Absolutely South West : Wimbledon October 2017

ABSOLUTELY South West Wimbledon

OCTOBER 2017 / £3.95

CURTAIN CALL This month’s

PARADISE LOST The ultimate island escapism

top stage picks

FAMILY TIME Fun activities for half-term

That’s a

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They’ll

just need a

trim every

few weeks.

Easy peasy.

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The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover countryside homes with south facing gardens using keyword search.

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The TFG Bespoke Group cater for every construction service you may require New Builds Architectural & Structural Services Basements Swimming Pools & Jacuzzi’s Steam, Sauna & Spa Rooms Bedrooms & Private Studies

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All categories of Construction Conservatories & Porches Kitchens & Fitted Furniture Heating & Plumbing Services Windows, Doors & Bi-folds Walk in Wardrobes

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Pioneers of luxury development The full portfolio of companies under the TFG Bespoke Group can be viewed on our website, along with the full suite of construction services we provide.

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Creative Space Design and Build Ltd Best of Houzz 2017 for Customer Service #BestofHouzzUK2017

www.create-spaces.co.uk info@create-spaces.co.uk 020 8768 2867

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After 8 years in the Cotswolds, Symes is now operating in London and the Home Counties.

Specialising in bespoke kitchens and joinery, fine interiors and renovation works, we are dedicated to your vision of creating a beautiful home.

Offering full design services, we compliment this by also providing a complete design and build option.

Whether you are wishing to add a bespoke kitchen, a climbing frame in your garden or undertaking building and interior works, we will not only create the look you want, but deliver your project with the greatest attention to detail, efficiency and professionalism.

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

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15/06/2017 20:31

ENGLISH & OR ENTAL CARPETS MAKING YOUR HOME MORE

BEAUTIFUL AT A GREAT PRICE! NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN IN RAYNES PARK Welcome to our company We would love to come to your home to see the areas you would like to cover, We can then take all the measurements, so we can ensure your left buying the right amount of flooring, elimi­ nating the need for waste, we might even come up with some ideas you hadn't considered! We can also bring samples to your home so you can see them in situ.

Come down to one of our three showrooms WE HAVE SAMPLES FROM ALL THE LEADING MANUFACTURERS IN FLOORING SURBITON

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

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Oct obe r 2017

100 c u lt u r e

36

fa s h i o n

16 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

36 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

20 WHAT’S ON

40 FASHION SHOOT

22 WILL ALSOP

Architectral musings 27 CURTAIN CALL

This month's top stage picks

38 JOIN THE DOTS Go dotty for polka dots this season

This month’s hottest trends and products

10 things we’re coveting this month

Embrace the heritage fabrics of country house style

Diary dates for October

48 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL The latest beauty news and reviews

SOUTH WEST

ABSOLUTELY South West

OCTOBER 2017 / £3.95

CURTAIN CALL This month’s

PARADISE LOST The ultimate island escapism

top stage picks

OCTOB ER 2017

FAMILY TIME Fun activities for half-term

That’s a

50 WORKOUT BEAUTY

Breathable gym-ready buys Food & Drink

58 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

60 KOOKY COOKING

ZEST.LONDON

WRAP SE ASONAL ST YLE CHANGES ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT

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H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

21/09/2017 17:44

Covers:

HOBBS AW 1 7 a v a i l a b l e a t h o b b s . c o . u k

Irresistible takes on British classics from Parlour's Head Chef

65 FOOD REVIEW

Casual fine dining at Patara

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57

interiors

68 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS All the latest news and views from the world of design

72 BOY TALK Home styling with Ruth Matthews

T R AV E L

100 PARADISE LOST

A desert island escape in Vietnam 107 A PATH LESS TRODDEN Milan: the ultimate city break

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:47

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE EDITOR HELEN BROWN DIGITAL EDITOR HANNAH HOPKINS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR LEAH DAY-ABALOS

Here comes the sun

Window shopping Replacing beautiful timber windows and doors, beautifully

PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT PAULINA SITARZ PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN SENIOR CONTENT STRATEGIST LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL CONTROLLER JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS KERRY HOLLINGSWORTH For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

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

www.ayrtonbespoke.com

020 8877 8920 enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com

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

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19/09/2017 11:01

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

21/09/2017 17:35

Editor’s LETTER

A

s sad as it is to be putting away the summer dresses and swapping Birkenstocks for boots, we must admit, we’re excited for October. The cold weather and lengthening evenings means chunky knits, mulled wine, bobble hats and - the perfect excuse to stay in winter TV. What better time to give the home a little TLC? Turn to page 68 for a plethora of interior ideas and designs, from decadent armchairs to cosy home candles. On page 76 we’re exploring the once dissipated craft of loom weaving, a unique tradition that has been skillfully revived by master maverick weaver Daniel Harris. We also have our usual fabulous fashion offering: this month the spotlight is on polka dots, the trend which has had a grown up makeover for the new season. The issue also offers a hefty dose of wanderlust, with not one but two enticing travel features. First stop Vietnam, where we discover the deserted bays and eco luxury of Con Dao, then onto Milan to unearth the city’s rich cultural offering. All this plus brand new beauty buys, a look at Wimbledon's BookFest and our top theatre picks for autumn. I hope you enjoy the issue. Ciao! ◆

Helen Brown Editor

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absolutely.london

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BRORA

British cashmere brand Brora really comes into its own this time of year with a vast array of gorgeously soft jumpers, polos, ponchos, coats and more.

We’re obsessing over the Merino Intarsia Stripe Jumper for it’s easy-going sports vibe. £169, brora.co.uk

Charlotte’s Champers

Cheers to Veuve Clicquot and Charlotte Olympia’s latest collaboration which sees the designer put her unique stamp on an iconic brand. Available this month exclusively from Harrods. £175; www.harrods.com

TASSEL TIME

The Lizzie Fortunato Jewels collection encapsulates the label’s sophisticated and eclectic bohemian style. Dare to wear these mustard pair to zhoosh up a daytime look. £317; farfetch.com

Puppy Love

Compiled by

H E L E N B R OW N

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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Kate Spade strikes again with her off beat, innovative and charming designs. Add an element of fun to your handbag with this adorable phone accessory. £75; selfridges.com

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ABSOLUTELY / LOVES HUSH

From luxury loungewear, nightwear and sleepwear to chic daywear, basics and accessories, Hush are marrying on-trend piece with ease and comfort.

Ideal for women who want to look good without spending ages doing so. hush-uk.com

CHECK MATE

This heritage jacket is the season’s game changer. Its impeccable tailoring ensures that even the most casual of t-shirts will look instantly cooler. £940, net-a-porter.com

HIGH FLYING

Made in Japan, Dita's 'Flight' sunnies offer a fresh take on the classic aviator. The angular silhouette has a flattering effect on cheekbones while the grey finish suits all colouring. £425; net-a-porter.com

EYE-SPY

From a bold smoky eye, to a sexy slash of colour and everything in between, Tom Ford’s Eye Colour Quad enables multiple looks from a single beautybag must-have. £66; selfridges.com

Take a Hike

Time Out

Chunky ankle boots are the key trend this season stomping straight from the runway to the streets. Givenchy’s studded pair are perfect for grounding a feminine dress. £965, net-a-porter.com

Abbott Lyon’s Kensington premium range is a classic staple accessory for any wardrobe. We like the black suede version for it’s day-to-night versatility. £90; wolfandbadger.com

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 15:49

A FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & CULTURE

5 - 15 OCTOBER 2017

‘A STELLAR LINE-UP OF CELEBRITY WRITERS AND LITERARY STARS.’ SW RESIDENT

LINE-UP INCLUDES: Salman Rushdie, Ali Smith, Chris Riddell, Elif Shafak, Alexandra Shulman, Chris Boardman, Jon Sopel, Evan Davis, Nick Hytner, Jim Al-Khalili, Anthony Horowitz, Chris Patten, Fergal Keane, Louis de Bernieres, Alan Johnson, Tracy Chevalier, June Sarpong, Judy Murray, Rick Edwards, Comedy with Joe Lycett and James Acaster and many more

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW AT

LEAD SPONSORS

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> WHAT'S ON: POSTER GIRLS, FESTIVAL OF FILM & A HISTORY OF MAGIC

p.20

WIMBLEDONE BOOKFEST p.30

FASHION FORWARD

wimbledonbookfest.org

See Alexandra Shulman offer unique behind-the-scenes access to the word’s best-loved fashion magazine at Wimbledon BookFest this month.

Wednesday 11 October, 7:45pm Wimbledon Common wimbledonbookfest.org

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absolutely.london

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A HISTORY OF MAGIC Fro m 2 0 O c t o b e r B r i ti s h Li b ra r y elve into divination and ponder the peculiarities of potions in a journey to D where magic and myth began. This much anticipated exhibition unveils rare books, manuscripts and magical objects to capture the traditions of folklore and magic which are at the heart of the Harry Potter stories. u 96 Euston Road, NW1; ltmuseum.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF FILM

Poster girls

Fro m 1 O c t o b e r Ro y a l Al b e r t Ha ll ilm fans will know the Royal Albert Hall for its role in Alfred Hitchcock’s F The Man Who Knew Too Much, but it’s just one of many films and shows set at the iconic venue. This four-week festival brings film music front and centre with unmissable events such as Casino Royal and The Addams Family both in concert. u Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com

F rom 13 October L on don Tran sport Mu seum

Covent Garden is harnessing girl power this autumn with the London Transport Museum’s latest exhibition. Poster Girls highlights the key female artists who have designed for London transport, including Dora Betty, Herry Perry and Freda Lingstorm. Expect beautiful original posters from the museum, along with letters, ceramics and photographs.

Coven t G arden P iazza, WC2E; ltmu seum.c o.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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CHILD OF THE DIVIDE Un ti l 1 5 O c t o b e r Po l k a T he a tre t’s summer 1947 and 16 million people are on the move between India and I the newly-formed Pakistan. Amid the upheaval, young Pali’s fingers slip from his father’s hand and his destiny changes forever.u 240 The Broadway, SW19; polkatheatre.com

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ARTS & CULTURE / TALKING TOPICS

RAIN: 50 YEARS OF THE BEATLES 5 -7 O c t o b e r L o ndo n Pa ll a di u m ain brings to life The R Beatles’ iconic album, The Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club in an adoring tribute to the legendary band. The Broadway smash hit musical performs the full range of The Beatles’ discography in a note-for-note performance that is as infectious as it is transporting. u 8 Argyll Street, W1F; seetickets.com

must see

CLAPHAM FRINGE FESTIVAL Until 15 O ctober B re a d & Ro s es Th eatre

THE TRAP

Now in its third year, this three week festival boasts a fantastic roster of theatre, comedy, magic and musicals.

Highlights include In Search of Myself, a poignant exploration into depression and Sarah Bennett’s comedy sketch.

From 31 O ctober O mnib us T hea t re et in a payday loans company, the story follows a motley S crew of flawed characters and explores issues reflected in today’s economic climate. A sharp-witted comedy that will get you thinking about debt and the ethics of capitalism. u 1 Northside, SW4; omnibus-clapham.org

68 Clapham Manor Street; SW4; claphamfringe.com

EVENT OF THE MONTH

THE DIANA DIARIES 2 0 - 2 1 O cto b er B atte rs e a Arts Ce n t re

attersea Arts Centre is paying tribute to Princess Diana on the 20th anniversary of her tragic death with a moving exploration into what it takes to be human. The creator of

B

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Travelling Without Moving will read her Diana Diaries and other stories in a memorable and emotional event. u Lavender Hill, SW11; bac.org.uk

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XXXXXX / XXXXXXX

TORONTO’S OCAD UNIVERSITY BUILDING

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

Daily

GRIND

F

rom teaspoon to city” reads the mission statement on aLL Design’s website, the architecture practice led

by Stirling Award-winning principal, Will Alsop. As a tagline of sorts, it couldn’t better summarised than with a brief glance at his current dizzying roster of projects.

“At one end of the spectrum, we’re working on a series of a hundred new mid-sized towns in China,” he explains airily, as if the creation from scratch of a century of conurbations was the de rigueur stuff of a quiet week. “At entirely the other end, I have a set of new salt and pepper mills about to launch.”

We’re here to talk about the latter – titled ‘Grind’ – which is on the brink of being unveiled by Italian product powerhouse, Alessi. Created in collaboration with the Bologna-based architect Federico Grazzini, whom Alsop credits with having a brilliant knack for refining their collective objets, Grind comprises a pair of silver and black mills, at once industrial and refined. They represent the latest in a line of creations produced under Alessi’s auspices over the last decade, ranging from the teaspoon of the tagline (all fluid spiralling sleek silver) to ‘Daytimer’, a characteristically spirited wrist watch in a rainbow of eye-popping colours

entirely in keeping with the wider Alsopian oeuvre.

It’s a partnership that has brought much in the way of creative satisfaction and which, crucially for Alsop, comes with few imaginative constraints. “It started when Alberto Alessi, who is the grandson of the man who founded the company, sent me an invitation to design a limited-edition tea set – only 99 exist and all of them were sold. After that, my wife and I went to the Alessi factory at Crusinallo in Piedmont, which is where all products have been made since the 1920s when it was founded. I saw what they have and what sort of products they’re able to make. What I like is that Alberto might just send you a little prompt to say, ‘Perhaps you might like to start thinking about a design for a salt and pepper’ – but in reality, you can do what you like, so long as the factory can make the design.”

Alsop’s name has been built on the unbounded nature of his imagination; his is a philosophy that dictates that daring to dream is fundamental to change. Given the sheer scale of his at times improbably inventive work, that takes in international cruise terminals-come-officecome-shopping centres in Shanghai and art schools on stilts in Toronto, I wonder what it’s like to scale down the design process for something that you can hold in your hand.

“It’s the same,” he reflects. “Whatever you’re doing, you’re always looking for the thing that makes it more useful, more beautiful and more relevant.”

What’s it like to

SCALE DOWN THE DESIGN PROCESS ,

to something you can HOLD IN YOUR HAND?

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 15:55

C at K 2017 Absolutely Oct A4 _Layout 1 11/09/2017 12:30 Page 1

Christmas at Kew

As twilight falls, the magic begins...

There’s something for everyone as the one mile sparkling path winds its way through the world famous botanical gardens in a magical after dark experience.

Now in its fifth year, our new 2017 winter trail boasts over one million twinkling lights. Welcome to an enchanting world festooned with seasonal cheer as you wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in Christmas colour.

Tickets

Follow the path lit by one thousand illuminated globes towards glittering trees dripping with silvery shards of you stroll towards the Lake and pause at the waterlight, snowflakes and stars. The mesmerising voices side reflections and underwater lights that playfully of the Singing Trees can be heard in the distance as glow. It’s a place where fairy-tale meets fantasy.

There are hidden surprises too – watch out for the woodland walk along Path of Bubbles, giant baubles where you least expect them and clusters of trees wrapped in ever-changing ribbons of light.

For the young ones, the playful atmosphere of White Peaks will welcome you with a Victorian carousel*, helter skelter* and other family rides* and don’t forget to look out for Santa and his elves at the North Pole along the way.

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Adult Friends of Kew Family** Child 4-16

ADVANCE Peak / Off peak

ON THE DAY Peak / Off peak

£18 / £16 £15 / £13 £55 / £48 £12 / £10

£20 / £18 £17 / £15 £60 / £56 £14 / £12

Pre paid parking at Brentford Gate £7 to be booked with ticket/time slot

Book at:

kew.org/christmas 0844 995 9675 Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

All tickets are subject to a single transaction charge £2 per transaction for print at home tickets, £2.50 for tickets sent by first class post. £1.00 when booking tickets in person at Kew. See kew.org/Christmas for further information and full terms and conditions. On the day prices apply from 00.01 on the day prior to your visit.

Not open 20, 21, 27, 28 Nov and 4, 5, 11, 12, 25 Dec. **Family ticket 2 adults and 2 children (aged 4-16) *Extra charges apply

22 November 2017–1 January 2018 Royal Botanic Gardens

Open between 5pm – 10pm Raymond Gubbay

Kew

15/09/2017 15:38

ARTS & CULTURE / INTERVIEW

TORONTO’S OCAD UNIVERSITY BUILDING

GAO YANG

In the case of the salt and pepper, on two things he was adamant: firstly, he knew that he wanted to make something weighty: “It had to have a certain gravity – it’s like the difference between using a heavy knife and fork and a plastic set.

I knew it should be something beautiful to look at, so the general form is like a bulbous onion, stretched up with ridges that make it easy to grip. Eating at its best, after all, should have a sense of occasion about it.” Secondly, it should do the job better. “There are a lot of salt and pepper mills on the market. Some work well, others don’t. But the thing they all do is to leave a residue of pepper or salt on the table. It really annoys me. So we decided to make our mill face upwards; you turn the base of the form, so you don’t get any irritating deposit on the table.”

Alsop is, in many ways, a man of great contradictions. His work, more than any other architect, is like art made flesh, its organic fluidity, its unreserved use of colour and its often amorphous forms – which often seem like characters that have wandered out of his head – delighting and perplexing onlookers in equal measure. Indeed, his starting point for every building is on the canvas (a skill recognised in his status as a Royal Academician) – and as such, his outward appearance

GRIND - SALT AND PEPPER POTS FOR ALESSI

His work IS LIKE ART

made flesh

is more akin to that of painteremerging-from-studio than the caricature of the meticulous, polonecked bespectacled architect.

His shoes bear the relics of his last explorations with the brushes, paint spatters decorating them like a Jackson Pollock and his untucked shirts reveal a man relaxed and unfettered by finicky notions of sartorial neatness.

