Absolutely Notting Hill:Kensington:Chelsea:Fulham November 2017

CHELSEA & FULHAM

ABSOLUTELY

Chelsea & Fulham Notting Hill & Kensington NOVEMBER 2017 / £3.95

CAFE SOCIETY

30 years of The River Cafe

NOVEM B ER 2017

WEDDING BELLES

A new section devoted to brides

Design

ICONS

VISIONS OF THE FUTURE AT THE DESIGN MUSEUM

Midnight

ZEST.LONDON

HOUR

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Contents ABSOLUTELY

NOVEMBER 2017

138 C U LT U R E

18 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FOOD & DRINK

72 RIVER CAFE AT 30

22 WHAT’S ON

WEDDINGS

82 RAY OF LIGHT

10 things we’re coveting this month

Diary dates for November

24 WITNESS Catherine Steadman discusses Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution

FA S H I O N

42 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

42 72

Recipes from the iconic eatery

W10's Sunbeam Studios makes a stylish venue

INTERIORS

106 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

News and views

114 DONNA IDA

Home decorating with the queen of denim

45 HIGHLAND FLING

Country style for an urban autumn

119 ENGLISH ROSE

Blush-coloured interiors pieces

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 58 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

T R AV E L 138 POSTCARD PEFECT Mallorca: the star of the Mediterranean

61 WINTER SKIN SOS

Give your complexion a pick-me-up

PROPERTY 16 2 PROPERTY NEWS

The month’s best beauty buys

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

The best investments in London

ON THE COVER ZARA AW17 ZARA.COM

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE ARTS & CULTURE WRITER HELEN BROWN FASHION WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI ACCOUNT MANAGER TAMAR VANDERHOEK PROPERTY DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS

Window shopping

SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS

Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully

PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN SENIOR CONTENT STRATEGIST LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL CONTROLLER JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS KERRIE HOLLINGSWORTH For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

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

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Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

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

27/10/2017 14:52

Editor’s

LETTER

THE MOROCCAN MEDINA AT QUEEN OF HOXTON

I love a good theme, so why not heat things up in a giant Moroccan lamp? I'll be enjoying the warmth of Marrakech while overlooking Shoreditch.

GABRIELLE HERNANDEZ EDITORIAL INTERN

A

Here are the ABSOLUTELY team’s top five winter terraces

1

s a long and tumultuous year draws to a close, we’re all in need of a bit of cosy, autumnal fun to brighten up the grey days - and the equally grey headlines.

While the rest of the capital commences festive fun (premature as ever), we’re determined to make the most of all London has to offer during this golden-tinted time of year. Colder days mean social activities move indoors, but luckily there are plenty of cultural happenings to note in your diary. From the silver screen’s latest reimagining of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express to Rupert Goold’s five star theatre production of Ink at the Duke of York’s Theatre there’ll be plenty to keep you occupied. Staying in is the new going out, after all.

We’re also pretty excited about all the luscious layers that November brings. Nothing says this better than AW17’s heritage trend: a celebration of the textural warmth of traditional fabrics and the high-shine, conker-coloured polish of leather boots. Turn to page 45 for our edit of the best pieces. From fashion to food; on page 72 we’re celebrating 30 years of The River Cafe with owner Ruth Rogers, plus get a sneak preview of three recipes from the new book.

All this, plus the latest news, reviews and inspiration for the new season ahead. Enjoy the issue.

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LODGE ON THE RIVER

I missed the chance to dine in an igloo on Tower Bridge last year, so I'm getting ahead of the crowd and booking one of Jimmy Garcia's snow globes for tipples on the South Bank.

HANNAH HOPKINS , DIGITAL EDITOR

SOUTHBANK’S NORDIC ROOFTOP SAUNA

I'll be booking a session at the Southbank’s Nordic rooftop sauna. Afterwards I’ll skip to the bar at the Queen Elizabeth roof garden for a glass of mulled wine.

DALLOWAY TERRACE

Dalloway Terrace is the ultimate romantic hideaway.

For November, the space will be transformed into a winter wonderland with lush fur throws and glittering foliage.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

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JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

PERGOLA PADDINGTON CENTRAL

Pergola Paddington Central is back and this time as a winter wonderland. It’s my venue of choice for a night of feasting and frivolity.

HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

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

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Wish LIST

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

G&Bee

This floral, zesty gin is infused with honey for a luscious sweet fi nish. Each bottle comes with wildflower seeds so you can grow your own bee sanctuary while you sip. £40; fortnumandmason.com

10 THINGS WE

ABSOLUTELY

LOVE COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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SCENT SURROUND

Christmas is around the corner so we’re fi lling our homes with festive fragrance.

With notes of cocoa, candyfloss, toffee and cinnamon, Roja Dove's Christmas Treat is true comfort in candle form. £94.95; harrods.com

Fresh Fragrance

The latest scent from Acqua Di Parma radiates a sensual masculinity with crisp and sunny bergamot, combined with delicate petitgrain and juicy orange notes. £91; acquadiparma.com

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

ORLAKIELY

Orla Kiely’s AW17 collection combines Upper East Side style with a sprinkle of Parisian chic. It’s brimming with bold browns, pinks, purples and teal, and fi nished in a range of chunky knits, fake furs and velvet. orlkiely.com

TAS SE L TI ME It’s time to jump on the tassel trend and Saint Laurent are leading the way.

The deep turquoise hue of these Loulou earrings will suit all and the back clip means all can wear. £425; farfetch.com

B E LT I T Prada’s Cahier convertible belt bag introduces a vintage vibe to contemporary design in a covetable smooth green fi nish. £1,240; farfetch.com

EDITOR’S PICK

EY E- S PY Charlotte Tilbury has mastered the art of mesmerising eyes with her cleverly colour-coded palettes. We’re obsessing over The Rebel colourway for its bold and beautiful peacock hues. £39; charlottetilbury.com

VELVET CRUSH

Tibi's Harper boots are one of the key accessories you need to update your wardrobe for autumn. Equally as chic with office wear or frayed denim, these will take you from desk to disco. £630; net-a-porter.com

That’s a Wrap

This slinky scarf epitomises the romantic style of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s fi rst collection as Valentino's Creative Director. Ideal for adding touch of luxury to everyday ensembles. £315; selfridges.com

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

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FROM 1st NOVEMBER

Photo Michel Gibert, used as a reference only. Special thanks: TASCHEN/Camille Stoos.

BEFORE REMODELING

Bubble. Sofas upholstered in 3D Techno fabric, designed by Sacha Lakic.

WALTON-ON-THAMES - New Zealand Avenue, KT12 1GH, Tel: 01932 251420

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CULTURE

SURREALITY CHECK SAMMY SLABBINCK

Belgian artist Sammy Slabbinck renders dynamic collage prints from vintage photographs with contemporary compositional styles to play with exaggeration and proportions. Find a selection of his most iconic works in the new coffee table must-have, Surreality Check. lannoo.be, £35.16

What’s On 22 • Theatre Review: Ink 30 • The Design Museum's Beazley awards 32 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

FILM

Murder on the Orient Express From 3 November EVERYMAN CINEMA, MAIDA VALE Agatha Christie’s 1934 detective novel is given a new lease of life with a starry cast that includes Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and Judi Dench. Kenneth Branagh both directs and takes the role of redoubtable detective Hercule Poirot, who is tasked with investigating the murder of a passenger aboard a busy, long-distance train.

Handyside Street, N1C;

everymancinema.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

PICTURING PRINCE

9 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER; PROUD GALLERIES

Steve Parke met Prince in the late 80s, soon becoming his official photographer. They formed a creative alliance that produced over 500 photographs and together pioneered the star’s eclectic image. With this exhibition, Parke shares a stripped back documentary of Prince’s enigmatic persona, revealing the parts of his character hidden from the public eye.

Picturing Prince by Steve Parke; proud.co.uk

22

BOOK

Alain Elkann Interviews Master interviewer Alain Elkann has amassed an impressive archive that ranges from celebrated writers and editors, to film stars, directors, designers, politicians and more. His latest book sheds light on the unique style he has applied to an age-old craft and offers a window into the minds of some of the most respected figures of the last 25 years. Alaine Elkann Interviews, £28; assouline.com

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

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EXHIBITION

NORTH:

Fashioning Identity

From 8 November SOMERSET HOUSE Turn your gaze away from the capital and up to the North which has spawned some truly remarkable photography, fashion and art. All of the above will be on display in Somerset House’s North: Fashioning Identity, in a unique showcase of works from the likes of Alice Hawkins, Raf Simons and Paul Smith.

Strand, WC2R; somersethouse.org.uk

Around Town T H E AT R E

OF KITH AND KIN

Until 25 November BUSH THEATRE Daniel and Oliver are about to have their first baby, with best friend Priya acting as surrogate. The nursery is ready and the bottles are sterilised, but when Daniel’s chaotic mother gatecrashes the babyshower, the crack’s begin to show. Are they ready for this?

7 Uxbridge Road, W12; bushtheatre.co.uk

WORKSHOP

ALICE MARY LYNCH

This Month’s Must See

18 November ANTHROPOLOGIE, KING'S ROAD Alice Mary Lynch has been capturing our hearts—and inspiring some serious miniature outfit envy—with her beautiful collection of whimsical dolls for a while. Now you can create a life-size version of her dolls’ capes, under instruction from the designer herself with reams of vintage cloth, heaps of sequins and all the pompoms and bells you can get your hands on.

Tickets cost £15, which is redeemable against purchases of £25 and over.

141 King's Road SW3; anthropologie.com

BOMBAY ROXY

FILM

THE BIG THRILL

Ongoing BFI; SOUTHBANK CENTRE This suspense-filled season promises to chill the viewer to the bone, with a designated BFI weekend offering the chance to delve deeper into the thriller film genre than ever before. Expect classic screenings and a re-release of The Silence of the Lambs.

Belvedere Road, SE1; bfi.org.uk

F R O M 2 7 N OV E M B E R • D I S H O O M K E N S I N G T O N

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nter the decadent world of the Bombay Roxy, where the jazz is hot and the atmosphere heady. Night at the Bombay Roxy is a rich, immersive Indian noir from Swamp Studios that will immerse the audience in the intriguing world of 1940s Bombay, where an unexpected and exciting jazz scene was flourishing alongside a uniquely Bombay version of Art Deco style.

The Barkers Builing, 63-97 Kensington High Street, W8; nightatthebombay.com

F E S T I VA L

MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL

From 24 November CHISWICK HOUSE & GARDENS The Magical Lantern Festival is back and it’s bigger and better than last year.

The stunning grounds of Chiswick House and Gardens again play host to this annual extravaganza with largerthan-life lanterns, fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, entertainment and food.

Chiswick House, Conservatory Yard, W4; magicallantern.uk

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

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Q&A

Role

PLAY We talk comedy, crime and theatre with Downton Abbey star Catherine Steadman as she prepares for her leading role in Witness for the Prosecution Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

B

est known for her role as Mabel Fox in Downton Abbey, Catherine Steadman has a career that spans stage and screen. From Mansfield Park to Fresh Meat, The Inbetweeners and Oppenheimer, which earned her an Olivier award nomination, she’s not shy in coming forward to take all manner of roles. Her latest venture sees her step into the shoes of Romaine, the accused’s wife and titular Witness For The Prosecution in Agatha Christie’s iconic courtroom drama. The sitespecific production set in County Hall sees Steadman joined by rising star Jack McMullen from Waterloo Road, The Crown’s David Yelland and Roger Ringrose of Mr Selfridge fame. We caught up with her ahead of the immersive piece to talk all things theatre, crime thrillers and what’s next in the upward trajectory of her career.

24

HELEN BROWN: It sounds like it’ll be a fantastic piece of theatre, how are rehearsals going?

CATHERINE STEADMAN: It’s great, we’ve just moved out of our rehearsal rooms and have the luxury of another two weeks rehearsing in the actual venue. Country Hall is not actually a courtroom - it’s more of an assembly room, but it looks exactly like the courtrooms at the old Bailey. The audience is going to be in situ and the drama will unfold around them. Our director, Lucy Bailey wants it to be very immersive, edgeof-the-seat stuff. It’s not going to be a cosy Agatha Christie.

HB: Tell us about your character Romaine.

CS: She’s a fantastic character and has been played on screen by some really brilliant actresses. It’s just after the Second World War and she’s a German woman living in London, married to a British man. The level of xenophobia after the war - especially for

a German woman - was fairly high, so she had a lot going against her. She’s not very sentimental and there’s not much that gets to her. It’s a very interesting character to play.

HB: How familiar were you with the story and of Agatha Christie’s work?

CS: Fairly familiar; I’ve seen lots of TV adaptations and I’m looking forward to seeing the new Kenneth Branagh film. She seems to be having a bit of a resurgence at the moment, which is good. There are actually two versions of Witness for the Prosecution. There’s the short story version written by Agatha Christie, set just after the First World War, with one particular ending.

Then there is the play version which is set after the Second World War with slightly different characters and a different ending.

Now, what we’ll have is an amalgamation of the two, so even if you know one or the other story, you won’t actually know the ending until you get to the end of our production.

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE HB: The fourth wall between actors and audience is completely broken down in this production, how does it compare to the other bits of theatre you’ve done?

CS: It will be similar to the works of Punchdrunk theatre in that it’ll be very close and exciting. Although, unlike Punchdrunk, ours will have a direct narrative. The audience won’t have to move around, the action will just happen around them. Our sound designer Mike Paul is underlying all sorts of atmospheric noises and the lighting will also add to the experience. I’m telling people, even if you don’t like theatre, go and be transported to this courtroom. It will be an experience.

HB: Do you have a preference between stage and screen?

CS: I like to do a bit of both. The good thing about theatre is that there’s not so much waiting around and you get a longer rehearsal period. With TV, you get in in the morning, you have your hair and makeup done and then you might sit in a trailer in a carpark for a few hours. But when rehearsing for theatre you’re working all day long. And then in theatre it's great working with a live audience, people can’t really make a noise on set when you do something shocking or funny, no one can gasp or laugh. They’ve both got really good points, but at the moment I’m enjoying doing theatre.

HB: Tell us about your path into acting, were you in school plays?

CS: No actually, no school plays - I wasn’t a drama kid at all. It sounds weird but I knew I didn’t want to do musical theatre acting and that was the main focus in my school - Annie Get Your Gun sort of thing. That’s never been my cup of tea, I think I might actually be tone-deaf! I waited to do some more low-key acting and then trained at Oxford School of Drama.

“Even if you don’t like theatre, go and be transported to this courtroom.

It will be an experience” HB: Was it something your parents were supportive of?

CS: Yes I think so; I remember watching a hospital drama and I asked my mum what job the man on the television was doing.

My mum said “Oh he’s an actor,” although I meant within the hospital. She said, “He’s not a real doctor, he could be a policeman one day, or a detective.” I remember thinking what an amazing job. Since then I’ve always wanted to act. My parents have been behind me the whole way, they’ve let me just go for it.

HB: A lot of people know you for your role in Downton Abbey which you joined in series five, was there a sense of trepidation becoming part of such a highly acclaimed show?

CS: Not really, I was excited more than anything. I hadn’t watched much of it before starting so I did a bit of delving into previous series to see what had been said about my character. But I didn’t want to see too much because I wanted it to be quite fresh. As soon as I arrived on set there was such a warm atmosphere, you could tell everyone really enjoyed working there.

HB: Dame Maggie Smith has a reputation for being one of the best actresses in the country; what was she like to work with?

CS: It was absolutely amazing. On my first day we were rehearsing a scene when Maggie turned up on set. She walked straight up to me, shook my hand and said, ‘You must be Catherine, I’m Maggie Smith.”

She broke down that barrier straight away on my first day and it was just really lovely that she’d learnt my name.

HB: What are your Downton highlights?

CS: Because I’d gone in at series five, they

had everything very finely tuned. Everyone had worked out the etiquette of dining and sitting and who could do what and when. So for me it was like slipping into a well-oiled piece of machinery. It was just beautiful every room was stunning and the costume design was out of this world. I got to wear some gorgeous costumes. I had a real Harris tweed three-piece suit made for my horseriding scenes - that was pretty special. I think they just wanted everything to be absolutely perfect.

HB: You’ve had some fantastic roles in comedy too - The Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat - is comedy something you take to quite naturally?

CS: I think comedy is much harder than drama; it’s all about timing and landing things, or giving other people space to land things. The Inbetweeners was very much about giving the boys a stock man to work against, essentially. I really enjoy it, I like to do a mix because doing dramas continually can get a bit tense, especially with the really intense stuff like Ibsen or Chekhov. It’s nice every now and then to do something more light-hearted. I did Trying Again with Chris Addison in the Lake District and it was just a really fun, mistaken identity, farce-y comedy. The perfect light relief after a lot of drama.

HB: You’ve just completed a Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree, tell us about that?

CS: Yes, I’ve been doing it on and off now for five years along side the acting.

It’s something I decided to do because I went straight from A Levels into drama school, which is very much a vocational course. I always felt that I’d missed out education-wise and there was a base level of knowledge that I didn't have. I didn’t know much about the economy or politics so I thought I’d brush up. It’s good to have in my back-up armoury and it’s been fun. I’ve been doing it on sets and in trailers, in different countries all over the world, it keeps me busy when I’m not working. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing an MA in it, but at the moment I’ve got a lot on my plate with Witness so I’m giving the education a little breather for now.

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

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Kensington Park School is a new independent school for boys and girls aged 11–18 in the heart of London. Whilst the school is new, its leadership and teachers have long, successful track-records at some of the best independent schools in the country with the core teaching team coming from St Paul’s School.

KPS is committed to academic excellence combined with strong pastoral care.

The school has developed an extensive offering of sports and co-curricular activities, making full use of the world-class facilities in and around its West London home.

KPS combines the best of British independent education with a genuinely international outlook and has strong academic, cultural

“

and social links with partners around the

Pupils benefit from some of the most experienced teachers in the country.

”

world at both school and university level.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Dick Jaine, Director of Education

A NEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN THE HEART OF LONDON registrar@kps.co.uk • www.kps.co.uk • 0207 225 0577

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ABSOLUTELY ROUND UP CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE

Best in

SHOW

Spend a cosy evening in Theatreland with our top stage picks for the month

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

By H E L E N B R OW N

DEAR BRUTUS ★★★★★★

From November 29 SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE In a remote 1917 English Village there are rumours of an enchanted wood. One of the inhabitants invites eight strangers to stay. What happens there has the power to change their lives. Presented in a sumptuous production for the play’s centenary year, Dear Brutus is J.M Barrie at his most magical.

77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1; southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

NETWORK ★★★★★

From 4 November NATIONAL THEATRE Network depicts a dystopian media landscape where opinion trumps fact.

Hilarious and horrifying by turns, the iconic film won four Academy Awards in 1976. Now, Billy Elliot’s Lee Hall and director Ivo van Hove bring this masterpiece to the stage for the first time, with Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad fame in the role of Howard Beale.

Upper Ground, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk

MUST SEE

★★★★★

HAMILTON

ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

★★★★★

From 6 November • Apollo Theatre Jamie New is sixteen and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudices, beats bullies and steps out of the darkness. This modern-day fairytale features catchy new songs and fantastic staging. Not to be missed.

Shaftsbury Avenue, W1D; everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk

From November 30 BARBICAN Following Caesar’s assassination, Mark Antony has reached new heights of power. Now he has neglected his empire for a life of decadence with his mistress, Cleopatra. Torn between love and duty, Antony’s passion leads the lovers to a tragic end. One of Shakespeare’s greatest love stories.

Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org

HAMILTON ★★★★★

From 21 November VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE Hamilton dominated headlines for its Broadway run and comes across the pond with the promise of a night to remember. Inspired by Ron Chernow's ‘Alexander Hamilton’ and boasting an eclectic score of Hip-Hop, RnB, Rap and Broadway, Hamilton redefines our idea of what musical theatre has the potential to be.

Victoria Street, SW1E; hamiltonthemusical.co.uk ANOTONY AND CLEOPATRA

DEAR BRUTUS

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

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CULTURE • THEATRE

FROM PEN TO PRINT The newspaper drama makes its mark on the West End

By G A B R I E L L E H E R N A N D E Z

W

hat makes a good story? This seemingly simple opening line turns out to be the cornerstone of the plot. Ink tells the story of the reinvention of The Sun, courtesy of Rupert Murdoch and Larry Lamb. Lined will tension, moral dilemmas and hilarity, Ink gives an inside look into the drama-filled newspaper business of the 1970s.

