Issuu

by Amanda Sharpe

OUR WINTER ‘MEWSLETTER’

from Peggy Lurot, Managing Director

THE WAIT IS OVER…

We have all, to some extent, been waiting—first for the election, then the budget. This anticipation spurred a surge in property activity, with many buyers and sellers keen to complete transactions by 30th October. The rush has placed considerable pressure on solicitors working to meet deadlines. Beyond financial implications, personal factors are also at play, as individuals prepare to bid farewell to family and friends and find new homes. This mix of urgency and need has driven up recent transactions, with over half our properties now under offer as families aim to settle before Christmas.

Throughout the last 53 years, Lurot Brand has witnessed numerous legislative changes which have impacted the property market in various ways. With our extensive experience, we are well-equipped to assist our clients in effectively navigating these shifts to ensure they can reach their shortterm or long-term objectives. As such, we are closely monitoring the Renters’ Rights Bill, as well as the impact of non-Dom status and the rise in Stamp Duty on purchases of additional residential properties, to ensure that our clients receive all the essential information, advice and services.

Besides dealing with new laws, taxes, and daily property matters, we are focused on increasing the visibility of the Mews of London to attract an even wider audience. Our team has graciously adjusted their skills for the camera, and I hope you are enjoying the recent videos that have been produced.

We were hoping to bring good news about our efforts to reopen our Sussex Place office, but these have hit a setback due to another significant leak from a property above us, prolonging the closure for at least 3 to 6 months. Nevertheless, we have been achieving great results with numerous sales and rentals in Bayswater, Notting

Hill, Maida Vale and across London, as we continue to offer our expertise from our office in South Kensington.

Finally, I’m excited to share that our winter edition of Mews News is one of our best yet. Inside you’ll find out how to refurbish a mews properly, interviews with business owners in the mews and a delicious traybake recipe from Nigella Lawson, renowned English food writer, television cook and friend of our Chairman Kati Lurot – ideal for Christmas! (From At My Table by Nigella Lawson, published by Vintage, 2017). We also chat with one of my very first clients, Emma Wilson, who reflects fondly on her mews home purchased from Lurot Brand, our team shares insights from the last quarter, including highlights from the October Budget and thoughts on the property market - plus so much more.

I hope you enjoy our latest magazine, and I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Peggy Lurot Managing Director peggy@lurotbrand.co.uk

SEASONAL NEWS FROM OUR SALES TEAM

MARKET TRENDS OVER THE LAST QUARTER

• This has been our busiest quarter in terms of transactions, with double the number of deals compared to the previous two quarters. The number of registered applicants has also increased considerably since the return of school holidays and with new buyers looking to transact before the Budget. Sellers were generally more reluctant to come to the market due to the uncertainties around Capital Gains Tax (CGT). If sellers were on the market, they were particularly keen to complete before 30 October. This correlated well with buyers who were nervous about an increase in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for second homes, ultimately leading to both parties working at pace to transact before the Budget.

• For the most part, institutional and international buyers were our busiest buyers over the last quarter, signalling that London is still considered an attractive place to live and to invest in residential property.

‘London is still considered an attractive place to live and to invest in residential property’

WHAT DOES THE SALES TEAM ANTICIPATE IN THE NEXT QUARTER?

• Buyers often delay decisions after big events. Previously these have been things like Brexit, the pandemic, and the general election. Once the dust settles after the Budget, a period of pause will hopefully be followed by decisive action from buyers and sellers. If more sellers come to the market, we expect a busy third quarter due to a mix of high demand and more available stock.

• Any concerns on Capital Gains Tax will have now subsided since the announcement that CGT will remain at 18% and 24% at the lower and higher thresholds. We anticipate that this will lead to more sellers coming to the market.

• Implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill might increase the number of properties available for sale, providing greater choices for buyers in the upcoming quarter.

• With affordability still a concern for many, some buyers may choose to wait for mortgages rates to drop again in the new year before looking to purchase.

• How the market and buyers react to the new SDLT 2% surcharge on second homes will be very interesting. Whilst the effects are still yet to be felt, this could potentially impact sale prices at every level of our market. Only time will tell.

• International buyers will be encouraged to hear that there has been no further increase in the SDLT surcharge on non-UK residents. Whilst the Non-Dom changes might affect the top end of the market, we hope the SDLT stance continues to encourage international buyers to move to the UK.

• As we approach the Christmas period, we recommend instructing an agent now to get ready for launch in January, a typically busy period.

THE RENTERS’ RIGHTS BILL

WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR LONDON’S MEWS LETTINGS MARKET?

