guy’s Guide from
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD I’M ONLY SLEEPING DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION SO CLEAN, SO FRESH
guest editor george lamb
A modern man’s guide to furnishing your first home
INTRODUCTiON
Y
ou can look at flat hunting in two ways: as an expensive, time-consuming pain, or as a bit of an adventure and a chance to explore new places that you haven’t been before. Ever the adventurer I’ve always chosen the latter mind-set, and have been working with Hygena for the past few months to do some of the leg work for you. We’ve searched high and low to find the best restaurants and bars, cinemas, clothes shops, hotels and barbers (everything a modern man about town needs, in our opinion) across the UK, to help you explore new areas. We’ve unearthed some real gems, but what makes these places particularly special is the way they’ve been designed. The idea is that after reading the following pages you can spend less time worrying about where to move and more time concentrating on how to make your new home look the part. I grew up in Fulham but went off to boarding school outside London aged 11. When it came to doing A-Levels I was super keen to get back to London. After a couple of years at sixth form college I decided I wasn’t going to go to University and started working as a runner on movie sets. Like most young men pushing 20 I was keen to get out of my parents’ house ASAP, which meant several years living in dingy basement flats and warehouses with no hot water. At times it was a bit grim but its all part of growing up and it helps you to appreciate the luxury of living in a comfortable apartment. For me it’s all about space – I love open plan living. To make this work practically, you’ve got to think about how to store everything away and how to create designated areas for things like sleeping, socialising and laying about watching a movie in a pair of jogging bottoms. I’ve always been interested in style and design, and my mum is very creative and has always had a passion for interiors so I’ve been lucky enough to have her help when I’ve kitted out flats in the past. Advice wise – I’d always opt for practical design, hidden storage compartments and furniture with more than one function are important, especially if you’re in an open plan space, and show off your personality with more unique, one-of-a-kind finds. If you find an area with decent places to go out, shop and entertain, you can take inspiration from your surroundings. Good design isn’t hard it just takes a good eye and a bit of effort, and hopefully this guide will give you some inspiration.
George
jess
contomichalos
Jess is a creative interior stylist with a passion for finding the perfect balance between form and function, design and practicality. With 23 years of experience under her belt, she’s worked with countless major titles and big name brands. Jess’ specialty is transforming even the most pintsized of rooms into useable, stylish spaces, making her the perfect partner for Hygena.
the hoxton
the hoxton
george
LAMB
George Lamb is a TV presenter and model who has been featured in GQ, Vogue and Esquire amongst others and was voted one of GQ’s Best Dressed Men. He was born in West London in 1979 and now lives in Swiss Cottage.
INTRODUCTiON
Y
ou can look at flat hunting in two ways: as an expensive, time-consuming pain, or as a bit of an adventure and a chance to explore new places that you haven’t been before. Ever the adventurer I’ve always chosen the latter mind-set, and have been working with Hygena for the past few months to do some of the leg work for you. We’ve searched high and low to find the best restaurants and bars, cinemas, clothes shops, hotels and barbers (everything a modern man about town needs, in our opinion) across the UK, to help you explore new areas. We’ve unearthed some real gems, but what makes these places particularly special is the way they’ve been designed. The idea is that after reading the following pages you can spend less time worrying about where to move and more time concentrating on how to make your new home look the part. I grew up in Fulham but went off to boarding school outside London aged 11. When it came to doing A-Levels I was super keen to get back to London. After a couple of years at sixth form college I decided I wasn’t going to go to University and started working as a runner on movie sets. Like most young men pushing 20 I was keen to get out of my parents’ house ASAP, which meant several years living in dingy basement flats and warehouses with no hot water. At times it was a bit grim but its all part of growing up and it helps you to appreciate the luxury of living in a comfortable apartment. For me it’s all about space – I love open plan living. To make this work practically, you’ve got to think about how to store everything away and how to create designated areas for things like sleeping, socialising and laying about watching a movie in a pair of jogging bottoms. I’ve always been interested in style and design, and my mum is very creative and has always had a passion for interiors so I’ve been lucky enough to have her help when I’ve kitted out flats in the past. Advice wise – I’d always opt for practical design, hidden storage compartments and furniture with more than one function are important, especially if you’re in an open plan space, and show off your personality with more unique, one-of-a-kind finds. If you find an area with decent places to go out, shop and entertain, you can take inspiration from your surroundings. Good design isn’t hard it just takes a good eye and a bit of effort, and hopefully this guide will give you some inspiration.
George
jess
contomichalos
Jess is a creative interior stylist with a passion for finding the perfect balance between form and function, design and practicality. With 23 years of experience under her belt, she’s worked with countless major titles and big name brands. Jess’ specialty is transforming even the most pintsized of rooms into useable, stylish spaces, making her the perfect partner for Hygena.
the hoxton
the hoxton
george
LAMB
George Lamb is a TV presenter and model who has been featured in GQ, Vogue and Esquire amongst others and was voted one of GQ’s Best Dressed Men. He was born in West London in 1979 and now lives in Swiss Cottage.
let me entertain you Creating the perfect space to enjoy film, TV and company
“Like all boys I had aspirations (delusions) of being a professional footballer when I was younger, but unfortunately I was nowhere near good enough, so now I just settle for having the boys over to watch the match on the TV. There’s also nothing I prefer more than lazy Sundays on the sofa reading newspapers and watching movies.”
01 Head out to a night at the movies? Or crash in front of a much-loved classic at home? It’s an age old problem. Good job we’re here then as we’ve put together a list of some of the UK’s best kept big screen secrets, as well as a few suggestions on how to recreate your own silver screen utopia at home. Whether it’s a blockbuster or your latest box set, thinking about how you lay out the living room so you can make the most of your space is important for any budding film critic.
electric cinema
01
Electric Cinema
bits about this particular establishment is that the popcorn and fizzy drinks have been dumped in favour of craft beers and homemade sausage rolls. When you combine that with the mix of blockbusters, Soho House Shorts and indie greats that are on show, it puts it streets ahead of the competition.
