The Mayfair Magazine November 2011

NOVEMber 2011 s issue 003

LONDON inLights Red-carpet festivities at The Burlington Arcade

Larger life than

Big personalities and even bigger chronographs at Hublot

Shooting Stars heritage & artistry with Purdey & Sons

The New Sunseeker Predator 60

www.sunseekerlondon.com

Sunseeker London 36 Davies Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4NF 21-22 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4QJ Tel: +44 (0)20 7355 0980 Email: info@sunseekerlondon.com

RAPIDE PURE ASTON MARTIN

www.jardinemotors.co.uk/aston-martin Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Aston Martin Rapide: urban 12.5 (22.6); extra-urban 27.1 (10.4); combined 19.0 (14.9). CO2 emissions 355 g/km.

FOUR DOORS, FOUR SEATS, YET UNMISTAKABLY AN ASTON MARTIN Lancaster Sevenoaks 114-115 London Road Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2DN, UK 01732 456777 Lancaster Cambridge 142 High Street, Harston, Cambridge CB22 7TN, UK 01223 875600 Lancaster Reading Bennet Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0QX, UK 0118 965 8500

from the

E DITOR Kate Harrison

W

inter is like marmite. You either love it... well, you get the idea.

However, for those lucky to enough to live in the heart of our fair city, there is simply no excuse for the latter, as fabulous shopping, cosy restaurants with seasonal menus, and enough Christmas lights to turn Regent Street into a veritable Narnia all conspire to ensure we get the maximum pleasure from this frosty season.

With this in mind, we have scoured St James’s to produce a complete A-Z of exciting places to visit and things to see in this incredibly special area, bringing you the top insider names to know, from art galleries to tailors to gentlemen’s clubs (p.13).

However, for those who insist upon pinning after sunnier climes, Angelina Villa-Clake has investigated the travel trends for 2012 (p.100), helping you plan your next holiday, while Annabel Harrison reports back from the warm shores of Monaco, where she talks to Hublot’s Jean-Claude Biver about his tenure as CEO of the luxury watch brand (p.46).

And from one larger than life personality to another, as Josh Sims meets homeware designer Alberto Alessi (p.86), whose passion for ‘poetic cookware’ will have you desperate to get into the kitchen.

Of course, it is impossible to consider the month of November without feeling the run-up to Christmas, the preparations for which seem to get more elaborate with each passing year. In a bid to take some of the stress out of the occasion we have put together a beautiful gift guide with the ever-luxurious Burlington Arcade (p.55), with plenty of ideas to please even the toughest of relatives. And for everyone who is worried about massacring that meticulously-prepared turkey on Christmas Day, check out page 114 where celebrated chef Mark Hix explores the lost art of carving.

And if that doesn’t get you excited about the season, then I would suggest simply checking yourself into the fabulous Grayshott spa (p.106) and hibernating until Spring...

Enjoy

006

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

TP_CityMag_TP-RG_210x297_TP_CityMag_TP-RG_1Oct11 19.09.11 11:24 Page1

The Fusion between Ceramic, 18K Red Gold and Rubber.

For a list of Hublot stockists in the UK, please telephone 0207 343 7200 or e-mail info@timeproducts.co.uk Hublot TV on: www.hublot.com

ASTB_A4_City_Mag_Oct11.indd 1

19/9/11 10:44:16

C ONTENTS 13

92

26 Residents news The latest events and exhibitions taking place in Mayfair, St. James’s and Belgravia

46 Larger than life Hublot’s CEO talks about the meteoric rise of the company, via chronographs and cheese-making

13

55

A-Z of St James’s

Be Enchanted

While away your time with our comprehensive guide to St James’s

Prepare for a luxury Christmas with the Burlington Arcade gift guide

19

114

Shooting stars

Carving out a niche

Neil Ridley chats to former chairman Richard Purdey about being an unrivalled name in the art of gun making

The art of carving meat with maestro chef Mark Hix

22

REGULARS

On your marks This month sees the return of the longest running motoring event in the world – The Brighton

6

Editor’s letter

31 Art

41

Collection

72

Fashion

83

Interiors

90

Technology

92

Motoring

99

Travel

108

Health & Beauty

113

Food & Drink

116

Concierge

121

Property

C ONTRIBUToRS Andreu Doz Andreu Doz grew up in charismatic Barcelona, before moving to London in 2006 to study at Goldsmith

NOVEMber 2011 s issue 003

University. He nows works full time as a photographer, specialising in location and portrait shots.

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Editor Kate Harrison

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.

Deputy Editor Elle Blakeman

Designer Ashley Lewis

Carol Cordrey

Art Editor Carol Cordrey

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Collection Editor Annabel Harrison

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Food & Drink Editor Neil Ridley

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Matthew Carter Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former

Carol Cordrey is an art critic and editor with popular columns in many magazines. Each year she organises the international London Ice Sculpting Festival as well as sponsored art competitions which are judged by distinguished artists.

Jessica Moazami With over ten years in the fashion industry, Jessica Moazami, is

Proudly published by

a self-confessed fashion junkie. Working in both the UK and US, she has contributed to several publications including The Times,

RUNWILD

The Telegraph, Irish Tatler and Harvey Nichols Magazine.

M

E

A

G

020 7987 4320

As well as being Deputy Editor for Men’s lifestyle magazine The Chap, Neil is also a regular contributor to Whisky Magazine

R

O

U

P

www.rwmg.co.uk

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. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

and Imbibe, as well as being the co-editor of irreverent whisky log caskstrength.net, recently nominated for several online awards. Neil has written for Aston Martin Magazine, Sunseeker International as well as The Evening Standard.

DISTRIBUTION: The Mayfair Magazine is distributed in Mayfair, St James’s and Belgravia as well as selected parts of Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Marylebone.

wharf

L O N D O N

PAPILLON COLLECTION HANDMADE IN PLATINUM WITH NATURAL COLOURED DIAMONDS

Red-carpet festivities at The Burlington Arcade

Famous for engagement rings www.hirshlondon.com

I S S n U 74 E

WEST END 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN T 020 7499 6814 - CITY 9 HATTON GARDEN EC1N 8AH T 020 7831 3333

wharf

THE BEAUTY of GilT beAUtiFUl bodYAmr

FASHION forward

New seAsoN stYle: sNAkeskiN ANd seqUiNs, leAther ANd lAce

september 2011 i s s u e 7 4

54 CanaryWharfAugustPapillon.indd 1

fashion finance motoring interiors property

business • current affairs • fashion • health & fitness • finance • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property

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

LonDon inLights

s e p t e m e b e r 2011

s e pFebrUArY t e m b e r 2011 2010

NOVEMbEr 2011 s issuE 003

Vantage

canary the city the city magazine

canary

HIRSH

n

47

m a g a z i n e

COVERING ST JOHN’S WOOD, MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, MARYLEBONE, REGENT’S PARk AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Tassel

IN PURSUIT OF GLORY

treasures

eNglaNd’s bid for rugby world Cup

design duo spina talk about jewellery for the home

FASHION forward

New seasoN style: seVeNties, sexy, sequiNs aNd sNakeskiN

finance fashion motoring interiors property

InterIors

special

with kelly hoppen, david collins & gillian anderson price

&

fashion travel motoring interiors property N OV E M B E R 2011

i s s u e 1 6

september 2011 i s s u e 4 7

11/07/2011 12:12

PROPERTY SHoWCASing THe FineST HomeS in yoUr AreA

ARCADE

wINTER 2011

LONDON HOmes&

than

I

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4JB

Neil Ridley

Larger life

D

Diamonds

SEPTEMBER 2011 - iSSuE 011

Covering bLACKHeATH, greenWiCH, DULWiCH & oTHer SeLeCT AreAS oF SoUTH eAST LonDon

are forever

Rustic Splendour

Expert advice and exquisite jewels

FRENCH INSpIREd vINTAgE CHIC

Hermès, contemporar y artisan since 1837.

Timely

Big personalities and even bigger chronographs at Hublot

fashion

For the stylish modern day gentleman

VISIONS OF CHANGE

heritage & artistry with Purdey & Sons

Cover: Image courtesy of HUBLOT See page 46

Irresistibly

luxurious The ultimate guide to London’s Mayfair

RENTAL BOOM

For all enquiries contact Hermès on 020 76267794

THE RISE OF BUY-TO-LET

Hermes.com

06_210x297_RexMag_UK.indd 1

13/10/11 11:44

the luxury magazine from the royal exchange

Shooting StarS

Daniel Craig, Omega and ORBIS unite

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Gucci celebrates 90 years

ICONS OF STYLE Breathtaking building, beautiful brands

45 PARK LANE THE HOTEL

CUT

BY WOLFGANG PUCK

55265_011DORCHESTER_City_Oct.indd Pg1 Mundocom UK

21/09/2011 15:56

FEATURE

Illustration: Mai Osawa

to of

S t J ames’s From global headquarters and world-renowned parks to hidden cocktail bars and chic restaurants, St James’s is the perfect place to while away your time, whether you have a week, a day or even just an hour. By Elle Blakeman

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

013

A

G

Aura

The lavish members’ club on the grand St James’s Street is a chic destination spot for the capital’s creative talent and A-list partygoers. The luxurious and extravagant design and exquisite menus of contemporary cocktails and delicious food is unsurprising given that the place is owned, in part, by airline mogul Tony Fernandes, events and motorsport entrepreneur Jonny Dodge and Supper Club owner Alberto Barbieri.

B Christie’s

BP The fourth largest company in the world, BP, is headquartered in the historic streets of St. James’s.

D

C

London is home to some of the world’s most exquisite art works, and auction house Christie’s has been selling fine art, along with antiques and furniture since their first sale in London in 1766. The auction house moved their global headquarters to St James’s King Street in 1823 and has remained there ever since.

E

English essentials at Floris Hand-made soap, perfume, bath essences and exquisitely beautiful cutglass atomizers are all items that historically would be found in an English bathroom, and Floris on Jermyn Street is one of the best places in London to buy them. Once a barbershop, Floris is a beautiful building to visit, with deep mahogany cabinets and soft lighting, which combined with the delicate aromas positively intoxicate customers who enter here.

Duck tour

A fast and convenient way to take in the city’s many highlights, the land and river ‘duck tour’ takes visitors around London before being dunked into the River Thames – exhilarating but cold!

F

Fortnum and Mason The Queen’s grocer and the most exquisite place to food shop, Fortnum and Mason has become a national institution, famous for its teas, preserves and chocolates. There are also four restaurants within the store, an ice-cream parlor, and a super-chic, David Collins-designed wine bar that is as opulent as one would expect.

FEATURE

Gentleman’s hats

G H I J L M K James Lock & Co has been the millinery name-to-know since 1676 when the family-owned business set up shop in St James’s Street.

Today the store provides an exceptional range of both men’s and women’s headwear from trilby’s and fedoras to couture pieces.

Haymarket Theatre Born in 1720, the renowned Haymarket theatre has set the stage, literally, for some of the biggest names in acting, from Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench, to the current sensational staging of The Tempest staring Ralph Fiennes.

Inn the park

This lakeside café set among the beautiful St James’s Park serves authentically British fare, including egg and soldiers for breakfast, afternoon tea and roast beef for dinner. Inn the Park is the ideal place to enjoy the views outside, or – with an exquisite interior designed by the famed Tom Dixon – inside.

Kipling

Rudyard Kipling was among the many great writers to grace the winding stairs of London’s oldest bookshop Hatchards, with others including Lord Byron and Oscar Wilde. Running since 1797, the shop has a deliciously old-fashioned charm, despite the fact that it is today owned by large chain Waterstone’s.

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Jermyn Street

Next to Savile Row, this is the one place that well-dressed men in London need to know about. Renowned for its bespoke shirt makers and first-class tailors, Jermyn Street houses some of the finest menswear around, including Prince Charles’ favourite, Turnbull & Asser.

Mint leaf bar

This fabulously sleek and grown-up bar serves traditional Indian food with a contemporary twist. You will also find a great selection of cocktails and can even take a cocktail masterclass so that you can make your own at home – should you desire to leave their decadently comfortable sofas.

London library In the days before global bookshops and branded coffee ruled supreme, the London Library was a treasured resource of knowledge.

Founded in 1841 and open to all, this literary institution remains a spectacular beacon to England’s scholars and book lovers.

015

N Nightlife

The city changes after dark as Londoners shake off the stresses of the day and prepare to have a good time. From cocktail bars to members clubs to Prince Harry’s favourite Mahiki, you can find a good night out any day of the week – who said the weekend starts on Friday?

Pall Mall

P

The main thoroughfare for St James’s, Pall Mall was previously known for housing the Gentleman’s clubs of the 18th and 19th centuries. This year it’s wide streets were one of the first places to be graced by the newly married Royal Couple as they toured among their adoring public after the ceremony.

O

Opera

If you are in the mood for something cultural, away from the bright lights of West End productions, visit the beautiful St James’ Church where you can see an opera, or other classical music, which are infinitely enhanced by the incredible fairytale surroundings.

Q

Quaglino’s

R

The Ritz

Afternoon tea at the Ritz is simply a must-do for any Londoner or visitor to our fair capital. Don your finest clothing and make sure you book in advance – there is usually around a 12-week wait, but the exquisitely presented finger food is more than worth it.

Places to drink Champagne in London are many and varied, but this vibrant, glamorous bar is one of the best. With intriguing designs and shows and spectacular food, there is always something to catch the eye; Quaglino’s is currently showcasing a series of ultra-striking images by photographer Roger Mavity.

S

St James’s Park The oldest of the Royal Parks of London, St James’s Park is a beautiful expanse of green at the southernmost tip of the St James’s area, and is surrounded by some of the country’s top landmarks, including Buckingham Palace. The park houses several events during the summer, and recently received a gift from Tiffany’s – a stunning 20ft fountain that can be seen from both sides of the lake.

X

FEATURE

U

T

Tramp

This notoriously decadent club is considered by many as one of the most stylish places to go in London. Chandeliers, oversize mantelpieces and dark wood paneling all conspire to the feeling that you have stumbled across a gateway to a new, and altogether more opulent, world.

V X Y

Umbrellas

Umbrellas, cashmere sweaters and Poet hats, as well as anything else you can possibly imagine for traditional country pursuits can all be located at Swaine Adeney Brigg in St James’s since 1750.

The most ingenious item available has to be the umbrella containing a hidden hip flask for extremely frosty mornings!

W Z

Variety

Londoners are demanding, and no one knows this better than Paxton & Whitfield, a fabulous cheese shop that has been around for over 200 years. Knowledgeable staff will guide you through their many flavours of cheese, ham, preserves and even recommend the best wine to accompany your choices.

X marks the spot

…when you decide that your boots, were in fact, not made for walking.

Anyone trekking around London’s busy streets needs the perfect pair of shoes to do it in, and Selve is the only place to get truly perfect bespoke heels.

Your feet are laser-measured to get an exact fit, and you will then work with a consultant to design them to your style, shape and colour – who needs fashion designers?

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Yachts

The world’s leading yachting company, Fraser Yachts can be found in the prestigious streets of St James. Experts in their field, their staff can handle and advise prospective yacht owners on everything from construction to crew.

White Cube St James’s love of art is brought up-to-date with this renowned contemporary gallery, which represents some of the YBA elite, including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. After originally opening in Duke Street (before moving east to Hoxton Square) the gallery then opened a second space back in St James’s.

Zoo

Just a short hop away from St James is the world-renowned London Zoo, covering 36 acres and housing over 600 animals. Take a picnic and go and visit some of the most endangered species, or go for a tour and learn more about the various conservation programmes across the world. The zoo is constantly updated and recent additions include an extended meerkat family and a new ‘komodo dragon house’.

017

Shooting

tars

James Purdey & Sons have been at the forefront of the finest gun making since 1814 and their highly successful shop on South Audley Street is as popular as ever, with customers from across the globe seeking out their traditionally crafted shotguns & rifles. Neil Ridley chats to former chairman Richard Purdey about what makes Purdey such an unrivalled name in the field of sporting guns

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

019

Feature

here sometimes occurs a moment when a craft is perhaps better described by the word artistry; the precise detail displayed in a Tourbillon watch movement, or perhaps a handcrafted Lalique perfume bottle, both of which are fine examples of where workmanship takes on a whole new level of excellence. Indeed, walking through the sturdy brass-panelled oak doors of James Purdey & Sons’ traditional showroom at 57 South Audley Street, one is presented with that same sense of awe at the sheer artistry on display.

Purdey’s sporting guns have long been celebrated as the definitive name when it comes to manufacturing and design prowess. Queen Victoria famously purchased a pair of Purdey pistols in 1838 as a royal gift to the Imam of Muscat and both King Edward VII and George V were keen shots, using Purdey shotguns to bag many a partridge or pheasant. So what is the secret to their underlying success?

‘The simple answer here is quality,’ says Richard Purdey, great, great, great grandson of founder James Purdey and until recently, chairman of the company.

‘James Purdey was absolutely dedicated to making the best rifles, guns and pistols that he could. Before starting out on his own, he initially spent five years working with Joseph Manton, who in the early 1800’s was arguably the finest gunsmith in London.’

Purdey thrived on a solid base of providing guns to wealthy London customers, but under the direction of his son (James Purdey the second). ‘The company were also incredibly innovative at the time, coming up with a number of original ideas for improving efficiency of firearms and filing many patents,’ he says.

Today, James Purdey & Sons produce around 70 guns per year with a small, dedicated team of craftsman each working on a specific area of the gun’s composition.

‘The 12-bore side-by-side is still built today with the same design as when we launched it in 1880,’ says Richard ‘and we continue to sell them that way. Very few mechanical devices seem to last the same way as a well-built gun.’

Buying a Purdey shotgun is similar to visiting a Savile Row tailor. Each gun is hand built to a bespoke design for the customer, who initially undergoes a ‘fitting’, either in the South Audley Street shop or more likely, a

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

specialist shooting school in Northolt. Here, the length, balance and finer details of the gun’s design are defined, at which point the serious work begins. The stock of a Purdey shotgun is hand carved from the finest Turkish walnut, sourced by the company’s chairman and when finished, exhibits such an exquisite grain and patina that it bears a striking resemblance to a fine antique Chippendale desk.

‘It’s the engraving that makes a Purdey gun such a work of art,’ says David Emanuel, one of the highly knowledgeable experts at the Mayfair shop. Holding a fully finished 12-bore for the first time, it is easy to see why. Painstakingly done by hand, the specific design of the engraving on a bespoke gun is again down to the customer’s requirements and can take one of Purdey’s master engravers up to 400 hours to complete.

In total, the design and manufacture of a Purdey gun takes between 18 months and two years from placing an order, depending on the level of detail, so it represents a serious investment for the shooting connoisseur and comes with an accordingly high price tag. But for those who feel that the allure of a bespoke shotgun will substantially improve their shot, a visit to the shop and in particular, the impressively appointed ‘Long Room’ is a must.

‘James Purdey’s intention was that all his customers would feel thoroughly at home when they visited the shop, so he designed the Long Room around the gun room in a country house and a gentlemen’s club, so customers remained in their comfort zone,’ says Richard. Among its treasures include a bizarre looking ‘electric’ practice gun, as used by King George V and some incredibly rare (and unique) examples of antique firearms from the Purdey archives, the oldest gun dating back to 1816 and numbered No. 86.

‘No one knows quite why it was called the ‘Long Room’, as it isn’t particularly long,’ says Richard, but my great, great grandfather was friends with Dr W. G. Grace, who in addition to being a fine cricketer, was apparently an extremely good shot. It seems logical to me that Grace probably attended the shop’s opening in 1882 and would have compared the Purdey Long Room to the legendary Long Room at Lords!”

For further enquiries ring, 020 7499 1801 www.purdey.com

021

FEATURE

On your

marks

This month sees the return of the longest running motoring event in the world – The Brighton. Carol Cordrey considers the history behind the 60-mile race

For motoring enthusiasts and pedestrians alike this will be a momentous event and weekend. On Saturday 5 November Regent Street will be closed to normal traffic to accommodate a wonderful display of both the oldest and the newest powered vehicles from around the globe. The Regent Street Motor Show is free to the public who can mingle amongst 100 of the veteran vehicles that will take part in The Brighton on the following day. Every one of these valuable machines is a remarkable character as, indeed, are many of their proud owners and together they tell the fascinating story of motoring.

Vehicles must be built before 1 January 1905 to be eligible to take part in The Brighton, though the organizers sometimes invite vehicles outside that date because of their special history. The oldest vehicle from recent years was one driven by steam, the 1875 Grenville Steam Carriage which took an exhausting 9 hours to complete the event. Many of the participants are members of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain.

‘Around 400 of our members worldwide continue to field their motor cars in The Brighton, following the traditions set by the Club’s founding fathers’ says Stewart Skilbeck, the Club’s President. ‘And I will be participating this year in my 1904 De Dion Bouton 6hp rear entrance tonneau’.

On that same Saturday, the area will acquire a different appearance in the afternoon as the veteran vehicles will be joined by a stunning array of 21st century characters in the form of state-of-the-art, low energy vehicles. They will have just arrived from Brighton having completed Sunday’s route but in reverse (Brighton to London) and using the least energy possible but the most advanced technical developments to complete the journey.

This was launched in 2010 by the RAC with the aim of shining the spotlight on the latest low-energy prototype, pre-production or currently produced vehicles emerging from manufacturers large and small throughout the world. A maximum number of 90 entrants involving electric, hybrid, hydrogen and low-emission internal combustion engine cars and lightcommercial vehicles will participate in what has already become a very exciting event that inspires and rewards innovation. All the vehicles will travel Brighton-London along the reverse of the 60 mile route of the historic London-Brighton Run and each will carry a special data logger to record their consumption of electrical and/or fuel energy. The post-race analysis of those loggers will dictate the winners of each of the FCC’s different categories with the overall winner being the vehicle that uses the lowest amount of energy over the route.

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Annie Walker represents the Regent Street Association of retailers and restaurateurs. ‘We look forward to welcoming all the participants, spectators and shoppers to Regent Street for what promises to be a truly unique and memorable motoring spectacular’.

In the evening, all the participants are invited to celebratory cocktails at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. Founded in 1897 it prides itself on being Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organization. It owns and runs The Brighton but with a keen eye on its involvement in the future development of motoring, it launched the FCC in 2010. The Pall Mall clubhouse will provide overnight accommodation for many of the participants who will join the others at Hyde Park on Sunday morning – many wearing appropriate period dress – ready for the start of the event. At official sunrise on Sunday morning, around 500 veteran vehicles will begin to stream out of the Park in the direction of Brighton’s seafront and the finishing line on Madeira Drive.

The Brighton is the longest running motoring event in the world and one of the biggest events in this country, attracting thousands of enthusiasts who line the route, regardless of the weather. The date is rooted in November because The Brighton is an extension of the Emancipation Run of 1896 which celebrated the establishment of the ‘Locomotives on the Highway Act’ of November that year; the law raised the speed limit from 4 to 12 miles per hour and abolished the requirement for a car to be preceded by a man on foot (previously carrying a red flag). A red flag was symbolically destroyed at the start of the 1896 Run and repeated with relish at a number of subsequent Runs which since 2000 became officially known as the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run; devotees refer to it now as The Brighton.

The combination of the Regent Street Motor Show, The Brighton and the FCC reveal that although the British love tradition they can be equally keen on innovation. The Brighton and the FCC take place in winter weather, they have not been created as exciting races and the rewards to participants do not come in the form of huge prize money. Nonetheless they are great spectacles which people flock to and enjoy and are perfect examples of our traditional belief in, ‘it’s the taking part that counts”.

Regent Street Motor Show 5 November 2011 www.regentstreetmotorshow.com / www.royalautomobileclub.co.uk www.futurecarchallenge.com / www.vccofgb.co.uk

023

INTERVIEW

My

Atul Kochhar Master of Indian Cuisine

M a y f a ir

When it comes to Indian fine dining, there is no one more celebrated than Atul Kochhar, Chef Patron at Benares in Berkeley Square. Kochhar was the first Indian chef to be the recipient of a Michelin Star and throughout his esteemed career he has won numerous accolades for his continuous innovation and outstanding contributions to the changing face of Indian cuisine in the UK. Atul began his cooking career in the early 1990’s, quickly graduating to the five-star deluxe Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi. It was a pivotal moment, which included supervising a team of 18 and dramatically raising the standards in the kitchen, which helped Atul form the basis of his unique style of Indian fine dining. In 1994, Atul turned his attentions to Europe with his very first restaurant venture, Tamarind, and in January 2001 his exceptional and often thoughtprovoking menus gained him a shiny Michelin Star.

But it was his first truly independent restaurant that bought the name Atul Kochhur to a more mainstream audience.

Benares is named after the spiritual city of Benares (now known as Varanasi) in Northern India and on visiting the restaurant, it is clear that Atul has established a unique and highly spiritual atmosphere within the walls of the restaurant’s Mayfair location. From the hand-crafted Indian furniture, to the sunken water features, complete with floating flower heads and candles, everything about the layout is designed to give guests a truly calming, and incredibly refined dining experience. It is an experience that helped land Atul his second Michelin star in 2007.

I start by asking Atul why he decided to locate Benares at the very heart of Mayfair.

