CITY APRIL 2010

the city magazine a p r FEBRUARY i l 2010 2010

business • current affairs • fashion • health & beauty • travel • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property n

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the city m a g a z i n e

Thinking Picking a winner the Harold Tillman way

The voice of British business

Lord Digby Jones bangs the drum

Rise to the challenge

the London Triathlon

&

travel gadgets motoring interiors property april

2010

i s s ue 3 0

Introducing the breathtaking new Lotus Evora.

It has all the spine-tingling performance, award winnning handling and to-die-for looks you’d expect from a mid-engined Lotus. But what’s rather more unexpected are the extra two seats in the back. You’ll be equally surprised by the supple ride, sumptuous leather interior and boot generous enough to take a set of golf clubs. Plus, it has the lowest emissions in its class.

So, there really is room in your life for a Lotus.

The Lotus Evora. From £48,550 OTR* *On the road (OTR) cost includes £950 for delivery, PDI, first service number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months Road Fund Licence and a full tank of fuel. Prices effective from 1st January 2010.

Information correct at time of going to print. Lotus Cars reserves the right to amend prices or specification without prior notice.

www.lotusevora.co.uk

For details of your nearest Lotus Dealer please visit www.lotusevora.com Lotus Evora – Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205g/km

There’s room in your life for a loTus.

contents feature 12 The Voice of British Business

Beverley Byrne talks to British business ambassador Lord Digby Jones

15 International Aid versus Domestic Recession

EASY Photographer:

Peter Zownir

Josephine O’Donoghue investigates the UK’s dilemma

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

DENIM Denim skirt, £169, D&G at Harrods Knightsbridge, SW1, 020 7730 1234 Cream suede boots, £355 Joseph, 020 7610 8441

comment 20 Thinking Big

Josh Sims speaks to Jaeger chairman Harold Tilman

29 My Money Lies Over the Ocean

Brian Friedman considers whether offshore banking still makes sense

calibre 34 Daring to be Different Matthew Carter finds out about the latest Jag

motoring calibre

45 British Golfing Godfather

Lee Brooks speaks to British golfing legend Tony Jacklin

to be different Want to lose 20 years in an instant? Trade in your old man’s 7-Series or Audi A8 for a new XJ. Dump the Lexus for the lithe, sensuous lines of the latest Jag and it’ll do far more for your image than any wardrobe makeover, says Matthew Carter

B

ack in 1968 – more than four decades ago – Jaguar launched the first XJ saloon. This was a remarkable machine and marked a complete change of design from the lovely but by then old-fashioned Mark II that went before.

It brought a host of new owners to the brand and for a heady few years Jaguar was at the top of its game, a progressive, modern and stylish company. And then the needle got stuck.

Over the ensuing 40 years, there’s always been an XJ saloon at the top of the Jaguar range… and it’s always looked broadly similar to the original. The XJ was retro before retro became fashionable and as a result just looked old.

But that’s now history. Not before time comes a new XJ – and this time, the name’s just about the only thing it has in common with its forebears. Its name and the way it drives, that is. It might have looked like an old man’s car, but the outgoing XJ certainly didn’t drive like one.

In fact, under the skin the new XJ bears more than a passing resemblance to its lightweight, all-aluminium immediate predecessor, certainly in terms of chassis layout and construction techniques. But it’s that new skin that really makes the new XJ stand out from the crowd. It’s the work of Ian Callum, the man responsible for the way a modern Aston Martin looks, so the pedigree is impeccable.

For the XJ, Callum has expanded on the themes he created for the smaller XF saloon. There’s a clear link between the two from the front, but in profile the new XJ is almost coupé-like, with a plunging roof-line, high shoulders and a huge expanse of glass. Glamorous and fittingly feline, it literally stopped the traffic in Paris where the car was launched. And while the French might be more receptive than most to seductive shapes, I’ll bet it would have had the same effect in Munich or Stuttgart.

The only controversial view, perhaps, is from the back.

Regardless of the colour of the car, the rear pillars are black while the plain, unadorned rump takes a while to get used to: Callum says it’ll be two years before we’ll get used to it… and that’s fine: if we loved every aspect of the shape now it would date far too quickly.

concierge 52 Interiors

Spring

62 Fashion

The experts of Harley Street on looking good

triathlon 78 Rise to the Challenge

Lee Brooks and Josephine O’Donoghue explore London’s foremost sporting event

connoisseur 96 Diva Las Vegas

Louisa Castle gets the Total Experience in Las Vegas

113 Out & About

80

81

Designer denim

72 A matter of appearance

IN FACT, THERE’S SOMETHING LATIN ABOUT THE CAR… A MASERATI FOR THE MASSES?

This month’s hot events in and around London

regulars 10 editor’s letter

61 fashion

24 financial expert

71 health & fitness

34 motoring

95 travel

41 sport

100 5 of the best...

46 gadgets

105 food & drink

58 royal exchange

117 property

contributors...

RUNWILD M

E

D

I

A

G

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O

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Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editor

Louisa Castle

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Deputy Editor 1. Claire Adler is a London-based freelance journalist specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and Harrods magazine.

2. Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist

Josephine O’Donoghue

Editorial Assistants Ruth Sherrington Penelope M Walsh

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

specialising in gadgets and technology. Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites.

Senior Designers Hiren Chandarana

Designers

3. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading

commentators on money matters. He is a director at The Motley Fool as well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s Breakfast Show.

Kelly Gregory Mitash Patel

Production Manager Dan Hyde

4. Sim Smith is a freelance journalist and

stylist based in London. A frequent contributor to prestigious publications, Sim has worked with ELLE Decoration, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.

5. Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance

journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.

6. Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications.

Group Publishing Director Eren Ellwood

Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

PR & Marketing Manager Rebecca Walton

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

7. Josh Sims is a freelance writer and editor,

contributing to the likes of The Financial Times, The Times, Esquire, Wallpaper and CNBC. He lives in east London.

8. Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of specialist law firm, CM Murray LLP. Clare and her colleagues advise a wide range of companies, professional firms and senior individuals on employment, partnership and business immigration law issues.

the city magazine A p R FEBRUARY i l 2010 2010

Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee VENUE – The official magazine of The O2

business • current affairs • fashion • health & beauty • travel • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property

Harold Tillman, Chairman of Jaeger See p.20

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Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

the city m a g a z i n e

Thinking picking A winnER thE hARold tillmAn wAY

the voice of BRitish Business

loRd digBY JonEs BAngs thE dRUm

Rise to the challenge

thE london tRiAthlon

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.runwildmedia.com

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travel gadgets motoring interiors property ApRil

2010

i s s U E 3 0

Subscriptions: A free subscription service is available to employees at Canary Wharf offices. E-mail subscribe@runwildmedia.com for further details. For other readers, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available at £15 & £25 respectively, to cover postage and packaging.

For details of subscriptions and advertising, please contact us on 020 7987 4320.

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18/02/10 8:25:53

M Editor

the Se

Life is its own journey...

from the editor...

N

o one knows for certain how April got its name, or how it came to be that the first day of the month is one of practical jokes. But looking out of my window, I see the tiny crocus buds, which have survived a cold winter, fought through the ground, and are now raising their heads in colourful display.

Over the past two years we have brought you all the very b magazine was born and has grown and evolved with each i to you our second birthday issue, it’s all about change:

From single to couple – this month we spend a lot of our ti If August is a little too far away for you, though, need for the perfect wedding day; from planning the stag-do and you’re up for the challenge, we also take a doing on their last night of freedom these days? – to counti closer look at the London Marathon taking place hints and on 25 April. tips from our panel of experts. We investigate wh style, what to say in the speech and how to look great on y we trywho outneeds the latest and greatest treatments – going under A man little introduction in his marathon as ambassador of British make up,quest oxygen treatments, Tui Na massages and general business is Lord Digby Jones. Beverley Byrne most rewarding) way. talks to the ever-upbeat and ebullient Lord about

April

It’s a month packed with dates of note as well.

Not only do we have April Fool’s Day, we’ve Easter, Daffodil Sunday and St George’s Day, not to mention the Grand National and the Boat Race to get us out of the house to enjoy the weather.

Venturing out of hibernation, though, sometimes needs a little help and purpose. This month, our main feature falls in our health and fitness pages and looks at the London Triathlon (p.78); how to enter, why to do it, who to run, swim and ride for, and how to get to the first day in August – what better reason do you need to take advantage of the weather, get fit and raise much-needed funds for charity?

From tosocial autumn – moving a skilledsummer workforce, inclusion and hisfrom what can only be stunt autumn, in Gordon it Brown’s of favourite all the into is one‘Government of my most times of the yea Talents’ not just(p.12). because my hair matches the colours that the leave that nature throws at us during the fall, of course but most And if the weather doesn’t hold, there are also weather gives us to reinvestigate our wardrobes that excite some tempting holiday destinations to choose from; profi ling local boutiques, our fashion pages are truly blosso choose endless entertainment and being treated like

an emperor the bright lights of a romantic And fromineditor to editor – Vegas, this issue is my last at the helm of break to in the weekendthat breaks Icountry am going testSouth outWest, the theory the road to London is on your doorstep but a million miles away and in the very capable hands of my team and thank you for yo gourmet travelling in Spain. that has made the magazines the successes that they have b Wherever you this Easter though, we wish Wishing youaregood health, wealth andyou happiness. a happy one and hope the Easter bunnies find you.

Louisa Castle Editor

Live

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So, stepping back to my school days, the thinking that I like to follow is that it comes from the Latin ‘aperire’ which means ‘to open’; after all, April is the month when the buds begin to open and things begin to grow.

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THE VOICE OF

BRITISH BUSINESS As optimists go, they don’t come more eternal than the ‘voice of British Business’ – Lord Digby Jones. Whilst the rest of us grumble on about battered Britain, bloody banks and the absence of a bright tomorrow, Beverley Byrne talks to the ever-upbeat and ebullient Lord Jones, banging the drum for Britain’s business 12

interview

A

scholarship boy who worked his way up from articled clerk to senior partner in a Birmingham law firm, his long and impressive CV includes serving an unprecedented two terms as DirectorGeneral of the CBI, and 15 months as Minister of State for UK Trade and Investment. He was knighted in 2005 for services to business and two years later became a life peer, taking the title, Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham.

Five years ago I interviewed Sir Digby, as he was then, over a sumptuous lunch in Covent Garden. The entertaining conversation ranged from reminiscences about his childhood (he was born over his parent’s grocery shop “a spanner’s throw from the Longbridge car plant”), his passion for sport, ballet and military history – “I admire excellence in all things” – and his passion for education. When we meet again, he impressively recalls that lunch in some detail and, as we begin our current discussion, it is clear that education remains central to his vision of a great British tomorrow.

“The world is coming out of its malaise. We are at the point when markets are growing again and ready to be exploited by a value-added, innovative, freetrading nation such as the UK. But we can’t succeed in a knowledge-based economy if we don’t have fully trained skilled workers to support it”.

“I’m not talking about rocket science; I mean people who can read, write, count and operate a computer. Did you know that 20 per cent of the adult population of our country cannot read to the standard expected of an 11-year-old, and nearly a third of all adults in the UK cannot add up two three-figure numbers? We can have a great British tomorrow, but only if we educate our children properly.”

When I tentatively suggest there are few British companies left to employ this skilled workforce, he is swift to correct me. Listing British-owned Vodafone, the BMW engine manufactured in Birmingham, the JCB digger still made in this country and components created in Britain for the Airbus, he concludes, “Oh yes, we make things. But to build a JCB digger, you don’t need a degree in media studies, you need a ticket in welding. This is the sort of talent I’m talking about.”

“Apart from the poverty stricken education system, we’re hampered by an overall suspicion of the business sector,” he observes. “In our society, everyone from Government to the media to trade unionists, environmentalists and educationalists enjoys a good old pop at business. Even the BBC has jumped on the bandwagon. A while back on The Archers, a business man was sent to jail for corruption and Corrie’s only serial murderer was –guess what? – a businessman! Not exactly positive images.”

“But in my view only business and wealth creation can generate the taxes we need to be socially inclusive,” he continues. “However, if fundamental reform does not take place, from working practices right through to pension provision, we will end up with an ever-diminishing private sector trying to pay for, and provide pensions for, an ever-

feature

increasing and inefficient, unproductive, self-interested public sector.”

“We need to guard against nurturing an even more complacent, uncaring, self-indulgent victim society. If you give someone fish every day of their life, they won’t bother fishing. But give them a fishing rod and teach them how to fish and you’ll remove that dependence forever.”

That’s all very well, I suggest, but what Government would be brave enough to start handing out rods rather than fish? “If we’re to move forward, we need a Government which works with and not against the business sector. We make a valuable contribution to society in terms of education and training, environment and wealth creation, and we do more in the community than is given credit for. Despite all this, the state and business sector are still working almost independently and that’s not good for growth.”

So is a change of Government essential? “What we do need is a government with a mandate,” he says firmly. “I’m a cross-bench peer and therefore do not take sides, but the Government of the day needs to feel confident that the people are behind it. Which party that will be is for the people to decide.”

On the subject of Government, I’m keen to know more of his stint in Gordon Brown’s ‘Government of all the Talents’ – an experience he later described in an interview as ‘de-humanising and de-personalising.’ “I made 45 overseas visits in 15 months banging the drum for Britain and I loved it – even though my wife Pat must have thought I’d left her and failed to let on! All the ministers, from Gordon Brown down, made me feel welcome and my work was appreciated, but the time spent ‘back at the ranch’ with the civil servants was frustrating. The place is stuffed with what I call ‘the sales prevention team’. These people care for the country but because they have a job for life and a stonking big pension, there’s no incentive to change. That’s not my style.”

The House of Lords is more suited to his style. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than a good debate and the House of Lords is full of experts in their field who know what they’re talking about. Although I can see why, in a democracy, it is an anachronism to have appointed heads in the House, I am not in favour of its democratisation as it could lead to a distillation of expertise. As a regulatory and combative institution functioning within the framework of democracy, it works very well as it is.”

Lord Jones is the embodiment of Britain’s democratic framework. From humble beginnings above a grocer’s shop in Birmingham, he has continued to work ceaselessly to secure the country’s future. “Having travelled round the world on behalf of Britain, I know we have an international reputation for playing fair, maintaining an open market, being honourable partners, decent employers and good investors. These are great assets to build upon and be proud of. And if I can play my part in Britain recovering its confidence, equipping itself for the future and trading its way out of this economic malaise, I’ll remain a happy man.” n

We can have a great British tomorrow, but only if we educate our children properly

For further information visit www.digbylordjones.com

13

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w w w. c r p c c . c o m

current affairs

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INTERNATIONAL AID

DOMESTIC RECESSION The UK is caught in a dilemma: should we invest more in an international aid budget or spend the funds trying to manage the domestic situation? Where should our priorities lie, and how does the UK measure up to other countries? Josephine O’Donoghue investigates

T

he United Nations 2009 report states that this year’s shortfall in international aid is expected to reach $4.8bn (£2.9bn), as the economic recession leaves developed world governments with little money to spare.

This will be a big hit for the Third World, but can the shortfall be justified by the developed world?

It’s hard to say. For many Britons, including the large numbers of recently unemployed, it would certainly be more prudent to sort out the economy in the UK before handing out aid to other countries. Indeed, the recession has drastically increased poverty levels in the UK and more funding is required to support those who have been made redundant during the credit crunch.

Furthermore, there are some countries receiving aid from the UK (including India and China), whose governments are spending millions on space programmes or military weapons. On a very basic level one might argue that, while we are paying to alleviate poverty in theory, we are actually helping to fund unnecessary foreign government schemes.

“What on earth are we doing, pouring UK taxpayers’ money into the maw of a nation that can afford to send rockets to the moon?” asks Gerald Warner (The Telegraph).

But can arguments about UK poverty, domestic unemployment or Indian space programmes ever truly justify withdrawing funds from developing countries in desperate need?

That is to say, people in desperate need – and therein lies the key. The human factor of this dilemma is where it becomes a more serious issue.

“The unemployed in affluent countries still have a safety net in the form of social security payments, and usually free healthcare and free education for their children. They also have sanitation and safe drinking water,” explains philosopher and Professor of Bio-Ethics at Princeton University, Peter Singer.

“The poor in developing countries have none of these benefits, which proves fatal for an estimated 18 million of them each year. That’s a higher annual death toll than during WWII – and it’s easier to prevent.”

John Holmes, of the UN’s Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, compares the shortfall in funding for the world’s poorest nations with the vast amount of money spent by the US and UK on bailing out their banks.

“If just a fraction of the hundreds of billions of dollars recently committed by governments to private financial institutions were allocated to humanitarian action, these appeals could already be fully funded, and those in need could be getting the best available protection and assistance, on time,” he says.

Looking to the future, research from CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) predicts that the financial crisis could reduce the UK aid budget by up to $41 billion over the next seven years. According to CAFOD, the combination of falling GDP and a weak exchange rate is expected have a negative impact on the UK’s aid budget – “and that is if we assume the UK will stick to its goal

of increasing aid from its 2007 level of £5 billion (0.35% of GDP) to reach the United Nations target of 0.7 % of GDP in 2014”.

This compares to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, who all already exceed the United Nations target of allocating the equivalent of 0.7% of gross national income in foreign aid.

In the last year or so, the domino effect of the recession hit Third World countries hard. Developing countries have been providing the raw materials to fuel the Chinese manufacturing machine, producing goods for Western consumers. Consequently, countries are now exporting less for lower prices, and world trade volumes have collapsed over the past six months, damaging countries that relied heavily on this trade. Unlike Western economies, governments in the developing world find it difficult, if not impossible, to raise funds on international capital markets.

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feature current affairs

In addition, only a small proportion of the funding pledged at last year’s G20 summit in London to deal with the financial crisis was targeted at the world’s poorest people – a shortsighted move that neglected to look at the wider impact the recession is having on world trade.

What on earth are we doing, pouring UK taxpayers’ money into the maw of a nation that can afford to send rockets to the moon Certainly, Western governments may also want to consider the benefits that can come from maintaining international aid, particularly when it comes to sustaining world trade. Microsoft magnate Bill Gates (rumoured to be the world’s first trillionaire) has donated billions of dollars over the last 20 years, and reasons that if people knew how valuable the aid is to world trade, pressure would increase on governments to make it more of a priority.

“When you get young girls into school and they’re literate, not only do they contribute to the economy, but the population growth that is overloading resources and creating problems, starts to go down. And so the portion of the world that needs aid is far less today than it was 50 years ago,” says Gates.

“As you save lives, you actually reduce the population growth and improve the entire ability of the country to move forward and become productive.”

But essentially, he says, the importance of human life is

16

paramount – and the economic advantages aid brings to a country are a secondary benefit. “You have got to get your priorities right. When children are dying and vaccines that only cost dollars aren’t being delivered, that’s the most important thing. If you do not have food, that’s the most important thing.”

If anything good is to emerge from the recent global financial crisis, it is a reassessment of our basic values and priorities. Reduction of world poverty through international aid should be part of the UK’s core reassessment, and in the run-up to the general elections, Britons may now want to consider the promises of politicians in relation to aid.

Last year, David Cameron pledged to continue his commitment to spending billions in overseas development if he wins power.

Although he risked upsetting those who want the Conservatives to halt aid commitment in the face of budget restraints, Cameron said that switching money to domestic needs would be “a serious longterm mistake”, pledging to increase development budgets to 0.7% of GDP by 2013.

In comparison, Gordon Brown wants to hold all developed countries accountable for their foreign aid pledges. If we go by current statistics, few, if any, goals will be achieved by 2015 in sub-Saharan African countries.

Amid mounting criticism that the G8 was failing to live up to its financial commitments, pressure from the prime minister in July 2009 means that the preliminary report released in L’Aquila will be followed by a full accountability league table when Canada hosts the G8 in 2010.

Brown also secured agreement that

the 2010 summit will detail how much extra aid will be needed to meet the 2015 United Nations development goals. These include halving the number of people living on less than $2 a day and reducing infant mortality by over 60%.

Ultimately, there is no doubt that the world economy is in trouble; government deficits will almost certainly continue for several years, even as we finally move out of the downturn. But it is crucial that this global crisis does not become a justification for the world’s leaders to break their word on promises of future aid.

If we were to make the mistake of reducing international aid commitments, our actions would fall short of our politicians’ inspiring rhetoric and certainly disillusion those countries in need. A poor foundation for future international relations, this failure to help others may also have an impact on other global issues including world trade, terrorism and climate change.

“If governments or individuals use this [recession] as an excuse to reduce assistance to the world’s poorest people, they will only multiply the seriousness of the problem for the world as a whole,” argues Singer. “We can afford to increase the amount of aid we give [because] the amount we are giving now is insignificant in comparison to what we spend on other things.” n

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comment interview Harold Tillman personal finance motley fool global living offshore banking ......................................

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STEALTH TAX

In the 2010 Budget last month, the Chancellor chose to freeze all income tax bands, which means many of us will now pay more tax on our earnings. A classic ‘stealth tax’, the last time personal allowances were frozen was almost a decade ago

I

n 2009, the Chancellor played down the impact of freezing tax allowances as inflation was negative, but now that inflation is rising, the frozen tax band is set to become a major financial issue.

In line with inflation, the tax-free personal allowance should rise from £6,475 to £6,669. By freezing the rate at £6,475, the Treasury will raise an additional £1 billion and every taxpayer will pay an extra £40 in tax.

Every higher-rate taxpayer earning more than £43,875 will have to pay an additional £489 in tax as a result of the move (totalling roughly

£450million for the Treasury), and 75,000 more people will pay this higher-rate tax for the first time.

In addition, there is a new 50p higher rate of income tax for those earning more than £150,000. The government has also removed tax breaks for those earning more than £100,000, raising an additional £1.2 billion.

Mr Darling is expected to unveil billions of pounds in new public spending, funded by the additional tax. £1 billion of taxpayers’ money will be used for a new green investment fund and money will also be put aside to help the longterm unemployed. n

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thinking 20

interview

feature

When Harold Tillman bought Jaeger, the British fashion stalwart, it may have seemed a bargain at just £1. Of course, he also took on debts, not to say something of a mess. Josh Sims speaks to the chairman of this quintessentially British brand

S

ome £35m of investment later and the brand is not only winning plaudits for its collections and new home wares, but it is also back in profit.

It took him just six years. Now the latest chair of the British Fashion Council and pioneer of a privately managed fund to help aspiring fashion designers, Harold Tillman has bought the great outerwear brand Aquascutum too – returning it to British ownership, the patriotic might note. Expect that to be in the ascendant too shortly – to the target tune of £300m in sales.

“I do have a knack for picking winners”, says Tillman, now 63, and a benchmark of classic style. “I went to a fashion show the other evening, with maybe 50 students showing their collections and I turned to my wife and said, ‘Shall I tell you which one will win?’ She said, ‘Oh, how would you know?’ But I picked the winner. That pleases me.

Not because I’m a smart-arse. I just have an eye for the well made, stylish and commercial. And you can’t teach that.”

That eye has given him an estimated personal fortune of over £210m. It has also caused him to act with some caution; while Tillman studied at the London College of Fashion, he also made a point of qualifying in accountancy too. As a boy from Streatham, south London, his milliner mother and tailor father would walk him down Regent Street and they would stand to admire the clothes in the window of the Jaeger flagship store he now owns.

Perhaps visits to that national institution, now 125 years old – a “wonderful institution that deserved to survive”, as the dapper don of British fashion adds – also taught him to think big. Let loose on the British fashion high street, he first created a tailoring company to rival the then-mighty Burton, selling it for the gargantuan sum (at the time) of £1.6m, when he was just 24. He gave Paul Smith his first design job and pioneered the now-hackneyed celebrity endorsement with George Best along the way.

He also began his track record of fixing troubled businesses.

First there was Baird Menswear, which Tillman helped return to profit in under a year. And then there was Allders, the Croydon department store and the UK’s third biggest, again struggling until it received the Tillman revivalist touch, as it continues to do.

But I picked the winner.

Not because I’m a smart-arse.

I just have an eye for the well made, stylish and commercial.

And you can’t teach that.

“It was my local department store as a child – it sounds like we’re back to my childhood again”, says Tillman, laughing. “Why buy it? Because I’d never owned a department store. Business, whatever else it is, is a discipline and over the years you develop a certain acumen and so can see where other businesses are going wrong.

But that only comes with many years. I could be involved in any business that really interests me – I’m involved in restaurants, for example, just because they interest me.”

Sparking Tillman’s interest is clearly a worthwhile occupation, since Tillman will occupy himself with whatever he thinks worthwhile. The fashion industry at large may be the next to benefit from the multi-million pound fund he has set up to back select new design graduates, somewhat in the face of the great British tradition of training but rarely nurturing creative talent that Tillman finds frustrating. It fits in with his definition of entrepreneurship, which, despite reality TV, he feels to be in short supply: “They’re all my age and we’re all a bit tired”, as he puts it. “An entrepreneur has got used to taking risk.

If I believe in something I will still get my chequebook out and invest or buy, even at this age.”

That sounds risky. Yet Tillman has only been unemployed once – an experience that seems to have scarred him, such that his ventures appear to excite him as much for their provision of jobs as a chance for him to make money – and only had one business failure. In 1986 he bought Honorbilt and saw it go into receivership four years later, with Tillman striking a deal with DTI investigators not to be a director for three years.

“And that failed because I was too sentimental about management that wasn’t able to keep up the pace,” he says. “I’d do more myself to keep that person in touch with what they needed to be and didn’t want to say, ‘sorry chummy, I’ve got to replace you’. Now I’m more of a polite hard-taskmaster.”

These days, of course, he has little need to make money at all. “But it’s great to be at that stage in your career when you can look for more than just how to make money out of something, and the beauty of being able to own a business without necessarily thinking totally about profit gives you the opportunity to build it more cautiously,” he explains.

“There have been other times when I was making my way in life when I had a more aggressive business attitude. But there has been too much megalomania [in business] and those people have come unstuck. We’ve lost the idea of going into jobs that can provide fulfilment. We mustn’t let greed take over.” n

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human resources

comment

MANAGING TIME

T

he subject of time management can often be awkward as most of us are afraid to admit that we are inadequate keepers of the most precious commodity in the world: Time.

