Absolutely Chelsea&Fulham : NottingHill&Kensington December 2017

CHELSEA & FULHAM

ABSOLUTELY

Chelsea & Fulham Notting Hill & Kensington DECEM B ER 2017 / £3.95

Paloma

FAITH DECEM B ER 2017

The singer on fame, music and motherhood

Stylish Season

PASS THE PARCEL Gifts galore

THE NEW LOOK: DISCREET LUXE

Red

ZEST.LONDON

VELVET FA B U LO U S F E ST I V E FA S H I O N ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT Cover Prime December17.indd 7

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“It’s fine.

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover rural homes with sea views using keyword search.

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We’ll shop

online.”

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Open House

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

Viewing times

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

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Open house 27th-28th/ Jan

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

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+44 (0)20 7736 2810 | www.lockettestates.co.uk 963 Fulham Road London SW6 5JJ | lettings@lockettestates.co.uk

LOCHALINE STREET, HAMMERSMITH

£958 pw | £4,151 pcm

An exceptionally well presented four bedroom house, located within Hammersmith’s most desired residential areas. The property briefly comprises of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, double reception room and fully fitted kitchen and breakfast area. The house further benefits from a cloakroom, underfloor heating and finishes of the highest standard throughout. As well as being one of the most well-presented houses on the street, the property is excellently located for local school catchments and transport links, such as Hammersmith Underground station and Barons Court station. Within walking distance of the many amenities on the Fulham Palace Road and Hammersmith Broadway. EPC: C • Hammersmith Station - 0.46 miles

• Cloakroom

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• Double Reception Room

• Floor area: 1,506 sq/ft (139.91 sq m)

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vintage chairs handmade tables all wood, only solid ALL WOOD, ONLY SOLID

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27/10/2017 17:26

ABSOLUTELY

Contents DECEMBER 2017

112 C U LT U R E

14 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

18 WHAT’S ON

Diary dates for December

28 CHRISTMAS POP-UPS Festive fun in the capital

FA S H I O N

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

36 64 57 DANCEFLOOR HITS

Christmas party essentials FOOD & DRINK

64 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

72 BAKING UP A STORM Bread-making at Leiths

INTERIORS

82 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

News and views

39 LADY IN RED

This season's traffic-stopping trend

91 WREATH APPEAL

Your ultimate guide

49 WISHLIST

Gifts for the girls and guys who have

everything

T R AV E L 108 CITY-SLICKER Discover South Africa's stunning towns

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 54 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

PROPERTY 132 LIVING THE DREAM

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 most luxurious London properties

ON THE COVER COAST CHRISTMAS COAST-STORES.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 FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE ARTS & CULTURE WRITER HELEN BROWN GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI ACCOUNT MANAGER TAMAR VANDERHOEK PROPERTY DIRECTORS JAMES FUSCHILLO & ANDY ELMER ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA

C

MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN

M

DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS

Y

CM

PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN

MY

SENIOR CONTENT STRATEGIST LUCIE PEARCE

CY

CMY

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI

K

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEMOCZKY 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 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

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Editor’s

LETTER

T

Here's what the ABSOLUTELY team is hoping for this Christmas...

1

is the season, once again.

Time to trim the tree and scoff mince pies. Whether your gifts are nearly all packed and wrapped with a ribbon on top, or you’ll be tackling Oxford Street in a festive frenzy with the rest of us, we’ve got a wealth of shopping inspiration for everyone. From the house-proud designlover to the guy who has everything; we have gifting ideas for all. Trying to liven up your own look this year? Nail this season’s style with our red-hot shopping edit and get Christmas-party ready with the latest dance-floor beauty staples guaranteed to make you look great under the mistletoe.

We’ve also got enough seasonal content to keep you entertained all month. Head to page 28 where we’ve uncovered the best things to do locally and around London to get you in the Christmas spirit.

From food fairs and ice-rinks, to ski-themed cabin bars and seasonal masterclasses, there is something for the whole family. Speaking of, Paloma Faith tells all about the latest edition to hers. We caught up with the singer to hear how motherhood has brought a new focus to her music. All of this, plus our usual culture, food and interiors, each given a sugar-plum sprinkling of festive spirit for the season. Enjoy the issue and have a very Merry Christmas!

RIXO LONDON - IRIS PRINTED CREPE WRAP DRESS

I love the sparkling celestial print on Rixo London’s wrap dress. It's the perfect party piece for New Year’s Eve and, come January, will layer nicely over a roll neck and dark denim; £245; net-a-porter.com JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

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LUCY WILLIAMS X MISSOMA

This necklace has amassed quite the cult following and I'm desperate to jump on the band wagon. I promise I’ve been good this year... Large Horn Necklace, £139; missoma.com HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

HARRODS OF LONDON WEEK-TO-VIEW DIARY

THE CONCORD GIFT KIT

The packaging, the heavenly scents, the top-to-toe care....

Aesop’s bodycare kits tick all the boxes for a festive pamper.

Aesop The Concord Gift Kit, £45; aesop.com/uk HANNAH HOPKINS DIGITAL EDITOR

UZMA BOZAI SWEATSHIRT

I am seriously coveting the lovely Uzma Bozai’s sequin sweatshirts at Anthropologie because they're both subtle and sparkly, if that’s possible. Fox sequin sweatshirt, £170, anthropologie.com PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

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PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

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This gorgeous diary will make my resolution to becomes less reliant on technology that much easier; and there can’t be a more stylish way to do it. A5 Week-To-View 2018 Diary, £99.95. harrods.com GEORGIA MCVEIGH EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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BOUNDARY BLURRING Cool kid AMI blurs the boundaries between casual and chic with its relaxed approach to design. The AW17 collection perfectly captures Parisian nonchalance with slouchy tailoring and androgynous style. amiparis.com

Sharing Champers

Ever at the centre of festivities, Moët & Chandon’s Imperial Golden Sparkle Jeroboam captures the season’s spirit of splendour and generosity. Perfect for sharing. POA; selfridges.com

SHINING SAYINGS

Katie Loxton’s elegant notebooks now come in a selection of metallic fi nishes, perfect for the festive season.

Our Christmas list has never looked so chic. £14.99; katieloxton.com

Festive Fragrance

Cire Trudon’s Lumière candle encapsulates the alluring scents of Japan to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of Oriental exuberance. £78; net-a-porter.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

BEST FOOT FORWARD Luxury shoe brand Alexander White is renowned for its elegant designs with a playful twist. The SS18 collection is inspired by the English countryside with rosy hues and ruffled silhouettes. alexander-white.com

STARLI GHT E X P RE S S Add elegant luxe to your look with the starlight half-studs from Missoma, fi nished in 18ct gold. Exactly what we want to see under the tree this year. £69; missoma.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BAG S O F GO L D We’re coveting Anya Hindmarch's cross-body bag for it’s versatility; small and compact, yet ultra glam, it’ll take you from desk to disco. £595; farfetch.com

SWEET DREAMS

The Matchstick eyemask from Asceno’s AW collection epitomises Parisian cool. Pair it with the matching pjs for a truly luxurious trip to the land of nod. £45; ascenco.com

Deck the Halls The time has come to deck the halls and trim the tree. Dial-up the opulence of your Christmas tree theme with this plush bauble, fi nished in velvet and pearl. £15; harrods.co.uk

B E L L E OF T H E BA L L MAC’s Snowball collection is sure to dazzle and delight under the Christmas tree; we’re lusting after the Elle Bell lipstick, a glossy berry for times of merry(ment). £16.50; maccosmetics.co.uk

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

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L A SYLPHIDE A DOUBLE BILL WITH SONG OF THE EARTH 9 – 13 JAN LE JEUNE HOMME ET LA MORT 16 – 20 JAN

Save 15% When you book for both double bills.

Terms and conditions apply.

Photo: © Jason Bell. Art Direction and Design: Charlotte Wilkinson Studio.

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18 • Paloma

THE NUTCRACKER • ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

CULTURE What's on

Faith talks motherhood & music 20 • Christmas pop-ups 28 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

T H E AT R E

The Melting Pot From 3 December FINBOROUGH THEATRE After his family are massacred in a pogrom, Jewish composer David Quixano escapes to New York City in search of a new life. His compositions burst with exuberance but as characters from his past return, he has the terrifying realisation that his melting pot burns the good with the bad.

118 Finborough Road, SW10; finboroughtheatre.co.uk

EXHIBITION

Distaff by Juana Gómez UNTIL 22 DECEMBER • MICHAEL HOPPEN GALLERY

In a world where it’s easy to feel alone, Chilean artist Juana Gómez positions each of us as part of an ancient chain that goes back to the origins of life; a combination of patterns, molecules and small organisms depicted in images of Gómez and her daughter.

Her hand-embroidered photographic canvases marry scientific discovery with ancestral tradition in a not-to-be-missed exploration of genealogy, mythology and biology.

3 Jubilee Place, SW3; michaelhoppengallery.com 18

EXHIBITION

Rose Wylie

From 30 November SERPENTINE GALLERY Rose Wylie’s unruly, childlike work is the toast of the art world. Instantly recognisable, her images are often painted through the filter of her memory and inspired by all matter of everyday life. Imbued with wit, Wylie’s canvases are confident and energetic, proposing new perspectives of the world.

Kensington Gardens, W2; serpentinegalleries.org

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

F E S T I VA L

London Art Week 1-8 December VARIOUS LOCATIONS Following resounding summer success, the inaugural winter edition of London Art Week kicks off this month in celebration of the world’s most exceptional art. Over thirty of the most distinguished galleries and auction houses will open their doors to unveil previously unseen works of art, promising a week of endless discovery and inspiration.

Visit londonartweek.co.uk for full list of participating galleries

Around Town T H E AT R E

HAMILTON ★★★★★ Ongoing VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE Critically acclaimed Hamilton arrives in London in what's set to be a night to remember. With an eclectic score that draws on Hip-Hop, RnB, Rap and traditional Broadway, it redefines musical theatre as we know it.

Victoria Street, SW1E; hamiltonthemusical.co.uk

BALLET

THE NUTCRACKER

This Month’s Must See

From 5 December ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Tchaikovsky’s magnificent sugar-spun score is brought to life by Peter Wright in what’s regarded as one of the most enduring and definitive versions of The Nutcracker. With its festive setting, dancing snowflakes and enchanting stage magic, Lev Ivanov’s 1892 ballet has become the perfect Christmas entertainment for the whole family.

Bow Street, WC2E; roh.org.uk

EXHIBITION

MODIGLIANI ★★★★★

WINNIE THE POOH

Ongoing TATE MODERN Modigliani's emotionally intense portraits and seductive nudes, though controversial during the 1900’s, are among the best-loved paintings of the 20th century. See them under one roof, alongside his portraits of his friends, lovers and supporters including Picasso and Brancusi.

Bankside, SE1; tate.org.uk

F R O M 9 D E C E M B E R • V& A

BALLET

Exploring a classic

H

e’s the hero of children’s fiction and Britain’s best-loved bear, now Winnie-the-Pooh will star in an exhibition that celebrates the life of this childhood favourite. Experience the timeless and universal appeal of Pooh Bear and his friends as they are brought to life through sketches, letters, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and fashion.

Cromwell Road, SW7; vam.ac.uk

MATTHEW BOURNE’S CINDERELLA ★★★★★ From 9 December SADLER’S WELLS New Adventures return with Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella. Expect a wartime romance with sumptuous costumes, and Bourne’s glorious talent for story-telling.

Rosebery Avenue, EC1R; sadlerswells.com

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

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faith HEALER Absolutely discusses music, motherhood and privacy with Paloma Faith

B

Wo r d s N E I L B A R S T O N

ecoming a parent is just about the biggest event in anyone’s lives, bringing with it a raft of challenges and unforeseen scenarios that potentially pose the sternest of tests.

For Paloma Faith, the experience of being a new mum may have left her wondering where her next night’s sleep might ever be coming from, yet it’s brought a renewed sense of purpose and focus to her music.

“I’m trying to juggle being a mother and a singer. I have no idea how I am managing, but I am somehow,” she laughs, recounting her whirlwind existence recording her fourth studio album.

The 36-year old Londoner has already amassed an enviable career over the past decade that has seen her become the only female artist beyond Adele to have three double platinum recordings to her name.

While it’s been a road requiring plenty of hard graft, her artfully soulful sound and quirky style have undoubtedly played their part in propelling the Hackney-born star to success.

The singer’s latest offering, The Architect, follows boldly in its predecessors’ footsteps, showcasing her distinctive powerful vocals that have earned comparisons with everyone from 60’s icons such as Etta James and Billie Holiday through to the late Amy Winehouse.

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CULTURE • PROFILE

“I do feel that my approach to music has changed since becoming a parent”

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presents

Picnic concerts 10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

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

10 – 15 July 2018

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE As she admits, she’s hoping her latest work, partly recorded in America, might yet crack the elusive holy grail of top slot in the album charts. If the slick, yet lyrically reflective lead single Crybaby is anything to go by, then the signs are indeed looking promising.

It seems the singer is enjoying a comparatively settled phase of her life living with French boyfriend Leyman Lahcine, and it’s apparent that starting a family has directly influenced her music.

“I do feel my approach to music has changed since I’ve become a parent - which does have an impact. With difficult things that are happening in the world, you feel protective and want to make things comfortable for your family.

“I think things are changing in our history and maybe not for the better, which is something I’m concerned about. I feel there’s a sense of duty to talk about events.”

Much like any other artist in the limelight, her rise has come with the perhaps inevitable burden of being followed around by the ever-hungry paparazzi.

Everyone from Hello magazine through to the red-top national papers has been waiting to secure pictures of her new youngster, whom she is keen to shield from unnecessary public attention.

“I value my privacy more than ever now, as it’s a real responsibility being a parent, and I want my child to know itself first rather than everyone else feeling that they know all about them.”

Such determination to do things on her own terms has proved a consistent theme throughout her career, and something that has helped her stand out from the crowd.

As she recalls her childhood in East London, the half-Spanish artist says that she always had something of a creative streak.

However, it was far from obvious that she was destined to become a singer, with her initial studies being at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

“Growing up in Hackney, I was surrounded by lots of different types of music - from my mum, I remember listening to plenty of revolutionary music from the 60s such as Bob Dylan, while my dad was really into jazz, which is where my interest in all that comes from.

“Later, when I was studying, I got into R and B dancehall as well, and originally I wanted to be dancer. Then I did my musical theatre, and I think that music just chose me,” she explains of her formative years.

From her early CV that spanned everything from being a life model, cabaret dancer and bartender, to a gig as a magician’s assistant, her rich experiences have offered plenty of

tales and adventures to fuel her inventive songwriting.

As if to underline her determination, she famously walked out on a deal for a record contract when the agent watching her refused to stop texting on his phone.

Needless to say, it was very much his loss and the wider music industry’s gain, for Paloma then secured a major deal that set in motion her strikingly memorable debut album.

To her credit, Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful? blazed a trail into the top 10, and proceeded to lodge in the album charts for the next 100 weeks. But how does she look back on it now?

“Well, that was nearly 10 years ago, and

it was what it was. But I think it is great that I’ve managed to sustain a career as unfortunately not many people get to make more than one or two albums these days,” reflects the singer on what she feels is now an over-saturated market.

By her own admission, trying to sustain a fanbase and avoiding the trap of merely recreating a formula for previous hits has offered plenty of challenges.

But as she enthuses, she is not one to rest on her laurels, and ‘likes to mix things up a bit’ which is certainly the case with her latest material.

While her towering vocal abilities have continued to garner contrasts with the late Amy Winehouse, it’s something Paloma is entirely at ease with.

“I’m flattered by comparisons to Amy. It’s not something I am offended by, though I am quite different. When she met me once, she asked if I played an instrument, but I said no, and she said that was a shame as she would really have liked someone like me in her group.

“I was a massive fan of hers, and after watching the documentary about her life,

I actually wrote a song for her, Price of Fame, which is on the new album. Her death was such a tragedy,” adds the vocalist with a note of sadness.

Her down-to-earth manner is a breath of fresh air in an industry awash with egos, and her willingness to give something back was seen with her time on The Voice series.

Beyond being a vocal mentor, she was determined to help those under her wing with additional songwriting classes.

As for her own career, having been nominated several times for a Brit Award, persistence paid off two years ago as she claimed a long-awaited win in the best female solo artist category. Being in an industry that is often quick to cast judgment, she felt there was a real sense of vindication in claiming the coveted accolade.

“It was amazing to win the Brit Award and finally to gain some acknowledgement. I come from a long line of people that haven’t really been acknowledged for what they did. I think there are a lot of people out there doing important work, like doctors and nurses who don’t get that recognition they should.”

With a major award to her name, there has been plenty of hype surrounding her latest release, bolstered by notable additions including an appearance from Samuel L Jackson and a duet with singer songwriter John Legend in the mix.

Besides the album, fans will have to wait a little longer for her next UK tour, which kicks off next March. It’s destined to feature some of Paloma’s trademark self-designed sets to spark the tone for a hit-packed series of shows.

“The only reason I do what I’m doing is because I love touring – as when I’m out there I am excited and feel that I’m in the right place,” adds the engaging singer, who may well have a little more to think about with a young child in tow, yet it won’t stop her from enjoying every single moment.

PALOMA FAITH

New album The Architect is out now on RCA Records

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ABSOLUTELY ROUND UP CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in

MUST SEE

SHOW

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

By H E L E N B R OW N

PINOCCHIO

THE TWILIGHT ZONE

★★★★★

From 1 December LYTTELTON THEATRE On a quest to be truly alive, Pinocchio leaves Geppetto’s workshop with Jiminy Cricket on an electrifying adventure that takes them from alpine forests to the bottom of the ocean. From the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, this well-loved tale is brought to life with unforgettable music from the classic Walt Disney film.

Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk

★★★★★

5-11 December ALMEIDA THEATRE Between light and shadow, science and superstition is a dimension of imagination. An area known as the Twilight Zone. Directed by Olivier award-winning Richard Jones, this world premier of the acclaimed CBS series marries stage magic and fantasy as the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Almeida Street, N1; almeida.co.uk

BELLEVILLE ★★★★★

From 7 December DONMAR WAREHOUSE High-flying doctor, Zack and his actresscome-yoga-teaching spouse, Abby are leading the expat highlife in bohemian Belleville, Paris. Bit it’s all a little too perfect. James Norton and Imogen Poots star in this story of a romantic dream gone sour, written by Amy Herzog who was recently praised as ’one of the brightest new talents in the theatre.’

41 Earlham Street, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

CELL MATES

TITUS ANDRONICUS

★★★★★

From 7 December BARBICAN CENTRE In Shakespeare’s most brutal and bloody play, the decay of Rome reaches vicious depths as Titus, exhausted by war relinquishes power. Rape, cannibalism and severed body parts fill the moral void at the heart of this tale which poses questions about the nature of sexuality, family and society.

Silk Street, EC2Y; barbican.org.uk

CELL MATES ★★★★★ From 30 November HAMPSTEAD THEATRE “Spies betray people. That’s what we do. It becomes a habit. Difficult to break - even when it’s not strictly necessary.”

Simon Gray’s deftly funny play explores how personal freedom is an illusion and even friendship must have carefully circumscribed limits, especially in the world of a 1961 London prison where deception is a reflex response.

Eton Avenue, NW3; hampsteadtheatre.com TITUS ANDRONICUS

BELLEVILLE

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LONDON CALLING

MEET TWO OF THE CAPITAL’S MOST ICONIC FIGURES

ENJOY LONDON’S FINEST SMALL BATCH, HANDCRAFTED GINS FOR YOUR PLEASURE AVAILABLE AT WWW.THEWHISKYEXCHANGE.COM @marylebonegin

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@cityoflondondistillery

24/11/2017 23/11/2017 12:22 16:21

Witness for the Prosecution The new courtroom production of Agatha Christie’s classic keeps us guessing…

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

E

njoy the trial,’ say the ushers. As we take our seats in the courtroom, there’s an expectant murmuring that comes through small speakers in the rows, and a great sense of expectation. Somehow it feels more formal than a regular theatre, and very intimate. Playing out in an actual courtroom in County Hall, this production of Witness for the Prosecution has an extra layer of drama in the venue itself. We sit

around a central stage, and the bewigged judge presides over all of us.

Director Lucy Bailey’s version of Agatha Christie’s much-loved and widely adapted short story keeps its audience guessing until the very end, with a final twist that’s unique to this production. Leonard Vole – ‘a bit of a dish’ – stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow who had very recently altered her will in his favour. He professes innocence; his alibi for the night in question lies with his wife Romaine, but her behaviour is very peculiar. All the

“The audience is kept guessing until the very end”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

CULTURE • THEATRE

signs seem to point to his guilt, but why is his wife changing her story?

The main flaw in this otherwise clever and entertaining production is the wife’s terrible German accent.

It’s so exaggerated that the audience could be forgiven for assuming that we are supposed to think she’s putting it on, that she’s not really German at all but an imposter; maybe not even really his wife at all.

I am waiting for this all to become part of the final resolve – and while her ability to manipulate her voice does turn out to have some plot significance (no spoilers here), it appears that all along we were supposed to be believing in the ‘Allo ‘Allo style chatter, which created (for me) an accidental and distracting red herring.

Otherwise, the casting is impeccable. Jack McMullan is makes a credible helpless-seeming Leonard, while David Yelland and Philip Franks are intensely English as the QCs and Patrick Godfrey’s Justice Wainwright is fiercely sharp in his wig.

And the verdict? Even diehard Christie fans won’t have predicted the final twist, which makes for a successful courtroom drama.

VERDICT

We were gripped...

Agatha Christie would ceratainly be proud. ★★★★★

Witness for the Prosecution continues at County Hall until September 2018. witnesscountyhall.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WINTER HOUSE

From ice skating to food markets: discover all the festive fun and frivolity London has to offer this December

CHRISTMAS in the city

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CULTURE • CHRISTMAS POP-UPS

Skate Somerset House

Ongoing

SOMERSET HOUSE

● The stately surrounds of this iconic house have once again been transformed into the ultimate winter destination. Somerset House’s icy extravaganza is one of the most magical rinks in London. Warm up after in the Fortnum & Mason Lodge with a Double Chocolossus Hot Chocolate and a spot of rinkside shopping. Strand, WC2R; somersethouse.org.uk

The Winter House

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ongoing

HYDE PARK

● No Christmas round-up would be complete without Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. This annual gathering of gifts, food and fun boasts the UK’s largest ice rink at its centre. Not even Scrooge could fail to feel festive after spending a day within this seasonal set-up.

Hyde Park, W2; hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Ongoing

THE WELSH CHAPEL

● Purveyor of all things beautiful and entertaining, Bourne & Hollingsworth are inviting Londoners to discover The Winter House and lose themselves in a world of fine food, delectable drinks and incredible interiors. Set in a beautiful Grade II listed chapel in the heart of the West End, this limited edition restaurant, bar and club is the perfect setting for a memorable night out.

136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D; winterhouse.com

Dolce & Gabbana Christmas Market Ongoing

HARRODS

● This year, Londoners can expect D&G under the tree as the brand goes all out for Christmas. The Dolce & Gabbana Christmas market brings Sicilian magic to the fourth floor of Harrods. Spread out like an Italian piazza, visitors will be able to stock up on designer puppets, perfume, suits, dresses, cheeky stocking fillers and yuletide trinkets.

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1; harrods.com

Christmas by the River

CHRISTMAS BY THE RIVER

Christmas in Leicester Square

SKATE SOMERSET HOUSE

From 10 December

LEICESTER SQUARE

● From Underbelly and Westminster City Council comes an enchanting programme of entertainment for all the family. Enjoy Cabaret at Christmas, Al Murray’s Festive Saloon, Santa’s Grotto, The Showstoppers Christmas Kids Show and more mulled wine and pretzels than you can could ever need. There is something for everyone.

Leicester Square, WC2; christmasinleicestersquare.com

From 30 November LONDON BRIDGE

● London’s most picturesque Christmas market returns to the banks of the River Thames for its fourth year, offering not only a view of London’s most-loved landmarks but also a place to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a true Christmas market. Whether you’re looking to fill your loved ones’ stockings with artisan gifts or simply settle in to eat, drink and be merry, Christmas by the River is the place to soak up some festive spirit.

London Bridge, SE1; londonbridgecity.co.uk

CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

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12 craft beers of christmas £ 39.95 includes gift case & tasting notes buy online or in store 4 formosa street, little venice w9 1ee 02 07 28 6 2244

371 richmond road, twickenham tw1 2ef 0208 892 3710 www.realale.com

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JANE

BY THE SEA THINK ZEST.indd 1

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The Royal Pavilion 17 Jun 2017 – 8 Jan 2018 To mark the bicentenary of her death this display explores Jane Austen’s relationship with the seaside, and what life in Brighton was like during her lifetime.

Brighton BN1 1EE Free with Royal Pavilion admission Members free Book admission tickets online and save 10% 03000 290900 Open daily Apr-Sep 9.30am-5.45pm (last admission 5pm) Oct-Mar 10am-5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm) Closed 24 Dec (from 2.30pm) 25 & 26 Dec

brightonmuseums.org.uk Walking Dress, 1818 © University of Sussex special collections

23/10/2017 10:39

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CULTURE • CHRISTMAS POP-UPS

Local

CHURCHILL WINTER TERRACE

SCENE Keep it close to home with these regional Christmas happenings

Santa’s in Town 5-24 December

A Victorian Christmas

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

● Journey back in time to discover the traditions that make Christmas the celebration we know today. Adventure through the magnificent 19th century Hall, discover festive history as it happened in the Victorian era and take part in festive workshops before receiving a gift from Santa himself.

Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com

Ongoing KENSINGTON PALACE

Immerse yourself in the smell, sound and tastes of a traditional Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace which has had a seasonal makeover for this magical time of year. Guests are invited to discover the decadently decorated palace and gardens, sample Christmas food and take part in evening carol singing.

Kensington Gardens, W8; hrp.org

SANTA CLAUS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Uncle Barts Enchanted Winter Garden

Churchill Winter Terrace

UNCLE BARTS

THE CHURCHILL BAR & TERRACE

● Uncle Barts is sprinkling some seasonal sparkle into his hideout. Step into Christmas as you make their way through a hidden apartment decked with boughs of holly and into a candle-lit Christmas grotto. The garden too is transformed into a warm and whimsical wonderland, filled with glittering fairy lights, faux fur and mistletoe aplenty.

87 Sloane Avenue, SW3; barts-london.com

● The Churchill bar is travelling back in time with a seasonally themed alfresco terrace. From the iconic British posters to the old railway station clock, this is sure to be a trip down memory lane. With this comes a creative menu, which includes a white truffle croquemonsieur and an apple crumble.

30 Portman Square, W1H; thechurchillbar.co.uk

Ongoing

Nutcracker Icing Party 10 December

Ongoing

UNCLE BARTS ENCHANTED WINTER GARDEN

BISCUITEERS

● Iconic biscuit brand, Biscuiteers are showering south west London with a sugar-plum sprinkling of festivity.

They are inviting guests to get creative in the kitchen to master the art of the Nutcracker biscuit collection.

During the two-hour session, you will learn how to pipe and ice like a pro, before packing your treats into a tin to take home.

194 Kensington Park Road; biscuiteers.com

NUTCRACKER ICING PARTY

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‘ F I L LY ’ A selling exhibition of Bronzes celebrating the Spirit of the Horse by

KEIL

1 st t o 2 1 st December 2017

at OS SOWSKI 83 Pimlico Road L ondo n SW1W 8 PH

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CULTURE • CHRISTMAS

Christmas Past London’s domestic decorations over the ages are the subject of this popular annual exhibition

4

By PENDLE HARTE

A drawing room in 1830 at Christmas.Credit Chris Ridley 1890 drawing room .photograph

by Jayne Lloyd 1890

A living room in 1935 (light detail).Steve Speller.

Detail of 1935 living room; photo by Jayne Lloyd

00 years of Christmases in London are the focus of this much-loved annual display, now in its 25th year. The Geffrey Museum’s general focus on London interiors throughout history includes a special festive archive that sshows hows how we have decorated our homes for Christmas according to the changing tastes of the day.

From a pared back, leaf and garlandfocused Edwardian parlour to a be-tinselled and paperchained 1960s living room, via a few stylish lanterns in an 1980 drawing room to a colourful Art Deco space, we can see how fashions have influenced Christmas through the years. It seems that nothing was really very sparkly until the arrival of tinsel in the 1960s, when it eclipsed traditional homemade decorations, which is very much back with us, dates back to simple woven garlands and bunches of holly. The museum's ongoing original research into the history of Christmas adds a new dimension to the displays each year.

A well-illustrated book, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, written by Geffrye curators, tells the history of Christmas in English homes and is available in the 1965 living room photo by Jayne Lloyd museum’s shop.

The museum will be closing its doors to the public on Sunday 7 January 2018 for a transformational, £18m re-development. Throughout closure, a full programme of special events, markets, activities, pop-ups and installations will take place in the front gardens. The Geffrye is scheduled to reopen in late 2019 or early 2020. 136 Kingsland Road, E2; geffrye-museum.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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77 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QB 020 7018 2373 www.silkandcashmere.com

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FASHION

A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND SILK AND CASHMERE The only thing that comes close to a loved ones embrace is the soft touch of pure cashmere. Silk and Cashmere offers an unmatched array of cashmere and silk pieces. Discover the collection at 77 Portobello Road (get 10% off with code ABSOLUTELY10 through the month of December). silkandcashmere.com

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FASHION NOTES

Put on your party shoes and don your military jacket.

It’s time to celebrate Christmas in style

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

HILLIER BARTLEY

Gold Fringe Lantern, £895; hillierbartley.com

JIGSAW

Alba Medium Clutch Bag, £45; jigsaw-online.com

5 OF THE BEST PA R T Y C L U T C H B AG S

EDITOR’S PICK

UTERQÜE

Marble-Effect Minaudière Clutch, £120; uterque.com

BRIT SCHOOL

ZARA

Minaudière with Fuchsia Details, £49.99; zara.com

B U R B E R RY

MANGO

Floral Embroidery Clutch, £49.99; shop.mango.com

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British fashion brand Burberry has recruited homegrown talent Cara Delevingne and Matt Smith for their whimsical winter campaign.

Shot by Alasdair McLellan, the snaps celebrate the unique character and charm of good ‘ol Blighty. The perfect farewell for outgoing Creative Director Christopher Bailey. uk.burberry.com

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FASHION • NOTES BRAND PROFILE

MILITARY DRESS

Khaite

BURBERRY X

NET-A-PORTER

Who needs The Nutcracker this Christmas when you’ve got Burberry’s military jacket?

Part of the brand’s exclusive capsule collection for Net-aPorter, the stand-to-attention collar and gilded frogging will give Clara’s handsome prince a run for his money; £2,995. net-a-porter.com

The brand redefining wardrobe 'basics'

WHO?

GREY LADY KITRI

SAY MY NAME SOPHIE HULME

What do you give the girl who has everything?

A personalised designer bag, of course. Head to Burlington Arcade this December for Sophie Hulme’s new personalisation service, which allows you to embellish your bag with everything from leather letters to gold embossing. sophiehulme.com

Born from the frustration of not being able to find well-made designs at purse-friendly prices, KITRI is the label making the high street a little more exclusive. Each design is produced in limited quantities, making outfit clashing a thing of the past; £125.

Khaite is the new fashion label created by womenswear designer Catherine Holstein.

The brand, which means ‘long flowing hair’ in Greek, only launched in 2016, yet within 18 months has attracted over 50 influential global stockists, including Matchesfashion and Net-a-Porter.

WHAT? After noticing a gap in the market for strong, feminine design, Holstein set about creating a brand that offered ‘buy now - love forever’ pieces. Eschewing fashion’s love of fleeting trends, Khaite’s polished staples balance functionality with luxury. The result? Sharp ’90s-inspired suiting, slouchy, butter-soft cashmere and fluid slip dresses.

kitristudio.com

Well heeled JIMMY CHOO

The festive season is the perfect opportunity to wear those inadvisable shoe purchases that have sat unworn in your wardrobe for months. You know the ones we’re talking about. Jimmy Choo’s South Pumps might get stuck in air vents and look like drowned creatures when wet (we're looking at you pompoms). But do we care? Nope, not even a little bit; £750.

brownsfashion.com

WHERE? Based in New York, Khaite has garnered international acclaim amongst the fashion community - Caroline de Maigret and Lily Aldridge are known fans. The brand’s jeans have been a particular hit, however we’ve been won over by Khaite's surprisingly chic collection of bodysuits, which will prove an invaluable layering tool this winter.

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

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FASHION • PRODUCTS MARC JACOBS Plissé Crepe de Chine Midi Skirt, £445; 24sevres.com

EMILIA WICKSTEAD AW17

MAGGIE MARILYN Heart Whisper Ribbed Wool Sweater, £350; net-a-porter.com

BIMBA Y LOLA Red Chequered Coat, £395; bimbaylola.com

SEE BY CHLOÉ Tiered Ruffle-Trimmed Crepe Dress, £400; matchesfashion.com

VALEXTRA Iside Mini GrainedLeather Bag, £1,750; selfridges.com

SILK AND CASHMERE Gloves, £75; 77 Portobello Rd, W11 2QB

JOSEPH Cavalry Twill Ferrandi Trousers, £395; joseph-fashion.com

THE ROW Adela Velvet Mules, £880; matchesfashion.com

LADY IN RED

LA LIGNE Asymmetric Wrap-Effect Crepe Skirt, £390; net-a-porter.com

Stop traffic in this season’s hottest hue. Santa’s suit never looked so stylish B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

VICTORIA BECKHAM AW17

EDITOR’S PICK

PRADA Feather-Embellished Satin Sandals, £705; mytheresa.com

BALENCIAGA Oversized Ribbed Wool Turtleneck, £815; net-a-porter.com

BOYY Bobby 23 Leather Tote Bag, £725; brownsfashion.com

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

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Make a Wish...

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

PHILIPPEPFEIFFER.indd 1

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020 7377 9722

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

~

Giovanni Raspini has designed houses, furniture, household items and jewellery

Silver SERVICE Tuscan jeweller Giovanni Raspini opens a flagship store in London

G

~

various sizes, alternating with transparent, natural stone gables in six colours.

Tuscan architect and designer Giovanni Raspini has designed houses, furniture, household items and jewellery for nearly a half century. “Designing is about looking forward to the future, I have always wanted to build my own pieces, making my designs real.” He explains: “For years, I have lived and worked in my house in the hills in Tuscany, in a 16th century country residence where I have built my own studio. Here, surrounded by the things I like, I plan and design my creations. I love working with hot wax models and seeing forms take shape”.

Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

iovanni Raspini jewellery has long combined classic beauty with contemporary design, creating intricate handmade pieces using the finest materials in the heart of Tuscany.

Attention to detail has remained integral to the brand, ensuring quality collections that stand the test of time.

Conceived and meticulously handmade in house, Raspini’s designs are created with an artist’s passion and realised with the skill and dedication of craftsmen.

The four new collections remain faithful to their signature Tuscan aesthetic combining silver settings with beautiful semi-precious stones.