‘I wish I could compare Mayfair to somewhere else,’ he explains ‘but

there is no where quite like it. It is simply the best area in London. Mount St and the park behind Grosvenor Chapel are my favourite areas. It is a kind of hidden oasis. I love to take my breaks in that little green during summer afternoons.’

I imagine that breaks are fairly few and far between, given Atul’s numerous projects, which include regular appearances on BBC 1’s Saturday Kitchen, Indian-food master classes in the Benares kitchens and more recently, a new restaurant venture (Sindhu) aboard the latest P&O superliner, the Azura. It’s a project that has seen Atul travelling to both Cadiz and Barbados with his award-winning food and Sindhu (meaning ‘meeting point’, or ‘fusion’ in Hindu) seems to be going from strength to strength. ‘It’s like a dream come true,’ he says. ‘My cuisine is an amalgamation of British and Indian, so [Sindhu] is just the right name. I’m a great believer that good food is often simple food, so that will be the best thing to give.’

Atul cites a number of Mayfair’s multi-cultural restaurants as some of his favourite places to eat, including Nobu on Berkeley St and Kai on South Audley Street, which is home to a more modern, alternative style of Chinese cuisine, earning the restaurant a Michelin Star in 2009. For a quiet drink in the area, Atul notes the eponymous Mayfair Bar situated at The May Fair Hotel on Stratton Street, renowned for their mix of classic and modern cocktail creations, including a fabulous flight of differently flavoured Martini’s.

Atul is suitably cagey when I ask him about his next move in the culinary world, which is understandable, given his diverse portfolio of projects. ‘You never know!’ he says. ‘This is what I do and this is the area I know best. When I first came to the UK, I came to work here in Mayfair so I know nothing else or better than this.’

Benares, 12a Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square London W1J 6BS

020 7629 8886, reservations@benaresrestaurant.co.uk

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

025

Mayfair & St James’s

News

Aisle Style

AYFAI

s

d

M r

ec

R

M

om men

The Most Magical Time Of The Year Join in the Christmas festivities on Tuesday 8 November with Sony Pictures and Aardman, as Regent Street switches on the Christmas lights, this year adorned with extra festive flair as it celebrates the eagerly anticipated release of the 3D family movie, Arthur Christmas. From 5pm, there will be fun and entertainment for all the family, culminating with the countdown to the allimportant switch-on moment when the skies will be lit to herald the start of the Christmas season.

After the event shoppers will be able walk the Mile of Style under a canopy of glittering lights whilst they seek out that special Christmas gift and even enjoy a cocktail with a roof top view of the lights at Aqua.

Arthur Christmas will be released at cinemas nationwide on 11 November 2011

Viva Italia Grosvenor has announced that Banca, a new Italian restaurant from Arjun and Peter Waney (the team behind Zuma, Roka and La Petite Maison) and renowned restauranteur, Giuliano Lotto, have signed to open at 30 North Audley Street, Mayfair. The new restaurant is scheduled to open in March 2012. 30 North Audley Street comprises a 4,700 sq ft retail space, which Banca have taken on a 15 year lease, and nine newly converted apartments, three of which are triplexes, each with a terrace.

‘I am excited to welcome Banca to North Audley Street and look forward to their opening next year’ says Helen Franks, Head of Commercial Leasing at Grosvenor. ‘Their arrival reflects Grosvenor’s aspirations for improving the street as we embark on the next phase of public realm works.’ www.grosvenorlondon.com

From his beautiful jewellery boutique located on Mount Street, Stephen Webster has just launched his first bridal jewellery collection. The cutting-edge jewellery designer (and creative director at Garrard) presented a lavish selection of engagement and wedding rings, set with Forevermark diamonds (rare, responsibly sourced stones from De Beers) alongside a bespoke wedding and engagement ring service using Fairtrade gold.

A-list favourite Webster has crafted pieces for celebrities including Elton John, Kate Moss, Johnny Depp, Charlize Theron and Christina Aguilera and his bridal commissions have included pair platinum wedding rings for Madonna and Guy Ritchie.

Stephen Webster 93 Mount Street London W1K 2SY www.stephenwebster.com

THE LOVE SERIES This exhibition of new paintings announces Chris Gollon’s continued look at the ancient and timeless theme of love; but also his return to oil painting after 20 years of using acrylic. An established British artist, Gollon can count many museum exhibitions and museum acquisitions to his name, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the British Museum. He has long been recognized as a very imaginative painter of human relationships and interaction, which he manages in both figurative and still life painting.

In this new exhibition, Gollon engages with the multi-faceted theme of love. He breathes life and emotional depth into his stylized figures, with a great use of colour applied in very thin glazes and delicate washes, juxtaposed with gold or infinite, matt blacks. His dynamic use of printmakers’ rollers and scratching-in techniques bring movement and rhythm to the images, and a magical atmosphere. Gollon depicts love in its many forms, from unrequited to fulfilled and unfulfilled; from friendship to unconditional love; from envy to cuckoldry; and from physical to spiritual love. His imagined figures combined with his innovative painting techniques, make his subjects move and breathe. After 20 years of painting only in acrylic, Chris Gollon has chosen to use oil paint again, sometimes alone and sometimes over acrylic under-painting to an extraordinary effect.

1 – 23 Dec 2011 Horne & Harvey Gallery 23a St James’s Street London SW1A 1HA Open Mon – Fri, 10-6pm or by appointment www.chrisgollon.com

HIGH-FASHION CASHMERE Since 1936, N.Peal has produced luxurious cashmere knitwear, trading from the stylish flagship boutique in Mayfair’s prestigious Burlington Arcade.

A luxury brand, the company has an outstanding reputation based on 75 years of using the finest cashmere available and continuously updating their collections to transform modern trends into timeless style.

Just in time for Christmas, N.Peal has opened a new boutique at 149 Sloane Street. ‘We chose this location for a second London store as the area has a balance of fashion conscious London shoppers as well as the international traveller’ says Adam Holdsworth, CEO. ‘Whereas our Burlington Arcade shopper tends to be mostly international – they may have a house in London – but they are very international in their habits.’

Inside the store, the overall design theme is a modern London (gentlemen’s) Club. ‘We have retained our black brand décor theme but delivered sharp modern black wooden units with polished nickel inlays’ says Holdsworth. ‘The carpet has been custom designed and woven for us by Axminster in Devon – it uses a leopard print pattern but woven in tonal shades of beige, brown and dark brown; a stunning result and gives the shop real character. And the men’s area uses a dark brown crocodile leather daybed.’

Although the shop is open for business, the company will officially launch with a party on 8 December, when they also celebrate 75 years of business.

For Autumn/Winter 11, the cashmere collection is the best yet. ‘We are a London brand and a cashmere authority but we need to also push boundaries. Creatively we have pushed product forward whilst being mindful that we are selling luxury cashmere which needs some element of investment shopping’ says Holdsworth. Highlights of the collection include the Christiana Wrap (left), Basket Weave Poncho and the limited edition jumper and scarf celebrating 75 years of N.Peal. www.npeal.com

the M A Y F A I R maga z ine

027

Belgravia

News It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Pimlico Road and the newly refurbished Elizabeth Street in Belgravia will be transformed into a winter wonderland as the unique boutiques, bars and restaurants celebrate the festive season. With traffic blessedly removed from the roads, shoppers throughout the day will be treated to some live entertainment in the form of Christmas music and choir performances, there will also be free rickshaw rides, face-painting, plus a Christmas Tree Festival at the nearby St Peter’s Eaton Square church. Father Christmas himself will also be stopping off to wish young shoppers the tidings of the season, along with his real-life reindeer.

Belgravia Christmas Sunday Pimlico Road and Elizabeth Street 4 December, 11am - 4pm

Classic Cadogan With an exciting program of events this November, Cadogan Hall hosts orchestras, choirs and debates, to keep the entertainment rich and warm as the cold nights draw in. From collaborative singing with Come and Sing! Messiah (5th), musical legends Janis Ian (5th) and Tom Paxton (13th), to an array of philharmonic and chamber orchestras, including Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit (21th) and English Chamber Orchestra (15th).

18 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2RP Box Office 020 7730 4500 www.cadoganhall.com

Sweet treats

Belgravia Salon Scoops Award

Ready to get a bit messy? A truffle-making course at William Curley’s is an ideal gift or day out for any chocolate fan. Held at the Belgravia boutique on Ebury Street, expert chefs are on hand to guide you through the process from bean to bar. After a demonstration by one of the in-house chefs on how to make the perfect ganache for your truffles it’s now time to really get messy with the chocolate, but don’t worry, experts will be on hand throughout if you get a bit stuck, or a bit sticky! You will be piping like a master chocolatier before long, and once your ganache has set you will learn to expertly roll and dust with cocoa powder before packaging them away in ribboned boxes and bags.

Last month Errol Douglas and his talented Belgravia salon team celebrated the achievement of being named ‘London Hairdresser of the Year’ at the 2011 London Lifestyle Awards. The high-end hairdresser (who has also been given an MBE for services to hairdressing) has been nominated a total of 13 times and has won several of the world’s most coveted hairdressing awards. During 2011 the Errol Douglas salon has undertaken a refurbishment and now houses statement period pieces and a stunning photography collection inspired by Belgravia’s local history. Customers can enjoy the ultimate pampering experience with an Ariane Poole make-up bar, nail bar and in-house catering service.

5 / 26 November, 2pm £75 per person, two and half hours 198 Ebury Street, London SW1W 8UN 020 8538 9650

028

Errol Douglas 18 Motcomb Street London SW1X 8LB 020 7235 0110 www.erroldouglas.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

The Westbury Hotel Bond Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2YF Telephone: Facsimile: Website:

+44 (0) 207 629 7755 +44 (0) 207 495 1163 www.westburymayfair.com

P L E A S E E N J OY O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B LY DRINKAWARE .CO.UK

Art

News E.H. SHEPARD When the late Ernest Howard Shepard picked up a pencil it became a virtual magic wand as the forthcoming exhibition of 200 of his drawings and illustrations will unquestionably prove. His name is synonymous with some of the greatest characters ever to have lived within children’s books – Christopher Robin, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Ratty, the eccentric Mr Toad – all were made utterly endearing through his artistic gifts.

Those gifts were regarded as exceptional by the Royal Academy Schools which accepted E.H. Shepard as a particularly young student and

awarded him two scholarships. His first book illustrations were published when he was just 21-years-old, and he went on to become the cartoonist at the highly respected Punch. Shepard illustrated all the Pooh books as well as those by other famous authors, plus the two he wrote himself.

For the perfect Christmas present, look no further!

E.H. Shepard, Drawings and Illustrations 14-29 November www.medicigallery.co.uk (presented by Sally Hunter Fine Art)

171 Family walk, £950, pen & ink (inscribed), 22 x 30 cm, for Punch

FABERGÉ AT SOTHEBY’S

A Fabergé Jewelled Gold, Enamel and Agate Box Workmaster Michael Perchin, St Petersburg, 1895-1899

Expect the biggest buzz of excitement to be reverberating around Sotheby’s when Fabergé takes centre stage in its Russian works of art sale. Peter Carl Fabergé founded his workshop in the late 19th century, rapidly to be famed for its exquisite, bespoke designs utilising the finest materials and craftsmanship. Such is its continuing allure that a single piece makes headline news when it appears on the market. Sotheby’s will have approximately 70 Fabergé lots.

Highlights will include a ruler – only Fabergé could produce a desirable version of ultra-slender, luxurious, gold mounted form; an elegant card case; a nephrite inkwell; a gorgeous demi-lune shaped clock and a box

decorated with diamonds and a cameo bust of Emperor Hadrian, complete with its original case.

Our royal family owns the world’s finest collection of Fabergé so they may well send their most determined representative to Sotheby’s.

Sotheby’s, London Russian Works of Art, Fabergé and Icons 30 November 2011 www.sotheby’s.com

A Fabergé Jewelled Silver-Gilt and Enamel Clock Workmaster Michael Perchin, St Petersburg, 1895-1899

Q&A with EMILY LAMB of Trion Gallerie’s rising star Q: Where did you travel to for inspiration for these paintings A: ‘Various places: I was based in Rajasthan then travelled to Ranthambore National Park for wildlife material and to see the tigers at 5am; then onto Jodhpur and Jaipur for pieces such as Wise Old Man. I also visited South Luangwa, Zambia - one of my favourite spots in the whole of Africa and abundant with wildlife.’

Q: Polo seems to have suddenly captivated you; what is the appeal?

A: ‘I try to put movement into my work but capturing elegance, balance and power on

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

a polo pitch is something else! I love the demanding combination of technical accuracy and having to push the boundaries to convey movement.’

Q: Would you agree that your paintings are characterised by atmosphere; how is that achieved?

A: ‘Yes, though I never intend to make atmosphere the most important aspect, I merely allow my brushes to absorb the creative flow, and use spray painting and stenciling. The paintings then evolve and take on a life of their own until everything falls into place.’

Q: Are your wildlife paintings associated with environmental concerns?

A: ‘They absolutely are! My grandfather founded The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and I am proud to support it by raising awareness and money from the sales of my work.’

Emily Lamb 22 November 2 December (www.tryon.co.uk)

Wise Old Man

031

EXHIBITION FOCUs:

Peter Symonds Art editor Carol Cordrey takes a look at the landscape artist’s latest venture There are many artists who can paint landscapes very well, producing realistic representations of scenes sculpted by nature. Few, however, are able to bring nature alive, stunning viewers by the beauty, texture, light effects and atmosphere of landscapes rendered almost palpable through paint. Peter Symonds is one of those few.

His remarkably accomplished paintings emerge at the end of a journey which begins with travel to wild, generally unpopulated places, a rucksack on his back filled with pencils, paints, sketchbooks… and sometimes even a tent. He takes a camera too, but only as an aide memoire to the preparatory pictures, and thorough notes he makes of the character, details, weather conditions and his reactions to scenes he stumbles upon or hikes to and feels compelled to paint. And I do mean ‘compelled’, for it is only those scenes that instantly excite him – that stir all his senses – with their beauty or drama which cause a climax of creativity to flow into his sketchbooks.

Symonds lives in a Surrey village surrounded by beautiful countryside which he enjoys painting in every season, though I think his Surrey snow scenes which capture a crispness and hauntingly still atmosphere are among his best works. However, he is an almost compulsive walker and throughout the past year or two he has relished the additional inspiration from his trips to Scotland, along the Sussex and Devon coasts, Wales and further afield to Spain, Oman and Morocco, as the exhibition at W.H. Patterson will testify.

‘In our crowded, urbanized country, I think more and more of us have a deep yearning to get away from it all and to immerse ourselves in wild places’, he says. ‘It is wonderful to feel the wind, rain and sun on one’s face; the varying sounds and the constantly changing terrain underfoot.’

Through the combination of his meticulous attention to detail and artistic gifts, those experiences are distilled onto canvas at the penultimate stop on Symonds’ journey, his studio. There, in the manner of a top portrait painter, his

Peter Symonds 2-25 November www.whpatterson.com

subjects acquire great realism and character, allowing them to spring to life.

Mountains, water, vegetation, buildings, beaches, and so on are portrayed with such precision, subtle tonal work and texture, that our senses tell us we are within his scenes rather than merely looking at them. A good example is the Highland scene of Dawn, Beinn Tarsuinn from Lochan Fada, where you can almost feel sunlight smiling gently on the water but contrasting with the cold, fierce, shaded mountain. We are awed by A Clear Day, The Cuillins from Loch Coruisk with its majestic mountains and expansive, tranquil, water.

In A Sheltered Morning, Elender Cove near Salcombe, the scene is bathed in balmy warmth with a heat haze lightly veiling the distant rocks; we have the urge to rush down from that high viewpoint to enjoy the sensation of frothing water between our toes. Symonds exerts a more calming effect on us through the eerie stillness, stony track and spread of early evening light in Sunset above Shere whereas Snowdon from Crib Goch has a more dramatic effect courtesy of those towering, serrated rock faces that seem to engulf us as much as they do the water below.

Occasionally, Peter populates his pictures with human figures - generally to convey scale - but in A Back Street, Essaouira, the people play a more prominent role; movement and real life are injected into the old, Moroccan street by their gently flowing robes and the almost discernible sound of their footsteps on the cobbles.

Symonds portrays nature in all its guises supremely well, though he remains very modest about his skills. When you next find yourself stunned by a sweeping sandy beach, a sunset, a crisp carpet of snow or a majestic mountain, ask yourself if you are really enjoying them in the great outdoors or inside a Peter Symonds painting? Sometimes, it is really hard to tell the difference and for proof of that, I encourage you to head for the final destination of this great artist’s latest journey, W.H. Patterson’s.

Above / Friday Street, Surrey Hills

ART

A Sheltered Morning, Elender Cove near Salcombe, South Devon

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

033

Not just another day at the office WELCOME TO TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS

Not just another day at the office WELCOME TO TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S

a

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

t

+44 0460 +44 (0)20 (0)20 7871 7621 8783

w

www.townhallhotel.com

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S ABTA0210_TOWNHALL.indd 1

a

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

15/1/10 09:49:00

art

Prize Lot: BONHAMs

AN ICON IN BLACK & WHITE Image of Kate Moss by Corinne Day to sell in Bonhams Photographs Sale

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £1,000-£1,500 Expected Value (auction): £240,000-£350,000 Estimated Range: £500-£35,000 No. of Lots: 80 Place: Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street Corinne Day (British, 1962-2010) Kate Moss, 1991 © Bonhams

Date: 17 November

Just over a year after the untimely death of British fashion photographer, Corinne Day (1962-2010), one of her most iconic images of British model Kate Moss is to be sold at Bonhams, as part of its Photographs Sale. The image was taken for the February 1991 issue of The Face magazine for a feature called ‘Heaven is Real’. The photograph on offer is a rare vintage print and has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £1,000-£1,500.

Another highlight in this auction is The Merce Cunningham Dance Company Photography Portfolio (estimate £8,000-£12,000) which was donated to the company on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in 2004. It features signed photographs by eight artists including Chuck Close, Candida Höfer, Gregory Crewdson and Cindy Sherman. Other spectacular works in the sale include Robert Mapplethorpe’s Calla Lily, 1986 (estimate £30,000-£50,000); Albert Watson’s Kate Moss, Marrakech, Morocco, 1993 (estimate £8,000-£12,000); and David LaChapelle’s Courtney Love: Pieta, Los Angeles, 2006 (estimate £7,000-£9,000). www.bonhams.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

035

ART

Prize Lot: SOTHEBY’s

RAREST & FINEST WINES Grow and develop your wine cellar with a selection of rare first growths and vintage gems

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £8,000-£10,000 Expected Value (auction): £860,000 Estimated Range: £650-£48,000 No. of Lots: 540

Two special cases of nine bottles from the Bordeaux Collection 2000 comprising one bottle each of the First Growths (Châteaux Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Haut Brion, Mouton Rothschild) plus one bottle each of Châteaux Ausone, Cheval Blanc, La Mission Haut Brion and Pétrus © Sotheby’s

Place: Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street Date: 9 November, 10.30am

Sotheby’s London Sale of Finest and Rarest Wines is to feature an array of Château Cheval Blanc and Le Petit Cheval wines, alongside a pristine case of Château Petrus 1982. Beginning first with a small collection of First Growths and Cheval Blanc in pristine condition, the auction will then continue with a private collection of a Continental connoisseur, featuring a magnificent case of Pétrus 1982.

In addition, there is also a special offering of individual magnums of Château Cheval Blanc 2000, from the personal collection of Baron Frère. Other highlights include a fabulous range of young Château Cheval Blanc and its ‘baby brother’ Le Petit Cheval; special cases of nine bottles from the celebrated 2000 Bordeaux vintage; a small quantity of Montrachet from Domaine des Comtes Lafon; a selection of Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auselese from family members of JJ Prüm; a compact collection of top Rhône and California wines; and a tempting choice of Sauternes. Extra ‘glitz’ can be found in a Methuselah of Louis Roederer Cristal 2000, 1990 vintage and a bottle of Cognac Hennessy Timeless in a Baccarat crystal decanter. www.sothebys.com

036

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

The Bangle Collection

108 Mount Street, London, W1K 2TP. T. +44 (0) 20 7629 8811 www.halcyondays.co.uk

BeoVision 7 They’re remarkably intuitive. Stunningly beautiful. And completely focused on discerning and satisfying you’re every viewing desire. The BeoVision 7-55 and 7-40 combine leading edge, perfectly synchronised components with our signature sound and vision technologies to provide a viewing experience that will engage, entertain and inspire you like never before – all on your own terms. An experience that begins the instant you settle into your favourite chair and pick up your Beo6 remote, which enables you to control everything with ease.

For more information about our full range of products, contact us quoting The Mayfair Magazine for a free consultation in our showroom or even your own home.

Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea Scan the code with your Smartphone to browse Bang & Olufsen on your mobile. Download a QR reader app from your app store. A charge may be applied by your network provider.

147 Kings Road, London SW3 5TX Tel: 020 7376 5222 Email: chelsea@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/chelsea

Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea - BeoVision 7-55 advert - Place at 100% (297 x 210mm) Production questions:

ART

Prize Lot: CHRISTIE’S

FROM MILAN TO ROME An inspiring vision of two great Italian tastemakers

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £15,000-£25,000 Expected Value (auction): In excess of £1.5million Estimated Range: £1,000 to £100,000 Lot 10 Maison Jansen, attributed Cabinet, 20th century Ebonised wood, with patinated and incised brass doors, on brass feet and including brass shelves, signed and dated ‘Saskia/60’ (lower left door) 17½ in. (181.5 cm) high; 51¼ in.

(130 cm) wide; 19¾ in.

(50 cm) deep © Christie’s Images Limited 2011

No. of Lots: 483 Place: Christie’s London, 8 King Street SW1Y 6QT Date: 16 November, 10.30am

From Milan - The Private Collection of an Italian Designer presents the varied and eclectic collection of furniture, paintings and works of art which have complimented this designer’s homes and design projects over the past 20 years.

One of the many stellar examples of ‘wow factor’ which the collection presents is a 20th-century cabinet attributed to Maison Jenson (pictured). Until the closing of its 9 Rue Royale headquarters in 1989, the firm collaborated with many talented designers – regarded as one of the most prominent interior decorating companies of the twentieth century, Maison Jansen’s designs ranged from a revival of Louis XV, XVI and Empire styles to modern taste, creating a dialogue between the historical and the contemporary.

The other half of this auction, From Rome - The Private Collection of Alessandro Gioia encompasses many different periods and styles, and reflects the designer’s sophisticated, harmonious and elegant style of decoration and design. www.christies.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

039

Northampton • England

Makers of the finest English shoes since 1879

U.K. 25 Royal Exchange, London EC3 New Shop - 92 Jermyn Street, London SW1 69 Jermyn Street, London SW1 20-21 Burlington Arcade, London W1 25 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3

FRANCE 14, Rue Chauveau-Lagarde, La Madeleine, 75008 Paris U.S.A. 7 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019 www.crockettandjones.com

C&J Rex.indd 1

14/9/11 16:49:53

Watch

News The Oscars of the watch world Elite representatives of the world’s most acclaimed watch makers will descend on Switzerland this month for the 11th Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix. Established to salute the excellence of worldwide horological production, the awards recognise the finest creations and most important operators in the watchmaking sector.

A jury of industry professionals, experts and collectors, members of the press and select retailers will identify the best watches in seven categories: Men’s Watch, Ladies’ Watch, Design Watch, Jewellery and Artistic Crafts Watch, Complicated Watch, Sports Watch, and “La Petite Aiguille” (the small hand) Watch.

The most prestigious prize, the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix, will then be awarded to the best overall watch from all categories, a distinction last year bestowed upon Greubel Forsey’s Double Tourbillion 300 Edition Historique.

of the best from…

Only Watch 2011

Midnight GMT Tourbillon, Harry Winston, sold for £140,000

One to watch Enabling you to check the time in 24 time zones while displaying local time by means of large central hour, minute and seconds hands, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s beautiful new Master Geographic is the perfect traveller’s watch

3939, Patek Philippe, sold for £1,200,000

Masterpiece, Maurice Lacroix, sold for £9,600

Master Geographic, £15,100, Jaeger-LeCoultre, www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Only Watch is an annual charity auction to support research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy

041

COLLECTION

Meet the Maisons This month, SalonQP cordially invites you to the 2011 SalonQP event, where you can discover the inside story of fine watch-making

If you’ve longed to learn how the intricate internal mechanics of the world’s most complicated watches work, or to meet the faces behind your favourite brands, then keep 10-12 November free. On these dates, the fittingly art-filled confines of the Saatchi Gallery is playing host to the 2011 SalonQP. The horological equivalent of an international motor show, SalonQP showcases the very best in the world of luxury watches, housing a huge selection of rare timepieces and new models, as well as holding debates and lectures by QP contributors, watchmakers, designers and auction experts.

The carpets of the Saatchi Gallery are welcoming representatives not only from venerable maisons such as Cartier, Vacheron Constantin and Girard-Perregaux but also from more modern marques, including Bremont, De Bethune and MB&F. Adding an interactive element to the event is Jaeger-LeCoultre, hosting watch-making master classes, while Bulgari’s mirrored kaleidoscope promises to provide a unique insight into the intricate workings of a complicated timepiece movement.

