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PERFECTION IN SIMPLICITY The most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet arrives to succeed the most successful product in the marque’s 116 year history. New Ghost rejects superficial expressions of wealth, beautifully illustrating a ‘Post Opulent’ design philosophy.

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST page 50

your MediaLondon Publisher Paul Gregory paul.gregory@yourmedialondon.com Group Editor Emma Tompkins emma.tompkins@yourmedialondon.com Editorial Director Lyndon Ford lyndon.ford@yourmedialondon.com Sales Director Jennifer Tompkins jennifer.tompkins@yourmedialondon.com Circulation and Production Kevin Rowden Accounts accounts@yourmedialondon.com

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CONTENTS

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10 Valentine’s Gift Guide Perfect presents for that special someone whatever your budget. 13 Into The Blue Diving deep, these timepieces deliver functional yet stylish options - as long as you like blue.

22 Leica M11 A legend reinvented by the masters of photography, Leica reveal the latest evolution in their history. 28 Luxury Country Retreat Just a stone’s throw from London, Coworth Park provides the perfect romantic escape.

©Digital Media London Limited. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any language without the written permission of Digital Media London Limited is strictly prohibited. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no liability for omissions and errors. Terms of acceptance can be viewed online.

50 Post-Opulence The latest Rolls-Royce Ghost delivers in both style and technology with a modern grace. 63 High Performing Property £5 Million plus property sees its best year for almost a decade.

THE POWER OF INSTINCT

ONEFINESTAY

Earn with

onefinestay Offering guests the finest homes and unmatched service across the globe, onefinestay partners with only the most exceptional homes in prime neighbourhoods that will delight discerning guests. This is the ultimate home-from-home offering, but it’s not just about guest relations. For homeowners who want to earn an additional income by renting out their home, onefinestay makes it easy. Taking care of every detail this entails, their luxury end to end hospitality experience affords the opportunity to effortlessly rent out your beautiful London home whenever you’re not using it. onefinestay’s all encompassing service includes everything from cleaning and preparing the home to guest management, meaning you get a completely hands off experience focused on security and peace of mind. With a personal account manager, the relationship between onefinestay and you, the homeowner, will remain a close

and individualised partnership giving you freedom to enjoy your property as you please while maximising the potential of your home. Developing and maintaining such an inviting catalogue of properties requires not only an in-house property management and cleaning team who oversee the maintenance of the home during stay, but also a team of inspectors who handpick only the finest homes in only the most desirable neighbourhoods that pass rigorous in-person inspection. A completely hands off short term rental offering, onefinestay also manages every step of the guest experience from sales, to home preparation, check in, housekeeping, concierge services, home maintenance and check out, leaving your time completely unaffected. You will return to a thoroughly cleaned home, just as you left it.

onefinestay.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A Central London 3 bedroom home earned the homeowner £60,000 since March 2020* *Data from Nov 2021

Refer a friend to become a onefinestay homeowner and earn £500. Do you have a friend or family member with a beautiful home who might like to earn an income from it? Use the form at onefinestay. com/referral to generate your own unique referral link and for every home you refer that goes live with onefinestay, they will gift you £500* as a thank you.

onefinestay.com/referral

LI ST YO U R H O M E

If you are the owner of a stylish, luxury property that delivers a unique and authentic London experience, then this might just be the perfect way to make some extra money without having to lift a finger. To find out more about onefinestay or to start the process of making your beautiful home an option for discerning guests and reaping the benefits of being onefinestay homeowner, please visit onefinestay.com/list-your-home. www.onefinestay.com/list-your-home

onefinestay.com

VALENTINE’S DAY Perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day, Jo Malone London has introduced a collection of scents celebrating the rose, from light and fresh to deep and voluptuous, honouring this iconic fragrance note. Decorated in special-edition glass designs with tonal details, the four scents have been encapsulated in both colognes and home scents. Each one makes a thoughtful gift for fans of floral fragrances, with no need for a vase and water.

Costa Azzura Parfum, 50ml £108.00 from Tom Ford. tomford.co.uk

Rose & Magnolia Cologne, 50ml £76.00; and Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense, 50ml £92.00 from Jo Malone London. jomalone.co.uk

Legend Red EDP, 100ml £73.00 from Montblanc. montblanc.com Argent Bespoke Handmade Washbag £225.00 from Argent Timeless. argenttimeless.com

N°1 De Chanel L’eau Rouge, 100ml £90.00 from Chanel. chanel.com

Féminité du bois, 50ml £110.00 from Serge Lutens. Available exclusively at Harvey Nichols from 31st January. harveynichols.com

The Ladybird “Valentine’s Day 2022” 99-Piece Limited Edition £24,000.00 from Blancpain. blancpain.com

Hourglass Crocodil Effect Leather Wallet-on-Chain £950.00 from Balenciaga. Available at Harvey Nichols. harveynichols.com

Corazón garnet and 9kt gold ring £225.00 from Aliita. Available at Harvey Nichols. harveynichols.com

Pink Wool-Blend Tweed Jacket £3,300 from Valentino. Available at Harvey Nichols. harveynichols.com

Angels & Vegans Chocolate Selection Box, 125g £19.95. Available at Harvey Nichols. harveynichols.com

As the saying goes, good things come in twos, so for those in search of a luxury present for that hard-to-gift loved one, look no further than Pale Fox’s undeniably elegant Coupe gift Pack. Containing a beautifully wrapped 75cl bottle of Pale Fox rosé alongside two signature gold-rimmed Coupe glasses, this is the perfect gift or addition to date night at home. Coupe Gift Pack £49.95 from Pale Fox. palefoxprosecco.com

YOUR WATCH

Into The

Blue Fine watchmaking meets uncompromised functionality in stunning selection of diving watches inspired by the big

this blue

BLANCPAIN

blancpain.com

YOUR WATCH

Fifty Fathoms B l a n c p a i n ’s l a t e s t e d i t i o n o f t h e Fi ft y Fa t h o m s - t h e Fi ft y F a t h o m s To u r b i l l o n 8 J o u r s m o d e l The Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours diver’s watch epitomises the encounter between horological complexity and high performance. Its flying tourbillon whirls inside a dedicated opening in the refined blue dial. This model comes in a surprisingly light titanium version, as well as a red gold version ensuring a striking presence on the wrist. Introduced in 2007 with the launch of the contemporary Fifty Fathoms collection, the Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours is a symbiosis of Blancpain’s savoir faire in the realm of diver’s watches and its expertise in horological complications. Tried and tested for more than a decade, it has established itself as a superlative timepiece, enabling the beauty of the tourbillon mechanism to be admired even at great depths. The two new versions of this prestigious diver’s watch showcase this sophisticated complication through a refined blue dial graced with a sunburst finish. The tourbillon, referred to as “flying” because it has no upper bridge to drive its cage, appears to be floating in a large round opening at 12 o’clock. The technical complexity of this watch construction contrasts with the sporty style of the hourmarkers, hands and bezel. The latter remains a key element of the watch, with its notched edge giving added grip, its unidirectional rotation system and its slightly domed scratchresistant sapphire insert. The 45 mm-diameter case of this

new Fifty Fathoms is available in two materials: grade 23 titanium and red gold, both satin-finished. A bold choice for a highly complicated watch, titanium is notable for its lightness - ensuring excellent wearer comfort - as well as its resistance to shocks, pressure and corrosion. Red gold offers a more conventional setting for the tourbillon and radiates an aura of timeless nobility. Water-resistant to 30 bar (approximately 300 metres), the Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours houses self-winding Calibre 25C, a movement finished with a Côtes de Genève motif and circular graining in the noblest watchmaking tradition. Its gold oscillating weight is satin-brushed and openworked to provide the most open possible view of the movement. The titanium timepiece is available with a blue NATO or sailcloth strap, as well as a titanium bracelet; the red gold watch comes with a blue NATO or sailcloth strap. For both models, the sailcloth strap can be combined with a pin buckle or folding clasp, as desired. This new model is a welcome addition to the Fifty Fathoms collection, embodying Blancpain’s passion for the underwater world which was initially expressed in 1953 with the launch of the first modern diver’s watch. Created by JeanJacques Fiechter, Blancpain’s coCEO at the time and a pioneer of scuba diving, the Fifty Fathoms represented a turning point in the watch industry by setting the standard for diver’s watches.

Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours £97,600 | blancpain.com

ROLEX

Deepsea The watch of the deep, waterproof to an extreme depth o f 3 , 9 0 0 m e t r e s , t h e O y s t e r Pe r p e t u a l R o l e x D e e p s e a Released in 2008, the Rolex Deepsea meets the exacting requirements of professional divers in terms of resistance to underwater pressure, precision and reliability, while featuring the aesthetic DNA and intrinsic characteristics of the watches in the Oyster Perpetual collection. In 2014, Rolex released a commemorative version of the Rolex Deepsea sporting a deepblue to pitch-black gradient dial. This D-blue dial is reminiscent of the ocean’s twilight zone, where the last trickle of light from the surface disappears into the abyss. It echoes James Cameron’s Deepsea Challenge expedition to the deepest point in the ocean, partnered by Rolex and the National Geographic Society. As a tribute to this partnership, the ‘DEEPSEA’ marking was added to the dial in a colour inspired by Cameron’s green submersible. The Rolex Deepsea benefits from the Ringlock system, a case architecture developed and patented by Rolex that allows it to resist the colossal pressure exerted by water at the depth of 3,900 metres, equivalent to a weight of approximately three tonnes on the crystal. The Ringlock system is based on a combination of three elements: a slightly domed 5.5 mm-thick sapphire crystal; a highperformance nitrogen-alloyed steel ring, positioned inside the middle case of the watch between the crystal and the case back, which withstands the water pressure; and a case back made from a titanium alloy held tight against the high-performance ring by a screw-down Oystersteel ring. These three components are superposed in a middle case crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosionresistant alloy. The Triplock winding crown, protected by an integral crown guard, screws down against the case, completing the waterproofness system. The Oyster case of the Rolex Deepsea, 44 mm in diameter, is also equipped with the helium escape valve patented by Rolex in 1967. This safety valve allows excess pressure built up inside the watch case to escape during a diver’s decompression phase in a hyperbaric chamber, without compromising the waterproofness of the watch. The unidirectional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated monobloc Cerachrom insert in black ceramic that allows divers to monitor their time underwater. The insert, patented by Rolex, is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. In addition, thanks to its chemical composition, the hightech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode. The moulded, recessed numerals and graduations are coated with platinum using a PVD process. The bezel’s knurled edge offers excellent grip and can be manipulated with ease, even when wearing gloves. Great attention was paid to the legibility of this professional divers’ watch. The Chromalight hour markers and hands are filled or coated with a luminescent material emitting a long-

lasting blue glow - for up to two times longer than traditional phosphorescent materials. On the bezel, the triangular ‘zero’ marker of the graduation is visible in the dark thanks to an embedded capsule containing the same luminescent material. Like all Rolex watches, the Rolex Deepsea is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation attests that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories and according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee. Officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) the movement is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased, to ensure that it meets criteria that are far stricter than those of the official certification. The Rolex Deepsea is equipped with calibre 3235, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this movement carries a number of patents. It offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. The oscillator of calibre 3235 has a large balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance. The oscillator is also fitted on high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, designed and patented by Rolex. Calibre 3235 has an optimized version of the blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Parachrom hairspring offers great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. It is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring its regularity in any position. This calibre incorporates the Chronergy escapement, made of nickel-phosphorus and patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability and is also insensitive to magnetic fields. Calibre 3235 is fitted with a self-winding module featuring a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 70 hours.