Time is a subject that we all know about, but so rarely do we apply what we know. Is it any wonder, then, that so many of us find ourselves with insufficient hours in our day, or can’t seem to find the time to visit a relative whose relative status is seemingly reducing by the minute due to our busy schedules?

Strategies and systems for time-saving techniques have been around for centuries, but all too often they provide a false impression of what can actually be achieved.

Time is intangible and cannot therefore be managed at all; in reality, all we can do is manage ourselves and our effective use of that time. By managing ourselves more efficiently we can attain a sense of achievement, reduce stress and accomplish far more.

The key to success in business resides in effective time management; conversely, poor time management is the thief of time and a fast-track route to inefficiency, poor performance and low morale. It’s time to re-assess how you spend your time and start making some serious and worthwhile changes.

The desire to achieve everything immediately can actually prove counter-productive and even hinder success. Productive time is a strictly finite commodity, and attempting to do the impossible is inevitably self-defeating. Without an effective strategy you are more likely to wear yourself out, work longer hours at a slower pace and achieve far less.

Chelsey Baker, business advisor and life coach, looks at how to maximise and develop your role in today’s demanding workplace So what is my advice?

Well, try not to begin each day with tasks needlessly left over from a previous day. This will be daunting and lead to achieving less than you want. Take care not to be overoptimistic too; taking on more than you can achieve, or over committing yourself will result in poor performance. If you’re a

Strategies and systems for time-saving techniques have been around for centuries, but all too often they provide a false impression of what can actually be achieved perfectionist, try to recognise when sufficient is enough, and remember that doing something well is what you should be doing – do not waste time on completed projects merely for self-reassurance.

Always cross off your tasks once they’re completed; you’ll be left with a feeling of achievement and satisfaction. Finish what you start and set yourself deadlines; identify the unpleasant consequences of not doing a task to the best of your ability.

If you find yourself overloaded with tasks, then try reorganising them into groups and allow a set period of time for each one. For example, try just checking your emails once in the morning, after lunch, and at the end of the day.

This way, you’ll gain more time by grouping tasks together instead of checking your inbox all day. Just because something is important, does not mean that it’s urgent; you do not have to respond to all your emails immediately.

Be honest with yourself and recognise when you’re procrastinating. This often occurs when a task is unpleasant or overwhelming. You must first identify why you are procrastinating before you can take appropriate steps to overcome the block. If you start with the attitude ‘there’s so much to do – I don’t know where to start’, you’ll never achieve the results you want.

The time you spend thinking about doing a task and actually achieving it will be determined by the strength of your belief.

So make the thought of achieving the task stronger than the thought of you failing. Every achievement is always preceded by a goal.

Set yourself an attainable pathway of sharp, clearly defined goals. These will provide focus, long-term vision and short-term motivation.

Every individual goal acquisition is a reward in itself and helps you to structure, measure and take pride in your achievements.

Before you do anything, always ask yourself: Is this really a good use of my time? Do I really need to do this? Why do I need to do this? n

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comment personal finance

MONEY MATTERS: Personal finances get political Martin Bamford, chartered financial planner at Informed Choice, talks about planning for the future Writing about personal finances shortly before a Budget is always a challenge. So much can change in such a short amount of time, making any facts or figures quoted seem completely inaccurate. Rather than fill this page with disclaimers, I’m instead turning my attention to some of the longer term financial planning issues that should escape any Budget speech unscathed.

Financial planning tends to get broken down into actions for the short, medium and long term. Precisely what we mean by these timescales varies depending on the age and objectives of an individual, but short term will typically mean the next year or two, with medium term covering the next five to eight years after that. Long-term is generally referring to things happening later than the medium term.

Planning priorities tend to be secured in this order as well, with financial objectives for the short term being resolved first. This is often because it is easier to visualise an event happening within a year or two. The things happening in 20 or 30 years’ time might as well be happening to a completely different person!

Yet the long term catches up with us all. It makes real sense to sort out your immediate financial objectives, but there is always a balance to be made between allocating resources to deal with today and those to deal with tomorrow.

Longer term financial objectives tend to revolve around the subjects of retirement planning, care fees planning and estate planning. These are the three financial advice areas usually reserved for older people; although to be in a financially secure position to address any of them means taking decisive action early on.

For example, building a sufficient pot of money to fund your income requirements in retirement is challenging or impossible if you leave it until you can picture a life of cruise ships and boules tournaments. The earlier you start planning for these longer term financial objectives, the easier they are to achieve.

There are two reasons for this. First, it means you have longer to invest money for the future. Rather than having to allocate the majority of your resources to the objective for a short space of time, you can spread out the burden for longer.

Secondly, the investment returns you can get on your money give you a helping hand towards meeting the objective.

Starting earlier gives you another important investment advantage. It means you can afford to take more investment risk with your money, because you have longer to remain invested during times of investment market volatility.

Investment risk and reward are closely linked, so the ability to take greater risk with your money over long periods of time tends to result in higher returns.

With so many short-term financial events occurring on a regular basis, it is always easy to find an excuse to overlook the longer term events that require just as much in the way of planning and action. The ability and motivation to look beyond the day-to-day financial events that require our attention is the difference between financial security and disappointment in later life. n

Martin Bamford is a Chartered Financial Planner at Informed Choice Ltd www.icl-ifa.co.uk

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comment human resources

HR MATTERS:: Paternity Leave Clare Murray addresses the issue of mothers and fathers sharing maternity leave

Although new legislation is due to come into force on 6 April 2010, outlining how parents will be able to share maternity leave, it will only affect parents with children born or adopted after 3 April 2011; those families will have the option of transferring an unused part of the mother’s maternity leave and pay to the father. Employers, therefore, still have a year to plan for these changes.

The eligibility criteria which already apply to normal paternity leave will remain (for example, continuous employment for 26 weeks); however, if a father wishes to take additional paternity leave (APL), over and above the current two-week period, the mother must have returned to work without having exhausted her full maternity leave entitlement. The left-over leave can be transferred to the father instead.

Under the new regulations, the earliest that a father could take the APL would be 20 weeks after the baby has been born or adopted. A father can take up to 26 weeks’ paternity leave as long as he does so before the child’s first birthday. He will need to give eight weeks notice to his employer and complete certain self-certification requirements; this is to enable employers to plan for his absence from the workplace.

A mother can also transfer a portion of any unused statutory maternity pay to the father. Together the mother and father will be entitled to a period of 39 weeks statutory maternity or paternity pay. However, the mother must have returned to work without having used her full statutory pay entitlement before the remainder can be claimed by the father.

As with women on maternity leave, fathers will still benefit from the terms of their contract of employment throughout the APL, with the exception of any terms relating to pay.

They will also be entitled to return to the same job on the same terms and conditions once the APL is over.

At present, the regulations are still being fine tuned, so keep an eye out for any last minute changes. However, once they are finalised, you should review staff handbooks and policies and train your staff ahead of time so that you are fully prepared for April 2011. n

Clare Murray is managing partner at employment law firm, CM Murray LLP; email: clare.murray@cm-murray.com.

The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances.

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SHOPPING Step into Summer Style

20% off

ELY

IV EXCLUaSt

lace Jubilee P harf Canar y W

Storm Jacket, £250 Storm Skirt, £150 Denna Shoe, £295

Update your spring summer wardrobe with luxurious British fashion house L.K.Bennett’s elegant collection of shoes, clothes and accessories.

This season brings fluid and wearable designs for the modern woman – tailoring is feminine and flattering with draped shift dresses in soft crepe; fitted three quarter sleeve jackets with waist enhancing belts; and pencil skirt suits, all available in classic black, midnight blue and this season’s pastel palette of blush, moonstone and pistachio. Look out for delicate silk blouses and light knitwear in bold shades of violet, petal and sapphire, adding the perfect splash of colour.

Alongside L.K.Bennett’s classic courts and kitten heels, choose from embellished sandals and statement platforms which will carry summer style into the evening. Matching accessories in soft suede and nappa leather complete the look.

L.K.Bennett Jubilee Place 020 7719 0090 Lucy, £295

Caitlyn, £65 Carolee, £170

Gwent, £170

How to claim: To claim your 20% discount take this magazine to the store in Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, and simply leave us your contact details.

Eden, £150

DR Amour, £195

Terms and Conditions This 20% off is valid in Canary Wharf only at L.K.Bennett from 1 April to 30 April 2010.

It can only be used to purchase full-price products (subject to availability). There is no limit on the amount spent in a single transaction. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, discount cards or vouchers. It is only valid for a single transaction in the Canary Wharf store and will be retained by L.K.Bennett. The cash value of the offer is 0.0001p. Only originals will be accepted in store. Photocopies will not be accepted.

It is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.

Social Networking for Expats There are social networks for every interest these days. And expatriates are not missing out.

One of the more interesting networks to have been established recently is Internations. Aimed at expatriates who find themselves adrift in new places across the globe, through their portal www.internations.org, they hope to enable you to “meet other global minds, stay in touch with international friends and receive advice from other expats. They claim to have local networks in 230 places.

Continuing the theory that the best person to understand the needs and requirements of an expatriate is another expatriate, a US based company, Living Abroad operates ‘Our World Connect’. They say that it is the world’s first private social network designed for people moving overseas. Living Abroad contend that spouses and family members moving to new countries have a much harder time making local contacts without the social context of work. A customised network is available to companies and organisations only. Their International assignees and their families can connect to others moving to or living in the same destination and use the latest in online social media to get and stay connected. (www.livingabroad.com)

Offshore Offspring Do Better in Australia Generally, 37% of expats have experienced an increase in the quality of family life since moving abroad but those who move to Australia fare even better.

This is according to an HSBC commissioned report produced from the Expat Explorer survey 2009 research. Expats rated childcare, education, ease of integration, costs of raising children, time spent outside, and time spent taking part in outdoor activities.

The report focuses on expats’ experiences when bringing up children abroad. A league table has been compiled using a substantial set of criteria to reveal which locations expats voted as the places with the best opportunities and experiences for their children.

Of the top six countries, Australia had the largest proportion of expat parents (55%) who reported an improvement in the quality of family life compared with where they used to live.

Some expats reported that moving to the UK can have a negative effect on their family life – 45% reported a decline in quality compared with only 16% who reported an improvement.

After the Oscars... The EMMA’s Expatriate Management is a $500 billion profession which employs tens of thousands of people worldwide and impacts the working lives of millions. As businesses seek to maintain competitive advantage through globalisation, its importance as a business function is now being truly recognised.

As a consequence, the Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM) has announced that it is inviting entries for the world’s first global awards that recognise industry leaders, business successes and rising stars in the field of global mobility.

The FEM will be awarding EMMAs (Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards) in both Europe and America. The winners will be presented at Awards Ceremonies in New York in October and London in November There will be 13 awards in all for both suppliers and corporate teams to compete for..

As an indication of its importance, The Telegraph Media Group will be the media partner for the event in London.

Further details can be found at www.totallyexpat.com

The Totally Expat Show takes place on 24 May at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Leading sponsors include Interdean, Rosetta Stone, Pickfords and Sterling Relocation. Gold Sponsors include Cartus, Ernst & Young, AXA PPP, AIRINC, ORC Worldwide, Zurich International, AEGON, Equusoft, NET Expat, Go Native, INS Zoom, Smith Stone Walters and many more.

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global living

the

comment

RISE OF GLOBAL

MOBILITY

For global living international executives keeping up to date with the latest news is important

My Money Lies

Over the Ocean Brian Friedman, founder of the Forum for Expatriate Management considers whether offshore banking still makes sense

R

oving expatriates are often given a myriad of briefings by their companies before departure for a new destination. This can range from tax advice to cultural orientation, and education and work opportunities for partners. Surprisingly, banks and bank accounts, in particular offshore accounts, are often left off the list.

Historically, offshore banking has had an image as a covert place to stash funds to avoid marauding tax collectors. That reputation is not helped by high-profile tax investigations into offshore banking in both the US and the UK. The reality, however, is very different. Employees working overseas need an overseas bank account both for sensible financial ‘housekeeping’ and for the practicalities of daily expatriate living.

By retaining funds offshore you may still be able to benefit from paying less tax on your income from savings and investments. But an offshore bank account now needs to be seen as part of an expatriate’s offshore wealth strategy, enabling him or her to make the most of any legitimate methods available to them for saving tax.

Other reasons for having an offshore account are rather more ordinary but no less important.

When working abroad temporarily, it is logical to want to maintain a bank account in both the home country and the new country. But in some countries, opening a bank account for a temporary resident is not a simple ‘plug and play’ scenario. This is particularly true in the US, for example.

Transferring money internationally between two non-corresponding retail banks can be tedious and timeconsuming. Funds can often get caught up in clearing systems that can take days or even weeks to clear, causing temporary personal financial mayhem.

As an expatriate it is quite possible that you will receive all or part of your salary in a different currency. Offshore banks or subsidiaries of banks are much more geared up to deal with multi-currency payments and accounts than domestic ones; handy if you want to switch funds quickly to take advantage of currency movements.

Then there is the question of relationships. International banks are now much better at joined-up banking across borders. Far better to only have to satisfy one institution globally that your credit is good.

The risks of offshore banking do still need consideration after the experience of the 2008 banking crisis. This is because the majority of offshore bank account holders are high net worth individuals who may be depositing considerably more than the amounts covered in depositor compensation schemes. For example, the Isle of Man Depositors’ Compensation Scheme (DCS) compensates people who have money in current or deposit accounts in the Isle of Man with up to £50,000 of net deposits per individual. Most large retail banks offer international banking and offshore accounts.

Happiness: a good bank account, a good cook and a good digestion Jean Jacques Rousseau Brian Friedman is the contributing editor of Global Life and founder of The Forum for Expatriate Management.

The Totally Expat Show takes place on 24 May at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Leading sponsors include JAM Global Mobility, Fragomen, Interdean, Rosetta Stone, Pickfords and Sterling Relocation.

Gold Sponsors include Cartus, Ernst & Young, AIRINC, ORC Worldwide, Zurich International, AEGON, Equus Software, NET Expat, Go Native, INS Zoom, Smith Stone Walters, Newland Chase, Communicaid and many more. International banks exhibiting at The Totally Expat Show include Citi at Work, Barclays Wealth, NatWest Global Employee Banking and Lloyds TSB International. n For more information, visit www.totallyexpat.com

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SHOPPING An Italian corner of Canary Wharf Head to Jamie’s Italian for a new seasonal menu, fresh summer cooking and a few drinks with friends As the weather starts to get warmer and the idea of a glass of wine outside after work becomes more realistic, why not head over to Jamie’s Italian to enjoy a summer’s evening with friends or colleagues. With fifty outside covers and ample outdoor heating (the green kind, naturally) Jamie’s Italian boasts lots of space inside and out, for a glass of wine, nibbles or a one of his classic Italian dishes.

Fans of Jamie’s Italian style can enjoy his trademark varied and versatile menu packed with classic recipes and fresh quality ingredients. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can recommend the perfect choice to suit your mood, whether you fancy a glass of cool, crisp white wine and a plate of prawn linguine or a full-bodied red with Jamie’s famous flash steak.

The outdoor terrace is open for full service lunches (perfect for every occasion from informal client entertainment to lunch with friends),

seven days a week from 11.30am to 5pm. In the spring/summer evenings, the terrace will serve as an extension of the bar area used for relaxing with a drink or waiting for a table.

And if you like what you see, the terrace can even be hired for larger private parties over the summer - just ask a manger for information on booking details and availability.

So, there’s nothing left to do now, but enjoy the fast-approaching summer ‘Italian style’ at Jamie’s Italian!

Jamie’s Italian Churchill Place Canary Wharf 0203 002 5252 Opening times: Monday-Saturday 11.30-11.00pm Sunday 12.00-10.30pm

Prawn Linguin

i

To make it at ho me follow Jamie’s recipe. ..

Ingredients:

150g of fresh li nguini pasta 10 fresh prawn s cut in half 30g sliced fenn el 50g Cherry To matoes 60ml Fish sauce 70ml Tomato an d basil sauce 5g Chilli Paste 5g Chopped gar lic 15ml Olive Oil 15g Rocket 50ml Vegetable Stock

Drop pasta into Cook the chilli, Add prawns and

DON’T MISS...

Don’t miss Jamie’s seasonal menu change for spring/ summer, arriving at Jamie’s Italian Canary Wharf in April

salted boiling wa

garlic and fennel season to taste

ter

for 1minute

Add fish sauce, then tomato & ba sil then loosen with vege table stock Add rocket and cherry tomatoes Once placed add rocket and drizzle with olive oil.

made to measure from ÂŁ595 - off the peg - accessories - www.marcwallace.com - 0207 736 6795

motoring sport gadgets

Alfa mito the ryder cup ............................... latest && Greatest .......................................................................

.............................................................

A POWERFUL STATEMENT

While everybody and their brother likes the R8, there is a small, but vocal minority that’s always thought the coupé looked a little funny but the new Spyder is simply gorgeous according to Matthew Carter

E

xceptional performance and breathtaking dynamism coupled with the intense sensations of opentop driving: Audi presents the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro,’ claims Audi’s advertising. Here are the details: The Lambo-V10 engine produces 525 hp and launches the open-top two-seater to 62.14 mph in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 194.49 mph.

Like every open-top Audi, the Spyder has a cloth top – an uncompromising solution for a high-performance sports car. The soft top’s

approximate weight is a mere 30 kilograms (66.14 lb); it thus keeps the vehicle’s total weight and centre of gravity low. The top takes up little space when open, and opens and closes in 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 31.07 mph.

In the version with manual transmission, the Spyder weighs only 1,720 kilograms, thanks primarily to its aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) body. Despite reinforcements in the area of the sills, the centre tunnel, the rear wall, the floor pan and the A- and B-pillars, the body weighs only 216 kilograms – just six kilograms more than that of the coupé. n

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motoring

calibre

to be different Want to lose 20 years in an instant? Trade in your old man’s 7-Series or Audi A8 for a new XJ. Dump the Lexus for the lithe, sensuous lines of the latest Jag and it’ll do far more for your image than any wardrobe makeover, says Matthew Carter

B

ack in 1968 – more than four decades ago – Jaguar launched the first XJ saloon. This was a remarkable machine and marked a complete change of design from the lovely but by then old-fashioned Mark II that went before.

It brought a host of new owners to the brand and for a heady few years Jaguar was at the top of its game, a progressive, modern and stylish company. And then the needle got stuck.

Over the ensuing 40 years, there’s always been an XJ saloon at the top of the Jaguar range… and it’s always looked broadly similar to the original. The XJ was retro before retro became fashionable and as a result just looked old.

But that’s now history. Not before time comes a new XJ – and this time, the name’s just about the only thing it has in common with its forebears. Its name and the way it drives, that is. It might have looked like an old man’s car, but the outgoing XJ certainly didn’t drive like one.

In fact, under the skin the new XJ bears more than a passing resemblance to its lightweight, all-aluminium immediate predecessor, certainly in terms of chassis layout and construction techniques. But it’s that new skin that really makes the new XJ stand out from the crowd. It’s the work of Ian Callum, the man responsible for the way a modern Aston Martin looks, so the pedigree is impeccable.

For the XJ, Callum has expanded on the themes he created for the smaller XF saloon. There’s a clear link between the two from the front, but in profile the new XJ is almost coupé-like, with a plunging roof-line, high shoulders and a huge expanse of glass. Glamorous and fittingly feline, it literally stopped the traffic in Paris where the car was launched. And while the French might be more receptive than most to seductive shapes, I’ll bet it would have had the same effect in Munich or Stuttgart.

The only controversial view, perhaps, is from the back.

Regardless of the colour of the car, the rear pillars are black while the plain, unadorned rump takes a while to get used to: Callum says it’ll be two years before we’ll get used to it… and that’s fine: if we loved every aspect of the shape now it would date far too quickly.

In fact, there’s something Latin about the car… a Maserati for the masses?

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calibre motoring

As well as two wheelbase lengths and three trim and equipment levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio – there are three engine options. The most popular in the UK will be the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, but there are also two 5.0-litre V8 petrol versions, topped by the magnificent supercharged Supersport model boasting a heady 510 hp.

Prices range from £53,775 to £90,455.

But whichever way you look at it, there’s no denying that the new XJ is refreshingly different. It’s not a ‘safe’ design, like an Audi A8 or BMW 7, and it’s certainly more sensual and delicate than the almost brutish S-Class Merc.

In fact, there’s something Latin about the car… a Maserati for the masses?

This is the third generation of aluminium XJ produced

by Jaguar and is 11 per cent stiffer than before but just as light. In fact it’s some 150kg lighter than a comparable BMW 7-Series which means the German car is always carrying the equivalent of two extra passengers, to the detriment of performance, economy and handling.

Ah yes, performance and handling. A Jaguar has always been a driver’s car, but the new XJ is even more so: sporting luxury is what Jaguar calls it. And it should come as no surprise that the engineers proudly say they perfected the suspension settings on the long wheelbase version of the car knowing that if they got that right, the standard wheelbase car would be even more nimble. It’s a ploy that’s worked.

From behind the wheel you really wouldn’t know you were in the lwb version such is the agility of the chassis and the precision of the steering. Body control is exemplary and the combination of powerful engines and the light weight body make it feel more sporting than a limousine probably should!

And that’s certainly the impression you’ll get from the rear seat. If you’re looking for a stretched limo in which your driver can waft you from meeting to meeting, you might find the ride of the new XJ unusually firm, especially at low speeds… but your driver will love you for choosing the Jag.

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While the Supersport is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, the ‘humble’ diesel isn’t so far behind. Both have their top speeds limited to 155 mph, and while the V8 will hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds, the 6.0 seconds it takes the diesel is far from shabby… and the latter will return a combine 40mpg which is not something the petrol car can boast.

No, in everyday use the swb diesel does just about everything you could want. The interior is beautifully appointed – though the colour combinations and wood veneers need to be chosen carefully – and bristles with wonderful touches. Like the XF, the gear selector for the smooth six-speed auto is a rotary knob that rises up from the centre console when the engine is switched on.

The ‘virtual’ instruments, too, deserve special mention as much for their practicality as for their clarity. Depending on the driver’s demands, the high definition display can either show conventional instruments, navigation graphics or if you’ve chosen Dynamic Mode settings, gear settings.

And it goes without saying that great attention has been paid to creature comforts with a fine Bowers and Wilkins top end sound system available, linked to the hard disc drive audio unit. DAB radios, digital TV tuners, split view screens, rear seat entertainment packages: it’s all here if you want it.

Complaints? Just one. The dashboard clock is over fussy, a ‘fault’ that’s already been identified by Callum and his men and will be put right in the not too distant future. As for the rest… brilliant. n

IN BRIEF Car: Jaguar XJ V6 Diesel Portfolio Price: £64,275 Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel Power: 275 hp Drive: Rear-wheel drive

THE GAME OF

KINGS

I am so delighted that the sport is being developed into the new decade. Last year was such a huge success and a weekend to remember, I can’t wait for the 2010 tournament. At last, this incredible adrenalin fuelled game is easy to understand!

Jodie Kidd

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P

The countdown to London’s biggest summer event has begun; Claire Saunders finds out more about the launch of MINT Polo in the Park 2010, and what spectators can expect from this glamorous weekend of sport

olo, otherwise known as the ‘game of Kings’, is experiencing a revival. Last year’s inaugural event exhilarated and delighted over 25,000 fans, and this year’s launch for MINT Polo in the Park hints that this year the weekend is going to be bigger and better than ever.

On 3 March, World Polo ambassador Jodie Kidd launched its flagship event, MINT Polo in the Park 2010, at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham.

Accompanied by a team of world-class polo players who will be playing at the event on 4–6 June (including her professional polo player brother Jack Kidd), Jodie led a special horseback parade to the Hurlingham Park, where the event takes place.

A group of local schoolchildren (chosen to take part in the ‘pilot polo schools programme’) met the team at Hurlingham. All local schoolchildren on the programme have been offered the opportunity to learn how to play polo via an introductory lesson with some of the UK’s top polo professionals.

Above: Jodie & players Opposite: Jodie & players with trophy

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“It is cheaper to come and have a polo lesson than it is to play five-a-side football,” explains Victoria Grace, whose polo training academy, Ascot Park, hosts the lessons on Hurlingham Park. It is the perfect new sport to capture the attention and passion of local children, as Victoria explains: “You need absolutely no previous riding experience, which is another common misconception. We take young interested players from a standing start to playing polo within an hour. It’s incredible to see such progress.”

With considerably more spectators than last year, more than 32,000 people are expected to fill the stands at Hurlingham Park this summer. Fans are expected to travel from all over the capital to support Team London to victory, as they fight to defend last year’s epic win against eight professional teams.

The City is gearing up to celebrate across the three days, with title sponsorship being snapped up by MINT. “We are delighted and privileged to be the main sponsor of the World Polo Series at MINT Polo in the Park in June this year,” explains MINT’S Founder, Richard Barnett.

“There are direct synergies between what Hurlingham Park’s World Polo Series and the MINT brand stand for. Much like MINT Polo in the Park’s refreshing and innovative approach to a traditional sport, we at MINT pride ourselves on delivering a truly unique proposition to the agency broker space. Our business is built on the back of a world-class service, delivered by the very best in the industry and this is why we believe sponsoring one of the premier sporting events of the year is so fitting.”

Having successfully revised the rulebook, changes (including a smaller octagonal shaped pitch; yellow and red card penalty system; a sin-bin box for fouling players; a single end-change at half time; and umpiring aided by television playback) have revolutionised the entire spectator experience.

“We have developed the rules to make the game faster, slicker and, above all, completely spectator friendly,” reveals Daniel Fox-Davies (founder of the Polo World Series, and by extension, Polo in the Park). “Polo in the Park is really an outdoor live show; it’s the Formula 1 of polo, with live cameras tracking all the action on and off the pitch. Our developed rules make it easier to understand and enjoy.”

MINT Polo in the Park is essentially the ‘new Twenty20 style’ spectator-friendly format of the traditional game.

The new style was created to highlight the high-octane and exciting family-friendly sport of polo and showcase it with the world’s first fully pro tournament.

