Absolutely Kingston & Surrey December 2021

KINGSTON & SURREY

Kingston & Surrey

DECEMBER 2021 / £3.95

S P EC I AL Stylish decorations and gifts galore

MAX glamour The decorating trend DECEMBER 2021

Gift guides

Festive FIZZ What to drink and how to drink it

Ideas for everybody

Deck the

HALLS A L L Y O U WA N T F O R C H R I S T M A S

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Bed: Sandö | Fabric: Designer´s Guild Tammaro Smoke | Carpet: Light Beige | Bed Linen: Storm Shell | Bedside table: Holme CARPE DIEM BEDS STORES: STOCKHOLM | LONDON | LYSEKIL | GOTHENBURG 15 WIGMORE STREET | LONDON W1U 1PE carpediembedsofsweden | #stayinbed | www.carpediembeds.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 3982 3252

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STAY I N B E D The ultimate luxury is taking time to unwind in a bed so comfortable that you never want to leave

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TAG HEUER BOUTIQUE 6 CHURCH STREET, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES This Boutique is part of the Watches of Switzerland Group

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THE GLASSHOUSE

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Magnificent, one of a kind luxury lakeside glass villa available for rent Christmas and New Year 2021.

Perfect family and party house for the festive period!

07961 337293 | www.glasshousebythelake.uk glasshousebythelake

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Poggenpohl Wigmore · 118 Wigmore Street · London W1U 3RT · 020 7224 1986 · wigmore@ poggenpohl.com | Poggenpohl Chelsea · New Studio Open · 265-267 Fulham Road · London SW3 6HY · 020 7730 7927 · chelsea@poggenpohl.com | Poggenpohl Hampstead · 477-481 Finchley Road · London NW3 6HS · 020 7794 7801 · hampstead@poggenpohl.com

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents DECEMBER 2021

116 12

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FA S H I O N 86 THE SHOOT

WHAT'S ON

92 JEWELLERY

10 things we’re coveting this month

16

86

Your diary for December

Pearl Lowe's country house glam

Maximum impact

CHRISTMAS 32 NO LIMIT

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 103 BEAUTY NOTES

37 ON THE BALL

107 LIP SYNCH

46 GIFT GUIDES

INTERIORS 112 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Christmas with Rockett St George

All the best baubles

Something for everyone

FOOD & DRINK 70 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

78 RECIPES

Daylesford's Christmas

76

What's hot and what's new

Party make-up for the season

All the best from the industry

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

116 HOUSE TOUR

A stylishly refurbished Edwardian semi in west London

O N T H E C OV E R bellafreud.com Photography by Jamie Morgan

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS ANABELA KOLECI FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

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NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

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a b s o l u t e l y. l o n d o n

Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S December issue highlights

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Show time

New Year's Eve Burlesque awaits

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Hamper love

Christmas hampers for all tastes

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5

In the round Wreaths – not just for the front door

hen is the right time to put the decorations up?

Supermarkets may shift seamlessly from Halloween to Christmas, but really, no matter how eager we may be, November is not Christmas.

Surely we should have enough self-restraint to hold us back until at least the first of Advent, and even then, there's quite a long stretch ahead.

Christmas decorations shouldn't be looking tired and old on Christmas morning, so according to my own personal rulebook, the ideal moment to put up the tree is around 12 December. Just before the middle of the month. But a wreath on the front door is fine at the beginning of December, and possibly some subtle fairy lights somewhere too, illustrating that my rulebook is perhaps not the most consistent, or the most orthodox. By the time you read this, decorations will probably be very much on your mind – which is why we have filled these pages with lots of lovely festive home ideas, as well as the obligatory and extensive gift guides. Merry Christmas to you all.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

4 Hang-ups

All the best baubles for your tree

3 Decorate!

Indulge all your decorating instincts with our selection of Christmas finery

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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SCARLET L A DY Bella Freud's red velvet tailoring is the ultimate in festive fashion. Stylish and classic as well as totally contemporary, the Christmas suit is one we're all coveting this year. Velvet jacket, £790 bellafreud.com

F L A S H DA N C E Nothing says party like a flurry of tulle, as Molly Goddard knows. Her AW party collection is full of flounce and net. mollygoddard.com

EDITOR’S PICK

RUBY RUBY R E D S TA R Recyclable paper decorations are on trend this season – and we love the selection of origami papers and kits at Little B. littleb.uk

Rubies are the gems of love. Here they are complemented by the classic diamond halos, proving you can never have to and set in 18K gold for a truly sumptuous finish. Asteria earrings, £1,405 thediamondstore.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

RED CARPET NailKind's natural nail care is kind to your nails, planet and animal friendly while maintaining intense shiny shades. £9.50 thekindstoreonline.co.uk

R E D H OT

DA R K A RT This dress in printed organic cotton poplin features a stretchy, shirred elastic bodice and mutton-style long sleeves. £205 ganni.com

Huawei's FreeBuds come in a lipstick-design case, exquisitely crafted for a smooth, metallic touch that gives your music the showcase it deserves. £200 huawei.com

C R I M S O N J OY

RED LETTER

Molly Goddard's red gathered shoulder bag is made from a futuristic nylon that shows off all its frills and ruching. £520 doverstreetmarket.com

The new collection reinvents Caran d'Ache's iconic 849 ballpoint pen with an array of new shades including this stylish red. £24 papersmiths.co.uk

FLAMING LIPS Christmas at Rockett St George is all about old school glitz, glamour and decadence.

This lipstick and cigarette bauble sums it up. £15 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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C U LT U R E

SKATE AT SOMERSET HOUSE

What's on 16 • Christmas shows 18 • London's ice rinks 23 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

LO N D O N ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

EV E N T

Festive Fayre 3-5 December H A M PTO N C O U RT Explore the palace dressed for the season and wander through the corridors where many festive events would have taken place. Discover William III's awe-inspiring Baroque apartments and explore the wonderful gardens in the winter.

Hampton Court Palace'S courtyards will be transformed into a food lover's Christmas wonderland, with everything from Christmas pudding to sausages. hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

EV E N T

Christmas at Kew ROYA L BOTA NI C GA R D E NS , U NTI L 9 JAN UARY 2022

Enjoy annual after-dark festivities with family and friends, as you discover sparkling tunnels of light and trees drenched in jewel-like colour on your way to the panoramic Palm House light display. Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the Fire Garden, spot larger-thanlife illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way too. kew.org

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AU C T I O N

Vanity Fair Prints 27 January R O S E B E RYS LO N D O N Previously owned by retired judge his Honour James Pyke and Mrs Tissy Pyke, one of the best collection of Vanity fair prints in the country is due to appear in the Traditional Home sale. Categories range from Red Robe Judges to Society Ladies via Jockeys, Cricketers and Polo Players. roseberys.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

ART

TO WATC H

BA L L E T

The Nutcracker 28-31 December R OYA L A L B E R T H A L L It’s not Christmas without The Nutcracker, and for 2021 it’s wonderful to announce the return of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive favourite to the Royal Albert Hall. This enchanting production, featuring Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous score, is the quintessential Christmas treat for all the family. royalalberthall.com

T H E AT R E

MINIMASTERPIECE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

For gift ideas with a philanthropic purpose check out Art on a Postcard, who produce beautiful postcard boxsets featuring the unique works from their successful annual auctions.

An ideal stocking filler, they start at £14.95. For the more discerning photography collector see their Fine Art Photography Boxsets, featuring ten museum quality prints by highly collectible photographers for £250.

Art on a Postcard raises money for The Hepatitis C Trust towards its campaign to eliminate Hepatitis C in the UK by the year 2030. artonapostcard.com

Until 3 April, 2022 T H E LYC E U M T H E AT R E Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King is one to brighten up dreary winter days, given it explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. It follows the powerful story of Simba as he journeys from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands. thelyceumtheatre.com

THE ART TO DISARM - BRAN SYMONDSON

BAC K YA R D C I N E M A U NTI L JA NUARY, 2022 , CAPITAL STUDIOS

L

ooking for a cinema experience with a spin over the Christmas peiod? This December, The Backyard Cinema is back with their twist on your winter cinematic adventure. Your quest can begin either in ‘The Winter Night Garden’ or ‘The Snow Kingdom’, which will help set the right mood. Showing all your festive favourites, The Backyard Cinema will get you into the spirit. It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas. backyardcinema.co.uk

GRANT WALKER

This Month’s Must See

PHOTO: BRINKOFF AND MOGENBURG

THE LION KING

Lisa Baker's picks of the month's events and artists

Head to the House of Fine Art in Mayfair for a new solo exhibition by Bran Symondson. The former soldier, whose powerful reportage pieces on Afghanistan appeared in The Sunday Times, continues to build a successful contemporary art career. Events this year compelled Symondson to revisit his experiences of Afghanistan and the result includes thought-provoking sculptures, such as pictured above, created from de-commissioned AK47s exploring issues of conflict, environment and the spoils of war.

December 2021 at thehouseoffineart.com

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CULTURE • THEATRE

Show

TIME Highlights of the stage this Christmas season

By P E N D L E H A R T E

MAGIC GOES WRONG

MAGIC GOES WRONG

APOLLO THEATRE

A hapless gang of moderately skilled and accident-prone magicians present a charity fundraiser. As the accidents spiral out of control, so does their fundraising target. Created with Magic legends Penn & Teller, this is an evening of typical Mischief comedy.Magic Goes Wrong was nominated for Best Entertainment or Comedy at the 2020 Olivier Awards. magicgoeswrong.com

& JULIET

SHAFTE SBURY THEATRE

With her bags packed and ready to escape Verona, Juliet recovers from heartbreak in the best way possible… by dancing the night away with her best friends by her side. But when the sparkle fades, the confetti falls and reality catches up, it’s clear that Juliet needs to face her past in order to find her future. As comedy meets tragedy, will Juliet get the ending she truly deserves? And most importantly, can their love survive this battle of wills? andjulietthemusical.co.uk

THE GREAT GATSBY

CABARET PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

THE GREAT GATSBY

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK

Since 2012, Curious Incident has been seen by more than five million people worldwide. The winner of seven Olivier Awards, following its New York premiere in September 2014, it became the longestrunning play on Broadway in over a decade, winning five Tony Awards. nationaltheatre.org.uk

Cabaret takes place in a dingy German burlesque club where English dancer Sally Bowles and American writer Cliff Bradshaw start an unlikely relationship.

Outside, the Nazi Party is taking over the streets of Berlin, putting the rights of all under threat. Eddie Redmayne will star as the Master of Ceremonies and Jessie Buckley plays Sally Bowles. playhouse.londontheatres.co.uk

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME

GATSBY'S DRUGSTORE

Welcome back to the roaring twenties as Jay Gatsby invites you to one of his infamous parties. The champagne flows and as the drama unfolds the man himself will be the perfect host. As invites go, this is the hottest ticket in town. A hedonistic world of red hot rhythms, bootleg liquor and pure jazz age self-indulgence awaits.

Dress to the nines and immerse yourself in this heart racing immersive adaption of F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal tale. immersivegatsby.co.uk

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top pick

& JULIET

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CULTURE • NEW YEAR'S EVE

Burlesque

F E ST

New Year’s Eve is set to be a riot at Brasserie Zedel

By EVE HERBERT

T

ake a decadent step back in time this New Year’s Eve with The Beguiling Hour Cabaret, a dazzling display of uplifting entertainment inspired by the bygone era.

Brought to you by internationally renowned Burlesque artist, Miss Betsy Rose, one of the biggest names on the London cabaret scene and three times voted the UK’s number 1 figure in Burlesque, as well as co-producer of the critically acclaimed show, Gin House Burlesque.

The Beguiling Hour will whisk you away to the golden age with vintage art forms from days gone by. Celebrating splendour in all its forms through marvellous live music, high end classic burlesque, divine dancers and vaudevillian speciality acts.

With special guest performances by the elite of the London cabaret scene, Didi Derriere, Darren Charles and Miss Betsy Rose herself, as well as Neil Kelso on the keys and songstress extraordinaire, Chastity Belt guiding you through an exceptional night of timeless cabaret.

Welcome 2022 by reclaiming the roaring 20’s once and for all!

“A dazzling display of uplifting entertainment inspired by the bygone era”

brasseriezedel.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CULTURE • SKATE

1 O N T H E R I N K LONDON'S BEST ICE SKATING DESTINATIONS

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TUDOR STYLE HAMPTON COURT

While not a traditional Tudor pastime, Henry VIII's historic home makes for a beautiful backdrop to your skating session. The Thamesside palace is extra big this year and there’s a heated cafe serving warm drinks and sweet treats. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

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S K AT E S O N

A L E X A N D R A PA L A C E

The newly-refurbished rink inside this north London landmark has opened its doors for the winter period, offering skating sessions on its full-size rink. Those looking to improve their skills can join a class. alexandrapalace.com

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ON THE ROOF SKYLIGHT

Skyligh's rooftop rink provides unbeatable views of the cityscape while you skate. There’s also an igloo village, spacious Après Ski Lodge bar, Off-Piste Speakeasy bar, Christmas market and a cinema. skylightlondon.com

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THE CLASSIC SOMERSET HOUSE

Skate at Somerset House is the ultimate winter experience and this year there's a programme of DJ sessions and new dining options, plus the ever-impressive tree. somersethouse.org.uk

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RIVER VIEW

THE QUEENS HOUSE

The only outdoor ice rink in south London is at Queen’s House in Greenwich, where cisitors can skate in the surrounds of the spectacular UNESCO heritage site while admiring a view of the Thames. rmg.co.uk/skate

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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S

ince March 2020, and through the numerous following lockdowns in the UK, home-made crafts and art went through something close to a renaissance.

John Lewis reported a jump in sales of haberdashery items, while we took inspiration from new TV shows like Grayson’s Art Club, presented by artist Grayson Perry, or Noel Fielding’s online art club.

Widely deemed a ‘crafting revolution’, home-dwellers across the country took up handicrafts from the simple, such as scrapbooking and pottery, to the obscure, such as intricate Japanese toy-making, amigurumi, and ambitious embroidery projects.

This return to appreciation of handmade crafts comes as welcome news to Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, founded with the vision of creating a valued women artisan economy in the Middle East. The Council aims to preserve the culture and traditions of the United Arab Emirates while revitalising the ancient crafts for a contemporary market.

From its base in Sharjah (one of the seven United Arab Emirates), known as a patron of the fine arts and cultural values, the Council oversees the creation of precious, one-of-a-kind products each year by bringing local women makers together with international designers and brands. By creating items that can be sold globally, the collections give these local artisans the means to support themselves through their craft and inherited skills, passed down for generations.

However, the sphere of the council spans much further, aiming to empower female artisans from not only the UAE,

CRAFT

LIFE

Introducing Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, celebrating Middle Eastern handicrafts

By EVE HERBERT

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

but the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Central Asia and South East Asia too. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council provides a fresh narrative for these craftswomen, developing new market opportunities through collaborations with high-profile names and designers, whilst preserving the skills and traditions these regions are known for.

The Council itself comes under the umbrella of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment that was established in 2015 and is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah. The core aims of NAMA are to not only support women and ensure gender equality but also to see women become influential key members of society. These values are interwoven in Irthi Contemporary Craft Council’s agenda too - with social development programmes and vocational training in place to to support its five core initiatives, which directly reflect the Council’s values.

The Bidwa Social Development Programme, which employs 40 craftswomen on Sharjah’s east coast, provides vocational training and helps artisans find new markets for their skills through commercial collaborations and regional artisan exchange programmes. The programme delivers viable career opportunities for women within a vibrant economic sector.

For craftspeople who wish to extend their skills and education, the Council offers the

Artisan Skills Exchange Programme.

Much of what Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council produces is done with the aim of passing the region’s beautiful handicraft traditions on to the next generations. The Hirfati Youth Programme was set up to train and engage young designers and artists through a mix of activities that combine traditional and contemporary crafts, while the Azyame Fashion Entrepreneurs Programme works to develop the next generation of UAE-based fashion designers.

Perhaps one of the most interesting initiatives is the Crafts Dialogue, a unique project that brings together the Council and its artisans with Barcelona-based Creative Dialogue to create craft works that marry Emirati and international techniques into contemporary designs.

Recently, the Council has collaborated with classic luxury houses, including Cartier and Bvlgari. These partnerships put a modern and ultra-luxury spin on the ancient weaving techniques of the craftswomen, whilst bringing them into the spotlight. Since Jacques Cartier’s first visit to the region in 1912, the ties between the French luxury house and the Middle East have been influential in shaping Cartier’s creative design and style.

The Irthi x Cartier collaboration saw the creation of a bespoke Safeefah basket and Misbah collection, created in the spirit of Ramadan, the month of giving back.

Inspired by the traditional heritage crafts

“THE AIM IS TO PASS THE REGION’S BEAUTIFUL HANDICRAFT TRADITIONS ON TO THE NEXT GENERATIONS”

of the region, the basket was woven using palm fronds in the Safeefah technique.

Locally-produced and hand-made, the contemporary piece, available in Cartier’s signature red, and two-tone (red and beige) is a stylish addition to any home whether in Dubai, London, Paris or Rome.

Whilst these collaborations provide an international stage for the women artisans’ wares, and modernises the way in which their crafts are presented, the Council is also championing partnerships with established female founders and artists of the Middle East.

This November, the Council unveiled its latest collection at Design Miami/Podium x Shanghai. Featuring two collections of unique yet functional objects, the series marks a new stage in the Council’s work.

These two collections have been produced at a different scale and price point to previous work, allowing the artisans’ work to be more accessible to a wider audience globally, whilst maintaining the highquality of these ‘everyday luxury’ items.

One of these collaborations is with renowned Levantine designer, Nada Debs, based in Beirut, Lebanon. The collection, entitled Zenobia (pictured), combines Nada’s ‘handmade and heartfelt’ design manifesto with the ancient craft of Emirati Talli weaving. Intricate hand woven braids are intertwined with Lebanese marquetry to create one-of-a-kind homewares that reinterpret traditional vases and vessels carried by Bedouin tribes, yet would seem perfectly at home next to your fireplace, or on your dining table.

Though just a few years old, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has made a name for itself within the international design community.

The success is, predominantly, due to the Council’s inspiring mission to empower female artisans and to connect through craft, in a global way.

I R T H I C O N T E M P O R A RY CRAFTS COUNCIL irthi.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Christmas MAGIC Welcoming the festive season at Hillier Syon Park

W

e are ready to greet you with a host of festive treats for your home and garden.

From delightful decorations and delicious food to exciting gifts and seasonal plants.

Having opened our doors in spring 2021, we are excited to invite visitors to experience West London’s new destination garden centre. Adjacent to the magnificent Syon House and Gardens, the transformed centre showcases the award-winning Hillier passion for exceptional plants, carefully curated selections of gardenalia, extraordinary houseplants, local food and unique giftware to inspire dream gardens and homes.

Stop and pause at one of our two eateries: The Courtyard Restaurant with plenty of al fresco dining and views of The Great Conservatory and The Clocktower Café for barista-prepared hot drinks plus sweet and savoury treats.

WANDER OUR CHRISTMAS TREE FOREST

One of our favourite times of the year at Hillier Garden Centres is mid to late November when thousands of real Christmas trees arrive with us and we set up our magical tree ‘forests’. All our premium quality, UK-grown trees are handpicked by horticultural experts from our dedicated UK Christmas tree growers.

The most popular choice at Christmas is a real, cut Christmas tree. Our extensive range of top-quality trees, includes the classic Nordmann Fir, that grants an elegant and traditional vision, along

with more unusual varieties such as the Blue Spruce with striking silvergreen and icy blue varieties, for those looking to make a seasonal statement.

Visit us and we will be delighted to help you select your perfect tree from our Christmas tree forest. We can then net it for you and carry it to your car once you’ve finished your shopping – or stopped at The Courtyard restaurant for a festive bite to eat.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

H I L L I E R SYO N PA R K Hillier Garden Centre Syon Park, Brentford, TW8 8JF. hillier.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP AUDIENCE, LIMITED EDITION PRINT BY MATT DOSA

T H E

O F

A R T

G I F T I N G

Considering giving a piece of art? Here's where to start

By JENNIFER CONNER

“IF YOU’RE CHOOSING ART FOR SOMEONE, IT’S LIKELY THAT YOU KNOW THEM WELL ENOUGH TO JUDGE WHAT SETS THEIR PASSIONS ALIGHT” THE DRIFT (SWITCH STACK 18) 20 X 25CM

G

ifting art to someone special is an incredibly thoughtful gesture at any time, but at Christmas it feels particularly poignant.

