Absolutely West Essex October 2021

WEST ESSEX

West Essex OCTOBER 2021

PLUS

SPECIAL

REAL LIFE STORIES

26 pages of inspiration and advice

Meet the founder of The Dream Factory • OCTOBER 2021

FEEL THE POWER

The secret behind Repose Studio's 10 years of success •

EPPING EXCELLENCE

The head chef of Haywards restaurant on why local is best

Laila

ABSOLUTELY-WESTESSEX.CO.UK

ROUASS

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The Woodford actress on our search for happiness

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 24/09/2021 09:55

INFO@RKSIGNATURELIVING.COM 020 8532 5959

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NEW BUILDS, EXTENSIONS, COMPLETE RE-MODELS & INTERIOR DESIGN. From initial architectural design through to completion.

RKSIGNATURELIVING.COM

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SPOOKTACULAR FLOWERS AND EVENTS

FLORAL DESIGN • WEDDINGS • EVENTS • PARTY HIRE • BALLOONS • INSTALLATION • CHRISTMAS

Established in 2010, Ricky and his team of creative floral designers have built a reputation as one of London’s most innovative and unique floral design companies.

Ricky and the team are on hand to discuss your floral ideas and creations

0208 504 6999 Unit 3, 158 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5BD Free local delivery to Buckhurst Hill, Loughton and Chigwell

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents OCTOBER 2021

80 16

C U LT U R E AGENDA

FOOD & DRINK 46 FOOD NOTES

LAILA ROUASS

48 JAHDRE HAYWARD

AVRIL MILLS

52 RECIPES

The best events in October

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On the pursuit of happiness

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Meet the founder of The Dream Factory

The best places to dine or drink out

Savouring one of Epping's finest restaurants

W E S T E S S E X .C O. U K

HOME SPECIAL GEORGINA JENKINS

The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

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30 THE SHOOT

80 KIT KEMP

It's a wrap with Phase Eight

36 REPOSE STUDIO

Why it's all about Power Plates

A B S O L U T E LY-

Cook Japanese like a professional

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 28 ANOUSKA GEORGIA The latest from the fashion houses

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Heading into the House of Interiors

Advice from the best in design

84 NATIONAL TRUST Why they are inspiring Little Greene

O N T H E C OV E R Laila Rouass: makeup & hair, Mikey Phillips; styling, Ellis Ranson; photographer James Rudland

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Are you full of ideas for transforming your home but not sure where to start?

EDITOR MARK KEBBLE DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS SAMANTHA SCOTT

The Essential Home Design Guide will help you enjoy the process of designing your own home step-by-step.

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MEDIA CONSULTANTS TANIA BOHRN, CLAIRE YATES FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI

Through a combination of printed guides and online resources, you’ll learn:

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID

• The essential preparation and thinking that goes into a design project.

• Expert tips for making the most of your space.

• Professional advice on choosing a colour scheme, adding textures and using patterns.

• There is also advice on making it happen: smarter budgeting, ordering and how to work with the trades.

DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

You’ll also get a designer’s toolkit delivered to your door and benefit from 1-2-1 support from Samantha as your project progresses.

ONLY

£

95 For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07968 757 129 or email: tania@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 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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Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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

For more information visit samanthajohnsondesign.com/ essential-home-design-guide

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

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Home Special

Nearly 30 pages of design tips and inspiration

ome is where the heart is, they say. I have had quite a mixed relationship with said abode over the years. I went from being a surly teenager who never left the family home, to returning from university desperate to get out of it.

There were my three different student digs for three years, with the highlight being our final residence where, inexplicably, the previous tenants left a sofa stuck at the top of the staircase, clearly because they couldn't get it down. Even more bizarrely, my housemates and I left it there all year.

Then further down the line there was moving into my then girlfriend's one bed flat, which luckily was only for a couple of months as she wouldn't be my wife now. We moved on to the property ladder into a two bedroom flat – so much roomier – before five years ago stepping up to owning a house with an actual garden.

All very different places, but the common denominator running through all was that I loved them. They were home. Which is why we have dedicated plenty of this issue to the place that gives a roof over our head.

Home is where the heart is, indeed.

Mark Kebble

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Haywards Restaurant

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

5 The Shoot

Phase Eight get us ready for autumn

4

Feeling Blue The colour that we all need in our life right now

3 Clean Cut

The beauty products to make your hair glow

We visit Epping to see what makes this place so special

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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SLIPPER S AG E There's no need to sacrifice style over comfort with Daphne, Olivia Morris' signature House Slipper, in sumptuous lime green cotton velvet trimmed with an oversized bow and grosgrain binding. £245 oliviamorrisathome.com

POP ART Nude's Rock and Pop artist collection comprises four Mirage highball glasses with striking painted motifs. £37 for four. nudeglass.com

JEAN GREENIE T WO TO N E Designed by Clara von Zweigbergk for Hay, this wooden chess set in green and black makes a colourful change from the standard monochrome. £39 royaldesign.co.uk

The Anine Bing Ramona Bowie sweatshirt is crafted from 100% organic cotton and features a David Bowie print at the front and Bowie text at the back. Expect lasting comfort as well as a distinct look. £149 farfetch.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

PRETTY GREEN Scream Pretty's affordable pieces are made in recycled sterling silver and include a new range of lime green opal pieces, including these cute huggies, £45. screampretty.com

GREEN C R AY O N Chinti & Parker has teamed up with Crayola to present a collection that is at once nostalgic and luxurious. It's a rainbow-bright line-up of sweaters, tracksuits, and tees crafted from wool, cashmere, and cotton. chintiandparker.com

LIME LIGHT Original BTC's classic Hector wall light in translucent bone china comes in a cool light green shade in various sizes. From £155 originalbtc.com

PA P I E R V E R T Papier's beautiful stationery comes in a huge variety of colours and patterns. We love the Love in Bloom diaries and planners, from £19.99 papier.com

B OT T L E GREEN A new limited edition fluted bottle of the popular English Pear and Freesia fragrance is Jo Malone London's newest launch.

Fresh and fruity indeed. £120 jomalone.co.uk

EMERALD CITY Aubade's Toi Mon Amour nightie has a chic, glamorous look with its 16mm silk and matching jacquard lace motifs. Elegant, graceful and remarkably comfortable, it is available in a new Émeraude shade. ameliesfollies.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

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C U LT U R E

LET THE GAMES BEGIN GAME PLAN: BOARD GAMES REDISCOVERED EPPING FOREST DISTRICT MUSEUM UNTIL 24 DECEMBER

Find out what kind of game player you really are with this free exhibition on loan from the V&A’s Museum of Childhood. This interactive exhibition includes some of the most iconic, enthralling and visually striking games from the V&A’s outstanding national collection of board games, with more than 100 objects from all around the world.

Alongside family favourites such as Cluedo and Trivial Pursuit, the exhibition will look at historical board games including ‘The Game of the Goose’ and other beautifully designed games from the 18th and 19th centuries. eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum

Haifa Live 14 • Laila Rouass 18 • The Dream Factory 22 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • COLUMN

GATHER ROUND

There is no time like the present, writes Haifa Live, to have a little soiree

E HAIFA’S

Top Tips for October  Soirée's weekly entertainment announced on Instagram

@soireerestaurant  Melin Sky Wednesdays every week with DJ, bongos and dancing

SOIREE IS GREAT FOR A CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS

vents are officially back! It is the most exciting time for us as entertainers to see our local venue owners, nightclubs and music hubs request live entertainment.

Busy, buzzy and vibrant times ahead – and one stunning local restaurant and venue has come back with full force.

“Soirée” is defined as an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music. Like its namesake, we have our very own Soirée, opened in 2017, a stunning venue and restaurant based on Queens Road in Buckhurst Hill. It has always been well-known for its food, atmosphere and friendly service – and now entertainment is back there too.

Every weekend, courtesy of Sing It Events, you can catch an amazing selection of singers, DJs, saxophonists, percussionists and much, much more.

Guaranteed to put a smile on every customer’s face, whether a night out with the girls, a family gathering or even a date night, this place is sure to fulfil your expectations.

If you intend to dance the night away, sit and catch up with the gossip, or just chill, every part of the restaurant has its own ambience to accommodate.

Dancing is optional, but a great way to burn off the delicious food offerings on their extensive Turkish menu. I have personally attended and hosted many private events here too, from Barmitzvahs to birthdays and every client

BANG THE DRUMS, ENTERTAINMENT IS BACK

has always commented on the welcoming atmosphere, yummy food and staff service.

Turguay – or “T” as many know him – has become a great friend to many a diner who return time and time again, it just feels like home. See why for yourself upon your visit: mention Absolutely West Essex for your free glass of prosecco and become the newest member of the Soirée family. Check them out at @ soireerestaurant or soireerestaurant.co.uk.

I am always on the lookout for new venues and events so, my lovely readers, if you think there are places worth putting on the map, or you are hosting a public or private local event, do get in touch with me directly @haifalive.

CATC H H A I FA L I V E

Last Thursday of every month join Haifa Live at Melin Chigwell accompanied by live Sax. Booking line 020 8506 0382; Friday 1 October alongside the amazing DJ Omar at Soiree Restaurant; Friday 22 October at Seasons Bar Woodford from 8pm; Thursday 28 October and the last Thursday of every month at Melin Soul Sunday event, next date to be confirmed, with Haifa Live and DJ plus special guests, venue to be announced on social media @haifalive @singitevents

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The Agenda

O CTO B E R ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

EV E N T

Run the River 10k 10 October LEE VALLEY ATHLETIC S CLUB This run will start and finish at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. Perfect for beginners and runners who love the sights and sounds of nature on their outings. Ever wanted to run and didn't have the confidence? This is the perfect opportunity to join other like-minded souls while getting fit. visitleevalley.org.uk

FA M I LY

Autumn at Copped Hall 10 O C TO BE R

Historic country houses in their parkland are one of the great cultural achievements of previous centuries. After much campaigning the Conservators of Epping Forest (The City of London) purchased the freehold of the Copped Hall parkland in order to preserve and restore it. Here's an opportunity to explore its beauty with all the family, all well as enjoy all manner of stalls. coppedhalltrust.org.uk

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EV E N T

Oktoberfest Throughout October VA R I O U S Experience the real Oktoberfest atmosphere with live oompah bands, steins of beer and the allimportant Bratwurst at various venues across West Essex this month.

All will showcase what Oktoberfest is all about, from traditional folk to ‘Oompop’: expect foot stomping, table bashing, hearty singing and plenty of food wherever you eventually end up.

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CULTURE • WHAT'S ON

A RT

The Big Draw Throughout October VA R I O U S The Big Draw Festival is a worldwide celebration of drawing. At The Big Draw, they promote the universal language of drawing as a tool for learning, expression, and invention.

The Festival is made up of a collection of thousands of creative events, activities, and workshops across the globe run by organisations big and small; from individuals to entire cities. thebigdraw.org

T R E AT DAY Where to enjoy Chocolate Week from 14-18 October

CHAPPEL CHOCOLATE HOUSE

Essex chocolatier, Sarah Knights, specialises in making delicious, traditional, handmade artisan chocolates, as well offering chocolate courses, workshops, demonstrations and parties. Check her website for the latest restrictions. chappelchocolatehouse.co.uk

EV E N T

WEAR IT PINK

This Month’s Must See

22 October The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on Breast Cancer Now’s ability to deliver the progress and support that people affected by breast cancer rely on them for.

People can help to raise money by taking part in their Wear It Pink day this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On Friday 22 October, all you need to do is wear pink, raise money, and you can help make life-saving breast cancer research and life-changing care happen. wearitpink.org

JO OL S HOL L A N D

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28- 29 O C TO BER • SOUTHEN D CLIFFS PAVILION

ools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra are a rhythm and blues band led by boogie-woogie pianist Jools Holland. Holland formed the band in 1994 and the current 20-piece band consists of piano, organ, drums, female vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar, alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, baritone saxophones, trumpets, and trombones. This autumn his band will be touring again, so one not to miss for music lovers. southendtheatres.org.uk

MRS BUTTON'S CHOCOLATES Established in 2012, Mrs Button’s Chocolates is owned by Amanda Button. She makes her chocolates in her home kitchen in Kelvedon, Essex.

Button takes bespoke orders – just ask, if she can she will.

All products are made using the finest Belgian chocolate and dairy/soya free chocolate. mrsbuttonschocolates.co.uk

HOTEL CHOCOLAT

One of the big players on the chocolate scene, Hotel Chocolat's Chelmsford shop has it all for the chocolate lovers out there. Whether you’re looking for boxed chocolates, luxury gifts, or giant chocolate slabs for birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, or even apologies you’ll find it here. It's your own very real Willy Wonka world. hotelchocolat.com

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JAMES RUDLAND

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

That feelgood

F EE LIN G Laila Rouass has done more than most to keep our spirits up recently.

Here she discusses happiness, box sets and appreciating what you have

By MARK KEBBLE

JAMES RUDLAND

L

ockdown is a word I have used far too often in this magazine – and I hope not to use it too much in the future – but it’s impossible not to bring it up early in my interview with Laila Rouass. When the nation couldn’t venture far from their own homes, I – probably like many – sought comfort in streaming services and box sets.

BritBox was one of many that I feasted on and it was interesting to hear that the Rouass-starring Footballers’ Wives was at the top of the tree for viewers, despite airing its last episode 15 years ago.

“It’s like the Roaring Twenties,” Rouass says, “when you come out of something people become quite hedonistic, they just want to have fun. Without getting too spiritual and too deep, actually time is limited and we can sit here worrying about paying the mortgage, doing this

and doing that, but we have got to find some kind of joy and escapism – and I think Footballers’ Wives gave that back in the day and it gives people that now.”

Rouass played the scheming Amber Gates from 2004-2006, an outrageous character who was involved in some of the best storylines in the show. “I loved doing it,” she grins. “I was doing Hollyoaks when I got offered the job and I still had a couple months left on my contract, but I paid to get out of that because I knew it was really special. People fobbed it off as bubble gum, saying it was so unbelievable, but honestly there were times we would get a script six months prior, read something and say you can’t do that, someone would never do that, and lo and behold after we filmed it something has broken in the News of the World about a footballer doing exactly that! It looked like we were copying, but we weren’t. It wasn’t as farfetched as you think it’s going to be.”

