DECK THE HALLS
Christmas delights for all from Belgravia’s boutiques
ALSO INSIDE: Belgravians share their festive childhood memories How to get festive party-season ready An interview with head chef at Pétrus Orson Vergnaud
TIMELESS ACCESSORIES
Manta Nuvem Andorinha Plaid. Hand-woven in 100% wool. Available yellow, green, grey or beige. 210x170 cm.
Price: £144
Christmas hearts in oak. Available in red, green or black. Made from leftover wood from our furniture production. 12x12 cm or 15x15 cm, from £20 and small in a set of 5, £33
FSC-C135991
Cushion made in Denmark from 100% wool. 45x55 cm.
Price: £131
Mouth-blown glass elves. Available in more versions. 10,5xØ4 cm, sizes may vary.
Price: £33
Christmas trees in oak, mahogany or beech. Available in two sizes. Made from leftover wood from our furniture production.
Price: from £13
Børge Mogensen BM0703 wooden plate in oiled oak. Made from leftover FSCTM-certified wood from our furniture production. Ø19 cm, Ø23 cm, Ø27 cm, Ø31 cm. Price: from £24
Murano crystal Bora glass, mouth-blown at Carlo Moretti. Each mouth-blown glass is unique, meant to be mixed for a personalized collection. 105 mm. Price: from £104
Handmade clay bowl. Crafted from local clay in southern Spain. 27x13,5 cm, 18x19, 9x4,5 cm. Price: from £26
Retail prices incl. VAT.
Flagship Store London
48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP carlhansen.com
Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
+44 0 (20) 7730 8454 london@carlhansen.com
Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store London
Interiors
Design lover Dr David Jack picks his favourite pieces Awards
Our 2025 community awards event is just around the
Wellness
Get Christmas party ready with these tips and treatments
Anastasia Mouawad shares her top local spots
Welcome
The foliage is crisp, the temperature has dropped, there’s a hint of anticipation in the air and everyone seems to be a bit more cheerful than usual. It’s that time of year again: Christmas is around the corner.
Whether you’re Christmas mad or a bit of a Grinch, I’m encouraging you all to embrace the festive spirit – from the cheesy Christmas movies and the awkward family photos to eating as many mince pies as possible because it’s Christmas, after all.
Here in Belgravia, we’re lucky to have dozens of gorgeous boutiques on our doorstep. We’ve chosen some of our favourite present ideas from local shops – turn to page 19 to see our picks.
There are some fabulous festive goings-on in our neck of the woods: wintery afternoon teas, carol services that will raise money for some wonderful charities, and Christmas feasts at our favourite restaurants. And don’t miss the annual Belgravia Christmas windows contest – take a stroll through our charming streets and vote for your favourite.
I also hear Santa Claus will be making an appearance in Belgrave Square... and on that note, I’m off to write my Christmas wish list!
Wishing you all a wonderful festive season and a happy new year.
Bibi Cooper, editor
Top 3: Advent calendars
Let the countdown begin
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FRANCIS HOLLAND
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
ALifelongLove of Learning
Leading Prep School for girls aged 4 to 11 in the heart of Chelsea, opened in September 2024, offering impressive new facilities and a warm environment where pupils thrive on exciting, rigorous and ambitious learning from inspiring teachers.
Book now for our Open Morning on Thursday 6th February:
Ooh la la
Cannes restaurant La Môme will be opening at The Berkeley in January. The dining destination is renowned for its chic and fun vibes and delicious Mediterranean dishes, and is one of the French Riviera’s most popular restaurants. La Môme London, which will take over the space formerly run by Marcus Wareing, will feature many of the signature classics that we all know and love. It will be the fourth venture of brothers Ugo and Antoine Lecorché, who also opened La Môme Plage in 2018 and La Môme Monte-Carlo in 2022.
Something new
The New Craftmaker has opened at 67 Pimlico Road. Under new creative direction from Sarah Myerscough, the store, previously known as The New Craftsmen, prides itself on its curation of British-made contemporary objects and furniture, with an ethos to support British craft heritage through design and collaborative projects with craftmakers.
Remembering Renwick
Lord Robin Renwick, Belgravia resident and former British ambassador to South Africa and the United States, has died aged 86. Renwick was a key figure in the ending of apartheid in South Africa and pressed for the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. “He was a saint and the craftiest politician I’ve ever met,” he told Belgravia magazine in a 2022 interview. He served in the post from 1987 to 1991 and became known as “Margaret Thatcher’s favourite diplomat”. He would go on to take up the post of British Ambassador to the United States in Washington during the Clinton administration. The author of several books, his last - The Intelligent’s Spy Handbook - was published just weeks ago, taking a look at the biggest names in the world of espionage. A long-term Belgravia resident, he leaves behind his wife Ann Bracken - an author and former special assistant to George HW Bush - and their son, Alexander.
Masterchef debut
Those that tune-in to BBC’s Masterchef: The Professionals will have seen The sous chef of The Lanesborough Grill, Nkosi Sibanda, take part in the competition. Twenty-five-year-old Nkosi was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK with his family when he was just three years old. He grew up in Northamptonshire before settling in London. Nkosi bowed out in the first week – but not before wowing the judges with his creative cooking.
Pinball wizards
The Royal Mail has issued a special set of stamps to mark the 60th anniversary of iconic British rock band The Who. The legendary group, who formed in London in 1964, are well known for songs including Won’t Get Fooled Again, Pinball Wizard and Baba O’Riley. Less well known is that the group’s Pete Townshend wrote the iconic song My Generation (as well as many other hits) while living in his flat on Chesham Place (later moving to Ebury Street).
Kostas takes the helm
Maybourne has appointed Kostas Sfaltos as general manager of The Berkeley and The Emory. Sfaltos has been working in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years and was most recently managing director of Bvlgari Hotel. As well as managing Maybourne’s two Belgravia hotels, he will also oversee Surrenne, a members’ club dedicated to longevity and wellbeing that spans four subterranean floors at The Emory.
The former Belgravia Police Station on Buckingham Palace Road is to be turned into a luxury hotel and spa. The station was closed by the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, in 2022 as part of a reorganisation of the Metropolitan police. Sold for £75 million, the site is the latest to be run by The Other House, which opened its first hotel in South Kensington in 2022 and plans to complete a second on the Strand in late 2025.
Meet Madcap
Police station plans
Quirky American home-decor brand, Madcap Cottage, have crossed the pond and set up a pop-up shop inside of Nina Campbell’s store on 43 Pimlico Road. It marks the first time Madcap Cottage has shown in London and they’ll be selling their eccentric fabrics and wallpapers as well as furniture, home accessories, artwork and vintage pieces until December 25.
Santini says goodbye
Beloved Italian restaurant and Belgravia institution Santini will close in December after 40 years of business. The familyowned restaurant in Ebury Street, which has entertained a host of high profile names - it was famously Frank Sinatra’s favourite London restaurant - will hold its last service on December 14. “Santini continues to be a thriving and profitable business recognised by three generations of customers,” said owner, Laura Santini. “Unfortunately, the building that has housed us for over four decades is not in such good shape and therefore our landlord is redeveloping it to bring it up to modern standards. I want to acknowledge what a great honour it has been to serve the community and I would like to pay tribute to Santini’s founder, my father Gino Santini, and to all the staff and customers over its history.”
Flower guru bids farewell
After 25 floral-filled years, Judith Blacklock has closed the doors of her beloved flower school premises on Kinnerton Street to concentrate on her online courses. Her passion for floral
LAURA AND GINO SANTINI WITH FABIO CAPELLO
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT THE PENINSULA
The Peninsula London’s courtyard will look a little different this festive season, as it transforms into a magical Christmas market. Stalls will be serving up all the Christmassy favourites, including mulled wine, caviar, crepes and more, along with a soundtrack of live music. And keep an eye out for Santa, who will be giving out gifts to guests and visitors. Catch the Christmas market at the hotel every Sunday between November 24 and December 29, from 4-6pm.
