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JAPANESE AUTOMOTIVE ICON

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STRIKING LINES AND UPDATED ICONIC PROFILE COMBINE TO CREATE THE LATEST GENERATION OF THIS STUNNING TWO-SEATER. CONTINUES ON PAGE 36

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Unique History Vacheron Constantin present a one-off recreation of the unique American 1921.

©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.

48 Opportunity Calls Savills research identifies an opening in the £5million plus property market.

EVENTS

HENLEY SUMMER FLING Henley Festival is back this year and is delighted to be introducing Henley Festival’s Summer Fling - three pop-up parties that will take place from 8th - 10th July from 7pm, ahead of the main festival in September. With tickets set at just £50.00 the three parties are sure to provide a great night out with an epic DJ set each night from the likes of Martin Kemp and British DJs Trevor Nelson MBE and Jo Wiley. A carnival style party like no other, Henley Festival’s Summer Fling features fabulous dance bands, celebrity DJs, roving entertainers, and a few surprises. More than just a musical extravaganza, this is the ultimate experience for food lovers alike. With Henley’s Summer Fling transforming into a vintage fun fair filled with street food, bars - a Moet Champagne Garden - and even a Champagne slushy machine! Kicking off on Thursday 8th July with London-born Jamaican band Maroon Town whose tracks mix high energy Jamaican ska and reggae with rap, Latin, funk and soul., followed by an 80’s classic DJ set by Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp the festival is sure to get people excited ahead of the main festival in September. On Friday 9th July, audiences are in for a treat as taking to the

stage will be former Ministry of Sound (and classical) musicians Johnny Cash Converters, while elsewhere Jo Wiley will present an unforgettable DJ set of huge anthems, promised to keep you on your feet all night! Ending the party with a bang on Saturday 10th July, Henley Festival’s Summer Fling is one of the finest live acts in the UK The Bikini Beach Band. and renowned DJ Trevor Nelson MBE. Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival, comments: “We’re so excited to be bringing the party back to Henley and invite everyone to come along and celebrate the return of live events and have a fabulous evening with us!” Henley Festival was established 39 years ago as a classical music charity event and is the UK’s only black-tie festival and continues to run as a non-profit organisation, supporting charitable projects at both a national and local level. Henley’s Summer Fling will run from 8th - 10th July ahead of the main festival which will take place on the riverbank in Henley-on-Thames from 15th - 19th September 2021, with a spectacular line-up including Seminal British pop band Madness, multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter James Blunt, Sophie EllisBextor, legendary Kathy Sledge, Sara Cox and more.

General admission tickets from £50 (Aged 12+) | For all ticket information visit the festival website summerfling.henley-festival.co.uk

WATCHES

A M E RIC AN 1921 P I È C E UNIQUE THE ICONIC AMERICAN 1921 WATCH FAITHFULLY RECREATED AS IF IN 1921 When the idea of faithfully recreating an American 1921 model from the Vacheron Constantin private collection first took shape, the project looked set to be both exciting and ambitious. A bridge between the past and future of the Maison, the Vacheron Constantin Heritage department has a place of its own within the Manufacture. Spanning an exceptional timeline that began in 1755, and overseeing a unique collection, it is anything but a dusty museum. The research and expertise of the teams working there on a daily basis are an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the creation of new collections and a masterful reference for the Restoration workshop. The department preserves 800 machine tools, workbenches and sets of watchmaking tools, along with substantial documentary and iconographic archives. No less than 420 linear metres are taken up by an infinite wealth of production and accounting registers comprising foreign sales, correspondence between associates, suppliers and clients, various

documents and photographs. All contribute to shedding both historical and artistic light on Vacheron Constantin’s activity through the years and centuries. They represent a sum of written instruments serving to ensure the traceability of a creation since its origins, given that all the models produced are systematically referenced in the production registers. This unprecedent heritage helped retrace the history of the creation of the American 1921 and provided a solid basis for the Restoration workshop teams. The latter thus took up the authentic challenge of reviving some forgotten skills and combining today’s techniques with yesterday’s know-how. Few Manufactures are able to restore all the watches that have come out of their workshops for centuries. That is why Vacheron Constantin makes it a point of honor to pass on this watchmaking know-how and to ensure that the great history of each of its timepieces continues. Experts in the art of maintaining Vacheron

vacheron-constantin.com

WATCHES Constantin’s oldest timepieces without altering their nature, the Restoration workshop’s seasoned watchmakers are thus accustomed to combining a historian’s perspective with scientific analysis, but until now they had never undertaken to reproduce an antique watch in its entirety. This unprecedented work of reconstitution, respectful of ethics because it is faithful and precise down to the smallest detail, called upon the multiple competencies of these artisans, who pursued an empirical approach throughout this year-long project. Several months of research in the Manufacture’s archives, weeks of reflection and observation, numerous experiments, as well as unsuccessful attempts and successful trials were necessary to produce such a work. The American 1921 Pièce unique will be in the spotlight throughout 2021 through prolonged exposure in Vacheron Constantin boutiques around the world. In order to reproduce the hand-crafted operations performed back in the day, artisans had to work with some historical tools from Vacheron Constantin’s Heritage. A late 19th century facing lathe enabled them to faithfully recreate the elements composing the case; a rounding-up (topping) tool from the latter half of the 19th century served to modify the profile of wheel teeth and to adjust their diameter. Watchmakers used an 18th century upright drilling accessory to drill through the movement’s mainplate. To drive the jewels into their settings, they resorted to an early 20th century staking tool. These vintage machines were complemented by tools specially made for this project, such as custom-made millingcutters and riveting tools in line with those of the early 20th century, enabling the artisans to work in a manner attuned

vacheron-constantin.com

to that period and closely reproducing the operations and development techniques of the time. The result of this remarkable stylistic exercise is an exceptional collector’s item symbolising Vacheron Constantin’s unwavering commitment to the transmission, enhancement and continuous enrichment of its production skills. While the watchmakers in Vacheron Constantin’s Restoration workshop fully master the art of bringing back to life the most exceptional timepieces produced by the Manufacture in the course of its long history, never before had they been called upon to rebuild a vintage calibre from scratch. They began by disassembling and examining every single component of the original 11-ligne Calibre Nouveau powering the original model. Apart from the bridges and mainplate which had to be recreated, the Restoration workshop’s stocks proved to be a goldmine for the artisans who thereby had access to all the necessary blank parts. This involved extremely laborious research, since a vintage case could contain an infinite number of components, all different in terms of size and shape. In order to identify them one by one, the first stage consisted in taking the measurements and dimensions of each of the 115 components of the original movement. This meticulous work of observation and comparison subsequently led watchmakers to make plans and mock-ups of the calibre, a particularly delicate task requiring extremely complex sizing calculations. At this stage, the archive documents safeguarded by the Heritage department proved extremely valuable, notably in recreating the bridges and the mainplate according to the specificities of this vintage movement. How could each component be adjusted and calibrated prior to assembly?

WATCHES How should the vintage machines be regulated? How could the jewels be set on the movement, whereas they are now generally driven in? How could the exact colour of the gilding on the wheels be achieved? At what distance and at which height should they be placed in order to be faithful to the original calibre? These were all issues that the watchmakers had to resolve by assembling the components one by one, as any potential error could jeopardise the entire project. Setting the jewels on the movement was also a real tour de force. Since the 1940s, it has been customary to drive in the jewels, and while the watchmakers in Vacheron Constantin’s Restoration workshop are accustomed to replacing damaged jewels on very old timepieces, until now they had never had the opportunity to make the settings themselves. Successfully hollowing out the metal to the exact depth required to fit the stones to the nearest hundredth required multiple trials. Not to mention the patient research work required to develop the system for reproducing the unique ribbed pattern which, alongside various manual engravings, adorns the movement in the same way as was done at the time. Accurately reproducing the exterior of the American 1921 also represented a real feat of manual workmanship. Here again, Vacheron Constantin’s watchmakers had to provide answers to numerous technical questions by observing the 1921 timepiece in minute detail, while comparing it with archive documents, and

then individually crafting each element of the case and dial. Some period components were available in the stocks of the Restoration workshop, such as rough blanks of the crown and hands. Others had to be entirely recreated, starting with the 31.5 mm case, according to the dimensions of the original American 1921. It was crafted by a Restoration workshop goldsmith from the specific gold alloy used for the historical model (18K 3N yellow gold), identified with the help of a spectrometer in order to reproduce its exact colour. Only a laser engraving applied to the case back, for customs purposes, distinguishes the American 1921 Pièce unique watch from its ancestor. The creation of the dial also called for highly specialised expertise on the part of the artisan responsible for restoring the grain and unique beauty of the original dial. Crafted in Grand Feu enamel, an ancestral technique considered to be one of the most delicate in the field of watchmaking ornamentation, it required numerous firings in the kiln at a temperature of over 800°C. It features vintage numerals and logo, along with slender open-tipped hands that have been hand-blued by the Restoration workshop using the production techniques of the time. And since no detail is left to chance, the exercise in style has continued right the way through to the end of the strap, whose pin buckle in 18K 3N yellow gold (the same alloy as the original model) was also produced in the Vacheron Constantin workshop.