This year the brand has opened its first flagship store on South Molton Street, showcasing Raspini’s stunning collections in all their glory. Each piece has a strong identity, taking inspiration from the beauty of the land, the deep blue of the sea and the subterranean green nature that Tuscany is so famous for. The Milky Way collection is punctuated with elegant stone inserts and interchanging tones of grey, blue and azure, while the Tree of Life collection takes inspiration from the symbolic interlacing of the branches and leaves of life. For more modern tastes, the Chelsea collection reimagines the classic chain link necklace, resulting in pieces that are both light and elegant.

Finally, the Village collection is created using hammered silver spheres of

Giovanni Raspini is specialised in jewellery, sculptures and homewear, and has boutiques in Monaco, Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples and Brescia.

5 South Molton Street, W1K 5QE giovanniraspini.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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MODERN ROMANCE Escape to a world of fashion fantasy this party season with Jenny Packham’s ethereal gowns

Jenny Packham SS18 available at jennypackham.com and the brand’s flagship store: Mount Street, Mayfair W1K

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Swiss-made Swiss-made limited limited editions editions

Daphne Daphne Signature Signature GoldGold

View View the full thecollection full collection at www.dumaurierwatches.com at www.dumaurierwatches.com from £440 from £440 Tel: 01460 Tel: 01460 220720 220720

Classic Classic time time for creative for creative mindsminds du Maurier du & Maurier the du & Maurier the du logo Maurier are registered logo are registered trademarks trademarks of du Maurier of du Watches Maurier Watches Ltd. © 2016 Ltd.du © Maurier 2016 du Watches.

Maurier Watches.

All rightsAll reserved. rights reserved.

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Credit: Coast aw17

FASHION • GIFT GUIDE YOLKE

Blossom Silk Lounge Suit, £335; yolke.co.uk

JO MALONE

English Oak & Redcurrant Body and Hand Wash, £30; jomalone.co.uk

CLUSE

Lizard and Pearl Watch, £79.95; clusewatches.com

ABRAMS

Yves Saint Laurent by Farid Chenoune and Florence Muller, £50; net-a-porter.com

BELLA FREUD

Grey Cashmere 1970 Jumper, £390; farfetch.com

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTY

MULBERRY

Darley Small Grain Leather Bag - Oxblood, £550; johnlewis.com

Les Yeux Noirs Lash Amplifying Lacquer, £55; selfridges.com

GIFTS FOR HER WAREHOUSE

Disc Chandelier Earrings, £10; warehouse.co.uk

GUCCI

BEE GODDESS

Star Drop Earrings, £1,525; harrods.com

EDITOR’S PICK

What to give the girl who has everything...

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

NO.22

Bookshelf Scented Candle, £39; conranshop.co.uk

Leather Belt, £320; gucci.com

BLAZÉ MILANO

Jealousy Everyday Velvet Blazer, £1,295; matchesfashion.com

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

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Christmas for cooks, covered.

Whether they’re a kitchen novice or a globetrotting gourmet, Leiths School of Food and Wine has a perfect present for the foodie in your life.

For skills-based, cuisine-focused and guest chef cookery courses, cookbooks, knife sets and gift vouchers, visit the Leiths website.

Leiths.com/christmas | 020 8749 6400 | info@leiths.com LEITHS.indd 1

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FASHION • PRODUCTS PULLMAN EDITIONS Murder on the Orient Express poster, £395; pullmaneditions.com

KENT & CURWEN Men’s shearling coat, £1,895; Exclusive to Covent Garden store

MATT SMITH FOR BURBERRY AW17, photographer: Alasdair McLellan; burberry.com

BELVEDERE Limited edition red vodka, £38; clos19.com

MASTER & DYNAMIC MH 40 Over-ear headphones, £369; masterdynamic.co.uk

JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN Cashmere reversible scarf, £165; johnstonscashmere.com

PENHALIGON’S Blenheim bouquet shaving soap, £36; penhaligons.com

MCQ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

GIFTS FOR HIM

Striped rollback sweater, £295; mrporter.com

PENHALIGON’S

Boys toys the guys will love B y H E L E N B R OW N

Nickel Shaving Set, £146; penhaligons.com

JO MALONE 154 Cologne, £90; jomalone.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK JOHN LOBB

THE BOATYARD DISTILLERY Old Tom Gin, £55; harrods.com

Larry suede Chelsea boots, £1,260; mrporter.com

BERLUTI Jour-off leather travel bag, £2,490; berluti.com

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

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A proven, clinically-tested formula of anti-ageing nutrients.

A unique, day & night approach works around the clock to deliver the right targeted nutritional support at the right time.

Alongside Lumity’s phyto-nutrient rich, all-natural facial oil, the feel-alive blend of nutrients in the supplements sustain optimum health, vitality and beauty all day, every day.

Join thousands of strong women worldwide who are loving life with Lumity.

SHOP ONLINE

www.l um i ty l i f e. co . u k

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

TULLE COOL ESTÉE LAUDER

Make like Kendall this Christmas and give the gift of glamour. Estée Lauder’s giftsets will win over any beauty-lover. Our top pick? Worth over £298, The Blockbuster Collection contains all the cosmetics you could ever need; £65. esteelauder.co.uk

Beauty Notes: Glow-boosting beauty and Yuletide treats 54 • Party-ready makeup 57 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

Usher in December with glow-boosting beauty, facial fitness and Yuletide treats

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

1 2 BEST BUY

5 OF THE BEST B E AU T Y C H R I ST M A S C R AC K E R S

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4 5 1. Caudalie Vinosource Christmas Cracker Skincare Gift Set, £10; lookfantastic.com. 2 Decléor Surprise Cracker Gift Set, £12; johnlewis.com. 3. Cowshed Body Care Cracker, £12; libertylondon.com. 4. Molton Brown Exquisite Treats Cracker, £20; boots.com. 5. Fresh Skincare Gift Set, £24; johnlewis.com

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Merry & Bright

JO MALONE LONDON

There’s no mistaking Jo Malone London’s packaging: cream and black, finished with an elegant grosgrain ribbon. This year, the iconic box gets a high fashion makeover with the help of Jonathan Saunders. Bursting with colour, these one-off designs will bring some glamour to your dressing table.

jomalone.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

FACIAL FITNESS

SALON REVIEW

BROWHAUS

FACEGYM

FaceGym is the world’s first face training studio which set the industry abuzz with its twist on the traditional facial. This season, the brand is extending its expertise to skincare with a range of customisable serums.

The three-step process allows you to choose from a number of skin-loving ingredients - from cacau to coffee bean - to create a truly personalised formula.

The perfect present for beauty buffs.

The perfect lunchtime pick-me-up W o r d s J OY M O N TG O M E RY

U

nless you’ve been hiding under a rock then you’ll know that brows are big news right now. Taking over from the grooming trinity of hair, skin and nails, brows have become a hot point of discussion, in-depth analysis and subject to a whole host of specialised treatments.

Browhaus is the first and only concept store to specialise in brow and lash grooming services. With stores across the globe Singapore, London, New York and Hong Kong to name a few - the brand has clearly caught onto something. Created with the image-conscious urbanite in mind, Browhaus prides itself on its fusion of function and style: technical proficiency with a stunning and fashionable end result.

facegym.com

5-A-DAY ALPHA-H

VITAMIN C SERUM

One for all TO M F O R D B OY S & G I R L S

50 boys meets 50 girls for Tom Ford’s latest lipstick line. Inspired by the original Lips & Boys concept, this collection of 100 clutch-sized lip colours are inspired by the individuals in Tom Ford’s life. From matte pinks to glossy, pigment-packed reds - there’s a look for every occasion; £29. tomford.com

As winter descends, it’s important to up your vitamin intake.

The same applies to your skin. AlphaH’s Vitamin C serum blends botanicals with hydrating hyaluronic acid to provide an antioxidant boost; £43.50 qvcuk.com

SLEIGH BELLES M AC C O S M E T I C S

Christmas is the only time of year when you can justifiably go crazy for all things gold and glittery without looking like a five-year-old. Luckily for us, MAC’s holiday collection is a veritable celebration of all things bling. From lipstick sets to mascara kits, there's plenty of festive beauty to keep your makeup bag happy.

maccosmetics.co.uk

We’ve stopped by Browhaus’ Chelsea branch for a Basic Brow Shaping treatment.

Just off the busy King's Road, the venue prides itself on its quirky, personality-filled interiors, complete with wood-panelled walls and statement furnishings. Each of the ‘brow beds’ is separated by a screen, and the general atmosphere is relaxed and friendly yet professional.

After having our eyebrows analysed (one is thicker than the other, apparently) our therapist starts the shaping process concentrating on creating symmetry. Usually a process we dread, the threading itself is surprisingly painless and over before we know it. As requested, they have kept the natural fullness of the brow, while cleaning up the stray hairs and refining the overall shape. The perfect fit-in-your-lunchtime speed treatment.

Basic Brow Shaping £18 330 King's Road SW3 browhaus.com

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Moschino AW17

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

BENEFIT Bad Gal Lash, £18.50; benefitcosmetics.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Instant Eye Palette, £60; charlottetilbury.com

BENEFIT Hoola Quickie Contour Stick, £19.98; lookfantastic.com

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter, £32; johnlewis.com

VIOLET VOSS Super Sparkles, £9.50; cultbeauty.co.uk

ZOEVA

ESTÉE LAUDER

Calli Graphic, £7.50; selfridges.com

Double Wear Makeup, £32.50; houseoffraser.com

ZOEVA Opulence Blush Palette, £12.50; zoevacosmetics.com

DANCING QUEEN Get the party started with these dancefloor-ready staples

NARS Powermatte Pigment in American Woman, £23; narscosmetics.com

B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

TOM FORD Bronzing Powder in Terra, £52; harveynichols.com

KJAER WEIS Lustrous Bronzer, £41; cultbeauty.co.uk

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick, £16.50; maccosmetics.co.uk

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

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT ABSOLUTELY. LONDON

FASHION BEAUTY LIFESTYLE TRAVEL WHAT’S ON FOOD HOME

Sort Out Your Style With Absolutely’s Capsule Wardrobe Guide

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

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

4 Up-And-Coming British Designers To Watch

absolutely.london

YOUR GUIDE TO FASHIONABLE LONDON LIVING From the team behind Absolutely Magazines

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@AbsolutelyMagazines

@absolutely_mags

@absolutely_mags

11/07/2017 15:21

KITTED OUT

HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

Fitness essentials for your next session

NOTES

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HIIT THE GYM Discover the latest fitness craze

05

IT’S CHALLENGING

Illustration PHIL COUZENS

06 07

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1. S’well, Stainless Steel Water Bottle, £35; selfridges.com. 2. Mio Skincare, Clean Slate Workout Wipe, Pack of 25, £27; mioskincare. 3. Sony, H.ear On 2 Wireless NC Headphones, £250; sony.co.uk co.uk 4. Sweaty Betty, Luxe Gym Bag, £95; sweatbetty.com. 5. Lulu Lemon, Reversible Yoga Matt, £58; lululemon.com 6. VARLEY, Albata Black Sweat, £70; varley.com.

7. Nike, Free RN Flyknit 2017, £110; store. nike.com

Four fearsome workouts to try now...

We’ve rounded up London’s best HIIT classes for the ultimate sweat session

igh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has the fitness industry abuzz with its ability to torch maximum calories in minimum time. time. By completing short bursts working at your maximum, followed by periods of active rest, your body works harder than it does during steady-state cardio. As well as producing quick results, it gets you in and out of the gym in no time. Sounds like a win-win.

We spoke to Mila Lazar, head of HIIT at Another_Space, on the five reasons why it should be your next workout.

a short bursts, creates an oxygen deprivation that causes higher energy expenditure during the recovery that can last up to 48 hours. This will get your heart and body working to its max and achieving more than ever.

IT’S EFFICIENT HIIT workouts can be done in as little as 15 minutes and don’t require a ton of equipment. It's easy to do at home, in the park or in the corner of your local gym.

HIIT is not the kind of workout that lets you hold a conversation.

You’re active the entire time, using a range of motions that will work your whole body. Be prepared to seriously sweat.

IT’S ACTUALLY FUN

The after-burn produced during HIIT increases your metabolic rate and encourages your body to burn fat as an energy source rather than muscle mass. You'll shed fat without losing muscle definition.

At Another_Space, our aim is to not only push you in the workout, but create a fun environment. Our HIIT classes are no longer than 45 minutes and are equipped with boxing bags, TRX and sand bells, as well as bespoke playlists to power you through the workout.

STRONGER HEART

ANOTHER_SPACE

A fast-paced, ongoing repetition of the same exercise, executed in

4-10 Tower Street, WC2H; anotherspace.london

YOU’LL BURN FAT

South Kensington Club

Barry’s Bootcamp

Barrecore

1Rebel

● This half hour HIIT session is effective for anyone short of time.

Sprint intervals are intermitted with rest periods to boost both fitness and metabolism.

38-42 Harrington Road, SW7;

● Barry’s has a reputation for being one of the hardest workouts around. It combines treadmill routines with strength training to burn up to a whopping 1000 calories per session.

Various locations;

● HIIT is added to Barrecore’s signature format in what’s one of the most challenges workouts in their schedule. Not one for the faint hearted.

12 Turnham Green Terrace, W4;

● This highly intensive group workout interchanges strength training with the treadmill for the ultimate sweat session, with proven results in scultping and toning.

Various locations,

southkensingtonclub.com

barrysbootcamp.com

barrecorre.co.uk

1rebel.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

~ It tightens and tones

as the fat cells are liquefied, cellulite reduced and the skin smoothed

~

Party

READY Get in shape for the festive season with this cutting-edge treatment from Coco Nail Bar

T

hough Christmas is full of spectacular sweets and treats, there is also pressure to look your best. We all want to look great in that little black dress. Thankfully, there is a saving grace that is your ticket to a fabulous body.

Lipofirm Pro seems too good to be true, but it promises results after only one session.

The technology uniquely combines TriLipo Radiofrequency and TriLipo Dynamic Muscle Activation. The single applicator allows the two technologies to work simultaneously, resulting in non-invasive fat removal, lymphatic drainage and skin tightening.

Coco Nail Bar on Notting Hill's Portobello Road has recently introduced this

treatment. Performed by the lovely Mari, each treatment takes half an hour and is tailored to your needs and specifications. You can decide to focus on a variety of regions including your thighs, face, stomach or bottom.

For my session we decided to focus on the posterior thigh. Mari did well to explain each step of the process before beginning the treatment.

She measured my thigh in three different places and made a note of the measurement. This method allows you to see the changes not only from one session to the next, but from the start and end of a single treatment.

Mari had warned me there would be a bit of pain, but depending on your tolerance you can change the

intensity of the treatment. It was like little static shocks or flicks on the skin, a mild heat and the pressure of her hand working the applicator into my muscles.

I acclimatatized to the sensation quickly.

She spent 15 minutes on each leg, which would occasionally twitch due to the muscle activation pulses.

The radio frequencies generate heat throughout the tissue in the dermal and subcutaneous layers. Electro-heating of the skin stimulates fat metabolism and collagen remodeling. It helps tighten and tone as the fat cells are liquefied, cellulite reduced and the skin smoothed.

We chatted away and the session ended just as soon as it began. It was time to see the final results. Mari again measured three areas of my thigh and it was incredible to see the difference. I lost two inches of fat in a mere 30 minutes. She did alert me to the fact that I might experience some bruising and soreness as it was my first session. But that was one tiny setback in exchange for great results.

Lipofirm Pro is just one of many treatments you can enjoy at Coco Nail Bar. Treat yourself to manicures, pedicures, waxing and threading. They pride themselves on being a social space. Come with friends for a drink or two and a day of pampering. What a perfect way to get partyseson ready.

LIPOFIRM PRO Absolutely readers can get an introductory offer of £75 for the first treatment, usually priced at £180. 267 Portobello Road, W11; coconailbar.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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For a truly memorable festive season, bring your celebrations to Park Terrace.

Impress your guests with our specially designed festive packages, available for both lunch and dinner.

You can also indulge in our Festive Afternoon Tea, an ideal way to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Let our friendly team help you make the most of this festive season.

Festive packages from ÂŁ56 per person Afternoon Tea from ÂŁ31 per person

To make a booking, please contact us on parkterrace@royalgardenhotel.co.uk or call 020 7361 1999 2-24 KENSINGTON HIGH STREET LONDON W8 4PT TEL +44 (0)20 7937 8000 FAX +44 (0)20 7361 1991 WWW.ROYALGARDENHOTEL.CO.UK

RGH.indd 1 Festive Afternoon Tea Advert December.indd 1

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FOOD & DRINK

STOCKING FILLERS BISCUITEERS

For hand-made, unique presents that will make an impression, head to Biscuiteers. Their illustrated gift tins, stocking fillers and secret santas are ideal gifts for friends and family.

194 Kensington Park Road, W11 biscuiteers.com

Festive wine 64 • Best food hampers 65 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By MICHAEL LIM f r o m U L I R E S TA U R A N T

TASTING NOTES

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

By HANNAH HOPKINS

2017 Melodias Malbec, Trapiche, Argentina  £31 Softly textured with notes of violets, cherries and subtle hints of vanilla, this is the ideal wine for grilled meats like the typical Argentinian “asado”. It also goes very well with farmhouse cheddar and aubergine bakes.

2014 Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, Bertani, Italy  £54 With its intense notes of blackcurrant, red plums, raspberry and spice this bottle has a good balance between acidity and sweetness. It’s versatile thanks to its combination of softness and body and goes with anything from duck to tagliatelle al ragu.

