in the night. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 24% of parents are unable to remember the last time they had a good night’s sleep.

TOP EXCUSES CHILDREN GIVE FOR NOT WANTING TO GO BACK TO BED...

1. Claim not to be tired 2. Want one more story told to them 3. Claim to be hungry or thirsty 4. Want to stay up to watch their favourite TV show 5. Scared of the dark 6. Wants to play on iPad/tablet or games console 7. Sibling not going to bed yet

1 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

TOP TECHNIQUES USED BY PARENTS TO GET THEIR CHILDREN TO SLEEP 1. Allow them to sleep in parent’s bed 2. Allow them to stay up and watch TV until they fall asleep 3. Allow them to play with an iPad/games console in bed until they fall asleep 4. Promise to buy them a present 5. Gave them sweets 6. Tell them they won’t get any Birthday presents if they don’t go to bed 7. Tell them a white lie These methods may sound shocking, but sleep expert Mandy Gurney says it’s pretty normal for parents to resort to measures like these. However, she warns of the long-term effect on the child...

“Though such techniques appear to work in the short term, they may have the opposite effect in the long term,” says Mandy. “Children who rely on props at bedtime are more vulnerable to waking later in the night – as the child comes into light sleep phases, which we all do throughout the night. And then they are likely to seek such props to help them get back to sleep again. A good sleep routine is all a parent needs” Mandy explains. “Just setting aside 30 minutes at the end of the day with a simple, quiet, relaxing bath, a calm story and kiss goodnight is well worth the effort.”

Chances are it will help soothe and relax you, too.

Double win.

£59.99*

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FIVE ARMADILLOS THAT

ARMADILLO FLIP XT TEAL TIDE, £479

LOVE LONDON LIFE Getting around London with a baby or toddler can be exhausting at the best of times but the Mamas & Papas family of five Armadillos is riding to the rescue – helping parents get from A to B without cramping their style.

T

he Mamas & Papas family of five Armadillo strollers has been designed to help parents enjoy all the things they loved to do before starting a family.

Whether it’s sipping a coffee in their favourite café, hunting for antiques or enjoying a walk along the canal – the ultra compact fold reversible seat and option of chunky wheels makes everything possible.

The first member of the stylish family – the Armadillo – has already earned a reputation for being the biggest ‘little’ stroller in town. Despite an extraordinarily neat and compact fold - plus the fact that it takes seconds to open with one hand - the pushchair offers lots of comfy wriggle room as well as a full recline for long, leisurely naps.

Next up, the smallest member of the family, is the Armadillo City. Designed to squeeze into the tightest of spaces, it has a narrow, lightweight frame and a tiny footprint, and yet there is no compromise on comfort. With bags of shopping basket space and an XL hood complete with a peek-a-boo window, the Armadillo City almost defies logic. It offers far more space than much larger and heavier strollers and, meanwhile, front and rear suspension make navigating city streets and public transport a breeze.

The Armadillo Flip is the third member to join the family. It gets its name because it can be folded down with

ARMADILLO FLIP,TEAL TIDE, £399

1 6 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

ARMADILLO LEMON DROP, £199

one hand in seconds – whichever way the reversible seat is facing. It is carrycot and car seat compatible and is the most compact ‘travel system-ready’ design on the market.

However, its modest dimensions don’t stop it offering more stretching room than any of its rivals. In short, it’s the only stroller parents will ever need!

Finally, the newest editions to the Armadillo collection are the Armadillo Flip XT and Armadillo XT – both loaded with stunning and practical extras to the already brilliant and stylish Armadillo and Armadillo Flip. With chunky wheels and extra grip to conquer cobbles parents can take tow paths in their stride, while the telescopic handles ensure that it is not just little passengers who are always comfortable.

The whole Armadillo family is available in a range of contemporary colours complete with matching accessories, from Shoulder Bags and Parasols to Footmuffs and Liners. For more information just visit www.mamasandpapas.com, drop into one of Mamas & Papas 36 stores or visit your nearest independent stockist.

THE DETAILS MAMAS & PAPAS Telephone 0845 606 7772 www.mamasandpapas.com

ARMADILLO XT TEAL TIDE, £299

ARMADILLO CITY - LEMON DROP, £179

Scoot into spring with scooters Scooters for all the family from the iconic, award winning, original and best scooter brand.

Swiss designed and engineered

Shop online www.micro-scooters.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

The Genius Parenting Gadgets

You Need To Know About Technology’s come a long way in the last few years, helping make parenting a fair bit easier (but much more expensive). And while you definitely don’t need all of these futuristic gadgets, they’ll help put your mind at ease and make getting from A to B with a tiny human much simpler.

OWLET SMART SOCK, £TBC Using pulse oximetry (a technology that doctors use in hospital) to keep an eye on your baby’s vital signs, this gadget shines small LED lights on the skin to sense how much light makes it back to the photo receptor.

It alerts you or any issues by sounding an alarm if the heart rate dips too low – or spikes too high.

PACIFI, £25 This world’s first Bluetooth smart pacifier monitors a baby’s temperature by transmitting the data back to a parent’s smartphone, via the free associated app.

Parents don’t even need to be in the same room as a child – it works from a distance of 30 metres.

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THERMOBANDS, £13 Gone are the days of testing the temperature of your baby’s bottle on the back of your wrist; this clever band lets you know when the milk is the perfect warmth for your tot.

MIMO BABY ONESIE, £133 From checking your baby’s sleep status and listening in on him, we think you’ll agree this smart baby monitor is pretty genius. A turtle monitor is attached to a onesie, which sends data and audio to a lilypad monitor before sending it on to your smartphone.

VOLVO INFLATABLE CAR SEAT, £TBC Forget about hauling your child’s car seat from one car to another or lucking out when you’re travelling abroad – this genius design can be completely deflated and inflated in less than 40 seconds. It’s perfectly safe, too, and uses a technology developed by the military.

SLEEP IQ BED, FROM £659 Measuring your child’s sleep patterns through a smartphone app, these beds are definitely a thing of the future. They don’t come cheap but they adjust to fit your child as he grows and

4MOMS MAMAROO BOUNCER 2015, £259.99 This has to be the ultimate baby bouncer.

It has five unique motions to soothe and bounce your baby as if he were in your arms – all of which can be adjusted from your smartphone.

BOON COLLAPSIBLE BABY BATHTUB, £54.99 Ideal to use on holiday or when your little one’s staying with the in-law’s, this collapsible bathtub can be used from age newborn to 18 months – and in two different positions.

ISWIMBAND, £90.56 Designed to give you peace of mind when your child’s in the swimming pool, the iSwimband is a wearable accessory which alerts your Bluetooth-enabled phone, tablet or music player if your child has been submerged beyond a preset time limit of if a non-swimmer (like your toddler) goes in the water.

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5 1 9

YUMMY MUMMY

Get fit as a family W

hile we’re all leading busy lives, it can be hard to fit in family time, let alone time to exercise. We’ve put together some family fitness activities that will help you to bond with your children as well as keeping everyone fit and healthy!

Getting the family involved in sport is a guaranteed way of improving everyone’s fitness – so why not try out some of the following...

S wimming is always a sure-fire hit with the kids, and a fun family activity.An hour’s swimming can burn up to 300 calories as well as build your upper-body strength and it also gives your heart, lungs and all the major muscle groups in your body a good workout.

F amily cycling. There are now more and more safe cycling routes that are traffic-free for family-friendly cycling. Even if your child is too young to control a bike on their own, you can buy child seats or attachments that link their bike to yours. Cycling is a fun way to shift the pounds because it burns between 200 and 800 calories per hour!

I ndoor games for the family. Badminton, ten-pin bowling and table-tennis (to name just three) are all activities that everyone in the family can have a go at.

Activity holidays. Nowadays, there is a growing trend for the traditional beach holiday to be supplemented by something a little more dynamic and adventurous.

The opportunity to experience a new sport without compromising family time is ideal – and with the wide range of sports now on offer, there will be something for

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everyone.Water sports, trekking or even daily excursions are more beneficial and healthy than sun-lounger-type breaks – plus they are more enjoyable family activities.

Walking with the family.The simplest of healthy activities, costs nothing and can be enjoyed almost anywhere.A family walk over a couple of hours will tire out the children and bring a multitude of health benefits including exercising the cardiovascular system, strengthening and toning the legs and burning approximately 100 calories per hour.

Family outdoor activities.Whether it’s a playing in the garden, a game of ‘tag’ in the local park or some fun on the swings and slides, simple outdoor games and activities are great for quality family time and exercise.The children will love it and you’ll also benefit from the getting your heart rate a little higher. Make sure all the family members can get involved so that everyone has the chance to exercise.

Family day trips.

Any event that involves everyone getting up and about will contribute to the family’s health and fitness.

Visiting the zoo, going to a sporting event or exploring a theme park is something that can be enjoyed by all the family and will also involve expending plenty of calories en-route!

It doesn’t have to be hell to be healthy for you or your family and using some smart combinations of activities such as the ones above means that you’ll neither neglect your family nor your fitness.

Of course everyone is busy and yes, everyone wants a piece of you, but there aren’t many more important things than maintaining your health and fitness and spending some time with your family, so go and do it!

THE PARK CLUB feel the difference...

Call 0203 740 4323 or visit theparkclub.co.uk The Park Club East Acton Lane West London W3 7HB.

GYM AWARDS 2014 WINNER OF

BEST FOR FAMILIES

YUMMY MUMMY

Stella McCartney Kids

LAUNCHING SWIMWEAR Spring/Summer 2015

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S

tella McCartney Kids launches first swimwear range for Spring Summer 2015 with playful themes inspired by the spirit and energy of kids today.

The collection includes effortless and modern styles in vibrant colours for children aged newborn to 14 years.

Perfect for summer, the new range features 16 styles for girls, boys and babies including bikinis, swimsuits and swimming trunks in 3D sea scene prints and packaged in a special swim bag. Swim Tshirts and all in ones have +50 UV protection in prices ranging from £45 for the swimming trunks to £65 for the swimsuits and T-shirts.

The collection is inspired by the sea, the landscapes of British countryside and vintage prints. Playful illustrations feature apples, ion motifs are featured on dresses and sweatshirts.

Also new this season is a majorette style jacket for girls and a reversible bomber jackets for boys. As in previous

seasons, styles are adapted from the RTW collection, this season the daisy pattern from the summer 2014 collection will be featured on dresses and outerwear.

In keeping with the brand featured on items which will contribute a percentage of sales to support the Meat Free Monday awareness campaign. Brand new for babies is a diaper bag with nappy kit and cooler pocket for bottle.

The collection is available now online at stellamccartney.com and in stores worldwide.

Addressing the key wardrobe essentials in the best possible fabrics, prices for the collection range from £23 for a shirt to £225 for a dress.

With shipping in up to 100 countries, the Stella McCartney Kids website allows parents to shop the full collection.

In addition to the online shopping service, the collection is now available at 30 Stella McCartney stores and at over 300 wholesale accounts worldwide.

THE DETAILS Shop Kids at stellamccartney.com

F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5 2 3

CHILDSPLAY CLOTHING

Luxury Brands for Newborn to 16 Years

Spring into Summer Love

Ralph Lauren Striped Shirt – from £48

Burberry White Cotton Shorts – from £72

Ralph Lauren White Shorts - £48

Young Versace Girls Patent Handbag - £220

Young Versace Belt - £83

MiMi Sole Patchwork Denim Print Dress - £205

Scotch Shrunk Bird Print Top – from £30

MiMi Sol Blue Bow Headband - £72

Boss Dark Blue Jeans – from £60 Boss White Pique Polo Top – from £37

Burberry Grey Cotton Check Dress – from £89 Chloe Girls Navy Viscose Shorts – from £52

SuperTrash Blue Tuxedo Jacket - £90

Chloe Girls Blue Chambray Blouse – from £56

SuperTrash Striped Dress - £90

Boss Baby Navy Chino Trousers – from £51

Young Versace Patent Leather Medusa Shoes - £128

Boss Baby White Striped Shirt – from £51

Young Versace Floral Print Top – from £75

Boss Canvas Pre Walker Trainers - £60

Enjoy 10% OFF your first order with code “LONDONLIFE”

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OVER 100 BRANDS • STYLE ASSISTANTS • FREE DELIVERY • FREE RETURNS *Valid on products from the SS15 season only, excluding Burberry, Chloe, Gucci and other selected items. Valid once per customer and can not be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

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LOVE LOC AL YUMMY MUMMY

CHOOSING THE PERFECT

PLAYHOUSE

FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES – AND YOU! is entirely up to you – and your child! You can paint the interior walls in any colour you choose, from pale blue to bright red. You could even wall paper the inside of your playhouse for that real cosy, lived in feeling.

Depending on what your child, children or grandchildren plan to use the playhouse for will determine how you furnish it – it may be a castle with a princess hiding in the highest room in the tallest tower, a cowboy saloon, or somewhere to do their homework. Adding a comfy sofa or chairs will really bring the house to life, whilst a practical desk will provide ample space to study. You could even include a bed for those summer sleep overs!

With a little help from The Playhouse Company you can create the perfect playhouse that will take your child all the way from their toddler days to their teenage years.

One of its aims is to create a house that can be used for as long as possible, even becoming a “teenage hideaway”

C

hoosing a play or tree house for your children or grandchildren can be overwhelming. What size and style is best for your little ones? How will it fit into your garden and will it complement its existing design? A playhouse can also be a significant investment, so ensuring it is the right one, and is built to last, is imperative.

The Playhouse Company, a designer and builder of beautiful wooden play and tree houses, has vast experience in bringing playhouse dreams to life. The process begins with your initial idea. The Playhouse Company then uses this vision, taking into consideration the age of the children and the layout of the garden (which is either through a photograph or a site visit), to create a design.

Designs are then translated from sketches into a beautiful detailed structure. One of its aims is to create a house that can be used for as long as possible, even becoming a “teenage hideaway” in later years or incorporating garden storage making it a dual purpose playhouse.

The Playhouse Company can work with all types of gardens & any size, including those with uneven surfaces in which case it creates a sub base. It has also been asked on many occasions to incorporate existing features into the design, for example building a house around an ancient tree, along an old wall, or in a compact corner. It is the company’s bespoke service that allows you to create the perfect house for your garden as well as for your children.

What you do with your child’s play or tree house once The Playhouse Company has delivered and installed it,

UA AR R Y 2 20 01 15 5 3226 FFEEBBRRU

THE DETAILS For further information about The Playhouse Company, its ranges and services please visit www.theplayhouse.co.uk or call 01544 387 100.

TM

& let us make it happen

playhouses castles treehouses T: 01544 387100 www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Step Into The Ultimate

Cinderella Fairytale Experience at

C

inderella fans are in for a treat, as the Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Harrods introduces two special new Cinderella experiences, to coincide with the release of the live-action feature film inspired by the classic fairy tale.

The film, released on March 27th, brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realised characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

The Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Harrods is set in a fairy tale castle enclosed within the glittering walls of Harrods. In the stately fitting room behind the large wooden castle doors, dazzling dresses and shimmering accessories are encased and within the boutique salon, ornate golden mirrors line the walls. Children will be hosted by their very own Fairy Godmother-in-Training to learn the qualities needed to become Cinderella, from her courage and kindness, to her sense of humour and generosity. They will also take a royal oath and enjoy the magical transformation to become a true Princess.

Perfect as a gift for children aged 3-12 or for a special celebration, the ultimate new Cinderella storytelling experiences allow fans to transform themselves into either

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Cinderella at the ball or at her wedding and to enter a magical new world where imaginations become reality.

CINDERELLA WEDDING EXPERIENCE Transform yourself into a beautiful bride with this magnificent experience which includes the Deluxe Wedding Dress from the new film, sparkly tiara, beautiful shoes and more.

CINDERELLA BALL EXPERIENCE This once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a special Limited Edition Ballgown from the new film, sparkly tiara, beautiful shoes and more.

Bookings can be made at www.harrods.com/disney with the experiences available from March.

THE DETAILS Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL www.harrods.com

T HE A RT OF ‘FROZEN’ Working with Disney approved artists Disney Original Art captures artistic interpretations of Disney’s rich tapestry and continuing legacy, these works are showcased through a series of unique and exclusive original paintings and hand signed limited editions.

All artwork is authorised and approved by The Walt Disney Company.

‘Winter in Arendelle’ by David Womersley Limited edition of 23, signed Hand embellished giclee print on canvas - 61 x 48cm - £1200 framed

‘Downhill Racer’ by Trevor Carlton Limited edition of 23, signed Hand embellished giclee print on canvas – 76 x 38cm - £599 framed

AVA I L A B L E N O W 3 Golden Cour t Richmond upon Thames T W9 1EU

020 8226 5566 canvasgaller y.com info@canvasgaller y.com

YUMMY MUMMY

A Guide To Planning Your Children’s Party...

Q

uintessentially Events, which organise functions, said: “Children’s parties have become the acme of competitive parenting. It’s not unusual for the cost to reach £50,000.” So with money no object, we consulted owners of Mystical Fairies, Neal and Meg Sussman, to provide tips to ensure your child’s Birthday Party will be a glitzy affair and the most talked about…

HOW DO I DECIDE ON A VENUE? Venues are tricky! Firstly I would suggest working out the expected number of guests. A massive room looks awful with only a few children. Younger children often feel comfortable in a familiar space so home is a good place to start. Having said that, if there is a venue you want that is offering all you need, that’s brilliant! Lastly any good entertainer can give you suggestions or recommendations so always ask.

CAN SOMEONE ELSE ORGANISE FOR ME? There are many professional party planners out there to suit any budget, everything from a children’s tea party to a massive extravaganza. If you go to a party you have loved, ask who the event organiser was, often people are thrilled to recommend as it is a compliment to them. Whoever you choose you should feel comfortable with them, and know you are a priority to them and that they understand what you want.

DO I NEED A THEME? Not necessarily. Sometimes we have found that the best parties come from something as simple as a favourite colour, although it is easier to start with a theme. However, some parents have spent an entire weekend at Frozen themed parties trying to explain to their child why Elsa didn’t recognise them or why she didn’t look the same each time. If you want your child’s A theme you choose for your child’s party should be something that they love, or at least was at the time of organising it!