This high quality production creates the perfect setting for the retelling of The Sun’s history as a tabloid newspaper. A mountain of desks is constructed to portray depth and

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dimension on stage. Stacking them atop each other to create a stair-like structure, it gives the characters the perfect backdrop for the disorder they create on Fleet Street. As Murdoch and Lamb reinvent The Sun, they face pushback from other top publications, but they never cease to create disruption with flashy headlines and obscene stories. Dotted with one liners that had even the actors cracking an uncharacteristic smile, the play does well to combine humour with seriousness. Their rise to power is documented through an intriguing musicality in the storyline.

A parade of colours and characters

“Characters begin questioning the ethics of their work”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

dance about on-stage, showing off various front covers that are the power behind their success. The climax of their fame comes with the decision to publish a nude photo. Not only does this change the way the publication is viewed, but is a lifealtering decision for the model as well as Lamb’s career as Editor. It brings into question the driving force behind such decisions. In the first scene, Lamb explains that in writing a good story you must answer the five w’s: who, what, when, where and why. You can see these five repetitious letters illuminated atop the mountain of desks, emphasising their importance to the storyline. He emphasises that once the ‘why' is answered, the story is no longer of any worth. Once you know why, you no longer need the other four w's. The play delves into the thought process behind choosing what goes into publication.

These big decisions about whether to publish controversial stories or photos is what skyrockets The Sun onto a whole new level - but at a cost.

Characters begin to question the ethics of their work, contemplating why they make decisions and how to live with them. One supporting character recounts how an elder photographer has burns on his hands from the flash powder. He leaves a lingering question: “If every photo you took burned itself into your skin, what would you choose to capture?”

The concept of the 'why' proves to be a strong recurring theme throughout.

Ink not only takes a deeper look into the media, but also allows for self reflection on the decisions we make and how they change the course of our lives forever.

VERDICT A riveting and unmissable account of a pivotal moment in media history.

A must-see for all.

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27/10/2017 15:24

The trademarks Ovo and Cirque du Soleil are owned by Cirque du Soleil and used under license.

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16/10/2017 09:40

Design WINNERS The annual Beazley Designs of the Year awards returns to the Design Museum with a diverse list of nominees.

Absolutely takes a look Wo r d s p e a r l b oy d

W What do Pokémon Go, IKEA furniture, the Olympic refugee flag and Wolfgang Tillmans’ Remain Campaign all have in common? The fact that nobody would ever guess shows how wide Beazley Designs of the Year casts its net. All of these are contenders in the tenth annual design competition, and they are among 62 exhibits in the Design Museum’s display of nominees.

Selected by a panel of distinguished international designers, curators and creatives, the awards showcase the most original and exciting products, concepts and designers in the world today. Separated into six categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Graphics, Product and Transport, this year’s nominees include a hijab

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MAHJOUBA I STATION (PHOTO ALESSIO MEI)

designed by Nike and a clothing line

by Kanye West for his Life of Pablo tour, both included in the Fashion category. Pokémon Go, the augmented reality mobile game, was a global sensation in July 2016 and has earnt a nomination in the Digital category.

The recently knighted Sir David Adjaye has been nominated in the Architecture category for his National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C and DixonBaxi’s TV graphics design for the English Premier League, with an estimated viewer reach of 4.7 billion people worldwide, claimed a Digital nomination.

Activism and protest have proven to be strong themes in the nominations over the past year and projects in the award shortlist include the Pussyhat made and worn in protest of President Donald Trump’s sexist remarks, Wolfgang Tillmans’ Remain Campaign for the Brexit referendum and IC4Design’s Finding Her, a Where’s Wally-style advertisement highlighting low levels of gender equality in Egyptian professions. Other nominations include Me & EU by Nathan and

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CULTURE • LOCAL REAL REVIEW MAGAZINE

NIKE HIJAB

PET PLASTIC BOTTLES

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

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RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

CAROLS

BY CANDLELIGHT

An exquisite concert of carols and seasonal classics staged in full 18th Century costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting.

CHRISTMAS WITH

RUSSELL WATSON Start your Christmas celebrations in style as singing sensation Russell Watson performs a magnificent concert of seasonal music and songs.

WHITE CHRISTMAS SILENT NIGHT ADESTE FIDELES O HOLY NIGHT AVE MARIA HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING

Handel Christmas sequence from Messiah, Let the Bright Seraphim Rutter The Twelve Days of Christmas Gruber Silent Night Corelli Allegro & Pastorale from Christmas Concerto Cullen Joy to the World Mozart Alleluia from Exsultate, jubilate and CAROLS FOR ALL With readings from Dickens and the Scriptures by special guest Bernard Cribbins MOZART FESTIVAL CHORUS MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA in full period costume Jennifer France soprano Steven Devine conductor

Saturday 16 December 8.00pm, Sunday 17 December 7.30pm Friday 22 December 7.30pm, Saturday 23 December 8.00pm Sunday 24 December 2.30pm & 7.00pm

Laura Wright guest singer Simon Chalk conductor Birmingham Voices choir London Concert Orchestra

Saturday 23 December 7.30pm

ROYAL ALBERT HALL royalalberthall.com 020 7838 3109

BARBICAN HALL barbican.org.uk 020 7638 8891

ANTON & ERIN

THE

JOHANN STRAUSS

The nation’s favourite ballroom couple return with an exciting new show for 2018!

With dazzling new choreography, sparkling costumes and a sensational show band performing timeless music.

GALA

The giddy romance and gilded ballrooms of old Vienna are brought to life by the music of the King of the Waltz and friends.

Somewhere in Time Mr Bojangles Downtown Cry Me a River This Nearly Was Mine New York, New York Couple of Swells Libertango

Vienna City of my Dreams Radetsky March Audition Aria from Die Fledermaus Wine, Women and Song The Blue Danube Waltz plus many more.

Anton du Beke & Erin Boag Richard Balcombe conductor Lance Ellington star vocalist

John Rigby conductor Corinne Cowling soprano Nicky Spence tenor

Six world class Ensemble Dancers

JOHANN STRAUSS DANCERS & ORCHESTRA in glorious costumes of the period

Plus the full 25 piece London Concert Orchestra

Saturday 10 February 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 20 January at 2.30pm

BARBICAN HALL barbican.org.uk 020 7638 8891

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL southbankcentre.co.uk 020 3879 9555 SEATS AVAILABLE raymondgubbay.co.uk

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16/10/2017 10:28

CULTURE • LOCAL WALES NATION BRAND

BY SMORGASBORD

Sam Smith, a collection of postcards written and designed by UK-based creatives to be sent across Europe as a means to remain connected post EU-referendum; professional women emoji designs for Google and Forensic Architecture - an interactive 3D recreation of a Syrian torture prison constructed from the memories and descriptions of survivors.

Better Shelter, a flat-packed refugee shelter created with IKEA, was named the Beazley Design of the Year in 2016 and this year has seen further designs that attempt to raise awareness and improve the lives of those impacted by global displacement. The Avy Search and Rescue Drone designed to rescue refugees in danger whilst travelling across the Mediterranean Sea; the Refugee Nation Flag for the Olympics designed for the first ever Olympic refugee team and the Calais Builds Project, providing short-term structures and infrastructure, are just some of the nominations in this year’s awards.

“Activism and protest have proven to be strong themes in the nominations” The Architecture category features some of the most established practices in the world today including Zaha Hadid Architects for their Antwerp Port House, Serpentine Pavilion designer Francis Kéré for his Lycée Schorge Secondary School and OMA’s Il Fondaco Tedeschi development in Venice, Italy.

The Digital category includes Google Noto, a collaborative project that has led to the creation of a free, single typeface which can be used for over 800 languages. Aitor Throup’s New Object Research ‘The Rite of Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter’ has earnt a Fashion nomination.

His runway show during London Collections: Men presented the highly-anticipated New Object Research collection on six life-size articulated sculpted puppets. Other nominations in the Fashion category include a collaboration between Levi Strauss & Co. and Google Inc. developing interactive textiles.

Graphic nominees include the new branding for Wales Nation Brand and the Protest Banner Lending Library, a space where people can gain skills to make their own banners.

The Product category includes the world’s first translating earpiece,

Remolten – a furniture line made from molten lava – and ink made from air pollution.

The Transport list completes the six categories and includes Olli, the world’s first 3D printed self-driving bus, Scewo, a stairclimbing mobility device, a self-balancing motorcycle

by Honda that reduces the chances of falling and space age water taxis designed by SeaBubbles that clean and create energy from the waterways they use. Also included is a new intersection road system developed by Carlo Ratti at MIT that could replace traffic lights. The conceptual traffic system would enable driverless vehicles to travel through intersections without colliding, eliminating the need for traffic signals.

Sketches, models, physical pieces, videos and photography will be on display for all nominations and will provide a snapshot into the exciting world of design. Combining the world’s most established talent alongside graduates and rising stars, Beazley Designs of the Year provides a rare moment to experience a diverse selection of industries, objects and technologies in one exhibition.

A winner will be selected in each category and one overall winner will be announced on 25 January 2018.

Previous winners have included the 2012 Olympic Torch, the Heydar Aliyev Centre by Zaha Hadid and Human Organs-on-Chips, a microdevice lined with living human cells to mimic the complex tissue structures of the human body. ● BEAZLEY DESIGNS OF THE YEAR will be on display until 28 January 2018 at the Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, W8; designmuseum.org

ICO BOTTLE OPENER BY FORT STANDARD IN 3D PRINTED 1.

POLISHED BRONZE. PHOTO CREDIT OTHR

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Pop for Pan Pan Books celebrates 70 years of paperback publishing with a range of bold graphic covers

A

Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

very graphic collection of covers has launched to celebrate 70 years of Pan Books and the eye-catching display is instantly identifiable in bookshop windows all over London.

The first Pan paperback titles were published in 1947, starting with Ten Stories by Rudyard Kipling (fittingly now the first of the 20 Classic Pan titles published to celebrate the Pan 70th Anniversary).

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Pan Books was conceived in 1944

by Alan Bott, who also owned the Book Society. As well as being a decorated WWI hero, journalist and author, he is widely recognised as one of the commercial geniuses of the book trade. Pan later became jointly and equally owned by Collins, Heinemann, Hodder & Stoughton (briefly) and Macmillan and was to be the first serious challenger to Penguin, which had been founded nine years earlier, for the massmarket paperback audience. In sharp contrast to the Penguin covers, featuring the classic colour bands, Pan’s illustrative covers were

“Pan’s illustrative covers were unashamedly commercial”

CULTURE • BOOKS

unashamedly commercial as was their list. Due to post-War paper shortages, Pan initially printed books in France and they were shipped from Paris over the Channel and up the Thames to Kingston.

The 1950s and 60s saw surging sales of popular authors in Pan paperback, including Leslie Charteris, John le Carre, Colin Dexter, Georgette Heyer, Ian Fleming, Dick Francis, Peter O’Donnell, Alan Sillitoe, Neville Shute, and Leslie Thomas. The 1970s brought James Herriot, Arthur Hailey, Jack Higgins, George Macdonald Fraser, Tom Sharpe and Wilbur Smith. In the 1980s Douglas Adams, Jackie Collins and Shirley Conran were among the authors who joined the Pan list then, in the 1990s, Ken Follett, Carl Hiaasen and Elizabeth Jane Howard up to the present list of bestselling fiction and non-fiction writers. In 1990 Pan merged with the Trade division of Macmillan to become Pan Macmillan.

To mark the 70th anniversary, 20 classic Pan titles have been reissued in homage to golden age of paperback publishing and with new eye-popping and witty cover designs in brilliant technicolour.

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London’s dog friendly, black tie fundraiser TS

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

BOWL THEM OVER THIS CHRISTMAS Celebrate the season in style at ALL STAR LANES

T

is the season to be jolly - but all too often the seemingly endless line of obligatory Christmas shindigs are anything but. The Yuletide season inevitably brings awkward small talk over cheap wine or tasteless tipples that should be wheeled back to the dust-covered drinks cabinet from whence they came. It doesn’t have to be that way. This Christmas, treat your nearest and dearest to a Yuletide knees-up they’ll actually enjoy!

The festive folk at All Star Lanes are serving up a party package with a difference, offering the perfect mix of retro bowling, American comfort food and inspired festive cocktails. Whether you’re after a fun night out with friends or a unique venue to host your work party, All Star Lanes is the ultimate Christmas party destination.

“Treat your nearest and dearest to a Yuletide kneesup they’ll actually enjoy” Turkey schmurky. Can’t stand the sight of yet another over-cooked, tasteless traditional Christmas dinner? They’ve got your back.

This year sees the return of their legendary Christmas dinner burger and it’s better than ever – a turkey, chestnut and cranberry patty beneath a generous mouth-watering layer of duck fat roasted potato salad, topped with a sausage and apricot stuffing fritter. If a burger isn’t on your Christmas list, then tuck into the herb baked fillet of salmon or the five bean & sweet potato pot pie.

Finish off your feast with a decadent eggnog crème brûlée or vegan friendly homemade cherry turnover served warm with a scoop of sweet soy milk ice cream. If this wasn’t enough, the brains behind this Yuletide extravaganza have also come up with some

epic festive cocktails. Think Pumpkin Nog, boozy mince pie milkshakes and Christmas classics to help you on your merry way.

What better way to work off your Christmas feast than by hitting the retro bowling lanes? Step into the golden age of America and challenge your friends or colleagues to a festive game of bowling, All Star Lanes style.

Wanna party like the A-list? Party-goers can enjoy unlimited bowling on their own private lanes, call on a dedicated team of cocktail connoisseurs and feast on a spectacular array of festive canapés. Go bottomless with one of their Christmas drinks packages or have a karaoke singalong to get you in the holiday spirit.

You can drink, dine and bowl the new old-fashioned way this Christmas with All Star Lanes.

Two course packages from £36, including a game of bowling and half bottle of wine per person.

Available at All Star Lanes Bayswater, Brick Lane and Holborn. More information can be found at allstarlanes.co.uk.

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

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1 Bellevue Parade, Wandsworth Common SW17 7EQ • 020 8767 7294 • olivierslounge.co.uk Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm • Sun: 12pm - 5pm

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21/09/2017 15:11

FASHION

PINK TWEED CHANEL In February 1955, Mademoiselle Chanel and her 2.55 handbag defined what beauty and strength could look like for generations to come. Pictured here is an exquisite pink tweed 2.55; a piece that is bold and confident, with a gracious femininity.

Cudoni regularly take in and sell luxury items like this on behalf of clients. cudoni.com

Fashion News 42 • Trend Edit: English Heritage 45 • Resin Redux 49 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION NOTES

Supermodel shoes, a new brand of blazer and this season’s ‘it’ party dress GABRIELA HEARST

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

Claremont Reversible Trench Coat, £2,695; matchesfashion.com

WAREHOUSE

Check Lined Trench, £89; warehouse.co.uk

4 OF THE BEST TRENCH C OAT S

EDITOR’S PICK

ZARA

Oversized Trench Coat, £89.99; zara.com

Model’s Choice C L AU D I A S C H I F F E R F O R AQ UA Z Z U R A

ARKET

Twill Trench Coat, £225; arket.com

She's reigned over the runway for three decades, working with the industry’s biggest talents, and now she is turning her hand to shoe design. Claudia Schiffer for Aquazzura is an eight-piece collection inspired by moments in the model's life. Highlights include the Le Marais boots - perfect with this season’s ankle-grazing hemlines. aquazzura.com

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FASHION • NOTES

ON OUR WISHLIST

BRAND PROFILE

PRINTS CHARMING

Blazé Milano

RIXO LONDON

You’ll probably recognise Rixo London from the social pages of glossy magazines. It's this year’s party dress du jour.

Driven by a love for all things vintage, the brand’s signature dresses combine bold prints with quirky details, such as mandarin collars and neat neck ties; £265. rixo.co.uk

The Italian brand kicking traditional tailoring into 2017

WHO?

JUMP IN M.I.H JEANS

FRINGE BENEFITS T H E VO LO N

Loved by Miroslava Duma and Leandra Medine, The Volon is the bag brand with roots in interior design. This fringed cross-body bag is all kinds of fun with its maximalist colour palette and look-at-me tassels. An easy way to brighten up a chunky knit; £1,128. farfetch.com

Comfy yet cool, the jumpsuit is one of the wardrobe’s hardest working pieces. As the temperature drops, a white polo neck will instantly elevate M.i.h Jeans' denim iteration.

Warmth and style needn’t be mutually exclusive after all; £300. matchesfashion.com

GETTING SHIRTY B R U TA

Bruta knows how to do shirts. Founded in 2015 by Arthur Yates, the brand is part of the new guard of designers dedicating their labels to a single item of clothing. The AW17 collection pays homage to England’s rich history, with boxy shirts decorated with embroidered motifs - everything from flying ducks and goldfinches to creeping florals and (our personal favourite) King Henry VIII and his wives; £150.

bruta.eu

Blazé Milano is the specialist blazer brand created by former ELLE Italia editors, Delfina Pinardi, Corrada Rodriguez D’Acri and Sole Torlonia. The name is, fittingly, a play on the word blasé, referring to the notion of being nonchalant or indifferent. How very ‘fashion’.

WHAT? The trio have taken the blazer’s timeless silhouette and reworked it into a plethora of contemporary styles. The tightly edited collection focuses on four cuts: a double and singlebreasted blazer, a safari-inspired colonial style and a smoking jacket, all rendered in lustworthy fabrics - from decadent jacquard and rich velvet to soft silk and classic wool.

WHERE? It’s not the flashiest of brands, but look closely and you’ll spot Blazé Milano’s understated beauty scattered across the streets of fashion week. The rusty hue of the Jealousy Brandy velvet blazer is an easy way to inject retro appeal into your winter jacket game. The High Kingdom’s Prince of Wales check, meanwhile, is a key look for AW17 and will look just as cool paired with highwaisted jeans as it will with a girly midi skirt.

blaze-milano.com

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

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FASHION • PRODUCTS EDITOR’S PICK

STELLA MCCARTNEY Checked Wool Trench Coat, £1,795; ssense.com

ALEXANDER WANG Oversized Houndstooth WoolBlend Blazer, £940; net-a-porter.com

SEE BY CHLOÉ Ruffle-Trimmed Poplin Shirt, £195; net-a-porter.com

TABITHA SIMMONS Sophie Knee-High Leather Boots, £745; matchesfashion.com

BURBERRY Fair Isle Cashmere and Wool-Blend Vest, £695; net-a-porter.com

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND STELLA MCCARTNEY Falabella Round-Frame Acetate Glasses, £215; matchesfashion.com

Woolcheck Trousers, £450; pringleofscotland. com

Plaid prints and polished leather make up AW17’s traditional trend

BURBERRY AW17

ENGLISH HERITAGE GABRIELA HEARST AW17

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y DUBARRY Boylan Polo Neck Sweater, £79; dubarryboots.com

CHURCH’S GUCCI Nymphaea Bamboo Mini Leather Tote, £1,350; gucci.com

Stella Polished Fume Boots, £445; church-footwear.com

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Pure LUXURY Introducing Julie Townend the fashion designer specialising in pure silk shirts Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

J

ulie Townend is a successful London fashion designer who initiated her label in the year 2000.

Julie Townend designs are women-friendly and the collection embraces core values, shifting away from ‘trendy’ and more towards simply looking ‘trendy’ stylish at any time of day. Julie Townend is not trying to re-create an idealisation of youth; her pieces are worn by women of all ages. The collection is designed for both young and mature women, who will look equally fabulous.

Julie Townend’s love of fashion stems from her career as a fashion model and her later studies at St Martin’s in London.

After launching the label, Julie Townend found her niche in the market; luxury shirts. Her statement garments now flow through the society circuits in London.

Julie Townend’s ‘must have’ desirable pieces are key to any woman’s wardrobe, focusing on timeless design with no shelf life and all dedicated to iconic women.

These women are symbolic of her collections, women who have led the style train, such as the model Giselle, Jackie O (Jacqueline Kennedy) and Julie’s late mother Marjorie.

As a mother of two girls, family is of the utmost importance to Julie. Her girls also wear her shirts, with the latest Charliz shirt range named after them.

“Julie Townend shirts are made in the UK by a team with over 30 years tailoring experience” 46

Her styles are easy to wear whilst offering the most alluring of looks and transform easily from day to night. The Julie Townend collection is popular with working women for a day at the office, cocktail parties or business lunches, as well as with women simply looking for a chic daytime or evening look.

Each carefully designed shirt is created in Julie Townend’s London studio, then made by a London team with 30 years tailoring experience. The pure silk fabrics are sourced in the UK and hand-selected for their vibrant colours and quality.

The Julie Townend brand is growing from strength to strength in London, retailing in lifestyle boutique Baar & Bass on London’s Kings Road in Chelsea since

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

2015. Baar & Bass was conceived

by Maddie Chesterton, a young entrepreneur trained at St Martin's with a background in creative design, production and fashion events. Maddie’s personal sense of style and good taste is at the heart of Baar & Bass.

