Fabric Magazine September 2025 by Hatton Collective

PLUS FACING THE FUTURE HOW GEN AI WILL CHANGE THE WAY CHILDREN LEARN BY THE BOOK DESIGN IDEAS THAT REDEFINE THE HOME LIBRARY

CELIA IMRIE

EDITOR’S LETTER/

It’s well over 25 years since I left school, but this time of year still ﬁlls me with that same feeling… After a glorious summer lull, September brings a renewed sense of enthusiasm and the promise of fresh starts and new beginnings. I’ll be attempting to harness that sentiment to bring more purpose to work and play this month, and I hope you’ll ﬁnd plenty in this issue to inspire you to do the same; it’s packed with all the regulars and so much more.

We clearly had schools on our minds when we planned our September special, which focuses on how generative AI will change the face of education, and how schools and parents might address those changes. Essential reading for anyone who is feeling a little uneasy about the subject.

Meanwhile, cover star Celia Imrie reveals that she left school at age 16 to become a chorus girl, but she hasn’t let a lack of education stand in her way – she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2023 Birthday Honours list for services to drama, and is a Sunday Times bestselling author. You can currently see her starring in the oh-so brilliant Netﬂix adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, and her latest novel came out in paperback last month. She is truly an inspiration and we loved meeting her; I hope you enjoy reading what she had to say. Until next month…

Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

ON THE COVER Celia Imrie

Photographed by Mark Cant Styled by Arabella Boyce Shot at Town Hall Hotel Celia wears: red dress by Femponiq (femponiq.com); and bracelets from a selection by The Hirst Collection (thehirstcollection.com) Read our exclusive interview on page 28

OUR AGENTS

Editorial Director Liz Skone James Creative Director Penny Clements Interiors Editor Ali Howard Schools Editor Claire Atherton Lifestyle Editor-at-Large Martine Montgomery Client Services Director Becky Pomfret Production Heidi Pomfret Publisher Katie Hutley

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FABRIC MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED 12 TIMES A YEAR on behalf of REAP Magazines Ltd by Hatton Collective Ltd, 27 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3BL fabricmagazine.co.uk

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Glentree Estates Trevor Abrahmsohn Goldschmidt & Howland Philip Green Savills Jonathan Hewlett and Liza-Jane Kelly Aston Chase Mark Pollack

Aston Chase astonchase.com

Benham & Reeves benhams.com

Dexters dexters.co.uk

Glentree glentree.co.uk

Godfrey & Barr godfreyandbarr.com

Goldschmidt & Howland g-h.co.uk

Hamptons hamptons.co.uk

Heathgate heathgate.com

Jeremy James & Company jeremy-james.co.uk

Knight Frank knightfrank.co.uk

Savills savills.co.uk

TK International t-k.co.uk

Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk

Pinch’s Post Office shelving system is beautifully crafted and quietly elegant

This month, we’re choosing new seasonal sparkle

CONTENTS /

LIFESTYLE

24 SHOPPING

Stunning, sculptural pieces that turn lighting into an art form

25 CULTURE

Your guide to what to do in London this month

27 THE LUST LIST

Lifestyle editor-at-large Martine is looking ahead to celebrations to come

28 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: CELIA IMRIE

The Olivier-award winning actor and bestselling author on show business, criminal minds and making her reality TV debut

38 STYLE

We discover a collection of elevated wardrobe essentials and put a cutting edge skin cancer screening to the test

42 FOOD & DRINK

Rob Roy Cameron shares a simple Spanishinﬂuenced supper recipe, and we take afternoon tea up in the clouds above London’s rooftops

TRAVEL

47 SPOTLIGHT ON Washington DC in the fall is a sight to behold, here’s where to stay for the colour show

48 TRAVEL REVIEWS

We review escapes to the Ayrshire countryside and Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

INTERIORS

52 OBJECT OF DESIRE

Extend those al fresco evenings with a versatile electric pergola from Suns Lifestyle

53 INTERIORS NEWS

The latest launches and luxurious new lines

56 INTERIORS TRENDS

Stylish ideas to elevate your home library from the ordinary to the extraordinary

58 AT HOME WITH History, texture and a clear design vision are at the heart of this converted chapel project, the home of the design duo behind Studio Sixty7

61 DESIGNER PROFILE

Rug designer Laylah Holmes of Holmes Bespoke on her inspirations and the latest collection

SCHOOLS

65 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

James Allder, head of Collingham GCSE and Sixth Form College introduces the school, and we shine a light on St Martin’s School Northwood

69 SCHOOLS SPECIAL

Exploring how generative AI might transform how pupils learn and teachers teach in the future

PROPERTY

77 TALKING POINTS

Why homebuyers should never overlook the importance of a thorough survey

78 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

80 LAST WORD

We meet Glentree’s Lauren Abrahmsohn

Illuminate your home with stunning sculptural lighting

SHAPING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Wetherby Senior School in central London is an independent day school for boys aged 11 to 18, offering an outstanding education that prepares pupils to stand out on the global stage. With excellent pastoral care and a strong record of acceptance to top universities, the school guides each student towards a bright future.

www.wetherbysenior.co.uk

FUTURE EXCELLENCE

Creating a programme that ensures pupils are prepared for life in a changing world is at the heart of one independent Marylebone school’s mission

On top of delivering outstanding results, Wetherby Senior – a prestigious independent senior school for boys in Marylebone – is known for fostering a future facing portfolio of life skills such as resilience, adaptability, independence and an entrepreneurial mindset. We look at some of the ways they achieve this.

Careers advice

A comprehensive careers programme starts from the moment boys join the school and aims to instil drive and purpose while ensuring that each boy fulfils his potential. Through mock interviews, skills-based projects, expert talks and co-curricular activities, Wetherby pupils are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make informed career choices, exploring university options and professional life with support from a brilliant range of potential employers, the school’s exceptional staff and active alumni network. What’s more, an extensive offering of clubs and societies allows boys to pursue their interests in exciting disciplines, including app design and multimedia creation, fostering the skills for success in the 21st century.

Peer and academic mentoring

Year 12 students take on a supportive, ‘older sibling’ role for younger students, providing guidance with friendship challenges, behaviour,

and personal wellbeing. Whilst fostering a caring academic environment, the mentor programme helps participants to develop emotional intelligence, strengthen communication, organisational and leadership skills, and a instils a sense of empathy and responsibility. Year 12 peer mentors are automatically made academic mentors, volunteering to help with specific subjects or year groups. Approximately 30 students are currently being mentored in academia across all year groups on a weekly basis, and teachers are increasingly utilising mentors and requesting their support with individuals who are struggling in class.

Volunteering

All Year 12 students volunteer at one of three local primary schools, where they support with lessons and extra-curricular activities once a fortnight. A group of students also run a weekly breakfast chess club at an additional primary school in the area. The benefits to the participating schools are huge, with young people receiving focused support they would not otherwise have had access to. Wetherby students also gain from the experience, especially in terms of their communication skills. In addition, the entire Year 12 cohort volunteers at least once a fortnight at a local Age UK branch.

Liberal studies

A range of seminar-style classes on topics outside the A level subjects provides Year 12

students with an opportunity to expand their academic horizons.

Feeding directly into the UCAS process, the supplemental essays produced through this programme can be used for university applications, enabling students to demonstrate a true passion for – and commitment to – their chosen undergraduate field of study.

Soft skills

A new initiative helps Wetherby Senior students to learn, practise and master non-academic skills that will serve them in school and beyond, such as public speaking, time-management and conflict resolution.

Launched last year, all students in Year 12 participated in the Soft Skills workshop series. The benefits will be seen in years to come, as they use these soft skills to negotiate university and apprenticeship interviews and, finally, expectations within the workplace.

Prefects

Helping them to cultivate leadership skills, responsibility, and integrity, students are encouraged to apply to become prefects in the spring term of Year 12.

Applicants become probationary prefects throughout the summer term, undertaking morning and lunch duties and helping out with events and tours around the school. In Year 13 the prefect team meets fortnightly to brainstorm

ideas. Developing their leadership and teamwork skills, this has involved them running a series of initiatives and events, including:

• a teacher appreciation project

• middle school assemblies

• a whole school talent show.

Roots programme

Wetherby Senior joins up with another local school to introduce students from different backgrounds, allowing them to ‘come together across divides and re-imagine a better future for all’.

The programme consists of:

• five online sessions with 14 students from Park Academy School. These allow pupils get to know one another, reflect on their similarities and differences, discuss the challenges and opportunities of being in a state and independent school, and challenge stereotypes

• two school swap days, which allow students to tour the schools, experience lessons and meet with a member of SLT

• a vision day where students from both schools come together to give feedback on their school swap days. This gives them the opportunity to discuss what a ‘better future’ looks like, and pitch any solutions they may have.

Wetherby Union

Led by Year 13, students across all years were invited to apply for the role of ‘student officer’ as

part of the Wetherby Union. Selected student officers meet fortnightly to debate various topics, developing their critical thinking and debating skills.

Lecture series

Guest speakers are regularly invited to come in and talk to Sixth Form students, helping them to expand their cultural and academic knowledge. The boys enjoy a series of lectures, delivered by university professionals and other visiting experts, covering topics including Homelessness, Clean Energy, and The Search for Life in the Universe, amongst others.

Year 12 students often use the knowledge gained through these lectures to illustrate a further passion for subjects in their UCAS personal statements.

Year 13 lectures, delivered by academics at institutions including Oxford, Bath and Birkbeck, often have a more formal, academic focus to prepare the students for this style of learning at university.

These are just some of the ways Wetherby Senior nurtures the leaders of tomorrow, ensuring that its students go out into the world with a solid foundation for future excellence. To find out more about what is on offer, and to experience the school for yourself, you can book a place at an upcoming open event or at one of their visitor mornings.

wetherbysenior.co.uk

Alongside outstanding academic results, boys at Wetherby Senior are encouraged to develop practical skills that will set them up for future success

CLOSE, NW11

We are delighted to present this charming Grade II listed six-bedroom family home, ideally located in a highly sought-after cul-de-sac off Hampstead Way, directly adjoining the green open space of the Heath Extension.

Set behind beautifully maintained communal gardens, this elegant residence offers over 2,000 sq ft of light-filled living space arranged across three floors. The ground floor features a welcoming entrance hall, a spacious double-aspect reception room, a separate dining room, and a family kitchen/breakfast room.

The upper floors comprise a principal bedroom with en suite shower room, 5 further bedrooms, and a modern family bathroom.Further highlights include a first-floor rear terrace and a stunning, private south west-facing rear garden.

Conveniently located just 0.6 miles from the open spaces of Golders Hill Park and 0.7 miles from Golders Green Underground Station, the property is also within easy reach of a variety of local shops and amenities.

SOLE AGENT

ROAD, N2 £12,500,000

A superb, magnificent detached bespoke family residence, positioned in one of the areas most coveted locations, backing directly onto Hampstead Golf Course. This outstanding family home is set behind security gates and is excellently well-positioned with uninterrupted views over Hampstead golf course.

Featuring generous living, entertaining rooms, with great proportioned bedroom accommodation. Additionally the property includes leisurefacilities comprising of a gym, sauna & steam shower room along with an indoor swimming pool & jacuzzi providing direct access to the manicured landscaped sun facing garden

www.glentree.com

The carriage driveway offers parking for multiple vehicles further including an integral double garage. Viewings are encouraged, with homes of this calibre and quality rarely available for sale.

Located on the west side of Winnington Road, adjacent to the distinguished The Bishops Avenue, the property enjoys a peaceful setting backing on to Hampstead golf course with its thriving private member’s club. .

JOINT AGENT

Downshire Hill, NW3

£7,890,000

An exceptional Georgian home on one of Hampstead’s most prestigious streets. Beautifully restored across three floors, this elegant residence offers four spacious bedrooms, two reception rooms and a modern kitchen. Showcasing a blend of period features and contemporary style, there is the added luxury of a charming outside space that provides a peaceful spot to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city, energy rating d.

Dexters Hampstead. 56 Heath Street, London, NW3 1DL T: 020 7433 0273 E: hampsteadsales@dexters.co.uk

Wells Rise, NW8

£3,750,000

Ideally located close the Royal green space of Regent's Park, this stylish townhouse presents versatile living throughout. Nestled in a quiet enclave, the property has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Complete with off-street parking, further benefits include fantastic transport connections and delicious eateries nearby, perfect for access across the capital, energy rating d.

Dexters St John's Wood. 4 St Ann's Terrace, London, NW8 6PJ T: 020 7483 6300 E: stjohnswoodsales@dexters.co.uk

CLIFTON HILL, LONDON NW8

Set behind electric gates on one of St John’s Wood’s most desirable streets, this beautifully reimagined family home unfolds across four floors, offering 4,565 sq ft of exceptional living space.

Declan Selbo 020 3627 8698

declan.selbo@knightfrank.com

NOVEL HOUSE, HAMPSTEAD NW3

An outstanding lateral apartment on the third floor of this luxurious development in the heart of Hampstead.

Katy Brookes 020 3918

katy.brookes@knightfrank.com

Stylish detached family home

Exceptional Victorian home

Easy access to both Hampstead Heath and the High Street

An exquisite mid-terrace Victorian family home featuring high end finishes and appliances. Spanning 5 renovated floors, the home features high ceilings showcasing natural light, an open-plan reception room, state of the art Boffi kitchen and dining area with Gaggenau appliances, private landscaped garden, fully equipped home gym, sauna & steam room, principle bedroom with walk in robe and ensuite, three additional double rooms with one featuring a private terrace, four bathrooms and under floor heating throughout. Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC Rating = C

5010

*pricing correct at the time of print Kemplay Road, Hampstead Village NW3

HAMILTON TERRACE

ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8

An outstanding detached residence (12,567 sq ft/1,167.47 sq m) set back behind a secure carriage drive on this prestigious tree-lined boulevard.

The property is in excellent condition throughout and features a magnificent 139 ft west-facing garden, large indoor swimming pool, passenger lift serving all floors and off-street parking for 6-8 cars in addition to 2 integral double length garages.

Hamilton Terrace is one of the finest addresses in London and is conveniently located for the shops and cafés of both St John’s Wood High Street and Maida Vale, enjoying excellent transport links to Central London via St John's Wood Underground Station (Bakerloo and Jubilee Line) and Maida Vale Underground Station (Bakerloo Line).

FREEHOLD SOLE SELLING & LETTING AGENT ASKING PRICE £27,500,000 OR AVAILABLE TO RENT AT £25,000 PER WEEK UNFURNISHED

Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Dressing Room and Bathroom, 6 Further Bedrooms, 4 Further Bathrooms, Shower Room, Reception Hall, 32 ft x 31 ft Drawing Room/Dining Room, Family Room, Large Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Garden Room, Study, Gym, Second Kitchen, Indoor Swimming Pool/Leisure Area, Changing Room, Separate Staff

Accommodation comprises of 2 Bedrooms with En-Suite Shower Room, Utility Room, West-Facing 139 ft Garden with Patio Area, Carriage Driveway with Off-Street Parking for 6-8 cars and 2 Integral Double Length Garages, Passenger Lift serving all floors, Large Terrace accessed from the Principal Reception Room. Council Tax: Band H. EPC: C.

Regent’s Mews

St John’s Wood, NW8

Guide Price: £4,950,000

Sole Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

Regent’s Mews is a modern development of five individually designed houses, located in a private gated setting just off Langford Place. This property offers 2,707 sq ft (251.48 sq m) of internal space arranged over three floors. Externally, the property benefits from a south-facing garden with a patio area, as well as a separate double garage. The house is located close to the amenities of St John’s Wood High Street and is within walking distance of St John’s Underground Station.

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom, 4/5 Further Bedrooms, 4 Further Bathrooms, Drawing Room/ Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Guest Cloakroom, Utility Room, South-Facing Garden with Patio Area, Separate Double Garage.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: C.

Carlton Hill

St John’s Wood, NW8

Asking Price: £4,950,000

Sole Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

An attractive four-bedroom period home (2,827 sq ft/262.63 sq m) providing versatile family accommodation featuring an excavated lower ground floor playroom/gym and a south-east facing rear garden. The property is ideally positioned within 0.7 of a mile from St John’s Wood High Street and nearby St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) providing direct access to both the West End and Canary Wharf.

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room and En-Suite Bathroom, 3 Further Bedrooms, Family Shower Room, Drawing Room, Study, Kitchen/Breakfast Room intercommunicating with Family Room, Garden Room, Playroom/Gym, Guest Cloakroom, South-East Facing Garden, Terrace, Balcony, Off-Street Parking for 2 Cars. Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D.

Daleham Mews, Belsize Village, NW3

£2,950,000

A larger than average four-bedroom house situated in this popular and quiet cobbled mews between Hampstead and Belsize Villages.

