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Letter From The Editor
Letter Letter from from
r o i t d E the
Hello, good evening andthat welcome. really month.” have theHe same on paper, does it? Since It was T. S. Eliot who said “April isDoesn’t the cruellest was,impact of course, speaking ironically ofI last wrote to you, much has been happening in For starters, hit a double-dip recession. Further springtime – how rebirth and rejuvenation is the metworld. by bleakness andwe uncertainty. Am I applying Eliot’s west, American is gearing up for its2012? next presidential of course, the new Olympic modernist musings to a precarious Well, as we election. head intoOh, theand first season of the year,Games one are about can’t help to butbegin. reflect on these unsteady yet exciting times: austerity measures are tightening, but elbow patches are back in; there’s risk of a double-dip, but we’ve got an exclusive interview with Donald It was four ago when these things were last uponout. us. In fact, I remember watching Obama’s Trump. See,years the world has a all way of balancing everything inauguration like it was yesterday. It was fascinating, but not for the reasons you may think. As Americans welcomed theirTrump, messianic with the biggest celebrations in presidential grim subtext fan So, yes, Donald onepremier of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs, builder ofhistory, hotels,anot-so-secret was unravelling 300(American) miles awayApprentice, on Wall Street. While Obama in time front out of an irrepressibly of wrestling, star just of The and friend to the took stars.his PJRoath takes in New York to convivial of two– million, the Downo plummeted by 4% – its lowest ever reading for inauguration day. meet the crowd man himself in Trump Tower less. Irony more thanwith that. Yetdoesn’t again, get I failed to acerbic go jaunting the team. It’s a hard life for them, publishing: stylin’ and profilin’, So, thisridin’, issue,jet weflyin’, make sure to and cover the global situation asget thoroughly and impartially limousine wheelin’ dealin’, sons economic of guns. Next time, I’ll my act together. This as possible, not least BlackRock’s overview. Also, Ithat discuss the economic futureheard with issue, however, thewith focus is Flims – a insightful place so market good, so under wraps, you’ve probably never Gerald trends forecaster whose predictions areI sit yetdown to bewith wrong. of it. ButCelente, trust me,ayou really should’ve. Speaking of travel, John Kennedy. No, not the We didn’t president, forget the but Olympic Games either, which, for the first timeinsince 1948, finally arrive back in assassinated the Aussie entrepreneur who, after years the travel industry, became an London. We celebrate start of the Gamesfolk withwith a look backluxury at some of itsaboard most memorable ambassador for Noble the Caledonia, providing unique, cruises small ships.moments. Speaking memorable moments, the hereour pooled recount their mostinsight beautiful places Gettingofdown to the nitty-gritty, Huwteam Thomas, fiscaltogether shaman,togives his remedial on holistic to wake-up, and Graeme Morpeth takes aesoteric look at small withfinancial a tour aboard Caledonian Sky. finance. As he points out, there’s nothing aboutship it – cruises, just sound planning. TLT gives us an Continuing our entertaining look at and legalWards matters, reveal the world’s mostfound bizarre offbeat yet practical look at pensions, letsWards loose on the unusual clauses indivorce wills. settlements, including onethe man who acquired ex-wife’s pet goat. No kidding... I’d also like to take this We haven’t forgotten indulgence, don’this worry. Resident road warrior Graeme Morpeth takes opportunity to welcome Bristol’s David Minn’s. Inmany his first column, the BMW Series-6 Coupe our 640 new for awriter, test drive (no favourite thanks to sartorial Hartwellstylist, Jag for messing-up; thanks David thefor question: ‘Do I still have to Dickasks Lovett not), and Emma Hareit?’ meets the Managing Director of Cartier UK, the enviably And Francois finally, ofLe course, Peter Robinson with the broadcasting legend David named Troquer, to discuss 165speaks years of jewelling. Also, PJR visits StyleSir Advisor Frost – Minns a mantowho the for term ‘national treasure’. Peter turns tables on the David get defines measured a new suit, and we take a look atthe Crombie’s newest world’s most collection for famous women.interviewer; a tête-à-tête on Frost’s past, present and future, plus his thoughts on the media, journalistic integrity, See, spring isn’t looking so bad after all. and the current socio-political landscape. Until next time, enjoy.
Laith Laith Al-Kaisy Al-Kaisy Laith Al-Kaisy Laith Al-Kaisy Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief
Laith Al-Kaisy Editor Laith Al-Kaisy Editor Andrew Hobson Art Director Andrew Hobson Art Director Peter Robinson Director Peter Robinson Director Adam Wood Director Adam Wood Digital Director Dan Wall Client Services
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JUNE 2012 1 1 MARCH
20/06/2012 11:50:57 07/03/2012 15:12
The Exclusive Magazine For
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Contents
Our Contributors
Graeme Morpeth road tests the MG LE50 on page 57 and tours the Caledonia Sky on page 32
William Montgomery takes us through his top ten tips for influencing people on page 24
Peter Robinson interviews Sir David Frost on page 16 and visits Secret Cellar Night on page 36
Emma Inglis reveals her most beautiful place to wake up, Swiss Cottage in Devon, on page 12
Emma Hare discusses the wonder of St. Petersburg on page 13
In his own inimitable style, Huw Thomas discusses his love of Cancun on page 14
Lansdown Place is printed on FSC-certified grade paper. Please recycle this magazine when you have finished reading it.
2 JUNE 2012
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Contents
06 Under the Spotlight 10 It’s All Greek 12 Beautiful Places to Wake Up 16 David Frost 20 Divorce Settlements with Wards 22 Wine Tasting 24 Leading the Way 26 Spirit of the Games 28 Economic Forecast with Gerald Celente 30 Briefcase Justice 32 Caledonian Sky 34 The Saving Grace with BlackRock 36 Drinks in the Evening 38 Roca brothers 39 On the Bookshelf 40 The Difference is Crystal Clear 42 Mandarin Stone 44 Fit for Purpose 48 Food & Drink 52 Fashion & Style 56 Local Business: Arch House Deli 57 Executive Toys MG LE50 60 The Black Farmer 62 The History of Breitling
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JUNE 2012 3
19/06/2012 20:18
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r e d a e R r a e D Welcome to the latest edition of Lansdown Place Magazine.
This issue sees us post-Diamond Jubilee and about to enter into the excitement of the Olympic Games 2012. If the memorable show that London and the rest of the country put on for the Jubilee is anything to go by, it seems most likely the Olympic Games will be a resounding success. I’ve been fortunate to witness three Jubilees, albeit most of what I remember from the Silver Jubilee was lashings of silver icing on cakes and lots of ‘merry’ adults! This most recent Jubilee served as a great reminder as to how the British people can pull together and put on a show that is the envy (or bewilderment) of the rest of the world. It was, therefore, a drop-back-to-earth moment when the constant news coverage of the celebrations was over, and the news reverted back to the more serious matters of what is occurring in the country and beyond, and how we are dealing with the recession, job losses and the Eurozone crisis. Europe is now looking to Germany to lead the way in resolving matters and stabilising the single currency. There are many challenges ahead for our government, and indeed the British people to overcome the current situation, and depending on who you listen to, a multitude of opinions as to how we should resolve the situation. The market’s reactions to these events is volatile to say the least, some negative, others positive (gold spiked a high this week) and it is impossible to know what will
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happen next until some of these vital decisions are made. Many of these decisions are outside of the normal person’s control. However, it is in all of our control to review our own financial position and put plans in place to weather the storm to the best of our abilities, and I hope that the team at Lansdown Place can prove a valuable asset to you in this regard. On a final note, we at Lansdown Place would like to give our best wishes to all of the athletes about to take part in both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. Personally, I am looking forward to both this year, as it the first time my son will be old enough to understand them and enjoy the competition. I hope the dedication and determination of these athletes will leave a lasting and inspiring impression on him.
Nicola Mould Nicola Mould, Managing Director
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19/06/2012 19:37
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Under the
t h g i l t o p S
RISE OF THE MACHINES
«
News hit in January about a woman who had a 3D-printed jaw fitted. Now they are discussing if a 3D printer can replicate itself. Bizarre, Rise of the Machines stuff. But how does it work? 3D printing takes digital input from three-dimensional data and then creates solid, three-dimensional parts through an additive, layer-by-layer process. The possibilities, it seems, are endless. Used predominantly by designers, engineers and hobbyists, 3D printers are slowly becoming more commercially available, such as those produced by the Bristol-based Bits From Bytes. Users, now, many of whom have the technology at home, are starting to employ practical printing, creating actual end-use parts, as well as objects such as toys, fittings, utensils, crafts, and jewellery. 3DTouch is the most affordable colour 3D printer of its type, and is currently on the market for less than £2,000. The 3DTouch is available in single, double or triple head configurations, depending on your preference and price range. For more information on this jaw-dropping new technology, visit bitsfrombytes.com
« x
ALL IN FAVOUR SAY ‘AYE’ Bristol has voted in favour of a directly-elected mayor, in a local referendum that took place on May 3. In what was considered a surprising (but welcome) result, the ‘Yes’ vote won by 5152 in favour of the city being run by an elected mayor. Campaigners revelled in the result, claiming that having a Bristol mayor is the right decision for the city. From a turnout of 24%, 41,032 people voted in favour of a mayor, while 35,880 voted against. An election for the mayor is to be held later in the year, on November 15.
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Under the Spotlight
DOUBLE DIP
«
It’s official: we’re in a double-dip, as the Office for National Statistics recorded a 0.2 percent contraction of the British economy in the first quarter of 2012. Following a 0.3 percent contraction in the fourth quarter of 2011, we have again entered, at least by definition, another recession, with two economic contractions in two successive fiscal quarters. But that’s not all: this time Britain is experiencing a double-dip recession, which is the return to negative territory after a short-lived period of growth. This only spells bad news for George Osborne, whose cost-cutting measures haven’t seemed to yield any positive results. And if news of a double-dip recession were not enough, the Bank of England announced that it could not rule out “GDP falling for three successive quarters,” because of a weak construction sector and the extra bank holiday. Two things to keep an eye on this quarter: the British Pound and the labour market (which was supposedly improving, with employers confident that the economy would convalesce).
CONCOURS
«
Concours d’Elegance assembles some of the globe’s finest artisans, designers and manufacturers, inspired by the salons of the 18th Century. The intimate gathering allows guests to socialise with other style connoisseurs, imbibe the heritage behind the art, and buy excellent products, all within the confines of relaxation and exclusivity. From rare collectibles to limited edition and couture pieces, this event is a veritable celebration of contemporary manufacture; a proven ‘retail therapy’ for those who are avid about design. Founded to create a social environment for people who enjoy designer and luxury products, Concours d’Elegance is unlike any department store or showroom; not to buy and sell, but to discover and enjoy. There was only really one place a show of this magnitude could be staged: in London, within the prestigious surroundings of the Hurlingham Club. If you haven’t visited the club before, you don’t know what you’re missing: founded in 1869 and set within a 42-acre estate of luxurious gardens, lawns and facilities. What’s more, it’s a perfect chance to entertain friends, clients or colleagues. All VIP guests are greeted with a glass of champagne and luxury canapés upon arrival. The event takes place July 4 – 6. For more information and tickets, visit concourslondon.com.
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More news, goods and gadgets over the page »
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Background: Jenny Holzer, BLUE PURPLE TILT, 2007, Seven double-sided vertical LED signs: 381.00 x 13.70 x 127.00 cm each unit (installed: 381.00 x 228.60 x 127.00 cm)
Under the
t h g i l t Spo
ART ATTACK
Top: Bruce Naum an, Violent Incide nt 1986, Video Ins Above: Bruce Na tallation. uman, La Brea / Art Tips / Rat Sp Neon tubing an it / Tar Pits, 1972 d glass tubing: , 61.90 x 58.40 x 5.10 cm
AMERICAN NIGHTMARE
Touring nationally with The Art Fund (and owned jointly by the Tate Gallery and National Gallery of Scotland), Raw Materials at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery forms part of the ARTIST ROOMS collection of international contemporary art. Assembled from one of the largest gifts ever made to British museums, all of the pieces on display were donated by the British Art Dealer, Anthony D’Offay in 2008. Valued at £125 million but sold at a fraction of the original price, D’Offay was closing his gallery on Dering Street and making a financial loss in a philanthropic quest to ensure that the 725 works would be viewed by the nation. He was all too aware that it is very difficult to see great contemporary art outside of the capital and was particularly conscious that many young people were missing out on an important part of their education. The ex-art dealer is now curator of Artist Rooms and has been instrumental in ensuring the collection does not become a scattering of token pieces but is a well-structured series of accessible art exhibitions spread throughout the UK. Bringing together key pieces by Jenny Holzer, Bruce Nauman, Ed Ruscha and Lawrence Weiner, the exhibition unites artists that have a keen interest in the use of language as part of their work. Poignantly, in a city famed for the satirical street artist Banksy, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will show how these American conceptual artists were pioneers in using materials and media not traditionally seen in a gallery setting.
«
If you thought the worst was over, that the stock market is on the rise and jobs are growing – think again. In The Real Crash, New York Times bestselling author Peter D. Schiff argues that America is about to get a stark wake-up call; they are currently enjoying a government-inflated bubble. It’s a bubble that, according to Schiff, is not only about to pop, but explode, with devastating consequences for the economy and the American people. Schiff explains how, instead of repairing the economy, the infusion of billions of dollars of stimulus money has only dug a deeper hole. The government of America is simply spending too much, without collecting enough money to pay its debt. Ultimately, he says, Americans from the top down will face crushing consequences: the country is in hock to China, they can’t afford the homes they own, and the entire premise of the dollar – backed by the full faith and credit of the United States – is a fallacy. Schiff says the system is broken, but not beyond repair. However, if America (and to a lesser extent, the rest of the west) continues to walk down the same path, it will lead to a currency and sovereign debt crisis, which in turn will collapse the economy and impoverish the vast majority of American citizens. Compelling reading – and a warning to us all. The Real Crash is published by St. Martin’s Press and is available bow.
8 JUNE 2012
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19/06/2012 19:12
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k e e r to me… G
It’s all
It has almost seemed like a tale of two halves so far this year, with stock markets climbing steadily for most of the first quarter, before becoming jittery and falling since the end of March. Nonetheless there has been a common theme of politics and economic growth at the heart of market movements. By David Chapman Director, UK Retail Sales, BlackRock. The market strength that closed last year continued into early 2012, as stock markets climbed upwards and corporate bond spreads (the difference in their yield compared to benchmark government bonds) shrunk, showing a continued return of risk appetite. For the month of January, the S&P 500 (index of the 500 largest US companies) enjoyed its best start to the year since 19871. Emerging market shares were not left behind, with many indices posting strong gains. This was in part due to renewed optimism about the global economy, with stronger than expected economic data from the US and China in particular.