vacheron-constantin.com

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WATCHES

TA N TA L UM The new Tantalum Hull is the last edition of the UR-105 CT and ends the 105 collection in style. “Tantalum is a very special metal. Its name comes from Tantalus, one of Greek mythology’s bad boys. Tantalum is precious, rare, and extremely painful to machine and finish. We made an UR-110 out of tantalum a few years ago - a first that almost was the last. The team made me promise never to use it again because tantalum ‘eats’ our CNC machines’ bits. It destroys them, reducing their life by a factor of three. But I love its blue-gray luster. Pure magic!” co-founder Martin Frei discloses. Fortunately, as so often with Urwerk, desire won over reason. The UR-105 TTH is a limited edition of just 12 pieces. “Tantalum is a precious metal weighing approximately the same as platinum. It has a solid presence on the wrist. To machine it is a nightmare, but it has incomparable beauty. Tantalum is one of the most Urwerkian metals I know of. It is dark, almost anthracite coloured, a shade which is an integral part of Urwerk’s aesthetic signature,” confides Felix Baumgartner. The Tantalum Hull is a beautiful object, substantial and pleasing to hold. Its distinctive octagonal form features deep streaks along its entire length. It is angular, geometric, and symmetrical with strong influence from the Art Deco style. The piece comes with a protective cover, a breastplate that protects the mechanism while

HULL

Tantalum is a perfect protective shield against corrosion. Hence its name Tantalum Hull. Activating the sliding “tongue” of the UR-105 TTH opens the hull to reveal its mechanics, featuring a satellite time indication built on a new skeleton carousel. The latter supports four hour satellites, each displaying three hour numerals that rotate in turn along the minute track, providing both analog and digital time displays. A power reserve indication and digital seconds complete the information on the dial. The digital seconds displaying the seconds in ten-second increments is particularly remarkable. To make it as light and as ephemeral as possible, the seconds disk was made using the LIGA photolithography process and the marker is openworked. The total weight of the display is less than 0.10 grams. On the back, two turbines regulate the movement’s automatic winding system, which can be easily adjusted using a small lever according to how active the wearer is. In the “FULL” position, the slightest movement of the wrist is enough to wind the mainspring. In “STOP” mode, the automatic winding system is deactivated and the UR-105 is manually wound. A third intermediate position, “RED” (for Reduced), moderates winding to minimize excessive tension and wear. urwerk.com

WATCHES

SPITFIRE TYPE 300 AVI-8 have announced their official partnership with the Royal British Legion in their centenary year and have launched a limited edition timepiece in support of the charity. Limited to just 500 pieces, each of the Spitfire Type 300 Automatic Royal British Legion timepieces sold will help raise funds for this extraordinary charity and support the crucial work they do for those who serve and have served in the British Armed Forces and their families. Founded in 1921, the Royal British Legion supports the Armed Forces community through thick and thin, providing life-changing support to veterans, serving personnel and their families through hardships, injuries, and bereavements. Every year the RBL organises the Poppy Appeal, and leads the nation in commemorating and honouring those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf, ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten. “We are delighted to be working in partnership with AVI-8 and are incredibly grateful for their support. The limited-edition timepiece is a wonderful way to mark this significant moment for the Royal British Legion, when we are celebrating 100 years of supporting the Armed Forces community. The funds raised from sales of the timepiece will ensure we can continue to provide lifelong support to all serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.” Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Royal British Legion Mirroring the clear-cut legibility of the iconic Spitfire’s gauges and readouts, the Type 300’s indices, hands and layout form the primary blueprint of the dial. Completing the dial at the 6 o’clock position is the Royal British Legion’s trademarked two petal poppy, a symbol of Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.

42mm in diameter, the case is shaped to follow the elliptical form of the Spitfire. From lug to case body, sapphire lens to case back, the Type 300 is an immediate form driven echo of this iconic aircraft. The crown is expertly topped by a red two petal poppy encapsulated in epoxy. The Type 300 employs an automatic movement with a custom rotor. It is designed to reflect a birds-eye view silhouette of the Spitfire: an ever spinning reminder of the plane and the brave people who flew it. Attaching the timepiece to your wrist is a solid, stainless steel bracelet with solid deployant clasp, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. Each of the 500 limited edition timepieces is uniquely numbered and comes packaged in a distinctive blue and red gift box, resembling the Royal British Legion’s branding.

£25 from the sale of this product will be paid to Royal British Legion Trading Limited (Company no. 4783730 registered in England and Wales) which gives its taxable profits to The Royal British Legion (Charity no. 219279) For more information please visit avi-8.co.uk/royalbritishlegion

FATHER’S DAY Driven EDP, 100ml £64.00 from Dunhill. Available at The Fragrance Shop from 7 June.

Limited Edition Bleu de Chanel Shaving Set Shaving Cream, 100ml and Shaving Brush £280.00 from Chanel. chanel.com

Costa Azzurra, 50ml £85.00 from Tom Ford. tomford.co.uk

Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, 30ml £69.00 from Shiseido Men. shiseido.co.uk

Explorer Ultra Blue EDP, 100ml £72.00 from Montblanc. Available nationwide.

Escorial Plain Stole in Denim £179.00 from Joshua Ellis. joshuaellis.com

Beosound Emerge in Gold Tone £669.00 from Bang & Olufsen. bang-olufsen.com

Gripshot £80.00 from Lacoste. Available at hanon-shop.com Capra Three-Fold Wallet £235.00 from Ettinger. Personalisation with up to five characters in blind, silver or gold emboss £30.00. ettinger.co.uk

�� TH JUNE

Rare Whiskies and Rums Box of 36 £49.00 from Pierre Marcolini. eu.marcolini.com

Talisker 43-Year-Old Xpedition Oak: The Atlantic Challenge £3,500.00. Drawn from just ten casks, only 1830 bottles of this rare whisky will be released. Available from malts.com

Compass Box Hedonism Whisky £68.00. Available at masterofmalt.com and compassboxwhisky.com

Loch Lomond 45 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky £3,450.00. Available from masterofmalt.com. Only 200 bottles of this super-premium expression are currently available. lochlomondwhiskies.com

Otto Hutt Design 08 Fountain Pen £999.00. Available at penheaven.co.uk Belgian Chocolate Fruit Selection in a Nine-Way Gift Box £49.95 from Farhi. farhi.co.uk Giorgio Galli S1 Automatic £425.00 from Timex. timex.co.uk

Burlington Special Edition Carry-On Case £1,455.00 from Globe-Trotter. Available exclusively at the flagship Burlington Arcade store Globe-Trotter, Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ. globe-trotter.com

Superfino Montecristi Panama £1,495.00 from Lock & Co. Hatters. lockhatters.com

This super soothing mask from Olixa has been formulated with stressed out, sensitive or sensitised skin in mind. Featuring Centella Asiatica, sustainably sourced from Madagascar, the soothing mask is rich in Triterpenes and Polyphenols to repair and protect the skin. The nourishing formula is blended with azelaic acid and chia seed, hemp seed, strawberry seed and camellia seed oils to leave skin soothed, smoothed and revitalised.

Beauty Buys

Bioderma has launched the first-ever double-action barrier hand care that kills the virus and replenishes skin, in just one step. Containing 2 phases: an alcohol phase (90%) that perfectly eliminates undesirable viruses and microbes, enriched with a lipidic phase (10%) that maintains the epidermal lipids naturally present in the hydrolipidic film, the innovative handcare sanitiser is soothes and disinfects the skin without damage.

Centella Asiatica Facial Mask, 75ml £24.00 from Olixa. olixabeauty.com

Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF 30 is a daily moisturiser that offers a more streamlined approach to skincare. It combines powerful skin protection with supreme hydration, all while priming skin for the rest of your routine. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Adding to their popular Hyalu B5 portfolio, La RochePosay's new Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF 30 funnels four vital skin steps into a single product, dermatologically balanced to provide an effective dose of each ingredient. Combining Antioxidant defences to protect the skin, SPF 30, Hyaluronic acid, and a non greasy transparent water gel texture, the new concentrate glides onto the skin and absorbs instantly leaving skin glowing, soothed, hydrated and protected.

Lipo Alcoholic Biphase £7.50 from Bioderma.

Shiseido has teamed up with swim and surf wear brand Roxy to create a limited edition sun care kit. Featuring Shiseido's sun care best sellers in a signature Roxy print bag, the kit is the perfect companion for any trips you may have planned.

Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30 £34.00 Available at www.larocheposay.co.uk, Boots, LookFantastic, FeelUnique, Escentual and Independent Pharmacies.

Eucalyptus Cica-Botanic Face Mask is Decléor's 99% natural-origin face mask enriched with Centella Asiatica extract. Providing instant nourishment to help restore and soothe dry, delicate skin that is prone to redness, the clever mask boasts a 3-in-1 formula that intensely hydrates and promotes skin barrier repair when you skin needs it the most from changing weather, pollution or sun exposure, times that may weaken the skin barrier and cause skin sensitivity. The use of essential oils relaxes the mind as well as the skin for a truly enjoyable experience.