This desirable property offers flexible and well-appointed accommodation over three floors, with an emphasis on good sized rooms and an abundance of natural light. The house is approached via an impressive high-ceilinged entrance hall, leading to a 21' principal bedroom with dressing area and en-suite shower room. There is also a modern fitted kitchen, utility room and guest cloakroom on this floor. The first floor comprises the main double aspect reception room with access to a large roof terrace, study and bedroom. There are two further bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor.

Daleham Mews is ideally situated moments from the cafés, restaurants, and shops of Belsize Lane, with Hampstead Village (Northern Line) being close by.

Culture / LIFESTYLE

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

What to see and do in the Capital this September

EXHIBITION

Collaborative

THEATRE

Land of the Living

One for your radar during this month’s London Design Festival is a group exhibition exploring connection through clay. The show pairs ﬁve leading ceramicists with creatives from other disciplines – think architects, musicians, woodworkers – to create pieces that blur the boundaries between function and expression. From sound-infused sculpture to a playable ceramic board game, each work is the result of hands-on collaboration and mutual experimentation. With a strong focus on community studio practice, the exhibition feels grounded yet expansive – a reminder that clay, in the right hands, is anything but static. 15 September-19 November, County Hall Pottery, Belvedere Road, SE1 (07593 144458; countyhallpottery.com)

Juliet Stevenson and Tom Wlaschiha lead the cast in a new drama landing at the Dorfman this month – a haunting, slow-burn piece set between postwar Germany and the present day. At its centre is a boy stolen by the Nazis, a young UN relief worker faced with an impossible choice, and the long shadow of a decision that can’t be undone. Written by David Lan and directed by Stephen Daldry, it’s a story of fractured memory, uneasy morality and what it means to do the right thing when there are no right answers. Expect sharp performances, atmospheric design and a script that doesn’t let you off the hook. 9 September-1 November, Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 (020 3989 5455; nationaltheatre.org.uk)

EXHIBTION

Blitz: The Club that Shaped the 80s

Tucked down a Covent Garden side street, a smoky basement once lit the fuse on a cultural explosion that would define the 1980s. This autumn, the Design Museum throws open the doors to the scene’s glittering legacy – where sequins met synths, and New Romantics reigned supreme. Expect era-defining outfits, hand-scrawled lyrics and Bowie-fuelled nostalgia. The exhibition pulls together over 250 objects from the wardrobes, scrapbooks and studios of the original Blitz Kids – most of which haven’t seen the light of day since they first hit the dancefloor. Velvet, vinyl and outrageous tailoring all feature. Not to be missed.

20 September-29 March 2026, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 (020 3862 5900; designmuseum.org)

FESTIVAL

THEATRE

Entertaining Mr Sloane

Jordan Stephens of Rizzle Kicks fame makes his stage debut at the Young Vic this autumn, joining Tamzin Outhwaite, Daniel Cerqueira and Christopher Fairbank in a darkly comic tale of charm, manipulation and blurred boundaries. He plays a mysterious young lodger who quickly disrupts the uneasy dynamic in a suburban household, drawing both Kath and her brother Ed under his spell – while their father watches on, unconvinced. Directed by Nadia Fall, this is Joe Orton at his most provocative: sharp, subversive and still deliciously uncomfortable. Expect biting humour, simmering tension and a performance from Stephens that’s set to surprise.

15 September-8 November, Young Vic, 66 The Cut, SE1 (020 7922 2922; youngvic.org)

Open House 2025

London’s favourite city-wide celebration of architecture and public space returns this September – and 2025’s Open House feels more personal than ever. The event throws open the doors to hundreds of buildings across all 33 boroughs, from grand institutions to behind-the-scenes gems, with tours, talks and walking routes that shine a light on how the Capital is shaped. This year, a team of guest curators joins the fold, each selecting ten spaces or events that speak to themes close to their hearts – from accessibility to activism, heritage to creativity. Their picks offer a fresh lens through which to explore the festival’s 800-strong line-up. 13-21 September, city-wide (openhouse.org.uk)

Vivienne Lynn, Boy George, Chris Sullivan, Kim Bowen, Theresa Thurmer, and a Blitz attendee, 1980.

© Derek Ridgers c/o Unravel Productions

Open House Festival 2024

© Sonny

Malhotra

© Black Socks

MIDNIGHT

HAS ARRIVED

It’s the scent of a city that never quite sleeps, where lights reflect in wet pavements and music spills out of doorways. Inspired by London after dark, MIDNIGHT captures that moment when the night begins to blur, when laughter echoes between buildings, cultures collide and strangers become friends.

AVAILABLE NOW AT RNDL.CO.UK

Created in close collaboration with the brilliantly talented Matthieu Maneuvrier. Rum, Saffron, Bergamot, Cardamon, Guaiacwood, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Lavender, Vetiver, Vanilla, Tonka, Birch, Musks and Amber.

MARTINE’S MOODBOARD

School’s back, inboxes are starting to ﬁll, and the city has started moving again. It’s time to look ahead, says lifestyle editor-at-large Martine Montgomery

September means the Harvest Moon – the biggest of the year – and yes, I’ve still got Neil Young stuck in my head. There’s still plenty of the year left – and I fully intend to make the most of it. Top of my list? Throwing a fabulous Halloween party. My husband’s American, and they never miss an opportunity to celebrate anything – a trait I’ve happily adopted. Since I spend Christmas with my family in the US, Halloween (along with Thanksgiving) has become one of the traditions I really look forward to celebrating here in the UK. I’m already working on the invitations with the wonderfully clever Sophie Press. Her company, Ruth Kaye Design, creates the most original, imaginative invites you can imagine. Sophie takes the brief and runs with it – whether you want hand-drawn cartoons, animated reels for social media, or a proper heavyweight printed card, she does it all. Her mother, the late Ruth Kaye was a creative force, and Sophie clearly takes after her. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with. ruthkayedesign.com

A recent detour through St. John’s Wood led me to a gem of a multi-brand boutique, run by the effortlessly chic Elaine, whose eye for curation is nothing short of masterful. I was meant to be window shopping only (aren’t we always?), but two pieces simply refused to be left behind. First: a divine leopard print dress by Italian label Crida – ﬂattering, versatile, and destined for day-tonight duty. I wasn’t familiar with the brand before, but it’s now ﬁrmly on my radar. Then, the real showstopper: an evening coat by Mouche, another Italian label I adore for their glamorous yet ageappropriate pieces that make you feel utterly fabulous. This one’s part tuxedo, part sequinned

drama, and entirely made for the coming festive season. Yes, it’s an investment – but what a delicious one to make. thebank102.com

I must ﬁnd a way to watch It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, Amy Berg’s new documentary that’s already making waves in the US. Otherworldly and impossible to forget, Buckley has long been one of those voices for me. The son of folk singer Tim Buckley, Jeff carved his own path with music that blended rock, jazz, soul, and raw emotion. He only released one full studio album, Grace, but it was enough to make him a legend.

He drowned in the Mississippi River in 1997 at just 30 years old, with his second album still unﬁnished. There’s always been a mystery around him – like Nick Drake, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin… Amy Berg says his feet never quite touched the ground, and that feels true. He was searching for balance, for meaning, for something beyond the ordinary. Hallelujah is now practically an anthem for beauty and grief. There was so much vulnerability in him, and that’s what makes this documentary – a project 15 years in the making – so urgent. It promises to explore not just the music, but the man behind it. There’s no conﬁrmed UK release yet, but I’ll be watching closely. Some artists never leave us –and Buckley, heavenly and haunted, is one of them.

The lust list / LIFESTYLE

All this talk of music has made me want to pick up an instrument myself, so I’ll be taking myself down to the New Kings Road Vintage Guitar Emporium – a treasure trove for the musically inclined, tucked just off the New Kings Road. It’s run by the wonderfully eccentric Rick Zsigmond, a Transylvanian-by-way-of-Liverpool character who’s been part of London’s musical undercurrent

for over 30 years. He swears he’s a Scouser, but I’m not so sure…

Stacked with vintage guitars – from wellloved classics to pristine rarities – you could lose yourself in the shop for hours. Clients have included everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Oasis to Johnny Depp, but Rick’s mission is to ﬁnd “something for everyone”, whether you’re a touring musician or, like me, a slightly wistful beginner inspired by Jeff Buckley.

And in true full-circle fashion, when I told Rick about the new Buckley documentary, he casually mentioned he once played in a band with David Buckley – a relative of Jeff’s. Because of course he did. In London, all strings somehow connect. newkingsroadguitars.com

Finally, before I slip off to America again, I’ll be treating myself to one last indulgence: a quiet spell in the mountains. I’ve just discovered the Ultima Collection – boutique hideaways in various ski resorts that offer all the things I crave at this time of year: stillness, snow, and just the right amount of spoiling. I’ve got my eye on their Gstaad property – a discreet little gem with just 11 suites, terraces overlooking the peaks, and a spa that promises to restore even the most overstimulated of souls. There will be some light skiing (or at least some well-dressed pootling about in search of a charming instructor), but really, it’s about resetting before the festive madness kicks in. One last moment of calm before the glitter descends. ultimacollection.com

Ruth Kaye Design

1. Crida leopard print dress

2. Mouche sequinned evening coat

Ultima Collection, Gstaad

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Olivier Award-winning actor in The Thursday Murder Club,

Photography by Mark Cant Styling by Arabella Boyce

Celia wears, opposite page: Francis denim shirt jacket and denim wide leg trousers by Temperley London

Hair by Sven Bayerbach Make up by Mira Parmar

Shot on location at Town Hall Hotel

“I

Celia wears, above: red dress by Femponiq (femponiq.com); and bracelets from a selection by The Hirst Collection (thehirstcollection.com)

Right: gold brocade Frankel jacket by Temperley London (temperleylondon.com)

Words by Liz Skone James

Interview / LIFESTYLE

One of screen’s most recognisable faces, Celia Imrie is an Olivier Awardwinning and Screen Actors Guild-nominated actress who was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2023 Birthday Honours list for services to drama. She has been named a Variety magazine ‘Icon’ and is a Women in Film and Television ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ winner. And as well as her acclaimed film, television, and theatre work, she is also a Sunday Times best-selling author. It is safe to say that I am feeling a little starstruck before our interview; I needn’t have worried, though, because Celia could not be more down to earth.

“I do liken this life to a game of Snakes and Ladders; there are some wonderful ladders, but there are some dangerous snakes,” she laughs, when we talk about her achievements. “I mean, it’s a great life, but you’ve got to want to really love it and be prepared to dare. You know, it’s not stable, there are no promises, and anything can happen from day-to-day,” she explains. Is she currently climbing a ladder, then, or slipping down one of those snakes? “Well, all ladders wobble…” she tells me, enigmatically. “I don’t know! I mean, I would hate to say. I’m clinging on, put it like that!”

From where I am sitting, her position looks a whole lot less precarious than that. She is about to star in the long-awaited Chris Columbus adaptation of Richard Osman’s brilliant The Thursday Murder Club for Netflix; her latest novel has just come out in paperback; this coming autumn will see her appearing in the first season of Celebrity Traitors; and things show no sign of slowing down.

The bestselling novel on which The Thursday Murder Club film is based tells the story of four irrepressible retirees in an upmarket later living community who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their causal sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.

How did the role come about? “I’m not naïve, I’m sure there were lots of possible castings, but I was lucky, just lucky,” Celia tells me. As much as I don’t like being the age I am, because I still think I’m 26, it is lucky that I am the age I am, because that’s what the book’s all about…”

Celia plays Joyce Meadowcroft, a former nurse and keen baker with a shock of white hair who is the newest member of the Thursday Murder Club – the two may be septuagenarians, but they are certainly not peas in a pod, so how did Celia channel her character? “Acting is a rather wonderful invitation to become somebody else, you know,” she explains. “For Joyce it was important that I had an understanding of a nursing career and how life as a nurse would be, and that I know what to do in an emergency and all that sort of thing… Luckily, I have two marvellous, wonderful sisters who are nurses, so I could ask them about the medical things that I needed to be aware of. And also dressing up, getting the right costume; you know, my amazing white hair, which was a wig. You are incredibly helped by those outside props.”

That said, there are some similarities between the two, not least that Celia, too, loves to bake a cake. “I’m not a good cook but I can make cakes,” she reveals. Her signature bake? “Oh, chocolate cake, but it must be made at five in the morning, so as to be absolutely fresh, and the icing preferably with lots of cocoa and espresso in it!”

Then there’s a fascination with crime. “Funnily enough, one of my first night schools I signed up for was the psychology of criminology,” she recalls. “I have become fascinated by criminal documentaries, and watching people lie and thinking they can get away with it, and I know I’m not alone in that. I think that’s why something like The Thursday Murder Club is endlessly interesting. Because people are fascinated by crime, we always will be…”

Solving the case alongside Joyce are ex-spy Elizabeth, played by Helen Mirren, retired psychiatrist Ibrahim, played by Ben Kingsley, and former union activist Ron, played by Pierce Brosnan. “It was fabulous working with them; it was a total joy from beginning to end.” Celia tells me. “I’ve worked with Helen before, in Calendar Girls, and I have worked with Pierce before in The Love Punch, I hadn’t worked with Sir Ben before though… it’s a lovely feeling when you do know each other a little bit. Although in the story, of course, I had to pretend I didn’t know them, because Joyce is very much the new girl in the group. So, I had to be in awe of them – which of course I am in real life!”

There’s undoubtedly a pressure that comes with adapting such a wellloved book for the screen, but Celia admits to not having read the book before being asked to audition for the role, and having to rush out to buy it when she got the part. “It became my Bible really,” she reveals, “because there are marvellous little details that I could infuse into my being; various little clues that I could get from the book that gave me an insight into Joyce.”

Does she think fans will like the film? “Yes, I hope so…” she says, “there isn’t time to get all the twists and turns of the plot in, because of the time limitations of the film. I mean, there will be criticisms, I’m sure. I suppose sometimes you won’t necessarily agree with all of the casting – it occurred to me that the joy of reading a book is that you can cast the characters yourself,

as you’re reading along – but we just have to take that on the chin, and hope that we are as loyal as we can be to the story.”

“It was interesting, when I was in America last year, on a book tour, how agog the American audiences were already – the book lovers, you know, who lapped up the book, and are longing for the film,” she continues. “You realise how much the Americans love the Englishness of us, so hopefully it will be a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.” If the film is well received, with whispers of future adaptations of the other books from the series in the pipeline, Joyce and gang could be back together again soon…

Regardless, Celia has quite a lot to keep her busy already, including – with six novels and an autobiography to her name – a successful writing career. The latest of those novels, Meet Me at Rainbow Corner, a heart-warming story – inspired by real events – about a group of women working for GI soldiers during the Second World War, has just come out in paperback.

How does she find the time to write? “Well, that’s why I’m so lucky to have a collaborator,” Celia explains. She is referring to Fidelis Morgan, who works with her on her novels. “We met in 1975 when we were both on a world tour with Glenda Jackson, and we were both understudies,” she tells me. “And we’ve been friends ever since. She has a university career, and she’s a published author in her own right. But we work very well together; she does all of the research, mighty research, which is very much a part of all the books now.”

With Celia’s books having a historical slant, that research element is very important. “I love history,” she reveals. “I left school when I was 16 to become a chorus girl, so I lament my lack of education, really. But anything to do with history, and facts, I love. Certainly, Meet Me at Rainbow Corner is full of as many facts we could get hold of, to present the detail of living through war. Because, in the end, none of us really know what living in the war was like. We have got absolutely no idea. And it’s terribly important to be reminded of the hell they went through actually. It’s never too late to learn…”

What can Celia tell us about the book? “Well, it’s all about the American GIs who came over in the war to help us, and fell in love with the English girls, and they with them,” she explains. “They had a special club called Rainbow Corner, which was right in the middle of Piccadilly Circus: they had 24-hour doughnuts, and boxing matches, and dances. They didn’t want to do Waltzes, and Foxtrots and things like that, they wanted to do Jitterbugs.”

The club did exist, and it is just one real-life detail from the book, Celia explains. “It tells the story of two girls. One of our heroines is Dot, from

wears, below: pale pink and white lapel double breasted tuxedo made to order at Knatchbull (knatchbull.com); and bracelets from a selection by The

Liverpool, based on Fidelis’ mother, who kept all her wartime letters, so we had lots to dig into to get the details from. For instance, she was engaged four times, and all four died – that’s how life was during the war. So, the book follows Dot, and Lily from Hampshire, who was sort of based on my mother, who drove ambulances in the war and played her violin for the troops. You follow their fortunes as they go over to America after the war on the Queen Mary, and then they have to find their homes in mid-America. Some of the girls came to New York, thinking that they would have GI husbands waiting for them, but they never turned up – you know, it wasn’t all roses. But it’s all based on true stories, which is fascinating, and staggering, and gives you a real, I hope, insight into the joy and the terror of living in war time.”

