Absolutely South East March 2022

SOUTH EAST

South East MARCH 2022 / £3.95

SPECIAL MARCH 2022

62 Pages of inspiration and insight

Spring

FEVER NEW SEASON STYLES PLUS

ZEST.LONDON

PEAKY BLINDERS Gangland dining ABIGAIL AHERNE On crafting a beautiful outdoor space GRAYSON PERRY A fantasy for Essex

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT

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Bed: Vindö I Fabric: Designer´s Guild Glenville Oyster I Carpet: Light Beige I Bed Linen: Havsbris White I Bedside table: Holme

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

15 WI GM O RE ST REET I LO ND ON W1U 1PE I +44 ( 0) 20 3982 3252 I CAR PED IEMBED S.C O.UK CO P EN HAGEN

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GOT HENBURG

LOND ON

SEOUL

STOC KHOL M

Z UR IC H

AND OTHER FINE LOCATIO NS

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E x p re ss yo ur EXTRAORDINARY WITH THE NEW 2022 COLLECTION

Battersea Reach, Harrods, Finchley Road, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Guildford, Bentalls Kingston, Westfield London and Fenwick Brent Cross

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Discover brand new statement furniture and accessories in-store, along with new seasonal fabrics and colours. Customise our collection with the help of our Interior Designers and find the perfect match for your style. Change the size, colours, finishes, configurations and more. Call us today to book your free interior design consultation in-store or in the comfort of your own home. For further inspiration explore our new 2022 lookbook online.

I N - S T O R E N O W A N D A T B O C O N C E P T. C O M

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Visit us to discover our premium range of luxury gazebos: Squire’s Garden Centre, Shepperton, TW17 8SG

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THE GLASSHOUSE

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Welcome to The Glass House Get in touch for availability 07961 337293 | www.glasshousebythelake.uk glasshousebythelake

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents MARCH 2022

42

74 14

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y 54 BEAUTY NOTES

WHAT'S ON

56 SKIN FOCUS

OTHER ART

HOME 68 TOP TEN

10 things we’re coveting this month

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Your diary for March

22

New talent at the Other Art Fair

What's hot and what's new

How to achieve clear skin

Shelving for books and other objects

FOOD & DRINK 30 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

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32 RECIPES

100 HOW TO SIT

FA S H I O N 42 THE SHOOT

106 KITCHEN TRENDS

News from the industry

The Peaky Blinders Cookbook

Conceptual shapes at Hellessy

50 JEWELLERY Locket love

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HOUSE TOUR

Designer Connie Barton's south London home

Why you need an ergonomic chair

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.

Seven essential design features

T R AV E L 130 MOUNTAIN HIGH Summer in the Tirol

O N T H E C OV E R hellessy.com

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

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT RACHEL HOGG MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS ANABELA KOLECI KATIE WOOD FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

Commission a masterpiece

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

zest.london 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.

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Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S March issue highlights

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Potted history The story of Copenhagen's Bergs Potter

W

Precision food Luxe Japanese dining at Roketsu

House of fun

Grayson Perry's House for Essex

e hadn't particularly planned to celebrate International Women's Day in this issue, but as it turns out, we are celebrating women throughout these pages, even if it's accidental. Firstly, the Other Art fair returns this month, bringing a strong focus on female art. Meanwhile, in Chelsea there's an exciting exhibition of wartime posters focusing on women and in our extended Home section we look at Abigail Aherne's garden (because now's the time to be getting our outdoor spaces in order) and admire graphic designer Connie Barton's south London house. We talk to a female product designer (very much a minority in this industry) about reinventing the frying pan and reveal fashion designer Mary Katranzou's first foray into interiors with a new tile collection.

Plus, we meet nutrition entrepreneur Jennifer Irvine and ergonomics expert Lucinda Newbound introduces us to the conecpt of active sitting (which might just change our lives). All this, and it's Mothers' Day too. Enjoy March.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

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5 4

Hung up

All our favourite pendant lights

3 Clay shapes

HK Living's beautiful ceramics collection

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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ELECTRIC BLUE The wearable new collection from Stella Mccartney reflects her dynamic moods and ageless attitude – fluidly shifting between structure and softness, natural eccentricity and glamour, simplicity and complexity stellamccartney.com

COOL LIGHT Designer Arne Jacobsen created the table lamp AJ for the iconic Danish house, Louis Poulsen and it's particularly fetching in blue. £735 nedgis.com

TEAL TINT These azure-blue octagon sunglasses are expertly crafted from acetate with matching, blue-tinted lenses. £350 swarovski.com

BLUE GRASS Handwoven in Eastern Senegal, the Matty Storage Bowl's soft combination of blue and white make it versatile to style. £32 labasketry.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

SAPPHIRE SHINE Set with Czech crystal, Ashley Williams' blue heart earrings are perfect for adding just a little something. £95 koibird.com

TIME OUT Karlsson's minimal blue wall clock with copper surround not onlu looks good but is totally silent too. £49.95 aspenofhereford.com

BLUE PRINT Dilli Grey's popular Bianca dress is back in cornflower blue for spring.

Created in collaboration with an artisan studio in Jaipur, India, it's hand-block printed on 100% organic cotton. £149 dilligrey.com

OCEAN EDITION Dashel's bike helmets are stylish and sustainable; for every purchase from teh Ocean Edition range, 10% will support valuable marine conservation work via Healthy Seas and the Seabin Project. dashel.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

PA S T E L P O W E R Saye's vegan trainers are bamboo-lined, organic and zero-waste, made from biobased and recycled materials.

We like the Modelo 89, £120 sayebrand.com

AQ UA S P L A S H Prima Donna's Bonifacio bikini has a cool blue aztec print and comes in an F cup bra. top £94, bottom £55 ameliesfollies.co.uk

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C U LT U R E

CLAUDE CAHUN - SELF PORTRAIT (REFLECTED IMAGE IN MIRROR, CHECKED JACKET) 1928. COURTESY OF JERSEY HERITAGE COLLECTIONS, AT TATE MODERN

What's on 18 • Poster art 20 • The Other Art Fair 22 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

M A RC H ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

T H E AT R E

Persuasion Until 19 March R O S E T H E AT R E The soundtrack to this modern reimagining of the Jane Austen classic is less Chopin and more Cardi B. Written for the stage by Jeff James and James Yeatman, this new production of Persuasion switches out ballrooms for dance floors but retains all the wit and salaciousness of the much-loved original novel. rosetheatre.org

E X H I B I T I O N

Postwar Modern BA R B I CA N . 3 MA RC H - 22 J UN E

The 20 years following World War II was a time of profound crisis and the Barbican’s newest exhibition explores how British artists attempted to understand and reflect on a world that had been torn apart by conflict. Around 200 works, ranging from paintings and sculpture to photography, chronicle the post-war art scene and a landscape of devastation and reconstruction.

T H E AT R E

Hamlet Until 9 April S H A K E S P E A R E ’ S G LO B E Forget spotlights, the Globe’s newest production of Hamlet will take place under candlelight. The court of Elsinore has a new home in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, where audiences will be able to witness the Prince of Denmark’s descent into madness from an intensely intimate perspective. shakespearesglobe.com

barbican.org.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

ART

ART

TO WATC H

Surrealism beyond borders

A spotlight on some of the emerging art shows to check out this month

Until 29 August TAT E M O D E R N This new exhibition searches beyond the confines of the western perspective to offer a broadened understanding of Surrealism’s influence, one that has spanned over 80 years and 50 countries.

Over 150 works of international Surrealist art will be displayed in mediums as diverse as the cultures they originated from. tate.org.uk

Photographer Colin Hutton’s solo exhibition Formats opens at the JM Gallery in Portobello Road. Portraits of figures with elaborate head pieces created from nostalgic recording formats including original audio cassettes, VHS, polaroid and vinyl, shot using today’s digital technology.

2-6 March, huttonimages.com

COLIN HUTTON

COLIN HUTTON, BAD GIRLS, 2021

T H E AT R E

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

This Month’s Must See

Until 19 March LY T T E LT O N T H E AT R E Critically acclaimed writer and director Emma Rice injected her trademark theatrical extravagances into the National Theatre’s new adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The production tells the story of the doomed lovers through the mediums of song, dance, puppetry and occasionally slapstick comedy, but fans of the Brontë classic needn’t worry, plenty of brooding and heartache remains. nationaltheatre.org.uk

THE OTHER ART FAIR

BUR N ING QUE ST IONS

M

S O UTHBAN K CEN TRE; 24 MARCH

argaret Atwood will be taking to the stage in celebration of her book of essays by the same name. This UKexclusive Q&A event is sure to be an unmissable opportunity to watch one of literature’s keenest minds answer life’s burning questions, tackling subjects from feminism to zombies. For those unable to make it in person, fear not tickets are also available for the live stream. southbankcentre.co.uk

The Other Art Fair returns to The Old Truman Brewery, showcasing 150 independent artists. The fair continues its mission to re-frame art, and how it is experienced; offering an art fair experience that is evocative, inclusive, and inspiring. In celebration of March’s International Women’s Day, this edition of the leading artist-led fair is focused on championing women in art and alternative practices.

17-21 March, theotherartfair.com

TIM FISHLOCK Over at Hang-Up Gallery, artist Tim Fishlock presents Paradise Version, a love letter to music and a celebration of independent record shops. Through his text-based paintings, Fishlock explores the esoteric world of record collecting.

From 24 March, hanguppictures.com

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POSTER POWER

A new exhibition of posters focuses on the role of women in WW2.

Absolutely has a preview

By EVE HERBERT

“Visual messaging encouraged women to join the workforce”

A

ntikBar, the original vintage poster specialist, will be holding an exhibition focusing on the role of women during World War Two featuring posters issued by both Allied and Axis powers, in particular the UK, USA, USSR and some Nazi-occupied countries. Fighting On All Fronts: Women At War will be held at their gallery in Chelsea from International Women’s Day to Victory Day (8 March to 9 May).

Labour shortages on the home front during WWII led to dramatic changes to the role of women in society. Jobs in factories, agriculture, nursing and other vital military and civilian industries that were previously seen as occupations mainly for men were now opened up to women. Posters played a big part in the publicity campaigns, using patriotic appeal to encourage women to help win the war and secure victory by joining the workforce. This exhibition shows how poster design and visual messaging varied in different countries depending on the impact of war on the population and the roles of women in the conflict. Although they replaced men in the war production in all countries, women’s day-to-day realities were very different. Britain suffered extensive bombing during the Blitz, as well as food shortages and rationing. The duties of women concentrated on providing support to the troops, handling war logistics and health and safety measures. The poster designs are often stylish and glamorous, elevating participation in the war effort.

WO M E N AT WA R AntikBar, 404 King’s Road, SW10 0LJ antikbar.co.uk

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Some furniture is made for the here and now.

Some is built to stand the test of time.

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

Good design never grows old.

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

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MY BITTERSWEET VALENTINE

BY SIMON MCCHEUNG

AGE OF CONSENT

BY PAUL GADD

O t h e r

P E O P L E Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Other Art Fair returns with a focus on women in art

By EVE HERBERT

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CULTURE • ART

THE COLOURS OF SHADOW

BY SARAH LIM-MURRAY

T

he Other Art Fair, presented by Saatchi Art, returns to London’s Old Truman Brewery this March showcasing 150 independent artists alongside a vibrant programme of guest features. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the fair continues its mission to re-frame art, and how it is experienced; offering an art fair experience that is evocative, inclusive, and inspiring. In celebration of March’s International Women’s Day, this edition of the leading artist-led fair is focused on championing women in art, alongside alternative practices sometimes excluded from the art world such as textiles and floristry.

The fair will feature an exciting and immersive programme of features and events including Chila Kumari Singh Burman as special guest artist, an entrance installation, an immersive installation by The Line Girl and much more. A committee of industry experts have collaborated on the selection of the most exciting rising stars, with a focus on women creators to watch and art forms beyond the traditional.

The line-up features a 62% Female to 38% Male ratio of exhibitors with 50% of

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THE REAL EGGPLANT

BY HELGA STENTZEL

NOBODY KNOWS WHAT'S AT THE BOTTOM

BY KAREN TURNER

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CULTURE • ART AN OFFERING

BY HELENA CARDOW

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“A desire to champion female identifying talent and nontraditional art forms" FONTA

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artists being new to the fair, 71 Londonbased artists and 10% BIPOC creators.

Fair Director Anouka Pedley spoke out on the desire to champion female identifying talent and nontraditional art forms: “To commemorate International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate our female identifying exhibitors alongside a features programme highlighting art forms that are not commonly considered ‘fine art’ because they are typically aligned with women and the domestic. While textiles are becoming increasingly popular, there is still so much undiscovered talent, especially in London.

We want to celebrate this art form by curating an exhibition of textile art and hosting a dedicated workshop series across the four days of the fair, encouraging our audience to discover and interact with the varied strands involved in the practice.”

The 2022 London selection committee includes Rebecca Wilson, Chief Curator and VP Art Advisory, Saatchi Art, Alessio Antoniolli, Director of Gasworks and Triangle Network, Ellen Mara De Wachter, leading Arts and Culture writer and coauthor of ‘Great Woman Artists’, and Claire Feeley, Head of Exhibitions and Learning Programmes at Jupiter Artland. Additionally, artist, curator and founding member of galdem, Leyla Reynolds has selected the two March 2021 New Futures prize winners.

T H E OT H E R A R T FA I R

THE RUNAWAY

BY CHARMAINE CHANAKIRA

17-20 March, The Old Truman Brewery 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QR theotherartfair.com

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

TREND SETTER

Carnaby has long been ahead of its time and, in 2022, it remains one of London’s top destinations

“Carnaby is one of London’s most Instagrammable destinations.

Every corner is an opportunity for the perfect picture”

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or over three centuries, Carnaby has never been far from the zeitgeist. Ever since it was first built in 1682 – taking its name from Karnaby House – there has always been a story to tell. The 20th century, in particular, saw Carnaby synonymous with music and fashion, with some of the hottest – and controversial – names from the industries inextricably linked to this part of London. Today Carnaby, which is made up of 14 streets, still has a story to tell, offering over 100 retailers and more than 70 bars and restaurants.

Moving with the times, Carnaby is one of London’s most Instagrammable destinations.

Every corner is an opportunity for the perfect picture with rainbow shimmer disk arches and the iconic black and white arches along Carnaby Street. Head over to the west side of Ganton Street and be dazzled by 51 oversized light bulbs suspended from the sky.

Enjoy the pink festoon lights along Kingly Street whilst deciding on where to dine.

Brand new openings to the area include Zahter, which specialises in Istanbulite cuisine, and Kanada-Ya, which focuses on authentic Japanese ramen. Tapas Brindisa, Jinjuu, Pastaio and Mamma Pastrama are among the popular eateries in the area. Three floor foodie hub Kingly Court is home to Korean Dinner Party, Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Club Mexicana and The Good Egg alongside Le Bab, Shoryu, Pizza Pilgrims and Dirty Bones.

The bars of Carnaby offer a similarly eclectic choice. Enjoy a 150-strong wine list at Bar Crispin, be immersed in a 1940s experience at Cahoots or hidden gem Disrepute, or head over to the Newburgh Quarter and enjoy Antidote Wine Bar.

Fashion remains at the heart of the area. With over 100 international brands alongside independent retailers, Carnaby is the go-to central London shopping destination. Shops like Mallet London, Astrid & Miyu, Nobody’s Child, and the Rolling Stones flagship store RS No.9 Carnaby are all hugely popular. Shop in the Newburgh Quarter and enjoy Metal Morphosis, Annie’s Ibiza, Soho Home, The Great Frog, Mor London, Aubin and Fred Perry.

Carnaby’s beauty offering goes from strength to strength with vegan beauty brand Freshly Cosmetics alongside stores Benefit, Too Faced, M.A.C, Pixi and not forgetting the first men’s makeup store, War Paint For Men, which emphasises how Carnaby remains a game changer. There’s never been a better time to experience a little bit of history.

For more information visit carnaby.co.uk and follow @CarnabyLondon on social media

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Mark the occasion with memorable cookware

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

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Sakura Season L I T T L E K YOTO

Step through the torii archway at Neverland’s newest pop-up and you will be transported from Fulham to downtown Kyoto. Visitors can relax in the blossom-filled pagoda and enjoy a varied menu of food and drink inspired

by Japanese culture, every Thursday to Sunday until May. neverlandlondon.com

Food news 30 • Recipes 32 • Eating out 37 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 most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

By V I DA W I N E S

2018 Kristančič Pavo White Cuvee, Slovenia  £19.79 This Chardonnay hails from the “Tuscany of Slovenia” where the Kristancic family have been producing wine since 1988.

This pure, precise white has peach and citrus fruit notes, a slight richness on the palate and would pair well with creamy dishes.

2016 Munzberg Weissburgunder Brut, Germany  £24.39 A German sparkling with a cool, tart nose and prominent yeasty undertones. A combination of herbs, delicate flora, citrus and pomaceous fruit make for a ripe juicy wine with a light grip, that would be best enjoyed alongside antipasti or fish.

2016 Rossidi Rubin, Bulgaria  £21.29 This medium-bodied red has a glorious core of dark chocolate and juicy berries. On the palate, it is well structured and balanced, with sturdy but ripe tannins. This universally pleasing wine would be the perfect addition to your next barbeque.

VIDA WINES Newly launched VIDA Wines specialises in the Central and Eastern European wine regions, showcasing fantastic lesser-known brands and bottles. It also stocks a range of quality wines from across the rest of Europe.

vidawines.co.uk

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Fresh start RICHOUX

Richoux, the 100 year-old British institution will once again open its doors in Piccadilly. Staying true to its heritage of modern brasserie dishes and exceptional patisserie, the new custodians of the brand, Jamie Butler and Lewis Spencer, will breathe new life into the restaurant, using their experience in some of the world’s top restaurants to create a Richoux that is relevant for diners today. richouxinternational.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

WA G Y U BEEF The finest Wagyu delivered straight from the field to your doorstep

BY THE GLASS KITCHEN W8

Dining Debut

G U N M A WAGY U One of the world’s most expensive cuts of beef comes from Japanese black cows that have been authentically reared in the green mountains of Gunma. asianharvest.com

ROCKETSU

Kitchen W8's General Manager and Sommelier Charlotte Prescot has launched a new scheme by offering up some spectacular wines by the glass at cost price. This is a rare chance to try wines from defining regions like Puligny Montrachet and Saint-Emilion, as well as some future classics and firm favourites of Kitchen W8. kitchenw8.com

Promising the authentic Japanese dining experience once reserved for Buddhist monks, Rocketsu’s intimate new dining room guides diners through a traditional Kaiseki menu that has been curated by chef Daisuke Hayashi. Expect a focus on seasonal flavours and multiple courses served over a period of three hours. roketsu.co.uk

K AG O S H I M A WAGY U From Kyushu Island in the South of Japan comes a rib-eye steak so rich and spectacularly marbled that it took home the top prize at the last Wagyu Olympics. porterfordbutchers.co.uk

BITE SIZE PING PONG

Skill set G O R D O N R A M S AY ACA D E M Y The Gordon Ramsay Academy offers a huge range of fun adult, children's and online cooking classes, a great team of chefs and fantastic kitchen facilities to inspire you to get cooking, get confident and just give it a go. There's a great selection of cooking class gift vouchers, too. gordonramsayacademy.com

F R E E D OW N H I L L S Made from cattle reared in the fields of Yorkshire and given a gourmet olive feed, this Wagyu puts a signature British twist on the Japanese delicacy. meatmeathome.com

There might still be time to catch Ping Pong's special Chinese New Year menu, complete with Tiger Eye Martini. The contemporary dim sum chain offers a great selection of dumplings, steamed buns and griddled dishes in seven London locations. pingpongdimsum.com

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How to eat like the Shelby family with recipes from The Official Peaky Blinders Cookbook

Gang

CULTURE

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Baked Trout with Rice Fennel & Lemon Serves 2

When gangs go fishing, it might not mean quite the same thing as casting a rod for trout. Oysters, herring, mussels, cockles, sprats and eel were the catch most working-class families would have been eating in the early 20th century, but if you had your eyes set on social climbing, serving up trout would definitely have made a statement.

Total time to make 30 mins

INGREDIENTS • 2 skin-on, filleted whole rainbow trout (each about 250g/9oz), washed and patted dry with kitchen paper • 30g cooked white rice • finely grated zest of 1 small lemon • 1 small fennel bulb, cored and finely chopped • 50g frozen peas • a handful of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and chopped • 5–6 dill fronds, chopped • 100ml dry white wine • a knob of butter, softened • salt and ground black pepper • steamed greens (such as samphire or green beans) and lemon wedges, to serve

METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a shallow roasting tin with baking paper. Find some kitchen string. Place one half of each fish fillet, skin side down, on the lined roasting tin and season each with salt and pepper.

2 Tip the rice into a small mixing bowl and add the lemon zest, fennel, peas and both herbs. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Divide the rice mixture between the two fillet halves, gently pressing it over the surface of the fish to coat. Place the second half of each fillet on top of the first, sandwiching the rice mixture in between. Tie your string around the fillets to secure them together, then pour the wine around the fish.

3 Brush the fish with the softened butter, season with salt and pepper and bake for 15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through. Serve with steamed greens, and with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Scotch Eggs with Mustard Mayonnaise Serves 6

Tommy might insist on Fabergé Eggs, but we think these Scotch eggs at the bar of The Garrison will cause far less trouble.

Total time to make 1 hour

INGREDIENTS • 6 large eggs • 300g good-quality pork sausages • 5 sage leaves, finely chopped • a small handful of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and chopped • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper • 50g plain (all-purpose) flour • 1 egg, beaten with 2 tablespoons full-fat milk • 150g cups panko breadcrumbs • vegetable oil, for deep-frying • a handful of watercress, to serve • (optional for the dip: 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon English mustard ¼ bunch of chives, chopped salt and ground black pepper)

METHOD 1 Make sure you get your oil good and hot to guarantee a crispy outer crumb. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and carefully lower in the eggs. Boil them for 6 minutes to soft set the yolks, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of iced water.

2 Once the eggs are cold, peel them and set them aside.

3 Squeeze the sausage meat from

the sausage skins into a mixing bowl. Add the sage, parsley and black pepper and mix well.

4 Divide the sausage mixture into 6 equal-sized balls. Place one of the balls on a piece of baking paper, and flatten it with a damp hand.

Place an egg in the middle of the sausage-meat disc and bring the meat up and around the egg. Gently press the sausage meat around the egg, making sure that the egg is wrapped. Repeat with the remaining balls of sausage meat and eggs.