2013 Ochoa Tempranillo Crianza, Navarra, Spain  £38 Perfect with a meal or a tapas; this wine is so easy to drink it begs a second glass. Good with grilled meats, casseroles and mature cheeses it has mild aromas of red berries with touches of vanilla typical of oak-aged crianzas. Best served between 16ºC-18ºC. ULI ULI offers a fresh approach to Asian cuisine with dishes made using traditional Chinese, Thai, Malay and Singaporean disciplines.

Originally based on the All Saints Road, ULI became a firm favourite among locals and critics. At its new home on Ladbroke Road, they serve lunch and dinner all week.

5 Ladbroke Road, W11; ulilondon.com

Winter Garden B L A K E S H OT E L

South-Kensington boutique hotel, Blakes, has transformed its Matthew Williamson designed courtyard into a Winter Garden for Christmas. Open every day, they’ll be serving raw dishes and champagne cocktails, along with a breakfast, lunch and evening menu from the hotel’s contemporary restaurant.

33 Roland Gardens, SW7 blakeshotels.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

EDITOR’S PICK

CLARIDGE'S Mayfair Hamper, £895, gift shop.claridges.co.uk

PAXTON & WHITFIELD The Ultimate Paxton's Collection, £1,000, paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

OTTOLENGHI Sweet Hamper £120, ottolenghi.co.uk

JAPANESE CHRISTMAS D I N I N G S SW 3

Celebrate the holiday season by indulging in the ultimate luxurious Omakase at Dinings SW3. The opulent menu features dishes including sea bass carpaccio with fresh truffle and ponzu jelly and sushi classics including Seared A3 Wagyu beef with foie gras and sweet soy and Chu-toro.

Lennox Gardens Mews, SW3 dinings.co.uk

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS Our pick of the best

ABEL & COLE The Big Hero Hamper £120, abelandcole.co.uk

SELFRIDGES Cheese & Wine Hamper £165, selfridges.com

FRENCH DELICACIES L A P O U L E AU P OT

At Belgravia-based French restaurant La Poule au Pot, the Christmas menu (three courses for £32.50) will be served throughout December, Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 6pm.

Ensure you have a hearty appetite to indulge French delicacies like smoked salmon roulade stuffed with crab, roasted guinea fowl and the crème de la crème: the crème brûlée.

231 Ebury Street, SW1W pouleaupot.co.uk

CARLUCCIO’S Il Grandioso Hamper £255, carluccios.com

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Festive fodder All your Christmas dining needs–plus how to carve the turkey

By PENDLE HARTE

GO FOR

GOOSE FA R M I S O N

Crowned 'best online butcher' for 2017, Farmison's credentials are flawless and their Christmas offering is predictably impressive. They're recommending cockerel, turkey and goose, all free range and the goose is game hung for 14 days. Order online and they'll deliver for free in time for the big day. The guaranteed happy birds come with chef tips and lashings of good cheer.

Free range goose to serve 8, ÂŁ130; farmison.com

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OUR FAVOURITE FIZZ

FOOD & DRINK • PRODUCTS

3 of the best champagnes

Click for Christmas A M A ZO N F R E S H

● A Lidgate's Great Taste Awardwinning Free Range bronze turkey can be yours wherever you live thanks to AmazonFresh, which delivers produce from the best local suppliers as well as all your standard Christmas supplies, from champagne to Christmas pud. Check your local options and put in an order. amazon.co.uk/fresh

BILLECARTSALMON Brut Sous Bois

£62.50

Captivating and original, this is an eternal favourite.

A fail-safe option for the festive table. champagnedirect.co.uk

ABS

OLU T E LY LOV ES

Carving the turkey is one of the most important Christmas jobs, though it fills many of us with fear. Here’s the definitive guide to slicing your bird, from the experts at Copas

1

Remove turkey from roasting tray and allow to rest in a warm place for 15-30 minutes for a better carving experience. Don’t forget to remove any netting or string at this time.

2

Sharpen your carving knife in a downward ‘away from you’ motion.

3

Hold the turkey leg by the knuckle and twist off while cutting close to the body to expose the dark leg meat. Carve this meat in to thick slices and separate the drumstick, tak-ing care to carve around or remove the two or three thin sharp tapered bones which are parallel to the main leg bone.

BRUNO PAILLARD Premiere Cuvee MV

£44.99

The ageing process is particularly important at Champagne Bruno Paillard.

Selfridges

Salmon pink

4

Remove the wing by twisting close to the body and cut-ting between the joint, not through the bones. Cut in half, then carve or pull away the meat from the bone.

5

Once the legs and wings have been removed, cut the breast meat from one side at an angle following the breast bone, repeating on the other side only when required.

Carv-ing on an angle will make the most of the grain of the meat. We prefer thicker slices (approx 5-10mm), which allow you to savour the full flavour and succulence of the meat.

6

Don’t underestimate how much meat can be found on the sides of the bird, close to the backbone – here you’ll find the ‘oysters’, a succulent round piece of meat, which are always fought over in the Copas household.

TRADITIONAL SMOKY

● The UK's best smoked salmon comes from two of the last remaining traditional smokehouses, Coln Valley (favoured by Waitrose) and John Ross Jnr (holder of the Royal Warrent) both offer beautifully delicate, high class products. johnrossjnr.com.co.uk colnvalley.co.uk

WHAT A CARVE-UP

NICHOLAS FEUILLATTE Brut Reserve

£35

This quintessential blend comes with a limited edition sleeve this season.

John Lewis

7

When you think you’ve finished carving your turkey, leave the carcass to cool and remove the remainder of the meat from the bone by hand to store for sandwiches. Keep the carcass for soup stock.

copasturkeys.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

Christmas is firmly on the menu at ULI this season. Our cosy terrace is adorned with a ceiling of fresh foliage and hundreds of hanging baubles, while the main restaurant is glittering with stars, creating the perfect setting for both intimate festive gatherings, or larger celebratory parties.

Feast from one of three set menu options for groups of six or more, each offering a selection of our favourite dishes where there’s something delicious for everyone.

5 L ADBROKE ROAD

NOTTING HILL

@ULILOND ON

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24/11/2017 16:15

FOOD & DRINK • VENUES

In the

Palace The Historic Royal Palaces offer lots of princely private dining options

T

here is so much to consider when planning a private dinner – how do you narrow down a guestlist? Which food do you serve that will appeal to all of your guests’ varying tastes? And how do you decide on the perfect location to hold it? Too often a hotel dining room becomes the failsafe venue option, but this is neither an original nor particularly exciting prospect for invitees.

Luckily for you, the team at Historic Royal Palaces can offer a far better option; they open the doors to one-of-a-kind spaces across London so you can deliver a traditional dinner with a twist. Whether it’s a milestone occasion or festive knees-up, your guests are going to be wowed as soon as they arrive.

First up, the Tower of London,

home to the world’s most famous Crown Jewels and steeped in over 900 years of history, from imprisoned monarchs and rebellions to lions, tigers and bears (oh my!).

Best of all, you can arrange a truly unique private dinner within the walls of this ancient fortress.

Step into St Thomas’ Tower for an intimate dinner in the King’s colourful bedchamber - complete with four poster bed - or invite a larger crowd to experience feasting in the oldest and most recognisable building, the White Tower. No dinner is complete without a private tour of the famous Crown Jewels too.

Fancy a right royal experience for the evening? Hampton Court Palace has hosted lavish parties for centuries, so is no stranger to a shindig, while Kensington Palace is one of the most stylish royal residences. Experience a banquet

“No dinner is complete without a private tour of the Crown Jewels”

By E V E H E R B E R T

like a monarch in Hampton Court Palace’s Great Hall, one of the last medieval spaces in Britain, or venture inside Kensington Palace to the King’s State Apartments which include the distinctive Cupola Room, and The Kings Gallery – the palace’s largest room - seating 100 for dinner.

Are your festive feasts usually more drab than dazzling? You have yet to dine in the breathtaking Banqueting House. The Main Hall is lined with stunning pillars which take your eye to Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpiece ceiling, originally commissioned for James I and a genuinely awe-inspiring sight.

Make use of the space with up to 380 guests or create an intimate feel for a select few with some strategically placed décor. James I’s original drinking den, the Undercroft, also makes for a wonderfully personal dinner setting.

All this extravagance comes with a feel-good bonus too. Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity, so by enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime dinner experience in a world famous historical venue, you are contributing to the conservation, public access and education activities of these historical treasures, so that they remain well maintained and open for all to enjoy. hrp.org.uk/hireavenue A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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QUAIL LONDON 0208 899 6051

QL.indd 1

Canapés & Private Events

www.quaillondon.com

27/10/2017 16:51

Christmas Order Book Now Open!

OFFICE / 02039527001

Free-Range Well Bred Grass Fed 247 Pavilion Rd, London, SW1X 0BP T: 0207 625 1067 www.provenancevillagebuthcer.com

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Once you've tasted exotic Bahraini flavours you'll be back time and again”

Villa Mama’s

FOOD Exotic flavours from the Khaleej, Persia and beyond

Bringing Bahraini dishes to London Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

R

oaya Saleh opened the original Villa Mama’s in the Saar district of Bahrain six years ago and now good-ol’ London is firmly in her sights. Her new opening on Elystan Street in Chelsea is a real adventure for the chef and restaurateur, who has drawn on her rich Bahraini heritage and travels to create Villa Mama’s - the UK version. The menu of seasonal, home-style dishes

combine flavours and traditions from across the Khaleej, Persia and beyond, so if you haven't tried these flavours before, you’re in for a treat.

Cooking was in Roaya’s blood from an early age. Summers spent on her family farm gave her the opportunity to learn about growing fruit and vegetables. This passion for fresh produce is evident in the clever combinations at Villa Mama’s.

Sharing plates are a mainstay of the menu. ‘Mezzeh’ offerings includes ‘khubus’, a tandoor-cooked flatbread, served with meyhawa, a Bahraini

DECOR Traditional Bahraini cafe style, ideal for alfresco drinks

PRICE Starters from £7.95, Mains from £14.50, Dessert from £6.50

speciality of fermented sardine sauce (made especially for Villa Mama’s

by Roaya’s aunt); ‘mathrooba’, slow-cooked chicken, rice and cracked wheat and lamb and feta kofta finished with cherry molasses.

Larger plates include ‘sayadieh’, turbot cooked in fragrant stock with pilaf and crisp onions; and ‘tacheen’ for two, a saffron rice cake layered with spiced chicken and pine nuts.

We particularly loved the unusual desserts, including ‘muhalabia’, rose water rice pudding with almonds and pomegranate and ‘um ali’, an Egyptian bread and butter pudding.

Wine is well priced, you can get ‘house’ glasses from £6 and the creative cocktails are both delicious and Instagram worthy. We tried the ‘prunus’, plum, basil, Swedish bitters and lemon with golden rum.

The restaurant itself is styled as a traditional Bahraini café with outdoor benches for alfresco diners, handmade Turkish curtains, vintage chapel chairs and colour scatter cushions.

After your meal, you’ll be tempted to pick up homemade jams and spices from the in-house shop, and once you’ve tasted Bahraini flavours you’ll be back time and again.

VERDICT Clever combinations and dishes you'll want to have time and again

● VILLA MAMA’S 25-27 Elystan Street, SW3; 020 3034 0777 villamamas.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Get set...

Bake

Need a bit of encouragement in the baking department? Try a day course at Leiths

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

S

lide to the left, then roll to the right. "You need to move with your dough," we're told, watching our teacher demonstrate a swift, neat, repetitive rolling action. It's harder to replicate than it looks, but once you get into the swing of it, it's quite a satisfying way to spend eight minutes. We are at Leith's Cookery School, making bread. This is a one-day beginners

72

course, aimed at people who have never been near yeast before, or who have tried and failed. We are here to experiment with basic bread recipes and to demystify the process.

We're not here to make Californian sourdough with Galapagos lava salt, but to produce a simple white loaf.

It's a sociable class, with 10 of us in all. There's a couple from out of town, celebrating an anniversary, a few people who have been gifted the class and a few others who are just keen to learn. It feels informal

It’s aimed at people who’ve never been near yeast before

FOOD & DRINK • SKILLS

and gentle, starting with coffee and pastries and finishing off with salads, charcuterie and wine for lunch.

Civilised, in fact.

So, I've mastered kneading and my eight minutes are up. We leave our white bread dough to rise and set to making a foccaccia, which is an even simpler mix with olive oil, and one that we're assured is incredibly simple to whip up for an impromptu dinner party. It rises quickly; we decorate it with rosemary and olives and there it is. Next we're doing a fruit soda bread, which is entirely different because it uses no yeast at all, so there's no rising and no proving – just mix and bake, like a cake, only it's a bread. With its dried fruit and hazelnuts this one is particularly good with cheese, we're told. While that's in the oven we quickly learn how to make breakfast muffins before our lunch arrives. An impressive spread of salads, cured meats and – of course – house bread appears. Our white loaves are proved and oven-ready so while those bake, we sit to discuss our achievements and further baking ambitions. Soon, sated and full of plans, we pack up our creations (one white bloomer, one olive foccaccia and one fruity soda bread), collect our certificates (a nice touch, this) and leave. I'm looking forward to enrolling on breadmaking part two – and I'll be giving loved ones some course vouchers for Christmas too.

Leiths offers cookery classes in a wide range of subjects. How To Cook Bread – Part 1 is next scheduled for 18 February. The day course lasts from 10am to 2.30pm and costs £155.

Vouchers are available at leiths.com

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

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PATCHI CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE AND CONFECTIONARY ROOM GROUND FLOOR AT HARRODS

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THE WOLSELEY

FOOD & DRINK • GIFTS

Preserves & Spreads Gift Set, £18.75 thewolseley.com

HAWKSMOOR

LAURENT-PERRIER

Restaurants & Recipes, Preface Publishing, £30 penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Cuvée Rosé Robe Métal Avec Bouteille, £55 thechampagnecompany.com

CARELESS BISCUIT CO. Christmas Tree Biscuit, £10 harrods.com

CARLUCCIO’S Hanging Stocking Fillers, from £2.95 carluccios.com

HARRODS Dark Chocolate Roasted Hazelnut Biscuits, £9.50 harrods.com

CARLUCCIO'S Panettone, £9.95 carluccios.com

FESTIVE FOOD

CANNON & CANNON The Ultimate Christmas Tin, £65 cannonandcannon.com

Gifts to impress gastronomes this Christmas

By HANNAH HOPKINS

RÈMY MARTIN XO, £140 thewhiskyexchange.com

SIPSMITH Martini Mixology Set, £95 sipsmith.com

PIERRE MARCOLINI 'Journey To The Moon' Collection, from £15 uk.marcolini.com

EDITOR’S PICK

THE IVY Set of Six Limited Edition Crackers, £50 The Mount Street Deli

CARLUCCIO'S Cherry Liqueur Chocolates, £9.95 carluccios.com

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

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Gift Guide Get Christmas-ready with the help of London's top business talents

JIMMIE MARTIN Jimmie Martin brings style and luxury with the ‘Naughty Angel’ collection consisting of exclusive statement pieces. Customise these stunning sculptures with that personal touch. The naughty angels would be a talking point in any place.

View their entire collection at: jimmiemartin.com or visit their store 77 Kensington Church Street, W8; Stock available at £1250.00

PULLMAN EDITIONS PULLMAN EDITIONS designs striking original limited-edition posters that capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Their newly-commissioned posters feature glamorous winter sports and summer resorts around the world, as well as the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Evoking memories of holidays and special occasions, their modern take on the Art Deco classics make super original gifts.

There are over 100 designs available to view and buy online at pullmaneditions.com. Priced at £395 each.

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PINES AND NEEDLES Shop online or instore for premium grown real Christmas trees and decorations. Premium London Services available include decoration, installation, light installation and removal. Select your own tree at pop-up stores in Fulham Broadway, Notting HIll. Pimlico,Wandsworth Bridge Road & West Hampstead; tree, festive decoration set and decoration service from £233.85. pinesandneedles.com/christmas-tree-stores

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

GINA CONWAY

ZAEEM JAMAL

Gina Conway salons and spas offer the very best hair and beauty experiences to make you gorgeous this Christmas season. Achieve perfect party hair with naturally derived Aveda colour and a luxury blow-dry, or brighten your skin with an indulgent Tulasara facial. Also available in the salons are limited edition Aveda gift sets filled with the purest flower and plant products and packaged with handmade paper from Nepal.

62 Westbourne Grove W2; 020 7229 6644 ginaconway.co.uk

Whether you're after a new gown, metallic pumps, or you just want to explore the Winter Wonderland wardrobe, a visit to Chelsea’s King of Couture, Zaeem Jamal, is a must. Find your dream cape from the wonderful array of warm, but easy to wear classics such as this graceful and luxurious deep lined velvet hooded cape to ensure the perfect entrance, wherever this season’s festivities take you.

Flagship: 309 Kings Road, SW3 Tel: 0207 100 2072 Bespoke: Park Street, SW6; Email: vip@zaeemjamal.com

SILK AND CASHMERE Looking for a gift that will make your loved ones feel every bit as good as they look? Discover an unrivaled array of cashmere, silk garments and accessories at 77 Portobello Road.

Use code ABSOLUTELY10 in the month of December for an extra 10% off!

77 Portobello Road, W11 silkandcashmere.com

QUAIL LONDON

HEDONISM WINES

Quail's founder appeared on MasterChef 2012 before developing his own range of canapés.

Based in Chiswick, Quail London provides corporate and private clients with anything from canapés to a fully integrated party. They focus on striking presentation and high quality ingredients often with an Asian twist. Absolutely readers will receive three bottles of Harrow & Hope to get the party started. Minimum spend £500. quaillondon.com

With over 70 complimentary wine, spirit and champagne tastings throughout December, plus over 8,000 fine wines and rare spirits to choose from, Hedonism Wines is the perfect place to find an exclusive gift from the most talked-about wine venture of recent times.