SalonQP, The Saatchi Gallery, 10-12 November

042

t h e M A Y F A I R maga z in e

210x297_JB

10/02/11

12:13

Page 1

www.justerinis.com 0207 493 6174

Jewellery

News Van Cleef and Arpels 9 New Bond Street

of the best… statement cuffs

Cutting Edge Our favourite piece this month is the Oiseaux de Paradis ring from luxury jewellers Van Cleef and Arpels

Since ancient times, the bird has been viewed in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures as a symbol of the divine; Van Cleef and Arpels’ exquisite Oiseaux de Paradis between-the-fingers ring, set with white gold and diamonds, is a little piece of jewelled heaven

Limelight 18 carat cuff watch paved with diamonds Piaget, £154 (www.piaget.co.uk)

Sun Drop Diamond A touch of the spectacular has descended from the skies into the earthly world of jewellery; the highlight of Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction, taking place on 15 November in Geneva, is the remarkable Sun Drop Diamond. The 110.03 carat yellow diamond has been graded Fancy Vivid Yellow by the Gemological Institute of America, the highest colour grading possible for a yellow diamond. This makes the exceptional, record-breaking stone the largest known pear-shaped, fancy vivid yellow diamond in the world. The stunning rare gem was exhibited earlier this year at London’s Natural History Museum and its worth has been estimated between $11 and 15 million.

Kali sterling silver strap cuff John Hardy, £650 (www.johnhardy.com)

Amelia Swarovski crystal spike cuff Philippe Audibert, £865 (www.net-a-porter.com)

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

045

LARGER

Life

THAN

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, meets with Annabel Harrison to discuss chronographs, cheese-making and the impact of James Bond

COLLECTION

Images courtesy of HUBLOT

I hear Jean-Claude Biver before I see him.

Upon entering the Monaco Yacht Club; a booming voice emanates from behind a cluster of Chinese journalists.

As the Hublot CEO holds court, it is clear, firstly, that he has secured the attention of everyone in earshot, and secondly, that he has an incredibly colourful and enthusiastic personality. This is repeatedly reinforced: after the launch of Hublot’s newest watch that afternoon, Biver excuses himself from the evening’s festivities with this explanation; ‘I have 100 cows and I have to be at the head of them to bring them 16 kilometres home tomorrow. Every boat has a captain, and,’ he adds gleefully, ‘my cows have only one captain… which is me!’

In addition to overseeing his watch empire, Biver

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

produces approximately five tonnes of cheese every year at his farm in the Swiss Alps. He refuses payment, offering it only to his friends and family and to a few hand-picked restaurants; ‘I will be the master of my cheese until the last piece.’ It is a declaration that could well be a personal motto, as Biver applies the same energy, focus and commitment to his main role as to his unusual sideline venture.

Biver’s life has revolved around watches and by the time he joined Hublot in 2004, he was already very well-known within the industry. After graduating with a business degree, he spent time in the Vallée de Joux absorbing the culture of watchmaking and was offered a year of training at Audemars Piguet. He then became

047

product manager at Omega and left after a year in 1981 to rejuvenate the legendary but flagging Blancpain brand with Jacques Piguet.

An undoubtedly significant part of Biver’s success was that, at least in his early career, he refused to stay at one brand for too long – allowing him to absorb a host of different brand strategies in a relatively short amount of time. After the sale of Blancpain, Biver joined the board of directors of Swatch Group, where he was charged with turning around Swatch’s Omega brand, considered by many to be something of a national joke. In the ensuing ten years at Omega, Biver saw sales virtually triple and proved himself an excellent strategist in the field of marketing, securing critical product placement, most notably in the James Bond franchise (with Eva Green delivering a line that most brand managers can only dream of, ‘You know… former SAS types with easy smiles and expensive watches, Rolex?’ ‘Omega’. ‘Beautiful’.).

At the end of 2003, Biver decided to take a one year sabbatical, which was quickly abandoned in order to take control of Hublot Geneva – a small but high-profile business. He immediately chose to highlight the brand’s philosophy, ‘the Art of Fusion’, and to emphasise the fusion of tradition and future, after all, Hublot had pioneered the first fusion of materials in a watch in 1980, combining gold and natural rubber. Within a year Biver had launched a revolutionary, contemporary watch: the Big Bang.

Revealed at BaselWorld 2005, it was an immediate success and, indeed, still is. The Big Bang collections employ a hi-tech, jet-set aesthetic. Big and bold, tough and modern, the materials used include titanium, carbon fibre and tungsten. Winning a range of awards, including Best Design at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, this tour de force proved a game-changer, commanding global attention and spear-heading Hublot’s revival.

Often, a company’s success is attributed to the vision of many, but this cannot be said of Hublot, whose rapid growth seems to have been driven by the force of Biver’s own ideas, energy, experience and knowledge.

This growth was both financial and physical; turnover increased in four years from 25 million to more than 200 million Swiss francs and 700 points of sale were established across the world.

Added to these were 35 exclusive Hublot boutiques (the first opening in February 2007), an Hublot high-tech manufacture on the banks of Lake Geneva in Nyon and a new factory there, which will allow the company to produce its own movements on site.

However, Biver’s vision has given Hublot something which is much harder to pin down and intangibly valuable; brand awareness and the ‘Art of Fusion’ USP. Through innovations such as the Big Bang, King Power, Classic Fusion and Masterpiece collections, this fusion thread unifies the brand’s offerings, combining unusual materials – zirconium, tantalum, tungsten or nomex – with more traditional materials like gold, platinum, steel and diamonds. Biver also recognised, earlier than most, that football was watched by an audience that could afford his watches and as such, he secured sponsorship deals for Hublot, as Official Timekeeper, with Manchester United in 2008, with UEFA for Euro 2008 and with FIFA, an historic first, for the next two football World Cups, just after having been chosen as the Official Watch of Formula 1TM. This offered the brand exceptional visibility on a global scale.

But why go down the path of sporting sponsorship?

‘Because it’s important to my customers,’ he says.

‘We are trying to follow our customer; if my customer plays polo, I want him to meet me. If he goes to a football game, I want to meet him. I want my customer to believe that Hublot belongs to his world.’

Going where the customers go, married with his remarkable communication skills and Hublot’s modern, distinctive creations, was how Hublot struck gold. This is what made it so appealing to LVMH when the luxury goods powerhouse bought Hublot in 2008 for an undisclosed sum; LVMH buys brands, not products, and Biver had created a very profitable, dynamic brand in just four years.

For the 10th anniversary of the Monaco Classic

‘If my customer plays polo, I want him to meet me. If he goes to a football game, I want to meet him’

COLLECTION

Week, Hublot created a Classic Fusion Chronograph Yacht Club de Monaco, a sport-chic model in titanium and navy blue. ‘It’s the best! It’s the one I like the most.

It would be a shame if the last series wasn’t as good as the one before, but here this is not the case.’ says Biver, with characteristic enthusiasm. Hublot has a natural link with the Yacht Club, having been appointed its official timekeeper in 2005. ‘Hublot and Monaco have a lot of things in common. We have glamour and luxury. We have art, tradition and culture. And today, there is no future if you don’t have tradition,’ he says.

As ever, the watch industry’s favourite buzzwords are tradition and innovation, and every brand, whether 20 or 200 years old, aspires to imbue its watches with these two juxtaposing qualities. Biver explains that, in holding regattas both for modern and classic boats, the Monaco Yacht Club demonstrates that it is possible to find harmony between tradition and modernity: ‘the Yacht Club shows us how you can bring tradition into the 21st century’. So a brand must acknowledge the watch industry’s history, however (relatively) young the brand might be? Biver agrees; ‘You don’t need, necessarily, the history in your brand but the people who manage your brand must understand, respect and interpret history.’

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

While Biver undoubtedly does respect the history, he is firmly anchored in the present and simultaneously looking to the future. I ask how he has seen the watch industry change during his career. Biver has several, expansive answers to this. Firstly, people are buying watches not just as time-telling devices, but as tools for communication, to express ‘style, emotions and status’.

Secondly, watches have become bigger and more visible; of course, ‘if it’s a communication tool you need to be able to see it’. Next, ‘expensive watches today are exclusively traditional watches, in the sense that they have traditional movements. An expensive watch with a quartz movement doesn’t exist anymore.’ Finally, he points out, women are buying more watches ‘because they believe it’s like a piece of jewellery’ and, rather than comprising lots of individual brands, the industry has become more concentrated; the brands all belong to one group or another. The man clearly knows his stuff.

‘Young, dynamic and successful, he trusts himself, has self-confidence and loves watches.’ This is the typical Hublot customer, according to Biver. Unsurprisingly enough, apart from the age, it’s a depiction that quite accurately describes the Hublot CEO too.

Hublot watches are available at Marcus, 170 New Bond St

049

Mayfair

the heart of

c o c kta i l b a r | lo u n g e | r e s ta u r a n t | c h e f ’ s d i n i n g r o o m | a r t g a l l e r y | l a c a v e 1 0 l a n c a s h i r e c o u r t n e w b o n d s t r e e t lo n d o n w 1 s 1 e y + 4 4 ( 0 ) 2 0 7 5 1 8 9 3 8 8 w w w. m e w s o f m ay fa i r . c o m

COLLECTION

2

3

1 4

Red

5

7

or

6 8

Black Put your money on both this season by selecting accessories in the two colours that never slip out of style

9

10

1 ‘Big Bang Red Magic’ watch, from a selection, Hublot (www.marcuswatches.co.uk) 2 ‘21 Blackjack’ watch, £110,000, Christophe Claret (www.christopheclaret.com) 3 ‘Black Buffalo’ leather iPhone case with Silver Colibri, £240, John Hardy (www.harrods.co.uk) 4 ‘Véloce LeDIX’ watch cell phone, £193,000, Celsius X VI II (www.harrods.co.uk) 5 Millemiglia writing instruments, from a selection, Cuervo y Sobrinos (www.cuervoysobrinos.com) 6 Red crystal skull cufflinks, £89, Paul Smith (www.paulsmith.co.uk) 7 Red leather driving gloves, £386, Versace (www.selfridges.com) 8 Red leather ‘Intrecciato VN’ wallet, £245, Bottega Veneta (www.bottegaveneta.co.uk) 9 ‘Black Widow Mr Race’ watch, £41,000, Ladoire at Kronometry 1999 (www.kronometry1999.com) 10 Tourmaline ‘Intrecciato’ nappa belt, £300, Bottega Veneta (www.bottegaveneta.co.uk)

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

051

collection

3 1

2

6 4

7

East West MEETS

8

Jewellery trends look towards the Orient this season with bold statements, long beaded necklaces, Japanese art, jade and coral

5 9

10 1 ‘Rosarietto’ gold-plated jade necklace, £315, Rosantica (www.net-a-porter.com) 2 Red-gold ‘Amadeo’ Convertible Seven-Day Tourbillon Dragon & Phoenix, from a selection, Bovet (www.bovet.com) 3 Jade beaded necklace, £315, Chan Luu at Fenwick (www.fenwick.co.uk) 4 Gold-plated and jade drop earrings, £305, Yves Saint Laurent (www.ysl.com) 5 ‘Lucky’ rose- and yellow-gold cuff, £5,220, Carolina Bucci (www.net-a-porter.com) 6 ‘Theodora’ jade and brass necklace, £415, Dannijo (www.net-a-porter.com) 7 Sterling silver and coral drop earrings, £470, Kara Ross at Harrods (www.harrods.co.uk) 8 L.U.C XP Urushi rose-gold with Peacock dial, from a selection, Chopard (www.chopard.co.uk) 9 Gold-plated crystal ring, £145, Kenneth Jay Lane (www.net-a-porter.com) 10 Cherry quartz teardrop earrings, £140, Astley Clarke (www.astleyclarke.com)

052

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Captivate Your Senses The first internationally-acclaimed Chuan Spa in Europe is now open at The Langham, London.

Rediscover your source with luxurious treatments inspired by the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Langham, London 1c Port land Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA T 44 (0) 20 7973 7550

tllon.info@chuanspa.com

www.chuanspa.co.uk

AUCKLAND • BOSTON • HONG KONG • LONDON • LOS ANGELES • MELBOURNE • SHANGHAI

ChuanSpa ExclusiveMag.indd 1

15/3/11 13:35:46

ARCADE

In the bag An exclusive interview with Lulu Guinness

Be

Enchanted Step into an opulent world of festive luxury with the ultimate Christmas Gift Guide to the Burlington Arcade

luxury C h R I S T M A S tHE burlington Arcade HAS ALL YOU NEED FOR A FABULOUS FESTIVE SEASON, so be inspired by our hand-picked gift guide

THE BEADLES

There to make sure your shopping trip is as easy and enjoyable as possible, these knowledgeable, uniformed guards will happily guide you, while ensuring that order is kept within the halls of the 192-year-old promenade.

jewel box

Nourbel & Le Cavelier is launching its very first two-floor concept boutique at 23, Burlington Arcade this month.

The necklace [pictured] is a one of a kind, that is part of a unique collection of emerald creations – it is finely set with 17cts of rare natural Zambian pear shape emeralds, and 40cts of fine white diamonds, entirely crafted by hand.

(Price is available upon request)

Flagship Store

Jimmy Choo has launched its first UK men’s boutique. Fusing modern British style with luxurious Italian craftsmanship, the AW11 Men’s footwear collection has a Mod aesthetic with a hint of a 1960s Mayfair playboy. This masculine collection combines classical detailing in modern styles and beautiful Italian materials crafted with minimal framed, butted and scored seam detailing and luggage stitching.

e privilegcard

leAther Goods ries shoes & FAshion Accesso ny Antique s & silver PerFume & miscellA Jewelle ry & wAtches

For more information visit

IT’S A PRIVILEGE

IN THE BAG

The Arcade is excited to welcome luxury accessory retailer Lulu Guinness to the Burlington family. The brand’s combination of impish charm, witty design and timeless quality has ensured its incredible worldwide popularity, as its creations can often be seen hanging from the arms of many celebrities.

Our privilege card opens the door to a world of exclusive benefits, luxury offers and specialist services. To apply, simply email your name and address to Gwen Youlden. gwen.youlden@eu.jll.com

www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

PROMOTION

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Pick up luxury travel backgammon sets at Pickett. A simple, traditional game to play with family and friends, home or away.

GET AWAY

Globe-Trotter are known for their craftsmanship and longevity – not to mention their Royal Appointment – but their virtually indestructible suitcases and vanity cases are also a real thing of beauty. All of the cases in the stunning Orient range are lined in champagne-coloured silk, with an urushi lacquered finish. Why not pair this with the cheerful yellow passport cover from Thomas Lyte – perfect for a new year trip.

SHOP

‘ till you drop An Aladdin’s cave of luxury gifts, sparkling jewels, finest leather and pampering goodies – ideal for a spot of seasonal shopping

PEN PAL

Forever answering the dilemma of what to get for the person who has everything, a beautifully crafted pen from Penfriend makes a fabulous Christmas keepsake for absolutely anyone.

SWEET HEAVEN

Known worldwide for their delicate macaroons and delicious pastries, Ladurée is the last word in sweet treats. A sure fire way to impress your guests this party season, choose the Prestige box which holds a selection of 22-55 pieces.

FESTIVE FRAGRANCE

Penhaligon’s is a great place to find specialist fragrances and candles which can be ribbonwrapped in limited edition Victorian themed keep sake boxes this Christmas.

Rarest TrEASURES

A vast array of unique trinkets and treasures can be found at Daniel Bexfield Antiques [pictured left] or visit Hancocks to discover the finest Objets d’art for a gift to suit the most discerning of tastes.

TEA TIME

As a nation of tealovers, we’re never more in need of a cuppa than now, as the weather turns cold and we search for that moment of comfort that a warm cup of tea brings. Luponde Tea sources organic tea from its own estate in Africa, one of the oldest in the world.

057

BULL OR BEAR?

Home to London’s most elegant collection of cufflinks and stud sets, Michael Rose and Susannah Lovis design both traditional and eclectic styles for all ages including contemporary, genuine antique and vintage cufflinks. Don’t miss the clever ‘Bull & Bear’ pair from Cameo Corner – perfect for the risk-managing City Boy.

STEP OUT IN STYLE

For the finest luxury leather shoes, look no further than Church’s, Crocket & Jones [pictured below right], Harrys of London [pictured above] and the newly opened, Jimmy Choo. Whether you’re looking for smart City shoes, weekend brogues or black-tie patents, the selection of specialist brands offer the perfect choice. For expert leather care, don’t forget to visit shoe shiner Romi Topi, (whose celebrity clientele includes model David Gandy) to keep your shoes in pristine condition.

boys

will be boys men are notoriously hard to buy for, so stir your imagination with our luxurious selection of watches, fashion, accessories and unique gifts which are perfect for the boys at Christmas

OLD FATHER TIME

The ultimate investment, a well-chosen watch is a statement accessory that will go with everything and last for a lifetime. The luxury timepieces available at the Burlington Arcade are classic, elegant and will never go out of style. Head to Somlo Antiques, David Duggan, Vintage Rolex at the Vintage Watch Company, Heming and Armour Winston for a dazzling selection accompanied by expert advice.

For more information visit

www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

PROMOTION

BERK

Luxury knitwear Luxury cashmere brand Berk is the home of the world’s largest collection of Ballantyne cashmere, John Smedley and other high quality knitwear brands. We speak to Harvey Berk to find out more Q: What is cashmere?

A: The raw material comes from the underbelly of cashmere

bold and beautiful

In order to celebrate the end of year, Vilebrequin has developed a highly colourful swim trunk, in a festive red. This swim trunk comes in the traditional cuts of the brand in the Father and Son models and these charming trunks are made from 100% polymide, an exclusive fabric with a cotton feel – perfect for the beach or poolside.

Keep it brief

Real luxury leather is about more than just fashion; it’s about quality design and long-lasting function that will survive for years to come. Visit Thomas Lyte and Pickett [pictured left] for a range of classic English briefcases.

goats. They develop a warm fleece because they live at high altitude, either in Tibet or Mongolia. There are also some cashmere goats in Iran but the yarn they produce isn’t of particularly high quality. Like most raw materials, cashmere comes in different grades and that’s why there is such a variation in price for the finished products. The best grades tend to be sold to Scottish and Italian yarn manufacturers, and the best knitwear is produced from the yarn made by these factories.

Q: Where do you source your cashmere and what difference does this make to the final product?

A: Our knitwear is made mainly by Ballantyne, a Scottish

company owned by Italians, and they use very good yarn and take a lot of trouble over the production. That’s why they are dear. Even among the better knitwear companies there are different finishes in the sweaters.

The Italians tend to ‘mill’ or wash each sweater for longer than the Scots. The milling breaks up the fibres, so the longer you mill the softer the feel. Italian sweaters will typically feel very soft and luxurious when you buy them. A Ballantyne sweater, in contrast, will feel harder when you buy it. However, as you wear the sweater the fibres continue to break up and get softer. A Ballantyne sweater will reach its peak some months after you buy it, whereas an Italian one is normally at its best at the time of purchase. You can’t say one is a better method than the other; it’s just a question of which you prefer. I think the Scottish way looks better on classics and the Italian feel is better for chunky sweaters like ribs and cables.

Q: How can customers care for their cashmere garments?

A: Hand wash cashmere in gentle detergent and dry flat away from sunlight for best results.

Boys weekend

Berk Cashmere Burlington Arcade London W1

A quality leather holdall is the ultimate travel essential.

Head to Pickett, Church’s and Vilebrequin to find your perfect travel companion.

Don’t forget to pack these silver stacking cups from Daniel Bexfield Antiques [pictured above], ideal for a warming shot of Whiskey mid adventure.

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

059

Floral design diamond necklace £12,450, Michael Rose Cabochon sapphire, emerald diamond floral brooch £POA, Johnson Walker Diamond, Brilliant and Baguette cut “cornucopia” open panel bracelet £69,500, Tessier Tutti Frutti bracelet £35,000, Susannah Lovis

For more information visit

www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

XXXXXX

N at u r a l

Selection

Photography: Simon VINALL

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

061

Tahitian pearl necklace with rondelles and diamonds ÂŁ34,000, Milleperle Tahitian pearls bracelet with diamonds and 18ct rose gold tulip clasp ÂŁ13,000, Milleperle Tahitian pearl (15mm) and black diamond 18ct rose gold ring

For more Milleperle information visit ÂŁ18,000,

www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

XXXXXX

Victorian citrine yellow gold necklace £4,500, Richard Ogden Elegant 18ct yellow gold collar necklace £16,500, Hancocks 18ct yellow gold, fluted and plain linked bracelet with trailing gem set clusters £27,500, Tessier 1940s Two colour retro bracelet £14,950 Tessier t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

063

Ladies Cartier American tank diamond watch £14,500, Armour-Winston Men’s Patek Philippe 18ct yellow gold calatrava £15,250, Armour-Winston Men’s Patek Philippe 18ct yellow gold perpetual calendar automatic, sapphire crystal skeleton back £34,900, Heming

For more information visit

www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

XXXXXX 18ct rose gold amethyst and diamond fancy cluster ring £2,975, Heming 1950s aquamarine and diamond platinum ring £14,750, Michael Rose Tourmaline and diamond ring £14,995, Hirsh 18ct yellow gold mounted citrine ruby and diamond set “oriental” earrings £6,500, Johnson Walker 1950s18ct rose gold retro period amethyst and diamond ring £3,500, Matthew Foster

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

065

CHRISTMAS KISS

Lulu Guinness’s iconic and timeless lips clutch has been given a make over – introducing the stunning Gold Studded Lips Clutch! A show stopping piece that will have heads turning; stand out from the crowd with your Christmas kiss.

purse friendly

The purse is a handbag favourite. Available at Pickett [pictured below] and Church’s, you will find a touch of everyday luxury. It is the perfect gift for mum’s and friends, or an ideal self indulgent treat. The only problem is deciding which colour to buy!

Ch i c k n i ts

The softest fabric imaginable, cashmere is the ultimate weapon in battling the London weather in style and was a big feature on the A/W 11 catwalks. Burlington Arcade houses some of the top names in this chicest of knits, including N.Peal [pictured above], John Smedley and Ballantyne cashmere at Berk, and House of Cashmere – that’s winter all wrapped up!

W H AT

A GIRL WANTS every girl’s secret wish list – choose from glittering jewellery, delicate scents and must-have handbags to give her the best Christmas ever

LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET

HEAVEN SCENT

Penhaligon’s fine fragrances are made in England using the finest rare ingredients; from hand-squeezed bergamot, to jasmine at twice the price of gold. This seasons top choices include Juniper Sling (playful, chilled and mysterious homage to the Bright Young Things of London’s roaring twenties) and Malabah solid fragrance, filled with East Indian spice.

CLUTCH CONTROL

Made in England, the Eliza Clutch day bag features the exclusive Thomas Lyte closure. In Mustard Breuninger Leather with Whiskey vegetable tan trim, it has Cognac suede lining with Wheat silk pocket linings. It adds opulence to your look and is a luxurious way to hold your essentials.

For more information visit

www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

After a long day Christmas shopping and sightseeing in the world’s most iconic city, catch some well-deserved rest and rejuvenation time at Joe’s Hair and Beauty – the city’s best kept secret.

For the ultimate hair indulgence, try the Moroccan Oil hair treatment for bouncing tresses worthy of our new Princess. In addition, Joe’s is the first salon to offer a year’s membership card (only 200 created) at £4,000 for unlimited hairdressing for a year – a Morroccan Oil gift hamper and BA Privilege Card also accompany the card!

PROMOTION

Lulu Guinness

In the bag at the Burlington Arcade As she opens her third store in London, we catch up with the inimitable Lulu Guinness, whose quirky Fifties style and red lips make the reigning queen of British cool

golden age

Gold in any form is always a great choice for presents. And gold jewellery is the perfect way to remind your loved ones just how much you care. Choose from a vast array of stunning, sparkling pieces from some of London’s finest jewelers – Hancock’s, Johnson Walker, Susannah Lovis, Heming, Richard Ogden [pictured below] and Hirsh [pictured above] - gift your loved one with a beautiful item of jewellery that will last for generations. For classic and contemporary costume jewellery head to Ciro.

HANDS UP!

London’s winter weather demands an increase in layers, but there is no reason to choose between style and substance this season.

A pair of Sermoneta’s beautiful leather gloves are effortlessly elegant, and teamed with a soft fur from Ana Konder will make even the frostiest mornings glamorous.

little filler

This stylish Perfume Atomiser from Thomas Lyte is sleek and compact in design, making it the perfect accessory for your handbag as well as a quirky little stocking filler.

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Q: Why is the Burlington Arcade such

a good match for the Lulu Guinness boutique?

A: Burlington Arcade is perfect for Lulu

Guinness’s first store in W1 as it is quintessentially English and has so much history being one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades. Burlington Arcade is undergoing a grand restoration and Lulu Guinness is pleased to be part of this. An exclusive limited Edition Lulu Guinness bag will be designed for the opening, available only at the W1 store.

Q: Which products would you suggest as extra special Christmas gifts?

A: The Lulu Guinness Cruise 11

Collection was designed with the festive party season firmly in mind and was inspired by Lulu’s love of vintage jewellery. The Confetti Print Bow Wanda is the hero bag of the season and would be an extra special Christmas gift.

