Absolutely City&Angel : East : North by NorthWest February 2017

ABSOLUTELY CITY & ANGEL NORTH BY NORTHWEST EAST

FEBRUARY 2017 / £3.95

FAMILY FRIENDLY HALF-TERM HAPPENINGS

MOOMIN MANIA

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT TOVE JANSSON

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

A LUXURIOUS NEW RANGE OF RUGS

Primary Style GRAPHIC FASHION FOR FEBRUARY STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT C&A_COVER_Feb17.indd 1

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London +44 (0) 208 675 4808 www.indian-ocean.co.uk

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DESIGN & FUNCTION

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Febr uar y 2017

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c u lt u r e

fa s h i o n

ABSOLUTELY LOVES

22 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

10 things we really want this month

12 WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for February

14 MOOMIN MIDWINTER Celebrate the magical world of moomins

18 HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES

A school holiday spent away from the sofa

This month’s hottest trends and products

31 THE TREND

Get lost in the cosmos with star studded buys 32 LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN Absolutely meets fashion blogger Disneyrollergirl

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

40 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL The month's best beauty buys

43 DEEP PURPLE

Be inspired by aubergine-coloured beauty

CITY & ANGEL

FEBRUARY 2017 / £3.95

Food & Drink

FAMILY FRIENDLY HALF-TERM HAPPENINGS

MOOMIN MANIA

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT TOVE JANSSON

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

46 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Tasty happenings from the local area

A LUXURIOUS NEW RANGE OF RUGS

Primary Style

49 RESTAURANT REVIEW

Punchy Thai cuisine at Som Saa

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Covers: N12H SS17 available at n12h.com

interiors

64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

58 ROMAN HOLIDAY

Live like a local in the Eternal City

News and views from the designers

66 PUNK RUG

Vivienne Westwood's new interiors collaboration 69 CLEAN LIVING

Beautiful bathrooms from Drummonds

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PROPERTY

82 PROPERTY NEWS News and views on the area

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INSPIRATION & DESIGN

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EDITOR PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY ARTS & CULTURE WRITER HELEN BROWN ADVERTISING MANAGER RENEE ASHKETTLE SALES DIRECTOR ROLLO DENNISON COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR LEAH DAY-ABALOS PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY EDITOR TAMAR VANDERHOEK ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER EKREM YILMAZ DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MARKETING MANAGER NEFELI KRITIKOU FINANCIAL CONTROLLER JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscription@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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Fo l l ow Us O n T wi t t e r, In s t a g ra m a n d Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS

EDITOR’S letter

A

s February dawns and the 14th approaches, everything seems to take on a pinkish tinge. All the hearts and cupids become a bit relentless so in this issue we’ve kept it all to a minimum, restricting ourselves to some delicious Godiva chocolates on page 10 and a round-up of the most romantic restaurants London has to offer on page 64.

Instead let’s focus on fashion; this month we spoke with Navaz Batliwalla (aka Disneyrollergirl) about her new book The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman. A compendium of women who prize substance over mere style, it is a must-read for anyone who takes fashion seriously.

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Another impressive woman in the fashion-sphere is the the eternally fabulous Vivienne Westwood. It’s her venture into interiors that we are focusing on this month however. Her stylish new collection for The Rug Company is something to drool over on page 66.

With February also comes half-term.

A void to be filled with endless fun and games. Luckily, London has a wealth of activities to keep the kids off the sofa; we’ve rounded up the best on page 18. Enjoy the issue! ◆

Pendle Harte Editor

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AGE OF INNOCENCE

Shrimps designer Hannah Weiland conveyed a feeling of nostalgia and innocence through her resort 2017 collection, which was inspired by nursery rhymes and children’s drawings. shrimps.co.uk

10 Things We

ABSOLUTELY

BE MINE

Say it with champagne by having your own special message printed on the label of Fortum’s Rosé Champagne. £43.50; fortnumandmason.com

Compiled By

H E L E N B R OW N

BURGUNDY UPGRADE

Rev up your SS17 edit with this burgundy piece from Victoria

by Victoria Beckham that does everything but blend in. £985; net-a-porter.com

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ROSES ARE RED

Inspired by a blend of seven of the world's exquisite roses, this bath oil is the essence of modern romance. £55; jomalone.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY / LOVES ENGLISH ROSE

The essence of femininity, fall in love with Rosie’s three bestselling perfumes inspired by the luxurious scent of rose, perfect for Valentine’s Day and available exclusively at Marks & Spencer. marksandspencer.com

SCENTS OF LOVE Inspired by the red Tubéreuse at dusk, this heady candle intoxicates, captivates and beguiles. £55; diptyqueparis.co.uk

LOVE BITE

A mark of Cutler and Gross' signature creativity, these Acetate Mirrored Love Bite sunglasses are the perfect playful accent to off-duty looks. £330; net-a-porter.com

VELVET EDGE

Channel a glamorous rock and roll attitude with the mix of cool Western edge and velvet femininity from Chloé's statement Susanna boot. £870; chloe.com

SWEET TREATS

TWINKLING TIMEPIECE

Beautifully simple, this 14 piece heart box is a delight, whether you decide to give it as a gift or indulge in it yourself. £20; godiva.com

This manually wound timepiece is adorned with ruby hour markers to form a beautiful balance against its cherry red alligator strap. £49,390; patek.com

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Armoury in Action Absolutely Advert (210x297mm) 11/01/2017 11:01 Page 1

NEW INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION

Armoury in Action

This February half term discover the weapons, skills and people that make up 1,000 years of Tower history in this new hands-on exhibition.

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The Parallax Scrolling screening programme, curated by Rebecca Lewin, Nicholas Hatfull, Lauren Keeley and Jackson Sprague at Breeselittle, from 27 January

> WHAT'S ON

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MOOMIN MANIA

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HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES p. 18

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FLEW THE COOP

Fro m 14 Fe b r u a r y Ne w D i no ra m a T he a tre nspired by real lives, this darkly funny and highly imaginative production takes I a look at two of WWII’s most singular characters, Rosa Rauchback and Horace Greasley, in a blend of storytelling, movement, music and clever effects. u 15-16 Triton St, Kings Cross, NW1; newdinorama.com

BAUER BROTHERS

National Wedding Show

O n go i n g t h ro u gh o u t Fe b r u a r y Na tu ra l H i s to r y M u s e u m rguably the most accomplished natural A history artists of all time, Franz and his brother Ferdinand spent their lives drawing nature. This is a rare opportunity to see their works and watercolours, which are both beautiful and scientifically accurate. u Cromwell Road, SW7; nhm.ac.uk

17-1 9 Feb r u a r y O ly m pia L on d on

With many different features including designer wedding dresses, flower markets, afternoon tea and handmade accessories, brides and grooms-to-be will find inspiration to help plan their special day. Enjoy the spectacular catwalk show, update your styling knowledge and get professional tips on choosing the perfect dress.

Hammersmith Road, W14; nationalweddingshow.co.uk

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LONDON WINTER RUN

5 Fe b r u a r y Va r i o u s L o ndo n l o c a ti o ns est your fitness, take in the Capital's T landmarks and raise money for Cancer Research UK. The route is full of the sights and sounds of the City, every kilometre giving a new snowy experience and will suit all abilities and ambitions. u Starts at Trafalgar Square, WC2N; londonwinterrun.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

ROALD DAHL AT 100 O n go i n g T he B r i ti s h Li b ra r y o mark the spectacular T centenary anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth, Sir Quentin Blake has drawn special portraits of some of the most celebrated characters from Dahl’s stories. Featured sitters include Matilda, Charlie Bucket and the BFG like you’ve never seen before. Each picture is new and has never before appeared in a book. u 96 Euston Road, NW1; bl.uk

must see

A Midsummer Night's Dream From 16 February

CHARLEROI DANSES

You ng Vic

Shakespeare’s unparalleled tale of young love, betrayal and desire is body retold in this production of dark fantasy and nightmarish vision. Director Joe Hill-Gibbins has dived into the subconscious of this classic masterpiece to create a piece that is daring and wildly unorthodox in its staging.

1- 4 Fe bruar y B arbic an ourney through one woman’s J memories in this potent story of love and loss that stars a dexterous duo of dancing hands. Charleroi Danses' Kiss & Cry draws on contemporary dance, cinematography, puppetry and poetic storytelling to produce a theatrical gem that returns to the Barbican, having enchanted audiences across the globe with its charm, originality and poignancy. u Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk

66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1; youngvic.org

EVENT OF THE MONTH

VAULT FESTIVAL O n go i n g th ro u gh o u t Feb r u ary Var i o u s lo c ati o n s

ault Festival returns with a boldly diverse programme. Each week will premier exciting new shorts and features, including The Great Gatsby, Love Comes Later and Adele Is Younger Than Us. When the

V

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curtain comes down the band starts up. Dance the night away every weekend and enjoy food from a number of London’s award-winning vendors.  For more information visit vaultfestival.com

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ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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ARTS & CULTURE / FOCUS

MOOMIN midwinter

The craze for all things Nordic continues with a strong focus on Moomins throughout 2017. Absolutely celebrates their magical world Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e

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ARTS & CULTURE / FOCUS

SHOP

MOOMIN PIECES

Arabia’s Moomin range is available at skandium.com

I

f 2016 was the year of hygge, then 2017 is set to be the year of the Moomins. The Southbank Centre has launched Nordic Matters, a year of Scandinavianthemed events, which kicks off with Adventures in Moominland, an immersive exhibition dedicated to the rounded inhabitants of Moominvalley and their Finnish creator, Tove Jansson. Other global Moomin happenings in 2017 incude the opening of a new museum in Finland, the launch of a new animated series by Wallace and Gromit’s Steve Box and an Easter Moomin festival at Kew Gardens.

The exhibition at the Festival Hall focuses heavily on Jansson’s life, featuring original illustrations and artworks as well as letters and personal items from her studio, displayed in an interactive world based on the Nordic landscape of the books. Several of the Moomin stories, such as Comet in Moominland (1946) and Moomin Midwinter (1957) were written against the backdrop of political and socio-economic change in Finland and heavily influenced by Tove’s relationships with family, friends and lovers which defined the narrative and character development. Written during a time of hardship and war, the tolerant world of Moominvalley offered a refuge from the harshness of reality. Jansson explored her art and own sexuality within the confines of this changing political landscape - and her friends, enemies, fears and hopes often found themselves manifested in the complex and emotional stories.

Accompanying the Southbank’s exhibition is a pop-up Moomin store in the Festival Hall, selling the ever-popular

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Moomin homewares. Finish design company Arabia started manufacturing Moomin-themed children’s ceramics, using Jansson’s original illustrations, in the late 1950s, and a second launch in the 1990s kicked off a Moomin boom that has never really gone away. The high quality ceramics with their simple, practical shapes and the high-shine glaze of the colourful Moomin motifs make the pieces highly collectible – and the limited edition ranges particularly so.

The Moomin-themed Easter extravaganza at Kew Gardens is an exciting interactive trail exploring the hidden depths of the gardens, passing vibrant displays of fritillaries, camassias and tulips, and culminating at a magical Moomin Camp in the wild woodland of the Conservation Area.

Sophia Jansson, creative director of Moomin Characters and niece of Tove Jansson, said: “All of the inhabitants of Moominvalley possess a deep love and respect for nature, from the Hemulens who spend their time collecting plants or butterflies to the adventurous Snufkin, whose music is inspired by the landscape around him.” ◆ l Adventures in Moominland continues at the Royal Festival Hall until 23 April.