And yet in his environment, he is fastidious. A glance at his desk tells its own tale: empty, save a couple of Mont Blanc pens, pristine and everything at right angles.

This perhaps unexpected need for order does find expression in the occasional building too; his Palestra office block at Southwark, for example, confounds expectation by being reserved and demure in its use of colour. It’s an exacting

25 CHIS_OCT_ALSOP_V2.indd 25

attitude that even Alberto Alessi has been subjected to. “At the factory, Alberto has this wonderful, elongated oval table that must be about six metres long. It’s full of interesting things; note pads and pens, products, prototypes. I said to him once: ‘Alberto, your desk is really interesting. And also really untidy.’ He said: ‘Ah yes, every six months I empty it, it’s all cleared away. But then I like to let it build up again.’ I liked that he was so inspired by these things, these remnants of conversations he’s had with so many people over the last six months.”

Beyond salt and pepper, Alsop, along with his design studio based on the top floor of a building in Bethnal Green (complete with roof terrace for growing vegetables, drinking and smoking), is working on an art park in China, large mixed-used developments in both Manchester and Brentford and three houses on the south coast.

And then there are those hundred towns. “The central government in China decided that they wanted 100 new sustainable towns – nothing too big, because cities in China tend to be huge and the idea here is to give people options about where and how they live and to allow them to appreciate the rural.” Given that his architectural manifesto – if he had such a thing – would be littered with the word ‘joy’ and his insistence that we should be active in making more time for it in our lives, he seems just the man to deliver a cultural revolution of delight. ◆

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 15:56

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1 4

THEATRE / WHAT’S ON

Best in

2

3

the go-getting Once-ler come face to face with the magical Lorax in a battle over the beloved truffula trees and the whole of Paradise Valley. Adapted for the stage by David Greig, Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax is a brilliant riot of eyepopping colour, gorgeous puppetry and infectious music to enchant adults and children alike. l The Cut, SE1; oldvictheatre.com

3. THE SLAVES OF SOLITUDE

20 October - 25 November Hampstead Theatre In Henley-on-Thames, 1943, Miss Roach is forced by the war to flee London for the grey, lonely Rosamund Tea Rooms.

But a breath of fresh air arrives in the form of a handsome American

26 September - 2 1 October Lyttelton Theatre

2 . THE LORA X

15 October - 5 November The Old Vic The irrepressible, bighearted, moustachioed critter is back. This dazzlingly funny, moving, and inspiring show sees

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Spend a cosy evening in theatre-land with our top stage picks for the month

By H e l e n B r ow n

1. JANE EYRE

This year marks the 170th anniversary of Jane Eyre and Charlotte Brontë’s story of the trailblazing protagonist is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production tells the story of one women’s fight for freedom and fulfilment.

Jane Eyre’s spirited heroine faces life’s obstacles head-on, through orphanage, poverty and betrayal, before making the ultimate decision to follow her heart. l South Bank, SE1; national theatre.org.uk

SHOW

5

Lieutenant and things start to look distinctly brighter. Adapted from Patrick Hamilton’s much-loved story, this new play weaves a fascinating blend of dark hilarity and melancholy in a story about an improbable heroine in wartime Britain. l Eton Avenue, NW3; hampstead.com

4. THE LIE

Until 18 November Menier Chocolate Factor y Florian Zeller is the award-winning playwright of The Father and The Truth, both of which have already made their mark on the West End. Zeller’s The Lie follows a women who sees her best friend’s husband cheating on her. Samantha Bond, James Dreyfus, Tony Gard and Alexander Gilbreath star in this thoughtprovoking exploration of truth and infidelity. l 53 Southwark Street, SE1; menierchocolatefactory.com

5. OSLO

From 2 October Harold Pinter Theatre In 1993, in front of the world’s press, the leaders of Israel and Palestine shook hands on the lawn of the White House. This new political thriller follows the true story of these maverick diplomats in the run up to this iconic event, as they host top secret talks and inspire impossible friendships. l Panton Street, SW1Y; nationaltheatre.org.uk

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 15:57

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

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THEATRE / REVIEW

Follies

Stephen Sondheim’s musical returns to London for the first time in 30 years – and it’s a huge success Wo r d s P e n d l e H a r t e Photography by Johan Persson

W

hen every single member of the Olivier’s audience is standing up and whooping, the message is clear.

Dominic Cooke’s new production of Follies is a huge success on multiple counts. The music is wonderful, the dancing a delight, the costumes, staging and choreography all masterly, while the message remains at heart quite dark, certainly for a musical.

We open in a derelict theatre, once home to Weismann’s Follies, which is hosting a reunion on the eve of the building’s destruction. Ageing former

Josephine Barstow as Heidi, Gemma Page as Sandra, Janie Dee as Phyllis, Geraldine Fitzgerald as Solange & Tracie Bennett as Carlotta

It’s not a

CHEERFUL MESSAGE but there is LOTS OF JOY to be found

marveling at the follies of youth. There’s lots of wordplay – especially with 'folly' – and the second half's pastiche numbers are signposted 'Ben's Folly' as the various delusions and disappointments come to light. In all, it's not a cheerful message but there's lots of joy to be found in the staging and food for thought throughout. 

showgirls arrive and are presented with sashes announcing their vintages; it’s 1971 and the oldest of the dancers performed in 1918. Gradually it becomes clear – to us – that the young dancers among them are in fact shadow versions of their former selves, their presence in each other’s worlds a reminder of how things have changed. So Imelda Staunton's Sally Durant and her alter-ego Alex Young as Young Sally are (mostly) invisible to each other as the show goes on to explore the behind-the-scenes realities, with interwoven themes of disappointment, jealousy, ego and age as the passing of time takes centre stage. It's not so much a plot as a revisiting of past events, the mourning for former glories and endless

 Follies is currently booking until 3 January 2018; it will be broadcast by NT Live to cinemas in the UK and internationally on Thursday 16 November. ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk

29 Chis_Oct17_THEATRE Review.indd 29

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:45

PAGE TURNER Broaden your cultural horizons at Wimbledon BookFest, a one-stop-shop for literary lovers and readers W o r d s H E L E N B R OW N I l l u s t r a t i o n PHIL COUZENS

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W Wimbledon’s brilliant book festival returns this autumn with a jam-packed line-up from the very best of the literary world.

The eleventh annual Wimbledon BookFest boasts a unmissable roster of authors, local talent, politics, current affairs, sport, film, music, theatre and children’s events. This year, festivities take place between 5-15 October on Wimbledon Common.

Wimbledon BookFest is a charity with a large volunteer input and a small team of core workers. It was founded in 2006 by Fiona Razvi and Tony Kane who were intent on developing the arts and cultural offering in the area. Each October, the south west London neighbourhood welcomes the public event in a pop-up festival site in Wimbledon Common’s Baillie Gifford Big Tent and William Morris Tent. It hosts almost 100 events in its 10 day period and has grown from 1,000 visitors in its first year to over 15,000, with 7,000 school children enjoying the festival last year. Profits are ploughed back into the festival and its educational work with local schools. Central to BookFest is the desire to bring literature to the heart of the community and the community to the heart of literature.

ARTS & CULTURE / LOCAL HAPPENINGS

This year the festival opens with multi-award winning novelist Ali Smith in conversation with BBC broadcaster Samira Ahmed. Ali’s novel ‘Autumn’ is the ‘Festival Reads’ title for 2017 and has been snapping at the successful heels of her previous reads, How to Be Both and Artful. Further headliners include best-selling novelists Salman Rushdie, AL Kennedy, Anthony Horowitz, Tracy Chevalier and renowned author of Reasons to Stay Alive and five highly acclaimed novels for adults, including The Radleys and The Humans, Matt Haig.

The film rights to Matt’s new book, How to Stop Time, have already been optioned with

Central is the desire

to BRING LITERATURE to the HEART of the COMMUNITY and the COMMUNITY to the HEART OF LITERATURE

Benedict Cumberbatch attached to star.

With Matt’s latest book sitting in the top ten for almost a year, not to mention his rapidly growing fan-base, this Wimbledon BookFest event is a must-see for all.

Fashion fans and aspiring journalists will be interested to hear Alexandra Shulman discussing her life in Vogue. A witty and candid diarist, she’ll be at the festival offering a fascinating insight into the strains and successes of being the longest serving editor-in-chief in Vogue’s rich history.

Entertaining and informative, Alexandra’s book, Inside Vogue details her relationships with some of fashion’s most famous faces, from Kate Moss to Victoria Beckham, Karl Lagerfeld, David Bailey and Mario Testino.

Elsewhere, entrepreneur Liz Earle - best known for her passion for natural health, wellbeing and beauty - will be taking a close

look at the links between the gut and our physical and mental health. She’ll be at the festival sharing a practical programme to improve well-being from within.

In addition, a lively politics and current affairs sector will feature Alan Johnson, Evan Davies, Chris Patten, Jon Sopel and Fergal Keane, while Chris Boardman, Judy Murray, John Inverdale and Brian Moore will provide unique insight into the world of sport.

But it’s not just for grown-ups. At the heart of this community-driven festival is the aim to spread a love of reading and writing - young and old, and so a hefty children’s schedule has been curated to do just that. Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell will be sharing stories from his vastly compelling career. Working with authors as varied as Quentin Blake, Michael Rosen and Russell Brand, Chris has done wonders to champion creativity and visual literacy. Get the little ones along to hear him celebrate the meditative pleasure of creating a drawing every day and encouraging everyone to get a pencil in their hand. There will also be a celebration of the work of playwright David Wood and jaw-dropping magic tricks from Matt Edmondson.

With such a varied line-up there really is something for everyone. Like in previous years, the multi-venue festival will this year build on its growing reputation as an event that embraces the arts in all its forms. Truly a one-stop shop for fans of reading, writing or those looking to broaden their cultural horizons, Wimbledon BookFest promises an exceptional day out in the SW19 neighbourhood.¿ WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST Wimbledon Common, SW19; wimbledonbookfest.org

1. Jim Al-Khalili 2. Jon Sopel 3. Min Kym 4. June Sarpong 5. Salman Rushdie 6. James Acaster 7. Evan Davis 8. Alexandra Schulman 9. Chris Broadbent 10. Joe Lycett 11. Rick Edwards

31 Oct17_Wimbledon_USE.indd 31

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:37

LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE IN SOUTH LONDON?

At Stockwell Community Nursery we offer an inspiring, fun, home-from-home environment to help your child grow up to be a confident and inquisitive explorer who loves learning.

We have a fantastic team of welcoming staff who are highly qualified and will ensure your child feels safe, happy and secure.

LEYF offers the 30 Hours.

For more information: www.leyf.org.uk /30hours

Find out more at www.leyf.org.uk/stockwell

020 7737 5033 stockwell@leyf.org.uk Stockwell Community Nursery

King George’s House, 40 Stockwell Road SW9 9ES LEYF.indd 1

Nursery Group

of the Year

21/09/2017 17:23

A Eulogy for a Living Soul

A new dark comedy performed by Victoria Melody, her dad (celebrity TV antique dealer, Mike Melody) and a New Orleans Jazz band.

31 Oct - 18 Nov | 7:30pm bac.org.uk | 020 7223 2223 Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN

BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE.indd 1

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21/09/2017 17:55

ARTS & CULTURE / BOOKS

Bound toWin

The V&A are celebrating 70 years of the Folio Society and its beautiful books that put e-readers to shame

I

Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

t was only a few years ago that the publishing world was predicting the downfall of the paper volume. We would all be reading digitally and the

actual book would become as redundant as a Betamax video, freeing our shelves and enslaving us all to Amazon. But in 2017, sales of books are higher than ever. What happened?

For one thing, readers learnt to accommodate the digital page alongside the printed one; many of us now happily read both.

But figures for the past year show a marked decline in e-book sales alongside an actual rise in paperback ones, with more money in total being spent on reading across the board than in the previous year. Why is this?

And how have books themselves changed in the new climate?

One way that the book publishing world has responded to the competition presented by the e-book is to focus on making books

SAM WEBER (BORN 1981) DUNE BY FRANK HERBERT, 2015

QUENTIN BLAKE (BORN 1932) THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK. AN AGONY, IN EIGHT FITS BY LEWIS CARROLL, 1976

Books are celebrated FOR THEIR VISUAL APPEAL and craftsmanship HARRY BROCKWAY (BORN 1958) CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

BY FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY, TRANSLATED BY DAVID MCDUFF, 1997

desirable objects. Beautiful, tactile items that are a joy to hold and to own. Cover art, illustrations and creative bindings are at the foreground of publishing's current offerings, with Penguin’s clothbound editions responding to a rediscovered interest in book aesthetics. This has been the Folio Society’s mission for the past 70 years. Founded in 1947, dedicated to creating beautiful books, the Folio Society continues to honour its founder’s promise of producing ‘editions of the world’s great literature, in a format worthy of its contents, at a price within the reach of everyman’. And in today's climate, it can be seen as a slow

33 CHIS_Oct17_FOLIO/V&A_singlepage.indd 33

DEANNA STAFFO (BORN 1982) PERSUASION BY JANE AUSTEN, 2016

reading movement, whereby books are celebrated for their tactile nature and appreciated for their visual appeal and craftsmanship.

Beautifully printed and bound, many of the Folio Society's hardback volumes feature specially commissioned illustrations.

Harnessing this interest, a new exhibition at the V&A celebrates 70 years of the Folio Society. The first title, an illustrated edition of Tales by Tolstoy, is included in the exhibition along with original artwork from the archive, a selection of materials showing the history of the company and a dedicated reading corner inside the National Art Library. Artwork

by Quentin Blake, Angela Barrett, Charles Keeping, Neil Packer, Anna and Elena Balbusso, Geoff Grandfield and Harry Brockway and many others are included.

Folio are regularly awarded for the excellence of their books, most recently being named as finalist for six of their editions in the prestigious British Book Production and Design Awards for 2017. ¿

‘THE ARTFUL BOOK’

A celebration of 70 years of The Folio Society at the National Art Library at the V&A Museum

The display, to be found at the entrance to the National Art Library at the V&A, will continue until 28 January 2018. Admission is free.

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:44

3 Bennet Court, 1 Bellevue Road, London SW17 7EG

020 3475 6644 • anthonylabanhome.com

For latest news & offers join us @LabanHome

ANTHONYLABAN.indd 1 1 ANTHONY LABAN.02.indd

17/08/2017 11:56 11:26 06/02/2017

> FASHION CONFIDENTIAL: HOW TO CREATE A CAPSULE WARDROBE

p.36

AW17 TREND: POLKA DOTS

p.38

DE ARCHITECTURA Inspired by the work of Italian artist Ettore Sottsass, Furla’s AW17 collection is an ode to the brand’s 90-year heritage. Interwoven with Italian DNA and craftsmanship, Sottsass’ geometric motifs pervade the designs through playful details and graphic prints. furla.com

35 Chis_Oct17_Fashion_Opener.indd 35

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:45

st y l e C e n t r a l

How to create a capsule wardrobe, berets are back and this season’s hottest shoe style Wo r d s j oy m o n t g o m e r y

4 STE P S TO C R E AT I N G

A Capsule Wardrobe CLEAR OUT Start with a spring clean. Be ruthless with yourself; examine every item and decide if it really contributes anything to your wardrobe.

An easy way to do this is to ask: ‘Have I worn this within the last year?’ If the answer is no, then chances are it’s time to move on.

•

MAKE A PLAN Think about what you wear day to day and then consider which areas are lacking.

Remember there’s nothing wrong with buying more than one of the same item. The point is to create an edit which is interchangeable and easy to style when half awake on a Monday morning. Once you’ve identified these pieces, make a list - this will help direct your shopping trip.

•

DON'T FORGET BASICS Having a selection of well-fitting, versatile staples will make dressing much easier.

Good quality t-shirts are a must, alongside classic shirts, tailored trousers and dress-updress down dresses. Once you’ve got the basics then you can invest in outfit-elevating statement pieces, such as a trophy jacket, pair of printed trousers or show-stopping shoes.

•

D O T H E FA S H I O N M AT H S There’s no rush to create the perfect wardrobe. Prepare to build it over time. Try keeping a clothing inventory so you can be more targeted when shopping. Also, when you pick something up in a store, make sure you can imagine at least three ways to wear it.

If you’re a serial hoarder then try restricting yourself to wearing ten pieces over ten days - this will force you to be more inventive with your pre-existing wardrobe.

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

• CHIS_OCT17_FASHNOTES 2.indd 36

Portobello Belle M .i .h Je a n s x B ay G a r n e tt

This season Fashion Editor Bay Garnett has joined forces with M.i.h Jeans to explore their shared love of London style. Harking back to the ‘90s west London style scene, the Golborne Road Project is made up of eight-pieces that recall Garnett’s time at Central Saint Martins. Set to be this season's coolest fashion collaboration. matchesfashion.com

36 21/09/2017 16:45

FASHION / NOTES

MODERN MUSE

5

Maggie Marilyn Fun, fresh and very ‘now’, Maggie Marilyn is the up-and-coming New Zealand fashion designer creating clothing with a conscience. With an emphasis on ethical and environmentally-friendly production, Marilyn’s wearable creations are accented by the odd ruffle, ruched detailing or go-faster stripe, resulting in luxe staples that exude lowmaintenance cool. Watch this face; £850. net-a-porter.com

of the best

HIGH STREET S O C K B O OTS

HATS OFF

Lock & Co. Hatters Thanks to Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri, berets are big news for AW17.