02
Dalston Rooftop Cinema
The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, London E8 If West London opulence isn’t really your thing, don’t panic.
191 Portobello Road, London, W11 First up it’s the Electric Cinema – one of London’s plushest picture houses. Originally built in 1910, it boasts a grand Victorian interior, deep leather armchairs, cashmere blankets and art-deco mirrored side tables. One of the best
dalston rooftop cinema Guy’s Guide let me entertain you 4/5
let me entertain you Creating the perfect space to enjoy film, TV and company
“Like all boys I had aspirations (delusions) of being a professional footballer when I was younger, but unfortunately I was nowhere near good enough, so now I just settle for having the boys over to watch the match on the TV. There’s also nothing I prefer more than lazy Sundays on the sofa reading newspapers and watching movies.”
01 Head out to a night at the movies? Or crash in front of a much-loved classic at home? It’s an age old problem. Good job we’re here then as we’ve put together a list of some of the UK’s best kept big screen secrets, as well as a few suggestions on how to recreate your own silver screen utopia at home. Whether it’s a blockbuster or your latest box set, thinking about how you lay out the living room so you can make the most of your space is important for any budding film critic.
electric cinema
01
Electric Cinema
bits about this particular establishment is that the popcorn and fizzy drinks have been dumped in favour of craft beers and homemade sausage rolls. When you combine that with the mix of blockbusters, Soho House Shorts and indie greats that are on show, it puts it streets ahead of the competition.
02
Dalston Rooftop Cinema
The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, London E8 If West London opulence isn’t really your thing, don’t panic.
191 Portobello Road, London, W11 First up it’s the Electric Cinema – one of London’s plushest picture houses. Originally built in 1910, it boasts a grand Victorian interior, deep leather armchairs, cashmere blankets and art-deco mirrored side tables. One of the best
dalston rooftop cinema Guy’s Guide let me entertain you 4/5
let me entertain you
04
Hyde Park Picture House Visit the Dalston Roof Terrace instead. Upcycling is the name of the game here, with old deck chairs, reclaimed benches and vintage pouffes arranged in rows in front of a large wall-mounted projector screen. More than your average garden furniture, this place makes a nice change. A regular haunt for movie buffs and art house aficionados, it’s a great way to make the most of those rare few rays of sunshine whilst enjoying a cracking film, picked from Sundance’s best .
dalston rooftop cinema
73 Brudenell Rd, Headingley, Leeds, LS6
brass monkey
the eclectic brass monkey has a back room packed wall-to-wall with mattresses and cushions
03
Brass Monkey 14 Drummond St, Edinburgh, EH8
A
nd it’s not just London where you’ll find your fix of good films. Hop the border across to Scotland, head down to
Edinburgh’s Grassmarket just off of Nicholson St and pay a visit to Brass Monkey. This eclectic venue has a back room packed wall-to-wall with mattresses and cushions making it the perfect choice for those of you who can’t think of anything better than a mid-afternoon doze in front of their wide screen projector.
IT
’s also worth taking a look at the Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds – one of the oldest purpose built cinemas in the UK that first opened on the 7th November 1914. It still
has the original gas lamps and Edwardian circle balcony, so you can spend just as much time peering down at the other movie-goers as you can watching the film itself.
hyde park picture house
Jess
STRAND TV entertainment unit MISTRAL NEST OF TABLES
S
ometimes nothing beats just kicking back and making the most of not having to squabble over the remote, and what better way to do that than by creating your own oasis of movie heaven? Once you’ve found yourself a centrepiece TV (something big enough to give you a full screen experience whilst still looking in proportion to the room) mounted on the suitably robust Hygena Strand TV entertainment unit (with all your DVDs and Blu-rays piled up inside) you’re good to go. Add to that a few decent arm chairs (a more flexible use of space if you’re short of it) and a Hygena coffee table to rest your feet on – an item that can helpfully double up as extra storage for those ever-wandering remotes. All that’s left to include are a few Hygena Mistral nest tables so that your dips, chips and popcorn are never far out of reach. Now watch the next six hours slide by at a rate of knots.
Guy’s Guide let me entertain you 6/7
let me entertain you
04
Hyde Park Picture House Visit the Dalston Roof Terrace instead. Upcycling is the name of the game here, with old deck chairs, reclaimed benches and vintage pouffes arranged in rows in front of a large wall-mounted projector screen. More than your average garden furniture, this place makes a nice change. A regular haunt for movie buffs and art house aficionados, it’s a great way to make the most of those rare few rays of sunshine whilst enjoying a cracking film, picked from Sundance’s best .
dalston rooftop cinema
73 Brudenell Rd, Headingley, Leeds, LS6
brass monkey
the eclectic brass monkey has a back room packed wall-to-wall with mattresses and cushions
03
Brass Monkey 14 Drummond St, Edinburgh, EH8
A
nd it’s not just London where you’ll find your fix of good films. Hop the border across to Scotland, head down to
Edinburgh’s Grassmarket just off of Nicholson St and pay a visit to Brass Monkey. This eclectic venue has a back room packed wall-to-wall with mattresses and cushions making it the perfect choice for those of you who can’t think of anything better than a mid-afternoon doze in front of their wide screen projector.
IT
’s also worth taking a look at the Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds – one of the oldest purpose built cinemas in the UK that first opened on the 7th November 1914. It still
has the original gas lamps and Edwardian circle balcony, so you can spend just as much time peering down at the other movie-goers as you can watching the film itself.
hyde park picture house
Jess
STRAND TV entertainment unit MISTRAL NEST OF TABLES
S
ometimes nothing beats just kicking back and making the most of not having to squabble over the remote, and what better way to do that than by creating your own oasis of movie heaven? Once you’ve found yourself a centrepiece TV (something big enough to give you a full screen experience whilst still looking in proportion to the room) mounted on the suitably robust Hygena Strand TV entertainment unit (with all your DVDs and Blu-rays piled up inside) you’re good to go. Add to that a few decent arm chairs (a more flexible use of space if you’re short of it) and a Hygena coffee table to rest your feet on – an item that can helpfully double up as extra storage for those ever-wandering remotes. All that’s left to include are a few Hygena Mistral nest tables so that your dips, chips and popcorn are never far out of reach. Now watch the next six hours slide by at a rate of knots.