WONDERFUL WINDOWS
Belgravia’s streets will look extra festive once again this year, as the Christmas windows competition returns. Showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship that runs throughout our neighbourhood, the contest sees some of the area’s favourite boutiques transform their windows into a winter wonderland. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for their favourite display, so be sure to get your votes in. The competition runs until December 5, with the winner announced on December 16 on the Belgravia London Instagram account (@belgravia_ldn).
To vote for your favourite, visit belgravialdn.com
What’s on
December
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL
Anthony Nolan’s much-loved charity carol concert promises to be its biggest one yet, as it celebrates 50 years of saving lives through stem-cell research and campaigning. There will be special guest readings (Joanna Lumley will be among the guests attending), speakers who have been supported by the charity and some stellar musical performances. The concert will be held on December 12 from 6.30pm at St Peter’s Church Eaton Square. To book, visit enthuse.anthonynolan.org/ps/event/ ChristmasCarols2024
ALL THE WAY FROM NYC
New York-born artist Jeff Cowen has chosen Cassius&Co at 63 Kinnerton Street to mark his first solo presentation in the UK. Known for pushing the boundaries of the photographic medium, Cowen’s Asemia exhibition uses photography to seek – in himself and in the viewer – a certain kind of asemia, the condition of being unable to express or comprehend signs and symbols. Book lovers will be pleased to know that Cowen’s work is presented alongside a book exhibition of rare surrealist works. Asemia will be running until December 21.
ART AT THE HARI
The Hari has launched a new and free-to-view walk-through art installation that is open to members of the public. Take a wander through the hotel’s communal spaces to check out a wide range of pieces on display – from pottery to sculptures to paintings – showcasing the works shortlisted for The Hari Art Prize 2024. Works will be on show until January 2025.
SANTA’S COMING!
Hailing all the way from the North Pole, Santa will be setting up residence in his Winter Wonderland in Belgrave Square for three magical days in December. Look out for the posters in Belgrave Square Garden to see when he’ll be arriving. What will you ask him for?
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
This year’s Kids for Kids Candlelit Christmas Concert at St Peter’s Church Eaton Square promises to be a star-studded evening, with readings from people including Lyse Doucet – the award-winning chief international correspondent and senior presenter for BBC World News – and the Lord Cope of Berkeley. British opera singer Bibi Heal will be accompanied by famed conductor Stephen Barlow, who will entertain with solos. Money will be raised to help children in Darfur, who are caught in the ongoing Sudanese civil war. The concert takes place on December 5 from 7-8.30pm.
To book, visit kidsforkids.org.uk/product/candlelit-christmas-concert-2024-tickets
CHRISTMAS CHURCH: SAVE THE DATES
ST MARY’S, BOURNE STREET
December 1
6pm Advent carol service
December 24
4pm Crib service
10.30pm Candlelit carols with the choir of St Mary’s, followed at 11pm by the first mass of Christmas and blessing of the crib (midnight mass)
December 25
11am High mass of the nativity
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH, CHESTER SQUARE
December 15
11am Family carols and nativity
7pm Carols by candlelight
December 25
10.30am Christmas Day service
December 29
10.30am All ages family service
ST PAUL’S, WILTON PLACE
December 1
6pm Advent Carol Service
December 3
6.30pm The Foundation Carol Service
December 19
7pm Parish Christmas Carol Service
December 24
5pm Children’s Crib Service for families
11pm Midnight Mass
December 25
9am Said Eucharist with carols 11am Solemn Eucharist
ST BARNABAS CHURCH, ST BARNABAS STREET
December 10
6pm Community Carol Service with the Met Police Choir
December 24
9pm Candlelit Christmas Eve Service
December 25 10am Christmas Day Mass
JOIN THE POLAR EXPRESS
The Jumeirah Carlton Tower has transformed into a winter wonderland inspired by Christmas classic The Polar Express. As part of the seasonal celebrations, the hotel is serving a festive afternoon tea that takes inspiration from Highgrove and the botanics and flora of British gardens. Standouts include brie and tomato chutney sandwiches, wild mushroom tartlets and Cajun turkey breast. For the sweet-toothed, there is also Christmas fruit cake, scones galore and chocolate log. Food redistribution charity The Felix Project will receive £1 from every afternoon tea sold. It is available until January 5.
GO OFF-PISTE
The après-ski lifestyle has landed on The Berkeley’s rooftop this winter. Feast Off-Piste, a brand-new dining experience from Feast Events, takes pride of place on the hotel’s rooftop. The immersive dining experience features an après ski-inspired sharing menu, comprising treats such as traditional Swiss raclette, truffle tartiflette, chocolate fondue and gingerbread s’more – all to be enjoyed from the comfort of custom-made ski gondolas. Cocktails include black forest espresso martini, Aperol negroni sour and blackberry margarita. In need of a top-up? There is a “ring for champagne” bell within each gondola. Feast Off-Piste at The Berkeley runs until January 1.
Festive fare
Eat, drink and be merry this Christmas, with our guide to the December dining scene
AN ALTERNATIVE WINTER FEAST
Tired of turkey with all the trimmings? Throughout December, Amaya will be conjuring up some special festive dishes such as pheasant seekh kebab, tandoori spiced lamb flambéed at the table and griddled chilli-ginger pineapple slices. Let someone else do all the cooking as Amaya will also be open for lunch and supper on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Your private table is ready
Private dining at Michelin-starred Amaya in Belgravia is a shimmering, exotic, captivating treat. Whether for Lunch Meetings, Dinners, Christmas Parties, or Family Get-togethers, our Private Room adds a sense of theatre to any event. With space for up to 14 guests around the table (the table is expandable from 8-14).
HALKIN ARCADE, OFF LOWNDES STREET, LONDON SW1X 8JT RESERVATIONS@AMAYA.BIZ
DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT
Offering innovative Cantonese cuisine, Canton Blue at The Peninsula London will be serving up multiple festive feasts over the Christmas period. A winter solstice menu (from December 20-23) will feature a variety of speciality dishes, such as handmade dim sum, barbecued pork, stir-fried wagyu beef, and almond soup with black sesame rice balls. The Christmas menu will be served on December 24 and 25, with highlights including steamed halibut in black-bean sauce, glazed native lobster, razor clams in ginger sauce and black sesame cheesecake.
BRIDGERTON IN BELGRAVIA
The Lanesborough is hosting a Bridgerton festive afternoon tea. The limited-edition tea is a homage to the Regency era at Christmas time, so expect elegance and lots of revelry. The menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton’s third series, with a festive twist of course. The tea, in partnership with Netflix and Shondaland, will run until January 8.
STRIKE GOLD
Swing by Poilâne (46 Elizabeth Street) for a chance to win some gold. Throughout January, with every purchase of Poilâne’s galette des rois, customers will have the chance to enter a lottery to win a solid gold fève (small trinkets baked inside the galette des rois for the Epiphany holiday – whoever finds the fève in their slice of cake is given king or queen status for the day). There are four fèves, valued at £535, from famed nearby jeweller Cassandra Goad to be won over the four weeks of January. Will you strike gold?
GO UNDERGROUND
Enter through a little door on St Barnabas Street, descend a series of stairs and find yourself in London’s newest underground cocktail bar: Blood Orange Bar. Hidden in the basement of The Orange, the subterranean candlelit bar serves up hedonistic cocktails, craft beers and a Mediterranean menu featuring wood-fired pizzas. With live music and vinyl DJs, it’s the place to be.