Forget affected Parisian clichés, the new way to wear it is strictly utilitarian. Make like Maria and pair with an oversized shacket or slouchy polo neck; military undertones are a must. If Dior’s leather iteration isn’t your thing then Lock & Co’s classic style will certainly hit the spot. yolke.co.uk

2

3

editor’s

PREHISTORIC PICKS

PICK

Dinosaur Designs With their sculptural silhouettes and unique use of resin, Dinosaur Designs’ handcrafted jewellery offers a refined respite from last season's larger-than-life costume jewellery.

Founded in Sydney by Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy, the brand’s collection of elegant earrings, necklaces and bangles will act as the perfect centre piece for any outfit. net-a-porter.com

UTERQÜE Striped Sock-Style Ankle Boots, £115; uterque.com

ZARA

Striped Heel Sock-Style Ankle Boots, £39.99; zara.com

FRILL SEEKER

Dubarry We’re channeling our inner Mr Darcy with Dubarry’s Chamomile Shirt. The ruffle and prim and proper collar, plus the brand’s traditional roots, will ensure that you do AW17’s heritage trend the authentic way.

Style with a flash of patent to balance out any prudish undertones - be it a daring mini, block-heeled ankle boot or high shine biker; £69. dubarryboots.com

37 • CHIS_OCT17_FASHNOTES 2.indd 37

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MANGO Heel Sock Boots, £49.99; shop.mango.com

4 5 H&M

must

HAVE

& OTHER STORIES

Sock Boots, £115; stories.com

Sock-Style Court Shoes, £39.99; hm.com

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:46

FASHION / TREND ATTICO Mara Polka-Dot Pumps, £795; net-a-porter.com

MARQUES’ALMEIDA Jacquard Polka Dot Blouse, £450; farfetch.com MARC JACOBS Polka-Dot Silk-Satin Twill Scarf, £90; net-a-porter.com

CAROLINE CONSTAS Gabriella Polka-Dot Top, £365; net-aporter.com

UTERQÜE Pink Polka-Dot Shirt, £95; uterque.com

CALVIN KLEIN Koko Polka-Dot Satin Maxi Dress, £1,555; matchesfashion.com

PRADA SS17

GANNI Leclair Ruffled Polka-Dot Satin Midi Skit, £225; net-a-porter.com

Zimmermann Autumn/ Winter 2017

UTERQÜE Polka-Dot High Heel Sandals, £115; uterque.com

JOIN THE DOTS Polka dots get a grown-up makeover this season B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

Chis_October17_Fashion_Products.mj.indd 38

MANGO Bow Polka-Dot Blouse, £25.99; shop.mango.com

MARC JACOBS Polka-Dot Snapshot Camera Bag, £370; marcjacobs.com

38 21/09/2017 16:48

LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR SWIMWEAR • BEACHWEAR Lingerie and swimwear measuring and fitting service available all year round without appointment from A to J cup (size 8 to 20) GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE 34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF Tel: 020 7924 3826 www.ameliesfollies.co.uk

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COUNTRY HOUSE ESCAPE Aut umn has arrived: revel in the heritage fabrics and woolly warmth that befits the season C r e a t i v e D i r e c t o r P E N E L O P E C H I LV E R S P h o t o g r a p h y A N YA H O L D S T O C K S t y l i n g G E M M A S O R T C H I LV E R S H a i r & M a k e u p F I O N A G A L L AG H E R

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21/09/2017 16:50

The Art of Flooring Bespoke flooring • Engineered wood flooring Range of soft carpets • Add robust tiles to your kitchen

For beautiful new flooring that will last, give us a call on 020 8543 9083 258 - 260 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB

abbotswoodflooring.co.uk

ABBOTSWOOD.JAN.indd 1

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> BEAUTY NOTES: THIS MONTH'S BEST BUYS

p.48

SHOPPING EDIT: SKIN-LOVING GYM-READY BEAUTY BUYS p.51

POLISHED TO PERFECTION For autumn, Jo Malone has taken their best-selling scents and combined them with exfoliating ingredients. Using Jojoba beads, orange peel and bamboo stem, the formula works to delicately smooth away dryness and impurities. Perfect for dull winter skin. jomalone.co.uk

47 Chis_Oct17_BEAUTY OPENER.indd 47

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:51

t r e at M e n t R e v i e w

Glossier comes to the UK, ghd goes pink and discover this season’s hottest hair hue W o r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

ANTHONY LABAN HOME HAI R C U T & ST Y L E Wo r d s G a b r i e l l e H E r n a n d e z

T

ucked away in green Wandsworth, I found Anthony Laban Home. I was greeted at the door by the the man himself, Tony, and was welcomed into his beautiful boutique salon. The small close-knit team resembled that of a family and the warmth of the room truly reflected the idea of “home” noted in the salons title.

Tony and I sat down to discuss the treatment, before introducing me to his lovely team. One of the stylists, Ellie, then took the reigns and whisked me off to the washbasin.

She began with an Olaplex treatment to repair and strengthen my hair. The treatment sits for about 20 minutes and left my hair looking and feeling amazing.

After a shampoo and condition, as well as an incredible scalp massage, I was back in the fabulous black chair ready for the next step. Ellie and I decided to go for a V-shape cut, to add some long layers and face framing that would work well with my natural waves.

Time flew by as she cut and styled my hair. I enjoyed my tea and chatted with the rest of the bubbly team.

After my blow dry came the big reveal. I ran my fingers through my mid-length cut and felt the magic of the treatment. The cut made it healthier but the Olaplex was the cherry on top.

Anthony Laban Home is a truly wonderful salon experience. The cozy atmosphere is almost as inviting as the friendly faces, and expert hands, that await you. ◆

Cut & style, £60 | Opalex treatment £45 1 Bellevue Road; SW17 anthonylabanhome.com

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

SW_BEAUTYNOTES_Oct17.indd 48

Scarlet Fever C h a r l e s Wo r t h i n g t o n

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Charles Worthington Salons, the brand is releasing their most vibrant collection to date. 'Vibe' is all about creating show-stopping colour, and this autumn the theme is ravishing reds. Whether it's strawberry blonde, muted russet or bold crimson, this on-trend hue is the easiest way to change up your look for autumn. charlesworthingtonsalons.com

48 21/09/2017 16:53

HEALTH & BEAUTY / NOTES

6

of the best

COLOUR ME PRETTY

C o l o u r I n f u s e Wa s h No sulphates, parabens or silicone, and 100% vegan, Infuse My Colour Wash is one of the good guys of the haircare industry.

Coming in five washes - ruby, copper, gold, cobalt and platinum - these heroes are designed to refresh colour and add vibrancy to coloured hair. Use now for happy locks all winter long; £13.95 boots.com

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

Urban Decay NAKED Heat Hailed as the ultimate nude eyeshadow offering, every beauty veteran will have Urban Decay’s Naked palette in their arsenal. The brand has now released a palette of 12 new sizzling sunset shades, perfect for this season’s earthy-toned beauty look. £39.50; urbandecay.co.uk

HAIR WITH HEART

ghd Platinum Pink Blush This season ghd's cult styling products are supporting breast cancer charities across the globe with the launch of their limited edition pink blush collection.

For every product in the range sold, ghd will make a donation - choose from a platinum styler, air hairdryer or paddle brush. It’s time to think pink. ghdhair.com

editor’s

PICK

AESTHETIC EXPORTS

Glossier The storming success of US beauty brand, Glossier, from Into the Gloss' Emily Weiss, has led to a long-awaited UK launch. With its Instagram-friendly packaging, cruelty-free formulas and ‘less is more’ mantra, the brand finally announced its arrival in the UK. Wishlists at the ready. glossier.com

49 SW_BEAUTYNOTES_Oct17.indd 49

NAIL CO LO U R S

1

2

BURBERRY BEAUTY Poppy Black, £15; uk.burberry.com

SMITH AND CULT Bitter Buddhist, £19; cultbeauty.co.uk

3 4 BUTTER LONDON Dahling, £12; simplybe.co.uk

DEBORAH LIPPMANN Get Lucky, £18; net-aporter.com

6

NAILS INC Victoria, £14; net-aporter.com

must

HAVE

YVES SAINT LAURENT Beige Gallery, £19.50; selfridges.com

5 absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:53

HEALTH & BEAUTY / PRODUCTS

SHISEIDO Pureness

BAREMINERALS

Matifying Compact Oil-Free, £27; johnlewis.com

Correcting Concealer, £21; bareminerals.co.uk

LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Mat, £14.50; boots.com

BENEFIT BENEBALM Hydrating

Tinted Lip Balm, £15.50; boots.com

NARS

Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, £18.50; narscosmetics.co.uk

CLINIQUE

Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, £19.50; clinique.co.uk

L'ORÉAL

Paris Brow Artist Genius Kit, £9.99; boots.com

BENEFIT Gimme

Brow, £20; boots.com

LANCÔME

Hypnôse Drama Waterproof, £24.50; lancome.co.uk

GAME FACE

OXYGENETIX

Oxygenating Breathable Foundation, £49.50; cultbeauty.co.uk

Gym-ready, breathable beauty buys B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

BAREMINERALS

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS

Clear Brow Gel, £16.50; cultbeauty.co.uk

ESTÉE LAUDER

Double Wear Makeup Remover Wipes, £20; esteelauder.co.uk

ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

• Chis_Oct17_BeautyProductsUSE.indd 50

Multi-Tasking Concealer, £20; bareminerals.co.uk

50 21/09/2017 16:54

·/. � * \.�, *�. *.

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HAVING YOUR HAIR COLOURED WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN

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SKYLER.indd 1

19/09/2017 17:04

One or multiple missing teeth?

DENTAL IMPLANTS From

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www.putneydentists.co.uk Subject to status. T & C’s apply. Finance example for Single Implant: Treatment Cost £1,750. Amount of Credit £1,750, 60 monthly payments of £36.75 at 9.9%APR. Representative Example. Total amont repaid £2,205

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24/08/2017 16:58

HEALTH & BEAUTY / COLUMN

Face the Day Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders in the UK. Here’s how to manage it…

Wo r d s D r . A n j a l i M a h t o

A

cne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders in the UK and accounts for more than 3.5 million visits to the GP every year. It affects 80% of people at some point in their lives.

There is evidence to suggest that the spectrum of onset of acne is changing, with cases emerging both earlier and later than has been noted in the past. Acne can affect adults and may develop for the first time after the age of 25 years.

Here's the good news: acne can be successfully treated. Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, knows all too well the battles of living with acne, having suffered from the condition herself as a teenager and most of her adult life. She is passionate about educating people about acne and prescribing the best treatments and therapy combinations to improve the conditions of her patients as well as their wellbeing.

Here she gives us her top tips for tackling it…

KEEP A DIARY l Recording lifestyle factors such as frequency of breakouts, menstrual cycles, diet (sugar, dairy and GI foods) stress levels etc may help you and your medical professional identify triggers.

USE A FACE MASK l Do this once a week to help unclog the pores and calm the skin.

DON’T PICK, SCRATCH OR SQUEEZE YOUR SPOTS l All of these lead to skin damage and can potentially result in permanent pigmentation marks or scarring. It is better to use a spot-directed treatment directly onto the area such as salicylic acid, which can dry it up and help settle inflammation.

CHECK YOUR DIET l Diet has a small part to play DOUBLE CLEANSE THE SKIN l Do this in the morning and

GENTLY EXFOLIATE THE SKIN ONCE A WEEK l This will immediately remove

evening with a cleanser that is specially formulated for acne.

dead skin cells from the skin surface resulting in a brighter appearance. Longer term, it will reduce the development of blackheads. It is important not to overdo this otherwise you will end up irritating the skin and making things worse not better.

MOISTURISE THE SKIN l Use a light gel-based moisturiser that is “noncomedogenic” i.e. prevents the formation of blackheads. Even oily skin needs moisturising as oils do not equate to hydration.

Moisturising the skin will maintain the integrity of the barrier function of the skin and is vital for good skin health.

TRY STEAM EXTRACTIONS l This can help to reduce the number of future inflamed acne spots and immediately creates a sense of “decongestion”.

However, it carries a risk of damage to the skin and can make cystic spots worse, therefore needs to be done by a trained professional.

USING A RETINOID PRODUCT l Use it on the skin before bed to help unclog pores, reduce the formation of blackheads or whiteheads, and calm inflammation.

· Make sure you are getting nicotinamide, zinc, and vitamin A in your diet

· Avoid eating food rich in refined sugars or processed foods

· Limit whey protein supplements

· Eat a diet rich in

omega 3 fish oils

· Opt for full fat rather than low-fat dairy ◆

cadoganclinic.com

53 Chis_Oct17_ Top Tips To Help Manage Acne.indd 53

in certain individuals suffering from acne. Not everyone’s acne is driven by diet and usually the problem comes down to genetic and hormonal factors, however, the following methods can be considered:

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:58

HEALTH & BEAUTY / COLUMN

PERFUME LEGENDS An olfactory guide to the fundamental fashions of fragrance W o r d s M i c h a e l D o n o va n

I

was chastened by our store manager (who hails from Brazil) this week as I was bewailing the passing of summer, the early onset of autumn and the first click of the central heating - "in Britain you are so lucky with the weather, every time you open your shutters it's a surprise". With this a truly inspiring attitude to our seasons ringing in my ears I thought that we would celebrate the onset of autumn with some new and a few classic fragrances that resonate with the crisp cool mornings and smokey scents of burning leaves that are synonymous with October.

The great news for fragrance enthusiasts is that colder temperatures necessitate a ramp up in perfume power, in other words we need to select more potent notes which widens the possibilities for the olfactory wardrobe. All great fashion designers prefer autumn/winter collections as their palette is so much wider, and it is the same for fragrance - we can wear far more varied, interesting notes in colder conditions.

Smokey, resinous perfumes are my favourites and there is no better time to appreciate their warm vitality. Abel's 'Grey Labdanum' is a 100% natural, cashmere sweater of a scent which uses the dark, smouldering eponymous note to cocoon the wearer in luxury while warm amber and

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Colder temperatures NECESSITATE A ramp up in PERFUME POWER patchouli fan the embers. Bohdidharma's 'Black Lapsang' is another masterpiece of glowing incandescence, taking the Chinese smoked tea and re-interpreting the flavour with fiery Russian birch tar, sweet cedar and a wisp of tobacco.

Perhaps the king or queen of all bonfire perfumes is 'Celtic Fire' by Union. This fragrance house only uses ingredients gathered from around the British Isles and here the star is the birch, Scotland's most proliferate tree, which produces the tar-like resin used to re-create the smell of a blaze. Fuelled by the rich peat found in County Derry, Northern Island, fir balsam, oak extract and wild pine needles there will something wonderfully familiar to those that have roamed our forests for this is a resolutely British scent, tribal and celebratory. Wear with your favourite tunic and a dab of woad.

Paul Schutze's 'Tears Of Eros' is my new obsession and quite the most beautiful incense fragrance on the market. The juxtaposition of the classic triumvirate of ambergris, incense and benzoin with an unseasonal injection of hyacinth and green clementine peel is incredibly seductive.

There is a touch of Christmas here, with church and the bowl of tangerines flickering at the corner of the mind however the almost narcotic loveliness of the flower wins through and the combination is serene and spiritual. It's a lovely way to start the day.

I may have raved about David Moltz, the nose at D.S. & Durga, on previous occasions.

The young perfumer from Brooklyn is entirely self-taught and thus brings to his perfumes an edgy inventiveness rarely experienced. His scents are vivid and 'Freetrapper' is a wonderful example, epic and haunting, inspired by the mountain men that roamed the Rockies hunting beaver for their pelts and valuable musk oil. David's ability to conjure a landscape is second to none and the fragrance transports us to the wild backwoods, with dark cedar, snakeroot, bitter orange and distilled incense. It makes you want to light a campfire and sleep with your boots on.

Finally 'Fuoco Infernale' or 'Hell Fire'

by Linari, a rather portentous title that is slightly misleading for this is a very elegant and sophisticated rendering of damnation.

The smokey birch and olibanum are backed with spicy cinnamon and gurjan balsam with the unexpected aromatic herbal addition of marjoram and myrtle, both uplifting and transcendent and located, I believe, much closer to the pearly gates.