HOW MANY CHILDREN SHOULD I INVITE? Early years should be smaller amounts, children are overwhelmed by everything from the noise to lots of people being in their space, so this is very personal. As they get older, some invite the whole class, and some invite everyone they’ve ever met to show how fabulous they are at throwing parties! As long as the birthday child has their favourites then they will be thrilled, anyone else is a bonus.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I SEND INVITATIONS? Invitation etiquette is no more with the invention of email and texts. As soon as you have a venue and a date, then the sooner, the better! If inviting the whole class on a popular date, let it be known early so others can organise theirs on a separate day or

time. You want everyone you invite to be able to attend yours, so definitely let them know in advance.

I WANT TO INCLUDE A WISH LIST FOR BIRTHDAY GIFT IDEAS – MY CHILD IS VERY FUSSY. A hard one, if invitations are being sent to family, then do tell them what their favourite niece, nephew or grandchild would like! If there is a theme, many parents will try to stay within that, or if someone does ask what the birthday child wants say there are lots on the wish list, and give further ideas. Most things are returnable so explain nicely that they received the same thing and would love to swap it. If not returnable and you have to re-gift it, remember who gave it to you in the first place!

HOW LONG SHOULD THE PARTY GO ON FOR? A one year olds’ birthday party can very happily go on for an hour and be filled with lots of songs and stories. If you have to entertain lots of different ages then a standard two hour party with lots of activities works well. We generally suggest a two hour party but equally a one or 3 have been known to happen and even an all- day event! Do what suits you.

I WANT TO KEEP THE CHILDREN AMUSED,WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE WAY OF ENTERTAINMENT? Lots! Start with the interests of the birthday child and go from there. It could be as easy as a bowling, sport or theme party. Party organisers are more than willing to send in a character entertainer or magician, face painting or sing a long a music videos.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT APPROACHING MY CHILDREN’S IDOL TO MAKE A GUEST APPEARANCE? If you have any mutual friends, then that is the first place to start. If you are going in cold, find out who the agent is. Google is your best friend although lots of organisers have in’s that you wouldn’t believe.

WHAT SORT OF FOOD SHALL I ORDER, OR WILL THE VENUE CATER FOR THAT? Venues often have on site caterers, so always check to see what is and is not included. Parents always over cater, children are so excited that most don’t want to eat, they want to be active in the party. Start with the birthday child’s favourite food. It can be as simple as ordering in pizza and getting a cake! There are so many ways to go with party food, the theme can give you and the caterer ideas depending on ages. Cake professionals are always in high demand so do order one well in advance!

At the end of the day, have a wonderful party and don’t forget to invite the Fairy Queen!

Children’s birthday parties used to be modest affairs - not any more….today’s generation of competitive parents are spending thousands to make sure their adorable offspring have the best day money can buy.

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YUMMY MUMMY

Top Children’s Toys for 2015... Revealed

The toys that are set to take 2015 by storm have been revealed at the annual Toy Fair

L

ast year was a record year for the UK toy market, with the industry reaching £3bn. The growth was helped by toy sales relating to Disney’s Frozen, the mini-elastic band craze Looms, and merchandising for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. This year’s must-have toy predictions were revealed

ACTION TOYS eluxe Flying, £39.99, Bandai D Mutant Mania Rampage Arena, £29.99, Flair Jurassic World Growlers Assortment, £14.99, Hasbro

GAMES/PUZZLES OG on the BOG, £22.99, Drummond Park Games asgij General Election, £12.99, Jumbo Games W Eiffel Tower With Lights 3D Puzzle, £24.99, Ravensburger

SPECIALTY TOYS nagranimals Interchangeable Plush Toys, £16.99,Anagraminals A GoldieBlox Zipline Adventure, £24.99, Interplay UK Minions Movie Backpack Collection, £4.99-£19.99, Posh Paws International Boris the Trunki Bus, £45,TrunkiMini Dinos, £2.99, Schleigh

PLAYSETS oast Guard Station With Lighthouse, £49.99, Playmobil C Amusement Park Ferris Wheel With Lights, £49.99, Playmobil

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at the Toy Fair 2015 last month, hinting which toys are set to be massive this year! Including some wow-factor designs, futuristic tech-toys and games for all ages, there are plenty of products that your children will want to get their hands on.

Behold.. don’t get caught out for your child’s Birthday!

S ylvanian Families Adventure Treasure Ship, £16.99, EPOCH making toys

PRE-SCHOOL CHARACTERS Paw Patrol Basic Vehicles, £12.99, Spin Master Toys UK alking Twirlywoos Soft Toys, £9.99-£16.99, Golden Bear T

CONSTRUCTION ionicle Master Assortment, £12.99-£14.99, LEGO B Minecraft:The Dungeon, £19.99, LEGO Disney Frozen: Elsa’s Sparkling Ice Castle, £34.99, LEGO

HOBBY orgi James Bond Aston Martin DBS, £19.99, Hornby Hobbies C Quadcopter “Raymore”, £59.99, Revell GmbH

PLUSH P uppy Surprise Plush, £24.99,Trends UK FurReal Friends JJ My Jumping Rug, £39.99, Hasbro Home Talking Plush Assortment, £19.99 Flair

PRE-SCHOOL eebledown Farm Wobbily Mill and Barn, £29.99, Character W Options Sort & Pop Farmyard Friends, £19.99,TOMY Toot-Toot Friends Busy Sounds Discovery House, £44.99,VTech

TECH TOYS I -Que Intelligent Robot, £59.99,Vivid Little Live Pets Clever Keet, £59.99, Character Options Wi-Fi Quadcopter “X-Spy”, £99, Revell GmbH

CREATIVE E xpress Yourself Range – Selfie Jewellery, £10.99, James Galt Crayola Colour Alive: Mythical Creatures, £6.99,Vivid Bangle Blitz City Girl, £9.99, John Adams

OUTDOOR ozy Coupe Dino, £59.99, Little Tikes C Nerf Rebelle Arrow Revolution Bow, £39.99, Hasbro Wubble Bubble Ball, £9.99-£19.99,Vivid

West London School of Dance From Baby to Ballerina Classes for Boys and Girls age 2 1/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work Jazz, Singing, Tap Annual Performances

Classes held in Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush South Kensington

T: 020 8743 3856 E: westlondondance@aol.com W: www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk

“OUTSTAN DING”* 1 Montessori education 1 Open 8am – 6pm (50 weeks per annum) 1 Extra curricular activities including French, Ballet, Baby Massage Football Coaching, Swimming & Gymnastics

Call: Fulham 020 7386 0006

or

Shepherds Bush 020 8749 2877

Taking care of Little People since 1978

www.littlepeople.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Every Child’s Dream...

Children lead by example so treat them to a mini replica of your sports car from Flying Gadgets at HARRODS RIDE ON RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CAR £359.00 Boasting a stylish representation of the original, this Range Rover Evoque Car boasts a high-tech ride-on electric design, which can be controlled by remote control.

Additional features include a key start, working head and taillights, indicators and horn. Licensed by Range Rover, it is complemented with an integrated MP3 player, 6V high power battery and four hour battery life.

Range Rover Evoque Car Licensed by Range Rover Ride-on electric car Can be controlled with remote control Key start Working head and taillights, indicators and horn MP3 player 15 minute assembly 6V high power battery 12 hour charging time 4 hour battery life (per charge) Age 3-6 years old RIDE ON FERRARI CAR £359.00 Boasting a sleek polished red finish, this iconic Ferrari Car showcases a high-tech ride-on design, which can be controlled by remote control. Additional features include a key start, working head and taillights, indicators and horn.

Licensed by Ferrari, it is complemented with an integrated MP3 player, 6V high power battery and four hour battery life.

Ferrari Car Licensed by Ferrari Ride-on electric car

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Can be controlled with remote control Key start Working head and taillights, indicators and horn MP3 player 15 minute assembly 6V high power battery 12 hour charging time 4 hour battery life (per charge) Aged 3-6 years old BENTLEY GT RIDE ON CAR £359.00 This realistic scale replica of a white Bentley GT is the perfect gift for a lucky boy or girl. This ride on car features a 6V battery, seatbelt and parental remote control for safety.

This miniature car includes realistic sounds of the key start ignition and engine, to steering wheel sounds on turns, a horn and working lights.

H48cm x W128cm x D65cm Mp3 Connection Lead 6V Battery and Charger Working Lights Seat belt User Manual Remote Control Age: 3-6 years old THE DETAILS Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL www.harrods.com flyinggadgets.com

k c a B y b a Nurse B to Good Health

The perfect duo to treat babies’ coughs and colds this winter - Earth’s Best Baby Cold Soothing Baby Wash and Cold Relief Vapour Ointment.

Cold Soothing Baby Wash is designed to be mixed in a warm bath, and is an incredibly soothing wash, perfect for when babies are stuffy, cranky and congested. With eucalyptus, tea tree and menthol.

www.jasonnaturalcare.co.uk

Cold Relief Vapour Ointment is made with natural camphor to help soothe discomfort and help relieve coughing due to the common cold so sleep becomes easier. Can also be used to relieve minor muscle aches and pains.

Available from ocado.com, WholeFoods, As Nature Intended, John Bell & Croyden, Nutri Centre at Tesco, Lloyds Pharmacy at Selfridges, jasonnaturalcare.co.uk and leading health stores and pharmacies nationwide.

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Tips for healthy kids I n modern times we are becoming increasingly aware of the foods we are feeding our children. Surveys show that children are eating higher levels of salt, sugar, and saturated fat than government guidelines recommend, and are failing to reach the five-a-day target for fruit and vegetable portions. This means that they are potentially missing out on vital nutrients that contribute to optimum development. In practical terms, what can parents do to ensure their children develop healthy eating habits?

at with your children as they learn E by example. ‘Family’ eating not only promotes home-cooked meals, it also fosters a sense of routine and encourages social interaction — all of which lead to better eating habits later in life.

Make food fun! Experiment with new foods and make meals as colourful and as rich in variety as possible.

The more visually stimulating a meal appears, and the more textures it incorporates, the more likely your children will be to tuck in!

Include two portions of vegetables in their evening meal, and provide fruit or a fruit-based pudding for dessert. This will help ensure that your children get three out of five servings of their recommended five-a-day at dinnertime.

Encourage your children to drink water or sugar-free diluting juice between meals. This will help prevent dehydration, which can lead to constipation and poor concentration.

If you have a fussy eater, don’t give up hope. Try serving the same foods in different forms — for example, those that dislike the texture of broccoli

3 8 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

often find it more palatable in a sauce or soup.

Include lean meat or another protein in every meal.

This will keep your children fuller for longer and will discourage snacking later. Red meat provides iron which is particularly important for girls, whose iron needs increase as they begin menstruation.

Serve oily fish twice a week (but no more). These are a rich source of omega oils, which can help keep the heart and mind healthy; If your children find the taste too overwhelming, add seeds to their breakfast cereals for plant versions of these oils.

Pack a healthy lunchbox. ‘Disguise’ vegetables in sandwich fillings, vary the fillings, provide plain yogurt and a piece of fruit that’s easy to eat. Children can be very particular about fruit. Aim to give them small apples, bananas and grapes, which are easy to hold, peel and eat.

Make sure your children eat breakfast. This will ensure a steady supply of energy to get them through the morning, help maintain attention span and discourage snacking. Fortified breakfast cereals can also be a good source of iron and B vitamins.

MINERALS TO CONSIDER...

Two particularly important minerals for school-aged children and teenagers are calcium and iron, which help strengthen teeth and bones and prevent anaemia, poor concentration and lethargy respectively. To ensure that children’s needs are met, include milk and other dairy products, pulses, lean red meat and green leafy vegetables frequently in meals. Foods containing Vitamin C — such as orange juice — can also increase iron intake if drunk alongside iron-rich foods.

YOUR LOCAL WALK IN URGENT CARE CENTRE 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm Weekends 10am - 6pm All minor accidents, illnesses and injuries treated l Children treated from age of one l Open 7 days a week l Onsite parking l Instant referrals to hospital l

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Olé Kids

06/10/2014 15:38

Spanish classes for children and parents

Bilingual and beginners.

Children learn languages through immersion and play. ★Group classes across London ★Spanish in Nurseries ★After School Clubs ★Private classes at home ★Birthday parties Free weekend workshops at Iberica Canary Wharf while you eat www.ibericalondon.co.uk ★Adult Spanish Classes

Facebook: olekidslondon Twitter: ole_kids

Telephone : 020 7386 0376 Mobile: 07734900221 Email : info@olekids.com www.olekids.com

YUMMY MUMMY

Brasserie Blanc launches

Henri Le Worm kids’ menu

Time spent as a family is important and dining out should be an experience for all, young or old, which is why our little guests get their own specially created menu packed with fresh and flavoursome ingredients.

RAYMOND BLANC

K

eeping children entertained during a meal out can be tricky, however help is at hand as Brasserie Blanc with its new Henri Le Worm kids’ menu.

Based on the popular app created by Raymond Blanc’s son Olivier, the menus is available at all 20 restaurants just in time for the half-term holidays.

Originally inspired by Raymond Blanc, Henri Le Worm is a French cooking worm extraordinaire and mirrors Raymond’s passion for healthy and seasonal produce. Henri, who lives in the magical Forest of Plenty alongside a host of animated friends was created by Olivier and the app is packed with games, facts and music to encourage kids to discover more about food, ingredients and nature.

Little one’s at Brasserie Blanc can now join Henri and his friends on a gastronomic journey through the garden with their own specially created menu. For just £5.95 for two courses and filled with tasty, fresh ingredients, little diners can

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tickle their taste buds with gourmet delights such as charcuterie platters, mini moules and crispy chicken followed by tempting puddings. Tiny tots can enjoy complimentary organic carrot purée or mac ‘n’ cheese.

A colourful and fun puzzle sheet designed to teach children where their food comes from will keep them happy during their meal. Kids can learn all about their favourite characters such as Derek the Lady Bird, Tina the Flea and Lumpy the Maggot in the Grub Club loyalty card, which not only gives a complimentary meal after the seventh visit, it’s also packed with healthy recipes and food tips.

THE DETAILS Henri Le Worm is available as an App on Apple iTunes and Google Play store.

For more information visit henrileworm.com Brasserie Blanc www.brasserieblanc.com

Onew ur pouches scrumptious

are

ripe for the picking!

Discover a world where the very finest organic ingredients are carefully hand-selected to create 30 tantalising recipes perfect for an exciting weaning adventure. There’s a pouch for every milestone of a little food explorer’s weaning journey: from smooth and mild for those magical first tastes, through to lumps for more adventurous taste buds.

Every savoury recipe also contains omega 3 goodness, important for the development of brain & nerve tissue.

It’s a

f Wean o d l r o ing lW u f r ll part e of our wond

Come and join our world at hipp.co.uk/wow For advice on when to start weaning, consult your Health Visitor.

YUMMY MUMMY

Health & Safety

During Swimming Classes More so than any other swim school, at SwimWay we make health and safety a major priority in the way we run the company and our lessons. When dealing with swimming lessons for all ages and abilities it is extremely important to put safety first, and we do exactly that.

A

lthough it would be more cost effective for our company to run lessons with larger groups of children, health and safety and quality of lessons is so important to us, that we keep all our lessons as private or semiprivate. This allows our instructors to focus fully on each child’s safety and needs within the lessons.

Legal requirements dictate that instructors undergo CPR and other emergency training only once every two years. We recognised that this is incredibly insufficient. Thus we run a first aid course at the beginning of every term. That comes to three times a year instead of once every two years.

We have also brought into the SwimWay team a specialised health and safety consultant – DAVID PERRY (click the link for his full profile).

With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, working with leisure centres and private swimming schools, as well as the STA (one of the UK governing swimming teaching bodies). David Perry brings a professional eye and mind to the health and safety concerns of our swim school.

David routinely runs the Termly first aid courses. He makes regular monthly pool visits to ensure our sites are up to spec. He also meets with the site owners and SwimWay management to discuss and resolve potential issues. He is our eyes and ears for the health and safety awareness of the company, keeping us on

4 2 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

the forefront of your children’s, and your own safety during our lessons.

Please see HERE (www.swimway. co.uk/team-profile/david-perry) for more information on David’s role as our Health and Safety Consultant.

SwimWay is the leading home visit Swimming School in London, providing swimming lessons to babies and adults in exclusive private developments, homes, schools and gyms around London, as well as 7 sites open to general public located in Putney, Knightsbridge, Kew Gardens, Streatham Hill, Wimbledon/Southfields, Bloomsbury and East Sheen.

In the comfort of an exclusive venue, SwimWay will be providing half hour semi-private lessons and private lessons only without using any floatation aid except than a kicking board. These small classes ensure a more personal lesson, with more individual attention for each student in the class.

SwimWay will open bookings for the Summer Term 15 Term (April to July) to new clients on 6th March 2015 once the priority booking period for existing clients ends. The new Wandsworth Common pool is open as from now.

THE DETAILS For further information please email info@swimway.co.uk, call the SwimWay office on 0208 871 3972, or visit our website at www.swimway.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

SCHOOL SPORTS SHOES O NI JU ASICS

R

NE TB ALL

RO TU RF BOOT

FROM SPORTING FEET

ST RA NIO ADIDAS JU

SHOE

S

porting Feet in Putney and Richmond have a great range of kid’s sports shoes for back to school. Whether its football boots, rugby boots, netball, hockey or all-purpose cross trainers you need for your kids, Sporting feet are likely to have something suitable.

Sporting Feet are sport shoe specialists who pride themselves on providing great products, service and advice. They stock a great range of shoes for all sports for adults and juniors. Leading brands stocked include Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance and K-Swiss.

Another key free service offered by Sporting Feet is running gait analysis, helping to ensure customers have the right type of shoe for their running style. All in all that means comfortable, well fitted running shoes and less likelihood of injury. This service is particularly useful if you are new to running or if you aren’t sure if your current shoes are right for you.

4 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

They also offer free digital foot scanning and sell a good range of special sports insoles which can improve comfort, posture and help prevent injury. There is also a good selection of running and gym clothing, socks, supports and other accessories.

The shops are also useful ‘hubs’ for local sports in the community. There is loads of helpful information available on clubs, races, events, personal trainers, physios, podiatrists etc. Just the job if you are new to the area or a sport, or if you need some help to get started.

Open 7 days a week, Sporting Feet is a great addition to the retail landscape in South West London and one that can help us all get more active and stay injury free. Check them out soon!