The Julie Townend collection can also be found in the Baar & Bass St Tropez store. Retail in Europe has started to grow as the collection most recently launched at Sab’s Boutique in Geneva.

This year also saw the launch of the collection online and in store at The Place luxury designer fashion retailers in London. The Place

boutiques were set up by Simon Burstein, former chief executive of London designer boutique Browns, to showcase rising British star Alice Archer.

These stunning outlets provide the perfect retail environment to showcase the Julie Townend collection, representing similar values with their niche, luxurious lifestyle boutique brands. Julie Townend is enjoying the success of her London fashion business and is excited about future opportunities.

Julie Townend can be followed via the journal on her website at julietownend.com photo@hannahharleyyoungphotography

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

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Resin REDUX MANGO

DINOSAUR DESIGNS

MARNI

Circular Pendant Earrings, £12.99; shop.mango.com

Stone 1 Leather, Gold-Tone and Resin Necklace, £145; net-a-porter.com

Gold-Plated, Enamel and Resin Earrings, £170; net-a-porter

ELLERY

JAEGER

Gold W Resin Tortoise Combo Hush Hoop, £360; lyst.co.uk

Tabitha Flat Bead Necklace, £75; houseoffraser.com

WHISTLES

DINOSAUR DESIGNS

ASOS

Circle Resin Earring, £35; whistles.com

Mineral Drop Gold-Filled Resin Earrings, £185; net-a-porter.com

Half Hoop Resin Earrings, £6; asos.com

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

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Hit the Slopes Decliate silks and plush fur trim elevate the cocooning layers of après ski knitwear.

Baby it’s cold outside I z a a k A z a n e i AW 1 7 a v a i l a b l e f r o m i z a a k a z a n e i .c o m

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

LEISURE STYLE AVENUE C We love discovering stylish fitness brands that give us motivation to hit the gym. Designed by the founder of Active in Style, Caroline Lucey, Avenue C is a new athleisure offering that delivers flattering silhouettes in a pared-back colour palette. activeinstyle.com

Beauty Notes: Hair Saviours and The Art of Makeup 58 • Winter Skin SOS 61 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

Parisian picks, winter hair saviours and this season's coolest makeup collaboration

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

Strike a Pose ELEMENTS: THE ART OF

M A K E U P BY YA S M I N H E I N Z

Yasmin Heinz is one of the world’s most in demand makeup artists whose impressive portfolio includes high profile celebrities, fashion brands and glossy magazines. Hand-picked from the archive, ’Elements’ is a sumptuous compilation of Heinz’ most striking work. The ultimate fusion of fashion, beauty and photography.

ELEMENTS: The Art of Makeup by Yasmin Heinz, published by Prestel, £45; amazon.co.uk AUSSIE

UMA

3-Minute Miracle Treatment, £4.99; boots.com

Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil, £54; cultbeauty.com

4 OF THE BEST CONDITIONING HAIR TREATMENTS MOROCCANOIL Hair Treatment, £32.85; feelunique.com

PUREOLOGY

Photo Credit © Karin Berndl

58

Strength Cure Mask, £26.50; cultbeauty.com

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

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BEAUTY • NOTES

HIGH OCTANE

SALON REVIEW

REFRESH AND REVIVE

NARS X

CHRISTOPER KANE

Christopher Kane is one of London’s best-loved fashion talents and this season he has announced a second show-stopping makeup collaboration with beauty brand NARS. With just the right amount of shimmer and pearlescent shine, the twopiece collection includes an iridescent lipstick and prismatic eyeshadow palette. The answer to your Christmas party makeup woes; £34.

Cowshed's Signature Facial W o r d s M O R AG T U R N E R

C

narscosmetics.co.uk

EYE CARE

onsidering how much I love a facial or a massage, it’s almost odd that this was my first trip to a Cowshed spa.

For years I’ve heard friends talk about how great they are, so I decided it was time to try the place out for myself. One of the best things about Cowshed is that they are all over the place - there are six in London alone.

I opted for the one in Clarendon Cross, which is a comforting and stylish space.

My treatment of choice was a Cowshed Signature Facial, as I felt I could do with a bit of brightening up.

ESTÉE LAUDER

Je Ne Sais Quoi & OT H E R STO R I E S

Adding to their Paris Atelier beauty series, & Other Stories' latest makeup release looks to the understated charm and classicism of French beauty. Created with active natural ingredients, the range delivers premium formulas in stylish packaging. Our top pick? The brooding berry-hued ‘Raisin Égal’ lipstick; £17.

From Estée Lauder's F cult night serum comes Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate. The light yet nourishing formula is packed full of skinloving ingredients and is applied using a soothing massaging applicator; £49.

stories.com

esteelauder.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS S U N DAY R I L E Y Loved by beauty bloggers and celebrities alike, Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil is the blue-hued overnight treatment that tackles everything from fine lines to sun damage.

Enriched with cold-pressed avocado, chia and grape seed oil, the retinol and blue tansy-rich formula works to calm signs of oxidative stress and neutralise free radicals. Think of it as rehab for your skin; £85.

spacenk.com

Arriving at the spa, I was met by my lovely therapist Joanna who sat me down to ask exactly what I was hoping to get out of the facial. The treatment itself was fantastic. Joanna started with a double cleanse, followed by extractions (my least favourite bit so thankfully there weren’t many) and next was the all important massage which I can only describe as dreamy. Then a nourishing face mask, during which Joanna gave me a head massage. Bliss.

Afterwards she advised me on exactly what she used. The products smelt divine, the setting was stylish and the whole experience was utterly reviving.

I floated home with glowing skin. I’m now making it my mission to try all the Cowshed spas.

COWSHED 119 Portland Road, W11 cowshedonline.com

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

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BEAUTY • PRODUCTS AESOP

SIMPLE Water Boost Hydrating Booster, £6.99; superdrug.com

Elemental Facial Barrier Cream, £39; cultbeauty.com

ISABEL MARANT AW17

NUXE Crème Fraîche® de Beauté Mask, £19; uk.nuxe.com

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich, £82; elemis.com

SARAH CHAPMAN Intense Hydrating Booster, £58; sarahchapman.com

EGYPTIAN MAGIC All Purpose Cream, £13; selfridges.com

EDITOR’S PICK

WINTER SKIN SOS Give your complexion a pick-me-up with these cold weather heroes

PIXI

Rose Flash Balm, £26; lookfantastic.com

EMMA HARDIE

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y LUMITY Food Supplement, From £76.50; lumitylife.com

THE ORDINARY Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £5.90; theordinary.com

Brilliance Facial Oil, £35; feelunique.com

EVE LOM Cleanser, £55; lookfantastic.com

ORIGINS Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, £25; feelunique.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLNESS

4 OF THE BEST SPORTS BRAS

FITNESS NOTES

From fast and furious cardio to heavy rounds in the ring, these high-impact sports bras will keep you in place during your sweatiest, most vigorous workout

“IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR JAB FROM YOUR CROSS, THIS IS WHERE TO START”

LULULEMON Enlite Bra, £78; lululemon.co.uk

VARLEY Bandini Bra, £50; varley.com

LNDR A-Grade Stretch Knit Sports Bra, £50; net-a-porter.com

NIKE Fierce Zonal Support Sports Bra, £47.95; store.nike.com

P.E NATION For the Count ColourBlock Stretch Sports Bra, £80; net-a-porter.com

LEARN THE ROPES AT ONE OF LONDON’S BEST BOXING CLASSES

FIGHTING FIT 1-on-1 session at 12x3

T

raining like a boxer is all about intensity.

With the slogan ‘No Guts, No Glory’ branded across the wall and a coaching team made up of Britain’s most decorated boxers, I expect nothing less from new boxing club 12x3. The brainchild of champion boxers Darren Barker and Ryan Pickard, 12x3 embodies

THE POWER OF BOXING

This high-intensity group fitness circuit has been formulated by former professional boxers and combines cardio boxing exercises and technical pad work for a sweat-sesh like no other. powerofboxing.com

the spirit of the world-famous Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green where they first trained under the guidance of Tony Burns MBE. Boxing at Repton gave the duo the discipline and fighting spirit required to win. This new Aldgate-based gym gives fitness fanatics the chance to develop the same winning mentality. I’m here for one-to-one training with club and country boxer Lisa Moore. If you don’t know your jab from your

BXR BOXING

BXR’s Boxing Skills class offers high-intensity rounds of boxing with bodyweight exercises and core drills.

The classes focus on the essential elements of boxing techniques, allowing you to learn and hone your own skills in a group session. bxrlondon.com

cross, this is where to start. Each session reflects a boxing match, in that it is split into 12 rounds of three minutes, with a minute rest between each. We begin with three minutes of rope skipping before moving onto three minutes of sprinting. Next is technique and footwork. I learn from Lisa that the boxing stance is crucial and am put through a number of drills. She also goes through various punching techniques and shows me how to put them into practise with some common combinations. We move into the ring where we go through boxing defence; a rope is tied across the ring under which I bob and weave back and forth. Three minutes of this lasts a lifetime and I feel it in my legs for days after. Next we move onto a few rounds of pad work, where I can put all I’ve learnt into practise, before ending with a round on the bag, three minutes with ropes and medicine ball and a final round of ab exercises. This workout is certainly one of the hardest you’ll find in London; Lisa definitely puts me through my paces and makes me realise that I can push myself harder than I ever do in the gym. £75 for 1 on 1 session, or £25 for 4 on 1 76 Alie Street, E1; 12x3.co.uk

HIIT 45, ANOTHER SPACE

Another Space’s HIIT 45 workout combines toning strength exercises with high-energy punch-bag work for a fast and furious workout that will have your metabolism firing on all cylinders. anotherspace.london

GYMBOX COUNTERPUNCH

This 45 minute boxing workout combines guided heavy bag boxing routines with HIIT training. The class will take you through the basic boxing techniques while improving your overall fitness and muscle tone. gymbox.com

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

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P R E PA R E T O PA R T Y w i t h H Y P OX I K n i g h t s b r i d g e As the countdown to Christmas approaches, so does the countdown to fit that frock! So get ready to be a confident social butterfly in your Little Black Dress with the help of HYPOXI body shaping method. Achieve outstanding results in just a few short weeks.

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BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

THE DUTCH HAVE A WORD FOR IT Wrap up and indulge in the cosy appeal of ‘Hygge’ fragrances W o r d s M I C H A E L D O N O VA N

N

ow that we are all familiar with the Dane’s definition of happiness, ‘Hygge’, I would like to introduce you to my favourite Dutch word, ‘Gezellig’. This translates roughly as ‘cosy’ but it is so much more - it is the feeling of indulgence and contentment.

There is a lot to be said for cosy fragrances and November is the best to time to get acquainted!

The perfect ‘Gezellig’ fragrance is ‘Amsterdam’, a new scent from Gallivant that celebrates the city’s ingredients for good living: flowers on the window sill, great cake and beautifully made wooden furniture. A genre-defying floral, spicy, woody, ambery fragrance, the conceptual imagining of a black tulip. A spicy aromatic head of elemi, schinus molle co2 extract, Szechuan pepper and saffron. The floral heart contains tulip and rose and a base of cedarwood, musks, sandalwood and amber. ‘Bowmakers’ by D.S & Durga is one of my favourite fragrances the scent of the violin-maker’s workshop. Resin and wood-shavings, varnish and mahogany; it is rich, warm and sumptuous.

A spicy journey to the east, ‘Tan d’Epices’ by Andree Putman is a rich, boozy concoction that ignites the senses. Rich tones of barky cinnamon, mouthwatering gingerbread and smoky, ethereal incense pulse and warm in golden wavelengths, balanced with sweet, hazy heliotrope and light, sharp cedarwood. ‘No. 001 Amber' by Laboratory Perfumes celebrates the peculiarly British anomaly of Amber - a stroll along the East Anglia coastline, where washed

“Snuggle up in a mohair throw and indulge in a ‘Gezellig’ fragrance”

EDITOR’S PICK

up amber can still be seen. Fresh green notes of the diverse grasses carried by the breeze across the windswept plains of the Fens, add energy and vitality to this dynamic fragrance. Amber has a confused natural history in Britain. In France the distinction is clear; Ambre Gris is the solid waxy substance expelled by the sperm whale whilst Ambre Jaune is the fossilised pine resin used in jewellery and embellishment. As both were washed up on the shores of eastern England the two became muddled. This is a wonderfully longlasting scent that uses the former to great effect at the base and manages to be both powerful and demure at the same time. Warming and intense, ‘La Riserva’ is a perfume of great character, in-keeping with Lorenzo Dante Ferro’s commitment to excellence. A fruity and light opening is lent a hint of intrigue with addition of herbal rosemary. As it moves into the heart, La Riserva takes on a delicate spicy character with the addition of black pepper and luxurious saffron. A selection of exquisite Oriental balsams gives a deeply resinous character to the fragrance, before a milky base of sandalwood, vanilla and tonka bean is leant a darker undertone.

Snuggle up in a mohair throw and indulge in a ‘Gezellig’ fragrance this season. You deserve it! roullierwhite.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY • COLUMN

Dr. Guy Meadows is a sleep specialist and Co-Founder of The Sleep School.

Visit thesleepschool.org

SWITCH OFF FOR SLEEP

Sweet Dreams A healthy lifestyle is nothing without a solid sleep routine.

Here’s how to get it right

of ge

Wo r d s D R G U Y M E A D O W S Illustration PHIL COUZENS

T

he craziness of everyday life can make it hard to prioritise your beauty rest. Thankfully, Dr. Guy Meadows has created a list of ways to guarantee a good night's kip.

MAKE THE UNFAMILIAR, FAMILIAR

K

nown as the ‘first night effect’, recent research has shown us that the brain goes into so-called ‘surveillance mode’ when we sleep somewhere new, with some parts sleeping and others remaining alert and on the lookout for danger. Taking a few personal items with you when you are away from home, such as bedside photos or a book, can help to reduce the surveillance mode and actually help us to sleep better.

SILENT, DARK AND COOL

T

hese are three easy-tofollow guidelines to create the perfect haven for good quality sleep:

SILENT. Our brains never stop listening, even during sleep, so using a pair of ear plugs can ensure that any unwanted noises won’t disturb your slumber.

DARK. Making your room as dark as possible by drawing the curtains or using an eye mask informs your internal body clock that it’s time for sleep, releasing the sleepy hormone melatonin.

COOL. Setting your room temperature to a cool 16 - 17C will encourage the 1C drop in core body temperature that we need to help us fall asleep.

“When your mind wanders off onto thoughts, let them go by returning to your breath”

C

hecking work emails or catching up on the news before bed may seem like a good use of time, but it could be disturbing your sleep.

Clinical research shows that using stimulating ‘blue light’ emitting devices, like smart-phones or tablets, even up to two hours before our usual bedtime, keeps our brains stimulated which delays sleep onset and reduces sleep quality. While most of us are unlikely to switch off two hours before bed, installing a blue-light filter on your device or creating a habit of switching off devices at least 40 minutes before bed can help.

CALM YOUR MIND

G

oing to bed with a busy mind can make it harder to fall off to sleep, increase night time waking and leave you feeling unrefreshed the next day. Calm your mind by choosing to gently focus your attention onto your breath for a few minutes at a time. When your mind wanders off onto thoughts, let them go by returning to your breath. Scientific research suggests that, if practiced regularly, mindfulness can promote structural changes in the modern rational part of your brain, leading to deeper and more refreshing sleep, which is essential if you’re a frequent traveller.

NAPPING POWER

N

apping is an effective natural performance enhancer, proven to help boost energy levels, memory processing and even creative problem-solving. Taking a regular nap for no more than 20 minutes - ideally between midday and 3pm - while travelling can be a helpful way of staying sharp and overcoming fatigue. Avoid napping any more than 20 minutes as you’ll run the risk of you slipping into deeper sleep and causing you to wake up feeling groggy. Napping later than 3pm will weaken your night-time sleep drive.

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

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FOOD & DRINK

FAMILY RECIPE VILLA MAMA'S

Drawing on chef and restaurateur Roaya Saleh’s rich Bahraini heritage and a life well-travelled, Villa Mama’s seasonal, home-style dishes combine flavours and culinary traditions from across the Khaleej, Persian and beyond.

Wines of the month 70 • New London brunches 71 • The River Cafe 72 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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E

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and delicious things to see you through November

By HANNAH HOPKINS

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2016 Vendimia, Palacios Remondo, Rioja  £13.50 A wonderful example of youthful Rioja.

This wine is fresh and fruity, with flavours of red berry fruit and ripe damson. Soft and creamy in texture, with a touch of spice, it pairs really well with dishes including duck or lamb, grills, stews or casseroles.

2016 Mullineux, Kloof Street, Chenin Blanc, South Africa  £15.25 Mullineux’s Kloof Street range is all about freshness, balance and great drinkability. This wine is pale straw in colour, with a nose of sun ripened pears. The palate has a vibrant acidity balanced by a soft, round texture.

2016 Etna Bianco, Graci, Passopisciaro, Sicilia  £20.75 A blend of 65 percent Carricante and 35 percent Catarratto, this is Graci's entry-level white.

It has perfumed aromas of white peach, grapefruit and a hint of mandarin on the nose. The palate is energetic yet poised, with lively acidity.

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

bbr.com

70

Persian delight VILLA MAMA'S

Bahraini chef and restaurateur Roaya Saleh has opened her new all day restaurant. Villa Mama’s seasonal, home-style dishes combine flavours and culinary traditions from across the Khaleej, Persia and beyond. The ‘Mezzeh’ dishes include Khubus’, a Tandoor-cooked flatbread, served with meyhawa, a fermented sardine sauce.

25 Elystan Street, SW3 villamamas.com

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FOOD • NOTES

FROM HEALTHY TO BOTTOMLESS The best new London brunches

DUCK & WAFFLE LOCAL The fast and casual sister restaurant to Duck & Waffle has launched their first ever brunch menu under the direction of Dan Doherty. Try duck and waffle, colombian eggs and shakshuka, as well as new dishes like the breakfast duck burger.

52 Haymarket, SW1Y duckandwafflelocal.com

BOTTOMS UP HEAVENSAKE

Pour a glass of the world’s first Franco-Japanese sake. HeavenSake is a unique blend made in collaboration with sake brewery Uraksumi. The scent, a hit of apple blossoms and citrus, and the flavours of white guava and honeysuckle unite beautifully to overcome your senses. rixo.co.uk

UNDER ONE ROOF THE PRINCE

Taking over the former Prince of Wales pub and four disused connecting buildings, The Prince encompasses two bars, four individual restaurants, and a huge secret garden. Based in West Brompton, it comes from the team behind Pergola On The Roof and Pergola Paddington Central, so you know it's gonna be good.

14 Lillie Road, SW6 theprincelondon.com

BELLANGER BLOODY MARY SUNDAY BRUNCH Bellanger will be kicking off the first Sunday of every month with a brand new Bloody Mary Sunday Brunch.

Customers will be able to choose from four Grey Goose cocktails from the Bloody Mary bar, before giving their drink a fun DIY twist by creatively infusing fresh flavours into the brunch-favourite tipple.

9 Islington Green, N1 bellanger.co.uk

ORÉE BOULANGERIE

AMERICAN FEAST DIRTY BONES

Your favourite NYC-inspired comfort food Dirty Bones has reopened and is ready for action. Oldies but goodies like The Mac Daddy, a brisket and dry aged steak burger topped with pulled beef short rib and mac & cheese, will still be available.

A new selection includes the Dr. Pepper-marinated Slow n’ Low Pork Belly Ribs and Cheeseburger Dumplings.

20 Kensington Church Street, W8 dirtybones.com

Get a taste of rural France in the capital, as Orée arrives in High Street Kensington. With a mix of hearty and healthier options, this boulangerie is also the place to go if you’re looking for artisanal French fare with a taste created specially for London foodies.

275-277 Fulham Road, SW10 oree.co.uk

QUAGLINO’S Q BRUNCH Quaglino’s have a new Q Brunch menu on Saturdays, which is perfect for whiling away autumn weekends.

The updated offering includes a selection of new delicious brunch dishes and live music, with a roaming band performing a medley of funk, soul and disco hits.

16 Bury Street, SW1Y quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

A TASTE OF FRANCE ORÉE

This new boulangerie offers freshly-baked viennoiserie, artisanal breads and fine patisserie alongside delicious breakfasts, brunches, lunches and coffees. An ideal stop-off during a leisurely weekend.