As well as being a godsend for the streamers out there, Rouass has also offered some respite through a new venture of hers. Earlier this year she launched WholeAndThenSome, which offers wise words on being happy within yourself, as well as feelgood recipes and workshops. “I lived in India for many years because I was working there, I was based in Bombay for six years,” she explains the origins of the idea. “I was once stuck on the border of Tibet because there was a landslide when I was filming, and so we got stuck up the mountains. We had nothing much to do, so I ended up going to the local monastery there. You’d sit there, meditate, and I loved the science of Buddhism. Through that I became a bit obsessed with the Dalai Lama and his teachings. I started using manifestation – not really realising what it was – and within five months I met the Dalai Lama at an event and he blessed me. I have always been more interested in A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

GRAND TRUNK ROAD DELIGHTS

the science, but I opened up to the more spiritual side of happiness and I always wanted to do something around that.”

She studied at Yale University, investigating the science of happiness, and just as the first lockdown hit she decided to put everything she had learnt into practice. “Because we had to do less during lockdown, you realise that you can cover so much more,” she says of the timing. “It doesn’t necessarily mean letting go of all your riches and not striving to have that, but through the Yale University course I did, when they covered the science behind what you think would make you happy, more money and more success doesn’t actually make you happier. I struggled for the first couple of weeks [during the first lockdown], but practicing the things I learnt on the course helped me get through it.”

And it appears there’s an appetite for others to learn all about it: every workshop Rouass has held since launching – Home House presents Happiness Hacks, Self Compassion, Happiness After Covid and The Virtual Manifestation Retreat – has been a sell out. “It takes time and people have to trust in what you are saying,” Rouass says on the response, “but that’s why I wanted to study the science behind it.”

As well as WholeAndThenSome, Rouass says she got into yoga last year, as well as embracing the chance to spend more time with her daughter Inez and partner of nearly a decade, the snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan. “We had no kitchen as we were halfway through building works,”

WITH PARTNER RONNIE O'SULLIVAN

she sighs, “so I had to buy a Ninja oven.

But I wouldn’t have changed that for the world as we ended up cooking together as you can’t do everything on your own when you don’t have the facilities. My daughter and Ronnie would get involved, so that was a good time in way.”

The year also saw Rouass return to another of her celebrated screen roles, Sahira Shah on BBC’s Holby City. “I went to lunch with a good friend who was the series producer and she asked if I would consider coming back,” she says on returning to the show she first left in 2012.

“I didn’t originally want to leave the show, but my daughter was very young, had just started school, and it was down to me to support her financially and emotionally, and I decided I couldn’t do everything. I was happy to return for a short stint.”

Rouass says Holby City is up there with Footballers’ Wives when it comes to career highlights, as well as her run on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2009.

“That was great fun,” she smiles.

“I was never really in it to win it because I am not a great dancer, I just wanted to get to Blackpool, but I ended up being on for 16 weeks! I was with Anton [du Beke] and everyone loves Anton. Strictly is like The X-Factor, it’s one of those shows where the family can get together and watch it. It’s that bit of escapism again, people looking fabulous and glamorous, it’s a happy place.” Some things don’t change. wholeandthensome.co.uk

LAILA ROUASS’S

WO O D F O R D W I N N E R S “The Grand Trunk Road is definitely one. I have never a bad meal there - the food, the service, the atmosphere. I am always asking about the chef if I really like the food. My mum was a chef and I come from a family of restaurateurs so I am always interested in that. I think the chef has come from the Oberoi in India, which is a really amazing hotel, and the food is so authentic and the service is phenomenal.

“Another one would be the boulangerie in Loughton, a little French/Algerian bakery, but they do yummy smoothies, light lunches, their pastries are really good and Algerian men are fantastic cooks. Ask me about any place and I know who the chef is! I did Masterchef and I do cook a lot and I really enjoy it. I loved Masterchef, there was so much pressure I can’t tell you.

That and Strictly, the pressure was unbelievable. I am not a great dancer, I love music and I love going out, but I don’t really want to be a dancer. But when I was doing Masterchef I thought I wish I had been a chef!”

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ONE OF HER FAVOURITE DREAMS REALISED

Q For readers who may not know The Dream Factory, what do you do?

A I set up The Dream Factory children’s charity in memory of my son Oliver, who died at the age of nine on 14 September, 1999, from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

We grant dreams for children and young people from the ages of three to 25 with life-limiting, life-threatening, and severe disabilities. The aim is to give them a very special memory, or help them to get through very tough times in hospital.

AVRIL MILLS BEM

Get to know…

AVRIL MILLS

F O U N D E R , T H E D R E A M FAC TO RY

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Q What do you love most about your charity?

A What I love most about The Dream Factory is the family atmosphere within the Dream Team, and seeing the wonderful smiles on all the children’s faces when their dreams come true. I also love the fact that all our dream makers are volunteers.

Q How do you look back on how far you’ve come with the charity over the last 13 years?

A I look back on the last 13 years and see 508 dreams – how did that happen!? It’s just amazing that I’ve managed to keep us going through thick and thin. We are a very small charity, but we have an amazing selection of famous patrons, from Ray Winstone to Harry Redknapp, Lisa Marie Presley to Kevin Nolan, Sir Iain Duncan Smith to the Archbishop of York, Vicky Michelle to Gillian Taylforth, Colin McMillan to Michael Watson, and Anne Wafula Strike to Christine Ohuruogu… Just to name a few.

Q Do you have particular dreams you have managed to make a reality that stand out for you?

A There are many dreams that really stand

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CULTURE • PROFILE

A LOCATION FOR A SPECIAL VIP TRIP

out to be honest, but one that comes to mind is Ruby’s dream. Ruby had a brain tumour and she desperately wanted a puppy. First of all we took Ruby and her mum in a limo to Battersea Dogs Home for a VIP tour and out for her favourite meal in London. Then Ruby and her mum eventually found the perfect dream dog which The Dream Factory funded, and she named him Star (see left). Unfortunately, as predicted Ruby passed away a few months later. This dream touched all the dream team’s hearts – we are so pleased that Ruby had Star’s company in her final months.

Q What kind of support do you receive from the local West Essex community?

A The West Essex community have been vital in playing a big part in keeping The Dream Factory going.

Keeping our local supporters informed on everything is very important.

Q What events do you have coming up until the end of the year?

A We do have some events coming up, which is brilliant as everything got cancelled last year (with the pandemic), leaving us £80,000 down on events. We have our kids helping kids campaign, asking children to NORTH WEALD IS ON THE EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

THE OYSTER SHACK IS A GO-TO DESTINATION

“The West Essex community have been vital in playing a big part in keeping The Dream Factory going” fundraise for less fortunate children. We have our VIP 500 Gold Club, celebrating the milestone of reaching 500 Dreams. We are asking 50 companies to raise or donate £500 in 12 months, to raise £25,000. We have just launched our Mega Christmas Dream Draw and we are also hoping to organise another Wheels for Wheelchairs in December.

Q Talking West Essex, where do you live and how long have you been there?

A I lived in Epping for 30 years. I love North Weald as it’s quiet, but only two miles from Epping.

During lockdown I found many lovely walks to go on in and around North Weald.

Q Can you name some favourite local haunts?

A Well I absolutely love Ashlyns farm shop and restaurant. It’s spotless, the food

AT ONE OF THE MANY FUNDRAISING EVENTS

is so fresh and service second to none. I also love to sit outside Harleys Bistro in Epping people watching. I do love to visit The Kings Oak on High Beach and go to the Oyster Shack and Seafood Bar. Q Do you have a secret about yourself you are willing to reveal?

A It’s not really a secret, but I was awarded in 2014 the British Empire Medal for services to children and young people and I was also asked in 2021 to be an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Redbridge.

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PICTURED, FROM LEFT, DEPUTY MAYOR OF REDBRIDGE JYOSTNA ISLAM AND HIS EXCELLENCY, MR MANAOH ESIPISU HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE KENYAN REPUBLIC

ELECTRIC

DREAMS Why the opening of Eversure Charging’s new Woodford Green offices could not come at a better time

E

versure Charging, who have recently moved offices to Woodford Green, are an electric vehicle charging specialist organisation. They have invested heavily in setting the business up, and are all geared up to help support the UK’s ambitious electric vehicle goals.

The UK has seen rapid growth in the electrification of its passenger car market, and the trend is expected to continue.

The UK has set a goal of 50%–70% of the new car market being ultra-low emission by 2030 to achieve climate, air quality, and energy security ambitions. The UK government also is considering a 100% zero-emission new car sales goal for 2035.

Eversure estimates that 430,000+ are

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required for workplace, public, and fast chargers, and 30% annual growth rate in the UK’s charging infrastructure will be needed to keep pace with the UK’s 2030 electric vehicle growth goals. The London area has had a relatively positive charger deployment through 2019/20, on a path toward their 2030 charging needs, but still fall short.

Eversure were excited to have their opening on 26 August, 2021, and were officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Redbridge, Jyotsna Islam, Iain Duncan Smith, MP Woodford Green, and internationally recognised by His Excellency Mr Manoah Esipisu MBS, High Commissioner for the Kenyan Republic to the UK. Eversure stated that they are most definitely here to stay and have vowed to keep Essex and the rest of the country moving with their charging solutions.

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WOODFORD GREEN MP IAIN DUNCAN SMITH JOINED THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW OFFICE

“This is an exciting time for Eversure Charging right now, and we’ve thoroughly embraced the electric revolution” CEO Glen Tonkyn

Eversure are keen to support local residents and businesses transition from fossil fuel to electric, to help reduce costs for going into the city. TFL and the City low, ultra-low and zero emission zone charging is happening in London: the ULEZ daily charge have strict rules to support this scheme and will have a huge impact on many residents and businesses, with a daily charge of £12.50; in October 2021 the extension of the zone will cover north and south circular roads.

Eversure have an experienced team of people, with over 120 years’ experience between them, that care about making a difference to the environment and believes that the green agenda will make a difference in the long term. “The ‘electric revolution’ is here to stay,” says Glen Tonkyn, CEO of Eversure. They have also committed

to planting a tree through the National Trust for every charging unit they sell for domestic, commercial, public and fleet.

The Eversure team exude confidence, with a healthy dose of excitement. TirasGeorge Githinji, Marketing Director, states: “We are keen to help customers make that all important move to electric, and with our range of high-quality UK manufactured EV charging products, experienced installation teams and 24x7 professional customer services, ensures our customers get the best level of experience from start to finish.”

EVERSURE CHARGING 19 Mill Lane, Woodford Green, IG8 0UN 020 3998 2298 eversurecharging.com

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FA S H I O N

FLOWER POWER PUMA X LIBERTY

Using bold visuals and bright colors, the Puma x Liberty collaboration plays on the enduring heritage of both brands, bringing them together to create a unified story. Using the famous Liberty floral prints in a wild garden theme, the collection brings a very fresh and feminine look to Puma silhouettes. puma.com

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ANOUSKA GEORGIA

CREAM CARDIGAN WITH GOLD EMBELLISHED BUTTONS, £75, STORIES.COM

H TRENCH COAT, £90, RIVERISLAND.COM

Back on

SHOW

Marking the return of the catwalks and Sex and the City, Anouska Georgia shows there’s plenty to be excited about this autumn

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ello October and goodbye to the summer wardrobes we sadly never got to truly showcase this year. However, we still have our winter wardrobes to be excited for and I’m sure the British weather won't disappoint us there… So this month I will be showcasing what we have to look forward to for AW21 on the high street, as well as from luxury labels.

The catwalks are back and designers have been relishing in being able to showcase their magnificent work to real audiences and buyers once more. The high street stores have been able to pick up on a whole host of trends and translate it to their collections. This is good news for us as it means we are spoilt for choice and each store has something different on offer.

Let’s start by talking coats. Each year River Island offer one of the best range of winter coats on the high street with great detailing and colours, this year being no exception. I love their detailing too that includes gold buttons and gold bar belt ends, which add to the luxe feel of their designs.

The oversized look is still strong and this now extends to winter coats – again River Island have these in classic grey, which could be mistaken for a classic Max Mara, do check them out as they sell out quick.

Embellishment is big this season, from ornate buttons on cardigans and coats, to studs and buckles on belts and shoes. To all those that love Sex & the City, you will all probably know by now that they are currently filming the new series in NYC and the iconic Carrie Bradshaw outfits are back, sending the pulses of true fashionistas through the roof. This time around Patricia Field, the original stylist, is not at the helm of the styling, but her protege team are and they have brought back many of the original pieces worn by Carrie, mixing old with new and recycling. One of these is the famous black studded belt that was seen

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FASHION • COLUMN

A N O U S K A’ S

Must Haves

C H U N K Y L OA F E R S

These are my pick of the loafer trend. I love the gold detailing and the chunky sole adds height and makes them comfortable too. £24.99, hm.com

S T U D D E D B E LT

CONCERT TIE DRESS BY ZIMMERMAN, £2,400, SELFRIDGES.COM

There’s plenty to choose from on the high street, but this one caught my eye with its gold stud detailing which complements my signature gold jewellery to perfection. £55, asos.com

“Embellishment is big this season, from ornate buttons on coats to studs and buckles on belts and shoes” in the first movie. This belt is now iconic and is only able to purchase via a very long waiting list for £450, however there are many alternatives across the high street.

Teamed with dresses, skirts or overcoats, it’s a wardrobe staple for years to come.

To accessorise that belt, we need great shoes and boots and the designs this season are strong. H&M are back with their famed chunky boots in a whole array of styles and they have extended this styling to loafers with gold snaffle details – just add a feminine dress and winter coat for influencer style.

Finally, if you are super organised and planning your Christmas party outfits already and want something extra

special, one of my favourite designers for many years has been Australian luxury label Zimmerman. Their designs continue to grace the fashion scene 30 years on since their launch in 1991.

Famed for sophisticated femininity, a passion for detail and a love of colour and print, I adore their creativity.