Rolex Deepsea D-blue £11,350 | rolex.com

YOUR WATCH

rolex.com

LONGINES

longines.com

YOUR WATCH

Legend Now available in coloured versions, the Legend Diver Watch has a history filled with technical achievements Longines has been a name long associated with sport, and so it is only fitting that its expertise are brought to diving. It all began in 1937, when water-resistance became a quality criterion. Longines developed a watch case with water resistant push-pieces for its renowned 13ZN caliber, taking care to patent this creation. Subsequently, the wingedhourglass brand brought forth a number of developments, which led it to launch its first civil diving watch in 1958 and several other watches of this type during the 1960s. Some of these flagship pieces have since been re-issued as part of an “immersion in heritage”. This includes the Longines Legend Diver Watch, released in 2007. An icon of the rich heritage of the winged hourglass brand, this line has gradually expanded over the years and today proposes new versions in steel with blue or brown shades. The latest versions of The Longines Legend Diver Watch conserve the spirit and the pure lines of the original timepiece, while benefiting from the brand’s watchmaking expertise. They feature up-to-date technical characteristics, such as a boxshaped sapphire glass, two screw-in crowns and a screw-down case back; they are water resistant to 300 metres or they have an automatic movement with a silicon spring balance, made exclusively for Longines. The blue or brown shaded dial features luminous hands, hour markers interspersed with luminescent squares and Arab numerals enhanced with SuperLumiNova® rectangles for optimum visibility. A reminder of the codes of the sport for which this watch was originally intended. And just like on the original model, the 42 mm case back is decorated with an embossed emblem of a diver. A structured blue or brown leather strap matches the colour of the dial.

longines.com

TUDOR

Pelagos Developed to a set of unique specifications created in c o l l a b o rat i o n w i t h a s p e c i a l i s t u n i t o f t h e Fre n c h N a v y Since the 1950s and creation of one of the first modern professional divers’ watches to the 1980s, the Tudor brand has been a regular supplier to the French Navy. With the Pelagos FXD model, where FXD refers to the extra robust fixed strap bars of the case, Tudor is reviving this historic collaboration. Presenting a technical watch that meets a unique set of specifications that was developed in conjunction with the French Navy’s combat swimmers, the prestigious Commando Hubert, Tudor continues the relationship that dates back to 1956. Back then, the Groupe d’ tude et de Recherches SousMarines (G.E.R.S.), a scientific body attached to the French Navy and based in Toulon, took delivery of some Oyster Prince Submariner watches in order to assess them in reallife situations. They were references 7922 and 7923, both waterproof to 100 metres and fitted with self-winding and manual movements, respectively. The waterproofness of these watches was judged to be “perfect” and their performance “entirely correct” by the G.E.R.S. commanding officer at the time. Persuaded by the potential of the instruments offered by the Genevan brand, he quickly placed more orders, enabling Tudor to attain the status of “official supplier to the French Navy” in 1961. Today, the most famous Tudor divers’ watch used by the French Navy is the reference 9401, with its iconic blue dial and bezel. Engraved on the case back with the initials “M.N.” followed by the year of issue, the watches were delivered in two configurations, “Snowflake” hands and hour markers and later, with triangular hour markers. This model was launched in the mid-’70s and was supplied to the French Navy until the 1980s. It continued to be used into the 21st century, particularly at the French Navy’s diving school, as well as by combat swimmers. Although officially removed from the French Navy’s supply stocks some twenty years ago, it can still be seen sometimes today on the wrists of reserve and retired sailors alike. The Pelagos FXD model is inspired by this emblematic reference. Developed in conjunction with the French Navy’s combat swimmers, the Pelagos FXD model is based on a set of specifications that are as precise as they are demanding. For this reason, it includes many functional features that are new to Tudor, such as its fixed strap bars that are machined into the main body of the 42 mm titanium case for increased robustness and reliability. Shaped as an extension of the lugs, they are key to the model’s characteristic silhouette. Another feature specific to this model is the 120-notch rotating bezel. Bidirectional with retrograde graduation from 60 to 0, it does not correspond to the ISO 6425:2018 standard

of divers’ watches, but instead meets the specific needs of the method known as “underwater navigation”, one of the specialities of combat swimmers. Underwater navigation consists of reaching a precise location by sea, without surfacing, by following a meticulously planned route. Divers carry out this underwater navigation in pairs, connected to one another by a strap known as a life line, and complete a series of straight swims guided by a magnetic compass. They swim at a constant speed for a set time in each section, completing as many sections as necessary whilst timing each one exactly. This navigation entails restarting a countdown at each change of course. The anticlockwise graduation and luminescence of the bezel of this model make it easy to set up and monitor each countdown, by aligning the time set for the section to be covered on the bezel with the minute hand. When the minute hand arrives opposite the triangle, the team changes course and the diver in charge of timing begins the next countdown. The model has also been fitted with a large bezel ring, which exceeds the diameter of the case for optimum grip, even with neoprene gloves and hands that are numb from long dives in cold water. In aesthetic terms, the Pelagos FXD model is inspired by the Tudor divers’ watches historically used by the French Navy. It is navy blue in colour and has the characteristic square hour markers and angular hands, known as Snowflake, introduced by the brand in 1969 to increase the intensity of the luminescence of its watches in poor light conditions. It also features a rotating bezel with a sand-blasted ceramic insert with luminescent material. Its 42mm titanium case is waterproof to 200 metres and is entirely satin-brushed to produce a matt effect to limit light reflections. To highlight the watch’s official character, its case back bears the logo of the Marine nationale (French Navy) brand composed of an anchor topped with a sailor’s hat, as well as a historically inspired engraving of M.N.21 for “Marine nationale 2021. The Manufacture Calibre MT5602 that drives the Pelagos FXD model displays the hours, minutes and seconds functions. It has the finish typical of Tudor Manufacture Calibres: its rotor in tungsten monobloc is openwork and satinbrushed with sand-blasted details, while its bridges and plate have alternate sand-blasted, polished surfaces and laser decorations. Its build has been designed to ensure robustness, longevity, reliability and precision, as has its variable inertia balance, which is maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge with a twopoint fixing. Together with its non-magnetic silicon balance spring, the Manufacture Calibre MT5602 is certified as a chronometer by the COSC, with its performance going beyond the standards set by this independent institute.

tudorwatch.com

YOUR WATCH

tudorwatch.com

LEICA

LEICA M�� A legend reinvented, combining the experience of traditional rangefinder photography with contemporary camera technology

Featuring an exclusive triple resolution sensor, expanded ISO range, dual memory, extended battery life and a streamlined and intuitive menu system, the Leica M11 represents a new benchmark in digital photography and the most flexible M-System camera in Leica’s storied history. At the heart of the new Leica M11 is a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology. Raw image files in DNG format and JPEGs can be recorded at 60, 36 or 18 megapixels, always using the full sensor area. The 60-megapixel option delivers unprecedented image quality and detail resolution, exploiting the full optical potential of Leica’s latest APO Lenses for the M-System - whereas the lower resolutions enable faster camera performance, extended burst lengths, and smaller files. A special IR + UV cut filter - comprising of two extremely thin, cemented layers of glass - achieve an especially effective correction of even the most oblique rays of incident light. Thanks to a new colour filter array, the camera also offers an improved, more natural colour reproduction. While maintaining the iconic look of a traditional Leica M, the carefully optimized design of the Leica M11 is focused on

efficiency and ergonomics. The controls have been arranged in a unique layout around the new, 2.3 million pixels, high-resolution touchscreen. The menu structure of the M11 remains consistent with that of the Leica SL2 and Q2, unifying the acclaimed interface for a more user-friendly experience. The Leica M11 has a sensitivity range of ISO 64 to 50,000; it records a 14-bit colour depth and has a dynamic range of up to 15 stops. With its Maestro III processor, the Leica M11 offers a fluid and responsive operation, even at the highest resolution and image quality. With the optional electronic shutter featuring a shutter speed of up to 1/16000 of a second, photographers are empowered to work with wide open apertures, in bright light - without ND filters. The M11 marks the first-time multi-field metering in rangefinder mode will be available, affording photographers a valuable tool to curate light. The black-finish variant of the Leica M11 features a top plate made of high-quality aluminium with an especially scratch-resistant coating, resulting in a body that is approximately 20% (100g) lighter than its silver-chrome counterpart. By comparison, the silverchrome M11 features a classic brass top plate and weighs in at 640g.

Leica Store London Mayfair, 64-66 Duke Street, Mayfair, London W1K 6JD | 020 7629 1351 Leica Store London Harrods, 5 Floor, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL | 020 7225 6840 leica-camera.com

YOUR CAMERA Unique to the M11 is the deliberate omission of the traditional base plate, offering photographers easy direct access to the battery and SD card. In addition to the SD card slot, the Leica M11 is equipped with a generous internal storage capacity of 64gb. As a result, the M11 is the first M model to save image files simultaneously onto two different storage media. The 1800mAh battery stores 64% more energy than before, and combined with the camera’s more efficient operation, allows for considerably longer shooting sessions with a single charge. In addition, the newly added universal USB-C port also serves to charge the camera’s battery, using most USB-C chargers. Upgraded connectivity features of the Leica M11 will be available through a new firmware version in the second half of 2022. This will enable the new M11’s advanced connectivity capabilities that will elevate users’ mobile workflows and enhance the Leica Fotos app with the possibility to embed location data, access images via Bluetooth connection, and allow increased transfer rates. Moreover, the Leica M11 is already an Apple “Made for iPhone and iPad” certified accessory and as such, offers unique abilities with the included Leica Fotos cable. With the evolution of the Leica M comes new accessories to enhance the rangefinder experience. The new Visoflex 2 electronic viewfinder features 3.7-megapixel resolution to provide outstanding image control in Live View mode. Encased in a

metal exterior, the Visoflex 2 perfectly matches the M11 in terms of design and functionality. Full-frame viewing and the precise focusing of Leica lenses is supported by the Visoflex 2’s large diopter adjustment range of -4 to +3 and 90 degree tilt function. To improve ergonomics without obstructing access to the battery and SD card, photographers will have the option to complement their M11 with a newly designed handgrip. The new handgrip doubles as a tripod mount, where the Leica M11 can be attached to Arca-Swiss-standard tripod heads without the need for any additional equipment. “We are very proud of the new M11,” says Stefan Daniel, Executive Vice President Technology and Operations. “This camera is another milestone for Leica. Its inner workings are a completely new development, while the exterior remains true to the iconic Leica M design.” “As we all know,” says Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, “the iconic Leica M-System has accompanied dedicated photographers worldwide over decades, giving them a superior tool for witnessing their time and creating outstanding pictures. The new M11 will continue this legacy with outstanding technology, based on the experience since 1925.” The Leica M11 is available worldwide now priced at £7,500.00.