With the 2010 tournament now well and truly underway, yet more developments in the rules have been sparking interest and debate across the sporting world. Each of the eight international teams will lose a player, and each team will now feature just three players per side for a fasterpaced game, as the World Polo Series turns polo from a lifestyle hobby into a professional sport.

The event is a full weekend of exhilarating entertainment, luxurious hospitality and City networking, with central London’s first ever jousting competition, stunt riders from famous Hollywood blockbusters, military displays from the best of the British Armed Forces and ‘skills’ from the polo players, including penalty shoot-outs and the longest shot at goal.

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“Polo is an extraordinary game, a gladiatorial and exciting display of horsemanship and skill. Yet it has never received the interest it deserves due to the stigma attached to the sport. Recent years have seen an incredible change, with more than double the number of polo clubs opening up, and modern technology making the game accessible to anyone,” says Daniel Fox-Davies.

“Polo in the Park is designed to bring the most enjoyable world-class equestrian and polo event to Central London – I cannot recommend strongly enough that people of all walks of life should come and see what all the fuss is about. You won’t be disappointed.” n MINT Polo in the Park runs from 4-6 June, 2010 For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com

JACK KIDD Jack Kidd is a well-known 4-goal polo player, having achieved an 8-goal arena handicap in the USA. He has 2 FIP Gold Medals under his belt and numerous tournament victories around the world. So far this year, he has won the HPA National Championships and Klosters snow polo. He says, “We have pimped the whole sport up; we’ve made it better to play, better to watch, and more fun for the horses.” In addition, Jack is very excited to be back at Hurlingham this year, “We are coming back to the original field, re-writing the rules and putting on a show which gives polo a life for the next 100 years. Jamie (Morrison) and I, last year, were the very first people to ride and put a ball on that field for 70 years. It was a real honour.”

HOSPITALITY PACKAGES Be the envy of all your friends and experience MINT Polo in the Park in ultimate style, with great ticket prices and exclusive hospitality packages.

Offering opportunities for worldclass hospitality at The Hurlingham Club, guests may choose from fine dining or picnic box packages, and the first-ever Harrods and Veuve Clicquot Afternoon Tea (which guests receive after coming through from the Hurlingham Club), in the exclusive pitch-side hospitality marquee.

AFTER-WORK SPECIAL On Friday 4 June, Team London will play in a special evening match.

Designed for the ultimate ‘afterwork’ drink, Team London will face a strong adversary at 6.30pm, giving Londoners the chance to get to Hurlingham Park to end their working week in style.

Tickets cost £12 for an adult and £10 for under-16s, or £30 for a grandstand seat to watch in comfort (£20 for under-16s).

Prices range from £150pp (Harrods Traditional Afternoon Tea Package) to £185pp (Picnic Package), and from £295pp– £415pp (Club Package, depending on date).

For more information on hospitality packages, contact Rachel Roullier on 020 7936 5284 / 07826 907 121 or rachel@worldpolo.net

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THE GREATEST RACE MEETING IN THE WORLD Fine dining packages from ÂŁ235 per person.

Quote City01 to receive 10% off all packages* Call 0844 411 5075, email hospitality@ascot.co.uk or visit ascot.co.uk Attire: Ladies - Vivienne Westwood, Gentlemen - Gieves & Hawkes Millinery: Ladies - Stephen Jones, Gentlemen - Lock & Co Photography: Finlay Mackay *Subject to availabilty

03798W51_RA_RUNWILD_City01.indd 1

24/03/2010 17:12

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WIN IT:

sports

news what to do:

Around the world in 16 weeks

LAP IT UP

Long inspiring a cult of admiration amongst infamous petrol heads like Steve McQueen; the Porsche East London – City Showroom will now be giving you the chance to win an exhilarating Porsche Experience at the famous Silverstone race track.

From the 12-14 April, aspiring racers will have the chance to test their skills on the Xbox 360’s Forza in the Canada Place shopping mall.

The three fastest racers will win a GT Experience, whilst unsuccessful competitors, who have whet their appetite for speed, can also purchase the experience from the showroom at 20 Canada Square. www.porsche.co.uk/Eastlondoncity 0207 718 5242

Say what?

Whoever said, ‘It’s not whether you win or lose that counts,’ probably lost

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA

With the current financial crisis affecting the morale in many work places, the recent Buck report has noted that nearly 20% of companies have been increasing their efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees.

This May, Global Corporate Challenge® provides a perfect opportunity to do so with their annual challenge. The 2010 event challenges teams of seven to each walk 10,000 steps a day, with their results recorded on the Global Corporate Challenge® website, and

plotted as a virtual walk around the world.

Started in 2004, the challenge saw just under 60,000 participants last year, burning almost 3,000,000,000 calories between them, by walking a staggering 27 million miles! Over the course of the 16 week challenge, participants can interact online as they cross paths on their virtual journey.

Make friends in Mexico on Monday and Tunisia on Thursday and all from your desk.

Watch and Learn

london pride

From 14-16 May, Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire will be home to an exciting new interactive golf event. Giving avid golfers the chance to learn from the world’s best players and coaches, the O2 Golf Live promises to be one of the most exciting golf events in years.

Featuring master classes from star players Colin Montgomerie, Paul Casey, Retief Goosen and Ian Poulter, the event will also offer a three hole celebrity challenge, an extensive retail village and a golf academy with PGA qualified professionals.

Stamford the Lion (the mascot of Chelsea Football Club) will be running the London Marathon to raise money for Help a London Child, helping thousands of children in the capital faced with abuse, poverty and homelessness.

Tickets start at £45 and are available now from www.golfliveevent.com or 0871 230 7130

Sign up by 30 April at www.gettheworldmoving.com

To help Stamford reach his £10,000 target visit www.justgiving.com/runstamfordrun

Five things you didn’t know...

FRANK LAMPARD

u The second Chelsea player to win 50 international caps, Lampard is Chelsea’s top scoring midfield player of all time.

u Lampard used to play cricket for Essex, and amongst others, shared the pitch with Andrew Flintoff and Alen Tudor.

u

The probability of Lampard scoring increases steadily as the 90 minutes of play progress, with the majority of goals in the 75-90 minute stage.

u The first goal Lampard ever scored was an own goal when he was five. u During his time at West Ham, Lampard’s father was the team’s coach. Both left the club at the same time.

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THE Crown Jewels OF G LF

Lee Brooks speaks to European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills about the sparkle of golf’s most prestigious matchplay event – the Ryder Cup, the impact of the recession and the tournament’s future Right: Richard Hills Opposite: Colin Montgomerie

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W

hen St Albans seed merchant Samuel Ryder suggested American and British golfers compete against each other in a one-off tournament to inject a bit of friendly rivalry, he was unaware that he was sowing the seed for one of the most prestigious golfing, if not sporting, events in the world.

In 1926, Ryder, who was himself a keen golfer, cobbled together a prize fund of just £5, along with a champagne and chicken sandwich buffet to toast the winners, and held the tournament at Surrey’s esteemed Wentworth course in Virginia Water.

The Brits romped to a 13½–1½ victory but, despite the drumming, Ryder decided the tournament should become a regular event and put the wheels in motion to create the first official ‘Ryder Cup’ which debuted the following year. He even put £100 towards the now iconic £250 trophy,

which includes the figure of Ryder’s golf instructor Abe Mitchell teeing up on the trophy’s lid.

Nearly 83 years later, and the biennial match has come to embody all that is sacred about golf. Over three days of gruelling competition, the best golfers from Europe and America play head-to-head in matchplay format to rack up as many points as possible and get their hands on the prized Ryder Cup. Originally, the competition pitted Britain against America, but in 1979, 18-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus wrote a letter to then-President of the PGA, Lord Derby, asking to expand the British team to include Europeans, so as to increase the competitiveness of the match. Since then, the rivalry has been a tightly contested affair with America and Europe having won seven matches a piece, with just one tie in 1989. That leaves this year’s event, which will take place at Celtic Manor in Wales, finely poised.

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the other in Britain,” said Hills, “but the Ryder Cup is a prestigious event which can travel, so it’s important that we take advantage of that.”

Currently, six countries – France, Portugal, Sweden, Holland, Spain and Germany – are vying for the right to host the gold-ribbon event and will submit their proposals this month. Until then, however, Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten course – the first to be purpose-built specifically for the Ryder Cup – will hog the limelight when it hosts the 2010 Ryder Cup from 1–3 October.

Eight-time Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie will captain the European side this time around, and the Scot will be hoping the dodgy Welsh weather will give his team the edge as they aim to win back the Cup they comprehensively lost two years ago. n

RYDER CUP EXPLAINED Here’s your guide to the intricacies of the tournament from matchplay to strokeplay, fourballs to foursomes

MATCHPLAY – STROKEPLAY

THE EXCITEMENT

THE FORMAT

From Justin Leonard’s snaking 40-foot birdie putt to seal the 1999 Ryder Cup for the USA to Jack Nicklaus’ incredible concession, which tied the 1969 match and went down in history as one of the great acts of sportsmanship, the Ryder Cup has been blessed with countless magical moments; but for Richard Hills, who has worked as European Director of the Ryder Cup for seven tournaments, the 1995 event is his personal favourite.

“Bernard Gallacher was captain and we were so far behind going into the singles, but we somehow mustered the spirit to come back on that final day,” said European Ryder Cup Director, as he gazed around his memorabiliapacked office at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey. “It was just incredible. It was my first event as director and I just remember feeling so privileged to be so close to the action and appreciate how much it means to win the Ryder Cup.”

When Great Britain dropped to unprecedented lows when they lost to minnows Lithuania in the Davis Cup tennis tie last month, the validity of the historic team competition was brought into question. However, Hills is confident golf won’t follow the same path as the Davis Cup. “The Ryder Cup is unique,” Hills enthuses. “Golf has a 72-hole format, strokeplay in individual competition and then something unique to the Ryder Cup – foursomes and fourballs – as well as the individual singles. I think it’s that originality which captures the imagination of so many people.

THE FUTURE When Europe next hosts the Ryder Cup – in 2018 – the match will take place in Continental Europe for only the second time in the tournament’s history. “Three of the four Majors are always held in the United States,

Matchplay is the scoring format used in all Ryder Cup matches. Over three days, each team will play eight foursomes, eight fourballs and 12 singles matches. Players will score each hole in isolation, rather than counting up the number of shots played over the whole course and totting them up at the end. This means each hole is won by the player who takes the fewest shots, and then both players start afresh on the next hole. The golfer who wins the most holes wins a point, while if the match finishes all square, a half point is awarded to each.

FOURSOMES Each team will select eight pairings to contest the eight foursome matches. The pairing will use one ball, and hit alternative shots. So, for example, if Ian Poulter is paired with Paul Casey, Poulter would tee off, Casey hit the approach to the green and then Poulter would take the putt, with Casey following up if he misses. They would then switch positions for the next hole with Casey teeing off. Once again, the team with the lowest score wins the hole.

FOURBALLS Similar to the foursomes, only this time each pairing has their own ball, so there’ll be four balls in play at each hole.

The player with the lowest score among the four golfers will win the hole for his team, and the team with the most holes wins a point.

SINGLES These 12 individual matches take place on the final day of the tournament, and will see 12 players from each team going head-to-head with the opposition.

For further information about the exclusive hospitality packages for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor Resort, call 01344 840 400 or visit www.rydercuphospitality.com

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BRITISH

GOLFING GODFATHER

Ahead of The Open Championship in July at St Andrews, Lee Brooks talks with Tony Jacklin, the official Open Championship hospitality ambassador, about being the last British Winner of the American Championship

T

he happy memories come flooding back with ease for Tony Jacklin, Britain’s golfing godfather, when he recalls his sensational run to US Open golfing glory nearly 40 years ago.

“I remember it as if it was yesterday,” reflects the 65-year-old on his 1970 triumph. “I think that was the best week of golf I’ve ever played in my life.”

But when you look at the stats , you could argue that it was the best week of any golfer’s life. A fresh-faced 25-year-old lad from Scunthorpe crossed the Atlantic for just his second US Open, battled the gruesome wind of America’s demanding Hazeltine National course, and won by a record margin of seven shots. He was also the only player to shoot four rounds under par; quite an incredible feat.

“That last day was like being in a cauldron of pressure.

I had to stop myself looking ahead and wondering what the outcome could be,” said Jacklin. “It was just about containing the massive amount of pressure and staying in the moment. It was difficult to be in that environment, but I used the experience from when I won the British Open the year before and I managed to hang on and win.

“Winning the US Open back-to-back with the British Open achieved my lifetime ambition, because for that period at least, I was the best player in the world. And to think I was only 25.” Although he was never to return to those glorious highs in individual competition, that 12-month run remains one of the most staggering in any

44

British golfer’s career. No European has managed to win the US Open since, while only Ireland’s Padraig Harrington matched Jacklin’s achievements when he won the British Open and PGA Championship back-to-back in 2008.

It’s not all doom and gloom for British golf, however, according to Jacklin, who moved to Florida in the early 70s. “I think we are getting closer to a British Major winner. Colin Montgomerie went close to winning the US Open in 1992, but Tom Kite just held on to win. Colin was unfortunate but it simply shows that you need luck to win a Major and on that day, he could have done with some.”

And it’s in America, where an increasing number of Brits are playing most of their golf, that Jacklin thinks Britain can crack its Major hoodoo. “Today, you’ve got Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Oliver Wilson and Justin Rose who have all shown that they feel at home at Pebble Beach, home of this year’s US Open in June, as they are more or less dedicated to playing the US tour and that will help them no end.

“A few years ago, I sat on the fence as regards Poulter, but he put on a good show at the Ryder Cup and vindicated the captain’s pick. He has shown he handles the pressure and winning the WGC–Accenture Match Play Championship in Phoenix, Arizona earlier this year cemented that.”

This year’s US Open Championship is the second of the four Majors, following the Masters in April and just before the British Open in July and Jacklin can’t wait. “I’m often asked what my favourite course is and I have to honestly say it’s Pebble Beach. The property is in a magnificent position on the Pacific Coast and is the perfect cross between British links and the best the US has to offer, which is why the Europeans have a great shot at winning it.” n The Open will celebrate its 150th anniversary at The Home Of Golf from 15-19 July 2010

FACT BOX: This year the British Open Championship at St Andrew’s celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark the occasion, The Open Championship has teamed up with CityJet to offer the executive golf lover and exclusive full day hospitality package, including flights from London City, transfers and a full day at the official hospitality village.

For further information visit, www.opengolfofficialhospitality.com or call 0844 371 0883

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44 DAY EASTER SPECTACULAR DAY SPECTACULAR 4 DAY EASTER SPECTACULAR

gadgets

Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets

The third way We keep on being told that 2010 is the ‘year of 3D’. It all started with Avatar, which we’ve all seen in a 3D cinema by now, surely? That extra dimension is now making its way to your living room; yes, you’ll need a new telly and, yes, funny looking glasses, too.

And pretty pricey ones, at that, but the £100 you’ll need to spend per person on eyewear is only the start of your worries. Panasonic will be one of the first brands to come out with plasma TVs equipped with what it’s calling Full HD 3D, and I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview of its expensive new wares in Munich recently.

The Full HD 3D standard does what it says; it’s a full high definition screen, which must be powered by a 3D Blu-ray player (if you’ve already made the Blu-ray plunge, you’ll have to upgrade that, too!). In Munich I got to watch four types of 3D video on Panasonic’s VT20 plasmas – sports, movies, documentaries and gaming – and the results were really surprising.

Playing a 3D game of, you guessed it, Avatar, didn’t give much sensation of depth, though the game in question was a PC platform game without much action. Movies, too, featured 3D backgrounds but foreground figures appeared rather separate, while extreme close-ups often appear as a double image; it certainly didn’t provide the wow-factor I’d expected.

Documentaries, though, really do shine in 3D. A moving sequence over a river had trees rushing into the foreground that created a dazzling peripheral vision, while slow-moving shots of a waterfall and of fish swimming amongst coral were equally as gorgeous.

Sport, too, can look awesome. The movement of hurdlers racing towards the camera, allaction shots from behind the goal, and closeups of American footballers; all of them had such depth and clarity, and aside from the odd blur as someone raced across the camera, it was quite sublime – for a moment. And then you realise that everything is being filmed from the ‘wrong’ angle to provide maximum 3D effect. It might be OK if you’re on the terraces, but who wants to watch a football match on TV from behind the goal?

Just as with high definition, it is sports and documentaries that really benefit from 3D, though whether it becomes mainstream in homes seems doubtful. It’s come too early for this summer’s World Cup, but for some sports 3D is most definitely the future; bring on London 2012!

Panasonic TX-P50VT20 Full HD 3D plasma TV £2,000 www.panasonic.co.uk

new gadgets Revo Ikon DAB radio/ streamer/iPhone dock, £280 www.revo.co.uk

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Scandyna Megapod floorstanding speakers £2,396 per pair www.armourhe.co.uk

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ACER’S RACER With the F1 season upon us, what better way to show your Italian bent than with Acer’s Ferrari netbook? Available from John Lewis, this 11-inch netbook has a serious engine beneath the red Ferrari bonnet; a 250GB hard drive, AMD Athlon processor and 2GB of RAM. Stamped with the Scudetto Ferrari badge, Acer’s special edition netbook’s battery clocks in at around five hours. Ferrari fans will adore its themed desktop and dedicated Ferrari website shortcut button, while more essential

is this netbook’s Wi-Fi, Windows 7 Home Premium OS, Acer CrystalEye video camera and Dolby Home Theater sound.

Acer Ferrari One Netbook £399.95 www.johnlewis.com

DISC WORLD Europe’s best-selling ‘premium’ brand, German style guru Loewe (pronounced ‘Ler-ver’) doesn’t cut corners when it comes to core technology. Its latest chromesilver or black AudioVision is a one-off; a DVD and CD player that can host an iPod or iPhone.

What, no Blu-ray? Loewe presumes you already have a

ONE FOR ALL Instead of clogging up your living space with myriad black boxes, Denon’s latest all-in-one tries to slim down in style. Every bit an advanced piece of hi-def kit, the Cara S-5BD combines a top-spec Blu-ray player and a powerful home cinema amplifier capable of pumping out lossless sound quality

PlayStation3, so doesn’t bother to duplicate. Instead, your games console can be attached directly to AudioVision and streamed to a HD-Ready TV, meaning fewer cables on show in your home.

Loewe AudioVision audio system, £625 www.loewe-uk.com

DOWN TO BUSINESS in either stereo or 5.1 surround.

Developed from the brand’s highend £4,500 sound systems, Cara can ‘plug and play’ iPods and any USB devices; just add speakers.

Denon Cara S-5BD Blu-ray/DVD surround receiver, £1,999 www.denon.co.uk

Sony VAIO W Series Eco Edition laptop, from £379 www.sony.co.uk

Toshiba has some good ideas.

One currently doing the rounds is a methanol-powered laptop battery; carry around a small (and very cheap) bottle of fuel that can be poured into a fuel cell battery in your laptop to completely recharge it. Before that kind of tech becomes mainstream, Toshiba is concentrating on developing some of the best value business laptops around.

Running Windows 7 professional, the 15-inch S500 weighs 2.5kg and includes a huge 320GB hard drive, but Toshiba’s own ‘LifeSpace’ is the highlight. An ‘app’ based around a bulletin board, it’s a user-friendly way to schedule appointments, make notes and generally organise your life.

Toshiba Satellite Pro S500 business laptop, £499 www.toshiba.co.uk

Monitor Audio Apex compact surround sound system, £2,000 www.monitoraudio.co.uk

Samsung Monte widescreen touch mobile, from £160 www.samsung.com/uk

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a-z

the

We take a look at everything to do with the Royal Ascot - it’ as easy as ABC

of the royal ascot

a is for Afternoon Tea:

j is for Jobs:

In 2009, guests enjoyed 27,000 éclairs, 30,000, strawberry scones and 30,000 rounds of sandwiches.

Each year the racecourse employs 330 chefs and up to 500 waiting staff per day.

b

is for Boujis Trackside:

London nightspot Boujis will recreate their boutique lounge and club in a luxury marquee on Friday and Saturday.

c is for Champagne: 59,000 bottles of champagne were drunk at Royal Ascot 2009.

d is for Dishes: New signature dishes have been created this year by Steve Golding, Executive Chef for Ascot Racecourse, including the Ascot Summer Berry Club Sandwich.

e is for English: Locally sourced produce will be used for the many delicious dishes on offer this year, including English asparagus, beef, and lamb.

f

is for Fashion Show:

k is for Kilos: In 2009, guests consumed 300 kilos of fresh prawns, 1120 kilos of smoked salmon, 500 kilos of coronation chicken and 300 kilos of crab meat.

l

is for Lobster:

Guests indulged in a total of 1,647 lobsters in 2009.

m is for Ascot Bloody Mary: Served with horseradish and celery salt straws, guests will be able to enjoy a delicious shot of this Petit Dejeuner Canapé.

n

o is for Old Paddock Restaurant:

In 2009, the racecourse hosted almost 300,000 guests including over 18,000 guests in the fine-dining restaurants.

Champneys are collaborating with Royal Ascpt to design the perfect summer picnic hamper.

100 tonnes of ice will be used throughout the five days.

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u is for Umbrellas: Come rain or shine, there are over 300 parasols around the racecourse to shield you from the elements.

v is for Variety: w is for The Waterside Inn at

p is for Picnic:

i is for Ice:

Often mistaken for a permanent structure, this exquisitely luxurious marquee houses the Bessborough, Carriages and Sandringham Restaurants.

Wild strawberry marshmallow, iced vanilla parfait wild strawberry sorbet and the texture of chocolate puddings are just some of the choices of dessert this year.

g is for Guests galore:

The UK’s leading caterers Sodexo Prestige have overseen the catering operation since 1998, trading as Ascot Hospitality.

t is for Triple Decker Marquee:

Over 50 dishes have been created for Royal Ascot 2010 so there is something to suit everyone.

Looking over the Pre-Parade Ring and Saddling Boxes with the beautiful Old Paddock beyond, this restaurant offers access to the lawns below as well as easy access to the Parade Ring.

Hospitality:

New for 2010, the Sandringham is located on the ground floor of the triple decker marquee and has superb trackside positioning.

is for Naughty but Nice:

Combining luxury and elegance, the Bessborough Restaurant hosts the Royal Ascot Fashion Show with the return of top British designers.

h is for is for Ascot

s

is for Sandringham Restaurant:

q is for the Queen Anne Rooms: Located in the Grade II listed Queen Anne building, all six private dining rooms offer exquisite and graceful surroundings in which to entertain.

r

is for the Royal Procession:

At 2pm each day; The Queen and the Royal Party enter the racecourse in horse-drawn landaus at the Golden Gates.

the Panoramic: The culinary legends Michel and Alain Roux will take over the Panoramic Restaurant bringing a taste of the Waterside Inn, with its three Michelin Stars, to the most ardent restaurant connoisseur.

x marks the spot: Look out for the Track Side and the Parade Ring Side Maps to locate your nearest restaurant and bar.

y is for is for Yeast: From sun dried tomatoes to black olive bread, over 50,000 bread rolls and bread sticks will be served.

z is for Zest: Four tones of fresh fruit will be served in a variety of drinks, including 1.5 tonnes of limes and 1.5 tonnes of lemons.

For more information, visit www.ascot.co.uk

interiors fashion health & fitness

spring trends designer denim ....................................... city stress

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LORD OF THE RINGS

H For those in the know, Sevan Biçakçi has long been considered one of the jewellery world’s most treasured gems

is pieces depict exotic spice bazaars, majestic mosques, fairytale minarets and imposing Sultans. Istanbul, the only city in the world that has reigned as capital of three different empires, is without a doubt the greatest muse for the man known in the fine jewellery industry as ‘Lord of the Rings’.

Born and raised in Turkey, one-of-a-kind jewellery designer Sevan has been a bench jeweller for the last 20 years – and at the age of 36, Sevan’s creations are profound and unique. Each one is handcrafted with uniquely cut gemstones

and antique cut diamonds that are, upon closer inspection housing hidden gems of their own.

The award-winning designer’s hand-crafted pieces combine contemporary glamour with vivid historical evocations.

Some of Sevan’s well-known wearers and collectors include Brooke Shields, Catherine Zeta Jones, Elizabeth Hurley, Liv Tyler, Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and the Queen. n Sevan Biçakçi’s collection definitely deserves a closer look at the Talisman Gallery, Harvey Nichols on 020 7201 8582

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SH O CO VO W N TE O SU D F M TH ER E YE AR

INSPIRING IDEAS FOR EVERY ASPECT OF THE HOME

BOOK NOW & SAVE £5* ON EVERY TICKET

EXCEL, LONDON 1 - 9 MAY 2010

Call 0844 581 0771 or book online

www.granddesignslive.com OVERÊ 500 COMPANIES

DESIGNER ROOMÊ SETS

*£5 saving is off the door rates. Advanced booking offer closes 8th May 2010. Transaction fee applies

GDL_Canary_210x297_2.indd 1

FREEÊ KITCHENÊ DEMOS

FREEÊ SEMINARS

Organised by Media 10 Ltd. Grand Designs is a trademark of Freemantle Media Limited. Licensed by Freemantle Media Enterprises. www.fremantlemedia.com Photography taken at previous Grand Designs Live events.

18/3/10 15:14:50

interiors

concierge

Must taste: TWG Tea

interiors

Be sure to try the exquisite collection of TWG teas exclusively at Harrods. Dubbed the world’s finest luxury tea brand, the company boasts over 30 wonderful products, including fragrant looseleaf tea blends, hand-sewn cotton teabags, gift sets and tea accessories. This month, be the first to experience the new fragrant cherry blossom and green tea, Sakura Sakura. An aromatic and elegant fragrance, a nice cuppa has never been so appealing!

news Quilty pleasures exhibition

The department store Liberty, famed for its association with beautiful fabrics, has teamed up with the V&A to explore 300 years of artistry and craft within the British quilt-making industry. Expect to see an innovative twist to an olden theme with exhibited works by contemporary quilt-maker Katherine May, and restorer Polly Lyster, using a range of materials from Barbie Doll clothes to restored 18th century pieces. To coincide with this exhibition, Liberty will launch a new collection of 18 fabrics specifically designed for quilt making, drawing on prints from its design archive. The store will also be adding three extra classes to its famous Sewing School in the spring, allowing anyone to learn the craft from scratch. Exhibition runs until 12 April, 2010.