Q: Which products are suitable for luxury stocking fillers?

A: We have an

excellent range of products suitable for stocking fillers – lips jewellery and also oversize lips keyring.

Q: Can you predict the most popular

items/style for the festive party season?

A: Our iconic Lips clutches always do

well in the festive season, we have updated them this season with gold studs and snakeskin.

Q: Why is a Lulu Guinness accessory perfect for finishing off a party outfit?

A: A Lulu Guinness accessory is perfect

for finishing off a party outfit as it is a great conversation starter!

Q: What would you like for Christmas this year - will you be shopping in the Arcade?

A: I am looking forward to shopping in the Arcade, I love jewellery so I will have plenty of shops to choose from and I also love Penhaligon’s.

Q: The focus on the new

collection is black cherry & winter florals, alongside your trademark red and black - what was the inspiration behind these styles?

A: The inspiration

for my autumn winter collection was Parisian chic and for Cruise vintage jewellery.

067

DIAMOND COLLECTION

CLASSIC

JEWELS

FOR

LIFE'S

• DIAMONDS EXCEPTIONAL

• FINE

WATCHES

OCCASIONS

18-19 BURLINGTON ARCADE, LONDON W1J 0PW T: +44 (0)207 499 7644 WWW.HEMINGJEWELS.COM

FASHION

Check Mate Every British person is obsessed with the weather, and Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s chief creative officer, is no exception. The A/W 11 show was a series of coats drawing on the brand’s outwear heritage – something that is constantly at the heart of every Burberry collection. With lots of pea coats, blanket checks, neat tweed and herringbone with fur trims coming down the catwalk, there was a very strong iconic 1960s vibe to the collection. www.burberry.com

www.oliversweeney.com

d

M

s

R FAI

ec

r

A retro classic, The Chelsea boot is back! Very stylish, the most desirable boots of the season it’s always great to add a few extra centimetres to one’s height –Tom Cruise take note.

Oliver Sweeney has done a great modern version of this look.

MAY

Classic Revival

Him

om men

The Bold and Beautiful This season’s big trend for bold colours can be a look that’s slightly intimidating for men.

However, you don’t need to be dressed head to toe in something loud – a single item will do.

Accessories are a great way to introduce some colour to your wardrobe whether it’s a tie, belt (above) or simply some stand-out socks. www.smythson.com

Prints Charming Stripe, floral, check, paisley, subtle or bold, the printed shirt is the must have item this season. Worn casual with a pair of jeans or smartened up with a suit – it’s a great way of adding colour and a bit fun to your wardrobe. www.reissonline.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

069

FASHION

Bon Chic With stores around the world including Paris, Milan, St. Tropez and Beverley Hills, the Parisian brand, Eres, has now finally opened a flagship store in London. This chic boutique of lingerie and swimwear is a gorgeous mix of simplicity with sophistication. The A/W 11 collection has a strong 1950s vibe and is set against a backdrop of blustering weather with colours of ‘storm tones’ and ‘cloud shades’.

Eres, 24 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JU

AYFAI

After collaborating with the conceptual artist, Damien Hirst, on his infamous diamond skull, Bentley & Skinner of Bond Street, is back collaborating again with a new artist.

Akelo, a master goldsmith, is creating a jewellery collection through the lost art of gold granulation. This technique allows him to capture the feel and spirit of ancient treasures that are uniquely modern and one of a kind pieces. Starting from 1 November, 100 pieces will be on exhibition with 70 of them for sale to the public

s

om men

Shoetastic!

With his 20th anniversary approaching, Christian Louboutin, this theatrical shoemaker is publishing his first book. Over the years his designs with their signature red-lacquered soles offer a dramatic presence that’s often electric and exotic.

Considered by many a true artist, Louboutin’s book, divided into six characters, will consist of his biography, shoe designs, shop designs, behind-the-scene photos, collaborations and a complete catalogue of his work.

With elaborate foldout cover and intricate popup pages, this fanciful book would make an amazing gift, the perfect coffee table book for any true fashionista.

www.bentley-skinner.co.uk

A Bond-age Girl Updating the classic bondage dress is a difficult task, but Max Azria has done it in his latest collection. Featuring metal hardware and leather studs this suit of armor was crafted for a fearless and confident modern warrior. However, what really made the collection stand out was the introduction of a few non-bondage pieces such as a gorgeous ponyskin coat, camel biker jacket and a beautiful pair of tailored wool trousers.

Max Azria, 29 Lowndes Street, Knightsbridge 020 7201 2590

070

d

M r

The Midas Touch

Her

R

M

ec

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

N E W S TO R E

SLOANE ST Sw1 C O N T E m p O R a Ry CaShmERE SiNCE 1936

Available from Burlington Arcade, Mayfair Tel: 020 7499 6485 and 149 Sloane Street Sw1 Tel: 020 7730 6891

www.npeal.com

Lime zip-sided drape dress, ÂŁ705, Roksanda Illincic at Matches (www.matchesfshion.com)

Colour Punch

Photography:

Fashion Editor:

Jon Cottam

Lucie Dodds

Red velvet jacket, £2,150, red velvet trousers, £1,230, black lace ruffle collar shirt, £3,850, all Tom Ford at Harrods, Knightsbridge SW1 (020 7730 1234 www.tomford.com)

Green lace dress, ÂŁ17,500, Tom Ford, as before

Jade green chiffon dress, ÂŁ1,585, Alberta Ferretti (020 7235 2349 www.albertaferretti.com)

Red rayon-mix plunge front dress, ÂŁ1,710, Herve Leger, 29 Lowndes Place SW1 (020 7201 2590)

Location: The House Next Door www.castlegibson.com Hair: Laurence Close at Models1 Creative using Paul Mitchell Make-Up: Katie Pettigrew at Tiger Creative using MAC Photography Assistant: Micheal Rudd Post Production: Peach Perfect

Eastern PROMISE

As the spending power of China’s swelling middle class continues to grow, so does the country’s appetite for luxury. The country’s extraordinary growth is good news for both the world economy and Europe’s high-end brands, writes Richard Brown

All other images / AW11 Catwalk Collection

by Mulberry

Above / Handbags, selection

by Gucci

LIFESTYLE

Sotheby’s auction house, Hong Kong, October 2010. An anonymous Chinese phone bidder pays $696,000 for three bottles of 1869 Château Lafite Rothschild, making them the most expensive wines ever sold. Was this the spontaneous action of an eccentric oligarch or a casein-point of an interesting new trend? The evidence, overwhelmingly, would suggest the latter.

The same auction house raised a total of $14.3 million from just two wine auctions last year. In fact, fuelled by China’s new-found, seemingly insatiable thirst for everything luxe, Hong Kong is now the world’s secondlargest centre for wine auctions; only trailing behind New York. If consumption continues at the same speed (the Chinese purchased more than 126 million cases in 2009) the country will overtake the United States as the world’s largest consumer of wine by 2015.

Of course, it’s not just wine that has found favour amongst China’s multiplying middle classes: their luxury wish-lists now include everything from handbags and health food to overseas property and foreign education. Even Tibetan Mastiffs have become an essential must have; earlier this year a coal baron splurged $1.6 million for one, while in 2009 a Chinese woman paid $600,000 for another.

China now has more billionaires than any other country outside the United States. The number of its millionaires has increased to more than 400,000 and of the world’s 20 richest self-made women, more than half are Chinese (including the top three). Over the past 20 or so years, an estimated 600 million Chinese people moved out of poverty, raising the number of the country’s middle class households to 55 million, demonstrating how the country is well on course to overtake the U.S. as the world’s largest economy.

Predictions on when that will happen vary. The New York Times says it will do so by 2030; Goldman Sachs anticipates a few years earlier, while The Economist believes it could happen as early as 2019. What is certain, however, is that for nearly 30 years, China has been the world’s fastestgrowing major economy, whose average disposable income has increased from around £300 to £1,240 per head.

Collectively, this all offered an unprecedented market opportunity for luxury brands, who have been quick to respond. Take Gucci for example, having increased its stores in China from six in 2006, to a 39 by 2011, China now accounts for 18 per cent of the brand’s global sales. For Louis Vuitton, which has three stores in Shanghai alone, that figure is 15 per cent. For luxury goods group Richemont it is 22; while Bulgari and Hermes have risen up to 14 and 11 per cent respectively. Sales of Tiffany & Co.’s products in China rose by almost half in the second quarter of this

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

year, while next year the country is expected to top the U.S. as Rolls-Royce’s number one market.

The list of luxury brands making good in China goes on: Van Cleef & Arpels has invested heavily in Hong Kong, Rolex has set up in Shanghai, and Aquascutum now boasts a total of 59 residences on the mainland. While the country’s economy continues to enjoy near double-digit growth and its statusconscious middle class continue to flaunt its newfound wealth, it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing.

Anyone still in doubt of the luxury boom in China need only take a walk down Beijing’s Wangfujing Street. Reminiscent of Oxford Street, the day after Boxing Day, the district has become one the country’s most famous shopping mecca, drawing a staggering one million visitors a day. Stroll down the pedestrianised road and you’d be forgiven for thinking that Gucci and Ray Ban had teamed up for a clearance sale; the former’s signature handbags hang from what seems like every other wrist, while the latter’s iconic wayfarers are sported in almost equal number.

Across the Yellow Sea in South Korea, Louis Vuitton’s handbags have become such a phenomenon that they are now nicknamed the ‘threesecond bags’; that’s the amount of time you’ll go between seeing one from the next. Signature staples from British brands Burberry and Mulberry are not far behind.

Earlier this year China became the largest manufacturing nation by output, ending America’s 110-year stint at the top of the table. If current trends continue, the world’s distribution of economic product and manufacturing output is expected to resemble that of 1800 – when China was producing a third of the world’s GDP – before the middle of this century. For the Chinese, their 200-year economic ‘blip’ will be over, while for brands in the west, this far Eastern land will have become their most important market.

079

LIFESTYLE

Get Christmas on Track Step on board the British Pullman, sister train to the classic Orient-Express, where the heyday of great train travel meets modern Christmas shopping

Battling the busy high street to find the perfect Christmas gift is not necessarily an experience that can be described as luxurious, but this year Orient-Express’ British Pullman will change that, with the brand new ‘Shopping on the Rails’ trip. A host of British luxury retailers will display their products onboard the festively decorated carriages and will offer advice to guests looking for inspiration for presents. Guests can enjoy a festive four-course lunch whilst travelling through the scenic Kent countryside, before exploring the train to find brands including Harrods, Brora, Cath Kidston, Ettinger, Miller Harris, Liberty, Holland & Holland, Astley Clarke and Daniel Sandler, all showcasing a selection of their best products – with plenty of time left to gift wrap.

The ‘Shopping on the Rails’ trip costs £300 per person and departs from London Victoria on 1 December.

For further details and reservations visit www.orient-express.com/uktrains or call 0845 077 2222

080

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

10th anniversary

Luxury Shopping and dining in the City Agent ProvocAteur, ArtisAn Fine Art, BAchet, Boodles, BulgAri, church’s, crockett & Jones, de Beers, gucci, herMÈs, Jo MAlone, kiehl’s, koJis, lAird & co hAtters, l’occitAne, loro PiAnA, lulu guinness, MillePerle, Molton Brown, MontBlAnc, oMegA, PAul A. Young Fine chocolAtes, PAul sMith, PenhAligon’s, PrettY BAllerinAs, roYAl exchAnge Jewellers, seArle & co, sMoker’s PArAdise, sMYthson, tAteossiAn, theo Fennell, tiFFAnY & co, vileBrequin, wAtches oF switzerlAnd grAnd cAFé & BAr, iMPeriAl citY, MezzAnine lounge, sAuterelle, nAPket, PAvArotti’s

roYAl exchAnge, BAnk, citY oF london www.theroYAlexchAnge.coM

ec3v 3lr

Exclusive Modern Furniture Made in Germany

Harrods Heal’s

3rd Floor Knightsbridge | www.hulsta-harrods.co.uk

1st Floor Tottenham Court Road | www.hulsta-heals.co.uk

Hülsta-Westend Hülsta-Bristol

23-25 Baker Street | www.westend.hulsta.co.uk

33 Wine Street, Bristol | www.bristol.hulsta.co.uk

www.hulsta.co.uk | the german furniture brand

Hulsta_C-Wharf_City_Oct11.indd 1

16/09/2011 13:30

Interiors

News Fancy Fantasy Juliette’s Interiors provides stunning pieces which can instantly inject glamour into the home. In a time of minimalistic, contemporary design, the online luxury furniture boutique provides classical creations of the very highest standard, which are unapologetically lavish and capture the essence of fifteenth century French style.

This Louis XV chaise longue, is carved from solid wood and can be finished in a selection of sizes, colours and fabrics which enables clients to meet their precise room scheme. The design looks especially opulent when wrapped in a unique gold ‘Pitti Oro’ finish and styled in fine button pearl velvet upholstery, and would work as well in a striking dining room setting as it would in a master bedroom suite. Now is a particularly good time to consider such an item, owing to the return of Chateau Chic on the interiors trend radar. www.juliettesinteriors.co.uk

BRITISH DESIGN Pimlico Road designer Soane has introduced a hand-printed fabrics collection for Winter 2011. For nearly 15 years, Soane Britain has been working with some of Europe’s top artists and craftsmen to create bespoke furniture, lighting and interior décor.

The collection of hand-printed fabrics features eight designs, each imagined by Soane’s founder, Lulu Lytle, who spent many years collecting antique fabrics and textiles from markets, auctions and overseas travels as inspiration to enrich her upholstered furniture. www.soane.co.uk

s

M

M

ec

d

You can’t beat woollen cable knits for gorgeous winter texture and warmth. Somerton has a cable texture that goes right to the edges, finished top and bottom with a deep rib ‘hem’, envelope closures and mother-of-pearl style buttons (available in biscuit, pictured, or charcoal).

r

The perfect present for any new baby, toddler or child, Little Chairs presents a selection of small, but perfectly formed upholstered armchairs, suitable for babies to nine-year-olds.

Little Chairs is the only company in the UK solely making these upholstered armchairs and sofas which are stylish, sentimental and sustainable. ‘Our chairs are traditionally built and they make perfect heirlooms to be handed down through the generations’ says Arabella Hampson, designer and owner. ‘But they are also statement pieces for those who are passionate about interior design.’

AYFAI

R

Little Chairs

Must Have: Winter Warmer

om men

Throw, £110 Cushion cover £40 (small) £50 (large) www.thewhitecompany.com

Prices start at £495 plus fabric www.little-chairs.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

083

Suite Dreams:

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Le Manoir is an opulent boutique hotel, nestled amidst orchards and herb gardens in the Oxfordshire countryside. The vision of renowned chef Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir has been awarded two Michelin stars for its fabulous food but is equally loved for its 32 individually designed guest rooms, many of which Raymond has a personal hand in. www.manoir.com

Lace Suite This is the most feminine and romantic of all the superior suites at the hotel.

Created with the aim of emulating a luxurious French boudoir, the room is dominated by a handsome ebony four-poster bed, flanked by velvet chaise longues.

A rich colour palette of scarlet and black has been combined with crushed silks and lace to create intimacy as well as a modern and attractive finish.

INTERIORS

Glass Top

Red Alert

Incorporate unusual pieces into your redecoration.

This glass vase is sleek and simple, but looks funky when placed against dark woods and busy prints.

Use plain but bold-shaded cushions to punctuate busy feature walls. This silk cushion is available in bright red or a deeper scarlet tone.

LSA malika platinum and clear vase, £42, Heal’s (www.heals.co.uk)

Red ‘Douppion’ silk cushion, £28, Heal’s (www.heals.co.uk)

Finishing Touches

Wonder Wall

Part lamp, part stylish ornament, this porcelain piece from Ralph Lauren Home is the perfect bedside-table accessory.

Using a monochrome illustration is a great way to ensure wallpaper is contemporary and versatile. This is the exact paper chosen by the Lace Suite’s stylist. We love it.

Gable gold porcelain table lamp, from a selection, Ralph Lauren Home (www.ralphlaurenhome.com)

Product 19419, £60 per roll, Ophelia by Barbara Hulanicki, (www.wallpaperdirect.co.uk)

Laid-back Luxe Somerville Scott has a range of beautiful day beds. In keeping with Le Manoir’s seductive look, this design has been finished in tomato-coloured mohair with brass banding and walnut legs – it simply exudes quality and style.

Maven Chaise, £3,075, Somerville Scott, (www.somervillescott.com)

Five-star Four-poster Inject instant grandeur into a room using a striking master bed. This teak design has an almost colonial feel and features beautiful hand-carved details.

Drape with soft gauze to finish.

‘Keraton’ four-poster bed, from £1,795, Lombok (www.lombok.co.uk)

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

085

Kitchen

confidential

INTERIORS

A pepper pot as a status item? Alberto Alessi has turned the industrial company that bears his family name into makers of the world’s quirkiest kitchenware. Here he talks design and business with Josh Sims

Alberto Alessi draws deeply on his cigar and considers one of the most iconic products of the family company that takes his name: Philippe Starck’s Juicy Salif lemon squeezer, a totem for the designer kitchens that the Italian firm has helped to define. Unstable and imbalanced, as a lemon squeezer it leaves a lot to be desired. But as an object, as sculpture for your worktop, it is hard to beat.

‘I have never been overly concerned with that idea that form should always follow function,’ he says, taking another puff. ‘If you’re creating a bottle opener, for example, in a market in which devices for doing that already exist, then the function of the opener actually becomes to provide a more beautiful version. If we were just animals, then function would be enough. But we have deeper needs. And, really, there are limits to form. If you ask me what a bowl – an object that been around for millennia – will look like towards the end of this century, I’m pretty sure it will look like those we have today. It will probably still be in porcelain too.’

It may even be made by the company of which Alessi is head of design and, since his father Carlo died in 2009, effectively managing director. It, after all, may have been founded 80 years ago this year, but it is over the past 30 years that it has revolutionised our idea of what those everyday objects, ones that previously went ignored, might look like – grand and neo-classical, but also witty and fun.

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Fun is a word that Alberto Alessi uses more than your typical industrialist. Indeed, it is what he says has driven the company over recent decades, and which, at one point, drove a rift between him and his father.

‘About 15 years ago, I had a fight with him about the company’s direction – he was more into traditional design and thought I was far too radical.

I wanted the company to be more about fun.

And you have to remember that at heart it is really a metal-working company, a bit grey and sad,’ the 65-year-old says. ‘Did the company need the fun? I don’t know. But I do think play is fundamental to business activity. And I know that when the company started out, there were maybe 30 others in a similar field.

And now there is just us. Perhaps it saved us. Production costs with average industrial products are just so high that competition is impossible when the same item can be made in China for perhaps four times less.’

Fun, it seems, is what has kept him going too.

Although he says it was always inevitable that he would work for the family business – the traditions of such in Italy being so strong, he even refers to it as ‘an issue of destiny’ – the realisation of the fact only hit Alberto when he was 18 and his father insisted he study economics.

Headstrong, he insisted on architecture. Between them, they compromised on law. ‘What did I learn from my studies? Probably nothing. At least nothing important,’ he says.

087

INTERIORS

It did, however, underscore his desire for change, one he has translated into business success. Alessi’s big idea has been, as he explains it, to act more like a gallery curator or film producer; to tap into the world’s leading design talents – Starck, but also the likes of Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and Richard Sapper, even sculptors such as Salvador Dali and Gio Pomodoro – and organise that talent to create products that are understood by enough customers to make them viable. That pool is growing with increased general interest in design, even if it is, as he notes, not better educated. ‘There is a lot of bad design about,’ he says. ‘And, in fact, that is only muddling understanding of what is good and bad design.

There’s all the mass-media too, TV especially – that’s not a contribution to forming good taste.’

‘What we really do is commerical art. Like fashion, cinema, or maybe even a rock concert’

even knowing they’re less accessible and will make less money, which sometimes other family members and employees don’t agree with.’

Not that, as the growth of the Alessi company suggests, Alessi is more controversialist than industrialist. Like his products he is more of an unusual blend, if not of exciting form and necessary function, then hard business and left-field creativity. Take, for example, the ongoing jokey debate he has had with the designer Jasper Morrison, who has always insisted that his kitchenware come with a satin or brushed steel finish. Alessi knows that 70 per cent of sales of kitchenware can be accounted for by that with a mirror finish – in Milan, there is even an expression for it: ‘five cents more, but mirrored’.

‘The fact is that a polished finish makes something look more precious, more expensive, or at least that’s what most consumers think. It’s hard to ignore that,’ Alessi says. ‘So we go for what is a typically Italian compromise: we make both.’ n

But Alessi’s second big idea has been to sweat the small stuff; to give as much attention to the shape of a spoon, and all the other everyday objects we unconsciously develop a relationship with, as he might to the many collaborative projects that have seen the company also design cars, bathrooms, phones and watches. He goes further. It is in precisely the more humble objects that Alessi the company finds its competitive edge. While marketing-dominated mass production is killing ‘the poetry in little things’, as he poetically puts it, Alessi keeps offering consumers just that. More than that, he is prepared to sacrifice profit in its pursuit.

‘Of course, profit is essential to survive,’ he concedes. ‘There’s no question about that. But it is not the most important issue and most mass-production companies don’t understand that. Before I’m an industrialist, I’m a human being who needs poetry. We all do. What we really do is commercial art. Like fashion, cinema, maybe even a rock concert, it’s the form of art addressed to a much wider audience. That means there are limits to what we can do. Well, not what we can do, but what will be appreciated by our customers. If a product is not accessible, you don’t sell it. But we still make items

Alessi, 22 Brook Street, London W1K 5DF 020 7518 9090, www.alessi.com

088

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Combining the excellence and experience of The Wellington Hospital, The Platinum Medical Centre provides only the best in private healthcare

Platinum Medical Centre, 15-17 Lodge Road, St Johns Wood, London, NW8 8NX Tel 020 7483 5148

www.theplatinummedicalcentre.com

Why you need

Apple TV You’ve got the latest iPhone and upgraded your iPad, but why is your big-screen TV not showing iTunes? We reveal the core concept and cool features behind Apple TV

TECHNOLOGY

For all its dominance of the mobile age, it’s taken a surprisingly long time for Apple to get to the core of the living room.

Apple TV is a relatively inexpensive add-on to any home entertainment set-up – it sells for just £99 – but it is perhaps the ultimate upgrade for anyone already besotted with their iPhone or iPad. The technology has been around for a few years, but the latest version does away with the previous, and now positively retro, 160GB hard disk. That makes Apple TV a simple streamer, but with so many other devices – and ‘the cloud’ – now available to store content, this is no longer an issue, and the end result is wonderfully minute. At a mere 23x98x98mm, Apple TV is no bigger than a couple of iPhones.

It is easy to place beside or under a TV, the diminutive box hooks-up to a TV using a normal HDMI cable, and to a home cinema system via an optical cable (to create Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound), but that’s it for hardware – the box then connects to a WiFi network to fuel the rest of its clever features.

Despite some rather delicious WiFi integration with other Apple devices and an option to play anything on YouTube, the main reason to get Apple TV is for iTunes movies.

Downloading, streaming and even broadcasting content from an iPhone is made completely effortless with this system. Within its simple and intuitive user interface that Apple have become known for, there are options to buy or rent films and TV shows from iTunes (from £2.49 per movie, or £3.49 for a HD version for 48 hours), stream photos from Flickr, and watch videos on YouTube.

The other reason for Apple TV – and easily its star turn – is Apple AirPlay. It allows the instant streaming of music, video and photos from an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch straight to the television the Apple TV is attached to. The uses are myriad – and magnificent. Search for a movie trailer on your iPhone, then just as it begins to play, tap the Apple AirPlay icon and choose Apple TV as the output device; the trailer will seamlessly transfer both to the bigscreen and a home cinema’s speakers. It’s smooth stuff, with the same feature available from music videos, video podcasts and absolutely anything either downloaded from, and playing within, iTunes (either stored on an iPhone, iPad or home networked computer running iTunes). It even works with YouTube videos, with more and more third party apps now adopting ‘push’ video using Apple AirPlay, it’s set to become an everyday feature.

Apple AirPlay also works with music. Unlike Bluetooth it’s actually a lossless technology, so as well as tunes being instantly transferred from an iPad or iPhone to a home cinema, it’s done so in the best quality possible. It’s a huge advance on an iPhone dock, where you have to physically leave your

phone across the other side of the room, though audiophiles don’t necessarily need to buy into Apple TV to get this feature; new AV amplifiers from the likes of Denon and Marantz, as well as dedicated soundbars like Bowers & Wilkins’ Zeppelin Air, are compatible with Apple AirPlay, too.

Apple AirPlay on Apple TV also means that an iPad, can retain its place as the hub of the living room, though it’s not just about movies and music. Photos, too, can benefit from the magic of Apple AirPlay; simply find the snaps you want to share, and instantly view them on the bigscreen via Apple TV – while you continue swiping between pictures on your iPhone or iPad as normal. It sure beats attaching cameras with cables, shoving SD cards into DVD players, or even gathering the family around a tiny laptop to watch holiday or wedding snaps.

Sophisticated and totally unique, AirPlay is why Apple is still ahead of the curve compared to other tech manufacturers.