275-277 Fulham Road, SW10 oree.co.uk

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THE RIVER CAFE I AT 30

Ruth Rogers remembers the early days – and Absolutely tries three recipes from the new book

n March of 1987 Rose Gray and I met for a coffee.

I wanted to tell her about a space that had come up in Thames Wharf where Richard Rogers and Partners had just bought a group of warehouses to convert into offices for their architectural practice.

We met on the Kings Road at Drummonds, which today is McDonalds – so you could say that The River Cafe was actually conceived in a McDonalds. After the coffee, we went to look at the space available.

There were three floor-to-ceiling windows facing south over the Thames and room enough for nine tables. There was a communal garden in the middle. We imagined a vegetable and herb garden. We fell in love with the place, in love with the idea. And so it began.

Rose, Richard and I became partners. Richard did the drawings, the lights came from the Reject Shop, chairs from Habitat and second-hand ovens from a yard in Coventry.

Rose’s husband the artist David Macilwaine, who worked

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with wire, designed our logo. My brother Michael had our menus printed onto baseball caps and tshirts, which he sent us from LA. We called it the River Cafe. The imaginary garden became real and we planted wild rocket, the seeds from a holiday in Tuscany. Our children worked with us – Rose’s and mine. Bo was three.

If restrictions can drive creativity then we definitely had ours. The Hammersmith planners allowed us to be open only at lunchtime and only available to the architects, designers, model makers and framers who worked in the warehouses – people who usually had nothing but a sandwich for their lunch. We made hamburgers, but with mayonnaise using extra virgin olive oil and sandwiches with taleggio and rocket.

We also made Papa Pomodoro, which no one ate. As one customer said, ‘I’m not paying £3.50 for some stale bread and tomatoes.’ We grilled squid and put it with rocket and fresh red chilli. It has been on the menu ever since. We found a recipe for cake and called it Chocolate Nemesis.

The only thing we didn’t make was money. With every sandwich and leftover soup our overdraft increased. The worst day was when a girl came on her bicycle selling sandwiches to all the offices for 25 pence cheaper than ours. We told her she was trespassing and asked her to leave.

Actually, we were also treated as trespassers. A petition was sent to the council, signed by 100 people, complaining.

‘The River Cafe and its clientele are seriously diminishing the tone of the area.’ Fortunately, we also had our fans.

Fay Maschler wrote a review saying, ‘I am going to tell you about a restaurant run by two women with no professional experience, miles from anywhere, that you are not allowed to go to.’

Word spread. We stopped the sandwiches. We were allowed to open to the public. A year later, to open at night until eleven. Finally, we became a restaurant.

“If restrictions can drive creativity then we definitely had ours.”

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

METHOD

Ricotta al Forno U N S A LT E D B U T T E R A N D G R AT E D PA R M E S A N FOR THE DISH

INGREDIENTS  2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves a handful of fresh mint leaves a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves  500g bufala ricotta  120ml double cream  2 eggs  150g Parmesan, freshly grated  12 black olives, stoned and chopped  sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Using a little butter and some grated Parmesan, coat the bottom and sides of a 30cm springform tin. Shake out any excess cheese.

Put the herbs into the bowl of a food processor and put half of the ricotta and cream on the top. Blend until bright green. Add the remainder of the ricotta and cream and turn on the machine again. While blending, add the eggs one by one. Season with salt and pepper.

Finally, fold in the Parmesan.

Spoon the mixture into the tin and spread the olives over the top. Bake for 20 minutes. The torte should rise and have a brown crust but still be soft in the centre. Serve after 5 minutes.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Crab and raw artichoke salad INGREDIENTS  2 medium Violetta artichokes with their stalks juice of 1 lemon  200g white crabmeat  2 teaspoons brown crabmeat  2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley  2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle

METHOD To prepare each artichoke, first cut off some of the stalk, leaving about 5cm attached. Cut or break off the tough outer leaves, starting at the base, until you are left with the pale inner part. Then peel the stalk with

a potato peeler, leaving only the pale tender centre. Trim the pointed top of the artichoke straight across, which will reveal the choke. Remove the choke with a teaspoon. Slice the artichoke vertically as thinly as possible. As each artichoke is prepared, drop it into a bowl of cold water with half of the lemon juice.

Combine the white and brown crabmeat with the parsley, remaining lemon juice and the extra virgin olive oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Drain the artichokes and stir lightly through the crab to combine.

Season again and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

BRANZINO AT SALESEA BASS BAKED IN SALT INGREDIENTS  1 × 1.8kg sea bass, cleaned and gilled but not scaled  1 lemon, sliced  a small handful of dried fennel stalks  3.6kg coarse sea salt

METHOD E X T R AC T TA K E N F R O M

RIVER CAFE 30

by Ruth Rogers, Rose Gray, Sian Wyn Owen and Joseph Trivelli; published by Ebury Press, £28

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Put the lemon and dried fennel stalks inside the cavity of the fish.

Place the salt in a large bowl and add 250ml water. Cover the bottom of the baking dish with half the salt and lay the fish on top. Cover the fish completely with the remaining salt.

Bake the fish in the preheated oven.

After 20 minutes, insert a skewer into the fish. If the tip of the skewer feels very hot when pulled out, the fish is ready.

Crack open the salt crust and remove the hard pieces, ensuring that no salt remains on the flesh of the fish. Carefully lift the fish and place on a platter.

Remove the skin.

Serve warm with Salsa Verde

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PARTY ANIMALS

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

D I N N E R BY

Heston Blumenthal New dishes and a delicious journey through British culinary history

FOOD Boundary-pushing culinary creations with a prominent focus on food history

DECOR Simple and chic, to let the food and views do the talking.

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

H

eston Blumenthal is known for constantly pushing boundaries with his unique take on molecular gastronomy, and Dinner is no exception.

His only London-based restaurant has a prominent focus on food history. Culinary creations, cooked under the watchful eye of Chef Director Ashley Palmer-Watts, have a wealth of context as well as a hefty dose of fun - well, you’d

expect nothing less from a Heston restaurant. This is demonstrated in one of the newest additions to the menu - ‘Eggs in Verjuice’ - an eggshaped shell that once cracked open is filled with verbena and coconut panna cotta with coffee parfait, verjuice and a citrus ‘yolk’.

For starters, you cannot miss the iconic ‘Meat Fruit’, one of the most Instagrammed dishes in the world.

A play on an old English habit of making one food look like another, a mound of chicken liver parfait

PRICE Starters from £18.50, mains from £30, desserts from £15.

A set lunch menu of three courses is £45.

VERDICT For fun and flavour, Dinner is flawless.

Our tip? Book a booth for ultimate comfort.

Dinner's culinary creations are cooked under the watchful eye of Chef Director Ashley Palmer-Watts

with a thin layer of mandarin jelly is made to resemble a pitted, dimpled mandarin. Served with toasted sourdough, it's not just theatrically impressive – it's genuinely delicious.

A main of ‘Chicken & Cauliflower’ is comfort food with a high-end twist.

Moist chicken topped with crispy skin is accompanied by smoked cauliflower, brown butter and a parmesan and truffle macaroni.

Another main of ‘Cod in Cider’ with flamed mussels is sweet and moreish.

For dessert you can have a scoop of ice cream made tableside with liquid nitrogen, served in a sugar cone with a selection of toppings, but we highly recommend the platelickingly good Victorian dessert of Tipsy Cake. This soft, yeasty, syrup-infused brioche comes with pineapple roasted on a spit powered by a £70,000 giant watch mechanism.

The spit is visible to diners, and there are other fun touches to see, too.

Porcelain wall sconces that adorn the walls are in the shape of antique jelly moulds, large wooden sculptures on the ceiling mimic the leading of a stained-glass window at Westminster Abbey and there is of course, the less exciting, but nonetheless very beautiful view of Hyde Park.

With world class food, two Michelin stars and a place in the top 50 restaurants in the world, you’d be forgiven for thinking Dinner could verge into stuffy territory, but it perfectly balances undeniably classy food with a lighthearted atmosphere.

Heston had a high concept for this restaurant, and boy does it deliver. ●DINNER BY HESTON BLUMENTHAL 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X dinnerbyheston.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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CLEAN, TRADITIONAL ASIAN COOKING

Located at Notting Hill Gate, ULI offers a fresh, honest approach to Asian cuisine.

Natural limed oak, soft tones of blue and contemporary art give the restaurant a clean and informal look, highlighted by a hanging garden of pendant lights.

Our menu encompasses carefully selected dishes from Asia, all prepared using traditional Chinese, Thai, Malay and Singaporean disciplines. We believe that Asian food should be clean, fresh and healthy, and that each dish should always be made from scratch. We serve lunch and dinner all week, also available for takeaway delivery.

Absolutely magazine readers receive an exclusive 10% discount on their first takeaway delivery order placed online using code ABMAG10

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FOOD & DRINK • SEASONAL

Venison meatballs with tomato sauce

T

his is another way to get the best value from the cheaper cuts of venison – or indeed from a hare, rabbit or pheasant if you are lucky enough to have had rrather ather a lot of either of them recently.

If you want to bulk this dish out it can be served on your favourite pasta – mine is penne. One day I must try cooking this on top of a layer of pasta – perhaps even with some spinach under the pasta – but I cannot think what to put finally on top. Cheese sauce? But sometimes my wife and our carers suggest why not do something that we know works well.

R EC I P E

GAME ON Veteran Tory MP Norman Tebbit wrote his book The Game Cook after conversations with his local butcher. First published in 2009, it’s now back in print and full of humour. Here’s a great venison recipe; wild venison is in season from September to the end of February, farmead venison is available all year round.

INGREDIENTS  450g/1lb venison, minced  1 medium onion (ideally red), finely chopped  50g/2oz fresh white breadcrumbs  1 tsp ground cumin  1 tsp ground coriander  1 fresh red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped  1 egg, beaten  Freshly ground black pepper  Handful of chopped coriander and flat parsley  Salt (optional)  2 tbsp olive oil

DEER DIARY

1

There are six species of wild deer living in Britain: red, sika, fallow, roe, muntjac and Chinese water deer.

2

Venison eaten in the UK tends to come from five of these species, the exception being Chinese Water deer.

3

Red deer and fallow deer are the main species to be farmed commercially.

4

Most farmed deer meat comes from red deer, which is the largest of the UK’s species and is native to the country.

5

Depending on the diet of the deer, the meat may have a subtle taste of juniper or sage, and there are variations in flavour depending on the species.

For example, the meat of the mighty red deer has a richer, bolder flavour than the more delicately flavoured roe or fallow.

The Game Cook

by Norman Tebbitis published by Grub Street, £14.99

METHOD

For the meatballs, thoroughly mix in a bowl, the onion, minced venison (or other game), breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, chilli, egg, a little freshly ground black pepper and the chopped parsley and coriander. I use very little salt but you may want to add a little at this stage. I prefer to combine ingredients like this by hand (even if the ’phone does always go when I am doing so) but you could use a processor – but it is easy to overdo it and lose the texture (and it is something to get out, wash up and put away). Anyway, you have to use your hand to form balls – no bigger than golf balls.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. It is best to start with the sauce so that it can simmer away while you make the venison balls. Heat the oil in a casserole, or a stainless-steel pan with a good lid. Fry the onion until it is soft and golden. Add the chopped tomatoes, passata (or purée), red wine and pepper sauce. Try the taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

Then leave it simmering on a low heat. If it threatens to dry out, add a little warm water.

Heat the oil in a big frying pan and fry the balls in batches, if needs be, until they are nicely brown all over.

Put them on to kitchen paper to take off any surplus oil, then place in a casserole with the sauce. Make sure the lid is firmly on, then put them in the oven for 40-45 minutes, by which time they should be cooked through and the sauce nicely thickened. Serve straight onto plates, over the pasta if you are using that.

FO R T H E S AU C E 1 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 400g/14oz can chopped tomatoes 500g/1lb 2oz carton passata (sieved tomatoes) or 4 tbsp tomato purée  300ml/10fI oz red wine  2 tsp hot pepper sauce (or a mixture of ½ tsp paprika and ¼ tsp chilli powder)  Salt and freshly ground black pepper    

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WEDDINGS

CLASSIC LINES CAROLINA HERRERA

The latest Carolina Herrera collection is a masterclass in timeless and elegant bridal dressing, featuring everything from sculptural ballgown shapes to soft lace and slinky one-shoulder numbers.

Her exclusive UK stockist is The Wedding Club. thewedding-club.co.uk

Sunbeam Studios - a glamorous location 84 • Stationery 86 • Bridal trends • 95 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Ray of light

When Alex Lofthouse and Peter Finch got married, they chose to hold their big day at Notting Hill’s stylish Sunbeam Studios. Here’s their story Wo r d s A L E X L O F T H O U S E

What were your key themes for the day in terms of colours/styles and traditions?

A lot of my girlfriends who got married around the same time kept asking me ‘what’s your theme?’ and ‘what’s your colour scheme?’. To be honest we didn’t have a strict theme or colour palette. We decided to have our wedding in London because it’s where we met, where a lot of our friends and family are and where we expect to continue our married lives. Plus, despite being at the age where a lot of our friends were getting married, we’d never actually been to a London wedding so it seemed like a bit of a novelty. As a result our theme ended up being loosely based on London.

We had a classic London cab as our wedding transport, our table names were based on the locations of our first dates in London and we used images of different London bridges on the projector in the dining room.

Colourwise I chose silver bridesmaid dresses quite early on. I knew I wanted pink peonies and dusty pink roses but other than that we just picked with those colours in mind, hoping nothing would clash.

In terms of traditions, we decided pretty early on that we wouldn’t have a church wedding. We’d been to a friends’ wedding the year before and we loved their celebrant, Zena Birch, as she’d done such a relaxed and personalised service, so we asked her to do our ceremony.

We kept other traditions like the first

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WEDDINGS • REAL WEDDINGS

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

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WEDDINGS • REAL WEDDINGS

“You shouldn't feel pressured to include certain traditions if you're not fussed” dance and tossing the bouquet but we didn’t bother with others - for example, we didn’t have a wedding cake so didn’t do the whole cake cutting thing and we did email invites (using paperless post) rather than paper ones. We took the view that your wedding day should be what you want and that you shouldn’t feel the pressure to include certain traditions if you’re not fussed or if they don’t mean anything to you. From a budget perspective, we also had to prioritise what we spent our money on.

How did you decide on the wedding and reception venue?

We had pretty specific requirements in that we were looking for a venue in London which could seat up to 130 guests for dinner plus evening guests. We also wanted a nice room for the ceremony - we found a lot of hotels offered pretty uninspiring rooms.

We needed somewhere with enough space to accommodate us all day, as we were conscious of transporting people across London – and also, we wanted to bring your own alcohol with limited or no corkage.

Sunbeam ticked all those boxes for us and we knew straight away we’d found the right

place. The staff also came across as very professional and on top of things which was reassuring.

What was the highpoint of the day for you?

The ceremony was certainly a highpoint as it was really relaxed and personalised with lots of laughter (helped by numerous preceremony drinks). Walking into the dining room with all our family and friends in one room cheering was also unforgettable. The

limbo on the dance floor later in the evening was also pretty memorable.

Are there any things you wish you’d done or things you’re glad you did; things you worried about and shouldn’t have – or anything else brides and grooms should bear in mind?

While it was pretty nerve-wracking at the time, looking back I was glad that I did a speech. I understand why brides often choose not to but I just felt that as I’d organised so much of the day, it would have felt strange if I just sat by and didn’t stand up and say anything. We also used it as an opportunity to explain that instead of wedding favours, we’d donated what we would’ve spent to two charities close to our hearts instead. We were also glad that we did a kids’ table at the dinner which we put colouring books and games on in the hope this would keep the little ones entertained for a while so their parents could enjoy themselves.

In terms of making it less stressful, we had ‘the spreadsheet’ which all couples seem to have. Sunbeam sent us a pretty detailed itinerary for the day months in advance.

ALEX AND PETER’S WEDDING fairy godmothers and godfathers Venue and catering - Sunbeam Studios - Zsofia and Jonathan were super professional and helpful! • Celebrant - Zena Birch - zenabirch.com • Band - The Revue and then a friend and guest, Mark Eteson, who is a professional DJ, played afterwards • Flowers - The Stand, Wimbledon/Raynes Park - Emma and Tom were fab and created exactly what we wanted • Photographer - Love that Smile Photography - id really recommend Magda, we were so happy with our photos lovethatsmilephotography.com • Dress - by Calle Blanche, from Helena Fortley Bridal in Caterham helenafortley.co.uk • Shoes - Jimmy Choo Make up and hair - Tori Harris Hair and Make up toriharrismakeup.co.uk • Hair piece - by Victoria Millesime, bought at The Boutique Bridal Co-operative, theboutique-bridalcoop.co.uk • Wedding stationery/table plan - all designed and created by my good friend Chloe Blount

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BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS

BY THE BEACH We will give you a wedding of your dreams with extraordinary food, New Hamptons boutique style and a beautiful beach. Whether it’s an intimate reception or a magnificent celebration for up to 120 guests, please give Diana a call on 01797 225 057 or email her at diana@thegallivant.co.uk to make your dreams come true.

New Lydd Road, Camber, East Sussex, TN31 7RB 01797 225 057 thegallivant.co.uk

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WEDDINGS • STATIONERY BESPOKE ELEGANCE

Armorial Paris offers bespoke stationery with refined details such as monograms and artisan printing. You can create everything from save the dates to unique invitations – plus there's a dedicated store at Harvey Nichols. armorial.fr/en

RUSTIC DELIGHT

FULL BLOOM

Papier’s range by British fashion designer Matthew Williamson (right) offers beautifully detailed designs with lush pattern and artful colour mixing. We love this Jungle Bloom motif, with matching place names and save the date cards available in the same design. papier.com

This Wooden Pastel Floral suite (above) features a flower and heart design with wood-effect colouration and twine. It’s part of a lovely rustic range at Norma & Dorothy. normadorothy.com

GET CRAFTY

Want to put a personal stamp on your invites? Imagine DIY has all the kit you need to go create. We love this retro-floral design for a summer party. imaginediy.co.uk

DESIGN CLASSIC

CUSTOM C R E AT I O N

Part of BerinMade’s Semi Custom collection, this design can be personalised a changing backgrounds and lettering. You refine your look with a three-draft process. berinmade.com

Party

ON! Set the tone for a brilliant party, with colourful ideas from our leading stationers

88

This Chinese Chrysanthemum design from the archives of the V&A offers a restrained take on floral themes, and with classic style credentials. papier.com

I N D I A N O DY S S E Y

Ananya’s Trio of Life collection is inspired by Indian symbolism and every design in the collection is hand drawn to give a contemporary twist to traditional motifs. ananyacards.com

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

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A WEDDING IN THE SKY

London Hilton on Park Lane | 22 Park Lane | London W1K 1BE | Galvinatwindows.com

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

ICE, ICE BABY

Du Maurier

Make a statement this winter with a frosty embellishment of cool blues and icy greens

WATC H Look stunning this Christmas with the Daphne Signature Ladies Watch by Du Maurier. This timeless, Swiss-made piece looks fabulous at any occasion. What's more, Du Maurier's companion jewellery and variety of strap colours means there's no risk of clashing with your Christmas jumper. dumaurierwatches.com

Nakiborango

Nakibirango is a London-based luxury jewellery brand founded in 2015. Drawing inspiration from heritage and ancestral representation, the collections are injected with themes of architecture, fine sculpture, art and photography. Further influence comes from a passion for semi-precious stones and bespoke designs, which has come to identify Nakibirango as a trusted name in exclusive jewellery today.

Visit nakibirango.com for 25% off on your first order

J E W E L L E RY Known for their stunning Swiss-made watches, Du Maurier have recently launched a capsule collection of desirable jewellery. The Sylvia Collection, featuring gorgeous aqua chalcedony and citrine in a gold setting, adds the perfect finishing touch to everyday outfits.

See the full collection at dumaurierwatches.com or call 01460 220720.