The new Labour government has introduced potential reforms that could significantly reshape the UK’s lettings landscape. With changes outlined in the Renters’ Rights Bill, both landlords and tenants may face alterations to tenancy structures, rent policies, and rules surrounding pets. Set to be implemented by summer 2025, these reforms are expected to have major implications, particularly in London’s sought-after mews properties. Below, we explore what these proposed changes could mean and how they might impact landlords and tenants alike.

The Renters’ Rights Bill aims to introduce several new policies for landlords and tenants. Firstly, fixed-term tenancies may be phased out in favour of open-ended “periodic” tenancies, with tenants able to end contracts with just two months’ notice. A 12-month protection period will apply, during which landlords cannot end a tenancy for personal use or property sale. Section 21 evictions will be abolished, and landlords will need to serve a revised Section 8 Notice to regain vacant possession. The grounds will

cover reasons like rent arrears, substantial redevelopment, the sale of the property and family move-ins.

Under the proposed reforms, landlords can adjust rents annually to reflect market rates, but tenants can dispute increases deemed excessive by making a claim at the First-tier Tribunal. Additionally, landlords will be prohibited from accepting offers above the advertised price, a move aimed at preventing bidding wars.

The bill also introduces a mandatory Private Rental Sector Database, requiring all landlords to register themselves and their properties. Finally, tenant rights to request pets will be strengthened, although landlords will retain the ability to refuse with valid reasons, such as lease restrictions.

With our expertise in London’s mews market, Lurot Brand is here to guide you through these upcoming changes. We’re committed to helping you adapt seamlessly and ensuring your tenancies thrive. Please contact us with any questions or for tailored advice on these developments.

CONVERSATIONS FROM THE COBBLES…

Emma Wilson, a self-confessed Mews addict, has lived more than sixteen years in Hyde Park Gardens Mews

To begin with, there was just Emma & a new husband. Now the same husband, plus 2 teenagers & 3 dogs cosy up in their 1,305 sq.ft mews.

How did your mews journey begin?

• In 2008, I agreed to abandon my NYC life – cycling around the Village in my Marc Jacobs heels - and move to London. For love. I even shipped my Ducati Monster motorcycle - that’s commitment.

Any curve balls?

• Yes - it turned out I was pregnant.

How did you find your Mews?

• We found our Mews thanks to Nick Mahoney, who introduced us to Lurot Brand. Mews life is in my blood - three family members had mews houses –and I was desperate to join the club.

Was it expensive?

• Yes, for us at the time. £1,425,000. My half was a generous gift from my mother. By today’s prices, it was a steal.

First impressions of Mews life?

• When I saw piles of horse poop, I knew it was home. I own three pairs of jodhpurs, chaps, riding boots, so it made perfect sense I should sleep in a stable. The horses pass every hour. My only concern, when we finally thought about double glazing, was would I still hear the clip clop?

Can you still hear the clip clop of the horses?

• Yes.

Who clears the horse poop?

• The two Stables from Bathurst Mews send “Poop Angels” with wheelbarrows twice a day.

Do you know many neighbours?

• Barry, Roberto, Dianna, Mark, Joan, Paula, Julie, Steve, Mike, Annie, Nick, Olive, Nora, Jack, Gavin, Olivia, Anna, Massey, Lynda, Derek, The Princess, Omar, Aurélie, Robert, Inge, Tim, David, Ray, Sylvia, Denise, Michael, Valerie, Anthony – so, a few.

Sounds like a cult?

• It’s neighbourly. There’s a silent understanding that we share a common view: “Good things come in small packages.”

What is the neighbourly glue?

• The cobbles. They offer a step back in time and force a slower pace of life, which allows for “Good morning” and “How are you?” We take in packages, share a compost bin, have lemonade stands and generally look out for each other. When we moved in, the veterans took us under their wing. A ladder here. A cup of tea there. Mews doyen, Ruth, taught me how to battle the pesky cobble weeds.

Does everyone agree with the mews lifestyle?

• NO. My father would babysit, and growl in his broad Glaswegian accent “Emma! When’re you going to get a REAL house?”

What makes you stay?

• Although our home is small, our family expanded. Babies, buggies, bicycles and puppies. But we wouldn’t dream of moving. My children have eaten more home-baked goods from our neighbour Annie, than from me. Recently, my boys started boarding school. Joan, opposite, took command. I brought the socks and shirts, while Joan, with three grown sons, already had a dozen needles threaded up - the name tags didn’t stand a chance.

“Good things come in small packages”

Is it a Dog or a Cat Mews?