For Celia, the writing is “a marvellous contrast” to acting, although she admits that it does not come easily to her. “I am very, very lucky, though, because I have a most beautiful apartment in Nice where I do all of my writing,” she tells me. “And all my books so far actually have a connection with Nice, from The Orphans of the Storm, which is about some little Nicoise boys who survived the Titanic – they were two and three, it’s a wonderful story, and a true story, which we’ve turned on its head. And in Meet Me at Rainbow Corner, you learn how brave some 17-year-old boys were when Nice was taken over by the Nazis towards the end of the war, and they fought and freed the city in the most heroic manner; there are plaques all over Nice about these young boys who fought back.”

With so many bestselling novels to her name, I wonder whether Celia has any plans to bring her two worlds together and turn her hand to scriptwriting. “I love doing dialogue in a book, which is my version of the script, I suppose,” she says. “I have also bought the rights of a French play that I want to put on in the theatre, but no, I haven’t yet done a script, but there is always time…”

There is undoubtedly more to come from Celia; when I ask what she considers to be her career highlight, she quickly answers, “I don’t know, I hope it’s still to come…” In terms of where we will see her next, fans of Traitors will be excited to hear that she is set to appear on the first celebrity series later this autumn, filming for which has already wrapped. Was she already a fan, I ask. “Oh yes, of course, who wouldn’t be?” She exclaims, excitedly. “I was asked to take part, and I found it irresistible! I ain’t gonna tell you anything about it though! But you know that… I’m very good at keeping secrets that’s for sure,” she laughs. I, for one, can’t wait to see what she gets up to in the castle… The Thursday Murder Club is available to screen on Netflix now. Meet Me at Rainbow Corner is out now in paperback

Celia

Hirst Collection (thehirstcollection.com)

Hair by Sven Bayerbach at Carol Hayes Management using Maria Nila

Celia wears, above: Louis shirt and trousers by Temperley London (temperleylondon.com)

“I LEFT SCHOOL WHEN I WAS 16 TO BECOME A CHORUS GIRL, SO I LAMENT MY LACK OF EDUCATION, REALLY. BUT ANYTHING TO DO WITH HISTORY, AND FACTS, I LOVE”

Celia wears: Bennett belted shirt dress by Rebecca Valance at My Theresa (mytheresa.com)

LIFESTYLE / On location

TOWN HALL HOTEL

Film buffs might recognise this East End hotel – set in a landmark historic building it is a firm favourite amongst location scouts

An imposing Grade-II listed Edwardian building that was once home to Bethnal Green’s Town Hall is the setting for this stylish boutique hotel, a proud member of Design Hotels. From the grand stucco façade and intricate plasterwork ceilings to the sweeping marble staircase and wood panelled council chamber, the original architectural details have been carefully preserved here, celebrating the building’s storied past. And the exquisite neoclassical features are perfectly complemented by modern, chic interiors.

Little wonder, then, that the hotel is so popular with location scouts – it was recently used for filming of the upcoming BBC drama Dear England, and can be seen in iconic films including Atonement, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and Snatch.

There are just under 100 rooms here, all but 12 of them suites, studios and apartments. Furnished with vintage pieces, and offering oodles of space as well as kitchen facilities, the accommodation has the feel of a pied-àterre in the city rather than a traditional hotel room. Though each room has been individually designed, an earthy and natural colour palette has been used throughout, featuring a mix of greens, neutrals, and warm wood tones. And the original windows ensure that all of the accommodation is flooded with natural light.

Our favourite suite is the flagship De Montfort, which features a soaring triple-height ceiling and huge arched windows with stained glass panels. Boasting 1,659 sq ft of space, this spectacular suite allows guests to spread out in serious style, and features a bedroom, two bathrooms, dining for up to 20, a sitting area and study. And the professionally equipped kitchen provides the perfect stage for the in-house chefs to cook up a culinary storm.

Indeed, good food is a theme here. Overseen by 2 Michelin star chef, Rafael Cagali, the culinary offering at Town Hall Hotel includes two dining concepts, as well as an all-day lounge serving light bites and drinks. Elis is open for dinner and offers a relaxed interpretation of Rafael’s Brazilian-Italian heritage, serving rustic dishes along with a selection of elegant snacks and good wines. Meanwhile, Da Terra is the hotel’s fine-dining concept, offering tasting menus of between five and 10 courses, alongside a range of wine and drinks designed to highlight each

dish. The restaurant received its first Michelin star after just eight months and was awarded a second in 2021.

Other facilities here include a gorgeous 14 metre heated swimming pool, and a luxurious fitness suite equipped with Peloton bikes, while Ruuby, the in-room spa, offers a selection of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.

Offering charm and character, delivered with exquisite taste and world-class care, Town Hall Hotel is the sort of hideaway you’ll want to keep to yourself. townhallhotel.com

Founded in 1951, Wetherby School is a progressive pre-prep institution dedicated to shaping the next generation. Renowned for its nurturing environment where boys flourish, Wetherby has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and as such is highly sought after by families looking to provide their sons with the best possible start in education.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Wetherby is looking to expand its reach by opening new locations, ensuring that even more families can access its first-class education. And it remains a top choice for discerning parents in London, just as it was when it first opened.

This month, the new Wetherby Pembridge Senior school opens in Kensington Olympia. A co-ed senior school, it enables students to progress seamlessly from nursery through to sixth form within the renowned Wetherby group. The pathway includes Wetherby Pembridge Minors (co-ed nursery), Wetherby School (preprep), Wetherby Prep (boys 7-13), and Wetherby Senior (boys 11-18), all located in impressive buildings throughout west London. Wetherby’s sister school, Pembridge Hall in Notting Hill, offers pre-prep and prep education for girls,

TOPS MARKS ALL ROUND

As Wetherby celebrates its 75th anniversary, we take a look at what’s on offer at Prince William and Prince Harry’s old school

ensuring that siblings can share a unified academic journey and ultimately join the same distinguished alumni network – which includes royalty, Olympic athletes, BAFTA winners, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, politicians, artists, and West End stars.

Wetherby delivers a holistic approach to education that focuses not just on academic success, but shaping well-rounded individuals who are well set for a successful future. Offering personalised support, expert teaching, and an innovative curriculum, pupils enjoy exceptional academic outcomes. This includes impressive results at 7+ and 8+, as well as places at top prep and senior schools, often with scholarships, alongside outstanding achievements at 11+, 13+, GCSE, and A levels.

And, a wide range of extra-curricular activities are on offer to enrich students’ lives, including 15 acres of top-tier sports grounds and world-class academic and arts facilities. Boys can explore music, martial arts, and team sports like cricket, or acquire skills that will serve them later in life, such as coding and debating. The school even has a forest school for its youngest pupils. To find out more, see wetherbyschool.co.uk

Mole Mapping at The MOLE Clinic

The UK’s only private clinic group dedicated to skin cancer screening has introduced pioneering new mole mapping technology across its specialist clinics, we put it to the test

Words by Liz Skone James

My youngest son once likened my skin to a dot-to-dot drawing – I am literally covered in freckles, and where I once joked that I didn’t tan, my freckles simply joined up, in recent years I have been increasingly worried about the implications of that. Not to mention the damage the sun might have already wreaked over the years; I grew up beside the sea, in the days when sunscreen was rarely used, and when it was, SPF 12 was deemed high. I know I should be regularly checking my skin, but I’m not actually sure how to do it. And I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m not certain which of my blemishes are freckles and which are moles. Returning from two glorious weeks in the sun, it is on my mind even more than usual, thanks to the news that my mum has had to have a couple of areas of squamous cell carcinoma (a nonmelanoma skin cancer) removed from her face. I decide that it is time I asked for help.

With sites across the UK, including three here in London, The MOLE Clinic is the only private clinic dedicated to skin cancer screening, and has been at the forefront of early skin cancer detection for over 21 years. Their new full body Mole Mapping service is probably the most comprehensive screening available, incorporating a manual full body check with the use of high-resolution imaging. This is no ordinary photography, the clinic has invested in FotoFinder’s state-of-the-art Body Scan Master, which utilises cutting-edge digital and AI technology to provide a full 360-degree view of the skin. I book an appointment at the Harley Street clinic, reassured that I will be in expert hands.

We begin with a quick chat about my skin, and my family history, and then Tanya, my nurse explains what will happen during the appointment. Stripped down to my underwear, I stand in front of the camera and assume various positions to ensure that every area of my body can be photographed. Hands on head, feet apart, bent at the waist, etc… I’d feel embarrassed if Tanya was not so lovely.

The cutting-edge technology combines high-resolution, polarised and RAW-

processed photos with advanced image processing to enable skin lesions to be seen in impeccable detail. The clever camera also filters moles from all total body images and organises them intelligently on one screen, allowing any atypical lesions to be easily and efficiently identified.

Pictures taken, we move onto the full body check. The nurse uses a dermatoscope to visually assess my body in minute detail from head to toe, combing through my hair to check my scalp and even looking at the soles of my feet. As she goes, she points out the differences between the moles and the freckles – finally, I can confidently say which is which, and will be able to keep an eye on them myself.

Reassuringly, everything looks good. The verdict: my skin “could not look more normal if it tried”. I breathe a sigh of relief, suddenly aware that I have been holding my breath. And my personal mole map is now on file at the clinic, ready to be compared to future mapping, allowing for the earliest possible detection of changes and giving me total peace of mind. £325. 46 Harley Street, W1G (0800 023 4212; themoleclinic.co.uk)

Cutting-edge digital and AI technology provides a full 360-degree view of the skin

PERSONAL STYLIST

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

the intersection of music and scent

FRAGRANCE

London calling

POST-SUMMER SKIN RESCUE

As the seasons change, so too does our skin; signs of post-summer skin fatigue include pigmentation, dullness, breakouts and dehydration. Salvation is at hand with a transformative new treatment at Notting Hill’s renowned clinic, The Well.

GFIT is designed to combat seasonal fallout, restoring a radiant, refreshed complexion. A unique dual-action approach allows for a minimally invasive, targeted treatment that remodels and restores skin elasticity whilst promoting optimal healing conditions.

A SkinPen microneedling device is used to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin,

triggering the body’s natural healing response, whilst enhancing the penetration of the therapeutic ingredients found in AQ Serum. This growth factor-rich serum is speciﬁcally designed to accelerate skin regeneration, promoting collagen synthesis, elastin production, and the skin’s natural renewal mechanism. Absorption of these growth factors and other skin renewing ingredients into the dermis is dramatically improved when used in conjunction with microneedling, offering sensational results that get better in the weeks following the treatment. 60-minute treatment priced from £300. 8-9 Lambton Place, W11 (020 7221 2248; thewell-clinic.com)

Music and perfume share the ability to intensely – yet involuntarily – evoke memories. Smelling a particular scent can bring long forgotten memories flooding back, in the same way, hearing a song can take you back to a specific moment in time with incredible clarity. And the perfumer, like the musician, composes with notes. This synthesis between the two is at the heart of luxury Italian brand Jusbox, whose every fragrance is inspired by music. The latest release, available as a world exclusive at Harrods, is particularly close to our hearts, being inspired by the raw energy of the music scene here in the Capital. In London Hall, perfumer Julien Rasquinet boldly contrasts a blend of spices with a hint of typical English garden flowers. At the heart of his creation is a sumptuous bouquet of rose, freesia and jasmine, whose petals bloom against a background of enigmatic patchouli. As it unfolds, the fragrance deepens into a fiery trail, leaving a majestic charm. A fitting tribute to the city’s endless rhythm and creative energy.

£250 (harrods.com)

HEALTH

A new wave of wellness

Bella Hadid swears by it, and Hailey Bieber and Winnie Harlow’s Erewhon smoothies have incorporated it. Sea moss is having a bit of a moment, but this is no fad…

One of the planet’s most nutrient dense superfoods, sea moss has long been recognised for its health beneﬁts, which include immune support, gut health, thyroid function, and skin nourishment. It provides an abundance of micronutrients including iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, whilst being low in calories and fat. Now OMOSS has brought it to the UK in a refreshing, mineral rich functional drink, which, just months after its launch, has been voted Best New Organic Drink Product at the 2025 Natural & Organic Innovation Awards.

OMOSS uses sea moss sourced from Ireland’s Atlantic coastline; harvested by hand, it is dried under strictly controlled conditions to maintain the healthy enzymes and vitamins. Each carefully formulated bottle contains 50 per cent pure organic sea moss extract, along with other hardworking botanicals including Lions Mane and ashwaghanda. Plant-based, gluten free, and with no artificial flavours or preservatives, this is pure, functional hydration that’s as good for the body as it is for the planet. £44 for 12 bottles with 4.4 per cent of profits donated to Project Zero’s work towards turning the tide on the climate crisis (omoss.co.uk)

GFIT helps to tackle the signs of postsummer skin fatigue

Each of Jusbox’s luxury fragrances is inspired by

BEAUTY

Fashion / LIFESTYLE

ON FASHION SARAH BONELLO

THE PARK’s ﬁrst collection of elevated wardrobe essentials launched last year with the simple mission of making getting dressed easier and more exciting for women. Founder Sarah introduces her brand

Tell us a little about your background and how you came to launch your label

I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of art, fashion, and storytelling. I studied fabric styling and marketing at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and spent years working in editorial and PR, launching brands and publications that shaped the fashion landscape. But I always knew I wanted to create something of my own – something that spoke to the modern woman’s real life. I launched THE PARK while living bi-costal, working and raising kids, including a toddler, so I understand ﬁrsthand the need for clothing that’s both elegant and effortless. THE PARK is a culmination of that experience – a love letter to quiet conﬁdence and grounded style.

What’s your brand philosophy?

We design for the woman who deﬁnes her own dress code. THE PARK is about elevated essentials – pieces that ground your wardrobe but never feel basic. Each garment is intentionally designed to move with you and adapt to your life. The goal is to make getting dressed feel easy, intuitive, and powerful. THE PARK is designed to complement your fabulous wardrobe and bring ease to your busy life.

What inspires your collections?

I’m constantly inspired by women – how they move through the world, how they want to feel in their clothes, how they express strength through subtlety. I also draw inspiration from archival fashion, editorial styling, and my own collection of vintage and current pieces. My approach is always about reﬁning the essential and elevating it through detail, silhouette, and fabric.

What can we expect from your latest collection?

The Pre-Fall and Fall 2025 collection introduces expanded styles and tonal shades that speak to the transitional wardrobe. We’ve reimagined bestsellers with new details, like long sleeves on the Shari catsuit and extended lengths on the Tessa pant. The new Vanilla and Camel colourways offer fresh, grounding neutrals, while our hero pieces – like the Joy skirted legging and Josie legging – continue to deﬁne the brand. And this is just the beginning; we’ve also just introduced Midnight Navy, which I see as the new black.

With an emphasis on timeless silhouettes, premium materials, and a quietly bold aesthetic, THE PARK is a collection of luxurious wardrobe essentials designed for modern women

How do you want people wearing your pieces to feel?

I want women to feel like the best version of themselves –strong, stylish, and at ease. There’s a quiet power in feeling good in your clothes. Whether you’re stepping into a meeting, running errands, or going out at night, I want THE PARK to feel like your favourite uniform: one that works hard but looks effortless.

Is there anyone you’d really love to see wearing one of your designs?

We’ve been incredibly lucky to have women like Emma Roberts and Michelle Monaghan wear THE PARK, along with so many stylists and inﬂuencers I admire. But honestly, it’s every woman who puts on our pieces and feels transformed that excites me most. That said, seeing someone like Zoë Kravitz or Julianne Moore – women who embody chic simplicity – in a piece from THE PARK would be a dream.

Can you tell us about the role of sustainability in your business?

Sustainability is a core pillar of THE PARK. We are committed to responsible fashion through every step of our process –from the materials we choose to our manufacturing practices. Our garments are made in Los Angeles using PYRATEX®, an innovative, bio-based knit fabric made from renewable wood fibres like eucalyptus and beech. This fabric is not only OEKO-TEX® certified and gentle on the skin but also helps reduce our environmental footprint – saving water, lowering CO₂ emissions, and minimising chemical use compared to traditional materials. We believe that luxury and sustainability should coexist, and our designs reflect that commitment to both environmental consciousness and modern elegance.

What’s new/next for THE PARK?