Leica M11 £7,500.00 | store.leica-camera.com

Beauty Buys

Super hydrating, adding a touch of luminous colour to lips, Dolce & Gabbana Beauty has launched their first tinted lip balm. Enriched with Sunflower Seed Wax, the four balms are available in four flower-inspired shades. With stunning packaging this is the chicest way to keep lips hydrated this winter. Sheerlips Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm in Sweet Lily £33.00 from Dolce & Gabbana Beauty. Available at harrods.com

The first step to flawless makeup, the Traceless Soft Matte Prime from Tom Ford creates a protective barrier between skin and makeup for a beautifully soft matte finish. Containing Avocado and Salicylic Acid, the hybrid primer extends quality of makeup wear for up to 12 hours with a universal hue. Traceless Soft Matte Primer £66.00 from Tom Ford. tomford.co.uk

On everyone’s lips right now, the return of Charlotte’s world-famous, best-selling Pillow Talk eye shadow palette. This luxury palette is a pretty, feminine every day pink eyeshadow palette with four shimmer and matte shades, featuring champagne pink, matte dusky rose, soft matte brown and a rose gold sparkle. The easy to use nude-pink eyeshadow quad will give you romantic, wide-eyed, ‘I woke up like this’ eye makeup. Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in Pillow Talk £40.00 from Charlotte Tilbury. charlottetilbury.com

Chanel's latest beauty innovation, N°1 De Chanel, is a new generation of beauty including skincare, makeup and a fragrance mist. At the heart of this new holistic, environmentally conscious, anti-aging line is red camellia extract and its unique revitalising power. Red camellia extract targets stage N°1 of the skin ageing process, working to prevent and correct the appearance of the 5 signs of ageing. Enriched with red camellia oil and moisturising agents, the N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation protects skin from environmental aggressors and creates a beautifully even complexion. Available in 20 buildable shades, the creamy texture blends seamlessly with the skin, offering a luminous finish and buildable coverage. One wonder product from the range is the Revitalizing Cream. Concentrated with red camellia extract, the refillable anti-wrinkle cream protects skin from urban stressors. Over time, skin is left looking visibly smoother and more comfortable, the skin glows with youthful radiance. N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation £55.00; and N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Cream £84.00 from Chanel. chanel.com

Sisley Paris' first refillable lipstick, Photo Rouge Shine offers a sheer and glossy flush of colour while providing nourishing and moisturising benefits to care for your lips just like a balm. Available in 12 wearable shades from barely-there nudes to vibrant reds, lips are left silky soft. Phyto Rouge Shine £39.00 from Sisley Paris. sisley-paris.co.uk

Made up of three hyaluronic acids and the latest discoveries of Shiseido's The Lifeblood(tm) to capture all the moisture needed for optimal hydration, the brand's new Essential Energy Hydrating Cream helps prevent the appearance of the first signs of ageing from the age of 30. Penetrating the deepest layers of the epidermis, skin appears plump, radiant and more resilient. A pioneer of hyaluronic acid, Shiseido is also celebrating 150 years this year.

Wonderfully light, this prebiotic overnight sleeping night cream from Elemis drenches dry, thirsty skin with comforting hydration. Infused with Camu Camu - a plant that is rich in Vitamin C; Cocoa Butter and Banana Flower, skin is left feeling silky soft, radiant and replenished with moisture upon waking. Superfood Midnight Facial, 50ml £40.00 from Elemis. uk.elemis.com

The Essential Energy Hydrating Cream £49.00 from Shiseido. Launching 7th February exclusively to Look Fantastic and nationwide 21st February. shiseido.co.uk

Combining a blend of 29 potent plant-based extracts, this golden elixir from d'still encourages cellular renewal for a more radiant and smoother complexion. Using squalane, prickly pear and organ oil, the regenerative formula leaves skin feeling soft and dewy without clogging pores.

Formulated with 3 nourishing and softening oils, this soothing balm from Sisley Paris is a wonderfully gentle way to throughly cleanse skin and remove makeup. Transforming into an oil then into a milky emulsion, the balm effectively removes face and eye make-up while offering intense comfort. A little goes a long way.

Rejuvenating Botanical Serum £109.00 from d'still. dstill.co.uk

Triple-Oil Balm Make-up Remover and Cleanser £88.00 from Sisley Paris. sisley-paris.com

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travel

LUXURY LONDON LIVING Whether it's a short stay or a longer term visit, the stunning suites and residences at Taj's 51 Buckingham Gate deliver one of the most luxurious home-from-home offerings in London with some added extras you won't want to miss out on.

COWORTH PARK

COWORTH PARK The Dorchester Collection's luxurious rural retreat just moments from the centre of London combines country charm with modern elegance. Nestled in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland, this 71-bedroom luxury country house hotel is the perfect escape at any time of the year. Cosy up in front of the fire during the colder months and soak up the stunning wildflower meadow in the summer. Boasting a recent refurbishment, the hotel's rooms and suites remain rich in country house charm while delivering a seamless integration of modern, fresh aesthetic. From a Stable Superior Room where you can hide away and choose to do as much or as little as you please in peace to one of the impressive suites such as the incredible Mansion House Premium Suite which you will not want to leave. This 1,332ft2 one-bedroom suite is not only

If you are after something a little more secluded, then this vast estate has two irresistible options for you to choose from. Positioned away from the main house, The Dower House provides you with a unique, listed property of your very own. Set amongst idyllic private gardens with access to the rest of the rolling grounds should you choose, this property boasts three en-suite bedrooms with kingsize and twin beds along with a fully-equipped kitchen ready with your own personal chef available on request and a private gated entrance with parking. However for the ultimate escape, look no further than the recently unveiled gem in the collection, North Lodge. This is a private gatehouse cottage located on the outskirts of the grounds,

packed with luxurious features including a stand-out copper rolltop bathtub, fresh flowers and bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne on arrival, but features stunning views over your 240 acre garden, taking in the lime grove, polo field and meadow - the perfect spot to enjoy the wildflowers in the summer.

now beautifully restored to offer three bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen and an idyllic country garden. The latest addition to Coworth Park’s 22 suites, North Lodge offers guests use of their own private driveway, lobby, dining room and kitchen where they can cook for themselves or have a dedicated

Coworth Park, Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7SE

YOUR TRAVEL

chef to cater for them. While three en-suite bedrooms with super king-size, king-size and twin bed provide all of the rest spots you might need for you and your guests. The private garden features a decking area ideal for a peaceful morning coffee in the sun. Whatever room or suite you choose, you will not be disappointed by the quality this contemporary yet quaint hotel delivers and it's

One of the main draws of this hotel is the truly blissful tranquillity it offers despite being located so close to London. Perfectly positioned to explore the historic Windsor or to relax after a long day at the races at Ascot, Coworth Park is the ultimate country retreat with convenience and the perfect spot to impress a special someone for a romantic weekend away from the Capital.

not reserved for the sleeping quarters. Across this estate, everything has been tailored to provide guests with the very best experience, from the excellent selection of restaurants, to outdoor pursuit experiences and relaxing in the state-of-the-art, dedicated spa just a short walk from the main house.

Choose from a host of offers direct through the website to make the most of your visit, from a romantic getaway - luxury accommodation for two complete with rose petals, English breakfast served in your room, three-course dinner with a bottle of sommelier’s wine at The Barn and bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé

01344 838160 | dorchestercollection.com

COWORTH PARK

Champagne and chocolates - to a Spa and Stay break with English breakfast for two, 60 minute ishga Organic Rejuvenating Facial or 60 minute Personalised Wellbeing Massage by ishga Organic, use of the relaxation room after your treatment, a pot of estate grown meadow tea to share and digital unwind (optional mobile device secure surrender for the duration of your stay). Each package is available across numerous room and suite options, so you can tailor your stay to be exactly what you want it to be. The modern spa sits in its own building a just a short walk away from the main house. Offering a number of treatments from facials to massages, the tranquil retreat provides the perfect excuse to relax and revitalise - something we all need after the last couple of years. Whether you plan to lounge by the pool and indulge in the steam room, or head to the scenic state-of-the-art gym; there is plenty to do. The spa day packages in particular allow for a more leisurely pace with a highlight being the Signature Spa Day. The package begins with a deep cleansing back treatment and heated seaweed clay mask, using natural ingredients from the Scottish Hebrides before ending with an organic exfoliating face mask and scalp massage, before a powerful peel off mask. Suitable for all skin types, the package also includes a delicious two course lunch in the Spatisserie and use of the spa facilities. Speaking of food, there are a plethora of dining options at Coworth Park. From the Drawing Room and Michelin star of Excellence and 4 AA Rosette Restaurant Coworth Park in the main house, to the more relaxed atmosphere of The Barn.

Located in the original barn frame, with rustic features such as a working stone fireplace, The Barn serves up delicious brasserie style dishes with low-key flair. Highlights from the menu include; Baked Winslade cheese with pecan nuts, figs, rosemary and cheese straws; Coworth Park beer-battered haddock, chunky chips and minted peas; Poached halibut with a shellfish and white bean cassoulet, sea herbs and The Barn IPA; and Waterford Farm 8oz salt-aged beef fillet, served with a classic Caesar salad, chunky chips cooked in dripping and a choice of peppercorn or Béarnaise sauce. The perfect location for modern comfort food, in winter The Barn becomes the height of cosiness with the roaring fire, and in summer the wall of windows transforms the space with a flood of natural light. Back at the hotel, breakfast is another highlight of your stay. The star of the show, has to be the Coworth country breakfast: Back and streaky bacon, Coworth Park banger, black pudding, grilled mushroom, tomato and hash brown and 2 eggs cooked to your liking. Otherwise, there is a huge selection of eggs, toasties and bagels, buttermilk pancakes and waffles, fresh fruit and cold plates. Guests are truly spoilt for choice. Afterwards, take a long walk around the manicured gardens. With 240 acres, there is plenty of space to enjoy and for the more adventurous there are plenty of activities to take part in. Home to eight friendly horses, the equestrian centre welcomes both beginners and seasoned riders. Take a leisurely hack around the grounds, head off for a canter or try your hand at dressage.