020 7730 1234 www.harrods.com

Must buy:

Easter Wreath Add a special touch to your home this Easter with a traditional piece of decoration. There aren’t many of us that have time to devote to the home economics of such occasions, so why not fake it and buy this readymade fresh wreath by Velvet Brown. A great welcome to any lunchtime guests, all you have to worry about now is the cooking...

01844 278866 www.velvetbrown.co.uk

020 7734 1234

Must visit:

www.liberty.co.uk

BOKKS

Barbie Doll quilt by Katherine May

Collector’s Edition Coloured Candles A super-exciting bit of news for all Jo Malone addicts – the company has launched their first-ever collection of coloured candles! In the ultimate creative collaboration of two British lifestyle brands, Jo Malone has teamed up with colour experts and manufacturers of traditional paint and wallpaper, Farrow & Ball. The philosophy behind these designs is to create ambiance in the home by combining scent and shade.

Five limited edition candles have been launched; Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis, Blue Agava & Cacao, Grapefruit, and Pomegranate Noir. Each signature fragrance has been coupled with a classic Farrow & Ball paint that is essentially related to the inspiration behind each scent. The result? A luxurious, alluring range that will enhance any decor.

Find present shopping a nightmare, but want to get it right every time? By far the most luxurious gift purveyor around, BOKKS effortlessly combines products from the world’s leading luxury brands to create the perfect gift. A team of experienced VPA’s (Very Personal Assistants) will take you through the personal gifting consultation service from start to finish; sourcing, collecting, packaging and hand-delivering the perfect present for any occasion. So for those constrained by lack of time or ideas, be sure to consult the experts.

0845 607 0845 www.bokks.co.uk

Collector’s Edition Coloured Candles, £42 0870 034 2411 www.jomalone.com

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the trend

This month Sim Smith takes inspiration from nature and brings the outside in with clean garden scents and muted pastel shades. The idea is not to take it all too seriously and with great design filtering down to our high streets, modernising our homes needn’t cost a fortune; we can now do it seasonally

100% cotton H-Love pillowcases £32.40 for two, Cox & Cox 0844 858 0744; www.coxandcox.co.uk

MALM chest of drawers £45, Ikea 0845 358 3364; www.ikea.co.uk

Green tea and citrus candle by True Grace £20, John Lewis 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com

Quilted dressy chair, in blue £412, Ligne Roset 020 7426 9670; www.ligne-roset-city.co.uk

Rubber Propello fan in pale blue £79, Black & Blum at Heals 08700 240 780; www.heals.co.uk ‘Annie Get Your Coat’ Coat Stand £229.00, Ben Huggins - Gallery Rooms Grand Designs Live London 2010 www.granddesignslive.com

Aspen four- seat sofa in blue £1,885, Content by Conran, The Conran Shop 0844 848 4000; www.conranshop.co.uk

Simply twelve-piece dinner set in blue £5, Asda 0500 100 055; www.asda.co.uk

Blown glass vase £19.99, Zara 020 7432 0040; www.zarahome.com

Pantone mug in lilac, £8, W2 Products 020 7922 1444; www.w2products.com

Your Smile poster £11, Habitat 08444 99 1111; www.habitat.co.uk

Scallop double bed in Heat & Dust £660, Sofa.com 0845 400 2222; www.sofa.com

Aluminium Giant Anglepoise Lamp in cream £1,951, Mac&Mac Interiors 01252 312147; www.macandmacinteriors.com

Ice Cream Cup - Undergrowth Design £45, Stand E61, Grand Designs Live London 2010 www.granddesignslive.com

the address book

Sim Smith lets us in on her top three shopping experiences in Covent Garden...

Penhaligon’s On walking into the shop, I’m hit by a sweet, musky scent. There is a real Old London barbershop feel to the space with its deep wine-coloured walls and original wooden cabinetry. Shimmering coloured glass chandeliers hang over the space above my head as I walk to the back of the shop to warm myself by the impressive fire.

One of the leading fragrance houses of the world, Penhaligon’s has been at the forefront of groundbreaking fragrance production since its beginnings in the 1800s. The diaries and recipes of founder William Penhaligon are still used to this day, with parts of his archive collection being re-launched for the modern market. Why not spend a morning getting in touch with your inner English eccentric and explore the world of fine English fragrance, home wares and silver trinkets?

There is a complimentary personalised fragrance profiling experience on offer too, so if you’re not quite sure what you’re after, the specialist staff at this great little shop will definitely be able to find it for you!

Penhaligon’s, 41 Wellington Street, Covent Garden London, WC2E 7BN 020 7836 2150 www.penhaligons.com

The Opus Store Essentially a publishers, this is like nothing you would have ever experienced before. Opus by Kraken specialises in producing iconic publications on an epic scale, encapsulating some of the world’s most fascinating individuals in their expertly bound pages.

Collaborations so far have included fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, contemporary art guru Charles Saatchi and King of Pop Michael Jackson, to name but a few. The books are works of art in themselves, filled with stunning archive images accompanied by writings by some of the most eminent writers in their field.

Pages are personally signed and some works have strictly limited editions, thus securing their place as great investment pieces. The Opus brand also covers corporate art consultation and houses an impressive gallery below street level, showcasing a spectacular array of photography and artwork. A definite must-see on your Saturday afternoon stroll.

10–13 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8HN (020 7240 6590; www.krakenopus.com)

Aram Furniture Mecca for any modern design enthusiast sits on an impressive corner plot in Covent Garden’s Drury Lane. The converted fruit and vegetable warehouse occupies five storeys, showcasing the very best of modern product design and furniture.

On the ground floor, colourful dining chairs and iconic lighting fill the space in an eclectic mix of designer specials. To the left of the entrance houses one of my favourite parts of the store; cabinets filled with miniature designer pieces from Vitra’s Mini Bocca Lips to the famous Saarinen Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen, reproduced in perfect detail.

I climb up the red painted staircases to various floors, past an extensive array of sofas, chairs and

storage until I reach the top. This space is reserved for experimental or new work. Essentially an exhibition space for new designers, it enables the Aram family to continue to improve design awareness amongst the British public.

Zeev Aram, famous for his keen eye and ability to spot a contemporary classic, was the first to bring the likes of Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Castiglioni, Scarpa, Le Corbusier, and Flos to the UK market. An absolute must for any interiors buff, be sure to spend some time exploring work by some of the world’s finest new and established designers in this iconic store.

Aram, 110 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5SG (020 7557 7557; www.aram.co.uk)

competition

A PERSONALISED LIMITED EDITION TALISKER GIFT BOX Talisker, the only single malt Scotch whisky made by the sea on the Isle of Skye, is offering readers the chance to win a limited edition Talisker luxury gift pack, containing a bottle of the world-renowned 25-year-old Talisker and comes in a magnificent hand-crafted solid oak display box.

Made of real leather with brass panelling on the front, the set is perfect for the sailor that has everything. The Talisker gift-pack also contains a brass disk, which can be returned to Talisker for a personal inscription and later fastened on top of the leather case.

Distilled on the Isle of Skye, a reminder of the sea can be found with a dram of Talisker. As waves from the ocean crash against the rocks in front of the Talisker distillery, the surroundings have come to define the Talisker flavour – a powerful peat nose with subtle traces of sea-saltiness, making way for smoky-sweet malt flavours and a developing warmth that precedes a long, spicy finish.

win how to win Simply answer the following question: Where is the Talisker distillery located? a) The Highlands b) The Speyside Region c) The Isle of Skye To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with TALISKER in the subject bar.

The closing date for entries is 30 April 2010.

Talisker promotes responsible drinking. For more, information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for information and guidance on responsible drinking.

Terms & conditions: The first correct entry dawn will win the prize. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for marketing purposes.

A STAY AT BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE how to win

Blythswood Square in Glasgow city centre is the newest, most magnificent addition to the Town House Collection of luxury boutique hotels in Scotland, and we are able to offer the chance to win a complimentary one-night stay with three-course dinner.

Lovingly transformed, this historic building (formerly home to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club) has been restored and turned into a luxury hotel and spa, retaining many original architectural features such as marble fireplaces, wood panelling and lofty, ornate ceilings.

Simply answer the following question: In which city is Blythswood Square located? a) Glasgow b) Edinburgh c) Aberdeen Blythswood Square houses 100 guest rooms including a penthouse, complete with its own private lift and terrace area. It will also contain Glasgow’s first luxury spa, a calming and understated space with wellness as the key focus, not to mention a restaurant serving delicious seasonally chosen and locally sourced food and inventive cocktails from The Rally Bar (so named after the Monte Carlo Rally, which started out from Blythswood Square in 1955).

For more information, visit www.blythswoodsquare.com

To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with TOWNHOUSE in the subject bar.

The closing date for entries is 30 April 2010.

Talisker promotes responsible drinking. For more, information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for information and guidance on responsible drinking.

Terms & conditions: The first correct entry dawn will win the prize. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Subject to availability, valid until 30 December 2010, based on two people sharing a Classic double/ twin room, three-course dinner from the Market Menu included. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group and Town House Collection for marketing purposes.

55

competition

win A complimentary 5 NIGHTS STAY AT ANY SMALL LUXURY HOTELs OF THE WORLD property TM

Simply by subscribing to this magazine for free Small Luxury Hotels of the World is an unsurpassed collection of over 500 hotels spanning more than 70 countries, which together offer an infinite variety of experiences. Whatever your inclination, Small Luxury Hotels of the World is guaranteed to have that exclusive hotel with its own unique character and charm.

For reservations visit www.slh.com

The Gray, Milan

Island Hideaway Spa Resort & Marina, Maldives

how to win Please send your name, address and the title of the magazine you would like to subscribe to: subscribe@runwildgroup.co.uk

Jardin d’Inès, Marrakech

56

Terms & conditions: Entry is open to residents of the UK except employees (and their families) of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and Runwild Media Group, its printers and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions.

The editors decision is final. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for marketing purpose. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

interiors

urban living:

L

concierge

the home cinema

There are lots of toys to buy with this year’s bonus but, ask Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb, which toy will give you lasting pleasure as well as instant popularity?

et us introduce you to the home cinema. There are a couple of things to consider when creating the ultimate home cinema experience before you jump in and blow that hard-earned cash – technical specification and, of course, the design.

First things first, and let’s get it out of the way – size matters. Don’t come to the trough unless yours is at least 2,500mm or (8ft) wide. The width we are talking about is the latest trend for Anamorphic projector lenses, which convert normal widescreen images back into the full cinemawidth experience.

When it comes to sound, you can only play with the big boys if you have an unbelievably loud and house-shaking sound system; multiple sub-woofers are not enough. You now need vibrating plates under the chairs and sofas to make them shake with every onscreen explosion. And with

numerous complete acoustic solutions, not a murmur will be heard from anywhere outside of the room.

You will, of course, require a film server which can store thousands of films for you to choose from, at the touch of a fully integrated hand-held screen. Even if this is for your city pad, you can have a server in each house that is updated every time a film is added. With technology advancing, you will soon only need a main server that can store and stream to your other properties, whether in the UK or abroad.

Then it’s time to talk design. Be it a snug retreat or a state-of-the-art James Bond grotto, your designer can harness your desires to create the ultimate big boy’s toy.

So where do you put the cinema if you don’t have the space? Well, the optimum viewing distance for an 8ft screen is only 2.8m. So what about that spare room that’s become a store room? The dining room that’s never used? The loft space that needs

a reason to be converted? Or the basement, which is the ideal location for a big boy’s den, tucked away from prying eyes.

Cinema rooms need to have specialist fabrics and finishes to keep the tech boys happy with the sound balance and reverberation times associated with those huge speakers, and this is where you need to rely on the skill, taste and talent of your designer.

You will also need your designer to handle the lighting with skill and elegance. Lighting is important. It can be integrated with your home control system and, as soon as the projector fires up, the lighting will dim to one of any number of atmospheric settings that you have chosen. So, sit back, relax and let the show begin. n Alix and Charlotte are the founders of Lawson Robb, a young dynamic architecture and interior design practice.

For further information, visit www.lawsonrobb.com

57

Sparkle & shine

The finishing touch

Every Tiffany diamond engagement ring is distinguished by a dazzling beauty that radiates from the world’s finest diamonds, cut with absolute precision. The latest designs include the new Tiffany Embrace, a round brilliant-cut stone with a bezel of sparkling diamonds; and the new setting for the Lucida diamond, a patented cut exclusive to Tiffany. These join such classic diamond rings as renowned designer Jean Schlumberger’s Bud ring, a diamondencrusted setting of petals surrounding a centre diamond.

Tiffany & Co 9 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7409 2790 www.tiffany.com/uk

Throughout history, pearls have been considered the ideal wedding gift, symbolising purity and ever lasting perfection. It has long been a tradition for the father of the bride or the groom to gift pearls to the bride.

Milleperle specialises in beautiful pearl jewellery and the Milleperle collection includes classic Japanese Akoya, Australian South Sea and beautiful Tahitian pearls. All Milleperle jewellery is carefully crafted and hand finished by artisan goldsmiths in Italy.

South Sea, Tahiti and fresh water pearls necklace, POA Milleperle 8 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1118 www.milleperle.co.uk

Season

Wedding

As the spring and summer wedding season begins, head to the Royal Exchange for the very best in bridal jewellery, engagement gifts, pre-wedding events and his ‘n’ hers fashion

Wedding planner Smython’s Panama notebook, feint ruled and bound in ivory leather, is the must-have accessory when it comes to wedding organisation.

The notebook is indexed for ‘dress’, ‘invitations’, ‘guests and gifts’, ‘service’, ‘reception’, ‘flowers and other’, ‘going away’ and ‘honeymoon’. The leather is complimented by gold-edged leaves and the book cover can be gold-stamped with a name or initials, making a stunning personalised engagement gift.

Panama wedding organiser, £42 Smythson 7 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1037 www.smythson.com

Art deco style Tateossian is celebrating 20 years of innovation by reinventing some key classic pieces just in time for the wedding season. Inspired by the art deco movement, the beautiful Silver Mosaic cufflinks show the use of precious stones in a round or rectangle flush inlay setting; a technique Tateossian has become famous for. These luxurious cufflinks are set in a combination of onyx, mother of pearl, lapis and black mother of pearl – the perfect accompaniment to the groom’s wedding attire.

Chequered 20th anniversary limited edition cufflinks, £90 Tateossian 1/4 Royal Exchange 020 7283 3434 www.tateossian.com

A moment in time To mark all the great moments of a wedding and all those in the years to come, invest in one of Omega’s stunning watch designs. Eye-catching models from the recent collection include two dramatically detailed Constellations for ladies and a Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph for gents (or for women who enjoy wearing larger designs); perfect wedding day gifts for both him and her.

Ladies Constellation watch, £4,880 Omega 8 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7929 7706 www.omegawatches.com

Scents of romance The Jo Malone Royal Exchange boutique celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, so make sure to visit the store from 12-16 April for complimentary massages, cupcakes and champagne – an indulgent treat for you and your girlfriends.

Throughout April, a Jo Malone-inspired cocktail featuring lime, basil and mandarin will be on offer at the Royal Exchange Mezzanine Lounge, where a Jo Malone cocktail class on 14 April will also be held. The perfect pre-wedding treat, an expert mixologist will be on hand to guide you through the creation of your own bespoke concoctions.

Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 0870 192 5131 www.jomalone.co.uk

Statement rock New for 2010 is Theo Fennell’s stunning collection of Tryst rings.

These beautiful rings feature unusual and vividly coloured gems as well as the unique Theo Fennell attention to detail. From the elegant fleur-de-lys to dragonflies, this extra detailing at the side of the three stones illustrates a uniqueness that has always surrounded engagement rings. Design your own motif that has a significant meaning for you both and make that special moment just that little bit more memorable.

18ct green tourmaline and diamond 3 stone ring, £9,250 The Fennell 4 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7623 4380 www.theofennell.com

Dream day From a champagne reception in the Mezzanine Lounge, to dinner and dancing under the stunning glass atrium, the Royal Exchange is the perfect wedding venue in the heart of the city. The towering columns, stunning architecture, history, and magnificent service combine to create a sense of opulence, glamour and romance. With a complete wedding planning service available, let the team help make your wedding the day of your dreams.

Package prices start from £159.00 per person* *(minimum numbers apply) Contact Chris or Charlotte on 020 7628 3500

AGENT PROVOCATEUR || ARTISAN | BOODLES || BULGARI || CARTIER || CHURCH’S || CROCKETT & JONES || DE BEERS || GRAND CAFÉ AND BAR || GUCCI || HERMÈS || IMPERIAL CITY || JO MALONE || L’OCCITANE || LORO PIANA || LULU GUINNESS || MILLEPERLE || MOLTON BROWN || MONT BLANC || NAPKET || OMEGA || PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES || PAUL SMITH || PAVAROTTI’S || PENHALIGON’S || PRETTY BALLERINAS || ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS || SAUTERELLE || SEARLE & CO || SMOKER’S PARADISE || SMYTHSON || TATEOSSIAN || THEO FENNELL || TIFFFANY & CO || Vilebrequin || WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND || WINT & KIDD

Royal Exchange, Bank, City of London, EC3V 3LR

www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

Major specialties include: - Acute Neuro Rehabilitation - Bariatric Surgery - Cardiac Surgery - Critical Care - Dermatology - Interventional Cardiology - ENT - Gastroenterology - General Surgery - Gynaecology - Liver and Hepatobiliary Medicine

The Wellington Hospital is one of the world’s leading private

- Hip Surgery

hospitals with an international reputation for the excellence

- Knee Surgery

of its medical care. It is part of HCA – London’s No 1 private

- Neurology

hospital group. It provides a wide range of acute medical services

- Neurophysiology

supported by the very latest diagnostic, imaging and treatment

- Neuropsychology

technology, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis of complex

- Neurosurgery

conditions. State-of-the-art facilities include:

- Ophthalmology - Orthopaedics

• 6 4 slice CT scanners able to provide images of the heart and its associated blood vessels with higher definition than before • t he latest MRI scanners; the full range of x-ray and ultrasound, angiography & fluoroscopy plus a cardiac research centre • e ndoscopic ultrasound facilities enabling gastroenterologists to employ the latest diagnostic & treatment techniques, including capsule endoscopy

- Plastic Surgery - Speech Therapy - Spinal Surgery - Urology - Vascular Surgery

• a range of minimally invasive surgical procedures that are performed through one incision in the belly button, which is virtually scarless surgery • a 45-bedroom Acute Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, which is the best equipped and most extensive in the UK • the largest Critical Care facility in the private sector The hospital has a dedicated GP Liaison service giving GPs and patients easy, fast access to the hospital’s extensive services & facilities. For further information please contact the Helpline:

Tel:

020 7483 5148

Fax:

020 7483 5618

Email: wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk www.thewellingtonhospital.com Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9LE

5266 HCA Well Canary Wharf advert.indd 1

21/12/09 13:25:53

fashion

concierge

PLAYING GAMES

news

Charlotte Simpson

fashion

Life, like fashion, would be nothing without those little games we play, and part of the fun is how skilfully we play them. Inspired by games of strategy and chance, two fantastic accessory designers have produced whimsical and wonderful new collections.

Inspired by her grandfather, the Macau casino king, Sarah Ho of SHO Fine Jewellery, has launched the Casino Collection. These fun pieces depict playing cards in yellow, white, black and red gold and sterling silver.

Moving on from his work with a range of international fashion giants, Michael Lewis, one of 2010’s hottest shoe designers, has created his own footwear range. Featuring chess player-shaped heels, Michael’s new range is witty and glamorous.

Play these fashion games, and be guaranteed to win.

MUST-HAVE ITEM: Conjuring up images of cherry blossom laden boughs, Fiorelli’s range of blossom-shaped and adorned handbags is perfectly pitched for spring. Watch out for Waikiki and Aaron in soft white and coral. www.fiorelli.com

Quote of the month:

Myrto Samou

Perhaps the most important industry event for spotting new talent, Graduate Fashion Week boasts an impressive list of alumni including Julien MacDonald and Zoe Knight. This year’s event is set to be the biggest yet, so to be a part of fashion history and book your tickets now.

Elegance is a question of personality, more than one’s clothing Jean-Paul Gaultier

www.gfw.org.uk

Website of the month:

www.apartment-c.com

Ever dreamt of jostling for space on the front row with Anna Wintour and co?

With Graduate Fashion Week coming up (the only major fashion event open to the general public), this may just be your chance.

The event offers a unique chance for the fashion laity to rub shoulders with industry insiders, and be amongst the first to witness Fashion’s Holy Grail: the next big thing.

Sponsored for the sixth year running by high street fashion giant River Island, Graduate Fashion Week is a non-government funded charity, which supports one of Britain’s major international exports: fresh design talent and exciting, new fashion.

Held from 6–10 June at London’s Earls Court 2, Graduate Fashion Week will see up and coming design graduates showcasing their work to industry professionals, giving them an invaluable opportunity to kick-start their careers.

The largest student fashion event in the world, previous Graduate Fashion Weeks have played host to fashion’s most influential figures, including Matthew Williamson, Claudia Schiffer, Dasha Zhukova and many, many more.

Mehmet Ali

FASHION’S FUTURE

Apartment C hit London last March and has been credited by many in the know as one of the best lingerie boutiques in Britain.

The store has just launched its website, which offers Apartment C’s signature mix of carefully chosen, creative and fashion forward lingerie from Princess Tam Tam, Stella McCartney and many more.

TREND of the month:

LACE This season, fashion makes a tangible shift towards a feminine and delicate take on boudoir chic. Demure yet flirtatious, lace is a key part of this trend, and a key ingredient of Chanel and Dior’s spring–summer catwalk looks. Choose pale and nude tones for a perfect piece of this season’s lingerie trend.

61

easy Photographer:

Peter Zownir Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

m i n De

Denim skirt, ÂŁ169, D&G at Harrods Knightsbridge, SW1, 020 7730 1234 Cream suede boots, ÂŁ355 Joseph, 020 7610 8441

Stripe antique Belmont shirt, £315, RRL, washed denim Douglas waistcoat, £470, Sylvie denim trousers, £485 and wedge sandals, £620 all Ralph Lauren, 020 7535 4600 Gold chain and pendants worn throughout all Annoushka 020 7881 5828 www.annoushka-jewellery.com

Denim playsuit, ÂŁ110, Wrangler, 0845 600 8383

Grey cut-off waistcoat, £153 and shorts, £160 Paige Premium Denim at Selfridges, 0800 123400 Leopard print bra, stylists own. Peter sunglasses £239, Tom Ford at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge 020 7235 5000 www.tomford.com

Denim jacket, £260 and denim cut-offs, £170, 7 For All Mankind for Joseph, navy cotton layered vest £85 and cream suede boots, £355 Joseph, as before

Hair: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Kevin Murphy Hair Products. Fresh Hair, Anti Gravity, Heated Defence, Hair Resort and Session Spray

Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Sisley Cosmetics. Floral Spray Mist, Hydra Global Intense AntiAging Hydration & Nutritive Lip Balm. Instant Perfect, Transmat Make-up, Eye Concealer, Transparent Loose Face Powder. Eyebrow Pencil, Phyto-Ombre Eclat Longue Tenue Eye Shadows in Ebony 19 & Black 12, Phyto-Mascara Ultra-Volume in So Black.

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Model: Emma Menteath at Boss Cape Town Shot at Silvermine Nature Reserve, South Africa. Thanks to Sansparks +27 21 701 8692 Production: The Worx www.the-worx.co.za

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fashion

concierge

the perfect suit Every man in Britain should possess a decent tailor-made suit but with so much choice available today, buying the perfect suit can be a mystery to many. So what’s all the fuss about?

A

s everyone knows, first impressions count for a lot. And in business, appearance is crucially important in creating both a professional persona and reputation.

The transformation a high-quality suit can bring about is immediately noticeable and, with a carefully considered purchase, any man has the potential to turn from Average Joe to well-groomed ‘City Boy’.

For many, the perfect professional ‘look’ can only be attained with a bespoke suit, which is widely considered to be the best.

The word ‘bespoke’ was originally used by Savile Row tailors in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to refer to a suit which had been entirely hand-crafted from a single bolt of cloth and without the use of a pre-existing pattern. Clients are usually required to come in for numerous fittings and appointments and as such, bespoke suits have become known as the highest quality menswear available, particularly those bought from Savile Row tailors.

A bespoke suit can enhance feelings (Personal Appearance and First Impressions, originally published in 1940) of confidence and poise, which is vital when creating a lasting impression whether this is during an important presentation or meeting with a senior business associate, for example.

But having a global reputation in bespoke tailoring doesn’t limit your choice to the UK. At the top of the Hong Kong market is Raja Fashions, who have been making custom tailored suits for men and women since 1957 and have a customer base said to include the House of Lords and Dowing Street.

“Perfect bespoke tailoring can make you feel a million dollars,” says Raja Daswani of Raja Fashions. “Not only does your outfit perfectly fit and flatter your figure it makes a strong personal statement.”

For those for whom only the best will do, the perfect suit will come from a well-established, high-quality tailors; who will be able to advise each client on the best colour, cloth and cut for the type of wear required, alongside the colouring and figure of the individual.

Shades of dark and navy blue will be the most popular for business in 2010, followed by dark grey. Make sure to choose a dark wool suit in the classic English style to be on trend for the New Year; think broad shoulders, slim waist, two buttons and slim trousers. n

“A person’s clothes should make him appear at his best. They should give a feeling of poise and self-confidence, a feeling of ease and comfort because the wearer knows he is attractively and appropriately dressed. Extremes in cut and colour should be avoided; suits of bold stripes and checks are hard on the eyes, and certain stripes make one feel dizzy. Shirts and ties should be selected with regard to the colouring of the wearer; all, however, should be conservative in type, for flashy apparel shows very poor taste”

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health & fitness

concierge

Must-have item:

health & fitness

news

Packaged in Soap and Glory’s trademark retro-inspired and comic packaging, Knock Your Spots Off threatens to put “the kung fu grip on zits”.