Book tickets at southbankcentre.co.uk or call 020 7960 4200 l The Moomins Easter Adventure comes to Kew Gardens from 1 to 17 April. kew.org

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Half-term

HAPPENINGS London’s offering of events and activities to keep the little ones entertained over the holiday Wo r d s H e l e n B r o w n

M ag i cal L ante r n F e s t i va l

Magical Lantern Festival

K

ids will be engaged for hours exploring this fairytale world of light sculptures and Chinese art at Chiswick House and Gardens. 65 acres have been packed with a dazzling extravaganza of lights, music theatre and a lantern adventure formed of wildlife, nature, and architecture. Elsewhere lies a 600 square metre ice rink, photo opportunities, lantern riddles, a mini funfair and games. Guests can step inside the world of Virtual Reality, from running with dinosaurs to virtual roller coasters and delight in a mouth-watering range of international cuisine and traditional street food. ◆ Open Thursday to Sunday, from 5pm until 10pm Chiswick House, Conservatory Yard, W4;

The Sherlock Holmes Experience

magicallantern.uk

The Sherlock Holmes Experience

O

nce home to the Chamber of Horrors, the basement of Madame Tussauds has been transformed into Sherlock Holmes-themed interactive experience, which brings the world of the fictional detective to life. Children will discover Holmes's drawing room, walk along a lamp-lit Victorian street and search for the infamous 'demon' hound on a dark moor. This is a permanent addition to Madame Tussauds London and is included in the venue's entry price. ◆ Open daily from 8:30am until 6pm.

Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, NW1;

madametussauds.com

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ARTS & CULTURE / AGENDA The Cartoon Museum

Fire! Fire!

V

enture back in time with the kids to relive the Great Fire of 1666, a disaster that has shaped the London we know today. They will discover the city before, during and after the Great Fire of London, with an interactive exhibition that marks the fire's 350th anniversary. Let them explore a recreated Pudding Lane, the scene where the fire began, and understand how the city overcame the disaster to emerge through the rubble stronger than ever. Rarely seen 17th-century artifacts are on display as well personal accounts from Londoners alive at the time. ◆ Open daily from 10am until 6pm.

150 London Wall, EC2Y;

museumoflondon.org

Fire! Fire!

The Cartoon Museum

T

O r c h i d F e s t i va l

he Cartoon Museum is London's first museum, dedicated to showing the best British cartoons, comics, caricatures and animation from the 18th century to the present day. Downstairs the artists' names are immediately recognisable; upstairs – where comic strip art from 2000AD, the Dandy and the Beano is displayed – is much more about the characters portrayed; from Rupert the Bear, Dan Dare and Judge Dredd. There is an excellent shop and children's animation workshops are held during school holidays. ◆ Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30am until 5:30pm.

35 Little Russell St, WC1A;

Orchid Festival

A

celebration of the orchid returns for its 22nd year, this time inspired by the vibrant colours, culture and magnificent plant life of India. Children will be amazed by gigantic floral displays in the shape of elephants, peacocks, tigers and a giant Indian flag, created using exotic orchids; alongside decorative rickshaws, Indian soundscapes, films and much more. The festival includes special half term activities for the little ones, including block printing, Bodhi leaf colouring and face painting. ◆ Open 11am until 3:30pm Royal Botanic Gardens, TW9; kew.org

cartoonmuseum.org

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20% OFF TICKETS WHEN YOU QUOTE ‘ABSOLUTELY’

CATWALK SHOWS DESIGNER SHOPPING INDUSTRY TALKS Fashion has a new home!

The Store Studios, 180 Strand WC2R @LFW_Festival #LFWFestival www.londonfashionweekfestival.com

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> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

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TREND: STARRY-EYED

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THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN

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FAUX CHIC Known for their funky take on faux fur, Shrimps is the hot fashion label that has spawned a thousand copycats. Launched in 2013, the brand’s Insta-friendly popsicle scarves quickly transported them to fashion stardom. For Resort '17 the brand has harnessed a palette of dusty pinks and blues, alongside hits of high-shine vinyl. shrimps.co.uk

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st y l e C e n t r a l

It's all about striped knits, sustainable party-wear and luxe lingerie this February Wo r d s j oy m o n t g o m e r y

BRAND PROFILE:

SIG NEIGUM Sculptural and timeless: Neigum is the designer to name-drop this season WHO?

Sid Neigum made his London Fashion Week debut last year with an inventive, cohesive, and most importantly, wearable collection, rendered in rich autumnal hues. Holding back from the look-at-me, high drama aesthetic that so often befalls new designers, Neigum handled drapery, fabric and fit with dexterity and maturity. For AW16 the designer premised his collection on the golden ratio – 1 x 1.618 – offering just the right amount of trend-led details (hello cold-shoulders and statement sleeves) alongside an innovative use of rich wool and camel hair.

◆

WHERE?

Based in Toronto, the young designer studied science at university before enrolling in the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2009. He went on to collect an array of awards, including the Toronto Fashion Incubator New Labels award, Mercedes-Benz StartUp competition, and most recently was invited to apply for the prestigious ANDAM fashion award. Talk about a busy year.

◆

Knitted Out

WHAT NOW?

Since his fashion week debut, the buzz surrounding Neigum's brand has gathered momentum. Heralded as ‘a brand to watch’ by British Vogue, the label's looks have appeared on countless high-profile Instagram feeds. For SS17 the designer has upped his game with a simple yet striking collection comprised of black, white, red and gold. From an innovative take on the classic white shirt and a beautifully draped lazer cut dress, to a fire engine red cold-shoulder blouse, this collection delivers hero piece after hero piece, and we want it all. sidneigum.com

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Wo o l a n d t h e G a n g x & O t h e r S t o r i e s

Our favourite designer-look high street store has joined forces with UKbased brand Wool and the Gang, to bring a bit of DIY to your wardrobe.

Championing a more sustainable approach to fashion, Wool and the Gang’s collaboration with & Other Stories features a variety of ready-made knitted pieces alongside ‘knit kits’, which offer fashion-lovers a chance to get crafty and create their own looks. Who says knitting was just for grannies? stories.com

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FASHION / NOTES

5 STYLE STEAL

of the best

Madeleine Thompson

Gucci’s striped cashmere knit won the hearts of the fashion crowd this season with its vibrant hues and Alessandro Michele geek chic appeal. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to Gucci then Madeleine Thompson’s striped knit is a serous dopplegänger. Simply pair with straight leg jeans and patent ankle boots come spring. £299; madeleine-thompson.com

LINGERIE BRANDS Best For Basics: HANKY PANKY

DRESS TO IMPRESS Reformation

Meet Reformation: the womenswear label making sustainable fashion chic.

Gracing countless red carpet events and high profile parties, the brand's simple yet striking looks are catnip for fashion-forward a-listers. Whether it’s a velvet mini, silken slip dress or floorskimming show-stopper - Reformation has occasion-wear covered. thereformation.com

Sweetheart Mesh Bralette, £65; Signature Lace Bikini - Blossom, £32; harrods.com

Best For Date Nights: L’AGENT BY AGENT PROVOCATEUR

Above: Anjelica Nude Playsuit, £110; Idalia Red Bra & Brief, from £28; lagentbyap.com

SHEER PERFECTION Iro

The shearling jacket is another example of the military trend extending its reach across AW16’s eclectic fashionscape. Iro’s blush pink iteration will summon visions of an ever-nearing spring, while still keeping you protected from February’s cold bite.

Cosy, chic and cocooning what’s not to love? £1,850; iroparis.com

editor’s

PICK

Best For Show-Stoppers: LOVE & LEMONS

Left: Bodysuit, £198; Right: Lace Bra, £145; yoox.com

HIGH HEEL APPEAL Lucy Choi

It's official: mid-height heels are having a moment. Forget the orthopaedic styles of yesteryear and modernise the look with these perfect pointed middies in animal print pony hair, courtesy of Lucy Choi. They will offer serious style credentials when paired with cropped flares and a sparkly knit. £230; shoplucychoilondon.com

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Best For Girly Sets: FLEUR OF ENGLAND

Boudoir Bra & Brief, both £95, fleurofengland.com

Best For Classic Styles: HEIDI KLUM

Black Bra & Brief, from £27; yoox.com

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free

SPI R I T Hayley Menzies’ new collection is titled Love Story, for its romantic flowing fringes and tassle details.

Wrap up in textured luxury this season Photography zoe mcconnell

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Make-up by Jane Bradley Statement accessories and knitwear by Hayley Menzies hayleymenzies.com

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ABSOLUTELY london

www.absolutely.london is now live

Your guide to inspirational London living From the team behind Absolutely Magazines

FOLLOW US AT @AbsolutelyMagazines @absolutely_mags

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FASHION / TREND PAUL & JOE Star print silk shirt, £303; boutique1.com

BELLA FREUD Cashmere star spangle jumper in ivory, £380; bellafreud.com

MARY KATRANTZOU Stardom coat burgundy, £2,190; marykatrantzou.com

JIMMY CHOO Lockett petite patchwork shoulder bag, £1,409; jimmychoo.com

ELLIE SAAB SS17

MADGA BUTRYM Miami dress, £1,950; magdabutrym.com

ZARA Stars shirt, £29.99; zara.com STELLA MCCARTNEY Star-print low-slung skinny jeans, £415; matchesfashion.com

DIANE KORDAS Diamond & rose-gold Star ring, £1,269; dianekordasjewellery.com

ATTICO Cher star embellished dress, £1,157.44; farfetch.com

PERFECT MOMENT Star dust sweater, £275; perfectmoment.com

STARRY-EYED Get lost in the cosmos this season B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

VALENTINO Garavani tan-go pumps, £760; matchesfashion.com

MARC JACOBS Star patchwork leather continental wallet, £160; marcjacobs.com

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CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA Galactica metallic leather & velvet ankle boots, £865; charlotteolympia.com

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The League of Gentlewomen Absolutely meets Navaz Batliwalla, aka Disneyrollergirl, author of The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman

T

ime is such a valuable resource; there are literally only 24 hours in a day and that’s never going to change. I think people are starting to realise that it’s so precious.”

This is a sentiment you might expect from an elderly relative or perhaps a disenchanted lawyer-turnedyoga-instructor, but not from a fashion blogger star-cum-creative consultant.

Navaz Batliwalla, aka Disneyrollergirl, is in many ways the quintessential millennial style maven. Her hit blog chronicles the ins and outs and ups and downs of a fast-paced, multi-million dollar industry. Her Instagram is a wellcurated tableaux of style inspiration, beauty product assemblage and glimpses into an exclusive and glamorous bubble.

Yet, in a seemingly curveball move, she has written a book. Not only this, she has written a book that espouses the value of timeworn objects and the joy of style that transcends the trend-led mania of contemporary fashion.

The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman is a series of profiles and

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PHOTO: EMMA MIRANDA MOORE

I n t e r v i e w J oy m o n tg o m e ry

There’s a belief that POSSESSIONS are SOMEHOW SHALLOW,

but I disagree

interviews with women who embody this unique and seemingly counter-cultural ‘gentlewoman’ aesthetic. "She’s the type of woman who loves design and is a voracious shopper, yet craves meaningful things, rather than chasing trends."

Navaz explains. "She is careful about what she buys because she likes quality."

The book is illustrated with stunning photography that captures these women – from fashion designers and CEOs to singer-songwriters and comediennes – in their homes and creative studios.

In an age of e-books, photo-sharing and perfectly edited Instagram feeds, these eclectic, imperfect and personal spaces become as biographical as the interviews themselves. Well-thumbed books and coffee table detritus are relics of their owners’ stories and embody the garconne’s reverence of beautiful, physical objects. "There’s a belief that possessions are somehow shallow, but I disagree", Navaz argues. "We can’t help attaching an emotional value to things that represent a moment in time or a personal landmark."

Navaz set up her blog in 2007 when she was working as fashion director at

32 13/01/2017 10:24

FASHION / PROFILE

PHOTO: DONNA WALLACE © KASIA BOBULA

Cosmo Girl magazine. Disneyrollergirl began as a way for the editor to practice her prose (there was minimal writing on the magazine), yet she decided to remain anonymous. Soon the readers started to trickle in, intrigued by this person with such unique insight into an elusive industry. "At the time blogs were really insignificant. No one bothered to look at them and there weren’t very many, especially in the UK," she explains. "But as time went on they started to gain power - in terms of speaking directly to like-minded people and consumers.

These days people tend to set up blogs because they see it as a glamorous career, as opposed to having something to say."

This rejection of fashion’s commodification is at the heart of The New Garconne. Navaz alludes to the overwhelming ‘content overload’ and ‘perfectionism’ of social media, and

These days people tend to SET UP BLOGS because they SEE IT as a GLAMOROUS CAREER

33 NH_Jan17_NAVAZ FASHION.indd 33

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:24

Sweet Dreams Introducing PowerView® Motorisation from Luxaflex® A remarkable new system that moves your shades throughout the day, so you don’t have to. Create personalised settings with your smart phone or tablet, or use our uniquely designed Pebble® remote control to activate your favourite pre-set program.