Guy’s Guide let me entertain you 6/7
02
If you fancy yourself a bit of a dab hand in the kitchen then having a proper space to entertain guests is pretty important. Not many flats these days have room for a separate dining area so you need to be clever when creating a multifunctional space. A table in the corner of the room might work when you’re dining alone but it’s not exactly ideal for those nights when your mates are round to watch the rugby. Below are our top picks for some of the UK’s best restaurants – they’ll give you some great ideas for how to create your own fine dining experience at home and serve some cracking grub for those days when you’re not in the mood to cook.
02 the timberYard
01 friends of ham
The Timberyard Lady Lawson St, Edinburgh, EH3
“I’m a big foodie. I love cooking and I think it’s important for a man to know his way round the kitchen. I also weirdly quite like doing the washing up.”
food, glorious food Creating the perfect space for proper foodies
N Friends of Ham
4 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1
B
eer, wine, cheese and charcuterie. What more do you need? An indoor hurling table, that’s what. At least that’s what the brainiacs behind Friends of Ham in Leeds seem to
think. They’ve got over 100 types of bottled beer, and plenty more on draft, so it’s definitely somewhere worth spending a few hours/days (it’s easy to lose track of time here) getting better acquainted with the stock. The atmosphere is what makes this place really special; it’s not uppity or achingly cool. Pull up one of
the mis-matched chairs, prop your feet up on a nearby stool and just drink it in. There’s plenty to look at, with great hunks of meat hanging from the ceiling, jars and bottles of different pickles and sides and the odd bulldog lamp. Proof – if ever you needed it – that mixing good solid design with something a bit out of the ordinary is always a winner.
ext up is The Timberyard in Edinburgh. The Radford family have done themselves proud with this restaurant that supports local suppliers and looks effortlessly cool whilst doing so. The interior boasts a cracking mix of exposed wooden floors, whitewashed brick walls and enormous bell-jar lamps. The food is top notch too (the deer loin is especially good, particularly if you’ve had enough festive cheer for one year). It’s also a great place to take a date –especially on a cold winter’s night– as you can chill out in front of the wood burning stove. Good food, good mood, what more could you ask for?.
Guy’s Guide food, glorious food 8/9
02
If you fancy yourself a bit of a dab hand in the kitchen then having a proper space to entertain guests is pretty important. Not many flats these days have room for a separate dining area so you need to be clever when creating a multifunctional space. A table in the corner of the room might work when you’re dining alone but it’s not exactly ideal for those nights when your mates are round to watch the rugby. Below are our top picks for some of the UK’s best restaurants – they’ll give you some great ideas for how to create your own fine dining experience at home and serve some cracking grub for those days when you’re not in the mood to cook.
02 the timberYard
01 friends of ham
The Timberyard Lady Lawson St, Edinburgh, EH3
“I’m a big foodie. I love cooking and I think it’s important for a man to know his way round the kitchen. I also weirdly quite like doing the washing up.”
food, glorious food Creating the perfect space for proper foodies
N Friends of Ham
4 New Station Street, Leeds, LS1
B
eer, wine, cheese and charcuterie. What more do you need? An indoor hurling table, that’s what. At least that’s what the brainiacs behind Friends of Ham in Leeds seem to
think. They’ve got over 100 types of bottled beer, and plenty more on draft, so it’s definitely somewhere worth spending a few hours/days (it’s easy to lose track of time here) getting better acquainted with the stock. The atmosphere is what makes this place really special; it’s not uppity or achingly cool. Pull up one of
the mis-matched chairs, prop your feet up on a nearby stool and just drink it in. There’s plenty to look at, with great hunks of meat hanging from the ceiling, jars and bottles of different pickles and sides and the odd bulldog lamp. Proof – if ever you needed it – that mixing good solid design with something a bit out of the ordinary is always a winner.
ext up is The Timberyard in Edinburgh. The Radford family have done themselves proud with this restaurant that supports local suppliers and looks effortlessly cool whilst doing so. The interior boasts a cracking mix of exposed wooden floors, whitewashed brick walls and enormous bell-jar lamps. The food is top notch too (the deer loin is especially good, particularly if you’ve had enough festive cheer for one year). It’s also a great place to take a date –especially on a cold winter’s night– as you can chill out in front of the wood burning stove. Good food, good mood, what more could you ask for?.
Guy’s Guide food, glorious food 8/9
food, glorious food
Jess
seven at brixton
amparo table 03
Seven at Brixton
Unit 7 Market Row, Brixton, London, SW9
B
ack down south, you come to Seven at Brixton. Tucked away in the old Brixton market, each of
the upstairs rooms is leased out as a free gallery space for local artists, meaning you’ll be hard pressed to find a more original setting to enjoy a few craft beers (Alhamra Reserva anyone?). Just a warning, they’ve got a kick to them. For those of us who are less artistically inclined but still looking for the same warehouse feel, why not keep
things bare, and display a few bottles of good whiskey on top of Hygena’s Camden chest in walnut and black gloss instead.
seven at brixton
W
hether it’s predinner drinks with a few mates so that you can finally give that DIY cocktail manual a try, or a full blown feast complete with all the trimmings and a choice of puds – your entertaining space is going to be the hub of your home. Once you’ve settled in to your new digs and chucked the tell-tale upturned boxes away, don’t opt for the same as everyone else. Instead, use your space creatively and try something new. Hygena’s Amparo table in a black finish (an item I think even Don Draper would have had his eye on) is both stylish and functional with chairs designed to slot together underneath
the warehouse cafÉ
04
The Warehouse Café
54-57 Allison St, Birmingham, B5
U
p in Birmingham and whilst we’ll admit that compost, solar energy and vegetarian food
don’t exactly sound like the kind of things that are likely to get your heart racing, The Warehouse Café just had to make it onto our guide. Located in the Friends of the Earth redbrick building just round the corner from Moor Street Station, The Warehouse serves some cracking vegetarian food. Go for the veggie burger, triple cooked potato wedges and a side of corn fritters and we guarantee you’ll have to be wheeled out the place by the time you’re done. The décor is simple, but this adds to the charm. The stripped wooden floors and upcycled chairs fit perfectly together. Definitely one for blokes who appreciate that there’s more to life than a good steak… well, sometimes.
the warehouse cafÉ
minimising the amount of wasted space. Your kitchen-diner is going to be where you end up spending most of your time, so it’s well worth making it look sharp.