Coworth Park, Blacknest Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7SE

YOUR TRAVEL

That's not all, as the only UK hotel with two professional polo fields, take the opportunity to try your hand at the quintessentially English sport. he fields are managed by the prestigious Guards Polo Club, with fixtures throughout the summer social season including major tournaments. Elsewhere there's a whole array of activity options from walking, jogging and mountain biking trails; to games of tennis and the chance to play croquet on the upper lawn. You can even make the most of the grounds with a luxurious picnic.

01344 838160 | dorchestercollection.com

TAJ 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE

TAJ 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE Offering a wide choice of luxurious suites and residences, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate provides the perfect home-away-from-home for would-be guests. Accommodating families, state delegations and business executives alike, the large rooms boast between one and three bedroom suites or a larger residence offering up to six bedrooms, each with ample living areas for work and play, and a fully equipped kitchen. Just a short walk from London's Victoria, Buckingham Palace and the leafy surrounds of Green Park, the hotel is made up of three magnificent townhouses surrounding a private courtyard, with each offering suites with individual character. For the ultimate

5 star luxury London experience, 4 signature suites are individuallydesigned and expertly-crafted residences that combine elegance and space with refined comfort. Each offers a unique experience to match your taste and mood. Once the home of Lords and Ladies of the Royal Court, this destination now provides its guests with some of the most spacious and luxurious accommodation and finest personal service in London, featuring Taj's acclaimed Golden Keys Concierge Service. A real highlight of a stay at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is the highly sought after butler service and Golden Keys concierges. Nothing is too much trouble for the knowledgable and helpful team. From in room services and bespoke touches, to theatre tickets and bookings at the hottest restaurants, the team are on hand to ensure your stay goes as smoothly as possible, leaving you wanting for nothing. Providing guests the choice of in-suite dining, relaxing and entertaining, or dinner in the hotel's Michelin-starred Quilon and afternoon tea at the European inspired Kona, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is a destination in itself. The current Alice in Wonderland, Queen of Hearts themed afternoon tea is a particular delight. Wildly creative with a decorated chessboard of fine cakes and patisseries as the highlight. This is an experience not to be missed, with every aspect of your tea themed around the iconic story including the fine china with Sir John Tenniel’s original book illustrations from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection to add to the experience.

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF

YOUR TRAVEL

Holding a Michelin star since 2008, Quilon will take you on a culinary adventure along the South-West coast of India while brand new stylish restaurant, TH@51 welcomes you to pique your palate with a menu that draws inspiration from flavours around the world, exploring the unexplored to create a food and drink experience that excites all senses. If you're more interested in taking some time out for yourself to relax and unwind, the hotel's newly relaunched wellness centre is the place for you. Combining two brands - Jiva and Temple Spa this is the first spa venture for Jiva in Europe and offers the finest of East meets West spa treatments, designed to completely relax and restore the equilibrium of body and mind. Spa facilities include a specially appointed relaxation area, two single treatments rooms, one couple's suites, vitality pool, steam, sauna and an emotional shower. Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is not just a hotel, it is a genuinely luxurious home-from-home offering in one of London's most premium locations. Whether you're looking to escape for a peaceful, romantic night away or want to take up residence for a number of weeks, you will find the perfect place to stay within this secluded oasis. 020 7769 7766 | taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk

MALLORY COURT

MALLORY COURT A beautifully grand Lutyens style main house, set in 10 acres of lush, green grounds with a luxurious standalone spa for the ultimate retreat.

Located in the stunning Warwickshire countryside, Mallory Court, part of the Eden Hotel Collection and member of Relais & Châteaux, is the epitome of a quintessentially English country house hotel. Surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, the

hotel is an English country oasis where you can escape an unwind, but is also perfectly positioned just outside the historic towns of Leamington Spa, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon with a wealth of National Trust properties on its doorstep to explore this historic area of natural beauty. Offering 43 individually designed bedrooms including a number of dog friendly options - there is something for everyone, whether you're looking for a comfortable base from which to explore the surroundings with your four-legged friend and family or an indulgent escape with everything you could possibly need to enjoy ultimate relaxation with that special someone. For those after an indulgent country retreat full of relaxation, look no further than the dedicated Elan Spa secluded away from the main house allowing you to fully soak up the tranquility that this destination affords. Complete with hydrotherapy pool, external vitality pool, thermal suites including sauna and steam room and treatment rooms where you can enjoy a host of

Mallory Court Hotel & Spa, Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV33 9QB

YOUR TRAVEL

treatments using a specially selected range of ESPA and ila spa products. Perfectly blended with a blissful offering of spa rituals, body treatments and facials, a designated therapist will advise you on the ideal treatments to rebalance the mind, body and spirit and bring a sense of peace and wellbeing. In line with this ethos of health and wellbeing, the hotel has also recently launched a dedicated vegan package for guests which includes an Inner Beauty ESPA Vegan Facial - which deeply cleans, hydrates and renews your skin with instant results - followed by a delicious vegan afternoon tea. Think artisan vegan sandwiches, a selection of vegan sweet delicacies and even vegan scones of both the fruit and plain variety. Whether you’re new to veganism following an exploratory venture during Veganuary or are a longstanding plant positive connoisseur, you won't be disappointed by the offering at Mallory Court.

Food is at the heart of this stunning country house. With fresh produce available from the impressive kitchen gardens, along with close relationships with local suppliers, the three AA Rosette 'The Dining Room' creates delicious, seasonal menus to deliver incredible flavours presented in beautiful fashion. Bringing a tempting mix of modern techniques and trends with long forgotten traditional recipes, this is fine dining in style. This is an ideal destination for those looking to get away from the city and truly enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. Indulge in relaxation and fine food in uncompromisingly blissful surroundings.

Inner Beauty ESPA Vegan Facial £75 per person Monday Thursday and £85 per person Friday - Sunday. Vegan Afternoon Tea £29.50 per person. Must be pre-booked. Rooms at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa start from £105 per night with a number of packages on offer from dining experiences to spa breaks, so please check online for the latest offers.

01926 330214 | info@mallory.co.uk | mallory.co.uk

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N OT J U ST F O R V E G A N UA RY Going green doesn't have to be reserved just for the first month of the year. With a host of restaurants choosing to go all in on vegan offerings, you can enjoy delicious, healthy, meat-free dishes throughout the year without sacrificing on flavour.

PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

A L P I N E FEASTING INDULGENT FONDUE AND RACLETTE KITS FROM PROVISIONS LONDON

January might be over, but the colder months are well and truly upon us, gather friends and family and warm up with Provisions Wine & Cheese's fondue and raclette kits which are available nationwide. Guests can transport themselves to the French Alps from the comfort of their own homes with the interactive kits. The Fondue Kit is designed for two and comes with Provisions’ house fondue mix of grated raw milk cheese, 10cl of white wine, bread cubes, garlic and a recipe card, plus the option to add a bottle of Altesse by Yves Duport in Bugey from the Rhône-Alpes for just £45. Meanwhile the Raclette Kit, for three to four people, consists of 600g of raclette and morbier cheeses and a 300g selection of fine, artisanal French and Italian cured meats. Both kits are available nationwide and to purchase online, and what's even better is that there is no special equipment required for cooking, you can simply use your regular pots and pans, however Provisions also sell fondue and raclette sets for those keen to go the whole Alpine hog.

Fondue Kit - £29.00 for 2 people (option to add a bottle of Altesse by Yves Duport in Bugey for £45.00) 460-480g Provisions fondue mix; 10cl of wine; Bread cubes; Garlic clove; Recipe card. Raclette Kit - £29.00 for 3-4 people (option to add a bottle of Altesse by Yves Duport in Bugey for £45.00) 600g Raw milk raclette and smoked raclette; 300g sliced artisan cured meats from France and Italy.

Provisions Holloway Road, 167 Holloway Road, London N7 8LX | Provisions Hackney, 308 Hackney Road, London E2 7SJ (opening early March 2022) provisionslondon.co.uk

CHINESE NEW YEAR AT PING PONG Roaring into Chinese New Year, Ping Pong Restaurant group has created a range of special menu items to celebrate Chinese New Year 2022, the Year of the Tiger. Available throughout the month, with Chinese New Year falling on Tuesday 1 February, the new dim sum has been created with the help of Dim Sum Master Ruby Wu. Exciting new dishes gracing the menu include the Tiger Paw Vegan Dumpling - a vibrant orange dumpling reminiscent of a tiger - sauteed root vegetable, shiitake mushroom, bean curd & chinese leaves wrapped in gluten free golden turmeric pastry; crispy Chicken & coriander griddled potsticker - chicken & coriander wrapped in a crispy wheat flour pastry, griddled and finished with toasted black & white sesame seeds, served with tangy tomato chilli sauce; and a Pork, leek & fine beans crispy potsticker - Taiwanese style pork with leek and fine beans wrapped in wheat flour pastry, lightly fried and topped with pressed black & white sesame seeds. For those with a sweet tooth there is a delicious new fluffy Custard Tiger Bun - fluffy steamed cantonese bun filled with

creamy custard, the perfect treat to end a Chinese New Year banquet! Alongside the four new dishes, Ping Pong is also offering a Grey Goose Tiger Eye Martini - a decadent mix of Grey goose vodka shaken with pear liqueur, lime juice and cinnamon syrup, topped with egg white and a tiger eye edible disk to further celebrate the occasion. With seven restaurants across the capital, all the dining rooms will be getting into the spirit of the festivities, adorned with traditional red lanterns and life-size tigers at the Soho and Southbank restaurants. The perfect place to enjoy Chinese New Year and fantastic food, there are also a range of great value set menus priced at £23.95 with meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. Guests can also enjoy a bottomless drinks package featuring House wines, Tsingtao Beer, Gin & Tonic and Lychee and Rose Martinis. Priced at just £20.00 per person, the offer is available from 124.30pm, and £25.00 from 5pm onwards.

pingpongdimsum.com

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A LT E R

If you tried doing Veganary and are looking to carry on into February, or are hoping to incorporate more balanced eating in your life during 2022, then Alter is a place that should be on your radar to visit. Located on the top floor of the Leman Locke hotel in Aldgate, Alter is a real hidden gem in the heart of the city. Having opened just before the first lockdown and after a major leak which forced the restaurant back into closure this summer, Alter is back with a bang providing inventive flavours and buzzy atmosphere. Perfect for those looking for an introduction to plant based eating, the menu has been developed by chef and founder Andy Goodwin, previously of nearby Som Saa and who trained under Andrew Wong, is entirely plant-based. Entirely plant-based, with no fake meat in sight, the innovative menu is inspired by pan-Asian flavours and fusion cooking techniques. All the flavours, textures and tase comes from fresh vegetables, spices, nuts and tofu. A real joy from start to finish, the Tokyo ramen bar inspired space serves up modern dishes such as shitake & yellow bean dumplings served with kelp broth; colourful izakaya pickles served with 1:1:1 chilli relish; rice fermented mustard green miang laos; and steamed peanut

sugar baos. Designed to be shared, standout dishes include Myanmar's fermented green tea som tam salad - a wonderfully authentic citrus sour salad made with fermented green tea leaves; creamy khao-soi noodle laksa with giant oyster mushrooms. Every dish is like a surprise to the senses, balancing complex flavours with great textures to provide a filling and hearty meal. Perhaps the restaurant’s most iconic dish is their mysterious ‘pizza’. Making it a must-try dish in itself, the pizza stands out because it seems out of place on the heavily Asian inspired menu. Served with ajo blanco and basil, the moreish puffs were a highlight for comedian and Off Menu podcast host James Acaster who proclaimed it his favourite bread course of all time. Alter has also just launched a brand new lunch menu which is available on Thursdays and Fridays. Complementing the delicious dishes on offer, Alter offers a selection of trendy natural wines and classic 'dive bar' cocktails with a twist. Highlights include the yuzu sake negroni; a blend of yuzu sake, vault vermouth and Campari, while the Tokyo Manhattan is a refreshing mix of scotch whisky, plum sake and vault vermouth. There are plenty of low and no alcohol options to enjoy too.