Quite how that would work I’m not sure, but we are assured this super-powered formula has a very quick and very noticeable effect on spots, ingrown hairs and shaving rashes. Containing high levels of salicylic and lactic acid to gently exfoliate, antibacterial Actiphyte of cypress, liquorice extract and witch hazel to sooth, tone and heal inflamed skin and other soothing plant extracts, Knock Your Spots Off is guaranteed to do just that. www.boots.com

MUST-HAVE GADGET:

THE MALE ROOM For gentlemen who enjoy the finer things in life, it is often difficult to find a grooming experience that is both luxurious and reassuringly male. Founded by ex-City broker Oliver Bonnefoy, Gentleman’s Tonic is a unique establishment in the heart of Mayfair that offers both male grooming and relaxing treatments to satisfy all the needs of the modern man.

Channelling the atmosphere of a traditional high-end barbershop, with the feeling of a sleek modern spa, Gentleman’s Tonic offers an extensive list of treatments, from a simple wet shave to a nutritional consultation.

The largest male grooming emporium of its like in London, try one of the many massages on offer to release the stress and tension of a hard day’s work. For the convenience of regular clients who are too busy to come in, Gentleman’s tonic can even bring their treatments to you, providing the ultimate in necessary luxury.

Gentlemen’s Tonic 31a Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NN, 0207 297 4343 www.gentlemenstonic.com

An innovative new blood glucose metre, CONTOUR® USB, allows busy diabetics to take control of their condition. The metre works with an integrated USB and plug-and-play technology, which means it can be used on any computer without having to download software first, and all data is stored on the metre, making it super portable. It can store up to 2,000 blood glucose readings, allowing you to track trends and patterns in your blood sugar levels, empowering sufferers to manage their conditioneffectively, however busy they are. www.bayercontourusb.co.uk

MUST-HAVE TREND: The ancient art of acupuncture has long been heralded as the treatment of choice for complaints difficult to diagnose and treat with Western medicine. Now, those in the know are turning to acupuncture for its benefits to the look and feel of your skin. Ciara Woods, who trained at the Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, offers both clinical and cosmetic acupuncture treatments in her practice in east London. Offering a non-surgical approach to reducing the appearance of ageing, Ciara’s cosmetic treatment reduces fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness, whilst encouraging better muscle tone and jaw line definition, and providing long-term benefits to the moisture and elasticity of your skin. www.ciarawoodsacupuncture.com

Brought to you in association with The Wellington Hospital, one of the world’s leading private hospitals. www.thewellingtonhospital.com

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&

How we look and how we feel are intrinsically linked, both impacting on the other in a circle of life. In the first of a two-part series focusing on the Harley Street enclave, Louisa Castle tries to separate the two

Form Function

“I

t is easy to say that we have an obsession with appearance but it’s naive to think that it’s anything new,” states Harley Street plastic surgeon Mr Simon Withey. “We have always striven to look our best, it is not a recent thing.” And to be fair, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Clearly we have those who take it to the extreme and unfortunately they tend to be the ones that you hear about all the time in the media.

Some people are put off by the word plastic as it is considered synonymous with ‘fake’ or ‘superficial’ whilst others object because they believe that it implies the implantation or grafting of plastic parts to human beings.

I assume those misunderstandings have lead to the more commonplace use of the term cosmetic when discussing ‘improvement surgery’ shall we call it.

In actual fact, the word plastic in this context has more to do with the origin of the word, which is from the Greek ‘plastikos’ which means ‘able to be molded’.

Mr Withey is one of London’s leading plastic surgeons and someone whom you may have heard about in the national press last year as he is part of the team that will be involved in the world’s first full facial transplant.

Beyond teaching and researching, he is also part of the team at London Plastic Surgery Associates and is a head,

you are never fully dressed without a smile a thing so contagious, so confidence-building yet so simple

72

neck and breast specialist. He spends his time split equally performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.

“The head and neck are not only the first thing people tend to see but they also control pretty much all the major functions of respiration, speech, sight, sustenance – so any surgery performed is a matter of form and function.

Working in Harley Street I am part of a team that includes the best specialists in this country and the world so I will be helping to look after patients who have had cancerous cells removed by a cancer specialist, for example who are then referred to me to restore function or appearance.”

The idea of changing one’s form is deeply psychological and reputable plastic surgeons will address that, almost screening patients, to ensure that their expectations are not only realistic but they will handle the alterations that they will see the next time they look in the mirror.

For Dr Susan Tanner, prosthodontics specialist it is all about taking a holistic approach to patient care. “I can sit here and spend time with patients chatting about recipes but I will actually be watching how the mouth moves and affects the face. I love people and faces and I love to give back to people what they have lost through time, illness or accident.

“People often forget that the teeth support the facial tissues that enable you to smile and feel confident and that smile and confidence can be restored with crowns or making dentures. It is a pleasure to watch people smile again.”

Dr Tanner is the Tanner of Dawood & Tanner dental

health & fitness

concierge

specialists, a multi-disciplinary dentist that you would have absolutely no qualms walking into as it appears more of a home than a surgery.

“Today patients tend to know what they want, they are more educated and more aesthetically demanding, and what’s more advancements in techniques and equipment mean that you can do in days what used to take months with minimal intrusion.”

And, beyond the importance of teeth and gums providing a structure for your face, you are never fully dressed without a smile – a thing so contagious, so confidencebuilding yet so simple.

In all my research one element of our appearance that is often forgotten is our eyes and sight. It seems foolish that something so crucial is overlooked.

Over recent years, laser eye-surgery has come to be at the forefront of our minds as well-known personalities adorn our TV screens and extol its virtues. This has more to do with the advancements in opthamology technology though than vanity.

With corrective eye surgeries costing around £350 to £2,000 per eye an increasing number of people are opting for laser eye surgery procedures over the hassles of dayto-day use of glasses and contact lenses. It can turn out quite cost efficient as glasses, now the fashion accessory of choice, can cost as much as the surgical procedure and a lifetime prescription reaching well over £20,000.

Despite the demand the experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital, one of the world’s leading eye hospitals, recommend that patients wait to have surgery until they have had a stable prescription for two years; nearsightedness, for example, tends to increase during puberty and plateau at around 30.

And just as awareness and demand has risen so to have the technological advancements. Take the latest in Wavefront scanning technology, for example, which produces a map of the actual focusing requirement at each point on your eye, which is different for every individual (a bit like a fingerprint). Patients then benefit from greater accuracy and improvements in visual quality: The latest lasers in use at Moorfields can even offer rotational tracking of the eye movements for even greater pinpoint accuracy.

There is no doubt that technological advancements have aided the accessibility of surgery in all areas, making it more achievable and affordable and there is also, no doubt that this trend will continue, thanks to leading surgeons and centres of excellence making what was pie in the sky ten or twenty years ago, available to everyone. n For more information on Harley Street, visit www.harleystreet.com

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Medical Lettings +44(0)20 7290 0970 marketing@hdwe.co.uk www.hdwe.co.uk

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SPORTS INJURY SPECIALIST Sports medicine and surgery is not just for the élite athlete, says Mr. Rahul Patel As a sports orthopaedic surgeon, I’ve been lucky to be involved in the management of elite athletes’ injuries – but I also want to dispel myths that sports medicine is better abroad. Historically, countries such as Germany and the US have offered superior sports injury treatment (and charged accordingly!) but I believe the UK is just as adept in this type of injury management. Where we are better, is in offering this level of expertise to sports participants of all levels within our existing healthcare framework.

One can’t deny the benefits of participating in regular sport and today, a greater percentage of the population engages in some form of exercise during the week than ever before. The prospect of the London Olympics 2012 is increasing enthusiasm for sport, and hopefully the Games will provide the driving force to sustain sporting interest into the future.

It makes sense therefore that injuries arising from sport are becoming more common. For example, as this article goes to press, thousands are in the final throes of training for the London Marathon – but every year, injury strikes for the unlucky minority, quashing ambitions and preventing participation.

So, if we are seeing more sports injuries, are we getting better at treating them?

The answer is yes. The field of sports medicine is evolving. Sports and Exercise Medicine became a recognised speciality within the NHS in 2005 and the challenges of the diagnosis and management of sports injuries presents the opportunity to improve musculoskeletal care through advances in diagnostics, new medical and surgical approaches to promote repair, and enhanced rehabilitation strategies.

So, what kind of injury is sustained during sport?

Overuse (repetitive demand) and Trauma (isolated traumatic injury).

Most are overuse injuries: tissue damage that results from repetitive demand. Tissues adapt to the stresses placed on them over time – but as they adapt, they can incur injury unless they have appropriate time to heal. The rate of injury exceeds the rate of adaptation.

Changes in training and poor biomechanics are some of the factors that can affect the rate of recovery.

Shin splints are a classic example.

Inevitable cessation of activity whilst the injury is treated (followed by extensive rehabilitation, conditioning, and training changes) before a gradual return to activity, can make the recovery process long and frustrating.

No wonder then that the focus has switched to prevention. Today, sports clinics and NHS hospitals are not only populated by physiotherapists, but by nutritionists, podiatrists, orthotists, physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, sports physicians and specialists in alternative therapies, to assess, analyse and guide patients in their prevention process or injury management.

I’m an orthopaedic surgeon, specialising in the surgical treatment of sports injuries of the hip, knee or shoulder. Overuse injuries seldom require my intervention, but traumatic injuries (e.g. shoulder dislocations or knee ligament ruptures) often require my expertise.

The field of orthopaedic sports medicine has evolved at a fast pace since the advent of keyhole

surgery (arthroscopy) in the 1980s. I use arthroscopy to reconstruct soft tissue (cartilage, ligament, tendon and bone) injuries in a minimally invasive manner, with increased accuracy and utilising the latest biomaterials. This technique confers the advantages of shorter recovery times, fewer complications, less time off work and more importantly, less time away from sport.

So this summer, should you be unlucky enough to get injured through sport, be rest assured that sports medicine is not just for the elite athlete, it’s for you too.

For more information, visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com or call the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148

FACT BOX Rahul Patel is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in the treatment of sports injuries of the hip, knee and shoulder. He is a consultant at University College London Hospital and at the Wellington Hospital, London.

Mr. Patel offers investigation and options of surgical management for soft tissue injuries of the hip, knee and shoulder. He also has a special interest in cartilage preservation and regeneration. Mr. Patel also co-runs the MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise & Health at University College London.

Arrange an appointment on 02074835148 or visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com

75

health & fitness

concierge

STRESS in the city According to the Health & Safety Executive, work related stress accounts for over a third of all new incidences of ill health, leading to an average of 13.8million working days lost. It has become a true force to be reckoned with and should not be ignored.

Dr Michael Sinclair, consultant psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, advises us how to recognise the signs and deal with the symptoms

W

hilst the economic downturn has turned the corner, there is still an evident sense of anxiety, stress and trepidation amongst City workers. When we feel this way, it is important to remember not to focus on the things that we cannot control – like our unforgiving boss, increasing work demands or the economy.

We can however, learn ways to manage ourselves in the face of stressful events. It’s a choice we make not to live in fear but first we need to become more self-aware.

First, try not to worry or panic. Easier said than done, perhaps, but it leads to high levels of anxiety and bad decisionmaking. Try not to overreact and remain calm and focussed.

Take a few minutes out to practice some breathing exercises while you imagine yourself in a calm and relaxing setting.

Identify your stressors and make a plan. Write down specific stressors and then come up with ways you can manage them. For example, if your stressors are financial, come up with ways to reduce your finances or manage things more effectively. If your work is piling up then make a plan to practice more assertiveness, time management and delegation skills.

Recognise how you deal with stress. We can express stress physically (muscular tensions, bodily aches and pains, indigestion, palpitations, lethargy or weakened immune system), emotionally (we anxiety, panic and frustration) and behaviourally (drinking more alcohol or coffee, sleeping more or less, stop exercising, losing concentration and losing interest and motivation). It is important to stay alert to these stress signals and monitor them, seeking out help if they worsen.

Accept how you feel. It is important to try and accept how you feel emotionally when distressed. Most of our emotional distress is worsened by getting depressed about being depressed or getting anxious about being anxious.

If we acknowledge how we feel it may be unpleasant but we can then assure ourselves that it will soon pass, and that positivity is likely to shorten the period of time we are

distressed. Trying to stop feeling a certain way will only exacerbate our distress, we need to recognise it, accept it and deal with it. Let go and stop trying to convince yourself that life should be different or perfect.

Pay attention to what you are thinking. If we are feeling stressed, low or anxious it is a sign to us that our thinking is not clear or helpful. We’ve all done it at times of distress, worrying about the future, ruminating about the past, ‘pointing the finger’ in blame or being overly self-critical. All this does is leave us feeling less confident and more distressed.

What we need to do is stay focussed on the here and now and what we can control and do to once again move forward.

Make decisions and move forward. Procrastination is one of the most significant causes and maintaining factors of stress. It is important to make a decision, action it and remind yourself that, whatever the result, you can cope with it.

Take time for yourself. If we never take time away from our problems and try to de-stress and clear our heads we run the risk of becoming so immersed in our problems that we cannot see clearly anymore to make the best decisions.

Simple activities like reading a book, going for a walk, exercise or socialising with friends are all great ways to distract ourselves, take a rest and recharge.

Try to see it as a challenge for growth and change.

Once you’ve identified your stressors you can now take the opportunity to re-evaluate old habits, have a mental spring clean of your life and re-prioritise the things that are important and good for you. n Dr Michael Sinclair is a consultant psychologist and founder of City Psychology Group based in the City of London, Canary Wharf and Harley Street. He has also published a book Fear and self-loathing in the City: A guide to keeping sane in the square mile.

For further information visit, www.city-psychology.co.uk or call 0845 0177 838

77

T R I AT H L O N

RISE to the

challenge

In the run up to one of London’s most popular sporting events, Lee Brooks and Josephine O’Donoghue look at this Herculean challenge and how you can get involved 78

THE TRIATHLON You may not realise it, but the triathlon was only officially accepted as an Olympic sport in 2000. A relatively new concept compared to the more traditional events, the sport has been around for less than 40 years.

The world’s first triathlon was held in September 1974 and 46 competitors tackled a 10km run, 8km cycle and 500m swim without breaks – not an easy task. The first person to cross the finish line (without stopping in between each event) was to hold the title of Triathlon Champion, a title that would become extremely sought after in the years to come.

In the beginning, it all started when a like-minded group of friends began training together in Mission Bay, South California. Although most of the group were runners, there were a number of swimmers and cyclists in the group too, and it wasn’t long before they began to challenge the physical range of their team-mates.

Training sessions quickly grew into informal races, which inspired Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan to produce the concept of an official triathlon, uniting all three sporting disciplines to form an epic physical challenge.

Winning a place in the Olympic Games in 2000, the triathlon has become one of the most eagerly anticipated, popular and challenging events in the Games. In addition, official triathlons have sprung up in cities all over the world, and this year London will celebrate its eighth triathlon event.

The concept of the triathlon has also been adapted to suit the masses – this year the London Triathlon caters for categories including the ‘Youth Super Sprint’ (the shortest available option of 400m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run), ‘Super Sprint’, ‘Sprint’ and ‘Olympic’ (the longest available option of 1,500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run). The London Triathlon also offers team relay options, popular with corporate groups. In some events, there is also an option of the Ironman Triathlon, which demands a gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km cycling, and 42.2km run – the equivalent of a full marathon!

This year’s London Triathlon promises to be bigger and better than ever before, so whether you’re taking part, visiting the Expo or just coming along to support the athletes, you’re bound to have an exhilarating and exciting day out. n For more information, visit www.londontriathlon.co.uk

THE LONDON TRIATHLON EXPO Once again, The London Triathlon Expo will run alongside the London Triathlon. The London Triathlon Expo takes place around the finish line of the Triathlon Race and combines fantastic features including specialist exhibitors from the cycling, running and swimming world. The Expo is free to enter, so it’s great for competitors and spectators alike. Relax with a coffee in the café, listen to Triathlon experts, purchase the newest products on the market, update kit, have your swim technique analysed by expert swim coaches, get expert nutritional advice, watch the élite winners award presentation, and see the emotion of thousands of athletes as they come down the final straight and cross the finish line.

To find out more, visit www.londontriathlonexpo.co.uk

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BHF - Canary Wharf Ad.:Layout 1

24/3/10

08:47

Page 1

e Own plactes triathle d! wante

Follow your heart Taking part in a triathlon for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is such a special way to honour someone close to you and help the BHF keep more hearts beating.

You can be part of our team at any triathlon regardless of the event. Simply secure your place in your chosen event then contact the Heart Runners Support Team for your free t-shirt and welcome pack. You’ll also gain access to our personal fitness coaches!

Your heart will tell you that there is no one better to support than the UK’s number one heart charity!

Call: 0844 477 1181 Email: heartrunners@bhf.org.uk

Online: bhf.org.uk/triathlons Start fundraising now: justgiving.com/bhf

Have fun, get fit, save lives! © British Heart Foundation 2010, a registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)

T R I AT H L O N

How to ENTER

With a variety of distances available as well as relay races, triathlon is a sport that anyone can take part in individuals, teams or corporates

T

he London Triathlon captures the imagination of thousands of first-timers each year. For those brave enough to take on all three legs themselves there are four options with varying distances and competing groups so that you can tailor your racing to your skill and fitness; youth super sprint, super sprint, sprint and Olympic.

First-timers, however, tend to begin, with Team Relay races. Team Relay races are designed to provide the perfect introduction to the sport of Triathlon. A team can be made up of two or three racers with each person doing a discipline before handing over to the next team member Whether you are competing for fun, for pride or for charity and be it with friends, family or work colleagues the team relay races have a huge amount to offer. As the name suggests competitors each complete one leg before handing over the timing chip (which acts as the baton) to the next team member.

Alternatively, why not get some colleagues together and take part in the corporate triathlon challenge? It’s easier than you might think. The event provides great benefits for the whole company and is a low cost and effective way to build your team. It is aimed at companies with ten teams or more and many companies use it to encourage staff to get fit, have fun and train together as well as raise money for your own corporate charity.

For further information on all the entry options available, visit www.londontriathlon.co.uk

The London Triathlon General Facts 2010 is the

14th year of the London Triathlon

The London Triathlon is officially the largest Triathlon in the world – with entrants and spectators

14,500

The London Triathlon raises over various charities

55,000

£3 million for

The London Triathlon is held at the ExCel centre but takes in including, Big Ben, The London Eye and Tower Bridge

major London landmarks 50%

Approximately of participants that enter the London Triathlon are first time triathletes Triathlon is the fastest growing mass participation sport in the world due to its accessibility, scope to train both indoors and out, as well as offering variety to its competitors with each stage of the event.

Other events you may also like:

16 May, 2010 Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, 81 miles of cycling in the Highlands

5 & 6 June, 2010 Blenheim Triathlon, swim the Great Lake, race through the stunning grounds and cycle the twists and turns of Oxfordshire countryside

22 August, 2010 Sky Ride Etape, Hibernia, cycling the breathtaking West Coast of County Clare, Ireland

16 September, 2010 Run to the beat, London’s music half marathon runs into its third year For further information, visit www.challengerworld.com

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TRI YOUR WAY TO THE TOP!

Compete against 10,000 in the world’s largest triathlon this summer.Places available in the sprint, super sprint and the Olympic races – so join our team, save lives and

be a winner!

the new york marathon

Transform a disabled child’s life by running the new york marathon for Whizz-Kidz.

Places are limited - sign up today. e: events@whizz-kidz.org.uk t: 020 7233 9696 w: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk Contact the events team today for more winformation.

T : 0303 303 3000 E : challenge@anthonynolan.org.uk W : www.anthonynolan.org.uk registered charity no. 803716 / SC038827

Whizz-Kidz is the working name of the Movement for Non-Mobile Children.

Registered charity no.802872

T R I AT H L O N

Ask

•

Try the fluid replacement drink you will use in the race several weeks before the event to make sure you are comfortable drinking it and like it. Some drinks can upset your stomach. Try different flavours too.

•

Make sure you get the concentration right, as too weak a sports drink will not have the desired effect and too strong a concentration can cause stomach cramping. Too many carbohydrates in a drink may cause the stomach to shut down or draw all the blood to the stomach away from your working muscles.

•

Make sure that you choose a drink that has the right balance of sodium, potassium and some carbohydrate.

Some sports drinks do not contain enough electrolytes for tough exercise.

•

Decide well in advance of the race how much fluid you will take on board to stay hydrated before and during the race. This plan can be put into practice in training and before training. If you want to work out exactly how much fluid to consume, consult a sports nutritionist who will be able to work it out exactly or use the hydration calculator on www.gatorade.co.uk

•

To make sure you drink during the race, consider setting an alarm on your watch to sound every 10 minutes. This will prompt you to take sips. Drink little and often, not large amounts in one go.

•

Do not consume too much fluid the night before the race and the morning of the race. Over hydrating yourself is potentially worse than being dehydrated.

Having already consistently hydrated yourself during the week you will be ready. Just a 500ml bottle consumed over the course of the morning should be fine.

•

When running through aid stations, don’t just throw the liquid over your head. Run with the cup or bottle for a while and consume a few sips. When you have finished your intended amount, you can then cool off.

•

When you cross the finish line, make sure you keep hydrating yourself for the remainder of the day. This will aid recovery. It is easy to switch off after the race and forget to drink.

an EXPERT

Richard’s top tips for keeping fuelled for triathlon success:

Triathlon Coach and nine-time national champion and past winner of the London Triathlon, Richard Allen is conscious of how important proper hydration and energy replacement is in triathlon, whether your goal is winning the event or just ensuring you finish with a smile on your face

K

eeping hydrated and energised are vitally important for triathlon success. When you train or race, and are exerting yourself, you sweat out the body’s fluids and these are essential for keeping the body’s temperature at a correct level and a lack of fluids will result in the body overheating unduly quickly and performance being impaired. Additionally, as you exert yourself you suffer the further physical effect of reducing blood sugar and nutrient levels in the body which in turns lowers energy reserves making you tired an affect which can make you more prone to injury. In order to avoid these effects it is essential that you replace the fluids and nutrients you lose during training and competition, this is best done with a specialist fluid replacement or sports drink. n

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• Carbon seat stays for effective acceleration.

• Campagnolo 10-speed groupset for an efficient, precision drive train.

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• Special triathlon chamois.

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• No ironing required.

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Sizes: XS to XXXL Colours: Various colours, subject to availability.

T R I AT H L O N

The

Swimming in open water is a vastly different experience to training in a swimming pool. But with the right knowledge and preparation it need not be feared

FIRST leg

A

sk any triathlete for one piece of advice and, in beautiful harmony, they’ll reply, “practice open-water swimming.” Sounds obvious but beyond the bracing sensation of swimming through cold water, acclimatising to neoprene is a must. Even the most flexible suits don’t mimic the feel of swimming in leisure swimwear, so make sure that you practise, practise, practise.

Once you’ve got to grips with getting a wetsuit on and its compressive feel, you’ll also need to acclimatise to the cold. The open-water season begins in April when it is still pretty cold, so prepare beforehand by taking three 5min cold showers in the week.

The aim of swimming well during a triathlon is to keep your resistance to the water as low as possible. If this is developed over a period of time then come race day you will swim more efficiently and conserve energy. This will leave you a lot fresher when transferring onto the bike and run legs of your triathlon.

Unlike the other triathlon disciplines more power, strength and fitness are not directly going to equate to more speed.

Fortunately, a better technique eventually will equate to more speed in the water but the overall reward is an easier swim leading to a faster Triathlon, as you have more energy for the bike and run.

Peeling off the neoprene is one to practise too, it can save you valuable seconds in transition one. n

TOPS TIPS

Lubricate wrists, ankles and neck to avoid chaffing and make your wetsuit easier to get off. Do not use Petroleum based lubricants as they can rot the fabric of the wetsuit.

Wear everything you plan to race in under your wetsuit (TRISUITS are ideal); this can include your race number pinned to a top if you are not wearing a race belt.

Check the race course, is it better to be on one side of the starting pack of swimmers compared to the other? If you are not a confident swimmer then find a space and swim your own race.

Bilateral breathing in training will help you on race day: The added gain of being comfortable with this technique is that certain open water swims might dictate only breathing to one side.

If you can find someone of a similar speed you will have an easier swim if you swim close by and level to their knees (inside their bow wave – this is known as drafting). It is not illegal to draft, on the swim but be careful not to upset your pacemaker by constantly tapping them if you are too close.

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T R I AT H L O N

The

In the run up to the London Triathlon, we look at how best to get on your bike and into shape

Second leg

C

ontrary to popular belief, you do not have to use a racing bike to compete in the triathlon; as long as the bike complies with BTF rules then it’s absolutely fine. Mountain and road bikes can be used as long as the bike is configured so that it fits you correctly and that it is in roadworthy condition. For best results, have your bike serviced before you compete.

You must wear a helmet; ensure that your helmet meets the British Standards approval or the alternative American safety standard and a good fit means you cannot slide the helmet forwards or backwards. Any suitable clothing is acceptable on the bike leg but for the sake of speed, wear tight clothing that can be worn under a wetsuit. Choose high quality cycling shorts with an eight-panel design, chamois padding and antibacterial fabric. In addition, clipless cycling shoes can help you cycle with more power and fluidity, and it’s much easier than using toe-clips which can slow you down.

Cycling training is more fun and motivational with other athletes – during winter you could try a spinning class and when the weather is good, a group cycle. In the run up to the triathlon, nothing beats cycling on the road, as you are forced to work against the wind, bumpy roads and learn the gears that best suit the conditions. If you can find a triathlon or cycling club in your area, most members are keen to offer help and advice, and regular cycling sessions are easy to organise.

In training you should aim to go cycling 2 - 3 times per week, varying your distances and route. Aim for a long steady cycle on the weekend, with hills to help develop muscle strength. Cycle the approximate distance of your race twice per week, with at least one of these sessions followed by a suitable distance run. n

TOPS TIPS FOR TRIATHLON CYCLING

Training: Successful triathlon athletes recommend 30 hours of triathlon training a week, with roughly half of that dedicated to cycling. You might also find it helpful to alternate two hard weeks, with one easier week.

