Absolutely Kingston & Raynes Park January 2018 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

KINGSTON & RAYNES PARK

ABSOLUTELY Kingston & Raynes Park JANUARY 2018 / Â£3.95

TOP COAT JAN UARY 2018

Fall back in love with layers

Brush Up The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair

EAT WELL

Life lessons with Liz Earle

A new

LOOK F R E S H ST Y L E S F O R JA N UA RY

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STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 18/12/2017 16:58

Open House

We would be delighted to show you how we turned a victorian terrace house into a bright contemporary design home at Lysia Street, SW6

Viewing times

on Saturday and Sunday: 27th-28th/ Jan - from 10am to 12pm For booking your visit just call us on 0203 405 6820 or email us at info@yourarchitect.london Your Architect London is an award-winning Fulham architectural firm. We offer a range of architectural services, from planning permission, project management, design and build, through to completion, specializing in contemporary design and modern architecture.

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Open house 27th-28th/ Jan

965 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5JJ T: 0203 405 6820 E: info@yourarchitect.london www.yourarchitect.london

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After 8 years in the Cotswolds, Symes is now operating in London and the Home Counties. Specialising in bespoke kitchens and joinery, fine interiors and renovation works, we are dedicated to your vision of creating a beautiful home. Offering full design services, we compliment this by also providing a complete design and build option. Whether you are wishing to add a bespoke kitchen, a climbing frame in your garden or undertaking building and interior works, we will not only create the look you want, but deliver your project with the greatest attention to detail, efficiency and professionalism.

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For a complete and comprehensive tailored solution to your property needs, please contact us. info@symesinteriors.co.uk 02085422334 07917086199 www.symesinteriors.co.uk

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Christmas in Kingston. A surprise behind every door.

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents JANUARY 2018

28 56

C U LT U R E 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

39 NEW BALANCE Ayurvedic-inspired beauty

14 AGENDA

FOOD & DRINK 56 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

10 things we’re coveting this month

Diary dates for January

News from the industry

FA S H I O N 28 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

INTERIORS 64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

32 ART HOUSE Be inspired by the artist's palette with our

T R AV E L 72 SPIRITED AWAY Tokyo: an alluring destination for any

This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

new year's fashion shoot

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 42 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL 44 WHAT LIZ DID NEXT Absolutely meets Liz Earle

News and views

traveller

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.

ABSOLUTELY Kingston & Raynes Park JANUARY 2018 / £3.95

TOP COAT Fall back in love with layers

Brush Up The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair

EAT WELL

Life lessons with Liz Earle

77 SUNNIER CLIMES Escape with The Thinking Traveller PROPERTY 82 LIVING THE DREAM

A new

LOOK F R E S H ST Y L E S FO R JA N UA RY

ZEST.LONDON

The month’s best beauty buys

Eating out with children

JAN UARY 2018

58 FAMILY FOOD

Absolutely meets Rankin

KINGSTON & RAYNES PARK

22 HOT SHOT

STYLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

ON THE COVER Kingston_COVER_January18.indd All Pages

18/12/2017 16:52

AW17 AVAILABLE FROM ZARA.COM

The most luxurious London properties A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY LIFESTYLE WRITER MIRIAM CAREY EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI PROPERTY DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA

Window shopping Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london

www.ayrtonbespoke.com

020 8877 8920 enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com

406 Merton Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 5AD 61- 63 Tottenham Lane, Crouch End, London N8 9BE

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Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

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Editor’s

LETTER

n many ways January is a month of contradictions. On the one hand we’re enduring post-Christmas blues, bolstered by shrivelled bank balances and persistently gloomy weather. Yet, it is also a month of new gym memberships, alcohol-bans and green juices. All optimistic attempts to better ourselves. Although there's nothing wrong with a good old new year’s resolution (check out our’s below), we think January should be a month to show yourself some love. For starters, try settling down in a quiet, screen-free corner with this month’s Absolutely, where you’ll fi nd plenty of new year's inspiration. In this issue, we chat to wellness guru Liz Earle about her inspirational journey from beauty entrepreneur to magazine editor-cumTV presenter. Or, for a bit of mood-boosting pampering, turn to page 61 for our winter skincare tips. From beauty to baking. On page 70 we sampled sumptuous recipes from Marianne Stewart’s new cook book Nourish Cakes, proving that cakes needn’t be calorific. Meanwhile, harried parents shouldn’t miss our dining out with kids feature - another way to make your year that little bit easier. So whether you set aside one evening a week for Netflix binging, or have a long, luxurious bath on a Sunday afternoon, it’s all about snatching those little moments of joy. What better way to start 2018? Enjoy the issue!

ABSOLUTELY’S new year’s resolutions...

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

In 2018 I am going to cut down on plastic. Without sounding smug, I haven’t used plastic bags for years anyway, but especially in the wake of Blue Planet II, everybody should be cutting down on waste. To start, I’ve got a lovely new keep cup for my morning flat white. PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

NEW TRICKS

This year I’m going to make time for my forgotten hobbies. Drawing is a great pastime of mine and Central Saint Martins runs fashion illustration courses - I’ll be booking one ASAP. Fashion drawing for beginners, £560 for 1 week, arts.ac.uk MIRIAM CAREY LIFESTYLE WRITER

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MIRIAM CAREY EDITOR

FACE THE DAY

This year I intend to put more effort into my currently non-existent skincare routine. The Ordinary have stripped back unnecessary packaging and misleading ingredients making it easy to curate a tailored regime. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%, £5,80; theordinary.com HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

INSIDE STORY

My new year’s resolution is all about improving my gut health. Affecting everything from skin quality to sleep, I’ll be packing my shelves with fermented foods and probiotics Symprove will do the job nicely - for a happier and healthier 2018. Symprove 8 week program, £158; shop.symprove.com JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

SLEEP EASY

Rather than staying up to watch “just one more episode”, my new year’s resolution is to get to sleep at a reasonable hour. Neom’s Essential Sleep Kit is infused with blended oils to encourage relaxation. I’m looking forward to less blearyeyed starts to the day. Neom Organics, Essential Sleep Kit, £20; neomorganics.com

GEORGIA MCVEIGH EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

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

18/12/2017 14:58

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

F. R. S F.R.S For Restless Sleepers is a cutting-edge Milanese brand that champions the casual elegance of pyjama dressing. Embrace a bold collection of exquisite styles that are splashed with daring ﬂoral prints and chic details. forrestlesssleepers.com

Sleeping Beauty

This hero product has amassed a cult following for its formula that enhances your skin’s natural nighttime recovery process. Great skin guaranteed by morning. £38; kiehls.co.uk

DUVET DAY

Renowned for keeping the fashpack toasty during the coldest of spells, Moncler’s Salix jacket is lightweight and cut for a loose ﬁt, making it perfect for layering over bulky sweaters. £660; net-a-porter.com

Diary Date

Get your yearly affairs in order with Smythson’s calf-leather W1 Diary. The largest in the collection and with a day-per-page layout, it’s the new stylish necessity for busy bees. £295; smythson.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

SHAKE N NOT STI RRE D

AMANDA WAKELEY

We’re vetoing dry-January in favour of Anthropologie’s charming glass cocktail shaker. Compact and effortlessly cool, it’s a must for the kitchen counter. £28; anthropologie.com

Amanda Wakeley is renowned for her “clean glam” style. The Winter 17 collection emphasises this with a focus on craftsmanship, forming a look that is full of richness, colour, pattern and texture. amandawakeley.com

S P EC S A P P E A L Pioneering eyewear brand, KITE has revolutionised the optical industry with the world’s ﬁ rst eye bar. Head over now to ﬁ nd the fashion-forward DORS specs, along with many others. £175; kiteeyewear.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Marmont Moment

Gucci’s iconic Marmont bag is dressed in a gorgeous blue velvet. Understatedly glam and with a versatile chain-strap, this wardrobe staple transitions seamlessly from day to evening. £1,350; farfetch.com

VELVET CRUSH

These On The Fringe boots from Stuart Weitzman are the perfect height for long days on your feet. With a fan base that includes Gigi Hadid and Suki Waterhouse, expect them to get snapped up fast. £450; farfetch.com

SWING TIME

Surprisingly lightweight, these silver Primrose earrings are woven with metallic blue silk threads and iridescent cobalt beads. Show yours off with a low ponytail. £265; net-a-porter.com

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

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presents

Picnic concerts 10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring Gilson Lavis with guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall

10 – 15 July 2018

kewthemusic.org tickets.amazon.co.uk Royal Botanic Gardens Raymond Gubbay

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CULTURE

What’s On 14 • Theatre Round-Up 20 • Big Shot: Absolutely meets Rankin 22 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

T H E AT R E

Samurai Women From 9 January THE EXHIBITION IST H OT EL

Playing with our notion of female identity in society, Pam Glew’s work is profound and beautiful. This latest exhibition reignites her dialogue around themes of sustainability vs waste, light vs dark, using her familiar stitch, paint, bleach and dye to potent effect. 8-10 Queensberry Place, SW7; theexhibitionisthotel.com pamglew.co.uk

EXHIBITION

First and Foremost F RO M 25 JA NUA RY • H I C KS GALLERY

One of the twentieth-century’s leading British artists, Sir Peter Blake’s work reflects his fascination with all streams of popular culture, and the beauty found in everyday objects. Hicks Gallery’s first show of 2018 features his rarely available prints and a truly unique opportunity to purchase iconic pieces by the ‘Godfather of British pop art’. 2-4 Leopold Road, SW19; hicksgallery.co.uk

T H E AT R E

Misailliance Until 20 January ORAN GE TREE TH EAT RE

Hypatia Tarleton, uneasily engaged to bright yet immature aristocrat Bentley Summerhays, longs for adventure to drop from the sky. And suddenly, it does. George Bernard Shaw’s playful comedy about class and feminism gets its first major revival in 30 years. 1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9; orangetreetheatre.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

EXHIBITION

Philip Pearlstein From 17 January

SAATCHI GALLERY

“By 1960, I decided I didn’t want to express other artists’ ideas any longer. I wanted to paint what was in front of me,” said Phillip Pearstein, pertaining to a shift from expressionism to realism. This show is a celebration of his later works, in particular his depiction of the human nude. A must for those familiar or new to his work, it highlights the complexity in his paintings that continues today. Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3; saatchigallery.com

Around Town PA R A D E

NEW YEAR’S PARADE 1 January GREEN PARK

Wrap up and join the Pearly Kings, acrobats, marching bands and more as they celebrate London’s 32nd Parade. See them float, twirl march and drum a 2.2 mile route around London's iconic landmarks in a showcase of contemporary performance, traditional pomp and ceremony. Green Park, W1J; londonparade.co.uk

SEASONAL

HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK Unt il 7 January H A M PTO N CO U RT PA L AC E

There is still time to get your skates on and ring in the new year with this most regal of outdoor activities. The former home of Henry VIII invites guests to take part in this magical skating experience which sees the palace’s iconic facade illuminated with twinkling lights. The cafe and bar are ideal spots for perking up between skate sessions. East Molesey, Molesey, KT8; hrp.org.uk

F E S T I VA L

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: OVO From 7 January ROYAL ALBERT H ALL

This Month’s Must See

©Historic Royal Palaces

THE OVERCOAT Omnibus Theatre 9 • 18 JAN UARY

resh from the success of Heart of Darkness, Scandal and Gallows Theatre is back with Nikolai Gogol’s short story. The Overcoat’s protagonist never asked for much in life, but things change when she sets her sights on something new. A dark and absurdist staging of this short story, with commentary on social disparity that’s still relevant today. 1 Clapham Common North Side, SW4;