Shiseido x Roxy Sun Protection SPF50+ Face and Body Kit £42.00. Available at Look Fantastic and shiseido.co.uk

Eucalyptus Cica-Botanic Face Mask £34.00 from Decleor. decleor.co.uk

Perfectly creamy and available in six essential neutral shades, these new eye wands from Jamie Genevieve's brand Vieve effortlessly blend and glide to transform eyes in an instant. Any look is possible with this fool-proof eyeshadow stick. Eye Wand £21.00 from Vieve. vieve.co.uk

Enhance elasticity and collagen production in a simple stroke with Oliviere Wilson's new Microneedling Skin Roller for the Body. Helping to create the perfect environment for the body's natural process of repair and renewal, the roller penetrates the top layer of skin to improve the skin tone, texture and firmness. Body Microneedling Skin Roller £60.00 from Oliviere Wilson. olivierewilson.com

Shedid & Parrish is a range of six natural, vegan, fragrancefree haircare products created specifically for textured and curly hair. Founder Jessica Parrish spent many years trying to find natural hair products that both cared for and styled her curls. As an adopted, mixed race child, Jessica’s parents did not know how to look after her hair and rarely did salon stylists, nor were there specific products available and these were the key drivers for her to create Shedid & Parrish. Standout products include a Leave In Conditioner, and an Afro Butter. Shedid & Parrish starts from £22.00. Available at shedidandparrish.co.uk

Pink Perfection After huge success with their Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser, Neom has launched a mini companion – the Wellbeing Pod Mini. According to a recent Neom poll, 48% said ‘work’ has been the biggest trigger of stress over the past year and with the future of remote working set to continue, plus a mass return to office too, this clever addition has been specifically designed for small spaces, to nail the WFH environment and back-tooffice wellbeing. Designed to deliver the perfect amount of scent in minutes, The Wellbeing Pod Mini is fully portable with 50 hours of battery life and has a USB charging port for your laptop, so you can take it with you to the office for wellbeing on the move.

Advanced Awakening Oxygen Facial Renowned celebrity facialist Su-Man has recently launched her new Advanced Awakening Oxygen Facial at W hotel Away Spa in Leicester Square. The perfect tonic to dull, lacklustre skin after a long lockdown, the innovative facial is everything you need to revitalise and refresh the skin, targeting cases of acne and igniting the radiance within. A former dancer and creator her own skincare line, Su-Man is an ageless wonder and the perfect advocate for her profession. Blending her unique expertise in dance, Shiatsu, pilates and oriental facial massage, each facial begins with a bespoke skin analysis to tailor the facial to your specific needs. Su-Man carefully deep cleanses, extracts impurities, exfoliates, tones and moisturises the skin with her carefully designed massage techniques using her own specially created skincare products. The additional deep tissue massage to the neck, upper arms, hands and feet not only complete the experience but also make for a luxurious treat after a long year. The new Advanced Awakening Facial combines all of the above with her unique Shiatsu movement technique, as well as the powerful oxygen therapy to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin with the active ingredients from her skincare line. Skin is treated with pure oxygen mixed with Su-Man’s Velvet Skin Brightening Serum to target dry, congested areas, encouraging the skin to renew itself from inside out. An additional abdominal massage helps to unblock any stagnated energy in the internal organs, pushing the glow back into your face for a full body detox. This advanced treatment revitalises, freshens, lifts and awakens your skin, with visible results as soon as you leave the treatment room. Your whole body feels lighter, more awake and blissfully relaxed. Su-Man gives facial treatments at Away Spa W Hotel Leicester Square Monday to Saturday. The Advanced Oxygen Awakening Facial £300 - 75mins.

Away Spa, W Hotel, 10 Wardour Street, London,W1D 6QF awayspalondon.com | su-man.com

The Wellbeing Pod Mini £50.00 from Neom. Available at Neom's stand alone stores and neomorganics.com

Willow Beauty have launched the new BioMarine Age-Preventative Booster Serum designed to visibly lift, smooth and hydrate the skin. This extraordinary serum introduces the new precious ingredient of Arctalis® to the range. Arctalis® is a collagen-rich, marine active ingredient known for its excellent ability to smooth, firm, improve elasticity and tighten the skin. Sourced from deep, cold northern waters, the rare ingredient of Arctalis® is a real pollution protector, safeguarding your skin against external aggressors, shielding you complexion from both digital ageing and blue light day after day, so you can be assured your skin is safeguarded for the future. BioMarine Age-Preventative Booster Serum, 30ml £48.00 from Willow Beauty. willowbeautyproducts.co.uk

Enhance the restorative quality of sleep for skin with Omorovicza's new Queen of Hungary Evening Mist. Created to prepare skin for a night of optimal repair and rejuvenation, this luxurious pre-pillow facial mist combining repair-enhancing actives , antioxidant-rich cannabidiol, melatonin and magnesium salts with calming lavender extract, for an indulgent veil of beauty sleep. Use as the final step in your bedtime regime.

Prep and pamper skin with Sanctuary's White Lily & Damask Rose Himalayan Salt Scrub. With a decadent blend of natural ingredients including rich pink Himalayan salts, nourishing sweet almond oil, protecting Vitamin E and detoxifying kaolin clay, skin is left feeling nourished, baby-smooth and delicately scented all day long. White Lily & Damask Rose Himalayan Salt Scrub £10.00 from Sanctuary Spa. Available at Boots.

Queen of Hungary Evening Mist £55.00 from Omorovicza. omorovicza.co.uk

Nuxe are excited to introduce two new additions to their Prodigieux® Floral collection, Floral le Parfum and Scented Shower Gel. With a delicate blend of magnolia, grapefruit and musk, this beautifully light fresh floral fragrance is perfect for romantics. Prodigieux® Floral le Parfum, 50ml £45.00 from Nuxe. Available at uk.nuxe.com and selected retailers.

Evoking happiness, sunny days and positivity, Pear Inc. by Juliet Has A Gun highlights the beauty of the green pear, laying it on a milky heart of musk and twist of ambroxan. Pear Inc. Eau de Parfum, 50ml £85.00 from Juliette Has A Gun. Available at Harvey Nichols.

Symbolising life, Cartier’s in-house perfumer, Mathilde Laurent has created three new perfumes based around the rivers in the Rivieres de Cartier Collection. Joyful and rich, each fragrance brings a new dimension. Rivieres de Cartier Eau de Toilette, 100ml £84.00 from Cartier. Exclusive to Selfridges.

Enjoy the scent of paradise all year round with Virgin Island Water EDP from Creed. With notes of fresh bergamot, crisp Jamaican lime, tangy Sicilian mandarin, blended with exotic florals and the warming base of coconut and tropical woods, you will be transported to warmer climes even if you can’t physically get to them right now.

Capturing the scent of delicate elderflower buds harvested from the hedgerows on a cloudless morning, Jo Malone London’s new Elderflower Cordial fragrance is part of the brand’s new Marmalade Collection. Evoking memories of nostalgic summers, the soft, powdery appeal of these tiny white flowers inspire a very British recipe, complemented by notes of hawthorn and tart, summer-green gooseberries. Elderflower Cordial, 30ml £55.00 from Jo Malone London. jomalone.co.uk

Virgin Island Water, 100ml £245.00 from Creed Fragrances. creedfragrances.co.uk

Orchid Leather is Van Cleef & Arpels first scent featuring the mesmerising notes of leather. Enhanced with vanilla and cardamom the scent is exclusive to Harrods. Orchid Leather Eau de Parfum, 75ml £130.00 from Van Cleef & Arpels. Available at Harrods.

Master Perfumers have created a collection of five Eau de Parfum fragrances tailored for the Furla woman. Our favourite is the modern and sparkling Favolosa. Favolosa Eau de Parfum, 100ml £76.00 from Furla.

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KRAFT

G E RMAN C RAFT BEE R CO MB IN ES WITH D ALSTON -COOL LIVIN G German Kraft Brewery, urban gin distillery Jim and Tonic, and modern kebab house Le Bar have come together to form KRAFT Dalston. Recently opened this May in Kingsland Locke, the latest outpost from trendy aparthotel brand Locke, the exciting new restaurant and bar houses a sustainably managed microbrewery and gin distillery, and sees much loved, London-based Le Bab

group expanding East for the first time. Sharing in the spirit of quality-driven and sustainably sourced produce, the collaboration is a joyous affair that sees London’s love for good drinks and food coming together in one destination and showcasing a sophisticated yet down to earth menu of punchy gins and German-style fresh beers.

kraftdalston.com | lockeliving.com

KRAFT

Set across two floors, the interiors of KRAFT Dalston have been conceived by local studio Red Deer, taking design inspiration from the vibrant colours and scenes of the surrounding Dalston area. The hotel is also home to 124 signature studio apartments, complimentary co-working space, workout studio and coffee shop. The ground floor bar is home to six impactful stainless-steel tanks, an instantly eye-catching feature that draws attention to the on-site brewery and gin distillery on the lower ground floor below, visible from the restaurant through glass walls, setting the tone for the space which has an industrial, urban feel to it. Beer is served straight out of the on-sight tanks avoiding packaging, transport, filtration or pasteurisation. By serving the beer in this way, the brewery cuts 75% of the packaged beers CO2 emissions. The beers are brewed on site according to the German purity law of 1516, only using water, malt, hops & yeast, bringing traditions and pure, fresh tasting beer to the 21st century. The malts are sourced from a 400-year-old Franconian brewery and malthouse, Steinbach Bräu. The menu will change seasonally, featuring speciality German beer styles according to the time of year such as the classic Heidi, full bodied Lager (5.2%), German Pils, Smoked Beer, Festbier, Dunkel, Bock and Märzen but also a core range of Hoppenweisse (5.3%), dry-hopped wheat beer and a Pale Ale (4.6%) made with German hops for a hazy, and fruity

taste. There is also a unique selection of guest cans and bottles available to drink in and takeaway. Gin and Tonic fans will be excited to try Jim and Tonic's range of sustainable urban gins. Made from small-batch gin distilled on site on the lower ground floor, guests can sample from an innovative menu with sips including, the Ruby - Roobee Rhubard Gin, served with elderflower tonic, raspberry and basil; and the Hendrix - London Dry Gin with cucumber tonic, fresh cucumber and rose buds. Jim and Tonics award-winning gins also feature on the bar’s molecular cocktail menu, which features signatures such as the Black Forest Negroni, made using Jim and Tonics Robee Rhubarb gin. Trendy and achingly appropriate for the new area, the restaurant, Le Bar, is also housed on the lower ground floor. The large naturally lit atrium provides the perfect source of light for all the lush greenery, while the green tiling, pastel mint and pink painted steel tables and chairs create a relaxed atmosphere. There is even a nod to the tube with some of the seating areas mimicking the material of the train seats on the benches. The food menu features new slider-sized kebabs from Le Bab, cooked on a wood-fired robata and served with their home-made sourdough flatbreads. Highlights include the classic 15 hour Pork Shawarma Kebab – organic free range pork served with sweet pickled cucumber, fresh Chermoula mayo and a foraged herb

kraftdalston.com

YOUR TRAVEL

mix; and the Aubergine Sabich - spice-roasted aubergine w/ house chilli sauce, peanut pesto, vegan mayo & foragers mix served on a crusty house-made pitta. The menu also features limited edition kebab specials, like their smash hit collaboration, the Big Zuu and Le Bab fan favourites such as the Meat Butter Naan; their signature Hummus; and Turkish-Korean Fried Chicken with a date, chilli & soy glaze and garlic mayo. There is also a well-curated wine list for those fancying a glass with dinner. Turning from a relaxed hang out to a vibrant destination bar, the lower ground floor also boasts a DJ booth looking out over the dining room for when the venue is able to host a series of DJ nights every Friday and Saturday night.