There's free delivery within central London plus quick and efficient shipping to UK and worldwide destinations.

3-7 Davies Street, W1K 3LD; 020 7290 7870; drink@hedonism.co.uk

HARRIET KELSALL Since 1998 Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has been designing beautiful jewellery for people all over the world. They have won more than 20 UK and international awards for design, business, ethics and innovation, including Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year 2016 at the UK Jewellery Awards. Online read- 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 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BESPOKE ENGLISH KITCHENS www.connaughtkitchens.co.uk . London

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INTERIORS

DECORATE THE SUBTLE CHRISTMAS We're looking at a more stylish, pared-back Christmas this year.

Decorations are conceptual rather than tinselly and we're loving the Scandi styles. A vase, some twigs, a few baubles. Repeat all over the house. fermliving.com

Interior inspirations 80 • Cosy winter home essentials 93 • Stylish decorations 94 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

In the DETAIL AILANTO DESIGN The Juggler Quietly Enchanting is a wonderful name for a wallpaper. This design by Amanda Ferragamo is something you can stare at endlessly; it's child-like but sophisticated, magical but also subtle. Ailanto Design was founded earlier this year by Amanda Ferragamo and her style is original and captivating. ailantlodesign.com

VELVET REVOLUTION BROSTE COPENHAGEN

Velvet is everywhere this season and the soft, luxurious fabric brings a touch of class, sensuality and warmth to any room. Broste Copenhagen has a great range of products in a plush velvet in this winter collection, including their first furniture range. brostecopenhagen.com

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INTERIOR • NOTES O

F AV UR

CA

OR

ITE

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ACQUA DI PARMA Silver gems Christmas candle, £90 johnlewis.com

DIPTYQUE Frosted forest Christmas candle, £48 spacenk.com

APOTHEKE BROOKLYN

IT'S A DATE

Bamboo candle, £36, Sonder Living at Harrods

INKY HUES FARROW AND BALL

Dark walls come into their own at Christmas, when nothign is cosier than a roaring fire and a heap of presents. Farrow and Ball's beautiful inky shades will create a luxe feel for any interior this winter. farrow-ball.com

FERM LIVING

Embrace the passing of time in 2018 with this large wall sticker calendar.

Decorative diarising is the best way to do it, and with no paper to throw away, the wipe-clean chalkboard is totally sustainable too. fermliving.com

JO LOVES Plum Pudding candle, £55 joloves.com

RONNY COLBIE Lake Muskoa candle, £70 ronniecolbie.com

EDITOR’S PICK

THE CHAPEL Noctula scented candle, £65 thechapel.co.uk

RIFLE PAPER CO Holiday candle, £30 papermash.co.uk

URBAN APOTHECARY Bay Berry candle, £30 urbanapothecary.com

MADE IN BERLIN

STUDIO HAUSER

The Link shelving system is our favourite new German export; its flexible design and endless combinations make a stylish and practical storage solution. studiohauser.com

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IMMERSIVE DESIGN Absolutely tours the new Skandium Townhouse, London’s new Scandinavian dream home Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

T

he notion of Scandinavian style is definitely in danger of overexposure. Last year’s frenzy over hygge and the eternal popularity of pale spaces has led to the most universal of looks being credited with having a Scandinavian influence.

Well over a million instagram posts are tagged #scandinaviandesign and most of them show allwhite rooms with angular furniture, lit candles and maybe a plant. Is that really what Scandinavian design is about? Has the whole idea lost its meaning?

Design store Skandium has quietly been selling Scandinavian furniture and homeware in London for nearly 20 years, since way before hygge and is best described as the ‘United Nations of Scandinavian Design’, in the words of co-founder Christina Schmidt. The store showcases the best of Scandinavian modernism in different forms; furniture and textiles are found alongside toys and kitchenware, including mugs with the loveable Moomin characters. Christina Schmidt and Magnus Englund founded the store in response to having a design epiphany over a cooking pot in Finland. The pot (made

by Iittala) seemed to them to epitomise simplicity; it was a pot like a child’s drawing of a pot, combining quality

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

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 • SPOTLIGHT

~ “This design is

beautiful and relevant, existing outside of fashion and relying on craftsmanship and quality”

~

Skandium’s new homeware mecca, in a two-storey building at 35-36 Thurloe Place – directly opposite the Townhouse - showcases a range of soft furnishings, accessories and one of the largest collections of Scandinavian lighting in London. skandium.com

materials with perfect proportion to create a fully satisfying piece of functional design with no excess, no frills, no fuss. It was the essence of potness. And from this they devised their philosophy of design that is beautiful and relevant, existing outside fashion and relying on craftsmanship and quality.

And now Skandium has rolled out its vision in the form of an entire home.

The pioneering retail vision sees a four-storey house at 31 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, transformed into a fully shoppable, Scandinavian-inspired home, with living rooms, dining areas, a reading nook, a children’s bedroom and even a Scandinavian garden. Skandium’s design team explained: “Working within the natural scale of a residential property, we are able to demonstrate exactly how our customers can capture the unique character of Scandinavian living in their own homes. The residential-meets-retail space has been populated with our engaging mix of modernist masterpieces and future classics, expertly curated for the design conscious and the curious.”

Walking round, it is impossible not to wish this was your actual house. Everything fits together but doesn’t feel overly matching; it feels individually created rather than put together by a brand.

If Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, that doesn’t translate into it being boring because there’s a wide variety of shapes, materials, textiles and influences on show, with pieces dating to all periods of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Fritz Hansen chairs, Örsjö Belysning lamps, and Iittala glassware are able to shine like never before. Schmidt explains ‘Scandinavian design is perceived by many people as rather boring if they don’t understand it, because it is not made to impress you, it is made to live with you like an old friend. It’s just comfortable and easy.’

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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House

Work

How this unloved Victorian conversion in west London became a stylish contemporary home

I

By HARRIET FERNANDES

n December 2014 we bought a beautiful red brick Victorian maisonette on a quiet residential street on the border of Shepherds Bush and Acton. We had spent the summer scouring the listings for the right place and when we saw this one pop up at auction, we knew it had something special about it - it had good bones, high ceilings and it was bright. This was to be our third renovation project and our first proper home together. We were beyond excited to get stuck in.

But the property didn’t come without its challenges. It hadn’t been touched since the 1930s and was in desperate need of some

love. It was a big job. We ripped everything out, stripped it back to the bare bones and started from scratch. My husband Iain worked on the house every day for a year, and pretty much did everything himself.

We built a double loft conversion with balcony and commissioned bespoke timber windows to replicate the originals which had been ripped out by previous owners. We rebuilt a charming little Victorian style conservatory at the back of the kitchen, perfect for growing tomatoes and gazing out at the garden over a morning coffee.

We knocked down both partition walls towards the back of the house, creating a wonderfully

“We bought ceramics in Mexico and curios at Chiswick car boot”

INTERIORS • FOCUS

open and sunny kitchen. The tiny conservatory leads down to the garden, transforming the space and allowing light to flood into the room through the glass roof and ample windows. We sourced salvaged floorboards from a timber yard just outside London, time-weathered shelves from a cheese factory in Denmark and Iain made polished concrete worktops for the kitchen.

We layered classic, earthy textures in a muted colour palette that would complement the building and stand the test of time.

Iain and I have always loved to travel and we are avid collectors.

We bought carved door knobs and textiles from India, prints and ceramics from Mexico and oddities and curios from Chiswick car boot.

Overall, I think we’ve achieved an eclectic mix of homewares and furnishings worked in with the rich and rugged patina of the decor, creating something that is functional, beautiful and uniquely ours.

We now run a renovation and interiors company, running both residential and commercial jobs, along with installs for pop-ups and artwork. Iain has been in the building trade for over 20 years, and am a prop stylist and set designer.

Exciting times ahead. fernandes-co.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Sweetpea & Willow L O V E T H E WAY Y O U L I V E POP IN TO OUR SHOWROOM FOR YOUR L AST MINUTE CHRISTMAS PURCHASE. A L L S T O C K AVA I L A B L E T O TA K E AWAY I N DECEMBER!

CHESHIRE DINING TABLE ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS! AVAILABLE IN 200, 240 AND 280CM

BLE AVA IL A 0 0 3 R E V IN O S! IC FA B R

BALFOUR SOFA HOUSE VELVET - FOREST GREEN

Come and See Us, We’re Local!

ARIEL BED LUXURY VELVET - CLOUD

THE SHOWROOM (FREE PARKING) Unit 15, The Metro Centre, St John’s Road, Isleworth, TW7 6NJ

LUXURIOUS UPHOLSTERED BEDS, STUNNING HANDMADE SOFAS, EXQUISITE HOME ACCESSORIES AND MORE. PLUS THOUSANDS OF FABRICS TO CHOOSE FROM. THE PROSECCO AND MINCE PIES ARE ON US!

WWW.SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM 0345 257 2627

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OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY* 9.00 - 4.30PM *Open Saturday 9th December 10.00 - 4.00PM

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS 1

SCORES ON DOORS All the finest Christmas wreaths

By PENDLE HARTE

2

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Fragrant fancy

Wildabout A contemporary twist on the traditional wreath at Wildabout adds succulents, limes, blossom, and berries as well as fragrant cinnamon, oranges and eucalyptus. Wreaths come in three sizes and range from £80 to £270. wildabout.co.uk

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Do It Yourself

White Christmas

Lavender Green Lavender Green Flowers is encouraging customers to put their creativity to the test, with wreath-making classes and ‘Pick Your Own’ wreath sets to be assembled at home. The Chelseabased florist also has lots of chic decoration ideas too. lavendergreen.co.uk

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5

Faux Fabulous

Abigail Aherne Nature-inspired faux botanical stems make the basis of Abigail Aherne's impressive wreaths, and her wreath-making workshops are playful, fun and enlightening. £90 for 90 minutes in the Islington store; booking is required. abigailahern.com

4

Pulbrook & Gould Wreaths are borderline surreal at luxury florist Pulbrook & Gould, where non-standard embedded items include plastic dinosaurs, toy hippos, antlers and – our favourite – white forest animals in this Narnia-themed one, £495. pulbrookandgould.co.uk

5

Style Guide

Floom Online florist Floom will be donating a percentage of each collaborative wreath sale towards Make-A-Wish, the charity for children fighting life-threatening conditions. There's a wide selection of creative pieces to choose from, starting at £45. floom.com

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GOLBORNE DELI & BISTRO WE AR E YOU R LO C A L E S PR E SS O BA R & D E LI TO US, FOOD & COFFEE IS SYNONYMOUS WITH FRESHNESS, QUALITY 1 0 0 G O L B O R N E R OA D, W 1 0 5 P S | 0 2 0 8 9 6 9 6 9 07 | @GOLBORNEDELI | W W W.G O L B O R N E D E L I .C O M

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I N F O @ G O L B O R N E D E L I .C O M | #GOLBORNEDELI

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CREATORS OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESIRABLE FIREPLACES Winner of the HOMES & GARDENS PALMES D’OR design awards, we created our unique open flame flueless gas fires in 1999 using cutting edge burner technology

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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BLEU CARMIN

INTERIORS • PRODUCTS

Toucan lamp yellow, £125 conranshop.co.uk

HAY Tree trunk vase, £49 utilitydesign.co.uk

FERM LIVING Wall Wonder Clock, £129 graceandgrey.co.uk

JONATHAN ADLER Acrylic chess set in neon, £795 uk.jonathanadler.com

MARIMEKKO Oiva Pakkanen plate, £16 skandium.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NATIVE UNION Eclipse three-port USB charger, £69.99 nativeunion.co.uk

BJORN WIINBLAD Jug Gobelin, £55 skandium.com

CHISEL & MOUSE Buckingham Palace model, £150 chiselandmouse.com

LIBRATONE One Style bluetooth speaker, £149 libratone.com

MODERN LOVE Christmas gifts for design enthusiasts

By PENDLE HARTE

DASHEL Orange gloss cycle helmet, £170 dashel.cc

ROBERT WELCH Hobart Candlestick Medium, £36 robertwelch.com

KINDLE

ANGLEPOISE Type 75 Mini Desk Lamp Paul Smith Edition Two, £145 anglepoise.com

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LOUIS POULSEN

Waterproof Kindle Oasis, £229.99 amazon.com

PH5 Mini Pendant Lamp, £420 skandium.com

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OFFICE / 02039527001

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N8 O

I N T E R I O R S

Eleg ent, sophis ticat e d int er ior s w he re eve r y p rojec t is inf u se d w it h p a ssion a n d cre ativity

020 8876 4 6 0 2 07958 934 764 inf o@no8in t e r ior s.com

w w w.n o8in t e r i o r s . c o m

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INTERIORS • ACCESSORIES

COSY UP

Turn up the heating and get comfortable. Here are some essentials for winter nights at home

By PENDLE HARTE

GREAT YARNS AESSAI

Manos del Uruguay is widely acknowledged as an early pioneer of fair trade, producing yarns, scarves and other handmade pieces in high quality materials, including extra fine merino wool, alpaca, silk and linen. Rebecca Kramer is embracing these skills with her new brand Aessai and its range of hand-woven scarves, ponchos, throws and blankets.

These luxe pieces are impossibly soft and special.

Luxe lounge D O N N A I DA

Donna Ida's denim boutique is expanding with a lifestyle collection of candles and loungewear. We are coveting these stylish silk PJs that are guaranteed to make you feel both comfortable and chic. £325, donnaida.com

aessai.com

Scents of calm LAXMI

Beautiful Indian block printing with cushions filled with Provence lavender and chamomile with the essential oils of lavender and frankincense, all blended in the UK, make these herbal sleep cushions a great source of comfort. Squeeze to release the scent, which can be topped up with provided oils. £30

SPUN GOLD M E L I N T R E GW Y N T

The Welsh blanket hasn't changed much for centuries and this classic wool piece

by Melin Tregwynt in the St David's cross design is a historic pattern, based on early 18th century weaves. It's fully reversible and incredibly soft in 100% wool. Welsh blankets remain in families for generations so there's no denying their worth. £165, eclectdesign.com

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RO U ND RO BI N Festive robin napkins will add a touch of graphic cheer to the table. thornbackandpeel.com

THE TREE Keep it minimal. Definitely no tinsel. Stelton's decorations in brushed brass are stylish, minimal and come in two sizes. stelton.com

No frills

JOY O F S P RO U TS Thornback & Peel's new designs for Christmas include the delightful tukey and sprout print, which adorns everything from tea towels to crackers via aprons, napkins and oven gloves. thornbackandpeel.com

Decorations don’t have to be garish.

Absolutely selects the most stylish festive pieces for design-conscious households

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS WE L L H U N G Ferm Living's hanging candelabra can serve as an alternative place to hang your baubles, bypassing the need for a tree altogether if your space is limited or you just don't like trees. fermliving.com

SP ELL I T O UT Anthropologie's felted alphabet decorations can spell out any greeting you choose. Why not get clever with some anagrams? anthropologie.eu

B RA N C H OU T Skandium's wooden Christmas tree is spacesaving as well as needlefree and probably the prettiest artificial tree there is. skandium.com

PA IN T IT B L AC K Monochrome comes into its own with this delightfully minimalist –but satisfyingly big – hanging advent calendar.

Fill the ample pockets with any gifts you like, monochrome or not. cissywears.com

FOL K DA N C E This one might not be minimal but it's still tasteful in all its folk art glory. Polish Pajakis have been hand-made in the same styles for 400 years and they're not just for Christmas... rajtentclub.com

GO F I GURE This wooden nativity set

by Lucie Kaas will appeal to all ages. We love the baby Jesus' tiny halo. skandium.com

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

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TREEHOUSE HARDWOOD FLOORING

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT FOR QUALITY OF LIFE Specialists in high quality solid and sustainable hardwood flooring We carry a huge range of woods from around the world, displayed at our Notting Hill showroom in large sample boards to assist clients, designers and architects, in planning interiors.

Board and strip flooring wood block and decking, bespoke floor production.

Other services, special project installation, wall panelling, staircases, doors, worktops, cabinetry, natural stone & many other interior related products.

Exceptional value, experienced craftsmen, quality installation.

Showroom : 116 Talbot Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 1JR www.treehouseflooring.co.uk Tel: 020 7460 0376 sales@treehouseflooring.co.uk

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THE STUDY HOUSE LONDON

LO N D O N ’ S F I R ST ACA D E M I C M E M B E R S C L U B FO R C H I L D R E N O P E N M O N D AY T O S A T U R D AY F U L L T I M E D U R I N G T E R M - T I M E H O L I D AY S Membership includes school pick-up and home drop-off, homework tuition, one-to-one subject specific tuition, Piano and Guitar tuition, and French, Spanish, German, Mandarin lessons.

Membership Applications now open. More info www.thestudyhouse.co.uk

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INTERIORS • STORAGE

Shelf Life Wyndham Design's top tips for storage solutions

By R I C H A R D T H O M A S

1

 Bookcases, if positioned right can not only provide a blank canvas to set off your best-loved literature, they can also be used as a main accent wall providing display for other items to create a fantastic mood and feature in a living room.

This coupled with creative lighting can look stunning.

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5

WYNDHAM DESIGN

Building 3, Chiswick Park, W4 5YA, 020 8899 6609 wyndhamdesign.com

 When designing your bedroom, if your ensuite is big enough, why not divide the space to accommodate a walk-in wardrobe? This may mean you install a shower rather than a bath, but it will preserve the main bedroom area which can be vastly reduced in size with large wardrobes, with clever uses of mirror and light colors a walk-in wardrobe in even a small space can provide practical storage while creating the illusion of space.

 Sliding panels are a great way of concealing TVs or any items you do not wish to have on display all the time.