Provençal flavours & Enchanting elegance
Taste of Japan
Newly relaunched SACHI at 19 Motcomb Street in Belgravia offers elevated Japanese cuisine in the form of three sleek dining experiences
SACHI is the new destination for an unmatched Japanese dining experience. Set over two floors of 19 Motcomb Street, the restaurant adopts the traditional kappo ryori concept or “to cut and to cook”, a middle ground between formal kaiseki and informal izakaya dining. Led by head chef Joonsu Park, he got the offer while working for the Sunset Hospitality Group in Turkey. “I knew they wanted to make an impact in London,” he says. I’ve never seen this concept in my life so far, a space where all customers can enter,” The open kitchen allows diners on the second floor to experience the performance and craft behind Japanese cuisine. Seasonal produce will be at the heart of the menu, focusing on local produce and foraged flora, rare-breed meat, line-caught fish to offer something distinctly Japanese but also pays homage to the UK and ingredients that can be found on home soil. “When I move to a new place I learn
about new ingredients – when some of my favourite Japanese ingredients are not available, I will figure out how to use other things instead to create new dishes.” Dishes of note include wagyu beef karaage, aubergine miso yaki and Chilean sea bass kushiyaki while drinks include everything from spirits to wines alongside an innovative cocktail menu. Bespoke house whisky and sake will also be available to buy behind the bar. Chef Joonsu is excited about making people happy and sharing his food with the people of Belgravia and beyond. “In South Korea, where I’m from, you eat seaweed soup for breakfast. When I was ten I asked my grandma how to make it as I wanted to surprise my mum. It was not perfect but when I brought it to my mum she was crying. She never expected her small son to make this seaweed soup. I learned that if I cook something from my heart it can make people happy.” Here Chef Joonsu explains the three dining experiences in more detail… sachirestaurants.com/london
OMAKASE
For those who like to experience the art of Japanese cuisine close-up, the omakase counter is the one for you. It is, as Chef Joonsu explains, an omakase kappo style, smaller dishes of around five or six presented together as a set menu. “If you choose our omakase experience, you can see everything I’m doing. For example, if I was making nigiri, I would make it in front of you and serve it to you directly,” he explains.
“I would say it is a more bespoke experience – if you don’t like wasabi, I can control the amount I put in, and you can also ask the chef questions and build more of a relationship by the end so that next time you come to eat, the chef can make the food with your preferences in mind.” Chef Joonsu recommends this experience for couples – anniversaries or special dates. While many omakase counters in London focus on sushi and sashimi, Chef Joonsu says they will be offering more Japanese dishes in this style. “Sushi is only one aspect of Japanese food – it is the most popular but aside from sushi there are a million different dishes.”
RAISE THE ROOF
Laidback dining with DJs spinning the tunes, cocktails, sake and sharing plates and views of central London, the rooftop is the place for gathering over lunch or dinner. With its Kyoto Garden-inspired interior – lighter greens and creams, tortoiseshell detail – the roof is even retractable for that extra wow factor in the summer months. Chef Joonsu says it is the most modern and accessible restaurant of
the three with dishes such as karaage and wagyu skewers.
“Most Japanese restaurants in London are expensive so we want a space where everyone can enjoy a cocktail and small bite,” he explains.
“It’s a sharing style – and we still have the sushi and sashimi platters for whoever wants that amazing Instagram photo.” The rooftop is also home to a separate cigar bar, complete with a cigar sommelier and a floor to ceiling humidor cabinet.
TRADITIONAL WITH A TWIST
With burnt wood and kintsugi glass panel interiors, the seated tables of the restaurant are where guests can enjoy a more detailed approach to the cuisine, paying attention to the art of the dishes presented. “Our kitchen is fully open so whoever dines can see the dynamic and how it operates – for Japanese cuisine hygiene is most important, so with an open kitchen guests can see what we are cooking and also feel the energy of the chef’s service,” says chef Joonsu, who recommends the space for special occasions as the food is more detailed, with whole wagyu steaks and a la carte sashimi platters with no ice as, according to chef, it’s not the traditional way. “We don’t want to complicate any food – it is simple but delicious. Traditional with flavour and modern with presentation,” he adds.
Christmas crackers
You’ll find fabulous gifts for all the family in Belgravia, says editor Bibi Cooper – from pets to the person who has everything
Getting ready for Christmas at The Goring
CUDDLY COMPANIONS
These Aurora World plushies are so adorable that we might just buy them for ourselves.
£6.39 each, Waitrose,
BISCUIT BALLET
This Nutcracker biscuit tin is utterly charming – and the contents are (almost) too pretty to eat.
£39.95, Biscuiteers, 14-15 Eccleston Yards
SWEET STYLE
Timeless and whimsical, this Eccleston long-sleeve dress in blue is perfect for the season.
£120, Pepa London, 40 Elizabeth Street
HEADS UP
This knitted balaclava with faux-fur bobbles is too cute to handle.
BEAR-NECESSITIES
The ideal (snuggly) winter companion
£60
The Peninsula Boutique, The Peninsula, 1 Grosvenor Place
£35, Papouelli, 41 Elizabeth Street
SMARTIE PANTS
This Candy Cane Piñata cake is a kid’s dream come true – and a fun alternative to Christmas pudding.
£60, Hummingbird Bakery, 40 Buckingham Palace Road
MODEL MAKERS
You can’t beat a classic.
£1.19, Waitrose, 27 Motcomb Street
NEW FLAME
BRIGHT IDEA
Keep tootsies warm and toasty in 100 per cent cashmere (as they rightfully deserve).
£49, NRBY, 34 Elizabeth Street
Floral, amber and woody, scent the scene with the Baccarat Rouge 540 candle from Maison Francis Kurkdjian. £95, Les Senteurs, 71 Elizabeth Street
SWEET DREAMS
Catch up on some much-deserved beauty sleep with this silk eye-mask – a collaboration between everyone’s favourite pyjama brand, Olivia von Halle, and de Gournay wallpaper.
£145, The Peninsula London spa, 1 Grosvenor Place
Cashmere label N.Peal has joined forces with Hollywood Authentic to create a collection that is inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Classic, elegant and ever so sexy, the Femme Fatale jet-black playsuit (made from 100 per cent ultra-soft Mongolian cashmere) will have you looking like a silver-screen siren.
FOR HER
SHE’S FUN, SHE’S
WRAP UP
Make chilly days chic with this cosy, cashmereblend cable-knit robe cardigan. It’s perfect paired with a daytime look or for at-home lounging.
£270, Labeca, 1 Motcomb Street
HOT PLATE
A gorgeous glass plate to merely admire or store all your invites and mail on. (Don’t forget to RSVP…)
£25, Ortigia, from Salt Boutique, 5 Motcomb Street
GO FOR GREEN
Captivate your audience with the Fanfare
JEWELLERY
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING Classic yet contemporary, the Lylie Dodola cluster earrings look like something out of an Italian Renaissance painting. Pearls crowned by a diamond set cluster, this kind of piece never goes out of style. £2,450, Lylie, 1 Sparkes Cottages, Graham Terrace
This River Bank cuff steals the show gold, glittering diamonds and a central locket that reveals an enamelled disc
LOOKING GOOD
All eyes on you! Apricot’s anti-ageing eye pads are made from pure medical-grade silicone, enriched with highly effective hyaluronic acid to smooth those pesky under-eye lines.
£24.90, SMUK London, 20-21 Eccleston Yards
SKIN DEEP
Our skin is one of the most important things to look after. Dr David Jack’s The Discovery Set is perfect for those wanting to start their journey into serious skincare. £99, 59 Ebury Street
PLAYING GAMES
A bachelor-pad statement piece, this exquisitely handcrafted cigar backgammon board is ideal for the man who has
CLASSIC STYLE
Pay homage to the timeless varsity sweater from Hollywood Authentic.
Crafted from 100 per cent organic Mongolian cashmere and with ageless appeal, don’t be surprised if this one gets stolen from your wardrobe.
£425, N.Peal, 6 Harriet Street
FOODIE FAVOURITES
The prince/princess of the house deserves good, nutritious food, and a selection of Lily’s Kitchen dog food filled with freshly prepared meat and botanical herbs is just that.
£19, Waitrose, 27 Motcomb Street
FUN AND GAMES
Play tug of war in style with this lobster rope toy.
£19, Daylesford Organic, 44b Pimlico Road
GIVE THE DOG A BONE
Treat your pampered pooch to three tins of handmade dog biscuits in flavours that your four-legged friend will love.
£25, Biscuiteers, 14-15 Eccleston Yards
CURL UP
Made in Italy from bouclé wool, this dog bed looks stylish and preserves warmth even in the coldest months.