Cirque du Soleil returns with the UK debut of OVO. A colourful carnival of crazy crickets, amazing ants and flexible fleas, the show uncovers the ground at our feet. Rush headlong into an ecosystem teeming with life in this non-stop riot of movement and mindblowing, high-flying acts. Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com

EXHIBITION

CHARLES I: KING AND COLLECTOR From 27 January ROYAL ACAD EM Y OF ART

Aside from being the only English monarch to suffer the indignity of having their head chopped off, Charles I was also an avid art collector. This exhibition brings 90 pieces of his collection together and features everyone from Rubens to Titian. Burlington House, Picadilly, W1J; royalacademy.org.uk

omnibus-clapham.org

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Orient EXPRESS Discover the enthralling magic of the Silk Route at the all-new winter edition of The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

he Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair returns for its first edition of the new year with an exceptional offering of antique and 20th Century decoration. Taking place in Battersea Park between 23-28 January, this uniquely different event is a one-stopshop for style savvy buyers looking for unusual piece for the home. This year’s theme celebrates all things oriental, with everything from rarities to conversation-pieces highlighting how eastern design travelled the Silk Route to inspire and infiltrate our interiors. Here’s what to expect from this exciting edition from the fair’s organisers. Q This year’s theme is Orientalism, why was it chosen and what can we expect from it? A Chinoiserie and oriental design is a key component of the classic ‘country house’ style, for which the Decorative Fair is renowned. There is returning desire for more opulent and traditional interiors at the present time. As the Winter Decorative Fair is also now home to the London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair, which sells many works that have travelled to the UK via The Silk Route, we felt it

B y H E L E N B R OW N

was the right time to take a new look at antique and C20th examples of furniture and accessories within this design field. So expect to see imported goods such as Chinese embroidery panels, Asian sculpture and ceramics, European goods emulating Eastern designs and decoration (hence ‘chinoiserie’), and modern design such as Hans Wegner’s famous ‘Wishbone Chair’ design, directly influenced by antique Chinese furniture style. The Fair’s foyer stands are designed to highlight an element of design style sold by exhibitors at the fair. In past displays we have highlighted Swedish design and British mid-century modern, art deco and passementerie.

Q What’s the history of The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair? A The Fair was launched by a dealer in decorative antiques back in 1985 when she realised professional trade buyers, who wanted the decorative look, found it difficult to source items easily in the capital. Most antiques fairs only sold formal antiques (polished, Georgian, collectors’ porcelain etc). Since then it has risen to be one of the pre-eminent and most exciting antiques fairs in London, held three times a year, with crowds of trade and interior design buyers flocking to source stock for projects. Tens of thousands of private buyers also attend each year to find unusual and practical one-off pieces for the home.

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TRAVEL • NOTES

“It has risen to be one of the preeminent and most exciting antiques fairs in London”

Q How do you settle on the final list of dealers for each edition? A There are more than 150 exhibitors at every fair. Many have exhibited for years (in fact a few have been with the fair since its inception), and there is a long waiting list of new applicants. The organisers are careful to ensure a well-balanced selection of stock, in terms of periods and styles. No interior is complete without paintings and sculpture, so art is also shown at

the fair by a select few of the country’s leading expert dealers in modern, contemporary and traditional work. Q What’s the reason for choosing South West London as the home for the fair? A The Fair’s home has always been in South West London. For a number of years it was held in Chelsea Harbour, when the design centre opened, in a canvas marquee. However it soon outgrew the space available there, and in the late 1990s a site in Battersea Park was instigated by the organisers. This has grown in importance over the years and is now, thanks to the far-sightedness of the original owner of the fair, became a famous venue in its own right [Battersea Evolution]. Q Tell us about the partnership with LARTA, do you find it brings in a different clientele each winter? A LARTA was launched in 2011 as

the UK’s only specialist fair for high quality rugs and textiles, to service primarily the needs of international collectors and trade buyers. The Organiser of LARTA, a dealer in rugs, tapestries and textiles, had been an exhibitor at the Decorative Fair for many years. When the marquee in Battersea Park developed the Mezzanine, it seemed a natural new home for LARTA to expand in to, and in 2017 the fair moved from Marylebone to Battersea, growing from 11 to 17 exhibitors. Trade buyers love the fact they can now source rugs from a wider range of specialist dealers, and the public received it very warmly. THE WINTER DECORATIVE ANTIQUES & TEXTILE FAIR 23 · 28 Januar y Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 decorativefair.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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MONDAY JANUARY 1st. 2018. 12.00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15.30 PICCADILLY, TRAFALGAR Sq. WHITEHALL

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CULTURE • THEATRE

Pinocchio The adventures of a little wooden boy at the Lyttleton By PENDLE HARTE

he Lyttleton’s new family show is spellbinding. It looks beautiful, the songs are cheery and familiar and there’s a good message too. The fusing of puppets and actors is a visually arresting device, whereby Geppetto the puppetmaker is himself a vast wooden puppet, which he controls – and Pinocchio the little wooden boy is an actual boy, all puppyish and bouncy. And despite the chirpy Disney tunes, there’s a darkness to the production that comes from huge leering masks

and sinister dance sequences as the lifelike meets the lifeless. With a script by Dennis Kelly of Matilda fame and a new score that rearranges the Disney classics, this is a clever piece of theatre. ‘All the best names begin with P – everybody knows that,’ says Geppetto (rightly) as he names his creation; the wooden boy’s introduction into the world of children is instantly alarming – a masked and slightly threatening mob point out his difference and laugh. What does it mean to be real? is the question that’s asked repeatedly, and reality is defined variously as ‘pleasure’ and ‘pain’.

“What does it mean to be real? is a question that’s asked repeatedly”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

Moral guidance for Pinocchio comes of course from Jiminy Cricket, brilliantly puppeteered by Audrey Brisson whose wonderful voice and expression sets a new bar for 'Give a Little Whistle'. Jiminy, as Pinocchio's conscience, is a nervy, anxious creature, once found 'stress cleaning' and often fretting about bacteria. Pinocchio learns a fast sequence of life lessons in this brief time frame; from the dangers of instant gratification to the hazards of lying and the benefits of friendship, this cautionary tale is clear in its voice. After all, what is real? Visual highlights of this impressive staging include the terrifying Pleasure Island scene – all looming laughing clowns and drunken children – and a whale belly interior scene, as well as the Stromboli Circus, where a troupe of living dolls performs 'I Got No Strings' in a beautiful puppety dance. Technical achievements include levitation and a flying blue flame, and the lighting throughout is intense and vivid. Of course, the nose scene is brilliant too. It's on until April; don't miss out.

VERDICT A spectacular new stage adaption ★★★★★

PINOCCHIO To 10 April 2018 National Theatre nationaltheatre.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in

MUST SEE

SHOW Spend a cosy evening in Theatreland with our top stage picks for the month By H E L E N B R O W N

Girl from the North Country

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

★★★★★

Opens 29 December NOE L COWA RD TH E ATR E

In 1934 a Minnesota community is living on a knife-edge, huddled together in the local guesthouse. When a preacher and a boxer show up in the the night, things start to spiral. Conor McPherson weaves the iconic songbook of Bob Dylan into this new show full of hope, heartbreak and soul. 85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; noelcowardtheatre.co.uk

★★★★★ From 9 January HAROLD PIN TER THEAT RE

60 years since the play’s debut, The Birthday Party returns with a landmark production, directed by Ian Rickson. Stanley Webber is the only lodger at Meg and Petey Boles’ sleepy seaside boarding house until the unsettling arrival of enigmatic strangers, Goldberg and McCann, disrupts the humdrum lives of the inhabitants. Panton Street, SW1Y;

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

atgtickets.com

Belleville

Woman in White

From 7 December

Ongoing

DON M A R WA RE H O US E

C HA R I NG C ROSS THEATRE

High-flying doctor, Zack and his spouse, Abby are leading the expat highlife in bohemian Belleville, Paris. But it’s all a little too perfect. James Norton and Imogen Poots star in this story of a romantic dream gone sour, written by Amy Herzog who was recently praised as 'one of the brightest new talents in theatre.’ 41 Earlham Street, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony and Oliver Award-nominated musical premieres with a revised score. The story follows Walter Hartright, a drawing teacher who runs into a woman in distress and desperate to share a secret with him. A truly haunting Victorian tale of love, betrayal and greed. The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2N; charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

★★★★★

White Fang ★★★★★

Until 13 January PAR K TH E ATRE

Set in 1898, Canada, White Fang follows a young girl's acclimation into an unknown society after she is rescued from a massacre by an old huntsman. Struggling to find her path in the world, she discovers hope in the friendship of an abandoned wolf. Can she reconcile who she once was with who she is now? Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk WOMAN IN WHITE

BELLEVILLE

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Life at your own pace.

Exceptional villas, local knowledge, personal service thethinkingtraveller.com +44 (0)20 7377 8518 S I C I LY •

PUGLIA •

IONIAN ISLANDS

SPORADES ISLANDS •

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CORSICA

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BIG SHOT

Absolutely talks to photographer Rankin about his love of Britain’s beautiful places and quirky characters – and snapping The Queen, Kate Moss, Madonna, David Bowie and The Rolling Stones By R E B E C C A WA L L E R S T E I N E R

’m really inquisitive about people and like trying to get into their heads when I’m photographing them. People inspire me and the best models have lots of character. Outside work, I’m not incredibly social and used to be shy,’ the Scottish-born photographer Rankin tells me. As he is softly spoken, friendly and relaxed, it becomes apparent why people feel sufficiently at ease to enable Rankin to snap them in unguarded moments. He creates images which startle with their honesty, capturing something in his subject that no one has ever seen before - closer to portrait painting than photography Intensely private, Rankin often turns down interviews, but he was delighted to be interviewed about his new project. He has spent months putting together This is Britain to help raise money for BBC Children in Need - a coffee table book of 500 photographs of mainly British subjects, such as Big Ben, Britain’s windswept beaches and quirky seaside characters, taken by ordinary people, as well as celebrities’ to ‘hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask who we are in these testing times. From John O’Groats to Lands End we wanted to capture and celebrate the extraordinary spectrum of colours and characters that make up our multicultural society and bind us together as a country,’ says Rankin, who helps many charities. An internationally renowned photographer, Rankin’s instantly recognisable work includes some of the world’s most famous faces from HM The Queen to David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Vivienne Westwood to Kate Moss and the Cool Britannia set of the 90s and has defined decades of fashion photography. He shoots in a rapid, informal way, steering away from the traditional,

Photographs by R A N K I N

glossy approach favoured by many successful fashion photographers, preferring to be experimental and capture an original moment of truth. Born John Rankin Waddell, Rankin was raised in Glasgow, until his father’s job took the family to Yorkshire. He was 15 when he first travelled abroad. ‘My parents had no desire to leave England, although the family holidayed all over the country - at the seaside in Scarborough, Yorkshire, Cornwall, Scotland and the Lake District,’ he remembers. As a child he formed a deep love for ‘Britain’s magical, desolate places’ which have inspired so much of his photography. He inherited his industrious work ethic from his Scottish parents, who were in his words, ‘unimpressed by celebrity’ and brought him up to question everything. Photography wasn’t Rankin’s immediate choice for a career, as he first studied accountancy at Brighton Polytechnic but soon decided it wasn’t for him. He noticed the ‘art students having a more interesting time.’ ‘I had a friend back in my hometown studying photography and he lent me his camera. I knew the moment I picked it up that it was what I wanted to do,’ recalls Rankin. He decided to move to London to study photography. ‘It was during my year in Brighton that I first started taking pictures. I fell in love with the town, especially the glorious light and how it changes so rapidly, providing the viewer with a spectacular theatre of light. As a photographer, I’ve travelled to many different places, but I don’t want to live anywhere other than the UK.’ At the London College of Printing, Rankin met Jefferson Hack, with whom he forged a working partnership and in 1992 they launched the cult magazine Dazed & Confused, which published Corinne Day’s iconic photographs