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FASHION / PROFILE PHYLLIS WANG © ELISE TOÏDÉ

lives of modern 20 and 30-somethings.

They crave the constant influx of data yet feel disillusioned by the disconnection of digital life. Navaz Batliwalla’s book comes with the renewed fetishisation for homemade, artisanal produce and the touchy-feely appeal of scandi living (hello hygge). This is where The New Gentlewoman succeeds: Navaz Batiwalla captures the zeitgeist of a generation overwhelmed by choice, and instead offers an antidote in the form of modern day muses who propse a different, and perhaps more appealing, way of living.

Welcome to the future.  The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman is out now. Published by Laurence King. £16.95

People are wanting TO SLOW DOWN & be more mindful of things like ENDURANCE A& SUSTAINABILITY

BELLA FREUD © KASIA BOBULA

instead looks to ‘minimalist and calm’ magazines like Kinfolk and fashion brands such as Céline and &OtherStories. Are we approaching an era that rejects the Kardashianisation of fashion and visual culture? "I’ve never really liked the celebritification of fashion." She muses.

"Most people like it because they want to be told what to wear - they like following.

However I’ve been working in fashion for years and that’s the way it works: everything is a reaction to whatever has gone before it."

Whether it’s putting away your phone and picking up a book, or choosing quality over quantity, it’s clear that Navaz sees ‘slow’ as the adjective of choice for 2017. This may seem counterintuitive considering the number of brands jumping on the ‘shop from the runway’ bandwagon, yet Navaz remains optimistic for the future: "It would seem that if this carries on fashion is only going to get faster, with people consuming more and more, but I don’t think it’s going to work out this way. I feel like people are wanting to slow down and be more mindful of things like endurance and sustainability."

The tension between digital and detox embodied in The New Garconne may seem contradictory (it’s worth noting that the book’s concept was developed on a Pinterest board) however it's a contradiction that is ever-present in the

35 NH_Jan17_NAVAZ FASHION.indd 35

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:24

SWEETPEA JEWELLERY.indd 1

12/01/2017 16:14

FASHION / JEWELLERY

UNDER THE SEA 1

2

3

8

6

4

7

5

1 OSCAR DE LA RENTA JET SEA TANGLE CUFF, £318; modaoperandi.com • 2 FERNANDO JORGE FLUID PARAIBAS BRACELET, £3,800; harrods.com 3 ANNELISE MICHELSON ALGAE SEA LEAVES EARRINGS, £382; annelisemichelson.com • 4 LYDIA COURTEILLE, 18-KARAT WHITE GOLD SAPPHIRE & AGATE EARRINGS, £15,450; net-a-porter.com • 5 ANNOUSHKA MYTHOLOGY LOBSTER AMULET, £7,500; annoushka.com • 6 STEPHEN WEBSTER TOPKAT 18-KARAT GOLD DIAMOND NECKLACE, £2,550, stephenwebster.com • 7 VENYX LADY V RING, £1,700; net-a-porter.com 8 MIZUKI 14-KARAT GOLD PEARL EARRINGS, £1,310; mizukijewelry.com

37 USE_NH_Jan17_JEWELLERY.indd 37

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 11:33

YOUR HAIR. OUR CONCERN

HAIR • BEAUTY • LASER

Tel 020 7936 4005

STUDIO M.A_V2indd.indd 1

34 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AY

www.studio-ma.co.uk

15/11/2016 16:37

> BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL p. 40 TREND: DEEP PURPLE p. 43

LEADING LADY Photographed by David Sims, styled by Katie Grand and fronted by Winona Ryder; Marc Jacobs' latest beauty campaign is a seriously star-studded affair. Inspired by one of the designers’ favourite films, The Last Year at Marienbad, this artistic campaign exudes plenty of enigmatic Parisian glamour. marcjacobsbeauty.com

39 CHIS_Feb17_BEAUTY OPENER.indd 39

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:28

b e au t y R e v i e w

Perfect pedicures, age-defying skincare and the best date night-ready smokey eye palettes W o r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

CEDARS DERMATOLOGY Sloane Street

W o r d s J oy M o n t g o m e r y

I

f we say the words ‘facial peel’ the first thing that might spring to mind is Sex and The City’s Samantha Jones’ raw red complexion - not a pretty picture.

However with peels experiencing a surge in popularity we decided to find out more, with the help of Dr Anjali Mahto. Firstly, it turns out not all peels are the same. The strength of the solution varies according to your needs: from light fruit peels to more intensive offerings. After a thorough skin analysis Dr Anjali suggested we try the fruit peel, as they require zero downtime and are great for tackling pigmentation and boosting radiance.

Dr Anjali began by taking off our makeup before applying the peel, which was 40% mandelic acid, with a small brush. The peel was then left on for just over 5 minutes but, contrary to popular belief, the process wasn’t painful. Next the peel was taken off and the neutraliser applied - Dr Anjali explained this tends to be the less comfortable part of the process, and although the tingling became more intense, it was manageable.

The immediate after-effects was slightly red and tight skin, however both had worn off after around 30 minutes. Apart from a slight dryness, the side-effects over the following week were minimal, and after a few days we noticed our make-up gliding on and our skin developing a healthy glow. For a long-lasting impact on blemishes and scarring, Dr Anjali recommends a series of fruit acid peels perfect that special event (take note brides).

Stunning, long-lasting results without an invasive procedure? Sign us up. ◆

C A D O GA N C L I N I C 120 Sloane St, London SW1X 9BW cedarsderm.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_Feb17_Beauty notes.indd 40

Under Cover Nars

From the brand that brought you cult classics, including The Multiple and Orgasm Blush, comes Soft Matte Complete Concealer, the makeup artist approved cover-up to invest in now. Coming in 16 shades, Nars’ new formula is ideal for all skin types and will offer sufficient coverage without the cakey finish. Plus, with the addition of hyaluronic acid, this product will keep your skin hydrated all day long. narscosmetics.com

40 13/01/2017 10:30

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

5

HEAVENLY HAIR Cloud Nine

of the best

Achieving this year's 'undone' styling look is not an easy feat for the average woman, however with Cloud Nine’s wave wand you’ll be nailing mussed-up waves in your sleep. This ingenious wide-barrelled hair tool creates loose waves effortlessly, taking you from day to night with ease. cloudninehair.com

ROMANTIC SMOKEY EYE PALETTES

1

AGELESS APPEAL La Prairie

Line Interception Power Duo is La Prairie’s latest innovation in its fight against ageing.

Targeting wrinkles at their inception, this two-step day and night intensive formula offers an alternative to professional procedures, and in just two weeks can make a real difference to your complexion.

Youthful, glowing skin here we come. laprairie.com

2

SHINE BRIGHT Windle & Moodie

Windle & Moodie’s Light Shine Spray was developed in the world of editorial styling where instant shine was needed to give hair camera-ready glamour. Now we can have the power of the professionals in our hands with this weightless spray. Apply to lengths for a healthy shimmer, or simply spray onto ends for tousled chic. windleandmoodie.com

4

editor's

PICK SKIN SAVIOUR Healgel

Whether it’s chapped lips, dry elbows or dehydrated dermis, Healgel is the multi-tasking wonder product we’re going mad for. This non-oily aqueous gel has been created to soothe and repair stressed skin and features a plethora of skin-loving ingredients. We use ours as a intensive moisturising night mask for baby soft skin come morning. healgel.co.uk

41 Chis_Feb17_Beauty notes.indd 41

3 5

1. CHANEL, MULTI-EFFECT QUASAR EYESHADOW, £40; chanel.com 2. LANCÔME, HYPNÔSE PALETTE, £38; lancome.com 3. CHARLOTTE TILBURY, LUXURY PALETTE IN THE GOLDEN GODDESS, £38; charlottetilbury.com 4. MAC, VELUXE PEARLFUSION SHADOW IN GREENLUXE, £25; maccosmetics.co.uk 5. NARS, NARSISSIST MATTE/SHIMMER EYESHADOW PALETTE, £39; narscosmetics.com

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:30

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Book a treatment or buy a voucher for someone special today.

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LAB SPA.indd 1 10390_Spa Valentines Ad for Absolutely Magazine (Feb 17 Issue).indd 1

10:32 13/01/2017 10:20

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS SOIGNE

Nail Polish - Robe Velours; £11 soignenails.com

TOM FORD

CLINIQUE

Creme Color For Eyes Midnight Violet; £30 tomford.com

Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm; £22 clinique.co.uk

DEBORAH LIPPMANN

Nail Polish - Dark Side of The Moon; £10 deborahlippmann.com

KJAER WEIS

Eye Shadow - Pretty Purple; £32; kjaerweis.com

MAC

Lipstick - Instigator; £15.50 maccosmetics.co.uk

KIEHL’S

Super Multi Corrective Cream; £48 kiehls.co.uk

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Lip Cheat Lip Liner Bad Romance; £16 charlottetilbury.com

JINSOON

Nail Polish Risque; £14 jinsoon.com

CHANTECAILLE

24 Hour Waterproof Eyeliner - Orchid; £22 chantecaille.com

ORBIE

Lacquer High Shine Nail Polish - The Violet; £24 oribe.com

DEEP PURPLE

Be inspired by auberginecoloured hues this February

LAURA MERCIER

Creme Eye Liner - Violet; £19.50; lauramercier.com

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

SURRATT ILLAMASQUA

Complement Eye Shadow Palette; £34 beautyinhighdefinition.com

Lipidique Peccadille; £22 cultbeauty.co.uk

HD BEAUTY

Eye Shadow - Vamp; £28 beautyinhighdefinition.com

43 Chis_Feb17_BeautyProducts_.indd 43

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:29

R E S TA U R A N T & B A R D E D I C AT E D TO T H E R E G I O N A L C U I S I N E O F P U G L I A

Q U E E N ’ S PA R K 43–45 LONSDALE ROAD, LONDON NW6 6RA 020 7624 8035 HIGHGATE 1 HAMPSTEAD LANE, LONDON N6 4RS O S T U N I R E S T A U R A N T. C O . U K

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25/08/2016 22/03/2016 10:12 18:28

> KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL: ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS, PINK FIZZ AND VALENTINE'S MACARONS

p. 46

ASIAN FLAVOU RS Be transported to Asia with China: The Cookbook. The vast tome of more than 650 recipes is a shortcut to authentic Chinese cooking, from popular staples like Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs and Dim Sum to lesser-known regional classics like Fujian Fried Rice and Jiangsu’s Drunken Chicken. £29.95, Phaidon Press; phaidon.com

45 Chis_Feb17_Food_Opener.indd 45

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:43

Fo o d f o r t h o u g h t

kitchen

3 of the Best

BAKERIES From biskies to éclairs to freshly baked cinnamon buns, we’ve whipped together the best in London pâtisseries for you to sink your teeth into

CONFIDENTIAL London’s food news and delicious things to see you through February Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

By Julia Krupsk a

P E A R L & G R O OV E

Pearl & Groove are the go-to for sweet treats with a twist. Appeasing cravings in the healthiest of ways, ground almonds are used instead of regular flour and every creation is gluten free, forming a nutritious but still wholesomely delectable pudding.

341 Portobello Road, W10 pearlandgroove.com

NORDIC BAKERY

Indulge in a touch of hygge at the Nordic Bakery. This Scandinavian style coffee shop specialises in dark rye bread and cinnamon buns - offering a safe sanctuary to indulge in the two. Also home to the #MyQuietMoment hashtag, they encourage customers to upload a majorly instagrammable snapshot.

37b New Cavendish Street, W1G nordicbakery.com

Thai Guy

MAITRE CHOUX

Maitre Choux is the chic pâtisserie specialising in éclairs and choux pastry. For those not in the know, this light pastry dough contains a soft, hollow inside with a golden, crispy outer shell. They make for the perfect gift box and with Michelin-starred pastry chef Joakim Prat hand-crafting each creation, they’re guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning of taste buds.