It’s a way to celebrate relationships, mark achievements, and commemorate special moments at the end of yet another year. Finding the perfect artwork can feel daunting though, so here are a few guiding principles to consider.

THINK ABOUT THE RECIPIENT’S STYLE Picture your special someone’s home. Does it ooze glitz and glamour? Are they partial to mid-century modern? Or is their abode all minimalist sharp lines and decluttered surfaces? Your artwork selection – and any framing options – should reflect their personal style. Spend time thinking about their current choices in colours, mediums, and sizes in order to ensure your gift is in keeping with their lifestyle.

CONSIDER PERSONAL PASSIONS If you’re choosing art for someone, it’s likely that you know them well enough to judge what sets their passions alight.

Take inspiration from the things they love, or from special moments that you have shared together. This may be a landscape reminiscent of a particular place; a quirky image of a beloved breed of pet, or simply an abstract print by a favourite artist.

Don’t overthink it though! Putting too many limitations on your choice can be confining and exhausting. Sometimes a beautiful image is all you need.

SET A BUDGET Art needn’t be an extravagant purchase.

Consider a small work or unique piece

VIALETTO WOODEN SCULPTURE BY KATE TRAFELI

of sculpture which can be easily placed within a home. Or choose a signed, limited-edition print. All will be easier on the wallet. But if you do decide to push the boat out, speak with the gallery.

They often offer interest-free payment plans, which allow you to make small payments over a series of months. Or better yet, share the burden by making it a group investment, and get friends or family involved. It will make your cherished selection even more festive.

GO WITH A GIFT CERTIFICATE If you remain stumped on the perfect piece, consider a gift certificate. Far from being cliched, this offers an opportunity for the two of you to spend time together selecting the perfect piece. What better way to banish the post-holiday blues?

A F T E R N Y N E C O N T E M P O R A RY Jennifer Conner is the Art Advisor at After Nyne Contemporary, as well as Regional Managing Director of the Affordable Art Fair in the UK. afternynecontemporary.com

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C E L E B R AT E T O G E T H E R A G A I N T H I S D E C E M B E R CAROLS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

THE NUTCRACKER

CHRISTMAS WITH JONAS KAUFMANN

BRIAN COX AND ROBIN INCE’S CHRISTMAS COMPENDIUM OF REASON

GUY BARKER’S BIG BAND CHRISTMAS

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Christmas S

P

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Decor PLUS

ROCKETT ST GEORGE

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without... a load of oversized paper baubles. At least not if you're Jane Rockett or Lucy St George, who believe in decorating to the max. They share some decorating wisdom with us on page 32.

In this sect ion T H E B E S T B A U B L E S 37 C R A C K E R L O V E 39 W R E A T H F R E N Z Y 41 C H R I S T M A S AT H O M E

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G L A M S L A M

Forget subtle decorations – Christmas 2021 is all about merry maximalism

Wo r d s J A N E R O C K E T T a n d L U C Y S T G E O R G E

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CHRISTMAS • SPOTLIGHT

SET OF 6 MULTI PINK CHRISTMAS TREES DECORATIONS, £45,

ANTIQUE STYLE GOLD METAL DRINKS TROLLEY, £260

J

ane Rockett and Lucy St George are big advocates of maximalist decoration at Christmas. They are not interested in the pared back Scandi look, nor in the uber tasteful single star. Which isn’t to say that they’re throwing taste to the wind – not at all, because they are very good at getting it right, and not scared of colour, pattern or sparkle. Which is why they’re very well suited to Christmas.

Here they highlight their approaches to decorating for Christmas 2021.

JANE ROCKETT AND LUCY ST GEORGE

JANE ROCKETT “More is more, less is a bore” When it comes to the Christmas table, we’re a fan of Iris Apfel’s ‘more is more, less is a bore’ ethos. Christmas is a time for celebration with drinks flowing and a feast of food, so naturally your dining table needs special attention to step up to the occasion.

A foraged or floral centrepiece always creates impact; however, we also love bringing decorations usually saved for your Christmas tree or mantlepiece to the table.

One of the most important parts of any Christmas table is to create a magical

BLACK DECO HEAD ORNAMENT, £48

atmosphere. The romantic glow of candlelight is essential to set the tone for an indulgent Christmas celebration that lasts long into the night. Fairy lights are another failsafe way of achieving a luxe look and aren’t just for the tree. Scattering fairy lights across to your Christmas table helps to showcase each individual place setting, with the twinkling lights perfect for lighting up both your table and the rest of the room.

To complete the look, plenty of gorgeous greenery is essential. We also love the idea of introducing vases overflowing with glamorous garlands, quirky ornaments wrapped in fairy lights and a beautiful tree decoration at the centre of each place setting to help create an extraordinary Christmas table scheme. Your festive

“More is more, less is a bore” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BAUBLES, 2021

“A hint of disco is welcome at any time of year” display should be personal and unique to you, so don’t be afraid to play around and introduce pieces you love from around your home this Christmas. The more candles, fairy lights, glitter and glamour – the better.

LUCY ST GEORGE “A hint of disco is welcome at any time of year”

PIKES AT ROCKETT ST GEORGE DISCO BALL COCKTAIL SHARER FOR 68 PEOPLE, £595

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Christmas is a magical time for celebration and I think we could all benefit from a little extra sparkle in our lives after the events of the past couple of years.

With this in mind, we’ve embraced a theme of playful maximalism in our Christmas 2021 collection. We’ve long been believers of the power of maximalist

decorating to transform your home and the same applies at Christmas with decorating your tree. Here are a few of our favourite maximalist trends: Rainbow Disco - A hint of disco is welcome at any time of year but looks particularly spectacular at Christmas!

Combining pops of colour with mirror ball magic, the Rainbow Disco trend for 2021 introduces a fabulous Studio 54 feel to your front room. From disco ball tree toppers to ombre Christmas tree ornaments, multicoloured garlands and sequins, these decorations can be embraced solo for a more subtle approach to disco fever, or brought together for maximum glamour.

Merry Maximalism - When it comes to decorating your home for Christmas,

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CHRISTMAS • SPOTLIGHT

VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE GLASS WITH GOLD RIM, £9

we always recommend going all out with baubles, garlands, candles and festive foliage to set the scene for magic.

There are no rules to follow with the maximalist tree trend, so if you love it, it deserves a space on your tree. Every year we focus on curating a collection of quirky tree decorations that reflect the fun of the season and this year, our Merry Maximalism edit is more eclectic than ever, with everything from hipster Santa, to artichoke & octopus designs, glitter eye illustration baubles, luxe leopard print decorations, party dog snow globes, and much more!

Holiday Icons – Famous faces have been a treasured addition to our Christmas tree styling for the last few years and every year, we add new names to the collection. From expected holiday figures with a twist such as Jesus and Mary, to pop culture legends in the form of Frida Kahlo, Iris Apfel and RuPaul, these unique tree decorations dare to be different. For 2021, the theme of famous faces includes trailblazing artists, iconic rock stars and legends of science.

Often, it’s the unique and quirky pieces that set your home apart so don’t be afraid to embrace more unconventional pairings – personally, I can’t wait to display Darwin and Einstein next to Slash, Post Malone and Andy Warhol on my Christmas trees this year. ”

GOLD DISCO BALL BAUBLE, £8

Jane Rockett and Lucy St George are the co-founders of Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS

97 x 65 cm. Priced at £420 each (inc. UK sales tax).

Private commissions are also welcome.

@pullmaneditionsposters

Our central London gallery All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions Ltd. 2021

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CHRISTMAS • BAUBLES SASS & BELLE Christmas Cheer Beer Bauble, £7 sassandbelle.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

SASS & BELLE

HK LIVING

Lighnting Bolt Rainbow Bauble, £10.50 sassandbelle.co.uk

Set of three ornaments hkliving.nl

FIVE AND DIME Baked Beanz Can Bauble, £13.50 fiveanddime-interiors.com

CREAM CORNWALL Wellington Boots Bauble, £10 creamcornwall.co.uk

GISELA GRAHAM Glass caviar decoration, £14 heals.com

DAYLESFORD Dog with jumper decoration, £10 daylesford.com

COX & COX Hermes Bust Bauble, £12.5 coxandcox.co.uk

BAUBLE BAUBLE Fun ornaments to complete your tree

By PENDLE HARTE

ROCKETT ST GEORGE RED CANDY Broccoli bauble, £15 redcandy.co.uk

Andy Warhol tree Decoration, £18 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER

ELLA JAMES

Porcelain Mrs Acrobat ornament, £34 wagreen.co.uk

Let Christmas BeeGin Bottle Christmas Bauble, £12 ellajames.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • CRACKERS

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M O O N & S TA R S C OX& C OX

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T H E P U L L

ALL THE MOST FABULOUS CRACKERS FOR YOUR TABLE

The Moon & Stars handmade crackers contain gifts such as a miniature grater, a cookie cutter, wildflower seeds, hot chocolate sachet, miniature strawberry jam or a honey dipper. There's a hat and a joke too, of course. £50 coxandcox.co.uk

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CARAMEL SNAP

A R T I S A N D U C H O C O L AT

The Ultimate Sharing Salted Caramel cracker is crammed full of Artisan's most loved milk chocolate sea salted caramels, first created for Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, including the new Christmas flavour. £19.99 artisanduchocolat.com

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BY H A N D

DAY L E S F O R D

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These Hanwriting crackers are made with sustainably sourced paper and printed with vegetable inks and decorated with words that are especially meaningful at Christmas – love, peace, and joy – in a handwriting font. £45 daylseford.com

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GOLDEN YEARS T H E WO L S E L E Y

Each Wolseley cracker is filled with a keepsake,from Champagne stoppers to salt scoops, to treasure.

They come packed in a red and gold gift box inspired by the chinoiserie detailing found at The Wolseley. £48 thewolseley.com

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THE BIRD

A N N A B E L JA M E S

The Pheasant and Holly Christmas Crackers are hand tied with red raffia and contain a family-friendly strategy puzzle game, a paper hat and a joke.

They're 100% plastic free. £17.95 annabeljames.co.uk

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FAUX LUX E C OX & C OX

Cox and Cox's indoor wreaths may be faux but they're worlds away from garish. Subtle, muted shades and a matte finish make them stylish pieces to bring back every year.

Eucalyptus wreath, £60 coxandcox.co.uk

C I R C L E O F L I F E ALL THE MOST FABULOUS FESTIVE WREATHS

2

A MIXED BUNCH S H I DA

The luxe Nuit wreath kit contains everything you need to make a gorgeous, long-lasting indoor wreath on a beautiful brass ring.

Use floristry tape to attach small mixed bunches to the ring, and then admire your creation. skida.florist

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S TA R B U Y JOHN LEWIS

Simple yet full of joy, the Technicolour Supernature Star and Berry Rainbow Wreath is compact but it makes a big statement. Stars and mini baubles all the way, £35. johnlewis.com

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TO T H E M A X

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BLOOM

Bloom's approach is to go large, wreath-wise. The Festive Pastels wreath is generous and abundant with its beautiful and sustainable mix of eucalyptus leaves and dried wild flowers. These wreaths will definitely make your door stand out. £75-£195; bybloom.co.uk

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MASTER CLASS PULBROOK & GOULD

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The Dilly will be hosting luxury wreath-making masterclasses in collaboration with Pulbrook & Gould. The intimate classes will be run by experienced florists and all guests will take home their own handmade wreath. pulbrookandgould.co.uk

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THE TURKEY COPAS TURKEYS

Why are Copas Turkeys consistently the best? These are traditional turkey breeds from specialist British hatcheries, left to roam free range and grow at a natural pace, making them all the better on the big day. Order quick. copasturkeys.co.uk

Christmas

CHEER ALL THE ESSENTIALS FOR C E L E B R AT I N G AT H O M E

THE TREE PINES AND NEEDLES

Has ULEZ made you lose the will to drive? Why not have your tree delivered this year? The elves at Pines and Needles will bring a beautiful Nordman Fir right into your living room. And they'll even decorate it for you too, if you like. pinesandneedles.com

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CHRISTMAS • HOME

The toast:

FIZZ

THE TABLE BROSTE COPENHAGEN

Take inspiration from the Danes and go for muted linens, paper decorations and natural floage for an organic feel. Use texture and tone create a cosy, Scandi vibe for your Christmas table. brostecopenhagen.com

LANSON

Le Black Label Brut, £35.99 majestic.co.uk

NYETIMBER

Cuvee Cherie multi-vintage, £38 nyetimber.com

THE CHEESE MELROSE AND MORGAN

The Deluxe Cheese Board contains a very special selection of cheeses from La Fromagerie, with crackers from The Fine Cheese Company and a jar of Port and Red Onion Marmalade.

Perfect for after lunch. £65 melroseandmorgan.com PALE FOX

Rose Prosecco, £28.95 palefoxprosecco.com

THE LIGHTS JOHN LEWIS

Christmas is when we can all indulge our love of fairy lights, and it's acceptable – even required – to have twinkly lights everywhere. And not just on the tree. We like fairy lights on banisters, in fireplaces and alcoves, shelves and especially mantlepieces.

There's a good selection at John Lewis. johnlewis.com

NYETIMBER

Classic Cuvee multi-vintage, £37 nyetimber.com

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Harry, our handsome copper pot still resides in the idyllic Royal Oak Public House, right in the heart of West Berkshire’s stunning 9,000 acre Yattendon Estate. Our philosophy is to create enduring and sustainable botanical spirits and liqueurs and we use both the flora and fauna, and the wonderful wildlife of Yattendon as inspiration for our award-winning range of countryside spirits. | BerkshireBotanical.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • DRINKS

T H E TA R B AY B O TA N I S T

EAST COAST DISTILLERY Tide's Fortune Essex Dry Gin, £37.95 eastcoastdistillery.co.uk

Windsor batch gin is an award-wining London Dry gin vapour infused with lemon balm, rosemary and lavender to give a refreshing and balanced taste. thetarbaybotanist.com

YETI & THE FOX Wellness capsules, £12.99 yetiandthefox.com

MR HOBBS GIN SILENT POOL DISTILLERS

Spiced Plum Gin Liqueur, £25 mrhobbsgin.co.uk

Rare Citrus Gin and Copa Gift Set, £68 silentpooldistillers.com

FINCA LALANDE Malbec, Argentina, £10.49 waitrose.com

XXXXXXXXXXX PALACE GARDENS

RAISE A GLASS

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Clementine Light Up Snow xxxxxxxxxxxxxx £xxxx Globe Gin Liqueur xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx & Prosecco Gift Box, £45 at Marks and Spencer palaceshopping.co.uk

HEPPLE Gin gift box, £60 hepplespirits.com

All the best drinks this Christmas

By P E N D L E H A R T E

EDITOR’S PICK HATTINGLEY VALLEY Classic Reserve NV luxury gift set, £59 hattingleyvalley.com

SELFRIDGES Personalised Verve Clicquot, £59.99 selfridges.com

PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY TRING BREWERY Santa's Little Helper ale, £2.60 tringbrewery.co.uk

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PUD PUD Christmas Gins, £36 puddingstonedistillery.com

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AMELIE'S FOLLIES Prima Donna Arau collection, from £112 ameliesfollies.co.uk

PERILLA

BAKER B R OT H E RS

Long alpaca lounge socks, £22 perilla.co.uk

9ct yellow & white gold four interlocking circles stud earrings.

These stylish 9ct yellow and white gold studs feature four interlocking flat circles with a post and butterfly fitting. £85 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

JASON CHARLES Silver gold plated green cz huggie hoops (available in many other colours) £35 jasoncharlesjewellery.co.uk

JESSICA RUSSELL FLINT Pure silk nightdress in an exclusive moon and stars print, £179 Matching robe available odettelingerie.co.uk

BON PARFUMEUR Eau de Parfum 104, £107 bonparfumeur.com

Gifts for

HER All she wants for Christmas

SAFIRO

BRODIE CASHMERE

By PENDLE HARTE

Peacock crystal brooch, £295 safiro.com

Rainbow cashmere hoodie. £305 brodiecashmere.com

MARISA ARNA Eclipse sterling silver bangle, from £195 marisaarna.com

GAIA SKINCARE Crystal range trio, £90 gaiaskincare.com

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SCENTS OF NATURE Wildflower natural eau de parfum, £76 scentsofnature.co.uk

ICANDI ROCKS Valhalla Cuff Earring Gold, £26 jakandliza.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS THE EYE PLACE Dior glasses, from £235 the-eye-place.co.uk

LES SENTEURS L’Ile aux Trésors Candle, £48 lessenteurs.com

BOING Climbing rope bracelets, £40 boingjewellery.com

AESOP Miraceti Eau de Parfum, £140 aesop.com

ANNIE BING Single snake stud in gold, £149 anniebing.com

PERILLA Alpaca bed socks, £18 perilla.co.uk

MICHAEL PLATT Unusual bespoke Sphene and Yellow Diamond gold pendant, £POA michaelplatt.co.uk

B K LY N Wool Beanie Hat With Detachable Fur Pom Pom, £65.

Luxury Italian merino wool bobble hat in Oatmeal. The hat is created from the finest quality merino wool, its softness and timeless elegance are just two characteristics that make this fabric so unique. jakandliza.com

WORK THAT Give something truly meaningful this Christmas; in person or online personal training and nutrition.

From £35 per session. workthat.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

THE DAN LIFE Jordan Crystal and Resin Necklace, £165 selfridges.com

ARTBAG Classic Medium Resin Artbag, £3,500 artbagstudio.com

RAW BEAUTY LAB The Ultimate Christmas Vegan Beauty Box, £79.95 rawbeautylab.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS BAKER BROTHERS

GARMIN

Montblanc Meisterstuck collection wallet, £265 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

Forerunner 45, £159 johnlewis.com

TRELONK Christmas Saviours set, £55 trelonkwellbeing.com

PARNALL AIRCRAFT COMPANY Aviator sheepskin flying jacket, £500 parnellaircraftcompany.com

MOSCOT Fritz glasses in Cinnamon, £255 the-eye-place.co.uk

Gifts for

HIM

What do men want this year?

Here's our edit MARLOE WAT C H E S CANADA GOOSE Snow Mantra Boot, £1,150 canadagoose.com

The new Pacific collection from Marloe Watch Company celebrates the dawn of the jet age and the experience of being high above the clouds during the early days of flight.

There are four models – all British designed and Swiss made. The Pacific 55 has a vintage feel, inspired by first class air travel, making it the perfect watch for the lavish businessman. £1,195 marloewatchcompany.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BRAUN Exclusive travel alarm clock in blak and Conran blue, £25 conranshop.co.uk

BOING Climbing rope and silver bracelet, £115; key fob £130 boingjewellery.com

LACOSTE Lacoste x Peanuts organic cotton trunk, £25 lacoste.com

HOP-SCENTED CANDLE 20-30 Hour Burn Time – 120ML/228G - £9.99 tringbrewery.co.uk

MORE JOY BY CHRISTOPHER KANE LUXE WATCHES

Silk pyjamas, £395 christopherkane.com

Premium watch cleaning kit, £38.95 luxewatches.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BUILT TO LAST. BUILT TO OUTLAST. Micro scooters for every age and adventurer. micro-scooters.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS DOODLE DENTS

JOHN LEWIS

NOT ANOTHER BILL

Christmas doodle book, £6.49 doodledents.co.uk

John Lewis FSC Wooden My 1st Train Set, £20. johnlewis.com

Personalised Leather iPhone Case & Strap, from £45 notanotherbill.com

CHEEKY MOSTERS Storybook bundle, £34 mycheekymonsters.com

FLITZY

Gifts for

JELLYCAT Sugar Plum Fairy Mouse, £26 curtain-call.co.uk

JOHN LEWIS John Lewis Oculus Quest 2, All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset and Controllers, 64GB, £299 johnlewis.com

KIDS

LITTLE CRAFTY MIND Christmas craft box, £12 littlecraft mind.com

All the best gifts for the under-11s

LEARNING RESOURCES

SELFRIDGES Kids Concept, Playtent £33 selfridges.com

Based on the award-winning Artie 3000™ coding robot, new Artie Max™ brings even more colour, personality, and creative coding possibilities to the drawing table while helping children learn five coding languages through fun, creative activities.