Streaming video from a networked computer is also possible on Apple TV, and low-quality video is fabulously upscaled. Set-up is generally automatic, though pairing with a PC or Mac’s iTunes library can be fiddly.

That barely matters anymore, since the arrival this year of iCloud, which allows any movie, song or TV episode previously purchased from Apple to be streamed to Apple TV independently of a PC, iPad or iPhone.

A weak point of Apple TV is its stumpy, short remote control that doesn’t feel at all comfortable in the hand. No matter, because after downloading Remote, available as a free app on the App Store, an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch magically transforms into a gesture-based control extraordinaire.

Other drawbacks of Apple TV include a lack of TV services. Without a built-in TV tuner, its own app store or catch-up TV services like BBC iPlayer, the suite of Apple AirPlay, TV shows and movies, Flickr and YouTube may look lonely to some, but with such a smooth execution there’s no denying that Apple TV provides the icing to any household already stuffed with iPads and iPhones.

‘There’s no denying that Apple TV provides the icing on the cake to any household already stuffed with iPads and iPhones’

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

091

HighSpirits Rolls-Royce may be the most venerable name in British motoring but, as its new CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös tells Josh Sims, that does not mean it can avoid having to move with the times

MOTORING

When the rumours leaked late last year that Rolls-Royce was actually going to do it, they were greeted with some scepticism. After all, this was the company whose flagship model, the Phantom, was a veritable beast, with hefty haunches and miles of sweeping bonnet, peaking in a gargantuan grill. At 19 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, this was less the proverbial gentleman’s club chair on wheels than the entire gentleman’s club. And now, here were the whispers abounding that the enormous 6.7-litre gas-guzzler was going to go all eco. Surely, with the luxury market still reluctant to embrace environmental concerns openly – as though to do so suggests penny-pinching rather than social awareness – Rolls-Royce, of all car brands, is the least likely to take on the golf cart silence of an electric engine?

But it has. The 102EX is a fully electrically-powered Phantom, unveiled this spring, although it’s not being rushed into production. Also known as the ‘EE’, which stands for Experimental Electric, it is more of a test-bed to gauge consumer reaction and assess whether this is the best eco-drivetrain for Rolls-Royce to adopt. Yet the fact that the company has even considered it is a reflection of a new energy for the brand, largely down to the leadership of Torsten Müller-Ötvös. It was he who took over as Rolls-Royce’s CEO last year after a lifetime of brand management roles with Rolls-Royce’s owner, the BMW Group, where he was its youngest ever ascendant to the top table. Positioning and re-positioning automotive brands is what Müller-Ötvös is all about. It was he who oversaw the re-launch of the Mini and with the EE he is testing the water once again.

‘It is more an exploration of what our clients think about a more environmentally friendly engine,’ says Müller-Ötvös. ‘Clearly we need to make a proper decision on that, if we need to go down the route of producing alternative drivetrains, which could be diesel, electric or a hybrid, but it has to be right for the brand and our customers. It’s less about whether they really want it and more about responding to the changes in legal issues in certain countries that might encourage them to look into the area. Get it right, though, and I think there’s definitely a market there.’

Moving Rolls-Royce into a higher gear has been one benefit of its German ownership, however disgruntled many may have been when (like the recent Kraft takeover of Cadbury’s) the purchase was announced.

Müller-Ötvös stresses how the Britishness of these cars nevertheless remains – some 80 per cent of employees are Brits, all the craftsmen are Brits, the chief designer, Ian Cameron, is a Brit, the cars are made here – and is a great selling point, especially overseas. But he also gently points out that the reputation for excellence Rolls-Royce

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

093

MOTORING

once justly commanded had been fading fast, with the brand ‘stunning in the earlier years of its history but losing its way during the 80s and 90s.’ BMW, he says, risking opprobrium from the overly patriotic, re-awakened ‘engineering competence, manufacturing competence and the latest in manufacturing technology to get the quality that Rolls-Royce customers expect and what we have to deliver.’

Another further benefit has been the CEO’s enthusiasm for spotting unexploited markets, however incongruous they may seem on first consideration.

How about, for example, a less stately, more affordable Rolls-Royce? That may not fit with the Rolls-Royce story as it is popularly conceived, but Müller-Ötvös has made it work. In addition to the Phantom, he has added the Ghost, a car that is a celebration of Rolls-Royce history but one as much symbolic of the times as the new EE; the Ghost marks this year as the centenary of the spirit of ecstasy, Rolls-Royce’s flying lady mascot – said to be modelled on automobile pioneer John Walter, Lord Montagu’s secretary and lover.

‘The Ghost hasn’t been about taking business away from other car brands. To be honest, a lot of our customers already have several cars in their garage from several different companies,’ says Müller-Ötvös. ‘It is a reflection of a change of philosophy for the company: it’s less ostentatious and I think that will be a key part of what Rolls-Royce is about in the future. The Phantom, of course, is a statement. It’s often chauffeur-driven, for example. But we also recognise with the Ghost that there is a need for more of a driver’s car, a more everyday car, something more subtle.’

Recognition of the need for the company to broaden its remit has certainly proven successful. Last year saw Rolls-Royce report a record year-on-year sales growth of 171 per cent with sales of 2,711 cars, more than double the previous record set in 2008.

This success is largely attributed to the Ghost, which has brought new customers to the brand. Indeed,

some 80 per cent of Ghost customers have, atypically for the company, never owned a Rolls-Royce before.

Not that the brand is in any way going mass-market: at £165,000, and upwards, the Ghost may be RollsRoyce’s more affordable car, but Müller-Ötvös sees no future in one any cheaper than that.

‘The economy is getting better and people are getting more confident and coming back to buy luxury products again, but you can’t move established brands too dramatically or too fast, especially one as old as Rolls-Royce, with its heritage and tradition. It has to be step by step,’ he says. ‘There’s been talk of launching a more affordable car but I don’t think that would be right – our intention is to be very, very highly exclusive. And there’s still no one around the world selling more cars in that segment than Rolls-Royce. You wouldn’t want to see a Rolls-Royce on the corner of every street. We’d lose that exclusivity overnight.’

Buying a Rolls-Royce, for the few who can afford one, is about more than exclusivity. As the luxury goods market continues to crack along its middle – dividing the high-profile and widely distributed brands from those more niche and barely known beyond the long driveways of élite luxury consumers – what has buoyed it up through the recession has been an increased interest in quality over mere brand flash, in purchases of good sense rather than status. And that, Müller-Ötvös stresses, is where Rolls-Royce can really stake a claim.

Rolls-Royce may well be world famous but ‘these cars are also an investment,’ he says. ‘In the end, it’s all about build quality – and we make a point of inviting anyone thinking about buying a Rolls-Royce to come to the factory at Goodwood to see how we manufacture cars, and lots do. When you see the precision put into the engineering and into all the detail, from the leather to the wood, you come away knowing why the cars are at the price level they are.’

‘People are getting more confident and coming back to luxury products’

094

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

www.topgearlive.co.uk

Find out more about the movie at www.topgearlive.co.uk/lemans

autosportsltd.com

HELP US MARK THE LAUNCH OF THE ALL-NEW TOP GEAR LIVE EVENT AT LONDON EXCEL WITH AN ALL-STAR GALA DINNER ON THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGENDARY RACING FILM, LE MANS, AT THE TOP GEAR LIVE GALA EVENING, THURSDAY 24TH NOVEMBER. ENJOY A SUPERB THREE-COURSE DINNER IN THE COMPANY OF SOME OF THE STARS AND CARS FROM THE MOVIE, TOGETHER WITH STEVE MCQUEEN’S SON, CHAD MCQUEEN. SPACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED, CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR TABLE

Find out more

Stephanie Fox | call 020 7370 8341 | email stephanie.fox@clarionevents.com

Personality Rights of STEVE MCQUEEN are used with permission of Chadwick McQueen and The Terry McQueen Testamentary Trust. Represented exclusively by GreenLight.

RunWild_TGL_Le Mans.indd 2

13/10/2011 15:30

Whenis less more

The baby of the new Audi A6 Avant range is the one to go for, and it’s best to ignore the options list advises Matthew Carter

motoring

Among the fleets of test cars run by the Press offices of all the various companies, there’s no such thing as a standard car. All of them have desirable options added to boost their appeal… and the journalist is often ignorant which bits cost extra. Audi, on the other hand, is quite upfront about the gizmos and goodies they stick on their press cars. They even leave a sheet in the car listing everything that’s been added.

Take the Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro I drove the other day. The basic price of this car is 50 quid short of £41k, yet the one I drove had a list of extras as long as your arm. Together they added a further £38,605 to the cost of the car… virtually double. It had everything.

Panoramic roof (£1,370), check; massage front seats (£1,600), check; Bang & Olufsen sound system (£6,300 – yes really), check; and so on and so forth. Significantly, it also had £2,500 worth of 20-inch alloy wheels which look great but ruin the ride comfort… to be honest, while one or two of the options are worth the money, I’d save the cash and buy a A5 Coupé with the change.

In fact, I’d save even more and head down the range to the 2.0-litre TDI SE Avant, a snip at £32k. For that you get leather, sat nav, dynamic suspension (best left in normal mode frankly), parking sensors front and rear, and Bluetooth.

Add, say, £3,000 worth of extras – DAB radio, electrically adjustable heated front seats and a couple of other bits – and you’ve got a fine car, arguably the best of the range.

Audis are strange. Some, which ought to be exciting, fail to live up to expectations (the TTRS is a prime example), while others that you might expect to be a tad dull are the exact opposite. And that’s the case with the A6 Avant, or estate. The new Avant might look broadly similar to the car it’s replacing, but it’s all new. It’s bigger with a longer wheelbase and more interior space. Greater use of aluminium parts, meanwhile, means it’s up to 70kg lighter than the old one which helps make it feel livelier.

It also benefits from the technology that’s been crammed into the A8 and A7. That means you can have (if you want to pay extra) a head-up display projecting the car’s speed onto the screen in your line of vision (works well) or an automatic boot opening function triggered by waggling your foot under the back of the car (didn’t seem to work at all). You can even turn the interior of the car into a mobile wi-fi zone and display Google Earth images on the sat nav screen.

But ignore all that stuff, and you’re left with an elegant, honest car that delivers more than you’d expect it to. The interior is typically Audi – classy, beautifully made with high-end materials. Especially neat is the way the sat nav screen slides away when not in use to leave a clean, uncluttered dash. The extra length in the wheelbase translates into more passenger room and while the load area might not be the widest around, it’s still usefully large,

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

In brief Car:

Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI SE Price:

£32,100 (plus options) Engine:

1,968 cc 4-cylinder diesel Power:

177 hp Performance:

138 mph max, 0-62 mph in 9.0secs Drive:

Front-wheel drive

though if you want a removal van there’s nothing to touch the Mercedes E-class.

Perhaps the best thing about the Audi, though, is the way it drives. The baby of the range might be powered by a mere 2.0-litre turbodiesel, but it does deliver a healthy 177hp. And when that is put into the lightweight shell it seems livelier still. Audi reckons it will top almost 140 mph and reach 60 mph from rest in under 9 seconds, and that’s not bad going for a large family estate. Better news comes at the pumps with an official combined figure of more than 56mpg allied to emissions of 132g/km, low enough to reduce company car tax percentage to 19 per cent. Stop/ Start technology is also standard, helping to lower emissions and running costs. The standard six-speed gearbox is slick and easy to use and even the steering – not usually an Audi strongpoint – is agile and eager… in fact, more so than the larger diesel’s steering which feels a little dead.

Whichever way you look at it, the 2.0TDI SE – not the more expensive S-line versions which has lowered suspension and bigger wheels – is a perfect example of less is more. Not that Audi is worried. When challenged about the absurdity of the version which had doubled in price, the man from Audi shrugged his shoulders and said: ‘People seem happy to spend that much on options… and we’re happy that they do.’

097

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

Travel

News Don’t leave home without…

This elegant travel wallet from Smythson. With a dedicated section for each of your travel documents you can finally put an end to those ‘lost passport’ panic attacks.

Travel wallet, £230, Smythson

Unwind in wine heaven Wine connoisseurs have a new must-visit destination now that the long-awaited Hotel Viura in Spain’s rioja region has opened it’s chic, cubist-inspired doors. The striking building is a haven of contemporary luxury inside, while offering incredible views of the elegant, cobbled 17th-century village from its balconies. Situated just a short drive away from the beautiful medieval city of Laguardia and Logroño – famed for it’s incredible tapas and fine red wine, this is the perfect place to really switch off and recharge before the festive season begins. Take a wine tour in one of the areas

surrounding bodegas, or book a private dinner in one of the surprisingly modern wineries to really relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

A special Wine and Gastronomy break, which includes two nights B&B; a visit to two different wineries in the area, and a wine and food pairing dinner at the hotel, costs from £395 per room, for two nights, based on two people sharing. www.hotalviura.com

The greatest day Jet off to Antartica this December for a true once-in-a-lifetime trip. Luxury travel company Mantis are offering a spectacular one-day only chance to experience the wilderness of a place usually reserved for research scientists and polar explorers.

After being flown to Cape Town, where you will be throughly prepared, you will board a plane to ‘Unknown International Airport’ and whisked away to a place of 24-hour continuous sunshine and breathtaking scenery. Once there you will head to the ‘White Desert’ camp on the edge of Shirmacher Oasis where you can choose from several unique activities from glacier trekking, to visiting the local penguins and other wildlife, to spending time in the sauna at the Russian base. A champagne lunch and cocktail from the ‘ice bar’ will keep you going throughout your day of adventure.

Costs around £5,860 per person (not including flights to Cape Town). To book, visit www.mantiscollection.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

There’s an app for that…

An online version of the above, this neat app collates all of your holiday and flight confirmation emails into one easy itinerary – perfect for frequent flyers.

Free on iPhone and BlackBerry, available to download on iTunes.

The best advice we’ve heard…

‘Stick with one airline so you can save up as many air miles as you can. This way you can use your points and get a free upgrade or purchase a new ticket.’ Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

099

n The Map Where will we all be going next year? We reveal the key destinations for 2012 and beyond. By Angelina Villa-Clarke

Cambodia All eyes will be on Cambodia next year, with a whole raft of stunning openings.

First up is the country’s first private island luxury resort – Song Saa (www.songsaa.com). Set to make Cambodia’s unspoilt Koh Rong Archipelago the next ‘Asian Riviera’, this 27-villa property is located on two interconnecting islands, surrounded by a marine reserve that is teaming with tropical fish. Due to open in February 2012, the stylish resort has been built from sustainable materials, with its design taking inspiration from Cambodian fishing villages – think thatched roofs, over-water buildings, natural timbers and driftwood furniture. Eminently romantic, even its name means ‘Sweethearts’ in Khmer.

Guests can expect dining under the stars at the ocean-floating restaurant, a spa with its own yoga centre and adventures in the virgin rainforest.

Other new openings include The Plantation in Phenom Penh (www.theplantation.asia). Due to open its doors in November 2011, the hotel is located in a prime spot right behind the Royal Palace and consists of a cluster of converted 1940s colonial-style buildings with cool, contemporary interiors, all set in a tropical garden. Meanwhile in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat-going visitors can hole up at the luxury Shinta Mani (www.shintamani.com). Overseen by architect Bill Bensley, who was responsible for the city’s iconic Hotel de la Paix, visitors

expect the wow-factor in spades. Guests at Shinta Mani can also appreciate the Baphuon Temple inside Angkor Park, which opens in December 2011 after a 50year restoration, and which is home to a 70m-long reclining Buddha.

Lovers of historic hotels will no doubt appreciate the sympathetic renovations just completing at both Cambodian Raffles properties, renowned as being the only luxury hotels that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. The refurbishment at Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor in Siem Reap (raffles.com/ siemreap) includes two new private villas based in the hotel’s lush gardens. At Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh (www.raffles.com/phnompenh), guests can discover new suites and a restored ballroom and bars.

Lastly, for those who want to have the complete Cambodian experience, check out Travel Indochina’s revamped Cambodian Revealed tour for 2012 (travelindochina.co.uk). It will take travellers between the capital city of Phenom Penh and Siem Reap, and will include a stay at the charming French colonial seaside resort of Kampot, a homestay experience in Takeo and a trip to Kampong Thom to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. For more information on travel to Cambodia, visit www.aboutasiatravel.com

TRAVEL

Macau Located just off the coast of Hong Kong, the tiny island of Macau is buzzing with new high-end developments. The only place to legally gamble in China, this former Portuguese colony is a unique playground for China’s mega-rich and competes with Las Vegas when it comes to lavish resorts and casinos.

The just-opened Galaxy Resort (www.galaxymacau.com) in the Cotai district is one of the world’s most ambitious ‘hotel’ projects and cost a jaw-dropping HK$49 billion. It boasts three five-star hotels – The Galaxy Hotel, The Banyan Tree Macau and the Hotel Okura Macau. The integrated resort offers an incredible 50 restaurants, bar and lounges, a shopping boulevard, ninescreen avant-garde cinema and the China Rouge Club, which aims to evoke 1930s Shanghai. Guests can also experience the Grand Resort Deck. Here you’ll find the world’s largest sky-top wave pool, with waves of up to 1.5m in height, a white sandy beach, five swimming pools, a Japanese tea pavilion and a chic cabana area – all on the roof.

Due to open in spring 2012 is the Sands Cotai Central development, which also brings together a group of top-end hotel brands, restaurants, luxury shopping and casino facilities. Totalling 6,000 rooms, guests will have a choice of booking into the Conrad by Hilton, Sheraton, Sheraton Towers and Holiday Inn. Foodies will also be in seventh heaven – with an impressive 52 of Macau’s restaurants being featured in the 2011 Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau. One of which is Robuchon A Galera, located in Hotel Lisboa – the restaurant has three Michelin stars and is listed as the third best restaurant in Asia in the 2010 Miele Guide Top 20 (www.hotelisboa.com/dining).

Finally, 2012 will also see the arrival of Macau’s very own Central Park.

Due to open next summer, the huge space will offer visitors a wide range of facilities, including an artificial lake that can be used as a swimming pool in the summer, walking trails and an underground library.

For more information on travel to Macau, visit www.macautourism.gov.mo

Chile

With Chile’s Tourism board aiming to increase the number of foreign visitors to the country by 40 per cent by the end of 2014, travellers to the country can expect lots of exciting developments over the next few years. The eco-friendly Puma Lodge is one prime example (www.exsus.com). Despite being located in a remote and stunning area of the central Andes, the heli-ski lodge is only a 90-minute drive south of Santiago International Airport – the shortest commute from an international airport to any major heli ski destination in the world. Accommodating 24 guests, the lodge boasts a wine cave with independent tasting room, library and a boutique ski shop. It also has a spa, gym, dedicated yoga room and an outdoor pool. And, when you get tired of all that, you can step outside and come face to face with some of the country’s most spectacular terrain.

Continuing with the eco theme is the Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa (www.hangaroa.cl) on Easter Island. When it opens in early 2012, the Hangaroa will be the most ecologically sustainable hotel in Chile, and of the most eco-friendly in the whole of South America. The beautifully-designed hotel will offer 75 bedrooms, three restaurants serving native, seasonal cuisine and the Mana Vai spa, which will use products and treatments based on the local Rapa Nui culture. The project is the most ambitious eco project ever undertaken in Chile. There will be a museum, theatre, arts and crafts centre and shops, all with the purpose of integrating the local community with visitors to the island.

For more information on travel to Chile, visit www.chile.travel

Tuscany With its medieval monuments and sunflower filled landscapes, Tuscany has long been a perennial favourite with Italophiles. Now with some glam new openings, the region looks set to be thrust firmly in the jetsetters’ spotlight again.

Located 20 kilometres from Siena, Castello di Casole (www.castellodicasole.com) is a 4,200-acre estate – one of Italy’s largest private landholdings, and now home to 28 artfully restored luxury farmhouses

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

101

TRAVEL

and boutique hotel. The 41 all-suite bolthole and spa, due to open in April 2012, sits at the heart of the estate and was once an ancient castle, dating back to the 10th century. Overseen by the renowned Timbers Resorts, guests can expect a true Tuscan experience while staying in a spectacular setting.

On offer will be wildlife tours around the 100 acre estate, truffle hunting, private wine tours in the vineyards and bespoke cookery courses. Interiors will be ‘elegantly rustic’ in style with visitors enjoying two restaurants, a gelateria, espresso bar and a vaulted spa carved out of the original wine cellars. If you fall in love with the place (and there’s a high chance you will), bear in mind that the Casali farmhouses are available to buy, so you’ll need never to return home again.

Located in the once-dilapidated Tuscan hamlet of Castiglioncello del Trinoro is another restoration project. Bought back to life by eminent American lawyer Michael Cioffi, the village has now been revived by restoring the former houses into villas and turning the former pensione into a ninebedroom design hotel (opening Summer 2012). The Villas at Monteverdi (www.monteverdituscany.com) have been painstakingly reconstructed by local artisans using indigenous materials to retain their authenticity. Local woods, Tuscan flagstone and granite, and Carrara marble, have all been utilised by interior designer Ilaria Miani to retain a sense of their rustic roots as well as offering ultra-modern and luxurious furnishings. Each year, Monteverdi will also feature a ‘summer season’ of events featuring celebrated luminaries from the fields of art, music, drama and culinary worlds.

Andermatt, Swiss Alps

Chedi Andermatt hotel, due to open for the 2013 winter season. What’s more, the resort aims to be a year-round destination – offering top-end shopping, sports facilities – such as cycling, climbing, canoeing and white-water rafting plus a whole host of live entertainment in the state-of-the-art concert hall.

The Peloponnese, Greece Located in what is known as the ‘Hamptons of Greece’, thanks to its lush green scenery, sweeping beaches and unspoilt ocean views, the new Porto Heli Collection (www.portohelicollection.com) will no doubt compete with the likes of Mykonos and Santorini to be one of Greece’s most salubrious destinations. It aims to integrate big-brand hotels, lavish villas and boutiques all based on the shores of the Peloponnese, a peninsula on the southern part of mainland Greece. The first phase of the project is the Aman Resort and Villas (www.amanresorts.com), due to open next year and located in the hillside above Porto Heli, a beautiful and chi chi harbour overlooking the island of Spetses and the surrounding undulating olive groves. The Aman Hotel will consist of 38 guest pavilions, each featuring their own stone wall courtyards housing private swimming pools. Other facilities include restaurants and bars, a library, beach club, luxury spa and boutique shop, offering Greek jewellery and artwork. The exclusive Aman Villas, meanwhile, will offer a rare chance to own your own slice of the renowned brand. Price between €3 to €20 million, the residences have been designed by awardwinning architect Ed Tuttle and will boast glam interiors and access to all the facilities at the resort.

You may have to wait a while yet, but it’s definitely one to put in your diary.

Andermatt in the Swiss Alps remains one of the last great untouched Alpine valleys and was until recently solely occupied by the Swiss Army. Now plans are well underway by developers Orascom Development Holding to sensitively transform the quaint valley into one of Europe’s most stylish luxury destinations which will comprise six hotels (including the landmark Chedi Andermatt), 25 private villas, 490 apartments, an 18-hole golf course, sports centre and a modernised ski area. Andermatt Swiss Alps (www.andermatt-swissalps.ch) aims to blend authentic Swiss architecture and a traditional way of life with a modern twist. Over 30 world-class architects will be employed to design the properties, including Jean Michel Gathy who will be designing the flagship

102

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

XXXXXX

Kate Harrison enjoys a romantic weekend in Florence at a restored, aesthetic marvel of a hotel where it’s all part of the process to come, see and stay in bed

Lobby, The Chedi

American Idyll With uncrowded slopes and fabulous hospitality, Aspen is the last word in true luxury skiing. By Elle Blakeman Going to America to ski may seem like using a sledge hammer to crack a nut; but while Europe certainly has no shortage of stunning destinations, going further afield, 4,780 miles further in fact, to the snow-capped mountains of Colarado, is actually well worth the effort.

Aspen has shaken its humble roots as a one-time silver mining town to become one of the most decadent ski destinations in the world. While a terrain worthy of even the most experienced ski enthusiasts, and a fabulous après-ski are key draws, the real charm of the area lays in relative quiet.

The vast difference in US and European vacation time, and an abundance of local ski resorts across the states, means that you will rarely find the hoards of people who crowd the slopes in the Alps. As a result you won’t find a queue at the lift or have to do battle with hundreds of other people on your way down the slopes, but instead simply spend your time going at your own pace – the true meaning of luxury for anyone fleeing the overcrowded streets of London.

Another great thing about skiing in the great land of opportunity, is that Americans really know how to do customer service. In a country where waitresses greet you like long-long friends and shop assistants happily cater to your every whim (without the attitude we have come to expect from our own service providers) you already expect service with a smile, however this ‘here to help’ mentality is magnified tenfold in Aspen where you sincerely feel that there is a solution to almost any problem you may encounter – sheer bliss for a skiing holiday, where every creature comforts are truly appreciated.

104

WHERE TO STAY Aspen is full of unapologetically decadent places to stay, but for a real lesson in luxury, check into the Hotel Jerome, which has just been taken over by the ultra-exclusive Auberge Resorts (www.aubergeresorts.com).