Images © Ed Dabney

KINGSLAND LOCKE With all that food and drink to sample, and after a year of being locked down, why not treat yourself to the complete experience with a stay in Locke too. Boasting a variety of studios and suites, ranging from 19m2 all the way up to 37m2, each of the sleek apartments features a fully equipped kitchen and sofa, as well as a variety of perks as standard like a Smart TV, private superfast WI-FI and access to a communal laundry. The calming tonal interiors and superb onsite facilities make for great stay in the city. Work and play thanks to the co-working area, coffee shop, and workout studio before heading downstairs to discover all the delights of Kraft. Locke also has locations in Aldgate, Tower Bridge, and Millennium Bridge.

Kingsland Locke, 130 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2LQ | 020 4529 6160 | lockeliving.com

C O C K TA I L S I N T H E C I T Y With the easing of restrictions comes an equally welcome wave of fresh new openings across the capital. Whether you're after a catch up with friends and family or want to return to non-virtual meetings, you can now enjoy it all with a plethora of food and drinks that you don't have to prepare yourself!

PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

EXCLUSIVE NO.11 MARTINI COCKTAIL KIT Grey Goose® Vodka has launched an exclusive run of limitededition No.11 martini cocktail kits in partnership with Ago Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani - the master mixologists of the World’s Best Bar, London’s Connaught Bar. Mirroring the unparalleled quality of Grey Goose® Vodka, Ago and Giorgio pride themselves on innovation and individuality, using only the best ingredients to create unique yet timeless classics for the world. The exclusive No.11 martini cocktail kit celebrates mixology as a unique and personal art form by championing Ago and Giorgio’s cocktail - the No.11 - which was inspired by the creativity of the visual arts, specifically Jackson Pollock’s series of numbered action paintings. What's more, the exciting initiative also directly supports the arts and culture sector which inspired the drink, with all proceeds from the sales of the kits directly donated to Saatchi Gallery. The much appreciated funds will support the Gallery’s charitable goals through its Learning Programme, which aims to make contemporary art accessible for all, ahead of formally reopening to the public on 19th May after months of closure. Encapsulating all the customisable ingredients of the iconic serve and made with the often referred to world’s best tasting vodka, Grey Goose®, and the hand-crafted Connaught Bar’s Gin, the No.11 embodies the past, present and future of the famed Connaught martini cocktail and was ideated on the occasion of its 11th anniversary. Martini® Ambrato, Amalfi lemon oil and five bitters, including ginseng, bergamot and

lavender also play a pivotal role in the creation of the No.11 cocktail, which is traditionally served in a coupe. Each glass is carefully handpainted with edible pigments in a drip design inspired by Jackson Pollock’s painting. Now, for the first time, the stunning permanently hand-painted glassware is being made available outside of The Connaught Bar as part of the No.11 martini cocktail kit. A pair of coupes feature alongside a pre-batched bottle of the No.11 cocktail - expertly prepared by Ago and Giorgio themselves - and a Grey Goose® bar spoon and stirrer. A must for cocktail connoisseurs and art enthusiasts alike, the No.11 martini cocktail kit brings a taste of the celebrated No.11 tableside ritual to the home, proving the perfect collector’s item and a worthy addition to a home bar or drinks trolley. The cocktail kits are available to purchase for a limited time exclusively via Saatchi Gallery for £100. Two very special ‘cocktail connoisseur’ editions priced at £1,000 per kit come with a handson one-on-one mixology masterclass to learn the bespoke art of the martini cocktail with Ago and Giorgio at the renowned Connaught Bar. The mixology masterclass offers groups the chance to enjoy delicious cocktails and indulge in canapes, while discovering tips and tricks from the best in the business. For more information and to purchase a kit or Cocktail Connoisseur Edition with mixology experience, visit saatchistore.saatchigallery.com

greygoose.com | saatchigallery.com

Pale Fox Prosecco

PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

Named in honour of its birthplace in northern Italy, the Valle delle Volpi or Valley of the Foxes in the Italian province of Veneto, Pale Fox is a delicate sparkling wine made from single estate, pale Glera grapes grown at the foothills of the Alps. Produced in the south of the superiore DOCG region of Asolo-Montello, the Valle delle Volpi’s unique growing conditions result in an exceptionally delicate, complex and drinkable sparkling wine. Launched in spring last year, English wine enthusiasts, Mark Hill and Harry Cooke were on a mission to create the highest quality prosecco on the market, a wine with both length and softness similar to that of champagne, whilst removing the acidity and richness. Boasting the floral notes and lightness of a premium prosecco with the minerality, structure and flavour of a fine champagne, its quality was recently recognised by pre-eminent wine critic, James Suckling, who awarded the most recent vintage 93 points, making it the highest rated Prosecco in the world, and placing it above most N.V. Champagnes. Pale Fox contains significantly less residual sugar than many of its counterparts. Whilst most Proseccos will be classed as Extra Dry, and contain up to 17 grams of sugar per litre, Pale Fox is classed as a Brut, much like Champagne, and contains just 8 grams, ensuring a drier and more nuanced wine on the palette. While prosecco often gets given a bad name for hangovers the following day, Pale Fox keeps the use of sulphites to as low as possible, minimising the effects of over indulging the night before. The brand is also proud to be vegan friendly, using bentonite clay rather than commonly used animal products in the fining agents. Glera grapes, grown on the south-facing slopes of the Valle delle Volpi create exceptional sparkling wines. Located in an area with its own microclimate of sunshine, cooling breezes and gentle rainfall, combined with rich mineral soil provide the optimum location for Glera grapes to grow. Each grape is painstakingly picked to ensure only the finest are used within Pale Fox’s process. These are then crushed and pressed within 24 hours of being picked before the initial fermentation process begins. Pale Fox’s secondary fermentation is painstakingly longer than that of an average prosecco and is extended by over 100 days, a process which results in an infinitely more complex flavour and finer bubbles ensuring Pale Fox truly stands out from the crowd. With sustainability being a core brand message for Pale Fox, the team use only 100% renewable energy sources to produce Pale Fox, and are on a mission to make their company carbon negative by partnering with climate positive charity Ecologi and planting a tree for each purchase made on their website. The perfect gift for a special occasion or drink to enjoy on an afternoon in the British summertime, the packaging is stunning ensuring for a very happy recipient. Pale Fox Prosecco RRP £25.95 | palefoxprosecco.com

HARRY'S ITALIAN SUMMER Harry’s Bar, James Street, is bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to London, with a Sicilian inspired floral installation across its terrace, a bespoke cocktail menu in partnership with Villa Ascenti Gin and delicious summer specials. In celebration of its Italian heritage and inspired by the rich and unique blend of cultures in Sicily, Harry’s Bar’s entrance and terrace has been adorned with a bold and beautiful floral and citrus fruit installation - creating a picture-perfect moment for guests and passers-by to enjoy. Potted lemon trees and traditional Sicilian patterns accent the terrace, bringing an unexpected moment of escapism to James Street. In further celebration, guests can sip, savour and enjoy a series of limitededition cocktails. Highlights include the delectable Ascenti Gimlet mixed with Villa Ascenti gin, moscato cordial, eau de vie and grapes; the T10 Collins crafted with Tanqueray n°10, grapefruit cordial, lemon, homemade lemon balm soda and grapefruit; Summer Night featuring Villa Ascenti gin, Galliano Aperitivo, orange, lemon, vanilla syrup and orange zest; the Fresh Fig Cooler created with Villa Ascenti Rosa gin, Cynar, Figus liquor, elderflower tonic, orgeat, lime and dry fig; and the Mandorla Martini with Villa Ascenti gin, Nardini Grappa Mandorla, grapefruit bitter, cherry and orange twist for that perfect sundowner on a summers evening. Cocktails are priced from £9.95. In addition, a celebratory Sicilian dessert will also be available - Sicilian Cannoli, with creamy ricotta, cinnamon and pistachio filling, and fior di latte gelato.