5 Tip the flour into one wide, shallow bowl, the beaten egg into another and the breadcrumbs into a third. One by one, roll the coated eggs in the flour, making sure they are well covered. Then, turn them in the beaten egg, lifting them out with a fork, and finally turn them in the breadcrumbs to coat – make sure the whole egg is covered in the crumb.

6 Just before frying, preheat your oven to 150°C/130°C fan. If you have a deep-fat fryer, heat the oil to 180°C. If not, one third fill a medium saucepan with vegetable oil and place it over a medium heat. The oil is ready when the temperature reaches 180°C on a digital cooking thermometer, or when a cube of bread floats and browns within 30 seconds.

7 Deep-fry the Scotch eggs in batches of 1–3 eggs at a time, depending on the size of your pan and taking care not to overfill, for about 5–7 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy all over. Remove the cooked eggs to a plate lined with kitchen paper and keep warm in the oven while you deep-fry the remainder. To make the dip, mix the mayonnaise with the mustard and chives and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the warm Scotch eggs with the dip, and a watercress salad, if you wish.

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THE HOUSE OF COLOUR

by Clarence Court

Each freshly laid Clarence Court egg is unique. These colourful treasures are patiently laid by traditional breed birds originating from rare breed ancestors. Their heritage gives them a unique hue and flavour reminiscent of a bygone era. For eggs how they should be, simply look for the crown.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Pea & Lettuce Soup with Feta Serves 6

Total time taken 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS • a knob of butter • 1 leek, chopped • 1 celery stalk, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1 litre vegetable stock • 2 all-rounder potatoes, peeled and chopped • 1 baby gem lettuce, roughly chopped • 250g frozen peas • a small handful of mint, leaves picked and chopped • 60g feta, crumbled • ¼ bunch of chives or 5–6 dill fronds, finely chopped • 3½ tablespoons single (light) cream • extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling • salt and ground black pepper crusty bread, to serve

METHOD 1 The feta cheese sprinkled over this soup gives a salty, tangy edge to the creamy, mellow pea. For supper at Arrow House, the Shelbys are serving this hot, but you could just as well chill it and serve it as a gazpacho. Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium– low heat. Add the leek, celery and garlic and fry for 10 minutes, until softened. Pour in the vegetable stock, add the potatoes and bring the liquid to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, then add the lettuce, peas and mint. Continue cooking for a further 5 minutes, then blend until smooth.

Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper. Divide the soup equally between the serving bowls. Sprinkle a little feta into each bowl and sprinkle the chopped herbs on top. Finish with a drizzle of cream and extra-virgin olive oil. Serve with crusty bread.

Recipes taken from The Official Peaky Blinders Cookbook by The Shelby Company, White Lion Publishing, £14.99

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

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PERSUASION A ROSE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

BY JANE AUSTEN

ALEXANDRA PALACE

ADAPTED BY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH OXFORD PLAYHOUSE

JEFF JAMES, WITH JAMES YEATMAN DIRECTED BY JEFF JAMES

2 FOR 1

ON ALL PERFORMANCES IN MARCH! THE OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING SHOW

FROM THE NOVEL

BY PATRICK NESS INSPIRED BY AN IDEA BY SIOBHAN DOWD

rosetheatre.org 020 8174 0090 T&Cs apply, visit the website for more details

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“It’s an impressive and conceptual feast”

JUNSEI Yakitori in Marylebone

FOOD Chicken, mostly

B y PENDLE HARTE

J

unsei is serious about chicken. This Marylebone eaterie promises to “elevate the humble chicken and honour every part of the animal” and this they certainly do. The menu even offers a relevant haiku: Flowing blue river/ Trickling into the valley/ Nourishing chicken.

So we shouldn’t really have been surprised at the amount of chicken we were served. The omakase – or chefs’ choice – meal is £55 per head and in hindsight, it probably consists of an entire bird. It’s a small, neat restaurant with a row of kitchen counter seating in addition to tables,

and there’s a hushed, serious feel.

Delicious Bellinis of plum wine and prosecco arrive first, and we’re asked whether there are any particular parts of the chicken that we’d be unhappy about eating. We’re fine with heart, neck and gizzard, we say. And what follows is an almost cermonial presentation of chicken skewers, all ways. Small dishes of daikon radish and pickles are there as palate cleansers. First there are chicken thigh skewers, small and tasty, and then pieces of silky and slightly charred breast. Next it’s the top part of the heart, alongside some beautifully presented okra with shoyo dressing, and chicken wings with

DECOR Neat, stylish, minimal

PRICE Skewers £3-£6; omakase £55 per head

lemon, and chicken liver. There’s a suprise in the form of three perfect and neat quail eggs, soft-boiled, peeled and skewered – they’re delicious. Next it’s chicken breast shiso maki, with some (very welcome at this stage) rice, and chilli-marinated chicken thigh, and chicken meatball with raw egg. It’s an impressive and conceptual feast, and the chef, Aman Lakhiani, comes out to explain his zero-waste method.

It’s his first eaterie and his creativity is clear. Still, it’s unlikely that most people would choose to order quite so much chicken as the omakase delivers, and anyway the menu is in fact more diverse than we experience.

There’s a list of donabe dishes of dashi simmered rice (allow 45 minutes) and plates including sea scallop, wagyu beef, miso mussels and grilled lettuce.

Puddings are delicately tasty: plum and yuzu granita is captivating and a Japanese figgy cake was excellent. In all, it’s a promising place, though next time we’ll order some more vegetables and perhaps a bit less chicken.

JUNSEI

VERDICT Conceptual, clever, interesting

132 Seymour Place, W1; 020 7723 4058

junsei.co.uk

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

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London · Milan · Amsterdam · Hanover · New york

London London Boutique Boutique || Henry Henry Daniel Daniel Roma Roma Fashion Fashion collection collection || Luxury Luxury Style Style Retreat Retreat @ @ Nicola Nicola Donati Donati 60 60 Kinnerton Kinnerton Street, Street, London London SW1X SW1X 8ES 8ES || T T 0207 0207 245 245 6414 6414 || www.henrydanielroma.com www.henrydanielroma.com DANLO_FP_ABS_ESSEX_MAR22.indd 1

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FA S H I O N

TALL TALE APUJAN

Apujan presented its AW 22 collection at London Fashion Week with the theme “The Ballad of a Story Keeper” The designs are renowned for integrating patterns and knitwear techniques to illustrate themes inspired by fantasy and literature. apujan.com

New shapes from Hellesey 42 • The truth about bras 48 • Jewellery 50 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FITTINGS BY APPOINTMENT GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR BEACHWEAR • NURSING BRAS

Lingerie and swimwear fitting specialist from A to J cup (size 8 to 20 uk)

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34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk | ameliesfollies@yahoo.com

07/02/2022 09:56

FITTINGS BY APPOINTMENT GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR BEACHWEAR • NURSING BRAS

Lingerie and swimwear fitting specialist from A to J cup (size 8 to 20 uk)

AMELIES_FOLLIES_DPS_ABS_MAR22.indd 3

34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk | ameliesfollies@yahoo.com

07/02/2022 09:56

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H E L L raiser Trailblazing new shapes from Hellessy

H E L L E S S Y. C O M

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17/02/2022 21:25

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The secret life of

BRAS How Many bras should I have? The world according to Amelies Follies B y C AT H E R I N E A U B E R T

T

his is a question we often get asked, and in the same way that you can’t expect your shoes to work with all your outfits, you will need different bras to work with your entire wardrobe (and different occasions in your life).

And yes, if you had to have only one bra and you didn’t want it to show under your clothes and work with as many outfits as possible, we would recommend a smooth bra as close to your skin tone as possible (but you may still need a sports bra, so that’s already two). But that would be comparable to eating the same food or wearing the exact same outfit every day – not much fun.

So, the question remains: how many bras should I have? The answer is whatever works for you. But bear in mind that in order to get the most out of your bras, you shouldn’t wear them two days in a row, you probably need more than one of your favourite (it needs washing every two to three wears, or after each day if you get sweaty), and saving a bra for best is a waste of money as your size is more than likely to change with time.

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FASHION • PARTNERSHIP

“ Life is too short for boring underwear”

FOR US, THE MAGIC NUMBER IS SIX. HERE THEY ARE: • A couple of flesh-coloured ones. These may vary a lot in colour depending on your skin, but as a rule, you want to go darker not lighter than your skin tone for invisibility purposes. These two happen to be smooth, one a plunge, one more a balcony that can also be changed into a strapless bra.

These are only a must if you do not like showing your bras through your clothes.

• A push up bra (we picked a nice neon one because life is too short for boring underwear) for when you feel like showing a little cleavage or the neckline of your outfit needs something lower cut. It has little removable cookies inside so you can choose how much vavavoom you show.

• A balcony bra. We’ve gone for red (because it doesn’t show through white) and it’s a colour that makes us happy. The balcony shape is especially good under square necklines like vest tops and spaghetti straps. This is also the bra we often call your ‘date night’ bra… because of what it does to your assets.

These six bras would cover most of our wardrobe, but we’ll be honest it still wouldn’t be enough for us. We like to wear a non-wired sports bra for Pilates, and that wouldn’t work for more high impact activities for us; we go at least a cup size bigger just before our period, so we have a couple of bigger bras for those days too; we tend to buy two of our favourite bras so they last longer.

Ultimately, there is no magic number and we often expect our lingerie to last longer than it should and to work under every item in our wardrobe. So, the answer to how many bras is whatever works for you.

In the same way that some will own two pairs of shoes, others will have 20+ in their wardrobe. It is the same for bras. Regardless of how many you have, follow the rules below and you should never have to own an uncomfortable, ill-fitting bra again.

First, always get fitted. Don’t assume your size will remain the same. It changes all the time (weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, lifestyle) and don’t get hung up on a specific shape. Accept that breasts change with age (unless you have paid for them).

Don’t feel you have to justify buying new underwear…do you justify that new top?

Just because ‘no one sees it’ doesn’t mean you should keep on wearing that grey, overstretched underwear. Unlike shoes , an old bra cannot be fixed. You cannot change a wire or bring back the elasticity to a worn out backband.

And if getting rid of your unwanted bras makes you feel guilty, remember we have a bra bank. Your bras will earn money for charity then either be given a second lease of life or be recycled for parts, making room for better bras for yourself.

• A black bra. This one happens to have a long line lace detail that when worn makes us feel a little sexier. But we think everybody should own at least one black bra…it’s a bit like that little black dress – a staple for any wardrobe.

• A sports bra. Wired or not will be down to personal preference. Make sure you invest in a properly fitting sports bra if you do any kind of high impact activity (anything that makes your breasts bounce up and down) to avoid future sagging and to improve your comfort whilst exercising.

It will also improve your performance.

AMELIES FOLLIES Don’t wait any longer. Book yourself an appointment at Amelie’s Follies for that long overdue bra fitting. ameliesfollies.co.uk

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

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Love Lockets Keep your loved ones close this Mother’s Day B y R AC H E L H O G G

50

ANNOUSHKA

ASTLEY CLARKE

MISSOMA

Lovelocket Emerald May Birthstone Charm, £3,200 annoushka.com

Deco Red Agate Slice Locket, £175 astleyclarke.com

Engravable Square Locket Rope Necklace, £185 missoma.com

MARIA BLACK

MARIE LICHTENBERG

LOQUET LONDON

Carla Cloud Locket, Life Coin & Karen Necklace, £347 maria-black.com

Rosa Chain Choker, £6,330 matchesfashion.com

Gold Saffron Locket Necklace With Charms, £3,920 loquetlondon.com

RACHEL JACKSON

DINNY HALL

MONICA VINADER

Deco Chrysler Locket Necklace, £290 racheljacksonlondon.com

Suffragette Pavé Set Locket, £495 dinnyhall.com

Deia Locket Pendant, £100 monicavinader.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

FRESH FACE D HOW TO HYDRATE As winter comes to an end, our skin is at is dryest. We research all the best ways to banish the winter skin using lotions, serums and oils –and all the best things to eat for optimum nutrition too.

Beauty notes 52 • The trend: hydration 56 • Healthy gut, happy mind 64 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y R AC H E L H O G G

REVIEW

LUCKY

EDITOR’S PICK

stars

JASON COLLIER at Cobella Kensington

CHANEL

Inspired by its founder’s love of constellations, Chanel has released an exclusive collection of the iconic Rouge Allure Velvet lipsticks. The Rouge Allure Velvet La Comète line features eight classic shades, each packaged in a comet embossed click-case, and will be available for a limited time only. £35.

I

chanel.com

Pamper hamper S A N C T UA RY S PA

If you’re looking for a pampering alternative to chocolates, the Special Occasions hamper from Sanctuary Spa is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Containing some of their bestloved products, from body butter to bath floats, it has everything needed to scrub and soak the day’s cares away – and no calories. £25 feelunique.com

A NEW LOOK DIOR

The fashion house’s familiar houndstooth check will be adorning the packaging of some of its most popular products from the La Collection Privée fragrance line and the Dior Makeup line. These limited editions of Dior’s signature scents and five of the shades of Rouge Dior lipstick will be available to purchase at an exclusive beauty pop-up in Harrods until the 31st of March. From £25 dior.com

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B y PENDLE HARTE

’m lucky to get an appointment with Jason Collier. It’s not only that the award-winning hairdresser usually deals with celebrities (Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria, Sienna Miller), but he also spends a lot of time travelling. He spent the first lockdown in Tokyo and as soon as he could travel again he returned to his glamorous globetrotting life of teaching and beautifying tresses all over the world. Current constraints confine him to London a bit more than usual at the moment, and that’s why I’m at Cobella in Kensington, talking about my outgrown bleached highlights. Jason sometimes drops in at Cobella, and sometimes at The Bohemians in Deptford. Are you sure you want your hair this blonde? he asks, and of course I’m not. The downside of long-term regular highlights is that you end up blonder than you ever wanted to be. Jason knows exactly what to do, and he’s enormously professional. By this I mean fast. It’s possible to spend coming up for five hours in a salon and come out with a half head of highlights, but Jason does the job in just over two, including a tidy trim and a slight reshape, plus a big bouncy blow dry too. He’s great company and has an effortless way with hair that just gets it right. Several weeks on and my hair still has that fresh from the salon look. With travel restrictions coming to an end, let’s hope that Jason remembers his London fans.

COBELLA

5 Kensington High Street, W8 020 7937 8888 cobella.co.uk jason-collier.co.uk

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

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23/02/2022 00:06

How you feel tomorrow starts with choosing the right hospital Spread the cost of your treatment with our finance partners, Chrysalis Finance.

You can benefit from a 10 month interest free personal medical loan.* To find out more about treatments at your local Nuffield Health hospital, call:

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17/02/2022 14:59 10/02/2022 12:44

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

PAULA’S CHOICE Resist Anti-Aging Intensive Repair Moisturiser, £35 paulaschoice.co.uk

SUNDAY RILEY Luna Sleeping Night Oil, £85 spacenk.com

BEAUTY PIE Plantastic Deep Nourishing Moisture Balm, £50, £11.50 for members beautypie.com

THE INKEY LIST Omega Water Cream, £9.99 cultbeauty.co.uk

BIOSSANCE Squalane + Omega Repair Cream, £45 cultbeauty.co.uk

KIEHLS Midnight Recovery Concentrate, £42 kiehls.co.uk

THE ORDINARY Amino Acids + B5, £6.90 theordinary.deciem.com

GOODBYE DRY

EDITOR’S PICK

Deeply moisturising products to repair and refresh winter skin just in time for spring LA MER

The Renewal Oil, £195 spacenk.com

REN Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm, £45 renskincare.com

B y R AC H E L H O G G

LANOLIPS Golden Dry Skin Miracle Salve, £11.99 lanolips.co.uk

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If something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to help Whether you have an ongoing health concern, you’re waiting for NHS treatment, or want a second opinion, you can access specialist healthcare now. To book an appointment with a consultant doctor or to enquire about self-pay prices, simply phone or email us using the contact details below.

Specialist appointments available for: ✓ Cardiology

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✓ Ear, nose and throat ✓ conditions ✓ ✓ General medical ✓ conditions ✓ ✓ General surgery

Private GP Sports injuries Urology Varicose veins

✓ Women’s health

✓ Gynaecology

Appointments available from

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For self-pay prices call 0203 603 1895 email selfpay@theholly.com For appointments call 0203 930 5285 Visit highgatehospital.co.uk *Subject to availability

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PROMOTION

Women's HEALTH

New Victoria Hospital to host free Women’s Health Webinar series in March 2022

W

ith elective gynaecological surgeries being cancelled or delayed and limited access to women’s health services during the pandemic, many patients are now in need of specialist care. Southwest London based New Victoria Hospital will dedicate a new online event series for Women’s Health to be held on Zoom in March.

New Victoria Hospital’s Women’s Health Webinars with interactive Q&A sessions Specialist Consultants will cover different topics, including menopause, urinary incontinence, UTIs and endometriosis, and will answer questions that patients can submit anonymously during their registration for the event.

Patients will also be able to ask additional questions using the Q&A tool on Zoom.

The Webinars will be held on the 9th and the 15th of March, with one gynaecology and one urology topic covered in each session.

Wednesday, 9th March 2022, 7pm – 8pm Let’s talk about menopause with Consultant Gynaecologist, Ms Diana Fleming.

Sweats, flushes, brain fog, aches, pains, dry, itchy; all words used to describe some of the things women might feel as they transition through the menopause.

How can a specialist help you to get through this time? What hormones are needed and why? How can they be taken?

For how long and what are the benefits and possible risks? Ms Diana Fleming will answer questions on this normal but troublesome time in a woman’s life.

Urinary Incontinence: what can be done when you can’t hold it with Consultant Gynaecologist and Urogynaecologist, Professor Stergios Doumouchtsis.

Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are common conditions and affect millions of women worldwide. Many women suffer in silence as they find it embarrassing to talk to a specialist.

Prof Stergios Doumouchtsis will talk about conservative and surgical treatments that can dramatically improve women’s symptoms, quality of life and, most importantly, prevent from long-term consequences.

Tuesday, 15th March 2022, 7pm – 8pm My bladder is bugging me - Urinary Tract Infections in Women with Consultant Gynaecologist and Urogynaecologist, Miss Rhiannon Bray.

UTIs are a debilitating condition that can affect women of all ages. Recurrent infections can be especially challenging to treat.

Miss Rhiannon Bray will discuss the common causes of Urinary Tract Infections, as well as novel theories and preventative measures and treatments.

Endometriosis, the invisible painful illness with Consultant Gynaecologist, Mr Zaid Hasafa.

One out of ten women has endometriosis, while half of women with subfertility could have the disease. There are around 1.5 million women suffering from endometriosis in the UK. How to access New Victoria Hospital’s Patient Webinars Register for each event you are interested in on Eventbrite newvictoriahospital.eventbrite.co.uk N E W V I C TO R I A H O S P I TA L 020 8949 9090 · selfpay@newvictoria.co.uk newvictoria.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS HEALTHY LIVING PODCASTS

NOTES

By R AC H E L H O G G

FEEL BETTER, LIVE MORE Dr Rangan Chatterjee sits down every week with a leading health expert to demystify well-being and give helpful no-nonsense advice. drchatterjee.com

T E D H E A LT H From assistive technology to the benefits of crying, Dr Shoshana Ungerleider leaves no stone unturned in this fascinating podcast about all things health-related. ted.com

WA L K T O W ELLNESS You'll feel the benefits of walking from your head down to your toes

F T H E D O C TO R ' S K I TC H E N Listen to Dr Rupy Aujla and guests discuss the ins and outs of nutritional medicine and learn how to cook your way to a healthier lifestyle. thedoctorskitchen.com

itness is often so focused on going faster, getting stronger and pushing yourself harder, but what if the best thing you can do for your body is to slow down? Walking is a form of exercise often relegated to those over 80, but evidence shows that even the young and healthy will feel the benefits of going for a brief stroll. Walking is the most studied form of exercise and an overwhelming amount of research demonstrates its positive impact on everything from heart health to how stressed we are and how well we sleep at night.

Health experts agree that frequent walking is instrumental in preventing and managing a variety of common health conditions including heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes. It has been shown by multiple studies to lower your risk of premature death and strengthen your immune system, one even finding that walkers took 43% fewer sick days on average.

Walking has the lowest injury rate of all forms of exercise, which makes it a safe and sustainable way to improve and maintain mobility while protecting the joints that are most susceptible to osteoarthritis. Going for a walk to clear your head is a well-

trodden path, but research backs the mood-boosting power of a brisk stroll. It is effective in the management of stress, anxiety and depression and there is evidence that going on regular walks even changes the structure of your brain and helps increase the volume of grey matter, which is a measure of brain health. It may even make you smarter, as several trials have found that walking can improve your memory and cognitive function, both short-term and long-term. All of these benefits only increase as your pace and distance do, so even if you are already healthy, walking may be the secret to staying that way.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

“This is one of the area's leading health, spa, and racquets clubs”

Luxe RETREAT

A new look for David Lloyd in Raynes Park

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f the pandemic has made you prioritise your health and wellness, there’s no better time to get started on your journey. David Lloyd Raynes Park has received a significant £8m makeover to firmly position it as one of the area's leading health, spa, and racquets clubs.

The centrepiece of the redevelopment is a new luxury Spa Retreat. Set within the club, but a world away from anywhere, the Spa Retreat invites you to melt away your stress. Heat, cool and relax are the three guiding principles of our expertly designed ‘spa journey’, designed to boost overall wellness and help relax, unwind and escape. Seek sanctuary in our meditation room, sooth your muscles in our hydro pools, and unwind in the steam rooms.

Your relaxation extends outdoors into our tranquil spa garden, featuring a sauna, relaxation pods and a dedicated Yoga and Meditation area. Best of all, the spa pool will be connected to the indoor spa pool, giving you the ability to swim in and out.

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Together with the investment in the relaxation facilities come improvements to the more active areas of the club, with the opening of a brand new state-of-theart gym. Located across two floors, this bright and airy space features cuttingedge equipment all selected to help you get the most from your gym session.

If you prefer group exercise, David Lloyd Clubs’ unique HIIT class BLAZE has come to the Raynes Park Club. Set in its own 30 station purpose-built studio BLAZE combines cardiovascular training with strength and combat skills to give a challenging workout.