THE DETAILS 3 Lacy Road, Putney SW15 1NH Tel 020 87800558 9 King Street, Richmond TW9 1ND Tel 020 8948 6059 www.sporting-feet.com

sporti g feet sports shoes for sporty people

Great service and expert advice Footwear for all major sports Adults and kids sizes Free gait testing/ running analysis Free digital foot scanning Specialists in sports insoles

10% OFF

WITH THIS AD BEFORE 28 FEBRUARY 2015

RICHMOND

9 King Street, Richmond, TW9 1ND Tel: 020 8948 6059

PUTNEY

3 Lacy Road, Putney, SW15 1NH Tel: 020 8780 0558

www.sporting-feet.com

YUMMY MUMMY

WHAT LITTLE BOYS ARE MADE OF. A SELECTION OF ITEMS FOUND AT WWW.MYDOTTYBOX.COM

PRETTY PINK THINGS BY UK BRAND ORANGE TREE TOYS

Something fun and

a little bit different

F

inding the perfect gift for that special little person in your life is no easy task. Where do you start? Whether it’s a trip along the high street or internet shopping, the whole experience can be pretty overwhelming and time consuming. New online company, My Dottybox has put together a service that puts the fun back into giving gifts for kids.

My Dottybox presents you with an exclusive collection of gifts for boys and girls aged 12 months – 8 years. The website offers a selection of beautiful themed gift boxes filled with things that kids will love. It’s really easy to find something that’s just right. You simply select a box based on the child’s age, their interests or the price range you’d like to spend. My Dottybox then presents you with a selection of suitable ‘Dottyboxes’ to pick from.

What’s great about My Dottybox is that they’ve chosen to work with three fantastic brands – Melissa & Doug, Orange Tree Toys and No Added Sugar – making sure that kids receive really good quality items in their boxes. The contents include toys, games, clothing and accessories that are fun and a little bit different.

All their gifts include a beautiful keepsake box and UK delivery free of charge. Prices begin at £27.50. To find out more and see the collection visit www.mydottybox.com

THE MY DOTTYBOX STORY My Dottybox owner, Claudia Williams tells us how she’s always struggled to know what presents to buy for kids. How would I know it was right for their age? Would they like it? What if they already had it? I wanted my gifts to look fun, exciting and special.

When my daughter was born, I was looking for a career change. I decided to set up My Dottybox as a place to make shopping for kid’s gifts easy. A one stop shop to quickly find ‘OVER THE RAINBOW’ £39 INCLUDING UK DELIVERY

the perfect gift for that special little person in your life. I wanted the products to be good quality, a bit quirky and fun to receive.

At a time when my little girl was lucky to receive an enormous number of gifts following her birth, I noticed how beautifully a lot of them were presented. The gifts packaged in keepsake boxes really stood out. They looked so special and it was exciting to see what was inside the beautiful box. I realised that there isn’t really anything like this for kids. And then the idea came to me.

Over the next few months I started putting my idea into reality. The name My Dottybox was inspired by my daughter who would smile every time she looked at my polka-dot design iPhone cover. I spent a lot of time researching the brands I wanted to work with, attending trade fairs and working with my fantastic team of graphic designers, website developers and photographers to create My Dottybox. I hope you and the special little people in your life really enjoy it!”

“My Dottybox is amazing! Fantastic, innovative products, brilliant choice and very very dotty!! I would recommend this website to anyone who wants to ensure great presents without the worry or effort required to find the right gift :)” BRETT “Thank you My Dottybox for all your gorgeous gifts. All the toys are lovely and presented so nicely. My little one can’t wait to play with them” HELENA “My daughter was so excited on Saturday when the postman brought her a ‘My Dottybox’ – she received the Dotty Princess Box with a Princess Push-up add on. Inside the box she got a princess skipping rope, beautiful handheld mirror and a decorate-your-own wooden princess. She was so happy with the goodies inside the box, and they are perfect for her age/likes.”

POLLY

MY DOTTYBOX B eautiful gift boxes for boys and girls aged 12 months - 8 years Gift boxes are themed for different ages and interests Our themes include Pirates, Princesses, Superheroes,Wild animals, Arts &Crafts, Fairies, Cars & Trucks and Fashion All our gifts include a free keepsake box All our gifts include free UK delivery Prices start at £27.50 Visit us at www.mydottybox.com

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‘DOTTY BLUE’ £29.50 INCLUDING UK DELIVERY

“Screw your courage to the sticking place – and we’ll not fail!”

Lady Macbeth was no fool!

She had high expectations of her husband!

If you have high expectations of your children then why not give them a What on Earth? Stickerbook Gift-Pack this Christmas.

Contains all FIVE What on Earth? titles – Big History, Nature, Science, Sport and Shakespeare – each one with more than 100 stickers that fix onto a 2m-long fold-out timeline that hangs on a wall.

Perfect activity books for parents, which children of all ages will enjoy, too!

Buy all five titlet s for jus £25!

Please visit us at:

www.whatonearthbooks.com/shop or call us anytime on 01732 464621

YUMMY MUMMY

Luxury Children’s Nightwear

E

stablished in 2006, London based Pixie Dixie burst into the online market and has since built a reputable brand of luxury children’s nightwear, quickly receiving attention from high profile retailers. Stockists include Fortnum and Mason, The Children’s Salon, Royal Academy of Art, National Gallery, Kensington Palace, Amazon, Alex and Alex and a plethora of luxury independent shops. Pixie Dixie is also proud to have its debut in Selfridges London, Winter season 2014/15. Celebrity fans include Penny Lancaster & Danni Minogue and some of course we cannot mention. We love making children’s nightwear that Mum and Grandma loves to buy and children love to wear. Our designs are as popular with children today as they were with their grandparents of yesteryear.

Having spent years working with the dedicated teams who care for children at London’s Portland Hospital, PD founder Tina Higginson became determined to find creative, fun and practical PJs outlet for youngsters who have to spend large portions of their childhood on the wards due to long term illnesses. Pixie Dixie was created and “Paint Your Own PJ’s” were born and have since become a best seller for the brand and a firm favourite for the children.

Popular for both boys and girls the Paint Your Own PJ’s gift set makes an excellent and unusual birthday present and ideal for sleepover parties. The boxed gift set is the ultimate boredom buster, especially for the arty types. The ingenious set, includes a

“Paint Your Own PJ’s” is a memory maker that will be cherished by children and their families alike.

4 8 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

pair of white crew-neck PJs, made from the softest 100% jersey cotton, along with 4 fabric paints, stencils, brush and full instructions to create beautifully bespoke pyjamas for any little cherub aged 1-12 years, price £29.99. “Paint Your Own PJ’s” is a memory maker that will be cherished by children and their families alike.

This crafty kit is not the only trick up Pixie Dixie’s sleeves. For when cute couture of the more ready-made variety is required, the current and exclusive collection carries a range of dreamy prints, designed in-house and inspired by the London cityscape. Images include the iconic black taxi, red buses, marching palace guards and an inimitable classic, the mini-cooper. Their gorgeous boys and girls pyjamas for 1-10 year olds price from £28.99 and can be teamed with matching bathrobes to keep little ones extra toasty and delightfully dapper.

Due to the success of the PJ range, babies nightwear and accessories were added to the collection with prices from £8.99, which include sleepsuits, bibs, hats and blankets. Cosy and warm, the softest extra large double sided blankets that you will ever feel, measuring in at a whopping 120cm x 120cm are a firm customer favourite.

These are a keepsake and can be used for swaddling beautiful bundles right through to bed covers for the growing children. Price £34.99.

Shop online at www.pixiedixie.co.uk we have FREE shipping on orders over £50 within the UK. We are also offering 10% off for Yummy Mummy readers, family and friends, Use code: yummy THE DETAILS For more information contact Tina Higginson on admin@pixiedixie.co.uk Mobile 07803 247 400 Office: 0207 631 2084 www.pixiedixie.co.uk PixieDixiePJs

@pixiedixiepjs

YUMMY MUMMY

Sunday 8th March 2015 9am-1pm

TOWER POWERHOUSES

5k Family Challenge London’s Air Ambulance & Historic Royal Palaces launch Family Fundraising Event

F

or almost 1,000 years the Tower of London has stood sentry over the City of London. During its history it has been more than just a prison and royal residence.

This was the home of the King’s menagerie, the treasury and Crown Jewels, mint, ordinance office and observatory.

London’s Air Ambulance and Historic Royal Palaces have teamed up to bring you this new and exciting family challenge event. Follow clues around the City of London course and discover how the Tower of London and the powerhouses within it are connected with the City.

The course is suitable for everyone over the age of five and will not only challenge any intrepid adventurer with the distance but questions and clues will stretch the young participants to show off their numeracy and mathematical reasoning, literacy and language skills in accordance with Key Stage 1 & 2. The event will start and finish on the moat lawn with a picnic lunch and free entry into the Tower making this a fun filled and family focused day out.

Participating groups will be asked to pay an entry fee and pledge to raise a suggested contribution in aid of London’s Air

WILL THE POWERHOUSES OF LONDON DEFEAT YOU? Sign up at bit.ly/TowerPowerhouses Registration www.hrp.org.uk/challenge Cost Registration £25 per team, sponsorship target £175 Teams Maximum of 5 participants, one team member must be over 18 years old

5 0 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

Ambulance and Historic Royal Palaces. Teams will receive full fundraising support before the event and all proceeds will be split equally between these two iconic London charities.

ABOUT LONDON’S AIR AMBULANCE London’s Air Ambulance is the charity that delivers an advanced trauma team to critically injured people in London.

Using a helicopter by day and rapid response cars by night, a doctor and paramedic team can be at a patient’s side within minutes, providing life-saving medical interventions. The charity serves over 10 million people who live, work and travel in the capital and cover the area approximately bordered by the M25 motorway, a geography of 600 square miles.

London’s Air Ambulance treats on average 6 seriously injured people a day. Founded in 1989, the charity has treated over 30,000 critically injured people and attended most major incidents since inception. It has an international reputation for clinical excellence and delivers pioneering procedures which have been adopted across the world. www.londonsairambulance.co.uk ABOUT HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity which looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle. We receive no money from the crown or the state to look after the six palaces in our care and we rely on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. www.hrp.org.uk

BBC Logo TM & Š BBC 1996

Sat 4 aPRIL 1.30PM & 4.45PM SUN 5 aPRIL 11aM & 2PM ssearena.co.uk | 0844 815 0815 0844 847 1682

Calls cost from 5p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles will be considerably more.

www.CBeebieslive.com

Like our CBeebieslive page on

for news, competitions and fun!

EDUCATION

‘Private schools should be praised for

producing influential people’

A

new 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.

Crucially 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

7 6 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

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 highachieving parents. Their added 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...

280mm x 105mm wide:Layout 1 30/01/2015 17:15 Page 2

BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL Where Girls Learn to Lead

Girls’ Education

Root, Branch & STEM words Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School

M

y school is one of those increasingly rare institutions: a school which is single sex right through from 4-18 - no co-ed Sixth Form or Kindergarten tacked on at the beginning or end for us. Once, single sex education might have been perceived as the safe, traditional option but, for me, it has come to represent a distinctive and even radical choice. To choose a girls’ education is to opt for an infrastructure which supports girls in selecting the riskier, harder and more aspirational path in life.

In the new system of GCSE grading, the current A*-E grades will be transformed into grades 9 to 1. An A grade will be pitched at grade 7 and only 20% of those achieving above grade 7 will achieve the magic grade 9. This means that there will be an extraordinarily narrow margin for a new kind of ‘failure’ where a grade 8 will represent the failure to achieve the right kind of A*.

In a system which promotes perfectionism, the temptation may be to opt for a more limited curriculum – a narrower range of less demanding subjects.

However, in my girls’ school, we are acutely conscious of the need for girls to embrace the study of STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. At A level twice as many boys as girls take Maths and five times as many take Physics but, if girls do continue to study STEM subjects to A Level, they are more likely to achieve high grades.

In my school, we strive to promote STEM subjects in imaginative ways – our would be engineers are lured by the ‘Design Technology Divas Club’ in Year 9; our Junior Girls are skilled digital animators and computer coders; our Year 10s and Year 11s meet parents who are doctors, designers and engineers over coffee and cake in our regular STEM careers forum – the wonderfully named Café Scientifique. The key to promoting STEM subjects, is to nurture the roots – girls’ interest and enthusiasm for Science and Technology – only then will they have the confidence to branch out and to flourish.

THE DETAILS Find out more at www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net or from the admissions office on admissions@bro.gdst.net or telephone 020 8781 7000 to arrange a visit.

We look forward to meeting you and your daughter at one of our forthcoming open events in March, May/June and October2015.

Follow us on twitter @bromleyhs

OPEN

MORNING Tuesday 3rd March 2015 10.15 am – 12.15 pm

FURTHER OPEN EVENTS May/June and October 2015 (dates to be confirmed)

Scholarships and Bursaries available (Senior School)

FOR GIRLS 4‐18 YEARS admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net

EDUCATION

Empowering students to

develop as individuals B

ased in the heart of Mayfair in central London, Albemarle College was founded in 1997 and is now one of London’s leading Independent Sixth-Form colleges. Unlike many colleges of the same ilk, Albemarle’s student base is comprised of mainly British students with international students forming only 25% of the student body. Most students join Albemarle in year 12 to do A-levels having completed their GCSEs at a public, private or state school in the UK. The college offers 31 different A-level subjects and a wide range of GCSE subjects too.

The college ethos is one of empowering students to develop as individuals and to be able to work independently. This is done with the help of specialist teachers and a supportive network of Personal tutors and Curriculum managers who work with each individual student.

Exam success is a key element of the

7 8 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

programme at Albemarle with 90% of students achieving grades A*-B grades at A-level. Most students progress on to one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK, although a few do opt for US universities.

To help develop the well-rounded individual the college has a number of specialist programmes such as a popular Life Skills programme for students in the lower sixth. There are also programmes for students wishing to enter degree courses in highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Architecture and Economics.

Albemarle also has a range of sports and extra-curricular activities available to students, including football, dance aerobics, horse-riding and golf, to name but a few.

THE DETAILS To arrange a visit or informal interview at Albemarle please contact the College Administrator Julia Millar on 020 7409 7273 or by email at admin@albemarle.org.uk www.albemarle.org.uk

An Award-winning Sixth-Form College In the Heart of Central London

Principals James Eytle and Beverley Mellon receiving the award for Best London Independent Sixth-Form College 2014 from Les Webb of sixth-form.com.

• Small group sizes – max class size of 8.

• Excellent location – in the heart of Mayfair in central London close to Hyde Park and Oxford Street.

• Excellent results

– 89.4% of A-level students gained A*, A, B grades in June 2014.

Wide Subject Choice

A-level & GCSE courses covering a wide range of subjects across Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Languages.

Specialist Programmes for University Entry

Specialist programmes for university entry onto competitive degree courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Economics, Psychology, Architecture and Engineering.

For enrolment enquiries please contact the College Administrator, Julia Millar on 020 7409 7273 or by email admin@albemarle.org.uk

www.albemarle.org.uk

EDUCATION

SYDENHAM HIGH’S MATHS TEAM DELIVERS A GEOMETRY EXERCISE AT ST JOSEPH’S RC JUNIOR SCHOOL

NUMBER GAMES CAPTURE STUDENTS’ INTEREST AND BUILD CONFIDENCE

SYDENHAM HIGH BRINGS

MAGIC OF MATHS TO LIFE

W

ith the increasing emphasis on STEM subjects being the key to future UK economic growth, Sydenham High GDST is taking an innovative approach to improve student’s engagement with and performance in Maths from an early age.

The school has launched Magic Maths, a unique programme developed by the Junior and Senior Maths staff using very visual, non-traditional demonstrations of the magic behind mathematical concepts – from living Venn diagrams (processing data) to number tricks (algebraic equations, common factors and multiples) plus paper cutting games such as fitting a whole class through one piece of A4 paper (geometry and spatial maths).

“The idea is to capture students’ curiosity with clever and strongly visual mathematical games,” said Mark Williams, Head of Maths at Sydenham High. “Showing students what a perimeter, a number bond or a set means, right in front of them, is a very powerful way to demystify Maths.

The programme is proving particularly helpful in smoothing

What makes us different is the difference we make...

Our strong academic record is just the starting point: from scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond exams Find out more at our Spring & Summer open events Junior: Wednesday 6 May

9.30 - 11am

Senior: Thursday 7 May 9.30 - 11am Wednesday 24 June 6.30 - 8pm (including our D’Art Exhibition)

020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL

the step change in Maths from Junior to Senior School and also in introducing new concepts to girls embarking on the GCSE syllabus. Its popularity has also spawned a Magic Maths club, run

by Sixth Form Maths students.

“Once intrigued, students are more able to unpack the underlying concepts, see why they work and understand the logic that underpins them,” explained Mark Williams. “They gain huge personal satisfaction and confidence from finding the answers to something that might have seemed impenetrable on paper and they can then take their learning much further more quickly, seamlessly moving onto harder aspects.”

The techniques are not only being successfully used within the school but also in the community, thanks to the generous support of HSBC’s Global Education Programme - part of an ongoing collaboration with the Girls’ Day School Trust. Maths staff and a team of Sixth Form Mathematicians recently delivered an assembly and three different group activities to 120 children in Years 5 and 6 at St Joseph’s RC Junior School in West Norwood.

EDUCATION

Optimus Laudum W

ith Felices Erimus as its motto, happiness is at the heart of the philosophy at St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory School and it works. Educating three to seven year-old boys and girls in a friendly and caring environment for over 30 years is its strength and proprietor Adrian Ellis believes that the excellent ratio of staff to pupils allows each child to reach their full potential.

“Of course, together with parents, we look to establish each child’s unique qualities and particular talents and aim to develop them as fully as possible,” says Mr Ellis.

“We want our children to move on to the right schools for them.”

As a result St John’s Wood PrePreparatory has since 1982 been a ‘feeder’ to many of London’s top preparatory schools, among them Colet Court, Highgate, South Hampstead High School and University College School.

“The sense of a whole-school community is evident in this small school,” adds Mr Ellis.

“Size matters to St John’s Wood Pre-Prep. By limiting its numbers, most children know the rest of their fellow pupils throughout the school – an important element in building confidence and developing social skills.

Visit www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk or Call 020 7722 7149

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OPEN DAYS

2015

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE

14TH MAR 25TH APR 19TH SEPT 3RD OCT

CATHOLIC BENEDICTINE 11– 18 CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL IN THE HEART OF SUSSEX

www.worthschool.co.uk

B1534 WS 137x210L.indd 1

SINGING FROM THE HEART Being a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral is the experience of a lifetime St Paul’s choristers sing in one of the most famous and beautiful places of worship in the world, perform in concerts around the globe, and receive a first-class academic education at the Cathedral School. Boys are not expected to have fully-developed voices or much formal singing experience – enthusiasm, intelligence and musical potential are the keys.