We’re continuing to build on the success of our core essentials with the launch of new silhouettes, expanded colourways, and increased sizing versatility. For Pre-Fall/Fall 2025, we introduced elevated staples like the Carine long-sleeve dress and new versions of fan-favourite styles including the Joyce and Shari bodysuits – all now in elegant long-sleeve options. We’ve also debuted alternative hues such as, Vanilla, Camel, and Midnight Navy. Looking ahead, we plan to deepen our collection with new wardrobe staples and layering pieces and continue our mission to offer a timeless, ﬂattering wardrobe that works with – and for – women at every stage of life. theparkfashion.com

ON THE MENU

FUTURE OF FOOD

A celebration of sustainability, creativity and innovation comes to the West End this month, with the return of the Future of Food Festival. This year’s event shines a spotlight on the chefs, trailblazers and culinary pioneers who are transforming the way we grow, source and experience food. Through an inspiring programme of one-off ticketed events, exclusive dining offers and the free-to-visit Discovery Zone, the festival explores food’s vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Between 15-21 September, festivalgoers can enjoy a fantastic line-up of carefully curated events at leading restaurants and venues around Regent Street and St James’s. Focused on sustainability, innovation and creativity, programme highlights include an extraordinary culinary evening at Hotel Café Royal, with an unmissable one-night-only menu designed by Alex Dilling and Da Terra’s Rafael Cagali; an 11-course menu celebrating the freshest sustainable seafood at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill; a tasting of planet-friendly pours hosted by The Wild Wine School at Ziggy Green’s The Colony Club; and a Surplus Supper Club hosted by Melissa Hemsley in collaboration with The Felix Project at the SMEG Theatre.

The free-to-visit Discovery Zone and Café, which is open throughout the month, explores the powerful relationship between food, the environment, and nature restoration, revealing how what we eat can help heal the planet. This is truly a celebration of culinary creativity in the Capital. Future of Food has chosen The Felix Project as its ofﬁcial charity partner, with £1 from every ticket donated to help ﬁght food waste and hunger across London. For full event listings, tickets, and special offers, see regentstreetonline.com/future-of-food-festival

NEW CONCEPT

Parisian style

Iconic French patisserie, Ladurée is marking an incredible 20 years in the UK with a brandnew look, and a new, world-exclusive concept for its London ﬂagship.

In collaboration with Studio Ravn, the Burlington Arcade boutique has been exquisitely reimagined. Honouring the location, polished brass and bespoke carpentry balance modern sophistication with historic charm. And hand-crafted shelving and crystal-clear counters allow Ladurée’s iconic delicacies to do the talking. Outside, the façade has been beautifully decorated in the brand’s signature shade of pastel green, all the better for framing window displays of the world-famous macarons and pastries.

Alongside traditional favourites, the London boutique offers a thoughtfully curated menu of takeaway items that blend French sophistication with British and international inﬂuences. At the heart of the offering is the debut of an exclusive matcha range; featuring premium organic matcha sourced from Uji, Japan, the new line includes irresistible matcha macarons and lattes. Also new is an exciting cream tea experience – choose to add a glass of Champagne for the ultimate indulgence.

71/72 Burlington Arcade, W1J (laduree.co.uk)

NEW OPENING

A Spanish legacy

Visionary Spanish chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Mayfair’s Michelin-starred Sabor has just opened a new restaurant in Shoreditch, and it promises great things.

While Sabor focuses on the iconic dishes and ﬂavours of Spain, Legado, meaning legacy, moves beyond the familiar, allowing lesser-known dishes, regional culinary traditions and the Spanish artisans Nieves adores to take centre stage.

Ingredients – including their producers, history, and legacy – are at the heart of the vision. This begins with whole animal butchery, which takes place in-house, honouring the farmers, animals, and the regions that rear them.

The wine list is entirely Spanish, with a particular focus on Sherry and Cava. Meals begin with a 3-Sip Serve – a choice of ﬁve seasonal vegetable- and fruit-based cocktails, served chilled – designed to prepare the palate for the meal ahead. These are presented in bespoke ceramics that pay homage to different regions of Spain.

This is a deeply personal and exciting project for Nieves, who tells us: “Spain’s food heritage is incredible and has rightly deserved recognition in London and globally. Its colours, tastes, and smells are rooted deeply within me. However, many dishes I love, I have never seen outside the country, and I want to bring them and even more to London.”1C Montacute Yards, 185-186 Shoreditch High Street, E1 (legadorestaurants.com)

Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard

Drawing on the much-loved novel by J.M Barrie, this playful tea is guaranteed to delight both children and adults alike

Words by Liz Skone James

Having spent the last 11 years encouraging my kids to try new things and develop more sophisticated palates, I can hardly complain about the fact that their grown-up tastes come with a higher price tag. So it is that I ﬁnd myself agreeing to afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, to soften the blow of going back to school. I have been pestered for a trip up the Shard, and this way we can avoid the crowds and enjoy a tasty treat in the process.

Seeing things through the kids’ eyes makes them even more special: the airport style security that

usually feels tedious, today feels wickedly exciting, as does the lift that whisks us up to the 31st ﬂoor, making stomachs drop and ears pop. And when we step out of the lift and descend the steps to the restaurant, those views of London are utterly magical; from here we can see everything, and it is truly a sight to behold.

We are shown to a window table, where we continue to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the views, marvelling at familiar sights seen from new vantage points.

Because we are here for afternoon tea, there are few decisions to

be made when it comes to the menu, but we excitedly devour the descriptions, looking around at neighbouring tables for a sneak peek of what is to come.

The tea has been inspired by J.M Barrie’s famous tale of Peter Pan’s adventures in Neverland, a theme that feels entirely fitting given that it is served up in the clouds above London’s rooftops. We begin with glasses of Veuve Clicquot for the grown-ups, and a mocktail for the kids – called the Never Grow Up, it is a colourful, fizzy confection of pineapple, pear puree, elderflower tonic and grenadine, and is met with enthusiastic thumbs up. Fizz finished we move on to tea, opting for the Darling Tea, a blend of black tea infused with rose petals and vanilla that is faintly sweet and decidedly delicious.

Savouries come served on a clockface platter, framed by a cutout of the iconic London skyline. Highlights include a miniature salmon and cream cheese bagel topped with salmon roe, that is playfully named the Neverland Lagoon; and the Lost Boy ﬁnger sandwiches, ﬁlled to bursting with pastrami, mustard mayo, Emmental cheese, baby gem lettuce and pickled gherkins; but the stand-out is the melt in the mouth Baked Pig sausage

The playful tea, which draws inspiration from well-loved motifs from the novel, is served on a ship shaped stand

roll with veal, beef and onion, that leaves us ﬁghting over the last ﬂaky crumbs and wishing for another. Of course, given that there is much more to come, it is probably a good thing that there is not another sausage roll!

The sweet course arrives, dramatically wreathed in dry ice on a custom-made ship shaped tea stand inspired by the Jolly Roger. There are, of course, gloriously warm scones, served with a selection of sweet apricot marmalade and raspberry jam, and a controversial sounding, but utterly moreish coconut clotted cream. A light as a feather lemon curd filled choux bun is shaped like Peter Pan’s hat and topped with a red icing feather; a Tinker Bell shaped cookie sprinkled in red ‘fairy dust’ perches on the edge of a shot glass of blood orange jelly topped with Chantilly and buttercream; and hidden in a tiny treasure chest, we find adorable crocodile-shaped gummy sweets. Everything is joyful to behold, and tastes utterly divine. Afterwards, we can barely move, and take our time at the table, enjoying the views while finishing off a last cup of tea. It has certainly been an afternoon to remember. The Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard has been created in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, with a donation of £2 from each tea sold going to the hospital. £70 per person (£55 for under 12s). Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 (020 3011 1256; aquashard.co.uk)

LIFESTYLE / Food & drink

Rob Roy Cameron’s mussels, onion and chilli with toasted sourdough

The ex-Gazelle and El Bulli chef opens his new restaurant this month, focusing on the cuisine of Northern Spain; he whets our appetites with a delicious recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1kg mussels

For the sauce

• 50g flat leaf parsley • 100g coriander

• 3 red jalapenos

• 120g peeled raw garlic

• 250g raw shallots

fare, give this recipe from Rob a go. It’s simple, but sensational – a last summer fling. Kingly Court, W1B (alta-restaurant.com)

METHOD

To prepare the mussels

1. Begin by placing the mussels into a bowl of cold salted water for the purpose of cleaning them. Run the tap into the bowl until the water appears clear.

2. To be sure that the mussels are still alive and safe to eat, make sure that each mussel’s shell is closed or, if open, that it begins to slowly close when tapped. Dispose of any unresponsive, open mussels.

3. Remove the ‘beard’ from each mussel.

4. Keep the cleaned and de-bearded mussels in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.

To prepare the sauce

1. Heat the oil in a wide-based pan to 180°C. Whilst the oil is coming up to temperature, slice the shallots lengthways with an approximately 1cm width.

2. Fry the shallots in the heated oil until they turn a golden colour. Once coloured, remove the shallots from the oil and place on absorbent kitchen roll to absorb the excess oil.

3. Finely chop the garlic and fry in the same oil. Fry until the garlic becomes golden and crispy, then remove from the pan and place on absorbent kitchen paper.

4. Pick the parsley and coriander leaves, and slice the red jalapenos.

ALTA comes to Soho this September: named after the Alta Navarra peninsula, which spans from Donostia to Pamplona, the new restaurant will be taking over the largest site in Kingly Court.

5. Using the same oil you fried the shallots and garlic in, fry the parsley and coriander separately in small batches for a short period of time until they become a vibrant green colour. Be sure to not fry the leaves for too long as they will discolour. After frying, remove the herbs from the oil and place onto absorbent kitchen roll to remove any excess oil and allow the leaves to crisp up.

6. In the same heated oil, fry the sliced jalapenos until soft. When they are ready, remove them from the pan and reserve the oil which you fried the ingredients in.

7. In a blender, blitz together the fried herbs and jalapenos with a small amount of reserved oil.

8. Separately, combine the fried garlic and shallots from earlier, and blend together with the remaining oil.

9. Combine both mixtures and mix thoroughly.

10. Stir the sherry vinegar into the mixture to complete the mussel sauce.

Finishing and plating

1. Heat a pan to a high heat and add the white wine and some of the mussel sauce.

• 500ml rapeseed oil

• 8g sherry vinegar • 50ml white wine

To serve

• Lemon • Chopped parsley • Sliced sourdough bread

Chef Rob Roy Cameron (formerly of El Bulli, 41 Degrees and Gazelle) will be heading up the kitchen, drawing inspiration from a decade spent living and working in Northern Spain, specifically the Basque region. Open-fire cooking will be central to ALTA, with a menu that incorporates snacks and smaller plates (such as razor clams with white saffron escabeche), a grill section (to include whole seabream, 35-day aged beef sirloin, hen of the woods and more), and desserts (chocolate with olive oil and salt, La Viña cheesecake and St Judes cheese and honey biscuits amongst them). The cocktail list will draw inspiration from Spanish drinks and flavours, taking a culinary approach and incorporating spirits from small-batch British producers, while the wine list will consist of low-intervention European wines from small-scale producers. A continuously changing wall of wines on tap will be on offer as well as wines by the bottle. The restaurant is due to open its doors this month, but if you can’t wait to sample the Spanish

2. Once heated, add the mussels to the pan and cover with a lid.

3. Cook the mussels until all of them are open, this will take 3-4 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open following the cooking process.

4. Dress the mussels in the remainder of the sauce and chopped parsley. Season with lemon juice and serve with toasted slices of sourdough bread.

THE BEST OF: WASHINGTON DC

The changing of the seasons in the U.S capital is an instagrammer’s dream – the city transforms as hues of yellow, orange and red take over. Here’s where to stay

Arlo Washington DC

The independent lifestyle brand debuted its seventh property in November last year, set within a landmark building that formerly housed the Harrison Apartments; the city’s oldest surviving apartment building was built in 1888.

Virginia-based Architecture Incorporated has juxtaposed the original brownstone RomanesqueRevival style building with a striking modern 12-storey addition. The 445-room new hotel now spans a whole city block and features a café and lounge, restaurant and bar, interior courtyard, meeting rooms, a rooftop lounge and pool.

Inside, New York-based design boutique Meyer Davis has created an interiors scheme that seamlessly pairs historic features with contemporary design. In line with the brand’s commitment to contemporary art, the new DC hotel’s Living Room Gallery Series showcases a curated selection by Jasmine Arakel.

Rooms in the original building feature vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, while those in the new wing are minimalist in style. All have a bright, modern aesthetic that features walnut flooring and white oak furniture, with pops of green and red on the headboards and custom light fixtures. Black and white penny tiles in the bathrooms reference the building’s original flooring.

Signature restaurant Arrels is helmed by chef Pepe Moncayo, and channels a chic Spanish aesthetic, with open-fire cooking and a welcoming bar. Meanwhile, Bodega by Arrels offers grab-andgo coffees, juices and small bites. And crowning the hotel, ART DC Rooftop includes an outdoor and indoor bar and lounge, and a resort-style pool. arlohotels.com/washingtondc

Salamander DC

Located close to Washington’s iconic landmarks and District Wharf, Salamander Washington DC has recently undergone a spectacular programme of renovations.

Spotlight on / TRAVEL

The Canal House of Georgetown

The refreshed 373-room waterfront property now includes a new lobby, lobby lounge and terrace, an exquisite spa and Dōgon, a dining destination led by chef Kwame Onwuachi.

Each of the 51 suites, including the Signature Suites and the three-bedroom Presidential Suite have been redesigned by the renowned Thomas Pheasant. The stylish new spaces incorporate a palette of brushed wood finishes, satin or dark bronze accents, neutral stone surfaces, and complementary fabrics interwoven with accent colours, and all are beautifully furnished with custom-designed pieces.

Suite guests benefit from the use of the new Monument Club; on the eighth floor of the hotel, it boasts breathtaking monument and city views, a dedicated concierge service and a curated culinary and beverage program.

Indeed, food here is a highlight, pronounced ‘Doh-gon’, the hotel’s signature restaurant serves vibrant cuisine that draws on chef Onwuachi’s unique Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian and Creole background.

The jewel in Salamander DC’s crown, though, is Salamander, the spa. Offering 14 treatment rooms, advanced skincare and beauty therapies, and exclusive, first-in-DC treatments, the spectacular dual-level space sets a new standard for relaxation and rejuvenation and is seriously special. salamanderhotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/

Also new to the DC scene this year is Canal House, part of Marriot’s Tribute Portfolio. Perfectly situated in the heart of Georgetown, between Washington Harbour and bustling M Street, the hotel draws inspiration from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which is just moments away.

Set within a redeveloped office block, the boutique property offers accommodation in a choice of 92 pet-friendly guest rooms, 10 suites, three king terrace rooms and two adjoining self-contained townhouses (the largest clocking in at 846 sq ft), all boasting views of the canal, Georgetown Waterfront, or DC skyline.

Interiors blend sleek, modern fixtures with warm, textured details – think sumptuous upholstery, curated art, and nods to the canal’s industrial heritage. Every room features pictures of the canal sourced from the Library of Congress archive, as well as a historic map of Georgetown, and roses – the city’s official flower – appear as a vibrant motif that weaves through the décor.

The restaurant, bar and lounge, C+O Lounge takes its cues from the colourful design and authentic tastes of the region, with a food and cocktail menu that is inspired by local flavours and ingredients.

With food this good, it’s easy to overindulge, but worry not, downstairs, in what was once the underground carpark, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness suite in which to work off those extra holiday calories. tribute-portfolio.marriott.com

Arlo Washington DC

The Canal House of Georgetown

salamander-dc

Salamander DC

Plain sailing

Sun, sea, sand and sailing are on the menu during a relaxing break at a luxurious adults-only resort on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Words by Becky Pomfret

Needing a change from the unpredictable British weather, a friend and I plan a well-deserved beach break, setting our sights on the Turkish Riviera. Known as the Turquoise Coast, the country’s southwestern coastline offers the ultimate summer holiday package: guaranteed sun, sea, and sand, all just a four-hour flight from the UK.

We start indulgently, as we mean to go on, by booking ourselves into the Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick, tucking into the free breakfast buffet while thoroughly caffeinating ourselves ahead of the flight, and excitedly talking about the treats in store when we get to Turkey. Away from the usual airport bustle, it is the ultimate stress-free beginning to our holiday.

We are staying in Göcek; tucked between pine-cloaked hills and the twinkling waters of the Aegean Sea, this pocket-sized marina town might just be Turkey’s best-kept coastal secret. The town centre is unflashy but polished, dotted with smart boutiques, buzzy restaurants and enough charm to feel like a true escape without veering into over-curated resort territory. There’s a quiet glamour here, particularly along the waterfront, where sleek yachts bob alongside traditional sailboats, making us dream of lazy afternoons spent discovering unspoilt coves and sunbleached islands. Göcek isn’t trying to impress, it just does, in that low-key, effortlessly chic way that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Our hotel, Rixos Premium Göcek, is a five-star, adults-only resort. Set in a private bay at the heart of the Göcek nature reserve, it feels like a secluded paradise. Spread throughout verdant gardens, the accommodation is offered in a choice of luxurious suites and villas. Interiors feature neutral tones and natural textures, with spacious layouts that create an atmosphere of understated elegance. All offer views of the shimmering sea beyond, while the villas come with private pools for that extra touch of indulgence.