And it doesn’t stop there, with the unveiling of three more brand new studios including a dedicated high impact space, a specialist Pilates studio and a group cycling hub. Each week a huge variety of classes is available to participate in whatever it is you enjoy, from high-octane HIIT sessions and intense group cycling to the serenity of our yoga and Pilates-based class SPIRIT. davidlloyd.co.uk/raynespark

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BLUE VELVET SHOES

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP

www.quaillondon.com

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Call 020 7376 7442 or buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

020 8899 6051

19/10/2018 11:50

22/02/2022 13:28

P BOX FRESH Absolutely meets Jennifer Irvine, a woman who’s built a successful business around healthy eating

By PENDLE HARTE

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ure Package and Balance Box are meal delivery services designed for wellbeing and weight loss, with a variety of different options. Founder Jennifer Irvine started the business 18 years ago, when there was nothing similar on the market.

So you invented the idea? “Well, obviously, the concept of breakfast, lunch and dinner was around already,” she laughs. Now the Pure Package is a large, slick operation, but to start with it was Jennifer in her small Notting Hill kitchen, cooking meals and delivering them herself. She’s neither a chef nor a nutritionist, just a foodie who wants to enjoy food without feeling guilty about what she eats. Now the business looks after royalty and movie stars as well as clients who have been with her from the start.

“Stephen Fry lost four stone with us over lockdown,” she says. She won’t reveal any other names, but clearly he’s not alone.

It’s been a successful journey. “I started from the kitchen sink and calculated that I was able to handle nine clients. After two weeks I had to put another fridge freezer in the spare bedroom, followed by a walk-in chiller in the tiny garden. After three or four months I had to move it out of the house.

I used to go to bed with my husband and wait for him to go to sleep. Then I’d get in my little car and whizz around london dropping off meal packages. When I got complaints for my loud music I’d have to pretend that I’d tell off the delivery driver.”

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NUTRITION

“WHEN PEOPLE COME AND SAY THEY WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT WHAT THEY REALLY MEAN IS, THEY WANT TO BE HAPPIER” It works like this: you sign up for a package, choosing from options including weight loss, training support, vegan, longevity. You’ll have a brief consultation on Zoom with a nutritionist and decide whether to go for three, 10, 30 or 90 days.

And the next thing you know, you’ll be waking up to a personalised cooler bag on your doorstep, delivered overnight, come rain or shine. “Even when the weather stops the post office from delivering, we still deliver,” says Jennifer.

Over 18 years the service has evolved, but many of the original clients are still with them. “Originally it was all about weight management, which is still the main thing people ask for and we have that down ro a fine art,” explains Jennifer. “Nutritionists are as important as chefs for us, and we always focus on essential fats and natural fresh vegetables. Each plan includes 15 or 20 different fruits and veg every day.

Compare that to a normal home-cooked meal where you’ll probably have have two or three.” As Jennifer’s life changed, so did the packages. Soon there were preand post-natal options, and then training support, then pre- and post-operative.

JENNIFER IRVINE

Now there’s a focus on hormone balancing, menopause and longevity. Fundamentally, a happy, healthy gut has an enormous effect on general wellbeing and mental health.

Most clients come and go in phases.

“Mostly women will do a plan for 90 days in the year. A month after christmas, a month in early summer and then a month in September/October and they stay for years and years.” It can prove convenient as well as nutritious. “Sometimes people come on when their partners are away,” says Jennifer, though she appreciates that there can be a tricky element to this unilateral approach to eating. “Women with families realise that sometimes they have to put themselves first. I have four daughters myself and they might all want to have waffles for breakfast - but I don’t.

They understand that and can see how happy I am.” Men take a different approach, and there’s a core client base of men who rely entirely on these services. “We find that men come on to lose weight and then stay. We have one man who’s been on for 10 years.” A meal delivery four days a week can be an ideal solution, leaving people free to eat what they like on weekends.

With kitchens based at New Covent Garden market, access to super fresh ingredients is easy and the business runs like a well-oiled machine with three nutritionists and 12 chefs on duty for each shift. In addition to the the personalised Pure Package, there’s a nationwide Balance Box option, which is cheaper but doesn’t cater to whims (“if you don’t like tomatoes, you’ll just have to pick them out”).

Ultimately, it’s simple, says Jennifer.

“When people come and say they want to lose weight what they really mean is, they want to be happier. You feel energised and better when you eat well.”

PURE PACKAGE: our verdict

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’m half-expecting it not to turn up, but at 7.30 on day one I find the promised cool bag on my doorstep.

Breakfast is apple bircher museli with Greek yoghurt, with the explanation that cinnamon has a stabilising effect on blood sugar levels. It’s a surprisingly large portion; clearly feeling hungry is not part of the deal. Snacks are encouraged: a good handful of pumpkin seeds and a pear, for instance, or strawberries with a chocolate (yes, chocolate) mousse dip.

Chocolate contains serotonin, apparently, and they want us to be happy. Lunch is an enormous salad. I have to decant it into a family-sized serving bowl. Boiled eggs and asparagus come with what is likely an entire cucumber cut into painstaking seedless half moons, plus radish and tomatoes and a sour cream and chive dressing. Dinner is lemongrass pesto chicken with bok choy, green beans and flat noodles, and it’s a generous helping.

I’m probably not supposed to have a glass of wine with it but I do anyway.

Instructions are clear and simple, yet minimal, which I appreciate. At £49 a day it’s clearly more than you’d spend in the supermarket, but it’s hard to overestimate the freedom of not having to shop, plan or cook for yourself.

Day two’s breakfast is rye bread with peanut butter and chia jam, and again it’s quite a lot. There are no instructions as to whether coffee is allowed, which I take to mean that it is. For lunch it’s a vast plate of falafel and quinoa tabbouleh, and dinner is cottage pie, and there’s a snack of carrot batons and guacamole.

By day three, I’m jumping out of bed to claim my delivery. Breakfast is muesli with yoghurt, blackberry and melon – a large helping, but probably less muesli and more fruit than I’d have prepared myself. Lunch is salmon and rice noodle salad, and dinner is nasi goreng with chicken, prawns, mange tout and romanescu. Who’s denying themself?

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

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s u o i r u x Lu

FA B R I C S & CO LO U R S

The new Duette® collection by Luxaflex®

Boasting an exciting new selection of fabric colours and designs for every window. Duette® Shades create a feeling of pure comfort in the home with perfectly diffused light, extraordinary energy-efficiency, and the latest smart home control.

Find a showroom at luxaflex.co.uk

Luxaflex® PowerView® smart blinds works with

Apple HomeKit

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HOUSE ST YLE

THE LONDON LOOK

Londoners have never been so design savvy as we are now, and there has never been so much choice. Our city is an explosion of designers and styles, ranging from the ultra modern to the antique, the experimental teenage bedroom to the established grand house. That’s why we’re celebrating everything about the London home.

BED REST

How to sleep well – advice from Carpe Diem Beds inside this section: T O P T E N : S H E L F A P P R E C I AT I O N p 6 8 AT H O M E W I T H D E S I G N E R C O N N I E B A R T O N p 74 I N S I D E G R AY S O N P E R R Y ’ S H O U S E F O R E S S E X p 8 6 WHY YOU N EED AN ERGO NO M IC CHAI R p1 0 0

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

7 NEW KITCHEN TRENDS p106

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SHELF LIFE 10 of the best... shelving units COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

ON SHOW

The Tenna shelf is crafted from MDF with a sleek, clean-line silhouette typical of Broste Copenhagen’s minimalistic style. £108 amara.com

METAL WORK This three tier shelving unit from Cult Furniture is slim and stylish, yet fundamentally practical. It’s designed for the kitchen but would work just as well anywhere. £65 cultfurniture.com

NATURAL LOOK

This rattan shelf unit has plywood shelves and a 1970s vibe, perfect for a decorative display. £90 spicerandwood.co.uk

FLAT OUT

Pink Chai is perfectly proportioned and has a gorgeously smooth powder coated finish.

This nift y little shelf is reversible too, so you can choose which way round it goes. £20.99 dowsingandreynolds.com

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H O M E | TOP TEN

AMERICAN BEAUTY

The Miko is a glamorous, geometric shelf unit inspired by high-end 1970’s American interiors.

Made of steel and toughened glass, it’s a substantial piece. £579.99 my-furniture.com

OFF THE WALL Hubsch is our new Danish interiors obsession and this stylish metal wall rack is slim, practical and stylish for the kitchen or anywhere really. £143 livingandcompany.com

VINTAGE STYLE

Vintage bamboo shelves might not take the weight of a vast library but cute shelves like this are a characterful addition to any space. homeplace.co.uk

MIX & MATCH

Punctual is a modular shelving system made from powder-coated metal that is designed to grow with you. Combine Punctual Ladders, Shelves and Boxes to form your ideal shelving unit. fermliving.com

LEARNING CURVE

The fluid form of Tom Raffield’s Lundy Shelf showcases a unique steam bending technique. Two curvaceous lengths of ash mimicking twisted leather straps support a solid wood shelf with brushed brass details. £395 tomraffield.com

LIBRARY WALL

ET CETERA by Pagnon & Pelhaitre for Ligne Roset comes with many lacquer and wood options – even fabric-clad doors in more than 60 colours. ligne-roset.com

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

15 W I GM O RE ST REET I LO ND ON W1U 1PE I +44 ( 0) 20 3982 3252 I CAR PED IEMBED S.C O.UK CO P EN HAGEN

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GOT HENBURG

LOND ON

SEOUL

STOC KHOL M

Z UR IC H

AND OTHER FINE LOCATIONS

15/02/2022 11:43

H O M E | NEWS

IN THE

N E W S PRETTY THING

Updates from the industry Compiled by P E N D L E H A R T E

HUBSCH

Hubsch's creative team in Denmark designs quality products, creating a common thread throughout the collections, while keeping a finger firmly on the pulse of the zeitgeist. hubsch-interior.com

NG

IN THE ROUND ERCOL

Ercol's Siena breakfast table in oak is ideal for smaller spaces. Weighted for stability it has beautiful flowing form into the base and comes in a smooth natural finish. £825 ercol.com

ART MARKET

SOFT TOUCH

A F F O R D A B L E A R T FA I R

BEDFOLK

Find the perfect artwork for your home at Affordable Art Fair. See live art displays, shop curated collections and toast your purchase with a delicious cocktail. Pictured is Angelita, archival photography print,

by Lexi Laine £450, La Belle Epoch.

Book in advance at affordableartfair.com

Not only does Bedfolk make the softest linen sheets in the most beautiful muted shades, but their hotelquality bathrobes are cosy, thick and even softer than the sheets. bedfolk.com

T O M AT O FA N S MALIN + GOETZ

Malin + Goetz's popular tomato candle is back, stocked exclusively at Selfridges. Fill your room with scents of freshly cut vines and garden greens, £46 selfridges.com

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W ith th e wo rld ’s f in e s t T V so u n d sys te m , B e ovisio n Eclipse T V is d e sig n e d to inte g rate beautifully with your lifestyle.

G E T U P TO £1,250 FOR

Experience Beovision Eclipse at Bang & Olufsen o f Ealing

O F B R AN D WH E N B U YI NG

See more at 17 Bond Street, Ealing, W5 5AP.

B EOVI S I ON E CLI P S E

YO U R O L D T V R E G A R D L E S S

* T h e c a m p a i g n i s va l i d u n ti l 1 0 A p r i l 2 0 2 2 i n B a n g & O l u f s e n s to re s .

O n l y o n e T V i n exc h a n g e p e r c u s to m e r.

T h i s o f f e r c a n n o t b e tr a n s f e r re d to a c a s h d i s c o u n t o r c o m b i n e d w i th a ny o th e r p ro m o ti o n a l o f f e r.

Beovision Eclipse 55” incl. fabric cover & BeoRemote One, brackets or floor stand — recommended retail price from RRP £8,840.

Beovision Eclipse 65” incl. fabric cover & BeoRemote One, brackets or floor stand — recommended retail price from RRP £10,840.

B A N G & O L U F S E N OF EALING 17 Bond Street, London, W5 5AP. 020 8840 1010

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H O M E | NEWS

G REEN SCEN E

CREATIVE

VI C TO RY CO LO U R S

R E V I E W

Novara Green No. 81 was developed by influencer Claire of @harvey_home_eclectic, and Victory Colours loved it and added it to their collection. Claire named this olive green Novara after her home. It's a fab colour and looks great on ceilings as well as walls.

victorycolours.co.uk

Updates from the industry Compiled by P E N D L E H A R T E

FLO R A & FA U N A POLKRA

The Polkra x Katie Scott Collection is made with 100% ethically sourced natural wax. The beautiful ceramic vessels by Katie Scott have been inspired by her history of botanical art, and beloved themes of Fauna & Flora. £49 polkra.com

GREAT DANES

P L AT E APPEAL GILBERT & GEORGE

HK LIVING

These plates have been created by artists Gilbert & George to support the work of The Canvas Cafe, a social enterprise in East London that feeds the homeless.

Buying this plate provides around 14 platefuls of food for some of the most vulnerable people in Tower Hamlets.

HK Living's collection of 70s ceramics expands each season with a new colourway. The highly collectible range from the Danish brand includes vases and storage jars as well as handle-free coffee cups. folkinteriors.co.uk

doublehelpings.shop

GLASS AC T NUDE

Nude's 2022 offering spans contemporary carafes and eye-catching glasses.

Highlights of the range include Tomas Kral's Beak carafe, reimagined in the style of Iris Apfel, and the ombré effect Pigmento pitcher. nudeglass.com

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H O M E | PROFILE

G

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H O U S E Graphic designer Connie Barton lives in a unique home with a magical, jungle-like garden in South London Words F E R M L I V I N G .C O M

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ntering Connie Barton’s home, you are welcomed by beautifully curated colours and warm natural materials, making the space feel truly wholesome and inviting. As we make our way into the living room, it is as if London has disappeared. In here, we are seated in Connie’s cosy, mustard coloured sofa, where we have the most enchanting view of what can only be described as an urban jungle their garden. Sitting here enjoying the view, Connie starts telling us about her career with graphic design. Connie’s journey began in New York, where she spent time after university visiting design studios and offering to make them cups of tea in exchange for valuable insights. But while she was in New York, Connie was offered work in London, which later turned into a full-time job. “At my first job, I learned so much about the design process, different materials, the importance of space, and the right furniture and lighting. This job influenced my love of modernist design and taught me how great design plays an important part in everyday life. It also brought me back to England, and I have lived in South London ever since”.

In 2013, Connie ventured into creating her own independent design studio, which specialises in graphic

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design, branding and art direction. In 2011 her husband Tom opened his very first Honest Burgers site in Brixton.

Connie helped Tom with the brand DNA and design, but as more restaurants followed, juggling this alongside a full-time job proved to be too much, and Studio Connie was born.

Connie explains that it is the world around her that influences and inspires her. Growing up in a large family in idyllic, rural Rutland, Connie spent much of her childhood being creative and escaping into alternate worlds through books and drawings: “I now realise what a luxury childhood boredom was. We had no option but to make up our own fun and create our own worlds to keep us occupied”. Today, Connie still ventures into new worlds of inspiration through music, photography, interiors and product design or when she and Tom holiday in the wild Scottish Highlands.

Many of her clients also work within the creative industry, and Connie finds it very inspiring to bring their world and ideas to life through her work: “The most important part of my job is listening and asking the right questions to ensure I can comfortably step into the client’s shoes and really understand their world. Often clients will send me books or visual references - anything that excites them. Like a magpie, I’ll gather all these treasures, words and references before beginning the design process in my beloved sketchbook”.

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H O M E | PROFILE

Moving the conversation to their home, Connie tells us that they bought the house in 2015 after seeing it just once in the dark. “Tom fell in love with the house, I fell in love with the garden and its gnarly old mulberry tree. When the previous owner dug out the rear extension, they also built up the height of the garden so that you look directly out at the beautiful planting rather than looking down from above. It’s genius. That’s what gives it the jungle-like feel”, Connie tells us. Being a traditional Victorian house with a contemporary extension, the house is made up of an exciting mix of old and new. With its wooden ceilings and large windows overlooking the wondrous garden, the home feels warm and welcoming, and the light wells, which have been added throughout the house, naturally tie the whole space together.

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H O M E | INSPIRE

Feeling so connected to nature whilst sitting in urban south London is truly unique, and over the years, Connie’s love for the garden has not lessened: “My favourite spot is in the living room, sat with a brew on our cosy sofa and looking out through the big windows. Every season is beautiful in its own way. When the sun hits the pond and reflects light across the ceiling, it’s particularly magical. Especially when it’s warm enough to slide the windows fully open, and the garden and the house become one – that’s when you hear the sounds of running water and birdsong from outside. Our own secret garden in a corner of the city”.

One of Connie’s favourite pieces in their home is her piano. Playing it, she transcends into another world, where she can find renewed energy and inspiration: “While

Our home here has slowly become a private gallery all of our own working from home during the pandemic, I found myself drawn to sit down and play when I felt stuck in my work or was struggling with a creative project. I find it fascinating that, having played for my own pleasure for years, playing can now support my creativity and my work. It tunes in to a different part of my brain, allowing me to switch off and disappear for a while”. Quoting Ilse Crawford, Connie has prioritised decorating those spaces where she spends most of her time - only inviting things she genuinely enjoys into her home. When asked what home means to her, Connie explains that she is drawn to spaces that feel personal and authentic and that her home is full of cherished memories: “Home is where my loved ones are. Our home here has slowly become a private gallery all of our own. Our shared interests, lessons and adventures as we’ve grown up together are all here, from the art hanging on the walls and the stacks of books to the pebbles collected at our favourite beaches that I use as paperweights”.

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Exquisitely hand crafted

Switches. Sockets. Lighting S O H O L I G H T I N G .C O M

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|

0208 106 1221

15/02/2022 11:48

H O M E | TREND

INNERMOST Hoxton ceiling light, £178 lightinglover.com

CARL HANSEN & SON Opal pendant, from £300 carlhansen.com

DAR LIGHTING Klaxon 1 Light, £102 darlighting.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE Bhutan Pendant, £139 cultfurniture.com

HUNG UP

ICONIC LIGHTS Cassini 4 Way Black Ceiling Bar Light, £133 iconiclights.co.uk

All the best pendant lights

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

WALLS AND FLOORS Terrazzo Hexagon Nevada Pink Porcelain Tile, £38.95 wallsandfloors.co.uk

LOUIS POULSEN PH5 pendant light £765 conranshop.co.uk

DAR LIGHTING Teyana 9 Light Pendant, £1560 darlighting.co.uk

ORIGINAL BTC Pebble pendant £1649 originalbtc.com

DOWSING AND REYNOLDS Connaught Ceiling Light, £539.99 dowsingandreynolds.com

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H O M E | PROMOTION

Cult Furniture

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

A whole new showroom for Cult Furniture

C

ult Fur niture ha s reopened its new, fashion-for wa rd show r o om . It ’s a st ylish new space offering a first hand look at all the brand’s latest products. What better way to know you’re picking the right products than by seeing them for yourself?

Stand among some of your favorite picks and envision them inside your home before making that purchase.

Take a tour around room sets bursting with inspiration, with zoned areas focused on Nordic and Retro design, Contemporary and Modern design, plus an area focusing on the dark side of interiors… Work your way around chairs, tables, lighting, stools, accessories and wall art that’ll surely give you the itch to give your space a revamp.

And make sure you bring your shopping bags as you’re now able to purchase lighting and the perfect accessories to decorate your dream house in store.

There will always be something new to see as new products drop every week. You’ll fall in love with Cult Furniture after just a few visits to the showroom. Trust in a brand and it’ll become a lifetime partnership, and Cult’s aim is to create that with you. Visit today and receive 10% off of all orders.

Use code ABSOLUTELY10 for 10% off online orders and in store.

“The showroom that will give you the itch to revamp your space”

C U LT F U R N I T U R E 811-813, Wandsworth Road, SW8 3JH +44 (0) 20 8185 6960 cultfurniture.com

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Introducing the Emmeline. Call now to bring personality to your home heating.

Castrads’ bespoke radiators are efficient, beautiful and unique to your home.

020 3397 7295 w w w. c a s t r a d s . c o m

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BESPOKE FITTED WARDROBES, STUDIES & LIVING ROOM UNITS

W W W. N E AT S M I T H . C O . U K

0 8 0 0 195 6 5 95

B R E N T W O O D | C H E L S E A | H A M P ST E A D | H A M P TO N H I L L | H ATC H E N D

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H O M E | LEGACY

ICONIC design

The story of Denmark’s famed plant pot company, Bergs Potter Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

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n 1942, during one of the bleakest periods of World War II, Victor Berg inherited a ceramics shop on Rantzausgade in the Nørrebro neighbourhood of Copenhagen. Victor, an eager young accountant, wanted to bring a bit of life and colour into the war-depressed lives of his fellow Copenhageners. He decided the best way to do so would be to add flowers to the shop. The unique combination of fresh flowers and aged ceramics soon made the store a popular place to visit and shop.

Demand for flowers and pots grew swiftly, and Victor Berg went on to open two more shops in the city: one on Købmagergade, now Copenhagen’s most famous shopping street, and another in the Western neighbourhood of Vesterbrogade. 1945 On Berg’s death in 1986, his children Steffen and Sysser pledged to carry on their father’s passion for flowers and pots. The Berg siblings also were enthusiastic about pottery, history and archaeology, which took them on a search through several Scandinavian castles, noble manor houses and historical archives. In the end, they stumbled on their first great inspiration in an old garden shed. There, they found an elegant flowerpot that inspired Berg’s

“The Copenhagen Pot was (and still is) produced from the finest terracotta”

flagship: the Copenhagen Pot. This line of new pots was (and still is) produced from the finest terracotta, as royal potters had used centuries before. Steffen and Sysser’s search for ceramic cultural heritage paid off as they travelled throughout Europe to find the continent’s best pottery. Finally, in Tuscany, they found what they had been searching for: skilled clay craftsmen and imaginative pottery artisans. Steffen started producing designs inspired by the Italian artisans and their historic pots and began importing some of Tuscany’s most classic pieces to Denmark.

In 2012 the company changed hands again to Victor Berg Jr., the son of Steffen Berg, and two friends of the Berg family — Martin and Frits. In 2014 the warehouse moved to an old strawberry farm north of Copenhagen, and in 2016 Bergs Potter transformed an old pub in the centre of Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, into an office where they ran the company. After 80 years, Bergs Potter’s wares are still created with love in Tuscany, now sold in Scandinavia, Finland, Germany, France, Great Britain and the US, and still live on from one generation to the next. bergspotter.com

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A R T

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Absolutely admires Grayson Perry’s concept house in Essex

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H O M E | ARCHITECTURE

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

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House for Essex is a daring and provocative collaboration between FAT Architecture and Grayson Perr y. The house, which is situated in Wrabness close to the Essex coast, is an extraordinary work of architecture and art, which provides a setting for a number of specially commissioned works by Grayson Perry exploring the unique qualities of Essex.