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

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Unique events at Sunbeam Studios C H I L D R E N S PA RT I E S

ANNIVERSARIES

PRODUCT L AUNCHES

WEDDINGS

B A R M I T Z VA H S

CONFERENCES

AN INSPIRING LOC ATION WITH AN EXPERT TEAM BRINGING YOUR BES T IDEAS TO LIFE

Ladbroke Hall | London | W10 6AZ +44 (0)20 8962 3204 www.sunbeamstudios.com

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

Brooke Gregson

Brooke Gregson is highly respected in the world of fine, contemporary jewellery. Diamond wedding bands and engagement rings are available in raw or cut diamonds for an individual and modern look. All Brooke Gregson fine jewellery is hand made by master craftsmen in London and Los Angeles. Please call for an appointment or visit our Westbourne Park Road studio. brookegregson.com

Michael Platt

Harriet Kelsall Since 1998 Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has been designing beautiful jewellery for people all over the world. We’ve won over 20 UK and international awards for design, business, ethics and innovation, including ‘Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year 2016’ at the UK Jewellery Awards. Our online Ready to Wear collections offer an extensive range of hand-crafted designer jewellery, perfect if you’re looking for a gift for a loved one, or simply a treat to yourself. hkjewellery.co.uk

Discover exclusive beautiful jewellery at Michael Platt. From pieces set with sparkling diamonds and exquisite gemstones, to a dazzling range of engagement rings, there is something for every style and taste. A complimentary design consultation is offered for new jewellery, remodelling old or inherited jewellery, in addition to complex restoration work and valuations on existing jewellery. They specialise in bespoke jewellery, made-to-order for you or that special someone in your life.

Gift Vouchers available.

1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, London, SW19 5DW; 020 8947 4772 michaelplatt.co.uk

Philippe Pfeiffer Unique, exquisitely crafted jewellery designed and made in the heart of Spitalfields, London.

Philippe Pfeiffer’s charming atelier is a hidden gem on Artillery Lane. Here you'll find a treasure trove of extraordinary jewellery in daring and unexpected combinations – conch shell, hematite, jet and iron are combined with precious stones and metals to create stunning and unique pieces.

To visit 52 Artillery Lane, London, E1 7LS To commission a piece 020 7377 9722 For further inspiration philippepfeiffer.com or philippepfeifferjewellery on Instagram

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

CUSTOM WEDDING RINGS FOR COUPLES Jewellery designer Jack Meyer talks about his new bespoke jewellery brand CAD Fantastic Jewellery What inspired you to create the brand?

For many years I ran a Hatton Garden-based jewellery manufacturer, developing designs and producing pieces for many high street jewellers and designer brands. I’ve also taught at the British Academy of Jewellery for over 11 years.

I started CAD Fantastic Jewellery as a response to my experiences working with other jewellers, as well as personal requests from friends and former clients. While many people make wedding rings, or even provide “build your own ring services”, I felt there was an easier way to help couples express themselves and their love for one another through their jewellery.

What makes you different from other jewellery brands?

There are two main differences: First, I’ve created a customisable collection to help inspire people to find their perfect ring. They can either take one of these designs and personalise it, or use it as a starting point for us to create

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and wedding rings that suit their personality and look good side by side.

What should people consider when buying wedding rings?

When you propose to your partner, it is quite the emotional journey for the recipient. But not everyone talks about how big an emotional journey happens for the person making the decision to propose. Add to this the fact most people will be shopping for diamond jewellery for the first time in their lives. My suggestion is to not be afraid to let others help you. One advantage of going bespoke is that an experienced designer can walk you through the journey step by step, and take away stress rather than adding to it. something truly unique for you and your partner. Second, I offer a relationship-based bespoke design service called Custom Couples wedding ring sets. I work with individuals or couples to develop engagement

Meetings by appointment (+44) 7427 655 817 contact@cadfantastic.com Instagram: @cadfantasticjewellery cadfantastic.com

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WEDDINGS • BRIDAL TRENDS MIKAELLA

Sleek and understated, this flattering A-line skirt is topped with a strapless bodice. mikaella.com

SASSI HOLFORD

CAROLINE CASTIGLIANO

A lace textured bodice, front split and train make Eliza a glamour option for a destination wedding. sassiholford.com

Simplicity is a flattering strapless gown with signature concealed corsetry. carolinecastigliano.com

Sleek DRESSING ELEGANTLY SIMPLE, AND WITH REFINED DETAILS, THESE GOWNS ARE THE LAST WORD IN SLEEK WEDDING-DAY DRESSING

A M A N DA WA K E L E Y

Adette is a satin sheath gown for brides who want to keep it pure and chic. amandawakeley.com

STEPHANIE ALLIN

With a hint of boho, Jolie has wide shoulder straps and a gorgeous embellished bodice. stephanieallin.net

H AY L E Y P A I G E ANDREA H AW K E S J E N N Y PAC K H A M Jenny Packham’s Allure has a plunge bodice and striking jewel detailing at the shoulders. jennypackham.com

Bryn has curve-enhancing embellishment. Hayley Paige stockists include Mirror Mirror. mirrormirror.uk.com

Bree, by Andrea Hawkes, is a classic strapless silk dress with neat belt detail. andreahawkes.co.uk

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From the intimate to the extravagant, the possibilities are endless …

Discreet yet renowned for hosting London’s premium weddings

The perfect backdrop to create a truly unique day

Situated just moments from Regent’s Park with privatedry One Marylebone is the epitome of romance, the aperfect off-road entrance, One Marylebone boasts two an impressive hire setting for your dream wedding.

Whether intimate versatile and landscaped courtyard garden. light affair with spaces your nearest and dearest or opulence andThe grandeur and contemporary Galleries are the perfect ceremony and surrounded by up to 350 guests, One Marylebone is perfectly reception setting before guests makeyour theircivil wayceremony down to suited to host your special day, from the jewel in the crowntoofyour Onewedding Marylebone at over 27 feet in through breakfast. height; The Soane Hall, for dinner and dancing.

OneOne Belgravia is theisultimate hire location venue for your Belgravia a uniquedry venue comprised of two London It is theby perfect backdrop to create a truly floors wedding. joined together a majestic marble staircase. special and unique day, and can host your civil ceremony The Oak Room is the perfect setting for a drinks followed by the weddingceremony breakfast for up to guests. reception or intimate whilst the200 Grand

Licensed: Yes The Bill: Soane Hall £10,000+VAT – The Galleries £7,500+VAT – Exclusive Hire £13,000+VAT

Guest List:

Gallery offers a beautiful ceremony setting and the perfect option for dining and dancing the night away.

Licensed: Yes The Bill: £7,500 + VAT for dry hire OR collections starting from £115.00 pp. + VAT Guest List: - The Oak Room: Ceremony 60, Reception 140, Dinner 40.

Grand Gallery: Ceremony 150, Reception 400, Dinner 200, Dinner & Dance 160 ONE EVENTS- TheOFFICE

Soane Hall: Ceremony 350, Reception 500, Dinner 400, Dinner and Dance 360 Galleries: Ceremony 170, Reception 300, Dinner 140 020 Garden: Reception 300

7380 1663 weddings@one-events.co.uk – www.one-events.co.uk

0207 380 1663 - weddings@one-events.co.uk

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WEDDINGS • BRIDAL TRENDS MORILEE

LAZARO

In a gorgeous blush-topeach hue with lavish embellishment, this gown is by Madeline Gardner for Morilee. morilee.com

P R O N OV I A S

This romantic tulle Lazaro gown with floral bodice is in a delicate, almost café-creme, hue. jlmcouture.com

Diman is an elegant strapless gown with ruched bodice. pronovias.com

D É VOT I O N DRESSES

This Rozinda gown has fine lace detailing. devotiondresses.com

Blush

B E AU T I E S WITH DREAMY SHADES FROM SOFTEST BLOSSOM AND CAFÉ TO ROSE, THESE GOWNS ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO BE A BLUSHING BRIDE

H AY L E Y P A I G E

This jewel gown is by Hayley Paige. Stockists include Mirror Mirror. mirrormirror.uk.com

ELIZA JANE H OW E L L

This elegant pink gown has a sequinned overskirt. elizajanehowell.com

D AV I D ’ S B R I D A L

SPOSE DI GIÒ

This romantic shell pink gown is hand-made in Italy

by Spose di Giò. lesposedigio.com

Pure fairytale, this pink tulle skirt with ballerina bodice is by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal davidsbridal.co.uk

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WEDDINGS • BRIDAL TRENDS

How to work it

DISCO BRIDE

Savin London’s edgy bikerstyle jacket is paired here with a bralet top and sequinned overtop – the perfect combo for a modern dancing queen. savinlondon.com

Channel your disco diva with gowns and accessories that are perfect for rocking the wedding dancefloor he spirit of Studio 54 is coursing through bridal collections, with retro club-scene elements cropping up on everything from bridal gowns to hats, bags and shoes. Glitter, fringes, stratospheric heels, lush fabrics and jewel details add glamour and attitude. Your wedding day is the perfect moment to be star of the dancefloor, so take it to the bridge.

T

Galia Lahav goes for dancefloor bold with a split-bodice gown edged with silver. galialahav.com

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Halfpenny London’s satin wide-legged Marlene trousers and Dita beaded corset are high-glamour options for a party where you want to strut your stuff. halfpennylondon.com

London milliner Awon Golding pays homage to fashion icon and Studio 54 regular Bianca Jagger with this dramatic picture hat – just perfect paired with a chic jacket or bridal pantsuit. otaduy.co/en

Let your shoes do the talking with Aruna Seth's black satin Farfalla platform heels featuring glittering butterfly jewel detailing. £650; arunaseth.com

Get the glitter bug with this fabulous Alchemy beaded box clutch from the latest Enzoani bridal accessories collection. enzoani.com

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LUXURY BRITISH BRIDALWEAR

W W W . H A L F P E N N Y L O N D O N . C O M

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With original period features and private outside spaces in the heart of South Kensington, 58 Prince’s Gate and 170 Queen’s Gate are the perfect venues for your special day.

A range of wedding packages are available and with a license for civil ceremonies, you can enjoy every part of your special day in these beautiful surroundings.

Contact our events team and start planning your perfect day.

020 7594 9494 | venues@imperial.ac.uk imperialvenues.co.uk/weddingvenues

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Distinctive, unique and bespoke jewellery from Philippe Pfeiffer Designed and exquisitely hand crafted in his charming atelier in Spitalfields, London for inspiration see philippepfiefferjewellery on instagram or call

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020 7377 9722

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WEDDINGS • BRIDAL TRENDS

SASSI HOLFORD

Ester is a lovely ballgown style with flattering v-neckline. sassiholford.com

JUSTIN ALEXANDER

K A T YA K A T YA SHEHURINA

This elegant gown has a frill that tapers to form a train. justinalexander.com

Tamara is a lace crop top and dipped circular skirt. shehurina.com

Tr a i n

ELLIS B R I DA L S

This tulle gown features delicate embellishment on the bodice, continuing down the skirt. ellisbridals.co.uk

LINE

E N ZOA N I

Letty is a strapless short number with dramatic train. enzoani.com

WE’RE DEEPLY DIPPY ABOUT THE NEW CROP OF HI-LO HEMLINE GOWNS - JUST PERFECT FOR SHOWING OFF THOSE GLAMOROUS HEELS

TEMPERLEY LONDON

With plunge neck and frill hem, Lydie is perfect for rocking the dancefloor. temperleylondon.com

S AV I N LONDON

A cool design for a beach wedding, this mini is topped with a textured over-layer. savinlondon.com

HALFPENNY LONDON

Day-to-evening style with Italian Cocktail Skirt and Raf jacket. halfpennylondon.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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wedding ad 303x216mm promo.pdf

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Unique, Elegant & Personal A private members club located in the heart of London, with a unique fusion of 18th century grandeur and elegant art deco.

10% SPECIAL

Quote Abwed16 DISCOUNT

for a 10% discount on for bookings made our atwedding packages the National Wedding Show

Offering bespoke and standard packages without the Mayfair price tag, we cater for your personal Wedding requirements: · Ceremony and/or reception for 50-150 guests · 72 newly refurbished bedrooms and stylish suites · Secluded landscaped Courtyard and Winter Garden · In-house catering from our award-winning team of Chefs · Experienced and dedicated Wedding Coordinator

Weddings & Events: 020 7318 6117 9 Fitzmaurice Place, Mayfair, London W1J 5JD

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WEDDINGS • BRIDAL TRENDS

Key trends in

2018

TEXTURE: SAVANNAH MILLER

Clare Thompson of The Wedding Club picks out key trends for 2018 in bridalwear in new-season designer collections

BALLGOWN SHAPES

“The ballgown shape is a strong element in many 2018 bridal collections,” says Clare Thompson. It's a timeless look, but for the season ahead you’ll find contemporary takes in collections such Carolina Herrera, who has included full-skirted gowns with sculpted off-the-shoulder detailing, oversized bows and lavish trains. Zuhair Murad features slimline gowns with matching coats and overskirts to give you the option of a full ballgown entrance and slimline gown for after-party.

BOHO TWISTS

Romantic styles always feature, but in the season to come more designers are including modern-boho twists, from willowy sleeves to fine French laces and bold textural combinations. Past masters of romantic dressing, such as Temperley London, Costarellos and Marco & Maria, have really interesting textures on soft and empire-line silhouettes to make this whimsical look feel contemporary.

TEXTURE STORY SHEER FABRICS: COSTARELLOS

BOHO TWISTS: TEMPERLEY LONDON INCLUDES WILLOWY SLEEVES

Unusual burnout – and almost découpageeffect patterns – are adding interest to skirts, sleeves and bodices. Clare says: “Look out too for clever uses of sheer fabric, often in combination with strong textures.” This is seen to striking effect with designers such as Costarellos and Zuhair Murad. You will also find lots of sparkling embellishments, astral motifs and feathers, with labels such as Savannah Miller and Houghton NYC embracing this trend in their collections.

BALLGOWNS: CAROLINA HERRERA

CORSETS: A STANDOUT BERTA GOWN WITH PLUNGE BODICE

CORSETSAND SPLITS

A complete contrast to the new boho look is the underwear-as-outerwear trend, focused around corset effect bodices. Splits and cutout details are also strong stories – whether it’s a split-front plunge bodice, cutout on the back or midriff of the gown or thigh-high split skirt. The new Berta collection features lots of sexy pieces, including a high-glamour sculpted bodice cut to create a bustier effect and paired with a form-fitting skirt with mermaid kick pleat.

This collection also features a standout off-the-shoulder gown with plunge bodice, cutout back and long fitted sleeves.

THE WEDDING CLUB

The Wedding Club London branches are at 10 Yeomans Row, SW3 and 32 Thurloe Street, SW7. The Birmingham branch at 16 Highfield Road, B15 moves to The Mailbox, B1 this autumn. thewedding-club.co.uk

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INTERIORS

COLOUR STORY LAURA SPRING One of our favourite London Design Festival discoveries is Laura Spring, the Scottish textile designer whose instinctive way with colours and prints manifests in her collection of textiles.

Her range includes wall hangings, rugs and accessories. lauraspring.co.uk

Wallace Sewell – design duo 110 • At home with Donna Ida

114 • Millennial

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

Modern LOVE FERM LIVING Ferm Living’s furniture is carefully designed and crafted within the Danish design tradition.

Made of the most natural and honest materials, the collection is beautifully minimalist and flexible, with table tops in varying sizes. We love the Mingle table and Herman chair combination pictured here. fermliving.com

BOOK CLUB LUMIO

Lumio’s simple, beautiful and functional products include this clever compact lamp and battery pack that folds out like the pages of a book. Recharge your phone with it; use it as a reading lamp and admire its simple beauty. hellolumio.com

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INTERIOR • NOTES O

F AV UR

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OR

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A OR

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JONATHAN ADLER Mrs Godfrey chair, £1,895 jonathanadler.com

BLACK EDITION Herbaria fabric, £80 per roll blackedition.com

COLOUR CODE LOAF

Create a truly bespoke Souffle design with different positioning varieties and the option to mix and match fabric and colour on each of the sofa sections – pictured is Loaf’s vintage velvet fabrics in chalky blue, chalky pink and soothing grey.

GREEN DAY RICHARD BRENDON

A limited edition run of the highly successful teaware Richard Brendon meets Patternity ties in with the announcement that Marrs Green has been voted the world’s favourite colour. Hand-made in Stoke-on-Trent, this striking contemporary bone china teaware is now available in this fresh and vibrant teal shade. richardbrendon.com

LIBERTY FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE Tamsin dining chair, £118 anthropologie.com

loaf.com

CELIA BIRTWELL Fabulous floral fabrics and papers blendworth.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

PLY AGAIN

THE RUG COMPANY Chiaroscuro by Alexander McQueen therugcompany.com

MACMASTER

GUCCI HOME Herbarium butterfly candle, £320 gucci.com

Plywood is having a moment and we’re particularly loving plywood lighting. Inspired by the tulip bud, this delicate yet strong lamp is from MacMaster Design, £795 macmasterdesign.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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299 Munster Road, Fulham, London SW6 6BJ 020 7381 1880 • tilesandbeyond.com

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INTERIORS • HOMEWARE EVASOLO Decanter carafe, £55 evasolo.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Round brass and marble drinks trolley, £395 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

ALESSI Alessandro M. corkscrew, £29 amara.com

LSA Gin cocktail jug and stirrer, £38 lsa-international.com

STELTON Glacier wine cooler, £60 stelton.com

EVA SOLO

MIAFLEUR

Carafe, £48 evasolo.com

Gold console tables, £388 audenza.com

COCKTAIL HOUR Barware is having a revival. Here are some stylish accessories for the well-stocked cabinet

SAGAFORM Club All Purpose Glasses, £28 for four furnish.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE TOM DIXON RICHARD BRENDON

EDITOR’S PICK

Tank decanter gift set, £130 tomdixon.net

Diamond decanter and two double Old Fashioned glasses, £330 richardbrendon.com

ALESSI Circus wine cooler, £180 madeindesign.co.uk

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Fabric of

SOCIETY As the Fashion and Textile Museum opens a new show focusing on London design duo Wallace Sewell, Absolutely looks at their colourful work Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D

B JEREMIAH THROW ON BED. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES CHAMPION, 2016.

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ritish design duo Emma Sewell and Harriet Wallace-Jones have been producing colourful textiles from their London studio since 1992. Their work spans Transport for London moquettes and huge woven artworks as well as a large collection of scarves, blankets and cushions.

The display charts a story of 21st century textile success, with global commercial sales rooted in British design education and UK manufacturing. Wallace Sewell create their innovative fabrics on hand looms using traditional techniques. Work is then sent to a Lancashire mill, established in 1776, for manufacture.

Colour and geometry meet in their abstract designs, which display the influence of Paul Klee, the Bauhaus and Bridget Riley. Although trained at British art schools in the traditional skills of drawing and painting, rather than mixing an artist’s palette of colours, they weave their fine blend of hues through thread. Colour is integrated into the structure of weaving to create pattern, whilst contrasting yarns mix to create open gauzy textures with felted areas.

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INTERIORS • TEXTILES

PORTRAIT OF HARRIET & EMMA. PHOTOGRAPH BY ANGELA MOORE, 2013.

“The abstract designs reveal influences including Paul Klee, the Bauhaus and Bridget Riley” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • TEXTILES

Wallace Sewell continues until 21 January 2018 ftmlondon.org

From cushions and throws to scarves and upholstery, the display underlines the immense variety of Wallace Sewell’s output. Highlights include an Anni Albers-inspired oversized art work and original pieces from Emma and Harriet’s graduation shows. The retrospective will also include drawings and design swatches which unravel Wallace Sewell’s fascinating work processes. Textiles on display range from striped silks and sculpted wool crepe, to cashmere, transparent organza and patchwork cotton chenille. However, scarves will be a highlight of the show, as like small paintings, they provide the perfect canvas for Wallace Sewell’s designs. The display demonstrates Wallace Sewell’s strong relationships with international museums including MOMA New York, Dulwich Picture Gallery, the Royal Academy and Tate. The designer’s sensibility for abstract pattern and composition has enabled their collections of textiles to sit alongside major exhibitions. These designs have included a pair of silk block scarves in a vibrant colour palette of primary blue, fuchsia and orange inspired by the Tate’s Henri Matisse: Cut Outs exhibition.

In 2007, Wallace Sewell followed in the footsteps of designers such as Enid

Marx, Marianne Straub and Jacqueline Groag to design ‘moquette’ fabric for Transport for London. Their iconic upholstery for the underground (Barman 2011) is inspired by the London skyline, whilst the orange and brown geometric design for the London Overground is pure abstraction. These seminal designs, influenced by Russian Constructivism and mid-century modern, will be shown in stacked cubes, each upholstered in a different moquette fabric.

1. BAKERLOO MOQUETTE 2. MONASTARY & DUO SCARVES. 3. CROSSRAIL ELIZABETH MOQUETTE 4. EPPING WOOL CREPE SCARF Photograph by Kathryn Bell, 2017 5. STRIPED WARP ON LOOM AT MILL. Photograph Kate Walsh, 2016

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Pink

LADY Chelsea’s queen of denim, Donna Ida, talks us through her pragmatic attitude to home decorating

W

Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

hen you’re the kind of person who launches a successful business out of nothing, and then moves seamlessly from retail into design and becomes highly respected in your self-taught field, you’re probably good at making decisions. And your decisions are probably always the right ones. When Donna Ida started out, she was selling jeans with the aim of improving the experience of choosing and buying them, and soon she was designing her own denim collection. Now, 11 years after her first foray into the fashion industry, her own-brand denim has overtaken the other established brands she stocks, and she also designs, produces and wholesales an entire womenswear collection too. So when it came to doing up her home, her businesslike approach stood her in good stead. “I just did it all on the internet,” she says.