Suitable for ages 8+; £110 amazon.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

Glitter headband, £7 flitzy.co.uk

BANWOOD Rispal gold balance bike, £1,050 banwood.com

LEGO Flower Bouquet £44.99 lego.com

WHITE COMPANY Pull-along Jingles, £26 thewhitecompany.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Some gifts are made for the here and now.

Some are made to stand the test of time.

At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both.

Good design never grows old.

Neptune Chiswick, 020 3814 1220 Neptune Fulham, 020 7371 9997 Neptune Wimbledon, 020 3362 8240 neptune.com/ochristmastree

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

THE ART OF PING PONG Exclusive ping pong table, £1,250 conranshop.co.uk

LINDBERG Buffalo 1846 glasses, £1,240; the-eye-place.com

AMERSHAM JEWELLERY WORKSHOP Silver & cubic zirconia initial pendant, £25 jewelleryworkshop amersham.co.uk

CRAZY COLOR Rainbow kit, £22; crazycolor.co.uk

CANON Zoemini portable photo printer, £119 johnlewis.com

CARAN D'ACHE Prismalo Bocolor tin, £34.99 carandache.com

JOSEPH JOSEPH Blond Design Loop water bottle, £25; josephjoseph.com

SKWAD Teen skincare, from £15.99 skwadshop.com

Gifts for

MERCI MAMAN Constellation coin necklace, £129 mercimamanboutique.com

TEENS Teenagers can be tricky... but here are some winners

By PENDLE HARTE

ORCHARD MOON Scrunchie, £22 orchardmoon.com

MATCHBOX Filled with Love gift box, £50 matchboxjewellery.com

DICKIES Sweatshirt, £60 johnlewis.com

IMPAPA Quad skate, £120 fenwick.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS OONI Pizza oven gift set, £360 selfridges.com

SURYA HOTELS Gift vouchers suryahotels.co.uk

WORDS WITH WINE Monthly novel and wine bottle subscription, £25 wordswithwine.co.uk

WILD CORNWALL Luxury Christmas Gift Box, £75 wildcornwall.net

YVETTES CHOCOLATES Handmade Chocolate Gift Boxes.

Box of 9 £14.50, Box of 16 £22.50, Box of 25 £35, Box of 36 £50 yvetteschocolates.com

PERKY BLENDERS Winter Blend coffee, £10 perkyblenders.com

SENSIO HOME Masha electric potato masher, £42.99 amazon.co.uk

Gifts for

HARAMOUN Extra Virgin Olive Oil, £15.95 haramoun.co.uk

FOODIES Gourmet gifts for bons viveurs

EDITOR’S PICK

By P E N D L E H A R T E

CARLUCCIOS Pandoro Classico, £18.95 caffecarluccios.com

GOURMICA Speciality Burnt Flour, £5.15 gourmica.co.uk

LEITHS Cookery course gift vouchers, from£50 leiths.com

CROSSTOWN Christmas Doughnut Selection, from £25.95 crosstown.co.uk

ELLIOTT OF LONDON Handmade Horseshoe Wine Rack, £180 elliottoflondon.co.uk

THE BLACK PIG Classic Sauce Collection, £20 theblackpiglondon.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS • HAMPERS

MELROSE AND MORGAN Festive Artisan Tea hamper, £50; melroseandmorgan.com

EATALY Bubbles and Panetone hamper, £29.99; eataly.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

THE WOLSELEY Medium Christmas Hamper, £200; thewolseley.com

GAIL'S Christmas Hamper, £165; gailsbread.co.uk

DAYLESFORD Good Cheer Hamper, £110; daylesford.com

HARVEY NICHOLS Rosé Champagne & Pink Chocolate Truffle gift box, £39; harveynichols.com

JOHN LEWIS Christmas Eve Basket, £90; johnlewis.com

COMFORT A N D J OY All the best hampers this Christmas

By PENDLE HARTE

FODABOX Winter Warmer Hot Chocolate Box, £24.99; fodabox.com

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN Signature hamper, £108; lepainquotidien.com

CARLUCCIO'S La Collezione, £220; carluccios.com

RICK STEIN Savoury Hamper, £75; rickstein.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Cosy Christmas Comfort Sumptuously soft, temperature regulating British wool beds & bedding... giving you sound sleep and sweet dreams

BEDS | BEDDING | MATTRESSES | KIDS & BABY | HOMEWARES

www.woolroom.com 01780 461217 info@thewoolroom.com

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Scan me and book a free personal sleep consultation to find your perfect sleep 24/11/2021 12:46

CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

EDITOR’S PICK

E L L E LY N E HOME Ellelyne’s home products and furnishings are made with love and care by artisans from developing countries. Partnering with the Udaan Foundation in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Ellelyne provides underprivileged women with the necessary skills and training opportunities to achieve financial independence and stability through income acquired through their sales.. ellelyne.com

NUDE GLASS Mr & Mrs Night Water Set, £63 fenwick.co.uk

ARKLEY FINE ART Voyager by LHOUETTE, £1,800 arkleyfi neart.co.uk

BEDER From Beder's Kitchen charity cookbook, £22 beder.org

CURTAIN CALL

EVIE AND SKYE

Wool Couture Macrame Weave Kit, £29.99 curtain-call.com

The Savannah cushion, £225 evieandskye.com

Gifts for

HOMES SELETTI Wonder Bubblegum lamp, £239 fenwick.co.uk

All wrapped up for interiors lovers

DOUBLE HELPINGS Screenprinted china plates by Gilbert & George, £125 doublehelpings.shop

IN CASA BY PABOY Patchwork handmade cotton cushion cover, £130 selfridges.com

WEDGWOOD Wanderlust Managerie plate, £40 wedgwood.com

AARKE Carbonator 3, £179 aarke.com

PULLMAN EDITIONS Art Deco in the Alps poster, £420 pullmaneditions.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS ANTHROPOLOGIE Spotty dog with hat, £12 anthropologie.com

BURLINGTON Rubicks argyle socks gift box, £17 burlington.de

LAUREN RUBINSKI Dream bracelet, £65 fenwick.co.uk

DIPTYQUE Baies candle, £49 diptyqueparis.com

ON THE CARDS

NOBLE MACMILLAN Mezzo diary with personalised initials, £59 noblemacmillan.com

AESOP Resurrection hand mist, £10 aesop.com

Discover some of the bravest and most inspirational women in Fantastic Women. With stunning portraits by Daniela Henríquez, compare notes on 32 of the most courageous women ever, from Malala Yousafzai and Rosa Parks to Marie Curie and Amelia Earhart. laurenceking.com

Stocking

GANNI Merino blend sock, £35 libertylondon.com

FILLERS Small but perfectly formed gifts

ANNIE BING

LOVEROCKS Mega Ring of Daisies Drop Earrings, £38 fenwick.co.uk

Diamond lightning bolt stud, £166 anniebing.com

CANDY KITTENS Wild strawberry gummy sweets, £9.99 selfridges.com

MOLLY GODDARD Jacob beanie, £140 mollygoddard.com

JOHN LEWIS Helena circle purse, £10 johnlewis.com

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

BLUNDSTONE X FINISTERRE Vegan boots, £160 finisterre.com

TRES PAPER CO Blue Animal Print Notebook, £8.90 tailormadeliving.co.uk

LEAFY PLANTS Air Quality Sansevieria, aka, Snake plant, £8.99 leafyplants.co.uk

OBJECT BEAUTY Zero plastic and palm oil-free cleansing bar, £14 objectbeauty.com

WOUF Recycled 13" laptop sleeve, £40 pasoluna.co.uk

LOLA & MAWU Recycled glass beads set of three, £29 lolaandmawu.com

POLKRA X FEE GREENING Giant 'collective noun' sustainably produced matchboxes, £10 polkra.com

WALTON & CO Recycled cotton throw, £18 waltonshop.co.uk

ECO

LIGA Recycled plastic coaster set, £12 johnelwis.com

Gifts

LSA INTERNATIONAL Canopy Recycled Glass SelfWatering Planter, £40 johnlewis.com

For the environmentally conscious...

By PENDLE HARTE

EDITOR’S PICK

ONE & EIGHT Recycled Super Star earrings, £44 oneandeight.co.uk

BEAUMONDE Recycled Cotton Cushion Cover with Tassels, £25 beaumonde.co.uk

SPROUT Plantable eyeliner pencil, £10.95 sproutworld.com

LEAFAGE

JOSEPH JOSEPH Blond Design Loop water bottle, £25 josephjoseph.com

Large tropical terrarium kit with eco glass, £85 weareleafage.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Sounds Better Together

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REMASTERING R E M A S T E R I NTGH E H O M E CRI N EM AA S TEEX RPI N EM EG RIENCE T HSOTMEER ICNIG N E M A E X P ETRHI E NHCOEM E C I N E M A E X P E R I E N C E RH EE MA

T Hfrom E H O M E CThe I N Ecustomisable M A E X P E R home I E N Ccinema E At first sight, the timeless design declares iconic refinement. And experience delivers vivid Musical harmony starts here.refinement.

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Get upgraded at your local Bang & Olufsen store.

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RECOMMENDED PRICE FROM XX XXXX. TV: ENERGY CLASS A. SOUND PERFORMANCE B A S E D O N T H E I N D U S T R Y AWA R D W I N N I N G B E O S O U N D S TA G E T E C H N O L O G Y. RECOMMENDED PRICE FROM XX XXXX. TV: ENERGY CLASS A. SOUND PERFORMANCE

BANG & OLUFSEN OF EALING

B A S E D O N T H E I N D U S T R Y AWA R D W I N N I N G B E O S O U N D S TA G E T E C H N O L O G Y.

B A N G & O L U F S E1N OO F NED A LSITNRGE E B 7 B T ,ALNO , W PF E A L I N G GN&D O ON LU F S5E 5 NAO C I T Y S TO R E N A M E — X X X X X X X X X

ADDRESS XXXXXXX — XXXXXXXX

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EALING@BANG-OLUFSEN.CO.UK

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS B&O Beoplay HX comfort headphones, £449 bang-olufsen.com

AIRPULSE A80 HiFi Active Bookshelf Speakers with Bluetooth, £599 tech4.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

NEOM Wellbeing pod diffuser, £95 neomorganics.com

IKETTLE Original smart kettle with wifi and voice activated, £129 smarter.am

Tech

SONY

GIFTS

a7C camera, £1,699 johnlewis.com

RUARK R5 music system, £1,099 ruarkaudio.com

KOBLE Milo smart wooden side table, £215 selfridges.com

Gadgets galore for tech lovers

GINKO DESIGN Smart book light, £35 ginkodesign.co.uk

URBANEARS Alby wireless earbuds, £59.99 urbanears.com

SAGE Bambino espresso machine, £329.95 sageappliances.com

WACAO Mini Portable Espresso Machine, £55 fenwicks.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CHRISTMAS • TECH 1

B EO S O U N D BALANCE

N O R D I C I C E

Dynamic wireless WIFI speaker

1

BANG & OLUFSEN'S NORDIC ICE COLLECTION

Beosound Balance is an awardwinning wireless speaker with a dynamic acoustic performance It has an impressively big acoustic experience for its size and is the ultimate gift for the interior aesthete. The Nordic Ice edition features an extruded recycled aluminium base.

2

B EO P L AY H 9 5

Pinnacle wireless ANC headphones

Beoplay H95 is crafted for the ultimate listening experience with long lasting comfort, effective Active Noise Cancellation, and powerful sound which is driven by custom-made titanium drivers. The cool tone aluminium contrasts to the warm tone lambskin of the ear cushions for ultimate comfort.

3

B EO S O U N D A1 2 N D G E N

4

2

Waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Beosound A1 is the perfect portable speaker with loud and captivating bass rich sound. Fully dust and waterproof, Beosound A1 is primed for up to 18 hours of non-stop play.

The sophisticated, aluminium grill surface is tinted in a cool colourway, reminiscent of Nordic ice.

4

B EO P L AY A9

Iconic wireless WIFI speaker

3

5

Beoplay A9 fills any room with detailed sound thanks to its powerful 480-watt digital amplifier system, making it the must have product for audiophiles. Built-in room adaptation adjusts the sound perfectly to its surroundings so listeners can experience music the way the artists intended.

5

B EO P L AY EQ

Sleek ANC wireless earphones

Bang & Olufsen’s noise cancelling earphones have 6 built-in microphones to allow for clear calls and authentic audio. The cool tone aluminium contrasts to the soft materials in a warmer hue and the charging case is anodised for extra durability whilst on the go.

B A N G & O LU F S E N OF EALING 17 Bond Street, Ealing W5 5AP Tel & WhatsApp 020 8840 1010

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

THE WHITE COMPANY: The Mattress Dog Bed, £300 thewhitecompany.com

CHESHIRE AND WAIN Beluga Caviar leather cat collar, £58 selfridges.com

FABIO THE CAT CHILL cat wall shelf with pillow, £109 fabiothecat.com

POPPY & TED Walk and Wear Adjustable Harness. Blue leopard print, £24.99 popandted.co.uk

SETTLE BEDS Dalmatian dog bed, £124 settlebeds.com

MEN'S SOCIETY Good Dog Pamper Kit, £20 aurina.co.uk

Gifts for

LISH Dibden medium linen pet carrier, £205 selfridges.com

PETS Festive treats for our furry friends

COX & COX Blue dog collar, £45 coxandcox.co.uk

PAW & GLORY Pet portraits, from £20 pawandglory.com

SKINNERS Skinner’s has launched its first ever Christmas diet, available from now until Christmas Eve. Perfect under the tree, the packs of 6 wet food are a tasty meal so your canine can join in the Christmas cheer. £7.50 for a case of 6 skinners.co.uk

LILY’S KITCHEN

EDITOR’S PICK

Cracking festive christmas treats, £16 lilyskitchen.co.uk

PRADA Brand-plaque recycled-nylon handkerchief dog collar, £230 selfridges.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TO G E T H E R F O R

C H R I STMAS It’s that wonderful time of year, and a time for meaningful connections.

The Festive Season gives us the opportunity to embrace our loved ones and spend precious moments together.

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU VISIT A LE CREUSET STORE • BESPOKE CUSTOMER SERVICE • EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT RANGES AND OFFERS • PRODUCT EXPERTISE AND AFTERCARE • FREE DELIVERY OVER £50 • LOYALTY REWARDS • FREE RECIPE CARDS CALL & DELIVER. | PAY BY LINK. | FREE UK DELIVERY WHEN YOU SPEND £50 OR MORE. | CONTACT THE STORE FOR MORE DETAILS. LE CREUSET FULHAM ROAD, 156 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON. SW10 9PR. TEL: 0207 3707509.• E-MAIL: FULHAMROAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET HAMPSTEAD, 31 HEATH STREET, LONDON. NW3 6TR. TEL: 0207 4356109.• E-MAIL: HAMPSTEAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ISLINGTON, 137 UPPER STREET, LONDON. N1 1QP. TEL: 0207 2261595.• E-MAIL: ISLINGTON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET MARYLEBONE, 6 NEW CAVENDISH STREET, LONDON. W1G 8UH. TEL: 0207 4865404.• E-MAIL: MARYLEBONE.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM

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LE CREUSET MUSWELL HILL, 74 MUSWELL HILL BROADWAY, LONDON. N10 3RT. TEL: 0208 8834394.• E-MAIL: MUSWELLHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET NOTTING HILL, 54 LEDBURY RD., NOTTING HILL, LONDON. W11 2AJ. TEL: 0203 2200017.• E-MAIL: NOTTINGHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ST. ALBANS, 7 MARKET PLACE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE. AL3 5DL. TEL: 01727 850453.• E-MAIL: STALBANS.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET WIMBLEDON, 4 CHURCH RD., WIMBLEDON VILLAGE, LONDON. SW19 5DL. TEL: 0208 9440624.• E-MAIL: WIMBLEDON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM

24/11/2021 11:50

FOOD & DRINK

SOMETHING SPECIAL RARE CHAMPAGNE

True to the Rare Champagne signature, Rare Millésime 2008 holds unlimited potential for growth, youth and complexity. Rare Millésime 2008 imparts the fervour of an infinite spring.

This Champagne is a crystal-clear, light gold in colour. The initial nose shines with the pure vivacity of this vintage, showing pronounced aromas of orange blossom, hyacinth and white flowers, with notes of just-ripe Williams pear, fresh coconut, almond, and tangerine.

Saline and smoky hints balance the nose perfectly. The palate is crisp and precise, with citrus and tropical fruit lingering on the long, complex finish. rare-champagne.com

Eating out 72 • Meal kits 77 • Recipes 78 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

IN THE spirit Gin recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

By MR HOBBS

Mr Hobbs 150 Gin 70cl 40% ABV  £34 Mr Hobbs 150 is a classic London Dry Gin with quintessential English heritage, which marks the 150-year anniversary of the family owned, British boating institution; Hobbs of Henley. The award-winner is bursting with nine botanicals, making a serious gin that will leave you wanting more.

Rhubarb & Ginger Gin Liqueur 50cl 21.5% ABV  £25 Blended with the very best British rhubarb to produce a perfectly balanced gin liqueur.

Summer fruits and herbs on the nose with well-rounded ginger notes and plenty of rhubarb on the palate. The perfect addition to any drinks cabinet, this is an exceptional base for seasonal cocktails, sparkling or otherwise.

Mr Hobbs Spiced Plum Gin Liqueur 50cl 19.5% ABV  £25 A delicious warming tipple designed with winter nights in mind. Made with Winslow plums and a blend of traditional Christmas spices including ginger, clove, cinnamon, and star anise. It is quite simply the perfect drink to enjoy this winter and Christmas.

The Mr Hobbs Gin range of products is brought to you by the family pleasure boating business, Hobbs of Henley, who give you the most enjoyable way to “mess about on the river’’. Today they are very proud to share their cherished family tipples with you and raise a glass to their Henley heritage.

mrhobbsgin.co.uk

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Italian glamour B A R D O ST JA M E S’ S

Inspired by the classic glamour of Italy in the 50s and 60s, Bardo St James’s is a high-end, immersive Italian restaurant opened by entrepreneur, Luca Maggiora, who is behind culture defining nightclubs Toy Room, The Cuckoo Club, Socialista and Luxx. Located at One Pall Mall, Bardo St James’s will offer classic fine dining Italian dishes created by Graziano Bonacina, formerly head chef at Sette. bardostjames.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

FESTIVE FEAST Take the stress away on 25 December

GO ON A JOURNEY

Night life LES NUITS ROBUCHON

Enjoy a bountiful banquet in the elegant surroundings of The Cinnamon Club’s exquisite Old Westminster Library. Their fourcourse Christmas Day menu includes a sparkling cocktail on arrival, plus dishes including Keralan style lobster soup flamed with cognac and slow-braised lamb shoulder. cinnamonclub.com

This party season, Le Comptoir Robuchon, the Mayfair restaurant from Joël Robuchon International, will be introducing a new programme of evening entertainment to complement its quintessential, one of a kind dining experience. Having launched this autumn, Les Nuits Robuchon will be a vibrant celebration, setting the scene for those looking to dine with a little more than a traditional dining experience. robuchonlondon.co.uk

S E T T E BY S C A R P E T TA For a true taste of la dolce vita in London, Sette by Scarpetta at Bulgari Hotel will be serving an Italian festive lunch on Christmas Day. Dine on foie gras crostino with fig chutney; and oysters with champagne vinegar and gold leaf; followed by five courses. settelondon.co.uk

COLONEL SAAB

Colonel Saab, the much anticipated first London restaurant from award-winning Indian entrepreneur/hotelier Roop Partap Choudhary, opened early last month in the heart of Holborn. The menu takes inspiration from Choudhary's many childhood travels throughout India with his parents, while the decor is designed in collaboration with his mother, Binny - or MemSaab. colonelsaab.co.uk

EDWARD HOWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

THE CINNAMON CLUB

C L A S S I C

C R E AT I O N S WAREHOUSE

A community twist DESIGN DESTRICT CANTEEN

DAV I E S A N D B R O O K

Greenwich Peninsula’s newest food and drink destination offers a selection of independent culinary entrepreneurs, including rising star Sugo Italian Street Food and Venezuelan Arepa masters, Guasa.