Alter, 15 Leman St, London E1 8EN | alterldn.com

RECIPE

Milk Chocolate Tart By Adam Smith. Serves 6-8 Adam Smith is executive chef at Michelin-starred, Restaurant Coworth Park in Ascot. Named as the Roux Scholar in 2012 and awarded Craft Guild of Chefs Restaurant Chef of the Year in 2015, he joined Coworth Park as executive chef in 2016, overseeing all its culinary outlets, and in 2021 was awarded the Michelin-star for Restaurant Coworth Park for a fourth consecutive year.

With Valentine’s Day landing on February 14, this is the month of love, and what better dish to make for someone special than an irresistible chocolate dessert to end your romantic meal in style? My signature milk chocolate tart always goes down a treat and is one of my favourite desserts to make. With its cocoa glaze and gold leaf finishing touches, it is simple and elegant, letting the flavours speak for themselves.

SWEET PASTRY - Step 1 140g Icing sugar 45g Ground almond 3g Salt 200g Butter 68g Egg yolk 80g Bread flour (1), sifted 250g Bread flour (2), sifted

METHOD - Step 1 Beat the icing sugar, ground almonds, salt and butter together in a large bowl until white. Slowly add the egg yolks that have been allowed to get to room temperature. Then slowly add the first batch of sifted flour (1) in stages. Once combined, then add flour (2) in two stages and bring together. Allow the mix to rest for an hour in the fridge. Next, take an 8inch tart ring and grease with a very small amount of vegetable oil. Roll the pastry to 5mm thickness and line the ring, ensuring to get all the sides perfectly straight. Chill for 20 min in the fridge and trim the top of the ring flat with a sharp knife. Line the tart base with Clingfilm and baking beans, blind baking the tart for 15 min in the oven at 165°C. After 15 min, remove the Clingfilm and beans and bake the tart case for a further 8 min until cooked. Allow the tart case to cool before removing it from the tart ring.

METHOD - Step 2

MILK CHOCOLATE MIX - Step 2 450g Milk chocolate (must be a couverture with minimum 36% cocoa solids) 225g Whipping cream 40g Butter

Melt the chocolate Au Bain Marie over hot water. In a separate pan, bring the cream and butter to the boil, then pour over the chocolate. Slowly fold the two components together and then blend with a stick blender to ensure it is velvety smooth. Once at around 35°C in temperature, pour into the cooked tart case and allow to set at room temperature for a couple of hours. (Top tip is not to put the tart into the fridge)

COCOA GLAZE - Step 3 50g Cocoa powder, sifted 120g Water 150g Sugar 85g Whipping cream 10g Gelatine leafs, soaked (bronze)

Place the cocoa powder, water, sugar and cream into a pan and bring to the boil. Add the gelatine and whisk until dissolved, pass through a fine sieve. Cool down to 35°C in an ice bath. Then pour a very thin layer on top of the set milk chocolate tart and allow to set. Your milk chocolate tart will then be ready to enjoy!

dorchestercollection.com

METHOD - Step 3

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PASTAIO

P A S T A I O Created by British chef Stevie Parle, Pastaio aims to bring people pasta that is not only great value, but is also nourishing and considerate to nature. Made by hand every single morning on site at the Soho and Westfield locations, before being combined with the best seasonal produce available, the result is some of the best pasta you have ever had. Short and long pasta is extruded through bronze using a blend of organic Italian semolina and ancient British grains. The

Using the same top quality ingredients, the talented team have substituted plant-based ingredients where needed and can also provide gluten free pasta too. Whats more, all of the wine served at Pastaio is suitable for vegans. The restaurant works with small organic wine producers to preserve flavour and to reduce environmental impact and cost by serving wines on tap. Desserts are as decadent as the pasta with the outstanding Pastaio Tiramisu; Baked Ricotta cheesecake with amarena

stuffed pasta is made by hand from the best '00 flour and freshest eggs from Woodlands Farm, close to Steve's house. Starting with a range of antipasti, from Sardinian crisp bread served with Pastaio Olive Oil, and Anchovies marinaded in Vin Santo; to fresh Burrata, and Gnocchi alla romana and speck - the menu sets the tone for the pasta that lies ahead. There are many pasta dishes to choose from making it hard to pick but highlights include Squid, artichoke, datterini tomato, chilli and white wine linguine; Slow cooked sausage ragu with fennel, parmesan, chilli, breadcrumbs and malloreddus; and Cacio E Pepe. Vegans can enjoy 'Symplicity' vegan meatballs served with slow cooked san marzano tomatoes and mafaldine; and Cavolo nero, new season olive oil, chilli, casarecce from the special green vegan menu which also features a number of antipasti dishes and desserts.

cherry; and Raspberry and chocolate sorbet. Aside from sorbet, vegans and vegetarians can enjoy the Congolese Chocolate mousse with pistachio and honeycomb.

19 Ganton Sreet, Carnaby, Soho, London W1F 9BN | pastaio.co.uk

Located on the upper level of Cabot Place in Canary Wharf, and transporting you to more sunny climes, new Mediterranean pizza restaurant Gallio is serving up modern pizzas, alongside sharing mezze-style small plates, seasonal salads, Mediterranean bowls and fully loaded flatbreads, all packed with nutritious and vibrant seasonal ingredients. Certainly the star of the show, the pizza's at Gallio feature a unique base made up of impeccably sourced grains that not only taste better, but are also packed with antioxidants, and are high in protein and fibre. Showcasing simplicity at its best, the nutritious grains are mixed with nothing more than sea salt, yeast, extra virgin olive oil and filtered water, before being left to prove for 18 hours. Guests can watch the trained pizza chefs toss and flip the tasty dough behind the open counter at the traditional Marana Forni wood-fired oven. Having been taught by Davide D’Auria, a third-generation pizza chef and a previous winner of Best Pizza Chef in the UK at the World Pizza Championship, the Gallio team are amongst the best of the best. After creating the super thin and crispy base, the pizzas are

Regularly changing seasonal specials are also on offer for those looking for something different. Aside from the pizza, there are also plenty of small plates on offer. Highlights include Roasted Garlic Hummus; Grilled Moroccan Chicken Shish; and Lamb Kofte Meatballs. Those looking to keep up any new year healthy eating habits can enjoy a seasonal salad with choices including the Gallio Caesar; New Greek Salad; and the Quinoa Tabbouleh, made with mixed quinoa, cherry tomatoes, parsley, pomegranate seeds and red onion drizzled with tangy pomegranate vinaigrette. Or even a protein-packed Mediterranean bowls come laden with grains, herbs, shredded carrot, turmeric cauliflower and much more, topped with your choice of Moroccan spiced chicken, lamb kofte, roasted aubergine or pesto-rissa’ salmon. The menu features a good selection of vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a number of sweet treats to finish – the Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake is a must-try, as is the Molten Chocolate Fondant served with vanilla ice cream. Drinks wise, guests can choose from a number of wines, beers,

ready to be topped with a large array of fresh ingredients. From marinated artichoke hearts with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives and mozzarella on the Happy Heart pizza; to nduja with fennel salami, piquillo peppers, buffalo mozzarella and wild rocket on the Salami 'Nduja - there is a huge amount of choice.

and premium spirits, as well as juices, cocktails and mocktails. Open from 12pm until 10pm Wednesday to Sunday, Gallio is perfect for business lunches or dinner with friends and family. You can also click and collect for lunch al desko or order via Deliveroo for an office gathering or supper at home making it a great addition to Wharf for both workers and residents alike.

Gallio, The Atrium Kitchen, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf E14 4QT | gallio.uk

G A L L I O

COLUMN

YOUR COCKTAIL February is traditionally the month to add some romance to your cocktail repertoire yet it wouldn’t hurt to also introduce some sweetness and fruit to bid goodbye to the heavy wintery spices and dark spirits we’ve recently been enjoying. Fruit (be it fresh, syrup or infusion) also helps to add a welcome reminder that the bright summer days and longer nights will soon return. A cocktail that combines all these elements is the Peach Paloma and you can bypass seasonality issues by using a fruit infused gin liqueur, in this case we have selected June by G’Vine Wild Peach and Summer Fruits. Gin liqueurs are a useful addition to a home bar to add sweetness and flavour to cocktails or simply enjoyed in a spritz, with fizz, or to update your G&T. Gin liqueurs are usually sweeter (in this case through natural sugars) and they have a lower ABV, June comes in at 30% ABV as opposed to the usual 37.5% which brings down the alcohol content considerably. June by G’Vine is made by Maison Villevert, an independent French distillery located in the Cognac region that was founded by an oenologist and as such their gins are made using grapes rather than the traditional use of grain (usually wheat and barley). The distilled grape spirit gives the gin a more fresh, smooth and rounded taste and not using grain also results in a completely gluten free spirit. Maison Villevert’s signature gin, G'Vine Floraison, provides the base for June by G’Vine for both their Wild Peach and Summer Fruits and Royal Pear and Cardamom gin liqueurs. What makes G'Vine Floraison particularly special is that it is infused with vine blossom. This delicate, aromatic vine flower only blossoms for a few days each year around the month of June (hence the name chosen for their liqueur) before the grapes form. The blossoms are picked by hand and preserved before adding to the gin. Technically the gin already contains flowers so if the 14th is suddenly upon you and you find yourself flowerless, you’ll find the excuse is in the bottle.