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INTERIORS • HOME TOUR

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

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MADE TO MEASURE,

MADE AFFORDABLE SAVE UP TO £3,000 ON YOUR KITCHEN PURCHASED BEFORE CHRISTMAS*

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82 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TF 02077312090 fulham.schmidt-kitchens.com info@schmidt-fulham.com

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INTERIORS • HOME TOUR

Ida lives in a Victorian pub in Pangbourne, Berkshire, which she and her husband converted into a spacious open plan home 18 months ago by ripping everything out and reconfiguring the entire space. It was a huge project and they had never done anything like it before. But their personalities helped. “I’m very decisive and my husband, Bobby Dazzler, is great. He’s really good and says yes to everything,” she tells me proudly. “I knew I wanted to paint it all white so I did. The builder would phone me up and say we needed taps so I’d just go online and choose them.”

This is an unusual approach. Most people are so overwhelmed by the number of paint colours on offer and the excess of available taps, tiles and fittings that choosing anything leads to a total paralysis in decision-making and rowing with their partner. Not for Donna and Bobby. “He loves everything,” she says – while she knows exactly what she likes. “I stopped at a traffic light right outside the Little Greene paint shop in Marylebone and chose my paint colour right then and there. When I got home I rang them and ordered it; then when I needed a similar but a bit more biscuity colour for one of the bathrooms I rang him again and described what I wanted – and he sent it. Easy.”

“For someone with a pink sofa and a pair of chihuahuas called Romeo and Julio, Donna Ida is very sensible and un-princessy” For someone with a pink sofa and a pair of chihuahuas called Romeo and Julio, Ida is very sensible and un-princessy. She’s not one to splurge and definitely keen on a bargain.

“Expensive stuff isn’t worth the worry,” she announces. “We have a beautiful rug from The Rug Company, but it’s so stressful. The dog weed on it. The only other expensive thing we have is a handmade Italian coffee table in white leather. Again, the dog weed on it. It’s just not worth it.” Far better to find dining chairs on eBay or paint an old sideboard. She’s resourceful like that.

Is the house finished? Most people never declare their houses finished. Apart from Donna. “I filled it. There’s no space for another chair,” she says. Though she might squeeze in another print somewhere in her photography collection, among the Terry O’Neills, Mick Rocks and Vee Speers. What about regrets?

Again, no fuss. She’s happy with the lot of it.

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Front door restoration specialists As they say - first impressions last. The first thing people notice when visiting your home is the front door. We make sure that the impression is notable by ensuring your door is professionally painted and refurbished to its former beauty.

Fortis & Hooke Wooden Window Restorers

For further information: t: 0800 313 4688 e: info@fortishooke.co.uk www.fortishooke.co.uk

Contact us to book a free consultation and receive an exclusive readers discount F&H.indd 1

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INTERIORS • TREND TIMELESS EVERYDAY OBJECTS Modu M ceiling light, £149 houzz.co.uk

fermliving.com

PYLA Pineapple pink necklace, £ 36 crowdyhouse.com

AVEC AMOUR Petite Tripod side table, €310 crowdyhouse.com

NUUD CERAMICS Latte set, £52 nuudceramics.com

ENGLISH ROSE

VERONIQUE BAER Bounce chair, £POA veroniquebaer.com

Millennial pink is the colour of the moment and we're sold

By PENDLE HARTE

LOAF Tux sofa in pink vintage velvet, £995 loaf.com

EDITOR’S PICK

IITTALA Bird by Toikka Valent, £177 iittala.com

THE FRENCH BEDROOM CO NUUD CERAMICS Porcelain bowl, £80nuudceramics.com

Sacre Coeur chair, £545 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

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

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Tel: 01306 712 262 Email: info@iggi.co.uk Iggi Interior Design, The Old Parlour, Unit 6, Ockley Court Farm, Coles Lane, Ockley, Surrey, RH5 5LS

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INTERIORS • SEASONAL DESIGN LETTERS

L'OREAL

Christmas calendar to fill yourself, £55 cissywears.com

Advent calendar exclusive to Selfridges, £120 selfridges.com

PRESTAT Rocking horse advent calendar, £22.50 prestat.co.uk

FORTNUM & MASON Musical advent calendar, £150 fortnumandmason.com

JO MALONE

AMAZON BEAUTY

Advent calendar filled with fragrances and candles, £300 jomalone.co.uk

advent calendar, £50 amazon.co.uk

NUMBER GAME Advent calendars are cleverer than ever this year. Here are some of the best ones

By PENDLE HARTE

EDITOR’S PICK

MORRIS & CO Pure Advent Calendar, £40 amazon.co.uk

TINC Advent calendar filled with stationery, gadgets and accessories, £28 tinc.uk.com

BISCUITEERS Limited edition calendar by Susie Watson, £60 biscuiteers.com

CRAFT BEER ADVENT CALENDAR £59.99 amazon.co.uk

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Eternal FLAMES

Open fires, wood burners and gas flames create atmosphere as well as warmth

By PENDLE HARTE

1

Fires create instant cosiness – they look good and improve everybody’s mood

French company Focus is dedicated to creating unusual and clever forms. The suspended Bathyscafocus is an impressive wood-burning centrepiece. focus-fireplaces.com

For the past 30 years, Chesneys has been the first port of call for architects, interior designers and anyone seeking the very best fireplaces, wood burning stoves and gas fire appliances. chesneys.co.uk

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

AC C E S S O R I Z E YO U R S T OV E …

RAE FEATHER Large wood basket, £140 raefeather.com

BLOMUS Fireplace tool set, £160 black-by-design.co.uk

3 Whether it's suspended, wall mounted or free standing, Cocoon's range offers endless possibilities with designs that are both creative and functional.

These flueless fireplaces are powered by plant-derived bioethanol to produce a clean-burning flame. cocoonfires.com

4

Burning wood can be a carbon neutral alternative - a kilogram of wood produces at least three times as much heat in a stove than an open fire.

Stoves are up to 80% efficient, compared to around 15% for an open fire. kindlestoves.co.uk

GARDEN TRADING Fireside tool set, £85 gardentrading.co.uk

Greater London is a Smoke Control Area but we can still enjoy a real fire. The cleanest burning stoves are approved by DEFRA for use in cities and there are plenty to choose from.

BLOMUS Fabric log basket, £105 black-by-design.co.uk

MOORE DESIGNS Chestnut roaster, £44 mooredesigns.co.uk

THE CONTEMPORARY HOME Coal storage bucket, £20 tch.net

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

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Grate Expectations - A Family run business established for over 30 years The UK’s leading suppliers of luxury gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves and bioethanol fires manufactured by DRU, Spartherm, Ebios, Dik Guerts, Gazco, Stovax and many more.

1-3 Station Buildings, Kingston Road, Wimbledon Chase, SW20 8JT 020 8540 8387 | sales@grateexpectations.com | grateexpectations.com

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INTERIORS • ACCESSORIES

KITCHEN STORY Our selection of stylish and practical pieces that you can’t be without

By PENDLE HARTE

50 SHADES D UA L I T

MEASURE UP BRABANTIA

As well as storing food safely, these stylish measuring cups help you to cook just the right amount.Plus, for every jar sold, Brabantia will make a donation equivalent to training one person to The Hunger Project - a global, non-profit organisation committed to the sustainable end of world hunger by 2030.

Dualit works with trend forecasters to determine the exact shades that contemporary kitchens require, and the resulting toasters come in similar but subtly different shades of Porcelain, Feather, Shadow and Powder. Yes, they're all pale neutrals, but getting it exactly right makes all the difference. dualit.com

brabantia.com

Sicilian Style SMEG

Smeg has teamed up with Dolce&Gabbana to launch its second collection of small domestic appliances.

The spectacular ‘Sicily is my Love’ range includes a blender, citrus juicer, stand mixer, coffee machine, toaster, kettle and slow juicer, all adorned with vivid decorative Sicilian motifs.

HOT SHOT D E LO N G H I

The slimline Dedica espresso machine heats up quickly, produces an excellent creamy shot and comes with an integrated milk frother for a no-fuss barista-worthy coffee. Taste test a variety of grinds or use mess-free coffee pods for an even easier brew. This machine is set to improve your live. £220, delonghi.com

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

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ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

Picture Frames, Mirrors, Prints, Cards & Gifts

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27/10/2017 17:15

INTERIORS • GARDENING

Grass ROOTS Top garden tips for maintaining a lavish lawn

Wo r d s PAT R I C K M A R T I N • G a r d e n s P M L A N D S C A P E S

U

rban lawns are often subject to a unique set of potential problems which can make the up-keep a

challenging prospect.

Play area, football pitch and pet pen are some of the demands placed on the lawn and it only takes a couple of hours, used in this way, for damage to be done. Lawns located under or near to large trees are in line for additional punishment.

Large trees extract nutrients from the soil, cast shade and worst of all, deposit a blanket of leaves during autumn. If you only do one bit of lawn maintenance - other then mowing, rake up the leaves as fast as possible.

Regular mowing throughout the season is a good idea to avoid letting the grass grow long before a short cut which can dry out the roots. All considering, it is not surprising that

there has been a significant shift from natural lawns to hard wearing, minimal maintenance artificial grass.

Some years ago, artificial grass was not really a viable option - brittle, fake looking and obviously plastic, it often resembled the type of material that covered the display outside the green grocers shop front. In fact it is quite feasible that this material and some of the early artificial grass products were one and the same!

Nowadays, artificial grass is a completely different prospect.

Numerous companies have sprung up offering both a supply and installation service. Some of the products are very realistic including such detail as gold and brown strands mixed into the pile

“Years ago, artificial grass was not a viable option - brittle, fake and obviously plastic” to imitate the look of natural grass and ‘memory pile’ to ensure that the grass stands up even after heavy use. A useful guide when choosing an artificial grass product, is to view a sample from the side - if the grass is totally flat then chances are that is exactly what your lawn will look like too! If, on the other hand, the pile is more vertical and brushes up easily, then you should get a much better result. A pile of 30 to 40mm is probably best for this.

If you are thinking about artificial grass installation, make sure that your contractor specifies a timber

frame to contain the sand base and to provide a secure fixing point which should hold the artificial grass in place over time even with heavy use.

A cheaper but far less satisfactory method is to simply fix the grass with spikes straight into the sand base avoid!

A weed control fabric laid between the sand base and the artificial grass is also essential.

In gardens with poor drainage or soft ground, it is necessary to first lay and compact a layer of type 1 Mot (a type of c hipped aggregate) to stabilise the ground and improve drainage so that the artificial lawn dries quickly after rainfall.

PM LANDSCAPES offer free consultations and quotes for complete design and build garden projects including artificial lawns and will supply samples of artificial grass products to view.

www.pmlandscapes.co.uk

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FREE ONE DAY TRIAL

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PETS • PRODUCTS SOPHIE ALLPORT Woof dog toy, £9 sophieallport.com

RUFF AND TUMBLE Dog drying coats, £26 ruffandtumbledogcoats.com

MUNGO & MAUD Cotton rope tug toy, £12.95 mungoandmaud.com

EDITOR’S PICK

STYLE TAILS Deluxe doggy grooming bag, £35 store.styletails.com

FLYING TIGER Pet towel, £6 uk.flyingtiger.com

BOCO AUSTRALIA Leather dog lead, £40.30 boco.com.au

DOBBIES Large dog bowl, £17.99 dobbies.com

A DOG’S LIFE

ALESSI Tigrito cat bowl, £53 selfridges.com

All the best accessories for pets B y H E L E N B R OW N

BOCO AUSTRALIA

MUTTS & HOUNDS Soft tweed harness, £37 muttsandhounds.co.uk

CHARLEY CHAU

Leather dog lead, £40.30 boco.com.au

Raised wooden dog bed, £280 charleychau.com

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

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B O A R D IN G & D AY SCHO OL FOR GI RLS AGED 11 TO 18

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KIDS & EDUCATION

BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

WARM WELCOME SMALLS

Nothing is warmer, softer and easier to wear than pure merino wool and Smalls’ beautifully simple range of children's underwear and layering pieces are hard-wearing, high quality and cosy. lovemysmalls.com

KIds Notes: Books, fashion and a toucan lamp 133 • Education 135 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES BOOK R EV I EW

Spanish Tots L A C O Q U E TA

La Coqueta may be based in north London but its heart remains in Spain, where children’s clothes are designed to withstand the test of time. These classic pieces are beautifully made and ever stylish. lacoquetakids.com

A SKINFUL OF SHADOWS

by Frances Hardinge M AC M I L L A N , £ 1 2 .9 9

SMALLTALK Reading material, Spanish style and a yellow toucan

101 DALMATIONS FOLIO SOCIETY

The Folio Society's beautiful new edition of Dodi Smith's classic The Hundred and One Dalmatians is introduced by former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson, who explains how the book won her heart when she first read it as a child. Sara Ogilvie’s charismatic duotone illustrations heighten both the fun and energy of the story. £39.95; foliosociety.com

BAD DAD

T

he English civil war provides the background for Costa winner Frances Hardinge’s new novel; a dark, dangerous time when ideas could undo you, it’s the perfect setting for her brand of dark, thoughtprovoking fantasy. Makepeace is a typical Hardinge heroine too: small, lonely and used to avoiding others’ attention, but with a toughness and resilience that sets her apart. In this story, that toughness has its own special manifestation and Makepeace harbours inside her the ghost of a huge, angry bear. Whether the bear will be her saviour or the means of her destruction is the issue that drives the plot as Makepeace flees across a divided land, desperately trying to escape her family and heritage. Unlike anything else, this is a book that will stay with readers long after the last page has turned.

YOU CAN TOUCAN

DAV I D WA L L I A M S

C O N R A N S TO R E

David Walliams' tenth novel for children is out this month, and it's as fresh, funny and original as his first. Bad Dad is is about a boy named Frank whose dad is thrown into prison for driving the getaway car in a bank robbery.

Lamps for children's rooms don't need to be too childish.

Even though this lamp by French brand Bleu Carmin is a yellow toucan, we'd happily move it to the sitting room if the children deem it too babyish.

harpercollins.co.uk

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

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PROMOTION

SUPPORT For Success

WHETHER LEARNING TO TYPE OR GETTING EXTRA TAILORED SUPPORT, CHILDREN FLOURISH AT THE MCLEOD CENTRE FOR LEARNING

C

hildren who struggle with reading and writing often compare their own achievement with those of their peers. They feel less intelligent, isolated and have low self-esteem. At The McLeod Centre for Learning, which has Crested accreditation, children address their learning needs within a nurturing environment, and find their way in the academic world again – or even for the first time.

Before starting, children are assessed by Specialist Teachers and an individual programme is designed. Children enrolled in the Morning School receive English (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia) and touch-typing/ handwriting (dyspraxia) lessons. Groups are no larger than three and often individual.

Dependent on needs, children usually attend one to five mornings a week for usually one to three terms.

The McLeod centre for Learning runs after-school

AT MCLEOD CHILDREN ADDRESS THEIR LEARNING NEEDS WITHIN A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT sessions for 5-18 years. A wide range of subjects to A-Level is offered as well as remedial handwriting, touch-typing and tutoring for 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+ and 13+ entry exams.

Specialist support for dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia is also available. Their teachers, experienced in selection processes, provide interview practice for independent preparatory and senior schools.

The McLeod Centre for Learning’s touch typing classes are after school and at weekends during term time. Intensive courses are run during holidays. Many children, who have already learned during a course, choose to continue to work in spelling whilst building typing speeds.

Amanda McLeod is the

author and series editor of the Scholastic Handwriting series (Reception to Year 6). She’s a committee member of the National Handwriting Association, one of their trainers and also their representative in the media.

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27/10/2017 17:15

EDUCATION • SCHOOLS

“At its core, philosophy is about developing rational thought”

THINK ON

The headmaster of North Bridge House Prep School on why children should study Philosophy as well as Maths and English Wo r d s B R O D I E B I B B Y

“W

hy are we here?” “Why is the sky blue?”

Whatever the lesson, children naturally ask the big questions in life. And among teaching and learning objectives and exam preparation, it’s this very curiosity that schools should act upon.

In today’s results-driven society, schools may question the time and place for philosophy on the curriculum. Children are naturally curious and want to query how the world works, but does this warrant lessons in philosophy? Isn’t philosophy too difficult for children – a tangent too deviant to structure into lessons that actually help them learn?

Some prep schools may argue that sevenyear-olds are too young to comprehend the answers to their rogue questions, but addressing them in meaningful group discussions teaches children how to think critically and analytically.

In my experience, philosophy is best taught through conversation – particularly in prep school – because it requires a response. Given children’s levels of understanding at this age, they need a group to challenge them and bounce ideas around. As they grow up, they will develop the ability to internalise conversations and flesh out ideas critically in their own minds.

The academic benefits of teaching philosophy can be enormous. Group discussion helps children learn how to express and convey their thoughts, whilst teaching them to respect the differing

opinions of others. As they consider the alternative views of their classmates, they become more open-minded and learn to explore other trains of thought.

NBH Prep School’s outstanding results certainly seem to illustrate the academic worth of philosophy for our pupils, who become very adept at analysing ideas as they join the top senior schools in the country. Exploring more than one possible answer to a question encourages pupils to think in a different way, beyond things being accepted as simply ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.

Philosophy nurtures the art of listening, of assessing the validity of what has been said and developing an argument to support one’s standpoint. These abilities, if taught well, endure long after school and throughout life.

Parents concerned more with their children succeeding in life as opposed to understanding life may be cynical of Kant in the classroom, thinking extra time could be given to other subjects. However, the Education Endowment Foundation has found that a year of philosophy results in pupils making two-month’s additional progress in maths and reading.

At its core, philosophy is about developing rational thought - the ability to think through a problem following a logical series of steps, which underpins learning across all subjects, from maths to comprehension.

What’s more, introducing philosophy at a young age creates a safe and structured environment in which children can question the sensitive issues – death, inequality, injustice and others – of which they are already aware.

I believe that Philosophy for Children develops their moral compasses, promoting honesty and integrity and encouraging them to consider the effects of their actions.

It acts, too, as a sound basis for democratic, civic values.

Bertrand Russell once said: “Most people would rather die than think; many do.”

Looking around my class of eager young philosophers, I know that fate will never befall them.

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

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REACH YOUR PEAK

Experience the ultimate in fitness and relaxation at The Peak Health Club & Spa, Knightsbridge’s exclusive urban retreat. Enjoy unrivalled views of London whilst working out in the state-of-the-art gym, unwinding with a dip in the heated indoor pool or being pampered by one of our expert spa therapists.

To find out more about our range of memberships including short-term, pool-only and under-30s, call 020 7858 7300 or visit peakhealthclub.com.

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TRAVEL

STAR OF THE MEDITERRANEAN Whether it’s a city break, beach resort or sightseeing holiday you’re after, Mallorca has it all. This month Absolutely visits two of the area’s most exciting luxury resorts and basks in its sunny personality and soulful hill towns.

Mallorcan Luxury 138 • UK Getaway 148 • Amsterdam in Style 145 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL • NOTES

POSTCARD PERFECT Ravishing beaches, azure views and soulful hill towns make Mallorca the star of the Mediterranean Wo r d s J E S S I C A S H A LT O U T

M

allorca, the largest island in the Balearics, may make you think of beach resorts, but there is so much more to the island, as we discovered on a recent trip. Once viewed as an 18-30’s style getaway, the island has undergone a transformation, making it a great cultural yet affordable break.

Beginning our trip in Palma, where we stayed for three days, we immediately took to wandering the magical winding cobbled streets, strolling along the port, breathing in the sea air, drifting between the shops, and stopping off in the many cafes and eateries. Palma has a very cosmopolitan feel, much like Barcelona or Madrid.

Too often overlooked as the airport gateway to Mallorca, the island’s capital city is a hotbed of architectural diversity, whose rich historical heritage is matched by stunning examples of architecture which place the city amongst the very best of Spain. From the quaint crumbling remnants of the city’s Moorish past embodied in its tiny Banys Arabs (Moorish baths) and the imposing grandeur of the vast Gothic Cathedral (La Seu) to the startling modernity of the concrete and glass slotted seamlessly within the old renaissance walls of Es Baluard (home to the Museum of Contemporary Art), Palma hosts some exceptional examples of architecture.