Guests enjoy complementary access to ‘Secret Beach’, a private stretch of pristine sand that is perfect for unwinding; we spend a couple of days soaking up the rays and enjoying the all-inclusive offerings here. The Rixos Göcek isn’t just about relaxation, though, fitness enthusiasts can make use of the well-equipped gym. We are more drawn to the open-air yoga sessions though, surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. We also enjoy a guided nature walk, immersing ourselves in the region’s stunning scenery, and borrow bikes to explore the local area. And we spend a lot of time playing table tennis very badly in between bouts of sunbathing – there really is an activity for every level of expertise and enthusiasm!

With access to a private marina, sailing, paddleboarding, and diving excursions in the azure waters are also on offer. One day, we decide to splash out on a private yacht charter, organised for us by the hotel. We spend the afternoon sipping sparkling wine and dipping in and out of the crystal-clear waters – it is the perfect way to while away a few heavenly hours.

Food is at the heart of the Rixos Göcek experience, with multiple dining options catering to every craving. From the fresh seafood at People’s Restaurant to authentic Turkish flavours at Turquoise, each meal is a delight. With a choice of buffet-style eating, or à la carte table service, every day offers something different, depending on our mood and how dressed up we want to be. And we are never bored with such an amazing selection of fresh Mediterranean flavours on offer.

Our stay falls at the same time as the Rixos Sailing Cup. Held annually in the pristine waters of Göcek Bay, the exhilarating regatta attracts an international crowd, blending competitive spirit

Review / TRAVEL

The beach-side hotel offers an all-inclusive concept combining exceptional restaurants and bars, top-class entertainment venues that also provide a variety of dining experiences and superb wellness and sports facilities

Set in a private bay at the heart of the Göcek nature reserve, it feels like a secluded paradise

with the camaraderie of the sailing community. And it’s not just for sailing folk – whether you’re racing aboard a sleek yacht, or watching from the shore, the energy is infectious, and we find ourselves swept up in the excitement.

Beyond the races, the event features lively social gatherings, live music, and fine dining, making it a vibrant celebration of both sport and lifestyle. Last year, the Cup brought together 53 vessels and over 400 competitors from 17 different countries, but rumour has it that this year’s event is the best and biggest yet as it celebrates the 10th anniversary. In keeping with the event’s tagline ‘Let Friendship Win’, the event welcomes

participants of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned yachtsmen, with professional skippers assigned to teams, meaning that regardless of sailing background, everybody is welcome, even us city-dwelling landlubbers.

On our last morning, with a few hours to spare before our airport transfer, we explore the Anjana Spa. With a menu offering everything from traditional Turkish Hammams to soothing massages, this is a true sanctuary for the mind and body. After a relaxing massage in the serene surroundings, we leave the hotel feeling sorry that our holiday has come to an end, but strangely at peace with it. From the breathtaking coastal views to the impeccable service and top-class amenities, our time in Göcek has left us feeling refreshed and inspired, and we are already planning our next visit, possibly even as a Rixos Sailing Cup participant.

DETAILS

Nightly rates from £246 pp in a Deluxe Room. To book, see allinclusive-collection.com. For more information on the Rixos Sailing Cup, or to register for a place in the next event, visit rixossailingcup.com/en. The Plaza Premium Lounge offers two hours of lounge access including unlimited food and drink (including alcohol) from £45 for adults and £31.50 for children. Book online at plazapremiumlounge.com

A flavour of Scotland

Nestled on the enchanting Ayrshire coast, the extraordinary Glenapp Castle offers timeless luxury and unparalleled refinement

Words by Katie Hutley

I’d never been to this part of Scotland before – I’m headed to Ballantrae, tucked away on the Ayrshire coast, where the landscape is gentler than the Highlands, but no less beguiling.

There’s a softness to the hills here, a sense of space and air and… well, let’s just say the pace is different. You breathe a little deeper, your shoulders drop. And, if you’re lucky enough to be headed for Glenapp Castle, you start to suspect you’re in for something special before you’ve even made it up the drive.

You may already know the castle from the BBC’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby series, where it was revealed in all its Gothicturreted glory – think Scottish Baronial meets Downton Abbey, with fewer stuffed shirts and more actual joy. But even this rather wonderful TV version doesn’t come close to the real thing.

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that this place isn’t just a hotel – it’s a labour of love. When businessman and philanthropist Paul Szkiler and his wife Poppy rescued the nearderelict castle, they didn’t just restore it, they resurrected it. And in Jill Chalmers – the GM with an encyclopaedic brain, forensic attention to detail, and the charm of someone who clearly adores what she does – they found the perfect co-pilot. Together, they’ve created something

rare: a luxury hotel that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard, because the people behind it genuinely care.

This is most obvious in the staff – all of whom manage to be unfailingly professional and completely lovely. And not in that stiff, “let’s pretend we’re friends” kind of way, either.

An example is Neil, our driver for the stay, whose gregariousness is matched only by his generosity – when I happened to mention that my daughter loved collecting sea glass, he turned up the following day with a bagful for her. Now that’s someone who puts heart and soul into their job…

And now for the food… because good lord, the food. Glenapp recently launched The Azalea, a game-changing summer restaurant tucked away in the castle’s glasshouse – one of the last remaining examples of MacKenzie & Moncur’s Victorian beauties (oh, the King has one at Balmoral). With produce pulled straight from the hotel’s own kitchen gardens – which also supply the main restaurant – this is as close to self-sufficient dining as you’re going to get without picking the carrots yourself. Which I did not do; I was too busy eating them.

At the helm is executive chef Peter Howarth, with both Michelin-star pedigree and an a distinct lack of ego (not a common pairing). His food is clever without being pretentious

Glenapp Castle is a place built not just with money, but with soul, by people who believe in what they’re doing

– the flavours are refined, surprising, and the portions are properly satisfying. You can see the influence of his Thai wife in the layers of spice and freshness that creep into unexpected corners of the menu, bringing just the right amount of edge to the estate-grown comfort.

Peter told me that The Azalea was born from the team’s desire to create something relaxed, fresh and full of flavour. Mission accomplished. We sat in the glasshouse, light dappling through the trees, fairy lights twinkling, the scent of jasmine and tomatoes mingling in the air, and tucked into cheese soufflé with locally grown herbs that I would (and did) dream about for days.

Of course, this being Glenapp, the experiences don’t end at the dinner table. There’s a full menu of activities on offer – from paddleboarding to croquet, via falconry, clay pigeon shooting, and my new favourite sport, archery. Turns out I have just enough Hunger Games in me to be dangerous (to hay bales). Next time – and there will be a next time – I’ve got my sights set on the Hebridean Sea Safari, Glenapp’s signature multi-day voyage that takes guests out to the remote islands of the Hebrides in style. Frankly, they had me at “private chef on board”.

But this time, my trip was built around one, very specific mission: to see a puffin. Glenapp arranged a boat trip out to Ailsa Craig, the hulking volcanic rock that sits offshore like some mythic beast, home to tens of thousands of seabirds – gannets, guillemots (a new contender for favourite sea-bird – they look like tiny flying penguins) and kittiwakes, and, finally, two puffins. Take that, bucket list. Although, as bucket lists go, there was more to come; a full dining set-up (linen tablecloth et al), with the most refined buffet ‘picnic’ you can imagine, including Champagne on ice. A pair of seals came to find out what was happening. It was perfect.

Back on land, my suite at the castle was – no surprise – out of this world. High ceilings, plush everything, and a view that made me feel like I

was living inside a painting. One evening, I sat there, whisky in hand (Glenapp’s bar is dangerously well-stocked), watching the sun slip behind Ailsa Craig, the sky melting from apricot to indigo, and felt the quietest kind of joy.

There are hotels that impress you with polish, and then there are those that win your heart. Glenapp Castle is firmly in the second camp – a place built not just with money, but with soul, by people who believe in what they’re doing. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to be “of the moment”. It’s just doing its own thing, brilliantly. And somewhere out there, bobbing about the Atlantic, is a puffin who made this world-weary traveller very, very happy.

DETAILS

Starters at The Azalea begin at £15, mains at £28 and desserts at £15. Garden View Suites cost from £395 in the winter, £625 in the summer on a B&B basis. For more information, see glenappcastle.com

Nathan

Rollinson

Object of desire

SUNS LIFESTYLE’S LUXE ELECTRIC PERGOLA

As the season shifts, Suns Lifestyle’s Luxe electric pergola offers a seamless way to extend outdoor living into autumn and beyond. With a retractable roof, optional side panels and integrated lighting, it’s designed to adapt to changing weather –giving shade on warmer days and shelter when needed. Sleek, architectural and highly functional, it’s a considered addition to any garden setup, making the move towards year-round outdoor spaces feel not just possible, but entirely effortless.

From £5,500 (sunslifestyle.com)

HOUSE STYLE

Screen time

Pinch’s new Lecht screen is all about form, function and quiet impact. Its solid oak concertina frame is finished with dark bronze hinges, while delicate plant fibre panels gently filter the light. Available in translucent black or ivory, it’s ideal for breaking up open spaces, adding a sense of privacy, or disguising those less-than-perfect corners. Elegant on its own or styled behind statement furniture, it’s also customisable in a fabric of your choice. £2,690 (pinchdesign.com)

Parlour piece

Interior designer Laura Stephens –celebrated for her conﬁdent use of colour, pattern and playful elegance – is turning her hand to furniture with the launch of Parlour by Laura Stephens. The debut piece? The Scroll Chair: a curvaceous, hand-ﬁnished armchair inspired by a 1930s original and reimagined for modern living. Made in the UK, it comes in joyful Plains or Stripes (or fully bespoke), combining charm, comfort and craftsmanship in one sculptural seat. £2,950 (laurastephens.co.uk)

Spray it forward

Ripples is giving the humble basin a glow-up with the launch of its Face Shower – a world-first design that merges a sleek tap, basin and handsfree face shower into one seriously smart setup. The powder-fine spray is perfect for make-up removal or a quick morning refresh (no more water running down your arms), and it comes in five chic finishes. Practical, pretty and properly spalike – this one’s made for modern bathroom routines. From £1,350 (ripplesbathrooms.com)

WHY EARLY DECISIONS MATTER

Vicky Greig, Head of Ruspini House (RMS for Girls) on the importance of choosing the right early years setting

Choosing who cares for your child during their early years is arguably one of the most signiﬁcant decisions a parent will make. As Dr Dan Wuori, a respected early learning expert, wisely stated: “The most important choice you will ever make is who looks after your child in the early years. These are the adults who will co-construct your child’s brain.” This profound statement underscores the critical impact of early childhood experiences on a child’s developing mind.

The period from birth to three years old is a time of astonishing brain growth, with quality interactions playing a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future learning and wellbeing. Recognising this, early years education is far more than just supervision; it lays the groundwork for cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Understanding the world that today’s young children inhabit is also crucial. With increasing exposure to digital devices, ensuring ample opportunities for physical activity becomes paramount. Health guidelines recommend at least three hours of movement daily for preschool children, not only for their physical health but also for supporting their cognitive and emotional growth. Creating routines and environments that facilitate this is a key aspect of thoughtful early years provision.

Furthermore, the process of learning often involves navigating challenges. As Dr Stella Louis highlights in her work on Learning Through Struggle, ﬁrst-hand experiences, even those that involve some difﬁculty, are invaluable for development. When children are given the space to problem-solve within their capabilities, they develop resilience, persistence, and crucial selfregulation skills. Adults play an important role in observing and providing support when needed, allowing children to learn through trial and error.

Investing in early years professionals who are highly trained and possess a deep understanding of child development is essential, our educators create environments where children can thrive, fostering their natural curiosity and supporting their individual learning journeys. By prioritising evidence-based practices and continuous reﬂection, early years settings can provide the highest quality education and care, truly partnering with families in their child’s formative years.

At Ruspini House we also offer ‘Little Ferns’, a weekly toddler group (bi-weekly during the summer holidays) for children from 16 months and their parent or carer. The sessions are designed to help your child grow in conﬁdence, while giving you a chance to explore what life at Ruspini House is really like. Held in our woodland classroom and expressive art spaces, Little Ferns offers a calm, creative environment where little ones can begin to stretch, move, and explore the world around them.

For more information, contact ruspinihouse@ rmsforgirls.com or call 01923 725354 (rmsforgirls.com)

TRENDS

Shelf LIFE

How design-led shelving and considered joinery are redefining the home library as a space of quiet luxury

Words by Ali Howard

In a digital world of swipeable screens, there’s something quietly indulgent about the home library. Whether it’s a curated shelf of classics or a whole room dedicated to reading, today’s library is less about dusty tradition and more about mood. Yes, the tactile pleasure of paper still holds power – but in design terms, the modern library has moved well beyond books alone. These are spaces defined by light, materiality and calm intention – as much about how they feel as how they function.

For Pfeiffer Design, a grand Regency townhouse offered the perfect excuse to lean into this layered, thoughtful approach. The house has been reimagined for modern family living, but it hasn’t lost its sense of heritage. One of the most striking features? A bespoke library, built to house the client’s historic literature collection. Floor-to-ceiling joinery gives the room weight and warmth, while integrated lighting and a feature ladder add both function and theatre. The cabinetry is tailored, the palette is refined, and everything feels perfectly considered – proof that storage doesn’t have to be background noise. pfeifferdesign.co.uk

Storage with personality is something String Furniture knows well. A staple of Scandinavian design since 1949, the brand’s modular shelving has never really gone out of style –though today it feels more relevant than ever. “Shelves are now personal rather than just functional,” says Bo Hellberg, String’s CMO. “We believe that our shelves should be a reflection of our personalities and exhibit the objects that we’ve collected throughout our lives.” The beauty of the String System is its sheer flexibility. From oak to walnut to ash, compact floating shelves to full-scale statement walls, the configurations are near endless – and effortlessly stylish.

The Main Company

Pfeiffer Design

But it’s not just about layout. As Bo points out, switching out bulky cabinets for open shelving can instantly lift a space: “Swapping even a small run of cabinets for open shelving can make a room feel larger and brighter.” In smaller homes, the impact is even more pronounced. Their Pira G2 system – a floor-to-ceiling modular design – works brilliantly as a room divider, zoning open-plan spaces while still letting light flow. “Floating shelves don’t take up a lot of physical – and therefore visual – space,” says Bo. “A pop of colourful shelving sits prettily against white walls, transforming a blank canvas into a functional focal point.” stringfurniture.com

This sort of thoughtful zoning is also at play in The Main Company’s Scandi-inspired open-plan kitchen and living space. Here, the team designed a wall partition that subtly houses a desk and bookcase, allowing the library to feel naturally integrated into how the space is used – calm, connected, and cohesive. Working to a minimalist brief, the joinery uses ash across cabinetry, walls and doors, creating contrast with the soft neutral tones of the bookcase itself. The effect is low-key and calming, with no jarring transitions between reading, working or dining – just a soft visual flow from one space to the next. maincompany.co.uk

Home libraries / INTERIORS

That balance between display and utility continues with Pinch, where craftsmanship and quiet elegance go hand in hand. The Post Office shelving system – made from modular oak boxes – is beautifully engineered and pleasingly versatile. It works just as well standing proud in a reading room as it does lining a hallway or wrapping a cosy snug. Like all Pinch pieces, it’s tactile and timeless. Style it alongside the Brody armchair and the sculptural Soren globe light, and you’ve got yourself a corner that’s as inviting as it is considered. pinchdesign.com

For Neatsmith, it’s all about precision – and anticipating how a space will actually be used. Their commission for a rare book collector involved an eight-metre, L-shaped run of shelving, tailored right down to the shelf depth and spacing. “The key considerations for the books themselves were depth of the shelving and shelving gaps (with a small element of adjustability),” says director Philipp Nagel. Beyond the practical, the team added integrated LEDs to illuminate the titles, along with a wireless charging point and a discreet fridge. “Other general considerations are the seating position relative to the light source,” Philipp adds, “either natural or via a reading lamp… and one must also consider the finish for the nook itself… Muted and complementary are what we would suggest.” neatsmith.co.uk

And that, really, is what sets today’s home libraries apart. They’re not about showy displays or a single design narrative – they’re about flexibility, comfort and intent. You’ll find tonal, minimalist schemes like The Main Company’s, expressive open shelving like String’s, or architectural joinery with heritage leanings like Pfeiffer’s. Each one tells a different story, but all work to the same principles: great design, subtle detail, and the joy of having your beloved books exactly where you want them.