Once travel is fully back, it’s worth checking out their resort wear too.

So that is a very small round up of what is on offer right now. If you are looking to add to your AW21 wardrobe, my advice is to snap up the essential coat and boots right now as the good styles are selling out fast…

INITIAL STUDS

Personalised jewellery never goes out of style and these dainty ear studs are great for those that love a trend in a subtle way. At this price they make great gifts too and for the month of October if you use discount code AWE you will receive 10% off too! £12 per pair, anouskageorgialondon.com

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WA R M G LOW The latest AW21 collection from Phase Eight, found at stockists throughout Essex, will get you set for autumn P H A S E - E I G H T. C O M

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

W RA P P E D I N COT TO N WO O L SOPWELL HOUSE

Everybody needs a haven. Somewhere you know you can escape to that will always feel like a sanctuary. Cottonmill spa membership at Sopwell House caters for every side of you. Whether you’re feeling mindful or mindless, dynamic or restful. From yoga classes to PT sessions, relaxing in the gardens or lunch with friends to massage treatments, it's all available here. cottonmillspa.co.uk

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RACHEL HILLER

Power to the

people

Marking ten years of Repose Studio, current owner Rachel Hiller explains why their approach was ahead of the fitness game

By MARK KEBBLE

Q You are celebrating your 10th

anniversary – congratulations! What originally inspired the opening of Repose?

A Our founders saw the potential gap in the market to offer small group training. They wanted to challenge the fitness industry proving workouts can be short, fun and still get you the results you’re after. They created a boutique-style environment where the trainers know your name, value your goals and treat you like family. The biggest mission was to take the intimidation out of going to a gym class. They’ve succeeded as everyone is welcome at our studio.

Q Why Buckhurst Hill as the location?

A Glenys and Tracy, the previous owners,

found the perfect location on Queens Road. They loved the community feel and had ten happy years in the studio. Queens Road is the heart of West Essex and our quick studio classes are perfect for people with busy work and social lives.

Q How many different kinds of exercises can you do using Power Plates?

A The number of exercises you can do on

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the Power Plate is endless. Our favourites are full body compound exercises, working lots of muscles in one movement.

Q Did you specialise in Power

Plates right from the off?

A We’re the longest running Power

and lymphatic drainage. It has been proven to increase bone density with no impact to joints. It’s a brilliant all round, fast and effective fitness workout and at Repose clients are expertly instructed by our qualified fitness team.

Plate studio in London and Essex and the original good vibes crew!

MEET THE TEAM

Q Why do Power Plates work so well?

A The machine's equipment offers the

next generation of fitness technology, providing one of the most efficient workouts available through Acceleration Training Exercise. This accelerated training technique is a complete, full body workout with no impact to your joints.

These classes are for toning, cardio and strengthening. A Repose workout will speed up metabolism to aid weight loss and reduce body fat, building explosive power and endurance. Workouts improve posture, reduce stress, and the appearance of cellulite. Also proven to improve balance and flexibility, increase core stability, improve relaxation, circulation

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“The number of exercises you can do on the Power Plate is endless”

Q What happens in a typical Repose class?

A A typical session consists of completing

a series of movements which you perform for 30-60 seconds. The trainer assesses your own fitness levels and you work according to your individual ability.

Q Who are your instructors?

A Our plate instructors are Kelly, Nadine,

Jackie, Rachel, and Robyn who teaches yoga. Each instructor brings a different workout and teaching style and have different specialities and knowledge. What we all have in common is the enthusiasm and drive to help people on their workout journey and strive to make exercise fun.

Q What else do you offer at Repose?

A At the back of the studio is a free weight,

gym area for those more experienced at leading their own workouts. This space is mostly occupied by personal trainers who want a luxury space to work with their clients, but all members are welcome to book and use it. We have a wellness cabin where we offer sports, pregnancy and hot shell massages, B12 vitamin

shots, one-to-one yoga, nutrition, weight loss consultations and reflexology.

If you are looking for more individual guidance or bespoke sessions our personal trainers offer one-to-one training, including nutrition and weight loss advice. We also stock the local business Yoga Leggs clothing, so pop in and have a look at their fantastic range of sportswear.

Q Do you see yourself changing

much over the next decade?

A Our main principles and Power Plate

technology will be here to stay. I’m sure over the next decade some things will change as the fitness industry is always evolving and we like to keep up to date. Who would have thought ten years ago you could have participated in a Repose class from the comfort of your own home? You can now join us virtually and complete on demand classes too. Times change and we always want to change with them, but maintaining our ‘everyone is welcome mentality’ and helping the lovely people of West Essex stick to and enjoy a manageable exercise routine will continue to be our core focus.

REPOSE HOLD A RANGE OF CLASSES

REPOSE STUDIO 179 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5AZ 07557 340447 reposestudio.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

FOCUS

FOREVER

Amber

EDITOR’S PICK

M O N A K AT TA N

Soul soother THE MIND HUB

The Mind Hub was set up in 2010 and offers a range of mental health and wellbeing courses in both a virtual and in person setting. They offer courses across a wide range of topics including: the MHFA First Aider qualifications, Introduction to Mindfulness, Building Resilience and more. They also support organisations to build a wellbeing strategy.

Discover more at themindhub.co.uk

V I E A E ST H E T I C S

Are you looking to brighten up a dull-looking complexion? Is your skin crying out to be saved from the inevitable effects of time? Or, are you in need of some TLC just to relax?

For a treatment that oozes opulence and will make you feel like the Golden God/Goddess that you are, choose the 24-Karat Gold Leaf Facial, exclusively available in Essex at Vie Aesthetics.

For this experience, call 01268 778 615 or 07899673578. Quote ABSOLUTELYGOLD when booking for a £25 voucher the treatment

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Advice from Krystal Prince on lash extensions

T

Kayali Invite Only Amber, the new fragrance designed by Mona Kattan, is sensual and addictive.

Described as seduction in a bottle, this irresistible scent envelops amber resin and Madagascan vanilla mixed with black cherry, honey de provence and tobacco leaf. £98, hudabeauty.com

GOL D RUSH

Eye on the PRIZE here is a common myth suggesting that natural lashes are damaged by lash extensions. As a trusted beauty expert and lash technician of almost 20 years, I would like to set the record straight. Your natural lashes will not be damaged from lash enhancements! Yay – I hear you say! So, if our lashes aren’t damaged by lash extensions, why do we find them all over the place? Well naturally our lashes fall out - it’s as simple as that!

We know the benefits of a healthy diet to give us energy and nourish our bodies; while taking regular exercise will tone and build muscle, which keeps our bodies strong and fit - this will also contribute to strong hair and nails.

Just like the hairs on our head, our lashes shed – in fact, each lash has a cycle of roughly six weeks. When a lash sheds, a new one grows in its place, hence the need for maintenance. Every person is different so this could differ slightly from one person to the next.

Despite all of this, lash enhancements do need to be applied in the correct way and performed by a trained technician. It may also be the case that if lashes are applied too thick or heavy, if too much adhesive is applied or if incorrect lashes are selected, then our natural lashes can be damaged before the natural shedding occurs.

As with any industry, there are providers with improper training.

I’d suggest to anyone looking to get lash extensions, to do so with a reputable salon or brand.

THE GLAMOUR ROOM

Krystal Prince is the owner of The Glamour Room, 14a Baddow Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0DG, 01245 355508 theglamourroom.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND AESOP Hair calming shampoo 500m, £33, aesop.com

THICK TAILS Root stimulating daily serum, £17.99, uk.thicktails.com

KRISTIN ESS Beach wave spray, £12, kristinesshair.com

FOAMIE Shampoo bar with argan oil for frizzy hair, £7, lookfantastic.com

MADARA Repair and dry rescue mask, £22.25, lookfantastic.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CHANEL Hair mist, £48, chanel.com

KAYALI Hair mist déjà vu white flower, £34, hudabeauty.com

ROOTS TO SUCCESS

FOAMIE Dry shampoo brunette, £6, lookfantastic.com

Absolutely’s round up of our favourite haircare products this month

AESOP Hair sage & cedar scalp treatment 25ml, £25, aesop.com

By ELLIE MAE-HAMMOND

THICK TAILS Exfoliating scalp scrub, £19.99, uk.thicktails.com

KRISTIN ESS Curl Defining cream, £12, kristinesshair.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS WINTER IMMUNIT Y BOOSTING CAPSULES

NOTES

By MARK KEBBLE

P U R E S P O R T M I N D & B O DY MUSHROOM BLEND Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Lion’s Mane & Cordyceps – all featured in this blend – have all been shown to have immune balancing effects and antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body. £29.99

I N N E R M O S T R E C OV E R CAPSULES These contain Maca, which reduces physical and mental stress on the body, Magnesium, which supports muscle function, Ubiquinone CoQ10, which supports the mitochondria (energy producing powerhouses) of our bodies, and Vitamin D. £18.95

RE ACH YOUR PEA K The latest workout to come to Essex will help you hit fitness goals

I N N E R M O S T D E T OX BOOSTER This is a supergreens powder that contains ten of the most highly-regarded health boosting ingredients in an easy to use powder.

In particular, antioxidants in Matcha Green Tea helps to improve the skin. It can be added to water or a hot drink/smoothie. £24.95

A

ustralian phenomenon, F45 Noak Hill, is the latest group training session to hit Essex. The ultimate high-intensity, circuitbased concept offers a wide range of unique themed classes which will challenge and motivate you, leaving you leaner, stronger and fitter than you ever imagined.

You don’t have to be fit, to get fit as classes are suitable for all regardless of age and fitness levels, enabling you to

workout at your own pace as you challenge yourself and progress to reach your own goals.

Setting the benchmark in fitness and functional training, F45’s leading fitness experts have designed an extensive range of unique cardio and resistance based training programmes, challenging you to mix up your weekly workout routine and reach your fitness goals.

Sessions are 45 minutes long and fast-paced, burning up to 820 calories and pushing you to your maximum, with constant

support and guidance from the world-class F45 coaches.

Sessions are carried out using the latest innovation in fitnessbased technology for enhanced motivation and measurement, with screens strategically placed overhead, illustrating each exercise, as well as a countdown to your rest period as you move along the circuit.

Sign up to a complimentary Health MOT and receive 55% off a 2 week trial: f45training.co.uk/noakhill A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK

A CULINARY JOURNEY GRAND TRUNK ROAD

Based in South Woodford, the Grand Trunk Road restaurant takes inspiration from its namesake. Built for traders in the 16th century, the Grand Trunk Road is Asia’s longest road, running through several regions and connecting Bangladesh to Afghanistan. The Grand Trunk Road restaurant offers a huge selection of dishes inspired by the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of this famous route. gtrrestaurant.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest food news and most exciting openings this month

By ELLIE-MAE HAMMOND

Mahi Pinot Noir 2018, Marlborough  £26 A full and rich bouquet, this wine is mouth filling, ripe and supple with good complexity. Dark cherries and plums combine with soft tannins to give a wellrounded finish. This Pinot Noir is a quintessential Kiwi Pinot style from a very good Marlborough vintage. One to savour.

Blank Canvas ` Pinot Noir 2017, Escaroth Marlborough  £33 A heady fragrance of peony and violets, red cherry and pomegranate, overlaid with a smoky, earthy savouriness.

The character reflects the perfume and delicacy of the vintage, whilst retaining its innate muscular tannin structure that ensures it will age very well. Pinot Noir fans will not be disappointed.

Schubert ‘Block B’ Pinot Noir, Wairarapa, 2017  £43 Intense aromas of blackcurrant and cherry along with smoke and tobacco notes. Aged in both old and new French oak barriques for 16 months, the wine is full bodied with rich and elegant textures.

The mid-palate is well supported by the tannins and refreshing acidity.

Il Vino is the premier independent wine merchant in West Essex, offering a selection of outstanding wines, champagnes and cognacs and cigars from around the world. Il Vino will also soon be offering customers private tasting events at the shop in Buckhurst Hill.

ilvino.co.uk

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Wind of change BREEZE NORTH CHINGFORD

Some two years in the making, Breeze North Chingford is all set to open its doors. Serving food seven days a week, Breeze offers a choice of dishes from across the Mediterranean. With an extensive choice of hot and cold starters, you can enjoy a ‘Mezze’ style dining experience and sample a wide choice of main courses too.

They have a selection of classic plates from England to the Middle East. Whether you wish for chargrill, steaks, casseroles or pasta, or opt for their seafood, vegetarian or salads, you can be sure the food is freshly prepared and carefully cooked by their chefs. breeze.london/north-chingford

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

INDIAN SUMMER Exploring some of South Asia’s finest

J U B O R A J TA N D O O R I

Farming out

Situated in the heart of Brentwood, Juboraj Tandoori serves traditional Bengali-Indian cuisine for a truly authentic dining experience.

Established in 1986, they have been providing the finest quality dishes teamed with excellent service for almost three decades. juborajtandoori.co.uk

THE FARMHOUSE ESSEX

Like his cooking style, Teejay Asciak has kept the name of his debut venue simple. The Farmhouse Essex comprises a cafe and deli, serving up modern British food, a rustic warehouse vibe, and a chilled atmosphere.

With its crowd-pleasing brunch menu, sharing feasts and Sunday roasts, and a shop filled with local specialities, The Farmhouse Essex offers something for everyone to enjoy. thefarmhouseessex.com

PERFECT PUB GALVIN GREEN MAN

Galvin Green Man, the Galvin brothers’ Essex pub, has won two prestigious awards at the National Pub & Bar Awards. "We are incredibly proud of winning the National Pub & Bar Awards East of England Regional Award, as well as the National Pub & Bar of the Year overall winner for our Essex pub and restaurant, Galvin Green Man,” says Chris Galvin. “To come through the last year and a half and be recognised like this is fantastic." galvinrestaurants.com

MUMBAI MASKA A dedicated, passionate team of professionals with an ultimate aim of providing fresh, healthy and delicious authentic Indian, Mumbai street food with a touch of love and care at Mumbai Maska. Mumbai Maska Hindi translates to cream of Mumbai in a simple, delicious and smooth home-style meal that is hearty, comforting and satisfying. mumbaimaska.co.uk

H A P P Y

B I R T H D AY

Magic beans ALTITUDE COFFEE

Essex based independent coffee roaster, Altitude Coffee, deliver some of the world’s finest coffee hand roasted straight to customers' doors.