For shoppers, Palma offers a mix of quality shopping, designer boutiques, high street favourites, artisan and antique shops. It is the perfect size for shopping, big enough to have the variety of shops you’d expect from a capital city but small enough to walk around. We also A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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A SCHOOL FOR EVERY BOY AND GIRL Taunton School offers outstanding education to boarding and day pupils from 0-18 as proven by our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report.

Boarders, who can join us in the Prep School from age 7, enjoy a varied and active life on our safe and spacious 56 acre campus, away from the distractions of the city.

Discover Taunton School at one of our Open Events Whole School Open Mornings: Saturday 3rd February 2018, 09:30 - 12:30 Monday 7th May 2018, 09:30 - 12:30 Alternatively, contact us to arrange a personal visit.

www.tauntonschool.co.uk

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CHALLENGE

NURTURE

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TRAVEL • NOTES

Double rooms at Puro Hotel Mallorca are from 120 Euro in low season, rising to 490 Euro in high season. Rooms at Park Hyatt Mallorca are from 290 Euro in low season and 590 Euro in high season.

took time to enjoy the multitude of markets largely offering residents fresh local produce including recently caught fish.

Mercat de L’Olivar is the largest market selling most produce and is located towards the train station.

Previously viewed as perhaps a little old fashioned, Mallorca has undergone a fresh wave of design-savvy hotels and Puro Hotel is proof of that. Situated in the Old Town, it is converted from an 18th-century palace hotel in the former fish-market district, keeping its charm. Inside, the hotel has a modern and contemporary feel, while also paying homage to many cultures. Centred around a courtyard with white stones, palms and fountains there is an instantly tranquil feel allowing you to be taken away from the bustling city vibe.

There are 51 rooms at Puro, most overlooking the courtyard, some the cobbled streets of Old Town, all with nods to different designs inspired by Marrakesh, Bali and Miami. Ours was a wonderful mezzanine suite that featured all the latest mod-cons from the likes of Bose, a large

luxury bathroom and king sized bed. As I lay relaxing in the pool-sized white washed bath I was able to admire the design, which is different for each room. The many textures and fabrics, of ropes, white stone, linen and cotton, wicker and carved wooden doors, simultaneously create a sense of grandeur and minimalism.

Beyond the rooms, there is more to Puro, which has a rooftop terrace featuring a

coast in the Cap Vermell estate overlooking Canyamel valley staying at Park Hyatt. This hotel is only two years old and laid out like a traditional Mallorcan village. Despite it being fairly new, it still has an authentic feel supported by all the flowers, streams and paths that meander around the hotel.

We found the facilities here excellent, with two pools (one for adults and one for families), a gym, tennis courts and of course the sumptuous Serenitas Spa. For golf lovers there are also many golf courses close by. Being six months pregnant I could not help but indulge in a luxury massage, so we treated ourselves to a couples room, where you are able to enjoy your treatments together, as well as relax in the facilities after. A visit to the spa is well worth it.

It’s a fairly big hotel with 142 rooms and an understated taupe and stone decor throughout. All have terraces and some a small garden. Ours had a beautiful view overlooking mountains rich in vegetation.

Much like our previous hotel we were spoilt with all the latest mod cons, there was even at TV in the mirror.

There is plenty of variety in terms of food and drink, with four restaurants to chose from, meaning you can easily last a few days without even leaving the hotel. The Balearic restaurant serves traditional Majorcan food while Café Sa Plaça is also good for a light lunch. In Asia restaurant, the menu changes according to the countries that visiting chefs are from. The Tapas gastrobar is home to chef David García, who won a Michelin star at Albora in Madrid.

The hotel provides a shuttle service to Canyamel Beach, a three-minute drive

“Previously seen as a little oldfashioned, Mallorca has undergone a fresh wave of design-savvy hotels.” small pool surrounded by Balinese beds, while those seeking a slightly more upbeat tempo will find it at OPIO, the hotel’s clubby DJ-hosted bar. We took ourselves off to one of the beach clubs that Puro owns, PuroBeach, where you can’t help but feel like you are a cool beach club in Ibiza as you lay on your bed listening to music and drinking cocktails. This is one of six beach clubs Puro own around Europe, where they create an oasis experience. Book beds in advance as they get busy in peak period. We didn’t make it to the spa, but this, along with the events facilities that Puro offers, just adds to their array of services.

Having enjoyed the city for a few days, my husband and I decided to take ourselves off for a more rural retreat on the east

away. Here, you can spend the day basking in the sun, or try water sports from snorkelling to sailing, before grabbing refreshments from the restaurant at Cap Vermell Beach Hotel, where the bill can be directly transferred to your Park Hyatt room.

For visiting this hotel, I would definitely recommend hiring a car. While you can relax in the serenity of this resort for a few days, there is plenty to do around the island of Mallorca, as we discovered. Not only are there beaches and coves to explore, but there are many small fishing towns and markets around the island. My favourite site was when we stumbled across San Salvador, Mallorca’s second most important place of pilgrimage. Although the drive up is somewhat of a challenge the views at the top are well worth it as you overlook the whole island. So whether it’s a city break, beach resort or a sightseeing holiday you’re after, Mallorca has it all.

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

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THE FOOD

THE HOTEL

T

owering proud above the city, The Balmoral Hotel has been a landmark in Edinburgh since it began life as a grand railway hotel in 1902. It’s majestic clock tower dominates the capital’s skyline, while its castle views are some of the city’s most coveted.

The luxury stay recently underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment, led by Olga Polizzi who is celebrated for her contemporary twists on traditional design. She has remained respectful of the hotel’s history and its prestigious address at No. 1 Princes Street.

out in calming hues of blue and lavender that worked wonders to relax the mind and body. Wizarding wannabes will marvel at the JK Rowling suite which has also undergone a restyle. Famously, this is where JK Rowling finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. From the purple door with its brass owl knocker to her writing desk and the bust that Rowling herself signed, the room is a magical treasure trove filled with subtle nods to her wizarding world.

weekend

M

ichelin-starred Number One is easily one of Edinburgh’s finest restaurants. It presents modern Scottish cuisine in a plush and inviting setting. From Inverurie hogget to Valrhona chocolate tart, head chef Brian Grigor serves up some of Scotland’s most creative dishes. The smoked salmon is a must during your stay; the hotel has it’s own secret smoking method and the result is to-die-for.

Over in the Scotch Bar you’ll find over 400 malts and blends, accompanied by unusual bar snacks. The guys here really know their stuff so do put their knowledge to the test. Then, work off that whiskey hangover with afternoon tea in the awardwinning Palm Court. Here you can chose from 20 loose-leaf teas to sip alongside an array of amuse bouche, sandwiches, pastries and homemade scones fresh from the oven.

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

“A magical treasure trove filled with nods to Rowling’s wizarding world.”

Grandiose and elegant, The Balmoral Hotel stands as the jewel in the crown of Edinburgh’s Princes Street Wo r d s HELEN BROWN

THE ROOMS

P

olizzi’s attention to detail shines in the elegance of the rooms.

Each embodies a Scottish woodland theme and her colour palette reflects the country’s heathers, lochs and moors. Ours was done

Available from £357 per night based on two adults sharing on a half board basis.

The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ 0131 556 2414; roccofortehotels.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Introducing the Private Rooms at Michelin Starred Outlaw’s at The Capital.

Masterminded by renowned seafood chef Nathan Outlaw.

Groups of 10 or more enjoy a complimentary Champagne Cocktail Reception, November 2017 - January 2018, simply mention upon enquiry.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL KNIGHTSBRIDGE

22-24 Basil Street, Knightsbridge SW3 1AT CAPITAL LEVIN.indd 1

020 7591 1202

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

AM STER DAM

in Style A grown-up place to stay in an ageless city Wo r d s K U R T G A N D E R - H O W E

N

o one could be bored in Amsterdam and like many before me; I’d visited on numerous occasions as a student.

After all, cheap and quick flights coupled with affordable hostels make it an attractive weekend away regardless of your budget.

Now that my student days are behind me, it was time to revisit the city as a fully-fledged ‘adult’, replacing the cheap flights and hostels with a mini-road trip across northern Europe and a stylish stay in the form of the Pulitzer Hotel.

After a few hours cruising through the Dutch farmland and sea defences, we arrived at our destination, where we found the Pulitzer straddled by the Prinsengracht canal on one side and Keizersgracht canal on the other, making the hotel perfectly positioned within the city’s most fashionable Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) quarter, home to charming cafes, chic boutiques and some of the best restaurants in town. Also home to Amsterdam’s one and only car stacker (Pulitzer’s own), it made short work of parking in a notoriously non car-friendly city.

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7-11% 3 year ÂŁ7,000 IRR PA

Return

Investment

Minimum Investment

Buy2LetCars Car leasing funded by people for people

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

“The hotel is perfectly positioned within the fashionable Nine Streets quarter, with chic boutiques and charming cafes.”

The hotel itself has experienced a mass renovation, fully reopening in 2016.

Established by Peter Pulitzer, who in 1960 saw great potential in the beautiful townhouses of Amsterdam, he purchased twelve of them and began the creation of the city’s first five-star hotel - an accolade that in itself makes the Pulitzer worth visiting. Now privately owned (but not by a Pulitzer), it has grown to occupy twenty-five beautiful town houses, with renovations being directed by designer Jacu Strauss, who has retained the hotels’ understated charm and true Dutch character.

We opted for an elegant and spacious ‘Generous Room’, which was great value.

If we were blowing the budget we’d have gone for one of the four Collector Suites that have been uniquely crafted and accessorised with artefacts associated with various collectors. All rooms are well furnished, comfortable and follow a familiar theme within the rest of the hotel. Think exposed warm wooden beams, shades of blue and purple and statement yellow furniture.

Having dispensed with our four wheels, we arranged to borrow two from the hotel and took a late afternoon cycle around, window-shopping along the way. After working up an appetite, we made our way back to the hotel and as we turned the final corner, were greeted by a third frontage to the Pulitzer, the one which holds their own restaurant, Jansz.

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

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The Kensington Care Home

For enjoying later life in beautiful surroundings Come and see for yourself the stunning result of our refurbishment Take a stroll through our beautiful gardens, admire the view over afternoon tea in the conservatory and take a look at our en-suite bedrooms leading onto the new patio. There’s nowhere quite like The Kensington.

To experience The Kensington for yourself, call us to arrange a visit

020 339 34931 Lines are open seven days a week. We may record or monitor our calls.

For Living

Q318285 OCT17 BPR 02553

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

A night at The Pulitzer starts at €349 for a ‘Cosy Room’ off peak season, with peak starting at €424 pulitzeramsterdam.com

Serving beautifully crafted modern classics, you can dine on diver scallops and a rich pea purée, followed by lobster risotto served with a wafer of dried squid ink, both of which I highly recommend. Throughout dinner I found myself gazing into the distance and savouring every mouthful, or as the Dutch say; “Alsof er een engeltje over je tong piest”.

After waking from a refreshing sleep in our king-sized bed, I had a moment to take in the little details that make up our room. I notice the headboard of the bed has been shaped to echoe the iconic rooflines of Amsterdam’s townhouses and the mini porthole and timber weatherboard of the dividing

“As the evening air cooled, we drank cocktails at Pulitzer bar and watched boats chug up and down the canal.” wall are reminiscent of the houseboats that line up outside. It’s the little details that make it such a special place to stay.

A morning coffee can be freshly brewed while you wash thanks to the provision of the locally roasted Stooker coffee next to the minibar and television stand that has been specifically designed by Strauss for the renovation. The icing (or biscuit) on the cake is that complimentary Stroopwafels in the room are fully replenished, every morning.

After spending the day at two of my favourite places in Amsterdam; Artis the city’s zoo and Hortus - the botanical gardens, we returned to the hotel for a welldeserved drink at The Pause, where one can also grab some lunch or breakfast within

its courtyard. The garden that surrounds it offers a moment of peace amongst the flowers or the opportunity to swing on suspended chairs.

As the evening air cooled, we headed inside to the Pulitzer bar, where the glasses weigh more than your shoes and the leather chairs feel like you’re being engulfed in a warm hug. We sat and enjoyed the cocktail of the month - the Paloma - a pleasant grapefruit and lime mixture, and as the evening drew in, time seemed to slow a bit as we sat in a cosy low-lit corner of the bar watching the boats chug up and down the canal.

The hotel and all of its 25 buildings have been beautifully stitched together, where you can find yourself in pockets of beautiful design; from the miniature greenhouse walkways that cut through small courtyards, to treading over the impressive symmetrical marble tiles leading to the Saxenburg Galleries. The restoration harmonises what is a complicated array of buildings, creating a collection of moments that culminate in a wonderful hotel. The renovation has truly re-cemented Pulitzer’s position as the go-to place, not only within Amsterdam’s hotel scene, but also as a local establishment, where a passer-by can walk in and catch a moment of peace and luxury before heading back out into the city’s characterful and energetic cityscape.

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

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C r e at o r s

of the world’s most desirable fireplaces

We created our unique FIRE RIBBON BURNER technology in 2003 with a large, glamorous and distinctive flame quality

CVO Fire | Unit 4 Beaumont Square | Newton Aycliffe | County Durham | DL5 6XN 01325 301020 | sales@cvo.co.uk | www.cvo.co.uk

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LIVING THE DREAM p.162 NIGEL LEWIS: LONDON'S FINEST p.176

PULLMAN COURT SW10

£1,400 PW

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n exceptional three bedroom lateral apartment which offers contemporary living space throughout. The property is situated on the 2nd floor of a modern building with lift access and comprises a stunning reception room with access to a balcony, an impressive kitchen, a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, two further double bedrooms and a family shower room.

A

Farrar & Co, Fulham Road Greenwich 020 7751 5100 www.farrar.co.uk

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

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FAULKNER HOUSE, FULHAM Faulkner House is perfectly positioned on the north bank of the River Thames within the exclusive Fulham Reach. This luxurious apartment is designed to the highest specification with its own private balcony. Residents are also invited to be a part of a private members’ club.

EPC = TBC.

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ASKING PRICE

£1,249,000 FULHAM 020 7610 9755

ELM LODGE, FULHAM An immaculately presented apartment, perfectly positioned on the North bank of the River, with stunning views of the iconic Thames. The interior of the property has been designed by Alexander Mollo and further benefits from secure underground parking, communal gardens, swimming pool, sauna and steam room. EPC = C.

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ASKING PRICE

£900,000 FULHAM 020 7610 9755

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

WALDEMAR AVENUE, FULHAM A beautifully presented spacious split level penthouse which has been elegantly finished throughout located in the heart of Fulham. This stunning apartment comprises modern open plan kitchen, dining and reception room benefitting from a terrace which stretches the length of the room with spectacular views over London. Good transport links to central London as both Parsons Green and Putney Bridge stations are only moments away. EPC = D.

ASKING PRICE

ÂŁ1,399,999

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FULHAM 020 7610 9755

18/10/2017 09:38

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk BROOK GREEN SHEPHERDS BUSH BROOK ACTON GREEN SHEPHERDS BUSH ACTON

138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB 113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS 138 SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD W6 7PB 27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD 113 ASKEW ROAD W12 9AS 27 CHURCHFIELD ROAD W3 6BD

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

WESTWICK GARDENS W14 £1,450PW / £6,283PCM UPPER MALL W6 • 5 DOUBLE & 1 SINGLE BEDROOM / £6,500PCM •£1,500PW ELEGANT DOUBLE UPPER MALLRECEPTION W6 • 2 FLOORS OF LIVING SPACE ••£1,500PW WONDERFUL FAMILY HOME LARGE KITCHEN/DINING ROOM / £6,500PCM •• •• •• ••

4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS FAMILY BATHROOM & SHOWER ROOM MASTER SUITEFAMILY WITH MEZZANINE STUDY AREA WONDERFUL HOME 2 LIVING SPACE 4 FLOORS DOUBLE OF BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS & 2 SHOWER ROOMS MASTER SUITE WITH MEZZANINE STUDY AREA

• 2 FLOORS OF LIVING SPACE • 2 BATHROOMS & 2 SHOWER ROOMS

WOLVERTON GARDENS W6 £740PW / £3,207PCM HAARLEM ROAD W14 • 3 BEDROOMS / £2,708PCM •£625PW DOUBLE RECEPTION WITH WOOD FLOORING HAARLEM ROAD W14 • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM ••£625PW 2 DOUBLE BEDROOM FAMILY BATHROOM &FLAT SEPARATE WC / £2,708PCM •• •• •• ••

RECEPTION GARDEN CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM 2 DOUBLE BEDROOM FLAT MASTER WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM & DRESSING AREA RECEPTION SHOWER ROOM KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM CONTEMPORARY

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071 LETTINGS 020 7371 4071 • • • •• •• •• •• ••

WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT LOVELY SOUTH FACING GARDEN LETTINGS & ROOF TERRACE 020 7371 EASY ACCESS TO SHEPHERDS BUSH & HOLLAND PARK 2 COURTYARD GARDENS EPC RATING D 67 EASY ACCESS TO HAMMERSMITH AVAILABLE BEGINNING DECEMBER& CHISWICK UNFURNISHED 2 COURTYARD GARDENS EPC 57 HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK EASYRATING ACCESSDTO AVAILABLE NOW UNFURNISHED

4071

• EPC RATING D 57 • AVAILABLE NOW

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071 LETTINGS 020 7371 4071 • • • •• • •• •• ••

CELLAR WELL LOCATED FOR HAMMERSMITH STATION020 7371 LETTINGS EPC RATING F 34 BALCONY NOW AVAILABLE UNFURNISHED WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY BALCONY EPC RATING C 79 UNFURNISHED AVAILABLE NOW WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY

4071

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

• MASTER WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM & DRESSING AREA • SHOWER ROOM

• EPC RATING C 79

L O C A L . I N D E P E N D• EAVAILABLE N T NOW . INVOLVED

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STERNDALE ROAD W14 GUIDE £2.5M FREEHOLD • • • • •

4/5 DOUBLE BEDROOMS 2 RECEPTIONS FULL WIDTH KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM 2 BATHROOMS EN SUITE SHOWER ROOM

SINCLAIR ROAD W14 GUIDE £640,000 LEASEHOLD • • • • •

2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS LARGE RECEPTION KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM BATHROOM EXCELLENT CONDITION

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

• CELLAR • SOUTHERLY FACING GARDEN • EPC RATING D 64

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

• PERMISSION GRANTED FOR A ROOF TERRACE • EPC RATING D 65

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

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275 Willesden Lane, NW2 5JA 020 8459 1133 enquiries@cameronsstiff.co.uk

EPC - E

BLENHEIM GARDENS, NW2

£850,000 Leasehold

Delightful Ground Floor Flat arranged over 2 floors and 1425 sq ft in this red brick Edwardian property, offered in excellent condition & boasting 2 double bedrooms with en-suites, 3rd good sized bedroom, family bathroom, superb eat-in kitchen & well maintained garden. Viewing is essential!

• Excellent position in Willesden Green • 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • Stunning kitchen & living area • 32 ft private rear garden, excellent storage

EPC - D

ESMOND ROAD, NW6

£1,399,950 Freehold

Situated on a highly sought-after road in Queens Park is this charming 5 bedroom family • Stunning terraced home, 1549 sq ft home offering 1549 sq ft of living space with bright double reception, modern open plan • 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms kitchen/diner, 50 ft south facing garden & 2 bathrooms. Viewings are highly recommended. • Close to Queens Park’s cafes & shops • Eat-in kitchen opening onto 50 ft garden

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EPC - D

HANOVER ROAD, NW10

£1,599,950 Freehold

Recently refurbished to an exceptionally high standard by Copperbrick Developments is this impressive family home of 2346 sq ft benefiting from natural light, high ceilings and good sized rooms; including double reception, open plan contemporary kitchen/breakfast room, 5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. Excellent position!

• Mid terrace Edwardian home • High specification modern kitchen • Master bedroom, en-suite & dressing room • Great transport links into Central London

EPC - D

MILVERTON ROAD, NW6

£2,999,950 Freehold

Presented in immaculate condition is this semi-detached home providing 3563 sq ft of superb lateral living space, overlooking the green spaces South Hampstead Cricket Club.

The property offers six bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 100 ft south facing garden, parking spaces for 3/4 cars & garage. Must be seen.

• Beautiful red-brick family home • 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • 100 ft south facing garden, garage, OSP • Within Malorees School catchment area

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Freehold Houses For Sale

Bedford Gardens, W8, £5,950,000 A large semi-detached low-build house which benefits from lateral living. This stunning 4 bedroom house (2,511 sq ft) is set back from the road and benefits from off street parking. Full planning has been granted for a basement, side and loft extension (to total 4,800 sq ft).