Build endurance early on: Early in training it’s important to build cycling endurance through long rides – make sure you cycle until you’re tired out, and really push your limits.

Shorter sessions near the race: Exchange miles for intensity. There’s no point in exhausting yourself in the week before the race, so go for short sessions to keep yourself in prime condition.

Fast transitions: Practice getting onto your bike with the appropriate footwear and also dismounting while the bike is still moving.

Practice Routes: Try and train on a route with similar traits to the race rout – i.e. including similar hills/bends etc.

Save your energy: In the last 5k of the cycle, don’t push yourself too hard otherwise you may not complete the run!

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Company Magazine “After eight sessions, I’d lost 4cm from my bum, 6cm from my hips and 8cm from my waist. Now I’m hooked.” Verdict: 5/5 Mirror Magazine “Andrea’s cellulite has improved the most, I’d say by 45%. She has lost half a stone in weight, her bottom is tighter and lifted and skin is smoother on the backs of thighs.”

Verdict: 10/10 Red Magazine “It worked for me: “The results were dramatic... I’ve lost 11lb and nine inches off my hips, thighs and bum. My legs look smoother and feel firmer, and I’m thrilled to have found a treatment that does what it says on the tin.”

Real Magazine “It works! I can’t believe it, but I’ve dropped a dress size and lost a total of 17.5cm from around my bottom, stomach and thigh area.

And my bum looks J Lo shapely.” Verdict: 9.5/10 The Independent “To my amazement and delight I discover Ive lost two inches from my waist, just two weeks in.”

Woman’s Own Magazine “After six sessions I can see a definite improvement in the shape of my thighs. I’ve lost about an inch and the excess baggage has practically gone.” Verdict: 10/10

Non-members welcome.

HypoxiZone @ The City Point Club, One Ropemaker Street, Moorgate, London EC2Y 9AW Tel: 07916 257 927 to book an appointment or trial or go to www.hypoxizone.co.uk for further information.

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T R I AT H L O N

On your

Making sure you are running clever on the day, Eileen Elliott looks at preparation for the run leg of the triathlon

E

Last leg

ven for experienced runners, running in a triathlon poses difficulties. Complicated by the swimming and cycling legs that precede it, the third leg is subject to increased fatigue and reduced focus. To overcome these difficulties, preparation is key.

It is important to have a good-quality pair of running shoes, which provide adequate cushioning and support, and are suitable for your running style. Most runners do not analyse their running style until a problem arises, such as an injury. However, runners in the early stages will give themselves the opportunity to correct bad habits, allowing them to run more efficiently using less energy. The best running shoe retailers will help you choose your running shoes with your running style in mind.

It is also worth considering the speed with which you can change your equipment between the legs. Elastic laces and toggles on running shoes and wearing the same clothes will shave all-important seconds off your overall time. Above all it is important to remember that all equipment must be run-in before the big day. You can start doing so in the next important stage of preparation: training.

Imagine training like a pyramid. The first layer of training is the foundation and must be strong before it can be built upon. This is the long slow run, which aims at improving basic aerobic function. The long slow run should be run at a comfortable pace where fatigue comes from the distance and not the intensity.

The next stage is Interval Training, which focuses on improving the distance of interval, the amount of rest in between, the number of repetitions and the time of each block of work. Interlinked with this is Conditioning, which can be made specific by altering the variables above.

Fartlek, which can be directly translated as “speed play�, involves continuous running with an ever-changing pace and is great for aerobic conditioning. Following this stage is the Hill Rep stage, which is resistance training and can be varied in a number of ways, including longer, slower hills for strength endurance and shorter, faster ones for power-based work.

Next comes Temp Run, which is a steady run at a slightly uncomfortable pace, kept up for the entire period of the workout. The final stage is Brick Training. All-important for a triathlon, this stage prepares your body for the transition from the cycling leg to the running leg. And come the big day, the only thing left is a little luck, so break a leg! n

On the day:

Race numbers must be worn on the front for the run leg

Water and Gatorade will be provided during the course

Trainers and clothing should be worn in before the race

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7420_AD2 Scope is a registered charity, number 208231. © Scope March 2010

Join the Children’s Hospices UK team!

Children’s Hospices UK is the national charity that gives voice and support to all children’s hospice services.

Sign up now to secure your place and to make a real difference to life-limited children and their families in your local area.

We have places available in the London Triathlon as well as many other sporting events throughout the year.

If you join our team you will get: • a FREE Children’s Hospices UK running vest or t-shirt • training advice and guidance • a FREE on-line fundraising page and top tips guide • opportunity to wear our butterfly running wings!

Simply visit our website www.childhospice.org.uk call us on 0117 989 7828 or email events@childhospice.org.uk.

Children’s Hospices UK is a charity registered in England (1103795) and is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee (4840209).

CITYpromotion

The Challenge The Challenge will take teams up 24 mountain peaks around the stunning Lake District, taking in mountains such as Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Great Dodd along the way. A far cry from the office - throughout the challenge teams will be amid some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. Afterwards, celebrations and awards will take place at a wellearned dinner and reception.

Image courtesy of CARE

The CARE 24 Peaks Challenge is undoubtedly demanding - an opportunity to test yourself and your colleagues; an opportunity to achieve the ultimate.

About CARE

24 PEAKS IN 24 HOURS Leading overseas development agency CARE International has laid down the gauntlet for City professionals, in the shape of the CARE 24 Peaks Challenge supported by Lexicon Partners on 26-27 June 2010. This is the ultimate UK Mountain Challenge: 24 Peaks in 24 hours!

Above:

Haiti woman and baby with aid supplies from CARE

CARE International is a leading aid organisation fighting global poverty and delivering emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters. In over 70 countries around the world, CARE works with communities to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, improve maternal and child health, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources.

CARE is assisting the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake on 12 January. CARE distributed aid within days, and the longer-term response is set to last at least five years, including earthquake-resistant construction and preparedness, rehabilitation of water systems, and reconstruction of schools and health systems.

CARE Challenge Manager, Neil Munro, says “The 24 Peaks Challenge offers people the opportunity to turn their good will into concrete results, supporting CARE’s work not just in Haiti but in over 70 poor countries worldwide. It’s a chance for colleagues from the City to enjoy the outdoors, network and achieve something amazing.”

How to take part If you and your colleagues have what it takes, visit the CARE Challenge website, where you can register your team – www.carechallenge.org.uk/24peaks or call the CARE Challenge Team on 020 7934 9470.

Left:

Haiti boy drinks from CARE tap following earthquake

Images courtesy of CARE/ Evelyn Hockstein

Image courtesy of CARE

L P

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connoisseur travel

Clockwise from left: Terrace at dusk St James’s Hotel exterior St James’s Hotel suite

Fine Tastes Whether you want to experience London’s vibrant West End, or breathe easily after a hectic day, Penelope M Walsh finds the perfect place to do so in style and luxury

H

idden away on a quiet cul de sac, amidst London’s busy West End and prestigious Mayfair, St James’s Hotel and Club offers a peaceful home away from home. Formed in 1857 by the international political élite, St James’s has seen a wide variety of high profile and impressive members walk its halls, from Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming to Al Pacino.

After two years of extensive renovation and redesign, the hotel has created an easy marriage of tradition and modernity, with exquisite décor by Anne Maria Jagdfeld and a gourmet restaurant by Michelin-starred chef, William Drabble. This five-star hotel offers 60 rooms in an elegant Victorian townhouse – each equipped with the latest technology, – including a penthouse suite with large roof terrace, so that you can make the most of your stay.

Voted one of the Best Business Hotels in the world by both Wallpaper and Fortune magazines, St James’s offers excellent facilities for business guests, including state-ofthe-art meeting rooms, and a peaceful atmosphere that will allow you to kick back after a tiring day.

The newly launched gourmet restaurant, Seven Park Place, has been awarded three AA Rosettes in as many months and alternatively, Drabble, offers modern French cuisine using the finest seasonal, British ingredients, in an intimate and exclusive setting. It also offers gourmet delights for private dining and business meetings, ideal for making the right impression with clients.

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The stylish interiors are both contemporary and complimentary to the hotel’s grand Victorian architecture.

It features elegant details such as handmade silk wallpaper and handcrafted Murano glass chandeliers, as well as decadent touches added with the use of marble, velvet, silk and leather.

The Club also houses the Rosenstein collection, an impressive collection of 20th century paintings, including Impressionist, Expressionist and Cubist work from all over Europe, which guests can even enjoy in the privacy of their own suite. n

special offers Only a short walking distance from the Royal Academy of Art, St James’s is offering an exclusive Real Van Gogh package until 18 April combining your stay with the Academy’s ground-breaking Real Van Gogh exhibition, featuring rarely seen letters.

And for stylish ladies, in hot anticipation for Sex and the City 2 St James’s is offering the Sex and the City Chic package, including a luxury overnight stay, dinner, Cosmopolitans and even cocktail classes from the barman.

For further information about the hotel and packages available, call 020 7316 1600 or visit www.stjameshotelandclub.com

connoisseur travel the best food & drink

Diva las vegas weekend escapes ............................................... a class act

............................................................. .......................................

GOURMET GETAWAY

W Escape to the sundrenched shores of Halkidiki to one of Greece’s gourmet hotspots for the 2010 Sani Resort Gourmet Festival

ith five of the best restaurants in the whole of Greece on site, the sun drenched Sani Resort is already renowned for its fine-dining. Now the resort is due to host its fifth annual Gourmet Festival on the spectacular halcyon shores of Halkidiki. Taking place from 14-23 May, this year’s festival will see the first ever fortnight of just female chefs showcasing their culinary creations. Each will be devising a menu especially for the festival, consisting of five or six courses paired with fine wines.

The illustrious list of chefs for this year’s festival includes Clare Smyth who has worked under several master chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Alain Ducasse, and is now head chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Also present will be Maria Elia, who has worked at internationally renowned Spanish restaurant El Bulli, and Reine Sammut, who has twice been voted France’s best female chef. n For more information on Sani Resort Gourmet Festival 2010 call 0030 23740 99400 or visit www.saniresort.gr/sanigourmet

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SHE’S BACK

Blythswood Square, one of Glasgow’s most famous and historical buildings, has been transformed into a breathtakingly luxurious five star hotel that captures the beauty, glamour and elegance of years gone by.

With 100 delightful rooms, including spacious suites and a heavenly top-floor penthouse, a seductive spa, a stunning restaurant, plus bars, a private screening room and state of the art event facilities, those who visit are certain to return time and time again.

I n t r o d u C t o r y r At E £99 in a Wee Classic including service and v. a .t.

Subject to availability. Call 0141 208 2458 and quote ‘City Mag’.

travel

connoisseur

TREAT AND RETREAT Perfect timing for next year’s New Year detox, Champneys Marbella, an exclusive new spa in Spain, is due to open early 2011. The spa will be in a beautiful location in the mountains, only minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea. Facilities will include 25 treatment rooms, residential apartments and an outdoor swimming pool.

travel

news

www.champneysmarbella.com

AIR BED

This April, the annual Zermatt Unplugged music festival returns with legends Billy Idol and Lionel Richie taking to the stage. Started in 2007 as a singer/songwriter festival, Zermatt Unplugged has gained popularity from music loving locals and guests alike.

Hosted by the exclusive Zermatt resort, the festival takes place under the watchful eye of the imposing Matterhorn, with the surrounding area providing spectacular views of the Swiss mountains, and fantastic skiing opportunities.

To celebrate the festival, Zermatt resort is offering a special deal from 10 – 17 April, for discerning guests who enjoy music and skiing in equal measures. The luxurious Chalet Zen will be offered at a significantly reduced rate. Tickets to the festival are not included in the package, but can be easily arranged by the personal concierge. One of the few chalets available to rent in this world class resort, Chalet Zen is located only 100m from the main lift, and offers excellent service and comfort, perfect for those returning from a tiring day on the slopes, or an evening on the dance floor.

10 April Departure - 7 nights at Chalet Zen, Zermatt; sleeps 8/10 from £1,562 per person (based on 8 sharing on a B&B basis) saving £500 per person on the usual cost. www.chalet-zen.com

www.airnewzealand.co.uk

Travel fact: Songkram, the water-throwing festival, takes place in Thailand from 13–15 April. Considered a traditional New Year celebration in the north, and simply a mass water fight in the south, it promises traditional Thai sanuk (fun) wherever you experience it.

Website of the month: www.experiencequest.com

Music in the Mountains

Ever ahead of the economy comfort game, Air New Zealand has recently launched the Skycouch, the first ever economy bed. High flyers can purchase three seats together (with the third offered at a reduced rate), which fold out, creating a bed ample for two adults. A major innovation in economy class comfort, amusingly Air New Zealand has stressed that the Skycouch is not to be used for joining the “mile high club”.

Acknowledging that it is not just gappers that yearn to experience all the world has to offer, Experience Quest offers gap year experiences for grown-ups who want to save on time, but not on luxury. Experience all the culturally rich and authentic experiences associated with a gap year, without experiencing six months of washing your hair in a bucket.

Brought to you in association with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassable collection of over 500 hotels spanning 70 countries, which offer an infinite variety of experiences.

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96

LAS VEGAS

travel

connoisseur

For a shot of high-intensity entertainment, Las Vegas is your best bet. You love it or you hate it, but you’ve got to experience it. Louisa Castle gets the Total Experience

I

’ve been to Vegas once before, to celebrate my 30th birthday; a long weekend in the world’s adult amusement park and one that stays in Vegas. Last month I was invited back by Harrah’s, the world’s largest provider of casino entertainment, to test out their new Total Experiences programme, labelled in all of the marketing literature as “a unique new program that offers a personal level of service to help you customise and plan all the details of your group trip”.

Basically, it’s a complimentary service if you book five or more rooms; that means you get a dedicated concierge service, not only to tailor make all of your travel requirements, but also to handle those extra little privileges that make things uniquely special.

Flying in to the affectionately named Sin City on a Friday night, we were collected in style with waiting limousines, a full complement of mini-bar and a short introduction to the bright lights on our short journey to Caesar’s Palace.

Whisked to the high-rollers entrance to avoid the queues, we were checked in seamlessly and shown to our rooms in Augustus Tower. Caesar’s Palace has over 3,000 rooms in different towers, so the first job for your Total Experience concierge is to make sure that you are all in the same place.

Rooms are vast, with floor-to-ceiling windows, seating area and marble bathrooms featuring one of the largest, deepest Jacuzzi baths that my eyes had ever seen and, after ten hours on a plane, that was my evening planned (not exactly Vegas but definitely worthwhile).

Covering 85 acres and with 24 dining experiences alone, Caesar’s Palace is what can only be described as a force to be reckoned with, standing on the same site since 1966. Worry not though, everything is signed and if you so desire you don’t actually have to venture out of the complex for anything.

Vegas has become what it is today based on the American vision and competitive spirit of being the best and having the biggest, and our mini-tour of the place didn’t disappoint. We were shown villas with theatre rooms and views of the gardens, penthouses covering over 10,000sq ft with electronic toilets, views up and down the Strip (and where President Obama has stayed), and rooms that have inspired movies.

I have to confess that not long before I visited Vegas again, I did rent The Hangover and our tour ended in the suite that inspired the movie. A good concierge knows their client and the two special guests that greeted us here were spot on: teen-idol Matt Goss (of Bros fame for those who slept through the 80s) for the girls, and Pussycat Dolls founder and manager Robin Antin for the boys and to make the girls jealous.

Whilst I could spend the rest of this article writing about Matt Goss, we were soon whisked away for private gaming lessons with the pit boss. Novice or thick-skinned gambler, the experience was good fun for everyone, the novices taking away simple strategies for Black Jack and the experts learning things for power play – a great introduction to

the casino floor, especially for those a little wet behind the ears like me.

After lunch and the brightest pink cactus margarita at Mesa Grill, the afternoon was spent relaxing in the 50,000sq ft QUA Baths & Spa, complete with Arctic Ice Room and Roman Baths (NB only the Brits wear bathing suits – everyone else is au naturel), followed by champagneaccompanied manicures and pedicures at the Michael Boychuck salon.

Just as the polish had hardened on our toes, we were out again and VIP-ed past the queues up the Eiffel Tower to watch the Bellagio fountains frolic. There’s a great view across Vegas from here and, in my opinion, the best place to see the fountains, if a little strange as you see the Statue of Liberty and pyramids in the background – but it is Vegas, baby!

Opposite: View of Paris Eiffel Tower and the Bellagio fountains at sunset Above: Double room, Augustus Tower Right: Caeser’s Palace Below: Matt Goss

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connoisseur travel

Left: PURE Nightclub Below: The Forum shops

One of the best places to eat in Vegas is close by too.

Mon Ami Gabi is the only restaurant to have seating on the Strip and fine-dining bistro-style – it is the perfect spot for some necessary people watching and the French Onion Soup is to die for, although not for the faint hearted.

On Saturday night in Vegas there is only one place to go and that’s PURE nightclub, rated No.1 in the US and really four nightclubs in one, including an outdoor roof terrace chillout area. We were bodyguarded through the crowds à la Whitney and whisked to the VIP area. Complete with white billowing curtains, it was as if you’d stepped out of an episode of The Hills and the beautiful people were here in force.

The next day, having eaten a hearty breakfast and dispelled the impending headache, it was time to shop in The Forum, Caesar’s shopping centre that would put Bluewater to shame. Tailor made to each of us, the personal shopping experience took us to DKNY and Ellie Taheri to learn about the new season trends with lots of goodies, gifts and bubbles to match, as well as a visit to Tourneau Time Dome, the largest watch store in the US. Shopped out, we then satisfied my other passion – food – with a cookery lesson with the executive chef of Michelinstarred Restaurant Guy Savoy, Hugo Coudrier and his pastry chef, Dyan Ng. Immersed in the working kitchens and with chef’s coats and hats, it is a must for any foodie.

We made vegetable cannons with truffles, the tastiest pieces of carrot that have ever passed these lips, and almond biscuits. We were also the guinea pigs for this offering and I think that Chef enjoyed it just as much as we did.

Well and truly satisfied, there was only one thing left to do. You can’t go to Vegas and not catch a show. Our concierge managed to get us VIP tickets to the very last Bette Midler show to be held at the Colosseum before Cher regained the crown. Not typically my thing, it was a spectacle and a half with show girls, Delores the mermaid and electric wheelchairs and the well-known faces around us were lapping it up.

Having done Vegas on my own and with a concierge I know which I would always plump for today. It’s all very well getting the best deals on the web but, whilst I have my contacts, Matt Goss isn’t in my address book... n

Vegas has become what it is today based on the American vision and competitive spirit of being the best and having the biggest

For further information about a Total Experince, call 0800 098 8104 or visit www.totalexperiences.com

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5

of the best

A change of scenery, a virtuous detox or a mischievous retox; whatever you want from a weekend break, we find the great escapes you are looking for

If a week in the city leaves you craving a country escape, look no further than The Arundell Arms in Devon. Only a few hours’ drive from London, a refreshing stay at this hotel, will ensure you return to work with a new lease of life.

Set in the spectacular Devonshire countryside in the village of Lifton, The Arundell Arms offers fantastic facilities for those yearning for the great outdoors. Located in the valley of five rivers and boasting its own well-stocked lake, the hotel is famous for its fantastic salmon, trout and sea trout fishing.

There are even fishing courses available with varying lengths to suit your needs; the perfect way to take stock and take a little time for yourself.

Weekend

BREAKS

GREAT ESCAPE

Run by the same family for over 50 years, you are promised a warm welcome and friendly service for you and even your dog. Lose yourself on Dartmoor where wild ponies, sheep and long-haired cattle roam free. Return to a feast of hearty pub classics or delicious gourmet dishes, both prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients.

01566 784666 www.arundellarms.co.uk

NO WORRIES If you are looking for a luxury holiday, with everything your heart could desire, then look no further than Cornish Cribs.

Cornish Cribs offers a range of luxury properties in the spectacular Cornish countryside, with an excellent and awardwinning level of service that ensures you will want and strive for nothing.

Let Cornish Cribs take care of your

your imagination can stretch to.

hot tubs and much more. The spacious Trevean House is situated on Cornwall’s breathtaking South Coast, with the beaches of Marazion-Mount’s bay nearby by. Sink back and relax in the master bedroom, enjoy the beautiful sea views, and let Cornish Cribs take care of the rest.

Amongst the lavish offerings, the properties boast elegant architect designed interiors, swimming pools,

0844 800 2813 www.cornishcribs.com

groceries (from local Cornish produce to recognised brand names), or let a chef prepare you a beautiful meal and even clean up afterwards, or use the concierge service to organise anything

A GOOD SPORT Set in an impressive 200 acres of wooded parkland, the family-run Highbullen offers breathtaking views in all directions, with Dartmoor to the south and Exmoor to the north.

Having played host Sir Laurence Olivier (who wrote parts of his autobiography here) and foodie Delia Smith, the Highbullen knows how to provide star treatment to all its guests.

The hotel offers an extensive range of indoor and outdoor sporting and leisure activities that few hotels in the south of England can match. For avid golfers there is a fantastic 18 hole par 68 golf course and even a golf simulator. Hunter gathers can enjoy trout and salmon fishing or

contact the Highbullen about their exclusive shooting parties. For the more adventurous there are also opportunities nearby for rock climbing, sailing, surfing, horse-riding, hiking and mountain biking nearby.

If these exciting activities leave your muscles aching, you can relax and revive with the hotel’s extensive range of beauty and fitness facilities, including a sauna and spa. Guests can stay in the main house, or rent a private cottage on the estate, making this the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend, corporate event or family break.

01769 540561 www.highbullen.co.uk

LAKESIDE LUXURY A country house hotel with a difference, Holbeck Ghyll offers guests excellent and unique service that goes beyond the normal standard of luxury.

Converted into a luxury hunting lodge

by Lord Lonsdale (of the famous Lonsdale boxing belt), the hotel interior retains the charm of its original Arts & Crafts makeover, including stained glass windows and carved wood.

Taking the concept of room service to luxurious limits, Holbeck Ghyll offers a concierge service which can be used to organise anything your heart could desire, such as a simple birthday cake, luxury supercar hire or even a helicopter transfer from anywhere in the UK.

SPRING BREAK Tucked away in the beautiful Durham Dales is Headlam Hall Hotel & Spa, the North East’s Small Hotel of the Year.

Offering spectacular views of the English countryside, this Jacobean manor house sits among four acres of secluded private gardens, beautifully ornamented with elegant lawns, ancient beech hedges and flowing waters.

interiors, with variations in style, size and character. All rooms feature the best mod cons and comforts that you need for a relaxing and luxurious break in the country. One of finest hotels in the region, Headlam Hall also offers a challenging nine hole golf course set in stunning pastureland, and the fantastic £2.5 million spa.

Nearby sights include Barnard Castle (a historic market town and the largest in the dales, which boasts a twelfth century castle and the impressive nineteenth century Bowes Museum), High Force (England’s highest waterfall) and Raby Castle (a wonderful medieval castle).

Headlam Hall is currently offering the exclusive Spring Revival Break, which offers a significantly reduced rate on a package featuring accommodation, breakfast, dinner, use of the golf course as well as reduced price spa treatments.

The hotel’s 40 bedrooms are all designed with luxurious yet individual

01325 730238 www.headlamhall.co.uk

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Lakeland Fells and Lake Windermere, which have been voted one of the top 15 views in the world. Indulge with a relaxing treatment using only the finest organic or wild grown plants at the Holbeck Ghyll Health Spa. Or dine and delight in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, which has held its Michelin star for an impressive ten years and sits in the top 23 in the 2010 UK Good Food Guide.

01539 432 375 www.holbeckghyll.com

ENJOY A RELAXING BREAK AT ONE OF THE UK’S FINEST COUNTRY HOUSE HOTELS Stay at Holbeck Ghyll and you will experience luxury at its very best.

En-suite bedrooms, many boasting breathtaking views over Lake Windermere and the Lakeland Fells. A bespoke concierge service to organise anything your heart could desire, from birthday cakes to luxury supercar hire, hot air balloon rides to helicopter transfers.

Dine in our Michelin star restaurant, ranked 23rd in the 2010 UK Good Food Guide, and enjoy a glass of wine from our award-winning wine list.

Or pamper yourself with one of the many treatments available in our Health Spa, where our qualified therapists use the ESPA range.

Visit our website at www.holbeckghyll.com for more information and to see our full range of offers.

T : 01539 432 375

E : stay@holbeckghyll.com

www.holbeckghyll.com

WONDERFUL LAKE VIEWS - MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANT - HEALTH SPA

travel

connoisseur

Destination...

Paris

Penelope M Walsh succumbs to the charms of the French capital What to see::

Art House

Where to eat:

The spectacular Musée du Louvre houses one of the largest collections of art and antiquities in the world. Highlights not to miss include the Mona Lisa and the Venus di Milo.

Housing over 30,000 artefacts from all over the world, it is nigh on impossible to cover the whole collection in one visit. But if you can’t resist a challenge, you could always try to beat the speedy record (nine minutes 43 seconds) set in Godard’s legendary Parisian film Bande à Part.

Café Culture

A visit to one of Paris’ legendary cafés is a must. Follow in the footsteps of Sartre and de Beauvoir and ponder the meaning of life over coffee and croque monsieurs at Les Deux Magots, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Or visit Ladurée’s luxurious grand salon du thé. Indulge in macaroons and pastries in surroundings that are as beautiful and ornate as the sweets themselves.

www.paradislatin.com

www.colette.fr

Parisian Paradise Located on the Avenue Montaigne, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is synonymous with luxury and style, playing host to the world’s élite, from Grace Kelly to Gwen Stefani. The stars of the hotel are the Eiffel Terrace Suite with stunning panoramic views and elegant art deco interiors, and the brand new Royal Suite, the largest in Paris with a staggering 450 square-metres at its guests’ disposal.