— — — — —

100% tuition fees for all choristers Assistance with boarding fees available One of the top preparatory schools in the country The finest musical education An amazing start to life

If your son is aged 6–8 and shows musical promise, do get in touch.

He could become one of the next generation of choristers at St Paul’s.

For more information please contact: Clare Morgan, Registrar, St Paul’s Cathedral School 020 7248 5156 · admissions@spcs.london.sch.uk

ST. JOHN’S WOOD PRE - PREPARATORY SCHOOL

10/02/2015 17:43

Over 30 Years of Happiness & Success in Education Congratulations to the Year 2 class of 2013/2014 for receiving offers from schools including: City Of London School For Girls, Colet Court, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’, Highgate School, Latymer Prep School, Lyndhurst House School North Bridge House, Southbank International, South Hampstead High School and University College School Visit our brand new website and book for a tour of this small happy and successful school 020 7722 7149 info@sjwpre-prep.org.uk www.sjwpre-prep.org.uk

ASHBOURNE COLLEGE A Level Scholarships Music and Performing Arts

• One of London’s best private colleges • Outstanding facilities for music, drama and art including state-of-the-art composing and recording software • Emphasis on study skills, independent thinking and individual attention has produced excellent exam results and university destinations • Informal, university-style approach and wide range of cultural activities • Opportunities for full and partial scholarships for students with exceptional talent and academic ability.

Contact admissions on: 020 7937 3858 admissions@ashbournecollege.co.uk

college.co.uk

Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form Kensington, London W8 4PL

EARLY YEARS ‘‘This is a big, bold, very brilliant school.’’

Tatler School Guide 2015

www.dulwichpreplondon.org registrar@dulwichpreplondon.org

CE 4213 Fulham Life Advertisement:Layout 1 2/6/15 11:13 AM Page 1

4/2/15

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Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

Inspiring Brilliant Futures

Open Mornings Tuesday 17th March 9.30 - 11.00 Tuesday 9th June 9.30 - 11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

020-8670 5865 email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

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Fulham Prep School

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Is your child passionate about music, or in tune with a wide curriculum of subjects?

Find out how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8). www.fulhamprep.co.uk

Fulham Pre-Prep Open Day Thursday 19th March, 2015 between 09:30 and 11:00am.

47A Fulham High Street.

Walk in anytime, no need to register.

All prospective parents welcome.

F

S

EDUCATION

A Winning Educational Forumla

D

onhead Preparatory School is a thriving independent Jesuit preparatory school for boys aged 4-11 years. Applications from other Christian denominations, other faiths and those of no faith are welcomed. Children are prepared thoroughly for selective state and independent schools, as well as maintaining a regular number of pupils transferring to Wimbledon College, a non-selective Jesuit secondary school.

There are 340 pupils on roll. The school roll has doubled in the last 8 years and, during that time, the school has benefitted from a £4.5m investment in additional and improved facilities.

Furthermore, a new £3.2m development begins in March 2015. This will be completed in December 2015 and will deliver the benefit of a Chapel, a 150 seat Theatre for Music and Drama and a two storey Art & Design Centre.

Donhead Preparatory School seeks to educate young persons of competence, conscience and compassion. It is hoped that our leavers, in whatever profession they ultimately choose

8 6 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

to pursue, will be ‘leaders in service’; taking the lead in serving the needs of those who need their help most. The cultivation of this spirit of ‘generosity’ is the core purpose of the school. The children are urged to do their very best in all that they do, developing their talents to the full, for both the greater glory of God and the common good. The byproduct of this pursuit of excellence is considerable success in our academic and sporting endeavours.

Last year 9 Scholarship Awards were secured to highly selective independent schools and, in the last three years, two of our year groups have won the National Schools’ Rugby Tournament. The school also has 3 choirs and an orchestra. The quality of music is a joy of the school.

It is not, of course, just clever boys who can make a difference and, therefore, Donhead is a strictly nonselective school. Places are awarded on a date of registration basis only.

Long waiting lists exist in most years and so early registration is advised.

Preference is given to siblings and to boys transferring into our Reception Class from The Ursuline Preparatory School.

THE DETAILS For more details please visit the school website at www.donhead.org.uk.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to our school.

AMDG

DONHEAD

33 Edge Hill Wimbledon London SW19 4NP T: 020 8946 7000 www.donhead.org.uk

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

A Jesuit School Preparatory Day School for Boys 4 to 11 years

      

Outstanding Inspection Report available to view at ADVERT www.donhead.org.uk 87 Our 10 year £7.7m development scheduled for completion in December 2015 Catholic Ethos Children of all denominations welcome Entry and scholarships achieved to top state and independent schools Outstanding Sporting and Musical tradition Extensive extra-curricular provision Wrap-Around Care from 8.00am to 6.00pm

Full admissions details available via the website.

To arrange a personal tour please contact: Mrs June Smith, PA to the Headmaster, at headmasterpa@donhead.org.uk or telephone 020 8946 7000 (extension 1)

EDUCATION

THE GOLD STANDARD

F

airley House School, described by the Sunday Times as the ‘Gold Standard’, is London’s leading day school for children with specific learning difficulties.

Offering a unique education with Educational Psychologists, Speech, Language and Occupational Therapists integrated into the school curriculum, the school enjoys a central London location with excellent facilities.

Addressing 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.

0899 FH LIFE 125mm(h) x 185mm(w).indd 1

Following a great deal of encouragement from our parental body, Fairley House has decided, from September 2015, to continue its educational provision until the completion of Key Stage 4.

This will enable 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 rejoin mainstream education as quickly as possible, our provision will now offer 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. We are certain that this new development will enhance the provision that Fairley House can offer.

24/01/2015 09:47

H S GROUP ROUP OUSEschools CHOOLSgroup ROUP HOUSE OUSE SCHOOLS CHOOLS G house Bassett House Bassett HouseSchool School Bassett House School Bassett House School Kensington Kensington Kensington Kensington

Orchard House School Prospect House School orchard House School OrchardHouse HouseSchool School prospect Prospect House School Orchard House School Prospect House School Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick Chiswick

Bassett Bassett House School BassettHouse HouseSchool School Bassett House School 60 Bassett 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP 60Bassett BassettRoad, Road,London LondonW10 W106JP 6JP 60 Road, London W10 6JP Tel 020 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk Tel 020 8969 0313, info@bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk OPEN DAYS 11th 10am–12.30pm OPEN DAYSaturday, Saturday, 9thOct, May, 10am-12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th Oct, 10am–12.30pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 11th Oct, 10am–12.30pm

Orchard OrchardHouse HouseSchool School Orchard House School Orchard House School 16 16 Newton 16Newton NewtonGrove, Grove,Bedford BedfordPark, Park,London LondonW4 W41LB 1LB 16 Newton Grove, Bedford Park, London W4 Tel 020 Tel 020 8742 8544, info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel020 0208742 87428544, 8544,info@orchardhs.org.uk info@orchardhs.org.uk Tel www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk www.orchardhs.org.uk OPEN DAYS 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAYSaturday, Saturday, 7th March, 9.30am-noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am–noon

Prospect House School Prospect House School House School P H Shhh lll PProspect HHouse SSchool PProspect H S 75 Putney 75Putney PutneyHill, Hill,London LondonSW15 SW153NT 3NT 75 Putney Hill, London SW15 3NT 75 Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel020 0208780 87800456, 0456,info@prospecths.org.uk info@prospecths.org.uk Tel 020 8780 0456, info@prospecths.org.uk Tel www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk www.prospecths.org.uk OPEN EVENING Thursday, 30th April, 6-8pm OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4thOct, Oct,9.30am 9.30am noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th Oct, 9.30am noon OPEN DAYS Saturday, 4th –––noon

Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth Putney/Wandsworth

Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard Bassett House House School School in in Kensington, Kensington, Orchard Orchard Bassett Bassett House School in Kensington, Orchard House School in Chiswick and Prospect House House School School in in Chiswick Chiswick and and Prospect Prospect House House House House School in Chiswick and Prospect House School in Putney are prep schools for children aged Schoolin inPutney Putneyare areprep prepschools schoolsfor forchildren childrenaged aged School School in Putney are prep schools for children aged 333 and above.

All are IAPS-member schools and and above. above. All All are are IAPS-member IAPS-member schools schools and and and 3 and above. All are IAPS-member schools and participate in the Minimum Funding Entitlement participate in in the the Minimum Minimum Funding Funding Entitlement Entitlement participate participate in the Mininum Funding Entitlement Scheme, which reduces the fees charged Scheme, which which reduces thecharged fees charged charged for for Scheme, reduces the fees Scheme, which reduces the fees for childrenfor children aged under 5 years old. children aged under 55 years years old. old. children aged under aged under 5 years.

All three schools are co-educational to age 11, All three three schools schoolsare areco-educational co-educationaltoto toage age11, 11, All three schools are co-educational age 11, All when the children leave for their senior schools. when the the children childrenleave leavefor fortheir theirsenior seniorschools. schools. when the children leave for their senior schools. when The schools are non-selective for younger Theschools schools are non-selective non-selective forchildren, younger The schools are for younger The are non-selective for younger children, yet the academic expectations are high children, yet the the academic academic expectations expectations are the high children, yet are high yet the academic expectations are high and and the achievement distinguished.

We believe this and the the achievement achievement distinguished.

Wethis believe this and distinguished.

We believe this achievement distinguished.

We believe is for is for two principal reasons.

First, we provide at is for for two principal principal reasons.

First, weatprovide provide at is two we two principal reasons. reasons.

First, weFirst, provide each ofat each of our schools a nurturing, positive and eachschools of our oura schools schools aa positive nurturing, positive and each of nurturing, and our nurturing, andpositive happy yet happy structured environment.

We know that happy yet yet environment. structured environment. environment.

Wehappiness know that that happy yet structured We know structured We know that happiness and success go hand in hand and we happiness and success goand hand in hand handsuccess and we we happiness success go hand and and success and go hand in hand we in celebrate celebrate success at every level and in every sphere success atevery everysphere level and and in every every celebrate success at every level in atcelebrate every level and in of school life, sphere be it of school life, be it in academic work, sport, music of school life, work, be it insport, academic work, sport, work, in academic music or sport, the music arts. or have low pupil toand teacher orthe thearts. arts.

Secondly, we have lowpupil pupil low teacher Secondly, weSecondly, have a lowwe pupil toaateacher ratioto an ratio and resources.

Together these ratio and an abundance of resources.

Together an abundance of resources.

Together these abundance of resources. Together these bring out the bring every child. bring out the best inchild. each and and every every child. child. in each best inout eachthe andbest every Examination consistently been Examination results results have have consistently consistently been results have consistently been Examination excellent: the schools proud of their hard-won excellent:the the schools are proud of their their of hard-won excellent: schools areare proud of their hard-won and and long-standing reputations. and long-standing reputations. long-standing reputations.

Parents children earlytoto to Parents usually usually register registertheir theirchildren childrenearly usually register their children early Parents secure Nursery or Reception secureplaces places in each eacheach school’s NurseryNursery or Reception school’s Nursery or secure placesin in school’s or classes but groups arise from classes but vacancies in other year groups vacancies in other year groups arise from Reception classes but vacancies in other year groups time to consider one of these these time from to time. time. youtime. wishIfto toyou consider one you wish consider one of arise timeIfIfto wish to consider schools foryour your child,for we strongly strongly encourage schools child, we encourage you to to encourage you one of for these schools your child, we strongly visit us. us. Please Please call the school secretary of visit secretary of the the encourage you tocall visitthe us. school Please secretary call the school relevant of school, who will will be who happy tobearrange arrange school, who be happy relevant happy to arrange for secretary the relevant school, willto happy tofor you to tofor visit the school and see see it in in school and action. you visit see it in action.

In arrange youthe to visit the school and it see it in action.In addition, there are occasional Open OpenDays Dayswhich Open Days which addition, Open Days which In addition,there thereare are occasional occassional give an an even even greater greateropportunity opportunitytoto tospeak speaktoto greater opportunity speak our give give an even opportunity to speak toour our strongestsupporters, supporters, namely the children! strongest supporters, namely children! strongest namely thethe children! children!

EDUCATION

Why choose an

Independent Sixth Form College?

F

or independent sixth form colleges, formerly known as “crammers”, times have changed dramatically over the past 20 years. There are currently over 100 such colleges in the UK, located nationwide from Exeter to Edinburgh, and significantly the majority of the A-level courses that they run nowadays are of the traditional two-year variety, rather than the shortened retake courses for which they were renowned. Most still run resit and revision courses, but this sector is now firmly established as a provider of the standard post-GCSE two-year programme.

Most of the best colleges are members of the Council for Independent Education (CIFE). CIFE, founded in 1972, is a national association whose colleges each offer individual features but are all subject to high standards of accreditation.

Details of each college can be found at www.cife.org.uk.

Chris Kraft, Principal of Duff Miller College, explains why the sixth form colleges are no longer the poor relation of the independent sector: “Students are making a pro-active choice to seek alternatives to the traditional school sixth form. The die is not cast for 16-year-olds to stay where they have been since 11 or 13, and many parents are now seeking a bespoke solution to the problem of ensuring entry into high-demand courses such as medicine and law at top universities. They are increasingly unconvinced that staying put is the best option.”

SO,WHAT ARE THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF PRIVATE SIXTHFORM COLLEGES? Firstly, they provide a more adult learning environment compared to schools, a wider variety and range of subjects on offer (over 40, in some cases) and fewer restrictions on subject combinations. Mike Kirby, who founded Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College in the 1970s, stresses: “We offer the opportunity for change, growth and development and are rightly called half-way houses to university. There is an excellent balance between freedom and discipline: students have much more responsibility to manage their academic and social lives, but at the same time colleges are slightly obsessed with monitoring attendance, work submission and exam preparation.”

Secondly, the best colleges have experienced teachers who are A-level subject specialists, familiar with all the exam board requirements and often examiners for the syllabuses they teach. Steve Boyes, Principal of MPW London, adds: “Sixth form college teachers have developed special expertise because they cater only for Key Stage 5 and can focus on delivering A-level specifications in innovative and creative ways, which translates into high-level academic outcomes.”

THE DETAILS For more information go to www.cife.org.uk or telephone 020 8767 8666.

9 0 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

“OUTSTANDING”* 1 Montessori education 1 Open 8am – 6pm (50 weeks per annum) 1 Extra curricular activities including French, Ballet, Baby Massage Football Coaching, Swimming & Gymnastics

Call: Fulham 020 7386 0006

or

Shepherds Bush 020 8749 2877

Taking care of Little People since 1978

www.littlepeople.co.uk Motivation • Inspiration • Excellence

Located in the heart of Belsize Park in Hampstead, Sarum Hall is a modern and successful school in which pupils are motivated to learn, inspired to fulfil their potential and encouraged to achieve excellence.

Natural talents and enquiring minds are nurtured, allowing girls to explore new horizons with confidence. We are proud of our academic, scholarship and examination success; the foundations laid at Sarum Hall last a lifetime.

Means-tested bursaries are available for a limited number of pupils.

Please contact the school for further information.

Headmistress: Mrs C Smith 15 Eton Avenue London NW3 3EL Tel: 020 7794 2261 Email: admissions@sarumhallschool.co.uk www.sarumhallschool.co.uk Charity number: 312721 Company Registration number: 0666444

Preparatory School for Girls aged 3 to 11 years

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL PETER HAMILTON, HEADMASTER OF HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S BOYS’ SCHOOL Making the right choice of school for your child is a daunting prospect. With so many excellent independent secondary schools available, all displaying an impressive pedigree, it is easy to become overwhelmed when choosing the school that will be best for your child in terms of academic fulfilment and personal development.

A child’s schooldays, however, are not merely about absorbing knowledge or acquiring grades. Ensuring that the school has the correct type of pastoral support and care for your child is paramount to their success and happiness. For example, how are classes set?

Ability setting may be too competitive for some; geographical location ensures classmates are close to each other both inside and outside of school, better encouraging the kind of lifelong friendship that schools inspire.

Additionally, how pupils are supported through exams – planning, revision strategies, stress management – and the UCAS process, should form part of your decisionmaking. At 11, this may seem early, but it is certainly not premature. Before you know it, you’ll be watching them receive their exam results and waving them off to University.

By now you will have visited numerous open days, acquired packs of prospectuses and met multitudes of inspirational children and teachers. Further, you will be facing the fact that most independent schools have small class sizes, exceptional exam results, motivated staff, an extensive range of extracurricular activities, a cabinet full of trophies, and more! So, how do you best make an informed decision?

Primarily, choosing a school is about choosing an academic ethos that will enable your child to succeed, not just in their exams, but in their lives after education.

Most schools supply an information book alongside their prospectus and this should explain the how each curricular subject is taught and what exactly is on offer.

Some schools expect pupils to drive their own learning; others may have a more creative, or project focused, approach. Some schools will offer little or no flexibility when selecting examination subjects; others may afford students a variety of choices. Knowing your child’s areas of strength, you should be looking to choose an approach that will engage them and encourage them to learn throughout their life.

In the case of Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School, we admit the brightest boys, and at every stage of their development our curriculum is expressly designed to keep them involved, stimulated and eager to learn. We are known for our academic excellence and the vast majority of our students go on to their first choice university, with exceptionally high numbers to Oxford and Cambridge.

We produce confident and self-motivated young men who are fully prepared for the challenges of the future.

We have a strong and supportive multicultural community at our core. Students make friends across the most extraordinary range of backgrounds and cultures, and our community stands as a beacon of tolerance and respect.

The right school will share the values and aspirations that you have for your child. It will have demonstrated how it nurtures pupils, how it gets the best from them inside and outside the classroom, and it will already have struck a chord with your family.