£335, Daylesford Organic, 44b Pimlico Road
DOG’S DINNER
Stylish dinnerware is not just for humans. This handmade glazed dog bowl set, from TBStoneware for Bayley & Sage, will add a touch of elegance to your pooch’s favourite corner.
£90, Abode Belgravia, 35a Elizabeth Street
WINTER WARMER
Wrap up your pooch in style this winter with this luxurious cable cashmere doggy pullover.
£189.50, Mungo & Maud, 79 Elizabeth Street
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Immaculate interior design
Georgian townhouse
Dr Isabel A Rodríguez
BELGRAVIA
RESIDENT AND BILINGUAL CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
Growing up half Colombian and half Spanish in Miami meant celebrating a multicultural Christmas, blending traditions from my family’s countries of birth with those learned in their adopted US home.
Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve, meant celebrating with festive dining on balmy 20C evenings. A nod to our roots came in the form of my Galician grandmother, Rosa’s paella, my Cuban great-aunt Nina’s lechón, and American trimmings like cranberry sauce.
Our spruce tree’s aroma wafted through the air while a soundtrack of flamenco and Colombian villancicos played in the background. Dimming the lights after dinner ushered in grandfather Manolo, proudly holding his baked alaska flambé with whiskey-filled eggshells dramatically lit atop the dessert.
A melody of Colombian, Spanish and Cuban female voices chatted and laughed boisterously over tea as the men gathered on the terrace to debate Latin American politics while smoking cigars, a glass of cognac in hand. On reflection, our cultural differences were blended and celebrated as if by second nature. I treasure these childhood memories. The moments of warmth and shared traditions remind me of the richness of my upbringing and continue to bring a sense of gratitude each Christmas season.
Home thoughts
Belgravia has always been a place where people from around the globe can meet and live in harmony. Here some locals with childhood roots abroad share their Christmas recollections
Miguel Berger GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
Christmas traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of German culture. The famous Christmas markets all over the country are a beautiful tradition, the most famous being the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which began in the 17th century. At these markets, the warm, familiar scent of “Glühwein” (mulled wine) fills the air as you stroll past wooden stalls, each brimming with handcrafted gifts and local delicacies. Another famous German tradition is the Christmas tree. It seems to me that Christmas customs form one of the strongest cultural bonds between Germany and the UK. It was Queen Charlotte in the late 18th century who brought the custom from her native Germany to England,
placing the first one in the Queen’s Lodge in Windsor in 1800. The custom was then popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 19th century.
And it’s not just the Christmas tree – German traditions like the “Adventskalender” (advent calendar) have also found their way into homes across the UK and beyond. I’ve also noticed many Christmas markets popping up across the UK. I already visited several of them.
I grew up in Lörrach, in the south-western corner of Germany, very
Lucy Litwack CEO AND OWNER OF LUXURY LINGERIE BRAND COCO DE MER
Retail is in my blood – I grew up with parents who were jewellers, so Christmas was always a super-busy time right up to Christmas Eve. I remember helping out my parents, the store’s festive decorations and customers rushing in for last-minute gifts –always the men!
On Christmas Eve once everything had been locked up for the holidays, we would finally collapse at home with mince pies and champagne. We were all exhausted by Christmas Day and so we generally went out for lunch so my mother didn’t have to cook on her first day off in a month.
We would either go to a hotel like the Carlton Tower [now the Jumeirah Carlton Tower] where my parents got married 55 years ago, or to a restaurant such as The Belvedere. Once back from lunch, we would watch the Queen’s speech recorded on VHS and then settle in for a game of Trivial Pursuit.
As an only child with a small family, there was never a large group for Christmas. When my grandparents were still alive they would join us, but now it’s just the three of us, my dog and anyone who is away from loved ones and needs a substitute family for the
day – we always have someone join us. One of my strongest memories is actually slightly more recent. About 20 years ago, when I was living in New York, I hadn’t seen my parents in a few months and they came to visit me for Christmas. It was like being in a movie. New York is so beautiful at that time of year and we lived every cliché you can imagine. We saw the Rockettes at Radio City, walked around Bergdorf Goodman, ate roasted chestnuts in Central Park, saw the tree at the Rockefeller Center, skated in Bryant Park and drank Manhattans at The Carlyle, while the snow
Christmas for me is still about retail, because it is such a vital time for a luxury retailer like Coco de Mer. I carry on my parents’ traditions – good customer service and the personal touch. Despite retiring eight years ago, my mother is now back working in our Motcomb Street boutique –the lure of retail is clearly too strong to resist.
Mauro Sanna OWNER OF OLIVO RESTAURANTS
As a child, Christmas Eve in Sardinia was traditionally spent at home with my immediate family – my parents and seven siblings – where we indulged in a very substantial meal. It normally consisted of an appetiser of raw artichokes, radishes and cardoons dipped in olive oil, then homemade ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta with tomato sauce and grated pecorino.
This was followed by roast lamb with potatoes, all cooked by my mother, then fresh fruit and cheese. The meal finally ended with a slice of panettone and a small glass of spumante or prosecco as a Christmas toast. All of us, including the younger ones, would dunk the panettone into the sweet drink.
close to the Black Forest, where the magic of a “white Christmas” was often a reality. In Germany, the season begins almost four weeks before Christmas, with the lighting of the “Adventskranz” (advent wreath): the first of four candles is lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and one more on each of the following Sundays. The sweet, comforting smell of “Weihnachtsgebäck” (baked Christmas treats) lingers in homes across the country. For me, Christmas is forever linked to the aroma of Lebkuchen, cinnamon, Stollen, and the fresh scent of fir trees, which, in Germany, traditionally go up just before or on Christmas Eve. One of the most enchanting moments in a German child’s Christmas comes on the night of December 5, when children carefully polish their boots and leave them
outside their door, then awaken the next morning to find them filled with chocolates, nuts and fruit – brought in the night by St. Nikolaus.
On Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day, German families gather around the tree for “Bescherung” – the exchange of gifts. Depending on local customs, children receive their presents from either the “Weihnachtsmann” (Father Christmas) or the Christkind (Baby Jesus). In my childhood, it was always the Christkind who brought the gifts. I still vividly remember walking through our often snowy neighbourhood to the Christmas Vespers in the local church on Christmas Eve, and the anticipation as we returned home, hoping with all my heart that the Christkind had visited while we were away.
If we were old enough to stay up past midnight on Christmas Eve, present-giving was done then, but if we were too young then we opened them on Christmas Day. We would find our presents under the tree, play with them for a while and then go to morning mass.
After this the boys in the household would go to the nearby fishing village with my father, where we would enjoy fresh fish from the sea such as raw sea urchins and mussels, with a lump of bread. My father would meet up with his brothers who lived there. Back at home the girls and my mother prepared lunch, which we would eat around 2pm. Lunch was normally quite a large affair, sometimes with extended family and/ or friends and often with leftovers from the night before.
Michael Voigt MANAGING DIRECTOR AT THE GORING
In Germany, my father would cook a goose with homemade red cabbage every year. It was the highlight of the festive period. The house would smell like goose for weeks afterwards.
One year, when I was living in the UK and visiting Germany for the festive season, I told my family I would bring plenty of Christmas crackers back for our Christmas Eve dinner. To my surprise, my mother prepared a very large cheeseboard for the meal and did not buy any bread or crackers. She had assumed I had plenty of crackers in my suitcase from the UK, not knowing what I meant by Christmas crackers. Two different countries and two very different traditions!
Gemma Martinez de Ana FOUNDER OF BONADEA
I often reflect on the enchanting Christmases of my childhood, especially those spent at my grandparents’ home in Galicia, Spain. As a child, it was one of the highlights of the year. The glow of excitement shone on my face as the Christmas decorations were unveiled. Together, the family would decorate the tree, igniting joy and creativity.
The celebration of Epiphany, held in Spain on January 6, holds a special place in my heart with the thrill of the roscón de reyes, where a hidden coin determined who would be king or queen for the day. On that morning, me and my family would wake to find that the milk and water left out the night before for the Three Kings and their camels had magically vanished, and in their stead laid a mountain of presents. Among my favourite gifts was a beautiful blue bicycle.