Under One Roof

Housed in a building designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 and considered the most Parisian of cabarets, Le Paradis Latin is the oldest traditional French cabaret in the world. The show features magicians, acrobats and the infamous French cancan performed by enticing dancers, all in elaborate costumes. Delight your senses with this vibrant display of colour and rhythm accompanied by an aperitif, wine, champagne and a choice of several gourmet menus.

Where to play::

Style and Grace

Don’’t miss:

Dubbed Paris’ definitive retail experience, Colette showcases new and exclusive quality brands from around the world on the fashionable rue Saint-Honoré.

Browse Colette’s extensive book and magazine library, a wall of iPods, offering an eclectic selection of music, the candle bar for a chic souvenir, or the art gallery, which has exhibited work by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld.

Head upstairs for an impressive collection of fashion and beauty,

by Sonia Rykiel, Thakoon, Band of Outsiders, and many more.

www.lesdeuxmagots.fr www.laduree.fr

Where to stay:

T

he city of lights, and the city of love; Paris is the fantasy world of art, literature and film.

From the Chanel-suited grand dame to the smouldering intellectualista, Paris is the home of many of the 20th century’s iconic symbols of style. Explore Paris’ bohemian Left Bank and the glamorous Right, and find a city saturated in culture and history.

www.plaza-athenee-paris.com City Airport offers six direct flights a day Mon-Fri, with one flight on Sundays.

i

For more information, schedules and to book your flight visit, www.londoncityairport.com

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food & drink

THE PEOPLE’S COOKBOOK/NATIONAL FAVOURITE/HOME COMFORTS

food & drink

news

In 2005 Canteen introduced London to a restaurant concept so longer forgotten, it was hugely innovative: great British cuisine, in an affordable and accessible environment. Having pleased the palate of London’s most acid-tongued restaurant critics and the British public alike, Canteen have published Canteen: Great British Food, a cookbook featuring 120 “unapologetically nostalgic” recipes of great classic British dishes and familiar treats from childhood.

A GOURMET HIGH

Even with the finest range of restaurants available in London, sometimes it is difficult to make that special event even more special and out of the ordinary. Imagine sharing a gourmet meal with friends, colleagues or business clients, suspended in the air, with exhilarating views of St. Pauls, a Grand Prix or any other location of your choice. Sitting at a table suspended 165ft in the air, Dinner in the Sky can offer you a first-class dinning experience, a dizzying high, and an unforgettable experience all rolled into one. The table has the capacity for 22 guests, who are served by chefs and waiters operating from the centre of the table. With partners operating in 28 countries worldwide, Dinner in the Sky can be organised for any location that your imagination and desire might stretch to, and whether for business or pleasure, will make an unforgettable impression.

Canteen: Great British Food is published by Ebury Press, £16.99 Hb

FOOD FOR THE IMAGINATION This Easter, The Grove will be turning itself into a children’s fairytale come true, inspired by four classic children’s stories: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit. Creating culinary delights from your favourite children’s stories, The Grove’s finest pastry chefs will be holding a chocolate-making class inspired by the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, whilst Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard will offer cake-making classes, bringing the fantastical Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to life. www.thegrove.co.uk

www.dinnerinthesky.co.uk

LOOK OUT! Jamie’s Italian new Spring/ Summer menu is coming soon.

Canary Wharf Churchill Place 0203 002 5252

Food lingo:

Quote:

DURIAN

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well

Used widely and variedly in South East Asian cuisines, durian is a giant, thorncovered, husked fruit with such a strong smell, that it is banned in most Singaporean and Malaysian hotels.

Website of the month:

Virginia Woolf, British novelist and essayist

www.cookfood.net

Restaurant NEWS: 25-year-old Maxime Le Van joins Gastropub Paradise as head chef, following a spell at Club Gascon and Michelin starred L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.

Highlights of the Nice-born chef’s new menu include the Goosnargh duck tartare and the Champagne rhubarb crumble.

connoisseur

For gourmets whose time or cooking skills do not allow for their tastes, COOK offers the perfect solution.

Offering a range of meals to a delicious home-cooked standard, COOK will deliver frozen ready-made meals with a difference, direct to your door.

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OFFICIAL CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

Executive golf fans in and around the City can enjoy a full day of luxury hospitality at The Open Championship in St Andrews, this year, without missing a night in London, thanks to two extra return flights put on especially for the event

by CityJet. Golf’s oldest Major celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. To mark this historic milestone, The Official Open Championship

Hospitality are offering return flights from London City Airport, combined with a full day of exclusive corporate hospitality.

It is the perfect way for businesses and their guests to enjoy an unforgettable day watching the best golfers in the world, without the need for an overnight stay.

“This is a very special year for one of the

world’s greatest sporting events, and there is no better place to enjoy this occasion than at the Home of Golf – St Andrews.”

David MacCallum, sales director for The Official Open Championship Hospitality

The day starts off with an 8am flight from London City Airport to Dundee with breakfast served on board. City Airport is just 15 minutes from Canary Wharf and 50 minutes from Regents Park, and CityJet offers a 15 minute check-in time – the shortest of any UK airport.

a champagne reception and a full day of hospitality at The Official Hospitality Village at The Old Course. The package includes a three-course lunch with wine, an open bar all day, afternoon tea and an official Open Championship admission ticket.

After a short transfer from Dundee to St Andrews, guests will enjoy bacon rolls and coffee, followed by

After an early evening transfer from Dundee, guests are back at London City Airport by 8pm.

For further information on CityJet, please visit www.cityjet.com

To find out more about The Official Open Championship Hospitality packages available at the 2010 Open Championship, log on to: www.opengolfofficialhospitality.com

food & drink

connoisseur

a Class Act Restaurant, bar and culinary academy, The Class Rooms is an innovative addition to eateries in the City. Louisa Castle heads for a lesson

I

f you visit the website for The Class Rooms, great attention is paid to ‘inspiring the senses’ and the first one to be stimulated is vision. Set in the old Daily Mail headquarters, the ambience created is one of space and opulence.

Greeted at the grand entrance, we were shown through to the designer cocktail bar complete with resplendent wallpaper, chandeliers and chunky armchairs. Even though the décor is quite dark, the feel is one of warmth and you can see yourself catching up with old friends over a bottle of wine here, quite comfortably. Happy Hour is 5.30pm to 7.30pm (Monday to Friday), so you could even indulge in one of the speciality cocktails, or there are regular cheese and wine nights for those with a savoury tooth.

But we were here to dine in the restaurant. The style and décor is carried through from the bar area, with large windows looking out onto Tudor Street so you are able to watch the hustle and bustle of outside in the comfort of inside.

The menu is a British–European fusion, and you can tell that Chef has enjoyed putting all the flavours together. Our starters demonstrated this: seared chicken livers, spinach leaves, green beans, Anya potatoes and poached duck egg (£6.25), and baked Cheltenham beetroot, whipped goat’s cheese and toasted hazelnuts (£6.75).

The flavours work well together, not one thing overpowering another, which can so easily happen: The liver was cooked well but not at all tough, the yellow yolk of the poached egg clearly denoted that it was fresh that day, and the goat’s cheese light and creamy.

Happily chatting away, the waitress service was efficient, exceedingly polite and yet unobtrusive. The whole evening flowed seamlessly. And just as seamlessly as our starter plates were cleared, our main courses arrived; a special dish of sea bass on a bed of lentils (£13.95), and chargrilled Rib Eye steak, triple-cooked chips, and port and Roquefort sauce (£18.95).

Portion size is good and the steak did fill the plate, the jus balancing the bitterness of the Roquefort well with the full body of the port. The sea bass, superstar of the seas, was light and flaky and the mild flavours worked with the accompaniments.

Our evening was coming to an end, as was our wine, a light and fruity Sangiovese (£23.35) and, whilst our stomachs were happily replenished, the temptation of the bitter chocolate and hazelnut brownie with milk ice-cream (£6.25) was too much, even with two spoons.

Reflecting on our evening over peppermint tea, The Class Rooms is a stylish destination, capturing the style of today but not so fashionable that it will be out of date tomorrow.

The atmosphere and service is relaxed and unobtrusive, and the food an excellent demonstration that you don’t have to pay a fortune for good food.

What’s great is that you can also take cookery classes here, hence the name, and learn some recipes for yourself. n The Class Rooms 26 Tudor Street (corners with Whitefriars Street), EC4Y 0AY 020 7822 2330 www.theclass-rooms.co.uk

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connoisseur food & drink

listings restaurants

bars

American

Italian

2 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, EC1R 020 7278 0077

Churchill Place, E14

Dollar Grills and Martinis

Jamie’s Italian

020 3002 5252 Lena

The Big Chill Bar

Dray Walk, off Brick Lane, E1 020 7392 9180

Hawksmoor

66 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 020 7739 5714

British

19 New Bridge Street, EC4V 020 7438 8052

5 Threadneedle Street, EC2R 020 7657 8088

Volupté

59 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7796 0600

157 Commercial Street, E1 020 7247 7392 Canteen

2 Crispin Place, E1 08456 861 122 Beach Blanket Babylon

19-23 Bethnal Green Road, E1 020 7749 3540 GREENS

14 Cornhill, EC3V 020 7220 6300

French Coq D’Argent

No.1 Poultry, EC2R 020 7395 5000 Les Trois Garcons

Refettorio

9 Norwich Street, EC4A 020 7831 1622 or 020 7831 1677

Oriental

Royal China Club (Baker St)

40-42 Baker Street, W1U 020 7486 3898 Saki

4 West Smithfield, EC1A 020 7489 7033

Mexican

Green & Red

1 Club Row, E1 020 7613 1924

51 Bethnal Green Road, E1 020 7749 9670

Sauterelle

Middle Eastern

Royal Exchange, EC3V 020 7618 2483

Gastropub Duke of Cambridge

30 St Peter’s Street, N1 020 7359 3066 The Peasant

240 St. John Street, EC1V 020 7336 7726

Greek Mezedopolio

14 Hoxton Market, N1 020 7739 8212

Kenza

10 Devonshire Square, EC2M 020 7929 5533

Modern European One Lombard Street

1 Lombard Street, EC3V 020 7929 6611 Rhodes Twenty Four

Bonds

Cellar Gascon

Cicada

132-136 St John Street, EC1V 020 7608 1550 Fishmarket Champagne Bar

Great Eastern Hotel Liverpool Street, EC2M 020 7618 7215

The Gherkin Bar & Restaurant

Levels 39 & 40 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 020 7071 5009 Grand Café & Bar

The Courtyard Royal Exchange, EC3V 020 7618 2480 Harry’s Bar

5 Abchurch Yard, EC4N 020 7623 2355 Light Bar

233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 020 7247 8989 Match EC1

Tower 42 Old Broad Street, EC2N 020 7877 7703

45-47 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M 020 7250 4002

Smiths of Smithfield

27 Leadenhall Market, EC3V 020 7623 1818

67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 020 7251 7950

Spanish Moro

34-36 Exmouth Street, EC1R 020 7833 8336

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Balls Brothers

5-6 Carey Lane, EC2V 020 7600 2720

Ortega

Vertigo 42

Tower 42 25 Old Broad St, EC2N 020 7877 7842 The Worship

Triton Court 14 Finsbury Square, EC2A 020 7330 0920

food & drink

connoisseur

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

If you’re tired of the same old corporate entertainment package in the same old style, why not head to the newly refurbished ultra-stylish Planet Hollywood to impress clients and treat employees, says Emily Walker

I

nspired by the continuous style, beauty and glamour of Hollywood, the concept of Planet Hollywood was born in the nineties, backed by stars including Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Demi Moore.

A favourite city haunt boasting excellent food, delicious cocktails, film-themed decor and buzzing atmosphere, Planet Hollywood London has already enjoyed a 16-year stint based at its first site in the Trocadero centre.

Last year, Planet Hollywood London moved into its new home on the Haymarket and became even more glamorous and exclusive in the process. Featuring the achingly suave Bond room, the ulta-kitsch British room and trendy Cabana room, the new Planet Hollywood also draws guests into its popular cocktail bar, making it an ideal venue for both large and small groups, looking for corporate entertainment with flair.

In line with the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino, the re-brand has built up an attractive appeal to the corporate sector with its sexy, streamlined event space, inhouse event planners and slick customer service. Perfect for client lunches, cocktail celebrations, meeting space, product launches and working meals, the team will be happy to discuss all possible options.

The newly refurbished Planet Hollywood has already become popular with a number of large corporate organisations including BBC, HSBC, Coca Cola and ARUP – one of the world’s largest engineering companies. “Many of these companies have used the venue for a stand up Christmas party for 700 people, where we completely removed all of the furniture, brought in and rigged disco lighting and created more of a ‘club feel’ for them,” says Phil Sherrington at Planet Hollywood London. “Coca Cola regularly use the venue for both small and large scale meetings and presentations, and we can go from 700 people right down to a simple room hire.”

Although many people may have visited the old site, the new Planet Hollywood is certainly causing a stir in the City. “Some people say it is not right for them without even coming to see our new concept,” says Phil. “But when we get them through the door nearly all of them realise that it’s not just a restaurant; it’s an event space that can be changed with relative ease into a catwalk, a disco, a gala dinner with awards or whatever you like.”

For more information, visit www.planethollywoodlondon.com

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGES Simply tell the team what you’re looking for and they’ll come up with a number of options with a price per head (including all alcohol, soft drinks and finger food throughout the duration of your event). Most popular is the all-star American or delicious Italian cooking featured in the Planet Hollywood menu, but ultimately the restaurant can cater to anything that corporate clients need, from canapés to gala dinners.

Corporate entertainment packages can be tailor-made for the client, keeping them on budget without any worry about restrictions or running low on drinks. The Planet Hollywood corporate entertainment package prices start from just £15 per head and can rise to £85 per head depending on requests. For a full company takeover they can hold 800 people for a reception or party and 300 for a sit-down dinner. The private rooms can sit up to 100 people at a time and can be used for a standing reception for up to 120 people.

WORLD CUP FEVER Planet Hollywood will also be holding corporate hospitality for the World Cup 2010, with ticket prices including all beer, wine and soft drinks plus unlimited finger food. Tickets will be priced at £65.00 per person.

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event calendar, see our forthcoming VIP parties or simply browse through our exclusive deals and concessions, visit www.viciniteevip.com

Harpers & Queen:

‘A reputation for stylish parties and partnerships’

Bad Bunny Ball & Forthcoming Events Hendrix’s Gin Tasting and Cocktails 20th April, Boisdale of Belgravia Hendrick’s is an iconoclastically produced gin, distilled in Ayrshire, Scotland. Louis Xavier Lewis-Smith, Hendrick’s Gin Ambassador, will be mixing, shaking and stirring on the night for members and guests from 6.30pm onwards.

The Costa Rican Cocktail Party 8th April, Whisky Mist

Paolo Nutini 8th April, The Royal Albert Hall Vicinitee VIP is delighted to offer members and their guests the chance to watch the biggest selling male artist of 2009, Paolo Nutini, at the stunning Royal Albert Hall from their own private box with champagne, wine and canapés.

Badminton Horse trials 30th April – 5th May, Gloucestershire Badminton Horse Trials has been held every year since 1949, and take place in the beautiful parkland of the Duke of Beaufort and always attracts the majority of leading horses and riders in the world. With close to 200,000 spectators the tented village contains over 500 exhibitions to keep members and guests entertained.

This month’s cocktail party will take place at Mahiki’s sister Club and Park Lane’s Party Venue, ‘Whisky Mist’. Vicinitee VIP, The Renaissance Club, The Button Club and The Sisterhood will join forces bringing the young, the fun and the good looking, together to celebrate Vicinitee VIP’s first year and to raise money for charity.

Complimentary cocktails will be served to members and their guests.

Whitney Houston 25th – 28th April, O2 Arena Whitney Houston is one of the bestselling female artists of all time, she has sold over 140 million albums worldwide and is the most awarded female artist in history. The concert will be the must see show of this decade as Whitney returns to perform her first major tour in eleven years. Official VIP Hospitality is now available to card holders.

25/03/2010 08:51:05

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29/3/10 17:02:55

ART FOR ALL SEASONS Founded in 1768 by King George III and a group of prominent artists and architects, the Royal Academy of Arts has a wealth of history and prestige, making it the perfect venue for corporate entertaining at the heart of Mayfair Regarded as the ‘home of the blockbuster’, the Academy hosts the annual and ever-popular Summer Exhibition, the largest open submission of contemporary art in the world. During this world-renowned exhibition, corporate guests can enjoy the unique opportunity to entertain within the galleries, surrounded by contemporary art, many items of which are available for purchase. Hot on the heels of the Summer Exhibition in the autumn of 2010, will see an amazing exhibition of European Old Masters from the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts, featuring works from Leonardo, Raphael, Monet, Gauguin and Picasso. A sumptuous show, it will be a perfect backdrop to entertain.

The Royal Academy’s Fine Rooms offer guests the opportunity to enjoy their events surrounded by works from Britain’s most famous artists and the rooms are available for evening receptions and breakfasts, (capacity 350), dinners, (capacity 100) and lunches (capacity 24). Guests can also enjoy exclusive exhibition private views during non-public hours or tour the behind-the-scenes parts of the Academy.

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For further information and tickets for the Summer Exhibition Preview Party, call 020 7300 5974 or email fundraising.events@royalacademy.org.uk For further information about entertaining and corporate access to the Royal Academy of Arts, visit www. royalacademy.org.uk/corporate or contact Rachel Hilton, corporate events manager, 0207 300 5987

&

out about

out & about

connoisseur

GO GREEN Eight jewellery designers have produced spectacular emerald pieces inspired by the Gemfields elephant; an immense 6,225-carat rough emerald discovered in Zambia, and nicknamed “Insofu” (meaning “elephant” in the language of the indigenous Bemba people). Known as the Emerald Project, this unique ‘popup’ collection will be displayed in Harrods Fine Jewellery Room (along with the Gemfields elephant), and sold at auction. Supported by World Land Trust patrons Sir David Attenborough and David Gower OBE, and in cooperation with Elephant Parade, the capital’s largest public art exhibition, which campaigns to protect the endangered Asian elephant, this event promises to showcase man and nature’s finest creations.

The Emerald Project Harrods Fine Jewellery Room www.harrods.com

ARTISTIC FLARE St Paul’s Cathedral has just unveiled a new work by Anthony Gormley. A key figure in British art for over 25 years, Gormley’s work includes the iconic modern landmark, Angel of the North, and has been exhibited extensively worldwide. Gormley’s new installation, Flare II, is part of the St Paul’s Cathedral Arts Project, which has so far showcased installations exploring connections between faith and art from the likes of Rebecca Horn, Yoko Ono and Martin Firrell. An exploration of ‘human space’ expressed within the constructs of geometry, Flare II is displayed in view of the cathedral’s famous geometric staircase, which appears to float unsupported to great dramatic effect and has appeared in numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

THE ART OF FOOTBALL For those who cannot wait until the 2010 World Cup in June, London salesroom Christie’s is offering avid football fans a chance to whet their appetite, with the Vintage Poster sale. The auction will include around 200 illustrated and graphic posters from various countries and years, with a particular emphasis on vintage football posters and estimates ranging from £600–£15,000.

Promoting the only World Cup tournament to date that England has won, the 1966 World Cup poster by Carvosso is sure to be snapped up by eager England supporters. Other highlights of the sale include an extremely rare poster promoting the first ever FIFA World Cup, which took place in July 1930 in Uruguay; the country celebrated the centenary of its

independence the same year. Christie’s is the busiest auction room in the UK, and this auction will be no exception, with a special opportunity to get your hands on a rare piece of sporting history.

Flare II St Paul’s Cathedral www.stpauls.co.uk

Vintage Poster Public Viewing 8–12 May Auction 13 May at 2pm Christie’s, South Kensington, www.christies.com

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connoisseur out & about

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Idea Generation Gallery presents a unique retrospective of the last 40 years of Storm Thorgerson’s work, the creator of legendary rock and roll album artwork. Working with rock royalty including Muse, Megadeath, and Led Zeppelin, Storm was responsible for the album cover of Pink Floyd’s 1973 The Dark Side of the Moon, cited as the best album cover of all time. Storm’s arresting images have become as iconic as the music they market, and this exciting exhibition will showcase them in their full glory, along with previously unseen sculptures, sketches and writings.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING The Spread Eagle’s delicious food and wine pairing evenings return, bringing a taste of Spanish sunshine to Greenwich. The event will begin with canapés and rosé Cava, and the dinner will feature a carefully selected range of red and white wines from the Navarra and Rioja regions of Spain, accompanied by delectable tapas dishes.

The Spread Eagle 21 April, www.spreadeagle.org 020 8853 2333

© Pink Floyd

Storm Thorgerson: Right But Wrong, Extended album art of StormStudios and Hipgnosis 1 April–2 May, The Idea Generation Gallery www.ideageneration.co.uk

THE PAPER EATERS This April, Selfridges will display and be displayed in The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story!, a multi-layered, interactive art installation. Following the success of Exactitudes in 2008, this will be the second collaboration between Selfridges and The Photographers’ Gallery, bringing photography to audiences beyond the traditional confines of a gallery. Inspired by nostalgia for the ‘80s and respect for humble paper, artist duo and schoolfriends The Girls (Andrea Blood and Zoë Sinclair) will produce three issues of a photo story magazine shot in and around the store. Transforming the Ultralounge into a shrine to paper, The Girls will work from this eccentric den of nostalgia, where visitors will be able to enjoy a drive-in style photo-story viewing booth, 1980s makeovers and many more activities besides. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in editorial meetings, talk to the artists and contributors, and to see a selection of their previous work.

The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story!

1–29 April, Ultralounge, Selfridges www.selfridges.com

AFTERNOON IN WONDERLAND Sanderson is combining two great British traditions: afternoon tea and eccentric whimsy, both perfectly encapsulated by The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea is served daily in The Courtyard Garden, an outdoor wonderland of flowering trees, fountains and mosaics, which is fully covered and heated in the colder months. The Afternoon Tea includes all manner of delicious flights of fancy, including the white chocolate and strawberry Queen of Hearts teacake, traditional finger sandwiches in a kaleidoscope of colours, and mint chocolate chip ice cream exploding lollipops.

The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea The Courtyard Garden, Sanderson 020 7300 1444, www.sandersonlondon.com

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BAROQUE FESTIVAL Easter Monday heralds the return of the annual St Martin’s Handel Festival. Held in one of London’s most famous churches, this beautiful piece of baroque architecture played host to the legendary composer himself in the early 18th century, and there can be no more fitting venue to hear this fantastic tribute to his music. The festival will open with Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, and continue with a week of evening and free lunchtime concerts.

St Martin’s Handel Festival 5–10 April, www.smitf.org 020 7766 1100

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LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

april 2010 - issue 9

Covering The City, CANARY WHARF, DOCKLANDS & South East

Hot Properties check out this month’s hottest homes

KnightFrank.co.uk/Sales

Telfords Yard, Wapping E1W A two bedroom warehouse conversion on the edge of the city, with unusually high ceilings, exposed brick and original warehouse doors; giving the apartment oodles of character.

Immaculate kitchen, two bathrooms, parking. 114 sq m (1229 sq ft) Share of Freehold Guide price: £650,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Thomas More Street, Wapping E1W Two bedroom flat in good order with delightful water and river views from private balconies. Spacious and light apartment located on the first floor of well maintained gated development. Presented in good order. Porter and private parking. 90 sq m (969 sq ft).

Leasehold 114 years Guide price: £529,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Goodhart Place, Limehouse E14 A well presented and spacious two bedroom apartment situated on the first floor of a purpose built portered development. The apartment profits from a private balcony with views over Limehouse marina . 92 sq m (990 sq ft) Share of Freehold Guide price: £545,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

China Court, Wapping E1W Comprehensively refurbished one bedroom flat with views over gardens. In immaculate order, a stylish flat which has been finished with great attention to detail on the first floor of a popular well maintained purpose built block.

Reception room, kitchen, bathroom, parking space. gas ch, estate manager. 53 sq m (579 sq ft) Leasehold 101 years Guide price: £355,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Tower Walk, St Katharine’s Dock E1W Beautiful and substantial house situated over four floors accommodating two large reception rooms,a fully fitted kitchen, four large bedrooms, four bathrooms, two roof terraces, a private garage and stunning views of St Katharine’s Dock. This excellent family home is very unusual in this area and in a fantastic location, moments from Tower Hill and The City. £1,500 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

St Hilda’s Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Great top floor one bedroom apartment in this smart portered block. Newly refurbished with a fully fitted kitchen, stylish en-suite shower room, guest WC, good size rooms, high ceilings, private balcony, underground parking and available furnished. £360 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Theobalds Road, Bloomsbury WC1X Beautifully presented one bedroom apartment set in this newly converted block in Bloomsbury, close to Holborn and Chancery Lane underground stations. These stylish flats have been fitted to a very high standard boasting modern open plan kitchens, good size reception rooms, lovely bathroom suites, wooden flooring, interior designed furnishings and two terraces. £450 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

Towerside, Wapping High Street E1W Very smart recently completely refurbished one bedroom riverside apartment set in this purpose built block in central Wapping. This bright apartment has a lovely open plan kitchen reception room, modern bathroom with shower, hard wooden floors, underground parking, a private balcony and contemporary furnishings. £350 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Gallery Lofts, Hopton Street SE1 Stylish split level loft apartment located in this outstanding 24 hour portered development next to The Tate Modern and River Thames. This beautiful 1450 sq ft apartment has been finished to a high standard boasting a lovely open plan reception room with double height ceilings, modern fully fitted kitchen. Also offering two double bedrooms, two contemporary bathroom suites, multiple terraces and impressive views. £1500 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Spirit Quay, Wapping, E1W

New Crane Place, Wapping, E1W Large two double bedroom two bathroom apartment set in this popular 24 hour portered development on Wapping High Street. This spacious top floor flat has a large L shaped reception room, fully fitted kitchen, two spacious double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite), parking and a huge stylish roof terrace with views down Wapping High Street. £550 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Stamford Street, Lambeth, SE1

Well presented three bedroom two bathroom house set in this quiet location in west Wapping. This unfurnished property has a lovely semi open plan fitted kitchen, wood floors to the reception room, great private garden, large master bedroom with en-suite shower room, master bathroom, two further double bedrooms and a garage.