I wish you the best of luck in making your decisions.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk www.habsboys.org.uk Open Day: Sat 3rd October 2015 1 – 4pm Booked tours are available throughout the yeat

School Tours with the Headmistress for details contact the school 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk

ST JAMES Junior School

Earsby Street | London W14 8SH

for girls and boys

Registered Charity No. 270156

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School Nurturing Excellence

Open Day Saturday 3rd October 2015 1–4pm Booked tours available through the year

An outstanding independent day school for boys aged between 5 and 18.

www.habsboys.org.uk registered charity no: 313996

Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF Tel: 020 8266 1700 office@habsboys.org.uk Headmaster Peter B Hamilton MA

EDUCATION

HEAD MASTER SIMON EVERSON GREETS ASTRONAUT COMMANDER CHRIS HADFIELD

SIMON EVERSON AT MERCHANT TAYLORS’

The role of the Head Teacher

by Simon Everson, Head master of Merchant Taylors’ school

E

ighteen months into my second headship seems a good point to pause and reflect on the experiences of being a Head. As a group, we Heads suffer more than most from a misleading popular perception of our role. Despite being almost 100 years out of date, for many the image that most closely describes a Head Teacher is taken from the Bash Street Kids stories in the Beano. They summon up a picture of an antique, rake-thin, remote and tweedy old man, clad in a black academic gown. This perception is unfair to Heads – but what are we really like? What should parents and pupils understand of this important figure in their child’s education? We should start by debunking a few myths.

The most common myth of headship is that it is a lonely job. The perception is of crushing solitude, of an isolated person who – whilst brooding at an Olympian height – bears the weight of the whole school upon his or her shoulders: just this morning I opened the Times Educational Supplement to see that the lead article bore the headline ‘The Loneliness of Leadership.’ The image beside the headline was a marble statue holding his face in his hands with a rather mischievous pigeon perched on his head. After more than eight years of headship I beg to differ. Yes, the final decision lies with the Head but each of us is surrounded by teams and innumerable supportive groups of colleagues. We share the discussion, collectively develop the vision and rarely act without agreement and mutual support. More widely, every Head is linked to other Head Teachers through professional bodies and circles of friendship. If all that fails, buy a dog. Ask most Head Teachers whether they are afflicted by loneliness and they will reply that they would cheerfully welcome a bit of solitude to get some thinking done.

The second myth is that the role is stressful. Setting aside the fact that not all stress is bad and that it is a balance of stresses that keeps cathedral walls standing for innumerable centuries, in fact the role is not stressful in the true sense of the word. It is pressured, often hectic, busy and (in modern parlance) full on – but not stressful. Stress arises from feeling of lack of control.

Stress arises from uncertainty. Heads suffer from many things but they benefit from being the one in charge. Arguably, Deputy Heads - with significant responsibility but no full ownership of the direction of the school - are more prone to stress.

The third common misperception is that headship is primarily about administration and paperwork. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that, particularly in state schools, the compliance culture requires that paperwork be undertaken and that records be in order. However, this is ‘grunt work’ and will

9 4 F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 5

largely be completed by support staff, overseen by a Deputy.

Rather than a paper shuffling role, headship is almost entirely focused on people, whether it is supporting a Rugby XV on the touchline or taking lunch with pupils new to the school.

As a Head, your attention will be almost exclusively given to the needs of your pupils and working with colleagues (both teaching and support staff). The few minutes of any day not given to encouraging, collaborating with, inspiring, admonishing, cajoling and acknowledging those two key groups will be spent working with others. Heads also work closely with governors, parents, the press, people of local significance, former pupils and innumerable others. The primary tools of headship are communication and persuasion, whether delivered one-to-one or to a larger group.

Our final myth is that each Head is, at least on some level, a Machiavellian mastermind. Much as some of us might enjoy it if we were, this description does not stick either. In fact, schools are now so complex that it would be almost impossible to mastermind all activities people and processes involved. Again, the opposite of that myth is true. It is vital for every Head to be as open and transparent as possible. No Head wants to be in possession of information about a pupil unknown to that the child’s parents. Teachers look to Heads for inspiration – but they are highly intelligent and do not take kindly to the feeling of being manipulated. Head Teachers have to be moral leaders as well as professional leaders. An essential part of this is to prove beyond doubt to others that we are not in it for ourselves, but have a wider perspective and a clear moral compass.

So what is true about the role? The reality is both simpler and more fulfilling than any of these myths. The busyness of the role is a given. Besides that, a key ingredient of the role is variety. Headship will involve you in all aspects of the life of a school and the experiences of those who work and learn there.

The only certainty is surprise; it is not uncommon to go from a financial strategy meeting to one offering comfort to a distressed pupil or colleague. The working day of the Head is also full of humour. Not a day goes by without laughter and celebration of achievement. It is inherently joyful to work with children – never boring, always surprising and often humbling.

After nine years, I can honestly say that I am still learning.

I doubt I will ever reach the point where the day ahead is fully mapped and without surprises. And that’s why I enjoy the role so much!

Simon Everson has been Head of Merchant Taylors’, Northwoood since September 2013.

MTS

Merchant Taylors’ School Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561 15 61

Open Morning

09 May 2015 10.00 - 12.30

Wouldn’t you prefer a London school in the country?

40 minutes from Bond Street and Marylebone is: • 2016 Registration: 13+ February 28 2015 11+ November 30 2015 16+ December 31 2015

• A traditional boys’ education for your son • ‘Exceptional’ 2014 School Inspection • Inspirational teaching

• Unique tutorial system

• Civilized, friendly & unpressured

• Bursaries • Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships

• Magnificent sports fields

• Superb facilities set in 250 acres

St John’s Wood coach from September 2015

Getting here

Online

Coaches : Barnet (via Stanmore), Beaconsfield, Ealing, Harpenden, Harrow, Highgate, Mill Hill, Radlett, Stanmore Car : MTS is 15 minutes from the M1, the M25 and the A40 Transit : MTS is adjacent to Moor Park (Metropolitan Line) and is accessible from any Jubilee/Metropolitan Line station. Chiltern line trains change at Rickmansworth From Marylebone: Chiltern Line trains change at Harrow. Travelling time from WC1/W1 is 40 minutes

Guided tours (last tour 11.30) The Head Master speaks at 11.15 and 12.15

Visit us at www.mtsn.org.uk Find us on Facebook Merchant Taylors’ School Follow us on Twitter @MerchantTaylors

Please contact Gregg McCann, Admissions Officer admissions@mtsn.org.uk +44(0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561.

For boys 11 - 18

Preparatory School for girls aged four to eleven

Open Morning

Find the best tutors in your area |

|

|

We warmly welcome you to visit our school on

Saturday 28th February 9.30-12.00

Maths

English

Science

& more!

Wilberforce House, Camp Road, Wimbledon SW19 4UN Visit our school and meet Headmistress, Mrs Pepper and her staff For further details please call Jane Davis on 020 8947 6969 We offer an assisted places scheme for girls aged 7+

www.thestudyprep.co.uk

Registered Charity No.271012

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE SCHOOL 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE

A co-educational IAPS Prep and Pre-Prep School for children from 3 to 13 with its own Oak Tree Nursery for children from 2½ to 3½ OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday, 6th May 2015 Thursday, 7th May 2015 For more information contact Admissions: 020 7435 1916 enquiries@devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

020 3322 4748

tutorfair.com

www.hurtwoodhouse.com

Learning the Bard

For a life in the Theatre

Testing Materials

Open Mornings

For a life in Fashion

Open Morning

St George’s Junior School

St George’s College & Sixth Form

01932 839400

01932 839300

Friday 6 March 2015 Saturday th 7 March 2015

Saturday 7 March 2015

th

th

Leading independent co-educational Roman Catholic day schools in Surrey offering a values-led education for all.

Book now at www.stgeorgesweybridge.com A Registered Educational Charity No.1017853

YUMMY MUMMY CLUB

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bamford Haybarn Spa at The Berkeley

4

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Dr. Haus’

EYE-TECH SOLUTIONS

The thin, delicate skin around our eyes is a tell tale sign of age! Leading Brazilian Dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus has an array of Eye-Tech solutions to quash speculation and banish those blinker bugbears…

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WHAT? Sublative technology treats mild to moderate wrinkles, red and brown spots, and textural irregularities.

WHAT? The CO2RE Madonna eye lift is the non-surgical solution to improve drooping skin, wrinkles and signs of ageing around the eyes - in a single treatment.

HOW? The clear gel is gently introduced into the skin in tiny amounts with an extra-fine needle creating a fresh, natural & more youthful appearance. The site is injected several times to ensure full coverage of the treatment area.

HOW? Carboxytherapy involves the injection of a small amount of carbon dioxide gas just beneath the skin’s surface delivering results by increased oxygen flow to the area. It is minimally invasive, pain-free and has no down-time. Results are fast and a course of 4-6 sessions is usually required.

HOW? RF energy is precisely directed to the skin in the form of a matrix. Healthy skin around the dots accelerates the healing process of the skin and new collagen and healthy skin cells are produced. Skin texture becomes smoother and more even with minimum down-time.

HOW? The CO2RE fractional laser works on the upper dermis tightening the skin, reducing dark circles and elevating the eyebrow.

Results will continue to be seen up to 3 months after treatment as new collagen is formed.

ALL TREATMENTS AVAILABLE AT

www.drhausdermatology.com - Telephone: 020 7323 6559 - 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF

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HEALTH, BEAUTY & fAsH ion HEALTH & BEAUTY

“Tweaked” noT “Tucked”

is the new UK trend in Cosmetic Surgery

T

here is a softer, gentler approach to cosmetic surgery in the UK right now with a desire for more natural, understated anti-ageing treatments rather than the more extreme procedures that soared in popularity post recession and during the cosmetic surgery boom.

Men and women no longer want to look different, they just want to look refreshed.

According to the latest statistics from BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), natural and refreshed is the aesthetic ideal at present amongst us Brits.

The figures reveal that subtle, anti-ageing procedures such as eyelid surgery, face lifts and fat transfer are as strong as ever in the UK, yet extreme procedures such as tummy tucks and nose jobs have taken a dive. Surgical liposuction amongst women saw a +10% rise last year.

Breast augmentations were down –20% yet breast reductions were up +3%. The trend is now for a refreshed or youthful appearance rather than more conspicuous

Men and women no longer want to look different, they just want to look refreshed alterations. Brow lifts were also down –5% giving way to a more natural looking face.

This year’s trends are in contrast to double-digit increases in the more extreme procedures last year when post austerity, there was a sudden giant surge in severe cosmetic treatments particularly for Glamour model style boob jobs.

Now, the natural, less-is-more look is definitely on the rise as patients opt to be tweaked rather than tucked.

Riverbanks Clinic has always been a ‘natural, less-ismore’ ambassador. In fact Dr Jain has recently devised a whole new consultation method based around this ethos.

The Harmony programme encompasses everything that the UK trend is reflecting. No severe cosmetic facial changes, but a soft and gentle approach to refresh and restore the natural contours of a face that may have slipped somewhat over time.

Not a quick in and out consultation with a generic repertoire of treatments. This is a complete consultation process between doctor and patient taking into account their skin type, lifestyle and psychological profile before deciding on a treatment plan. Dr Jain, founder of Riverbanks Clinic explains, ‘the key to the Harmony programme is that it is for people who don’t want to look different, they just want to look how they feel. It’s about natural looking tweaks and adjustments that restore facial balance and enhance the appearance rather than altering it.’ ‘Many of our patients have been with us for seven years but they look younger today than they did when they first started. That’s because they have invested in RA UR AY R Y22001155 5140 2 F EFBERBU

subtle skin maintenance plans which discreetly treat the signs of ageing so after each treatment they look that little bit fresher and after a while it adds up to significant improvements.’ Dr Jain is now teaching this method globally.

Dr Jain is also recognised for his new R-lift, a nonsurgical facelift. Rather than going under the knife for severe cosmetic surgery, cleverly placed fillers are used to restore the natural scaffolding of a face while lifting and sculpting. Carefully controlled amounts of Emervel or Restylane are injected into as few as two points on either side of the face: cheekbones (to smooth sunken sockets and hollow temples) and the corners of the mouth (to sharpen jaw lines and iron out lines around the lips). The difference between Dr Jain’s R-Lift and ordinary fillers is the technique. A cannula is run beneath the skin’s surface, helping to break the fibrous bands that fuse skin to muscle and fade deep wrinkles. Dr Jain’s R-Lift is featured in this year’s Tatler Beauty and Cosmetic Guide where Riverbanks Clinic has featured for the last 3 years. Dr Jain and the Riverbanks Clinic team welcome this new trend for a more thoughtful and cautious approach to cosmetic surgery.

THE DETAILS Riverbanks Clinics won ‘Best Aesthetic Clinic’ in the UK three times from 2009 -– 2013.

••••• Feel free to visit our website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk or call my friendly team on 01582762877.

Dr Rav i Jain

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bamford Haybarn Spa at The Berkeley Launches

NEW ‘VIEW YOU’ PACKAGE TO START THE NEW YEAR Celebrating its first anniversary, the Bamford Haybarn Spa at the Berkeley invites guests to rise above the winter blues and detox in style this New Year. Launching the new ‘View You’ package, the spa will offer a choice of rejuvenating body and facial treatments as well as complimentary access to the roof top pool with spectacular views over Hyde Park and Knightsbridge.

A

vailable exclusively throughout January and February 2015, the ‘View You’ package offers an escape from the madness of the Knightsbridge sales to the serenity of the seventh floor spa offering a unique countryside haven in the heart of the city.

The ‘View You’ package allows guests to choose between two full-body treatments along with complimentary access to the rooftop pool, reserved usually for members and guests, a 60 minute personal training session and a nutritious poolside lunch to really kick start 2015. ‘View You’ offers a choice between a Laminara Body Wrap, perfect for breaking down the festive fat cells and helping to minimise cellulite through the use of organic seaweed and marine salts, or a Green Tea Body Wrap rich in Vitamin C and E which will boost the immune system and eliminate toxins whilst replenishing the body from inside out – the perfect post party detox.

For those wishing to revitalize a tired face, the ‘View You’ facial offer will be the perfect balance of relaxation and reinvigoration for fatigued eyes and sensitive skin after slight over indulgence. Offering a Signature Oskia Glow Facial, using completely natural ingredients and a steam effect to draw the toxins from the skin, this treatment focuses on lifting and brightening the face to bring the sparkle back after the party season. For those well-healed feet, a 25 minute foot massage is included to stimulate energy flow around the body and aid in

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the removal of toxins as well as soothing tired toes. The ‘View You’ facial offer also includes access to the roof top pool and one complimentary vitamin boosting smoothie.

ABOUT THE BERKELEY In leafy Knightsbridge, the Berkeley, part of Maybourne Hotel Group is the essence of contemporary chic. With stunning rooms and suites, two Michelin-starred cuisine from Marcus Wareing, Pierre Koffmann’s French Brasserie, classic British dishes in the Caramel Room, fashionista fancies for afternoon tea at Prêt-à-Portea, cocktails in the Blue Bar and the Spa complete with rooftop pool, the Berkeley is rich in pleasure and discoveries that will surprise and enchant.

ABOUT MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.

Priced from £150, the ‘View You’ packages can be booked directly with the spa reservations team via 020 7201 1699 or by emailing haybarn@the-berkeley.co.uk

THE DETAILS For further information on memberships and a full list of treatments please visit www.the-berkeley.co.uk/health-club-and-spa

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

A Superior Patient Experience at Medserena Upright MRI Centre

T

he Medserena Upright MRI Centre focuses on providing a superior patient experience at a well-established and premium quality facility in Kensington. The Centre is equipped with an innovative Upright Positional MRI scanner. Clinical Director, Professor Francis Smith MD. FRCR, FRCS, FRCP, FFSEM, brings a wealth of experience, expertise and quality to the standard of examinations and reporting generated at the Centre. The Medserena Upright MRI Centre is recognised by all major UK Health Insurances

TOLERATED BY CLAUSTROPHOBIC PATIENTS Our scanner is completely open, unlike conventional MRI or even many conventional “open” scanners, so there is nothing in front of the patient’s face during the scan, and subsequently there is no feeling of claustrophobia.

In fact, the scanner is so open patients can even watch television whilst being scanned.

BACK PAIN GETTING YOU DOWN? “One Stop”, same day consultation and diagnosis using our unique upright open scanner. You will have a Consultation with our Spine Specialist who will then direct the optimum upright MRI examination to determine the cause of your symptoms. He will then review the images and findings of the scan with you. The package includes a written report and copy of the scan on CD. SCANS USING NATURAL WEIGHT-BEARING AND VARIABLE PATIENT POSITIONING OFFERS REAL BENEFITS TO PATIENTS The Upright Positional MRI System offers the unique possibility of scanning patients in an upright or weight-bearing position versus the conventional supine MRI position. Supine scans may not detect certain pathology that become visible only when the patient is in an upright or weight-bearing position.

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WHIPLASH SPECIALISTS We have developed expertise in examination of Whiplash injuries, and have data that shows that the diagnostic accuracy of MRI following whiplash injury is improved by routine imaging of the cranio-cervical junction. We believe that the accepted practice of imaging the cervical spine, limiting the axial images to below the second cervical vertebra, C2 (the axis) is inadequate can under-estimate the incidence of significant post traumatic dislocation above this level. Upright MRI also has the advantage of being able to perform dynamic studies, and can examine the patients with the neck in neutral, flexion and extension or in rotation if required.

All our Whiplash studies include specialised focused views.

IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE SPINE Upright MRI has many other applications in the realm of Musculo-skeletal imaging and Sports Medicine. For example, knees, hips, feet and ankles may all benefit from a weight bearing scan, as patients often complain about pain only when standing or walking. We can perform prostate MRI without necessity of insertion of an internal sensor, patients can sit in the completely open scanner, and there is not even any need to undress. It also provides a solution for other patients who cannot undertake a conventional MRI scan, because of their size or who cannot lie down.

THE DETAILS

114a, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4ES Telephone 020 7370 6003 www.mri-london.com

Is Your Back Pain Getting You Down?

• Consultation with a Spine Specialist • Upright positional MRI scan • Referral for appropriate treatment For more information or to book your appointment:

Call: 020 7370 6003 E-mail: bookings@mri-london.com www.mri-london.com

One Stop Sam e Da y Diag nosi s

Medserena Upright MRI Centre 114a Cromwell Road, Kensington, London, SW7 4ES

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Sound Buzz

I

WORDS BY MELANIE PICKARD

t’s January and the streets of Central London are full of busy commuters wrapped in many layers to fight off the biting chill. To most it’s just another winter’s day but there is something causing a buzz nearby, something involving the excitement of a new store. A store which for many could just mean the key improvement to their lives that they have been waiting for.