15 Harrington Road, SW7 maitrechoux.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

C&A_Feb17_Food_Notes.indd 46

Kiln

Smoking Goat founder Ben Chapman has once again caused a stir with his latest opening Kiln. As the name suggests, grilled dishes are cooked over an open fire, while plates inspired by the Thai borderlands are packed with spices. kilnsoho.com

46 13/01/2017 10:44

FOOD & DRINK / NOTES

WINE O’CLOCK Enfant Terrible

The brains behind Michelin-starred Pidgin have opened this teeny tiny wine bar, a stripped-back space with 12 metal counter stools and shelves stocked with today’s bottles. A barbershop by day and bar by night, the new opening has a daily changing wine list, cocktails and bar snacks. etbarlondon.com

TO P 5

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS

editor’s

PICK VALENTINE’S MACARONS Pierre Hermé Macarons

Make a splash this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful box of 18 macarons from Pierre Hermé. Voted the World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2016, he has won over crowds with his chocolate boxes and melt-in-the mouth macarons. This latest collection, based on the impish character of Cupidon, is no exception. pierreherme.com

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner it’s time to lock down a table reservation. Make this the year you really treat yourself and your other half with our picks for dining in the capital.

01

CLOS MAGGIORE Romantic settings don’t get more splendidly over the top than Clos Maggiore, which comes bedecked with a forest of white blossoms, fairy lights and candles. If you can peel your eyes away from the décor, sample their Provençal-inspired menu, with dishes like pollock fillet and gazpacho.

closmaggiore.com

02

ALAIN DUCASSE AT THE DORCHESTER One of the world’s most decorated chefs, Alain Ducasse’s incomparable French cuisine - served in a suitably pared-back restaurant - is where to book if you're really looking to impress (and don't mind blowing the budget.)

DRINKING DEN Hopscotch

Jonathan Cowley, who has recently worked with Chick ‘n’ Sours, Street Feast and Bleecker St Burger has opened a drinking & dining den in the heart of London’s vibrant Brick Lane. Playfully called Hopscotch, it serves sharing plates with a host of great cocktails, and promises to be the ultimate antidote to bad news and cold weather.

202 Brick Lane, E1; hopscotchldn.com

alainducasse-dorchester.com

03

BOB BOB RICARD At Bob Bob Ricard there is a palpable energy and sense of fun that you will struggle to find elsewhere. Slip into one of the Orient Express railcar-inspired booths and ‘press for champagne’ – trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

bobbobricard.com

04

HIDDEN GEM Ember

Designed by award-winning founder Ross McNally, the copper and teal interiors of new hidden bar and dining destination Ember London make it the place to see and be seen. Stop by to sample the tasting menu of Asian-influenced contemporary small plates, washed down with sake.

1A Pudding Ln, EC3R ember.london

47 C&A_Feb17_Food_Notes.indd 47

PETERSHAM NURSERIES Housed within the Petersham Nurseries garden centre, the café has rustic charm galore, complete with a stately greenhouse vibe, meadow on its doorstep, and mostly Italian cooking.

petershamnurseries.com

05

MARIANNE London’s smallest fine dining restaurant seats just 14 people and serves divine desserts like lemon cream and raspberry sorbet, adorned with a tiny decorative elderflower.

mariannerestaurant.com

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:44

NOW OPEN

Queens is sure to give you the ultimate bowling and skating experience for a very special night out with fantastic Diner food from one of London’s top chefs.

The perfect venue to host any occassion. From birthdays to team building events, we have got it covered.

020 7229 0172 • info@queensiceandbowl.co.uk www.queensiceandbowl.co.uk /queensiceandbowl

QUEENS V3.indd 1

@queens_ice_bowl

queens_ice_bowl

14/12/2016 16:54

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEWS

From SWEET to SOUR , salty to bitter, SOM SAA’S menu is sure to TICKLE your TASTE buds

Som Saa

Punchy Thai cuisine and intriguing drinks are hallmarks of Som Saa

whole deep fried seabass with roasted rice and isaan herbs, stir fried rump steak with ‘prik kee nu’ chillies and the burmese-style curry of pork belly and shoulder with pickled garlic and fresh ginger. Offset the kick off the spices with a soothing Som Tam Thai - bangkok style green papaya salad with snake beans, dried shrimp, peanuts and cherry tomatoes. For dessert, the salted palm sugar ice cream with turmeric grilled banana - a TimeOut Best Dish Winner 2016 - is as heavenly as it sounds.

Cocktails are just as creative as the food. We recommend Day By The Pool a refreshing mix of prosecco, jasmine tea, gin, crème de violette and lemongrass cordial and the hilariously-named Monk’s Cobbler - apple-celery sherbet, tawny port, red thai tea and fruit.

Designed in conjunction with Coriander Buildings, the restaurant’s design is a partial nod to London and a partial nod to Bangkok. Inside the surprisingly vast space there are vintage decorations brought back from the founders’ trips to Thailand, and a warm, buzzy atmosphere. From sweet to sour, salty to bitter, Som Saa’s menu is sure to tickle your taste buds and one thing’s for sure, we’ll be back... u

Wo r d s H a n n a h H o p k i n s

H

aving parlayed itself into a full-blown restaurant from a humble pop-up, Som Saa is one seriously popular eating spot.

Those who haven’t been lucky enough to bag themselves a table will be pleased to hear that their new lunch menu - pegged as ‘more relaxed and less bustling’ than its dinner time offering provides ample opportunity to sample its mouthwatering cuisine without the queue time.

Co-Head Chefs Andy Oliver and Mark

Dobbie have taken inspiration from travelling in southern Thailand, ticking off dishes and local delicacies that come from the coasts and markets of provinces in Krabi, Trang and Songkla. The result is a carefully balanced range of dishes combining British meat and fish with new ingredients sourced directly from Asia.

For optimum eating, go for a range of plates that can be swapped and shared with your fellow diners. The Thai style grilled chicken leg with tamarind dipping sauce is a classic, as are the grilled prawns in coconut marinade. Larger dishes that cannot be missed include the

49 C&A_Feb17_FoodReview.indd 49

● ● S o m Sa a 43A Commercial St, E1; 020 7324 7790 somsaa.com

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:45

DO SOUTH SHOP.indd 1

20/12/2016 16:36

> SMALL TALK – COLLABS AND GIFT IDEAS p. 53 EDUCATION – NEW SENIOR SCHOOLS p. 55

BEST FOOT FORWARD Mini Mocks, as the adorable name suggests, is a Swedish brand that specialises in leather kicks for kids. In addition to their moccasins, they also sell bags and hats for little ones. minimockshop.com

51 Chis_Feb17_KIDS OPENER.indd 51

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:46

BISQUE.indd 1

452.pf_AngelAd6.1_col_1:452.pf_AngelAd2_col_1

15/2/08

11:12

06/01/2017 16:43

Page

Ann’s Designer Cakes Artisan Cakes for all Occasions

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ANN'S DESIGNERS CAKES_V2.indd 2

10/09/2015 14:31 13/01/2017 11:56

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES

Shelf LIFE

LITTLE PRINTS Hugo Loves Tiki

One of the most playful brands around has amped up the colour and fun by adding mama sizes to much of its range of cool kids' clothing.

Just add Spring... mylittleshop.com

THE LISZTS Au t h o r K YO M C L E A R I l l u s t r a t i o n J Ú L I A S A R DÀ

SMALL TALK Exciting collaborations, gift ideas and togs for mother and child

SMALL WONDERS

Smalls x The Bright Company Smalls and The Bright Company have collaborated on this top, featuring the latter’s famous moon-face motif on one of the former’s luxe merino wool shortsleeves. Perfect for when the weather begins to thaw.

lovemysmalls.com

Penguin, £12.99

HOT STEPPER

FORGET-ME-NOT

Meminio ¢ A purchase you won’t regret: Meminio make beautiful memory cases and albums in which to store precious objects, photographs and memorabilia from your family life. An amazing gift for a Christening or baby shower.. ◆

Amy & Ivor x C i s s y We a r s ¢ For a limited time, the acclaimed shoe designer and trendsetting boutique are offering five kinds of made-toorder footwear for littles in cool colourways of nude, platinum and black. ◆

cissywears.com

meminio.com

53 Chis_Feb17_Kids_Notes.indd 53

W

hat will happen when someone new seeks to join the list-obsessed Liszt family – someone who isn’t on any of their lists?

Read on as Mama Lizst, Papa Lizst, Winifred, Edward, Frederick and Grandpa learn how to make room in their lives for the unexpected guest – even the cat stuggles to adjust.

A whimsical and wonderful tale by acclaimed author Kyo Maclear and first-time picture-book illustrator Júlia Sardà, which somehow manages to combine The Royal Tenenbaums with An Inspector Calls and just a spalsh of The Addams Family. u

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:47

Roselind Wilson Design is a multi award-winning design studio that delivers authentic design by pairing understated luxury with raw materials, textures and finishes.

Every project is approached by offering a highly personal service and attention to detail.

9 Lonsdale Road, London, NW6 6RA 020 3371 1779 info@roselindwilsondesign.com www.roselindwilsondesign.com

RWD.indd 1

12/10/2016 16:05

KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

Market forces

Three much-needed new senior schools are set to open in London this year. Absolutely applauds them Wo r d s A m a n d a C o n s ta n c e

W

hy are London’s senior schools like buses? You wait years for a new one and then three come along at the same time.

This September, three new senior London day schools will be opening their doors to pupils. Notting Hill Prep is opening a new senior school in west London (details are yet to be confirmed but it is thought that it will be in the Park Royal/North Ealing area); the location of Fulham Prep School’s new senior school is currently a closely guarded secret but it is likely to be in south-west London. And Eaton Square School is opening in the very grand 106 Piccadilly, a Grade I-listed building in Mayfair.

The main driver for these openings is that London’s existing senior schools are hugely oversubscribed – 1,300 children, for example, sat the 11+ for Laytmer Upper in January 2016. “London is chocka”, says Sebastian Hepher, the current headmaster of Eaton Square School, who will be taking on the role of overseeing head of all the Eaton Square schools come September.

Neil Brooks, Fulham Prep School

“I’ve been head for 24 years in London,” says Hepher, “and moving on from prep is much harder now – particularly for boys.” There are far more prep schools, he explains, but not the corresponding number of places at senior schools. Anyone with a son of 11+ age in London will be aware that places for boys are very limited (partly because boys were traditionally sent away to public school), hence the hideous bottle neck at 11+.

“We’ve wanted to open a new school for the past five years,” says Hepher.

“The trickiest part was finding the right site.” 106 Piccadilly certainly has the wow

MOVING on from prep is MUCH HARDER now,

particularly

FOR BOYS

factor – Aatif Hassan, the boss of Minerva Education, the group behind Eaton Square Schools, admits he fought very hard for it. It’s a very impressive building, bang opposite Green Park and its W1 address will no doubt appeal to the international crowd.

The other reason for opening Eaton Square Upper was to get away from the “endless assessments” that children are now subjected to, says Hepher, because it will create an all-through school. “You will be able to join us at three and half,” says Hepher, “and stay until university if you want to.”

The school will be non-selective. All pupils, both internal and external will sit the ISEB pre-test when joining Eaton Square Upper, but only for setting purposes. And pupils arriving from other London preps will be interviewed.

The bid to create an all-through school is also behind the new Fulham Senior School.

55 Chis_Feb17_Education.indd 55

Eaton Square School

Like Eaton Square, Fulham has a pre-prep and prep, and pupils enrolled at Fulham Prep School will automatically receive a place at the senior school.

“It makes complete sense,” says Neil Brooks who will be head of the pre-prep, prep and senior schools. “The children won’t have to do the 11+. They can stay with us so it will alleviate anxiety.” Existing pupils will do the 13+ for setting purposes, and the school will maintain the 11 and 13+ for children from external schools.

Brooks was appointed head of FPS in December 2015, taking over from Jane Emmett who founded the school in the mid-90s. She has always wanted to create a senior school, but it was the acquisition of FPS by Inspired, an international education group that started in South Africa, that seems to have energized the move.