A conveniently located one bedroom apartment in the new 57 Stamford Street. Newly built and moments from the South Bank this apartment is great for the transport links of Waterloo Station and offers good living space at 584sq. ft. the apartment has a great balcony and is located on the third floor. Offered furnished.

£525 per week

£425 per week

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

St Pancras Chambers, Euston Road NW1 An impressive selection of apartments set in this magnificent Grade 1 Listed development currently undergoing a £150 million refurbishment. This landmark development has to be the most convenient location for anyone travelling to and from Europe and offers a mixture of original period apartments and very contemporary units. £600 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Halcyon Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W

Capital Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Unfurnished 1000sq ft one bedroom 4th floor apartment set in this smart 24 hour portered development in Wapping with a communal gym. This spacious apartment has a large reception room with patio door leading on to a terrace, separate fully fitted kitchen, large double bedroom, bathroom with separate shower cubical and bath, guest WC, excellent storage, underground parking and fantastic south facing river and Tower Bridge views. £550 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

New Crane Wharf, New Crane Place, Wapping, E1W

Lovely two bedroom 2nd floor apartment set in a modern portered development in west Wapping, moments from St Katharine’s Dock and Waitrose and a short walk from Tower Hill. This bright furnished flat has a great dual aspect reception room with a fully fitted open plan kitchen, modern bathroom, wooden flooring, good storage, secure parking and balcony with City views.

Spacious 3rd floor one bedroom apartment set in this great 24 hour portered development in central Wapping, ideal for the bus routes in to the City and Canary Wharf.

This furnished apartment has a fitted open plan kitchen reception room, double bedroom, bathroom with shower (about to be re tiled), wooden floor and underground parking.

£465 per week

£330 per week

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Lumina Building, Prestons Road, E14

Discovery Dock, South Quay Square, E14

This apartment is extremely bright,airy and modern.

In brief the accommodation comprises of a spacious reception area with room for dining and entertaining.

There is a fully fitted high specification kitchen with all modern integrated appliances. There are two double bedrooms with excellent storage, two beautiful bathrooms, one which is en suite with a walk in power shower.

Situated on the edge of Canary Wharf, we are pleased to offer a luxury apartment for let. Accommodation comprises spacious reception/living area, fully fitted ultra modern kitchen, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, one of which is en-suite and balcony with panoramic views of Canary Wharf. Porterage and free use of leisure facilities are included. Available in May.

£400 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£495 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

The Forge, Westferry Road, E14

Langbourne Place, E14

Knight Frank is delighted to offer this brand new two bedroom apartment within The Forge. Accommodation comprises of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and large open plan reception with fully fitted kitchen. The apartment offers contemporary accommodation over two levels at a reasonable price. Wooden floors are found throughout the living area. This property is available unfurnished and parking can be obtained at an extra cost.

A two double bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, open plan reception, fully fitted kitchen, wooden floors throughout and 24 hour porter in a quiet riverside development. Available furnished. The development is on the tip of the Isle of Dogs, just a few minutes walk from Island Gardens DLR and close by is the clipper river boat service for easy commuting to the Wharf, the City and the rest of London.

£350 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£275 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Eaton House, Westferry Circus, E14 A three bedroom apartment situated on the tenth floor of a premier portered development. Presented in good order throughout, the property profits from river views, porterage and underground parking. There is a spacious reception room with wood strip flooring and floor to ceiling windows giving views over the private gardens and the River Thames and a well appointed galley kitchen. £795 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Falcon Way, E14 A fully furnished top floor apartment in the ever popular Clippers Quay development. Reception/dining room, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom with power shower over, double bedroom and off street parking space. This development is ideally located for easy access to Mudchute DLR. £285 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Pierpoint Building, Westferry Road, E14 A luxury two bedroom apartment on the first floor, offering river views across gardens. Separate kitchen, two bathrooms, one of which is en suite. Full use of on site leisure facilities and 24 hour porterage. £425 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

The Forge, Westferry Road, E14 The Forge is located on Westferry Road on the Isle of Dogs, under two miles from Canary Wharf. Island Gardens DLR is 7-8 minutes & Mudchute DLR is approximately 10 minutes walk away. This one bedroom, one bathroom apartment offers contemporary accommodation at a reasonable priceWood floors are found throughout the living area, luxury kitchens and bathrooms complete this property. £280 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Chinnocks Wharf, E14

Victoria Wharf, E14

A spacious three bedroom apartment situated on the third floor of a well maintained portered development.

The apartment has undergone an extensive programme of refurbishment and offers well laid out accommodation throughout.

A spacious and light two bedroom apartment located on the first floor of a well maintained gated development.

Presented in good order, the property benefits from two balconies which give views over both the river and Limehouse Basin.

£765,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£575,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Goodhart Place, E14

New Providence Wharf, E14

A well presented and spacious two bedroom apartment situated on the first floor of a purpose built portered development. The apartment profits from a private balcony with views over Limehouse marina.

Light and well proportioned two bedroom apartment located on the first floor of this desirable ported riverside development with off street parking and wonderful views overlooking the Thames and the O2 arena.

£545,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£510,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Sales

Dundee Wharf, E14

Basin Approach, E14

A light and spacious two double bedroom apartment located on the second floor of a sought after portered development. Offering wonderful river views towards the City from a private balcony, the property is presented in excellent order.

Well proportioned two bedroom apartment located on the fourth floor of a portered development. With south facing views over Limehouse marina, the property has a wonderful private balcony and is presented in excellent order throughout.

£575,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£549,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Boardwalk Place, E14 Well proportioned two bedroom apartment situated on the sixth floor of a sought after portered development close to the Canary Wharf estate. The apartment profits from a private balcony and rare for the development, views to the river. £490,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Arran House, E14 An attractive and light apartment located on the third floor of a well maintained purpose built development.

Presented in good order throughout, the flat profits from a private balcony with views over the inlet. £415,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

City Office 020 7236 8398 city@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk

New Street, London, EC2M Cliffords Inn, EC4

£1,900,000 Freehold £595,000 Leasehold Magnificently located on the edge of the City, this imposing 3 A superb 2 bedroom apartment in this popular block on the bedroom Georgian house is one of a terrace of 3 houses that has had western edge of the City, with a southerly aspect and beautiful a very contemporary restoration. views over St Dunstan’s Church.

Exchange Building, E1 Mitre Street, EC3

£699,950 Leasehold £399,950 Leasehold Set over the top 2 floors of a former telephone exchange, this A stunning two bedroom apartment with an abundance of natural incredibly bright 2 bedroom penthouse apartment has a terrace light on the third floor of this converted tea warehouse, away from offering fantastic West-facing views of the City. busy traffic and adjacent to the Gherkin.

New Inn Broadway , EC2A £550,000 Leasehold Dandridge House, E1 £520,000 Leasehold Featherstone Street, EC1 £395,000 Leasehold Garden Walk, EC2 £390,000 Leasehold Hamptons are delighted to offer this stunning 2 bedroom top floor Set on the 2nd floor of a highly sought-after development in the An apartment within this popular development flatimpressive in a modern development located in the highly desirable area of offering stylish contemporary accommodation on one floor the Shoreditch Triangle. with its own street entrance and private car parking.

perty address

A smartelds contemporary apartment in the heart of flat has a Spitalfi area of E1, this superb 2located bedroom 2 bathroom Shoreditch.

Finished to a high standard the property enjoys access West-facing balcony and parking space. to a private balcony and a communal roof terrace.

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Linnell House, E1 Upper Thames Street, EC4 Firstname Surname

£495,000 Leasehold £325,000 Leasehold Set on the raised ground floor of a highly sought-after building in don House Department 01403 With easterly river262828 views towards Southwark Bridge fland the heart of Spitalfi elds, this 201403 bedroom 2 bathroom at is one of Office London House Department 262828 additional basement storage, this 5th floor apartment would shamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com largest in the development.

Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com make the ultimate City base or rental investment.

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Pepys Street, EC3N Barbican, EC2 Price on application

£395,000 Leasehold £565,000 Leasehold This stunning 1 bedroom flat is set on the 3rd floor of an extremely Pricea on application This duplex offers lovely view the garden and the lake.

The smart lift-serviced building withover a day concierge, located on the Freehold interior remains true to Freehold eastern side of the City. the Grade II listed heritage, with a smart modern kitchen and 60’s bathroom suite.

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Tower Bridge Office 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk

St. Saviours Square, House, SE1 Providence SE1

St. Saviours Axis Court,Wharf, SE16 SE1

The Circle, SE1 Cayenne Court, SE1

Berwick Court, SE1 Butlers & Colonial Wharf, SE1

£875,000 Share of Freehold £585,000 Share of Freehold A stunning two bedroom apartment next to Shad Thames, with A waterfront two bedroom apartment within the popular vaulted ceilings, character beams, balcony and a mezzanine master Providence Square development, having a terrace directly bedroom. overlooking the Japanese style water garden.

£415,000 Leasehold £585,000 Leasehold A 2nd floor 538 sq ft one bedroom apartment within the popular A two bedroom 1st floor apartment within the popular Cayenne Circle development, having SW facing balcony, 24 hour concierge Court development, having a Westerly courtyard facing balcony and underground parking. from the reception. Leisure complex and parking.

£685,000 Leasehold £695,000 Leasehold An 818 sq ft two bed, two bath apartment situated on the 2nd floor A beautifully presented 951 sq ft two bedroom penthouse apartment of this character warehouse conversion. Balcony directly over the built in 2005 by Berkeley Homes with balcony, spacious terrace and dock and private parking is also included. underground parking.

£449,950 Leasehold £389,000 Leasehold A well presented 786 sq ft two bedroom two bathroom apartment A stylish one bedroom apartment on the 1st floor of a gated & with two balconies and underground parking, across the road from portered development, with re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, located Borough Tube Station (Northern Line). in the heart of Shad Thames.

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New Globe Walk, SE16 SE1 Windsor Court,

£699,000 Leasehold £395,000 Leasehold A beautifully presented 1033 sq ft 2 bedroom apartment on the An upgraded, 4th floor, 880 sq ft, dual aspect, two bedroom 3rd floor of this warehouse development in Bankside, next to apartment in a gated, portered development, with river views from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Gated parking included. the balcony and parking.

Pickfords Wharf, SE1 SE1 Bridgewalk Heights,

£670,000 Leasehold £465,000 Leasehold A superbly presented riverfront one bedroom apartment on the third A top (3rd) floor two double bedroom duplex apartment, with floor of this popular Clink Street development, in the heart of Borough en-suite to master and two receptions, within 200m of London Market, with views of the City.

Bridge station.

A network of offi ces - local, national An expanding network of over 70 offices - local, nationaland and international. international

City Office 020 7236 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk

Banner Street, EC1 EC2A Tabernacle Street,

£790 per week £450 per week A stunning 1740 sq ft two bedroom apartment in a converted tea A one bedroom apartment with plenty of character, contemporary warehouse, finished to an impeccable standard with plenty of natural kitchen and private terrace located in a former warehouse. light, high ceilings and bespoke kitchen. Furnished

Temple EC4 London Avenue, Wall, EC2M

£500 per week £430 per week A fantastic two bedroom apartment in this classic development. Situated A two bedroom apartment in the heart of the City only moments in this historic Temple area in West of the City, minutes to Temple to Liverpool Street and Bank stations. The apartment benefits underground. Furnished from air conditioning and contemporary decor.

High Timber Street, EC4 £450 per week Lamb Street, E1 £440 per week St Marks Street, E1 £585 per week Trinity Square, EC3N £590 per week A large two bedroom apartment in the heart of the city, moments A newly refurbished two bedroom apartment in Spitalfields. The A three bedroom arranged over two from St double Pauls, benefi ttingpenthouse from greatapartment storage space, concierge levels providing a bright living area with two balconies. Parking is service and a stunning atrium.

Furnished available by separate negotiation.

Property address Property Property address address

A stunninghas two bedroom twowindows bathroomproviding duplex apartment with reception floor to ceiling lots of natural panoramic views the Tower of London and the River Thames. light.

Finished to aover superb standard!

Furnished

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High Timber Street, EC4V

£330 per week Firstname Surname A spacious one bedroom apartment in this brand new development Firstname Surname A modern one bedroom apartment in this popular centrally Office London House Department 01403 262828 Firstname Surname set back from the Clerkenwell Road. Benefits from high speclocated finish riverside development with concierge and impressive tropical Office London House 01403 Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com and balcony.

Furnished/Unfurnished.

Officeprivate London HouseDepartment Department 01403262828 262828 atrium.

Email Emailhorshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com

£350 per week

Little Britain, EC1A £430 per week A superb one bedroom apartment in this small development in the Price on application A super level two bedroom apartment the historical heart of split vibrant Spitalfi elds, benefi ts from in being five minutes from Price on Freehold Price on application application SmithfieldStreet area, overlooking pleasant gardens, situated in a Liverpool station.

Furnished Freehold Freehold portered mansion block between St Paul’s and Barbican.

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Tower Bridge Office 020 7407 3172 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk

Tower Walk, E1W SE16 Riverview Heights,

£1,500 per week £725 per week A spacious four bedroom house located within the beautiful St An outstanding riverside duplex apartment within close proximity Katharine Docks, boasting four bathrooms, two terraces and garage. to Shad Thames, boasting three roof terraces with river views, contemporary decor featuring a stylish glass staircase leading to spacious reception room and kitchen dining room. Allocated parking. Furnished.

Providence Tower,SE1 SE16 Tea Trade Wharf,

£825 per week £800 per week A beautiful two bedroom apartment boasting large reception room A spacious two double bedroom two bathroom apartment with amazing views of the river Thames, balcony, secure parking. with balcony offered in excellent order and arranged within a Furnished prestigious warehouse development. The apartment benefits from 24 hour concierge and allocated secure parking. Furnished.

Butlers Wharf, SE1 £850 per week St Saviours Wharf, SE1 £750 per week Tempus Wharf, SE16 £575 per week Caraway Apartments, SE1 £550 per week A stunning two double bedroom apartment arranged within a A two bedroom warehouse conversion, refurbished to an excellent A beautiful two bedroom two bathroom apartment offeredbrick in prestigious warehouse conversion and boasting, exposed excellent boasting woodand floors, exposed brick, small work, twoorder largeand double bedrooms kitchen diner.

Furnished balcony with river views and communal terrace. Furnished.

An exceptionally spacious two (one double bedroom apartment standard with two bathrooms en-suite), open plan living/ with two ensuite bathrooms andbalconies. a guest cloakroom. dining room to kitchen and two FurnishedOffered in excellent order throughout and boasting two balconies, allocated parking and communal lesuire complex. Furnished.

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Wheat Wharf, SE1 £645 per week Vanilla and Sesame Court, SE1 £550 per week The Circle, SE1 warehouse conversion situated£380 perheart week Merganser Court, E1W £475 per bright week A fantastic two bedroom in the A two bedroom apartment offered in immaculate order boasting

ofone shadbedroom Thames,apartment two bathrooms, exposed beams, exposed brickwork, A boasting reception room with wood underground parking. floors and balcony overlooking pretty communal garden. Situated in the heart of Shad Thames. Furnished.

reception room to apartment balcony, modern shower room and eat in A beautiful oneleading bedroom boasting spacious kitchen. Parking. bedroom and reception room both with direct access to balcony overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, parking and porter.

Furnished.

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London's Finest Properties

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Atlanta, Deals Gateway SE13

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-Site Swimming Pool & Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • 10mins Walk to Greenwich • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

£250 PW

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The Landmark, Marsh Wall E14 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 8th Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. South Quay DLR

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Gainsborough House, Canary Central, E14

• 5th floor 1 bed/1bath • Larger than average living space • Stunning views to Canada Square • Minutes from South Quay DLR • Concierge and on-site pool, gym and sauna

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Alaska Building, Deals Gateway

Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf E14

• Studio Apartment • Fully Furnished • 18th Floor • On-Site Health and Fitness Ctr • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Blackwall DLR

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£285 PW

WE URGENTLY REQUIRE MORE PROPERTIES THOROUGHOUT LONDON FOR AWAITING TENANTS AND PURCHASERS E

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41 Millharbour, Canary Wharf, E14

• 2nd floor • Spacious 1 bed/2 bath apartment • Excellent order throughout • 24 hr concierge • Balcony with views over courtyard

£265,000

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• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-Site Facilities • Allocated parking • 24hr Concierge • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR Station

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Seacon Tower, Hutchings Street E14 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 13th Floor • Gymnasium & Spa Facilities • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Canary Wharf DLR

£350 PW

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New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf E14 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Furnishings Optional • Balcony • 16th Floor • Allocated Parking • 24hr Concierge Service

£450 PW

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New Providence Wharf, E14 • Immaculate 2 bed/2bath (one en-suite) apartment • Highly prestigious riverside development • Balcony with river views from all rooms • Exceptional level of specification

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No 1 Pepys Street, E1

• Delightful 1 bed/1bath apartment • Highly desirable City location • Excellent condition throughout • Moments from Tower Hill tube and Fenchurch St • Porterage and parking

£365,000

£445,000

Sales | Lettings | Corporate Services | Property Management www.liferesidential.co.uk

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

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For Sale

A Professional’s Comment Fournier Street, E1

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1

£ 925,000 Freehold

£624,995 Leasehold

• • • •

Three Bedroom Georgian House Original Features 0.1 mile to Brick Lane Arranged over 4 floors

• • • •

Two Bedroom Apartment 1200 sq Feet Immaculate conditions Gym and concierge

Hello

I’m Valeria Rossi, Area Manager of our City and Bethnal Green offices.

The City office is the 7th in the Spencers network and opened at the beginning of February. Trading has certainly exceeded expectations and there seems to be a great deal of activity in the market place. We have a healthy selection of buyers and several high quality, professional tenants, all of whom will come with a ‘Rent Guarantee’.

One and two bedrooms are really in demand so I’d really like to hear from anyone with this type of property, either to sell or to let ... or any other type of property at all for that matter.

Please contact me by phone on 020 7247 2472 or by email at vrossi@spencersproperty.co.uk. We are professionals and I will ensure you are afforded the highest level of personal service.

Regards,

Valeria

Belvedere Road, SE1

The Cloisters, E1

£599,999 Leasehold

£279,995 Leasehold

• • • •

Two bedroom apartment Two bathrooms Within the County Hall Fantastic location for City workers

• • • •

One Bedroom Period Apartment Heart of Spitalfield Original Features Ideal Investment opportunity

Pritchard’s Road, E2

Great Guildford Street, SE1

£234,995 Leasehold

£400 PW

• • • •

One Bedroom Period Apartment 0.2 miles to Broadway Market Stripped Wooden Floors Large exterior Balcony

City Office: 13 Artillery Passage E1 7LJ

• • • •

Two Bedroom Apartment Pub Conversion Original Features Close to Borough Station

T: 020 7247 2472

Also at: Bethnal Green: 020 7729 5222 Woodford: 020 8559 2110 Walthamstow: 020 8520 5255

Sales • Letting • Property Management

To Let

Heneage Street, E1 • • • •

Two Bedroom Apartment 1930’s Building Bright and Spacious Brick Lane location

£370 PW

Saffron Hill, EC1N

Barbican, EC2 • • • •

Two Bedroom Apartment Additional Study 24 Hour Porter West Facing Balcony

£600 PW

• • • • • • • •

1300 Sq ft Vast Open Plan Living Space Three Terraces Wealth of Natural light Wooden Flooring throughout Concierge Facility Fully furnished Amazing Far Reaching Views Across London • Close to Farringdon Tube Station

£650 PW

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1

Evelyn Mansions, SW1P

New Street, EC2M

£700 PW

£1,000 PW

£1,000 PW

• • • •

Two Bedroom Apartment 1000 sq Feet View over the Thames Pool, Gym & Concierge

• • • •

Four Bedroom Apartment Period Mansion Block Fully Refurbished Heart of Victoria

e: city@spencersproperty.co.uk

• • • •

The Property Ombudsman LETTTINGS LE

Four Bedroom Georgian Town House Luxury Refurbishment Close to Liverpool Street

Tenancy Deposit Scheme member

Leyton: 020 8539 3650 Ilford: 020 8518 5411 Forest Gate: 020 8555 5666

The Property Ombudsman SALES

OFT Approved code

S

N uNNi o Ng w Sh o o w ApA pe rT N MeNT

ST Tw o

New heights of living at Chatham Maritime Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments starting from under £120,000…

Visit the two stunning show apartments at the Quays, part of Chatham Maritime’s successful regeneration project.

Designed to an impeccable standard, the iconic towers and five-storey wharf provide a unique opportunity to live and relax within a marina setting.

• Overlooking a luxury 300-berth marina • Designer kitchens with Granite work tops and integrated appliances as standard • Secure car parking available • Only 45 minutes by rail to London Victoria from Chatham station • Just 17 minutes to St Pancras via Ebbsfleet International* • Easy access to M2,M25 and M20 • 60,000 sq ft of restaurant, leisure and retail facilities available on Jetty 5

A fantastic range of studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3/4 bedroom penthouses Call us on 01634 890 594 Text QUAYS to 60123 www.thequayschatham.com

*20 minutes drive from The Quays

Stamp Duty holiday for First Time Buyers buying under £250,000 there has never been a better time to buy at the Quays

CHATHA M M ARITIME

Canalside luxury living, just 25 minutes from Canary Wharf imagine living in a calm, canalside location that’s only a short walk from the hustle and bustle of canary Wharf. silver Wharf is a landmark development in a tranquil location on the Limehouse canal. With intelligently designed one and two bedroom apartments and duplex apartments featuring luxurious and contemporary interiors, silver Wharf is a cut above the rest.

parking for added peace of mind and all apartments come with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the canal. and the views of canary Wharf and the city from the higher floors will leave you in no doubt that everything the capital has to offer really is right on your doorstep. call us today to experience the tranquillity of waterside living.

there’s also a landscaped roof terrace for making the most of the summer, secure underground

SilverWharf Limehouse Cut e14

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homes & property

A decade of Danish Design As Danish deisgn brand BoConcept celebrates its tenth birthday in London, we look back at the store’s successes and most memorable moments of the last ten years

2010

sees the innovative Danish Design furniture brand, BoConcept celebrates its tenth year in London. Situated on Tottenham Court Road, London’s furniture Fifth Avenue, BoConcept has gone from strength to strength and is still going strong even in what has been a very tough year for most retailers.

General manager Hana Taylor thanks BoConcept’s dedicated staff for this success, and adds, “most importantly I would like thank our customers, loyal and new who have let us furnish their homes… You will not want to stop with one great piece, you will want to add another and another…”

BoConcept’s customers have become so dear to them, that in order to guarantee them one hundred percent satisfaction, BoConcept introduced a free interior design service, remarking that this development allow customers to be “more relaxed and open about what they wished to achieve”.

The last decade has seen record breaking success for BoConcept. In 2008, the brand achieved a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s longest sofa, and in 2009, along with BoConcept stores around the world, the company held what was unofficially the world’s longest ever party.

Keen to promote their Danish heritage, BoConcept has also collaborated with other prestigious Scandinavian brands including fashion boutique Wild Swans and jewellery brand Renaissance Life, who featured in London Fashion Week. The last ten years have seen BoConcept’s name spread, with the store boasting many prominent clients and featured on TV programmes including BBC’S Hustle and Channel 4’s The Home Show. n

For more information visit www.boconcept.co.uk

136

Unique online auction To celebrate a decade of furniture design, BoConcept is launching an exciting auction.

The online auction will take place via the stores website and will offer customers and fans of the store the chance to win one of ten luxurious living chairs. An unusual turn of events means this auction will give you the chance to win a piece of design history for as little as ten pence, with the chairs going to the lowest unique bidder!

The selected Living chairs will be available to view at BoConcept’s Tottenham Court Road store and winners will be announced online.

Absolute

luxury

the Galleries is a unique collection of Grade ii listed Properties carefully restored and converted for luxurious modern living. it offers elegance and exclusivity with tranquil gardens and all within 40 minutes of the City.

• unique features within each property ensure every home makes a statement • Secure gated development with on-site concierge • Desirable commuter location close to the A12, M25 and railway station • Beautifully landscaped courtyard gardens 1 & 2 BedrooM duPlex aPartMentS and 1, 2 and 3 BedrooM aPartMentS FroM £250,000 - £575,000

Show homes open daily 10am - 5pm Call 01277 202122 Brentwood, eSSex CM14 5GF

www.the-galleries.net

SeeinG iS BelievinG - See the virtual tour at

ZCITYAND6374 GALL FP CITY AD.indd 1

25/3/10 14:09:06

next issue...

W

ith the April showers over, it’s time to start thinking about summer style, whether it’s the best in skincare, grooming, fitness or fashion we’ve features on it all.

Fashion editor, Lucie Dodds provides us with the best men’s designer trends for this season, there’s the latest in beauty and fitness including the London to Brighton bike ride and plenty to see and be seen at, not forgetting the social event of the season, Royal Ascot.

And with thoughts of summer, come thoughts of holidays, there’s Paris in full bloom, Gijon in full feed and sailing in full flow.

May

Above all this frivolous fun that accompanies our attitudes as the sun begins to shine we also have interviews with Sir Michael Jackson, the outspoken ex-joint chief of military staff on leadership and management, and the founders of Future Lab predicting the next big thing.

For this and much, much more, be sure to pick up a copy

IN-TOTO...

FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION Choose from 100 superb styles and a

127 High Road,

host of luxury accessories and let your

Loughton

In-toto specialist design you a kitchen

IG10 4LT

that’s as individual as you are.

Tel:

020 8508 8976

Email: loughton@intoto.co.uk

Insurance backed protection for your deposit, all other payments, work in progress and a six year warranty.

www.intoto.co.uk

the city magazine a p r FEBRUARY i l 2010 2010

business • current affairs • fashion • health & beauty • travel • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property n

30

the city m a g a z i n e

Thinking Picking a winner the Harold Tillman way

The voice of British business

Lord Digby Jones bangs the drum

Rise to the challenge

the London Triathlon

&

travel gadgets motoring interiors property april

2010

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