Founded by Joe Townshend, a former pilot who lost his job when the pandemic hit in 2020, customers can sign up to the Altitude Coffee Club to receive expertly crafted coffee blends, including a variety of coffee beans from around the world. altitude-coffee.co.uk

YOUNG'S

THE BEKASH The Bekash restaurant was founded in 1989 in the small town of Wickford, Essex. Now three decades on, it has established itself as a restaurant delivering exceptional Indian cuisine and outstanding service.

They believe in delivering incomparable service as the key to their success, so drop in and experience why they have a legion of loyal customers. thebekashrestaurant.com

September marked Young’s 190th birthday and to celebrate the pub group hosted a series of events, giveaways, and surprises across its West Essex pubs.

Young’s celebrated all things beer, marking the big 190 with burger parties, art classes, and the return of the dray cart and horses. youngs.co.uk

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JAHDRE HAYWARD WITH HIS WIFE AMANDA

GAME

CHANGER

How a melting pot of flavours and influences shaped the Michelin-recognised Haywards in Epping

By MARK KEBBLE

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

I

t’s quite a massive pat on the back for West Essex when it enticed a chef as good as Jahdre Hayward to open a restaurant here. During his career to date, he has worked with some amazing chefs and travelled the world on quite the culinary journey, which included studying in America and working in Australia.

And, yet, it was in Epping where he opened his eponymous restaurant.

“I met my wife Amanda while working at the London Capital Club and her family are from Epping,” Hayward explains. “She introduced me to the area and I love it here. Amanda’s family own a pub and had always wanted to open a restaurant. We decided to convert one of their outbuildings, which was formerly a coach house and stable, and the result is Haywards.”

The feeling of love is certainly mutual, starting from the unique setting in the grounds of The Forest Gate Inn, a 17th century freehouse owned and run by the Stokes family for over 50 years. “The setting and design of the restaurant are really important to us,” Hayward says warmly.

“We have always wanted to ensure that the experience is positive from the first enquiry

right through to when guests leave at the end of their meal. We wanted to create an elegant and comfortable environment to match the quality of our cuisine.”

The a la carte menu, in particular, highlights Hayward’s approach to ingredients, with each dish titled simply from what has been used to concoct it.

“Our menus are seasonal, so myself and the team look at the ingredients that are in season and build our dishes around them,” Hayward explains. “We use produce from our garden – we are so fortunate to have that space – and take inspiration from restaurants I visit, from trends in the industry and also from my huge collection of recipe books. Although I focus on Modern European styles, I really love Asian food, particularly Japanese.

Following my time in Australia and discovering many different ingredients I do now often use Asian ingredients in my dishes too, such as dashi and miso.”

Hayward and his wife, who is also the restaurant manager, have certainly won the hearts and minds of foodies both local and further afield. “We are recommended in the Michelin guide and do have a Michelin plaque,” Hayward smiles. “We also hold 3 AA Rosettes, which is fantastic A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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“We wanted to bring fine dining and Modern European cuisine to Epping”

as there is only one other restaurant in Essex with that accolade. That association does add pressure for sure, however it also focuses us on maintaining our high standards and consistency in our dishes and quality of food as well as service. We are always looking for ways to improve and add to our offer. We are proud of what we have achieved and how hard our team work to maintain these standards.”

Despite all the success the restaurant has enjoyed, even they could not escape the pain of a global pandemic. “The lockdowns were extremely tough on the business,” Hayward admits. “We never imagined that from that weekend in March 2020 when we first had to close what the rest of the year would hold and how we would need to adapt the business to keep everything going. It has been incredibly stressful at times. Our team of chefs are great and really have worked hard and been behind us the whole time while we set up our new weekend coffee trailer and offered the take-away service through the lockdowns. Our kitchen staff and front of house too have been amazing.

Everyone has supported us throughout.”

Fingers crossed discussing hospitality closures will become a thing of the past and Hayward and his team can concentrate on doing what they have done so well since opening in 2013. “We wanted to bring fine dining and Modern European cuisine to Epping,” Hayward looks back to day one. It’s fair to say that it has been mission accomplished.

H AY WA R D S 111 Bell Common, Epping, CM16 4DZ 01992 577350 haywardsrestaurant.co.uk

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Japan

ST Y LE Fun and simple Japanese recipes to cook at home Wo r d s T I M A N D E R S O N

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

WasabiMarinated Octopus with Okra Serves 2

One of the very first izakaya meals I had in Japan was somewhere in Tokyo, fresh off the boat en route to my tour of duty as an English teacher in Kyushu.

My Japanese language ability has never really been more than rudimentary, but at that point I couldn’t even read most menus. So I ordered basically just the few things I could read – one of which was tako-wasa, written in the simpler hiragana orthography, as opposed to kanji, which is highly complex. I had no idea what tako-wasa was, but I correctly guessed it contained octopus (tako) and wasabi.

It turned out there wasn’t much more to it than that: just raw octopus, chopped up, then marinated in a generous amount of piquant wasabi and other simple seasonings. It’s pretty hard to source octopus that’s fit to serve raw in the UK, so in this recipe, the octopus is cooked.

Raw octopus also has a delightfully slippery-slimy texture, so to replicate that, I include a bit of okra. But if you can get sashimi quality raw octopus, by all means have a go with that. Also, if you can’t get octopus at all, this would be quite good with squid or cuttlefish instead.

INGREDIENTS • 2 large or 4 small octopus tentacles, raw or cooked (this is about 300 g (10½ oz) raw or 150–200 g (5–7 oz) cooked) • 4 okra pods • 1 tbsp prepared wasabi • 1 tbsp mirin • 1 tbsp sake • ¼ tsp dashi powder (kombu rather than katsuo, if possible) or MSG • ½ tsp sugar • 2–3 pinches of salt • ½ dried red chilli, finely snipped with scissors, or 1 pinch of red chilli (hot pepper) flakes (optional) • ¼ lemon • 1 small handful of chives, chopped

METHOD 1 If your octopus is raw, cook it.

Bring a large pan of water to a high simmer, then lower in the octopus and cook for 45 minutes-1 hour until tender but not soft (it should still be slightly chewy). Drain well, then transfer to a roasting tin and leave to air-dry for 10 minutes or so.

2 Mince two of the okra pods and cut the other two into slices about 5 mm (¼ in) thick. Combine the wasabi, mirin, sake, dashi powder, sugar, salt, minced okra and chilli, if using, stirring well to dissolve the sugar.

3 Place the octopus under a very hot grill (broiler) and cook for a few minutes on each side until lightly charred.

4 Dice the octopus into bite-size chunks and mix with the sauce along with the sliced okra. Enjoy straight away or leave in the fridge to marinate for a few hours, up to two days.

5 Serve at room temperature or cold, garnished with the lemon wedge and chopped chives.

SakeSteamed Clams Serves 2

Just like sashimi, clams steamed in sake boast an enormous deliciousness-to-effort ratio; they are so simple they almost don’t require a recipe, and the resulting broth of clam juice and sake is like an umami supernova. But also like sashimi, they rely on good-quality fresh ingredients; in this case, you need to make sure you get good, fresh clams that are free of grit.

The only way to really guarantee this is to buy them from a trusted fishmonger.

There are only three places where I trust the clams in London. Which is

not to say there aren’t more sources of good clams, it’s just that now that I’ve found three, why would I take a risk on anywhere else? So find yourself a reliable clam guy and hold onto him forever.

Nira, or garlic chives, are an excellent alternative to leeks in this recipe, if you can get them. They are sold at any Asian supermarket, usually under their Chinese name, kow choi.

INGREDIENTS • 400–500 g (14 oz–1 lb 2 oz) clams • 100 ml (3½ fl oz/scant ½ cup) sake • ½ leek, cut in half and thinly sliced at an angle, or 2 stalks of nira (garlic chives), cut into 2 cm (¾ in) chunks • 1 garlic clove, minced or finely grated • A few sprigs of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

METHOD 1 Wash the clams under running water; if you can see or feel any dirt or grit on them, scrub it off.

Check that all the clams’ shells are closed and intact; discard any that are broken or that are open and don’t close when you tap them.

2 Place the sake, leeks or nira and garlic in a frying pan (skillet) and bring to the boil, then tip in the clams and place a lid on the pan.

3 Steam for about 4 minutes until all the clams have opened up. Remove the lid then add the parsley and toss it through, cooking for another minute or so. Remove from the heat and discard any clams that have not opened.

4 Serve piping hot, and make sure you have some rice or bread on hand to soak up the juice.

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23/07/2021 14:19

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

METHOD

ProsciuttoWrapped Crab and avocado sushi roll Serves 2

Top-tier sushi is not really achievable for home cooks, nor even for most professional cooks. But Japan is full of sushi found at more accessible settings and price points, from convenience stores to kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) shops, as well as home kitchens. This is not the stuff Jiro dreams of – but it’s still pretty tasty. What’s more, I don’t think it can be reasonably be denigrated as ‘inauthentic’. While sushi containing odd ingredients like cream cheese or chilli sauce is generally considered the domain of Americanised Japanese food, in Japan they can get a bit silly with sushi, too. I recall one kaiten-zushi place I went to in Tokyo that served gyoza nigiri – literally an

overturned gyoza on top of a little pillow of rice. Other places serve things like pork cutlet sushi and Korean barbecue sushi. Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s most popular sushi chains, sells sushi topped with cheese tempura. Cheese tempura!

Global discourse on sushi is so focused on elite chefs that it’s easy to lose sight of this more plebeian and arguably more fun side of sushi. Are spicy tuna rolls or nigiri topped with tiny cheeseburgers going to win any Michelin stars? Probably not.

But they will make loads of people happy.

Hopefully this particular ‘B-grade’ maki will as well – basically a California roll, but with salty Italian ham in place of the usual nori.

1 Cook the rice according to the instructions below. While the rice is cooking, stir together the vinegar, sugar and salt until the sugar and salt dissolve. Once the rice is cooked, spread it out in a large bowl or tray and sprinkle over the seasoned vinegar.

2 Mix the vinegar through the rice using a rice paddle or spatula with slicing and turning motions. Let the rice cool to room temperature before making the rolls.

3 If you have a sushi mat, wrap it in cling film (plastic wrap). If not, you don’t need to get one – just wrap some sturdy card or a few sheets of paper together in a few layers of cling film; this will be an adequate makeshift rolling mat. Lay three slices of ham down on the mat or paper, slightly overlapping so they form a solid layer of ham.

Wet your hands, then gently spread and press half of the rice out in an even layer on the ham, leaving a gap of about 1 cm (½ in) uncovered along the far edge of the ham (you will use this to seal the roll).

4 Lay the crab meat out in a tidy row along the near side of the ham, about 1 cm (½ in) from the edge, then top with the avocado and lettuce. Use the paper or mat to curl up the edge of the ham, tucking in the fillings with your fingertips and tightening the roll as you go with gentle pressure.

5 When you’ve rolled to the far edge of the ham, squeeze the roll together to seal. Transfer to a cutting board and slice with a sharp, wet knife. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and serve with ponzu or soy sauce and wasabi.

INGREDIENTS • 150 g (5 oz/¾ cups) rice • 1½ tbsp vinegar • ½ tbsp sugar • ¼ tsp salt • 6 slices prosciutto or similar cured ham • 50 g (2 oz) crab meat • ¼ ripe avocado, cut into long slices about 3 mm (⅛ in) thick • 2 leaves little gem lettuce, halved lengthways • Ponzu or wasabi and soy sauce, to serve

Extract taken from our Home Izakaya by chef and MasterChef champion Tim Anderson, published on 14 October by Hardie Grant

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

SPOTLIGHT

IN THE PINK PA L E F OX Pink Prosecco is rapidly gaining in popularity around the world, with Kylie Minogue recently adding a rosé prosecco to her wine range.

The new Pale Fox vintage Prosecco Rose contains a blend of white Glera and red Pinot Noir grapes that work harmoniously to create a structured, complex sparkling wine reminiscent of red berries, pomegranate and white flowers.

£29.95; palefoxprosecco.com

MIRROR IMAGE H AC H A Hacha's award-winning Mirror Margarita looks like a glass of water, but is in fact a stunning Margarita with the perfect balance of sweet and sour notes. And now you can buy it by the bottle for delivery.

£35; hachabar.com

GIN O'CLOCK P U D D I N G S TO N E D I ST I L L E RY This autumn sees the launch of Puddingstone Distillery’s new bottle design for its multi award winning Campfire Gin range. The refreshed design retains the simplicity and strong identity of the original Campfire bottle, but the distillery has increased the volume from 50cl to 70cl.

puddingstonedistillery.com

Drink to success Daygustation

By MARK KEBBLE

T

he Daygustation shop is filled with a carefully chosen selection of delicious things. As well as wines from small, qualitydriven producers, they also sell a small range of interesting beers, Japanese saké, small-batch spirits and grown up soft drinks. In the chiller you will find stinky cheese from La Fromagerie, charcuterie from Brindisa, Bombetta and Tempus and Torres truffle crisps amongst other deli items. One handy tool they sell is the pictured Coravin Model 3 (£250), which will enable you to pour your favourite wines without pulling the cork, with the Coravin Timeless Three Wine Preservation System. The Three System is the perfect introduction to Daygustation's Timeless Wine Preservation Systems, allowing you to preserve still wines for weeks, months, or even years. Featuring a moulded all-black architecture, two Coravin Pure™ Argon Capsules, two Coravin Screw Caps and a Coravin Aerator, the Three+ contains everything you need to enhance your wine experience.

That's not the only innovative thing you can find at Daygustation. Also available are refillable low sulphur wines – the key keg format means the wines have much lower levels of preservatives, which is much better for you and (wonderful news) less likely to give you a bad hangover.