Philbeach Gardens, SW5, £5,500,000

Hollywood Road, SW10, £4,125,000

A superb property boasting a generously proportioned interior arranged over five floors, offering fabulous entertaining space, six spacious bedrooms, a cinema room and a great garden (approximately 4,442 sq ft).

A beautiful white stucco-fronted family home (2,365 sq ft) arranged over four floors. This house provides ample entertaining space, balanced accommodation throughout with four spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms.

YOUHOME.indd 1

Head of London

SW3 & SW10

SW5 & SW7

Laurence Lai

Anita Sanford

Davide Moi

laurence.lai@youhome.co.uk

anita.sanford@youhome.co.uk

davide.moi@youhome.co.uk

020 7908 9281

020 7908 9295

020 7908 9256

W11

W8 & W14

W10 & W2

Jerry Epton, MRICS

Alexandra Mathew

Nick Sajid

jerry.epton@youhome.co.uk

alex.mathew@youhome.co.uk

nick.sajid@youhome.co.uk

020 7908 9282

020 7908 9284

020 7908 9283

18/10/2017 09:34

Apartments for Sale

Cheniston Gardens, W8, £3,100,000 A spacious four bedroom lateral apartment on the 1st Floor (1,875 sq ft) in a mansion block in the heart of Kensington.

The apartment is filled with lots of character with two south-facing reception rooms with access to a balcony.

William Mews, SW1X, £2,850,000

Royal Crescent, W11, £1,050,000

A newly refurbished upper floor flat (1,114 sq ft) with a lift and bright west facing aspect. This modern building is set back from Lowndes Square in Knightsbridge.

Accommodation comprises 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a semi open plan kitchen reception and a balcony.

A stunning one bedroom garden apartment (975 sq ft) situated in an attractive Grade II* stucco building.

With a conservatory, patio garden and access to communal gardens.

Telephone: 020 7908 9280 Email: nhg@youhome.co.uk RBK&C Office: 121 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB Westminster Office: 63 Jermyn Street, London, SW1

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Meet your YOUhome Property Gurus and Local Experts

Laurence Lai Property Guru & Head of London Sales Laurence first became an Estate Agent in 1990 and has spent most of his working life acting for clients in The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. He has successfully sold properties in Chelsea, Chiswick, Earls Court, Kensington, Mayfair, Notting Hill and South Kensington. He was previously a Partner and Office Head at Knight Frank and prior to this was a Board Director at Faron Sutaria.

Alexandra Mathew Guru for W8 & W14 Alex has over ten years’ experience as a top residential sales negotiator in Prime Central London, predominately in RBKC. She combines her passion for architecture and design, personal knowledge of the trials and tribulations of managing a listed home and her savvy business sense to provide a no nonsense approach to getting results for her clients.

Nick Sajid Guru for W2 & W10 Nick has been a London Property specialist for over 12 years since graduating from University College London. He has a wealth of Prime London Residential Experience having worked in Hampstead, Marylebone and Notting Hill selling over 150+ properties all over Prime Central London.

Anita Sanford Guru for SW3 & SW10 Anita has a wealth of property experience in Prime Central London having worked in Chelsea, Kensington, Knightsbridge and Belgravia for nearly 20 years and having lived in Chelsea for nearly 10 years of that. She has a proven track record for selling houses and flats maintaining strong client and buyer relationships.

Davide Moi Guru for SW5 & SW7 Davide joined YOUhome having worked in the Prime Central London market, specifically in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for nearly 15 years. He has a background in property, is native to Rome and therefore has a wealth of experience advising international clients. He is a long time Chelsea resident and has a true passion for the Royal Borough.

Jerry Epton Guru for W11 Jerry started his property career with Knight Frank as a graduate where he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and he then went on to be a property developer with The Raven Group. Jerry has lived in W11 for over 25 years and set up YOUhome’s London presence with the founder Adrian Black four years ago.

Telephone: 020 7908 9280 Email: nhg@youhome.co.uk RBK&C Office: 121 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB Westminster Office: 63 Jermyn Street, London, SW1

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Unique London lifestyle, in a new selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom waterside homes at Chelsea Creek Fairwater House Now Launched PRICES FROM £880,000 CALL NOW FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CHELSEA CREEK MARKETING SUITE, 9 PARK STREET, LONDON SW6 2FS 020 3504 5651 I CHELSEACREEK.CO.UK | SALES@CHELSEACREEK.CO.UK

CGI IMAGE IS INDICATIVE ONLY. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

REDCLIFFE GARDENS SW 1 0, £2,2 50,0 0 0

A

well-presented 4-5 bedroom penthouse apartment with a wonderful roof terrace allowing for far-reaching views. The bright property is situated in an attractive period building. Timber flooring and good storage space can be found throughout as well as access to communal gardens. It is only moments away from the world class amenities of Chelsea, Earl's Court and South Kensington.

YOUHOME Notting Hill, 020 7908 9280 youhome.co.uk

TREVOR SQUARE

SW 7, £ 6,95 0,000

T

he house has been meticulously remodelled and interior designed behind the front façade to an exceptional standard, creating a light and spacious contemporary home with state-of-the-art technology. It offers a perfect balance of well proportioned reception space; excellent kitchen/breakfast room and a wonderful family/media room, as well as bright and airy bedrooms.

HARRODS ESTATES Knightsbridge, 02072256508 harrodsestates.com 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

WALDEMAR AVENUE SW 6 , £ 1 , 3 9 9,9 9 9

W14, £2,600 PER WEEK

T

A

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH

FINLAY BREWER

Fulham, 0207 610 9755 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

Brook Green, 020 7371 4171 www.finlaybrewer.co.uk

his split level penthouse apartment in Fulham has four bedrooms, and a large open-plan living space filled with lights. Located on the top floor of this penthouse is a modern open plan kitchen, dining room and reception benefitting from a terrace, accessed thrugh bi-fold doors, which stretches the length of the room which has spectacular views over London.

HOLLAND ROAD

CAITHNESS ROAD

wonderful contemporary Caithness Villa that has been completely rebuilt and refurbished to the highest specification within the last 2 years. The entire first floor is dedicated to the master suite.

The property features a bespoke kitchen, as well as a winter fireplace and huge picture window area overlooking the garden.

W 1 4 , £4 5 0 P E R W E E K

W

ell-presented, this two bedroom apartment is on the second floor of this period Victorian conversion. The property is fully furnished with two double beds, bathroom, lounge and kitchen area. Facing south west, it receives an abundance of natural lighting. It is short walk from Olympia station and Westfield, as well as Shepherds Bush and High Street Kensington.

METICULOUSLY REMODELLED AND DESIGNED TO AN EXCEPTIONAL STANDARD

LOCKETT ESTATES

Fulham, 020 7736 2810 lockettestates.co.uk

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Harrods Estates brings

LONDON property to the world

• LONDON RESIDENTIAL SALES • LONDON RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS • ACQUISITIONS • NEW DEVELOPMENTS • ASSET MANAGEMENT • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates

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20/02/2017 16:03 14:00 27/09/2016 10:46 22/09/2015 22/07/2015 14:41

Established 1897

A three bedroom apartment in a sought after development.

Trinity House, Kensington W14 • Open-plan reception • Courtyard facing balcony • Cinema room

GUIDE PRICE

£2,595,000 TENURE

Leasehold Approximately 993 years

• Gym, pool and spa facilities • 24-hour concierge and security • 1,157sq ft / 107.49sq m

EPC RATING

B

CONTACT

KENSINGTON OFFICE 020 3650 4600 joel.hughes@harrodsestates.com

H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M

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Established 1897

A beautifully presented terraced townhouse with river views.

Chiswick Quay, Chiswick W4 • Five bedrooms • Over 2,500sq ft/ 232.2sq m • Cinema and utility room

GUIDE PRICE

£2,500,000 TENURE

Freehold

• Potential to extend (subject to planning) • Generous private parking area • Abundance of light throughout

EPC RATING

C

CONTACT

CHELSEA OFFICE 020 7225 5752 francis.burca@harrodsestates.com

H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M

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Established 1897

A newly built penthouse with roof terrace in a portered block.

Nell Gwynn House SW3 • Double-height reception/kitchen • Two double bedrooms with en suite • Roof terrace with hot tub

GUIDE PRICE

£2,650,000 TENURE

Leasehold Approximately 992 Years

• Guest cloakroom and utility • 989sq ft/ 91.9sq m • 24-hour porter

EPC RATING

D

CONTACT

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE 020 7225 6509 michael.harte@harrodsestates.com JSA: Knight Frank 0207 349 4300

H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

A NEW LEASE ON LIFE How one Fulham woman turned a grim diagnosis into a light of hope for others

B

reast cancer is the most common cancer to affect women in the UK. One in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. According to the UK’s largest breast cancer research charity, every 45 minutes, another woman will die from the disease.

In 2015, Breakthrough Breast Cancer merged with the Breast Cancer Campaign to create Breast Cancer Now. They are dedicated to funding research to find a cure for this devastating disease. Their goal is that by 2050, everyone diagnosed will be a survivor. With over 400 researchers across the UK and Ireland, they are working to discover preventions, early detection and effect treatment methods.

A local Fulham woman helped start this wildly successful charity.

Her desire to celebrate her life, which had been overtaken by the disease, later developed into a beautiful ambition to help save the lives of others and continues to this day: My name is Gwen (Gwendoline) Allsop nee Toms, I was born in Fulham in May 1935. I had two brothers and a sister. My parents were both born in Fulham. They met when they were 12 years old and stayed in Fulham all their lives. My husband, Derek, was also born in Fulham and so was his Father.

Derek and I met on a blind date organised by friends. We have been married for 61 years and have the letter from the Queen!

I lived off the Lillie Rd, where Clem Attlee Court now stands, in Pownall Place. I was born at number 33 but later moved to number 28. I went to Star Road School, which is now West

“As a thank you for my life, I decided to hold a fair to raise money for cancer research.”

London College. It was bombed on 6 February 1942 and 11 people were killed. I was in the house when it happened.

In the nineties I developed breast cancer. As a thank you for my life, I decided to hold a fair to raise money for cancer research. The first challenge was to raise a £1,000. With the help of my friends, I did!

Everyone asked me to do it again and it has gone on from there. Though we might not meet for a year, it’s like a great reunion. Most of the people who help on the stalls have lost their mums to breast cancer, although 200 men a year develop it.

Originally it was called Breakthrough but it is now called Breast Cancer Now. They have their own laboratories in the Fulham Road next to the Marsden.

I just pull the strings to collect the things to sell, sort and store. We have made to date nigh on £47,000 from the people of Hammersmith & Fulham. Well done!

Lockett Estates of Hammersmith and Fulham are sponsoring Gwen’s Breast Cancer Now fund.

To find out more about how to donate 020 7736 2810 or go online: lockettestates.co.uk hayden@lockettestates.co.uk

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carterjonas.co.uk

WITH 113 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE FROM OUR SOUTH KENSINGTON & EARLS COURT TEAM ALONE, OUR IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR LOCAL AREA IS INVALUABLE WHEN IT COMES TO ADVISING YOU ON THE CORRECT MARKETING STRATEGY FOR YOUR PROPERTY. Since 1855 we have maintained the same values that today affirm our status as a reliable agent, trusted by many key clients including The Crown Estate. With these offerings, we will ensure you receive the greatest possible service, and the best possible price for your property in your chosen timeframe.

1.25% FEE*

24/7 TEAMS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

£0

TERM CONTRACT

UPFRONT COSTS

113

38

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

OFFICES

Contact us today for a complimentary market appraisal 020 3468 1752 | sken@carterjonas.co.uk

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18/10/2017 09:36

Think London property experts.

Think KFH.

Our 60 London-wide branches agree a sale or let every 15 minutes*, working together to connect thousands of buyers and tenants with property like yours.

Trust London’s property experts to deliver the results you need.

kfh.co.uk/valuation

*Based on the annual average sales and lettings deals between July 2014 - June 2017.

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26/10/2017 10:29 12:06 15/09/2017

Halford Road, Fulham SW6 £1,200,000 Fulham and Chelsea 020 7731 0051 fulham.sales@kfh.co.uk

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Presented over three floors, this impressive four bedroom Victorian conversion offers a double reception room, separate kitchen and two bathrooms including an en suite master bedroom.

Halford Road is ideally situated for the extensive shopping and leisure amenities of Fulham Broadway including a gym and cinema, as well as the District line service of West Brompton station.

• • • • • • • •

Four bedrooms Two bathrooms Freehold Victorian features 1,314 sq ft Fantastic location Transport links EPC rating C

26/10/2017 11:55 12:06 19/10/2017

Princedale Road, Holland Park W11 £2,550,000 Holland Park 020 3542 2111 hollandpark.sales@kfh.co.uk

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A beautifully presented house offering a fabulous reception space and a glorious roof garden.

Flexible accommodation is currently arranged to provide three bedrooms served by two bathrooms, a first floor formal reception room with magnificent westerly aspect windows and a huge kitchen/breakfast room occupying the whole of the ground floor.

• • • • • • •

Sought after location Beautifully presented Bright interior Exceptional roof garden Garage Potential to extend S.T.P EPC rating E

26/10/2017 11:55 12:07 19/10/2017

Halford Road, Fulham SW6 £800,000

An immaculately presented, light filled top floor split level maisonette with two large double bedrooms, recently refurbished modern bathroom and three terraces.

Fulham and Chelsea 020 7731 0051 fulham.sales@kfh.co.uk

Halford Road is within easy reach of local amenities and close to the vibrant North End Road with its daily street market and within close proximity to Fulham Broadway, providing an array of shops, bars, restaurants and a cinema.

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• • • • • • •

Two double bedrooms Open plan living Multiple terraces Excellent location Own entrance Split level EPC rating D

26/10/2017 11:55 12:07 19/10/2017

Norland Road, Holland Park W11 £7,583 pcm/ £1,750 pw

An exceptional house in a gated development behind Royal Crescent.

With three floors, this house offers great entertaining space. The property consists of three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen, spacious reception room, and a roof terrace.

Holland Park 020 3542 2120 hollandpark.lettings@kfh.co.uk

Caranday Villas is ideally located just a short walk away from Holland Park Avenue and Holland Park. Travel is easy with access to the Central and Overground lines.

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• • • • • •

Three bedrooms Two bathrooms Arranged over three floors Roof terrace Secure private parking Communal garden

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

26/10/2017 11:56 12:07 19/10/2017

Sloane Street, Knightsbridge SW1X £8,666 pcm South Kensington 020 3040 6380 southkensington.lettings@kfh.co.uk

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A sophisticated three bedroom apartment located in this characteristic period mansion block in Knightsbridge.

This elegant apartment has been recently refurbished and comprises of an impressive double reception room, three double bedrooms, fitted wardrobes and en suite to master bedroom, a guest WC and a separate fitted eat in kitchen. The property further benefits from an on site porter and is located within a short walk of Knightsbridge underground station and Harrods.

• • • • • • • •

Three double bedrooms Two bathrooms Guest WC On site porter Large reception room High ceilings throughout Separate fitted kitchen EPC rating D

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

26/10/2017 11:56 12:07 19/10/2017

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

A

LONDON'S FINEST The Capital’s Premium Locations

L

ondon’s quiet and highly valuable central prime streets have endured a rollercoaster ride over the past 12 month as various economic and political headwinds have dampened enthusiasm for their multi-million-pound properties.

But the UK’s capital remains an incredible place to buy a home. A square foot of property in historic and desirable neighbourhoods such as South Kensington, Notting Hill, Belgravia, Mayfair and Holland Park costs over £2,000 while values in other areas nearby such as Earls Court and Chelsea aren’t far behind. In the most expensive areas this means a medium-size 1,600 sq ft or 148 sq metre Victorian or Georgian house will cost £3.7 million.

And according to data firm LonRes property worth £3.6 billion is set to be sold in the three key prime areas of central London this year, despite Brexit and higher property taxes.

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Within them, 47% of all properties are sold for £2 million more although the average price per property sold is £1.72 million, this ranges from a £57 million Regency house in The Boltons to £350,000 for a small studio apartment in Bloomsbury.

But what really makes London famous around the world are its super-prime properties. Here we highlight some of the most notable ones currently for sale for £10 million or more – and sometimes… a lot more.

“a square foot of property in historic and desirable neighborhoods...cost over £2,000”

duplex penthouse at 37 Curzon Street in Mayfair built above the famous cinema that bears the street’s name. The 3,469 sq ft property has four bedrooms and offers views from its wrap-around terrace over the local area as well as the House of Parliament, London Eye and Shard.

The property was also formerly the home of 1960s pop star Dave Clarke while the cinema below itself is the stuff of Mayfair legend, hosting Royalty, Hollywood stars and celebrities for private screenings.

When King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and the two princesses paid their first visit, two Royal Boxes were installed to mark the occasion. More recently, it’s hosted numerous red carpet premiers, including Dallas Buyers Club with Matthew McConnaughey and Jared Leto.

The penthouse’s current owners have given the home a stylish makeover. Its large marble floored reception space has 360-degree views across the capital, there’s a private terrace along one side, along with study and gym, underfloor heating and underground parking. More information from Savills on +44 (0) 20 7578 5100 or www.savills.com

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THE BISHOP ’S AVENUE £22 MILLION

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H A M P ST E A D

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or those who want period looks, a modern interior and an address on possibly the world’s most famous road then local agent Glentree has this seven-bedroom house on The Bishop’s Avenue, better known as Billionaire’s Row. It’s a new-build mansion with a lift to whisk you up and down it’s four storeys plus two dressing rooms, two kitchens, five reception rooms, jacuzzi, swimming pool and spa and a wine cellar. Outside there are landscaped gardens and the ultimate petrol head’s playing, a car lift down to the garage.

For more information, Glentree.co.uk or +44 (0) 20 8458 7311.

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

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CROWN ESTATE

HARRINGTON ROAD

R E G E N T ’S PA R K

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K E N S I N GTO N

It’s not that often that refurbished terraced house come up for sale on the Crown Estate roads surrounding Regent’s Park, but when they do prices are high – these properties have high ceilings and handsome stucco’d frontages which are as highly prized, as is their address.

This seven-bedroom example on Hanover terrace is one of the largest houses in what is generally acknowledged as the finest of the Nash terraces. Benefits include the unique feature of a lift (requires reinstatement) and the rare advantage of an additional floor which provides further panoramic views over the park. Currently for sale with Knight Frank, +44 (0) 20 7586 2777.

This recently-refurbished three-bedroom penthouse apartment on Harrington Road near South Kensington tube station comes with a terrace wrapped around its sides to offer 360-degree views of the area. The property used to belong to Notting Hill actor Hugh Grant. The stunning penthouse, which occupies the entire top of Petersham House, also has a master dressing room, walk-in shower, double-height ceilings, dual-aspect lounge, direct entry lift, a gym and plenty of gadgets. It’s been refurbished since Grant lived there in 2002-2003, during the success of About a Boy. Carter Jonas +44 (0) 20 7590 4690 or www.carterjonas.co.uk

£ 1 9. 5 M I L L I O N

£10 MILLION

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

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Lettings 020 7751 5100 www.farrar.co.uk

REDCLIFFE SQUARE, LONDON , SW10 An immaculately presented property which has undergone extensive refurbishment throughout providing a wonderful living space.

The property benefits from a lovely reception room with access to a pretty courtyard garden, a modern kitchen, master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and excellent storage. There is an additional double bedroom and a further bathroom plus a dining/study area. EPC Rating: D. UNFURNISHED

£795

per week*

*Tenants are advised when renting a property the advertised rent does not include council tax, water or utility charges. The administration fees are £175 (inc. VAT) and referencing charges of £40 per Tenant/Guarantor. The inventory check in cost will vary but should not exceed £150 and a 6-8 week deposit is required.

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TADEMA ROAD, LONDON, SW10 Hob Mews is a newly constructed development of houses centered around a pretty courtyard with secure underground parking and excellent security. Built to the highest standards in an innovative design, this house has two large en suite bedrooms, a stunning open plan kitchen/reception and enjoys excellent outside space (courtyard garden and a roof terrace). Extending to 1,457 square feet, this house has state of the art speciďŹ cations and must be seen! EPC Rating: B. FURNSIHED

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ÂŁ1,100

per week*

18/10/2017 10:48

DISCOVERMORE

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

Open Days November 1st/7th (9.30am/ 9.30am) November 15th/21st (7.00pm/ 9.30am) November 29th (9.30am)

Currently recruiting into the Sixth Form with a new Sixth Form Centre opening in 2017.

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

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@kewhouseschool

23/10/2017 10:28

BESPOKE ENGLISH KITCHENS www.connaughtkitchens.co.uk . London

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27/10/2017 13:03