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CULTURE • PROFILE

“Rankin prefers to be experimental and to capture an original moment of truth”

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CULTURE • PROFILE

of the ‘gorgeous’, yet ‘natural-looking,’ young Kate Moss. To their astonishment the two found their Soho offices besieged by the world’s press, in May 1997, after President Bill Clinton denounced the ‘heroin chic’ photography in their magazine. Hack and Moss went on to date for four years, before splitting up - they have a teenage daughter together, Lila Grace. Rankin shot to fame and went on to snap royalty, rock stars, Hollywood actors, presidents and prime ministers who queued to be photographed by him, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, whose smiling portrait helped him lose his image as a dour, anxious Scot. However, Rankin found the usually charming Tony Blair ‘distant’ and made him look devilish. ‘Who are his main influences?’ ‘Apart from David Bailey, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Cecil Beaton and lots of portrait photographers, I’m a great admirer of Andy Warhol and Malcolm McLaren who kept control of their own media. I met McLaren around four times and regret not photographing him. We had dinner a couple of times and he brought his ex-girlfriend, Vivienne Westwood, who was charming, funny, direct and didn’t suffer fools gladly.’ Rankin snapped Westwood, who used one of his images for her travelling exhibition. ‘Vivienne is such an inspiring woman. I’ve always had a great admiration for her as a campaigner and activist,’ he says warmly. Like Westwood’s anarchic clothes, with their trademark British-eccentric twist and humour, Rankin’s work questions social norms and ideas of beauty. ‘I was very influenced by the DIYness of Punk,’ he recalls. In the early 1980s, he photographed the fashion designer Bella Freud, who was then working for Westwood, on the roof of Freud’s house in Ladbroke Grove.

“Royalty, rock stars, actors, presidents and prime ministers queued to be photographed by him”

Another great inspiration was Rankin’s late father. ‘I have my dad to thank for my love of films. Although my parents weren’t cultured he encouraged me to watch the classics,’ remembers Rankin. ‘I used to sit in the back of the family car and imagine the window as a screen, and the outside world whizzing by as my own version of cinema, before I owned a camera.’ Fearlessly creative, Rankin constantly experiments with new ideas and ventures. He employs a large creative team and adopted multimedia early on. ‘We always had one foot in print and one foot in digital to reach a larger audience. I believe that you should always make the magazine that you want to read – it’s not an age specific thing,’ he explains. With over 30 books to his name, he continues to publish four magazines including his bi-annual magazine Hunger, and has directed television documentaries, commercials, music videos for Rita Ora and Cheryl Cole and global brands. Rankin is a pleasure to interview – the conversation whizzes quickly from idea to idea – as his brain never stops. His new book would make a wonderful present for an art lover as well as helping a very good cause. A very private man, Rankin has a 21-year-old son and lives in London with his wife Tuuili Shipster, a model and long-time muse.

T H I S I S B R I TA I N Compiled by Rankin, is published as a coffee table book by Photobox, priced at £25, all the profits of which will be donated to BBC Children in Need.

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FASHION

MIGHTY MUSES

KATE SPADE SHE From jounalist Gloria Steinem to celebrity activists, such as Lena Dunham, Kate Spade SHE is a tribute to the muses who inspired the designs we love today, featuring stunning photography alongside inspiring quotes and essays. katespade.com

Fashion Notes: Brogues and bags 28 â&#x20AC;˘ Fashion Shoot: Art House 32 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION NOTES

From brogues to bags - embrace new beginnings this January with these instant wardrobe updates B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

01 C L AU D I A S E B I R E

Dressing its loyal customers since 1987, eponymous Chelsea boutique Claudia Sebire is marking 30 years in fashion. A must for your Little Black Book. claudiasebire.com

5 OF THE BEST

BLAZERS

EDITOR’S PICK

CHECK MATE

1. Mango, Contrast seam blazer, £69.99; shop.mango.com. 2. Helmut Lang, Checked wool blazer, £895; net-a-porter.com 3. Isabel Marant, Laya smoking jacket, £675; farfetch. com 4. Khaite, Darla peak-lapel double-breasted wool jacket, £1,330; matchesfashion.com. 5. Toga, Moire double-breasted silk-blend jacket, £1,375; matchesfashion.com

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FASHION • NOTES

ARTS & CRAFTS

H OW TO

R AC H E L E N T W I ST L E X PAU L S M I T H

Nothing says post-Christmas pick-me-up better than some shiny new jewellery. This season, celeb favourite Rachel Entwistle has joined forces with Paul Smith to create a collection inspired by mid-century design. Layer the collection’s statement necklaces under a crisp white shirt for back-to-work cool. rachelentwistle.co.uk

Discover Your Personal Style SEEK INSPIRATION

MADE IN BRITAIN &DAUGHTER

BAG CHARM BY R E D O L E AT H E R COLLECTION

He’s the brains behind fragrance brand Byredo, but this season Ben Gorham has brought his notable aesthetic and creative skill to the world of accessories. Launching exclusively with Selfridges, the Byredo Leather Collection covers everything from bags to cosmetics cases in a range of timeless colourways.

With production centres in Donegal and Hawick, &Daughter is the knitwear label with deep roots in the British Isles. Founded by Buffy Reid, the brand produces updates on heritage classics: think chunky Aran jumpers and the softest cashmere. and-daughter.com

selfridges.com

BORROWED FROM THE BOYS

CHURCH’S Androgyny is very much the ﬂavour of the season here at Absolutely. There’s nothing we love more than cocooning ourselves in a pair of tailored trousers and an oversized cashmere knit. All we need now is the perfect pair of ﬂats. Church’s brogues offer all the clean-lined simplicity of mens’ footwear, just with a few stylish twists. J’adore; £585.

church-footwear.com

Looking to others for inspiration is a great way to get started. This can come from anywhere: from magazines and ﬁlms, to history and Instagram. Avoid ripping off someone else’s style by identifying speciﬁc aspects or details you like. This could be an innovative approach to layering or a knack for incorporating vintage pieces.

KNOW YOUR BODY SHAPE Acknowledging your body shape is the bedrock of forming great personal style. There’s no use falling in love with a look if it doesn’t work with your ﬁgure. It’s better to forgo a hot-off-the-press look for a classic yet ﬂattering style. You can always add fashion factor with accessories.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR LIFEST YLE Another important aspect to consider when building your look is acknowledging your lifestyle. Do you spend lots of time outdoors? Are you constantly running after an energetic toddler? Aim to pick pieces that harmonise with your life, even if that means buying the same piece in multiple hues.

“It’s better to forgo a hot-off-the-press look for a classic yet ﬂattering style” CHOOSE PIECES YOU’LL WEAR AGAIN There’s nothing wrong with embracing a ‘uniform’ approach to your style. We can learn from Vogue editor Sarah Harris, who is never seen without a white shirt and jeans. Whether it’s a classic breton or leather biker, choose pieces that you know you will wear again.

SHOP SMART ACCESSORIES Accessories are the cherry on the cake - capable of transforming basics into a pulled-together ensemble. There’s no need to splurge on hundreds of shoes and bags, instead select an edit to suit your needs. We love this season’s mini bag, which packs plenty of personality and is ideal for elevating a white shirt.

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

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FASHION BEAUTY LIFESTYLE TRAVEL WHAT’S ON FOOD HOME

Sort Out Your Style With Absolutely’s Capsule Wardrobe Guide

9 Of The Best New Season Cocktail Dresses To Love This Summer

Military Dress: 21 Cool Khaki Pieces To Introduce To Your Wardrobe

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FASHION • PRODUCTS EDITOR’S PICK

HAIDER ACKERMANN Velvet-Trimmed WoolBlend Coat; £2,200 net-a-porter.com EMILIA WICKSTEAD AW17

MR & MRS ITALY

BY. BONNIE YOUNG

Fur-Trimmed Canvas Parka; £1,450 ssense.com

Dropped-Shoulder Shearling Coat; £3,780 matchesfashion.com

JOSEPH Light Double Cashmere Kido Coat; £695 joseph-fashion.com

ALL SAINTS

YVES SALOMON

Hawley Oversized Shearling; £898 allsaints.com

Peak-Lapel Shearling Coat; £2,840 matchesfashion.com

TOP COAT

BIMBA Y LOLA Long Crossed Coat; £415 bimbaylola.com

Don’t let winter cramp your style. Love your layers with this season’s chicest coats B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

VICTORIA BECKHAM AW17

BIMBA Y LOLA Oversized Two-Tone Coat; £445 bimbaylola.com

BURBERRY Shearling-Lined Leather Coat; £2,295 net-a-porter.com

ARKET Melton Wool Pea Coat; £250 arket.com

INÈS & MARÉCHAL Bonjour Single-Breasted Shearling Coat; £1,828 matchesfashion.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

AGAINST THE GRAIN VIDAL SASSOON

This season Vidal Sassoon is celebrating individualism with the Mondaine Collection. Exploring the relationship between hair design and the couturier Cristobal Balenciaga, it is a celebration of bold colours and precision techniques. sassoon.com

Beauty Notes: Facial fuel & jelly skincare 42 Âˇ Trend page: Ayurvedic beauty 51 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

Start 2018 the right way with the best skin, hair and body revivers By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

New Faces E ST É E L AU D E R

She was the ﬁrst Chinese model to appear on the covers of both American and Italian Vogue and now fashion icon Fei Fei Sun has been announced as Estée Lauder's newest face. Sun has kicked off the New Year with a stunning new campaign, featuring a bold pink lip which is sure to brighten up the dark days. esteelauder.co.uk ESTÉE LAUDER

INDEED LABS

Nutritious MicroAlgae Pore Purifying Cleansing Jelly; £21 boots.com

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly; £24.99 lookfantastic.com

5 OF THE BEST JELLY-BASED BEAUTY

BIO-ESSENCE Miracle Bio Water Jelly Make Up Remover; £16 cultbeauty.co.uk

SHISEIDO WASO Fresh Jelly Lotion; £20.40 johnlewis.com

DIOR Glow Better Fresh Jelly Mask; £44 dior.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES T R E AT M E N T R E V I E W

HAPPY HAIR GHD

Cold weather and Christmas parties are a recipe for seriously unhappy hair. Press re-set this January with ghd’s advanced split end therapy, the heat-activated treatment which works to leave hair feeling sleek, smooth and shiny for up to 10 washes. Split ends meet your maker; £19.95

BEAUTY & MELODY

ghdhair.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FACIAL FUEL LUMIT Y

Cocoa Crazy R A B OT 1 74 5 B E AU T Y

Hotel Chocolat might not be your first point of call when it comes to beauty, but this season the confectionary giant is expanding its oeuvre to a luxury skincare line. Covering everything from shower gels to thermal body masks, this beautfully-packaged range harnesses the antioxidant powers of the humble cacao bean; from £7. hotelchocolat.com

Contrary to what you might think, facial oil can be better for acneprone skin than harsh, oil-stripping products. Packed with a blend of 32 ingredients, Lumity’s Facial Oil will leave your skin feeling replenished and balanced; £60. lumitylife.co.uk

LIP SERVICE D R . PAW PAW

If there’s one thing you need in your beauty arsenal when the mercury drops, it’s a good lip balm. Because we all love a multi-tasker, we’ve been searching high and low for the best tinted variety. Dr.PAWPAW comes up trumps with its lip-loving formula and ﬂattering peach and raspberry hues; £6.95.

drpawpaw.com

B y GEORGIA MCVEIGH

've always been sceptical of treatments that promise longevity. I head to Beauty & Melody, Knightsbridge to try two such treatments; a Bio Keratin treatment and laser hair removal. The spa itself is bright, white and glamorous. I receive the Bio Keratin treatment ﬁrst which allows for natural curl whilst eliminating frizz. Gosia, my therapist, washes it with shampoo that strips the hair of any product, and brushes it. The serum, applied immediately after, is a Moroccan Keratin Smoothing formula by Inoar. It is then blow-dried directly onto my hair before it’s straightened. This is a labour of love, taking two to three hours, but the effect is phenomenal. I leave wishing my hair were always this smooth.