A House For Essex was conceived as a landmark in the tradition of wayside and pilgrimage chapels. Like a pilgrimage chapel, the house is dedicated to a saint – in this case a secular one by the name of Julie Cope – and gives architectural expression to her life.

The design relates to a number of influences including Stave churches, arts and crafts houses and English baroque architecture.

Charles Holland of FAT Architecture has described the building as ”a radical statement about architecture and its capacity for narrative and communication.

The design embraces decoration, ornament and symbolism in order to tell a

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H O M E | ARCHITECTURE

It was a golden chance to realise a longheld ambition to build a secular chapel

RIGHT: GRAYSON PERRY WITH CHARLES HOLLAND OF FAT

rich and complex story. Formally, it is like a Russian doll, a series of archetypal house shapes that step up in scale as the building descends the hill”. The interior features a number of Grayson Perry’s handmade ceramic pots and tapestries depicting the fictional life of Julie, described by the artist as an ‘Essex Everywoman’. Visitors to the house pass through a series of unfolding spaces before entering the chapel, concealed behind two ‘hidden’ doors. The chapel itself is organised around a striking decorative object – part medieval rood screen, part baroque facade – that frames a ceramic statue of Julie herself. Upstairs the two bedrooms – with views to east and west – have walk-through cupboards that lead to internal balconies overlooking the chapel space. The exterior, clad in more than 1900 green and white ceramic tiles, are cast from originals made by Perry, depicting Julie as mother and icon, along with symbols

associated with her life. She appears again, on the roof in the manner of a giant weather vane in addition to a beautifully cast ceramic chimney pot, wheel sculpture and beacon.

Grayson Perry said: “When Living Architecture offered me the opportunity to collaborate with FAT it was a golden chance to realise a long-held ambition to build a secular chapel. Charles Holland and I batted ideas back and forth until a bonkers yet dignified design emerged glistening. The resulting building is a total art work, a fiction in which you can live, a digital age shrine and a homage to Charles’ and my home county.

I hope the people who stay in the House for Essex find it playful yet monumental, cosy and maybe slightly disturbing. It is a three-dimensional musing on religion, local history, feminism, happiness and death.”

Charles Holland of FAT said: “The house is a striking object in its setting, but one that also has formal resonance. It is like a richly encrusted and highly decorated barn, with a healthy dose of Essex bling thrown in. Ultimately, it is a built story with something of the qualities of a fairy tale and you come across it as an unlikely, somewhat fantastic surprise. Like Grayson, I was born and brought up in Essex so the house is both fiction and autobiography.”

A House for Essex is available to rent on a short-term holiday basis, and can sleep up to four people in two bedrooms. Slots are allocated by public ballot. living-architecture.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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MALVERN GARDEN BUILDINGS

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HOME • GARDENS

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G R E A T O U T D O O R S NOW'S THE TIME TO PREPARE YOUR GARDEN 1

IN THE SHADE

E A S T I N D I A PA R A S O L C O

These beautiful and flamboyant handmade parasols are crafted in India, Bali and the UK and come in a vast array of colours, prints and embellishments. From £399 eastlondonparasols.com

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S PA R K U P MORSO

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The Morsø Kamino outdoor fireplace is shaped in cast iron.

By decorating and warming all outdoor spaces, it will allow you to sit outside despite the chill. £1,299 morsoe.com

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TO P S E AT DA N E T T I

Made from lightweight yet sturdy plastic the Alma Garden Chair will instantly give your garden a fresh look. Choose from terracotta, aqua or grey. £170 for two. danetti.com

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P OT H E A D I O TA G A R D E N

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Available in 6 sizes, the Kyoto planter is ideal for specimen trees and shrubs in any contemporary setting. Made from a very strong, durable yet lightweight material, the neutral Anthracite colour makes it particularly versatile. From £160 iotagarden.com

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LO U N G E LOV E H A D E DA

Sit back and relax into this beautiful cane lounger, handwoven by skilled artisans in rural Malawi. Perfect for your covered outdoor area, sun room or pool terrace, this lounger is a touch of laid-back luxury. £650 hadeda.co.uk

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Used as an office space where Abigail can work on her designs, the cabin is a fully functioning garden room with heat, light and electricity, making it a viable alternative to working indoors. The window above the desk offers a view straight onto the garden. A change being as good as a rest, working surrounded by plants can feed a creative mind.

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H O M E | INSPIRE

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R B A N O A S I S

Inside designer Abigail Ahern’s texture-filled garden Words S A R A B I R D A N D DA N D U C H A R S

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esigner Abigail Ahern’s sun-dappled secret city garden is the most beautiful of green spaces just waiting to be discovered. Exquisitely nurtured and refined over time, this hidden haven shelters behind inner boundary walls and under handsome tree canopies. It is a striking and scenic urban landscape for friends and family to delight in.

By Abigail’s own admission, the garden is very different from its earliest incarnation, when she introduced quieter and subtler planting and terrain. Over time, the pebble and grass display fell short of her individual style, but today it is a different story. The original design has made way for a wilder, grander and suitably more statuesque collection of mature trees and green rooms with handsome sculptural furniture sited among the boughs and branches.

Abigail has incorporated many homewares into the garden so that it feels more like an indoor space. Walls are dressed with decorative displays, a chandelier hangs from a tree canopy ‘ceiling’ and the furniture, including a waxed paper-covered sofa and a glossy polished table, is pleasingly textured.

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H O M E | INSPIRE

A pinboard is placed inside the cabin, directly opposite the entrance so that it has a close connection to the natural world outside. A place to gather favourite things, to collect ideas and inspiration and to place everyday ephemera, it is a wonderful way to share thoughts and dreams.

Conscientiously cared for, the garden’s gradual transformation was influenced by Abigail’s many travels, from lush tropics to mountainous peaks. The engaging greenery she encountered abroad has found its path back to her own outdoor space, where swaying bamboo mingles with feathery ferns and trailing ivy. It is an incredibly restorative and soothing garden to spend time in.

And it is this uplifting, moving and sensory aspect that is most appreciated by Abigail and all who have the chance to experience it in this secret, soulful setting. The

rustling of foliage resonates around the garden, amplified by the closed-in nature of the planting, while favourite scented herbs and flowers fill the air with clarifying and cleansing fragrance. It is a positive and welcoming space in which life’s stresses and concerns ebb away, and it is tempting to tune out and lose oneself more than just once in a while. Abigail feels a close connection with the garden even when she is not in it, such is the feeling of heightened perception it offers. Just looking out from the windows can help her reconnect to this outer biosphere.

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H O M E | INSPIRE

The palette of greenery ranges from softly bleached foreground leaves to deeper black-greens in the shadows Being in this environment has the added advantage of stimulating Abigail’s creativity. Surrounding oneself with pattern, colour, light, texture and form in daily life can inspire the imagination, ingenuity and vision. Essential attributes for anyone working in the design industry, these energizing qualities influence our thought processes with such subtle nuance that they sometimes go unnoticed but benefit the mind and balance the spirit.

Abigail’s design background also plays a role in her confident use of colour. The palette of greenery in the garden ranges from softly bleached foreground leaves to deeper black-greens in the shadows. These shades are mirrored in her choice of furniture and fixtures. Materials, too, have been chosen with conviction: smooth all-weather synthetics, waxed paper, cast concrete and tumbled timber.

The garden has been designed to be used all year round with many internal fittings and fixtures being installed

This cabin was found via Ebay and came at an unbelievably low price. With its exterior painted black, it is a handsome addition to Abigail’s garden. The cabin has found a new lease of life here, serving as a charmingly bijou studio and shelter, and as a play space for her sister’s children when they visit.

Particular attention has been made to external lighting to ensure the garden has year-round appeal. Abigail took a bespoke approach, combining practical pendants with wall-mounted installations and charming festoon lights.

outside. Heating and lighting have been integrated to cater for the seasons, with a cozy fireplace and sociable firepit dressed with chandeliers, pendants and underplant lamps, festoon and string lights and a host of candles and lanterns. A cabin towards the rear acts as a bijou outdoor studio for Abigail and as a place where her sister’s children enjoy playing hide and seek. There is also ample seating dotted around. Shapely in style, it is designed for leisurely reclining rather than just quick perching. The garden is a great outdoor entertaining space, with areas offering many places to hide or hole up in for all ages.

Not just family and friends but wildlife is welcome here, too. Birds and mini beasts visiting the garden discover a welcome urban refuge among the ample greenery, much to the excitement of Mungo and Myrtle, Abigail’s pet dogs. Observing the rhythms of nature has resulted in a harmonious and biodiverse habitat in this garden, in spite of its city setting.

Extract taken from Gardens for the Soul

by Sara Bird and Dan Duchars, published

by Ryland Peters & Small, £25

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The Planter Specialist

From window boxes to tree planters, choose from wide range of stocked designs or custom-made to suit your space

www.iotagarden.com

Add a bit of luxury velvet with our collection of cushions and throws

SALES@RAGGEDROSE.COM | 01622 812897 | WWW.RAGGEDROSE.COM

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H O M E | GARDEN

Space age

Malvern Garden Buildings show how you can create the perfect work/life balance at home

S A garden building adds to your property’s value and is away from all the distractions of the house

ince the shift to home working over two years ago, 56% of us report increased levels of happiness. This newfound flexibility has allowed many of us to spend more time with families and find time for exercise. However, remote working has its drawbacks. Nearly one in three of us put in more hours and feel under pressure to be always available.

Who knows whether there will ever be a return to the pre-pandemic way of working?

Some companies have decided to go fully remote. Others are adopting a more hybrid approach. The next big experiment is the 4-day working week trial. Whether you’re craving a return to the office as it was, or you have no intention of giving up remote work privileges, a garden office is proving to be a very popular choice.

Jason Preece, general manager of Malvern Garden Buildings, says sales of garden offices have tripled: “Companies spend huge amounts bringing nature into the office to improve productivity and creativity, but what’s better than putting your office into nature? A garden building adds to your property’s value and is away from all the distractions of the house.”

As you work more from home, are you struggling to keep a healthy work/life balance? We all know we should set boundaries for the good of our health, but most of us worry we’ll look less committed. Yet when you establish boundaries, your worth rises. When you value yourself and your own time, your company will follow suit. Set yourself up for success with a dedicated garden workspace to give you the mental and physical separation between work and home life you deserve.

The remote work revolution means we have more control than ever before over our work environment. Call time on making kitchens, bedrooms, and sofas places of work. Regain focus and motivation to do your very best work in a garden office with nature breaks to lower stress and super-charge creativity.

M A LV E R N GA R D E N B U I L D I N G S Squire’s Garden Centre, Halliford Road, Upper Halliford, Shepperton, TW17 8SG 01932 783999 • malverngardenbuildings.co.uk

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Live

Luxuriously

Enjoy magical everyday moments on the finest luxury outdoor furniture and accessories, delivered in a matter of days.

From fully waterproof favourites to innovative new designs, indulge in carefree dining and relaxation with award-winning collections designed to enhance your outdoor spaces.

Discover this year's biggest garden design trends and innovations at Bridgman’s exclusive Outdoor Living Exhibition. Explore our award-winning garden furniture collections alongside premium outdoor products such as external shading systems, outdoor technology and delightful drinks from a selection of our favourite local partners. Visit your nearest showroom on: Friday 11th March, 11am to 4pm - Walton-on-Thames Monday 14th March, 11am to 4pm - Old Amersham Thursday 17th March, 11am to 4pm - Enfield Explore everything you need to make the most of your garden, whatever the weather. Visit bridgman.co.uk/pages/showroom-events to find out more and reserve your place.

ENFIELD

OLD AMER SHAM

WALTON - ON -THAMES

82 Lockfield Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield, EN3 7PX

7 Whielden Street, Old Amersham, HP7 0HT

Brassey House, 22-24 New Zealand Avenue, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1QD

020 8443 0880

01494 723517

01932 242707

ENFIELD

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OLD AMERSHAM

WA LTO N O N T H A M E S

W I L M S LO W

WINCHESTER

21/02/2022 14:11

VARIER VARIABLE PLUS, THE NEWEST KNEELING MODEL, DESIGNED BY PETER OPSVIK

N

atura lly, I’m not expecting the chair to move. My whole body reacts with shock when I sit down on what looks like a high-backed dining chair, only to find that it’s unstable and I’m immediately propelled forward. No, I haven’t broken it. In fact it’s just a harmless rocking chair, but my muscles weren’t expecting to have to do anything other than sink into it. Lucinda Newbound, an expert in ergonomics, laughs – mine’s a typical reaction. She’s unused to sitting in chairs that don’t move; in fact, she mostly disapproves of them. Chairs, she believes, should move, because making furniture that moves is the solution to pretty much all problems caused by the sedentary life.

Roughly 60% of the UK population worked from home during the lockdowns, and more than a quarter of us continue to do so. Half of the UK’s biggest employers have no plans to return all staff to the office full time, and what this means is that all over the country people are working from kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and even bathrooms. ‘Home offices’ range from wellequipped dedicated rooms to makeshift situations involving ironing boards, planks of wood laid over bathtubs or laptops in

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Working at home has caused some of us to be more sedentary than ever. Absolutely investigates ergonomic chairs that move Words P E N D L E H A R T E

VARIER THATSIT

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H O M E | OFFICE bed. All of these are disastrous for our posture, and can potentially cause actual damage to our backs and necks. While actual offices are equipped with adjustable chairs and subject to routine suitability assessments, our homes are not. A lawyer friend tells me that she’s anticipating a deluge of cases about neck pain resulting from home working during the pandemic.

Not that home working’s the only problem. Everybody knows that humans aren’t designed to sit at a desk all day, and that sitting down for eight hours at a stretch, potentially five days a week for

Everyone whose work is sedentary should be taking a long hard look at their chair 40 years, can have a devastating effect on our bodies and our fitness levels. The importance of taking regular breaks to stretch and walk around the room is widely recognised, but whether people actually take note is unclear – I’d guess that literally nobody sets an alarm to remind them to move around every 20 minutes. Whether it’s at home or in an office, everyone whose work is sedentary should be taking a long hard look at their chair.

Which brings us to moving furniture.

Norwegian industrial designer Peter Opsvik has been an advocate of ‘active sitting’ since the 1970s, when he developed his first kneeling chair. It remains a bestseller today, with its rocking action and cushiony knee pads. I have come to Back in Action in Marylebone to look at alternative seating options, and this is where Lucinda Newbound is laughing at my rocking chair response. For her, sitting properly is her business, and as the only ergonomics outfit to work directly with the consumer, lockdown brought in a lot of new customers.

“People focus a lot on supporting the spine, but for us that isn’t the focus. With moving furniture, the fit of the chair isn’t as significant, because the focus is on moving rather than on perfect posture.

When a chair rocks, for instance, and you lean forward, you automatically adjust your neck muscles and your whole body is low-level engaged.” Building movement into the furniture means that instead of just sitting, or slumping for hours, you are actively moving all the time, whether rocking or balancing or shifting. And a good office chair should move in all

EKSTREM CHAIR

directions: forwards and backwards, side to side, up and down. But it’s not exclusively about moving. Position is important too, and keeping your knees below your hips, and therefore your spine over your pelvis, creates a forward tilt that is important for core fitness, and that’s what makes the kneeling chair so good.

And me? I have installed a kneeling chair in my home office and can report higher energy levels and better posture.

The Varier Variable Plus is the newest kneeling model, designed by Peter Opsvik and different to his original kneeling chair in that it has an integrated backrest, and thus offers countless different sitting positions. “There’s no wrong way to sit on it,” says Lucinda. I can lean back or shift forward, I can rock or balance and I notice myself shifting position a lot. For the first few days, my legs feel as though I’ve done a heavy session at the gym. Lucinda warns me that this might happen, as forgotten muscles are forced into action.

Lucinda has spent her life in ergonomic chairs. Her parents set up Back in Action and were the UK’s first importers of the Tripp Trapp chair (also designed by Peter Opsvik) which was virtually unknown here in the 80s. She was a Tripp Trapp baby and grew up in a household full of unconventional chairs, including the unlikely looking Gravity chair, which reclines so far back that your feet end up above your head, and you need to fully engage your stomach muscles to pull yourself back up. It’s very comfortable for watching tv, she says. And the Ekstrem chair, which doesn’t move, but also doesn’t look like a chair, offers countless different sitting positions with no slouching.

So, all you homeworkers, ask yourself whether you really are sitting comfortably.

And next time you notice someone rocking gently on Zoom, don’t be alarmed: ask them what kind of chair they’re in. backinaction.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Now

open

811-813, Wandsworth Rd London, SW8 3JH

+44 (0)20 8150 3257 Opening times

Mon - Fri : 9am - 6pm Sat - Sun : 10am - 5pm

Visit our new showroom Bursting with interior inspiration and home decor,

we’re renowned for having 1000s of beautiful products online with a 48 hour dispatch time.

We’re celebrating, so please enjoy 10% off in store

and online on all products by using ABSOLUTELY10 upon checkout.

www.cultfurniture.com

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HOME • TECH

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H I G H T E C H

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B A S E C U RV E R UA R K

OUR PICK OF STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL GADGETS

The R5 is the perfect all-in-one system for music and design enthusiasts alike. Finished in walnut with curved edges and a smooth feel, it's a premium piece of kit. £1099 ruartaudio.com

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CLEAN AIR BLUEAIR

This stylish looking unit is a portable air purifier that filters particles like dust, pollen, mold and pet dander that can cause and exacerbate allergies, leaving you breathing and sleeping easy. £179 blueair.com

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TA K E O U T

BA NG & OLUFSEN

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Bang & Olufsen’s award-winning Beosound Explore is now available in two beautiful new colourways: Navy Blue and Chestnut. The portable speaker is waterproof and lightweight, with an impressive battery life of 27 hours. £169 bang-olufsen.com

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WA L L O F S O U N D MARANTZ

Marantz's Model 40n is an integrated amplifier with outstanding sound quality alongside a vast library of digital music, podcasts and more. £2,199 marantz.com

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H E A D S PAC E B&O

Lambskin leather. Memory foam cushions. An ergonomic pressure-relieving headband that fits different types of head. These versatile over-ear headphones give you cocoon-like comfort. £449 bang-olufsen.com

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

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MELANIE LISSACK’S KORNÖ BED WITH A CUSTOMISED LOW TORNÖ HEADBOARD

T H E A D in the

C L O U D S

he perfect night’s sleep is the holy grail of life.

The quality of our sleep defines our day – and a good night will always lead to happier, more productive and successful waking hours. But how to achieve it? When designing a bedroom, there are lots of factors to consider – lighting, temperature, colours. But most important is, of course, the bed itself.

Swedish bed company Carpe Diem Beds was founded 25 year ago by chiropractor Börje Thuleskär, a firm believer in the importance of sleep for body and mind.

He sought out the best mattress on the market, but wasn’t impressed by it and one day fell asleep on a bed of heather by the sea in Sweden – where he realised that nature contoured to his body far more than any bed ever had. This led him to embark on a quest to build the perfect bed, one that would mimic the feeling of weightlessness he had had on the heather.

The quest took thousands of hours and a partnership with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. The final result is Carpe Diem Beds’ patented Contour Pocket System, which has a unique cushioning ability. It gently yields and supports at the same time, instantly moulding to your body’s contours and changing with your every movement.

You can feel the mattress embrace your hips and shoulders while gently supporting your lumbar and waist. Your spine is relieved of tension, and your muscles can finally relax.

Just like lying on a bed of heather on the cliffs by the Swedish sea.

Carpe Diem Beds burst onto the London market two years ago, opening a showroom in Wigmore Street. The entire range is on show and people are encouraged to

VINDÖ BED

Swedish bedmaker Carpe Diem Beds, a world-leader in high quality beds, opens a second London showroom in Chelsea this spring Words P E A R L B OY D

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| FOCUS HHOOMMEE| XXXXXX SANDO BED WITH HEADBOARD

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BED CONSULTATION from Store Manager Rui Franca

When customers are prepared to spend some time and unwind in one of our stores, they should consider setting aside one or two hours for this. Not only will visitors be consulted on what model suits their needs, but also what tension works best for their body and sleep patterns.

Once in the bed, you should be able to switch off your mind, and merely listen to your body. It will tell you if it’s too firm, too soft, or just about right.

come and try out the beds. It has been hugely popular among design-conscious Londoners and new showrooms are set to open this spring in Fulham Road and at Harrods, where the focus is on customising beds to meet your exact needs, both physical and aesthetic. With an array of legs, headboards, fabrics and functions, these beds are designed to be as beautiful to look at as they are to sleep in. Carpe Diem Beds offers a full bedroom design experience so that you can create your individual sanctuary where you can unwind.

As beautiful as they are innovative, these beds are handmade-to-order and are fully customizable to your needs. From beautiful nature—inspired fabrics from the Designers Guild and The Romo Group to an array of bed linen, bedroom accessories, and furniture, Carpe Diem Beds will help you design the bedroom sanctuary of your dreams.

Influencer and interior design blogger Melanie Lissack is a fan of the design service. She has been sleeping in a Kornö bed with a customised Low Tornö headboard for two months and says: “Getting into the bed for the first time, my body responded and I felt comfort instantly - I felt supported and I quickly unwound from the day. My back and my legs felt aligned and level, and I now sleep a lot deeper than I did before.” She configured the bed to create a contemporary look in her home by choosing each component individually: “I was drawn to the quality of the Designer’s Guild Zaragoza Eggshell in

To be able to select the perfect bed, one must not disregard the importance of a great pillow. To get the perfect combination, we will analyse how the bed shapes to your body and help you selecting the matching pillow based again on your sleep patterns and body structure. The whole process is meant to help you find the bed of your dreams and make the best possible investment in your sleep.

“The brand is hugely popular among design-conscious Londoners” an off-white beige and surprised myself by picking this neutral. However, as someone who changes the decor of a room as much as I change my socks, this light shade had an ageless quality that would work with any decor transitions. To add colour, Carpe Diem Beds made me some huge headboard cover pillows in Romo’s Asuri Mulberry and a throw pillow in DG Zaragoza Pebble.

I selected single Lod Bed Legs in black to match the off-white fabric to create a modern, monochrome scheme; the slender design of the Lod Legs felt more weightless and balanced out the dominance of the headboard.”

Once you try a night in a bed from Carpe Diem Beds, no other bed will do. Visit the new showroom to experience the brand for yourself and design your perfect bed, and try the online configurator to see all the available options.