Canteen is at the heart of London’s new community of creatives, Design District, recently crowned ‘one of World’s Greatest Places in 2021’ by TIME Magazine. designdistrict.co.uk

Davies and Brook at Claridge's is offering a decadent six-course menu of traditional yet refined dishes designed by executive chef Daniel Humm. A true celebration of the season, enjoy roast turkey, beef fillet, or oyster mushroom with a rich black garlic ragout, with delicious side dishes to share. daviesandbrook.co.uk

The Conduit Club last month opened a new landmark site within the heart of Covent Garden at 6 Langley Street.

The new sustainably-led restaurant Warehouse will be open to both Conduit members and the public and run by head chef, Brendan Eades, whose menu is centred in seasonality. warehouselondon.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“There’s a satisfying feeling to eating seafood on the water”

LONDON SHELL CO.

FOOD London’s freshest seafood

Seafood specials on board the Grand Duchess in Paddington

T

B y PENDLE HARTE

here’s a satisfying feeling to eating seafood on the water, even if it is only the Grand Union Canal, and not the actual source of anything on the menu. The bottom of the canal is, anecdotally, covered in layers of oyster shells dating back to the 19th century, when working class Londoners would eat them as a cheaper substitute for beef.

This is obviously no longer the case, but there could be environmental

72

advantages to us all eating more oysters and less beef, methane-wise.

Which is what we’re doing on board the Grand Duchess, a stylish barge restaurant that’s all whitewashed tongue and groove, bulkhead lights and portholes. This is home to the London Shell Co, which prides itself on having some of the freshest seafood in London, sourced mostly from Cornish day boat fishermen. It’s a pretty spot, run by an enthusiastic and dedicated team, and the food’s excellent too.

We start with oysters, sourced from Carlingford in Ireland, and

DECOR Contemporary barge style, with portholes

PRICE Starters £8-£15 Mains £15-£27

served unusually but successfully with bergamot, coriander and orange. They’re large, juicy and super fresh. To accompany, we’re offered glasses of Hattingley Valley’s special sparkling wine, labelled for the restaurant, which fizzes fabulously with the oysters.

Home made soda bread and brown crab butter is moreish too.

My starter of spiced crab salace with Jerusalem artichoke and burnt shallots is saffrony and intriguing, almost like a Coronation Crab, while devilled John Dory with aioli comes as a whole small fish, breaded, fried and somehow cute-looking. Main courses of whole rainbow trout with beetroot, smoked almond and lemon, and ray wing with radiccio are both excellent: beautifully prepared and thoughtfully accompanied.

In the bow there’s a Captain’s Table, where a set Chef’s Menu is on offer for groups of six to eight, and they seem to be enjoying themselves. Next time we’ll do that, or try the sister restaurant on the Prince Regent which offers dinner cruises. The canal and seafood are a good partnership.

VERDICT

LO N D O N S H E L L C O.

Friendly, fresh and fishy

The Grand Duchess, Sheldon Square, W2 londonshellco.com

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Veuve & Grooves AWARD WINNING BOTTOMLESS CHAMPAGNE & SEVEN COURSE BRUNCH

BY VEUVE CLICQUOT BRU N CH every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm

Awarded the BEST ALFRESCO SPOT in South West London The Sanctuary by Yum Sa in Putney opens a fully climate controlled outdoor dining experience.

Serving our signature Veuve & Grooves Champagne Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from noon onwards with music and a 7 course Modern Asian Menu All Thai’d Up.

BY RESERVATION ONLY

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YUM SA RESTAURANT 3 plaza gardens 88 upper richmond road putney, sw15 2dt (opp east putney tube station)

WWW.YUM-SA.COM 020 3371 9111 #YUMSARESTAURANT 27/08/2021 13:48

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“It’s the warm welcoming feel, the excellent service and the authenticity”

CIN CIN FITZROVIA

FOOD Authentic, high class Italian

A new home in the west end for this Italian that started as a street food van

M

B y J E S S I C A S H A LT O U T

y first experience of Cin Cin was many years ago when I stumbled across them at a friend’s wedding. They were serving glasses of prosecco and sharing platters from their fully branded vintage Fiat van, and I remember thinking they should start a restaurant. I’ve since visited both of their Brighton restaurants and so was over the moon when I

heard a new location on my home turf had been added to their fold.

The new restaurant boasts pride of place on the corner of bustling Foley Street, where there are many other established Italian restaurants.

And what is special about Cin Cin? It’s the warm welcoming feel, the excellent service and the authenticity, which is apparent as soon as you sit down. Their ethos is not to compete for tourist trade but to build a community of regular customers, and friendly staff.

The monthly changing menu is small and seasonal, focusing on a

DECOR Sleek, stylish, contemporary

PRICE Small plates £5-£9 Mains £23-£24

few high class dishes with excellent ingredients. Smooth burrata, warm soft bread, juicy italian tomatoes.

We opted for the five course tasting menu, which they happily adapted to create a vegetarian version for me. We started with juicy nocellara olives and a selection of small plates – beef tartare with roasted peppers and anchovy emulsion, burrata with beetroot caponata and candied walnut, pumpkin mousse with speck, pine nuts and bitter leaves and mackerel with turnips, radishes, parsley and garlic. All of it full of flavour and intrigue.

Main courses were stuffed quail with globe artichoke, leeks and nduja sauce, and roast line-caught sea bass with caramelised celeriac, wild mushroom and truffle ragu, both of which offered innovative combinations and delicious flavours.

For pudding we loved date ice cream affogato and Italian cheeses with chutney, plus cocktails from a creative list. Cin cin indeed.

VERDICT

C I N C I N F I T Z R OV I A

Our favourite opening of 2021

21a Foley Street, W1 cincin.co.uk

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An innovative and alluring gin handcrafted with the world’s rarest citrus Expertly balancing bright and zesty notes of Buddha’s Hand with enticingly rich notes of Natsu Dai Dai, subtly sweetened with Hirado Buntan.

silentpoolgin.com

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24/11/2021 12:15

FOOD & DRINK • MEAL KITS

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DIRTY BONES

O R D E R P L E A S E OUR FAVOURITE MEAL DELIVERIES OF THE MONTH

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Dirty Bones' best-selling cookat-home kit has had a makeover.

There's a truffled version of their classic Mac Daddy - think truffled mac & cheese sauce poured over BBQ braised short rib and double aged-brisket patties, plus more. £50 for two. getdirtyat.com

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R E S TO K I T S Restokit is offering Goila Butter Chicken: Goila's founder Saransh Goila has single-handedly turned butter chicken into a religion in India. The secret to his magical recipe is the tomato to dairy ratio and the all-important infusion of smoke. restokit.co.uk

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CAFE MURANO Our Osso Buco feast for two was a generous spread of monkfish carpaccio, arancini, focaccia, roasted squash with gorgonzola and walnuts and a showstopping osso buco with risotto and greolata.

Straightforward to prepare with clear instructions, this was a winner. dishpatch.co.uk

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4

S T E I N S AT H O M E

4

Our Indonesian curry menu for two (49.50) was simple, fresh and delicious: large juicy mussels to start, cooked in Cornish cider, then a fish and coconut curry with pilau rice and passion fruit Eton mess to finish. A treat. rickstein.com

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C I N N A M O N C LU B

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The five-course Christmas Day meal kit comes complete with canapés, starters, a generous sharing main and dessert. The main event is a tender lamb rogan josh – a Cinnamon Club classic Kashmiri-style slow braised shank served with all the trimmings. thecinnamoncollection.com

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Festive

FA R E Some Christmas recipes from Daylesford Organic

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Leftover turkey and ham pie Serves 6

There is no better way to celebrate Christmas leftovers than with a creamy pie with a thick, crumbly pastry – and we believe, that a homemade herbed, buttery shortcrust pastry is the best of all pastries to use. Serve warm with buttered cabbage and grain mustard.

INGREDIENTS To make the pastry • 275g plain flour • 130g butter, cubed • 1 tbsp thyme leaves, roughly chopped • 1 egg yolk, beaten • 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons of milk • salt and pepper For the filling: • 1 medium leek, haled lengthways and roughly chopped • 1 celery stick, roughly chopped • 6 shallots, peeled and quartered • 2 tsp olive oil or butter • 250g mushrooms, roughly chopped • 1 tbsp thyme leaves, roughly chopped • 100ml white wine • 400g leftover turkey (brown and white meat), shredded or cut into 2cm pieces • 150g leftover ham, cut into 2cm cubes For the white sauce • 50ml butter • 50g plain flour • 550ml milk • 2 bay leaves

METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C. Begin by making the pastry.

Sift the flour into a bowl and add the butter, thyme, a generous pinch of salt and a good twist of black pepper. Rub the mixture together with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Add the egg yolk and stir together until a smooth dough begins to form – if the dough looks too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together. Shape into a round, wrap in greaseproof paper and rest in the fridge until ready to use.

3 Place a large pan over a medium heat and add the leek, celery, shallot and oil or butter. Lightly season with salt and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin 1

2

to soften. Increase the heat a little and add the mushrooms and thyme, stirring for a further 3–4 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown.

Add the wine and continue to cook until the liquid has reduced by about a half. Transfer the mixture to a pie or casserole dish and stir through the cooked turkey and ham.

4 Return the pan to the heat and melt the butter for the white sauce before whisking through the flour.

Whisk over the heat for a minute or so before gradually adding the milk, whisking all the time to avoid any lumps forming. When all of the milk has been incorporated, add the bay leaves, season generously and continue to whisk over the heat until a lovely, thick sauce forms.

Remove and discard the bay leaves and pour the white sauce over the turkey ham and leek mixture and stir together, being sure to check the seasoning once more.

5 Lightly flour a cool, clean work surface and roll out the pastry, turning regularly as you roll it into a shape that will neatly fit your dish.

Roll until it is about 0.5cm thick, then gently lift it and place it over your dish. Press it into the edges of the dish before removing any excess. Re-roll the excess and cut into shapes of your choice – leaves, stars, crosses or hearts. Arrange the shapes over the top of the pastry and brush all over with the egg wash (the egg and milk mixture).

Bake the pie for 25–35 minutes until the top is golden and the pastry is cooked through.

6 Serve warm with wilted seasonal greens, grain mustard and a creamy mash.

Quinoa & Lentil salad

with shredded turkey, raw sprout, toasted wild rice, cranberries & pistachios Serves 8

INGREDIENTS For the salad • 100g wild rice • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp nigella seeds • 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds • 400ml water • 100g quinoa • 80g lentil verts (or puy) • 300g sprouts, finely shredded • 350g cooked turkey, shredded • 30g parsley, finely chopped • 100g pistachios, toasted • Natural or coconut yoghurt, to serve For the dressing • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely sliced • 120g cranberries • 4 tbsp pomegranate molasses • 8 tbsp white wine vinegar • 75ml water

METHOD 1 Bring a pan of salted water to the boil and add the wild rice. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until tender. Drain and allow to cool.

2 Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and add the spices. Fry for 2 minutes until the spices begin to pop and then stir in the quinoa and lentils.

Continue to fry for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously until the spices and grains are aromatic and toasted.

3 Pour in the water, stir well and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes until the water has been absorbed and the grains are tender.

4 To make the dressing, heat the olive oil in a shallow pan and add the onion. Cook gently for 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and slightly golden. Add the cranberries, followed by the pomegranate molasses, vinegar and water. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until syrupy.

5 Combine the grains, sprouts, turkey, parsley, pistachios and dressing, and plenty of salt and pepper, in a large bowl and stir well. Add a little more olive oil if needed and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Finally, serve with a drizzle of organic yoghurt.

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Have yo u r s e lf

BO OK NOW

I N D I V I D UA L R E S TA U R A N T S . C O M * Please note the Chocolate Bomb Dessert is not available at Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Ginger millionaire slice Makes 25-30 small bites

With a thick, lightly salted date caramel and a textured nutty base of almonds and ginger biscuits, this ginger millionaire slice is the perfect festive treat to have with a cup of tea or an ideal homemade gift when presented in a box or brown paper bag tied with string.

INGREDIENTS To make the base • 250g ginger biscuits, crushed • 240g skinned almonds, roughly chopped

• 50g shelled pistachios • 50g candied ginger • grated zest of 1 orange • 200g unsalted butter, melted To make the caramel • 250g pitted Medjool dates • 100g smooth almond butter • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp ground ginger • pinch of ground cloves • 1/4 tsp sea salt • 100g unsalted butter To make the topping • 250g dark chocolate

METHOD 1 For the base, pulse the ginger biscuits in a food processor to small chunks. Add the remaining ingredients and lightly pulse until incorporated.

2 Grease and line a brownie tin with baking parchment and

pour in the mixture. Spread it around the tray and press into the edges until even and smooth, then place in the fridge to set.

3 Place all of the ingredients for the caramel in a high-speed blender and blend until you have a thick, smooth paste.

4 Remove the tray from the fridge and spread over your layer of caramel, using a palette knife dipped in hot water to smooth the top, returning the tray to the fridge once more.

5 Melt the chocolate by placing it in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (do not allow the base of the bowl to touch the water). Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and return the tray to the fridge to set for 1-2 hours.

6 Once set, cut into neat slices or chunks to serve or gift. daylesford.com

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FA S H I O N

PLAY

BY EAR LAURA BOND

With a background in luxury jewellery and multiple ear piercings, Laura Bond was frustrated with not being able to find quality solid gold cartilage jewellery at accessible prices.

Spotting a gap in the market she spent months sourcing manufacturers and launched her collection of responsibly sourced gold earrings. laurabond.co.uk

Pearl Lowe's vintage-inspired collection 86 • Jewellery 92 • Pyjama party 97 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR BEACHWEAR • NURSING BRAS

Lingerie and swimwear from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE 34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk | ameliesfollies@yahoo.com FACE MASK REQUIRED IN STORE

Appointment required for bra fittings Mon to Sat 10.00am - 5.30pm Sun in December 11.00am - 4.00pm

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A DOLL'S

House

A vintage-inspired range of winter florals, metallic and velvet designs from Pearl Lowe

P E A R L LOW E .CO.U K

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MOMENTS

IN LIFE

In conversation with Vicky Chizlett, the Showroom Manager at Prestons Guildford

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FASHION • PROMOTION

H

ere we interview Vicky and learn more about Prestons’ recently relocated Guildford showroom, the inspiration behind its design and her advice when building a classic jewellery collection.

Prestons are delighted to announce the official opening of their relocated Guildford showroom. The redesigned store, which is now located on the opposite side of the high street, was designed to reflect the architectural merit of the Edwardian building it now occupies and includes a series of new dedicated spaces.

Q Prestons Guildford is based in the heart

of Guildford High Street and has been for over six years, it holds a special place in the heart of Prestons – why is this?

A I love Guildford, I grew up here and it is a truly incredible place so we are incredibly lucky - I suppose we are even luckier that our recently relocated showroom is just on

the other side of the High Street. I joined Prestons in 2015 when we first opened in Guildford and I have felt so grateful to welcome so many clients, many of whom are now close friends, to this new showroom.

For the team and me to see the excitement from each person who visits us, I think says a lot about the relationship our showroom has built in Guildford, as well as the surrounding areas, over the last six years.

Q In your opinion, what is considered to be

one of the most classic pieces of jewellery?

A I think every jewellery collection should

contain a few classic pieces that you can wear alongside more statement designs or even fashion jewellery. The jewellery often considered to be the most classic are pieces like a diamond pendant, a pair of diamond stud earrings or perhaps a line or tennis bracelet. In most cases these are round brilliant cut white diamonds but for a more contemporary style, many of our clients consider a sparkling diamond surround or perhaps a fancy cut of diamond, adding that subtle twist to these classics.

Q If a client is looking to purchase an

engagement ring, where should they start?

A I know that choosing an engagement ring

can be an overwhelming experience but it is also incredibly exciting. There is not one engagement ring style that is universally the most popular option, it is however about choosing a ring that suits yourself or partner’s style perfectly. I like to ask questions such as, what metal or colour jewellery do you wear usually? Is your style more classic or more contemporary? There are so many questions that we can ask to delve into what the right choice could possibly be.

The next step is often to talk through key ring styles: solitaire, trilogy or three stone and halo, each of which can be set with or without diamond shoulders. It may be also that we discuss the idea of a bespoke design or combining elements from multiple designs to create something truly unique – we love this process and can work with our jewellery designer to create your perfect ring.

Q In the new showroom, do you have a

favourite space or a favourite element?

A It is almost impossible to choose - the

centrepiece of our Guildford showroom continues to be its unique spiral staircase.

The spiral features an American walnut trunk supporting individually etched green glass leaves which act as stair treads. As you approach the first floor the staircase is surrounded by a glass canopy decorated with iridescent insects which reflect and sparkle in sunlight.

It isn’t pictured on our website or on our social media channels, simply as we like it to be a surprise to our clients, but we also have a beautiful new private lounge

“THIS IS A SPACE WHERE CLIENTS CAN CELEBRATE A MOMENT IN THEIR LIFE” upstairs. Decorated with hand-made, hand-painted wall coverings, the velvet texture and bronze detail really bring this space to life. The finishing touches are the Edwardian inspired columns and the planished copper pendant which perfectly compliment the details of the ground floor.

This new lounge is perfect environment to discover the engagement, wedding and bridal collections that Prestons have always been famous for. It is a space where our clients can celebrate a moment in their life, perhaps a promotion or an anniversary, a milestone or a birthday and the experience of purchasing that cherished item becomes a memory in itself.

P R E STO N S 115 High Street, Guildford, GU1 3DP prestonsdiamonds.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Make a statement 'Tis the season to be bold with jewellery

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

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LIV LUTRELL

JESSIE THOMAS

KIMBERLY MCDONALD

Recycled 18ct gold twist earrings, £4,900 livluttrell.com

18ct gold & Sri Lankan sapphire bombe ring, £6,000 jessiethomasjewellery.com

18ct gold and diamond earrings, £11,300 netaporter.com

LARK & BERRY

RACHEL JACKSON

SOPHIE THEAKSTON

Flora drop blue sapphire earrings, £9,075 larkandberry.com

Electric goddess statement sun bangle, gold, £POA racheljacksonlondon.com

18ct gold divine eye with diamond cuff, £3,800 sophietheakston.com

BOOCHIER

KIMBERLY MCDONALD

JESSIE THOMAS

18ct yellow gold fruit hoops bangle, £3,020 boochier.com

18ct rose gold diamond ring, £16,000 netaporter.com

18ct recycled gold & scalloped 5 oval diamond ring, £8,950 jessiethomasjewellery.com

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KIM WINSER

Q&A A - L I S T E X P E R I E N C E Ever since she launched her own brand, Kim Winser has attracted a host of superstars to promote her designs, with Cat Deeley the latest to join the roster. Here we find out why

By MARK KEBBLE

Q Let’s rewind to 2013 – what inspired you to launch your own brand?

A I was passionate about supporting busy women with beautiful quality clothes that give confidence, flatter figures, and make for an easier work to weekend life with fashion right style.

Q What did you want to offer and why did you think it would make you stand out?

A Having led several luxury brands, I wanted to bring super luxe yarns fabrics to women at more affordable prices. Our pure cashmere Scottish knitwear is not only good for the world, as sustainable and recycled, but closer to £200 than many in luxury at £1000+!

Q Has anything changed with your ethos since?

A I remain energised to offer something special. We put all our value into the very best fabrics, we cut patterns for every size to help flatter and we love fashion but investment fashion, trends that will stay with us – the opposite to fast fashion.

Q How do you look back on the eight years since you launched?

A When I see our designs being worn by the most impressive women in the world – from Emma Watson, Olivia Colman, Gillian Anderson – to numerous features

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FASHION • INTERVIEW

in Vogue and Harper’s, and now shipping to 76 countries worldwide, I feel proud.