Guy’s Guide food, glorious food 10/11
food, glorious food
Jess
seven at brixton
amparo table 03
Seven at Brixton
Unit 7 Market Row, Brixton, London, SW9
B
ack down south, you come to Seven at Brixton. Tucked away in the old Brixton market, each of
the upstairs rooms is leased out as a free gallery space for local artists, meaning you’ll be hard pressed to find a more original setting to enjoy a few craft beers (Alhamra Reserva anyone?). Just a warning, they’ve got a kick to them. For those of us who are less artistically inclined but still looking for the same warehouse feel, why not keep
things bare, and display a few bottles of good whiskey on top of Hygena’s Camden chest in walnut and black gloss instead.
seven at brixton
W
hether it’s predinner drinks with a few mates so that you can finally give that DIY cocktail manual a try, or a full blown feast complete with all the trimmings and a choice of puds – your entertaining space is going to be the hub of your home. Once you’ve settled in to your new digs and chucked the tell-tale upturned boxes away, don’t opt for the same as everyone else. Instead, use your space creatively and try something new. Hygena’s Amparo table in a black finish (an item I think even Don Draper would have had his eye on) is both stylish and functional with chairs designed to slot together underneath
the warehouse cafÉ
04
The Warehouse Café
54-57 Allison St, Birmingham, B5
U
p in Birmingham and whilst we’ll admit that compost, solar energy and vegetarian food
don’t exactly sound like the kind of things that are likely to get your heart racing, The Warehouse Café just had to make it onto our guide. Located in the Friends of the Earth redbrick building just round the corner from Moor Street Station, The Warehouse serves some cracking vegetarian food. Go for the veggie burger, triple cooked potato wedges and a side of corn fritters and we guarantee you’ll have to be wheeled out the place by the time you’re done. The décor is simple, but this adds to the charm. The stripped wooden floors and upcycled chairs fit perfectly together. Definitely one for blokes who appreciate that there’s more to life than a good steak… well, sometimes.
the warehouse cafÉ
minimising the amount of wasted space. Your kitchen-diner is going to be where you end up spending most of your time, so it’s well worth making it look sharp.
Guy’s Guide food, glorious food 10/11
I’m Only Sleeping Creating the perfect space to rest your head
03
“I’ve got a pretty crazy schedule, but when I do have time for a lie-in I make the most of it. There’s nothing quite like going out to pick up breakfast and coffee and then getting back into bed – especially if there is someone there with you.”
the glasshouse
Nothing beats a Sunday morning lie in, but what’s the secret to a good night’s rest? A sturdy bedframe and comfy mattress is a given, but design also plays a really important role in creating the perfect space to lay your head. Whether you’re investing less or you just happen to draw the short straw and end up with the box room, we’re on hand to help you achieve a lot with the space you have. What better place to look for inspiration than some of the best hotels from across the country? Some have had to design their rooms working within the restrictions of an old building, whilst others have achieved a significant amount in the tightest of city spaces, but all offer tips on how to maximise the potential of your new flat no matter what its size.
01
The Glasshouse 2 greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1
W
e begin up in Edinburgh, known affectionately by the locals as Auld Reekie. If you happen to spot a great glass cube, perched delicately on top of an old Edwardian façade whilst you’re walking along Greenside Place, you’ve probably just passed the aptly named Glasshouse (either that or you’ve had one too many drams at lunch). Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this unique Edinburgh hotel unashamedly celebrates ultra-modern design, with plenty of white space, chrome chandeliers and glass mezzanines. If you yearn for a minimalist home, this place offers some
great ideas about how to use pattern and texture to define different areas and to inject a bit of personality into your room. Though you might not have the option of ripping off your roof and replacing it with a great glass canopy, the use of clear materials shows just how effective it can be to make a room feel more open. Take Hygena’s clear Mistral tables; the slim line structure and transparent acrylic means they look ultra-sleek and
the nest design means no wasted floor space. Granted the Glasshouse might not be the cheapest place to crash in the city, but we’d recommend poking your head round the door to bask in the clean lines and modern feel. Whilst you’re there why not have a quick drink on the spectacular balcony which overlooks the city skyline? The views in particular make it a winner if you’re looking to impress someone special.
the glasshouse Guy’s Guide i’m only sleeping 12/13
I’m Only Sleeping Creating the perfect space to rest your head
03
“I’ve got a pretty crazy schedule, but when I do have time for a lie-in I make the most of it. There’s nothing quite like going out to pick up breakfast and coffee and then getting back into bed – especially if there is someone there with you.”
the glasshouse
Nothing beats a Sunday morning lie in, but what’s the secret to a good night’s rest? A sturdy bedframe and comfy mattress is a given, but design also plays a really important role in creating the perfect space to lay your head. Whether you’re investing less or you just happen to draw the short straw and end up with the box room, we’re on hand to help you achieve a lot with the space you have. What better place to look for inspiration than some of the best hotels from across the country? Some have had to design their rooms working within the restrictions of an old building, whilst others have achieved a significant amount in the tightest of city spaces, but all offer tips on how to maximise the potential of your new flat no matter what its size.