In general, risk assets, such as company shares, climbed until the middle-end of March, at which point the rally began to run out of steam. Many companies both in the US and Europe reported better than expected earnings, but this was not enough to buoy the wider market. Indeed, it served as a useful reminder of the real driver behind the market upswing. Central banks worldwide had stepped in throughout last year, but particularly towards the end of 2011, to prop up markets. Much of this was through supporting the European banking system; for example, six central banks lowered the dollar funding cost for European banks, enabling them to borrow money, and so fund themselves, more easily. In December the European 1. Bloomberg, 3 Feb 2012
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Central Bank (ECB) stepped up to the plate with a series of Long Term Refinancing Operations (LTROs), which really gave the struggling banks room to breathe. This support gave investors confidence that there would not be a catastrophic collapse of the European banking sector and that it was likely European policy makers and the central bank would stem contagion to other countries in the region. Elsewhere, the US Federal Reserve, UK Bank of England and even Bank of Japan have supported risk assets through quantitative easing (QE) programmes. However, as the first quarter came to an end, it became increasingly apparent that central banks were reluctant to provide any further “extraordinary support” for the time being. Combined with intensifying concerns about the eurozone and some signs that economic growth was dwindling in many regions, this took the wind out the stock market rally and indices worldwide have generally trended downward since as risk appetite has evaporated. For example, the FTSE All Share has now given back much of the gains made since the rally, which began in December. Over the past two months, European politics has once again dominated both newsstands and markets alike with investors on the alert for any political developments which threaten the stability of the eurozone. In April and May investors scrutinised the French and Greek elections. François Hollande, who went on to triumph over the incumbent Nicholas Sarkozy in France, campaigned for the need to introduce measures to stimulate growth in the region. On the surface this seemed to fly in the face of the austerity measures which Germany in particular is fighting to have implemented throughout the region. However, we do not believe that these are necessarily in opposition and they could work well together if Hollande secures support from other European leaders at the European Council meeting in June. The Greek elections, however, told a different story. In early May polling stations throughout Greece told of a country sick of austerity measures. The mainstream parties
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It’s all Greek to Me
lost their hold as anti-austerity, populist parties secured a high number of votes. However, no parties were able to form a viable coalition so the country will return to the polls in June. The upcoming election is being billed by European policy makers and the media alike as a referendum on the country staying in the euro. The outcome is far from certain, although recent surveys show Greeks overwhelmingly want to stay in the euro and we believe there is strong political will all round to keep the monetary union together. Nonetheless, until the situation is resolved, markets will continue to be held hostage. As a result, political and market turmoil is likely to intensify in the run-up to the next round of elections on June 17. The election of an antiausterity government could trigger a Greek default. This does not necessarily mean Greece would leave the eurozone, but it could spark bank runs that could potentially spread to
“Until the situation is resolved, markets will continue to be held hostage” Portugal, Spain and Italy. Europe’s defence against this and other “contagion” risks are inadequate with rescue funds still in gestation and no central decision making, we believe. The ECB does have the firepower to prevent the crisis escalating, but will not do so just to calm markets. The central bank tends to hold back so countries make a real effort to balance their books and restructure their economies. European policymakers have shown they will act decisively only in times of crisis – but their pain threshold is much higher than that of their US, UK or Japanese counterparts. This is because the weak (voters in indebted nations) do not vote in elections of the strong. We expect policy makers to act to stem further stresses, but only when tensions reach a tipping point. It will be particularly interesting to see the extent to which the European Council meeting on 28-29 June provides a road map for the greater fiscal and banking integration which is really needed if the euro area is going to survive intact. It is easy to fixate on the European sovereign debt crisis – and it has clearly played its part in the recent drop in risk appetite – however, the global growth background has also weakened. The global economy, which accelerated towards the end of last year and early this year, has slowed again more recently. Changes in global growth momentum
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have been a driving force behind risk-on/risk-off periods in markets in the past few years - and this time has been no exception. Inevitably, Europe has had its fair share of bad economic news, but many of the larger emerging economies, such as Brazil and China have also showed weakening trends. This makes the position of the US economy all the more important. The tone of recent economic data has remained patchy, but nonetheless the US economy is holding up reasonably well with a growth rate of around 2%. This is clearly not a boom, but our view is that this sort of growth rate (or a slightly more rapid one) is sustainable in the second half of the year and if the US does continue to grow at this rate, it is likely to limit the extent to which the rest of the world is going to deteriorate. We also believe the slowdowns in the larger emerging economies will stabilise in the second half of the year – and we will possibly even see signs of reacceleration. Overall we expect positive but moderate global growth, combined with declining inflation. However, it will not be a unified picture, with some regions growing faster than others. We also believe that risk assets, such as company shares, will make progress in the second half of 2012, but it will be a much bumpier ride than earlier in the year and we expect volatility to remain high, especially surrounding developments in Europe. « Research in this document has been produced and may been acted on by BlackRock for its own purposes. The views expressed herein are as of 28.05.2012 and do not constitute investment or any other advice; the views are subject to change and do not necessarily reflect the views of BlackRock as a whole or any part thereof. All financial investments involve an element of risk. Therefore, the value of your investment and the income from it will vary and your initial investment amount cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecti¬ng a product. Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited (authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority). Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Street London EC2N 2DL. Registered in England No. 2020394. Tel: 020 7743 3000. For your protection, telephone calls are usually recorded. BlackRock is a trading name of BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited.
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s e c la P l u if t u a e Most B to Wake-up
The
Swiss Cottage
Consider travel. Why on earth do we do it? It’s a very masochistic endeavour: deciding where to go, finding time to do it, overpaying agents, waiting at airports, delayed flights, aeroplane food, foreign languages, nowhere looking like it did in the brochure. What are we actually looking for? It’s so obvious, we never think to ask. Perhaps it’s the old cliché of escapism, or even worse, broadening the mind. If you know any holiday reps or air stewards, you’ll know this isn’t true. No matter how many times they work the London-Singapore-Perth route, they never get cleverer, more temperate, or more rounded. Maybe, then, it’s for that one moment; that epiphanic snapshot of subjective beauty, forever imprinted on the mind’s eye. Or perhaps it’s just for the sunburn and cocktails. Either way, here are our most beautiful places to open your eyes to.
Amsterdam
Swiss Cottage, Emma Inglis When Georgina, Duchess of Bedford, chose to indulge her passion for the Alps and build a Swiss cottage in the grounds of her Devonshire Estate in the nineteenth century, she found a spot of incomparable beauty. Tucked into a wooded fold, high above the River Tamar, her cottage ornée has breathtaking views of a forested landscape from its eerie position nestled into the hillside. Swiss Cottage is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. It is basic and simple, and furnished accordingly with sympathetic period pieces a la Suisse. But what it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in for charm. On a recent visit, I woke to the sound of the river and opened my leaded window to see the white-winged tips of an egret flit past. There was a pretty Swiss bowl in which to have my coffee and the wooden veranda, with the Tamar glinting below, seemed the perfect place to sit and drink it. A short walk away is the Duchess’s former home, Endsleigh House, now an intimate hotel owned by a branch of the Forte Group, where I managed to grab breakfast served with deference by bibbed and tuckered waiting staff. I couldn’t help thinking that it was a breakfast of which the Duchess and her Duke would have approved – piping hot tea served in silver teapots and a choice of kippers or devilled kidneys on a hearty breakfast menu. After breakfast,
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I strolled back along the Gatsbyesque lawn to my Alpine hideaway, passing the Duchess’s ornate summerhouse embedded with shells and crystals, which clearly gave her as much pleasure as her little Swiss cottage. Not before, nor since, have I woken in such a beautiful, perfect place.
Amsterdam, Laith Al-Kaisy I can’t actually recall a beautiful morning. When I try, I imagine a scene from a postcard or a film – a consensual idea of beauty. It’s not as if I haven’t travelled. On the contrary, I could probably recount every place, every airport, every train, every hotel, every meal, every beach, every crazy local, every woman, every passport confiscation (Serbia-
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Travel
Croatia border, obviously), but I’ll be damned if I can remember waking up to beauty. The closest I’ve come to it is Amsterdam – though it was more a case of staying awake than waking up. You’d find a lady of the night before a pint of milk at the Oudezijds Voorburgwal Canal. This neck of Amsterdam prides itself on being culturally residual, like marooned silt left on the delta of society, as art and intellectualism evolved and escaped to other parts of the city. Its beauty is its honesty – and like any place or person, it’s most honest first thing in the morning. At 5am, there are two groups of people: the workers and the stragglers; the bakers and the boozers. The atmosphere is paradoxical: the ethereal transition between dusk and dawn is foreboding, yet it’s just light enough to feel safe. Ink blot shadows scurry along the canal and walkways without sound. Quietness pervades the airless, utilitarian streets. If you’ve ever experienced an empty city – a city in a coma – you’ll understand the bliss. As the sun vies for attention and the moon gently wanes, that’s when the city is aesthetically faultless. The smell is bread and pastry. Light smothers the canal and glazes the windows of the quaint, gabled buildings – it could quite easily be a village. Thinking back, of course it’s beautiful, in the way that most things beyond presumption are beautiful. A beautiful place, then, is nothing to do with a picture on a postcard, or gilded sands with azure waters, or five-star hotels removed from reality. For me, it’s a city at its most bare and vulnerable; a city with its lid off and its lights out. The most precious and pulchritudinous thing about this little spot in Amsterdam is innate. It’s not contrived, advertised or explicable. It just is.
hull of a tall ship moored off one of the countless Greek islands; a skinny dip before breakfast, then up to savour fresh brewed coffee, croissants and fruit to finish; and then another day tracing tales of brave Ulysses in the fabled Aegean Sea. Now, excuse me, I need to go back to the beginning, she’s starting to feel neglected.
Himalayas
Too hard to choose, Graeme Morpeth In my lover’s arms, with her satin smooth skin, and long tresses draped over me in languid, post-coital peace… the view across the balcony showing the last vestiges of sunset across the Andaman sea, fading quickly to that wonderful rich purple blackness that is the night sky in the tropics. The Ed did ask me – though I think he was thinking about geography, rather than biology – to paint the picture. In truth, there are so many stunning places, it would be difficult to name but one, so perhaps a couple of locations to suit the mood might offer a better solution. For the adventurer in me – and this will be during late August, and early September – a tent on the foothills of the Himalayas, at about 18,000 feet, close to Leh in the Ladakh region; scrambling out of my sleeping bag, rousing my companion (see above) and savouring the crystal clear air, bright sunshine, and the absolute quiet of the moment. A quick dip in the local stream with the water at about 1ºC, enough to blast away the cobwebs of sleep – for miles. And then it’s into the groove: tea and lots of porridge for breakfast before setting off trekking, following in the footsteps of Isabella Bird, the most famous female Victorian explorer. To cater for my sybaritic side (and see above again): waking to the sound of the Aegean slapping gently on the
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St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Emma Hare As a former resident of St. Petersburg, I can tell you with some authority to cast out the image of grey communist tower blocks from your mind. This is a beautiful, chaotic place – a vibrant collision of modernity and tradition. St. Petersburg is Moscow’s younger, prettier sister. Called the Venice of the North, because of the network of canals running through it, the city is more accessible and more upbeat than Moscow, which is an eight hour train ride away. (But if you’re looking to take a trip, trust me, in Russia, that’s not far.) Right at the heart of St. Petersburg is Nevsky Prospect, my home for six months, and my favourite place in the world. Nevsky is the main street in the city, with a dizzying array of high-end shops, little cafes and the odd architectural masterpiece thrown in (the Hermitage and the Church on
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the Spilt Blood, to name just two). In summer, during the White Nights, when the sun literally doesn’t set, my friends and I would happily spend hours taking a sophisticated bar crawl down Nevsky, drinking far too many White Russians. When winter hits Nevsky, a whole other side is revealed. Whilst temperatures plummet, brave Russian women hit the streets in mini-skirts and furs, and nip into cafes for a cognac to stave off the cold. Tourists scuttle into hotels to hole up away from the snow. Unlike them, the snow was always a welcome sight to me – winter changes Nevsky, and in spectacular fashion. There is no more beautiful place to be in the world than on Nevsky Prospect, watching the snow cover up the dirt of the city at the end of a long day. With a cognac in hand, of course.
Zermatt
Zermatt, Peter Robinson There is something about Alpine air that’s really quite distinct. When you’re from England, you’re not used to regular snowfall and, as such, regress to a childlike state when presented with stereotypical winter weather. So, upon arriving in Zermatt one December evening, despite everyone’s generally chipper demeanour due to the abundance of ‘travelling gin’, my sunny disposition was due to the fact that it was my first holiday on snow. As we had arrived late that evening, under the cover of darkness and cloud, there was little to see of the grand Swiss mountain range. After the hilarity of the hot-tub, friends slipping on frozen stone and champagne, we fell into bed. I awoke the following morning to a cup of fresh coffee being placed gently on my bedside table by one of the staff and rolled over to see a truly breathtaking vista: the sun rising over the Matterhorn. At 14,690 feet, the Matterhorn is an impressive site and dominates the skyline of the canton of Valais. I rallied every sober part of my body towards my time-lapse camera and bolted it to my balcony; these were scenes that couldn’t be missed. As I stood there, even though my feet were getting ever closer to that of adventurer Ranulph Fiennes and slowing freezing to the deck, I was transfixed by the Matterhorn. When I ascended the chalet stairs after coffee, it was reminiscent of Spielberg’s scene from Close Encounters when Richard Dreyfuss and Melinda Dillon finally see Devil’s Mountain. Everyone was transfixed, as if they were being called to gaze out the window. Luckily, this moment of cinematic gold was broken by the sound of the chef placing his platter of smoked salmon onto the oak dining table. Ours was a shared experience – but one that none of us will soon forget.
Cancun, Huw Thomas When I think back on the best place I have ever regained consciousness, it’s hard to get past the week my wife and I spent in a cabin on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. South of the high-rises of Cancun, it was a glimpse of what the megaresort must have been like before it was swamped by largescale tourist development. For someone whose formative seaside experiences revolved around the grey skies and sands of Aberystwyth in Mid Wales, the impossibly blue waters and miles of pristine white beach were revelatory.
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Cancun
The cabin itself, though comfortable, was far from luxurious. Its lukewarm saltwater shower and dim, solarpowered lighting would have been totally out of place in any of the glitzier hotels further up the coast. The only air conditioning came from gaps between the planks of the wooden walls, which allowed the cooling sea breeze to flow through. But Cancun’s concrete monstrosities could not rival its setting. Lying directly on a mostly deserted beach, a 30-metre walk from the door would find you up to your waist in the ocean. The sound of the sea was a constant presence. It lulled us to sleep every night and eased us back into wakefulness every morning. Some days would begin with a pre-breakfast dip in the surf, nature’s own hangover cure. If we were feeling less energetic, it was the work of a moment to open the cabin’s door and watch the crashing waves from the comfort of bed. The unspoilt location allowed an unusual proximity to nature. Pelicans fished along the shore and land crabs would make a nightly pilgrimage from the tree line to the sea. We once found a gecko in our bathroom. In an average hotel, such a reptilian interloper would be a cause of great concern. There, it felt like part of the experience. It all comes down to what you’re looking for in a place to stay. For some it’s round the clock room service and hot tubs, for us it was the possibility of coming face to face with wildlife while in the shower. In a choice between real or manufactured paradise, I’d make the same decision every time. «
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Talking the
k l a T
Peter Robinson counts down the minutes with Sir David Frost. “Well, we’ve done 28 minutes, but we’ve covered the field I hope?” You’re timing it, Sir David? “No, I just have a clock in front of me. “Well, I have it at 27 minutes and 34 seconds. He laughs, “Well, we’re in agreement on everything then.”
Sir David Frost had more than 28 hours with Nixon. I had less than half an hour to try and get under this broadcasting institution’s skin. But how do you interview Sir David Frost, a man who has taken world leaders, royalty and the celebrity elite to task? A man who clearly commands occult-like powers when it comes to getting the truth? The 73-year-old son of a Methodist Minister, he became a household name on both sides of the Atlantic, and shows no sign of stopping. After studying at Cambridge, he came to television in the early 1960s, presenting the groundbreaking BBC show That Was The Week That Was. In 1969, he also introduced the much-criticised trial by television, notably of Emil Savundra – head of a cut-price car insurance company that swindled thousands of motorists. I was intrigued as to how Sir David managed to maintain such a disciplined approach and not, like so many interviewers, lose his cool with his subjects?