Exhausted some days, but super proud.

Q Can you define your style?

A I’m inspired by a mix of Lauren Bacall

and my mum! They both had super easy, yet sharp style, never trying too hard but finding what suited their figures and their lifestyles. Not sure I achieve it every day, but my style is my own. I’d call it modern classic.

Q What kind of experience do you offer at your boutiques?

A We offer a selection of our collection and constantly add new designs. The team are wonderful, hand-picked for their passion and talent by our head of retail, Torly, who is a super ex-Harrods buyer. We offer one to one special styling sessions and if desired our head of design, Jayne, will offer a styling event to small groups.

Q Has it been lovely opening them again and seeing clients face to face?

A Just excellent. I think I was one of the first customers in each store and it has been super to meet some of our customers over the past few weeks.

Q We will be focusing on the Cat Deeley collection in this issue.

What can you tell us about it?

A All hand knitted in Scotland, each piece is like art, made over many days each, they should be kept and passed through generations, like an heirloom.

I know they are not priced for everyone, but for some they will become a true favourite. I just love the poncho.

“THE CAT DEELEY COLLECTION SHOULD BE KEPT AND PASSED THROUGH GENERATIONS, LIKE AN HEIRLOOM” Q Have you enjoyed working with Cat? A I can say without hesitation yes, I have

loved it. She is genuinely a lovely warm, talented woman and wonderful mother, and Patrick, her husband, is great fun too.

Q She’s the latest in a line of celebrities who have partnered with you. How do you build those relationships?

A I like to work with celebrities I respect, real women who have achieved a great deal. Life is short and my brand is very important to me, so working with amazing women adding a touch of their passion and style to the brand is amazing, popular and I’m glad to say successful too.

Q Finally, what’s next?

A Too many things to share today! We

have some delicious new designs out now, some are with respect to the circular economy so using fabrics already made for a luxury brand catwalk show, and we don’t like to see them wasted, such beautiful fabrics and yarns. The maxi trench coat is amazing and some sumptuous knitwear will be arriving too. We have done our latest photoshoot, shooting with Alek Malek again, who is herself a catwalk model, and also the stunning Cecilia Chancellor – hard to believe she will be 55 this year. winserlondon.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Henry Daniel Roma Fashion Collection @ Nicola Donati Luxury Style Retreat 60 Kinnerton St, London SW1X 8ES T 0207 245 6414 info@henrydanielroma.com www.henrydanielroma.com

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FASHION • LOUNGEWEAR

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P YJ A M A P A R T Y

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S O F T TO U C H C Y B E R JA M M I E S

Made from super-soft 60% cotton, 40% modal, Cyberjammies' print pyjama sets are the ultimate in comfort. It's a technical fabric that really keeps its softness – and the cuts are well-designed too. £48 cyberjammies.co.uk

COSY LOUNGEWEAR THAT'S STYLISH TOO

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C AT N A P

DESMOND&DEMPSEY

The Long Pyjama Set has a tailored fit, with the shirt a little shorter than D&D's signature style. It has a sculpted hemline, buttoned cuffs and piping detail on the rounded lapels, pocket and cuffs. £150 desmondanddempsey.com

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L EO PA R D LUX E WHISTLES

Cut from sumptuously soft cotton, these pyjamas are decorated with a cool leopard print. The shirt and trousers boast a relaxed fit to ensure the utmost comfort for a night spent at home. whistles.com

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5

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D U S K T I L DAW N ORCHARD MOON

These vegan and cruelty-free pieces are designed in London and made in Europe. The stylish pyjamas are relaxed yet smart, blurring the line between nightwear and daywear. orchardmoon.com

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SLEEP SOUND EBERJEY

Eberjey uses Tencel modal to give their PJs their characteristic softness – and the fabric is completely biodegradable too.

The Gisele long set comes in lots of lovely colours, £132 net-a-porter.com

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Our Opening Hours Mondays - Saturdays 10am - 5pm Sundays 11am - 4pm 2 The Green, Westerham TN16 1AS manukashoes.com 01959 565644 Sizes 2-8 available

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FASHION • Q&A

Glamour

GIRL

“Aboremp orerisque et labor solo volorehenda eiunt, odiam fuga. quam eum volut”

Absolutely quizzes designer Caroline Castigliano on partywear for the season

Q What will you be wearing

this party season?

A I have just designed my Christmas 2022

party dress. It is a strapless corset and short (3” above the knee) A-line skirt in black zibeline with a stunning open weave black lace long sleeve high neck shrug attached – I love glamorous party dresses.

Q What makes a good eveningwear look?

A A gown that is well cut with a good

foundation and creates a strong silhouette in a plain fabric – no pattern but with one feature that creates the drama of the gown.

“ONE FEATURE CREATES THE DRAMA OF THE GOWN”

Q And what ruins an outfit in your view?

A Two much going on, patterns, a mix

of colours anything that is too busy.

Q Can you describe your signature style?

A Understated effortless glamour.

Q What fabrics do you

enjoy working with?

And for brides - what will wedding dresses look like next season?

A Now that brides can get married anywhere it affects bridal fashion. A bride marrying in a Cathedral or a synagogue will dress very differently to a bride marrying in a vineyard or on a beach. Castigliano brides will be wearing our signature basque corsets with exquisite hand appliqued laces, teamed with fitted crepe skirts or full silk organza skirts. We have a broad collection of gowns, Castigliano gowns are about clean lines, beautiful fabrics, a fabulous fit and the vision of the gown is effortless glamour. carolinecastigliano.com

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MORE THAN H E A LT H C A R E , THIS IS LIFECARE.

Private Client by Bupa is a premium service providing expertly curated health and wellbeing plans insured by Bupa Global.

Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

PART Y PALE T TE HUDA KATTAN Industry sensation and award-winning beauty blogger, Huda Kattan, is arguably one of the most influential women in the Middle East. To her eponymous range of phenomenal palettes, sought-after liquid lipsticks, impressive eyeliners and internet-breaking foundation, she has added the Rose Quartz Palette. There is no better palette for the festive season. cultbeauty.co.uk

Beauty notes 103 • Party make-up 107 • Fitness notes 109 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

FOCUS

DRIFT AWAY

HOLIDAY

season

Floatation therapy does it really work?

CHANEL

For its iconic Holiday 2021 collection, the CHANEL Makeup Creation Studio drew inspiration from N°5 and its 100 years of celebrity. The golden hues of the fragrance have been transformed into makeup for the eyes and face, while lips and nails are draped in red.

These new exclusive creations are available for a limited time.

I

chanel.com

Solar power G LO S S I E R

Just because it’s winter does not mean we cannot achieve a ‘winter glow’, in the most natural, skin-friendly way. Glossier have gone the extra mile and delivered such a product.

A weightless bronzer designed to capture the warm glow you get from spending a day in the sunshine, there are four shades on offer, and each one has a touch of luminosity. glossier.com

H I D E AWAY K E V Y N AU C O I N

This lightweight enhancer hides a multitude of sins without masking your natural colouring, so skin appears healthy and radiant without looking overly ‘made up’. The perfect remedy for the upcoming party season, Kevyn Aucoin strove to empower women by revealing their natural beauty without layers of product – an approach which is evidenced by this much-loved range.

EDITOR’S PICK

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

t doesn’t matter what you do, stress affects us all in a variety of different ways. And this stress, whether we know it or not, can build up in different areas in our body, alongside troubling our mind.

However, there is a wellness concept entering the scene that claims to help make all of these stresses float away.

Floatation therapy is the practice of lying back in one of Floatworks’ world-leading floatation tanks and experiencing a sense of weightless bliss.

The water in each pod contains half a tonne of Epsom salt, which allows you to float effortlessly. It also matches the temperature of your skin and the air, giving you the sense of complete weightlessness. It’s usually pitch black in the pod and silent, however you can choose to have the light on, accompanied by some relaxing music.

But why exactly is floating in a tub of warm salt beneficial to our body and minds? The suspension of gravity allows muscles, joints and the central nervous system to reach a state of intense relaxation. Having experienced an hour in the pod, I can now understand why the Dead Sea has been a healing spot for centuries.

Floating is scientifically proven to increase our mental and physical wellbeing in as little as an hour. I was told that it has the ability to leave us feeling happier and relaxed, with fewer aches and pains, and confidence of a better night’s sleep. One thing I noticed is that I had a better grasp on things, a more positive perspective. The experience really allowed me to cut off and recentre my body, mind and thoughts.

floatworks.com

cultbeauty.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

BENEFIT COSMETICS Kiss & Play lip tints, gift sets from £28.50 benefitcosmetics.com

GLOSSIER Super Bounce refreshing hyaluronic acid serum, £22 glossier.com

GLOSSIER Lidstar shimmering eyeshadow, shade herb, £15 glossier.com

EDITOR’S PICK

KAYALI Kayali Elixir II, £84 hudabeauty.com

FESTIVE GLAMOUR

BITE Bite beauty upswing extreme longwear liquid eyeliner, £24 feelunique.com

Prep, set and glow with this month’s beauty edit

By ELLIE-HAMMOND

WISHFUL CHANEL

Honey balm jelly moisturiser, £34 Hudabeauty.com

Hydra beauty hydrating oxygenating overnight mask, £69 chanel.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Charlotte’s magic serum crystal elixir, 30ml, £60 charlottetilbury.com

HUDA BEAUTY Power bullet matte lipstick, shade spring break, £22 hudabeauty.com

CHANEL Sublimage masque essential regenerating mask, £170 chanel.com

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We believe it is very important to discuss your expectations of your treatment with the person who will be performing it.

So, please reach out to book a free consultation. eternal face and body clinic eternal clinic

Eternal Clinic run by international expert and key opinion leader, aesthetic practitioner and cosmetic dermatologist Beata Cybulska offering customised advanced non-surgical cosmetic treatments using state of art lasers and LED light, medical grade skin peels and skincare and advanced dermal filler treatments.

SIGNATURE TREATMENTS Eternal 6D Laser Facelift, Eternal Eye Solutions, Eternal Lips, Eternal Teens, Eternal Man, Eternal Woman, Intimate rejuvenation.

TOP TREATMENTS Laser skin resurfacing, skin tightening, removal of pigmentation, veins, scars and stretchmarks, nose job, lips injections, liquid facelift, body contouring, cellulite.

TOP CONDITIONS Facial ageing, sun damage, pigmentation, dark circles, eye bags, skin laxity, scars, stretchmarks, dilated veins, facial and bikini hair removal, laser eyebrows shaping.

BOOK NOW www.eternal.clinic | info@eternal.clinic 07710 521619 (24 hours) | 01932 300340 (office hours) EC.indd 1

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

KEVYN AUCOIN The Neo-Highlighter £30 SpaceNK.com

MORPHE Morphe 9X Li'L Extra Artistry Palette £12 feelunique.com

NAILBERRY Festive Icons Collection £39 nailberry.co.uk

ICONIC LONDON Glaze crayons - £24 iconiclondoninc.com

FENTY BEAUTY Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil Palette £34 boots.com

GLITTER GLAM

MORPHE Morphe Quad GoalsMulti-Palette, £16 feelunique.com

GLOSSIER Holographic lip gloss, £11 glossier.com

All the sparkliest make up for party season

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

W7 CHANEL Rouge Allure N°5 Holiday 2021 Collection Luminous Intense Lip Colour £35 Available in 5 different shades chanel.com

KEVYN AUCOIN Glass Glow Liquid Illuminator £26 SpaceNK.com

Racy Pigment Palette £9.50 w7makeup.co.uk

KEVYN AUCOIN Glass Glow Lip Gloss £20 SpaceNK.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS 3 WAYS TO AID A RESTFUL NIGHT

NOTES

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

PURE SPORT This unwind oil has been specifically designed to assist with calming anxious thoughts and improving your quality of sleep. The blend of 1500mg CBD, Valerian Root, Chamomile, Lavender and Vitamin B Complex combine to facilitate the deepest of sleep. puresportcbd.com/unwind-oil

L A B TO N I CA A unique blend of dreamy essential oils, combined with moisturising coconut and vitamin E, make this soothing sleeping balm one of your evening essentials. Massage into pressure points before bed; breathe and wait to drift off. labtonica.co.uk

THE BIKE AND THE BUMP How Apex Rides can help support a smoother pregnancy

E SLEEP SCHOOL APP Guided by the UK’s leading sleep expert, Dr Guy Meadows, the Sleep School app recommends users a personal sleep plan specific to their individual sleep issues and needs, including daily tips and advice to 30day multimedia courses and private video sleep clinic bookings with a Sleep School doctor (PhD). sleepschool.org/app

xercising as an expectant mum can sometimes be quite daunting, and knowing which exercise is safest for you and the baby can leave you feeling overwhelmed. The British at-home spin bike and app Apex Rides has launched a new pregnancy series to help.

The series has been developed by instructors Carol-Ann de Venter and Sandy Martin, to help build up confidence, retain strength, and embrace positivity throughout pregnancy. The Apex Pregnancy series is a safe

and inclusive program developed and guided by experts, where each ride guides you through the modifications you can make when cycling in order to keep you and your baby safe.

“I could not exercise other than short walks during my first trimester,” says de Venter.

“I was so nauseous I could barely get out of bed, and many women experience the same in their first trimester. Second trimester most women feel much better and the bump isn't as much of an interference as it becomes later on, so this is most women's favourite time

to be active during pregnancy.

My third trimester was amazing and when I had the most energy, so I really enjoyed spinning right up until my baby was born. Many women will get swelling and exhaustion towards the end of their third trimester and be put off by working out altogether, but staying active can really help.”

What would she say are the key benefits of staying active whilst pregnant? “For a start it reduces stress and anxiety,” de Venter says. “It also improves sleep, builds strength, muscle tone, endurance and balance to support your changing body.

Exercising reduces low back pain, bloating, and reduces the risk for pregnancy complication such as gestational diabetes.”

All of which will mean less bumps in the road during your pregnancy. apexrides.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ANTIQUE OAK FLOORING

Over 100 designs | Expert advice | 20,000m2 of stock | Fast delivery SHOWROOM

20 Smugglers Way Wandsworth London SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771

www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

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INTERIORS

I N T HE N AV Y A N N I E S LOA N

Oxford Navy is a strong, traditional navy blue that creates a deep, dramatic and warm atmosphere in a room; whether big or small. This inky blue is inspired by the rich Indigo Blue pigment from India, first imported into Europe in the seventeenth century. anniesloan.com

Interior inspirations 112 • An Edwardian terrace renovation 116 • The best sofas 133 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

COLOUR W AY S THE RADIATOR COMPANY

The Radiator Company can colour match almost any shade.

Just name your colour and they will create a bespoke powder coat finish to complement any paint colour, anywhere in your home. This is in addition to the existing range of 188 colours and 30 special finishes. Radiators need never be boring again. theradiatorcompany.co.uk

PA P E R CU T S FERM LIVING

Ferm Living's elegantly simple Paper Star Sun was designed in collaboration with Danish architect and artist Amanda Betz. It's a sustainable and longlasting decoration to treasure. £45 madeindesign.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Garlands FESTIVE FIELD Red berry garland, £40 johnlewis.com

COX & COX Eucalyptus dot light garland, £25 coxandcox.co.uk

G O LD LE A F

BA K E O F F KITCHENAID

The new all-in-one Bread Baking Bowl and Lid allows you to easily mix, knead, proof and bake.

In the oven, the lid traps the steam, while the durable ceramic bowl retains and delivers even heat throughout the baking process, giving the bread a crispy crust and thorough bake. £149 kitchenaid.co.uk

HK LIVING

ARTISANS DU MAROC Shooting star brass garland, £40 artisans-dumaroc.com

New to the fold of HK Living's collectible retro ceramics are these goldembellished 70s coffee mugs.

Limited to Christmas 2021, you'll have to act fast. hkliving.nl

FY Gold and beige sequin garland, £39 iamfy.co

ROSE & GREY Khamila Leaf Antique Brass Garland 4250, £42.50 roseandgrey.co.uk

ALL THE FIZZ DARTINGTON CRYSTAL

THE HAPPY BLOSSOMS DIY Fresh Blossom Pine Garland Kit, £20 thehappyblossoms.com

Dartington's Mitre champagne coupe cuts the perfect balance of delicate and solid.

It's beautifully etched and the crystal clink is the sound we'll all be listening for this Christmas. £50 for two. dartington.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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There’s a lot that goes into your bathroom before you do.

At Ripples, we work slightly differently from others. Our talented bathroom designers try to get to know you first. They chat with you about what you like and what you don’t like. They go over your ideas, your torn out pages from magazines, your Pinterest boards – whatever it is that inspires you. Before we do anything, we find out exactly what you’re looking for, and then we make sure as much of you goes into our ideas as possible. We don’t do one size

fits all solutions, but we do take dreams and ideas and turn them into bespoke designs for your new bathroom. From the moment you step into our showroom to the moment you step into your new bath, we make the whole process as smooth and stress-free as it can be. It’s the Ripples effect.

Let’s have a chat about what we can do for you.

C R E AT I N G B E A U T I F U L B AT H R O O M S S I N C E 19 8 8 RIPPLES CHELMSFORD, 8 BOND STREET NORTH, CHELMSFORD, ESSE X, CM1 1GH | 01245 287977

ripplesbathrooms.com

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INTERIORS • TREND

CASSINI 3 Way Gold Ceiling Light , £105 iconiclights.co.uk

AUDENZA

CARL JOHAN

Gold Sunburst Pendant Ceiling Light , £398 audenza.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Mushroom Lamp Gold, £129 nordicnest.com

ICONIC LIGHTS Amadeus Wire Pendant Shade In Gold , £25 iconiclights.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER Vienna cutlery set in brushed gold, £102 jonathanadler.com

EDITOR’S PICK

DOTTI Black and Gold Salad Servers, £42 beaumonde.co.uk

GOLD RUSH

JONATHAN ADLER Rider bench, £825 jonathanadler.com

Sparkle and shine for the season

LIBRA INTERIORS Monstera Leaf Gold Ornament, £130 beaumonde.co.uk

By P E N D L E H A R T E ROSE & GREY Gold Wall Lamp, £225 roseandgrey.co.uk

COX & COX Hammered Gold Bottle Vase, £45 coxandcox.co.uk

GRAHAM AND GREEN AUDENZA

Gold mouse lamps, £82 grahamandgreen.co.uk

Aged Metal Butterfly Mirror, £198 audenza.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ECLECTIC

STYLE

This west London house showcases its owners’ love of Mykonos, Tulum and Copenhagen Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D P h o t o g r a p h y I N N A KO ST U KOVS K Y

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

W

hen Eric Jafari and OliviaFaith Dobbie bought their semi-detached Edwardian house in west London, it was obvious to them who to approach for renovations.

Jafar is the entrepreneur behind the Edyn hospitality group and Birch Community, and they had worked collaboratively with international architecture and design studio Red Deer on Birch and Kingsland Locke hotels. Purchasing the property in January 2021 during the pandemic, they asked for the practice to bring their ideas to their London home.

The three-storey Edwardian semidetached house has five bedrooms and consists of a ground-floor open-plan living and kitchen area, rear dining room, and front reception room. On the first floor are four bedrooms, one en-suite, with a family bathroom and separate WC. The second floor is in the eaves of the house with the fifth bedroom and a large home gym space.

Red Deer approach all projects with core values around the circular economy and a designer’s responsibility for reducing waste where possible. Many spaces received a light touch in areas that function perfectly, while other rooms repurposed reclaimed materials and timeless styles that will not need to be replaced.

The refurbishment of this Edwardian home draws inspiration from the owners’ love of Mykonos in Greece, Tulum in Mexico and Copenhagen. Pale white hues and raw

kermes oak shelves adorn the interior walls, while Aztec geometric prints garnish Danish cane-woven furniture. The colour palettes follows the existing lead lights, washing each room in pale hues of teal, coral, and mustard. The front reception room was transformed from its traditional style with dark teal walls and cabinetry, complemented with teal painted floorboards and mid-century furniture. The rear open-

“INSPIRATION CAME FROM THE OWNERS’ LOVE OF MYKONOS, TULUM AND COPENHAGEN” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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"THE BEDROOMS RECEIVED A FACELIFT WITH EXPOSED FLOORBOARDS, THE CONTINUATION OF THE COLOUR PALETTE ON ALL WALLS" plan living room and kitchen received a light-touch update with dark blue painted cabinet doors and teal painted fireplace.