harrys-bar.co.uk

PERFECT FOR YOUR PALATE

L I B E R AT I O N

Crystal Head Vodka

With cans, bottles and party kegs aplenty, ready-to-drink cocktail connoisseurs Liberation Cocktails have al fresco drinking covered this summer. Whether it’s a stroll with a significant other, a picnic with the gang, backyard barbecues or garden parties with your favourite six, Liberation Cocktails lets you take it outside without compromising on taste or quality. For a reunion to remember, the impressive 5-litre expertly blended cocktail party kegs each hold 33 mixologist grade cocktails and last over a month once tapped - the garden party gift that keeps on giving! Perfect to have to hand for all your al fresco entertaining needs, the party kegs are priced at just £99 and are available in three delicious flavours, the perfect addition to every celebration. The pre-mixed serves are also available in 75cl bottles and cans to enjoy on the move. All of Liberation’s cocktails are expertly blended and use overproof craft spirits and fresh ingredients, with no additives or artificial ingredients. Choose from the Espresso Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, Gin Garden, Pisco Sour and Pornstar Martini. Order online with free delivery on orders over £40.00 liberationcocktails.com

This June, Crystal Head Vodka, the spirit brand founded by actor and musician Dan Aykroyd in 2007, will be launching a brand new bottle, the Crystal Head Vodka Pride Edition Magnum. With a percentage of sales going to the brand’s charity partner Kaleidoscope Trust, the international LGBT+ human rights charity founded in 2011 and led by Executive Director Phyll Opoku Gyimah, the striking 1.75l bottle festooned with a rainbow is priced at £140 and available exclusively online and in-store at Selfridges. Crystal Head is proud to support Kaleidoscope Trust as they address the subjugation, persecution and discrimination of LGBT+ people around the world. The only UK-based human rights organisation focused on defending LGBT+ rights across the Commonwealth. Kaleidoscope Trust’s work includes ensuring trans women in Pakistan have access to safe housing and providing fiscal support to organisations affecting legal changes in Tonga and the Eastern Caribbean. Pride Edition Magnum £140.00 from Crystal Head Vodka. Available at Selfridges. crystalheadvodka.com

ALL THE SPIRIT, NONE OF THE ALCOHOL Distilled and bottled in the UK, STRYYK™ is a London based non-alcoholic spirits brand featuring an impressive range of the highest quality alternativealcohol options. The first brand to mimic the mainstream spirits and meticulously developed for over two years in collaboration with top bartenders, Stryyk have carefully reconstructed flavours of spiced rum, London dry gin and traditional vodka to create Not G*n, Not R*m and Not

Vodka, providing the best non-alcohol alternative without missing out on any of the flavour or notes and aroma’s. The carefully crafted Stryyk distillation process is 100% natural with no sugar, no fat, no carbs and no artificial flavouring, yet fueled with the unmissable vibrant and exciting taste you would expect from your traditional boozy drink of choice, making the switch from your favorite spirit to alcohol-free an easy one.

STRYYK Spirits from £18.99 | STRYYK Cocktails from £12.00 for 6. stryyk.com

REVIEW

PIZZA ON THE SQUARE Located in the heart of Chelsea in the iconic Sloane Square, the teams behind The Botanist Sloane Square and Casamigos Tequila and Mezcal have come together to create “Pizza on the Square”. Boasting an 85-person alfresco dining terrace, the new concept offers guests artisan woodfired pizzas alongside an array of exclusively created tequila cocktails from the Casamigos bar, served both straightup and frozen until the end of September. Tempting treats on offer from the new crafted menu offering authentic, wood-fired pizzas includes Garlic and Mushroom White Pizza, parmesan cream, Buffalo mozzarella, garlic mushrooms, walnuts and truffle oil; Pepperoni pizza with buffalo mozzarella and caramelised onions; Gamberetti with Atlantic prawns, garlic, buffalo mozzarella, tomato and olive oil; and the vegetarian Caponata pizza, aubergine, peppers, capers, black olives and buffalo mozzarella. Others after something a little lighter can opt for a Butternut Squash or Classic Caesar salad. Wash it all down with a range of refreshing tequila cocktails, draft beers and Champagne.

Bringing the inside out, the iconic Casamigos solid Oak bar is brought centre stage for the mixologists to work their magic, while the traditional rattan furnishings surrounded by palms and foliage complete the idyllic setting. Created by long-time friends George Clooney, Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman, Casamigos Tequila is an award-winning small batch ultra-premium tequila and mezcal. Using all types in the portfolio the mixologists of the Botanist have created a summer inspired menu with all cocktails priced at £12.50 including: Tommy’s Casa Caliente, Casamigos Añejo, lime juice, strawberry, basil and green chilli, Cantartio Amigos: Casamigos reposado, pink grapefruit, agave, lime juice and grapefruit soda and The Mexicano, Casmigos Mezcal, strawberry Campari, Belsazar Rosé and blood orange. Not to be missed is the Frozen Watermelon and coconut margarita. Aside from the Casamigos menu a range of premium wines, specially selected by The Botanist’s chef Sommelier are also on offer, along with draught beer from Birra Moretti, as well as a range of non-alcoholic cocktails and a full soft drinks menu.

The Botanist, No. 7 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EE | thebotanistonsloanesquare.com

COMITÉ CHAMPAGNE

Champagne Brunch

The scientific reason you should choose Champagne at brunch Françoise Peretti, Director of the Champagne Bureau UK, shares groundbreaking research on why Champagne is such an enticing and versatile partner to food.

Wine and food pairing can seem a mysterious art. It has always been a matter of taste, but of which kind – culture, or chemistry? Trends, tradition or tastebuds? We know that Champagne is incredibly versatile and works deliciously with many of our favourite dishes, but why? This is the question we asked Professor Barry Smith, Founding Director for the Centre for the Study of the Senses and his colleague Ole Mouritsen from the University of Copenhagen to investigate. The results were fascinating. As we all know, our sensory perception of food depends on both taste and aromas, with much of our experience coming from our sense of smell. But while we recognise the contributions made to the tasting experience by salt, sweet, sour, and bitter, many of us forget, or are unaware, that the satisfying taste of many of our most loved dishes is down to umami. Discovered in 1907 by Professor Kikunae Ikeda in Tokyo, umami is the characteristic savoury taste we find in a stock broth. It’s the intense flavour of shitake mushrooms, the joy we find in a deep meaty stew and the succulence of seafood. Going deeper into the science at the molecular level, the taste of umami is created by the presence of glutamic acid and ribonucleotides, both of which are present in many fresh and fermented foods. Further than that, when glutamates (free amino acids + glutamic acid) combine with specific nucleotides, it creates synergistic umami – an experience that makes our tastebuds fire, delivering a greater sense of pleasure. Naturally, foods that combine these elements have integrated

themselves into our culture, simply on the basis that they taste great. Bacon and eggs for example. A ham and cheese baguette. Anchovies and tomatoes on pizza. Champagne and oysters. So what role does Champagne have to play? Upon conducting their research, Professor Barry Smith and Ole Mouritsen discovered that due to its lees ageing (sitting with the yeast in the bottle) all Champagne contains free glutamates. All Champagne produced is aged in the Producers ‘cellars: for a minimum of 15 months for Non-Vintage Champagne, a minimum of 3 years for Vintage Champagne and up to 10 years+ for Prestige Cuvées (We currently have 1.3 billion bottles of Champagne ageing in the Producers ‘cellars). Therefore, Champagne has the potential to create synergistic umami when paired with the right foods, delivering exceptional pairing experiences. Upon investigation, this is what happens with Champagne and oysters providing all the building blocks for umami synergy. Other pairings include chicken and morels and delicious scallops with pea purée. Right in season now. As London’s hospitality scene roars into action this June, with more vibrancy and creativity than ever, many of us will be indulging in enjoying food out with friends – and at the heart of the capital’s culture – brunch. So when you go, opt for Champagne. Our recommendations are Champagne and eggs benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, bacon, or a mushroom omelette to unlock the power of synergistic umami.

www.champagne.fr | www.champagne-mooc.com

COLUMN

Images © Comité Champagne & Jean Cazals

REVIEW

SABINE London’s newest rooftop bar, Sabine has opened in the heart of St Paul’s on Godliman Street. With spectacular views of the cathedral, The Shard, and even the Tate Modern, Sabine offers a relaxed and welcoming vibe, botanical interiors, contemporary cocktails and delicious bar food. And, with two outside terraces, one with a retractable roof for all-weather drinking and dining, Sabine is truly a bar for all seasons. From afterwork drinks to weekend lounging, Sabine boasts an array of seasonally-changing bar-friendly bites and impressive sharing plates; from burrata with white peach, pistachio and toast; Roast Asparagus with bocarones wrapped in Serrano ham; to delectable chilli and lemon crab sticks with brown crab ketchup. Big sharing plates include Grilled Lebanese Chicken Flatbreads served with roast biber peppers, ezme, tamarind yoghurt, pickled red onions; and fall-off-the-bone Shiraz braised Short Ribs with celeriac remoulade, crispy onions, focaccia. An array of beautifully crafted cocktails embrace the bar’s botanical theme using premium spirits, with signature serves including Birds of Paradise, a blend of Belvedere vodka, chambord, elderflower cordial top with Pommery champagne; What The Dickens, mixed with Beefeater 24 Gin, Grand Marnier, orange and lemon juice, fresh raspberries, and topped with Fever-Tree Blood Orange Soda; and Whizz Fizz, a refreshing serve made with Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger, elderflower cordial, crème de cassis and lemon juice. Each cocktail is presented in suitably stylish glassware, and delicately garnished making for the perfect social

media snap Add to this an array of local gins, great wines and a good selection of champagnes, and you have yourself a fantastic night out.