• 12 dogs live in our end of Hyde Park Gardens Mews.

Bean*. Pippy & Poppy. Barley. Bertie. Guinness & Maggie. Rebecca & Madeline. Our Blue, and her daughters Harper & Birdy. *Bean, the smallest, is boss of everyone.

Three are yours. What’s your Kennel name?

• Hydeparker. Blue, our English Setter, has had 22 puppies - without a garden. It’s the closest we’ve come to divorce. We had a pen out front, which amused foot traffic from Paddington and that’s how several puppies found new families.

Sounds like Instagrammable moments?

• It’s not unusual to find tourists posing on our bench. Time permitting, I’ll take the photo for them. I’m ridiculously proud of our quaint, old-fashioned world. Please, come by – I’ll put the kettle on.

If you have any Mews anecdotes you would like to share in our magazine, we’d love to hear from you. Please email: emily@lurotbrand.co.uk

TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING & MANAGING A MEWS REFURBISHMENT

Dawn Sparks MARLA, Head of Property Management at Lurot Brand, explains how to

get it right refurbishing a Mews

Firstly, have a clear plan and timescale, an end goal, a realistic budget and a contingency fund. A refurbishment project is a significant investment in your property. It’s paramount to find competent reliable contractors - avoid opting for the cheapest quote. Gather several quotations to ensure they are

on the same page and provide accurate comparisons. Hiring a designated project manager works best for peace of mind. Few owners can commit to taking on this responsibility themselves. We have clients who feel more comfortable using Lurot Brand to project manage their refurbishment projects.

‘We have clients who feel more comfortable using Lurot Brand to project manage their refurbishment projects.’

What logistical problems must you consider when starting a Mews refurbishment?

• Practical challenges to consider, such as access in and out of a Mews – double yellow lines, height and width restrictions for large vehicles and limited turning space. Contractors must adhere to any restrictions within a designated Conservation Area. Works are permitted Monday to Friday from 8am – 6pm; on Saturdays from 8am – 1pm, but no noisy works are permitted on Sundays or Bank holidays. Scaffolding requires a license from the local council, so if you need to suspend a parking bay, an application must be made to them.

Is it beneficial to use a specialist architect, who has experience with Mews?

• Mews’ layouts tend to differ from traditional London townhouses. It’s not essential to involve an architect or surveyor, when no structural renovation works are involved, and most builders have a wide knowledge of all types of refurbishments.

What makes for a successful refurbishment project?

• Currently, we are planning to divide one of the properties we manage into two separate dwellings; subject to planning from the local council. Our proposal involves refurbishment of the lower ground into a single, self-contained, onebedroom dwelling and converting the upper floors into a two-bedroom dwelling. The basement utility room will be turned into a small kitchen, with separate access via stairs from the street. The current bathroom will be converted into a bedroom with an en-suite shower room. There is also a ground floor terrace. The ground floor reception and kitchen will remain as it is. The upper floor has a bedroom with a dressing room and modern bathroom with a sunken bath. The upper floor will need a stud wall to create a large bedroom and a door will be installed at the top of the stairs for privacy. One great feature is the very large terrace - perfect for the warmer months. It’s the biggest refurbishment project I’ve worked on and I’m very excited to be on this transformation journey.

TOP TIPS WHEN REFURBISHING A MEWS HOUSE

1 Ensure you have a structure; plan ahead, allowing for unforeseen circumstances.

2 You don’t want the refurbishment to go on forever; keep the builders/contractors to a strict timeframe.

3 Remember, during any refurbishment, you will have a void period – it’s in your best interests to get works finished in a timely manner.

MODERN LIVING & GARAGE CONVERSION

Studio Lurot explores transforming garages into living spaces

The facade of a mews house is distinct and unique due to their history and shaped by their original functional requirements. Constructed primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries, mews houses were initially built to stable horses, as horse-drawn carriages served as the main mode of transportation. As London expanded, mews became essential for housing not only horses, but also the workers who tended to them, including trainers and domestic staff. By the 20th century, the emergence of motor vehicles rendered these stables obsolete. Consequently, mews houses were sold and repurposed, often converted into vehicle and taxi garages.

STUDIO LUROT

www.studiolurot.co.uk

CHARLOTTE LUROT

charlotte@studiolurot.co.uk

Structurally, mews houses are notably smaller in scale compared to modern developments dating from the 20th and 21st centuries. Unlike contemporary homes, which often span thousands of square feet, mews houses have limited interior space and little potential for expansion. Many renovations have therefore focused on adapting former stables and garages to increase interior living space, turning them into habitable areas that meet the modern standards of living.