It remains to be seen if these new schools will take the heat out of the senior schools market. There are plenty of new preps opening in September, too, including a pre-prep for boys at Faulkner House, a new Wetherby Kensington and Eaton House Boy Prep opening in south Kensington. Demand may continue to outstrip supply for some years yet. ◆ nottinghillprep.com; fulhamprep.co.uk eatonsquareupper.school

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:49

Sale continues

Crouch End 128 Crouch Hill London N8 9DY Telephone 020 8341 2020

Islington 42 Cross Street London N1 2BA Telephone 020 7359 4041

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk

FUNKTIONAL KITCHENS.indd 1

04/01/2017 10:07

> ROME: THE ETERNAL CITY

p.58

ROMAN RICHES Lose yourself in the tangled lanes, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life of Rome's historic centre.

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absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:50

ROMAN holiday

Rome may not have been built in a day but you can see an awful lot of it in two, as Absolutely discovers Wo r d s C at h e r i n e H a l e s

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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M

onti was once the red-light district of Rome but is now its trendiest area, with narrow, steep, paved streets and a huge range of restaurants and small shops. It has a lively atmosphere but is not noisy.

It is close to the Colisseum and other major sites but the side streets are not touristy. The best way to experience it is to live like a local, that is to take an apartment. onefinestay has a range of city apartments but the one we chose in Monti was both elegant and convenient.

The entrance from the street is by a traditional double door but the flat, where we are welcomed by two of onefinestay’s Rome team, is in contemporary style and spotless; a duplex with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious open-plan living room and kitchen. You are given a welcome pack featuring real Italian coffee (and strict instructions on how to

58 13/01/2017 10:51

TRAVEL / WANDERLUST Piazza Margana

make it) and some cold sparkling wine ‘better than Prosecco’ but in truth this is a residential area, with little one-stop shops and nearby bars galore, so you do not need much.

To help you explore you are given a smart phone to keep for your stay loaded with information. However, as the man from onefinestay put it – in the nicest possible way–: ‘I recommend you get lost.’

The joy of being so central is that many of the must-see sites are a just a few minutes walk away. Never having been to Rome I wanted to tick them off.

Glimpsing world-famous monuments round corners or at the end of streets can make you feel as if you are on a film set. Being fully independent you can avoid being herded on and off buses and joining endless queues and still see a huge amount – in our case the Colisseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Trevi Fountain, the Pincio, (seat of the Italian government), the Spanish Steps and

Being fully independent YOU

CAN AVOID BEING HERDED on and off buses and JOINING ENDLESS QUEUES

contemplate them in peace from a pew.

With the smart phone to hand, plus the fact that, in spite of its seven hills, central Rome is quite small you can make your way through the city with minimal effort.

As part of its concierge service onefinestay recommends a range of restaurants and will help book and organise if required. However, we simply walked down the street to L’Asino d’Oro, (The Golden Donkey), one of those places that you think you are quite clever to find but then discover are well known to insiders. And deservedly so – delicious modern Roman food, reasonably priced and great service, with a genuine neighbourhood feel.

Having walked up at least four of the seven hills of Rome itself we felt we had earned some pampering, so on our second day we took a twenty minute taxi ride out of the city and up to the Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri.

Via Capo di Bove

Rome Cavalieri

the Via Condotti, Rome’s Bond Street, all on foot before lunch. Take a stroll in the shade of the vast Borghese Gardens, where Napoleon’s beautiful sister Pauline lived, look at the house dedicated to the English romantic poets Keats and Shelley, or walk down the Corso, Rome’s Broadway, to the fountains of Piazza Navona. Then stop for some gelato before heading on to the banks of the River Tiber. As you go, look into ancient basilicas, where great works of art like the Caravaggio in the Chiesa di Sant Agostino, by the Piazza Navona, with its altar by Bernini, who was also responsible for St Peter’s, seem more meaningful in situ than in a gallery. Better yet you can

59 Chis_Feb17_Rome.indd 59

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:51

ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

Picture Frames, Mirrors, Prints, Cards & Gifts

020 7328 6915

67 Abbey Road St John’s Wood London NW8 0AE

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST Via di San Martino Ai Monti

From its position high on a vertiginous bluff there are unrivalled views over the city of Rome and along the river to the Vatican. Built in the 1960s, the era of the Dolce Vita, when Rome was the epicentre of film and fashion, the world famous luxury hotel was beloved of Visconti and Fellini. It still has that pioneering sixties vibe but has been comprehensively updated, with palatial facilities, such as huge ballrooms with glittering chandeliers, and a fabulous spa. An opulent lunch of scrumptious amatriciana and crisp white wine at L’Uliveto and a relaxing afternoon by the pool on the blue and white striped loungers are just the thing after walking the streets. But this is Rome, where culture is central to existence and the hotel has its own individually curated and idiosyncratic art collection, with over a thousand objects from a Tiepolo tryptich to Nureyevs’ ballet costumes. Along landings and in the enticingly cool bars you may find yourself looking at pop art by Andy Warhol or an exquisite Beauvais tapestry.

Via del Boschetto

OUR ONEFINESTAY HOST told us in the

nicest possible way:

I RECOMMEND YOU GET LOST

While the huge and beautiful rooms of the Rome Cavalieri are a dream come true, staying in a city apartment is relaxing just because it soon becomes a home from home: you have freedom to do as you wish, so long as you obey the not very onorous house rules, so for a brief time you are living as a Roman. onfinestay’s offerings range from two bedroom, centrally located flats to sprawling houses on the outskirts.

One way or another I am definitely going back. Sadly I could not throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to wish on it.

It had been drained, not for maintenance but for a Fendi fashion show.

How Roman is that?

t r av e l d e ta i L S f o r o n e f i n e s tay & r o m e c ava l i e r i Prices for a one night stay with onefinestay in Rome start from £183 per night. To book or for more information call 020 7167 2524 or visit onefinestay.com Rome Cavalieri Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma, +39 06 35091 romecavalieri .com

British Airways flights from Heathrow and Gatwick to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport start at £40 britishairways.com Via di Valle delle Camene

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absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:51

Made Exclusively For You

Established in 1962. Wharfside is the world-leading supplier of European Furniture. From dining to living, office, kitchen & bedrooms - all is made to your chosen specifications, woods and sizes.

EST. 1962

Shoreditch & Leatherhead 020 7253 3206 or 01372 379810

www.wharfside.co.uk WHARFSIDE.indd Absolutely Magazine1January 2017 non-SALE.indd 1

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> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

p. 64

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD'S RUGS

p.66

DRUMMONDS: CLEAN LIVING

p. 69

CAFÉ SOCIETY Burberry have teamed up with The New Craftsmen once again to present a celebration of British craft and creativity at their all-day dining and gifting destination, Thomas’s. This will include events, activities and exclusive products. thenewcraftsmen.com

63 Chis_Feb17_INTERIORS OPENER.indd 63

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:53

10 of the best

Lights

Modern ideas, designs and styles for your home Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

DAVEY LIGHTING

The Hex Pendant, £359; uk.originalbtc.com

SCP

Nelson Bubble Lamp, £350; scp.com

TOM DIXON

Boom Task Light, £185; tomdixon.net

DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Sputnik Table Lamp, £POA; davidhuntlighting.co.uk

HABITAT

Cinders triple drop light, £160; habitat.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

CHIS_Dec16_Interiors_Notes.indd 64

Floor Show V i v i e n n e We s t w o o d x T h e R u g C o m p a n y Known for her punk-inspired fashion creations and strident political views, British designer Vivienne Westwood has turned her hand to interiors with a collection for The Rug Company. The range includes the Thistle rug, a nod to her love for Scotland, made from hand knotted silk yarns on a Tibetan wool background and shown above. therugcompany.com

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HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES

GAME ON

Alexandra Llewellyn This stunning Desert-themed is no ordinary board game. Embellished with skulls, snakes and cacti made from hundreds of individual pieces of wood and playing pieces of mother of pearl and turquoise encased in brass, it is a real thing of beauty. Your move. £7,200; harveynichols.com

ORIGINAL BTC

Fin Large Pendant, £166; uk.originalbtc.com

editor’s

PICK LIGHT UP

Armitage Lamp This unusual lamp was originally designed by Edward Armitage in 1952 and has now been reproduced by his grandson, Joe. Characterful and elegant, the lamp can now be purchased with extra shades hand-printed by artist Marthe Armitage (Joe’s grandmother) making this a real family affair. armitagelamp.com

PHILIPPE STARCK

Bon Jour Unplugged Table Lamp, £225; conranshop.co.uk

must

HAVE LEE BROOM

Square Decanter Pendant, £240; johnlewis.com

ROOM SERVICE

L’ H ô t e l M a r r a k e c h Planning on jetting off this year? We recommend Jasper Conran’s newly restored private riad in the centre of Marrakech’s Medina. The five suites have been decorated by local craftsmen using traditional materials and serene colour schemes. l-hotelmarrakech.com

JONATHAN ADLER

Globo Table Lamp, £995; uk.jonathanadler.com

LIBRA

WINTER WARMER

The Tripod Spotlight, £480; lightplanlighting.com

Bisque Radiators Source of both heat and style, Bisque Radiators come in a range of designs, shapes and colours including pastels and the Pantone of the Year.

For ultimate impact, opt for their Arteplano radiator in etched copper [pictured] which looks particularly striking against a dark wall. bisque.co.uk

65 CHIS_Dec16_Interiors_Notes.indd 65

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:54

XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

Thistle Gold and Thistle Pewter, Hand knotted Tibetan wool and silk, 2.74x1.83m £6,518 or £1,300/m2

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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ARTS & CULTURE / PROFILE

Punk Rug Vivienne Westwood’s new handknotted rugs for The Rug Company have an illustrative quality.

ABSOLUTELY admires the collection I n t e r v i e w p e a r l b oy d

V

ivienne Westwood’s latest collection for The Rug Company combines her quintessentially bold designs with her deep sense of heritage. Her constant references to traditional British motifs are subverted and reinvented to create thoroughly modern and decorative designs.

Westwood has a long standing association with Scotland and their traditional fabrics such as Harris Tweed, wools and plaids. In 1993 Westwood produced her own tartan called ‘MacAndreas’, named after her husband and design partner, Andreas Kronthaler. The Thistle rug is a gesture to Vivienne’s affinity with Scotland.

An abstract graphic of the regal milk thistle, Scotland’s national emblem, is hand knotted with fine silk yarns on a Tibetan wool background. The design is available in muted dusty rose with

Quintessentially

BOLD DESIGNS combine WITH A DEEP SENSE OF heritage gold and dove grey with gunmetal, the silk yarns lending the thistle motifs a captivating iridescence.

Moiré is a traditional fabric technique historically used by Westwood on grand silk taffeta ball gowns and velvet suiting in solid colours to create a fluid waterlike movement. For a contemporary feel, Vivienne uses the traditional Moiré motif on the rug with high contrasting shades of soft black and natural white,

67 B&C_Feb17_Westwood.indd 67

blown up to maximise the monochrome effect, creating a statement piece.

Reminiscent of an English rose garden in full bloom, Vivienne’s Rose print with its wide open buds and micro detailed thorn stems has a botanical illustrative-like quality, painted using a soft aquarelle watercolour technique.

The details in Vivienne’s Rose are emphasised by a careful blending of the handspun yarns of Tibetan wool, which are then knotted by hand into a rug.

The design has also been translated into a finely handwoven tapestry cushion, available in two colourways: blushed ruby red and dusky plum.

The Vivienne Westwood collection is available exclusively from The Rug Company showrooms. Each piece has been woven entirely by hand by craftsmen using the age-old weaving techniques and the finest natural yarns for which The Rug Company is renowned. u therugcompany.com

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:55

BIBLIOTHEQUE.indd 1

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HOMES & INTERIORS / INSPIRE

The industrial-

style GLASS & METAL FRAMED shower door lends an AIR OF URBAN CHIC

T

CLEAN LIVING Take inspiration from this beautiful shower room, made by Drummonds for Waldo Works Wo r d s P e a r l B oy d

his contemporary ensuite shower room in a London apartment was commissioned by architects and interior designers Waldo Works and executed

by Drummonds. An industrial-style glass and metal framed shower door lends an air of urban chic and the nickel-finished Nene shower is clearly visible through it. Hand-glazed period style tiles in rich blue hues, which run around the room and extend into the walk-in shower, were commissioned specially for the project from Victorian Ceramics. Drummonds’ Hebdern vanity creates a striking focal point in nickel finish with black Marquina marble that co-ordinates perfectly with the room’s colours and detailing. We admire the stylish blue, black and white colour scheme, and the impeccable sense of balance and style with which it's executed. Planning a new bathroom in 2017? Take note. u • Single Hebdern vanity, £3,300 • Classic pop-up mixer taps with Mull heads in nickel, £1,170 • Nene shower with warm arm and 300mm shower rose in nickel - £2,664 drummonds-uk.com waldoworks.com

69 NH_Jan17_DRUMMONDS.indd 69

absolutely.london

13/01/2017 10:57

“It’s fine.