Sabine, 7th Floor, Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s, 10 Godliman Street, London EC4V 5AJ | sabinelondon.co.uk

YOUR PALATE

28°-50° Chelsea With bustling locations in Marylebone and Covent Garden, independent wine specialists, 28°-50° have launched their third London site. 28°- 50° Wine Workshop & Kitchen Chelsea on the King’s Road. Similar to its sister sites, the new Chelsea restaurant offers a European, brasserie-style menu alongside a diverse and thoughtfully curated wine selection, offering both old and new world wines plus a small, unique range from their own specialised vineyard in the French Alps. Boasting seasonal and modern European-inspired dishes, guests are invited to start with an array of light bites such as Truffle Arancini and Artichoke Tempura. Perfect for wine tasting, there are also sharing platters of fine cheese, charcuterie, and a garden platter with hummus and olives.

The main A La Carte menu features delectable dishes such as fresh Crab Salad, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Oysters and seasonal Asparagus to start before moving on to mains such as 28°-50°'s Famous Cheeseburger, Welsh Beef Steaks, and Seared Tuna served with artichoke, courgette, almond and Romesco sauce. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in the Chocolate Madeleine with Creme Anglaise; or French Vanilla Rice Pudding with caramel sauce and pistachio. As with each unique 28°-50° location, wine is the central feature. The group recently won the World’s Best Micro Wine-list in the respected ‘‘World of Fine Wine’’ magazine. They will be building on that at Chelsea. The hand-picked mostly European list, put together by a passionate and knowledgeable team of in-house sommeliers, features an impressive variety of Bordeaux, and a vast range of high-end wines by the glass, carafe and bottle, which will change frequently. The exceptional wine list also features 28°50°’s unique ‘Collectors’ List’ of fine wines from several private collectors, meaning guests can try unusual and mature grapes, some of which are rarely seen in London restaurants. Guests needn't worry about being overwhelmed with choice however, as knowledgeable in-house sommeliers are on hand to help advise with their choices. The new Chelsea location is situated in a late Victorian bank, offering spacious indoor dining as well as a small private courtyard. Large original arched windows flood the impressive space with natural daylight, creating a warm and inviting ambience. The locations are privately owned and operated Riviera Restaurants and Luxury group, founded by Richard Green, who has plans for further London expansion later in the year.

28°- 50°, 300 Kings Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5UH | 2850chelsea.co.uk

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E-TRON WELCOMES SLEEK SISTER One of the latest additions to Audi's ever growing electric offering brings a sporty new style to the original e-tron in the shape of the e-tron Sportback. What's more, the marque have added their signature 'S' to the mix for even more athleticism and poise.

TOYOTA GR SUPRA

GR SUPRA The fifth generation of this automotive icon welcomes a 2.0-litre variant bringing with it reduced weight and improved handling for an even more exciting experience. Returning after an extended absence from the market, the

the bigger engined version and delivered in a more compact

Supra name hit the roads again back in 2019 with the launch of the 3.0-litre variant. Now, Toyota have released a 2.0-litre option opening up the exciting world of Supra to an even bigger audience and in this case, less doesn't necessarily mean less. Delivering impressive performance figures, the 3.0-litre GR Supra is not to be taken lightly. Boasting 335hp and impressive 500Nm of torque thanks to the turbocharged unit, this straightsix will launch you from standing to sixty-two in 4.3 seconds and swiftly up to a governed speed of 155mph. While the 2.0-litre can't quite boast about the same performance levels, it is still able to hit sixty-two in just over 5 seconds and will achieve the same governed top speed thanks to 254hp and suprisingly muscular 400Nm of torque. However, where the 2.0-litre might be - ever so slightly lacking in power and acceleration, it more than makes up for it when you need to turn. Thanks to a 100kg weight saving over

package, the 4-cylinder offers improved inertia characteristics along with better chassis balance for even sharper handling. In the real world, the difference between power becomes relatively negligible - unless you make a habit of racing at the lights - but when it comes to handling, that is something you make the most of, certainly if you find yourself enjoying some of the many country roads the UK provides. An unmistakably Toyota sports car, the fifth generation Supra has been expertly crafted by sporting arm Gazoo Racing and received a trip down memory lane when it came to the design department. Taking cues from its predecessors including the 2000GT and previous iteration, the front engined, rear-wheel drive layout lends itself beautifully to the striking exterior design. The long bonnet and sweeping profile are more than a little reminiscent of cars gone by, and the inclusion of a double-bubble roof and muscular rear wheel arches only support the heritage of toyota.co.uk

YOUR DRIVE

the design. Vast gaping air intakes illustrate the development in cooling and aerodynamic technologies since the disappearance of the Supra name in the early 00's and the overall design continues the impressive legacy its predecessor built. The compact, two-seat cabin has been designed with one thing in mind - the driver. Everything is targeted on creating the perfect environment for driver focus with sweeping glass surrounding the cabin for improved visibility and minimal switchgear control interference, you can sit back in the cocoonlike bucket seat and enjoy the ride. Despite the incredibly low stance of the car and almost racelike seat positioning, you will find that both the driving position and passenger seating is surprisingly comfortable, especially when combined with the adaptive variable suspension allowing you to alter the suspension to suit your driving needs. When your passenger would like to enjoy a comfortable ride to the shops, you can soften the impact, and once they've left, you can shift to a stiffer setup and take full advantage of this cars capabilities. Not only can you select between normal and sport modes for the suspension, but the system will also provide instant response to changes in the road surface, adjusting the shock absorber force at each wheel ensuring a flat posture, improved steering response and of course ride comfort.

There are further benefits to running the smaller 2.0-litre option and they come in the shape of economy and efficiency. Achieving 38.7mpg on a combined cycle and just 167g/km CO² emissions, this is not just a sports car to enjoy speeding through the winding lanes, but an every day runner that won't break the bank when it comes to filling up. There's no denying that this is stunning looking car and whether you opt for the 3.0 or 2.0-litre version, you can be sure that driving pleasure is at the top of the list the second you step inside. Numerous options are available, but even as a base vehicle - thanks to it being a Toyota - you could happily buy and be happy with the result without even venturing into the optional extra list. Performance, poise and a bucketful of character born from decades of predecessors, this is a car you can and will enjoy on a daily basis. Just make sure you don't plan on buying too much when you go to the shops, it's not designed to provide substantial luggage space.

TOYOTA GR SUPRA 3.0 PRO Engine 3.0-litre Turbocharged Straight-Six Power (hp) 335 Torque (Nm) 500 0-62mph (secs) 4.3 Max Speed (mph) 155 (governed) Transmission 8-speed Sports Automatic Fuel Consumption (mpg) 34.4 Carbon Dioxide Emissions (g/km) 188 Price (from) £54,365

toyota.co.uk

AUDI E-TRON S SPORTBACK

ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE Expanding their electrified offering, Audi have added to the e-tron line with the new e-tron S and e-tron S Sportback, electrifying the ’S’ lineage for the first time. Utilising three electric motors, the e-tron S Sportback operates with two on the rear axle and one for the front delivering 370kW of power - which equates to almost 500hp - and a staggering 973Nm of torque. What’s more, the full power offering is available immediately when in ’S’ gear shifting you incredibly smoothly - thanks to the absence of gears - from zero to sixty-two miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds, in near complete silence. The full boost drive system is available for eight seconds at a time but can be used multiple times in a row. Bringing even better performance to the already impressive e-tron is achieved by some clever motor use. Taking the rearaxle motor used in the e-tron and positioning it on the front then

utilising the front-axle motor from the e-tron and shifting it to the rear with an additional identical unit, means the e-tron S and S Sportback boast a three motor system able to deliver the necessary performance and drive required to not only accelerate so quickly, but also maintain Audi’s credentials when it comes to Quattro performance. The drive characteristics have an even greater rear bias than the entry e-tron delivering an even sportier drive. If the ESC stabilization control is set to “sport” and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system is set to “dynamic” the drive layout facilitates a high level of transverse dynamics and, upon request, controlled drifts as well with the driving behavior remaining predictable at all times. However, the electric all-wheel drive system with electric torque vectoring constantly manages the cars grip meaning you will remain on the road - or enjoy driving audi.co.uk

YOUR DRIVE

off-road - unless you decide otherwise. The front-axle motor remains deenergised during normal driving and will engage the second the system recognises the potential of slip occurrence or if you demand more power through the accelerator. What’s more, thanks to the dual rear-axle motor setup, the rear wheels now receive their torques independently via a transmission, no longer requiring a mechanical differential. What this means is that the Quattro performance is instantly and even predictively available providing stability and grip within milliseconds and thanks to the system’s vastly improved tolerance over a mechanical setup, you can put even more power down earlier than you might think allowing corner exiting to occur at much greater speed. Of course you have to consider the cars size weight when attempting to drive like you’re on the Nurburgring, but the technology is there to reduce the likelihood of incident as much as possible. All aspects of the suspension of the Audi e-tron S and the Audi e-tron S Sportback are state-of-the-art, and the same applies to the five-link suspensions all around. Their elasto-kinematics and damping rates are tuned specifically for the S models, with stronger stabilisers reducing rolling when cornering at high speed and the ratio of the progressive steering, which is already sporty, becomes increasingly direct as the steering movement increases. The drive layout also promotes dynamism: All the heavy components, in particular the high-voltage battery, are concentrated at a low level between the axles, bringing the axle load distribution close to the ideal value of 50:50.