Red Deer are known for their attention to detail – and they brought this focus to both WCs with dark red painted walls and brass hardware with marble splashbacks. The garden was made to feel more intimate with cane furniture and a plant wall reminiscent of the Mykonos villas the couple had stayed in. Upstairs the bedrooms received a facelift with exposed floorboards, the continuation of the colour palette on all walls, and bathrooms upgraded with a circular bath & shower, marble sink, pink floor tiles and a plethora of artwork making the home feel personal and welcoming. On the top floor, the home gym is clad in plywood making the space warm and bright.

In many ways the house is unrecognisable from January 2021, showing that light-touch interior design can have enormous impact A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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We’re building the UK’s fastest* broadband network, right here in Surrey.

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“THE WALLS WERE A CANVAS FOR THE COUPLE TO PAINT THEIR COLOURFUL LIVES ON” on a home while reducing unnecessary waste. The walls of this home were a canvas for the couple to paint their colourful lives on working with the layout that existed.

Red Deer design spaces and objects, seeking to demystify the process of working with an architect. The practice was founded by architects Lionel Real de Azúa, Ciarán O’Brien, and Lucas Che Tizard in an attempt to better engage with the world around them. A love for the ‘unexpected form’ is a starting point in their design work, studio ethos, and adventures in travel. Describing themselves, the founders say they are 'grown men with crayons' referencing their approach to work as creative, without boundaries, and excited by challenges. Red Deer consider design as the playful pursuit of studied carelessness, forging strong relationships with their clients on each project in order to fully understand how they can bring their language of design to each collaboration.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • PLANTS

A NEW

LEAF

Stylish living with plants - at home in east London with Valentina Audrito Wo r d s P I P M C C O R M A C & JENNIFER HASLAM

M

ost of the projects worked on by Word of Mouth – the architecture, interior design and art installation studio Valentina Audrito co-founded in 2006 – are in Bali. ‘Designers have a lot of space to be themselves over there,’ Valentina says.

‘The island is full of very skilled craftsmen, so it’s easy to experiment with materials, and the boundaries between inside and out are completely blurred. The Balinese connection with nature is very real.’

Word of Mouth’s work is contemporary, based around clean lines, but given a fresh, organic feel by the way bright colours are juxtaposed with dazzling raw materials. It’s an approach Valentina has brought back to her four-bedroom new build in London’s Hackney, which she bought in 2017, just after the shell was finished by the previous owners and architects Liddicoat and Goldhill. ‘I think rawness of materials can make a space warmer,’ she says. This can be seen in her unpainted brick walls – ‘so much

more inviting than a plain white would be’ – as well as the exposed wooden and metal beams that support the 3.6-metrehigh ceilings. ‘But what plants do is balance their hardness with a feeling of life.’

Plants are displayed just as proudly as the innards of the house: a mix of weeping figs, fiddle-leaf figs, palms and ferns. ‘I chose ones that are aesthetically appealing to me, that have graphic shapes to their leaves,’ Valentina says. ‘It was important to me that some grow upwards and some climb down, so that there is variety in their form.’

Having lived in Bali for 20 years, Valentina says that, without the plants, she’d really

“WHAT PLANTS DO IS BALANCE HARDNESS WITH A FEELING OF LIFE”

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BLIND AND CURTAIN SHOWROOM Refresh your home with new curtains and blinds made from a wonderful collection of fabrics, including designers Sanderson, Harlequin, Romo, and more.

• Bespoke Luxaflex Blinds including SmartHome Integration.

• Selection of Gifts and Homewares Opening hours : Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm curtain-call.co.uk Please call for Showroom appointments : 020 8332 6250

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“BEING SURROUNDED

BY PLANTS DOES ENHANCE YOUR WAY OF LIFE” miss the sense of closeness to the natural world she fostered while living there. ‘I think being surrounded by plants does enhance your way of life. They just make me feel healthier, both physically and mentally.’

The house is split over four floors, with the ground floor an entirely open space featuring a vast kitchen and dining area with a couple of steps up to a living room.

Some of the principles of Balinese design have made their way into this space.

‘In Bali, they believe in certain ways of circulation: in blocking some energies with walls and allowing others to flow by leaving rooms open.’ Curtains in vividly bright hues separate the different zones, ‘but only visually,’ Valentina says. ‘The advantages of having curtains instead of walls are that you perceive the space as one, as a whole, but you can still pull them across if you want privacy.’

Concrete – one of Valentina’s favourite materials – stretches lavishly across the dining room floor, chosen for its smoothness underfoot. It was deliberately used for many of the plant holders, too.

‘It looks good,’ she says, ‘to have the same material forging the connection between the house and the plants’.

Extract taken from A New Leaf by Pip McCormac and Jennifer Haslam

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INTERIORS • TREND THE VINTAGE LIST Champagne saucers with fern design, £79 for six thevintagelist.co.uk

KAYU HOME Yala hammered wine glass, set of four, £36.95 kayuhome.co.uk

NATALIA WILLMOTT Pair of red cut glasses, £56 nataliawillmott.co.uk

POLKRA Set of six handblown coloured glass tumblers, £42 polkra.com

PASOLUNA Pink recycled glass handmade wine glass, set of two, £19.95 pasoluna.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

TOM DIXON Puck coupe glass, £70 for two tomdixon.net

FERM LIVING Ripple champagne saucers, set of two, £39 utilitydesign.co.uk

SIR/MADAM Rialto glass coupe set of two, £60 iamfy.co

RAISE THE BAR All the loveliest glasses for sipping from

EDITOR’S PICK

By P E N D L E H A R T E

HAY Tint tumblers, set of two, £25 hay.dk

BROSTE Smoke White Wine Glass set of four, £44 silvermushroom.com

SUNDAY LIVING Rose cocktail glass, £12.50 sundayliving.co.uk

CASA CELVA Murano shot glass, £38 for four casacelva.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

THE HEAT IS

ON The lowdown on cast iron radiators from Castrads WHITWORTH WALL STAYS

ROCOCO

“Make a statement with these lavishly detailed cast iron radiators” WINDSOR TRV

1

MERCURY

Castrads’ in-house designers created an entirely new, extremely comprehensive range of radiators.

The Mercury comes in 14 different sizes, with a customisable length to ensure you get the proper heat output. The Mercury was inspired by traditional column radiators found in Victorian homes across England.

The versatility, simplicity, and slim profile of this radiator range make it perfect for just about anywhere in your home.

2

ROCOCO

Make a statement with these lavishly detailed cast iron radiators.

Adorned with an intricate floral motif, scrolled tops and gracefully flared feet, the Rococo is Castrads most ornate style. Castrads offers their own collection of 12 Signature painted finishes and 12 hand polished Bare Metal finishes.

Hand polishing a Rococo accentuates the shadows and highlights of the design creating a timeless interior for your home.

3

WINDSOR TRV

Thermostatic control valves bring the most up to date technology to a tried and true type of home heating, cast iron radiators. The Windsor TRV is made with comfort and efficiency in mind, and is classically designed to suit any style or finish of Castrads radiators.

These valves work seamlessly with heat pumps, smart technology, and gas boilers.

4

WHITWORTH WALL STAYS

The Whitworth wall stays secure your radiator to the wall, for safety and stability. Designed in-house, they are the finishing touch to any Castrads radiator. They come in 8 luxury finishes and feature a distinctive ‘worker bee’ emblem.

The bee is a nod to Manchester, the city in which Castrads originates, and its heritage of craftsmanship and manufacturing. castrads.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • TREND EDITOR’S PICK

SWYFT Model 04 In Vine Velvet 3 Seat Sofa Bed, £1,995, swyft home.com

LIGNE ROSET Ploum sofa, from £3,895 heals.com

CULT FURNITURE Effie 2 Seater Loveseat Sofa, £495 cultfurniture.com

SNUG SOFA The Big Chill 3 Seater Sofa in Navy Velvet, £1,339 snugsofa.com

OKA Tarma two seater Sofa, £2,195 oka.com

LIGNE ROSET Taru sofa, £4,182 chaplins.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Penny Sofa, £2,095 roseandgrey.co.uk

CASTING COUCH Sofas for extra comfort this season

LOAF Pudding sofa in Thyme Green vintage linen, £1,445 loaf.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E

SOFA.COM Larsen Corner Sofa In Cobalt, £2,940 sofa.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The rise of the

S T R E A M I N G S E R V I C E Reinvigorate your broadband with Swish Fibre

T

he last few years has seen an outpouring of new and super-sized streaming services. In the last few years, Apple and Disney entered the market with their “+” sized streaming offerings, while Apple has produced a flury of new series with great success.

Meanwhile, streaming pioneers Netflix have ramped up the volume of prestige TV and blockbuster films to a breakneck speed and Prime has become one to watch for an increasing number of sporting events. However, we can’t forget similar efforts from traditional broadcasters.

When it comes to TV choice, things have never been better. Or are they?

The UK has seen a surge in paid and free-to-access streaming services, with many more in the pipeline.

The platform war is one blockbuster to avoid for many of us. On one hand, the explosion of choice may be welcomed, but the number of services and devices needed to access them is spiralling out of control.

If money and the size of your TV cabinet is no object, then you can simply sign up to all available services and contracts where required.

Back in the real world, we all have different tastes and means, not to mention varying degrees of patience and appetite for new technologies. And there’s also the conundrum of feeling locked into a hefty subscription contract, but only value a

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small but essential piece of the overall package. With countless sporting events now locked away behind hefty paywalls from mainstream providers, navigating to your favourites has become an unwelcome sport in itself. There’s also the additional costs and long-term commitments wrapped up in so many subscription models that creates further frustration.

SO, WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? Using a trial offer or one-month subscription to Disney+, you could binge-watch every episode of Star Wars' The Mandalorian once all episodes are available.

It all boils down to a mix of good oldfashioned research and smart thinking to build the right blend of entertainment to suit your household. You’re unlikely to find just one streaming service that perfectly matches all your tastes and needs, but there could be two platforms that satisfy, say, 90% of your interests.

And if you stick to services that are contract-free, you are free to jump ship or dip into other services in future. Let’s say, for example, that Netflix and Prime ticks most of the boxes for you and your family, but your family is desperate to see The Mandalorian.

Using a trial offer or one-month subscription to Disney+, you could binge-watch this new Star Wars show once all episodes are available and trial so you can see if it is right for you.

Full Fibre can reinvigorate your broadband connection with an abundance of extra speed and wealth of new options for how you consume entertainment and boost

“You’re unlikely to find just one streaming service that perfectly matches all your tastes”

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • PROMOTION

your bank balance. Here’s just a few of the things you can achieve by making the smart move to a Full Fibre broadband service.

YOU CAN GET SKY SPORTS WITHOUT A SKY SUBSCRIPTION If you’re currently a Sky customer that is reluctantly paying for the base TV package so you can enjoy Sky Sports, you can save yourself around £30 a month and switch to a monthly Sky Sports Pass for £33.99. While it costs a little more than adding it to an existing Sky subscription, it means you can

make a net saving of £23.01 a month if you don’t want the base TV package. You can access the pass via the NOW TV app and take a break at any time by cancelling the rolling monthly fee for the Sky Sports Pass.

One of the main reasons you may want to stick with your current TV provider is to be able to watch and record programmes from one go-to service. However, most TVs manufactured in the last five years come with smart features out-of-the-box. These features allow you to access terrestrial catch-up and paid streaming services all from your TV, without the need for an additional set-top box.

We all need to get more savvy about how we engage with TV. Whatever your preference, switching to Full Fibre can score your household a hat-trick, with not only a huge hike in both download and upload speed, but bags of extra options to unlock great sport and entertainment for less.

SW I S H F I B R E Swish Fibre is building a 10,000 Mbps Full Fibre network in your area. Check if Full Fibre is available in your postcode at swishfibre.com/register

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Reinventing the caveman

Bespoke Garden buildings

Free UPVC double glazed windows and doors

Free consumer unit with sockets and lighting

Free thermostatic Control heating

Contact us today! | Tel - 07836 609972 | www.manhuts.co.uk | Manhuts Mancaves

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Plastered finish, painted inside and out

andy@manhuts.co.uk Manhuts Mancaves

25/11/2021 10:52

TRAVEL

NORTH STAR THE AURORA ZONE

There are many ways to search for the Northern Lights, from night-time snowmobile safaris and husky sledding to reindeer sleigh rides and cross-country skiing. We look at some of the most impressive places to stay on your quest.

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A look at rooms with a view of the Northern Lights

By EVE HERBERT

360 KOMSIO HUT, APUKKA RESORT

“Gaze up at the inky night sky and watch the Northern Lights from your bed” 138

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TRAVEL • NORTHERN LIGHTS ARCTIC BATH HOTEL

NORTHERN LIGHTS VILLAGE SAARISELK

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHAN JANSSON

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hough a holiday north of the Arctic Circle offers an array of incredible experiences, chances are that one of your main reasons for visiting is to tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list. The Aurora Zone offers many ways to search for the Northern Lights, from night-time snowmobile safaris and husky sledding to reindeer sleigh rides and cross-country skiing. However, one of their favourite trends is the innovation of Aurora accommodation, which allow you to gaze up at the inky night sky and watch the Northern Lights shimmering dance from the comfort of your bed or sofa.

From experiencing one unforgettable night in this specialist accommodation to spending each night of your holiday searching the skies as you are tucked up in bed, The Aurora Zone has an array of memorable, creative and luxurious rooms with the ultimate view.

Levi and Saariselkä

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N O RT H E R N L I G H TS V I L L AG E S

ocated in the north east of Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä Northern Lights Village was custom built to offer guests the opportunity to see the Aurora from the comfort of their bed. Here there are 80 Aurora Cabins, each of which has a north-facing, tepeeshaped glass roof (with heated glass ensuring that snowfall won’t obstruct your all-important view) underneath which you can lie back in bed and gaze directly into the night sky. Similarly, around 6km from the centre of Levi and set in its own piece of wilderness, Levi Northern Lights Village offers 40 Aurora Cabins.

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HOW HOW TO TO PICK PICK YOUR YOUR PERFECT PERFECT NORTHERN NORTHERN LIGHTS LIGHTS HOLIDAY HOLIDAY A mesmerising and spellbinding A mesmerising and spellbinding celestial light show that has celestial light show that fascinated humankind forhas millennia; fascinated humankind for millennia; the Aurora Borealis is Mother the Aurora Borealis is Mother Nature’s greatest spectacle Nature’s greatest spectacle and is one of those epic travel and is one ofthat those epic should travel experiences simply experiences that simply should not be missed. not be missed.

This is your guide This is your guide the to choosing the to choosing FREE bottle perfect Northern Lights holiday of sparkling Lights holiday with The Aurora Zone,wine theon only arrival.

Quote ‘Absolutely’ across holidayFinnish company solely dedicated when booking.

Lapland, Swedish to helping you tick the Aurora Lapland Borealis and off your bucket list.

Northern Norway with The Aurora Zone, the only holiday company solely dedicated to helping you tick the Aurora Borealis off your bucket list.

WHEN YOU SHOULD TRAVEL WHEN YOU SHOULD TRAVEL Although the Aurora Borealis occurs throughout Although the Aurora Borealis occurs throughout the year, these shimmering ribbons of light are the year, these shimmering ribbons of light are only visible to the naked eye once summer’s only visible to the naked eye once summer’s Midnight Sun has faded. During the darker Midnight Sun has faded. During the darker months of the year, from late August through months of the year, from late August through to early April, you can witness the Aurora’s to early April, you can witness the Aurora’s hypnotic dance in the Arctic skies. hypnotic dance in the Arctic skies.

WHERE YOU SHOULD TRAVEL WHERE YOU SHOULD TRAVEL The Northern Lights appear most frequently at The Northern Lights appear most frequently at a latitude of approximately 66°N - 69°N; an area a latitude of approximately 66°N - 69°N; an area known as the Aurora Zone. Within this zone, known as the Aurora Zone. Within this zone, whether you’re in Finland, Sweden, Norway or whether you’re in Finland, Sweden, Norway or Iceland, you will need to escape the artificial Iceland, you will need to escape the artificial lights of large cities and ski resorts for dark lights of large cities and ski resorts for dark starry skies to maximise your chances. starry skies to maximise your chances.

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HOW TO HUNT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS HOW TO HUNT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS To maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora, To maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora, find a holiday that includes multiple Northern find a holiday that includes multiple Northern Lights hunts. Mobility is key to outrunning Lights hunts. Mobility is key to outrunning any obscuring cloud cover, so try travelling by any obscuring cloud cover, so try travelling by snowmobile, keeping warm in a minibus, or even snowmobile, keeping warm in a minibus, or even reach new heights in a plane, and remember reach new heights in a plane, and remember nobody knows the vantage points better than nobody knows the vantage points better than an expert local guide. an expert local guide.

HOW TO SPEND YOUR DAYLIGHT HOURS HOW TO SPEND YOUR DAYLIGHT HOURS The Northern Lights may be your focus, but The Northern Lights may be your focus, but the daytime hours can be just as memorable. the daytime hours can be just as memorable.

Experience an array of sub-zero escapades; tick Experience an array of sub-zero escapades; tick husky sledding off your bucket list, snowmobile husky sledding off your bucket list, snowmobile across winter-white landscapes, enjoy whale across winter-white landscapes, enjoy whale watching in Norway’s fjords, discover UNESCO watching in Norway’s fjords, discover UNESCO sites, or explore the snow-capped forests during sites, or explore the snow-capped forests during a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride. a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride.

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WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO STAY Why not stay somewhere that’s just as Why not stay somewhere that’s just as memorable as the winter wonderland that memorable as the winter wonderland that surrounds you? Choose between traditional log surrounds you? Choose between traditional log cabins, hotels made of ice and snow, wilderness cabins, hotels made of ice and snow, wilderness lodges and remote hotels. Better still, stay in lodges and remote hotels. Better still, stay in specialised Aurora accommodation with a glass specialised Aurora accommodation with a glass roof; you might just experience the Northern roof; you might just experience the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed!

Lights from the comfort of your bed!

THE BRIGHTEST WAY TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

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ASK AN EXPERT! ASK AN EXPERT! Expertise and knowledge are key to witnessing Expertise and knowledge are key to witnessing the Northern Lights and our Aurora Experts the Northern Lights and our Aurora Experts have over 16 years’ experience. They have have over 16 years’ experience. They have explored the best destinations, researched the explored the best destinations, researched the science and built up an extensive network of science and built up an extensive network of expert guides. With over 60 dedicated Aurora expert guides. With over 90 dedicated Aurora tours, our experts are on hand to help you pick tours, our experts are on hand to help you pick your perfect trip. your perfect trip.

CONTACTTHE THENORTHERN NORTHERN CONTACT LIGHTSSPECIALISTS SPECIALISTSTODAY TODAY LIGHTS 0167001670 785 048 336 601 THEAURORAZONE.COM THEAURORAZONE.COM

THE BRIGHTEST WAY TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

PRICE COMPARISON GUARANTEE No lead in prices, no hidden costs, much more included TAZ-Advertorial-Final copy.indd 1

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TRAVEL • NORTHERN LIGHTS

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARKO JUNTTILA

ARCTIC FOX IGLOO

Aurora Domes

AT T O R A S S I E P P I AND TROMSØ

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he Aurora Domes at Torassieppi in Finland are a truly remarkable purpose-built glamping design. Effectively large yurt-like structures, they have been adapted to their Arctic surroundings and provide guests with an ideal view of nature’s greatest light show.

Echoing a traditional igloo design with their circular shape, each has a double bed and small seating area overlooking a transparent wall through which the night sky can be viewed. Each has a wood burning stove which is further complemented by soft lighting, reindeer skins and blankets ensuring a beautifully cosy retreat.

Similar in design (and new for 2020) are the Wilderness Camp Tamok Aurora Domes in Norway, set deep in the Norwegian wilderness and surrounded by mountains and valleys. These domes provide the perfect setting to escape the light pollution of the city and search the dark skies for the Northern Lights.