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“I am very fortunate in the sense that I don’t normally get nervous, and even before the vital Watergate sessions of the Nixon interviews, I wasn’t nervous then either. I was concentrating, focusing, lasering in on the subject we were about to discuss and so on, but I don’t get nervous in that sense, which is obviously a great plus for interviewing, because often your first task is to relax the person your interviewing, and if you’re nervous and un-relaxed yourself, that’s much more difficult.” This leads me onto an area which I’m positive has been covered in excruciating depth. I feel like I should take some advice from Sir David and avoid the subject altogether, as let’s face it, what could be left to tell? I hazard a question: I can imagine that when interviewing President Nixon you made it clear from the outset that you were there to get answers? “That’s right, obviously some of the famous questions are ad-libbed but others are ones that you know you have to get an answer to, and so one concentrates on getting to those vital questions, but at the same time, in any interview, you’ve always got to be ready for a subject that you’re not expecting to come up that seems very fruitful. For instance, some great material came during mine and President Nixon’s ‘small talk’
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time. He had no small talk, yet he insisted upon five minutes of it before each meeting. His verbal clumsiness was odd, because he was such a professional politician. Once he said, ‘Did you do any fornicating this weekend?’ He was trying to be one of the boys with me, but he got the words wrong. Lovers don’t call themselves fornicators any more than freedom fighters call themselves terrorists.” Nixon may well be considered to be Sir David’s crowning achievement. It’s been said that he sacrificed a lot to get the interview – be it fiscally, commercially and through existing relationships. I ask whether, from the outset, he had the conviction that Nixon would open up on camera. “Well I was extremely hopeful that we would get him to open up on some of the key topics, but perhaps not all. In fact, what happened in the end is we went further – he went further – than we could have even predicted in terms of his confessions.” Even today, Sir David seems every bit enthused as he was some 30 years ago. I pry, asking how it felt when Nixon did utter those infamous words. “When the president does it, that means it’s not illegal,” he replies candidly. “He is cementing his ignominy there and then. Sometimes you’re delighted when someone is being very frank about a subject. Then your task, obviously, is to persuade them to go further and sometimes that is just by a short pause or a silence and the person comes forward with more things that he’s got to say. So if there is a silence, it’s a question of working out whether it’s potentially a very fruitful silence, or whether they have just forgotten what they were going to say.” With such a varied history of interviewing high-profile people, one wonders who’s left to interrogate. “I look forward very much to my next interview with Vladimir Putin, who is a fascinating man to interview. We’ve had two sessions, which were both very fruitful, one when he was acting president at the beginning of 2000, and the other before his state visit to the UK. Vladimir Putin is a very intriguing and provocative figure.” It should make for an interesting interview given the increased scrutiny on the Russian government, in respect of freedom of speech. I’m keen to ask Sir David what he thinks will happen to investigative journalism given the ongoing Leveson inquiry exploring the boundaries of journalism and notions of privacy. “I think that obviously there are times when it does appear that investigative journalism is under threat, and given the recent fuss over the bugging and all of that, it has looked as though investigative journalism could be. At the same time, a lot of the pressure has been towards more free speech rather than less. It could go in a way that makes investigative journalism more difficult, or it could make it more free, and I suppose the recent stories that have emanated from the Sunday Times about Peter Krellis show that investigative journalism is alive and well at the moment. It needs vigilance now because it’s very important that the outcome of all these enquiries is not to lessen the freedom of speech in this country, but to increase it. Lessening the freedom of speech would have dire consequences.” I think it’s fair to say that Sir David has done his fare share
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for the cause. Choosing Al-Jazeera was a bold choice in 2005. The station was mainly known in the western world for carrying exclusive Al-Qaeda messages. With many news outlets willing to bend over backward for Sir David’s services after leaving Breakfast with Frost, what gave this western unknown the edge? “The reason that Al Jazeera was such an irresistible opportunity was that I felt that it might be the last time that a brand new news network covering the world would actually emerge. It made Al Jazeera English’s trailblazing plans very much irresistible. When Al Jazeera English started and when we started our show, Frost Over the World, they had 50 countries and 20 million households in terms of reach. In the six years – it’s amazing that it’s six years – it’s risen to 130 countries and the reach has gone to 250 million households. So the response to Al Jazeera has in fact been even better than one could have anticipated. It underlined that I felt I had made the right decision to say yes to their invitation.” In 2011, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the network’s news coverage was more informative and less opinion-driven than American journalism. A great brand ambassador, if ever you needed the US administration’s support. “Absolutely, that was a really strong endorsement, a very valuable one, and I’m sure that speech that she made did increase the positive impact of Al Jazeera English. The other thing they very wisely did was to say that we want to do a little more from the south of the world rather than the north. We
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still cover the north of the world, America and Britain and so on, but we do tend, sometimes in this part of the globe, to underplay the rest of the world. So, it’s been a revelation to people – the material from South America and South East Asia and Africa. Africa has been a tremendously fruitful area for Al Jazeera English as well. It’s a very big part of the expansion.” A credible news organisation opening up to a series of countries that are disenfranchised inevitably opens doors to individuals that the western press has never had the opportunity to gain access to, I would imagine? “Yes, I think that Al Jazeera has developed as wide a possible an access and that has been a tremendous help. It really has helped to make it – not just because of the Middle East – the most genuinely, international network. That’s what’s underlined its impact I feel.” We are certainly living in uncertain times – politically, economically and socially. Al Jazeera has been on the forefront for the last three years, covering a period of mounting unrest. Have you seen anything like this before and are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future? “There was a real parallel back in the early ‘70s when the FTSE Index came down to something as low as 200 or 150, I mean it was a real crisis and in a way it had even more impact that the current one, in terms of the sort of the crash that went around in ‘74. So that was very good training for this one, and in fact it probably had even more of an instant impact, although obviously there’s a continuing impact from this one.” It seems that the only people weathering the financial impact these days are bankers and footballers, I reply,
deciding to change tact. There were stories that, growing up, you were interested in becoming a professional footballer for Nottingham Forest. Actually, I’m told you were rather good. Does your interest in sport extend to rugby? “Yes, but not as passionately as football. Even though at my grammar school, Wellingborough Grammar School, they played rugby, I was playing for the local football team on a Saturday. I had to do my best when playing for my house during the week, but somehow manage to arrange not to be selected for the first or second fifteen at the weekend. It was a pretty good juggling act.” You always cite your interview with Sammy Davis Jr. as a great moment. My grandfather introduced me to the Rat Pack at a very young age, so I have to ask, was he every inch the entertainer he seemed? “I’m so glad you raise the question of Sammy Davis Jr., because I think he was undoubtedly the greatest all-round entertainer the world has ever seen. He was so generous, because at the beginning of the ‘70s, I was doing the David Frost Show in New York, and the rules of the talk show were that people got a minimal fee of $350 dollars. I think it’s only $500 odd now. So, $350 – and in addition to appearing for the interview, we had an orchestra, Sammy sang eight songs with the band, did about twenty impressions in the conversation, and did a wonderful dance. At the end of the show, he said ‘Thank you David, I must thank you’. I said absolutely not, I’m the one that should be giving the thanks, because what you have given us here is just magic. Sammy said ‘Whenever I want to give a friend of mine a present, I never like to just get them
e during mine and “Great material cam , all talk’. Once he said President Nixon’s ‘sm ?’” nicating this weekend or f y an do u yo id ‘D
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something from the shop, I like to give them something of my own’. At which point, he took off his magnificent diamond watch and gave it to me. It was a breathtaking moment, just incredible and it became my most prized possession for about 12 years, until it was stolen from a hotel room. But it was just a typical example of what a generous soul Sammy Davis Jr. was, as well as a magnificent artist.” Having interviewed such an eclectic mix of stars from the stage and screen, it’s no surprise that Sir David returned to the BBC this year, with a guide to the art of television interviewing, called Frost on Interviews. How has the interview changed since you first started? “Over the last 50 or 60 years, from the very bland interviews that people did with politicians back in the ‘50s, interviewing in politics has got sterner and tougher, which is all for the good. At the same time, in terms of film stars and celebrities, interviews have got softer, because more and more spin doctors are getting involved. Tony Blair made policy up on the air. In 2000 when he was under pressure over the NHS, he told me he was going to boost the level of spending on the NHS to the European average, which was not what he’d told Gordon Brown who, by all accounts, was furious. The next Thursday I went for drinks at Number Eleven and saw two Treasury mandarins. One of them said, ‘You cost us £15bn on Sunday morning’. And the other one said, ‘No, it was much more than that’.” You say interviews were previously bland, but did anyone stick out? Who influenced you back then? “The interviewer who most influenced me was John Freeman. His interviews were called Face to Face in the late ‘50s. They were stunning in the sense that they were so in-depth and to the point. He was also a very serious
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interviewer. But in terms of getting to the basics, which I think a lot of interviewing is about, answering the question ‘what makes people tick’, he was at the forefront of developing the questions on that front. Freeman’s manner was neither aggressive nor provocative, but the questions were fairly forthright, combining that with the camera work of the show which focused almost exclusively on the face of the interviewee, the interview was more like a session on a psychiatrist’s couch. “It had an element of that certainly didn’t it,” Sir David replies. “That’s a very interesting observation.” You have been noted for your friendly, non-aggressive approach to interviewing. How do you view the ‘Paxman’ approach? “[Laughs] Well obviously I never like to comment on colleagues, but the basic point is that it’s no good going into an interview in a really combative way unless you’ve got the goods. I always remember one remark that the late Labour leader John Smith made to me after the last interview we did together. He said, ‘David, you have a way of asking beguiling questions with potentially lethal consequences’. I said I would be very happy to have that on my tomb stone. In other words, yes, of course you can be confrontational, as long as it’s a real confrontation. Doing it in order to sound tough, but without the goods, it won’t work.” Indeed, Frost’s inimitable style will continue to influence a new generation. It seem as though he’ll be on our TV screens, in one way or another, forever. At this point, our time is up. Sir David charismatically wishes me good luck and offers to help with anything else I might need. Perhaps an invitation to your garden party, Sir David? «
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He Left Me 5,000
s e l b i B n o e d i G
‘He was very generous… in the divorce settlement, my husband left me 5,000 Gideon Bibles...’ It doesn’t take an expert to realise that, when going through a relationship or family breakdown, heightened emotions bring out challenges that even the most experienced divorce solicitor can balk at. For the majority of people this means distressing negotiations over property, businesses, children and finances. However, as always, the celebrity world can be relied on to provide some truly bizarre examples of divorce settlements.
request during his divorce: he wanted his cheating wife to return the kidney he’d given her. Dr. Batista gave his wife, Dawnell, a kidney in 2001 and as part of the messy divorce, he claimed that he would either like the organ or compensation of $1.5 million. Legal scholars were skeptical of Batista’s request given that a) organ donation is legally a gift, not a loan and b) losing her ex-husband’s kidney would have been ruinous for Dawnell Batista’s health. The judge eventually rejected this claim.
Not such a big hit Marvin Gaye might have been a great singer, but he wasn’t so good at keeping track of his personal finances. He spent lavishly, which meant that he often couldn’t cover his bills. He was having particularly big trouble footing the bill for his 1977 divorce from Anna Gordy, so Gaye’s lawyer worked out a novel settlement: Gaye would record a new album and give all of the royalties to Gordy as alimony. Gaye headed into the studio and recorded the double album Here, My Dear to fulfil this deal with Gordy. Unfortunately for Gordy, critics and audiences didn’t love Gaye’s divorce-themed concept album; although today’s critics praise the album it was the singer’s worst charting record of the 1970s.
Getting your goat Australian Steve Killeen managed to get his ex-wife’s goat in their divorce. Literally. When Killeen and his wife split, he ended up with her pet goat, which he now takes for daily walks through Sydney.
Giving back a gift In 2009, Long Island’s Dr. Richard Batista made an odd
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Not so clever now Nobel laureates may be some of the world’s cleverest people, but even they can get caught out by their divorce settlements. Take Robert Lucas, the 1995 winner of the economics prize. As part of his 1988 divorce settlement, his ex-wife got half of the funds from any future Nobel win, so when Lucas picked up the prize in 1995, he handed over half of the cash to his ex wife. Lucas must have been particularly irritated that the divorce settlement clause actually expired in 1995, so if he had
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received the Nobel just one year later, he wouldn’t have had to share a penny. Lucas could at least take comfort in knowing he was in good company. All of Albert Einstein’s prize money from his 1921 win in physics went to his ex-wife, Mileva Maric. A fair split Cambodian couple Moeun Sarim and Vat Navy had been married for 18 years when they decided to part ways last year. Husband Moeun accused his wife of infidelity, so he decided to take the whole “splitting everything 50-50” concept to its logical conclusion. Moeun had his family come over and cut away half of the couple’s 20’ x 24’ house. While his wife’s half of the marital home remained standing, he deconstructed his own portion and carried the building supplies back to his parents’ home. What many of these stories demonstrate is that people forget the importance of taking the longer-term view, when ending their marriage. You may well be aware of the need to rewrite your Will, following a divorce (yes, that’s right… divorce may cancel out your marriage but it doesn’t cancel out your Will) but what about other matters? Have you thought about plans you previously put in place concerning Powers of Attorney or Trusts? What about provision for your children or charitable
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giving? How about property or business matters? These stories may make us laugh now but there is no avoiding the distressing and very serious situations that provoke and underpin a relationship and family breakdown. As these stories show, getting divorced is far more than simply saying “I don’t… any longer”. With increasingly complicated lives the door is open for everything from confusion and misinterpretation, through to the totally bizarre. Which brings us back to the celebrity world… When hotelier Conrad Hilton married the younger Hungarian actress and beauty queen Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1942, the union raised some eyebrows. Eventually, Gabor got tired of Hilton and began sleeping with her stepson, Nicky. Hilton and Gabor ended up divorcing in 1947, and she picked up $275,000 in the process. Gabor later joked, “Conrad Hilton was very generous in the divorce settlement. He gave me 5,000 Gideon Bibles.” « If you feel that you would like to discuss your relationship breakdown with an expert you can contact Wards Solicitors on 0117 9292811. Wards Solicitors have 9 branches in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset. To find out more about the services we can provide please go to our website at www.wards.uk.com
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Discerning Following a successful evening of wine tasting and merriment at the Lansdown Place offices, we interview Raj Soni, owner of R.S. Wines in Bristol, who organised the event. With over twenty-five years in the business, Raj reveals the secrets behind the art of wine tasting. How did the wine tasting at Lansdown Place go?
With lots of energy! I had a good idea of the style of wines that might appeal to the team, so I themed the tasting around Spanish wines. It was quite a big and diverse group, so it was important to quickly get a feel as to where to ‘pitch’ it, and as it was directly after work for everyone, it was about creating an interesting experience for people, but in a totally relaxed environment. There was a lot of laughing by the end of the evening! What is special about R.S. Wines?
We’re an independent wine merchants, which means we are free to select all our wines based on the values that we think are important, such as working with small and family wine producers who believe in sustainable wine growing; having high quality wines that are good value; having interesting wines and working with lesser known grape varieties to bring diversity to our customers; and loving wine for the love of wine. How did you become involved in wine?
I started by getting a driving job for a wine merchants in Bristol when I came back from university. After a couple more jobs connected with wine, I decided to set up my own wine business. I bought a few cases of wine and a small parcel of champagne, and here I am 27 years later!
What were the first lessons you learned when wine tasting?
That tasting is not drinking – and the only way to learn is to taste, and keep tasting. You discover that it takes time to understand this wonderful and unique drink. Every time I pop a cork, I learn something. Is there a wine tasting scene in the UK?
Definitely. Most places have wine clubs or tasting circles. Some of them have a particular focus, for example I’m a member of The Madeira Club and, among many others, also belong to ‘The Jeroboam Club and The Sediment Club. There are always new people looking to join them.
“The only way to learn is to taste. Every time I pop a cork, I learn something” How do wine tasting sessions differ from each other?
Tastings can be focused on a country, or a region, or a grape variety, or any combination of those things. If you join a tasting circle, you will probably have access to wine you otherwise might not taste or try. Tastings can also be ‘vertical’ or ‘horizontal’ – and that’s not based on how much you consume! Any tips on how best to get in to wine tasting?
Invite me round for dinner!
How would you define wine tasting, and what should people be looking for?
What is your favourite wine? And have you made any recent discoveries?
Wine tasting is a physical, mental and intellectual process which allows you to appreciate and enjoy wine on many levels, depending on experience. Tasting wine and deciding whether you like it or not is one thing, but if you can learn how to evaluate its qualities and whether it is a ‘good’ wine, that’s the next level. Before you know it, you’ll be a passionate wine lover.
In the world of wine, things change, because wine changes. That’s why there is always so much to discover. But I have to say, Burgundy wines are my favourite. I was there a couple of weeks ago and found a great new wine grower in the heart of the region, with a winery under his house and vines growing right outside his front door, making fantastic Burgundy that epitomises the romance of this beautiful wine region. Perfect. «
Can anyone train their palate for wine?
Yes, all you need are taste buds and a sense of smell – and a good memory helps!
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e t a Pal
For more information about R.S. Wines, please visit: www.rswines.co.uk
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Leading
William Montgomery has worked with a who’s who of high-profile professionals, including Liverpool Football Club, many of whom join him on his annual leadership cruises to participate in his acclaimed leadership development and mentoring programme. The next leadership cruise takes place aboard Queen Mary 2, sailing from Southampton to New York, between 15 and 22 December 2012. Drawing on his experience and research, here are William’s top ten ways to influence people.
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Leading The Way
The ability to form mutually respectful relationships with others and to succeed in getting your ideas heard is a vital element of being a good manager. Having influence enables you to gain support and commitment for your proposals, and therefore increase your potential for success.
1. Be influential Effective influencers are convincing and trustworthy, and both these qualities require self-management. In order to persuade others to accept your point of view, it is necessary to present a clear case that matches their needs. 2. Develop influential attitudes Effective influencers usually have a mission. They are motivated by their values and so they are able to lead others effectively. Identify your needs, hopes and values, cultivate your leadership abilities, and start becoming more proactive.
7. Form networks Building a network of supporters and allies, and potential helpers is the key to successful influencing. Make it a lifelong habit to form partnerships and cultivate alliances through a genuine interest in the people around you. 8. Motivate individuals and teams Build trusting relationships with individuals, understand their values, involve them in decision-making, secure their commitment, and give the necessary support. Define a team purpose, bring together diverse talents, and harmonise efforts. 9. Negotiate successfully It requires tact and diplomacy to handle negotiations well. Focus on interests rather than positions, prepare thoroughly, generate alternatives, remain composes when dealing with difficulties, and work to defuse disagreements.
“Build trusting relationships with individuals, understand their values, involve them in decision-making, secure their commitment, and give the necessary support” 3. Let your intelligence be emotional The ability to manage oneself and to build better relationships with others is vital for a successful influencer. Be aware of your own emotions, be sensitive to the feelings of others, and always act with honesty and openness. 4. Develop empathy Empathy is the ability to read a person’s responses by imaginatively putting yourself in his or her place. Develop this skill by listening, and by asking questions that get to the root of concerns, so that you can lead discussions in a positive way. 5. Engage interest To influence people effectively, you need to find a connection between your goals and their needs and wishes. Find out what the other party wants, and use key words that emphasise these benefits as part of your proposals – draw your listener in. 6. Project the future Inspire individuals or teams so that they are motivated to achieve the goals you have set out. Engage the imagination of others by encouraging them to consider the practical, far-reaching, and exciting implications of your ideas and proposals.