They have two whites, two reds and a rosé available in 0.5 or 1 litre refillable bottles – so better for the environment also. The 0.5 litres range from £5.95£8.95 depending on the wine. The Sauvignon (Guy Allion) is considered by many sommeliers to be the best value Sauvignon in the world. daygustationwines.com

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An affordable Independent Education

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

Hayley Smith

Why it’s time to get fit •

Baby wearing

LO U N G E LOVER With their classic look, Eberjey’s Gisele pyjamas borrow their style from the boys, but are cut from super-soft jersey and tailored for a more feminine silhouette.

Feeling comfortable while looking good has never been so easy. selfridges.com

A new range of slings • Lots of love

A heartwarming West Essex event

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Nurture

Curiosity

Creativity

Excellence

Assisted Places Available from 7+ see our website for further details

Independent Co-educational Day School For 3 - 11 Years

Register online for 7+ Assessments www.wgprep.co.uk School & Alumni registration also available

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Tel: 0208 504 5045

Email: admissions@wgprep.co.uk www.wgprep.co.uk

24/09/2021 16:35

mama COLUMN

B O X I N G C L E V E R No time to workout? Buckhurst Hill mum Hayley Smith shows it’s well worth finding a gap in your schedule to improve your mood and wellbeing

A PACKING A PUNCH AT CLUB KO

s mothers, most often we put everyone else around us before ourselves, which can impact our physical and mental health – we know it’s not good, but there are simply not enough hours in the day to fit everything in.

My commitment to regular exercise has wavered over the years, I tend to go in fits and starts. I started running and exercising again during lockdown, but that was short-lived; I have always been pretty fit, but like many we struggle with making time for exercise – when your inbox is out of control, your kids need to be bathed, fed, and chauffeured around, and you haven’t had a full conversation with your significant other in weeks – that’s when your run, spin or yoga class is probably the first thing to get scrapped from your daily to-do list.

But it’s exactly during those times when your workout becomes more important than ever because we all know that even just 20 minutes of physical activity can drastically improve your mood, mindset, and overall wellbeing.

(And that’s good for you, your kids, your work colleagues and your significant other.)

So last week I decided to return to one to one boxercise training at Club KO in Buckhurst Hill and life suddenly feels a little

“Physical activity is good for you, your kids and your significant other”

HAYLEY SMITH

less crazy. Boxing is widely considered to be the best all-round body workout for men and women. Owner of the gym, Noel, and fellow trainer, Keith, have put together a tailored training programme for me which will generally improve my fitness and tone up my 43-year-old muscles. The gym has such a positive vibe, it is always friendly, and I love the respect and etiquette associated with this sporting environment – oh, and working out next to world champion boxers definitely adds an exciting element!

Club KO offer children’s classes too – my son has boxed there since they opened around eight years ago. Boxing has helped with my son’s confidence and has emphasised the importance of showing respect to peers and authority; most importantly it has taught him to have self-respect and to carry himself in a positive manner, all so valuable for him during his teenage years and beyond…

156 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5BJ 07968 081 722 clubkoboxing.com

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FA M I LY NOTES

Behind the scenes at a wonderful local event, plus meet a star of the future A real heroine

LITTLE CONVERSATION W I T H R I S I N G S TAG E S TA R CHARLOTTE LAU, WHO S T U D I E S AT W O O D F O R D GREEN PREP

Q When did you first get a taste for performing?

A I first performed for my dance school, The Dance Shak, at their bi annual show when I was four-years-old. Over time my confidence has grown and prior to lockdown I won the Dance National Championships for my age category, and as a result was invited to Australia and the USA to compete in 2020.

Q What do you love about the stage?

A The rollercoaster feeling before the curtains go up, the silence in the audience when they are captured by what is on stage, and then the rewarding claps and cheers after.

Q Do you get many opportunities to be involved with music and drama at Woodford Green Prep?

A I am very lucky to be at a school like Woodford Green Prep where there are ample opportunities to be involved in music whether it is informal concerts, when first timers and advanced students have the chance to perform in front of parents and friends, to end of term concerts that involve the school orchestra, choir and solo performances.

There are also the end of year plays which I am especially looking forward to this year. Through Woodford Green Prep I learned to play the cello and just before the summer I passed my grade 3.

Celeb golfers

Q How did you come to be in a video for J.Fla? A The part came through directly to my agent and they were looking for a girl that looked like J.Fla to play her in a song she wrote for the music video, and I was lucky enough to be chosen for part. It now has views of 2.7 million on YouTube!

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ma m a

NEWS

of the best things to do this half term

T H E S TA G E I S S E T

Y

oung talent from Chingford will be taking to the stage later this autumn to perform at the iconic Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End. On 14 November, 18 students from Stagecoach Theatre Arts Chingford will perform a tailored set of West End favourites as part of a National Stagecoach Showcase.

The troupe have been practising for the last two months and will join 15 other Stagecoach

schools from across the country for their very own taste of West End stardom. Stagecoach Chingford principal, Matthew Wing, says: “It is such a thrill for us to see the pupils on stage in the West End. This is such a great opportunity for them, and I am delighted they have the chance to showcase their talents on this prestigious stage. They are all very excited, and the teachers and I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction to their performance.”

stagecoach.co.uk/chingford

TAMSIN MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY

With love from…

Absolutely West Essex’s Haifa Live and Sing It Events provided the evening entertainment at the recent Love for Libby Charity Golf Day at West Essex Golf Course. A special thanks goes to Don Benton who pulled the event together, which raised just over £70,000 for the Anthony Nolan Charity. Anthony Nolan save the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders and were the charity behind finding a bone marrow donor match for Libby last February. The very special guest of the day was Libby herself who thankfully was well enough to make the event. Libby’s family and friends want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped to make the day happen, especially the Moralis Group whose huge donation was matched by Libby’s grandparents. The evening’s auction included fantastic prizes gifted by many local businesses and friends including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Teddy Sheringham. There was also a surprise visit from Love Island’s Georgia Harrison who has helped raise awareness for stem cell donation and Love For Libby.

CAMP WILD CHIGWELL SCHOOL

Camp Wild is an Ofsted Registered children's camp offering sports, art & crafts and theatrical activities. They're perfect for working parents as they're open from 8am-6pm. camp-wild.co.uk

ADVENTURE ACADEMY LAMBOURNE END CENTRE FOR OUTDOOR LEARNING

An outdoor play scheme for adventurous children, here they can learn skills, boost confidence and get active outside. eventbrite.co.uk

TENNIS COACHING WHITEHALL TENNIS CLUB

Not just for half term, maybe your child has been inspired by Anna Raducanu’s heroics at the US Open and wants to start playing tennis. Whitehall is a very friendly club with top quality coaches. whitehalltennis.co.uk

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HERITAGE

OPEN MORNING

Wednesday 13th October 9.00am - 11.00am Head’s talk at 9.15am

To book your place, please email registrar@ahsprep.co.uk

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THE SMARTER WAY TO WORK Would you rather be in the gym, seeing to your kids, or having a more flexible start to your day instead of spending your time sitting on a train?

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If you’re looking for an opportunity to work in a forward-thinking environment, with competitive salary and benefits including wellbeing allowance, flexible and hybrid working then why wait?

Visit Haslers.com/recruitment to start your new career path today.

@Haslers

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Haslers

www.haslers.com

@HaslersUk

HaslersUk

24/09/2021 16:35

mama mamaPROMOTION EDUCATION

JOY OF

CHALLENGES The head of Woodford Green Preparatory School on the many benefits of having a sense of adventure B y J O N AT H A N WA D G E

I

t is fair to say that children, young persons and families alike will have had significant challenges during the last 18 months. Yet, as we point forward, with schools having returned to more normality for the Autumn Term, there are far more exciting and uplifting challenges to be enjoyed by our children.

Whilst it will have been a tough time for so many families, one of the silver linings of the disruption has been a greater appreciation and connection with nature and outdoor activities; whether it be walks in the local woods, a greater uptake of exercise, or simply taking a quiet moment to appreciate some of the simple things in life.

“Children enjoy the simplicity of play and the outdoors” Young children, in particular, have a great sense of adventure and immensely enjoy the simplicity of play and the outdoors. It has not been a surprise to read of all the mental health benefits for children afforded by this and it only takes a few minutes in a park to see that sense of fun, adventure and enjoyment of personal challenge.

Much research has been done that directly connects children’s ability to grasp new challenges with their life-long learning skills. Of course, challenges take many forms, but the gross motor skills and awareness of the physical self are key components in development. As modernday parents, we have a tendency to want to protect our children away from challenges and smooth the path ahead, yet resilience is best displayed when self-management and self-efficacy is learnt by our children.

At Woodford Green Prep School, we are delighted to have recently completed the building of a new outdoor learning and play space. It has been designed by Earth Wrights, who are experts in children’s play.

It forms part of our commitment to being an urban school that reaches out into the local environment and we have been delighted to see how the children, from nursery up to Year 6, have loved this new opportunity.

A big thank you, too, to our wonderful and active Parent Teacher Association who kindly funded a significant part of it.

It has really connected with the children’s imagination and complements our outdoor learning opportunities, which include a wide range of sports, educational trips and visits to local woodlands. Our pupil council also made some fantastic suggestions for new clubs and so, this term, we have even started a mountain bike club.

I suspect that during the coming months, schoolchildren across the country will be reconnecting with one another, enjoying playtimes more fully and embracing all the fun and challenges with their learning. I wish each and every family the best of health and sense of adventure by whatever means available.

WO O D F O R D G R E E N P R E PA R ATO RY S C H O O L Glengall Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0ER. 020 8504 5045 wgprep.co.uk

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bravely fortiter

faithfully fideliter

happily feliciter

St. Aubyn’s School For further information please contact the Admissions Registrar registrar@staubyns.com 020 8504 1577 co-educational independent ages 3-13 central line Woodford

Bunces Lane Woodford Green Essex IG8 9DU www.staubyns.com Registered Charity No: 270143

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mama PROMOTION

“It allows for parents to spend precious time with their children while learning”

S M A L L T A L K Through a range of innovative programmes, Pepe and Tete brings the Spanish language to life

P

epe and Tete is a Spanish language experience business that offers learning for all ages and levels. The journey to create Pepe and Tete started in Pilar de la Horadada, Spain where their founder is from and worked as a tennis coach for nine years.

This period strengthened her passion for all sports as well as heavily influencing Pepe and Tete’s approach to learning.

The approach is founded on two principles; first is that learning is all about curiosity and they take every day as an opportunity to discover something new.

Second is that conversation is the best way to learn a language. So, whether it’s practicing with native speakers or roleplays, their tutors place strong emphasis on social skills as a way of mastering a language across all ages and levels.

Specifically, for children, they have developed a learning model that combines interactive learning and real-life interactions. They use Pepito, a fun and

engaging character that brings to life various aspects of Spanish culture such as family, food and hobbies. An example is this year, for children aged 5-10, they ran a series of art camps that explored famous Spanish artists such as Picasso, Miró and Gaudi.

For adults, they have developed a dedicated one-year programme called Spanish Año. The programme is based on an English family looking to relocate to Spain and thus puts strong emphasis on conversation and practice as a way of mastering the language. They have also SANDRA AVILES, THE FOUNDER OF PEPE AND TETE

BE CONFIDENT IN SPEAKING SPANISH WHEN HOLIDAYING

created a unique programme that allows for parents to spend precious time with their children while learning together.

They recognize that time and flexibility are a challenge especially for families or professionals. Therefore, as online learning becomes the norm, they are constantly looking at ways to innovate new learning options such as maternity and sabbatical programmes, both centered around the student’s availability.

Learning a language does not stop at just being able to speak and listen, but also includes cultural immersion, meeting new people and of course sampling the food. Their full immersions programmes offer the perfect setting to practice and experience the Mediterranean lifestyle in the south of Spain.

So, no matter your learning needs, they would be delighted to bring Spain to you via a journey of fun, new friendships and adventure. If you would like to find out more about the programmes, please get in touch on team@pepeandtete.com. pepeandtete.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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inside this section: INTERIORS NEWS p71 HOUSE OF INTERIORS p72 M AT T H E W W I L L I A M S O N p 7 6 KIT KEMP p80 N AT I O N A L T R U S T p 8 4

SHOW HOME

RGB ELECTRICS

RGB have over three decades of expertise and success behind them, and now the electrical retailer is opening in Woodford.

Expect to see the very latest in technology and high quality advice. p93

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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H O M E | NEWS Compiled by

PENDLE HARTE

I N T H E N E WS U P DAT E S F R O M T H E I N D U S T R Y

BENCH MARK

DANISH DESIGN

PENNY MORRISON

H AY

Penny Morrison's new core collection of furniture includes the stylish Suzani bench, upholstered in an exquisite antique blue and cream suzani fabric and finished with turned bobble legs. £3,000 pennymorrison.com

Designed with maximum comfort and minimum details, Hay's Mags sofa combines strong aesthetics with timelessness to create a classic.

Solid construction means that it's built to last. £2,693 hay.dk

SPIN ME ROUND LIGNE ROSET

The Moa swivel armchair is designed by Keiji Takeuchi taking inspiration from the Japanese home with its lines and flow. Its minimal beauty and technical sophistication makes it a forever piece. ligne-roset.com

SO FT FOCU S EVIE & SKYE Evie and Skye's uplifting designs are underpinned by the glamour of eras past. The unique designs complement one another, encouraging the cushions to be mixed, matched and layered. evieandskye.com

PATTERN CUT O T T O L I N E WA L L PA P E R S Ottoline's trademark is playful use of colour and composition. These unique and contemporary patterns are inspired by a love of nature, as well as an appreciation of historic styles, cultures and art forms. ottoline.co.uk

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THE STUNNING ENTRANCEWAY TO THE REPTON PARK PROJECT

H O M E F

R

O

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Absolutely West Essex meets Georgina Jenkins, founder of House of Interiors, for a little design inspiration Wo r d s M a r k K e b b l e

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H O M E | PROFILE

Nature is playing a big part in the design world, with sustainable designs and organic materials Q When did you first catch the interior designing bug?

A I was highly influenced by design and the love of beautiful things from a young age as my mother worked in high end fashion and had a passion for interior design, so it was a natural progression for me to follow.

Q What’s the story behind House of Interiors?