audi.co.uk

AUDI E-TRON S SPORTBACK tailored to use on dirt roads and the standard hill descent control is also activated. It will assist you by means of automatic brake interventions when driving down a steep gradient that exceeds six percent. Technology hasn’t been reserved for under the skin, both the exterior and interior have both undertaken plenty of research and development to create the most efficient yet stylish aesthetic as possible. On the outside, the unmistakably Audi styling is immediately evident. An exaggerated front grille with the four rings sets the theme for this overemphasised monster. Wider and more aggressive than the e-tron counterpart, the S Sportback boasts vast wheel arches - which are not just for visual pleasure but aid in the cars incredible aerodynamics - as well as stylish lines and the large yet sweeping profile. This striking design goes hand in hand with aerodynamics based firmly on new technologies. With the virtual exterior mirrors - cameras that transmit their images to OLED displays in the interior - the drag coefficient is just 0.26 for the Audi e-tron S Sportback. Everything about this car is technology focussed and pushes the boundaries of what we have come to expect from passenger vehicles. Taking performance, safety and aerodynamically influenced style to new heights on a ‘standard’, non-sports/ super car specific car, the e-tron S Sportback utilises the benefits of electric propulsion and the flexibility it affords to deliver a package currently comparable to nothing else on the road. Inside you will find everything you have recently come to expect from Audi's upper echelon of cars including the incredibly stylish and functional dual touchscreen centre console offering

You can also directly influence the car’s character with the use of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), which offers the “normal,” “sport,” and “offroad” programs as well as an off position and the Audi drive select dynamic handling system which offers seven profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, individual, allroad, and offroad. It also incorporates the adaptive air suspension sport – the air suspension with adaptive damping can vary the level of the body by up to 76 millimeters. When driving at high speed, the car will lower by up to 26mm compared to the normal level, and the range benefits from the improved surround flow while if the offroad mode is selected, the air suspension raises the body by 35 millimeters. The ESC switches to a stability, traction, and brake regulation that is

audi.co.uk

YOUR DRIVE up access to every aspect of the cars performance, safety, comfort and entertainment systems. Interactive and user friendly, the system is one of the best on the market when it comes to usability, with everything easily accessible and in the same place. Adaptive cruise control - which includes navigation data integration automatically accelerating and decelerating the car depending on the road ahead such as slowing for roundabouts - lane assist and efficiency assist which supports economical driving and, if requested by the drive, automatic recuperation to optimally extend the range whilst driving. With the UK market shifting rapidly towards an entirely electrified industry, every manufacturer is scambling to create electric cars. Fortunately for Audi, as part of the VW family, they have a plethora of research and technology to work from along with their own expert team of designers and engineers which have combined to create a series of entirely brand new vehicles which are already more capable and most certainly desirable than a considerable number of existing, well established cars on the market. The future is looking bright for Audi and their customers.

audi.co.uk

AUDI E-TRON S SPORTBACK Peak Power (kW) 370 Electrical Torque (Nm) 973 0-62mph (secs) 4.5 Max Speed (mph) limited 130 Transmission Single Gear 2-Stage Ratio Planetary Gearbox Electrical Consumption (kWh/62mi) 28.1 Electrical Range (mi) 236 Price (from) £89,475

CHELSEA CARS

1988 Jaguar XJ-SC £POA

Old English White XJ-SC Jaguar's XJ-S is a front-engined, rear-wheel drive grand tourer that was produced from 1975 to 1996. It wasn't until 1988 that the two-seat full convertible was introduced replacing the not-so-well received 'targa type' model.

This 1988 Jaguar XJ-SC features the high-efficiency 5.3-litre V12 engine and is presented in old English white coachwork with dark blue leather interior and matching dark blue soft top. The soft top has been recently replaced and the car comes with a wind deflector making those longer distance cruises much more comfortable. The usual refinements include trip computer, electric soft top, air conditioning and cruise control as well as bluetooth. This example has covered just 48,000 miles from new with full service history and stamped service book with a huge service file with all invoices, MOTs, original booklets, manuals and tools. This is a very high end example which presents very well on the body, paintwork and brightwork and has been garaged and cherished. It has had a £7,000 recommissioning circa 3,000 miles ago and has just been serviced. There are few examples of early XJ-SC's around and are rarely available to buy in such good condition. This is one example that is not to be missed and should be viewed to appreciate.

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

your £5,000,000 Plus Potential Research from Savills appears to indicate a window of opportunity if you're in the market of £5m plus London properties. Recording the highest April sales figure since 2014, there are clear signs of a recovery in the super prime residential market.

St Anthony’sWapping Close, Wapping, E1W Towerside, E1W

Fowey Close, Wapping, E1W Burr Close, West Wapping E1W

Large and generously duplexbuilt 2-bedroom apartment on thewithin 5th ea2 are pleased to offerproportioned for sale this modern 3rd floor studio apartment floor of this popular West Wapping development, this riverside development. The apartment benefits the fromSouth openQuay plan Estate loungePlaza and located St fitted Katharine of 2 double bedrooms, a large bedroomnear area, kitchenDocks. and 3Comprises piece bathroom suite. Laminate wood floors. kitchen diner, a sizeable room Close and a to 3-piece bathroom suite. Private Video entry-phone system.reception Parking space. Wapping station and local bus terrace routes. and additional balcony to the master bedroom. Over 800 sq. ft. of living £365,000 space. Amazing views of Tower Bridge and the City.

Well presented storey townhouse this 2nd popular ea2 are pleased4-bedroom to offer for 3sale this freehold 1980’s built 2 double within bedroom and West Wapping side development. This kitchen moderndiner, built reception property 3rd floor duplexornamental apartment. canal The apartment benefits from comprises of a spacious open plan fitted Located kitchen diner leading to patio garden. Bathroom withreception separateand Wc. modern Parking space. close leading large private 4 double to Towerto HillaStations and Stgarden, Katharine’s Dock. bedrooms, a family bathroom, and an additional en-suite bathroom. Parking space. Quiet cul-de-sac close to St £624,995 Katherine Docks with a wide selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes nearby.

Cape Yard, Wapping China Court,West Wapping, E1WE1W

Capital Wharf, West Wapping E1W Gun Place, Wapping, E1W

ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1st floor 2 bedroom modern built apartment Modern 2 double on thebenefits 2nd floor in within thisbuilt popular West bedroom, Wapping 2-bathroom development.apartment The apartment from the Quay in West Wapping. The apartment from an open plan lounge, fully430 fitted kitchen, en-suite shower room to benefits master bedroom and family reception fitted kitchen, double bedrooms, refurbished bathroom. and Floorfully to ceiling windows.2 Laminate wood floors.2 newly Video-entry phone bathrooms and 2 parking separate balconies which give the property ample outside system. Allocated space. On-site caretaker. Close to St Katharine’s Dock, space. Allocated parking Ideally located within walking distance to the Wapping station and Towerspace. Hill stations. Share of Freehold. City and Canary Wharf. Close proximity to local parks and green spaces.

ea2 are pleased to offer this bright 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment with Desirable 2-bedroom, floor apartment within popular stunning River views from2-bathroom the balcony 6th on the second floor within thisthis sought after centrally located conversion. Thecomprises apartment from a fully development. Thewarehouse master bedrooms ensuite of benefits a 4 piece bathroom fitted kitchen.isLounge balcony far-reaching over suite. and The integrated second bathroom also an with ensuite in theand second bedroom.views Wooden Wapping and the and Canary district.cloak Dressing area bathroom to floors throughout hasWharf a separate room. 24and houren-suite concierge and use master bedroom. Secureunderground undergroundparking. parkingClose space. resident of residents gym Secure toTwo transport linkscommunal to canary wharfterraces. and theDaytime city. roof porterage. Close to Wapping Station and amenities.

£525,000

£675,000 £575,000

£875,000

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

£1,100,000 £725,000

Capital Wharf, Wapping, The Tower, Wapping E1W E1W

St Katherine’s Wapping, The Highway, Way, Wapping E1W E1W

Stunning apartment this sought-after development, of 2 ea2 are pleased to offerwithin this executive Studio apartment to rent withinitacomprises luxurious landmark bedrooms en-suites a separate cloakroom. thisopen 3rd floor apartment development.with This 2South Facingand apartment comprises of modern plan fitted kitchen, contemporary fitted bathroom Balcony,from The flat 382 Sq. ft. Residents of Wapping Lane and has breath-taking river& views thetotals balcony. The apartment is very light have the benefit of 24hr concierge facilities, exclusive residents health club, gym and enjoy close and airy. It also benefits from 24-hour concierge, residents’ gym and secure proximity to DLR and underground stations. underground parking. Close to Waitrose and an easy commute to the City and £360 Per Week Canary Wharf.

3-Bedroom duplex in St Katharine’s Docks within renovated this popular West ea2 are pleased to apartment show you this 2 double bedroom recently modern Wapping Theof apartment benefits a spacious apartmentdevelopment. which comprises 2 bathrooms, this from property benefitslounge from a leading garden anda isPrivate close to transport to Garden, a links. separate fully fitted kitchen, 3 bedrooms, a modern bathroom, and an additional WC. Ideally located in St Katharine’s Docks, close to Tower Hill stations and the City of London.