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover rural homes with sea views using keyword search.

PL.indd 1

11/07/2016 15:20

We’ll shop

online.”

PL.indd 2

11/07/2016 15:19

Le

t Us

M ake

Yo u r Ho me

! e l k Spar

020 8802 4040 islington@myhome.co.uk

MY HOME ISLINGTON.indd 1

13/12/2016 12:33

NIGEL LEWIS: FAMOUS PLACES

BRIDPORT PLACE ISLINGTON N1

p.78

PROPERTY NEWS

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

p.88

inkworth are proud to present a unique collection of just four Townhouses set directly on Shoreditch Park is a superb example of contemporary design. Each one of these unique homes showcase their unwavering attention-to-detail and belief in modern elegance. Open plan and bathed in natural light across all levels, from the top floor to the lower ground, these homes perfectly marry form and function. u

W

£1,795,000

ISLINGTON 020 7354 2480

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p.82

winkworth.co.uk

absolutely.london

16/01/2017 14:54

The Factory, Islington N1 A spectacular apartment within a warehouse conversion A beautiful second floor apartment offering generous living space. 2 double bedrooms, study room, bright reception room with dining, open plan kitchen and bathroom. EPC: C. Approximately 174 sq m (1,868 sq ft).

Knight Frank Islington KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings Islingtonlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138

Available part furnished

Guide price: £1,400 per week

All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

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Absolutely C&A February 2017

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

13/01/2017 17:00

13/01/2017 10:16:55

Somerston House, Regent's Park NW1 A spacious two bedroom apartment for Sale with canal views

An immaculately presented apartment on the third floor of this modern residential building overlooking Regent's Canal. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) contemporary kitchen and large reception room. There is a private balcony accessed from the reception room, and residents further benefit from a Communal Terrace on the fourth floor. Approximately 73.7 sq m (793 sq ft). EPC:B

Leasehold Guide price: £750,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/kingscross

KnightFrank.co.uk/kingscross kingscrosssales@knightfrank.com 020 8033 9667

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

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Absolutely City & Angel (Sales) Jan 17

13/01/2017 17:00

12/01/2017 16:13:55

PROPERTY / FEATURE NIGEL LEWIS

GOING UNDERGROUND Fed up with parking on the street but have a home with only a small driveway - then how about using a car lift to store your motors?

I

f you live in London and drive a car, then you’ll be adept at dodging the capital’s army of parking attendants who pound the streets looking for errant vehicles come rain or shine.

It can be an expensive game of cat and mouse; in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, for example, tickets range from £80 to £130, or half that if you pay within 14 days. But if you’re clamped then the borough charges £70 to release the clamp on top of the fine, and £200 plus the fine if you’re towed away.

Every year four million tickets or nearly 11,000 every day are issued by London boroughs, helping to raise over half a billion pounds from their on- and offstreet operations. Westminster tops the parking league with profits of £46.4 million during 2014/15 from on-street parking enforcement followed by Kensington and Chelsea (£33 million), Camden (£24.5 million), Hammersmith & Fulham (£23.8 million) and Wandsworth (£20.4 million).

And then there are residential parking permits, which can run to several hundred pounds a year if you have two cars. For example, Westminster City Council charges £141 per vehicle a year for cars with engines over 1.2 litres. And even then, you’re not guaranteed a space.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Most London homeowners who have offstreet parking space next to their homes, therefore, cherish their ticket and permitfree lives, and this in part explains why offstreet parking places are so expensive. A double garage in Chelsea recently sold for a record-breaking £670,000 last year.

For those who can afford it, there is another way to park your car away from prying attendants or thieves. And that means going underground.

Demand for basement parking spaces has been increasing Demand for basement parking spaces has been increasing recently as the trend for ‘iceberg’ homes has ramped up, driven by planning laws that don’t allow properties to be redeveloped upwards, and so there’s only one place to go to create space; down.

“We find a lot of our clients in certain parts of London are car collectors who treat their vehicles as investments as well as transport, so they need to store them somewhere,” says David Grade of Total Lifting Solutions.

“In the past, they would keep their cars in secure storage facilities outside London, but it’s a pain for them if they want to drive the cars because they then have to be transported into their London address when they want to use them.”

David says his company is the leading supplier in the UK of car platform lifts, which enable home owners to have a basement car park even though space around the side, back or front of their property is tight. Hi lifts are essentially vertical pits the size of a small swimming pool dug into the ground usually up to 3.5 metres deep that use scissor-like lifting

arms to raise and lower a platform above and below ground level.These platforms have a ‘roof’ which, when the lift goes down, creates a flat surface above which if carefully designed, is invisible to the casual eye. David says his company’s standard Marte CT platform is a 2.5m wide by a 5.3m plate that can take a car of up to three tonnes, which means it can handle most large vehicles from a Range Rover to a luxury Lamborghini sports car.

One of the biggest concerns is vibration and noise – every time you lower or raise your cars out of the garage the whole house can grind and groan unless you get your platform tech spec right. The question is – do you choose a ‘scissor system’ or a ‘four-post system’? The former uses one or two sets of hydraulic scissors to raise the platform, which creates the least vibration

and noise whereas a four post system is noisier and creates more vibration.

These systems are also used in car showrooms, so if you want to see one in action then pop along to one of London’s luxury roadside Ferrari or BMW showrooms, who use David’s lifts to create extra space in the showrooms as well as the spectacle of a car ‘in the air’. And you could add to your collection while you’re there. u

76 16/01/2017 14:50

*Price correct at time of going to press.

All apartments benefit from the use of the residents’ private dining room overlooking the Dan Pearson designed courtyard garden

STAY HOME FOR THE BEST OF CITY LIFE

When it comes to an address, King’s Cross has it all – right at the heart of London. Unbeatable connections, the historic Regent’s Canal, beautiful parks, gardens and squares, education, shopping, eating, culture, its very own Everyman Cinema and Paris in just over two hours.

Two and three bedroom apartments from £1,410,000*, available for immediate occupation.

Visit the show apartment and marketing suite Monday to Saturday, contact us on 020 7205 4166 14-15 Stable Street, London N1C 4AB plimsollkingscross.co.uk

PLIMSOLL.indd 1 PlimsollAd_Absolutely Angel_210x297mm_2017_AW_V2.indd 1

13/01/2017 16:10 17:03 11/01/2017

NIGEL LEWIS

FAMOUS PLACES London hides a plethora of celebrity homes. These are the most recent to come on the market

WHERE CUMBERBATCH LEARNED HIS TRADE

ogan House, a development of luxury apartments being built on the site of a Kensington theatre, is where Benedict Cumberbatch learnt his trade.

It was until 2003 the Michael MacOwan Theatre, part of the neighbouring London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

During the 1990s Cumberbatch studied at LAMDA where he completed a post-graduate Diploma in Classical Acting before fame, and his breakthrough Bafta nomination for the 2004 film Hawking, beckoned.

He was not the only famous actor to tread the boards at the former theatre. Other big names seen under its lights include Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jim Broadbent, Patricia Hodge, Maureen Lipman, John Lithgow, Martin Shaw, Hermione Norris and David Suchet.

The new-build development, which has been awarded a blue plaque in recognition of its starry alumni, will include apartments with up to four bedrooms each with outdoor terraces.

Prices start at £1.375 million rising to £5.5 million. More information from Knight Frank (0203 826 0673). u

L

Stopes became interested in birth control by mistake. Born in 1880 to scientific parents in Edinburgh, she was subsequently brought to South London with her family.

After finishing her schooling, she later followed her parents into science and became a palaeobotanist.

And Stopes would have remained an obscure specialist had she not divorced her first husband and begun to write about how a good marriage should work.

This led to a chance meeting with Margaret Sanger, who at the time was giving talks on birth control.

Stopes included a chapter on the subject in her book, which went on to

be a best seller. The two subsequently set up the UK’s first birth control clinic in Holloway, North London.

The house where Stopes was brought up between 1880 and 1892 in Crystal Palace, South West London, is now available to rent. It’s a two-bedroom apartment within the property priced at £1,500 a month through Beresford Residential (020 8033 9162). u

CALL THE MIDWIFE HOUSE IS REBORN

his former Grade II listed seminary is where until 2007 priests were trained before being despatched to work overseas.

And it found fame when its religious looks appealed to the makers of TV series Call The Midwife, who used it to recreate Nonnatus House convent in London’s Poplar, where the story is set.

But now the cameras have gone, the builders are moving in. Developer Berkeley Homes is turning the historic home into gated development of 49 apartments which come with a concierge service and access to seven acres of mature parkland.

The most stunning of all the homes is the new space created within its former chapel, which is famous in architectural circles for its multiple glass-stained windows and granite pillars. It is also the development’s most expensive property at £6 million and has four bedrooms and the

T

Prices start at

£1.375 Million

WHERE THE MARIE STOPES STORY STARTED

arie Stopes was a pioneer of birth control in the UK and the clinics and international organisation established in her name are both still famous around the world.

M

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PROPERTY / STAR HOMES Prices start at

£1.385

£1.500

Million

a month

£525 Thousand

The new-build development has been awarded a blue plaque, in recognition of its starry alumini original vaulted ceiling as well as a gym, spa, steam room and sauna.

Four other properties within St Joseph’s are currently available for sale at between £1.385 and £1.525 million. More information from Berkeley Homes, 01753 784417. u

KITCHEN’S A BIT SMALL FOR BLUMENTHAL

ould this be the house where three-Michelin starred chef Heston Blumenthal invented snail porridge, triple cooked chips

C

and bacon and eggs ice cream?

The celebrity chef’s signature dishes are all available at his worldfamous restaurant, The Fat Duck, which at one point was voted the world’s best eatery.

It was also his first restaurant and while he nurtured it through the early years, Blumenthal lived in this cottage outside the nearby village of Penn before moving to more spacious accommodation in Marlow, Oxfordshire and later Barnes.

The property has a compact kitchen as well as two bedrooms and lounge with a fire burning stove. But there’s no sign of the dry-ice machine that Blumenthal has used in the past to make another of his signature dishes, Jelly of Quail on Oak Moss.

Penn cottage is now for sale through agent Knight Frank’s Beaconsfield Office (01494 853819) for £525,000. u

£2

Million

79 Chis_Jan17_famousplaces.indd 79

HOME TO A ROYAL FAVOURITE FROM IRAQ

imrud in Iraq was until recently the country’s most historic ancient city and a popular tourist attraction.

In 2015 it was destroyed by ISIS militants using dynamite, pneumatic drills and even their bare hands.

Before this, the 4,000-year-old metropolis had been regarded as one of the world’s great archaeological treasures. Little remains today, although some items were brought back from the site during the 19th century after the city was discovered and excavated by Hormuzd Rassam. During his career Rassam made several key discoveries including the earliest known example of human literature called the Epic of Gilgamesh, which is in the form of several stone tablets.

He later moved to London where he began a successful career as a diplomat and later became a favourite of Queen Victoria. Fittingly, the five-bedroom property in west London where he lived is one of the oldest homes in the area and includes a turret as well as original features that Rassam would have been familiar with, including its gorgeous stained glass doors.

Agent Dexters (020 8560 1177) says the property also has several secret doorways. It’s on the market for £2m. u

N

absolutely.london

16/01/2017 14:53

BlakeStanley BROADWAY MARKET

Alvington Crescent, E8

020 7254 7554

£1,185,000 Lansdowne Drive, E8

Located on a quiet tree-lined street and presented to the market in excellent decorative order is this 1500sqft (138sqm) three bedroom midterrace house located close to the vibrant life of Dalston, Hackney & Stoke Newington as well as the open space of Hackney Downs & London Fields.