01
The Glasshouse 2 greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1
W
e begin up in Edinburgh, known affectionately by the locals as Auld Reekie. If you happen to spot a great glass cube, perched delicately on top of an old Edwardian façade whilst you’re walking along Greenside Place, you’ve probably just passed the aptly named Glasshouse (either that or you’ve had one too many drams at lunch). Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this unique Edinburgh hotel unashamedly celebrates ultra-modern design, with plenty of white space, chrome chandeliers and glass mezzanines. If you yearn for a minimalist home, this place offers some
great ideas about how to use pattern and texture to define different areas and to inject a bit of personality into your room. Though you might not have the option of ripping off your roof and replacing it with a great glass canopy, the use of clear materials shows just how effective it can be to make a room feel more open. Take Hygena’s clear Mistral tables; the slim line structure and transparent acrylic means they look ultra-sleek and
the nest design means no wasted floor space. Granted the Glasshouse might not be the cheapest place to crash in the city, but we’d recommend poking your head round the door to bask in the clean lines and modern feel. Whilst you’re there why not have a quick drink on the spectacular balcony which overlooks the city skyline? The views in particular make it a winner if you’re looking to impress someone special.
the glasshouse Guy’s Guide i’m only sleeping 12/13
i’m only sleeping hotel du vin
42 the calls
02
42 the calls
42 The Calls, Leeds, LS2
H 42 the calls
Jess
ottoman bed
N
ow you’ve got your room styled just right, how do you avoid it turning into a scene from Obsessive Compulsive Hoarders? My solution to creating a feeling of calm: get a bed that doubles up as a sizeable storage unit. Who needs to cram everything into a cupboard when you can lift up your whole mattress and make the most of that unused space underneath instead? Hygena’s Ottoman bed allows you to do exactly that, and looks great in black leather effect. The headboard on the Vince Ottoman also has two hidden storage compartments – genius. As the old saying goes, spend as much on your bed and your shoes as you can afford – if you’re not in one you’ll be in the other. Hygena offers modern designs for a range of budgets, so make an investment and you’ll be laughing.
eading further down south you come to 42 The Calls in Leeds. Backing onto the River Aire it’s got plenty of exposed brickwork (a personal favourite of ours) which give it a calm atmosphere, perfect after days spent trudging round the busy city. The rooms are modern and are decorated with several well placed art deco lamps, tables and
chairs, meaning the whole place looks light, airy and clean. Mixing old and new can look great but few people get it right – but take a look at Courtney Stodden and her soon to be exhubby Doug – 42 The Calls however gets the balance just right. Definitely one of our favourite design inspirations for those who’ve just moved into somewhere with a bit of character. So whether you’ve got big old windows, solid wood floorboards, or exposed redbrick, make the most of it with your furniture.
03
04
HOTEL DU VIN
THE HOXTON
T
L
5 Church St, Birmingham, B3
here may be a couple of Hotel Du Vins dotted around the country, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less stylish. Their Birmingham location is particularly special, as it’s housed in a disused Eye Hospital. The rooms have all been designed to a really high spec, with a mix of walnut and old oiled oak furniture framed by a cream and port colour scheme. If you think comfort, style and masculinity tend to look a bit uncomfortable next to one another, think again. This place is a first rate example of how you can use colour to make your new flat look timeless. Also, if the in-laws are up for the weekend and you haven’t got space to house them yourself – such a shame really – see if you can steer them in front of this place. Guaranteed to impress them.
81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A
ast but by no means least we come to The Hoxton which is based in, you guessed it, Hoxton (though rumour has it they’re looking to open a second hotel in Holborn under the
same name). On the fringes of London’s Square Mile, each room in this masterpiece of manly style has been individually designed, giving the whole place a good dollop of character. It’s packed with great examples of how a few one-off originals – be it clever silhouette wall art or an old Sega Dreamcast – fit perfectly with well designed furniture.
the hoxton
Guy’s Guide i’m only sleeping 14/15
i’m only sleeping hotel du vin
42 the calls
02
42 the calls
42 The Calls, Leeds, LS2
H 42 the calls
Jess
ottoman bed
N
ow you’ve got your room styled just right, how do you avoid it turning into a scene from Obsessive Compulsive Hoarders? My solution to creating a feeling of calm: get a bed that doubles up as a sizeable storage unit. Who needs to cram everything into a cupboard when you can lift up your whole mattress and make the most of that unused space underneath instead? Hygena’s Ottoman bed allows you to do exactly that, and looks great in black leather effect. The headboard on the Vince Ottoman also has two hidden storage compartments – genius. As the old saying goes, spend as much on your bed and your shoes as you can afford – if you’re not in one you’ll be in the other. Hygena offers modern designs for a range of budgets, so make an investment and you’ll be laughing.
eading further down south you come to 42 The Calls in Leeds. Backing onto the River Aire it’s got plenty of exposed brickwork (a personal favourite of ours) which give it a calm atmosphere, perfect after days spent trudging round the busy city. The rooms are modern and are decorated with several well placed art deco lamps, tables and
chairs, meaning the whole place looks light, airy and clean. Mixing old and new can look great but few people get it right – but take a look at Courtney Stodden and her soon to be exhubby Doug – 42 The Calls however gets the balance just right. Definitely one of our favourite design inspirations for those who’ve just moved into somewhere with a bit of character. So whether you’ve got big old windows, solid wood floorboards, or exposed redbrick, make the most of it with your furniture.
03
04
HOTEL DU VIN
THE HOXTON
T
L
5 Church St, Birmingham, B3
here may be a couple of Hotel Du Vins dotted around the country, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less stylish. Their Birmingham location is particularly special, as it’s housed in a disused Eye Hospital. The rooms have all been designed to a really high spec, with a mix of walnut and old oiled oak furniture framed by a cream and port colour scheme. If you think comfort, style and masculinity tend to look a bit uncomfortable next to one another, think again. This place is a first rate example of how you can use colour to make your new flat look timeless. Also, if the in-laws are up for the weekend and you haven’t got space to house them yourself – such a shame really – see if you can steer them in front of this place. Guaranteed to impress them.