With this in mind, the bed of your dreams not only has to feel great, it has to look great as well, so as part of our consultation process we will take customer step-by-step into all our design options where you will be able to select from one of our 36 different fabrics, leg options, and offering you some advice on how you can combine different fabrics and textures in the form of decoration cushions and additional bedroom furniture that together with the bed, will make the bedroom into your personal sanctuary.

CARPE DIEM BEDS’ WIGMORE STREET SHOWROOM

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By PENDLE HARTE

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Vinyl flooring A M T I C O X N AT I O N A L T R U S T

Yes, vinyl. Encaustic tiles are just too high maintenance. With Luxury Vinyl Tile, there are no crevices or joins for dirt to settle in, and the finish is sleek and luxe. Amtico's new collaboration with the National Trust has taken inspiration from period properties to create a collection of geometric designs and precision-cut statement flooring. amtico.co.uk

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H O M E | KITCHENS

Colour scene K I TC H EN A I D

For kitchen gadgets, the brighter the better. Forget the boring chrome kettle or the sleek black toaster.

What our kitchen counters need now is a display of bright colours, and that's why Kitchenaid's colour of the year is beetroot. How better to mix a beetroot brownie than in a beetroot stand mixer? £599 kitchenaid.co.uk

Green doors PLAIN ENGLISH

Kitchens have been blue for several years now, but the standard is changing and 2022’s hottest kitchens are green. Alongside a focus on sustainable living, and in a leafy, plant-filled environment, green-painted kitchen units and cabinets look contemporary and stylish.

Green tiles and green floors are also gaining popularity, though perhaps not all at once. plainenglishdesign.co.uk

Plant life B E ARDS AN D DAISIES

Kitchens that look like living spaces are very much of the moment, and kitchens full of plants are a natural extension of this. Herb gardens, hanging plants, or just a single statement leafy feature. Beards and Diaises can advise on plants specifically suited to kitchens, and will deliver to your door. (Pantry by hmillerbros.co.uk) beardsanddaisies.co.uk

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The wfh corner YO KO K LO ED EN

With more than a quarter of people set to continue working from home at least part of the time, the pressure on desk space is real.

Working from the kitchen table is not ideal, so creative solutions are needed. Pull-down desks like this are being installed in new kitchens all over town, providing a simple yet effective solution. They're great for home work too. yokokloeden.com

The pantry T H E M Y ER S TO U C H

Kitchen designers are upping their game when it comes to storage, and the clever pantry is top of everyone's wishlist. Compartments for gadgets, shelves and pull-out drawers, bottle racks, spice racks and a dedicated space for everything will appeal to everyone's inner Marie Kondo. themyerstouch.co.uk

A breakfast bar F I N C H AT T O N

A breakfast bar is both social and practical, and not just for breakfast.

Cocktails are as suited to the breakfast bar are as coffee, and it's a great space for homework too. For easy dining, snacking and conversation, the breakfast bar is a kitchen essential.

This one is by design firm Finchatton. finchatton.com

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ANTIQUE OAK FLOORING

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

20 Smugglers Way Wandsworth London SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771

www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

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H O M E | DESIGN

HOME ECONOMY

Absolutely quizzes MJ Truong about her award-winning new cookware designs Words E V E H E R B E R T

M How can design choices support less wasteful homes?

J Truong is a passionate product designer who was inspired as a student at Yale to pursue a career in industrial design. Since 2013 she has been a founding member of the Meyer Labs team at Meyer’s Hong Kong headquarters. While 80-90% of all industrial designers are men, Meyer is dedicated to pursuing diversity and amplifying women’s voices, and Truong’s Accent series received the Red Dot Design Award 2021.

Tell us about your Accent cookware range. What makes it different?

There are several unique design innovations. The pots’ signature bell-shaped curve helps catch unexpected spills and boilovers, for one. And with tidy, nesting pans and universal lids, the pans are easy to store.

The ergonomic, heat-resistant silicone handle provides a seriously comfortable grip, while the rim lets you pour sauces and liquids with ease.

What is your design philosophy?

Our design philosophy is people-driven, food-focused and simple. User research is

the key component in our product development process - our product designs come from insights we collect from cooking with people all over the world and observing their daily lives and needs in the kitchen.

How did you research your product?

We wanted to develop a better understanding of global cooking habits and trends, insights on what problems people experience whilst cooking, or what unmet needs might exist in home kitchens globally. To do this, we kicked off an ethnographic research process, visiting the US, UK, India, China, Singapore, Japan and Australia.

We discovered that the UK is much more interested in induction-capable cookware than, say, the US — which could be because the UK public is greener-minded, or perhaps because home construction practices favour induction hobs. British kitchens tend to be smaller than US kitchens and feature washing machines, much like Hong Kong but quite unlike the US. Dishwashers are pretty common too, so dishwasher-safe cookware is definitely a priority for the UK market. British people also seem to use their ovens more than other markets — most Asian households don’t have ovens at all, except in Singapore.

One of the insights we found was that kitchen cupboards aren’t sparking joy mismatched diameters, handles sticking out everywhere, cookware generally being sold in massive box sets all contribute to chaos and clutter...so we started thinking: isn’t there a better way? How can design choices support less wasteful, more intentional homes and environments for people? meyer.com

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

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP < Quince – Neptune’s refreshing new paint colour Inspired by the fruit itself, it is an uplifting citrus shade, which blends fresh green hues and a warming red undertone.

Aldwych wardrobe This wardrobe joins Neptune’s existing family of Aldwych bedroom pieces - a clean-lined and understated collection.

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<< Wardley dining chairs in a new Warm Black finish Contrasting with the light of spring, Neptune’s Windsor-inspired Wardley chair now comes in a black finish with a hint of warmth to it. < Quince botanical illustrations To complement their new SS22 shade, the new additions to Neptune’s wall art collection feature the fruit itself.

This collection will be available online at neptune.com and in the stores below.

NEPTUNE FULHAM | SW6 2TD | 020 7371 9997 NEPTUNE WIMBLEDON | SW19 1RX | 020 3362 8240 NEPTUNE CHISWICK | W4 4HH | 020 3814 1220

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National Trust Papers II Latest National Wallpaper Collection | Available Trust Papers II Now Showrooms – Marylebone |Trust ChelseaPapers Hill | Islington Latest National Wallpaper Collection || Notting Available II Now Order free samples & colour cards or| find your nearest stockistHill at littlegreene.com Showrooms – Marylebone Chelsea | Islington Latest Wallpaper Collection || Notting Available Now Colour consultancy service available nationwide and online Order free samples & colour cards or| find your nearest stockistHill at littlegreene.com Showrooms – Marylebone Chelsea | Notting Wallpaper: Burges Snail – Dark Blue from nationwide National Trust Papers II | Islington Colour consultancy service available and online Burges Snail outfit created exclusively by British bridal designer Halfpenny London Order free samples & colour cards or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com Wallpaper: Burges Snail – Dark Blue from nationwide National Trust Papers II Colour consultancy service available and online

littlegreene.com

Burges Snail outfit created exclusively by British bridal designer Halfpenny London

littlegreene.com

Wallpaper: Burges Snail – Dark Blue from National Trust Papers II Burges Snail outfit created exclusively by British bridal designer Halfpenny London

littlegreene.com

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“It’s an exciting process to imagine and create spaces that people will live in daily”

B U T TE R F LY

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H O M E | DESIGN

Mary Katrantzou launches her first interiors collection, a range of tiles for Villeroy & Boch Words P E A R L B OY D

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ashion designer Mary Katrantzou has launched a vibrant and colourful tile collection with Villeroy & Boch. This new partnership is the designer’s first foray into interior design.

When Katrantzou was first approached by the tile manufacturer, she was instantly drawn to its over two centuries’ history of design and manufacturing. As a former architectural student, Katrantzou was keen to convert her approach to fashion into a spatial context of walls and floors. She believes that striking a harmonious balance between colour, pattern and form is just as important in interiors as it is in fashion.

In the Victorian collection, Katrantzou sought to transform tiles into a collectable piece of art and drew inspiration from objects, interiors and the natural world.

Butterflies are central to the new Victorian collection and have been a recurring theme in her fashion collections, Katrantzou sees them as one of the truest examples of metamorphosis. The designer was also inspired by postage stamps and timeless Victorian design and wanted to create tiles that captured a sense of nostalgia but were equally graphic and modern in their design.

Katrantzou said: “It’s been an exciting process to imagine and create spaces that people will live in daily. These designs form part of an individual’s home, where they surround themselves with things they love, creating a feeling of permanence that’s very different to the very nature of fashion.” marykatranzou.com

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

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1 0 – 13 M A R C H Battersea Park London Book your tickets at affordableartfair.com

Peaceful

by Lisa Henshall ArtDog London, £850

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H O M E | TREND

MAXWELL WILLIAMS Medina Ceramic Square Tile, £2.50 hartsoftur.com

BAKED TILE CO Journeyman Zellige Green Tile, from 59p per tile bakedtiles.co.uk

TILE MOUNTAIN Victoriana Oxford Wall and Floor Tile , £25.99 tilemountain.co.uk

ORIGINAL STYLE Deco Tayberry W2817VTA, £3.3 originalstyle.com

TILE MOUNTAIN Clay Blossom Floor Tile, £22.99, tilemountain.co.uk

SQ UAR E DA N C E All the best tiles for walls and floors

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

WALLS AND FLOORS Terrazzo Hexagon Nevada Pink Porcelain Tile, £38.95 wallsandfloors.co.uk

PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE Arthouse Leaf Porcelain Tile, £48.33 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

WALLS AND FLOORSChatham Rose Brick Tile, £39.95 wallsandfloors.co.uk

WALLS AND FLOORSCement Taupe Concrete Effect Tile, £17.95, wallsandfloors.co.uk

THE LONDON TILE CO Design Pattern C wall/floor tile londontile.co.uk

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oConcept, a Danish furniture brand, elevates home interiors with iconic designs created by the world’s most respected designers. From stunning sofas and armchairs to modular storage units and beautiful accessories, they have crafted an incredible collection of home furniture oozing with creativity and ingenuity.

Beautifully finished in exquisite Danish craftsmanship, as you’d expect from a luxury retailer.

It’s not just the collection that distinguishes BoConcept from the competition; it’s also the truly personalised service they provide. Every customer receives a free comprehensive interior design service, whether at home, virtually, or in-store, for a small room update or a large whole-home transformation. Their interior designers collaborate with you to incorporate decor ideas, home accessories, and other elements to create a one-of-akind look for your home.

Perhaps you want to create a Nordic mood in the dining room with Scandinavian style sideboards, elegant dining tables and dining chairs, or a luxury hotel vibe in your living room with sofas, recliner armchairs, and daybeds in leather, velvet, or your preferred fabric. How can this level of customisation be possible? BoConcept’s furniture can be customised exactly to your needs and tastes to give you a truly personalised home, and they are renowned for their modularity, functionality, and uncompromising quality – all expressed with effortless style. Because material is everything, they offer over 120 different fabrics and materials to choose from, including aniline leather, felt, velvet, oak, walnut, chrome, steel, and many more. Together with you, they can combine these materials and surfaces to create bespoke combinations that are tailored to

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

home. A modern Nordic interior, with its muted colours and minimalistic designs, is both calming and homely while also grand and impressive. This foundation palette will assist you in achieving an authentic Scandinavian base to which you can add pops of your own personal style. It also looks great with blonde oak, stony ceramics, and cement accents. Consider this palette to be a deep exhalation. A midsummer sunset.

Shady sand. Chai latte. Artisan pottery.

Everything about it is designed to soothe and calm.

QUIET LUXURY

your tastes and perfectly complement your personality. Here are a few timeless trends from BoConcept that will help inspire your design journey.

CALMING NEUTRALS This Scandinavian expression adds a natural and warm touch to a design or space. The colours chosen for Scandi fans depart from the traditional Nordic base of whites and near-whites in favour of warmer, creamier hues. There’s a reason why so many people all over the world yearn for an authentic Scandinavian aesthetic in their

With its deep, saturated earthy tones and subtle brown, blue, and blacks, this contemporary expression adds a vibrant city sophistication to a design or space.

This colour scheme is a tribute to the world’s great cities. Those in which you live and those in which you yearn. The Quiet Luxury palette is, indeed, a metropolis of inspiration. It comes with deep, saturated earthy tones – an amplified response to our desire for the natural. Its black base has now veered into subtly brown and blue territory as well. Dark oaks, natural leathers, and plush fabrics will add a moody touch.

With spring on the way, now is a great time to find a home for all of those miscellaneous items we all accumulate. Storage can be unique, expressive, and inventive, giving you a great opportunity to express yourself.

BoConcept takes pride in their ability to customise their storage systems to you and your space. They can create anything from a simple shelving system to a unique and personalised combination by combining

People all over the world yearn for an authentic Scandinavian aesthetic different inserts, fronts, and materials.

The versatility of BoConcept’s wall systems allows them to meet any storage requirement in any room.

In their factory in Denmark, they design and manufacture storage systems out of the finest materials. In your custom solution, their craftsman combine glass, veneer, oak, walnut, and lacquered surfaces. With so many different materials, colours, inserts, doors, drawers, and other features to choose from, customising the perfect storage unit for you can be difficult.

In fact, figuring out how to make the ideal furniture solution can be difficult. That is why all BoConcept stores have professional interior designers on hand to assist you in measuring, selecting, and designing.

The beautiful shops have everything you need and more. There is a large selection of Danish-designed sofas, chairs, tables, beds, storage solutions, and accessories available, as well as professional interior design advice.

Shop in-store at BoConcept Battersea Reach, Harrods, Finchley Road, Notting Hill, Tottenham Court Road, Guildford, Bentalls Kingston, Westfield London and Fenwick Brent Cross.

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CURTAIN CALL INSPIRED INTERIORS Our redesigned and extended showroom is now open, incorporating a large Luxaflex design studio showing the latest motorised blinds, nestled alongside nearly new curtains and a huge choice of fabrics to be made to measure as curtains and blinds Please call for Showroom appointments

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm • Closed Wed from 1pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • www.curtain-call.co.uk info@curtain-call.co.uk

Traditional Timber Window and Door Specialists Beautiful, high quality windows and doors. Crafted in the UK and designed to complement your period home, while improving energy efficiency.

Trusted trader

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01344 868 668 www.sashwindow.com

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Churchill

C U R TA I N C L E A N I N G S E R V I C E S

When only the best really matters Churchill Curtain Cleaning Services are London’s leading specialist cleaners of interlined curtains, drapes, swags and tails, pelmets, fabric blinds, nets and voiles using advanced cleaning and finishing equipment and employing skilled and security checked personnel.

Working in London’s finest homes and business premises since 1963.

Recommended and endorsed by leading designers, curtain makers and stores.

Churchill remains a market leader, proud of a client base that reflects it’s own standards.

NO SHRINKAGE GUARANTEE

30 Kings Road, London E4 7JE

020 7225 2323

info@curtaincleaners.com curtaincleaners.com

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Eltham

✓ Friendly in-home service

✓ Options for every budget

✓ Price includes measuring & fitting YOUR LOCAL BLINDS, CURTAINS & SHUTTERS SPECIALIST • I provide expert advice on the best window solutions • Flexible appointment times • Blinds & curtains tailor-made here in the UK

“My local advisor helped me find a blind to fit my budget.

The service was second to none”.

Laura Jackson, customer

• Ask me about multi-blind discounts • I won’t be beaten on price* • Electric blinds available

ROLLERS | ROMANS | VERTICALS | VENETIANS | CURTAINS | SHUTTERS | WOODEN BLINDS

Call me for a free in-home appointment: Kris Lewis 07456 845494 *Based on the same spec, size & levels of service.

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

New shades

markilux celebrates 50 years of awning design with the launch of “High Five” anniversary colours Words E V E H E R B E R T

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wning manufacturer markilux sees colour as an essential factor in exclusive design.

Colour gives a product personality, whether as a striking detail or as an atmospherecreating interplay of colours. For its 50th anniversary, the awning specialist has come up with a number of trendy special colours.

Awnings have long since become a lifestyle product. Nowadays, some of them are just as chic as sophisticated designer furniture - as is the case with products from markilux. The company now wants to celebrate its 50-year success story with a special campaign.

 High Five In 2022 markilux is celebrating its 50th anniversary with five elegant frame colours: the “High Five”. This year, they will be available for the manufacturer’s awnings at no extra charge.

Statement on quality

That is why in 2022 the company is making all but one of its models available in five new frame colours – the “High Five” – at no extra charge. The anniversary name is also a statement on high quality, exclusive design and the fact that the awnings are made in Germany. The awning specialist also sees the anniversary colours as a special thank you to its loyal customers.

Classy colours that will take your fancy

Dazzling names such as Concept Black, Space Blue metallic, Fine Green, New Champagne metallic and Real Silver metallic will certainly whet your appetite. These elegant colours are finely nuanced shades that showcase different furnishing styles

“Colour is an essential factor in exclusive design” from quiet to expressive, sometimes trendy, sometimes timeless. A light reed green, elegant silver and champagne meet calming cobalt blue and stylish black.

Dazzling appearance

“High Five” designer Annette Busch took her inspiration from garden furniture, outdoor textiles, wall and floor tiles as well as building façades. The frame colours are elegant, classic and harmonious with a homely touch, and give awnings a touch of glamour. .

For further information, please visit markilux.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SAVE

20%*

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

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk

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*Quote ‘Absolutely’ when you call or visit our showroom.

Subject to terms and conditions.

18/02/2022 13:20

H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

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W O R D S Castrads’ latest radiator takes its name from Emmeline Pankhurst, and it’s a solid vote-winner Words P E A R L B OY D

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astrads radiators are a sustainable heating option with a timeless aesthetic. Castrads is committed to work i ng a ga i nst inbuilt obsolescence, with radiators that are built to last centuries. Castrads is the first radiator company working towards using exclusively recycled iron and mycelium packaging.

Ca strads prov ides innovative technology, like their thermostatic control valves, that encourage people to heat their homes efficiently, reducing energy use and wasted heat. This fully mechanical valve allows you to set the ambient temperature in the room. When the room reaches the desired temperature, the valve closes and the radiator stops heating. The room then cools, the valve opens and the radiator begins to heat again.

With a focus on planned permanence over in-built obsolescence, Castrads has been working toward supplying and manufacturing their own products, designed completely in-house. Emmeline is the second family of radiators made solely

by Castrads. It is cast in a fully electric

Castrads’ range of colours and styles fits seamlessly into all homes foundry in Europe and manufactured at Castrads HQ in Manchester, UK. Named after the Manchester-born political activist Emmeline Pankhurst known for being instrumental in securing women the right to vote, this is an updated school radiator designed by Castrads.

With a scalloped topline, gentle contours and refined feet, Emmeline is a new take on a long-established style.

Whilst cast iron radiators look at home in period properties, Castrads’ wide range of colours and styles fit seamlessly into more contemporary homes as well.

Castrads offers 24 exclusive finishes in their Bare Metal and Signature ranges as well as any colour from Farrow & Ball, Little Greene or Benjamin Moore, giving you over 500 colour options.

Castrads offers virtual and on-site consultations, heat loss calculations, design suggestions with colour samples, and expert advice every step of the way.

For inspiration follow their Instagram and order a free brochure.

If you’d like a one to one consultation and to see their radiators in person, visit a Castrads’ showroom in Chelsea. . castrads.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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it’s time to put compromise to bed

7 out of 10 people are sleeping on the wrong mattress Too many of us are making do with a mattress that’s not suited to our unique sleep needs. At Silentnight we can match you to a mattress that’s perfect for you.

In fact, from beds to bedding, we have sleep solutions for the whole family.

discover solutions for every sleeper silentnight.co.uk find us @silentnightbeds

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H O M E | PROMOTION

Everyone needs a bit of TLC – temperature, light and comfort

S L E E P S C I E N C E Finding the right sleep solutions for better sleep Words CA S PA R DAV I D

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ove over, complicated yoga poses and green smoothies for breakfast. A good night’s sleep is rapidly becoming the biggest wellness goal. But if it’s not just about closing your eyes and hoping for the best, what actually goes into eight hours of peaceful shut eye?

Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day (weekends too) helps you to get into a regular sleep pattern, setting your internal body clock. Ideally, you should start to wind down an hour before going to bed and set the scene for a restful night’s sleep by dimming the lights and relaxing your body.

“When we talk about what creates a good night’s sleep, we say that everyone

needs a bit of TLC – temperature, light and comfort,” says Silentnight’s sleep expert, Hannah Shore. “Temperature is very important: we need to cool down our core temperature to encourage the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Light impacts us too; use of screens and phones at night discourage melatonin and keep us pumped with cortisone, try to resist the urge to scroll through social media and instead do something relaxing like reading or listen to some soothing music.” Then there’s comfort – that’s what Silentnight really focuses on as a sleep brand.

Silentnight have delved deep into spine alignment, pressure points on a mattress and even the microclimate created under a duvet, giving them a complete understanding of what mattresses and bedding work for what kind of person and why. This is key because it turns out we need more support on this than you might think. “Our research found that when given the choice, 68% of people would choose the wrong firmness for their body shape,” says Shore. Make sure you are choosing the right mattress firmness for your body type: softer mattresses are more suitable to smaller, lighter people, while those with a larger body type will feel more supported with a firmer mattress. Then look at the the comfort layer, to make sure it’s right for your needs and preferences, for example if you tend to overheat, breathable eco fibres would be recommended. Whereas, if you’re looking for soothing pressure relief, Silentnight would suggest memory or gel-infused foam mattresses. Silentnight offers a 60 night comfort exchange, to give you a few weeks to settle into your mattress and make sure it’s the right one for you.

Silentnight, the UK’s most trusted sleep brand, have been creating mattresses for over 75 years and are on a mission to improve the nation’s rest. They have embraced the science of sleep, combining research with rigorous testing to create total sleep solutions to suit every type of sleeper. @silentnightbeds #MySilentNight silentnight.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Upcoming Auctions in March We are now welcoming consignments for our Spring & Summer auctions.

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

Contact info@roseberys.co.uk with the details and images of your object to receive a complimentary valuation from one of our specialists.

Traditional & Modern Home Tuesday 1 March

Day 1: Modern & Contemporary Prints & Multiples Tuesday 8 March

Day 2: Modern & Contemporary Prints & Multiples Prints from the estate of master printer Alan Cox

Jewellery & Watches Tuesday 15 March

Wednesday 9 March

Old Master & 19th Century Pictures

Fine & Decorative

Tuesday 22 March

Wednesday 23 March

70/76 Knights Hill, London SE27 0JD | www.roseberys.co.uk | info@roseberys.co.uk | +44 (0)20 8761 2522

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TRAVEL

ALPINE SUN SUMMER IN THE TIROL

Mountains aren't just for skiing: we visit an Austrian resort that offers countless summer activities including mountain biking and lake swimming as well as a strong focus on James Bond.