Traditional Spanish sweets, candied
fruits, and long sobremesas filled our Christmas Eve, where late-night festivities lit with large candelabras often included music and laughter. As a child, I fondly remember writing letters to the Three Wise Men, reflecting on activities that had passed by that year –both naughty and nice.
As Christmas has evolved for me, it remains a cherished time of family, joy and reflection, especially after my partner proposed on December 24. Today, I still embrace those nostalgic feelings, celebrating the magic of the season with love, champagne, and the spirit of togetherness.
Neill Strain OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF NEILL STRAIN FLORAL COUTURE
Christmas has always been a magical time for me. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the 1980s and 90s, the season was cold, wet but wonderfully exciting. The build-up to Christmas always gave me butterflies, especially as we began decorating our home. I’m grateful that my mum embraced my excitement for Christmas décor and allowed me to take the lead.
Our tree was a faux pine adorned with colourful lights and a mish-mash of random baubles, though over time I brought more order to it and introduced white lights and more colour-coordinated baubles. For a few years we even had a fresh tree, which felt like such a novelty.
My grandmother, who lived with us, always collected berried holly to decorate the mantel and the pictures on the walls, while tinsel – very much in fashion back then –added a touch of kitsch to every surface.
The culinary side of Christmas was equally special. My mum is an
incredible cook, and our Christmas dinner always started with a seafood platter. The main course was a feast of turkey and ham, complemented by Brussels sprouts, roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips and homemade cranberry sauce.
My auntie Eileen was a fabulous baker, and her Christmas pudding, light and fluffy and served with custard and cream, was something we all looked forward to. Mum’s homemade trifle was another highlight, and I remember waking up on Boxing Day excited to have a bowl of trifle for breakfast – a little tradition I still cherish.
Those early memories of Christmas have shaped my career. I’m so fortunate that my love of Christmas decorations has led to the privilege of dressing clients’ homes for the festive season. It brings me great joy to see how our work spreads happiness and creates lasting memories for others.
Baroness Soujata Devaris BELGRAVIA RESIDENT
In 1974, my parents, both architects, were invited to Tenerife to design a hotel. My two sisters Magda and Danae and I travelled with them that Christmas. It was during this trip that they stumbled upon a plot of barren land called Finca Naranjas, a desert-like expanse with nothing but rocks and a few cacti. Despite its desolate appearance, my parents saw potential in it. Little did we know then that this would be the start of what was known for over 45 years as Hacienda Cristoforo. It has now returned to its original name, Finca Naranjas, a lush oasis that I have the responsibility of preserving today.
That first Christmas in Tenerife was memorable for many reasons. As children, we were used to Christmases in England, often with snow and frost and bundled up in scarves and coats. It was the first time we realised that Christmas wasn’t always associated with snow, and it left a lasting impression on me. Instead, we found ourselves packing swimsuits, swimming in the sea and spending the afternoon taking a trip up the volcano.
The land back then was completely untouched, vast and open. Unlike the busy, built-up areas you see today, it was almost eerily quiet, with only the sound of the canary birds. There were no neighbours, no nearby developments, just us and the rocky landscape. My parents, with their architectural vision, began transforming the land bit by bit. Every Christmas we would return and witness more progress as the holiday home grew. It felt like an adventure –creating something out of nothing in this unusual landscape.
Now, five decades later, Finca Naranjas has grown into a sprawling retreat with 23 structures, beautifully integrated into the natural environment. The property has come full circle for me, from those early Christmases when it was just a modest holiday home to the peaceful sanctuary it is today. It’s a living testament to my parents’ dream and the tradition we started all those years ago.
Abbie Roden CO-FOUNDER OF DRINK AMIE
One of my favourite Christmas traditions is a very southern one (I’m from Kentucky!) – we have Breakfast Casserole on Christmas morning every year; it’s a one-pot dish of scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, potatoes and onions. A big heaping pile of it with a hot cup of coffee is the best way to start Christmas Day. It will never get old, and I hope to continue this tradition with my family in the future!
Yulia Shirokova SIBERIAN FOUNDER AND CEO OF SAFIRO
Christmas and festive holidays in my childhood were magical times surrounded by pristine, snow-covered landscapes and crisp and frosty air where the temperatures can go as low as -35C. In December, every tree looked like a living painting, cloaked in a delicate layer of snow and beautiful large snowflakes in the air.
The crisp, frosty air felt invigorating, and after some time outdoors, our eyelashes would be covered in delicate frost, a shimmering reminder of Siberia’s wintry magic.
Cold winters kept us indoors often, and crafting new pieces became my favourite pastime. My imagination ran wild, making up new designs and feeling excited to create festive gifts for my family, like a new accessory or home decoration.
Setting up a Christmas tree brought from the forest with decorations and cooking together was central to preparation for our celebrations. We’d all sit around the table to make meat dumplings or signature festive salads — a holiday tradition everyone joined in on. I especially remember my mother’s honey cake, made from nine thin, golden layers. It’s still a taste of my childhood that always takes me back.
With my father’s large family of eight siblings and my mother’s two, holiday gatherings were lively and full of warmth and fun. We’d go from one relative’s home to another every day.
After eating we would brave the cold and enjoy ice skating or thrilling rides on ice slides that were towering over each neighbourhood.
SOUJATA AT FINCA NARANJAS WITH HER FATHER
Francesca Barrow FASHION AND DESIGN ENTREPRENEUR WHO GREW UP IN BELGRAVIA AND LIVES HERE WITH HER HUSBAND. Whether we spend it at home in Belgravia or in Gloucestershire, one thing is for certain, Christmas is magical. There is something so divine about this time of year; be it one where we’re all in fits of giggles as one family member belts out Silent Night a little over- enthusiastically or one with more sombre moments, as this time of year marks the anniversary of our loved one’s passing just two days before Christmas.
Memories; such as both my late-aunt and I constantly moving decorations when we thought the other wasn’t looking - or family ski trips. But my favourite Christmas tradition; which is made funnier (for some may know that I’ve just released my next single), is one that began when I was seven. I would ‘sell’ (forms of payment included cuddles and a simple ‘please’) tickets to my family to Francesca’s Annual Christmas Carol Concert. I printed out programs with the lyrics to all of the carols. The morning would begin with opening presents (my mother starting her prep in the kitchen with a cheeky Bellini) before
heading to St Paul’s Church in Wilton Crescent… but then after lunch, it was my moment! I’d hand out the programs and sit myself at the piano. I’ve been told that my late grandfather had an amazing singing voice and that he gifted me my vocal talents. I can safely say that no one else in my family shares that same gift. It always starts with my aunt giggling on hearing my mother, very seriously, take on The First Noel – which then of course prompted my mother, who is by now desperately trying not to catch her sisters’ eye as she attempts to take my concert seriously. Laughter is infectious and before I know it, the whole room is in fits of giggles. I always then become a little grumpy before Papa says, “don’t stop playing, let’s start again!”
Inevitably, everyone then tries to sing even more seriously which makes us all fall over laughing. It ends when I myself have the giggles so badly I can no longer play the piano. This has taken place every year since. My husband is now an addition to this tradition too and before you ask, he does take it quite seriously and no, he can’t really sing either.
Patricia Cobiella CREATOR OF PAT’S JEWELLERY, WHICH IS MADE
IN BELGRAVIA AND STOCKED AT SALT BOUTIQUE
As a designer, I love the festive period and decorating the house and dinner tables.As young child I would make my sisters help with creating special handmade decorations. Every family would create their own version of the nativity scene, El Portal de Belén.
Coming from Spain and from a very large family, with lots of siblings and even more cousins, Christmas was a big production. Every year we would alternate between celebrating Noche Buena with my father’s or my mother’s parents. All the cousins would perform a Christmas show, most of which we made up on the spot. In Spain you don’t have Christmas stockings. Instead, we would leave our shoes at our grandparents’ house and Papa Noel would come during the night and fill them with one or two gifts.
A peculiarity in Spain is that children usually receive their gifts on Los Reyes Magos, the celebration of the three kings on January 6.
Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar would leave gifts at home while we would go and see the Three Kings parade. During Reyes we would eat a roscón de reyes, a homemade doughnut-style cake filled with little presents.
My family and I are now eagerly awaiting decorating the house.
How early are we allowed to
Sheherazade Goldsmith FOUNDER OF LOQUET
I come from a small family, so there was never a big lunch. Christmas was more about the intimacy of that moment—72 hours where every one believed in flying reindeers and the possibility of a ‘aroundthe-world’ journey in 14 hours on a sleigh. I don’t remember much about specific events but I do remember the emotions. That childhood wonder that I still experience to this day: a stocking full of anticipation, the joy of gifting something you’ve spent time thinking about and the facial expressions that say it all. Christmas Eve was all about the magic and Christmas morning a drawn out session of hugs and laughter in pyjamas. Our tradition was never about food as my mother hates cooking and the ‘place’ changed every year. Ultimately it was just about being together.
Star appeal
We meet Orson Vergnaud, head chef at Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay
words : bibi cooper
Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining often hold a reputation for being stuffy and old-fashioned, but a new generation of chefs is challenging that antiquated belief. Paris-born Orson Vergnaud – head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred restaurant Pétrus –joined Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in 2022 at only 33 years old.
Vergnaud’s playful approach to food sees him create classic French cuisine with fresh, unexpected twists – think Cornish turbot stuffed with clams and smoked eel paired with apple gel.
His adventurous spirit is imbued everywhere in the restaurant, too. Dishes are artfully presented in unusual ceramic bowls and on textured plates, the interiors are elegant and chic – and the seasonally changing menu brings something fresh to the scene.
First opened in 1999 on St James’s Street, Pétrus moved to The Berkeley hotel in 2003 to replace Pierre Koffmann’s La Tante Claire, before arriving at its current home on Kinnerton Street in 2010. It has held its Michelin star since 2011 and having retained the accolade for another year with Vergnaud at the helm – marking the 14th consecutive year that the coveted award has been granted – I sat down with the chef to learn more about him.
Can you tell me a bit about your childhood and the culinary training that led up to this moment?
I was born in Paris and lived there until I was 11 before moving with my family to Toulouse. When I was 19, while studying maths and sport, my university closed due to a strike, so I found work in a kitchen – my first experience. I did six months as kitchen porter, where I would help in the dessert section, and following that I went to a professional culinary school to complete my degree in cooking. I moved to the UK about 13 years ago and have worked my way from a deli to a Michelin establishment.
How did the partnership with Pétrus happen?
Right from the first interview with the Gordon Ramsay Restaurants team it was clear that Pétrus was going to be the place where I could step up my career.
What do you like about the Belgravia neighbourhood?
What I love about Belgravia is that although it is a hotspot for visitors to the city, with it being so close to landmarks like Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, it also has a small, quiet town feel about it, with local businesses being the gems.
Who has been the most fun to cook for? Any notable guests?
I have been lucky to cook for many notable guests in my career, but of course the most satisfying was my first cook for Gordon. Seeing him really enjoy his meal was a great feeling.
Favourite dish to cook?
I love to cook anything and everything. All cuisines and all dishes –each one is as enjoyable as the other.
What’s the most underrated ingredient?
amazing and memorable experience from start to finish. Of course, I like the guests to obviously love the food, but it is just as important for me that they had a great time with our front of house team and sommeliers.
What have you learned in the years working at Pétrus?
I have learned so many things during my time at Pétrus, from my culinary skills and creativity to building a team and learning about the commercial side of the business.
Aside from the restaurant, any places in Belgravia you enjoy?
I don’t live in London so I’m not often in Belgravia outside of work, but there are so many great locally owned shops to check out.
Differences between the English palate versus the French?
I would say the English palate leans more sweet than the French, whereas a French palate would be stronger in flavour and more savoury.
What would be your last supper?
I’d say all herbs, but cress in particular. Many people think that cress is purely decorative and only on the plate to look good, but actually, it adds so much flavour to the dish.
How do you want diners to feel once they’ve finished a meal by you and the Pétrus team?
I want diners at Pétrus to feel like they’ve had an
Whatever the reason for my last meal, I’d rather have a rum punch.
What’s on the Christmas menu over at the Vergnaud household?
I spend Christmases with my family-in-law in England, so a very traditional English Christmas dinner.
Do you have any cooking tips for readers for the festive season? And any wine/spirit pairings you would recommend?
Get ready in advance – it takes much longer than you think most of the time and slow cooking always tastes better. And you don’t want to spend the whole of Christmas Day behind the stove. For the drinks, and my mum would agree 100%, nothing beats champagne during the festive season, all day long.
Pétrus, 1 Kinnerton Street
RHODE RAGE
If you were wondering why there were so many women with oversized coats and slicked-back dos over at 6-7 Motcomb Street recently, it’s because viral skincare brand Rhode hosted its first ever pop-up store. Queues wound down the street, with skincare enthusiasts eager to try out Hailey Bieber’s brand.
LIGHTS ON!
Elizabeth Street was filled with winter cheer as locals and visitors came to witness the annual Belgravia Christmas Lights Switch-On. At the stroke of 3:45pm, Principal Ballerina Marianela Nuñez switched on the lights, sending the street into a wonderland of twinkling lights. Guests met with Father Christmas and his elves, The Snowman and characters from the Nutcracker roamed around Elizabeth Street as the air was filled with performances from the London Gay Men's Chorus, the Fulham Brass Band and steel band Solid Steel.
MARKET DAY(S)
For two days, Eccleston Yards transformed into a picture-perfect Christmas Market. Locals and visitors perused stalls selling artisanal goodies, shopped-til-they-dropped for the perfect stocking-fillers and enjoyed mulled wine and festive treats from Eccleston Yards' restaurants and bars.
“He sings like Elvis, looks like Elvis, hell he even walks like Elvis.”
Ed Bonja – Elvis Presley’s official photographer and Road Manager
St Paul’s Church Knightsbridge features multi-award-winning tribute artist Rob Kingsley as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
Come and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the absolute best of Elvis Presley’s Christmas, Gospel and some favourite hits.
Whilst serving with the First Royal Scots regiment Rob built a reputation for his ability to sing like Elvis. Having completed tours of duty in the first Gulf War, Northern Ireland and Kosovo he is committed in his support of veterans and of the challenges they face.
A colourful Christmas
With this year’s Christmas season upon us, we are craving reds, greens and golds in our decor. Known in Belgravia for his skincare and aesthetic clinic, Dr David Jack’s other passion is interior design. He picks nine of his festive favourites from Belgravia’s boutiques
as told to : bibi cooper
“Alongside my work in the clinic, my other love is interior design. I’m currently in the final year of an interior design degree, which has taken me over five years – a nice diversion from my day to day work! I have a particular affinity for Georgian buildings and early to mid-century Italian design, both of which inspire the interiors of my clinics. I love the fact that Belgravia has become a bit of an interior design district, especially Pimlico Road, with its incredible selection of design shops. It’s the perfect place to find inspiration
SEEING RED
Research on colour psychology has shown that a pop of red may induce an instant rise in dopamine (one of the “happy” hormones). This mid-20th century red glazed porcelain hexagonal lamp (£1,695) from Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler would look brilliant in both a contemporary and a traditional interior.
89-91 Pimlico Road
BRIGHTON ROCK
I think shiny lacquer can add extra depth to most interiors. It would be difficult to choose my favourite item from The Lacquer Company, but I love the green of this Brighton coffee table by Miles Redd (£2,450).
6 Newson’s Yard, 57 Pimlico Road
PERFECT PAIR
As the father of the “lived in for centuries” style, Robert Kime is one of my heroes of interior design. I love to incorporate Imari and other ceramics into my interiors, so this pair of beautiful Imari jars from the Edo period (£5,750) caught my attention.
190-192 Ebury Street
PANEL DISCUSSION
Anyone who visits my clinics will spot my love of chinoiserie. These red lacquer panels at Timothy Langston (£6,750) are pretty exceptional and are high up on my dream list.
