CITY & ANGEL FEBRUARY 2015

ABSOLUTELY

CITY & ANGEL FEBRUARY 2015 / £3.95

SWEDISH STYLE

GIZZI ERSKINE

MARTIN BRUDNIZKI ON SCARFES BAR & STOCKHOLM

ON HER LOVE AFFAIR WITH FOOD

ON THE MAP

GLOBETROTTING INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

TRULY, MADLY,

DEEPLY

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT C&A_FEB15_COVER.indd 1

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“ Fast, fun and devastatingly effective at sculpting legs, backside and above all the stomach” S TA N D A R D

W IN N ER BEST P I LAT ES ST U DI O – TAT LE R G YM AWARD S 2 0 1 3 & 2 0 1 4 YOUR FIRST CL ASS JU ST £ 1 2 . 5 0 .

Notting Hill, Chiswick, Mayfair, St James’s, Hatton Garden, City | www.tenpilates.com

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contents Febr uar y 2015

63 ART & CULTURE

07 WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for February

10 GIZZI THE GREAT

Ms Erskine’s foodie infatuation

18

FASHION

STYLE CONFIDENTIAL

School up on the newest trends

20 WHAT LIES BENEATH Racy lace for Valentine’s Day

HEALTH & BEAUTY

28 BEAUTY NOTES

HairCVT: the future of hairdressing

18 29 HEALTH NOTES

Stay motivated in 2015 with Luke Meesman from Ten Pilates

FOOD & DRINK

35 TABLE TALK

Catherine Hales reports from Andaz Hotel in Liverpool Street

37 EAT THE SEASONS

Winter recipes to warm the cockles

43 FOOD REVIEWS Opso and DF Mexico

INTERIORS

44 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS Ten globes and maps we love

50 THE MEAL TICKET

Hot restaurant designer Martin Brudnizki on Scandinavian style

TRAVEL 63 TURKISH DELIGHT C o v e r s C & A : O l i v i a Vo n H a l l e E a s t: H o u s e o f H a c k n e y

Pendle Harte discovers a private peninsula on the south coast of Turkey

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35 PROPERT Y 73 LOCAL AREA

The latest in buying and letting

84 STYLE BIBLE

Nigel Lewis takes a tour of 1920s style

92 IN THEIR OWN WORDS Views from local estate agents

FEBRUARY 2015

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www.sweetpeajewellery.com

Fine Jewellery • Primrose Hill The Sweet Pea boutique on Gloucester Avenue stocks both luxury and fashion designer brands including Polly Wales, Jo Hayes Ward, Alex Monroe, Phoebe Coleman, Brooke Gregson alongside the Sweet Pea range.

A bespoke service is available.

10% off on your first purchase - Code LOVE15 - in store or online at www.sweetpeajewellery.com SWEET PEA BOUTIQUE 77 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8LD • 020 7449 9292

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EDITOR HELEN BARON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELIZABETH HUTTON CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR CHARLOTTE ADSETT CONTRIBUTING INTERIOR EDITOR JESSICA KLINGELFUSS CONTRIBUTING HEALTH & BEAUTY EDITOR ALY HAZLEWOOD EDITORIAL INTERN KELSEY DORNFELD ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER KRISTIAN BRUMBY MAJOR ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR TAMSIN LUCK PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EXECUTIVE JENNI RAWSTHORNE NORTH PROPERTY EDITOR HUGO HUNTER ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE SENIOR DESIGNER PHIL COUZENS PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER GEMMA ISTEED PROPERTY EDITORIAL DESIGNER ANDREW MAVIN DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ JUNIOR DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN PRODUCTION CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN FINANCIAL CONTROLLER ZUL MUHAMAD CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT AYSHA HABIBI PA TO THE DIRECTORS MARIANNE MCFADDEN DIRECTORS GREG HUGHES, ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: catherine@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

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EDITOR’S letter

T

his month we’ve embraced the notion of great loves.

For my money, Valentine’s Day is the least beguiling of holidays – and it’s not even a holiday, technically, which makes matters worse. All those cartoon hearts and bland red roses leave me a little cold – far more than Christmas, Valentine’s Day seems to me a concept completely hollowed out by cliche and commercialism. How, then, to make love’s own day seem enchanting again?

Our answer is to take the road less travelled and celebrate love and passion in some of their other forms.

Thus we have celeb chef and style icon Gizzi Erskine on her infatuation with food, while interior designer Martin Brudnizki (the brains behind many a swanky hotel restaurant) talks about his love affair with great design.

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Of course, we don’t want to set ourselves against conventional human romance too completely – no Miss Havishams here – so we’ve also got some great stuff to help you woo and win hearts this February 14th. We have a staycation recommendation if you’re looking for some London luxury, a guide to the best chocolate boxes in town and some handy travel suggestions for anyone looking to whisk away the object of their affections. And then there’s our lingerie fashion shoot – no explanation needed.

What’s not to love? Have a great month. 

Helen Baron Editor

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GIZZI ERSKINE’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH FOOD

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AUDREY HEPBURN, 1950, ANGUS MCBEAN

> WHAT'S ON

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VINTAGE FASHION FAIR

1 5 Fe b ru a ry T h e Old F i n s b u r y Tow n Hall ind the likes of Chanel, Dior and YSL under one roof this month at the F bi-annual Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair. With live music, a tea room and alterations service, grab your friends and go! ◆ Rosebery Avenue, EC1; BEWENGUNGSSTUDIE (MOVEMENT STUDY), 1926, RUDOLF KOPPITZ

clerkenwellvintagefashionfair.co.uk

BOUNCE

14 Fe b ru a ry B ou nc e P i ng- Pong B ar ide away from lovebirds this Valentine’s Day at our favourite ping-pong bar, Bounce. With a world-class DJ, sweet cocktails and extra garlic-y pizzas, this is the perfect night for anyone single to set aside their worries and have some fun with friends.

H

DRAWN

BY LIGHT

◆ 121 Holborn, EC1; bouncepingpong.com

Th rough out February Sc ienc e Mu seum

Make a date in your diary to go and see the landscapes, still lifes, nudes and portraits collected by the Royal Photographic Society. With over 250,000 images, 8000 items and 3,100 books, periodicals and documents to select from, the society have curated an exhibition that reveals the way that cameras have shaped our perception of the world. This is a visually stunning exhibition.

Exhibition Road, SW7; sciencemuseum.org.uk

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GALA FLAMENCO 16-1 9 Fe b ru a ry S adle r ’s We ll s

very year, Sadler’s Wells celebrates the energy, vibrancy and passion of flamenco. Bringing together the most exceptional dancers, the festival demonstrates the diversity of the dance and will both excite and entertain. Go check it out.

E

◆ Rosebery Avenue, EC1; sadlerswells.com

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© ARMET FRANCIS

ARTS & CULTURE / WHAT’S ON TOP THREE

STAYING POWER

F ro m 16 Feb r u a r y Vi c to r i a & Al b e rt Museum aising awareness of the huge contribution R of black Britons to British culture and society, this exhibition, jointly curated by the Black Cultural Archives and the V&A, is comprised of 118 works by 14 artists and includes the vibrant images of northwest Londoner Normski.

A well-rounded glimpse into the many lives of black Britain, be sure to check it out. ◆ Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk

© HOWARD HODGKIN

From 1 2 February B a rbi ca n Art G aller y ollecting objects for research, study and C inspiration, artists are either connoisseurs of memorabilia or horders of bizarre objects, depending on your viewpoint. In this show, the Barbican presents a series of fascinating personal collections allowing us to delve deeper into the artist’s creative psyche. ◆ Silk Street, EC2; barbican.org.uk

© JØRGEN LETH AND OLE JOHN / 1982

B e st fo r T r av el

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MAGNIFICENT OBSESSIONS

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GRABBLE

Pulling together heaps of clothes and accessories from your favourite stores, this online fashion platform presents you with beautiful products you can ‘grab’ and save into your ultimate wishlist. Then you whittle it down to what you really want to buy. Simply it’s the fashion industry’s answer to Tinder. 

B e st fo r B e au t y

PRIV

HISTORY IS NOW

Fro m 1 0 Fe b ru a ry Hayw ard G alle r y n the run up to the general election, seven artists ask how we got to where we are today. Providing a fresh perspective on the nation’s journey to the present, this is a fun, radical and illuminating exhibition that explores our modern cultural history. ◆ Belvedere Road, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk

I

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T h re e ap p s you n e e d th i s Fe b r u a r y

This beauty and wellness app means that you’ll always have a beautician to hand. Whether you need a hairdresser, masseuse or personal trainer, PRIV have got it all. Looking good has never been so quick or so stress free! We’re addicted. 

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 16:27

Gizzi THE GREAT

Chef, food columnist and North London girl Gizzi Erskine tells Absolutely about cooking, clean eating and chicken curry Interview Alexandra Jones

ALEXANDRA JONES What originally prompted your interest in food?

GIZZI ERSKINE I was lucky to be brought up around great food so I feel like I’ve always been immersed in that kind of culture. My mum was a foodie and has always encouraged us all to cook. She travelled a lot and we did too, so were always surrounded by it. There’s no one defining moment, some of my earliest memories have been of being in a vegetable garden with my mum or standing at the sink and helping to peel vegetables.

I guess, a bit later than that my mum was working in Thailand and we’d talk on the phone and she’d talk me through her recipes and I’d try and recreate them while she was away with work. That definitely got me interested in different flavours.

AJ Did you have a favourite childhood dish?

GE Weirdly, because we were brought up on foreign food, I craved things like shepherd’s pie. And I’ve always loved a roast. Then there were things from Thailand that I really remember; we were eating pad Thai way before anyone else. And my mum had this chicken and coriander curry which was brilliant.

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I’m NOT a

DOMESTIC COOK,

I’m a professional CHEF

AJ We know you’ve got an amazing set of wings tattooed on your back, but do you have any awkward teenage tattoos?

GE No, I was really good, I think because I worked in the industry [before she went into food, Gizzi worked as a body piercer] I was surrounded by people with amazing work. I mean, I worked in the industry from when I was 16 and I managed to avoid getting anything awful; in fact I waited until I was 21 before getting anything at all.

AJ How did you get into food professionally?

GE I started out working in restaurants before I went to Leiths [School of Food and Wine] to train properly. After that, I won an intern placement to work for BBC Good Food magazine and I was there for a year.

That’s how I got into food styling and from there into writing columns for magazines.

I started to get recognised within the glossies, while still working behind the scenes with some big TV chefs.

Alongside this, I also always did popups. I had a catering company with my friend Abi and when I left Leiths that went for a couple of years. We’d do these really cool, ad hoc events in galleries and different spaces in East London. And we’d have people pay for them, which now are probably known as classic pop-ups but they weren’t at the time. These have become the main part of my job. So my career is split in three ways; I have an events company, then I’m also a food writer and obviously, I do the TV stuff.

AJ As a female chef was there ever the pressure to do that whole Nigella, finger-in-mouth-while-cooking-tocamera thing?

GE Yeah, I guess. But I’m quite strongminded. I suppose there’s that media perception that, just because you’re female, you fit into that category but I’m not a domestic cook, I’m a professional chef. I’ve never done one of those cooking shows where I cook to camera because I tend to be brought onto shows as an expert in something.

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FOOD & DRINK / PROFILE

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FOOD & DRINK / PROFILE a lot to all the suppliers and have great relationships with the big ones: Waitrose, Fortnums, Harrods, so I know what they’re all looking for, which means I can help discover new talent.

So what’s coming out, what’s exciting, hmm… I think Le Bun [lebun.co.uk] who are the brand that I’ve been working with recently, are a great fusion of American and French. As kids they used to holiday in France but found that French food here, in London, wasn’t accessible to younger people, it was too expensive…instead people are going to places like Meat Liquor and Pitt Cue. So their idea is to offer French food in

I am good at FINDING and HELPING set up NEW VENTURES

a diner style, and do it really brilliantly.

I mean, they’re such great cooks; they’re making all their own stocks and really good reduced jus, always using the best ingredients, and just making really accessible French food. They’re definitely ones to watch, for sure.

Also Meringue Girls [meringuegirls.co.uk], I discovered them. They’re completely killing it at the moment; they’ve even got a window in Selfridges. They started off as two pastry chefs in Hackney who both loved Ottolenghi; they both got bored of their jobs and learned how to infuse really concentrated flavours into meringue.

Their concept and execution are great, I think they’ll only get bigger.

To be honest, I’ve been offered those shows, but it’s just never been the thing for me and I've never been that interested in doing them... saying that, Nigella’s an absolute hero of mine, I think she’s awesome, but we’re completely different.

So, I’ve never felt the need to fit in and be the next Nigella.

AJ You’ve been championing Korean food for a while now, any other food trends that you think are on the cusp of being big?

GE It’s funny, I’ve never really gone out and collected food trends. I just love world food and the amount of time we

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spent in Asia when I was growing up meant that I experienced those flavours early on and first hand. Korean food came as an extension of that, I got really into Thai food, then Malaysian and food from Borneo and ended up going up through the north of Asia, Japan and Korea, just looking for foods that I’d never encountered before. Then, when I was in New York I found that it was a massive food trend over there and in Los Angeles.

I guess the thing that I am good at is finding and helping set up new ventures.

It’s what I did with [TV shows] Cooks to Market and The Ones To Watch. I speak

AJ What do you eat on an average day?

GE Oh god, well because I’m working every day and developing recipes every day, it’s very hard to say. I generally eat pretty clean, I try to avoid eating huge amounts of carbohydrates. I mean, I eat carbs but I try to eat the right sort of carbs and I try to eat them in the right quantities. The difficult thing is, on average you tend to eat three or four times more carbs than you’re meant to.