One of the challenges in converting mews interiors includes restricted natural lighting, as many properties lack rear windows due to the presence of garage doors. In response, property owners have developed elegant solutions to bring in daylight, such as maintaining modified garage doors with high level lights to allow daylight, whilst also providing privacy. These design adaptations enable the integration of natural light without compromising the historic façade.

Planning regulations impose further considerations for such conversions, with particular concerns about their impact on conservation areas, the loss of dedicated parking and increased on-street parking demand. In densely populated areas of central London, where parking permits are already oversubscribed, further strain on parking can lead to significant objections. Although some garage conversions may be permitted without formal planning approval, historical covenants often apply to mews properties. In cases where parking impact is a concern, Section 106 agreements have been proposed to establish the developments as ‘car-free’, in order to alleviate additional parking pressures.

While these conversions offer greater space and enhance property value, they raise a central question: do they detract from the historical essence and character of the original mews? It is important to retain the readable façade and conserve the vernacular, whilst also recognising the potential of the space by integrating the former garage into the home. This creates a much-needed habitable space for modern living and enables an upgrade to thermally efficient construction.

MEWS HISTORIES REVEALED

by Martyn

Brown of Everchanging Mews

WHO RESIDED & LABOURED IN THE MEWS?

Mews throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods were markedly dissimilar to the tranquil, affluent suburbs of the present day. The mews were occupied not by the affluent, but by working-class individuals whose lives were dedicated to the maintenance and care of horses and carriages.

The daily routines of the upper classes were significantly reliant on these labourers, who encompassed coachmen, farriers, stable hands and grooms. They resided, frequently with their families, in confined spaces above the stables, forming small, autonomous communities.

Adverse conditions were prevalent, and the thoroughfares were frequently congested with carriages and horses. The daily output of manure from London’s stable yards and mews was estimated at approximately 2,000 cartloads. Flies were prevalent and the odour of equine waste was unavoidable.

Traditional mews were constructed with functionality as a priority. A small coach house or stable existed on the ground floor, to house horses and store carriages. Access to the modest living quarters of the coachman’s family, situated above the stable, was restricted to steep, narrow staircases. Generally, a lack of space around the mews frequently led to carriages being aligned sequentially, frustrating movement in and out.

Photo

Victorian author Henry Mayhew chronicled the daily lives of the mews in “London Labour and the London Poor” (1861), noting that “to ride or to drive is the great end of human existence” for these residents. This sentence evokes the fundamental elements of their daily routines. Men would rise early to feed, groom and prepare the horses for their lords’ excursions. The vehicles required maintenance and polishing, and the stables needed to be maintained in a clean condition.

19th-century Post Office records illustrate the diverse occupations present in London’s mews, particularly in affluent Kensington and Chelsea. In Lansdowne Mews in 1852, No. 5 housed a coachmaker, No. 4 a farrier, and No. 3 a veterinary physician.

As urban transit evolved, some occupations vanished and were replaced by new ones. In 1882, Powis Mews recorded a chimney sweep, wheelwright, nautical store merchant, and horseshoeing establishment. By 1914, the growth of the automobile sector and decline of horse drawn carriages was evident, with motor vehicle brokers, dealers and painters predominating jobs of numerous mews inhabitants. With the advent of the

automobile, mews streets transformed from vibrant equestrian centres into garages and workshops for motor vehicles.

Later, as we know, London Mews were to become the predominantly residential enclaves we know today.

Such is life in the everchanging Mews.

FURTHER ADVICE ABOUT LONDON MEWS

Martyn John Brown

MRICS, MCIOB, MCABE, MARLA, MISVA of Everchanging Mews www.everchangingmews.com and the London Mews Forum www.londonmewsforum.com wrote this article.

Martyn provides professional surveying advice – for surveys, valuations, and Party Wall matters, contact info@everchangingmews.com or call Martyn on 0207 419 5033

Photo © Everchanging Mews

THE HORSE & GROOM Belgravia’s hidden gem for all seasons

THE HORSE & GROOM – A QUAINT PUB TUCKED AWAY IN A QUINTESSENTIAL & COBBLED BELGRAVIA MEWS

This attractive pub is nestled in the corner of Groom Place, a mews originally used for stabling horses, designed to service the large houses on Belgravia’s grand main streets.

Apparently, then it was not allowed to serve liquor on account of the local employers who did not want their servants falling into ruin.

Landlord, Afrim Neli, has been looking after customers and residents at The Horse & Groom for over 20 years and we popped along to find out more about this hallowed hostelry.