So the olfactory message for this month is 'treasure our seasons', we are lucky to have them. ◆

● R ou lli er W h i te roullierwhite.com

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Beautiful Bespoke Jewellery

Bring some colour into your life hand made in Wimbledon Specialist Bespoke Goldsmith and Jeweller Complex Restoration Work & Valuations undertaken on-site by Master Jewellers

www.michaelplatt.co.uk

Goldsmith & Jeweller in Wimbledon Village 1 Church Road | Wimbledon Village | London | SW19 5DW Tel. 020 8947 4772 | info@michaelplatt.co.uk

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> LONDON'S BEST BAKERIES & THE CITY'S BIGGEST FOOD FESTIVAL p.58 RECIPES FROM PARLOUR

p.60

RETRO FAVOURITES Based around the premise that food should be fun and that flavour is key, Jesse Dunford Wood’s new book - Modern British Food: Recipes from Parlour, gives British classics a kooky twist. Cow Pie sits alongside his modern take on Chicken Kyiv and a wealth of wittily conceived, much-loved dishes. £20, Absolute Press

57 CHIS_Oct_17_Food_Opener.indd 57

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:00

W h a t t o drink

kitchen

GRAPE NEWS

Wine recommendations for the month

CONFIDENTIAL London’s food news and delicious things to see you through October Wo r d s H A N N A H H O P K I N S

By B E R RY B R OS . & R U D D

HAMBLEDON, CLASSIC CUVÉE ROSÉ, SPARKLING, HAMPSHIRE £35 A beautiful vivid pink with a bright red berry hue, this wine displays an array of wild strawberry aromas on the nose that lead to a generous, complex palate of buttered toast, ripe lemon and juicy hedgerow fruit. ◆

2016 BERRY BROS. & RUDD PINOT NOIR

BY CRITTENDEN, MORNINGTON PENINSULA £34.95 With aromas of juicy red cherry, leading on to a palate of crunchy redcurrants and strawberries, this has a delicious freshness, making it supremely drinkable. Drink now to 2023 with a fillet of Dover sole. ◆

2015 BERRY BROS. & RUDD EDEN VALLEY RIESLING TORZI MATTHEWS VINTNERS £19.95 Aromas and flavours of classic lime fruit move through to a peach-stone core. The beauty of this wine lies in its impressive weight and texture, which combines with a porcelain freshness. ◆

FOOD FEST

B E R RY B R OS . & R U D D

L o n d o n R e s t a u r a n t Fe s t i v a l

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

This massive celebration of London’s best has returned with a packed calendar focusing on the diversity of the local restaurant scene. Events include Champagne Gourmet Odysseys, the Ultimate Gastronomic Weekend, Chef’s Tasting Menus and opportunities to learn to cook some of the most celebrated dishes at leading cookery schools. Various locations; londonrestaurantfestival.com

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FOOD & DRINK / NOTES

5

STEAK SABRINA

Haché After appearing at the Evening Standard London Food Month, ‘Steak Sabrina’ has now gained a permanent position on Haché's menu. Enjoy the burger with the knowledge that £1 of each will go to Action Against Hunger.

153 Clapham High Street, SW4; hacheburgers.com

of the best

BAKERIES

SEASONAL FOOD Bayley & Sage Battersea Bayley & Sage is due to open its sixth and largest store in Battersea with the same emphasis on fresh seasonal food.

Expect an abundant supply of organic produce including artisan breads, fresh homemade ready meals and champagne.

60 High Street, SW19; bayley-sage.co.uk

Embrace the autumn at one of our favourite bakeries…

Wo r d s G A B R I E L L E H E R N A N D E Z

01

THE OLD POST OFFICE

Thirty years of passion has powered The Old Post Office. Using no artificial additives, they offer the most savoury selection of breads and pastries. 76 Landor Road, SW9; oldpostofficebakery.co.uk

02

BRICK HOUSE

AUTUMN MENU

When you aren’t enjoying their San Francisco style sourdough, try your hand at baking alongside the best in one of their bread classes.

1 Zenoria Street, SE22; brickhousebread.com

The White Onion Wimbledon The White Onion prides itself on working with the best seasonal produce, regularly showcasing new dishes and wine discoveries.

This month they’ve got a new autumn/winter menu that incorporates innovative and topquality dishes. Enjoy your meal under the beautiful star gazing window and choose from a selection of seasonal wines.

67 High Street, SW19; thewhiteonion.co.uk

03

DOMINIQUE ANSEL

This New York bakery made it way to London nearly a year ago. They offer a sweet and savoury selection including its famous and innovative creation, the Cronut.

17-21 Elizabeth Street, SW1W; dominiqueansellondon.com

04

YEAST BAKERY

NEW PUB

Tap Tavern The new pub and bar concept has opened the doors to its first southwest London venue. Specialising in independent beers, small batch gins and quality British food, its mission is to deliver a contemporary take on the traditional British tavern. What a way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Princes Street, TW9; taptavern.co.uk

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Busy with orders during the week, Yeast is only open to the public on Saturdays. Be sure to get your hands on their exquisite hand-made viennoiserie.Westgate Street, E8; yeastbakery.com

05

FABRIQUE

Treat yourself to one of this Swedish bakery’s ever-popular pastries, a fluffy cinnamon bun.

Baked in a stone oven, their hand-made bread will leave you wanting more.

212 Portobello Road, W11; fabrique.co.uk

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:03

Kooky Cooking Wacky, delicious and irresistible takes on British classics from Parlour’s Head Chef Wo r d s J e s s e D u n f o r d W o o d

HALIBUT WITH CITRUS FRUITS & OLIVE OIL MASH Ser ves 6

his book is all about flavour T marriages and contrasting textures. Soft with crunchy, acidic with rich and soothing, raw with cooked. Here we have a lovely bit of steamed fish with some silken olive oil mashed potatoes and citrus fruits to cut through the richness.

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I n g r e d i e nt s Olive Oil Mash • 500g potatoes, peeled and chopped • 100ml hot milk • 100g butter, melted, plus an extra 50g • 75ml olive oil • salt and freshly ground black pepper Halibut • 6 x 120g+ halibut portions (you could also use brill, turbot, plaice, cod or even salmon) Assembly • 500g spinach leaves • grated zest and segments of 1 orange, 1 lime, 1 pink grapefruit and 1 white grapefruit; and the juice from the carcass of the fruits

• olive oil • lime wedges, to serve rock salt, to serve M e th o d 1 Preparing the olive oil mash • Boil the potatoes in pan of salted water, and when cooked, strain them. Mash them, incorporating the hot milk and melted butter, and season well. If you want to get really fancy you could pass it through a fine meshed sieve to help achieve that cheffy, glossy finish.

2 Preparing the halibut • Season the fish on both sides. In a steamer, or over a pan of simmering water (with some lengthways-cut carrots acting as a trivet), steam the fish gently for 3–4 minutes, covered with a lid, until opaque.

3 Assembling the dish • Pan-fry the spinach briefly, adding salt and pepper, until starting to wilt down, then strain through a sieve.

• Chop the fruit segments and add to the juice and zest with a little seasoning.

• Place a tangle of spinach on each plate, then put your fish carefully to one side and scoop some olive oil mash on the other side. Drizzle a little of the chopped citrus fruit vinaigrette over the fish and spinach, and pour a little olive oil over the mashed potatoes. Serve with a wedge of lime if you like, and a sprinkle of rock salt for a salty kick. ◆

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FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES CHICKEN KYIV Ser ves 4 he quintessential pre-prepared British supermarket chicken dish – apparently first stocked in the UK by M&S in the 1970s – it is a happy throwback to a bygone era. It has a history of uncertain beginnings, apparently nothing to do with Kiev in the Ukraine at all, and occasionally nothing to do with real chicken either; its heritage seems to have more to do with garlic and tourism. But that doesn’t stop it being a very popular dish, sadly not featured enough on restaurant menus these days.

Luckily, this version also has the authenticity of real chicken and real butter, and the presentation has been given an update. The accompaniments of coleslaw (everyone’s favourite partner for fried chicken) and hash browns (inspired by the McDonald’s breakfast) are easily found in the deli/freezer aisles of the supermarket, just down the way from the ubiquitous Kiev, if you don’t want to make them yourselves.

T

scoop or garlicky hands. (The size of the butter balls determine the size of your Kyivs.) For best results, freeze the garlic butter at this stage.

• Top and tail the chicken breasts, removing the fillet from underneath, until you are left with a square chunk, about 7.5 x 7.5cm. The trimmings can be used to make chicken nuggets or the beginnings of a curry.

• Stretch out a double layer of cling film, put the trimmed chicken on one side and fold over the cling film so it is well covered. With a rolling pin, smash the breast into a flat and fairly even round shape. It needs to be approximately 12.5cm round, big enough to wrap around the ball of garlic butter. Peel back one side of the cling film and place the butter in the centre of the flattened chicken. Close the chicken around it by bringing the cling film together and twisting it, making a round, stuffed garlic chicken breast ball. Repeat with the remaining chicken and butter balls.

• To be considered a Kyiv, the chicken needs to be breaded: for this to be done easily, pop the balls into the freezer

for a few hours (you could leave them overnight, or even for weeks).

2 Preparing the panne • Place the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. Once the Kyivs are frozen, unwrap them from the cling film and roll in the seasoned flour, then in the egg wash and then roll in the breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb rolling for a second time – this makes for a better seal and is known as a ‘double panne’. The breaded chicken can then be left to defrost in the fridge for a few hours, or even for a day or so, and it will be ready for cooking.

It’s best not to cook from frozen.

3 Assembling the dish • Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/ Gas Mark 6. Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer set to 180°C and fry the Kyivs for a minute or so, until golden, then transfer to the oven for 15 minutes. The butter should be melted inside, ready to burst and dribble down your chin.

Serve immediately on a bed of rainbow coleslaw and a hash brown. ◆

I n g r e d i e nt s Kyiv • 6 whole garlic heads • 200g butter, softened • 60g parsley, chopped • 4 skinless chicken breasts – ideally organic; at the very least free-range (none of this battery business please – that would be so 1990s) • salt and freshly ground black pepper Panne • 70g(ish) plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper • 2 eggs, beaten • 150g breadcrumbs (Japanese panko are best for an even finish) Assembly • Rainbow Coleslaw (see page 23) • 4 Hash Browns (see page 171) M e th o d 1 Preparing the kyiv • Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/ Gas Mark 4. Roast the garlic whole on a baking tray in the oven for 30 minutes or so, until soft inside. Leave to cool, then cut the tops off and squeeze out the garlicky goodness on to a board.

Chop finely into a near purée, then add to the softened butter and parsley in a bowl and mix well until smooth.

Season it well – the Kyiv gets little other seasoning, so the butter should be beautifully salty. Place in a tub and chill for 30 minutes, then ball out portions (about 70g or so) with a warm ice-cream

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CIT O

Authentic tradition and striking modernity combine at Patara Wimbledon to provide an unrivalled dining experience. Join us in the elegant comfort of the restaurant or spectacular terrace to enjoy our classic speciality and a la carte menus. Or, for those who want something truly unique, take a place at the 10-seater Yum Bar where our Thai tapas-style smaller plates find a natural home.

Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 11:00 - 15:00 & 17:00 - 23:00 Saturday: 11:00 - 23:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 22:30 Instagram: @pataralondon • Twitter: @PataraLondon • Facebook: @pataralondongroup

www.pataralondon.com PATARA WIMBLEDON 18 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5DX For reservations: 0203 931 6157 & infowimbledon@pataralondon.com Pllease call for information on Christmas events & menus & book early to avoid disappointment

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FOOD & DRINK / RECIPES natural sliced shape, or cut out shapes with a cookie cutter to make the pieces all the same size. You need two slices of each piece of veg per person – a total of eight slices per person.

• Place each of the different vegetables in their own bowl. They MUST be marinated separately so that they retain their own vibrant colour and don’t bleed into one another. Whisk together the vinegar, water and salt and pour over the vegetables, little by little, just covering them. If you want to get cheffy, put a little baking parchment over the vegetables to keep them submerged.

Marinate the vegetables in the fridge for an hour or so, or perhaps overnight to make them a little more pliable and ‘ravioli’ like.

2 Preparing the whipped goats’ cheese • I like to peel furry goats’ cheese and perhaps keep the peelings for a boiled up goats’ cheese cream for a pasta or similar. Chop the cheese and whizz it in a food processor with a little milk until it becomes velvety and smooth. Place it in a bowl, or even better (and more professional), in a piping bag for easier application.

3 Preparing the sweet and sour dressing • Combine the ingredients in a bowl and loosen with your favourite dressing.

RAW VEGETABLE ‘RAVIOLI’ WITH GOATS’ CHEESE Ser ves 6 pening a restaurant in Italy, as I did a few years ago, you cannot help but be inspired by the brilliant food there, steeped in tradition and generations of knowledge. This is one of the dishes it inspires. You really have to think of it as a goats’ cheese salad; ravioli it is not, but with a little imagination you might just see the likeness.

O

I n g r e d i e nt s Raw Vegetables • 1 large beetroot • 1 large golden beetroot 1 kohlrabi • 1 swede • 250ml white wine vinegar • 150ml water • 2 pinches of salt

Whipped Goats’ Cheese • 300g goats’ cheese (be it cheap and cheerful or posh and artisanal) about 30ml milk Sweet and Sour Dressing • 50g dried cranberries or sultanas, finely chopped • 50g dried golden raisins or apricots, finely chopped • 50g tiny capers, whole, or large ones finely chopped • 50g shallots, finely chopped 10g chopped parsley Assembly • alfalfa sprouts • hazelnuts • edible flowers M e th o d 1 Preparing the raw vegetables • Peel and slice the vegetables very thinly using a mandoline, or failing that slice them very carefully and thinly with a knife. You could keep them in their

63 NH_Oct17_Recipes_3pg.indd 63

3 Assembling the dish • Drain the coloured vegetable slices carefully and place on some kitchen towel. Put one slice of each coloured vegetable on each plate and pipe a little whipped goats’ cheese on top. Top with another slice of the same vegetable.

Drizzle a little of the sweet and sour dressing around the mounds of ‘ravioli’, sprinkle with alfalfa sprouts, grate a little hazelnut over the top, and finish with a few edible flowers.◆

Recipes taken from Modern British Food: Recipes from Parlour by Jesse Dunford Wood, published by Absolute Press, £20.

Photography © Lauren McLean

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:11

to book please call

WINNER ‘’BEST EATING EXPERIENCE’’ FADA 2016

020 8946 3031 mon to fri - 8am - 10.30pm sat - 9am - 10.30pm sun - 9am - 3.30pm

Tasty, Seasonal Cooking lightwimbledon.co.uk | 48 High St, Wimbledon SW19 5AX

SAN ZO L O R E19N 69

three course evening set menu £22.50 or two courses with a glass of house wine

since

offer available until the end of october - monday to friday. mention offer when booking.

bookings 0208 946 8463

www.sanlorenzowimbledon.com

tuesday nights - 2 rib-eye steaks, chips, salad and a bottle of house wine - £45

LIGHTHOUSE_COMMON.indd 2

38 WIMBLEDON HILL RD LONDON

SW19 7PA

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08/06/2017 09:40

Special October set lunch 3 courses or 2 courses with a glass of house wine £15

Authentic Punjabi Restaurant

Please mention offer when booking.

Offer available until end of october.

to make a booking call 020 8944 6338 Wimbledons favourite neighbourhood restaurant.

Great value set menus.

Vin and his team specialize in the finest, most authentic Punjabi cuisine, using traditional Tandoor cooking methods and family recipes passed down from generation to generation Try our magnificent champagne beer as well, Curious Brew, the perfect accompaniment to wash down our delicious food Curry & Comedy nights every month, all in support of local charities Please call for more details

~

“This is the best Indian in London. I work in central London and haven’t found anywhere that compares, brick lane falls way short in comparison…”

J. Macdonald,Wimbledon

Seasonal cooking at its best www.lighthousewimbledon.com 75-77 ridgway wimbledon SW19 4ST

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193 Worple Road, Wimbledon SW20 8RE 020 8947 2212 info@sairestaurant.co.uk www.sairestaurant.co.uk

21/09/2017 17:52 21/09/2017 17:55

FOOD & DRINK / REVIEW fried to create a crispy batter skin, with the squid cooked just right, not chewy or fishy. Light dusting of sea salt flakes add bursts of flavour which cuts through the taste of the batter and squid. There is also the Patara platter, a collection of various classic starters on one plate, such as spring rolls and fishcakes.

Main course features a wide selection of dishes typical of most Thai restaurants, made and presented with the quality and care often associated with the Patara name. Classic dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry are made with both authenticity and creating a unique variation of the flavours. The Pad Thai noodles are firm and the prawns were cooked well, mixing in the crushed peanuts, chilli powder, and a dash of lime

Capturing the

Patara Wimbledon Fine dining meets casual eating at Patara Wimbledon W o r d s G a n t C h i n av i c h a r a n a

O

ne of the most recognisable names in Thai dining in London is, undoubtedly, Patara. Combining elegant fine dining with quality Thai food, Patara sets itself apart from other eateries with the dining experience on offer.

However, the newest branch of the established series of restaurant differs from the usual Patara formula. Rather than following the tried and tested fine dining experience, the recently opened Wimbledon branch combines fine and

casual dining, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed.

Offering cheaper dishes at smaller portions, Patara Wimbledon encourages diners to share their orders, capturing the spirit of Thai dining.

Exclusive to this particular branch of Patara is the Yum bar, a bar which also functions as a preparation space for various cold starters, such as the som tum, as spicy salad. Traditionally made using raw papaya, due to the scarcity of the fruit in the UK, courgettes are used instead, creating a crisp and fresh rendition of the dish.

Other starters include spicy Thai style tuna carpaccio, sea salt calamari,deep

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SPIRIT OF THAI DINING, GUESTS are encouraged to SHARE THEIR ORDERS juice, creating a more refined rendition of a classic Thai street food dish. The green curry is not too thick, made using lighter coconut milk than ones commonly used in the UK, thus sticking closer to traditional recipes. Consistency of the curry is smooth, coupled with the juicy chicken, courgettes and pea aubergines, traditional Thai curry ingredient not often found in the UK, makes Patara’s green curry one of the most genuine curry in London.

Of course there are also desserts, with the fresh coconut ice cream (Gati Sod) and mango and sticky rice highly recommended. Both are classic Thai desserts and while the idea behind them is simple, Patara adds a contemporary twist, creating sophisticated sweet treats.

The ice cream is home made, with pieces of coconut inside, creating an interesting texture as well as a naturally sweet taste.

Mango and sticky rice uses Thai mangos and sticky rice cooked in coconut milk, giving it a sweeter taste. Topped with coconut cream and crunchy seeds for texture, the mango and sticky rice combo is the perfect end to any Thai meal. ď‚ż P ATA R A W I M B L E D O N 18 High Street Wimbledon, Wimbledon, SW19 020 3931 6157 pataralondon.com

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:16

For beautiful homes, inside and out

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For over two decades Rupert Lines and his team have prided themselves on attention to detail and professional craftsmanship for all types of building and renovation in South West London.