I try to eat the right, slow release ones, then also in the right portions, which is about 60g a meal. Otherwise, I eat loads of protein, loads of veg. At the same time, I love fat, I love flavour and I love fried food. It’s about moderation; it’s about being 80% good and 20% bad. u

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CONCEPT

KITCHENS CONCEPT KITCHENS | DESIGN & FUNCTION

Kitchen dreams are coming true...

40, Offord Road, Islington N1 1EB 020 7700 1555 www.conceptkitchensislington.co.uk

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We designed and made the ‘Unity’ Collection with cuddles to help raise money for St Mungo’s Broadway Shattered Lives Appeal. A percentage of the price from each piece is given to the charity.

The jewellery is handmade and sold in our gorgeous East London shop ‘Branch on the Park’.

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227 Victoria Park, London, E9 7HD www.branchonthepark.co.uk julia@branchonthepark.co.uk The jewellery is available to buy from our online shop: www.blossomingbranch.co.uk

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> PINK LADY STYLE

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WHAT LIES BENEATH: LUXE LACY LOOKS

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OOH LA LA! With a passion for striking design and beautiful craftsmanship, luxury lingerie brand Bordelle’s SS15 collection is sure to set pulses racing this Valentine’s Day. Tropicana Plunge Bra, £96 and Thong, £54; bordelle.co.uk

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FEBRUARY 2015

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st y l e C e n t r a l

FASHION Off the Beaten Track

This month we’re sweet for Charlotte Beecham’s Bon Bon bags and dressing up Pink Ladies style

Wo r d s V i o l e t N ay l o r - L e y l a n d

artorial fashion is as transient as the body shapes that inspire it.

The only body-trend that I’ve been longing to see the back of is this size 4/6 toned clique of shapeless zombies that have not only ruined what is intrinsically beautiful about a woman’s body, but wrecked many centuries of tailoring to boot. The type of figure I’m talking about doesn’t belong to the natural willowy Twiggy-esque physique or petite person; it is that entirely unnatural body that the owner has worked very hard to get, making it as trim and as toned as it is possible to be (without looking ill). The result is no shape at all, no physical personality; just a generic-sized pair of boobs with a small, flattish bum and no hips. It is inspired by celebrities who live in front of cameras, but the reality of this body is in fact boring and unfeminine. Why would you want to get rid of the naturalness that makes you a woman – the softness of your flesh, the nip of your waist and curve of your bottom? It has inspired women’s clothing since time began! So if you’re worrying about having let your New Year’s resolution slide, take a few pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Kate Upton or Kim Kardashian to the mirror with you, and just check you don’t rather suit those few extra pounds? They’re in Vogue after all… u

S

w o rd s charlot te adset t

Candy Crush Bon Bon Bags

● V I O L E T N AY L O R - L E Y L A N D Stylist and owner of fancy dress boutique Violet’s Box;

violetsbox.com

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Following the huge success of her fake fur popsicle scarves, London fashion designer Charlotte Beecham of Charlotte Simone has launched the ‘Bon Bon’ bag in collaboration with her friend and Rita Ora’s super-stylist, Kyle De’volle. The candy coloured fluffy ‘Bon Bons' (modelled here by Daisy Lowe) look as edible as they sound. Bon Bon Bags, £150; charlottesimone.com

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FASHION / NOTES

8 of the best

LOCKET LOVERS Loquet

PINK PIECES

Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a bespoke piece of jewellery. The keepsake ‘Loquet’ concept was created by Sheherazade Goldsmith and Laura Bailey, with the idea that the lockets can be personalised with collectable charms, initials and birthstones. Start dropping hints for Valentine’s Day now. From £450; loquetlondon.com

01

02

HIGH LIFE House Of Hackney x Terr y Havilland

East London fashion and interiors label du jour House of Hackney have joined forces with legendary rock ‘n’ roll shoemaker-to-the-stars Terry de Havilland to create a range of ‘70s-inspired printed wedges and platforms. £375; houseofhackney.com

03

FLORAL FANCY

04

G i a m b a t t i s t a Va l l i

Italian couturier Giambattista Valli, worn by Amal Alamuddin the first time she stepped out as Mrs Clooney, designs beautifully constructed and ultra feminine dresses. This dress (£1,778) is a wise investment for your spring wardrobe. Available from mytheresa.com

06

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UNDERCOVER LOVER Petit B iscous

Desperately seeking the dream underwear set for yourself or a loved one? Our favourite luxury lingerie boutique Petit Biscous offers a personal styling and fit service, a VIP shopping app and stocks drool-worthy designer collections from labels such as Bordelle, ID Sarrieri and Lascivious. Body by Petit Biscous, £140; petitbiscous.com

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07

08

01. SHRIMPS Fake Fur Keyring, £50; shrimps.co.uk 02. HONOR Dress, £1,535; matchesfashion.com 03. JENNIFER LOISELLE Perspex Earrings, £45; boticca.com 04. ROKSANDA ILINCIC Silk Midi Skirt, £815; net-a-porter.com 05. CARVEN Wool Coat, £1,060; brownsfashion.com 06. VALENTINO Leather Handbag, £1,550; matchesfashion.com 07. CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA , Perspex Clutch Bag, £875; matchesfashion.com 08. GIANVITO ROSSI Leather Shoes, £635; mytheresa.com

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 09:56

Cream silk printed pyjama top, £330 (sold as a set with trousers),

by Olivia con Halle Black geometric bra, £43 and shorts £15, by Huit

W ha t li e s

BENEATH Fall in love with the season’s most alluring lingerie P h o t o g r a p h y P h i l i p B ly t h m a n S t y l i n g Ly n d a B e l l

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by

ecret

Black sequin pencil skirt, £119, by Boden Brown silk and lace bow bra, £79, by Fleur of England Gold long drop earrings, £200, by Dinny Hall

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Black star lace body, £86 and cat ears £135, by Mimi Holliday Silver and crystal ring, £119, by Myia Passiello at Cadenzza

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Red and plum bra, £75 and pants £35, by Maison Lejaby Crystal bracelets, £14 each, by Oasis Crystal earrings, £19 Stella and Dot

Photographer: Philip Blythman Stylist: Lynda Bell Model: Fruzsina at Models1 Hair: Marcia Lee at Caren using Aveda Make-up: Claudine Blythman using Lancôme STOCKISTS boden.co.uk cadenzza.co.uk damaris.co.uk dinnyhall.com fulldisclosureluxe.com huit.com maisonlejaby.com my-wardrobe.com net-a-porter.com oasis-stores.com pepejeans.com petitsbisous.com princesssetamtam.co.uk sea-ny.com

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BATH SORTS

BATHROOM DESIGN SPECIALISTS

38 Offord Road, Islington N1 1DL 020 7700 1333 www.bathsorts.co.uk

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XXXXXX / XXXXXXX SPOTLIGHT

BEST FOOT FORWARD Bespoke shoemaker Anthony Andrews talks designing for Kathleen Turner and clients the world over W o r d s E l i z a b e t h Va n L i e r

T

here is something almost magical about the underground workshop of shoemaker Anthony Andrews.

With its abundant and muti-coloured displays of suede and leather skins, its smell of polish and woodshavings and its shelf upon shelf of shoemaking knick-knacks, it’s like the setting for a modern day fairy tale.

As Anthony (or Tony as he prefers) leads me around the rabbit warren of a basement, he introduces me to various members of his team, joking with them in his deep, cockney dialect. It’s a sprightly working environment, one that is both captivating and alluring. Witnessing first hand, the detail – the minute detail – that goes into every single design (the stitching, the gluing, the measuring) is nothing short of astounding. And the passion – the sheer passion! At one point Tony shows me a pair of American shoes from the 19th century, and he starts to quiver with excitement – ‘Look, just look at that stitching!’ I’d never seen enthusiasm quite like it.

‘My father [Len] was a sergeant major in the army and following that, went to a tech college to learn shoemaking,’ Tony tells me from the comfort of his

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WHAT I DON’T KNOW about

[shoes] isn’t worth KNOWING

rugged but homely office. ‘After that, he went into orthopedic shoes and got a job in a firm – like the guys downstairs – shoemaking.’

A diligent worker, to please a client one day who needed his shoes fixed quickly, Len decided to take them home to work on overnight – a practise which was forbidden. For this ‘gross misconduct’, Len was sacked. None the

wiser, the client returned some weeks later with more work for Len. When he heard of the redundancy, he marched straight out of the shop to give the work to Len direct. He then decided to give all future work to Len and encouraged him to set up on his own. So Len turned his basement into a workshop and set about making orthopedic shoes. After school each day, his son – the 11-year-old Tony – would go downstairs to help him, staying up till midnight most days to get through the workload.

So it was that Tony followed in his father’s footsteps. And nearly 50 years on, he is still as obsessed with shoes as ever – ‘what I don’t know about them isn’t worth knowing’, he tells me.

Whilst orthopedic footwear might be his speciality, Tony can design and make any shoe. Indeed, he can add 6 inches to the height of a man, simply through a carefully crafted heel. ‘Customers come to us to design (with our help) their own footwear. They choose from our vast selection of colours and prints, and animal skins – like crocodile, snake, stingray and ostrich. [Generally] the most common complaint we come across is from customers finding it difficult to buy ready-made shoes because one [of their] feet is bigger than the other.’

For me this was a light bulb moment.

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FASHION / BEHIND THE SCENES Kathleen Turner...

WAS THRILLED TO BITS with our COPPER INSOLES

I have this problem, I thought to myself, why on earth have I not done anything about it before? In fact, why do I always go for the larger-sized shoe, the pair that accommodates ‘bigfoot,’ and totally neglects the swamped and struggling ‘littlefoot’? I peer down at my factorymade clodhopper plus-size left boot and want to throw it out onto the street.

‘Our most popular style for women is the slip-on court shoe, and for men, the Oxford brogue,’ Tony continues. ‘But we can make hundreds of different designs – even copy an old favourite.’

I must confess I drift off at this point, fantasising about the cloning of my beloved (albeit exhausted) pair of leather thigh-high boots. Might they finally now see the light of another party?

And speaking of party shoes, if anyone knows anything about them, it’s Tony.

He has designed many a pair in his time, some of which were for Hollywood

There is something MAGICAL and FAIRY TALE-like about TONY

A-listers. ‘A lot of [celebrities], if they’ve got a problem, [they] don’t really want me to say anything about it,’ Tony continues.

‘But with people like Kathleen Turner, it’s not a problem. She’s thrilled to bits with our copper insoles, which helped her with her arthritis. And we made a couple of pairs of shoes for her as well. She was just blown away by them.’

My whole morning is whiled away nattering to Tony. He tells me about his varied and fascinating client list, many of whom come to him from all over the world. Like the woman from the Seychelles, who had, alarmingly, a stump for a leg. Tony and his team designed a

25 CH_FEB15_Footware.indd 25

pair of boots with a filler to support it.

When she put them on, ‘you wouldn’t think there was anything wrong with her!’ Tony says, full-of-beans. ‘She was in here, crying…’. Then there was the story of a young boy, whose deformed legs were saved from amputation by a pair of Tony’s miracle shoes.

They are truly touching tales. All of which served to confirm what I had thought at the beginning. There is something magical and fairy tale-like about Tony, his workshop and the work that he does. And that he can design a girl her very own bespoke shoes, tailormade to bigfoot and littlefoot, well, that’s just magic also.  12 New Cavendish Street, W1G, 020 7486 4664; specialfootwear.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 15:05

TREAT yoUR VALENTINE To A

DATE NIGHT INDULGENCE CoMPLIMENTARy

UPGRADE To LUXURy GIFT PACkAGING

when you buy a gift voucher and mention this ad

Book NoW FoR VALENTINE’S DAy 01638 676130 spareservations@bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk Bury Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7BX

BEDFORD LODGE.indd 1

12/01/2015 12:04

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

p. 28

STAY MOTIVATED IN FEBRUARY WITH TOP TIPS FROM TEN PILATES p. 31

SAVING FACE Avoid any make-up blunders this Valentine’s Day with Tom Ford's impossibly elegant make-up collection. Classic colours, subtle glitters and all the tools for a flawless base, this range has got it covered. tomford.com

27 C&A_FEB15_Beauty_Opener.indd 27

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 09:34

tried & T e s t e d

JOSH WOOD Barber & Parlour Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N

e’ve always loved Cheeky so it felt like quite the W Parlour, beauty boon when the salon (owned by the Soho House Group) went for a full makeover and rebrand to incorporate partner company (and men’s grooming specialist) Neville. Located above the Electric Cinema in an elegant warehouse conversion on Redchurch Street, the newly named Barber & Parlour quickly added an airy cafe/kitchen and some suitably upscale, Labour and Wait-esque homewares while (this is the best bit) convincing hair colour guru Josh Wood – usually found transforming celeb barnets in West London – to bring his talents eastwards. Josh’s team of talented colourists and stylists completes Cheeky’s circle of beauty offerings – previously it was nails and blow-dries; now you can expect a full hair service at a home-from-home salon which doubles as a great place to chill/do some work/grab some lunch at the salad and juice bar. Prices remain reasonable – which is amazing considering the slick decor – and the quality is sky-high. Forget having a manicure in your high street ‘salon’, breathing in polish fumes while you question the sterility of the instruments. There are plenty of leather seats here, but they’re more like classy booths than the unsightly variety that lesser establishments use to dole out massages (call that a massage?) – and there are now more therapists, so it’s ideal for a gaggle (and a giggle – pretty much everyone gets a glass of bubbly). We were already Cheeky loyalists, but with Barber & Parlour, we might just move in. u

Romance in a bottle, look hot this Valentine’s day and the best sunblocks for February travellers W o r d s R o m y va n d e n B r o e k e

Eye Candy Estée Lauder

● B A R B E R & PA R L O U R 64-66 Redchurch Street, E2; barberandparlour.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_FEB15_Beauty_Notes.indd 28

This year has been quite a year for Kendall Jenner. Not only has she struck up a covetable new friendship with Cara Delevigne and been in the spolight because of a rather famous wedding, she has also landed a job as the face of Estée Lauder. Bravo. esteelauder.co.uk

28 13/01/2015 16:14

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

8 of the best

RED ALERT

SUNSCREENS

Kevyn Aucoin

New for Valentine’s Day is Kevyn Aucoin's Bloody Gorgeous Box Set, a collection of six of the make-up artist’s most iconic products in his favourite shade, Bloodrose - the ultimate red. £100, spacenk.com

01

02

editor’s

PICK

best

BUY

WHITE LINE Odin

Not only do these fragrances from Odin New York look stylish on your dressing table, they're also unisex so can be spritzed on both you and your partner this Valentine's day. £140; odinedt.com

03

LOVE IN A BOTTLE Lalique

Attention loverbirds! This heavely scent is the perfect gift for a loved one. The L’Amour Lalique perfume comes bottled in a collectable crystal flacon and has top notes of rosebed and neroli. Beautiful.