Tell us about your customers

• We have a very large and interesting variety of customers. Of course, we have our regular loyal clientele – local residents and many tourists who come to visit, having seen our high ratings on Google and Trip Advisor.

What do people love about your pub?

• It’s a cosy, magical place away from the hustle and bustle of Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Victoria, in an atmospheric building with low ceilings, wood panelling dating back to 1864 and bags of character. You can settle down with a good book or meet up with neighbours, colleagues or friends and enjoy great home-cooked food - our pies and fish & chips are always popular, accompanied by a glass of whatever you fancy. In the summer, customers spill out onto the cobbles to enjoy sitting outside with a refreshing drink. It’s really a pub for all seasons.

CHRISTMAS BRINGS SERIOUS SPARKLE TO STREETS & MEWS

Christmas lights across London’s famous streets began when the renowned department store Selfridges put on a lighted Christmas display back in 1935. Following an article printed in the Daily Telegraph that described a post-war central London as dreary, in 1954 Regent Street displayed lights along the entire length of this thoroughfare in the West End to show that the city no longer needed to look drab after World War II. And so began a tradition that has continued ever since from November until January, when London twinkles and sparkles and there’s a magical atmosphere felt throughout the festive period.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

This year’s ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ display consists of sixteen individual Spirits created by Paul Dart from James Glancy Design. Handcrafted in London using cuttingedge techniques, these three-dimensional sculptures each have a wingspan of 17-metres, underlit by spotlights, studded with LED pea lights designed to twinkle in harmony producing a ripple effect along the entire thoroughfare.

For the first time, Regent Street and The Crown Estate commissioned new lights across the network of streets across Regent Street and St James’s. New installations are along Swallow Street, Glasshouse Street and the luminescent Quadrant Arcade; St James’s Market showcases more amazing designs and a Selfie opportunity with the only earth-bound Spirit.

SELFRIDGES CHRISTMAS MARKET ON THE MEWS

With a nod to its original Christmas light display, Selfridges is taking over the whole of Edwards Mews tucked behind its store, in collaboration with the founder of Street Feast, food pioneer Dominic Cools-Lartigue. Head here on a crisp, wintry day to the outdoor Mews market, where covered stalls sell everything from presents, sustainable Christmas trees, festive treats and the best street food in the capital. There is also an impressive Helter Skelter to enjoy and Santa even makes an appearance!

Photo © Selfridges

MERRY MARYLEBONE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Once you’ve made the most of the Christmas Market on the Mews, an eightminute walk past traditional mews houses, where residents have holly wreaths on their front doors and cheery lights glowing from their window boxes or strewn on Victorian lamp posts and balconies, leads to Marylebone Village. Eternally chic and full of buzz, Marylebone Mews residents play an active part in the ‘Village’ community. ‘Merry Marylebone Christmas’ starts with the Christmas light ‘switch-on’ in mid-November, setting the scene and local independents have stalls selling gorgeous wares, gifts and trinkets as well as delicious foodie and artisan delicacies.

FROM HUMBLE MEWS TO ‘DES-RES’

London at Christmas is especially beautiful and there’s no better time to escape the busy crowds and explore the quaint discreet Mews to admire their own shimmering lights and seasonal decorations, across prime central London from Bayswater to Belgravia. On foot is the best way to appreciate Mews lined with luxury homes, punctuated by designer shops, fashionable eateries and characterful corner pubs. It’s a far cry from the 18th century, when these Mews provided humble stabling for horses, and grooms brought back the carriages at midnight from lavish Christmas parties attended by their wealthy employers.

Photo © Marylebone Village

HYDE PARK ESTATE’S RESIDENTS’ COMMUNITY HUB GIVING EVERYONE A VOICE

Local individuals formed HyPER to create a network & platform for residents & people working across the Hyde Park Estate

The Hyde Park Estate is rich in architecture, green spaces and people from all walks of life. In 2020, a group of local residents, aware that not everyone was being heard within their community, set up HyPER. We chatted with one of HyPER’s founding members, Andrew Beverley, to learn more about their community-led collective and shared passion for improving everyday life for all within the Hyde Park Estate.

Tell us about why HyPER came about?

• Four years ago, we started as a group of residents because we felt our voice wasn’t being heard, but all shared exciting ideas about ways to improve our area. Local issues tend to be dominated disproportionately by a small number of people who have lived in the area a long time, and who frequently don’t want to see any change. Our aim is to give a voice to everyone, in particular those who are too busy with families and work to be able to do so otherwise. HyPER has grown steadily, attracting like-minded people and we now have hundreds of supportive members.

What is HyPER’s vision?