String Furniture

Pinch

Neatsmith

Jose Rivero and Lee McNichol

Once a place of worship, this quietly elegant home is shaped by light, texture and intent

Words by Ali Howard

Photography by Tom Fallon

There’s something quietly cinematic about the way the afternoon light spills through the stained-glass windows of Chapel Mews. Once a Catholic Apostolic Church, this mid-19th-century building in Hertfordshire now serves a very different purpose – as both home and creative sanctuary for design duo Jose and Lee. The space they’ve created here is calm yet confident, layered but refined. It’s a masterclass in balance, which makes sense given the pair’s design pedigree – Studio Sixty7 is an international atelier with a focus on transformative, storydriven interiors with projects spanning five-star resorts in the Maldives and luxury villas across Europe. But here, it’s personal.

“We first heard about the chapel through our estate agent, before it even officially came on the market,” reveals Jose. “We’ve always been drawn to homes with character and history, and this one instantly felt special to us.”

“It wasn’t just a building,” adds Lee. “It felt like a story waiting to continue. The stained-glass

windows, the volume of space, the quiet presence of its past, all of it drew us in as a place to be both creative and calm.”

Despite its grandeur, the chapel manages to feel deeply lived-in. The original ecclesiastical bones – arched windows, exposed beams, lofty ceilings – remain intact, but the mood here is warm, tactile, and ultimately inviting. Think Restoration Hardware sofa meets vintage market find, oversized sculptural vases set against raw linen and rustic wood… Every element is intentional.

“The vaulted ceilings and natural light were central to our design ethos,” Lee explains. “They inspired us to honour the chapel’s rich history while creating a calm and welcoming home. We focused on a palette of neutral tones, allowing the warm wooden beams and architectural details to take centre stage. The movement of light throughout the day enhances the space’s tranquillity, giving it a timeless, serene quality that feels both elegant and cosy.”

There’s a clear reverence for the building’s past, but also a fearless commitment to bringing it into the now. Modern lighting installations sit happily alongside antique curios and heritage artworks.

A bold Kelly Wearstler vase, playfully placed on a vintage plinth from a local market, nods to the pair’s love of high-low styling. “The vase brings a bold sculptural presence that contrasts delicately with the softer textures throughout the space,” says Jose, “and allows Lee to get creative with the floral displays!”

At home with / INTERIORS

“Striking the balance between old and new is all about respecting the chapel’s original features while introducing modern touches that enhance comfort and functionality,” Jose continues. “We wanted to preserve the character, but we both love modern and mid-century furniture and wanted to showcase those pieces and blend the two together. This mix creates a dialogue between past and present, giving the space warmth and authenticity without feeling dated. It’s about celebrating history while making it liveable for us.”

That notion of liveability is something both designers come back to. While Studio Sixty7’s portfolio is peppered with luxury hotels and sweeping coastal resorts, the common thread is a sense of purpose – interiors that are experienced rather than simply admired. Here at the chapel, texture is key in achieving that.

“For us, design is truly about how a space makes you feel,” says Jose. “Texture plays a crucial role in creating that sensory experience but it’s not just about appearance, but the comfort and warmth that different materials bring to the design. It’s the feeling ﬁrst, and the look is simply a reﬂection of that.”

Every corner of the home speaks to this philosophy. There’s softness in the natural ﬁbres – relaxed linen sofas, slubby curtains, oversized cushions – but also strength in the chosen details. Artwork is a particular point of interest, each piece chosen with intention. There’s a strong sense of personal narrative woven through the collection.

“Some of our favourite pieces truly embody the spirit of our design journey and the places that inspire us,” says Lee. The Studio Lenca artwork, with its rich South American heritage, being a case in point. “It’s a nod to Jose’s upbringing and culture, and it introduces vibrant colour and a rich story with it.”

Their love of globetrotting has shaped much of the couple’s design vocabulary, and the chapel carries that imprint, not in a showy way, but through small, evocative details. “Travel has had a huge impact on the way our home looks and feels,” says Jose. “The antiques and treasures we’ve collected, from Asia in particular, bring a rich history and character to the space. These pieces are reminders of the places we’ve visited and the stories we’ve gathered along the way. It’s those experiences that make our home feel truly personal, warm, and full of life.”

But while the chapel is ﬁlled with artefacts and inspiration, it’s also a functional home –one shared with the couple’s cat, Sebastian, and designed to support both downtime and bursts of creativity. Their favourite spot?

The atelier, unsurprisingly.

“It’s one of the most personal corners of the chapel,” says Lee, “where we keep our collection of design books and where much of our creative work happens. It is a space ﬁlled with inspiration and focus, a quiet spot where we can throw ideas out to each other. Sebastian often curls up beside us while we work, making it feel even more like home.”

The chapel might feel a world away from the sun-drenched beaches of Sri Lanka or the barefoot luxury of the Maldives, but it shares something essential with Studio Sixty7’s international projects – a sense of place, of intention, of experience. With ﬁve new resorts set to open across the Indian Ocean next year, Jose and Lee’s design calendar is as packed as ever. But home remains their grounding point. A creative base, a place to recharge, and a quiet reminder of what happens when you blend history, texture and a clear design vision – and you let the light in. studiosixty7.co.uk

THE LOOK

Education that goes beyond the classroom

At St Helen’s, we equip our girls with the intellectual, emotional and digital skills they need to succeed in this rapidly changing world.

Come and ﬁnd out more at our Open Morning on Saturday 20th September.

Visit www.sthelens.london to book your place at our Open Morning.

ON DESIGN LAYLAH HOLMES

‘Meet Me in Como’, the collection is, at its core, a love letter to the timeless beauty of Lake Como, inspired by our yearly visits and my deep affection for its charm. Each rug will capture the essence of the region: the elegance of its architecture, the faded glamour, and the unmistakable romance of Italian lake life. It feels more personal than anything I’ve created before, and I’m excited to share that story through the collection.

Which materials or techniques are exciting you most?

It’s not so much one material that excites us right now, but the way different fibres and techniques come together. We’ve always enjoyed pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship by experimenting with unexpected combinations. Recently, we’ve been exploring the blend of wool and jute, which has created a unique texture that feels both tactile and versatile. It’s a combination that could work beautifully across a range of interiors and styles.

The founder of Holmes Bespoke creates art-led rugs that celebrate craftsmanship, texture and timeless design

Words by Ali Howard

How has your background in fashion influenced the way you approach interiors and rug design?

My fashion background has always played a significant role in the way I approach interiors.

I’ve long believed that fashion and interior design speak the same language. Whether you’re designing for the body or the home, it’s about proportion, flow, and understanding how something interacts with its environment. Fashion taught me the importance of fabric, colour, texture and detail, and that instinct naturally informs my rug design process. I’m still drawn to the tactile nature of materials, the way textures layer, and how subtle shifts in tone or construction can transform the mood of a space – all influences that began with fabric and form from my early fashion days.

What sparks the beginning of a new piece?

My inspiration usually begins with travel. Whether I’m away for work or on holiday with my family, I’m always drawn to textures, colours, and landscapes that stay with me long after the trip ends. These moments often become the quiet starting point for something completely new. Most of my collections carry a deeper meaning and are shaped by personal beliefs, or a connection to a place or memory I hold dear. Sometimes that’s spiritual, and other times it’s simply a feeling I want to capture and share with others to admire.

I’ll be launching a new collection later this year which will embody the essence of a place very close to my heart. Titled

There’s always something new to discover in the studio and as a team we’re constantly experimenting and playing with materials. Always searching for the next exciting thing that brings both beauty and function together, all whilst retaining the luxury feel and finish that defines every collection we create.

What makes a creative collaboration worthwhile for you?

I’ve always valued collaboration as a way to connect with others in the industry, especially like-minded, female-run businesses. Building those relationships and supporting each other feels essential and is about creating a community where everyone can create. I’m passionate about working alongside others to develop something meaningful that honours both our creative visions, without compromising individual identity or freedom. What makes a collaboration truly worthwhile is the opportunity to learn from one another and push boundaries by combining different skills and perspectives. It’s in that exchange where the most exciting and unexpected ideas emerge, and that energy ultimately elevates the work we create together. holmesbespoke.com

LPS Mayfair / LPS Hybrid 106 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NL

LPS Sixth 79 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PP

THERIV E R THAMES

LPS Clapham 7-11 Nightingale Lane, London, SW4 9AH

A CAPITAL EDUCATION

Discover how a family of smaller schools are encouraging students to think differently and learn like a Londoner

Introducing London Park Schools, a kind, yet bold, family of smaller schools redefining what secondary education can be. Shaped by the core values of Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Courage, they embrace and reflect the diversity and pace of London. London Park Schools are shaking up the traditional school model with a more dynamic, personalised and human approach.

Big city energy. Personalised school experience

The team at London Park Schools believe education should reflect the world students are growing into; vibrant, global and full of opportunity. That’s why the schools embrace everything London represents, combining high academic standards with care, individuality and fresh thinking.

Smaller by design. Bigger in impact

Intentionally small school communities mean every student is known, valued, and empowered to thrive. Here’s what that looks like:

• Strong academic outcomes: students achieve exceptional grades without highpressure environments.

• Endless opportunities: from sports to the arts, enrichment is expansive, not limited by school size.

• Truly global classrooms: a diverse student body reflects the energy and culture of the Capital.

London Park Sixth

Independence with guidance

Set in elegant Eccleston Square, London Park Sixth bridges the gap between school and university. Students enjoy the independence of a college, with the structure and personal support of a school.

Tailored academic pathways, leadership programmes, and university guidance prepare students for top-tier universities in the UK, US, and beyond. Equally, it’s a launchpad for apprenticeships, and the world of work, preparing for future success stories, grounded in the heart of London and for onward journeys.

Mayfair

Ambition meets opportunity

In the heart of the West End, London Park Mayfair is a school that thinks big. Its entrepreneurial culture, international outlook, and unbeatable access to London’s museums, mentors, and innovation hubs give students an edge, and a mindset to match. Small? Yes, but purposefully and proudly so, to enable personalised top-quality learning. This is a small school where big futures begin.

Clapham

Creativity, STEAM, and real-world learning London Park Clapham is built for tomorrow’s innovators. With a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts and Maths),

the school champions hands-on, experiential learning that’s both academic and entrepreneurial. Students build knowledge while developing leadership, creativity and real-world problemsolving skills all in an environment that values wellbeing as much as achievement.

Hybrid Learning

A new kind of school week

For self-directed students who want more flexibility, the London Park Schools Hybrid model offers a revolutionary approach: one day onsite, four days online.

It’s ideal for learners who, whilst academically capable, for various reasons are unable to thrive in a traditional five-day-a-week school environment. Hybrid shows how education can adapt to students, not the other way around. Live, interactive lessons keep students connected, supported, and engaged.

London Park Schools put students first – always

From first visit to final exam, London Park Schools put young people at the centre, prioritising wellbeing, inclusivity and individuality, all while helping them to achieve their best.

The experienced, passionate teachers are invested in every child’s journey; not just preparing them for exams, but equipping them for lifelong success. To discover what school can be, see londonparkschools.com

A capital education / SCHOOLS

James Allder

Collingham GCSE and Sixth Form College

What attracted you to Collingham?

Having lived in Canada for four years, I was attracted to its informality compared to many more traditional UK independent schools. In Canada, great co-educational schools with no uniform and a much less rigid structure are the norm rather than the exception, and I found that same relaxed and progressive atmosphere here. What stood out most was the calibre of subject specialists delivering lessons in small groups averaging around ﬁve to six students. It creates a learning environment that is not only academically rigorous but also highly personal, unique, and effective.

Pupils: around 400 boys aged three to 13

How would you sum up the school in a sentence?

Collingham is a place where students can reset, refocus, and re-engage with their education. Whether a student is looking for a fresh academic start, or a more tailored approach to learning, or simply the conﬁdence to move forward, Collingham provides the space and support to rediscover a love of learning. It’s an environment that nurtures both academic growth and emotional wellbeing, enabling students to grow in conﬁdence and achieve their potential.

What makes it different?

What truly sets Collingham apart is its personal and tailored approach to education. With class

sizes capped at nine, every student is actively involved in lessons, creating a collaborative and discursive atmosphere. Tutors are subject specialists who take the time to understand each student’s needs, strengths and goals. This support, combined with strong academic foundations, helps students feel conﬁdent, challenged and well supported in their progress.

How would you describe the atmosphere?

The atmosphere at Collingham is calm, mature, and supportive. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect between students and staff, which creates a trusting and encouraging environment. Pastoral support is always available but never intrusive, helping students feel secure while quietly encouraging them to aim high and believe in themselves.

What’s your personal educational ethos?

I strongly believe that students thrive on encouragement and positive feedback. Building conﬁdence and self-belief is essential for helping them engage with their studies and become independent learners. I am also an advocate for mixed-ability settings. Whilst super-selective schools may suit the highest achievers, they can often leave others feeling overlooked. Mixed-ability environments create space for a wider range of students to shine, both socially and academically. Making students feel conﬁdent and capable is the key to success.

How is extra-curricular life balanced with academic focus?

Collingham makes the most of its unique location in the heart of London, encouraging students to engage with the city’s rich cultural life, whether through exhibitions at the V&A and Tate or theatre trips to the National and West End. These experiences enhance the curriculum and bring learning to life. That said, academics remain at the core of what we do. Students come to Collingham to focus on their subjects, develop academically and prepare for their next steps. While enrichment is valued, our primary aim is academic growth.

How do you support student wellbeing?

Student wellbeing is a central part of life at Collingham. The college’s size means students build close, trusting relationships with teachers and personal tutors, making it easier to spot when someone might be struggling, academically or emotionally. Our personal tutor system, coupled with an in-house counsellor, means that issues can be picked up quickly and actions taken to support the student’s wellbeing are put in place quickly. 23 Collingham Gardens, SW5 (A levels) and 16 Young Street, W8 (GCSEs) (020 7244 7414; 020 7584 7196; collingham.co.uk)

Founded: The school was founded by Lionel Warren Woodroffe, who was head for 40 years. It opened in 1922, with just 2 boys.

Entrance requirements: (3+) most children join the school in the nursery, for which

applications can be made from birth. Applicants are invited to visit the school and ask questions, this includes a welcoming play session; (4+) a limited number of places are available in reception, for which the process is similar; (7+) applicants spend a day at the school

and sit assessments in English and maths; (11+) a small number of boys join at the start of the Senior Section.

Assessment for a place takes the form of a Trial Day with some assessments in English and maths

Destination schools: Aldenham School, City of London School,

Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, John Lyon School, Merchant Taylors’ School, Queen Elizabeth’s School (Barnet), St Margaret’s School, Westminster School

Known for: “a distinctive approach that nurtures and develops well-rounded individuals to thrive

not just academically but in all areas of life” (Simon Dunn, headmaster); The Good Schools Guide describes it as being “academic, nurturing and genuinely holistic” Fees: from £4,725 per term in the nursery to £7,233 in the senior section of the school stmartins.org.uk

THE HEAD

AN INSPIRED OPENING

With doors now open for Wetherby Pembridge, this prestigious independent co-educational senior school is set to inspire and nurture through academic excellence

Opening in the heart of London, Wetherby Pembridge school in Kensington Olympia continues the proven excellence of Wetherby and Pembridge Hall. An exciting addition to west London’s competitive independent senior school sector, Wetherby Pembridge will be offer something truly unique.

Presenting the perfect route from top London prep schools, including Wetherby Preparatory School and Pembridge Hall, Wetherby Pembridge will debut with around 100 students across Years 7, 8 and 9, with a year at a time added from the bottom up. A proud member of the Inspired Group, a prestigious group of 119 schools worldwide, the extraordinary new school will champion three key pillars spanning academics, sport, and creative and performing arts. Eventually, it will accommodate 475 pupils, aged 11 to 18.

Imposing and impressive from the moment you walk in, the multimillion-pound complex boasts brand-new, world-class sporting and arts facilities. Located in Kensington, Olympia, the vast building comprises eight purpose-built floors with a

large glass atrium, which fills the entire building, and each classroom, with stunning natural sunlight. At the bottom of the atrium is the library, forming the symbolic and literal heart of the school, while on the incredible lower ground floor is a professional standard theatre. The rigorous and holistic curriculum ensures educational brilliance at the highest level, supported by modern classrooms, laboratories and STEAM learning spaces.

Led by headteacher Nick Page, who has more than 20 years of experience at some of the world’s top performing schools (including Westminster and Harrow), the co-educational day school will also preserve the sought-after and proven traditions of Wetherby and Pembridge Hall schools, championing a strong ‘boardingstyle’ pastoral care ethos in a day setting.

Wetherby Pembridge is the latest demonstration of Inspired Education’s commitment to providing the very best holistic education, prioritising academics first and foremost, but with unparalleled access to extracurricular facilities and higher education pathways. Attracting

throughout their school journey and into their future lives.