AURORA DOME AT TORASSIEPPI

AURORA DOME AT TORASSIEPPI

“These domes escape the light pollution of the city”

360 Cabins

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he Aurora 360 Cabins at Apukka are at the forefront of innovative design, showcasing a completely different construction than other destinations. The beautiful design is based on a Komsio (a traditional Sámi cradle) and gives a nod to its natural surroundings with traditional Sámi furnishings.

Featuring two tiers, the boutique cabin offers both privacy and a high vantage point for seeking Aurorafilled skies. The top-floor-bedroom has 360°-degree views via its glass ceiling and windows, and at night you have an ideal view of the sky and any potential Northern Lights displays.

Arctic Bath Hotel

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he perfect option for those looking for an extra special upgrade, the Arctic Bath Hotel in Sweden is a true reflection of the innovative design that the country is so well known for. Part wellness hotel, part architectural wonder, it is designed to float on the stunning Lule River during the summer and freeze in place throughout the winter.

From one of their land cabins amongst the trees, you will have the advantage of a huge glass wall offering views of the sky and idyllic snow-topped scenery. At night, of course, this window offers you the ability to look directly out into the sky, keeping an eye out for Northern Lights displays (you may have to leave your bed to see the sky in full, but you can still keep cosy inside the cabin).

Arctic Fox Igloo

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oing one step further, the stunningly designed Arctic Fox Igloos on the shores of the lake Ranuanjärvi offer panoramic glass walls, giving you an incredible, unobstructed view of both the surrounding wilderness and the Arctic sky. Heated panels prevent the windows from frosting over or being covered with snow and each has a private sauna for some relaxing escapism from the Arctic cold.

T H E AU R O R A ZO N E Start planning your 2021/21 bucket-list getaway with The Aurora Zone, the original Northern Lights holiday company. Contact a Travel Expert on 01670 785 012 or email them at bookings@theaurorazone.com.

ATOL protected.

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D I S CO V E R MO R E

A n independent co-educational senior school f or students aged 1 1 -1 8 in W est L ondon

E mbracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, K ew H ouse S chool takes an ex citing stance on 21 st century education. W ith state-of -the-art f acilities, a broad curriculum and ex cellent pastoral care, K ew H ouse is a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and f riendship.

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B ook your place at one of our O pen E vents at w w w . kew h ousesch ool. com / openev ents T: 020 874 2 2038 W : www.kewhouseschool.com @K ewH ouseS chool

24/11/2021 11:50

E D U C AT I O N

LIFE SKILLS K EW G R E E N

Prepare your children for life by letting them fail, is the message at Kew Green Prep where the aim is to teach resilience and life skills.

Queens Gate School 144 • Teenage sleep 147 • Board games 151 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Pioneer of

PROGRESS Marking its 130th birthday, Queen’s Gate is a school with a rich and remarkable history – and a long tradition of being in the vanguard of educating girls and young women

By LIBBY NORMAN

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EDUCATION • QUEENS GATE

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n the 1860s The Taunton Commission had reached the conclusion that the sexes had equal mental capacity.

Despite that, education opportunities for girls remained severely limited in the decades that followed, so this was a time of female education pioneers Miss Eleanor Beatrice Wyatt was one of them, deciding to establish Queen’s Gate School for girls in 1891 (later she would go on to establish Heathfield School).

She opened the school in her parents’ home in Stanhope Gardens, moving it round the corner to 132 Queen’s Gate a year later. Among the traditions that began in those earliest days is The Log – the school magazine was started in 1896 and is still going strong. Another tradition is no school uniform – a rarity among schools then and now, although girls have always had a dress code.

Beatrice Wyatt’s successor was Annabel Douglas, who expanded the lease into 133 Queen’s Gate. Under her tenure the school thrived. Her strong North American connections attracted new pupils from across the Atlantic and that cosmopolitan quality has remained. The school’s South Kensington location put it in prime position for pupils to benefit from the cultural riches of London’s great museums – located just down the road – so it was among the very first to make all London a classroom. Douglas founded the Queen’s Gate Debating Society in 1902 – another tradition still going strong. Girls began sitting public examinations at the turn of the 20th Century and in 1903 the first student was accepted to Newnham College, Cambridge.

As you’d expect, there were some Suffragettes among the cohort. One of the most notable was Lavender Guthrie, who joined the WSU as soon as she turned 18. Arrested first for breaking windows at the National Liberal Club and then for smashing the windows of Garrard jewellers in Mayfair, she was sent down to Holloway. She came to a sad end and her mother said at her inquest that she: “was not quite a normal girl. She studied very hard and had ideas of Socialism and giving her life and her all to her more unfortunate sisters”. Queen’s Gate girls and old girls did their bit during the Great War – some as nurses. Jane Trefusis Forbes left school and volunteered for the Women’s

QUEEN’S GATE STUDENTS OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL

QUEEN’S GATE PRINCIPAL ROSALYND KAMARYC

“Queen’s Gate has always been ahead of the times, but it has never lost its original character – nor its pride in this individuality” Volunteer Reserve in 1916, later becoming first director of the WAAF. In her last entry in The Log, Miss Douglas noted: “Our private affairs, other than tragic, seem very trivial now”.

In 1919, Miss Spalding became Principal and bought No. 131 to give more space for the Junior School. She also added a modern science laboratory. Four years on, the school held its first Queen’s Gate election – fitting given the recent enfranchisement of some women; school elections are still held today.

Queen’s Gate was recognised by the University of London in 1927, meaning pupils could sit their London Matriculation on the premises.

World War II meant disruption – the school was evacuated to Berkshire after an invitation from the Headmistress of Downe House. All the school basements were commandeered by the London Auxiliary Fire Brigade, but one former pupil kept watch. The Sub-Commander of the Women’s Section housed in No. 131 was an Old Girl. The school was damaged by bombing raids but was refurbished and back to work by October 1945. The extraordinary Miss Spalding – in service for 43 years – retired in 1951, the same year as the Festival of Britain.

Staff hosted a cocktail party in her honour, while the Old Girls Association held a dance.

A new decade, and a new Principal in Mrs Johnston, meant a new House system for the Seniors. The syllabus expanded still further under her successor Mrs Sée, who arrived at the dawn of the 1960s and introduced Chemistry, Biology, Economics and History of Art to A-level options.

During the Swinging Sixties, in common with all Londoners, Queen’s Gate girls enjoyed the thriving cultural scene. At some point during these liberating times the front doors were painted purple. Lulu Guinness (1976-78), who

was attracted to the school for its exceptional teaching in art and art history later recalled those purple doors in an interview in The Log. The arrival of Mrs Newnham as Principal in 1971 meant expansion of specialist classrooms and science labs. Student and parent needs were changing and she made the decision to close the boarding house to make space for teaching facilities. Queen’s Gate was now a day school for pupils aged 4-18. Under the stewardship of Angela Holyoak, the school continued to increase in size and its reputation also flourished. Its centenary in 1991 was marked by a special service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey, followed by a ball – held, fittingly, down the road at the Natural History Museum. Expansion didn’t stop at 100. In fact, in 2006 Queen’s Gate acquired Nos. 125 and 126 Queen’s Gate to accommodate the growing Junior School and new science labs. This enabled part of 131 to become a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, with enhanced teaching and learning facilities to create today’s truly 21st-century learning spaces.

Throughout its 130-year history Queen’s Gate has been ahead of the times, but it has never lost its character – nor its pride in this individuality.

The spirit of independence that was there from the start has helped generations of alumni carve their own paths in the Arts, in business, science and public life. From the Redgrave sisters to Tilda Swinton, Kelly Hoppen and Nigella Lawson.

HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall is an Old Girl too – and returned to open new science labs in 2016. Thanks to the many international students who have chosen Queen’s Gate, there’s also an extraordinary Old Girls’ network around the globe. In fact, as Principal Rosalynd Kamaryc puts it, “Wherever you go in the world you bump into a Queen’s Gate Girl.”

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Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate An Excellent rated (ISI) school welcoming children aged 3 months to 19 years.

Find out how we can help support your child to achieve their aspirations in our unique prep, middle and senior four-school model.

Call to arrange a private tour or join us at our next open day on 29 January 2022. www.qe.org

“To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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EDUCATION • CHOICES

Teenage SLEEP

The average teenager may be sleep deprived – research suggests we should stop treating lie-ins as sloth and start working with young people's body clocks

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ast year Bedales announced it was giving its teenage pupils an extra hour in bed, if they chose, by starting school an hour later. If you didn't spot the story, which made the national press, you missed what could be part of a pretty radical rethink on adolescent sleepers. For, let's face it, teenagers snoring under the duvet have long been the butt of sit-com jokes and adult exasperation. While some parents are sympathetic (perhaps remembering their own dreamy lie-ins), others have tended to the view that 'slugabeds' are a prime example of adolescent laziness and lamentable timekeeping.

By R ACHEL WEBB This criticism is misjudged and Bedales made its decision to test a new schoolday approach because it was following the science. There are some interesting findings to suggest what is going on when young people struggle to wake with the larks. Principal among these is that teenage Circadian rhythms – our biological schedule of sleepiness and wakefulness – really are different. What Bedales found is that the rhythms shift progressively later during adolescent years. That means teens have a biological impulse to go to sleep later at night and also sleep later in the morning. Not only that, but it's the last phase of sleep that may be most important for memory consolidation. Young people forced

out of bed too early will not have had an opportunity to transfer memories across to long-term storage – in other words, yesterday's school lessons may not sink in.

“When pupils come to talk to us about mental health concerns, among our first questions is: how are they sleeping?”

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EDUCATION • CHOICES

Bedales is far from alone in honing in on teenagers' need for more and better sleep.

Magdalen College School (MCS) in Oxford focused on this for its World Mental Health Day activities earlier this year, enlisting the help of Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, a sleep therapist who coaches clients ranging from Team GB athletes to business executives.

"Increasingly, when pupils come to us to talk about mental health concerns, among our first questions is: how are they sleeping? It’s so easy to overlook. So rather than spending another day off timetable discussing study skills, we decided to get to the root of the problem and use World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to look at sleep and rest," says MCS Master Helen Pike.

Meanwhile, Canford School has introduced a Sleep Education Programme.

Joint Head of Wellbeing at the Dorset School Melissa Clinton commented in June that, "Sleep is a vital area of health that is often neglected. The Japanese government have said sleep problems/ insomnia is the most serious social refractory disease of the 21st century.

Research shows increased evidence for

“The Japanese government have said sleep problems/insomnia is the most serious social refractory disease of the 21st century” a non-pharmacological approach, with a focus on addressing the behavioural and cognitive approach through education".

Canford's programme is being delivered to day pupils and boarders by designated staff members and the school matron. It has received assistance from The Sleep Charity – including useful tools to assist with staff training. Canford sees education in the science (and practice) of sleep as an important way to help young people regulate their sleep and waking times, and thus improve their wellbeing, ability to concentrate and mood. They say it also helps young people to deal with emotional control and to maintain a better diet.

A better mood and healthy diet will also impact physical fitness. In 2017, a long-term study carried out at a UK state school and led by researchers from Open University found that beginning the school day at 10am rather than 8.30am reduced illness rates for teenagers by over half. Students also got significantly better grades.

All this information is fine, but not if

teenagers themselves don't buy into it.

Helen Pike says that MCS had a mixed response at first. "There was an initial scepticism that something as simple as getting more sleep could have a tangible impact on their wellbeing, and on their performance. Most recognised that they are not routinely getting enough sleep though, with distraction from smartphones a common culprit." But by the end of the day, students had absorbed the science and MCS plans to repeat a dedicated day of focusing on this area – also expanding it to run parallel sessions for parents.

Meanwhile, at Bedales the great sleep experiment of starting the day later has been continued into this school year – last year, with all its disruptions, was never going to be a thorough test. The new schedule gives some autonomy to students – recognising that some are naturally early risers – with compulsory activities starting a full hour later so that young people can either join optional school activities or have that extra hour of rest.

Even after three months in the last school year student responses were positive, with 69% of Upper Sixth students reporting getting eight hours plus sleep, as opposed to just 17% prior to the change. Over 90% of students gave feedback saying that they had benefited from the change. One student – clearly a naturally later riser – noted with enthusiasm unusual in one of this age: 'Love it. I don't have to feel tired all day anymore. Best change ever made throughout my time at the school'.

SLEEP FACTS The NHS recommends 8-10 hours' sleep for the 14 to 17 age range • Regular sleep routines promote good sleep • Avoid napping in the day • Bedrooms should be dark, quiet, cool – ideally, tech free • Increased physical activity promotes better rest.

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North Bridge House Prep School

+ New 4 tion Recep or entry f 022 Sept 2

Individually tailored co-education, first-class outcomes At North Bridge House, we are on a constant journey of getting to know every pupil as an individual, realising their true potential through a specialist curriculum and tailored senior school preparation.

UK leading Senior Schools & 15 scholarship offers (2021) Enquire now on 020 7428 1520 or visit northbridgehouse.com nbh.indd 1

24/11/2021 12:03

EDUCATION • BOARD GAMES

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RULES

Gaming may be in, but old-school board games have been going through a renaissance. We check out some brand new arrivals and old favourites

ust when we thought the world had gone entirely digital, games of the oldfashioned board and dice, chips and pieces variety are having a moment.

You might almost say a renaissance. These oldschool activities that used to while away a rainy day and enliven Christmas holidays came out of the cupboard during lockdown.

In fact, the figures are staggering and show we also yearned for familiar friends.

Sales of board games went up by 240% during the first official lockdown, according to research from NPD Group. We were rehooked on classics, with old-time Monopoly the best-seller, along with Cluedo, Scrabbble and card games such as Uno. Jigsaw sales were up, in fact there wasn't an area of traditional 'gaming' that didn't see a spike.

There's every reason for parents to encourage board games at any time. Apart from the obvious benefit of getting children away from screens, they are social, can be adapted to nearly every age group and subtly but effectively improve numeracy, spelling, creative thinking, playing by rules – also, very possibly, sleight of hand and skills of deception. One thing that's good to know is that tabletop games development is a UK strength, just like video games development. Indeed, Edge Hill University offers games development internships with Crooked Dice through its Creative Writing course, so this could even become a careerbuilding pastime. Here are some of our favourites to keep the family entertained during the cold dark months ahead.

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EDUCATION • BOARD GAMES

RICHARD OSMAN'S HOUSE OF GAMES

LIFELINES AT THE READY FOR WOULD-BE MILLIONAIRES

Based on the unofficial quizmaster general's hit BBC2 show, House of Games tests general knowledge, relentlessly – everything from spelling and anagrams to trivia knowledge and emoji recognition.

Every generation can learn something new and its links to a popular TV programme makes it a winning formula for younger players. The game format is question cards, but there's also a buzzer and winners' trophy.

Recommended for age 12+ and suitable for 3+ players.

From £24.99 at Prezzybox.

TEST YOUR SAVVY WITH HOUSE OF GAMES

TASKMASTER

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE

CARNOVSKY ANIMALS JIGSAW PUZZLE

You have to be of a certain age to remember when this was the mustsee Saturday night event. But it's back, and the game's combination of tricky questions make it a good option for challenging family fun.

Released ready for the Christmas rush, it gives you the chance to win a virtual million and lifelines are accessed by your mobile device.

More than 700 questions mean there's something to test everyone.

Jigsaws are a bit of a Marmite invention, but they can be entirely solitary or a group activity. Also, if you have the space, completing them can take place over days.

Children develop skill and patience and a sense of achievement when it's done. Our pick would be Carnovsky Animals Jigsaw, which has jazzed up the format by making it interactive and 3D. It comes with three pairs of specs, each of which makes the puzzle reveal entirely different animals. Even better, you can scan the QR code on the box to turn your phone into a viewing lens.

Recommended for age 14+ and suitable for 2+ players. From £29.99 at Smyths Games.

Recommended for age 8+ and suitable for 1+ players. From £14.99 at Find Me A Gift.

Another offshoot of a TV show (this time hosted by Greg Davies), Taskmaster veers towards the absurd and is great fun for younger players. As with the show, to win you have a go at completing silly tasks, such as getting an egg as high as possible without breaking it. The format includes a game board, task cards and scoreboard, playing pieces and trophy. There's also a downloadable taskmaster timer app and you can get exclusive video assignments.

Recommended for age 8+ and suitable for 3+ players.

From £20 at John Lewis.

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RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” ‘’The curriculum is excellent for all ages and abilities, and is expertly matched to meet the needs of the range of pupils in the school.’’

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016

Open Mornings Open Mornings

9.15am Tuesday 14th November To book your place on an open morning,

9.15am Thursday 9th May 2019 please go to www.rpps.co.uk/openmornings 9.15am Thursday 18th January 2018 9.15am Tuesday 11th June 2019 or phone 020 8846 9153

9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018

To your place on an open morning, pleasemornings, go to To book register your attendance at one of our open rpps.co.uk/admissions or phone 020 8846 9153 please phone 0208 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL

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KEW GREEN preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” “Pupils of all ages benefit from a rich and exciting curriculum.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015

To book your place on an open morning, please go to www.kgps.co.uk/openmornings or phone 020 8948 5999

Kew Green Preparatory School

Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF

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L E T’S

T A L K

about failure

Children need to cope with disappointment - and we need to teach them how

By JEM PECK

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here is no doubt that human nature and the society within which we live drives the vast majority of us to want to succeed. For so many of us, jobs, houses, children, hobbies, holidays, hopes and dreams all propel us ever higher in order to achieve goals great and small. It is likely that if you stopped to consider your own journey through life, you would clearly be able to recall the numerous successful moments… and the tricky points where maybe it didn’t go so well too.

I wonder then, how education has arrived at a point where children’s ‘success’ is the sole driver for so many parents? At Kew Green, for all. It must also include and recognise

knock backs, mistakes, things not going how we expected, learning how to reason what happened and how that helps us next time.

Society needs to build a robust, collaborative, resilient generation with grit and determination to solve tomorrow’s problems and lead us into the future. How can we fulfil that noblest of aims without our children having failed on several occasions, starting from scratch, scrapping it and rebuilding, re-working the problem, trying harder, bouncing back, not giving up, coming out fighting? We cannot have a generation of children who are terrified to contribute, start or even try, just in case it doesn’t go well.

The issue here is that the F-Word is missing from conversations. Yes, ‘Failure’. Ask yourself: how often

“Great education is about academic rigour, challenge and a balanced creative curriculum”

EDUCATION • PREP

have you spoken to your child about situations that you have experienced where it didn’t go your way? Have you shared stories of knockbacks, struggles and disappointments and how you dealt with them?

If you haven’t spoken to your child about these normal things … then perhaps you should. Children will, with great support from parents and school, eventually fix it for themselves or even better, decide to start again, rebuild, reconsider and re-plan. These children will hold the future.

KEW GREEN P R E PA R ATO RY S C H O O L Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 020 8948 5999 kgps.co.uk

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

Baby gifts

For their first Christmas •

Sleep secrets

Where we all go wrong • Annabel Karmel

Christmas cooking

LIT TLE D U CKLI N G These wooden push and pull along toys are handcrafted in sustainable materials, designed to promote motor skills development as your toddler starts to explore the world around them. With a great selection of cars, ducks, cats, mice and more, they are sure to become constant companions. bluebrontide.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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NATURALLY PROTECTED RIGHT FROM THE START

The natural healing power of Calendula Our 100% certified natural products contain precious extracts of hand-picked organic calendula to soothe, nourish and protect delicate skin. Carefully formulated with the help of healthcare experts, midwives and pharmacists to protect and support the development of healthy skin, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin of babies and children.

Available from selected Sainsburys, Waitrose, Boots & weleda.co.uk

TRUSTED FOR OVER 30 YEARS Recommended by Midwives No synthetic ingredients, artificial fragrances, preservatives or colourants

Save

20%

with code ABMAMA20*

Dermatologically tested

Weleda contributes to a world in which people and biodiversity thrive. www.uebt.org

*Code expires August 31st 2021. To be used on weleda.co.uk only. One time use.