R&M Lines’ experienced Project Managers provide home owners with a dedicated point of contact ensuring the entire process runs smoothly, to plan and with minimal inconvenience.

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p.68

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> INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS: FIND YOUR PERFECT DESK LAMP

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:17

10

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

of the best

desk lamps

Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

IDYLL HOME

Mustard desk lamp, £69 idyllhome.co.uk

NORTHERN LIGHTING Buddy table lamp; £186 skandium.com

GRAHAM AND GREEN Mouse lamp, £60 grahamandgreen.co.uk

must

HAVE

RUME

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Flos Goldman, desk light, £321 rume.co.uk

ALEXANDER AND PEARL Loft Cream Table Lamp alexanderandpearl.co.uk

Anglepoise The winning collaboration between Paul Smith and Anglepoise continues with the release of three new lamps. Available in the established colour palettes, the newcomers Mini and Giant play with scale, creating larger and smaller versions of the standard piece.

anglepoise.com

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HOMES & INTERIORS / NOTES

FLORAL FRENZY

Anthropologie When Anthropologie teamed up with Liberty it was clearly going to be a winning relationship. The stylish and quirky range spans furniture, ceramics. We love the Lucia Armchair, pictured, upholstered in a reimagined version of William Morris’s Strawberry Thief print, £1,398. anthropologie.com

LOAF Gaston desk lamp, £115

loaf.com

MADE.COM

Cohen table lamp in blue, £55 made.com

DONNA IDA

Jean Queen Donna Ida Thornton is expanding her denim brand by introducing a candle for AW17. T ‘I’ve Got My Eye On You’ candle will be the first of two candles in a new lifestyle collection set to include lovely loungewear and various home accessories. donnaida.com

POOKY CANTONA Desk Lamp in burnt orange, £98 pooky.com

editor’s

PICK SQUARE DANCE 1882

Lucienne Day’s iconic Flower Brick has been relaunched in a limited edition by design retailer twnetytwentyone and ceramics brand 1882. Pictured is the Brick with a floral arrangement by designer Suzy Hoodless.

1882ltd.com

ATKIN AND THYME

Hettie angled desk lamp in copper, £65 atkinandthyme.co.uk

WILD THINGS

The Lounge Co. Designer Lorna Lucas has joined forces with The Lounge Co. to produce an exclusive range of stunning natureinspired accent chairs. The artist uses wildlife as her muse and has produced three stunning ‘Paradise Bird’ designs.

The Lounge Co.’s sofas and chairs are all hand-crafted in the UK. theloungeco.com

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WILD AND WOOLF

Home office lamp in grey wildandwoolf.com

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:18

NEW 2018 CATALOGUE OUT NOW Discover the new 2018 furniture and accessories collection in-store now.

BoConcept is all about making design, furniture and colours fit seamlessly in your home. Whether you need help to design an entirely new home or don’t know which sofa to choose for a room, our professional and friendly interior designers are always on hand to help and will offer you a comprehensive free interior design service.

Finchley Road I Guildford I Harrods I Kingston I Notting Hill I Tottenham Ct Road I Wandsworth

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HOMES & INTERIORS / BATHROOMS

In the

SHELF LIFE...

B AT H R O O M

BEAUTIFUL NEW BOTTLES FOR THE BATHROOM

Style your bathroom with a few simple but fabulous accessories

ATELIER BLOEM William, £160 libertylondon.com

Wo r d s p e n d l e h a r t e

H A M M A M L OV E T u r i k s h To w e l s • Hammam towels are highly collectable with their range of colours and weaves. They fold much smaller than regular towels, making them paractical as well as stylish. We love Hammam & Home's luxe arrow print version (£28, right) as well as Bohemia's Inca patterned ones (£36, left). bohemiadesign.co.uk hammamandhome.co.uk

ANGEL SCHLESSER Peonia Rosa, £75 harveynichols.com

editor’s

PICK EIGHT & BOB Champs de Provence, £125 psyche.co.uk

ACQUA DI PARMA

SMALL OBJECTS D e si g n e r To oth br u s h • The Tann toothbrush is designed with shape and colour in mind. Created by Andreas Engesvik, and made for HAY by Norwegian dental specialists Jordan, this everyday item has been reinvented as an interior feature. Moulded from one piece of plastic, it has a simple aesthetic that looks great in any bathroom space. twentytwentyone.com

Colonia Pura, £45 johnlewis.com

LALIQUE Lumiere lalique.com

B AT H S PA S e b a st i a n C o n r a n fo r V it r a • Sebastian Conran's range of freestanding bathroom accessories for VitrA combines teak with chrome for restults that are both hard-wearing and stylish.

We love the handy bath side table, £700. vitra.co.uk

OMOROVICZA Queen of Hungary mist, £25 omorovicza.com

BELLA FREUD 1970, £86 bellafreud.com

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21/09/2017 17:19

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Boy TALK When this interiors blogger designed a room for her son, she was aiming for innocence and fun. Here’s her story Wo r d s R U T H M AT T H E W S

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Neutrals range. I particularly recommend it in north-facing rooms, which is where we’ve always used it, as it brings out the grey tones so beautifully.

I have accumulated quite a bit of Scandi kids stuff since Ted was born, and also a fairly hefty dinosaur and animal collection, so they were the jump points for thinking about how the room may hold together. But it wasn’t until I went on a trip to Dorset for Farrow & Ball's wallpaper launch that I knew exactly how the room would look.

When I saw Gable unveiled, it was a designadrenaline moment for me and there was no question in my mind that this was the right design for Ted’s room. With its charming bucolic rural scene (one that I would happily live with in my own space, perhaps in pink) there’s no design I can think of that’s more joyful or comforting for a bedroom. It has such a cosy feel to it, based on a 1950s design but quite timeless, with a touch of naivety to it. We talk about it often during winding down time in here, Ted likes the animals and will spend ages spotting and

ombining a design that combines joyfulness and the things that your toddler loves can be something of a challenge when you like your style without a heavy dose of plastic attached.

Ted's room has been gently evolving since we moved in 18 months ago. His was the first room we painted (within a fortnight) thanks to the harsh and bright lime green space he’d inherited (see what happens when you let your beloved little person make all the design decisions?) So we neutralised the space with one of my very favourite greys, Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White, which I’ve now used in three homes and loved the result each time – it's such a perfect colour.

It’s a shade of grey with just a hint of dirt in it, which may sound derogatory but in fact it makes the tone really natural and beautiful.

Farrow & Ball describe it as a hushed, calming colour and it is a part of their Easy

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HOMES & INTERIORS / CHILDREN’S ROOMS

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:20

See life in a new light New Pirouette® Shades from Luxaflex® The unique design of our Pirouette® Shades features soft fabric vanes which gently filter light and control privacy. And PowerView® Motorisation also lets you operate your shades with one tap of your smart phone, tablet or remote control.

Find out more at luxaflex.co.uk

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HOMES & INTERIORS / CHILDREN’S ROOMS There are so many things that Ted loves (plastic aside) that we don’t have any theme in here at all, though there is quite a hefty animal slant. The biggest statement (after the wallpaper) is the central back wall which has had things that we like thrown upon it pretty randomly. But I think it works. The cacti wall hooks and shelf were my decision, but a lot of the pictures have meaning: the vintage Super Ted covers were framed for Ted by my good friend Lucy, there’s a handmade ceramic dinosaur plate called Tedosaurus from Aunty Kathryn, a print in vintage style by children’s illustrator Paul Thulby and a raccoon above Teds pillow that I couldn’t resist putting a party hat on.

I’ve tried to keep a pretty retro feel to the items on the mantelpiece, simplicity in wood and a few more colourful pieces which really pop against the wallpaper.

There’s a bit of a vintage theme going on in the corner that holds Ted’s chest of drawers too, the yellow corner with the old £10 drawers I found on eBay and painted a bright mustard yellow, some vintage children’s books, the 50s style swinging rocket toy and the retro dressed animal plates from West Elm that people always comment on. With my ever growing love for house plants, Ted has an aloe which is good for cleansing the air and a mini terrarium complete with polar bear figurine. 

I didn’t WANT THE SPACE to be too KNOWING OR KITSCH – so it’s just INNOCENCE & fun in here

counting them. The wallpaper is such a statement I didn’t want the design of the rest of the room to argue with it, so I’ve kept everything else pretty pared back in monochromes with the odd flash or colour or fun.

Unlike the rest of the Design Soda house, I didn’t want the space to be too knowing or kitsch so it’s just innocence and fun in here. A mix between vintage wood and Scandinavian toys that I bought when he was really tiny and more colourful fun pieces that I’ve updated in the room as he gets older.

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R u t h M at t h e w s blogs at designsoda.co.uk

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:21

NORDIC STYLE

LONDON

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HOME & INTERIORS / GARDENING

Floral Frenzy Take your garden to the next level with PM Landscapes

Wo r d s Pat r i c k M a r t i n G a r d e n s P M L a n d s c a p e s

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aised beds are undoubtedly one of the best ways to display plants and small trees while making the job of plant care and maintenance that much easier.

Plants presented at a higher level have a greater visual impact than those lower down as the shape, leaf colour and texture are all easier to appreciate.

Raised beds are not only a great feature, but when well designed and enhanced with subtle lighting they can be the garden focal point when looking out through a kitchen door or window.

In small town gardens, raised beds can be used to make the most of a restricted space, while keeping the garden clear and uncluttered.

In larger gardens, raised beds combined with built-in seating can be used to create a living space near the house with the area beyond laid out to lawn and planting for larger shrubs and trees.

There are many ways to build raised beds but perhaps the most common are rendered and painted, timber or brick construction.

Rendered raised beds will introduce a contemporary influence to the garden. They are usually built using concrete blocks laid on concrete foundations followed by the application of smooth render coats. To achieve crisp sharp lines it is necessary to use stainless steel angle beading on all corners and edges - a metal strip that is fixed to the edges of the block work. For the classic Mediterranean look, the render can be painted white, but blues, greys and terracotta colours also work well.

A built in timber seat between raised beds can be finished in paint, wood stain or varnish with LED lighting located underneath the seat to further enliven the effect.

Timber raised beds can be made from sleepers which contribute to a more rustic look.

WHEN well-designed they can be the GARDEN FOCAL POINT However at PM Landscapes we prefer to build them using treated planed and prepared timber as this gives a much more refined result.

This type of timber can take a high gloss or a matt finish and the design is completed with a framed edge along the top of the raised bed.

Brick raised beds again need to be built on concrete foundations and a traditional or re-claimed brick usually works best.

There are no strict guidelines on what plants to use although anything that gets too big is perhaps best avoided.

Standard bays, photenias or boxes will work well although they require some attention to keep their round shape. Surround these with a mixture of lavender, herbes and trailing vincas and you will get an instant visual impact that will elevate the whole garden.

In all cases, it is essential that there is good drainage in the beds in order for the plants to thrive.

PM landscapes offer free consultations and quotes for complete design and build garden projects.ď‚ż pmlandscapes.co.uk

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21/09/2017 17:22

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HOMES & INTERIORS / TREND MIA FLEUR Gold whisk, £18; miafleur.com HOUSE BY JOHN LEWIS Orb mechanical scale, £10; johnlewis.com

LE CREUSET Stoneware mixing jug, £35; lecreuset.co.uk

RICE Heart-shaped silicone spoons, £6; sistersguild.co.uk

COMFORT Delicious Bakes and Family Treats by Candice Brown is published by Ebury Press, £20

CANDICE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIS PARRINDER

RICHARD BRENDON Cake stand in Marrs Green, £165; richardbrendon.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Cat study apron, £28; anthropologie.com

TAKE THE CAKE

KITCHENAID Artisan Stand Mixer, £549; kitchenaid.co.uk

THORNBACK & PEEL Jelly and cake oven glove, £25; thornback&peel.co.uk

With the return of The Great British Bake Off, we round up some stylish baking essentials

By PENDLE HARTE

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RICE Silicone baking molds, £8.99; ricebyrice.co.uk

absolutely.london

12. COS Swimsuit With Tie

21/09/2017 17:22

loom

BAND London is weaving again. A craft that died over 70 years ago is back in the capital.

Absolutely investigates Wo r d s P E A R L B OY D Photography JA MES GARDINER

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he ambitious London Cloth Company, formed in 2012 by maverick master weaver Daniel Harris, is bringing back to London a unique tradition that vanished during the interwar years.

In Hackney, the traditional cloth trading district, Daniel rescued seven vintage looms and singlehandedly rebuilt them by hand over a two-year period. These extraordinary machines date from

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Every Londoner DESERVES the choice to BUY CLOTH that is woven in THEIR CITY the 1880s up to the 1970s and were left to rot in warehouses and barns throughout Britain and Ireland.

Daniel says: “These machines capture the real essence of vintage weaving that simply can’t be achieved with modern machines.

They are living history and every metre woven is another chapter in the story”.

The company made an impressive start, weaving unique cloths for major players in fashion, film and opera. They have now teamed up with contemporary home and accessories brand Lane to create a unique rope-dyed indigo collection of stylish soft furnishings and accessories. Lane designer and creative director Joff Casciani says: “taking this vintage process and cloth and bringing it to life in a contemporary collection that is relevant to a modern lifestyle is really exciting. Why can’t we preserve the crafts of yesterday?

Everything we make is made in the UK, so it’s great to work with cloth that is woven in the capital. Every Londoner deserves the choice to buy cloth that is woven in their city rather than cloth that has travelled thousands of miles. With such heavy pollution in the capital, Londoners are all too aware of the

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HOMES & INTERIORS / LANE WEAVING

need to be more sustainable and they deserve to have the choice”.

With over 90% of all cloth sold in London coming from the Far East or abroad, this collaboration unites a new wave in manufacturing with the creativity for which the UK is known. london was once a hotbed of manufacturing but over the last 50 years it has been in slow decline – factories and workshops have been replaced by high tech and banking, marginalising london’s craftspeople. joff explains: “this is the reality of commerce in london. however, small brands like ours and small manufacturers like london cloth need to work together and work smarter. britain is great at design but in post-brexit britain that simply won’t be enough. making and designing together is the future”. 

THE LANE X LONDON CLOTH COMPANY collection is available from lanebypost.com/lanexlondoncloth

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:23

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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0208 417 1010 info@thelondonfireplaces.co.uk www.thelondonfireplaces.com 24/08/2017 17:00

21/09/2017 17:56

HOME & INTERIORS / FIRE PLACES

G

ETERNAL FLAME

Nothing beats an open fire for warmth and atmosphere. Absolutely meets Grate Expectations Wo r d s E v e H e r b e r t

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rate Expectations fireplace specialists have been established for over 25 years and remain a family business.

Come and visit our newly refurbished showrooms in Wimbledon, where you can view a range of working models from the best fire and stove manufacturers around. Whether you are interested in a high efficiency gas fire by DRU or a wood burner to give your home a cosy rustic charm our team are on hand to offer expert, friendly advice.

Dru Gas Fires are the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of glass fronted high efficiency fires. Designed to add that touch of class and sophistication to your living space. With many options in conventional and balanced flue (no chimney…no problem!) — and even the ability to create your own flame design on your iPad or phone!

When looking for a truly elegant focal point to your room that is stylish minimal and in keeping with characteristics, DRU offer many design choices and integration options. Whether a gas stove or a see-through built-in glass fireplace in an interior wall, the heat output generated by DRU Fires add a warmth and ambiance to your home. Our showroom has many live working DRU Fires on display, so drop in for an expert consultation and demonstration with our team.

Wood Burning Stoves Summer has come and gone, and with Christmas just around the corner, what better way to warm up your home than with a woodburning stove. With twice the efficiency of the traditional open fire, wood burning stoves are a cleaner and more economical option. Our range of manufacturers consist of DG Fires, Jotul, Stovax and many more. Majority of the wood burners we supply and install are Defra approved suitable for London smoke control areas.

For expert advice on purchasing a fireplace or stove and installation services please contact Grate Expectations Fireplace Specialists: 1-3 Station Buildings, Kingston Road Wimbledon Chase, London, SW20 8JT 020 8540 8387, sales@grateexpectations.com grateexpectations.com

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:23

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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HOMES & INTERIORS / COLOUR WALLACE SEWELL

Celebrating 25 years of their stylish textile collaboration, Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell showed their graphic weaves at designjunction ahead of their solo show at the Fashion and Textile Museum in October.

wallacesewell.com

LIFE IN

COLOUR At the London Design Festival, colour emerged as a major trend Wo r d s E v e H e r b e r t

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olour will never get old. For the London Design Festival, Farrow and Ball wrapped a fleet of black taxis in their brightly coloured wallpaper designs.

Decorated from boot to bonnet with rich textures and expressive patterns, the taxis were dotted about the city at LDF venues and Farrow & Ball showrooms. Colour and bold graphic designs abounded throughout the event, with angular squares and stripes recurring everywhere as graphics and bold brights made their presence felt.

The message? Don't be afraid of the shade. Colour is very much on trend at the moment. Here are some of our favourite new discoveries from last month's design festival. â—†

SQ UAR E DAN CE

Pipet's new range of accessories made a splash at designjunction.