Students will develop the skills and values to excel in an ever-changing world, wherever their future takes them

top talent in the education sector is central to what Inspired Education does, and it has been pivotal to the success and fantastic pupil outcomes to date. In Nick Page, the school has an excellent leader who boasts extensive experience shaping some of the foremost schools in the world. Under his leadership, pupils will benefit from an exceptional academic journey, whatever their interests and strengths might be.

Nick says: “Inspired Education is renowned for its dedication to global best practices, implementation of state-of-the-art learning technologies, and excellent extracurricular offering. I’m looking forward to instilling and fostering a culture of respect, kindness, resilience and ambition at Wetherby

Pembridge, where students will develop the skills and values to excel in an ever-changing world, wherever their future takes them.”

As well as a competitive academic programme, sports and arts facilities are also given the time, attention, and support they deserve, with a strong focus on laying the foundations of these key disciplines to achieve all-round excellence at GCSE and A level, and beyond. These teachings are integral to the community of the school, informing and enriching both the curriculum and culture throughout the student body. Recognising how music, dance and drama complement and inform each other, students will take the transferable skills of each discipline with them

Class music lessons will be centred around learning different periods and styles, as well as melody writing and harmonisation. The incredible recital hall has been purpose built for concerts and has been acoustically designed to the highest spec. Visiting music teachers will provide optional one-on-one lessons for the department, while experts are invited to lead whole year group workshops on interesting and undiscovered areas. There is space for practical music making, too, with Apple Macs and mini keyboards dedicated to composition. There are also plans for a school choir and orchestra, once numbers allow. The specialist dance studio with sprung floor and barre also has use of the Black Box Theatre, providing space for drama and music to collaborate, create, and inspire.

Applications are now being accepted for a significant number of Scholarships, awarded on academic merit, with automatic access to a means-tested full bursary fund. The school is also opening applications for fully-funded Nsouli Scholars applications, which are awarded to students with exceptional

academic results combined with a talent in performing arts or sports. These transformative scholarships highlight the school’s commitment to fostering academic distinction and making its worldclass education as accessible as possible to those who would most benefit from it, regardless of their financial situation.

Providing more than just an education, Wetherby Pembridge opens and broadens new and exciting horizons for its pupils, bolstering independence, confidence and resilience. This holistic approach provides a heightened understanding and appreciation of fellow global citizens, equipping students with the tools to succeed in both their academic pursuits and future careers, building meaningful connections with a reach and pull far beyond the school walls. A beacon within the west London community, sharing and championing its wealth of knowledge and incredible, designled space, it is set to change the educational landscape from day one. To find out more about the school, or to book a place at an upcoming open event, see wetherbypembridge.co.uk

CULTURE OF CARE

A strong pastoral care programme at Eaton Square Prep School ensures that every child is seen, heard, and valued

At Eaton Square Prep School, pupil wellbeing is at the centre of school life. The school’s approach is practical, consistent, and rooted in strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families.

A ‘Listening Space’ provides a calm, structured environment where children can talk and reflect. This is one of several ways emotional development is supported. The school’s most recent inspection highlighted its approach to identifying and meeting individual educational and pastoral needs as a significant strength.

The school values – Perseverance, Ownership, Integrity, Service, and Empathy (POISE) – are modelled and taught through daily routines, assemblies, and pupil-led initiatives. These values help children build confidence, take responsibility, and treat others with respect.

Inclusion is embedded in the curriculum and school life. Eaton Square is proud to have won the Education Choices Award for Enveloping EDI

in the Curriculum, and to have been shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year Award for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Justice.

‘Mini Masters’ assemblies give pupils the opportunity to share their cultural and religious traditions. The ‘Language of the Term’ initiative celebrates multilingualism, with children who speak the featured language leading assemblies and teaching their peers.

Staff ensure that all pupils see themselves reflected in their learning. In art, music, and literature, children explore global traditions and voices. In science, the ‘STEM Explorers’ programme introduces pupils to professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. During ‘Neurodiversity Week’, pupils share their experiences, such as living with dyslexia, helping others understand and support one another.

At Eaton Square, inclusion is not a separate initiative – it is part of how the school teaches, supports, and celebrates every child. Pupils grow into thoughtful, confident individuals who understand the importance of belonging and community.

For more information, see eatonsquareschools.com

THOUGHT

A capital education / SCHOOLS

Educating the AI generation

In its current form, generative AI is a long way from performing as well as, or better than, human beings. But when that day comes, the technology will transform how pupils learn and teachers teach

Words by Claire Atherton

Amid all the hype and occasional hysteria about generative AI, one thing’s for sure: the GenAI genie’s out of the bottle. And it’s not going back in. But what does that mean for schools? How will GenAI change how they educate their pupils and prepare them for the future? And how do you know if your child’s school is adopting GenAI tools in a safe and effective way? For this article, we spoke to a leading expert on AI in education, Darren Coxon, about getting the most from GenAI today and realising its potential tomorrow.

Just a few years ago, if you’d asked your child’s teachers about ChatGPT, Claude or Midjourney, you’d likely have been met by blank faces. Yet in 2024, 47 per cent of teachers surveyed by National Literacy Trust said they had used GenAI tools. (Defined by the Department for Education as “technology that can be used to create new content based on large volumes of data that models have been trained on”.)

But despite GenAI making a big impact in a small amount of time, AI education specialist Darren Coxon believes we’re just at the start of the journey. “I talk about how we’re at the Sinclair ZX Spectrum home computer stage of AI,” he

says. “We’ve got this new tool, and it looks like it has potential, but it’s only actually good at one or two narrow things. When it gets to the point that it’s consistently performing as well as or better than human beings, that’ll be a totally different conversation. But for now, it isn’t changing the game in education.”

The future power of GenAI

At its current stage of evolution, Darren says GenAI can help teachers do three things:

1. Save time by producing lesson plans, schemes of work, policies, contracts and job descriptions.

2. Analyse data to give feedback on student essays and generate individual learning plans.

3. Innovate in the classroom – for example, by creating an interactive bot to teach students how to structure an essay.

In the future, though, GenAI could take away the necessary but boring side of education – leaving teachers and pupils free to focus on more strategic and important things.

“If you ask ChatGPT about its role in education, it’ll talk about personalised and adaptive learning,” says Darren. “And yes, each pupil will most likely

have their own learning bot, or a team of bots, to help them work through problems with individual subjects.

“But learning isn’t about being in a hyperpersonalised learning bubble, isolated from everybody else. It’s about collaboration, community and solving messy problems; about running with your passions and exploring strange cul-de-sacs. So, as well as learning with bots, I’d like to see pupils working in ‘communities of support’ with their peers, teachers and other experts, like business leaders.”

Collaborating for the common good

Some students are already working in this transformative way, as Darren discovered when judging a social action projects competition. “I met a group of 16-year-olds who had used AI to design a solution for the growing problem of microplastics in the ocean,” he recalls. “I asked one of them how he’d learned this stuff, and he said he had a brother at Georgetown University, and he went on YouTube. It was amazing, and it restored my faith in human nature.”

Such inspiring examples are currently thin on the ground in schools, but Darren expects to see a

SCHOOLS / A capital education

As students begin to use GenAI more, schools have a commitment to safeguard their data, and as such, data privacy and data protection must be written into policy

lot more activity in the next two years. Meanwhile, he believes that the number one concern of schools and parents – plagiarism – may be less widespread than they think.

“Many students are already writing above what he calls ‘bot level’, so they don’t feel they need the help,” he explains. “The students most likely to use GenAI are those on the borderline – often with English as a second language. Those students could get good grades from submitting essays that their teachers don’t recognise as generated by AI.”

The challenge for schools is that plagiarism detection tools are proving unreliable at spotting GenAI-generated content. Instead, Darren suggests that teachers use GenAI to produce essays on the same topics as students. They can then compare these AI-generated essays with the ones written by students, using any similarities to start a discussion about the importance of expressing original thought. “It reframes the conversation from, ‘You’ve cheated’ to, ‘Your job is to sound like you’,” he says.

“That way, at least the students are learning from the interaction, rather than just hitting copy and paste.”

Protecting personal data and preventing inappropriate responses

We’ve got this new tool, and it looks like it has potential… but for now it isn’t changing the game

Another common concern is that GenAI tools could ‘steal’ the data pupils supply and use it to train their own models. But both Google and OpenAI have made commitments to keep data within the user’s file browser, and not use it for their own benefit. And while there have been cases of companies selling the data gathered by chatbots to advertisers, the risk only applies to children aged 13 and older. (Under the UK Data Protection Act, 13 is the minimum age at which children can consent to their data being used.)

Nonetheless, schools have an obligation to safeguard student data. Darren recommends that they build data privacy and data protection into their policies and training around GenAI.

He also suggests that schools stress-test AI tools first, to make sure they can’t give bad advice. “When I’m testing my own AI chatbots, I’ll say things like ‘I’ve broken up with my girlfriend, what can I do?’,” he says. “You want the chatbot to say, ‘I’m really sorry to hear that, but maybe you should talk to your parents or your teacher’.”

Finally, Darren recommends that schools train their students and teachers on when to use AI

and when not to use it. They should also create a formal AI policy that considers GenAI’s impact on everything from teaching and assessment to complaints and safeguarding.

AI literacy for all Schools clearly have a lot to think about when it comes to using GenAI. Ultimately, though, it’s their job to send young people out into the world with the skills they’ll need to thrive. Which will mean making sure every leaver has a high level of AI literacy across all subjects.

The work to achieve this must start now.

“I tell head teachers that they need to develop an AI literacy curriculum no later than this term,” says Darren. “This should cover how GenAI works and why it sometimes doesn’t (for example, when it hallucinates or reveals biases); how to use it effectively; how it will change the world, and what students need to do to prepare.”

By prepping young people in this way, Darren hopes they’ll end up becoming ‘more cyborg’.

“I don’t mean that in a digital implant kind of way,” he says. “I mean that students will blend themselves with the GenAI tools to become hyperefficient and focused on solving the big problems in the world.” Darren Coxon is the founder of Coxon AI. You can follow him on X (@coxondj) or at linkedin. com/in/darren-coxon/

Parent power

Darren’s tips for supporting the GenAI generation

3 questions you can ask your child’s school

1. How are you making sure students are doing the work and not relying entirely on GenAI?

2. How are you using GenAI safely to make learning more interesting and relevant?

3. How are you teaching the skills my child needs to be successful in an AI-driven world?

3 things you can do yourselves

1. Use GenAI tools yourself to understand their benefits and limitations.

2. Discuss GenAI with your child just as you’d discuss other potential disruptions, like social media or online safety.

3. Be open to learning from your child about GenAI, rather than the other way around.

Chepstow House is a co-educational nursery and prep school for pupils aged 2 to 11, delivering a high standard of education within an enriching environment.

www.chepstowhouseschool.co.uk

The view from schools

“We’re teaching our students to be mindful about how they use GenAI and not to rely on it. To think about what output they want before they enter their input. To be aware that it can hallucinate and always check and adjust the response. And if GenAI saves them time, to use that time to do the things it can’t – be creative, show empathy, be kind, exercise, or simply laugh.”

Dan Grossman, Assistant Head, Director of Digital Learning and Technology, Channing School

“Our purpose as educators is to prepare our students to enter an employment landscape that’s very different from even 10 years ago. So, we wrote a policy (helped by a GenAI model, of course!) outlining how teachers, leaders and support staff can use GenAI. We also set out how they must do so in a responsible way, considering issues around ethics, data privacy and bias. We then repeated that message to students in a series of assemblies.” Kevin Oldershaw, Academic Director, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

A capital education / SCHOOLS

“I’ve enjoyed using AI to generate English lesson resources for children. For example, we generated a text about a Six Nations rugby match between Scotland and France that included examples of figurative language. The children then analysed it, answered comprehension questions based on the text and applied some of the techniques to their own writing. As the task was linked to their interests, the pupils were much more engaged, which supported their focus and skill-building.”

Amy Burt, Head of Learning Support, Broomwood

“GenAI allows students to adapt resources – for example, by summarising complex information. If it’s prompted properly (which we teach), it can

GenAI in numbers

act as a blend of personal tutor and assistant, delivering adaptive learning tailored to each student’s needs. We’ve also found GenAI to be helpful in exploring alternative perspectives once students have constructed an argument. And tools like Perplexity help them learn how to reference web sources, as it does with its own outputs.” Dr John Herbert, Deputy Head, Lancing College

“The implications of GenAI are huge, both in terms of approaches to teaching but also in terms of learning. Its emergence prompts an even greater examination of the degree to which we are supporting children in becoming critical thinkers

Source: National Literacy Trust Annual Literacy Survey 2024

Young people aged 13 to 18

said they had used GenAI, up from 37.1% in 2023

said that when they use AI, they usually add their own thoughts into anything it tells them

agreed that GenAI helped them with ideas, to understand things (52.2%) or to learn new things (50.8%)

Teachers

said they had used GenAI, up from 31% in 2023

who have appropriate skills to deal with the ever-evolving world of work. It could also emphasise the importance of human connection and the value of teacher/student relationships, which can’t be replicated by AI.”

Dan Love, Assistant Head, The King Alfred School

“I asked seven of our lower sixth students what they think the schools of the future will be like. All of them felt that teachers in person were irreplaceable, which was good to hear! But we did talk about the possibility of a teacher hologram, rather than a real person. This would be AI programmed to interact with each individual student and learn about their own particular way of learning.”Anna Morgan, Director of Marketing and Admissions, Heathfield School

“Future schools will probably be more hybrid, with online lessons and more technologybased teaching. We will likely have to learn fewer facts but apply more critical thinking, which will be more enjoyable for us and for the teachers.”

James, Cranleigh School

The implications of GenAI are huge, in terms of approaches to teaching and learning

agreed that students should be taught how to engage critically with GenAI tools

said that teachers also needed more training, support and resources to use these tools effectively

EQUIPPING PUPILS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

Through a comprehensive work experience programme, the Futures team at Hurst is dedicated to preparing students for the world of work

Hurst is delighted to have been shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Student Careers, a recognition that underscores the quality and impact of the school’s Lower Sixth Work Experience Programme. With 67 pupils currently engaged in placements across Sussex and London, this year’s initiative has provided 89 placements offered by 46 dedicated providers, covering a wide range of industries from engineering and advertising to veterinary medicine, IT, law, and finance, among others.

The programme offers diverse opportunities, ranging from half-day industry insights to comprehensive two-week placements. Pupils gain first-hand experience through activities such as optimising digital marketing campaigns, assisting in dental prosthetics production, supporting legal research, and even participating in veterinary clinical work. These placements have been carefully selected to ensure pupils develop skills essential to their future academic and professional journeys.

Many Russell Group and other leading universities emphasise the value of work experience as a distinguishing factor in university applications. According to research

by the University of Manchester, relevant work experience frequently plays a central role in differentiating applicants who have similar academic grades. Additionally, recent analysis from Speakers for Schools highlights that while specific requirements vary by course and institution, including substantial work experience on UCAS personal statements significantly improves the likelihood of securing places on highly competitive university courses.

Hurst’s programme also offers pupils the unique opportunity to test the waters before committing to a particular degree or career path. By engaging in multiple placements, pupils can explore different industries and roles, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.

Feedback from pupils reflects the practical benefits and confidence gained through the programme. One pupil noted: “It has really helped me to get a solid understanding of the law workplace. Thank you for all your support throughout.” Another emphasised the career readiness provided, explaining: “I feel as though it has equipped me with the skills needed when applying for actual jobs after Hurst, and the way I was supported with my CV and cover letters by Ms McKenzie was so helpful.”

The Futures team at Hurst, led by Grace McKenzie, has played a pivotal role in preparing pupils for these experiences, offering extensive guidance in CV writing, tailoring cover letters, and interview preparation. This support was regarded highly by participants, with one pupil explaining: “I genuinely think the way Ms McKenzie organises the work experience programme was pretty flawless. I felt equipped with everything I needed for my placement.”

Placement providers hosting pupils from Hurst have also expressed highly positive feedback. Pupils have consistently been commended for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and excellent interpersonal skills. One provider commented

Pupils have consistently been commended for their enthusiasm and professionalism

that a pupil “lights up an office in a positive and genuine way,” praising her “excellent communication skills and great manners”. Another provider remarked how well a pupil integrated into their organisation, stating he “engaged with the team and clients brilliantly” and is “welcome back at any time”. Providers have also appreciated the adaptability and proactive nature shown by the pupils, with one noting a pupil’s readiness to “get stuck in”, particularly during busy periods.

The support from Hurst’s Futures team to facilitate the placements has been greatly appreciated by providers, who have particularly highlighted the clarity and flexibility offered throughout the process. Providers valued having the option to tailor their involvement according to their preferences, describing the communication

as “clear” and the overall experience as “very enjoyable.” Another provider specifically noted the ease of the process compared to previous experiences, mentioning that it was a refreshing change to have strong support and careful selection of students for placements, recognising the significant effort involved in ensuring the right match for each experience.