“This is a labour of love... but the effect is phenomenal” Next is laser hair removal on my underarms. The spa uses the Soprano ICE Platinum system, which incorporates a range of laser wavelengths and energy pulses. It penetrates different skin depths, simultaneously heating and damaging the hair follicle. Laser transmission gel is applied: it feels warm initially, although the heat builds into a pinprick sensation. After 10 minutes the treatment is complete. Although I didn’t experience the recommended six sessions, if it means a wax free future, I’m sold. BEAUTY & MELODY

Laser Hair Removal – Underarms; £70 Bio Keratin Hair Treatment; £160 beautyandmelody.co.uk

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

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LIZ EARLE - PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN

She’s left her eponymous beauty brand behind and now she’s taking on the world of wellness. Absolutely meets entrepreneur and wellbeing guru Liz Earle By J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

WHAT LIZ DID NEXT 44

atching Liz Earle’s YouTube videos might lure you into a false sense of security. The surfaces of her immaculate kitchen gleam, her hair is perfectly coiffed, soft spa-like music tinkles in the background, her voice gentle and manner approachable. It’s a big steaming bowl of comfort TV - just without the calories. It would be easy to underestimate this lovely lady and her spelt flatbreads. But Liz Earle is on an important mission: a mission to take on the cult of wellness. This is serious business. We meet Liz Earle at her Battersea-based HQ on a crisp autumn afternoon. Located by leafy Battersea Park, the light-flooded space is more cosy country cottage than office, with warming fires crackling in each tastefully decorated room. In fact, this urban retreat is a veritable lab of Liz’s latest ventures, where everything from her new print magazine Liz Earle Wellbeing to her YouTube tutorials and podcasts are cooked up (quite literally, in some cases). When we arrive, the kitchen is a hive of activity, abuzz with women tapping away at laptops and chatting on phones. In the midst of the

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW hubbub is Queen Bee Liz, a sea of calm, flawless skin framing delicate features and bright, softly lined eyes. For many, the Liz Earle name will be synonymous with the iconic skincare brand whose Hot Cloth Cleanser become a cult favourite of the nation’s beauty lovers. With its focus on naturally active ingredients and botanicals, Liz was arguably ahead of the curve when she founded the brand with friend Kim Buckland back in 1995. “I was very lucky when we started the company my business partner and I were at the same stage of life, we both had young children so understood each other,” Liz recalls. “I often say to young women who are thinking of going into business with a partner, make sure you each understand where you are in your particular stage of life.” After 15 prosperous years, which saw the brand go from strength to strength, the company was snapped up by beauty conglomerate Avon in 2010 and is now owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance. Fast-forward to 2017, and with an MBE and 35 best-selling books under her belt, this mother of five is again entering a new stage of life, leaving her eponymous brand behind and setting her sights on the big bad world of wellness. Fresh from filming in Europe for ITV’s This Morning, Liz’s natural warmth and eloquence make her a natural in front of the camera. “It’s been like coming home,” she says with a smile. “I started working on This Morning when I was 25 and then spent four years with Richard and Judy. I was thrown in at the deep end, doing live TV, phone-ins and outside broadcasts. You get real authenticity with live TV, it’s a very genuine way of communicating.” Invigorated by her return to the small screen, her new mini-series addresses the complexities of an ageing population, specifically the question of how we can live younger for longer. “It’s not just about the number of years on your life but the quality in your years,” she explains. “When I was filming in Greece and Italy there were all these 80 and

PANCETT AND ROOT VEG GRATIN - CREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

90-year olds and none of them wore glasses, had hearing aids or false teeth. But I think, overwhelmingly, there was this sense of community.” In many ways, Liz Earle is a delightful contradiction. She’s an author, TV presenter and old-school journalist with over 30 years experience writing about health and wellbeing. She was talking about kale long before Deliciously Ella was born. Yet she is entering the Millennial world of wellness, armed with a YouTube channel, podcast, website and glossy print magazine. How does she reconcile the two? “I’ve written about this area for 30 years and I haven’t changed my story. That’s what I’m pleased about. I was looking at a book I wrote 25 years ago called Eat Yourself Beautiful and in it I was talking about this strange things called ‘spelt’, a grain no one had heard of, and how almond milk is really hard to get hold of. Now you go into any garage forecourt and they’re selling it,” she says with a laugh. “But the great thing about being online is that there’s an amazing opportunity to have broader horizons, and at a flick

“I’ve written about this area for 30 years and I haven’t changed my story”

LIZ'S WELLBEING TEAM PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

SPINACH AND MUSHROOM LASAGNECREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

SPICED ORANGE DATE BALLS IMAGE - CREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

LIZ PODCASTING PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN SMITH

“In amongst the deafening barrage of advice Liz is a calming and seasoned voice of reason”

of a switch you have access to so much more around the globe. It’s incredibly exciting to have that as a platform for sharing.” In amongst the deafening, and often conflicting, barrage of advice offered up by the ‘clean-eating’ crowd, Liz is a calming and seasoned voice of reason. The tagline for her print magazine is ‘wellness wisdom you can trust’. How can we, as consumers, separate fact from fiction? “I would say to anyone who is concerned, look at the credentials of who is writing, how long they’ve been writing for, what their background is and what their academic qualifications are,” Liz explains. “I was brought up pre-internet, so if I needed to do research I would sit in the British library and get out research papers. I say to my team here, you always have to go back to your sources.” When it comes to the gluten-free phenomenon, Liz is deeply sceptical. Far from being an exercise in deprivation, she insists that the secret to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is simply to go back to the gut, which is the subject of her latest best-selling book The Good Gut Guide. “I think we’ve missed the point. People say they feel so much better after cutting out gluten, but actually that’s just sorting out

the symptoms, whereas we need to address the cause. Let’s look at fixing gut health so you can go back to having wholewheat toast with lashings of butter and enjoying it!” Her career, she explains, started from this desire to pass on knowledge. Her mission now? To pass on new knowledge through the media available to her - whether it’s through a YouTube tutorial or TV series. So what does the future have in store for this entrepreneurial powerhouse? “I’ve spent the last couple of years getting the magazine right and opening new platforms. The next step is amplification. The whole area of wellness and wellbeing is a global phenomenon, and in some ways the UK lags behind, especially when you look at what’s happening in Scandinavia and Asia. That’s why we’ve decided to go global.” Watch out world, Liz Earle MBE has come to educate the masses and she’s got both style and substance. This is serious business.

READER OFFER

Absolutely readers can enjoy an exclusive £5 off the Liz Earle Wellbeing Yearbook Volume 2 using the offer code LIZ25. Available from lizearlewellbeing.com

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

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HELATH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

The scents of

INSPIRATION Uplifting fragrances for the new year B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

appy New Year! I thought I would kick off 2018 with scents of energy and optimism. The most exciting collection to cross my path is from a Californiabased artist, Bruno Fazzolari. Bruno has a condition called synesthesia, a cross-wiring of the brain that results in experiencing something like scent with two different senses at the same time - in this case he smells in colour. The result is a collection so vivid, intense and vibrant that it acts like an olfactory pick-me-up. ‘Monserrat’ is a fantastical, fruity explosion, bursting with vigorous pink grapefruit, apricot leaves and jasmine with luscious, radiant osmanthus, carrot seed and a hint of setting plaster! At D.S. & Durga, the talented David Moltz has set himself the task of bottling the colour violet and the results are electric. Frosty wisteria and violet are blended with fizzing rhubarb and incense. The juxtaposition of warm and cool notes just adds to the excitement. James Heeley’s ‘Note de Yuzu’ takes Japan’s zesty fresh citrus fruit and layers of salty marine notes to conjure the scent of the traditional yuzu bath taken to celebrate the winter solstice. This is an intense, clean and uplifting scent. ‘The Writer’ by St Giles is ‘the scent of inspiration’ and was inspired by a recent scientific study that found that memory recall is improved by an average of 19% when the scent of rosemary is in the room. Consequently this fragrance will make you feel alert and will certainly raise your IQ. Rosemary absolute’s bitter-green intensity provides the focus for this perfume

“I thought I would kick off 2018 with scents of energy and optimism”

and it opens the scent with fresh ginger and the focusing sparkle of aldehydes. At the heart lies a leather/ frankincense resin mélange, while at the base lies an inky note achieved with castoreum absolute plus sandalwood, cedarwood from the Atlas mountains and driftwood. Independent British perfumer and yoga instructor Sarah McCartney has just released a new collection of completely natural fragrances entitled ‘Our Modern Lives’ each colour coded to match a mood or emotion. The scent of energy and vitality is ‘Yellow Sunset’ and this fragrance contains so many uplifting ingredients that you will dance to the office. Lemons, clementine and mandarin with blood and sweet oranges and the stimulating component of coffee absolute. Celebrating the crisp, cold embrace of her native Iceland, Andrea Maack’s latest fragrance ‘Birch’ is an atmospheric fragrance that transports the wearer to the Arctic tundra. An airy bergamot creates a cool breeze with lightly spicy ginger and pink pepper. The character of the scent lies in the meeting of dark guaiac wood and cypriol that capture the arctic woodland. Birch is gorgeously evocative, alternating between the fresh cold air and smoky, earthy woods. It’s one of those scents that you wear to breathe in deep and enter another world. Wishing you a fantastic and fragrant 2018. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

SISTER & CO Oil Pulling Rinse with Spearmint; £16 sisterandcompany.com

SAMAYA Kapha Hydrating Cleanser; £69 samayaayurveda.com

NIOD Sanskrit Saponins Face Cleanser; £21 houseoffraser.co.uk

UMA

MAULI

Pure Rest Wellness Oil; £60 cultbeauty.co.uk

Reawaken Hand & Body Lotion; £23 maulirituals.com

ALCHEMY OILS Amla Hair Remedy; £26 alchemyoils.co.uk

NEW RITUALS Reconnect this January with these Ayurvedic inspired remedies B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

AVEDA Tulasāra Morning Awakening Ritual Kit; £65 harrods.com

FUSHI Really Good Cellulite Oil; £18 feelunique.com

RITUALS The Ritual of Ayurveda Hand Lotion; £8 rituals.com

ARK SKINCARE Conditioning Oil; £35 arkskincare.com

EVE LOM Time Retreat Regenerative Night Cream; £90 lookfantastic.com

EDITOR’S PICK

URBAN VEDA Soothing Facial Oil; £29.99 urbanveda.com

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

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A TYPICAL SCENARIO

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE

FITNESS NOTES

SixtyNinety The ﬁtness brand to know now sixtyninety.com

WHAT IS IT?