SO F T FOCU S

SQUARE PEGS

In her studio in West Yorkshire, Anna-Lisa Smith designs simple, striking contemporary textiles for the home. All pieces are woven in local mills using the finest quality Lambswool and are hand finished in the studio. anna-lisasmith.com

Lara GĂśrlach is a printed textile designer specialising in the traditional craft of silk screen-printing. She offers a bespoke screen-printing service focusing on translating patterns onto textiles for seasonal collections of interior, home and lifestyle products.

laragorlach.com

O M K 196 5

These classic chairs originally designed by Rodney kinsman for Habitat were reissued, with new designs, at designjunction.

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:25

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> SMALL TALK: SLIPPERS, SUSHI & SPOOKY GAMES

p.89

FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR THE HALF TERM HOLIDAY p.92

ETHICS FOR TOTS It's always good when fashion has a conscience, and the creator of children’s wear brand Velveteen certainly has just that. Laura Egloff is a huge supporter of Fairtrade and much of her beautiful collection is made by mothers who would otherwise be unable to provide for and educate their children. velveteenclothing.com

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:26

WE WANT THE BEST FOR YOUR DAUGHTER TOO A Cheltenham Ladies’ College education is about more than academic excellence; it’s about making mistakes and learning from them; it’s about winning magnanimously and losing graciously; it’s about wellbeing for life, and it’s about looking ahead and meeting the challenges to come.

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We may not be able to predict the future, but we can certainly give your daughter the skills to flourish, whatever it brings.

Open Days: Monday 27th November 2017 and Saturday 17th March 2018 Find out more: www.cheltladiescollege.org

21/09/2017 16:59

KIDS & EDUCATION / NOTES CREATURE COMFORT

BOOK R EV I EW

Mini Rodini

Forget the horrible polyester Halloween costume and bundle your babe in Mini Rodini's fabulous new puffy bat jacket instead. It's warm, cosy and spooky too. minirodini.com

GREATEST ANIMAL TALES

SMALL TALK Slippers, sushi, animal tales and spooky games...

ROLL BABY ROLL

Yo ! S u s h i Yo! Sushi runs sushi-making classes for children during half term and school holidays and they're simple, satisfying and fun. Tots get to make their own cucumber maki, California rolls and salmon sushi and come away with a certificate to commemmorate their efforts. yosushi.com

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n this handsome book, Michael Morpurgo has collected together some of the animal stories that he grew up with and loved, from Brer Rabbit and the Ugly Duckling, to Puss in Boots and The Fox and the Crow. They are retold by some of the finest children’s writers of today and each one is illustrated in full colour by a talented illustrator. The tellings are fresh, direct and absorbing.

Morpurgo himself tells the story of Peter and the Wolf and does so with typical robustness, grabbing young readers’ attention in the opening line and holding it to the very end. This is a collection to fan the imaginations of a new generation of readers.. ◆

COLD SNAP

INTO THE WOODS

Mahabis ¢ Draughty floorboards?

No problem, thanks to Mahabis, the only slippers that can really claim to be as stylish as they are comfortable. The kids' versions are miniature versions of the adult ones and they're (almost) guaranteed to stay on little feet.

T h e H o l l o w Wo o d s ¢ This clever card game invites children to invent their own scenarios as they rearrange picture cards in infinite different sequences. ◆ £14.99, laurenceking.com

◆ mahabis.com

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Chosen by Michael Morpurgo £9.99, OUP

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:26

e l b a tt e g r o f n U St Catherine’s, herine’s, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years | Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info ST.CATHERINE'S.indd 1 Absolute Education01 July 2017.indd 1

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KIDS & EDUCATION / FASHION

THE MAKING OF US Absolutely quizzes Philippa Cloete and Kate Please, founders of new girlswear label Outside the Lines Wo r d s h o l ly k i r k w o o d

ABSOLUTELY MAMA: How and why did you launch Outside the Lines?

OUTSIDE THE LINES: Our other halves have been close friends for years, and we fell into a natural friendship. We initially had the idea sitting in a restaurant in Paris brainstorming ideas. We wanted to create a brand that doesn’t compromise on quality but also doesn’t break the bank. The name Outside the Lines comes from the ethos that it’s ok for children to colour ‘outside the lines’; essentially to be creative and develop their own unique style.

COSY KNITS FOR AUTUMN/WINTER '17

AM: What made you want to design for children?

OTL: As parents ourselves to two girls (Philippa) and two boys (Kate), we dreamt of working together to create our own childrenswear label. We always loved kids’ fashion but struggled to find good quality, stylish pieces for our own children which were still accessible. We are big fans of soft muted colours and the little finishing details that really make clothes stand out.

AM: What are the motivations or inspirations behind the designs?

OTL: The Autumn/Winter collection features our signature embellishments, trims and intricate detailing. Highlights include the black lace trim swing dress,

everywhere we go. The skill is to pull all of them together to create an aesthetic that appeals to our customer.

LAYERING IS A KEY LOOK

the navy faux fur coat, the tapestry fringed jacket, plisse skirts in midnight or gold, the tribal print sweatshirt and the plush faux fur sweat.

AM: What inspires you?

OTL: We are constantly inspired by our

travels. Whether that’s trinkets in a market in Dehli, bolts of gorgeously coloured fabrics or a stunning glass ceiling in an old railway station.Beautiful things inspire us every day.

AM: Would you say your aesthetic is very

THE DESIGNERS AT WORK

British, or do you get a lot of inspiration from international styles?

OTL: Our taste is very British but we are naturally absorbing influences from

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AM: How do you balance work and parenthood?

OTL: We actually started the brand as a direct result of needing more flexible work/ home life. We are both in the same situation and life is a constant juggle but we make it work and wouldn’t have it any other way.

AM: What are your aspirations for the

next couple of years for Outside the Lines?

OTL: We hope to see the girlswear collection grow; we are now stocked in 11 countries worldwide and this is another area we would like to develop on.

We are also always being asked for women’s versions of the girls range, so maybe that'll be the next thing we tackle. u outside-the-lines.co.uk

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:28

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BIG DAY OUT London’s offering of entertainment for the autumn half-term holiday Wo r d s H e l e n B r o w n

PA L AC E P O LTE RG E I ST S

28 October Hampton Court Palace his Halloween, for one night only, Hampton Court Palace will hold an exclusive late night tour that will take you further into the deepest and darkest secrets of the palace. Scare yourself with stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activities, and uncover the horrible history of this iconic landmark.  Molesey, KT8; hrp.org.uk

T

PU M PK I N PATC H

From 1 October Hewitts Farm ewitts Farm have a pumpkin patch prime for picking up the perfect Halloween treat. This family run business set in 78 acres grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year but expands its offering to include pumpkins during the trick-or-treating season. Don’t forget the wellies.  Court Road, BR6; hewittsfarm.co.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION / HALF TERM Discover the Dark Arts 1 O ctober • 12 November Warner B ros. S tudio Tour Discover the filming secrets behind enchanting pumpkins, duels, snot, blood and drool. This autumn fans of Death Eaters and Halloween feasts are invited to delve deeper than ever into the Dark Arts of the magical world of Harry Potter. A must for all aspiring witches and wizards.

Leavesden, WD25; wbstudiotour.co.uk

L AI K A TH E S PAC E DO G

24 September • 12 November Unicorn Theatre n 1957 Laika the space dog was the first living creature to orbit the earth. Now it’s 2057 and Sami the astronaut is looking to follow in his footsteps. She understands there might be a better future out in space, but her life is down here. And so she must face the prospect of letting go in this moving sci-fi adventure, inventively and beautifully told using puppetry, movement and music.  147 Tooley Street, SE1; unicorntheatre.com

I S K ATE D I N E , B OW L

Ongoing QUEENS S kate, D ine, Bowl UEENS, London’s one stop shop for thrillseeking fun welcomes families to the rink for an exhilarating skating session. In the past, renowned figure skating Fumie Suguri shared her brilliance with adults and children, from beginners to advanced skaters.  17 Queensway, W2; queens.london

Q

WHALES

B E N E AT H T H E S U R FA C E

Ongoing Natural Histor y Museum ive through one of the world’s most compelling evolutionary journeys to explore the extraordinary lives of whales. More than 100 specimens from the museum’s collection will be on display together for the first time to take you back 50 million years to the beginning of the evolution of the whale. See how they became sociable aquatic mammals, explore their environments and learn how they are similar to us.  Cromwell Road, SW7; mhm.ac.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Prospect House School has a simply philosophy; a happy child is happy to learn

E

very child develops more readily when that child feels safe, secure and valued. Every child needs a champion, and I make sure that all my teachers fight for each child that walks through the door.

Prospect House’s pupils thrive in a warm atmosphere where humour and laughter go hand in hand with serious study. Teaching must seem effortless, as though the children are learning without realising they are doing so because they are having so much fun at the same time. In Year 6 when the children build a go-kart, they think they are being rewarded for working hard for their 11+ exams but in fact they are learning maths, physics, engineering and teamwork, all while getting a healthy dose of fresh air.

I have spent my whole career teaching, starting out in South Africa; maybe it was my outdoor upbringing that has given me my love of sport. I cycled the last leg of the Pedal for Podge Ride (Cambridge to London) to help raise money for The Change Foundation, a foundation that helps to change children’s lives through sport and dance.

I believe that every child is great at something, and that great teachers can help find what this is to develop the child’s talents. Every small success leads to greater self-confidence and self-belief. In the competitive world in which children are growing up today, self-worth is more important than ever.

The hallmark of a Prospect House child is enthusiasm and the confidence

Wo r d s M i c h a e l H o d g e

My teachers

FIGHT FOR EACH CHILD that WALKS THROUGH the door to be self-reliant. You only have to watch the children singing their hearts out at the summer concert or producing highly accomplished plays to know that this is true. The standard of music at Prospect House is outstanding, with numerous opportunities for children to develop their singing and instrumental playing. There

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is a senior choir and chamber choir, and musicals in recent years include My Fair Lady, West Side Story and The Sound of Music. Most children in the school learn an instrument, and as well as a large school orchestra there is a wind ensemble, string ensemble, brass ensemble, cello ensemble, Suzuki violin ensemble, guitar ensemble, clarinet ensemble and Year 6 chamber ensemble.

Sheila Hudson, head of the Lower School, ably assists me; her wonderfully kind and reassuring demeanour supports the school’s younger children (and their parents) in finding their feet at school. Filling my shoes, as deputy head, is new arrival Deborah Lane, a Cornell and Cambridge graduate whose many years’ teaching experience in the primary sector will undoubtedly add another layer to the richness of Prospect House.

Many schools expect high academic standards from their pupils, as does Prospect House, but it also places great value on effort and developing each child’s confidence, which ensures the pupils have the right tools to succeed.

A quick glance at the school’s website shows that Prospect House pupils won 18 scholarships last year, so the balance of work and fun seems to be paying off.

I am proud of this achievement but I am even more proud that the children at Prospect House love coming into school – and love coming back from their senior schools to visit. PROSPECT HOUSE SCHOOL 75 Putney Hill, SW15; prospecths.org.uk

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:54

Bright children, with exceptional opportunities

All the fun of the fair: recent

excitements for our littler children: a Mad Science workshop, a visit from farm animals, trips to local landmarks like the Museum of London & visits from several

top authors.

Teaching children to fly

‘Newton combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves. All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to handle variety.” Current parent

We can offer 100% Bursaries from Year 3 upwards for sparky children who might not otherwise be able to afford a fee-paying school.

Our Open

Day is Saturday 7th October, but we also run more personal Headmistress’s Tours most Fridays during term Battersea co-ed prep for children 3-13 - 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

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Open day 7 October 9.30am - 12.00 noon Prospect House is a proudly non-selective, co-educational prep school for children aged 3 – 11 years.

New art school in Clapham!

Drawing and Painting Life Drawing Evening and Weekend Drop-In Classes

We believe tailor-made teaching opens up young minds to endless possibilities, encouraging them to form their own ideas.

Our excellent results confirm every child can learn to fly.

We encourage high-flyers to soar, whilst children who need a little extra support are given wings for their journey.

Our pupils mostly call it having fun. We call it being the best they can be.

(Our latest ISI inspection report sums it up perfectly.)

To arrange a visit please call our registrar, Mrs Emily Porter, on 020 8246 4897 or email registrar@prospecths.org.uk.

Short courses The London Atelier of Representational Art has returned to Clapham North!

371 Clapham Road, SW9 9BT

Prospect House School 75 Putney Hill London SW15 3NT 020 8246 4897 prospecths.org.uk

0207 738 8884 www.drawpaintsculpt.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION / SCHOOL TALK

APPLY YOURSELF Here are some tips on completing your university application with the least stress and most success possible Wo r d s S a r a h C h a r t e r s

RESEARCH THE SUBJECT AND COURSES

With over 37,000 courses to choose from, you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed, but you must choose the right one for you. A carefully curated reading list will help you to get to the heart of a subject so that you can be certain that you want to study it for the next three years or more. Reading also gives you lots to discuss in the personal statement and at interview.

Once you have chosen the subject, you then need to investigate the content of the degree courses. Even courses of the same name will differ between universities so it’s important to look at the content carefully. For example, although courses in Business Studies, Business Management and Business Enterprise all have a common Bikes lined up at Cambridge University theme, there will be significant differences in the modules offered and you need to be interested in a substantial number of them. Look also at whether there are options such as studying abroad, working abroad and industrial placements in the UK. The most detailed information on the content of a course is usually found on the department’s website.

RESEARCH THE UNIVERSITIES

With 127 universities listed in this year’s Sunday Times Good University Guide, there is something for everyone. You can apply to five universities and once you have a shortlist, you should try to attend an Open Day at each one. If this is not possible, speak to people who have been there and use the internet to make sure you are clear on things such as the location of the campus, the size of the city/town and the accommodation options. Finally, consider the universities in terms of their reputation amongst employers. Research by the company High Fliers shows that the three universities most targeted by graduate employers last year were Warwick, Manchester and Bristol.

Don’t apply TO A UNIVERSITY where the STANDARD IS HIGHER than your predicted GRADES

BE REALISTIC

Make sure you know your predictions. It’s generally not worth applying to any university where the standard offer is higher than your predicted grades. It’s tough to accept, but you will be rejected if the reference and predictions show that you are not likely to reach the standard conditions, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

MAKE A PLAN(NER)

To stay on top of your research, make a planner of some sort. I give my students

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a document to fill in as they go through the process in order to record things in one place. For example: research on courses, reflections on Open Days, books read, work experience, gap year plans, school clubs and societies, skills gained during extra-curricular activities. There are so many things which you do which could be useful not only for the personal statement but also whilst considering what subjects and topics interest you and it’s easy to forget some of them.

Recording them all in one place will help you stay on top of things.

THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

This is the bit which students worry about most. Remember: it is only one part of the application.

That said, it needs to be good.

Briefly, ensure that you focus on the academic.

Explain why you wish to study your chosen subject. How did you first become interested in it? What areas or topics particularly interest you? What are the current issues of importance in the subject? Give evidence of your interest by way of books, lectures, trips, podcasts and journals. Don’t tell – show.

Once complete, check spelling and grammar and make sure that someone reads it over and gives you feedback.

APPLY IN GOOD TIME

Don’t leave things to the last minute.

Properly done, the process takes up a considerable amount of time and energy. In order not to let the process hinder school work, I suggest starting in June with a view to completing in September.

SARAH CHARTERS A former deputy head of an independent day school in London. She now runs Sarah Charters Education Support

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:52

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11/07/2017 15:21

> VIETNAMESE ISLAND ESCAPE: SIX SENSES CON DAO p.100 A CHIC CITY BREAK IN MILAN p.107

FOOTSTEPS IN THE SAND Get away from the hubbub of urban life on the deserted dunes of Six Senses Con Dao, the Vietnamese island paradise with an eco-friendly heart.

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21/09/2017 17:30

PARADISE LOST Discover the deserted bays and eco luxury of Six Senses Con Dao Wo r d s j oy m o n t g o m e r y

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

W e arrive at Six Senses Con Dao after ten long days traversing the north of Vietnam. As anyone who has witnessed the bustling, moped-flooded streets of Hoi An and Hanoi will know, serious sensory overload is the order of the day. Vibrant, eclectic and humming with life, yes. Relaxing? Not so much.

Just try crossing the road. Immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of Vietnam’s busy thoroughfares was amazing, but by the end of those ten days we were in serious need of some space. Enter Six Senses.

Con Dao is a group of 16 islands off the southeast coast of Vietnam, famous for their Robinson Crusoe-like seclusion.

The Six Senses is located on Con Son, the largest of the islands, known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs and luscious forests.

To get to our destination we board a small, propeller-driven plane that carries us away from Ho Chi Minh City and across the cloud-flecked sea to the island’s tiny airport. We find ourselves, both physically and mentally, leaving the busyness of the city behind.

We’re met at the airport by a Six

Senses representative who escorts us to the resort - a quick 20 minute drive along the island’s only road. Staying true to the Six Senses’ philosophy of discovering areas of outstanding natural beauty, the resort is located on a breathtaking piece of land, tucked between rolling hills on its own stretch of private beach. Protected as a national and marine park, it is the archipelago’s first five-star offering. It’s a testament to the hotel’s eco credentials that we struggle to spot it as we trundle along the bumpy coastal road, as the natural, timber-clad exterior is barely discernible against the forested backdrop.

We are given a glass of juice and fresh fruit on arrival, before being introduced to our Guest Experience Manager.

Available 24 hours a day, the GEMs are there to see to the needs of each villa.

Want to book dinner in the nearby town? Sorted.

Fancy a sunrise yoga session? No problem.

Our lovely GEM Ngoc gives us a whistle-stop tour of the resort’s main thoroughfare, which is composed of pretty wood-panelled buildings that house a shop, reception, ice cream parlour (free ice cream is served from 11am to 6pm) and bar area.