Maddox Street, just off of Regent Street is the location and Hidden Hearing are the company who are providing this solution. I am here for their official open day. Inside this newly refurbished building I am greeted by a reception area that gives a premium feel with its décor, display and friendly receptionist, there is a great buzz of excitement from customers who have been invited along. All have been offered a full tour of the store and a brief education on all of the technical equipment, which is used as part of their hearing tests and examinations. This includes a video otoscope, which is a very small camera designed to go inside the ear canal and feedback an image on a television screen. It’s a most impressive looking item that is small, non-intrusive and wireless. Other modern tools are available such as speech mapping, an aid that helps really personalise your hearing aid to your own hearing loss. There are also specialised hearing accessories such as cordless and mobile telephones that are designed for ease of use with a hearing loss, these have loud ringers and receiver volume and stop feedback during use with a hearing aid.

On this day only Hidden Hearing have also invited health company Life Line into their store, to demonstrate how all health matters should work together in partnership. All customers visiting today are offered not just a free full hearing

RECEPTIONIST CHLOE WITH A CUSTOMER

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screening and consultancy, but also some time with Life Line, who are able to check health matters like cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure, kidney disease and osteoporosis.

A familiar face is on hand to help the staff at Maddox Street on this occasion too, TV’s Dr Hilary Jones is here to speak with anyone who has hearing related problems. Hidden Hearing work with Dr Hilary, who has been their official Medical Advisor over the last 2 years. Happily chatting with customers he seems to easily hold the attention of an audience as well as supporting them with medical advice upon request.

The new store seems to have come at a vital time, with an estimated half a million people in London living with an undiagnosed hearing loss* it seems that there may be many people suffering in silence. With 2 consulting rooms and a dedicated fitting room, Hidden Hearing are able to offer the best in support and care for anyone suffering with a hearing loss. The technology available today is incredible and so advanced it’s worth a brief visit to the store for a tour alone.

After today’s visit it does make me wonder if we neglect our hearing too much, as one of the major senses that we cherish why don’t we have it checked more often, as we would with our eye tests? Living in such a health and fitness obsessed culture could it be time to start thinking about the basics more?

THE DETAILS To get your FREE hearing assessment pop in to 33 Maddox Street, London W1S 2PB or call 0207 0466066 to make an appointment. Further information can also be found at www.hiddenhearing.co.uk

AUDIOLOGIST HANNAH LEECH

HANNAH WITH A CUSTOMER

BIGGER

ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER

WITH HEARING AIDS TOO. FOR A FREE HEARING HEALTH CHECK CALL IN NOW AT:

33 Maddox Street, W1S 2PB 0207 046 6066 248-250 Kensington High Street, W8 6ND

0207 348 9810

www.hiddenhearing.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Kick Start Your New Year Wandsworth Leisure Centre’s now offer a gym only membership great for those looking to get back into fitness in 2015!

G

ym membership could kick start your New Year and help you enjoy life, feel great and support you to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Even better their memberships are great value for money and offer access to the gym at any time, include an induction from a qualified fitness instructor and an exercise programme Looking to do more than just exercise in the gym? At Wandsworth Leisure Centre’s you can choose a membership that’s allows you to swim, attend group exercise classes and relax in the health suite as well.

With £3.5 million currently being invested in refurbishing facilities across the Leisure Centre’s there has never been a better time to come and take a look for yourself.

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THE DETAILS

For more information on the great value gym only membership or any other memberships and activities available across Wandsworth’s 6 Leisure Centre’s go online www.placesforpeopleleisure.org and select your nearest centre today

FEATURE& BEAUTY HEALTH

The Ritz Salon introduce their new brand partner

ELEMIS

F

ollowing a recent refurbishment, The Ritz Salon offers a double treatment room, single treatment room, manicure and pedicure room and two-chair hair salon.

The design reflects the Louis XVI interiors of the hotel with stunning bespoke furniture and offers complete privacy for guests creating the perfect destination for relaxation.

Situated on the seventh floor of the hotel, the treatment rooms at The Ritz Salon will offer a selection of key ELEMIS face and body treatments as well as two exclusive ELEMIS signature treatments designed by Noella Gabriel, Director of Product and Treatment Development at ELEMIS. The two new signature ELEMIS treatments indulge both the face and body with a nourishing wrap using the iconic Frangipani Monoi range, and either an invigorating or relaxing massage as well as a clinically proven anti-wrinkle, radiance or skin smoothing facial.

THE RITZ SIGNATURE

90 minutes, £145 30 minute Frangipani Wrap and scalp massage 30 minute Aroma Stone 30 minute Anti-Ageing Facial

THE RITZ SIGNATURE DELUXE 120 minutes, £200 30 minute Frangipani Wrap and scalp massage 30 minute Deep Tissue Massage 60 minute Anti-Ageing Facial

The Salon at The Ritz London is delighted to announce that from February 2015, the leading luxury British skincare and spa brand, ELEMIS, is to become the sole spa brand used at the prestigious hotel.

The Ritz Salon’s new treatments will offer guests a complete spectrum of spa treatments including facials, massages and body sculpting masks for both men and women as well as ladies’ and gentlemen’s hairdressing, hair and make-up, manicure and pedicure, waxing, and specialised body treatments.

The ELEMIS brand was founded over 24 years ago and is the winner of over 190 independent beauty and spa awards.

Using luxurious ingredients, the ELEMIS range presents the perfect marriage between nature and science. All treatments will be carried out within The Salon’s exclusive treatment rooms, ensuring guests absolute privacy and undivided attention.

THE DETAILS The Ritz Salon, Email: salon@theritzlondon.com 7th floor,The Ritz London, Facebook: theritzlondon 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR Twitter: @theritzlondon Tel: 020 7300 2435 www.theritzlondon.com/Salon

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• R eassurance and advice from expert Surgeons, Physicians, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and Orthotists • Hip, knee, shoulder, back, elbow, wrist, foot and ankle pain assessed and treated • Experts in back and neck problems • Specialists in Sports Injury available • Rapid access to diagnostic tests • Private Medical Insurance? Highgate Private Hospital is approved by all major medical insurers • Paying for your treatment? Highly competitive, all inclusive and transparent prices If you are suffering from an injury or recurring problem, we can help...

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Bathroom Guide - Page 142

HOUSE & GARDEN

Caring For Your Home and Minimalising Heating Bills

‘See the Unseen’...

P

roperties can suffer as a result of recent storms. It is always worthwhile to take a deeper look in case of damage from bad weather or just wear and tear.

Most people feel comfortable and safe in their home but do we all take adequate care to look after our property?

Perhaps a visit from the infamous Eco-Warrior, building expert and quantity surveyor Robert Tiffin, could provide some insightful solutions which could enhance your home, living spaces and dramatically reduce your energy bills…

Tiffin is a Specialist Building Company who have been helping home and property owners since 1695. Their clients range from locals to royalty! Robert Tiffin (descendant) is still responsible for the company’s long-standing reputation for property refurbishments and specialises in offering his clients Building and Eco advice/expertise using Thermography (cutting edge, infra-red scanning technology). The scans identify unseen factors which can cause building and damp defects, heat-loss and other anomalies. .

Robert analyses the data then writes a substantive report including graphical information and cost-effective, realistic solutions. The ability to see the unseen (to the trained eye) will reveal a host of very important information severe or otherwise. A clear diagnosis can help to minimise repair costs and maximise savings on expensive heating bills. Benefits also include a significant improvement to home comfort and increased affordability.

Understanding your property and being in control of any further or necessary work is essential for the

It’s not usually just one thing. You need to consider location, materials, wear and tear, previous work and residents’ usage. It takes experience to understand how these factors interact and create problems.* ROBERT TIFFIN

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home or property owner, especially if there have been recent storms and bad weather. The average cost to heat a 3 bed semi is £1400. With a thorough retrofit and refurbishment – potentially this bill could be reduced to £400.

Every building is different however by using sound expertise together with the fabric first approach; Thermography is an exciting and relatively new application which will identify heat loss via the fabric (building materials) due to cold bridging, air filtration, external conditions and maintenance anomalies.

By identifying the problems, Robert Tiffin can recommend effective solutions for any structural or maintenance issues Healthier environment. Fungi and mould are associated with dampness and can cause asthma and other respiratory disorders Cleaner home or property environment due to effective ventilation Making your home more comfortable for you and your family or tenants Reducing heating bills by not wasting energy. “…you quickly took charge, clarified and proved exactly what the problems were and how to overcome them. You saved me a lot of money!”

JOHN JONES, ST. JOHNS WOOD ROAD, LONDON NW8

By taking care of your property you will enjoy a better quality of life and reduced heating bills.

THE DETAILS The Tiffin Group Telphone 01923 840 820 Email robert@tiffingroup.co.uk www.tiffingroup.co.uk * C ompliance and regulation must be observed as any building work must be in accordance with the Building Regulations and other bodies, such as the Listed Building Authorities, The Energy Act 2008/11 and CORE, which is one of the leading technical bodies heading up retrofitting to existing buildings in the UK.

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HOUSE & GARDEN IMAGES BY ROGER OATES DESIGN

MAKE AN ENTRANCE! How to create a welcoming hallway

E

ntrance ways tend to be dark and narrow but painting them white isn’t necessarily the best option.

“Hallways, especially busy family ones, can take a lot of wear of tear and white be very unforgiving, as well as cold, so a better option, is to choose a light, bright colour in a warm tone. Choose a colour that is a shade or two lighter than the main room the hallway leads to, and it will help create continuity between the two spaces. As this room is primarily a walk-through, you can afford to make a strong design statement and be bold with colour and pattern.

Patterned wallpaper with a slight shine will help reflect the light, while vertical stripes can create the illusion of height.

If you’re concerned about knocks and scratches, a practical option is to have painted wood panelling on the bottom of

essential. If you have a high ceiling, a large pendant light will act as a beautiful centrepiece and be the first thing that people see when they enter your home. If the ceiling is low, pendant lights will have the effect of making the room feel smaller, so wall lights are the better option. Mirrors are a good way to reflect natural light and give the illusion of more space. A large mirror placed at the end of a hallway instantly provides depth, making a hallway feel larger.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS Hallways can easily become cluttered so finding a space for coats, keys and shoes is a must. A wooden bench with storage If you have room, offers storage as well as a useful seating area. The more floor space you can see, the larger

The hallway is the first room guests see in a house. Make yours warm and welcoming with our inspirational design tips and advice… the wall, with statement wallpaper above.

FEATURE FLOORING Flooring in a hallway needs to be durable but choose wisely and you can create impact while being practical too. If you have a particularly long and narrow hallway, a chequerboard effect on the floor will create the impression of width - the wider the tiles, the wider it will look. Hallway runners are a great way to inject colour, while colourful striped carpet will instantly enliven a stairway. If you have bare wooden stairs, consider painting each step a different shade of the same colour or have fun with stencils to create patterns or words.

LET THE LIGHT IN Hallways can often be dark, so getting the lighting right is

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your hallway will seem and there are lots of great wall-hung cupboards available.

MAKE A FEATURE Hallways may be small but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a stunning focal point. A narrow console table with a pair of lamps and mirror above makes a pretty focal point while a vase of fresh flowers or a scented cinnamon candle will create an inviting aroma. A group of family portraits is another great way to add interest and personalise the space. Generally, it’s best to hang fewer, larger pictures as opposed to several smaller ones, as it can make the space seem more confined and cluttered. With a little imagination and the right colours, storage and lighting, you can create an inviting entrance you’ll love coming home to and will want to show off.

HOUSE & GARDEN

SHADES OF GREY

F

ifty Shades Of Grey is a best-seller with its tale of seduction, and just as irresistible is the trend for shades of grey in interiors. Gabrielle Fagan explores the sophisticated power of grey and how it transforms rooms. Grey is so sexy and sophisticated - not the masterful hero of the best-selling novel, but the decor colour.

Once an overlooked ‘wallflower’ section on the colour chart, grey has shed it’s cold, institutional image, and is proving it’s power to transform any setting. Flirting with its subtle, versatile tones, from crisp charcoal and French grey to shimmering silver and mysterious smoke-grey could be just the way to turn up the heat at home.

“Grey is a surprisingly calming and harmonious colour to live with, but you must choose the right tone,” advises Mark Upstone, head of global visual display at The Conran Shop. “Greys with more brown in the mix will feel warm - white based greys will feel colder. “Be bold.

Don’t restrict yourself to a feature wall, grey looks better en masse, and use different finishes of the same tone to create intriguing interest and depth.

“Give grey a starring role by using it on walls and paintwork, he suggests, and a matching gloss paint finish for woodwork.

If that feels too overpowering, tone it down with pastels, white or a zingy kick of sharp citrus, which will ensure it has less of a masculine edge.

FACE THE WALL If you’re committing to a new relationship with this colour, the best place to start is with the walls. To find the one grey you love - experiment! Try colours in different

tones by using sample pots, but ensure you see how they change with the light in your home throughout the day. It also works well to simply paint one wall in your chosen grey and use it as a backdrop to a focus piece of furniture such as a striking sofa or piece of furniture.

FURNISHING AFFAIR Texture, shape and symmetry are vital ingredients for successful grey sanctuaries. This season, splashes of colour are an antidote to our winter gloom and almost anything goes with greys. Pinks always sit well, or you could be a little adventurous and choose a vibrant raspberry, deep purple or burnt orange and soft yellows for a lovely contrast.

Grey works in modern and older properties, and will look as beautiful in a minimalist setting matched with sleek white shelving as it will with period wood panelling and mahogany furniture.”

SEDUCTIVE SETTING Transform a bedroom palette with greys in decor or silky fabrics to bring an air of relaxation to an uptight setting.

Hang drapery panels which puddle on the floor to frame your windows with a layer of textured sheers behind them for the ultimate in privacy.

Grey tones in fabrics and wallpapers create a glamorous and striking effect, especially paired with pattern and texture. It’s a chic, streamlined look which also taps into the five-star ‘hotel’ trend which will be very evident in interiors this autumn.

If passion for the look is running high, dress a bed appropriately in shades of grey bedlinen. Simple luxury touches are essential such as rugs and lighting.

Grey is full of surprises and won’t fail to seduce any setting, so follow the guide to taking advantage of its charms.

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HOUSE & GARDEN

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HOUSE & GARDEN

Art Traditional Craftsmanship the

B

ack in the early 1980s, a pair of carpenters ran a small business restoring antique oak furniture for exclusive clients. While items like chests of drawers and chairs were relatively easy to come by, genuine antique bed frames of a size and quality to suit modern requirements were rare. If people wanted a big bed then there was little alternative but to go for the mass-produced option.

So the pair had an idea.

They began to research traditional bed design and construction from down the ages. They picked some of the most attractive designs, adjusted them to suit modern needs and began to handcraft prototypes using quality timber and time-honoured methods.

The result was a range of handmade wooden beds that reflected the very best in the art of traditional craftsmanship and values – beds made from the finest cuts of mature, solid oak lovingly nurtured from the raw timber by experienced master craftsmen in our Nottinghamshire workshops.

Word spread and Quercus began supplying luxury oak beds to discerning clients worldwide.

Quercus is a benchmark for excellence in workmanship and innovative yet traditional bed design. From rough sawn timber through to a beautiful handmade bed built to be passed down through the generations, every single one of the 150 oak-framed beds we build each year is handmade to

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of

order in our Nottinghamshire workshops.

Each bed is lovingly crafted using traditional methods and materials from the finest light character grade oak, handpicked for its distinctive notes and character. We also insist on oak that’s at least 150-200 years old for added strength as well as oak that’s sustainable to the environment.

Also, because a Quercus bed is built to last, every bed features a unique affixed plaque. Just like a limited edition fine art print, this plaque is inscribed with the year your bed was made.

Our craftsmen have designed your bed, customised your bed to your specification, carved your bed, put it together, polished it and spent a full 72 hours lovingly finishing your bed before checking every detail and carefully packaging it to be delivered and installed free of charge by our own specialist two-man team.

Plus, to make sure you are completely delighted with your purchase, your Quercus bed comes with a promise that’s as solid as the oak: a no-quibble 10-year guarantee plus a 21-day money-back promise.

THE DETAILS To request a brochure and oak sample, visit www.quercusbeds.co.uk or call 01777 869 669.

TREEHOUSE HARDWOOD FLOORING

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT FOR QUALITY OF LIFE Specialists in high quality solid and sustainable hardwood flooring We carry a huge range of woods from around the world, displayed at our Notting Hill showroom in large sample boards to assist clients, designers and architects, in planning interiors.

Board and strip flooring wood block and decking, bespoke floor production.

Other services, special project installation, wall panelling, staircases, doors, worktops, cabinetry, natural stone & many other interior related products.

Exceptional value, experienced craftsmen, quality installation.

Showroom : 116 Talbot Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 1JR E-mail sales@treehouseflooring.co.uk Tel: 020 7460 0376 www.treehouseflooring.co.uk

HOUSE & GARDEN PALAZZO

ALCAZAR

ORIGAMI

On the Horizon for 2015...

T a new fabric collection from LELIEVRE

he new LELIEVRE Ligne d’Horizon collection of fabrics is discreet but essential. All the designs and diverse colorways of these high performance fabrics are perfect for curtains, accessories and upholstery.

PICCOLO is a simple but sophisticated graphic design with 23 contrasting colours and fine chiselled shapes for upholstery. The material is tightly woven and naturally supple with a luminous sheen.

The delicate lines of FILIN are traced over a strié background. The colour range is perfect for both classic and contemporary upholstery while the inherent flexibility and strength make this fabric truly multipurpose.

ORIGAMI is a simple geometric design with a structured bouclé loop. Soft and matt, it provides comfort for modern upholstery with a vintage feel.

At the same time both ornamental and geometric, ALHAMBRA plays with harmonies and stylised design. The beautiful Jacquard structure is highlighted by bright colours interacting subtly with fine shapes picked out like the strands of straw marquetry.

PALAZZO features blurred bands on a background of silky satin. This contemporary damask has changing nuances creating an elegant oxidised effect while the

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colours play with light and shade.

A study in weaving, CARACCALA has irregular geometric shapes assembled like a mosaic with matt and shiny textures. The colours and metallic reflections provide a delicate shimmer. This fabric has the strength for upholstery and retains flexibility when stretched or draped as curtains.

ALCAZAR is a luminous twill with a metallic surface and comes in a range of sophisticated pearlescent neutrals.

Reversible it has the appearance of a moiré on one side and satin on the other.

Coloured stripes in velvet on a woven background characterise RIAD. The contrasting neutral checkerboard background modernises and supports the regular pattern.