198 Ebury Street
FAIREST OF THEM ALL
A “money is no object” piece, this spectacular 18th-century Swedish Pier mirror by Burchard Precht (£85,000), sold at Rose Uniacke, would look great in any interior.
76 Pimlico Road
ALL FIRED UP
I am utterly obsessed with Jamb’s fireplaces, and everything else they do. They just get it right all of the time. I’m looking for an excuse at the moment to invest in one of their bolectionstyle fireplaces. In particular, this Ducale Rosso Collemandina option (£POA).
95-97 Pimlico Road
MATERIAL MATTERS
I recently used this beautiful reversible antique paisley fabric (£POA) from de Le Cuona for the curtains in my drawing room in Wiltshire. It takes a whole day to manufacture just three metres.
44 Pimlico Road
ON A ROLL
I recently bought this Soane Seraphic Star wallpaper in Bastille (£220 per roll) for one of the bathrooms in my house in Wiltshire. I really love the craftsmanship of everything Soane does – their approach of finding the very best in Britain, and combining this with a unique sense of style, resonates with me.
50-52 Pimlico Road
SOFT POWER
I love the 70s feel of the Binderton sofa 3m –Budapest (£24,000) by And Objects.
5 Newson’s Yard, 57 Pimlico Road
We’ll soon be rolling out the red carpet to celebrate Belgravia’s brilliant businesses and community heroes
CALLING ALL OF BELGRAVIA to think about the people and businesses that make this area such a unique and special place.
The individuals who put their heart and soul into the neighbourhood deserve our recognition. But they rely on members of the local community to nominate them.
Categories for the 2025 awards include Made in Belgravia, Charitable Champion and Lifetime Achievement, as well as Bright Young Thing, which looks to celebrate a younger member of the community, and the Arts Award, which seeks to put the spotlight on a person, organisation or business that contributes to our cultural wellbeing.
As you may remember, 2024’s prizewinners included Philip Treacy (Made in Belgravia), Nina Campbell (the
FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, SPONSORS AND WINNERS GATHER AT THE 2024 AWARDS HOSTED BY THE BERKELEY AWARDS IMAGES: EDWARD LLOYD
“At Loveday, we deeply value friendship and a sense of community, which is why we are proud to sponsor the Old Friend award
Sian Hammer, Managing Director
Loveday
& Co
Arts Award) and Lady Bamford (Friend of the Earth), who were just a few out of our many spectacular winners.
Sponsor of the Old Friend award for 2025 is Loveday & Co which is London’s only senior-living Members Club, with ready access to whatever expert advice and dedicated care support is required by its
individual Members at any time.
Sian Hammer, Managing Director of Loveday & Co said: “We deeply value friendship and a sense of community, which is why we are proud to sponsor the Old Friend award. This award honours the strength of enduring relationships, celebrating those who have contributed to the community and continue to be appreciated. These lasting connections are essential to creating happiness
and strengthening bonds across all ages and we are delighted to support the recognition of their impact.”
In 2025, the ceremony will take place in The Peninsula hotel’s stunning ballroom, with some very exciting things planned and our biggest guest list ever.
Nominations are wwopen, so please scan the QR code or visit the website below to make your voice heard and shine a spotlight on those making a valuable contribution to the neighbourhood: pubbiz.com/belgravia-awards-2025
AWARD CATEGORIES
Bright Young Thing
A young(ish) person who lives or works in Belgravia who deserves recognition for their achievements or inspiring positive attitude.
The Arts Award
Words, pictures, dance, music, mime... you name it, the canvas of creativity is wide and creativity in the arts enhances our experience of the world and our area.
Local Hero
Recognising a person who goes the extra mile to help others and creates a stronger community.
Charitable Champion
Recognising a person or business that has done outstanding work for a good cause.
At Your Service
Recognises a person or business that has created something of lasting benefit to the community.
Lifetime Achievement
An individual who has made a big difference to the area.
New Friend
A new entrant, person or business who has made great strides to contributing to the community in a relatively short time period.
Old Friend
An established personality or business that continues to be appreciated by the community.
Friend of the Earth
A person or business that is making positive strides in sustainability.
Made in Belgravia
Celebrating craftsmanship and creativity in the neighbourhood.
Belgravia Directory
ACCOUNTANTS
Enpeyz Chartered Accountants
Local accountants offering professional services at very competitive prices. Email info@enpeyz.com to book your free consultation.
158 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1 020 7259 9645
ART/CULTURE
Art Fancier
Privately guided bespoke art tours of the Wallace Collection, the Courtauld and the Royal Academy of Arts.
artfancier66@gmail.com 07939 489 220
ESTATE AGENTS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS
Quintessentially Estates
An award winning, global, lifestyle real estate company, boasting a team of London and international specialists. quintessentiallyestates.com
51 Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8ED 020 7201 0700
Savills International network of more than 600 offices and associates throughout the Americas, the UK, continental Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, offering a broad range of specialist advisory, management and transactional services to clients all over the world.
Savills Sloane Street first opened in 1984 and has become synonymous with selling some of the finest properties in central London. It is also home to the London private office team, who have a vast experience and knowledge to help ultra-high net worth private clients and their advisors, family offices and wealth advisors, navigate the London property market. Over 100 offices in the UK, 35,000 staff. 139 Sloane Street, SW1 020 7730 0822
HOME MAINTENANCE
Quintessentially Home
Award winning specialists in home and vacant property management in central London, since 2007. quintessentiallyhome.com
51 Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8ED 020 7201 0700
Focus SB
Finely finished premium electrical accessories manufactured in the UK including switches, sockets, lighting controls keypad faceplates. www.focus-sb.co.uk sales@focus-sb.co.uk 01424 858060
Prime Central Residential Ltd Construction, refurbishment and renovation services in Belgravia. Any sized project from cosmetic refurbishment to full rebuild. www.pcresi.co.uk Tel: 020 8049 9552
JEWELLERY
Elizabeth Gage
Internationally renowned British designer, Elizabeth Gage has sculpted the world of jewellery as we know it today and continues to do so with her avant-garde designs and boundless creativity. Elizabeth’s artistry knows no bounds. Every piece is unique and we have a vast collection of pieces to suit a wide range of preferences. We also offer an exquisite commissions service for those who wish to encase their own stones in an Elizabeth Gage design, redesign an existing piece of jewellery, or simply design a piece especially for that someone special. Our boutique is open from Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm, an appointment is not mandatory.
5 West Halkin Street, SW1X 8JA elizabeth-gage.com 020 7823 0100
LAW
Expatriate Law – Family Lawyers
Expatriate Law is an award winning divorce and family law firm advising international families living in London. Our experienced solicitors provide expert legal advice on high net-worth cross-border or complex divorce and related family law issues. Our expertise covers all areas of family law including pre and post nuptial agreements, separation agreements, child relocation, child arrangements and disputes, asset protection during divorce, same sex divorce, separation claims for unmarried couples, maintenance and asset claims on separation. Confidential and discrete consultations available at our Belgravia office. Contact us for confidential advice. www.expatriatelaw.com melissa@expatriatelaw.com 020 3096 7169
LIFESTYLE
Lifestyle & Design Project
“Refine your lifestyle through wardrobe management, exclusive luxury goods shopping, and event management, making a unique lasting impression.”
https://www.lifestyledesignproject.com/ Email: michela@lifestyledsignproject.com 07849 598 960
OFFICES / CO-WORKING SPACE
25 Eccleston Place
Private office and open plan co-working space in Eccleston Yards. All-inclusive memberships, eight private meeting rooms and 24/7 access.
25 Eccleston Place, SW1W 9NF info@25-ep.com
PICTURE FRAMERS F RAME DESIGNS
Frame Designs
Bespoke picture framing business, established 1985. Quality and craftsmanship guaranteed. 57 Ebury Street, SW1W 0NZ www.framedesigns.london 020 7730 0533
SECURITY SERVICES
Westminster Security Ltd
London’s leading private security and investigations company, providing security and peace of mind to high-net-worth individuals and families, CEOs and Executives, royalty, and heads of state with our discreet personal close protection and residential security services. We provide our services globally for high-risk, high-profile Principals using ex-Military and Police security operatives of the highest calibre with exemplary backgrounds, training, and experience, ensuring your complete safety and confidentiality. Contact us today to discuss your security concerns or requirements.