A My business partner and I have evolved from bespoke furniture makers and interior designers. We identified an opportunity to fill a niche in the market for a showroom that showcases luxury bespoke furniture in elegant room sets.

We wanted to offer a personable interior design service as well as manufacturing our own products to fulfil all aspects of our client’s interior aspirations from concept to completion.

Q What makes you stand out from your competitors?

A We have become visionaries of home decor and have dedicated ourselves to providing fine British made furnishings by our in-house master craftspeople who

GEORGINA JENKINS

pride themselves on delivering luxury, top quality furnishings with superior lead times. Our passion, drive and relatability is what makes us stand out from our competitors.

Q Do you have a typical way of working with your clients?

A Building a relationship with our clients and understanding what they want from their home, whilst remaining flexible and approachable, is key to making the experience enjoyable. From a single room update, to a complete transformation, each scheme is totally unique to our clients’ needs and budget.

Q Can you take on most interior design projects?

A Our focus is predominantly residential and show homes, but we have completed numerous commercial projects including restaurants, bars and beauty salons. Our bespoke made to measure furniture and window treatments are complemented by our close relationship with highly skilled trades people with expertise in building work, decorating, flooring, bespoke rugs, mirrors, lighting and accessories.

Q Who makes up the team at House of Interiors?

A As well as our dynamic interior design team and super-efficient support staff, the production team is made up of our talented master craftsmen and seamstresses, curtain makers and fitters, and delivery team.

Q Your showroom houses your workshop – what does that give you the ability to do?

A Our workshop gives us the ability to create unique, bespoke pieces of furniture and window treatments that are exclusive to us and our clients. Each piece is designed individually, and can be completely customised using the latest fabrics, leathers, and fillings, to meet your unique requirements. From re-upholstery to creating cinema rooms, our attention to detail is second to none.

Q As we head towards the end of 2021 and into 2022, are there certain trends that are prevalent at the moment in interior design?

A Nature is playing a big part in the design world. Sustainable designs, organic materials, shapes, and colours inspired by the greatest artist, nature, have become A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Hydropool Hot Tubs | Swim Spas | Outdoor Kitchens | Buildings

“Outdoor living…

All year round.”

Al fresco cooking is becoming more and more popular every year, providing you with new, innovative and fun ways to cook outdoors with your family or to cater for some guests.

Outdoor kitchens can come with all the functionality of an indoor kitchen as we make every single kitchen bespoke

to meet your needs. Hot tubs and swim spas are an amazing way to improve your everyday lifestyle and start creating new habits. What better way to start your day than with a soak in your own hot tub!Or come home after work for a leisurely swim to keep active and healthy, all year round.

SHOWROOM OPENING HOURS:

Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm | Sun: 10am – 4pm

londonessexoutdoorliving.co.uk

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H O M E | PROFILE

PICTURED ON THIS PAGE, THE BRENTWOOD PROJECT

It showcased their bold taste and desire for a show-stopping apartment

more popular with big and small brands for architecture and design. Natural and cozy materials such as linen and cotton, velvet, and ceramics are used to create a calming and organic environment in our homes. Stable and time lasting durability of the furniture and decorative items of our home is a more sustainable and naturerespecting approach that finds its central place on the interior design scene.

Q What does the future hold for House of Interiors?

A To continue to create innovative designs, work on more exciting projects and always strive to give our clients the best service in delivering luxury, top quality furnishings.

Q Finally Georgina, would it be possible to pick out two projects that stand out for you in Essex?

A In Brentwood, we transformed our client’s living space by injecting a high

specification, classic yet contemporary style. We created a muted palette of welcoming grey tones, which subtly highlighted the multitude of bespoke textures; including statement textured wallpapers, opulent window treatments, and luxury carpet. We opted for our range of Twiggy Tables, the twisted gunmetal detailing in the bases gives them a contemporary beauty combined with a leather tray top on our centre table and a brushed silver lead finish on our side tables, making them eternally stylish pieces. We used midnight blue accessories to infuse elegance into our bespoke leather heritage sofas, bespoke furniture and decorative lighting.

We were appointed by our client from Repton Park to create a unique and different living space. Showcasing their bold taste and desire for a show-stopping apartment, this property is sure to keep the guests talking! We opted for a contemporary palette of Mulberry, metallic gunmetals and unique prints and textures. We designed a bespoke fitted TV unit with a built in contemporary fireplace encompassed by a luxury curved sofa, we added an element of fun with swivelled based ‘pumpkin’ pouffs in contrasting fabrics. Artisan statement console tables featured in the incredible entrance hall with its bespoke antique glass feature wall. We extended the living experience in to the exterior by designing a bespoke contemporary U shape outdoor sofa that wouldn’t look out of place in any five-star hotel! houseofinteriors.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Real wood flooring is a classic choice that works across any style of property

Oak Aged Parquet Ebony with an Oiled finish, from The Natural Wood Floor Co.

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Parquet flooring, a timeless classic that can last a lifetime Words P E T E R K E A N E

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eal wood flooring is a versatile, timeless option that brings nature indoors while filling the home with warmth and character.

Parquet flooring is a particularly popular option that always stands the test of time.

Real wood flooring is a classic choice that works across any style of property, from contemporary to traditional and everything in between. It is also a surface that is suitable for virtually any room in the home, from making an entrance in the hallway, to creating a sense of calm and tranquillity in our living spaces and bedrooms.

Engineered wood boards, thanks to their construction, are suitable for damp and humid areas and can be installed

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP Oak Parquet Silver White Oiled The Natural Wood Floor Co.

Oak Parquet from The Natural Wood Floor Co.

on top of underfloor heating, so your real wood floor is as luxuriously warm to walk on as it is beautiful to look at. This is because an engineered board has up to 11 layers of plywood backing, with each layer glued at a 90-degree angle to the adjoining layer. The top layer of a precious hardwood is then glued on top, resulting in a much more stable floor with negligible reduction in the lifespan of the floor and a robust construction that is perfect for any room. This includes most kitchens and bathrooms, where humid conditions won’t cause the wood to warp.

Injecting personality and character into large and small spaces alike, the trend for real wood flooring means parquet has never been so popular, bringing a timeless elegance combined with a modern twist to the home. Creating an elegant and

sophisticated look, the combination of colour, wood detailing and pattern makes for a real statement floor.

From herringbone and basket weave to brickwork and chevron, the pattern options with parquet are just as diverse as the range of woods available. Go large with 600mm sized blocks for a modern twist on a design classic or opt for an aged design to add extra character with a reclaimed effect. The style of laying pattern chosen will depend on the setting, the size of the parquet, the species and grade of wood and even the finish, but the end result will be the same regardless; a beautiful wood floor that will be a focal point of the room.

Once laid, keeping real wood parquet looking as good as new is straightforward.

A combination of dry cleaning to remove dirt and dust particles and damp cleaning to protect it against scratches is really all that is needed for a lacquered or oiled floor. For weekly cleaning, a capful of correct concentrate mixed with water and applied with a damp mop will suffice, while to refresh the look and lustre annually, which is important in high traffic areas such as the kitchen, use a concentrated polish, again applied with water and a damp mop.

Chosen well and with the right care, a parquet floor will look the part for many years; the most difficult decision will be in choosing which wood type to opt for.

Peter Keane is director of the Natural Wood Floor company.

For more details visit naturalwoodfloor.co.uk

Pattern

options include HERRINGBONE

Herringbone is a classic laying pattern for parquet, with the blocks laid so they inter-lock in a diagonal pattern. Most commonly, the points of a herringbone pattern floor are laid parallel to a room’s longest wall, or towards the window. Traditional in style, this pattern is suited to wood with an aged look, so that it resembles reclaimed wood. To give the look a modern twist there is no reason why different species of wood or different finishes can’t be combined, for a really striking impression.

BASKET WEAVE

Equally as traditional is basket weave parquet, which can be laid in several different styles.

Each pattern has its own unique style and is ultimately down to individual preference and the size of the blocks being used.

BRICKWORK

For something a little more contemporary brickwork and ladder patterned parquet look particularly striking when chosen for long, narrow spaces such as entrance hallways.

CHEVRON

A timeless classic that never goes out of fashion, chevron parquet really looks the part when laid over large spaces. Choose individual chevron blocks of standard sizes to lay one by one, or engineered chevron boards glued together in a row on a board for easier fitting.

Parquet Premier Grade Oak Pre-finished is a new range from Natural Wood Floor Co, pictured (from left) in Ebony, Raw and Antique, all with an Oiled finish and priced from £60 per square metre

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

Perfect ® Pirouette

Just like a balletic movement, Pirouette® Shades from Luxaflex® combine grace and beauty with technical performance

evening light linger for longer in the dining room. Not only do these shades diffuse light for day-to-day convenience and comfort, they also protect your furniture and flooring; Pirouette® Shades block up to 81% of harmful UV rays with the vanes open, and 99% with vanes closed, extending the life of your furnishings.

VERSATILE VANES Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shades feature unique soft fabric ‘floating’ vanes attached to a sheer backing which give complete control over your home’s natural light. As well as raising or lowering the shade, you can also choose to have the vanes fully open, contoured, or closed for the perfect level of light and privacy. This unique design offers multiple looks and can create a host of moods, with undulating vanes and luxurious weaves combined in one stylish blind.

The design offers multiple looks and can create a host of moods, with undulating vanes and luxurious weaves combined in one blind

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FLOATING FABRIC Unlike other window coverings, the unique design of Pirouette® Shades means they appear to float without visible cords or tapes, diffusing harsh sunlight while still allowing clear view-through, with a discreet level of privacy.

With airy sheers or room-darkening fabrics, sophisticated silk effects or luxurious linen, and a choice of timeless neutrals or bright statement tones, there’s a Pirouette® that’s perfect for you.

HERE COMES THE SUN Exclusive Luxaflex® fabrics gently filter and disperse natural light to suit you and your home, allowing you to cut out afternoon glare in the home office or let the

SAFET Y AND ST YLE At Luxaflex® they know the importance of innovation in every detail. From their UltraGlide® retractable cord to their PowerView® smart home automation, they combine technology and creativity to put child safety first. Speak to your local trusted Luxaflex® retailer to see their innovations in action.

MADE-TO-MEASURE Knowledgeable Luxaflex retailers are marked out by their skill and experience in custom-creating bespoke window treatments. Contact your local specialist to discuss your ideas and gain helpful advice on everything from design to installation.

LUX A F L E X Find your local showroom or request your free brochure online. luxaflex.co.uk

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H O M E | DESIGN

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Charlotte Street Hotel drawing room featuring a chairs in EDIT’s Harlequin fabric

EDIT’s ‘Vanessa Bloom’ fabric, named after Vanessa Bell

BOHO

DESIGN Get the look: how to create a Bloomsbury-inspired interior

By KIT KEMP

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t’s no secret that I have long been inspired by the work and creativity of the Bloomsbury Group, a set of artists and intellectuals including Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant who lived and worked in Bloomsbury during the early 20th century. The group believed in creativity, innovation and beauty, but it is their sense of fun and freedom that I am most drawn to. Charlotte Street Hotel sits in the heart of Bloomsbury and the interiors for the hotel make specific reference to the Bloomsbury Group. There is much to learn from this fascinating group of artists – here are some ideas for how to create a Bloomsbury interior of your own.

When creating your own Bloomsburyinspired interior, there is no better way to seek inspiration than by visiting the Charleston farmhouse near Lewes, in East Sussex, where the group’s interior style can be most distinctly seen. Vanessa Bell, with artists Duncan Grant and Roger Fry, wanted art to be democratic and thought that furniture, ceramics and textiles should be given as much attention as fine art. So

here they filled the home they shared with beautiful things and painted every surface.

Another place from which to draw Bloomsbury inspiration is Monk’s House, also in East Sussex, where the spirit of not only Virginia Woolf, who lived here with her husband Leonard, but also of the Bloomsbury Group and the many artists, writers and thinkers who visited, fills the rooms.

The Bloomsbury Group truly loved colour.

Their interiors and paintings were a riot of dusky blues, artichoke greens, damask rose, burnt orange and aubergine. It is a totally unique colour palette that can be both moody and uplifting. Annie Sloan, the chalk paint specialist, has collaborated with the Charleston Trust to create a unique range of paint colours inspired by these distinctive hues. In the Drawing Room and Library at Charlotte Street Hotel, the curtains have been made up in Duncan Grant’s ‘Queen Mary’ fabric, which was intended for use in the First Class Lounge aboard the RMS Queen Mary ocean liner in 1935.

This is available from Charleston’s shop.

Sydney-based fabric house EDIT offers a A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HOME • DESIGN

Charlotte Street Hotel

selection of incredibly colourful and vibrant fabrics which take the Bloomsbury aesthetic into the 21st century. I have used EDIT’s ‘Harlequin’ fabric on occasional chairs at Charlotte Street Hotel in both the Library, positioned below a painting by Roger Fry, and the Drawing Room.

I have also used EDIT’s ‘Vanessa Bloom’ – named after Vanessa Bell – on a comfortable fireside armchair in the Drawing Room. This fabric evokes the spirit of the Bloomsbury Group with its rich, painterly forest green, pink and blue florals.

A great way to update a room is to paint the furniture in it. The Bloomsbury Group loved breathing new, colourful and witty life into everyday items by painting them with decorative motifs and geometric patterns. At Charlotte Street Hotel, there is a small desk that was hand-painted by The Omega Workshop, over which hang paintings by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell.

The Omega Workshop was founded by Roger Fry in Bloomsbury’s Fitzroy Square in 1913, with the aim of selling furniture, fabrics

“A great way to update a room is to paint the furniture in it” and household accessories designed and made by the Bloomsbury Group’s unconventional group of artists. They had an eclectic set of influences, where Cubist design would sit next to Italian frescoes and neoclassical pieces rest against English Arts & Crafts designs. In the same way, be inspired in your own home by mixing different styles and eras, displaying things you find both useful and beautiful, but most importantly things that you really love. In the Library at Charlotte Street Hotel, Vanessa Bell’s painted panels set the Bloomsbury mood, teamed here with a wing chair covered in a modern Bloomsbury-inspired fabric.