L’Amour Lalique, £1,100; lalique.com

04

05

SHINE LIKE A DIAMOND BeautyLab

Slather your face in black diamond extract with this energizing serum from grooming giants, BeautyLab. It’s sure to keep you looking fresh this February. £90; beautylab.com

29 C&A_FEB15_Beauty_Notes.indd 29

07 06

08

1. ELEMIS, Liquid Layer SPF30, £27; timetospa.co.uk 2. SOLEIL, Organique Sunscreen Mist SPF15, £24; abeautifulworld.co.uk 3. DERMALOGICA, Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF30, £39; dermalogica.co.uk 4. LA ROCHE POSAY, Anthelios XL Compact Cream SPF 50, £19.50; boots.com 5. LANCASTER, Sun Delicate Skin SPF50, £21; selfridges.com 6. KIEHLS, Activated Sun Protector SPF50, £25; kiehls.co.uk 7. MURAD, Water Resistant Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30, £29; murad.co.uk 8. SISLEY, Sisley’s Sunleÿa G.E Age-Minimising Sun Care SPF15, £158; sisley-paris.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 09:36

BLOOM.indd 1

08/01/2015 14:57

to p T i p s

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

STAY MOTIVATED

By Luke Meessmann Ma s t e r T ra i n e r – Te n P i l a t e s

1. Flings are great, marriage is better

A resolution made in the heat of the New Year moment is like a one-night stand – quick, fun, but all too often doomed to failure. Set your goals, arrange a start date and, committed to your vows, your chances of a long-term successful outcome are so much greater.  2. Get yourself some tough love

Buddy up. We’ve all got one of those friends haven’t we? Someone who tells it how it is, no matter what. Annoying as they can be, they make brilliant workout buddies. If they spot even the first sign of slacking, they’ll tell you. They’ll treat all your excuses with undisguised contempt. 

Fitness

3. ‘Facebook’ your workout

This doesn’t mean posting every little run, but incorporate a significant social element into your workout. We’re social animals and if we can do something with a bunch of like-minded people, rather than alone, we’ll usually do it better, more enthusiastically and more often. 

CONFIDENTIAL Get in shape with the top fitness trends, tips and gear

4. One-trick ponies get fat

Still with me? No? Okay, let me explain: in exercise as in all things, boredom is the enemy of motivation. Try something different; mentally it will stimulate you and physically it will challenge your body.

Here at Ten we enhance our Dynamic Pilates offering with Personal Training, Sports Massage, Cardiolates, TenHIIT and Jumpboard. 

Wo r d s H e l e n B a r o n

ADIDAS

Keep it Moving

● T E N P I L AT E S 38 Hatton Garden, EC1; tenpilates.com

M o v e m e n t Fo r M o d e r n L i f e ovement for Modern Life is revolutionising yoga M access, offering unlimited online classes for the price of one at a studio. Ideal for those struggling to make classes, you simply select a level that suits your need and can even supercharge your system with a New Year cleansing programme. movementformodernlife.com

31 C&A_FEB15_Health.indd 31

BRUSH UP

x Mar y Katrantzou Clock up serious style points with the Mary Katrantzou collection created in collaboration with sportswear titans Adidas. The collection ranges from show-stopping dresses and skirts to sweatshirts, and will take you straight from crosstrainer to club. matchesfashion.com

Net- a-Porter The Issa toothbrush employs high-intensity pulsations from silicone bristles for effective teeth-cleaning. The non-porous silicone design offers a much more hygienic solution than nylon bristles, preventing bacteria build-up – and the clincher? It only needs charging twice a year!

£89; net-a-porter.com

editor’s

PICK

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 10:40

PARADISE.indd 2

09/12/2014 11:51

> FOOD NEWS

p. 35

FOOD REVIEWS: OPSO/DF MEXICO

p. 43

SOCIAL SUPPERS You’ll find photogenic recipes approachable to even the most amateur chefs in this hardback book from Jason Atherton. A welcome addition to every home chef's bookshelf, it brims with stunning photography of inspired dishes perfect for sharing with friends and family.£22, Bloomsbury Publishing

33 C&A_FEB15_Food_Opener.indd 33

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 10:20

ANTHONY ANDREWS BESPOKE CELEBRITY SHOE DESIGNER FOR LADIES & GENTLEMEN

Start off the New Year on the right foot...

TONY ANDREWS HAS BEEN MAKING BESPOKE (CUSTOM MADE) FOOTWEAR FOR OVER 50 YEARS. Design your own footwear with our guidance.

Largest stock in UK of leathers including calf, animal prints, stingray, crocodile, snake, ostrich and many others.

Home or of fice measuring ser vice available.

Men’s shoes that will increase height by up to 6 inches.

Everything is made in our London W1 shop/workshop.

We welcome you to visit the workshop to see your footwear being made and to look and touch thousands of skins available.

CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. Anyone is welcome to come in have a chat and look round our shop plus tea and biscuits.

“

I HAD TWO PAIRS OF SHOES AND A PAIR OF SANDALS MADE .

THE BEST FOOTWEAR AND THE BEST SERVICE I’VE EVER HAD

-Kathleen Turner

”

12 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8UN 020 7486 4664 | info@specialfootwear.co.uk | www.specialfootwear.co.uk

SPECIAL FOOTWEAR.V4.indd 1

12/01/2015 17:25

stay c a t i o n

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES

ANDAZ From street art rooms to DIY Bloody Marys Wo r d s C at h e r i n e H a l e s

erfectly bridging the gap between suave city and edgy East, Andaz Liverpool Street have recently embarked upon two new ventures sure to appeal to both. The first is their ‘Room With A View’ installation, which debuted in October 2014 and will be in evidence until July 2015. The second, the brand new brunch menu in the hotel’s Eastaway restaurant. I was shown up to the ‘One Day Walk’ street art room, adorned with a sprawling mural by artists Patrick Vale and Paul Davis. It must be said that even without the addition of the art wall, the room is spacious, comfortable and luxurious without being cloying. The art adds a wonderful sense of place (depicting East London’s attractions and locals) as well as a unique sense of occasion to the room. A restful and extremely comfortable night’s sleep is enjoyed, preceded by absolutely scrumptious room service and we wake up refreshed and ready for brunch.

Located in the decidedly trendy Eastaway restaurant, the brunch’s crowning glory is indisputably the DIY Bloody Mary bar, offering a range of ingredients, some never dreamed of before. My friend even opts for a crispy bacon garnish. The menu is substantial and inventive, blending New York with East End. My Omelette Wrapped Toulouse is incredibly tasty and filling while my companion’s Eggs Sanchez (soft poached eggs with chorizo, rocket and guacamole) leave me with a serious case of food envy. 

P

● ANDAZ LIVERPOOL STREET 40 Liverpool Street, EC2; andazliverpoolstreet.com

TABLE TALK Keep it local this Valentine’s Day with a staycation or a rooftop tipple FITS THE BILL

Until March, GREY GOOSE® is bringing alpine chic to design hotel ME London’s Radio Rooftop bar. The contemporary bar’s already dramatic surrounds have been transformed to create a magical winter retreat complete with snow-capped mountainscape.

336-337 The Strand, WC2; me-london.melia.com

LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT

Caramel Sensations £14.50; lamaisonduchocolat.co.uk

5

ROCOCO

Heart Shaped Truffle Box £45; rococochocolates.com

Luxe Boxes for Chocolate Lovers

MONTEZUMA’S

GODIVA

Heart Box £23; godivachocolates.co.uk

PRESTAT

Theatre Heart Box from £6.50; prestat.co.uk

Large Truffle Box £15.99; montezumas.co.uk

35 CH_FEB15_Food Notes.indd 35

RAISE THE ROOF

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Bill Granger’s Granger & Co to Clerkenwell. The Australian national treasure has won Brits over with his new-world approach and this latest enterprise marks his eighth restaurant opening in total. Expect Japanese, Hawaiian and Korean influences and damn good scrambled eggs.

50 Sekforde Street, EC1; grangerandco.com

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 10:14

TRO N I H ONT M A £3

DU

FFER O N CTIO

TRY NEW THINGS So far this year, we’ve been up 2 towers- the Oxo Tower and the Shard; we’ve sung our hearts out in a Reggae Choir, gone scuba diving, had walks & picnics, as well as some fantastic nights out!

MEET NEW PEOPLE Through our regular meet ups and events, we give people the opportunity to make new friendships & connect with each other.

CONNECT WITH THE BOROUGH We showcase some of the fantastic things on offer from community organisations and local businesses.

SAVE MONEY Our Camden source & arrange deals for our Members with local businesses. This enables us to support independent business & encourage people to shop locally whilst making great savings.

Contribute.

Celebrate.

Connect. www.ourcamden.org 0203 488 0020 OUR CAMDEN.indd 1

08/10/2014 11:48

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES STARTER

RABBIT CONFIT Wi th Celeri ac Cream

S erves 6 I n g re di e n ts

For th e rabbi t con fi t and f loss • 5 rabbit legs • 1 tablespoon sea salt • 1–1½ litres duck (or goose) fat, melted

For th e soup • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to finish • 2 large celeriacs, peeled and chopped • 1 onion, peeled and chopped • 750ml rabbit stock (or Chicken Stock, • 400ml double cream • a small handful of finely chopped chives or flat-leaf parsley, to garnish • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

ME T HO D 01 Preheat the oven to 120°C/Gas Mark ½. Put the rabbit legs into a deep ovenproof dish in which the rabbit legs fit snugly. Season with the sea salt then pour in enough duck fat to cover the legs. Place the dish into the oven and gently cook for 1½ hours or until the meat is tender. 02 Meanwhile, make the celeriac soup. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof pan. Add the chopped celeriac and onion with some salt and pepper. Sweat the vegetables over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Pour in the stock, topping up with boiling water as necessary to cover the vegetables. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the celeriac is soft. Add the cream and season well to taste. Blend the soup using a hand-held stick blender (or a regular blender) until it is smooth and creamy. Reheat before serving. 03 When the rabbit confit is ready, remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 100°C/ Gas Mark ¼. Once cool enough to handle, take the rabbit legs out of the fat (save it for roast potatoes or another dish) then pull the rabbit meat away from the bones. Set aside the meat from 3 of the legs and finely shred the remaining half. Spread out the shredded meat evenly on a wide baking tray. Place into the low oven and let the meat dehydrate for 45 minutes to one hour or until it dries out and turns crisp. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. 04 Just as you are ready to serve, heat 1–2 tablespoons of the confit duck fat in a wide frying pan. When hot, fry the reserved confit rabbit with a little salt and pepper until evenly golden brown. Take the pan off the heat. 05 To serve, neatly place the seared rabbit meat into the middle of the warmed soup bowls. Arrange small piles of the rabbit ‘floss’ on top of the meat. Carefully pour the celeriac soup into each bowl but do not allow it to come up to the level of the rabbit floss. Sprinkle with chopped chives, drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately. u

Eat the Seasons Chef du jour Jason Atherton shares recipes for a winter dinner party Photography john carey

37 C&A_FEB15_Recipe.indd 37

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 11:49

FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES dessert

LONDON HONEY & ALMOND CAKE Wit h h o n e y j elly

S er ves 8–10 • 200g unsalted butter • 150g clear honey, plus extra to glaze • 150g caster sugar • 200g ground almonds • 40g plain flour • 8 medium egg whites, at room temperature • crème fraîche or Vanilla Ice Cream

Fo r t he ho n e y j elly • 3 small gelatine leaves • 150g clear honey

• 35ml moscatel or sherry vinegar • 150ml hot water

O ra n ge m arm alad e (opti on al) • 4 Seville oranges, about 500g, well scrubbed, quartered • 500ml water • 700g granulated sugar 01 To make the honey jelly, soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water. Heat the honey in a heavy-based saucepan until it begins to colour. As soon as it turns a caramel colour,

add the vinegar and water. Stir well to combine. If the honey hardens upon contact with the liquid, continue to heat and stir until it melts. Squeeze the excess water from the gelatine leaves and add these to the pan. Stir to dissolve. Pour the honey mixture into a small sealable container and leave to cool completely.