16 Old Queen Street, Westminster, SW1H 9HP www.westminstersecurity.co.uk 020 7123 4544 or 07554 000 300
Askari Secure Ltd
Askari Secure Residential Security Officers aim to provide a secure environment to an individual or a family whilst in residence. You, your family or your property may require Residential Security for many reasons. A few of these could include a threat to your family, deterring criminal activity, trespassing or protection of privacy. Our Officers are unobtrusive and discreet but effective enough to provide a security screen that is appropriate to the perceived level of threat. Residential Security is not just restricted to your home. It could also be useful within your hotel, private apartment, office, and private yacht or even at hospital. 52 Grosvenor Gardens, SW1W 0AU www.askarisecure.com 020 7764 0708
TAILORING
Alterations & Bespoke Specialists
We are a highly experienced team of tailors specializing in clothing alterations, tailoring, bespoke, garment copy, wedding alterations, suits, leather, embroidery. 44 Moreton St, SW1V 2PB, London info@alterationsandbespoke.com alterationsandbespoke.com 07985 575 350
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LilaConnect
Experience lightning-fast connectivity with LilaConnect Full Fibre. Elevate your digital world with unbeatable speeds & reliability! lilaconnect.co.uk sales@lilaconnect.co.uk 0800 955 6670
Prime Fibre
Transform your online experience with Prime Fibre: Offering premium internet packages from a range of providers. primefibre.london info@primefibre.london 020 3151 5004
TENNIS COACHING
Boof Tennis
The finest private tennis coaching in Belgravia and Knightsbridge - coaching all ages and all standards. Please contact Nick Poulton at Boof Tennis on hello@booftennis.co.uk 07816 55 88 77
WEALTH MANAGERS
Alex De Silva & Co Wealth Managers Your local financial and property finance advisors. First Floor, 158 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1 www.alexdesilvaco.com 020 4546 7823
Brompton Private Wealth Working with a wealth manager can provide the opportunity to add value in a variety of ways:
• Helping to maintain financial security and to pass on wealth to loved ones
• Minimizing administration
• Creating a financial plan that enables access to tax effective income and capital
• Reducing exposure to Inheritance tax
• Providing risk management through genuine diversification in terms of investment management approach
In order to receive a complimentary guide covering, wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance tax planning, contact us by telephoning: 020 8042 0055 or emailing Edward or Henry edward.thornton@sjpp.co.uk henry.parker@sjpp.co.uk 116 Brompton Road
BARE ESSENTIALS
It’s all about confidence, and what you wear underneath makes a huge difference to how you feel. With feminine power its core belief, and a supportive female team at its Belgravia boutique, Coco de Mer’s personal shopping experience can help you choose some of the finest, confidenceboosting lingerie – perfect to wear underneath your festive gladrags.
24a Motcomb Street
Get ready to party
With Christmas comes more soirées than you can shake a stick at. And while most of us dread the small talk and the awkward art of eating canapés, if we can’t avoid a party, we might as well look – and most importantly feel – good when we make our entrance
words : bibi cooper
FIT FAST
Fitness is a long-term commitment, but sometimes we need to get our bodies moving twice as hard before the weeks of festive revelry. A few classes at Barry’s Bootcamp SW1 will humble even the most dedicated of gym bunnies and will get you discovering muscles you didn’t know you even had.
16 Eccleston Yards
MANE EVENT
A Belgravia institution, Neville has a party-friendly treatment menu with bespoke and red-carpet hairstyling, its iconic blow-dry (of course) and an array of conditionboosting treatments to repair end-of-year stressed out and tired hair. And if you fancy a dramatic new year, new me haircut, the team has got you covered.
5 Pont Street
LET’S MAKEUP
Sometimes we just can’t be bothered doing our makeup – and there are those days when the eyeliner never goes on right. It’s better (and far less stressful) to let the professionals take charge. The team at SMUK offers a nice selection of bespoke and evening makeup looks tailored to your taste. And the best thing? The products used are organic and eco-friendly.
20-21 Eccleston Yards
NAILING IT
Although we all know and love Adem as the Ebury Street king of hairstyling, the salon also does some amazing mani and pedi treatments that will get your nails looking perfect and polished. From gel manicures to express manicures (for those of us who leave everything to the last minute), there’s no excuse not to get them done.
61 Ebury Street
GET THE GLOW
Skin looks best when wellhydrated, balanced and glowing. Dr David Jack offers a wonderful menu of medical-grade facials and the treatments aren’t surface-level – they’re genuinely performance-driven and show visible results. A firm favourite is the bespoke facial, which combines a series of fruit-based acid peels tailored to your skin needs. (Top tip: add in some mesotherapy to get a really rejuvenating hit of vitamins and minerals right into the skin.)
59 Ebury Street
PSSST...
Sometimes our body needs a little extra help (or you don’t fancy sweating it out on a treadmill). Montrose London is a little “if you know, you know” local secret. A gorgeous clinic founded by three plastic surgeons, it offers a wide range of non-invasive body treatments that can be done in as little as 30 minutes. Montrose London, 19 West Eaton Place
ALL
SMILES
Our smile says a lot about us and our teeth shouldn’t be neglected. From parties to photos, we predict we’re going to be doing a lot of smiling this Christmas. For a quick fix, the Nejati clinic does an oral detox and cleansing treatment that will get your teeth looking picture-perfect.
25a Lowndes Street
WE’LL BE AT MARGY’S
Margy’s Monte Carlo is coming to The Peninsula London Spa and Wellness Centre –the first spa in the UK to exclusively partner with the brand. Expect a range of blissful signature facials and treatments.
Look good without guilt. Sustainable and inclusive makeup concept Beam is opening at 20 Eccleston Street, offering products and classes alongside its salon services.
HOT SPOT
A new address for our manis and pedis, Townhouse, which is currently at 147 Ebury Street, is relocating to 11 Eccleston Street, where it will launch a new “Petit Townhouse” nail concept. Doors open on December 11.
BEAUTY IN BELGRAVIA: WHAT’S TO COME…
FULL BEAM
My favourite spot for a quick coffee to go is Café Kitsuné, which is also in Halkin Arcade. My order will forever be an iced oat latte because I desperately need caffeine in the morning!
Hidden gem?
Eccleston Yards – it’s an extremely cute area in Belgravia, a bit hidden, where you can find
anything you need when it comes to wellness, food and drinks.
Hotel?
I love The Peninsula hotel! The spa is amazing.
Favourite people-watching spot?
ANASTASIA MOUAWAD, fifth-generation co-guardian of Mouawad and the first woman in the Mouawad family to officially play a role in the family business of luxury jewellery, tells us all about her favourite…
#Belgravia is always a good idea
The terrace at La Maison Ani. It opened a few months ago at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower. If you live in the area, there’s no way you can sit there without bumping into someone you know or witnessing all sorts of interesting pedestrians.
Work or workout?
My favourite workout would most probably be Barry’s Bootcamp SW1. It’s my favourite location in London. Plus their post-workout protein shakes are absolutely delicious! It’s like a rewa rd after an intense session.
Way to start the day?
I try as much as possible to start my day with a walk around Hyde Park, just to oxygenate myself in order to have a fresh and clean mindset for my day. It helps me a lot and I feel much more focused throughout the day after my walk.
Fondest memory of Belgravia?
Probably when I first moved to London, I would always meet my friends at L’Eto cafe. It used to be our go-to place and we created a lot of unforgettable memories at this neighbourhood cafe.
Words of wisdom?
A quote I love to remind myself of whenever I need to hear it is: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
Follow @mouawad and @belgravia_ldn on Instagram
EXPERIENCE ELEGANCE
The Peninsula London brings the finest hospitality, exquisite accommodation, exemplary service and the best of British art and culture to the heart of Belgravia.