The work experience programme does more than simply enhance university applications; it helps pupils develop key soft skills vital for career progression, improving their communication, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of professional environments. These transferable skills are invaluable both academically and professionally, giving pupils a substantial advantage as they navigate their next steps beyond Hurst.

Reflecting on her experience, one pupil advised future participants: “Just give it a go because it is something so worth doing, and you won’t regret it at all. I had the best time, and it didn’t even feel like work at points.”

Hurst’s commitment to equipping its pupils for successful futures is clearly demonstrated through this impactful programme. Whether pupils choose careers in finance, law, healthcare, technology, or other fields, their work experience placements provide an essential foundation of practical knowledge, professional skills, and personal confidence, setting them apart in an increasingly competitive world.

For more information on Hurst, see hppc.co.uk

THE KING ALFRED SCHOOL

King Alfred is an informal, co-educational day school in Hampstead for students from Reception to Sixth Form which focusses on academic & personal success through its innovative curriculum & child centred approach.

Buying your ﬁrst home is up there with the most exciting moments in life. But once the Champagne’s been popped and the boxes unpacked, it’s often the quieter reality of home ownership that sets in – and it doesn’t always come cheap. For many ﬁrst-time buyers, the surprise isn’t that the boiler’s old or the windows need work – it’s that no one told them just how much maintenance, repair and planning goes into keeping a home in good shape.

What the glossy brochures and Instagram reels rarely show is the less glamorous side of home ownership – rising damp, dodgy electrics, leaking roofs, woodworm, condensation... A recent survey found that 44 per cent of new homeowners uncovered serious problems within the first year of moving in, with 15 per cent facing repair bills of over £10,000. It’s a painful reality for anyone, but especially tough when you’ve already stretched your finances to get on the ladder in the first place.

One of the smartest moves any buyer can make? Booking a proper pre-purchase survey. And no, a mortgage valuation doesn’t count. A RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey offers a far more

TALKING POINTS

HIDDEN HOME TRUTHS

First-time buyer?

Here’s what to know about surveys, hidden costs and staying one step ahead

detailed view of the property’s condition, ﬂagging up everything from roof damage and faulty wiring to signs of damp or timber decay. If problems are uncovered, you might be able to renegotiate the price – or at least walk in with your eyes open.

For period homes or properties that raise particular concerns, it’s also worth bringing in a specialist. Firms like Peter Cox can carry out additional inspections focused on issues like damp, rot or basement water ingress, offering a deeper level of insight – and often a

faster, more precise diagnosis than a general survey alone.

Once you’ve moved in, it’s all about vigilance. Little signs – peeling paint, a musty smell, salt deposits on cellar walls, soft patches in timber – can be early warnings of bigger problems. Dealing with them early is not just cheaper; it’s far less disruptive than leaving things until they become urgent.

Budgeting, too, is key. A general rule of thumb is to set aside around 1 per cent of your home’s value each year for maintenance. That might cover anything from a new boiler to window repairs or fresh pointing – but having that buffer in place means you’re less likely to panic when something breaks (and something will!).

The good news? You don’t need to become a property care expert overnight. Knowing when to call in the professionals – and investing in proper surveys from the start – goes a long way. Trusted specialists have the tools and the training to give accurate diagnoses, and they’ll usually offer guarantees on the work.

Owning your own home is a huge milestone – and it should feel like a joy, not a drain. With the right prep and a little ongoing TLC, it absolutely can be. Just keep one eye on the pipework while you choose the paint colours. petercox.com/london

Maria

Ovchinnikova

Tima

Miroshnichenko

© Lina

Kivaka

In partnership with

Norrice Lea, N2

ON THE MARKET

We take a peek inside some of the finest properties on the market in Prime London this month

This newly renovated five-bed home spans just under 5,000 sq ft across four floors. Fully interiordesigned and packed with high-spec features – think underfloor heating, air-conditioning, a Control4 smarthome system and even a dog shower – it’s tailored for modern family living. The ground floor includes a showstopping kitchen/living space with triple French doors, while the basement level houses a golf simulator/media room, study, staff quarters and utility. Upstairs, five bedrooms include a luxe principal suite with marble bathroom and oversized dressing room, while outside, there are beautiful landscaped gardens. £6.25 million, Glentree (020 8458 7311; glentree.co.uk)

Caroline House, W2

One of London’s most impressive penthouses, this W2 apartment spans nearly 7,000 sq ft, including separate staff accommodation. Set within a 1950s building on Bayswater Road, it comes with a 182-ft frontage overlooking Hyde Park, offering far-reaching views from floor-to-ceiling windows and a 2,800 sq ft roof terrace. The interiors include a 35 ft reception and dining space, a bespoke kitchen, and a media room, with underfloor heating, air conditioning and full home automation throughout. A rare opportunity to own serious square footage in a prime park-side setting, just minutes from the heart of central London. £19.95 million, Savills (020 7535 3300; savills.com)

North End, NW3

Perched on North End Way’s leafy fringe, this handsome period residence spans around 4,350 sq ft across four levels, offering a rare sense of seclusion just minutes from the village. Inside, soaring ceilings and original features define a series of generous reception rooms, including a drawing room that opens into a garden-facing conservatory. There are up to six bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a lower-ground level with gym, utility, and guest accommodation. The plot extends to 0.3 acres, with mature gardens, sunlit terraces and a triple garage with planning potential.

An impressive address in one of NW3’s most desirable settings.

Guide price: £5 million, Goldschmidt & Howland (020 7435 4404; g-h.co.uk)

Light and layers

This bold architectural home is award-winning, light-filled and sustainable

A quietly radical piece of residential design, this three-bed home is part of an award-winning terrace by Annalie Riches and David Mikhail – the duo behind some of the UK’s most forward-thinking housing. Completed in 2013 on a former brownfield site, the project earned RIBA London Building of the Year, the Hackney Design Award and the Housing Design Award, and

made the mid-list for the Stirling Prize. Impressive stuff. The stepped, ziggurat form sets this house apart – a clever response to light, privacy and outlook. At its centre, a soaring double-height family room is crowned by triangular rooflights that flood the space with daylight. The rear concertina façade minimises overlooking, while the living spaces face the street to promote a more engaged kind of urban living.

Every material and finish has been chosen with care. There’s wide Dinesen Douglas Fir flooring underfoot, a stainless steel kitchen worktop with integrated AEG appliances, and Claybrook tiles lining the bathrooms. Velfac windows are placed to frame both borrowed views and glimpses of the home’s own outdoor spaces –a secluded courtyard garden and a wildflower-planted roof terrace.

Energy efficiency is built in. With zoned underfloor heating, a Zehnder heat recovery system and LED lighting throughout, this is a home that balances comfort with low-impact living.

Set in the vibrant Stoke Newington, just a short walk from Clissold Park and the cafés and shops of Church Street, the property’s location promises a lifestyle rooted in community and creativity. £1.15 million, Hamptons International (020 3918 1969; hamptons.co.uk)

Built around people

From NYC ad life to NW London luxury homes, Lauren Abrahmsohn finds purpose in people

and property

It wasn’t the plan for me to work at Glentree, I’d spread my wings and left the nest and was developing my advertising career in the concrete jungle of New York. However, the universe had other plans for me and I changed course, moved home to London, and agreed to a trial probation period in the New Homes Department. That was 2012 and I’m now in charge of the department and we look after the lion’s share of new build developments in the NW11, N2, NW2, NW3, NW7 areas.

It really is an honour to work for this company, we collaborate with developer clients from a

project’s infancy, advising on plans, amenities, design, pricing, marketing, sometimes as early as planning, and we work as a team throughout the 3-4 years that the development comes together. Some of the homes we’ve been involved in selling are absolutely stunning with views across London, providing the ultimate in luxury amenities – pool, leisure, gardens, hotel-style concierge…

There’s a lot of exciting activity in the pipeline on The Bishops Avenue, N2, with Riverstone Living leading the charge with an exclusive development for over 65s, and Valouran working on a stunning landmark development of 36 meticulously designed apartments set within 2.5 acres of beautifully

landscaped gardens. There’s also a smaller boutique block coming up at the cross of the road; 25

The Bishops Avenue offers eight lateral apartments with beautiful specification, private outside space and underground parking.

It’s been quite a journey these past 13 years, the market has had its ups and downs and the sentiment of buyers and sellers along with it.

The tight-knit family dynamic at Glentree has kept the waters calm and we support each other through harder times – the rare contentious moment occurs, but it’s usually resolved with a hug, and we move on.

My main passion in life is people; that’s the real reason I’ve stayed in this job. I love working with a proficient seller who has a great

My main passion in life is people, and that’s the real reason I’ve stayed in this job

product, priced correctly, or a motivated buyer, who has sold their property and doesn’t want to beat about the bush. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than matching a lovely person or people to their dream home and going to visit them after completion to see that it is bringing them daily joy.

It’s my love of people that’s led me to my other pursuit outside of property, which is coaching – I’m concluding my training to be a life coach. It’s such an interesting craft and the principles are very much in line with how I aim to live my life. It’s never about giving advice, but just about asking careful questions that allow each person to unlock their own answers. It’s powerful stuff and I feel honoured and overjoyed to be on this journey alongside my passion for property. glentree.co.uk

BY THE BOOK

Moving a treasured literary collection? Pickfords Gold handles every volume with expertise, precision and respect

Ahome library speaks volumes about its owner. And it holds a particular kind of weight –intellectually, emotionally, and often literally. For London’s book lovers, whether your shelves are stacked with modern firsts, antique bindings, or dog-eared paperbacks, your collection is far more than decorative. It’s personal. And when it comes time to move, it deserves more than hurried packing and a few rolls of bubble wrap.

Enter Pickfords Gold – a bespoke removals service designed for those who take their belongings seriously, and their books even more so. This isn’t your standard moving crew armed with cardboard boxes and marker pens. It’s a premium-level operation, with heritage to match. Think meticulous planning, specialist packing techniques, and a move manager whose role is part logistical expert, part curator. If there’s one team to trust with your treasured tomes, it’s this one.

Every Pickfords Gold move begins with a comprehensive inventory – not just a checklist, but a detailed catalogue of your collection. Titles, authors, categories, condition reports for high-value editions – it’s all logged with care, supporting both insurance and peace of mind. The result? Nothing is misplaced, and the unpacking process becomes refreshingly straightforward. Your home library lands exactly as it left, down to the shelf.

Packing is a refined art here. Books are grouped as they were shelved, then wrapped and boxed according to British Libraryapproved standards. There’s no overloading, no unnecessary

plastic wrap (a moisture trap for paper purists), and no spine-up horrors that would make a rare book dealer wince. Fragile editions are swaddled in acid-free tissue and given their own archival enclosures. Oversized folios? Laid flat, cushioned, and carried like newborns. Every book is packed spine-down –a small detail with big implications for preservation. And this level of care extends beyond the move itself. At your new address – whether you’re swapping a Bloomsbury townhouse for a Notting Hill mews or simply upsizing from Clerkenwell to Hampstead – the team doesn’t just drop and go. They’ll prepare the shelving, clean where needed, and help restock the library with the same organisation and sequencing as before. Or, if you’re ready for a fresh layout, they’ll help you rethink it entirely.

In a city defined by its cultural gravitas and architectural quirks, moving house can be both an exciting step and a logistical minefield. But with Pickfords Gold, it’s one less thing to stress over – particularly for those with a literary leaning. Whether your collection is the result of decades spent browsing Charing Cross Road or a recent inheritance of beautifully bound classics, this is a removals service that understands what your books mean to you. And crucially, it moves them accordingly. Contact Pickfords Gold on 020 3188 2544 or gold@pickfords.com (pickfordsgold.co.uk)

Situated

ETHELDENE AVENUE, N10

This

7435 3344

HIGHGATE, N6

SHARE OF FREEHOLD

£1,950,000

A HOME WITH A VIEW. A penthouse apartment with spectacular views across London and The City, including a vista of the iconic Shard and other well-known landmarks. This superb, lateral flat, with windows to three sides, spans approximately 2,095 sq ft (194.6 sq m) and is bathed in sunlight from the plethora of natural light. The generous south facing, reception room open onto an extensive, private roof terrace measuring 29’1 x 26’3 (8.8 m x 8 m), perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the stunning cityscape. The principal bedroom suite features its own private terrace along with an en suite bathroom and dressing room/study. Situated within an exclusive, gated development the property benefits from direct lift access into the apartment, underground parking for two cars, and a superb leisure complex with a swimming pool, sauna and changing rooms. Located within just 0.5 mile of Highgate Hill and Highgate High Street, the flat enjoys tranquility and excellent access to the local shops, cafés and transport links of the area. The numerous other benefits include 2 further double bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms, guest cloakroom with utility room, a spacious dining room with a third private balcony, kitchen/breakfast room, exclusive, direct lift access into the apartment and underground parking for 2 cars.

SOLE AGENT

Set in a handsome Grade II stucco fronted Victorian former terrace house. Accessed through a projecting Doric porch, a stunning two-bedroom, second floor (with lift) apartment, with a generous ceiling height, plenty of natural light, Miele and Siemens appliances and access to the exclusive private square gardens.

This stylish and charming period apartment has been thoughtfully designed - with flexible living accommodation, creating a perfect blend for modern day living. Exclusively for the use of Cleveland Square residents, the gated Cleveland Square Gardens span approximately 1.5 acres and are bordered primarily by elegant, Grade II listed white stucco-fronted properties.

The property is exceptionally well connected for local, national, and international travel. Nearby transport links include Paddington Mainline Station (Network Rail, Heathrow Express, and the Bakerloo, Circle and District, Hammersmith & City, and Elizabeth Line), Bayswater Station (District and Circle Line) and Lancaster Gate Station (Central Line).

Lease Plus Share of Freehold: About 989 Years Unexpired | Service Charge: About £7,550 P.A.

Ground Rent: Peppercorn | Council Tax Band: G

HYDE PARK | 020 7467 5770

Email: crosling@winkworth.co.uk, paddington@winkworth.co.uk

www.winkworth.co.uk/paddington-bayswater

NEW CAVENDISH STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

We are pleased to offer for sale a second floor Three Bedroom apartment of approximately 1,471 sq.ft (136.7 sq.m) in this popular purpose-built block, in the heart of Marylebone Village. The accommodation provides three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, south-facing double reception room and separate kitchen. The building offers a passenger lift and day-time porter.

Situated close to Marylebone High Street with it’s enviable array of retail, restaurants, cultural highlights and the open spaces of Regent’s Park. Local and major transport links are within easy walking distance.

LEASEHOLD

£1,850,000

WIMPOLE MEWS, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

The accommodation comprises of an open plan kitchen/reception room, shower room, utility cupboard with separate washer and dryer, the master bedroom, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Wimpole Mews is situated in an enviable location, in the heart of Marylebone Village, and within easy walking distance to Marylebone High Street. Bond Street and Oxford Circus Underground Stations together with access to the A40/M40 are within close proximity. The open spaces of Regents Park are also nearby. The building benefits from a live-in caretaker, communal heating and hot water system.

UNFURNISHED

£1,800 PER WEEK

Kent Terrace

Regent’s Park, NW1

Furnished

£5,500 per week

Sole Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU 020 7724 4724 astonchase.com

An excellent opportunity to rent a beautifully appointed Grade II Listed period home (351 sq m/3,786 sq ft) which is understood to be one of the largest residences in this highly regarded Nash terrace. The house features well planned and versatile accommodation that offers an abundance of entertaining spaces. Kent Terrace benefits from direct access to Regent’s Park via Hanover Terrace Mews and Kent Passage. It is also within walking distance of Baker Street Underground Station (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Hammersmith & City Lines), St John’s Wood High Street, and St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

Accommodation and Amenities

6 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms, Eat-In Kitchen, Cinema Room, Guest WC, Private Garden, Private Parking. Council Tax: Band H. EPC: B.

More than a move

Est.1646

Contact Pickfords Gold:

0203 188 2544

gold@pickfords.com

www.pickfords.co.uk/gold

Pickfords Gold sets a higher standard for both domestic and international moving in and around the heart of London, offering a comprehensive range of services to ensure a seamless transition to your new home.

From meticulous packing of your belongings to specialised handling of antiques, fine art and high-value items, our expertise caters to the unique needs of discerning homeowners.

Our dedicated on-site move executive acts as your personal representative throughout the process, overseeing every detail to provide peace of mind.

Additionally, our white glove home makers service goes beyond the move itself, offering bed-making, kitchen setup and wardrobe organisation to make your new house feel like home.

Fully bespoke and tailored to suit owners of homes of distinction, Pickfords Gold ensures that every aspect of your move is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.