• Building a friendly, thriving and close local community by creating the spaces and opportunities for residents and visitors to come together. This involves community events, improved public spaces, additional greening, cleaner air and far less traffic. We aim to create a neighbourhood where people enjoy spending time outside, connecting naturally and engaging with one another. Put succinctly, we want safe spaces, green places and friendly faces!

Membership is free – how do you keep going?

• Making HyPER accessible is vitally important to ensure we offer the lowest barriers to entry. Many people whose voice generally isn’t heard, don’t have the disposable income to join residents’ groups, or are too busy trying to get by in life to take the necessary steps. By keeping our running costs low, we manage to run the organisation with donations from supporters for HyPER’s cause.

How do you engage with new people locally?

• Word spreads. Our regular email newsletter covers local news and issues important to people, community events, new businesses and fun things. For example, Paddington Bear has arrived recently in our local village, so we enjoyed publicising this. People moving into the area might be looking for a positive group focused on local improvements and a quick internet search leads them to HyPER.

What are some of the challenges for residents?

• We’re focused on improving our area, our community, and residents’ well-being. Our challenge is convincing local councillors that these initiatives are popular and will benefit everyone in the long term. Doing nothing is the easy option, but we want to change that mindset.

If you’re interested in joining HyPER, please visit www.hyper.uk/join

The

Christmas crowd pleasera delicious traybake for friends & family:

NIGELLA

LAWSON’S CHICKEN & PEA TRAYBAKE

Recipe from At My Table by Nigella Lawson, published by Vintage, 2017

Photo by Jonathan Lovekin

Chicken & Pea Traybake by Nigella Lawson

My good friend Nigella Lawson has given us permission to reproduce one of her recipes from her book “At My Table”. The Chicken & Pea Traybake is a relatively easy recipe with a wonderful, comforting winter feel and not too many ingredients. Personally, I love this dish with

SERVES

• 4 people INGREDIENTS

• 900 grams frozen petits pois

• 400 grams trimmed leeks (cut into approx. 3cm/ 1 inch slices)

• 2 fat cloves garlic (peeled & minced)

• 4 x 15ml tablespoons dry white vermouth or wine

• 2 x 15ml tablespoons regular olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

• 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt flakes (plus more for sprinkling)

• 1 small bunch fresh dill (torn into pieces)

• 8 chicken thighs with skin on & bone in

Additional Information MAKE AHEAD / STORE

• Refrigerate leftovers, within 2 hour of cooking, in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave until piping hot all the way through.

• If you prefer, you can use light chicken stock in place of the vermouth or wine.

chicken thighs but chicken breast is equally delicious. I encourage you to try it.

Thank you Nigella and publishers, Vintage 2017.

Kati

Lurot,

Co-Founder

Chairman

of Lurot Brand

METHOD

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/400°F and clatter the frozen peas into a large roasting tin, followed by the leeks, garlic, vermouth, 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 teaspoons of sea salt flakes and most of the dill. Turn everything together in the pan — breaking up any large clumps of the frozen peas — until well mixed. I advise you to wear CSI gloves for this, just to stop you getting frostbite, though you still will feel the cold.

• Arrange the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on top, then drizzle them with a little olive oil and give them a good sprinkling of sea salt flakes, before roasting in the oven for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, give the peas a small stir or tamp down, so that the few that are sitting on the surface and drying out a little are submerged in the liquid. Don’t do the same to the leeks, however, as the bits that are peeking out will become desirably caramelised in the heat. Put back in the oven for a further 30 minutes, by which time the peas and leeks will be soft, and the chicken tender and cooked through, its skin golden and crisp.

• Tear off the remaining dill fronds, and scatter over the top on serving, perhaps with some simply steamed new potatoes to soak up the pea and chicken juices.

Calling all mews enthusiasts

Over the years, we’ve heard numerous heartwarming stories from residents in the mews that we’d love to share with the community.

If you have a story or an event related to the mews that you’d like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us with your mews news!

marketing@lurotbrand.co.uk 020 7590 2528

LUROT BRAND’S

Mewsflash Announcements

Despite our Hyde Park office remaining closed for the time being, we’ve sold numerous properties in the last quarter in the north of Hyde Park, including in Octavia Mews, Bathurst Mews, Norfolk Square Mews and Lancaster Mews.

We’ve had an exciting last quarter, having let numerous mews properties across the SW5, W11 and SW3 neighbourhoods.

We received multiple offers on an exciting renovation project in Lancaster Mews in just 24 hours.

Mike Lurot recently made his first debut LB Presents…reel. Check out the history of Holland Park Mews on our Instagram.