The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of Aspen and has won several awards for its elegant style while maintaining a real sense of the Rocky Mountains. There is also the rather fabulous J-Bar, for those looking for some late night buzz.

EATING AND DRINKING If you’re looking for a nice place to warm up once you get off the slopes, Paradise Bakery has some of the best hot chocolate and deserts in the world (www.paradisebakery.com). At night, head straight to Casa Tua, a restaurant and private club opened late last year by Miky Grendene, the Italian hotelier behind the ever-popular Casa Tua in Miami. The food is traditional Northern Italian fare, and you can dine al fresco on the stunning outdoor patio, taking in the view of Aspen under the stars (970 920-7277).

MAYFAIR RECOMMENDS It is best to give yourself a longer break here, in part to justify the transatlantic flight, but mostly because Aspen boasts some truly incredible scenery which must be seen at leisure. One of the best places to take in the variety of views is at the Rio Grande Park - Aspen’s biggest public park along the river which has everything from a skate park to an art museum and sculpture garden, and even a ‘John Denver Sanctuary’ – a peaceful meadow perfect for relaxing, and taking in the mountain backdrop.

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

XXXXXX

SPF 48 powder, £58, Chantecaille, (www.spacenk.co.uk)

Cashmere gloves, £95, Burberry, (www.net-a-porter.com)

‘Nancy’ weekender bag, £1,300, Smythson (www.smythson.com)

Cashmere poncho, £495, N.Peal (www.npeal.com)

‘Avalon’ blanket, £870, Hermès (www.uk.hermes.com)

Candle, £38, Diptyque (www.diptyqueparis.co.uk)

Fibre Architecte hair serum, £33.50, Kérastase (www.kerastase.co.uk)

Crème de la Mer Moisturizing cream, from £95, (www.cremedelamer.co.uk)

ALS:

ENTI SE ESS

A SUITC

nd, the gs arou r iPad to a b n carry-o g from you e best e of th old everythin le. n O : r leathe ess sty will h in style Travel kender tote -up in effortl expandable g. ake ing nin ’ wee your m h this stunn otton drill li ‘Nancy c wit m a in t. e g cr in blanke veryth autiful legant otel e is Pack e ase, with be th h with your suitc p warm l turn Wrap u e candle wil nt. : e m o insta rom h iptyqu hen away f Bois d cturary in an able w Home ssic Feu de n a s a -negoti id-day n la to o c in n is is h T room een for m sunscr er fect lawless powder is p F : er’s s e v n a de la M must-h brush-o ch ups.

Crème aten hair h Beauty this SPF 50 u it w to r-be ents skiing; hile weathe e elem om th reconstruct o damage w fr ir a p d e d n r n u A l in . il k ream ich w our s Help y oisturising c w serum, wh and glossy o, e m th n o ic s o s u s ponch m cla fabulo ving hair s hmere omplete e s a th c , h a ic le wit is ch ng. C g ringin gh skii with th cover a day of tou rry gloves, b s. e k a T e ie e chic: n after cessor e Burb Daytim r throwing o ese exquisit t basic of ac s th o fo t h m c per fe feel wit to even the urious ur the lux ch of glamo a tou t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Expandable suitcase, £1,975, William & Son (www.williamandson.com)

105

Spa Retreat

Home & Away Melanie Williams discovers two of the world’s most luxurious spas, each offering a unique and memorable experience, one on UK shores and the other a little further afield

Grayshott Spa, Surrey, UK Grayshott Spa is a comforting escape from the pressure of everyday city living. An oasis of serenity, this peaceful haven is perfect for those who want to kick-start a healthier lifestyle or simply take some time out.

A mere one hour from London, the spa is nestled in a stunning corner of Surrey countryside, surrounded by 47 acres of gardens, woodlands and lawns. Once the home of the Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, it has a wide choice of luxury bedrooms and relaxation areas to suit every guest.

The ultra-modern spa is renowned for the quality of its natural therapies and therapists, and carefully caters for both male and female guests, featuring a hydrotherapy suite, heat treatment areas and relaxation rooms. There is also a dedicated beauty area complete with manicure and pedicure stations.

Grayshott has an impressive treatment menu and has a strong focus on health and beauty treatments specially tailored for new mothers and mothers-to-be, as well as a wider range of treatments dedicated to men. Treatments extend to include lifestyle therapies such as hypnotherapy and emotional detox, which coupled with a healthy spa cuisine and a full programme of fitness classes offers a visit that will truly improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Highly recommended is Grayshott Shiatsu, based on traditional Oriental therapy which combines finger pressure on acupuncture points – this treatment enhances the flow of energy through the meridians of the body, leaving you rebalanced and revitalised and ready for a round of golf or a game of tennis afterwards. www.grayshottspa.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Kupu Kupu Barong, Ubud, Bali The true spirit of Bali is encapsulated in this luxury boutique hideaway, perched high above the Ayung River valley. Enveloped by three hectares of verdant exotic gardens, Kupu Kupu Barong is the ultimate romantic retreat, comprising just 20 luxury villas, scattered through the tropical gardens. The unique red-wood villas are individually decorated in a traditional Balinese style with distinct French flair – each one features a plunge pool and a spacious balcony, where you can sit back and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views. It is well worth rising early in order to sit on your terrace and wait for the sunrise, and watch as the jungle slowly comes alive.

Personal service will pervade every moment of your stay, from the sweet ‘Welcome’ message in petals at the foot of your bed, to personal greetings from members of

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

staff and a private butler. The elegant La View Restaurant offers open-air dining with the most captivating of views to accompany your meal. Le Spa is an inviting retreat offering superb natural treatments, boasting a unique concept, the Mango Tree Spa, located amid the top branches of a fruit laden mango tree, hanging above the river valley. I enjoyed the invigorating Kupu Kupu Classic massage, followed by a detoxifying and cooling green tea body scrub which left my skin feeling sensationally soft.

After a refreshing outdoor shower, I lay back in a warm bath scattered with frangipani flowers, sipping freshly squeezed mango juice and savouring one of the most beautiful vistas in the world. www.kupubarongubud.com

107

Take the

first step to a

new you

Breast Augmentation | Facelift | Scar Revision | Brow lift

020 7483 5148

Beauty

News This month’s trend: Strong Brows Defined brows featured heavily on the catwalks this season, with everyone from Prada and Burberry to the eternally-edgy Alexander Wang drawing serious attention north of the eyes. The look is full and sexy, and when done correctly, can take years off your face. To get the look, firstly book a professional tidy up (we love Blink brow bar at Fenwicks), and ask them for a squared-off natural finish, then use a good eye pencil to fill in any gaps – Tom Ford has a great brow sculpting pencil in his new beauty collection (complete with a brush to tame wayward brows) – for a look that is as effortless as it is appealing.

Threading costs £17 at Blink Brow Bar in Fenwicks, Selfridges and Harvey Nicholas (www.blinkbrowbar.com). Tom Ford Brow Sculpture, £32, available at Harrods. © NataliaYeromina / Shutterstock.com

AYFAI

M

M

s

d

r

ec This month, Mayfair favourite Claridge’s have opened two Sisley treatment om men rooms as part of their spectacular roof-top spa. Retreat to the art deco meets Parisian chic rooms and get whisked far away from the stresses of the city below with the exclusive Claridge’s Sisley Signature Treatment facial. Over an indulgent two hours you will be pampered with Sisley’s concentrated anti-aging products, along with specific deep-massage to re-sculpt and boost circulation, leaving you with a fresh and detoxed face that is visibly lifted and brightened - perfect for the party season ahead.

Claridge’s Sisley Signature Treatment facial, £195, 120 minutes

The best advice we’ve heard…

R

Treatment of the month: Claridge’s Sisley Signature Treatment facial

Product update:

Skinleÿa

Beauty insiders swear by the double cleanse trick – cleanse first to remove surface dirt and make-up, and again to remove deeper impurities from the pores. We love the gentle but effective Sublimage Cleanser, £68, by Chanel.

Fans of Sisley’s acclaimed Global Anti-Age cream will be happy to hear that the luxury brand have now blended their anti-aging formula into an exquisite new foundation, Skinleÿa. Complete with a precision brush to ensure a perfect finish, this luminous, satin-like foundation adds radiance and flawless coverage, while giving your skin all the benefits of the original cream.

Available in nine shades, £110, Sisley

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

109

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Work hard, play hard, pay hard

Is our taste for excessive drinking costing us more than just a hangover?

I

t’s estimated that the average UK adult consumes 516 glasses of wine every year. For many there is nothing better than heading home to unwind with a bottle of wine, or hitting the bar after a stressful day. However, it’s a common misconception that alcohol relaxes you. Alcohol is actually a depressant, and regularly drinking to excess is closely linked with anxiety and depression.

With the Christmas party season on the horizon, it’s often a difficult time to start evaluating your alcohol consumption, but being mindful of your intake doesn’t mean quitting alcohol altogether; finding a balance is essential and can have huge benefits for your health and wellbeing.

Daily unit guidelines, issued by the Government, suggest that men should not regularly exceed 3-4 units of alcohol (equivalent to a pint and a half of beer) and women just 2-3 units (equivalent to a 175 ml glass of wine). Regularly means drinking every day or most days of the week. Frequently exceeding this quota increases your risk of developing alcohol-related diseases such as certain cancers, diabetes and heart disease; as well as putting extra strain on your liver.

If you are thinking of cutting-down, consider this: • •

•

•

There are already an estimated 1 in 3 adults in the UK at risk of developing liver disease – reduce your risk by drinking in moderation.

detection is key Liver disease is the fifth most common cause of death in the UK and is increasing. Alcohol is the most frequent cause in this country, but other conditions such as fatty liver and viral hepatitis are also common, leading to progressive liver damage, scarring and eventually cirrhosis.

Detection of liver disease at a stage where it is treatable is a major challenge, as the disease is often asymptomatic until very advanced. Routine liver blood tests are helpful but do not give any information about the degree of scar tissue, and may be normal even in the presence of significant damage. There are now a number of non-invasive techniques available that can accurately detect the amount of scar tissue within the liver.

Fibroscan is the most accurate way of detecting the degree of liver damage without performing a biopsy. Using a special ultrasound

For further information and updates, please visit The Wellington Hospital website www.thewellingtonhospital.com or contact the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148.

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Alcohol is highly calorific - there are 500 calories in an average bottle of wine, and 250 in a pint of lager.

Drinking less can improve your sleeping patterns and induce more quality sleep, which can boost your health and performance.

Early morning meetings can be a nightmare, especially if you are battling a hangover. Reducing alcohol intake improves your concentration and clarity when decision making.

Many people drink to relax, but in fact excess alcohol can actually make you feel more stressed. If you are drinking to de-stress, consider some alternatives.

Meet the Consultant

Dr James O’Beirne, MB BS (Hons.)

FRCP MD EDIC, is a Consultant Hepatologist at The Wellington Hospital.

He is experienced in all aspects of hepatology but has particular interests in the management of acute probe placed against the skin, and chronic liver failure, liver transplantation and Fibroscan delivers a painless liver cancer. ‘shockwave’ which travels through the liver, the speed of which is then measured and used to calculate the extent of any damage. The procedure is quick and results are available immediately. In conjunction with a consultation with a hepatologist, Fibroscan is very helpful in detecting early stages of liver disease thus allowing appropriate treatment to be undertaken before damage becomes irreversible.

TOP TIPS • Know your units! 1 unit = 175ml glass of wine or ½ a pint of lager.

• Women can drink 0-14 units per week and men can drink 0-21 units per week safely.

• Have at least three alcohol free days per week.

• Avoid becoming overweight.

To learn more about the effects of alcohol, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk. The site offers alternatives to drinking after work and tips on how to reduce your intake. They also have tools to help you calculate your consumption and plan ahead. Check out the NHS drinks tracker app for guidance on the go!

111

Shop the world for less with tax free Get those perfect items at the best prices, wherever you are in the world, with Global Blue’s Tax Free Shopping service. Just look out for our logo in over 270,000 stores across the globe and ask the staff for a Tax Refund Cheque to get your tax back. www.global-blue.com

UK_TFS_174x231mm_110419.indd 1

4/19/11 1:12 PM

Food & Drink

News

Islay Whisky comes to Savile Row The time-honoured tradition of crafting single malt whisky comes to Savile Row this month, where the Bowmore distillery are launching a collaboration with the highly esteemed tailor, Malcolm Plews. Customers will be treated to the ‘ultimate gentleman’s Christmas gift’ – a bespoke tailoring session, including a made-to-measure tweed jacket using a unique Bowmore tweed design, followed by an in-depth, one-to-one whisky tasting with a Bowmore expert. The package includes first-class travel to London from anywhere in the UK, a one-night stay for two at the Malmaison Hotel in Clerkenwell, and a fabulous lunch for two at the Sartoria restaurant on Savile Row. www.singlemaltwhiskyshop.com

Sublime luxury Earlier this year, The Gallery Restaurant was launched at Mayfair’s Westbury Hotel – based on a luxurious and lavish slice of the South of France, the French Rivera and Northern Italy, the glamorous eatery has already enjoyed great success. The opulent décor features decadent treasures such as eighteenth century Bronze D’art Français chandeliers from Lyon, Rémy Garnier SA bronze detailing, Italian marble and mosaic floor, handcrafted Zanini wrought ironwork, GI.EFFE fabrics from Como and Prodital Italian leather. Already a favourite amongst Mayfair’s social scene, the restaurant has created a welcoming yet flawlessly chic space in which attention to detail is key. The kitchen and menu is no less precise in its detail and style and is led by Head Chef Brian Fantoni (formerly of Claridges, The Savoy and Enoteca) who has created a tempting menu focusing on fresh Mediterranean food, sublime ingredients and exquisite taste.

For reservations, call 020 7078 9577 www.gallerymayfair.com

Tasty Treats Boutique five-star hotel, Dukes of St James has long been famous for its cocktail bar and the wonderful flavoursome Martinis, served by maestro bartender, Alessandro Palazzi. The hotel is now home to Thirty Six, a brand new restaurant venture for award-winning chef Nigel Mendham, which focuses on contemporary food inspired by traditional British dishes. www.dukeshotel.com

Marcus Wareing’s ‘Seasons of Britain’ Famous for its exceptional modern French cuisine, Marcus Wareing’s eponymous Knightsbridge restaurant at the Berkeley Hotel has this month announced a new direction, with a strong basis of British ingredients. The ‘Seasons of Britain’ menu is a salute to the fabulous home-grown ingredients available in these fair isles, offering an array of new recipes as well as reinventing many of his most celebrated dishes. www.marcus-wareing.com

Russian Vodka teams up with Lamborghini Deluxe Russian vodka, Legend Of Kremlin have teamed up with Lamborghini Dealership HR Owen and cocktail mixologist Salvatore Calabrese to create the ultimate vodka cocktail – The Yellow Lamborghini.

The drink will be served in celebration of the launch of the new 217 mph Lamborghini Aventador, which is named after a particularly courageous bull from the world of the Spanish Corrida. Legend Of Kremlin vodka is highly regarded in its homeland where it is supplied to the Kremlin for official functions. www.thewhiskyexchange.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

113

FOOD & DRINK

Niche

Carving Out A

Meat maestro Mark Hix is on a quest to bring the lost art of carving back to dinner tables across London. Neil Ridley dons his apron and prepares to dust off the carving set Once seen as the true culinary badge of honour for the alpha male, the art of learning to properly carve a roasted joint of meat has, in recent years, seen a steep decline in standards. Highly prized (and once razor sharp) carving sets, handed down from generation to generation are now lying blunted, gathering dust in drawers all over the country. But whilst it seems that most of us are happy enough to pay a fortune for quality, well-sourced meat, we’re also happy to commit a total massacre at the dinner table, ending up with a less than fitting representation of your pride and joy Sunday dinner.

Or, to put it simply, make a right pig’s ear of your roast pork.

Fortunately help is now at hand as chef Mark Hix has recently opened the doors of his kitchen at Brown’s Hotel on Albemarle Street to those in need of a few tips. The masterclasses, personally taught by Hix will run twice a month until March next year and aims to demonstrate not just the forgotten skills of carving a variety of roasted meats, but an opportunity for the assembled group to draw on Mark’s vast wealth of culinary experience.

Hix, who has worked with some of the UK’s best-loved restaurants including Le Caprice and J Sheekey, has a lifelong obsession with meat and his eponymous restaurants in both London and Dorset offer a real insight into his dedication to serving up an array of meaty treats for the discerning palate.

‘The idea of these classes is to get people excited about carving, something that used to be an integral part of the traditional Sunday roast and a skill proudly passed down from father to son,’ says Hix, as my fellow class members and I are assembled around a large table in one of Brown’s private dining rooms. ‘Carving provides a little bit of theatre and is a great way to involve the whole family in a great British tradition.’

Before we’re allowed to run amok with the knives, Mark gives us a few useful ground rules, which may sound straightforward, but are probably the most easily overlooked when learning to carve. ‘The first thing I always say is that the most dangerous thing when carving meat is a blunt knife and a wobbly chopping board. I’ve seen people hacking away with a useless knife and the chopping board suddenly slips, which is not good at all! It’s useful to have a range of differently sized knives, the heavier the better. For instance, if you’re carving a salmon you’ll need something a bit longer than usual. I use about four or five when I’m carving at home and a good quality knife should last you thirty years, if you’ve looked after it.’

Today, we will be tackling three classic roasts, including a wonderfully succulent Woolley Park Farm Cobb chicken, slow grown in the wilds of Wiltshire. Hix prefers to use this long legged variety of chicken due to its

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

distinctly gamey flavour, which is derived from hanging the bird for a week with the guts still intact.

The chicken is roasted upright at a high temperature on an antiquestyle copper tray, with a spike running up into its cavity. This gives the carver more control when tackling the legs and wings and is a fabulous showpiece when presenting the roast to your envious dinner guests. ‘One of the easiest things to do is to remove the whole breast first,’ says Hix, ‘rather than carving it on the bone. It’s really applying a bit of common sense about where the bones are in the bird and working around them.’

Next up is perhaps the most intimidating of all joints for the novice carver – the leg of roast lamb. ‘I always prefer to roast lamb on the bone,’ he says, ‘because the meat becomes a bit sweeter and the bone helps to stop shrinkage of the joint.’ The Welsh Elwy Valley Lamb that we’re about to be let loose with has been roasted in hay, which not only looks impressively rustic but has a real effect on its flavour. ‘You can buy the hay from any pet shop and it gives the meat a really nice country flavour,’ he adds.

Under Mark’s tutelage, it’s amazing to see how the simplest of carving mistakes can be avoided with a little bit of respect for the meat and an understanding of the physiology behind the type of cut you’re working with.

Like sawing wood, you begin to be mindful of the grain of the meat and carve along with, rather than against it, letting the knife do the work.

Less hacking, more gliding. ‘I want people to leave the classes feeling confident about cooking and carving a fantastic roast meal, which needn’t be complicated and time consuming, yet will taste better than anything preprepared in the supermarket.’

Viva the all-new carving revolution The Mark Hix Carving Masterclasses cost £150 per person and are running on selected dates until March 2012. Included in the package is a two-hour masterclass, a feast dinner, a bottle of wine, desserts & cheese, a Brown’s Hotel apron and a signed Mark Hix cookery book.

For more information contact: Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, London W1S, 020 7493 6020; www.roccofortehotels.com

115

Where can I... ?

Some of the interesting requests made to Mayfair’s most experienced concierges

FIX IT QUICK

Dry cleaner / Clothing repair

Watch Club

Mayfair Prestige

Sivellav

4-5 Royal Arcade, W1S 4SD 020 7495 4882

0845 862 2142 info@mayfair-prestige.com

020 7407 2115 support@ems-events.co.uk

LAND, SEA AND AIR

VIP Car Hire

Soho AV

The Circle, Queen Elizabeth Street SE1 2JE 0870 200 4949 contact@vipservices.co.uk www.vipservices.co.uk

020 7494 4449 hire@sohoav.com

Buckingham Dry Cleaners 83 Duke Street, W1K 5PF 020 7499 1253

City Centre 31 Avery Row, W1K 4BD 020 7629 5558 info@citycentredrycleaners.co.uk

Buy a car

Jack Barclay 18 Berkeley Square, W1J 6AE 020 7629 7444

Jeeves of Belgravia

Porsche

54 South Audley Street, W1K 2QQ 020 7491 8885

Berkeley Square, W1K 3NA 020 7514 0900

Washington Dry Cleaners

Rolls Royce

18 Half Moon Street, W1J 7BF 020 7499 3711

15 Berkeley Square, W1J 6EG 020 7491 7941

IT / Tech support

Charter a helicopter

Luxury yacht charter / sale Exclusive Lifestyle 72 Bond Street, W1S 1RR 0845 338 0377 info@exclusivelifestyle.co.uk

Cheyne 13 Cleveland Row, SW1A 1DH 0207 968 7450

Avolus Ltd 38 Lombard Road, SW11 3RP 020 7978 6506 dsonaldson@avolus.com

36 Davies Street, W1K 4NF 020 7355 0980

First City Air LTD

Rent a Rolls Royce

Wavex 0845 644 8060 support@wavex.co.uk www.wavex.co.uk

Shoes re-heeled James Taylor and Son 4 Paddington Street, W1U 5QE 020 7935 4149 post@taylormadeshoes.co.uk

Mayfair Cobblers

Lister House Chelsea Bridge Rd, SW1W 8RH 020 7259 9313 www.firstcityair.co.uk

Emtjets 23 Berkeley Square, W1J 6HE 08453 888 248 chartereurope@emtjets.com

Exclusive Aircraft 3rd Floor 14 Hannover Street W1S 1YH 020 7183 7988 info@exclusiveair.co.uk

4 White Horse Street, W1J 7LG

Sole Man

Sunseeker

Hanwells

Mti Commodities UK Ltd 80 Park Lane, W1K 7TR 020 7529 5330

Novum Securities Ltd 47 Park Lane, W1K 1PR 020 7399 9400

Old Park Lane Capital

86-91 Uxbridge Road W7 3ST 020 7436 2070

49 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AZ 020 7493 8188

Phantom Hire

South China Securities Ltd

0800 542 1337

12 Stanhope Gate, W1K 1AW 020 7491 9225

Thames cruise City Cruses 020 77400 400

London River Cruises 020 7839 8008

London Battersea Heliport

Killik & Co 46 Grosvenor Street, W1K 3HN 020 7337 0443

Princess Yachts

Pensar

Mike Will Fix It

Artemis 57 St James Street, SW1A 1LD 020 7399 6000

64 Grosvenor Street, W1K 3JH 020 7499 5050 london@princess.co.uk

0845 402 6797 www.pensar.co.uk

020 7737 2514 / 0776 264 7547 www.mikewillfixit.com

Buy / Sell shares

TAIB Securities Ltd 11 Carlos Place, W1K 3AX 020 7533 1600 taibsecurities@taib.com

International Courier

Bridges Wharf, Battersea, SW11 3BE 0844 884 8660

River Thames Cruises

DHL

020 7237 3108/9111

0844 248 0844

Electric cars

Spirit of Chartwell

FedEx

020 7372 2077

0845 607 0809

54 Stratton Street, W1J 8LP 020 7493 3505

The Electric Car Corporation

Thames Cruises

London Executive International

Watch repair

1st Floor, 5 Aldford Street, W1K 2AF 020 7495 5270 sales@eccplc.com

020 7928 9009 info@thamescruises.com

020 7450 0060 enquiry@londonexec.com

1 White Horse Street, W1J 7LB 020 7355 2553

Timpson

Royal Arcade Watches

Thames Dinner Cruises

Excel

0845 299 4127

020 7536 7170

4 Royal Arcade, W1S 4SD 020 7495 4882

Luxury car rental

Russell Talerman 34-36 Maddox Street, W1S 1PD 020 7491 0625

48-56 Ebury, Bridge Rd, SW1W 8QF 020 7730 8888 info@belgraviagarage.com

Audio Visual hire

0844 888 4111

Marcus Watches

Mayfair Corporation

AV2hire.comn

Go-Betweens Couriers Ltd

170 Bond Street, W15 4RB 020 7290 6500

020 8255 0522 chauffeur@mayfaircorp.co.uk

020 3130 0401 info@hire-av.co.uk

020 7278 1000 info@gobetweenscouriers.com

Belgravia Garage

LAST MINUTE BUSINESS

Local courier City Sprint

CONCIERGE

Mail Boxes etc 020 7491 0022 info@mbemayfair.co.uk

MTS Mayfair Translation

Doctor

Florist

Lees Place Medical Centre

Paul Thomas Flowers

Prestige Taxi

14 Soho Street, W1D 3DN 0795 740 5061 info@mayfairtranslation.co.uk

11 Lees Place, London, W1N 6LN 020 7036 6060

4 Shepherd Street, W1J 7JD 020 7499 6889 shop@paulthomasflowers.co.uk

Crown Security Chauffeurs

Russian Business Translator

The London General Practice

0845 901 1471 info@crown-chauffeurs.co.uk

0770 411 4323

5 Devonshire Place, W1G 6HL 020 7935 1000

Executive Cars UK

LIFE SAVER

0800 048 3359

London Prestige Chauffeur Service 020 7624 2632 www.prestigechauffeurs.org

Signature Cars 020 7127 4838

The Executive Car Service 020 7635 2571

TST Car Service 94 Mount Street, W1K 2SZ 020 7409 3033 admin@tstcars.co.uk

UK Chauffeurs Ltd 020 3326 0513 bookings@ukcl.net

Private Dining Room Corrigans 28 Upper Grosvenor Street W1K 7EH 020 7499 9943

Baby sitter

Rockabye Babysitters 9 Wimpole St, W1G 9SG 020 7624 0060

Find a Babysitter.com

Optician

Dentist

Arthur Morrice

Lund Osler Dental Health Care

11 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NQ 020 7584 4661 sw3@arthur-morrice.com