They can also be mirrored to create the illusion of space and can be produced in a much wider format than standard doors. Sliding doors are a must when trying to conserve space.

 Bed mechanisms can be implemented into cupboards and concealed within cabinetry to allow beds to be accessed instantly and easily. This is a good way to create an extra guest bed in a study or lounge area.

4

“Sliding panels are a great way of concealing items and can create the illusion of space”

 Wardrobe corner sections are inevitably going to create dead or difficult to access corner sections.

It is therefore worth considering a straight run configuration allowing full access. If you do wish to use the returns, a shallow shoe storage solution or bag shelf configuration may be a more practical and space effective solution.

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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KIDS & EDUCATION

RED ALERT

WILD AND GORGEOUS

This elegant warm red star and planet flocked net girls party dress has a softly shirred waist, round neck, short sleeve and hot pink embroidered star bodice detail.

Solar dress, ÂŁ79 wildandgorgeous.co.uk

Small Talk: Scooter stunts, Christmas crafts and the Grinch 99 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

T RY I T OUT

Let them shine V E LV E T E E N

Velveteen works with fair-trade organisations and their beautiful clothes are finely crafted and hand-embroidered. velveteenclothing.com

FASHION FACTORY Christmas craft

SMALLTALK Scooter stunts, the truth about turkeys, Christmas craft and the Grinch

SCOOT SCOOT M I C R O S C O OT E R

It might seem as though every child in London is already in possession of a scooter – but Microscooter has options. Why not upgrade to the stunt version this Christmas? If the pavement model is deemed too boring for your tot, this will add a new dimension of excitement. For ages 5-12. £124.95; micro-scooters.co.uk

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EDITOR’S PICK

A

manda Riley's fashion upcycling classes have been delighting the children of west London for several years, and her successful book continued the focus on making new clothes and accessories out of existing and neglected pieces. Her classes for children aged nine and above leave everyone with excellent sewing machine skills as well as great ideas and enthusiasm. Now in the run-up to Christmas she is hosting a week of decorations workshops, where she will help kids customise and create upcycled stockings, tree decorations and gifts, all while honing their sewing and creative skills. Follow her on instagram at thefashionfactory.uk or email amandariley1@icloud.com for more information and to book.

Workshops take place in Kensal Rise from 18 to 22 December.

THE GRINCH

C O PA S

DR SEUSS

A sweet look at turkey farming, this picture book celebrates the life and times of the family and helpers, including alpacas and turkey dogs, at Berkshire-based turkey farm Copas. copasturkeys.co.uk

A new slipcase edition of perennial favourite How the Grinch Stole Christmas is set to introduce a new generation to Dr Seuss's wonderful story as it celebrates its 60th birthday. harpercollins.co.uk

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EATON HOUSE SCHOOLS

EATON HOUSE BELGRAVIA PRE-PREP SCHOOL

RESULTS MATTER

e are ambitious for our boys to do well in the 7+ and 8+ exams and we support them so that they excel academically and in every way

7+ LEAVERS 2017

Mr Huw May, Headmaster of Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep

We care about the schools our boys go to Mr Huw May, Headmaster of Eaton House Belgravia Pre-Prep, sends congratulations to the 7+ and 8+ class of 2017 who gained places at many top schools including Westminster Under, St Paul’s Junior School and

Dulwich College Junior School.

If you would like to be part of our successful, caring and happy school, speak to the Head of Admissions, Jennifer McEnhill about joining the class of 2018 on 0207 924 6000.

NURTURING EXCELLENCE EATON HOUSE SCHOOLS www.eatonhouseschools.com EH.indd Absolutely1Prep and Pre Prep Winter2 19.11.17 v5.indd 1

SCHOOL

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Dulwich College Junior School

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King’s College Junior School

4

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Latymer Prep School

3

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St. Paul’s Junior School

6

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Westminster Cathedral Choir School

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Westminster Under School

6

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Wetherby Preparatory School

4

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8+ LEAVERS 2017 SCHOOL

NO. PLACES OFFERED

NO. PLACES ACCEPTED

Dulwich College Junior School

2

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Eaton House Prep

3

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Eaton House The Manor

9

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Garden House

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King’s College Junior School

3

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Maidwell Hall

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New College Oxford (Day boy chorister)

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Newton Prep

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St. Paul’s Junior School

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Sussex House School

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The Dragon Prep

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Thomas’s Battersea

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Maria Montessori School Dedicated to helping each child lay the best foundation for life Our three nursery schools in Central London offer an authentic Montessori education for children from 2½ to 6 years old

Bayswater - St. Petersburgh Place, W2 Holland Park - Nottingdale Square, W11 OFFICE / 02039527001

Notting Hill - Powis Gardens, W11

020 7435 3646 schools@mariamontessori.org www.mariamontessori.org MM.indd 1

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KIDS & EDUCATION • CHRISTMAS WINDOW STICKER Nutmeg, £10; notonthehighstreet

EDITOR’S PICK

WOODEN TRAIN TABLE Mothercare; £150; elc.co.uk

GIRL'S TRAINERS

DOLLS HOUSE

Clarks, £30; clarks.co.uk

Djeco, £49.99; tickety-boo.co.uk

POETRY BOOK Pan Macmillan, £16.99; panmacmillan.co.uk

SCOOTER Smartrike T1, £49.99; argos.com

SMART GLOBE Oregon Scientific, £129.99; amazon.co.uk

COZMO ROBOT Anki, £229; amazon.co.uk

GIFTS FOR KIDS

ARTIST'S BAG Stella MacCartney, £115; harrods.com

Spark their imagination with these inspiring and creative gifts B y M O R AG T U R N E R

DESIGN YOUR OWN HEADPHONES KIT Street Art, £34.95; harrods.com

HEADDRESS Hedgehog, £37.50; hedgehogshop.co.uk

NOEL DECORATION Marks And Spencer, £15; marksandspencer.com

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J A M A I C A

•

A N T I G U A

•

S A I N T

L U C I A

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B A H A M A S

•

G R E N A D A

•

B A R B A D O S

2017

22 Years Running

VOTED THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS – 22 YEARS IN A ROW –

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island - Jamaica

ALL INCLUDED, ALL UNLIMITED, ALL THE TIME. Sandals Resorts gives you more quality inclusions than any other resorts on the planet. More unlimited land and water sports. More non-stop happy hours with endless pours of premium brand drinks and 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 16 restaurants per resort. More luxuriously unique suites…and more ways to fall in love all over again at the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean.

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MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS ON THE PLANET. CALL 0800 742 742 • VISIT SANDALS.CO.UK COME IN STORE • SEE YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT

24/11/2017 16:38

TRAVEL

SOUTH AFRICA From the sun-drenched vineyards of Cape Town to the exciting urban renaissance of Johannesburg and luxury safaris, South Africa is a country of astounding diversity. This month we explore these two very different but equally incredible cities and the most exciting new luxury eco-lodge.

South African Cities 109 • Luxury Eco-Safari 112 • UK Getaway 111 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTO THE WILD TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

Sumptuous solitude and extraordinary game viewing. Safari doesn’t get much better than at this luxury eco-lodge

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or many, an African safari is a oncein-a-lifetime experience, a bucket list trip that takes time to plan, and most probably, requires a bit of a splurge.

If you’re going to splash the cash, you want to do so on a failsafe place, where incredible wildlife sightings pair with luxurious surroundings. Enter Singita Sweni Lodge.

Recently redesigned, Sweni has all the hallmarks of a high-end eco-lodge experience. Tucked into a verdant riverbank and surrounded by ancient trees, this intimate hideaway sits within Singita’s private 33,000-acre concession where, due to its proximity to the water, guests are treated to up-close sightings of the incredible number of animals and birds that come to drink or wallow at its edge.

Guests to Sweni take a private charter flight from Johannesburg. The Federal Airlines lounge puts you in the African spirit immediately, with locally-made photos and prints and a shop with safari-wear, in case you haven’t brought enough. After just over an hour of flying you’ll be transferred to the Singita lodge of your choice. Lebombo Lodge is ultra-cool and buzzy with an excellent bar area, but we loved Sweni Lodge for its cosy and peaceful vibe, due in part to the fact that it has only seven suites.

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Looking for an unforgettable Christmas party?

Get into the Christmas spirit at Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush!

Whether it is family, friends or colleagues, our 4 star hotel has all the trimmings to make your Christmas Party extra special during one of the most wonderful times of the year!

Indulge our exquisite 3 course Christmas Menu and more from only £27.50 per person! *Minimum 10 people

Dorsett Shepherds Bush. London

Book Now:

58 Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 8QE

T: +44 (0) 203 262 1026

W: www.dorsetthotels.com/london/shepherdsbush

E: reservations.shepherdsbush@dorsetthotels.com

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

South African design team Cecile & Boyd have worked their magic on its revamped suites, combining neutral tones that bring in light - think gold and bronze ore, polished mud, recycled timbers and richly hued marble - with bold pops of teal, emerald, citron, yellow and pale pink. The open-plan layouts have panoramic game-viewing decks that seem to hover in the branches, outdoor showers that overlook the river, and outdoor day beds where you can spend a night under the stars. We stayed in the wow-worthy Pool Suite, which also has a private swimming pool and can be connected to the adjacent suite for families and honeymoon couples.

The main lodge exudes glamour, with a revamped show kitchen, outdoor dining deck, indoor dining area and winter lounge, a pool with views over the Sweni River and a fire pit. It’s an enticing visual experience before you even venture into the bush and a soulful place to slip into reverie and contemplation after the thrill of a safari.

The business at hand - game viewing - is as superlative as ever on Singita’s private concession that borders Kruger National Park. Giraffes, hippos and zebras were visible on the approach road from the airstrip; game drives with a knowledgeable ranger and tracker yielded a rare sighting of a white rhino, several lion prides with cubs, elephants, buffalo and more (the leopards

(barbecue), where under lamplit trees there was traditional choral singing and a South African feast. For those who get peckish between meals, the open air lounge had glass refrigerators with savoury snacks and sweets to take whenever you like. Another highlight was a personalised wine tasting in the lodge’s temperature-controlled cellar, where we tried some of the most soughtafter bottles in Singita’s collection.

Food is at the heart of some of Singita’s most impactful conservation projects, including the Singita School of Cooking, where each year a highly competitive 12-month course enrolls eight members of the local community to complete an introductory course in hospitality. There is also a new exchange programme for lodge chefs to train at a famous Cape Town restaurant, Chef’s Warehouse. Alongside this, Singita as a conservation company has been protecting large areas of African wilderness for two decades, partially funding the preservation of pristine land and existing wildlife populations, not to mention helping to create economic independence within local communities surrounding the reserves. As a nature lover, it’s reassuring to stay somewhere with impressive conservation credentials, where you can contribute to the legacy of Africa.

“New arrivals were invited to a magnificent bush barbecue and treated to traditional choral singing and a South African feast.” however, remained elusive), and on afternoon drives, we enjoyed traditional sundowner cocktails and biltong (dried, cured meat) accompanied by a gold and rose-coloured sunset. Aside from the game drives, there’s a plethora of other activities available, from walking safaris and mountain biking to stargazing safaris and archery.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included as part of your stay. It’s lucky then, that the food is out of this world. Bold North African and Middle Eastern flavours punctuate many of the dishes, though at breakfast it was the eggs Benedict that stole our hearts. Lunches comprise of eight different dishes, with cooking techniques including char-grilling, smoking, curing, marinating, pickling, fermenting and wok firing. In the evening, a sharing plates menu highlights the five different tastes - umami, bitter, salt, sweet, and sour - and encourages daring wine pairings. Even well-travelled types will come across ingredients they’ve never seen before, including gemsbok, kudu, kingklip and waterblommetjies - yes, you may well have to Google them.

On our first night, like all new arrivals, we were invited to a magnificent bush braai

It’s not hard to see why safari-goers love Singita. As well as the expansiveness and beauty of the reserves, limited guest and vehicle numbers and extraordinarily consistent game viewing, each guest gets personalised service. Sweni may be the smallest of the Singita lodges, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in thrills. Book in for a few days or a few weeks - whatever you do, you’ll still want to stay longer.

S I N G I TA SW E N I Rates for the brand new pool suite at Singita Sweni Lodge start from £1,709 per person per night. Includes full-board basis, twice-daily Land Rover safaris, walking safaris, mountain biking safaris, archery and return road transfers between Satara airstrip and the lodge. singita.com

GETTING THERE Return flights to Johannesburg from London start from £599, including all taxes and fees. With double daily overnight flights from Heathrow to Johannesburg, South African Airways offers flights to the largest route network within Southern Africa. Book now on flysaa.com or call 0844 375 9680.

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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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weekend

THE ROOMS

here are six bedrooms, all ensuite and individually decorated. Our double bed was large enough to set to sea in and there was a freestanding bath complete with Bramley bath goodies (another local company) from which you could watch the telly. The pub pitches itself as very family and dog-friendly, but being able to stretch out on the huge bed and watch Strictly without children was in the words of Mr Mastercard ‘priceless’.

THE HOTEL

S

ince opening the Kingham Plough in 2007, Emily Watkins and Miles Lampson have probably had to build a new mantelpiece to cope with all their awards. Michelin, AA and Good Pub Guide have all doffed their caps to this awesome twosome whose ethos is that the best food is locally sourced food.

Situated around the corner from Daylesford Farm and near to Chipping Norton, Kingham Plough is just the right side of proper country pub, unlike the sanitised Daylesford. The pub was apparently once the unofficial HQ for the court of King David Cameron, but those days are long gone and things are much quieter now - ideal for a weekend getaway.

THE FOOD

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he main event at Kingham is the food.

Chef proprietor Emily Watkins trained under Heston Blumenthal and brings modern wizardy to traditional, seasonal ingredients ably helped these days by head chef Tom Waller.

Dinner was divine; Venison Wellington from Cornbury Park and properly hung Hanger Steak were good but what lingers in the memory wasn’t the fancy cooking but the bread and butter. The butter is made with milk sourced from next-door Holmleigh Dairy; it was deep yellow and wickedly delicious – as was a platter of local cheeses for pud.

As is so often the case with a weekend away, breakfast can be the more enjoyable meal, and so it was the case at Kingham.

Great coffee – not easy to get out of London, all the papers and a full English with every ingredient impeccably sourced from local providers and packed with calorific flavor.

That butter again, too.

“Kingham Plough is just the right side of proper country pub”

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

KINGHAM PLOUGH An award-winning pub with rooms in the Cotswolds that welcomes both dogs and children B y A M A N D A C O N S TA N C E

From £145 a night based on two sharing on a B&B basis.

Two night stay minimum at weekends. Dogs are an extra £10.

THE KINGHAM PLOUGH The Green, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YD, 01608 658327 book@thekinghamplough.co.uk

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

A TALE OF TWO CITIES The new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art has put Cape Town on the map again - but don’t overlook Johannesburg

Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

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ou really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town.

It has everything, from jawdropping mountain backdrops and stunning stretches of coastline, to centuries-old architecture and a cool urban edge. Factor in worldrated restaurants, hip bars, design-savvy shops and, of course, exceptional wine, and this singularly beautiful city encompasses everything you could want in a holiday.

Cape Town is a perennial favourite, but the opening of the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa) has put it firmly back on the tourist map. Based in a converted grain silo overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the museum has been designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick and is one of the most striking buildings to have been constructed in Africa, housing an extensive collection of artworks. Also, towering above the vaulted cathedral of the museum, is the new Silo Hotel, a bulging building of faceted windows with 28 bedrooms and the jaunty Willaston bar, which accepts walk-ins if you’re thirsty after all that artwork.

For first-time visitors to Cape Town, the Mountain Aerial Cableway, which zooms you up to the top of Table Mountain, is an absolute must. The views are best at

sunset, but as the saying goes, you can go through all four seasons in one day in Cape Town, so if the weather looks good, get up there. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years before the fall of apartheid, should also be on your must-see list.

We visited these on our first day in Cape Town, feeling fresh due to minimal time difference from London (see you later jet lag), and an excellent night’s sleep at Ellerman House - an elegant Cape Edwardian mansion hotel with beautiful ocean views, once the home of shipping magnates. As well as elegant boutique rooms, the hotel also boasts a library, dining room, spa, brandy lounge, wine gallery, contemporary art gallery, champagne cellar and three dining terraces - one of which we dined on as the sun set. There’s so much to see, and that’s just on the hotel grounds.

Later into the holiday we went on a full-day peninsula tour - a great way to get your bearings and see some of SA's most picturesque spots. Following Chapman’s Peak Drive, you pass the urban areas of Camps Bay and Clifton and venture out to the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point National Park and Boulders Beach - home to a vast colony of African penguins. That evening we ate at Nobu in the Only&Only hotel. Luckily we’d developed one hell of an appetite, because their tasting menu of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, with accompanying wines, was dazzling.

If big hotels and urban chic are your bag, then One&Only will be right up your street. Nestled within a natural amphitheatre shaped by the vertical cliffs of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, rooms have jaw-dropping views.

Its location on the fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront makes it ideal for visiting wellness hub The Watershed, as well as some of the city’s other ohso-trendy restaurants, including Test

“Follow Chapman’s Peak Drive from Camps Bay to Boulders Beach - home to a vast colony of African penguins”

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The Subscription

FOR INTERIOR DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS Sign up to Readly for only £7.99 a month and read all back issues of Absolutely Home, as well as our entire portfolio, including Absolutely Mama, Absolutely Education and Absolutely Weddings.

Readly Subscribers also enjoy unbounded access to over 2,300 top titles.

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

Subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelyhome

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN, FRAMED BY CLIFFS STEENBERG'S ROOMS ARE SIMPLE AND STYLISH

Steenberg Wine Estate, where you can while away a sunny afternoon tasting some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc and Méthode Cap Classique in South Africa - it doesn’t get much better than that.