Made up of 50 highly private villas, the resort exudes the charm of a traditional fishing village with all the mod cons of a contemporary hotel. Our villa, which is a short buggy ride from the reception, is laid out over two floors. Upstairs is an airy, light-filled bedroom with stunning views over the bay, and downstairs, a dressing room-cum-bathroom that leads

We find ourselves, both PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY, LEAVING the busyness of THE CITY BEHIND

VIEWS ACROSS THE SIX SENSES' DESERTED BAY

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

SEA VIEW FROM THE BEDROOM

SIX SENSES' PEACEFUL SPA

to an outdoor rain shower. Out front we discover our own private infinity pool, complete with tall bamboo walls that offer total privacy from the neighbours. If you need further proof of the hotel’s private appeal, Brad and Angelina have been known to holiday here with the kids. We kick off our shoes and lean on the balcony as the sun dips behind the hills, casting long shadows across the deserted beach.

It may look languorous but a plethora of activities, for both adults and kids, is available for those who want the full island experience - although rotating from bed to pool to sun lounger is, of course, very much encouraged. With Con Dao considered one of the best examples of marine conservation in the country, snorkelling is a great way to spend an afternoon. From the comfort of our boat (we’re joined by only a handful of

SUNSET AT THE POOL

Lit by FLICKERING LANTERNS, the tables spill out ONTO THE BEACH’S wooden promenade other Six Senses guests) we explore the crystal waters and marvel at the colourful marine life and 340 species of coral.

Although you could happily spend a week within the perimeters of this island paradise, the resort encourages guests to experience local life and provides a daily shuttle service and guided historical tour of the nearby town. You can’t wander the streets of Con Son without noticing the looming presence of the 11 derelict prisons which haunt the island. Our tour guide takes us around Phu Hai, the oldest and largest of the jails, which dates back to 1862. They’re hard stories to hear, but it’s an important snapshot of Vietnam’s tumultuous history. The tour finishes at the Hàng Dương Cemetery, a sprawling memorial garden where some 20,000 Vietnamese prisoners are buried.

Peaceful and beautiful, it’s an antidote to the harrowing darkness of the cells. We’re shown the famous grave of Võ Thị Sáu, the first woman to be executed by firing squad in 1952.

We return to the resort and enjoy a relaxing dinner back at The Market, one of the Six Senses’ two eateries. With laidback, open-air vibes and delectable local cuisine, we tuck into a plethora of mouth-

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watering traditional dishes. Our meal is topped off by a drink at the hotel’s second and more formal offering, By the Beach.

Lit by flickering lanterns, the tables spill out onto the beach’s wooden promenade and we relish the stunning panoramic views of the moonlit mountains.

Our last day arrives all too quickly and we indulge in a lingering breakfast at the beach-front restaurant, making the most of the sumptuous spread available - from American pancakes to traditional Vietnamese Pho and everything inbetween. Our final stop is the Six Senses Spa, a bamboo-clad sanctuary located at the far end of the resort. The spa houses four treatment rooms and a yoga and meditation pavilion, all overlooking the Lo Voi mountains and glistening bay, and offers a wide range of therapeutic treatments.

We opt for the Herbal Poultices massage, a 90-minute treatment to soothe city-weary souls (guilty as charged). Starting with a foot wash and head massage, we’re treated by two therapists to an Ayurvedic massage using homemade oils. This is followed by another 30 minutes of herbal massage using homegrown herbal poultices soaked in warm oil. A truly indulgent way to end our stay at the Six Senses Con Dao. It is with heavy hearts that we leave our villa and start the long journey back to the city. We catch one last glance of that unforgettable view as the plane takes off, before our Vietnamese island paradise becomes a dot on the horizon. u S I X S E N S E S C O N DAO Scott Dunn offers seven nights at Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam from £2,400 per person. This is based on a couple sharing an Ocean View Duplex on a B & B basis, and includes return international flights and private airport transfers.

For more information visit scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5060.

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 16:50

TRAVEL / UK GETAWAY THE HOTEL

D

ating back to 1322, the historic Down Hall Country House Hotel and Spa makes a striking first impression. Sitting on 110 acres of gardens and woodland near Bishop’s Stortford, the hotel is only 45 minutes from central London, so ideal for a weekend away.

Embracing the traditional opulence of manor house style, the recently refurbished hotel offers romance in abundance - chandeliers, oil paintings and decadent furnishings aplenty - alongside all the mod cons and comforts of a contemporary hotel.

Our modern yet cosy room (one of the hotel’s 99) is a peaceful sanctuary, with a luxurious marble-clad bathroom and views over the stunning gardens.

The rooms are clearly the standout feature of the refurb and we enjoy the expert balance of traditional heritage fabrics and classic wooden furniture with designled accents and plush comforts.

DOWN HALL H AT F I E L D H E AT H , E S S E X Wo r d s J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

THE FOOD

THE SPA

T

he Grill Room is the hotel’s AA Rosette awarded restaurant specialising in Anglo French cuisine. Despite being slightly distracted by the restaurant’s placing (next to a busy thoroughfare intermittently filled with passing wedding guests) we were blown away by the food. Highlights included an octopus carpaccio starter with burnt lemon mayonnaise, a main of pork belly with mash, butternut, quince, sprout leaves and crackling, and a beautifully presented pudding of milk chocolate delice.

T

he brand new Eden Spa is one of the highlights of the weekend.

Compact yet beautifully designed, facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, wellness power showers, relaxation and treatment rooms.

After sampling each of the spa’s areas, we opt for the back, face and scalp treatment with hot stones: a decadent 90 minute treatment with the spa’s expert beauty therapist. We are quickly transported to blissful realms of relaxation.

THE DAMAGE ROOMS START FROM £109 Down Hall Country House Hotel, Matching Road, Hatfield Heath, Essex, CM22 7AS, 012 7973 1441, www. downhall.co.uk ABSOLUTELY MAGAZINES

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

A PATH LESS TRODDEN As the fashion capital of the world, Milan often gets overlooked as a holiday destination, but there is much to be discovered amongst the glitz and the glamour Wo r d s H e l e n b r o w n

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21/09/2017 16:44

475 boys (11-18) and girls (16-18) Inspirational rural site close to M4 and M40, 40 minutes from London

Full, weekly, flexi-boarding and day to suit your needs 2018 Entry Assessments September (13+), November (16+) and January (11+) Early assessments for Year 9 2019 boarders: November 2017

Open Mornings Saturday 30 September, 9.30am (Sixth Form Only) Saturday 14 October, 9.30am (Whole School) For more details and to book your attendance please go to

www.shiplake.org.uk/opendays

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

Y

ou’ll find Rome, Venice and Tuscany occupying the top spots of many people’s bucket list, but despite the elegance and prestige its name carries - especially amongst the fashion pack - Milan barely gets a look in as a holiday destination. As the fifth most largely populated city in the EU, there’s no case to be made for it being a hidden gem. However from our short, sweet citybreak we see there’s a sense that it is only just beginning to realise its potential.

We base ourselves at the Mandarin Oriental, comprised of four elegant 18th century buildings just steps from La Scala. For us, on the hunt to unearth the city’s rich culture, this is perfect. Our deluxe room is spacious and boasts a seating area, desk, hardwood flooring and contemporary décor. The bathroom is fabulous, with white marble and powerful rainforest showers, while the bed is as comfortable as a cloud and guarantees a restful night’s sleep following a full day of sightseeing.

From there, Milan’s spectacular Duomo - one of the largest cathedrals in the world - is near enough on your doorstep.

This dominant landmark stands at the heart of the city, with streets sprawling out and away. The construction started in the late 1300s and took almost 600 years to complete what became a behemoth cathedral; it’s a sight to behold in pinkhued marble with a forest of spires soaring skyward. As well as exploring the inside, we paid a small fee to take a fascinating trip to the Duomo’s roof. It’s incredible to walk among the forest of spires and the view from the roof is unmatched. On a clear day you can see as far as the Alps and Apennines.

If it’s clothes you came for, then you needn’t wander far. Serious shoppers will have a hole burning in their pockets as they stand beneath the glorious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Facing each other

THERE’S A sense that it is only just BEGINNING TO REALISE its

potential

across the central hall of the four-story double arcade are superstore outlets for Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton, while Gucci and Armani are also housed within the architecturally-astounding complex.

Those fashion giants could be classed as budget in comparison to the stores on the nearby Via della Spiga. The unremarkable avenue is comfortably Milan’s most

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prestigious and upscale shopping street – Versace’s first fashion show took place in a garage there, and since then it’s become a Mecca for millionaires. The narrow, trafficfree road is flanked by expensive label names such as Brunello Cucinelli, I Pinco Pallino, and Fabiana Filippi.

The other “F” that Milan is known for is food. Under the watchful eye of acclaimed chef Antonio Guida, the Mandarin Oriental’s two Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Seta is undoubtedly one of the city's most talked-about dining destinations. Guida's cooking draws heavily from Italian tradition but is given a modern, slightly Oriental twist highlighted by his extensive use of seaweed and spices.

The Mandarin Bar & Bistro stands as the beating heart of the hotel; a dramatic space with walls and floor carpeted in black and white marble mosaic. With

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21/09/2017 16:44

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A multisport Members’ Club in the heart of SW19

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TRAVEL / WANDERLUST

VERSACE’S FIRST FASHION show took place there and SINCE IT HAS BECOME A MECCA for millionaires

its glitzy décor, relaxed atmosphere and eclectic mix of furniture, the bar evokes a 1920’s vibe. Expect to find the city’s most discerning style crowd here. Evenings at the Mandarin Oriental bar are defined by two distinguished moments; aperitivo and after dinner. We settle in on the first evening and are immediately and unsurprisingly enamoured by the cocktail offering. The mixologists expertly surprise visitors by adding an Oriental twist to classic Italian cocktails. We follow with bar snacks that fuse tastes of the Orient with classic Italian cooking and a delectable meal of sea bass and lamb.

We enjoy a leisurely breakfast each day outside in the bistro’s courtyard; a morning sun trap clustered with casual seating and verdant greenery. The buffet offers everything you’d expect from an

upmarket stay, while classic egg dishes, Asian twists and hot plates are available from the a la carte menu.

For a light lunch just a short tram ride from the Mandarin Oriental, LuBar promises ‘slow street food,’ such as Sicilian almonds and arguably the city’s best arancini. The patio, adorned with flowers and hanging vines is beautiful for an aperitivo too. Be sure to arrive relatively early; though the place may be a hidden gem amongst tourist, it’s a favourite with Milanese locals.

Brera is another short stroll from the hotel and is highly recommended for a taste of the traditional Italian trattoria.

This part of town comes alive in the evenings, with outdoor restaurants

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serving food well after midnight. Prices are slightly more expensive than most cities in central Europe for food and drinks, but the things that you can do and see for free ensure that a day out sightseeing doesn’t have to be costly.

Milan is dotted with beautiful little chapels that are free to admire and peruse. The Basilica di Santa Maria is a handsome church that boasts some of the city’s best sculpture, fresco and sgraffito.

While this in itself is a talking point, the church attracts swarms of tourists for Milan’s most famous mural, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, which is tucked away on a wall of the refectory. It’s one of the world’s most iconic images and consequently requires advanced booking.

On the way back to the hotel, we end up at Sforza castle, a gigantic, sunbaked bastion built around a complex of 15th Century fortresses, castles and towers. Now, the structure houses many collections of art and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the 18th Century and stands as a gateway to Sempione Park.

This huge green space is off-the-beaten path of Milan’s sightseeing and blissfully stands away from the hustle and bustle.

Meander amongst the trees to unearth a wealth of unknown attractions including an aquarium, sports stadium and a Napoleonic arch. It's a fitting end to a fantastic trip in which we see that much of Milan’s beauty is yet to be discovered. u

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Ridgeway Gardens, Wimbledon SW19 An elegant family home with superior ceiling heights This substantial, detached house with south westerly aspect is situated in a pleasant cul de sac, near Wimbledon Common and Village. Featuring lovely, bright rooms with excellent ceiling heights and retaining many period features. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, driveway, garage, garden, private parking. EPC: E. Approximately 423 sq m (4,554 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £4,250,000

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Victoria Drive, Wimbledon SW19 Detached family home with extensive garden A lovely period house with fabulous lateral space and beautiful gardens, with a south westerly aspect. The rooms to the rear of the house have far reaching views across the gardens and beyond. 6 bedrooms (including master bedroom suite with dressing room), 4 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms, study, kitchen/breakfast room, garden, garage, private parking. EPC: E. Approximately 326 sq m (4,134 sq ft). In all about 0.3 acres.

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Upper Tooting Park, Wandsworth SW17 Stunning double fronted house with large garden A spectacular detached period house of substantial proportions benefiting from wonderful lateral space and located close to Wandsworth Common. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, kitchen/dining/family room, media room, study, utility room, dressing room, 44ft garden, private parking. EPC: F. Approximately: 317.63 sq m (3,419 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £3,250,000

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Trott Street, Battersea SW11 Fully extended family home in the popular Sisters area An immaculately presented three bedroom house perfectly located near Battersea Park, the River Thames and Chelsea. Master bedroom with en suite, 2 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms, dressing room, guest WC, reception room, kitchen/dining room, garden. EPC: D. Approximately 148 sq m (1,593 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £1,350,000

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Absolutely October Issue 2017 - Battersea sales

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Guide price: £400 per week

The Library Building, Clapham SW4 A fantastic one bed apartment in an enviable location just off Clapham High Street.

Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/reception room, 2 communal roof terraces, concierge.

EPC: C. Approximately 53.70 sq m (578 sq ft). claphamlettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6118

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administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

@KF_SWLondon KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,575,000

Clapham Manor Street, Clapham SW4 A beautifully presented Victorian townhouse arranged over four floors with a rear garden.

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double reception room, kitchen/family room, storage unit, patio garden. Approximately 167.2 sq m (1,800 sq ft). clapham@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8022 6491

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21/09/2017 18:00:18

PROPERTY / COMMUNITY NEWS

LONDON’S NEW LANDMARK "Designed by award winning architect Patel Taylor".

B

arratt London’s shining new landmark tower has arrived in Battersea. Designed by award winning architect Patel Taylor, Lombard Wharf is a showstopper, appearing to twist and turn as it rises up from the riverside. The clever design provides a magnificent and unique viewing experience from every vantage point.

Each apartment benefits from a private wraparound balcony, allowing for stunning views of the city and the Thames.

All one, two and three-bedroom apartments are ready to move into, so you can start enjoying the spectacular London views as soon as possible. The units are bright and contemporary. Expansive windows opening onto sweeping terraces invite you to relax in your own private outdoor space. High quality fixtures are situated throughout. The kitchens are stylish and embrace an open concept.

Underfloor heating and comfort cooling add to the long list of amazing characteristics welcoming you into your new home.

The impressive facilities available to residents are unmatched. Embrace your health and wellness in the residents’ gym.

Enjoy cycle rides along the river and safely store your bike in the cycle storage facility,

directly accessible from street level. Also, concierge service is available around the clock.

Lombard Warf is a a short walk from Battersea Park’s 200 acre green space and a few minutes’ walk away from Battersea Village Square. In addition, the location is prime for transport, with easy access to the City as well as the south of England. You’ll be minutes from the Thames Clipper and a short walk from Clapham Junction. Prices from £599,999.

BARRATT LONDON Please call 0207 326 9966, or search LOMBARD WHARF barrattlondon.com

“A showstopper, appearing to twist and turn as it rises up from the riverside.”

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:05

LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

RUSSELL ROAD

SW 1 9, ÂŁ 1 ,4 9 9,0 0 0

ALTENBURG GARDENS SW 1 1 , ÂŁ1,695,0 00

G

A

FOXTONS Wimbledon, 020 8605 2900; foxtons.co.uk

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Battersea, 020 7228 2278; featherstoneleigh.co.uk

enerously arranged over three floors, this home is brimming with style and character. With an incredible five bedrooms, the house boasts beautifully unique accommodation with fabulous lighting throughout. The impressive open-plan living space allows access to a gorgeously landscaped garden and summer house. The top floor bedroom boasts charming French doors, leading out to the roof terrace. u

beautiful red brick exterior establishes the warmth and welcome of the home. The impressive property boasts four double bedrooms as well as an incredibly large reception room.

This charming period property also features a beautiful rear garden. The location of this home is prime, providing easy access to a host of shops and restaurants, as well as the rest of London. u

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PROPERTY / NEW TO THE MARKET

CLAPHAM COMMON SW 4 , £ 3 ,75 0,0 0 0

SW 1 5 , £ 5 . 8 5 M

T

T

KNIGHT FRANK

SAVILLS Putney, 020 8780 9900; savills.co.uk

his six bedroom house is an impressive Victorian family home of superb proportions. It has been refurbished to the highest of standards throughout.

Upon entering, the high ceilings and immaculate finish can’t fail to impress. To the front of the property, a double reception room with a full height bay window is found where beautiful views stretching over the common can be admired. u

Clapham, 020 3627 8786; knightfrank.com

RUSSELL ROAD

ST SIMONS AVENUE his sensational detached, period home has been redeveloped to an exceptionally high standard. The living spaces are expansive and are tailored to all a family could ever need, including a drawing room, game room and wine cellar. The kitchen, breakfast, family room combo is incredibly impressive, providing easy access to the home’s garden featureing a lovely patio for alfresco dining. u

SW 1 9, £ 1 ,1 0 0,0 0 0

S

ituated in the heart of Wimbledon, this sensational four bedroom period house has been refurbished to a very high standard and offers a stylish mix of period and contemporary features. The interior flows from one room to the other with ease. The kitchen is impeccable, a brilliant design allows it to be flooded with natural light. Bifold doors unite the indoors and out, creating the perfect entertaining space. u

THE HIGH CEILINGS AND IMMACULATE FINISH CAN'T FAIL TO IMPRESS

KINLEIGH FOLKARD & HAYWARD

Wimbledon, 020 3792 4553; kfh.co.uk

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:41

Think London property experts.