Last but certainly not least, AZUKA has stylised foliage silhouettes, expansive and free-flowing. In contrast to the subject, the satin background is semi-matt enhancing the design.

Prices for the fabrics are from £65.00 per metre.

THE DETAILS For stockists readers should contact LELIEVRE 0207 352 4798 www.lelievre.eu

BS&C A5 LANDSCAPE ADVERT_FINAL_HI_RES.pdf

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Specialist Manufacturers of SPIRAL & STRAIGHT STAIRCASES BALCONIES GATES & RAILINGS Crafted by Hand; Designed for You

CAST IRON BALUSTRADE

www.britishsc.co.uk

British Spirals & Castings Crafted by Hand, Designed for You 305 Archway Road, Highgate, London, N6 5AA T 0208 3415975 E sales@britishsc.co.uk

HOUSE & GARDEN

Easigrass offers the definitive EASI artificial grass solution for home & away

E

asigrass is the UK’s No1 award-winning artificial grass company offering a one-stop-shop installation and maintenance service for both UK and overseas homes alike. The Easigrass range of luxurious artificial grasses are responsibly made, installed and maintained by a trained team of professionals who take pride in their craftsmanship. Founded by the Gallagher Brothers in 1989, Easigrass is the only artificial grass company the world over to have been awarded a Gold medal for a Judged Show Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

An Easigrass customer is safe in the knowledge that their artificial lawn will look and feel amazing 365 days a year. An Easigrass gardening solution saves customers time, money and hassle, offering homeowners peace of mind and the joy of no more muddy paws or footprints.

Easigrass is the most trusted artificial grass company in the UK. And with good reason. This year alone, Easigrass has installed artificial grass at some of Great Britain’s most quintessential locations: from Wimbledon VIP areas and Hotel Café Royal balconies to supporting their valued retail partner, John Lewis, with an 150th Anniversary roof garden.

Easigrass allowed music lovers to ‘hang up their Hunters...’ back in 2013 during the Summer of Love at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the sell-out Live Nation gigs and Brits fell in love with ‘Oops A Daisy’ Gromit at The Gromit Unleashed Festival, raising essential funds for a Bristol Hospital.

For homeowners, the message is simple and clear.

Easigrass will completely transform your indoor and outdoor spaces. With no mess. No mud. And no fuss. It’s EASI: E. Environmentally responsible no Easigrass

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installation is completed unless a site has flora or fauna in the vicinity to help support The Wildlife Corridor in the form of a plant, tree, shrub or plant pot. Even the smallest of balconies can be transformed with a flash of Easigrass and a potted shrub or plant.

A. Accreditation all Easigrass products are ISO:9001 and ISO:14001 certified and the Company is proud to be closely linked with respected horticultural and gardening societies including HTA (Horticultural Trade Association), SDG (The Society of Garden Designers), BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries), and RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).

S. Safety Easigrass products provide family safety as well as optimum quality, with the option of laying additional shock pad in wet or dry areas housing pools or trampolines. In addition, Easigrass products are pet friendly and make it easier to keep your pets and their environment clean, fresh and mud free.

I. Integrity the Easigrass group prides itself on its commitment to excellence at all levels and guarantees that installations are carried out professionally, at the time of installation and in relation to maintenance and follow-up.

The Easigrass Group of Companies is rapidly expanding throughout the UK and overseas within UAE, South Africa, Spain and the Balaerics. So whether you seek an artificial lawn solution for your family or holiday home, there is only one option. The EASI option.

THE DETAILS For tailored quotes, samples and more information please visit www.Easigrass.com or call 0845 485 3758.

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HOUSE & GARDEN

7

INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS AND TRENDS FOR 2015

W

e know how difficult it can be to get that perfect design inspiration. Today’s fashions change so quickly, it’s hard to know what’s ‘now’ and what’s as dated as avocado bathrooms, so here are the trends we can expect to see in 2015 and top tips for transforming your home.

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BOUTIQUE BEDROOMS A bedroom that feels as luxurious as a five star hotel but has the warm feeling of home. A classic way to achieve this is to start with a ‘wow’ bed. Add a subtle fabric headboard that blends in with the other materials in the room, plenty of lamps to create atmosphere and scattered cushions, throws and furs for a sensuous feel. If a bed with endless cushions isn’t your thing, opt for beautiful bedding with decorative piping and edging to create a refined finish

2

PANELLED WALLS If you have the budget, panelled walls give a special sophistication to flat surfaces. These can be upholstered in linen, suede or even leather, adding interest and shape to what could be a bland, flat wall.

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ARTWORK Be bold with your artwork. It’s a great way to add a burst of colour to your room, and incorporate the tones for your fabrics adding that extra impact.

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DRESS YOUR BATHROOM TO PERFECTION People love extravagant hotel bathrooms. It’s amazing how a few rolls of thick white towels, flowers and the display of high end toiletry products can transform any bathroom into a luxurious high-end space.

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FROM RUNWAY TO ROOM Clothing designers aren’t the only ones influenced by fashion week. Well-received colours and prints often find their way into the interior design world, too. This year, expect to see textile designs incorporating loose geometric shapes, hand painted techniques and blurred lines influenced by Asian and Moroccan designs.

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BRASS, GOLD AND ANTIQUE We’ve seen a lot of chrome over the last few years but this is now being replaced with brass, gold, silver leaf and antique finishes. A lot of new furniture and fixtures in 2015 will have these elegant finishes.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES Less is more when it comes to choosing decorative objects for your home. Ditch the clutter and stick to key pieces that reflect your taste and style. It’s much better to spend your budget on a selection of impacting pieces that you love instead of a collection of purposeless accessories.

HOUSE h ous e&&GARDEN & GARDEN ga r d e n HOUSE

HandcraFted

Contemporary Furniture

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PICTURE SUPPLIED BY COUNTRYSIDE PROPERTIES. INTERIOR DESIGN BY SUNA INTERIOR DESIGN

or over a decade Gerard Lewis Designs has been designing and making beautifully handcrafted contemporary furniture. Hidden away on an island off the east coast of England (better known by foodies for its oyster beds and The Company Shed) is situated the factory of bespoke cabinet makers Gerard Lewis Designs. Nick and Sandra Harvey started the business in 2001; their ethos is to provide thoughtfully designed high quality handmade furniture for people who love their homes and want a superior product along with innovative design. Gerard Lewis Designs continues to fly the flag for British manufacturing which, in turn, helps to keep the furniture industry alive in this country. With a multi skilled team of craftsmen, a client’s dream can become a reality.

From the initial site survey, to delivery and installation, the highly skilled team of designers and craftsmen make sure every detail is well thought out. Whenever Gerard Lewis Designs sees a project through from beginning to end, it adopts an extremely vigilant degree of attention to each and every detail. This ‘hands on’ approach ensures that any problems are ironed out or averted in a timely fashion and satisfaction with the final product is guaranteed.

From super yachts to listed buildings, Gerard Lewis Designs has designed and supplied furniture for a broad range of unique interiors. Frequently commissioned by respected designers, Gerard Lewis Designs has supplied furniture and cabinetry to a range of A - list celebrities from the world of sport and music as well as to a variety of other, equally successful but lesser known, clients.

Gerard Lewis Designs offers its distinct personal touch to large enterprises such as offices, hotels and restaurants as well as to individuals including architects and members of the public; it caters for anyone from any walk of life with a desire to furnish business or home with furniture that cannot be found on the high street.

Gerard Lewis Designs works in a variety of timbers and exotic veneers; materials are hand selected from

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suppliers so that, where necessary, furniture and cabinetry is produced with exactly the right tone, hue or grain finish.

Popular at the present time are wall to wall fitted units which deliver much needed storage while accommodating a variety of media equipment including a flat screen TV, set top box, Wii, X-box, home hub and sound system.

Such are the innovations in technology, these items can be discreetly hidden away in the unit while retaining the option to operate them via remote control. The addition of LED lighting is now a common component in cabinetry and Gerard Lewis Designs has included this feature into wardrobes and wall units so that the hidden or exposed lights give an additional ambient feature to the room.

The commissioning process is simple and straight forward. Enquiries can be placed via telephone or email and every enquirer can expect a polite and prompt response. Bespoke items may involve a sight survey or, at the very least, an exchange of detailed CAD drawings which pay particular attention to measurements and finish.

Gerard Lewis Designs will guide the customer through the design process along with advice and the benefit of experience so that each item of furniture is sympathetically installed into the existing interior in a manner that extends and enhances the customer’s vision.

Production times vary according to the complexity of design and finish but Gerard Lewes Designs is renowned for its willingness and capacity to meet deadlines no matter how tight. Every aspect of its service is tailored to meet the various needs of its customers with the result that Gerard Lewis Designs is reputed to be one of the few leading and expanding bespoke furniture manufacturers in the UK. If you would like to commission your own furniture then please contact Nick or Sandra.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY ALEXANDER JAMES INTERIORS.

THE DETAILS Gerard Lewis Designs 01206 381 888 info@gerardlewisdesigns.com www.gerardlewisdesigns.com

HOUSE & GARDEN

The

Kite Mark

T

he vast number of new materials, manufacturing techniques and inventions which appeared during the first forty years on the 19the century made it necessary to bring in some sort of control to enable attribution and credit to those responsible. A system of registering a patent was introduced and in 1843 a stamp or mark to give all relevant details accompanied it. This was known as The Design Registration Mark and with a minor change in form in 1867 lasted until 1883 when it was superseded by the better known Patent Registration Number.

The former took the form of a diamond or kite shape topped by a three-quarter circle.

Inside this and the corners of the diamond a number or letter gives the class or category, ie glass, ceramics, silver, metalware, furniture, fabric and so on, and the day of the month of the year when the patent was registered.

This does not indicate when an object was made. An item can be made any number of years after the registration of its patent. Prior to 1867 the way to read any

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such mark is as follows:- the figure at the top inside the circle at the top of the diamond indicates the category of material, in this case furniture.

The letter at the top inside the diamond denotes the year, the left hand letter denotes the month, The right hand number denotes the day of the month and the number at the bottom is the batch or parcel number. In 1868 the inside letters and numbers were moved one space in a clockwise direction. Unfortunately the letter of the year was not run in alphabetical order and so a table has to be consulted. This can be found in most books on porcelain, silver or furniture. One positive guide came after 1884 when the Registration Number was introduced and 90483 new patents were registered. By 1889 it had reached 116648 and so when you see a Reg No. with six figures it will be after 1890 and any number after 350000 will be after 1900.

John Bly, 533 Kings Road, Chelsea john@johnbly.com

JOHN MILLER BESPOKE UPHOLSTERY EST 1990

We are a family run upholstery business in Shepperton offering Quality Bespoke Upholstery by our team of highly skilled upholsterers with over 25 years experience in the trade.

Antique & Modern Re-Upholstery Bespoke Sofas Chairs & Headboards, etc.

Tailored Loose Covers Extensive Fabric Collections (or supply your own)

01932 224503

Email us at: enquiries@johnmillerupholstery.com or visit our website: www.johnmillerupholstery.com 143 Green Lane, Shepperton, TW17 8DY

London’s oldest supplier of British & European quality Door, Window and Cabinet Hardware

Baby, it’s cold outside Locks & Handles

Architectural Components Ltd Unit 2, 25 Effie Road, Fulham, London SW6 1EL close to Fulham Broadway station

Tel 020 7751 3397 Fax 020 7736 1282 sales@knobs.co.uk Comprehensive stocks held at the showroom of all associated architectural ironmongery, locks & latches, hooks, brassware, electrical switch & socket plates, taps and bathroom accessories.

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Replacing beautiful timber windows, beautifully

www.ayrtonbespoke.com Telephone 020 8877 8920 Email enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD

HOUSE & GARDEN

Hampstead

Antique & Craft Emporium

F

or over 40 years the Emporium has been a popular destination for those in search of antique and vintage treasures from the 18th Century to the present. But how many locals realise that Hampstead is home to one of London’s last remaining indoor antique markets?

Tucked behind one of Hampstead’s most picturesque turnings, just off Heath Street and Perrin’s Court, the Emporium is an intriguing labyrinth of over 20 specialists offering Georgian, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-Century and Contemporary finds. Serious collectors and those searching for gifts or home accessories will be spoilt for choice.

Where else could you find such a mind boggling range of antique and handcrafted artefacts from pearls to porcelain, dolls to door handles, paintings to pepper pots or tea sets to tiaras?

Long-established shops include silver gift specialist Hammond Leigh – great for weddings, christenings and anniversaries; The Button Lady for unusual buttons and scarves plus Treasure which offers beautiful and original bespoke jewellery, a repair service and gifts. Capricorn is known for its fine small furniture, tea sets and crystal while The Antique Textiles Company is a must for exquisite antique quilts and textiles dating from as early as 1780 up to the 1930s.

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In recent times new dealers have increased the variety of quality items on offer. Jewellery lovers will be enthralled by the selection of fine period and vintage pieces at Minoo (M & A Kaae Jewellery) and Maryam. With MidCentury style currently all the rage, head to The Modernist (1930 – 1970) for vintage George Jensen and other Scandinavian and American silver jewellery designers.

Open Tues to Fri 10.30am-5.30pm, Sat 10.00am-6.00pm, Sunday 10.30am-5.30pm

Where Hampstead Antique & Craft Emporium, 12 Heath Street, London NW3 6TE (may also be accessed from Perrin’s Court)

Telephone 020 7794 3297 www.hampsteadantique emporium.co.uk

Browse through a fabulous mix of period and vintage collectables, including antique silver, china, mirrors, porcelain, ceramics, glass and brass plus costume jewellery and accessories at Jean and Natasha Johnson. For a more contemporary look, visit Camilla Del Maestro’s sparkling array of handmade jewellery featuring semiprecious gems for inspiring avant- garde designs. For quality, cotton nightwear seek out Andrea Dreamtime.

Not just a feast for the eyes, the Emporium is also home to Tania’s waffles and coffee!

The dealers here are knowledgeable and friendly which makes a visit to the Emporium an interesting and welcoming experience.

Happy hunting!

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Winter’s a time to hunker down, snuggle indoors and enjoy a home whose decor matches the season. This year, there’s an abundance of chic looks, taking inspiration from the latest interiors trends, which can transform rooms - but divine decor tends to come at a price

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DINING

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

B AT H R O O M

GARDEN

LIVING

BATHROOM GUIDE

Create a luxury oasis We love bathrooms, especially beautiful and spa-like ones where we can create our own little oasis at home. Whether you have your own bathroom retreat or are looking to create a new one, you’re just a few ideas, products, and steps away from the bathroom of your dreams.

B

athroom design has come a long way in the last 20 years. Whilst the importance of functionality remains; many more homeowners are now spending time and money to ensure striking aesthetics within their bathroom. Designer bathrooms are a common site in many homes and such a project can add real value to the property. If you are seeking to create a modern designer bathroom look in your home then the tips below will help you achieve that goal.

A STYLISH BATH The first bathroom suite item to deal with is the bathtub. This is the piece of furniture that you will get the most enjoyment from and it is important to ensure that it provides comfort to the user. However, going for a practical model doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style and there is a vast range of bathroom models, from twin baths that allow two people to bathe side by side, to corner baths that serve to maximise available space. If you prefer the more traditional rectangle shaped bath, there are still options available that provide that designer feel. Going for a separate tap installation also serves to create a unique look.

THE SHOWER OPTION Whether you have enough space to install both a bathtub and a shower, or prefer to just have the latter in your bathroom; your choice of design will have a huge impact on the room. Quadrant shower enclosures that fit into the corner of the room with an arc shaped glass enclosing the two sides, give an elegant finishing look to the suite. If you are planning to splurge on your bathroom and you have the space, you might like to consider a walk-in shower enclosure. Walk-ins give you greater mobility and access, and look grand as well as plenty of space to really relax and unwind. It is a good idea to have glass on as many sides of the shower enclosure as the bathroom allows. This will greatly help to increase the light in the room, which will in turn give the illusion of spaciousness.

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AN APPEALING BASIN Although you probably consider the bath or shower as being the most important of furniture in your bathroom, it is also the basin that acts as a central item in designer bathrooms. This is due to the fact that it will almost always have a mirror placed above it, which immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. As such it is important to install a basin that looks fantastic. One option is to fit a vanity unit, with the basin sunk in so that it is flush with the surface. Alternatively you could add to the aesthetics by mounting the basin on top of the vanity unit and go for an unusual design, such as a funnel shaped basin.

However, if you are going for an ultra-modern look and want to keep furniture down to a minimum, then a vanity unit may not be the right choice for you. In such instances a hovering sink with hidden pipes is a good option. If you have a big enough bathroom and enough wall space, you could even decide to go for the double sink, which not only look great, but are also useful in a busy household.

LITTLE LUXURY TOUCHES Carefully coordinate your towels with the colour of the walls and bathroom suite. Add a stylish looking towel rail electric element to heat up the towels for added luxury, which also comes with an added advantage of warming up your bathroom. Decanting your soap and shower products into matching bottles is a simple way to create a stylish look in your bathroom.

Coordinate other accessories such as the toilet roll and toothbrush holder. Get a sleek and stylish cabinet or matching boxes to hide away less attractive products or those you don’t want to show.

A well-chosen bathroom rug, a potted plant in the corner, or a framed picture hung on an empty wall; small pieces which can completely revamp the look of your suite.

Strike a balance by picking just a few significant pieces of bathroom furniture which will contain a certain colour. Offset it by choosing a neutral or contrasting colour in other accessories. By ensuring that your accessories are attractive and functional, along with some good, soft lighting, you can create a calm and relaxing retreat, right inside your home.

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L VE YOUR BATHROOM

L

ong gone are the days when a sparse, white tiled space would suffice – The desire to strive, a general balance of health and well-being has now become more popular than ever. The use of hotel facilities, spas and gyms is influencing homeowners to create or replicate these trends within their own home, adding a touch of luxury.

Add a touch of the glamour to your bathroom with colour - The colour grey may give the initial impression of dull, dreary and formal - wrong! Grey can be used when designing traditional or contemporary looks, it works well as a primary colour or as a neutral backdrop allowing you to add popular bold colour in accent pieces, the grey will soften the bolder colours – don’t be afraid to combine grey with lavenders, orange or turquoise, and creams will always be classic used with grey.

Mosaic tiles in grey add a shimmering, almost metallic look. Mother of pearl shell mosaics or glass particularly with good lighting provide texture to add a look of luxuryand opulence. Glass worksurfaces or splashbacks are practical and elegant.