56 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JN 020 7838 8969

Dog walkers

Crescent Dental Clinic 57 Crawford Street, W1H 4JL 020 7723 2255 info@crescentdental.com

47 Davies Street, W1K 4LY 020 7495 3030 info@wildthingsflowers.co.uk

William Clark Flowers 26 Seymour Place, W1H 7NN 020 7402 3444 shop@williamclarkflowers.com

Last minute gifts Halcyon Days 14 Brook Street, W1S 1BD 0844 880 8210 enquiries@halcyondays.co.uk

Harrods 87–135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234

Central London Dog Walking Service

Jeff de Bruges

18 Warwick Square, SW1V 2AB 0785 604 5975

13 South Molton Street, W1K 5QW 020 7409 0213

Doug Jarvis

Chelsea Dogs

Linley Accessories

38 Poland Street, W1F 7LY 020 7437 6383

7 Chelsea Square, SW3 6LF 0778 632 5053 info@chelseadogs.co.uk

46 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JN 020 7290 1410

Happy Paws

34 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QA 020 7499 6337

Aqua Dental Spa 25 Manchester Square, W1U 3PY 020 7935 5332

Sartoria

N Meyer & Associates 11 South Molton Street, W1K 5QL 020 7499 1225

Hibiscus

Urgent Care Centre 42-52 Nottingham Place, W1U 5NY 020 7908 2144

020 7580 6403

20 Savile Row, W1S 3PR 020 7534 7000 www.sartoria-restaurant .co.uk

29 Maddox Street, W1S 2PA 020 7629 2999

The Mayfair Medical Centre 3 - 5 Weighhouse Street, W1K 5LS 020 7493 1647

Wild Things of Mayfair

Pall Mall Dental 15 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU 020 7766 7250 info@pallmalldental.co.uk

Sartoria

Peter Kertesz

20 Savile Row, W1S 3PR 020 7534 7000

29A Brook Street, W1K 4HE 020 7629 3262

Tempo

Swiss Smile

54 Curzon Street, W1J 8PG 020 7629 2742

10 Brook Street, W1S 1BG 020 7290 1180 brookstreet@swiss-smile.com

41 Cumberland Street, SW1V 4LU 0781 846 3286

K9 to 5 Club

Penfriend London

Personal chef

46 Broadwalk Court, W8 4EF 0771 006 4871 info@k9to5club.co.uk

Galor Personal Chef

Mayfair Mutts

The Personal Chef

Upper Brook Street, W1 020 7409 7739 07957 460 610 mayfairmutts@hotmail.co.uk

020 7871 1080

Pawsh Dogs Dog Walking

020 7371 4076 contact@galor.co.uk

Personal shopper Gabrielle Teare 0798 531 9300 info@gabrielleteare.com

54 Harwood Road, SW6 4PY 0750 344 8489

High Heals

30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL 020 7409 1728

The Mayfair Dental Practice

Pedigree Pups

Sophie Deedes 0759 504 3802

0780 433 7486 sam@pedigree-pups.com

Mark Lord London

Translator

71 Park Street, W1K 7HN 020 7499 2168

Pets in the City

0786 658 1230 mark@marklordlondon.co.uk

Central Translations

Teeth @ W1

21 Woodstock Street, W1C 2AP 020 7493 5511

7 South Molton Street, W1K 5QG 020 7499 7015

The Guinea Grill

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

75 St Helens Gardens, W10 6LL 020 8962 0700 0795 730 3858 info@petsincity.com

Threads Styling Consultancy 020 7749 0784 info@threadsstyling.co.uk

117

Stationery printer City Images 8 Avery Row, W1K 4AL 020 7495 0421 post@cityimages.co.uk

Mail Boxes etc

020 7823 1888 info@mangotree.org.uk

Randall & Aubin 16 Brewer Street, W1F 0SQ 020 7287 4447

Mount Street Printers

The Wolseley

4 Mount Street, W1K 3LW 020 7409 0303 info@mountstreetprinters.com

160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB 020 7499 6996

Casinos

Late night ice-cream Baskin-Robbins

Aspinalls

Edgware Road, W2 2HZ 020 7262 3918

28 Curzon Street, W1J 7TJ 020 7499 4599

Freggo Ice Cream Bar

24 Hertford Street, W1J 7SA 020 7495 5000

27-29 Swallow Street W1B 4QB 020 7287 9506 scoop@freggo.co.uk

Crockfords Club

Gelupo

30 Curzon Street, W1J 7TN 020 7493 7771

7 Archer Street, W1D 7AU 020 7287 5555

Colony Club

The Dorchester Spa Park Lane, W1K 1QA 020 7319 7109 spa@thedorchester.com

RECHARGE AND RECUPERATE

Women’s hair

Noura 16 Curzon Street, W1J 5HP 020 7495 1050 noura@noura.co.uk

8 Shepherd Market, WIJ 7JY 020 7491 0022 info@mbemayfair.co.uk

PARTY TIME

Henry Bonas events@henrybonas.com 020 3214 2099

Dog grooming Mayfair Mutts

Upper Brook Street, W1 020 7409 7739 0795 746 0610 mayfairmutts@hotmail.co.uk

Pets in the City

Nicky Clarke 130 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 3NY www.nickyclarke.com

Janet Ginnings Hair and Beauty Salon 45 Curzon Street, W1J 7UQ 020 7499 1904

Joe’s Beauty Salon

75 St Helens Gardens, W10 6LL 020 8962 0700 / 0795 730 3858 info@petsincity.com

73 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QR 020 7629 3456

Massages

Michael John Hair and Beauty

Mayfair Spa - The Mayfair Hotel Stratton Street, W1J 8LT 020 7915 2826 mayfairspa@radisson.com

Michael John Boutique 25 Albemarle Street W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969 online@michaeljohn.co.uk

25 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969

Sassoon Salon 60 South Molton Street, W1K 5SW 020 7491 8848

Top One Hair and Beauty Specialist’s 53 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EX 020 7629 6465

London Club International

Midnite Cookies

Spa Illuminata

10 Brick Street, W1J 7HQ 020 7518 0000

15 Exeter Street, WC2E 7DT 020 7836 5131

63 South Audley Street, W1K 2QS 020 7499 7777

SAMPLE THE FINEST

The Palm Beach Casino

The Icecreamists

The Dorchester Spa

Aspinal of London

30 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EH 020 7493 6585

Selfridges, W1A 1AB 020 8616 8694 office@theicecreamits.com

Park Lane, W1K 1QA 020 7319 7109 spa@thedorchester.com

0845 053 6900 enquires@aspinaloflondon.com

Members clubs

Men’s hair

44 Baker Street, W1U 7RT 020 7388 2404 info@chess.co.uk

Parks Tower Casino 101 Knightsbridge SW1X 7RQ 020 7235 6161

The Ritz Club 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BS 020 7499 1818

Fancy dress Pantaloons 020 7630 8330 www.pantaloons.co.uk

So High Soho Ltd 96 Berwick Street, W1F 0QQ 020 7287 1295 online@sohighsoho.co.uk

Late night food Automat 33 Dover Street, W1S 4NF 020 7499 3033 info@automat-london.com

Benares 12a Berkeley Square House, W1J 6BS 020 7629 8886

Hakkasan 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB 020 7907 1888 mail@hakkasan.com

Mango Tree 46 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7EQ

Arts Club

Atherton Cox

40 Dover Street, W1S 4NP 020 7499 8581

18 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8UR 020 7487 4048

AURA

Sassoon Salon for Men

48-49 St James Street SW1A 1JT 020 7499 9999

56 Brook Street, W1K 5NE 020 7399 6935

Maddox Club 3-5 Mill Street, W1S 2AU 020 7629 8877

Mortons Club 28 Berkeley Square, W1J 6EN 020 7499 0363

Savile Club 69 Brook Street, W1K 4ER 020 7629 5462 admin@savileclub.co.uk

The Lansdowne Club 9 Fitzmaurice Place, W1J 5JD 020 7629 7200 secretary@lansdowneclub.com

Party planner Concorde Media

The Barber at Alfred Dunhill 2 Davies Street, W1K 3DJ 0845 458 0779

Spa & beauty Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa 29 Davies Street, W1K 4LW 0870 787 6626

Michael John Boutique 25 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969 online@michaeljohn.co.uk

Nails Inc 41 South Molton Street, W1k 5RP 020 7499 8333

Mayfair Tanning & Waxing LTD,

020 7297 3344

19 Denman Street, W1D 7HP 020 7494 3344

G&D Events

The Athenaeum

020 7682 2682 www.g-and-devents.com

116 Piccadilly, W1J 7BJ 020 7499 3464

Backgammon board

London Chess Shop

William & Son 10 Mount Street, W1K 2TY 020 7493 8385 info@williamandson.com

Caviar Caviar House & Prunier 161 Piccadilly, W1J 9EA 0871 961 9577

Harrods 87 - 135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234

Cheese Harrods 87 - 135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234

La Fromagerie 2-6 Moxon Street, W1U 4EW 020 7935 0341 moxon@lafromagerir.co.uk

Chocolates Charbonnel et Walker The Royal Arcade 28 Old Bond Street, W1S 4BT 020 7491 0939

CONCIERGE

Jeff de Bruges

Nicolas

Burlington Jewellers

Pasha Clinic

13 South Molton Street, W1K 5QW 020 7409 0213

11 Curzon Street, W1J 5H5 020 7629 1564

37 Maddox Street, W1S 2PP 020 7409 7354 info@pashaclinic.co.uk

Rococo Chocolates

Vintage watches

10 - 11 Burlington Arcade W1J 0PG 020 7493 0777

45 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HG 020 7935 7780

Cigars

David Duggan 63 Burlington Arcade, WIJ 0QS 020 7491 1675

Guy & Max

Perfect Feet Spa

8 Shepherd Street, W1J 7EJ 020 7499 5898 studio@guyandmax.com

7 - 9 Queensway, W2 4QJ 020 7243 6723 info@perfectfeetspa.com

Sautter of Mount Street

Rolex Boutique

Hancocks & Co,

Selfridges & Co

106 Mount Street, W1K 2TW 020 7499 4866 info@sauttercigars.com

61 Brompton Road, SW3 1DB 020 7581 7073

Burlington Arcade, W1J OHH 020 7493 8904 info@hancocks-london.com

400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB 0800 123 400

Fine wine

24 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0EA 020 7499 2032

Lea & Sandeman 170 Fulham Road, SW10 9PR 020 7244 0522

Jeroboams 20 Davies Street, W1K 3DT 020 7499 1015

Suze in Mayfair

The Vintage Watch Co.

Watchclub 4 - 5 The Royal Arcade, W1S 4SD 020 7495 4882 info@watchclub.com

WEIRD AND THE WONDERFUL

J.Condrup

Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QX 020 7491 9155

Michael Marks

Rent a double decker bus

58 Davies Street, W1K 5LP 020 7491 0332

Richard Ogden

Bespoke perfumes Clive Christian

Tiffany & Co.

Humidors

Harrods, Knightsbridge 020 7730 1234

25 Old Bond Street, W1S 4QB 020 7409 2790

Linley

Floris

46 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JN 020 7290 1410

Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1W 8EL 020 7730 3434

Exotic pyjamas

Sautter of Mount Street

Jo Malone

106 Mount Street, W1K 2TW 020 7499 4866 info@sauttercigars.com

23 Brook Street, W1K 4HA 0870 192 5181

Luxury hamper Fortnum & Mason 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER 020 7734 8040 corporate@fortnumandmason.co.uk

Harvey Nichols 109 - 125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ 020 7235 5000 contactknightsbridge@harveynichols.com

John Lewis 300 Oxford Street, W1A 1EX 08456 049 049

Luxury liquor

Miller Harris 21 Bruton Street, W1J 6QD 020 7629 7750 info@millerharris.com

Ormonde Jayne 12 The Royal Arcade, W1S 4SL 020 7499 1100 sales@ormondejayne.com

Hackett 137 - 138 Sloane Street SW1X 9AY 020 7730 3331

Harrods

London Bus Export Company 01291 689741 lonbusco@globalnet.co.uk

London Heritage Travel 01353 863273

This Bus.com 0845 4652 394

Security cameras IP Tec 351 Horn Lane, W3 0BX 020 8993 3377 sales@iptecworld.com

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234

I-tesco

Louis Vuitton

72 Bond Street, W1S 1RR info@i-tesco.co.uk

190 - 192 Sloane Street, SW1X 9QX 020 7201 4190

Shotgun repairs

Myla

Anderson Wheeler

Bug detectors

4 Burlington Gardens, W15 3ER 020 7491 8548 info@myla.com

13 Shepherd Market, W1J 7PQ 020 7499 9315

London Detective, W1

Prada

0800 970 7925 enquiry@ksm-investigations.co.uk

16-18 Old Bond Street, W1S 4PS 020 7647 5000

23 Burton Street, W1J 6HH 020 7499 4411 gunroomuk@hollandandholland.com

Ralph Lauren

James Purdey & Sons Ltd

1 New Bond Street, W1A 3RL 020 7535 4600

57 - 58 South Audley Street W1K 2ED 020 7499 1801 enquiries@purdey.com

Sweepers De-Bugging Service

Gerry’s Wines & Spirits

302 - 308 Regent Street, W1B 3HH 0870 765 4307

74 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UW 020 7734 2053

Diamonds valued

Harrods

Armour Winston

87 - 135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234

43 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QQ 020 7493 8937

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Ladurée

45 - 46 New Bond Street, W1S 2SF 020 7477 2455 jc@jcondrup.com

28 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0NX 020 7493 9136

41 North Audley Street, W1K 6ZP 020 7491 3237 info@suzeinmayfair.com

London’s best hot chocolate

Fish pedicure

Holland and Holland

Aqua Sheko

William & Son

14 Holland Street, W8 4LT 020 3489 8336 reservations@aquasheko.co.uk

10 Mount Street, W1K 2TY 020 7493 8385 info@williamandson.com

119

PROPERTY

Featured

Estate Agents Horne & Harvey Est. 1803

BEAUCHAMP ESTATES 24 Curzon Street London, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722 www.beauchamp.co.uk

Chesterton Humberts 47 South Audley Street, Mayfair London W1K 2QA Residential Sales 020 7629 4513 Residential Lettings 020 7288 8301 www.chestertonhumberts.com

Horne & Harvey

23a St James’s Street London SW1A 1HA 020 3318 7167 www.horneandharvey.co.uk

James Taylor

7 New Quebec Street London W1H 7RH 020 7724 4777 www.jamestaylorproperty.com

Knight Frank Hamptons International

Knightsbridge 168 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge London SW3 1HW 020 7584 2014 www.hamptons-int.com

Harrods Estates

Mayfair Office 61 Park Lane London W1K 1QF 020 7409 9001

Mayfair - Sales 120a Mount Street London W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 www.knightfrank.co.uk Mayfair - Lettings 120a Mount Street London W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 www.knightfrank.co.uk Marylebone - Sales 120a Mount Street London W1K 3NN 020 7483 8349 www.knightfrank.co.uk

St. John’s Wood - Sales 5-7 Wellington Place St John’s Wood London NW8 7PB 020 7586 2777 www.knightfrank.co.uk St. John’s Wood - Lettings 5-7 Wellington Place St John’s Wood London NW8 7PB 020 7483 8353 www.knightfrank.co.uk Wapping - Lettings 35a Wapping High Street London E1W 1NR 020 7480 6848 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Russell Simpson

5 Anderson Street London SW3 3LU 020 7225 0277 www.russellsimpson.co.uk

London Sotheby’s International Realty 26a Conduit Street­ London­W1S 2XY 020 7495 9580 www.sothebysrealty.com

Marsh & Parsons

35 Maida Vale, W9 1TP 020 7368 4458 www.marshandparsons.co.uk

Strutt & Parker

13 Hill Street London W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282 www.struttandparker.com

Mercer Pasqua

23 Berkeley Square Mayfair London W1J 6HE 020 7665 6633 www.mercerpasqua.co.uk

London Knightsbridge 66 Sloane Street London SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 www.struttandparker.com

For Estate Agent Listings please contact Fiona Fenwick at: f.fenwick@runwildgroup.co.uk

Ayrton Wylie

Douglas & Gordon

John D Wood & Co

Savills

Beauchamp Estates

Farrar and Co

Kay & Co

Spencer James

Best Gapp

Fine & Country

Manse & Garret

The Cloister

Blenheim Bishop

Gascoigne Pees

Marler and Marler

W.A.Ellis

Brian Lack and Co

George Trollope

Messila Residential

Wetherell

Carter Jonas

Hobart Slater

Patterson Bowe

Winkworth

Cluttons

Jackson-Stops & Staff

Plaza Estates

www.ayrtonwylie.com www.beauchamp.co.uk www.bestgapp.co.uk www.blenheimbishop.co.uk www.brianlack.co.uk

www.carterjonas.co.uk www.cluttons.com

120

www.dng.co.uk

www.farrarandco.co.uk www.fineandcountry.com www.gpees.co.uk

www.georgetrollope.co.uk www.hobartslater.co.uk www.jackson-stops.com

www.johndwood.co.uk www.kayandco.com

www.manseandgarret.com www.marlerandmarler.co.uk www.messilaresidential.com www.pattersonbowe.co.uk

www.savills.com www.spencer-james.co.uk www.thecloister.co.uk www.waellis.co.uk www.wetherell.co.uk www.winkworth.co.uk

www.plazaestates.co.uk

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

Sekforde Street, Clerkenwell Available from Knight Frank

HOMES

& PROPERTY

ALL our properties get treated equally, no matter what size.

Whether you’re selling or letting an historic stucco-fronted townhouse or a garden flat, we believe that all our clients deserve the same personal attention and first-rate service.

But those aren’t the only aspects that set Knight Frank apart. Our local market insight, global network and tailored property search are all to your advantage. And naturally, you can expect a professional approach and expert advice from start to finish.

Don’t leave selling your home in the balance – call us today for a market appraisal.

KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair Tel: 020 7499 1012

267922 KF Mayfair mag NOV11.indd 1

18/10/2011 10:37

Knight Frank

Jermyn Street, St. James’s, SW1 One bedroom apartment in St. James’s

A bright one bedroom flat situated on the 3rd floor of this impressive Grade II listed building.

Bedroom, bathroom, reception room, dressing room, porter/concierge and lift.

Approximately 41 sq m (450 sq ft) Leasehold: 75 years approximately £610,000 (WER110063)

10:37

KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012

Knight Frank

Bourchier Street, Soho, W1 2 Bedroom flat with balcony

A contemporary two bedroom flat with underground parking, conveniently located in the heart of Soho. KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair 2 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms, open plan lounge/diner, balcony, air conditioning, private parking. mayfair@knightfrank.com Approximately 94 sq m (1,016 sq ft).

020 7499 1012 Share of Freehold ÂŁ1,450,000 (WER110039)

Knight Frank

Sekforde Street, Clerkenwell, EC1 Bank on Clerkenwell

Formerly a bank frequented by Charles Dickens, this beautiful building has been converted into a unique and elegant home.

7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 6 reception rooms, kitchen, breakfast room, 2nd kitchen/family room, utility room, patio/garden. Approximately 715 sq m (7,701 sq ft).

Freehold ÂŁ8,000,000 (WER060162

KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012

Knight Frank Hill Street, Mayfair W1J

Substantial house with a key to ‘secret garden’ Extensive living accommodation comprises master bedroom with dressing area and en suite bathroom, 3 further double bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, eat-in kitchen, stylish reception room and a sunny dining room with direct access to a private patio garden.

£3250 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012

(86783)

Henrietta Street, Covent Garden WC2E Roof terrace views over the West End Located next to the piazza in Covent Garden, a split level apartment comprised of 2 bedrooms (1 en suite), further bedroom/study, family bathroom, kitchen, spacious open plan reception and roof terrace.

£1250 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012

(153984)

Knight Frank Maddox Street, Mayfair W1S Stylish 3 bedroom apartment

A newly refurbished third floor apartment in this attractive new development. Comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), open plan reception room, kitchen and dining room.

ÂŁ1250 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012

(135105)

Dover Street, Mayfair W1S

Elegance in a fashionable location Accommodation in this handsome high-ceilinged building comprises 2 double bedrooms (1 en suite), further bedroom/study, family bathroom, guest WC and reception room. Lift and porter.

ÂŁ1150 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012

(154761)

Knight Frank

Hallam Street, Marylebone W1 Magnificent four bedroom penthouse

An exceptional penthouse apartment over two floors located in a beautifully restored and architecturally enhanced Grade II listed building. Master bedroom suite, further bedroom suite, 2 further bedrooms and shower room, open plan reception room/ dining room, kitchen, study, entrance hall, double private terrace, porter, lift. Approximately 314 sq.m approx (3,389sq.ft).

Share of Freehold ÂŁ7,950,000 (MRY100069)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Marylebone marylebone@knightfrank.com 020 7483 8349

Knight Frank

Langham Street, Fitzrovia W1

An exceptional five bedroom Georgian house This magnificent Georgian townhouse has been beautifully renovated and restored to an exceptionally high standard encompassing a modern glass extension and conservatory. Master bedroom suite with bathroom, shower room and dressing room, 4 further bedrooms (1 with ensuite shower room), 2 further shower rooms, 2 guest cloakrooms, 4 reception rooms, conservatory and terrace, gym, sauna, steam room, passenger lift. Approximately 527 sq.m (5,682 sq.ft).

Freehold ÂŁ7,750,000

(MRY110033)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Marylebone marylebone@knightfrank.com 020 7483 8349

Knight Frank

Pavilion Apartments, St John’s Wood NW8 Breathtaking penthouse apartment

A breathtaking penthouse apartment, benefiting from probably the most exquisite panorama of the London skyline to the south and for cricket lovers a picture perfect view of Lords to the North. This stunning duplex has been designed and built to the highest of standards, incorporating the most desirable materials that have been sourced from around the world. Master bedroom (with en suite bathroom and sauna), 2 further bedrooms (1 en suite), reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, drawing/dining room, 2 guest toilets, wraparound roof gardens on the 9th and 10th floors. State of the art home automation system controlled with ipad 2.

Leasehold 990 years Price on application (305498)

KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777

Award winning service

this month’s

Mayfair Home to buy

Large Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 and 2011 Gold Award Luxury Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 Silver Award National Estate Agent of the Year 2010

SoUtH aUDley Street, Mayfair w1k

ÂŁ4,250,000 share of freehold

A spacious 3 double bedroom, 3 bathroom Mayfair family apartment set within a highly regarded purpose built block, offering views over Stanhope Gate & Hyde Park. Further benefits include a lift, porter, limited off street parking & communal garden.

Mayfair Sales

020 7629 4513

v

sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

Derby Street, Mayfair w1j

£4,750,000 freehold

A charming 2,853 sq ft Mayfair townhouse situated close to Park Lane with 3 reception rooms, kitchen, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, spacious west facing roof terrace, 2 vaults & planning consent for the installation of a lift.

Upper brook Street, Mayfair w1k

£4,425,000 leasehold

A rarely available 1st floor (with lift), period south facing family apartment with views towards Grosvenor Square, comprising double reception/dining room with bay window, kitchen, 2 double en-suite bedrooms & a utility room. Lease 105 years.

Mayfair Sales

020 7629 4513

v

sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

HertforD Street, Mayfair w1j

£1,950,000 leasehold

A stunning newly refurbished 3 double bedroom 7th floor double aspect penthouse Mayfair apartment set within a fine Art Deco building, featuring outstanding views across London. Lift, porter & long leasehold.

princeS Street, Mayfair w1j

£1,295,000 leasehold

An exceptional duplex penthouse Mayfair apartment situated within a fine period building just off Hanover Square, featuring a large south facing roof terrace, 2 double bedrooms, family bathroom & long lease.

Mayfair Sales

020 7629 4513

v

sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

Award winning service

this month’s

Mayfair Home to rent

Large Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 and 2011 Gold Award Luxury Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 Silver Award National Estate Agent of the Year 2010

boStock HoUSe, park Street w1k

£2,500 per week

An extremely spacious outstanding lateral 3 bedroom apartment of approx. 2,217 sq ft on the 4th floor of this prestigious period conversion overlooking Mayfair’s secret garden.

Mayfair Lettings

020 7235 3530

v

lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

Green Street w1k

WiMpole Street w1k

£1,695 per week

A recently refurbished & stunningly presented 2 bedroom apartment of approx. 1,237 sq. ft on the 3rd floor of this smart red brick period block with lift on one of Mayfair’s premier streets.

£1,250 per week

A beautiful recently refurbished 3 bedroom apartment in a Georgian conversion. The apartment benefits from stylish interiors, day porter, lift & is within walking distance of Marylebone High Street.