Meet Otis, the newest addition to the Lurot Brand office. So far, he’s only interned for two days, and has mainly napped, but we’re confident he’ll be a hardworking member of the team when he wakes up.

HYDE PARK ESTATE

PEBBLE LONDON

Pebble London started with inspiring travels across India sourcing semi-precious stones. A decade on, and Pebble’s individual jewellery collections incorporate gems, stones, coral, amber, wood, glass, metals from China, Africa, Thailand and South America, along with 19th century ancient excavated and glass trade beads. Traditional tribal jewellery influences come from the Pacific Islands, China, Afghanistan and Nepal. Pebble has worked with top fashion designers including Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Issey Miyake and models wear unique pieces on the catwalk and in Vogue.

www.pebblelondon.com

ROYAL LANCASTER LONDON

Combining the best location with pure luxury, enjoy breakfast with a view in the Park Restaurant, sip cocktails in the Park Lounge Bar, be transported to Bangkok eating Thai food at Nipa Thai, feast at Tony Page’s Island Grill, or simply relax in the Hyde Café. We love their new collaboration with the Natural History Museum - ‘A Blooming British Afternoon Tea’an inspired twist on the quintessentially British tradition, celebrating important pollinators and flowers with exquisite delicacies reflecting our flora and fauna. www.royallancaster.com

SWEET JUSTICE CAKES

Mitty swapped her law career for baking and put aside her legal briefs for cake recipes to create this heavenly online cake studio in Norfolk Crescent. Labelled ‘art to eat’, Mitty’s homemade artisan cakes are created to share creativity, spread joy and bring beautiful flavours to every occasion and table. Importantly, Mitty ensures that all dietary needs and allergies can be catered for – ‘sweet justice’ for those who want to indulge in guilt-free cake that looks and tastes deliciously sinful!

www.sweetjusticecakes.com

The Hyde Park Estate is a hidden gem located next to Hyde Park, just south of Paddington, nudging Oxford Street, and within a stone’s throw of Notting Hill. Mainly residential, the estate has some fantastic local pubs, thriving local shops and the inclusive St John’s church for modern day worship. From the estate’s sweeping crescents, elegant avenues, leafy roads and cobbled mews, there is a warm spirit of neighbourliness between residents and businesses alike.

VICTORIA

MAXIMINI

ROSS NYE STABLES

This is a CAMRA winning, heritage pub in a Grade II listed stucco building, dating from 1837 with rare original fittings. A spiral staircase leads upstairs to a library and theatre bar, where Charlie Chaplin once drunk; 10 years later, Charles Dickens penned pages of ‘Our Mutual Friend’ here and it was also Winston Churchill’s local. In 1966, David Bowie performed live here, and today, actors and rock stars continue to frequent the pub. www.victoriapaddington.co.uk

Maximini in Sussex Place is a Chinese restaurant exuding old glamour and understated chic. The renowned Master Chef Albert Koh creates a magical menu which infuses Chinese food with Malaysian herbs. Enjoy favourites like fragrant crispy duck or discover more unusual dishes such as Singapore Style Vermicelli, or Sea Spices Aubergine cooked in a clay pot, along with authentic Malaysian cuisine, seafood and fish. A takeaway service is available when you want to bring a taste of Southeast Asia back home.

www.maximinirestaurant.co.uk

Located in Bathurst Mews, Ross Nye are the longest established stables to offer riding in central London. Ross Nye was an adventurous Australian from Queensland, who worked on a cattle station for 10 years before moving to London to take over the small riding stables. Since 1965, horses and riders of all ages have been clipclopping over the cobbles for a wonderful activity in Hyde Park. It’s a sight and sound loved by residents and locals, reminding us of the Mews’ equine heritage and history.

www.rossnyestables.co.uk

Photo © Nemeth Patrik @pattakespictures

ENJOY A LUXURIOUS BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT ROYAL LANCASTER

LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS

DAY

Indulge in the festive season’s most decadent dining experience

One of London’s most exciting, luxury bottomless brunches has arrived in time for Christmas Day, at none other than the local leading five-star hotel, Royal Lancaster London. Royal Lancaster London invites families to celebrate a heartwarming Christmas season with its popular Festive Christmas Day and Boxing Day Brunch, all set against the enchanting backdrop of Hyde Park’s Italian Gardens. The brunch experience promises a memorable, hassle-free way to come together over exceptional dishes that celebrate the flavours of the festive season. Get friends and/ or family together to savour a curated menu filled with seasonal delights, from hearty classics to indulgent sweets.