● When two Brazilian model best friends joined forces with a female investor in January 2017, SixtyNinety Brazilian swimwear and activewear was born. Serious about creating a brand which praises the healthy female physique, the name SixtyNinety was inspired by the classic myth of 60-90cm as a woman’s ideal body measurements. Together, the partners want to bypass this limit and challenge the idea of beauty.

TOP TRENDS Founders of Move Your Frame, Joan Murphy and Pip Black share their thoughts on what to expect from the ﬁtness industry this year

WHO IS IT FOR?

● SixtyNinety is a brand designed by women for women. The swimwear is smart, eco-friendly and sizzlingly sexy. The Amni Soul fabric and cool designs became an instant hit with influencers such as Arizona Muse, Millie Mackintosh and Lily Fortescue. Socially conscious, the brand uses the world's first biodegradable yarn.

LOW IMPACT CARDIO People are becoming more aware of the risk of injury from high intensity or high impact training and the long term effects on joints and the body, so mixing in training such as Rebounding gives you the cardio ﬁx without damaging your joints. It’s key to future proof your body.

MINDFULNESS & LOW IMPACT TRAINING Mindfulness has been a buzzword for a while and has grown into a

massive trend over the past year; we predict it will come into the ﬁtness genre. Combining HIIT with meditation has been proven to maximise the well-known beneﬁts of the HIIT workout. Doing high impact workouts all the time can play havoc with your hormones especially if you're juggling a stressful job and life. At Frame we have created a new class called HIIT & Chill which is based around this theory. Keep an eye out for the workshops which are launching this month.

HIIT HIIT will continue to rise as people become more clued in and realise that training for longer does not equate to training smarter and won’t always give the best results. It ranked number 1 in the Crep Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2018, and we agree it will continue to be a big one.

FEEL-GOOD FITNESS Moving your body in a way that makes you feel good has always been our mantra here at Frame, and this is set to be a trend for 2018. Gone are the days of ‘no pain, no gain.’ Whether it’s a dance class or hike in the park, make sure you enjoy it and rack up those endorphins as you do. Check out the newest Frame studios open this month in Fitzrovia and Hammersmith; moveyourframe.com

SUPER SUPPLEMENTS

Supercharge your workout with these delicious and nutricious protein powders

WHAT’S NEXT?

● The three female SixtyNinety founders Aline Lima, Daniele Trece and Vanusa Fonseca are passionate about creating a niche in the lifestyle market for a growing female audience of affordable fashion consumers.

1. Healthista Lean Vegan Diet Protein, £24.99; wholefoodsmarket.com 2. Zaggora Protein Smoothie Chocolate Coconut, £38; uk.zaggora.com 3. Form Salted Caramel Chocolate Superblend Protein, £24; formnutrition.com 4. The Organic Protein Company Organic Whey Protein, £22; theorganicproteincompany.co.uk 5. Missﬁts Vegan Protein Multitasker, £18; missﬁtsnutrition.com

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

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14/12/2017 10:43 10:24 14/12/2017

FOOD & DRINK

WINTER DISHES WOLF

Paying tribute to the coldest season, Wolf has launched a winter menu. Expect homemade pasta and unique dishes like the baccala fritto with salted cod; 110, Stoke Newington High Street, N16 wolf-restaurant.co.uk

Wines of the month 56 â&#x20AC;˘ The best juice bars 57 â&#x20AC;˘ Eating out with children 58 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and delicious things to see you through January By MIRIAM CAREY

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

The King’s Ginger  £22.50 A great winter warmer – serve over ice, or mix with tonic. The Kings Ginger was speciﬁcally formulated by Berry Bros. in 1903 for King Edward VII. Rich and zesty, it was created to stimulate and revivify His Majesty. It has been appreciated by bon viveurs ever since.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Good Ordinary White by Dourthe  £9.25 A classic Bordeaux white, this 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc is made just for Berry Bros. & Rudd. Intensely aromatic on the nose, with ripe gooseberry and greengage fruit, the wine has wonderful lift and zest.

2015 Toreye Spätburgunder, Eymann, Pfalz  £19.50 While it’s rarely acknowledged, Germany is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder) in the world. This is a wonderful example of an accessible, refreshing Pinot that offers an alternative to Burgundy.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.

bbr.com

EARLY BIRD M I N N OW

Minnow, Clapham has recently launched their ﬁrst breakfast menu. The team will be busy baking in the kitchen to bring a menu of breakfast staples including bircher muesli, homemade yoghurt, granola, and poached eggs. No wake up is complete without coffee, and Minnow’s in-house barista creates their house roast using beans from Central America. 21 The Pavement, SW4 minnowclapham.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES Our pick of the best

JUICE BA R S THE HIVE WELLBEING

Meat Feast

A beautiful hideaway in Bethnal Green, The Hive Wellbeing offers weary travellers seasonal food, cold-pressed juices, natural wine, and speciality coffee. Stop by after 5pm to try the ‘Aperitivo’ menu. We recommend the organic cheese and wine, a perfect aid to winding down after a busy day. 286 - 290 Cambridge Heath Road thehivewellbeing.com

BABABOOM

In January, BabaBoom is celebrating serving their 50,000th gourmet kebab. Cooked from scratch on a charcoal grill, they combine punchy Middle Eastern ﬂavours with fresh British ingredients. A favourite is the 24-hour marinated lamb and a saffron and orange-infused chicken shish. 30 Battersea Rise, SW11 bababoom.london

JUICE BABY

T H E W R I G H T B R OT H E R S

The Wright Brothers are opening a beautiful new riverside restaurant beside the iconic Battersea Power Station. The restaurant has an open kitchen and marble counter where guests can watch the chefs at work. Watch them prepare your roast shellﬁsh platter, pine-roasted mussels, and grilled Galician octopus and try not to drool. 26 Circus West Village, SW8 thewrightbrothers.co.uk

SORELLA

In late January, The Manor in Clapham, will reopen its doors to become Sorella. The same family behind The Manor will be behind Sorella. Chef Robin Gill spent a large amount of time working in Campania, southern Italy, which had a great inﬂuence on his cooking. They now plan to diversify and bring something new to the neighbourhood. 148, Clapham Manor Street, SW4 themanorclapham.co.uk

CPRESS

Flavour varieties at CPress are so abundant they will make any health enthusiast feel like a kid in a candy shop. Choose the ruby red ‘Prime Number’ for a burst of anti-oxidants, or opt for the snow-white almond milk for your daily dose of protein and vitamin E. Fulham, Canary Wharf, Chelsea, Shoreditch cpressjuice.com

UNDER THE SEA

VEGAN ROAST

Juice Baby has it all: shots, smoothies, milks, and juices. The nut milks are naturally packed with iron, calcium, and vitamin E +, while the powerful 30ml shots of wheatgrass, aloe vera, and ginger are brimming with health-boosting vitamins. 398 Kings Road juicebaby.co.uk

JOE & THE JUICE

With locations all over the world, Joe & The Juice is a universal congregation site for freelancers and their laptops. As the brainchild of super cool Danish entrepreneur Kaspar Basse, it's no suprise Joe & The Juice finds itself the hipster juice bar of choice. Locations all over London joejuice.com

COOK UP A STORM UPSTAIRS AT TRINIT Y

In February Upstairs at Trinity will be hosting a series of guest chef evenings with Japanese chef Yoshiko Wada. Yoshiko grew up in Tokyo, and has an unmatched knowledge of Japanese cuisine. She was one of the ﬁrst guest chefs to cook Upstairs at Trinity, and received astronomically positive feedback. 4 The Polygon, SW4

trinity-upstairs.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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H A P PY

eaters Most children are fussy diners, to varying degrees. But how can we expand their foodie repertoire? By PENDLE HARTE

hildren are on the whole terrible dining companions. Watching someone pick every last green thing off their plate and deposit it on the table, or on your plate, or on the floor, is not fun, and neither is dealing with moaning when any of their disliked ingredients appears. Fussy eaters might exclusively eat white food, or only foods that aren’t touching other foods, or insist on ketchup with everything, or chips. There’s no logic to any of it – they might have an irrational hatred of tomatoes, but not tomato sauce; they might love pastry but refuse to try quiche, they’ll eat cheese, but not if/only if it’s melted, they love mangoes but won’t go near melon. And then there are the inexplicable things that they do like. Olives, for instance, are very popular among children, as are cornichons – and they’ll usually eat mussels. Nothing is predictable – some of them love strong mustard and hate ketchup, and these firm beliefs can change daily. Most children have an automatic resistance to things their parents encourage. Homework, baths, gloves. And of course food. So if our power as parents is limited, how do restaurants fare as motivational environments? If we took our children to restaurants more often, would they widen their food repertoires? We picked three informal places to try with an aim of getting our girls aged 8 and 11 to try something new, and ideally to come away liking it. The rules? No kids menus.

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FOOD & DRINK • CHILDREN WAHACA

WA H AC A

Wahaca is buzzy, colourful and fun and its Mexican street food focus is well suited to children in many ways. Small sharing plates mean lots of things to try. The main hazard however is chilli, which is universally unpopular among children but in most things here. If something’s deemed too spicy, they won’t eat it, and entire dishes can be dismissed this way, leading to the worst possible outcome: rejected food, hungry children, money wasted – the main reason (apart from behaviour) that parents avoid restaurants. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas are all kid-pleasers; the 11-year old loves her chicken burrito (it comes with tortilla chips) but slightly complains that it’s spicy. Still, we try a selection of things between us, including crab tostadas, black bean quesadilla and pork tacos, which all go down well, as does guacamole, which is proof for us that children will eat things in restaurants that they refuse at home. We loosen the ban on kids menus when we spot the build-your-own-taco offering, which even with avocado creates so much delight in the eight year-old (and is a welcome relief from fish goujons and chips) that our mission is clearly a success. And to finish, churros is a winner for all ages.

“Most children have an automatic resistance to things their parents encourage. Homework, baths, gloves... and food”

THE REAL GREEK

Sharing plates have become a bit ubiquitous now, but Greek restaurants practically own the concept. Mezze is basically the way we all eat now anyway. At The Real Greek, they solve the problem of tables never being big enough for ‘three or four small plates each’ brilliantly by using the stacking silver serve equipment usually associated with afternoon tea, and this the kind of thing children like too. We order one of the set menus, Tonia’s Filoxenia, which is a feast. First there’s Greek flatbread and hummous, which admittedly sounds like what the children have in their packed lunches, but this is better and even they agree. Then comes the tiered display: delicious green pea fava topped with red onions and tomatoes gains adult approval but inevitably the children pick off the onions and tomatoes. Halloumi skewers with minted yoghurt, chicken wings marinaded in smoked chilli and falafel balls with tahini dip and a steaming bowl of saffron rice are all quite popular. We share a decadent (and not so Greek) salted caramel cheesecake and leave sated.

THE REAL GREEK

PING PONG

Dim Sum should be a no brainer for kids. Small parcels of deliciousness. But our girls are suspicious of dumplings. Ping Pong’s menu is vast and we order a huge spread, including pink ‘unicorn noodles’ which don’t seem to be part of a children’s menu but easily could be. Most popular are the pork ribs, probably because they’re intensely sweet, and the pork puffs – but surprisingly nobody likes the pork buns, even though they are exactly the kind of bready thing you’d expect children to adore. Steamed pork and chive dumplings are a great success, as are the beef gyoza. The dumpling prejudice has definitely been challenged.