81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A
ast but by no means least we come to The Hoxton which is based in, you guessed it, Hoxton (though rumour has it they’re looking to open a second hotel in Holborn under the
same name). On the fringes of London’s Square Mile, each room in this masterpiece of manly style has been individually designed, giving the whole place a good dollop of character. It’s packed with great examples of how a few one-off originals – be it clever silhouette wall art or an old Sega Dreamcast – fit perfectly with well designed furniture.
the hoxton
Guy’s Guide i’m only sleeping 14/15
dedicated follower of fashion
Creating the perfect space for the stylist gent
04 “I have a real thing for a decent pair of shoes, although finding the right pair can be tricky as I’ve got size 13 feet. Needless to say when I do find a pair that I like, I do my upmost to keep them well looked after when they get home. A good pair of shoetrees are a very worthwhile investment.”
Trends
, man-purses and ‘this-season-musthaves!’ come and go, but a decent pair of brogues and a classic cut shirt will last a good while longer. Still, a good eye for design is not something to be scoffed at, and one of the corner stones of good design is not having too much clutter. As a result, one thing that’s particularly important to get sorted after moving into a new pad is somewhere to store our clothes and shoes. It’s all very well looking the part when you leave the house, but you need to have somewhere to hang your stuff to keep it looking its best. Here we look at some of the best independent clothes shops throughout the county: ones which have made a name for themselves just as much for their design quirks and clever use of space as they have for their top quality gear.
01
HUH
56 Stoke Newington Rd, London, N16
L
et’s begin with HUH. in Stoke Newington. A bit of a hipsters paradise (don’t let this put you off), this independent culture magazine-come-retailer boasts a fantastic range of brands including Norse Projects, Carhartt and WeSC. It may be slightly off the beaten track, but that’s what makes it such a good find. Walk through the narrow glass door and step into a quiet corridor of superior styling. A perfect example of how you don’t need a huge amount of room to make a big impact, the galley style layout has meant that they’ve had to work with the available space very carefully. One trick that’s particularly clever is the upturned plant pots that hang from the ceiling – you’ll leave still wondering how they’ve managed it. If you don’t have any spare floor space, there’s nothing stopping you from making the most of your ceiling, is there?
HuH
02
Favourbrook
Piccadilly Arcade, London, SW1Y
I
f you’d rather stick a bit more central, that’s fine by us. Aside from Savile Row, Piccadilly Arcade is by far one of the capital’s best spots for those on the hunt for some truly modern menswear. Take Favourbrook for example. Established in 1990, they’ve removed the starch and stuffiness from traditional tailoring and have injected their own flair, making world-class waistcoats that are bound to get you noticed. In
Guy’s Guide dedicated follower of fashion 16/17
dedicated follower of fashion
Creating the perfect space for the stylist gent
04 “I have a real thing for a decent pair of shoes, although finding the right pair can be tricky as I’ve got size 13 feet. Needless to say when I do find a pair that I like, I do my upmost to keep them well looked after when they get home. A good pair of shoetrees are a very worthwhile investment.”
Trends
, man-purses and ‘this-season-musthaves!’ come and go, but a decent pair of brogues and a classic cut shirt will last a good while longer. Still, a good eye for design is not something to be scoffed at, and one of the corner stones of good design is not having too much clutter. As a result, one thing that’s particularly important to get sorted after moving into a new pad is somewhere to store our clothes and shoes. It’s all very well looking the part when you leave the house, but you need to have somewhere to hang your stuff to keep it looking its best. Here we look at some of the best independent clothes shops throughout the county: ones which have made a name for themselves just as much for their design quirks and clever use of space as they have for their top quality gear.
01
HUH
56 Stoke Newington Rd, London, N16
L
et’s begin with HUH. in Stoke Newington. A bit of a hipsters paradise (don’t let this put you off), this independent culture magazine-come-retailer boasts a fantastic range of brands including Norse Projects, Carhartt and WeSC. It may be slightly off the beaten track, but that’s what makes it such a good find. Walk through the narrow glass door and step into a quiet corridor of superior styling. A perfect example of how you don’t need a huge amount of room to make a big impact, the galley style layout has meant that they’ve had to work with the available space very carefully. One trick that’s particularly clever is the upturned plant pots that hang from the ceiling – you’ll leave still wondering how they’ve managed it. If you don’t have any spare floor space, there’s nothing stopping you from making the most of your ceiling, is there?
HuH
02
Favourbrook
Piccadilly Arcade, London, SW1Y
I
f you’d rather stick a bit more central, that’s fine by us. Aside from Savile Row, Piccadilly Arcade is by far one of the capital’s best spots for those on the hunt for some truly modern menswear. Take Favourbrook for example. Established in 1990, they’ve removed the starch and stuffiness from traditional tailoring and have injected their own flair, making world-class waistcoats that are bound to get you noticed. In
Guy’s Guide dedicated follower of fashion 16/17
dedicated follower of fashion
05
03
06
Rogerson Footwear, 02 favourbrook (continued) keeping with the grandeur of the location, the whole store is lined with dark wood shelving and fitted rails. Whilst you’d normally expect such dark colours to make the space feel smaller, the clever use of storage means even the smallest nook doesn’t go to waste.
126-128 Rose St, Edinburgh, EH2
Carying on with a bit of a heritage vibe, though a good 400 miles further north, is Rogerson’s Footwear. A family-run business, the company has been selling quality boots and shoes since the early 1900s. The store itself is much as you’d expect of a typical shoe shop, but the variety and quality of brogues stocked is unmatched – they’ve got Crockett & Jones by the bucket load. Paying this place a visit can be dangerous for your bank balance, but, if you do decide to invest you’d better make sure you look after them when you get home. The Hygena Milan Shoe Storage Cabinet will keep them all ship shape, and looks pretty damn smart with frosted glass doors. It beats leaving them in a heap at the bottom of your wardrobe.