CHOOSING A BATH Relaxing in the tub is a great way to unwind after a

BETTESPA,THE 45CM BATH DEPTH ENABLES YOU TO COMPLETELY SUBMERGE AND RELAX – LARGE BATH ROOM FOR TWO.

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hard day, so make sure you pick the perfect design to suit. Usually the size and shape of your bathroom will dictate the style of bath you need. A spacious room is for a freestanding model – a colourful cast iron slipper bath will complement a classic scheme while a curvaceous design in a composite material will create a contemporary look. For smaller spaces, an inset bath is ideal and if you want the flexibility of an over-bath shower, go for a tapered design with room for showering at one end. Think about the materials of the bath, too.

Cast iron and enamelled steel are heavy so you’ll need to make sure you can not only get it upstairs but that the floor can take its weight. Lighter options include acrylic, which also retains heat well. To create more room for bathing, consider using freestanding or wall-mounted brassware or a double-ended bath with centrally positioned taps.

THE DETAILS Available from 116 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6HU 0207 373 3668 26 England’s Lane, London NW3 4TG 0207 4499 594 12 Lichfield Terrace, Sheen Road, Richmond TW9 1AS 0203 166 4008

HEART SHAPED BASINS - PICTURED HERE IN ANGEL WHITE MARBLE WITH THE PERFECT PARTNER IN ABSOLUTE BLACK GRANITE.

www.ripples.ltd.uk

116 Fulham Road Chelsea London SW3 6HU Tel 0207 373 3668 26 England’s Lane London NW3 4TG Tel 0207 4499 594 12 Lichfield Terrace Sheen Road Richmond TW9 1AS Tel 0203 166 4008

BATHROOM GUIDE

Wet rooms

The

Essential Guide

W

ant a wet room, but not sure whether it will work in your home? Read on for the advantages, disadvantages and expert design tips. With a wide range of wet room styles to suit every taste, wet rooms are becoming more popular and they’re a great way to add value to your home.

CAN ANYONE HAVE A WET ROOM? In theory, yes. A wet room is basically a shower room that does away with the shower screen and tray, and has an open, fully tiled shower area. If your bathroom is on the small side you probably will need to include a shower screen to prevent everything getting sprayed.

WATER DRAINAGE Installing a wet room is a job for the professionals as a gradient needs to be created along the floor to channel the shower water into a drain and then the entire room needs to be tanked (waterproofed). The most common method for creating a gradient is to install a sub-floor made from WBP Ply (a type of plywood), which is then tiled over.

Another option is to install a ready-made sloping shower former (a bit like a giant shower tray), which is also then tiled over. A final method is to use a giant preformed tray (sometimes known as a Hi-Macs system) that slopes towards a drain, and can be fitted across the entire floor without the need for tiling over.

WATERPROOFING Waterproofing the wet room involves priming the floor, the lower section of the walls and the whole of the wall area around the shower and then covering with a syrupy membrane.

Once it’s set, the room is then tiled. It’s also worth raising the bathroom door threshold by about 5mm from the floor in case the room fills with water (if someone covers the shower drain with a towel, for example). This will keep the water contained.

ADVANTAGES OF A WET ROOM A wet room is super-stylish and perfect for creating a contemporary look.

As a second bathroom, a wet room can easily increase the value of your home.

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reat for small bathrooms - removing the bath creates loads G more space.

Wet rooms are, in general, easier to clean.There’s no shower screen or tray to worry about and if you go for a wall-hung sink and toilet, it’s easier still.

If it’s done properly, your floor is better protected than it would be in a standard bathroom.

DISADVANTAGES OF A WET ROOM I n small bathrooms, watch out for wet towels caused by spray from the shower.

You’ll need a professional fitter to waterproof the room - if it’s not done properly leaking water can cause damage.

Wet rooms should be tiled from floor to ceiling - and that’s expensive. And if you go for porous stone tiles, they may need to be resealed every few months, which is hard work.

S wapping a main bathroom with a bath for a wet room could make your home less saleable - buyers want at least one bath.

YOUR WET ROOM QUESTIONS ANSWERED WHAT WILL IT COST? The cost of installing a wet room is usually between £5,000 and £10,000. If you are paying a company to tank and install the wet room, including floor-to-ceiling tiles, suite and shower, expect to pay more. Retailers can offer you some ideas or may sell you those little extras you need to complete your wet room.

WHAT TYPE OF TILES SHOULD I USE? Tiles are the most popular wall and floorcovering, but you can opt for sheet vinyl for the floor, or even Corian, which is a seamless, non-porous material that is low-maintenance. If you are going to use tiles, choose non-porous bathroom tiles like ceramic or porcelain. Porous tiles, such as slate, marble and limestone need sealing every few months to prevent water damage. Only use floor tiles specifically for bathrooms on the floor as they aren’t slippery.

BATHROOM GUIDE

ELEGANCE, CHARM AND SOPHISTICATION

T

he quality of a company and its products can be judged by the company it keeps and when the said company includes The Langham and Claridges Hotels in London, and The Ritz and Kinski Hotels in Paris along with bathroom retailers worldwide including Waterworks in the USA, Sopha Industries in France, Depot in Switzerland and a host of luxury UK retailers you can be assured that demands for superior luxury design and quality are both demanded and achieved.

The Sterlingham Company Ltd are UK manufacturer of the finest quality, hand-made, brass bathroom fittings, towel warmers and washstands. Owner and founder Kelvin Pearce has been bringing his designs to market successfully for almost 30 years and his successes led to an invitation to Buckingham Palace to have dinner with the Queen in 2001 due to the vast amount of export business the company had been achieving. Exports remain part of the diet for the company with 67% of their 2014 turnover going overseas.

HAND-CRAFTED, EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY Visiting the manufacturing facility in Stourtbridge, West Midlands it is unclear whether you are witnessing engineers or jewel makers at work. It is such a joy watching the stunning products being created, fabricated, polishing, plated and assembled from start to finish all under one roof. General Manager Andrew Healey believes this is a vital part of The Sterlingham magic, “the vibrancy in our factory is excellent, we have characters that have grown up together and that have learnt their trade from older generations and are now passing it on to younger. The ability for the assembler to talk to the plater, the polisher to the fabricator and so on really ensures that we have a team ethic which encourages high standards at all time”.

brass caster and silver solderer The Sterlingham’s extensive range of bathroom products encapsulate everything you want from a traditional, classic range – elegance, charm and sophistication.

The Craftmaster range exhibits the geometric lines prominent in the Art Deco era and was designed a decade ago to compliment the Mastercraft range of taps produced

by Barber Wilsons (renowned London tap manufacturer who hold the royal warrant).

NEW TOWEL WARMER BROCHURE The company have just published their new towel warmer brochure which sees the introduction of ‘Collections’ which are all identified by key features (joint type, tube size). The brochure also features a table highlighting the variances between the power types on offer and more to the point why they believe their special low-energy electric, dry line cable to be the best. Andrew Healey summarises “many people are really buying in to this technology as they much prefer to control the towel warmers through the electric system than having to turn on their central heating system. There is also no visible connection seen on the towel warmer as the cable exits through the back of one of the wall or floor flanges and is routed through to the power supply either direct or via a dimmer switch for temperature control. The lack of a traditional stick element exiting a ball joint or plumbed in valves for people to knock and damage means that the product and its power supply is well protected. Add to this that there is no water or oil in the product meaning no leaks it certainly does carry huge practical advantages.”

BATHROOM FITTINGS Combining the skills of the lathe turner, metal polisher,

WOOLASTON

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PARK LANE

TURA 5

THE DETAILS For information about The Sterlingham Company Ltd, where to purchase or to request a copy of the brochure please contact: Telephone: 01384 370901 email: sales@sterlingham.co.uk www.sterlingham.co.uk

BEWDLEY

BLAKEDOWN

Handmade in the heart of BRITAIN

finest quality BATHROOM PRODUCTS HANDMADE TOWEL WARMERS, WASHSTANDS & BATHROOM ACCESSORIES

THE STERLINGHAM CO. LTD. www.sterlingham.co.uk

|

01384 370 901

BATHROOM GUIDE

How to choose bathroom tiles

C

hoosing the right tiles for your bathroom needs some careful consideration. With so many varieties on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choice on offer. Choose from ceramic, slate, glass and metal tiles, plain or patterned, large and small, smooth or textured. The options are seemingly endless. So, to help you through the decision process, we’ve put together some practical tips, making finding the perfect tiles for you bathroom, a breeze CERAMIC OR NATURAL STONE TILES? Ceramic tiles are the most popular by a long way.

They’re durable, their glazed surface makes them highly resistant to harbouring germs, they’re usually very easy to keep clean, and come in styles to suit every taste.

If you opt for ceramics, the most important thing to be aware of is that they do tend to vary from lot to lot, so make sure all the boxes you buy are stamped with the same lot number. But if you’d rather try something different...

Glazed terracotta tiles are hugely popular right now with the trend for Mediterranean style bathrooms. Good quality terracotta is not only gorgeously rustic, it’ll last virtually forever, but can be hard to find. So the cheapest option might not be the best.

Natural stone tiles like granite, slate, marble and even terrazzo (composed of marble chips imbedded in concrete and polished smooth) are beautiful, distinctive, and luxurious.

They’ll cost you though. And these materials tend to be porous, so you may need to apply a seal to stop the tiles absorbing water. Make sure you discuss this with the supplier before you buy.

Glass, metal, and porcelain tiles look brilliant if installed properly – but that’s easier said than done. Unless you’re really a dab hand at DIY you might want to leave the fitting of these to the experts.

ADD TEXTURE AND INTEREST WITH BATHROOM TILES With the majority of bathroom suites being sleek and

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white, tiles are a great way to add texture and interest into a room that can otherwise, look fairly clinical.

If you’re talking floor tiles, texture is a must. It sounds like common sense, but many buyers are still seduced by lovely shiny tiles and then end up skidding all over the place every time the floor’s wet. Generally, the rougher the texture, the less slippery the tile when wet. When it comes to wall tiles, shiny tiles look chic and sleek and reflect light, making them a good option when in small or dark spaces. On the other hand, embossed tiles can be a smart way of adding interest to your walls and reducing starkness, especially if your tiles are in only one or two colours.

CONSIDER COLOURFUL OR PATTERNED BATHROOM TILES It goes without saying that white is by far the most popular colour choice for bathroom tiles. White tiles are fresh-looking, classic, and reflect light to give the illusion of a more spacious, lighter room. If you’re worried about the room looking too stark add dark or patterned towels and other accessories to introduce splashes of colour while retaining the clean minimalist look.

Colourful or patterned tiles can be used to add detail here and there, or make a bold statement when used to cover the entire wall. They tend to look best contrasted with simpler bathroom fixtures.

SMALLER BATHROOMS LOOK BETTER WITH SMALLER TILES Generally, the more compact the bathroom the smaller the tiles should be, especially if there’s not much space between your sink, toilet, and tub. Smaller tiles will also require less cutting to fit around objects and make for a more flowing feel.

If you’re lucky enough to have a big bathroom, large tiles give a sleek look with less exposed grouting in between. Borders or panels of smaller tiles can look fantastic in complimentary or contrasting colours.

With Moroccan style currently on trend, mosaic tiles are proving to be extremely popular. With many different styles, sizes and colours available, they are a great.

Porcelain Wood Ships Planks in Scottish Oak

Wall: Porcelain Marble Apuano Floor: Porcelain Marble Pulpis

SUPPLIERS OF MAN MADE STONE & WOOD, PORCELAIN TILES & ECO GLASS MOSAICS

At Bibliotheque you will find an extensive selection of fine Italian porcelain tiles. Visit our Showrooms and our highly experienced and knowledgeable staff will work with you to advise on the ideal tiles for your project. The Advancements in our porcelain tile technology means you gain so much more.

The realistic look and feel of natural stone, wood and marble Low maintenance / No Sealing Highly Durable / Scratch and wear resistant Suitable for Under floor Heating Internal and External Use Eco - Friendly

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www.bibliotheque.co.uk

BATHROOM GUIDE

Bathroom

flooring ideas Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom is a decision that shouldn’t be rushed. Whatever floor you choose will have to withstand humid and wet conditions and plenty of wear and tear.

Avoid rot and warping by choosing flooring that is durable and suitable for use in a bathroom.

B

efore you make the leap and choose the floor for you, get a few samples to take home and try out to make sure you’re 100% happy with your decision.

Consider design, texture and material when choosing your bathroom flooring, and you can transform a dated space into a stylish room with character.

STONE Stone or slate is ideal for creating a natural, sophisticated look, like that of a health spa or luxury hotel. Unless you can afford underfloor heating, these materials can be cold underfoot in the winter.

Different types of stone you could choose from are limestone, granite, or slate. Limestone is light in colour, making it ideal for smaller rooms. It is porous so needs to be sealed to avoid staining. Slate and granite are both dark in colour and naturally resistant to water.

RUBBER FLOORING Rubber is hardwearing, easy to clean, comfortable underfoot and available in a variety of colours. If you have a modern architectural bathroom suite, rubber is an ideal surface to complement this, creating an industrial, arty look.

You can buy textured rubber with studs or other patterns which offers better grip, making it safer for wet feet. Beware of any texture with grooves, though, as this will trap the dirt.

VINYL TILES Like rubber, vinyl is hardwearing and very easy to keep clean which is why it is also a popular choice. Available in a wide range of colours, patterns and effects, vinyl is a flexible option that can work with any colour scheme. Vinyl floors do not get cold, but they do need to be laid on an even surface.

CERAMIC TILES Ceramic or porcelain tiles are one of the most flexible options for bathrooms as there is such a great choice of colours and sizes. They are stain resistant and hardwearing but, like stone, they can be cold in winter. Salvaged antique

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tiles are perfect if you have a period bathroom design with an old-fashioned tub.

LINO Surprisingly, linoleum is made almost entirely from natural ingredients - wood, flour, pine resin, linseed oil and natural pigment. It is easily cleaned, not cold underfoot and, despite its reputation as being a bit dated, is available in a fantastic range of contemporary designs. You need to ensure that you have a completely flat floor surface and be careful to avoid tearing it.

MOSAIC Moroccan style is extremely popular and there are some great ways to incorporate elements into your bathroom. If you want to go further than a few decorative Moroccan lanterns, try mosaic tiles. Sheets of small mosaic tiles can be bought from most tile stores or you could even use tile fragments to give you more flexibility with the design.

IS IT PRACTICAL TO LAY WOODEN FLOORING? There’s a lot of conflicting advice about the suitability of real wood flooring in a bathroom. The main thing to consider is the use of the space.

In a family bathroom, where there’s going to be a lot of splashing and water on the floor, wood might need a lot of maintenance and upkeep. In an en-suite, where it will only be used by careful adults, it will last much longer. ‘ “If you lay very hard wood, such as teak or iroko, you don’t have to worry so much,’ says Hannah Withington, Senior Designer at Ripples. ‘These have been used to build ships for centuries and they are the best for a wet environment. I would always advise installing a tanking system before any kind of wood flooring is laid in a bathroom, to create a watertight floor. Protective varnishes are paramount; they don’t just protect from water, but also from any other chemicals that could affect the wood. Alternatively, there are some great porcelain tiles that look like real wood, but don’t need aftercare.’

Fine fitted kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

3,200 Square feet of contemporary kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms from Italy and Germany. Mark Nicholas Design one stop shopping for the finest home interiors on display in London. Why not call today to arrange a consultation to find out what we can do for you.

48 Penton Street, Islington, London N1 Tel: 020 7278 7573 Fax: 020 7833 2273 enquiries@marknicholasdesign.com www.marknicholasdesign.com

Elegant family homes in Twickenham

Set within gated mews by award-winning developer, St James Perfectly located opposite Twickenham station, just 25 minutes from London Waterloo and situated within the sought after Brewery Wharf development, Brewery Gate offers a collection of elegant, spacious 4 and 5 bedroom family homes. Set within exclusive gated mews and close to a number of outstanding schools, these homes provide an ideal environment for busy families, boasting open plan designer kitchens with expansive folding doors leading to secluded gardens, luxurious bathrooms, flexible living areas and two private off-street parking spaces.

4 Bedroom houses from ÂŁ1,250,000 2 Bedroom apartments from ÂŁ550,000 Book your appointment now on 020 3582 8599 or visit our website at www.brewery-wharf.co.uk Sales and Marketing Suite at Brewery Wharf, Brewery Lane, off London Road, Twickenham, TW1 1AA Open daily from 10am to 5pm (with late night opening until 7pm every Wednesday)

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Computer generated image is indicative only and subject to change.

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EARRINGS IN 14CT GOLD WITH AMETHYST, PERIDOT AND CITRINE £850

PENDANT IN 14CT GOLD WITH AMETHYST, RHODOLITE, IOLITE AND CITRINE £1590

EARRING IN 14CT GOLD WITH AMETHYST, CITRINE AND PERIDOT £685

EARRINGS IN MOTHER OF PEARL ON RHODIUM PLATED STERLING SILVER £195

CUFF IN STINGRAY LEATHER WITH PREHNITE SET IN GOLD PLATED STERLING SILVER £310

REAL COTTON LEAVES DIPPED IN 24CT GOLD NECKLACE £135

BROOCH PENDANT IN MOTHER OF PEARL IN RHODIUM PLATED STERLING £188

EARRINGS IN GOLD PLATED SILVER £99

NECKLACE WITH PHRENITE SET IN GOLD PLATED STERLING SILVER £450

Jewels of the Mediterranean Frustrated by the uniformity of high-street jewellery, Rosita Heshmati’s discoveries inspired her to set up an online designer jewellery boutique.

Rosita’s craving for quality and expressive unique designs for everyday wear and special occasions led to her buying jewellery directly from small designers during frequent trips to southern Europe. “I soon had a jewellery box full of these wonderful creations and became the envy of my friends who started asking me to choose items for them whenever business or pleasure took me back to this beautiful part of the world. Nothing

makes me happier than scouring the small streets of Venice or Istanbul for undiscovered creative gems.” The realisation that many other women desire the same thing - jewellery that sets them apart with its originality and finesse that comes from centuries of traditional jewellery-making, combined with a Mediterranean lyrical expressionism - prompted her to explore showcasing her collections and so Expressions Des Bijoux was born. “My mission is simple – to give women access to stunning jewellery, reflecting a variety of tastes and styles from refined simplicity to luxurious drama.”

www.edesb.com | +44 (0)20 8946 7414 | customercare@expressionsdesbijoux.com