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HIGH Mountains offer much more than just snow. Summer in the Tirol offers a host of fun-filled activities Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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t’s hard to think of anything more fun than cycling up a mountain. Especially while barely breaking a sweat. This isn’t an extreme endurance test, and we are not professionals; we have come to the Tirol to experience an excellent network of cycle trails on electric mountain bikes and I can’t imagine anyone not thinking it’s the most fun they’ve ever had.

Any ski resort with a bit of nous realised long ago that the seasonal nature of their business was restrictive. Summering in the mountains has always attracted fans of lakes and hiking, but the appeal is niche when compared to the beach. The cleverest mountain areas have upped their game considerably to offer a year-round programme of activities to suit virtually everyone, and one of the cleverest of them all is Sölden, an alpine resort in the Tyrol’s Otztal Valley, south of Innsbruck and close to the Italian

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border. Nearby Obergurgl is a popular ski area for British people, but Sölden, home to the skiing World Cup opener, is more popular with Dutch and German skiiers. In the summer it’s quieter but there’s still a lot to be said for it, and not just the low season rates.

There’s the vast beauty of the landscape, the clarity of the air and the enormous range of activities. Including mountain biking, which is made possible for people of all levels of experience, or none at all.

A state-of-the-art new tourist office in town offers a high-tech walk-through taster experience of the region’s highlights, enabling us to plan our activities and routes in detail.

Hiking trails take in impressive bridges and views, as well as dreamy mountain huts that offer hearty meals. For me, the highlight is cycling, and the options are varied. At Bike Republic in town, staff can furnish you with every single bit of kit, whether you’re after an

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TRAVEL • NORTHERN TRAVEL • EUROPE LIGHTS

“The vast beauty of the landscape, the clarity of the air and the enormous range of activities”

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TRAVEL • EUROPE

“A special Bond museum is built at 3,000 metres” DAS CENTRAL

electric or a regular bike. You might want to take it up in the cable car and then follow one of the marked trails down – standing up in the saddle, forefingers only on the brakes, knees bent, hurtling down the path at great speed.

Or you might prefer to take an e-bike on a long ride through the valley, along flat stretches where you can admire the breathtaking scenery in a leisurely way, and then simply set the bike to ‘boost’ and speed up the steepest incline with almost no effort at all.

Fans of James Bond are also drawn to Sölden. Many Austrian ski resorts have

SÖLDEN CABLE CAR

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007 connections, but nowhere apart from Sölden has a special Bond museum built at 3,000 metres at the exact location of much of the action in Spectre. And nowhere else has a glass cube structure at its highest peak, housing a restaurant with a Tom Dixon interior and spectacular 360-degree views. We don layers and head up in the high tech gondola all the way to the top. At 3,000 metres the Ice-Q, the glass structure that so impressed Spectre’s location scouts, is impressive; next to it is a new concrete bunker that’s home to the museum. It’s a no-expense-spared exhibit focusing on the history of Bond and the creative feats involved in making the films. Enthusiasts will love it, and it’s accessible for the less obsessed too.

The best watersports activities in the area are to be found at Area 47, a large lake near a rapid river where you can try out all the watersports you’ve ever heard of, as well as many that you haven’t. So there’s blobbing (hilariously), and canonball, and more slides than we’ve ever seen, some of them improbably high. There’s a slackline across the lake which we happily fall off repeatedly, a climbing wall from which you can fall into the water and a restaurant terrace allowing great views over everything. We spend the whole morning entering and exiting the water

by different means before assembling for our rafting afternoon. We are kitted out in full body wetsuits with boots, hats and life vests and given a detailed introductory talk (the instructor is English; most staff here are students who have found the best summer job ever) and we set off down the river, 12 of us all clinging to our paddles (there’s a 50 euro fine for each lost one) and shrieking with laughter as we cascade down the river. It’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time (or at least since mountain biking).

Das Central is a great place to stay.

It’s a family-run hotel with friendly staff who know and love the area. Half-board means breakfast and dinner every day, and they seat you at the same table each time, which instantly makes you feel like a regular. Staff wear traditional dirndls and buffet breakfasts are as huge and generous as you would imagine. It’s all wooden chalet-style with a contemporary edge.

The hotel can organise a handy Summer Card for the region, which allows you free or discounted entry to so many things that there’s a weighty booklet to list them all. Ski lifts, swimming pools, mountain bike school, public transport, museums.

Still dreaming of the beach? Forget it, and try a summer in the mountains.

DA S C E N T R A L Das Central Hotel, Sölden, Austria has double rooms available from €200 per person / per night, based on two people sharing on a half board basis. central-soelden.com

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UK STE

RAIL D from

TRIP AY

AM

£115

The Mancunian

25 EST.1997

Saturday 26th March 2022 This tour offers a unique opportunity to travel by a special charter train to the bustling city of Manchester. The train will be steamhauled throughout from London Euston to Manchester by LMS Princess Coronation Pacific No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland.

Price • Standard Class £115pp/£358 family – includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

• First Class £185pp/£565 family – includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Premier Dining £285pp/£870 family – includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner served at your seat.

Bob Green

For more information including approximate timings please call or visit our web site…

To order free UK Steam Rail Day Trips, UK Rail and European Rail Holiday brochures please visit our website.

01553 661 500 www.railwaytouring.net

25 EST.1997

Have a great day – The Safe Way – your welfare is our priority and our Covid-19 travel procedures are available to view on our website. Refreshments available to purchase on board. Junior fares available. Organised by The Railway Touring Company. The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply – see website or brochure for details.

Unique Cornish Holidays POLZEATH ROCK DAYMER BAY

thepointholidays.co.uk 01208 863000 stay@thepointholidays.co.uk

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Discover our facilities in the hills above Polzeath thepointatpolzeath.co.uk

GOLF | LEISURE | FOOD & DRINK

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WHAT TO EAT

C THE HOTEL

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his striking Georgian manor sits in 240 acres of land — think flowering meadows, intricate rose gardens and a peaceful lake. Despite the grandiose historical exterior, decor inside is stylish and modern with nods to its rural surroundings.

Super-comfy beds, huge copper bathtubs and fluffy robes make it clear relaxation is a priority at Coworth Park. Separate to the manor house are more private two-story cottages, where rustic charm meets tranquil luxury.

LOCATION

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ou'll forget about the stresses of the city as soon as you arrive in this pastoral paradise.

A short way from Ascot, Coworth Park is around an hour’s drive from London making it the perfect choice for a weekend escape. There are also number of stunning parks and gardens nearby, noteably Windsor Great Park.

WHAT TO DO

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egin your bucolic retreat with a roam around the grounds (use one of the hotel’s walking maps for guidance), or borrow bicycles to explore on two wheels; find a serene spot to enjoy a picnic hamper prepared by the chef. There’s two polo fields, a croquet lawn and tennis courts as well as horse riding, although that's currently on pause for beginners due to Covid precautions. On weekends, you

weekend

can practise al fresco yoga in the Lime Grove, and for the extra-adventurous, the hotel can arrange archery and clay pigeon shooting. On rainy days, head to the on-site spa for a swim in the amethyst-adorned pool followed by a relaxing massage; in keeping with social distancing guidelines, all spa visits must be pre-booked.

D ESTINATI O N S

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

hef Adam Smith is at the helm of Michelinstarred Restaurant Coworth Park. Reopening this month, guests can enjoy an elegant evening in the striking dining room while sampling fine cuisine made with seasonal, British produce. For a more casual experience, The Barn is a short golf buggy ride away from the main house, serving comforting — but nonetheless delicious — brasserie-style dishes with a beautiful view of the grounds. There’s also a classic afternoon tea service accompanied by a live pianist at weekends, perfect for relaxing after a day of country pursuits.

Pre-dinner, don't forget to head to the terrace and sip a cocktail while admiring the glorious gardens at sunset.

COWORTH PARK A S C O T, B E R K S H I R E

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

A luxurious manor house in idyllic grounds ROOMS FROM £400 PER NIGHT INCLUDING VAT Coworth Park, Sunningdale, Ascot, SL5 7SE dorchestercollection.com/ en/ascot/coworth-park

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PHILIP MARTIN - EXCLUSIVE TO C I E N T E H A I R H E A LT H S PA BERKHAMSTED

Experience the difference , because we care about you and you hair REFILL NOT LANDFILL WWW.CIENTE.CO.UK TB.indd 1

26/08/2021 18:19

Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor

Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate.

A main season 2 bedroom rental starts from £3,500 for 7 nights.

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneagles to provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which

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DISCOVERMORE

An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

Embracing an innovative, modern approach whilst keeping traditional values at its core, Kew House School takes an exciting stance on 21st century education. With state-of-the-art facilities, a broad curriculum and excellent pastoral care, Kew House is a place where you would want to be – a place of learning and discovery, laughter and friendship.

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Book your place at one of our Open Events at www.kewhouseschool.com/ openevents T: 020 8742 2038 W: www.kewhouseschool.com @KewHouseSchool

14/12/2021 11:50 18:52 24/11/2021

E D U C AT I O N

BOY TALK Boys do better in a single sex environment, believes James Hodgson of Bedford School. Boys are more likely to take part in music and drama than in a co-ed school. bedfordschool.org.uk

Focus: Bassett House 140 • Online learning 147 • A new home for MPW 150 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Learning for

LIFE

Absolutely visits Bassett House School, a London prep known for its well-rounded education – and now with a fresh vision for giving children skills for tomorrow’s world B y LIBBY NORMAN

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS ARE A SCHOOL STRENGTH

“It doesn’t matter which school you’re in as a child, you still need somebody to catch you – to notice you and to catch you” BASSETT HOUSE’S NOTTING HILL NEIGHBOURHOOD IS A REAL LONDON VILLAGE

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he first thing that strikes you about Bassett House School is its neighbourhood. Tucked away in that Notting Hill enclave between Ladbroke Grove and Latimer Road Tube stations, not far from Portobello Road, this is – in classic estate-agent speak – a London village. But in this case that’s the right description.

Thriving local shops and cafés, tree-lined roads and tended front gardens speak of a community that cares. “I think that’s one thing that makes us quite unique – we really do feel like this village school in London,” says Headmistress Kelly Gray.

The school encompasses three sites, all within a short walk. There’s the handsome four-storey Upper Years building at 60 Bassett Road. This is the original site, opened in 1947. A school-purposed rebuild happened in 2001, but from the outside it’s entirely in keeping with its stately Victorian neighbours. Just around the corner in St Helen’s Gardens is the recently opened Early Years building, with bright play and learn areas plus basement drama and music facilities for the whole school. This faces St Helen’s Church

and St Helen’s Hall. The Hall is where assembly, gym and lunch happen, and with classrooms, garden space and art room.

The fact that pupils share turf with the local church and are on first-name terms with its vicar – known to all as Reverend Steve – adds to Bassett House’s welcoming atmosphere. Kelly Gray says it’s the first thing prospective parents remark on.

Gray joined as Headmistress in September 2021 and brings a breadth of experience unusual within the independent sector. She was previously Deputy at Ecole Française de Londres Jacques Prévert, where she spent five years, but her career spans leadership and teaching roles across state schools. This includes an early stint at an inner-city Leeds school. “That was a baptism by fire, and the place where I really learnt my craft – you had to.”

Her very first teaching role was in Slough, at another school where families struggled to make ends meet. She moved from there to Thomas’s, Kensington.

The contrast was stark, but it revealed a truth that Gray still holds dear. “I realised from jumping across that it doesn’t matter which school you’re in as a child, you still need somebody to catch you – to notice you and to catch you.”

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THE NEW EARLY YEARS BUILDING HAS COSY PLAY AND LEARN SPACES

This fits perfectly with Bassett House’s philosophy. Catching children young and nurturing their enthusiasm for learning was its founding principle. It started out, quite literally, from the ground up – a six-pupil Montessori nursery within a family home. This was 1947, the year Maria Montessori’s London training centre opened, putting it in the vanguard of modern educational thinking. “Bassett House was talking about a child-centred curriculum long before the Department of Education,” says Gray. “We still have that Montessori approach in the early years.” It has grown into a thriving prep and pre-prep, but the constant is its ability to produce well-rounded and engaged learners. “What they do brilliantly at Bassett House – they did it long before I came – is to take the children’s natural talents and inquisitiveness and then polish those to a high shine.”

Joining Dukes Education early last year gave Bassett House added might. Now it is part of a family of 17 London independent preps and seniors (plus five outside the capital) and six nurseries. This brings a formidable hive mind to resources,

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“We are committed to giving that sense of awe and wonder, creating those neurological pathways needed to make memories for life” training and – critically – through-school options at 11+. “There’s this huge sense of comradeship and wanting to help one another,” Gray says. “There’s no hoarding of resources – of expertise or of staff – it’s all there for the greater good.” The CPD training Dukes offers runs the gamut from first aid to the university-accredited Senior Leadership Programme that she recently embarked on herself. “The CPD programme is world class and offered at no extra cost, which means you can use those resources to benefit the pupils.”

Pupil benefits is something taken very seriously here – from wraparound care and after-school fun to ‘Club Croissant’ twice a week for the school’s native French speakers. The cohort is a “melting pot” culturally, with parents from across the UK, Europe and beyond.

This enriches school culture but,

says Gray, there’s a core element they share. “These are all parents who are passionate that their children receive the very best education, but in a school that is a greenhouse, not a hothouse.”

The “greenhouse” approach is at the heart of the Bassett House teaching style. “Our role is to foster a lifelong love of learning, not stymie it from the word go. If you turn them off learning by 11, the chances are you turn them off for life,” says Gray. “Children perform best when they have a rounded, grounded and balanced diet of all of the things they love and need.” The school believes in maximising learning connections. “Life doesn’t come in little boxes of discrete subjects. There are all these crosscurricular opportunities – something our teachers do really well. They squeeze the juice out of that learning so they

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

HEADMISTRESS KELLY GRAY

have made every moment matter.” This opportunity to light the spark happens in many ways. “Children make potions as part of their literacy learning, watch chemical reactions and carve up hearts as part of their science. It’s about creating that spark for learning and engaging in conversations that continue out of school.”

It’s not only about showing links, but also presenting ideas in ways that stick.

“Of course, we have this really robust and rigorous curriculum underpinned with a strong progression framework of spelling and grammar. That’s a given, but it’s not what children remember,” says Gray. “I’ve seen the Fire of London taught via textbooks and worksheets.

Then I’ve taught it myself by building a model village, setting it alight and having the Fire Brigade come and talk about the conditions that made it spread so quickly.

And that’s the kind of teaching that – if you’ll excuse the pun – lights the fire in children. We have a staff committed to giving that sense of awe and wonder.

BASSETT HOUSE OFFERS SMALL CLASSES AND LOTS OF ONE-TO-ONE TIME

They create those neurological pathways needed to make memories for life.” The school uses London culture as a classroom – be it checking out the Magna Carta at the British Library or immersive learning at the Science Museum Wonderlab.

Bassett House’s curriculum is renowned for Arts teaching and enrichment.

“Creativity is something Bassett House does really well.” A tour of the art room shows exceptional work but, more than SPORT IS CO-ED – ENCOURAGING RESPECTFUL AND EQUAL RELATIONSHIPS

that, a spirit of bold experimentation.

There are lots of chances to make music and drama happen in its regular shows and performances. Even the staff join in, for the staff pantomime is a much-loved annual tradition. “The children just love seeing us make fools of ourselves!”

Kelly Gray says it’s important to do things children can relate to – things on their level. Recently, knowing there was a pyjama party for younger pupils, she surprised them. “I sneaked pyjamas and slippers into school, put them on and walked into their classroom saying: ‘did someone say pyjama party?’. They loved it. Five minutes out of my day, but small things have a big impact.” Hot Chocolate Fridays are another case in point.

Randomly selected pupils from different year groups are invited into the Head’s office. Other teachers drop in, quite a lot of biscuits get eaten and everyone chats. Gray says it’s remarkable how much children open up in these encounters. “They create strong foundations, helping to ensure that if something is bothering a child, they are willing to approach any member of staff.”

Of course, any successful relationship between school and pupil requires buy-in from the whole family. “Our number one aim is that the children go on to the very brightest future. It’s quite a bold aim, and if you’re going to achieve that it requires a partnership.” To ensure that, the A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

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

Call to arrange a private tour or join us for our open day on 14 May 2022. www.qe.org

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

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

admissions process is made transparent.

Interested parents can dip their toes in via a Zoom event. From there, they book a parent tour. “I conduct tours personally.

Other than making sure that the teaching and learning here is excellent, there’s no more important job than finding out what they are signing up to – and what that ‘Bassett buzz’ is all about.”

This partnership extends to working together for a smooth 11+ journey – always a front-of-mind concern for prep parents.

“The conversations start early,” says Gray. Year 4 teachers start to assess the best fit for each individual pupil and the Senior School Fair each autumn is a chance for all families – but especially Year 3 and above – to see options and meet prospective schools informally.

Parents and pupils are also invited to talks by senior school Heads, forums that are about demystifying the process. “Our children go on to great London schools – Godolphin & Latymer, St Paul’s, Queen’s College – but our goal is to get each and every child into the right school for them.

Our Form 5 and 6 teachers are incredibly knowledgeable about schools in the area, not just academically but pastorally.

Parents appreciate the conversations, the candour and the complexity of our teachers’ understanding.”

THE HOUSE SYSTEM AND PEER MENTORING SUPPORT CHILDREN

“It’s more crucial than ever that we teach young people adaptability, tenacity and those other vital life skills” BASSETT HOUSE NURSERY PUPILS

The best onward path can’t happen without the right support during the prep journey. “If a child isn’t happy, they cannot learn,” says Gray. “Everything we do at Bassett House is wrapped in this blanket of safeguarding.” The male Head of Sport and PE also heads up pastoral care and is, she says, “wonderful” at ensuring all children are supported. He’s had great success opening channels for boys – who usually find it harder to ask for help – by running a weekly ‘communication station’ before school to help with any communication or anxiety difficulties. “It’s so important that boys understand themselves and can articulate how they feel.”

Not every young child can articulate their problem, and that’s why Bassett House has a pupil plan in place as soon as children join that stays with them through to Year 6. There are pastoral check-ins at least once a week with form teachers where children talk about how they are feeling. Termly pastoral audits involving teachers and senior leaders discuss every child. The children’s own buddy and house systems are valuable extra layer of peer-to-peer support.

Gray says COVID and global uncertainty have brought greater recognition among educationalists that pastoral care must be pre-emptive, not reactive. So too teaching and learning, and Bassett House is redesigning its curriculum to meet tomorrow’s challenges. “Our new curriculum that we’re building right A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

BRINGING GLOBAL THINKING TO LIFE IN GEOGRAPHY

BOLD EXPERIMENTS ARE ENCOURAGED IN ART

now is all about skills for future leaders.

At the very heart are those rigorous and robust frameworks that make sure pupils’ core subjects are rock solid,” says Gray. “But politically, culturally, environmentally, economically, this is a changing world for children – an uncertain future. It’s more crucial than ever that, as educationalists, we keep evolving, and that we teach young people adaptability, tenacity and other vital life skills.”

The framework that Kelly Gray and her team are weaving through every part of life at Bassett House covers off six main

“Our children go on to great London schools – but our goal is to get every child into the right school for them”

strands. Alongside Creativity and Digital Literacy, it includes Global Citizenship – building links with local and global schools and fiscal awareness through projects such as The Fiver Challenge. Skills for Future Leaders includes sports and service leadership, as well as areas such as school councils, a lecture programme and Doctor and Lawyer for the Day activities.

Emotional Intelligence is already embedded, with clear guidance on areas such as respect (for instance, sport is co-ed so that children build respectful relationships). In the new curriculum, there is added focus on debating the big issues (whistleblowing, Black Lives Matter, for example), as well as local and family challenges in the wake of the pandemic. Sustainability is another strand, with a school eco-council, focus on incorporating COP26 goals into school life, plus Green and nature activities.

Kelly Gray has no doubts that their big-picture approach is the right one for a generation facing a future of uncertainty.

“As much as anything, it’s about teaching them how to be a human being in this world – it’s as fundamental as that. We had a Year 6 leavers’ event not so long ago and one young man, who’s gone on to great things now, said: ‘At Bassett House they teach you English and Maths but, more important than that, they teach you how to be yourself’. I don’t think I could put it more eloquently myself.”

At a Glance Bassett House Prep School FOUNDED: 1947 HEAD: Kelly Gray, since September 2021 GENDER: Co-educational NUMBER OF PUPILS: 109 DAY OR BOARDING: Day AGES: 3-11 POINTS OF ENTRY: 3+, 4+ and occasional in year-admissions ADMISSIONS: Non-selective but early registration advised from birth.

Offers are made on a first come, first served basis for all year groups.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Non-denominational FEES: Preschool, per term, mornings only – 1,856-£3,160 (afternoon attendance available); Pre-prep, per term – £6,320; Prep, per term – £6,585.

ADDRESS: Bassett House School, 60 Bassett Road, London W10 6JP bassetths.org.uk

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

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ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a

m i n i m i s

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Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18

SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Thursday 5 May NURSERY & JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Thursday 19 MAY

SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES ARE AVAILABLE 11+ Scholarships on offer at St Benedict’s: Academic, Art & Design, Drama, Music and Sports

View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk stbenedictsschool

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EDUCATION • ONLINE

SMART ARTS

Creativity involves collaboration, so how can schools manage exceptional arts teaching remotely? Fiona Henderson explains how it's done at King’s InterHigh

K

ing’s InterHigh is an online school, but we make sure the arts play a vital role in children's education. We have an ever-expanding arts programme for every stage of their learning and offer a broad range of courses, including Drama, Music, Art & Design, Creative Media, Photography, Media and Film.

Lessons are delivered live and cover concepts, content and skills – teaching not only art making and different art forms but also understanding of materials and tools. Many are project-based courses, requiring students to engage with the process through conceiving, planning, making and refining. Teachers assist by working alongside students on camera with live demonstrations, just as you would in a physical classroom.

Our Drama course is new this year and it has been wonderful to see children perform as groups and individuals. Our theatre club presents its first online production this spring and students have been rehearsing and collaborating live online. For the performance, they record

“Working online within a global community produces surprising and ingenious ways of connecting and collaborating” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Here are our 5 top tips for success this year for students facing exams: 1. Positive mindset! Happy Mind, Happy Student!