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10. Dissolve conflict With the best intentions, opposing views can escalate. Work to dissolve any conflict by acknowledging differences, validating other people’s feelings, creating dialogue by referring to neutral criteria, and looking for areas in which you can agree. « To subscribe to William’s free weekly email: 10 things you didn’t know last week, which includes tips on how to achieve leadership excellence, visit www.askten.co.uk
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Spirit of the
s e m a G
“Great is the victory, but the friendship is all the greater”, said Emil Zatopek, the Czech long-distance runner, of The Olympics. Every four years, The Olympics return to embody all that is good within humanity: endurance, success, discipline, multiculturalism, celebration, unity, team work, humility, awe – the list goes on. Here are some of the Games’ most lasting images, the moments that captured the hearts and minds of people everywhere. e dals at five consecutiv ve, who won gold me dium, Sta ic mp Oly Above: Steve Redgra new The 1984 to 2000. Below: Olympic Games, from island. and was built on an 000 80, ts sea , don Lon
American swim mer Mark Spitz won seven gold medals at the 19 72 Munich Olym pic Games, and was the mo st successful ath lete that year.
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Olympic Games 2012
Left: Sebastian Coe won four medals, inc luding the 1500 metres go ld medal in 1980 and 1984. Below: Kelly Ho lmes won gold medals for 800m and 1500m at Athens 2004.
The Black Powe r salute at the 1968 Game s was one of the most consp icuous political statem ents in Olympic history.
won the Above: Daley Thompson the 1980 decathlon gold medal at broke the and 1984 Olympics, and Right: Longworld record four times. pek, who distance runner Emil Zato at the 1952 won three gold medals Helsinki Olympics.
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r e g n e s s e M
Don’t Shoot the
Laith Al-Kaisy gets an economic forecast from Gerald Celente, the man who is never wrong.
“It’s a beautiful spring day in north New York,” chirps a happy-go-lucky voice at the end of the phone. The voice is Gerald Celente, who you probably haven’t heard of, but definitely should have. Celente is the publisher of the Trends Journal and founder of The Trends Research Institute. In America, he’s a big deal. That’s because, in 2004, he predicted the housing collapse and global recession. When it eventually hit in 2007, Celente went from being a ‘pessimist porn dealer’ to ‘the man who knows what he’s talking about’. And for a man who is predicting that the worst is yet to come, he sounds surprisingly upbeat.
“I’m a political atheist,” he begins, “I look at things for the way they are, not how I want them to be.” The recession isn’t the only thing Celente has predicted with frightening accuracy. There’s the dot-com bust, the fall of the Soviet Union, the war in Iraq, the ‘too-big-to-fail’ trend, the list goes on and on. The pressing question, however, is how he does it. “Take an economic issue. You can’t look at it as a basket of statistics. You have to look at social, political and geopolitical issues too. I have a saying that opportunity misses those who view the world through the eyes of their profession. People look at the world as though they’re the centre of it, rather than as an observer. I’m an observer of the world. You can see the face of the future by what you
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create, and the same thing holds true whether it’s a person, a community, or a country. That’s the way I do it.” What separates the 65-year-old from other forecasters, though, is his past. He was Assistant to the Secretary of the New York Senate (“the worst job I ever had”), but became disaffected by “watching grown men grovel all day long.” He attributes his political atheism and career change to a single event: Jimmy Carter’s support of the Shah of Iran, despite public desire for his overthrow. “The destabilisation would have meant a rise in gold and oil prices. So I started speculating in gold and oil futures. I made enough money to quit my job.” Which factors, then, helped to forecast the current crisis? “It was so simple,” Celente laments, as if we all should have seen it. “They were lowering interest rates to forty-year lows and pumping the markets with cheap money. And they’re doing it again. Look at Europe – they just pumped about €400 plus billion into the banking system so the banks could borrow at 1%. And now they’re going to double it up again. You don’t have to be a genius to figure this one out.” Celente’s biggest gripe, however, is how the masses are paying for the mistakes of a few. “The banks made bad bets, but don’t want to take a haircut. Instead, they’re going to screw you and get money from you, from the Greeks, from the Italians, from the French, from the Germans, from everybody. Then there are the austerity measures – raising
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Don’t Shoot the Messenger
nothing left to lose, they lose it. You’re also looking at the taxes, cutting benefits, cutting pensions, cutting services, beginning of the first great war of the twenty-first century. increasing costs, increasing tuition fees. The whole system is Look at Iran. The Iranians are not Iraqis, they’re Persians. collapsing. They’re now downgrading national debts – and If anyone attacks them, it’ll be hell. We’re very concerned you know what that means?” about it. This isn’t hyperbole.” I interject and say that, if this were the case, then we You only have to watch the news to see the war drums have indeed been “screwed”. The bankers who messed up beating. If it happens, it’ll be yet another accurate forecast and took a public bailout – our taxes – are now lowering for Celente. government credit ratings. So effectively, we’re paying a I ask how he proposes we protect our assets and higher interest rate on the money we gave them to loan back investments. “80% of my money is in gold. I’ve been buying to us. Ouch. It feels like we’re creeping into some unsettling gold since 1978. My first buy was at $187 an ounce, my last territory. I dare to ask the begging question: is it architected? was $1702. I buy silver to a lesser extent, and I keep cash”. “The moneychangers control the whole show at every Prepare for the worst, you have nothing to lose by doing so. level. They just change their name. They’ve gone from We have a bunch of psychopaths and sociopaths running the moneychangers to loan sharks to bankers. It’s usury – people show. If you’re going to put your trust in these people, you have become enslaved by the banks. These are money deserve what you get. You need to start thinking for yourself, junkies. The gap between rich and poor is wider than ever. the information is out there. The Trends Journal isn’t The middle class doesn’t exist anymore. The middle class hyperbole – it contains fact after fact after fact. If anyone could live comfortably at one time, but it’s gone. Money is wants to dispute the facts, let’s talk.” concentrated in the hands of the few. This isn’t lefty talk or And with that, Celente hangs up the telephone with a speculation – it’s a fact.” “Ciao-ciao.” It’s a conversation that still resonates now, a Celente’s voice fluctuates between ire and disbelief, week later. Is it pessimism porn? Has Celente just been lucky as if he’s realising his own theories for the first time. with his past predictions, or is he the voice of reason? One Understandably so: the streets would be rivers of blood if thing’s for sure: we’ll find out by the end of this year. « his claims were more widely acknowledged. But the same question continues to bug me: why would our leaders let this happen? Does understanding the economic situation involve a harsh reality check on the nature of our officials? “People have become “Yes,” he retorts (perhaps I shouldn’t have enslaved by the banks. asked). “And the nature of our leaders is this: This isn’t lefty talk or they’re the same people you couldn’t stand in high school and college, who wanted to be class speculation – it’s a fact” president. Let me tell you something, the senate and congress are allowed inside information of what is going to happen. They then go into the financial markets and make bets based on that information. Take Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, she’s worth over $100 million. You think she got that because she’s so damn smart? They make this money because they are members of a very small club.” Celente has a knack for making it all sound like the scoop of the century. Speaking to him, though, is a very sobering experience, but not for the reasons you may think. In a landscape saturated by political language and mediaspeak, it’s refreshing to hear someone with personality and conviction, even if he isn’t the bearer of good news. Indeed, the most recent Trends Journal couldn’t be bleaker. I ask Celente to elucidate: “It’s actually what we forecast in previous Trends Journals too: class warfare. People are as angry as can be. Everyone knows they’re getting screwed. Where’s it going? Social unrest, as it did this past summer in the UK. When people lose everything and have
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Briefcase
e c i t s u J Once upon a time, as a moderately experienced trainee solicitor, I was sent at short notice up to Cheltenham County Court to apply to set a statutory demand aside, to stop my feckless client going bankrupt. I was given a file some 6 inches thick, a copy of the Green Book and told to succeed. With little time to prepare, I did the best I could, but the irascible District Judge was having none of my arguments and threw them all out. Dejected, I packed up all the papers, and the Green Book, into my old brown attaché case and left the Court.
This particular attaché case had been a gift from my parents when I started secondary school. I was already marked out as a girly swot, or ‘posh’ because I did not live on the local council estate, and had somehow got away with less of a Portsmouth accent than the others. Also, whilst my schoolfellows had the latest sports bags or backpacks, I had a high-quality brown leather attaché case from the local cobblers. This was clearly a highly practical bag, hardwearing and capacious, but for a schoolboy it was not ideal. It was regularly snatched from me, used to taunt me, and thrown in the road or over hedges etc. I was very relieved when I was allowed to leave it at home in favour of a sports bag instead. It did, however, suit my new career perfectly. It was not new & shiny and so it made me look more
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experienced. It would also comfortably swallow an enormous amount of paper and books. So, on the day in question, it was extremely heavy. It was of course all the heavier because I was leaving court with my tail between my legs, too.
“He tumbled to the floor, and his mate promptly tripped over him. As they lay sprawled in a heap, the pursuing police apprehended them” Cheltenham County Court used to be in the middle of the pedestrianised shopping precinct. It has since been closed by the Department of Justice – and the DJ in question pensioned off.
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Briefcase Justice
As I made my way through the crowded shopping precinct, I was rather upset. I was annoyed that the DJ had ignored all my points and worried about what my boss would say when I got back to the office. I had plenty of experience talking to Judges and had been pretty successful in court up until this point. This was before the days of widespread use of mobile phones, so I had not been able to report back quite so easily as one can nowadays. However, my attention was caught by some shouting ahead of me. Two young lads came running through the precinct, with two police officers in hot pursuit. The crowds in front of me began to part to get out of their way. I had a choice. Either I followed the crowd and moved out of the way, or I stayed put. Hefting my attaché case, I decided that no backwards-hat merchants were going to force me to bend my footsteps away from my intended course. They came belting straight for me, looking over their shoulders at the police officers.
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Thus it was that the attaché case became forevermore the briefcase of justice. I lifted it, and swung it in front of me straight into the first oncoming yob. As the case impacted with his chest, he bounced off to my right, reeling from the blow of the Green Book and case papers. He tumbled to the floor, and his mate promptly tripped over him. As they lay sprawled in a heap, the pursuing police apprehended them. As I had no wish to face a complaint of assault, I walked off through the crowds, but I could hear the officers expressing their thanks. Ever since, the briefcase of justice has accompanied me to court. Case won or lost, I have always appreciated its reassuring heft in my hand. « You can contact Wards Solicitors on 0117 9292811. Wards Solicitors have 9 branches in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset. To find out more about the services we can provide please go to our website at www.wards.uk.com.
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a i n o d e l a C
Cruising
Graeme Morpeth discovers the wonder of small ship cruises.
Life, it is said, is the sum of all our memories. Mathematicians could reduce it to something like L=Mn with ‘M’ being the numbers of memories, and ‘n’ some sort of cumulative index. Dull isn’t it? There are many examples of this sort of uninteresting approach to life and memories. Take cruise ships, where you too can join 3500 other people (you have to join them, you can’t get away), playing bingo, watching movies, swimming in small sized pools with large numbers of people (or smaller numbers of large people?). In other words, using the ship as a fully-serviced, ennui simulacrum of your own life, for a relatively short period of time.
There are, fortunately, alternatives for those who want something more from life (and cruises). Cruises on which bingo is banned, where movies are made on site, not Hollywood, where your swimming pool is ocean sized, and your friendly swimming companions may be dolphins, sea turtles, or any of the myriad multi-coloured fish on the nearest coral reef; where the mystery of the surroundings is the catalyst for your imagination and curiosity. So, where are these alternatives, you ask? Noble Caledonia small ship expeditionary cruises provide just such alternatives. John Kennedy, Noble Caledonia Ambassador, recently invited me to the UK debut of the Caledonian Sky (not a Glasgow sky on a dreicht November Sunday though, but a sun-scorched, faded blue-white, midsummer sky over Campbeltown, on the Mull of Kintyre), the latest addition to the fleet. Whilst sampling the fine contemporary cuisine aboard, during the inaugural dinner, we had the opportunity of talking to Niklas Peterstam, who is not
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just the Managing Director of the shipping line that manages the ship, but is also the Captain of this pristine vessel. She’s a sturdy ship, well-proportioned at 90m long, with a 19m beam and drawing only 4.2m draft. Why the maths, you’re wondering, after my earlier castigation? Well, the numbers are important in this respect: the ship is big enough to sail the seven seas and take anything that mother nature can throw at her, but small enough to make port, or drop anchor, in hideaway places, off the beaten track, safe from the rash assault of the mega-cruiser, and its dozen tenders scaring all the marine life away. The Caledonian Sky is equipped with a pair of reversible 2500hp marine diesel engines, and a bowthruster, ergo, the ship can turn on its own length making it highly manoeuvrable in these secluded spots. The essence of a Noble Caledonia Cruise is to relax the body and stimulate the mind. This is achieved by picking the people and the spots to match. Travelling to the Aldabara Atoll, a World Heritage site in the Seychelles, would be good enough, but how much more interesting and exciting if that particular trip was in the company of, say, the Director of the Cape Town Aquarium (he was there), acting as the resident expert of marine minutiae and nautical knowledgeable. Such a day might be finished with pre-prandial aperitifs and a short presentation supported by a few well-chosen slides, covering the highlights of the day, and rounded off by an overview of the next day’s excursion. The ship itself reflects this haute culture approach. It has just been subject of the most rigorous upgrade, in Gothenburg, and under the watchful eye of Salen Ship Management, which actually operates the ship on behalf
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Noble Caledonia
of Noble Caledonia. It is beautifully finished in a contemporary style, more feng-shui simple than country-house-chintz busy. The cabins (only 57 of them, and properly they are suites with en-suite facilities), are arranged on four decks. The Castle Deck is the lowest, with a small lido deck built into the hull at the stern, to allow easy ingress and egress from the zodiacs; the main dining room is on the same level, and the suites are located mid-ships and for’d. The Caledonian Deck has the lounge aft, the main lobby area centrally located, and suites running for’d to the hospital facility. The Bridge Deck has an alfresco dining area at the aft end, suites mid-ships, with the Captain’s and Chief Engineer’s cabins adjacent to the bridge. The Panorama Deck ‘up top’ has the library and promenade lounge mid-ships, and the sun-deck for’d. The Promenade for’d and all the Bridge deck suites have private balconies; the other suites having two or four portholes, or large windows according to their height above the waterline. Each of the suites is finished in a nautical style with high gloss woodwork and brass fittings, fitted wardrobes, a flat screen TV and DVD player, marble-topped vanity units, walk-in showers and bath tubs, and topped off with fluffy robes and slippers, for that final luxury touch. The atmosphere on-board the Caledonian Sky is more akin to a boutique country house hotel than anything
else, and with less than 120 fellow travellers, friendships are struck–up quickly. A typical day could involve a complementary morning excursion, luncheon back onboard, and then either another excursion in the afternoon (a wander around a port or local attraction), or an informal presentation from one of the on-board speakers, followed by dinner (inclusive of wines), which, weather permitting, would be served on the Bridge Deck. After dinner there is usually some music in the bar. There is an informal dress code on-board: there are no black tie events and people dress only a little more formally for the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell dinners. Noble Caledonia is much more than just a small ship cruise company, however. It’s more of an extended family, with long serving employees and long standing guests, anxious to repeat the experiences and ‘sum the memories’. Niklas Peterstam even met his future wife on one of his early trips, and they still work together. Here’s the thing, though: each cruise is unique. The people and the spots change according to availability and the vagaries of the weather, so visiting the same spot twice will give the traveller two different memories of the same event: L=M2 for a start? « For full details of the fascinating and wide ranging cruise itineraries (from the far corners of the globe to the Great British Isles) aboard the Caledonian Sky, for the 2012/13/14 seasons, contact John Kennedy on www.johnkennedy-noblecaledonia.com, or telephone: 0117 946 6000.
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The Saving
e c a r G
By Tony Stenning, Head of UK Retail Business, BlackRock
Saving is not as straightforward as it used to be. If the ever expanding range of financial products wasn’t confusing enough, the current investment landscape coupled with global demographic shifts means that sourcing real returns has rarely seemed more challenging.