Think KFH.

Our 60 London-wide branches agree a sale or let every 15 minutes*, working together to connect thousands of buyers and tenants with property like yours.

Trust London’s property experts to deliver the results you need.

kfh.co.uk/valuation

*Based on the annual average sales and lettings deals between July 2014 - June 2017.

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21/09/2017 10:29 09:20 15/09/2017

Standen Road, Southfields, SW18 £625,000 Southfields 020 8871 9655 southfields.sales@kfh.co.uk

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A fantastic two double bedroom conversion flat benefiting from a large open plan living area and lovely private rear garden backing directly on to Coronation Gardens.

This property offers easy access to the shops and restaurants of Southfields Village as well as Wimbledon Park and Common. Southfields station served by the district line is also nearby.

• • • • • • • •

Two double bedrooms Extended open plan living Bifold doors to garden Modern bathroom Views over park Near Sheringdale Primary South facing garden EPC rating D

21/09/2017 11:17 09:20 20/09/2017

Compton Road, Wimbledon, SW19 £775,000 Wimbledon 020 8944 4000 wimbledon.sales@kfh.co.uk

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An impressive period conversion on a prime residential road situated between Wimbledon Town and Village.

The property has been extended and remodelled by the current owners to an exceptional standard. An impressive kitchen/dining room leads on to the reception room with bifold doors to the private rear garden.

• • • • • • •

Reception room Kitchen/diner Two double bedrooms Bathroom Private rear garden Close to transport links EPC rating D

21/09/2017 11:18 09:21 20/09/2017

Cambridge Road, Battersea Park, SW11 £2,166 pcm Battersea Park 020 8104 9777 batterseapark.lettings@kfh.co.uk

A beautifully presented, two double bedroom flat set within a highly sought after red brick mansion block located on the doorstep of Battersea Park.

This charming two bedroom apartment boasts high ceilings throughout and comprises a spacious master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, second double bedroom with storage and a modern shower room.

• • • • • •

Red brick mansion block Two double bedrooms Dining area Modern kitchen and bathroom Communal gardens Moments from Battersea Park

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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21/09/2017 09:15

PROPERTY / ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

M A P L E TO N CRESCENT SW 1 8

Apartments designed for living the best of London

M

apleton Crescent SW18 is a new, architecturally stunning and awardwinning residential development by Pocket Living in central Wandsworth.

Like all Pocket Living developments, its location and design has been chosen to appeal to those who desire both the benefits of leafy Wandsworth and the glamour of inner London living. Mapleton Crescent SW18 is a great base for Londoners looking to make the most of city living, putting down roots at the heart of a bustling community. Overlooking the River Wandle, the beautiful slender building has a striking green terracotta façade which reflects the gentle flow of the river.

A popular property hotspot with strong local character, Wandsworth boasts the best of London, large open green spaces, riverside

walks and an animated village feel. Residents of Mapleton Crescent SW18 will enjoy ample choice of restaurants, bars, independent boutiques and shops all on their doorstep as well as fast access to bustling central London.

The limited collection of competitively priced two and three-bedroom Pocket Edition apartments have a unique design to accommodate flexible and modern city living. Each apartment boasts uninterrupted views across London and features either a winter garden or private balcony and bespoke joinery, incorporating study

“Satisfy your desire for the comfort of leafy Wandsworth and the glamour of inner London living”

nooks, master bedroom dressing areas and cleverly designed shelving for ample storage and flexibility. With the majority of homes reserved for local people to own (not let out) and only three apartments per floor, the development will have a strong neighbourhood feel. Beautifully designed shared spaces, such as the art deco inspired resident’s lounge, can be used for flexible co-working, whilst the 24th floor roof terrace offers panoramic views across London and is perfect for socialising with friends and neighbours. In addition, the building caters to cyclists with secure bike storage, kit lockers and a maintenance station.

Mapleton Crescent SW18 offers buyers the opportunity to own a unique and perfectly designed home in a vibrant community minutes from central London. ◆

Prices start from £685,000.

Prospective buyers can book an appointment to visit the newly launched sales suite for an exclusive virtual reality apartment viewing by e-mailing mapleton@savills.com, registering their interest via mapletoncrescentsw18.com or calling 020 7637 2436. The scheme will be ready to move into by Summer 2018.

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absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:21

Computer generated image is indicative only. Price correct at time of going to press.

MARK ETING SUITE AND SHOW HOMES NOW OPEN Set behind carefully restored gatehouses, Bishops Gate is a new focal point for Fulham High Street, with striking architecture combined with beautifully crafted interiors.

A selection of 1, 2, 3 bedroom apartments and 4 bedroom townhouses situated within a private landscaped courtyard, with secure parking and a concierge.

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Prices from £725,000

CONTACT US TO ARRANGE A VIEWING 020 7409 8756 | BISHOPSGATESW6.COM Visit our Marketing Suite : 86 Fulham High Street, London SW6

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21/09/2017 18/09/2017 12:14 17:11

PROPERTY / NEWS COUNTRYSIDE Wat e r f r o n t R e v i va l

by N I G E L L E W I S

Liverpool is seeing an unparalleled transformation, Nigel Lewis finds out more

A

t the time of the global financial crisis in 2008, property investment in the the beautiful but underfunded cities of the north was obsolete. In recent years, London's higher property prices and plateauing rents have persuaded investors to redirect their attention to the north, transforming areas with new-build apartment developments, shopping centres and improved transport infrastructure. Liverpool is the latest to undergo a property renaissance which, at the moment, is focused on its former docks.

Liverpool Waters is a 60-hectare site straddling that will become an impressive business, shopping, leisure and residential district.

“Although the masterplan for Liverpool Waters was announced

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ten years ago, progress has so far concentrated on the Princes Dock neighbourhood, the new home of the Cruise Liner Terminal, with the bulk of effort going on behind the scenes to secure planning permission,” says Lindsey Ashworth of Liverpool Waters.

Rising rents mean gross returns on investment are very appealing compared to other areas of the UK. Figures from Jones Lang LaSalle show prices for apartments in Liverpool are currently £120,000 for a one-bedroom flat and £195,000 for a two-bedroom unit compared to the national average of £202,300. JLL says average rents, on the other hand, are £695 a month for a one-bedroom apartment and £900 for a two-bedroom unit which, if you combine the two, deliver net yields of 6.95% for one-bedders and 5.53% for two-bedroom units, on

average. This year's figures from buy-to-let mortgage broker Private Finance show that Liverpool is the best city in the UK for rental returns. They also say Liverpool’s net rental yield across the city is 8%, well ahead of rivals Nottingham (5.6%), Coventry (5.4%) and Manchester (4.3%).

“Although the past few years have been great for Liverpool’s property market, it’s still a relatively new sector in terms of regional growth,” says investment specialist ExperienceInvest. “Other areas such as Manchester and Leeds have been increasing in value for investors for a number of years as they were flooded with new businesses and rising student numbers. However, it was only the regeneration and redevelopment of Liverpool in the last couple of years that really kickstarted the city.” Because of this, house prices are only just beginning to increase at the same rate as the city’s northern counterparts. According to property data firm Hometrack, house prices are increasing by 3.8% and the local average house price is £118,000. This compares with Manchester where prices are rising by 6.4% and are at £155,700. ExperienceInvest's latest city index reveals that it will be two years before Liverpool house prices achieve their pre-financial crisis levels. But when they do, Liverpool will this time be a place many property investors consider a great place to invest in. u

130 21/09/2017 17:26

C L AYGATE , E S H ER , SU R R E Y A N E XC LU S I V E CO LLEC TI O N O F S I XB ED ROO M D ETAC H ED H O M E S S ET I N A PR E STI G I O U S PR I VATE E STATE . EN J OY V I LL AG E LI FE A LL W ITH I N 30 M I N UTE S O F LO N DO N WATER LOO. PRICES FROM £2,495,000

TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT PLEASE CONTACT THEA HEATON ON: 020 7205 2181 OR EMAIL SALES@NEWCOURT.CO.UK

WWW.NEWCOURT.CO.UK

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23/08/2017 14:50

MARMION ROAD, BATTERSEA A beautifully presented split level two double bedroom apartment, situated within a handsome Victorian conversion on a quiet residential road between Lavender Hill and Clapham Common. Bright and wellproportioned throughout. EPC = TBC.

2

1

1

ASKING PRICE

£699,950 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

CORAL ROW, BATTERSEA A unique riverside family home offering a combined 2500 square feet of living space, set currently between two selfcontained units. The property benefits from a large private roof terrace balcony, partial river views and two parking spaces. EPC = D.

4

2

1

ASKING PRICE

£1,595,000 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2278

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Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

JUNIPER DRIVE, BATTERSEA Stunning river facing apartment within the superb Battersea reach riverside development. This apartment offers a vast amount of entertaining and dining space which leads on to the wrap around terrace with views up and down the river. Furnished. EPC = C.

3

2

1

TO LET PCM

£3,900 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2378

PUTNEY COMMON, BATTERSEA Modern and stylish house with high specification finish throughout with stunning views over Putney Common.

The property has off street parking to the front and is located equidistant from Barnes, Putney and Putney Bridge stations. EPC = C.

3

3

1

TO LET PCM

£3,250 BATTERSEA 020 7228 2378

TENANT FEES

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£60.00 (incl VAT) per person for referencing

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£250.00 (incl VAT) per property for the tenancy agreement.

21/09/2017 09:17

PROPERTY / COUNTRYSIDE

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

POETRY IN MANSION

T

HOME TO A TRACK RECORD

T

he 1924 Paris Olympics saw runners Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams scoop up gold medals, immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire. Their story inspired Greek musician Vangelis to compose the soundtrack, one of the most recognisable pieces of music in the world.

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Vangelis' former London apartment is up for sale. It has a huge reception room which was the original home’s former ballroom, and currently houses a grand piano.

The Kensington period town house in Queen’s Gate has stacks of architectural features and period details, including Corinthian columns, marble fireplaces and French windows. It is on the market for £4.5m.

More information: harrodsestates.com, 0207 893 8044.

he first wife of poet and playwright TS Eliot refused to accept that their marriage was over, and convinced herself that he’d been kidnapped, her recently published diary reveals.

Vivien Haigh-Wood, who suffered from mental health problems, was devastated when their relationship ended in 1933, and stalked him at work and home.

US-born Thomas Stearns Eliot settled in the UK during 1915 and worked as a teacher before joining the publishers Faber and Faber where he promoted homegrown poets including W.H. Auden, Stephen Spender, and Ted Hughes.

His notoriously unhappy first marriage was said to have inspired The Waste Land, one of the 20th century’s greatest poems.

The couple lived in London’s Crawford Mansions from 1916 to 1918, shortly after he wrote The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock, the poem that made him famous.

Surrounded by slums, Marylebone wasn’t an attractive postcode during the poet’s residence, it was noisy and in Vivienne’s own words, their home was: “the tiniest place imaginable”.

However, at the time, Crawford Mansions was a newly built, fivestorey residence that boasted “every modern convenience”, including constant hot water, a great luxury.

A two-bedroom apartment in the block is now on the market for £995,000, with family bathroom, reception room and separate kitchen with access to a balcony.

More information: kayandco.com, 0203 930 5272.

134 21/09/2017 17:30

PROPERTY / STAR HOMES

BLAIRS’ SQUARE ADDRESS

J

udges ruled former PM Tony Blair would not face prosecution for his role in the 2003 Iraq war during which 179 British soldiers and up to 200,000 civilians died. Sighs of relief were no doubt heard within his home on Connaught Square.

Though he and his wife, barrister Cherie Blair QC own over 30 properties across the UK, the couple reside on the fringes of Mayfair, in a home purchased for £1.2m in 2004.

If you’d like to live across the leafy square in Bayswater, there’s a six-bedroom 3,595 sq ft property at No.6 recently refurbished and on the market for £7.5 million.

Agent Kay & Co says the presence of the Blairs has one advantage – security. The round-the-clock police presence outside their home means a heightened sense of safety.

More information: Kay & Co (020 3642 0245).

"The one-bedroom apartment on the first floor of the property offers amazing views of Paddington's street."

135 NIGEL_OCT_Famous Places.indd 135

TEDDY’S ADDRESS

A

uthor Michael Bond’s 1950s books about a Peruvian bear who arrives at Paddington Station seeking marmalade sandwiches and somewhere to live, but always getting into trouble, proved a worldwide hit.

First published in 1956, over 20 books were written by Bond, being translated into 30 languages and selling tens of millions of copies.

The famous felt-hat and duffel coat wearing stuffed toy soon became a children’s favourite. The author died in June this year aged 91 just before a second Hollywood film featuring his bear was released.

The bear’s London home in the film is on a pretty street in the capital’s Primrose Hill area called Chalcot Crescent – Windsor Gardens in the films - picked for its brightly-coloured terraced houses.

You can now rent the home used for the film. The one-bedroom apartment on the first floor of the property offers amazing views of Paddington’s street.

More information: Knight Frank (020 3815 3350) for £530 a week.

absolutely.london

21/09/2017 17:31

BR I XTON, SW 2

A COLLECTION OF JUST SIX 4 BEDROOM NE W HOMES IN BRIXTON, SW2 FROM ÂŁ799,0 0 0

A PLACE TO CALL YOUR OWN Elm Park Gardens is located between Brixton, Herne Hill and Streatham. The development is made up of 6 four bedroom townhouses, all with private gardens.

Each of the houses offers a master suite, as well as a family bathroom.

The ground floor provides large open plan kitchen,

0207 738 6839 info@peddernewhomes.com

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dining and living with a separate WC and direct access to the garden. With modern, integrated appliances the flexible living space is ideal for entertaining and day to day family living.

05/05/2017 16:31 04/05/2017 06:30:38

Crossing dimensions

You may think that moving to SE London is like crossing the space / time continuum. Actually, it’s only a couple of miles round the South Circular.

And there are plenty of benefits to moving South and East (access to central London, great schools and parks and more space for your money to name a few).

So if you’re thinking of crossing the great divide, come and talk to the local experts.

Pedder. Nobody knows South East London like we know South East London.

Residential Sales | Residential Lettings | Property Management | New Homes Specialists | Mortgages Commercial Property | Land / Development | Chartered Surveyors | Property Maintenance

www.pedderproperty.com

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21/09/2017 18/09/2017 09:13 09:35

PROPERTY / NEWS COUNTRYSIDE

SE11

4.23% ROI

W here

by N I G E L L E W I S

L

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ROI

W here

Poplar

Average annual f lat rent

Average annual f lat rent

£20,811 a year

£34,440 a year

Average price for the area

Average price for a f lat in the area

£491,677

£498,299

5.47% ROI

NW 10

5.72% ROI

W here

W here

Westbourne Grove

Willesden

Average annual f lat rent

Average annual f lat rent

£51,955 a year

£20,860 a year

Average price for the area

Average price for a f lat in the area

£949,305

£364,319

As the Prime Central London market has cooled, many investors are now looking beyond it for better potential returns ondon’s house prices have been softening over the past year. Annual house price rises, which for many years were often in the double figures, are now less than 3%.

But while this may be bad news for property owners, it means the returns on investment for buy-to-let properties in London are increasing as property values stall but rents continue to increase.

So where should investors buy a property in London in order to benefit from the best return on investment ( ROI)?

ROI is the total gross annual rent divided by a property’s purchase price. If a flat’s rent is £15,000 a year and it’s worth £315,000 then the annual ROI would be 4.76%, for example.

We looked at the most popular kind of investment property – apartments – to see what the ROI is for them around London.

The most promising returns are now in what’s called the ‘prime fringes’ of the capital outside the central postcodes but not in the suburbs – somewhere in between, in other words.

6.41%

Kennington

W 11

WHERE ARE LO N D O N ’ S R E N T S R E AC H I N G N E W HEIGHTS?

E14

SE14

5.44% ROI

N15

5.68% ROI

W here

W here

New Cross

South Tottenham

Average annual f lat rent

Average annual f lat rent

£16,974 a year

£18,745 a year

Average price for the area

Average price for the area

£311,702

£329,760

E15

5.27% ROI

SE20

5.52% ROI

W here

W here

Stratford

Anerley

Average annual f lat rent

Average annual f lat rent

£18,007 a year

£15,399 a year

Average price for the area

Average price for the area

£341,283

£279,163

138 21/09/2017 17:37

Escape the city and discover family living in Surrey At our ever popular Kings Hundred development you will find a range of 4 & 5 bedroom executive homes from ÂŁ784,950, situated in open countryside with easy access to London from nearby Brookwood Station.

Two new 5 bedroom show homes coming soon.

Images are indicative only. Details correct at time of going to press.

Kings Hundred, Queens Road, Bisley, Surrey GU24 9BJ. Open daily, 10am - 5.30pm Call: 01483 667212

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Visit: redrow.co.uk/kingshundred

21/09/2017 16:01

OAK AGED PARQUET

Beautiful f looring, designed to last Over 100 designs | Expert advice | 20,000m2 of stock | Fast delivery SHOWROOM 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771

www.naturalwoodf loor.co.uk NWF.indd NWF Press 1Ad 297x210mm.indd 1

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