2. Plan the holidays and take a break 3. Prioritise each of your subjects 4. Define achievable goals 5. Build your support team!

‘Your company is by far the best because you’re in touch with the reality of the day to day situation of children and their parents.

I’ve been recommending you to other mums.’

- Sarah, mother of teenage student

We are offering a free Revision & Exam Consultation to all Absolutely readers. Book via enjoyeducation.co.uk, call us on 0207 352 8800, or email us on enquiries@enjoyeducation.co.uk Entrance Exam Preparation | Tailored Home Schooling | Exam Technique Tuition | Educational and SEN Advice | Schools and University Advice | Relocation Support | Travelling Tutors

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EDUCATION • ONLINE

ARTS INVOLVEMENT FOSTERS A SENSE OF SELF AND WELLBEING

their individual elements, and these will be stitched together and presented as a performance for our school community and parents. We also offer art, sculpture and choir clubs, alongside film and theatre.

Film is becoming very popular, and we run termly Film Awards, where we showcase screenplays and films. There are also inter House drama and poetry competitions.

Arts are valuable because they are usually inquiry-based in structure, engaging students with live briefs to connect to their lives. There are numerous examples of our practical approaches. We might, for example, ask students to create their own musical instrument and then perform to the group. In photography live lessons, they could be tasked to go away and play with effects using daylight around their home.

Students give and receive feedback, consider their audience, collaborate to develop skills and understanding, and

“Working online within a global community may present additional challenges, but these are never a barrier” practice together for performances. What we have discovered over many years is that working online within a global community may present additional challenges, but these are never a barrier and produce surprising and ingenious ways of connecting and collaborating – and exceptional outcomes.

Arts involvement fosters a sense of self and wellbeing, giving students time and space

to immerse themselves in sound, visuals, and movement. Some students who join us have suffered with anxiety when attending physical schools, and don't like to speak up in other lessons. Yet in the arts, film and music in particular, they find their voice.

Filming and sharing their work provides a medium they can direct, and a controlled environment in which to build confidence.

King’s InterHigh teachers also engage students with real-world settings and challenges. In one annual project and competition our art students design products for Tate Modern's shop. We have interactive sculpture trails to help them explore their locality and, as one of 70+ Inspired schools, our students also have in-person opportunities such as school exchanges, summer camps, global arts events and competitions.

The success of what we do is reflected in the fact that over half the school are currently enrolled in one of more of our Arts courses – Creative and Performing Arts is one of the most rapidly expanding departments in the school and alumni of King’s InterHigh include Game of Thrones actress Bella Ramsey, child author and business owner Henry Patterson, and many other actors, models, singers and creative entrepreneurs.

Our teachers support students' efforts and know that successful outcomes come down to ownership and ensuring students feel connected, have perspectives that are valued and the encouragement to find their voice through the medium of their choice. This, in turn, brings resilience – also the commitment they need to take their unique talents further.

FIONA HENDERSON Head of Middle School King’s InterHigh A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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SMART THINKING With a new London boarding option and bespoke approach to GCSE, A level and beyond, MPW offers a fresh take on 14+ options. Absoultely finds out more By

M

PW is a very different prospect from a traditional independent school. First up, there are the small class sizes and the dizzying array of options at GCSE and A level. Then there's the city settings – London, Cambridge and Birmingham. And finally, there's the culture, for this is a place where the dress code is liberal (no uniforms) and staff are addressed by their first names.

In London, MPW is breaking exciting new ground with a dedicated building for 70 boarders. Located in Queen's Gate House, South Kensington (formerly Baden-Powell House and HQ of The Scouting Association), and less than five minutes' walk from its London college, the building will welcome its first residents this September. The reason was simple, says MPW London Principal John Southworth, student demand.

"We're getting an increasing number of international students who are asking if they can be on our site, rather than having to find accommodation elsewhere. And there are also an increasing number of applications from UK and international students who are 14 and 15 years old – and the only way to accept them is by offering boarding."

MPW has gone through a shift over the past couple of decades. Where once it was seen as a Sixth Form College, it is now attracting a broader cohort. This

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year's London intake at Year 10 is around 20 students, and for Year 11 it's around 60. "I think word has got around that we can do some great work with young people in Year 10 and Year 11, as well as in Sixth Form," adds Southworth .

Importantly, this is not an international school – it welcomes many overseas students (around 30% of intake), but the remaining 70% are UK-based and MPW plans to keep it that way to ensure the right balance. In London, most UK students travel to its South Kensington site from within the M25 corridor. "I'd say the average journey time is approaching an hour, but some travel further because of the flexibility we offer."

Wherever they hail from, what students share in common is self-determination and a spirit of independence – they have done their research and found that MPW offers the study pathway they want. Southworth has no doubts that it is the students who have agency in the decision making, with parents in supporting role. "When I'm doing interviews, and I do a lot of them, it's the young people who are far more in charge.

They are the ones who have been doing the investigation or heard about us through their friends and are excited about the prospect."

The College does offer something that feels different, both in atmosphere and teaching style. Those small class sizes have been there from its foundation in the 1970s as Mander Portman Woodward. The three

MPW IN SOUTH KENSINGTON

founders – all Cambridge graduates – wanted something run along their university's guidelines and that's what they devised, initially operating from Rodney Portman's lounge. MPW has come a long way since, but still today you'll find very small teaching groups and Directors of Study who act as pastoral guides as well as giving one-to-one study advice to any of their students at any time during the day. "That is quite unique," says Southworth. "I have 20 Directors of Study, where most schools have one."

Then there's the dizzying array of study

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EDUCATION • SENIOR

ONE-TO-ONE STUDY ADVICE

combinations. MPW offers 27 GCSE courses and 45 A-level subjects – students can choose any combination. This enables them to pursue a passion for Arts, Humanities or Sciences or choose disparate subjects. The point is, they select. "As our strapline says: 'tailored, not uniform', so we are tailoring our programme to every individual, to what they want to study."

The main focus is on getting students to where they want to go – and in nearly all cases that's university. The MPW team have a very specific approach. "What we're trying to do is give them advice on the best options to move forward to what they want to do in the future," says Southworth. His

interviews – all students are interviewed, and he conducts the majority – tend to start with asking where students have come from and where they want to be in 15 years' time. Then he will try and fill in the gaps by suggesting the best route. "It is very bespoke. It might be that a student wants to come here to do some A levels with us and some GCSE retakes in parallel. Or they might be doing A levels over three years because they have a health or other issue." For example, MPW has supported a number of elite athletes who have training and events that affect their ability to study to a typical timetable.

"So, what we say to them is: tell us what

your constraints are, and we will try and work an A-level or GCSE programme around your sporting activities."

What MPW doesn't support is a hothouse or 'crammer' approach – recommending three A levels and eight GCSEs to all but a few. There are a handful of "self-selecting" students who choose an EPQ (and invariably get top grades).

Southworth firmly believes more is not better, since it's grades that count: "You can go to Oxbridge with six GCSEs and three A levels". Instead, the MPW approach is all about right course, right guidance – and it works. "We get a few every year into Oxford and Cambridge, but we get 70 per

“WORD HAS GOT AROUND THAT WE CAN DO SOME GREAT WORK WITH PEOPLE IN YEAR 10 AND YEAR 11, AS WELL AS IN SIXTH FORM” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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STATE-OF-THE-ART NEW FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION

cent plus every year into Russell Group universities – and that in itself is a great statistic for a non-selective college," he says.

"However, what's more important still is that we get a very large number to university, but they go to the right course, rather than what they think is the right university. The course is the most important thing."

MPW spends time on the guidance to ensure students are making smart choices and will stay the course, including creating "Getting Into..." university subject guides with Trotman Indigo. Written by its own subject specialists, these are particularly useful in an era of high student fees and loans – and in the eight years he's been MPW Principal, Southworth can only recall one student who left a course. Having chosen to head to a Scottish university, she quickly realised it was too far from friends and family. MPW intervened and she successfully transferred to King's College London to complete her degree.

The smooth transition from school to university is now being bolstered with Summer Schools for international students aged 13-17. Launching this summer in Cambridge and Birmingham (and with a

London Summer School in 2023), it's a collaboration with EtonX and designed to immerse international students in UK life and study as a springboard to great things at MPW or another UK school setting.

Another exciting departure for MPW is the introduction of a UAL Foundation Diploma to prepare students for a degree course in Art and Design. MPW London has an incredibly long and strong track record in Art courses – regularly getting JOHN SOUTHWORTH AND STUDENTS

its students into the likes of Parsons New York, Ravensbourne and Marangoni – and UAL has been a great supporter of its approach for many years. "It's a stunning outcome, we're so privileged to be able to run this course for them," says Southworth.

A bonus, for those Foundation Diploma students, is that the MPW Queen's Gate House opening this September includes a funky glass art studio spanning 120 square metres at the top of the building where they can get creative – and enjoy all the benefits of prime South Kensington turf alongside MPW's new boarders.

Queen's Gate House is already sounding like the coolest place to be in one of the coolest cities on the planet. mpw.ac.uk

“MPW’S NEW SUMMER SCHOOLS, IN COLLABORATION WITH ETONX, WILL IMMERSE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN UK LIFE” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Young MINDS How Herne Hill School’s Early Child Education expertise shapes futures

By EVE HERBERT

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EDUCATION • PROMOTION

One-off Covid hardship bursaries available for autumn 2022 Reception applicants.

See website for details, under ‘Admissions’.

NGAIRE TELFORD

R

esearch published by Durham University in December 2017 established that Reception is the school year with the greatest impact on a child’s education. The paper entitled “The Long-Term Impact of Effective Teaching” concluded that children who benefited from good quality educational provision in Reception went on to achieve better GCSE results in English and maths. The study also acknowledged that, based on other research, high-quality pre-school provision is arguably even more important for a child’s educational development.

More broadly, it is widely recognised that the future success of every child is largely determined before he or she turns eight – the age coinciding with the end of the Early Child Education period, which requires a specialist pedagogical approach.

Since its foundation in 1976, Herne Hill School has focused exclusively on educating

“THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF EVERY CHILD IS LARGELY DETERMINED BEFORE HE OR SHE TURNS EIGHT” children in precisely this crucial period, providing for them from Kindergarten (2+) to Year 2 (7+). Last year, it opened a new dedicated Kindergarten at the top of Herne Hill, a mere three-minute walk away from its main site, which has enabled it to further strengthen its position as cutting-edge experts in Early Childhood Education.

FOCUS AND EXPERTISE

“Thanks to our historic focus and cumulative experience, and by thoughtfully integrating best practices from other successful ECE programmes such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Forest School and Te Wha riki from my native New Zealand, we have developed a unique, continuous five-year curriculum which we believe goes way beyond the statutory requirements of the English EYFS and Key Stage 1 national curriculum”, says Ngaire Telford, who is only the third Headteacher in the school’s history.

Herne Hill School benefits from being just the right size for its focused five-year provision. On the one hand, being the largest stand-alone independent school in the country specialising in this age range affords it the scale required to employ a critical mass of expert early years educators and state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

On the other hand, it is sufficiently small to enjoy a warm and friendly family community atmosphere in which the children benefit from deep relationships with these loving, caring and expert staff.

STRONG ETHOS AND HIGH- QUALITY STAFF

Asked about what she believes to be the greatest success factors for cutting-edge ECE provision, Mrs Telford spontaneously

replies “ethos and staff”. She explains: “A strong and purposeful ethos can provide an allencompassing cultural umbrella for everyone’s behaviours at the school. Our own ethos of ‘Love · Care · Excellence’ encapsulates our commitment to excellence and conviction that love and care are prerequisites for optimising a young child’s learning trajectory. But ultimately, having amazing staff is even more important as it is they who develop the supportive relationships required to guide young children, day-in day-out, on their crucial ‘whole child’ development journey.”

Following their successful start in the Kindergarten, the Herne Hill School children are gradually introduced to the school's main site. There, they progress smoothly through one of the most notoriously difficult transitions in a child’s educational life – from the conclusion of the EYFS to Key Stage 1, through which the children need to adapt to greater academic demands and increasingly more formal learning required by the National Curriculum.

Maintaining their love of learning and engagement through age-appropriate play and by having fun is most crucial. In addition, Herne Hill School also makes a virtue of the children becoming the oldest pupils at the school to develop their sense of social responsibility and leadership skills. All this combines to prepare them to move on to their next schools in Year 3 with a special spark in their eyes and equipped with a comprehensive set of life skills and values.

HERNE HILL SCHOOL Open Morning: Saturday 12 March 2022.

Book your tour on the website. hernehillschool.co.uk

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Celebrating 135 years of empowering pupils to forge their own path.

Visit us to discover more:

sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Where enquiring minds meet creative thinkers Open Mornings 5 May 14 June 22 June morehouse.org.uk

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EDUCATION • INSIDER

INQUIRING MINDS The Primary Years Programme Coordinator at Southbank International School says that the IB system teaches both learning skills and values for life B y FLORA WINTER

T

he International Baccalaureate curriculum teaches young people aged 3-18 how to develop specific characteristics that are representative of being ‘a good learner’ and ‘a good person’. At the same time, it aims to develop specific skillsets – recognising that young people need to be able to collaborate, negotiate, problem solve, be creative and become critical thinkers.

Right from the start, the IB aims to foster curiosity and encourage young people to ask questions. In doing so, we identify common threads and an understanding of how young people approach different subjects, teaching them to be able to share their thinking, to ask questions and to problem solve together.

For the youngest children at Southbank International School there is a big focus on how they can help one another improve. In grade 1 (age 6-7), students participate in a ‘Unit of Inquiry’ on how to express themselves in various contexts. Working in small groups, they develop questions, allocate roles so they know who will take responsibility for each aspect, and then they present their findings to the rest of the school PUPILS AT SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

“Everything we teach is underpinned by a sense of community – essential to children developing an understanding of their role in society” and to parents. Every year the children learn from one another, critiquing their work and making improvements along the way. We also have specific units of inquiry looking at ourselves and our cultural identity. It is the school’s belief that understanding ourselves helps us to understand others better, which is something that our parent community support through participation in events, sharing cultural practices and elements of their home life in different languages.

Among the many advantages of being a school in central London is that there are so many opportunities for students to go out and explore different parts of the city, and for people to present new ideas and perspectives to them. We see London as our classroom and this helps children to develop an understanding of the world around them, consider alternative perspectives and see the world through more than just their own eyes.

A core element of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) is encouraging children to take ‘Action’. We talk about five different types of action in response to learning: Participation and being involved in the community (in the classroom and beyond); Advocacy (individually or as a group); Social Justice (taking action for positive change); Lifestyle Changes

(healthy eating or keeping fit); and Social Entrepreneurship (locally and nationally).

This is further supported through linking back to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating to students the relevance of what they are learning. One example was the ‘Gratitude Project’ last year, when the school council worked with the PTA to raise money for North London Food Banks. Smaller things happen daily too. For instance, some children undertook a unitive inquiry on pollution. Noticing parents were leaving their vehicles running at

drop-off, they made signs reminding drivers to switch their engines off.

Everything we teach is underpinned by a sense of community, which is essential to children developing an understanding of their role in society. They are taught to take responsibility for something beyond themselves. It could be as simple as caring for a plant, helping a friend who is upset or putting things away tidily. These are the sorts of attributes we believe children need to develop, learning at a micro level from a very young age and then applying the same principles to life as they progress through the school and beyond.

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ts e si bl re aila SE av C G on s ti op The Moat Sixth Form is a dyslexia and SpLD specialist Sixth Form with a focus on whole school SEN support.

Providing an academic and nurturing environment for pupils with both unique learning profiles and learning difficulties.

A-Level, BTECs alongside GCSE resits at its core with a built in work experience programme for all pupils.

Visit www.moatsixthform.org.uk for full course list and more information

All children can achieve

@Moatschool @TheMoatSchool

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The Moat Sixth Form, 23-31 Beavor Lane, Hammermsith, London W6 9AR Email: office@moatschool.org.uk Tel: 0207 610 9098 www.moatsixthform.org.uk

14/01/2021 14:01 12:19 21/01/2022

SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

MOTHER’S DAY We round up the best gifts

•

KIDS FASHION

Spring style for your minis

•

TRIED & TESTED

The parenting gear we’re rating right now

BABY BLOOM In this special edition of Absolutely Mama, we bring you the gifts you’ll really want this Mother’s Day, new season style for your little ones, as well as the parenting products that we can’t live without right now. Read on for everything you’ll need for your little spring bundles...

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

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Making parenting easier!

The stroller of your dreams!

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mam a WELCOME

B FOR BERT P.169

Editor’s

LETTER

HOTEL MAGIQUE P.164

A

fter 11 months of maternity leave, I am excited to be returning to Absolutely Mama as Editor. I can’t quite believe I have a 10 month old already – a little pickle who is into everything and seems like she’ll be taking her first steps any moment now.

From experience, I can say that spring is a lovely time to enter motherhood. So with this in mind, this issue celebrates the arrival of the new season. I think we are all more than ready for it!

First up, is our edit of the best Mother’s Day gifts.

From luxe changing bags to pampering skincare, start dropping some (very hefty) hints now. We also have the cutest spring fashion for your minis and an edit of the best first walker shoes, if like me, you have a little one who is eager to move.

And finally, our Tot Gear and Tried & Tested sections have all the latest parenting gear for you and your little ones. From baby monitors to travel cots, we’ve road tested it all so you don’t have to. Enjoy!

CUBO AI P.175

BABAI TOYS P.164

C a rly Gl e n di n n i n g E DITOR

@carlyjglendinning carly@zest-media.com

MUM APPS P.171

ON THE COVER: @silvercrossuk silvercrossbaby.com

ANGULUS P.166

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Mother’s Day Carly Glendinning rounds up the best gifts for mamas and mamas-to-be

MATC H Y MATC H Y CLAUDE & CO

Mama and mini outfits are often aimed at mothers and daughters, so this unisex boilersuit gets a big tick from us. The cutest way to match with your mini at Mother’s Day brunch. claudeandco.co.uk

Mother’s Love HOTEL MAGIQUE

This graphic print from Hotel Magique would look lovely in a little one’s nursery.

A cute one to gift your mini this Mother’s Day. hotelmagique.com

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LIGHT MY FIRE OCTAEVO

You can’t go wrong with this sculptural candle holder from Octaevo. The perfect spring interior update, gift it to your mama, a mama friend, or yourself. octaevo.com

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mama MOTHER’S

DAY

5 on our

WISH L I ST S Start dropping hints about these gifts now...

1

CARRY ME

2

JEM + BEA

The ideal first Mother’s Day gift for new mums and mamas-to-be. This changing bag from Jem + Bea is so beautiful you’ll want to carry it even when your mini is not in tow. jemandbea.com

Editor’s Pick

OVER THE RAINBOW OYOY LIVING DESIGN

Flowers and chocolates are always gratefully received, but we’ll be giving bonus points for anything a bit more thoughtful. This ceramic tray from OYOY Living Design is high up on our wishlists. oyoylivingdesign.co.uk

True to Form

BABAI TOYS

These ‘Women and Moods’ figurines

by Babai Toys celebrate females in all their guises. Give one to each of your mama friends this Mother’s Day. little-beacon.com

34 5

1. Evolve Together, Monaco Hydrating Hand Cream, £22; evolvetogether.com 2. ARKET, Shaggy Wool Cushion Cover £55; arket.com 3. Binibamba, Milk Mama Booties, from £48; binibamba.com 4. Hvid, Mama Fonzie Beanie, £42; andostores.com 5. Minois Paris, Toiletry Bag, €29; minoisparis.fr

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

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kid s

FA S H I O N NOTES Carly Glendinning rounds up the month’s best styles, looks and launches

RULE B R I TA N N I A YOU NG SOLES

If you holidayed in a caravan in the '80s, your footwear might have looked something like this… Inspired by happy childhood memories, we love the retro detailing in the SS22 collection from Young Soles. youngsoles.london

we love

FA R O U T ORGANIC ZOO

Organic Zoo continues to be one of our go-tos for perennial (and unisex) kids staples. Made from the softest organic cotton, this oversized sweatshirt and trousers is uber comfy and ready for play. organic-zoo.com

Mellow Yellow L M N 3 / E L E M E N TA R Y

Designed in Vienna and made in Portugal, LMN3 / Elementary is one of our new favourites for sustainable kids clothing. We love the refreshingly simple block colours in the SS22 collection. lmnthree.com

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mama KIDS

FASHION

nd Bra us Foc

Art Attack M A I S O N TA DA B O U M

Easy to wear, gender neutral and sustainable, Parisian brand Maison Tadaboum has all of the ingredients we look for in a great kids brand. Their new collection is filled with crayola colours and prints ready for a summer of fun. maisontadaboum.com

ARKET The scandi highstreet favourite’s new collaboration...

A

CHECK IT OUT BOBO CHOSES

Playful as ever, Bobo Choses’s new collection is filled with bold prints and joyful colour combinations. Look out for contrasting checks, cartoony illustrations, and sustainable fabrics galore. bobochoses.com

5 of t he b e st F I RST WA L K E RS ANGULUS Starter T Bar Shoe, €110 angulus.com

PETIT NORD Kicks with Lace, from 88; petitnord.com

YOUNG SOLES Dolly Mary Jane, £67; youngsoles.london PETASIL Tim Shoes, from £60; petasil.com

BOBUX Jodphur, £47; bobux.co.uk

RKET has launched a new collaboration with ceramist Lisa Larson. Best known for her expressive figurines and small sculptures – including the Small Zoo, ABC-girls, and Children of the World series – Larson is one of Sweden’s most iconic and beloved designers, celebrated by collectors and museums all over the world.

Larson’s work explores themes including sisterhood, motherhood and family life, as well as the world of animals.

In this collection, her illustrations have been translated into playful prints that little ones will love. Look out for sweatshirts, leggings and tees in an array of zappy colours, featuring a menagerie of characters – from elephants to tigers.