Anxious investors, sluggish economic growth and accommodative policy from central banks has led to historically low interest rates with low government bond yields likely to remain a feature of our world for some time to come. Meanwhile, two demographic trends are putting a strain on governments, pension funds and individual bank accounts alike. The world is tackling the side effects of significantly longer life expectancies and an explosion in the number of pensioners. According to a United Nations estimate, the global retirement population will almost triple to 2 billion by 2050. People are living much longer, requiring income streams from their investments that can support them for longer periods of time. However, real, sustainable and meaningful yields have rarely seemed more elusive, not least because of the uncertainty which has pervaded investor psyches since the financial crisis. Cash can be considered a ‘safe haven’ in times of uncertainty, because sharp, sudden swings in financial markets can look very daunting. However, the perceived risk-free nature of cash comes at a price. In the long run, cash investments may not provide high enough returns to enable savers to achieve their long-term goals, particularly when the erosive effect of inflation on the purchasing power of cash is taken into account. Simple maths demonstrates the impact of this pound cost ravaging. For instance, as a hypothetical example, an annual 3% inflation rate would erode the purchasing power of a £100,000 cash pile to £47,761 over
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25 years (for simplicity assuming no interest on return) – or put another way, your pot would need to grow to £200,000 to maintain the purchasing power of your current £100,000 pot. This is a particularly sobering thought for those looking to retire soon especially in the developed world where most people aged 65 today can expect to live a further 20-30 years. While holding some cash for short-term needs is important and some cash products offer higher interest rates than others, we believe over the long term hoarding cash is no way to save and may leave you unable to attain the lifestyle you want in retirement. The challenge is intensified when you throw indebted governments into the mix. In many countries, state pensions and healthcare provisions have historically been able to prop up individuals’ saving pots. However, with government liabilities already over-stretched and retirement populations burgeoning, the responsibility for individuals to support their own retirement is only going to grow. We believe investors should take a long-term view and in many cases be prepared to accept some short-term market volatility to reach their longer term goals. We believe equity income funds, offering attractive income streams and scope for long-term positive returns can provide a potential solution for our land of low interest rates and greying hairs. These funds invest in stocks which pay dividends, and then combine those dividend payments together to pay an income stream to investors, while also seeking to provide long-term capital appreciation. However, all financial investments involve an element of risk. Therefore, the value of your investment and the income from it will vary and your initial investment amount cannot be guaranteed. Your capital and income is at risk, Investors should be aware that in some equity income funds capital growth is not a priority and values may fluctuate and the level of income may vary from time to time and is not guaranteed. Dividends are taken from company profits which can increase over time and are not time limited by maturity date, therefore offer a potentially rising, infinite income stream. And it’s not just income, it’s real income. Companies with strong business models and pricing power can increase the cost of their products on the shelves in times of inflation. Therefore, they can grow their payouts at least as much – but sometimes more than – the rate of inflation, so dividend growth can help protect the value of your money. In fact, over the past 25 years, the dividend growth of the FTSE All Share has outpaced inflation by an average of 1.10% annually1 as shown in the chart below. However, there are no guarantees that equity income investing will provide an effective hedge against inflation in the future.
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BlackRock
Cash is eroded by inflation over time, but dividends can grow in real terms
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£160,000 £140,000 £120,000 £100,000 £80,000 £60,000 £40,000 £20,000 £0
FTSE All Share Real Dividend Growth Real Value of Cash (assuming no interest income for simplicity) Source: BlackRock, DataStream, ONS. Inflation is based on UK RPI data. January 2012. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product.
Investors often face a dilemma where securing reliable and meaningful income means sacrificing capital growth. However, with equity income the very opposite is often true. These strategies can provide access to the potential capital growth available in equity markets – and dividend paying shares have historically driven the lion’s share of stock market returns. Sudden share price swings hit the headline, but it is the the combination of dividend yields and dividend growth which has contributed as much as 90%2 of long-term stock market returns. This startling figure shows the huge impact of sustained cash returns, coupled with the compounding effect of reinvesting dividends. It also highlights an advantage of using equity income strategies within a savings plan. These funds offer flexibility, granting the option to draw income when required or reinvest dividends and compound them to improve the potential for long-term capital growth as it suits you. Equity income products have been growing in popularity, especially as managers are investing in an ever-growing range of markets worldwide. However, investors need to be vigilant when selecting a provider. We believe that to make the most of the opportunities in equity income investing, fund managers need to do more than simply pick the stocks with the highest current yields. Stocks can appear to have high dividends, but then cut the payments in downturns, or different stages of the economic cycle – this is known as a ‘value trap.’ Experienced managers can better avoid these pitfalls and select stocks not based on yield alone, but because there is also scope for capital growth, or a high probability of increased payouts or special dividends. The result is dynamic investment strategies, expertly tailored to changing market conditions which can maximise both capital growth and income if the appropriate risks have been considered BlackRock offers a broad range of ways for investors to add equity income to their portfolios, through both unit trusts and investment trusts, spanning a variety of geographies and sectors. Speak to your financial adviser to find out more about equity income investing and how these products might be suited to your portfolio. Individual 1. Inflation as measured by UK RPI Data. Source: DataStream, FTSE, ONS. The performance of any index is not indicative of the performance of any particular investment. 2. Source, Société Générale Returns from 1981–2011 based on local currency in UK, US, France , Germany, Australia and Japan as represented by the corresponding MSCI country indices. December 31, 2011
Financial Advice: Independent & Impartial
BlackRock_v1.indd 35
Savings Accounts (ISAs) provide a tax efficient “shelter” in which you can place a set amount of money each year because they are free of income tax and capital gains tax (CGT). Many BlackRock products, include our equity income offering are available via the BlackRock ISA. ISAs offer investors the ability to roll up returns that haven’t had tax deducted, a compounding effect which can prove very powerful, especially over the long term. Furthermore, you don’t have to include any gains on ISA investments on your Tax Return as they are a tax efficient way of investing. The current ISA limit is £11,280 for each tax year. Up to half of that allowance can be invested in a cash ISA. The remainder or the full £11,280 can be invested in a stocks and shares ISA. Saving for the long term has always been important, but the new world of low yields, long lives and indebted governments means that investors may have to rethink strategies which worked in the past and should discuss the options available with a financial adviser. At BlackRock, we believe there are reliable, real and rising income streams available - the key is knowing where to look. « Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. You may not get back the amount originally invested. Changes in the rates of exchange between currencies may cause the value of investments to diminish or increase. Fluctuation may be particularly marked in the case of a higher volatility fund and the value of an investment may fall suddenly and substantially. Levels and basis of taxation may change from time to time. Investors in BlackRock’s equity income funds should understand that capital growth is not a priority and values may fluctuate and the level of income may vary from time to time and is not guaranteed. Investors in equity incomes funds should understand that capital growth is not a priority and values may fluctuate and the level of income may vary from time to time and is not guaranteed. Some or all of the Manager’s annual charge for the Fund is taken from capital rather than from income. Whilst this increases the yield, it reduces the potential for capital growth. Any research in this document has been procured and may have been acted on by BlackRock for its own purpose. The results of such research are being made available only incidentally. The views expressed do not constitute investment or any other advice and are subject to change. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any company in the BlackRock Group or any part thereof and no assurances are made as to their accuracy. This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or invitation to anyone to invest in any BlackRock funds and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer. The BlackRock Investment Trusts ISA are managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. The BlackRock Investment Trusts Savings Plan is operated by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. All the trusts are traded on the London Stock Exchange and dealing may only be through a member of the Exchange. The Trust has appointed BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited as Investment Manager. It will not invest more than 15% of its gross assets in other listed investment trusts. SEDOL™ is a trademark of the London Stock Exchange plc and is used under licence. Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue London EC2N 2DL. Tel: 020 7743 3000. Registered in England No. 2020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. BlackRock is a trading name of BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited.
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Secret Cellar I have to be honest with you about an establishment that I have come to love over the last three years. It pains me to share with you. It doesn’t pain me because I don’t like to share, it’s because I know if I stroll in on a Friday after work, I can currently expect a free table for four. So far, my local has remained virtually unknown to Bristol at large, which surprises me. Peter Robinson explains more.
Club
The building in which the Rummer Hotel resides has stood in Saint Nicholas Market since 1742, on a portion of the site occupied as early as 124, by an inn, then called the Greene Lattis. The grounds were also the destination for the first stage coach from London. The Rummer, however, is significant in itself, historical relevance or not. If you’re reading this and thus far the name of this establishment hasn’t set a cacophony of gastric juices ringing, chances are you haven’t yet visited the Rummer Hotel’s pure gastronomic shores.
It’s a unique establishment, an award-winning restaurant and first-class bar. Many a drinking den and restaurant tries to cater to both markets, acting as both a full service bar and fine dining restaurant. How many restaurants do you go to for just a drink? How many bars do you take a group of four out to for a gourmet meal? The Rummer is an enigma. And behind its closelyguarded velvet curtain, two of Bristol’s most creative bartenders, Chelsie Bailey and Andy Simkins, have been hatching a plan. No doubt you will have at some point been invited to a truly lurid cocktail night, where you and your inebriated friends play bartender and concoct some truly heinous cocktails. By and large, the local Bristol market wants (and, in many cases, demands) better. The Rummer deals in the best. So, when Andy and Chelsie asked Rummer owner Brett Hirt for the keys to the cellar bar for a private cocktail night, the ‘bar’ was already set pretty high. We asked Andy and Chelsie where the original idea came from for the Cellar Club.
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“The original idea for the evening came when the upstairs bar was booked out for a wedding reception, something that occasionally occurs. This meant the usual suspects were forced into the dungeon – the cellar bar. The cellar is a unique space. It’s intimate. Sometimes working behind three feet of mahogany makes it hard to build a rapport in the same time it takes to mix a drink, but something clicked that night. The staff were on form and the punters really seemed to enjoy the intimate but relaxed atmosphere.” If you have ever been to the Rummer, you probably won’t know about the cellar bar, a typical wine cellar from, well, the dark ages, tastefully decorated with chesterfields, lit bottled walls and some interesting taxidermy. The Rummer was the first in Bristol to master a subtle Victoriana style with class and poise. ‘Twas in the cellar bar that the Secret Cellar Club was born. Given that I consider the Rummer my local, I expected nothing less than jaw-dropping amazement. But apart from being told that it was Secret Cellar Night, I was pretty much in the dark; evidently part of the idea. We were greeted with an intimate setting by candlelight. We were late – not the latest, though. A long white alter-esque table had been erected in the main cellar area and boasted a silver tea pot and giant syringe amongst a host of weird and wonderful drinks and accompaniments. The first elixir was a Gimlet, a favourite of tradition; I define it as a complex Martini, No. 3 Gin, Rose’s Lime Cordial, and a touch of fresh lime.
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Secret Cellar Club
Put it this way, Bond orders a Martini, not because of the pomp and ceremony, but because it hits the bloody spot after you’ve killed a man. The Gimlet is no exception. The Gimlet twist, however, was something that broke from tradition. A compressed nitrous oxide dispenser and NO2 chargers made sure of that. The most delicate, lime meringue infused foam atop a sweeter and altogether lighter Gimlet. Where did the ideas for the drinks come from, guys? “Andy and I often compete in regional and national bar competitions. They are usually hosted by a spirit brand, and the rules vary massively. Often the brands ask for a twist on a traditional cocktail. These tend to be industry-focused and attended by the bartending fraternity. A lot of time and preparation is put into the comps and we wanted to bring that to our event, so people could try something new. The Blood and Sand cocktail took a long time to prepare. We had to thicken the blood element – Vermouth, Chery Hurin and Glenrothea – and dehydrate the sand element, which consisted of dehydrating orange zest. It’s not something we would try and produce on a busy working bar, as there just isn’t enough time.” Each dish was served with a small palate-enhancing amuse bouche. “Given that we were producing some pretty radical drinks, we thought we would enhance the experience by asking head chef Greg McHugh for complementing dishes. With the food and drinks in hand, the textures and flavours just fell together into a really unique experience.” In the many years I have been frequenting the Rummer, Greg McHugh makes it look so bloody easy, it’s painful. It just works. “Usually when I’m researching potential competitions, Greg is the first person I go to,” says Chelsie. The next drink and dish was a molecular spectacle: Blood and Sand. It was so named for Rudolph Valentino’s 1922 bullfighter movie, and is one of the few drinks mixed with scotch. Equal measures of Glenrothes Select Reserve, Cherry Heering, orange juice and sweet vermouth. Now, my weapon of choice is a Bloody Mary, a drink that Andy and Chelsie both make in different but epic ways (I can’t choose, it would be like picking your favourite child), so anything full-bodied and spicy runs the team for me. This number was produced using the all-important syringe – nothing like a little table theatre – spicy and rich, like a well blowtorched blood orange, with the remnants of chilli chocolate. Let’s just agree that you should have been there. I’m doing my best, but you don’t ask the man who’s touched the hand of God to re-create the event with 100 percent accuracy and in HD, do you? You had to be there. The dish to accompany this number was very special. It was like watching a room full of children experiencing food for the first time. A deconstructed classic served with a confit of duck, vermouth jelly, spherical cherry and bitter orange powder. Now that we were all suitably lubricated, it was time for dessert. The final cocktail was a Sazerac, which involved a large measure of Courvoisier Exclusif, Peychands bitters, and a touch of Gomme, served in an absinthe-rinsed glass. This came with an absinthe sorbet, brandy snap and
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individually pipetted Peychaud bitters and grenadine caviar. The individually pipetted caviar really did look like it had been a labour of love. People know I’m enjoying my food by my earth-shattering silence. Trust me, it was quiet. We finished this off with a good old-fashioned, Lock Stock-style drink. And by Jove, we were in bed by 12! But most importantly, will they do it again? “The minute we finished the night, the conversation was straight to the order of the next Secret Cellar Night. It was a huge success, everyone enjoyed themselves and Brett has given us the green light for our second fiesta. Hopefully this will all fall into place at the end of July”. If you’re looking for an invitation, I suggest you loiter near Chelsie and Andy at the Rummer one evening – after all, it’s not a free-for-all. « Visit www.therummer.net for details of upcoming events.
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n o i t u l o Rev
A conceptual and technical
Cellar de Can Roca sits at number two on the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list. Based in the Catalan city of Girona, the eponymous restaurant is run by three brothers: head chef Joan, dessert chef Jordi, and sommelier Josep. Together, they have taken their philosophy, which plays on memory and perception, to a three-Michelin-star level. We met with Joan to discuss the Roca brothers’ culinary ideology, and see what it takes to serve the best food in the world.
Why is it so important for a restaurant to have a knowledgeable sommelier?
How did you, three brothers, all develop a passion for food and wine?
How important is Spanish culture to your cooking?
We are the third generation of a family dedicated to restaurants. We were born and grew up in a family restaurant environment, which is where we felt comfortable, so we decided to dedicate ourselves to the trade. What is the philosophy behind El Cellar de Can Roca?
Our kitchen is committed to traditional Catalan cuisine, to the environment, to sustainability, and also to the science of culinary evolution. You serve ‘emotional cuisine’. How important is psychology in the creation and eating of food?
Through food, we play with people’s memories and their perceptions. Tasting and smelling can influence people´s emotional state. Apart from food, what are the key factors to running a successful restaurant?
Wine is extremely important to have a complete experience. In our restaurant, the wine is as important as the food.
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Having a sommelier who is involved in the creative process can turn the marriage of food and wine into something sublime. Which chefs influenced you?
The chef that has influenced me the most is my mother, who still cooks in the family restaurant, Can Roca. What are your most popular dishes?
A dish that’s become very popular is also one where we take the most risk: la ostra con destilado de tierra (oyster with a distillate of earth).
Our cuisine is committed to our culture, our land, to Catalan produce and traditions. How has food evolved in Spain over the years?
We have a great gastronomic tradition. We are in a privileged geographic position that allows us to obtain produce of the finest quality. Over the last few years, and thanks to the nonconformity of our chefs, notably Ferran Adria, we have created a conceptual and technical revolution, which has advanced the kitchen greatly towards a more creative edge. Do you have any favourite English chefs or restaurants?
I rate and admire the work of Heston Blumenthal in England. Is it hard work to maintain your Michelin standards?
When we work, our number one priority is to not disappoint the customers who come to eat in our restaurant. We do this enthusiastically. And while we are grateful for the recognition the guide gives us, we do not want to make it an obsession. We just want to enjoy what we do. «
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19/06/2012 19:48
On the Bookshelf
f l e h s Book On the
The Wise Man’s Fear Patrick Rothfuss Gollancz £8.99
The second in the Kingkiller Chronicles, fantasy novel enthusiasts have waited four years for The Wise Man’s Fear. The first in the series, The Name of the Wind, won a number of accolades (including the Quill Award) and praise, so the excitement over the new book is of little surprise, and it doesn’t fail to deliver.
The ‘hero’ of our story is Kvothe, a little known innkeeper with a colourful past. The story is told on two levels: Kvothe, in present day, has agreed to sit with a story writer to record his memoirs, and to hopefully put an element of truth around the somewhat embellished stories of the legend he has become. The story, in the main, is told from his point of view, in the first person, enabling you to fully understand and become engrossed his complexity and genius. We get to hear the legends of Kvothe, then read the truth, and make the connections of how things spiralled from realistic to fantastic. The Kingkiller Chronicles, as previously stated, is a trilogy, and is broken into different parts of Kvothe’s life, detailing what he goes through in his struggle to become the man, and somewhat notorious legend, he eventually becomes. Whereas the first in the series focuses on his younger years, including the loss of his parents, his life as a street urchin in the city of Tarbean, and his eventual entry to the University (there is only the one) to learn to be an Arcanum (wizard). This second book starts from where the last one ended, and has a far more adult theme as Kvothe (in the told back story) is now in his late teens; he continues his education and his search of knowledge of the Chandrian, the demonic beings who he believes murdered his parents. Along the way, Kvothe is put on trial by the legendary Adem mercenaries, forced to reclaim the honour of his
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family, and travels into the Fae realm. There he meets Felurian, the faerie woman no man can resist, and who no man has ever survived. Kvothe is a very compelling hero, very classical in that he’s widely accomplished yet marred by a single dominating flaw (in this case, his temper). He is witty, charming, and so wonderfully capable that he’s a delight to read about. Wise Man’s Fear is a beautiful book to read, with spellbinding prose, a sense of cohesion to the storytelling, and a wonderful sense of pacing. If this genre of book is to your liking, then Kingkiller Chronicles is a must read. « Reviewed by Nicola Mould
19/06/2012 19:27
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The Difference is
r a e l C l a t s y r C
Transform your living space with bi-fold doors. Bristol-based doors, windows and conservatory specialist, Crystal Clear, has been supplying and fitting bespoke bi-fold doors in the South West for over twelve years, in a wide range of styles for a variety of different homes. With over 50 years of combined experience in the home improvement industry, the specialist team prides itself on exceptional attention to detail and the highest standards of customer care.