VERDICT It seems that fussy eaters are only fussy when their parents are cooking. Who knew? A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Cocktail Hour Mon - Fri 5 - 7pm

Annie’s Barnes, 36-38 White Hart Lane, London, SW13 0PZ

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Annie’s Chiswick, 162 Thames Road, London, W4 3QS

13/12/2017 10:44

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Icelandic hot dogs are organic, grass fed and free range”

Chilly Katz Hot dogs get the Icelandic treatment at west London’s latest opening

FOOD Good quality hot dogs dripping in fresh toppings

B y MIRIAM CAREY

hilly Katz is a trendy eatery in Hammersmith, an area with an annual footfall of 37.83, which forms part of the reason for them

moving here. Chilly Katz comes from the same owners as Bear’s Ice Cream on Goldhawk street, and is described as Bear’s ‘slightly naughtier sibling’. The interiors and decor reflect this. Walls are rough and ready, made of ply board, a neon sign hangs, and rock music is playing. They also have

DECOR no tables and chairs - this is very much a stand up and eat over your napkins affair. When we arrive we are greeted by owner Phil Harrison. He is charming and friendly, and an award winning chef, having won great Sausage Roll Off in 2016. Phil talks us through his inspiration for the business. His celebrity fashion designer wife Vera Thordardottir grew up in Iceland where hot dogs are abundant; they are "practically the national dish", sold at every gas station and convenience store.

Rough and ready; stand up and eat

PRICE Hot dogs £5, and Bear's Ice Cream Glacier £3.80

VERDICT Fun and filling; worth a stop if you're in the area

Hot dogs are also tastier in the Northern hemisphere. Icelandic hot dogs are made from organic, free range, grass fed, hormone-free pork, lamb and beef. They are sealed in a natural casing which gives them a beautiful snap when bitten into. There is certainly a gap in the UK market for delicious, healthy alternatives to fast food. The menu provides six fun hot dog topping options. ‘From Reykjavik with Love’ and ‘Kung-fu biting’ are the first two we're recommended. The former, a classic option with tomato sauce, mustard, onions and crispy onions. The latter, a little more adventurous with asian slaw, soy ginger dressing, peanuts, and mayo. The first is simple and delicious, the second accompanied by a perfect zesty salad. We then try ‘Bollywood Adventures’ and ‘Chilli + Cheese = winning’. The first is a hot dog bedded in daal, cucumber raita, mango chutney, and smashed poppadoms. The second is covered in siracha, cheddar, jalapenos, and smashed nachos. So what's the secret to a good quality hot dog? High quality meat, a natural casing, a good quality brioche bun, and fresh toppings. ● CHILLY KATZ 18 Beadon Road, W6 chillykatz.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ENGLISH & OR ENTAL CARPETS MAKING YOUR HOME MORE

BEAUTIFUL AT A GREAT PRICE! NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN IN RAYNES PARK Welcome to our company

We would love to come to your home to see the areas you would like to cover, We can the take all the measurements, so we can ensure your left buying the right amount of flooring, el nating the need for waste, we might even come up with some ideas you hadn't considered! can also bring samples to your home so you can see them in situ.

SURBITON

020 8390 0839

surbiton@englishandorientalcarpets.com 5 Victoria Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4JU Opening Times: Mon- Sat : 9am - 5pm

CHESSINGTON

RAYNES PARK

020 8397 1092

020 8942 4999

chessington@englishandorientalcarpets.com 34 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park, SW20 0LA Come down to KT9 one showrooms 328 - 330 Hook Road, Chessington, Surrey, 1NUof our threeOpening Times: Opening Times: Mon- Sat : 9am - 5pm Mon- Sat : 9am - 5pm

WE HAVE SAMPLES FROM ALL THE LEADING MANUFACTURERS IN FLOORIN

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CHESSINGTON

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RAYNES PARK

020 8942 499

26/10/2017 16:56

INTERIORS

IN BRIEF ANNA BURLES

This beautiful master bedroom in a Grade II listed townhouse was designed by Anna Burles to maximise the light, create storage and stay within the bouds of listed consents. The results are beautiful. annaburles.com

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

Paper Craft STUDIO SNOWPUPPE

These Dutch origami experts produce a huge range of beautiful light shades in folded paper. High quality fabric cables and fittings come in contrasting colours for a stylish contemporary look. studiosnowpuppe.nl

WASTE NOT BRABANTIA

This new stylish bin looks too pretty and streamlined to be a depository for rubbish. As the Rolls Royce of bins, it comes with a flexible arrangement of one, two or three compartments for recylcling and in a range of colours to suit your kitchen. ÂŁ199. brabantia.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES F AV UR

ITE

E C FA O

KINSKA Various ceramics, from £38 kinska.com

PATTERN CUT KIT KEMP FOR WILTON

FERM LIVING Mrs Napkin, £4.50 cloudberryliving.co.uk

SHAPE SHIFTER KOTI & CO

xPolygon shaped placemats are ideal to set your table in a beautiful yet functional way. Silicone is naturally heat resistant that is also easy to wipe clean and store. We love the stylish range at this beautifully created site.

Wilton Carpets' new Kit Kemp collection features patterns and colourways that transport you straight into a Firmdale lobby Pictured is the Leaf Cut, straight from the Soho Hotel. The range is made in Wiltshire. wiltoncarpets.com

HOUSE OF RYM Seriously cereally bowl, £19 houseofrym.com

kotiandco.co.uk RUME Face It Throw, £180 rume.co.uk

PINK LADY ZANDRA RHODES

JONATHAN ADLER Utopia mugs, £32 uk.jonathandler.com

EDITOR’S PICK

ROSENDAHL Bjorn Wiinblad flower vase, £39.95 black-by-design.co.uk

The Zandra Rhodes/Floor Story rug collection features three pieces that reproduce work from Zandra’s fledging career in the 1960s. Wiggle, Mexican Star and Star Wars have been recreated to bring a piece of art to the floor. floorstory.co.uk

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

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28/11/2017 09:48

KIDS & EDUCATION

WASTE NOT MINI RODINI

Mini Rodini carries one of the most sustainable ranges on the market â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with collections made with more than 99% sustainable materials. So if sustainability's on your list for 2018, here's where to go. minirodini.com

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Th e S u b s c r i pt i o n FO R ST Y L I S H M U M S Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Mama, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Home, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings. Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

Readly offers the freedom to effortlessly glide between articles and features that consider every key parental moment from pregnancy through to a child’s early years.

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01/11/2017 12:38

KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

F O CU S

Let it grow B U N N Y & C LY D E

This Harrison toddler bed with its midcentury feel converts effortlessly into a stylish daybed that's just as much at home in an adult space as in a kids' room. bunnyandclyde.ie

LEATHER CRAFT Witloft

SMALL TALK Flexible furniture, leather aprons, a shiny jacket and some new books

EDITOR’S PICK

GOLDEN DOWN FINGER IN THE NOSE

If your tot is one of those that refuses to wear coats, dazzle them with this beautifully shiny quilted down jacket from stylish French label Finger in the Nose. Now see who's refusing.£151;

smallable.com

TOMB TALK E GY P TO M A N I A

This big, bold lift-the-flap book takes you straight into the heart of ancient Egypt. Learn what people wore, what’s inside a pyramid, how a mummy is made and much, much more. £18.99. laurenceking.com

aunched in Amsterdam in 2004, Witloft has become known for its leather aprons that have been worn and loved by the world’s most credible chefs. Jamie Oliver, The Hairy Bikers, Gennaro Contaldo and Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown have all been spotted in the stylish leather aprons, as have countless baristas, barbers and grill masters. And now they've launched a beautiful children’s collection mirroring the main collection. The colourful collection is available in ﬁve styles as well as a limited edition golden colour. These handmade leather aprons are perfect for showing off in the kitchen while preparing family Christmas treats together. The one-off golden apron makes the perfect gift for any chef of the house, or budding baker – and they're all equally good for outdoor pursuits too. wit-loft.com

SHELF LIFE SY LV I A B I S H O P

This story is about a little girl named Property Jones, socalled because she was left in the lost property cupboard of a bookshop when she was five years old. Her secret is that she can’t actually read... scholastic.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The magnificent Tower of London, spectacular and truly unique events hrp.org.uk/hireavenue 020 3166 6226

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TRAVEL

BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

OLD MEETS NEW TOKYO

A mega-metropolis of dizzying contradictions, Tokyo is both familiar and foreign. This month we explore this exciting city during the autumn season, when the leaves turn and create a spectacular panorama of colour.

Spirited Away: Past meets present in Tokyo 72 • The thinking traveller 77 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Spirited Away Fusing past and future, Tokyo is an alluring destination for any traveller By HANNAH HOPKINS

mega-metropolis of dizzying contradictions, Tokyo is both familiar and foreign. Dystopian mega-malls, neon-lit streetscapes and soaring skyscrapers make it feel like a sci-fi cityscape, but you can still see traces of the shogun's capital, from ancient shrines and temples to plant-covered wooden houses and village-like lanes. One area particularly rooted in tradition is Nihonbashi, the birthplace of Tokyo. Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it became the capital when in 1604 a shogun named Tokugawa Ieyasu arrived and built Nihonbashi bridge, from which Mount Fuji could be seen in the distance. It was declared the centre of Japan and the starting point of five key routes across the country, and is today the capital’s financial and commercial hub. A steady flow of entrepreneurial merchants swept into the city to set up businesses, from kimono-making to seaweed shops. Fast forward more than four centuries and modern-day Nihonbashi is no less lively. Traditional shops are hidden behind contemporary buildings, dedicated to the continuation of special crafts. You could spend days discovering them, but particular highlights include Eitaro Sohonpo, a traditional sweetshop selling kintsuba (delicious flour-coated rolls of sweet bean paste), Yamamoto Noriten, selling nori seaweed and Ninben, selling dried fish flakes used in dashi stock. Ideal for souvenirs, Ibasen make handcrafted fans, while Yamada Heinado create beautiful lacquerware.