Set within a sought after gated development is this generously proportioned 880sqft (81.8sqm) two bedroom apartment. The property, spread across the top two floors, is presented in excellent decorative order and boasts a spacious dual-aspect reception room with open-plan kitchen.

Freehold

Ada Street, E8

Leasehold

£650 PW* Atlas Mews,

A three bedroom apartment overlooking Broadway Market within this RIBA awarded building the property comprises an open plan lounge and fitted kitchen, three double bedrooms one with en-suite wetroom, bathroom with shower over bath, polished concrete flooring and under floor heating

Unfurnished

£625,000

£525 PW*

A mews house located just north of Dalston Lane and London Fields in a gated cobbled Mews. This lovely house comprises an open plan reception with fully fitted and equipped kitchen, separate w.c, bright first floor double bedroom, bathroom with shower over bath, and second floor bedroom.

Unfurnished

*Additional fees payable at the start of the tenancy - £120 inc vat admin fee per property and £60 inc vat reference fee per person. A check out fee is payable at the end of the tenancy, price varies on property size.

info@blakestanley.co.uk BLAKESTNLEY.indd 1

11-13a Broadway Market, Hackney, London, E8 4PH 13/01/2017 16:50

blakestanley.co.uk

CHATSWORTH ROAD

Lockhurst Street, E5

020 8986 2743

£925,000 Clifden Road, E5

Presented to the market in good decorative order is this three bedroom end of terraced Victorian family home located on this popular tree lined street just off Chatsworth Road.

BlakeStanley are pleased to offer to the market this newly refurbished two double bedroom flat set on the top floors of this period conversion which the common parts of the building and exterior has been recently been upgraded.

Freehold

Omega Works, E3

Share of Freehold

£425 PW* Muir Road, E5

A spacious canal side development. This stunning property has a very large open-plan living room with a balcony and canal views. Two double bedrooms one with an en-suite bathroom the other bedroom has a private balcony. Over the bridge takes you to the Olympic park

Part Furnished

£635,000

£300 PW*

A bright and spacious one bedroom apartment to rent on the first floor of this purpose built block. This light and airy apartment has a good sized lounge with dining area, leading onto a fully fitted kitchen, there is a good sized bedroom with fitted storage and a bathroom.

Part Furnished

*Additional fees payable at the start of the tenancy - £120 inc vat admin fee per property and £60 inc vat reference fee per person. A check out fee is payable at the end of the tenancy, price varies on property size.

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57 Chatsworth Road, Clapton, London, E5 0LH 13/01/2017 16:50

Property ROUND UP The inside scoop in your area

HOUSE HUNTING

MOST SATISFYING TRANSACTION:

I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE:

An off market sale at £2.4m. I arranged a one off viewing in the Avantgarde development after the buyer had viewed a smaller property but wanted more space.

As many West Londoners looking to move East, we have seen a significant rise in buyers migrating to Shoreditch.

MOST INTERESTING PROPERTY;

ELLIOT FENSOM

Ironmonger Lane, an impressive and rare former Rectory in the heart of Bank, which has been converted from offices into a residential house.

I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE AS MANY WEST LONDONERS MOVE TO THE EAST

FINEST PROPERTY SHOWCASE:

Exchange Building. Commercial Street, Guide price £800,000. An exceptionally well presented, one bedroom apartment set on the second floor of this development. u

Savills

Savills

Shoreditch, 020 7578 6200;

Shoreditch

savills.co.uk

E X P E RT A DV I C E

ED LUGG Sales & Lettings Manager Portico

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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What have you learnt recently about the local market?

That high-performing professional applicants continue to request long-term tenancies when landlords deliver outstanding rental property.

Proposed legislative changes to the private rental sector are still not affecting the quality of properties and tenancies that we are arranging, and we are looking forward to another year of positive growth in Highbury and Islington where the market is very buoyant for both lettings and sales.

Where are you seeing the highest price rises at the moment?

We have seen the highest price rises from larger freehold properties in Haringey and Tottenham. Areas with planned improvements in infrastructure will continue to gentrify local environments, and those areas are likely to see the most activity and provide investors with good opportunities. We are looking forward to further consultation on proposals to build Crossrail 2, and expect further growth in areas

including Seven Sisters, Turnpike Lane, and areas East of the new Stadium in N17.

Where should I invest?

Northumberland Park, in a big house close to the station. The area will benefit from investment in the next few years and is already within 25 minutes from Stratford. u

Portico Highbury & Islington, 020 7288 9440 portico.com

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PROPERTY / NEWS MEET THE TEAM

5 MINUTES WITH

HURFORD SALVI CARR

City & Clerkenwell • 020 7490 1122

h u r f o r d - s a l v i - c a r r. c o . u k

Angela Kelly Associate Director

Angela runs this flagship lettings office which has been established for 20 years and provides the kind of knowledge that can only come with both experience and specialised learning. She has been in agency since 2000 having graduated from Exeter University. She has then gone on to become a Fellow of ARLA and a Member of RICS in order to provide a gold standard of service to Hurford Salvi Carr’s clients.

Giada Tramonti Lettings Negotiator

Giada has been with the team for 3 years and is consistently the Lettings Division’s top performing Lettings Negotiator. She is ARLA qualified and was a Property Manager for many years before becoming a Negotiator. A native Italian, she lives locally and has a focus and passion that is hard to replicate. Giada is a spiritual healer and prolific Instagrammer (but not necessarily at the same time).

Kerry Ward Legal Co-ordinator

Kerry has been the logistics and administrative lynchpin of the office for 10 years. She is ARLA qualified and is also heavily involved in the company’s short let department. She is knowledgeable, efficient, calm under pressure and friendly; a rare combination.

lights act as purposeful space-fillers. In this property, statement lights serve as a stylish decoration, reaching down from the staircase and adding personal touch to the neutral décor.

AG E N T O N D E S I G N

LOVAT LANE EC3R

£1,500,000 NATURAL DECOR Neutral décor does not only make it easier for a potential buyer to imagine putting their own stamp on a property, but also serves as a perfect background to any statement interior element or wall art.

MODERN INTERIORS Glass panels on the sides of the staircase, open-plan layouts and sleek, stylish surfaces throughout, indicates high-specification finish, adding to the appeal of the property. u

FEATURE LIGHTING Used as a centrepiece in modern homes, interesting

Sam Ball Sales Manager

Knight Frank

Q&A HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS AREA?

I have been working in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross for the past 6 years and have seen the area, in particular King’s Cross, change enormously.

WHAT IS YOUR ETHOS?

Despite a constantly changing market, the basic principles remain the same; constant communication, a full awareness of market conditions, local knowledge and an honest and consultative approach are the keys to ensuring a straighforward buying and selling process for both parties.

Foxtons Wapping, 020 3728 2222; foxtons.co.uk

NEWS

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PROPERTIES RIGHT NOW?

Find latest properties to market with Absolutely Magazines & OnTheMarket.com f you’re looking to buy or to rent, give yourself a head start and set up a property alert today at the Absolutely Magazines website absolutely. onthemarket.com. Our online search service is powered by property website OnTheMarket. com which lists hundreds of thousands of properties for sale or to rent across the UK. Thousands of estate and letting agents have moved their properties from other websites to

I

advertise at OnTheMarket. com and many are choosing to launch their new-to-market properties exclusively here first: 24 hours or more before any other portal. We hope you’ll find that when you search for property at the Absolutely Magazines website, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, fresher, more focused approach. Every property you see will be on the market with full-service, office-based estate or letting agents who are experts in their local area. u

The mansion blocks of Bloomsbury, the new King’s Cross development and the few remaining streets of period houses are my favourites. In my opinion St. Pancras Chambers is one of the most beautiful buildings in London.

MARKET PREDICTIONS FOR THE COMING MONTHS?

Spring is always a busy time for property transactions and I think this year, perhaps owing to the turbulent nature of 2016 will be no exception.

We’re pretty lucky to be involved in such a popular area of London. u

Knight Frank Kings Cross, 020-3468-2817;

absolutely.onthemarket.com

knightfrank.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON CITY & EAST

SALES BY PRICE BAND IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS

EAST CITY & ANGEL

UNDER £500K

22.8% 41.9%

£500K-£1M

£1M-£2M

OVER £2M

54.7% 49.1%

18.0% 8.6%

4.4% 0.4%

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Data provided by LonRes

absolutely.london

16/01/2017 14:57

Completely at home in London.

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

With 40 years’ experience and 60 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.

Our local branches include • Clerkenwell • Highgate • Islington For all our branch locations across London visit kfh.co.uk/branches

KSHCA.indd 1 12 December Brand adverts.indd 6

14/12/2016 11:19 18:59 14/11/2016

INTRODUCING LONDON SQUARE SPITALFIELDS - STUNNING SALES SUITE OPEN DAILY Introducing a stylish new collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments set around the beautifully landscaped grounds of Mallon Gardens. Intelligently designed and well-appointed, each apartment has a private balcony, winter garden or terrace and all benefit from daily concierge services. With easy access to the best of the City and London’s vibrant East End, London Square Spitalfields also enjoys outstanding transport links from both Aldgate East and Liverpool Street.

Prices from ÂŁ695,000 To make an appointment call 0333 666 0110 The Sales Suite, Commercial Street, London, E1 7SA, open daily.

0333 666 0110

www.londonsquare.co.uk

External computer generated images depict London Square Spitalfields, internal computer generated images depict Apartment 10 at London Square Spitalfields and are indicative only.

Details are correct at time of going to press, January 2017.

LDN SQ.indd 1

12/01/2017 12:53

D AV E Y S OF SPITALFIELDS

£799* REGULAR

£1,499* PREMIIUM

1%*

PLATINUM

*terms and conditions apply, prices include VAT.

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NOW AVAILABLE Contemporary living, classic Islington Discover a range of charming townhouses and apartments with outdoor space located moments away from the cultural heart of Islington.

Last remaining 2 bedroom apartments from ÂŁ800,000* Please call our selling agents for more information

020 3797 3462

*Prices correct at time of going to print January 2017

canonburycross.com

Canonbury Road N1 2UH

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS

Jack Bowyer LET TINGS MANAG ER

Stirling Ackroyd, Shoreditch

REBECCA NOONAN

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I was first introduced to the London property market four years ago when I made the move from Leeds to London with friends. Looking forward to a fresh start in a new city, three twentysomething guys ready to take on our next adventure, we really weren’t prepared for the pace of the London market!

Our first of three viewings, a gorgeous three-bed Victorian conversion tucked neatly between Clapham and Brixton; imagine, high ceilings stripped floors, exposed brickwork and an abundance of natural light – pretty much what everyone is looking for!

We knew we had to snap it up and four years later we’ve made a real home.

As much as I love being South of the river, I’m fortunate to spend most of my day in Shoreditch - it’s an area unlike any other. When I first moved down, I was working in hospitality but made the switch to property shortly afterwards as I was drawn in by the fast paced nature of the job, meeting new people all day and the competitive side of things. I was offered an interview for a lettings negotiator

I have seen first-hand how Shoreditch caters to a very broad demographic role at Stirling Ackroyd in the Shoreditch branch, and a few years on I’m now the manager of our flagship office. This allowed me to really discover all that Shoreditch and the surrounding areas have to offer other than the nightlife I’d experienced so far.

The food in this area is second to none; there’s a new place to lunch every day and if you’re in the area I’d highly recommend trying a katsu wrap from Petticoat market. The Shoreditch Triangle has attracted a variety of critically acclaimed chefs including Mark Hix, who’s famous Tramshed restaurant can be found on Rivington Street, another favourite of mine. Shoreditch also offers BoxPark, which is great for food and drinks and for a weekend stroll Columbia Road flower market is ever popular.

I’m lucky enough to spend much of my time out and about

meeting new people. I have seen first-hand how Shoreditch caters to a very broad demographic, from the arty/creative types to the city professionals – all are welcome and have made Shoreditch what it is today.

The area truly has some of the most impressive living spaces in town. Due to its rich history and modernisation, you’ll find an array of styles within the area from Victorian terraces to warehouse conversions right through to sumptuous modern developments with pools, 24 hour concierges and gyms. However it’s the Shoreditch lofts with their character, high ceilings and vast open plan living spaces that I personally love to work with as they are often owned by design conscious landlords who have created a space that’s perfect for entertaining and working from home.