Mayfair Lettings

020 7235 3530

v

lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

SoUtH Street w1k

avery roW w1k

£995 per week

A very well presented, spacious & modern 2 bedroom apartment in a red brick period building located on a quiet street in the heart of Mayfair & with the benefit of a 24 hour porter.

£810 per week

A pristine 1 bedroom conversion with accommodation spread over 3 floors, excellent built in storage, under floor heating in bathroom.

Located just off Brook Street.

Mayfair Lettings

020 7235 3530

v

lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

Award winning service

this month’s

Mayfair Home to rent

Large Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 and 2011 Gold Award Luxury Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 Silver Award National Estate Agent of the Year 2010

st JaMes’s CHaMBeRs sw1y

£1,500 per week

An elegant 3 bedroom 2nd floor (lift) apartment in the heart of St James extending to approx. 2,100 sq ft with a 29ft reception room, modern fully fitted kitchen, master bedroom en-suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms & bathroom.

Mayfair Lettings

020 7235 3530

v

lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

GRosvenoR sqUaRe, MaYfaiR w1k

£5,750,000 leasehold

A rarely available 2,035 sq ft lateral apartment comprising 2/3 bedrooms, double reception room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, cloakroom, lift & porterage.

GRosvenoR stReet, MaYfaiR w1k

£749,000 share of freehold

A 6th floor 1 double bedroom apartment situated in a purpose built block in the heart of Mayfair & close to Grosvenor Square with lift.

Mayfair Sales

020 7629 4513

v

sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

Rose and CRown YaRd sw1y

£1,100 per week

Stunning contemporary 2 bedroom apartment finished to a high specification. Beautiful dark wood flooring throughout, comprises spacious open plan reception room modern fully fitted kitchen, master bedroom with dressing area & en-suite bathroom, further double bedroom & second bathroom.

UppeR BRook stReet w1k

£750 per week

A magnificent 1 bedroom apartment with very high ceilings in a prime Mayfair position. Finished to a high standards, fully fitted kitchen, spacious modern bathroom & a double bedroom with ample storage.

Mayfair Lettings

020 7235 3530

v

lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

AYFAI

M

R

M

re

com mend

s

Hot property:

Park Street, W1

Stunning Refurbished Garden Apartment in the Heart of Mayfair

A four bedroom apartment with two reception rooms, centrally located in one of the best buildings in Mayfair close to the shops and transport of Bond Street and Oxford Street and only a short walk from Hyde Park.

The apartment has been exquisitely refurbished to the highest specifications with mood lighting and air conditioning. It has its own front door and also benefits from a staff suite and a large landscaped terrace, plus a porter. The building was constructed in the late 1920’s and retains many

of the period features in the communal areas – it is ideally situated and the apartments are very sought after.

This apartment has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, plus a separate WC and also has the benefit of an additional staff suite of bedroom and shower room situated off the very stylish kitchen. It is approached via its own front door across a wide landscaped terrace which has been professionally stocked with flowers and shrubs with a water feature and irrigation.

PROPERTY

Park Street, W1 Leasehold, ÂŁ4.2M

Fine & Country 020 7079 1523 www.fineandcountry.com

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

PORTMAN TOWERS, MARYLEBONE,W1

139

A contemporary two bedroom apartment situated on the third floor of this prestigious portered building in Marylebone.This property has been recently refurbished to a high standard and benefits from a balcony, 24 porterage and off street parking. ÂŁ1,250 per week Furnished

P enthouse, Queens Gate A stunning newly constructed penthouse apartment spanning 3 buildings and comprising some 2,956 sq ft. This beautiful Grade II Listed building which has been comprehensively overhauled on both the outside of the building and the internal common parts is within walking distance of the amenities of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and South Kensington. The seamless integration of technology into design, permitting no compromise of the aesthetic, has been of paramount importance. The penthouse has been meticulously refurbished and benefits from tree top views over Kensington and the roof tops of Knightsbridge.

Sole Agents Paul Finch, Paul@beauchamp.co.uk 24 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TF

South Kensington, SW7 Accommodation: Entrance hall, Drawing room, Dining room, Guest cloakroom, Kitchen, Utility room, Master bedroom with dressing room and bathroom ensuite, Study/bedroom 4, Bedroom 2 with shower room ensuite, 2 further bedrooms and family bathroom

Price on application Long leasehold www.beauchamp.co.uk

Penthouse, Mount Street Located in one of Mayfair’s most desirable streets this spacious and well planned penthouse duplex suite comprising some 3,828 sq.ft. forms part of the Connaught apartments development. Unusually it not only has direct access to one of London’s most prestigious and luxurious hotels, The Connaught, but benefits from its amenities including room service from the restaurant of Helene Darroze, access to the Aman Spa, fitness centre, swimming pool/steam room as well as bespoke butler and concierge service. It is ideally suited for those requiring serviced accomodation in a prestigious residential building.

Sole Agents Penelope Court, Penny@beauchamp.co.uk 24 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TF

Mayfair, W1 Accommodation: Entrance hall, Drawing room, Dining room, Fully fitted kitchen, Breakfast room, Pantry, Guest cloakroom, Kitchen, Master bedroom with large ensuite shower room and two ensuite dressing rooms, guest bedroom with bathroom ensuite and dressing area, two further bedrooms with shower rooms ensuite (1 with sauna). Amenities: Direct access to The Connaught Hotel and its services. Balcony, passenger lift*, heating/air cooling to all main rooms.*Not tested by the agent Price on application Leasehold www.beauchamp.co.uk

267963 Corp ad Resident Mag Sothebys.indd 1

Opening in Chelsea

新分行即将开幕

новый офис в Челси

Abriendo en Chelsea

19/10/2011 09:52

2679

In a time of global markets and instant communication, there is only one truly international brand for UK residential property sales and lettings Sotheby’s International Realty in London has a global network of offices in over 500 locations in 44 countries This provides access to international buyers and tenants seeking property in central London

Opening in Chelsea 020 7495 9580 chelsea@sothebysrealty.co.uk sothebysrealty.co.uk

09:52

267963 Corp ad Resident Mag Sothebys.indd 2

19/10/2011 09:53

Belgravia House, Halkin Place SW1 A light and spacious third floor flat located in the heart of Belgravia.

Entrance hall • Double reception/dining room • Kitchen • Cloakroom Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom • Two further bedrooms Two bathrooms • Porter • Lift • 1,450 sq ft/ 135 sq m

Philippa Cockburn

020 7495 9581

philippa.cockburn@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price £3,200,000 Leasehold

Over 500 Offices in 44 Countries

2099_1.indd 1

sothebysrealty.co.uk

10/20/11 1:36 PM

2081

:36 PM

Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge SW1 A spectacular penthouse apartment overlooking the gardens of one of London’s finest addresses.

Five bedrooms • Double reception room • Dining room • Media room Lift • Two parking spaces in the building available by separate negotiation 3,740 sq ft / 347.4 sq m

Peter Bevan

020 7495 9586

peter.bevan@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Price on application Leasehold: 138 years remaining

Over 500 Offices in 44 Countries

2081_1.indd 1

sothebysrealty.co.uk

10/19/11 11:10 AM

Cheyne Walk Chelsea, SW3

An enchanting Grade II listed Georgian period house, enjoying wonderful uninterrupted south-facing views over the River Thames and Albert Bridge.

Exquisitely refurbished and immaculately designed, this house offers exceptional and luxurious accommodation. Cheyne Walk is located in Old Chelsea, beside the River Thames and enjoys easy access to the many and varied amenities of the King’s Road. Royal Hospital’s Burton’s Court, as well as Battersea Park are within walking distance.

Leasehold: Expiring 25/12/2049

• • • • • • •

Entrance Hall Drawing Room Reception Room Dining Room Kitchen Study, Laundry Room Master Bedroom Suite with Dressing Room and Bathroom • 4 Further Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 58ft Garden

Price on Application

Academy Gardens KENSINGTON, W8

A fabulous and unique duplex apartment with an exceptional double height reception room.

The apartment is beautifully presented throughout comprising nearly 6000 square feet of spacious accommodation with fabulous views across London.

Academy Gardens is one of the most prestigious gated developments offering a concierge service, beautiful communal gardens and a swimming pool whilst being perfectly situated on Duchess of Bedford Walk.

Share of Freehold

• • • • • • • • •

Double Height Reception Room Kitchen/ Breakfast Room Five Bedrooms with en-suite facilities Gym & Massage Room Staff Room and Studio Room Roof Terrace Four Underground Parking Spaces Swimming Pool & Communal Gym Concierge Service and Lift

Price on Application

Whitehall Court, SW1 A unique three bedroom with two bathroom apartment on the seventh and eighth floor of this prestigious and elegant building. The apartment boasts a spacious roof terrace with stunning views over Buckingham Palace and St James’s.

Leasehold

£1,850,000

Ormond Yard, SW1 An exciting, unique and newly designed house, in the heart of St James’s. The roof top observatory has a retractable glass roof with stunning views over St James.s. The main living space boasts triple ceiling heights and fantastic natural light. The house is very contemporary but has managed to retain a warehouse/loft feel.

Freehold

020 7839 6006

23a St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1HA

£2,495,000 or £1,500 per week

Horne & Harvey Est. 1803

Whitehall Court, SW1

Whitehall Court, SW1

Stunning three-bedroom apartment over looking the river Thames. This property has recently been refurbished to a high standard boasting high ceilings, wooden floors and stone balconies.

A beautiful four bedroom apartment with interconnecting reception rooms and a stunning balcony overlooking St James’s and Horseguards.

Furnished

Furnished.

£2,500 per week

£2000 per week

HAYS MEWS

Jermyn ST

A charming one bedroom mews in the heart of Mayfair. This property has been newly refurbished but has retained many period features.

Boasting wooden floors throughout and lots of natural light.

An immaculately presented one bedroom apartment boasting lots of natural light, wood floors and high quality fixtures throughout.

Furnished

Furnished.

£725 per week

£550 per week

www.horneandharvey.co.uk

A superb detached residence (810sq m/8,716sq ft) located on this secure gated road.

This stunning house has been the subject of a major refurbishment programme and provides excellent family accommodation and further benefits from an indoor swimming pool and detached gymnasium.

Accommodation & Amenities Principal Bedroom with ‘His & Her’ Dressing Rooms & En-Suite Bathroom, 5 Further Bedrooms (3 En-Suite Shower Rooms, 1 En-Suite Bathroom), Family Bathroom, Reception Hall, Drawing Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Formal Dining Room, Games/Media Room, Study, Utility Room, 2 Guest Cloakrooms, Underfloor Gas Fired Central Heating, Lutron Electrical System, Plant Room, Cooled & Humidified Wine Cellar for up to 2,500 bottles, Full Home Cinema System, Mosaic & Limestone Pool, Gymnasium, Landscaped Gardens, Integral Garage, Off-Street Parking

Kenwood/Hampstead Heath

COMPTON LODGE COMPTON AVENUE N6

Joint Sole Agents

Aston Chase +44 (0) 20 7724 4724 Savills +44 (0) 20 7472 5000

Multi-award winning luxury estate Multi-award winning luxury estate agents in 300 locations worldwide. agents in 300 locations worldwide.

Mansfield Street, Marylebone, London W1 Elegant Space in Sought After Period Building

Mansfield street MaryLEBonE, London W1 Price £3,750,000 leasehold

Elegant Space In Sought After Period Building the apartment is on the first floor of this prestigious, portered, purpose built block situated close to the shops and transport of oxford street and regent street and within walking distance of both the world renown medical facilities of Harley street and wonderful open space of regent's Park with its theatre and zoo.

The building is classic art deco and arguably the most attractive building in the area. The communal areas are very imposing and give the building a splendid aura of grandeur. apartments there seldom come to the market and are in great demand. residents appreciate the location and the security offered by the 24 hour porterage.

The apartment which is on the first floor faces south and west, has two good-sized elegant reception rooms with fireplaces,

a generous hall and three large doubleto bedrooms and three shower one of which is ensuite. all the room have This grand apartment is on the first floor of this prestigious, portered, Art Decoplus building situated close the shops androoms, transport large windows and are especially light. The apartment has recently been modernised and is in generally good condition. facilities of Oxford Circus and within walking distance of Harley Street and Regent’s Park. The accommodation, which is particularly light and with high ceilings, includes three large double bedrooms, two elegant reception rooms and three shower rooms and extends to approximately 2,000 square feet.

Call +44 (0)20 7079 1523Leasehold £3,750,000

119 Park Lane Mayfair, London W1K 7aG

Call: +44(0)20 7079 1523 119 Park Lane Mayfair, London W1K 7AG

state dwide. te de.

Bruton Place, Mayfair, London W1 Period Mews House in the Heart of Mayfair

Bruton Place Mayfair, London W1 Scan me with your smart phone for more details Scan me with your smart phone for more details

od Building Building e to the shops and

own medical facilities of

shops and dical facilities of nal areas are very imposing t and are in great demand.

are very imposing in great demand. tion rooms with fireplaces, ensuite. all the room have nerally good condition. ms with fireplaces, all the room have ood condition.

Price £3,150,000 leasehold Bruton Place Mayfair, London W1 Price £3,150,000 leasehold

Scan me with your smart phone for more details Scan me with your smart phone for more details

Period Mews House In The Heart Of Mayfair Period Mews Inrestored The Heart Of Mayfair this wonderful mews houseHouse has been meticulously in country house style with exposed beams and roof joists to form a very individual and comfortable home. this wonderful mews house has been meticulously restored in country house style with exposed beams and roof joists to it is ideally situated in a quiet mews off Berkeley Square, right in the heart of Mayfair and close to the shops, restaurants and form a very individual and comfortable home. transport of Bond Street and Piccadilly. The accommodation extends to just under 2,000 sq. ft. and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one with roll top bath, a double reception room with open fireplace, bespoke wooden kitchen with range it is ideally situated in a quiet mews off Berkeley Square, right in the heart of Mayfair and close to the shops, restaurants and cooker and central island, a secluded patio and the rare advantage of a double length garage. transport of Bond Street and Piccadilly. The accommodation extends to just under 2,000 sq. ft. and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one with roll top bath, a double reception room with open fireplace, bespoke wooden kitchen with range The location of the property is particularly good being only a short walk from both the fashionable shops of Bond Street cooker and central island, a secluded patio and the rare advantage of a double length garage. and the cultural West End. The famous nightingales of Berkeley Square are only a few paces away whilst Green Park is only a little further – it is perhaps the ultimate London pied a terre.

The location of the property is particularly good being only a short walk from both the fashionable shops of Bond Street and the cultural West End. The famous nightingales of Berkeley Square are only a few paces away whilst Green Park is only a little further – it is perhaps the ultimate London pied a terre.

This wonderful Dutch Revival mews house has been meticulously restored in country house style with exposed beams and roof joists to form a very individual and comfortable home. It is ideally situated in a quiet mews off Berkeley Square, right in the heart of Mayfair and close to the shops, restaurants and transport of Bond Street and Piccadilly. The accommodation extends to just under 2,000 square feet and includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a double reception room and a double length garage.

£3,150,000 Leasehold

fineandcountry.com

With an international network of 85 offices, we offer careers beyond your expectations.

Sales Managers, Associates & Negotiators New Offices - Central London £Excellent Basic + Uncapped Team & Personal Commission + Bonus + Superb Benefits Managers Sloane Square // Pimlico & Westminster

Senior Negotiators Sloane Square // Knightsbridge

Already an accomplished Sales Manager, with between two and five years’ Central London market experience, you’ll be adept at winning new business and possess strong decision-making and analytical skills. Not to mention the ability to lead your team positively and confidently.

Negotiator / Senior Negotiator Mayfair – Head Office Sales Department

Assistant Manager / Associate Mayfair – Head Office Sales Department Your ability to make deals at the higher end of the Central London market will have been honed over at least three years at a similar level. Valuation skills are essential, while management and international experience would be preferred.

Your impressive track record will have been built over at least two years’ Central London agency experience for the Knightsbridge and Sloane Square roles and one year’s experience for the Mayfair role. Along with good local market knowledge, and some international exposure, you’ll ideally possess experience of the management and valuation side of the business.

Apply to: recruitment@hamptons-int.com

For all roles, impeccable communication skills and a high achievement orientation are musts. If this sounds like you and you want to work for an award-winning agency, which rewards its staff with market leading OTEs, we’d love to hear from you. www.hamptons.co.uk/careers

Beyond your expectations

PROPERTY

Expert Comment LETTINGS:

SALES:

Positive outlook for London’s rental market

An opportune time for investment

Martin Bikhit, Managing Director of Kay & Co, comments on the current trends in the rental market in London

Mohamed Nurmohamed, director of Chesterton Humberts, provides an insight into the residential property sales market

The rental market in central London continues to perform well, with growth of 7.4 per cent over the past 12 months, comfortably outperforming the UK average of 4.4 per cent over the same period.

Houses, which performed particularly strongly in 2010, have seen more subdued levels of growth so far this year, albeit off a high base post 2010, with growth of 3 per cent in the last 12 months. While flats, which underperformed houses last year, have been playing catch up, seeing the highest levels of appreciation in rents over the last year of 7.9 per cent.

Demand for rental property in London has been consistently high this year and this will, we expect, continue in the latter part of 2011. In a recent report by ARLA, 82 per cent of the members in central London reported a shortage of stock, with less new properties coming to the market and a higher number of new applicants registering.

Within our market, the number of properties let in the three months to September was 35 per cent, down on the same period in 2010. In what is now a stronger rental market, the fall in new properties let does highlight the constrained stock issues which we have been facing over recent months. This has been further demonstrated by an increase in the number of tenants staying put beyond the initial 12-month term of their tenancy and renewing together with those signing up for an initial tenancy of 24 months or greater. Our tenants largely tell us that they are finding it hard to get comparable accommodation for similar money and are therefore finding it more economically viable to remain in situ, even with rent increases, than move elsewhere. Landlords are now certainly in a position to capitalise on this situation.

Some of the significant stock shortages experienced in the earlier part of 2011 have now eased slightly, however, with applicant levels remaining high and frustrated tenants still in the market for rental property.

We expect rental value growth in our area will remain strong into the latter part of 2011.

Historically, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that when Belgravia and Knightsbridge prices take off, Mayfair lags for a short while and then closes the gap relatively quickly, thus creating a significant profit opportunity for the bold investor.

Quality properties are currently available from around £1,500 - £2,500 per sq ft in Mayfair, whilst prices in other super-prime postcodes regularly go well above this range. Thus, now could be a time of real opportunity. Indeed, activity in London’s prime property market over the past few months suggests that experienced investors are viewing Mayfair as excellent value for money and treating it as an arbitrage opportunity.

Into autumn, the super-prime central London residential property market continues to attract considerable inflows of ultra-high net worth overseas and domestic investment. There have been some noteworthy plays in Mayfair recently, including the intended £150m sale of the 1960’s Audley Square car park in Mayfair by NAMA to John Cauldwell, to build a scheme of luxury apartments. In addition, the refinancing of the former US Navy building situated at 20 Grosvenor Square by a consortium of investors led by Richard Caring in a deal reportedly valued at £330m will lead to another highly specified Mayfair development of 40 plus apartments priced in excess of £4,000 per sq ft when complete.

Mayfair’s Curzon Street and Bolton Street, have also hit the headlines with a One Hyde Park-style development planned by private equity group Brockton Capital LLP. Once complete, apartments are expected to fetch north of £4,000 per sq ft and the gross development value is expected to be in the region of £400m.

Currently, high quality Mayfair assets can be purchased from £1,500 per sq ft, with the more prime properties costing from £2,000 per sq ft, thereby offering buyers location, specification and cachet with considerable asset appreciation dynamics. Furthermore, investing in Mayfair is underpinned by a real structural shortage of property stock for sale, with unrelenting global demand and a store of wealth that is certain to grow over time. With demand at record levels in Mayfair, Belgravia and Knightsbridge, the neighbouring postcodes of St James’s, Hyde Park, Kensington and Marylebone are also well-positioned to benefit in the medium term.

Kay & Co (020 7262 2030; www.kayandco.com)

Chesterton Humberts Mayfair Office (020 7629 4513; www.chestertonhumberts.com)

t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e

157

CHRISTCHURCH TERRACE, CHELSEA SW3 Completely reconfigured behind its original façade to create a rare sense of volume and light, this exquisite modern house extends to circa 1575 square feet arranged over the ground and three upper floors, offering well planned and immaculately presented accommodation, a paved rear garden and integral garage. Numerous features include a wonderful west-facing first floor reception room, dining room with retractable glass doors (extending to the full width of the house) leading to the garden, and master bedroom suite occupying the entire second floor. To the rear is a cleverly designed stairway with two wide landings bathed in light. Christchurch Terrace is located just off Christchurch Street in the heart of “Old Chelsea” close to the Royal Hospital, Burton’s Court and the Kings Road. Numerous famous retail, leisure & restaurant facilities are close by, and Sloane Square underground station is within easy walking distance.

Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom • Bedroom 2 with en suite shower room • First floor drawing room • Kitchen • Dining room • Cloakroom • Entrance hall • Stairwell (with unusually spacious landings) • Utility cupboard • Rear paved garden • Garage

Freehold

JSA John D Wood 020 7352 1484 + 44 (0) 207 724 4777 / enquire@jamestaylorproperty.com James Taylor Property, 7 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RH www.jamestaylorproperty.com

£3,250,000

EATON SQUARE, BELGRAVIA SW1 Newly refurbished throughout to a high standard, a beautiful lateral apartment with high ceilings extending to circa 2750 square feet, on the third floor of this fine block in the favoured north west section of Eaton Square. Features include a stunning 29ft long reception room facing south over the square gardens, a spectacular entrance hall and a large dining room with French doors to a balcony. In addition there are two double bedrooms each with en suite bathrooms, as well as two smaller bedrooms (one of which could easily be a study/TV room).

Eaton Square is London’s premier residential address in the heart of Belgravia.

Drawing Room • Dining Room • Master bedroom with en suite bathroom • 2nd Double bedroom with en suite bathroom • Bedroom 3/study • Bedroom 4 • Kitchen/Breakfast room • Entrance Hall • Cloakroom • Lift • Porter • Access to square gardens (with tennis court)

Long Let Unfurnished

£3,750 per week + 44 (0) 207 724 4777 / enquire@jamestaylorproperty.com James Taylor Property, 7 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RH www.jamestaylorproperty.com

SELL YOUR HOME FOR FREE WITH WILFORDS Wilfords London are a new specialist Estate Agent focusing on both sales & lettings of luxury and design led properties within Kensington & Chelsea.

To celebrate the launch of our new office we are delighted to offer 0% commission to the first 50 vendors that instruct us to sell their property. Contact us for terms and full details.

Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street, W8 4LT

wilfords.com

Terms and conditions apply.

020 7361 0400

Caribbean Property Exhibition

Savills is hosting its first Caribbean property exhibition giving you an opportunity to view the finest properties from the region. Showcased are the leading marina, golf, beach front projects, plantation houses, private islands and luxury private estates

When: Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd November Time: 10 am - 4 pm Location: The Lansdowne Club, Mayfair

For further information and to book your personal appointment contact: James Burdess Savills Caribbean Desk +44 (0) 20 7016 3783 jburdess@savills.com

savills.com/caribbean

AVENFIELD HOUSE, London, W1 A great opportunity to rent a recently refurbished lateral five bedroom apartment with views of Hyde Park in this portered building in Mayfair. The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway with marble flooring, large eat-in kitchen, double reception with views of Hyde Park, master bedroom suite with wood flooring, three further bedroom suites, fifth double bedroom and separate bathroom. The apartment also benefits from a private parking space. The property is offered on a furnished basis, and is available immediately. Also available for SHORT TERM RENTAL at £7,000 per week.

Price: £4,750 per week 020 7409 9158 robin.boghhenrikssen@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001

HARRODSESTATES.COM

2793 HE Mayfair Mag ad.indd 1

19/10/11 14:22:35

Growing with our Growing with our clients since 1885 clients since 1885 Strutt & Parker started out as land agents Strutt & back Parkerinstarted out our as land agents with way 1885, and relationships wayfarming back infamilies 1885, and relationships withat the and our landowners are still farming and landowners arealso still branched at the heartfamilies of our business.

We have heart our other business. have alsoand branched outofinto areasWe of property today our out teams into other areas property and today our across theofUK can advise on everything teams UK can onwarehouses everything fromacross sellingthe homes andadvise leasing fromtoselling homesthe and leasing warehouses maximising yield of a dairy or arable farm. to maximising the yield of a dairy or arable farm.

To find out how we can help you visit To find out how we can help you visit struttandparker.com struttandparker.com

Residential | Commercial | Farming | Land Management | Sporting | Leisure and Hotels | Development | Professional Services Residential | Commercial | Farming | Land Management | Sporting | Leisure and Hotels | Development | Professional Services

HIRSH L O N D O N

EMBRACE DIAMONDS SET IN 18CT WHITE GOLD

Where every piece is a work of art www.hirshlondon.com

WEST END 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN - T +44 (0)20 7499 6814 - CITY 9 HATTON GARDEN EC1N 8AH - T +44 (0)20 7831 3333

CanaryWharfNovember.indd 1

24/09/2011 17:12