Cover the container and chill the jelly for a few hours until set. 02 For the marmalade, cut out the segments from the orange quarters. Thinly slice the orange skins using a sharp knife and set aside. Put the segments into a heavy-based pan and add the water and sugar. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to the lowest setting and gently simmer for about an hour. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean pan, pressing down on the pulp to extract all the juice. Add the sliced orange skins and bring to a simmer. Gently simmer for another hour until the skins are tender and you have a loose marmalade consistency. To test if the marmalade has reached setting point, remove the pan from the heat then spoon a little on to a cold plate. Leave to cool for a few minutes. If the marmalade thickens and forms a skin, it’s ready. If not, return the pan to the heat and cook for a few more minutes and test again.

03 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.

Grease and lightly flour a 20cm loose-bottomed square cake tin. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Let it cook until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty fragrance, then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the honey. Leave to cool. 04 Meanwhile, mix the sugar, almonds and flour in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre of the dry mixture then pour in the butter and honey.

Fold the mixture until combined. Lightly beat the egg whites with a fork in another bowl, then add this to the batter. Fold through until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin.

Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool on a cooling rack. While the cake is still warm, brush a little honey on the top to glaze it. 05 Run a thin knife around the cake tin before unmoulding the cake. Cut into slices or squares and serve with the honey jelly, orange marmalade, if using, and crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream, as you prefer. ◆

● Exerts taken from Jason Atherton’s new book, Social Suppers, £17; jasonatherton.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_FEB15_Recipe.indd 38

38 13/01/2015 11:49

The Tile Box

40 Offord Road, Islington N1 1EB 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk

TILE BOX.indd 2

09/10/2014 17:05

XXXXXXXX / XXXXXXXXX

STRIP If your man needs help finding you a gift this Valentine’s, point him in the direction of Strip.

Strip Wax Bar & Boutique is now offering personalised Valentine e-gift vouchers at the click of a button. E-vouchers can be used in stores for their world-renowned waxing services, exquisite lingerie or luxurious skincare products. Buy online now to give you more time to plan that most romantic of nights! Book your free consultation today. Strip One New Change, EC4; 020 7236 0058; stripwaxbar.com

A L L YO U N E E D I S

LOVE Get in the mood for Valentines Day and treat you loved one this year

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_FEB15_Fashion_ Feature.indd 40

BLOOM PERFUMERY Just across the road from Old Spitalfields Market you’ll find Bloom Perfumery. Discover a new signature scent amongst their carefully curated collection of luxury, niche and independent perfume and candle making maisons from around the world. Or why not treat a loved one to a gift voucher with a fun perfume picking experience led by their friendly and knowledgeable staff?

4 Hanbury Street,E1; bloomperfume.co.uk

40 13/01/2015 14:58

ABSOLUTELY XXXXXXXXX//PROMOTION XXXXXXXX

ANGELA FLANDERS

BRANCH ON THE PARK

A visit to Angela Flanders Spitalfields perfumery is the perfect place to discover that special, individual perfume for your loved one. Whether you are seeking out a romantic rose, luscious white floral or a heady exotic oriental, for him or her, Angela’s personally trained team are experts at guiding you through the tantalising selection of over 30 delicious perfumes, body lotions or candles. 4 Artillery Passage, E1 angelaflanders-perfumer.com

Jewellery shop ‘Branch on the Park’ is a fantastic choice for handmade jewellery for Valentine's Day. Designed in the shop by the owner, goldsmith Julia Cook, who also sells a small range of pieces by other independent designers, prices start at just £10 whileprecious gemstones range from £165£10,000. 227 Victoria Park Road, E9; 020 8533 7977; branchonthepark.co.uk

NICHOLE DE CARLE Spoil the lady in your life this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful lingerie set from Nichole de Carle. Specialising in luxury lingerie and super stylish swimwear, choose from the iconic Black Label Onyx collection for something more daring, the Soiree collection for elegant, feminine design or the Everyday collection for simple but classic and contemporary basics.

The brand also offer a made-to-order service for an exceptional fit. nicholedecarlelondon.com

BOHO MEXICA

SWEET PEA

Treat your lover to a Mexican fiesta this Valentine’s Day. Rich in imaginative culinary ideas, Boho Mexica is a strong contender for the crown of best Mexican restaurant in East London. A low-key, low-lit ambiance is the backdrop to authentic and interesting Mexican dishes while the cocktails (of which there are many!) are on another level. Margaritas in Shoreditch don’t come better than these. 151153 Commercial Street, E1; bohomexica.co.uk

Sweet Pea is a luxury designer jewellery boutique on Gloucester Avenue in Primrose Hill.

Owned by Siobhan O’Neill, the inviting shop sells delicate 18ct gold jewellery set with diamonds, precious stones and pearls – and makes an ideal destination for Valentine's Day gifts. It also offers a bespoke engagement and wedding ring service – and stocks pieces by fellow designers including Alex Monroe, Polly Wales and Jo Hayes Ward.

77, Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8LD, 0207 449-9292; sweetpeajewellery.com

BEDFORD LODGE If you’re looking to give the gift of total relaxation, do so with personalised gift vouchers from The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel. The vouchers can be gift-wrapped in a beautifully packaged box and are available in any denomination. Choose from a range of packages or spa experiences and treat your partner to a romantic weekend away this Valentine’s Day. Bury Road, CB8; 01638 676130; bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk/gift-vouchers

41 C&A_FEB15_Fashion_ Feature.indd 41

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 14:58

‘Probably the best new restaurant in northwest London to open in ten years’ – Giles Coren, The Times

FOOD AND FILM ENJOY BOTH AT JW3.

Dine at our critically acclaimed Zest restaurant, café & bar.

And then head over to our plush boutique Cinema for the newest releases from around the world, plus Jewish and Israeli films curated by our partner UK Jewish Film.

BOOK ONLINE www.jw3.org.uk

Finchley Road Finchley Road & Frognal

JW3, 341-351 Finchley Road London NW3 6ET

&

Quality Vintage Apparel Authentic Designer Pieces This is one NOT to be missed

The most exquisite vintage fashion fair

A treasure trove of inspiration

TIME OUT

VOGUE.IT

GLAMOUR

The Vintage Collections Sunday 15th February The Old Finsbury Town Hall Rosebery Ave, EC1R4RP (5mins from the Angel) 11am-5pm £4 Photograph by Asher Herr

ADVERT PLACEMENTS.indd 1

www.clerkenwellvintagefashionfair.co.uk

14/01/2015 09:54

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEW

DF MEXICO

Thomasina Miers’ new Mexican-American hybrid W o r d s HELEN BARON

’m far from the first to note that London’s restaurant scene seems to have evolved (or degenerated, depending on your appetite for novelty) into a high concept free-for-all, with new openings jockeying for press and popularity by way of ever more arresting culinary conceits.

The public’s fascination with outlandish ideas (witness the ridiculous media back-and-forth over Brick Lane’s Cereal Killer cafe) can be both help and hindrance to those trying to plough their own foodie furrow – but it can also be a surprisingly efficient indicator of quality, winnowing the wheat from the chaff and ensuring that only the strongest ideas outlast the initial hype.

Thomasina Miers’ DF Mexico is holding its own amid this crush of competition.

The place glows like a Hopper painting on the dark evening of our visit, a bright, airy space decked out in the white tiles that have become synonymous with East London - but here enlivened by splashes of Latin-inspired primary colour.

Old favourites like tacos, burritos and tortillas are present, but the focus is on innovative pairings and subtle spins on the classics. Many of the innovations are in the garnishes – chipotle hibiscus salsa, pumpkin seed mayo etc. The entire experience is as bright, breezy and informal as you’d expect from DF Mexico’s dinerstyle design, but the flavours and quality of the food represent a significant step up from tired theme-diner fare. As concepts go, this one looks to have legs: don’t be surprised if DF Mexico is a nationwide success story before 2015 is out. u

I

OPSO

It’s all Greek to Richard Mellor at Marylebone’s latest eatery

T

hink Greek restaurants and you probably imagine quaint, old-fashioned harbourfront tavernas in seaside towns, places of enormous portions and bargain prices.

And yet Opso, just off Marylebone High Street, couldn’t be more different. This is modern Greek – sharing plates, artisan ingredients sourced from the motherland – in a pareddown venue with artsy flourishes. Note the whacking great honeycomb oozing away by the entrance, for instance. Or the many pot plants.

The first question concerns where to sit.

The central, communal table? At the bar? In the basement, which appears to double as a glass-encased Greek history museum? My pal Georgia, an expert on all things Hellenic – in the sense that she dated a Greek bloke around a decade ago – plumps for a traditional two-person table up top, nestled among foliage.

Cocktails come next. Featuring ouzo and violet liqueur, Georgia’s Perfect Thyme is refreshing and zesty and features a sizeable herb garnish. Less attention-grabbing, my Grape Republic utilises tsipouro, a grape pomace spirit, plus lychee liqueur to delicious effect.

And so to the food. We begin with koulouri, scrumptious sesame-seed bread served beside a creamy curd. Chunky salt crystals further enhance the flavours and it vanishes quickly. Eager stomachs are patted and all seems mightily promising.

The main dishes arrive, as is the modern way, in a random order: our smoked metsovone cheese is tasty and made all the more moreish by a of stick rhubarb jam. Feedback for the sliced boar sausages hovers around “bloomin' delicious”.

Morale is boosted further when two mastiha-spiked gin and tonics show up, their slight liquorice edge sweetened by a few sprinkled sultanas. A plate of pastitsio soon follows: no ‘twists’ here: just a simple, delicious dish. Bold meaty flavour, rich béchamel sauce, fresh ingredients – bish bash bosh.

Dessert is crumbled walnut cake with sour-cherry ice cream, and over a concluding coffee, the following is agreed: kudos to Opso for experimenting, for mixing things up. The modernised Greek classics are delicious – we wish there were even more of them on the quarterly-changing menu – and the drinks are top-notch. u

● ops o

10 Paddington Street, W1; opso.co.uk

43 C&A_FEB15_Food_Review.indd 43

● DF MEXICO

Hanbury Street, E1; dfmexico.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 11:58

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London Luxury Furniture Showroom 020 7253 3206 WHARFESIDE.indd 1

wharfside.london 13/01/2015 17:03

> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 46

MARTIN BRUDNIZKI'S HOT HOTEL HANGOUTS

p. 50

IN THE HOT SEAT Feeling bold? ‘Love’ is a luxurious new wallpaper collection by Italian design house Dedar. A striking geometric pattern in berry hues, which draws inspiration from traditional Chinese silk.

What’s not to love? £155 per metre; dedar.com

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13/01/2015 10:59

10 of the best

MAPS & GLOBES

Map it out & ‘Marsala’ madness Wo r d s g e m m a b i l l i n g t o n

01

BHS

Map Printed Bedding Set, £25; bhs.co.uk

HOUSE OF FRASER

Revival Wire Globe, £50; houseoffraser.co.uk

02

BOMBUS

Bespoke Map Heart, £92; bombus.co.uk

03

ASPACE

Vintage Map Duvet Set, £85; aspace.co.uk

must

HAVE 04

Mellow Yellow Dulux

JEREMY HARNELL

‘Big Nature Small Me’ is a winter colour trend forecast

by Dulux. Inspired by the great outdoors, the ‘rich colours... form a great escape from the streamlined, grey, hi-tech world we increasingly live in’ according to Dulux Interior Designer, Lisa Jennings. dulux.co.uk

Not All Those Who Wander Unframed Poster, £20; johnlewis.com 05

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HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES NEWGATE CLOCKS

VERY BERRY

Giant World Poster, £252; amara.com

P a n t o n e C o l o u r o f t h e Ye a r

Colour experts Pantone have announced ‘Marsala’ as the Colour of the Year 2015. Described as a ‘naturally robust and earthy wine red,’ many interior brands have followed suit and introduced it to their ranges. Prepare to welcome this rich berry hue into your home and for Marsala madness to hit the high street. pantone.co.uk

editor’s

PICK

10

MY PRECIOUS The Ruby Tree

JAN CONSTANTINE

PHOTO ©JULIAN ABRAMS

Bethan Gray, and Islamic Art & Craft scholar, Mitchell Abdul Karim Crites, have teamed up to launch the Ruby Tree, a collection of beautiful tableware and furniture inspired by Islamic design. The collection is available exclusively at Harrods. therubytreecollection.com

New York Cushion, £128.50 janconstantine.com

MODERN WAY

OLIVER BONAS

He a l s’ Mo d e r n C ra ft Ma rk e t

Globe Decorations, £4.50 oliverbonas.com

Heals’ Modern Craft Market will be returning to the central London store for the second year running.

Taking place for one week this February, the event will showcase the best in contemporary craft as well as giving enthusiasts the chance to take part in a series of live workshops. From 2 - 15 February; heals.co.uk

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ASPACE

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SPOTLIGHT

The Meal Ticket

Restaurant designer Martin Brudnizki on Scandinavian style, timeless designs and Scarfes Bar words Georgie Lane-Godfrey

I

’m sitting on a plush velvet sofa in the atmospheric lounge in Holborn’s Rosewood Hotel. It’s similar to a classic gentleman’s lounge, complete with smooth dark wood and clever caricatures by the eponymous illustrator adorning the walls. Yet in spite of Scarfes Bar’s quirkiness, it still feels sophisticated and sexy – a perfect example, in fact, of a room designed by Martin Brudnizki.

If his name isn’t familiar, his interiors will be.

Pick any of the capital’s hottest hangouts and most likely, he designed them – 34, The Ivy Club, The Rib Room, Annabel’s terrace, Le Caprice – the list goes on. Brudnizki has quickly become the go-to guy for any aspirational restaurateur looking to open London’s next big thing. His secret? A focus on timeless designs with an ageless appeal, rather than a ‘signature’ style.