This Peach Paloma recipe only uses three ingredients in equal measures so it is quick and simple to create and can be scaled up as required making it an ideal recipe for a sharing cocktail for Valentine’s gatherings, or when you’d prefer not to be behind the bar. G’Vine Wild Peach & Summer Fruits is priced at £29.00rrp (70cl) and is available from Fenwick, The Whisky Exchange Booths (50cl exclusive size £25.00 rrp) | fenwick.co.uk | thewhiskyexchange.com | orders.booths.co.uk

junewildpeach.com

Peach Paloma Ingredients June by G’Vine Wild Peach and Summer Fruits | Tequila (can swap for Mezcal if you would like a smoked flavour) | Grapefruit Juice

Method Pour equal measures of June Gin Liqueur, tequila and grapefruit juice into your chosen vessel, serve with lots of ice and top with tonic water to taste. Garnish with grapefruit slices - Experiment with full rounds, half rounds or smaller triangles both on the rim and inside the glass.

THE IVY TOWER BRIDGE

THE IVY TOWER BRIDGE Boasting a host of restaurants across London and beyond, The Ivy offers an inviting menu wherever you decide to dine. However, not all can deliver quite the same experience as dining mere metres from one of London's greatest landmarks, Tower Bridge. With both up and downstair seating available overlooking this iconic architecture along with an outdoor terrace - maybe wait for some warmer weather before braving that - there are plenty of options for dining with a view. Inside, the unique, vibrant interior design complete with signature distinctive artworks and plethora of mirrors creates an exciting atmosphere for a weekend brunch while remaining equally ideal for breakfast, lunch or dinner whether with friends, family or colleagues. Offering a vast number of menus, from breakfast to daytime and evening set menus, dedicated weekend brunch and afternoon tea, there really is something for everyone at any time of day. The all-day a la carte menu is available seven days a week for both lunch and dinner and packs a seriously broad culinary punch. A basket of irresistible zucchini fritti is a must to enjoy while you decide what to indulge in, and the truffle arancini also found on the pre-starter snack section are a firm flavour favourite. Navigating the menu can be a challenge if you like lots of different things, so it might be worth dining with someone who doesn't mind sharing so you can sample more than one thing, but the options on offer will certainly not leave you wanting - only maybe to return again.

Dishes such as roast pumpkin and butternut squash soup and crispy duck salad make up the starter list alongside stand-outs such as the twice-baked cheese soufflé and steak tartare. Meanwhile, the main event comes in the shape of classics including chicken milanese; fish and chips; and steak, supported by dishes of blackened cod fillet baked in a banana leaf with a soy marinade, citrus-pickled fennel, grilled broccoli, chilli and yuzu mayonnaise; and aromatic duck curry, a coconut-based Keralan sauce with chilli, choy sum, sweet potato and jasmine rice. Whatever you choose, you can wash it all down with an almost endless offering of wines and cocktails - or of course non-alcoholic options - with the 'Salted Caramel Espresso Martini' a perfect way to finish any meal.

The Ivy Tower Bridge, One Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2AA | 020 3146 7722 | theivytowerbridge.com

YOUR PALATE

FISHWORKS MARYLEBONE

After the season of indulgence, enjoy a dinner of light and impeccably sourced seafood from Devon and Cornwall’s fish markets paired beautifully with small-batch wines. With three restaurants located in Swallow Street near Piccadilly, Covent Garden and Marylebone, Fishworks showcases the best fresh fish that you can either enjoy in the restaurant or take home and cook for yourself. The Marylebone location is conveniently located on Marylebone High Street and boasts fresh seafood from Brixham Market. With a counter at the front for those looking to take fish home, the modern restaurant stretches back and features calming shades of blue and natural light from the large back window. Highlights from the beautifully presented menu include the Fishworks tasting platter for two. Described as the best of Fishworks menu in a dish, the stunning platter features crispy fried fish and samphire, filleted grilled sea bass, wild prawns, scallops and sea bream, fresh oysters, mussels, clams, Devon crab and crevettes on ice.

Elsewhere the Argentinian prawns with chilli ginger, white wine and garlic are fresh and juicy; and the classic Moules marinières is wonderfully creamy. Guests can also sample Whole Devon Crab, fresh Lobster, Day Boat Dover Sole, and Oven roasted Sea Bass. There is even a smaller grilled seafood platter that is similar to the tasting platter for two but more suitable for one person featuring a sautéed scallop cooked with white wine and garlic butter; sea bass, sea bream and ginger and garlic prawns. There's a large cocktail and wine list created to complement the fish. Fishworks own Portugese FishWorks Fernão Pires, 2018 Quinta da Boa Esperanca is the perfect all-round accompaniment for the delicate flavours of the fish. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy classic desserts such homemade fresh lemon tart; sticky chocolate brownie; and apple and raspberry crumble. There's also a hearty British cheeseboard for those looking for something more savoury. Focusing on the fresh flavours of the sea, Fishworks is the perfect location to enjoy simple seafood done well.

Fishworks Marylebone, 89 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW | 020 7935 9796 | fishworks.co.uk

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your

POST OPULENCE PERFECTION Clean modern lines combine with beautifully engineered mechanics to push the Rolls-Royce Ghost further than it has ever been before. From aesthetics to technology and ride, this is not your average car, not by any stretch of the imagination.

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST

Back in 2009, Rolls-Royce introduced a new addition to its portfolio borne from the demands of their exclusive client base. Now, using the same customer focussed desire for perfection, the Ghost name is reinvented once again. Its decade-long market presence enabled the marque’s Luxury Intelligence Specialists to gather vital information about developing behaviours in how Ghost clients use their car, how they commission it and how they perceive Rolls-Royce. The results from this research have led to the creation of the most advanced Rolls-Royce ever produced. During this time, the team at Goodwood were working hard in developing the marque's proprietary aluminium spaceframe architecture - first used on Phantom, then Cullinan - unique to Rolls-Royce. As the demands on Ghost from clients grew, the designers and engineers were able to respond and adapt by

incorporating new technologies such as all-wheel drive and allwheel steering into New Ghost However, it wasn't just in the driving where existing clients wanted to see change. Style and aesthetics experienced a dramatic shift, not only on a general basis, but more specifically in the ultra luxury market where shouting about wealth was becoming much less favourable. Named ‘Post Opulence’ internally, this aesthetic shift is characterised by reduction and substance, celebrating exceptional materials. Taking a limited, intelligent and unobtrusive approach to design, reducing and removing the use of superficial treatments, New Ghost is purposefully crafted to ensure that every aspect is designed as a necessity leaving clean lines and sleek, uninterrupted surfaces.

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

YOUR DRIVE

Tailored specifically for its clients, this is a car that takes simplicity to the extreme on the surface leaving a blank canvas for customers to paint their own picture, while hiding remarkable substance underneath. Advanced to its very core, the aluminium spaceframe offers an acoustically superior, highly rigid and dynamic architecture based around four fixed points, one at each corner. The moveable aluminium bulkhead, floor, crossmembers and sill panels are positioned specifically to ensure it meets client expectations as a car that is equally enjoyable to drive as it is to be driven in - one of the key factors highlighted through the feedback. Two of the cast suspension mounting assembles have been pushed to the very front, placing its 6.75-litre V12 behind the front axle to achieve an optimum 50/50 weight distribution - an

impressive feat for a car of this scale - while its overall length has been increased to ensure the alterations don't impact on interior space. Now 89mm longer and 30mm wider than the first Goodwood Ghost. Other structural changes were made to incorporate the all-wheel drivetrain, all-wheel steering and completely redesigned Planar Suspension System, which further enhances the marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride - despite not being a concern for existing clients. Delivery of the sleek exterior aesthetic is achieved by rendering the car’s outer body as one clean, expansive piece, flowing seamlessly from the A-pillar, over the roof and backwards to the rear of the car, recalling the seemingly one-piece coachbuilt Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud models. The complete absence of shut lines allows clients to run their eye from the front to the rear of the car uninterrupted by ungainly body seams. Of course this is no easy thing. In order to achieve it, four craftsmen have to hand weld the body together simultaneously to ensure a perfectly continuous seam. 100% aluminium doors have also been used offering weight benefits, remarkable stiffness and improved cabin ambience.

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

YOUR DRIVE

"The only components that we carried over from the first Goodwood Ghost were the Spirit of Ecstasy and umbrellas. Everything else was designed, crafted and engineered from the ground up. The result is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet." Torsten Müller- tv s, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

The engineers and acoustic specialists were so relentless in their search for acoustic serenity that on creating a completely silent interior suite, they found the experience to be disorientating. To overcome this, they elected to create a ‘whisper’, a soft undertone that is experienced as a single, subtle note, achieved by tuning each component of the car to a shared, common resonant frequency. Needless to say, you will struggle to find another car on the road capable of providing such a blissful soundtrack despite packing such a monster under that vast bonnet. Rolls-Royce's whopping 6.75-litre Twin-Turbocharged V12 unit has been further developed to deliver near-instant torque and near-silent running. With a bespoke engine map delivering 563bhp and 850Nm of torque - available at just 1,600rpm - to the allwheel drivetrain, this dynamic car will accelerate from standing to 62mph in under five seconds. To coincide with this dynamism, the hallmark Magic Carpet Ride has evolved. A completely redesigned suspension system named Planar Suspension System after a geometric plane which is completely flat and level - is the result of ten collective years of testing and development to create a sense of flight on land never before achieved by a car. Created through physical engineering developments as well as sophisticated scanning and software technology, it incorporates a world-first Upper Wishbone Damper unit above the front suspension assembly, creating an even more

stable and effortless ride. This works alongside the Flagbearer system, which uses cameras to read the road ahead and prepare the suspension system for any changes in road surface, as well as the marque’s Satellite Aided Transmission. These technologies are managed as one through a bespoke Planar software system. New Ghost can now anticipate and react to the most demanding road surfaces. The Upper Wishbone Damper alone was the result of five collective years of road and bench testing and is reserved exclusively for Rolls-Royce. The five-link rear axle benefits from the same self-levelling high-volume air suspension technology as the front, as well as rearwheel steering. Both axles are managed via the marque’s Planar software. This also governs new Ghost’s other chassis technologies, including the all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, stability control and self-drying braking systems, to ensure the motor car is reacting as one to changes in surfaces or grip levels while also maintaining a spirited, dynamic personality. New Ghost benefits from a new Micro-Environment Purification System (MEPS). Existing air filtration technology was further developed to incorporate a full suite of hardware and software improvements. Highly sensitive Impurity Detection Sensors were introduced to detect ambient air quality, automatically switching fresh air intakes to Recirculation Mode if unacceptable levels of airborne contaminants are present. This channels all cabin air

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

YOUR DRIVE

through a nanofleece filter, which is capable of removing nearly all ultra-fine particles from the Rolls-Royce’s micro- environment in less than two minutes. Indeed, this is the most technologically advanced car Rolls-Royce has ever produced with a list of equipment which includes: LED and laser headlights with more than 600m of illuminated range, vision assist, including day and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning; alertness assistant; a four-camera system with panoramic view, all-round visibility and helicopter view; active cruise control; collision warning; cross-traffic warning; lane departure and lane change warning; an industry-leading 7x3 high-resolution head-up display; Wi-Fi hotspot; self-park; and the very latest navigation and entertainment systems. This is not just a car, this is a marvel of engineering and possibly one of the last we will see with an ICE. The time and development that has gone into this car is evident from the moment you lay eyes on it, but even more so once you get behind the wheel - or into one of the passenger seats. The ride experience over its predecessor is undeniable and despite still not what you would pick as a drivers car, the experience behind the wheel is again, vastly improved to a point where you will enjoy going for a drive.