Douthwaite Square, West Wapping E1W Penang House, Wapping, E1W

The Highway, Wapping E1W Casson Apartments, Docklands, E14

ea2 are pleased to offer for rent this modern built 2 bedroom ground and first Spacious bright 3-bedroom apartment on the 3rdfitted floorkitchen, of this wellfloor duplexand apartment. The apartment benefits from lounge, 3 piece maintained mansion block located in the wood heart of Wapping. Benefits from 3 bathroom suite. Double glazing. Laminate floors. Views over ornamental double bedrooms, a large reception room, a newly fitted kitchen and canal. Allocated parking space. Close to St Katharine’s Dock and Tower Hillmodern stations. bathroom with a separate WC, lots of storage available. This spacious apartment is filled with natural light, and it would be ideal for a couple with 2 home offices or a great family home. Ideal location in central Wapping. Offered Furnished.

ea2 are pleased to offer a fantastic opportunity to rent this 2 double bedroom Spacious 2nd floor modern built 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment within this house which has been re furbished completely to a high standard throughout. secure development. Benefits from having 2 balconies, floor to ceiling windows, The property offers a reception with bi-folding full length doors leading to garden. open plankitchen. loungeFirst and kitchen with Utility integrated appliances and granite work Fully fitted floor bathroom. room/ground floor cloakroom. Can be surfaces. 24-hour security/porterage, residents rooftoterrace the within use ofeasy an furnished or unfurnished. Garden with decking. Close Tower and Hill and onsite Located close to All-Saints station and a 15 minute accessresident’s to the Citygymnasium. & Canary Wharf. walk from Canary Wharf. Secure underground parking available on request.

£425 Per Week £550 Per Week

£650 Per Week

£425 Per Week £450 Per Week

£460 Per Week £395 Per Week

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

SAVILLS

Opportunity Calls on £5m+ Market with Frances Clacy, Savills Residential Research Analyst

London’s super prime residential market continues to show clear signs of recovery, with more £5million-plus sales recorded in the first four months of the year than in any year since 2014. There were 43 £5million-plus sales during April 2021, the highest April figure since 2014. This brings the total for the first four months of the year to 142, a third higher than in the same period in 2020 and 65% higher than in 2019. Again, this is the strongest performance since 2014, when there were 159 deals in the same four months, and this despite the introduction of an additional 2% surcharge on buyers based overseas. The total spent on these deals has also increased, reaching £1.42 billion in the first four months of the year, 32% more than in 2020 and 63% more than in 2019. That puts the average deal price at just over £10million. “Prime central London values looked ripe for recovery in early 2020 after five years of price falls which left prices around 20% below peak,” said Frances Clacy, Savills research analyst. “The pandemic put that on hold but does not appear to have dented the appeal of the city’s very best residential real estate despite the additional 2% surcharge introduced on 1 April for all overseas-based buyers. “It now looks as though buyers are themselves calling the bottom of the market and acting on the perceived value – a window of opportunity that could close quite quickly. This is particularly true of domestic and UK domiciled buyers, who’re able to take advantage of the low levels of competition from overseas buyers until travel corridors reopen. “Unsurprisingly, in the race for space the domestic house market is stronger than the flat market, but we expect this to rebalance as international buyers start returning to the market over coming months.” Savills forecasts price growth of 3% this year and 7% in 2022, with total growth to the end of 2025 expected to reach 21.6%. All sales over £5m in London (number) £5m - £10m

£10m+

Total

Jan-Apr 2019

Jan-Apr 2020

107

Jan-Apr 2021

106

142

19 v 21

76.7%

38.5%

65.1%

20 v 21

35.9%

24.1%

32.7%

Source: Savills Research Savills Notting Hill | 020 3430 6602 | savills.co.uk

COLUMN All sales over £5m in London (total value £bn)

£5m - £10m

£10m+

Total

Jan-Apr 2019

£0.40

£0.47

£0.87

Jan-Apr 2020

£0.53

£0.55

£1.08

Jan-Apr 2021

£0.71

£1.42

19 v 21

76.6%

52.0%

63.4%

20 v 21

34.6%

28.6%

31.5%

Source: Savills Research

The highest concentration of domestic buyers was seen W11 (Notting Hill and the fringes of Holland Park) accounting for 13.6% of deals year to date compared to the 8.2% average over the previous four years. This ties in with Savills Q1 index, which saw Notting Hill the top performer with quarterly growth of +1.3%, compared to average growth across prime central London of 0.4%.

The £5million-plus price tag is also continuing its reach across the UK capital. The leafier suburbs of west and southwest London have accounted for around 6% of sales at this price point, up from just 2.6% in 2017.

Powis Mews Notting Hill, London W�� JN Located in the heart of Notting Hill, a rare opportunity to acquire an incredible live/work space with three bedrooms and a roof terrace. An extremely unique and rare home arranged over four floors. Guide Price £7,950,000

Savills Notting Hill | 020 3430 6602 | savills.co.uk

Canary Wharf

PROPERTY MARKET NEWS www.docklandspropertyblog.com

June 2021

Will the Docklands Property Market Continue to Boom? A ll the signs are that the Docklands housing market is sat on good foundations, yet one key hazard could still scupper the market.

Hello

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. 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. 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

‘UK Property Prices Rising at Record Levels’ is the headline of many newspapers. In the last few weeks, the Halifax reported they had grown by 6.5% in the last 12 months, whilst the Nationwide said 7.1% and not to be outdone, the Government’s own Land Registry said 8.6%. Nothing new there then you might think, don’t UK house prices always increase? Actually, they don’t, as many Docklands homeowners will remember 2009, when they dropped by 19%. Also, some more mature Docklands homeowners will remember the early 1990’s where house prices dropped just over 40% over 4 years (after the 1989 property crash). So, the increase in UK house prices over the last 12 months has mystified all the forecasts made by most economists as …

house prices were forecast to drop during the pandemic because during the previous six UK recessions experienced since WW2, house prices have always fallen sharply in real terms.

(including Bounce Back Loans, grants and furlough) has mollified the hit to household incomes. Add to that the pent-up demand from the Boris Bounce, all the people working from home wanting an extra room for an office and therefore needing to move, plus the stamp duty holiday, with the cherry on the cake of 0.1% Bank of England interest rates keeping borrowing affordable. Yet the affordability of property is a big issue going forward. By the time of the height of the last property boom in 2008, the national ratio of average property values to earnings had risen from 5.1 in 2000 to 8.8 (i.e. the average house price was 8.8 times the size of the UK’s average person’s annual earnings). We then had the property crash in the proceeding years, and the ratio dropped to around late six’s/ early seven’s. However, over the last few years, the ratio has been steadily rising and now with the recent growth in demand for property (the five reasons mentioned in the previous paragraph), the ratio has now smashed past nine. Looking locally …

Yet 2020 was different with house price growth increasing at its highest rate since 2014 as the substantial Government support programmes Continued on page 2

Continued from page 1

the ratio of average property values to earnings in Docklands as a comparison was 5.5 in 2000, rising to 7.2 in 2008, dropping to 6.4 the year later when the Credit Crunch hit, and now currently stands at 10.0.

So, does everything look great for the Docklands property market?

So, are we heading for another house price crash? Maybe, maybe not - because the House Price to Earnings ratio only tells us part of the story. Another indicator of the property market is mortgage affordability, which measures the proportion of mortgage payments to average incomes. For all mortgage holders, in 2015, this stood at 24.13% and today it is only just above the national long-term average of 25%, demonstrating that property is still affordable.

Undoubtedly, for the next few years, interest rates will not go up (and if they do – it will only be nominally). However, down the line it may be a different tale. Interest rates are used to control a number of economic factors, one being the currency and secondly inflation.

Yet, the life blood of the property market are first-time buyers. The long-term average percentage of income which goes on mortgage payments for first-time buyers is 33%. Just before the 1989 property market crash, this stood at 54%. Whilst just before the 2008 property crash, it reached 49%. Today, it stands at 31.7% (and the reason it’s so low, even with record high property prices, is low interest rates because when mortgage interest rates are low, this permits people to afford larger mortgages, which enables them to bid up house prices).

Before you get the Champagne out, there is a cloud on the horizon - the possibility of higher interest rates.

As many suggest, if we get an economic boom in the next 12 to 18 months, as we come out of lockdown, this will put upward pressure on the price of goods and services. Normally, when prices go up (inflation), to ensure that inflation doesn’t get out of control, interest rates are normally increased to dampen down the inflation. So, will interest rates rise? Undoubtedly they will. Docklands homeowners and buy-to-let landlords should seriously consider protecting themselves with fixed rate mortgages (yet 3 in 10 mortgagees are still on variable rate mortgages!). I believe we will see some inflation in the order of 3% to 5% in the coming 24 to 36 months, yet the interest rates won’t be enabled to bring it down. We had a similar case in the early 2010’s when we had a mis-match of demand and supply of goods, and inflation spiked to 5%, before returning back to its long term 2% average quite quickly thereafter. The Chancellor will also encourage some inflation to reduce the ‘real’ cost of the Billions he has borrowed because of the pandemic, yet won’t want to see interest rates increase to take the cost of the borrowing upwards. If you are considering moving home or buying/selling a buy-tolet property in Docklands in the next 12 to 18 months, and want a chat about your options, don’t hesitate to drop me a line. Finally, these are interesting times ahead – I would love your thoughts on this matter. Please do share them in the comments.

So why aren’t more first-time buyers buying more homes? Well in fact they are buying more homes. At the turn of the Millennium, just over half of 25yo to 35yo were homeowners and by 2014, this had dropped to just a third, although since then it has increased to 41%. Now with the reintroduction of the Government backed 95% mortgages in April, this demand will continue further. Once furlough ends, unemployment will doubtless rise in the following 12 months, yet the economy is more than likely to be in a boom phase, so by the spring/summer of 2021, the unemployment rate should start to fall.

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

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 and enter your address CLICK HERE 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

THE POWER OF INSTINCT