‘With this kind of project in a historical building, we couldn’t really change much, so it was more about balancing it to make it feel authentic,’ explains Brudnizki of

Scarfes Bar. ‘People always say after we finish a project that it feels like it’s been here forever. That’s because we use pieces from the Twenties, Thirties, Forties and Fifties, so it’s historically eclectic, almost like a timeline or journey. That’s how you make something that will still be relevant in four years time. That’s how you create something timeless.’

Tall, blonde and lean, with classic clean-cut Scandinavian style, Martin Brudnizki is one of those people you just assume will have impeccable taste. It’s this impression which probably explains why his career has taken such an incredible trajectory since he moved to London two decades ago. Coming over to the capital to study interior design, he arrived, as he laughingly puts it, ‘with absolutely no clue!’

Yet Brudnizki had been surrounded by design from an early age, having been brought up by his German mother and Polish father in Stockholm. ‘It was very austere,’ he tells me. ‘It’s just an attitude and an approach which is about stripped-back simplicity. But Sweden

The KITCHEN in my NEW flat is IKEA

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HOMES & INTERIORS / INTERVIEW SOHO BEACH HOUSE, MIAMI. PHOTOGRAPH © JAMES MCDONALD

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FEBRUARY 2015

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HOMES & INTERIORS / INTERVIEW SCARFES BAR AT THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL, LONDON. PHOTOGRAPH © JAMES MCDONALD

has great design history and it gave me a real love of practicality.’ Practicality that also extends to the price tag; postrecession, Brudnizki is still careful to not overspend in any of his projects, turning to Sweden’s most famous export to keep costs down in his own home. ‘The kitchen in my new flat is IKEA,’ he reveals. ‘It’s just so accessible and actually very good quality – you just use other elements to lift it.’ Like a bespoke granite worktop, I suggest? ‘Marble!’ he corrects me, with a disapproving tut. ‘Only ever marble.’

It doesn’t come as a surprise then to discover Brudnizki is rather particular about his projects, and the designer freely admits to being something of a control freak. ‘But not in the sense that I’m stir-crazy,’ he laughs. ‘I just like things in a certain way. I wouldn’t say I’m a perfectionist because I don’t think there is such a thing as perfection, but I like a certain level of order. There are so many variables in life that you need to have at least 50% of things fixed or you’d go mad!’

As to his work, this meticulousness

translates into a level of detail for which Brudnizki is renowned. Each project begins with certain layers: where are the most comfortable places to sit so you won’t be disturbed, how to furnish it so that it’s cool yet comfortable, completing it with those final authentic finishing touches. ‘Here we have the feeling of an old lounge or library so we needed books,’ he explains. ‘But we don’t just buy them by the metre; they have to be picked on both look and subject. For example, when we did

The Ivy Club, we created a fully-curated library, alphabetically organised by relevant subject area. It’s those details that matter.’ For this kind of project, Brudnizki says most require a year from conception to completion… unless, that is, you happen to be a Chelsea institution.

After long-standing Italian restaurant Daphne’s was ruined by a ravaging fire earlier this year, owner Richard Caring called Brudnizki for help. Rather than just remedying the damage, however, Caring wanted a full refurbishment – to celebrate the restaurant’s 50th anniversary and to reinvent it for the next 50 years to come.

‘It’s not an example we should give,’ chuckles Brudnizki. ‘We were given nine weeks. We did it, by hook or by crook, but let’s just say that there’s a very long snagging list!’

The end result, however, was a raging success, refreshing the restaurant’s image and attracting a new, younger crowd.

‘Interior design is just like packaging, created to support the commercial side,’ explains Brudnizki. ‘Because Daphne’s is Italian, the idea was to create the feeling of the Amalfi Coast, which I love. That was, kind of, for me though – so I can go there and enjoy it! Daphne’s is one of my favourite restaurants and I’ve been going there for 20 years.’ u mbds.com

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HOMES & INTERIORS / PRODUCTS ROBERTS

Revival RD60 DAB Digital Radio, Beach Huts, £200; selfridges.com

ARTHOUSE,

Feather Charcoal embroidered cushion, £24.99; arthouse.com

IN SPACES,

The Dogs Wallpaper Pale Grey, £78; in-spaces.com

WHITE MINT,

Large Hexa Cool Grey Ceramic Vase, £32; whitemint.co.uk

DRIFT LIVING

Ceramic Owl Candle Holder, £6.99; driftliving.co.uk

ALEXANDER AND PEARL Mallard Grey Industrial Metal Pendant, £155; alexanderandpearl.co.uk

LAURA ASHLEY

Dove Grey Gallery Clock, £60; lauraashley.com

JOHN LEWIS,

Copenhagen Double Bed, Lars Bedlinen; johnlewis.com

SHADES OF GREY ORCHID FURNITURE

Typhoon Grey Lacquer Wedding cabinet, £2,395; orchidfurniture.co.uk

Anything but drab, these muted tones and subtle hues add a touch of elegance to a room ALEXANDER AND PEARL

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SOPHIE ALLPORT

Dark Grey & Ivory Baby Alpaca Throw, £165.00; sophieallport.com

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> EDUCATION:CRACKING CODE

p. 59

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

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HAPPY FEET Salvatore Ferragamo have launched Ferragamo Mini, which reworks two iconic designs from the women’s collections for girls – the famous round-toed ballerina shoe created for Audrey Hepburn and Varina, the enduring bestseller finished off with the brand’s signature Vara bow. £225-£255, ferragamo.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES MINI ME Preen

This very ‘British’ label set up by Thea and Thornton Bregazzi, a married couple with an ardent appreciation of the Victorian era, incorporates prints from the mainline collection so that kids can be as stylish as their parents. preenbythorntonbregazzi.com

SHELF LIFE

DOODLE FLIP DRESS UP

SMALL TALK Doodle fashion and Bloom & Blossom’s skincare range for mums

JITTER BUG Blade & Rose

Blade & Rose specialise in ‘bootyful’ legging designs that will ensure baby is well on the way to her first stylish steps. The playful designs are perfect for climbing toddlers with their cheeky bottom-prints, while the soft yarn mix is durable and stretchy to accommodate exploring. £10; bladeandrose.co.uk

Illustrator h e n n i e h aw o r t h

ring out the budding stylist in your tots B with this delightful Doodle Flip Dress Up book. Who could fail to be charmed by the ingenious page flip sytem that allows you to design and then mash up your wildest fashion ideas? The fantastic range of dress-ups includes swashbuckling pirate attire, intergalactic space-wear and fairy princess clobber. So grab your felt tips and design a tiger in a tutu or an astronaut in cowboy boots then flip it over and start all over again. Doodle Flip Dress Up is published this month; illustrator Hennie Haworth’s clients include The New Statesman, The Guardian and Penguin Books. ◆

READY, GIFT-SET, GO

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Bloom & Blossom is an awardwinning natural skincare range for mums and babies. Surprise a mum-to-be with a gift-box that includes anti-stretch mark cream, an indulgent bath oil and foot spray (she’ll pick up swag for the baby from everyone else). £45; bloomandblossom.com

The Kit for Kids Ellergenic Spring Cotbed Mattress features not only a sealed spring but the latest in antiallergy and anti-bacterial materials.

The ultimate in hygiene protection, it’s the only mattress approved by Allergy UK – and £2 from every sale is donated to The Lullaby Trust. £119; mothercare.com

Bloom & Blossom

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KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Working Partnership Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt wants independent schools to work more closely with state schools, yet many are doing so already.

Wo r d s A m a n d a C o n s ta n c e

I

n north Kensington, in the backwoods of Notting Hill, there is a state-of-the-art, brand spanking new school. This is Kensington Aldridge Academy, a secondary school for the local community. Nearly all the pupils live within a mile, the majority from the surrounding estates. It couldn’t be more inner city. Yet who are its educational partners? Two bastions of private school privilege – Godolphin & Latymer and Charterhouse.

Eton College has sponsored a new school, too; Holyport College, a state free school which also opened its doors to Year 7 last September. The Independent Schools Council (ISC) – which represents the majority of the UK’s private schools - says nine out of 10 independent schools already take part in partnerships with state schools.

Was Tristram Hunt ignorant of examples such as these when he pledged before Christmas to strip fee-paying schools of business rate relief?

The shadow education secretary provoked a furious backlash from private school leaders when he said that, if Labour came to power, independent schools could lose tax relief worth a combined total of £147m a year unless they worked more closely with the state sector.

Under the plan, independent schools would be expected to sponsor state academies, share teachers, train new staff, help state pupils apply to top universities and provide and run joint extra-curricular activities.

Jo Heywood, headmistress of Heathfield in Ascot says: ‘Almost all of us are already involved in partnerships with excellent schools in the state sector,

THE advantages

of these partnerships are COMPLETELY TWO-WAY

including many of the initiatives he has suggested, and we are fed up with these repeated attacks on our schools.’

Perhaps the problem for private schools is that, while many have established strong partnerships with the state sector, they just haven’t done a very good PR job explaining it.

‘If there is one mea culpa in all of this, it is that we haven’t done what we’re normally good at doing, which is blowing our own trumpet,’ says Charlotte Vere, the ISC’s general secretary.

Mark Beard, headmaster of University College School in Hampstead, alma mater of the Honourable Tristram Hunt, himself the son of a baronet, accused Labour of

61 C&A_FEB15_Education.indd 61

displaying great ignorance of how modern private schools work.

‘If the shadow education secretary were to visit his old school, what would he find?,’ asks Beard. ‘A nest of privilege, devoted to raising the children of oligarchs and City financiers in secluded, toffish privilege? On the contrary, he would find a diverse population of pupils, from all creeds and backgrounds.’ UCS spends £1m a year on fees assistance and has a range of collaborations with state secondary schools, including Westminster Academy, UCL Academy, London Academy of Excellence, and a number of primaries.

It doesn’t take much digging on the websites of London’s top schools to find a list of their ‘community’ work. Latymer Upper, for example, runs a successful Saturday school, where local pupils are taught by its staff. King’s College School in Wimbledon has no academic lessons on Friday afternoons and the majority of pupils from Year 9 and above do volunteer work. Some sixth formers, overseen by a teacher, teach Latin to girls in Kingston, some coach rugby and cricket. Others help severely disabled children at a special school.

King’s also runs top-up lessons in the spring term for hundreds of local Year 11 children preparing for their GCSEs in key subjects, plus an ‘Aspirations’ programme for gifted and talented Year 9 pupils from local state schools.

‘This is not all as selfless as it may sound,’ says King’s headmaster, Andrew Halls.

‘The advantages of these partnerships are completely two-way’. Halls says King’s parents know the programme has a cost – which they are effectively bearing in their fees – ‘but not one of us, not a single parent, would wish it otherwise’. u

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13/01/2015 15:32

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06/01/2015 16:37

KIDS & EDUCATION / MUM-TO-BE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS A regular column tracking the highs and lows of pregnancy from the first inkling to the final push Wo r d s H E L E N B A R O N Illustration Annie Smith

S

o, what else is there to do to feel ready – or as ready as you’ll ever be – for baby’s impending due (guess) date. Personally, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my antenatal classes with doula Bridget Baker; they’ve been instrumental in helping me to feel confident about a more natural birth preference (we steer clear of the word ‘plan’ so as to keep an open mind).

Unsurprisingly, I was pretty naive about the whole process to begin with. I had blithely assumed I would labour in an obstetric ward; now I feel very happy about delivering in a midwife-led birth centre after attempting to labour for as long as possible at home. I’ve even been switched on to the idea of a full home birth for next time around (if I fancy another go, that is).

Although the recent revisions to official guidelines, which now say that low-risk mothers should be encouraged to have babies at home, has stirred a bit of a backlash about state cost-cutting, there’s no doubt home birth can be safer (less germs) and more comfortable as well as more sustainable: a relaxed mother-tobe is far less likely to require potentially stressful interventions. I wonder that many women, myself included, have been indoctrinated into thinking that hospital is the obvious choice for birth. But if you are low-risk and do arrange a home birth, you can still transfer to the hospital should you need to. What’s to lose?

There’s also the question of my beloved first baby, my dog. If you have one, now’s the time to get him used to baby’s

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things. The Darling Dog Company offers one-on-one training sessions for anyone nervous about introducing the two; you can read founder Louise Glazebrook’s innumerable glowing testimonials online.

Caring properly for both a dog and a baby isn’t always easy, and too many people simply give up on their canine companion the moment the baby arrives. In Glazebrook’s view, a dog should never be a stop-gap while you wait to have a child.

And for those who already have dogs, Glazebrook’s new book Dog About Town: How to Raise a Happy Dog in the City, has useful tips on how to keep your pooch occupied during periods when you're unable to get about as much.

The final month before birth is also a good time to start tinkering with the nursery. If you’re like me, you’ve developed an unhealthy obsession with mummy blogs; the upshot is that you’ll have amassed plenty of interiors inspiration. Of course, newborns tend to sleep in the same room as their parents, but you’ll need space for stuff like a changing table and mat, to save your back from the strain of the bajillionth nappy-change. Besides, doing up the nursery is the fun bit, the calm before the storm. And when everything’s ready… all there is left to do is wait. Good luck, and see you on the other side!  thedarlingdogcompany.co.uk

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been indoctrinated into THINKING that hospital is the OBVIOUS CHOICE for BIRTH

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> A TASTE OF TURKEY

p. 66

BEFORE SUNRISE Guests at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace can enjoy a private sunrise picnic at Christ the Redeemer as part of an exclusive package. A once in a lifetime opportunity and another reason Rio’s top of our travel bucket list. To book, visit belmond.com

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FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 12:04

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Turkish Delight A private peninsula on the south coast of Turkey proves the ultimate spot for a family to relax in the sun Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e

A

s a mother of three, businesswoman and former model, Jasmine Guinness is a woman who needs a holiday, and knows it. When she explained that: ‘people who read on holiday always have a better time because it’s total escapism, both physically and mentally,’ she articulated my feelings exactly. Because what I want most from a holiday is a place to read. A beautiful place in the sun, where all my immediate physical needs are met – and those of my family are met, so that I can be left in peace to read. But this is harder to achieve than it sounds. Anyone with children knows that for a holiday to be a holiday, you need to be able to reclaim your own brain for yourself, away from the incessant random demands made on it, and this is not something that happens easily.