Designed to bring loved ones together without the stress of hosting, Royal Lancaster’s Festive Brunch is a perfect way to embrace the magic of Christmas!

Guests can enjoy the hot breakfast buffet station, complete with all your favourite breakfast foods before indulging in fresh sushi and a vast selection of flavourful salads. Guests can then savour hand carved roasted turkey with pork stuffing,

orange and honey glazed gammon, and roasted sirloin of English dry aged beef. Accompanying the mouth-watering meats is a selection of crispy roasties, potato gratin, Yorkshire puddings, root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, slow cooked red cabbage and so much more.

Make sure you leave some room as Royal Lancaster London’s cheese buffet and exquisite array of sweet treats and puddings are not to be missed!

To top this off, guests will be welcomed with a crisp glass of Taittinger Champagne, followed by free-flowing red and white wine while you enjoy a fabulous live Jazz trio. It’ll be a truly spectacular Christmas Day experience.

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY BRUNCH

Guests can enjoy unlimited house white & red wine within the cost of:

£235 per person on Christmas Day

£185 per person on Boxing Day

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA AT ROYAL LANCASTER LONDON

25th November 2024 until 5th January 2025

Christmas is just around the corner, and with that comes the time of year to fill the diary with those super sparkly outings; so be sure to ready yourself for a truly enchanting offering this Christmas, and prepare to indulge in Royal Lancaster London’s festive afternoon tea, available from 25th November 2024 - 5th January 2025.

Passed down through the centuries, this popular institution has been reimagined with a Christmas twist complete with edible snowflakes, mini baubles, Christmas presents and Yule logs, by the hotel’s talented team, and it’s never looked so delicious. As we all know, afternoon tea makes for the perfect opportunity to celebrate a special occasion, or simply an excuse to indulge in precious time with your best friends or family members at Christmas!

Relax and enjoy an irresistible assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, warm baked scones and deliciously Christmassy sweet treats that will be served in the hotel’s

beautiful Hyde Café, accompanied by a selection of the finest Camellia’s Tea House teas; there’s also a vegan option available for those who would prefer. For those keen to let the afternoon blissfully slip away while nestled amongst the beautiful and cosy surroundings, then a crisp glass of Taittinger Champagne, Nyetimber Sparkling Wine or an alcohol-free Noughty Sparkling Wine, is quite simply a must.

Although there is no specific dress code for this delightful culinary experience, guests are kindly invited to opt for smart attire, so as to best tune in to the ambience of the place.

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA & VEGAN AFTERNOON TEA

25th November - 5th January

£59 - Monday to Friday

£64 - Saturday & Sunday

£85 - Christmas day with a glass of Champagne

Served between 1pm and 4pm

Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY

UK GOVERNMENT BUDGET UPDATE

As the dust settles from Labour’s first budget in 14 years, we take a look at some of the policies which might impact the residential property market.

LABOUR POLICY

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

Non-Domicile Tax

UPDATE

The surcharge rate for additional properties – called Higher Rates for Additional Dwellings (HRAD) has increased from 3% to 5%, effective from 31 October 2024. This means that it is an extra 5% on top of standard SDLT. The single rate of stamp duty charged when businesses buy dwellings worth more than £500,000 has also increased from 15% to 17%.

The current remittance basis of taxation will be abolished for non-doms with effect from 6 April 2025. This will be replaced with a new four-year foreign income and gains (FIG) regime for individuals who become UK tax resident after a period of ten tax years on non-UK residence.

Capital Gains Tax

First Time Buyers

Inheritance Tax

Renters Reform

The rates for residential property will stay the same, at 18% and 24%, while the rates for the sale of other type of assets, including commercial property, are being increased to match.

First-time buyers will continue to benefit from a raised stamp duty threshold until April 2025, meaning they will not have to pay any stamp duty on properties costing up to £425,000. However, from next April, the stamp duty threshold will be lowered to £300,000.

The inheritance tax rules for property will remain the same until 2030.

The risk for the lettings market is the introduction of policies that make it too financially punitive to become or remain a landlord. This could result in more owners selling up and higher rents.

Freehold & Leasehold Reform Act

Planning & Extensions

Experts suggest that implementation of the Freehold and Leasehold Reform Act could take some time. It might be beneficial to extend your lease now under current rates if you are above the 80-year threshold. For professional, advice, do contact us for solicitor recommendations.

Looser planning rules are seen as essential to kickstart the economy. Homeowners will be encouraged to build roof extensions and add storeys under plans to make it harder for councils to block upward extensions. The National Policy Framework will be supportive of all upward extensions, not just mansard roofs.