“In the quiet alleys you’ll find anachronistic wooden shanty bars and raucous festivals”

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TRAVEL â&#x20AC;¢ WANDERLUST

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE (MATURI) FESTIVAL - PHOTO PHIL COUZENS

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

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7-11% 3 year ÂŁ7,000 IRR PA

Return

Investment

Minimum Investment

Buy2LetCars Car leasing funded by people for people

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

THE ASAHI BEER HALL PHOTO HIROMI IGUCHI

SUSHI SORA

Nihonbashi is also the neighbourhood of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel. Set high above the city, its combination of crisp, contemporary style, renowned spa, innovative restaurants, superb views (you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day) and of course, impeccable service, make it the perfect base from which to discover Tokyo. Tokyo is a nirvana for foodies, and has the world’s greatest number of Michelin star restaurants in any city. Three of them are in the Mandarin Oriental. Even without a Michelin star, Sushi Sora on the hotel's 38th floor cannot be missed. With an eight-seat dining counter fashioned from 350 yearold Japanese cypress and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Tokyo Skytree

– a twisting spire that draws on ancient building techniques - the setting is sublime. As for the food, the chef’s skilled hands elegantly transform the most simple nigiri or makimono-rolled sushi into a culinary masterpiece. Drinks at the hotel’s Mandarin Bar also offer a flavour of old Tokyo – order the Nihonabshi cocktail, a heady mix of vodka, yuzu and grapefruit juice. With a theme of wood and water, the hotel’s rooms are utterly tranquil, with nature motifs and pale bamboo wood floors. We stayed in a Mandarin Grand room, with views that stretch over Shinjuku towards Mount Fuji in the distance. The spa-like bathrooms, with rainforest showers and stand-alone baths, offer space to relax while the beds are made up with Egyptian cotton linens, resulting in the best sleep we’ve ever had in a hotel. This relaxation theme is continued in the spa, where you can soak sky high in vitality pools with soothing body jets or get a restorative treatment based on the five Japanese elements - green tea, pine, bamboo, rice hulls and plum. Shopping is a highlight of any trip to Tokyo. It’s worth bringing an empty suitcase to fill with hard-to-resist gadgets, trendsetting garments and treasures from craft and design stores. Right by the hotel is the Mitsukoshi, the oldest surviving department store chain in Japan. The grand building of Renaissance architecture has an entrance guarded by a pair of lion statues and stocks everything from luxurious kimonos to weird and wacky culinary delights. In the same area, you’ll find Ozu Washi, which sells traditional Japanese washi paper - you can even have a go at making it yourself at their experience studio - and Tokyu Hands is packed with unique Japanese products that will make beauty and stationery junkies very happy.

SUSHI SORA

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Many associate Japan with its famous cherry blossom season, but its autumn foliage, when the leaves turn, is also spectacular, rivalling even New England’s celebrated range of colours. At the Meiji Jingu Gaien a golden tunnel is created by the area’s 146 ginkgo trees, which extend from Aoyama Dori to the Jingu stadium, while Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a rainbow of autumn foliage panoramas and plenty of fresh air. After snapping the stunning vistas, head to the nearby quiet alleys where you’ll find anachronistic wooden shanty bars, raucous traditional festivals and lantern-lit yakitori (grilled chicken) stands. Even though Tokyo has a population of 13 million-plus, trains run on time, there is no public litter and street crime is near non-existent. Getting around is pretty easy and it’s worth heading to the backstreets of Harajuku - known for its colorful street art, fashion scene and quirky vintage clothing

“Traditional shops including kimono makers and seaweed stores are hidden behind modern buildings” stores and Shibuya, where you can witness its vast crossing and giant video screen, projecting images of the hottest pop stars. Nearby is the Meiji Shrine - the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, and first-timers to Tokyo should also tick off the Tokyo Imperial Palace primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. To view the city from the water, follow in the footsteps of early Edo business pilgrims and take a 45-minute limousine boat tour, where you can take in the vast number of bridges, skyscrapers and water-side restaurants. To really see Tokyo you need to head up high, where you can look over the city at night. See it blinking like the control panel of a starship, stretching all the way to the horizon, and take in its intoxicating mix of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar.

M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L Tokyo Rates start from JPY 49,000 per room per night (approx. GBP 330). For more information or to make a booking, call +81 03 3270 8800 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo

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Support the Head Held High appeal and provide quality education to Africa's most vulnerable children #HeadHeldHigh

Donate before 23rd December 2017 and your donation will be matched by the UK Government

Discover more at www.hope-for-children.org Reg. Charity No. 1161729

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TRAVEL • COMPANY FOCUS

Home from Home

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

he Thinking Traveller seed was sown on the crest of Stromboli, where Rossella and Huw Beaugié were holidaying in 2000. The couple's innovative start-up filled a void in the Sicilian travel market, making available to discerning travellers a collection of highly covetable rental villas. Now in its 17th year, The Thinking Traveller’s property portfolio includes villas in Sicily, Puglia, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades Islands and Corsica, and the company has garnered an impressive assortment of accolades. Here's why a villa holiday with The Thinking Traveller should be your summer getaway this year.

Each villa has been handpicked with a focus on beauty and location. Many are within walking distance to shops, restaurants and the ocean, while many have private pools. For those looking to be nestled in the heart of the countryside, the hilltop villas offer unbeatable views.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

You won’t miss the convenience of a hotel with a serviced villa from The Thinking Traveller. Cooks, maids and gardeners are all on hand so you need not lift a finger. Service levels from start to finish exceed expectations, guaranteeing utter comfort and total bliss.

“Each villa has been handpicked with a focus on beauty”

Discover the benefits of a villa holiday with The Thinking Traveller

PRIVACY

Whether serviced or not, every villa offers complete privacy. Make a splash in the pool, cook up a storm in the kitchen and roam the gardens freely; all are yours to discover and enjoy during your stay.

INFORMATION AT HAND

So that every guest has the ultimate holiday experience with The Thinking Traveller, each booking comes with a smart travel bag containing a map, detailed house guide and area guide book. Local managers are also on-hand to ensure your holiday goes smoothly. Part-concierge, parttroubleshooter, they can help you with everything, from sourcing the best ice-cream to discovering the area’s hidden gems.

MAKE YOUR OWN RULES

With The Thinking Traveller there are no dress codes and no set meal times. It’s your house and your holiday so you call the shots. The bar never closes and the fridge is always open. On arrival you’ll find it fully stocked, while the wine-to-villa delivery service means you can enjoy a beverage on stepping through the threshold. Additional shopping can be pre-ordered and delivered to suit specific needs, or for those looking for that extra touch of luxury, a local chef can be organised to cook your evening meal. For more information visit thethinkingtraveller.com or email info@thethinkingtraveller.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ALL ALLASPECTS ASPECTSOF OFHOME HOMEREFURBISHMENT REFURBISHMENT KITCHEN, KITCHEN,BATHROOMS BATHROOMS&&BEDROOMS BEDROOMS Renovating RenovatingInteriors InteriorsSince Since1985 1985 www.bellainteriors.co.uk www.bellainteriors.co.uk T 020 T 020 8332 8332 9898 9898 / F/ 020 F 020 8332 8332 9777 9777 / E/ sales@bellainteriors.co.uk E sales@bellainteriors.co.uk / 137 / 137 Kew Kew Road Road Richmond. Richmond. Surrey Surrey TW9 TW9 2PN. 2PN.

JANUARY SALE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SEE IN STORE FOR DETAILS

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PROPERTY Living the dream 82 Famous Places 90 Nigel Lewis: Brighton Feature 96

CAMERON COURT SW19

ÂŁ500,000 SOF

lovely two double bedroom flat with larger than average accommodation including a good sized lounge/diner with balcony. Fully fitted kitchen, entry phone security and a share of the freehold. Garage plus visitors parking, internal inspection is highly recommended. The property boasts a prime location just minutes from the shops and restaurants of Southfields village.

TENNISON PROPERTY Kingston 020 8543 0074 tennisonproperty.com

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Winner

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

COOMBE PARK, KINGSTON K T 2 , ÂŁ8,995,0 0 0

his beautiful house has been finished to truly exceptional standards and boasts a gated driveway, double garage and plenty of offstreet parking. The house is ideal for large families with a generous entrance hall, drawing room, dining room and exquisitely fitted kitchen/dining room.Accessed from the kitchen is a superb indoor heated swimming pool complex complete with a steam room and a changing room. KNIGHT FRANK Wimbledon, 020 8946 0026 knightfrank.com

COOMBE HILL, KINGSTON K T 2 , ÂŁ4 , 395,000

ewly constructed, this handsome property has been built to exacting standards with great entertaining and family space. The huge kitchen/family room is custom made with large windows and high ceilings to enhance the sense of volume. The property combines classic design with modern technology including Control 4 to regulate lighting, entertainment, security, energy and other devices. KNIGHT FRANK Wimbledon, 020 8946 0026 knightfrank.com 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

MACAULAY AVENUE KT 2 , £61 9,95 0

et within the popular Kingston riverside development is this larger than average two bedroom contemporary apartment. Located on the river front, the property sits in close proximity to Kingston town centre and the train station. As well as its own private balcony, this modern property has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and large open plan living space. KFH Kingston, 020 8939 8191 kfh.co.uk

COTSWOLD CLOSE

LIVERPOOL ROAD KT 2 , £ 2 , 2 9 5 ,0 0 0

n outstanding, double-fronted Victorian house, comprising four reception rooms and four bedrooms. At the rear of the property is a private garden with a wide lawn and floral borders. Liverpool Road is known as being one of the area’s finest addresses and is just 200m from Kingston Gate, giving it access to the beautiful open space of Richmond Park.

SAVILLS

Wimbledon, 020 8971 8111 savills.com

KT2, TENURE FH

tastefully improved and well-extended property with five good size bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/diner, three bathrooms and large living space. It's located in a popular, friendly and quiet cul-de-sac making it the perfect family home. Sitting just off Kingston Hill, it boasts a prime location close to Richmond Park and Norbiton train station. It also enjoys easy access to the A3 with Kingston town centre nearby. KFH Kingston, 020 8939 8191 kfh.co.uk

CUSTOM MADE WITH LARGE WINDOWS AND HIGH CEILINGS TO ENHANCE THE SENSE OF VOLUME

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A selection of our successful Sales & Rentals during 2017 We look forward to hearing from you for a free no obligation market appraisal during 2018. We offer professional and honest advice

Robin Hood Lane

Traps Lane

Woodview Close

Moor Park Gardens

Warren Cutting

Neville Avenue

Henley Drive

High Drive

Jem

Cambridge Avenue The Watergardens

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Copse Hill

Burghley Avenue The Fairway

Golf Club Drive

Warren Park

Stoke Road

West Road Bathgate Road

Jemmet Close

Constance Close

The Watergardens Thetford Road

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A DREAM HOME FOR 2018 Coombe Park, Coombe Private Estate

ituated in a prestigious, quiet, gated road, located off Kingston Hill and within a short stroll of the outstanding natural beauty of Richmond Park. Kingston town centre sitting on the River Thames, with its abundant shopping, restaurants and recreational facilities is also close to hand, as is Wimbledon Village. This classic rendered new build has had no expense spared on it with Italian marble to the floors, book matched marble to the bathrooms, beautiful bedroom furniture by Woodcroft Ltd, stunning bespoke designed kitchen with hidden appliances and exquisite joinery by the Sussex cabinet manufacturer Grec & Grec.

The property further benefits from an indoor leisure complex with a waterfall feature, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and shower facilities. A home cinema and games room, six bedroom suites, formal drawing room, dining room and study. Complimenting all this, the property is fully air conditioned, benefits from a heat recovery system and is fully automated with excellent security system to the discerning buyer. This West facing property is within half an acre and is available for sale with a Guide Price of ÂŁ8,995,000 STC for the freehold interest.