All in all if you’re looking for a new place to live, want to tempt your taste buds with something different or fancy having a wander round town at the weekend, then I highly recommend exploring Shoreditch. The area has a great deal to offer and all within just a few minutes’ walk of Old Street and the City. ◆

STIRLING ACKROYD / 020 7749 3838 / stirlingackroyd.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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PROPERTY / PROFILE

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16/01/2017 14:51

407-409 Holloway Road, London N7 6HP

020 7607 5001 drivers.co.uk

SALES

Camden Road, London, N7 | ÂŁ565,000 Completely renovated with a superb finish throughout, the flat features a large and bright reception room, contemporary kitchen, two double bedrooms and a modern bathroom. The property is situated within walking distance of Caledonian Road and Holloway Road stations.

2 Double Bedroom Flat | 1st Floor in Period Property | Communal Garden | Shared Parking Facilities | Share of Freehold | EPC Rating:Band C

Middleton Grove, London, N7 | ÂŁ1,500,000 Fantastic opportunity to purchase this detached period house on the corner of Middleton Grove and Hungerford Road.The accommodation is arranged over three floors and comprises reception room, large kitchen leading to dining room, four bedrooms, an en suite bathroom, an en suite shower room and two additional WCs. 4 Bed Freehold Period Property | Double Length Garage | Delightful Rear Garden | Well Placed for Public Transport | EPC Rating: Band F

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LETTINGS

Seven Sisters Road, London, N7 | ÂŁ450.00 Per Week Crafted to an exacting standard is this two double bedroom, two bathroom apartments situated between Holloway and Finsbury Park.Apartment offers a wonderful reception room with wood flooring, a modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances to include a dishwasher.

Two Double Bedroom | Two Bathroom | Fitted Kitchen | Close To Local Amenities | EPC Rating: Band TBC

Monnery Road, Dartmouth Park, N19 | ÂŁ600.00 Per Week This newly refurbished three double bedroom upper maisonette with private roof terrace is situated in the heart of Dartmouth Park. Property includes: modern kitchen, spacious reception room ideal for entertaining guest or relaxing in privacy, two fully tiled bathrooms and gas central heating.

Three Double Bedroom | Modern Fitted Kitchen | Gas Central Heating | Good Transport Link | EPC Rating: Band TBC

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12/01/2017 12:42

NOW LAUNCHED CONTACT CONTACT US US TO TO BOOK BOOK AN AN APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT WITH WITH THE THE SALES SALES TEAM TEAM

A An n e e xc xc ll u u ss ive ive c c ol ol ll e ec c tt ii on on of of ss u u it it e e ss ,, o o ne ne ,, tt wo wo ,, tt h h re re e e & & ff o ou u rr b b ed ed ro ro o om m ap ap aa rr tt m m ent ent ss ,, d u pl e xe s an d l u x u r y pe nt h o u s e s w it h o u t st a nd i ng s p e c i f i c at i o n . d u pl e xe s an d l u x u r y pe nt h o u s e s w it h o u t st a nd i ng s p e c i f i c at i o n .

Prices Prices from from £450,000 £450,000 Set Set to to become become a a landmark landmark destination destination for for north north London London with with cinema, fitness centre, supermarket, eateries and shops* cinema, fitness centre, supermarket, eateries and shops*

Set Set across across four four sleek sleek and and stylish stylish buildings buildings including two spectacular towers including two spectacular towers

11 minute minute walk walk to to the the new new western western entrance entrance of of Finsbury Finsbury Park Park station station for Victoria and Piccadilly tube links and National Rail connections for Victoria and Piccadilly tube links and National Rail connections

Panoramic Panoramic views views overlooking overlooking the the beautiful beautiful 110 110 acre Finsbury Park and across the acre Finsbury Park and across the capital capital

Connections Connections to to King’s King’s Cross Cross (4 (4 mins), mins), the the West West End End (9 (9 mins), mins), Holborn (11 mins) and Moorgate (13 mins) Holborn (11 mins) and Moorgate (13 mins)

Access Access to to The The Pavilion, Pavilion, a a communal communal roof roof garden garden featuring exclusive residents’ Wi-Fi featuring exclusive residents’ Wi-Fi Lounge Lounge

24 24 hour hour concierge concierge service service & & further further private private gardens gardens

Completions Completions from from Summer Summer 2019 2019 -- Spring Spring 2020 2020

Finsbury Park station Finsbury Park station 1 minute walk 1 minute walk

Kings Cross Kings Cross 4 mins 4 mins

Oxford Circus Oxford Circus 9 minutes 9 minutes

Holborn Holborn 11 minutes 11 minutes

Moorgate Moorgate 13 minutes 13 minutes

Victoria Victoria 13 minutes 13 minutes

Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus 15 minutes 15 minutes

The City The City 16 minutes 16 minutes

Joint Selling Agents: Joint Selling Agents:

Computer generated images of City North. *Subject to lease. Prices correct at time of going to press. Times from Finsbury Park station courtesy of www.tfl.gov.uk.

Computer generated images of City North. *Subject to lease. Prices correct at time of going to press. Times from Finsbury Park station courtesy of www.tfl.gov.uk.

TCN.indd 1

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CALL CALL NOW NOW TO TO BOOK BOOK YOUR YOUR APPOINTMENT: APPOINTMENT:

A joint venture between: A joint venture between:

020 3620 8001 www.citynorthlondon.com www.citynorthlondon.com TCN.indd 2

14/11/2016 17:31

ARE YOU GETTING THE CUSTOMER SERVICE YOU DESERVE? The ESTAS is the largest independent customer service awards scheme for estate agents, mortgage brokers and conveyancers in the UK property industry.

Companies who sign up to The ESTAS are committed to giving YOU the best possible service they can.

So if you’re searching for an estate or letting agent, conveyancer or mortgage broker look out for the official ESTAS logo to give you peace of mind and the service you deserve. Whatever your experience, you’ll have the chance to give your feedback, helping us recognise firms that provide excellent customer service throughout the home moving process.

To find out more visit our website

theestas.com

Because Service Matters ESTA.indd 0048 ESTAS1Absolutely Magazine Ad Oct 2016 AW.indd 1

02/11/2016 12:42 10:35 19/10/2016

Be First LAUNCHING FEBRUARY 18TH

FIRST RELEASE OF ONE OF LONDON’S LARGEST REGENERATION PROJECTS CONTEMPORARY 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS YOUR FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW DETAILS OF BLACKWALL REACH, A LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT OF 1500 APARTMENTS, PHASE 1 APARTMENTS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE OFF PLAN. REGISTER NOW FOR YOUR LAUNCH INVITATION

WEB: WWW.BLACKWALLREACH.CO.UK TEL: 0203 151 7058

Selling Agent

In partnership with:

CGI is indicative only

BLACKWALL.indd 1

12/01/2017 17:07

NIGEL LEWIS

LONDON'S FINEST Seven most expensive homes sold in 2016

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he top of the London property can be a heady place for those with even the deepest pockets. Many prime central streets feature average house prices over £10m and it’s not unusual to find properties for sale considerably more than that within the most sough-after locations. Here’s seven of the most expensive sold this year in London.

well as six en-suite bedrooms, a conference room, two roof terraces, cinema, hobby room and a catering kitchen. It also has a staff suite including two bedrooms and a lounge. The property backs on to Holland Park and celebrity neighbours include Simon Cowell, Robbie Williams and Jimmy Page.

9 Holland Park

his Grade II listed Georgian house was built in 1737 and sold in March this year for £31.5 million. It was converted from office usage to residential during the 1990s and then upgraded with the help of interior designers Frederic Mechiche and Joanna Wood, who is chums with David Linley. They both reclaimed many of the original Georgian floors and re-installed

20 UPPER BROOK STREET, MAYFAIR £31.5 million T

20 Upper Brook Street, Mayfair

antique fireplaces throughout the property. It has five bedrooms including a master suite with two dressing rooms and bathrooms, as well as two staff rooms, a separate chauffeur’s flat and a basement spa, swimming pool and a gym.

23A EATON SQUARE, BELGRAVIA £30 million

his Georgian-style property is arguably one of London’s most extraordinary mews homes. It may look like a historic address but 23a was built in 1936 out of Portland stone and brick on the site of the back terrace, well area and servants’ quarters of neighbouring 23 Eaton Square. This property’s history can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Eaton Square was constructed by the 2nd Marquis of Westminster.

Their most famous owner was Henry Bingham Baring, one of the Baring banking dynasty and a notorious gambler, although Everlyn

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9 HOLLAND PARK £53.49 million

he most expensive private home sold in London this year is this Grade II stucco-fronted Regency villa near Holland Park. It’s one of several similar properties all built at the same time in as clutch of leafy streets between Kensington and Notting Hill. No.9 is famous as the former home of Richard Branson, who sold it in 2006. It was bought by a barrister/financier couple who have spent a small fortune doing the house up. It now has a megabasement including an underground squash court and swimming pool as

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23a Eaton Square, Belgravia

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PROPERTY /FEATURE Baring also lived at the address. He was famous for leading the disastrous attempt to relieve General Gordon at Khartoum in 1896. The property has seven bedrooms, three bathrooms and two terraces.

6 CAMBRIDGE TERRACE £28.6 million

hree years ago, this property along with several adjoining Grade I listed houses on Cambridge Terrace overlooking Regents Park were snapped up by a developer with plans to turn it all into a ‘super mansion’. The resulting combined property was originally billed as larger than Buckingham Palace, which they share a designer with – John Nash. The scheme got planning permission in November 2016 to convert it from offices to private dwellings, including the digging out of the basement, although the sale of this part of the terrace took place in April 2016, suggesting that the ‘super mansion’ proposal might not be going ahead.

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6 Cambridge Terrace 56 Holland Green Place, Kensington,

112 EATON SQUARE, BELGRAVIA £25.5 million

his house is famous for two reasons. One is that it’s where in May 1940 a group of Tory MPs gathered to plot the downfall of Neville Chamberlain and the subsequent rise of Winston Churchill to power.

But more recently – in 2010 – it also featured as one of over a dozen properties owned by Scottish developer Scot Young, who at one point owned over a dozen large houses in Belgravia and an estimated wealth of £400m of his £2 billion fortune, before his death over two years ago. The property was sold in August and offers a classic stucco fronted extertior with views of the six private gardens surrounding the square, which is infact an elongated oblong shape. u

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56 HOLLAND GREEN PLACE, KENSINGTON, £26.8 million 5 Princes Gate, Kensington

5 PRINCES GATE, KENSINGTON £28.5 million

uch a high price might seem like a lot for a flat, but it’s within one of central London’s most sought-after apartment blocks all of which enjoy superb views over Hyde Park while the Royal Albert Hall, Knightsbridge and Harvey Nichols are nearby. Amazingly, £28.5 is quite reasonable for properties within the development. In 2014 a penthouse within it sold for £50 million. No. 5, Princes Gate was buily by famously discreet luxury property developer Mike Spink of Spink Properties.

S

f you’ve been to the recently re-launched Design Museum within what was the old Commonwealth Institute exhibition hall on the south side of Holland Park, you’ll have noticed the new angular block of flats adjacent to it. They were designed by architect Rem Koolhaas of international practice OMA for developer Chelsfield and completed in 2016. Several properties within the development sold for more than £20 million including, in April, this five-bedroom example which features interiors by CollettZarzycki. Residents enjoy 24-hour concierge services and access to a 20m heated swimming pool, spa, gym and fitness centre.

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112 Eaton Square, Belgravia

absolutely.london

16/01/2017 14:54

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• BR_NXNWNEW.indd 4

12/12/2016 18:06

A unique collection of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments and duplexes for the discerning city-dweller.

Beautifully designed inside and out, set in the ideal location to embrace and appreciate the finest in urban living.

Prices from ÂŁ730,000

ENQUIRE NOW THEFEATHERSTONE–EC1.CO.UK 0203 151 9656 Prices are correct at time of going to print. Computer generated image is indicative only.

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04/01/2017 14:54

Faster.

Sell or let with Knight Frank.

Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price properties accurately.

So whether you’re looking to buy or sell, let or rent; you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.

Knight Frank Islington 353 Upper Street London N1 0PD 020 3657 7340 islington@knightfrank.com

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