Bi-fold doors are far more than a simple door; they create both space and potential, transforming living spaces into more relaxing and rewarding areas to enjoy by removing the barriers between the inside and outside of your home. Creating more space makes day-to-day living more enjoyable and entertaining more stylish; while the natural light that bi-fold doors allow into the room will brighten up even the darkest area and make the days seem longer and lighter. Whether you’re looking to bring more of the feeling of your garden into the kitchen or create a lighter, more spacious living room, bi-fold doors are an investment that will add value to your home as well as making more of your living space. Even during the colder winter months, you can enjoy the view through bi-fold doors while remaining in the warmth of your home. Crystal Clear supplies and installs industry-leading bi-fold doors, with unique features and benefits, all built to the most exacting of British and European standards, ensuring quality, integrity, longevity and security.
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Crystal Clear
There are a number of design options; whether you’re looking for a simple design to open up part of a wall, several doors to open the whole back of your home up or to lighten a dark corner with a set of doors at a 90° angle. Whatever your requirements, the team at Crystal Clear can manage the whole process, including any building works required, with their own highly-skilled building teams.
Bi-fold doors transform living spaces into more relaxing and rewarding areas to enjoy, making more of your home and garden, as well as adding value Careful design and use of materials of the highest quality make bi-fold doors an investment that will add value to your home while you enjoy their flexibility and sophisticated, easy style. And you can rest assured that ease of use is combined with the latest high performance and high security multi-point locking systems. Designed with safety in mind, each bi-fold door features a unique combination of safety features, from a ‘finger safe’ gasket between each door leaf to a strong magnetic stay on the lead door, which prevents slamming. The expert team of highly qualified project managers, builders, fitters and service technicians manages every project from conception through to completion, delivering an exceptional quality of service and professionalism
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throughout the process, ensuring the standard of installation and aftercare is as good as the products installed. Whatever your style of home, bi-fold doors create the perfect space for making more of your home and garden. View the Latest Range of Bi-fold Doors at Crystal Clear’s Bristol Showroom Crystal Clear has tripled the size of their showroom in Brislington, showcasing the very latest range of contemporary, slim line bi-folding doors, available in a variety of colours and combinations. The showroom is open during on weekdays from 7:30am until 4:30pm and on Saturdays from 8:30am until 12:30pm. « For more information, please contact: Crystal Clear, 22a Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF. Tel: 0117 971 7880. Email: info@crystalclearbristol.co.uk www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk
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Timeless
c i t e h t s e A
We meet with market leaders Mandarin Stone to discover the understated elegance of stone flooring. There are times when we look around our homes and get a sense of dissatisfaction. The home must always inspire, not languish under a general malaise. A property has three choices: reinvent, flounder, or find a timeless aesthetic. But conveying timelessness is not easy, and to find it in all facets of a property’s design, whilst abiding congruity, is an art form. One of the answers, however, is using stone.
Natural stone can enhance any property, featuring in tNatural stone can enhance any property, featuring in the finest historic homes for centuries. Over the last decade or so, however, there has been what can only be described as a natural stone revival throughout the UK. This is due primarily to its inherent natural beauty and long term durability. Furthermore it offers a wealth of choice in terms of shade, finish and format, and while cool in summer, when combined with under floor heating, stone feels great underfoot the whole year. The production of stone is now more environmentally friendly than ever and when you choose stone, its long-term durability means that replacement costs are reduced and the lifetime cost is actually less than that associated with other floor coverings. Stone can be used in all areas of the home, from kitchens and bathrooms to conservatories and entire ground floor areas. Alongside floor and wall tiles, you
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Timeless Aesthetic
can seamlessly link interior with exterior by continuing onto patios and terraces. Solid stone basins and baths are becoming increasingly popular for creating real impact in bathrooms, and stone tiles are the perfect surface choice for a chic wet-room. Furthermore bespoke designs for bath surrounds, vanity tops, work surfaces, stair treads and risers can be brought to life using fabricated stone slabs. This demonstrates the growing trend for retailers to offer their customers ‘everything stone’, if desired. Natural stone also offers a wealth of options in terms of colour, texture, tonal markings, formats and cost. This means it offers a vast choice of options to suit all tastes and budgets. A ‘honed’ smooth surfaced limestone or marble offers timeless and elegant simplicity. Shades range from pale linens to more dramatic greys and are suitable for use on both floors and walls. Polished stone remains a favoured choice for those wishing to create a feeling of opulence and luxury. Colour options are endless and with a reflective finish, even the darkest materials will add light and sophistication to your interior With such an array of choice of stone now available, it’s important to consider all your options carefully and choose a stone surface that’s right for you. It’s essential to get the correct professional advice and ensure you view as much of your preferred stone as possible before making your final decision. And they don’t come more experienced or professional than Mandarin Stone. Established in 1990, the family-run business is a UK market leader in natural stone. The company was founded almost by accident by Alma Small. A chance meeting with an owner of a roofing slate company gave her the opportunity to market a large consignment of slate tiles already imported from the United States. With a passion for sourcing new and exciting stones and working closely with suppliers to develop fresh stone finishing techniques, Alma’s drive over the next decade allowed Mandarin Stone to expand into what it is today: an industry leader. As the company will attest, the installation and sealing of your stone is of equal importance as choosing the product itself. The correct adhesives and grouts must be used and a competent stone installer should be chosen. Consideration should be given to substrates such as screed types, wooden floors, under floor heating and tanking of wet areas. For wall tiling it is important to ensure the substrate has a suitable weight bearing capability for the desired material. With regard to sealing of stone, it is worth noting that old stone floors were never sealed yet still look beautiful today. However due to stone’s porous nature to varying degrees and in order to improve stain resistance for modern-day living, natural stone should be sealed at installation point. It is advisable to purchase all relevant ancillary and sealing products with your stone, specific to your individual requirements. Still very much a family-run business, with its roots in Monmouthshire, the range of stone tiles and flooring at Mandarin Stone could modestly be described as exhaustive. The majority of stones are held in stock to enable fast delivery and nine inspirational showrooms are located throughout the UK.
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Prices vary tremendously for natural stone, but can start from as little as £15 per square metre – surprisingly reasonable. One thing is certain, though: the addition of stone can add timeless value and sophistication to your property. And with the correct advice and expertise, it’s not as complicated or expensive as perhaps you once might have thought. Even better, there’s a sale on right now. So, although you may desire timelessness, time is really of the essence. Make a visit as soon as you can. « For more information, call Mandarin Stone on 01600 715444 or visit mandarinstone.com
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19/06/2012 19:40
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e s o p r u P Fit for
Stu Seymour: trainer. Peter Robinson: trainee. An account of one man’s desire to get back in shape, and a personal trainer who is helping him to get there. Here we see Stu on a usual circuit workout with long term client Beth. Peter ‘Man shall not live by bread alone’. I doubt, however, the intimation was to eat MacDonald’s. Welcome to the 21st century, a world where lemonade is made with artificial flavours, but cleaning products contain real lemons. Food and its relation to health has been a hot topic for a number of years now, as has personal fitness. Mine used to be pretty good. I would run every day, whether I had time for an hour run or twenty minutes. The fact that I was dedicated to it was the point. It’s now some years on and the daily routine is nothing like that of my former self. Once a very skinny kid at school, let’s just say that the 21st Century me has embraced calorific cuisine. Not junk food, mind you, just a good, hearty meal. Although I would like to be able to have a good cream sauce again without people thinking I’m going to have a heart attack. So, I decided that it was about time I took the bull by the horns and got back into it – sweat bands at the ready. I decided to enlist the help of a personal trainer. My criteria for finding the right person for the job was that they be irrevocably fit and have a body that would rival the entire 300 Spartans. Stu Seymour is that man. At school, Stu was heavily involved in national BMX racing, ran for Bristol after school in the 10K and now, psychotically, rides 100 miles at the weekend on his bike. That might not seem a lot to hardened health and fitness nuts, but it shocked me. 100 miles in a day? Then back to the studio to train the good the bad and the ugly! I have to say that I wasn’t convinced during my first sessions. My biggest hurdle wasn’t exercise or my current level of fitness; it was my commitment to the cause. I found myself going to sessions being thoroughly beaten and then making a less-than-stellar effort to get back in the week. The turning point came on a dewy Saturday morning with Stu when he decided to take me out of the studio and on one of his boot-camp style sessions.
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When I arrived, Stu said, “It’s too nice a day to stay in the fitness center.” Oh, the fitness center, with its wellsprung floors, gleaming machines, climate-controlled air and perfectly chilled water. “Outside,” he said. If you haven’t realised, I haven’t worked out ‘muscle-beach’ style, i.e. outside, for some years. So, the prospect of ‘boot camping’, in all honesty, sounded quite cool.
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Fit for Purpose
We kicked off by running laps of the old sports area of Brandon Hill Park, backward, sideways, with squats, without. By the end of it I felt warmed up – i.e. half dead. nI never really know what to expect with Stu’s workout sessions, he keeps it mixed up, and so time really does fly. Today, though, it didn’t. Not going to the gym for a week clearly didn’t help. That’s half the battle, though, selfdiscipline and determination. When we had finished the warm up, I noticed we were strolling over to a decent sized set up of steps that head up to the observatory. “Rocky moment,” Stu said. ‘Stallone is in his sixties, feller’. I positioned my retort well, but it didn’t help. The workout was simple: glove up, throw thirty punches at Stu, sprint to the top of the stairs, utilise the downward return as a rest period, and repeat four times. For some reason this workout in the open-air triggered something. Since that particular session, I have exercised every day: a thirty minute yoga session in the morning and either a gym or running session in the evening, without fail. Stu now has me mentally on-board. I’m obviously going to miss the Olympics this time around, but at least I can watch knowing that I’m closer to the athletes than the junk food sponsors. Stu Some people ask me how I make a living from charging people to train. Personal training is a luxury, not a necessity. Think of it like this: most of my clients would not bat an eyelid at spending up to £60,000 on the latest machinery from BMW or Mercedes. They clean and polish it, spend lots of money getting it serviced at the main dealers, then there is insurance, road tax, not mention tyre wear, all of which is very expensive. Then, after two or three years, they trade it in for a newer model. Then I ask them how much money they actually spend on their body and health. Most will answer ‘nothing’, bar the odd grooming product or supplement. Think of it like this: we only have one body and we really need to look after it. We cannot trade it for a newer model, as much as we’d like to. However, it is never too late to change your body and lifestyle. Most people join a gym at some point in their lives, paying a monthly contract. This money is often wasted, because people either go infrequently or aren’t pushing themselves to their full potential, and therefore aren’t obtaining the results they want. Personal training is a smarter way to train, as it helps reach your goals far quicker, maintains your fitness levels and is not as expensive as most people think. Also, in the long run, it is far better value than wasting on a gym membership you never use. Meeting Peter I initially meet Peter through an existing client – he was looking for a fitness expert to write on the magazine and website he publishes. First of all, it was offered to staff in the office, but a few are carrying different injuries from numerous sports, so this left to Peter to step up to the mark.
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On first meeting, I got Peter to tell me a little about his current fitness and what he had accomplished in the past, plus what he would like to achieve. He informed me that, as a young lad, he was into dance. This painted a picture of Peter as Billy Elliot, jumping and springing across a stage. Do not get me wrong, dancing is a great way of keeping fit. Peter’s ultimate goal: he owns a D&G slim-fit shirt in black, and he would love to fit back into it. Wearing it recently, his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend said he looked like a superhero in it. And no, he did not mean buff. The buttons were ready to burst under the strain of his ever-increasing waist. I assured Peter that, with my expertise and his time and dedication, we could achieve his goal and kick dirt in this guy’s face once and for all.
“Personal training is a smarter way to train, as it helps reach your goals far quicker” A session that sticks out is when we trained outside. Peter arrived at The Berkeley Fitness, but it was too nice to train indoors, so we made our way to Brandon Hill. (What other gym has a view of Bristol stretched out before you?) Within the park, there is a secluded area, which, by the looks of it, was a bowling green, with nice graffiti on the wall – but no Banksy. We warmed up with some dynamic stretching followed by jogging, heel kicks, side shuffles, etc. I joined in on this activity to encourage Peter. While doing this, I notice Peter’s breathing was heavy, but he informed me he was okay, and it might have something to do with not going to the gym this week, as he had been very busy. I hope Peter puts a little bit more effort in from now on, as it will help. I led Peter over to the dreaded steps, which I use on my boot camp to great effect. I put the boxing gloves on Peter and told him to throw thirty punches, followed by a sprint to the top, which he repeated four times. At one point, I squinted and Peter looked like a young Sylvester Stallone from the Rocky films. I quite expected him to jump for joy at the top, with his arms in the air. When outside, we utilise what the park offers; on this occasion, a park bench for press-ups, step-ups and dips. While doing these exercises, we were approached by a lovely old gentleman who praised us for our good work in keeping fit. He then walked off and I jokingly mentioned to run up the steps. To my surprise, he then broke into a brisk sprint to the top, and then turned around to inform us that he was 85 years old. He did this twice. It was amazing, and just shows you’re never too old. Take note, Peter. The journey continues – and that shirt is looking more like a reality. «
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19/06/2012 19:36
Bristol’s leading organic hair salon on Baldwin Street Organic and mineral-based salon, combining a modern, caring approach with the latest skills and treatments, in a stylish, relaxing environment. • Natural, plant-based organic products which are chemical-free • Anti Frizz by Yuko, an organic smoothing treatment using natural ingredients HUSH Hairdressing A: 27-29 Baldwin Street T: 01179 300 350 W: www.hushhairbristol.co.uk Monday to Friday from 9:30am - 7:30pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm
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Turkish
t h g i l e D
Quince
Laith Al-Kaisy discovers whether Silvena Rowe’s first restaurant lives up to the hype.
I fell up the stairs of The Ritz the other day. It was a nadir moment of anti-on form, followed by a swift departure, not because of the fall, but because I drunkenly failed to care for the dress code: dinner jacket and shoes. But it’s fine, because Le Caprice was still open, and there’s nothing like propping up its stretched bar, slurping Bloody Marys, slurring spiel, and listening to the mellifluous sounds of a jazz piano. Anyway, it got me thinking about class – not my lack of, but rather the wider context of hospitality and service.
They won’t admit it, but both The Ritz and Le Caprice reek of classism – and it has nothing to do with the food. Dinner may be the great metaphor for life, but where we eat it, as opposed to what we eat, has become the great barometer of class. The purpose of class is that it’s a conceit. When it comes to food, it used to be quite simple: the working class ate what was affordable, the upper class ate what was desirable. Of course, all of this died with the advent of capitalism and the rise of consumers, the middle class, who assumed control of their stability, growth, culture and food. But the fact is, anyone can be middle class, which is why places like The Ritz are so standoffish. They don’t want to let just anyone in. A reputation like theirs is built on exclusivity. Of course anyone can walk through the door, but the impression given is that only a few can – and that is classism at its core. Today, class definition is more to do with how food is prepared, presented and served, rather than what’s on the plate. Class also comes at a premium. So, to Quince, located at The May Fair Hotel, just around the corner from The Ritz and Le Caprice, and which has just surpassed the half-year mark. Its chef, Silvena Rowe, has forged a career from her heritage and her haircut – decidedly Turkish and cyberpunk, respectively. The interior is as you’d expect from a Mediterranean-cumLevantine dining room in Mayfair: an innocuous mix of parsimony and opulence, much like the food and the prices.