From Cape Town we flew to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, which has a completely different rhythm. Hop on the Gautrain (£26 for a return journey) to get from the airport EXPLORE THE WINELANDS, to the centre of town in just 15 minutes.

STARTING AT STEENBERG Our destination was The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa. Renowned for its worldclass service and strong sense of place, it’s Kitchen (book well in advance) and Pot Luck nestled in a peaceful tree-lined corner of Club. We recommend a Marine Mountain Johannesburg’s Sandhurst neighbourhood, suite, and make sure you get breakfast a stone’s throw from the city’s shopping delivered to your room to really take in the and business districts. It has played a key vista. role in South African history, having hosted After a few days exploring central Cape many high profile guests over the years, Town, we drove 30 minutes to Steenberg including Nelson Mandela, who completed Estate, based in idyllic Constantia. his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom Established in 1682, it has come a long way there. As well as a spa which was featured in from its humble beginnings and is now home Conde Nast Traveller (we rate the intensive to an 18-hole championship golf course, anti-ageing La Prairie facial and Margaret an understated hotel and spa and two Dabbs pedicure) and a beautiful pool, it also exceptional restaurants. The contemporary has several restaurants - our favourite was Catharina’s cooks food beautifully, but it was Qunu for traditional South African dishes. the more casual Bistro Sixteen82, headed The sumptuous suites, which come with up by chef Kerry Kilpin, that really blew us your own personal butler, are an oasis of away. We went back twice the food was so calm and an excellent base from which to good - we’re still dreaming of the tempura explore sprawling Johannesburg. prawns with red cabbage, coriander and For getting around the city, the red tour peanut noodle salad. Then of course, there’s bus is your best bet. It takes in Nelson Mandela Square, THE SAXON'S EDITOR-APPROVED SPA Carlton Centre, Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum, which takes a good two to three hours to get around. Arty types should take a detour to street food and creative hub, Joziburg Lane, and foodies shouldn't miss Marble - a hip, grill-centric restaurant with an outdoor drinking terrace - ideal for taking in the city’s rapid urban renaissance. Though Cape Town is frequently cited as

the most scenic of South African cities, Johannesburg has been named by Rough Guides as the number one city in the world to visit, with good reason. Its trending hubs of Braamfontein and Maboneng are friendly and unstuffy with heaps to see.

So, if you’re planning to delve into South Africa, make sure you experience the buzz of a city undergoing an incredible rebirth, as well as one that already has it all.

CA P E TOW N Ellerman House Rooms at Ellerman House start from £305 per night; ellerman.co.za One&Only Cape Town An ‘Artfully Luxurious’ package includes a private tour of the Zeitz Museum, cocktail mixology lessons, an art kit, the art of power excursion to the Lalela Project, and an exclusive meal at Nobu.

Minimum two nights’ accommodation in a Marina Harbour room including breakfast, from £705 per night; oneandonlyresorts.com Steenberg Farm Rooms start from £158 per night, including breakfast in Catharina’s Restaurant and a winetasting and cellar tour at Steenberg Vineyards; steenbergfarm.com

JOHANNESBURG The Saxon Villas and Spa Rooms start from R7,400 (approximately £442) based on two people sharing a luxury suite including breakfast, complimentary minibar, WiFi and sparkling wine on arrival; saxon.co.za

GETTING THERE Return flights to Johannesburg from London start from £599, including all taxes and fees. With double daily overnight flights from Heathrow to Johannesburg, South African Airways offers flights to the largest route network within Southern Africa.

Book now on flysaa.com or call 0844 375 9680.

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London’s dog friendly, black tie fundraiser T

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ET ICK

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5 T H D E CEM BE R 201 7 , 7P M Dress code: Black Tie The Grand Connaught Rooms, London WC2B 5DA For tickets and info visit www.themayhew.org/tinsel-tails or email events@mayhewanimalhome.org Registered Charity No 1077588

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PET PAGES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

PHOTO COURTESY OF GANDEE VASAN

Gifts for animal lovers 121 • Pet Notes: News & views from the animal kingdom 123 • A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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DOG We meet the Chelsea girl behind London’s leading dog cashmere brand, Ruby Rufus

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Stylish sweaters and snoods for the welldressed dog. rubyrufus.com

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hen your chihuahua is shivering from the cold, what do you do? If you’re anything like fashion designer, business woman and Chelsea-girl Ruby Rufus Isaacs, you’d start designing a collection of cashmere jumpers for him.

“I could never find a nice sweater for my dog so I started making up a few, just for fun. Then many of my friends and family just fell for them.” Things changed when the owner of online pet boutique petspajamas. com came into the Austique boutique on the King’s Road where Ruby was designing womenswear at the time.

“Denise Elphick saw me dressing up the store’s little dapple dachshund, Frank.

When she saw him in one of my pieces she wanted to stock us right away.”

Now, four years later, Ruby Rufus’ cashmere has been seen on many notable dogs including Marc Jacobs’ staffy Neville, Kylie Jenner’s Italian greyhound Bambi and the 1.7m follower-strong, Instagram-famous chiweenie, @tunameltsmyheart. As a result, popularity for the stylish doggie cashmere has skyrocketed.

“The type of person who’ll buy my sweaters is so varied. Some are young, really cool girls who are into fashion and Instagram, others are women who live in the country and just want a simple cable knit that’ll keep their dog warm and happy.”

The thing all of Ruby’s clients have in common, however, is that they want to spoil their dogs. “When people buy Ruby Rufus they know they’re not only buying something stylish but practical too. In the last couple of years, the way people treat their pets has changed and because each jumper is 100% Mongolian cashmere we know it’s the softest material - it won’t irritate the dog.”

And, while some clients will invest in one piece, others buy the entire collection.

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PET PAGES • FASHION

~ “When people buy Ruby

Rufus they know they’re not only buying something stylish but practical too”

~

“Some people buy one of each jumper so that they can dress their dog in a different outfit every day. It depends on what you want really, but everyone recognises the high quality.”

But which breed does Isaacs design for?

“My family have a chihuahua, a pinscher and an Italian greyhound so my designs work on a variety of shapes and sizes. We

dress so many frenchies though it’s crazy.

We also have a bespoke line for bigger dogs - we once made a jumper for a dog so big not even my boyfriend could wear it.”

Considering her profession, you’d expect Ruby to come toting her own little pup but the seriously ironic part of all this is the fact that she doesn’t own one. “I wish I did but I’m always travelling. It would be so unfair.

One day, when I’m properly settled I will but until then I’ll just keep borrowing them from my friends and family.”

The lack of a canine companion certainly hasn’t slowed Ruby down. Having launched in Selfridge’s Pet Boutique, the brand is expanding fast. Next up? Leather leashes and collars. All of which are so fashionforward you’ll end up wishing Ruby Rufus came in your size too.

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“ We are Lulu and Lexi. We would rather be at Dogstroll lying on our backs than at home. This is the best place ever, our social life has gone through the roof and spending time with our mates doing the things we love has made us very happy dogs. We love racing through the tunnels in the sensory garden, jumping over hedges in the agility area and of course the different treats

”

A Unique Interactive Doggy Daycare 6 Reasons to choose us • Free dog consultation and 1 day trial • Woodland walks and dog daycare • Trusted and well trained handlers London

• Wimbledon

• Southfields

• Wandsworth

• Low ratio of dogs per handler • Stimulating Environments • Basic Training • Putney

• Raynes Park

Contact us now to arrange a free dog consultation. . .

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• Earlsfield

• East Putney

www.dog-stroll.co.uk t: 07757 453 649 e: info@dog-stroll.co.uk

23/11/2017 17:20

PET PAGES • PRODUCTS

BY MUSA Lluna collar, £70: Lluna lead, £90: Lluna poopurse, £60 bymusapets.com

AUDENZA Black pug vase, £41 audenza.com

JONATHAN ADLER Terrier salt and pepper shakers, £48 uk.jonathanadler.com

PET PORTRAITS Personalised pet portrait by Adam Regester Design, £49; notonthehighstreet.com

BISCUITEERS Days of the week doggy treats, £35; biscuiteers.com

ANIMAL MAGIC

MUNGO & MAUD Safari weekend bag, £129.50 mungoandmaud.com

EDITOR’S PICK

HUNTER X NATIONAL TRUST Norris tall boot, £110 hunterboots.com

Fantastic presents for pet-lovers B y H E L E N B R OW N

MUNGO & MAUD David Hockney's Dog Days, £8.95 mungoandmaud.com

DOTCOMGIFTSHOP Make your own dog treats gift set, £6.95; dotcomgiftshop.com

GETTING PERSONAL Personalised bone china bauble, £9.99 gettingpersonal.co.uk

THE GREAT GIFT COMPANY Dachshund garden seat, £185 thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk

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

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24/11/2017 16:35

PET

PET PAGES • NOTES

NOTES

News and views from the animal world

By HELEN BROWN

BARK! THE HERALD B AT T E R S E A D O G S & CAT S H O M E

Christmas is just around the corner and tickets for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Carol Concert are being snapped up faster than the last mince pie left on the plate. The stunning St Luke’s Church in Chelsea is once again getting ready to throw open its doors on Monday 4 December for Battersea’s annual event, which raises vital funds to help the charity care for thousands of homeless dogs and cats.

Tickets available at battersea.org.uk/carolconcert

Woof O’Clock A B B OT T LYO N

Abbott Lyon has teamed up with Dogs Trust to raise pounds for homeless hounds. Milo is the furry face of the collaboration, which aims to raise awareness for stray and abandoned dogs. Look out for Milo’s paw print on selected products as 10% of the sale price of these items will be donated straight to Dogs Trust. abbottlyon.com

POPPIN’ BOTTLES PAW S E C C O

What’s Christmas without some fizz? Pawsecco is the purrfect treat for those on four feet, meaning it’s festive frivolity all round. Owners can now raise a glass with their four-legged friend with this healthy, alcohol-free herbal infusion. Guaranteed to get tails wagging.

Pawsecco White and Rose Gift Pack, £7.99; petpavilion.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

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

Subscribe at gb.readly.com/absolutelymama Follow Us On

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MAMA PRINT_ Readly_A4.indd 1

01/11/2017 12:38

PET PAGES • EVENTS

Q&A

WALKIES We caught up with Mark Scott at Dogstroll to discover why this premium doggy day care is one you can rely on.

Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

ABSOLUTELY: Tell us a bit about Dogstroll, where did it all start?

MARK SCOTT: I started off dog walking eight years ago and soon realised there is a need for a daycare centre that focuses on the dogs needs rather than filling a field with as many dogs as possible.

ABS: Why do you only take two

puppies at anyone time ?

MS: People assume having lots of

puppies playing together is sweet and beneficial, only one of those is true. Dogs learn from one another so we believe interaction with the

created after I took part in a zoopharmacognosy workshop which is the study of how dogs self medicate.

Our Sensory garden is a calming area and good for building confidence.

We have a variety of edible plants, trampoline, tunnels, straw pit, bamboo forest and a willow dome which has become very popular with the dogs.

For more information visit dog-stroll.co.uk or email info@dog-stroll.co.uk

ABS: What’s the Dogstroll

carefully selected by myself and the dogs. We are a team that is passionate, knowledgable and want the best for your dog. There are 4 of us, Mark (trainer and founder), Sandra (trainer and manager), Sharon ( groomer to be ) and Carys (behaviourist).

ABS: What sort of training can you provide for dogs?

MS: The development and well-being of your dog is of utmost importance.

Our training involves: lead walking, socialisation, scent work, agility, recall, not jumping up, impulse control .

Dogstroll Sensory Garden?

MS: The Sensory Garden was

in how daycares should be run and want to educate people in the correct way of making sure their dogs are looked after. We want to keep the personal ethos so our next venture would be to have a puppy and adult/ mature dog combined school. This will ensure that when puppies come to us they will get individual attention which will help them to become well balanced adult dogs and graduate to “big school”.

Dogstroll to other doggy day care services?

MS: Dogstroll provides a unique and personal experience for you and your dog from the initial free consultation to the quality time your dog spends with us. We achieve this by having well trained, passionate staff, and by keeping the ratio of dogs per handler to a minimum. team like?

ABS: What’s the idea behind the

ABS: What’s next for Dogstroll?

MS: We are setting the benchmark

ABS: What’s different about

MS: The Dogstroll team has been

socialisation to burn off some energy.

During the day we vary the training schedule to specific dogs needs, country walks, agility and sensory garden. We believe down time is important so from 12-12:30 all dogs are made to rest either by sitting in the cabin , van or being outside with us chewing on a delicious kong filled with goodies. The dogs are dropped off anytime after 3pm to welcome you home and recoupe for the next days activities.

appropriate “ mature “ dogs from a young age sets them up for a more solid understanding of communication and gaining confidence in a controlled environment. As this is an important learning stage in their development it needs to be closely supervised at all times. By having limited puppies we are able to monitor progression closely and step in when needs be.

ABS: What are the most important

aspects of choosing a daycare ?

MS: It’s important to consider

whether the staff are qualified, to think about the ratio of dogs per handler and the structure of the dog’s day. The facilities available and the activities for your dog should also be a priority, and it’s a good idea to get an initial consultation.

ABS: Talk us through a typical day

in the life at Dogstroll?

MS: The day always starts with

them having toilet time and general A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HELPING NATURE LOOK STYLISH

• 18 Years of experience • Turnkey Solutions • Complete Design and build service • Post build maintenance • Offices in London and Cape Town Patrick Anhaeusser 07894 985 775 patrick@urbanxteriors.com

www.urbanxteriors.com

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re Re fu ce rb nt is ly he d

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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PROPERTY • Living

STERNDALE ROAD W14

£2,100,000

PRIME_DEC17_PFC.indd 127

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substantial 5 bedroom family house with walled garden. The ground floor has a double reception with an open fireplace to the front, dining area to the rear and open plan kitchen at the back with French doors leading on to the walled garden. There is also a storage cellar. This characterful house offers flexible accommodation throughout and could be further extended. Viewing is essential.

A

FINLAY BREWER Brook Green 020 7371 4171 finlaybrewer.co.uk

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

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HURLINGHAM ROAD, FULHAM Situated on the top floor of this imposing Victorian Mansion block sits this meticulously refurbished one bedroom apartment. Hurlingham Court Mansions is located opposite the open green spaces of Hurlingham Park and the amenities of Parsons Green. EPC –E

1

1

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GUIDE PRICE

£500,000 FULHAM 02076109755

ANSELM ROAD, FULHAM Having been recently refurbished throughout this Victorian family home comprises five double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully fitted kitchen / reception room. Additional benefits landscaped rear garden, a separate WC and a utility room. EPC –C

5

2

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GUIDE PRICE

£1,595,000 FULHAM 02076109755

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

FAULKNER HOUSE, FULHAM Faulkner House is perfectly positioned on the north bank of the River Thames within the exclusive Fulham Reach. The luxurious apartments are designed to the highest specification, with the open plan living spaces and effortlessly elegant interiors. Each apartment also boasts its own private balcony or terrace.

GUIDE PRICE

1,249,000

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FULHAM 02076109755

22/11/2017 17:30

LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

GAINSBOROUGH ROAD W12, £ £1,200,000

S

et on a prime residential road this stunning five bedroom duplex maisonette offers a striking interior finish with a private patio garden, three bathrooms and bespoke fixtures and fittings throughout. Brand newly refurbished five bedroom duplex maisonette with stunning specification throughout, gorgeous interiors and a beautiful open-plan living space leading to private garden.

FOXTONS Shepherds Bush, 020 8963 5151 foxtons.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK AVENUE W 1 1 , £1,795,000

T

his beautifully refurbished three bedroom apartment (1,240 sqft) extends to the full length of the lower ground floor with the benefit of a private garden and allocated parking space. It is an elegant and spacious two/three double bedroom (two en suite) apartment, with a wonderful patio garden to the rear. Set on a private road adjacent to Holland Park Avenue, the apartment has its own entrance.

YOU HOME Notting Hill, 020 7908 9280 youhome.co.uk 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

VICTORIA ROAD W8, £6.5M

T W 7, P R I C E : P OA

T

T

HARRODS ESTATES

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH

Kensington, 020 3650 4600 harrodsestates.com

Richmond, 020 8940 1575 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

his luxurious and spacious fivebedroom apartment is set within a detached period house and has been meticulously refurbished with a triple aspect and an abundance of natural light. The apartment comprises a bright reception room with three meter ceiling heights, an open plan kitchen with dining room and a cinema room with garden views.

MIRABEL ROAD

THE CHAPEL

he winner of the Best Refurbishment Project in the Housebuilder Awards 2017, this three-bedroom apartment forms part of a converted listed chapel built in 1902. Original features include stained glass windows and a vaulted ceiling, which provide a pleasant contrast with the modern interiors and the striking spiral staircase. Price is available on application.

SW 6 , £ 2 ,1 67 P C M

T

his two bedroom apartment contains an open plan kitchen reception room that makes an attractive conservatory-style living space.

There's lots of built-in storage as well as an appealing garden.

The flat further benefits from an abundance of natural lighting and built in storage. Located nearby are tube stations Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green.

The apartment is furnished and available now.