WELEDA.indd 1

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mama GIFT

GUIDE

MY LITTLE GREEN WARDBROBE kimono bodysuit, £27 mylittlegreenwardrobe.com

BEAUMONDE Baby Space Felt Mobile, £62 beaumonde.co.uk

BRONTE BY MOON Merino wool Grey Diamond Baby Blanket, £45 brontebymoon.co.uk

a Mames lov BUGABOO Changing clutch, £29.95 bugaboo.com

gif ts for

BABIES

THE GOOD EDIT Fair Trade Baby Shoes, £9.5o goodedit.co.uk

Adorable presents for baby's first Christmas HEIDI ROSE Bonnie new baby set, £75 heidi-rose.com

NUNA CUDL carrier, £150 johnlewis.com

NATURALBABAA Muslin Baby, £18.95 naturalbabaa.com ANNABEL JAMES Baby Shoes Robin, £19.95 annabeljames.co.uk

SWEET PUD COASTAL BABY The limited edition Christmas Pudding Bobble Hat is the perfect festive treat to keep your baby snug and cosy. Made of 100% superfine Merino wool, which is soft and non-allergenic. £15 coastalbaby.co.uk

QUINCE & COOK Baby Bamboo Rainbow Section Plate, £20.50 quinceandcook.co.uk

or's Editick p

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Sensory Reflective Gold Balls

Rainbow Wooden Shape Twister

Fruit & Vegetable Match

TickiT® products are designed to support the curiosity approach and inspire learning through play.

With a wide variety of fun, high quality educational toys for children of all ages and abilities, our motivation is to fire the imagination, support child-led play and encourage open-ended learning.

Visit our website and follow us on Instagram to find out more:

www.tickit.co.uk @tickit_education COMMOTION.indd 1

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mama PROMOTION

S L E E P T I G H T Sleep expert Joanna Shtrosberg, founder of Sleep Superstars, corrects all our mistakes

MISTAKE THREE Putting your child to sleep at the wrong time

“A baby’s sleep is fragmented and their sleep needs change frequently as they grow”

M

any of us don’t think about sleep, until we don’t get enough.

Parents, however, are desperate for that long stretch of uninterrupted nighttime sleep. A baby’s sleep is fragmented and their sleep needs change frequently as they grow. As a result, parents can feel confused and bedtime can become a struggle.

MISTAKE ONE Being your child’s sleep aid

Many parents fall into the habit of getting their child to fall asleep with their help. This can be anything from becoming their personal rocker, hand-holder or bedmate. In doing so, they have unwittingly taught their child to rely on them to fall asleep. This means that every time they wake up at night, as they transition between sleep cycles, they will need support to help them get back to sleep.

MISTAKE TWO Feeding to sleep Younger children may need feeding at night and many have a feed at bedtime.

Often parents continue to feed their child until they fall asleep, before placing them in their cot. This may feel like a simple enough solution at the time. But the feedto-sleep association makes it more likely they will wake during the night, demanding another feed to get back to sleep.

Putting your child to sleep when they are either too tired or not tired enough is easy to do. Parents should be aware of their child’s sleep signals and understand their “awake windows” – how long a child can be awake before needing their next sleep. This helps parents identify the right time to put their child down to sleep for naps and at bedtime.

MISTAKE FOUR Underestimating the importance of the daytime nap Many parents believe that there is little correlation between nighttime sleep and the timing and quality of any daytime sleep. In fact, getting the timing and length of your child’s daytime nap/s right, can be absolutely fundamental in ensuring that they sleep well at night too.

Need sleep help?

Joanna is a certified paediatric sleep consultant and founder of Sleep Superstars.

She created Sleep Superstars when her own experience of expensive sleep consultants made her question whether there was a better way to give parents personalised sleep advice for their children - top quality, personalised sleep plans that would be provided instantly.

Joanna has been driven by a desire to make a real difference to exhausted parents who need affordable sleep advice, tailored specifically to their family’s needs.

S L E E P S U P E R S TA R S To find out more visit sleepsuperstars.com or contact info@sleepsuperstars.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Wondrous Gifts

this Christmas The perfect stocking filler for fans of The Crayons!

An enchanting, timeless tale with audiobook read by Claire Foy

Festive fun for little ones with Bing and friends!

Irresistible Christmas mischief from Emma Chichester Clark and Quentin Blake

A joyful picture book from the nation’s favourite PE teacher !

Expect the unexpected in this interactive gift book from Oliver Jeffers

A gloriously illustrated gift edition of Michael Morpurgo’s classic tale

Get ready to welcome an unforgettable new character into your home…

A charming domestic comedy perfect for fans of Tom Gates

Available wherever good books are sold!

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mama PROMOTION

P L A Y T I M E Inspire children’s curiosity and enhance their learning capacity through stimulating toys

T

ickiT® products are designed, developed or sourced by us for you. We work with didactic advisors in early years, primary years and special educational needs to produce a range of high quality, engaging and open-ended learning resources for inspiring children’s natural curiosity, broadening their knowledge and aiding their development as they learn through play.

Our focus has always been to ensure that each product delivers the objectives of motivating interest and developing core skills in specific subject areas, and as such TickiT® resources have been widely used in schools and nurseries around the world for over 35 years.

We launched our online store last year to make our trusted range available to parents, caregivers, home-schoolers and childminders too. The products you will find on our website highlight the very best in fun, flexible and stimulating educational toys for children to use independently, as well as with adults or friends, to support the curiosity approach and to enhance and grow their natural capacity for learning.

“Fun, flexible and stimulating educational toys” With our beautiful sensory range that will soothe and aid relaxation, exciting creative play resources that are unlimited in their learning potential, a lovely selection of products suitable from birth, products for learning about the world around us, communication and language resources, as well as hands-on tools for developing numeracy or motor skills – we truly do have something for everyone. tickit.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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COOKING

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT T H AT K E E P S O N G I V I N G Teaching your kids to cook is not only handy in the present but will be the Christmas gift that keeps on giving later in life

By ANNABEL KARMEL

I

always say that the kitchen is like a classroom - an environment for curiosity, trial and error, growth, and learning. Not only will children learn to independently prepare delicious, healthy, and wellrounded meals, but they’ll become more aware of what they’re putting into their bodies and why it matters. Getting kids to take an active interest in what they’re eating is essential for their general health and wellbeing. Particularly if you have a fussy eater, as they’re far more likely to eat something that they have prepared themselves than something you’ve put in front of them.

Plus, cooking up ideas to keep the kids occupied during the holidays can be challenging at the best of times, which is why cooking is such a fun and versatile activity to keep kids of all ages busy, and let’s face it, it comes with a practical upside!

We all know that there’s a strong social element to food and dining, and the process

behind it – cooking – is no exception. It’s such a wonderful and creative way to spend quality time together and cook up some memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Plus, by weighing and measuring ingredients your little one is also unknowingly building their mathematical skills as well as their kitchen skills– and not to mention their self-esteem.

Prepping the meal is just the warm-up, sitting down together over a delicious meal is the special part that can do wonders for both the family and the individual – they call it soul food for a reason. Studies show time and time again that eating together has great benefits for everyone involved, especially for children. Not only does it ensure we’re eating balanced, wholesome meals but it’s also a perfect environment for kids to learn how to conduct conversations, observe good manners,

“Cook up some memories to treasure for a lifetime” listen, solve conflicts and compromise.

Despite what you might think there really isn’t a minimum age requirement for when your little one can help out in the kitchen, and on the flip side, there also isn’t a ‘best before’ date on learning how to cook - it’s never too late to learn good habits.

I have a host of delicious recipes to get kids of all ages cooking including my wonderfully festive Christmas tree-shaped Eggy Raisin Bread from my new cookbook Fun,Fast & Easy – a mouth-watering recipe that the whole family can enjoy. Or why not bake some seasonal Gingerbread cookies or my fun Reindeer Donut Holes!? ‘Tis the season to cook, eat and be merry after all. annabelkarmel.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Legal

M AT T E R S When it comes to the law, you’re in the best hands with Vardags

V

ardags is a world-renowned law firm delivering premium, blue-chip legal services to the global elite.

Founded by Ayesha Vardag, “Britain’s top divorce lawyer” (The Telegraph), the firm specialises in high-profile and high-net-worth cases, often with complex legal and financial matters such as jurisdictional disputes, company valuations, hidden assets, and offshore trusts.

The firm has built an enviable reputation as the home of life-changing, law-making litigation, having acted in some of the most important cases of the last decade.

These include: Changing the law on the enforceability of prenuptial agreements in England and Wales in a landmark Supreme Court judgment

•

• Securing a Court of Protection order • •

granting consent to fertility treatment for a client’s husband after a tragic road accident left him on life support Winning the jurisdiction battle and one of the largest ever reported divorce awards for the former Miss Malaysia against her Laura Ashley tycoon husband Leading the Campaign for Family Law Reform to fight for no-fault divorce, due to become law in April 2022

Regarded by the Legal 500 as the “Rolls Royce of family law firms”, Vardags innovatively solves legal issues by combining expertise across its specialist departments including: Divorce Reputation Civil and Family and and Privacy Commercial Children Corporate Litigation Financial Criminal Property forensics Defence

• • •

• • •

• •

“The home of lifechanging, lawmaking litigation” The team comprises some of the finest legal minds in the industry, including Georgina Hamblin, widely regarded as “one of the best divorce lawyers in the country” (Marie Claire); Emma Gill, named “the best matrimonial lawyer in the North” (Legal 500), and Stephen Bence, hailed a “financial genius” (Lewis Marks QC). They have been sought after by some of the most influential individuals in the world, including heads of state, celebrities, company executives, and entrepreneurs.

VA R DAG S 020 7404 939 • WhatsApp 07789 276988. @vardags.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Since 1989

PROU DLY IND EP END ENT

AWA R D W I N N I N G

B AT H R O O M S H O W R O O M & T I L E G A L L E R Y

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PROPERTY

BROKESLEY STREET E3

£1,250,000

his London residence offers inspired living space with a self-contained out-building in the garden. The double reception room has been opened to create one beautiful free-flowing space, and there are three bedrooms upstairs, plus a lower ground floor open-plan space with a bespoke kitchen, shower and doors to the garden.

T

BUTLER & STAG

020 8102 1236 butlerandstag.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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www. ohnmartinestates.com 1995-2020

EALING W13

20 000

E

EE

n e cellent si ed purpose built ground oor studio apartment on the much sought a er le elands Estate moments from award winning Pitshanger ane. Perfect for a rst time bu er and o ered with no onward chain the apartment has a spacious studio room with seating area and built in wardrobes with foldawa bed separate well planned ed kitchen with space for dining and a good si ed shower room as well as double gla ing electric heating and entr phone s stem. here are well maintained communal gardens and o street parking on a rst come rst ser ed basis. Energ Performance erti cate .

2 Pitshanger ane Ealing mesales ohnmartinestates.com JOHN MARTIN.indd 1

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

TO T W KE NE AR M

EALING W5

0 Per alendar

onth

newl refurbished two bedroom co age situated in the heart of the popular rentham arden Estate ust a short walk from award winning Pitshanger Village. he propert o ers a spacious open plan ground oor with modern ed kitchen and cloakroom. o the rst oor are two good si ed bedrooms and modern shower room. here is also the bene t of under oor heating to the ground oor gas red central heating an arra of period features and charming front and rear gardens. ered unfurnished. Energ Performance erti cate .

T: 020 8998 3333 JOHN MARTIN.indd 2

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www. ohnmartinestates.com 1995-2020

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year With very best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all of our clients, tenants and applicants as well as our Pitshanger and Ealing friends from

John, Rhian and the team at John Martin Estates

– PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT – YOUR SALES, LETTINGS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

82 P itshanger L ane, E aling W 5 1Q X mesales ohnmartinestates.com JOHN MARTIN.indd 3

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REQUIRE A VALUATION?

D SO L

SO L

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

CONTACT US TODAY

In 2021, our clients have given us the privilege of dealing with some amazing characterful properties in Pitshanger Village and across Ealing and we look forward to the same success in building relationships in 2022.

T: 020 8998 3333 JOHN MARTIN.indd 4

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B landf or d Road, W4 et in the highly desirable edford Park, this family home with four bedrooms has a modern kitchen and a large through reception room with doors leading to the rear garden. urther features include period fireplaces, wood flooring and excellent local amenities, energy rating e.

A r m inge r Road, W12 This charming five bedroom ictorian house situated on a quiet tree-lined street has been extensively refurbished. There are two reception rooms and a contemporary kitchen, both of which open onto the west facing garden. There is plenty of space for entertaining friends and family, energy rating f.

£1,590 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

£1,360,000 020 7603 1415 brookgreensales@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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Clovelly Road, W4 A well presented split-level apartment with three bedrooms that has recently been redecorated and offers in excess of 1,000 sq. ft of living space and access to a rear garden. Turnham Green and Chiswick Park stations are nearby for travelling into the city, energy rating d.

Rainville Road, W6 Located in a sought after riverside development, a two bedroom first floor apartment with an open plan reception room and kitchen. The property benefits from underfloor heating, Crestron audio and visual controls as well as a video entry system and parking, energy rating d.

£600 per week 020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

£925 per week 020 7603 0603 brookgreenlettings@fletchersestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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Ridgway, Wimbledon Village

£4,250,000

McKay Road, Wimbledon

£2,695,000

An elegant period home with a detached Coach House garage annexe and west facing garden. 2 reception rooms, dining room, kitchen/ dining/family room, 2 storey rear atrium, main bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 3 further bath/shower rooms, garage & OSP ER/D

A handsome detached house in an elevated position enjoying far reaching views. 2 reception rooms, study, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms, garden, garage, 83’ garden, OSP ER/E

Ridgway Place, Wimbledon

Dunmore Road, West Wimbledon

£2,975,000

An attractive semi-detached house with versatile accommodation and a southerly garden.

Sitting room, kitchen/dining/family room, study, main bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/shower rooms, OSP ER/C

£1,950,000

A period family house in a highly regarded location close to shops, restaurants and transport.

2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, 4 bedrooms, study/ bedroom 5, 3 bath/shower rooms, southerly garden ER/D

Wimbledon Village Office Sales: 020 8947 9833 Lettings: 020 8879 9669 • ROBERT HOLMES_2021.indd 1

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www.robertholmes.co.uk

Heatherdale Close, Kingston

£1,050,000

Malden Road, New Malden

£1,100,000

*Price Reduced* A bright and well presented home, ideally located within a few minutes’ walk from the Kingston Gate entrance to Richmond Park. Kitchen/Dining Room, Reception Room, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Garage, Garden, OSP

A newly built, semi-detached family home benefiting from a west facing garden.

Kitchen/Family Room, Reception Room, Five Bedroom, Three Bathrooms

Overdale Avenue, New Malden

Barham Road, Wimbledon

£1,495,000

An immaculate five bedroom family house with southerly facing rear garden in quiet cul de sac.

Kitchen/Dining Room, Two Reception Rooms, Study, Five Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, Summer House

£2,250,000

A charming detached family home located on a prestigious road in the Drax Estate.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Conservatory, Utility, Four Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, Garage

Coombe Office Sales: 020 8947 1100 • ROBERT HOLMES_2021.indd 2

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SALES

5 -7 Tur n h a m G re e n Te rra ce, C h isw ic k , Lon don , W4 1R G Te l 0 2 0 8 7 4 7 8 8 0 0 · Fa x 020 8995 7275 E-m a i l i n fo @wh i t m a n a n dco.com · We bsite w w w. w h i t m a n a n dco. co m

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, W4 THAMES CRESCENT, W4

£465,000 £1,895,000

LETTINGS

An townhousetriple with direct river views, within thisbenefit exclusiveofgated riverside development.

Offering in excess of 2600sqft thebathroom, house Animpressive amazinglyfive-bedroom light, well presented aspect flat withset the added a balcony and private garden.

Three bedrooms, luxury comprises five double four luxury bathrooms, formal reception with share Frenchin windows leading balcony to a balcony viewsgarden of the river large entrance 14' reception room, bedrooms, fully integrated kitchen, gas fired central heating, the freehold, andwith private withThames, side access.

Ideally hall, 21’ fully integrated room, Park cloakroom, utility room/integral garage,shopping private landscaped garden,facilities off-streeton parking for two cars, large loft situated within close kitchen/breakfast proximity of Chiswick tube station and the extensive and restaurant Chiswick High Road. storage with landing access. The development has direct access to the towpath and further benefits from a communal riverside garden. Situated within close proximity of numerous transport facilities, Chiswick House and Grounds and Chiswick High Road’s extensive facilities. No chain.

LINDENCOTTAGE, GARDENS, W4 LAMB W4 EASTBURY GROVE, W4

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

newly decorated lower ground garden withonprivate westpopular facingalphabet garden. streets Large within doublea short bedroom with wardrobes, reception AA well presented and extended periodfloor family home flat located one of the walk of Chiswick High Road and Theroom River.with wood floors, bathroom with ashower fitted kitchen, garden.

The kitchen/breakfast flat is on one ofroom, Chiswick's best garden, locatedlarge roads, moments from the shops, The accommodation comprises spaciousover, double reception room, extended west-facing west-facing roof terrace, restaurants cafés on the Highfitted Roadwardrobes), and 5 minutes Turnham station.

The property is available early September, furnished. four double bedrooms (all with familyfrom bathroom withGreen separate shower, ensuite shower room, cloakroom and eaves storage.

Located at the favoured north end of the street, the house is within a few minutes’ walk of Chiswick High Road’s shops, cafes and restaurants, Homefield Park and the historic riverside of Chiswick Mall. No chain.

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LETTINGS POINT WHARF LANE, TW8 BARROWGATE ROAD, W4

£350 PER WEEK £2,350,000

An immaculately presentedtwo double frontedbedroom five bedroom periodfloor houseflat ideally located in thissought prestigious residential road close to all amenities.

The house offers generous Beautifully presented double second in this highly after riverside development.

Boasting a stunning open plan proportions throughout with the accommodation comprising a luxuryensuite master suite, four further three further bathrooms, large entrance hall, 21’ double reception kitchen reception room, a river side balcony and a master bedroom.

Largebedrooms, open plan reception room, fully fitted kitchen with granite work room, bespoke Holloways of Ludlow kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, room/cellar, private landscaped garden, off-street parking for two cars. Situated in this tops,30’ fitted wardrobes and riverside views. Underground parkingutility space included. prestigious residential road offering close proximity to Chiswick High Road’s shops, cafes and restaurants. Transport links include Chiswick Park and Gunnersbury stations, local bus routes and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London. No chain.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNES GROVE, LAMB W4 CHISWICK MALL, W6 W4

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £1,895,000

large, light and beautifully double bedroom flat on this highly desirable roadMall, in the heart of Bedford just minutes AAfabulous four-bedroom Victorianpresented villa directlytwo opposite Hammersmith Terrace, a continuation of Chiswick one of the area’s premierPark, addresses.

The housefrom Turnham Green underground station.

Top floor position ensures beautiful views from the reception offers excellent proportions throughout with the accommodation comprising a master bedroom with luxury enand suite,bedrooms. three further double bedrooms, two further bathrooms, 31’ reception room with 3m high ceilings, 22’ fully integrated kitchen/breakfast room, beautifully landscaped secluded garden, cellar, extensive built-in storage. Ideally located within 100m of the River Thames along with an extensive range of transport facilities. No Chain.

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NEW RELEASE A development of luxury 4 & 5 bedroom family homes set within an exclusive private, gated development in Hertfordshire.

PRICES FROM £975,000 CALL US TODAY AND BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TO VIEW OUR NEWLY LAUNCHED ASCOT SHOWHOME

104 Cuffley Hill | Goff’s Oak | EN7 5EY

020 8441 955 5

NEWHOMES@STATONS.COM www.chasenewhomes.co.uk

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B E AU T I F U L N E W H O M E S I N A C O U N T RY E S TAT E A selection of new and refurbished houses and apartments | 47-acre country park | Idyllic location

Scan here to see our two minute film & find out more

A country estate re-imagined New release of homes within the historic Walled Garden Call 01344 551120 or email us at sunningdalepark@berkeleygroup.co.uk

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country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts.

You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.

We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light.

Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house.

The premium online estate agency.

London, Surrey and Sussex 0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk

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