Very few other manufacturers have the capacity and capability of achieving such feats, but then, that's what you're paying for.

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST Engine 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power (bhp) 563 Torque (Nm) 850 0-62mph (secs) 4.8 Max Speed (mph) (governed) 155 Transmission 6-Speed Manual Fuel Consumption (mpg) 18.6 CO2 Emissions (g/km) 347 Price (from) £249,600

CHELSEA CARS

1969 Aston Martin DBS Vantage £POA

DBS

VA N TAG E

From a time when the Aston Martin brand was owned by Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, a true British marque of excellence, the DBS Vantage was one of the last to feature those stunning wire wheels. Built from 1967 until 1972, it was designed to be the successor to the DB6, but ended up running alongside each other in production for three years. Offering a larger coupé design than the DB6, the DBS delivered a desirable grand tourer aesthetic complete with

four full-sized seats. The DBS was intended to have a more "modern" look than the previous series of Aston models. Incorporating a fastback style rear end and squared off front grille, atypical of Aston's at the time but very much then in vogue in automotive design circles of the late sixties. Using the same 4.0-litre engine as the DB6, the standard DBS boasted 280hp, however, as with this example, the Vantage engine option added Italian made triple Weber carburettors which increased output to an advertised 325hp. Just 803 of these were ever produced. This example also features the 5-speed manual transmission along with Heritage Certificate. Presented in Celeste Silver coachwork with dark blue leather interior, this example is showing just 70,000 miles with the previous owner purchasing the car for circa £130,000 and spending over £20,000 with marque specialist Rikki Cann mechanically recommissioning the car. The DBS was the last Aston Martin to be developed under David Brown's control, so you know you're getting your hands on a real piece of automotive history.

Chelsea Cars, 59-61 Armoury Way, London SW18 1JZ 020 8870 9977 | sales@chelseacars.com | chelseacars.com

G&R TimberWorks Ltd

SUMMERHOUSES GARDEN ROOMS FENCING & GATES PERGOLAS

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G&R TimberWorks Ltd 15 Lampits Hill, Stanford Le Hope, Essex SS17 9AA

07760 905402 ■ GRTIMBERWORKS.LTD

your High Performing £5m Plus Property The £5 million plus London property market enjoys its strongest year in almost a decade. From prime central locations to the greener outskirts, if you're sitting on a piece of prime real estate, now might be the perfect time to sell.

St Johns Wharf, Wapping, Towerside, Wapping E1W E1

Riverside Mansions, Wapping, Burr Close, West Wapping E1WE1W

Impressive 2 bedroom this characterful andstudio sought after riverside ea2 are pleased to offerapartment for sale thisinmodern built 3rd floor apartment within warehouse in The the apartment heart of Wapping. Offering this riverside conversion development. benefits from opencirca plan 2,000 loungesq.ft. and of living space this apartment of an incredibly large wood open floors. plan bedroom area, fitted kitchen andcomprises 3 piece bathroom suite. Laminate reception with direct RiverParking views and fully fitted double bedrooms, Video entry-phone system. space. Close to kitchen, Wapping2station and local bus 2 bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe and 2 balconies on the River. A picturesque routes. £365,000 converted warehouse with secure underground parking and daytime porter.

Bright and well presented 2 bedroom duplexbuilt apartment balcony2nd on and the ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1980’s 2 doublewith bedroom 3rd of this sought afterThe development Wapping. spacious 3rd floor floor duplex apartment. apartment in benefits fromThe kitchen diner,apartment reception comprises of a garden. large reception fully fittedspace. kitchen, 2 sizeable leading to patio Bathroomwith with balcony, separate aWc. Parking Located close double modern bathroom. Riverside Mansions further to Towerbedrooms Hill Stations and and aStlarge Katharine’s Dock. benefits from a concierge, a communal courtyard and a resident gymnasium £624,995 and is ideally located close to Wapping Station.

Cape Wharf, Yard, West Wapping E1W Eagle Limehouse, E14

Capital Wharf, Wapping Codling Close, West Wapping, E1W E1W

ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1st floor 2 bedroom modern built apartment Generously proportioned moderndevelopment. built 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment within this popular West Wapping The apartment benefits from located within this popular development on Narrow Street. Benefits a lounge, fully fitted kitchen, en-suite shower room to master bedroom andfrom family spacious leading to a South a separate bathroom.reception Floor to with ceilingdoors windows. Laminate woodfacing floors.balcony, Video-entry phone fully fitted and integrated kitchen, 2 double bedrooms with one en-suite system. Allocated parking space. On-site caretaker. Close to St Katharine’s Dock, shower and a 2nd family bathroom. entry-phone system, secure Wappingroom station and Tower Hill stations. ShareSecurity of Freehold. underground parking and bike storage.

ea2 are pleased to offer this bright 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with Ground floor views self contained studio apartment withfloor its own ideally stunning River from the balcony on the second withinentrance this sought after located in West and closeensuite to thecomprises historic canal. of a development. TheWapping master bedrooms of a 4 Comprises piece bathroom separate fullybathroom equippedis kitchen-diner, area that benefitsWooden from a suite. Theand second also an ensuiteainliving the second bedroom. double aspect and a modern bathroom. Ideally located in West Wapping, floors throughout and has a separate cloak room. 24 hour concierge andclose use to Katharine’s a wide selection of pubs, restaurants cafes of St residents gymDocks Securewith underground parking. Close bars, to transport links and to canary wharf and theacity. nearby. Only short walk from Tower Hill stations.

£2,000,000

£675,000 £575,000

£480,000

| 35a Wapping High Street | Wapping | E1W 1NR t: 020 7702 3456 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com

£1,100,000 £250,000

Towerside, E1W The Tower, Wapping, Wapping E1W

Sovereign Court, Wapping, The Highway, Wapping E1WE1W

Modern 2 bedroom bathroom in this and popular ea2 are pleased to offer2this executive apartment Studio apartment to sought rent withinafter a luxurious landmark Riverside gated building. of a large reception with area, development. This South FacingComprises apartment comprises of modern open plandining fitted kitchen, contemporary fitted bathroom & Balcony, The flat totals 382 Sq. ft. Residents of Wapping Lane leading onto a private South facing terrace on the River, a semi open plan and have the benefit of 24hr concierge facilities, exclusive residents health club, gym and enjoy close equipped kitchen, 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and 2 bathrooms. proximity to DLR and underground stations. Stunning River views with far reaching views over Canary Wharf. Wood floors. £360 Per Week Security entry-phone system. Underground and secure parking space.

Large studio apartment newly refurbished development on the modern top of ea2 are pleased to show in youa this 2 double bedroom recently renovated Wapping near the Dock, Court. The sq.ft. apartmentLane whichand comprises of Tobacco 2 bathrooms, thisSovereign property benefits from 400 a garden and is closeisto transport apartment finished to alinks. high standard with wooden floors, under floor heating and contemporary bathroom and kitchen. Available either on a furnished or unfurnished basis. With 24-hour concierge and bike storage and set around a £425 Per Week beautiful communal courtyard.

Douthwaite Square, West Wapping E1W Compass House, Wapping, E1W

The Highway,Wharf, Wapping E1W E1W Metropolitan Wapping,

ea2 are pleased to offer for rent this modern built 2 bedroom ground and first Spacious and modern 1The bedroom apartment large terrace in this popular floor duplex apartment. apartment benefitswith froma lounge, fitted kitchen, 3 piece and securesuite. newDouble build glazing. development on wood Wapping Lane. This amazing and bathroom Laminate floors. Views over ornamental bright apartmentparking comprises of Close a large leading South facing canal. Allocated space. toreception St Katharine’s Dockonto and the Tower Hill stations. terrace with views over Wapping, a semi open and equipped kitchen, a sizable bedroom with built-in wardrobe and a modern bathroom. Finished to a high standard with wooden floors, contemporary bathroom and kitchen.

ea2 are pleased to offer a fantastic opportunity to rent this 2 double bedroom Stunning penthouse apartment, arranged over 2 levels with approx. 2,183sq. house which has been re furbished completely to a high standard throughout. ft. on the 6th floor of this splendid warehouse conversion, Metropolitan Wharf. The property offers a reception with bi-folding full length doors leading to garden. Merges fittings,Utility with original features and stateCan of the Fully fittedcompelling kitchen. Firstbespoke floor bathroom. room/ground floor cloakroom. be art technology includingGarden Total Home Technology theHillheating/cooling, furnished or unfurnished. with decking. Close where to Tower and within easy windows, entrainment access to blinds the Cityand & Canary Wharf. system can be controlled at the touch of a button. Features 555sf.ft. of wonderful roof terrace with panoramic skyline views.

£525 Per Week

£425 Per Week £395 Per Week

£275 Per Week

£460 Per Week £1495 Per Week

| 35a Wapping High Street | Wapping | E1W 1NR t: 020 7702 3456 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com

PROPERTY WANTED Are you looking to sell or let your property? CONTACT US TODAY 0204 531 6555 ENQUIRIES@TROTTERSESTATES.CO.UK WWW.TROTTERSESTATES.CO.UK

SAVILLS

Strongest year for £5 million-plus London market since 2013 with Frances Clacy, Research Analyst at Savills

Whether in one of London’s golden postcodes or its leafier suburbs, owning a super prime property in the capital remains as desirable as ever and according to our research, 2021 saw London’s super prime market record it strongest year since 2013. Throughout 2021, there were more than 520 super prime sales in the capital and in the last quarter of the year alone, 163 transactions took place with a £5 million-plus price tag. This figure is +37.0% higher than the preceding quarter and the second highest quarterly figure ever recorded. In fact, nearly £2 billion was spent on £5million plus new build and second-hand properties in the final three months of the year, marking the highest quarterly spend since our records began in 2006. Locations wise, hotspots such as Kensington, Chelsea, Belgravia, Notting Hill and Knightsbridge dominated sales. Indeed more than half of all £5 million-plus transactions took place in these established prime central London locations, aided by a significant uptick in the number of international buyers who returned to

the capital following changes to international travel rules in November. Daily flights to the UK more than doubled year on year in December 2021, and more than half our central London agents reported seeing an increase in international demand during this time. Meanwhile, the race for more space saw areas such as Wimbledon, Battersea, East Sheen and Wandsworth remain firmly on the super prime map as buyers sought ‘country’ style homes without leaving London. Our records show that £5 millionplus sales in south west London recorded a significant increase of 84% against the previous year. This extremely strong end to the year highlights the desire for more space that has fuelled the residential market throughout the pandemic. We expect demand from domestic buyers looking for larger family properties will soften, though a lack of suitable stock on the market will continue to support prices, while the supplydemand imbalance remains. But, as we saw towards the end of last year, it’s not just family houses that are in demand - we also began to see a recovery in London’s super-prime flat market, with buyers focusing on what is a limited supply of very high quality stock.