THE FLAT FURTHER BENEFITS FROM AN ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL LIGHTING

LOCKETT ESTATES

Fulham, 020 7736 2810 lockettestates.co.uk

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

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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

MILSON ROAD W14 GUIDE £1.55M FREEHOLD UPPER MALL W6 • 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS £1,500PW / £6,500PCM • SPACIOUS RECEPTION UPPER MALL W6 • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM •£1,500PW FAMILY HOME •WONDERFUL EN SUITE BATHROOM / £6,500PCM • •• •• ••

BEDROOMS •4 DOUBLE 2 SHOWER ROOMS 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

SINCLAIR ROAD W14 £640,000 LEASEHOLD HAARLEM ROAD W14 • 2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS £625PW / £2,708PCM • LARGE RECEPTION HAARLEM ROAD W14 • NEW KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM •£625PW BEDROOM FLAT •2 DOUBLE BATHROOM / £2,708PCM • •• •• ••

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

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171 LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • •• •• ••

• GUEST CLOAKROOM • WESTERLY FACING WALLED GARDEN WITH SIDE LETTINGS 020ACCESS 7371 • GARAGE •2 COURTYARD EPC RATING DGARDENS 59 EASY ACCESS TO HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK UNFURNISHED 2 COURTYARD GARDENS EPC 57 HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK EASYRATING ACCESSDTO AVAILABLE NOW UNFURNISHED

4071

• EPC RATING D 57 • AVAILABLE NOW

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171 LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • •• •• ••

• PERMISSION GRANTED FOR A ROOF TERRACE • GREAT LOCATION LETTINGS 020 7371 • EPC RATING D 65 BALCONY UNFURNISHED WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY BALCONY EPC RATING C 79 UNFURNISHED AVAILABLE NOW WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY

4071

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED • EPC RATING C 79

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

Finlay_Brewer_2P.indd 1

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17/11/2017 16:04

STERNDALE ROAD W14 £1,549PW / £6,712PCM • • • • •

5/6 BEDROOMS 2 RECEPTIONS KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM SEPARATE DINING AREA 4 CONTEMPORARY BATHROOMS (3 EN SUITE)

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • • •

ELSHAM ROAD W14 £495PW / £2,145PCM • • • • •

2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS SPACIOUS RECEPTION SEPARATE KITCHEN BATHROOM GOOD STORAGE THROUGHOUT

MEDIA ROOM SOUTHERLY FACING GARDEN EPC RATING D 63 AVAILABLE BEGINNING JANUARY

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • • •

MINUTES WALK FROM SHEPHERDS BUSH TRAIN STATION ELIGIBLE FOR PARKING PERMIT EPC RATING C 73 AVAILABLE NOW

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

Finlay_Brewer_2P.indd 2

17/11/2017 16:04

PROPERTY • NEWS

THE WINNER’S CIRCLE The Birchwood by Fusion Residential wins big at the 2017 Property Awards

F

usion Residential has earned double honours in the 2017 UK Property Awards with The Birchwood. Their prized property is a new six-apartment, super luxury, concierge-serviced development located in Ealing.

The talented team from the Letchmore Heath-based design house has picked up awards for Best Apartment and Best Architecture in the 26th year of what is the largest and most prestigious property awards programme in the country.

Fusion Residential Managing Director Antoine Christoforou is delighted at this early recognition and reward for The Birchwood.

“Everyone in the studio has been excited about The Birchwood. It seems our peers in the high-end property market have been excited about it too," he said.

“The Birchwood is one of the most visionary luxury living projects London has seen in years. It offers a masterful blend of design, technology and sophistication and pushes the boundaries in terms of exquisite finish, attention to detail, high specification and classical styling.

“To receive not one, but two honours for The Birchwood at this early stage is truly astonishing and it is an endorsement of the effort, expertise and endless pursuit of excellence exhibited by the team.”

Perched neatly in Park View Road, Ealing W5, The Birchwood takes its name from the birch trees planted in its beautifully landscaped gardens.

The west facing apartments boast expansive and exquisite wrap-around terracing while the penthouse comprises the entire top floor. This feature residence atop the structure has a stunning “skyhall”

with 360 degree panoramic views towards London’s Shard and beyond.

Downstairs, the garden apartment is of particular allure. It features a spacious courtyard garden in which to while away the days. In high demand, this apartment has already sold off-plan.

Residences at The Birchwood aim to uplift and enrich, providing the very best facilities and conveniences – from the gated underground car parking, lift access to each level, Comfort Cooling and the very latest

life enhancing electronic adornments.

Each residence features bespoke handcrafted accoutrements, luxuriant marble kitchen and wet-room surfaces, rich natural wood architectural features and tantalisingly tactile wall and floor coverings.

Ealing – Queen of the Suburbs – will also see and increase in transport opportunities.

With the Crossrail launch next year, it will offer access to Bond Street in as little as 11 minutes – another big plus point for The Birchwood.

The panel of judges at the 2017 UK Property Awards is comprised of 70 industry experts. They evaluate properties, assessing design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability. Based on those specifications, it is no wonder that Fusion Residential and The Birchwood caught the eyes of the judging panel.

A flag announcing the win is now set to be raised at The Birchwood and the Fusion Residential team are now looking forward to the launch in January next year.

To find out more about The Birchwood, visit www.fusionresidential.co.uk or call 01923 216 535.

“It is an endorsement of the effort, expertise and endless pursuit of excellence exhibited by the team.”

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

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London’s New Country Retreat.

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

Just 11 minutes to Bond Street via Crossrail from 2018.

LIMITED TO SIX RESIDENCES • LAUNCHING WINTER 2017 PRICED FROM £1,950,000 To register your interest please call: +44

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

FUSHION.indd 1

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

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16/11/2017 11:31

We advertise on all portals…

Rightmove is the 8th most used website in the UK with 85% of sellers ranking Rightmove as the 1st place that they would want their property advertised. With this in mind, at YOUhome we advertise all of our properties on Rightmove to make sure that your property has the largest audience.

With 78% of London adults knowing about Zoopla, we cannot miss out on this opportunity. All of our properties are listed on Zoopla as well as Prime Location. Both of these portals receive over 50 million views in just one month!

We keep you up to date…

PlatformYOU - We know you want to be informed and stay in control. We give you 24/7 direct access to marketing analytics, viewings, feedback, offers, sold prices, listing prices, price movements and sale progression updates. Our ‘eyes and ears’ on the property market shared openly with you.

We charge 1.25% for Sole Agency…

A commission fee that is fair and honest: We deliver a premium service at a fraction of the traditional fee. Sole agency 1.25% plus VAT or Multiple agency 2.5% plus VAT.

1.2 5% All data provided by Rightmove and ZPG.

Telephone: 020 7908 9280 Email: nhg@youhome.co.uk RBK&C Office: 121 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB Westminster Office: 63 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6LX

YH.indd 1

23/11/2017 12:52

Freehold Houses For Sale

Philbeach Gardens, SW5 £5,500,000

Cremorne Road, SW10 £1,750,000

• Rare grand undivided house • 6 large bedrooms • Flexible entertaining space

• Terraced House • 4 bedrooms • Roof terrace

• South west facing garden • Freehold • C. 1,569 Sq. ft

Property Guru: Davide Moi D: 020 7908 9256 E: davide.moi@youhome.co.uk

Property Guru: Anita Sanford D: 020 7908 9295 E: anita.sanford@youhome.co.uk

Hollywood Road, SW10 £3,895,000

Bedford Gardens, W8 £5,950,000

• 4 bedroom terraced house • Spacious and light • Impressive ceiling heights

• Semi-detached • 4 bedrooms • Lateral living

• Boltons Conservation Area • Freehold • C. 2,365 Sq. ft

• Planning permission granted to extend to approx. 4,800 sq ft.

• C 2,511 Sq. ft

Property Guru: Alex Mathew D: 020 7908 9282 E: alex.mathew@youhome.co.uk

Property Guru: Alex Mathew D: 020 7908 9282 E: alex.mathew@youhome.co.uk

St Lukes Road, W11 £3,600,000

Duncan Terrace, N1 £5,250,000

• Great living space • High ceilings / period features • Great storage throughout

• Generously proportioned • High ceilings throughout • Stone flagged flooring

Property Guru: Jerry Epton MRICS D: 020 7908 9282 E: jerry.epton@youhome.co.uk

YH.indd 2

• Quiet west facing garden • Freehold • C. 4,431 Sq. ft

• West-facing garden/terraces • Freehold house • C. 3,270 Sq. ft

• West-facing terraces • Freehold • C. 5,035 Sq. ft

Property Guru: Jerry Epton MRICS D: 020 7908 9282 E: jerry.epton@youhome.co.uk

23/11/2017 12:52

Apartments For Sale

Cromwell Place, SW7 £2,575,000

Cromwell Crescent, SW5 £825,000

• 3 bedrooms • Spacious living area • Elegantly refurbished

• Newly refurbished • Two double bedrooms • Juliet balcony

• RBKC parking permit • Share of freehold • C. 687 Sq. ft

Property Guru: Davide Moi D: 020 7908 9256 E: davide.moi@youhome.co.uk

Property Guru: Davide Moi D: 020 7908 9256 E: davide.moi@youhome.co.uk

Redcliffe Gardens, SW10 £575,000

Whaddon House, SW1X £2,850,000

• Well-proportioned rooms • Attractive bay window • Modern kitchen and bathroom

• Fourth floor with lift • 3 ensuite bedrooms • Central Knightsbridge

• Good rental investment • Leasehold • C. 555 Sq. ft

• Close to Sloane Street • Share of freehold • C 1,145 Sq. ft

Property Guru: Anita Sanford D: 020 7908 9295 E: anita.sanford@youhome.co.uk

Property Guru: Anita Sanford D: 020 7908 9295 E: anita.sanford@youhome.co.uk

Cheniston Gardens, W8 £3,100,000

Ossington Street, W2 £620,000

• Four bedroom lateral apt.

• 2 south-facing reception rooms • Period features

• Own front door • Very tastefully refurbished • Great location

Property Guru: Alex Mathew D: 020 7908 9282 E: alex.mathew@youhome.co.uk

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• Bright upper maisonette • Share of freehold • C. 1,466 Sq. ft

• Two balconies • Share of freehold • C. 1,849 Sq. ft

• An attractive property to let • Long lease • C. 509 Sq. ft

Property Guru: Jerry Epton MRICS D: 020 7908 9282 E: jerry.epton@youhome.co.uk

23/11/2017 12:52

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 Property 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.

Jerry Epton MRICS Property 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.

Anita Sanford Property 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 Property 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.

Anna Houlding Research & Marketing Guru Anna has recently completed her course at Quest Professional and has moved straight into the Property industry. She has always had a passion for property and is currently working on promoting the brand and her clients’ properties through many different marketing platforms.

Telephone: 020 7908 9280 Email: nhg@youhome.co.uk RBK&C Office: 121 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB Westminster Office: 63 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6LX

YH.indd 4

23/11/2017 12:53

PROPERTY • FEATURE

H E N L E Y A PA R T M E N T S AT F U L H A M R E AC H The ultimate in luxury London riverside living in a truly privileged position

T

he Henley Apartments are a premier selection of two and three bedroom riverside homes at the award-winning development Fulham Reach

by St George. The 21 high specification homes are set in a striking glass building design

by John Thompson and Partners on one of the most dramatic stretches of the River Thames, opposite Harrods Furniture Depository and overlooking Hammersmith Bridge. Each impeccably finished apartment has a private balcony, an expansive space from which to survey the incomparable views.

As well as this, buyers will benefit from open plan living areas and floor to ceiling windows which allow maximum daylight into the building;

apartments are bright and radiant with panoramic views over the River Thames. Interiors have been designed in three forward-thinking themes, Aurora; a light bright design palette of fresh tones and natural hues, Equinox; a warm palette with clean contemporary lines, natural finishes and earthy colours, and Eclipse; a dark, rich, sumptuous palette creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Fulham Reach provides a fantastic range of homes complete with stunning landscaped gardens, a mini-maze, public art and an array of open spaces to enjoy.

Fulham Reach also offers a vibrant range of cafes, shops and restaurants including Raymond Blanc’s renowned Brasserie Blanc, the award-winning Harris+Hoole coffee shop and the Blue Boat Bar

“Apartments are bright and radiant with panoramic views over the River Thames.” & Restaurant. A few minutes’ walk from Fulham Reach is the River Café, the Michelin-starred restaurant by Ruth Rogers, serving the finest seasonal Italian cuisine.

Fulham Reach has excellent transport connections from nearby Hammersmith Station with easy access into the City and West End. Residents of Fulham Reach benefit from an outstanding selection of leisure and entertainment facilities at the Tamesis Club including a virtual golf simulator, private screening room, snooker room and temperature controlled wine cellar. There is also a 15 metre swimming pool, state-ofthe-art gymnasium, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and private treatment rooms.

In the new year St George will unveil Fairfax House, the latest phase of 1, 2 and 3 high quality homes at Fulham Reach. For further information on the Henley Apartments or the forthcoming launch of Fairfax House, please contact the Fulham Reach Marketing Suite on 020 7870 950 or email enquiries@ fulhamreach.co.uk or visit: fulhamreach.co.uk.

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

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ENJOY THE RIVER’S PANORAMIC SCENERY Henley Apartments Now Available On one of the most dramatic stretches of the River Thames lies Fulham Reach, a thriving development set within beautifully landscaped gardens and riverside walkways offering you a selection of on-site cafés, restaurants and exceptional leisure facilities.

The Henley Apartments feature a premier collection of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with open plan living areas and floor to ceiling windows which allow you to enjoy the panoramic views over the River Thames.

Discover more at www.fulhamreach.co.uk

Prices from £2,225,000* Tel: 020 3930 2956 Email : enquiries@fulhamreach.co.uk

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Photography and CGIs of Fulham Reach are indicative only. *Price correct at time of going to press.

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FA M O U S P L AC E S

by N I G E L L E W I S

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

IT’S A SHORE BET

A

QUEEN OF MEAN’S SOFTER SIDE

L

inda Plant is best known as the ‘Queen of Mean’ judge on the BBC1 show The Apprentice, always ready to rip contestants’ business plans to shreds.

A long-term friend of Sir Alan Sugar, she too established herself in business from nothing, founding her clothing empire from the back of a market stall.

Now, having retired from the

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fashion industry, Linda runs an interior design company, Homerun, which specialises in doing up the homes of the wealthy.

Her latest project is this sevenbedroom Art Deco house in Primrose Hill. She's given it a luxury makeover and added several features, including a his and hers treatment room, integrated music and video system in every room, gym, temperaturecontrolled wine cellar and an entrance hall with a glass chandelier.

It’s for sale at £28.5 million with Aston Chase (0207 724 4724).

lex Garland is best known for his 1996 book The Beach and the film of the same name based on it, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Its depictions of a young backpacker’s hedonistic, drugfuelled experiences on a lonely beach in Thailand were at the time a revelation, but getting wasted on a Phuket beach have now become a standard part of many gap year itineraries.

The film was directed by Danny Boyle and Garland has gone on to form a successful partnership with him, writing the screenplay for Boyle’s 2002 film 28 Days Later and 2007’s Sunshine. Garland is currently working on another science fiction film called Annihilation, due out next year and starring Natalie Portman.

But before Hollywood beckoned, Garland resided in a former piano factory in Primrose Hill. He lived in the five-bedroom corner portion of the property, which is an open-plan home with a workspace and roof terrace.

Primrose Hill is often regarded as a highly residential part of London, making it easy to forget that Regent's Park lies less than a ten minute walk away, London Zoo resides within that, and Camden market is an equidistant walk on its other side.

Perhaps due to this, alongside the price-tag of £21,450 a month, the piano factory failed to find tenants with deep-enough pockets, and was taken off the market. It is now being offered by its current owners to prospective tenants via informal channels - in much the same way as Leonardo DiCaprio stumbled upon the beach.

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

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PR I CE S FRO M £2,150,000 STAM P D UT Y PAID* SH OWH O ME L AUN CH 21 SEP TEMB ER, BY INVITATI O N O NLY PLE A SE REG IS TER YO UR INTERE S T A SH CH U RCHVILL A S.CO M 020 3504 5314 @A SH CHURCHVILL A S

Move in by Christmas Stamp Duty paid up to £200,000*

4 & 5 bedroom family homes in Ravenscourt Park Ready to move in with prices from £2,150,000 Up to 3,000 sq ft

Developer

ASHCHURCHVILLAS.COM 020 3504 5314

|

@ashchurchvillas

Sales Agents

*Applicable to only home and amount is subject to change Computer Generated Image (CGI) for indicative purposes only

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21/11/2017 16:21

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

3ads.indd 1 HARRODS.indd 5091 HE Absolute1

20/02/2017 16:03 14:00 27/09/2016 10:46 22/09/2015 22/07/2015 14:41

Established 1897

A luxurious five-bedroom, triplex apartment set in a premier address.

Victoria Road, Kensington W8 • Master suite with exceptional dressing room • Open plan kitchen and dining room • Spacious reception

GUIDE PRICE

£6,500,000 TENURE

Share of Freehold

• Cinema room with 7ft screen • Storage throughout • 3,375sq ft / 314sq m

EPC RATING

E

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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23/11/2017 16:46

Established 1897

An exquisitely presented threebedroom lateral apartment Drayton Gardens, Chelsea SW10 • Three bedrooms • Second floor with Lift access • Two reception rooms

GUIDE PRICE

£4,950,000 TENURE

Share of Freehold

• Over 2300 sq ft • West facing balcony • Wooden floors throughout

EPC RATING

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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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23/11/2017 16:46

Established 1897

A fabulous three-bedroom flat overlooking Hans Place.

Hans Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X • Stunning double reception room • Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom • Two further double bedrooms

GUIDE PRICE

£3,950,000 TENURE

Leasehold Approximately 983 Years

• Refurbished to the highest specifications • Access to private square garden • Approximately 1,219sq ft / 113.3sq m

EPC RATING

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CONTACT

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE 020 7225 6797 reem.dougramaji@harrodsestates.com

H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M

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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

24/11/2017 15:34

OAK AGED PARQUET

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21/09/2017 12:51 17:09 05/06/2017