So we came to an all-inclusive resort. It might not be the most imaginative holiday option, but when your ambition is to find rest and relish it, the promise of having no decisions to make for a full week is an exciting one. Letoonia in Fethiye, on Turkey’s south coast, is a vast hotel on a completely private peninsula. Set in absurdly lush surroundings (over 268 varieties of flora, requiring near-constant watering in this dry part of the world) it’s a beautiful spot. Imagine pine trees, bougainvillea, jasmine and roses all vying for space and creating a wilderness of colour. There are three private beaches, four pools (one indoor), eight restaurants, nine bars, a spa, a kids’ club and countless available sporting

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

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FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 12:05

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST activities. It’s almost a village in itself, a sprawling, hilly one with funicular railways and golf buggy taxis (flag them down when you’re flagging) connecting locations such as the pools and the beaches with the life-sized chess board, the theatre and the eateries, plus the archery course, the tennis courts and the water slides.

But if this sounds big and busy, it doesn’t feel it. On our visit, in high season and during the school holidays,

THIS is a UTOPIAN, moneyfree SOCIETY where everything IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE accommodation is at full capacity but still there is no crowding, queueing or scrambling for pool loungers. Everything is quiet and seamless. The all-inclusive ethos creates a utopian, money-free society where everything is always available to everybody and there’s no competitiveness or conspicuous consumption (nobody seems to overeat or drink despite the bottomless plates and glasses, which makes a convincing case for the goodness of human nature). We walk round the village unencumbered by anything as pedestrian as a wallet.

Accommodation is in bungalows with carved wooden details designed by award-winning Turkish architect Nail

Çakırhan. Our two bedroom suite is comfortable and spacious, with a shady balcony offering impressive sea views, so quite quickly we settle into a form of routine, loosely based around meals.

Buffet dining suits us and the largest restaurant is situated at the tip of the peninsula, by the lighthouse, offering sea views in all directions. Options are endless and alongside all the high class if fairly standard international fare is a good selection of Turkish meze – every day brings a delicious new twist on the aubergine – and there’s enough variety not to ever get bored. There are two à la carte restaurants too, one of them offering a curious fashioning of Japanese

food and the other a beachside fish venue, but we stick to the buffets with their wide array and child-friendly setup. We quickly discover our favourite place for lunch – on the beach, where salads and Turkish flatbreads offer light options alongside a chilled glass of wine. The children choose pasta with tomato sauce every day without exception, fully believing themselves in culinary heaven, and we are delighted that the ice cream stall opens punctually after lunch every day and then closes for the rest of the afternoon.

Days pass in a haze of swimming – the pool? Or the beach? Which pool and which beach? – and we enjoy everything from the waterslides that drop into the sea to the pedalos and rowing boats in the bay, as well as the elegant bananaleaf style hammocks that dot around the resort. One day we take a trip on Letoonia’s luxury yacht, which takes us around the peninsula, stopping to swim in clear turquoise waters and to shop in the market. In the evenings we enjoy all-singing, all-dancing performances from the in-house amateur dramatics group, whose enthusiasm and fantastic costumes fill the village amphitheatre with energetic shows every night.

So, the reading count went well. Not only did I reread Jayne Eyre but I caught up with Meg Wolitzer and Philip Roth too.

In terms of physical and mental escapism, I certainly had my fill. u Special offer for Letoonia bookings before end of January 2015 - 7 nights all-inclusive including flights from £504 at letoonia.com

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68 13/01/2015 16:25

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Property Absolutely

Februar y 2 0 1 5

> PROPERTY ROUND UP p. 78 IN THEIR OWN WORDS p. 90 NIGEL LEWIS p. 85

Englefield Road, N1

ÂŁ530,000 - Shared Freehold

A charming one bedroom flat arranged on the first floor of this period building. The property is offered in excellent condition with 554 sq ft of living space. Englefield Road is well positioned near the transport links and local amenities of Essex Road, only a short walk to trendy Upper Street with its array of bars and restaurants.

020 7226 2487

KFH, Islington, kfh.co.uk

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FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 14:38

KnightFrank.co.uk

Ripplevale Grove, Islington N1 A stunning three bedroom house

The house has been extremely well designed and re‐modelled by its current owner.

There are beautiful period features combined with contemporary design. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen, dining room, sitting room, guest WC, garden. Awaiting EPC. Approximately 187 sq m (,015 sq ft)

KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3551 4459

Freehold Guide price: £2,350,000 (ISL140334)

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Absolutely Feb 15 - Ripplevale Grove

07/01/2015 14:57

06/01/2015 13:54:37

KnightFrank.co.uk

Tompion Street, Clerkenwell EC1 A two bedroom period house

Arranged over four floors and in need of some updating the property offers flexible accommodation together with a courtyard garden to the rear. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/reception room, study, utility room, courtyard garden. EPC rating E. Approximately 107 sq m (1,162 sq ft)

KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3551 4459

Freehold Guide price: £1,050,000 (ISL140206)

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Absolutely Jan 15 - 19 Tompion Street

07/01/2015 14:57

06/01/2015 13:44:59

KnightFrank.co.uk Nile Street, Islington N1

Factory conversion An amazing split level apartment to rent close to Old Street. The property features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception areas, open plan kitchen, utility room and roof terrace. Approximately 236 sq m (2,545 sq ft).

EPC rating E. Available unfurnished Guide price: £1,800 per week

Islington Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islingtonlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138 (ISQ208897)

Wenlock Road, Islington N1 Modern development

A modern apartment to rent in this superb apartment. The property features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large reception room, open plan modern kitchen and balcony.

Approximately 75 sq m (808 sq ft). EPC rating B. Available furnished Guide price: £620 per week

Islington Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islingtonlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138

(ISQ193443)

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property.

Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges KNIGHT_FRANK.indd 3

Absolutely C&A /february 2015 Lettings edition 1

07/01/2015 14:57

05/01/2015 14:44:14

KnightFrank.co.uk North Mews, Bloomsbury WC1N Spacious two bedroom apartment

A modern two bedroom flat situated on the first floor of a brand new development in Bloomsbury WC1. The apartment offers a large modern kitchen, open plan living area, two double bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms.EPC rating C. Approximately 74 sq m ﴾800 sq ft﴿

Available furnished Guide price: £750 per week

King's Cross Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/kingscross kingscrosslettings@knightfrank.com 020 3764 8915

Arthouse, King's Cross N1C Modern apartment in a popular development

Knight Frank is pleased to offer this brand new 1 bedroom apartment in the eagerly anticipated Arthouse. The apartment comprises 1 bedroom, bathroom, stunning interiors, contemporary style kitchen and superb living space. Available from the end of February on a furnished basis.. EPC rating B. Approximately 47 sq m ﴾509 sq ft﴿

Available furnished Guide price: £450 per week

King's Cross Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/kingscross kingscrosslettings@knightfrank.com 020 3764 8915 ﴾189450﴿

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property.

Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges KF_KINGSX.indd 1

Property Page January 2015

12/01/2015 11:07

06/01/2015 09:38:01

Property Round Up FEATURE PROPERTY Smithfield Square:

Hornsey’s New Hub

S

t James is set to launch Smithfield Square, a brand new collection of contemporary, high specification apartments in the heart of Hornsey N8, in 2015. One of the few remaining areas of London with an understated profile, Hornsey is currently going through a significant transformation. With a strong neighbourhood feel orientated around the

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tree-lined High Street, Hornsey sits at the foot of the magnificent Alexandra Palace Park. The apartments offer contemporary interior design with exceptional specification and quality. The spacious layouts boast underfloor heating throughout and most apartments feature private outside space.

Prices start from £299,950 for a suite, £360,000 for a one bedroom property and two bedroom apartments from £470,000.

020 3002 9460; smithfieldsquare.co.uk

78 13/01/2015 14:39

PROPERTY | NEWS

The INSIDE SCOOP of NEWS in your area The rejuvenation of City Road, N1 DAVID YUILL SALES Manager of at Hurford Salvi Carr, Islington & Shoreditch 020 7549 6969; hurford-salvi-carr.co.uk

I

n December 2014 Hurford Salvi Carr opened their new office at 227 City Road, N1 after identifying the area some time ago as having huge potential. The opening of the Islington and Shoreditch office has brought Hurford Salvi Carr’s total number of offices to five across London.

In the last 16 to 18 months, the area of City Road has seen a significant transformation; as the skyscraper corridor being created from The Angel,

Islington to Old Street Roundabout has seen some of London’s leading developers attract some of the world’s finest architects. This has resulted in approximately 2,400 new apartments being marketed across a number of high profile developments, bringing a buzz of excitement to this district. The anticipation we are feeling for City Road feels the same that we felt ahead of Shoreditch’s re-invention 15 years ago, but this time with floods of investment, planning and structure.

DANIEL OMELL Office Head, Partner

In the time that I have worked locally, Islington’s profile has changed enormously and as an area it now competes with other sought after locations in “prime” central London, a fact accentuated by the fantastic array of boutiques, shops and restaurants that Upper Street has to offer.

NICK MOORE

I have been with Knight Frank for just over a year but have been an agent in Islington for 16 years this year. I never tire of the area and am always on the hunt for something new, be it a new restaurant or a corner of Islington that I've never stumbled across before.

T

PRIME LOCATION.COM

TEAM Profile

Associate, Sales

Highbury Stadium Square, N5 he property is situated on the ground floor of the Highbury Stadium Square development and benefits from a stunning private west facing garden. The property comprises of an entrance hall leading to a spacious master bedroom with a luxury en-suite shower and a second double bedroom. The open plan living room has high ceilings and wood flooring, while the modern kitchen units have been extended to create plenty of cooking and storage

KNIGHT FRANK, ISLINGTON

NICOLA WILLIAMS

Associate, Head of Lettings

space. The garden includes two sheds for storage and is accessible from both bedrooms and the living room.

KM Jones 020 7288 9440; kmjones.co.uk

Having worked in Islington for 10 years, I am definitely biased but I do not believe any other area in Central London can offer the diverse lifestyle on offer here.

STEFANO PALMIERO Senior Negotiator

SUGGESTS

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Islington has changed considerably over the last 10 years and I have been perfectly placed having lived here all my life to witness this transformation. Islington is now a seriously sought after area.

Spotlight on N16 Average asking price - £690,032 | Average asking rent - £1,706 pcm | Average property value - £592,851

020 3657 7340; knightfrank.co.uk

Data provided by

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FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 14:39

Completely at home in North London.

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Block Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk

With over 35 years’ experience and 50 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.

Our dedicated North London branches include • Belsize Park • Highgate • Islington

See all our properties at

KFH.indd 02.15 KFH 1Absolutely City & Angel.indd 1

13/01/2015 08/01/2015 09:59 09:37

Prince of Wales Road, Chalk Farm, NW5 £1,075,000 Belsize Park 020 7483 4302 belsizepark.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 02.15 KFH 2Absolutely City & Angel.indd 2

A well presented three bedroom duplex apartment set within a well maintained period town house benefiting from 1,069 sq ft of living space and a south facing garden. The property is located within walking distance of Primrose Hill Village and Chalk Farm tube station.

• • • • • • • •

Three bedrooms Modern family bathroom Kitchen/dining room Bay window reception South facing garden Private entrance Freehold EPC rating E

13/01/2015 08/01/2015 10:00 15:47

Dresden Road, Whitehall Park, N19 £1,350,000 Highgate 020 8341 6666 highgate.sales@kfh.co.uk

KFH.indd 02.15 KFH 3Absolutely City & Angel.indd 3

A stunning four double bedroom extended and refurbished house offering two bathrooms, open plan reception room and landscape garden. The property is situated in the Whitehall Park Conversation Area close to Archway tube station.

• • • • • • • •

Four double bedrooms Two bathrooms Open plan reception room Extended kitchen/diner Landscaped garden Excellent transport links Freehold EPC rating E

13/01/2015 08/01/2015 10:00 14:10

Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, NW3 £4,984pcm Belsize Park 020 7586 9006 belsizepark.lettings@kfh.co.uk

An impressive three bedroom garden flat boasting three bathrooms, conservatory, private garden and own entrance. The property is located in Belsize Park close to Chalk Farm tube station.

• • • • • • •

Three bedrooms Three bathrooms Conservatory Private garden Animal friendly Unfurnished EPC rating D

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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13/01/2015 08/01/2015 10:00 09:23

Halton Road, Islington, N1 £1,950pcm

A spacious two double bedroom newly renovated flat set on the first floor of a purpose built block, benefiting from a spacious reception room and a new modern bathroom and kitchen. The property is close to Essex Road train station.