Extract taken from Design Secrets

by Kit Kemp, £25, Hardie Grant kitkemp.com

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Design elements are taken from Georgian and Victorian blockprinted papers

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H O M E | DESIGN

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a t i o n a l Tr u s t Papers II is an eclectic collection of contemporary wallpaper designs based on original patterns from the National Trust’s historic houses.

The collection comprises 42 colourways across seven designs; it is a celebration of enduring design, with the origins of these contemporary wallpapers spanning over 400 years of historic decoration. Each wallpaper in the collection has been redrawn and recoloured, respectfully acknowledging the traditional methods and materials from which they were originally crafted.

Design elements are taken from Georgian and Victorian block-printed papers and also from older, decorative objects including a leather wall-hanging and a 15th century tapestry. The contemporary

interpretation of each design makes this a timeless collection of papers for homes of all architectural styles.

Patterns include the delightful, trailing Massingberd Blossom from Gunby Hall in Lincolnshire, the playful and charming Burges Snail from Knightshayes Court, authentic late Georgian Beech Nut, uncovered at Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk, Mandalay, a tree of life design taken from a leather wall hanging purchased by Rudyard Kipling, scrolling damask design Tulip, small-scale print Moy and delicate botanical Millefleur, inspired by a lovingly conserved tapestry at Montacute House.

Little Greene’s Ruth Mottershead explains:“We are immensely privileged to have access to the National Trust’s incredible portfolio of properties that are so beautifully looked after and treasured by the Trust on behalf of the nation. With the National Trust properties each containing such diverse decoration, creating a

collection that encompasses the wideranging styles found in these historically significant interiors is a real joy.”

Clare Brown of the National Trust is appreciative of Little Greene’s sensitivity. “Little Greene really understands and respects the decorative arts and designs that can be found within the National Trust’s historic houses. Seeing how the places in our care continue to inspire not just visitors, but contemporary interior design as well, is so thrilling. Not only will these beautiful designs be a great addition to any home, but the sale of every roll will help support our work.”

A contribution from the sale of every roll of Little Greene wallpaper will be made in support of the National Trust’s conservation work, to ensure the nation’s historic houses, gardens and open spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come. littlegreene.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E | TREND LUST HOME Under The Banana tree wallpaper in hot pink , £40 lusthome.com

LUST HOME Ogata Kuren wallpaper in mint green, £42 lusthome.com

DOWSING AND REYNOLDS Byobu standard wallpaper, £175 dowsingandreynolds.com

DIVINE SAVAGES Blooming Marvellous Belle Blue wallpaper, £140 divinesavages.com

TATIE LOU Soltar ink wallpaper, £130 tatielou.co.uk

ROLL UP

The new wallpapers are bold and maximalist

FIONA HOWARD Wild Wiggle wallpaper in lemon, £69 fionahoward.com

OLENKA DESIGN Velina tropical wallpaper, £129 olenkadesign.co.uk

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

LEIGH BAGLEY Treig blue wallpaper, £200 leighbagley.com

SIAN ZENG Mountains classic wallpaper grey pink, £76 sianzeng.com

ABIGAIL EDWARDS Bird wallpaper in shadow, £89 abigailedwards.com

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ANTON STUDIO DESIGNS

INTERIORS • TREND

Six Carmargue goblets, £51.50 notjustjugs.com

LOAF Candle pot, £8 loaf.com

FRAMED ART ERCOL

Cuttlefish Blue by Seba, £252 mindtheg.com

Forli Armchair, £1,555 ercol.com

LINEN BARN Cloudy blue tablecloth, £54 linenbarn.com.au

HAY Bonbon shade, £649 wearemaven.co.uk

MINDTHEGAP

EDITOR’S PICK

Chinese Garden wallpaper, £175 mindtheg.com

OKA Large Zabiya Decorative Vase Blue, £40 oka.com

SOUS CHEF

ERCOL Marlia armchair, £950 ercol.com

ALMOST BLUE

Blue Sakura Sake Set, £35 souschef.co.uk

Cool colours for the season

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

DANETTI

ABODE LIVING Ray plates, £26.50 abodeliving.co.uk

Geo Blue Textured Sideboard, £649 danetti.com

ARTISAN HOMEWARE Casserole dish, £65 artisanhomeware.co.uk

COX & COX Embroidered ikat cushion, £60 coxandcox.co.uk

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SHADE WORK 10 of the best... lamps and lights COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

GREEN LIGHT

Formed from a continuous chain of curved arches that form a single element, Hay’s Arcs Shade creates a spatial volume that plays with light and shape. £195 twentytwentyone.com

MOON SHADOW

David Hunt Lighting’s Lunar Collection includes this four light multi arm pendant with antique brass hardware and a beautifully hand-finished smoke blue body. £720 davidhuntlighting. co.uk

IN THE ROUND

Ligne Roset’s Azabu is a ball-shaped light in mouthblown Murano glass which diffuses warm, evenly-coloured light. Put it on a table or just on the floor. £531 heals.com

OFF THE WALL

Davey’s Well glass wall light is an industrial style screw type well glass light, suited for both indoor and outdoor use, and particularly fine in a bathroom. £305 thewalllightingcompany.co.uk

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H O M E | TOP TEN

LOLLY POP

Broste Copenhagen’s Lolly ceiling pendant in white opal glass is stylish in a pared back, Scandi way. £389 brostecopenhagen.com

BEST CHINA

LOW LIGHT

Pebble is a new statement pendant hand-crafted in Stoke on Trent from bone china. Combining centuries-old manufacturing techniques with the latest in technology, this is an intricate and intriguing piece. £1,499 originabtc.com

Pooky’s dinky Wilma lamp is perfect for bringing character to a little alcove, a book-case, or the end of a shelf. £74 pooky.com

CARRY ON

SowdenLight’s Shades is a collection of lamps with multiple configuration possibilities. These battery lamps are practical and stylish. sowdenlight.com

FRINGE BENEFIT

Beauvamp is an independent, British lighting brand specialising in traditional, hand-stitched silk lampshades combining traditional sewing techniques with vintage-inspired design and contemporary style. From £355 beauvamp.com

SPECIAL K

The K Lamp consists of two parts: a shade that acts as a diffuser and a base that houses the lamp.

The base form houses the lamp and the shade gently reflects the light into the room. £220 vitaminliving.com

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

Heart of the

HOME

As their Ilford store is named Best Consumer Electronics Retailer of the Year, the Digwa family reflect on over 30 years of RGB

THE WONDERFUL NEW STORE

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GB have just celebrated their 30th birthday and have now opened their brand new store in Woodford. The official opening is happening on 23 October and they have exclusively told Absolutely West Essex that bargains on the day will be abundant.

The 5,000 sqft store has just recently opened a new home appliance section, which sells everything from toasters to large American fridge freezers and has all manner of large brands available. The section has a huge range on display and ready for demonstration.

“We have made sure all home appliances are clearly on display. All our staff have been fully trained on all products, as we feel it is important to make sure

customers receive a proper demonstration, and understand the product they are planning to purchase. As we buy in large quantities we can offer exclusive offers to our customers and not forgetting a great service,” says Director, Dennis Digwa.

In 1990, entrepreneur Peter Digwa founded an electrical retailer in a small, 1,500 sqft store in Dagenham. Peter’s love for fine entertainment products led him to establish a company based upon delivering top quality products and providing exceptional service to customers.

This quality showed, and soon Peter, joined in the running of RGB by sons Jason and Dennis, relocated to a larger store in Ilford. They soon outgrew this, and extended the shop either side of its high street storefront.

Now RGB have the new store in Woodford, with its cutting-edge showroom. The open plan centre was designed specifically to showcase the large range of high-end electrical goods available in the store, which now include a dedicated white goods area. The showroom was designed with the customer’s ease of purchase in mind, with all the main brands such as Samsung, Sony, LG Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Miele.

Jason Digwa hinted to us that they will have celebrities on 23 October to officially open the new Woodford store located at 31 The Broadway, Woodford IG8 0HQ. Brothers Jason and Dennis Digwa add: “There are two long-term objectives that shape everything we do at RGB: delivering an outstanding service and delivering exceptional value to all our customers.” rgbdirect.co.uk

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H O M E | STORAGE

“Anything is possible, regardless of angles or sloping ceilings”

W H AT ’ S IN STORE How Nørdikka can transform any room to create that muchneeded storage space

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aking the most of all available space is of huge importance when designing storage in the bedroom. A clutterfree environment aids wellbeing and quality of sleep, thus the ability to store everything away from the eye is key. Quirky shaped rooms, sloping ceilings, bedrooms in the eaves – all of these can prove to be a challenge when looking for built in storage solutions. This is where Hertfordshirebased Nørdikka step in with their plethora of custom solutions, designed to work in the most unusual shaped rooms.

A bespoke Danish brand, headed up by Joanna Majewski, they promise us that anything is possible – regardless of angles

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or sloping ceilings. They can create storage in more of your square metres than you ever imagined was possible.

Nørdikka was founded by Majewski after she struggled to find the ideal storage solutions for her own bedroom in the eaves.

The room that was so full of character suddenly became a storage problem until the interior designer met the director of the Danish wardrobe and interior solution designers. After conversations and him supplying wardrobes that fitted perfectly, she offered to represent his product here in the UK. All of that was back in 2015 and, since then, Nørdikka has earned a reputation for not only clever and unique design, but fabulous customer service with Majewski – who was also an International Design awards finalist in 2018 – at the helm.

It doesn’t start and finish with the

bedroom. The bespoke Danish brand offers more than just wardrobes – they can do bespoke solutions for your dressing room, pantry, home office, kitchen, garage, basically any room that requires storage.

With every product made to order, they can look after the entire process from design to installation or simply provide you with the perfect cupboard doors for your wonky ceilinged room – the choice is yours.

Based in Brookmans Park, Nørdikka’s bespoke wardrobes and interiors are created and adapted to fit the oddest of room shapes. Using the efficiency that the Scandinavians are famous for, they squeeze the last cubic cm out of every design. Each product is made to order, absolutely nothing is ‘off the shelf’. When it comes to hand-holding they can look after the entire process, design through to finished installation, and for those more adventurous types looking to be involved they are able to provide the perfect doors for you to install.

The Dutch Nursery, The Great North Road Brookmans Park, Hatfield, AL9 6ND 07738469691, nordikka.co

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White Rabbit Maintenance

is a property solutions & maintenance company who works with Estate Agents servicing their lettings departments

· Electrics · Plumbing · Heating · Carpentry Decorating · Painting, & Refurbishment

Our work covers London & West Essex Call us 020 3597 5333 whiterabbitmaintenance.com

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EV HOME CHARGING SPECIALISTS

GET 10% OFF if you book in your EV charging station installation by November 30th 2021

Are you ready to join the electric vehicle charging revolution?

Now that you’ve made the smart decision to support the electric revolution, make it even easier by working with Eversure to get you moving. Eversure, solving all of your EV charging problems!

Eversure Charging unit prices start from £580 +VAT including the Government OZEV (Office of Zero Emission Electric Vehicle) Grant being applied, including the charging station, installation and support services. EV charging will save you a minimum of £1,221 per annum.

“All, just a brief note to say I have been really impressed with your service, professionalism and overall business approach.

It’s refreshing to find nowadays esepcially as you are a local firm. Well done and thanks!”

- Neil Phillips, Chigwell

sales@eversurecharging.com 0203 998 2298

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Eversure Charging, partners with the #1 Best Selling, British Made EV Charger, Myenergi.

Zappi is a smart EV charger with a difference. Not only does it operate as a standard EV charger, but it also has optional charging modes to utilise 100% green energy generated from your Solar PV or wind generation. Increasing the Return On Investment (ROI) for your panels and electric car, the Zappi is easy to install and user friendly.

Eversure not only provide EV charging solutions for the HOME, but also for the WORKPLACE, FLEET and PUBLIC consumption.

Eversure Charging is focused on delivering the ‘ultimate’ electric vehicle (EV) charging experience to your HOME.

“We are delighted to be hardware provider and excited to be working with Eversure Charging, an ambitious and exciting business ready to take London by storm and improve EV charging infrastructure, which in turn will speed up the adoption of electric vehicles and provide a cleaner, greener future.”

- Jordan Brompton, Co-Founder & CMO Myenergi

eversurecharging.com 19 Mill Lane, Woodford Green, Essex, England IG8 0UN

24/09/2021 16:18

PROPERTY

Theydon Road CM16

£3,750,000 GUIDE PRICE

n exceptional country house situated within a small hamlet of prestigious homes backing onto Epping Forest.

The interior successfully blends traditional period detailing with a light minimalist aesthetic, giving a sense of bright, light modern living. Extending beyond 5500 sq ft whilst featuring seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and a gym and sauna complex.

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BUTLER & STAG 01992 667 666 butlerandstag.uk

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Powell Road Buckhurst Hill

Price Range £1,100,000 to £1,200,000 Detached | Three bedrooms | Planning Consent to extend

Situated in a simply stunning spot, backing onto open farmland, is this delightful detached property which has plans passed to extend both the ground and first floor living space. The property presently features three double bedrooms, two receptions rooms, a wrap around garden and a detached garage.

Princes Road, Buckhurst Hill

£625,000

Unique | Detached | Parking for 2/3 cars

Tucked away in its own gated plot is this recently converted former coach house which offers stunning accommodation including a principal bedroom with en suite, stylish open plan kitchen / living space opening onto the garden, a separate shower room and gated parking. All just a stone’s throw from Queens Road and Epping Forest.

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24/09/2021 16:19

• XXXXX PROPERTY XXXXXXXX• INSIGHT

SELL BY DATE

There is a huge demand to buy across West Essex so, says Hayley Hunt, now is the time to take the plunge and put your property on the market

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ccording to the Nationwide, the average house price across the UK is up 11% on last year prompted, as we know, by three things: one, pent-up demand following three years of Brexit confusion; two, the SDLT (Stamp Duty) holiday coupled with ultra-low mortgage rates;

and three, lifestyle changes prompted by the pandemic. Interestingly, the average percentage increase in the price of houses in England and Wales is nearly four times greater than the average increase in the price of flats, as people seek more space to work from home (source Zoopla).