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Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT Tel: 0207 9153892 www.quincelondon.com
We started with lamb cutlets, done in spices, tahini and black truffle. They were cooked perfectly rare and yielded to the bite – all two of them. It only takes one dish to discover Quince’s downfall: not the product, but the portions. Frankly, in its position, Quince can’t charge £14.50 for two lamb cutlets. King prawns with pomegranate butter adroitly walked the tightrope between sweetness and acidity, but again disappointed on portion-to-price ratio: four for £21, which is laughably overpriced. By far the best and most substantial starter was the duck and foie gras parcel, which was well-spiced and textured with crushed pistachios. Oddly, it was also the least expensive, costing half what the prawns did. The price don’t maketh the plate – evidently. The affable waiter had strongly recommended the rice pilaf. In protest, we ordered fries – a tad reactionary, I know. Lamb and beef kebab, which I assumed would be shish, but was actually kofta, was charming enough. The meat was muscle-bound and tasted Turkish. Belly of pork with blueberry and coriander molasses was unnatural at first, but the flavours persevered, slowly coalesced and eventually worked. The prices and portions were fine, though I suspect if Rowe had been on duty, the mains would have been less forgettable. Desserts were much better, like the starters. I had baklava made with bitter orange and served with pistachio ice cream. It was balletic: not too heavy on syrup, undemanding pastry, probably the best I’ve ever had. Conceding to recommendation, fellow diner had poached quince, which she didn’t like, but I’ll tell you now: it was peachy and unique, a proper signature dish, and one that should be on the actual menu. Quince is obviously trying too hard to straddle classes, serving blue-collar food, but in grandiloquent settings, at uneven prices. There are many contradictions, but the quality of the food is hard to ignore. On that basis, Quince gets a recommendation, but it really needs to revise the relationship between the menu and the bill. «
www.lansdownplace.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:47
Mercurial Delight
Mercurial
t h g i Del
There is one really annoying thing about the Mercure Holland House and its restaurant, The Phoenix: we never knew it existed. And that’s a shame, because it’s a very nice establishment, with affable staff, decent facilities and an outstanding restaurant. Well, okay, outstanding for Bristol. You can count Bristol’s properly good restaurants on one hand, although you may need two now, because the Phoenix is definitely worth adding to that list. The Mercure is as you’d expect from a modest, notas-popular-as-its-big-sister-up-the-road hotel. Its lack of reputation in the city is a great disservice to its quality, because it’s really rather charming. The rooms are spacious, perfect for business trips and hosting others, with mahogany-tones throughout. At no point does Holland House attempt to overreach its status, and instead makes the most of elegance and comfort without overcompensating.
From the outside, you wouldn’t imagine this place is four-star. This is a classic, if not tragic, failing for hotels, especially when their interiors and service are as good as this. Typical amenities set within a chic atmosphere: a swimming pool, wellbeing centre, massages – these are simple necessities that help kill those hours of hotel limbo – and which prevent people being found hanging from the fixtures in their bedrooms. The restaurant is the true gem here, however. Not expecting much (not even a seasonal menu, to be honest), The Phoenix is as good as any high-end eatery in the city, serving a variety of fresh, grown-up dishes. On our visit,
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Holland House & Phoenix Restaurant
Mercure Holland House, Redcliffe Hill, BS1 6SQ, Bristol. Tel: 0117 968 9900 www.mercure.com
we ordered appetisers of prawns and calamari with a chilli dip; beautifully tender and sweet, cooked just right, with an undemanding batter. Starters were a mini full-English breakfast, which sounds odd but worked well; crab fishcake with micro salad, which was firm but wet, as it should be; and smoked salmon, which was thin, fleshy and robust. Two of us had steaks (one fillet, one ribeye) the other had beetroot pearl barley risotto. The steaks were cooked delicately pink and yielded to the bite. The ribeye’s fat melted like butter on a hotplate – full of charred flavour. The beetroot risotto also got a vote of confidence. A shared cherry sorbet rounded off the meal; tart, refreshing and cool. If you’re looking for accommodation on the periphery of Bristol’s centre, whether for personal enjoyment, practicality, or business trips, Holland House scores. But it really should make more of a song and dance about itself. Especially the restaurant. «
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Fit for
s r a t S e th
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT Tel: 020 7629 7777 www.themayfairhotel.co.uk
We get the skinny on one of London’s most desirable hotels.
Formerly the site of the Duke of Devonshire’s home, The May Fair is a hotel that reflects the sensibilities and sentiments of its clientele, who, on the whole, seem to be a mix of celebs and the au courant. And for this reason, we love it – properly sucked in by its charm. Firstly, it’s situated on Stratton Street, adjacent to Berkeley Street, and across the road from The Ritz, Le Caprice, and The Wolseley. In other words: perfect. Secondly, it has a bijou feel, but on a much grander scale. A hotel, inside, should have that feel of seclusion and exclusivity, almost a weird sense of anonymity. It’s all part of the allure, unless you’re hopelessly utilitarian that is, in which case there are plenty of joyless Travel Inns to choose from. Finally, the service and amenities are outstanding, which, sadly, isn’t always true of high end hotels.
Room You can tell this place is made for trendy celebs. The room I had was a studio suite; an ironic, tongue-in-cheek throwback to 60s and 70s design, with jungle-green upholstery and carpet, and kitsch decor. You’ll find the usual technology expected in a hotel of this calibre, including an entertainment centre, HD TV and free Wi-Fi. The bathroom was lavishly flawless, with his-and hers sinks, separate shower and bath, wooden bench, and vanity products. The suite was appropriated by a large mirror, which spanned floor to floor, wall to wall. Service Being met at reception with a smile is all one can hope for in this day and age. At The May Fair, however, you get an
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entire conversation. In a twenty-first century of cynicism, this was a nice, affable touch. The staff never once seemed distracted or curt, and room service was equally efficient. In terms of amenities, there’s a decent spa and gym, a fabulous bar, plus dry cleaning, concierge and business services. Food The May Fair boasts Silvena Rowe’s Quince. Now, if you read this writer’s review of Quince, it lamented the relationship between geography, gastronomy, portions and price. However, if you’re staying at The May Fair and find yourself hungry, by all means visit. A couple of the dishes are, in fact, outstanding. The a la carte breakfast was memorable, which is rare. Repeat visit? Without a doubt. The May Fair is one of London’s hippest hotels, effortlessly good, and striking the balance between affordability and exclusivity. «
www.lansdownplace.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:41
S mall S hip C ruise E xpeditions
A bespoke portfolio of fascinating itineraries aboard comfortable, fine quality, small ships. Unique travel experiences for the curious and discerning. CUBA to COSTA RICA- step back in time in Cuba, visit the Mayans in Mexico and Belize combined exporation of stunning reefs in the Western Caribbean. Depart London to Nassau and embark for Havana, Isla de la Juventud & Cienfuegos Cuba, Playa del Carmen Mexico, Belze City, Half Moon Cay Belize, Roatan Honduras, Isla De Providencia & San Andres Colombia, Puerto Limon Costa Rica. Depart London on 24 October 2012 for 16 nights. CAPE VERDE to CAPETOWN - an intriguing exploration of the remote Atlantic Coast of Africa combining a wealth of historical and natural highlights. Sao Tiago, Sao Nicholas & Fogo - Cape Verde Islands, Dakar - Senegal, Banjul - The Gambia, Biajagos Archipelago - Guinea Bissau, Freetown - Sierra Leone, Takoradi - Ghana, Lome - Togo, Cotonou - Benin, Kribi - Cameroon, Santo Antonio- Principe & Sao Tome, Luanda - Angola, Walvis Bay & Luderitz - Namibia and Capetown - South Africa. Depart London on 25 November 2012 for 29 nights or extend your stay in Capetown over Christmas. SOUTH SEAS ODYSSEY - Celebrate Christmas on Pitcairn Island during an epic voyage from Easter Island to Fiji via the Gambier Islands, the Tuamotus, Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga and the Wallis & Fortuna Group. Depart 16 December, 2012 ex London via Santiago to Easter Island and return 21 January, 2013. ANTIPODEAN ODYSSEY- a journey dedicated to the spectacular scenery and natural history of New Zealand, Tasmania and Sth Eastern Australia. After a flight from London with a two night stopover in Hong Kong arrive via Auckland to embark in Wellington - North Island New Zealand, Kaikoura, Akaroa, Dunedin, Stewart Island & Fjordland - South Island New Zealand, Hobart, Port Arthur, Maria Island Coles Bay & Flinders Island Tasmania Australia, Melbourne, Wilson’s Promontory. Mallacoota Inlet - Victoria Australia, Batemans Bay & Sydney Australia. Depart London on 23 February 2013 for 23 nights. A further stay in Australia is possible. A CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF BORNEO - orangutans, the Dyak people and half of the world’s known animal and plant species are here for your exploration. Fly from London via Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan for embarkation. Sempona- Sabah Malaysia, Palau Kakaban, Sangatta River, Balikpapan & Benjarmasin - Kalimantan Indonesia, Kuching Sarawak Malaysia, Bandar Seri Begawan- Brunei - Kota Kinabalu, Kudat & Sandakan Sabah Malaysia. Depart London 28 March for 17 nights. FIRE & ICE IN THE FAR ARCTIC - a voyage from the Russian Far East to Alaska via the Kamchatka coast and the Pacific volcanic “Ring of Fire” along the Aleutian Island chain. Fly from London via Moscow to embark in Petropavlovsk, Zhupanova, Little Chazma & Bering Island Russia - Aleutian Islands, Semidi Islands Kukak Bay and Seward Alasaka USA. Depart London 04 June 2013 for 17 nights with return flight via Seattle.
The portfolio has an enticing array of options from around coastal Britain, circumnavigation of Iceland, Norwegian Fjords to Murmansk and the White Sea, the intimate Mediterranean, the Levant and Black Sea, West to South Africa, South America, Asia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Explore in depth at :
www.johnkennedy-noblecaledonia.com or call John Kennedy on : 0117 946 6000
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A Modicum of
e l y St
David Minns explains the importance of choosing flattering garments. My friend, the publisher Peter Robinson, recently posed the question ‘Can it be that hard to achieve a modicum of style?’
As Bristol’s local tailor approaches 40 – first child barely under ones belt, a style column in print, and a career profile in Drapers Record (the retailers’ bible) – I found myself looking into the mirror the other morning and asking myself the same question we all ask: do I still have it? Is it obvious to passers by that my suit was cut by a master of his craft and hand-stitched by a tailor, possibly with the assistance of a Singer sewing machine? At least, I think we all ask ourselves the same question. Irrespective of what we might think, the answer can be found in the old adage ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. But I think it’s safe to say that, unless one is making a fashion statement – in which case, it is only important to be seen in the current fashion, regardless if it actually looks good or not – then one must select garments that flatter. And I firmly believe that, in order to flatter ones clothes, one must follow a few simple guidelines. Colour I believe that, certainly by the time a man hits 30, he needs to begin considering which colours are actually complementary of his complexion: skin tone, eye and hair colour. There are obvious associations – for example autumnal colours for redheads, grey for those with a salt-and-pepper coiffure, etc – however, it’s important to experiment with all colours until you find one or two that work for you, and prepare to be led by those closest to you, or someone with an objective eye. Once you have the colour of your suit figured, select a shirt that complements the suiting cloth colour – i.e. pale
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blue shirt for navy suiting cloth, ivory for brown, and white for black. There are, of course, a myriad of suiting cloth colours, and those mentioned can be swapped around, but should give you an idea of which colours complement others. Fit There are two different elements of fit to consider. The first is length, or what I call ‘point to point’, which is the length of a piece of cloth covering an arm or leg, or from shoulder to shoulder, or space or room, i.e. the void between you and the garment in the arms, legs, torso, etc. Whilst there are various types of fit, from very slim fitting to more relaxed, unless one is making a statement – in general, following a trend – then wearing a garment cut to the correct length is key to giving the impression that you selected your clothes yourself, or that you were at least present when they were procured. If none of the aforementioned are true, then might I suggest that, once you have acquired a garment that fits you as you would like it, you have it lengthened or shortened accordingly: trousers resting on shoes with a single break or crease at the ankle, and hovering halfan-inch above the heel of your shoe, and sleeves to the wrist or just above the top of the hand to reveal a halfinch or so of shirt cuff. There are, of course, exceptions to these rules, for example, if you are wearing a Chelsea boot, then trousers need not be as long. Style is subjective and, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. What constitutes style, say, to the skateboarding fraternity would be considered a folly to another subculture, for example, mods.
www.lansdownplace.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:42
A Modicum of Style
“Is it obvious to passers by that my suit was cut by a master of his craft?”
What is interesting, though, is that, almost universally, skinny-legged jeans are acceptable and worn by many subcultures, whether they be skateboarders, BMXers, punks or casuals. Alas, this ‘style’ has also crept into tailoring – though I wish it had not – with the younger generation requesting we tailor their trousers, and increasingly their jackets, to within an inch of their life. Ye gods, as my father would say. A garment should drape not cling. And this is even more important once you have love handles, which most men over 30 do. However, if one wants to be considered by the majority as having a modicum of style, one simply needs to consider the elements above, colour and fit, and dress in clothes which are considered classic. Let’s consider, for a moment, the casual uniform which has stood the test of time. No, I’m not referring to shellsuits, but rather separates. If worn with a darker blazer, or lighter-coloured trousers, or even chinos, and when tailored to fit your frame, separates cannot fail to make a statement and turn heads, not least because they are enjoying a revival at present. Separates have, until recently, been considered a staple of our forefathers – and consider for a second what age they were when they started wearing this timeless classic. This ensemble can be worn smart by incorporating a shirt, or dressed down by wearing a t-shirt or Breton top. But not a polo shirt – not unless you want to look a Korean businessman with a penchant for golf. Jeans can also be incorporated in this ensemble, in which case, be sure to wear a shirt and not a t-shirt – I see little point in attempting to smarten up what really cannot be smartened up. In fact, with the right colour (right for
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the wearer that is), trousers and a shirt, both well-fitted with shirt tucked into trousers, can be incredibly stylish. If wearing the ensemble this way, consider a belt that matches your shoe colour and trouser flaps on the back pockets to ensure the trousers do not resemble those of a suit. Now, personally, I think suits can look very stylish both in and out of work, but if wearing a lounge suit for lounging, there must be subtle differences. Firstly, it cannot be a suit you wear to work. Secondly, it must be different in some way shape or form from suits your wear to work. For example, if you wear a three-piece to work, try a two-piece out of work. Or if you typically wear single-breasted suits, experiment with double-breasted. Double-breasted blazers have been my blazer of choice for smartening up a pair of jeans for some time now. Finally, shoes must be chosen with as much care and attention as the rest of your outfit, as they will make or break it. If you do not believe me, ask any woman. In summary, give some thought to what you are wearing. Select your clothes as a complete ensemble, not as individual items. Be sure they complement one another, and remember that well-fitting suits, jackets, trousers and shirts will always look better than ill-fitting ones. I’ll quote Hardy Amies in answer to Robinson’s inquiry – to which the answer is simply ‘no’. “A man should look as if he chose his garments with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgot all about them.” « If you have any sartorial travel dilemmas, or are concerned about a fashion faux pas, please do get in touch davidminns@asuitthatfits.co.uk
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19/06/2012 19:43
The Exclusive Magazine For
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Bristol
m a e r D s ’ A Stylist As we all know, Bristol is not short of shops and is a retail dream. But how stylish is Bristol? Rhiannon Smith speaks to Lucy Taylor, Bristol’s finest personal stylist.
As a previous buyer, and now a solidified personal stylist, Lucy knows style when she sees it. Lucy’s favourite names include Puckoo Couture, for the younger, more adventurous of fashion lovers, with outrageous bright and metallic leggings and body suits. Another of Lucy’s Bristol favourites is Gill Cockwell, aka Gilly Woo, who is famous for her corset designs and faultless dressmaking skills. For the more important days in one’s life, Lucy recommends perfect, bespoke wedding dress designer Robyn Ellis, whose designs will make your wedding day extra special. Who knew Bristol had all these hidden gems.
As far as fashion shows and events go, Lucy recommends the fashion show at The Mall, Cabot Circus and Harvey Nichols, as they promote the best our high street has to offer. She also confirms my suspicion that these fashion shows are immaculately put together, but only for customers looking for mainstream and high street fashion pieces. As far as ‘fresh off the catwalk’, or next season’s ‘must-haves’, the fashion show pool is sadly shallow. Lucy’s only slight negative opinion: Bristol’s lack of shoes. And she has a point. After all, not everyone can afford Harvey Nichols’ Choos or Louboutins, and not everyone has a taste for Kurt Geiger and Aldo. If this
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www.lansdownplace.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:54
Fashion
is Bristol’s only fault, I’d say we fair well against the big city giants. Designers and fashion brands are constantly assessing and noting Bristol’s growing status, with boutiques popping up in Clifton and on Park Street constantly. I’d say Bristol ticks all the boxes. For those of us who aren’t professionals, there’s plenty of fashion shows and events around Bristol, allowing us to judge the style stakes for ourselves. This city knows how to hold a glamorous and trend-focused fashion event – for example, the Diamonds Are Forever Fashion Show, hosted by The Living Room and Guy Fawkes Salon, is a must. With proceeds going to charity, glasses of bubbly, food, plus this season’s collection showcased on their uber-glam runway, what more could you ask for?