• • • • • •

Two double bedrooms New modern bathroom Newly renovated throughout Neutral décor Good transport links Furnished

Islington 020 7359 3636 islington.lettings@kfh.co.uk £210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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13/01/2015 08/01/2015 10:00 09:24

PROPERTY | STYLE BIBLE

ART DECO is back in vogue Wo r d s N I G E L L E W I S

Taking a tour of 1920s style

A

rt Deco was once the only style of choice for any Londoner wanting to build or refurbish a home. But since its heyday during the 1920s and 30s its influence has retreated significantly and is only felt in a few spheres of London life. So widespread has this withdrawal been that RIBA recently mourned the number of Art Deco buildings being demolished, but even so London is still littered with buildings from the period including former factories, garages, offices, public buildings, tube and railway stations, hotels, theatres, cinemas, cafes, pubs, shops and, of course, homes. Individual Art Deco houses are everywhere from Purley in the

south to Highgate in the north, but it is the surviving apartment developments that bear testimony to the Art Deco ambitions of so many architects. Remember that in their day Charles Raymond Hood, Robert Atkinson and Harry Weedon were once as famous as Norman Foster, Richard Rogers and Zaha Hadid are today. But can you still buy their designs? There are 250 Art

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Deco properties for sale in London at the moment ranging from a £11 million, fourbedroom apartment in St John's Wood at the top of the market to a £240,000 one-bedroom apartment within Du Cane Court in Balham at the bottom. But as a quick look at these properties proves, it is difficult to pin down exactly what the Art Deco style is. Its influences are numerous and varied and include, for starters, the decorative arts of the late 17th century, Cubism, Bauhaus, Ancient Egypt, Japan, Africa and even ancient Mayan art. But what makes it easy to spot from the street is that nothing else looked like it, either before or after its nadir. The most famous example is Florin Court within the Charterhouse Square gated community in EC1, which was built in 1936 and has been used many times as the home of Poirot in the eponymous TV series. There studio apartments sell for between £250,000 and £300,000.

But while its properties are sought after, it is within the world of interiors that interest in the style is gaining a new momentum. And it’s mainly because developers building prime properties in London are increasingly turning to the Art Deco palette when creating interiors.

Interior designer Anna GraceDavidson of Anna Casa Interiors thinks this is because it's “both glamorous and timeless at the same time”, a quality that appeals to anyone trying to sell a property with a high price tag to a wide range of potential buyers.

She also thinks it utilises the type of geometry that the human eye is naturally attracted to, although she attributes its more recent rise in popularity to the recent remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby into a film.

"I think people like it because the style's not too heavy, not too minimalistic and you can mix it with other styles without it jarring," she says.

And as Jay Gatsby says in the novel, when asked if you can repeat the past: “Of course you can, of course you can!”

FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 14:41

Compton Terrace

Islington N1

ÂŁ1,500,000 guide price leasehold

An extremely spacious & grandiose 3 bedroom upper maisonette with accommodation arranged over the 2nd & 3rd floors of this attractive Grade II listed, Georgian mid terraced house.

EPC exempt Islington

020 7359 9777 sales.islington@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

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Moon Street

ÂŁ1,325,000 guide price

Barnsbury N1

freehold

EPC rating D

Islington

A splendid 3 double bedroom Georgian, mid terraced house set within this truly delightful & somewhat secretive enclave accessed via Studd Street & located right in the very heart of Islington, moments from Upper Street.

020 7359 9777 sales.islington@chestertons.com

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Cruden Street

ÂŁ1,200,000 Offers IEO

Islington N1

freehold

EPC rating TBC

Islington

A rare opportunity to buy, renovate & extend (subject to necessary consents) a handsome 3 storey Victorian house, situated in this highly desirable location. Cruden Street falls within the revered Colebrooke Row/Duncan Terrace Conservation Area.

020 7359 9777 sales.islington@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

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07/01/2015 15:04

Globe View, High Timber Street, EC4 £825,000 Leasehold A recently redecorated 2 bed flat in a popular riverside block. EPC: C

St. Mark Street, E1 £1,025,000 Share of Freehold A stunning 3 bedroom duplex penthouse. EPC: C

Hamptons City & West End Sales 020 7717 5435

Hamptons City & West End Sales 020 7717 5435

Wood Street, EC2 £795 per week (charges apply)* Superbly located two bedroom apartment in the City of London. EPC: B

Creechurch Lane, EC3 £460 per week (charges apply)* A smart one bedroom apartment situated in this period building. EPC: C

Hamptons City & West End Lettings 020 7717 5437

Hamptons City & West End Lettings 020 7717 5437

Dance Square, EC1 £495 per week (charges apply)* Corporate style apartment with modern fittings throughout. EPC: C

Providence Place, N1 £700 per week (charges apply)* Modern two bedroom apartment seconds from Upper Street. EPC: C

Hamptons Islington Lettings 020 7717 5455

Hamptons Islington Lettings 020 7717 5455

Beyond your expectations

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*Tenant Charges Tenants Tenants should should note note that that as as well well as as rent, rent, an an administration administration charge charge of of £216 £216 (Inc. (Inc. VAT) VAT) per per property Pleaseask ask property and and a a referencing referencing charge charge of of £54 £54 (Inc. (Inc. VAT) VAT) per per person person will will apply apply when when renting renting a a property. property. Please us us for for more more information information about about other other fees fees that that may may apply apply or or visit visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

12/01/2015 10:01

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Mark Batty W Lettings Manager at Knight Frank, King’s Cross Photography: rebecca noonan

hen Knight Frank decided they were going to open an office in King’s Cross, I jumped at the opportunity to work in such a unique and dynamic location. It’s an exciting area and being able to watch the King’s Cross Central site transform over the coming years is going to be fascinating. Knight Frank has been involved with the sale of residential units throughout N1C for a number of years and now being on site we are best placed to help vendors and landlords that are looking to move again or purchase an additional unit.

The area has so much to offer from its fantastic transport connections, world famous Arts College (Central Saint Martins), the canalside setting and a real mix of restaurants and bars which all combine to attract a very diverse community. This is reflected by our vast tenant demographic including International Corporates, families and students. However one criterion they all have in common is for high quality accommodation, whether it is contemporary modern apartments in King’s Cross or grand period houses in Bloomsbury.

So our advice to landlords is to make sure your property stands out from the competition and is immaculately presented so we can achieve the best price.

I started my career in the property industry in 2005 after graduating from university and spending the year travelling the world. It was during my travels that I decided the property industry was for me; I had always been interested in property but the opportunity to interact with people on a daily basis and not be confined to an office was what really appealed.

Initially I joined a small agency in west London

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working as a sales negotiator. After three successful years I wanted to progress my career and moved to a large international agency in Notting Hill where I was lucky enough to deal with some of the most exclusive properties in London and even a celebrity or two. It was here though that I decided my future was in lettings, so I switched over and have never looked back.

My most memorable let during my time in Notting Hill was to one of my sporting idols, Josh Lewsey. Being a huge Wasps and England fan this will always be a career highlight and it brings me onto one of my other passions in life, rugby. I started playing rugby at the age of six and it has been a big part of my life ever since.

I no longer play rugby union, however, I have represented Great Britain in Tag Rugby over the last four years and was lucky enough to play at the 2011 Tag Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

After the best part of five years in west London I decided I needed a new challenge and was offered an opportunity to work at Knight Frank. I joined the Wapping and City Office as a negotiator in 2010 and with lots of hard work and dedication was promoted to a senior negotiator in 2011 and then associate in 2013. I became the Head of Lettings in King’s Cross in November and since then we have enjoyed a busy couple of months with tenants looking to secure properties before the end of the year and landlords keen to minimise any void periods. I am excited to see how King’s Cross evolves over the coming twelve months and look forward to assisting with the needs of new tenants and landlords considering a move to the area.

020 3764 8915; knightfrank.co.uk

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PROPERTY | PROFILE

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FEBRUARY 2015

13/01/2015 14:35

HOMES TO VIEW ALBION LODGE N1 – FREEHOLD £2,495,000 – 5 bedrooms EPC rating: D | Ref: ISL14004

HUNTINGDON STREET N1 – LEASEHOLD £575,000 – 1 bedroom EPC rating: C | Ref: ISL140167

cluttons.com

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ISLINGTON

Sales: 020 7768 7914 Lettings: 020 7768 7948 islington@cluttons.com

VINCENT TERRACE N1 – FURNISHED £1,300 pw – 4 bedrooms EPC rating: D | Ref: 84275

BENTHAL ROAD N16 – FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED £595 pw – 3 bedrooms EPC rating: TBC | Ref: 84769

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08/01/2015 09:37

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

UNION WHARF, WENLOCK ROAD, ISLINGTON, N1

£625 PER WEEK

A truly uni ue top floor loft style apartment located within the much sought after nion Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms |

harf development.

odern

WESTBOURNE ROAD, LONDON, N7 £625 PER WEEK A fully refurbished two bedroom apartment with excellent transport links. The accommodation briefly comprises entrance hall, master bedroom with en suite shower room, second double bedroom, family bathroom, open plan living room, kitchen/dining area, rear garden and storage area.

Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Garden

ISLINGTON | 020 7354 2480 | islington@winkworth.co.uk HIGHBURY | 020 7989 7000 | highbury@winkworth.co.uk

SHOREDITCH | 020 7749 7650 | shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk

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07/01/2015 17:22

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

MOREA MEWS, HIGHBURY, N5 £965,000 LEASEHOLD A three bed two bath apartment boosting a floor si e of

s uare feet is finished to the highest standards of interior design.

Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | alcon

PACKINGTON STREET, ISLINGTON, N1 £850,000 LEASEHOLD A stunning light and spacious 3 bed flat with large communal garden set over the first floor of this period terrace in the heart of Angel.

Three bedrooms | Communal garden | Resident parking

ISLINGTON | 020 7354 2480 | islington@winkworth.co.uk HIGHBURY | 020 7989 7000 | highbury@winkworth.co.uk

SHOREDITCH | 020 7749 7650 | shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk

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07/01/2015 17:22

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

RONALDS ROAD, HIGHBURY, N5

£925 PER WEEK

Situated in a highly sought after location Ronald's Road is moments away from the beautiful ighbury ields. i e bedrooms | hree bathrooms | erraced

WENLOCK STREET, ISLINGTON, N1

£495 PER WEEK

A unique one bedroom apartment set in a superb location close to picturesque Regent's Canal. Wenlock Street is close to Old Street Station as well as being within easy reach of Islington's trendy Upper Street.

One bedroom | Period | Great location

ISLINGTON | 020 7354 2480 | islington@winkworth.co.uk HIGHBURY | 020 7989 7000 | highbury@winkworth.co.uk

SHOREDITCH | 020 7749 7650 | shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk

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07/01/2015 17:23

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

COMPTON ROAD, ISLINGTON, N1 £850,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD A superb large, raised ground floor apartment with two double bedrooms in anonbury, close to beautiful green spaces of Highbury Fields.

Two bedrooms | ommunal gardens | esident parking

HOLMCOTE GARDENS, HIGHBURY, N5

£1,395,000 FREEHOLD

A spacious four bedroom house located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Highbury. The property consists of four good size bedrooms, three bathrooms (one en-suite), a spacious living room and a bright kitchen with doors opening out on to a large private garden.

Four bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Garden

ISLINGTON | 020 7354 2480 | islington@winkworth.co.uk HIGHBURY | 020 7989 7000 | highbury@winkworth.co.uk

SHOREDITCH | 020 7749 7650 | shoreditch@winkworth.co.uk winkworth.co.uk

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07/01/2015 17:23

PROPERTY | NIGEL LEWIS

London’s MOST POPULAR

Nigel Lewis, Absolutely's resident property writer, takes a look at London's most viewed property: 10, St Stephen’s Gardens, Notting Hill

T

his one bedroom apartment is not unique in London even if (for anyone outside the capital), its asking price of £850,000 might be. Selling agent Gareth Kelly of Marsh & Parsons is consequently puzzled that it’s been viewed 5,000 times on Zoopla since he was instructed to sell it two months ago. Gareth, who is sales manager at his company’s Notting

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Hill office, has shown 40 people around the property and says its location, large floor-to-ground windows and high quality interior finish make it popular. Also, he says one unusual feature is that it’s a raised-floor apartment, which helps give it the feel of a first floor flat when it isn’t one.

“The road is also a cul-de-sac, so it’s quieter than the surrounding streets,” he says. “And this is a really massive flat for

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a one bed in this area.” But when Gareth says ‘location’ is a factor, what he really means is ‘Notting Hill’. It’s one of those iconic London areas that has effortlessly become uber fashionable over the past three decades, a rise that’s been helped of course by Richard Curtis’s eponymous 1999 film starring Hugh Grant. And St Stephen’s Gardens has a film connection of its own.

A property a few doors down from No.10 was a film location for Michael Caine’s 1966 film Alfie. Also, talking of celebrities, until a few years ago Stella McCartney owned a house in an adjacent street and Ruby Wax lives nearby too. People like this are drawn to this neighbourhood of Notting Hill because it’s the best of many worlds – near Portobello Road but far away enough not to be too mobbed during the annual carnival

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but not far from Bayswater and also walking distance of three tube stations on two different lines.

St Stephen’s Gardens is also well placed for Notting Hill’s best eateries and places to hang out including Tom Conran’s champagne and oyster bars, The Cow and The Westbourne, both of which are just around the corner. On Chepstow Road there’s The Napoleon Bonaparte – famous for being pop band Blur’s favoured pub during the 1990s.

Another reason for the property’s popularity on Zoopla is its price. Those outside London might baulk at £850,000 for a one bedroom apartment but in Notting Hill it represents reasonable value and one-bedders closer to Bayswater and Notting Hill Gate can fetch up to £1.2 million.