In terms of the number of completed transactions, this was up 25% on last year, but the stock of available properties is far from being replenished. New-to-market properties are down 5% on what we would expect, leaving the total stock of properties for sale down by about 26% on last year, and 33% down on three years ago. These are staggering figures and have come as a surprise to us as much as to the economists, none of whom predicted this would happen, especially during a pandemic.

So we have a massive undersupply of homes for sale. This is compounded by the fact that the supply of new-build homes virtually came to a standstill during lockdown. No wonder prices across the board have rocketed over the

summer. Fortunately, we have training and systems in place that ensure that our sellers are always able to secure the very highest price the market will pay, whatever the market – so that’s paid off.

For the time being buyer demand is unrelenting. The question is, if everyone wants to move, why is there not a corresponding seller for everyone who wants to buy? There are three reasons; first, this year there has been a 21% increase in demand from investors, taking advantage of the temporary Stamp Duty holiday.

Secondly, demand from first time buyers, who now account for about a third of the market, is up 15% on last year. Neither of these sectors have to sell in order to buy.

The third reason for lack of stock is that many people looking to buy have not yet put their own on the market because they fear they might not be able to find anywhere suitable, due to apparent lack of choice. But would you reconsider your position when you hear that about a third of sales happen “off-market”? They never even reach the portals, but are sold to favoured clients of estate agents. These are people who have instructed an estate agent to sell their own property and as such are regarded as the hottest buyers in town. These are the people who are offered the best properties first.

So, I’d urge you to have a little faith, and great things can happen!

H AY L E Y H U N T Hayley is the founder of Hunt Property Services loacted at 732 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8AL 020 8502 7667 huntpropertyservices.co.uk

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Hunt Property Services is an independent boutique estate agency with a portfolio of luxury properties for sale and rent in London and Essex.

We are also the agent for Repton Park, an exclusive gated development in Woodford Green, where founder and Director Hayley Hunt has been a resident for over 20 years.

Our award winning team of experts will provide you with an outstanding bespoke service to guide you through every aspect of buying or selling a property.

We have also been recognised for providing excellence in property renovations, proudly winning Woman in Build Award two years running.

The Hunt team are available for consultations, market appraisals and viewings seven days a week.

PRINCES ROAD Hunt are proud to present to the market this Detached five bed period property in the heart of Buckhurst Hill

Guide Price £1,200,000

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tunning detached period property full of natural light and remaining many character features located in the heart of Buckhurst Hill.

Recently renovated, and set over three floors. Newly fitted open plan kitchen/ family room with quartz worktops and bi-fold doors opening directly onto the private immaculate low maintenance garden .

Boasting a new contemporary designed summer house located at the end of the garden

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offering space to create a desirable room of your choice perfect for that now needed home office.

Separate downstairs utility plus a WC. Master bedroom with en suite and separate dressing room on the second floor. Three further bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor. Private drive. Located within walking distance to Queens Road and Buckhurst Hill central line station and local schools.

Chain Free. Sole Agent.

24/09/2021 13:19

Sales, Lettings, Land & New Homes

Forest Avenue, Chingford E4 Asking Price £1,750,000 5 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 3 Bathrooms Stunning five-bedroom semi detached house in a prime Chingford location and spanning 3080 sq ft with Golf Club views.

Handsworth Avenue, Chingford E4 Asking Price £1,100,000

Chingford Avenue, Chingford E4 Guide Price £575,000 – £600,000

Epping Way, Chingford E4 £1,750 pcm

4 Bedrooms | 3 Receptions | 3 Bathrooms

4 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 1 Bathroom

5 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 1 Bathroom

A character filled four-bedroom, two and half bathroom Victorian family home located on a popular Highams Park thoroughfare and with excellent access to local schools, transport (TFL 4). Off street parking and garden in excess of 95’.

Semi-detached, three-bedroom plus loft bungalow set on a leafy North Chingford Turning. Great access to local parks and schools, and with an exceptional garden that extends well in excess of 170’.

An end of terrace, five-bedroom family home with substantial rear garden. Quiet location, close to forest, parking for two cars. Perfect for families. Unfurnished.

Neil Leahy

Tony Game

Chris Marsh

Milo O’Neill

Amanda Schiavi

Bradley Gale

Katy Morton

Director, Land & New Homes

Head Of West Essex Sales

Assistant Manager

Chingford Manager

Company Sales Progressor

Senior Property Consultant

Office Co-ordinator & Property Business Development Consultant

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Charlie Parsons

24/09/2021 13:01

London & Home Counties Land & New Homes

West Essex Sales & Lettings

Chingford Sales & Lettings

London Sales & Lettings

020 4542 2999 enquiries@butlerandstag.com

01992 667 666 westessex@butlerandstag.com

020 8524 3333 chingford@butlerandstag.com

020 8102 1236 london@butlerandstag.com

butlerandstag.uk

Coppice Row, Theydon Bois CM16 Offers Over £2,000,000 5 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 3 Bathrooms Gaunt Cottage is a simply stunning triple fronted detached house, dating back across three eras (seventeenth century, Victorian and modern) and finished to an extremely high standard throughout.

Hilltop Cottages, Theydon Mount CM16 Guide Price £775,000 – £800,000 3 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 1 Bathroom A simply stunning cottage situated in a delightful rural setting with far reaching views and only a short proximity to Theydon Bois Village.

Land & New Homes Prices From £625,000 – £1,050,000

Piercing Hill, Theydon Bois CM16 Offers Over £1,500,000

Forest Drive, Theydon Bois CM16 £3,000 pcm

Abbotts Way, Stapleford Abbotts RM4

5 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms

4 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 1 Bathroom

– 6 Semi-detached houses – 2 Detached houses – Set within a gated development

Situated in the highly sought-after village of Theydon Bois on arguably the most premier road, is this wonderfully presented five bedroom detached house.

Recently refurbished four double bedrooms home offering modern accommodation throughout, finished to a extremely high standard and only a short walk to Theydon Bois central line station.

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Waterhall Avenue, Highams Park

Asking price £750,000

The Elliott James team is delighted to bring to market this splendid three-bedroom semi-detached family home located in the well-regarded Nightingale Hall estate. This property has been extensively renovated by the current owners to provide modern, bright and spacious accommodation throughout.

To the rear, the property features a shared driveway that leads to a garage, mature private garden with a spacious patio perfect for alfresco dining and laid to lawn. The property is proximate to local amenities and is well connected to local transport networks such as Highams Park Overground Station.

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3D WALKTHROUGH

Church Hill, Loughton

Asking price £1,300,000

Elliott James are pleased to present a rare opportunity to purchase a Grade II listed five bedroom detached character residence on approximately 1/3 of an acre. Situated within close proximity to Epping Forest, Loughton High Street, a choice of Central Line Stations and ideally positioned for easy access for the M11 and M25. Externally the rear garden measures 145 ft in depth which is mainly laid to lawn with various plants, trees, and shrubs. To the front there is a carriage driveway providing ample off-street parking. There is further potential to extend/ develop subject to the usual planning consent.

0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF www.ejpr.co.uk |

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24/09/2021 16:28

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The Atrium, Buckhurst Hill £450,000 • • • • • • •

3D WALKTHROUGH

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Pynest Green Lane, Waltham Abbey

Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms Open plan kitchen/living room Siemens appliances Private balcony Secure allocated parking Walking distance to Buckhurst Hill Central Line Station

Albion Hill, Loughton

£8,000 per month

£1,400 per month

• • • • •

• • • • •

Available October Five bedrooms Unfurnished Cinema room Orangery

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Available now One bedroom Unfurnished Courtyard Separate family bathroom

24/09/2021 16:28

AT T H E T O P O F O U R G A M E

ANNABEL KABEL

ELLIOTT LAWLOR

FRANKIE FAULKNER-WILD

FREDERICK CASSFORD

GRACE PERRY

HEIDI FOSTER

HOLLY DUNCAN

JAMES LAWLOR

REBECCA HAWES

ROBERT GUNN

Prime Marketing Of All Sales and Lettings Properties CALL TO ARRANGE YOUR MARKET APPRAISAL

3D WALKTHROUGH

3D WALKTHROUGH

Albion Hill, Loughton

Highwood Lane, Loughton

£2,550 per month

£1,500 per month

• • • • •

• • • • •

Available beginning of November Unfurnished Three bedrooms Private balcony Two en-suites

Newly refurbished Available now Three bedrooms 1 mile from Debden Station Garden

0208 0165 333 | 165 High Road, Loughton IG IO 4LF www.ejpr.co.uk |

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24/09/2021 16:28

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Double

VISION Taking a closer look at current stand out properties being marketed by Elliott James Prime Residential

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TAMARA COURT, STRADBROKE DRIVE , CHIGWELL PRICES FROM £1,850,000

A new and exclusive residence comprising a collection of five luxurious apartments.

Tamara Court is where timeless design meets the height of contemporary living.

In a place renowned for its high expectations and sense of style, the arrival of Tamara Court sets a striking new standard. Every detail of this remarkable new property has been carefully chosen to create the ultimate setting for luxurious living and entertaining. Each of the apartments at Tamara Court offers beautifully designed interiors, impressively grand proportions and opulent finishing touches.

The apartments each benefit from their own private terrace or gardens (ground floor only), with access to communal landscaped gardens, a residents’ gym, secure underground parking and private storage spaces.

The lower-ground floor of the residence is home to a fully-equipped private gym for the ultimate in at-home luxury and convenience. A private underground car park offers the highest level of security, dedicated storage areas for each apartment and direct lift access to all floors.

Tamara Court is in a prime location in the heart of Chigwell. It is positioned moments from sprawling parks and the picturesque countryside. The highly regarded Chigwell Golf Club and Epping Forest are both local to this luxurious development.

A variety of popular restaurants, cafés, hairdressing and nail salons and boutiques are also within easy reach.

This unique residence is well connected for fast and easy access to the City and Central London being conveniently situated on the Central Line. It's a development that really has it all.

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

MONTGOMERIE LODGE , HIGH ROAD, CHIGWELL OIEO £900,000 ONE APARTMENT REMAINING

Montgomerie Lodge is a state-of-the-art development located on the edge of Chigwell Golf Course. Designed over three floors, these four luxury open-plan apartments all feature outdoor space and beautiful panoramic golf course views. Chigwell Central Line Station is just a short walk from the development, as is Brook Parade with its selection of social and fashion amenities.

Flat 2 Montgomerie Lodge is located on the ground floor and boasts an expansive living area of 1,206 sq ft. The apartment includes entrance lobby, en-suite master bedroom, two further bedrooms, bathroom and central open-plan living /dining /kitchen space with glass doors leading to a private garden.

Completed to an exceptionally high standard with bespoke specifications to include underfloor heating, air conditioning units to the living rooms and master bedrooms, white Corian work surfaces, ZIP Celsius Cube hydro tap, Neff ovens, Neff integrated dishwashers, washer/dryer/ fridge/freezers, Caple wine coolers and many additional bespoke specifications to meet the expectations of today’s discerning purchasers. This apartment benefits from two dedicated parking bays with additional parking bays for visitors.

For more information on these properties, contact Elliott James Prime Residential on 020 8016 5333 or visit ejpr.co.uk

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balgoresproperty.com WHAT SETS US APART FROM OUR COMPETITORS AND PROVIDES ONGOING SUCCESS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS IS OUR ENDURING PASSION FOR BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION.

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ost importantly, we truly believe in the power of stunning professional photography to promote and sell your property.

Whether you are selling or renting a small studio apartment, a two bedroom cottage or a large detached family home, we will make sure your home is meticulously photographed.

Not only do we make sure that the outside of your home is shot beautifully, we take the same care photographing the interiors and pay special attention to all of the lovely details that set your property apart.

We don’t stop there. All of our photography goes through a rigorous selection and quality control process where we make sure we have selected the very best shots.

We think you’ll appreciate the difference so if you’re looking to showcase your property in the best light to potential buyers, Balgores are here to help.

Get in touch with us today.

4.6 out 5 | Rated Excellent

Basildon t: 01268 271 110

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Brentwood t: 01277 216 800

Chelmsford t: 01245 492 424

Dagenham t: 0208 592 1038

Gravesend t: 01474 369 955

Hornchurch t: 01708 470 756

24/09/2021 14:10

Sandon Place, Ongar Recently constructed in 2018, this contemporary style, 5 bedroom home offers spacious and flexible accomodation with state of the art communication facilities and is offered with no onward chain.

Balgores Ongar | Guide Price £1,100,000

Regents Drive, Repton Park Set within a prestigious private gated development is this six bedroom luxury home, boasting approx. 3,088 sqft of living accommodation and a spacious garden. This stunning property has an extensive feature list and is sure to impress.

Balgores Loughton | Asking Price £1,950,000

Loughton t: 0208 502 1559

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Ongar t: 01277 369 925

Romford t: 01708 755 507

South Woodham Ferrers t: 01245 323 729

Upminster t: 01708 259 539

Wickford t: 01268 763 477

24/09/2021 14:10

Saint Nicholas School

Open Day Saturday 9th October • Independent Co-Ed Day School in Old Harlow for pupils aged 21 2 to 16 • Academic excellence combined with great pastoral care • Small class sizes

SAINT NICHOLAS

Nurture. Strive. Achieve.

01279 429910 • www.saintnicholasschool.net St Nicholas stn.indd 1 School - Absolutely West Essex A4 Ad_Final.indd 1

20/05/2021 24/09/2021 16:59 16:29

1 O 0% FF *

✃ We are now taking Christmas bookings

L U N C H  D I N N E R  C O C KTA I L S Come join us and dine in style either in our stunning restaurant or outside eating area. We offer a mouth watering range of fine cut meats and seafood. We also offer a delicious selection of Cocktails/Mocktails

B O O K Y O U R T A B L E T O D AY

CO N TACT

HOURS

Te l e p h o n e 0208 508 8811

Sunday - Monday 12:00 - 22:00 Friday - Saturday 12:00 - 23:00

Address 12-14 The Broadway Loughton IG10 3ST

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*Valid until November 1st 2021, accepted Sunday to Thursday, excludes Friday and Saturday

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