If the option of picking up a few items is your thing, then one of the city’s great charity-based fashion events is the best place to pick up classic and individual pieces. Chic and Swagger was created to raise money for Cancer Research and is to show what Bristol has to offer in the fashion and style stakes. The auction and fashion show is held on the 29 June at The Dolman Exhibition Hall – an iconic Bristol location for an iconic Bristol event. Back to the professionals, Lucy describes being a personal Stylist in Bristol as a pleasure and a dream, and has a client-base to prove it. Just don’t mention the shoes. « Lucy Taylor, Personal Stylist. For more information, please visit: www.taylorstyle.co.uk
glamorous a ld o h o t w ws ho “This city kno ion event” h s a f d e s u c o and trend-f
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Arch House David Greenman and Debbie Atherton took over the Arch House Deli in 2009. Since then, it has become a Bristol favourite, frequented by locals and tourists alike. Last year, it even won the prestigious prize of Deli of the Year. We spoke to David to see what keeps business booming.
i l e D
Why did you decide to take over the Arch House Deli, and what changes did you make?
The location and building were perfect for our ambition of creating the kind of deli we believed the people of Clifton and Bristol would embrace. People will often visit a deli once – the art is ensuring they come back time and time again. There were a number of opportunities to build on the existing business, through a greater focus on local food, more interaction with customers, through tastings and events, as well as the use of online activity, which previously didn’t exist.
supermarket doesn’t prioritise. If we do this well and keep reviewing what we do and what we stock, then experience has shown us that people keep coming back. Why is Clifton a perfect location for a deli?
You’ve won a number of awards, including Deli of the Year. How does that feel? Has it changed your popularity?
Winning the South West region was fantastic, but to then be announced as the UK’s Deli of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony, attended by such names as Antonio Carluccio and Alex James, was unbelievable. The impact on sales was dramatic, too, with over 45 percent increase in sales. It’s a great award, set up by Olives Et Al. It’s truly independent. This year we’ve been asked to help with the judging process. What is customer response like?
Fantastic. The response after we won the award was the most thrilling. Customers brought us flowers, gave us congratulations cards, stopped us in the street to congratulate us, and we even had a hand-painted card from a little girl (Izzy), the child of one of our customers. How does the deli distinguish itself from other quality outlets in the area?
There are a lot of great food outlets in Bristol and, in particular, Clifton and Clifton Village. This, to a large extent, helps draw people to the area. As a result, all the traders benefit. To us, it’s not about competing directly with other delis, but rather the supermarkets. If we can introduce someone to a great new cheese or fantastic local ham, they are more likely to shop with us or with other delis in the future. I’d much rather customers went to the other quality delis in Bristol, such as Papadeli and Chandos, than to a supermarket. Good delis should be all about the experience, quality of the food, education and enjoyment, which a
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Clifton has the perfect demographic for a deli and also gets its fair share of tourists. A lot of locals cook and are knowledgeable about food. It’s great to see customers embracing a new product we bring in or swap for another product we feel is of a higher quality. What are some of your most popular products and why?
Our cheese counter has a great reputation and we try to bring in a few new cheeses each month. The majority are either local British cheeses or French classics. We also supply a few of the local top restaurants and pubs. Last year we introduced a range of oils and vinegars, and the fig and date balsam has become a firm favourite in the households of Clifton. Our own food is probably our biggest overall seller. We always have a range of gluten-free cakes, cooked by Jo, our in house chef, and our New Yorker sandwich is the most popular lunch of choice with the local office workers. Is there a philosophy that runs through the operation?
We strongly believe that delis should always be interesting, exciting places to visit, with new products, smells and tastes to sample. We put a focus on demystifying the deli by allowing customers to sample new products and explaining to customers what they are, how they can be used and why we have chosen them. We have been able to convert many people to the delights of products they previously would have walked past. « For more information visit archhousedeli.com, or why not pop into the shop, Boyces Avenue, Clifton Village, Bristol, BS8 4AA.
www.lansdownplace.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:25
MGB LE50
Executive
s y To Graeme Morpeth discovers classic charm with modern standards. The MGB was launched in 1962 to replace the muchloved, though thoroughly antiquated, MGA. MG’s Chief Engineer, Syd Enever, designed an all-new monocoque body, which Chief Body Draughtsman Don Hayter styled. They had visions of independent suspension, a range of light-weight V4 and V6 engines, and whole new levels of performance from the car.
Unfortunately, John Thorley, MG’s brilliant General Manager, lost his battle with Leonard Lord and George Harriman, the ‘make-do-and-mend’ duo in charge of BMC at the time. To set the scene: Graham Searjeant, Financial Editor of The Times, in a 31 May 2007 article, noted that Lord was a “foul-mouthed, hard-driving production man,” and credits (only some of !) the failures at Longbridge, BMC’s main factory, to Lord’s “lack of vision” and the “inadequacy” of his protégé-successor, George Harriman. Between them, they ran a company famous for its sprawling and unprofitable product range, weak distribution and feeble management. In its heyday, BMC almost certainly lost money on every car it made: it is a wonder that the ‘B’ ever made it off MG’s drawing board. So, the ‘B’ ended up with cart springs, barely adequate lever arm dampers, and an engine originally developed in 1952, which can be described as agricultural, at best. In spite of this, the “B” and its bigger brother the ‘BGT’ perfectly matched the zeitgeist of the sixties, and, almost unbelievably, went on to become the world’s second best selling sports-cars
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(the Mazda MX-5 is first in line), and in the process, created one of the world’s most enduring classic cars. Thorley, Enever, and Hayter would have approved thoroughly of Tim Fenna and the changes he has wrought in transforming the MBG GT into the LE50. Fenna has taken their design, which the engineering illiterates at BMC forced MG to cobble together, and transformed it into a Porschepounding performance car, with a combination of proper engineering, contemporary components, traditional styling and new materials. Each car uses a brand-new British Motor Heritage MGB shell, into which Fenna’s company, Frontline Developments, places a 2-litre VVC Mazda MX-5 engine. It has a new crankshaft and connecting-rods; forged, Teflon-coated pistons; an upgraded fuel injection system, and importantly, a new exhaust camshaft. All this is allied to a carefully tuned bunch-of-bananas exhaust manifold, and a bespoke Omex engine management system. This releases 215 bhp, at around 7200rpm, and 174 lbft at 3600 rpm. That means 240bhp per ton, more than a Porsche Cayman S (the LE50 only weighs 941kg, about 140kg less than the original MGB). Even better, the engine is mounted only 12mm from the bulkhead, resulting in almost perfect weight distribution, with great benefits to handling and road-holding. This in a car that could barely cope with 95bhp when it was first launched in 1962. Is he deranged?
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Executive
s y To
Technical Specifications Price: £50,00 (or more depending upon your wish list) Engine: 1,999cc 4cyl twin cam fuel injected Horsepower: 215 bhp @7,200rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Torque (lb ft): 174@3,600rpm Performance: 0-62mph: 5.1 sec Top speed: 158mph Weight: 941kg
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“On the road it is brilliant, unbelievably fast and sure footed, light years away from its leaden-footed predecessor”
www.lansdownplace.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:44
MGB LE50
Absolutely not. The deal here is that Tim is celebrating the fiftieth birthday of the ‘B’, by producing a Limited Edition of fifty ‘BGT’ versions. They are the real deal. In conjunction with the British Motor Heritage, the MG Club, and DLVA, Tim has taken the VIN numbers from fifty scrap bodies, and will be attaching them to fifty brand new bodies, manufactured by BMH. The bodies have upgraded sills and floors, and are seam welded, which, at a stroke of the welders wire, creates a strong and torsionally rigid body shell, which is then rust-proofed to survive a nuclear winter. The front and rear suspensions have been updated: cart springs and lever arm dampers replaced with proper coil-over spring telescopic dampers; cast-aluminium upper wish-bones grace the front, and at the rear, the live axle has a simple and effective five-link system, comprising two pairs of parallel trailing arms, located top and bottom of the axle, to stop it twisting, and a Panhard rod, to stop it skipping about when the car is cornering. The first clue to this potential comes even before you’ve pressed the Bakelite starter button, which is mounted in a familiar black crackle finish dashboard. The bespoke Smiths dials, which match the original design, feature a speedometer, identified with the car’s chassis number, which reads to 170mph, and a rev counter that reads up to 9000, with the red line starting at 7200 rpm. These nestle in an Alcantara-swathed interior, with leather trim, beautifully hand-finished by Frontline’s own trimmer, and enlivened by authentic Lucas switchgear, which control modern components, including air conditioning, heated seats and a heated front windscreen. Sensibly, the useless rear seats have been ditched and a proper load space created. Oh, and beautiful Dunlop alloy wheels as first seen on the Jaguar D type. The specifications are closely controlled by BMH; three body colours and five interior colourways are offered within the range. For cars outside the LE50 range, you can very much name your combinations, though ‘Lady Penelope pink’ may not be available. On the road it is brilliant – unbelievably fast and sure footed – light years away from its leaden-footed predecessor. It’s a visceral experience driving at speed, with engine and wind noise befitting a fifty-year-old body design. It moves around the road much like an early Porsche 911, though it’s much safer. And it’s fun, with sharp turn in from the electric steering system and sure placement from the revised suspensions set-up. It’s easily controllable, a car you can throw around without too much fear of off-road excursions. Form an orderly queue, with your cheque books at the ready, to buy a modern classic. « Thanks to Tim Fenna and his MG Magicians at Frontline Developments, based in Steventon, Oxfordshire.
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s s e c c u S
Sowing the seeds of
Meet Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, known by locals (and now the rest of the UK) as the Black Farmer. Indeed, Wilfred is both black and a farmer. And guess what: his brand of awardwinning sausages is called – you guessed it – The Black Farmer. Controversial? Politically incorrect? Not at all. As Wilfred says, branding is nothing without a sense of jeopardy; something to make people turn their heads and think twice. Known for his sharp and frank interview manner, we couldn’t think of anyone better to wax entrepreneurial on all matters leadership. How did you learn to be such an effective leader?
To be an effective leader, you can’t allow fear to take hold. Even if you’ve made the wrong decision, it’s more important for people to know that you’re prepared to lead them, rather than jittering around, trying to work out which way to go. There are two types of people, managers and leaders. I think of myself as a leader. For example, I’m the sort of person who will get you from the east coast to the west coast of America. You’ll get there – your life might have been made a misery, but you’ll get there. Great leadership has its limitations.
Has it been easy for the brand to expand into other areas?
We do expand into other areas, but you’ve got to stay true to the brand. Black Farmer toilet paper or cakes wouldn’t work. You have to be careful when expanding. Staying true is key. Is the brand close to its consumers?
Out of all of the food brands out there, we probably have the strongest relationship with our consumers. What a lot of brands don’t realise is that the consumer now expects to be in the boardroom. This has come about because of social networking and social media – the culture of our company is to encourage that relationship, communicating with consumers. It’s vital because they are our sales force. If we look after them, they look after us. What was the inspiration behind The Black Farmer clothing line?
It’s a small range, nowhere near the size of the food range. It came about because I have a personal interest in clothes. I wanted to do rural clothing, but with a cut that was slightly different. Also, I wanted to offer clothes that the Black Farmer wears – that ‘look’. What is the biggest challenge facing entrepreneurs today?
What is one characteristic that you believe all leaders should possess?
Courage. And to be ‘at one’ – leadership can be lonely place. Was there courage behind launching The Black Farmer brand then?
Massive courage. The whole thing about the brand is that my neighbours all used to call me the black farmer, which obviously isn’t politically correct. I knew by calling my brand The Black Farmer, it’s the sort of thing that has a lot of jeopardy to it and will make people stop and scratch their heads. I wanted to follow Richard Branson’s example when he launched the Virgin brand. Back then, using the word ‘virgin’ in public was a risqué thing to do – the same applied to ‘black farmer’. What was the initial reaction to your branding?
Surprise. But it also opened the debate: ‘How many black farmers are there in this country and why, considering many immigrants came from rural backgrounds?’
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The problem that we’ve had in the past is that the creators, the ones who come up with ideas, have always been at the bottom of the pile. We need to celebrate entrepreneurship and business start-ups; celebrate small businesses instead of large ones. Small business is the backbone of this country and I think we need people, particularly in government, to lend more support. If someone wants to become a better business leader, how should they go about it?
Success is about how you adapt to change and absorb new things. I find it remarkable that, especially with social media, businesses haven’t adapted to this new age of consumer expectation, in terms of the relationship they want with producers. The consumer tends to be low down on the list of company priorities, but that is no longer sustainable. You’ve got to be able to have the same type of relationship with your consumers as you do with your suppliers. « For more information visit www.theblackfarmer.com
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19/06/2012 19:26
Business Leader
“To be an effective leader, you can’t allow fear to take hold. Even if you’ve made the wrong decision”
Financial Advice: Independent & Impartial
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The Exclusive Magazine For
Lansdown Place
A Matter of
e m i T
Established in 1884, Breitling has secured itself as one of the world’s most recognisable and luxurious watchmakers. Jean-Paul Girardin, the company’s Vice President, spared us some time to discuss how the brand has endured for nearly 130 years. How has the brand evolved since its inception?
Were there any changes made when ownership changed hands?
Breitling is a very consistent brand. From day one, in 1884, Leon Breitling was already a specialist in chronograph – in stopwatches – and it’s a specialism which continues to this day. Leon was the one who made the wrist chronograph. His son was then very keen on functionality, and then, the grandson was the one who made the connection with aviation.
There were a lot of changes in terms of improving quality and design, but always with the same spirit. What’s also unique with Breitling is that it’s one of the few truly independent, familyowned watch brands.
Breitling is synonymous with pilots – what’s the connection with aviation?
Simply, we improve day by day. Quality is a must for our consumers. You don’t buy a car because a guy tells you it’s good, or simply because it starts when you put the key in. It’s the same for our watches. We try to provide precision, reliability, functionality, but also a very strong aesthetic design. You don’t buy a luxury watch – even if it has all the functions you want – if you don’t like it. We have unique brand awareness, due to the iconic designs in our collection. The aesthetic design is unique; it means you can recognise, very easily, a Breitling watch.
Breitling, in the 30s, was appointed as the official supplier of cockpit clocks and wrist chronographs for the Royal Air Force. So, Spitfires, Hurricanes, they all had Breitling clocks. Breitling has had this tradition for decades. It’s not just an image, but a real cooperation with the aviation world. The 1970s were bad for Swiss watchmakers – how did Breitling fare?
The 70s were tough times, because the watch industry in Switzerland almost collapsed, as well as Breitling. The general economic situation was not that good, and on top of that,
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there was a structural crisis in the Swiss watch industry, because the Japanese were coming with less expensive, more accurate watches. So all the mechanical knowledge in Switzerland almost collapsed, which is why, in 1979, the grandson of the founder sold the company to another family, the Schneider family. Breitling persevered and was part of the rebirth of mechanical watches, and is still the leader in the field.
How does Breitling distinguish itself from other watchmakers?
How would you describe the Breitling aesthetic?
The aesthetic is always related to the function. Most of our watches are chronograph, which means they need to be a larger.
www.lansdownplace.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:27
A Matter of Time
We make no compromise on functionality. If it’s too small, the time will be unreadable. The fact that Breitling watches are ‘big’ is just one aspect. Then we have typical aesthetic features, which also stem from functionality. We took the needs and requirements of a watch and turned them into aesthetic features unique to the Breitling product. What is your biggest market?
Traditionally, our main market, in terms of continent, is Europe. The UK is very important for us, always in the top markets we have. But, in terms of country, USA is number one. We are quite strong in Japan, too, and in new markets such as Russia, India, and South America. We still have to do our homework in China – it’s a market we’re working on, but we can see good potential there. Do you have a favourite Breitling watch?
My favourite is always the next one! When I am flying, I wear the Breitling Emergency, which has the transmitter, should anything happen. I am currently wearing the Transocean Unitime, which is equipped with a new movement that we’ve just launched. It’s an in-house movement, produced entirely internally, representing what Breitling stands for in 2012. We also have the capacity for innovation. We don’t want to make the most complicated watch ever, but we like to provide a really useful function. This one is great for travellers – people travelling between different time zones – and is very easy to use. That’s my favourite today. Any future projects you can tell us about?
You have to be patient – sorry! But we are always presenting the newest model in the shortest time. « Breitling is a company defined by innovation and tradition. Here are its most crucial moments. 1884 Leon Breitling opens a workshop in St. Imier, specialising in chronographs and precision counters. 1914 Leon’s son, Gaston Breitling takes over the firm. 1915 Gaston creates the first wrist chronograph, supplying pilots with their first wrist watches. 1923 He then develops the first independent chronograph pushpiece, a departure from the winding-crown. 1932 Willy Breitling, Gaston’s son, takes over. 1934 Willy invents the second return-to-zero push-piece, which gives the wrist chronograph its definitive form. 1936 The company becomes the official supplier to the Royal Air Force; the start of an enduring relationship with international aviation. 1942 The Chronomat is launched – the first chronograph to be fitted with a circular slide rule. 1952 The Navitimer – a wrist instrument equipped with the famous ‘navigation computer’ capable of handling all calculations called for by a flight plan, is invented. 1995 Breitling launches the Emergency, with built-in microtransmitter broadcasting on the 121.5 MHz aircraft emergency frequency. 2001 SuperQuartz begins providing movements ten times more precisely than a standard quartz.
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