All enquiries to Hani Madanat 020 8971 0116, hani@coomberesidential.com

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PROPERTY â&#x20AC;¢ FEATURE

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QUEENS ROAD, KINGSTON UPON THAMES An imposing double-fronted and detached Victorian family house set on a generous plot offering ample off street parking as well as 100’ rear garden with swimming pool located just moments from the gates of Richmond Park. Offering over 3300 square feet of internal space with 32’ main reception and 24’ kitchen breakfast room, this beautiful home also comprises four further receptions and three bathrooms. EPC = E

ASKING PRICE

£2,600,000

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

STOKE ROAD, KINGSTON UPON THAMES A substantial period home offering over 6000 square feet in an enviable residential street within moments of Coombe Wood Golf Club and offered with no onward chain. Comprising six generous double bedrooms and seven receptions, this incredibly flexible home also offers an annex above a triple garage whilst gated driveway and secluded garden are on offer. Stoke Road is in the heart of Coombe and perfectly placed for both Kingston and New Malden town centres. EPC = D

ASKING PRICE

ÂŁ3,250,000

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FA M O U S P L AC E S by N I G E L L E W I S

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

COMES WITH BAGGY TROUSERS

SPITFIRES AND PIANOS

his extraordinary building was originally the home of a famous piano manufacturer that made instruments for Beethoven as well as Strauss and Sibelius. Then, during the Second World War the factory is where canopies and propellers were made for the iconic Spitfire fighter. After the war its owner Chappell & Co returned to making pianos but by 1970 had lost out to cheaper instruments made in the Far East. During the 1970s and 1980s the premises became a studio complex for photographers and modelling agencies and it’s here that many famous photo shoots for Vogue, Tatler and Harpers & Queen

magazines were completed. During the late 1990s the property, which is in the fashionable area of Camden in London, was bought by developer Hallmark Property Group which, in 2013, began a four-year conversion of the building into ten loft-style apartments. That has now been completed and the penthouse has already been sold. Buyers of the remaining properties will enjoy a shared residents’ Club Lounge which includes a bar, cinema, 17-metre long pool, a spa area and a gym. Its history and luxurious surroundings do not come cheap. Prices at Chappell Lofts start at £3.25 million and rise to £8.5 million. More information from joins agents Savills (020 3425 5615) or Aston Chase (020 77214 4724).

op band Madness is still going strong despite 37 years having passed since their first hit album, One Step Beyond, was released. The band’s mix of ska, thoughtful lyrics and outrageously silly videos has given the band a loyal following across the generations, helped by a relentless gigging schedule and regular album releases. Much of its ‘nutty boys’ persona is down to lead singer Suggs who, as well as regular appearances on TV, writes much of the band’s material. He, like the rest of Madness, hails from Camden in North London and despite fame and fortune hasn’t wandered far. And now one of his early homes in the area is for sale. It’s a mews house lived in by Suggs during the early years of Madness. Bought by the current owner off the singer during the late 1980s, it has subsequently been expanded and now includes a fully fitted kitchen, large reception room, three double bedrooms and three bathrooms. Camden Mews is a highly sought after location just off Camden Square. This cobbled mews is famous for its diverse architecture and onward travel links to the City and Kings Cross St Pancras. Suggs bought the property in 1981 and in his autobiography, recalls how he “finally arrived at my newly purchased house in Camden Mews. It had been part of the stables for the bigger houses at the back. It was pretty, but tiny.” It’s for sale at £1.95m. Call Savills on 0203 428 2900 for more information.

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PROPERTY • STAR HOMES

THE DUNKIRK BEACH STAR

unkirk, this year’s blockbuster about the rescue of British troops during WWII, marked the acting debut of One Direction singer Harry Styles. But the film enlisted some much older talent. One of the rescue boats hired by Dunkirk’s producers was Xylonite, a Thames sailing barge. The 86ft long and 18.5ft wide barge was built in 1926 and worked the waters off the East Coast of England until 1977. What viewers won’t have known is that Xylonite is a four-bedroom luxury home normally moored at St Katherine’s Dock in Tower Bridge. As well as being certified to be sailed at sea she has a wealth of original maritime features plus all the modern fixtures you’d expect of a luxury home. She is being sold via Riverhomes.co.uk for £395,000.

"One of the rescue boats hired by Dunkirk's producers was Xylonite, a Thames sailing barge"

BAKEWELL EXITS PRIMROSE HILL

oan Bakewell is one of the nation’s best-known writers and broadcasters and has a remarkable track record in campaigning journalism under her belt. Despite all her work, for which she was made a Baroness in 2011, Bakewell is also well-known for her relationship with Harold Pinter. Throughout Joan's career, she has lived in the same house in Primrose Hill, north of central London, which she bought in 1963 when the area was a bohemian neighbourhood. Neighbours since have included playwright Alan Bennett, poets Ted Hughes and his wife Sylvia Plath, TV presenter Jon Snow and Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin. But now Bakewell is downsizing and has put her home on the market for £6.25 million. Overlooking a pretty green, the large Victorian house includes a selfcontained two-bedroom flat, a garden and four bedrooms.

More information from David Birkett Estate agents, 020 3641 2618.

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The Subscription

FOR INTERIOR DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Home, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Mama, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings. Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

Readly offers the freedom to effortlessly glide between articles and features covering inspiration from London’s top interior designers and influencers.

Subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelyhome

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01/11/2017 12:16

New show homes at Kings Hundred Come and visit our two stunning 5 bedroom show homes at Kings Hundred The Marlborough & The Sandringham: With generously sized bedrooms, open plan living and en-suite bathrooms there is plenty of room for the whole family. Book your appointment today and talk to us about incentives available including contribution towards Stamp Duty on selected plots. 4 & 5 bedroom homes available from ÂŁ609,950. Images are indicative only. Details correct at time of going to press.

Kings Hundred

Queens Road, Bisley, Surrey GU24 9BJ

Open Sat to Mon, 10am - 5.30pm Call: 01483 667212 Visit: redrow.co.uk/kingshundred

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

CURZON STREET £ 1 1 .9 5 M I L L I O N

M AY FA I R

duplex penthouse at 37 Curzon Street in Mayfair built above the famous cinema that bears the street’s name. The 3,469 sq ft property has four bedrooms and offers views from its wrap-around terrace over the local area as well as the House of Parliament, London Eye and Shard. The property was also formerly the home of 1960s pop star Dave Clarke. More information from Savills on +44 (0) 20 7578 5100 or www.savills.com

LONDON'S FINEST The Capital’s Premium Locations

ondon’s Despite fears over Brexit London’s super prime house prices are yet to tumble, even if they’re not selling as fast as they used to, as these properties which have been on the market since August show. London’s quiet and highly valuable central prime streets have endured a rollercoaster ride over the past 12 month as various economic and political headwinds have dampened enthusiasm for their multi-millionpound properties. But the UK’s capital remains an incredible place to buy a home. A square foot of property in historic and desirable neighbourhoods such as South Kensington, Notting Hill, Belgravia, Mayfair and Holland Park costs over £2,000 while values in other areas nearby such as Earls

Court and Chelsea aren’t far behind. In the most expensive areas this means a medium-size 1,600 sq ft or 148 sq metre Victorian or Georgian house will cost £3.7 million. And according to data firm LonRes, property worth £3.6 billion is set to be sold in the three key prime areas of central London this year, despite Brexit and higher property taxes. Within them 47% of all properties are sold for £2 million more although the average price per property sold is £1.72 million, this ranges from a £57 million Regency house in The Boltons to £350,000 for a small studio apartment in Bloomsbury. But what really makes London famous around the world are its super-prime properties. Here we highlight some of the most notable ones currently for sale for £10 million or more – and sometimes… a lot more.

THE BISHOP ’S AVENUE £22 MILLION

H A M P ST E A D

or those who want period looks, a modern interior and an address on the possibly the world’s most famous road then agent Glentree has this four-storey, seven-bedroom house on The Bishop’s Avenue, better known as Billionaire’s Row. For more information, call 020 8458 7311 or Glentree.co.uk

CURZON STREET £25 MILLION

W E ST M I N ST E R

f you want to claim one of the – if not THE – most amazing views over London as you own then this two-floor penthouse at the top of the Riverwalk new homes development in Westminster overlooking The Thames. The property, which has five bedrooms, a kitchen on each floor, offers 360-degree views of the capital capturing iconic landmarks including the City and the South Bank, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Shard and St Pauls. More information from Knight Frank (020 7828 3007).

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London’s New Country Retreat. PARK VIEW ROAD, EALING, W5 Beautifully crafted, bespoke, 3 bedroom lateral apartments with expansive open air terraces, concierge at your service, gated underground parking & private store rooms.

Just 11 minutes to Bond Street via Crossrail from 2018.

LIMITED TO SIX RESIDENCES • LAUNCHING SPRING 2018 PRICED FROM £1,950,000 To register your interest please call: +44

fusionresidential.co.uk Image is a computer generated representation.

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(0) 1923 216 535 or email: info@fusionresidential.co.uk

Brought to you by

14/12/2017 11:03

BRIGHTON’S BIG CLEAN UP Every Londoner’s favourite seaside retreat has been working hard to polish up its once seedy reputation, says Nigel Lewis.

nce famous for its dirty weekends, Brighton’s seedy image is long gone and the smuttiest sight these days are the slogans on hen parties’ t-shirts as they sway arm-inarm along the prom. This chilled out, liberal seaside city is full of high growth tech companies, attracting people seeking flexible jobs and lifestyles. You might bump into David Walliams, Steve Coogan, and Fat Boy Slim, who all have homes near the beach, while for younger celeb-spotters, YouTubers

such as PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg) and Zoella (Zoe Sugg) call it home. A British version of New York’s Venice Beach in the summer, the lawns by the multi-coloured beach huts host personal trainers, football teams or early morning tai chi groups, while middle-aged skateboarders hang out on the seafront, and paddle boarding and surfing are increasingly popular. Known for its nudist beach and vibrant gay scene, Brighton’s a tolerant place, where drinkers from the seafront bars and clubs spill out onto the pebbles. While there’s still a few old-school boozers to

be found in the back streets, many have been reinvented as gastro pubs or craft breweries. There’s also a growing foodie scene with interesting eateries such as hip 64 Degrees and zero-waste restaurant Silo, which is all industrial-chic with drinks in jam jars. It hasn’t got a Green MP for nothing; Brighton is one of the most vegetarian and vegan-friendly cities in the country. It’s also just started a bike rental scheme and a slew of new bike lanes mean it’s easier to get around. It’s a good job as parking right in the heart of the city is at a premium – it’s difficult and expensive to park on the

“ This chilled out, liberal seaside city is full of high growth tech companies, attracting people seeking flexible jobs and lifestyles.”

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

street and car parks fill up fast on busy shopping days. Many day-trippers are attracted to put down roots in ‘London-by-the-sea’, says Mishon Mackay branch director Steve Neocleous, as they can get a lot more for their money. “Here you can buy a three-bedroom Victorian house in one of the most popular areas for £500,000£550,000 whereas in London you might only get a two-bedroom flat for that,” he explains. Schools are a big draw for young families, as Brighton is full of pretty decent primaries - 94.2% of them are good or outstanding (particularly good ones are Westdene and St Andrew’s in Hove), although great secondaries are thinner on the ground.

Neolceous adds that it’s inundated with London buyers who hanker for a better quality of life. “They like the fact that – train strikes aside – they can get to work in London in the same time it can take from somewhere on the edge of the Tube line.” Ongoing industrial action on Southern rail is still a big problem, while Brighton’s popularity can also work against it as the beach is shoulder-to-shoulder on sunny weekends. But that doesn’t put most people off moving south, as they don’t move again. Brighton’s two universities provide thousands of graduates who’ve decided to settle down, in fact, there’s so many different people from all over the country who’ve moved to the city, that at dinner parties it’s often rare to sit next to someone Brighton born and bred. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll

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trim every

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DESIGN SALE SAVE UP TO 50%

Our design sale is now on. Save up to 20% on our furniture and accessories to order and make unmissable savings of up to 50% on our clearance and ex-display items. Remember to book your free interior design service, ask for details in-store.

MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SPACE | BOCONCEPT.COM KINGSTON I THE ROUNDHOUSE, 20 EDEN STREET, KINGSTON UPON THAMES KT1 1EP

YOUR SPACE. YOUR SALE.