Fernshaw Close Fernshaw Road, London, SW10 0TA A spectacular semi-detached freehold house with off-street parking, in beautiful condition and discreetly set back from Fernshaw Road. Complete with a cinema area and a spacious gym. Guide Price Savills Chelsea | 020 7578 9005 | savills.co.uk

£7,000,000

COLUMN

£5 M IL L IO N- PLU S S A L ES IN LON D ON B Y N U M B ER A N D VA LU E By Number £5m - £10m

450 300 150

£3.0 £1.5

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

£0.0

2013

The opportunity to buy in a market that still represents relative value has remained a driver for domestic and UK-domiciled international buyers looking to take advantage before a more sustained return of overseas demand comes into play. And, while recovery in prime central London values is certainly underway, we expect that our forecasted +8% bounce back in values is likely to

£10m+

£4.5

2012

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

£5m - £10m

£6.0

Value in £bn's

Number of Sales

600

By Value

£10m+

push later into the year as a result of revived Covid-19 restrictions. All this activity suggests that London remains a dynamic, resilient and key global city in the eyes of super-prime buyers and already in the first few weeks of 2022 we are seeing signs that pent up demand has carried into this year, indicating a good start for this segment of the market.

Data Source: Savills Research | 020 8780 9900 | savills.co.uk

Principal Tower, EC2A

The Highwood, SE17

Cardigan Road, E3

£1,800,000

£1,570,000

£950,000

Two Bedrooms Private terrace Residents benefits

Apartment Open Plan Superb Views

Three Bedrooms Private balcony Residents gardens

Apartment Gymnasium 24-hour concierge

Three Bedrooms Victorian Character Original Features

Terraced House Beautiful Garden Fantastic Location

Abbey Street, SE1

Caledonian Wharf, E14

Royal Docks West, E16

£900,000

£850,000

£800,000+

Four Bedrooms Chain Free Sought After

Town House Fantastic Location Period Features

Five Bedrooms Stunning Home Catchment Area

Terraced House Fantastic Location Driveway

Three Bedrooms Large Terrace Concierge Service

Apartment Stunning Views Parking

Hesperus Crescent, E14

Parkland Mews, BR7

Baroque Gardens, SE16

£775,000

£750,000+

£700,000

Three Bedrooms Side Access Beautifully Presented

Semi-Detached Large Garden School Catchments

Three Bedrooms Two Parking Spaces Cul-De-Sac

Terraced House Catchment Area Modern Decor

Three Bedrooms Chain Free Stunning Views

Apartment Large Terrace Concierge & Gym

How much is your property worth?

If you are thinking of moving then please call to arrange a free, no obligation valuation of your property

London, Kent & Essex | 020 3941 9966

alexneil.com

Canary Wharf

PROPERTY MARKET NEWS www.docklandspropertyblog.com

February 2022

My 11 Rules to Buying a Docklands Property F

Hello

inding your next Docklands property, be that for yourself to live in or as a Docklands buy-to-let landlord, can sometimes be a scary task. You are possibly making one of the biggest purchases of your life, and you want to ensure you make the right choice.

I started my property career working for an independent estate agent in the Wapping area. Since 1994 I have been based in and around East London. I started my own company in 1995 and it has grown from humble beginnings to become a well respected sales, lettings and property management agency operating in the Docklands and East London areas. Then in 2007, I opened my first branch in the Medway area. I am proud that we now have three branches in Kent. My operation is set to expand in 2020 and beyond.

Buying your next property is all about finding a Docklands property with the features that match your requirements. However, what might be important to you as a homebuyer, might not be as important to other Docklands homebuyers.

I am a long term member of both the NAEA and ARLA and a former Regional Representative for the latter. As the owner of a growing residential and commercial property portfolio, I understand well the trials and tribulations that property owners go through. I have well over 20 years experience of regenerative Dock’s areas and specialise in new development reporting.

1. Location, Location, Location in Docklands

I am happy to advise you on all aspects of property. So, if you are looking at your first buy-to-let (even if it is with another agency), or have trouble with a tenant, feel free to contact me. I offer honest and impartial advice.

Spencer Fortag

Some features will be red line must haves, whilst other features might be more negotiable, yet understanding what your requirements need to be, will make it easier to find the Docklands home of your dreams. Let’s look at my top 11 rules you need to consider when buying a property in Docklands.

You can change many things within a property, but location isn’t one. They say you should buy a property for the things you can change. Go and visit the different neighbourhoods of Docklands. Don’t just drive through them, walk through them at different times of the day. Look at weekdays as well as weekends. Think about transport links with access to bus routes, tube stations, arterial roads. If you have children (or your tenants may have), think about school catchment areas for primary/secondary schools.

2. Docklands Bedrooms Did you know there are 70,566 bedrooms in Docklands?

Well, you do now! Anyway, the number of bedrooms is a very significant consideration when buying your new Docklands home. If you need bedrooms for your children, the location of the bedrooms could be an issue. Depending on the age of any children, you might not want them to be a long way from the master bedroom, or if the children are teenagers, the opposite could be true. Bedroom size is also important. Is there enough space for children to study or have wardrobes? Do you need bedrooms for an office? If office space is required, you might want to consider a property with one less bedroom and one more reception room – and it will probably be a little cheaper. All things to consider.

3. Potential Future House Price Growth in Docklands The type of Docklands house you buy will determine how it increases in value in the future. Now this shouldn’t be the main consideration, yet it’s important to consider. Since 2001, the different types of property in Docklands have risen by different percentages. • Docklands semi-detached properties have risen by 186.9% • Docklands town houses/terraced properties have risen by 206.5% • Docklands apartments/flats have risen by 183.4% On a standalone point for Docklands landlords, the level of rent and yield are important considerations for your Return on Investment (ROI). There tends to be an inverse relationship between capital growth and yield (i.e. Docklands properties with higher capital growth tend to have lower rental yields). If you are a Docklands landlord and have any questions on this (or any point), drop me a note. Continued on page 2

Continued from page 1

4. The Overall Interior Size of Your Future Docklands Property On average a person only views five houses before they buy a house and only spends around 20 minutes in each on a viewing. Therefore, I would advise that you have a good idea about the size of Docklands home you require before you start your search. If you have a big family you are going to need a bigger house obviously, yet you still need the budget to afford to buy the bigger Docklands home. A top tip for you, the general rule of thumb is the older the house, the more you get for your money. One great idea to calculate the square metreage of your potential Docklands home. Ask to view the full copy of the Energy Performance Certificate, as it has the size of the property in square metres. Bigger Docklands houses tend to cost more money to run with utility bills and council tax. A final thought on size is the question of whether your family is likely to grow in the next decade? Will you have more children or is a parent coming to live with you?

5. The Price You Will Have to Pay For Your Next Docklands Home In the last 12 months, the Docklands property market has remained buoyant as Docklands people were forced to spend more time at home. Therefore, they looked for more space ... but what did they have to pay for that privilege? 8 Docklands semi-detached properties have sold for an average £744,400 • 63 Docklands town house/terraced properties have sold for an average £659,300 • 405 Docklands apartment/flats have sold for an average £470,100 Look at the property portals (e.g. Rightmove, Boomin, Zoopla and OnTheMarket) and search for Docklands property that is both available and sold subject to contract. Get a feel for asking prices of the Docklands properties that are sold subject to contract as these will give you a good idea what they roughly sold for. Again, if you are not sure, pick up the phone or drop me a line.

6. Bathroom(s) Check the bathroom for water leaks. Do the toilets flush OK, do the taps drip? Is there any mould? And do you need more than one?

7. The Lounge / Living Room You will undoubtedly be spending a lot of time in the lounge / living room, so it needs to meet your requirements. Do you need a dining area? Does the design and arrangement of the room suit your lifestyle (or your tenants). Will you need new furniture? Are there enough electrical sockets? What are the carpets like? That goes for all rooms.

8. Central Heating for your Docklands Property What type of central heating system is present, and does it meet the requirements of you and the home? The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will tell you how energy efficient the property is and how much it will cost to run. You would be amazed how few buyers ask to see the full copy of the EPC – yet you have the right to view it – always ask the estate agent for a copy or download it for free from the Government website.

9. The Outside The outside space of your future Docklands home is also something you need to reflect on before you start your search. What sort of back garden do you want? Do you want low maintenance? Do you want a bigger garden? You also need to ensure the outside of your next Docklands home is in great condition. Yet, if it’s a ‘do’er-upper’, does the price allow for those works to be done?

10. The Loft & Cellar The outside space of your future Docklands home is also something you need to reflect on before you start your search. What sort of back garden do you want? Do you want low maintenance? Do you want a bigger garden? You also need to ensure the outside of your next Docklands home is in great condition. Yet, if it’s a ‘do’er-upper’, does the price allow for those works to be done?

11. Garage / Off Road Parking Space How many cars do you have in your family? Can you park them all on your drive? Visit the property during the day, the evening, and weekends to see how the parking provision changes. If the property has a garage, can it be used for something else?

These are my top 11 rules – yet do you have others I haven’t considered? One place for more information is my Docklands Property Market blog. If you are a landlord or thinking of becoming one for the first time, and you want to read more articles like this about the Docklands property market together with regular postings on what I consider the best buy to let deals in the Docklands area, then it is well worth reading. You can also email via spencer@lmlondon.com If you are in the area feel free to pop into the office which is based at Landmark Estates, 264 Westferry Road, London, E14 3AG

SCAN ME TO READ OTHER ARTICLES AT... www.docklandspropertyblog.com

Would you like to know how much your property is worth without having to speak to a pesky estate agent? We are offering a FREE and INSTANT online valuation service. Simply visit: Https://valuation.lmlondon.com enter your address and hey presto, a current rental and sales valuation.

Spencer Fortag Sales Director

T: 020 7515 0800

www.lmlondon.com www.facebook.com/LandmarkEstates/ www.twitter.com/Landmark_E14 www.linkedin.com/in/dockside-property-services-88b45339/

For your free Docklands property reports visit: www.docklandspropertyblog.com

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