For grown ups, the collection also includes a woven wool blanket made with Swedish manufacturer Klippan, a printed tote, and a tiger figurine. 300 SEK (€30) for each tiger figurine sold will be donated to the WWF’s tiger conservation project in India. The world of animals plays a vital part in Lisa’s work, between 1975 and 1981, she designed and produced a series of figurines called ‘Endangered Species’ for the benefit of the WWF. This launch is the third chapter dedicated to ARKET’s Nordic Stories series, showcasing collaborations with independent artists and creatives from the Nordic region. arket.com

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TOT GEAR

SKIN TO SKIN B FOR BERT

Dressing and undressing newborns can be a tricky task that puts some parents off doing skin-to-skin. Made from organic cotton, the clever wrap design of the Kimono Star makes bonding time easy. £45; bforbert.com

TOT GEAR

Inspired kit to make parenting easier

ent d r a p rove app

LOVED

by MAMA

by Carly Glendinning

What we’re using for our own babies this month:

L I T T L E PAW

L

BUNDLE UP S I LV E R C R O S S

Silver Cross has launched a collection of certified-organic cotton and bamboo fibre muslin swaddles. Super-soft and available in a selection of beautiful prints, they are the perfect size for swaddling or using as a burp cloth, breastfeeding cover or comfort blanket. silvercrossbaby.com

STYLISH SOOTHERS BIBS

Scandi soother brand BIBS has launched in the UK and is available at Kidly. The collection includes the brand’s popular pacifiers as well as the BIBS Baby Bite, a teether which is perfect for little hands to hold. BIBS Baby Bite £12; kidly.co.uk

ike so many people I have family and friends I still haven’t been able to see due to the pandemic. This has meant missed baby showers and meetings of very special little people – including my nieces who are sadly stuck in Japan. I have sent so many care packages, bouquets of flowers, and cards that I now get inordinately excited when I find a new gifting service.

My latest love is Little Paw, a perfectly curated collection of things for grown ups and minis.

Their newborn gift boxes contain picks from so many of my favourite brands including Organic Zoo, Fabelab, Holztiger, as well as bestselling books and treats for parents including Pump Street chocolate, Earl of East candles, and Monmouth coffee.

Beautifully wrapped and including a handwritten note, I couldn’t think of a lovelier package to receive. I just hope I might be able to deliver one in person soon. From £60.

littlepaw.co.uk

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North Bridge House

New tion 4+ Recep ep, r entry to P Regent’s Park

North Bridge House is on a constant journey of getting to know and understand every child as an individual, realising their true academic and personal potential through specialist provision at every school stage.

NURSERY & PRE-PREP WEST HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS FRIDAY 25 MARCH

NURSERY & PRE-PREP HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS TUESDAY 22 MARCH (NURSERY) THURSDAY 24 MARCH (PRE-PREP)

PREP SCHOOL REGENT’S PARK 4 - 13 YEARS FRIDAY 11 MARCH

SENIOR HAMPSTEAD 11 - 16 YEARS THURSDAY 17 MARCH

SENIOR CANONBURY 11 - 18 YEARS THURSDAY 24 MARCH

Book an open day or private tour at northbridgehouse.com/open

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ma m a REVIEWS

3. HOOP Best for: Baby and children’s activities near you How it works: Stuck for fun things to do with your little one?

Then Hoop is the easy access app for you. Find and book activities from newborns to 11 years old within your local area. You’ll never have to watch a re-run of Peppa Pig again!

4. CLEMENTINE

1. SOUND SLEEPER: WHITE NOISE APP

5

of the best

APPS for N EW M U M S Being a new mum can mean wishing you had several extra hours in the day and a set of octopus hands. So when time is precious, the last thing you want is to be fishing around on complicated websites for instant information! Enter the world of time-saving apps – parent hacks at your fingertips, that every new mum needs. From sleeping aids to new mum meet ups and developmental trackers, these apps will give you more time and less stress.

Best for: Helping baby sleep How it works: White noise is a mix of different pitches blended together and is a great tool to soothe fussing babies while boosting sleep. Popular sounds include a whirring fan, aeroplane hum or the ever-reliable ‘ssh’. If you’ve ever used YouTube for a free white noise playlist, you’ll know when an advert suddenly plays mid-sleep it’s game over!

So a fail-safe option (and a less bright screen) is to use Sound Sleeper. Other sounds include the vacuum cleaner, gentle rain, comforting womb, and soothing lullabies, with traditional favourites and modern renditions.

2. PEANUT Best for: Meeting new mums How it works: Dubbed the Tinder for mums, Peanut enables you to meet other mums near you. With a filter for baby’s age and mum’s interests, it swiftly matches you with other ‘Peanuts’ close by. An app made for connecting within the community – you’ll soon be laughing, crying and comparing each other’s sleepless nights over a double shot espresso in your local café.

Best for: De-stressing and relaxing How it works: Created by a mum, Clementine has a range of hypnotherapy sessions designed to help women when they have a specific need. For example: when you can’t get back to sleep after a night feed, when you need a day time snooze when the baby is napping, or when you’ve had a tough day with the kids and need to reset. The sessions are different lengths so they are easy to fit around a busy schedule.

Great for helping tired out mamas relax and get a boost of energy.

5. THE WONDE R WEEKS Best for: Recording your baby’s developmental stages and milestones How it works: The Wonder Weeks is the number one bestselling baby app worldwide.

Charting the developmental leaps your little one will go through, it gives you expert advice to help you through each stage. You’ll get notifications when your little one is making a leap, and there’s also a personalised chart to help you track their milestones. It also explains changes in behaviour such as clinginess and crying and details what your little one will be able to learn and understand after their leap.

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

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RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

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

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

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

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

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016

Open Mornings Open Mornings

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

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

9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018

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

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

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KEW GREEN preparatory school

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

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

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

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

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015

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

Kew Green Preparatory School

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

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TRIED & TESTED

IN-DEPTH REVIEWS OF THE LATEST PARENTING KIT

ma m a REVIEWS

Micralite Sleep & Go Travel Cot R e v i e w e d b y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Cubo Ai Smart Baby Monitor R e v i e w e d b y J E S S I C A S H A LT O U T

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he Cubo Ai Smart Baby Monitor not only looks stylish in your little one’s nursery, but is a great choice for tech-savvy parents too. Controlled by a smart monitor app, you can access the Cubo Ai from any location via your phone.

The picture quality is crystal clear and it has handy functions like being able to talk to your little one through your device – although we have found this doesn’t always work. It also has clever face recognition technology which is brilliant for parents of newborns as it can tell you when your baby has rolled over, or pulled the blanket over them. Other really useful functions include giving you the room temperature and playing different sounds such as lullabies and white noise – so there’s no need to buy a seperate device. Definitely

one of the cutest baby monitors we have ever used, my daughter loves the bird design as she thinks it’s singing to her when we play the music. It also analyses your little one’s sleep, but only if it’s on the floor or crib stand. Overall, this is a great baby monitor and we would recommend it for use from birth right through to toddlerhood. £179; uk.getcubo.com

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rue to its name, the Micralite Sleep & Go really couldn’t be easier to assemble. Once we’d unpacked it from the box and taken it out of its carry case, all we had to do was pull the legs out, put the mattress into the bottom of the cot and we were ready to go. As travel cots go, it’s fairly light and compact but still feels sturdy. It would fit easily into your car boot without taking up too much space. Another big tick from us is the stylish and minimal design. We also love the fact that you can unzip a panel at the front and use it as a playpen – a clever idea that helps you really maximise your use of this piece of kit. The Sleep & Go is suitable from birth with the newborn insert, but as my daughter is 10 months, she slept on the mattress. She seemed to find it comfortable and had a good first night in it. The mattress is quite low down, so I had to bend to lift her in and out, but I felt reassured that she wouldn’t be able to climb out! All in all, the Sleep & Go is a great design and we would definitely recommend it to other parents.

£150; micralite.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ai16451115887_Absolutely magazine March22.pdf 1 17/02/2022 15:26:28

Since 1989

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PROPERTY

RECTORY ROAD, BECKENHAM BR3

OIEO

£525,000

his well-presented, spacious first floor maisonette is located in central Beckenham. It comprises a reception room, contemporary fully fitted kitchen, modern bathroom suite, three double bedrooms and a study room with original parquet floors throughout, and a communal rear garden.

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LANGFORD RUSSELL

020 8663 4433 acorngroup.co.uk/lr

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

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www.johnmartinestates.com 1995-2020

1995-2020

EALING W5

£750,000 FREEHOLD

A charming traditional centre terraced cottage in the heart of the Brentham Garden Estate with views over Brentham Club sports grounds. The property offers front reception area with rear open plan dining area and extended fitted kitchen. To the first floor there are three good sized bedrooms and bathroom. There are some original features, gas fired central heating, front and rear gardens. The property is offered chain free and with unallocated on street parking. Energy Performance Certificate D.

82 Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5 1QX jmesales@johnmartinestates.com JOHN_MARTIN_DPS_ABS_MAR22.indd 1

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

EALING W5

£510,000 HARE OF FREEHOLD

A spacious first floor purpose built two bedroom apartment a short stroll from the heart of Pitshanger illage.

The property offers an impressively sized lounge dining room with open plan fitted kitchen, two bedrooms, and modern bathroom. There is gas fired central heating, uP C double glazed windows, ample storage space, entryphone system, well maintained communal areas gardens and unallocated off street parking.

Energy Performance Certificate B.

T: 020 8998 3333 JOHN_MARTIN_DPS_ABS_MAR22.indd 2

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www.johnmartinestates.com 1995-2020

1995-2020

EALING W1 3

£2 5,000 HARE OF FREEHOLD

An excellent sized purpose built ground floor studio apartment on the much sought a er Clevelands Estate moments from award winning Pitshanger Lane. Perfect for a first time buyer and offered with no onward chain, the apartment has a spacious studio room with seating area and built in wardrobes with foldaway bed, separate well planned fitted kitchen with space for dining and a good sized shower room as well as double glazing, electric heating and entryphone system. There are well maintained communal gardens and off street parking on a first come first served basis. Energy Performance Certificate D.

82 Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5 1QX jmesales@johnmartinestates.com JOHN_MARTIN_DPS_ABS_MAR22.indd 3

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“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

EALING W5

£2,000 Per Calendar

onth

A beautiful end of terrace four bedroom house in the heart of the sought a er Brentham Garden Estate and only moments from award winning Pitshanger illage. The property offers two reception rooms, well arranged fitted kitchen, utility room, modern family bathroom, en suite shower room and four good sized bedrooms over two floors . There is gas fired central heating, stripped wood flooring, unallocated on street parking and a sunny west facing rear garden. Offered unfurnished. Energy Performance Certificate E.

T: 020 8998 3333 JOHN_MARTIN_DPS_ABS_MAR22.indd 4

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Addison Gardens, W14

£1,800 per week Grosvenor Road, W4

Located on a highly sought after road in the heart of Brook Green, a refurbished family home which has been beautifully modernised whilst retaining its charm and character, energy rating e.

An immaculate five bedroom semi-detached house split over four floors with direct access to a well-maintained south facing garden, ideal for entertaining friends and family, energy rating d.

020 7603 0603 brookgreenlettings@fletcherestates.com

Avenue Gardens, W3

£2,192 per week

£2,307 per week Sutton Lane South, W4

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

£995 per week

This recently refurbished five bedroom house has a large open plan Arranged over three floors, this spacious Victorian end of terrace kitchen and dining room, as well as the added luxury of a wine cellar house has four bedrooms, a through reception room and a newly and a split level garden, energy rating c. extended kitchen with a dining area, energy rating e.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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E vershed Wal k , W4 An impressive three bedroom apartment situated in a private development with concierge service. The open plan kitchen and reception room has floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light. There is also a west facing garden and off-street parking, energy rating c.

E sm ond Road, W4 ffering plenty of living space, this charming family home has a wide double reception room and a separate kitchen leading onto an attractive garden which would be perfect for entertaining. The house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, energy rating e.

£1,550,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

£1,600,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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Ridgway Place, Wimbledon

£2,975,000

Wimbledon Hill Road, Wimbledon

£945,000

In an excellent location with versatile accommodation.

Sitting room, kitchen/dining/family room, study, 5 bedrooms, 3 bath/shower rooms, southerly garden, OSP ER/C

Light and spacious 2 bedroom apartment in a modern gated development Reception room with balcony, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms, communal gardens, underground parking ER/C

Arthur Road, Wimbledon,

Southridge Place, Wimbledon

£2,200,000

With potential to refurbish and extend subject to planning permission Reception room, conservatory, study, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms, south facing garden with office/ studio and sauna, OSP ER/D

£1,225,000

End of terrace in a small development close to the Village.

Reception room, family room/study, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garden, ER/C

Wimbledon Village Office Sales: 020 8947 9833 Lettings: 020 8879 9669 ROBERT_HOLMES_DPS_ABS_MAR22.indd 1

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www.robertholmes.co.uk

Coombe Lane West Wimbledon, SW20

£1,700,000

Coombe Hill Road, Coombe Estate KT2

£2,995,000

No Onward Chain. Handsome 5 bedroom family home with a lovely garden and green house and gravelled off street parking. Beautiful, generously ro ortioned rece tion room with traditiona fire ace igh cei ings, eriod features and with anning consent for arge ground oor e tension hort walk to Raynes Park station, Waitrose and restaurants. ER/E

Delightful 5 bedroom family home with an exceptional, southerly, walled garden of 22 of an acre ocated on one of the most sought after roads in the Coombe Estate – with an integral double garage, modern, double height entrance atrium, and a Tom Howley kitchen. ER/D

Barham Road, West Wimbledon SW20

Moor Park Gardens, Coombe KT2

£2,250,000

An attractive, detached 4 bedroom family house close to excellent schoo s egant doub e rece tion room with gas fire ace, conservatory and ample off street parking, garage and a beautifully landscaped garden. ER/E

£3,750,000

No Onward Chain. Classic Georgian style luxury house in a small gated development.

6 bedrooms – all en-suite with a particularly attractive principal bedroom with a luxurious en suite bathroom and dressing room. Bespoke Smallbone kitchen with open plan a out on the ground oor e arate 2 bedroom anne e with its own entrance Excellent WFH space and ample gated, secure off street parking. ER/C

Coombe Office Sales: 020 8947 1100 ROBERT_HOLMES_DPS_ABS_MAR22.indd 2

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SALES

5- 7 Tur n h a m G ree n Te rra ce, C h isw ic k , Lon don , W 4 1R G Te l 0 2 0 8 7 4 7 8 800 · Fa x 020 8995 7275 E - ma i l i n fo @ wh itma n a n dco.com · We bsite w w w. w h i t m a n a n dco. co m

THAMES VILLAGE, W4

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, W4

£995,000

£465,000

LETTINGS

A unique opportunity to purchase this direct river frontage property within this private riverside development offering close proximity to all amenities. Originally An amazingly light, well presented triple aspect now flat offers with the addedbedrooms, benefit oftwo a balcony and private reception garden. Three luxury built as two independent flats, the 1500 sq ft property three/four bathrooms, two/three rooms,bedrooms, two kitchens, privatebathroom, balcony, 14' reception room, fully single integrated the freehold, and private garden with side access.

Ideally communal riverside garden, garagekitchen, as well asgas off fired streetcentral parking.heating, 950 yearsshare left oninthe lease and lowbalcony outgoings.

Ideally situated on the River Thames offering close proximity rail, bus and roadoftransport links, local shops, pubsand andthe restaurants along with Chiswick House Gardens.

No chain. situated withintoclose proximity Chiswick Park tube station extensive shopping and restaurant facilities on Chiswick High Road.

LINDEN GARDENS, W4

LAMB COTTAGE, FLETCHER ROAD,W4 W4

£330 PER WEEK

£1.600,000 £715,000

A newly decorated lower ground floor garden flat with private west facing garden. Large double bedroom with wardrobes, reception room with A spacious and light three bed/two bath maisonette with private roof terrace and approximately 1000sqft of accommodation located on this residential street wood floors, bathroom with shower over, fitted kitchen, garden. The flat is on one of Chiswick's best located roads, moments from the shops, close to shops and transport. The split-level flat comprises a full-width kitchen/reception room with bay window, three good size bedrooms, bathroom, shower restaurants cafés on the High Road and 5 minutes from Turnham Green station. The property is available early September, furnished. room, sunny 20ft roof terrace, built-in storage, eaves storage, and share in the freehold. Fletcher Road is within a short walk of South Acton (Overground) and Chiswick Park and Acton Town (tube) stations, local bus routes and offers quick access to the A4/M4 and A40/M40 for routes in and out of London. Chiswick High Road and Acton High Street’s shops, cafes and restaurants are also close by.

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LETTINGS STAVELEY ROAD, W4

POINT WHARF LANE, TW8

£2,350,000

£350 PER WEEK

A beautifully presented and meticulously refurbished family home situated within this extremely popular residential area in the heart of Chiswick’s ‘Grove Park’, Beautifully two double bedroom second floor flat in this sought after riverside development.

Boasting a stunning open plan renowned forpresented its open parks and riverside walks along the Thames towpath.

Thehighly accommodation provides a spacious extended kitchen and dining area with bespoke island and fully integrated with anand extensive range of high-quality appliances, full-height sliding windows the rear opening ontogranite the garden, kitchen kitchen reception room, a river side balcony a master ensuite bedroom.

Large open plan reception room,across fully fitted kitchen with work skylight, tiled wardrobes with underfloor family room with fixed oversized window tops, fitted andheating, riverside views.

Underground parking space overlooking included. the garden and recessed children’s cubby area, drawing room, large utility room, cloakroom, master bedroom suite with his and hers dressing room and large shower room, three further bedrooms, family bathroom with shower, further ensuite shower room, study room, pleasant landscaped rear garden with large raised patio/dining area and front garden mainly paved with path. No chain.

QUEEN ANNES GROVE, W4

LAMB DUKESCOTTAGE, AVENUE, W4

£430 PER WEEK

GUIDE PRICE £1,500,000

A large, light and beautifully presented two double bedroom flat on this highly desirable road in the heart of Bedford Park, just minutes from An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire this exceptionally spacious garden flat located on one of Chiswick’s most sought after tree-lined residential roads a stone’s Turnham Green underground station. Top floor position ensures beautiful views from the reception and bedrooms. £1.600,000 throw away from Chiswick High Road’s shops, bars and restaurants. This impressive property comprises a 17’ reception room leading onto a 13’ dining room, fitted kitchen, 3.2m high ceilings, huge ensuite master bedroom, three further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, off-street parking for three cars and a fabulous garden with a terraced area. The flat is located at the north end of Dukes Avenue just off Chiswick High Road, moments away from numerous amenities and great transport links including Turnham Green station, local bus routes and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London. No chain.

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country house town house period house modern house dream house moving house?

Estate agency has moved on. house. is different We know people are starting to consider online only estate agents, but still want the reassurance of face-to-face help from local experts.

You get both with us, because we provide that personal service without expensive high street locations that customers have to pay for.

We also go further to ensure your property and the lifestyle it enables is shown in the best possible light.

Sumptuous photography and video, and a contemporary web experience not only shows buyers how your home looks, but how it feels to live there. It’s the new, innovative way to add value when selling your house.

The premium online estate agency.

London, Surrey and Sussex 0800 917 0447 info@housepartnership.co.uk

housepartnership.co.uk

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Here for your property journey, wherever it takes you. acorngroup.co.uk/journey

Copleston Road, SE15 £700,000 L/H

Tastefully designed, rarely available two bedroom ground floor Victorian conversion with private 75 ft west-facing rear garden.

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Contact Peckham 020 7771 6777

Norman Road, SE10 £645,000 L/H

Situated in the heart of historic Greenwich is this stunning three bedroom apartment with a private terrace.

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Contact New Homes 020 8315 6996

Visit us online at acorngroup.co.uk

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Say hello to your new home 1 bedroom prices from: £330,000 2 bedroom prices from: £425,000 3 bedroom prices from: £525,000

Launching Saturday 12th March Vixen Heights is a brand new development of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments for sale in Grove Park.

Featuring modern, high-tech specifications, open-plan living spaces and private balconies or terraces to all apartments.

Available with a 5% deposit on Help to Buy.* To register your interest, call 020 8315 6996 or visit acorngroup.co.uk/vixen

*Subject to terms and conditions

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Here for your property journey, wherever it takes you. acorngroup.co.uk/journey

Forest Drive, BR2 POA

is tru magni cent si bedroom ami ome o ers u ur on a grand sca e it over 18,000 sqft of opulent living space.

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Contact Locksbottom 01689 882 988

Stone Park Avenue, BR3

Stone Road, BR2

A stunning four bedroom detached property located on one of ec en am s most soug t a ter roads e ro ert bene ts rom a south-facing garden and off-street parking.

This impressive detached family home has been completely re urbis ed o ering in e cess o s t o iving s ace terna t ere is a beauti u andsca ed garden

OIEO £1,350,000 F/H

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Contact Beckenham 020 8663 4433

£1,850,000 F/H

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Contact Bromley 020 8315 5544

Visit us online at acorngroup.co.uk/lr

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Scan to find out more

Show home now available to view by appointment

Luxury new studio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments for sale in Petts Wood FInd out more at: acorngroup.co.uk/cardinal

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Here for your property journey, wherever it takes you. acorngroup.co.uk/journey

Dartmouth Row, SE10 £4,750,000 F/H

Elegant family house built circa 1692, situated in a highly sought-after residential position just a few hundred yards from the open heath.

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Contact Blackheath Village 020 8318 1311

Guibal Road, SE12

Westcombe Hill, SE3

A substantial four bedroom, double-fronted detached family home boasting accommodation in e cess o s t and ocated on a desirable residential road within easy reach of all local amenities.

eauti u resented our bedroom semi detac ed Victorian family home, lovingly refurbished and enhanced by the current o ner and bene tting rom o street ar ing

£1,300,000 F/H

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£1,100,000 F/H

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Visit us online at acorngroup.co.uk/jp

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AVA I L A B LE TO V I E W BY A PPO I NT M E NT

Scan the QR code to view all available apartments

Hays House is a brand new development of contemporary one, two & three bedroom apartments to rent.

All apartments offer open-plan living spaces and selected homes benefit from private balconies or terraces. Located just seconds from Grove Park station which offers direct links to London Bridge in just 13 minutes.

020 8315 6917 acorngroup.co.uk/btr

Prices from £1,350 pcm - Book to view now ACORN_FP_ABS_MAR22.indd 6

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First phase all reserved, new plots now released Hillcross Place is a stunning new collection of modern 1 & 2 bedroom apartments for sale.

Prices starting from £310,000, available with a 5% deposit on Help to Buy.*

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Perfectly positioned on Sidcup Hill, each apartment has been designed with attention to detail and features an enviable specification to bring you the best of spacious, modern living.

Hillcross Place is located a short walk from Sidcup High Street, where you can enjoy a kaleidoscope of shops and a delicious selection of restaurants.

Commuting from Hillcross Place is easy with quick access to the A20, leading into central London. You are also within a 20-minute walk of Sidcup Railway Station, with trains to London Bridge in under 30 minutes.

Show home open Thursday-Monday, 10am-5pm.

Call 020 8315 6902 or visit acorngroup.co.uk/hillcross

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Developed by:

Subject to terms & conditions

*

Selling agent:

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