04
Urban Outfitters 64 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1
Though the Urban Outfitters in Leeds is still very much one of the new kids on the block, the design of this particular store is far from green. As always you’ll find a collection of top-notch brands housed in a colourful, industrial space with split levels, wood, metal and concrete used to give the whole place a robust look. It’ll give you some good ideas as to how a few books, album sleeves and records can be used to give a bit of personality to your new digs.
Mr Birds Emporium
The Custard Factory,
Gibb St, Birmingham, B9 Tucked away in The Custard Factory, an area renowned for its vibrant environment, Mr Birds Emporium brings together a really decent mix of vintage finds, independent fashion labels and one off pieces of art. It’s got a fantastic industrial feel to it, with bare painted walls and clothing rails made out of reclaimed pipework. The shop front is what really makes the
place stand out though – it’s bright green; which just goes to show that a bit of accent colour’ll get you noticed.
Jess E
camden 2 door wardrobe
crombie
Crombie
48 Conduit St, Edinburgh, W1S
C
ross to the other side of the castle, round by Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, and you’ll find Crombie. When everyone from Winston Churchill to Mikhail Gorbachev is wearing your coats, you know you’re on to a good thing. Having been around for some 200 years, Crombie has all the heritage of a classic Gloverall whilst offering something new that’s still bang on-trend. As you’d expect, the store has an old world feel to it, and is brimming with plenty of wood panelling and rickety old antique chairs. Save up, make an investment in one of their retro coats and wait for the weather to turn with a smile on your face.
ven if you don’t think you need a significant amount of space for your own clothes, there comes a point in most men’s lives (with the possible exception of Sheldon Cooper) where your significant other is likely to start leaving more of their dresses, shoes, bags, coats and you-name-its at your place. When the inevitable happens, that lone rail with a few plastic hangers probably starts to look a little less practical than it did a few months ago. Be prepared. Opt for a slim fit wardrobe if you’re short on space, with either a high gloss or mirrored finish. It’ll look much more sophisticated and will open up the room. The slim line Hygena Camden 2 door wardrobe leaves you with enough room to hang a wall mirror, which will earn you brownie points from the missus.
Guy’s Guide dedicated follower of fashion 18/19
dedicated follower of fashion
05
03
06
Rogerson Footwear, 02 favourbrook (continued) keeping with the grandeur of the location, the whole store is lined with dark wood shelving and fitted rails. Whilst you’d normally expect such dark colours to make the space feel smaller, the clever use of storage means even the smallest nook doesn’t go to waste.
126-128 Rose St, Edinburgh, EH2
Carying on with a bit of a heritage vibe, though a good 400 miles further north, is Rogerson’s Footwear. A family-run business, the company has been selling quality boots and shoes since the early 1900s. The store itself is much as you’d expect of a typical shoe shop, but the variety and quality of brogues stocked is unmatched – they’ve got Crockett & Jones by the bucket load. Paying this place a visit can be dangerous for your bank balance, but, if you do decide to invest you’d better make sure you look after them when you get home. The Hygena Milan Shoe Storage Cabinet will keep them all ship shape, and looks pretty damn smart with frosted glass doors. It beats leaving them in a heap at the bottom of your wardrobe.
04
Urban Outfitters 64 Boar Lane, Leeds, LS1
Though the Urban Outfitters in Leeds is still very much one of the new kids on the block, the design of this particular store is far from green. As always you’ll find a collection of top-notch brands housed in a colourful, industrial space with split levels, wood, metal and concrete used to give the whole place a robust look. It’ll give you some good ideas as to how a few books, album sleeves and records can be used to give a bit of personality to your new digs.
Mr Birds Emporium
The Custard Factory,
Gibb St, Birmingham, B9 Tucked away in The Custard Factory, an area renowned for its vibrant environment, Mr Birds Emporium brings together a really decent mix of vintage finds, independent fashion labels and one off pieces of art. It’s got a fantastic industrial feel to it, with bare painted walls and clothing rails made out of reclaimed pipework. The shop front is what really makes the
place stand out though – it’s bright green; which just goes to show that a bit of accent colour’ll get you noticed.
Jess E
camden 2 door wardrobe
crombie
Crombie
48 Conduit St, Edinburgh, W1S
C
ross to the other side of the castle, round by Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, and you’ll find Crombie. When everyone from Winston Churchill to Mikhail Gorbachev is wearing your coats, you know you’re on to a good thing. Having been around for some 200 years, Crombie has all the heritage of a classic Gloverall whilst offering something new that’s still bang on-trend. As you’d expect, the store has an old world feel to it, and is brimming with plenty of wood panelling and rickety old antique chairs. Save up, make an investment in one of their retro coats and wait for the weather to turn with a smile on your face.
ven if you don’t think you need a significant amount of space for your own clothes, there comes a point in most men’s lives (with the possible exception of Sheldon Cooper) where your significant other is likely to start leaving more of their dresses, shoes, bags, coats and you-name-its at your place. When the inevitable happens, that lone rail with a few plastic hangers probably starts to look a little less practical than it did a few months ago. Be prepared. Opt for a slim fit wardrobe if you’re short on space, with either a high gloss or mirrored finish. It’ll look much more sophisticated and will open up the room. The slim line Hygena Camden 2 door wardrobe leaves you with enough room to hang a wall mirror, which will earn you brownie points from the missus.
Guy’s Guide dedicated follower of fashion 18/19
05
So Fresh So Clean Creating the perfect grooming space
“I started going grey at 19. Since then my hair has kinda become my thing so I make sure I keep it in check. It’s also great to see the return of the traditional barber – I love treating myself to a proper hot shave every now and again.”
Guy’s Guide so fresh so clean 20/21
05
So Fresh So Clean Creating the perfect grooming space
“I started going grey at 19. Since then my hair has kinda become my thing so I make sure I keep it in check. It’s also great to see the return of the traditional barber – I love treating myself to a proper hot shave every now and again.”