“The market around here, like the rest of prime central London, cooled off rapidly this summer but recently it’s picked up again and we’ve been really busy – so I’m confident that we will find a buyer for this apartment fairly soon,” he says.

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all on 020 7354 3000 for a FREE quote Commercial & Residential Property Corporate & Commercial Disputes Employment Insolvency Wills & Probate

HELP WITH THE LEGAL DETAIL WHEN YOU WANT TO EXTEND YOUR LEASE OR BUY YOUR FREEHOLD

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PROPERTY | AWARDS

The ESTAS awards Why is customer service so important for estate agents? Any agent not providing excellent service will get found out very quickly, especially in this day and age of social media. To help agents we’ve designed an auto Tweet facility so agents can get their positive feedback comments straight out on social media networks creating their own online ‘customer care’ PR campaigns.

Why have the ESTAs joined forces with the Absolutely London titles this year?

We just want to spread The ESTAs message to as many quality agents as possible and Absolutely has lots of those!

They are just the type of agents who would benefit most from taking part.

How can members of the public vote/ rate their agent? Your agent needs to be registered with us before you can rate them so if they’re not let them know and email us via our website.

Absolutely Property is joined by…

SIMON BROWN

Why did you decide to start the ESTAS? My wife Sarah used to work for a local agent and it wasn’t until then that I realised how hard the job was. There are so many different factors to every deal and so many problems that can cause chains to fail. I realised then that most estate and letting agencies have a reputation they really don’t deserve. So I decided to start an award

Has it grown over the years?

Absolutely! It’s gone from strength to strength because the concept is simple and the benefits to agents start as soon as they sign up. The ESTAS logo on an agents’ website sends a clear message to new customers that the agent believes in providing the best service and they’re happy to prove it. As part of the competition process we also provide detailed client feedback reports to all agents taking part which enables them to measure their performance, highlights their strengths and weaknesses and helps them improve their service.

The 12th annual ESTAS ceremony takes place at the Hilton Park Lane on 17th April 2015. The awards will be presented by TV Property Expert Phil Spencer.

Phil Spencer

Founder of The ESTAS, Estate & Letting Agent Awards

scheme which recognises agents for the levels of customer service they provided their clients. However, I didn’t want to go down the route of a judging panel. I think if you’re going to judge any company in any industry on service the best people to rate that experience are the customers themselves. We managed to get Phil Spencer, the TV Property Expert, involved so in 2004 The ESTAS were born.

How can estate agents enter?

Agents can register by completing a simple entry form at www.theestas.com.

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See yourself at Smithfield Square.

A landmark new development for North London. Just launched.

Register your interest today to ensure you don’t miss this unique opportunity.

Smithfield Square is a collection of luxury suites, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments benefiting from a concierge service, gym, underground parking, private gardens and a Sainsbury’s superstore. Located on Hornsey High Street between Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Alexandra Palace, with central London just 15 minutes away, this unique development offers the perfect blend of London living.

1 bedroom apartments from £360,000. 2 bedroom apartments from £470,000.

To find out more call 020 3411 3672 or visit www.smithfieldsquare.co.uk Sales and Marketing Suite open daily, 10am to 5pm at Foxtons, 3-5 Crouch End Hill, London, N8 8DH Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

CGI’s indicative only. Prices and details correct at time of going to print. Parking subject to availability and by separate negotiation.

Train time from Hornsey Rail Station to Old Street Rail Station: Source www.tfl.gov.uk.

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SALES

Thane Villas, Holloway, N7 | ÂŁ1,100,000 Freehold A well presented 3 storey, mid terrace house.The property comprises reception with high ceiling, fireplace and original shutters, semi open plan fitted kitchen/diner, large master bedroom, 2nd double bedroom, 2 large single bedrooms, study/5th bedroom, 2 bathrooms, guest WC and South West facing garden.

Mid terrace house | 5 bedroom | Kitchen/diner | 2 bathrooms plus WC | Utility room | EPC rating: Band D

Harecourt Road, Highbury, N1 | ÂŁ1,000,000 Freehold Steeped with character and in need of modernisation, this charming 4 bed end of terrace family home. Retaining some original features, the property comprises 2 receptions, 4 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and separate WC. Chain free | 4 bedrooms | Reception | Period House | Dining room | Small rear garden | EPC rating: Band G

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LETTINGS

Holly Mansions, Fortune Green Road, West Hampstead, NW6 | ÂŁ370.00 Per Week A fantastic 2 bed apartment situated in the heart of West Hampstead.The property offers 2 double bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and large lounge area.

Located within walking distance of the various shops, bars, restaurants and transport facilities found at West Hampstead and West End Lane Apartment | 2 double bedroom | Spacious reception | Loft features | EPC rating: Band B

Hertslet Road, Holloway, N7 | ÂŁ323.00 Per Week A good size one bedroom flat with feature bay window.The property comprises of one bedroom, fitted kitchen/diner, spacious reception room, bathroom and private patio garden accessed via double French doors.

1 bedroom with bay window | Wood flooring throughout | Kitchen/diner | Close transport links | EPC rating: Band C

407-409 Holloway Road London N7 6HP t: 020 7607 5001 drivers.co.uk DN_JAN.indd 2

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Smart knows where the buyers are.

Make sure your agent is on Zoopla.

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PROPERTY | EXPERT ADVICE

ANDREW FLINT FROM COLMAN COYLE GIVES HIS EXPERT ADVICE ON ALL YOUR LEGAL PROPERTY QUESTIONS

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Currell Currell

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Q. I have recently bought a flat. A few weeks after I moved in, the managing agents sent me a service charge demand that includes some service charge relating to a period before I purchased the property. Do I have to pay this element of the demand?

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he short answer is yes. As the owner of the property, you are responsible for all service charges and ground rent even if there are arrears that relate to a period before you bought the property. Your solicitor would have ensured that the seller’s solicitor undertook to discharge any arrears at the date of completion.

However, what is likely to have been unknown at the time of your purchase is whether there was an excess service charge for the last financial year. An excess service charge will arise if the budgeted service charge is exceeded by the actual expenditure for the year in question. Because it can take 6 to 9 months for accounts to be audited, it will not be known whether there is an excess until such time as the final accounts are published. Because of this, it is common on the sales of flats for the seller’s solicitors to retain the sum of money to cover any possible excess that might arise relating to the seller’s period of ownership. As well as the last financial year, the seller would also be liable for a proportion of any excess that might be due for the current financial year so the retention will be held until such time as the final liability is known. I would therefore suggest that you contact your solicitors as I expect you will find that such an arrangement was made in relation to your own property.

Contact property partner Andrew Flint with no obligation on (0)20 7354 3000 or email andrew.flint@colmancoyle.com www.colmancoyle.com 80 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NU

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Offices throughout London

The Arthouse, N1C

ÂŁ1,400,000

ArtHouse is an extraordinary collection of unique, sustainable apartments that is the flagship of the regeneration project of Kings Cross. The building boasts a 24 hour Concierge service, video entry phones access to all and CCTV surveillance to the communal gardens. The development features 10 year NHBC warranty and will be overseen by the King's Cross estate and Building Management Teams. With 50 new buildings, 20 new streets and 10 new public squares, Kings Cross is becoming one of the most sought after residential addresses in London. Leasehold. EPC = B. Bloomsbury Office | 020 7291 0655 | Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

Eastcastle Street, W1W

ÂŁ1,800,000

An outstanding brand new two bedroom apartment situated just moments from Oxford Circus in the heart of Fitzrovia, the property is set within a newly renovated period building offering a rare opportunity to purchase an apartment in one of central London's most sought after postcodes, benefits include a private terrace, luxury kitchen and en-suite to master bedrooms. Leasehold. EPC = D

Bloomsbury Office | 020 7291 0655 | Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

Acton | Balham | Bloomsbury | Battersea | Camden | Clapham | Dulwich | Fulham | Hammersmith | Highbury | Islington | West Hampstead

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Duke's Road, WC1H

ÂŁ650,000

A large one bedroom property situated on the fourth floor of a beautiful mansion block building comprising of just ten flats. The property is located moments from Euston Station, Euston Square, Kings Cross and Russell Square within the sought after area of Bloomsbury. The property comprises of large reception room with feature fireplace, double bedroom, bathroom and kitchen with appliances. The property is light and airy and benefits from modern fittings throughout. Share of Freehold. EPC = E Bloomsbury Office | 020 7291 0655 | Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

Queen Square, WC1N

ÂŁ550,000

A beautifully refurbished, fifth floor apartment situated in one of Bloomsbury's most sought after mansion blocks, the property affords views across Queen Square, boasts a new, modern kitchen and bathroom along with wood flooring. The block itself offers communal grounds and a porter service. Leasehold. EPC = D

Bloomsbury Office | 020 7291 0655 | Bloomsbury@edmundcude.com

Acton | Balham | Bloomsbury | Battersea | Camden | Clapham | Dulwich | Fulham | Hammersmith | Highbury | Islington | West Hampstead

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Weststand Apartments, Highbury, N5

£699,950

Set in the development on the site of the former Arsenal Football Club is Highbury Stadium Square. The property is situated on the ground floor of the development and benefits from a stunning private west facing garden. The property comprises of an entrance hall leading to a spacious master bedroom with a luxury en-suite shower and a second double bedroom. The open plan living room has high ceilings and wood flooring and the modern kitchen units have been extended to create plenty of cooking and storage space. The garden has been paved and decked and includes two sheds for storage and is accessible from both bedrooms and the living room. Price includes one underground car space. EPC = B Highbury Office 020 7288 9440 info@kmjones.co.uk

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Highbury  Islington  West Hampstead

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Southstand Apartments, Highbury, N5

£499,950

The apartment comprises an entrance hall leading to an open plan living room with attractive wood flooring and floor to ceiling glass sliding door onto a private West facing balcony. The kitchen is fully fitted and includes dishwasher, fridge (with freezer section), oven with microwave and is all finished to an extremely high standard. The bathroom is beautifully appointed and includes a shower into the bath. The bedroom is carpeted and offers excellent storage in the form of a double size fitted wardrobe. The bedroom also comprises an East facing balcony. Perfect for a first time buyer or as an investment property as it can be purchased with tenants in place. EPC = B Highbury Office 020 7288 9440 info@kmjones.co.uk PART OF THE EDMUND CUDE GROUP

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Highbury  Islington  West Hampstead

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currell.com

North Mews, WC1 £1,150 per week* Secluded mews apartment An impressive two bedroom apartment in this popular development behind Gray’s Inn Road.

The apartment is available from mid January with furnishing negotiable.

Saffron Hill, EC1N £785 per week* Convenient City location Stunning two bedroom apartment spanning over 1100SqFt. Situated close to Hatton Garden and Farringdon Station, the apartment is available from late January.

*Tenancy fees apply. For more information visit www.currell.com/info/fees

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currell.com

Sidney Grove, EC1V ÂŁ1,199,950 Freehold Clerkenwell townhouse An immaculately presented three bedroom house, situated in a quiet mews, away from the bars and restaurants of Angel and Clerkenwell.

EPC Rating: C

Tompion Street, EC1V ÂŁ1,050,000 Freehold Unique opportunity A quirky Grade II listed house on the corner of Tompion Street and Northampton Square, requiring refurbishment. Easy access to Angel and Farringdon Stations.

Clerkenwell 020 7253 2533 clerkenwell@currell.com

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Stirling Ackroyd All around the City EC1Y

N1 £2,400,000

£925,000

SHOREDITCH SALES - SHEPHERDESS WALK A truly fantastic warehouse conversion spanning 2,711 sq ft of lateral space on the 2nd floor of the sought-after Shepherdess Walk Building. EPC - C

CLERKENWELL SALES – CHEQUER COURT This fantastic 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment is situated in a beautiful Victorian school conversion. EPC - E

SE1

WC1X

£845,000

£1,795,000

BANKSIDE SALES – BERMONDSEY CENTRAL A unique 2 bedroom penthouse apartment located in Bermondsey Central measuring 875 sq ft of internal space. EPC - D

WEST END SALES - LLOYD BAKER STREET A large 3 bedroom Regency home with a 50 ft garden in a highly desirable area. Offered chain free. EPC pending

BANKSIDE 020 7940 3888

SHOREDITCH 020 7749 3838

CLERKENWELL 020 7549 0606

HACKNEY 020 7749 3807

WEST END 020 7256 3244

IBIZA 0034 971 326 788

COMMERCIAL OFFICE ISTANBUL +90 (0)444 4493 020 7729 7763

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E1

EC1V

£995 pw

£1,150 pw

SHOREDITCH LETTINGS - HANBURY STREET A fantastic first floor character filled 1,650 sq ft 1 bedroom loft apartment boasting strip wood flooring & exposed brickwork. EPC - C

CLERKENWELL LETTINGS – COMPTON STREET Offering around 1,600 sq ft of lateral space this wonderful apartment is located in a small conversion development in Central Clerkenwell. EPC - C

SE1

WC1N

£675 pw

BANKSIDE LETTINGS - BLUE LION PLACE An absolutely fabulous 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom loft apartment situated on the 1st floor of this 1950’s warehouse conversion. EPC - C

£850 pw

WEST END LETTINGS – NORTH MEWS Brand new luxury 2 bedroom duplex finished to an exceptional standard on a quiet mews off Grays Inn Road. EPC – B

LETTINGS PRICES EXCLUDE ADDITIONAL FEES. PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

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KNiGHT FRANK THE PERFECT CHOICE Residential Sales and Lettings Our Islington office covers property for sale and to rent in N1, N1C, N5, N7, WC1 and EC1.

For more information visit our office at 353 Upper Street, or call 020 3641 6138

KnightFrank.co.uk/islington

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