Guy’s Guide so fresh so clean 20/21
so fresh so clean The last decade or so has been one dominated by revivals – double denim is back, and so are bumbags – but one trend we’re pleased to see make a bit of a resurgence is the return of the humble barber. For those times when you need more than a quick once over with a razor.
02
01
02
Ruffians
Basement 68
L
N
23 Queensferry St, Edinburgh, EH2
03
kings barbers
Kings Barbers
42 Islington Row Middleway, Birmingham, B15
I
t’s no appointments, no nonsense at Kings Barbers in Birmingham. There are several dotted about the city, but all live by the same rule: cuts and shaves for men done properly, without the frills. Simple. The walls are lined with boxing shots and old movie posters, and there are a couple of wide screens dotted about so you can watch the footie whilst getting a trim rather than having to worry about talking through the finer details of your last holiday..
68a Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1
eading the charge is independent boutique, Ruffians. Touting itself as having been ‘exclusively engineered for men’, their hot shave is a clear winner and certainly one of the best there is north of the border. Heavy leather chairs, neat ceramic tiling and painted wooden panelling make this a proper den for men.
ruffians
estled underground not too far from Leeds’ city centre, the newly refurbed Basement 68 is also a fine example of a good men’s barber done well. The look and feel of this particular venue is clean and modern and that’s exactly how you’ll look after one of their signature hot shaves. A fan of exposed brickwork? This place doesn’t disappoint. It’s also conveniently located to help you spruce up before a night on the town.
04
Taylors of Old Bond St 74 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y
I
basement 68 taylors
t only seems fitting to finish off with the shaving institution that is Taylors of Old Bond St, which has been in the same Jermyn St location since 1894. They’ve got everything here: old fashioned shaving brushes, resin combs and even a selection of different settings for your MACH 3. If you struggle to buy presents for your old man, just take a 5 minute wander round this place and you’ll have the next decade worth of gifts covered. With so much on offer you might think the place would look cluttered, but the clear glass shelving and ordered layout make the space easy to navigate. Venture further back and you’ll find a few large basins with some of the shop’s oldest regulars getting lathered up ready for their weekly shave.
Jess
milan shoe storage unit
U
nfortunately not all of us have room for our own leather recliner, hot towel stand and ceramic wash basin. Still, gone are the days where a half empty deodorant can and a 2-in-1 shampoo are all you need. Bathrooms, especially shared ones, can easily look messy with so many jars of moulding wax and loose razor blades lying around. When planning how to use your space, have a think about what essentials you need in the bathroom, most extras can be tidied away in your room. The Hygena Milan shoe storage unit doubles up as a stylish shelving unit. If nothing else it’ll reduce the amount of time you spend in the bathroom – something your flatmates will be grateful for. Guy’s Guide so fresh so clean 22/23
so fresh so clean The last decade or so has been one dominated by revivals – double denim is back, and so are bumbags – but one trend we’re pleased to see make a bit of a resurgence is the return of the humble barber. For those times when you need more than a quick once over with a razor.
02
01
02
Ruffians
Basement 68
L
N
23 Queensferry St, Edinburgh, EH2
03
kings barbers
Kings Barbers
42 Islington Row Middleway, Birmingham, B15
I
t’s no appointments, no nonsense at Kings Barbers in Birmingham. There are several dotted about the city, but all live by the same rule: cuts and shaves for men done properly, without the frills. Simple. The walls are lined with boxing shots and old movie posters, and there are a couple of wide screens dotted about so you can watch the footie whilst getting a trim rather than having to worry about talking through the finer details of your last holiday..
68a Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1
eading the charge is independent boutique, Ruffians. Touting itself as having been ‘exclusively engineered for men’, their hot shave is a clear winner and certainly one of the best there is north of the border. Heavy leather chairs, neat ceramic tiling and painted wooden panelling make this a proper den for men.
ruffians
estled underground not too far from Leeds’ city centre, the newly refurbed Basement 68 is also a fine example of a good men’s barber done well. The look and feel of this particular venue is clean and modern and that’s exactly how you’ll look after one of their signature hot shaves. A fan of exposed brickwork? This place doesn’t disappoint. It’s also conveniently located to help you spruce up before a night on the town.
04
Taylors of Old Bond St 74 Jermyn St, London, SW1Y
I
basement 68 taylors
t only seems fitting to finish off with the shaving institution that is Taylors of Old Bond St, which has been in the same Jermyn St location since 1894. They’ve got everything here: old fashioned shaving brushes, resin combs and even a selection of different settings for your MACH 3. If you struggle to buy presents for your old man, just take a 5 minute wander round this place and you’ll have the next decade worth of gifts covered. With so much on offer you might think the place would look cluttered, but the clear glass shelving and ordered layout make the space easy to navigate. Venture further back and you’ll find a few large basins with some of the shop’s oldest regulars getting lathered up ready for their weekly shave.
Jess
milan shoe storage unit
U
nfortunately not all of us have room for our own leather recliner, hot towel stand and ceramic wash basin. Still, gone are the days where a half empty deodorant can and a 2-in-1 shampoo are all you need. Bathrooms, especially shared ones, can easily look messy with so many jars of moulding wax and loose razor blades lying around. When planning how to use your space, have a think about what essentials you need in the bathroom, most extras can be tidied away in your room. The Hygena Milan shoe storage unit doubles up as a stylish shelving unit. If nothing else it’ll reduce the amount of time you spend in the bathroom – something your flatmates will be grateful for. Guy’s Guide so fresh so clean 22/23
Hygena provides stylish and innovative furniture for the modern home. One-off items and collections. Hygena believes in making smaller rooms work harder; hidden storage compartments, space saving tables and chairs and slim line designs make Hygena perfectly suited to urban flats where space is at a premium. Hygena furniture is available to purchase online at argos.co.uk @Hygena_Home www.argos.co.uk